Meet Shannyn Schroeder, author of 'More Than This'

Today, we have the honor of getting to know author Shannyn Schroeder, as well as her latest book, 'More Than This.'

What was the inspiration behind this book?

I had the idea for Quinn as a woman who wanted to have a baby even if it might mean doing it alone. I came across an article about 50 things everyone should do before they die. In reading it, I discovered a bunch of things I hadn’t done, and some I had no desire to do. Then I looked for more articles that described things that every woman should do before she’s 30 and things like that. Inspiration for Quinn’s list was born.

How much alike are you and Quinn?

Quinn and I share a lot of similarities. Like Quinn, I was an English teacher and I also love to bake, especially when I get stressed out. We’re both shy and have a difficult time in social situations. Quinn is much more of a romantic than I am, though. Although I love to read and write romance, I think deep down, Quinn is a little more starry-eyed than I am. Plus, she actually likes to teach Romeo and Juliet. I hated teaching it.

What was your favorite scene?

My favorite scene in MORE THAN THIS was actually a late addition to the book. I have the excerpt on my web site. Ryan shows up at Quinn’s house to bring her coffee and check on her because she had a little too much to drink the night before. When he shows up uninvited, Quinn is baking Comfort Cookies.

My editor questioned the necessity of the scene because it had originally been much shorter. I knew I needed it, if for no other reason, because it was the scene where Comfort Cookies were introduced. My editor said to cut it or expand it. I chose to expand and I love it. There’s some subtle flirting going on and Quinn is lost because she can’t read Ryan’s cues. She shares a really personal experience (baking cookies) with him, which opens her up a little.

Quinn has her own bucket list for before she gets pregnant. What is on your bucket list?

I’d like to travel more. I went to London for 2 weeks after graduating high school. I went alone, but I had family who lived there, so I had a place to stay for free. Once I hit college, all I did was work and school and prepare for my career as a teacher. Now I have kids. Once my kids are grown, I definitely want to travel more. I want to go to Australia, Hawaii, and back to England.

What other projects do you currently have in the works?

I’ve just been contracted to write more O’Leary books. Book 2, A GOOD TIME, will release on July 4, 2013. Two more books in the series will come out in 2014.

How do you think your former career as an English teacher impacts your writing?

I think being an English teacher helped me a lot. First, although I’m far from perfect, I have a pretty good grasp of grammar. I might not always follow the rules, but I’m aware of them. Come to think of it, that might not be as much of an English teacher thing as a Catholic school thing.

Having critiqued student papers for years also prepared me for receiving critique. I’m the kind of teacher that will tell you exactly what’s wrong with your paper and then try to help you fix it. I look for that same kind of honesty in critiques I receive. Finally, being an English teacher forced me to be well-read. I read a lot of things that I didn’t necessarily like but could appreciate.

Would you ever like to go back to teaching?

I do teach a few college level classes a year on writing a research paper. I like the structure of those classes and the courses only run for 5 weeks. I don’t miss teaching full-time and although I won’t say I’d never go back, I don’t have the intention of doing so.

What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?

Keep writing. As soon as I finish one manuscript, I start another. That bit of advice made writing a routine for me, but it also gave me a leg up when I did get my first contract. I signed a two-book contract and both books were already written. I didn’t have that sudden shock and fear of writing under a deadline.

You have the nickname of "Cookie Lady." What are some of your favorite recipes?

In the back of MORE THAN THIS, I share the recipe for Comfort Cookies. I had a lot of fun trying different recipes to develop the right one.

Comfort Cookies

3 oz. unsweetened chocolate

4 oz. bittersweet chocolate

¼ c (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

3 eggs

1 ½ c sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 c flour

1-½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 c semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter, unsweetened chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate in top of double boiler. In mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla together until mixture thickens. Add melted chocolate. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Scoop teaspoon-sized cookie onto cookie sheets. Batter will be gooey. If using aluminum pans, line with parchment paper (no paper needed on stoneware). Bake for approximately 11 minutes, until tops are cracked and edges are set. Let cool on sheet for a minute or two then transfer to cooling rack. Yield: 4 dozen

My kids of course love the standard Nestle tollhouse cookie and my mother-in-law makes a 6-layer cookie (only at Christmas). These are my husband’s and my son’s favorite so I make them as a treat. I know there is a real recipe written somewhere, but I kind of eyeball it when I make them because it’s so easy. One pan, 6 ingredients. No mess.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I came to romance reading late in life. As I said, I was an English teacher, so most of my focus was on reading the dead white guys. Each summer, I would choose one or 2 books that were for pleasure reading. After I had my second kid and I decided to stay at home, I discovered romance. I was reading 4-5 books a week. There’s a lot of downtime while feeding an infant and that’s when I read. I haven’t looked back since.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Shannyn Schroeder is a former English teacher, who now works as a part-time editor while raising her three kids.

Even though she wrote from high school through college (mostly poetry), she’d never considered a career as an author. Writing fell by the wayside as she focused her energy on creating lesson plans and new and fabulous ways to torment her teen students. One group in particular dubbed her “The Torture Master,” a title she carried into motherhood.

After the birth of baby number two, Shannyn resigned from teaching and fell in love with reading romance novels. She read so many books so quickly that her husband teased, “If you’re going to read so many damn books, why don’t you just write one?”

So she did.

That first book is safely buried on her hard drive, but the process set Shannyn on the path to professional author. She came to reading romance later than many, but lives for the happy ending because real life can be depressing. She writes contemporary romance because she enjoys the adventure of new love.

In her spare time, she loves to bake cookies and watches far too much TV, especially cop shows. She is recovering from her Diet Coke addiction, fears putting her foot in her mouth on social media, and has a renewed appreciation for the bad girls of the world.

Web site: http://www.ShannynSchroeder.com

Twitter: @SSchroeder_

More Than This

by Shannyn Schroeder

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

BLURB:

When a lonely teacher teams up with a handsome bartender for some outrageous acts, they both get more than they bargained for…

Learning her ex-husband is going to be a father, Quinn Adams is determined to have a baby of her own—without the partnership of a man. But her sister and friends believe she needs to focus on herself first, and step out of her comfort zone by completing a list of adventures. Challenge number one is to go on five dates within two weeks. After a few disastrous attempts, Quinn’s ready to give up—until sexy bartender Ryan O’Leary offers his assistance.

Ryan has always been the dependable one in his family, often at his expense. But lately, he’s been longing for a life—and a woman—of his own. The woman he has in mind is Quinn. Though it seems all she wants is friendship, Ryan can’t ignore the explosive chemistry he feels between them. In the hopes of becoming closer, Ryan offers to help out with Quinn’s list. But when she asks him for a serious favor, he’s afraid it will jeopardize his chance to become more than friends.

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

Excerpt:

“Are you okay?” Ryan asked, stepping closer.

“I’m fine.”

“I wasn’t trying to piss you off. It was only a question.” His soothing voice skimmed across her skin like cool satin on a summer night, but it did nothing to chill the warming of her blood.

Why was he here? Why didn’t Kate come out to check on her? “Why don’t you go back in and plan an adventure with Indy?”

He chuckled, low and quiet, without humor. “You think I want your sister?”

She kept her gaze trained on the fold of her arms, afraid of what she might find in his eyes. “Why wouldn’t you?” she asked quietly.

Ryan stepped so close the hairs on her arms bristled and her heart thumped. His voice was little more than a whisper. “She’s not my type.”

“Indy is every man’s type.” She’d hoped for sarcasm, but her tone was resigned. Quinn raised her eyes but needed to tilt her head up to meet Ryan’s.

He laid his left palm flat against the brick beside her head and looked down at her, first at her lips, then into her eyes. His intent was there, and she licked her lower lip in reaction.

Oh, God. Don’t kiss me. She sucked in a quick, shallow breath.

His blue eyes darkened a fraction and he lowered his head.

Quinn’s arms dropped to her sides. Push him away, you idiot. Instead, she tilted her face upward a bit more, her scalp scraping against the brick.

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble

Shannyn will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

  

'Fall of Sky City' by S.M. Blooding Book Tour Blast!

Fall of Sky City

Genre: New Adult Fantasy, Steampunk Adventure

In a world governed by the opposing forces of the mystical House of Tarot and the tribal Great Families, Synn is caught in the crossfire. He witnesses the slaughter of innocent people, and the devastating murder of his father. This act awakens his Mark of power, a Mark greater than any the world has seen in a very long time.

Queen Nix thought she won a great prize when she destroyed Synn’s father, the leader of the strongest Great Families. She had no idea she’d be doubly blessed by capturing his son. However, before Synn can become her treasured weapon, before she can use him to bring the rest of the world to its knees, she must break him and bind his soul to hers.

She does her job with brutal brilliance. Synn’s mind is broken and his soul is seared to hers in an unbreakable bond.

That doesn’t stop him from wanting to be free. She may have broken his mind and claimed his soul, but he will find a way to destroy her.

Experience a world of ships that sail the clouds and cites buried beneath the ocean, and survive the fiery battle brought forth by those who control the forces of nature!

Buy links: Paperback \ Kindle

About Author SM Blooding

SM Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, Ms. Bird, the Chicken and SistaPITA. It's quite the zoo. She’s taken a break from the piano, which Ms, Bird is quite happy about, and now knows more than one word in Arabic. Basically, she can say hello, good-bye, give it to me, and hurry up!

She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories.

Follow SM Blooding: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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The Author is giving away a $50 Amazon GC. Fill out the form below to Enter! a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Hillary Hermes: Vampires vs. Witches' Y.L. Parker is FREE 5/6-5/10

This novel is set in San Juan County, Washington. Hillary Hermes was once the most feared alchemist of her time. She awakens in this time as Hillary Somers, her memory is gone, and all of her inherited powers are trapped inside the body of a frail, timid, teenager who’s filled with doubt. Time has transported her through the line of the Somers Witches.Lovers are caught in the war between vampires and witches.

~~Free on Amazon 5/6-5/10~~

YL Parker as born and resides in North Carolina. She has been a teacher for over 18 years. 

She has always loved stories ever since she was a young girl. 

She wrote screenplays for ten years and now has brought her storytelling to books.

She has BA in English and a MA in Teaching and Learning with Technology.

'Bound to You' by Lola James

Bound to You (Book 3 of the Spellbound Series)

Toni’s life is just one complication after another. First, her past comes back to her, then she has to deal with a psycho, and now it’s the biggest of them all. A choice that could destroy one life and be the bright future to the other. How is a girl supposed to choose between two men that she loves?

On one hand, she has the Greek god Hades, the love from her past and the other, Ben the hot Vampire nurse that she met just over a week ago. Both have captured her heart in their own individual ways but whose love is the greatest?

Who does she ultimately love the most?

In the end, a decision is made in Bound to you…

**This Book Includes Sexual Content**

 ~~My thoughts~~

This third book in the popular series by Lola James is one for those who love their gods and goddesses along with vampires and witches. It is filled with these paranormal elements!

You will want to read the first two books before reading this one, so that you can understand what is going on. Pay close attention to who is whom, as well as their relationships. They have woven quite the tangled web along the way!

When you follow the series, you will probably also find yourself torn between Ben and Hades, much as Toni has been all along., Who is your choice? I have surprised myself by being a bit more Team Ben. Will she end up with him? You may be surprised to find out.  

• Bound to Remember, a Paranormal Romance (Book 1 of the Spellbound Series) FREE 
• Unbound, a Paranormal Romance (Book 2 of the Spellbound Series) $2.99 
• Bound to You (Book 3 of the Spellbound Series)

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About Lola

Lola James has been reading romance novels since her teens, and fell in love with the paranormal after discovering Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. Her love of the dark worlds of vampires and witches, as well as her fascination with Greek mythology led her to create the Spellbound Series, an ongoing Paranormal Romance combining all of the above into tales of suspense with a little bit of humor in an Urban Fantasy setting.

A long time lover of reading and writing with a passion for a great story, James became discouraged by the complicated and arbitrary publishing process, James had initially set down her laptop and her hopes of being a writer. However, with the purchase of her first e-reader, James became re-energized by the new possibilities for an undiscovered author to reach the masses. Dusting off her keyboard she finally finished Bound to Remember, the first book of the Spellbound Series and self-published it. Energized and ambitious, James is now hard at work on both the Spellbound Series as well as the Fate Series, a paranormal romance about dreams and what happens if they come true.

Follow on Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website / Literary Addicts

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'Blood Destiny Series' by Helen Harper Book Blast!

BLOOD DESTINY SERIES

by Helen Harper

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

Bloodfire

Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.

EXCERPT:

I jogged along a small brook until it curved upstream towards the hills, then hopped over it and headed towards where I knew John would be. I finally found him crouched in a clearing, not far from the edges of the moor.

“You sound like an elephant running through those trees,” he complained.

I put my hands on my hips and raised an eyebrow. “Is that the thanks I’m getting for interrupting my run to come and investigate the over-energetic dalliances of some bunny rabbits?”

“That was one time.” He straightened up. His salt and pepper beard and bald head, along with the laughter lines around his eyes, hinted at the wisdom and experience contained within that smart mind of his. John had been alpha in Cornwall for thirty-two years, and was universally liked and respected by the pack, but that didn’t mean that I couldn’t still have a little fun.

“So what is it this time? Don’t tell me, I’ve got it, a sheep has gotten lost on the moor and its bleating is terrifying the farmers.”

He held out his palm. There was a small shiny black object resting in the middle. “I wish that’s what it was,” he said grimly. “Take a look at this.”

I picked it up from his hand and rolled it through my fingers. It was almost entirely weightless, and very smooth. There was also something else. I held it up to my ear and heard an odd chiming sound.

John looked at me sharply. “You can hear it?”

“Sure,” I said surprised.

“Describe it to me.”

“You mean you can’t hear it?” I was puzzled. Compared to my own hearing, John could hear a leaf drop from fifty paces away. “It’s like bells. Only not, it’s more continuous than that. Like a never-ending echo of a chime.”

He pursed his lips, clearly unhappy. “It’s a wichtlein’s stone.”

“A mine fairy’s? They knock three times and a miner drops dead?”

“You’ve been reading too many fairy tales. Wichtleins do sometimes hang around old mines and tease the men that work there, but more often than not they are true harbingers of evil. I don’t think one has been seen in the British Isles for more than a century.”

~~Buy it on Amazon~~

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

Bloodmagic

After escaping the claws of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the Brethren, Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

 ~~Buy it on Amazon~~

Bloodrage

Mack begins her training at the mages' academy in the hope that, by complying, the stasis spell will be lifted from her old friend, Mrs. Alcoon. However, once there, she finds herself surrounded by unfriendly adults and petulant teenagers, the majority of whom seem determined to see her fail.

Feeling attacked on all fronts, Mack finds it harder and harder to keep a rein on her temper. Forced to attend anger management classes and deal with the predatory attentions of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the shapeshifter world, her emotions start to unravel. But when she comes across a familiar text within the walls of the mages' library, which might just provide the clues she needs to unlock the secrets of her background and her dragon blood, she realises that her problems are only just beginning... 

~~Buy it on Amazon~~ 

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Helen Harper is an English teacher currently living abroad in Malaysia. As a long time reader of urban fantasy, she finally bit the bullet and began to develop her own series of novels.

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland. "I always loved the escapism provided by those genres," states Helen. "No matter how bad life gets, you can always find a route out, even if only temporarily, in the pages of a good book."

The growth of urban fantasy fascinated her - the mix of reality and fantasy along with strong heroic female characters appealed from the very beginning, and inspired her to write her own.

Facebook Author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-Harper/101590660022586

Twitter: HarperFire

Helen will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TONIGHT Facebook Event for 'The Gatekeeper's Daughter' by Eva Pohler

In The Gatekeeper's Sons, Therese and Thanatos, the god of death, met and fell in love. In The Gatekeeper's Challenge, they did everything they could to be together, even break an oath on the River Styx. But the Olympians don't tolerate oath-breakers. 

In this final book in the trilogy, The Gatekeeper's Daughter, Therese may have finally succeeded in becoming a goddess, but if she wants to remain one, she'll not only have to discover her unique purpose, but also make some allies among the gods. Artemis sends her on a seemingly impossible quest across the world, while Than searches for a way to appease Ares. To make matters worse, her baby sister's life depends on the outcome of her quest.

Join us Wednesday May 1st from 7-11 EST for a night full of fun and games and a chance to chat up author Eva Pohler!

Eva Pohler writes fiction and teaches writing and literature at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she lives with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and two rats.

You can connect with her on Twitter (@EvaPohler) and on her website at http://www.evapohler.com, where you can find her books, reviews, and contests.

 Hope to see you all there!!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

'When Summer Comes' by Brenda Novak

Contemporary Romance
Date Published: February 2013

One day, Callie Vanetta receives devastating news . . .

She needs a liver transplant. But her doctors warn that, in her case, the chances of finding a compatible donor aren’t good. Determined to spend whatever time she has left on her own terms, she keeps the diagnosis to herself and moves out to her late grandparents’ farm. She’s always wanted to live there. But the farm hasn’t been worked in years and she begins to fear it’s too much, she’ll have to return to town.

One night, a stranger comes knocking at her door…

He’s an attractive and mysterious drifter by the name of Levi McCloud who offers to trade work for a few nights’ shelter. Callie figures she doesn’t have anything to lose. He needs a place to stay until he can fix his motorcycle; she needs an extra pair of hands. The arrangement seems ideal until what was supposed to be temporary starts to look more and more permanent. Then she realizes she does have something to lose — her heart. And, although he doesn’t yet know it, Levi stands to lose even more.

**My thoughts**

I had heard of Brenda Novak, often seeing her name on recommended reading lists, but hadn't yet read one of her books. I was excited to have the opportunity when this blog tour came around.

'When Summer Comes' is a part of a series of books that take place in Whiskey Creek. Characters are familiar across the series, and each seems to have their own story to tell. I felt like I was able to read this book, the third installment in the series, as a stand-alone. I was able to figure out who most of the characters were and to follow their backstories enough for it to make sense.

What starts as an unlikely pairing when Levi shows up on Callie's doorstep, turns into a lovely romance. There is a bit of suspense as we wait to see what secrets Levi is holding, because we already know Callie's big secret. You're also held in suspense as you wait to see what is in store for Callie's health, and may shed a few tears.

What I liked about Callie was her determination to remain independent as long as possible, as well as her big heart. I did have a hard time with how long she was keeping her illness a secret from her family and friends. I think her stubbornness in that area was one of her biggest weaknesses. I also can't imagine that a group of friends so tightly knit wouldn't be more suspicious about her health and appearance and that her parents wouldn't figure out that something was going on.

Levi is a great romantic lead, because he is a drifter who magically appears and suddenly takes over and is so helpful.

Though this book is 400 pages long, it does pass by relatively quickly. It would make for a good beach or backyard read in the sun.

My interest is piqued in the series now, and I hope to read more of the books in it.

Buy links: Paperback \ Kindle

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak is the author of more than forty-five books. A three-time Rita nominee, she has won many awards, including the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Daphne, and the Holt Medallion. She also runs an annual on-line auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovak.com (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised over $1.6 million. Come meet the long-time friends who have made Whiskey Creek the “Heart of Gold Country” with WHEN WE TOUCH, WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES, WHEN SNOW FALLS and WHEN SUMMER COMES.

Follow Brenda Novak:
Website: www.brendanovak.com

Twitter: Brenda_Novak

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Brenda-Novak/120794854630624?fref=ts

'Kill Shot' by Anne Patrick Blurb Blitz Tour!

Kill Shot

by Anne Patrick

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

BLURB:

Former combat medic Kory Wagner survived four war zones. Now she’s home and out of the Army for good and someone is trying to kill her in her own backyard. Just as disturbing is the handsome sheriff who’s on the case. Sheriff Sean Harding doesn’t quite know what to think of the decorated veteran that managed to outsmart an entire search party. What bothers him more is the body of a PI, whom she hired, was found dead in a building she owns. And Kory isn’t being very cooperative with helping him find the answers as to why someone would kill her sister and want her dead. Will he be able to keep her alive along enough to discover the truth?

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

Read an excerpt:

Sean followed the trail of blood to the back of the warehouse. She had definitely been hit -- question was how bad? Was she the one who called in the shooting? If so he didn't blame her for not sticking around, not when someone was trying to kill her. He was surprised she called the police at all.

He stepped out into the late afternoon sunlight. The last traces of blood were found halfway between the building and the edge of the woods. There wasn't any skid marks in the side parking lot indicating a hasty retreat, and there were no casings. Did the shooter have an accomplice waiting at the back door just in case, or did she manage to escape into the woods?

Deputy McKee joined Sean at the edge of the woods. "Find anything?"

"No. The blood trail ends over there. Judging from the distance between droplets she was running at a pretty good pace."

"There's only one car in the parking lot. Do you think they came together, or did she park back here?"

"They either came together or she came in soon after he did thru the front door. The trajectory of the bullets suggests she was near the front of the building when she was hit and exited through the back door."

"So she either managed to make it back to her car near the front of the building or she's on foot," the deputy said.

Sean looked toward the tree line. "If I were her and I had someone shooting at me I'd head for the woods. More places to hide than on a highway. Assemble a search team and have them start looking just in case. And notify the local hospital to be on the lookout for her. If she comes in I want her held for questioning."

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ Christian Books \ Desert Breeze Publishing

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award winning and bestselling WOUNDED HEROES SERIES, FIRE AND ASH, and TIES THAT BIND. Her books have garnered four-star reviews from Romantic Times, 'Top Pick' and 'Best Book' honors from Night Owl Reviews and Long and Short of It Reviews, and Five-Heart reviews from The Romance Studio. When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she now makes her home in Kansas.

Contact links:

Website: http://www.annepatrickbooks.com

Blog: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.patrick.98

Twitter: https://twitter.com/suspensebyanne

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/annepatrick

Anne will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Cover Reveal! 'Just One Cup' by Cassandra Giovanni

Book Info-

Title- Just One Cup

By-Cassandra Giovanni

Genre-New Adult

Publication Date-June 20, 2013

Blurb-

Emma Walker was a writer who'd lost herself to someone else's anger--who had given up on ever feeling like herself again.

Evan Levesque was a rock-god--the one all the woman wanted, but he'd never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life.

With just one cup of coffee they'll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan's fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma's checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words...they'll destroy my soul--Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she's become because of it?

About the Author-

Cassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since than Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. In 2012 she became a published Young Adult author, releasing In Between Seasons (The Fall, #1) and Walking in the Shadows. In 2013 she branched out by using her artistic illustrating talents to publish her first Children's novel, The Adventures of Skippy Von Flippy: Tales of Friendship (Skippy Tales, #1). Cassandra will also release her first New Adult novel, Just One Cup, in the Spring of 2013.

Cassandra is a freelance professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is the owner of Gio Design Studios, a photography and publication marketing company that designs covers and marketing materials for authors utilizing the company's photography. She is currently studying to receive her associates degree in Marketing. Cassandra is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with the other loves of her life their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094287.Cassandra_Giovanni

Website- http://www.cgiovanni.com

Blog- http://cgiovanniwrites.wordpress.com/

Meet Alison Stuart, author of 'Secrets in Time'

Today, please take a few moments to welcome author Alison Stuart, as we get to know her and her book 'Secrets in Time' a little bit better. As always, thanks for stopping by and reading!

Hi Andi and thanks for having me here!

What was the inspiration behind this book?

I have always wanted to write a time travel story. My love of history stems from childhood and A TRAVELLER IN TIME by Alison Uttley was one of my favourite stories.

I have a passion for the English Civil War and I used to go to sleep at night, my head buzzing with the latest story I had just read, willing myself to wake up and find myself magically transported back in time.

This particular story began as a writing exercise for a writing group I was involved. It lingered in the cyber sock drawer for a few years and I came upon it by accident which goes to show no writing is ever wasted. Time travel+ English Civil War = A fun story.

Do you believe that love can transcend the ages?

There are different types of love… and in SECRETS IN TIME I explore both romantic love and the love of a parent for a child. Both can be powerful to transcend time itself.If you could time travel, when and where would you go?

I have long since got over my desire to wake up and find myself in the middle of the English Civil War. I couldn’t imagine anything more unpleasant…as my heroine finds out. Much better to travel in time in my own imagination where at least I have a toothbrush and modern medicine.

What kind of research did you have to do for this book?

Having lived and breathed the English Civil War since I was young, the historical research is now just part of my cellular structure.

It was 1995 I found myself having to research! I had to do quite a bit of research into a particular aspect of pediatric medicine but fortunately I had an obliging cousin who was prepared to make sure my research checked out.

Do you prefer to write books in this time period?

I have an absolute passion for the English Civil War. It’s a fascinating and little understood period of history. Like the American civil war, it pitted Englishman against Englishman in a brutal war brought about by a weak and stubborn King (who lost his head). After Charles I died, England toiled with a form of republicanism and when the monarchy was restored, it brought with it the system of democratic government we know today.

From a writer’s point of view, it is a period of passion, tragedy, intrigue and romance. Perfect fodder for the historical romance writer!

What other projects do you have in the works?

I have a couple of books under consideration by publishers at the moment-- a Regency murder mystery and an English Civil War romance set in a besieged castle. Current works in progress include a Restoration period sequel to my first two English Civil War novels (BY THE SWORD and THE KING’S MAN) and a “cosy” murder mystery set in Singapore in the early 1900s – just for something completely different!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have copies of letters I wrote dating from the age of 11 in which I assert that I want to be a writer. At school my best friend and I both spent our lunchtimes perched in the willow tree in the playground writing our best selling novels. Mine (guess!) was an English Civil War story called “The Locket of Grace”.

Is there a particular routine that you follow?

I wish I could say I did but I am an erratic writer with a part time job and a swag of outside interests. I start every day intending to start writing but I am the mistress of procrastination so when I do get to writing I’m always surprised that it is half way through the afternoon and I need to think about the evening meal.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

I am blessed to be a member of Romance Writers of Australia where wonderful advice abounds on every aspect of writing, but I think the best piece of advice came from a woman I greatly admired, but had no idea she wrote romance fiction. She told me that if I wanted something badly enough, I would get there and it’s so true. There have been many times along the writing journey when I could have given up but I have kept going and I am now proud to put “writer” down as my occupation.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I have just ridden on a float with the Krewe of Morpheus in the 2013 New Orleans Mardi Gras. That is something so surprising that I still surprise myself that an Aussie from Downunder found herself tossing beads in New Orleans. Such fun. You can read about it on my blog. http://www.alisonstuart.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/riding-float-new-orlean-mardi-gras-part.html

Anything else you would like to share?

I wrote most of this book while my father was in his last illness. I would go from sitting by his bedside straight into this magical world of time travel, witches and dashing cavaliers. Writing was my solace and escape in a time of incredible sorrow and a gift I was truly thankful for. However this is far from being a sad book so I do hope the readers enjoy it.

Thanks for your time! 

And thank you once again for having me, Andi.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Alison Stuart is an award winning Australian writer of historicals with heart. Whether duelling with dashing cavaliers or waywards ghosts, her books provide a reader with a meaty plot and characters who have to strive against adversity, always with the promise of happiness together. Alison is a lapsed lawyer who has worked in the military and fire service, which may explain a predisposition to soldier heroes. She lives with her own personal hero and two needy cats and likes nothing more than a stiff gin and tonic and a walk along the sea front of her home town. She loves to hear from her readers and can be found at her website, facebook, twitter and Goodreads.

Find Alison on the Web

Website: http://www.alisonstuart.com

Blog: Ms.Stuart Requests…: http://www.alisonstuart.blogspot.com

Facebook: Alison Stuart- Writer https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Stuart-Writer/177254485659744?fref=ts

Twitter: @AlisonStuart14

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4636079.Alison_Stuart

Secrets in Time

by Alison Stuart

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

When a seventeenth-century cavalier hurls himself over her garden wall, Doctor Jessica Shepherd is more angry than surprised. Although she ís no stranger to military re-enactors, there ís something different about Nathaniel Preston. If he ís to be believed, something…or someone…has sent him forward in time from the midst of a civil war to the quiet English countryside of the twentieth century.

With time working against them, Nathaniel has to convince Jessica why fate brought them together before he ís forced to return to his own era and certain death in battle.

Can the strength of love overcome all obstacles, even time itself?

Read an excerpt:

Alan and I went through his clothing but found nothing that gave any indication of his identity, either in this century or the seventeenth. The only hint was the finely wrought initials NP in the guard of his sword.

“NP, Nathaniel Preston,” Alan said.

“It doesn’t prove anything. He has a sword with initials that match the name he gave us.” I traced the intricate fretwork on the hilt of the sword with my finger. “What do you know about the seventeenth century Nathaniel Preston?”

“He’s dead,” Alan replied with a wry smile. I pulled a face at him and Alan shrugged. “At the start of the war he formed his own local regiment and declared for the king. He fought at Edgehill but spent most of the rest of the war in local defense of this area. A few days before Naseby, he was instrumental in deflecting the parliamentary advance at the battle of Chesham Bridge.” He stopped. “I am not sure going to Heatherhill Hall is such a great idea.”

“Why?”

“Because he may not like what he finds out.” Alan looked into the depths of his coffee mug.

“Like what? That he’s dead? I think even he may have worked that out.”

Alan looked up at me. “That he died at the battle of Chesham Bridge.”

“Oh.” A cold shiver ran down my spine. Even I knew the date of the battle of Chesham Bridge- -12 June, 1645--its anniversary would be in nine days time. I tried not to think what it would be like to know the exact date of your death.

Buy Links: Amazon \ Lyrical Press

Alison will be awarding ecopies of her two previously published books THE KING’S MAN and the award winning BY THE SWORD, which are set in the same period as this story, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a gift pack of Alison Stuart products to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour for more chances to win!