November | 2013 | Reading Writing and Book Reviews

Dying Embers by Adrian J. Smith Blog Tour

28 Nov 2013 1 Comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Blog Tour, New Book Release Tags: Adrian J. Smith, AJ Smith, Amazon, Ashes Fall, Barnes and Noble, Divorce, Emergency Services, Facebook, Female Firefighter, Female Role Models, Fire, Firemen, FIrewomen, Forever Burn, Goodreads, James Matthews Trilogy, Kobo, Smashwords, Twitter

Dying Embers by Adrian J. Smith

The James Matthews Trilogy

Release Date

December 1, 2013

Synopsis

She thought she was on the right path, but life keeps tugging Addison back to her past and her gift.

Addison Lee struggles to make a new life in Norwich, one where she can be the Battalion Chief of Fire Station Seven and live life as she sees fit. She wants a life without the complications of an ex-fiancé and a job that put her life on the line for little more than a gift she was born with. Learning the ropes of a new job can always be tough,

and being a Battalion Chief means she has a great responsibility to her crew and to the city. Nervous about her first day already, Addison realizes that adding in a one-night stand with a future employee has left her on rocky ground.

Plagued by visions of a dying woman, Addison continues to cope with difficulties at her new job. She has no idea who the dying woman is, where she is, or even, when she is—and no means to find out. Addison is distracted from the dying woman and her new job when called to Wyoming on an emergency, where she discovers it’s not as easy to leave her past behind as she hoped.

Excerpt

Giving voice to such a thought, she said, “I think I like it better here than Chicago already.”

“That’s because the jackass isn’t here.”

“Really, Rob?”

All the energy in her body was sucked from her in a giant whoosh. Setting her food to the side, she stood up and left him alone. She was beyond tired of the snide comments about her ex and the way they popped up seemingly every hour. If it wasn’t for the jackass,

she wouldn’t be moving. If the jackass wasn’t a jackass, she would still be at her old job. Addison was through with such conversations. She was supposed to be starting new. Moving into the bedroom, she fumbled through a few suitcases until she found a fitted sheet.

Paying no mind to her brother, who had followed her and was leaning against the doorframe, she threw the sheet onto the bed and started tucking it in. Anything would do on the mattress so long as she could sleep on it within the hour.

“Addy,” he called her name softly as she pushed the last elastic corner over the edge of the bed.

Standing straight, Addison walked to the corner of the room where she knew her blankets were. Holding onto an edge, she threw her hands up, letting the material flutter down on top. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she turned toward the door but refused to make eye contact with her brother.

“Addy.”

Walking to the closet, Addison gripped the bag she packed specifically for Rob and shoved it into his arms before stalking to the bathroom. Slamming the door shut, she leaned against the wood. The break-up with her ex was never going to end. Gritting her teeth, she ripped into one of the four boxes in the tiny room. There had to be towels in at least one of them, because if she had to go back out into the hall, she was going to break down. She wouldn’t be able to handle it.

She shut the lid to the first box and started in on the second.

“Asshole for a brother is what I have,” she muttered under her breath. The term might have been adequate, but it didn’t mean that she needed to be reminded of his problem with spouting whatever came off the top of his head every day. Nobody had liked the

jackass; that had been clear from the start of their relationship. Huffing a breath, she gave up on the second box and started on the third. Her wrist came up to her face, and she brushed it against her cheek, washing away the salty drops.

“It never ends.”

She ripped the flap open and three quarters of the way off the box as she tried to get inside.

“Where the hell are the towels?” she growled in an attempt to remain quiet.

She let anger have its way with her. Shoving the top of the box down, she moved to the final cardboard container. As she reached for it, she heard the soft knock on the door. Gripping the handle, she wrenched it open.

“What!?”

Rob stood before her, head bowed, eyes downcast, with two towels in his hands.

“I thought you might want these.”

Her mouth opened and closed. She gripped the fluffy cotton tightly after taking it from him, cradling the material to her chest. Her eyes started to water. Praying and hoping that the tears wouldn’t surge forward, Addison stood as still as possible. Maybe if she didn’t move, no one would notice. Maybe if she stopped time by ignoring it, then Rob would have no idea that she was about to break. The jackass should not still be able to affect her. Her cheeks reddened at the thought.

Giving in, she swallowed hard.

“Thank you.” She quietly spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rob ignored her silent call for privacy and wrapped a long arm around her shoulders, tugging her into his body. She stumbled forward into his chest and sniffled. Her shoulders were tense, and she used the last dregs of energy she had used to keep her back rigid and straight. She didn’t want to give in. She took another deep breath, the air sticking in her throat as she tried to release it.

Addison started to sob.

Her body jerked, and she swayed into him. The majority of her weight rested against Rob’s chest, and she buried her face into his shoulder. Dropping the towels to the floor, she fisted her hands behind his back. She didn’t want to move. Had he asked two seconds before, she would have shoved him off and ran for the mountains just to get away from the stark reminder of her failed relationship. Now that the emotions flowed freely through her veins, now that she sobbed against her brother, she couldn’t have thought about being elsewhere.

They stood like that for a good twenty minutes. Rob ran a hand through her hair, the brown locks twisted around his fingers and tangled as he reached the ends. He tugged his hands through and did it again and again. When Addison pressed two palms flat against his chest and pushed back, he released her after pressing a quick kiss to the crown of her head.

“You’re an asshole,” she muttered, her face still buried in the sweatshirt he wore.

“Yup, but I’m a loving asshole.”

She stepped back and brushed her fingers under her eyes.

“I’m going to take a shower.” Pointing her thumbs over her shoulder toward the small shower behind her, Addison retreated another step.

Rob sneered and reached around the corner bringing another item into her view—the shower curtain they had bought at the store earlier. “That shower was not made for people of my stature.”

That earned him a quick grin. Addison replied, “Well, it’s a good thing you won’t be here long.”

She pushed at his shoulders until he was far enough out the door that she could shut it. Moving to the sink, she did a double take and reached for the small lock, flipping it. Too many times the door had burst inward while she was standing naked at the sink; the jackass barging in on her unwelcomed. Addison shivered at the memories, and the cold look he always gave her before locking the door behind him.

Author Interview

Please tell us what made you decide to try to become published? How did you get started?

I have always wanted to be published, since I first started writing when I was twelve years old. I think I just thought it would be really cool to see my name in print. The more I wrote, the more I just wanted to share my stories with other people who would love the same type of stories. That’s still what it’s about to me. I was asked one time whether or not it would make a difference if I was published, and I have to honestly say the answer is no. It wouldn’t matter. I would still be writing and sharing my stories to the best of my abilities.

As for starting in the publishing world, that happened by sheer luck and amazing people. I met someone on twitter, and poof, had a publisher less than a year later! Go figure.

Tell us two random things about yourself that might shock or surprise us.

Well I don’t know how much it’ll surprise some people, but two things. I’m absolutely in love with pumpkins—year round any time I can get ahold of them, I keep them. Secondly, I have a Muppet phobia that plagues me more often than it should.

Tell us about James Matthews and her trilogy, without spoilers of course!

Without spoilers? Can’t I just say what happens in every single book so that no one has to read it? Umm…James Matthews is a firefighter who has started to become a bit disillusioned with the job. It’s not what she expected or wanted it to be. Instead of going to fires, she mostly goes to medical calls. However, James has been to one house fire where she saved a two-year-old girl, Lily. Two years later (where we come into the story), James keeps having recurring nightmares about Lily and the fire.

I should probably mention that James is a woman at this point just to make that completely clear. It is not just a typo. James also has a super-secret lover who probably has more secrets than James does.

The first in the series, Forever Burn, follows James through her nightmares and her struggling relationship. Of course a few more things happen, but that would mean spoilers, so I’ll just shush now. The second book, Dying Embers, is actually a prequel to Forever Burn. Dying Embers focuses on the start of James’ relationship with her super-secret lover and how all that went down. It’s quite amusing and funny in certain places, but I’m a bit biased.

The third novel in the trilogy is called Ashes Fall (TBR Sept 1, 2014) and takes places eleven years after Forever Burn. I’ve just completed writing that one and am in the editing process. Ashes Fall focusses on James and her furthering relationship with Lily and said super-secret lover. I’m sure that if you read the first book, you’ll be wondering how this happens, so you’ll just have to read this

one too. Lily is struggling throughout this book with everything that has happened in her past, as is James. So the third book is far darker than the first one, and the tension is ramped up.

I know that I put James through so much that if she were real she might punch me, or hand me over to her super-secret lover’s ex-fiancé. (Yeah, wrap your mind around that one, I dare you.)

If there is one character from this trilogy you would really like people to meet, who would it be?

If I had to pick one character from this trilogy to meet, it would probably be Addison or Rob. I don’t know what it is about both of them, but they have a special place in my heart. Addison tends to keep a cool head in the sight of some serious tragedy and she trusts her gut, which is important. Rob, however, is the gayest straight man I have ever known. He can talk and talk and talk and

never shut up. I had originally only intended for him to be in a chapter or two of Forever Burn, but he ended up having quite a role in each novel.

Focusing more on Dying Embers, the second book and prequel of the trilogy, how long did it take you to write it and what inspired you?

I think this novel took me 13 days to write. I took a bunch of time (before I had two other part-time jobs) in November of 2012 and typed my little heart away. I’d had the idea for what I wanted to happen in this novel well before I wrote it, so as soon as I was able to sit down and type, it all came out.

The inspiration for this series mainly comes from my time of working security. I worked in tandem with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue. I saw them at least twice during one shift (more if it was a Friday or Saturday night). I wanted to represent a job that has changed drastically over the years, and one that is often misunderstood.

Firefighters are always heroes. I don’t think that I’ve ever encountered someone who thinks that they’re not (unlike cops who can have good and bad reputations). But firefighters rarely go to fires anymore unless they are working in a large enough city to have enough medical personnel. They are often required to train as paramedics or first responders while also being trained in firefighting. It’s just the reality of the situation, and this is represented in James herself.

The emergency responders that I worked with on a regular basis are the ones that inspired the characters behind this story and the situations that the characters go to. I do want to say, none of these characters are actually based on real people, just the situations and jobs themselves.

What is your writing process?

I write every day. Okay, well, I try to write every day. If I’m not writing; I’m editing. If I’m not editing; I’m writing. I might not be working on novels; I might be working on shorts, or papers if my instructors decide to have an assignment due. In the world of no classes and no school, I wake up in the morning and edit until noon or one. I always finish the piece or part I’m editing. Sometimes it is one piece, sometimes two. Sometimes my own work, and sometimes it’s for a friend. After editing, I write. I write for hours. When I want to get through a chapter or a certain part before bed, I’ll turn all electronics possible off. No twitter. No television. No Facebook. I’ll turn my music up as loud as is appropriate (my playlist ranges from Ice-T to movie scores to gospel to country). I type as fast as possible. Editing can and will always happen later.

My motto is two-fold: I cannot edit what has not been written, and I cannot improve without continuing and practicing.

What is your non-writing life like?

My non-writing life? Is there such a thing? I read for classes. I write papers (wait, that’s writing). Crocheting to relax, piano when I’m angry, and singing when the moment strikes. I often am found at my favorite bar: The Gingerman. At least two times a week, I show up and have myself a wheat beer. I am an animal lover. I have three cats (Elliot, Seeley, and Rusty—Elliot is on loan to my mother), and I recently just adopted a dog with my significant other. We named her Caprica, and she’s a pitbull puppy.

Other than that I work a total of three part-time jobs. Luckily writing is one of those. I’m also a freelance copy-editor, so I take on at least one novel a month when school is in session. I’m a part-time minister, who loves my job. I’m also a full-time graduate student hopefully graduating in May. So I really don’t have a lot of that little thing called time.

Tell us a bit about the publishing and marketing process.

I will say that it’s been rough and it’s been amazing all at the same time. My publisher is a small press, independent publisher, meaning I don’t sell thousands of books in the first second of release. I love working with the company and the people that my publisher chooses because I do have a lot of say in what happens with my novel.

We generally decide on a book cover after I send in a full manuscript. So the cover process and the editing processes are going on at the same time. While all that is going on, I’m doing marketing for the book and planning out swag and the likes. Once everything has been edited and formatted, the cover is done and the book itself is being printed and sent to the sellers, I ramp up my marketing.

I do most of my marketing though my social media sucks. I’m only every going to claim that I am less than partially good at this marketing thing. I use twitter a lot and Facebook, but I also post a lot of excerpts and writing goods (grammar rules included) on my blog and website. I don’t know if there’s any vast success in this, but it seems to be working for the moment.

What about being published and the book industry in general has most surprised you?

Surprised me? My senior project in high school was on the publishing industry and the different kinds of publishing, so I wasn’t ever shocked by anything in regards to that.

I would probably have to say is the authority people give me solely for the fact that I have a book out. It’s like suddenly I became a real writer, not just one that piddles around in the dark of night with a computer. People want my advice, they want to hear how I did it, they want to replicate that—and I’m sitting here going, get your own story because mine’s not all that cool!

I do also think that a bit more of that authority comes because I do have a publisher to back me. While my publisher is small press and I can guarantee most people probably haven’t heard of the company or the other authors there, it still lends to that authority I was talking about. People ask me about query letters and sending their work into publishers and agents because they assume I’ve been through the same process and can share in the experience. That, however, is not necessarily true.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a new series called Spirit of Grace. The first novel, For by Grace, will be released with Supposed Crimes, LLC in June of 2014. I’m in the process of writing the sequel to that book called Fallen from Grace. I’m also writing a book that is yet to be titled. This one has an almost two-hundred year old witch and a seventy-year old one-quarter vampire—they both tend to get in a lot of trouble. I’m also co-writing another novel (because I’m insane) that’s about werewolves in an entirely dystopian world.

I’m also editing about three novels (at least I think it’s three). Ashes Fall, the third and final in the James Matthews trilogy is being edited—it’ll be released September 1, 2014. I’m editing For by Grace which will be released June 1, 2014 (it has one more round

before it’s done!) I also co-wrote a novel this year that is coming out sometime next year. We’re in the process of editing that as well.

In the plans, I think I have two more novels in the Spirit of Grace series. An infinite number of novels with the witch and vampire serial. And I’m sure that my co-writer and I will continue our partnership. It’s just way too much fun not to!

Author Information

Adrian J. Smith, or “AJ” as she is often called, is a part-time writer with an epic imagination, sharp wit, and kind heart that gets her into a bit of trouble when it comes to taking in all the neighborhood stray cats. Being obsessed with science fiction, Smith often goes off on tangents about the space-time continuum. She is also a part-time lunatic with a secretive past. It’s been rumored that she was once a spy for the government, but anyone who has gotten close enough to know the truth has never lived to tell the tale. When traveling around the world on various classified tasks, Smith requires the following be provided: buffalo jerky, mimosas, and eighty-six pennies. This is all we know about the reclusive woman.

(Goodreads)

Author Links

Twitter Facebook Author Blog Publishers

Purchasing Links

Smashwords Amazon Barnes and Noble BooksAMillion Kobo

Book 1

The James Matthews Trilogy

Amazon

**Note**

**Remember, Book 2

Dying Embers is actually a prequel to Forever Burn**

Book 3

Ashes Fall

Due to be released

September 1, 2014

Happy Reading

🙂

Anna

Sneak Peek at Dying Embers (booksbysmiles.wordpress.com)
Book Preview: Dying Embers, by Adrian J. Smith (unchainedfaith.com)

Blind Salvage Release Event & Giveaway

27 Nov 2013 1 Comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Giveaway, Release Event Tags: Alex, Blog Tour, Crime, Giveaway, Happy Birthday, Kids, paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Rylee Adamson Novel, Series, Shannon Mayer, USTREAM, Werewolves, YouTube

*Blind Salvage by Shannon Mayer and Rylee’s Birthday Bash*

**With Exclusive Book Trailer**

***Shh… Secret Project Ahead***

****Enter Giveaway for your chance to WIN a Kindle EBook of Blind Salvage****

A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 5

New Adult/Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: HiJinks Ink Publishing Ltd.

Released: November 21^st , 2013

Synopsis

“My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.”

When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I’m the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.

Crossing into Ogre country is dangerous when you’re a polite, respectful gal. Which means I already know I’m in for a wild ride, despite the back-up I’ve brought along.

Even when things start to go sideways, and enemies close on us from every side, I still believe we have the upper hand.

How very blind can one person be when it comes to a salvage?

I’m about to find out.

*PLEASE NOTE: ALL of the Rylee Adamson Novels (both paperback and ebooks) have been reformatted inside and look AMAZING!! The ebooks even include a new state of the art technology to help you keep track of characters from book to book.*

Book Trailer

Rylee Adamson Interview

My name is Rylee. I don’t like it when people use my last name, it reminds me of where I’m from and the people who turned on me. I was adopted as a baby into a family where they couldn’t have children naturally. But when I was ten, my parents got a surprise. A miracle baby, a little girl with golden hair and bright blue eyes.

When I was sixteen, I was accused of killing her; our parents believed the police. But I don’t really want to talk about that as it was over ten years ago. I’m trying to let it go.

I’m a Tracker, a supernatural who can trace anyone’s life threads finding them regardless of whether they’re dead or alive. I prefer alive, dead is messy, but so often that is the case. I’m also an Immune, magic slides off me as if I don’t exist. That is handy.

Gods, I’m sweating here trying not to swear. Are you sure I can’t use at least one four letter word? No, of course not.

I never Track adults. They can bloody well take care of themselves. I only ever Track kids. Probably I’m trying to make up for not saving my sister. But I’ll leave that up to the psychologists out there to decipher my motives.

Alex is my buddy, a werewolf trapped between forms; half man, half wolf. Submissive, goofy and loyal to the bone he is the one spot of bright light in my life. I think you’d like him the best of the two of us. I know I can be a hard ass, I can’t seem to help it. But Alex has never met someone he couldn’t win over with a floppy wave of his oversized paws. He might not be the best back-up, but he makes me smile and in my world, that is enough.

Someone once asked me what it was like to Track kids for parents who had no one else to turn to, for parents who’d lost hope that their child would ever be returned to them.

This was my answer: It’s a weight and a responsibility that sits on me, I took an oath that I would never stop Tracking lost children. That I would put my life on the line for those who can’t save themselves, and that I would fight to my last breath to keep a child alive.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Book Links

Amazon Goodreads

Want to know a Secret…?

**SHANNON’S SECRET PROJECT**

For months now, Shannon has been teasing you all with a “secret project” she’s been working on. Have you figured out yet what

My name is Alex, and this is my story.

**Short story 14k Words**

ALEX (A Rylee Adamson Short Story)

New Adult/Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: HiJinks Ink Publishing Ltd.

Release date: December 12th , 2013

Cover designed by Damon Za; (http://damonza.com)

Available EXCLUSIVELY on Amazon on December 12, 2013

Blind Salvage Kindle EBook GIVEAWAY

<a id=”rc-4a382c3″ href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a382c3/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Information

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

She is the author of the The Rylee Adamson Novels, The Nevermore Trilogy, A Celtic Legacy series and several contemporary romances. Please visit her website at http://www.shannonmayer.com for more information on her novels.

Interview with Shannon Mayer

Rather than have a list of Q & A as I’ve seen oh-so-many-times-and-looks-rather-dry (similar to a succession of popcorn farts), I thought I’d do something a little different.

I thought I’d tell you a story about a girl who loved horses and believed in magic. She grew up in a family of mixed nuts, seven kids in total from a variety of marriages, and to date none of the kids would be deemed ‘normal’, herself included. As she got older, she told people that she believed in magic and they shushed her and said that magic wasn’t real, to stop being silly. They told her, that she needed to get her head out of the clouds, and out of the books. So she told them she loved horses and everyone thought she should pursue a career with animals.

Soon, she stopped telling anyone about the magic she saw and dreamed about, and everyone just thought she loved horses. I mean, that’s even what she went to school for, working with horses. The girl became a farrier (and if you ask her clients they all think she did a smashingly good job), shoeing horses for a living. Hell, she even met a cute boy at college (something she’d previously not managed to do regardless of her raging hormones and batting of her eyelashes). They fell in love, and got married. Now this is where things get interesting. The twist in the story if you will.

The boy she married, he was pretty smart. He could see that there was something more to her than just loving horses. 🐎

He could see the magic she kept so carefully hidden; and he believed in her magic.

And he told her to use it.

Now that was a scary time for her, learning to use that magic. She made mistakes, people laughed at her, and at times she almost gave up. But that cute boy kept cheering her on, and now . . .well, now the story is pretty simple.

She makes magic every day, for a living, with the words she writes, spinning stories and creating worlds out of nothing but the belief she has in her heart. The cute boy still cheers her on, and she still loves horses, but now . . . .now the people around her realize that magic isn’t that far away. Not if you know what you’re looking for.

📚 Author Links

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Did you miss, Author Shannon Mayer LIVE on Blog Talk Radio and/or Ustream, November 21, 2013?

Then VISIT Links NOW to see what you missed, or just to hear it all over Again!

Blog Talk

Shannon Mayer Ustream Link

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Enjoy Reading, 😀 Anna

Meet Indie Author Tabitha Dellahousye

27 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Meet the Author Tags: Amazon, Chic. Lit, Contemporary Romance, Facebook, Fiction, Goodreads, Growing Up, Indie Author, Life Stages, Love, marriage, Phases, Romance, Tabitha Dellahousye, Twitter

Meet Indie Author Tabitha Dellahousye

Phases

Mind of a Minor

Published February 7, 2013

Extended Synopsis

(Courtesy of the author, Tabitha Dellahousye, Thank You)

Little girls who dress and act like little boys are considered to be tomboys and are said to be going through a phase. It is said that she will grow out of it and will no longer want things to be that way; it too shall pass. Life is a series of phases, you are born a child and then you grow out of it. Everyone goes through the same phases, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, senior citizen, and then death. What if you took those same phases and made them relevant to your life, your experiences, what would they be called? Well, for me, it’s Easy Street, Sex, Maturity, and Relaxation.

Olivia Denise Adams is at a stand still, desperately trying to decide how to approach the next phase in her life. She takes the time to reflect on her past phases and how they have affected her and her attitude towards men, sex, marriage, and her career. Will she allow her past, filled with molestation, teen pregnancy, and heartache determine her future?

In the first phase, Easy Street, Olivia reflects on her childhood. She is a mild-mannered child who enjoys the fact that she is an only child being raised by her single mother. To Olivia, life couldn’t get any easier. After spending two weeks at summer camp, Olivia comes home to a new stepfather, stepsister, and a pregnant mother. Olivia is forced to deal with her new family situation. A painful confrontation between Olivia and her stepfather leaves her emotionally scared and destroys the relationship she once had with her mother. Olivia decides that the very object that her stepfather used against her would be the same weapon she would use against all men. She doesn’t value sex nor does she take the time to consider the dangers of promiscuity.

It isn’t until Olivia ends up pregnant at the age of seventeen that she decides to change her ways. She buckles down and concentrates on graduating from high school and leaving for college in the fall. Olivia knows that college is the only way she can provide for this child. The university would provide housing, daycare, and financial aid until Olivia has the opportunity to get on her feet and establish a career.

When the father of the baby disappears, Olivia reverts back to old ways. She instantly becomes overly protective of her daughter and is determined not to become emotionally involved with men. She wants to prevent her daughter from having to deal with a stepfather or the pain that she associates with it. Men would only serve as a physical and financial necessity.

Olivia is introduced to Alexander for a summer fling before departing to school in the fall. The fling does not go the way either party intended, but before they decide to make a commitment, Alexander tells Olivia that he has a lot of personal demons that he is dealing with. He is giving her the choice of whether or not she wants to deal with them. To Olivia, that was the sweetest thing a man has ever done for her. For once, she is given the opportunity to walk away before she gets her feelings hurt. She truly believed that Alexander was different, and he proved to be right up until the moment she said, “I do”.

This is where we find Olivia, struggling with the decision of whether to abort her husband’s baby. The same baby that will prevent her from going to law school. The same baby that will force her to put her dreams on the back burner settle into being a wife and mother of three. On top of the pregnancy, Olivia has started having nightmares and minor breakdowns whenever she hears of, sees, or reads about a child being molested. She stops watching the news, the Lifetime channel is banned, and all the books that

she reads has to be proofed by her husband prior to reading them herself. The book God Don’t Like Ugly makes it past Alexander after several friends and family members tell Olivia that this was the best book they had ever read. This book is the final blow for Olivia and her final breakdown leads her husband to suggest professional help.

In the end Olivia decides to keep her baby, pursue other dreams, and to confront both her mother and stepfather. This gives her the closure she needs in order to step into the next phase of her life, Relaxation.

Introducing Olivia

olivias introduction phases tabitha dellahousye

Little girls who dress and act like little boys are considered to be tomboys and are said to be going through a phase. It is said that she will grow out of it and will no longer want things to be that way; it too shall pass. Life is a series of phases, you are born a child and then you grow out of it. Everyone goes through the same phases, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, senior citizen, and then death. What if you took those same phases and made them relevant to your life, your experiences, what would they be called? Well, for Olivia, it’s Easy Street, Sex, Maturity, and Relaxation. Follow Olivia as she drifts through her phases from the mind of her minor self!

Thoughts on Bobby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJa5GL_obuA

Thoughts on Terry

olivia terry phases 1 tabitha dellahousye

Sneak Peek at Chapter 1

(Courtesy of the author, Tabitha Dellahousye) 🙂

Easy Street

I am a strong believer in the saying, “Everything in life happens for a reason.” Even though I went through a lot as a child I like to think one of two things. One, I wasn’t the only one going through it, or two, that someone out there had it worse than me. Compared to the things that are going on today, I had it pretty easy as a child. This is how I learned to rationalize all the bad things that happened. I have been asked, “If you could change what happened in your life, would you?” To be honest, all of the struggles that I had to endure made me a better person. I like to think it shaped my character and gave me more to live for…

Sean

So here I am, twenty-four, married with two kids, and nowhere to go but up. So why do I feel so down? In the past week I have had rejection come my way and the words, bipolar, manic depression, and lithium spoken in my direction. Am I depressed? Please, do black people really get depressed or are they just trippin? I think I’m just trippin….

Like most black children; you are either raised by your struggling black mama or your struggling black mama and alcoholic stepdad. Although I prayed for the first, I received the latter. There was a time when it was just mama and me. I was truly happy then, but hell, what child wasn’t happy then. No bills to pay and all the candy you could eat. Did I mention I was an only child, then? Hump, the good ole days! Anyways, my mama struggled with the thought of being a single mother fresh out of high school, pregnant by that sweet talking Bobby. I have often heard her say he sweet-talked her right out of her clothes and virginity all in the same sentence.

Smooth.

To have a tongue that sweet you would think it was made out of pure sugar, I mean sweet like the sugar cane we would chew on in the summertime. When I look at his pictures, it had to be the conversation cause there truly wasn’t much else. He was black as tar and skinny for no reason. I can honestly say I have only seen him a couple times as a child and now I force myself to spend time with him as an adult. In fairness to him, at least that is what I tell myself, if he did nothing else, his sperm helped to create a pretty decent individual.

I often wondered why things did not work out between the two of them, and then I found out about his drug addiction, and my personal favorite, his unemployment addiction. I even sat and wondered if he just got his act together, would it have been possible for me to grow up without being sexually and emotionally abused. You can spend your whole life wondering and never really get any fulfillment out of it. You could play the “What if?” game a thousand times over and still end up in the same sad situation. It is the reason that I actually hate daydreaming, it’s just another way for your mind to play tricks on you, conjure up ways for you to be happy and goals that you would never achieve. When you finally snap back to reality you are depressed, oops, I mean trippin all over again.

At some point my mama must have given up on finding a husband of her own because she started settling for other women’s husbands. At five, you don’t think much of it, you just had someone to call daddy and buy you pretty things. To a child there are two types of men who date your mama. The first type, we’ll call him “Johnny Feelgood”, is looking for a good time, and so he will buy the distraction, mainly me, whatever it took to get the distraction out of the way, hence; good time achieved. The other, “Sweetie Pie” is really a nice guy (the nice ones are usually married) and you wished your mama would have found him first.

I got lucky and for a short period of time my mama brought home a “Sweetie Pie”, his name was Sean. What I remember about Sean was his big belly, his smile, and his scent. Sean always smelled clean and to me it meant he had a nice job. Whatever he did for a living required him to wear a shirt and tie. The shirt was always nice and crisp like new money and the tie always matched. I loved how big he was, he reminded me of Santa Claus and his tone was always calm and soothing; his attitude always pleasant. It was the things that I remembered about Sean that I carried on when I started dating or so I thought. When Sean and my mama began to see each other on a more constant basis, I was six years old and we stayed in a small two-bedroom apartment on the southwest side of Houston.

Sean only came over on certain days; I guess when his wife wouldn’t notice he was missing. Mama and I made the best of those times; it made us feel good to have a man in the house. Sean spoiled me, whatever I wanted, I got. Not because he wanted to spend time with my mama, but I think he felt sorry for me. He knew I would never really have a father who would love me and treat me the way a child should be treated. He was right, never, after he and Mama’s relationship ended was there anyone like Sean. My time with Sean was filled with Showbiz, Sesame Street on Ice, horseback riding, and playtime at the beach.

I was so fascinated with him that half the time I didn’t know Mama was even there. Every night after Sean went home to be a husband to his wife and a father to his daughter, I would lie in bed crying, wishing he were there with us. One Friday night, while Mama was in the house fixing me grits and eggs, I was sitting on the porch waiting for Sean when Bobby showed up. How did he find out where we stayed? Mama moved away from him and vowed he would never see me again after she returned from work one day and found me, four years old, and home alone.

Bobby fixed me a bowl of cereal which I ate while I watched Smurfs on the television. He said he was going across the street to the store, he promised to be right back. He said if I was a good girl and didn’t tell mama, he would bring me some candy. What Bobby didn’t know was that Mama got off work early that day. When my mama got home and realized I was there by myself, she was hotter than fish grease. She called Bobby everything but a child of God when he came home three hours later. “How in the hell can you leave Olivia in the house by herself, so yo dumb ass can go get a hit!” she yelled. “Damn it girl, you act like I left her here for a long time, she fine,” he said with an attitude, “get the hell out of my face with that shit!” Even as a child, I knew those were fightin words, instinct told me to get out of the way. Mama didn’t back down from anybody and she step directly in his path and said, “You need to pack your things and leave, I don’t want you around my daughter any…”, before she could finish her sentence, his fist crashed into her face. It landed with the same precision you would want from a pilot landing a plane and her body hit the floor. As he stood over her ready to strike again, she kicked him between his legs grabbed me and ran out of the door. Our neighbor, Ms. Caroline let my mama use the phone so that she could call the police. My last image of him was being hauled off to jail.

Now, here he was, prancing up our stairs, smiling like someone actually wanted to see him. He walked past me and asked, “Hey baby girl, where yo mama at?” As he spoke you could smell the beer on his breath and from the looks of his dirty clothes, I knew he didn’t have a nice job, not like Sean. Just then mama appeared in the doorway, “Bobby get the hell off my porch, you know you ain’t supposed to be here.”

“You think that piece paper gone stop me from seein my kid, you should know me better than that Valerie. By the time the cops get here, I could have Olivia and be gone.” When I heard those words fall off his lips, I got up and ran pass my mama into the apartment; I didn’t even want him to touch me. That must have made him angry because he pushed mama out of the way and ran after me screamin for me to come and give him a hug. After I slammed my bedroom door, I locked it and cried for my mama to make him leave me alone.

I kept wondering where is Sean? Why wasn’t he here yet? I pictured Sean running up the stairs, grabbing Bobby by his skinny little neck, and saying, “Stay away from my girls!” Bobby would be so scared that he would leave and never come back. As I sunk down on the floor and began to cry even harder, I heard a loud scream. A scream composed of sheer pain and agony, but I’ve never known my mother to scream like a man. I raced out of my bedroom to find Bobby rolling around on the floor with hot grits stuck to his face. My aunts always said my mama was “mean in the kitchen”; I just thought they were talking about how well she cooked.

“If you know what’s good for you, collect yourself and leave my house”, mama said standing over him with the remainder of the grits still in the pot. As black as he was, he had white spots all over his face and as he tried to wipe the gooey food away, it revealed serious burns that would definitely call for medical attention. He sat in the middle of our living room floor, contemplating if he really wanted to go up against this crazy woman, especially with the pot still in her hand. He sat there hurt, because his intentions were never for things to be this bad between he and Valerie. He never intended for her to see rough times or feel pain. He truly wanted to love her and treat her like a queen.

Valerie was a queen she was beautiful. Valerie was about 5’4 and full figured with smooth peanut butter skin. Her long shiny black hair always hung over her right shoulder with the slightest curl at the end. She was a mixture of ghetto and sophistication all rolled into one and to finalized the deal she was intelligent. Some people could be book smart and not have an ounce of common sense to their name, but Valerie took that one step further. Valerie had book sense, common sense, and street smarts. She was a survivor. She could make a meal out of one pack of ground beef, two potatoes, and a block of government cheese that would last us for three days.

Bobby was smart enough to leave without even saying a word. He looked back at me and paused as if he had something on his mind but just couldn’t gather the words. He looked like a wounded animal, like he lost the battle and had to forfeit his territory. Poor baby. NOT! I was laughing inside, I found pleasure in the fact that my mama could make him feel the same pain he caused her to feel. By the time Sean finally showed up, Valerie was a nervous wreck. She was sitting on the couch holding me tight in her arms allowing the tears to cascade down her face. She held me so tight that I was afraid to tell her that I had to go to the bathroom.

“What’s wrong Valerie? What happened?” Sean asked as he lifted me from my mama’s arms.

“Bobby showed up drunk and claiming he would take Olivia from me.”

“Did he hurt you?”

“No, he pushed his way through the door and headed towards Olivia’s room. He started beating on her door, scaring her, making her cry. When he realized she wasn’t gone open the door for him, he came towards me with his fist balled up tight. I panicked and ran in the kitchen to get a knife. He grabbed my arm and before I knew it, I threw hot grits in his face.” Mama had finally stopped crying and allowed Sean to cradle her in his arms. While they were distracted I broke free and ran to the bathroom.

Sean sat quietly making sure he had fully processed what she had just told him, and then he said, “I’ll put the two of you up in a hotel for a couple of days, just to make sure you’re safe. You both need some rest.” “No thanks Sean. I have a couple of friends that are sending their kids off to summer camp and I’m going to send Olivia. I need to get my life together and I don’t want her around to witness it. “Are you sure, can I do anything to help?” “Yeah, come by on Sunday and see Olivia off. You might want to make it special for her, because when she returns she won’t be seeing you again.” “Valerie, what are you saying? You’re just upset; maybe you should lie down and think things over.” “I have thought things over, it’s called Karma.

Everything that I do, including fooling around with a married man, has made things hard for Olivia and me. Ain’t no use in acting like we’re a family when all is said and done, you’re going home to your wife.” Valerie looked Sean in the eyes and told him as plainly as she could, “I can’t see you anymore, please leave.” Simply said, this phase of my mama’s life was over.

TABITHA DELLAHOUYSE

Reviews

A Must Read! August 5, 2013

By chay3

(Amazon)

I do not write many reviews, but I want to express how much I love this book! The story captivated me from the beginning and I could not put it down. I really liked how the author incorporated the phases concept into Olivia’s story. The book is well written and creative. I feel that everyone will be able to relate to Olivia and her experiences in some way. I am sure this book will inspire and help many readers! I am looking forward to reading the author’s next book.

omg! June 25, 2013

By ladit24

(Amazon)

Omg, omg, omg this book was soooooooooooo good I mean dang….I could not put it down I can’t wait to read part 2 I hope it be out this year and I don’t have to wait a whole year just to read it ….

Pleasantly Surprised June 20, 2013

By Mika

(Amazon)

I don’t know what I was expecting with this book, but I’m glad that I was pleasantly surprised. It truly is about the different phases of life, in this book, it’s the phases of life of Olivia, from the time she was a young child, to the age of 24 (I think) and the things that happened to her in between. It delves into the phases of the different relationships she had with the people that came in and out of her life, from her Mother, to friends, boyfriends, speakers at her school etc. It’s a really good read and takes you on a nice journey that I’m sure most can relate too. It deals with sensitive issues that most people deal with in different ways. I was very proud of Olivia, she was no where near perfect but she wasn’t a deviant using the things that happened in her past to make horrible decisions in her present either. I like the way it was written, even though time passes slower in some area’s and faster in others, you were well aware from the subtle hints the author gave instead of it having to be pointed out. I really enjoyed this story, it was a nice smooth read. If you are looking for action, super drama or any of that, you won’t get it here. This is a nice read that sends you through the phases right with Olivia. I can’t wait for part 2 because the little sneak peak got me raising a brow. Great Job!

On Sale Now

(At time of this posting)

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Tabitha Dellahousye

Soon the be Published

Phases

A Love Unfulfilled

c43e14_7ef99dd53d91d13621c0c3d01ba5d73a_jpg_srz_238_346_75_22_0_50_1_20_0

* (This novel can be read as a stand-alone)

Synopsis

Everyone will have a first love, the person who helped shape you into the kind of person you are today in your relationships. A love so strong that at the time you would have sacrificed everything for it, so sure that it would withstand anything that stood in your way. The first time you uttered the words, “I Love You” and the first time someone said it back – it leaves such a lasting impression that it has its own scent and texture, so strong that it is sometimes hard to recover when that first love goes SO wrong. You will eventually move on, learn to love yourself, as you should, and then learn to open your heart up to others to love again, to trust again, to feel pain again. Now that Alex and Olivia have found each other – have they really left their past behind? The question then becomes when you move on, HAVE you really moved on? How far will Anthony go? How low will Felecia stoop? How strong is a love unfulfilled?

Introduction to Anthony

anthony love unfulfilled tabitha dellahousye

Meet the Author

In everything you do – be free to express yourself! I woke up one evening with a story to tell and decided to tell it. What I LOVE about fiction is simple – It’s FICTION! I can be whoever or wherever I want to be with just the stroke of my pen. This led to the birth of Tabitha Dellahousye! Not afraid to Laugh Out Loud! Not afraid to Cry Out Loud! Books are my escape & I love books that can make me do both.

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Enjoy your Read, Anna 💕

Cover Reveal- Bethany Daniel – Interconnected Hearts

25 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Cover Reveal Tags: 2013, Adult Romance, Bethany Daniel, Comtemporary Romance, Connected Series, Cover Reveal, Disconnected, Indies Author, Interconnected Hearts, Love, marriage, November, Reconnected, Romance, Trilogy

Cover Reveal — Bethany Daniel — Interconnected Hearts

Book 3 Connected Trilogy

Interconnected Hearts expected release date
December 15th.

Synopsis

You met and fell in love with Krista and Scott as their love grew along side the rekindled love of their best friends, Liam and Katy, and now you get to watch their love bloom.

Krista Quinn-Adams is a tough chick, and the center of her husband’s, movie star Scott Adams, world. In the short time they have been together they have already had to deal with a crazy actress that tried to take out their friend Katy and almost took down Krista while she was at it, and the paparazzi following them around every corner, and now they are adjusting to the real world. Krista has an everyday job as a counselor at a high end high school in Los Angeles doing what she does best, and Scott is busy filming his newest movie with a young up and coming actress, Zoie Reese.

A phone call from the head of Excite Entertainment, Mitchell Fallon, makes their jobs collide. Krista brings her expertise to the table trying to help the young actress who has been labeled trouble both by the media and Excite, out of the dark place she’s in and out on the better end of the Hollywood mad house. But is Zoie Reese a little more than Krista can handle?

Get all caught up with Krista and Scott and follow them through their first red carpet together, the highs and lows of Hollywood, and the continued fight against the L.A stereotype to keep their hearts forever, interconnected.

Book Links

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Book 1 and Book 2

in the

Connected Trilogy

Book 1

Reconnected

Synopsis

One night after a particularly crazy party, she threatened to leave if Liam could no longer be the man she married. Unfortunately, he didn’t believe her until she was gone. Katy left Liam and Hollywood behind, disappearing without a trace, but couldn’t bring herself to ever officially end their marriage.

Now, Katy is just Kate. She’s living in college dorms with her best friend Krista, working towards a psychology degree. As far as she’s concerned, Liam is out of sight and out of mind.

That is, until he shows up on campus while he’s in town filming his latest movie.

Sparks fly, both good and bad, and Katy has to decide if she can handle Liam and his world again… and more importantly, if she can trust him with her heart again.

Book Links

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Book 2

Disconnected

Synopsis

Another fast-paced love story from author Bethany Daniel! This is the retelling of Reconnected from Liam’s POV.

Four years ago, Liam Warren was on top of the world. He was a newlywed, he was discovered by Excite Entertainment, and he finally got to leave the small Nevada town where he grew up with his wife, Katy. But when they moved to L.A., Liam got too caught up in the Hollywood life. Parties, drinking, and girls clouded his mind. His marriage was no longer his priority, and he pushed Katy away.

One night, Katy came home to find their mansion filled with half-clothed women and Hollywood’s partying elite. She told Liam she would leave if things didn’t get better, but he was so wrapped up in his new life that he didn’t believe her… at least, not until she was gone, and all he had left of her was a note that tore him apart.

But, although she disappeared, Katy never officially divorced him. And when a movie brings him to Georgia, a tour of a local college campus unexpectedly brings him face to face with his wife again.

Four years apart has changed a lot of things for the both of them, but when it comes down to it, their connection is still there. Liam sets out to show Katy that their love is worth fighting for, hoping he can regain her trust and prove to her that he has no intention of ever letting her go again.

Disconnected can be read as a stand-alone, but reading both Connected novels offers fans a deeper understanding of the characters in the series.

Book Links

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Author Information

Bethany Daniel lives in Texas with her husband and 2 boys. She enjoys reading, photography and of course, writing. When she’s not doing that she spends a lot of time chasing her 3 and 4 year old!

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* NOTE – Books can be read as stand alone. Yet, to gain a better sense of the story and characters it is suggested that you read the trilogy in order. *

Pleasant Reading ~*~ Anna 💖

Book Blast for Reconnected and Disconnected by Bethany Daniel (feedmyreadsusa.wordpress.com)
Interview with Bethany Daniel (jacindabuchmann.com)
Interconnected Hearts Cover Reveal (authorbethanydaniel.wordpress.com)
Meet Author Bethany Daniels (readingwritingandbookreviews.wordpress.com)

Meet Indie Author Brandy Jeffus

25 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Meet the Author Tags: Brandy Jeffus, Facebook, Goodreads, Indie Author, Love, Romance Novel

Meet Indie Author Brandy Jeffus

Debut Novella, Again

Published May 15th , 2013

Synopsis

From recess buddies to high school sweethearts, Eli Stone and Bonnie Jinks were constants in each other’s lives. Although young, their relationship had withstood the test of many teenage tribulations. Marriage and a happy ever after were in their future plans. One alcohol fueled mistake rips them apart. Bonnie ends up on the road with her new boyfriend while Eli joins the military. It seems as if their lives would never intersect again. A near fatal accident brings them together and their chemistry is undeniable. But will the pain of the past keep them apart? Can they make their love work again?

Excerpt

Prologue

Fifth Anniversary ~ January of Senior Year

“Where are we going?” Bonnie asked. She dog-eared the book she was reading and sat it on her lap. “This seems far. You know I’ve got some studying to do.” “We are close. I promise.” Eli replied. He looked at his girlfriend. She was beautiful in every way. Every time he saw her, that single thought flew across his mind. Today, her butterscotch hair was up in a ponytail and she was wearing a light blue sundress. He reached over and held her pale hand, rubbing his thumb over each light-pink polished nail. She rolled her eyes playfully and smiled. Ten minutes later, he pulled his ’88’ squirrel gray Chevy into a dirt driveway and parked beside a small, but sturdy brick house. The lake stretched out beyond the house. “Alright, loop me in. Where are we?” Bonnie’s curiosity was peaked as she climbed out of the truck, the door creaking and groaning. She turned around and let loose an admiring sigh. “This is my grandparents’ old house before they moved into town. Pops said I could come here anytime I wanted; to fish, swim, whatever.” Eli pulled out a key and unlocked the front door. “He has someone come out here twice a month to clean and mow. Eventually, this will be mine.” “Oh wait! This is the house we went to one time that summer in elementary school, right?” Eli nodded and she continued, “Well it’s very pretty. I didn’t remember it until now. I think having a lakefront property is really neat,” Bonnie said, crossing the threshold into the house. It housed all the comforts of any regular home. The living room was fully furnished, with a bookcase in the corner full of antique hardcover books and knick knacks. A medium-sized flat screen TV hung on the wall opposite of the khaki colored leather couch. A shelf joined the entertainment console that housed a DVD player and cable box. The air smelled like vanilla and clean linen. Bonnie walked over to the floor-to-ceiling bookcase. It was custom built and massive. Books always drew her like some sort of invisible magnet. While she was browsing, Eli walked into the adjoining kitchen. He powered on the CD player sitting on the kitchen counter. Michael Bolton’s soulful voice filled the room singing, “When a Man Loves a Woman. “Through the bar cutout, Eli saw Bonnie freeze as the music started. She threw her head back and laughed. Eli smiled, like he always did when she laughed; it was such a comforting adorable, real laugh. It was infectious, loud and girly all in one. “Wow, Eli. No you didn’t! Oh wow, I don’t know if I should laugh or cry!” she exclaimed. “Will you just hush and dance with me?” Eli grinned and held out his hand. A week earlier he had borrowed the CD from Bonnie’s mother, Cindy, after telling her his idea for their anniversary date. He knew that her favorite singer was Bolton and this was her ultimate favorite song. They danced then, a sweet and slow dance while Bolton crooned on. Bonnie closed her eyes and leaned her head against Eli’s chest. She inhaled his faint scent of cologne. He smelled heavenly, just like always. “You are something else, Eli,” she whispered.

Reviews

Bonnie doesn’t take Eli’s crap I liked that, “well, I’ll leave if you want. I don’t have a problem doing that if it means I won’t be unjustly attacked just because you’re suffering from PMS.” Didn’t know men could get that as well, good to know. You can tell that Eli really does care about Bonnie before they spent years apart and after, “well, excuse me. I didn’t have time to take a shower; I had to save a damsel in distress after all.” I mean he’s really caring, “I picked up tissues, Theraflu, more ibuprofen, sore throat spray, some Vicks chest rub stuff, and cough drops. Oh and I bought some chicken noodle soup and Sprite. Sprite is the only thing I’ll drink if I’m real sick. Don’t know why, but it’s what my mom uses,” he smiles at me as he lays everything on my dresser.” Mick I expected more from him, but turns out he’s a total a**, “you know why. I’m here to bring you home. I know your mom’s fine now. You can leave this place and quit playing babysitter.” I was happy with the ending I love my Happily Ever Afters.

-Heather, Goodreads (May 2013)

—

I received a free e-copy for an honest review of Again by Brandy Jeffus.
I would recommend this book for an enjoyable quick read with likable characters and a great story line. Bonnie and Eli were high school sweethearts and best friends, destined to be together forever. Unfortunately Eli made a drunken, one-night stand mistake and broke off things with Bonnie feeling unworthy of her and that his life was forever altered due to this mistake. Not being able to deal with the situation, Bonnie leaves town for college and meets and starts dating a ‘rock’ star. Knowing this isn’t her forever an unforeseen car accident her mom has brings her home to help with care giving and back to Eli. Six years later, some things change but the one constant is a forever love that hasn’t stopped for either Bonnie or Eli. This is a teenage romance with some romance scenes but nothing too steamy. I would definitely recommend and keep Brandy on my indie author look out list for new books!!

-Kim, Goodreads (July 2013)

—

This is a fairly straight forward story of love lost and then reignited. Eli and Bonnie were high school sweethearts and best friends since childhood. Engaged as seniors they planned to marry and live happily ever after. One night, drunk at a graduation party, Eli betrays Bonnie and then breaks up with her. She is ready to forgive him, but Eli doubts the strength of his love and feels unworthy of Bonnie. They separate and live different lives far away from each other. Back home after her mom has a near-fatal accident, Bonnie meets up with Eli, who was on site for the accident and stood by her mother’s side. Both of them are free from romantic entanglements, and find themselves falling for each other all over again. They discover that they never really stopped loving each other really. After a shoot out and Eli is wounded, they realize life is too short and they wasted too much time already. It is a good story without tragic backstories and a happily ever after.

-Dana, Goodreads (September 2013)

Book Trailer

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Love, Kinsey

First published September 27th, 2013

Synopsis

All her life, Kinsey Masters has thought of herself as ordinary, boring almost. She had a normal upbringing, a stable career and a good love life, finally meeting “the One,” Colby. But life has a funny way of turning the tables on you. Faced with a devastating diagnosis, Kinsey sets out to write her last story – her own. Her journey reunites her with each man she’s fallen in love with and with their words, along with other friends and family, she pieces together the story of herself. With each meeting, Kinsey begins to realize that each of her past loves has happened for a reason. And she’s left footprints on their lives just like they did for her.

Book Quotes

I’m okay, Colby. I’m going to die. And that’s okay,” I whisper. That statement scared the living daylights out of me. – Kinsey

–

This was her journey to make; the journey to find out just how special she really was. How big of a difference she made in the lives she touched.’ – Colby

–

‘I felt content. I felt whole, complete. I felt like I was ready to die. Now it was merely playing the waiting game.’ – Kinsey

–

“Kinsey , you’re going to Heaven. You don’t need to be worried about that. You will go to an absolute paradise where He will wipe every tear from your face and you won’t suffer any longer.” – Landon

Book Trailer

Video Link

Book Links

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Author Information

Brandy Jeffus has been writing stories since an early age. She would dictate them to her mom who would type them out on a typewriter.

She is a mother to two precious children and lives in North Texas, but she’ll always consider herself an East Texan, hailing from the Rose Capitol of the World, Tyler.

Author Links

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Happy 🙂 Reading, Anna

Meet Author Brooke Page

24 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Meet the Author Tags: Adult Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Body Image, Brooke Page, Chic. Lit, Conklin's Blueprints, Debut Novel, EBooks, Facebook, Goodreads, Indie Author, Kindle, Love, Michigan, New Age genre, Romance, Self Esteem, Twitter, Weight

Meet Indie Author Brooke Page

Debut Novel

Conklin’s Blueprints

Publication Date: September 29, 2013

Synopsis

Recent graduate Becca Stine’s all to perfect and predictable life went spiraling out of control when her supposed childhood friend committed the ultimate betrayal. Following college, Becca attempts to bury the pain by retreating into a dangerous lifestyle with her best friend, Jamie Rae. She decides it’s time to grow up after being irresponsible, broken, and out of control. To Becca’s horror, her only option is to return to her hometown of Grand Rapids. Worried she will forever live in the shadow of her prominent family’s notability, Becca decides moving is her only opportunity to get her feet back on the ground. With her best friend in tow, Becca reluctantly heads home to attempt to live her ideal life. Little does Becca know the owner of the architecture firm she lands a job with has an intriguingly mysterious son. Tyler Conklin is infatuated with Becca, yet is apprehensive about a public relationship because of his hidden baggage. Not wanting anyone to know about his slight obsession with her, their potential relationship must be kept a secret. Will Becca put up with Tyler’s untold story for long? Will she tolerate being his secret?

Brooke page Conklins blueprints book 1 teaser 1

Excepts

“Let me call a cab quick,” Tyler said, reaching for his pocket.

I gently touched his arm and said, “It’s not too cold, let’s walk. My place isn’t that far away.”

He looked me up and down and raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I don’t want to have to carry you half way,” he teased.

“Ha ha ha, I will be fine, and…I’m not wearing heels,” I snickered, lifting my foot and wiggling my toes as though if could see them.

He tried to hide his amusement. “Okay, if you say so.”

We slowly walked downtown amongst the young crowds of clubbers. I snaked my arm threw his and leaned my head on his shoulder as we walked. He flinched at first, but then relaxed into me.

We stopped in the park along the railing, just as we had the first night we went to the coffee shop. I leaned into him, hoping he would wrap his arms around me. I felt so comfortable and confident with alcohol running through me. He shook his head and chuckled. Sliding his fingers up and down my arms he said, “You’re funny when you are drunk.”

I pulled my head back and looked up at him. “I am so not drunk yet,” I said seriously at first then let out a little giggle. He smiled down at me, our faces nearly inches from each other’s. His expression became serious, and his hands slowed running up and down my arms, stopping on my forearms. I never wanted someone to kiss me so badly. I leaned up and closed my eyes, hoping he would get the picture. I felt his nose touch mine then his mouth was on mine. My lips were no longer tingling from the alcohol but tingling from the sensation of his lips working against mine. I allowed his tongue access to my mouth as a slow low groan escaped him. It was like he flicked a switch inside of me with his tongue. I brought my arms up to his head and ran my fingers through his hair. Our bodies flushed together, I noticed his arms were still at his sides. Why wasn’t he touching me?

He slowed down the kiss and gently pulled away, keeping his forehead on mine. I was still breathing heavy.

“I need to get you home,” his voice was raspy, with ulterior meaning. I slowly opened my eyes and turned to start walking. He took my hand and squeezed it, causing me to pick up my pace. He wanted to be alone with me just as badly. I could feel it in his kiss.

Brooke page Conklins blueprints book 1 teaser 2

Reviews

Four Star Review – Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

Blog Link

Five Star Review – Dirty Ho’s Book Blog

Blog Link

Five Star Review – Tammy’s Tea Time

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ON SALE NOW

Conklin’s Blueprints is on sale for JUST .99 cents

(At of this posting, 11-24-13, price may change afterwards)

Sale – .99 – SALE – .99 – Sale

💐 Make Tyler Conklin your Book Boyfriend 💐

Book Links:

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Author Information

Brooke Page

Mother of two, wonder wife, after school art/pottery instructor, self proclaimed runner, and Indie Romance Novel junkie! Brooke Page is a newly Independent author of Conklin’s Blueprints. She and her husband live with their two children in the suburbs of Grand Rapids, Michigan. When she is not writing or spending time with her beloved family, she enjoys using the pottery wheel and reading. For more projects and insights on upcoming books and events, please visit Brooke Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorbrookepage), and follow her on Twitter, (BrookePage05). Brooke Page would also love to hear from you via her email address if you have any questions or comments about her books.

Brooke Page is currently working on Book 2 of the Conklin’s Blueprints Trilogy.

Look for Conklin’s Blueprints: Revisited coming in early 2014

Author Links:

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Happy Reading 😉 Anna

“Conklin’s Blueprints” by Brooke Page: (naughtybookdame.wordpress.com)

Meet Author Lisa Suzanne

23 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Meet the Author Tags: Adult Romance, Christmas, Excerpts, Guest Host, Holidays, Indie Author, Lisa Suzanne, Love, New Year, Office Romance, POV, Quotes, Tiger

Indie Author Lisa Suzanne

lisa suzanne 1

He Feels Trilogy

Book 1

How He Really Feels

Synopsis

Publication Date: May 17, 2013

Julianne Becker is desperately in love with her boss, Nick Matthews. She has daydreamed about him since the day she first met him a year earlier, but she is firmly stuck in the friend-zone until New Year’s Eve, when the game completely changes and she finds out how Nick really feels about her. They embark on a sexy affair that’s everything Julianne ever dreamed of… except she can’t tell anyone about it. What will happen if anyone finds out about their secret relationship? And how will her lifelong best friend, Travis Miller, react when Julianne begins a relationship with someone who isn’t him?

How He Really Feels is a novel that explores relationships and love between coworkers and friends.

*It contains some adult situations and is intended for mature readers.*

Book Quotes

My heart slammed into my ribs and then my eyes closed automatically as his lips brushed mine just once. Every nerve ending in my body was alight with electricity at our connection. He clutched me close against his chest in a quick embrace. “Happy New Year,” he murmured, his breath tickling close against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.”

“Everything in my life was insignificant until I met you, and now you are all that matters.” (-Nick)

“I see the way he looks at you, Julianne. It’s the same way I look at you.” (-Nick)

“He was definitely The One; he just didn’t know it yet.” (-Julianne)

“I started drinking coffee because I knew you went to the kitchen every morning to get a cup. And going to the kitchen meant that I would have a moment with you, just you, to look at you, to talk with you, just to be with you. But I felt like an idiot going in there without a reason, so I started drinking coffee.” (-Nick)

POV Excerpt-Nick

I was headed home from another painful Christmas spent in California. After four nights in a hotel bed, I was ready for the familiar comforts of home. Josh had volunteered to drive, and for that, I was grateful. He knew better than anyone the emotional toll that spending time with my mother had on me, even if I was a little proud that I had finally stood up to her.

My mind had been on Julianne since the Christmas party. I was at an impasse. In my head, I knew that I could potentially be fired for having anything to do with her, but other parts of my anatomy were ruling this situation: for one, my heart. It sounded cheesy, but holding her against me for that one dance had been… perfection. Her hair smelled like peaches, and she was warm and soft in my arms as we swayed to the gentle beat of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” I felt like a fucking teenager with the raging hard-on that I got anytime she was in my general vicinity, and that dance we shared was no different. I had never reacted to a woman like that in my life, but this was Julianne Becker.

She was everything that I had ever looked for in a woman: beautiful, intelligent, creative, clever, and sexy as hell, but I wasn’t sure how to proceed. I had to be careful.

Both of our jobs depended on it.

I tried staying away from her, but I found that I just couldn’t. The more I worked with her, the more I realized that I was inexplicably drawn to everything about her. It was the air that surrounded her, the vibe she gave off. It sucked me in, and I had resisted it for nearly a year. But I was done. Josh and I had driven to California on Christmas Eve morning, the morning after the office Christmas party, and I admitted to him that I had danced with Julianne. He knew that I had been pining away for her for quite some time; I had to come clean with him when he kept trying to hook me up with his on-again, off-again girlfriend’s friends and I wasn’t interested in any of them.

I wanted Julianne thinking of me as much as I was thinking of her, so I sent her a text wishing her a Merry Christmas while Josh used the restroom at a rest stop on the way to my mother’s house. She texted me back: You, too :).

I sent her another text the next day with the same motive just after I had finished the formal dinner my mother’s chef served to us: I hope Santa was good to you.

Her reply came quick: He always is. Hoping you got everything you wished for, too. How could she possibly have any idea that she was everything I wished for?

I assumed she was busy with her holiday celebrations, which was fine as long as she wasn’t busy with some other guy. A pang of jealousy seared through me as I pictured Julianne dancing with her date at the Christmas party. The guy she was with had joined us at some of our happy hours before, but they didn’t seem like they were an item. Well, she didn’t seem like she was with him. I wasn’t sure that he felt the same based on the way he looked at her. But when I had asked her if she was seeing anybody just a few weeks earlier, she told me she wasn’t, and that was enough for me.

Josh and I were less than an hour from home when I pulled out my phone to text her again.

“How many is this?” he asked.

I glanced over at him. “What do you mean?”

“How many times have you texted her?”

“Today? This is the first.” It was amazing how well my brother knew me.

“Since the Christmas party, then.”

“Not enough.”

“Dude, you’re fucking pathetic. When are you going to do something about it?”

I sighed. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. The asshole. Before I had a chance to think it through, I said, “New Year’s Eve.”

He took his eyes off the road for a moment to study me. I stared straight ahead.

“Seriously?” he asked, surprise in his voice.

Now it was a challenge from my brother. He and I took competition seriously, and I wasn’t about to back down now that I had said it. “Sure,” I said, my voice projecting a swaggering confidence that I didn’t actually feel. “Why the hell not?”

Got any New Year’s plans? I texted Julianne. I had to find out where she would be, and then I could formulate the best course of action. If she didn’t have plans, which I found hard to believe given her penchant for wine and hanging out with her friends, I’d just invite her out with me. Josh, my roommate Eric, and some of our buddies were hitting up West, a swanky bar in downtown Scottsdale close to a bunch of other bars.

“What did you text her?” Josh’s voice broke into my thoughts.

“I just asked what she’s doing for New Year’s.”

“And?”

Rave Reviews

How He Really Feels is a novel that explores relationships and love between
coworkers and friends. It contains some adult situations and is intended for
mature readers.

Recent Praise for How He Really Feels

“Lisa
Suzanne you sure can write!!” – Elizabeth, Delighted Reader

“I found
myself completely lost in the story and hated when it had to come to an end…
Romantic and steamy, a perfect combo.” –Nikki S., Winding Stairs Book Blog

“I am a die hard romantic and the main character of Nick fulfills my
fantasy of a sweet, caring, and sexy book boyfriend to a ‘T’. Lisa Suzanne was
able to spin a love and lust filled storyline with so much feeling that my heart
felt like it was literally bursting out of my chest!” –Kelly, Kiss and Tell
Reviews

“This author has an excellent way of using dialogue between the
characters. There are some books I read and I wonder if they ever have
conversation aside from the moans and groans they make in the bedroom. I like a
book that develops the characters relationship. I like it to tell me how the
characters developed passion for each other. I cannot wait for Lisa Suzanne’s
next book ‘What He Really Feels’.” –Emily, The SubClub Books Blog

“Did I
mention the sex scenes are super duper HOT??? I promise you won’t be
disappointed with this book. Great job for new author Lisa Suzanne.” – Donna, My
Sticky Pages Book Blog

“I feel the budding of a wonderful writer in our
presence.” –Desiree, The Book Bar

“First time author Lisa Suzanne has
written a steamy, entertaining contemporary romance… I enjoyed reading HOW HE
REALLY FEELS.” –Karen, Cocktails and Books Blog

(You can read them for yourself on Amazon)

Links:

Amazon-US Amazon-UK

Book 2

What He Really Feels

Synopsis

He told her How He Really Feels and had his
heart broken. Now Travis Miller is trying to move on from the greatest
heartbreak of his life by getting out of town. But two nights before his big
move to California, Travis meets a mystery woman who grabs hold of his broken
heart and gives him hope that he can piece it back together.

Will Travis ever figure out What He Really Feels, or will he be stuck on his
first love forever? Will he find his happily ever after?

*What He Really Feels contains some adult situations and is intended for mature
readers.*

GORGEOUS POV POST: When Gorgeous and Tiger Meet

You know those days or weeks right after you break up with someone, even if you were the one to initiate the break-up? They’re tough on the heart, and I was in that place when I walked into Mahogany. I was in the “I’ll never love again” stage. I was hurt, because even though I had to break things off with my ex, break-ups were always difficult. I was even in the “I can’t even look at men right now” stage. Just the thought of getting back into a relationship scared the hell out of me.

So Sydney and her roommate Vanessa decided we needed a Girl’s Night Out. I was in; wine and friends and music were exactly what I needed. I borrowed a tall pair of black heels from Sydney and paired them with a skirt and a shimmery top.

We sat at a table and ordered red wine, and then Syd added on a Buttery Nipple shot for each of us. Once our shots arrived, Syd toasted: “To getting drunk enough to forget.” We held our shots in the air and tapped our glasses together, and then we each threw them back. It had been a few years since I’d done shots, and it tasted like college. But it slid down my throat sweetly, and I immediately wanted another.

We’d just finished our third shot when I glanced up toward the bar. My glass of wine was nearly empty and I hadn’t seen our waitress in awhile.

And then I saw him.

Once my eyes found him, I couldn’t seem to look anywhere else. He looked wild and untamable and ferocious and sexy, but at the same time, he looked like he was sweet and playful, and he was that perfect combination of hot and adorable all at the same time.

Just like a tiger. Fierce and cute.

The moment my eyes spotted that tall, sexy, hunk of a man, I felt the need to be the one to tame the ferocious tiger inside.

Something inside of me leapt back to life. Gone were whatever “stages” I found myself in. Gone were the tears and the heartbreak and the getting away.

The only thing on my mind once I spotted him was how I was going to get into his bed.

Once that thought hit my mind, I was at once shocked and relieved. I’d never, ever had a random sexual encounter. I was feisty, but I was a good girl. Yet looking at this man made me want to be a bad

girl. I’d never looked at a man that screamed “SEX” at me the way this one did, and this was all just looking at him across a bar from my table with Sydney and Vanessa. I hadn’t even made eye contact yet.

The feeling of relief came from that feeling alive again. It had only been a few days since the break-up, but the first few days are the worst. Those are the days when you feel like you’ll never be happy again. And just looking at this guy – not even making eye contact, just looking at him and the way he sat at the bar, his back to me as he sat in the middle of his friends – awakened those feelings that had been lost.

“What are you looking at?” Sydney asked, following my line of site. “Damn,” she drawled slowly, pronouncing it as a two-syllable word (“Day-ummm”) once her eyes landed where mine had.

“Dibs,” I claimed him. No way was I letting Syd have this one.

And just looking at this guy – not even making eye contact, just looking at him and the way he sat at the bar, his back to me as he sat in the middle of his friends – awakened those feelings that had been lost.

“What are you looking at?” Sydney asked, following my line of site. “Damn,” she drawled slowly, pronouncing it as a two-syllable word (“Day-ummm”) once her eyes landed where mine had.

“Dibs,” I claimed him. No way was I letting Syd have this one.

She huffed an irritated sigh. “Fine. His friends are hot, too.”

“Didn’t notice,” I said.

“Dibs on the one on the left,” Vanessa said.

I giggled. “Hands off the middle one.”

“Shit,” Syd said, left with the last guy… not that it was a bad deal. As I tore my eyes from the sexy tiger, I noticed his friends were, in fact, attractive as well.

“The waitress hasn’t been by in awhile,” I hinted.

“Are you suggesting we walk up to the bar to purchase our next round?” Sydney teased.

I raised my eyebrows and then smiled. “I guess that’s our only option.”

We made our way to the bar, and the closer I walked to him, the more my heart rate sped up until I thought it was going to beat right out of my chest.

I ordered my drink, and I could hear the pounding rush of my heart in my ears. I was nervous, my only saving grace those three Buttery Nipples and the one glass of wine. I swear I could feel his eyes on me in those moments when I stood at the bar. The little hairs on the back of my neck prickled in awareness at his proximity, and I felt a quiver of excitement shoot through me.

After I placed my order, I turned toward him, and Syd and Vanessa mirrored my movements, heading toward his friends.

Up close, he was heart-stoppingly handsome, so much that looking at him literally took my breath away. All I could do for a moment was stare at him and drink in his chiseled features. Everything about him screamed red-blooded male. He had dark hair that looked soft enough to run my fingers through and chocolate eyes that I could get lost in. His square jaw had just the right amount of sexy stubble on it, and I imagined how rough it would feel under my tongue. I was stunned at the lusty direction of my thoughts, but this man awakened things in me I didn’t know existed.

And I hadn’t even spoken a word to him yet.

The more I stared at him, the more I realized that I had no chance with a man who looked like that. He was so far above my league, but I was a little tipsy and feeling a confidence that I would never have felt if not for three Buttery Nipples.

“Hey, tiger,” I finally said, surprised at how composed my tone was when I was shaking like a leaf on the inside. It felt completely natural to call him the nickname that had been in my head since the moment I’d first laid eyes on him.

“Hey gorgeous,” he replied, and then he hit me with a grin.

I am pretty sure my heart stopped completely in that moment.

I was blinded by his smile and the way it lit up his entire face.

I had never believed in the ridiculous notion of love at first sight, but I knew that there was more between us than just an attraction.

I needed to feel him. I’d never had such a strong pull tugging me to a man before, but I needed to find some way to feel his body against mine. Just for the night, I promised myself. I couldn’t jump right back into a relationship, but I could certainly have a night of fun.

“Want to dance?” I asked.

He nodded, so I pulled his hand and he lifted off of his barstool , following behind me to the dance floor. I finally got a good look at his body unfolded from the stool, and he stood a full foot taller than me. Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You” pumped from the speakers, and I shimmied against this godlike creature before me, wondering what the hell he had hidden under his black shirt and jeans.

His hands gripped my hips, and that was the moment when I knew for sure that the night would end with me in his bed. All I could imagine was those strong fingers gripping my hips against his body without the barrier of clothes. The way he clutched me close against him made me feel like he owned me. It was one of the sexiest moments of my life, and it was taking place in the middle of a crowded dance floor. I tilted my head up and back, and his lips slid over mine for just a moment.

I swear I was going to have a heart attack at this rate, the way my heart kept speeding up and slowing down.

That kiss.

Just.

Wow.

It was fast, but it spoke volumes. It was electric, maybe the most electric kiss of my life, and that was just a quick, closed mouth one. I couldn’t imagine what a full-on kiss with tongues would feel like.

His eyes showed the surprise I felt at our quick connection. I laced my fingers through his on my hips, loving the way our fingers twined together. I grinned up at him, and his eyes suddenly took on a melancholy sadness.

He leaned down to my ear, and I took in his fresh scent. He smelled like clean laundry and soap, and I wanted to breathe him in forever.

“I’m moving out of Arizona in two days,” he said, his warm breath against my ear sending chills down my legs.

Was it a warning? I wasn’t sure, but I didn’t really care. I had to have more time with him. I still wasn’t in a place to start anything serious, not after my recent break-up. But the connection I had with this man left me panting with need. I wasn’t going to end the night without more from him, and I was fine with one night that would surely be magical, one night that I could remember forever.

One night with no strings attached

So I said something to make my inner slut proud. “Perfect. I’m looking
for something without strings anyway.

“Get Your SWAG On’

He Feels Trilogy Bookmarks

Etsy

Book Quotes

Sleep had always been my friend. A good friend. Maybe even a best friend. Our relationship was one of give and take; sleep gave to me and I took it freely. I could sleep through an earthquake (in fact, I had once). I could sleep through construction. I could sleep through a woman leaving my bed to save me from an awkward goodbye.

But it turns out that I couldn’t sleep through a broken heart.

The most perfect kiss of either of our lives ended, and she looked up at me one last time. Those eyes would be burned into my memory for the rest of my life. I saw tears fill them, and before she had a chance to let them spill over, she kissed my cheek one last time and then turned, opened my door, and walked out of my life.

I stood in my entryway for a moment, gathering my wits about me as I stared at the closed door that she had disappeared through.

I wanted to run after her.

I wanted to stop her.

She huffed an irritated sigh. “Fine. His friends are hot, too.”

“Didn’t notice,” I said.

“Dibs on the one on the left,” Vanessa said.

I giggled. “Hands off the middle one.”

“Shit,” Syd said, left with the last guy… not that it was a bad deal. As I tore my eyes from the sexy tiger, I noticed his friends were, in fact, attractive as well.

I wanted to tell her that I believed in love at first sight, as ridiculously cliché and foolish and absolutely stupid as that sounded.

But I didn’t. I couldn’t. She had made it clear that she didn’t want that with her words, even though I didn’t believe that she had any conviction at all behind those words.

I most certainly couldn’t set myself up for another heartbreak, and I couldn’t afford to hang around in self-pity. So I pushed it to the back of my mind, burying it and bottling it even though all I wanted to do was curl up in my bed and smell the citrus scent that she had left behind.

“Tell me your name,” I begged.

“I like that you call me ‘Gorgeous.’”

“And I like that you call me ‘Tiger.’ But I want to know who you are.”

“Names mean strings, Tiger. Attachment.”

“Then maybe we’ve got strings.”

I didn’t want her to go, but I didn’t know what to do to get her to stay

I didn’t know if it was “love,” because I had always felt like love was something that grew between two people. Surely you had to know someone’s name before you could claim to love her.

But something about my connection to her was different. Something about her told me that my feelings ran deep.

“So text your friend and let her know you’ll be back later this afternoon.”

“No can do, Tiger.”

“Tiger?” I leaned back to study her, my body still poised over hers.

“Yeah. Seems fitting. You’re ferocious and wild and at the same time playful and adorable.”

My heart skipped a beat in my chest at her words. “I could say the same about you, Gorgeous.”

Links:

Amazon-US Amazon-UK

Author Information

Lisa Suzanne is a high school English teacher who lives at home in Arizona with her amazing husband and adorable yellow lab. She loves summer more than her students do.

Links:

Goodreads Author Website Facebook Twitter

iusb_760x100_12599491_8dza

Look for Lisa

Link: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingWritingandReviews

This would be a great seasonal read since Book 1 is set around this time of year,

Christmas!!!

How He Really Feels is ON SALE

For a LIMITED TIME

ONLY .99 cents

Happy Reading, Anna 🙂

Meet Author Lisa Eugene

21 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Meet the Author Tags: 18+, award, Doctor, Erotic, Facebook, germophobe, germs, Goodreads, Indie Author, Lisa Eugene, Love, Medical, New Release, Nurse, Romance

Meet New Indie Author Lisa Eugene

Strictly Business

Is her Debut Novel
Published February 28, 2013

Synopsis

Conservative Emergency Room Physician, Nina Henley has always followed the rules. Her life has been dictated by her unwavering commitment to medicine. Wade Connolly, renowned medical malpractice attorney and ‘New York’s sexiest bachelor’ enters her life and challenges her with his bold sexuality and intense passion. One look into his gorgeous blue eyes and Nina is forced to acknowledge needs that have long been repressed. When she becomes involved in Wade’s perilous malpractice case she realizes that she is at risk for not only heartbreak, but betrayal as everything she’s worked so hard for is threatened. Will Wade’s passion and love be enough to save her or will she lose everything…including her life?

Excerpt of STRICTLY BUSINESS rated ADULT:

Professional, she kept repeating to herself. Gorgeous and huge! Another voice kept insinuating itself into her overheated brain. The air in the room was thick and the only sound that echoed off the walls was the steady rhythm of their mingled breaths. Nina moaned as he lifted her top, exposing her black lace bra. Cool air teased her hot skin, making her shiver. A finger tormented her nipple and she was sure she whispered “please” before he groaned huskily and closed his mouth over her breast.

Caught in a cloud that was all sensation and need, she trailed her fingers down to the waistband of his pants.

“God…I want you. Where can we go? Is it safe in here?” His husky breath floated against the shell of her ear, sending a hazy buzz along her skin.The loud jingle of the beeper hanging precariously from her scrub bottoms sliced through the moment like a sledgehammer. They both stared at each other, stunned, wide eyed, and wanting.. She exhaled an unsteady breath as she skimmed a hand over her hair, ignoring the jab of several pens. She quickly checked the state of her scrubs. She couldn’t believe that she’d acted so impetuously—like a sex starved lunatic! Remorse stabbed at her. Thoughts of her promising career and the life she’d built all twirled around in her head like a frenzied tornado, threatening to disappear into the fuzzy distance…

In June 2013 , Strictly Business

Was an award finalist in the Reader’s Favorite 2013 International Annual Award Contest

Promotion Event: Forbidden Forever by Christy Dilg

20 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Promotional Event Tags: Adult Contemporary Romance, affair, Author Christy Dilg, Author Interview, Blog Tour, Blurbs, Divorce, Doctor, Excertpts, Guest Host, Indie Author, Love, marriage, Post, Promotional, Romance Novel, Share, spouse abuse, Teasers

Promotion Event: Forbidden Forever by Christy Dilg

By: Reading, Writing, and Book Reviews

November 22, 2013 January 31, 2014: This is an Erotic/Adult Contemporary Romance novel by Christy Dilg. The author is providing excerpts from Forbidden Forever, social media graphics, excerpts, and author information.

If you would like to participate, please sign-up here.

All posting information will be prepared for you, ready to post. Social media outlets are welcome.

Description/Overview:

Published: September 10, 2013

A steamy affair hidden with lies and secrets turns into a love no longer forbidden. A love that loves her for everything she is and sees the beauty beyond the weight. A love that lasts forever.

Laney and Chance are both in unhappy marriages, and both wish for a life where true love exists. Laney is in her thirties, and her children are busy teenagers now so she decides to get back into the work force. But who knew her boss would be so handsome and charming, and just the positive she needed in her negative life. But being married and having an affair has its complications. Is there a way for them to live happily ever after? Will their current spouses let them move on? Has fate finally given them the chance to find their true love?

Synopsis:

Laney Collins has been the wife to Michael for years and even when after his love turned into pure cruelty toward her weight gain she has remained his faithful loving wife. Her love for her daughter Callie and son Kaleb gives her faith that in the end it will all be worth it.

After years of not working Laney gets hired on as the assistant for Dr. Chance Turner. The chemistry between them is electric but their marriages keep them apart until one painful evening Laney has had enough and all she can think of is Chance.

A steamy affair hidden with lies and secrets turns into a love no longer forbidden. A love that loves her for everything she is and sees the beauty beyond the weight. A love that lasts forever

Forbidden Forever Book Trailer

Playlist

Author Currently Supporting

On Sale for Limited Time

On Sale for .99 beginning Sunday, November 24, 2013 and into December 2013. For a Limited Time Only!

Book Link

Amazon Smashwords BarnesandNoble

Author Information

Christy Dilg was born (1978-present) in the small town of Palatka, Florida. Married 16 years her and her husband have a 15 year old daughter. Her first book called Forbidden Forever was released Sept. 10, 2013. Fifty shades inspired her to read and join the awesome book club “smibookclub” and after beating cancer she knew it was time to check that off her bucket list.

Author Links

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**( If interested is sharing/ posting, on your site, please fill out the requested form. A media packet based on your request will be emailed to you shortly) **

Meet Author Bethany Daniels

20 Nov 2013 1 Comment

by ReadingWritingandReviews in Meet the Author Tags: Amazon, Bethany Daniel, book reviews, Connected Series, Disconnected, Facebook, Gobble, Goodreads, Guest Host, Indie Author, marriage, Reading, Reconnected, Romace Novel, Writing

Meet Indie Author Bethany Daniel

Connected Series

Reconnected and Disconnected

Reconnected is Book 1

Synopsis

Four years ago, Kate Parker was Katy Warren. Wife to Hollywood’s newest star, Liam Warren, she thought her marriage would stay the same when she and her new husband moved to L.A., but she was wrong.
One night after a particularly crazy party, she threatened to leave if Liam could no longer be the man she married. Unfortunately, he didn’t believe her until she was gone. Katy left Liam and Hollywood behind, disappearing without a trace, but couldn’t bring herself to ever officially end their marriage.
Now, Katy is just Kate. She’s living in college dorms with her best friend Krista, working towards a psychology degree. As far as she’s concerned, Liam is out of sight and out of mind.
That is, until he shows up on campus while he’s in town filming his latest movie.
Sparks fly, both good and bad, and Katy has to decide if she can handle Liam and his world again… and more importantly, if she can trust him with her heart again.

( Credit Lea Je)

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Reconnected-Bethany-Daniel-ebook/dp/B00CPO40DC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1384926079

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17908731-reconnected

Disconnected is Book 2

Synopsis

Another fast-paced love story from author Bethany Daniel! This is the retelling
of Reconnected from Liam’s POV.

Four years ago, Liam Warren was on top
of the world. He was a newlywed, he was discovered by Excite Entertainment, and
he finally got to leave the small Nevada town where he grew up with his wife,
Katy. But when they moved to L.A., Liam got too caught up in the Hollywood life.
Parties, drinking, and girls clouded his mind. His marriage was no longer his
priority, and he pushed Katy away.

One night, Katy came home to find
their mansion filled with half-clothed women and Hollywood’s partying elite. She
told Liam she would leave if things didn’t get better, but he was so wrapped up
in his new life that he didn’t believe her… at least, not until she was gone,
and all he had left of her was a note that tore him apart.

But, although
she disappeared, Katy never officially divorced him. And when a movie brings him
to Georgia, a tour of a local college campus unexpectedly brings him face to
face with his wife again.

Four years apart has changed a lot of things
for the both of them, but when it comes down to it, their connection is still
there. Liam sets out to show Katy that their love is worth fighting for, hoping
he can regain her trust and prove to her that he has no intention of ever
letting her go again.

Disconnected can be read as a stand-alone, but
reading both Connected novels offers fans a deeper understanding of the
characters in the series.

Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Disconnected-Bethany-Daniel-ebook/dp/B00EFEBQEG/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18046442-disconnected

( Credit Anneme Spiby)

Book 3 – Interconnected Hearts

is in the works

look for it to be released in 2014

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5040714-teaser

Author Information

Bethany Daniel lives in Texas with her husband and 2 boys. She enjoys reading, photography and of course, writing. When she’s not doing that she spends a lot of time chasing her 3 and 4 year old!

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbethanydaniel

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7085559.Bethany_Daniel

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Daniel/e/B00CPUBPYI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Visit with Bethany Daniel

November 20, 2013

https://www.facebook.com/ReadingWritingandReviews

As she Guest Hosts

Page

Come and give her a warm welcome

Happy Reading 😉

Interview with Bethany Daniel (jacindabuchmann.com)
Book Blast for Reconnected and Disconnected by Bethany Daniel (feedmyreadsusa.wordpress.com)
Reconnected by Bethany Daniel (randasreviews.wordpress.com)

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Reading Writing and Book Reviews

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Blind Salvage Release Event & Giveaway

Meet Indie Author Tabitha Dellahousye

Cover Reveal- Bethany Daniel – Interconnected Hearts

Meet Indie Author Brandy Jeffus

Meet Author Brooke Page

Meet Author Lisa Suzanne

Meet Author Lisa Eugene

Meet Author Bethany Daniels

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