Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Two Breaths Too Late by Rochelle Maya Callen


Two Breaths Too Late

by Rochelle Maya Callen

9.30.14

Young Adult


After years of secrets and bruises, Ellie Walker takes her own life only weeks before her high school graduation. She expected to be free, but instead is forced to face the brokenness she has left behind. 

This story isn't about happily-ever-afters. 
It is about the millions of terrible and beautiful moments that make up a life and the hope that lives in even the darkest of places. 


A Message from the Author:

EXCERPT:
           
         
Death,
I
let you take me. I handed you a rope, a chair, and a hollow shell of
a girl forgetting that I didn't have to be hollow at all.
   I press my forehead against the
glass. The feeling rakes through me. There is no relief or freedom
here, in this in-between, in this limbo. This is not the sanctuary I
wanted.
   Hope can't be a hollow wish or
dream. It needs to be filled, levied, brimming over with intention
and action and belief and reaching, reaching, reaching, stretching
until your muscles ache because you want it that damn much, and you
won't stop reaching until you hold it.
   Until it is yours.
   I let go too soon.



Contribute Now!



About the Author:
           
           
           



ROCHELLE
MAYA CALLEN is a bestselling YA author. Her first        novel became
a #1 Hot New Release on Amazon in 2013 within 24   hours of its
debut. She has pet
llamas in Ecuador, built homes in Mexico, played with orphans in
Argentina and has spoken the words of Mother Teresa in front of
27,000 people at Reliant Stadium. She has been
a speaker to young people since she was a teenager and has been a
behavioral coach for 10 years. She
lives with her husband and young daughter near Washington, D.C. Her
personal experiences of loss and
strength
inspired her novel, TWO BREATHS TOO LATE and the #HoldOn2Hope suicide
prevention project.


FIND ME ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
Follow the HoldOn2Hope project.
www.RochelleMayaCallen.com
www.HoldOn2Hope.org


Release Day Blitz: Learning to Trust by Cynthia P. O'Neill


Title: Learning to Trust
Author: Cynthia P. O'Neill
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Learning to Trust Blurb:
When Garrett Andrews finds something that catches his eye, he goes after it, letting nothing stand in the way of what he wants to possess...

The first woman to arouse his heart could be the one person who helps him to finally open up and feel again.

Laurel Hart was a swimming champion until a frightful event and unknown health issues derailed her career…

With a recent degree from MIT in Bio-Medical Engineering and an offer to join one of the leading innovators of medical equipment in the world, she plans on making a new life for herself; letting nightmares from her past stay in the past, or so she thinks.  

Once Garrett finds out about Laurel’s past, all rules in regards to "relationships" are changed, because one false move could drive her away. He attempts to calm her nightmares and gain her trust so he can show her who he really is and the relationship he desires from her.

Will they be able to overcome the damage their hearts have encountered?  Can they find happiness? Can they trust their minds or will life throw each of them another curveball?

Only time will tell if they can…
learn to trust…
I grew up in a small town in South Florida called Clewiston and moved to Central Florida to attend college.  I married my friend, love, and soul mate and still reside in the area with our amazing son, and a feisty, four-legged little doggie boy.  
In my books, I draw on my background in healthcare, business, and science, along with my husband’s engineering and wireless technology knowledge. 
I currently write on all levels of Romance.   The Learning Series is for those who like a little more steam with their books, falling into the categories of Contemporary and verging on Erotica, with a hint of Suspense.  The Remembrance Series encompasses Young Adult, with a touch of Paranormal activity and a hint of Historical romance. A new contemporary romance series is underway, called Need.  It will be different than the others, because each book will focus on a new couple, while the other characters will still have a large presence throughout the series.
I try to make my writing very personal and close to her heart. Regular life is the inspiration for my books, but I'm only limited by imagination taking ideas to new heights, opening up possibilities that would normally not exist. 
On a more personal note...I love to cook and create in the kitchen and on the bbq grill.  I sometimes lose myself in a song at the piano.  I often sing with my son while we are driving or making dinner together.  I enjoy crafts (flower arranging, making wreaths, painting pottery, needle point and drawing in pencil and charcoals).   My music tastes are eclectic at best, ranging from classical piano to hard rock/heavy metal.  It all depends on the song, group, and if it has a good beat or is a soulful ballad. 
To learn more about me, feel free to check me out at www.cynthiaponeill.com.

Cynthia P. O’Neill Links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cynthiaponeill     or @cynthiaponeill

Learning to Trust Buy Links:




He pulled his phone from his pants pocket, typed some words rather quickly, and then returned it to his pocket. 
“What are you doing?” I wondered aloud. I sincerely hoped that wasn’t about me.
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.  Just had a thought that I’d like to run by someone and wanted to jot it down before I lost it.”
”Just so you know, I don’t like it when people are secretive around me.  It makes me nervous and I tend to push people away.”  I don’t know why I was being so upfront with him, but, this phone messaging had me on edge.  I can’t stand secrets.
He walked towards me with a wry smile and backed me slowly against the wall.  He leaned into me, tracing his nose up my neck, and I heard the closet door close.  “I like that you’re feisty, Laurel, makes life more interesting.”  His hands came to rest on the wall along each side of my head, caging me in, as he continued to trace his nose up to my face, across my chin, and down the other side of my neck.  His tone in his voice became sultry. “Do you still trust me?”
The electricity between us hung heavy in the air.  It was so palpable you could taste it. My skin was on fire from his touch.  Every synapse of every nerve ending was firing off rapidly and my breathing continued to accelerate.  Something felt dark and dangerous about Garrett, but at the same time, I’d never desired anyone more.  No one had ever managed to elicit the kind of reactions he was driving from my body. 
He leaned in closer, his body molding up against mine. “Are you going to answer me?” he whispered in my ear, his voice becoming a little more commanding.
  My eyes closed, trying to make sense of what I was feeling.  Just his voice and soft touch made my head spin; I was thankful that I had the wall to lean into for support.  I finally found the strength to answer. “Yes,” I murmured.
His lips began to nibble on my left earlobe. “Yes, you’ll answer, or yes, you trust me?”
“Yes, I trust you.”
His hand began to caress my face as his lips continued their assault on my earlobe and neck.  “Do you have any idea how breathtakingly beautiful you are tonight?  You’re driving me crazy.”
My head began to spin as his lips moved up across the side of my cheek to my chin at an achingly slow pace.  At the same time, his right hand started to travel down my neck, where his fingers traced the low neckline of my dress. 
My heart raced as the palm of his hand brushed gently across one of my breasts.  I was surprised by how heavy my breasts felt.  I could feel my nipples harden, straining against the fabric of my bra.  Soon his lips were pressed hard on my mouth, tugging at my bottom lip.  “Ahh,” I moaned as his tongue plunged deeply into my mouth, sending my mind scattering to the heated overload of sensation my body was feeling.  Our mouths began to move in perfect unison with one another.
            My conscience screamed at me. Tell him to slow down.  You know this is moving too quickly.  What are you thinking?!
            I tried to move away, ever so slightly put some distance between our bodies, but his hips pressed harder, grinding into mine.  His erection felt huge, bulging out hard from his slacks and pressing up against my belly.  I couldn’t believe how much this man wanted me and was surprised that my body was responding with unheeded desire for him.
            Garrett finally pulled back long enough for us to take in deprived lungs full of air.  After a few more breaths, I asked, in a rather shaky and exhaustive tone, “Can we please slow things down a bit?” 
            Both of his hands rose up the wall to rest on either side of my head.  He took a few more deep breaths and kissed me chastely on the lips before resting his forehead against mine.
            “My apologies, Laurel, I don’t know what came over me.  There’s something about you that makes my body respond so intensely.  I’m like an alcoholic drawn to your intoxicating beauty and scent; I just can’t seem to get enough.  I’ve never had this kind of reaction to anyone before.”  He paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath to clear his mind. “I agree, though, we need to take things slower.”
He lifted one of my hands towards his lips and kissed it gently before placing it atop his shoulder.  He repeated the same thing with my other hand, indicating he wanted me encircling his shoulders.  Then he cupped my face with his own hands and leaned in for a gentle kiss.
The tenderness of this new kiss made me feel more secure in his arms.  We continued this way for what seemed like an eternity, until I heard the door open and Hannah walk in calling, “Laurel?  Are you here?”
We both pulled away from the wall.  He had a quizzical look on his face, as if he’d forgotten we were in the closet in my dorm room. “Roommate?” he whispered. 
I nodded in response. What are we supposed to do now? Wait her out?
We waited to hear what she was doing.  As soon as we thought the coast was clear, we tried leaving the closet, only to find her standing there with her arms crossed and smiling up a storm, knowing she’d caught us.
She didn’t wait for an introduction, but stuck out her hand to Garrett. “Hi, Handsome, I’m Hannah, Laurel’s roommate.  And you are?”













Monday, September 29, 2014

Cover Reveal: Addiction by Angela McPherson


Addiction
Book two in the Distraction Series
By Angela McPherson

Genres: New Adult/College Contemporary Romance
Published: December 2014

Untold Press www.untoldpress.com

Blurb:

Despite denying their love for years, in the end no distraction could keep best friends Tristan and Elle apart. Passion and heat explode as the two finally discover what they’ve been missing, needing, wanting for so long.

When Tristan and Elle return home for Christmas break, the two are gifted with a few unexpected surprises. Heather, Elle’s sister, has come home and even better, she's now clean and sober. During this time, Tristan and his dad manage to work through their strained relationship, finding compromise and understanding. For the couple, everything is coming together—until circumstances change, threatening their newfound happiness.

Love is an addiction both craved, but when devastating secrets are revealed, Elle pushes Tristan away. He won't let go. She can't hold on. Is their love strong enough to keep them together? Falling in love was never an issue, but for Tristan and Elle, falling apart may be.

Don't miss book 1, Distraction! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MU0NY9M





Author Bio:
Angela McPherson
Born and currently residing in Midland, Texas, Angela shuffles three busy children (not including her husband) all over the place. She works in a busy pediatric doctor's office as a nurse during the day, and writes at night. She is addicted to coffee–who isn’t? And firmly believes chocolate can fix all–especially chocolate ice cream. She laughs a lot, often at herself and is willing to try anything once (she thinks). When Angela isn’t rushing kids around, working or writing, she’s reading. Other than life experience, Angela turns to a wide variety of music to help spark her creative juices. She loves to dance and sing, though her kids often beg her not to.

Twitter: @abt3mcpherson



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Sunday, September 28, 2014

Blog Tour: Variables of Love by MK Schiller: Review and Giveaway


Title: Variables of Love
Author: MK Schiller
Genre: NA Multicultural Novel
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb:
Meena Kapoor knows what life has in store for her. She’s in her senior year at Stanford where she’ll graduate summa cum laude, and then she'll begin her interviews…her marriage interviews
. Meena is Indian, and she’s never questioned that she’ll have an arranged marriage like all the generations before her. Not until she meets gorgeous math major Ethan Callahan. Ethan’s sense of humor and free spirit stir feelings in Meena she didn’t know were possible outside of Bollywood movies. It doesn’t hurt that he’s charming and has the uncanny ability to make math sound like poetry, but Meena knows their equation makes no sense in the real world.

Ethan finds himself intrigued by the mysterious, beautiful girl, whose big, brown eyes reflect great pain. His goals are small at first—to make her smile and then to laugh. But he soon wants more, and though Meena is adamant they have no future, he convinces her to share the present. Ethan believes every problem has a solution, but with cultural expectations and family duty among the variables, they will struggle to solve the ultimate equation to find happiness.


Thursday, September 25, 2014

Cover Reveal: Until I Die by Gary Caruso


Title: Until I Die Again
Author: Gary Caruso 
Genre: Dark YA, Romantic Thriller 15+
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:
In Until I Die Again, the highly anticipated sequel to Our Souls to Keep, Wake is alone in Hell, comforted and tormented by the memory of Annemarie. As session after session of torture on Bethany's table moves Wake closer to surrendering the last remaining fragments of his humanity, he receives information from an unlikely source. Nevin tells him that Annemarie's son Jacob is still in danger.

After discovering the true nature of Lucifer's plan for Jacob, Wake is determined to do the impossible—escape the Gates of Hell! He soon finds out that this unlikely task isn’t his greatest challenge. Wake learns the true meaning of self-sacrifice and the ultimate consequence of death as he searches for a way to break his contract with Satan. With an all-out war between Heaven and Hell in the near future, and the destiny of humanity at stake, Wake must decide who to trust as he battles to save a young boy from the powerful forces of Hell.
Gary Caruso lives in northern Virginia with his wife Jill, but their favorite place is in Ohio with their three beautiful grandchildren. Although Gary is exhilarated when he sits down to write, teaching middle school science is his first love. He’s passionate about empowering students to make thoughtful decisions and positive choices in life. Gary enjoys reading, especially fiction that blurs the line between what’s real and what’s fantasy. He never imagined becoming a writer until an ordinary car ride on a spring day jolted an unlikely thought into his head. Gary’s early experience writing is a reminder that no matter how intimidating the challenge, action and determination are the foundations for fulfilling any dream. Gary has an insatiable love for writing, a blessing he’s excited to share with his readers.

Links:
        

How much agony can a man endure before he surrenders every precious thought of the woman he holds most dear? I’ve lost count of the successive days of torture. Time after time, long, flat strips of glowing hot iron are pressed onto my exposed arms and legs. They sear away the flesh, layer by layer, almost to the bone, and the pungent smell of charring meat and the crackling of curling skin dominate my senses. I struggle to keep a lucid image of Annemarie’s beautiful smile in mind and remember the gentle touch of her soft fingertips as they glide across the coarse skin of my cheek. It’s the only string of goodness that remains from my vanishing humanity, but the torment of every exposed nerve scratches at my soul, seeking to push me beyond the edges of insanity.
Like a vise clamped on a piece of wood, my teeth clench into my lower lip until they eventually pierce through. I’m repulsed by the sour, metallic taste of my demon blood, but the pain refocuses my determination and keeps me from begging for mercy. The pain will stop if I surrender what remains of my broken humanity. As another bolt of pain tears at my body, I tighten my jaw again. I can’t crumble on Bethany’s table. I refuse to give her the pleasure.



Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Blog Tour: Trapped by E.S. Tilton: Promo



Title Trapped
Author: E.S. Tilton

Genre Fantasy Fiction (ghost, paranormal, epic)

Blurb

When the Red Pelican Assassin's Guild offered Sarenka a job she thought she was getting a safe cottage to live in while she spied on philandering innkeepers.  She had no idea it would lead to wanted posters flapping in the ocean breeze and eating scraps from dog bowls. Branded a murderess, her only chance for survival is to escape Burmtin.
Without friends or allies she's lonely, desperate. Yet she dare not reveal her true face for fear of what the slavers, mercenaries, pirates, and petty thieves will do. Caught within a broiling cloud of deception, where psychics and ghosts fight to control the twists of fate, Sarenka finds in the end that only one thing matters: Can the same illusions that doom her, save her?
“Enter a world of decadent opulence and primitive tribalism. Unleash your imagination and ride the tide of fantasy with shape-shifters and quicksilver demons. Lose yourself in a labyrinthine world, Kyron’s Worlde.”
This is a stand alone book in the Kyron's World saga. Other books in the series include Foretold: Betrayal and Foretold: Seduction's Blade. 


Monday, September 22, 2014

Blog Tour: Raven by Stacey Rourke: Review



Title: Raven
Author: Stacey Rourke      
Genre: NA Paranormal Thriller

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb:

An infamous love, destined nevermore, 
For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore. 

Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane ventures to Manhattan in search of a way to break her soul crushing bond. Instead, she discovers the lines between fact and fiction are blurring once more. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Could the works of Poe be coming to pass with handsome Wall Street Midas Ridley Peolte as their unwilling target? 

She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind, 
searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine. 

Together, the two unknowingly release a dark force death itself could not tame. Surrounded by the unrelenting violence and mayhem they’ve unleashed, Ireland feels her control over the Horseman slipping. Before the beast within consumes her, she and her crew must follow the clues of the dead to right a centuries’ old wrong. Will it be enough to sate the Horseman’s appetite? 

Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned.

Release Day Blitz: Variables of Love by MK Schiller



Title: Variables of Love
Author: MK Schiller
Genre: NA Multicultural Novel
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:
Meena Kapoor knows what life has in store for her. She’s in her senior year at Stanford where she’ll graduate summa cum laude, and then she'll begin her interviews…her marriage interviews. Meena is Indian, and she’s never questioned that she’ll have an arranged marriage like all the generations before her. Not until she meets gorgeous math major Ethan Callahan. Ethan’s sense of humor and free spirit stir feelings in Meena she didn’t know were possible outside of Bollywood movies. It doesn’t hurt that he’s charming and has the uncanny ability to make math sound like poetry, but Meena knows their equation makes no sense in the real world.

Ethan finds himself intrigued by the mysterious, beautiful girl, whose big, brown eyes reflect great pain. His goals are small at first—to make her smile and then to laugh. But he soon wants more, and though Meena is adamant they have no future, he convinces her to share the present. Ethan believes every problem has a solution, but with cultural expectations and family duty among the variables, they will struggle to solve the ultimate equation to find happiness.
I am a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. I have a full time life and two busy teenagers, but in the dark of night, I sit by the warm glow of my computer monitor, reading or writing, usually with some tasty Italian…the food that is!
I started imagining stories in my head at a very young age. In fact, I got so good at it that friends asked me to create plots featuring them as the heroine and the object of their affection as the hero. You've heard of fan fiction... this was friend fiction.
I hope you enjoy my stories and always find The Happily Ever After in every endeavor.
I love hearing from readers so please write to me!
Author Links:
Website – http://www.mkschillerauthor.com/
Amazon Author page -
http://www.amazon.com/MK-Schiller/e/B00FE0FGDM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1407492789&sr=8-1
Twitter – @MKSchiller
Goodreads author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7223625.M_K_Schiller

“It is kind of cool…the mating for life thing. There are so few species that mate for life.”
I turned and stared at him, feeling my heart flutter by his very close presence. His hand twitched a bit, like it wanted to grab mine. Was he feeling the same charge of electricity I was? I wanted to be honest with him. After I told him, he would probably rather hang out with a swan.
“That’s why I love them. They are just like me.”
He didn’t seem frazzled by what I’d said. He was quiet, soaking in my words. Rachael told me statements like this were the fastest way to get a guy to leave you alone, but Ethan didn’t even seem surprised. “You mate for life, Meena?”
“My people do”
“Economists?” he asked with an amused grin.
“Very funny.”
“Are you saying there are no Indian divorces?” His question sounded genuine.
“There are exceptions to every rule, but we do have the lowest divorce rate in the world.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“It’s culturally discouraged.”
He nodded. “Maybe, it should be here too. But is that really the only reason? It makes it sound like it’s very difficult to get yourself out of a bad situation.”
“It’s difficult, but usually not impossible. That’s not the only reason. I think the marriages, in general, are stronger and more stable.”
“What makes them stronger? Religion? Culture?” I was quiet for a moment, contemplating my response. “Come on, the answer to the Western woes of wedlock could be solved by this very conversation. Surely, you have a theory.”
“Two words—arranged marriage.”
His eyebrows shot up. I had finally surprised him, but he didn’t hesitate with his next question. “People still do that?”
“It’s not as common as it was, but it’s not uncommon either. Most Hindu marriages are the result of an arrangement.”
“I don’t know anyone who would want to get married like that.”


I sucked in a deep breath, but didn’t let my eyes waver from his. “Yes, you do.”

Cover Reveal/Release Day Blitz: Hale Maree and Full of Grace by Misty Provencher


Title: Hale Maree & Full of Grace
Author: Misty Provencher  
Genre: Contemporary Romance NA
    
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours


Book Blurb (HALE MAREE)

  
Hale Simmons's life is already bottoming out and she's only eighteen. Struggling on welfare, while trying to keep her alcoholic father on track, her dreams of having a better life fade a little more each day.

But, when her dad witnesses a brutal accident at the bar one night, it changes the entire course of Hale's future.

Thrust into an arranged marriage
with Oscar Maree, the playboy son of a wealthy man, Hale must learn to trust a
stranger to give her the life she's always wanted.

First, Hale needs to figure out if love can ever happen by accident.


Book Blurb (FULL OF GRACE)

  
Landon Grace is a stand-up guy, but running about 7-bananas-strong, from tequila shots at Oscar and Hale's wedding reception, what happened between him and Sher Simmons was supposed to be a one time thing. A quickie, between the Best Man and Maid of Honor, at their best friends' wedding.
But some one-night-stands refuse to be finished in one night.
Especially when they return with a hard shot of morning sickness.
Now, Landon is faced with a problem he never thought he'd have to consider...
Just how much sway does a guy really have, regarding a woman's choice to pursue or terminate the pregnancy of his child?

Misty Provencher is a long-term wife, mama, and author. The first two are a bit more recent, but Provencher's writing roots date back to the hieroglyphics she left in her mother's womb.
While Provencher can ride a motorcycle, knows how to Karate chop, and has learned enough French, Spanish, and Sign Language to get herself slapped, Misty's life is actually just the ruse she uses to connect with people. She is totally enchanted with them and spends her days trying to translate the soul bouquets of her muses into words.
Misty Provencher lives in the Mitten. Knock on her internet blog door at: Misty Provencher's Books,http://mistypro.blogspot.com/ or find her on Facebook and Twitter as Misty Provencher.
AUTHOR LINKS

BUY LINKS
HALE MAREE

FULL OF GRACE
                                        

Excerpt from Hale Maree:
“I want you to worship me,” I say. Oscar’s entire forehead wrinkles up with amusement as he chews.
“Worship? Seriously?” he asks, mouth full.
“Yup.”
“You mean like bowing when you walk in the room? Making altars? That kind of thing?”
I roll my eyes. “No. I mean that if I call for you, I want to know that you’ll come running. I want to know that, when I walk into a room, you’ll always notice. That if I burn dinner or turn your t-shirts pink or gain five pounds, you’ll still feel lucky to have me. When we talk, I want you to really hear what I’m trying to say. That’s what I want from you.”
Oscar puts the mug on the counter. I think he’s going to tell me I’m a spoiled brat, or that I don’t know a thing about how relationships work, or that I’m just plain impossible, but instead, he leans forward with one hand on the countertop before he says, “Done.”
My fingertips slip from the door handle.
“I would notice you, Hale,” he continues, “if you walked into a room behind a 500 pound lion that was charging straight at me. I would notice you if the room were full of naked women, and I was in deep conversation about my own death. I will always come running, I’ll eat the dinner, and wear the shirts and I’ve already thought that if you put on ten more pounds, it’d be a sure bet that I would never let you out of my bed. I’ve been trying to soak up every word you’ve said since the first time we spoke, so I think it’s only fair that you try just as hard to hear me now. I think you are perfect for me, Hale, and I’m just waiting for you to realize that I’m perfect for you too.”
It’s like the entire room disappears and all I see is Oscar with his level gaze. He drops his voice to a whisper as he says, “Come here.”
But I stay where I am, with the sun warming my back through the windows, and I shake my head at him.
“No,” I say. “Come running.”    

Books by Misty Provencher
The CORNERSTONE Series  (Young Adult)
HALE MAREE  (Adult, Contemporary Romance)
FULL OF GRACE (Adult, companion book to Hale Maree)
MERCY, A GARGOYLE STORY  (New Adult, Dark Urban Fantasy)
Available in paperback and ebook at: