Lily Appleby was down on love. Her dreams trampled on, her belief in romance shattered, she was about as happy discussing Valentine's Day as a vegan discussing meat options.
Then, she met Damon in a cobbler's shop, of all places, and over a near death incident with a hairy spider and a mix up over shoes, a bond was formed. For Lily, the attraction was instant and beyond chemical. She felt as if someone filled her veins with champagne and the fizz was overflowing. For Damon, it was just as strong. So strong, in fact, that he was prepared to go to all manner of lengths to ensure that Lily ~ the girl he barely knew ~ had the best Valentine's Day ever and that her faith in love would be restored.
Or would it?
Will Lily fall hopelessly in love over a CD and a Crunchie Bar? Or will she choose NOT to love again?
$.99 on Kindle
First thoughts after....
A wonderful sweet quickie! Again, I'd like to find out what happens next!
How Distracted Did I Get??
A Cupid Kind of Day is a fun short read. I highly recommend for lunch breaks or when you have that short nap time in the afternoon. Lily, jilted by her ex doesn't believe in love anymore. I remember these days and I know many women can relate. This is a must for your tbr pile
I give A Cupid Kind of Day......
5 Baskets!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Heartbreaker Hop
Who do you think about when heart breaker is mentioned?
ME??? Valentino Pilate! <3 Check out my interview with the AMAZING Vamp! Too bad Vampires can't get snowed in!
MAN! I could so hide him in the basement!
Let's just say hottie mctottie for once does NOT cover it!
Valentino is from the XIII Hour Series by Blue Remy
From Hel, With Love will be out May 2, 2013
Check out the hop prizes then scroll down and check it out!!!
Almost 300 bloggers have giveaways and posts about those men we love!
But that's not all....
We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!
Interview with Valentino (Tino)
I hadn’t seen him since the Halloween
Birthday Party, but every fiber in me was lit up like the Fourth of
July. There was just something about him that drew me in and made me
breathless to the point I felt like a fish out of water. Valentino
Pilate has that effect on everyone. For him to agree to meet me, in
my home, for a simple interview, made me feel like a high school girl
sneaking out on a first date with the school bad boy.
Huh?
Oh, yeah. We can’t forget that it’s
three in the morning and I’m quiet as a mouse downstairs while
everyone else is asleep. Sure, I’m all dolled up, who wouldn’t
be!? I even had my hair colored a dark brown plum, make up perfect…
how can I go wrong?
I admit it. When my door bell rang, I
almost fainted. I think my heart stopped, then went from zero to
sixty in about .01 seconds. I could feel his power seeping through
the door, touching me in places I never knew existed. I ran to the
door, unable to stop myself, yanked it open and ….
There he was.
Adonis in perfection.
Sigh.
He stood there, all six foot four lean
muscle, his black silken shirt left open to show off the rock hard
chest and abs, tucked neatly into leather pants that he looked poured
into. He had to clear his throat to catch my attention, to which I
locked eyes with the most amazing tri-colored silver eyes that looked
wounded to depths even I wouldn’t understand. His hair glinted
shades of red under the porch light as he bowed it slightly in
greeting.
Well manicured hand reached out for my
own, an electric charge roared through me as his fingers curled
gently about mine, bringing my knuckles to his lips.
“Il mia bella.” He whispered
seductively as soft tiers brushed my knuckles.
I blushed. I didn’t know what to say.
Ugh.
Clearing my throat, I smiled and leaned
in to kiss his cheek, his essence wrapping around me in a tight
cocoon, my body vibrating in tune with it.
Stepping back, I invited my guest in.
I’m not going to bore you with how he
dripped with sex as he floated across my living room floor, or how
when he sat on my couch … erm .. alright, he lounged on my couch,
and watched me like I was his prey. Pretty boring, right?
TH: I can’t thank you enough,
Tino. I know I live a bit from New Orleans.
VP: It’s not a problemo,
bella. I trust the notte is treating you well, si?
TH: (giggle slightly) It is
better now. (OMG did I really just say that!?)
VP: Really? Che cosa? How
so?
TH: Oh. Uhm…Hmm… It’s not
every day you get to interview the Konungr of the Grima
Blasa. How did you get that title?
VP: (something sparked in the
lost eyes, and was gone as quick as it appeared. A deep breath was
taken while he contemplated his answer. Long piano like fingers
steepled at his lips as he stared at nothing in particular) It was a
very scuro – dark time of il mio vita, my life. I was
made an offer I could not refuse by a fallen God being punito
– punished .. for transgressions. Jormungandr felt I was the
perfect specimen to become a child to him and create the five lines
of the Grima Blasa nation.
TH: Oh my. (was so not
expecting him to answer) Do you miss feeling the sun on your face?
VP: (hides his teeth with a
smile) How could I miss the sun when I am in the company of beauty
that radiates such warmth?
TH: (giggles with a snort....blushes more and picks up a
magazine to fan self) Can you eat any food or do you …?
VP: (chuckles softly, leaning
forward to brush an errant strand of hair away from my eyes) Only if
you have dinner with me, bella. (winks and relaxes) I am old
enough that I have a resistance to food making me ill. A newly born
Grima Blasa cannot be sustained on food, they must have the
source of life to survive.
TH: (clears throat) Uhm.. huh?
Oh .. heh. Can you turn into a bat?
VP: (Genuine laughter) Alas, I
cannot.
TH: (Brave – or stupid? –
Probably stupid! Oh well....) May I see your fangs?
VP: (Tongue
snakes out to run along his lips, drawing my attention to them) Si,
per un dolce bacio, vi mostrerò più zanne.
TH:
(GULP!) Uh.. I understood yes, but I ... didn’t quite understand
the rest. (muttered “Damnit, I need to learn Italian.”) So. Uhhh
... moving on. (clears throat and lets out breath) Is there a special
someone in your life?
VP: (looks
down, as if saddened by the question I just asked.) No, non c’e.
I am cursed to be solo il resto de il vita.
TH: (wants
to jump in his lap and ravish his poor soul until he smiles – can’t
help but want to grin. I understood the “No”) I’m sorry. I’m
sure you have a soul mate out there.
VP:
Perhaps. We shall see. I lost the one I thought was. Now, I’m not
so sure. Conduco una vita solitaria.
TH: (can’t
help but to want to fix this heart throb) I really do appreciate you
coming here to see me. Duncan was so sweet to let me interview him
before, and I know everyone will want to know more about you.
VP: I do
have a FaceBook. Essy made me build it. They can find me there. (just
look up Valentino Pilate)
He rose up in one
fluid motion and swept over to me as I tried to stand. Sweeping me up
onto my feet, I felt his arm snake around my waist, fingers of his
other hand tangled in my hair, pulling my head back. I could only
gasp as he bared his fangs. His head lowered as my breath caught
while his fangs drug seductively along my pulse point. Can we say
LADYWOOD?
My eyes drifted
closed as he made his way along my chin, an annoying ringing in my
ear was becoming distracting. My arms wrapped around his neck,
tugging him closer to me … more ringing …
He laid me back
just like an empty dress on the couch, I felt his body pressing
against mine … and I freaking woke up!
I had to check my
recorder to make sure it wasn’t a dream, and luckily it wasn’t.
Lord have mercy, what a heart throb …
copywrited 2013 TheXIIIHour. Com
What am I giving away you ask????
eBook of Racing to Love~Jesse's Soul!
Jesse is a COWBOY(my fave hero) Motocross driver!!!
Um yeah who could ask for anything else??
My Review
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Um yeah who could ask for anything else??
My Review
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Blog Tour: Retrieved - Amber Polo
Blurb for Retrieved: Dog-shifters once again face the book-burning werewolves of Shipsfeather in this charming second installment of The Shapeshifters' Library series.
Godiva Anglesey, Chocolate Labrador, and the ruggedly handsome English Mastiff Cynerik are forced to team up against power-hungry werewolves when Cynerik discovers an ancient Ohio mound that may hold answers to their shifter history. Knowing the mound's secrets could benefit the dog-shifters in the ongoing contest for power, ambitious werewolf pack Alpha Sybilla challenges timid Godiva to a battle for the territory. Already faced with a malicious book-worm infestation and a censorship threat to ban all anthropomorphic books in her library, Godiva, who has no interest in battling anyone, must turn from running her small town library to train for a challenge she believes she has no chance of winning. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Godiva's mother announces that family tradition dictates that Godiva must be married by Summer Solstice… to a Druid. Godiva doesn't even know any Druids.
Godiva wants to run her library, retrieve books for library patrons, and keep people happy. She's no hero. She doesn't have what it takes to face down werewolves or save the world. Cynerik, however, believes differently. Together they must defeat the werewolves, save the town and its library, protect the most important archeological discovery in dog-shifter history… and, just maybe, find love along the way.
First thoughts after...
Le sigh...... I have to wait for the next book this time...."doggone" it! Pun intended and not intended just kind of popped out! LOL
How Distracted Did I Get??
Once again Ms. Polo has captured my complete attention. Retrieved, sequel to Released, is a wonderful Paranormal Romance Action story. Diva, a chocolate Labrador Retriever Shifter, is fun, sweet and naive. You want to knock her upside the head sometimes, however, she sneaks her way into your heart with her courageousness and loyalty. Cyn, a Mastiff (I want a Mastiff now especially if he turns into a hottie mctottie human), regal mastiff strong, smart and loyal. I enjoyed Diva's growth emotionally through the book. Retrieved is a must for your TBR pile. Once again I enjoyed the twist on Shifters and Werewolves and can't wait to read the next!
I give Retrieved......
5 Baskets!!!!
Buy Links for Retrieved, Book two:
Blue Merle Publishing | Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble & Nook | Well Red Coyote Bookstore
Buy Links for Released, Book One:
Blue Merle Publishing | Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble & Nook | Well Red Coyote Bookstore
Author Bio:
A love of books drew Amber Polo into a career as a librarian. A greater love turned her into a writer. The Shapeshifters' Library series is an urban fantasy filled with books, librarians and dogs and a library everyone will love.
Where to find Amber:
Wordshaping Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
Pinterest | Google+
Tour Stops:
February 1 Arias Dark Muse Review
February 2 Wanted Readers Excerpt
February 4 My Cozie Corner Review
February 5 Over A Cuppa Tea Review/Author Interview
February 6 Forget The Houswork I'm Reading Review
February 7 Known To Read Review/Feature
February 8 Hanging With Bells Guest Post
February 9 Books, Etc. Review
February 11The Wormhole Review/Guest Post
February 12 Melissa's Mocha's Mysteries And More Author Interview
February 13 A Buckeye Girl Reads Review
Tales of Topaz-Book Spotlight
February 14 A Book Obsession Review
February 15 Literati Literature Lovers Excerpt/Author Interview
February 16th Amys Booket List Guest Post
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Godiva Anglesey, Chocolate Labrador, and the ruggedly handsome English Mastiff Cynerik are forced to team up against power-hungry werewolves when Cynerik discovers an ancient Ohio mound that may hold answers to their shifter history. Knowing the mound's secrets could benefit the dog-shifters in the ongoing contest for power, ambitious werewolf pack Alpha Sybilla challenges timid Godiva to a battle for the territory. Already faced with a malicious book-worm infestation and a censorship threat to ban all anthropomorphic books in her library, Godiva, who has no interest in battling anyone, must turn from running her small town library to train for a challenge she believes she has no chance of winning. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Godiva's mother announces that family tradition dictates that Godiva must be married by Summer Solstice… to a Druid. Godiva doesn't even know any Druids.
Godiva wants to run her library, retrieve books for library patrons, and keep people happy. She's no hero. She doesn't have what it takes to face down werewolves or save the world. Cynerik, however, believes differently. Together they must defeat the werewolves, save the town and its library, protect the most important archeological discovery in dog-shifter history… and, just maybe, find love along the way.
First thoughts after...
Le sigh...... I have to wait for the next book this time...."doggone" it! Pun intended and not intended just kind of popped out! LOL
How Distracted Did I Get??
Once again Ms. Polo has captured my complete attention. Retrieved, sequel to Released, is a wonderful Paranormal Romance Action story. Diva, a chocolate Labrador Retriever Shifter, is fun, sweet and naive. You want to knock her upside the head sometimes, however, she sneaks her way into your heart with her courageousness and loyalty. Cyn, a Mastiff (I want a Mastiff now especially if he turns into a hottie mctottie human), regal mastiff strong, smart and loyal. I enjoyed Diva's growth emotionally through the book. Retrieved is a must for your TBR pile. Once again I enjoyed the twist on Shifters and Werewolves and can't wait to read the next!
I give Retrieved......
5 Baskets!!!!
Buy Links for Retrieved, Book two:
Blue Merle Publishing | Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble & Nook | Well Red Coyote Bookstore
Buy Links for Released, Book One:
Blue Merle Publishing | Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble & Nook | Well Red Coyote Bookstore
Author Bio:
A love of books drew Amber Polo into a career as a librarian. A greater love turned her into a writer. The Shapeshifters' Library series is an urban fantasy filled with books, librarians and dogs and a library everyone will love.
Where to find Amber:
Wordshaping Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
Pinterest | Google+
Tour Stops:
February 1 Arias Dark Muse Review
February 2 Wanted Readers Excerpt
February 4 My Cozie Corner Review
February 5 Over A Cuppa Tea Review/Author Interview
February 6 Forget The Houswork I'm Reading Review
February 7 Known To Read Review/Feature
February 8 Hanging With Bells Guest Post
February 9 Books, Etc. Review
February 11The Wormhole Review/Guest Post
February 12 Melissa's Mocha's Mysteries And More Author Interview
February 13 A Buckeye Girl Reads Review
Tales of Topaz-Book Spotlight
February 14 A Book Obsession Review
February 15 Literati Literature Lovers Excerpt/Author Interview
February 16th Amys Booket List Guest Post
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Released - Amber Polo

$4.99 on Kindle
Love dogs? Love books? Love libraries? Hate Book-burning werewolves?
Once long ago the Shipsfeather Academy was a training ground for an ancient race of dog-shifters whose mission was to protect the world’s knowledge. A powerful curse sealed these librarians in the basement of their building and gave the control of the town to a pack of book-burning werewolves.
Librarian Liberty Cutter watches in horror as the town’s public library goes up in flames and plans to re-establish the library in the abandoned Shipsfeather Academy building. Chronus, the Old English Sheepdog headmaster of the academy and leader of the dog-shifters, knows he must make some changes to continue to keep his pack safe. But even if he could persuade Liberty to believe in a talking sheepdog, how far can she be trusted? And will she ever be able to care for him as a man. He has to try, because Liberty Cutter and her staff of zany librarians may hold the key to the dog-shifters’ freedom…and the future of the town.
First thoughts after...
I'm glad I have the sequel! (Buy both at the same so you can go from one to the other!)
How Distracted Did I Get??
From beginning to end Released I a fun interesting read. I love Ms. Polo's unique take on shifters and werewolves! Liberty Cutter, made to be a librarian, is smart, fun & not too shocked as to where fate leads her. With the help of a handsome sheepdog friend she learns more of the mysterious world she never knew existed. Though I did make snacks for superbowl I chose to read instead of watch the game sitting with my hubs!
.5I give Released 4.5 Stars
Monday, February 4, 2013
ARC Wishing on Willows - Katie Ganshert
Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?
A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.
So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.
As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.
With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances.
First thoughts after...
I would love a follow up to this book!
How Distracted did I get??
Wishing on Willows is a heart warming book this is addictive in story and characters. Robin is a widow afraid of moving on even 4 years after her husband passed. She is strong, sweet and caring of all around her. A great leading lady. Ian is mysterious, handsome and charming. Wishing on willows is a sweet charming story that I would recommend to Christian Women's Fiction Readers with a touch of romance. I gobbled it up. I did make Super Bowl snacks but with all the craziness of the weekend which was A LOT I was able to finish in 3 days!
I give Wishing on Willows.......
.5
4.5 Baskets!!!!!!
I received a Free ARC in return for an honest review.
A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.
So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.
As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.
With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances.
First thoughts after...
I would love a follow up to this book!
How Distracted did I get??
Wishing on Willows is a heart warming book this is addictive in story and characters. Robin is a widow afraid of moving on even 4 years after her husband passed. She is strong, sweet and caring of all around her. A great leading lady. Ian is mysterious, handsome and charming. Wishing on willows is a sweet charming story that I would recommend to Christian Women's Fiction Readers with a touch of romance. I gobbled it up. I did make Super Bowl snacks but with all the craziness of the weekend which was A LOT I was able to finish in 3 days!
I give Wishing on Willows.......
.54.5 Baskets!!!!!!
I received a Free ARC in return for an honest review.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Blog Tour Morrigan - Laura DeLuca
Author:
Laura DeLuca
Publisher:
Pagan Writers Press
Pages:
320
Book
Description:
Shuffled
from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the
meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the
ability to move objects with her mind, and glimpse into the future.
Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she
discovers her true identity.
Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of TÃr na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.
Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of TÃr na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.
First thoughts after....
Interesting, intrigued about the next book....
How distracted did I get?
Morrigan is a young lady thrown into a world she's dreamed of all her life. With a ruggedly handsome Lycan to lead the way Morrigan has a long road ahead. I liked Morrigan she was smart and sarcastic. Two traits I love in a character. I enjoyed the beginning of the book, from about 30-60% was a bit slow for me but then it took off with a bang. With some laundry completed and dinner made Morrigan captured me at the beginning and end. I give Morrigan.......
.53.5 Stars
About
Laura DeLuca
Laura
“Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her
husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre
because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction,
Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age
Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has
been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Visit her on her
websites at http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com
or http://newagemama.blogspot.com
.
Author’s
Links
Friday, February 1, 2013
GO RED FOR WOMEN!!!!
GO RED FOR WOMEN!!!!!!!
I’d like to tell you the story about why Go Red For Women is so dear to my heart (no
pun intended). On January 24, 2012 my mother had a massive heart attack. There were
a few very minor signs that she might have heart disease, but even her family physician
considered her to be the picture of health. What has happened the last year has been an
incredible journey of the heart.
pun intended). On January 24, 2012 my mother had a massive heart attack. There were
a few very minor signs that she might have heart disease, but even her family physician
considered her to be the picture of health. What has happened the last year has been an
incredible journey of the heart.
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| My Sisters mom and I in 2012 Proud grandma my sis is expecting a girl and this is my pregnancy w/the twins |
The heart attack left only 25% of her hear functioning. The fact that she survived is a complete miracle.
We were scared poopless. I had sneaked a peek at her once blue eyes and they were a flat brown. I never told my family b/c I didn't want to scare them as much as I saw the lifelessness in her eyes.
The day the doctors were about to give up she finally responded to my voice. ME BARNEY BEAGLE! (flash back to 80's children book) Mom was in a coma for 10 days. Once she woke they wanted to give her a few weeks on a massive LVAD to see if any of her heart would regenerate. It didn't. So, the next step she's the perfect candidate for a Heart Mate II a portable LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device a heart pump) they install in the body and she carries around 20 pounds of equipment all the time. This makes Open Heart Surgery #2. My oldest sister and I were trained to take care of her her Heart Mate and changing the site of entrance. Mom did great through surgery though we still were nervous as crap. After mom recovered and was sent home within 2 weeks, she had to decide if she wanted to live permanently with the Heart Mate or see if she could get on the Heart Transplant list. She went a few months with carrying around 20 pounds of equipment and going through extensive REHAB after she was sent home. She went for it. She went through all the tests at UVA and was approved in July 2012. After she was approved she had to continue REHAB and get as strong and healthy as possible so she could be strong enough to make it through the transplant. She got so healthy she was moved from the 2nd list to the 1st list the week of October 15th. She got the call Oct 25th at 1am get up here now! SO, I received a phone call around 2:15am saying my sister was driving them up to UVA they had a heart! Thank GOD I thought she or daddy were going back in the Hospital. (they did take up double occupancy in the ER once in the midst of this story in which I turned green and was sent from the room by my mom's nurse and now family friend Shana! YES MY LIFE IS CRAZY) Mom made it through and was funny on her drugs! LOL (she's barely had a drink in her life much less anything else) She was sent home in less than 2 weeks if I remember correctly. I took care of her the weekend after and my sister took over after that due to the fact retail and November/December doesn't allow much time off.
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| Mom with my oldest after coming home from transplant (sorry for grainy pic it's from my phone) |
Thankfully my managers were amazing enough to let me have 2 or 3 weekends off that close to Black Friday! Mom visited UVA weekly and was quickly moved to bi-weekly visits and now has moved to monthly visits. She's able to pick up her younger grand kids now and play and all she wanted to do before. She can only wait for the go ahead to be able to pick up the bigger grand kids! Mom had a test about a month ago that tells the likeliness of rejection of the heart and her test came back less than 10% which is so amazing and exciting! We are blessed that my mom Vickie is still here with us and that she has an amazing new heart. She loves hearing about my blog and hearing about my author friends and the support they've sent her way. Y'all will never know what that means to her and me! So there you go. I will give some links below for different helpful hints and articles on Women's Heart Disease.
Symptoms of Heart Attack & Stroke
Live Healthy
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Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sugar gets a #MAKEOVER!!! & #Giveaway - Katie Mettner
Hello everyone! I'm very honored that Katie contacted me to have an exclusive of the NEW Covers of Sugar's Dance and Sugars Song! Thanks so much for letting me participate! It means so much! Without further ado here is the story from Katie on what brought about the changes!
A Message from Katie Mettner!
When I first embarked on the writing journey with Sugar’s Dance I really had no
aspirations that the book would be read by more than a few close family members and
friends. When Amazon wanted me to “create a cover” I really had no idea what to do so
I grabbed a pre-made cover, put a picture and my title on it and away I went. I hit that
“publish button”, mentioned on Facebook “Oh and I wrote this book and if you want to
read it it’s on Amazon and Barnes and Noble”, signed up on a Twitter and then sat back
not sure what to do next. To my great shock and surprise people started reading Sugar’s
story. Then they started asking me was there going to be a second? Heck, I hadn’t even
planned to publish the first, so a second wasn’t even a glimmer, but I did know her story
wasn’t done so with that “The Sugar Series” was born. I met all these great authors and
friends on Twitter and Faceboook who gave me all kinds of great tips, advice, support,
love, tweets, posts, mentions and were overall God given blessings to me as I wrote the
second in the series Sugar’s Song. I had a friend do the front cover for that book and I
again hit that publish button and off we went. But as I sat looking at the covers I realized
I was looking at the future. There in front of me were two of the three books in the series,
but I had SO many more books in my mind. I really wanted to take all my ideas and
turn them into a really descriptive, detailed, but fast glimpse into the book. So for about
two weeks I attempted to take all these great ideas I had and make a cover. Turns out
Photoshop doesn’t like me (that’s my tactful way of saying my art skills don’t go beyond
crayons). It’s okay though because I had a way around that and I emailed a friend I had
met on Twitter, Ms. Laura LaRoche of LLPix Photography, and begged her to help (not
exaggerating, I actually begged). I told her my vision and within two days she had both
covers ready for me. I opened them and immediately responded with “These are perfect!
Don’t change a thing!” She had taken my words and made it magical. She is my hero. So
with that I give you the new covers for Sugar’s Dance and Sugar’s Song!
Stay tuned to Forget The Housework for the late summer release of the cover for the last
in The Sugar Series, Sugar’s Night! As I write the story the cover is beginning to take
shape in my mind and yet something else is taking shape as well. It was just an idea I
was tossing around as I wrote her finale, but it began to grow with each chapter I wrote.
Then, as always happens, I got that little bit of divine guidance when Laura sent me the
image of the cross she had created for my book covers. I sat there looking at it and I knew
that we would never really be ready to leave Sugarland, so I sure hope after we finish the
cover for Sugar’s Night Laura has time for a few more covers for my Sugarland Series!
In this series we will meet some new friends and check in on some old friends as we
continue our adventure north.
I want to say a special thank you to Tobi for all of her support of the Sugar Series and
for always letting me jump on and take over her blog at my every whim! I love you
and am so grateful that the Lord led me to Twitter and you! Now, forget the housework
everybody, its time for a little Sugar!
Here are the NEW COVERS for Sugar's Story!
Sugar's Dance Amazon
Sugar's Dance Barnes & Noble
Sugar's Song Amazon
Sugar's Song Barnes & Noble
Must Be 18 to enter and live in US, UK or CA
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, January 24, 2013
If I Loved You - Jean Joachim
Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. Disrespectful of tabloid superstars, financial advisor, Meg, was shocked when she was tapped to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed. The biggest surprise: the charisma of her first client.
Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.
First thoughts after.....
Yay can't wait for the next one in the series!!!
How distracted did I get......
If I Loved You is a fun romance that sweeps you up and takes you away. With love, vengeance, Ms. Joachim's first female villain this story has the perfect recipe. Meg is smart and sexy and sweeps Chaz right off his feet the moment they meet. I had to force myself to put my kindle up this morning to get some sleep. This story is perfect for the sweet romance mood!
I give If I Loved You........
5 Baskets!!!!!
Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.
First thoughts after.....
Yay can't wait for the next one in the series!!!
How distracted did I get......
If I Loved You is a fun romance that sweeps you up and takes you away. With love, vengeance, Ms. Joachim's first female villain this story has the perfect recipe. Meg is smart and sexy and sweeps Chaz right off his feet the moment they meet. I had to force myself to put my kindle up this morning to get some sleep. This story is perfect for the sweet romance mood!
I give If I Loved You........
5 Baskets!!!!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
So excited! Look who made Extremity TV Motocross news!!!
How EXCITING!!!
YOURS TRULY!!!!
http://paper.li/Extremity_TV/1340189769
How EXCITING!!!
YOURS TRULY!!!!
http://paper.li/Extremity_TV/1340189769
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Dying to Read in 2013
Hello everyone! Here is my DYING TO READ IN 2013 List
In no particular order
Here we gooooooooo.....!!!!!
Never Forget - Emma Hart
A city girl.
A small town boy.
A summer they'll never forget.
Spending the summer at her Grammy's in Lilac Bay, Devon, is city girl Alexis 'Lexy' Edwards idea of hell. That is, until she reconnects with her childhood friend, Jen, and meets Alec Johnson.
Alec is the kind of guy Lexy knows she needs to stay away from. He's the village flirt, ridiculously hot and very dangerous to her self control. But there's a problem – she can't seem to keep him out, even though she knows he'll break her heart.
As Alec slowly strips away Lexy's defences and the two embark on a summer romance she never wanted, their feelings grow to more than either expected. But nothing lasts forever, and reality intrudes.
As her world is shaken to it's core, Lexy's self made prediction comes true when she discovers she's spent six weeks surrounded by secrets. Kept out by her family and the only guy she's ever trusted, she falls apart.
And when Grammy tells her that 'you might not end up where you wanted to be, but you'll always end up where you're meant to be,' she has to figure out if her meant to be is back home in London, or if it's been in Devon the whole time.
From Hel, With Love - Blue Remy
Hel hath no fury like her Raven scorned…
All hell is breaking loose. The first ever true born fallen valkyrie, Raven Aquilus, and her motley crew find out that the guardians of the Nine Gates of Yggdrasil are being murdered one by one, landing them in the middle of an ancient war between the Valyries and the Fae.
FBI Paranormal Agent DuncanO’Brien is brought in to investigate the brutal murders, but he is completely blind to the fact that he has landed in a Fallen Valkyries 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 ofcontrol, 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.
The Elite - Kiera Cass
"Sixteen-year-old America Singer is one of only six girls still competing in the Selection--but before she can fight to win Prince Maxon and the Illean crown, she must decide where her own heart truly lies"--
Pie Girls - Lauren Clark
Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she'd never return to her hometown in Alabama. After eloping with her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big city life Carrie Bradshaw-style. But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem: Her husband's had a mid-life crisis. He's quit his job, cancelled her platinum American Express, and run off with the "new" love of his life. Searcy finds herself back in Alabama with no job, no money, no husband, and no plan. After a frigid welcome home, she finds out that life in the small town Deep South is much harder at 36 than it ever was at sixteen. When she's forced to take over her mother's fledgling business, Searcy deals with sullen employees, strange ingredients, and the business owner next door who's made it his mission to make her life miserable. Will 'Pie Girls' be an epic failure, or will Searcy find the courage to persevere?
Racing to Love~Eli's Honor
No synopsis or cover yet
The Forgotten Ones - Laura Howard
Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.
When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother
Origin - Jennifer L Armentrout
No synopsis or cover yet
Sugars Night - Katie Mettner
Embracing the Wolf - Stephanie Nelson
No Synopsis yet
Spirit - Brigid Kremmerer
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
UPDATE
Just announced
The Other Fish in the Sea... - Jenn Cooksey!!! WHOOP!
In no particular order
Here we gooooooooo.....!!!!!
Never Forget - Emma Hart
A city girl.
A small town boy.
A summer they'll never forget.
Spending the summer at her Grammy's in Lilac Bay, Devon, is city girl Alexis 'Lexy' Edwards idea of hell. That is, until she reconnects with her childhood friend, Jen, and meets Alec Johnson.
Alec is the kind of guy Lexy knows she needs to stay away from. He's the village flirt, ridiculously hot and very dangerous to her self control. But there's a problem – she can't seem to keep him out, even though she knows he'll break her heart.
As Alec slowly strips away Lexy's defences and the two embark on a summer romance she never wanted, their feelings grow to more than either expected. But nothing lasts forever, and reality intrudes.
As her world is shaken to it's core, Lexy's self made prediction comes true when she discovers she's spent six weeks surrounded by secrets. Kept out by her family and the only guy she's ever trusted, she falls apart.
And when Grammy tells her that 'you might not end up where you wanted to be, but you'll always end up where you're meant to be,' she has to figure out if her meant to be is back home in London, or if it's been in Devon the whole time.
From Hel, With Love - Blue Remy
Hel hath no fury like her Raven scorned…
All hell is breaking loose. The first ever true born fallen valkyrie, Raven Aquilus, and her motley crew find out that the guardians of the Nine Gates of Yggdrasil are being murdered one by one, landing them in the middle of an ancient war between the Valyries and the Fae.
FBI Paranormal Agent DuncanO’Brien is brought in to investigate the brutal murders, but he is completely blind to the fact that he has landed in a Fallen Valkyries 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 ofcontrol, 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.
The Elite - Kiera Cass
"Sixteen-year-old America Singer is one of only six girls still competing in the Selection--but before she can fight to win Prince Maxon and the Illean crown, she must decide where her own heart truly lies"--
Pie Girls - Lauren Clark
Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she'd never return to her hometown in Alabama. After eloping with her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big city life Carrie Bradshaw-style. But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem: Her husband's had a mid-life crisis. He's quit his job, cancelled her platinum American Express, and run off with the "new" love of his life. Searcy finds herself back in Alabama with no job, no money, no husband, and no plan. After a frigid welcome home, she finds out that life in the small town Deep South is much harder at 36 than it ever was at sixteen. When she's forced to take over her mother's fledgling business, Searcy deals with sullen employees, strange ingredients, and the business owner next door who's made it his mission to make her life miserable. Will 'Pie Girls' be an epic failure, or will Searcy find the courage to persevere?
Racing to Love~Eli's Honor
No synopsis or cover yet
The Forgotten Ones - Laura Howard
Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.
When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother
Origin - Jennifer L Armentrout
No synopsis or cover yet
Sugars Night - Katie Mettner
"Sugar, Van and the whole gang is back in the final book of the Sugar Series. Sugar finds herself face to face with an unexpected crossroad and together she and Van will discover the reasons. In the end three things will remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love."
But is it the end?
Embracing the Wolf - Stephanie Nelson
No Synopsis yet
Spirit - Brigid Kremmerer
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
UPDATE
Just announced
The Other Fish in the Sea... - Jenn Cooksey!!! WHOOP!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Selection - Kiera Cass
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
$7.99 On Kindle
First thoughts after.....
April 23rd is a long time to wait! I'm glad I waited to buy it til now!
How Distracted did I get???
The Selection is my first Dystopian book! AND I LOVED IT! I love America and I want her hair. And Prince Maxon! I may have a new book boyfriend! So sweet! TEAM MAXON that's me! LOL Anyhooo The Selection is a fascinating story the sucks you right in and holds on to the end. It's so good it still doesn't let go at the end and you're dying for The Elite! There is teen angst, girl drama and a dreamy prince! Even though I'm visiting family this weekend I still managed to finish the story in 2 days. Of course they had all their devices out and I had my laptop and hardback of The Selection! Poor Tracie Banister had to deal with my emotions through the book! However, now we have a buddy to discuss THE ELITE when it comes out!
I give The Selection.........
5 Baskets!!!!
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
$7.99 On Kindle
First thoughts after.....
April 23rd is a long time to wait! I'm glad I waited to buy it til now!
How Distracted did I get???
The Selection is my first Dystopian book! AND I LOVED IT! I love America and I want her hair. And Prince Maxon! I may have a new book boyfriend! So sweet! TEAM MAXON that's me! LOL Anyhooo The Selection is a fascinating story the sucks you right in and holds on to the end. It's so good it still doesn't let go at the end and you're dying for The Elite! There is teen angst, girl drama and a dreamy prince! Even though I'm visiting family this weekend I still managed to finish the story in 2 days. Of course they had all their devices out and I had my laptop and hardback of The Selection! Poor Tracie Banister had to deal with my emotions through the book! However, now we have a buddy to discuss THE ELITE when it comes out!
I give The Selection.........
5 Baskets!!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
BLOGGERS NEEDED!
Attention Bloggers!
Bloggers needed for a tour for FROM HEL, WITH LOVE
Here is the synopsis of the first book:
Fallen Valkyrie Legionnaire, Raven Aquilus, has always known she was an outcast to her kind. Stuck in New Orleans as the Protectress of the Nine Gates of Yggdrasil, she lives as close to the edge as her family will allow. One fateful night would change it all – Someone ritualistically slaughtered a guardian in one of her Gates, leaving Raven lying in a pool of blood. Ordered to find the killer before she dies along with her precious guardians, Raven is placed in a race against time, being forced to enlist in the help of a Human FBI paranormal agent. Together they must stop the serial murders before an ancient war reignites – and Raven loses everything, including a new found love, all to 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.
I will be kicking off the tour the day FROM HELL, WITH LOVE comes out. I would like to have at least 10 other bloggers come on board if we can. Release date is MAY 2.
Any blogger hosting a review will be entered in a drawing for the winners choice of $10 Amazon of Barnes & Noble Gift card
If interested please email me at forgethousework @ gmail dot com Review eCopies will start to go out around the end of February beginning of Marchish!!!!
Blogs Participating
The Phantom Paragrapher - May 3
May 4 - Open
Indie Author How-To - May 5
paranormal book club - May 6
Delphina Reads Too Much - May 7
My Book Addiction and More - May 8
Froggarita's Bookcase - May 9
May 10 - Open
May 11 - Open
May 12 - Open
May 13 - Open
May 14 - Open
Bloggers needed for a tour for FROM HEL, WITH LOVE
Here is the synopsis of the first book:
Fallen Valkyrie Legionnaire, Raven Aquilus, has always known she was an outcast to her kind. Stuck in New Orleans as the Protectress of the Nine Gates of Yggdrasil, she lives as close to the edge as her family will allow. One fateful night would change it all – Someone ritualistically slaughtered a guardian in one of her Gates, leaving Raven lying in a pool of blood. Ordered to find the killer before she dies along with her precious guardians, Raven is placed in a race against time, being forced to enlist in the help of a Human FBI paranormal agent. Together they must stop the serial murders before an ancient war reignites – and Raven loses everything, including a new found love, all to 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.
I will be kicking off the tour the day FROM HELL, WITH LOVE comes out. I would like to have at least 10 other bloggers come on board if we can. Release date is MAY 2.
Any blogger hosting a review will be entered in a drawing for the winners choice of $10 Amazon of Barnes & Noble Gift card
If interested please email me at forgethousework @ gmail dot com Review eCopies will start to go out around the end of February beginning of Marchish!!!!
Blogs Participating
The Phantom Paragrapher - May 3
May 4 - Open
Indie Author How-To - May 5
paranormal book club - May 6
Delphina Reads Too Much - May 7
My Book Addiction and More - May 8
Froggarita's Bookcase - May 9
May 10 - Open
May 11 - Open
May 12 - Open
May 13 - Open
May 14 - Open
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