Sunday, February 22, 2015

Sunday Brunch ~ Mardi Gras and Book Reviews

I'm sure people were starting to think that I've completely abandoned my Sunday Brunch post...and if you weren't thinking that, you're probably making snide comments about how I wasn't kidding about my inability to commit to things...or, I suppose it's possible no one actually noticed, because let's face it, you have a life.

Well, part of the reason I haven't written is because I really haven't had much on my mind outside of releasing Bittersweet. First, it was all about getting the book done in time. Then, it was all about talking to Beta Readers and fixing the first draft. Next, I was waiting on the final proof read and making my final corrections. Then, of course, there were marketing and blitzes and blah, blah, blah. Not that it wasn't all important and mostly even fun (for me), it's been blogged about plenty, so, I won't rehash the entire process.

Instead, I'm going to talk about my release day, which I celebrated by having a booth at the Mardi Gras Festival in Sanford this weekend. Not only did I get to participate in something that was lots of fun, I also met and mingled with tons of cool and interesting people, interacted with readers AND - the cherry on top - helped a great cause by collecting money via a book giveaway and donating it to Meals on Wheels.

And, while I was out having all kinds of fun, I had the most wonderful bloggers out there in the infinite realm that is the internet, busy posting and sharing all about my new book and pretty much doing all of the work for me. So, I'm going to take moment and say - BOOK BLOGGERS are AWESOME! And then I'm going to take another to give a shout out to Tami because - MAGIC OF BOOKS PROMOTIONS is AMAZING!!!

But perhaps the best part of all, was that by the end of the day, I was walking on clouds as the first reviews began to pop up. Seriously, I know we authors post a lot of funny little Memes about how much we appreciate reviews and they're frequently cute and may even generate a chuckle, but reviews really ARE beyond important to us. Not just because they boost our fragile author egos after we've bravely bared our souls and hit publish for the world to see, but mostly, because it's the difference between a sale and NO sale, and for those of us making a living through our writing, a sale is generally preferred ;-)

Obviously, readers are in no way obligated to post reviews, which is precisely why we are so unbelievably grateful when you choose to do so anyway <3 p="">
So...A MASSIVE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has ever READ a book and left a REVIEW!!!

You rock my world ~

K

Friday, February 20, 2015

My Newest Release ~ Bittersweet

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: February 21, 2015
COVER DESIGN: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design
LENGTH: 60,000+ words
CONTENT WARNING: Adult Content - Language/Situations

Bittersweet KS thomasFINAL-High
Synopsis

Esi is young, beautiful and smart. She's got it all...and then some, but it's not what you'd expect.

Seven years after fate has her colliding - literally - with the man of her dreams, the two finally find themselves walking down the aisle. The day couldn't be more perfect. For one shining moment in time, she has it all.

Then a tragic accident changes everything.

Getting married was supposed to be the final touch on their already blissful relationship, but after the car crash, nothing seems right anymore. Soon after they get home from the hospital, Esi discovers she's pregnant. However, after the extensive damages her heart has endured from the night of the traumatic wreck, this miracle of life brings with it the reality of death.

Now Esi and Carter both have to face facts. Someone might not survive.

While ever after may not be as happy as Esi has always hoped, she's learning to appreciate the beauty in strength and surviving, and finding that love, no matter how true or how complete, sometimes is simply 'bittersweet'.

Excerpt
Beautiful wedding couple is enjoying weddingThe reception goes on until late into the evening, and even after the last of our friends and family leaves, Carter and I stand out in that field, slow dancing to the sounds of quiet wind rustling the leaves and brushing across the overgrown grass.
“I don’t want tonight to ever end,” I whisper into the curve of his neck. It’s my favorite place because it fits my face perfectly and I can inhale his amazing scent to my heart’s desire. Carter always smells of Irish Spring soap, citrus and, because he’s a chronic gum chewer, fresh mint. I can’t imagine anything else ever being a more enticing combination of scents.
He chuckles softly, and the rumble in his throat vibrates against my cheek. “You do realize we’ll still be married in the morning, don’t you?” But he makes no efforts to break the hold he has on me, or to stop our bodies from swaying back and forth ever so gently.
“I do. But it won’t be our wedding day anymore. I won’t be a bride. You won’t be a groom. And most importantly, once I take off this dress, I won’t ever get a chance to wear again.” My head pops up involuntarily when I’m hit by a stroke of genius. “Oh, unless we agree right now to renew our vows every year. I’m not saying we have to have a whole wedding, just as long as I can wear this dress and listen to you make your vows again. That’s really all I’d need.”
He grins. “That’s all, huh?”
“Too much? Too crazy?” I muse.
Carter kisses my forehead, then the tip of my nose. He’s aiming for my lips when he answers, “No such thing.”
Both arms wrap securely around his neck and I lean back, letting the sensation of Carter’s lips on mine take over my entire physical being. He has the kind of kiss a girl could drown in, and I can’t help but think how lucky I am, to never be kissed by any other man for as long as I live.
“Think anyone else is as happy as we are?” I mumble, his mouth still on mine.
“I hope so.” His hazel eyes open and he gazes down at me. I’ve never once been able to say no to them in seven years. “You ready to get out of here?”
I lock my arms tighter, securing him in my hold a moment longer. “I don’t know. Do you promise to marry me all over again next year?”
His expression is serious as he comes in closer again, but his eyes are smiling, lights from the stars reflecting in them, dancing wildly. “I already said I would.”
Book Links

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Additional Books
Blend1

Salty ~ Drive ~ Blood Bound ~ Lucky In Love

Getting Lucky ~ Country Girls ~ This Christmas

It's Kinda My Thing ~ Heroes To Swoon For

Secret Hudson ~ I Think About You

About Author
Dog Lover who likes her pastries full of cream and sugar….oh…and I write some ;-)
Aside from being an author, I am also a mom to a beautiful 5 year old little girl. I tell everyone I named her after my great-grandmother (because that’s the mature answer), but really, I named her after my favorite princess – just so happens I got lucky and they had the same name…If I wasn’t a writer, I would work on a horse ranch – I’m an animal lover (in addition to dogs, horses are at the top of my list). I wear flip-flops pretty much everywhere I go. I would rather stay awake until 5 am than get up at 5 am (years of bar tending have left their mark), if I can, I’m going to the beach AND I will always be nice to people who bring me chocolate…or coffee…if you bring me both, I’ll probably love you forever.A gypsy at heart, I write the way I live, following the story wherever it may lead, always ready to start the next one. This is clearly reflected in my body of work which to date includes everything from Children’s Lit to Thrillers.
I happily reside in sunny Florida (for now) and always enjoy hearing from fellow readers!!
Author Links

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

NEW RELEASE ~ Fear of Striking Out by Lyssa Layne

TITLE: Fear of Striking Out
AUTHOR: Lyssa Layne
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: February 19, 2015
COVER DESIGN: E.J. Kellan
LENGTH: 54,000+
CONTENT WARNING: Adult Content


Synopsis

Shortstop Tate James has been traded from the all-American town of Milwaukee to the trendy City of Angels. 

Pink hair, manscaping, dogs in purses... not his thing. This ball player is less than excited about his new hometown. That is until he crosses paths with beautiful Mia Tomko. She lets him know that not all L.A. women are just after fame and fortune.

As Tate and Mia find that their interest in each other isn't the only thing they have in common, neither are prepared for what their future holds. 

When someone from both of their pasts arrives, will it tear them apart or make them closer?

Book Links


Excerpt


Waves crash in the darkness of the night. The moon peeks behind a few clouds as I lean against Mia’s deck sipping whiskey. Once again, the thought of moving to L.A. doesn’t seem so bad, especially when I feel her hand slide over my back pockets. Her breath is warm on my ear as both hands run over my backside. I feel her smile against my cheek. She lightly kisses it and whispers while she gives me a squeeze, “I can’t wait to see you in baseball pants this season.”

Laughing, I turn around to face her and pull her body against mine. She moves her arms around my neck and we exchange a powerful kiss. My whole body shakes inside and I don’t ever want to stop kissing her. What is this woman doing to me? I’m not the kind of man that wants to settle down. Back in Milwaukee, I had a few lady friends that I would get together with from time to time, but I’ve never seen a woman the way I see Mia Tomko. She breaks the kiss, but I don’t let go.

“Good, you started the fire,” she says nodding toward the fire pit. “I brought out the fixings for s’mores; hope you like them.”

Chuckling, I nod my head as I let go of her and she walks over to the table. “They’re actually my favorite.”

I watch her open the box of graham crackers. Damn, even in torn-up jeans and a baggy Stanford sweatshirt she looks good. Reaching for another bag to busy myself, I stop and look at Mia. “Reese’s?”

She nods with a grin. “Trust me, it’s way better than a Hershey bar. It’s pure ecstasy.”

Leaning forward, I kiss her neck, making her giggle. “Nah, I think this is pure ecstasy.”

Walking to the fire pit with roasters in hand, I stand behind her so I can nibble on her neck as we toast the ‘mallows. She tilts her head, giving me full access to her soft skin. A few turns of the roaster and she holds the s’more in front of my mouth. My teeth clamp down over the treat as I lock eyes with her. “Mmm… ” I moan. She’s right, the Reese’s are delicious.

Grinning, she pulls the s’more back and takes a bite herself. Chocolate smears on her lip. I lean forward and run my tongue over it then close my mouth and suck her lip to get every last bit off. As she slips her tongue over mine, I can feel myself start to get hard and I moan into her mouth. Mumbling with my lips still against hers, I utter, “You’re right… ecstasy.”

Additional Books
If you love Fear of Striking Out then you don't want to miss Tate & Mia's friends story in The Right Pitch.

About the Author


Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor. 

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

Author Links


Facebook Party

You won't want to miss the Fear of Striking Out Release Day Party on Facebook tonight from 7-10PM CT. There will be giveaways, games, and tons of fun! Hosts include: Beth Jones, Traci Hayden, William Scott, Linda Armstrong, Toshia Slade, and of course, Lyssa Layne! See you there!

Giveaway

Be sure to enter this Rafflecopter for a chance to win an ebook from Lyssa Layne, jewelry from Baseball Wishes, and a free cover from E.J. Kellan! Rafflecopter will be open until 2/22/15.


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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

COVER REVEAL ~ FALLEN IDOL by Nikki Lynn Barrett



Title: Fallen Idol 
Series: Love and Music in Texas
Book number: 4
Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense 
Release Date: March 31, 2015



Blurb: 


What goes up must come down... 

Kyra Sanders had a promising career in country music in her teen years. She gained popularity and fame, riding high atop the the charts. Then one deadly accident changed things, sending her spiraling downward to the point she went into a hiatus from music. 

Six years later, Kyra's making her return to the music scene. With an album in the works and a new song on the radio, her career is back on track, until a call from Texas with news of an accident forces her to halt her plans. 

Matt Greer is working through the aftermath of his ex-wife's abandonment when she chose to leave him and their fourteen year old son to pursue her own musical dreams. He's had enough of troubled musicians and the havoc they bring to his life Kyra surprises him in a good way, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with a singer who comes to town with trouble on her trail. 

It's hard to avoid each other in a small town, especially when their families are close. Matt should stay away from the woman who could lead danger right to their town, and it's possible she already has, but he can't help how drawn he becomes to her. 

The sparks ignite, but danger lurks in the distance, only getting closer as time goes on. For two people who want different things out of life, it's possible to find healing together...


This is the fourth book in the Love and Music in Texas series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. 


Preorder on Amazon for a special Intro price of 99 cents. Fallen Idol will go up to regular price of $3.99 one week after release. 







Fallen Idol stands on its on, but you can get can begin the series with Baby Stetson. It's currently free on all outlets.  









About the Author:

I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

Places to find me on the web:
wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com
FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark
Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/
Nikki's Book Stormers: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/
Twitter: @Stormgoddess925
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett
Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com
I love to hear from readers!







Saturday, February 7, 2015

Author Spotlight ~ Jeanine Binder

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about author
Jeanine Binder grew up in a small town in California on the outskirts of Palm Springs, where the Hollywood celebrities liked to vacation. After thirty years, she packed up, moved to Arkansas where she still lives today. Her hobbies include her writing, reading good books, and seeing exotic places (loves to go on cruises).
Writing has always been a passion and hoping the next twenty years will bring many enjoyable books for others to read.
authorlinks1
 

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Little Known Facts
Interview with Fiona McVie
What inspired you to write your first book? The want to write something people would enjoy reading. That was always my goal – to sell one to someone I didn’t know who enjoyed reading it.
Do you have a specific writing style? I write “clean” romance. My author-daughter calls those “Fade to Blacks” where I set up the love scene, then it fades off.
What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor? Little Women – I admitted Louisa Mae Alcott for writing that when she was a teenager. Think I’ve read it fifty times or better. In today’s world, Danielle Steel is my biggest influence. I’ve studied her style and researched how she became so successful.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Keeping the plots fresh – not having the same thing in every book.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Don’t give up. If you can’t get a publishing house to pick it up – which is getting harder and harder these days – publish it yourself on Amazon.
What makes you laugh/cry? Good comedy and kittens make me laugh. Seeing animals abused or senseless killings – that make me cry.
Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why? Sean Connery. He has always been the essence of sophistication and class.
Other than writing do you have any hobbies? Listening to music, playing Diablo 3 with friends, going on cruises for vacation.
What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching? Not much into television. I like watching the Food Network and Cardinal’s baseball, during baseball season.
Favorite foods / Colors/ Music Food = anything Oriental. Music = Alan Parsons, Yes, Van Halen. Color – maroon.

  Interview with Mave Serafi
Where are you from?  Born Inglewood, California.  Now live Bentonville, Arkansas
What is your favourite author? James Patterson
What Genre do you typically write in and why?  Light Romance – because I like happy endings
Who is your biggest inspiration? Danielle Steel – I love how she kept writing even though she kept getting turned down (she was turned down 9 times after her first book published)
What is your favorite place and time to write? Early mornings, in my office.  Where is it peaceful
What are you currently working on?  Finishing the edits for “Ashes to Sparks” – my next romance.  Hoping for publishing early next month.

Fan Questions
What kind of liquor would your characters be? Fruity rum drinks
What inspired Fine Line? San Diego County Sheriff’s – used to hang with them some 20 years ago
What is your go to writing snack? Crunchy Cheetos
  
  This/That
Would you prefer a cop or doctor in uniform? 
  Blonde or brunette? Brains or muscle
  Reading on a rainy day or walking on a sunny day? 
 Country or city living? 
 Long vacation at home or short vacation at an exotic location? 
  Playing it safe or rolling the dice? 
 Truth or dare
 Leather or lace
 As a lover, Nick from Real Time or Leigh from Fine Line?

additionalbooks
RealTime-ebook-web
 

Real Time

Published: August 24, 2014
SYNOPSIS
Twenty-five years of fame comes at a price for Nick, leaving him hard—a machine to produce nothing but his music. True to his British upbringing, he’s very set in his ways. Things are just as he wants them—no deviance.
In steps Kate—a studio musician who, by a strange twist, manages to get hired into his band. Everything starts out with the boundaries firmly placed, and it doesn’t take long for Nick to realize she’s going to change his world. To his surprise, he’s the one who is attracted to her first. She gets under his skin.
Living by the creed that letting people close gets you hurt, Nick stays driven in his commitments. He is a musician, first and foremost, but a turn of events leads him to investing in the recording company who produces his music. Can he handle this new venture, his music, and keep the woman he now loves?

EXCERPT
Nick Marshall planted his booted foot onto the desk in front of him, taking a long drag off the cigarette in his left hand and closing his eyes as he laid his head back on the chair. This cannot be that bloody hard, he thought, exhaling and opening his eyes to watch the smoke swirl over his head. In a city the size of Los Angeles, how difficult can it be to find ONE person who can play the piano? Nick was starting to get anxious and more than simply irritated. He had been auditioning to replace Marcus Daily, his keyboard player of fifteen years. Marcus had retired in the spring, stating he wanted to be closer to home, closer to his kids. Nick appreciated his sentiments and sent him off with a bang - a new job at the studio which would accomplish that. Now the bang was in his head as a headache continued to grow through a well of sheer frustration. He’d thought this would be an easy task – now he was three weeks away from his six-month US tour and no keyboard player in sight.

A Fine line - front

A Fine Line

Published: November 13, 2014
SYNOPSIS
Undercover narcotics. Lori had no clue how dirty this business really was until Dr. Leigh Matthews walked into his life, late-night in an emergency room. She was blonde, beautiful, and intelligent – to Lori’s amazement she was just as happy with him and his job as he was. His father’s financial success meant nothing to her. She was a bright ray of sunshine in an otherwise dismal world.
But as Lori prepares to bring down the largest drug operation in the county, can their love survive the stress of his long absences, the dangers of his job, as well as ultimate betrayal? Can they keep their relationship alive and well when the whole world turns upside down?

EXCERPT
It was absolutely not his day.
It had started with an early morning phone call from his ex-wife, Melissa. She’d been ranting about how her alimony check was late this month – which was not unusual. It was always two or three days late each month. And, with that statement, came a complete dissertation of what she was unable to do based on the fact said check was late. Lori – his real name was Taylor; no one except his father ever called him that – had sat on his bed, half asleep, listening to her voice rise and fall as she doggedly made her points. He tried to interrupt numerous times but she continued, unimpeded with her tirade. She had been determined to say what she wanted before Lori ever got a word in. On and on it went –more of her normal drama. Something Lori could care less about.
Lori Winslow was a sheriff’s deputy with the Special Investigations Division for San Diego County, California. He was thirty-five years old, six-foot tall, hazel eyes, and light brown hair which hung to his shoulders.
Teasers
 

Ashes to Sparks

coming Feb 2015
EXCERPT
His cell phone rang at ten minutes to eleven that evening. “Jeffries,” he said answering it.
He couldn’t understand the person on the other end. They were intermittently yelling and crying – all he knew was it was Wendy’s voice on the phone. So he waited patiently for her to finish whatever fit she was having at that moment. It was normal for her to just scream and yell on the phone, not making a lot of sense until she thought she had said what she wanted. He could live a long life without her constant drama scenes.
“You done?” he asked, when the voice was quiet.
“Yes,” she said. “I want you to bring Kristen home to me tonight.”
“She’s sound asleep and it’s eleven o’clock,” he countered. “I’ll drop her off at school in the morning.”
“I’ll call the police. I’ll tell them you kidnapped her.”
The threat didn’t even faze him. “Go right ahead, Wendy. I’ll have Kristen’s school come and testify that you continually neglect to pick her up after school. It’s starting to become a habit with you. What the hell is that all about?”
“Fine,” she said, a huffy tone in her voice and ignoring his question. “You’re an asshole, Ryan.”
She hung up the phone and Ryan smiled to himself, knowing he had won this battle, small that it was. He leaned his head back against the couch, closing his eyes against a raging headache. Never again, he said to himself. I will never let a woman in my life again. Just not worth it. Ryan was thirty-three, six-foot-five, two-hundred-twenty pounds, with red hair and green eyes – not like he had issues with women admiring the way he looked. He’d catch women watching him all the time; he just wasn’t ready to jump into anything after all of the chaos he’d gone through with Wendy. It would take a very special woman to change his mind. He liked being able to do as he pleased without having to worry about any repercussions.
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