Book Tour: Worth the Trade by Kristina Mathews Interview & Giveaway

BLURB:   
A ballplayer and a team owner would give anything for a championship—even their hearts… 

After inheriting majority ownership of the San Francisco Goliaths baseball team, Hunter Collins wants to prove to herself—and the rest of the league—that she’s got what it takes to build a champion. Her first move is to trade for a hot left-fielder. He’s got it all, speed, power, and a desire to win. Not to mention undeniable charm. 

Marco Santiago is tired of being the new player in town. After four teams in six years, he’s facing free agency at the end of the season. He wants nothing more than a long-term contract and a World Series win. Hitting on his new owner probably isn’t the best way to get it, but love may be the most powerful challenger either of them has ever faced... 

Warning: Strong language, consummated love scenes, and some baseball clichés. 

“Smart, fun, and sexy. A great romance read.” –New York Times Bestselling Author, Kat Martin

INTERVIEW:
1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?

Worth The Trade, was inspired by a trade the San Francisco Giants made in 2012. I loved the way Hunter Pence showed up at the ballpark and stole all Giants fans’ hearts.  From the moment he pulled up to the ballpark in a limo, the fan in me loved his enthusiasm. And the writer in me started thinking what if… What if his new, and female, owner was in that limo?  And what if she was determined to prove to herself and the league that she could run a team? What if they fell in love?

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

I came up with the title, Worth The Trade. I originally called it Home Team Advantage, then Trading For Love, but I think the final title is much better. 

3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?

I love contemporary romance. I love stories of realistic characters in realistic situations. When I first started writing, I was told that athlete heroes would never sell. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to that advice. Sports Romance seems to be a very popular and growing genre. 

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

I attended my first RWA (Romance Writers of America) conference in San Antonio in July. I got to meet many of my favorite authors, attend my publisher’s cocktail party, and oh-my-gosh that was Nora Roberts who just walked by. 

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

I’ve been in a reading funk. And a writing funk. I started a couple of books I got at conference, but little things made me put them aside. And I’m really, really trying to finish my fourth book. Some authors I enjoy are Brenda Novak, Liz Talley, Gemma Brocato, Kat Martin, Shirley Jump, Bella Andre, Rogenna Brewer, Jeannie Watt just to name a few. 

6. What is your writing process?

I usually start with an idea. A character. I have a Goal, Motivation, and Conflict for each of the main characters. Sometimes one is easier than the other, but as the book evolves, the other usually catches up. I start writing from the opening scene. I often have the big black moment in mind and how it is resolved, but the rest of it comes as I write. I do spend a lot of time thinking about each character’s background, where they’re from, what their childhood was like, etc. but I don’t write a lot of that stuff down. Some of it makes it into the book, but a lot of it doesn’t. 

7. 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? 

This is so hard for me. I did practice my autograph, which is different than my legal signature. I feel like I should come up with something clever, but I haven’t come up with anything other than something boring like, “enjoy the read.”

8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I once performed onstage with Andy Williams. I don’t sing, except in my car and then it’s mostly to embarrass my children. But when I was in high school, he was performing a Christmas show at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. The show ran for several days, and one night the regular chorus was missing several singers because they had a concert at the other high school. So a couple of my friends and I put on choir robes and stood in the back row just to provide bodies for the midweek performance. Since they were Christmas songs, I was able to at least sing along. 

9. How do you react to a bad review?

I wish I could say they don’t bother me, but they do. I try to look for something I can improve upon, then I move on. I know everyone isn’t going to love my books. But when they do, it’s a great feeling. 

10. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

When I signed my first contract, I celebrated with champagne. The night before my first book came out, I had dinner with friend, more champagne, and I took the day off from work and got a pedicure. 

EXCERPT:
“I’m only interested in winning the division and making a strong run in the postseason.” She turned her head to look out the window as if to show she was unaffected by the chemistry between them.

“Aren’t you a rotten liar?” He chuckled softly. Oh yeah, he was definitely getting to her. “Don’t join in the poker game at the next owners’ retreat. You’ll be wiped out.”

She whipped her head around so fast the car shook. “I happen to be a very good poker player. I can hold my own against anyone. Anytime.”

Interesting. Her strong reaction told him two things. She was insecure about her place among her fellow owners. And yes, she was interested in him on more than a professional level.

“That explains your wardrobe.” He leaned back, not ready to leave her just yet. “You dress like you do to fit in with the old boys’ club. But you can’t hide the fact that you are all woman.”

“And you can’t hide the fact that you don’t want to be here.” She dared look him straight in the eye, but couldn’t hold his gaze.

“I’m starting to come around.” He gave her one last smile. 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Kristina Mathews doesn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn't until 2010 that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing romance novels. 

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she's remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, Parent Club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books. 

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants.

Website www.kristinamathews.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristinaMathews

GIVEAWAY:
$10 Amazon gift card
The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/06/name-before-masses-worth-trade-by.html
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Donor by Nikki Rae Giveaway

Synopsis:

Casey may have not known what was in store for her when she met Jonah Black on MyTrueMatch.com, but now that she’s with him, life has become even more unexpected. She's discovered someone else in the picture and now she cannot figure out how she fits into the puzzle.
Convinced that he doesn’t need her, Casey is torn between giving up and doing whatever it takes to help her family. But Jonah, it turns out, needs her more than she knows.
Time is something neither of them have.
Can they hold each other together as the clock runs out?

Synopses for the other parts:

The Donor (Part One)

Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking.
They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills.
Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know.
All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.
Inside or out. 

The Donor (Part Two)

When Casey joined MYTrueMatch.com, she never imagined she would meet a man who not only helps her pay the bills, but has been nothing but a gentleman.
As the nose bleeds make way for worse symptoms, Casey can’t help the feelings she has for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And he’s been keeping things from her. Big things. How does he make his money, and who is that girl in the picture?
With the clock ticking, can she find the answers she’s looking for?

Links:

Amazon

Goodreads
Twitter 

Blog
Author page

Support on Thunderclap

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Event 9/21: Tell Me You Love Me by Julie Prestsater

Stay. Stay with me. Stay here. Stay close. Stay like this forever. Stay as happy as I am right here in your arms, always.

*          *          *

All I’ve ever wanted was to be loved, but if this is what true love is…I’m not so sure I want it anymore. It also makes me wonder if any of my memories of our once happy marriage are even real. Maybe I just conjured up the fairy tale in my head because I wanted…no…needed it so much. Who the hell knows?

“Molly just called to remind you about your book club meeting this afternoon.” He turns away. “I told her you’ve never missed a meeting and I doubt today would be any different.”

The door shuts behind him before I let a smile creep across my lips. Instantly, the hurt from this morning flees my mind and I feel nothing but giddiness. I have a book club meeting today, and let’s just say it’s not your everyday book club.

Sure, my husband may never truly love me again…but who needs love when you’re about to get an eyeful of hot firemen?

*          *          *

Tell Me You Love Me is the first in a four-book series called Fire Me Up—a sweet romantic comedy series about a group of sassy neighborhood women who have a serious love for steamy romance novels and sexy firemen. Lucky for them the local firehouse is just a few steps away and is in no shortage of hot firefighters to fill their wild imaginations. 

Amazon~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

Join the release event Sunday September 21st from 1-7 pst. Click the banner!

About the author:

Julie is a high school educator by day, and a writer by night. She writes both young adult and adult romances. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her family, reading, and watching football. As a reading intervention teacher, she prides herself on matching her students with great books to encourage them to become life-long readers.

Stalker links:

http://juliepbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/juliepbooks

https://twitter.com/juliepbooks

http://www.pinterest.com/juliepbooks/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4087383.Julie_Prestsater

http://instagram.com/juliepbooks

 Hope to see you all there!!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

Cover Reveal: The Donor Part Three by Nikki Rae

Synopsis:

Casey may have not known what was in store for her when she met Jonah Black on MyTrueMatch.com, but now that she’s with him, life has become even more unexpected. She's discovered someone else in the picture and now she cannot figure out how she fits into the puzzle.

Convinced that he doesn’t need her, Casey is torn between giving up and doing whatever it takes to help her family. But Jonah, it turns out, needs her more than she knows.

Time is something neither of them have.

Can they hold each other together as the clock runs out?

Links:

Amazon

Goodreads
Twitter 

Blog
Author page

Book Tour: Breaking His Rules by Alison Packard Excerpt & Giveaway

BLURB:

Losing fifty pounds is an incredible achievement. But for Melissa Atherton, progress doesn’t come with praise—a scathing comment from an evil cousin at a bridal shower threatens to crush her new self-esteem. Who will she bring to the upcoming wedding? Showing up without a date would be humiliating. It just isn’t an option.

Personal trainer Jake Sawyer was attracted to Melissa before she lost weight, but her progress has him floored. When she admits she plans to hire a male escort—and why—his heart all but breaks. Melissa’s come too far to be knocked down, especially by her own family. He’ll go as her date…and figure out a way to keep his hands to himself.

But when a steamy hotel room encounter takes them both by surprise, Jake balks. He’s sworn never to date one of his clients, not again. And Melissa can’t bear to be just friends with the man who treated her so tenderly, even if it was only for a weekend. Jake’s helped her see she’s strong enough to stand up for herself, but will she find the strength to pursue the only man who’s ever seen the real her?

EXCERPT:

“I went to my cousin’s bridal shower earlier today.” Jake looked up, relieved to find that she hadn’t appeared to notice him staring at her breasts. Good. Now he just had to remind himself not to do it again. He shouldn’t be thinking anything other than professional thoughts about her. Friend or not, Melissa was his client and therefore strictly off-limits. “She’s getting married next month at Pebble Beach.”

He let out a low whistle. “Beautiful, but from what I know of that area, pricey.”

“My aunt and uncle are very well off.” Melissa pushed her cup to the side and folded her arms on the table. “You know how I told you she always made fun of my weight when we were kids?”

Jake nodded, remembering their conversation of a few months ago. “She sounds like a witch.”

“She is.” Melissa sighed. “I overheard her and her friend talking about me in the ladies’ room.” She gave him a wan smile. “And you know what they say about eavesdroppers never hearing good of themselves. Well, it’s true.”

“What did she say?”

“That I was too fat to be a bridesmaid and that even if I’m able to get a date to her wedding, it’ll probably be with some loser.”

Jake tamped down his anger. He’d struggled with his weight when he was younger and knew only too well how cruel some people could be. Leaning forward, he reached across the table and put his hand on Melissa’s arm. He tried not to notice the satiny smoothness of her skin but failed and quickly withdrew before the warmth of her skin could tempt him to linger. “Don’t let her get to you, Melissa. She’s not worth it.”

“That’s what I told Paige when she suggested we sabotage the wedding ceremony.”

Jake couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve only met your sister twice, but that’s exactly what I’d expect her to suggest.”

Melissa smiled, then quickly sobered and gave him a determined look. “I’m going to that wedding even though it’s the last thing on earth I want to do.”

“Do you have a date?” he asked, more interested in Melissa’s private life than he should be. She’d never mentioned a boyfriend, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t seeing someone. Even at her heaviest—as she’d been when he’d met her—she was an attractive woman.

“No. But I have this off the wall—” She stopped mid-sentence, stared at him for several seconds, then she shook her head and laughed. She had a good laugh—melodic and sexy at the same time. “Never mind.”

“Never mind what?” he asked as he leaned back.

“It wasn’t important.” She tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks turned pink under his scrutiny. “Okay. Okay. I was thinking about hiring an escort for the wedding. Someone super-hot. That would shut my cousin up for good.”

“Hire an escort?” Jake asked, surprised she’d go to such lengths—especially when she didn’t need to. He grinned as the perfect solution to her problem materialized in his head. It was the least he could do for a friend. “I have a much better idea and it won’t cost you any money.”

One delicately arched brow rose. “What’s your idea?” she asked, with a hint of trepidation.

“Not what. Who.” He pointed to his chest. “Me. I’ll be your date for the wedding.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where she’s still getting used to the blistering summers and the slot machines in every grocery store.

When not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and supports her book and chocolate habits, Alison spends most of her free time writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Website: http://alisonpackard.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Packard-Author/368976796492227?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alleyfics

GIVEAWAY:

Alison will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/06/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-breaking-his.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour: The Kaldalangra Series by Kristi Strong Guest Post & Giveaway

BLURB:

The Lady of Steinbrekka

Rhea Aralia lived an uneventful life in Virginia, until the fateful night of her kidnapping. Taken to a strange realm of destruction, despair, and mysterious people with dark secrets, the young woman must learn a new way of life to survive.

With the help of her new companions, Rhea discovers the courage to defy the tyrant King Verikhan and his heir, the cleverness to deceive the court, and the power within herself to transform this world of darkness into one of beauty and hope.

Will Rhea triumph over those who seek her destruction, or will she be forever lost in the darkness known as Kaldalangra?

Join Rhea as she fights to take destiny back into her own hands.

Heart of Kylassame

It has been two years since the reign of the tyrannical King Verikhan has ended, and the realm of Kaldalangra flourishes.

Nyssa has taken her place as Queen of the realm, with her secret love, Sebast, now openly at her side. She rules with a fair hand, striving for justice and prosperity for all of her people.

Rowan and Rhea travel the realm, spreading peace and healing wherever they go. In Kylassame, they have formed a strong bond with friends and spread deep roots in the community.

The people of Kaldalangra are joyful, and life in their world is better than ever before.

But a string of tragedies has the ability to bring Rhea to her knees, and with her, the entire realm. While Rowan struggles to recover the village of Kylassame from a devastating crime, Rhea’s faith in her own strength weakens, with dire consequences.

Re-enter the world of Kaldalangra, and join the adventure as Rhea and Rowan endeavor to continue upon their chosen destiny.

Soul of Asimina

In the land of Kaldalangra, one woman stands at a crossroads

Sabina de Nespa has known a life of freedom and peace, thanks to the actions of her heroic parents. As a child of royalty, she has kept her intentions pure and her heart guarded, always aware that the crown of the realm may one day rest upon her brow.

When two strangers stumble across her path, she finds her peace shattered as dangerous family secrets begin to emerge, along with a malignant force that threatens to destroy her entire world. These men have the ability to help her rise to brilliant heights, or cause a devastating plunge into darkness.

It is now up to Sabina to continue her parents’ legacy of honor, courage, and strength through adversity. With the fate of Kaldalangra upon her shoulders, she has vowed to follow the path of righteousness, or die trying.

MAIN CHARACTER:

Hi everyone, and thanks so much for having me!

Creating main characters is one of the toughest and most essential parts of a good book. For the purposes of this post, I want to introduce you to Sabina, one of the main characters of the 3^rd Kaldalangra book (and the 1^st of the “Second Generation” books of the series, which will begin expanding in 2015).

Sabina de Nespa is the daughter of royalty, the eldest child of two royal persons; she is first in line to inherit the throne, something which is not quite as desirable as one would think. She loves freedom, being able to travel the realm of Kaldalangra, aiding those in need, and establishing different friendships along the way.

Writing Sabina was something that actually began in the beginning of Heart of Kylassame, when I started wondering what someone with Rhea’s spirit would be like if they had grown up in the world of Kaldalangra, and in a realm twenty years after the events of The Lady of Steinbrekka. Sabina is far from your spoiled princess, but she is also sure of her place in the world and well-aware of her role in the court.

When coming up with her different traits and quirks, I did a lot of research into historical royal figures, particularly those who fought against the established order, and put the needs of their people far above their own health or well-being. There was an incredible amount of these women, especially those who were placed into the roles of leaders at a very young age, when most modern girls are still considered children.

Sabina was also one of the first teenagers that I had as a main character, and it was definitely more of an adventure to go back in time and try to reflect the nineteen-year-old mindset, even though she is extremely mature for her age. That’s what being raised as royalty will do to you!

EXCERPT:

The Lady of Steinbrekka

Rhea threw up her hands in defense as she saw the man smile. “Hello, little mouse.”

She bolted out of her hole, too frightened to know if she was heading away from the door or towards safety. Direction did not matter; all that mattered was getting away from the person who pursued her. The un-swept floors threatened to betray her as her sneaker soles slid on the years of sand and dirt. She turned the corner as the second man stepped into the aisle, then tripped over a box as she quickly backed up.

“What do you want? I have money, take it, it’s yours.”

The man gave a hollow laugh that echoed off the walls of the basement. Rhea grabbed an old volume off the shelf and threw it at him, using the precious seconds of confusion to force her feet to move and run down the next aisle. She could see the main aisle, could see freedom streaming through the door and took a precious second to inhale for a scream of help. A large hand clamped across her mouth, an arm lifted her from the ground and took that precious freedom away.

“It is not worth it to struggle, little one. You have no chance of winning.”

Rhea caught a finger between her teeth and bit down hard, wildly kicking her feet out to try to contact any body part of her assailant. She growled, “It’s always worth trying.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Fixing broken computers, wrangling a very spirited little toddler, and creating a world with a tyrant king, are all parts of the average day for Kristi Strong. While she has called Virginia her home for two decades, her head has rested in two countries, three states, and far too many houses to count. She was more than happy to give up her nomadic lifestyle and settle down with her husband, daughter, cat and chinchilla.

While attending James Madison University, she was given the rare opportunity to work as part of an archaeological team on a variety of dig sites in Virginia, including the homes of former Presidents, James Madison and George Washington, civil war sites such as The Stevens’ House and Fort Evans Mississippian Encampment, and a variety of pre-historic hunting sites and camps.

Kristi now uses her extensive studies in human cultures to create her own world in her fantasy novels, beginning with her debut novel, The Lady of Steinbrekka, and continuing with Heart of Kylassame and Soul of Asimina.

Connect with Kristi

Blog: http://strongnovels.blogspot.com

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

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

Email: Strongnovels@live.com

The Lady of Steinbrekka

Buy Links

Kindle:   http://www.amazon.com/The-Lady-of-Steinbrekka-ebook/dp/B008TVP1J2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345485115&sr=8-1&keywords=steinbrekka

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-of-steinbrekka-kristi-strong/1112378336?ean=2940014961905

Paperback:  https://www.createspace.com/3820074

Heart of Kylassame

Buy Links

Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Kylassame-Kaldalangra-Kristi-Strong-ebook/dp/B00DJTZ2RK

Paperback:  http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Kylassame-Kristi-R-Strong/dp/0615821928

Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-kylassame-kristi-strong/1115800646

Soul of Asimina

Buy Links

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615938957

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Asimina-Kaldalangra-Kristi-Strong-ebook/dp/B00HIQBW56

Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-of-asimina-kristi-strong/1117886122

GIVEAWAY:
Kristi will offer a signed paperback copy of The Lady of Steinbrekka, along with a Land of Kaldalangra bookmark prize pack. She will award a $10 Amazon Gift Card and Kaldalangra bookmark prize pack as a host prize.
 The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/07/nbtm-land-of-kaldalangra-series-by.html
a Rafflecopter giveaway