Baiting the Boss by Coleen Kwan -- Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Coleen will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Coleen stopped by to chat with us a bit. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write primarily contemporary romance and a little steampunk romance on the side. I love reading contemporary romance, which is probably why I like writing it! I like to identify with the characters in a book and their situations. I like their conflicts to be grounded in the real world. Now what about steampunk, you may ask? Well, I like writing steampunk because it gives me a chance to go where contemporary romance can’t. It’s an opportunity to think up weird characters and outlandish inventions and have some over-the-top fun. Writing and reading steampunk exercises other parts of the imagination and I believe gives me an extra edge when I return to contemporary romance. What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

When creating my characters it always helps me if I can picture them in my head. So some of my research involves staring at pictures of man candy. Lucky me! I also spend time trying to find the perfect picture of my heroines, not always an easy task. I often research settings and occupations and sometimes obscure things like how long a helicopter flight would take to a certain destination.

When it comes to steampunk, I research inventions because even though my steampunk inventions are purely fictional, I like them to sound as if they might be plausible.

Research can be fascinating and also a great way to procrastinate!

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

The hero and heroine of my latest book, Baiting the Boss, share a love for laksa. Now I don’t eat much laksa, so I researched a lot of recipes for this dish to make it sound authentic in my book. Hopefully I succeeded!

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I think most writers are a little odd and quirky :-) I can’t seem to start writing until I’ve had a cup of English Breakfast tea with plenty of milk. When I’m writing I have a spreadsheet so I can obsessively keep track of my daily word count.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

My Capricorn birthdate dictates that I am a plotter by nature. I like to have my plot broken down by chapters so I know where I’m heading when I sit down to write. At the same time, if an idea hits me while I’m writing, I’m happy to follow it and see where it leads me. If it’s a dead end, then I always have my plotted out chapters to get me back on the right path.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Um, you don’t want to know, but it’s a pile of ratty shoes on the floor looking rather sad and untidy. Housework is a low priority with me.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I have a novella coming out next month which is part of a Christmas anthology. I’m excited to be appearing alongside authors Karen Erickson, Cindi Madsen, and Roxanne Snopek.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What prompts you to buy a new-to-you author? Is it the book cover, the blurb, the reviews, the price? Or maybe a recommendation from your friends? I would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks for having me on your blog today!

For years Grace Owens harbored a secret crush on her boss, Jack Macintyre, the heir to the Macintyre Corporation. But after tragedy upends his life, Jack relocates to a remote tropical island, cutting off all contact with his past. Now Grace’s new boss issues an ultimatum: return Jack to the family fold or pack her briefcase and move on.

When Grace turns up at Jack's bungalow, he can’t deny his attraction to the fiery woman determined to lure him out of his tropical paradise. He lets her bait him with temptation, but little does she know that returning to his old life is not an option—he’s nobody’s boss, and he likes it that way. Grace is playing a game she can’t win.

Or can she? Will Jack give up his island paradise to help Grace keep her job? If he stays, she'll lose her job. But if he goes, she'll lose her heart.

About the Author:

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching Criminal Minds.

Website: www.coleenkwan.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ColeenKwan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coleenkwan.authorpage
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5210210.Coleen_Kwan

Buy the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Echo Prophecy by Lindsey Fairleigh -- Book Review and Giveaway

(Paranormal Romance)

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lindsey will be awarding a $15 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour--the Rafflecopter is at the end of the post. You can see the other stops on the tour here: .

“…we only see what we want to see…what we expect to see…”

Discover what’s hidden—a powerful, mythic race, an ancient Egyptian prophecy, and a love strong enough to shatter the boundaries of time.

Alexandra Larson isn’t human…but she doesn’t know that. As far as Lex is concerned, she’s simply an ambitious and independent archaeology grad student with a knack for deciphering ancient languages, especially the various forms of Egyptian. When she’s recruited to work on her dream excavation, her translating skills uncover the secret entrance to an underground Egyptian temple concealed within Djeser-Djeseru—the famous mortuary temple of Queen Hatchepsut. Lex is beyond thrilled by her discovery…as is the enigmatic and alluring excavation director, Marcus Bahur.

As the relationship between Lex and Marcus heats up, a series of shocking revelations leave the young archaeologist reeling. Once Lex discovers the truth of her ancient Egyptian roots—the truth of her more-than-human nature—the people she trusts most make one final, terrifying revelation: Lex is the central figure of a four-thousand-year-old prophecy. She is the only thing standing between the power to alter the very fabric of time and an evil megalomaniac…who also happens to be her father. As events set in motion over four millennia ago lead Lex and Marcus from Seattle to the heart of Egypt, the fate of mankind depends on one thing: the strength of Lex’s love.

My review: I agreed to read this book, even though I hadn't really checked to see what it was about. I sat down with it and just started reading with no preconceived ideas. By the time I finished the first chapter, I had to stop just to let my heart rate slow down. Wow!! What an exciting start to a story. I was absolutely hooked on just this chapter. I hoped the rest would be as good, but that isn't always the way things work out.

The next morning I brewed a pot of coffee, poured myself a cup and sat down to read. When I finally reached for my coffee, it was cold. So I poured it out, got a fresh cup and picked up the book again. At the end of chapter 16, I reached for my cold coffee, and got up to throw it out. Then without coffee since, I sat down to read again. I just had to know what was going to happen.

Each chapter was a thriller. I was never disappointed. I couldn’t imagine that the next chapter would be as good as the last, but it was always as good or better. Each chapter would reveal, in a suspenseful way, a new and exciting fact that impacted the heroine. I could hardly wait to turn a page. I was completely invested in the plot and the characters. I can't remember the last time I was so utterly caught up in a story.

This is a unique paranormal/suspense/ romance, and not like anything I had read before. It revolves around the heroine and she is the main character in the story. I will not go into details about this story. I wouldn’t want to ruin it for anyone. Basically it revolves around something that happened thousands of years before. And that is all I will tell you about the plot. You will have to read it to find out more. I do not think you will be disappointed.

I absolutely loved this story. I have to give it 5 Flowers because that's as high as we go, but I would give it more if I could.

5/5 Flowers -  I loved this book! It's on my keeper shelf! I highly recommend it.

Now, enjoy an excerpt from the story:

“I thought you might like to see this,” Marcus said softly as he set a flat, wooden box on top of the papers scattered on my desk. Through the glass top, I could see an impeccable, hieroglyph-covered stone tablet.

“Marcus,” I said without taking my eyes from the object in front of me. “Is this—”

“Yes.”

“But where’s the other one? You said there were two.” I was leaning closer to the glass, trying to get a better look at the box’s contents.

“It’s unrelated to our present work.”

I barely heard his words, entranced as I was by the slab of smooth, gray-green schist.

“Lex—”

“Can I open it?” I interrupted, eagerness evident in my voice. I looked up at him, pleading with my eyes.

Marcus grinned and nodded.

“Oh. Wow.” With the glass lid removed, the artifact was even more amazing. Shaped like a closed parabola, the dark stone tablet looked like it could have been carved only a few days earlier. Every inch was untouched by the usual rigors of time. “Where’d you say you found this?” I whispered.

“I didn’t,” Marcus said, avoiding the question.

I gently closed the glass lid and faced him. “Okay, he-who-can’t-answer-an-implied-question, then where did you find it? And when?”

Across the room, one of the other men coughed in a way that sounded suspiciously like an attempt to cover up a laugh.

The corner of Marcus’s mouth quirked, but I couldn’t tell if he was hiding a smile or a frown.

About the Author:

Lindsey Fairleigh lives her life with one foot in a book--as long as that book transports her to a magical world or bends the rules of science. Her novels, from post-apocalyptic to time travel and historical fantasy, always offer up a hearty dose of unreality, along with plenty of adventure and romance. When she's not working on her next novel, Lindsey spends her time reading and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in the Napa Valley with her loving husband and confused cats.

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter sign-up

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, or Smashwords.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tempting the Cowboy by Elizabeth Otto -- Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Elizabeth will be awarding a $25 gift card to either Amazon or B&N and a boutique river stone bracelet to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Elizabeth stopped by to answer a few of our questions.

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

I love romance, plain and simple. I really enjoy the challenge of bringing two people together and working out their kinks and problems, while they fall in love with each other. Maybe because I feel like I’m falling a little bit, too, each time. It gives me that “new-guy” breathless feeling without going through the work of training him in real life. My leading lady gets that job.

What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

I write both paranormal and contemporary romance, and both require some degree of research. My paranormals have complicated worlds and character backgrounds, so I’m always digging into the latest scientific research, or looking for lost pearls of history, to bring into those worlds. For my contemporaries, I really love researching new states and towns because I’m a travel-junkie at heart.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

That letting go of pain is essential, no matter how long it takes you to do so. You can’t really move forward until you’ve let go of what holds you from your past.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I, uh, never wash my coffee mug. Is that weird? It’s seen me so through many hours and words that it would be like washing the luck off it or something.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Both. I plot an outline—not a very in depth one, but just enough that I know what the main structure of the story is going to be. Then I pants my way through the rest. I love being surprised by what comes out of my brain! Sometimes my characters go all willy-nilly and it turns out great. Other times, I have to rein them in and go crazy with the delete button.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A container of Chobani apple cinnamon yogurt. And a pair of flip flops. LOL

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Hopefully! I have a couple of book proposals in front of publishers right now, and hope to get signed to new contracts soon. In the meantime, the second and third Paint River Ranch books will be out in January and April, 2014.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I get asked frequently how I feel about trends in books, like erotic romance and New Adult trends. I’m curious, what trends do you think are on their way out?

After personal tragedy and taking a job on a quiet Montana dude ranch, ex-cop Rylan Frederickson finds herself surrounded by unbelievably sexy cowboys. Too bad the one she’s attracted to is her boss...and the single dad of a four-year-old. It doesn’t matter anyway; there’s simply no more room in her heart.

Letting a new woman into their lives is the last thing Cole Haywood wants for himself and his daughter, Birdie. But as Rylan’s presence at Paint River Ranch breathes new life into his family he can’t ignore his growing attraction.

When the sparks between them turn into fireworks in bed, Rylan’s torn between the family she’s lost and the one she may have found. Now she must decide if something that feels this good is worth the risk.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Rylan’s fingers followed Cole’s shoulders to the curve of his neck, up, until the bare skin heated under her tender caress. Her fingers found his hair. “Are you coming on to me, Mr. Haywood?”

He bristled a little at the title but shoved it aside as hard as he could. There wouldn’t be any “Mr. Haywood” bullshit. Not right now. His lips dipped behind her left ear. He let a little stream of breath wash over her flesh, making her tremble, before he pressed his mouth to her skin.

“That would be deliciously, wickedly inappropriate, don’t you think?” He nuzzled the soft column of her throat, his hands going another inch higher toward her hips.

“Oh, yes.” Her breathy words were more of a moan. Tonight, he wasn’t her boss. He never wanted to be her boss again—hell, he’d quit if it meant one no-strings night with Rylan, to be her lover and get it out of his system. A tremor went through him at the promise of that, a deep realization flagging him.

“Say my name.” She’d never said it, and he couldn’t go another moment without hearing it. Cole licked the sensitive skin just below her ear before capturing her lobe between his lips as his fingers squeezed her thighs. She jumped a little before sinking into his touch.

Her smoky voice shook. “Mr. Haywood.”

“Is that how you really think of me?” Cole held back a growl at the formality, his fingers digging a little harder into the delectable flesh of her thighs. He nipped her ear just enough to make her gasp. Rylan turned her head and broke free, her hands palming his cheeks and positioning his mouth in line with hers. Their breath mingled, hot and sweet.

“That’s how I should think of you.”

His fingers slid under the bunched skirt, over bare flesh to grip the bones of her hips. Her legs quivered, her eyes going heavy with desire.

“But is it?”

Without hesitation, she shook her head. Cole brought his lips to hers, tasted her with a quick slide of his lips from one corner of her mouth to the other. She shuddered, leaned in just as he pulled away.

“Say it. I want to hear your sexy voice say my name.”

Her eyelids fell halfway, her lips parted just enough to show him the small tip of her tongue as she wet them.

“Cole.”

Fucking. Christ. His cock squeezed and throbbed with fury. Cole nudged her legs wide with his hip and settled between her thighs as he pulled her hips down to his pelvis. Her bottom slid to the edge of the stool, her center joining him in a soft, hot caress against every inch of his aching, demanding erection. Her hands assumed a vise grip on his face, her lips grinding against his with a fire he needed more of. Wanted more of. Right damn now.

“Say it again,” he demanded. She slanted her head to take his mouth fully, the dance of her tongue creating amazing friction against his. God, his head was swimming, and it was so, so good.

“Cole.” The gravel in her voice nailed him. “I’ll say it all night if you want me to.”

About the Author:

Elizabeth Otto grew up in a Wisconsin town the size of a postage stamp, where riding your horse to the grocery store, and skinny dipping after school were perfectly acceptable. No surprise that she writes about small communities and country boys. She's the author of paranormal, and hot, emotional, contemporary romance, and has no guilt over frequently making her readers cry. When not writing, she works full-time as an Emergency Medical Technician for a rural ambulance service. Elizabeth lives with her very own country boy and their three children in, shockingly, a small Midwestern town.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EAOtto
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElizabethOttoAuthor
Blog: elizabethottowrites.blogspot.com
Buy the book at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

The Inheritance by Olivia Mayfield -- Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Olivia will be awarding $25 Amazon or BN.com gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Maggie Willings knew that returning home for her estranged grandfather’s funeral would not be easy, but she never expected the reading of his will to be the most difficult part. The four people named in the will—Maggie, her brother Robert, her ex-boyfriend Andrew, and her grandfather’s far-too-young girlfriend Bethany—are given a challenge: find out the truth about what happened to Maggie’s younger sister Cassandra, who vanished over eight years ago, and win the entirety of the estate.

Maggie is thrown by the strange request, reluctant to drag up painful memories of her sister’s disappearance, and bothered by her lingering attraction to Andrew, who wants to team up to solve the mystery. But there are ten million dollars on the line and Maggie has no idea where to start—or who she’ll be able to trust.

Enjoy this excerpt:

What had her grandfather been thinking? She couldn’t believe he had picked the four of them, four childhood friends and siblings whose lives had splintered so far apart. He was a shrewd man, a calculated risk-taker. And he knew each of them would have a stake in solving Cassandra’s…disappearance. Kidnapping. Murder. Or whatever it was that had happened to her eight years ago.

Obviously, Maggie and her brother had the personal angle in the case, since Cassandra was their younger sister. Both Bethany and Andrew had been close to the family when they were teens, so the two of them would likely know as much about the case as anyone else. Upon chewing these facts over, Grandpa’s reasoning made sense to Maggie, but that knowledge didn’t ease her turmoil.

Her gaze met Andrew’s. He accepted her scrutiny and matched it with a bold, open look of his own. His hand was steady, his face smooth. He’d obviously grown adept over the years at disguising his emotions; she could read nothing on him.

Would he accept the challenge for the money?

Or did he have something else to gain here?

About the Author:

Olivia Mayfield has been an unabashed fan of romance since she was a young teen, secretly devouring her mom’s Harlequins. She has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, as well as a Master’s degree in English, and lives with her family in Ohio. In her free time, she loves reading, shopping, wearing absurdly high-heeled boots, cheesecake, singing karaoke, and harassing her friends.

Website: http://www.oliviamayfield.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/OliviaMayfield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorOliviaMayfield

Buy the book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes

Fearless by Chris O'Quinn -- Interview and Giveaway

Chris O'Guinn is visiting with us today as part of his virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Sit back and visit as he chats with us a bit.

Welcome, Chris. Tell me about your most recent book.

Fearless is the story of a teenager named Justin who has basically given up. He sees everything as a threat or a possible disappointment. He’s cut himself off from the world to protect himself.

Then he meets Liam, who is his polar opposite in many ways. Liam fears nothing at all. He crashes into Justin’s world like a speeding train. And he shows Justin how to be fearless.

This is not a love story, and yet it is. It’s a platonic love shared by two teens who would do anything for each other. Together, they face many challenges and their bond sees them through.

Is your book self-published? If not, who is your publisher?

Self-published. I’m a control freak and I don’t want publishers telling me to change the orientation of my characters to sell books. I’ve read and heard enough horror stories of what publishing houses put their writers through that I am hoping to make it on my own.

Are there any other books or projects that you are working on that you would like to share?

Of course! My next book is going to be the first in my new action adventure series, Hybrids. It’s called Arrival and it stars Joaquin, a high school junior who finds himself swept up in world-changing events.

What got you into writing?

Insanity. No, not really. Well, I have long theorized that creativity is a form of insanity. But really, I started writing because I wanted to make books that had the things I liked to read in them and didn’t do things that bothered me. I thought I was starting a revolution. But I was fifteen, so I can be forgiven.

Where can potential readers find your book?

Amazon is my main distribution center. I also put my books on Barnes and Noble as well as Omni-lit. Soon, I hope to work out a way to make paper copies available in my very own CreateSpace store.

Are you on social networking? Where can we follow you?

I have a Facebook page where one can keep up with the latest news. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-OGuinn/642976635736171

Do you have a website?

Indeed. Lightbane.com.

What inspired your most recent work?

Specifically, it was a letter sent to the advice columnist at the site I work for, TheBacklot.com. A gay high school student was asking if he should ask another gay high school student out. And this led me to think of the many similar letters that have been published on the site. And that made me remember this phrase, “the only thing worse than fear is regret.”

And I started to think of how a boy who is so afraid of risk could become fearless. And the story came together like a bolt of lightning.

Do you do your own marketing or do you have other people handle it?

I do my own, but I would love to find someone to help me out with it.

In your opinion, what makes a great author?

Well, I am rather easily charmed by clever phrasing. Josh Atervois used a phrase like, “He was having a love affair with his own voice and we were all just voyeurs.” That’s what I mean by clever. You take a stock phrase like, “he loves the sound of his own voice” and you dress it up and make it fresh.

Clever phrasing will save most any book for me. But it’s the characters that I really need to like. An author who can make characters that are human, real, that are people I can imagine meeting, those are the sort of authors I respect most.

Are you a social butterfly or do you prefer to keep social relationships to a minimum?

I’ve always been a bit of a hermit. Seriously, even as a kid, I liked spending a lot of time by myself.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Close-mindedness. I can totally respect a person’s differing point of view. I mean, that’s what makes us all human, right? But the utter unwillingness to consider that another perspective has any merit drives me crazy.

What has been the biggest struggle you have overcome in your life so far?

The passing of my wife in 2005. I just had no idea what to do or where to go from there.

What topic that is close to your heart, do you feel doesn’t get talked or written about enough?

Bisexuality. And I’m guilty of this too. We bisexuals are rarely seen in TV, movies or books. I want to write about a bisexual character, but I want it to be a good idea. So I’m waiting for my Muse to get back to me on that.

Where are you from? Sunny southern California—just like Justin.

Self-publishing or traditional publishing. In your opinion, what is the best route to go?

This is a tough question. Each writer needs to choose their own path. But it’s important to understand that publishers are not all-wise and all-knowing judges of quality. Somewhere out there are one, maybe two, that said, “no thanks” to J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. These people are using their experience and their instincts to gamble and they have a lot riding on each gamble.

At the same time, self-publishing isn’t “the easy route” that some people claim. Done right, and if you’re serious about writing you must do it right, it’s a ton of work. All the things your publisher would do, you now have to do. You need to find a good editor, a cover artist and maybe even someone to help you with the technical aspects of e-book formatting. You are in charge of marketing and promoting.

So, if all you want to do is write, the answer is easy—go with traditional publishing. If you want to have complete creative control over every aspect, that answer is equally obvious—self-publish.

But if you want the easier path? Well, sorry, but there isn’t one. It’s a tough road and not for the faint of heart.

Do you have another career besides writing?

I contribute to the gay entertainment web site, TheBacklot.com. Right now, I do TV recaps for Arrow and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

About the Author:

I’ve been writing since I was fifteen, not that those stories will ever be allowed out of the dark hole I buried them in. I focused primarily on the Fantasy genre for the first two decades, occasionally diverting into modern fiction. In 2010, I embarked in a self-publishing career, focusing on the young adult novel genre. When I’m not writing, I am contributing to TheBacklot.com, a gay entertainment website.

You can follow me on Facebook and you can keep up to date with my works via Lightbane.com.

At fifteen, Justin is already a cynic. He’s experienced too many betrayals, too many disappointments. He doesn’t want to be involved in anything. He doesn’t want to be popular. He doesn’t even want friends anymore, since they only ever let you down. He just wants to get through high school and the best way he can come up with to accomplish that goal is to simply be invisible.

His self-imposed exile from high school life is threatened when Liam, the scary stoner, reaches out to him. What starts out as a strange and unsettling encounter with the unnerving, pot-smoking teenager evolves into the sort of friendship that changes the course of a person’s life.

But as Liam drags the reluctant Justin out of his shell, Liam’s own secret is revealed.

Fearless is the story of the myriad shades of love, how to find one’s courage and the transformative power of friendship.

Broken Fences by Kelly Gendron - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kelly will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Colden Saint James, Dusty Owens, and a single night of passion had equaled to poor old Mr. McAllister’s broken fence. Add six years, a troublemaking photo, and there’s not a fence in Texas that’s gonna be safe.

It took Dusty Owens two years to land Colden “Saint” James, even if it was for only one night, but the very next day, he was gone. Now, years later, the “Saint” has returned, but he’s no longer the do-gooder rookie cop Dusty remembers.

Dusty Owens always had a way of making every single one of Colden’s man parts go all hard. He’d been so close to falling for the girl before he’d left Odessa. Now, due to a troublemaking photo, Colden must return to his hometown to keep her safe. Trouble is, he’s a different man—not to mention the change. Well, it’s gonna cause all kinds of problems where Dusty Owens and all of his man parts are concerned.

Enjoy this excerpt:

His large hand hit the edge of the bed, and he pushed himself into a standing position. With his chest rising and falling beneath his shirt, his eyes remained fixed on her. She lay naked on the bed, but it was Colden’s vulnerability that stood, unprotected, in the room.

Dusty eased herself to the edge of the bed with Colden silently watching. She got up on her feet.

His jaw flinched. “Damn, girl,” he said, taking another thorough inspection of her naked body. “You’re gorgeous.”

The compliment infused her confidence, and she took a step toward him.

“But you’d better not come any closer.”

“Why not?”

“Because, ever since you pranced that sweet little ass of yours into Odessa, I’ve wanted you, and the one night I took you up against old man McAllister’s fence…well, hell, that couldn’t even lick a fraction of what I need from you.”

“What you need from me?” She inched nearer, loving the sound of those words.

“Oh yeah.” He gazed down, touching her with his eyes. “There’s not one part of you that I don’t want…or need.”

She reached out and gathered the bottom of his shirt in her hands. “Good, because there’s not a part of me that I don’t want to give to you.” She pulled his shirt up over his head, then tossed it on the floor to join her pile of clothes.

Colden watched her shaky fingers as they fumbled with the button of his jeans. “I can’t make you any promises,” he quietly admitted.

Pulling down his zipper, her hand stilled. She looked up at his strict, beautiful face. “I’m not asking for any. I just want tonight.”

He grabbed her and pulled her against his warm, hard body, cradling her neck in his hand, a powerful taking that stole her breath away. He placed a finger on the underside of her chin and tilted her head until their eyes met. “Don’t misunderstand my meaning,” he said, his mouth cascading over hers. “I want more than just tonight, Dusty. I’m just not in any position to make any commitments right now.” This time, his lips didn’t brush hers. Instead, they covered her with heated need—aggressive, desirous, savoring need.

“Tonight, though,” his fingers tightened on her neck, “tonight you will be all mine,” he growled.

About the Author:Kelly resides in a quiet suburb somewhere between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Her day job? Kelly works in health care representing a group of nursing facilities in the WNY area. She’s been faithfully writing for three years but did write her first book ten years ago. She put it down to raise her son as a single mom and then picked it back up when she and her son finally grew up. That's when she settled into her newly married adult life and started to seriously write again. She's dabbled with Romantic Suspense stories, but recently she's been on an Adult Contemporary Romance kick.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelGendron
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelgendron
Goodreads Author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5625187.Kelly_Gendron
Goodreads Book Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18365232-broken-fences
Website: KellyGendron.com

The War Inside by M. Kircher -- Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25.00 Amazon.com gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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

I write sci-fi and fantasy because I genuinely love to be sucked into another world. Even as a child I gravitated more toward fantasy and science fiction than anything else. I enjoy using my imagination and creating pictures in my head of what I think scenes and characters look like.

And there’s also something about young adult fiction that just grabs me, even as a thirty-year-old crone. I think that inside, we’re all about sixteen. The adult world sucks the wonder out of us, but reading a young adult novel can put us right back into that season of life. The emotions that teens feel are so strong and they have such a zest for living. When you’re a teenager you truly believe that you can change the world – and you can!

When we become adults, we forget the amazing power we have to effect change - and so we stop trying. I hope that more teen novels inspire young people to hold onto that attitude of hope and courage as they enter into adulthood. The world needs some changing!

What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

I think it depends on the type of world that the author wants to create. For The War Inside, I didn’t have to do too much make-believe because I was working with earthy elements that most people could relate to. My Earth was torn apart by neglect and pollution, but the landscape itself, in terms of soil, trees, clouds, insects, animals, etc., was all recognizable. But if an author were to create an alien planet or race, I would think that there would be a fair amount of research that they would have to do. You can fabricate many things, but certain base elements should make some kind of sense. Like, if an alien had another kind of skin - what would that skin feel like? What would it look like? How would it relate to the climate of the planet that the alien was from? And so forth.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

One of the main characters in this book, Caden, is an inherently flawed person who finds redemption through “learned humbleness”. He doesn’t change his faults all at once, but sort of learns as he goes. Caden has definitely taught me that I need to do a better job of being humble. I need to acknowledge my faults and work on them as they pop up in my daily life. It doesn’t mean that all my darker bits will suddenly disappear, but I won’t be ignoring them either, as I have been known to do. It’s very freeing to allow yourself to be a work-in-progress.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I do, yes. I’m this crazy neat freak, so whatever room I’m going to be writing in must be clean. I will literally spend thirty minutes making sure everything is in place, before I’m able to sit down and write. Something about clutter makes my mind hazy, but a clean room is a nice, calm place to create. I’m so weird.

I also must completely outline a book or a novel, before I begin writing it. The outline is messy, and peppered with typos and grammatical errors, but it prevents me from getting writer’s block. One time I decided to start writing a novel without finishing my outline, and I totally regretted it. I got to the middle of the story, scratched my head, and went, “Uh, now what happens?” Having an outline is just part of my Type A/Free Spirit personality mishmash, but it’s what works for me.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I’m definitely a plotter, as stated in the question above. I have to have everything organized before I can let my mind drift over into the creative chaos it takes to actually write a story. For me, having a basic structure in place actually sets me free to be creative. I know that many other writers work much more effectively when they wing it, but I figure it’s whatever gets the job done for each person.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Oh geez, now I really do feel old. I’m writing the answers to these questions in my third floor hideaway – which is a finished master suite that my husband and I turned into a guest room - slash - play room. So, sitting to my right is an orange and blue plush dinosaur with wheels on the bottom. The theory is that a child could ride the dinosaur, but my toddler mostly falls off of it and giggles. I had a baby this past June and we adopted our foster son in July, so this summer the young and free thing went out the window and now I live with orange, rolling dinosaurs! (Which is both appalling and completely wonderful.)

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’m actually working on a couple of things right now, including the second book in this series called, The Gray Horizon. The story that’s begun in The War Inside, and centered on the character of Thea, will be continued from Caden’s point of view and focus more on his development. I’m really excited to be writing from a male perspective this time.

I also just finished a YA science fiction/romance novel called Dreamcatchers, which is currently being reviewed by a publisher – so we’ll see what happens there! And I’m in the beginning stages of a novel about a group of utterly normal teenagers in a world where everyone has superpowers. So I’ve definitely got my hands full at the moment.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Absolutely! Wonderful readers, I would love to know: If you could “commission” a novel what would it be about? And why?

The end of the world is only just the beginning. So eighteen-year-old Thea discovers when her solitary life on a dying Earth is shattered by a mysterious dream, a devastating choice, and a strange gift that propels her on a journey towards the restoration of all mankind.

Thea is bitter and alone; eking out her miserable life on the sunless, cloud-covered Earth she inhabits. A terrifying dream convinces her to save the life of an injured girl, and despite her misgivings, Thea decides to rescue sixteen-year-old Viviana. She soon learns that gentle Viv has a life-threatening infection, as well as a freakish patch of glowing skin over her heart. When this light spreads to Thea, causing her palms to glow, she is forced to trust Caden, an arrogant, lazy, and annoyingly handsome boy she despises. Caden has a map to the last city on Earth, and the only place that might have a cure for both Viv's infection and the strange light on Thea's hands. As the trio embark on a journey through the barren wilderness, Thea and Caden discover, and try to fight, their mounting attraction to each other. Along the way they are joined by Rain, Naomi, and Enoch who explain that the light is not a curse, but a powerful gift meant to heal the polluted Earth and reconnect the remnants of humanity. When the group learns that Viv is the key to this planet-wide redemption, and that there are deadly shadows who will do anything to keep humans in the darkness forever, they each must make the difficult decision to help Viv fulfill her destiny...and save the world.

Don't miss THE WAR INSIDE, an exciting young adult dystopian/fantasy novel by debut author M. Kircher. Buy the book at Amazon

About the Author:

M. KIRCHER graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Gordon College and is currently an author and artist. "The War Inside" is her first novel, but there are more to come including the second book in The Horizons Trilogy, "The Gray Horizon" and "Dreamcatchers", a futuristic twist on the legend of Rip Van Winkle. She devours YA, science fiction, fantasy, and romance on a regular basis and is immensely happy to pour her time and energy into creating stories for other people to enjoy. Bob Ross and J.R.R. Tolkien tie for her two favorite people of all time.

She and her husband write regularly for Relevant Magazine (www.relevantmagazine.com) and Simply Youth Ministry (www.youthministry.com). They also just had their first book published called "99 Thoughts on Marriage and Ministry", by Group Publishing.

M. Kircher lives in Connecticut with her husband, one energetic son, and a new baby girl.

Website: www.mkircher.com
Blog: http://mkircher.com/blog/
Twitter: @MKircher83
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkircher83
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7202354.M_Kircher
Amazon Author Profile: http://www.amazon.com/M.-Kircher/e/B00E8AKEGI
 

Strings of Glass by Emily Kimelman -- Review and Giveaway

(Mystery/Thriller)

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter will receive a Strings of Glass tote bag--for a better chance to win, click on the tour banner--visit and comment on her other stops as well.

STRINGS OF GLASS is the fourth novel in Emily Kimelman's Sydney Rye Series of dark murder mystery novels. This series features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

Sydney Rye is hanging out in India with her boyfriend, Dan, reading paperbacks and sipping beer. No violence and no reminders of her past. But when she and Blue, are attacked by a pack of wild dogs, Sydney starts to feel that old itch again; to do good by being bad.

Trouble finds Rye when she stops the attempted rape and murder of Anita, a reporter working on a story of corruption and human trafficking. The atrocities Anita describes send Sydney, Blue and Dan on a quest that takes them across India after a dangerous and, up until now, untouchable, figure. While Sydney struggles to accept her true nature she realizes that it is the only way to end decades of abuse and exploitation. But Rye fears that she will lose herself, becoming no better than the monster she fights against.

Ms. Kimelman jumps right into the action with an attack on Sydney and Blue by a pack of feral dogs. My heart was racing during the fight--it was that clearly drawn! And, things don't slow down much from that first moment.

Sydney and Dan are chilling out--and Dan is loving it. Sydney is too, but she's getting itchy feet--especially after the adrenaline rush she feels after the dog fight.

This, of course, leads to conflict with Dan--a conflict not helped by the reappearance of Mulberry into their lives. And, when Sydney stumbles into an attempted rape and murder, she jumps right in--and discovers a hidden darkness of corruption and abuse in India involving children and a powerful, virtually unstoppable, man.

Ms. Kimelman's stories just keep getting better and better. Her character development is spot on--there's never a feeling of "she wouldn't do that" when Sydney does or says something. It's one reason I enjoy her books so much. I really care about the characters and what they are going through. And, the development she leaves us with at the end... oh, man. :::zips lips shut:::

Although this book could probably be read as a stand-alone (like the rest of her books) I really feel that the reader would be doing herself a disservice if she didn't read them in order. To be able to see where Sydney started and where she winds up--well, that's a joy (pun intended) in itself.

4 stars, Ms. Kimelman.

About the Author:

Emily Kimelman lives on a boat in the Hudson Valley with her husband, Sean and their dog Kinsey (named after Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone). Kimelman has a passion for traveling and spends as much time as possible in the pursuit of adventure.

Her "Sydney Rye Series" are dark murder mystery novels which features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. This series is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

The first three books in Kimelman's series, UNLEASHED, DEATH IN THE DARK, and INSATIABLE are available in the Kindle store individually and in a box set. The fourth book in the Sydney Rye series STRINGS OF GLASS is also now available.

If you've read Emily's work, and enjoyed it, please let Emily know. You can reach her via email ejkimelman@gmail.com

Find Emily on her website, Facebook, and Twitter @ejkimelman. Buy the books on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Destination D by Lori Beard-Daily -- Author Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lori will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. A special thanks to Lori for being brave enough to come and answer our questions.

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

I enjoy drama and romance. I like stories that always keep me guessing and looking forward to learning what happens next. I try my best to keep my readers engaged the same way other writers have done for me.

What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

Because my characters are in the field of law, psychology, and medicine, I researched the professions by interviewing several people in these fields. Additionally, I had them read over the chapters and give me feedback on whether I was on track or not. It was important for me to stay true to the character’s field of profession.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I learned that it is so important to follow your dream and not be inhibited by fear. Fear makes you powerless, and once you lose power for yourself ,you will are an easy target for self- destruction.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

The only thing that I know that might sound odd is that I like to write everything on a legal pad first and then transfer it to the computer. There is something about being able to “scratch” out information and/or erase it. I feel like I can get more intimate/closer to my craft when I hand- write.
,br> Are you a plotter or pantser?

I am definitely a plotter. I outline my stories from the beginning to the middle and the end. Although sometimes the outline changes, there is still always a plan for how the story will go.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A couch and a lamp. I’m the only one in the room right now. My cousin was just sitting on the couch, and we were chatting about our childhood. But, she just left to go home. I’m sitting alone and enjoying the peace of having a little down time with no voices in the room. I enjoy reminiscing and talking with my cousin, but it’s nice to see that I’m here with just myself and the furniture.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Yes! I’m working on the sequel to Destination D. I’m so excited. I’ll give readers a hint on one of the plots. Marco has a surprise “bride” show-up at his wedding. It is definitely, not his fiancé, Pam.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What types of plots do you enjoy most? Do you recall a time when you read a book at “break neck “speed? How long did it take you and was it worth it? Are you intrigued enough to pick up a copy of Destination D?

A broken promise from their school days at Spelman College takes three successful friends in Atlanta to an unexpected destination of discord, duplicity, and denial. Their personal demons drastically alter their friendship and their life’s destiny.

The first friend leads a secret life of multiple personas that allows her to escape her own reality and ease into a life of deception long before her true identity is discovered.

At the pinnacle of her career, the second friend is self-driven, sexually suppressed, and highly explosive . . . blowing up at anyone who crosses her path. Her domineering ambition drives her into a collision course with herself and steers her in an unexpected direction that becomes life-altering.

The third friend is a single mother seeking refuge from a regretful past that has finally caught up with her present. Just when she thinks her future is solid, it begins to crumble as her fate is altered by a past romance that resurfaces . . . resulting in an unexpected resolution.

About the Author:

An accomplished playwright and marketing/public relations executive, Lori Beard-Daily is a graduate of Spelman College with a bachelor of arts degree in English. Lori has written stage plays: Trunk of Fate, Daddy’s Girl, and Civil Unrest, two of which were directed and produced by the late theater thespian, Carol Mitchell-Leon. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lori and her husband Bryon Daily live in Atlanta, Georgia, with their three children: Erin, Erica, and Eric.

https://www.facebook.com/DestinationD
https://twitter.com/bearddaily
http://destinationdthebook.com/
Book Video: http://destinationdthebook.com/book-trailer/
Interview with Writer's in Focus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7_rjeGH9bY

Buy the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Hunted Dreams by Elle Hill-- Guest Blog and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Elle will be awarding a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour--the Rafflecopter is at the bottom of the post.

A special welcome to guest blogger, Elle Hill.



First of all, thanks so much for featuring me on your blog. I was tickled when I saw your blog name references one of my all-time favorite songs. Go, Weather Girls!

Okay, here are five things you might not guess about me.

1. I really dig disco. Okay, maybe you would guess that about me, given my comment about the Weather Girls and all. I blame being born during the 70s. I’m pretty sure I emerged from the womb shaking my groove thang (yeah, yeah).

2. The very first story I remember writing involved time travel, dinosaurs, and saber-tooth tiger clothing. Anachronistic? Sure. However, I think folks will forgive me, since I was eight years old. Oh and yeah, it was a romance with a happy ending.

3. I’m writing this blog post ten minutes before I’m supposed to teach a Race and Ethnicity class. I’m a sociologist by day – er, by day and night. I’m a writer by late night. Mornings just don’t happen in my world.

4. My latest and not-yet published novel, The Tithe, was inspired by “E.T.,” a Katy Perry song.

5. I’m a sci-fi geek with very strong opinions about the best Star Trek captain. As I often say, if it’s not sci-fi or fantasy, why bother?

An inveterate fan of fairy tales, particularly the darker ones, Elle pens paranormal romance. Her urban fantasies envision an alternate Los Angeles (or is it?) in which Leeches -- scheming psychic vampires -- and Hunters and Psychics -- the beings that exist to thwart them -- fight fierce, primal battles in the land of movie stars, silicone, and sunshine.

Born in Idaho during the height of disco, Elle Hill now chicken-pecks at the keyboard while rocking out to Donna Summer and KC and the Sunshine Band. She worked in Idaho for several years as a secretary and journalist before moving to California and selling her soul to academia. After receiving her PhD in Sociology, Elle Hill became a not-so-mild-mannered college instructor by night and a community activist during the remainder of her waking hours. Always a journalist and writer at heart, one of her favorite pastimes includes publishing commentary on the political and social states of the world; some of her thoughts are posted on her blog at ellehillauthor.blogspot.com.

Elle welcomes visitors to her website at www.ElleHill.com. She also urges everyone to become a superhero and adopt their next non-human companion from a local animal shelter.

Her history, her whereabouts, her name: She knows nothing. Nothing but her current reality: a constant stream of horrific, surrealistic scenarios in which she fights not only monsters and unseen attackers but also her own pain and despair.

Reed Jayvyn is an ex-Army vet, penniless and living in his truck. After saving a young man from attackers, he finds himself embroiled in a superhuman drama between the Broschi and the Clan, two groups engaged in a centuries-long war. Worse, he finds he is one of them—a Broschi, a psychic vampire that feeds off the pain of humans. But Reed’s greatest surprise comes each night, when he finds himself dreaming of a fierce, nameless woman.

She is dreaming. So says the handsome man who uses his heretofore latent psychic ability to flicker in and out of her dreamscape. With Reed’s help, she slowly learns more about who she is, why she is here, what trauma in her past keeps her locked inside her mind. Meanwhile, Reed explores his own heritage, discovering enemies and allies in unexpected places.

But most important to Reed is freeing this woman caught in an endless loop of nightmares, someone he considers in every way to be the woman of his dreams.

Buy the book at Amazon.

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Megan Hussey--Interview

A very special welcome today to Megan Hussey, who was brave enough to come answer a few of our questions! Her newest full-length erotic romance is a cougar story.... here's a little bit about the book.



She's 44. He's 22. They're about to cause a sensation. Valentina Rowe is a proper, Victorian-era bookstore owner who indulges her fantasies only through the pages of sensation novels; suggestive works she writes under a pen name for local newspapers. Yet she finds real-life adventure in the arms of Lord Nathaniel Billingsley, a younger man who discovers her secret fantasy life and seeks to fulfill her deepest desires. And while Valentina cannot resist the charms of the gorgeous young seducer, who both lavishes her with beautiful gifts and brings her most wicked fantasies to life, she fears the scandal that could destroy their reputations--and their blossoming love.

Buy the book at Amazon.



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

I've always loved romance, be it sweet or spicy, contemporary or historical; at the same time, I felt that something was missing from this genre. Where were the strong, ordinary looking heroines? The sensitive heroes? I saw so much that could be done to enhance the genre, and that's what I set out to do.

What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

For historicals I do research online and through reference books, and of course by reading historical novels. For vampire and merman stories I study the legends of the paranormal, in much the same manner.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I learn so much from all of them. My heroine Valentina in Victorian Sensation reminded me to live life to the fullest, with no care to what other people think. Plus we both have a thing for younger men--bonus!

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Probably my strongest writing quirk is that I write all the time. And I mean that literally. Between journalistic and fiction projects I write 24/7 (with a bit of time out for eating and sleeping, natch), and I love every minute.

Plotter or pantser?

Definite pantser. My characters boss me around to no end lol--their stories just flow out of me! I rarely do outlines or storyboarding.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A vase filled with faux pink roses--good thing it wasn't anything embarrassing! lol

Anything new coming up from you? What?

My recent releases include Victorian Sensation, my first self-published book available on Amazon--it's an older woman/younger man story set in Victorian England; Blooming Love, a sweet romance with a message from Rhetorical Ratatouille; Siren In Store, merman erotica from My Pouty Lips; Passion's Tapestry, a Renaissance time travel available from Melange Books; Naked Siren: Port Emerald After Dark, a novel of merman erotica from Class Act Books; and Angel on Fire, vampire erotica from Phaze. Coming soon is The Adventures of Aphrodite, mythological erotica from ME (Metaphysical Erotica) House, The House of Lavender Dreams, paranormal erotica from Melange, and also two Christmas releases from Melange, the naughty vampire tale Noelle's Nocturne and the sweet contemporary Merry Christmas India Stone, that one is co-written by Linda White-Francis.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What's your idea of the perfect hero?



Megan Hussey is an award-winning feminist erotica author known for writing paranormal-based fantasy romances and for her work with woman-oriented adult companies such as Playgirl and Good Vibrations. Many of her stories revolve around fantasy characters such as mermen and vampires, and strong, real woman heroines. She lives in Florida; please visit her website at http://goldenmuse.tripod.com.

Honeysuckle and Jasmine by Liz Grace Davis -- Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Liz will be awarding a $20 Amazon Giftcard or Pay Pal Cash, a signed postcard, and an ecopy of one of her backlist novels (either Tangi's Teardrops or Chocolate Aftertaste) to one randomly chosen commenter during the tour. The Rafflecopter is at the end of the post.

The past is never far behind.

Senia Loato’s life has been needled by disappointment, and the wounds that fester go beyond skin deep. She is certain if she puts miles between her and her tainted past, she will somehow outrun it. When she’s offered the chance to leave her island home of Mintang to become an au pair for three boys in Germany, she takes the opportunity to start running.

In Germany, she meets Miina, another African au pair. What builds between them is a life-defining friendship, one they will risk everything for.

And soon, they’ll be asked nothing less.

When Miina is betrayed and left stranded, Senia stands by her, risking much more than just her stay in Germany. She also stands to lose rich, handsome, turquoise-eyed Roman Dorenwald, the first man she has allowed into her heart.

But they’re risks worth taking.

Eventually, Senia makes a sacrifice that catapults her back to her past, where she’s forced to draw back the curtain and discover the shocking truth of her history.

Can she confront her nightmares, reach deep into her soul, and forgive those who have hurt her? Or is it easier to just keep running?

***This story was partly inspired by true events***

ENJOY AN EXCERPT

Back in my newly renovated basement apartment, I drew a deep, shaky breath, then lifted the box I'd left on the bed earlier. I carried it to the outside rubbish bin and returned empty-handed. Now all I had to do was shake off what was left of my emotional baggage.

Easier said than done, I mused. Why wouldn't it be? For years I'd felt like a piece of clothing that had been ripped open at the seams, without a seam ripper to lessen the damage. Then unravelled until all that remained were pieces that had once belonged to something whole.

That didn't matter now. I should be thankful that the fabric was still intact, the individual pieces just waiting to be sewn back together, stitch by stitch.

If there was something I knew how to do, sewing would be it. Sure, at times I'd probably veer from sewing in a straight line or mistakenly jab a finger with the needle. Fine. I'd just start over, next time with the help of a thimble.

Liz Grace Davis grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Germany. She now lives with her husband and daughter in Vienna, Austria.

Her travels offered her the opportunity to gather interesting material, from both her own experiences and those of others. She is a firm believer that memories, both good and bad, are worth cherishing because they lead us to be the people we are today.

As a result, Liz enjoys breathing new life into some of those experiences, and sprinkling them with snippets born of her imagination, to write fiction. Her aim as a writer is to both thrill and inspire readers. The genres she enjoys writing are as diverse as the books she reads.

Liz is the author of Chocolate Aftertaste, Honeysuckle and Jasmine, and Tangi’s Teardrops.

Website : www.lizgracedavis.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Grace-Davis/333441076698284
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5450561.Liz_Grace_Davis
Blog: http://www.novel-moments.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Liz_Davis1

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Seeking Shelter by Morgan K. Wyatt -- Review and Giveaway

(Romantic Suspense/Women's Fiction)

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Morgan will be awarding a backlist eBook at every stop to a randomly drawn commenter, and a Grand Prize of a $30 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Megan’s goal of being a loving wife ended the same time her husband, Jason, tried to choke the life out of her. She flees the scene with her young children with the help of the police and her neighbor. Heading back to her home state, she realizes Jason will follow and terrorize anyone who gets between them.

Megan becomes Elaine. She changes her appearance along with her name to escape her vengeful spouse. With the help of new friends at the women’s shelter, she pieces together the broken shards of her life. Megan finds the strength to trust and love again when she meets soft-spoken Kevin. He supports Megan’s transformation from abused wife to confident woman. Life is full of potential with her new place, love and career, but Jason looms like a dark cloud. Unfortunately, Jason is not a big fan of happy endings, especially hers.



I went into this book expecting a romantic suspense, and while there was some romance and plenty of suspense, really it's about one woman's journey to finding herself and her freedom.

I read the first couple of chapters through my fingers, sure the bad guy would jump out at any moment.  The story starts off running and Megan's debilitating fear is evident from word one.  I did question going to a women's shelter in her home town and getting in contact with her father again when she's trying to hide from her husband.  Still, I loved her dad, so I'm not sorry she landed there.

The author's done a great job with the heroine's character. She's believable and sympathetic.  I was surprised she stayed in the situation as long as she did, since she'd come from a supportive home and didn't have a history of abuse, but then we didn't get to see how she was broken down either, and I know that makes a difference.

I enjoyed the secondary characters from her kids (again, very believable... resilient but scarred from their experience), the women at the shelter, her father and friends.  Kevin is a great guy.  I loved how he stumbles over his words when they first meet, and how he's strong with her and not for her. He lets her change and grow as she needs, but gives her support along the way.

The author has a distinctive, descriptive way with words that I appreciated.  She painted a clear picture with her words and made it easy for me to see setting and people.  The undercurrent of fear throughout kept me tense and made for a quick read.

I think the end was resolved a little too neatly, but ultimately that's not the strength of this story anyway.  Megan and her transformation were the point.  And that point was made beautifully.

4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.

Morgan K Wyatt, raised on a steady diet of superheroes, believed she could fly at a very young age. After using trees, barn lofts, sliding boards, and even a second story window as launch pads, she found her flying skills were limited to fast and downward. By the age of nine, her dreams to be a superhero needed some modifications, which caused her to turn to writing and horseback riding as alternatives to flying.

At the age of twenty, she had another chance at superhero greatness as being one of the few female soldiers trained for combat. The fact that women will be able to serve in combat soon indicates that all the witnesses to the grenade incident have retired. The grenade incident didn’t prevent her two sons or daughter-in-law from enlisting in the service. Having different last names probably helped.

Morgan recently retired from teaching special needs students to write fulltime, instead of in the wee hours of the night. With the help of her helpful husband and loyal hound, she creates characters who often grab plot lines and run with them. As for flying, she prefers the airlines now.

Seeking Shelter is a courageous tale of Megan Moeller who flees her abusive husband to start a new life with her children. The only problem is her soon to be ex-husband is not a big fan of happy endings, especially for Megan. This powerful, heartrending tale is now available from Sweet Cravings Publishing.

Buy the book at Amazon UK, or Sweet Cravings Publishing.

Web: www.morgankwyatt.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt
Blogs: www.writerwonderland.weebly.com
www.datingafterfortyeight.blogspot.com
www.frugaldivatellsall.blogspot.com
www.novelspot.net
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/morganwyatt/
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6936818.Morgan_K_Wyatt
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Morgan-K.-Wyatt/e/B008EEC4EY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1370798169&sr=8-2

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