Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Series Blast: After the Silence Series by Jacqueline Paige

After the Silence Banner 450 x 169_thumb[1]

 

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clip_image002[5]_thumb[1]After the Silence – Bree

Part 1

Jacqueline Paige

Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy / Survivalist

Tagline: One woman’s journey through the chaotic new world.

Those left standing make the paths for the future generations.

Book Description:

When the Mother Nature decides she’s had enough and begins to fight back, survival takes on a whole new meaning. If the earth is the enemy – there are no rules and all you can do is try to survive the odds.

Those the planet allowed to live still have to survive the trials of the virus. If you manage to come out of it alive you are left with some form of mutation that could give you an ability that could be harmless or lethal.

Bree Taylor is the last survivor of her family. With no other choice she sets off on her own to escape the clutches of the new government’s army—that does not place safety and security in their code of behavior only the highest bidder get their protection and loyalty.

Living in a world of unstable climate changes becomes a journey she won’t soon forget. She has to be prepared for anything at all times out in the new country and has to be wary of every person she meets. All while staying out of the path of the new army.

This is a 4 part serial story releasing from June - September.

Release Date for part 1 is June 18, part 2 releases July 18th

The entire volume will be released in January 2015 as one book.

http://www.firstrealmpublishing.com/

excerpt

The snapping and crunching of branches told me something was moving through the trees. Turning the flash light off, I hunched down to be as small and invisible as possible. I listened in the darkness for anything that would let me know where the noise had come from and what had made it. Voices were carried to me in the dark, a man and a woman. I moved slowly back towards my things and sat with my back against the tree straining to see in the dark.

Time stopped as I waited to see if the voices kept moving or came closer. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if they did come closer. I touched the handle of the knife inside my coat, hoping this wasn’t when I find out if I could use it. Leaves rustled from behind me. I held my breath and pushed back against the tree, waiting. When I heard a low growl coming from around the tree I think even my heart even paused.

I had strangers coming closer on one side of me and an animal voicing a warning behind me. Tremor shook his head and pranced a few times and the growling got louder. I sat there trying to gauge what was the most important and decided there was no way I was going to let something happen to my horse. Sliding up the tree as quietly as I could, while focusing on the voices, I tried to recall every skill instilled in me, drawing more blanks than anything useful.

Pulling the knife from the pocket, I prayed it was sharp enough to cut the rope I’d tied Tremor to. I guessed I had about fifteen seconds to cut it and get to the horse before whatever was growling took a bite off one of my legs or other body parts. Chewing my lip, I hoped I could still get on his back without the saddle. The plan was to ride like hell and come back later for my stuff—if we could find it again.

 

 

 

clip_image004[4]_thumb[1]After the Silence – Bree

Part 2

Jacqueline Paige

Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy / Survivalist

One woman’s journey through the chaotic new world.

Bree Taylor is the last survivor of her family. With no other choice she sets off on her own to escape the clutches of the new government’s army—that does not place safety and security in their code of behavior only the highest bidder get their protection and loyalty.

Living in a world of unstable climate changes becomes a journey she won’t soon forget. She has to be prepared for anything at all times out in the new country and has to be wary of every person she meets. All while staying out of the path of the new army.

 

 

 

 

excerpt

Claws dug into me as it climbed to my neck at the same moment ice cold water swallowed me. My breath left my body so quickly it felt like my lungs were going to burst. The intense pain from the incisions the animal was making across my chest brought me the strength to kick as hard as I could towards the surface. I wasn’t the strongest swimmer by far, but I had more than enough will to live to try for both of us.

In the brief glimpses I managed to keep my head above the water, I didn’t spot the shore once. We were being sucked into the middle. Through the white choppy water that blurred my vision I was only able to catch a quick look each time before we were dragged under again. I could feel the rocks rake over my back and hoped there would be enough flesh left to survive it.

The cat was practically wrapped around my neck and holding several layers of skin and flesh captive in its young claws as we swirled around again in a deep pit of rushing water. Each time we surfaced, I gulped as much air into my lungs as I could before water filled my mouth again. The undercurrent calmed just long enough for me to find the direction of shore and with every ounce of strength I could find I kicked and paddled with my arms trying to shove us in that direction. I could make out a tree that was floating near the bank just seconds before I was inhaling water again.

Hitting the bottom I shoved as hard as I could and tried to aim to the calmer water near the shore, not even knowing if I was going in the right direction until air hit my face once more. The tree was still in sight and I somehow knew if we didn’t reach it we wouldn’t be on land after that. Releasing my hold on the animal that was anchored to me so deeply that no way was it going to jump off and float away I swam towards the tree and prayed I’d reach the limbs lying in the water before we were dragged beyond them.

  

 

abouttheauthor

 

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Jacqueline Paige lives in Ontario in a small town that’s part of the popular Georgian Triangle area. No one has ever heard of Stayner, so she usually tells people she lives “near Collingwood” and no, she doesn’t ski at Blue Mountain or at all, in fact she’s not even fond of snow.

She began her writing career in 2006 and since her first published works in 2009 she hasn’t stopped. Jacqueline describes her writing as “all things paranormal”, which she has proven is her niche with stories of witches, ghosts, physics and shifters now on the shelves.

When Jacqueline isn’t working at her ‘reality job’ or lost in her writing she spends time with her five children, most of whom are finally able to look after her instead of the other way around. Together they do random road trips, that usually end up with them lost, shopping trips where they push every button in the toy aisle, hiking when there’s enough time to escape and bizarre things like creating new daring recipes in the kitchen. She’s a grandmother to four (so far) and looks forward to corrupting many more in the years to come.

Jacqueline loves to hear from her readers, you can find her at www.jacqpaige.webs.com , www.jacqpaige.blogspot.ca or http://magicseasonsbooks.blogspot.ca

Monday, July 28, 2014

Cover Reveal: Tempted by a Rogue Prince By @felicityheaton

temptedbyarogueprince-felicityheatonTempted by a Rogue Prince (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 3)
Felicity Heaton
An elf prince on the verge of losing himself to the darkness, Vail is maddened by the forty-two centuries he was under the control of a witch and forced to war with his brother. Now, he roams Hell seeking an escape from his terrible past and the heads of all who bear magic. When demons of the Fifth Realm capture him, he sees a chance to end his existence, but when he wakes in a cell to a beautiful female, he finds not death but his only shot at salvation—his true fated mate.

Captured by the enemy of the Third Realm when the war ended, Rosalind has spent months in the cells of the Fifth Realm with her magic bound, forced to heal the new king’s demon warriors, and haunted by the lives she has taken. When she’s brought to heal an unconscious man, she discovers her only hope of escape has come in the form of her worst nightmare and the first part of a prediction that might spell her doom—a devastatingly handsome and dangerous dark elf prince.

Unwilling to fall under the control of anyone ever again, Vail must escape before the Fifth King can use him as a pawn in a deadly game of revenge, but he cannot leave without Rosalind, the woman who looks at him with dark desire in her stunning eyes and awakens a fierce hunger in his heart. A witch who drives him mad with need even as the darkness within whispers she will enslave him too.

Can Rosalind escape her fate as they embark on a journey fraught with danger and resist the temptation of her rogue elf prince? And can Vail overcome the memories that madden him in order to seize his chance for salvation and the heart of his fated female forever?

Pre-order links and a first chapter preview of Tempted by a Rogue Prince are available at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/tempted-by-a-rogue-prince-paranormal-romance-novel.php

Tempted by a Rogue Prince is due for release in ebook and paperback on August 9th 2014 and will be available from all major online book retailers.

Join Felicity’s mailing list to receive a notification when Tempted by a Rogue Prince is released, PLUS a sneak preview of the first 6 chapters of the book and chances to win a signed copy: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/newsletter.php

Add the book to your Goodreads shelf at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20940832-tempted-by-a-rogue-prince

Books in the Eternal Mates paranormal romance series:

Book 1: Kissed by a Dark Prince

Book 2: Claimed by a Demon King

Book 3: Tempted by a Rogue Prince

Book 4: Hunted by a Jaguar – coming in 2015

About Felicity Heaton:

felicityheaton

Felicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk

Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton

Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Cover Reveal: Beneath the Scars by @morelandmelanie

Beneath the Scars-ebook

Event Organized by ❤MaE Book Tours & Promo Stars Services

Synopsis The sound of the ocean, the crash of the waves as they kick up against the sand and rocks—these are the only sounds Megan Greene wants to hear. She wants to leave the rest of the world behind, and find some peace. The offer of a private house on the beach, set in a small town in Maine, is perfect. Time to think—to be by herself. It’s all she wants. It’s the escape she needs. Until she stumbles across the painting that seems to echo her own chaotic mindset. Until she meets the unfriendly artist behind the stormy painting and discovers his secrets. All Zachary Adams wants is to be left alone. His canvases, and the unending scope of the ocean and sand, are his life. They direct him—fill his hours. Bring him focus. Until she enters his life. She dredges up memories of the past—the haunting images he has hidden for years; the fears he has never shared. A story he keeps buried below the surface. Can she make him see what he is missing? Can he trust her enough to believe? Together they embark on a journey where their pasts collide and threaten to tear them apart. Will their fragile bond hold or wash away with the ebbing tide?

Genre Adult Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication Date October 14th 2014

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About the Author

author logoMelanie Moreland lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her husband and four children. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. Known as the quiet one with the big laugh, Melanie works for the sporting teams of a local university. Her (box) office job, while demanding, is rewarding as she cheers on her team to victory. While seriously addicted to coffee, and somewhat challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties and socialize, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. Melanie delights in writing a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative story lines to her even more inspired tales, for all to enjoy.

Connect with Melanie Moreland!

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

MaE Book Tours Promo Stars Services

Visit all the sites participating in the reveal

http://houseofmalfunction.com

http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Book Blast, Giveaway & Author Interview: The Spirit and The Shadow Book 1 by Thomas Lavalle

The Spirit and the Shadow Banner 851 x 315

bookblast

 

clip_image002The Spirit and The Shadow

Book 1

Author: Thomas Lavalle

Illustrator: Brandon Swope

Genre: Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller

Publisher: No Rules Media Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 9780991461004

ASIN: B00JBU4IVC

Number of pages: 180

Word Count: 11,000

Cover Artist: Brandon Swope

Book Description:

A fast-paced, paranormal suspense thriller from a new creative team that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are pulled into the chase for a vampire by those who want his secret, others who are out for justice, and one man seeking revenge.

In a world where vampires and humans coexist, Detectives Aiden Lawson and Robert Garrison are after a vampire wanted for murder. This accused vampire is also hunted by the murder victim's brother, an assassin gone rogue from his clandestine agency. What these men will learn, is that this vampire has a secret – a secret that very powerful men and vampire alike will go to great lengths to acquire. The story follows the paths of these individuals as they uncover the truth. THE SPIRIT AND THE SHADOW is a mash-up of conspiracy and paranormal genres with suspense, vengeance, and BLOOD!

Available at iTunes Lulu Amazon Google Play

authorinterview

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Thomas: As a child, I wanted to be a starting pitcher for the NY Yankees – by 15 ...  lead singer for an alternative grunge band.  By the time I got to college, I realized I couldn’t pitch or sing and full-time college student seemed like a reasonable career path.  Eventually though, I did graduate and got a real job.  I didn’t start writing till I was 24, and it quickly became one of my favorite hobbies.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

Brandon: The Spirit and the Shadow is a conspiracy and paranormal genre mash-up with suspense, vengeance, and a promise ... there will be blood!

 Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

Brandon: We self published through a company we started, No Rules Media and Publishing.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

Thomas: It took Brandon and I just about two years to finish the first book ... mainly because our day-jobs and surfing got in the way ... plus Brandon decided to start brewing his own beer, and I thought “that’s it!  I’ll never see a new drawing again!”  lol. 

Brandon: Ha!  Beer brewing is a minor distraction ... Let’s not forget we both moved and had new babies while creating the book!

Thomas:  If I had to look back and take a guess ... it took about six months to outline and draft the series and experiment with art style and layout, and about 12 months to finish the second draft with art.  The next four months were editing, illustration clean-ups, and character refinement (this is where I try to really ensure my characters have unique voices and are consistent to their personalities through the book)  The last two months was final editing and independent reviews.

What can we expect from you in the future? 

Brandon: Right now we’re focused on Book 2 of the series, with our goal of completing a trilogy.  However, we already have ideas for other installments past the initial series.  I’m looking at evolving the art as Tommy’s story is getting bigger and bigger!

Thomas:  I love this world we have conceptualized and have started building in the first book.  I believe we have some really strong and original ideas on vampire mythology that I am excited to further develop.   I can promise anyone that reads our book, we have an ending.  We know where this is all going, and it will be EPIC!

What genre would you place your books into?

Brandon: Paranomal, suspense.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

Thomas:  We didn’t pick the genre.  We wanted to tell a story using Brandon’s illustrations in a way different than a traditional graphic novel.   After talking about a several ideas, we both had common interest in vampires.  I took that and started brainstorming ...  I had an idea of starting with a dead man murdered in an ally – his throat ripped out by a savage bite.  Above him stood a vampire with a badge.  I asked Brandon to sketch it.  He did, and it was the basis of the opening image in our book.  From there, I built my story around that murder mystery ... I outlined the entire story, sent to Brandon...

Brandon: ...and I said, “I’m in!  Let’s do this!”

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

Brandon: Niklas.  He’s a very complex character – a trained and successful assassin, enraged by the death of his brother, but still maintains a strong moral compass. 

Thomas: Daniella.  I’m a sucker for the sexy, smart, sassy assistant.  She was easily the most fun to write and (I think) steals the show!

Who or what inspired you to write?

Thomas: In my early twenties, I had some ideas for stories, but never did anything with them.  This may sound silly, but I really didn’t have the courage to write them.  I thought they would probably suck.  I thought, “Who am I to write anything?”  My good friend (BC) encouraged me to write my first story.  It took two years to finish, and it is sitting on my hardrive waiting for me to revisit, revamp (and convince Brandon to draw, lol)

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

Thomas:  I do my best writing when I have stretches of uninterrupted quiet time!  I try to make the habit of always writing down story ideas as soon as I have them (along with a note of what gave me the idea in the first place).  I usually can go back and develop it at my own discretion... but need to have that seed planted in my notes.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Brandon: Absolutely!  As this is our first book, it’s important to read all the feedback we get.  We take away what we think is important and leave the rest.

Thomas:  I hate it, but yes.  I have no idea how people don’t...

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

Thomas:  I try not to force it, but it does help having it there in the beginning (even if it’s going to change) – Just helps with realizing the overall vision. 

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

Brandon: We based a lot of the character names on significant people in our lives.

Thomas:  “Niklas” is no one specific.  I work with a guy who spells his name that way, and thought it was cool.  Without giving a spoiler, a “villain” in our book is named after someone I personally do not like, and was able to project that frustration I have with this real life person in that character.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

Thomas:  I write the story first then developed the characters.  This just works best for me.  I am very plot focused in the beginning.  I am too concerned with everything making sense and knowing where the story is going to get stuck with character details.  Also, I don’t know what the characters look like during the initial drafting, I left that entirely up to Brandon...

Brandon: I defined initial character looks while Tommy was drafting the first script.  After I sent them to Tommy, he made various text revisions to further develop the traits and define the characters more robustly. 

Thomas:  The second draft is where my character’s voices really take shape and I find each unique identity.  My editor (JennaRose Garriton) was big in the process of making characters more identifiable and consistent throughout the book. 

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

Thomas:  Yes, and that is all I will say about that!  I want everyone to read this and take away from it whatever resonates with them.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

Brandon: eBook.  The convenience of having multiple books in-hand coupled with the light weight nature of eReaders is very appealing and for me wins out.  However, I do miss the visceral experience of holding a book, turning the pages, and the distinct paper smell.  If I have a book, I prefer hardback editions.

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

Brandon: Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates (By Tom Robbins).  The main character Switters goes on a zany adventure to South America and back, the story is quite ridiculous, which is part of the allure.  The way the author writes and the descriptions/metaphors he uses is unlike anyone else. 

Thomas: 1602 (by Neil Gaiman) – What an amazing take on classic super heroes, highly recommend!

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Brandon: I think they can, especially if it is a shorter book to begin with and there is no sacrifice on content, or if the book is very long winded and a movie condenses it to reasonable size.  Steven King’s short story Stand by Me is an awesome example of how this can be done effectively.  Also, Game of Thrones, which is an incredible story but I found hard to read because of the excruciating detail, is a great series to watch. Another good example is the Hunger Games series, which successfully translate into film.  However, more often than not I finish a movie feeling that it doesn’t do the book justice – one example is an older movie from a book I really like, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, is a pretty terrible movie rendition.

Thomas:  If anyone from Hollywood is reading this interview, please email us to discuss turning our book into a movie and/or TV show!

Your favorite food is?

Brandon: I love good food and good craft beer, especially when paired together.  However, pound for pound few things are better than a good burrito from your local taco shop.

Thomas: Agreed.

Your favorite singer/group is?

Brandon: This is hard, for a long time Jane’s Addiction and NIN topped the list.  Now I listen to a lot of Dandy Warhols and TV on the Radio.

Thomas:  I am sucker for anything early-mid 1990’s.

Your favorite color is?

Brandon: Oddly enough, or maybe not, as an artist I don’t have a favorite color.  I do generally prefer more natural earth tones than bright neon.  With respect to our book though, it is definitely red!

Your favorite Author is?

Brandon: Tom Robbins

Thomas: Jonathan Hickman

 

 

giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  abouttheauthor

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I have been advised against announcing that I am a first-time author – that it is basically asking a reader to take a chance in my book even though I have no track record. I have no history in fiction writing, never won any awards, and never took a literature or writing class (outside of basic 101 level college courses). While not advised, it is the truth, and as honest as this bio is, so is my writing. My name is Thomas Lavalle. I am a first time writer. I also surf, read comics, and I’m a dedicated father and husband. If you’re interested in paranormal suspense - take a chance and check out my book, it’s awesome!

http://www.thespiritandtheshadow.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20909825-the-spirit-and-the-shadow

http://www.facebook.com/thespiritandtheshadow

New Release!! TYLER - Inked Brotherhood, #2 by @AuthorJoRaven

Sexy dude

TYLER (Inked Brotherhood, #2)

RELEASE PARTY AND GIVEAWAY!

  WELCOME to the Launch Party for TYLER (Inked Brotherhood, #2)!!! TYLER is a New Adult contemporary (erotic) romance by author Jo Raven. It’s book #2 in the Inked Brotherhood series (coming right after ASHER) – but can be read as a stand-alone title, as well. We’re celebrating the release with giveaways of ebooks and gift cards on Jo Raven’s author page! We’ll be celebrating all day, so join us to read steamy excerpts and teasers from TYLER and for the chance to win electronic copies of Tyler, Asher and others!
Tyler_3D
SYNOPSIS
Four years have passed since I left home, my parents, and my brother Asher behind – since I shut out my past. And Erin. Four years since I last saw her, since I heard her voice and held her in my arms. I’ve spent my time forging a path from woman to woman, from bed to bed; trying to find an answer. But I think I’ve lost my way. There’s no light at the end of the dark. No big surprise. I carry the dark inside me. I’m a bastard – branded as such from the start. I never give my phone number and address; I take my pleasure and don’t come back for seconds. No commitments; no promises and no happy endings. Yeah, I’m a bastard down to the bone and I don’t give a damn. But now I’m back in my birth town, the town I fled at eighteen – back to make amends to the brother I abandoned and watch from afar the only girl I’ve ever wanted. Hope isn’t a currency I can afford; I learned that lesson long ago. Yet when she looks at me and says my name, I can’t help but hope. This is book 2 in the Inked Brotherhood series which started with Asher. It is a stand-alone work. No cliffhanger.


Tyler_teaser1
 

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EXCERPT
“Why?” I blurt out, to break the spell. “Why what?” his voice rumbles, low and deep, sending shivers skittering over my skin. I can’t let his face, his scent, his body take away my reason. I came here to talk. “Why did you leave four years ago?” His mouth flattens and he shoves his fingers through his unruly hair. Those broad shoulders roll in a shrug. That’s it? He thinks he’s off the hook that easily? No way. I push off the counter and get into his face—well, I crane my neck and almost rise on tiptoe, but it’ll have to do—and grab a fistful of his T-shirt. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going? Why didn’t you ever call? Where were you, for chrissakes?” “What do you care?” he says, so quietly I’m only sure he spoke because I’m looking right at his beautiful mouth. My grip on his T-shirt tightens. “Are you seriously asking me this?” “You told me I should go and never come back.” His eyes close briefly, and a pang goes through my chest. “That I was a bastard and an asshole and wasn’t worth the trouble.” I let go of him and take a faltering step back. I did say those things, didn’t I? “I’m sorry.” My hormones played havoc with my feelings back then, intensifying every feeling. “What about you? Why did you leave instead of talking this out? I never got a chance to tell you I’m sorry, you just…” I bite my lip and let out a long breath, but it catches in my throat. Maybe he hears it because he reaches for me and trails his thumb down the line of my jaw. The gesture stills me completely as his dark eyes nail me. I see sadness there, and fear. What is he afraid of? “I had to go,” he whispers and his hand drops away. “You left town, Tyler. Left everyone and everything and nobody knew where you were. God, I was so worried.” My throat constricts; I can barely swallow. “You were?” There’s a hitch in his voice, as if he doesn’t believe it. “Yes, I was.” I’ve been so afraid for him for so long, I can hardly believe he’s here, alive and well. I reach up and slide my hand over his chest. It’s hard; solid. “Why, Tyler? Tell me why you left.” “I don’t wanna talk about it,” he grinds out. I want to bang my fist on his chest and slap his face. My fingers curl against the soft fabric of his T-shirt, and I feel his muscles clench underneath. “Screw you,” I whisper and I hope my voice won’t break and betray me. “That’s all you have to say to me? I’m not going to—” “You’re so beautiful,” he whispers. Shocked into silence, I stare at him. His gaze is moving over my body, a hot, silky glide that steals my breath. His pupils are dilated, making his eyes look black. I try again. “After all this time, I just want to know—” His hand hooks around my back, pressing me to his body and he bends his head toward me, dark hair falling in his eyes. His mouth descends on mine, sealing the words inside. The world falls away with a murmur as he kisses me. I gasp and his tongue pushes inside, tangling with mine. He licks at my mouth, and he tastes so good—like dark chocolate and pepper. Familiar. Thrilling. Sexy. I want more. I slide my arms around his hips and kiss him back. His chest vibrates against me as he moans and then he drags me closer, until my breasts are crushed against his firm abs. A tiny voice at the back of my mind is screeching in protest—this shouldn’t be happening, we should be talking, explaining, finishing this off—but it’s drowned in the rushing of blood in my ears, the thundering beat of my heart. His smell, his taste, the feel of his muscular body, it sends waves of scalding heat over my skin, through me, tightening the tips of my breasts, starting a pulse between my legs. I cling to him as I burn from the inside out; I desperately need him—need to feel him around me, against me, inside me. Everywhere where he’s been missing for so long.  
Muscle sexy naked young man posing in jeans
 
AUTHOR BIO
Jo Raven writes New Adult erotic contemporary romance. She loves sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines, and divides her time between writing and reading. When not cooking up plots, she putters in her cluttered kitchen and dreams of traveling to India and Japan.  
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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Book Blast & Interview: Going Under by@jeffekennedy

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bookblast

 

clip_image002_thumb[1]Going Under

Falling Under Trilogy

Book One

Jeffe Kennedy


Genre: Erotic Romance

Book Description:

Knowing all too well the damage online trolls can inflict, game designer Emily Bartwell takes privacy seriously. Living in solitude and working remotely under a male alias gives her a sense of security. The sexy writer renting the house next door ignites desires she’d forgotten she had, and when he invites her to play games of a very different sort, Em is ready and willing. Even if it means breaking all her own rules to abide by his.

Undercover tech reporter Fox Mullins is so close to the biggest scoop of his career: finding the elusive programmer Phoenix. An increasingly erotic adventure with his reserved but passionate new neighbor is the ideal way to heat up the chilly Pacific Northwest nights as he tracks the brilliant gamer.

At first Fox is happy to help Em explore her newly awakened kinky side, no holds barred, no strings attached. But as they push the limits of intimacy, both physical and emotional, Fox discovers he’s not the only one keeping secrets. And revealing hers may mean betraying the one woman who embodies everything he desires.

  authorinterview

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

I really wanted to be a zoo veterinarian for a long time, then I got talked into thinking about being a physician instead. I did the pre-med thing in college, then decided on being a research scientist instead and went to grad school for a PhD in neurophysiology. I only figured out I wanted to be a writer MUCH later!

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

A long time back – in the late 90s, I think – I received a fellowship to a writers residency at the Ucross Foundation. (http://www.ucrossfoundation.org/residency-program/) That was the first time that anyone introduced me as a writer and everyone there only knew me as a writer and I was there only to write. It was an amazing experience.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

My first book was an essay collection called “Wyoming Trucks, True Love and the Weather Channel.” It didn’t take all that long, considering that I took my first writing class in ’96 and the book came out in early 2004. After that, I didn’t have another publication that wasn’t a short in a magazine until 2010 (Petals and Thorns) and my first novel (Rogue’s Pawn) was in 2012 – that felt like a very long time.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

I do. I work from home for an environmental consulting firm based out of Boston. That’s the science degree coming in handy. I’m actually this very niche expert on drinking water.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

Going Under! About a woman who is a designer of role-playing games who assumes a secret identity to hide from misogynistic trolls and the investigative reporter determined to unmask her.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

This one is from Carina Press. I also publish with Kensington currently and have pubbed with Loose Id and Ellora’s Cave in the past. I have a couple of self-published stories, too – ones where the rights reverted to me.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

It depends on the length. I can write an ~80K novel in two months. One that’s ~128K like the one I just finished, the third book in my Twelve Kingdoms trilogy, took me three months.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

Right now I’m writing mainly in fantasy, fantasy romance and erotic romance. I think I’ll keep down that path for a while.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I have a dedicated office in my house with a hydraulic desk I can either sit at or walk on the treadmill as I work. I love to walk while drafting.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Not by any stretch. If reviewers tag me, I’ll look. Though one gal tagged me with a SCATHING review and I wasn’t sure why! L For the most part, I think reviews are for readers and not really my business. Mostly I’ll skim the “biggies” or ones where I’m tagged, so I can quote or share them.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

I almost always have the title first. Sometimes my publishers want to change it, but I almost always still think of the book by the name I first gave it.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books? Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

Names mean a lot to me and I usually choose by their meaning – either overt or more archaic/historical. Sometimes I use placeholders as I write, like [silent one], until I figure out what the name should be. That means I have to get to know the character better. In Book 2 of my Twelve Kingdoms series (The Tears of the Rose) I had the hero named [silent one] almost until the entire thing was drafted. It took me that long to figure out his history and story. With other characters, like Fox in Going Under, I knew his name first and found out more about him as it went along.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

Definitely as I go along. I’m very much a write-for-discovery type of writer and I don’t feel like I make up characters. Instead they feel like real people who I get to know as I ride around in their heads for a while.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

No. I think morals get in the way of a good story. That said, I think my values come through.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I love them all! But I like eBooks because they don’t take up shelf space.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

It depends on the book and the vision of the director. The one movie that I think improved on the book is “A Room with a View.” Seeing the movie actually helped me understand the book, which is saying something, I think. Worst? Too many to choose from!

Your favorite food is?

Can I pick wine?

Your favorite singer/group is?

So many! But I’ll say Pink.

Your favorite color is?

Green

  abouttheauthor

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Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning author with a writing career that spans decades. Her works include non-fiction, poetry, short fiction, and novels. She has been a Ucross Foundation Fellow, received the Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship for Poetry, and was awarded a Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Award. Her essays have appeared in many publications, including Redbook.

Her most recent works include a number of fiction series: the fantasy romance novels of A Covenant of Thorns; the contemporary BDSM novellas of the Facets of Passion, and an erotic contemporary serial novel, Master of the Opera, which released beginning January 2, 2014. A fourth series, the fantasy trilogy The Twelve Kingdoms, hit the shelves starting in May 2014 and a fifth, the highly anticipated erotic romance trilogy, Falling Under, will release starting in July.

She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with two Maine coon cats, plentiful free-range lizards and a very handsome Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

Jeffe can be found online at her website: JeffeKennedy.com, every Sunday at the popular Word Whores blog, on Facebook, and pretty much constantly on Twitter @jeffekennedy. She is represented by Foreword Literary.

http://www.jeffekennedy.com/

http://www.jeffekennedy.com/category/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/jeffe.kennedy

https://twitter.com/jeffekennedy