Interview with Amber Laura, AFTER SHE FELL

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Oh boy. Let me begin by saying I’m not great at elevator pitches. That said, here goes… After She Fell straddles the line between a romance and women’s fiction novel. It’s a story about a woman who, due to a profoundly life-altering incident from her past, struggles to allow and accept love into her life. This struggle not only comes between her feelings for the hero of this story, but it comes between her ability to love and forgive herself. It’s about a woman who fell from grace, a woman who needs to learn that it’s only by falling again–—this time in love (in all its myriad forms)––that she can finally rise.

No, this story is not part of a series.

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

Funnily enough, that’s what happened to Christina. She was originally a side character in a story that Jackie (who, coincidentally enough, plays a side character in After She Fell) actually starred in. That original story I’ve since scrapped and part of the reason was because, during the writing of it, Christina slowly but surely started stealing my attention, stealing the show.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

From the word go, I knew I’d do at least some self-publishing; except for my second novel, Twenty-Seven Tiered Almond Cake, all my stories are (or were at some point) written, chapter-by-chapter, week-by-week on my blog, www.litliber.com. These works are always presented in the first, rough draft form, and they always go through heavy editing before final book publication, but it’s a free and fun way to stay connected to readers during the writing process. Aware that these stories (which are technically considered ‘published’ the moment they’re posted on my blog) would be almost impossible to get traditionally picked-up, I always expected to dip my toes into self-pubbing. In fact, I kind of counted on it. It forced me to make a move into independent publishing.

**While I did initially send Twenty-Seven Tiered Almond Cake out to literary agents, I wasn’t very far in the process before I decided to start my own publishing company. And so…well, here I am. And I love every minute of it.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover? 

I actually did my own cover design. And those gorgeous legs on the front of the book belong to my amazing, beautiful sister!

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing? 

Yes, I do and yes, they most certainly have! My writing group helped me exponentially in the making of this story. Indeed, I acknowledge them specifically in the back of After She Fell. Hearing their thoughts and sharing in their feedback and perceptions of Christina and Jason and what they were going through, gauging their reactions and experiences against my intentions and expectations, was undeniably beneficial and challenging and rewarding!

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

My writing process isn’t super strict or set in routine. Typically, I write in the early morning. I tend to be more motivated and productive in the early hours. Sometimes I plot, sometimes I write by the seat of my pants, and sometimes I’m sandwiched in between both concepts.

As for the second question, though I do usually listen to music for the first two drafts of a piece…and weirdly enough (and no, I don’t know how it started or even why it started) when I do listen to music, it’s always Halloween-themed. Even in July. Haha! After that, all other drafts are done in complete silence so I can fully focus and concentrate on the substantive and specific elements involved in storytelling: plot points, sentence structure and syntax, narrative/character arcs, red threads, etc. etc.  

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing? 

Yes. As a fiction editor myself, I’m only too aware of the value and advantage in having a professional look over my work.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book? 

Yes. Absolutely. 100%. No matter what, you always feel slightly guilty that you’re doing the one and not the other. But that’s how it goes, I suppose.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena? Do your research. Read A TON. Network and commit and engage with the writing community. Indie authors are amazingly upfront about their successes, achievements, inquiries, and struggles. Talk to them. Make friends. It’s a wonderfully supportive and encouraging field. Also, accept that some publishing endeavors will flop. Chalk it up to a learned experience. Share what works. Hey, share what doesn’t. (Why make someone else slither through the mud too?) Lastly, try not to bemoan the necessary art of marketing. Instead of a chore that one must push through, try to make it fun, make it challenging, make it something to conquer rather than endure. Slay that dragon!

What’s next for you? 

Right now, (probably unsurprisingly) I’m in the midst of a lot of marketing for After She Fell.

I’m also about to start on the second draft of my next romance novel. (The first draft of which, as I said above, can currently be found on my blog: https://litliber.com/2018/01/01/life-reconstructed-chapter-one/); in a nutshell, it’s a story based on the idea of one small change. One small hiccup in a woman’s well-ordered, if boring, life and — ripple effect! — suddenly, everything pivots, flips, shifts perspective. So, stay tuned on that front…!

After She Fell
Amber Laura
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She’s tried for years to convince herself that she isn’t in love with him. If it hasn’t worked, at least she’s managed to convince him of it, anyway.
A tragic love affair from her past had shattered Christina’s illusions of romance—it’d shattered her entire world, left her utterly broken and blamed. She’s fallen once before. She isn’t about to make the same mistake twice!

Jason Gordman is off-limits. Charming, playful, confident—he’s everything dangerous to her defenses. Worse yet, he’s the boss’s son. Hiding behind antagonism and indifference, Christina manages to keep him at a careful distance. That is, until one fateful night when she finds herself snowbound with him in a blizzard and she slips, allows herself one, forbidden kiss…

Struggling to reconcile her feelings, Christina is entirely unprepared for where that one stolen moment will lead her.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:
Amber Laura’s biography, also known as “Five Fun Facts about the Author”:

1. As a writer, Amber Laura does her best daydreaming as a window-gazing passenger on long car rides.
2. If there’s creamer, she’s drinking coffee. When she edits, there’s always creamer.
3. A blogger, she also writes web fiction—(free stories updated chapter-by-chapter, week-by-week). Check it out at www.litliber.com.
4. <Psst! Her debut novel, Topaz and Lace, a contemporary romance set in a fictitious Texas town, got its start on that same blog.
5. While she may physically reside in the beautiful country of Northern Minnesota, in her imagination, Amber Laura lives all over the world. She considers it one of the best perks to being a writer: easy, cheap travel. That and the oddball characters she meets along the way….

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!

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#Excerpt: FINALLY HOME by L. Simpson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L. Simpson will be awarding $10 Boroughs Bucks to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

HEART AND SOUL

Ben McTavish is besotted when he sees a vixen in striped leggings own a cringe-worthy moment and turn it into a hilarious bit. He can’t stop thinking about her even though he puts his foot in his mouth every time he tries to get to know her. Ben would love to spend some time with this woman who has captivated him, but he needs to get his farm established before the bank takes back the land.

Kate Bloomington is all about whipping her life into shape, including getting to know her grandmother who she is now caring for. When she meets Ben, also known as Saint McT since he helps all comers, she pushes him away. Somehow, he shows up at every inopportune moment, mortifying her and enticing her at the same time. She learns that he needs help as much as she does, and together they create a love that is unbreakable.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finally-Home-Alpine-Valleys-Simpson/dp/1951055020/ref=sr_1_1

Excerpt:

“What’s on your mind?” he asked after I’d been standing at the kettle long after it had boiled.

“Ah…” I muttered, caught off guard and not able to come up with a ready answer. Sensing my indecision, he turned me around then lifted me onto the kitchen bench, coming to stand between my legs. In this position, I was at his height, and I appreciated how handsome he was at this angle. His hair was even more mussed than usual, and I remembered I’d had my hands in it, holding him close as he’d made me come. His eyes looked into mine, and they were open and appreciative with a hint of a smile. He wasn’t laughing at me, but I sensed he knew the direction of my thoughts.

“Tell me what you want, Kate,” he said quietly as his gaze dropped to my lips.

“You. I want you. And I want you to stay, but I don’t know what to do about it.” The words fell out of my mouth as I looked at his lips that were now giving me a sexy smile.

“Why don’t you know what to do? Ask me.”

“You might think I’m easy.”

“Never.”

“You might think I’m going to put out, and I want to but I… maybe… don’t know what I’m doing. And I think you do,” I said. I didn’t see the point in lying. He could be trusted with the truth.

“Well, what happens if I say yes? Do you think I’m easy and will put out?” he murmured as he rubbed my thighs.

“Of course not,” I answered.

“And how do you know I know what I’m doing?”

“Because I’m on fire when you look at me, and when you touch me, I’m only seconds away from coming apart.”

As I said this, he sucked in a breath, like what I said hit a target he didn’t know he had.

“Will you stay with me?” I whispered right before I kissed him. It started slow and sweet, until his tongue slipped into my mouth, and tangled with mine. Then he increased the intensity. Before long I was clinging to him, needing more, desperate for contact.

About the Author: As a girl growing up in Australia, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. During high school, volleyball dominated her life. There had to be something positive about being 6’1” with red hair. Representing Australia from a young age she eventually took a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember). #gohawkeyes

Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads. Through working and studying, she realised there are other ways to win hearts and minds.

While she’s spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has only got stronger. She now lives in the Alpine Valleys of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, son, two dogs and seven chooks. When she’s not doing the whole mum thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse, or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing.

Say G’day to Laura:

website: http://www.lsimpsonauthor.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/l.simpson.romance
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lsimpsonauthor
instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lsimpsonauthor
linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-simpson-47278971

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#Review: HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS by Kerrigan Byrne

  3 of 5 stars

 

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is planning revenge against his cousin who wants the dukedom at any cost including killing him. Piers needs to marry and produce heirs so his cousin has no chance to inherit. Enter Lady Alexandra Lane, a brilliant archeologist. Alexandra agrees to marry Piers to save her friend from this unwanted marriage. Alexandra and her 2 friends suffered trauma in their early lives and have stuck together ever since boarding school. Can Piers, a beast of a man, gain the trust of the timid Alexandra and make their marriage work?

While I enjoy Ms. Byrne's books, I almost stopped reading after the prologue where Alexandra's trauma is explained in vivid detail. I understand this incident was shared with Alexandra's friend and the gardener at school, but I didn't care for it at all. The way the back story was revealed throughout the book, I believe was sufficient to understand what had happened. I did like Alexandra, but she became a shell of herself whenever she was around Piers. Some of the descriptions and paragraphs were so long winded I just skipped over them. I hope Ms. Bryne doesn't use this type of trauma too often in this series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: HOW TO CROSS A MARQUESS by Jane Ashford

  5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series and as with the other 2 books, the prologue introduces us to a group of men who have faced a tragedy in their lives and who are brought together by the Earl of Macklin who tries to offer comfort to each of them. This book features Roger Berwick, Marquess of Chatton and his neighbor Fenella who have known each other all their lives. Their fathers tried to get the two together, but with disastrous results. Now years later, the two meet again and could sparks fly now?

I really liked this book. Ms. Ashford is a master storyteller teasing out the back story of Roger and Fenella and how life events have changed them. There is plenty of drama, twists and turns in the story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Who is the villain bent on reeking havoc for Roger and Fenella? Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN by G.A. Aiken

    5 of 5 stars

Keeley Smythe wants nothing more from life than to be a blacksmith, be kind to all animals, and loving her crazy family. Her life is turned upside down when the Old King dies, his sons go on a murdering spree to see who will be the next king and her sister Beatrix is named the future queen. They must travel to the witches compound to confirm this and our accompanied by a warrior clan of centaurs. Keeley is drawn to Caid, the cranky glaring centaur who wants nothing to do with humans. When the unimaginable happens at the witches enclave, Keeley must fight not only her life, but accept the prophecy that she will be the Blacksmith Queen.

I absolutely loved this book. Ms. Aiken has written a compelling, intriguing and laugh out loud funny at times book as the sisters Keeley and Gemma fight/argue throughout their journey across the land. There are so many surprising aspects to this fantasy, the characters, the family, the magical beasts and the growing relationship between Keeley and Caid. If you're offended by swearing, this isn't the book for you because it's an important part of the relationship between the characters. There was so many twists and turns in this book that I couldn't put it down. Can't hardly wait for the next book in this fantastic new series!

I voluntarily read the advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.

This book will be released on August 27, 2019.

Interview with Aimee O'Brian, STEAL MY HEART

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Steal My Heart is a fun, sexy romp. I like to call it my naughty cop-cat burglar romance. Here’s the basis of the story:

While house sitting a mansion, Detective Lexanne Harris plans to act out her sex-with-a-cat-burglar fantasy with her new boyfriend, but a case of mistaken identity lands her a rollicking orgasm and imminent career disaster. Determined to stand by the law and fight for justice, she finagles her way onto the case, but the more she investigates, the more the lines of justice blur, until what’s wrong becomes way too tempting.

I’m currently writing another fun, mistaken identity novel involving one of Lexanne’s friends.

Do you have a favorite character?

The female protagonist is my favorite. She knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to act on it. She’s a bit of a badass. When she screws up she’s not afraid to own it, at least to herself.

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

The first burglary victim that Lexanne speaks with in the course of her investigation was not supposed to be a significant character. I intended the beautiful Barbara Jane Bench to be a symbol of the wealthy woman who tries to appear twenty-five forever, but Barbie kept reappearing in scene after scene. Her character came out of nowhere. She just appeared on the page and helped shape the plot. She’s much more than that ex-trophy wife she initially appears.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?

I’ve written four novels, and this is the first to find a home with a publisher. I still plan to either find a publisher for the others or to self-publish them. They’re great stories, very character driven, all contemporary romances, ranging from sweet to hot. And each one contains elements of suspense. Naturally, it was the hottest one that got picked up first.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

Songs inspire me. I can visualize an entire plot or climatic moment while I’m driving in the car with the radio on. But when it comes to actually writing, it’s ambient noise that I go for. A song can take me off to a different moment in the story, and I need to stay in the scene I’m writing. To stay focused I mostly I write in restaurants on my lunch hours or in coffeehouses on the weekends.  The bustle of people moving around doesn’t bother me. I’ll sip my latte and shut out my surroundings. Usually, I’ll surface one hour later, two to three if I’m revising.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

My publisher takes good care of me, and they’ve handled all of that. My book is for sale at the Tule Bookstore, Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play and Amazon Kindle UK. You can find all the links where my books are for sale on the Tule Publishing website: https://tulepublishing.com/books/steal-my-heart/#order

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

Writing the next book while marketing is extremely difficult for me, but I expect I’ll learn to handle it better as time goes on. Both writing and marketing are crazy fun, but they require different parts of the brain and different skillsets.

I have tremendous respect for full-time authors who manage it all. They’re working on the next book and stop when the edits come back from their publisher. They knock those out and get back to writing the next book. In the meantime, they’re marketing their current books that are on sale. I don’t know how they do it all so seamlessly, but I plan to learn. It’s the life I want, so I’m working toward it.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

My passions show up in my books. I love art, food, wine, and coffee. Not necessarily in that order. Every one of those elements shows up in Steal My Heart. I’m familiar with the artists I reference in the novel. I have two Michael Parkes prints hanging in my home.  I once got lost staring at a row of Edwin Deakins in the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. I looked up and my husband had moved on. We have a rule in museums, we always turn right, so we can find each other if we get separated. I stared at those paintings by Deakin so long—I loved them so much—that when I found my husband, he was four right turns and four rooms away.

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

Dogs or Cats? I’ve had both and loved them all. Chocolate or Vanilla? Definitely chocolate but mocha flavored is number one, especially if we’re are talking ice cream. Which takes us to Coffee or Tea—by now, you can guess my answer to that. Talk or Text? I’m old-fashioned. I love an actual conversation. Day or Night? I’m a sun-baby. Give me a sunrise with all the possibilities it brings.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on a second mistaken identity novel featuring one of Lexanne’s friends from Steal My Heart. This novel is again set in hot, hot, hot Los Angeles, this time in the realm of LA fashion.

Steal My Heart
Aimee O’Brian
Published by: Tule Publishing
Publication date: August 5th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

When a fantasy turns into a cold reality

Lexanne Harris had a plan down to the last sexy detail. Never did she think her attempt to spice up her love life with her boyfriend would involve her in a burglary with a sexier than sin thief whose emerald eyes and serious between the sheets skills are impossible to forget. As a police detective she is expected to stand on the side of the law and fight for justice. But what happens when the lines of justice blur and what’s wrong becomes way too tempting?

The situation might be challenging but Lexanne is determined to get assigned to the case, recover the jewels and catch the culprit.
The question is: What will she do with her sexy cat burglar when she catches him?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Author Bio:
Having lived in both California and Texas, Aimee O’Brian now resides in the beautiful wine country. With her three children grown and experiencing their own adventures, she and her husband are free to explore the world. When she’s not reading, writing, or planting even more perennials in her garden, she can be found stomping through ancient ruins and getting lost in museums.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook

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#Excerpt: JULIAN FOX AND THE DREAM GUARDIAN by E.J. Miranda

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. E.J. Miranda will be awarding a 1st prize: $50 Amazon e-gift card, and a 2nd prize: $40 Amazon e-gift card, to two randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

It is said that dreams are just that: only dreams. But believe me, this is not always true. Some dreams are as real as the dreamer.

Thanks to their dreams, dreamers can receive the special visit of eternal wisdom that has inspired the creativity of great inventors, scientists, musicians, and even writers throughout the ages.

This creative wisdom is not always the type that appears to the eager conscience. Sometimes, a Defiler, a destroyer of dreams, is the one who tries to appear before the dreamer. These creatures were once humans, but they allowed their pain and desire for revenge to take over and seek the same miserable fate for the one who dreams.

You must not fear — Dream Guardians, also known as Kelsdrant, will always protect the one who dreams, even with their own life. They are people of flesh and bone, just like you and me, or at least they are on Earth.

The following story is dedicated to the fun, extravagant, and enlightening life of Julian Fox, the Dream Guardian.

Be prepared, dear reader. It is time to dream, laugh, reflect, and even maybe cry.

Welcome to the Land of the Wise Dreams.

Buy links:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/julian-fox-the-dream-guardian-e-j-miranda/1132532225
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julian-Fox-Dream-Guardian-Miranda/dp/173379820X/ref=sr_1_1


Excerpt:

Chapter 8: The Fate of the Carrier

That night, he locked his door to protect himself from Nicholas’s intentions. He knew his brother was very patient and would wait for the opportune moment to execute the perfect prank.

The occasion was presented that night when the unsuspecting victim, Julian, was asleep since he had to get up earlier than usual. Nicholas could finally do something to torture his brother to compensate for the terrible sushi experience. He dressed in black, wanting to be mysterious like in the movies. He glided silently through the house unseen, even by the discreet service staff. He went to the kitchen where Julian had forgotten to remove the duplicate key to his door from the keychain that contained all the copies of the house’s keys.

Taking it, he went quietly to his brother's room with a small flashlight in his hand. He opened the door quietly, knowing that if he was discovered he would be in trouble. However, his evil desire forced him to move forward. This audacity cheered him on:

“Bah! So what if Mom rips my ears off? At least it is for a good cause.”

His evil plan was to move forward all the clocks in the house by two hours. Thus, the innocent Julian would get up early, sleepy and most importantly, in a bad mood. Julian would need those two hours, just like he had needed the indigestion medicine that his mother had given him to prevent further damage to his body and mind.

One by one, Julian’s watches joined the conspiracy. His own cell phone, all the watches, and the alarm clocks surrendered to Nicholas, the defiler of time.

About the Author: E. J. Miranda is an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler, and a passionate author. Her great sense of humor and love for nature have granted her a rebellious writing style: Her approach describes the adventures of life but in such a way that each reader can have an individual take on the matter. Her inspiration comes from her curiosity about other countries’ cultures and peculiarities. A few countries in particular that spark her curiosity are Colombia, Italy, Costa Rica, England, Belgium, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Her favorite places to visit are historical sites and museums, locations that allow her to explore important and even overlooked details. She currently lives with her husband in Colombia but frequently travels to Houston to visit her daughter and son. E.J. Miranda has a degree in tax accounting, but she prefers interacting with people to calculating their taxes. To learn more about her life and work, visit http://www.ejmiranda.com.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46288494-julian-fox
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorejmiranda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EJMirandaAuthor

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#Sale $1.99 A FAMILY FOREVER Box Set by USA TODAY Bestselling Author DONNA FASANO

3-Book Bundle for just $1.99!

Many people say family is everything. There is nothing more beautiful than two people coming together for the sake of a child, finding love, and forming A Family Forever. From marriage-of-convenience to second-chance-at-love to pure Irish-fairytale fantasy, A Family Forever Bundle brings you sweet, emotional stories of romance and love that arrives unexpectedly and culminates in happily-ever-afters that will leave you smiling. 

So brew yourself a cup of tea, settle on the sofa (or under that big beach umbrella) and enjoy these three full-length, contemporary novels. 



Included in this bundle:  

A BEAUTIFUL STRANGER – When wealthy but emotionally wounded Sean Hudson arrives to claim his new daughter, he discovers the adoption hinges on the impossible. Unless he finds a wife immediately, the tiny orphan will be snatched away from him forever. But before he can abandon hope, a beautiful stranger proposes a surprising solution—marriage.  

MADE IN PARADISE – For ten long years Amber has believed her child was lost to her forever. Then an unexpected inheritance leads the lovely doctor back home… to the man she’s always loved. There she discovers her beloved Jon is a bachelor father, and the little girl he is raising is their daughter!  

A REASON TO BELIEVE – It seems like a grand idea, temporarily trading her pixie wings for a womanly form to help handsome widower Paul Roland with his baby girl. And the moment she holds the precious bairn in her arms, Fern knows true happiness for the first time. But she never anticipates the dizzying emotions she feels for the man who not only needs her as a nanny, but as a woman whose passion can heal his wounded heart. Suddenly the forbidden fairy rule she gently bends is in danger of being irrevocably broken. Couples coming together for the sake of a child and finding… A Family Forever!

Find this 3-Book Bargain Bundle:

KindleWordwide

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A Family Forever Series consists of 5 stand-alone romance novels. 

Other titles in the series:

An Accidental Family

Nanny and the Professor

Happy Reading!

 

Interview with Christina Bauer, ZINNIA, ANGELBOUND #3

 Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

My latest book is ZINNIA and it’s a dragon romance story. It also happens to be book 3 in my Angelbound Offspring series.

Do you have a favorite character?
That’s like choosing a favorite child! Heresy!

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?
In ZINNIA, I had a bus driver become a grandma from Mumbai who wears a sari and takes no prisoners. Readers say that she ends up stealing the show!

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?
I do marketing for my day job, so I didn’t see the need to pay a publisher to do that for me. Plus, I’m a control freak.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
Since graphic design is part of my day job, I felt very comfortable sourcing artists and providing direction.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
I never did the critique group thing, but I have spent a lot of time networking and finding the right writing support group. For me, this has a critical part of my success.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?
I learn new things all the time! Each retailer has its own quirks, which requires some sleuthing to figure out, but it’s rewarding to find the ebst way to connect my work with readers.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I am also a wife, mother and pet owner (golden retriever!)

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?
Dogs. Chocolate. Coffee. Talk. Day.

What’s next for you?
Now that ZINNIA is done, I’m working on the next book in the Angelbound Origins series. The title is called THE BRUTAL TIME and it is going to be a blast!

Thanks so much for having me blog … I look forward to seeing you at my next book launch! 

Zinnia
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Offspring #3)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

As the last dragon shifter, I live alone, hiding in one of Earth’s sacred deserts. My human handlers tell me that I have no parents, no name, and no purpose other than to train for battle and one day become a vessel for the reincarnation of Chimera, the greatest dragon shifter of all.

Sadly, Chimera’s rebirth will mean my own death. But my handlers say this sacrifice is a noble fate that will rebuild the dragon shifter world.

I shall die on my seventeenth birthday. That’s five days from now.
Then I hear music thumping across the desert. I take my mortal form, follow the sound, and find humans dancing in what they call a rave. There is a stage and a rock band. One thing quickly becomes clear: Unlike the audience, the musicians are dragon shifters, just like me. And one of them, the guitar player Rhodes, makes my knees turn watery. The lead singer, Kaps, has something strangely familiar about her.

It all adds up to one conclusion: My handlers lied to me. I’m not the last of my kind. Memories reappear. I had parents once. Portia and Tempest. I even had a name. Zinnia. Perhaps I have a reason to live as well. I step past the dancing humans to confront the players.
I will find out the full truth, no matter what.

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Author Bio:
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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#Excerpt: HEALING HEATHER & ACCEPTING AERIN by Tinsley Sellers

Healing Heather
Tinsley Sellers
(Beckley’s Daughters Romance #1)
Publication date: July 20th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She’s going 120mph in a 65 zone—and if driving even faster could change history, Professor Heather Harris would floor it. She’s on a collision course with Sergeant Brian Daniels, a state trooper determined to enforce the speed limit and slam the brakes on his own heartache. Can a fast-moving physicist find love with a laid-back law officer, or will ghosts from their pasts keep driving them apart?

“All relationships come with an expiration date. All of mine just happened to fall on the same two days.” —Heather Harris

After a long year of tragedy and loss, Dr. Heather Harris is finally ready to come to terms with the deaths that have left her devastated and alone in the world. Spending summer break at the lake cottage she inherited from her grandparents is the first step in coping with her crushing grief, but she soon finds herself on a collision course with Sergeant Brian Daniels, a police officer whose passion for classic cars won’t stop him from enforcing the speed limit.

Brian Daniels embraces his small-town, laid-back, lakeside life. After years of heartbreak at the hands of his first love, he’s finally free—and a fast-driving, karaoke-singing physics professor offers an exciting diversion. Opposites attract, but the sudden appearance of a blonde on a Harley threatens to throw a monkey wrench in the works. Will the pull of his past be stronger than the promise of his future?

Welcome to the small-town world of Beckley, Michigan. The two-lane roads are long and winding, the many lakes are cool and blue, and the dense forests are green and shaded. Summer days are warm and sunny and summer nights are clear under the glittering stars. The people are warm, friendly, smart, funny–and very, very real. When you need a place to call home, Beckley welcomes you—and sometimes the family you choose is as strong as the bonds you’re born with.

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Accepting Erin
Tinsley Sellers
(Beckley’s Daughters Romance #1)
Publication date: November 16th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Former Chicago Cubs third baseman Chet Coakley needs a quiet place to write the last novel in his best-selling series.

When a freak accident ends his baseball career, Chet finds his second chance writing a series of retro-detective novels. He’s on a deadline and can’t afford a distraction—especially not in the form of a vivacious blonde innkeeper who challenges everything he believes about himself.

Professional chef Aerin Buckholtz owns a vintage lodge and fifteen cabins on a secluded lake in the Michigan woods.

Betrayed by her best friend and self-conscious about her appearance, Aerin believes that romance isn’t meant for her. She’s building her business—and working to earn good reviews seems safer than admitting her attraction to a handsome former athlete who feels far out of her league.

Can Aerin and Chet learn to see themselves through each other’s eyes and accept a love neither one saw coming?

Welcome back to Beckley, Michigan! Autumn is in the air and as the days get shorter, the air gets cooler and the trees begin to turn every shade of gold and red. The people are just as warm, friendly, smart, funny, and real as you remember. When you need a place to call home, Beckley welcomes you—and sometimes the family you choose is as strong as the bonds you’re born with.

If you like small-town romance, you’ll like Beckley. If you like smart heroines who balance demanding professional careers with a commitment to family, friends, and finding love, then you’ll definitely like it here. If you like strong, sexy, hard-working heroes who have not-so-secret soft spots for kids, kittens, and classic cars, you may find that you never want to leave!

Accepting Aerin is the second in the Beckley’s Daughters Romance series. This series is recommended for adult readers and contains explicit language and intimate situations.

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Healing Heather Sneak Peek:

“That’s your truck?” I almost dropped my ice cream. My hot caramel, double scoop, butter pecan with whipped cream and two cherries sundae, to be precise. All over the front of Brian’s blue and white striped button-down shirt.
After I had hung up on him, I couldn’t shake the image of the ice cream. The craving got too strong, and I had decided that spending my dinner calories on that outrageous sundae made perfect sense. A tiny voice in the back of my brain had whispered that I might be trying to run into someone—not naming any names, not pointing any fingers—accidentally on purpose. You’re not helping, I had whispered back to the voice, but hopped in Violet and hit the road rolling towards Bowdon anyway.
Johnson’s was an old-fashioned soda fountain, and entering it was like stepping back fifty years in an instant. The fresh-faced teenage girl behind the counter wore a pink and white striped apron, and an exaggerated pink bow held back her blonde ponytail. Her hand-drawn name tag read Lizzie, with a tiny pink heart dotting each ‘i.’
When I had placed my order, she grinned. “One Sergeant’s Special, coming right up!” She had cheerfully gotten busy, scooping and topping like someone who had built that particular confection on more than one occasion.
“The Sarge likes his with an extra cherry,” she held up the half-empty jar of maraschinos as evidence. “One or two for you?”
“Two, of course,” I peered over the counter as she worked. “And maybe just a little more whipped cream?”
As I emerged from the ice cream parlor with my enormous probably-better-than-sex sundae, the first thing I saw was a fully-restored classic pick up. Parked directly in front of Johnson’s, right next to Violet, it was a Dodge, 1951 or ’52, five-window. From the pristine condition of the Sea Mist Green paint to the spotless whitewall tires, I surmised that it still had the original straight-line 6-cylinder engine and three-speed transmission. Brian stepped wordlessly aside while I handed him my sundae and circled the truck, utterly transfixed. I may have been drooling just a little. Clicking the latch, I lifted the driver’s side bonnet—and gasped out loud.
“Yeah,” he nodded over my shoulder, “it’s a 392 Hemi. Just like yours.” He grinned and started spooning my sundae into his mouth. “I bought her about eight years ago, and it took me six years to bring her back to life. I figured she deserved the Hemi.”
He scooped another generous spoonful of my ice cream into his mouth and savored. “Dang, did Lizzie make this? Just gets better every time.” He handed me back the paper bowl and closed the truck bonnet. “Wanna go for a ride?”
Did I ever. Girl Code or Common Sense 101 be damned, there was no way I was turning down a ride in that beauty-on-the-outside, beast-on-the-inside truck. Without a word, I climbed into the cab on the passenger side. The interior had been meticulously restored, and the tan leather bench seat had been customized with intricate stitching.
He roared the engine to life, and my heart skipped a beat. In seconds, he had turned off the main highway, and we headed east an empty two-lane, windows rolled down and radio turned up.
“So, if I remember correctly, this is the part of the country song where I kick my shoes off and put my pretty bare feet on the dash.” I smiled sweetly and licked the caramel from my spoon, a little more suggestively than was strictly necessary. Something about the rolled-up sleeves and half-unbuttoned casual shirt he wore over a plain white tee spoke to me on an almost cellular level, triggering a sensual response I couldn’t really control. I took another bite, swirling my tongue through whipped cream with an exaggerated innocence.
“Followed by the verse where I kick you out of my truck for spilling ice cream all over the leather,” he looked meaningfully at the paper bowl and its rapidly melting contents. The molten caramel and the summer heat had conspired, almost liquefying the butter pecan.
“Sorry,” I said meekly, sitting up straighter and corralling my wayward thoughts. “I won’t spill, I promise. But you may have to help me finish this, it’s a double.”
“Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.” He kept his left hand on the wheel, and while I held the bowl, tried unsuccessfully with his right to secure a spoonful. “I’m a lefty. Help me out here?”
I slid over a bit closer and held the sundae-loaded spoon to his lips. Without taking his eyes from the road, he took the bite with obvious relish. I repeated the process, then helped myself to a spoonful. Sharing the single spoon felt intimate and little romantic.
We drove in comfortable silence. Neither one of us mentioned our recent conversation, and it didn’t feel necessary to bring it up. The road wound through the silent forest, then suddenly opened up with hay fields and horse pasture on either side of the road. Three horses glanced up briefly, then resumed their leisurely grazing. A white farmhouse stood about a hundred yards from the road, flanked by a tidy barn and a stable. I imagined a young family: a father leading his young daughter on the back of a pony; a mother laughing and pushing a baby boy on a tree swing.
“Can I tell you something?” he asked suddenly, startling me from my reverie. “I just don’t want you to misunderstand.”
“Of course you can,” I replied, curious. “But don’t feel like you need to explain anything to me. I don’t want you to think I…” I trailed off, not knowing exactly how to finish my thought.
“Think you what? Judge me? Pity me?” He slowed the truck, pulling over on the shoulder, and turned to face me. “I don’t think you would do either. But let’s just set the record perfectly straight. Yeah, I had a relationship with Amanda. It was a lot of years, a lot of chaos, a lot of pain, and now it’s over. It’s been over for a long time.”
“Okay…” I exhaled. “She made me think you were still seeing each other pretty exclusively. I didn’t—I don’t—want to be in the middle of anything.”
“You aren’t. You couldn’t be. There’s nothing to be in the middle of.” His green eyes still showed pain, though. I reached over and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The pain in his eyes gave way to something that looked like optimism. Or maybe hope. Either one was fine by me.
“Well then. That’s resolved. I’m sorry I was rude this afternoon, it was uncalled for.” I smiled an apology. “So, Sergeant SeaMist, is this a ’51 or a ’52?”

Author Bio:
Tinsley Sellers grew up in Chicago, spending her summers with her grandparents in a tiny town a lot like Beckley, Michigan. Life took her to Arizona, Washington, and Idaho before she finally found her home in Arkansas. She is married to an amazing, supportive (and handsome!) man, with whom she has rescued three dogs and two cats. When she’s not writing, she teaches physics and engineering at the local university. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s probably trying new recipes. She enjoys fast cars, loud music, fine whisky, and big books. In no particular order.

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