What's Up Wednesday

Welcome to  What's Up Wednesday, a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join this fun meme, please head over to Jaime's blog to sign in the linky list. :)   


What I'm reading:

The last two weeks while I was onvacation I finished reading Dare You To by Katie McGarry , Charade by Nyrae Dawn, Hopeless and Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover. Fantastic reads!! I will be reviewing these books  in the following ddays.
Currently, I'm reading:

I'm about 4% in the story. I'm liking it so far.

What I'm writing:

 

I'm working on edits for my paranormal romance Homecoming. (The gorgeous cover on the right with the panther-Girl. :D ) It's a mix of steam punk and fantasy, though used in very small doses because this installment revolves around the main characters, Levian and Sera.

I'm also working on my NA/Adult contemporary romance. The first draft should be ready by next week.  I rewrote the first chapter. I think ist more stronger, and displays the character's conflict quite well.

 

I would like to share a snippet from the story, but this time, it's from the male POV.  Rafael, 24 year old, hates

 

 

My goal for the coming week is to complete the draft. I have about 20 pages to go, so I hope -no-- I'm determined to finish this.

 

What else I've been up to:

 

My kiddies and I vacationed in Malta from the 21st July to 2nd August. and OMgosh! Gorgeous, awesome, beautiful...I am out of words to describe how über-fantastic that place is. Malta has a very rich history. I will blog about it in the coming weeks and post photos. In the meantime..this is the beauty I woke up to every morning

 

 

This is me and my daughter at Hagar Qim Temple in Malta.

 

 

How about you? What have you been upto?

 

Vacation Time, YAY!!

So, it's that time of the year again. Vacation time! *throws confetti and twirls and twirls** yep! I've been looking forward to this time of year since ,well, the beginning of this year..LOL. My focus during this time will be to finish my MS. So much has been going on around here, it was nearly impossible to finish this one on time. Plus this is also a research trip..haha.  My kiddies and I leave tomorrow early in the morning for Malta. I'm over the moon about this trip. :)

I won't be online for the next two weeks. In the meantime, if you would like to take part in

Here is the link where you can sign up. This is going to be so much fun. We look forward to reading your scenes.

Blogfest sign up:

Thank you for stopping by! :)

More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest

A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

It's all in the kiss, baby! The awesome Christine Rains and I would like to invite you to  MORE THAN JUST A KISS BLOGFEST. 

 Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the Linky List and post the badge on your blog.
2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.
3. Please do not exceed 250 words.
4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun! 

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.
We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes. 

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains and me.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Christine and me.

BONUS PRIZES:

Christine, Kyra, Laurelin and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.

Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.

Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
 
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU

I will leave you with a kissing excerpt from my contemporary romance NA/Adult. A Need so Insatiable, set for release in winter 2013. This is unedited version. 

“Are you going to kiss me?” I ask. 

His hungry-eyed gaze collides with me. Shakes his head. Nods. Runs a trembling hand through his hair, and pulls away. “I promised not to.”

“I didn’t,” I say, tossing the scissors on the counter. I take a step toward him and circle my arms around his neck, sinking my fingers into his half-cut hair. 

His eyes widen, then lifts his eyebrow. Once again I want to slap the look off his face. And kiss him at the same time. 

One side of his mouth curls up. “Now that you have me. What are you going to do with me?”

“This.” I hitch on my toes and nip his earlobe. “And this.” I tug his bottom lip with my teeth.

He groans, and suddenly I’m on his lap. His hands are on my face, my back, my hair as though he’s trying to memorize every part of me in one go. He drops his head in the crook of my neck, pressing his lips on the vein throbbing there. God, his lips! Warm against my heated skin as they trace along my jaw eagerly, by the time they brush mine, my breath is stuck in my throat in anticipation. He traces his tongue along the seam of mine, and I open for him. I’m powerless not to. He murmurs “F**k the promise” then swoops in, his fingers gripping my hips tighter. One hand moves to cup my neck firmly, and I am his.

We look forward to reading the scenes! :)

Release day blitz: Take Me Now by Faith Sullivan

Title: Take Me Now (Take Me Now, #1)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: July 16, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook ($2.99) 





Book Description:

How do you survive the internship from hell?

Don't fall in love.

Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazette would be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eying his chiseled physique for quite some time.

But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.

Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming.

Excerpt:

If only I were open to the possibility of romance, but I’m not. There’s no way I can be. There are circumstances that can’t be wished away or ignored. My heart’s not ready—not yet. And while this absolutely gorgeous girl has wandered into my life, I’m not going to act on it. It’s too soon.

I stride into my shop, gently placing her on the counter. Her feet are bleeding and she looks like she could use a drink of water. She’s covered in dust from the road but she looks adorable sitting there. I don’t know what it’s like to be in a scenario like this with a girl. I’m used to things being straightforward and laid out before me. This looks like something I could get easily lost in if I’m not careful.

We still haven’t said a word to each other, and I hate to break the silence but it can’t be avoided. “Rest here a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Her hand lingers on my upper arm, her thumb massaging by bicep. I exhale heavily, trying desperately to clear my head. Her touch is stirring things inside me I haven’t experienced in quite some time. Emotions I never thought I’d feel again. “Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes never leaving mine.

“No problem,” I try to say as casually as possible. She’s looking at me like I’m her knight in shining armor and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. I can’t go down that road again. I just can’t. My soul still isn’t fully healed from the last time. I can’t trust myself in these kinds of situations. I need to back away as gracefully as I can.

Other New Adult contemporary romances by Faith Sullivan! 

Click covers to purchase.

    


Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads


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It's finally here!!! -- Homecoming Cover Reveal

Hello Friends! So today I am so excited to share with you the cover for my upcoming paranormal romance, Homecoming.  This cover has been lounging in my hard disk for over two months now. It took all my energy not to cave in  and share, because it's GORGEGOUS!!! Once again, the one and only Ravven, who did Reaper's Novice cover, knocked me off my feet with this one. So, I'll stop rambling and get right down to it. :D 

Book Title: Homecoming (A Cloaked Devices short story)

Expected release date: October 2013

Genre: Steam punk Paranormal romance

Age group: +17 appropriate due to language and mature content 

 

Book Description

Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary. 

Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling  his slippery woman over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.

Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?

 Homecoming is rated as NA/Adult crossover. Most teasers and chapter excerpts will be posted on My NA and Adult Books blog.

Happy Monday!

seNsational summer blog tour -- Katlyn Duncan

 

Today I'm really excited to host Katlyn Duncan, the author of Soul Taken here on the blog. This cover just makes me tingle all over, it's sooo pretty! For a chance to win Amazon Gift Card worth US$ 20 from the author, the rafflecopter is located at the end of this post.

Soul Taken by Katlyn Duncan

Release date: June 4, 2013, Carina UK

Genre: YA Paranormal

ISBN: 978-1-472-01709-3

Summary: After-life just got a lot more complicated

Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body.

Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years. But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies…

To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!
   
Excerpt:

I knelt down again next to Ally and reached out to touch her skin. Even though the sensation was unpleasant, I could feel her pulse as it rapidly declined.
"No," I moaned. I looked up again to see if any of the Guard could help, but no one was around.
I looked back down at Ally. Her face was paling by the second. My soul started to tingle. I leaned closer to her body, reaching my hand out to touch her face again, when her arm moved toward mine.
I jumped back.
Heather pushed through the crowd. “Did she just move? Did I see her move?” Streaks of black mascara ran down her cheeks.
A ringing sensation tickled my ear and I tuned in to the True Soul’s presence. I looked at each human. The True Soul was close, but who had it? They all seemed equally shocked at the tragedy.
An uncomfortable pressure in my chest drew me closer to her body. My soul slanted toward hers until I was practically on top of her. I helplessly watched my hand morph and stretch toward her body.
"What the—?” I tried to pull back but the strength of whatever was happening had other ideas. My hand disappeared first, then my arm, then my torso.
But before I could call for help, my world went dark. 

Buy Links

Mills & Boon Kindle US Kindle UK Nook UK Kobo Google Play Sony Diesel ebooks  iBooks US
iBooks UK

Add Soul Taken on Goodreads

 About the Author

Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.




Contact Links
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads | Carina UK

Interview with Katyln

Tell us a bit about Soul Taken. How did you come up with the idea. Did you plot or let the story tell itself?

Soul Taken is quite a different story compared to what I submitted initially. The idea came to me one day as a question then I explored it for about four drafts. When I was offered a three-book deal I had to narrow the scope of the story to tell the first part to get the ball rolling for readers.

I didn’t plot the first few drafts since I was just doing it for fun. I did a general outline after deciding on what story was to be told, but it was a very loose outline. When writing the second in the series, Soul Possessed, I created a more detailed outline, which is very helpful for me.

I know that when I am writing, I can’t help but put a little bit of myself, say a quality in a character. Does Maggie have some of your characters traits or quirks or is she modelled after anyone in particular?

Maggie came to me fully formed and she just happens to share a few of my physical qualities (blue eye and brunette hair) but I don’t see her as me, not at all. Her personality is a lot different from mine and she is quite an extrovert while I am not. We do share a love for cemeteries though.

If I would cast her in a movie, Sarah Hyland from Modern Family comes to mind. Adorable yet feisty with strength behind her eyes.

 If you were to choose a song to describe Soul Taken which one would it be?

I do have a playlist for my main characters which get me in the mood for writing but for the overall story I feel that “Moonlight Sonata: Adagio “ encompasses the whole story for me. It’s eerie enough to tell you to stay on your toes the whole time, which is what I wanted for my readers.

Do you have upcoming projects you would like to share with us?

I am currently working on the second book in The Life After trilogy, Soul Possessed, which should be out this fall.

Music or books?

Books! Hands down.

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What's up Wednesday

Welcome to  What's Up Wednesday, a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join this fun meme, please head over to Jaime's blog to sign in the linky list. :)   


What I'm reading:

I finished reading  Sara V. Old's

All I can say is READ this book! It's YA contemporary romance, and the protagonist is so funny and snarky. Completely refreshing. I really enjoyed being inside her head for the 200 something pages. Plus the guys *swoon*!

I'm currently reading: 

 and 

I'm enjoying the stories so far.

What I'm writing:

I submitted the sequel for Truly Madly Deeply You to Inkspell Publishing, and sent Homecoming to my editor last week. YAY!

Right now I am revising my NA/Adult contemporary romance, A Need so Insatiable, and really wanted to share with you a snippet. I'm really loving this project. I met my goal revising about 10 pages per a day. For the coming week, I'll keep the same goal--1o pages per day. :)




 So, here we go! :) Enjoy.


Pasting a smile of my face, I swivel on the stool to face Lilli, and freeze. My hands clutch the edge of the kitchen counter to stop myself from grabbing the crochet afghan on the sofa and covering her. Plus the challenging glare in her eyes has me rooted on the spot.

I scan her new dressing code, trying not wither under her glower.

Her boobs are almost spilling out of the purple shirt which, I’m sure is two sizes smaller, barely covering her torso. The skirt is so tiny if I was to tilt my head, I’ll catch a glimpse of her underwear. And dear God, how will she manage to walk on those stilts without twisting her ankles?

I try not to choke on my own breath as I gulp for air.

Enough is enough. I’ve let things go too far, making up excuses for her behavior. I keep telling myself things will get better with us. With our situation.

That she will eventually stop hurting from Dad's death.

I hop from the stool and dash upstairs, grab a pair of black jeans from her room. By the time I race back, she’s already perched on the stool I vacated, and pouring milk in her bowl of cornflakes.

“You’re not leaving the house looking like that, Lilli.”

She tilts her hear to face me, reminding me of a cobra about to strike. “Says who?”

“Me.” I clench my jaw so hard I feel the teeth at the back of my mouth crack. “I’m telling you.”

She laughs, but not the kind of laugh that might inspire kittens to roll on their back or purr. “Last time I checked you were not my mother.”

My fingers clench around the course fabric in my hands. “I am your legal guardian. I’m your sister, and if that isn’t enough for you, tough love, baby. As long as you’re living under this roof, you will do as I say.”

Wow. I sound like my grandmother and that’s not shudder-worthy or anything.

I fist my hands to stop them from shaking.

Lilli shoves a spoonful of cornflakes in her mouth, chews very slowly then swallows. She flashes her teeth at me, white against the ultra red lipstick. “You can’t make me, Soph.”

Lord, just give me strength. “I know someone who can, though.” She shoves another spoonful inside her mouth, then lifts one brow. “Grandma Louise.”

Her face pales under all the layers of foundation and face powder.

Satisfaction courses through my veins like vintage wine, then sizzles as I watch that façade of hers crumble. She lowers her gaze. Her bottom lip trembles as she swirls the contents in the bowl in front of her.

Crap! Crap! Crap.

“Look, Lilli,” I say, moving to stand next to her. I lift my hand to touch her, but when she stiffens, I drop it to my side. Hope is the only thing that stops my heart from splitting in two.

“Things don’t have to be like this between us. I miss you. I miss Mom and Dad as well. I’m really trying here, can’t you just give me a break?”


What inspires me right now?

 Pinterest. I've had a Pinterest account for a while now, but I tend to avoid it especially when I'm revising because I get distracted very easily. Three days ago, I was having a problem with a particular scene in A Needs so Insatiable, and decided to browse Pinterest just for fun. Five minutes later, I found a photo that literally knocked my socks off. All I can say is, Pinterest rocks! :)


What else I've been up to:

I'm spending  more time with my kiddies. The deadline to move out of the flat we are currently living in is end of next week. I've been dilly-dallying with this move, it's not funny..hehe I guess after living in a place for about ten years, I'm attached to it.

How about you? What have you been upto?