Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Blog Tour ~ Ann Snizek ~ The Jewel of Nirel



Book Title: The Jewel of Nirel
Author:  Ann Snizek
Release Date:  July 27, 2013
Genre:  YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Length:  Over 86,000 Words
Presented by:  As You Wish Tours
Tour Schedule: The Jewel of Nirel



Building a Book Series from Start to Middle

Some authors build a story, I let the story come alive and tell itself. I'm just the lucky one, chosen to be the secretary.  I start writing and go where it leads me.  Life has many twists and turns in it and I think my stories reflect that quality.

Every story has a beginning middle and end.  Each book has a beginning middle and end.  With book three, I’m getting the feeling that we are only in the middle of this epic journey.  While I have an idea where it is going, I don’t yet know how it will get there.

Since I don’t have an actual outline – they never work right for me – I “fly by the seat of my pants” and I believe I can see the end.  Hopefully, you are all enjoying the ride with me and don’t want it to end yet either.

I think one of the key parts of watching a series come to life, is just knowing what direction it is going in and where you want to be when the ride stops.  Of course, we meet and influence other people along the way, but that gives room for other stories to branch out.

Life is all around us and the imagination is endless.  It takes a lot of work and dedication to perform as a secretary for such a long series, but the rewards are terrific.  I don’t know how many times I’ve had to scrap parts of the story simply because I got something wrong.  Thankfully, I have the opportunity to edit and revise and edit and revise and then repeat that a few hundred times before I release it for others.

Having a good support team is an immense help.  Sometimes just talking a situation through is enough to clear the mind.  Even if it isn’t, having people who support my secretarial endeavors is extremely precious to me.

Join me and the group of friends from Tunuftol as their journey continues!





BLURB

For the people of Tunuftol, and other countries on the planet Nyssa, names found them starting at twelve months old… at the earliest. Along with the names came certain skills or powers. Depending on what you did with your powers determined what type of person you were, and sometimes affected future names. Therefore, names had great importance in Tunuftol, and Krissa had more than a few… nine to be exact. Her full name was Krissa Lysandra Rue Alverna Harley Mya Magryta Freya Wittek, which is quite a mouthful.

The dangers haven't ended for our friends yet. The weather is starting to warm and the war started last fall is under way. Journey with Krissa and the crew as they struggle to keep their world safe and find their place in it.

AUTHOR BIO
I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children. Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.
I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.



AUTHOR LINKS

BOOK LINKS
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TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY LINK

Friday, August 23, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Love and Other Games

LOVE AND OTHER GAMES (Collection)

Publisher: Swoon Romance
Authors: Ana Blaze, Melinda Dozier, Aria Kane, Kara Leigh Miller
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Format: eBook

LOVE AND OTHER GAMES is a collection of four sexy new adult stories centered around athletes competing in the Winter Games by Ana Blaze, Melinda Dozier, Aria Kane, and Kara Leigh Miller.



Worth More Than Gold by Ana Blaze

Amy Pierce, the klutzy sister and manager of America’s Skating Sweetheart, is used to being invisible. But when a friend drags her to a party near the Olympic Village, Amy catches the eye of a sexy Norwegian ski jumper. It’s a magical night, but an awkward next morning has her running. Everyone knows Erik Andresen’s best shot at an individual medal was back in 2010, before an injury pulled him from the competition. He’s there for his team, but a hot night and a remarkable final training session have him wondering if a gorgeous good-luck charm could give him another chance at the podium. With a little bit of luck, these two might have a shot at something worth more than gold.

Trouble With Gold by Melinda Dozier

US snowboarder and notorious prankster, Ty (Trouble) Madsen is only getting a taste of his own medicine when his Olympic teammates shackle him to a fence wearing nothing but his boxers. Reception and protocol volunteer, Nadia Hoffman, gets up close and personal with the sexy snowboarder to rescue him, but she's not the kind of girl who lets her hormones get in her way. A professional performance could help her land her dream job at Olympics Committee Headquarters, but her new assignment supervising the rambunctious US Snowboarding Team is making that difficult. Can she see behind the snowman in the community center bathroom and into the warm heart of the man everyone calls Trouble?


The Girl Behind the Gold by Aria Kane

Greek aerial skier Lia Milonas’s parents are about to lose the family farm. Saving it means medaling and landing a huge sponsor. While her no-nonsense attitude has her well on her way to a medal, it hasn’t won her a place in fans' hearts. “Come back with a story that will make readers cry, or don’t come back.” This is what Brandon James’ boss told him before he left New York to cover the Winter Games for Moment Magazine. With a wink and a smile, he can charm his way into any invite-only party, but that career-making story is nowhere to be found – until he meets Lia. The two strike a deal that should get them both what they want - but neither would have guessed they’d also find what they need.


Ice Gold by Kara Leigh Miller

Colton Campbell thrives on the fast paced, adrenaline rushed lifestyle of being an Olympic hockey player. Despite Brenna Jessup's abhorrence for the games and the athletes, she's hand-picked as the official photographer for the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. When a faux pas by Brenna almost costs Colton his career, she owes him. Too bad for her, Colton doesn't want apologies -- he wants retribution! And he knows just how to get it -- and her -- in the process.

Add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads!! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18365891-love-and-other-games

Excited for these stories! I read Melinda Dozier's story as a beta reader before they found a publisher and it is so good! Can't wait to read the others! Happy Friday! 
~~ Chantel ~~

Friday, August 16, 2013

Character Interview with Rhonda Emerson from Enticed

Happy Friday, my friends! I know it's been a while since I posted an interview, but today I'm happy to invite over a character from Lynn Davis' newest erotic romance, Enticed. Rhonda Emerson is here to tell us a bit about her life and her story, but first, let's check out the cover and blurb!

Rhonda Emerson had the relationship she had wanted, an understanding man, good loyal friends and family that loved her. She just graduated from college and has the rest of her life unfolding before her. She lands a job with a highly sought after employer. Just when life seems to be going in the right direction for Rhonda, Miguel returns from Afghanistan and wants to tie up loose ends. Rhonda starts to feel things she thought were dead but how can she give in to her feelings for Miguel when she is engaged to be married to Roland?

When Roland laid his eyes on Rhonda, he was not confused...He had to had her in his life. He immediately takes matters into his own hands and in spite of her friends, he wins her heart. Now after three years of dating, she is ready to start a life with him only. The heart knows what the heart wants and Rhonda Emerson is the girl for him, but is he ready to challenge a bond from the past?

This is book one of the Rhonda Emerson Series


Thanks so much for being here, Rhonda. It's great to have you. So, tell me what your life was like growing up.

My life was pretty uneventful. I mean I had the standard life. Two parent home, two cars, a dog and siblings that got on my nerve but I would not be able to function without them. I love to read and always planned what my life would be like when I grew up. I guess I never lived in the moment. I thought love would be like the fairy tales prince charming would come and sweep me off my feet and I would then give up everything to start a life with him.

Before your story began, what were your hopes for the future? 

Well, I think I was well on my way to becoming an independent woman. I had gotten a pretty good grade average in high school even though I had my up and downs with guys and other teenage angst. I was pretty level headed. My then boyfriend, Miguel and I were planning on going to college, graduating and then getting married and starting our careers. We had planned on starting our family after five years of being married. 

What changed that? 

Well, Miguel decided to follow his father and brothers into the military and serve his country. That decision caused him to break up with me. He could not bear if something happened to him and I was waiting for him to return. That devastated me. In my first year of college my whole world seemed to shatter.

That's rough... I think anyone suffering a breakup feels your pain. How would you describe your personality? 

I am a bit of a work-a-holic. I tend to be more of a private person. My friends are always trying to get me to do things that most people my age do but I am an old soul. I tend to be more of a homebody.

How would you describe your looks? 

I am pretty average, although Roland and Miguel will say that I am beautiful. I have Dark Brown eyes, black shoulder length hair that is thick to almost unmanageable. My dimples only show when I smile big. My almond shaped eyes are very expressive so I am told. I don’t have a poker face. You can read all my emotions and thoughts on it. I am 5’4 and curvy. Lol I don’t know how to describe myself. I am me.

What’s your greatest talents? 

I can logically figure out any situation. Even though, this is something I do and do well, I tend to let my heart override what logic might be saying.

Who are your closest friends? 

Darcy, Melinda and Melissa. We are all roommates. We met in College and seemed to gravitate towards each other. I guess you can say if you put us all together you would have the perfect woman. I don’t know what I would do without my friends, especially after Miguel broke my heart. Darcy and I seem to be closer out of the four of us. She really takes good care of me. 

Melinda and Melissa are identical twins and they give the term good and evil validity.

Who do you love? 

I love Miguel Sandoval. I am in a relationship with Roland Nichols.

Who do you hate, and why? 

Hate is such a strong word. I really dislike Monica McKnight. She tends to be a busy body and has a burr up her butt when it comes to me and my happiness. Her lies, deception, and need to tell other people secrets have and will continue to wreak havoc in my life. Not so much in Enticed will she be a main part but as you read the series, Monica will stir up some pots. EWWW!!!!!! I can’t stand her.

What do you think is going to happen next? 

Well in the first book of my series, I am struggling with my love for Roland and Miguel. Then in the next books you will see the back lash from my decisions. It’s going to get pretty messy to say the least. However by the end of the story… and I Lynn will try to write me into a deadly car accident for this…but there are some twist and turns so pay attention to small details. J shhh, that is our little secret. I can say that the ending will not be typical.

Wow! That sounds exciting but a bit scary! I guess we'll just have to wait to see what happens. I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today, and I wish you the best of luck in getting what you want out of life.



About the author:
Lynn Davis is an emerging author from Literotica.com. Her stories Danielleand David, I NeverMeant to Fall in Love and A Lesson in Love has jumpstarted her writing career. With an average of about 10K viewers, she is ready to launch in to the literary world. When Lynn is not writing, she is a life coach of women empowerment, non-profit director and an entrepreneur. Her favorite things consist of cross-stitching (to help her relax), reading a good book or watching a good movie (girl flicks, of course). Lynn lives in California as a single woman who loves life but often she hangs with her niece and nephew. She is interactive with her loyal readers and welcomes you to contact her. She actually loves hearing from you.


Want to contact Lynn?
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Lynn_Davis
E-mail: vickivalewrites@gmail.com

PRODUCT LINKS TO BUY BOOKS:
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Enticed-Rhonda-Emerson-Series-ebook/dp/B00EGG2Q5G/
Smashwords:     https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/344077

So, there you have it. If you are looking for something new to read this weekend, Rhonda's story sounds interesting...and complicated. Fun stuff. Happy reading, my friends! Have a fantastic weekend!
~~ Chantel ~~

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

New Release: Life Sentence, Romantic Suspense by @Carolyn_Arnold

Title: Life Sentence
Author: Carolyn Arnold
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: August 14, 2013


"If I pay with my life, you will pay with yours."

Defense Attorney Bryan Lexan may have just taken on the case which will cost him his life. When his client, a Russian mafia boss, is convicted of first-degree murder, he vows to make Bryan pay.

Meanwhile, Jessica Pratt has always prided herself on being a modern woman–you know, the kind who doesn't need a man to make her feel complete. So when she finds herself torn between two, she realizes that not all decisions are based on facts. If they were, her boyfriend, Bryan, would be the logical choice. He has the family name, wealth, and a stake in a successful law firm. Only thing is, when she meets Mason Freeman, the chemistry between them is irrefutable and he won't take no for an answer.

With both of them caught up in a struggle for survival, and a powerful enemy on their heels, they'll need to decide where their loyalties lie. 

What reviewers are saying:

“Carolyn Arnold...continues the trend of writing exciting stories that keep your attention throughout...Life Sentence is a thriller all the way...Arnold never disappoints.”
—Barb, The Reading Cafe

“Though unique in her own right, author Carolyn Arnold is a masterful blend of such greats as Shirley Jackson (horror), Joseph Finder (thrills), and Janet Evanovich (humor and romance). Life Sentence is powerful and gripping, with so many twists and turns it left me gasping...”
—Betty Dravis, Award-winning Author and Journalist


Get your copy now at one of these fine retailers.
Available in E-Book or Print formats.

Sony & Diesel to follow




CAROLYN ARNOLD’s writing career was born when a co-worker said “tell me a story”.  From there what had started off as a few paragraphs grew into her first length novel—LIFE SENTENCE. Her writing has been compared to New York Times Bestsellers such as JD Robb, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Michael Connelly, Tess Gerritsen, and more.  She is the author of the best-selling Madison Knight series, and Brandon Fisher FBI series.  Carolyn was born in 1976 in Picton, Ontario but currently lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband and two beagles.



Connect with Carolyn online:

Monday, August 12, 2013

#NewRelease ~ Souls Set Free ~ Women's Fiction

Title: Souls Set Free
Author: Kimmie Easley
Genre: Women’s Fiction

Charity information: Kimmie is donating a portion of her profits to Project Understanding! See the details below.

Emma Carter isn’t your average loving mother and wife. Actually, she’s not loving at all. Unable to move on from a tormented childhood of abuse she’s now at risk of losing her own family. Hopeless, she goes to bed every night secretly longing to not wake up the next morning. That all changes the day her mother is murdered while living on the streets. Emma must now face all of the pain she has spent years trying to numb with pills and alcohol when she is forced to travel back to her hometown to identify her mother’s body.

If only it were that easy…

Will reliving the abuse all over again help Emma forgive her mother or send her spiraling back into a world she fought so hard to survive? 


PURCHASE LINKS:

AUTHOR BIO:
Kimmie grew up traveling the country, rarely settling in one place for much longer than a minute. Being no stranger to heartache, she allows her unconventional childhood to fuel her writing.

Kimmie serves as secretary to the East Texas Writers Association.  She is a 2012 NaNoWriMo winner. 

Kimmie is addicted to cupcakes, books, chocolate, and flip flops. She is a homeschool momma, southern wife, and pug wrangler.

She lives by the motto, when life gives you lemons ~ write about ‘em!




AUTHOR CONTACT LINKS:

CHARITY INFORMATION:
From Kimmie: "I am donating a portion of royalties from Souls Set Free to Project Understanding in Ventura, California. They are a non-profit organization serving those in need through 9 different programs ranging from tutoring, transitional living facilities and accompanying programs.  They have services to support and encourage independence and are geared towards keeping families housed.

Souls Set Free is a work of fiction. However, it is inspired by my own childhood and journey. The main events and struggle are true. My mother was homeless throughout the later part of her life, and died while living on the streets. The decision to donate to a charity that can help people find a better way of life was an emotional, but easy one."

Project Understanding can be found online at http://projectunderstanding.org/



Friday, August 2, 2013

#NewRelease ~ Final Descendants by Karina Gioertz

The Final Descendants And The Well Of Wishes Lost (Book 1)
Genre: Ya Fantasy/Fairy Tale Adventure
Published: July 27, 2013
Length: 305 pages


Book Blurb
At fourteen, Bryze Brooks has no idea about her extraordinary ancestors. After her father's death, she had grown up far away from the family manor on Ratclif Circle and the secrets it held within its walls. But everything changes when a surprise phone call leads Bryze back to the house where she comes face to face with her astonishing past. Once there, she begins to discover that all is not what it seems. Fantastic tales begin to intertwine with her reality when a magic arbor leads her into a world she never even dreamed existed. From mesmerizing visits at enchanted Oak Cottage, to terrifying encounters with villainous beasts of the dark, Bryze finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime as she begins to understand her royal responsibilities and what it means to be among the final descendants.



Book Excerpt


Chapter 1
1883
Celestine was running faster than she had ever run in her life. Jumping over fallen tree trunks and skillfully evading ditches as she raced through the woods. Twice she tripped over the trim of her dress, but she didn’t waste but a second scrambling back to her feet and moving forward. The palms of her hands stung with the pain of having badly scraped them in the last fall and her left knee felt as though it might give out at any second after a nasty twist. She ignored them both. Closing her eyes tightly she mentally discarded the gown and dress shoes for something more suitable for a high speed hike through rough terrain. When she opened them again, she was wearing a pair of trousers with high leather boots that reached up to her thighs, supporting the bum knee as she ran on.
            Too terrified to turn around, Celestine forced herself to face forward at all times. Her mind frantically replaying the events that had led to this moment. Every time she did so she found herself growing more furious. She felt abandoned and betrayed by those she had least expected it from. Suddenly, a shadow cast overhead and she became aware that she was not alone. Already knowing what she would find, she turned her eyes to the sky. A golden eagle was soaring directly above her, mimicking her every move and trailing her to wherever she was going. One friend had remained. She allowed herself a brief moment of relief knowing he at least, would stand beside her whether he approved or not. And she knew he did not. Nevertheless, his love unlike the love of some others, was unconditional and the gratitude she felt for him in that moment was immeasurable.
            Celestine had nearly reached the edge of the woods when she thought she heard someone moving through the brush behind her. Had Lucan changed his mind after all? Or had her plans been discovered and all of Kimerical was on now her heels in an attempt to stop her? Well, she would never give them the chance. Defying her own physical body, she reached deep and pushed herself harder, boosting herself forward with each powerful stomp to the ground. She knew full well it was fear and not courage that was urging her onward and denying her the chance to look back. Fear that she would see the palace guards on Lucan’s orders storming in on her to stop her…and perhaps an even greater fear, that she would turn around to find herself alone, being hunted only by her own memories.
            She had come too far to stop now. The decision had already been made for her and she had but one choice to live with it…and she would live with it. Just not here.
            Giving one last glance to the sky and her feathered friend, she closed her eyes and at the height of momentum crashed through the barrier in an explosion of purple colored lights.
It was done. She would never go back.

Author Bio
Although Karina Gioertz has been writing for most of her life, it never quite registered with her as something out of the ordinary or worth pursuing, because it was so closely connected to who she was. It wasn't until she became a stay at home mom and finally took the time to write an entire book from beginning to end, that she understood what all of those ideas she had been jotting down all those years were really for. Since then, she has written several books, including Country Girls, Lucky In Love and Blood Bound.

While writing and motherhood have become her main focus over the years, she also enjoys many other creative activities such as painting and photography. Most sunny days she can be found in her courtyard working feverishly at painting and refurbishing old furniture…that is, of course, only if it wasn't a suitable day to spend at the beach.

Karina resides in sunny Florida with her family and two dogs.


She can be contacted via ~

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Phantom Dreams by T.K. Harris ~ Paranormal Romance/Horror


Book Title:  Phantom Dreams
Author:  T.K. Harris
Release Date:  June 7th
Genre:  Mystery Thriller
Length:  81,956 words, 273 pages
Publisher:  GMTA Publishing LLC
Presented by:  As You Wish Tours
Cover Design by:  Benjamin Poelman and Tipping Point

A Blog Tour – How-to
Blogs.  There are millions of them.  Literally.  Blogs exist for every passion, every interest.  Gaming, cooking, dieting, clubbing, comedy, politics and the list goes on and on.  And then there are blogs for reading and writing.  Blogs created by people who love reading and like recommending books.  Reader blogs that enjoy giving reviews and interviews.  Blogs created by writers to promote their own books, many of which will promote books written by other writers.  And in those categories are even more detailed blogs.  Fantasy only blogs, Sci-Fi, Romance, Mystery, etc.  And you would think, with all of these blogs that putting together a blog tour would be easy!  Ha! 
Let's just say that after a very long time of trying it on my own - with just a few responses - I decided to reach out to Kitty at GMTA Publishing with a loud cry of "PLEASE HELP!" And what a difference!  Kitty put together in a matter of hours and days what I couldn't accomplish in months.  And along the way, I've learned a few things about what it takes to put together a good blog tour.  Here's what I've learned so far:
1)      Have a website!  There are so many places where you can register for a domain and purchase hosting for a small fee.  And many of them have templates to help even those not used to designing a website, put one together.  Make sure your website has your book information and "buy" page that includes links to all the places your book can be purchased.  You will also want a contact form so people can send you emails.  There are many other things you can include, but at least have these!
2)      Have a good book cover designed (I used a graphic designer on Elance.com for $50.00)  and be ready to supply the cover, a profile pic, bio, synopsis of your book and all your social and buy links.
3)      Have a few 200-500 word articles around writing or tips on writing. Mine have covered everything from how I wrote Phantom Dreams to where the idea came from, how I gathered my beta readers and articles like this one. 
4)      Check the blog's site and try to get a feel for the audience and then reach out to the blog host and ask them what they or their readers would like.  Whenever possible, ask them to review your book.
5)      If the blog prefers interviews, take the time to answer the questions thoughtfully.  Of course, have fun with it too.
6)      Ask if the blog host can set up a competition for a free give away of one copy of your book.  (Be sure to send it to the winner in a non-editable format - .epub or .mobi should work)
7)      Before the event begins, get a Facebook page dedicated to your book and promote it to everyone you know.  Leave it open to the public. 
8)      Put together an Event page in Facebook about the tour and invite people to it. 
a.       You can Google how to set up pages and events in Facebook
9)      If you have a Twitter account and time to do it, start tweeting about the Tour.
10)   In all your promotions, ask for page likes or, better yet, likes on your buy sites!
11)   The day before each blog stop, promote it on all channels. 
12)   On the day of, stop by and leave a comment thanking the blog host for having you and encouraging comments on the blog site.  This helps numbers for you and the blog host!
A few things to note.  Blog Tours will not necessarily increase your sales.  Blog Tours do two things.  A) Get your name and links out there.  The more your book is mentioned the more it will be pulled in by search engines and, hopefully, avid readers and publishers.  B) Get you reviews.  Ask for this as much as possible, preferably on the sites where your book is sold.  However, Amazon and Barnes and Nobles both allow you to add reviews from other sources.  If you do this, be sure to include links back to the page of the person who reviewed it.
Lastly, be prepared to be active during the Blog Tour, they can be busy!  And, when it's over, celebrate!  This significant event can be the beginning of creating the buzz you need to sell, sell, sell!
       Good luck!

BLURB

FBI Special Agent Jack Matthews finds himself on yet another serial killer case, having barely recovered from the last disastrous hunt. Still stiff from a gun shot wound in his leg, under investigation for a botched job, and having lost his fiancĂ©e when she walked out on him, Jack is beginning to wonder if it isn’t time to move on to something new. But, for Jack, these cases are personal and he can’t say no.

Marketing specialist Kathy Gilliam leads a fairly boring life. If she’s not working or caring for her ailing father, then she is doing whatever it takes to avoid going anywhere near crowds of people. Her few distractions include her friend Margo Longfellow, occasional hiking trips, and her increasingly alarming dreams of women dying.

As her nightmares cause her to begin to doubt her sanity, the media releases news of the “Coast-to-Coast Killer” and Kathy discovers her dreams may be related. In a moment of panic, Kathy does something that places her on the FBI’s “persons of interest” list. Suddenly, her life is set on a collision course with Jack who must decide if Kathy is the killer or destined to become a victim.


AUTHOR BIO
T.K. Harris was born in California and lived a gypsy sort of life traveling the world as a military brat. She has been writing since she was a child and as had several short stories published by various magazines, including one in Woman's World. She currently lives and works in Colorado as a Senior Solutions Architect and IT Instructor and has recently had her first novel, Phantom Dreams, published. She is looking forward to her next two books, already outlined and partially written. You can find out more at: http://www.tkharrisonline.com.


AUTHOR LINKS


BOOK LINKS