Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sophie's Turn Blog Tour:Review/Interview/Giveaway!



Goodreads Synopsis
Slapper. Slut. Adulteress. These are hardly words that Sophie Penhalligan would normally use to describe herself. Yet this is exactly how she is behaving, all things considered, even if she isn’t quite married to Tim yet. And it’s all happening because her past is coming to tempt her! Nine years ago, she met her teenage idol and rock star extraordinaire, Dan, up close and personal. Well, almost. Now Dan has crash-landed back in her life.
Sophie is happily embroiled in a relationship with Tim, her boyfriend of two years. Until recently, she was confident Tim would eventually propose—probably as soon as he could get his act together. But just as Tim’s persistent inaction is beginning to cast a cloud over their relationship, Dan’s sudden reappearance turns Sophie’s world upside down.
One fine day in Paris, Sophie suddenly finds herself engaged to Dan while her erstwhile fiancé Tim is…well, doing whatever it is Tim does back in London. What is she to do now? Who wouldn’t give anything to meet their favorite star, let alone marry him?
Find out how Sophie gets into this impossible situation, and how she turns it around, in Sophie’s Turn, the honest, funny and sometimes bittersweet story of one woman’s entanglement with a rock star.

Interview

Hey Nicky!  Thanks so much for doing an interview!!!
We can start with the more serious then move to the fun shortly.
What inspired you to start writing?
Oh, Tobi, where to start? I’ve been writing ‘stuff’ for as long as I can remember. To begin with, I wrote stories when I couldn’t get to sleep when I was very young, maybe seven or eight? I could just barely write then, but was full of ideas. I used to sit on the window sill with a little pad and a green biro and scribble away after lights out. I suppose that’s how it all started!
Writing in earnest started when I gave up my job, prepared for arrival of baby number one, and decided to write that book that I’d always said I would write. The idea was born, and I got completely carried away with my little project. The end result, a few years later, is what you have on your Kindle today: Sophie’s Turn.

Who are the authors who inspired you?
There are so many, where to start? I think my original love for the written word came from reading children’s authors like Astrid Lindgren and Enid Blyton. I was completely insatiable and ransacked the local library for new books every week!
In terms of romance, the authors who capture my imagination are folks like Catherine Alliott (first chick lit novel I ever read, love it to bits to this day), Jane Green and Jill Mansell. In terms of writing, I actually get inspired by crime writers like Jeffrey Deaver and Lee Child; I find myself trying to emulate their pace and rhythm to get that page-turner result!
What led you to the idea of the Sophie’s Turn? 
My husband, LOL. Yup, I blame him. You have to know that I have a serious soft spot for all things male with long hair and deep voices. No idea why, but there it is. My OH is quite tolerant of this foible. One night, while I was pregnant and off work and all that, we were watching TV and some long-haired gravelly-voiced celebrity appeared. I can’t remember who it was now, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that I made highly appreciative noises, and my husband laughed and said it was a good job I was already married to him. It got me thinking: what if? And the idea was born. I started planning the very next day.

ON TO THE FUN! <3
If your passport could have 3 stamps what would they be?
Canada. New Zealand. Iceland.
If your books were to become movies who would star?
OOOOH great question! Here goes:
Meet:  The Dream Cast for Sophie’s Turn
Featuring…

Dan the Rock Star…. Played by Ewan McGregor!
Sophie… Played by Keira Knightley!
Rachel … Played by Emma Watson!
Tim… Played by Jude Law!
I can totally see them in these roles!  Awesome!

What office supply can’t you resist buying even though you have plenty?
Post it notes. I’m forever picking them up even though I’ve got stacks. They’re in little piles in almost every room in the house. I use them to write down things I must do, things I must not forget, and ideas for books. I also use them extensively for plotting and planning, so I couldn’t live without and live in terminal fear of running out. I’ve probably got a lifetime’s supply stashed here now, but still I buy more.
Post it’s are my weakness too! 
What’s your fave?
Cleaning tip?
Microfibre cloths. Seriously, they’re magic. No more streaky windows or greasy ovens, just use water and one microfiber cloth to scrub, another to wipe dry. Don’t forget to run them through the washer occasionally, and your life will be transformed. Cleaning windows and mirrors is no longer a chore, but something that can be easily accomplished while chatting to your best friend on the telephone. (Not that I’d do such a thing, but you know what I mean!)
Place for Vacay?
Cornwall, without the shadow of a doubt. Not very adventurous of me, I know, but it is heart-breakingly beautiful down there.
Food?
Hahaha, you’ve got to ask Sophie, she’s got the inside scoop here. She’s a little me-clone! Pizza, and any kind of shellfish (you know, prawns, scallops, lobsters, I’m not fussy but I appear to have expensive tastes!).
Beverage?
Cranberry and fizzy water, mixed one part on five. I got addicted to this no-alcohol ‘cocktail’ when I was pregnant and I haven’t been able to shed the addiction. For extra refreshment, add a dash of lemon juice. Divine.
Thing to do in amusement park?
Roller coaster! And eating cotton candy….
Coffee or tea?
Tea. Earl Grey, if possible. With lemon first thing in the morning (and two sugars); but with milk (and two sugars) any other time of the day.




First Thoughts After…..
Fun read and ready for the next in February……Killing me!!!!  And yes I’ve informed Nicky of the fact that I AM dying here…..
My Synopsis
Sophie is content in her life.  She’s been dating Tim for 2 years and she has a decent job!  There is nothing more a girl could want right?  Nothing except a Rock Star Sophie's been in love with since she was in her teens and almost had a thing with…….
Sophie ends up on tour with Tuscq covering their comeback tour by the band’s request……
Will Sophie be content to go back to her day to day life or will she want to continue the jet set life?
How Distracted Did I Get?
Sophie’s Turn is a fun book that has you guessing from one moment to the next.  I totally DID NOT want to put it down at all!  Sophie is a sweet down to earth girl that most ladies out there can relate to.  I loved the ups and downs and the moments when I was pulling out my hair! I totally avoided dishes and cooking for a day!   I give Sophie’s Turn……….


5 Baskets!!!!


Author's Bio


Rock On! Nicky Wells writes fun and glamorous contemporary romance featuring a rock star and the girl next door. Nicky loves rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, Nicky is a wife, mother, and occasional teaching assistant.
Originally born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993, and currently lives in Lincoln with her husband and their two boys. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in London and Washington, D.C.
Nicky is a featured author on the innovative reader/author project,loveahappyending.com and has also joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association.


Sophie’s Turn is available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and many other Amazon sites. The paperback edition is also available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. In addition, you can obtain Sophie’s Turn from Barnes & Noble.


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Friday, September 21, 2012

Author Spotlight Cooking Up Trouble by Louisa Mack




She is an award-winning chef and he is the unnervingly attractive lawyer who represented her ex in the break-up of their business.
When Ally French inherits Chaffey’s Island, she’s working and saving to replace the café she lost in a failed romance. She doesn't need or want another romance. But when Chaffey’s Island turns out to be a pub in the Australian outback she’s prepared to do just about anything to keep it. Even when the lawyer handling her godfather’s estate is Edward McGrogan, the same yummy lawyer who took her café away. The problem with her last business was not having a lawyer so at least this time she will have one. Even if it means risking her heart.
Of course there are a few complicating factors such as someone trying to frighten her into selling cheap; her godfather’s sly grog shed out the back; and the growing sizzle between her and her lawyer. When attraction boils over into love and when accusations arise of grievous bodily harm, not to mention dope in the dinner, Ally knows she’s really cooked up some trouble this time and she’ll need a darned good lawyer no matter what she has to do to keep him.

Author's Bio

Louisa Mack lives in Brisbane in northern Australia. She studied Creative Writing at Queensland University of Technology and later did a Masters by Research in Romance Writing.

But she's been inventing stories all her life and will admit that she was often the starring character when she was a child, sometimes involving a big shiny sword or some other desirable accessory. A wand maybe.

Lately she's been happy to let her characters take the starring roles. Heck, she's even happy to let them have the exciting accessories. In Cooking Up Trouble she not only gave Ally a pub in the outback, but also a very delectable man to love and a ride in a sixteen wheeler.

Cooking Up Trouble is the third novel Louisa's written but the first to be published. There will be more.

Cooking Up Trouble is available through Smashwords and the Amazon kindle store.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Review: Beneath the Surface by Joya Fields

Good Reads Synopsis
She’s fighting to stay independent—he’s determined to protect her no matter what…

Brooke Richards survived the earthquake that took her parents and most of her leg, but she needs time to regroup. A trip to Florida for a state-of-the-art prosthesis and to visit her best friend Linda seems ideal. But the trip turns traumatic when Brooke witnesses Linda’s boat disintegrating in a fiery explosion.

Police officer Garrett Ciavello believes the blast was intentionally set to hide something Linda found on a dive. When Brooke offers her expertise in underwater archeology, Garrett accepts her help with the investigation. But since his fiancée’s death years ago, Garrett has become overprotective, and as they are drawn to each other, Garrett realizes he will risk anything to keep Brooke safe.

Brooke is fiercely independent. Garrett is fiercely protective. Will they heal each other’s wound and find a killer…before it’s too late?

First thoughts after……

Beneath the Surface is a great mystery/romance that is worth diving into

My Summary

Brooke is an earthquake survivor with a prosthesis leg.  She’s an underwater archaeologist on vacation.  Her friends unwittingly discover a mysterious box that could mean all of their lives….  An explosion rocks their boat as Brooke is on her way to meet a prosthesis doctor about a new leg that appears real.

Garrett has lost loved ones in his life he couldn’t save, but as Brooke helps him find the box he develops feelings for her.  He has a fierce need to protect her even though she is extremely independent, not wanting help.

Will Garrett and Brooke be able to solve the who dunnit before the killer gets them?

How Distracted Did I Get?

Beneath the Surface is a smart mystery that was difficult to put down.  With twists, turns and romance it’s the wonderful blend of book!  I give Beneath the Surface……..




4 Baskets

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Blog Tour Empty Net by Toni Aleo: Excerpt/Review/Giveaway


Contemporary Sports Romance
Title: Empty Net (Assassins #3)
Author: Toni Aleo
Date to be Published: 9/10/12
Synopsis: 

Definition of an Empty Net: When a team pulls the goalie for an extra attacker, desperately seeking a goal.

Audrey Parker was in a horrible place.
She hated her job, her sister was getting married and moving out, but worst of all, she was in love with a total jerk. No matter what she did, every guy she met hurt her. All she wanted was her happily ever after. Her Prince Charming. Her Lucas Brooks! She didn’t know how to change her life but she knew she needed too.
Feeling like she was about to hit rock bottom, Audrey wakes up next to Tate Odder.

Tate Odder had lost everything.
After being brought up from the Assassins’ farm team, the Florida Rays to the Nashville Assassins, Tate hopes he’ll forget everything he has lost. He doesn’t. Each day gets harder to live in a place he doesn’t know. Even being the first rookie goalie to shut out an opposing team three times during the Lord Stanly Cup Finals, he still felt empty. With the loss of his parents and sister still heavy on his heart, Tate isn’t sure how to live like everything is okay.

But when he wakes up beside Audrey Parker, things start to change. She turns his life upside down with her kooky sense of humor and her bright clothing. She is intelligent and beautiful, and for once, he doesn’t feel empty.
Will Audrey be the person to fill the holes in Tate’s heart, making him whole again?
Or will another player ruin everything, leaving him feeling forever like an empty net?

 Excerpt

“I have to tell you,” she said with a shy grin, “It’s usually not this easy.” 
He looked down at her questionably, “Easy how?” 
“This easy to pick me up. I usually make guys work for it.”
He grinned and her smiled grew more, “So you want me too?”
She eyed him, her face bright with excitement. He may have been a little too forward but he was a blunt person, and hardly ever hid his feelings from anyone.
She moved closer, her eyes bright with lust as she said, “I do and I don’t even know you’re name.”
“Do you want to know it?” he asked with a cocky grin.
She moved in close, her wide brown eyes locked with his, “All I want to know is when you can leave? I have a room not even a mile from here.” 
“I have to tell you,” she said with a shy grin, “It’s usually not this easy.” 
He looked down at her questionably, “Easy how?” 
“This easy to pick me up. I usually make guys work for it.”
He grinned and her smiled grew more, “So you want me too?”
She eyed him, her face bright with excitement. He may have been a little too forward but he was a blunt person, and hardly ever hid his feelings from anyone.
She moved closer, her eyes bright with lust as she said, “I do and I don’t even know you’re name.”
“Do you want to know it?” he asked with a cocky grin.
She moved in close, her wide brown eyes locked with his, “All I want to know is when you can leave? I have a room not even a mile from here.” 
MY REVIEW
First thoughts after……
Wonderful ending and can’t wait for the next!!
My Synopsis
Audrey has been dating losers since she was allowed to start dating.  At her sister’s bachelorette party her current loser breaks up with her by phone!  Then the most gorgeous man approaches her in the bar where the party is being held and she takes him back to her room……
Tate has been in the US for 8ish months and lonely and in a dark place.  He sees the most beautiful lady he’s ever seen in the bar.  US ladies are more difficult to approach but he goes out of his way to meet the amazing woman.
Will a 1 night stand end up in Happily Ever After or will both Audrey’s and Tate’s secrets from the past keep them apart?
How distracted did I get………
Empty Net reeled me in from the get go!  The banter between Tate and Audrey is fun and amusing and the love story is sweet and sassy. The supporting characters are amazing and just a well put together story.
I give Empty Net……





4 Baskets!!!!  


Bio
I am a wife, mother, and hopeless romantic.
I have been told I have anger issues, but I think it’s cause of my intense love for hockey!
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughters dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, and reading the latest romance novel.
I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, and did I mention I love hockey?
Twitter: tonilovesweber6
Links to Buy (Will Be Available Upon Release)

Get the first 2 books in the series
Barnes and Noble 



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DISCLOSURE – Please place somewhere in the post for all reviews!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*



Friday, September 14, 2012

Shark Bait Blog Hop!

Welcome to my stop on the Shark Bait Blog tour!!!  This is very exciting!  I’m EXTREMELY honored that Jenn asked me to be a part of her first blog hop!  Crazy thing is, I won her book on a blog!  I know right?  So, without further ado dig in and enjoy!  Thanks Jenn for an amazing Hop! <3

Excerpt:

“New, huh? I don’t remember seeing a new girl on the roster during my office-aid hour this morning,” Jeff said more to Kate than to me.
I was kind of getting tired of being treated like I’m invisible so I spoke up and said, “I am new, but my full name is Cameron.”
“Ah…okay. You’re a sophomore, right? I thought you were a guy,” he said and laughed at his mistaken assumption about my gender.
Tristan’s ears pricked up when he heard sophomore and he quickly looked me over before laughing about the guy comment and going back to studiously ignoring me. Oh, be still my beating heart... I thought to myself in my best sarcastic southern belle impersonation, feeling annoyed. “Yeah, unfortunately I get that a lot,” I said with a touch of attitude.
I really like my name, but I hate when people don’t take the time to notice that I AM A GIRL!! I’m even bulging out of my 34B cup to prove it! Anyway, you can imagine I’m not all that enamored of “Dear Jeff” anymore. And okay, so I’m not feeling the love from Tristan right now either. Maybe he’s just shy? Yeah, let’s go with that.
“Yeah, I bet. At least you don’t look anything like a guy…or a sophomore,” Jeff said with a flirtatious grin, his eyes focusing on my boobs a moment longer than they should have.
That’s better, I thought, assuming the ogling was either meant to be an apology or a compliment. Beggars can’t be choosers and I’ll take it either way.


MY REVIEW OF SHARK BAIT
First thoughts after…
Flippin’ hilarious book!  I want more and unfortunately have to wait until Spring 2013 for the next book in the series….However I’m sure it will be worth the wait!!! <3
My summary
Camie just moved back to California.  Her mother has cancer and they moved home to be near family who can help out when need be.  She’s been home schooled her entire life and is now having to face attending high school her sophomore year.  She wants to fit in but will she meet the right people.  The one person she wants to meet is Tristan and he’s completely ignoring Camie altogether.  Will Camie survive her first year attending High school or will all go down the drain potentially with her reputation?
How Distracted Did I Get?
Shark Bait is an amazingly witty and funny book!  I loved it from beginning to end.  Camie is a Buffy fan…hellooooo totally my type of girl, she’s quick with a comeback and sarcastic!  Only thing missing is an addiction to caffeine but that can come in college!  With Hottie McTotties, teen angst, and quick wit Shark Bait is a MUST for your TBR list!  I give Shark Bait………
5 BASKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your shot at an e-copy of Shark Bait, but for a chance at the grand prize, the Ultimate Shark Bait Swag Bag, make sure you travel to every blog on the hop and jot down the highlighted letters and what blog you found them at in order to answer the scavenger hunt question! The grand prize giveaway will be at the final stop of the hop over on Jenn Cooksey's Blog on September 21st!!

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Monday, September 10, 2012

Guest Post/Blog Tour: Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

Welcome to my stop on the Dancing Naked in Dixie tour!  I absolutely LOVED this book!  I wrote a review a few months ago.  So I wanted to host Lauren Clark for a guest post. 
On with the show!  Lauren is witty and fun so check out her guest post and try not to laugh!!

Guest Post by Lauren Clark Author of Dancing Naked in Dixie


eReader Boot Camp:  Get Fit and Sexy, Fast!

Who says you can't read, get fit, and get romantic at the same time?

If you're like me, you're torn between losing those last ten pounds and reading the last ten chapters of your favorite novel. You'd rather eat cold Ramen than go for a power-walk. You prefer to start a new book than burn a few hundred calories.

Does this sound familiar? Is your spouse or partner jealous of the attention you lavish on your eReader? Does he or she try to lure you away from the screen, promising annual gym memberships, scented candles, and thick paperbacks?

Here's the good news. You don't have to choose! You can get slim, sexy, and strengthen your relationship with the help of your eReader. Here's how:


1. Strengthen:  Banish upper-body jiggle by getting into the plank position while reading. Hold for thirty seconds. Repeat. Tighten chest and arm muscles by pumping out pushups (place the eReader on the floor for optimal viewing) OR...position the eReader between your knees. Reward yourself after each sit-up and read another line. Flat abs in no time!

2. Balance:  Imagine yourself as an America's Next Top Model contestant and practice good posture. Place the eReader on your head and walk the "runway." (Okay, so it's your hallway) Chest out, stomach in, smooth stride. Repeat. Careful, don't let it drop! You look thinner and taller already!

3. Relay Race:  With a friend, choose a book that you both can't wait to read. Take turns running or jogging around a local high school track. The person waiting gets to read the book! Incentive to finish the lap, anyone??

4. Power Walk:  Listen to an audio book with your eReader. Put in those ear buds, plug in, and the miles will disappear faster than you can say "The End!"

5. Distract:  Attach your eReader to anything but the refrigerator. Use Duct tape if necessary. Download the most fascinating story you can find. Now, there's no chance of leaving the eReader for a late-night snack, right?

6. Get Attention:  Spouse playing it cool? Boyfriend bored? Proceed as usual, but lower the eReader to bat your eyelashes every few minutes. Or, try running the eReader along one leg and sigh. If all else fails, use the eReader to fan bare skin.

7. Touch:  Grab an eBook or two on massage techniques. Read a few lines out loud in bed. Offer your sweetie a rub-down for the first ten minutes, then trade positions. It's sure to bring the two of you closer together!

8. Direct Message:  With CHALK, write a suggestive, sexy message to your spouse or lover on the back of your eReader. Leave it in the bedroom propped on the pillows. See what happens!

9. Be Daring:  Download the Kama Sutra or one of the bajillion other books on sex and intimacy on your eReader. Read them. Take a few notes on the step-by-step directions. Commit those to memory and try them out. You'll impress your lover just by trying something new and daring!

10. Discipline:  A la Fifty Shades of Gray, there's always the option of getting physical. Give your partner a gentle tap on the derriere with your eReader. If he or she likes it, be careful, and don't break the screen!

 


Lauren Clark is the author of Dancing Naked in Dixie, Stay Tuned, and Center of Gravity (October 2012). She writes novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

Accolades for her writing include the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Commercial Fiction and the Readers Favorite Silver Award for Southern Fiction. Dancing Naked in Dixie was named a finalist in the 2012 William Faulkner Creative Writing Competition. USAToday.com recently recommended Stay Tuned as an indie published ebook.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. She has never broken an eReader screen.




EXCERPT # 1 - DNID



A flash of bright yellow speeds by, sending a spray of wet, gray slush. There’s a yelp of outrage, some fist-shaking, and a few choice cuss words lobbed after the taxi. I glance around the angry mob. Why is everyone in Manhattan looking for a cab?
The answer comes a moment later, when I overhear two women exchanging shrill weather reports. They’re both clutching iPhones, tapping and sliding manicured fingertips over the glossy screens.
“We’re going to get buried,” one hisses. She tucks her black cashmere wrap over her pearl choker and adjusts her Louis Vuitton clutch.
“Six to ten inches of snow before midnight,” the other confirms. Her red Chanel lips are pursed. “The whole city may shut down.”
A tap of panic hits me between the shoulder blades. If the airports close, how will I get to Atlanta? I have to get home. I have to pack. I need a taxi now.
With a surge of energy, I push through the group, balance on the curb, and wave my arms at the oncoming traffic. “Taxi! Taxi!”
In one miraculous instant, three yellow cabs pull up. With a rush of activity, people swarm the vehicles. I manage to latch onto a back door handle and yank it open. The weather-report ladies are on the other side of my taxi, deflecting dagger-looks from a pair of men who arrived a few steps too late.
The driver is honking his horn, waving us inside. “Come on, ladies,” he urges with a nasal shrill. “Meter’s running.”
“We were here first,” Chanel Lipstick calls over the roof of the cab at me. I watch as her mouth curves into a satisfied smile. Obviously, the woman always gets what she wants and is quite comfortable taking it away from someone else. This makes me angry and slightly hysterical. I say the first thing that pops into my mind.
“I-I’m sick,” I declare, making my best wide-eyed and pitiful expression. “I can’t last out here much longer.”

This announcement makes both women stop. Cashmere Wrap throws me a dubious glance. I wrack my brain for an illness. Something awful that will make them regret trying to steal my taxi. The Flu? Salmonella? Mad Cow disease?
Athazagoritis,” I announce, shocking even myself when the words spurt out of my mouth. This gets the desired reaction. The women offer simultaneous pitying looks, almost as if they’ve been practicing.
Chanel Lipstick waves a gloved hand, acquiescing. “Get in, dear, we can ride together.”
The trip to my apartment is an exhausting exercise in humiliation. Every mile, I curse my impulsive nature, swearing on my mother’s grave that I will never lie again—even to strangers who are mean to me—blizzard conditions or not.
The two women rapid-fire questions at me like I’m the subject of an FBI investigation. How did I learn that I had this illness? When? How many treatments do I have to have? Does it make me very sick? For how many days? Who is helping me at home?
I stutter through answers, wanting to smack my own forehead for ever saying it. Of course, Athazagoritis isn’t real. The word popped into my head because Marietta’s forever teasing me about being so scattered and missing appointments. She says Athazagoraphobia—fear of forgetting—might actually be a good thing for me.
Cashmere Wrap presses gloved fingertips to her rouged cheek. “Is it terrible?”
I think fast. “It’s somewhat rare,” I say, darting my eyes toward the snow-covered sidewalks, wishing I could jump out. “I’m able to work, but I get really tired.”
“Oh, you poor dear,” Chanel Lipstick says. “A career girl. What is it that you do?”
“I’m a writer for Getaways,” I admit, relieved that I don’t have to fib about that part.
“The travel magazine? How glamorous,” Cashmere Wrap purrs. “I hope you get your strength back. You’re so young. I would never have guessed you were ill.”
“Thank you,” I whisper and sink lower in the seat.
Then, the taxi stops and the driver announces my address and the fare. Thank goodness. I’ve managed to answer everything, every single question. Now I can get out of here. I reach for the door handle, lift, and swing one foot out onto the street.
Chanel Lipstick presses a hand on my arm. She’s holding on, and I’m not sure she’ll let go. “Oh, my dear,” Chanel Lipstick whispers. “I have to know. Is there any cure?”


Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. She is the author of Stay Tuned, Dancing Naked in Dixie, and Center of Gravity (October 2012).

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com. You can also find Lauren on GoodReads, Twitter, and Facebook.


Smart, Sassy Fiction with a Southern Twist



Other stops on the tour:

Sept 10  Forget The Housework, I'm Reading   Guest Post/Excerpt
Sept 11  Chick Lit Reviews And News- Review/Author Interview
Sept 12 Nette's Bookshelf Excerpt/Guest Post
Sept 13 Reflective Bookworm Review
          Sept 14 Reflective BookWorm  Author Interview
Sept 15 Chick Lit & WIne Review 
Sept 16 The Thoughts Of A Girl, Review/Excerpt 
Sept 17  Library Mosaic Excerpt 
Sept 18  Desperado Penguin  Review 
Sept 19  Captivated Reading Excerpt 
Sept 20 WV Stitcher Review
Sept 21 Kritters Ramblings Review/Author Interview
Sept 22 Steph The Book Worm Review
Sept 23 Aria's Dark Muse  Review 
Sept 24 Amy's Booket List Review





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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Fall for XIII Hour Post 1

Welcome to Fall for XIII Hour Month!
You all KNOW how I love the paranormal books!
XIII Hour Series is coming soon!
I’m very excited about From Hel, With Love coming out on October 4, 2012
I asked Blue Remy if she would do a month focused on her book!  So this week I’ll introduce my wonderful and amazingly sweet friend Blue to you and the weeks to come I’ll be doing interviews with her and her characters.
Let me just say, SWOON!  I can’t wait to meet TINO! <3
Debut Author
Blue Remy's Bio

Native of Santa Maria, CA, S. Blue Remy is the author of The XIII Hour Series, and its sister series, The Garden of Eden.  When she’s not writing, she is the House Manager of a movie theatre, which tends to help her plot her next book.  She was first inspired to write when she discovered a D&D game, taking on the role of Dungeon Master, but it didn’t stop there. Blue is a total fan girl when it comes to anything Wonder Woman. She collects Living Dead Dolls, rubber duckies, stuffed animals and tarot cards which she is an adept reader of. Blue currently resides in the paranormal hub of the South with her husband, who feeds her gourmet coffee and cupcake addiction, and two dogs who think they are her children, making her daughter wish she was an only child.

Now that you’ve gotten to know Blue, get to know a little about her book!  


 Hel hath no fury like her Raven scorned…

All hell is breaking loose. High Daemon, Raven Aquilus, and her motley crew find out that the guardians of the Nine Gates of Hell are being murdered one by one, landing them in the middle of an ancient war between the Daemons and the Fae.

FBI Paranormal Agent Duncan O’Brien is brought in to investigate the brutal murders, but he is completely blind to the fact that he has landed in a High Daemon’s domain. Time is running out and Raven must enlist Duncan and his team to help discover the killer before she loses another one of her precious Guardians. 

Duncan is the epitome of control, but even he is not immune to Raven’s beauty and magnetism. Raven is an enigma wrapped up in the body of lust, and attracted to a human. Both must fight their emotions to work together.

Raven faces losing everything from her life to a new found love in order to save the Underworld from being ruled by a jealous half breed. 

Welcome the XIII Hour series. Betrayal, Lust, Love, Murder, Jealousy and Revenge. The faery-tales that your mother never told you about just came true.


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Saturday, September 1, 2012

Sugar's Song Cover Reveal!!!!!

Sugar's Song Cover Reveal!
How exciting I get to host my friend, Katie Mettner's Cover Reveal of Sugar's Song!  I have yet to read Sugar's Dance but that will be on top of my pile soon.  I wanted to share in this day with my friend and asked if I could debut her cover!  Without further Ado......

Sugar's Song Blurb
Everybody needs a little Sugar!

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  Psalm 56

Love is a many splendored thing and no one who knows this better than Tula “Sugar” DuBois.

As the New Year breaks over her lodge on the frozen shores of Lake Superior, Sugar is wrapped in the arms of the man she loves, dancing in the New Year with her brother and his new wife.

Enter the mysterious Lillie who comes to the lodge for Christmas break seeking safe haven. No one knows her secrets and she’s determined to keep it that way.

Having had secrets to keep Sugar is compelled to love and protect Lillie, determined to give her the strength to reveal what she’s hiding before it’s too late.

When Lillie comes face-to-face with her past will she let revenge steal her future?
Sugar calls upon all who love Lillie to dance a dangerous samba to save the young girl before she is delivered to the Father by evil...

As the tulips sprout through the snow covered ground there is new love, new hope and new life, and together they will share Sugar’s Night...



I grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and moved to the Northwoods as a young adult where I now reside with my husband and three children. My love affair with Lake Superior began when I met my husband, Dwayne, and he drove me across the bridge one snowy November day with my nose pressed up against the glass. It was in that moment the scene was set for my breakout novel!

As a young adult I enjoyed ballroom dancing and spent many hours on the dance floor, and like Sugar I didn’t let my physical limitations hold me back very long. I’m happy to report that I’m back on the dance floor again! My stories are a reflection of my love for family intricately woven with life experience. When the gales of November blow early you can find me at the computer with a cup of joe, listening to Michael Bublé and working on Sugar's next adventure....


Sugar's Song is coming Late Fall/Early Winter