Saturday 27 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Today Only by D. Love



Happy Saturday, friends! I'm really, really excited and honoured to be part of the cover reveal of Today Only by D. Love - also known as Derinda Love. For those of you who don't know Derinda, she is part of Young Adult and Teen Reads (YATR) on Facebook, one of the most kindest and awesome people I've ever met. There is that saying that goes like You can tell someone's character by their actions. or something similar to that. Well, Derinda is just, über-awesome. And now she has a New Adult Contemporary coming out in May - Yay!. I, for one, look forward to reading Today Only.








Title: Today Only
Author: D. Love
Genre: NA Contemporary
Expected Release: Some time in May 2013






In life, there are times you are granted a miracle. It may not be the one you wanted exactly, but it will be the one you need. It will prepare you for the next step in your journey and help you learn to accept the life you are given, even if that life can be heartbreaking.

Add it to your To-Be-Read list on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17853119-today-only


ABOUT D LOVE

Derinda lives in Maine. Her biggest passion is for her family and friends. She adores loving others as if it is the biggest gift life can offer. She is a read-a-holic, loves chocolate, cowboys and everyone on her Young Adult & Teen Readers Facebook page. Her dream is to travel to Australia one day.

Her debut novel ‘Today’ Only will be released some time in May.

Blog * Twitter * Goodreads






Thursday 25 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Breaking The Reins by Juliana Haygert

Hello Friends! Today I have a cover reveal for you for Juliana Haygert's upcoming New Adult, Breaking The Rules. Oh, it's so gorgeous!!! And there is a teaser from the book included in this post. How cool is that? :)
 Sooo, here it is.



Breaking the Reins by Juliana Haygert
Publication date: August 2013
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance


 
Synopsis:
Horses, mansions, tea parties, and lies are twenty-year-old Hannah Taylor’s life. To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.

After a fire takes her grandma’s life and kills her horse, Hannah’s immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can’t turn away even though she’s not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.

Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.

But the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.

Cover designed by: Okay Creations


Breaking the Reins teaser:





AUTHOR BIO 
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author links:







Wednesday 24 April 2013

Abby Niles' Extreme Love Blog Tour - Top Ten Romance Heroes




First, thank you  Entangled Publishing for including me in this tour. Today I have a guest post by Abby Niles, the author of Extreme Love, Top Ten Romance Heroes.  Can I just drop in there and add Dante 'inferno' Jones on the list, please? :) I'm currently reading Extreme Love and will be reviewing it soon.

Book blurb:

Used to the average Joe, Caitlyn Moore is overwhelmed when the supremely masculine Dante Jones walks into her life and expresses an interest in her. At first she pushes him away, refusing to encourage the attention of a cage fighter. Then she learns Dante has a love ‘em and leave ‘em reputation. What better way to fine-tune her non-existent flirting skills than with a male who won’t stick around? But Dante has no intention of being a practice dummy; he’s out for all or nothing. Now Caitlyn must accept Dante—violent career and all—or let him go.

Dante “Inferno” Jones has one goal: win the Welterweight Championship. At a time when focus is crucial, the last thing he needs is a distraction. Yet Caitlyn Moore becomes a challenge he can’t resist. When the light-hearted pursuit shifts to a battle to win her heart, his focus is shot. Faced with losing the biggest match of his career, Dante must decide if his extreme life also has room for Extreme Love.

 Top Ten Romance Heroes

We all love to fall in love with fictional heroes from books, TV shows, and movies. These men can range from the anti-hero, to the superhero, to the geek hero, to the boy next door hero. At times, women can even be divided onto opposing sides as they pull for their favorite hero to win the girl. Team Damon or Team Stefan, anyone? 

Here’s a list of my favorite heroes who have graced the screen. 

I’m starting with my sweeter heroes. I love a down-to-earth, quirky hero. I also have a tendency for forming a crush on the unconventional hero. 

Westley. As you wish. How many dreamy sighs just sounded? The Princess Bride has been one of my favorite romantic movies since I was a kid. Westley was the first hero I ever fell in love with. In fact, to this day, I still can recite every word from the scene where Buttercup pushes the Dread Pirate Roberts down the hillside. I LOVE that scene.

Castle. I love him for his quirkiness, his humor, and those adorable clueless faces he makes. I also love him for how much he loves Beckett and even though he takes a humorous approach to living everyday life, he can become fierce and protective when he believes she is in real danger.  

Leonard Hofstadter. My geek crush. That’s right. Being a romantic hero doesn’t mean you always have to be the hottest man alive to get the girls to swoon. You can be an uber-smart experimental physicist, who wears glasses and is so uncomfortable around woman you get a serious case of verbal diarrhea anytime one is around. I think Leonard’s innocence is what drew me to him in the first place. In that first season, he was just so uncomfortable around Penny, yet so freaking sweet I could just hug him. I’ve loved watching his character grow into a more confident man. 

Peeta Mellark. The boy with the bread is the epitome of every boy I want my daughter to date. Seriously. He’s sweet, funny, charismatic, but will do anything to keep the girl he loves safe. I fell in love with the character when I read The Hunger Games trilogy, and this is a prime example of an actor being able to bring a character to life. I can’t imagine anyone but Josh Hutcherson playing Peeta. He was a perfect casting.

Henry Roth. Who you ask? He is the hero of 50 First Dates played by Adam Sandler. I’ve always thought Adam Sandler was adorable, but Henry Roth was the first character he played that I actually fell in love with. If you don’t know the plot, it’s about a girl who has lost her short-term memory and can’t remember anyone new who’s come into her life the next morning, including Henry. But Henry falls in love with her anyway. Guys, the scene in the end where they are on the boat and what he does for her every single morning to help her remember who he is gets me right in the chest every. Single. Time.
Now let’s talk about some of my bad boy romance heroes. We girls sure do love our bad boys, and I’m no exception. Bad boys can come in so many different ways; from the aloof, cold-as-stone heroes to ruthless fang-bearing killers. Yeah, wow. Wide range, huh? 

I’ll start with:

Mike Chadway. The foul-mouthed, wants a woman on both arms, in-your-face hero from The Ugly Truth. Now a huge bonus is he’s played by Gerald Butler. But, I loved Mike’s rough around the edges ways. Was he sweet? No. Was he the gallant knight? Uh-uh. Did he have a habit of saying some ridiculously offensive thing? Oh, yeah, he did. Didn’t stop me from panting over him though. My favorite part? *Spoiler alert* At the end, Abby asks him, “You love me? Why?”  Mike’s response is “Beats the shit out of me, but I do.” I grinned when he said that, and whispered, “Perfect response.” Anything else from this character would have been wrong and that one line stayed true to his character even though he had fallen in love with Abby. I loved that! 

Tony Starks, aka Iron Man. Iron Man is my all-time favorite superhero. Who doesn’t like a womanizing, rich, powerful male brought to his knees by a sweet, but strong woman? Anyone seen the trailer for Iron Man 3? I’ve loved watching Iron Man and Pepper get together, but I think this movie will give me that romance I really want to see. 

Eric Northman. A tall, blonde Viking vampire. Enough said. 

Damon Salvatore.  The anti-hero. Damon is a complex vampire with a vicious streak and doesn’t apologize for doing what needs to be done to protect the ones he cares most for, even kill. Has Damon does some horrible things? The vamp has a very, very long list of unforgivable deeds. But just when I think, “Oh Damon, you’ve gone too far now.” He redeems himself. 

Mr. Darcy. Yeah, I’m about to start a debate of epic proportions right now. Which Mr. Darcy? Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen. Sorry Firth lovers, I’m Team Macfadyen. 

Who are some of your favorite heroes?

I would like to thank Cecilia for having me today! It’s been a blast. 

Was a pleasure having you here,  Abby. Thank you for taking time to stop by. :)


About the Author:

Abby Niles has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. She didn’t plan for writing to become an obsession, but it did. Today, she juggles work, home life, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?

When Abby’s not writing, you can find her playing ‘Just Dance’ with her kids or trying to catch up on her never-ending to-be-read list. She also loves Zumba, and refuses to admit she looks more like Animal doing his Muppet flail than a sensual Latin dancer.

Sunday 14 April 2013

Creating Characters .

Sometimes when reading a book, I always wondered how the author came about to create fleshed out characters -or not so fleshed out. At times, the characters are so real, you feel as if they are sitting right next to you and talking to you. Or breathing down our neck in anger.

When I am planning a story, I just write, not stopping to think 'Hey, is this how so and so would react?' because when I stop to really think about it, I end up overthinking which leads to 'oh gosh am I doing this right?' then finally 'My brain is so exhausted!'

Right after a few chapters - say I write from one to five, and I have an idea what is going on or where the story is going, then I go back to the first chapter to work it through to get the emotions/personalities right (probably a strange way of doing this..LOL) 

How do I flesh out my characters?

I do a bit of people-studying - if there are any to study. Sometimes I use book resources as my reference.The one I mostly use as reference: Heroes & Heroines: The Complete Writer's Guide to Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders. I love this one because on every page margin, they give examples of movies featuring that character archetype.

If this doesn't work - like was the case in my YA, Reaper's Novice (Ana's brother and Sister) I used my son and daughter as archetypes..LOL oh, not every on very aspect, but basics.

What do you do to flesh out your characters? Any book resources/references?

Monday 8 April 2013

Book Review: The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken


Book description:

"I have a proposition for you..."
Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. Instead, she made a deal with the devil in hopes of putting her past behind her once and for all.
Four days.
She could do four days!
But she wasn't counting on Jake’s older brother Travis being there to witness their farce of an engagement.
One thing is for certain.
One brother is right for her.
One wants a lifetime.
And one is in league with the devil.
She should have gotten Jake’s signature in blood.

BUY LINK: Amazon



Ooh I enjoyed reading The Bet! :) The prologue was enticing enough for me to click the 'Buy' button on Amazon.
Kacey grew up around Jake and Travis. During their college years, she was involved with Jake. Only to realise he wasn't who she thought he was. On the other hand, Travis, poor young Travis just hovered in the background searching for ways to impress young Kacey. He knew Tracey loved princess stories, but how was one supposed to be a prince when there were no dragons to slay? - Travis words, not mine. So he resulted to causing trouble for Kacey so he could save her. And most of those antics backfired completely. Worst thing was, Kacey hated him for that, and to her, Travis was Satan himself.
Now all grown up, Kacey's come back home in pretense that she is Jake's fiancee, and meets Travis. His feelings for Kacey have intensified over the years.

Aw...this is a wonderful story. The dialogue was pure classic - loved it!

Rachel Van Dyken did a great job with this story and characters. If you're looking for a sweet friends-to-lovers (more enemies to lovers story) with a HEA, I highly recommend 'The Bet'.

Cover Refresh & Cover Reveal



Title: Cherishing Destiny
Series: A Dangerous Destiny #1
Author: Noelle Blakely
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance (not erotica) Dystopian Fantasy Adult Content (F/F, M/F/F, mild bdsm)
Publisher: Self Published
Format: Ebook
Length: approx 95k

Buy Links: Amazon | Smashwords |

Book Description:

Alexander Lake and his beautiful wife, Aurora are wealthy, privileged and powerful.  They are also Vampires and have enjoyed peace and prosperity in cooperation with humans for over two hundred years.  In one fateful night, the earth is transformed in a solar event that alters not only the planet, but the surviving inhabitants, as well.  Sara, a Human employee, is thrown together with the Lakes in a struggle for their mutual survival.  When the trio is joined by Sara’s step-brother Ryan, a Were-wolf, the group develops into an unusual family whose love for each other must see them through attacks by marauding Hunters, the schemes of Vampire elders and the age old prejudices of Wolf Clans and Human factions.  They have no idea that fate isn’t finished with them yet and, along with the rest of the new world, they will witness the dawn of a new age in evolution.  That is, if they can survive it.
 
WARNING:  18++ (NC-17) This book contains Adult themes of erotic intimacy between consenting adults, including F/F, ménage, & mild BDSM.  





Title: Following Destiny
Series: A Dangerous Destiny #2
Author: Noelle Blakely
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance (not erotica) Dystopian Fantasy Adult Content (F/F, M/F/F, mild bdsm)
Publisher: Self Published
Format: Ebook
Length: approx 95k

Release Date: April 30th 2013

Book Description:

The world has become dark and dangerous, especially for the children born after the Solar Storm.  The Vamphyrs, the human Changelings, and even the Were clans’ children are all exhibiting the effects of an evolutionary leap as they mature to adulthood.  Destiny is no exception.  She must learn to deal with her evolved gifts as well as her awakening Vampire desires without the guidance of her mother, Aurora, who remains a prisoner of the witch, Mother Zhukov.  The father of her heart, Ryan, and the father of her body, Alex, may sometimes clash, but the safety and security of their extended and very non-traditional family is paramount and they make the difficult decision to continue West.  Ryan will make the children into warriors and Alex will ensure that their minds are just as deadly sharp. Destiny and the rest of her generation find that they are not so different from their ancestors when their needs and desires awaken with force in their maturing bodies.  Destiny must learn to face love and rejection, lust and regret and still survive some of the most dangerous times in her young life. In the end she may find what she seeks, but she may also make a discovery that will forever alter the lives of them all.

18+  This book contains adult themes of erotic intimacy and graphic violence.


** Cherishing Destiny only 99 cents at Smashwords until the release of Following Destiny**
 

About the Author:

Noelle Blakely lives on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with a patient husband and a spoiled little dog.  She enjoys auctions and renovating homes.  She spends most days writing and blogging and preparing for "Grandparenthood."   She claims that her somewhat warped imagination is the product of influences such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, Jacqueline Carey, Frank Herbert and so many others.  But, as much as she loves Fantasy, SciFi, Horror and Paranormal, she will admit to being a sucker for sappy love stories and has been known to watch Jane Austen movies more than once in the same month. 

Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter: @NoelleBlakely | Goodreads |


GIVEAWAY INFO: The giveaway is tour-wide.

  •  Starting Prize Level is a $20 Amazon Gift Card. If you Follow, you can help to increase this prize up to a New Kindle or an Amazon Gift Card of equal value (a $69 Value).

    - At 300 Noelle Blakely Facebook Likes, 200 Google/ Google+ Share My Destiny Blog Followers and 1300 Twitter Followers, the prize will increase to $30 Amazon Gift Card.

    - At 400 Facebook Likes, 300 Google Share My Destiny Followers and 1400 Twitter Followers, the prize will increase again to $40 Amazon Gift Card

    - At 500 Facebook Likes, 400 Google Share My Destiny Followers and 1500 Twitter Followers or more, the Grand Prize will be a New Kindle Reader or Amazon Gift Card of Equal Value (a $69 Value)

    Minimum requirements for all three venues must be reached for the level to increase, so make sure to use all of your entries.
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