Friday, June 30, 2017

#Excerpt: BILLIONAIRES ON THE BEACH by various bestselling authors


Billionaires on the Beach: The Anderson Brothers
Elizabeth Lennox, Gloria Silk, Leslie North, Lizabeth Scott, Noelle Adams
Publication date: June 27th 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Fake relationships, secret heirs, friends with benefits, hot nannies, and irresistible rivals… falling in love isn’t easy for five sexy, billionaire brothers.
Enjoy hot days and hotter nights on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina with the billionaire Anderson brothers in this series of five steamy, original novellas from USA Today bestselling authors Elizabeth Lennox and Noelle Adams, as well as Leslie North, Lizabeth Scott, and Gloria Silk.
All profits from Billionaires on the Beach will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The Billionaire’s Mistake by Elizabeth Lennox – Marie didn’t have time for a romance, but when Sloan Anderson walked into her coffee shop, all of her friends decided that it was time for her to fall in love. Even her dog was in on the matchmaking! Unfortunately, no one bothered to tell her heart that Sloan Anderson was a lying, horrible, son of a…No way was she going to fall for a man who was going to foreclose on her store!
Her Reluctant Billionaire by Noelle Adams – Katie has been friends with Logan Anderson for four years. He might be a smart, funny, adorable billionaire, but after her work as a divorce attorney, she’s just not interested in romance. But when she pretends to be his girlfriend for one weekend at the beach, she starts to see him as far more than a friend.
The Billionaire’s Babysitter by Leslie North – After BASE jumping from a NYC skyscraper, billionaire Wyatt Anderson has been sentenced to four weeks’ house arrest in his family’s beach house, but he won’t be there alone…. To get her dream job as a nanny for the wealthy, Laine Maguire will have to complete one last role: babysit a billionaire for a month. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Chased by the Billionaire by Lizabeth Scott – Grey couldn’t believe that the gorgeous woman with the adorable…ponytail, was none other than the girl from high school – the one none of the guys noticed because she was too timid. No longer! Gemma was smokin’ hot, owned a gym and…was one of the toughest women he’d ever charmed. But this time, there was more. Maybe too much more? Gemma intrigued him in ways that he wasn’t sure he wanted to be intrigued.
From Geek to Greek Billionaire by Gloria Silk – Olivia Moore has landed her dream job—to renovate a very special beach house. The last thing she needs is to bump into her teen crush, the geeky yet sexy Alexander Anderson. He needs her to help him with a makeover and an infusion of confidence with women, but getting closer to him means risking he finds out her secret past, which might tear them apart once again.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Elizabeth Lennox – Although she wanted to be a romance novelist since the eighth grade, that dream only became a paid reality for her in 2009 and a full time job in 2012. Along the way, she received a BS in History and held different jobs in the real estate, government consulting, and financial industries. All during that time, though, she was always writing, using her personal experiences, dreams, and travels throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean as backdrops for her stories. Elizabeth lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. Find her at elizabethlennox.com.

Noelle Adams – Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she reads any book she can get her hands on and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel. She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances. Find her at noelle-adams.com.

Leslie North – Leslie North is the pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women’s contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres. Leslie fell in love with romance when she first picked up a scrappy, dog-eared romance book from her local library. She began writing soon after and the rest, as they say, was history. She now lives in a cozy cottage on the British coast and enjoys taking long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie. Find her at leslienorthbooks.com.

Lizabeth Scott – Who is Lizabeth Scott? A voracious reader and a full-time writer for about 4 months! Liz is a wife and mother of two grown children and the proud grandma of the sweetest little baby ever. She is the personal assistant to a terrier terror named Moxie who she occasionally takes to the drive-through for a burger. Liz is a Carolina girl who loves sand between her toes as frequently as possible. At the prompting of a friend, Liz began living her dream of writing in 2013 and is now the author of several series. Find her at lizscottbooks.com.

Gloria Silk – Gloria Silk writes novels of powerful passion without cultural borders. Born in Russia, Gloria Silk has lived in various parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. She loves to travel. Her background in English literature, writing and psychology help her create well-rounded, unique characters for her stories. She’s also an artist (using watercolors and acrylics) and a designer, and is published in non-fiction under Tanya Freedman. Find her at gloriasilk.com.

Excerpt From The Billionaire’s Babysitter by Leslie North
“Hey,” she said, but he didn’t turn around, “I’m sorry if I upset you, prying. It’s none of my business. I apologize.”
“I’m not nine, Laine,” he said. “So don’t try to be my understanding babysitter.”
“I know you’re not a kid,” she said softly, “I was having a nice time and I feel like I ruined it.”
Wyatt raked a hand through his hair and crossed his arms, closed off to her again. “I’d like to know you better,” she said, and laid her cheek on his back just for a second.
Laine wasn’t one to rub up against men, but the expanse of his strong back, and the closeness they’d shared moments ago over the basil overwhelmed her. She wanted to reach out to him. She wanted him to reach for her, to find comfort in her body and she longed to wrap her arms around him and open her lips for him. She was breathless, almost humid with the vividness of that desire, so when he turned and swept her around, his arm hooking her waist and hauling her up against him, she gasped.
“How much better would you like to know me?” he said, his voice low and rasping. Her fingers curled into his shirt front.
Laine felt lost in his intense hot blue gaze. He touched her cheek and she nestled into his palm. She felt as if every nerve ending was alight with the sizzle of his touch. She tried to answer him, knew somehow in the blur of desire that he had asked her a question and she ought to say something, but she couldn’t look away. She could feel the heat of his breath on her lips, his arms holding her against his hard chest. He tipped her chin up and she parted her lips, ready for him, dying for him to kiss her. She blinked, squinting as the sun came out from behind a cloud and shone right in her eyes so she had to look away from him.
He gave that wicked half grin that made her want to drop her panties. Wyatt turned her so the sun wouldn’t be in her eyes, “I’d rather you be blinded by my charm than the sun, come over here,” he pulled her toward the shadow of the fence and she wrapped both arms around his neck, a smile curving her lips as she reached up for him and his mouth brushed hers.
The loudest screeching sound she’d ever heard shrieked from the spot where they were standing. They broke apart and he swore. “Fucking house arrest.” He muttered, taking a step back into the boundaries of the property, “Might as well put a goddamn shock collar on me like a dog.”
“Wyatt—” she called after him but he was on his way back inside.



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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

#Excerpt: REACH FOR YOU by Pat Esden


Reach for You
Pat Esden
(The Dark Heart #3)
Published by: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Publication date: June 27th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Her passion is her greatest weakness.
His legacy is his prison.
To reunite, both must fight the demons within.
A world of deception and danger separates Annie Fremont from her mother—and from Chase, the enigmatic groundskeeper with whom Annie’s fallen in love. But she vows to find her way back to them, before Chase succumbs to the madness that threatens his freedom. The only person who can help is the magical seductress, Lotli, a beautiful, manipulative woman . . . a woman who has disappeared.
Annie must stay strong, even as the future she imagined is slipping away. With the help of family and friends, she discovers that Lotli is being held against her will, by those who want to exploit her powers. But though weakened, Lotli remains a powerful ally and adversary. A bargain is struck. And now Annie’s only chance to rescue Chase could also tear them apart . . .
Loyalties will be tested, walls will be breached, and enemies will be fought, yet Annie’s greatest battle lies within her own heart—to trust her love for Chase to overcome its greatest enemy, and to save those she holds most dear from the terrifying realm of the djinn. For all of their lives depend on it.

Previous books in the series:
25810168 28109696

CHAPTER ONE:
We journey. Ceaseless and hungry.
Carved into stone tablet. Tenerife, Spain
The campsite was ominously silent. Then a breeze lifted and my ear caught the faint clank and rattle of the bones and knives hanging in the pine trees behind us.
“You don’t think they’re both dead, do you?” Selena whispered.
I scanned the dilapidated camper ahead of us, a do-it-yourself RV created out of an old bread truck. Despite the midafternoon warmth, the doors were shut tight. The tent behind it, barely visible from our angle, bowed under the weight of rain that had pooled in its canopy. There was no campfire smoke. No trampled grass. In comparison to when we’d come here last week, the place looked deserted.
Goose bumps pebbled my skin. I gave the camper another once-over. “Zea was really old and sickly. He could have died—or if the kidnappers came here first looking for Lotli, they could have found him. They might have—”
Selena cut me off with a glower. “You mean, supposed kidnappers.”
My jaw clenched. Yeah, that was exactly what I meant. I understood why my cousin didn’t like that everything we’d discovered pointed to her boyfriend, Newt, being involved in Lotli’s disappearance, and perhaps Zea’s as well. But I thought we’d gotten past that, like a bunch of times already.
I swiveled toward where we’d parked our Land Rover. The Professor stood rooted next to it, a mixture of disgust and apprehension crinkling his face. From his scholarly glasses and sandy brown hair all the way down to his polished loafers, he looked anything but ready for our reconnaissance trip out here on the back roads of Down East Maine. An afternoon of research at Oxford University would have been more appropriate. “You want to check inside the tent while we look in the camper?”
His gaze flicked to the soggy tarps. He cleared his throat, then—as posh as ever—said, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not totally against the idea. But the thought of discovering a rotting corpse is a teensy bit abhorrent.”
“Would you rather discover one in a closed-up camper?” I snapped. It was lucky we’d driven into the campsite from the main road instead of walking like we’d done the last time. I’d assumed the Professor had an adventuresome spirit to go with his young Indiana Jones good looks. Especially since he was an archaeologist, though this summer he was tutoring Selena’s eleven-year-old brother as a favor. Still, and despite how eager he’d seemed to come with us, the Professor had freaked the second we started past the creepy stuff Zea and Lotli hung in the trees to scare people off: the knives and bones, pieces of copper pipe, broken mirrors, and doll parts. Frankly, I was surprised he’d even gotten out of the Land Rover at all.
I pasted on a smile. “Sorry. I don’t much care for the idea myself. Let’s just hope he’s napping or something.”
The Professor wiped his hands down the sides of his chinos. “I truly hope you’re right.”
As he headed for the tent, I tramped toward the camper with Selena close behind. If only Chase were here now. The creepy stuff hadn’t bothered him at all, and the fear of Zea being dead would have only driven him forward faster.
My chest tightened, my longing for Chase aching inside me, raw and unrelenting. If it weren’t for me, he would be here now. Instead, both he and my mother were trapped in the djinn realm, prisoners of his father, Malphic. If it weren’t for me, Lotli wouldn’t be missing either.
“Well?” Selena jerked her head at the camper door. “Are you going to just stand there?”
I raised my hand and knocked. One second passed. Two seconds. I rapped harder. Nothing. I tried the doorknob. It turned beneath my grip. I opened the door a crack, hesitated, and took a deep breath before pushing it open all the way.
A wave of hot, musty air rushed past me as if the camper had been closed up for days.
“Hello?” I said, sticking my head inside. I gave the air a cautious sniff. No dangerous odors, like a leaky gas stove, permeated the air. No rotting-trash smell—or decomp.
Selena nudged my shoulder. “What are you waiting for?”
I swallowed hard and stepped forward.
The place was cramped, a gypsy wagon on steroids. Tassels and prisms curtained the windows, letting only faint streaks of light inside. Miles of fuchsia and turquoise fabric draped the ceiling and walls. Animal skulls, feathers, and nubby candles clustered inside miniature altars. The fridge, table, and chairs, every surface that wasn’t fabric covered, was painted purple or black. Stars decorated the ceiling. An antique bed piled with crimson quilts and an avalanche of pillows took up the camper’s entire backend. It was cozy enough, I supposed. But I couldn’t begin to imagine what life had been like for Lotli, apprenticed to Zea as a child because of her magic abilities, essentially indentured. Not that I thought a devout shaman like Zea would have been cruel to her. It was just so different from anything I’d experienced.
“Zea, are you here?” I called out. “We need to talk to you about Lotli.”
I minced my way deeper into the cramped space, working my way toward the back of the camper. Cold sweat carved a trail down my spine. I crept past a tiny kitchen and dining nook, then the bathroom—one toothbrush in the holder, a washcloth draped over the edge of a yellowed sink.
I returned to the front of the camper and pulled aside the curtain that divided the living area from the bread truck’s cab. Seats for the driver and a passenger, seashells glued to the dash, insulated coffee cups in the holders—
Something brushed the back of my neck.
I yelped and jumped sideways, whipping around to see what it was and smacking my elbow against the wall. Pain zinged up my arm. I glared at Selena, standing barely an inch behind me.
“Shit,” I said, rubbing the sting from my arm. “You scared the hell out of me.”
She gave me a sheepish pout. “Sorry. I thought you knew I was there.”
“I didn’t think you were that close.” It wouldn’t have hurt half as bad, except I was already sore and bruised from being thrown out of the djinn realm earlier in the day.
Her pout transformed into a smug smile and she flipped her blond hair over one shoulder. “Looks to me like Zea and Lotli might have pulled a vanishing act after all. Huh?”
I stopped rubbing. “Or the Professor’s about to find something disgusting in the tent.”
“Want to bet?”
I closed my eyes, struggling to regain my composure. We couldn’t afford to waste time discussing the same thing over and over again, any more than I could have afforded the luxury of staying home to nurse my aches and pains. Chase and Mother were in danger. And I couldn’t go back to the realm and rescue them until we found Lotli. Without her and her flute-magic, it would be too risky, perhaps even impossible to enter or escape from the realm.
I shoved past Selena and strode to the tiny bathroom. “While we’re here, we should find something personal of Lotli’s that you can use to scry and see where they’re holding her.”
Glancing around, I spotted a scruffy hairbrush. You couldn’t get much more personal than that. I grabbed it and brandished it toward Selena.
She stood just inside the bathroom doorway, hands on her hips, eyes narrowed. “Cut it out, Annie, I’ve had enough of you talking like Newt kidnapped Lotli, the innuendos and little jabs. Maybe his family’s hiding something, but Newt doesn’t have anything to do with it. So quit acting like he’s evil, okay?”
I mirrored her stance. “He told you his dad was a stockbroker, that they owned their summer home. Those were lies. His brother is a registered creep. No matter what you want to think: Newt’s not innocent.”
She turned her back on me, her voice bordering on hysteria. “I don’t know why I bothered coming. You’re so, so . . . You always have to be right—” Her voice died and she slowly faced me. Angry red blotches mottled her face. But tears rimmed her eyes.
My anger drained. She didn’t look pissed. She was trembling like she was about to fall apart. Earlier today, when we’d first heard about the lies Newt and his family had been telling, I’d seen something in Selena’s eyes, something beneath her disbelief.
“What is it? Tell me,” I asked gently.
She raked her hands over her face. “Nothing. You just need to trust me. I know Newt couldn’t be involved. And he wouldn’t have let his brother do it either.”
I leveled my gaze with hers and toughened my voice. “What makes you so certain? Tell me the truth, Selena.”
Her chin quivered. “I just know.”
Tucking the hairbrush handle first into my hip pocket, I stepped closer. I pushed her hair back from her face. “You’re my cousin. Please. Tell me.”
“Nothing. He just wouldn’t do it. He loves me.”
“I get that. But—”
She shoved my hand away. “No, you don’t get it. I know he loves me. Like forever.” Her eyes pleaded for me to understand what she couldn’t bring herself to say.
A possibility seeped into my head. My hands went to my mouth, covering a horrified gasp. She couldn’t mean. She couldn’t have. “What did you do?”
“I kind of—I put a . . .” Her voice faded and she looked down at the floor.
“A spell?” A month ago, the idea of witchcraft being involved would never have occurred to me. Now it seemed more than likely.
“You can’t tell anyone. Mom, Dad, Grandfather—they’d kill me.” She curled her arms over her head, her shoulders shaking as she crumpled down against the wall.
I crouched and put my arms around her. “Whatever it is, it’ll be fine. It can’t be that bad.”
“It is,” she sobbed.

Author Bio:
PAT ESDEN would love to say she spent her childhood in intellectual pursuits. The truth is she was fonder of exploring abandoned houses and old cemeteries. When not out on her own adventures, she can be found in her northern Vermont home writing stories about brave, smart women and the men who capture their hearts. An antique-dealing florist by trade, she’s also a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and the League of Vermont Writers. Her short stories have appeared in a number of publications, including Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, the Mythopoeic Society’s Mythic Circle literary magazine, and George H. Scither’s anthology Cat Tales.


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Tuesday, June 27, 2017

#Review: THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER by Amy Jarecki



  4 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Ms. Jarecki and her latest book does not disappoint. The author does an excellent job of weaving in historical facts while she takes the reader on an heart-stopping adventure. The hero, Aiden Murray, is a naval officer, who is invited to a masquerade ball where he meets the illegitimate daughter of the earl, Lady Magdalen Keith. Sparks fly between these two and they part ways after one scorching kiss.

Add in war between the French, an unpopular queen and court intrigue, Aiden and Magdalen find themselves in London 3 months later. Magdalen is trying to free her father who has been accused of treason and Aiden is on leave from the Royal Mary. Without going into any spoilers here, the chemistry between these two heats up, but court politics and backstabbing ladies to the queen find Magdalen accused of trying to kill the queen. I couldn't put the book down as Aiden and Magdalen go on the run. There are multiple twists and turns that totally surprised me in this book. My only complaint is the book wrapped up the storyline and different plot points rather quickly. It felt a little rushed at the end.

Fans of Scottish romances and English history will definitely enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Amazon buy link:


Blurb:
She cannot resist the man behind the mask...

As the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl, Lady Magdalen Keith is not one to partake in lavish balls or other frivolities. Yet at her father's urging, she agrees to dance with the battle-weary officers at this year's holiday masquerade. It's practically her civic duty! But when one such officer-whose dashing good looks cannot be disguised by a mere mask-sweeps her off her feet and into his arms, the innocent lass can't help herself. Her lips are his for the taking.

But will he betray his country for a kiss?

Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray has spent too many months at sea to be immune to the charms of this lovely beauty. Even after he returns to his ship, she lives in his dreams. But when he discovers Maddie's true identity-and learns that her father is accused of treason-will the brawny Scot risk his life to follow his heart?


Monday, June 26, 2017

#Excerpt: LUCA by Sarah Castille


Luca
Sarah Castille
(Ruin & Revenge #2)
Published by: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Publication date: June 27th 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Luca is the second book in a full-length, standalone series by New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Castille, set in Las Vegas and featuring deliciously sexy mafia bosses and the women who can’t help but love them.
Luca Rizzoli was nearly destroyed by a brutal betrayal that cost him his family. Now a ruthless crime boss in Las Vegas, he lets nothing touch his frozen heart…until a smoldering encounter with a beautiful stranger ignites his passion. One night isn’t enough for a man who takes what he wants—and Luca will do whatever he can to possess his mysterious temptress…
Police detective Gabrielle Fawkes lives for revenge. She lost everything at the hands of an unforgiving ruler of the Vegas underworld. Now she wants to see him six feet under. But when a near-fatal attack leads her into Luca’s arms, what was meant to be one night of unbridled passion becomes something forbiddingly more. Luca has his own agenda, but when strong, determined, kick-ass detective Gaby sets her sights on her target, Luca feels compelled to stand by her side and protect her at all costs. However, pursuing danger comes at a high price—and both Gaby and Luca must work together in order to eliminate the dark enterprise that threatens them.


RUIN & REVENGE SERIES

PRAISE FOR LUCA:
“An engrossing erotic crime drama that will leave readers wanting more.” – Library Journal
“With sizzling love scenes, taut plotting, and a hair-raising finish, Castille’s romantic thriller will appeal to her existing fans and win her new ones.” – Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“Luca is a fast-paced, action-packed tale balanced by humor, heart and family.” – RT Book Reviews 4.5 stars, Top Pick

Author Bio:
Sarah Castille is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Redemption Series, Ruin & Revenge Series, Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series, Legal Heat series and the Club Excelsior series. A recovering lawyer with a fondness for dirty-talking alpha males, she now is a full-time writer, who lives on Vancouver Island. Sarah’s books have been listed as Publisher’s Weekly’s Top Ten Picks and Best Summer Reads, and Amazon’s Best Romance Books of the Year, and have won numerous reader’s choice awards including the Holt Medallion.


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Friday, June 23, 2017

#Review: THUNDER WELLS by Terry W Ervin II



  5 of 5 stars

I've been a fan of Mr. Ervin ever since I read his first book, "Flank Hawk." Mr. Ervin is a talented author who bring to life what Earth would be like if we were attacked by a advanced technological alien species. The hero, Jack Fairbanks, is a college student in Ohio when the invasion is launched. Teaming up with another survivalist, Jack learns the basic of living in this new apocalyptic world. His territory is a park east of the city and he and a sometimes partner Lucia defend it against aliens as well as roving human gangs. Supplies, food and medicine are scarce and Jack has a stash hidden that others will die for trying to capture it. When the remnants of the US Army ask for his supplies and his help, Jack and Lucia, embark on a secret and dangerous mission to save the nation from the alien Mawks.

Mr. Ervin pulls no punches with this realistic story. Soldiers are lost along the way and Jack must come to grips with the reality of battling for his life every moment of every day. The story is a stark reminder of what life would be life if an alien species attacked with EMP waves. Pampered living as we know would evaporate in an instant. Jack is a fighter--he'll fight to protect his friends, he'll fight for the Army and he'll fight to save the world from the invading Mawks. Once you start this story, you'll want to read it all the way through. An absolutely excellent read and fans of science fiction will definitely enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Interview with A.P. Watson, SEEDS OF EDEN


Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Seeds of Eden follows the story of a young girl, Evey, whose life gets turned upside down. Her past and present collide into one another and she is eventually forced to run for her life. Seeds of Eden is the first installment in my trilogy, The Concilium Series. The next two books in the series are A Fallen Son and The Final Temptation. I'm also planning on writing four companion novellas to accompany the series. Each novella will be told from a different character's perspective. Some of these will follow characters that aren't very prominent in the story, but still have interesting and diverse tales to tell. 

Do you have a favorite character?
I actually have two favorite characters in this story. I love Caroline who is Evey’s (the story’s protagonist) best friend and I also adore Conrad, Evey’s love interest. Caroline is so much fun because she is the type of person who can talk her way into any situation and talk her way back out. She is everything a best friend should be; she’s smart, sassy, and completely dependable. She always has Evey’s back no matter what and she isn’t afraid to tell you like it is. Conrad is witty and completely charming. He’s experienced more hardships than most people but he is still a truly caring and compassionate soul. Not to mention, he’s also quite a rebel, and that makes him so much fun to write!

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
When I first started writing Seeds of Eden five years ago, I tried to get it published through the traditional route. I queried agents and publishers all to no avail. That’s when I decided to stop querying and really focused on honing my craft. I had my writing professionally edited and that truly helped make me a better writer. Once I got my edits back on Seeds of Eden, I did a complete re-write of that story. After I finished writing my book again, I began to research the publishing industry. I studied different routes and methods of publishing from traditional publishing to self-publishing. Eventually, I decided that I wanted my book to be published by an independent press. Retaining all the rights to my intellectual property is very important to me. I had the final say in every aspect of the publishing process, including editing, cover design, and marketing. Working with my publisher, 1st Ride Enterprises, has been such a wonderful experience. I’ve learned so much during my crazy publishing journey, and I’m thankful to have such an amazing editor and writing coach to help guide me along the way.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
After practically re-writing my manuscript for Seeds of Eden, I submitted it to several publishers. Within a few weeks I got a couple rejections, but I also had two different independent presses interested in my work as well. I ended up picking my publisher because they put a lot of care and tons of hard work into every book they publish. They also listened to any questions or concerns I had about the publishing process and helped guide me though a truly thrilling yet daunting experience. Seeds of Eden is my first novel to be published, and I’m already working on the second and third installments in The Concilium Series.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
Regina Wamba with Mae I Design and Photography designed the cover for Seeds of Eden. She is a truly gifted artist, and her attention to detail is unmatched. She organized a photoshoot just for my book and I actually got to select the models she used in the shoot. Regina even streamed parts of the shoot through Facebook Live, and it was so much fun to watch! Seeing my characters come to life was a surreal experience and the gallery Regina put together from that photoshoot was breathtaking. She really listened to my specifications about the characters and different elements I wanted incorporated in the photoshoot. The book cover she designed for me is so beautiful and I absolutely love it.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
As far as my writing process goes, it varies. My ideas tend to come from a single thought or a situation I can visualize my characters being involved in. Then I form my story around this thought or situation by asking myself questions. How did these characters get here? How will they react? By asking questions like this, I can form backstories for my characters and invent new challenges for them to face as well. Working full time as a registered nurse keeps me very busy, and I am continually struck by inspiration at the drop of a hat. I started carrying a small notebook in my scrubs to write down ideas as they come to me. That way when I get home after my shift, I can transfer the ideas to my computer. I also like to use a large marker board to help me outline chapters I haven’t written yet. By keeping an outline like this, I can make any adjustments or changes I need to, and it helps me remember what I need to write about in that specific chapter. At times, my writing methods can be sporadic or even a bit chaotic, but I believe everyone has their own method to the madness. It’s just a matter of figuring out what works best for you. Another thing that really helps me write is listening to music. This may not hold true for every author, but when I listen to music while I write my words flow so much better! My favorite bands to listen to while I write are London Grammar, The XX, and The Civil Wars.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Some advice I would give to a new author or to anyone thinking about writing a book is to believe in yourself! My mother always told me I could do anything I set my mind to and that piece of advice has followed me throughout my entire life. Writing is hard. Some days the words won’t flow, some days you’ll delete every single word you write, but you have to keep fighting for your dreams. No one is going to hand you a completed manuscript. You have to have to earn that accomplishment for yourself through hard work and determination. Self-doubt and criticism are inevitable with any creative endeavor, but you can’t allow those kinds of negativity to stop you. Pour your heart and soul into your craft, and your dreams will come true! Also, don’t discount the old adage that practice makes perfect, because it’s true. The more you write the better at it you get. 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
In addition to being an author and a nurse, I’m also an avid pole dancer. I’ve been taking lessons for the last four years and absolutely love it! Pole dancing is such an amazing workout. It has increased my strength, flexibility, and self-confidence. I encourage everyone to try it, not only for the health benefits it provides, but because the pole dancing community is truly a wonderful group of people. The group of men and women I take classes with at my home studio in Knoxville are some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. We are so supportive of one another and they are my family.

If I had to choose between cats and dogs, I’d choose dogs. I actually have a dog and her name is Elle (Yes, she is named after Elle Woods from Legally Blonde). She is thirteen pounds of pure love and I can't believe she is turning 10 this fall! She is my constant writing companion, because she loves to lie across my lap while I'm writing. My love for her may teeter on the edge of obsession (she has her own Instagram account), but who am I to deny the world such cuteness?

As a nurse, I work twelve hour shifts, so I definitely need all the caffeine I can get my hands on. I couldn’t live without coffee, and after I work four shifts in a row at the hospital, I pretty much function on caffeine and sass.
I’m definitely a night owl, because my working hours are from 7 p.m. to 7a.m. I’ve worked nights for the past six years, so whenever I venture outside during daylight hours, I feel like my skin is melting off my body. Vampirism…the struggle is real!

What’s next for you?
My plans for the future are to prepare the next two books in The Concilium Series to be published. There is also another paranormal romance novel and a contemporary romance novel that I am currently working on and will be looking to have published as well. My goal is to really work on honing my craft, and I’ll be participating in a July NaNoWriMo camp. Writing is my passion, and it is something I plan on doing for the rest of my life.



Seeds of Eden
A.P. Watson
(The Concilium, #1)
Publication date: January 25th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Haunted by visions of the execution of an innocent man, Evey discovers that the secrets of her past and a mysterious stranger are irrevocably intertwined.
Visions of decapitated corpses, pools of blood, and a masked executioner have haunted Evey for as long as she can remember. Torn between a life in the waking world and dreams of the dead, she realizes her normal existence is nothing more than an illusion. As the veil between reality and her subconscious dissipates, she begins to question her own sanity. Each night as she closes her eyes, she wonders what wrongs she committed to warrant such a curse.
When a handsome stranger suddenly appears in Evey’s life, he is able to provide her with the answers she seeks. However, the only thing more mystifying than Conrad’s appearance in one of her nightmares is the undeniable attraction she feels for him. It is only when he confesses their fates and souls have been intertwined for centuries that an ancient secret is revealed. Now, the two of them must outrun a great darkness or it will claim their lives again.



Author Bio:
town of Estill Springs, Tennessee. Growing up in a rural town allowed her imagination to run wild, and Paige began making up stories in her head at a young age. This storytelling eventually transformed into a love of writing. She is currently penning her first trilogy, The Concilium Series, and is also planning to write four companion novellas to accompany it. She is an avid reader, enjoying a variety of genres and authors from Jane Austen to Charlaine Harris.
When she isn’t reading or writing, Paige spends the majority of her time dancing. She has been taking pole dancing lessons for the past three years and couldn’t be more in love with the sport. The blend of athleticism, grace, and flexibility required to dance continually challenges her and she strives to not only build strength but defy gravity, as well. Paige has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from East Tennessee State University. She has been a critical care nurse at Bristol Regional Medical Center for the last five years. She currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee with her adorable dog, Elle.

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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

#Excerpt: JOY RIDE by Cynthia Rayne


Joy Ride
Cynthia Rayne
Publication date: June 15th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance

IAN
As an English professor at an Ivy League university, I’m at the top of my profession, but something’s missing. I gave up my artistic dreams to pursue an academic career. And I’m still haunted by the scars of my past.
I enjoy breaking the rules and doing what I damn well please. And a dangerous infatuation’s blooming—Darcy’s intelligent, innocent, and virginal. I long to be her first, to teach her every wicked thing I know.
There’s just one problem—she’s my student, the ultimate forbidden fruit.
DARCY
I lead a well-ordered life with to-do lists and schedules. I always do the safe thing, make the right choices. I’ve made all my plans—got accepted into a master’s degree program, and I even have a graduate assistantship lined up.
Although, I long to be an author, like my father, but it’s not a stable career. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about seeing my name on a book cover
To make matters worse, I keep my thinking about my sexy professor—he’s got a British accent, an attitude, and a bad boy streak. I hang on his every word. When we get close, all my barriers and rules break down. He’s encouraging me to throw caution to the wind and chase my dream.
Can I let go? Have the life I want and the man I long for?


EXCERPT:
Darcy cleared her throat. “Tonight was fun. I’ll see you in class tomorrow.”
“Yes, I had a good time too. I hope you get some rest.”
“You too, Ian.” She’d said her parting line, but neither one of us moved, like we were drawn together.
Darcy was so close—within arm’s reach. Before I knew it, I leaned down to steal a kiss. At the very last moment, I changed course and pressed my mouth to her cheek instead.
Thank God.
She gasped.
Dammit. I’d come so close to crossing that infernal line. When I stood upright, Darcy had a fingertip pressed her to lips, mouth parted as though inviting more intimate contact. Or my imagination was in overdrive.
“Um, good night.” She took a step back.
“Good night.”
Technically, a kiss on the cheek was innocent. Even if my intentions weren’t. Yet I’d breached protocol all the same.
Professors didn’t kiss their students. Period.

Author Bio:
Cynthia Rayne is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the Lone Star Mobster Series, Let it Ride Series, and the Four Horsemen MC Series. While Cynthia was born and raised a damn Yankee in Ohio, her parents hail from Dixie, and she grew up on homemade buttermilk biscuits and southern wisdom. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading way too many romance novels, and drinking a truly obscene amount of coffee.


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#Excerpt: HE TAKES THE CAKE by J. Lynn Rowan


“Before we go in there, I have something for you,” Ty says, reaching out but stopping just short of actually touching me.

I stare at his extended hand for a second, then flick my gaze up to his eyes. “Okay.”

Smiling, Ty crosses to a chair on the other side of the kitchen, where he’d draped his chef’s jacket so it would be out of the way. He grabs it and shrugs into it, but then picks up something from the seat of the chair. Folded fabric, the same bright white as his chef’s jacket.

My breath catches in my throat. “Is that . . .?”

“I picked it up for you on my way home yesterday.” He shakes out another chef’s jacket, cut and tailored for a woman’s build. “Hope I guessed the size right.”

I take the chef’s jacket, holding it by the shoulders and studying every seam, stitch, and button. “It’s gorgeous, Ty. Thank you!”

He shrugs in that nonchalant way of his, but his eyes twinkle with joy at my pleasure. “I figured we ought to match. And it’s a gift. Whether or not we continue to round two or beyond, it’s yours to keep.”

“You didn’t need to do this,” I murmur, lowering the garment. “I already owe you for the entry fee, and—”

“I would’ve had to pay the entry fee whether you were working with me or not, so forget it.”

Ty fastens the buttons on his jacket. Then he takes mine back and circles around me, holding the chef’s jacket open so I can slide my arms in. The starched fabric crinkles a little, coaxing a giggle from me.

But the feel of Ty’s hands on my shoulders, the sense of them reaching around to fasten the buttons, makes me freeze. When he notices, he pauses, too. Then his hands drop away, and he clears his throat as he turns and grabs the handle of the serving cart.

“We should get this down to the judges.” His voice sounds choked.

Nodding, I finish with my buttons and follow him out.


BLURB:

Life is good for Tess Gardiner: Her Savannah, Georgia, bakery and cafe is thriving. She’s earned Master Pastry Chef status from the American Culinary Federation. And she’s attending a regional culinary convention in Charleston, where she’s been invited to sit on a small business panel discussion. The opportunity to tout her success will, hopefully, lead to bigger and better things in her professional life. As for her personal life? The relative contentedness she’s enjoyed for years receives a sudden jolt when she comes face to face with Tyler Brinks, the ex-boyfriend she summarily dismissed from her life eight years ago.

Tyler’s success as a highly-trained chef has launched him into the stratosphere. He already owns one ridiculously successful restaurant, and he’s aggressively working on plans for a second. But he’s never quite gotten over Tess, and he’s never really been sure what actually went wrong between them. So when a pastry and baking competition is announced for the week following the culinary convention in Charleston, Ty jumps at the chance to tempt Tess with the challenge of being his partner, giving him the perfect opportunity to remind her how good they once were together.

As the competition heats up in the kitchen, it soon becomes clear to Tess that Ty has more than cream puffs and cupcakes on his mind. And she can’t deny that her feelings for Ty never truly cooled, but have been simmering all these years, despite the way their relationship ended. Now Ty’s attention has her wondering—is this just the path to final closure? Or could this be a second chance at true love?

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WHEN IN ROME PURCHASE LINKS



THE ONE I’M WITH PURCHASE LINKS


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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

J. Lynn Rowan started writing stories as a small child, usually starring her favorite cartoon characters. Most of her work through middle and high school was filled with typical teenage angst and melodrama, and usually mirrored the books she loved to read. But eventually she found her own author’s voice and decided to seriously pursue a writing career.

Historical fiction remains J. Lynn’s “first love”, but she has enjoyed the journey to becoming an author of romance and chick lit. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Central New York Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. She is also a teacher who tries to instill a love of learning, reading, and writing in her students.

When she’s not writing, J. Lynn enjoys travelling, gardening poorly but enthusiastically, studying various topics in American history for her own expertise, and channeling Julia Child every time she steps into the kitchen.

A native of Oswego, NY, she now lives in Charlotte, NC, with her own Romantic Hero of a husband and their little rainbow, affectionately known as Babycakes.











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