Friday, October 11, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Where We Fell by Amber L. Johnson

Where We Fell is the debut novella by Amber L. Johnson. Keep reading to learn more about Amber and her upcoming New Adult release. Also, be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win an ebook copy, iTunes gift card, and a handmade cancer awareness bookmark!

Summary: Oliver Bishop is having a seriously bad day. With one diagnosis, his life suddenly has an expiration date. Confused about the numbness he has to the idea of it, he unwittingly puts himself directly in the sights of a girl that just may give him a reason to fight - and to live. 

Genre: New Adult
Word Count: 25,000 words
Available October 28 on Amazon Kindle


Amber is a full-time mom, full-time wife, is employed full time, and writes when she can. She believes in Happily Ever Afters that occur every day - despite the obstacles that real life serves up on a regular basis. Or perhaps they're sweeter simply because of them.  She always has 2 rubber bands on her wrist, a song in her head, and too much creamer in her coffee cup that reads 'Cocoa' - because she's a rebel. If she's not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she's supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and eyes closed, waiting for the drop. 

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Lucky Girl by Violet Ivy BLOG TOUR

Lucky Girl - How I Survived the Sex Industry
by Violet Ivy


‘…gripped me from the start …very readable, an honest account of someone 'who's been there'. An important work worth publication.’
Ruko Kitamaru, Author, No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals

‘More, more….more please! I got to the end and still wanted to keep reading. Fantastic!’ 
Irene K, Sydney, Australia

‘Is this woman real? She must be. You couldn’t make this story up. I feel that I know her, the way she thinks, her motivations. Can’t wait for the sequel.'
Mel H, Birmingham, England



‘I read every chapter and want more. A fascinating look into your world presented with straight forward honesty, warmth and colour. Such a fresh contrast to the drab, dark or dirty shades that the media and society paints your career. I’m completely fascinated to know more about Violet, she's so real.’
K Malone, Author, Twell 

Summary:
The intimate autobiography of an international call girl. Scary, funny and bizarre stories recorded for your amusement, edification or simply for interesting dinner conversation.

The sex industry is clouded in mystery. It has to be to some extent or it wouldn't survive. But in this age of internet porn, buying pubic hair trimmings online and wife swapping parties it’s about time the veils of mystery were taken down.

For moralists, let’s visit the chicken and the egg scenario. Which came first the prostitute or the client? If there were no clients then obviously there would be no sex workers. But what if there weren't any prostitutes? Would guys wank themselves silly to porn? Harass their post-menopausal wives? Frequent bars trying their luck? Or hassle the secretary and risk being charged with sexual harassment? Would statistics for rape be on the increase? Is prostitution a necessary evil in our society? Don’t mindlessly believe and quote information spoon fed to you by friends, family or the media. Make an educated decision.

Although it was never my intention to get into this industry, I've traveled the world, had incredible experiences and bought several properties. I won’t have to rely on the government pension when I retire.

My closest friends are co-workers, madams and clients. Brilliant people who I would never otherwise have had the good fortune to meet. I will never regret my decision to enter this field. It has not always been a bed of roses, but when I compare it to what my life might have been; cleaning job, shitty boss, marriage, perhaps divorce, mortgage, kids, living in the burbs, scraping by to give my kids a better life than I was destined for, I feel that I have been rescued…..thank God.

Money doesn’t make you happy? Tell that to someone thrown out of his house because he can’t make the payments or the mother who can’t afford Christmas presents for her kids again this year. I’ve been poor. Money equals choices. Options of how to travel on this journey we call life. Did I make some mistakes? Sure! But there’s not too much I’d change. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Money gives security. Poverty causes ulcers. Financial hardship can also make you compromise yourself in ways that being a sex worker never will.

This industry eats its young and damages those not strong enough to cope. Every worker has a different personality, head space, upbringing, personal history and therefore experience. This book is a glimpse of mine. I am not advocating anyone join the profession. That is a personal choice.

When I started out I could never have imagined what my life journey would look like or where I would be now. I don’t even know where in the world I will be in twelve months. What I will be doing? Who I might be bonking, caning or smearing with hot wax? Exciting isn’t it? Carpe diem – seize the day. I’m a lucky girl.


‘I was interested in comparing this with Belle de Jour’s books which I read last year. Whilst I remember almost nothing of hers, I’m pretty sure parts of your diary will stay with me. You’re not afraid to tell it as it is; warts, unpleasant odours and all!’ 
Camac Johnson, Author, Hemingway Quest


‘A light and humorous but overall compelling biography….an in depth and revealing picture of the life of a sex worker, at the same time demonstrating that someone working in this industry has the talent and perspicacity to write a biography of this quality. Well done…..it’s really very good.’
Janet Holt and Helen Parker, Authors, The Stranger In My Life



Author bio
Violet Ivy grew up on a small wheat and sheep farm in the outback of Western Australia. A spray of freckles across her nose, pigtails streaming down her back as she swam naked in the local creek to cool off during the endless summers.
 Who could have predicted her transformation into one of the world’s most elite, international escorts? The wanton woman satisfying the needs and desires of the most affluent men and women of the globe.
Life was not always easy for Violet. Hers is a rags-to-riches story from the seedy brothels of the mining town Kalgoorlie to attending the Kentucky Derby and the Oscars on the arms of the most influential men on the face of the planet. 
Violet continues to work in an industry that can either make or break it's players. She has had to learn how to adapt and hone her expertise to climb to the top of her game. Based in Melbourne, Australia, where sex work is legal, she travels to far flung places, (if the money's right), as either a courtesan or a fetish Mistress, fulfilling her clients' needs and desires. Encouragement from friends and family to share her adventures led her to begin a series of books exposing the realities behind the veil of the oldest profession in the world. She introduces her readers to myriad bizarre, scary and hilarious people and situations she comes across in her travels.

Where to find Ms. Ivy



‘From the opening paragraph to the final words I was hooked, no pun intended. Frankly there is no other book like Lucky Girl whether one reaches for Diary of a Call Girl or The Happy Hooker. Well, there is one comparison...the work of Nancy Friday who wrote in a similar fashion. When one writes about bondage and discipline it is necessary to keep in mind the sensibilities of readers who may not understand these matters. For me it was an eye-opener. Lucky Girl gave me an understanding of B&D that now makes complete sense to me. People should read this and understand the life and mind of a sex worker. It becomes obvious very quickly that not all are uneducated drug addicts who can't hold down a job anywhere else. I look forward to the follow up books. Violet Ivy is a writer, and that is the highest praise any reviewer can give. To possess such talent suggests that Violet Ivy is indeed a Lucky Girl.’ 
Graham Whittaker, Author, The Girl from Kosovo










COVER REVEAL: Tales From the End by Lissa Bryan

From the author of The End of All Things comes a collection of short stories about the Infection that swept around the globe, decimating the population, and leaving behind a small number of survivors, unprepared to deal with the brutal new world which had replaced the one they'd known.

The End of All Things told the story of Carly Daniels, a young woman in Juneau, Alaska, left in a state of shock after the virus ravaged her home town. She ekes out a meager existence by scavenging for herself and Sam, the wolf puppy she found starving in the streets. Sam gives her a reason to keep going when giving up seems like the more attractive option.

Carly is discovered by Justin, an ex-soldier who is intent on making his way to a warmer climate before the winter sets in. Justin coaxes her out of her hiding place and convinces her to join him on his journey. They travel across a shattered nation in search of a safe place to settle, but it's also a journey into love. There is still hope, a light among the shadows. If the old world is gone, it is up to the survivors to build a new one.

Carly finds strength in her faith that things can be even better than they were before, that compassion and charity are not luxuries; they are what make us human. Life endures, and so does love. The End of All Things is only a beginning.


And now, Lissa Bryan gives us three new stories in Tales from the End
Three of them introduce us to new characters you will meet in the upcoming sequel to The End of All Things, and the fourth, "Birthday" is a visit with old friends.

The Horsemen
L.A.'s mayor has declared quarantine to try to halt the spread of the Infection. Pearl sets off across the city to buy supplies, but already the world is changing. Something strange is in the air. The Horsemen are coming ...

Veronica
When Veronica's mother doesn't come home from work and no one answers the phone when she calls for help, a nine-year-old girl is thrown into the chaos of a world coming to an end. The television shows her nothing but confusing images she doesn't understand. Veronica decides it's up to her to find her family. "Veronica" is the story of a little girl's courage in the face of the end of all things.

"I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud"
They called her Shadowfax-- the mare Carly and Justin found on their travels. But before she was found by Carly, the retired dressage horse was known as Cloud. An unusual tale of the end, told through the eyes of a confused and lonely horse, left in her pasture.

Birthday
A previously-published bonus story. Carly knows Justin has never celebrated his birthday, and after society crumbled, no one knows what date it is, anyway. But she wants to do something special for him. Celebrating the little things helps them keep hope alive, and as a blizzard rages outside, a small gesture of love warms their home.

Tales of courage, tales of survival... Tales from the End.


.¸¸•.¸¸.•´¯`• (¯`•♥•´¯)•´¯`•.¸¸.•.¸¸.


Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete's foot ... though only in her head. Real life isn't so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.

Her first novel, Ghostwriter, is available through The Writer's Coffee Shop (which is the least expensive option), AmazoniTunes, and Kobo. Her second novel, The End of All Things, was released on January 24, 2013, and is available through TWCS, Amazon, and iTunes. She also has a short story in the Romantic Interludes anthology, available from TWCS, Amazon and iTunes. Her third novel, Under These Restless Skies, is scheduled for release in spring of 2014.



Author Links
Website Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ TWCS (Publisher) ♥ Amazon♥ Barnes & Noble ♥ iTunes ♥ Youtube book trailers


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

REVIEW: Wishing Cotton by Elizabeth M. Lawrence


Wishing Cotton (Heat Wave)Wishing Cotton by Elizabeth M. Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve been anxious to get my hands on a finished product of Lawrence’s for some time now, and at last, I’ve had my chance. Wishing Cotton is quick read, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll quickly forget it. Lawrence has taken the whimsical idea of “wishing” and spun a delightful tale that makes you think.
As kids we all wished on a variety of things—I still wish on eyelashes to this day—but did any of them ever come true?
Maybe some aspect of our wishes did. But was that because we chose the right thing to wish on, or because we wanted whatever it was bad enough to go after it. In making that wish, did we make a silent pact with ourselves to go forth in pursuit of our dreams?
Fancy a witty tale that will make you smile, and perhaps even dare to believe in something that you once thought out of your reach? Wishing Cotton gets a five butterfly recommendation from me to be the one that you reach for.






Monday, October 7, 2013

Monday Madness!


Doing some housekeeping and tidying my desk!

First up, does everyone remember the 1000 Likes Giveaway I wanted to host? 
Well, guess what? 
It's started, and turned into a Reader Appreciation Gift Pack with 21 items from some amazing authors!






Second, by now y'all should know I love to help out other Indies in any way I can, so below you will find some sign ups for giveaway donations, cover reveals, and blog tours. If you are a blogger, author, or just an avid fan with a Facebook page you don't mind sharing the info on, please hop on board to show your support!

Donations Needed:

Cover Reveals:

Blog Tours:


Saturday, October 5, 2013

Tormented by Lorenz Font BLOG TOUR


Are you ready for the next installment in 
The Gates Legacy?





Summary:
Tor Burns is a non-infected vampire who has taken refuge in the Tack Enterprises underground facility. Having survived a vicious attack with his fellow vampire Harrow, he now has a new purpose. Vampires afflicted with Gates Syndrome are still being hunted, and Tor is committed to saving them from the clutches of the Vampire Council. With a semi-cure within their grasp, Tor is reluctant to accept his new assignment: bodyguard to Allison Tack, the daughter of their fallen leader. Armed with an abrasive personality and fierce loyalty, Tor approaches this new responsibility with serious determination despite his reservations. 

Vampire Allison Tack is the beautiful and timid co-heir of the Tack fortune. Infected and hunted by the Council, those lucky enough to have known her father are determined to keep her safe.  A walking target wherever she goes, Allison wants to learn how to protect herself, but no one is listening. Sick of being the helpless one in the company of trained fighters around her, Allison vows to prove that she can fight alongside the best of them. 

Meanwhile, the harem leader, Melissa, is hell-bent on unraveling any clue about her son Demetrius’s fate. He disappeared without a word, and time has made her desperate. Stepping up her efforts, she seeks the help of Demetrius’s son, Zane. With the additional manpower, Melissa finds the lair of the suspected vampires and wages war against them. 

Thrown together by necessity, Tor and Allison can’t continue to deny their attraction to each other. Tor wants to give in to his feelings for her, but old demons resurface. He must confront the past to prevent losing the best thing that ever happened to him. 

A life must be given for a life taken. Will Tor have to sacrifice himself before Allison pays the price?


My Review:
*I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Where to begin with the second installment of The Gates Legacy . . .

WOW is as good a place as any for Font clearly hit her stride while penning this one.

Tormented continues the main story line of the war between the Vampire Council and "Team Tack"- a motley crew of vampires and humans, also known as 'the good guys,' who are out to assist the ailing vampires of the world.

We get to see how the relationship between Jordan and Harrow has progressed since Hunted, how little Gail has endeared her way into everyone's hearts, and my favorite development: how Font brought some of the side characters from book one to the forefront of book two to give them their moment in the spotlight. 

I should add here that Ms. Font has drawn her line in the sand; The Gates Legacy is an adult series without question now. Not so much in that its graphically explicit in its descriptions - its not - but it does delve into well-written situations from intimate moments (Can we get a whoopi cheer for Ally & Tor? Those two definitely needed it!) to mayhem and murder.

Yes, folks, death happens. Characters die, but the story goes on.

So much is packed into Tormented that I can only encourage you to get your copy so you don't miss any of it. This was a fantastic addition to the Legacy and I await, with high anticipation, the arrival of Ascension. 

Font's style is engaging, action-packed, and heartfelt. She writes from within her soul, and I foresee great things coming from her in the future. 

Five well-deserved butterflies for Tormented!

What are you waiting for? Get your copy NOW:




Author Bio

Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her debut novel Hunted, the first installment of The Gates Legacy trilogy.

Writing is therapeutic for Lorenz, and a perfect day consists of writing and playing with her characters while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.

Lorenz currently lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between a full-time job as a Business Office Manager for a hospital and her busy writing schedule.

Find her at:


TOUR SCHEDULE:
9/17: 
Review: Trenda Lundin I Review: Debra Mauldin

9/18:  
Review: Anna Crosswell I Guest Post: Donna Huber

9/19: 
Review, Promo/Excerpt: Sarah Aisling I Review, Interview: Claudia Trapp

9/20: 

9/21: 
Review, Promo/Excerpt: Nina Gomez

9/22: 
Review, Promo/Excerpt:  Wyndy Dee

9/23: 
Promo/Excerpt: Jennifer Garcia

9/24: 
Promo/Excerpt: Sapphire Kande I Review, Promo/Excerpt: Vampire Romance Books

9/25: 

9/26: 
Promo/Excerpt: Natasha Larry I Promo/Excerpt: Lindsey Gray I Promo/Excerpt: Sydney Logan

9/27: 

9/28: 

9/29: 
Review, Interview: Babus Book Reviews

9/30: 
Promo/Excerpt: S.A. Jones

10/1: 
Guest Post: N. Wood

10/2: 
Promo/Excerpt: J.C. Clarke I Promo/Excerpt: NK Smith

10/3: 
Review, Promo/Excerpt: FS Meurinne

10/4: 
Review: Annemarie

10/5: 
Review: The Hive Book Reviews I Review: R.E. Hargrave I Review: Tammy Sanders



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

You're Invited!


Please join me October 15th through 17th as I celebrate the relaunch of my books with new covers and lower prices including access to the Kindle MatchBook program. If you purchase the paperback version, you will be given the chance to also pick up the Kindle edition for only 99 cents!

Several AMAZING blogs have offered to help me get the word out and I'll be holding a Rafflecopter giveaway for a couple of goodies. So, be sure to check back on the 15th for a complete list of everyone participating.

Don't want to wait two weeks? 
The new retail links are over on the Get It Here tab!