Thursday, December 31, 2015
Author Spotlight: Emma Chase
By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she toils away the hours bringing her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.
Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.
1. Your books are filled with humor and tongue in cheek satire, what is your inspiration?
Life. My husband is the funniest man I know – he’s also lethally sarcastic, so I think his vibe finds its way into all my male characters. My children are also spirited and quick witted – there’s a lot of laughter in our house every day.
2. Some of your characters are larger than life. Did you model them after someone you know? Or use your imagination?
For the most part, it’s my imagination. But parts of their personalities are inspired by people I know, or people I wish I knew.
3. How do you decide physical features, names, etc. for your characters?
Before I start writing, I really see these characters in my head, so the physical features just come from how I see them. For instance, I knew Stanton would be blond with golden, tan skin from all the years on the farm. I knew Jake would have grey eyes – because they can be cold or tumultuous or comforting depending on his mood.
Names take a little more work. I want my characters to have unique names – but not too “romantic hero” sounding. I usually make a list, try and think of names that represent their personalities, and eliminate until I find a good name that fits.
4. Do you find yourself identifying with some of your characters? If so, which character ones?
I typically always identify with the female leads in my books – which is so odd because I very rarely write from their POV. Maybe that’s why I don’t. Maybe I’m too self-conscious in that way and it’s easier to be irreverent in the male POV – because I know they’re doing and saying things I never would. In the Tangled Series I identified with Kate, in Overruled with Sofia and in Sustained definitely with Chelsea. All of those ladies have certain personality traits similar to my own.
5. Is there a novel that you've written that you consider your best work? Which one is it?
I love all of my stories for a variety of reasons, but overall I think Tangled and Sustained are my best works. The characters are refreshing and the stories are quick and sexy, funny and yet heartwarming at the same time.
6. Who is your favorite author? What book by that author is your favorite?
Johanna Lindsey. Gentle Rogue. This is the book that made me fall in love with a hero who was equal parts lovable and slappable.
7. Did this author influence your writing? In what way?
Even though Johanna Lindsey writes historical romances and I don’t, I think her writing does influence my own, in that her dialogue is snappy and witty, the story is entertaining but not so heavy that it can’t be read in one sitting, and the characters are lively and memorable. Those are the kinds of books I try to write.
8. Do you have a favorite genre that you read? What is it?
Lately it’s been contemporary romance – but my first love will always be historical romances.
9. What do you feel would be your greatest accomplishment as a writer?
Making my readers smile. It’s an honor to hear that my stories and characters helped someone through a difficult time or just the everyday stressors of life. There really is no greater privilege than to give readers a light-hearted, escape.
Review of A Mate for York (The Breeding Program #1) by Charlene Hartnady
Have you ever wanted to date a vampire?
Human women required. Must be enthusiastic about interactions with vampires. Must be willing to undergo a stringent medical exam. Must be prepared to sign a contractual agreement which would include a non-disclosure clause. Limited positions available…
York has always wanted a female of his very own. One to love and care for. One who will love him in return. More than anything he wants a family…he longs to hear the sound of children’s laughter filling his home. It is his deepest desire.
Since most vampire females are not able to birth young, a program is started to ensure the continuation of the vampire species. The vampire elite must fight, fist and fang, for a much sought after place in the program and a chance to date human women.
There are a multitude of beautiful human females in attendance. They have been handpicked to ensure that they are irresistible to vampire males. Why is it then that York wants the one female he can’t have?
When Cassidy is selected for the trial phase of the program, she is ecstatic. This is the break she’s been waiting for. Her job is to root out any vampires with bloodlust. She’s quaking in her boots because she could end up dead. This position certainly isn’t for sissies. Thing is, it’s only three days of her life. All she needs to do is to allow a few of them to drink from her and survive long enough to get paid. Then she’s home free. Besides, she quit her job in order to be here so she so doesn’t have any other options available to her. Three days…pity one times big, badass vampire is determined to get in the way of her plans.
The story contains strong sexual themes/language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
This is a standalone novel. No cliffhanger!
Overall Rating: 4 Rockin’ ★★★★
If you are looking for something different, not the usual read, look no more! Charlene Hartnady has an incredible new series, The Program. Her first book in this series, a Mate for York delves into the love life of vampires. Each book in this series features a bigger than life sizzling hot vampire looking for his mate in a world where mates are few and far between. This is Cassidy and York's story of Vampire/Human love!
What do you do when you need human females to continue your species? You invite women to participate in a dating program that allows human females to meet and date vampire males that are looking for a mate. The vampire leadership decides that vampire males who want to participate will fight for a place in the dating program. York has always wanted a female of his own and this is his chance to have one. His only problem is he has to pass the bloodlust test, which would not bother him except for the blood donor, Cassidy. Could she be his?
Cassidy applied and was selected to be a donor for the bloodlust trial in the Program. All she has to do is give three days of her life, get paid for it and just contribute some blood. However she was not expecting to meet York! A vampire that makes her lady parts tingle and her heart palpitate. There are issues that come into play, that may destroy any chance she has of being with York. Is there a chance for a happily ever after?
I found this series by Ms. Hartnady and was immediately captured with her unique approach to vampire and human interaction. The twists and turns of the storyline enthrall and capture the attention of the reader. Each character is extremely well developed and created in a way that the reader craves to learn more about them and their problem resolution. This can be read as a standalone, but after reading book one I cannot wait for book two. Great series Charlene and an excellent addition to my library!
Buy Links: Amazon US
#CoverReveal The Crown Jewels by Honey Palomino
Cover Reveal
Title: The Crown Jewels
Author: Honey Palomino
Genre: A Bad Boy Step Brother Romance
Cover Designer: Mayhem Cover Creations https://www.facebook.com/MayhemCoverCreations/?fref=ts
Release Date: January 6, 2016
THE CROWN JEWELS
JEWELS
Fairy tales aren't real…
The first time a Prince swept me off my feet and into his bed, I fell head over heels. He was everything I shouldn't want. A bad boy. A player. I opened my heart. And that Royal prick left me broken.
I promised myself it wouldn't happen again. But temptation has a way of breaking promises.
WILL
She's the one that got away. The nerdy girl with the hot little body that always drove me crazy.
My little soon-to-be step-princess…
The one girl I could never have again…
Until tonight.
And that's when everything went wrong.
THE CROWN JEWELS is a sexy full length standalone novel with a HEA and absolutely NO CLIFFHANGER!
WORD LOVER. READER. WRITER.
I've spent a lifetime tearing through any book I could get my hands on. Romance, thrillers, suspense...I've devoured it all.
I strive to keep my books full of all the twists, turns, and excitement that I love so dearly.
If you have questions, or feedback, you can reach me at HoneyPalomino@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
STALK HONEY HERE:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoneyPalomino1/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7424369.Honey_Palomino?from_search=true&search_version=service
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
New Release Dangerous Liaison by @TarahScott
Dangerous Liaisons by Tarah Scott
Date of Publication: December 26, 2015
Blurb
Being an agent revoked her license to love . . . until she met the man sent to kill her.
Jesse Evans' most recent mission turns deadly when Colombian mercenaries ambush her and her informant. She races across the jungle to warn the Special Ops team she sent to save an American Senator's young daughter, but arrives just as the team is slaughtered by drug runners.
Within the hour, branded as the traitor who leaked the mission intelligence, Jesse Evans is now the most wanted woman in the world. She must prove she didn't sell out the team or her sister dies. Only one man can save them both, but that man isn't who Jesse thinks he is…and she can't afford to fall in love with him.
Jesse Evans' most recent mission turns deadly when Colombian mercenaries ambush her and her informant. She races across the jungle to warn the Special Ops team she sent to save an American Senator's young daughter, but arrives just as the team is slaughtered by drug runners.
Within the hour, branded as the traitor who leaked the mission intelligence, Jesse Evans is now the most wanted woman in the world. She must prove she didn't sell out the team or her sister dies. Only one man can save them both, but that man isn't who Jesse thinks he is…and she can't afford to fall in love with him.
Available From
About Tarah Scott
Best-selling author Tarah Scott cut her teeth on authors such as Georgette Heyer, Zane Grey, and Amanda Quick. Her favorite book is a Tale of Two Cities, with Gone With the Wind as a close second. She writes modern classical romance, and paranormal and romantic suspense. Tarah grew up in Texas and currently resides in Westchester County, New York with her daughter.
Find Tarah Scott Online
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Bloggers Needed: Wrecked by Sarah Grimm
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Blog Tour January 29th - February 8th
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Blog Tour January 29th - February 8th 2016
Book 1 in the Bling Man’s Alibi series
She was destined to show him the joy and pain of living.
Joe Campbell has it all: money, success, and fame. As lead singer of alternative rock band Blind Man’s Alibi, he holds the vague conviction that life on the road, and nights filled with meaningless sexual encounters, is enough. Until her – Emma Travers. She is a breath of fresh air. Sunshine to his darkness. The one who changes him, pushes him, and teaches him to truly live. He never imagines she is hiding a devastating secret. Or that the same emotion that could steal his heart, would ultimately break it.
“Sometimes a man must learn to live before he can learn to love.”
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January 17th #ReleaseBlitz for Julia Goda's Wrong Side Girl
Cole in His Stocking by NJ Cole is FREE!
Cole in His Stocking
Anthony "Slick" Dupree is a man set in his ways. As a business agent from South Carolina, he knows how things are done and he doesn't need some Yankee woman coming down to his territory telling him how to run the local unions. Brenda Boteler, or Brynn as everyone calls her, has built her career fighting for equal rights for women. In her latest endeavor, Brynn's team has formed the Charleston Organization for Labor Equality, C.O.L.E. She knows she has her work cut out for her, trying to convince the local heads of the trades to listen to her proposals to include more women. What Brynn doesn't expect is to meet a witty, sexy, Southern gentleman who sweeps her off her feet. Anthony is just as taken by surprise by the hot little firecracker. As much as he tries to deny it, maybe a little C.O.L.E. in his stocking is what he needed for Christmas. This is NJ Cole's second annual Christmas gift. Check her website or Facebook page for free download dates.
Anthony "Slick" Dupree is a man set in his ways. As a business agent from South Carolina, he knows how things are done and he doesn't need some Yankee woman coming down to his territory telling him how to run the local unions. Brenda Boteler, or Brynn as everyone calls her, has built her career fighting for equal rights for women. In her latest endeavor, Brynn's team has formed the Charleston Organization for Labor Equality, C.O.L.E. She knows she has her work cut out for her, trying to convince the local heads of the trades to listen to her proposals to include more women. What Brynn doesn't expect is to meet a witty, sexy, Southern gentleman who sweeps her off her feet. Anthony is just as taken by surprise by the hot little firecracker. As much as he tries to deny it, maybe a little C.O.L.E. in his stocking is what he needed for Christmas. This is NJ Cole's second annual Christmas gift. Check her website or Facebook page for free download dates.
TOTALLY FREE! FAST LANE by @lizziehstevens
Get your copy: http://amzn.to/1YMZ1nB
Sometimes fate gives you an ass-whooping.
Lexi Taylor has sworn off men—why make an effort if you’re never gonna do it right?
But then she meets Coen Walker, not once but three times in the same day. He’s edgy, reckless, guarded and protective. From the first time he sees her he has to have her. He wants her and he won’t give up until she agrees to give him a chance and spend just one night with him.
Bumping into the same guy three times in one day can’t be a coincidence, right?
What would it be like to live life in the fast lane?
Cover Reveal: Just Ride by @XylaTurner
Cover Reveal
Title: Just Ride
Series: The Legion Series
Author: Xyla Turner
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: January 19, 2015
"I don't f*** bikers." Was Kylie's parting words to the sexy biker who happened to be the Guardian's MC President. She just moved back to the town she grew up and her first confrontation with with Razor, a biker. He was hot and had the potential of completely invading her life. She attempts to pump the brakes on his roller coaster, but after her stalker scares some sense into her, she runs to the arms of the Legion of Guardian motorcycle club. Razor tries to steer clear of the young vixen, but he can't help his pull towards him. How can he keep his creed with his brothers, the town and get his woman? Quick Clip: “Razor!” I exclaimed. “We need to come to a truce. We can’t keep doing this.” “Then put me out of my misery.” “How?” “You know how.” “Not really.” “Let me show you.”
PRE ORDER!!!
Xyla Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Xyla wrote short stories and essays that have won numerous awards in local to nationwide competitions. She is an avid reader, but a sucker for romance. Specifically, sassy females and dominant males. Xyla is a dedicated educator and a life coach. Outside of reading, Xyla likes to spend time with her family and travel. She writes different genres, but her favorite is romance.
Ways to check out Xyla World!
Follow Me on Amazon: http://amzn.to/22tYgPO
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Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Review of Mastered (The Enforcers #1) by Maya Banks
What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.
She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.
What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.
The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.
Coming May 2016: The Enforcers Book II: Dominated
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
WOW, once again the amazing Maya Banks has created a book that scorches and sizzles with sexual innuendoes in her amazing first book, Mastered in the Enforcer series. The only thing wrong with this enthralling book is the cliffhanger! The book engages and enthralls the reader to the point that when you read the last page you cannot believe that you will have to wait to find out what happens. Evangeline and Drake’s story is filled with mystery, intrigue, hot alpha males that are protectors, while still being bad boys, that are really bad boys. This is a book that you will not want to miss!
Drake is a self made man, that built his empire from nothing. Men fear him, women want him and everyone obeys him! There are secrets in his past that haunt him and color the way he lives his life. But there are also secrets in his daily life that if known could destroy him. He can never show weakness, because those that want what he has, will stop at nothing to own it. Drake does not believe there is such a thing as love at first sight? But when Evangeline walked into his club, he knew she was special and that she would be his. She is not like any woman he has ever met before.
When it comes to family, Evangeline loves unconditionally. She is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for them and give of herself to meet their needs. Evangeline is an innocent that does not fit into the world she finds herself in. When she is betrayed by her boyfriend, she is heartbroken and her self-esteem hits an all time low. Her roommates convince her to dress up and go to a club that he frequents to show him what he threw away. Meeting the beautiful, sexy Drake Donovan is not what she expected to happen and when he powers into her life, nothing would ever be the same. Can she let down her walls and let him in? Will he protect her heart or destroy it? What does Drake want from her?
If you are searching for a great read that will keep you reading and wanting more, look no more this is the book for you. The characters are well developed and the storyline is provocative. It is a must have addition to your library.
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Buy Links: Amazon US/Barnes and Noble
Special Introductory Price! Wood U by @LGPaceIII & @MichelleKPace is Live!
Joe led a charmed life until the tragic night he lost it all. Once a master carpenter, he's now part of a restoration crew, when he isn't too hungover to crawl out of bed. He exists in a booze-fueled haze of one night stands, barroom brawls, and working until he drops.
Then Molly Hildebrandt shows up at the job site in a food truck as red as her glossy lipstick. She's no longer the jailbait girl who used to trail after him, but she's still the little sister of his best friends, Mason and Mac. Molly's a splash of ice water to Joe's whisky-addled heart, and as much as he hates the idea of screwing up his friendship with the twins, he can't keep his hands to himself.
Saddle up for The Carved Hearts Series, a funny, tear-jerking, swoon-worthy tale of a tattooed spitfire and her not-so-average Joe.
Buy Links Wood U:
Goodreads: bit.ly/1jE80oy
Amazon: amzn.to/1SW3Mo7
Kobo: bit.ly/1Rld3YY
Amazon UK:amzn.to/1J8d5Ma
iTunes:http://apple.co/1Nv960c
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/
Excerpt:
Enjoying another cold one, I watched several couples take the plunge before gearing up. From what I could tell, they all made it to the bottom in one piece. Between the alcohol and the flirtatious ribbing from my fellow travelers, I soon found myself being buckled into a zip line harness, wondering what I had gotten myself into.
“Just remember how much you love me, Kelly,” Isaac called to me. I frowned at him as I fastened my helmet, completely confused about his random statement. He eyed the other zip line platform nervously, and I turned to see what he was looking at. I’d been so focused on trying not to freak out and make an ass out of myself, that I’d ignored the commotion at the platform a few feet away. Just as my handler was about to release me, I glanced over and saw Mac buckling himself into the other harness. The determined set of his jaw as he met my gaze made my breath catch.
“What the f—” I began, but my handler interrupted me. “Ready, set, go!” He gave me a shove and I found myself hurtling down the hill, clinging desperately to the nylon harness. My heart hammered with such ferocity that I was convinced it would take flight from my chest. With growing dread, I tracked Mac in my peripheral vision. He was rocketing down the hillside much faster than I was, and I realized that at the rate he was traveling, he’d be waiting for me at the bottom. We’d have to hike to the next zip together, so unless I wanted to hike back to the beach, I was stuck facing him, if that was what he had in mind.
The entire trip down probably took less than a minute, but our entire relationship flashed before my eyes in that short span of time. I’m not sure if it was the adrenaline or the alcohol, but I was a live wire by the time I reached the bottom.
As I reached the platform, I saw Mac was already free from his harness. Approaching me before I’d come to a complete stop, he grabbed hold of my trolley and reached for me as if he planned to free me from my restraint.
“Sir!” one of the zip-line attendants said, moving toward Mac as if to intervene.
“I got this, boy.” Mac turned toward him. I wasn’t able to see his face, but the attendants both took a couple of steps back.
“No!” I tried to wiggle out of his grasp. His eyes swept me, and I watched helplessly as the ghost of a devilish grin played on his familiar lips. I knew exactly what was going through his dirty mind.
“All clear?” The question sounded from the nearby attendant’s walkie-talkie. He raised the walkie to his lips and pressed the button.
“Hold please. We have a situation,” I heard him say and I fought with my restraint, trying desperately to free myself so I could get back on my feet. As it was, Mac was holding my trolley, and I could feel the tips of my toes scrape the platform, but only if I pointed them like a prima ballerina.
“Calm down, Chief. This is no situation.” Mac’s voice sounded gruff and commanding. “I just need a few words with the lady.”
“We have nothing to talk about,” I snapped through gritted teeth. I worked the straps of my harness hopelessly. I hadn’t been paying enough attention when the college boy hooked me in, and three beers on an empty stomach were getting the better of my coordination. Or maybe it was just Mac. Something about him flustered me, and that started long before our current state of affairs.
Regardless, he turned in response to my words and got in my face until I had little choice but to look him in the eye.
“I didn’t say we were going to talk. I’m gonna talk. You’re gonna listen.”
“Can you get me down, please?!” I called to the two attendants lurking nearby.
“I got this,” Mac called to them, without taking his eyes off of me.
“Let go,” I managed calmly, even though a storm raged inside me. I wanted to kick him where it would hurt the most, but he was too close for me to get the backswing to do the amount of damage I felt he deserved.
“Sure thing.” He twisted his hands and released the catch, steadying me so I wouldn’t fall. It happened so quickly that I found myself standing free before my mind had a chance to catch up. He towered over me, and his sudden closeness was painfully familiar. “Now, all I’m asking is that you listen.”
Author Bios:
L.G. Pace III has spent several decades pouring creative energy into other things besides writing. He began his current journey by telling his two daughters bedtime stories about a magical realm and a hero named Terel. Though that story is still sitting unfinished in the electronic universe he has managed to bring several other stories out of the dark maelstrom of his mind for others to enjoy. He dwells in the great state of Texas with his wife, novelist Michelle Pace and their children.
OTHER WORKS BY L.G.PACE III:
Vigilance
The Lost One
The Paladin
The Carved Hearts Series (with Michelle Pace):
Good Wood
Mollywood
Heartwood
Oculus (with J.L. Mac)
CONNECT WITH L.G. PACE III AT:
Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ LGPaceIII
Twitter: @LGP3Author
Michelle Pace lives in north Texas with her husband, Les, who is also a novelist. A mother of three, this former singer and actress has always enjoyed entertaining people and is excited to continue to do so as a writer.
OTHER WORKS BY MICHELLE PACE:
Crazy Love
Something’s Come Up (with Andrea Randall)
Fury (with Tammy Coons)
Rage (with Tammy Coons)
The Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Life (with Tammy Coons)
Kiss Kiss
Connect with Michelle Pace at:
Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ MichelleKisnerPace
Twitter: @MichelleKPace
Webpage: http:// www.michellepaceauthor.com
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