Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts

Monday, December 14, 2015

Excerpt: Wicked Reunion by Michelle A. Valentine

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About WICKED REUNION:
College sweethearts London Uphill and Jared Kraft were inseparable. He was a rising baseball star with a promising future, and she seemed destined to become “Mrs. Kraft.” Then a tragic night and a series of devastating mistakes caused Jared to walk away from his life, leaving London without any explanation and tearing the couple apart. Five years later, Jared has reinvented himself by putting down the bat and picking up a guitar to play for the red-hot band Wicked White. In all that time, London hasn’t gotten over her forever love—or the pain—despite seeking solace in the arms of the one man no one dreamed she’d run to. When Wicked White’s lead singer goes MIA, Jared finds the time—and courage—to return to his hometown and face the mess he made. He’s shocked at how London’s life has changed, yet he’s determined to prove their love is worth fighting for. Is this breakup too big for any hope of a reunion tour? Or can London open her heart to Jared once again?

Add WICKED REUNION to Goodreads here!
Buy WICKED REUNION now: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Missed meeting Ace in WICKED WHITE? Grab it now! Amazon | Barnes and Noble

EXCERPT
He cups my face. “London . . .”
“Jared.” I can only whisper his name in return before he pulls me in for a kiss.
He doesn’t move too fast. He holds my face in his hands as he presses his mouth to mine. There’s no urgency in his actions. It’s almost as if he’s taking the time to savor every second of this.
He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in tighter. “I’ve missed you so much. Can you ever forgive me for leaving you—for that night in the parking lot? For everything? You should hate me, I know that, but I swear to God if you’ll let me, I’ll make it up to you.”

For years I’ve dreamed of him saying this, begging for my forgiveness and promising that he would make it up to me.

GIVEAWAY
Want to win a $20 Amazon giftcard? Enter the rafflecopter below! a Rafflecopter giveaway    

ABOUT MICHELLE A. VALENTINE
Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series. Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram Be a little naughty - join Valentine's Vixens on Facebook for sneak peeks at Michelle's upcoming works, as well as fun and chatting with her and other readers!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Blog Tour-Character Post: Out of Mind by Jen McLaughlin



BOOK SUMMARY:

Reaching for sunlight...

Finn survived the ambush and came home to me, but in his head, the battle is still raging. He’s falling apart and I’m trying my best to pick up the pieces of him, to find the us we used to be. I love him as much as I ever did, but love isn’t enough to fix this. I thought telling my father about our relationship would be the hardest thing we’d ever have to face. I was wrong.

Lost in shadows...

All I wanted was to be worthy of Carrie. One mission, just one, and I’d be able to give her the future she deserved. Then everything went wrong, leaving me tainted and broken. Carrie wants me to be who I was, but all that’s left is what they made of me. I’m no good for her. No good for anyone like this. I have to figure out how to move forward. Alone.

Sometimes love isn’t enough… 



Buy Links 

OUT OF LINE (Book #1)

Amazon - http://amzn.to/17HLrFu

B&N - http://bit.ly/17hfkvi


OUT OF TIME (Book #2)

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1daxXYL

B&N - http://bit.ly/1g7hPas


OUT OF MIND (Book #3)

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1lqa3cw

B&N - http://bit.ly/1mSkmpP


Author Information

Jen McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, came out September 2013. She also writes bestselling Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts.Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Character Post

Hello, I’m Carrie Wallington, and I’m the heroine of Jen McLaughlin’s New York Times Bestselling OUT OF LINE series! The newest—and LAST—book in the series, OUT OF MIND, just hit stores on April 29th!

When the series started out, I was pretty naïve. I’d spent my whole life living under my dad’s strict thumb, and I was just starting college. I wanted nothing more than to be free. To make my own choices. To be young, stupid, and fun. Then I met Finn…

And everything changed.

A lot has happened since the night he came up to me on that dark beach. He’s pushed me away, pulled me closer, pushed me away again, gone to war, and then come home a different man. I’m still the same girl I was—not much has changed besides the fact that I love him more than anything.

But…he’s not the Finn I knew.

A lot of men like Finn go away, and come back as different men. Then it’s not just them that are trying to adjust to this new life, but us. The women who love them.

It’s hard. It’s almost impossible. But I love him…

Will we work through it, or will love not be enough this time?

I hope you’ve read my story, and maybe got to know our plight a little better. Did you read the series? Did you fall in love with Finn as much as I did?


Giveaway:
Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 25, 2014

Blog Tour: Good Girls Don't Date Rock Stars by Codi Gary

Tour Banne Good Girls Don't Date Rock Stars photo GoodGirlsDontDateRockStarsJPEG_zps84577e46.jpg

GoodGirlsDontDateRockStars

Title: Good Girls Don’t Date Rock Stars 
Author: Codi Gary 
Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance 
Publish Date: April 22, 2014 
Publisher: Avon Impulse an Imprint of HarperCollins 
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.  

~ Book Synopsis ~
Gemma Carlson didn’t plan on waking up married.
She also didn’t count on running into her old flame—and her son’s father-turned-country-rock star—Travis Bowers, followed by a night of drunken dares. Apparently one of those involved a ring on her finger and a vow…neither of which she intends to keep. Now with a hangover from hell, this good-girl-gone-bad knows there’s just one thing to do: run. Travis has been all over the world, but Gemma has never been far from his thoughts. So when he had the chance to catch up over a few drinks, he didn’t hesitate. Of course he didn’t expect it would lead to marriage, or a runaway bride! Travis finally has a second chance and doesn’t plan on losing Gemma again—or the son he didn’t know he had. He proposes—albeit belatedly—a date. Or rather, a few. If they can make this marriage work by starting over, he stays. If not… Gemma’s not interested; she’s got a son to protect and a heart to heal. But having Travis around could make both a little easier. Still, good girls don’t date rock stars…right?


Purchase Links

Excerpted from GOOD GIRLS DON’T DATE ROCK STARS by Codi Gary

  How many glasses of champagne did I have last night? Gemma Carlson groaned, gritting her teeth against the stabbing pain that seemed to be spreading through her brain. She didn’t want to open her eyes, afraid of what she would find. Right now she was only sure of two things. One, her head hurt like a son of a bitch and two, she was very, very naked. Prying open her right eye, she tried to focus on her surroundings, but instead of seeing intricate, golden wallpaper, she found the walls were now light colored. A couch sat in the corner of the room, though her room had had a tiny office chair and desk. The landscape on the wall was new, too. She opened both eyes, blinking rapidly at the dryness, and realized she had no idea where she was. Which meant she obviously wasn’t in her hotel room. A light snore behind her caught her attention and she stiffened, turning her head slowly to look at her bedmate. She sucked in a breath at the sight of dark curls and a broad back, the only things visible above the heavy comforter. What have I done? Sitting up, she swallowed down the rolling nausea and fought the splitting headache, catching her face in her hands. And then she felt it. Something cool and metal on her finger. Something that definitely shouldn’t be there. Pulling her hands back, she stared at the large three-stone diamond ring on her left index finger and froze.  

My Thoughts:I first wanted to read this book because after I read the description it kind of reminded me of the Stage Dive series. This was definitely a lot different than I thought it was going to be.

Gemma and Travis were best friends turned lovers in high school. When Travis got a huge record deal and went on tour, Gemma found out she was pregnant. Gemma decided not to tell Travis due to an unfortunate incident. Ten years later, she bumps into him at a convention in Las Vegas. Travis will not let Gemma get away a second time. Little did he know that Gemma is keeping a huge secret from him.

First of all, I want to say that I loved Travis. He was really sweet, caring, will stop at nothing to get what he wants and I loved Gemma’s description of him. I must say I wasn’t a big fan of Gemma. I mean I understand she might have been scared about telling Travis she was pregnant but 10 years is way too long to not tell someone something so huge. I thought her reasons for keeping Charlie from Travis were selfish and I didn’t buy into it.

What I loved about the story were the secondary characters like Gracie and Charlie. I am looking forward to Gracie’s book. Charlie is just like his father, smart, sweet kid anyone would love. I loved where the story took place and how the whole town wants to know everyone else’s business. I am curious to find out who the gossip columnist is and how they get their info.

Overall, I found the book to be enjoyable. I wish the book was more in depth so that I can get lost in the characters. This book was more of a summer read to me. Anyone who wants a light read with good smut will enjoy this.

My Rating:
3.5 stars out of 5

About the Author
Codi GaryAn obsessive bookworm, Codi Gary likes to write sexy small-town contemporary romances with humor, grand gestures, and blush-worthy moments. When she's not writing, she can be found reading her favorite authors, squealing over her must-watch shows, and playing with her children. She lives in Idaho with her family
Authors Social Media

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Blog Tour: Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell

Title: Traitor's Blade
Author: Sebastien De Castell
Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Publisher: Penguin Canada
Pages: 384
Source: Received for review for blog tour


Synopsis:
The King is dead, the Greatcoats have been disbanded, and Falcio Val Mond and his fellow magistrates Kest and Brasti have been reduced to working as bodyguards for a nobleman who refuses to pay them. Things could be worse, of course. Their employer could be lying dead on the floor while they are forced to watch the killer plant evidence framing them for the murder. Oh wait, that’s exactly what’s happening…

Now a royal conspiracy is about to unfold in the most corrupt city in the world. A carefully orchestrated series of murders that began with the overthrow of an idealistic young king will end with the death of an orphaned girl and the ruin of everything that Falcio, Kest, and Brasti have fought for. But if the trio want to foil the conspiracy, save the girl, and reunite the Greatcoats, they’ll have to do it with nothing but the tattered coats on their backs and the swords in their hands, because these days every noble is a tyrant, every knight is a thug, and the only thing you can really trust is a traitor’s blade.

My Thoughts:
Traitor’s Blade was so much more than I expected it to be. I don’t usually read fantasy but when I got the opportunity to work with such a well known publisher like Penguin Canada, I had to do it. I can’t even tell you how happy I am that I did. I was completely entertained throughout the whole book and that is rare especially if it does not center on romance. I really enjoyed it!

Falcio is the first Cantor of the Greatcoats. The Greatcoats were admired and considered to be heroes until their King fell and the Dukes took over. Now, they are known as Trattari, which is the worst thing an honourable Greatcoat can be called, it is also a very loose term for a traitor (actually it is meant something worse). Falcio and his team, Brasti and Kest are trying to fulfill one last mission their King requested before he died.

This book was engaging and I honestly could not get enough. I found myself staying up late every night because I wanted to finish it; I needed to know what was going to happen. Traitor’s Blade is a fantasy novel but it is a light one, it almost reads like a medieval novel. I absolutely loved it. There were twists and turns I did not see coming. And what I can say about the fight scenes other than they were phenomenal. I am just happy the Greatcoats are able to fight as well as they can because I have no idea how they got out of some of the situations they were thrust into.

What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Falcio, Brasti and Kest. I found myself laughing out loud at their banter. It’s priceless! I loved Falcio as a character. There is something so genuine and likeable about him. He is still an honorable man even if everyone thinks Greatcoats steal, have no honour, branded traitors. He will always follow the law of the Greatcoats, no matter what.

I loved the author’s writing. It was so easy to get lost in the world. I was addicted 100%. The ease in which the author can tell a story, in such an enjoyable way, anyone and everyone will love it. This is an excellent start to a great new series and I am so excited to see where it is going to go. 

My Rating: 
5 out of 5 stars

Monday, January 27, 2014

Blog Tour: Hardpressed (Hacker #2) by Meredith Wild

Title: Hardpressed (Hacker#2)
Author: Meredith Wild
Genre: Erotic Romance 18+
Publication Date: December 9, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

In Hardpressed, the highly anticipated second book of the Hacker Series that began with Hardwired, Blake and Erica face threats that put both their love and their lives on the line. Despite Blake Landon’s controlling ways, the young and wealthy hacker finally won the trust of the woman he loves. Internet entrepreneur Erica Hathaway broke down the walls that kept her from opening her heart and her business to Blake. Ready to start this new chapter in her life, Erica is determined not to let anything come between them, even if that means giving Blake back some of the control he craves in and out of the bedroom. But when demons from her past threaten their future, Erica makes a decision that could change their lives forever.

Add Hardpressed to Goodreads


Purchase Links for Hardpressed: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play


Purchase Links for Hardwired: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play


About the Author

Meredith Wild picked up her first romance novel at the tender age of twelve, and shortly after put pen to word processor and made her first attempt at writing a love story inspired by those she so enjoyed reading well past her bedtime.Her dream of writing took a back seat to college, parenthood and eventually entrepreneurship, which led her into the fast-paced and male-dominated high tech industry. With enough life experience for a few lifetimes, she now devotes her hours to writing contemporary adult romance, with a hint of kink.Her debut novel Hardwired tells the story of billionaire bad boy, Blake Landon, and the object of his obsession, strong-willed tech startup CEO, Erica Hathaway.When she isn’t writing or mothering, Meredith can be found sunbathing with an adult beverage.

Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

My Review:
All I have to say is WOW. Hardpressed is a great sequel to Hardwired. I honestly could not get enough of both books. I was instantly hooked.  I wanted it to continue forever.

Erica is independent, determined and driven. Her mother died when she was 12 leaving her with only her step father. When she goes to boarding school, she loses him as well. Having to take care of herself for years, she is not used to someone telling her how to run her life. Enters Blake Landon. Blake is the typical alpha male and needs to dominate and control everything. When Erica and Blake first meet sparks fly.

In Hardpressed, Erica is just as independent as ever, yet, she begins to accept (little by little of course) Blake’s dominate and possessive. I love the relationship between Erica and Blake. There is A LOT of steam but there love is precious.  They always put each other first no matter what. I have read other novels of the same genre and this series provides you with something different. It is completely addictive. I have been going to bed at 3am every night while reading it because I needed to know what was going to happen.

This book left me speechless at times. At some parts, I had no idea the author was going to go that route but I enjoyed it none the less. We meet some new characters along the way and some of the characters show you their real agenda is this book. I am so EXCITED to read the next book, Hardline. I really want to get my hands on it.

My Rating:
4.5 stars out of 5

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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Blog Tour: Found in You by Laurelin Paige



Title: Found in You (Fixed #2)
Author: Laurelin Paige
Release date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Mandevilla Press
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com


Book Description:
Alayna Withers has only had one kind of relationship: the obsessive, crazy stalker kind. Now that Hudson Pierce has let her into his heart, she’s determined to stay away from her past tendencies and develop their love into more than just amazing sex. At least Hudson is as dedicated to her as she is to him, though she could do without his new found jealousy and need to control everything. To complicate matters, Hudson has his own baggage including a penchant for mind games and a hateful alcoholic mother who’s set on destroying any happiness he might find with Alayna.

Needing insight, Alayna turns to an unlikely source—Celia Werner. Celia’s been in love with Hudson herself and knows how to ride the rocky waves of the emotionally closed-off man. But when Celia’s true motivations behind their friendship are revealed, Hudson’s commitment might not be as solid as Alayna thinks, and even their all-consuming passion for each other isn’t enough to fix their mistrusts. This is the first relationship where Alayna hasn’t spiraled out of control. And she might lose Hudson anyway…


My Thoughts:
I read the first book, Fixed on You and I absolutely loved it, so when I found out there was going to be a second book tour, I could not wait to sign up; and I have to say, this book did not disappoint. I could not get enough of Alayna and Hudson. 

We start off with Alayna going to Hudson’s apartment after her shift at the club. She is extremely nervous because she is the first woman Hudson has invited there. One thing, I adored about with this book, we learn just how twisted both Alayna and Hudson were. I think their pasts prepared them for each other because I don’t think anyone else would be able to understand why they are the way they are. I don’t think anyone else is better suited.

My first impression of the book would have to be that it is focused on trust. Trust between Alayna and Hudson and if they really have what it takes to have a healthy relationship. One thing that bugged me about this book was the fact that Alayna kept so many secrets from Hudson. I mean, he would definitely find out one way or another, after all this is Hudson Pierce. He knows everything.

I absolutely loved Hudson. He is domineering, alpha male, sexy and commands every room he enters. He has never loved any woman in his life but everything changes when he meets Alayna. She is the exception. I loved that he stood by her no matter what. If Alayna needed help in any way he would help her. I think after that moment I liked him even more. One thing I am really looking to is Hudson actually saying “I love you” to Alayna. In Found in You, he expresses it through his actions but it will be momentous when he does. January 2014 really can’t come fast enough for the third book to be released.

My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars

About the Author :
Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links:



To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here or the tour button below.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Blog Tour- Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Freeing by E. K. Blair


Freeing by E.K. Blair
Release Date: September 13, 2013
Coming of Age
New Adult

Synopsis:
FREEING: a companion novel to the USA Today bestseller, Fading.

Knowing who you are and accepting who you are come at different prices.

Jase Kinrick grew up in your typical, all-American household. But after the death of his sister, his parents shut down, forcing him to deal with everything life throws his way alone. Terrified of the person he’s discovering himself to be, Jase has his way with every willing girl to try and rid himself of what he fears he is—gay.

Escaping California and moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, Jase frees himself to the reality that he likes men. Never staying with any guy long enough to get to know them, he doesn’t realize that he’s still hiding from who he is until he meets Mark. Scared of having real feelings for another guy stirs up the questions and fears he’s fought hard to bury.

To strip away the barriers to the heart of what is real, and to be okay with what lies underneath, will be Jase’s moment of truth. But he’ll need Mark to lead him there.


**THIS IS A FULL-LENGTH COMPANION NOVEL TO FADING**
The author can be reached by:

My Thoughts:
This is my first m/m romance I have read and I must say it was great. In Fading, we meet Jase, Candace’s best friend; they are more than friends, they are family. Their own families have disowned them so they only had each other for the longest time. Freeing is in Jase’s POV and overlaps the events in Fading. We see Jase going through his own struggle and journey on accepting himself for who he is.

Jase grew up in California and moved to Seattle because he wanted to escape his home life. He knew he was gay in high school even though he slept with a lot of girls; he couldn’t admit it to himself and thought something was wrong with him. After his sister’s death, his parents shut down, so he didn’t have anyone he could talk to. In Seattle, Jase is still at war with himself because he admits to himself that he is gay but afraid of what people might think. It is only when he meets Candace that he can tell someone who he truly is. Even then, he is still not completely comfortable with it. He has hookups with men but never a real relationship. It is not until he meets Mark that everything changes for him.

I love how E.K. Blair writes about taboo subjects but make it bearable and not so taboo for the reader. With Fading, I was bawling my eyes in the aftermath of Candace getting raped and in Freeing, reading Jase prospective on things I think I cried even harder. The emotion the author puts behind every word is magnificent and a real talent. Not many writers can do that. I was awed when I first read Fading and I am still in awe because Ms. Blair makes you care about things or situations where you might not have cared before. While reading I put myself in Jase’s shoes, through finding out about the rape of his friend/family member, I would be angry as well if that happened to one of my close friends. I think it is a very hard situation, being supportive for your friend/family member and also knowing who did it and not being able to do anything about it.

I think that Mark is exactly what Jase needed to start accepting himself for who he is. I really liked Mark. I think it was awesome how he stepped in and helped take care of Candace. It shows the kind of person he is.

I think many people would be surprised by how the author writes this m/m romance. She will have you caring about the characters no matter your opinion on the subject. For me, this is 2 for 2 for E.K. Blair’s books; I am excited about what she writes in the future. I will gladly read it!


My Rating: 
5 out of 5 stars

Excerpt:
Everything tunnels: my hearing, my vision. My heart thuds. Hard. I drop my head in my hands, and the tears just spill out. Allie continues to talk, but I’ve already heard all my soul can handle at this point. This girl is my fuckin’ heart, and I’m terrified to see what’s left of it.

I turn to look at the nurse when she hands me a tissue, but I don’t reach out to take it. I just look at her with no words.

“I’m so sorry. You can utilize this room for as long as you need, but it’s not going to be good for her to see you so upset. You need to be strong for her right now.”

I nod my head. She’s right. I’ve got to pull my shit together. I finally take the tissue from her hand. I could sit here and cry for the rest of my life if I allowed myself, but I need to see her. So that’s what I tell the nurse. “I need to see her.”



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Blog Tour, Interview and Giveaway: By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart


By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart 
Series: By Blood #1 
Publication date: February 18th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal

Synopsis:
For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.

Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.

But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom...and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.

Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.

By Blood is a novel about the ways that blood can bind us to others – or tear us apart.



Author Bio:
Tracy E. Banghart is a cheesy movie–loving, fantasy football–playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began “practicing” her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family’s cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake.




1.       What inspired you to write By Blood?
Emma's character first appeared as a supporting player in Moon Child, and as soon as she appeared, I just knew she needed her own story. She's feisty, dramatic, tough…but also really vulnerable. At the time, I was also feeling homesick for England (I went to grad school there) so I thought - wham! How about I ship Emma off to Oxford with her estranged Mom? Bet that'd be fun! ;-)
2.       What books have influenced your life most?
The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley; On Fortune's Wheel, by Cynthia Voigt. For Writers Only, by Sophie Burham. Also, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. As a young adult, I read A LOT…and frequently re-read my favorites. I think that's one reason I prefer to write young adult…I remember those books having such an impact on me. It might sound weird, but I think I figured out the kind of person I wanted to be through the strong, adventurous heroines of my favorite books, like those of Robin McKinley and Cynthia Voigt.
3.       What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Because I couldn't travel to England while I was writing, I had to rely on my memories, as well as Google Maps! Sometimes that would sap my writing momentum a little, trying to get all the geographical details right.
4.        If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?
Ooh…interesting question. I'd say probably the second line of the book. Emma has a thought about trying to keep her little brother quiet…it's a sentence I wrote a number of years ago now, before I had my son (who's 10 months, about the age of Fermin)…and now that I AM a mom, it seems so violent! I wondered if I should change it, but I ultimately decided not to. It's a split-second thought Emma has, one that she has NO intention of acting on, and I think it really speaks to both her mindset/inexperience with children as well as her frustration with this fussy, screaming baby on a plane. I mean - we've all felt that frustration, right? Still…every time I read it now I think of my adorable little son and it really bothers me. Emma would NOT be my choice for a babysitter! ;)
5.        Can you give us an interesting fun fact or a few about By Blood?
The house Emma lives in for the summer is the same I stayed in when I lived there - and yes, I had the same closet-sized room (seriously, it was REALLY small).
All the pubs, museums, cookie shops, etc., are all real places with their real names except for the Wisteria Cafe. It's a real place, but I couldn't remember the name or find it online, so I made one up!
And, here's a juicy one….Simon looks exactly like a guy I had a crush on in grad school. But don't tell him I said that! ;-) (this was pre-hubby and baby, of course!)
6.        And now, before you go, how about a snippet from By Blood that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:
Here you go! :-)
Caught up in the moment, I ran my hands down his chest, over the smooth, slightly damp cotton of his shirt, and pulled him closer. I felt him resist, just for a second, and then his hands slid to my back and suddenly we were pressed tight against each other.
The heat, the sweat, the pounding music throbbing in my veins—I felt about thirty seconds away from bursting into flame.
The music changed to a swing number all technoed out. Josh’s hands dropped to his sides and he stepped away. Oh come on. What had I done this time?
But instead of running off, he grabbed my hand and spun me out, laughing. I twirled, skirt fanning, and bumped into another warm body.
Simon.
Somehow, suddenly, his arms were locked around me, and I was no longer holding Josh’s hand. We were almost the same height so he didn’t have to lean down to bring his lips to my ear. “Meet us Wednesday night,” he said, his breath cool against my hot skin. He held me but didn’t move to the music; it felt strange, like we were hugging in the middle of the dance floor. But I didn’t pull away.
“Meet you where? For what?” I asked, a little breathlessly.
“Come to the Wisteria. Eight o’clock. And wear white.”
“A Druid ritual?” I thought of the girls dancing in a circle, arms entwined. The freedom in Ash’s eyes.
“Do you want to see what we’re all about?”
I stared into his shadowed eyes, his face close enough to kiss. I could feel his body from my knees to my breasts. His arms tightened, like he wanted me there, close to him.
“Definitely,” I replied, heart pounding.

Book 2 : Moon Child is also available:






Thursday, September 5, 2013

Blog Tour: Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward

Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward  
Series: A Series of Imperfections #1
Publication date: June 19th 2013
Genre: Adult/17+ Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:
Emma, Tyler and Shane have been best friends since they were kids. Along with their college addition, Rob, the four friends have an exciting life in NYC. In fact, Emma Sloan appears to have it all.

Despite being happy with her current situation, a big family announcement leaves Emma questioning whether she is truly content with her life. With her thirtieth birthday fast approaching she vows to find her ‘perfect’ man any way she can. But Emma will soon discover that the path of true love never runs smoothly and that sometimes, instead of chasing love, you have to wait for love to find you…
Author Bio:


A.E. Woodward lives in Vacationland with her husband and two children.  Between her day job and the pursuance of a master’s degree, she wrote her first novel.  Her novel Imperfectly Perfect, will be the first book in A Series of Imperfections.


My Thoughts:
Imperfectly Perfect was a light read focused on a woman’s journey, changing her life to find her perfect person. We start off with Emma living with ‘her boys’, care free. When Emma is told some news about her sister, she is forced to re-examine everything she thought made her happy.

I really liked this book. I found that I could really identify with Emma as I am currently going through some of the same issues as her. Emma is smart and successful but I didn’t really like her calling women bimbos by just looking at them with basically no justification.

I have to say what made the book for me, was the boys: Shane, Tyler and Rob. I wish I had guy friends like them. No matter what, they have each other’s back through thick and thin. They also provided a lot of comic relief which definitely made the book all that more enjoyable.

The author’s writing style was extremely easy to read and I found that it flowed really well. I finished the last half of the book in one sitting because the writing style was so pleasant and of course I wanted to know what was going to happen.
I really liked how the book played on the ‘perfect’ factor. Instead of finding the perfect person (this person doesn’t exist), you have to find the perfect person for you. This is a motto I have had had for myself for many years, something I always tell my friends.

I also really liked that the book was both in Emma’s and Shane’s POV. You found out a lot about what Shane went through when they weren’t speaking. I felt bad for the guy but I thought he could of spoke up sooner about his feelings for Emma; it definitely could have saved a lot of heartache for the both of them.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the series which will feature the other boys.

My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars



Monday, September 2, 2013

Top Tens & Giveaway: Spring Training by Parker Kincade



For baseball superstar Garrett Donovan, his contract with the New York Empire baseball team meant he’d finally have the means to secure a future for his family. He should focus on that…not on the sassy, beautiful Jessa Montgomery — or what she looks like naked. Getting involved with the daughter of the Empire’s owner would be career suicide. Jessa is a distraction he can’t afford.
Her father had warned her never to get involved with his athletes, so his request that she keep an eye on his new star player came straight out of left field. The last thing Jessa needs is another spoiled, egotistical ball player to deal with. But Garrett is none of those things. His no-nonsense attitude and smooth Southern charm make her blood burn and her knees weak. Giving into temptation, she is consumed by the pleasure she finds in Garrett’s arms.
Jessa wants to protect his career. Garrett won’t let anything get in the way of their passion.
A passion that could cost him everything.



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About Parker

Parker Kincade is an award-winning erotic romance author of The Martin Family Series. Her first novel, One Night Stand, won the category of Best Erotic Romance in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh contest and was named finalist in the Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest.

Parker lives in the southern United States with her husband, children and beloved boxer sidekick. She loves reading, playing golf, spending time with her family and friends, ice cream from the ice cream truck, taking her dog to the park and watching old musicals.  
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Top Tens

Parker and Garrett Top Ten: Baseball Movies

In honor of my latest release, Spring Training, I decided to come up with a list of my favorite baseball movies … and I’ve enlisted the help of Garrett Donovan, current badass rookie for the New York Empire ball club, and Spring Training’s leading man.

I want you all to know that Garrett and I had a blast arguing about which movies to list, but we both agree that Field of Dreams is our favorite. Garrett because he loves baseball, and me because I have a thing for Kevin Costner.

Here they are! Parker and Garrett’s Top Ten Baseball Movies

1. Field of Dreams
2. Bull Durham
3. Moneyball
4. The Sandlot
5. For Love of the Game
6. The Pride of the Yankees
7. Major League
8. Summer Catch (Garrett wants it on the record that he DIDN’T vote for this movie…)
9. A League of Their Own (…or this one)
10. Eight Men Out

Do you have a favorite baseball movie?

Until next time!
~Parker and Garrett
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