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#EggcerptExchange – Brenda Baker

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here’s a book to make you think… some of our greatest movies are based on novels steeped in feeling and life choices…

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okay… this was just the cutest animal pic I could find… something simple, something that makes me smile… words and pics, novels and movies…. when done well, they evoke dread, happiness, terror, sadness… anything can happen when you come across an author that knows their stuff… while I haven’t read Surviving Haley, it seems that this is what Brenda Baker is trying to do… happy wordage…

What if your mistake is unforgivable?

Surviving Haley

Lauren Werthman struggles with guilt and depression. Even moving to another state and into a new home doesn’t help her overcome the life-altering aftermath of losing her sister.

Memories of the tragic accident reverberate through her life as her family tries to cope, but Lauren’s life spirals out of control. Her mother criticizes her choices every day, her father continues to work later and later, and people at her new school seem to know the family secret.

Lauren binge-eats, has nightmares, and doubts the existence of a God Who didn’t intervene to prevent the senseless tragedy.

As Lauren’s family and friends work through the pain and guilt, will they find that even though the void will always remain, the power of forgiveness brings peace and hope and a bright future, or will Lauren forever be lost to the pain and guilt?

Excerpt:

Out in the hallway, I joined the human current heading for my next class, gym. Even that didn’t seem so bad, since a sugar-induced high had kicked in. Weaving through the crowded hallway, I hung a right and …Oh, God, the smell. Chlorine. A swimming pool, behind a glass wall, next to the girls’ locker room. All that water. Splashing sounds.

My legs stiffened. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t bend my knees. Someone was whimpering. Was it me? The floor seemed to float out from under me. The lights were too bright, the white tiles too shiny. I was afraid I’d pass out, or worse, puke. When I tried to scream, the sound died in my throat, the same way it had that day. Run. Now.

 Brenda

Surviving Haley is available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Haley-Brenda-Baker-ebook/dp/B016HBWKNA/

http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Haley-Brenda-Baker/dp/1611164826/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/surviving-haley-brenda-baker/1122754541?ean=9781611164817

http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=Surviving+Haley

Brenda’s Bio:

Brenda lives in Nebraska with her husband and a stubborn husky. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hanging out with family, reading, traveling, camping, golfing　and swimming. She’s working on a new YA story about a sixteen-year-old girl who finds herself homeless after her mom loses their house to foreclosure.

Website: http://www.httpbrendabakerweebly.com/

Blog: http://brendaeileenbaker.blogspot.com/

Twitter: Brenda@YAauthor

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Brenda-Baker-Books-509377362555851/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14841878.Brenda_Baker

Character Questions: Pick 5 you want to use.

Nickname: the antagonist calls her “Lard Butt”

Job: high school student

Level of schooling: high school freshman

Birthdate: September 14th

Birthplace: Minnesota

Currently residing in: Nebraska

Favorite type of pet: dog

Favorite place to visit: a park

Significant other: boyfriend, Jonah

Most important goal: to forgive herself for her sister’s death

Worst fear or nightmare: a recurring dream about the day her sister died.

Favorite food: chocolate

Wealthy, poor, or in between? In between

Secret desire or fantasy: to be popular without changing herself in order to belong.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Thanks for hosting me on your blog,Brenda

 

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#EggcerptExchange – Cheryl Carpinello

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I haven’t read many novels involving time travel, but this one sounds very cool… ancient Egypt… and look at the GIF I found on pinterest… lol… it isn’t from Cheryl Carpinello, but I saw it and thought ‘hmmm Egypt + time travel… that sounds like magic to me…’ and this fast moving sky show looks like Egyptian magic to me…

her novel is full of historical time travel for YA readers… I’ve never been to Egypt but there is something soothing and magical about desert landscapes to me… and I have always been in awe of the tomes and sculptures… not so much the whole slavery to get the back braking work done, but the end result is breathtaking …

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And now lets check out Cheryl’s Eggcerpt goodies…

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Sons of the Sphinx

SERIES – The Quest Books

AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello

GENRE – YA Historical Time Travel

PUBLICATION DATE – October 10, 2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 192/36,000

PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator

COVER ARTIST – Bernistevens Design

From Reviews

“A seamless time travel historical adventure for middle grade, teen readers and adults.”

“If you are looking for a great time travel book; give this one a try!! This would be a perfect gift for the teen in your life too!”

“Prepare yourself for an incredible adventure in ancient Egypt.”

“A titillating paranormal adventure that takes readers on a wild journey through ancient Egypt to help the ghost of King Tut find his Queen.”

Those are some lovely Review Eggs Cheryl has in her basket… 😛

Summary

Time Travel Thriller in Ancient Egypt—

When15-year-old Rosa agrees to help the ghost of King Tut find his lost queen Hesena, she doesn’t count on falling for him. Once back in Ancient Egypt, Rosa discovers that finding Hesena is not all she must do and is not as easy as she thought it would be, even though she carries part of that lost queen in her soul. She must also keep out of the reach of the living Horemheb–who crosses mortal boundaries using Seth’s evil magic–if she is to stay alive to make it back home. 2015 Readers’ Favorite Finalist YA; 2015 IAN Book of the Year Finalist YA; 2015 CAL Book Award Finalist YA Fiction; 2014 Literary Classics Silver Medal for PreTeen/Tween; 2014 Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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EXCERPT

From Chapter 13:

Before us, nearly filling up the room and taller than either of us, stands the golden shrine of Tutankhamun. I remembered what else lay in that room. Inside that shrine are three more, each a bit smaller than the outside one. All tucked inside each other like those nesting dolls from my grandmother’s childhood. Inside the last shrine were the four sarcophagi of Tut, each displaying him in golden and jeweled splendor.

The last one holds the famed mask of the golden boy. And beneath that, the body of the young pharaoh who now stands here before me. Beyond my understanding, he has been given back his human form, allowed to return one last time to restore honor to his family, one last time to find his true love. And here I am, trying to help, trying to understand, trying to stay alive. Will I ever be able to go home again? Or will I become as lost as Hesena?

BUY & TBR LINKS

cheryl

AUTHOR BIO

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello’s Writing Pages where I interview Childrens/Tween/MG/YA authors; and The Quest Books where I’ve teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

Alright… I hope y’all enjoyed Cheryl’s Eggcerpt… we have a little over a week left for Eggie Exchanges… see you guys later… happy wordage, Tracey

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#EggcerptExchange – Kim Kasch

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How many EGGcerpts have you guys got marked down on your TBR lists… I know I definitely found a few interesting finds over the past few weeks…and I swear, I will eventually get the time to read a few of them… just as soon as I get through a few more edits… lol… evil, evil edits… the month is flying by, and my edit-list is still pretty full…

I really like this next Exchange… it definitely sounds right up my TBR list alley… 😛 sooooo without further ado, here is Kim Kasch…. and her novel The Cats of Cullaby Creek….

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   I’m a writer who grew up in a family with 9 kids and only 1 t.v. so I spent my days reading and, later, writing. I love books. . .maybe because I never got to pick t.v. shows we watched. But I’d run home after school to catch the last fifteen minutes of Dark Shadows…

I still love to run…and read. My favorite romance novels are The Hunger Games…okay, I know, it’s a survival book but it’s really all about romance. Then there were the series: Twilight, Fifty Shades, and more but I also love paranormal, Horror and even light books like Dewey the Small Town Library Cat… Mainly, I just love to read. . . and write.

Sorry to be so long-winded but did I say I love to write? …and talk and…knit, and sew, and bake… I could go on but I’ll stop by saying, I hope you’ll stop by and say “Hi”.

Thanks for listening.

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES:

And join me on Twitter or stop by and see what I’m pinning on Pinterest and, if you’ve read Demon’s Ink and have a question or simply want to share a comment, please feel free to send me an email. I love connecting with readers.

THE CATS OF CULLABY CREEK

Think “The Animorphs” Grown Up

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RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2016

PUBLISHER: http://cleanreads.com/

ISBN: 978-1-62135-483-3

BOOK TRAILER: https://youtu.be/JOft7ED0z2Y

BOOK TEASER:

https://youtu.be/729o2HWEAuE

YOU CAN BUY KIM’S BOOKS HERE:

AMAZON & iBOOK

LOVE IS ALWAYS RISKY

BUT

IN CULLABY CREEK IT’S DANGEROUS

IS IT ALREADY TOO LATE FOR SAVANNAH?

FIND OUT IN THE CATS OF CULLABY CREEK

TAG LINE:

Love is in the Air, something else is in the water

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EGG-CERPT:

Kelly and Kyle

These two shared some sort of history. And now I was in the middle of their story.

Sparks flew through the air. But, they didn’t seem to notice—or maybe they just didn’t care how uncomfortable they were making the rest of us.

I scanned the room. The terribly odd thing was that while they stood in the center of the cafeteria—arguing—everyone’s eyes were on me.

What is so interesting about me?

After a few seconds, I heard whispered accusations slammed back and forth, like a ping-pong ball. My name, muttered in odd and angry tones. No one seemed to mind staring at me, but only the bravest few were sneaking sideways glances over at Kelly and Kyle, hoping no one noticed.

This wasn’t what I needed on my first day at a new school. I hadn’t come here looking for instant enemies, but I knew I’d accidentally stirred a private pot and things were already starting to boil.

I needed to do something and quick. From the sounds floating around me, if they got into an actual argument, I was going to get the blame.

I spit out the first words I could think to say, “What’s a new kid to do, after school, around here… for fun?”

Kyle sighed and chuckled, “That depends on what you’re hoping to find and what you think is fun.” He stepped back away from Kelly for a moment. “You big city kids always think something needs to be going on. But in real life, in a small town, not much ever happens.”

“We could ask my Mom to drive us into Astoria to do some shopping,” I suggested. It was a little too obvious—even to me—Kelly wanted me out of the picture and was trying everything she could think of to keep me away from Kyle. I almost felt sorry for her—but only for a second.

“Or,” Kyle sat down and nodded for me to join him. I could feel a warm rush of air and his scent worked its way up inside my head. I barely heard him finish, “We could go for a run.”

“What?” Kelly demanded, clenching her hands into tight-balled fists at her side.

“Savannah,” Kyle lowered his voice and said my name slow, putting an emphasis on the last syllable, like it was a soft sigh, ‘ah’. And, for the first time in my life, I loved the sound of my own name. “Is a runner. And she’s fast. Aren’t ‘cha?” He nudged me and moved even closer. I could barely think. His smell overpowered my senses; it was the sweet woodsy scent of him that took me by surprise. I closed my eyes and drank it in.

When I opened them back up, Kelly’s eyes were shooting red flames of rage straight at me.

I gazed at Kyle and felt a warmth in my stomach again. It was working its way up into my chest. “That’s not what you said this morning,” I laughed then spun away.

“You two went running this morning?” Her voice came out in a squeak that broke into a high-pitched screech, like fingernails on a chalkboard.

“Yeah,” Kyle said casually, then back to me he added, “And, I’d like to see how fast you are.”

I wondered if everything he said was going to have a double meaning but I wasn’t ready to question his motives. He was my only real friend in this place, and it looked like I was going to need a few because I was making more than a few enemies, without even trying.

“I could use the exercise,” I nodded, looking around the table at the other kids’ faces and wondering why no one else had said a single word. “Plus, you could show me around the town.”

“No problem,” Kyle agreed, and I couldn’t help looking forward to it, even though I knew Kelly wasn’t going to be happy about my running off with Kyle. “But I only think it’s fair to warn you, there’s not much to see—so don’t get your hopes set too high.”

“Great—I mean about the exercise,” I smiled, and without even thinking how it might sound, I added, “Then it’s a date.”

Kelly only heard one word and it was like I’d pulled back a rubber band—hard—and snapped it against her forehead.

She wailed like a wounded animal, “Agghhh!” and spun around on her heels, stomping out of the room.

Kyle shrugged and started to walk toward the exit, then he twisted around to call out, “I’ll meet you out by the flag post after seventh period.” His lips curled softly, throwing me a quick backwards nod, “And, remember, it’s a date.” The last thing I saw was his warm, sensual grin, as he glanced around the room before he gave me an exaggerated wink—meant more for everyone else to see than for me, and then he disappeared out into the hall.

I wished he would have used a different word because he didn’t need to rub it in.

I shrugged. Who cares? I told myself, he’s been the nicest person in the entire school. If it weren’t for Kyle, I wouldn’t want to ever come back to Mist High.

The rest of the day dragged on and on. All I wanted was to see Kyle again, with his sleek body and powerful frame. But what I found fascinating was the casual way he had about himself. He said whatever he wanted, while I worried about everything I said, how it would be taken, and what people would think of me.

Somehow, Kyle was working his way into my system, like a powerful drug. And I was beginning to feel addicted. I couldn’t wait for our meeting out by the flag post.

Finally, after what seemed like absolutely for…ev…er, the bell rang.

I rushed out of class, down the hall, and out the front doors of the school to meet up with Kyle.

But as I got closer, my spine tingled. Something was wrong. I could feel it. Then I knew why.

Kyle wasn’t standing underneath the flagpole; someone else was there, waiting for me.

“Kelly,” I muttered under my breath.

She stood beneath the red, white, and blue banner with an enormous grin carved into her face, like a giant jack-o-lantern beaming up at me. But this look was way more sinister and gloating. My knees suddenly felt weak and my throat went dry.

This girl just kept surprising me.

BLURB:

When Savannah meets Kyle, its love at first sight. And why wouldn’t it be? He’s perfect, as far as she can tell. But Kyle appears whenever things go wrong. Maybe he isn’t everything she thought he was. It’s a complete mystery until she discovers the water in Cullaby Creek is being bottled and sold as vitamin “infused” water. Mistic Water promises the impossible. And then, like a magical elixir, it delivers. People who drink it feel younger, smarter, faster…healthier. But it doesn’t take long before side effects hit. Literally. The secret has to be in the water…or is it something more?

Author Links:

KIM’S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Goodreads

Website

YouTube

BlogSpot

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Pinterest

LinkedIn

everyday insanity

#LittleThings Blog Hop – Freebies

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Hey guys… I need help… and not mental… though that is definitely in question… I mean… what have I gotten myself into… Oh, not this hop… this is easy and fun… no I am talking about one of the book signings I will be at this year… one that I will be needed a costume for, for the costume ball… But I am getting ahead of myself… let me introduce the Hop and then Please, for the love of mud, help a girl out… 😛

little things

Little Things Blog Hop

Hi everyone Tracey Clark here and I am one of over 100 authors/bloggers/ on

the Little Things Blog Hop! This hop has over 200 chances to win prizes, the rafflecopter for the overall event has a ton of prizes just waiting to be won… and each of the 100+ blog stops will have their own give away…

My Giveaway

Make sure you visit each stop and enter the posted giveaway… for this stop, I am giving away an eBook copy of Shocking Finds (epub, pdf, or mobi)… to be entered to win, simply answer the follow:

—If you had to pick a book/movie character to dress up as, who would it be (description of outfit would be great)?

lol… sounds silly, but I am in serious need her peeps… I will be going to a costume ball at the Imaginarium Convention… I am already nervous about being on one of the panels (not sure what they want me to do) and being in front of a lot of people for any reason always throws my system into whack… I can see it now… sweating, red in the face, about to throw up, when I just kill over and pass out…. yep… that would so be my luck… to help me out… use the comment section below and give me some ideas… and be entered to win …

And not to worry… if you already have a copy of Shocking Finds, I will be sure to send you an Arc of Southern Discoveries (Book Two – Finder’s Keepers) when all the bugs are worked out…

And be sure to enter the amazing rafflecopter too which has a ton of prizes to be won!

For those of you don’t already know me, I am the author of Shocking Finds (A Finder’s Keepers Novel), I plan to be attending three book signings this year (Wild in West Virginia – June in Charleston, WV; Imaginarium Convention – Oct in Louisville, ky; & Rebels and Readers RARAE – Nov in Huntington, WV) And I am working to get two more novels ready for the signings… and as stated above, I will be attending the Imaginarium Costume Ball (EKK) I hope to see you all there…

Now… let’s keep this Hop hopping…

Next name on the list: PJ Fiala’s Little Things

Rafflecoptor Link : a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join the Little Things Blog Hop Event for more fun https://www.facebook.com/events/562506680576207/

Link to all the Blog Hop spots: http://theclubbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2016/02/LittleThingsBlogHop.html

Thank you for hopping by! Happy Wordage, Tracey

Winner (s) will be chosen by random and announced on this page and on the Little Things Event Page by April 6th.

FB is not in any way responsible or affiliated with this giveaway or the Little Things Blog Hop

 

 

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#EggcerptExchange – Mary E. Thompson

1 Comment

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I know I’ve already used this GIF, but come on… lol.. this is great… poor kid… WATCH OUT FOR SWINGING HIPS… 😛

we have hit the midway point on our second month of excerpts… the bookish egg hunt is almost at a close… I have had a lot of fun getting to see all the ideas and responses from my fellow authors… a nice diversion from all the edits… but soon I will have my first contemporary romance back from the beta reader…. and that means??? yep…. more edits… lol… but I love my Skymanns and know that they deserve the best… 

this Eggcerpt also falls in the contemporary romance genre… with a Plump and Pretty MC to show that love comes in all sizes… 😛

#EggcerptExchange

Plump & Pretty

Big & Beautiful series, book 6

by Mary E. Thompson

New Release – will be available March 15 (preorder links are live)

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Blurb:

Riley is a quiet woman. She likes to read, hides behind her books. She doesn’t date much and thinks no one would be interested in the quiet, plump girl with her nose in a book.

Connor was the high school hottie. Riley knew　of　him, but never knew him. So when he approaches her at a wedding she’s baffled that he knows she exists let alone knows her name.

Then he disappears, only to show back up a few days later, right when she needs someone to talk to.

Not someone to kiss though.

When everything Riley’s ever wanted seems almost within her reach she starts to wonder if it’s possible, or if it was just a dream all along.

mary

Excerpt:

I looked down at his large hand circling my smaller wrist. I’d never felt small next to a man, but seeing his fingers wrapped all the way around my arm, the tips resting against his palm as though I was a normal sized woman and not big, made me feel small. I looked over him again, taking my time with my appraisal, enjoying the view of his long, thick legs encased in denim, the drape of his wool coat covering his hips and upper body. His other hand gripped the arm of the chair as though restraining himself.

His blue eyes begged me to reconsider, to take his words at face value then dig deeper into the heart of what he was saying. His lips were parted, poised to continue his argument if I didn’t give him the answer he wanted. Out darted his pink tongue covering the edge of his lip before vanishing again. For some reason with the appearance of his tongue my brain stalled, forgetting momentarily what we were talking about.

“Riley?” he asked, his rich deep voice pulling me from my blankness.

“Sorry. Um, are you for real?”

A glimmer lit his eyes, a spark of a challenge. He looked like the Connor Lee I remembered from high school, the one who never turned down a dare and who always got what he wanted.

He stood slowly, his hand still wrapped around my wrist. At his full height he towered over my 5’10″ height by the eight inches I knew he was taller than me. Broad shoulders dwarfed mine with arms that were almost the size of my legs. Connor Lee hadn’t lost any of the definition or size he had in high school. It looked as though he’d perhaps gained even more size.

“Riley, I like you. I know we don’t know each other well, or really at all, but when I saw you, I knew I had to try to get to know you.”

“Why? I mean, really?” I stammered, not really sure what the hell was going on.

His free hand lifted and approached my cheek. I flinched, wondering what the hell he was doing. He looked into my eyes, peering close, then lifted his arm slowly, as though I was an animal that was spooked. I guess I was.

His palm touched my cheek and I brushed against it like a greedy cat wanting more. He stepped closer, the blue of his eyes darkening to a navy. The hand on my wrist glided up my arm, pausing at my shoulder before ducking under my hair and cupping the back of my neck.

Completely under his control my head tipped back, giving him full access to me. As his head lowered, my eyes drifted closed, a replay of our motions at the wedding. His lips got closer, my breath coming out in hurried puffs as I felt his breath on my face. A heavy pause filled the space, disappointment filling me as I realized he wasn’t going to kiss me like I thought.

“Riley,” he said, making my eyes open. His face was right in front of me, level with mine. His navy eyes bore straight through my body. I’ve never known a feeling of being devoured by a man’s eyes until that moment. He glanced down over me, my flesh heating with every flicker of his eyes. When they met mine again I knew I’d do anything he asked, and that one day he’d crush me.

“Riley? Can I kiss you?” he whispered, barely loud enough for me to hear.

Buy Links:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BL2V3EW

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plump-pretty-mary-e-thompson/1123387585?ean=2940152613407

Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/plump-pretty

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/614174

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Author Bio:

Mary E Thompson grew up loving to read, spending many nights hiding under the covers with a flashlight to finish a book. As an adult she still stays up too late, but doesn’t need a flashlight anymore thanks to her ereader. When Mary’s not reading she’s playing with her two kids or living out her real life romance with her hubby. She has a weakness for chocolate, Buffalo sports teams, and wine, lots of wine.

Author Links:

Website – http://maryethompson.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authormaryethompson/

Goodreads – http://goodreads.com/maryethompson

Twitter – http://twitter.com/authormet

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/metdaisy7

Conversational interview: (after the book)

Interviewer: Thanks for being here today, Riley. It’s pretty exciting to hear you just got READ. How are you feeling?

Riley (laughs): I’m great. This is the best day of my life. I never thought READ would actually be mine.

Interviewer: It sounds like a pretty interesting story. Do you want to share it with us?

Riley: Well, some of it is private, but I’ll just say I have the best fiancé ever.

Interviewer: Connor Lee, right? You two grew up together?

Riley (nods): Yeah, we did. We went to high school together, but we didn’t really know each other. He was dating a girl whose locker was next to mine.

Interviewer: So how did you get together?

Riley (smiles and gets a dreamy look in her eyes): He approached me at my friend’s wedding. I didn’t know he even knew my name, but he knew a lot more than that. He surprised me at every step, right up until the end when he asked me to marry him.

Interviewer: Does he like to read as much as you do?

Riley (laughs): I don’t think anyone likes to read as much as I do, but Connor does read. More now than before though.

Interviewer: How did you get into owning a book store?

Riley: I always loved to read. I was forever that girl with her head in a book. I knew I wanted to work with books so I got a degree in Library Sciences. When I was going through school I wanted to work though, so I got a part time job at READ. By the time I finished my degree I loved it so much I couldn’t bear to leave.

Interviewer (smiling): It sounds like you really love it there?

Riley (nods): It’s my favorite place in the world. Connor laughs, but when he talks about taking a vacation I talk about how many books I could buy with the money.

Interviewer (laughing): Books are pretty important to you. What else matters?

Riley: Family and friends, without a doubt.

Interviewer: Your friends are like a second family, aren’t they?

Riley: Definitely. I worry about them as much as I worry about my sisters.

Interviewer: What do you worry about?

Riley: That they won’t be happy. That they won’t find someone to share their lives with. My friends are mostly paired off, but Carrie and Charlie are still single. I worry about Carrie the most though because all she’s ever wanted was to be a mom. She’s starting to think it won’t happen.

Interviewer: Do you want kids?

Riley (shrugs): Eventually. We’re not there yet. I’d like to get married first.

Interviewer: When is the wedding?

Riley (smiling): April 21. We don’t want to wait.

Interviewer (eyes wide): Wow, that’s soon. Have you always dreamed of your wedding day?

Riley (shakes head): No. Strangely enough I barely thought of my wedding at all until Connor proposed. That’s another reason we’re doing it so soon. We’re keeping it small and are pretty laid back with what we’re planning.

Interviewer: If you never dreamed of your wedding, what did you dream of?

Riley: The last few years I dreamed of owning READ.

Interviewer: You have that so what’s your big dream now?

Riley (shrugs): I’m not sure I have one. I’m happy. I have everything I could have ever wanted. A fabulous job, an amazing man, and great family and friends. What more could you ask for?

Interviewer: Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

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#EggcerptExchange – Traci Sanders

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Traci Sanders is dropping by today to join the Eggcerpt fun, but she has decided to change things up a little… this exchange is more of an interview of all things Traci…

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She is here to bust open communication lines with her author secrets…

I’m excited to be part of the Egg-cerpt tour, and I’d like to thank Tina Gayle for creating it!

Instead of offering character interviews, excerpts of my books, or a boring bio, I decided to offer a bit of insight on the driving forces behind my work. I hope you enjoy!

9 Things to Know about Traci Sanders

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Who is Traci Sanders?

First and foremost, I am a mom of three great kids: boy 18; boy 16; and girl 10. Being a mom is the best job I’ve ever had. I’m also married to my high-school sweetheart. We’ve been together for about twenty-four years. My family is my inspiration for most of my books … with just a bit of embellishment here and there.

What genre do you write?

My first published book was a potty-training guide for parents. Then I published my first children’s book and two more parenting books. Six months into publishing, I released my first adult fiction piece, and I was hooked on the romance genre. So, even though I will continue to write and publish children’s books (because I have eight more already written), I mostly write adult romance. It’s my favorite!

What do you like most about writing?

Writing has always been there for me. Also, there is no prerequisite to satisfy. Writing shows no prejudice. You don’t have to have a college degree, or be the smartest or most popular kid in school; you simply have to possess a passion for words. For me, growing up in a family of six girls and one boy, writing was many things – an escape from chaos and noise, a friend who understood what I was feeling, and an outlet to pour my emotions into. It has helped me get through some tough times.

 

Who has been your biggest influence in your life?

I doubt she even realizes it, but my mother has always been a huge inspiration for my writing. As a young girl, I watched her play the piano and write songs for church. I once found her journal and read some of her songs, which inspired me to write my own. I also wrote poetry and short stories from the time I was in third grade. Writing was my gift, and I realized this at an early age. As I got older, I wrote and sang songs in church. People told me I had an “anointing” from God—a power to heal with my words and my voice. That was a pretty powerful thing to hear at my age, so I took it seriously. And, while my books are not Christian-based, my upbringing does play a part in my writing.

Who are your favorite Indie authors?

Gosh, having read more than forty books last year, I’ve experienced a plethora of great ones. But, to name a few: Beth Hale, Bethany Turner, Stephen Geez, Beem Weeks, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Emma Scott, Anita Kovacevik, and Michelle Abbott. And recently, I’ve added Kim Cox and Allaina Daniels to this list because they write such quirky, intriguing characters that are fun to read about!

What is your ultimate reward as an author?

My ultimate reward as a writer is when someone says to me, “your book helped me” or “your words touched my heart.” That is when I feel the most successful and fulfilled. Don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoy seeing my sales go up; but my biggest payoff is when I get that feeling I had as a little girl—hearing those same words from people in my church or teachers at my school. In a way, it was validation for me. It made me feel as if could change someone’s life through my words, whether it is true or notJ

Name a classic author who has influenced your writing.

I am not usually a dark-natured person; however, in middle school and high school, I was drawn to Edgar Allan Poe. The desperate tone in his writing and rhythmic flow of his words fascinated me. I don’t enjoy horror stories or films, but I remember listening to The Tell- Tale Heart on a tape recorder in class (wow, I’m telling my age now) and being drawn in to the story. It was powerful, and I wanted to have the same effect on readers with my writing.

What is your biggest fear?

Of course I could say it would involve losing a loved one, but that’s a given. So, if I’m being totally honest otherwise, I’d have to say losing my mind is my greatest fear. If I ever lost a limb or an organ, I would find a way to survive and manage from day to day. But if I lost my mind—my ability to think and create—I would soon wither away inside. Therefore, I plan to use my words to entertain, inform, and heal others for as long as I am able.

What is your biggest pet peeve about books?

I can overlook a few grammatical errors if the story is compelling enough; but a major pet peeve of mine is when authors repeatedly misuse simple words such as then, than, your, and you’re. It just drives me crazy. If you ever see that in one of my books, trust me, I DID NOT purposefully put it there!
Thanks so much for having me today and for letting me share a little bit about my writing journey.

Please subscribe to my blog at www.awordwithtraci.com where you will find samples of my poems and stories, excerpts from my books, and daily tips on all aspects of the writing industry (publishing, marketing, writing, etc.) in my new segment for 2016 called “365 Days to Write Right.”

Here is a link to the trailer for my newest release…Unsevered

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Buy links for “Unsevered”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/20zBXtw

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1nUdy0y

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Buy links for “When Darkness Breaks”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TKCG5H

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1SAb7gD

Connect with me:
Blog: www.awordwithtraci.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWordWithTraci/?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmsanders2014

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tsanders2014/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7508333.Traci_M_Sanders

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#EggcerptExchange – Elaine Cantrell

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Check out Elaine’s world of royalty…. princes and princesses…. ooo…. and arranged marriage…

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I have not read The Enchanted yet, but I want to remind you all that after you read any book, be sure to place a review on Goodreads or Amazon… or heck… do both… lol… we writers need time, and appreciate the time you take to tell us what you think… and now off to Elaine’s post…

Elaine Cantrell’s

The Enchanted

Blurb:

Forced by his father into a marriage he didn’t want, Prince Alan soon finds that his bride isn’t the sweet, submissive creature he expected. Morgane has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she isn’t thrilled about the marriage either. When black treachery threatens the kingdom, Morgane and Alan embark on a perilous journey that has an excellent chance of ending in failure and death for them and all of their people.

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Excerpt:
“Do you see anyone?” Alan whispered. “We must hurry, Morgane. The afternoon grows late.”

“I see no one.”

They eased into the deserted street, but no one appeared to molest them. “Go quickly,” Alan hissed.

They set off at a trot, making good time even though the slap of their feet on the broken sidewalks sounded as loud as thunder to Morgane. One of the cannibal’s arms came free from Nerian s tunic and struck Alan with every step they took, but they dared not stop. The Pool of Lodane had just come into view when Nerian’s grandmother revived.

“She is awake!” Nerian cried as the creature rolled its eyes at him.

Morgane turned around in time to see the thing jerk Alan s handkerchief from its mouth. It wailed and screeched like a soul in torment. Answering howls filled the late afternoon with horror. “Run!” Alan roared.

They ran. Morgane s breath came in gasps. Her chest burned, as did her calves. All of our efforts are doomed! Behind her she heard Nerian scream. From the corner of her eye, she saw him vanish beneath a writhing mass of green, but neither she nor Alan paused in their sprint for life.

Cannibals poured from every building and street. So many of them! The streets were painted in putrid green. Their only hope was to reach the pool.

Alan growled low in his chest, breezing past Morgane as if she were not even moving. With only steps to go, he dove into the pool, with the old cannibal still slung across his shoulders.

Morgane threw herself to the ground with a scream as a huge clap of thunder filled the air. It rolled and echoed across the entire world. Her hands flew up to cover her ears. Would it never stop? Black clouds roiled and churned, turning the sky an inky black.

The pool screamed. Horrible shrieks joined the cacophony of the skies. Green smoke billowed into the air as if the very water had caught fire. Waves almost as tall as her father s castle shot upward from the pool.

The wave expelled Alan and the cannibal from the water. Morgane screamed until her throat felt raw. “Draw a circle!” Alan roared as he jumped into the pool again, his arms still locked around the old sorceress.

Draw a circle? Draw a circle with the cannibals almost within touching distance? The prophecy! Frantically she used her foot to draw a circle in the dirt and stepped inside. Perhaps it would provide some protection from the cannibals.

In the end, she needed no protection. The cannibals stood as if rooted in place. Nothing about them moved. The wind had picked up to gale force. It took all her strength to remain inside the circle, but not even the cannibals’ hair moved in the wind.

Alan shoved the grandmother out of the pool and promptly jerked her back in.

The minute she entered the water for the third time, the sky cleared. A lovely pink and blue sunset shone above them. The green fog disappeared, and the water in which Alan stood became a beautiful, calm blue.

Morgane blinked, and in that brief moment the cannibals dissolved into sand.

Purchase Links:
Amazon
itunes
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords

 

Elaine Cantrell’s Biography

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Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University. She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators and is also a member of Romance Writers of America. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments.

Author Links:

Blog
Book Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Character Interview Princess Morgane from The Enchanted:

… Greetings, kind readers. I am Madame de Barra, and I have been granted the honor of an interview with the Princess Morgane. I am rather nervous even though I am an experienced interviewer. I have read Madame Cantrell’s tale The Enchanted and must confess that I am all atwitter at the thought of meeting the princess. Oh! She comes now.

Madame de Barra scrambles to her feet and bows deeply. “My princess.”

Princess Morgane inclines her head to Madame de Barra. “Please, take a seat, Madame. It is my honor to meet you.”

They both sit in comfortable twin chairs covered in red velvet with an eagle embroidered on the back.

Madame de Barra: “Thank you for granting me an interview, Princess Morgane.”

Princess Morgane: “I am grateful for your interest in my story.”

  1. Madame de Barra: “The entire kingdom is interested in your story. For the benefit of anyone who has not met you, would you introduce yourself and tell us your occupation?”

“I am the Princess Morgane, daughter of King Maccus, wife of Prince Alan who is heir to his father King Bowdyn. My occupation? I am a princess.”

2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?

“Beyond the shadow of a doubt, it is my husband Prince Alan. Our love story did not begin the way most do. Our fathers arranged a marriage for the two of us even though we had never met. I did not expect to even like him, but I grew to love him almost immediately. How could I not? He is everything a man should be. He is kind, generous, clever, protective, and he is fair to look upon.”

3. What is your greatest fear?

Princess Morgane bites her lip. “I fear that one day I might lose the prince. We live in a dangerous world. He promises to take care of himself, but I am still fearful.”

4. “What is your most important goal?”

“I have long been concerned over the lack of opportunities for women. I am doing research to see what can be done about it. I myself have been victimized by men, and I long to live in a world where men and women are treated the same.”

5.”What is your favorite food?”

The princess laughs. “I am overly fond of chocolate. It is so costly that even the king cannot often have it, but he did serve chocolate truffles at the banquet honoring Madame Cantrell. In fact, the entire kingdom honors Madame for her marvelous book The Enchanted.”

Madame deBarra nods her head. “As a representative of the press, I covered the release party that the king gave for Madame Cantrell. If my readers are interested, they can find my coverage of the party at RELEASE DAY: The Enchanted Thank you, Princess Morgane for your time. I have greatly enjoyed meeting you.”

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#LittleThings – Join the Explosion

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Little Things Blog Hop Use Me

Personally, I will be giving away an eBook copy of Shocking Finds, or for those that have already read Shocking Finds, you can choose to wait for an ARC copy of Southern Discoveries: Book Two – Finder’s Keepers and read before it comes out to buy…

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If you want to be on the blogger list, or maybe you have a read of your own to enter into this blog-fest, be sure to head to the following link to enter the fun… you have until March 11th to sign up… check out the 70+ list of blog sites already listed to participate, and join the explosion… just click the ‘click here’ button below…

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#EggcerptExchange – P.J. MacLayne

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Oh yeah… hold the presses….

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along with P.J.’s guest post, I had the chance to read her novel… you can find my thoughts at the end of this post, as well as on Amazon and Goodreads… Reviews… we have to have them… give me, give me… give me the reviews… muhahahaha

Character interview with Tasha Roeper, the main character of Wolves’ Knight

What is your job?

I am currently contracted with Lapahie Enterprises to provide assistance with getting their physical security beefed up. I’m helping to train the students at the school sponsored by Lapahie in basic security skills, and I sometimes provide bodyguard services to the CEO, Dot Lapahie. My training with both my pack, the Fairwoods, and the Radferd pack of security specialists has given me a unique set of skills that I’ll be able to use to enhance the reputation of the Fairwood pack in the future.

Where is your favorite place to visit?

I haven’t travelled much, and my bucket list of places to go is really small. I’d like to make it out the redwoods of California some day, and visit the Grand Canyon. I really enjoyed the year and a half I spent in Maine training with the Radferds, but it sure was nice to come home. I haven’t found anything yet to match the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, especially in the fall when the trees are turning colors.

What is your worst fear or nightmare?

My worst fear is that I’ll somehow let the pack down. I’m not your typical pack female, and if I do something wrong, I can bring shame to the pack and make Gavin, my pack leader, look bad. I don’t have the strength or size that the males have, so I have to depend on my wits, training and skills in a battle. I know that one day they won’t be enough. But when I run into that opponent I can’t beat, I hope I’ll do some major dame before I die.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

What’s the line? You can’t win if you don’t play? Okay, I’ve bought a scratch off ticket or two in my time, but the most I’ve ever won is $5. I think I used that to fill the tank of my motorcycle. If I ever had a lot of money, I’d make that trip to California. And I think I’d donate some of it to a veteran’s charity. I’ve had the privilege of fighting alongside quite a few men and women who served in the military, and although the pack takes care of its own, there are a lot of vets out there that could use some extra help.

On the lighter side-what’s your favorite type of pet?

I’m a wolf-shifter. I don’t do pets. Can’t you just imagine it, some sweet little kitten hanging around the house, being freaked out every time I shifted into my wolf form? I’m a meat eater, and I’m sure a pet would be able to sense that. Maybe I could get away with a goldfish or something, but it’s never been something I’ve ever considered.

 

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Wolves’ Knight Blurb:

 

Tasha Roeper knows what it means to protect your own. So when her friend, Dot Lapahie, CEO of Lapahie Enterprises, suspects that the Free Wolves are under attack, Tasha immediately signs on to lead the investigation and guard Dot.

But Tasha’s not convinced it’s the Free Wolves that are the target. She fears that her own pack—the Fairwood Pack—are the actual quarry and Dot is only a decoy.

The deeper Tasha digs, the more puzzles she uncovers.

Torn between tradition and a changing world, will Tasha risk everything to save a friend—including her own life—when old enemies arise?

Excerpt

“This isn’t much different than getting ready to go on a raid,” Dot said as she strapped on the belt that held her throwing knives.

“In a way; it is,” Tasha told her. “Only instead of going to your target, you’re searching for someone coming to you. Which can be even more nerve-racking.”

“I wish you two could come along.”

I will be, Tasha thought, but not officially.

“Chief agrees with you, but it wouldn’t look right,” Samantha said. She was double-checking Dot’s preparations. “You have to do this on your own.”

“Do you know how many times I bugged Gavin to let me run patrols with the Fairwoods?” Dot adjusted the shoulder harness for the revolver that the arms master had supplied. “And he’d never let me. I can’t believe he caved and agreed to this scheme.”

“I guess he realized how important this is,” Tasha suggested.

“Either that or someone blackmailed him. What do you have on him, Tasha?”

“Me?” Tasha fluttered her eyelashes and attempted to look innocent. “All I had to do was explain how important this is.”

“I’ll force you to tell me later.” Dot turned around slowly. “What am I missing?”

She didn’t look like the CEO of a growing organization any more. Instead, she’d gone back to her roots and looked every inch the warrior. From the combat boots on her feet to the cropped hair tinged with streaks of red, she was prepared for battle. Tasha decided it was a good thing that Gavin wasn’t there to see her. They’d never make it out the door. Nothing was sexier to a male wolf that a female prepared to do battle for her cubs.

“One minor detail.” Samantha reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, round container. “Pink stripes on your cheeks. Then you’ll be ready.”

A small cluster of people waited for Dot when she reported to the staging area for her patrol assignment. As she shook hands with her well-wishers, Tasha used the diversion to slip away. She had her own preparations to make.

 

Purchase links:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wolves-knight

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wolves-knight-pj-maclayne/1123127673

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1066865102

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Author Bio: Born and raised among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, P.J. MacLayne still finds inspiration for her books in that landscape. She is a computer geek by day and a writer by night who currently lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When she’s not in front of a computer screen, she might be found exploring the back roads of the nearby national forests and parks. In addition to the Free Wolves’ stories, she is also the author of the Oak Grove mystery series. P.J. MacLayne can be reached on: Facebook https://facebook.com/pjmaclayne

Twitter https://twitter.com/pjmaclayne

Google + https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PJMacLayne/posts

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/P.J.-MacLayne/e/B00HVE8WZI

And here are my thoughts….

–this novel was between a 3 and a 4 for me, but definitely closer to a 4… it was cute, well paced and dropped enough debits about Mark (Elder Fennar/may be spelling wrong) for me to be rooting for Tasha to hook up with him, way before I actually knew if he was actually in the running… (nothing explicit for those faint of heart)

the beginning is a little rough, well written but I turned back multiple times to see if I had missed a prologue or something… but after the first few paragraphs the story takes off… knowing that I have the most trouble writing my own first page, I continued and enjoyed the read…

 

 

 

 

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Book Update – Goodbye Roanoke

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Blurb:

What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke? Jodina knows that she should be embarrassed, but really… they had it coming. As a Vampire/Dragon hybred, Jodina has lived for more than 200 years avoiding humans and supernatural creatures alike. But one accidental fire – hey, her Dragon side can be a bit testy – and she finds herself locked up with a handsome Vampire and a few innocent children. Their crimes? Well, the mob outside their cell has decided that they are unclean abominations… Jealousy and fear, with a heaping dose of hate, can turn human beings into deadly creatures.

Jodina is another Character that has been running around my head… and as her full length novel isn’t ready to be released, I thought I would go ahead and get one of her short stories out in eBook format…

Buy Links…

Amazon

Kobo

Apple iBooks

Google Play

Barnes & Noble

Excerpt:

“Let me out of this bloody hole, you rat bastards. Or I will burn this place to the ground. Now… open this door!” Jodina’s voice came out flat, barely bouncing off the dirt walls of her cell. If you could call a hole in the side of a small hillside a cell. It was more like a mausoleum with metal bars blocking the only exit.

“This is not right. What if she is clean?” A young boy, of perhaps fifteen years, turned to the incompetent oaf by his side, and pleaded.

Jodina watched, as the lad hunched his shoulders, and crossed his arms protectively around his chest. His words had pulled her gaze down to her filthy state of undress. “At least, supply me with some form of clothing. Or perhaps you enjoy watching women freeze to death.”

The oaf pushed the younger man out of his way, so that he could have a clear shot at her chest. His sword came for her with blinding quickness, as he thrust forward with experienced precision. A precision that would have impaled her heart. She couldn’t help but be impressed. Who knew the middle aged and overweight could move with such purpose and ease.

Jodina moved with a swift jerk to the side that saved her life, drawing a gasp of shock from both of her jailers.

A cocky grin spreading across his face, the oaf replaced his weapon. “See, lad? She is as unclean as her fellow prisoners. Be glad that she is as weak as the woman she pretends to be.” Placing his thumbs in his belt and thrusting his amazing girth outward like a working girl showing off her assets, the oaf hissed, “Perhaps you can save the sun a little work. Your fire trick can keep you warm, and hopefully keep you safe.”

 

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#EggcerptExchange – Kasia Radzka

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another day, another excerpt… woo who… today it is all about Kasia Radzka… 

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I have to thank all the authors participating in this Exchange… personally, I have enjoyed finding out about all these new novels coming out… not all of them have been in my preferred genre, but seeing the large number of books being created humbles me… I am very proud to be a part of this growing community, and I hope you guys find a book or two to add to your TBR list (to be read list)

Blurb – less than 300 words

Lexi Ryder vowed to never return to the Gold Coast, but after a desperate phone call from an old friend, she returns only to learn her friend is dead.

Was it murder or an accident?

Lexi finds herself embroiled in a game of politics, assassinations and secrets. A world where people are not who they seem.

Detective Matthew Ryan wants Lexi as far away as possible from him and the case. But Lexi knows too much. After a public assassination they discover that whoever is responsible is willing to go to great lengths to dispose of those who get in the way of their plans.

Is Lexi willing to risk her own life to seek the truth?

Money, status, and power. Some people will do anything to get it, others will do whatever it takes to keep it.

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Excerpt – less than 500 words

He pushed her hard and she slammed into the wall of the building, the rugged bricks cutting her palms as she tried to protect herself from the impact. This couldn’t be the end. She turned to face her attacker. She didn’t recognise him. In the darkness she could just make out his features. He had a face that could easily get lost in a crowd, olive skin, a freckle beside his eye, and brown hair. It’s funny the details you notice when you face your killer.

“I’ll give you whatever you want, please, take my keys, my wallet, there’s two hundred dollars in there, just don’t hurt me, please,” Lexi pleaded as he pushed her against the wall.

He stared at her. No smile. No reaction. Then she noticed the glimmer of a gun in his hand.

He pushed even closer until she felt his lips against her ear. “You’ve been asking too many questions.”

Lexi squeezed her eyes shut and pushed him away with all the strength that she could muster as pain seared through her body. She kicked him but he grabbed her by the neck and pulled her towards him pressing the cold metal barrel against the flesh of her lower back. This was it. She was about to die. And all for nothing. She wondered if Dana had known she was going to die at the exact moment her car had veered off the road and slammed into the tree.

Purchase links not more than 5

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YAC0NLA?keywords=lethal%20disposal&qid=1452997317&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com.au/Lethal-Disposal-Kasia-Radzka-ebook/dp/B00YAC0NLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453285484&sr=8-1&keywords=lethal+disposal

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author short bio – 100 words or less

Kasia Radzka is an author, athlete wannabe, food & wine lover, and blogger,　living　with her husband and son on the Gold Coast, Australia. A run along the coastline generally gets her muse buzzing. You can contact her at kasiajradzka@gmail.com　or stop by her website　www.kasiaradzka.com.

author links – no more than 5

http://www.kasiaradzka.com

answer to character’s questions

Nickname –
Lexi

2. Job –
Freelance Investigative Journalist3. Level of schooling, or self-taught – University Degree and the school of life4. Birthdate –
5 May5. Birthplace –
Melbourne, Australia6. Currently residing in…
Gold Coast, Australia7. Favorite type of pet –
Dog, but she has no room for one in her life at the moment8. Favorite place to visit –
Europe9. Significant other –
It’s complicated10. Most important goal –
To figure out who killed her friend11. Worst fear or nightmare -Failing the people she promises to help 12. Favorite food – Wine, burgers, and rockmelon – not necessarily in that order.13. Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between? Wealthy, but doesn’t like to advertise it. 14. Secret desire or fantasy – If she told you it wouldn’t be a secret. 15. What would you do if you won the lottery? Give half to charity, invest the other half and continue investigating stories.

 

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#EggcerptExchange – Janie Franz

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the first month of Eggcerpt Exhange is winding down… we have one more author coming to visit tomorrow, and then it is March’s turn to shine… there is an amazing number of authors out there in today’s market… a taste of every genre… no matter what you are looking for, the perfect book is waiting… personally, I need to stop looking… lol… I already have a number of favorite authors on my TBR list… if I add anymore, I will need to win the lottery… ahhhh… wouldn’t that be nice… now I am picturing the two-story home library I would build if only someone would give me the millions needed to create the monstrosity … muhahaha… I could have my bedroom, coffee maker, and office surrounded by two stories of books… ooo… and I would take a trip to hay-on-way… a European book-topia….

Okay… back to today’s guest… Janie Franz is here with an excerpt and a character interview from her novel Verses…

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Verses (The Lost Song Trilogy book 1 and book 4 of the Bowdancer series)

By

Janie Franz

Blurb

Eleven summers after Jan-nell the bowdancer left her daughter Mira-nell with the sisterhood of hunters on the mountain and came to live with Khrin to raise their son, Bearin, she is called by the sisterhood to find their origins.

The first clue is a bit of song Jan-nell learns at the deathbed of the oldest woman in the sisterhood’s village. Jan-nell and her companions seek the origins of the mysterious women on the mountain through the verses of that song.

Master hunter Bekar and master trackfinder Chandro accompany Jan-nell and Bearin on a quest for the lost song that takes them from their local inn out across the landscape of their world as they meet bee spinners and kings and risk their lives to achieve their goal.

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Excerpt

“Is the old woman failing?”

“She is ill, and Leyton worries that she may pass before she can tell Jan-nell the gossip from the first mothers about our coming to the mountain.”

“She wants a story-song then?”

Chandro nodded again. “She has finally agreed.”

Bekar bit into a crisp cucumber, relishing the new taste. “Hmm.” Then she turned to Jan-nell. “I would like to know how we came here and why. I feel there is something we should all know, but it has been kept from us. We did not have feasts and music before you and Mira-nell came, or ways to mark our life passages, except for when we have our first moon and become women or when a few take their places among the hunters.”

“At least Mira-nell has that affirmation. She would not get it here.” Jan-nell cast Khrin a look. “They would be plotting who she should wed by now—if not preparing the ceremony as we speak.”

Khrin held up his hands. “It is not my doing. My mother likes weddings and babes.”

Chandro’s gaze rested on Bearin. “Do they plot who you will wed?” she asked the boy.

“If I would listen,” he said.

“What?” Jan-nell turned to him.

“I do not bother you with their talk. Granddame’s sister has a girl my age that she thinks is fair.”

“But she is kin?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “They do not count kin that far from Granddame. Besides, though she is fair, she cannot think. What would I have to say to such a one?”

“There will be a time where thinking is not what is most in your mind when you look upon a girl,” Chandro counseled.

Frowning at the trackfinder, Jan-nell continued. “You have seen her?”

The boy gave a nod.

“And?”

Bearin looked confused. “What?”

Khrin shook his head, grinning “I do not know if your mother is more shocked that she did not know about this or that she does not know what instructions you have been given about girls.”

“Well, it is obvious somebody has been filling his head with something!” Jan-nell snapped. “I do not wish him to have a houseful of babes before he has explored the world and found what lies in his heart.”

Bekar chuckled, and Jan-nell turned her growing anger on the hunter, glaring fiercely at her.

“Forgive,” Bekar said. “Be at peace.” She turned to the boy. “Tell us what you have learned about girls.”

Jan-nell raised an eyebrow at Bekar’s words.

Bearin looked up at his teacher. “It depends on the girl. Some are silly though they may be beautiful. Some are wise though they may look like a goat. Some are noble and kind, and some are devious and can never be happy no matter how much is given to them. Some have talents, though they may be in the domestic arts, while some are clever and strong and know men’s work. Both kinds can work alongside any man. Girls—women are as diverse as men.”

“And what of pairings—wedded or not?”

He shrugged again. “Just as varied.” He looked at every face. “As are families. Are we not a family around this table?”

“Yes, we are,” Khrin stated and reached for his mug of tea. He held it up as if to give a toast.

Bekar smiled and held up her mug. Bearin hoisted his aloft. Chandro looked at Jan-nell and raised her mug. Moving her eyes from face to face, Jan-nell finally raised her mug. “To our family,” Khrin said in firm tones.

Interview Questions for Bekar

1. Nickname: I’ve always been called Bekar. It is a name different from the other women up on the mountain.

2. Job: Do you mean what work I have been called to do? I am a Master Hunter

3. Birthplace: I was born up on the mountain, far above the little villages below. There are only women here, strong women. We are grateful to have Mira-nell, Jan-nell’s child, teach our young girls the ways of healing and the songs of the One. Those songs and dances stir my heart, unlike many of the other women here. And Mira-nell has her mother’s touch with herbing goat and wild game. We of the sisterhood, as Jan-nell calls us, are very grateful Mira-nell tends our cook fires.

4. Significant other: Do you mean a mate? I have not found one, though I have had many lovers. I think I’m too much of a mountain goal to be tamed by a mate.

5. Most important goal: We must find the answers to where we came from. Surely, we did not spring from the rocks of our mountain home. I am different from the other women here. I brown darker in the summer’s sun. My hair is not fair like theirs.

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About Janie Franz

Janie Franz comes from a long line of Southern liars and storytellers. She told other people’s stories as a freelance journalist for many years. With Texas wedding DJ, Bill Cox, she co-wrote The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book and The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book, and then self-published a writing manual, Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid! She also published an online music publication, was an agent/publicist for a groove/funk band, a radio announcer, and a yoga/relaxation instructor.

Currently, she is writing her tweveth novel and a self-help book, Starting Over: Becoming a Woman of Power.

Author Links:

https://authorjaniefranz.wordpress.com

https://janiefranz.wordpress.com

https://thebowdancersaga.wordpress.com

Buy Links:

This book is on sale for 99cents at

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/new-releases/series/verses-the-lost-song-trilogy-detail

and
And can be bought for regular price at:

 

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#EggcerptExchange – Kim Cox

5 Comments

eggs

This Eggcerpt has intrigue, betrayal, revenge… hot romance…. ooo…. lots of goodies in this one…

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It sounds deliciously tempting…

Suspicious Minds

A Romantic Suspense Novel

kimcox

Blurb

Revenge, Betrayal, and Hidden Identity

In the city of Boston lies a story of revenge and hidden identity. Ryan Donatelli, posing as Thomas Randolph, sets out to avenge his sister’s death, even if it means using Sam Southard’s daughter to do it. After all, Ryan is sure Sam’s responsible.

Natalie Southard is determined to keep her family business out of the hands of known crime boss, Nick DeMarco. After her father is killed, Natalie and Ryan are forced to run for their lives. But, will they live long enough for their hearts to heal once everything is revealed?

Genres:　Romance / Romantic Suspense / Romantic Thriller

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Excerpt

Prologue

“Is that her?” Detective Walsh asked, talking around the wad of gum in his mouth.

Ryan Donatelli tugged at the neck of his old football jersey while he looked everywhere but at the body on the steel examination table. The morgue walls were closing in on him. “I don’t know.” Even to him, his voice sounded tinny and far off. “Shelley’s small, but this woman seems much smaller. It’s hard to say.” The obvious resemblance struck him, but he looked for any reason he could to deny it.

“Dehydration from the burns,” the gray-haired coroner said. “It changes the facial appearance.”

Ryan glanced up and noticed the older man’s immense nose and his astonishing resemblance to the comedian and singer, Jimmy Durante.

The detective shrugged. “Well, if you can’t be sure, I guess we’ll just have to— Wait a minute! What about this?” Walsh removed a small envelope from his jacket pocket and extracted a plastic bag containing a necklace that had been tagged for evidence.

Ryan’s stomach spasmed. Acid scorched his throat. Every conscious thought screamed denial, yet his trembling hand reached for the bag. Under the fluorescent lights, the ruby pendant glowed like a hot ember. He squeezed it in his palm, trying to feel its pulsing warmth—like the warmth of Shelley’s smile.

Oh, God! It was as cold as the body on the table.

“You okay?” The detective’s voice was muffled. Ryan wanted to laugh at the stupidity of the question, but at this moment, mirth was a foreign emotion to him.

With his index finger, he traced the outline of the small stone before turning it over to read the inscription he knew he would find. Unshed tears blurred his vision, but there it was. Happy B-day, Love, R.

“It’s Shelley,” he said and turned away. He could no longer deny the evident truth, or hang onto the tiniest thread of hope that this was a terrible mistake.

Sweet, stubborn Shelley, his baby sister. She’d never argue politics, movies or anything mundane as the weather again. Shelley loved to challenge him. She’d made him think in new ways and consider new options. What would he do without her?

Teaser Scene…

He sipped his drink, noticing her eyes shifting from one object to the other. The love seat and chair with its own ottoman matched the ivory couch. A blue-and-crimson oriental rug dominated the living room floor. Sheer white curtains covered the double glass doors leading to the dining room with a black lacquered table and chairs.

“Do you like the house?”

“Yes, it’s beautiful…lovely,” she said, touching his arm.

“Thank you, but I can’t take the credit. My mother redecorated it last year.” Ryan looked around as if viewing it for the first time himself.

“I’d love to meet your mother. She has exquisite taste.”

“I have to agree. Maybe one day you will. And, if you’re good, I may take you on the grand tour of the place.” Ryan’s face drifted close to hers. He found himself not wanting to carry on the conversation any longer. His mind was far from words at the moment.

Her black hair, like her eyes, sparkled in the light. His skin beneath the sleeve of his shirt burned where the tips of her fingers touched. She smelled like freshly cut gardenias from his grandmother’s greenhouse. Her voice sounded like an angel’s song.

All he thought of was kissing her. He wanted to taste her sensuous pink lips and hold her in his arms until she begged for more.

As if his thoughts scared her, she turned away.

“I-I’d be privileged to see it.”

Did she feel the electricity sparking between them, too? Did she hunger for him the way he hungered for her?

He felt her uncertainty as clearly he did his own. Finally, she looked at him, and he could see the passion burning in her green eyes, and knew it was mirrored by his own. The window behind Natalie flashed with light. Their gazes clashed as the weather outside changed to a darkened, cloud-studded night. Wind whipped the bay into a frenzy of waves that slammed onto the beach behind the house.

The rumbling of thunder startled Natalie and she jumped into his arms. Her breast pushed against his chest and his defenses crumbled. His mouth covered hers as a hungry moan escaped his lips. She wrapped her arms around him, returning his kiss. He’d imagined her kiss to be sweet and full of passion, and his imagination was right on target…

Read More . . .

Scheduled for re-release March 15, 2016 – Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/kimcox

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About Kim Cox

Kim Cox is an author of Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense and Romance. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her chain saw artist husband, their West Highland White Terriers–Scooter and Harley, and a Yorkie mix, Candi. Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles.

Sign up for Kim’s Readers List for exclusive information, new releases, contests, giveaways, and free books.

Visit her at the following sites:

Author’s Website: http://www.kimcoxauthor.com

Blogs: Kim’s Musings, Kim’s Author Support Page

Social Media locations:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimcoxauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimCoxAuthor

Google: https://plus.google.com/+KimCoxAuthor/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kimcox

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimwrtr/

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#EggcerptExchange – Chris Redding

2 Comments

eggs

 OOOO… very good blurb… I always find shortening my ideas down to a blurb or even a synopsis near impossible… I mean, come on… my first novel came in at over 100,000 words…

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usually, I want to scream when I have to do either… and just forget about writing a query letter… lol… please world, can’t I just skip all that and start on my next novel… ??? please ??? No??? okay… well, I will go back to edits, synopsis writing, and blurb creation while you check out Chris Redding

blurb Blonde Demolition

Blonde Demolition

YOU JUST CAN’T HIDE FROM THE PAST…

Mallory Sage lives in a small, idyllic town where nothing ever happens. Just the kind of life she has always wanted. No one, not even her fellow volunteer firefighters, knows about her past life as an agent for Homeland Security.

Former partner and lover, Trey McCrane, comes back into Mallory’s life. He believes they made a great team once, and that they can do so again. Besides, they don’t have much choice. Paul Stanley, a twisted killer and their old nemesis, is back.

Framed for a bombing and drawn together by necessity, Mallory and Trey go on the run and must learn to trust each other again if they hope to survive. But Mallory has been hiding another secret, one that could destroy their relationship. And time is running out.

chris

– excerpt –

They had no clue she could defend herself armed or unarmed. That information didn’t go along with her trust fund reputation. No need to enlighten them.

Trey’s words brought her back. “Have you thought about it?”

“Yes.”

“And.”

“I didn’t come up with an answer.” She wouldn’t be rushed. She would decide this in her own damn time. Not on someone else’s schedule.

“Better soon.”

“You better move on, Trey.”

He glanced back at the firefighters who walked his way. A sardonic grin creased his face. “Well, well.”

“Leave, Trey. I don’t want to see anyone hurt.”

“Me or them?”

He walked past her as if she didn’t exist.

“He bothering you?” Cal asked.

She shook her head. “Nope, just asking the time.”

“You didn’t look at your watch.”

“I don’t have one, so I couldn’t tell him the time. He was harmless, guys. Thanks anyway.”

Cal stared after Trey, who now turned bolts on the massive Ferris wheel. He wasn’t harmless, though he’d never hurt her physically.

Just emotionally.

– Purchase links not more than 5

Amazon

– author short bio – 100 words or less.

Chris Redding lives in New Jersey with her husband, two kids, one dog and one show rabbit. She graduated from Penn State with a degree in Journalism and is still a diehard Nittany Lions fan. Her books are filled with romance, suspense and thrills.

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– author links – no more than 5

Email: chrisreddingauthor@gmail.com

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Google Plus

– answer to character’s questions (these can either be for a main character or the author)

(Author) Use what you like.

  1. Nickname: I’ve been called CPR lady because I helped run a training center for 7 years.
  2. Job: ghostwriter, but I also teach CPR.
  3. Level of schooling, or self-taught: BA in Journalism with a minor in English from The Pennsylvania State University
  4. Birthdate
  5. Birthplace Pennsylvania
  6. Currently residing in…
  7. Favorite type of pet One without hair, but DH doesn’t like reptiles so we have a dog.
  8. Favorite place to visit The beach
  9. Significant other
  10. Most important goal
  11. Worst fear or nightmare
  12. Favorite food Pizza, I could eat it almost every day.
  13. Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between?
  14. Secret desire or fantasy
  15. What would you do if you won the lottery? Fund scholarships.
book progress

Get Beta’ed… muhahaha

2 Comments

Okay… fingers crossed, my first contemporary romance is in the hands of a Beta Reader… while I am still looking for a few more, I am cringing on the inside… I don’t think this process will ever get any easier… my baby is out there in the hands of a stranger…. okay, not a stranger exactly… the first person to accept the challenge of beta reading my first Skymann novel has gone through this process with me before… and she did a wonderful job on Shocking Finds: a Finder’s Keepers Novel…

so maybe I will get through this without chewing on my lip until it bleeds… it really is too bad that I’m not a nail biter, but ewwww…. I have never been able to stand that habit, in myself or in others… lol… mom is a notorious nail biter… but I once saw her keep at it until she ended up with an inflamed infection puffing and oozing around her nail… yeah… that is not the type of thing you un-see…

Now… I need to get a few pieces of swag ready for tomorrow’s signing… Info HERE… it may only be a local signing but you never know… 😛

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Anthology/ Hidden Bounty

Buy Link – Amazon

Kindle version only 99 cents…. Happy Wordage

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#EggcerptExchange – Linda McLaughlin

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eggs

This is definitely a contemporary romance I would love to read… right to the TBR list…

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I love the following blurb… only thing that could make it better would be if Mitch was a cowboy… but hey… it is set in southern California ??? could there be cowboys hiding in these pages???

Children’s librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else. Three years ago her wedding ended in disaster when her groom was arrested at the altar and the story of the ‘Embezzler’s Bride’ appeared in the supermarket tabloids. The experience has left her determined to avoid being caught in the public eye again. Until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past…

Ex-racer Mitch Delaney is a public figure whose life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk. After the death of his ex-wife, he moved to Southern California to take care of his son Josh. He doesn’t need the complication of a woman in his life, especially since Josh’s grandparents have filed suit for custody. But Josh is on the hunt for a new mother and he has his heart set on Miss Amanda, and Mitch can’t fault his son’s taste.

Against her better judgment, Amanda finds herself falling for both of the Delaney men. When she agrees to accompany Mitch to a high-profile movie premiere, they draw the attention of the tabloids. Overnight Amanda’s private affair becomes very public indeed, threatening her job and Mitch’s custody suit. She’s waited twenty-eight years for the right man. But will happiness come at too high a price?

(Golden Heart Finalist, previously published as Private Affair, Kensington Precious Gem #121)

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Eggcerpt:

The town was lovely, with tall palm trees and a sandy crescent of beach ringing the glistening bay. It was a picture perfect day as they strolled along the waterfront to one of her favorite seafood restaurants.

After a delicious lunch of fresh swordfish they walked the town, stopping at all the tourist spots. They hiked up to the botanical gardens, visited the Casino where haunting echoes of the Big Band era seemed still alive, and went on the Glass Bottom boat.

“Let’s take a walk on the beach,” Mitch suggested as they stepped onto the pier.

They shed their shoes and socks, enjoying the feel of the warm sand on their toes. Amanda breathed deeply of the sea air and sighed in contentment.

“It’s been such a nice day, I hate to go home,” Mitch observed.

“You just don’t want to get back in the plane,” she teased.

“On the contrary, I can’t wait to take off over that drop-off gorge. I hope it doesn’t leave Josh fatherless.”

“You don’t have any confidence in me.”

“I haven’t booked passage on the boat, have I? You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

He gave her a look that told her the man loved a touch of danger. Her plan had backfired. Instead of discouraging him, he seemed even more interested. That should bother her, but somehow it didn’t.

“I’ve really enjoyed this.” He gestured at the town. “It’s like another world.”

She nodded in agreement. “That’s the reason I enjoy flying over here. It’s so easy to forget about the stress of daily life.”

He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “What kind of pressure are you going back to at the library?”

The pressure is right here. She was constantly fighting her attraction to this man. “Nothing really,” she remarked casually. “We’re getting ready for Halloween and I’ve got to get a costume together. I’m supposed to be Sleeping Beauty.”

“Oh? That has possibilities.” He leaned closer so his lips brushed her temple. His throaty voice whispered in her ear, “You’ll need a prince to kiss you awake, you know. I’ll be happy to volunteer for the job.”

Amanda’s breath quickened as she stared into his darkened eyes. He wouldn’t. Not here, on a public beach, in front of everyone.

He would.

She felt her knees weaken as his mouth descended. Her mind told her to pull away but her body had no desire to back out of his embrace. His kiss was as light and tender as an ocean breeze, but her reaction was anything but cool. Her pulse pounded and her heart jumped erratically.

It’s just a kiss, she told herself. But even as they pulled apart she felt a burning desire, an aching need, to feel his arms around her.

mcLaughlin

Buy links:

Available from Amazon Kindle http://amzn.com/B006LFIRGC

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/worth-the-risk/id563112816?mt=11&uo=4

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lyn-ofarrell

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/worth-the-risk-7

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236077

Worth The Risk is also part of the Hearts and Heroes boxed set.

Lyn O’Farrell’s Interview of Amanda Lloyd

Tell us about your job.

-I’m a children’s librarian at Santa Elena Public Library and I love it!

What is your favorite type of pet?

-I love dogs. My current companion is a miniature Dachshund named Willie who loves untying my guests’s shoe laces.

Name a favorite place to visit.

-I love to hop over to Avalon on Santa Catalina every chance I get. It’s such a little town.

What is your worst fear or nightmare?

-Being publicly shamed… again.

What is your secret desire or fantasy?

-I’d love to have children some day. But first I have to find the right man to help me make that possible.

(For Amanda to get her secret desire, she’s going to have to get over her fear of being in the public eye.)

Author bio:

Lyn O’Farrell is the writing team of Anne Farrell and Linda McLaughlin. Their romance novel, Private Affair, was a finalist in RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart contest and was first published in paperback by Kensington Precious Gems. Anne and Linda live in sunny Southern California, the inspiration for the fictional town of Santa Elena.

You can find the authors online at:

Anne Farrell’s website: http://annefarrellwriter.com/

Linda McLaughlin http://lindalyndi.com

Blog: http://lindalyndi.com/reading-room-blog/

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

Twitter: @Lyndi Lamont https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont

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#EggcerptExchange – Lisa Ann

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eggs

Paranormal Romance… one of my all time favorite genres… and not just because it is the genre I write the most…

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ooo… makes me want to go write up my next story… but as much as I love the Paranormal/Fantasy, there is a contemporary romance that needs my attention… so the question becomes, which should I focus on next… my third book in the Finder’s Keepers series, or the first in my Skymann Family series… I just can’t make up my mind, but reading Lisa Ann’s blurb makes me want to head back into the Finder’s Keepers… I am just soo addicted to all things magical… thanks Lias Ann for sharing your latest Paranormal news… woo who…

Title: R.O.S.E Riders of Sins Eternal

Release Date: March 11 (re-release)

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance (18+ due to language, sex scenes)

Author: Lisa Ann

Tag line: Riders of Sins Eternal have only one law: Always pay your debts

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Blurb:

Riders of Sins Eternal have only one law: Always pay your debts.

Alexandra Scott was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Striving to become a reporter in the fast paced world of journalism, she can’t believe it when she becomes the ‘breaking news’ after a night out with her best friend.

Garrick Donovan had come to terms with the deal he had made over a century ago, he had been able to get his revenge and nothing would make him regret that. While out cruising, he comes across a bunch of hoods attacking a young woman, something he can’t ignore.

Alexandra finds herself immersed in a world of dark secrets that could destroy both her and Garrick. It is now up to her to decide if what she and Garrick may have is worth the consequences or to get out while she still has time.

Add to your TBR: Goodreads

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Author Information:

Webpage: http://lisaawritesreads.com/

Email: lisaawrites@gmail.com

Twitter: @lisaawrites

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well… that’s all this author was able to give us… hopefully she will drop some more interesting tidbits in the near future… 😛 happy wordage everyone, tracey

Lisa

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#GWP peep… Jeri Williams

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Okay… Jeri Williams is awesome… she is one of the wonderful authors I have been introduced to through our Publisher, Mary Smith, over at Gone Writing Publishing… I read her novel Breathe Me and can’t wait to dive into Hurt Me…

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Jeri brings two damaged people, and spares no truths… she makes her characters as real as she possibly can, and manages to tell a realistic story about what happens when two such souls meet each other… Just for fun, I am going to tack my review of Breathe Me to the end of this post just in case anyone is interested… happy wordage…. tracey

In the highly anticipated continuation of Harley and Deklan’s story comes an equally gripping novel.

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Blurp:

What happens when you wake up from the nightmare that you’ve been living? Do you start living a happy normal life, one that you’ve always dreamed of, or do you start a new nightmare?
Harley did it. She survived, thanks to Deklan, but now…she is left with hard truths and different emotions; what she thought was the end, was only the beginning. Harley has to navigate through these changes while deciding on who she is and where she fits in Deklan’s life because she is coming to learn that when someone saves you, even from yourself, you hero worship them. You hero worship them so much they become your everything. Their wants turn into your needs, their needs into your obsessions, their obsessions into your life. Finally you come to a point where this worshiping, this obsession, will either heal you or hurt you.
Will Harley be healed from her past or hurt by it?

HurtMe.Ebook.Amazon

Excerpt:

My thoughts are so mixed up it’s causing my head to swim.

Thoughts.

Thoughts.

Thoughts help people process things, they form into actions, ideas or opinions and are supposed to be helpful. My thoughts are helpful in letting me know my thighs are ugly, my hair is too limp and dull, my eyes too far apart, my nails are chipped and broken, my skin rough and my body is disgusting. My thoughts, these thoughts are always with me like a scratched CD, repeating the same thing over and over. They solidify my reasons for feeling the way I do, which I can’t put into words, so I say nothing, I do nothing, I feel nothing. The only time I feel is when Deklan is moving deep inside of me, whispering things in my ear, holding me close smothering out all the bad thoughts in my head. Only then do I feel.

I feel what I do to him, his body shaking as he brings both of us to our breaking point. I feel his grip on me tighten, like he will never let me go, his heart pounding as he’s about to explode inside me, I feel everything in that moment; hope, pain, love, sorrow, grief, anger, happiness, I feel all of it with him.

I feel him.

I read somewhere that people need people. Weather is was implying that they need contact, affection, companionship or just interaction that statement could not hold more true to me than now. I need Deklan, need him like the air I breathe, like the water I drink or the food I pretend to eat. I need him. I know he needs me too, maybe not as much but he does. And it’s scary because, one day he won’t need me and I’ll have to let him go, still needing him. And that will break me for good.

Buy Links:

Hurt Me:

Amazon

Breathe Me now $.99 and free on Amazon KU!:

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Amazon

About the Author:

me

Jeri Williams lives a super fabulous lifestyle (by fabulous, she mean’s kinda lame) in the hot Florida sun and loves reading of any kind (except instruction manuals and cereal boxes). She has always written stories and made her family listen to them since she was young, although this is her first book she has ever published. She is a mom of an up-and-coming Jerry Seinfeld (in girl form) and also enjoys being right and knowing everything, although she is hardly ever right and really doesn’t know anything and is obsessed with inventing miniature zoo animals you can carry around in your pocket (although not really).

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My Review of Breathe Me….

—I would give this between a 3 and a 4… but definitely closer to 4… Williams spins a tale of truth, hard truth… she gets in the mind set of children everywhere… because no matter if we have excellent parents or scum of the earth parents, we all want our mother/father to love us… the one person in most of our lives that we are willing to forgive almost anything (no matter how awful) is our mother/father… a child will walk on egg shells, not understanding what they did wrong or how they can make sure to make mommy/daddy smile… how they can get the one ounce of praise…

while not all people react the same to this type of environment, there are enough case to consider it common for a child to protect and strive for love from an unloving parent… Williams captures this issues and brings in an unlikely hero to save the day… she gives us two damaged people finding there road to peace… (hopefully) I will have to tune in to the next novel to see where the road goes…  

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#EggcerptExchange – Kathryn Blake

2 Comments

eggs

For the next two months I will be participating in Eggcerpt Exchange where writers work together to spread the word about their current published works…

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during the months of Feb. and March I will drop a few Excerpts your way… with my own dose of insanity thrown in… not every book will be to your liking but I hope everyone finds at least one new read to add to their TBR list… being a part of the writer’s community, you need to support your fellow authors… you have to give to get… and you never know when you’ll run across that next series that you will ache to continue reading… muhahaha…

along with excerpts, we will all be filling out either author interviews, or character interviews… (at least, most of us will be throwing in a interview) I choose to interview Marin and Kyland… I will post these for everyone once the Event is over, just in case someone misses out… now… let’s start off our exchange with Kathryn Blake…

Lessons in Love is a slap and tickle romance; with rules, punishments, and passion…

Tagline:

His management style may not be HR approved, but he was the boss and she was his personal assistant. So, he set the rules.

Short Blurb:

Pam Weston didn’t have many choices as far as employment went. Her prison sentence saw to that. With limited secretarial skills, and an even more limited budget, she never considered herself executive material. So, when she was ordered to report to the CEO of her company as his new personal assistant, she fully expected to be checking out the “Help Wanted” section of the paper before the day was over.

Robert Peterson knew his management style was not HR approved, but he believed in using the stick as well as the carrot. Employing the tenets of domestic discipline, he helped mold his personal assistants into confident women who recognized their own self-worth. Even so, his unorthodox methods were only one of the reasons many considered the position of his assistant to be a revolving door. To Rob’s mind, Pamela Weston was perfect for his purposes, though given her past, he expected convincing her to agree to his program would be a challenge.

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Excerpt:

After Mr. Peterson insists she let his driver take her home, Pam realizes her boss knows a lot more about her and her past than she realized. However, as they talk on the phone she develops some serious doubts about agreeing to his conditions.

“David doesn’t need to see me upstairs, sir. It’s not that late.”

“This is my decision, not yours, Miss Weston. Tell me again what your job is.”

“To assist you, sir,” she answered softly.

“And how do I expect you to fulfill your obligations to me?”

“By following your orders.”

“Correct. So, get out of the car and allow David to escort you inside. Since this is not a request, Miss Weston, I expect you to follow my instructions without comment or delay.”

Ironically, a part of her wanted to stick her tongue out at his bossiness, but she refrained and accepted David’s helping hand. Mr. Peterson was domineering, for sure, but he was also looking out for her in a way that made her feel safe and secure. Cared for, even.

David followed her to her apartment door, while Mr. Peterson asked what she had in her refrigerator for dinner.

“I can heat up a frozen meal.”

“Don’t bother. I’ll order something and have it delivered in fifteen minutes.”

“You shouldn’t waste your money, sir, I’m perfectly capable of—”

“Stop right there, Miss Weston, or you are going to get into trouble. I will decide what is best for you.” She harrumphed. “Not allowed,” he answered, but she sensed he was smiling again.

“You’re a bossy boss,” she teased with a half-smile as she handed David her keys.

“Oh, Miss Weston, you have no idea.

Buy Links:

Blushing Books

http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3697

Amazon-USA

http://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Love-Kathryn-R-Blake-ebook/dp/B01B43XL8O

Barnes & Noble

TBA

kathryn

Bio:

Lessons in Love is Kathryn R. Blake’s sixth novel with Blushing Books, and fifth spanking romance where Domestic Discipline is primary to the plot. Although Kathryn is relatively new to the spanking romance market, she is not new to stories where the hero spanks the heroine. In fact, most of her novels have some sort of spanking in them. However, even in Kathryn’s novels where the hero firmly believes in using spanking as a deterrent, he has no desire to cause the heroine injury and takes no delight in hurting the woman of his heart. In fact, sometimes he finds it extremely difficult to follow through on his threats or promises.

To date, all of her heroes are dominant, alpha males who are extremely protective of the women they love. However, part of that protectiveness includes the need for a certain amount of control. They do not suffer defiance or disobedience lightly. Even so, these men aren’t infallible, and they do make mistakes, but love and respect will always triumph in the end.

Kathryn has been a member of RWA since the early 1980s and has joined several local and special interest chapters. Besides writing, Kathryn enjoys traveling, reading, attending the theatre, and is a passionate lover of animals, so much so that in 2015 a stray cat adopted her. The stray now sleeps in Kathryn’s bed. She has also recently taken up the expensive hobby of making and selling jewelry.

Her personal website, http://www.kathrynrblake.com, is filled with photos and links to information about her many interests as well as peppered with quizzes, contests, games and lots of other fun things to do and she loves to hear from her readers, so she has an e-mail link at the bottom of every page.

Social Links:

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/KRBlake.page

Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/KRBlake.profile

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KRBwrites

Blog: http://krbnaughtythoughts.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.kathrynrblake.com

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Author Love/ Meet Sofia Grey

2 Comments

Okay… I got a little sidetracked but I have my third woo-who-the-edits-are-done (hopefully… it is all up in the air til someone says ‘the publication date is…’) celebratory read… I decided to spice things up a bit with a Military Romance… ymmmm… soooo, my third TBR to celebrate novel is His Temporary Fix… but this is romance, and temporary usually has a mind of its own… muhahaha… I can’t wait to Find out

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BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – His Temporary Fix
SERIES (& Book #) – Love at the Beach #2
AUTHOR – Sofia Grey
GENRE – contemporary military romance
PUBLICATION DATE – October 26 2015
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 111 pages, 30k words
PUBLISHER – Entangled Select
COVER ARTIST – unknown

BOOK SYNOPSIS

His Temporary Fix - Book CoverHolly Jacobs loses her heart a little too easily. Never again. But when she meets the sexy soldier on the beach, Holly knows she’s in big trouble. Zack Winter is gorgeous and in pain, and when he kisses Holly, all of her resolve melts away…

Zack is on short-term leave to attend a funeral, and he’s walking a fine line. The loss is unbearable…and he’ll do whatever it takes to distract himself from it. Especially if it means a night of searingly-hot sex with Holly Jacobs. Only his brilliant idea isn’t exactly going according to plan.

One night isn’t nearly enough. But if it goes much longer it might end in broken hearts…

 

His Temporary Fix - FB Cover Photo

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US
AMAZON KINDLE UK
AMAZON PAPERBACK
BARNES & NOBLES NOOK
BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK
KOBO
ALL ROMANCE

His Temporary Fix - Teaser 1

EXCERPT

“Don’t you need to go, Holly Jacobs?” Even the way he murmured my name was sexy. This was crazy. Add that to my track record of bad decisions and getting involved with Zack was dumb on an epic level. I was incapable of having a no-strings fling. For me, it was all or nothing, and this time I was going to make the sane decision.

“Why don’t you call me just Holly?” Asking him another question was harmless.

I saw a flash of white teeth in the darkness. “I like your name.” He sounded amused. “Is that okay, Just-Holly?”

Dear God. In the middle of his grief and distress, he still had a sense of humor. I really needed to escape before I found any more reasons to linger. But I didn’t move an inch.

“You sure you don’t want to come back to my place?” His whisper reverberated through me, turning my spine liquid and my knees to jelly. He shifted position slightly and I felt him trailing a hand up my back, the fingertips tiptoeing with excruciating slowness and precision.

“Zack, I don’t do one-night stands.”

“I’m here for two nights.”

 

AUTHOR BIO

Author Photo - Sofia GreyRomance author Sofia Grey spends her days managing projects in the corporate world and her nights hanging out with wolf shifters and alpha males. She devours pretty much anything in the fiction line, but she prefers her romances to be hot, and her heroes to have hidden depths. When writing, she enjoys peeling back the layers to expose her characters’ flaws and always makes them work hard for their happy endings.

His Temporary Fix - Teaser 7

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
GOODREADS
SPOTIFY
JOIN SOFIA’S PACK ON FACEBOOK
ENTANGLED LINK
SERIES BLOG
SIGN UP FOR SOFIA’S NEWSLETTER

His Temporary Fix - Teaser 5

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