by Sarah | Apr 19, 2013 | Cover Reveal, Guest Authors, Writing
Coming June 1st from Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd, is Plotting to Win, a new reality TV show romance by Tara Chevrestt.
In New York City, seven writers compete for a hundred thousand dollars, a publishing contract with Bright House, and the title of the next bestseller. One is Felicity James. One is Victor Guzman.
Drama, plagiarism, and trash talk play out to enthralled audiences across the country as all seven contestants compete against each other in a range of heated challenges, with tensions reaching breaking point. As Felicity and Victor start up a show‐mance, their relationship burns up the ratings.
Will this sizzling fling escalate into a vicious battle for money and fame, or will these two authors manage to write their own happy ending?
Mark Plotting to Win to read on Goodreads.
What writing challenges do you think they will face?
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.
Her theme is Strong is Sexy. She shares a blog with her naughty pen name http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/ and they have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877.
by Sarah | Apr 18, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
First, thanks Sarah for allowing me to showcase my latest release, Because You Are Mine, which is essentially a story about broken bonds and betrayal…
| [amazon_link id=”B00C52W26G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | SCP | ARe |
BLURB:
Betrayal cuts deep, especially when it comes from someone you trust. And no one understands this better than Cara Sinclair’s old love, now new boss, Drake Ross. Growing up, these two shared an undeniable bond until they found themselves in a fight for their lives. Twelve years later, fate conspires to bring them back together. Yet, while Cara is torn between chasing a lost love, or pursuing another, Drake is left more uncertain of the truth and his feelings for the girl he believed betrayed him. But the love that binds them proves impenetrable. And when light is finally shed on the secrets that haunt them, Cara and Drake will soon discover that danger still lurks… and betrayal cuts deeper than they could have ever imagined.
I’m excited about Cara and Drake’s story and I hope you are too! Below is a sneak peak so enjoy! J
~~~
EXCERPT:
Drake was in a bad mood.
The monthly alignment meeting had proved to be a complete waste of time. He had more important things to do then sit around and re-discuss irrelevant material. He didn’t care who they selected to redesign the company’s website. He wanted to know how they planned to improve their network security and inefficient infrastructure.
He strode back to his office, irritated by the lost time.
As soon as he entered his office, he froze.
Resting on his sofa was Cara’s small feminine figure. For a moment he just stood there, transfixed. Then, without thinking, he quietly closed the office door and walk up to where she slept.
Her curly hair was pushed back but a few dark tendrils managed to escape and sprawled across her face. Her head rested on the sofa arm and the position exposed the tiny mole on her slender neck. A flaw he always found endearing.
He couldn’t take his eyes away. The peacefulness of that moment left him mesmerized. In that short moment, his mood shifted. His irritation melted away and was replaced by a pleasant calm.
He crouched down in front of her, fighting the urge to lean down and kiss her smooth, graceful neck. She was a natural beauty, and in sleep she was achingly so.
But the peaceful moment came to an abrupt end.
With a loud gasp, she jolted awake and stared right at him. Her eyes widened and she stifled another gasp when she found him hovering only inches away. He could practically feel the panic building inside her.
He was fascinated at how she could be sound asleep one minute then wide awake the next. She ran her hands through her mane of curls and he was drawn in by the feminine gesture. The uncomfortable strain forming in his pants was his cue to move away.
He ignored it.
“Hello there,” he greeted, his tone devoid of emotion. “How was your nap?”
~~~
| [amazon_link id=”B00C52W26G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | SCP | ARe |
Lena Hart is an author of sensual, interracial romances. Her second novella, BECAUSE YOU ARE MINE, was recently released by Secret Cravings Publishing and is currently available wherever e-books are sold. To learn more about Lena and her work, visit www.LenaHartSite.com or find her rambling at scatblogging.blogspot.com
by Sarah | Apr 17, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to have Lindsay Downs by today to talk about his upcoming release, Ice Queen. He was good enough to sit down and answer a few questions for me, and talk a little about his books.
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I think the best way for me to answer this question is to let you read my bio-
What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.
In 2008 when I got 2 books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.
More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rule, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.
Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.
After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other she dies unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.
For me, as a multipublished author it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’m a panster but with a new series I’m thinking about I might have to be a plotter, we’ll see.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
First, trying to learn to write a compelling book which a publisher wanted. After that searching out the right one for the book. The whole thing is never to give up. If one rejects you learn, if needed correct then find the perfect publisher to go with.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
It’s really hard to point out one chapter out of them all to single out as my favorite. Each one, in their own way, was a favorite.
5. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
The only character I really didn’t like was Brandie Endicott. To find out why you’ll have to wait until June when the book releases and read it. Even the main bad guy I liked writing.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up on your dream. Develop your voice and stay true to it. Don’t be afraid to be different. Write. Write. Then write some more while taking workshops to learn the craft.
7. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
Not only in my A Jessica Sales Novel series but also in all my regency books the one thing you’ll find which stands out above all the the leading character. The best way I can answer the question is to go back to 1972 and the Helen Reddy song “I Am Woman”. In short I empower my heroines.
8. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The one I’m writing at the time, even the villain.
9. Do you have another book coming out soon?
In July I have my debut, with SCP, regency Spy Catcher releasing. This is romantic suspense. To put it simple between June and December of this year I’ve got a book releasing every month, except for November.
10. (For series authors) How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?
Right now I have 6 books in The Jessica Sales series scheduled for release between June 2013 through September 2014. I do have ideas for four more books in the Jessica Sales series.
*~*~*~*
Blurb for Ice Queen–
Betrayed by her lover, Jessica Sale has to decide who to trust. Not sure, she goes with her intuition. The problem, is her instinct correct or leading her down the proverbial garden path. Only time will tell, except she doesn’t have the luxury. Lives lie in the balance and depend on her split second decisions.
As the truth slowly unfolds, Jessica wonders if she’s made the right decision. No thanks to her Control who withholds crucial facts about a separate but equally important mission which parallels hers everything could be put in jeopardy. Time is the one thing Jessica doesn’t have, if she’s to prevent military grade weapons from being made available to terrorists.
Will she finally get all the information to stop Justin Grey or will she end up like so many of his supposed friends, partners and family-dead?
Will she finally get all the information to stop Justin Grey from selling weapons to terrorists or will she end up like so many of his supposed friends, partners and family-dead.
*~*
I’m so glad that Lindsay stopped by, I can’t go without pimping at least one of his books. So, of course, I’m going with Love and War.
| [amazon_link id=”B00APO6ILQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | SCP | ARe |
BLURB:
Rescued – Injured Ensign Steve Henry awakens from severe wounds to the tender care of Lieutenant Suzanne Cunningham. Attraction explodes between them but will war tear them apart in the end?
Simone – Returning to Occupied France in advance of the allied invasion leaves no time for love between Sergeant Brian Deveneau and Simone. War tears apart lives and love. Will they survive?
Angel in Green – Never expecting to find love, 1st Lieutenant Elena Roberts must put aside her feelings for 2nd Lieutenant Steve Johnson. When her hospital is overrun by North Vietnamese soldier’s, she must guard not only her heart from the handsome solider, but keep him alive as well.
by Sarah | Apr 16, 2013 | Books, Hump Day Hook, Masked Hearts, Writing
Another Hump Day Hook!
And this week it’s time for more Masked Hearts. Release day is just a few days away, so I thought I’d finally give you another taste of Roy and Minnie.
Hope you enjoy:
“Why don’t you fight?”
“For what?” Minnie dropped the bucket and held out her arms. “I have nothing, Roy. I am not you, I can’t look like them. There will never be freedom for ones like me. What is there to fight for?”
“Me.”
*~*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | Apr 15, 2013 | Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
Meet Rachel Fox, heroine of THE BULL RIDER AND THE BARE BOYCOTTER. Rachel, an animal rights activist, gets attention for her cause by running naked in front a bucking bull, while 10,000 angry rodeo fans watch.
Rachel’s from Brooklyn, NY, a borough full of passionate people. When we first meet her, she’s had a tough year: her mother died, her boyfriend left, and she learns she’s infertile. To top it all off, she just lost her job caring for bovines at the Brooklyn Zoo.
Taking advice from her Aunt Bess, an activist from way back — “A good, old-fashioned cause always gets a woman’s mind off her problems” — Rachel decides to go west. Having cared for bulls for many years, she’s convinced that bull riding abuses those animals. Spurs cut hides, bull ropes chafe and electronic prods damage nervous systems. She’s on a mission to improve things for the bulls, and to keep her mind off her troubles.
With her long dark hair, big brown eyes and olive skin, Rachel looks a lot like Kim Kardashian but with a lot less attitude and a bigger rear end. While in Brooklyn Rachel is considered full figured, at the rodeo, she fits in perfectly.
Then Rachel runs naked in front of Logan Cooper’s bull and she meets her match. Sparks fly between the handsome cowboy and the bare boycotter, except she’s trying to shut down the rodeo and he’s not going to let her.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00C9KWI0E” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Barnes & Noble | SCP |
Book Description:
Animal right activist Rachel Fox is a woman with a mission. The plan is to step into bull rider Logan Cooper’s ring wearing nothing but a poster calling the rodeo a ‘blood sport’. While rescuing this passionate protester from a nineteen hundred pound charging bull Logan decides he likes what he sees. Only problem, he’s got to direct Rachel’s love away from the livestock and onto him. With the press hot on their heels, because who isn’t interested in a story about a bull rider and a naked protester, Logan brings the dark haired, curvy figured Brooklynite to his Montana ranch.
Except, now that he’s got Rachel in his bed he’s nervous his annoying, problematic brothers and surly preteen nephew will scare her off. But when Rachel meets Logan’s deeply flawed family she realizes the bulls aren’t the only ones who need saving, the Cooper brothers need her help too. The only problem is Rachel has a secret, after believing she was infertile, it turns out that this sexy bull rider may have changed her childless fate forever.
by Sarah | Apr 14, 2013 | Books, Hybrid, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week was Chocolate.
I have created a cover for it…see? I have my reasons for the cover, and for saying that I’m unsure how long this story will continue through Tuesday Tales. Thoughts and plans are brewing, but until I’m set in what I want to do, Hybrid and Jyoti and Jdyne will stick around for a couple more weeks.
Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!
Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :
“If I’m to speak before the assembly I should change. These human clothes are already too small.” I held out my arms to demonstrate the way the sleeves now only hit three-quarter length when they’d hit my wrists earlier. Of course, I wouldn’t mention the chocolate kiss melting in the pocket of my jeans in this heat.
“We’ll return to the castle so you might change. Will you be dressed as a warrior?”
“Testing me, Father? Of course I won’t dress as a warrior. They’ll think me hostile and side with Alatus more firmly before I ever open my mouth.” I set my hands on my hips and frowned. “What about the family? My appearance is already altering, if I go back to them.”
“You forget what powers I have, child. You’ll be restored if that’s what you wish. If you think it’s safe for them.”
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.” With a sigh, I lifted my arms and gave a great stretch. I grew taller, but more impressively, flames travelled along my arms to add to the decorations. I could feel the same sensation crawl along the flesh of my face.
Jdyne diverted his eyes as the transformation took place and the human clothes burned away. “I wasn’t aware that’s what you meant by change, child.”
My eyes closed and I let the fire take over until it had replaced my clothes in the form of an almost living dress. It ebbed and flowed when I walked, draped to cover what humans found indecent, and slipped along my flesh like a second skin, which it was. “Did you not tell them the truth, father?”
“They don’t know about it. No one but Addrannyn knew of the phoenix. Only five other hybrids had the birds influence before he figured out how to create eggs without the birds influence and brought in enough helpers to make more hybrids, so I didn’t think it was necessary.” Jdyne shook his head and the last of the human illusion shivered away to reveal his fully scaled self. Now on all fours, his head swung to face me. The voice carried the same, but rang through my head instead of my ears. “Some secrets were meant to keep you safe.”
“All the secrets in the world failed to keep m safe. They did the opposite. It’s time for truth, Father.” I slipped my hand along his nose, then through he comb atop his head. The rough scales scratched my flesh, but by the time I lifted my hand, they wounds had healed. “Shall we fly?”
The long elegant head dipped in a bow. After a momentary crouch, he took off into the air. Long silver wings unfurled and he offered a long call to the heavens. It echoed around the countryside and calls of all kinds were returned.
I couldn’t stop my grin as the king took his place in the sky, his scales and wings reflecting the glory of our two suns in an almost blinding display.
After several minutes of enjoying the sight, I spread my arms. The flames spread to reflect my arms and formed into long elegant wings. For the first time in fifteen years I crouched and took off into the air, letting the wind almost blind me as I raced higher than my father.
I let out a call like his, more high pitched, similar to the bird, while still all dragon. Familiar calls of welcome were returned and I chuckled, dropping down to fly next to Jdyne.
His silver eye blinked at me before he flew toward our castle. Once again his voice entered my head. “You have never flown these skies with the wings of a phoenix. You’ve always clung to the dragon. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“The time for lies and secrets is over.” I repeated. “I am all of these things, and will not hide it any longer. Alatus will have his war if he is determined enough. I prefer he do it with the full knowledge in the open.”
“You’ll test the limits of the Assembly’s tolerance.”
“I always have, Father.”
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
*~*
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.
