A Life Through Books: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

PROMO: Flaw

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 1 Comments

FLAW ~ Week Blitz ~

By Ryan Ringbloom

New Adult Contemporary

Date to be published February 2014

Synopsis:

What can be said about Josh Brewster? Nothing good, that's for sure. Just ask anyone. They'll be quick to tell you. Josh is a selfish, sweet-talking manipulator who will charm you in a minute, all the while planning his next move. He uses. He leaves. All Josh desires is things that come easy. Why actually work hard for something when you don't have to?

When Josh comes to face to face with a girl who’s doesn’t make anything easy, Josh begins questioning the game he's played so long. He’s suddenly eager to learn how to work for something he never imagined wanting. Can a player really change his ways? Better yet, will his past forgive?

Aidan Turner has had a rough life, a life that has only become harsher as he's gotten older. The scars across his face serve as a constant reminder of the haunting nightmares from his past life. Seeing himself as nothing but a monster, Aidan believes no one will ever be able to look past his flaws.

His reasoning is about to change when his very own beauty comes barreling in, sparking emotions he'd thought he'd never feel. Love sizzles between them, but his friendship with another girl complicates everything, especially after the nature of their friendship becomes confused. Will friendship overshadow his true feelings and ruin both couples’ chances at happiness?

Warning – Mature Content.

Fans of WAIT keep reading after the story ends for the bonus chapter: Tessa and Tucker – The Wait is Over.

About the Author: Ryan Ringbloom

Ryan Ringbloom lives for anything Romance. The passion, love, angst, awkwardness… she loves all of it. When Ryan needs a break from reality she sneaks off to read a romantic story or write one of her own. Drinking coffee, reading Tweets and hugs from her five year old are the best part of her day.

You can follow her on Twitter: @RyanRingbloom or visit her website at RyanRingbloom.com . Feel free to contact her, she would love it!

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter

This Blitz is brought to to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Blog Tour Contemporary Romance

Blog Tour: Battling the Best Man by Elley Arden

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 0 Comments

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 1/27/2014

A Harmony Falls Novel Book 2 (The book stands alone.)

On the cusp of a brilliant Chicago medical career, Dr. Kory Flemming rarely gets vacation, but she can't say no to maid of honor duties in her best friend's wedding. Home town or not, being in Harmony Falls, Pennsylvania isn't easy, especially when the only man smart enough to trump Kory's high school academic achievements turns out to be a sexy, accomplished adult up to his old, flirtatious tricks.

Will Mitchell has been destined for success since the day he was born. After spending his formative years racking up academic honors, it was only natural for him to be named the chief operating officer of his family's thriving company. He has it all-more or less-so when the target of his high school infatuation turns up hot and haughty at his brother's wedding, Will decides he wants her, too.

Old conflict gives way to new attraction, taking Will and Kory by surprise, until a failed merger and family tragedy threaten both their professional goals. Can they put aside their rocky past and ignore their titillating present in order to work together to secure the future for the people they adore?

BUY LINKS

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

I have three children. All three birth stories are different. My first was a Cesarean section after hours of exhausting pushing. My second was literally pain-free—I joke that he literally fell out. My third was a nerve-wracking induction at 37 weeks. My books follow a similar path. Some seem to write themselves with little stress or aggravation to me. Others have me promising to never write again as soon as my contracts are fulfilled. Keeping the story from meandering into something that makes little sense is what scares me the most, and sometimes that fear is crippling. The hardest part of writing my books is continuing to write when I’m certain I’m writing nothing but trash.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

Anything off of Rosi Golan’s “The Drifter and the Gypsy” album would be an appropriate answer, but lately, I’ve been relying on iTunes Radio, particularly the Chill Out-Singer/Songwriter station. Love!

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

I have a critique partner, who I credit with being my sanity in the early days of writing and submitting. Unfortunately, our schedules are very hectic now that we’re both dealing with multiple contracts, deadlines, and edits, so we don’t work together in a regular critiquing capacity anymore. As far as beta readers go, I have them, but I use them rarely. The pace at which I am writing makes it hard to involve others in the process—that job falls to my awesome editor, Tara.

What book are you reading now?

I’m reading an ARC of a hockey romance called Full Strength. It’s written by my talented friend, Katie Kenyhercz, and it will be available to everyone on February 17.

How did you start your writing career?

I was a non-fiction writer long before I started writing fiction. I spent the bulk of my non-fiction career writing and editing parenting-related content.

Tell us about your next release.

Ooh! My next release, Heal My Heart, is available March 10. It’s the final book in the Kemmons Brothers Baseball Series, so it features some great scenes with characters from the past books. The best part about this book isn’t necessarily the baseball team physician hero; it’s the female professional football league quarterback heroine. Who said men should be the only professional athletes in a sports romance? Not me!

Website

Facebook

Twitter

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Blog Tour Interview

Blog Tour: Always and Forever by S.P. Cervantes

3:30 AM BY EverLeigh 0 Comments

New Adult Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 11/13/2013

Twin sisters Ava and Hannah were ripped from their peaceful seeming lives into a whirlwind of attacks and war only to learn the real truth about their existence.

Nothing was as it seemed anymore and may never be again. They had already lost their father in childhood now they have to cope with their mother’s kidnapping as they watch those sworn to protect them risk their lives.

Buy Link

Amazon

Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The hardest part of writing my books is finding the time! I have three young children and am also a full time teacher, so it’s all about scheduling and planning. I make time every night to write for at least an hour and dedicate most of my writing time to weekends and vacations. I really try my best to not let my writing take too much time away from my children, and make sure that when we are together, we are active and doing things, then lock myself away for a few hours while they play with each other or friends.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

Right now I am listening to a lot of Imagine Dragons, The Civil Wars, Lorde, and Mumford and Sons. I have been finishing up the last book in the Secrets of Shadow Hill series, War of Wizards, and have also started working on the second book on a contemporary romance series I will have coming out this spring. Music is a major inspiration for me while I write.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

I have two critique partners that I work with that give me a second look and different perspective for my stories. I feel like it is so important to have a different point of view. I want to make sure that all the pieces are coming together clearly for my readers.

What book are you reading now?

I just started reading Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

How did you start your writing career?

I began my writing career when I decided to challenge myself and write a novel while on bed rest while pregnant with my twin daughters. I have always loved to write, but had never taken the time to actually write an entire novel. I just never thought I could actually do it. But when forced to do nothing my sit on my butt all day, I decided to make good use of my time, and let those pregnancy hormones take over and wrote the first draft of Always and Forever. After in sat in my computer for a year, my sister encouraged me to submit it to some publishers. I had a few offers and decided to sign a contract for my Secrets of Shadow Hill series with Center One Books. It has been an amazing experience and am so grateful for the opportunity to have my stories published.

Tell us about your next release.

The second book of my Secrets of Shadow Hill series, The Prophecy, was just released in November, which has been very exciting. I am looking forward to having the last book of the Secrets of Shadow Hill series, War of Wizards, our to my readers in the second half of 2014.

I’ve also written a contemporary suspenseful romance, Dust to Dust (A Broken Fairy Tale) and am also looking forward to its rel

S.P Cervantes lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children,

where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, and

running, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.

S.P. Cervantes is currently working on a new contemporary romance, while finishing the

final novel of the Secrets of Shadow Hill series.

S.P. Cervantes has a B.S. in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Cross Cultural Education.

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Book Cover Contemporary Romance

Cover Reveal: Taking Chances

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 0 Comments

Ariadne Wayne - Taking Chances - Cover Reveal

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 3/30/2014

Add to Goodreads

Lauren and Mark Burrows lost their parents in a car accident one night. Despite their father being the drunk driver, both struggle with the urge to turn to drink; Lauren most of all. When all they have is each other, Lauren feels lost when Mark falls in love with Cassie Warren and moves out.

Ethan Stone has been alone since his divorce. His ex-wife took him for everything, and he has felt empty for a long time. He's not looking for love, but Lauren brings him back to life. The question is whether she can fight her demons for the man she loves, and if Ethan can handle the wild ride that is life with Lauren.

EXCERPT

Ethan leaned over to kiss her. “I’m looking forward to going to bed too. If I’m invited.”

She laughed, slapping his arm. “Are you kidding? After all that fuss at the door, you had better bring your A game tonight, Mister.”

“I don’t know about that, but I could do with loving you some more. We’ll have to leave pretty early. My schedule is full tomorrow.”

“You still came?”

“Lauren, I told you. You’re worth the effort. If I have to look for work down here, I will.”

“I can’t believe anyone would do that for me.”

“I love you. Even if you don’t feel the same way, I’ll be there when you need me.”

She kissed him. This man was special, and he was hers.

“I do feel the same way. My whole life, no-one ever loved me,” she said.

“I bet that’s a lie. You have such a good heart. Anyone who doesn’t love you isn’t worth knowing.”

“Can we skip dinner and get to the bed part?”

Ethan squeezed her hand. “Not after the effort I put in. Maybe afterwards.”

“Well, you can’t wash the dishes. There’s no hot water left.”

“You didn’t leave any for me?”

Lauren draped her arms over Ethan’s shoulders. “No. You should have joined me.”

“Next time, beautiful.”

She looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze. “What is it, Lauren?”

“No-one’s ever called me that before.”

“Well, get used to it.”

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter

This Cover Reveal is brought to to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: The Girl (The Sanctum)

6:19 AM BY EverLeigh 1 Comments

Paranormal

Date Published: 11/11/2013

The Sanctum, an all-powerful governing body founded by ten families, entrusted to maintain the peace amongst Magicals and ensure the ignorance of humans, has been corrupted by greed and savagery for generations, but is all Wyatt Clayworth has ever known.

A descendant of one of the Founding Families and Class A Warrior, Wyatt has always believed in the ways of The Sanctum, having grown up in the system and thrived under their leadership. A golden boy, renowned for his prowess and skill in battle, Wyatt has never questioned a mission or kill order until the night he crosses paths with a brutally injured and mysterious girl.

Scouring Central Park with his best friend and fellow Class A Warrior, Ryker Morrison, for the hybrid demon prophesied to bring an end to The Sanctum and destroy the world for Magicals and humans alike, Wyatt instead finds Dev and his whole life turns upside down. Told he was hunting a killing machine, hellbent on wreaking havoc and destruction upon all it encounters, Wyatt instead sees nothing more than a broken girl with haunted eyes and a bit of a death wish.

All Dev wants is for Wyatt to either kill her or leave her alone. When he refuses to do either, she finds herself being pulled into his life while being hunted by warriors everywhere she turns. Drawn to one another for reasons they cannot begin to explain to themselves, much less anyone else, Wyatt is determined to protect Dev and help her realize her mission to avenge the deaths of her family at the hands of The Sanctum. His abdication of his duties and his outright rejection of his responsibilities to The Sanctum create a maelstrom of events beyond anyone’s imagination.

BUY LINKS

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Review

I really wish this book had a different cover that would draw the readers in and show just how great the story is. This cover just doesn't do it for me.

The story is a very very great one! The world that Madhuri Blaylock takes us into is so vivid and different than anything I have read before. This is a Paranormal novel that while dealing with the same types of magic/Paranormal is completely different than any others of its kind. The author has managed to create a unique story and I really did appreciated that.

The characters are also a highlight of the novel for me. I think that that really do a great job of translating from page to the readers mind. They are likable yet real and not sugar - coated. I liked that.

Definitely a great start to a new series, I will be looking for the next book for sure.

Madhuri Blaylock is a lawyer by day, writer and avid shoe and dress buyer at all other times. She lives in Jersey City, but her heart remains firmly planted in Brooklyn via Snellville, Georgia. Her husband, Henry, is also a lawyer, and only a lawyer because he actually likes being a lawyer (go figure), probably always wanted to be a lawyer and is really, really good at all things lawyerly. He's also pretty hot.

She’s got a big kid, Miss Sydney, and a little kid, the one and only Dash. They're awesome and fierce and supremely cool and able to make her laugh at the strangest things. She would love to add a dog, some chickens, a goat and a burro to this crew. Everyone needs a burro.

Some of her favorites, in no particular order: ice cream, Kill Bill, four-inch heels, Matt Damon, tattoos, Laini Taylor, scotch on the rocks, The Sanctum trilogy, random office supplies, Martha's Vineyard, "The Girl" aka my Mini, Rihanna, Doc Martens, tulips, photo booths and dancing like a fool.

One day she plans to grow up. Right now, she’s enjoying the adventure.

Reading Time:

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Blog Tour Interview

Blog Tour: Hemphill Towers by Leona Pence

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 9 Comments

Romantic Suspense

Date Published: 10/25/2013

Riley Saunders has her dream job. As an art director at a leading advertising agency, she works every day with her two best friends, Stella and Birdie. All three have been assigned to ensure that the Grand Opening of the Peterson Art Museum is nothing short of a success.

When a girl’s night out at a hot new Italian restaurant ends with a spilled bottle of wine, it sets in motion a series of events that leaves Stella and Birdie caught up in whirlwind romances, and Riley fearing for her life at the hands of a deranged stalker. But, when the handsome museum curator, Trent Peterson, learns of her situation, he vows to keep her safe.

In a quick-paced tale of fine art, wine forgery, and the Russian Mafia, Riley and her friends soon discover their pursuit of love will require them to expose a crime, thwart a murder, and trust the one thing that has never failed them…their friendship.

BUY LINKS

INTERVIEW

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
For me, it’s the constant editing and rewrites in preparation for submission. Writing the first draft was easy in comparison. The synopsis and query letters came in as a close second choice.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

Since I’m deaf, I don’t use an Ipod, but I have memories of so many songs from before I lost my hearing. I hum songs by Elvis, Fats Domino, and Johnny Horton, to name a few.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

Yes, I use the Novel Group in Writer’s Village University, and a couple of Mentor friends from F2K.(Fiction for 2000) I could never have submitted my novel without their help.

What book are you reading now?

I just finished two historical romances by H.K. Carlton called The Devil Take You, and You Found Me. Dr Sleep by Stephen King is next on my list. I try to read three books per week.

How did you start your writing career?

My romance novel, Hemphill Towers, started as a joke between me and two online friends. We projected ourselves as career women, described a love interest, and I was to write a short humor story around our ideas. Well, the words just kept flowing, plot twists came in my dreams, and what started as fun between friends became a full-fledged novel. But even then, I had no plans to be published. I sent the novel to family and friends in fifteen installments as I wrote them. God forbid if an installment was late in their inbox. This kept me going when I felt like quitting. I just couldn’t leave them with half a story.

Tell us about your next release.

I am currently writing a second book using some of the characters from Hemphill Towers. I need to set a writing routine to get it completed. I’m not a dedicated writer who is driven to write each day. I have to wait for my muse to pinch me and tell me to get busy.

Leona Pence started reading romance novels as a teen. She graduated from Nancy Drew stories to Harlequin Romance, and then to her favorite author, Barbara Cartland and her vast Regency romance collection. Happy endings were a must.

Leona began writing late in life after the death of her husband of forty-four years. They married on her 19th birthday after a three month courtship – and yes – love at first sight really did happen.

She enjoys reading, writing, online pool, and especially being a Mentor in F2K, a free online writing course.

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Blog Tour historical romance

Blog Tour: The Lion's Embrace by Marie Laval

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 2 Comments

Historical Romance

Date Published: 2/2013

Algiers, 1845
Arrogant, selfish and dangerous, Lucas Saintclair is everything Harriet Montague dislikes in a man. He is also the best guide in the whole of the Barbary States, the only man who can rescue her archaeologist father from the gang of Tuareg fighters that has kidnapped him. As Harriet embarks on a perilous journey across Algeria with Saintclair and Archibald Drake, her father’s most trusted friend, she discovers a bewitching but brutal land where nothing is what it seems. Who are these men intent on stealing her father’s ransom? What was her father hoping to find in Tuareg queen Tin Hinan’s tomb? Is Lucas Saintclair really as callous as he claims—or is he a man haunted by a past he cannot forgive? Dangerous passions engulf Harriet’s heart in the heat of the Sahara. Secrets of lost treasures, rebel fighters, and a sinister criminal brotherhood threaten her life and the life of the man she loves.
Does forever lie in the lion’s embrace?

BUY LINKS

Amazon UK

Amazon

MuseitUp Publishing

INTERVIEW

Thank you very much for hosting me today. I am delighted to be able to talk about my historical romance The Lion's Embrace, which is published as an ebook by MuseitUp Publishing.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
I always enjoy the whole writing process, from the research to the editing. It is so exciting to see an idea and a plot develop and characters become alive and take over. If I'm honest, I will say that the editing is the hardest. I find it quite difficult to cut and slash the text.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

I don't have an Ipod but I am always listening to music either on my laptop or my cd player. I change my music with ever project I work on. For The Lion's Embrace I researched Tuareg music and discovered the guitarist and singer Bombino who is absolutely brillant.

I also played a cd by Steve Shehan and Nabil Othmani and thanks to the Internet I found other North-African bands. There was nothing better to put me in the mood and I often forgot I was in grey and rainy Lancashire and not traveling to the Sahara.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

No, unfortunately, I do not have a critique partner. I do however have two good friends who always read my stories first and offer advice and encouragement. I am always very grateful to them both.

What book are you reading now?

I usually have several books on the go at the same time. I have just finished reading 'The Dark Witch' by Nora Roberts - one of my favourite authors. I am also reading through a travel guide for Corsica, where my next historical romance is set, and a biography of Catherine de Medici.

How did you start your writing career?

A few years ago I wrote a few short stories, some of which were published and won prizes and it encouraged me to try writing a novel. I always loved romance, historical romance in particular, so it seemed the perfect genre for me to start with. I got hooked and never looked back.

Tell us about your next release.

I am still working on two projects, a contemporary romantic suspense set in Provence, in the South of France, and a historical romance set in Scotland.

Marie Laval

Reading Time:

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

New Adult PROMO

Book Blitz: Stealing Luca's Heart

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 0 Comments

Stealing Luca's Heart - Week Blitz

By Ellie Lyons

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 12/30/2013

Add to Goodreads

Just what is going on at the Tetari farm in New Zealand? First her father is injured in a suspicious hunting accident, now someone is after the Tetari family and their land. With the help of charismatic businessman and eldest son, Luca Tetari, Ally Edwards is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. As passion flares and love blooms, Ally and Luca search for the answers in Ellie Lyons’ romantic suspense novel, Stealing Luca’s Heart, Book 1 of her new, contemporary series.

When Ally Edwards’ father, Cal, is injured in a suspicious hunting accident in New Zealand, she takes leave from her job as a University of Iowa economics instructor to rush down to be at her father’s bedside. When she arrives, she finds herself hosted by her father’s friends, the Tetari family, who welcome her into their home.

Luca Tetari, the eldest son, is not only a businessman in the family corporation, but also the team captain of the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team. Luca is the consummate player, skillful on the pitch and off, indulging his fans and beguiling everyone around him. But as she gets to know him, Ally discovers that Luca is far deeper as a person than his surface charm would indicate, and soon she finds herself falling in love.

But while Ally and Luca are realizing their new affections, the Tetari family and their land are under attack by unknown assailants. With a new “green” energy project in development, who is trying to take over their property, and how? Does this have anything to do with Cal’s injury? After all, if someone has hurt one person, mightn’t that same individual be willing to injure—or even kill—additional people to achieve his or her goals?

Ellie Lyons

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

Buy Link

Amazon

This Blitz is brought to to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Blog Tour Interview

Blog Tour: Matt Archer: Bloodlines

2:00 AM BY EverLeigh 0 Comments

Date Published: 1/4/2014

YA Paranormal

When seventeen-year-old Matt Archer set out on his last mission in the Australian Outback, he thought it would be like every other hunt.
Not even close.
After only two days on the ground, his best friend is possessed, a long-lost family member has returned and hidden truths have come to the surface. Add in a coven of witches bent on bringing about the end of the world and, well, this trip has started to suck. Badly.
As his power and strength continue to grow, so does Matt’s concern that he’s becoming more and more like the creatures he’s been charged to hunt: a monster.
Faced with some of his biggest challenges to date, Matt has to decide what he needs to protect most—his family, his team…or himself.

BUY LINKS

Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books? Probably plotting. I have a general idea where I want to go, but I’d rather write and explore than outline. It leads to some rewrites, but I enjoy it that way.

What songs are most played on your Ipod? I tend to be a creature of habit, so right now, probably the Catching Fire soundtrack. “Who We Are” by Imagine Dragons is an amazing song.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers? Both! My crit partners read the ugly first drafts, and give me feedback on plot/character. My beta readers read the book after my editor has been through it to give me reader reaction and suggest places I could explain things better/add detail.

What book are you reading now? I just finished Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. Seriously, that book was amazing, but it left me pretty broken.

How did you start your writing career? I’d had some ideas rattling around in my head for several years and I must’ve reached critical mass, because I came home from work one day in November 2008 and started writing. The words have been pouring out ever since.

Tell us about your next release. Matt Archer: Bloodlines, the fourth book in the Matt Archer series, came out on January 1. The final book in the series will release in late summer 2014. I’m also working on a fun contemporary YA.

Kendra C. Highley

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to two self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes chocolate is a basic human right, running a 10k is harder than it sounds, and that everyone should learn to drive a stick-shift. She loves monsters, vacations, baking and listening to bad electronica.

Contact information