Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Book Tour: A Different Blue by Amy Harmon Playlist, Interview & Giveaway

Book Blurb: 
Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is.  She doesn't know her real name or when she was born.  Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn't attend school until she was ten years old.  At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on in life, she is just a senior in high school.   With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing. 
This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody.  It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love.  But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are.  Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible.

Interview:

Where did you get the idea for the novel?
I really wanted to write a book about a girl who is very different from me.  But, as the book progressed, I discovered we weren't so different after all.  I came to understand Blue on a very deep and personal level.  She is sassy, smart, funny, and very loyal.  I really grew to care about her, and hope everyone else loves her too.
Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
I always come up with my own titles.  Often a line from the book will stand out to me, almost like the book names itself.  Usually it's a phrase or a response that rings especially true.  My first novel, Running Barefoot, was named after a metaphor I used in the opening chapter.  This book, A Different Blue, was named early on as well.

Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?
I love YA books because there is an innocence that is expected and accepted that isn't always welcomed in other classifications of literature.  A Different Blue is more New Adult, simply because of the subject matter and the age of the main characters, but it retains some of that innocence that I think is refreshing.  And I love romance.  All of my books are romantic.  If there's no kissing, I'm really not interested.

      Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
I've honestly been a writer all my life.  I used to write song lyrics.  I think having Gladys Knight listen to a song I wrote is one of the highlights of my writing career.  But honestly, the most awesome part of being a writer is reading a really, really good review and thinking “That person is talking about my book!!”  Coolest thing ever.

What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?  
I used to read three or four books a week.  I've never been a big TV watcher – I grew up without one, so that's probably why.  But this year I wrote and published three books, and I can't seem to read other people's work when I'm writing.  It just messes with my head.  So this year I've read very little, just a handful of books.  But I did really like Susanna Kearsley's Winter Sea.

What is your writing process?
Hmmm.  For me, a mom of four kids, I write whenever I can.  Usually at the kitchen table, usually in the middle of the night or early in the day when the three oldest are at school.  I don't allow myself to have writer's block.  If I get stuck I start writing inane dialogue.  There is a part in A Different Blue where the main character demands that the nurse give her back her pee.... yes.  I said pee.  That scene started with me writing silly dialogue because I didn't know what came next.  It sparked a very, very important moment in the book.

At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 
I try to make it personal, but it really depends on what the line dictates.  I always write the person's name and a quick salutation.  As far as coming up with stuff to say...I am absolutely brimming with stuff to say most of the time.  It's hard to get me to shut up, honestly.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am very average in so many ways, so I don't have any exciting love affairs in my past or any superpowers.  I really want to be able to wiggle my nose and have my house be clean!  However, I did sing with a gospel choir for seven years and we actually won a Grammy.  Pretty cool moment for all of us.

How do you react to a bad review?
I ain't gonna lie.  It hurts, it throbs, and it bothers me for days.  However, I realize that every book is not for every body.  It's important to not let the good reviews go to your head and the bad reviews go to your heart.  Either way, I'm going to keep writing.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?  
Honestly?  I didn't! The day Running Barefoot was released, it sold a bunch of copies simultaneously, and I just squealed every time I checked my numbers.  That whole first week is just a blur now.  Actually, the ride has been wild and bumpy every step of the way.  And I'm loving every minute of it.

Playlist:



Author Bio:  
Amy Harmon knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, so she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Amy Harmon has been a motivational speaker, a grade school teacher, a junior high teacher, a home school mom, and a member of the Grammy Award winning Saints Unified Voices Choir, directed by Gladys Knight. She released a Christian Blues CD in 2007 called "What I Know" - also available on Amazon and wherever digital music is sold.  She lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband and four kids, and doesn't plan to ever move somewhere, because nowhere is sublime.  She has written Running Barefoot, and the Young Adult books Slow Dance in Purgatory and the sequel, Prom Night in Purgatory.  A Different Blue is her fourth novel.https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon
http://www.authoramyharmon.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon

Buy Links

smashwords

GIVEAWAY:
2 - signed copy of A Different Blue plus a blue bracelet with charms from the book and some signed swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, April 29, 2013

Sweet Oblivion by Bailey Ardisone Teaser



Book blurb:
sweet adjective ˈswēt a : pleasing to the mind or feelings
obliv·i·on noun ə-ˈbli-vē-ən, ō-, ä- 1: the fact or condition of forgetting or having forgotten

Have you ever wanted to forget? Nariella Woodlinn has. Many times. Especially when her already frustrating life gets turned upside down by a mysterious boy who randomly shows up in her small town and she can’t seem to understand anything about him, despite how much she tries.
​Nari hates everything about her life except for her best friend Rydan, but now that they’ve been separated during their senior year of high school, she has to learn to make new friends without him. When strange unexplainable phenomena start becoming an every day part of her life, Nari struggles to come to grips with reality. And with love.

Naminé has responsibilities. Duties. It is her obligation to fulfill all that is asked of her by their King. But when a glimmer of hope is introduced to her by a prisoner she tends to and it means life or death for her and her people, she does all that she can to turn that hope into reality and finally end the vicious war that has been ensuing since she was born. Even if that means keeping it secret from her King. Even if it means carrying out the biggest betrayal against the King ever seen during her time.

She has hope. She will fulfill her duty. She will not let her people down.
Some secrets are best kept in Oblivion.

Teaser:
“Please stop provoking Rydan. It’s not helping anything. I need him to like you, and all you’re doing is making things worse.” I tried to explain seriously but couldn’t stop the blush I felt creeping on my neck and cheeks.
“And why’s that exactly?” he asked seductively, leaning in closer. I stood there gazing up at him, mentally waving goodbye to any proper thought.
“Um, what?” I shook my head. “Why’s what exactly?” I asked again in a small voice, wanting to clarify my question. Was he asking why I thought he was making things worse…?
“Why do you need him to like me?” His voice was just above a whisper, making my skin tingle.
Oh. That.
He leaned in closer still, if that were possible, and now that he was just inches from me, my heart completely stopped beating. I could feel electricity running between us, begging me to close the tiny gap that had unforgivably been left open.


Author bio:
Bailey Ardisone is a collaboration by two sisters born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. They took the last names of their two grandmothers and combined them together to form their pen name. They both married the love of their lives and spend their days submerged in books, movies, music, or art and love traveling. Fantasy books and movies have been a huge part of their lives and are obsessed with Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Sweet Oblivion is the first book they have written together and is the first installment of a series.

Links:

Twitter: @BaileyArdisone and @MycahNightly

Friday, April 26, 2013

Book Tour: Tristan's Lyceum Wolves by Kym Grosso Interview & Giveaway



Blurb:
An erotic paranormal romance…

Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.

Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she’s reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who’d kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.

Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?

Interview:
Thanks so much for hosting me on my virtual book tour for my new release, Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves.  I really appreciate the opportunity to do an author interview.  It is great to be here with you and your readers! J

Where did you get the idea for the novel?
Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is the third book in the Immortals of New Orleans series.  Tristan is a wonderful character, and I couldn’t wait for him to get his own book.  He’s a funny, sexy and oh so alpha wolf.

Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
Well, I knew that I wanted Tristan’s name in the title.  I was researching words that had to do with wolves and Lyceum came up in my search.  Lyceum is actually a term that refers to a gymnasium in ancient Athens (6th century BC).  It was named for Apollo Lyceus (the wolf-god).  From there it just flowed…Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves.  Lyceum Wolves is the name of his pack.

Which came first, the title or the novel?
The title and novel evolved together, but I knew before I started that it was Tristan’s book and his name would be in the title.

Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
Every time I release a new book, it is an exciting experience.  I’m very grateful to all the readers who enjoy my books and write me.  It is very exciting to hear from a reader who liked my book.

What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?
I’m currently reading Slayer’s Kiss: The Shadow Slayer by Cassi Carver.  I literally just started it.  I’m halfway into Chapter One, and it seems like a great book already. 

What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?
The first book I wrote was Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1).  It was published March 2012.

What is your writing process?
I don’t start with a word count on Chapter One, but once I really get into it, by Chapter Two, I try to write around 3,000 words a day.  It forces me to keep going and remember what’s happening in the book, the previous scene, etc.  I write a scene at time, but the words and actions of the characters have to be in my mind before I start.  So when I’m writing it is like I can’t shut my mind off.  Whether I’m at the gym or in the shower, I’m constantly thinking about what is going to happen in the next scene of my book, exactly how it’s going to play out and what the characters are going to say.   It just goes on like that day after day until the book is finished.  Then I let it sit a few days and run back through every word for my own edits before I send it off to my editor.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?
There are so many great authors out there; it’s difficult to pick just one.  If I had to narrow it down, I would say JR Ward.  Her stories literally pull you in and won’t let you go.  I can remember reading all of her books over the course of a month, one after another, and thinking, ‘this should be an HBO series’.  I literally was up all night reading her books.  She creates a new world in which there are traditions, culture and intrigue that is so realistic, you feel you are there in their world.  You find yourself emotionally tied to fictitious characters because her writing makes you feel like they are real people.

Other authors I love to read are James Patterson and also Dan Brown.  They both are unbelievably creative and are able to develop incredible mysteries.

At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?
I’ve never done a physical book signing.  But I often sign books for winners of my giveaways, beta readers and friends.  I usually try to personalize the book and thank the reader for reading my book and/or helping me by beta reading. 

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Sometimes when I’m writing, I read the love scenes out loud to my husband to see what he thinks.  There are advantages to writing romance. J

How do you react to a bad review?
This is tough question.  In general, I try not to read a lot of reviews but if there is constructive criticism within a negative review, I will take that information and use it to help me improve my writing, and ultimately my next book.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
Wow, you know, I don’t know that I did anything special.  My husband and I did celebrate privately.  The funny part is when you release a book, there’s a lot of work to be done with promotion.  I’m a busy bee after my books release, that for sure. 



Excerpt:
Stunned by her beauty, he could barely breathe.  Goddess, the woman was spectacular.  The fiery red gown clung to her in all the right places, and he noticed a small smile grow on her angelic face, presumably pleased that she had castigated Alexandra.  He needed to get to her, hold her.  As he rushed across the room, Mira stopped him with a hand to his arm.  She gestured toward an elusive client standing to her left.
Logan laughed, seeing Kalli triumph over the demon spawn who ran the vampires.  “Hey girl, I hate to point it out, but man you laid her out…and that growl.  What was that?”
“Dance with me, Logan,” Kalli declared, needing to move.
“Your wish is my command.”
They crossed the floor, and Logan swept her into his arms.  As amazing as Logan looked, she yearned for Tristan.  She could feel he was close.  As the music grew louder in her ears, she swayed along to the classical beats, hyper-aware of his presence.  Leaning her head on Logan’s shoulder, she finally spied Tristan near the buffet, surrounded by Mira and a short bald man. 
His eyes caught hers, and her heart started to race.  She wasn’t sure whether it was his pensive expression or aggressive stance, but she could clearly sense he was agitated.  Logan spun her, and she lost his eyes only momentarily, then caught them once again.  His predatory gaze electrified the room, sending goose bumps over her skin.  As he stalked toward them, her breathing hitched.  Like a rabbit alert to the wolf, she froze save for the mindless dance steps she made while blindly following Logan.  As Tristan came upon them, she forced herself to face him directly.  Larger than life, Tristan was sophistication etched in dripping sexuality.  His dominance was apparent to every man, woman and supernatural in the room; there’d be no denying him.
Even Logan stopped dancing to respect his Alpha.  Lowering his eyes in submission, he bowed slightly.  “Thank you for the dance,” he whispered, releasing her.
Before she had a chance to say a word, Tristan wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her tightly to him so they pressed together.  She could feel his barely restrained erection nudging her belly.  Suppressing a moan, she felt herself grow wet.  She clenched her thighs hoping to hide her arousal; every supernatural within fifty feet would know of her excitement.
“Don’t,” Tristan ordered.
“Don’t what?” she managed to ask.
“Don’t try to hide it.  Your delicious scent.”
“But they’ll know I ...” Kalli’s words trailed off as she lost her train of thought.  God, he felt incredible.
“I want them to know.  I want them all to know you’re mine.”
“But I thought…I mean you came with her.” Her eyes darted to Mira.
“Business only, nothing more.  Still, I’m very sorry I didn’t bring you with me.  Clearly I was an idiot to leave you alone with my beta.  Every man in this room is looking at you, Kalli.”
“No,” she denied, shaking her head.
“Yes.  And they should.  Because you’re magnificent.  Everything about you from that alluring dress I bought you to your sexy growl.  My Goddess, do you know what you do to me?  Feel it,” he whispered, grinding his groin against her.
“Tristan,” she breathed.  She was on the verge of orgasm from just dancing with the man.  She couldn’t imagine what would happen if they made love.
“Did you enjoy dancing with Logan?
“What?  Logan?”
“Yes, Logan.  Did you enjoy having your sweet body pressed to his?”
“Oh God, Tristan.”
“It’s all right, Kalli.  Did you find it arousing? Tell me the truth.”
“Another test?” she sighed.
“Truth?”
“Okay yes, but he’s not…he’s not you.  No one I’ve ever met in my life is like you,” she admitted.
“Ah, see how easy it is to tell the truth, ma chérie?  Perhaps you’d like to explore two men at once?” he teased with a sexy smile as if he’d thoroughly enjoy it.
She blushed, not denying it. 
“Someday we’ll explore that little kink of yours, but tonight you are mine.  In fact, I think you’ll be mine for quite a long time.” 
“Confident, huh, wolf?”
“Would you ever expect anything less?”
He spun her around, continuing to brush against her.  Tightening the grip around her waist, he ran his palm up her arm to her neck, until he reached her face.  Caressing her cheek, he ran his thumb across her lower lip.  “I want you so much, Kalli.  I’m so sorry for everything.  I shouldn’t have sent you to Logan’s.  I was angry, but damn, I need you.”
She groaned and threw her head back, publicly baring her neck to him.  Submission, truth, she’d give it to him all right.  But what he needed to learn was that he was hers as well, and after tonight she had no intention of letting him go. 



About the Author:
Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. Both of her novels, Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1) and Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), are currently available via Amazon, digitally and in print. Tristan's Lyceum Wolves is scheduled for release on April 1, 2013.

In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.

Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains. On any given night, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.


Twitter: @KymGrosso



Giveaway:
Winner’s choice of ebooks for any of the three books in the Immortals of New Orleans series (Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves, Luca’s Magic Embrace,  Kade's Dark Embrace). 
Winner must be 18 older. Leave a comment to be entered (with email)!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Book Tour: Her Errant Earl by Scarlett Scott Blurb Blitz


 
BLURB: 
Victoria, Countess of Pembroke, knew her marriage wasn’t a love match, but she certainly hadn’t expected to be wedded, bedded and abandoned in the countryside. When her husband suddenly returns bent on seduction, she’s suspicious of his motives even though she finds it difficult indeed to resist his knowing hands and hot kisses.

Pembroke can’t afford to allow Victoria to discover the real reason for his reappearance in her life. To get what he wants, he’ll do anything, even if it means bedding the wife he never wanted.

But what begins as a tedious task turns into a raging passion neither of them can deny. As the truth unravels at last, they must choose between forgetting the past and allowing it to consume them.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:
I’ve told you before that I never wanted to hurt you, Victoria.” He put down his spoon. “My battle is with my father, not you, and I will forever regret that you were caught up in the crossfire.”

The acknowledgment seemed genuine. But she didn’t know if it was enough. “Thank you,” she offered simply. “I am gratified you have realized that much, at least.”

“You are most welcome.” He studied her intently. “Now, I find I’ve tired of the soup course. Have you?”

Her turtle soup had long gone cold. She nodded, watching warily as he rose from the table and stalked toward her. He stopped when he was at her side, leaning his hip negligently against the table. He reached out, framing her face with his large hands.

“We both know I never wanted to be a husband when I married you,” he said at last, his tone grave.

His acknowledgment had an air of deep candor to it, far more than his effortless flirtation and charming grins did. She searched his bright gaze, wondering if she could trust him. Wondering if she should. It occurred to her that what had happened in the past did not hold as much power over her life as what could happen in the future.

“And what of now?” she asked. “What do you want now?” It was the question that seemed to matter the most.

His gaze grew shuttered. “I have a duty to do by you.”

She frowned, trying to understand him. His hands were still a warm, tempting touch on her face. “Duty is not a want.”

“Sometimes it becomes a want,” he murmured, lowering his mouth to crush hers.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Scarlett Scott has loved romance novels ever since she was eleven and swiped her older sister’s books to read by flashlight in her closet. Her mother caught her, but she remained undeterred in her pursuit of happily ever afters. An award-winning author, she writes steamy historical and sexy contemporary romance. She lives in PA with her hero and their adorable dog who thinks he is a person in training.

Buy link:  http://www.ellorascave.com/her-errant-earl.html

Website: http://www.scarsco.com

Twitter: @scarscoromance

Blog: http://scarscoromance.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorScarlettScott

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/scarlettscott/

GIVEAWAY:
Scarlett will be awarding a Kindle copy of her historical romance A Mad Passion and a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: