Monday, March 31, 2014

COVER REVEAL: The Stars are Falling by Michelle Birbeck


Cover Reveal

for
The Stars are Falling
by
Michelle Birbeck


Release Date: July 3, 2014

Summary:
Jenny is content trying to survive university and sneaking glances at her housemate, Dale, in between hours spent watching the night sky. When the first meteor streaks through the night, landing close enough to shake the house, however, everything changes.
What’s left in the crater isn’t a lump of rock from outer space, but something that looks like a man. Soon after, the killing begins. Anyone who gets in their way is disintegrated with an all-consuming light so hot nothing remains.
Hundreds more descend from the heavens, bleaching the night sky, shaking the ground. They want to eliminate all threats to Earth, starting with the biggest one: the human race.
Jenny and Dale know a way to do both: save Earth and stop the human race from being wiped out. They just have to stay alive long enough to convince the falling stars to spare the human race.
 
Excerpt: “Some of the stars are special,” my mother said, and she leaned in close. “Some of the stars aren’t distant worlds in the sky filled with different lands and places we’ve never been. Some of them are there for a reason.” Her voice dipped down into a whisper, as though she was sharing some great secret that only we were allowed to know. I leaned up to listen closer. “Those stars are our protectors. They shine down on us as they watch the world below, looking like the ones we know, but hiding what they are. When they light up the night, they’re smiling on us, happy with how things are. They love nothing more than to see everyone happy and taking care of each other. But sometimes, when the world is sad, the stars stop shining.” Back up to the ceiling she stared, sitting up so straight it was like she was rising to be with them. I wriggled out of the blankets when she didn’t continue. Up onto her lap I clambered, settling in her arms and gazing up at my night sky. Her arms were warm when they wound around my waist, holding me close. “What happens when they stop shining?” I asked, desperate to hear the rest of the story. “When they stop shining, they fall,” she said. “If the stars are sad, they come to Earth. They fall and fall, so very far, and they come here to fix things. It hasn’t happened in a very long time, but when they come, they fix what’s gone wrong. And then, when the world is happy again, they rise, rocketing up into the sky, back to their place in the stars, where they watch and smile on us once more.” Excited by thoughts of meeting the stars, I asked, “How do they fix things?” My mother smiled again and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. She ushered me off her knee and back under the blankets before she continued. “The same way anyone fixes a problem. By finding out what’s wrong and making it go away.” With a deep breath, she finished the story and turned her gaze back to me. Tucking in the blankets around me, she wished me sweet dreams and told me to go to sleep. When she reached the door and turned back to me, a last goodnight on her lips, I asked, “Mummy, will I ever see the stars fall?” Her smile disappeared, turning into a deep frown, and when she spoke, a desperate edge tinted each word. “I hope not.”  
owl
Author Bio:
Michelle has been reading and writing her whole life. Her earliest memory of books was when she was five and decided to try and teach her fish how to read, by putting her Beatrix Potter books in the fish tank with them. Since then her love of books has grown, and now she is writing her own and looking forward to seeing them on her shelves, though they won’t be going anywhere near the fish tank.

Connect with Michelle Birbeck on:
 
 
Other novels by Michelle Birbeck:
keeper
 
 
keeper 2

cover reveal

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: The Certainty of Deception by Jeanne McDonald


Jeanne McDonald is revealing an excerpt of her upcoming release 
The Certainty of Deception 
book 2 of The Truth in Lies Saga coming June 2014.

The Certainty of Deception cover will be revealed on April 25, 2014.

“Now,” he continued as though I’d not spoken, “regarding Miss Hamilton.”
Every bit of my winner’s high was gone.  I already knew what was coming.  
“What about her?”
“Has she consented to the paternity test yet?”
“Morgan informed her that it’s safe for the baby now, but she’s not yet consented.”
“Hmm. I see.”
I bit my tongue.  It took everything inside me to maintain my control.  My father was baiting me.  This was a tactic I knew all too well.
“I assure you.  She will have the test done.  You have my word.”
“You word is worthless, Andrew.  Actions are more valuable.”  He paused.  My pulse quickened.  The man was hundreds of miles away, yet I felt as though I were sitting in front of him getting in trouble for stealing the Bentley when I was sixteen.  “Have you consider what you will do if the test confirms the child is yours.  Do you plan to do the right thing by this family and marry Miss Hamilton?”
I slapped my hand over my face.  There was no way in hell I would marry Olivia.  McKenzie was the only woman for me.  “I’m not marrying her.  I’ll draw up a custody agreement, but I refuse to be tied to Olivia by anything more than the child.”
My father huffed in aggravation.  “How is it possible that you’re my son?  This type of behavior is unacceptable.  Where is your sense of propriety, of duty?  Have you not learned anything, Andrew?  You have a responsibility as a Wise to maintain the image this family upholds.  Traditional family values.  You failed me ten years ago.  Do not fail me again.”
*This excerpt is subject to change for final publication  

The Certainty of Deception (The Truth in Lies Saga, #2)

Begin McKenzie and Drew's journey with The Truth in Lies.  Now available on Amazon.


Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event.  She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry.  She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend. 

Her passions include a "mild" Starbucks addiction, music, reading, quotes, movies, and romance.  When she's not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.

Where to find Jeanne
Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter
Goodreads   |   Amazon

Friday, March 28, 2014

#SurrealSnippet

Erin froze, her eyes landing on an ivory, strapless gown sat on a dress form in the corner. Though it wasn’t quite finished, it was understated in its simplicity and she was drawn to it. 


—the sharp points of the bodice edge and the angular ruching over the torso gave it a corset look. Stepping back to take more of the dress in, it was just dawning on her that the gown looked about her size when a bustle of activity erupted behind her.

“Hello, hello, hello,” greeted London on a grand entrance. “I’ll be with you momentarily, my darlings. Let me put my things down and grab the designs—”

“I have them here, Miss. Let me take your bag,” Diane stood by ready to swap with London.

“Aha, wonderful. Remind me to give you a raise, Diane. Paige, Erin, lovely to see you again. And who is this?” London turned her attention to Jillian.

“This is my fiancĂ©’s mother, Jillian Masterson. She’s up visiting from Sweetwater. Jillian, this is London Tanner.” Erin introduced the women and watched them eye one another up and rolled her eyes; she’d never understand high society. “I love the dress you’re working on in the corner, London. Is it for a customer?” Maybe a distraction could move this along.

London tossed her head back and laughed. “Aren’t you an observant little thing? In fact, it is, but we’ll talk more on that later. First, I’ve got some amazing ideas for your dress ensemble, Paige . . .”

Erin let London’s voice fade into the background. Learning that the dress was spoken for caused an unexpected sadness and disappointment to hit her like a ton of bricks. Even so, she turned her head to look at it again, and sighed. The longer she looked, the more convinced she was that it was her size. If only she’d known what she wanted when she’d come with Paige last time, Erin could’ve put a bid in with London. Now some other bride would be wearing her perfect dress.

(c)2014 R.E. Hargrave


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

COVER REVEAL: Ashes by S.D. Mary

Ashes - Book 3 in Beyond Trilogy
S.D. Mary

Smoke

synopsis

And in the end all things will be revealed. Claire and Sebastian's story continues in the last installment of Beyond Trilogy.
Will they fight for their love and will this love be enough to keep them together as fate throws them new challenges? Will the end be a happy one? Will they rise from their own ashes just like a Phoenix bird? Remains to be seen in the last book of this amazing journey.

TBR

Watch for a Blog Tour April 7-13 - Hosted by Twinsie Talk

Tour Host - Brenda

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: Soldier On by Sydney Logan

 
Sydney Logan is revealing the book trailer for her upcoming military romance, Soldier On. 


Be sure to add Soldier On to your Goodreads Shelf!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20828066-soldier-on


 

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author who may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with music (seriously, she loves everything from Eminem to Johnny Cash). She also has an amazing husband and a ridiculously spoiled cat, both of whom join her in soaking up the stunning views from their East Tennessee front porch. Find her books on Amazon, iTunes, B&N, and TWCS Publishing House. Visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Ain't Nobody's Fool Multi-Author Event



★★★★★GRAND PRIZE★★★★★

KINDLE FIRE 7", HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB


We are so excited to be able to offer this fantastic Rafflecopter Giveaway. 
It's LIVE so feel free to hit that LINK for your chance to WIN!

This giveaway will run until 10:00 pm, Tuesday, April 1st. 
You ain't Nobody's Fool so HIT THAT!

FB is not responsible for this giveaway.

★★★★★★★★★★


Need another reason to join the event, Kathy Dubois has hooked the Stalkers up with some *Flash Giveaways* that will show up randomly during the event. My many thanks to the authors who have donated their fine work. Want a preview? I know you do...

1. Author Ruth Cardello will be donating an audio book of Maid For The Billionaire 
Open to all

2. Author: Robyn Peterman will be donating an ebook of Size Matters
Open to all
Format: Kindle, Nook

3. Melody Anne will be donating an ebook of 
The Tycoon's Vacation (Baby for the Billionaire - Book Two)
Open to all
Format: Amazon, Nook

4. Author Marie Astor will be donating an ebook of 
Catching the Bad Guy (Book Two) (Janet Maple Series) 
Open to all
Format: Kindle 

5. J.S.Scott will donate an ebook of The Billionaire's Obsession: The Complete Collection Boxed Set (Mine For Tonight, Mine For Now, Mine Forever, Mine Completely)
Open to all
Format: Kindle, Nook

6. Cali MacKay will donate an ebook of A Highland Home - A Contemporary Romance (THE SEARCH) (The Highland Heart Series)
Open to all
Format: Kindle and Nook

7. Author: Shadonna Richards will be donating an ebook of 
A Bride for the Billionaire Bad Boy (The Romero Brothers, Book 2) 
open to all
kindle format

8. Author:Annette Blair will be donating an ebook of Proper Scoundrel (Knave of Hearts). This is the second book in her award winning series, with book 1 free!
open to US and in kindle or nook format

9. Author Terri Marie will be donating an ebook of her new release Through the Storm (The Montclair Brothers)
open to all and in kindle or nook format

10. Author Christina Tertreault will be donating an ebook of The Courage To Love
open to kindle and nook



The Hosting Authors Schedule
(as of Mar 20)

I've had a few requests for the Schedule all in one place. There may be a few changes since the event is still a week away, but here it is. Times are in the CDT time zone.

Nobody's Fool Event Schedule

Saturday March 29th
Emily A. Lawrence - 8:00am (CDT)
Ella Medler - 9:00am (CDT) 3:00pm (Whatever her time zone is lol)
Samantha Jacobey - 10:00am (CDT)
Kelly Batton Cozzone - 11:00am (CDT)
Linda Lee Williams - 12:00 (CDT) 11:00 am (MT)
Grace Augustine - 1:00pm (CDT)
Aubree Lane - 2:00pm (CDT) 1:00pm (PDT)
Teri Riggs - 4:00pm (CDT) 5:00pm (EDT)
Kristine Raymond - 5:00pm (CDT)
Angela Ford - 6:00pm (CDT)
Cherime MacFarlane - 7:00 pm (CDT) 5:00pm (AKT)... I think
Melanie Tikalsky - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Jamie Brumfield - 9:00 pm (CDT)

Sunday March 30th
Angela Ford - 8:00am (CDT)
Samantha Atkin - 9:00am (CST) 3:00 pm (BST)
Ella Medler - 10:00 am (CDT) 4:00am (Whatever her time zone is)
Jennifer TheRiot - 11:00 am (CDT)
Aubree Lane - 12:00 (CDT) 10:00am (PDT)
Grace Augustine - 1:00pm (CDT)
Holly Barbo - 2:00pm (CDT) 12:00 (PDT)
Jennifer TheRiot - 3:00pm (CDT)
Nikki Lynn Barrett - 4:00pm (CDT)
A.L. Wood - 5:00pm (CDT)
Jennifer Bryan Yarbrough - 6:00pm (CDT)
Melanie Tikalsky - 7:00 pm (CDT)
Kelly Batton Cozzone - 8:00pm (CDT)
Rosanna Leo - 9:00pm (CDT)

Monday, March 31st
Ella Medler - 9:00am (CDT) 3:00pm (In her time zone)
RE Hargrave - 10:00am (CDT)
Melanie Tikalsky - 12:00 - 2:00 pm (CDT)
A.L. Wood - 3:00pm (CDT)
Kelly Batton Cozzone - 4:00pm (CDT)
Aubree Lane - 5:00pm (CST) 3:00pm (PST)
Joanne Jaytanie-Duncan - 6:00pm (CDT)
Inge-Lise Goss - 7:00pm (CDT)
Michele Gwynn - 8:00pm (CDT)
Katherine Rhodes - 9:00pm (CDT)

Tuesday, April Fools Day
Ella Medler - 9:00 am (CDT) 3:00 (In her time zone)
Jennifer Bryan Yarbrough - 10:00am (CDT)
Melanie Tikalsky - 11:00am - 1:00pm (CDT)
Kelly Batton Cozzone - 2:00pm (CDT)
Palessa - 3:00 pm (CDT)
Mary Reason Theriot - 4:00pm (CDT)
Alicia Sparks - 5:00 pm (CDT)
Jami Brumfield - 6:00pm (CDT)
Julia Lake Mills - 7:00pm (CDT)
Linda Lee Williams - 8:00pm (CDT) 7:00pm (MT)
Joanne Jaytanie-Duncan - 9:00pm (CDT)
Lyn Croft - 10:00pm (CDT)

I know... CRAZY LONG! I love it!


Hope to see you there!


Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Divine Trilogy Mid-Series Tour


The lovely ladies over at Malfunction Erotica are putting together a mid-series tour for my Trilogy while I wrap up Surreal
I would love it if you wanted to sign up and participate! 

From MAE Tours: 
We are putting together a series blog tour for The Divine Trilogy by R.E. Hargrave.

The tour will run 4.22.14-4.28.14 

We are looking to book mostly reviews, interviews, excerpts, guest posts, etc. 

*DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TOP POST.

Click HERE to join.

Thank you.



Wednesday, March 12, 2014

McKenzie's Birthday Blitz (a day late)


In celebration of McKenzie Evans' birthday: The Truth in Lies is on sale from March 11-13, 2014 for only $0.99 on Amazon
 The Truth in Lies by Jeanne McDonald

Summary 

Life is a sequence of choices. Some are deliberate, others are forced upon you. This was a lesson that McKenzie Evans knew all too well. After the miscarriage of her son, she made the hard decision to leave her absentee boyfriend and move in with her former college roommate, Olivia Hamilton. That’s when she was introduced to Andrew Wise, a brilliant attorney, working for his family’s law firm in Sarasota, Florida.

To McKenzie, Drew became her salvation. He had a way of understanding her when no one else could. The closer they became, the more McKenzie found herself falling in love with Drew. He was everything she ever dreamed of in a man, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly alive. There was only one problem. Drew was dating Olivia.

With the help of fate and circumstance, Drew and McKenzie journey down a path of unrequited love and denied feelings. In the end, they must make a choice between their hearts or their consciences. In this one decision they discover that there’s always a glimmer of truth to a lie, that there’s a fine line between love and friendship, and sometimes you have to risk everything to gain everything. 

Enter for your chance to win many great prizes!

About the Author 

Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event. She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry. She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend. 

Her passions include a "mild" Starbucks addiction, music, reading, movies and romance. When she is not spending time with her family, she can be found writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. 

A proud Texan, she currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family. 

Contact Information 


Monday, March 10, 2014

The Perfect Emotion by Melissa Rolka BLOG TOUR

TPEBlogTourbuttonTPE_FrontCover_Web

synopsis

The story of Kate, Kyle and Reed continues in this second novel of The Perfect Series.

Kate (Katherine) Monroe is finally coming to heads with the decisions she’s made in the past to keep herself distracted at any cost. Learning to move on and forward with the conflicts in her life is harder than she expects though. With Kyle continuing to attempt reconciliation and Kate’s mom back at home, avoiding and running are no longer an option.
All along Kate’s mind and heart are consumed with Reed, but she fights to push her feelings and desires to the side. Despite the obvious pull and connection she has with Reed she finds it difficult to let him in… and trust in herself. However, Reed’s perseverance and patience never wavers and eventually he uses the one thing that had always brought them together… tennis.
As Reed and Kate begin to embark on a new relationship they face the past and the present head on. Along the way, new challenges and emotions arise testing the direction of their future together.
Can Kate forgive herself and trust Reed in order to latch onto the one emotion she needs most… love?

excerpt

“Jesus, Katherine,” he mumbles as I kiss my way across his jaw and over to his ear. “What are you doing to me?”
“Kissing you,” I whisper in his ear and brush my lips against his ear lobe.
“Mmmmm hmmmm.” His hands move to my waist and guide me onto him. I’m straddling his lap and his fingers dig into my hips. I rush my hands into his hair and his head presses all the way against the couch, the leather giving in to my demands. Our tongues clash against each other exploring as if it’s our first kiss, yet knowingly anticipating our next ridge or groove. My heart races in ways I never knew possible. My hands run down to the hem of his button down shirt and to the top of his pants. I start to pull at his shirt to un-tuck it, but his hands come around and lock around my wrists restraining me from pulling anymore. I whine into his mouth.
“Why?” I mumble against the softness of his lips and smile.
“This is the first time I’m in your house and I just met your parents… maybe the second time,” he jokes and then nibbles on my bottom lip.
“Grrrrr,” I grumble in his mouth. “You are always being too good.” His eyes narrow at me and he let’s out a rough chuckle.
“Katherine, I think you know that’s not true and I’ll show you just how bad I am when we are back up at school.” His hands snake up to my shoulders wrapping around the back of my neck. Pulling me towards him and his lips find mine again. Softly he kisses me across my jaw to my ear. “Patience,” he whispers.
“I don’t want to be patient,” I pout as I push my body into him. He laughs into me and un-straddles me from his lap. We face each other and I smile shyly at him feeling a little funny by my boldness.
“Stop,” he says, and his hand latches onto my pinky finger gently rubbing it. “Don’t be embarrassed. I don’t like you having to be patient either,” he says, just before he plants a firm kiss to my forehead. I lean myself against him and rest my head on his chest. His arms wrap around me tightly making my insecurities fade. As I take in his familiar pine and masculine scent he shifts us back against the arm of the couch allowing me to snuggle myself even closer.


teasers



trailer


playlistTTbanner

Closer To You – The Wallflowers
Come On Get Higher – Sugarland
You Look Good In My Shirt – Keith Urban
Leaving Me Later – JT Hodges
I Would Be Sad – The Avett Brothers
You Are More – Tenth Avenue North
Poison & Wine – The Civil Wars
Nothing – The Script
Boyfriend – RaeLynn
Collide – Howie Day
Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

giveaway



about the author

melissarolkaheadshotMelissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.

social links

Buy Links


angie-TwinsietalkFBbanner
 

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: Surreal by R.E. Hargrave


sneakpeeksunday 


Coming 2014 ... the highly anticipated conclusion to R.E. Hargrave's The Divine Trilogy: Surreal


"Ms. Hargrave has a talent for weaving a story that many would consider too much and making it just right. The character development, the scenes, the emotions, it is all there." ~Amazon Reviewer





Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek* 
(which is safe for all readers):

“Do you want kids?”

Erin almost dropped the wooden spoon she was using to push their eggs around the pan while they cooked. Did she? Maybe as a young girl with grand visions of what her future would entail she had. However, since Dr. Ellison, Holly, had confirmed the damage to Erin’s insides, she hadn't allowed herself to think about it.

Composing herself, she placed the spoon on the little bell pepper-shaped plate meant for such things, and turned to him. “Where’s that coming from?”

While Erin watched, Jayden reddened then looked away nervously.

“I've been doing some thinking since our visit with Ronnie and Steph. You’re always so good with their twins. A natural. It makes you glow in a way I can’t.”

Swoon. Desire flared within her, a bright flash of heat that settled to a low simmer while his words sank in. Was he saying he might want kids? But, she couldn't give him that.

Holly said “Possibility,” not a definite “No.”

“What are you saying, A rĂşnsearc?”

When his deep brown eyes met hers again, they were filled with determination. “I want to be the one to put that kind of look on your face, Erin. More than that, though, I want to know what it is to experience that kind of happiness and contentment—with you.”

Was he kidding her with this? He was asking something beyond her physical capability. Sure, Erin, and you didn't think you’d live to survive Spencer either. Look at you now.

“Breathe, sweet girl. I've got you.”

She’d started gasping for air and hadn't realized it. Now, Jayden’s arms were wrapped around her, applying just enough pressure to make her feel safe, but not trapped.

“I’m not saying we have to. I know we have obstacles to overcome if we decide to try. Guess what I’m trying to say is—well, I just wanted you to know . . . if you want kids . . . then I do, too. We can figure the rest out.”


If you haven't started this BDSM erotica series yet, here's where you can get the first two books:




*This excerpt is unedited, and subject to change for final publication.


R.E. Hargrave lives on the outskirts of Dallas, TX where she prides herself on being a domestic engineer. Married to her high school sweetheart, together they are raising three children from elementary age to college age. She is an avid reader, a sometimes quilter and now, a writer. Other hobbies include gardening and a love of a music.

A native 'mutt,' Hargrave has lived in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and California. She is fond of setting her stories on location in South Carolina and Texas, but its anybody's guess as to what the genre will be!