Author Interview with Nikki Lynn Barrett

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I am interviewing one of my favorite gals today, Nikki Lynn Barrett. She has a new release titled Baby Stetson and it’s such a great idea. Welcome, Nikki!

babystetCan you tell us about your story and how you came up with the idea?

I’ve had an idea about a female lead singer that had been adopted and was never sure about her past for awhile. I’ve also had an idea about creating a series revolving around music. Baby Stetson came about. And actually, Baby Stetson wasn’t originally going to be book 1 in the series…but as I kept thinking about it, it made much more sense.  This book surprised me with some of the characters, and the way things turned out.  I can say it was so fun and emotional to write.

Looking back over all of the intimate moments you’ve created between characters, which scene would you most like to experience for yourself?  What makes it so alluring?

There’s a hot tub scene in Baby Stetson I wouldn’t mind…:)

That’s it? What about the hot tub scene you little tease? Now I’m gonna have to read the book. LOL Okay. Next question:If a reader is unfamiliar with your work, which of your books would you suggest he or she read first?  Why?

Oh Man, that’s a toughie!  I love Secret Santa and Stetson so much, I couldn’t decide…how about we play enie meenie miney moe? * Wink*

Which genres do you write in and why?

Mainly contemporary, suspense, and some paranormal. I am drawn to suspense and contemporary, because I love the intrigue and mystery, and contemporary…well, people can easily relate to the characters.

What are you currently working on?

Echoes Of The Past, a paranormal suspense. Think ghosts, psychic visions, and lots of angst….it’s darker and much different than Baby Stetson or Secret Santa, but still has that same deep emotional feel.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I do not like to summarize what my book is about to people. I’d rather hand them a blurb!

What gets you into the mood to write?

Music! And when a scene or character yells at me loud enough…

Favorite snack or drink while you write?

Snack..probably pretzels. Drink? I’m addicted to raspberry tea and usually have one near me.

Any words of advice to aspiring authors?

Study the craft, follow your dreams and never give up!

Never give up is a big one for me. What are you currently reading?

The smart Three letter word that starts with a and ends in double s in me wants to say these questions. Giggle

But the nice Nikki says Mona Lisa’s Room by Vonnie Davis

Ha ha. Everybody’s a comedian. :0) And finally, is there anything you would like to share?

 Thank you for having me today!  I enjoy moseying out of my writing cave to invade the land of the living.  I appreciate you letting me invade your bubble today! Heehee

 

Baby Stetson

Love and Music in Texas, Book One

In small Texas towns, strangers come and go…

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she’s never lacked for love…only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night…Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good…stable, until new guests blew into town. 

Some strangers come with secrets and lies.

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn’t matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony’s Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery’s ignited within, he’s intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn’t want Avery to know.

Each time they’re near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.

Add this book to your goodreads list!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Music-Texas-ebook/dp/B00BWIE1GI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363971733&sr=1-1&keywords=Baby+Stetson

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-stetson-nikki-lynn-barrett/1114866006?ean=2940016243566

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-Stetson/book-rP9VC1UvlEqgaOrJJXLatw/page1.html?s=91X-oMVbn0aPh2Tu_jejRw&r=1

 

 

Other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett

The Secret Santa Wishing Well

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16159845-the-secret-santa-wishing-well

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She’s an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki’s site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett

https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

@Stormgoddess925 on Twitter

 

Book Spotlight: Finding Flight by Heather M. Sharpe

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Finding Flight

Heather M. Sharpe

 

FindingFlight_ByHeatherMSharpe-200x300Can her gift help her find an everlasting love?

Blurb: As an Enforcer for a secret society of shapeshifters, Ledger Arneau is offered a chance to retrieve his wayward brother before The Council puts out a warrant for his arrest. When the trail goes cold, he is willing to try anything to pick it up again, even if it means bringing in an outsider.

Corinne Winters is able to find any missing object, except her own, by concentrating on it. She’s always dreamed of using her skills to help locate missing people. After an embarrassing setback with the local police department, she jumps on the opportunity to use her skills to help Ledger.

Corinne finds a love she didn’t know she was looking for with Ledger, and discovers a new depth to her talent when they are together. When her new love and his brother disappear back into the secret society, Corinne must stretch her talent beyond anything she ever imagined to bring them home. Unaware of the circumstances surrounding Ledger’s disappearance, Corinne races across the country on his trail. When she finally locates the brothers, she witnesses the unbelievable, and flees in terror. In order to claim the love of her life, she must find a way to accept him and his secret.

 

Excerpt:

“Are you going to stand there all night, or are you going to let me out?” Corinne called while tapping lightly on the glass behind him.

Ledger pushed his worries to the back of his mind and reluctantly straightened from the side of the car. Despite his new worry about Cedric catching up with them, he couldn’t drive any farther tonight. After a few hours of sleep, he’d be refreshed, and they could pick up the trail bright and early in the morning.

He turned to open the door and helped Corinne straighten from the seat. Stretching her arms above her head, Corinne breathed, “Hmm…I think that’s the longest car ride I’ve ever had. What are our room numbers?”

“Two-thirteen. We’re leaving early in the morning again, so what do you need me to carry in for you? The less we take in now, the less we’ll have to bring back out in the morning.” Ledger turned from Corinne and headed toward the trunk without glancing back.

“What do you mean we’re in two-thirteen? You only got one room?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry, there are two beds. We won’t be here for more than a few hours, anyway. As soon as I’ve caught some sleep, we’ll be back on the road again.”

“I’m not sharing a room with you! What if I snore? You’ve been up since who knows when; I’d hate to keep you awake!” Corinne grabbed her phone out of the cup holder and slammed the door.

“You snore? I never would have guessed. Don’t worry, I’ll sleep through it.”

“I don’t snore.”

“Sure.” He snorted. She was so fun to tease.

“I said what if I snore, not that I do snore. Anyway, that’s beside the point. You need to go get another room.” Corinne followed him to the trunk of the car and stood with her hands on her hips.

She was close enough that his keen hearing picked up the elevation in her heart rate, and the blush starting at the base of her throat beckoned him. She did want two rooms, but it appeared that the thought of sharing a room excited her in spite of herself.

“Sorry, princess. One room. I’m going up to get some sleep. You can stay here with the car if you really want to. I’ll be back in about six hours.”

 

h beach close upBio: Heather M. Sharpe lives on 6 acres in Central Kansas with her husband, perfect baby boy, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. In case the house isn’t full enough, it also includes four noisy dogs, one cat who inspired For the love of a Sphynx, another who torments him, and a lizard.  At night, all of them think they need room on the bed (except the lizard, thankfully).

Up until the birth of her son, Heather taught elementary school.  Now she chases around her toddler and writes whenever he naps long enough to turn on the laptop.  When not writing or chasing the baby, Heather enjoys hanging at the lake, waking up early to tear up the water on the wakeboard or wakesurf board, and making s’mores.

Make sure to check out Heather’s website and Facebook page to keep informed of all her newest projects.

FindingFlight_ByHeatherMSharpe-bannerLinks: www.heathermsharpe.webstarts.com

www.facebook.com/heathermsharpe

Book Spotlight: Shotgun Bride by Karen Lopp

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Today we have a great new Western Romance from debut author Karen Lopp! Congratulations on yesterday’s release, Karen and welcome to the blog.

 

ShotgunBride_850 (1)BLURB

Orphaned young, Kathleen Barns has struggled to survive only to end up in a New York mill, when an unexpected inheritance gives her a glimpse of freedom. But becoming the landowner of a coveted piece of land with precious water rights in New Mexico Territory threatens to destroy her only chance at love. Forced into a marriage to a man who believes she planned the shotgun wedding to gain control of his ranch, Kathleen flees into the wilderness. Yet it is her unwanted husband that keeps saving her life and threatens to steal her heart.

Mike Baca had finally reached his goal, his fighting days were far behind him now that the war was over, he owned a ranch and he was on his way home to marry the richest girl in the New Mexico Territory. A shotgun in his back had him married to a green-eyed girl who wanted his ranch! Furious with her trickery, Mike made sure she wouldn’t want to keep him. It was only after she had run, with her big-eyed gaze haunting him that he discovered she was innocent, and there was a plot on her life. Now he must race the clock and the wild badlands to try and save his wife – and convince her to stay.

BIO:

Steeped in a rich family history, Karen Lopp has always been drawn to the courageous lives of the women who lived through the hardships of the past and triumphed.

A transplant from Oklahoma where she grew up on a farm just one mile away from where her great-grandparents settled in the land run, Karen now lives in the enchanted land of New Mexico and has a running competition with her dad on who can grow the tallest hollyhocks. Books and tales of ancestors were staples in her life and she fell in love with history. Enthralled with the short stories her grandmother wrote and passed down, she took the plunge (with encouragement from hubby and kids) into the world of writing. And is now hooked. Her inspiration comes from research into her family tree and their interesting lives.

EXCERPT:

Heart pounding in her ears, Kathleen bit her lower lip and strained to sort out what noise woke her. She lay perfectly still as an unnatural silence descended. The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention.

She softly slipped out of bed, tiptoed to the door, and pressed her ear against the rough wood. Nothing. Placing a hand over her heart, she drew in several deep breaths to slow its rapid pace. She braced a hand on the dresser, poured some water, and splashed the tepid liquid over her hot flesh.

Suddenly gunshots split the peaceful night. Kathleen dropped to the floor and huddled next to the washstand. Her heart slammed against her bones. Wood splintered under the impact of bullets and angry shouts erupted as a brawl intensified.

Somehow in the midst of the boisterous clamor, she heard a soft click and her door swung open then closed in a rapid burst. A ray of moonlight from her window glinted off the barrel of a gun. A dark-garbed man crossed the room in two quiet strides.

Swallowing the scream in her throat, her eyes widened in fear. Six bullets riddled the bed she had so recently vacated, the loud boom mingling with the new eruption of shots in the hall. A tremor ran down her spine, and she held her breath, petrified the killer would notice her white cotton nightgown against the green paisley wallpaper.

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Bride-ebook/dp/B00BT4GDD4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1363183234&sr=8-12&keywords=shotgun+bride

CONTACT INFO

http://karenlopp.com

facebook.com/authorkarenlopp

twitter.com/karen_lopp

Pinterest.com/karenlopp

 

Book Spotlight: January Black by Wendy Russo

January Black Blurb

Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.

More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.

What was January Black?

It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He’s been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost…or call the king’s bluff.

 

January Black Excerpt #1

While walking south on Main Street, Matty and Iris traded shopping bags. She cocked her head sideways while looking at the cover of the book he bought her.

“Black Sheep,” she read aloud thoughtfully. “Alice Glass. Why do I know that name?”

“She wrote the novel that ‘Marker’ is based on,” he replied, referring to a SteerNet serial about to be cancelled in its first season.

“Ugh,” she said, dropping her hand. The book slapped her leg. “That show is horrible.”

“Agreed, but never mind that. ‘Black Sheep’ is by far her best work.”

“I’ll give it a try,” Iris said. “Take a look in yours.”

He pulled the small paperback out his. Peter Oldham was his mother’s favorite historical fiction author. Matty recognized “Drops in August” as soon as the corner of the cover cleared the paper sleeve. He bit his tongue to keep from groaning.

“Oh, God,” she said, likely in reaction to the cringe he failed to hold back. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”

Thinking of his mother, and her repeated suggestions that he read the book, Matty’s initial disappointment dissipated. “No, this is good,” he told Iris.

“That’s not what your face says.” She reached for the book.

“Oh, no!” He shook his head and moved his hand out of her reach. “This will do very nicely.”

“Nicely? For what?” She crossed in front of him and walked backward, reaching for the book as he whipped his hand up and behind his head.

“For a joke on my parents.”

She stopped cold in her tracks. He planted his feet so that he wouldn’t run into her, but his momentum carried him forward anyway. She put her hands forward to stop him from falling, but when he hit them, she lost her footing and stumbled backwards. He lunged forward and caught her in his arms.

When he regained his balance and stopped her fall, she was shocked, breathless, and completely supported in his arms at a sharp angle to the ground. People around them on the sidewalk applauded.

One man who passed them said, “Nice catch, kid!”

Matty stepped back and brought her to her feet. She seemed to be searching his eyes for something.

Finally, she asked, “Are you a brat, Matty?”

“Depends.” He felt as if he would shake apart if he let her go. “Do you like brats?”

As her lips pulled into a smile from ear to ear, she touched her forehead to his collarbone. A few moments later, she looked back up at him and squirmed just slightly. He let her shrug him off, and when her arms were free, she slapped his cheek playfully before skipping south on the sidewalk. All of his internal organs melted into his legs. About ten steps later, she turned around.

“Are you coming?” she yelled.

Matty shook off his daze and ran to catch up with her.

January Black – Kindle : http://www.amazon.com/January-Black-ebook/dp/B00B0I176M/ref=la_B00B0WODCI_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358209826&sr=1-1

January Black – Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16692299-january-black

Biography

Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.

 

You can find Wendy S. Russo
Blog |  Facebook | G+ | Twitter |Goodreads

 

 

Character Interview and Contest Give Away: Gambling On A Secret by Sara Walter Ellwood

Please welcome the lovely and talented Sara walter Ellwood and her fun and entertaining hero and heroine, Dylan and Charlotte. Please be sure to comment and leave your name for a chance to win.

 

So tell us a little bit about yourselves. Who are you? Give your full name and title. Do you have special abilities?

Hello Kary, thank you so much for having me here today. Hope you don’t mind that I brought Dylan along for moral support. I’m not very good at these sorts of things. Never really wanted to be in the limelight.

Oh, you asked me a question. Sorry. I’m Charli—Charlotte—Monroe and I’m the heroine, I guess. Sara keeps calling me a runaway-turned heiress. I suppose that’s right. I grew up in Tulsa, but when my mother was killed in a car accident when I was fifteen, I went to live with my grandfather on his 25,000 acre ranch in western Oklahoma. I was his only heir, and when he died, I inherited his massive fortune. He was CEO of Monroe Farm Equipment. Never heard of them? Now that surprises me. The company is as big as John Deere.

I’m mostly Irish with a bit of German and Native American mixed in there too. At least, I think that’s it. I’m not really sure since I never knew my father. As for special abilities… Umm…No I don’t have any.

*Dylan grins and shakes his head*

What? *Charli narrows her eyes at him*

Oh, nothing, but I’d have to disagree about the last answer. You have a lot of special abilities. Especially the way you wear those short, skimpy robes.

*Charli raises an eyebrow* I don’t think she was asking about those abilities. And we aren’t supposed to be talking about them either. Now hush.

*Dylan shrugs* You’re the one who dragged me along to this.

What are your goals?

I’m attending Colton College to get my degree in social work and psychology. I want to open my ranch to young girls and boys—teenagers—who just can’t stay at home for whatever reason. I want to give them a chance to work through their problems before they feel the only option they have is to run away. I never want another child to live through what I have while I lived on the streets in Las Vegas. *Charli shudders and wraps her arms around her middle. Dylan hugs her shoulders with one arm and pulls her to his side.*

What were your conflicts and obstacles in your story?

*Dylan snorts* Other than the ranch she bought is falling down around her?

*Charli smiles* But you’ll fix it up for me… As soon as you stop drinking. *She sobers* But seriously, my biggest obstacle is my need to hide my past. No one in Colton can ever know the whole story about me or it would ruin everything. My grandfather made sure my past was buried deep when I finally came home.

Yeah, right. *Dylan leans back in his chair.* But I know someone who’d love to know all about that past to use it against you.

Will you stop already? Your uncle is not that kind of man. He’s my friend.

*Dylan scowls* That bastard is not my uncle. He stole my mother’s birthright. And we both know what he wants—you and your ranch.

Next question, please.

What did you think of Dylan Quinn when you first met?

*Charli tilts her head to the side and studies him* He didn’t smile. His gray eyes were dull as weathered boards. He had a lot of ghosts in his past. He showed up twenty minutes late for an interview for the position of my ranch manger, and I really wanted to write him off. But something about him just wouldn’t let me.

But mostly, I just thought that he was too big and ruggedly handsome and that he drank too much. The fact he’d been a Special Forces commander scared the hell out of me. Even though I really didn’t know what that meant until later.

*Dylan grins* Hell, all you wanted to do was fix me.

*She laughs* That too.

What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness? How have they influenced you and your relationships to date?

Oh, I hate these kinds of questions. I have no idea what my strength is, but I know what my weakness is. I trust the wrong kind of men. Have done it all my life, and it has lead me down some dark and dangerous paths.

*Dylan smiles* Her greatest strength is easily her determination. Charli is a survivor. She had to be.

*Charli blushes*

It’s true. *Dylan softens his gaze and holds her hand.* I think the way her strength affects her relationships is she never gives up. She goes after what she wants.  Now if it’s always the right thing or not? Well, that’s where we’ll have to wait and see.

In your story, what moment was the most memorable, the most meaningful to you? Why?

Oh, finally an easy one! The Memorial Day banquet. I’d never seen anything as moving as the Missing Man ceremony. It still gives me chills to think about looking around the room full of former and current soldiers, all of them standing at attention many them with tears in their eyes as they stared at the beautifully set table while Dylan’s cousin narrated the ceremony.

*Dylan shifts in his chair and rubs a hand over his neck.* Remembering the war dead is hard for all of us. I have too many friends who are represented by those empty chairs.

*Charli squeezes his hand* But you finally said goodbye to your men. That’s why it’s so meaningful.

And finally, is there anything you would like to share?

Just the blurb and an excerpt, if that’s okay. Oh, and a warm wish for a great day.

 

Blurb:

When Charli bets everything on a secret, will she find the deck stacked against her?

 

Former runaway-turned heiress Charli Monroe is hiding her sordid past and planning a future in Colton, Texas. Attending the local college for a degree in social work, she intends to raise cattle on her newly purchased ranch, which she plans to open as a home for troubled teens. Only a few glitches—the Victorian mansion is crumbling, the barn needs a roof, and her oilman neighbor wants more than friendship. When she meets Dylan Quinn, Charli is willing to take a chance on the town drunk to help her rebuild the rundown ranch.

 

Dylan has his demons, too. The former Special Forces commander can’t get past his ex-wife’s betrayal and the botched mission that left him with much more than a bad limp. Certain the greedy oilman next door to Charli wants much more than just her heart, Dylan’s even willing to stop drinking in order to protect her.

 

When things get dangerous and secrets of the past are revealed, is he only looking out for his new employer, or is she the new start he so desperately needs?

 

CONTENT WARNING: Details abuse of a minor, drug abuse, alcoholism, swearing, spicy sex, murder.

 

COVER QUOTE:

“Full of intrigue, tangled pasts, and raw emotions, this one is guaranteed to keep you turning pages from start to finish and then wishing for one more chapter!” Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Just a Cowboy and His Baby.

 

 

Excerpt:

“Ferguson, what are you doing here?” Dylan barked.

 

Leon ambled toward them on the stone path. “I’m saving a young maiden from torment. What are you doing here, playing the part of the devil?”

 

“I’m Miss Monroe’s new manager.” The deadly edge of his voice matched the flintiness of his eyes. “If there’s anyone to save the young maiden from, it’s you.”

 

“Mr. Quinn, please.” She turned to Leon. “Leon, is there something I can do for you?”

 

He smiled, showing off perfect white teeth in a face handsome enough to belong to an actor. “I was just passing by on my way home and decided to stop. How are the boys working out?”

 

Dylan’s stance widened and his hands flexed at his slides. “What boys?”

 

“Charli and I have entered into a business arrangement.”

 

She lost the battle with the urge to wrap her arms around herself. As much as she appreciated Leon’s kindness, respected him, and was even a little attracted to him, something about him didn’t sit right with her. He represented her peers in the community. According to Mrs. Pratt, besides the Cartwrights, she and Leon were undoubtedly the wealthiest residents in the county. No one in Colton could learn about her past. It would ruin her, and Leon, no doubt, had the means to dig up the dirt.

 

“Really?” Dylan stepped closer to her in a protective manner. Whiskey tainted his breath as the warmth of the exhalations tickled her cheek. “What kind of business arrangement?”

 

She could protect herself. Dylan Quinn wasn’t any safer than Leon Ferguson. Stepping away from him, she forced her arms to her sides. “Mr. Quinn, I can handle this.”

 

She faced Leon. “I’m amazed by how much the men got done since starting on Monday. The foreman told me last evening they’d be reseeding another fifty acres for hay this morning. And they have the corrals fixed and started on the fencing in the north pasture.”

 

“Good, good.” He glanced at Dylan. “I’ll be going, unless you need a more reliable exterminator. I couldn’t help but overhear about your snake infestation. I can give you the name of the company that has gotten rid of the snakes in our lakes over on Oak Springs for years.”

 

Although he presented the perfect solution, she didn’t the like way Leon had looked at Dylan as he said the word exterminator. “No, Mr. Quinn is quite capable of getting rid of the snake.”

 

“Oh, I’m sure he is.” Leon tipped his hat. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you, Charli.” Dylan’s jaw tightened as his uncle glanced at him. “It’s good to see you up among the living again.”

 

Leon headed back to his Porsche. With no pretense of lowering his voice, Dylan said, “Now, there’s a snake no one wants in their garden.”

 

Upon hearing the jibe, Leon’s shoulders jerked in mid-stride.

 

Rattled by Leon’s attention and the snake fiasco, she turned on Dylan. “You aren’t off the hook. I want those snakes gone.”

 

“We’ll see.”

 

“I hate snakes.” She shuddered and put her hands on her hips. “Maybe I should have asked him who the exterminator is.”

You can purchase Gambling On A Secret at the following locations:

Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gambling-on-a-secret-sara-walter-ellwood/1114062294?ean=2940016153667

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/gambling-on-a-secret

Lyrical Press: http://lyricalpress.com/category/series/colton-gamblers/

 

 

Giveaway: **PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GIVEAWAY**

~One poster from every stop will win a Gambling On A Secret ebook

~One commenter from each stop will win a piece of custom jewelry.

(The winners of these two prizes will be announced the day after the tour stop.)

I also have 2 Grand Prizes!

~First Grand Prize is a SWAG PACK, including a signed copy of Carolyn Brown’s Just a Cowboy and His Baby. Also included is a copy of D’Ann Lindun’s Shot Through the Heart, a pen, a notebook, a horse themed mini calendar, a patriotic themed day planner, and more all tucked away in a reusable tote bag at the end of my blog tour.

~Second Grand Prize is a $10 Gift Card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you follow the tour and comment as often as possible, you increase your chances of winning!

(The winners of the Swag Pack and Gift Card will be announced on March 1, 2013.)

(Swag Pack is only eligible for US residents to win. The jewelry and gift card are eligible to US and Canada residents only. The ebook is eligible to anyone, unless prohibited by law.)

 

Bio:

Sara Walter Ellwood is an award winning author whose novel Gambling On A Secret was named by bestselling author Carolyn Brown in the Happy Ever After Blog on USA Today as one of her favorite romances of 2012. Although Sara has long ago left the farm for the glamour of the big town, she draws on her experiences growing up on a small hobby farm in West Central Pennsylvania to write her stories. She’s been married to her college sweetheart for nearly 20 years, and they have two teenagers and one very spoiled rescue cat named Penny. She longs to visit the places she writes about and jokes she’s a cowgirl at heart stuck in Pennsylvania suburbia. 

She also writes paranormal romantic suspense under the pen name Cera duBois.

You can find her at the following:

Website: http://www.sarawalterellwood.com

Blog: http://www.sarawalterellwood.com/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarawalterellwood.ceradubois/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sara_w_ellwood

 

A Galactic Holiday Anthology from Carina Press and an Amazing GiveAway

A GALACTIC HOLIDAY: In Snippets

  

 

We are thrilled to be here and talk a little about out sci-fi romance holiday anthology, A GALACTIC HOLIDAY. But instead of us doing the talking, we thought we’d let our stories do the talking. Here are a few exclusive sneak peeks into A GALACTIC HOLIDAY!

 

WINTER FUSION by Anna Hackett

 

Opening line: “Seduce her.”

 

Snippet #1:

Savan smiled. “Best Yule gift I ever received.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t it the only Yule gift you’ve received?”

He brushed some strands of hair off her cheek, fingering the golden silk between his fingers. “It wouldn’t matter if I’d received hundreds.”

Snippet #2:

Throat tight, Savan just stared at her, willing her to listen. But he couldn’t find any words, let alone the right words. His tongue felt too big, his lips clumsy.

He, the master negotiator, couldn’t find anything to say.

Blurb:

Ex-space marine Savan Bardan survived the Galactic Wars to become the most ruthless trade negotiator in the galaxy. His planet needs energy to survive, and he’ll do anything to close the deal for the Perman fusion crystals that can provide it—even if it means seducing his beautiful, infuriating opponent, a rival icier than her planet.

Perma’s top negotiator, Brinn Fjord, lost her father when Savan delayed her planet’s Trade Guild membership years ago. She hates the handsome Rendarian and the planet he represents. She’s determined to finish the deal and get rid of him as quickly as possible, so she can celebrate the holidays.

But soon the rival negotiators are in a fight for their lives. Besieged by mysterious accidents and unforgiving weather, Brinn and Savan have no one to depend on but each other. As they put the past aside, they uncover a desire hot enough to melt ice, and Brinn discovers a secret that may keep them apart.

 

GALILEO’S HOLIDAY by Sasha Summers

Opening line: She hung upside down, her small, gloved hands tightly gripping the heavy pneumatic socket driver to the plate braces.

 

Snippet #1:

“Cookies? Pixies? Fairies? Holiday? It’s like you’re speaking a foreign language, Marguerite. I don’t understand any of it.” She moved around Marguerite to the long electrical panel. “But I can fix your heat sensor. That I understand.”

Snippet #2:

“Leo, you’re wet.” Rex shook his head. “You’re supposed to take off your clothes when you bathe.”

“Leo wasn’t in the bath,” Walt offered.

“But Riley was.” Iggy scratched his head.” So we’re trying to figure out how Leo here ended up dripping wet…”

Blurb:

Ice miner Riley works alone in the depths of space, and that’s the way she likes it. She’s proud of her independence, and when her ship gets destroyed by raiders on the icy surface of Galileo, she’s not sure she wants to rely on rakish trader Leo and the kindness of a band of settlers to survive.

Despite her attempts to keep her distance, it’s not long before Riley warms to the family atmosphere of the settlers’ station. As Galileo’s Holiday approaches and she develops feelings for the handsome, charming Leo, she questions whether she really wants to remain alone.

But Leo is hiding cargo the raiders want, and when they come back for it, everyone on the small station is in danger. Riley will risk anything to protect her new friends—because if the raiders succeed, the choice between Leo and a life alone won’t be Riley’s to make.

 

HOW THE GLITCH SAVED CHRISTMAS by Stacy Gail

 Opening line: “…one-year anniversary of the death of Chicago’s hometown hero, Delbert Vincent Conrad, otherwise known as the father of androids.”

 

Snippet #1:  

“You’re crossing boundaries. Boundaries that have been there between us for two years.”

“When you put it like that, I can’t believe I’ve wasted that much time. Boundaries were made to be crossed, Reina,” he added when her gaze flew to his in a heated awareness she couldn’t hide. “One by one, I’m crossing them all.”

Snippet #2:

“I’m just trying to warm you up.”

“Congratulations, you’re doing a bang-up job of it.” His head lowered, and his eyes drifted shut as he brushed his face over her hair. “God, Reina. I didn’t know you smelled like heaven and sin all rolled into one. If I had, I would have done this a lot sooner.”

She pulled in a breath to ask him what he was doing when his mouth slid down her cheek to unerringly capture hers.

Blurb:

Reina Vedette chose principle over position when the Chicago police department ordered her to accept performance-enhancing body modifications or lose her rank. Demoted to a level one detective, Reina’s stuck chasing a bizarre, Grinch-in-reverse break-in case with fiery bod-mod enthusiast and level five top detective Edison Wicke.

Wicke has had his eye on Reina for ages, and as the two of them hunt down the benevolent burglar, they take turns warming each other with body heat in the subzero Chicago winter. Despite professional friction and their opposing views on bod-modding, Reina soon has to admit that she and Wicke are perfect for each other.

But when they track down their philanthropic quarry on Christmas Day, an unexpected glitch in a homemade android brings out Reina’s emotional side, and she and Wicke must decide whether love between a Neo-Luddite and a “walking toaster” is a gift that either of them can give.

 

So, this year, why not celebrate the holidays sci-fi style with an off-world Yule, a Galilean Holiday and a futuristic Christmas?

A GALACTIC HOLIDAY – Carina Press | Amazon | B&N | All Romance

Anna Hackett – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Stacy Gail – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Sasha Summers – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads  

Go to Rafflecopter for your chance to win one of these great prizes:

1 $25 Amazon gift card and a Galactic Holiday custom ornament

A SciFi ebook bundle

2 $10 Amazon cards

 

Rafflecopter code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Metaphorical Monday

“An idea is a feat of association, and the height of it is a good metaphor”Robert Frost

 

Good morning friends!

It’s that time again.

What kind of metaphors, similes and analogies can we could come up with today?

 

Don’t beat your brain like a farmer’s old feather mattress. Just let the ideas flow like a bubbling stream.

So come on. Give me your best, worst, silliest, funniest or strangest metaphors, similes and analogies. They can be from a published work, a work in process or something you thought up when you got here. Bring them on.

I can’t wait to read them.

Book spotlight: Hard Core by Jennifer Lowery

Book Spotlight

Hard Core/Romantic Suspense by Jennifer Lowery

He takes lives. She saves them.

 

A supposedly hassle-free job for mercenary Cristian Slade becomes a mission of mercy when he saves a life instead of taking one. Slade’s new mission might be his most dangerous yet, because the danger is to his heart.

Tragedy has sent esteemed surgeon Alana O’Grady to a remote a remote Nicaraguan island where she immerses herself in the lives of a native American tribe, using her talents for goodwill instead of wealth and prestige. But life turns upside down when her work requires she protect a rugged mercenary who commands her attention when she’s awake and dominates her dreams while she sleeps.

Doctoring Cristian puts her entire tribe in danger from the man who’s hunting him. Is it her professional oath or her unprofessional attraction to him keeping her from sending him away to heal on his own? Alana’s fire warms Cristian’s heart, but he’s a hardened assassin and has no business falling for someone like her. Can they fight hard enough to keep what they might have together?

Content Warning: Sexual content.

Excerpt:

Prepared to start an IV, she picked up a needle. She had it in position when his other arm shot out and he clamped her wrist in a bone-crushing grip. Startled, she met his panicked gaze.

“I said no needles.”

Her heart banged against her ribcage as she let the needle slip out of her hand. It hit the floor with a small ting. Alana opened her hands in surrender, her patient’s fingers digging into her flesh. For a man half-dead, he had amazing strength.

“Okay,” she said to placate him. “Relax, I don’t have it anymore. It’s your choice, but I recommend you let me start an IV for meds.”

“No. Just fix me.”

Alana pinned him with a no nonsense stare. “I’m not impressed with Superman heroics.”

Face pale and drawn, he said gruffly, “I’m not Superman. Learned not to trust people with needles.”

Her fingers were going numb. “If I remove the bullet without pain medication or anesthetic, you’re going to be sorry.”

He studied her. “You’re really a doctor?”

Alana bristled. “Technically, yes.”

“Technically?”

She didn’t have time to explain herself with the amount of blood seeping from his gunshot wound. “I went to med school. You can let go of my arm now. I won’t use any needles.”

He looked down and immediately released his grip. She rubbed her wrist to soothe away the ache. “Can I get to work now, or do you want to question me more about my credentials while you bleed to death? I don’t have a blood bank, so you’re screwed if you lose too much.”

Her blunt statement received a curt nod. She normally didn’t talk to her patients like that. Her patients didn’t normally countermand her either.

“Do it,” he said.

“Without anesthetics?”

“I don’t need them. Just get it over with.”

Stubborn, stupid, or both? Insane, yes, but there wasn’t time to argue with him.

“Okay. The offer stands if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

She doubted that, but didn’t comment. Instead, wiped her forehead with her forearm, and picked up gauze pads to clean the wound.

“Here goes,” she warned and dabbed his skin.

Her patient didn’t move or even wince as she cleaned the angry wound. Either he had a will of steel or he’d passed out again. Hopefully, the latter. Sweat rolled down her back as she finished cleansing the area around the bullet entry. Red flesh puckered with the first signs of infection. In this environment infection was guaranteed.

With a steady hand that would have made her father proud, she picked up her instruments and took a deep breath.

“You still with me?”

He murmured a response, turning his head slightly so he could see her. The stark beauty of his profile, despite the bruises, struck her again. The lines of his face were chiseled, unforgiving. The kind of man she’d glance at twice if she passed him on the street.

A man associated with a criminal.

“Still here, Doc. What are you waiting for?” Husky with pain, his deep voice brought her out of her thoughts.

She gave herself a mental shake. “Want something to bite down on?”

A small, wry smile touched his lips and his lids closed. “You won’t hear a peep out of me. Just fix me, Doc.”

“I can hit you so you’ll sleep through it,” she muttered.

That drew a low chuckle from him. She didn’t expect him to have a sense of humor. He seemed too…hard. His chuckle turned into a grunt of pain. “You probably hit like a girl.”

Alana grinned. “Yes, I do. Rest assured it won’t feel like it.”

“Appreciate the offer, but, no.” His words slurred together, his muscles tense as he fought his body’s demands.

“You got a name, Superman?”

His head rolled to the side, his chest rose and fell slowly. She thought he was out but he murmured, “Cristian.”

“Nice to meet you, Cristian.”

Then she dug into the wound for the bullet.

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Lowery grew up reading romance novels in the back of her math book and on the bus to school, and never wanted to be anything but a writer.  Her summers were spent sitting at the kitchen table with her sisters spinning tales of romance and intrigue and always with a tall glass of ice tea at their side.

Today, Jennifer is living that dream and she couldn’t be happier to share her passion with her readers.  She loves everything there is about romance.  Her stories feature alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines.  She believes that happily ever after is only the beginning of her stories. And the road to that happy ending is paved with action, adventure, and romance. As her characters find out when they face danger, overcome fears, and are forced to look deep within themselves to discover love.

Jennifer lives in Michigan with her husband and three children.  When she isn’t writing she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Find Jennifer: Author Website   Facebook   Twitter   Romance Recipes

 

Buy Hard Core:

Amazon

Lyrical Press

Barnes & Noble

Bookworld

iTunes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metaphorical Monday

“An idea is a feat of association, and the height of it is a good metaphor”Robert Frost

 

Everybody has their thing. You know, that one thing that they thought of, that they do well. We writers — We have our blogs. Some of us call for excerpts or favorite passages. Others for recipes. Some want hero interviews or heroine beauty tips. Others do their marketing news or book reviews.

So I thought, “I need my blog thing.” The one thing that could be a reflection of me.

Well, I thought and I thought. I thought so hard my brain exploded. My eyes bugged out like a stomped-on toad and crossed like the chicken getting to the other side. It was then I realized–I love metaphors or more accurately, similes — but similes don’t provide the same alliteration with Monday that metaphors do(and I also like alliteration but that’ll have to be another day).

So, I thought maybe it would be interesting to see what kind of metaphors, similes and analogies we could come up with on a weekly basis.

In my writing, I use metaphors and similes to create a picture but to also define characters and settings. They are an integral part of my writing. And what’s more, they’re fun. More fun than a naked zebra doing yoga.

So come on. Give me your best, worst, silliest, funniest or strangest metaphors, similes and analogies. They can be from a published work, a work in process or something you thought up when you got here. Bring them on.

I can’t wait to read them.

Guest Post by Sheri Fredircks — A little of me in every story

I am so honored to have Sheri Fredicks on the blog today! I had the honor of reading this story several months ago and was amazed by the magic it stirs but the beauty of Sheri’s story is that it creates fantastical worlds and creatures with genuine heart and emotion. There is such a ring of authenticity to her conflict and characters.

Sheri, Welcome! Thank you so much for coming by and giving us a glimpse into the beautiful world and characters you’ve created.

A little of me in every story

By: Sheri Fredricks

First of all, I want to thank Kary Rader for inviting me to blog on her beautiful site today. Not only is she a member of my awesome critique group, but she provided me with so much encouragement while I queried and sent Remedy Maker out on submissions. Talk about nerves, I was an absolute giggling idiot. Thank you, Kary!

Also, I have a fabulous swag prize for one lucky commenter, so don’t forget to leave your email address!

Born and raised on the central coast of California in a small beach town, I write a combination of fantasy and paranormal fiction romance. And one thing I’ve noticed is a paranormal romance story can be set anywhere in the world. Many wonderful books I have read have been set in Seattle or San Francisco, New York, and the mountains of Colorado. One day, I’ll write a story located in my home town.

When I set out to write, I chose the setting for Remedy Maker because of its heavily wooden seclusion. After researching the possibilities, the state of Pennsylvania came out as top choice. The story begins in an isolated cabin located in the fictional Boronda Forest, where Rhycious lives.

 

 

Photo credit: Andre Galvonski

 

In this scene, he is having a moment of psychological stress, yet we get a sense of where he lives.

Outside, his footsteps crunched over a faint walking trail weaving through the Centaur kingdom. Low-lying mist blanketed the moss-draped forest. Deadfall branches protruded upward in eerie intervals, as if Wood Nymph warriors from centuries ago were rising from the dead.

Thoughts of lifeless Nymphs ushered in a remembrance of territory rivalries, greedy opposing rulers, racial prejudice, and war. He tightened his fists in an attempt to squeeze the pictures from his head. Early morning quiet and the peculiar scenery brought this on, he reminded himself. While his head understood this, his gut compressed regardless.

 

 

Another major setting is the Centaur palace where the hero mixes with royalty and politics.

 Photo credit: thunderstorm

The dark passageway rounded a final bend and opened to an enormous, well-lit cavern. Neatly trimmed bluegrass covered the floor, absorbing the echo of a multitude of voices and hooves. Granite walls curved inward, rising three stories high and surrounded the circular room, their ancient pallor reminiscent of gray hair with white sparkling stripes.

Over on the left, a marble fountain bubbled. Water spurted from a trumpet the rearing Centaur statue blew. Orange and lemon trees in giant fire-glazed urns provided an outdoor feel to the underground cave. No chance of taproots, she noted. Benches and seating areas clustered, giving the space a park-like setting. On the second floor, open balconies viewed the hub of activity in the courtyard below.

Not having visited the east coast, I relied on the advice and recommendations of those who live there. Research into the areas I wrote about only fueled my desire to see it for myself one day. Living near four National Forests, I’m familiar with the woods and redwood forests that are centuries old.

These are just two of the settings in my latest release, Remedy Maker. I hope they transport you to an extraordinary place where mythological beings could possibly exist.

How about you? Do you like to read stories that take place in areas you’re familiar with, or would you rather use fiction to journey to someplace new?

Remedy Maker – Blurb

Man by day, Centaur by night, Rhycious is a remedy maker who needs his own healing.

He’s the royal physician, famous for his cures. War and posttraumatic stress disorder has broken his spirit, preventing him from finding true happiness. Then a direct order from the queen to investigate an uprising forces him out of his secluded cabin at the edge of the forest.

Patience is an optimistic, good-natured Wood Nymph who works as a mediator to ensure harmony within the Nymph sector.

Environmental pollution in the aquifer stream that feeds the taproot tree of her heart is slowly killing her. Resigned to the fact she will not live long, she sets out to discover the mysterious disappearance of her sister. Experience has taught her to deny herself the love of a male, but the gruff Centaur is different. He doesn’t push his expectations on her, only his healing nature.

When Rhycious loses his grip on reality, he believes his inability to control his disorder will drive Patience away. Nevertheless, desire flares, and Patience draws him close. Kidnapping and betrayal turn their mythic joint venture into a deadly bout.

Will their love endure when survival hinges on trusting each other?

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     and other online retailers

 

Author Bio:

Always on the hunt for the uncommon things in life, author Sheri Fredricks thrives on creating adventures in her mythological kingdom for her readers.

A former engineering secretary, Sheri lives on the beautiful central coast of California. “I wanted to move away from inflexible right angles and create an unboxed world with no boundaries.” A voracious reader since her early years, Sheri found her brain crowded with stories and characters of her own. “Ultimately,” she says, “my husband encouraged me to write them all down.”

Sheri loves to spend time at home. A computer hutch keeps her focused on creating stories, but the panoramic view of life on a ranch will call her outside to play in the sun.

Find me:

Website:          www.sherifredricks.com

Blog:               http://sherifredricks.blogspot.com/

Facebook:        http://www.Facebook.com/SheriFredricks

Twitter:           http://twitter.com/Sheri_Fredricks

Google+:         https://plus.google.com/110453866572654780975/posts

Don’t forget to leave a comment for the fabulous swag pack!