Super Book Blast Virtual Tour and Giveaway: Heroes Live Forever by Chris Karlsen

Heroes Live Forever

by 

Chris Karlsen

BLURB:

Elinor Hawthorne has inherited a house haunted by the ghosts of two medieval knights, Basil Manneville and Guy Guiscard. Basil is the man of her dreams, her knight in shining armor. She falls in love with him and he with her. Basil soon realizes she needs to live a normal life, a happy life with a mortal.

A lifetime later fate intervenes. Basil, still in love with Elinor, is told her spirit lives on in a young woman and he is given another chance at life to find her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

He turned her around and untied the laces of her dress. His fingers lingered at each sliver of exposed skin the open laces left. The gown fell away from her shoulders and rough palms eased the sleeves down, freeing the arms. He inched the dress over hips, unwrapping her like a gift, the silk pillowing at her feet like a bronze cloud.


GIVEAWAY!



Chris will be giving away a digital copy of her thriller, "Golden Chariot" to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a $50 Amazon gift card to another randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author Bio:

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.


Links: http://www.chriskarlsen.com/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/chriskarlsenwriter
http://pinterest.com/chriskarlsen/

Crashers by Lindy S. Hudis, Guest Post and Kindle Fire Giveaway

Crashers - How Not to be a Victim of One.

By Lindy S. Hudis

Of the 10 million or so automobile accidents reported each year, one out of five of them may not even be accidents at all. In fact, they just may be a planned or “staged” accident – one of the fastest growing types of fraud in the country today.  If you drive a car, you could be another victim.

What criminals find most alluring about this type of fraud, is that it is difficult to prove.  This is why the “crash for cash” accidents continue to be a growing problem. How fast is this growing? The National Insurance Crime Bureau states that as recently as 2009, there were around 85,000 questionable insurance claims reported. That is up 43% from 2008. It may not be bank robbery, but this crime is here to stay.

There is also an array of professionals who are recruited to participate in this type of fraud. Attorneys, doctors and various “victims” - sometimes referred to as “cappers” and “hammers” -  all collaborate to misrepresent facts to fraudulently obtain insurance money. The results of this are skyrocketing costs for insurance premiums, medical insurance, and various other expenses. This crime costs the insurance industry literally hundreds of millions each year.

Staged automobile accidents usually include these types of situations: fake auto accidents with phony injuries, falsification of reports about cars being hit, and “victims” being added to fake accident reports.

There are several types of scams involved in these particular crimes:

1) Swoop and Squat – A vehicle, the “hammer car”, will cut you off in traffic (the swoop) and suddenly slams on the brakes (the squat) which results in a rear-end collision. The suspect car has “victims”, or “stuffed passengers”, who claim to have painful neck and back injuries, even if the collision was at a low speed.

2) Sideswipe – A fraudulent “victim”/ driver could deliberately ram you at a busy intersection.

3) “Helpers” – You could be approached by a friendly stranger at the scene of an accident. They may seem like they are trying to “help” you, but in reality they will try to bully you into seeking treatment at a specific medical clinic, a specific attorney, or an specific body shop for the repairs on your car. This person could be a “capper” – an individual who recruits various people into his network.

What can you do to avoid being a victim? The answer is to be proactive, not reactive. First, never tailgate. It’s dangerous, and makes you an easy mark for any unscrupulous drivers.  Second, glance into your rear view mirror every 8 seconds to observe the drivers behind you. Keep a safe distance between you and them. Third, look beyond the car in front of you while driving. Keep your eyes up and on the road at all times.  Never drive distracted. If you follow basic common sense advice while driving, you can be rest assured that you, and your passengers, will remain safe, and you won’t be a victim to any dishonest drivers.


About the Author:

Lindy S.Hudis is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama. She is a former actress, having appeared on such television shows as “Sunset Beach” and “Married with Children”. Her romantic murder mystery, Weekends, is currently available from Lachesis Press. She is also a filmmaker, her independent short film “The Lesson”, which she wrote, produced and directed, screened at the Seattle Underground Film Festival. She is co-owner of an independent production company called Impact Motion Pictures. She and her husband Steve, a Hollywood stuntman, have just completed the screenplay adaptation of Charmaine Hammond’s best selling book, “On Toby’s Terms.”  She lives in California with her family.

Visit Lindy on the web at www.crashersbook.com.

To get your paperback copy of CRASHERS: A TALE OF CAPPERS AND HAMMERS by Lindy S. Hudis at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Crashers-A-Tale-Cappers-Hammers/dp/1936332272/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338825994&sr=1-

To get your ebook copy of CRASHERS: A TALE OF CAPPERS AND HAMMERS by Lindy S. Hudis in the Kindle Store:  http://www.amazon.com/Crashers-A-Tale-Cappers-Hammers/dp/1936332272/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338825994&sr=1-1

Visit Lindy S. Hudis’ publisher’s page:

http://www.bettieyoungsbooks.com/authors/LindyHudis/index.htm

Like Lindy S. Hudis on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736712042

Follow Lindy S. Hudis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Lindyscribe

Follow Lindy S. Hudis at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10311165-lindy-hudis

Like Lindy S. Hudis at LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=17714000&trk=tab_pro

Visit Lindy S. Hudis film production company:  http://www.impactmotionpictures.com/


About the Book:

Fraudulent car accidents is a multi-million dollar racket, involving unscrupulous medical providers, personal injury attorneys, and the cooperating passengers involved in the accidents—and who also receive a portion of the illegal proceeds. Such is the fate of newly engaged, Nathan and Shari, whose joy is tempered by the dark cloud of mounting debt.

A chance encounter with a stranger in whom Shari confides her troubles proves fortuitous: he tells her of a get-rich-quick scheme that will put her and her fiancé on easy street. Seduced by the chance to move from hard times to good times in no time, Shari takes the carrot offered her, and finds herself acting as a “stuffed passenger”—the “victim” in a staged auto accident. The act goes according to plan and Shari gets her payday, but getting out and breaking free of the insurance fraud underworld will take nothing short of a miracle.

A modern day cautionary tale, Crashers is a true-to-life novel that uncovers how the innocent get lured into the scheme of “cappers” and “hammers.”

A riveting story of love and desperation, greed and redemption.


KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY!


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My Name is Jake by Jennifer Turner, Review

Blurb:

My Name is Jake‘ is a colorfully illustrated, rhyming book for kids centered around a boy named Jake. Each page leads the reader through an activity that rhymes with Jake. Rhyming books for kids are perfect for young children, or early readers just beginning to put letters into words and rhyming them together. 

My Review:

This is a sweet little book for young children that focuses on things that rhyme with the name of the book's focal character, Jake. The pictures are vibrant and brightly colored, which will appeal to all young readers, and the story is rather charming and captivating, which will appeal to the parents. All in all, a sweet little gem of a book.

The Miracle Inspector by Helen Smith: Book Spotlight and Giveaway

About the Book:

The Miracle Inspector is a dystopian thriller set in the near future. England has been partitioned and London is an oppressive place where poetry has been forced underground, theatres and schools are shut, and women are not allowed to work outside the home. A young couple, Lucas and Angela, try to escape from London – with disastrous consequences.

“…this is an absolutely exceptional piece of fiction, a work of art befitting the best in socially-conscious literature.”
– Journal of Always Reviews

“…Only occasionally does a piece of fiction leap out and demand immediate cult status. Alison Wonderland is one.”
– The Times

“…Smith is gin-and-tonic funny.”
– Booklist

“Smith has a keen eye for material details, but her prose is lucid and uncluttered by heavy description. Imagine a satire on Cool Britannia made by the Coen Brothers.”
– Times Literary Supplement

About the Author:

Helen Smith is a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician’s assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel which was published by Gollancz (part of the Hachette Group).

She is the author of bestselling cult novel Alison Wonderland. She writes novels, poetry, plays and screenplays and is the recipient of an Arts Council of England Award. She’s a long-term supporter of the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture and mentors members of an exiled writers group to help them tell their stories.

Her latest book is the dystopian thriller The Miracle Inspector.

Visit her website at http://www.emperorsclothes.co.uk.

Friend her on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/ emperorsclothes

Become a fan at Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authorhelensmith

Friend her at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2833648.Helen_Smith

Pick up a copy of The Miracle Inspector at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Inspector-Helen-Smith/dp/0956517056

Giveaway!

Helen is giving away an e-copy of her book, The Miracle Inspector, to one lucky reader, so comment away!

Pam of Baylon Virtual Book Publicity Tour and Kindle Fire Giveaway!

About Pam of Babylon:

Pam Smith lives a charmed life as a well-to-do Babylon, N.Y., homemaker in a large house by the water. In her 50s with her children grown, Pam is happy with her exemplary husband Jack. After he has a heart attack on the subway, however, she finds out more than she ever wanted to know about Jack. Pam must confront a series of revelations that unmask a life she realizes she only thought she knew, and the losses and disappointments she discovers give color and understanding to a man markedly different than he appeared. Uncovering secrets and betrayals far worse than her most vivid nightmare, Pam retreats to their meticulous Babylon beach house, the one refuge she has to put the pieces of her life together and move toward ultimate forgiveness.

About Don’t you Forget About Me:

When charming, seemingly devoted Jack Smith dies, his wife and his two girlfriends are astonished to learn that they were not the only love of his life, and that, in fact, Jack was a rogue who was carrying on secret affairs with other women.

Shattered by grief and stunned by Jack’s betrayals, these three women, Pam Smith, Marie Fabian, and Sandra Benson, find themselves suddenly thrown together. They could have despised one another, jealously guarding their private memories of their time with Jack and hating those they perceived to be their rivals, but instead, the women begin to realize there might be strength in numbers and in shared pain. Slowly, they begin to open their hearts to one another. They bind together to try to make sense of their lives and to try to heal the terrible shock.

About Dream Lover:

The third book in the Pam of Babylon series, Dream Lover is a compilation of character studies of the women and one man who Jack Smith left behind. Slowly, they make their way to the Long Island village of Babylon for an audience with his widow. No longer in denial and stronger than she thought possible, Pam Smith is able to confront the horror of her marriage in its totality as she draws a new picture of the man she was married to. The new discoveries she makes empowers her and she is able to maintain her strength and the grace and compassion she’s known for. Truly a formidable woman, Pam conquers her worst demons in Dream Lover.







About the Author:

Suzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore with her husband, two dogs and two sheep. Her latest books are Pam of Babylon, Don’t You Forget About Me and Dream Lover.

To get your copy of PAM OF BABYLON by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Pam-Babylon-Suzanne-Jenkins/dp/1461135923/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310645577&sr=1-1

To get your copy of DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Forget-About-Book-Babylon/dp/1466219009/ref=pd_sim_b_2

To get your copy of DREAM LOVER by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Lover-Book-Three-Babylon/dp/1468126237/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Pick up your copy of PAM OF BABYLON by Suzanne Jenkins at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pam-of-babylon-suzanne-jenkins/1104205831?ean=2940013633056

Pick up your copy of DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME by Suzanne Jenkins at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-you-forget-about-me-suzanne-jenkins/1108113721?ean=2940014047722

To learn more about Suzanne Jenkins, visit her website: http://suzannejenkins.net/

Drop in at Suzanne Jenkins’ blog: http://2sheepinthecity.com

Visit Suzanne Jenkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/suzannejenkins3

Like Suzanne Jenkins on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannejenkinswriter


Giveaway Time!



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Sovereign Hope by Frankie Hope: A Review

Farley Hope was seventeen when her mother disappeared. In the last six months not much has changed, except that her eighteenth birthday came and went and still no sign of Moira. Her life is just as complicated as it always was: since her father died in a car crash before she was even born, she’s officially parentless, and to top it all off she’s still suffering from the hallucinations. Mind-splitting, vivid hallucinations- the kind prone to induce night terrors and leave you whimpering under your covers like a baby.

The last thing on her mind is boys. Farley is on break from St. Judes’ when she meets Daniel. It’s not some casual run in at a party, or even a blind date with friends, though. Daniel is the guy stalking her in his 1970′s Dodge Charger; the guy standing at her  window in the LA lunch hour traffic, determined  on dragging her out of her truck.

The moment Farley lays eyes on Daniel, everything changes. However, regrettably for Farley, her life isn’t set to change for the better. She is drawn into a world that will shake apart everything she thought she ever knew. There are truths out there that she must learn: who her father really was, and what it means to have his blood flowing through her veins; that a person’s soul is their only real currency, and there are people who would do anything to take hers; that loving someone can hurt so much more than hating them; but, most importantly, when your future is predestined, there is little you can do to change it.

Farley Hope is prophesied. Her coming has been awaited for hundreds of years. She is destined to end the tyranny of the Soul Reavers.

To do so she must die.

(from the author's website)

My Review:

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. For one thing, it just jumps right into the action without any build-up, so I started out just as confused as Farley about what the heck was going on. And you know what? It worked. Because I had to figure out what was going on, just like Farley. It wasn't long before I was totally sucked into the story. And what a story it is!

I read a lot of books with paranormal elements, adult and young adult alike, and I am constantly on the lookout for something different - you can only read so many books about vampires and fairies without feeling like it's all been done before. Well, this book is definitely different in so many ways and that is a very good thing. First, the plot. All I can say is 'Wow!' The world created by the author is at once stark and full of hope and this duality sort of runs through it to the end. And to the very end, you're kept wondering, 'Is she really going to die? Is there no other way to fulfill the prophesy?' Well, I won't give away the ending, but I will say it was spectacular - an incredible resolution to the problem. Does that mean Farley forfeits her life to save everyone else? Well, you're just going to have to read it for yourself to find out. But don't worry, it's well worth the read! And the whole theme of the prophesy? Unique, edgy, seat-of-your-pants suspenseful.

Then there are the characters. I haven't been this wowed by a cast of characters in a single story in a long time. Usually, there are a few I like, then a bunch I couldn't care less about. Not so here. I really liked all of the characters - well, except for the villains, but I'm not supposed to like them, right? Farley is a pretty amazing character. She strikes all the right chords here and is a well-balanced character who is dealing with the loss of her mother (who simply vanished one day) when her life is turned upside-down by strange beings bent on killing her - and the gorgeous stranger who saves her. Enter Daniel. Everything you could want in a hero, he's handsome, moody, serious - and will lay down his life to save you without hesitation. His story is pretty amazing as well and just adds so much depth to the overall story and how it affects Farley. They are good foils for each other and you can't help but root for them. You want them to get that happily ever after and you grieve alongside them when it appears that they won't.

Then we have Agatha and Aldan, Tess and Oliver, and a cast of others that just add so much to the story. I absolutely adored Agatha. I thought she was a wonderful secondary character and played well with all the others, whatever the situation called for. I loved how protective she was of Farley, and how nurturing. She supplied the mothering influence that Farley so sorely missed when her own mother went missing. Tess is a wonderful friend for Farley. Even when she's got a bone to pick with Farley, Tess is still there for her - supportive, loving and comforting. We should all have friends like that.

I could probably go on, but I won't - because that will cut into the time that you should be reading this book! I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Demons by Heather Frost: Book Spotlight and Giveaway

“Demons” 

by 

Heather Frost 

UPDATE: To read part one of the Prologue, go here.

Prologue (Part 2)

Fear Dearg
Present Day—Midnight
New Mexico, United States

I waited. There had been so much waiting the past few weeks. But it was nearly over now.

I stood in a small city park, just beside the pool of yellow light cast by the lone street lamp. It was a quiet night—no cars could be seen, and even the sounds from the highway were distant, as if muffled by the dark. Humans were asleep in their homes, unsuspecting of the evil that lurked in their midst. Unaware of me.

All at once I heard a car approaching down the otherwise quiet street. I straightened, angling my long body toward the sound. In seconds a pair of headlights flashed across me as the car came out of a side street and pulled toward the park, coming to rest against the curb. The lights switched off, but the car continued to run. I heard the power locks disengage, and I stepped up to the passenger door in front of me. I pulled it open before ducking smoothly inside.

There was no illumination in the car, yet from the glowing light outside I could see the scarred face of the driver. A man I’d seen many times but never really spoken to. Takao Kiyota was his name.
He was reaching into his jacket, pulling out a thin spray bottle. It appeared to be innocent perfume, though I knew differently.

He handed it over sleekly, skipping a greeting and moving on to the warning. “There isn’t much. Only one guaranteed potent dose. You cannot fail.”

I took the bottle and stuffed it into my own pocket without bothering to study it. “I never do.”
Kiyota’s head dipped once, allowing that, before he continued. “The Demon Lord assures me your target will be susceptible. Romero reported as much when his Seer saw him at the club last week.”
“I’m sorry I missed O’Donnell. I was in the area.”

The Demon Lord’s personal Seer smiled, but it was completely chilling. It was a smile I knew well, for it was identical to mine. “Yes, that was a pity, wasn’t it?”

I glanced out the windshield, my words firm. “I will be doing this differently than originally discussed.”

“How differently?”

“I’m unwilling to approach O’Donnell so directly. This situation requires a bit more finesse.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?”

My nonanswer was answer enough.

The Demon Lord’s Seer spoke deeply. “Very well. But you must not forget the stakes. There is more than the Demon Lord’s fury to risk.”

“I’m perfectly aware of the risks. That’s the reason I’m here. I would not entrust this Seer to anyone else. Kate Bennett is mine.”

The Seer seemed to consider his words carefully. When he spoke, his voice was low. “You’re sure she’s the one?”

“I’m positive.”

His lips compressed into a thin line. “If you’re right, she’s worth more than the Demon Lord first imagined.”

Again, I didn’t bother to comment. Instead, I got right to the point. “I could use your talents, if you can spare a couple of days.”

Kiyota’s answer was immediate. “My orders were to see that you have everything you need.”

I smiled darkly, fingering the bottle in my pocket. “Excellent.”

Giveaway:

Heather has kindly offered an e-copy of Demons for one lucky reader! So comment away for a chance to win.

Where to find Heather:

Website: http://heatherfrost.com/ 

Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seers-The-Official-Fan-Page/158893460846605?ref=ts

Goodreads Author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983261.Heather_Frost

In the Moonlight with Mary Carter, Author of The Things I Do for You

TAKING RISKS

By 

Mary Carter

In my latest novel, The Things I Do For You, my main male character is always trying (and failing) to get new ventures off the ground. He tries a surf shop in Santa Monica, a sweater shop in Seattle, a coffee house in Colorado, and finally, a lighthouse on the Hudson River that he wants to run as a bed and breakfast. Understandably, his wife, Bailey, is about to lose her mind.

What about you? Are you a dreamer? A self-starter? Or have you always played it safe? Surely you know of others who are just like Brad. I would have to say, I have always been a combination of Bailey and Brad. I love the idea of starting new adventures, but before I commit, my “Bailey” usually kicks in, raking over the pros and cons before I lose my shirt. Writing is a great way of taking risks through your characters. And unlike in life, in novels we want our characters to struggle. It’s the only way we’ll get to see what they’re made of, what they’ll do next.

I recently took a “Brad” type risk of my own. I started teaching 6-week writing classes in New York City. I have partnered with a man who has taught this writing course in Chicago for the past twenty-six years. Just a few months after I began contemplating doing this, and The Manhattan Writer’s Den has been born. I’m sitting here now, writing this post. On Thursday night, I will have a room full of students, eager to learn the craft of writing. The past few months I’ve spent decorating, preparing, studying, and advertising. I’ve been through two complete 6-week sessions, and have been amazed at how fast the time flies when you’re doing what you love. I put in twelve hour days without a second thought. I wake up excited to go to work.

On the other hand, it’s been a bit scary because I’ve invested a lot into it, and I’ve had to make sacrifices (such as getting a roommate after twenty-some years of living on my own—not counting the ex-husband) but it’s also been one of the most freeing things I’ve done in a long time. Until you’re a best seller, or a movie is made of one of your novels, most writers don’t make a fortune. We still needs jobs to fall back on. I’ve spent twelve years doing a job that I liked well enough, but didn’t love. Maybe writing The Things I Do For You helped open me up to the own possibilities in my life, or maybe it was just time. Either way, I’m now working at something I love, and spending most of my time talking about my passion: writing. Hats off to those who live their dreams. I would advise a balance between daydreaming and planning it out. Most businesses take at least a year to five years to get off the ground. This is where funding and planning come in handy. New ideas are inherently risky, but don’t let that stop you from living your dreams, one step at a time. Until then, sit back with The Things I Do For You, and be glad it’s not your pocketbook funding Brad’s dreams.

About the Author:

Mary Carter is a freelance writer and novelist. The Things I Do For You, is her sixth novel. Her fifth novel, The Pub Across the Pond, was July’s pick of the month with Barnes and Noble online book club, and is also available as an audiobook through Blackstone Audio. Her other works include:  My Sister’s Voice, Sunnyside Blues, She’ll Take It, and Accidentally Engaged.  In addition to her novels she has written three novellas: A Very Maui Christmas in the New York Times best selling anthology Holiday Magic, The Honeymoon House in the New York Times best selling anthology Almost Home, and A Kiss Before Midnight (in an anthology collection headlined by Janet Daily) which will be out in the Spring of 2013. Mary is also excited to announce that she has started, The Writers’ Den, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where she will be teaching the exact writing course that helped her write and publish her first novel. Aspiring writers in the New York City area can go to www.themanhattanwritersden for more information.

Readers can visit Mary at www.marycarterbooks.com.

To get your paperback copy of THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU by Mary Carter at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Things-Do-For-You/dp/0758253370/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

To get your ebook copy of THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU by Mary Carter for your Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Things-For-You-ebook/dp/B007C738BC/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

To purchase a copy of THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU by Mary Carter at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-things-i-do-for-you-mary-carter/1105389647?ean=9780758253378

Like Mary Carter on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Carter-Books/248226365259

Follow Mary Carter on Twitter:https://twitter.com/marycarterbooks

About The Things I Do For You:

What happens to a marriage when a husband buys a lighthouse behind his wife’s back?
Bailey Jordan has loved her husband, Brad, since they were ten years old. She’s followed him on every adventure–opening a sweater store in Seattle, a café in Colorado, a surf shop in Santa Monica. Each time, she’s picked up the pieces when things fell apart. But now, it’s her turn. Bailey has a successful real estate career in Manhattan, and she’s eager to start a family–until a car crash leaves Brad in a coma and changes their lives forever.

Awakening after his near-death experience, Brad has a new mission. He buys a lighthouse on the Hudson River, planning to turn it into a B&B. Grateful to have Brad alive, Bailey tries to make his dream her own. The lighthouse is beautiful, but the challenges–renovating, bringing in supplies by boat, navigating the locals and guests–are enormous. And then Bailey discovers a secret in Brad’s past that compels her to question her husband, her marriage, and how far she’ll go to keep them both. . .

Thoughtful and moving, The Things I Do for You exhibits a rare understanding of the joys, compromises, and small rebellions that lie at the heart of every marriage, and of the resilience and surprising power of love.

Romance Guests - Long and Short Reviews: Anniversary Blog Fest: Margay Leah Justice

Romance Guests - Long and Short Reviews: Anniversary Blog Fest: Margay Leah Justice: Summers of Old I remember as a child thinking of summer as a passport to great adventures. Something wild and wonderful always seemed to h...

Untitled by Jackie Chanel: Book Tour, Interview and Giveaway

Questions:

1.  Did you always want to be a writer?

No, I actually wanted to be a pediatrician.  It wasn’t until my 2nd year in college when I realized that science and math were too daunting for me to eventually go on to be a doctor.  I used to write as a hobby and loved every second of it.  That’s when I decided that I wanted to write.

2. What is your writing schedule like?

I try to write every single day but it doesn’t usually happen that way.  The schedule posted on the wall in my home office says I’m supposed to write daily from 8pm -11pm.  Sometimes it’s shorter or longer.  Some days, I don’t write at all, especially if I’m too tired from my day job.  I don’t write well when I’m tired.

3. How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I attended a John Mayer concert in March 2010 and after he finished playing “Ain’t No Sunshine” a Bill Withers cover, I looked over at my friend and said “Who says a white boy can’t play the blues?”.  That one question became the plot for Untitled.

5. What has been the most interesting part of your writing/publishing journey so far? Most frustrating?

The most interesting thing has been experiencing the unity in the Indie author community.  It’s like we’re a team and we all want to help each other succeed.  It’s very fascinating.

The most frustrating thing is knowing that if I choose to never sign with a major publisher, there will be people who doubt my abilities as an author.  It’s frustrating to know that I can’t share or reach the same fans as Jackie Collins or any other of my favorite authors because I don’t have Random House backing my title.

6. Four reasons why readers should pick up your book.

Aside from the obvious (that’s it is a really good book), I think that readers should pick up Untitled because it isn’t just a romance novel or the story of a kid trying to make it in the music industry.  It’s an inspiring book that (hopefully) teaches the power of love and the power of dreams.

Second, it’s about a hot guitar player.

Third, I think many people will be able to relate to Aiden, but not just him.  His family and friends are people we’ve all known in our lives.

Fourth, it’s my favorite book out of the four that I’ve written so far.  I totally swoon over Aiden. His story was so fun to write and I want people to experience the fun I had.

7. Print or ebooks?
I will never give up print books, even though I am a proud Kindle owner.  I love the smell and feel of books in print.  For convenience, I love e-books.  I publish in both formats.

8. What's next for you?

I’m currently working on the 2nd book that follows the lives of Aiden and Sunny in Untitled.  It’s called Unsung and has a tentative October release scheduled.

9. How do you unwind? Hobbies?

I unwind by listening to music and reading.  I never had any real hobbies that didn’t include some sort of writing until recently.  I’ve gotten into vinyl records and building my vinyl collection and upgrading my sound system has become my new hobby.

10. Anything else you'd like to add?

Just wanted to say thank you for having me and Untitled on your blog today.  This is my first book tour where I wasn’t working with bloggers that I knew and it’s been fun and exciting.  I really appreciate being here.

Untitled
by Jackie Chanel

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

BLURB:

For some, music is an escape from the every day norm.

For Aiden, it's his life's blood.

Already a star in his own mind & with the help of an unlikely partner, Aiden's escape from a life less ordinary begins with the blues and a guitar. Only he can determine where it ends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:


Halfway through his set, the announcement that I’d been impatiently waiting for came over the PA system.

“It’s that time...what we call a blues jam!  I know there’s someone out there who wants to jam with us! Come to the stage, plug in, grab some sticks and let’s jam!”

I rushed the stage like a thirteen year old girl at a New Kids on the Block concert.  Paulie was right behind me.

I picked the amp closest to Joey Clausen and plugged in Dee-Dee.  I played a few cords to check that she was tuned properly.  She sounded perfect.

The bass player, a smooth looking older black man, looked me up and down and started to snicker.
“You sure you want to do this, kid?” he asked.

“Hell yeah,” I muttered, slightly offended by his snicker.

“This is a blues jam session,” he added as if I didn’t know.  “This ain’t no Guns N Roses concert.”

“I wouldn’t be up here if it was,” I replied shortly.

“White boy thinks he can play the blues, huh,” he gaffed.  “You must think you’re Stevie Ray or something.”

I shrugged my shoulders.  “You must think that.”

I took a few steps away from the dude.  Now I was nervous.  I know how I look to the all black band.  After all, I am just a white boy in a Hendrix t-shirt, cargo shorts, and Nikes with no socks holding a guitar.  There aren’t many of us who play the blues.  Looks can be deceiving, because I can play.

I don’t care that I look different from other Blues players.  Who says that all Blues players have to be black and from the South?  However, the bass player’s assumption that I’m trying to be like Stevie Ray made me feel a little apprehensive.

I’m not trying to be like anyone.  There are tons of guitarists that influence me, but I like to think that there’s a distinct difference between me and them.  I got nervous...more like terrified.  I could be a great blues guitarist, but what if no one accepts that style of music coming from me, a white kid from the suburbs?



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jackie Chanel is a contemporary romance author and self proclaimed badass.  Her writing career began in high school when she began writing short romance stories about her celebrity crushes.  Her very first novel was penned while she was a high school senior in Youngstown, Ohio.  She insists that no one will ever read it.

Jackie studied at Georgia State University and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.  When she’s not writing or daydreaming, she can often be found drooling over the latest Chanel shoes or reading on her Kindle with a cup of coffee in hand and a little Mayer or Hendrix in the background.

Her characters are a reflection of the people she has encountered along her writing journey and her books are often inspired by her favorite thing, music.

Social Media:

Twitter Handle: @JackieChanel
Twitter Page:  https://twitter.com/#!/JackieChanel
Facebook: Author Jackie Chanel
Facebook Author Page:  http://www.facebook.com/jackiechanel
Website: http://www.jackiechanel.com/


Giveaway:

Jackie will be awarding gift baskets to two randomly drawn commenters which will include:

- a copy of the Untitled soundtrack
- a "I like Big Books and I cannot Lie" totebag
- Untitled themed or guitar shaped keychains
- $20 Amazon gift card.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/07/virtual-book-tour-untitled-by-jackie.html

Disclaimer Re: Yesterday's Post

Hello all, yesterday I jumped the gun and posted a blog spot too early. For anyone who might have commented on it, please look for it in September. I apologize for the confusion and the inconvenience.

Voluspa: Book Spotlight and Kindle Fire Giveaway

About the Book:

Centuries ago, war between aliens and humans almost destroyed the world. To prevent such a war from happening again, a mighty ruler then formed a secret society of nine powerful humans and aliens called the Bramhas. These Bramhas each wrote a book imparting ancient wisdom and knowledge. The possession of these books could bring about untold power and success. The nine books were hidden but the desire to possess those books, still cause men to fight wars and turn against each other. One such war was fought in the realm of Voluspa decades back; the consequences of that war still resonate in this magical land. Two young lovers get caught in this tussle and it changes their destinies forever. Amy’s humdrum life takes a complete 180’ turn with the death of her stepfather.

She goes to live with her grandmother – her only living relative, though she hasn’t seen her in the last five years. Among her mother’s childhood memorabilia, she finds a book ‘Legends of Voluspa’ that captures her imagination. She becomes so engrossed in the book that she starts dreaming about the places in the book till one night she finds herself inexplicably transported to the new world – Voluspa, as described in the book. Here she meets Drake, who unknown to her is a shape shifter. Chemistry cackles between the two from the very first and as they discover that they share a lot in common, a tenuous bond forms between the two. ‘I’ll keep you safe’ vows Drake and he remains true to his word as he befriends her and saves her from various troubles that befall her over the next couple of months.

In Voluspa, Amy discovers a new way of life. It’s a magical world inhabited by primarily four clans – Empaths, Morphus, Mendens and the Pulchrous. The Empaths have the power of mind, the Morphus are the shape shifters, Mendens are the healers while the Pulchrous possess physical perfection and strength. With the help of an old family friend, Amy takes her rightful place in the Empath clan. This marks a new chapter in Amy’s life. She realizes her own powers and subsequently starts going to a school to enhance the same. With Drake by her side, she makes some wonderful friends. However, her life is not all smooth sailing; trouble comes when she learns the truth about her biological parents. She realizes that her very existence is against Voluspan law which forbids the union between individuals belonging to two different clans. History threatens to repeat itself as she realizes that her predicament was not that different from what her mother had faced, decades back. She is totally in love with Drake, who belongs to the Morphus clan.

The enchanting world of Voluspa is far from Utopic; it has barely recovered from a devastating war fought twenty years back when the peace of the land is once again threatened by Gangrels, the evil army of aliens. The two young lovers soon realize that besides contending with forbidden love, they have to deal with other impediments. Ancient enmities, a past war, a much coveted book, all conspire against the two lovers. Gangrels reappear in Voluspa and Drake falls in the clutches of one such evil being who would stop at nothing to realize his fiendish ambitions. Amy and her friends cross realms, face enemies, deal with challenges, solve riddles and brave possible destruction, as they set off on an adventure to rescue Drake. The ‘Force of Sutra’ clashes with the ‘Elemental Force’ of the Gangrels as Amy and her friends are faced with an indomitable enemy. They use strategic warfare, pit adversaries among themselves and use every last drop of strength, skill and courage as they take on warriors far more ruthless and skilled than themselves.

As Amy embarks upon a quest to save Drake, her love for him is tested at every turn but she never wavers from her objective. Braving imminent death she manages to reach Drake – only to find a changed person. Gone is the man she is in love with, instead a dangerous stranger stood in his place. This Drake was teetering at the edge between becoming completely evil and retaining his own soul. He almost harms Amy but stops himself at the very last minute. His love for Amy proves to be stronger than the evil entity threatening to overpower him. However when chips are down, Drake comes through. He sets aside his personal well-being in order to save Amy, one last time. Drake is perhaps lost forever but hope dies last – Amy is determined to get back Drake, no matter what the cost.

  

About the Authors:

Ray East and Sam D has moved to Voluspa and live in the Forest of Skotos with their 5 year old daughter and a pet Typhon. They visit Earth with the help of an Empath from time to time. Ray East did her masters in Phsychology from Univeristy of Sussex and has worked as a counselor for adolescents. Sam D used to teach at a SPJC before he moved to Voluspa. Their latest book is Voluspa: A Magical World.

To get your copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D & Ray East at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/VOLUSPA-A-Magical-World-Sam-D/dp/0985681608/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1 To get your e-copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D & Ray East for your Kindle at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Voluspa-A-Magical-World-ebook/dp/B008BCZBTE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Order your copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D. & Ray East at B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voluspa-a-magical-world-sam-d/1111523622?ean=2940014770675

To learn more about Sam D and Ray East, visit their website: www.magicalworldofvoluspa.com

Visit Sam D & Ray East on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/voluspa

Like Sam D & Ray East on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldofvoluspa

Follow Sam D & Ray East at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15592516-voluspa



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Wanting Rita Book Tour and Kindle Fire Giveaway

Wanting Rita: Book Tour

and

Kindle Fire Giveaway

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Columbia University. She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist. She and her husband, Douglas Pennington, have completed three novels: The Astrologer’s Daughter, Wanting Rita and a Christmas novel to be released later this year.

Douglas grew up in a family where music and astrology were second and third languages. He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years. With his wife, Elyse, he has helped to pen The Astrologer’s Daughter and Wanting Rita.

When asked how they write a novel together, Doug often answers, “Well… If Elyse is dismissive and quietly pacing, then I know something’s not working. If I’m defensive, dramatic and defiant, then I know Elyse will soon be scowling and quietly pacing. We remind ourselves of Rita and Alan James in our novel, Wanting Rita. How the books get finished, I don’t know.”

Elyse Douglas live in New York City. To learn more about Elyse Douglas, go to their website: www.elysedouglas.com

To get your e-copy of Wanting Rita by Elyse Douglas at Amazon: http://amzn.to/ILDZQ4

Visit Elyse Douglas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#/douglaselyse

Like Elyse Douglas on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Elyse-Parmentier/100000613166681


ABOUT THE BOOK:

When his high school sweetheart experiences a devastating tragedy, Dr. Alan Lincoln reluctantly returns to his Pennsylvania hometown to see her. It’s been 15 years. Rita was a small town beauty queen—his first love whom he has never forgotten. He was a nerd from a wealthy family. Her family was poor. They formed a strong connection during their senior year, but Rita married someone else, and the marriage ended tragically. Alan’s marriage of three years is disintegrating, and he sees in Rita the chance to begin again with the true love of his life. Rita has been mentally and emotionally shattered, but she reaches out to Alan and fights to build a new life with him. During a passionate summer, however, the past and present converge and threaten their rekindled love, as Alan and Rita must struggle with old ghosts and new secrets.

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Walking with Elephants by Karen S. Bell, Spotlight and Giveaway

Walking With Elephants

by Karen S. Bell

BLURB:




Bridget Jones meets Erma Bombeck.

Suze Hall is at a crossroads. Her nemesis at work, Wanda, has been promoted and now will be her boss. Her husband, Bob, is leaving her and the three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under. To top it off, her best friend, Marcia, is missing in action—playing footsie with some new boyfriend!

Adding to this disaster stew, David, the gorgeous hunk who broke her young-girl's heart has coincidentally popped back into her life and has something she desperately needs to keep her job.

Walking with Elephants, a lighthearted slice-of- life story, brings to the table the serious work/family issues facing women today. It explores the modern dichotomy of a workplace that is filled with homemakers who still must cook, clean, carpool on nights and weekends, shop for prom dresses, and "create" the holidays—such as Suze.

But it also is filled with women who have the  same drive as men, have no family responsibilities, and will do what ever it takes to get ahead.

So step into the shoes of Suze Hall and commiserate over workplace politics, titillate your sexual fantasies, ride the wave of a working mother, and fall-down laughing.

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

EXCERPT:


At some point, David and I became inseparable. His loft was my secret home and I defined myself by his rules. And David had no rules. He enjoyed all life’s pleasures to excess. He did not divide the day into hours, but into moods. “I’m in the mood for food,” he’d say, or, “I’m in the mood to paint.” He was always in the mood for sex. I can see him rolling a joint with that twinkle in his eyes. I can hear Jimi Hendrix’s screeching guitar playing on the turntable as we got high and kissed...and kissed. I loved the softness of his skin and his delicate touch. I can see him looking at me so intensely; his eyes boring right through mine and into my heart. We were as close and connected as two people could be.

Or so I thought.

David became ethereal and then finally disappeared, as I became solid and thick with talk of commitment. He evaporated as I materialized. We were no longer in sync. That final conversation waited to steal my bliss on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in spring. We had frolicked in the park near campus, immersing ourselves in the scent of budding flowers and new mown grass. I remember how the soft, warm breeze came in waves and brought in its wake the happy sounds of small birds chirping. We rolled down hills and kissed in broad daylight, showing off our rapture. The world existed just for our pleasure and we were the only human inhabitants.

Walking with Elephants by Suze Hall

I was born before the Women’s Movement when housewives vacuumed in high-heeled shoes and called their husbands “dear” or “darling” and were called so in return. At least that’s how it was on The Donna Reed Show or Father Knows Best.

In those days, families had only one television set placed shrine-like in the living room where the entire family watched it together. Nothing on TV today can beat Sid Caesar’s The Show of Shows or Sunday nights with Ed Sullivan and Mom and Dad. When my family went to the movies, we paid a dollar and fifty cents for a double feature. The B movie, in black and white, was like the flip side of a forty-five record. Because the movies ran continuously, you could stay and watch the shows over and over and no one threw you out. So, nobody cared what time the movies started. The audience was a steady flow of comings and goings. On scorching summer days, going to the movies was a singularly special occasion, since no one had air conditioning in our apartments or homes.

I hardly go to the movies anymore; I rent them because it’s much cheaper and I can start a movie in the middle if I want—like when I was kid.

When I was kid, sneakers came in two styles—high tops for basketball and low tops for everything else—and they were the cheapest footwear you could buy.

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Walking with Elephants is my first novel, although I am not new to writing. I was a theater critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly tabloid in Jacksonville, Fl and I earned a Master’s in Mass Communication from Oklahoma State University. For 15 years I worked in Corporate America as a technical editor/editor/writer. I experienced first hand the politics and intrigue that goes with that territory and the balancing act that comes with being a working mother. I salute all those mothers who are the glue that holds their families together while pursuing the nine to five brass ring.

Website:  www.karensbell.com

Twitter@karensuebell


Blog: www.karensbell.com/blog1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walking-with-Elephants/128072693910419

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934037699

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/106051

 B&N.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/walking-with-elephants-karen-s-bell/1020589377?ean=9781934037690&itm=1&usri=walking+with+elephants


Giveaway!

Karen will be awarding a digital copy of "Walking With Elephants" to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.


My Review:

I was intrigued by the logline for this book - Bridget Jones meets Erma Bombeck - and I thought it would be a fun read. Unfortunately, for me, it wasn't. I read a lot of books, so I am the type of reader that needs to be hooked immediately or I'll move on to the next one. I was not hooked by this book. The opening did nothing to make me want to finish this book, and so I didn't. Perhaps other readers will have better luck with this book.