Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Cover Reveal! 'To Have and to Harm' by Debra Doxer

I am so excited to share the cover for Debra Doxer’s To Have and To Harm!!

Title: To Have and to Harm
Series: The Remedy Series
Author: Debra Doxer
Cover Design: Okay Creations
Release Day: JUNE 10TH

About the Book:

To Have and to Harm (Remedy Series, #2)

She kept everyone from harm, except herself…

Raielle’s life was shrouded in secrets. Her power was a secret and so was her past. When she came to Fort Upton, everything changed. She discovered her family, and she found the boy who would own her heart forever. But it couldn’t last. Knowing so little about her power nearly destroyed her. She had to leave and break both their hearts.

Now she’s back in California, and she doesn’t have to hide who she is anymore. But there is no relief in that because she’s drowning in regret. She knew it would take a miracle or a sin to save her, and there was no miracle. Her survival came at too high a price. She found her father, but she can’t go back to Lucas until she finds redemption.

She saved him. Then she left him…

She came out of nowhere and changed him forever, then she disappeared and left him reeling. Her whole life, she never had anyone who really loved her. Until him. Did she think he wouldn’t come for her? Did she believe she wasn’t worth it?

Lucas leaves everything behind to follow Raielle. When he finds her, she’s a pale shadow of the girl he remembers. Her power is betraying her and so are the people around her, but one thing hasn’t changed. She selflessly wants to save the world, and he just wants to save her.

With more secrets to uncover and dark truths to face, Raielle and Lucas must make sacrifices to be together again. But in the end, will those sacrifices bring them closer together or tear them apart? When he’s forced to make the ultimate sacrifice, will she turn her back on everything she believes in to save him again?

~ This book is intended for mature readers due to sexual situations and strong language. ~

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for!!!





Debra is give away a signed set of her Remedy Series! Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Keep You From Harm (Remedy Series 1)

Secrets…


They weigh you down. I’ve kept a secret all my life. It’s my mother’s secret, too. I inherited it from her along with a unique ability that only we possess. She’s gone now, another victim of addiction. If her death isn’t enough to bring me to my knees, her betrayal flays me to the bone. Because the secret my mother and I have been keeping is just one of many she’d kept. She never told me I have an older brother. And now he’s here, eager to be my guardian.

There is no one else. So I move across the country to live with this stranger, my brother. But experience has taught me that most situations are temporary and forming attachments only leads to hurt in the end. That’s why I’m determined to keep to myself in this new place, struggling to seem aloof while I’m quietly breaking apart.

Then I meet Lucas…

His magnetism is hard to resist, and most girls at school aren’t resisting. I don’t fall so easily though, especially not for guys who use their good looks as a weapon. From the start, our interactions are tense and volatile. I know it’s because I’m denying the unwelcome desire that grips me when he’s near. I think he feels it, too. He looks at me with an intensity that threatens to unhinge my resolve. Soon he’s trying to break through the walls that past hurts have built.

But I’m not what I appear to be, and it wouldn’t be fair to get involved with him. At least that’s what I tell myself. Until a terrible act of violence reveals that Lucas has a secret, too. It’s a secret that links us together and ties us to an evil history I could never have imagined.

About the Author:

Debra Doxer was born in Boston, and other than a few lost years in the California sunshine, she has always resided in the Boston area. She writes fiction, technical software documents, illegible scribbles on sticky notes, and texts that get mangled by AutoCorrect. She writes for a living, and she writes for fun. When her daughter asks when she’ll run out of words, her response always is, “When I run out of time.”

Connect with Debra:
www.facebook.com/AuthorDebraDoxer
twitter.com/debradoxer
www.goodreads.com/author/show/6876249.Debra_Doxer

'Charming the Duke' by Holly Bush


Charming the Duke
by Holly Bush

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

BLURB:

1849 . . . Matilda Sheldon, the middle daughter of the sixth Earl of Bisset, has never been interested in the fashionable society events that so preoccupy her parents and siblings. Her loving, albeit, daft family cannot understand why. But Matilda has little use for silly rules and dramas. She would rather occupy her time with a worthwhile cause such as opening The Sheldon Home for Orphans, much to the chagrin of her mother and grandmother. They are quite certain a venture of this nature will discourage suitors. Matilda is quite certain that if suitors are discouraged it is because she is clever, plain, a bit clumsy, and inevitably compared to her beautiful sisters.

The Duke of Thornsby is in tight spot. After receiving the title on the death of his father, he discovers the inheritance is to be gifted elsewhere if he does not marry before his thirtieth birthday. Unfortunately, our man-about-town is embroiled in a scandal, not of his own making, and the marriage mamas won’t let any eligible misses anywhere near him. What’s a Duke to do? Get invited to a house party hosted by the notoriously absent-minded Earl of Bisset, who just happens to be Papa to some young ladies of marriageable age!

Thornsby finds himself fascinated, not with the two Sheldon debutantes actively seeking a husband, but rather with the ‘brown wren’ he first mistakes for a servant. Matilda is counting the hours until the house party ends when the necessity of conversing with the guests will be over, and ridiculously handsome men go far away. Can a worldly Duke convince a sensible girl to accept his court? Find out in Charming the Duke.

Read an excerpt:
Our hero can’t resist a kiss . . .


“Thornsby!” Matilda hissed. People from one end of the room to the other were staring. Oddly, the glimpse Matilda caught of her mother revealed a smile.

“What is wrong with you, Thornsby?” Matilda asked when he finally released her after pulling her into the first deserted room they came to.

“You said yourself that Altry has never asked you to dance. What do you imagine prompted him now?”

“Heavens, I don’t know. Why would I care? It was just a dance,” Matilda replied.

“Just a dance? That young pup was nearly drooling.”

“Drooling? Whatever are you talking about?” Matilda asked.

"Miss Sheldon! You are no fool. Don’t presume to tell me you don’t understand. Altry asked you to dance because of this damned outfit you’re wearing.” Thornsby shouted.

“You’re only angry you can’t compare me to a maid or a washwoman.”

Matilda supposed the Duke was right though. Altry would have never paid her court if she hadn’t been wearing this dress. It all supported her notion that the glasses, brown dresses, and scruffy boots separated the chaff from the wheat. Those that deemed her worthy enough to speak to when dressed that way, and those that chose this evening to address her. The Duke had apparently noticed her gown.

Thornsby stared at her as if in a trance. She wondered what was going through his mind. “Don’t make Altry to be any more the cad than you, Thornsby. You’ve never noticed me either. Unless to insult me.”

His eye twitched. “That is untrue.”

“Far from it,” Matilda said.

“Don’t presume to know what is in my mind,” Thornsby said and grabbed Matilda’s bare shoulders.

The moment was charged with sparks, shooting through the air, connecting him to her. Matilda felt, well, she didn’t know what she felt. Fluttery and female. Angry. Aware. The touch of his fingertips drifted down her arms leaving her hands numb. Her voice came out barely above a whisper.

“What is on your mind then?” she asked.

“I’m thinking of kissing you, Miss Sheldon.”

Matilda batted her lashes. “Is it the dress?”

Thornsby touched his lips to hers. A feather’s touch. He inched back to gaze over her face. “I don’t know. But I don’t think so.”

His breath was warm on her cheeks. She’d never been this close to a man before. She could see the lines around his mouth and the bristle of his beard. He touched his lips to hers again.

"What do you imagine it is?” Matilda whispered into his mouth.

Thornsby slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her close. He tilted her head up with his finger. “I haven’t a clue,” he said. Then he kissed her. Really kissed her.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1497409578/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1497409578&linkCode=as2&tag=andsboorev-20

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, and former vice-president of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Links:

www.hollybushbooks.com

Twitter - @hollybushbooks

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435

Holly will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

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'Love Beyond Time' by Hannah Raybans & Tara Raybans


Blurb:

What is love? Is it the physical attraction we feel for someone, or the deep feelings of caring that we express for our friends and families? Or is it someone more, something transcendent, that can heal nations and bring peace back to the earth? This book seeks to answer those questions and provide a framework, using examples of love and sacrifice from ancient times to the present, as well as situations where we as a civilization have gone astray, for a solution to what ails the World we live in today. In examining the lives of historical luminaries who have had the most significant impact on our progress toward a World of love and peace, from Jesus of Nazareth to Mother Teresa to John Lennon, this book will give you hope and inspiration for bringing about change and restoring the World to a more loving place for future generations. 


Amazon Reader Reviews of “Nonfiction: “Love Beyond Time” A love inspired historical guide for Inspiration, peace love and healing code”: 

“Oh what a beautiful book. The wealth of information shows how much research and work the authors, Hannah and Tara Raybans put into this book. The writing was heartfelt and so easy to understand. It was a spiritual walk through the leaders who have tried to shape our world into a happy loving place. We only have One Earth and we are killing it. We all need to reach out to each other and accept each person for who they are inside, and not by the color of their skin or what they believe in. Love holds all of us up when we need it and we need to share love not hate. It inspired me to want to be a better example to the one standing next to me. A smile is the easiest form of Love, some days all one person may need is a smile. It can heal more than we think. We can only survive by personal transformation and by working together as a team or Mother Earth will be gone and so will we. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Love Never Dies!”

“This was a very inspiring book that promotes love over hate and prejudice. I particularly enjoyed the lessons from civilizations past that discussed how different communities lived in complete spiritual harmony with their environment. Examples of people from across the globe show how it is possible to live a spiritual existence that compliments and protects this earth and all who live upon it. The story of Enrique Penalosa of Bogota is but one of many examples of what one person's love and caring can accomplish. A better world can definitely be created through love and personal transformation, as this book provides ample evidence of.”

“This is an incredible book based on spirituality, love, and personal transformation. "Love Beyond Time" is well put together in an organized format that flows smoothly, making it an enjoyable and easy read. The words on these pages confirms that love never dies. If you are looking for an uplifting and inspirational book, then I highly recommend this one.”

"Although I feel that love is certainly the cornerstone of life at many depths, the use of examples from visionaries as well known as Mahatma Ghandi, through to the likes of Mother Teresa and John Lennon reconfirms just how important love, respect and a moralistic attitude to life is what makes a successful life.

This is a book that will help with spiritual growth and inspire a person to look at their inner self and set goals that they can aspire to. Worth reading if you are seeking personal growth or feeling lost with your own peace of mind."

"While not focusing on any one religion or faith, “Love Beyond Time” is truly a family devotional with a wealth of inspirational spirituality and wisdom.

To quote the late great John Lennon, “Love is all we need.”"

"A book of personal transformation and enlightenment. A book to inspire all ages."

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

'Out of Mind' by Jen McLaughlin Release Day Blitz


Book Summary:

Reaching for sunlight...

Finn survived the ambush and came home to me, but in his head, the battle is still raging. He’s falling apart and I’m trying my best to pick up the pieces of him, to find the us we used to be. I love him as much as I ever did, but love isn’t enough to fix this. I thought telling my father about our relationship would be the hardest thing we’d ever have to face. I was wrong.

Lost in shadows...

All I wanted was to be worthy of Carrie. One mission, just one, and I’d be able to give her the future she deserved. Then everything went wrong, leaving me tainted and broken. Carrie wants me to be who I was, but all that’s left is what they made of me. I’m no good for her. No good for anyone like this. I have to figure out how to move forward. Alone.

Sometimes love isn’t enough…




Book Release: 
OUT OF MIND is now available and for RELEASE WEEK ONLY you can get a signed ebook copy.


Buy Links 

Read the rest of the series:

OUT OF LINE (Book #1)

OUT OF TIME (Book #2) 



Author Information

Jen McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, came out September 2013. She also writes bestselling Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts. Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Links:

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
Jen is giving away a FINN necklace and a signed set of the OUT OF LINE series. US Only.


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Review of 'Lamb to the Slaughter (Serenity's Plain Secrets #1)' by Karen Ann Hopkins



Lamb to the Slaughter by Karen Ann Hopkins

An adult mystery from the author of the young adult romantic Temptation Series!



  • Publication: March 2014
  • Goodreads | Facebook
  • Amazon | Barnes & Noble



  • Synopsis:

    Some Amish communities aren't so cozy.

    Lamb to the Slaughter is a story about the intertwining lives of three unlikely people in an Indiana Amish Community and the devastating results when a rebellious teenage girl is found shot to death in a corn field during the harvest.

    Serenity Adams is the newly elected young sheriff in the country town of Blood Rock and besides dealing with the threatening behavior of her predecessor, she now has a dead Amish girl on her plate. At first glance, the case seems obvious. The poor girl was probably accidently shot during hunting season, but when the elders of the Amish community and even the girl’s parents react with uncaring subdued behavior, Serenity becomes suspicious. As she delves deeper into the secretive community that she grew up beside, she discovers a gruesome crime from the past that may very well be related to the Amish girl’s shooting.

    Serenity enlists the help of the handsome bad-boy building contractor, Daniel Bachman, who left the Amish when he was nineteen and has his own dark reasons to help the spunky sheriff solve the crime that the family and friends who shunned him are trying desperately to cover up. Serenity’s persistence leads her to a stunning discovery that not only threatens to destroy her blossoming romance with Daniel, but may even take her life in the end.

    *Lamb to the Slaughter is book one of Serenity’s Plain Secrets.

    **My thoughts**

    I read the Temptation series by Karen Ann Hopkins, which was a different type of Amish book for me. I was eager to check out this one as soon as I heard it was available. This one is also different from so many that I tend to read, as it brings out the uglier side of the Amish community. As far as I know, this ugly side isn't the norm, which made it a little weird to read. At the same time, I was completely drawn in by the prologue and had a hard time putting down the book in order to do anything else. Others are not going to appreciate this view of the Amish and therefore shouldn't read it.

    This book was so much more intriguing than the Temptation series for me. Yes, a good murder mystery will often trump a romance in my book, though there is some romance thrown in. Little plot twists creep up on you. Some I had figured out ahead of time; some were unexpected. My suspicions as to the guilty party tended to shift slightly throughout, because I was trying to figure out if Hopkins was going for the obvious culprit or would throw another curveball.

    We get to know Serenity pretty well through her perspective in some of the chapters. She has a lot to prove, being the first female sheriff in the area, and has her own personal demons. She also has a hard time understanding the Amish culture, even though she grew up in the area. Her need to prove herself gets in her way, especially in regards to Daniel. Her wishy-washiness toward him made me crazy, but I wasn't the only one. I actually kept picturing the sheriff from Under the Dome while I was reading this.

    Daniel also takes a turn telling the story in some chapters. We get to know him as the former Amish man who is happier living with the English, but truly misses his family. He has his own little secrets and demons, but is inherently kind. I feel like there is more to him and his story that we just haven't yet uncovered.

    We also get to know the deceased as the chapters alternate between telling her past story and following the present events. The entire picture is slowly uncovered between these three perspectives, which works quite well here. It builds up the anticipation without being confusing and keeps the pages turning.

    This case does wrap up nicely, but another one opens up at the end of this. I will be eagerly anticipating the second book in the series! Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars.


    Find Karen Ann Hopkins


    A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration forthe story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tendingto a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.


    We have a really exciting prize package for this tour, so make sure to follow along for more chances to win every day! What’s up for grabs: 
    • A $100 Amazon Gift Card
    • An autographed set of Karen’s YA Temptation series
    • A traditional Amish style hand stitched wall hanging/lap quilt with the lone star pattern in country colors

    Please enter via the Rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.


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    'Deadlier Than the Rest (The MacLarens of Fire Mountain)' by Shirleen Davies




    Deadlier Than the Rest - Week Blitz
    By Shirleen Davies
    Historical Western Romance
    Date Published: March 3, 2014

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    “A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”

    Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.

    Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.

    Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.

    Can Connor protect himself from those who seek his death? Will his eight year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?

    Read this heartening story of duty, honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.


    EXCERPT
    Connor followed her up the narrow steps to her place, carrying her small bag, and set it down on the floor inside. 
    “You going to be okay here tonight?” 
    She slipped off her coat and hung it on a nearby hook. Grace wanted to be alone but didn’t want him to leave. Her heart told her to walk up to him, lace her arms around his neck, and ask him to stay. She shouldn’t. She was still married and it would be wrong, even if her marriage was a mockery. She planned to obtain a divorce, which was simple to do in Utah. The laws were lenient and divorce common with people coming from other states to take advantage of the quick dissolution procedures. She simply hadn’t had time to do it with work and planning how she was going to free Meggie. 
    Grace walked to a window and stared at the dark sky, deciding what to do. She needed to tell him about Moser but the words wouldn’t form. Say something tonight, or let him leave—she was conflicted. She continued to look out when she sensed him walk up behind her, felt his strong arms wrap around her waist, and draw her flush against his chest. 
    He pulled loose strands of hair away from her neck, bending to place kisses up to the tender spot behind her ear. “Ask me to stay,” he whispered before tugging a sensitive earlobe with his lips. She sagged against him, letting her head fall back against his chest and giving him access to the soft column of her neck.
    Buy Link


    Shirleen Davies

     photo shirleenProfile1_zps1c6a38a4.jpgI have been writing most of my life, but only recently began the transition into fiction. Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and short stories are what keep me reading, so that is the focus of my writing.

    I was born in California, grew up between a growing beach town and a small town at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. My mother originally planned to name me Katherine, but she read an article in the paper about a woman named Shirleen shortly before my birth, so instead of having a cool nickname, like Kate, I am simply Shirleen. My mainstays growing up were all the Nancy Drew mystery books; I loved them. Eventually I moved on to mysteries, suspense stories, crime novels, and romance. Pride and Prejudice will always be one of my favorites.

    Besides California, life changes have allowed me to live in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. Everywhere I have lived has been inspirational in one way or another, giving me the opportunity to meet remarkable people with their own stories to tell. I've sailed, skied, owned horses plus lots of other animals, and ridden various off-road vehicles. I enjoy dancing, fishing, hunting, being the back-seater on my husband's Harley, traveling and, of course, reading and writing.

    Prior to transitioning to writing fiction, I worked for Fortune 500 and many smaller, start-up companies. Fortunately, I regained my sanity long enough to start my own consulting firm, which I still maintain today.

    My husband and I spend most of our time at our main home in the mountains of Arizona and our second home in Southern California. Between us we have five boys with growing careers and families of their own. So, from my perspective, my life is a success and always an adventure. I wouldn't change a thing; well, except finding more time to write.

    I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me at shirleen@shirleendavies.com.

    Author Links
    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads



    Giveaway

    $25 Gift Card

    $10 Gift Card

    eBook Copies of Books from Shirleen Davies



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    'Chronicles: The Library of Illumination' by C.A. Pack Release Blitz




    Chronicles: The Library of Illumination - Release Blitz
    By C.A. Pack
    Young Adult Fantasy
    Date Published: April 29, 2014

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    Within the walls of a centuries-old building lies the magical Library of Illumination, a place where books literally come to life. 17-year-old Johanna Charette is the youngest curator ever chosen to oversee the day-to-day operation of the library and she knows, in case of trouble, having an assistant can be invaluable, so she hires 16-year-old Jackson Roth to give her a hand. Jackson gets off to a rocky start, but manages to prove his mettle. Besides, he’s kind of cute and a lot of fun.

    Johanna is charming and brilliant—and a natural born leader. She keeps the library operating on an even keel. Jackson is clever and intrepid. He relies on his wits to keep them out of danger when trouble arises. Unfortunately, his derring-do is one of the reasons why they sometimes find themselves in awkward situations. So it shouldn’t be any surprise when his wanton curiosity sparks a journey to a distant realm, where they end up with front row seats in a battle against an ancient foe.

    EXCERPT
    “What’s this? Jackson asked, picking up a book that sat by itself on a bottom shelf. A thick layer of dust obscured the cover. “Did you leave this book down here?” 
    “What book?” 
    He opened the book to a random page to see what it was about. Dracula suddenly loomed over him, blood dripping from his mouth. “Uhhh ...!” 
    Jackson’s scream did not get past his throat. 
    Dracula moved in for the kill. The teen managed to slam the book shut just as the vampire’s teeth made contact with his skin. 
    “What are you doing?” Johanna poked her head around the corner of the shelf and spotted the blood on Jackson’s neck. She looked down and recognized the volume of Dracula by Bram Stoker and winced. “We must have missed that one. Are you all right?” 
    Jackson swiped at his neck. 
    “Come with me.” Johanna led him to the circulation desk. She took out a first-aid kit and cleaned away the blood with an antiseptic wipe. 
    “Am I ...?” 
    “It’s just a surface wound.” She wrapped the bloody wipe in a tissue and threw it in the wastebasket. “You’re going to live ... but not forever.” 
    Jackson sighed with relief. “You know, when my mother used to patch me up, she would kiss it to make it better.” He raised his eyebrows and grinned at her. 
    “If you got hurt working for Larry at Once A-Pawn A Time, would you ask him to kiss it to make it better?” 
    “You really know how to hurt me.” 
    Johanna laughed. She leaned in and lightly kissed Jackson’s neck. 
    He could feel the hairs along his nape tingle. 
    “All better?” she asked.
    Buy Link


    About the Author : Carol Pack

    C. A. PACK, author of Code Name: Evangeline, Evangeline’s Ghost, and the Library of Illumination novelettes, is an award-winning journalist and former television news anchor/writer from Long Island, New York.

    Author Links
    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Pinterest



    GIVEAWAY

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    Monday, April 28, 2014

    'Waiting for Prince Harry' by Aven Ellis


    Blurb:

    Twenty-four-year-old Kylie Reed has always been a rule follower. Organized and cautious to a fault, her dreams for life are often filed away for future use—when she has a house, when she meets her future husband, when she has been at her visual display job at a chic Dallas boutique longer. Kylie always has a reason for living her life in the future, not in the present, and fears not living her life to the fullest and reaching her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

    The only exception to rules, of course, would be running away with Prince Harry. But living in Dallas and not knowing Prince Harry make this a non-option.

    Or does it?

    Because when Kylie accidentally falls into the lap of a gorgeous ginger guy—yes, even more gorgeous than the real Prince Harry—all bets are off. Kylie’s life takes some unexpected twists and turns thanks to this encounter. Could this stranger be the one to show Kylie how to live in the present?

    Read an excerpt:

    We get up and step into the store next to our bench, which happens to be a fancy stationery and candle shop.
    As soon as the door closes behind us, Harrison moves over to a candle display on a large round table and takes off his sunglasses. He clips them onto the collar of his shirt, while I push mine up on the top of my head. Now we can see each other’s eyes, and Harrison’s green eyes are sparkling at me.
    “That’s better,” Harrison says, smiling at me.
    “I agree,” I say, smiling back at him.
    “Hello, can I help you find anything?” a saleswoman asks.
    Harrison looks at her, but then glances back at me. “I think,” he says, “I’ve already found what I need.”
    I rest my hand on the edge of the table to keep myself steady, because the way he’s staring at me right now makes me almost dizzy with excitement.
    “Oh, wonderful,” the saleswoman says.
    “Yes, it is,” Harrison answers, his eyes never leaving mine.
    “Well, please let me know if you need anything else,” she says before walking away.
    Harrison then looks straight at me. “I do need something else.”
    Ooooh, I really love this place where we are right now.
    “And what would that be?”
    “Well, obviously I need to buy one of these candles now,” Harrison says, picking up a Seda France box.
    “Perfect. These are my favorite candles,” I say smartly.
    “Are they now?” Harrison says, raising an eyebrow.
    Okay. Candle shopping is an extremely hot activity. Who knew?
    “Yes,” I say, picking up one to inhale. “Would you care to smell Japanese Quince?”
    Harrison nods. I extend the candle toward him and he wraps his hand around mine, so we are both holding the candle.
    And any nerve I had left just completely imploded the second his hand wrapped around mine.
    “While I see many things I like at this table,” Harrison says, leaning forward to smell Japanese Quince, “there’s one thing in particular, other than this candle, that I need.”
    He stands up straight but keeps his hand wrapped over mine.
    “What would that be?” I ask softly.
    “Dinner with you. At my place. Tonight.”


    Buy it on Amazon


    Author Bio

    Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency.

    But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night. Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published this year.

    Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.

    Contact Info

    Connect with me on Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/AvenEllis1

    Talk to me on Twitter:
    https://twitter.com/AvenEllis

    Visit me on the web:
    http://www.avenellis.com/index.html

    Check out my pins on Pinterest:
    http://pinterest.com/avenellis/

    'Fragile Line' by Brooklyn Skye Release Day Launch


    Fragile Line Synopsis:

    It can happen in a flash. One minute she’s kissing her boyfriend, the next she’s lost in the woods. Sixteen-year-old Ellie Cox is losing time. It started out small…forgetting a drive home or a conversation with a friend. But her blackouts are getting worse, more difficult to disguise as forgetfulness. When Ellie goes missing for three days, waking up in the apartment of a mysterious guy—a guy who is definitely not her boyfriend, her life starts to spiral out of control.

    Perched on the edge of insanity, with horrific memories of her childhood leaking in, Ellie struggles to put together the pieces of what she’s lost—starting with the name haunting her, Gwen. Heartbreakingly beautiful, this poignant story follows one girl’s harrowing journey to finding out who she really is.


    Book links

    Brooklyn Skye Bio:

    Brooklyn Skye grew up in a small town where she quickly realized writing was an escape from small town life. Really, she’s just your average awkward girl who’s obsessed with words. She writes young adult and new adult fiction. You can follow her on Twitter as @brooklyn__skye or visit her web site for updates, teasers, giveaways, and more. www.brooklyn-skye.com


    Links:
    Blog: http://brooklynskye.wordpress.com/
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/brooklyn__skye
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-Skye/527916810618631
    Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6967637.Brooklyn_Skye
    Fragile Line Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18516005-fragile-line
    Instagram: BrooklynSkyeWrites


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    Another chat with P.M. Carlson, author of 'Murder is Pathological'



    What do you do to relax?
    If I’ve been writing, something active like walking the dog relaxes me.. We climb hills, visit waterfalls, hike by the lake, or play Frisbee. If I’ve been out shoveling snow or toting groceries, I’m ready to curl up to read a good mystery by someone else.
    Do you write about what turns you on?
    Of course I write about what turns me on. If I don’t care about the problems I write about, why should my readers care? In the sixties and seventies, Maggie and her friends deal with war, PTS, abortion, homophobia, women’s reproductive rights, fraud, domestic violence, kidnapping, rape, child abuse-- problems that drove me to take action too. And sadly, despite some small steps of progress, most of these injustices are still with us today in slightly different form, and I still get fired up about them..
    If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?
    I like to serve meals that follow a theme-- for example, when we gave a cast party after an Ibsen production, I served Scandinavian yellow pea soup and red fruit pudding. So if you were coming over to celebrate a Maggie Ryan mystery, the food would probably be French, because that’s what she loves after her year in France. In MURDER IS ACADEMIC, she prepares a daube de boeuf; in MURDER IS PATHOLOGICAL; she enjoys bouillabaisse; in MURDER UNRENOVATED she prepares madeleines for Nick. On the other hand, as a mostly-penniless student in AUDITION FOR MURDER she only has one French meal, and more often survives on hard rolls and boiled potatoes smuggled from the dining hall by a friend. I wouldn’t ask you over to celebrate that!
    Tell us about your latest release.
    The Mystery Company/Crum Creek Press is issuing all the Maggie Ryan novels. As of this writing, the most recent one is the fifth book, REHEARSAL FOR MURDER.

    In it, actor Nick O'Connor is hopeful about his role in a new British musical, playing Gladstone opposite the famous Ramona Ricci's Queen Victoria. But Ramona's diva-like behavior infuriates the cast members, and there are problems on the home front too. Nick and his wife, statistician Maggie Ryan, both adore their five-month-old daughter, but the baby demands so much attention they hardly have time for each other. Then, doing a favor for another hassled parent, Maggie begins to suspect a plot against his little girl. When someone guns down the bitchy Ramona, Maggie and Nick have to struggle to find the solutions to the crimes, and to the problems threatening their marriage–– all while keeping the baby fed and her diapers changed.


    Murder is Pathological
    By
    P.M. Carlson

    BLURB:

    MURDER IS PATHOLOGICAL (Maggie Ryan 1969) The exploding wastebasket is a prank, but slaughtered lab rats have graduate student Maggie Ryan, Monica Bauer and the rest of the lab on edge. When the custodian is murdered, actor Nick O'Connor goes undercover to investigate, help that Maggie does not appreciate-- or does she? While Nick and Maggie search for the killer, Monica struggles to connect with a veteran who was shot in the head in Vietnam.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    About MURDER IS PATHOLOGICAL (Maggie Ryan 1969) 
    "[Carlson's] work offers a unique combination of empathy for her characters, her sense of history, and her ability to weave the social and political currents of the '60s and early '70s into the stories." –– The Drood Review of Mystery "The vandal is elusive. When at last the mystery is solved, the conclusion is stunning."––The Armchair Detective



    AUTHOR INFORMATION:

    P.M. Carlson taught psychology and statistics at Cornell University before deciding that mystery writing was more fun. She has published twelve mystery novels and over a dozen short stories. Her novels have been nominated for an Edgar Award, a Macavity Award, and twice for Anthony Awards. Two short stories were finalists for Agatha Awards. She edited the Mystery Writers Annual for Mystery Writers of America for several years, and served as president of Sisters in Crime. 

    Author Website http://www.pmcarlson.net

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