Monday, October 31, 2016

#Review: THE LEGENDARY LORD by Valerie Bowman


  4 of 5 stars


"The Legendary Lord" is the second story I've read by Ms. Bowman and it's another winner. Christian Bancroft, Viscount of Berkeley, has had no luck finding a wife and retreats to his Scottish home to get away from the hubbub of the London season. He's looking for a bit of peace and quiet only to find runaway Sarah Highgate already there. Once Sarah explains why she's run away, Christian agrees to help her return to London and save her reputation. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book--Christian and Sarah are so comfortable in each other's company and their lively banter was excellent.

I thought the London part of the book dragged a bit. Christian and Sarah were so stubborn and neither one of them would admit their feelings for each other. That got a little tedious. Would they both make the worst mistake of their lives? No spoilers here. Ms. Bowman is a talented author bringing her characters alive. Fans of regency romances will definitely enjoy this story.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

 
 

Author Bio:
Valerie Bowman is an award-winning historical romance author who writes racy Regency romps! Her debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She's been an RT Reviewers' Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.

Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she's number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her two rascally dogs. When she's not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.





Friday, October 28, 2016

Interview with Tiffany Current, MY MAKER'S KEEPER


Do you have a favorite character?
I do. It ‘s Lucas. He’s a sexy and dangerous vampire with a chip on his shoulder. Basically, he’s my ideal fantasy man. So it was a lot of fun to imagine what he’d be like.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
I went the traditional publishing route with my first book, How to Move in with Your Boyfriend (and Not Break Up with Him). I had a good experience with my publisher, but for this book I wanted a little more control. And I wanted it to be published faster, so I decided to go the self-publishing route.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
I hired a graphic designer for my cover. I wish I could create it myself, but that’s just not my wheelhouse. Basically, I gave him a general idea of what I wanted the cover to look like and the mood I was hoping to create. It only took him a few go rounds to get my vision right.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
I don’t belong to a critique group, but I do have a trusty collection of beta readers. They’re really helpful in getting my books to a good place – story and structure-wise.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I always listen to music when I write. The genre of music varies on the type of story I’m writing and on what scene I’m working on.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I absolutely outline my books before starting them. I used to go the non-outline route when I first started out writing, but that got me into a lot of trouble. I’d find myself in the middle of a story realizing that I had to go back and re-plot the beginning. So now I always outline all of my stories.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
I did. I hired a lovely editor, Lisa A. Hollett, who did a fantastic job editing my book.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
Yes, I do. It’s really hard to do both at the same time, so right now I’m just focusing on marketing My Maker’s Keeper. After it releases, I’ll probably slow down on the marketing and pick up writing again.

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?
I prefer cats. Please no hate mail. And definitely I have to go with chocolate. Usually I’m a hardcore coffee drinker, but lately I’ve found myself turning to tea. And for sure, I’m a night person!

What’s next for you?
I’m working on an urban fantasy novelette right now. It’s about this cynical and sarcastic woman who doesn’t believe in the supernatural – only to discover she is supernatural and has to team up with a hot guy to rid the world of monsters.





Author Name: Tiffany Current 
Book Title: My Maker’s Keeper
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Blurb
Hannah Clark used to be an ordinary girl. She used to be a lot of things. Until she was bitten.

Five months ago, Hannah woke up in the middle of the woods as a vampire. She didn’t know how it happened or who turned her. She just knew she wasn’t safe in her hometown anymore.

Fort Wayne was supposed to be her fresh start. Her chance to finish high school without any other incidents. But then she met Jackson. Their attraction was instant and awakened something deep inside of her. Her thirst for blood.

Things only got worse when her maker, Lucas, came to town. He might have been sexy, but he was one dangerous vampire. And if Hannah wanted to keep Jackson safe, she had to protect him from Lucas’ ravenous ways. Even though she found herself excited by them.

But Lucas wasn’t there for her. Something sinister was happening in town. Vampires were going missing, and if Hannah didn’t want to be next, she had to work with Lucas to solve the mystery. But could she trust him? Or should she trust Jackson? She had to make a choice—and her life might just depend on it.

To learn more or to view the book cover, please visit http://www.tiffanycurren t.com.


AUTHOR BIO

Tiffany Current earned her Bachelor's degree in dramatic writing from Drexel University. Her first book, the self-help relationship guide How to Move in with Your Boyfriend (and Not Break Up with Him), was published by Turner Publishing in 2011.

Tiffany writes paranormal romance, young adult, urban fantasy, and self-help books. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys reading books, watching trashy action movies, and eating chocolate.

AUTHOR LINKS






 
To celebrate the release of my book, I’m giving away a $15 Amazon gift card and 3 eCopies of my book. The giveaway will run from October 21 – November 6.

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#Excerpt: DEKKIR by Lara Larue


Dekkir
Lara Larue
(Galaxy Alien Warriors, #1)
Publication date: October 26th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

This Alien Warrior will fight—kill—any who dare attempt to take his female.

Dekkir, war chief and military leader has found his mate…a human. She is tiny contrasted to his hulking size, but her luscious curves and delectable scent call out to his heart like no other.
Anthropologist Grace was sent by Earth Military Command to act as emissary to Dekkir’s planet. Her mission was clear: make contact and live among the aliens recording details on their culture and world. The job should’ve been simple but like the story of her life sh*t got complicated fast. Now she has a hot alpha alien warrior trying to claim her like some caveman. WTH?


Adding to the chaos of her life, she’s attacked by her own military command. Dekkir is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Can they survive the coming battles? Or will they die before he can claim his mate?

Dekkir is the first book in the Galaxy Alien Warriors series, it features steamy sex, thrilling battles, and plenty of romance. All books in this rock-hard science fiction series can be read as standalones, there are no cliffhangers, and happily ever afters are guaranteed!

Grab yours for 99c for a limited time only!

dekkir-lara-larue-teaser-1

EXCERPT:
smoothed his tangled hair back from his brow, and gentle warmth swelled inside me. Perhaps the bond was not completed, but I could feel it now. And it was time for me to do something about it.
I took off my boots and settled on the bed with him. After a moment, he stirred, and his eyes opened.
He sat up, startled to see me leaning over him, and then stared at my face. “Your eyes,” he murmured. “What have you done?”
“What I knew had to be done. Anything else wouldn’t have been fair to either of us.”
“But—”
I laid a finger on his lips and then moved forward and put my arms around him. It was like embracing a sun-warmed statue. There was nothing soft about him but his skin and hair. I ran my hands over his muscled back through his tunic, eagerly mapping the contours of his body with my fingertips. He shuddered, his eyes hooding again, but held himself still, as if wary of frightening me off. I reassured him the best way I could think of, leaning up and pressing my lips to his.
He caught me in his arms, pulling me against him hungrily. The kiss ignited suddenly as we clung to each other, intensifying until my lips stung, stealing our breaths until we finally had to lean back from each other just to catch them.
“I… do not wish to hurt you,” he murmured. I could feel his muscles tighten with restrained strength as he held me.
I smiled. “You’ve bled for me twice, Dekkir,” I purred as I ran the back of my hand down his cheek. “I’m not worried about you hurting me in any way I wouldn’t like.”

Author Bio:
Lara LaRue is a romance author who lives in New York City. She loves writing sizzling, sexy stories. To learn more about Lara LaRue and her collection of romance novels, visit her at www.laralarue.com.


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Wednesday, October 26, 2016

#Excerpt: THE DECISION by L.K. Kuhl


The Decision
L.K. Kuhl
(Everlasting Trilogy, #2)
Publication date: October 20th 2016
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

The guests are invited. The cake is all set. In just a few short hours Sophia Bandell will be saying “I do” to a guy she isn’t sure she loves. But where does she go from here? She feels her life is headed in a downhill spiral.

Her first and real true love, Tate Forester, is a ghost. But he’s the man she wants to be with…the one she can’t live without. Sophia is faced with the toughest decision of her life. Does she forget about Tate and marry the egotistical lawyer, Aaron Stuart? Or does she take the plunge and join Tate to be with him for eternity?

EXCERPT:
I turned again and caught a glimpse of Aaron coming into the backyard, dressed to the nines in a black tuxedo, his arms splayed wide. He advanced toward my sister-in-law Kristy, who had just come out the backdoor, his voice tight and full of despair. “No sign of her. I’ve looked everywhere. I don’t know what to do next.” His arms flopped down to his sides, and he slumped into a lawn chair on the deck. “This is so unlike Sophia to do something like this.”
Just then, all of my bridesmaids, my best friends—Claudia Bunker, Jenny Staid, and Laura Anderson—came out of the house to join them on the deck. All three of them, along with Kristy, were dressed in their lacy purple bridesmaid dresses, long diamond earrings, and flattering braided up-dos.
“Sophia, you’d better go break the news to them now. Don’t put them through this any longer.” Tate gave me a gentle nudge, urging me to put an end to this.
My chin trembling, I answered him with a small nod. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t answer, my mind tossing a stormy chaos of what to do next. Did I go break the news to everyone that the wedding is called off? Everyone go home. It’s over. There will be no Mrs. Aaron Stuart today. My eyes slanted back to the yard again. This time Aaron sobbed into his hands. I blinked, then blinked again, my vision blurry.
My chest ached, and I shivered as though the wind had shifted, wind that carried in cooler air— air consumed with an acidic premonition and a feverish guilt. My hands fell limp and I sagged against the tree, sliding down the length of the trunk to deposit my butt on the ground, too weak to stand.
I rubbed my face, trying to come up with the right words, words that wouldn’t disintegrate me— kill us. There were none. This was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever done in my life, but I’d been weighing the consequences since early this morning. Ever since Tate told me there was no possible way there could ever be a future for us, not in this life anyway. Carrying out this agonizing feat would mean shredding my existence, tearing every piece of livable being out of me and turning me into a hollow shell. But I saw no other way.
My breathing picked up pace, amped, making the dizziness spin my world out of control. I was losing it. It got so bad I could no longer breathe. I gasped and wrenched my body, reaching for the sun— grasping, grabbing, trying to save my life. But the air was gone. Nothing to sustain me.
Tate knelt beside me and clutched my shoulders to keep me sitting upright. “You going to be okay, Ladybug? I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t think it would be this difficult for you.”
Finally, my voice spewed the bitter, vile words out like a hot rush of lava. The knife had already sliced its way through and gutted me, my heart pierced to the end of the blade, long before they spilled forth. I was too debilitated to even clear my throat. I gurgled out. “I’m letting you go, Tate.” The repugnant, volcanic ashes floated to the ground in a hushed whisper, singeing the ground as they lit.
Tate tipped his head, his mouth falling open. His eyes wouldn’t move, they drilled into me. “What are you saying?”
The tears… I couldn’t stop them. They surged forth like a rapid river, spilling down my face. “I’m so in love with you and… and I know that this time… this time I’ll never be able to forget you. And I know what that means. It means that in six weeks you’ll be going away. But I can’t fight it anymore. My love for you is too strong, and I’m too tired.” Now that I said the words I knew there was no going back for Tate. He would be gone.
Tate lowered his head, his lips pressed into a thin line. He swallowed twice, a small sound escaping from the back of his throat like something wanted to burst forth but couldn’t quite get the job done, caught somewhere between hurt and anger. He sat back on his heels, looking at his hands that trembled on his thighs, then finally whispered. “Do what you have to do. For as much as it hurts both of us, I think it’s for the best. You’ll find someone besides Aaron and move on, and we’ll be together in eternity.”


Author Bio:
L.K. Kuhl lives in Nebraska with her husband Gene of twenty-nine years, young son, Nathan, and Greg, their Black Lab dog. She has two older daughters, Morgan and Brittani and son-in-law, Trevor. L.K. has been writing for over twenty years. She first began writing children’s books and poetry, moved on to writing music, and is now writing Young Adult and Adult novels. She loves spending time with her family, vacationing, writing, reading, and taking long walks. It’s the characters who write their own stories in her novels, and she is just their messenger, sharing it with the world.


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#Excerpt: BRIDESMAID'S CHECKLIST: LAURA'S WEDDING by K.T. Castle


This can’t be happening.

The person sitting at our table was definitely someone I knew. Someone I actually had been avoiding for quite some time.

“Well, well. Good morning, babe,” the beautiful blond said to me.

I knew this guy. I’d constantly met him at bars and pubs around the city. He was always well accompanied by attractive ladies, but that didn’t stop him from hitting on me. Persistently, he’d tried for the past couple years to get my number and into my panties.

This beautiful man and I had a history…well, not really. We had a history of not having a history. He was an artfully known womanizer in the circles we frequented. Knowing exactly what I’d be getting myself into if I ever decided to tap that drop-dead gorgeous body of his, I had no choice but to reject him over and over again.

One drunken night I almost caved in.

Laura couldn't be marrying this man.

“Oh, God. Not you. You’re a man whore!”

He stood as soon as the statement escaped my lips. He didn’t look offended. I guess he was used to my rejections by now. “Nice to see you, too,” the handsome man said. “I like knowing that you miss me.”

“Miss you? You wish! I can’t believe you’re marrying my best friend.” And I really didn’t.

“No offense, babe, but I’m not the one marrying Laura. I’m Ed’s friend. Name’s Josh, remember?”

Oh, right. Josh. For a moment there, I thought I had to talk Laura into canceling the wedding.



BLURB:

Kassandra is a single, independent woman who prides herself on her own success. But when she’s asked by her best friend Laura to be the Maid of Honor in her wedding, Kassandra finds herself questioning her lifestyle. Helping Laura plan the wedding is no problem—she’s done it before for all their other friends. The first time was a blast, the second super fun, but doing it without receiving any help from the rest of the girls gets old really fast.

The whole event kicks off with the worst kind of surprise when Kassandra discovers who her friend's fiancé really is, and she's torn between supporting Laura's future happiness and hiding the deeply buried, intimate past she shares with the groom-to-be. Struggling to be the bigger person and do all the hard work on her own, Kassandra finds surprising comfort in Josh, the best man in the wedding and someone she's been avoiding for years. He's charming, thoughtful, handsome, and the worst kind of womanizer, but she just can't seem to stay away. All the while, Kassandra can't help wondering if the wedding could be any more cliché—until she finds unexpected ways to change things up a bit.


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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

K.T.  Castle  is  an  author/artist  in  progress.  She's on  a  quest  to  find  the  words,  forms,  and  colors  to materialize    the    worlds    and    people    of    her imagination.    She    never    saw    herself    as    an incurable romantic, but lately, that's what she finds herself  musing  about.  Love  is  found  everywhere, regardless  if  it  comes  from  a  nice  person,  an ass — mundane or even vampire. When  she's  not  busy with  work,  in  front  of  a computer  placing  many  thoughts  in  order,  she makes her best to be creative or relax with a good book and a snack. Some of her favorite characters are Sookie, Rule and Shaw, Bella, Edward, Clary, Jace, Wrath, Hollywood, Blaire, Woods, Ethan, the Sleeping Beauty, and Ariel.

Get to know her more on her social media pages.

Facebook: @KTCastle.author

Google+: K.T.Castle

Twitter: @KTCastle_author

Pinterest: KTCastle_author


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Monday, October 24, 2016

#Excerpt: BRAVO BLOOD ROAD by Summer Lane


Bravo: Blood Road
Summer Lane
(Bravo Saga, #2)
Publication date: October 21st 2016
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult

Bravo and his beloved handler, Lieutenant Nathan Ingalls, are together again amidst the ashes of an apocalyptic California. Together, they are using their skills to help a rebel militia group seek out survivors in the desolation of Death Valley.
But when the Death Brigade – a vicious anarchist group arisen from the dust of a fallen society – rolls into town, tragedy strikes. Someone is taken. Neither Nathan nor Bravo will allow that. The hunt is on – Bravo will not fail in his task to protect his friends.

The Black Market.

Rescuing the people you love sometimes comes with a price. When Bravo and his friend, India, are taken to Blood Road, they are forced to fight for their lives in a terrifying and vicious society of gambling, deceit and violent entertainment.
Alone and afraid, Bravo is forced to fight for his life every day in an arena while cruel spectators make bets on the odds of his victory. His only allies in this dark place could perish as suddenly as he could.

The bonds of friendship are tested, and the agonizing teeth of loss sink their fangs deep.
Life or death. Fight or flight. Bravo must choose.
One mission, completed.
One duty, fulfilled.
And now, the Blood Road will wreak its vengeance.


This is the conclusion to Bravo the bomb dog’s thrilling and poignant tale of love, loss and ultimate sacrifice, a #1 bestselling phenomenon.

EXCERPT:
Bravo was there. He heard Danny scream, tasted the sharp jolt of terror heavy in the air. He came straight for him, sailing like a dark bullet through the night. The coyote did not see him coming. Bravo hit him like an arrow, rage pulsing through his body.
How dare this wolf-thing harm Danny! The fury was a tangible thing, flooding through his veins like a wildfire. He bit the coyote below the mouth, in the soft flesh of the neck, where the lifeblood was.
Take away lifeblood, take away life. That was the law of the fight. Bravo had learned that in the Arena, but it was an unspoken and silently understood fact of instinct. Blood contained life…remove blood, and the enemy would fall.
The coyote yelped and released its hold on Danny. The little boy stumbled backward, crying, while Bravo drug the dog-thing to the ground, holding it there, second by second, as the life drained from it and the hot, salty blood spilled onto his face and stained his fur.
Bravo felt nothing but the storming satisfaction of the bite and the devotion to the kill – the mission. This was his job, to protect Danny at all costs, because Nathan was not here, and because that is what Bravo was: a protector.

Author Bio:
Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 14 novels, including books from the hit Collapse Series, Zero Trilogy and Bravo Saga. She is the owner of WB Publishing and Writing Belle, an online magazine devoted to the art of storytelling. Summer is also an accomplished creative writing teacher and experienced journalist.

She lives in the Central Valley of California with her husband, Scott, where she spends her days writing, teaching and writing some more. Summer loves to visit the mountains (nature rocks!), the beach (Hawaii is heaven) and have hot cups of tea with good friends (tea is always a good idea). She also loves dogs and traveling!


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Friday, October 21, 2016

NEW #Holiday Release .99: LOVE CHRISTMAS by NYT and USA Today bestselling authors





Put a song in your heart with 20 all-new Christmas Romances from NY Times, USA Today, and national best-selling authors. Each brand-new title is inspired by a Christmas carol and will lift your spirits and bring on the holiday cheer.

We Need a Little Christmas by Leanne Banks - Can a handsome cynic become a Christmas believer?
Frosty the Snowman by Mimi Barbour - Stranded in an Alaskan snowstorm, strangers Hali and Terry are forced to rely on each other for survival.
Last Christmas by Joan Reeves - Annabelle gave him her heart, but Rick threw it away. He wants redemption, she wants revenge.
Holly Jolly Christmas by Mona Risk - Pregnant at 18. Adoption would save the baby's future but may cost her the man she loves.
Do You Hear What I Hear? by Patricia Rosemoor - Live-in-lovers Shelley and Jake are now in a cold war of their own over Christmas.
White Christmas by Rebecca York - Was she in a coma, or was she in a Christmas fantasy?
So This is Christmas by Denise Devine - He was her child nemesis, now he's her best friend forever.
Grown Up Christmas List by Donna Fasano - All she wants for Christmas is to feel safe... then she meets her guardian angel.
Blue Christmas by the Sea by Traci Hall - Alone for Christmas, Tamsyn helps mystery writer Evan find his mojo--love is a gift neither can refuse.
Santa Baby by Taylor Lee - Lily's only hope was that this time, he wouldn't be able to find her.
Let It Snow by Stephanie Queen - A stranger and a snow storm on Christmas Eve create the ultimate test for Dane & Shana.
Merry, Did You Know? by Jennifer St. Giles - Can a Christmas Miracle change the future of a woman who doesn't believe in love and a man who can't love again?
O Christmas Tree by Alicia Street - Can Piper convince Cody to let go of his painful past and embrace the hope of Christmas and possibly love?
Sleigh Ride by Katy Walters - Miss Sophia Vale faces poverty. Enter the Earl of Breconbridge, renowned as a rake hell with a conscience.
Deck the Hearts by Rachelle Ayala - Can Holly's jolly Christmas spirit help Grinch Gordon Gills save the town of Christmas Creek?
Silver Bells by Jacquie Biggar - Can a Christmas wish bring two stubborn souls together and give a little girl the gift she wants?
Hark the Herald Angel Falls by Michele Hauf - To earn her halo, angel Merit must convince the person who holds her earthly soul in limbo--her husband--to stop loving her.
Little Drummer Boy by Dani Haviland - How could a mere drummer boy help those stranded in the worst winter storm of the 18th century?
I'll Be Home For Christmas by Nancy Radke - When former a former Navy SEAL plucks a woman from the Mediterranean Sea, he discovers a fighter tougher than he.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Cynthia Cooke - A big city girl reunites with a small town boy--magic. A Santa in need of an elf--Christmas magic. 


Buy links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2cznud0 

Nook: http://bit.ly/LoveChristmasNook 
iBooks: http://ow.ly/3Giw304KUPy 
Kobo: http://ow.ly/nbBC304KX1u

#Excerpt: INCANDESCENTLY by Sylvie Parizeau


Incandescently
Sylvie Parizeau
Publication date: October 22nd 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance

LIAM O’SHEA, bestseller author of the SciFi saga, Eiloe.
All I knew was pain – a childhood filled with cruelty and villains who used and abused.

Until Éolie.

I first heard her sweet, angelical voice in the dark of night, when I lay bathed in my own impending death. Seventeen years later, it’s not the nightmare she pulled me out of that haunts me, but the glimpse of Happily Ever After she revealed just before disappearing.
They said she was a figment of my boundless imagination. A wish. A dream. Until I had no choice but to believe them, cherishing my imaginary savior the only way I knew how – in fiction and lore.

But fantasy has a way of transforming reality. When I finally tire of being a citizen of the world, I take an impromptu sabbatical as a professor at a small college on the coast of Maine. And there I see her, the girl with the sea-green eyes and angelic voice. My world turns upside down. Turns out my girl is for real, and the pull between us is anything but imaginary.

Happily Ever After has a story … and this one is mine.

Guest post by Sylvie Parizeau

The overall theme of the Incandescent Series is romantic with a touch of magic and whimsy.
Bonjour !
As you know by now (spoiler alert if you haven’t read my full bio : http://www.sylvieparizeau.com/about-sylvie/), I am epilogue obsessive compulsive.
And as Éolie once said to Liam in one of their deleted scenes:
_“Liam, it’s a compulsion. I swear; I start to read fully intending not to skip ahead, but I can’t help it. I need to know how it ends before I can enjoy how the characters get there. I cannot bear anything less than a happy ending. Everyone deserves a happily ever after.”_
Guilty as charged. I am one of those who read the end … right after Chapter One. So by now, you’re either, gasping, cringing, totally scandalized, or smiling in complete accord, depending on which side of that story you stand, non?
But in any case, this obsession of mine is what started my story-telling journey. I can’t tell you how many times I concocted additional scenes in my head every time I got lost in a romance book. What do you mean The End? Noooo. It’s the beginning! Give me the happy!!
And as such, Liam and Éolie’s story, INCANDESCENTLY, book One in the Incandescent Series, holds a very special place in my heart, and I hope it will in yours too come October 22, 2016.
Meanwhile, in heartfelt appreciation for being such an awesome and all-around wonderful blogger, your tribe is among the first ones to enter a chance for a signed paperback copy as well as a signed copy of the map. A journey into the incandescent world of the Forest of Laure where all of my characters find their Happily Ever After, love, cherish, and grow, one story at a time.
So? In the mood to read something romantic with a touch of magic and whimsy? Go ahead. Let yourself loose.

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-10-36-26-am

You guys rock my world.
Happy reading!
Sylvie Parizeau, romance novelist @ www.sylvieparizeau.com


Author Bio:
A paralegal by day and incurable romantic by night, Sylvie is a cross-genre, and she takes Happily Ever After very seriously. The End just isn’t in her vocabulary.

An incorrigible daydreamer, she now feeds her obsession with epilogues by concocting stories in which heroes deal with the happy from the get-go. Ready, or not. And she confesses under oath to loving every minute of it.

Sylvie lives her own Happily Ever After in the beautiful mountains of Les Laurentides in Northern Quebec, alongside her whole set of characters.
In between treks in their backyard wilderness, you can find them hanging out at www.sylvieparizeau.com


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Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Interview with Carolyn Arnold, DETECTIVE MADISON KNIGHT Series


Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Sadly, the subject matter of my latest book, In the Line of Duty, is one that hits news reports far too often. Violent attacks against police and claims of police brutality are commonplace these days and two topics that only seem to be gaining momentum. In my twenty-sixth release and latest international bestseller, I shed light on this tragic reality.

Neither vilifying or idolizing law enforcement, I do my best to portray officers as truthfully as possible as they work through their grief while trying to find their fellow officer’s killer. This piece of fiction is a painfully honest depiction of life and loss in the police force and illuminates the camaraderie and loyalty behind the badge. It shows clearly the human side of policing.

Publishers Weekly described In the Line of Duty as being “as much an action-packed mystery as it is a heartfelt tribute to police who give up their lives to protect others.”

And, although, In the Line of Duty is book 7 in the Detective Madison Knight series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Reviewers who haven’t read previous books have noted that it was easy to understand everything that is going on.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
Oh, for the most part, I love complete silence. There’s only been the rare exception to this when I’ve been writing a scene and want to turn on the same music that my characters are listening to.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
Whenever I try to outline, nothing. The creativity juices dry right up and I hear crickets. I don’t think my characters like to be told what to do. LOL

I write organically, going with the flow. I basically find out who the killer is along with my investigators.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?
I have learned so much that it could be a course with several webinars. I think an important thing for new writers to remember is don’t be afraid of change or involving.

For me, in the 2015, I worked through having all my previously published Detective Madison Knight and Brandon Fisher FBI covers redone. This was for branding purpose. Before that, I had the McKinley Mysteries redesigned.

I originally had the McKinley Mystery books designed using people, but they weren’t moving as much as I’d have liked. Then I realized that other books in the cozy genre were cartoons. I had all my covers in that series updated and I’m happy to say they’re selling a lot better!

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
I’m not exclusive to Amazon so you can find my e-books on Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more. My books are also available in paperback and in hardcover (for my Detective Madison Knight and Brandon Fisher FBI series) from many retailers including Books-a-Million.

What kinds of marketing [Twitter, Facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?
I utilize social media for spreading the word, and I also regularly pay for advertising.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
Absolutely, but I’m fortunate to have some help in that endeavor. Writing is a business, though, and it can be especially hard (read near impossible) to be creative when your focus is on administrative tasks. That’s why establishing the day’s priorities ahead of time is crucial.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Non-negotiable is to hire and work with reputable professional editors before publishing. Hire a professional designer for your cover.

Always remember why you’re writing and know that not everyone will like your work—and that’s okay. Focus on the readers who love your books and this will keep you going.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I love reading and going to the beach, going on walks, taking in a movie with my husband.

What’s next for you?
Currently, I’m working on book 6 in the Brandon Fisher FBI series. The killer in this book makes my skin crawl.



Blurb:
In the Line of Duty
Book 7 in the series.

He devoted his life to seeking justice. But would she get any for him?

It was an ordinary day for police officer Barry Weir. It was the end of shift, he was tired, and he just wanted to get home to his wife and kids. But someone had other plans for him, shooting him down and forcing him to make the ultimate sacrifice.

When news of Weir’s murder reaches the department, it leaves Detective Madison Knight and every cop in the Stiles PD itching for revenge. It cuts Madison’s boyfriend, colleague, and Weir’s childhood friend, Troy Matthews, deepest of all, driving him away from everyone he loves just when they need one another the most.

With evidence pointing to a gang-related drive-by, Madison and her team investigate the town’s seedy underbelly in search of justice for their fallen brother. But the deeper they dig, the more convoluted the case becomes. Now they need to figure out if this was a random shooting as part of a gang initiation, a straight-up hate crime, or a targeted kill. But with members of the Stiles PD under attack, they have to do it fast…before more officers pay with their lives.

Read in any order or follow the series from the beginning: Ties That Bind, Justified, Sacrifice, Found Innocent, Just Cause, Deadly Impulse, In the Line of Duty, Life Sentence (Bonus Prequel).

This is the perfect book series for fans of Law & OrderCSIBlue BloodsRizzoli & IslesWomen’s Murder Club, and Hawaii Five-O.





You can also visit the author’s McKinley Mysteries Series page: http://carolynarnold.net/detective-madison-knight-series/

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international best-selling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.



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