Drawn By Chris Ledbetter ~ Character Interview ~ GIVEAWAY

Drawn

By Chris Ledbetter

Giveaway:   $30 Amazon Gift Card. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Character interview with Cameron Shade

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

No question, perfect happiness would be if I could see my mom again in real life. For my family to be whole again. Cancer sucks. If I liked science more, I’d go into Cancer research.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Hmm, sometimes in the past, I’ve been too reserved. I haven’t stood up for the issues I needed to or haven’t stood my ground against the bullies in my life. I’m stronger now, though. And the bullies in my life should be prepared.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Closed-mindedness. I live in a town that on the surface seems progressive, but conceals a shadowy historical underbelly of closed minds and even hate.

Where would you most like to live?

*laughs* Well, after what I’ve recently been through… I’d definitely try my hand at Italy. 

Which living person do you most admire?

My father. He is my rock. Since Mom’s death, I’ve leaned on him for everything.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Leonardo DaVinci. Greatest artist and inventor in history.

Tell me about your best friend. What do you like about this person? What do they like about you?

Jamison is crazy! But that’s why we roll together so tight. I think we bring out the best in one another. We both love art. We both love gaming. We push one another and shoot it straight. No punches held. That’s what makes a great friendship.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My ears. Gah! They look like I’m from Rivendell!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Oh, hands down, snatching my girlfriend from the jaws of death. Well, she wasn’t my girlfriend at the time, but nevertheless, I stared Death square in the eyes and told him, “Not this time.”

If you had a free day and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Paint at the beach with my girlfriend.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Blurb:

Caught between the sweltering fall landscape of Wilmington, NC beaches and southern illusions and expectations, all sixteen year-old Cameron Shade thinks about is art. That, and for Farrah Spangled to view him as more than just a friend. Cameron longs to win her heart through art.

After several warm interactions with Farrah, including painting together at the beach, Cameron discovers just how complex Farrah’s life is with her boyfriend and her family. Following a tense run-in with Farrah’s father, she forbids Cameron to ever speak to her again, but Cameron’s convinced there’s more behind the request.

To impress Farrah with a last-ditch effort, Cameron sketches her portrait. But the sketchbook he uses hides a dark secret. Farrah’s now in grave danger because the sketch he drew of her siphons her real-life’s soul into the sketchbook. Cameron now has twenty days to extract Farrah. To save her, he must draw himself into the book. 

If he fails… they both die. 

YA Paranormal Interracial Romance
Released: June 5, 2015

215 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buy Links: 

Evernight Teen    Amazon     Print    ARe    

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt: 

Jameson catches my arm as we leave class. “Talk to her… or don’t talk. There is no drooling.”

“Wait… What?” I fit my books under my arm. “I may do a lot of things. Drooling is not one of them.”

“Wanna bet?”

I wipe my mouth. “I was totally not drooling.”

“Maybe not, but just like dogs can smell fear… girls can smell desperate.”

“Whatev.”

“The time is now, soldier. I’m giving you ‘til homecoming to score a date.”

“She’s got a boyfriend. You gotta give me more time than that.” Cassisi’s words sweep through my ears. That means you have to fight a little harder, yes? And not with your fists. The pencil is mightier than the fist.

“Pffft, there are other fish in the sea. You know that, right?”

“Were there for Captain Ahab?”

He flashes an incredulous frown and sticks a pick in the top of his hair like Questlove from The Roots. “Uhh, yeah the greatest stalker of all time? Pick a new hero, wouldya? And anyway, that story was about revenge, not love.” He laughs. 

“Fine. Bad example.”

“Ya think?” He snorts. His girlfriend, Morgan, saunters up behind him in a tight-fitting Seaview Vikings girls’ lacrosse t-shirt. She waves at me and then slips an arm through Jameson’s. “I gotta run,” Jameson says. We pound fists, and with our hands, we flash the DEVGRU move out hand signal before going our separate ways.

If I could take Journalism for four periods a day, I would. As long as Farrah Spangled were in each class. I scoff at Jameson’s desperate comment. Psssht. Drooling. That’s a completely false interpretation. See, desperate leads to stalker. And I’m nobody’s stalker. Admirer is a far better term. Even if in secret and from afar.

The only class I’m ever extra early for is Journalism. I take that back––sometimes I’m early for Advanced Art, too. But generally, as in every single day, I’m in my Journalism assigned seat with full minutes to spare. This is because Farrah’s entrance into class is red carpet-worthy. I almost want to sit back with a bag of kettle corn and a strawberry Yoo-Hoo. Another whole different side of me wants to grab a camera and blind her with flash snaps. But yeah, that does cross the line into stalker-ville.

As the orange second hand sweeps past the six on the clock with exactly thirty seconds until the bell blares, Farrah strides in like a soft, Sunday afternoon breeze. She tosses her head back at some joke she must’ve heard. Her soft red spirals bounce in the ponytail between her shoulder blades. The rest of the class is unaffected. And yet, tingles sprinkle through me like confectioners sugar over pastries.

Her laughter is musical, if only to me. Well, not only me. I’m sure her boyfriend likes her laugh too. He has nothing on me, though. He can’t shade a sphere using four different techniques. Of course, I can’t sack the opposing quarterback six times in a single football game either. Guess we’re even?

Farrah leans over Mrs. Vandersloot’s desk to get our marching orders for the day. Even the wrinkles on her white button-down shirt are beautifully random. She flips a glance over her shoulder toward the door. For half a second I think it’s going to land on me.

  See, Farrah is a third-year journalism wunderkind and school newspaper editor. She basically runs the show. Ol’ Vandy doesn’t even have to lift a finger with the newspaper.

Farrah steps to the front of the room and claps her hands. “Listen up, my little rat-tails… our Homecoming Edition goes to press next Monday, so I’m coming by to check everyone’s projects.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Author Bio:

Christopher S. Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 11th grade. After graduating high school, he attended Hampton University, where he promptly joined the best marching band on the east coast, without having one shred of experience. 

He taught high school and coached football for six years in Culpeper, VA. He enjoys the occasional Spartan Race, and is working toward a triathlon. 


As a self-described, young reluctant reader, he writes young adult stories specifically to reach other reluctant readers. As a participant in the prestigious Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program, he was blessed to be mentored by Suzanne Morgan Williams, 2012 SCBWI member of the year. 

He now lives in Wilmington, NC with his family. 

Website: http://www.csledbetter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisLedbetter.Author

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Drawn-Chris-Ledbetter-ebook/dp/B00UGRG8SK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Beautiful One By Emily Greenwood ~ The Scandalous Sisters ~ Giveaway ~ Character Interview

The Beautiful One

The Scandalous Sisters, Book 1

By Emily Greenwood

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Giveaway: 3 copies of The Beautiful One by Emily Greenwood. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Character Interview:

Thank you so much for having me here today! To celebrate the release of THE BEAUTIFUL ONE, the first title in my Scandalous Sisters series, I asked Anna Black, my spirited heroine, to answer a few questions so you can get to know a little about her and her love interest, Will Halifax, Viscount Grandville.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten? 

Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer when you know you’re right.

What is something about Will Halifax that surprised you? 

He was VERY brooding (some might call it angry and bitter) when I first met him, and when he finally smiled at me some days later, I was surprised by how it changed my whole idea of him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
BLURB:

“A SIZZLING ROMANCE THAT TOUCHES THE HEART.” —Sally MacKenzie, USA Today bestselling author

A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS…
The ton is buzzing about The Beautiful One, a striking figure in a scandalous book of nude sketches. Only two men know the true identity of The Beautiful One, and they are scouring the countryside, determined to find her.

BUT NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES
The unlikely center of the scandal, Anna Black is forced to flee home as disaster looms. Her tomboy’s heart and impertinent tongue serve her well when she meets the most brooding viscount ever to darken a drawing room. Will Halifax, Viscount Grandville, has his reasons for pushing people away, and when his tempestuous teenaged ward arrives on his doorstep, he presses Anna to take on her care. As Anna begins to melt the Viscount’s frozen heart, she knows the more she loves, the more she has to lose. For although Will cares nothing for what makes Society titter, he has yet to see The Beautiful One.

Historical Regency Romance
ISBN: 9781492613657
$7.99 paperback

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buy THE BEAUTIFUL ONE here:

Amazon | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Excerpt from THE BEAUTIFUL ONE by Emily Greenwood:

Rounding the edge of the wood at the back of Stillwell, he was startled to see his ward standing about. She was looking up at a tree in which, from the movement of its leaves and branches, some large creature seemed to be thrashing. A crow?
As he drew nearer to the oblivious Lizzie, he was almost certain he heard a woman’s voice coming from among the leaves. Lizzie stepped closer to the tree and lifted her hands upward, and he saw that on a thick branch perhaps six feet off the ground were perched two feet in past-their-prime dark ankle boots, and above them he was treated to a view of trim calves he could not regret. The surrounding leaves and branches mostly obscured the rest of his recently hired governess. In the instant before Lizzie became aware of Will, he saw that she held in her cupped hands a fluffy white ball.
Lizzie turned and saw him, her mouth forming into an “O” as a voice called from above, “Lizzie? I’m ready for the owlet.”
“Er,” said Lizzie, looking at him. In the clear afternoon light he noticed that her eyes were a different color blue than Ginger’s had been. But the shape was Ginger’s, as were the eyebrows. Not her fault, but he couldn’t go the route of compassion. It would only muddy what had to be. He looked past her and lifted a hand to rub his eyes.
“Miss Black,” he said, knowing he could not avoid asking, “what on earth are you doing?”
There was a pause as she absorbed his arrival and a shifting of the feet on the branch near his forehead as they drew together, perhaps in an attempt at modesty.
“Ah, my lord,” she said from above him. “Good afternoon. Lizzie and I are engaged in returning a fallen owlet to its nest. It was her idea. She is very caring toward animals.”
He could feel Lizzie’s big blue eyes on him though his own were still covered by his hand. He had no doubt as to whose idea it had been to climb the tree. He hadn’t truly expected Anna Black to be a typical sort of governess, had he?
“Come down at once.”
“If you will wait just a moment, my lord,” she said breezily, “I shall be down directly. Lizzie, the owlet.”
Lizzie cleared her throat. “Here.”
He tapped her on the shoulder before she could lift her arms farther. “Give me that creature, please.”
She looked uncertain, but she clearly didn’t want to displease him, and she handed over the motionless owl. He took it carefully from her and did not return her tentative smile. He could feel her eagerness for him to acknowledge her, but he let it flow past him.
The leaves and branches above them shook as Anna Black crouched down and extended her hand for the animal. Her bonnet, the same horrible blue one, had fallen on its strings around her neck again, and her hair, apparently loosened by her climb, curled crazily about her face as if she were some unkempt urchin, accentuating her pert nose and reminding him of her jack-in-the-box appearance from the coach.
Her pink lips pressed outward at the sight of him; doubtless she was annoyed by his arrival, but her expression didn’t draw an answering wave of annoyance from him. Instead, her lips were making him wonder, unaccountably, what it might feel like to be kissed all over by pink butterflies.
“The owlet, please,” she fairly ordered him.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Get down this instant before you fall. I will return the owlet.”
“I am already positioned to do so. If you will just give it to me, I can put it back and then receive your displeasure properly on the ground.”
He grunted. Why did he keep finding himself in out-of-his-control conversations with this maddening woman?
In his palm the owlet’s heart beat with a rapid, stressed flutter. He reached up his hand, and she gently took the animal and disappeared into the foliage.
From above came a few rustling noises, then the angry screech of what had to be an adult owl and a yelp. Fearing Miss Black would fall, he stepped forward to catch her, but at that same moment she jumped neatly down, so that she landed right in front of him.
He grabbed her arms, a reflex to steady her. She didn’t need his help, but their eyes locked, and for a moment he read vulnerability there before it was replaced with the hard glint of independence. She smelled like sunshine and crushed leaves, and he felt the slim softness of her arms and his body’s yearning to hug her close.
She stepped away from him. It had all happened in the space of a few moments.
But as he watched her brush some leaves from her skirts with her head down, that vulnerability he’d glimpsed tugged at him. Who was this woman? Where had she come from? She was clearly educated and intelligent, and though she was too forthright and she dressed terribly, she was not rough, merely unusual.
That life-on-the-edge-of-propriety quality he’d observed in her the night before had suggested that she’d known some hardship, or that she had some burden she might trade for money. And yet today, in the company of his ward, she looked at ease, even if her eyes seemed to be hiding something.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
About the Author:

Emily Greenwood worked for a number of years as a writer, crafting newsletters and fundraising brochures, but she far prefers writing playful love stories set in Regency England, and she thinks romance novels are the chocolate of literature. A Golden Heart finalist, she lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

Connect with Emily Greenwood:
Website – http://emilygreenwood.net/ 
Twitter – https://twitter.com/emigreenwood
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emily-Greenwood/365744720128570
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6506600.Emily_Greenwood


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
a Rafflecopter giveaway

TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE by Linda Broday ~ Bachelors of Battle Creek ~ Giveaway ~

 Twice a Texas Bride

Bachelors of Battle Creek, Book 2

By Linda Broday

Giveaway: 3 copies of TEXAS MAIL ORDER BRIDE (Book 1). Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Character Interview:

Howdy, ma’am. I’m Rand Sinclair the middle brother in the Bachelors of Battle Creek series – Twice a Texas Bride.

Q: What is something that many people don’t know about you?

A: They don’t know why I have this compulsion to collect keys. It’s a habit I acquired from the orphanage. One night Mr. Simon, the man who ruled us with an iron fist, locked me in the basement as punishment for sneaking food to this boy he’d put on bread and water. It was pitch black and smelled of rotting meat. Spiders crawled on my face and hands. I was nine years old and decided then and there that no one would ever do that to me again. I would have a key that could unlock any door. After that, I picked up every one I came across. Still do.  

Q: What day of your life would you most like to experience again?

A: This is easy. I’d give anything to repeat the morning I found Callie Quinn and a six-year-old boy hiding in an outbuilding on my ranch in the middle of a blue norther. I’ll never forget Callie’s scared eyes staring up at me. She leaped up from her crouch in the corner with a club in her hand, threatening to bash my head in. Fire flashed from her eyes. Her clothes were torn and dirty but I thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Her fierce fighting spirit carried us through the hell that outlaw Nate Fleming launched at us. God, how I love that woman! She’s my whole world.

Q: What is your worst habit?

A: I’d have to say drinking whiskey. I love the taste of it and how it relaxes me. Sometimes a man needs something. But what can you expect from a former saloon owner? Callie doesn’t like it much but I never make it an issue between us. Unlike some men, I know when to stop.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
About the Book:

“Linda Broday’s books always take me back to a west that feels true. Her love stories run deep with emotion. A delightful read.” —Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Promise Me Texas

Callie leaned into him, borrowing his strength. “I’m so tired of being scared, Rand.”
“Running away won’t change that. Trust me with your secrets. There’s no reason to hold back any longer.”
She knew he was right. It was time to come clean.
“Start with your name,” he said.

Left with emotional scars from his time in an orphanage, Rand Sinclair has vowed never to marry. But when he discovers Callie Quinn and a small orphan boy hiding on his ranch, he can’t help but open his home to the desperate runaways.

Callie has been betrayed by every man she’s ever known. While she’s grateful for Rand’s incredible kindness, she knows it’s only a matter of time before he shows his true colors. But she needs this safe haven—maybe the outlaw on her trail won’t find them here. Yet as Rand slowly uncovers her secret fears, they each come to realize that the only way to keep her safe is for Rand to risk everything to offer her the protection of his name…and his heart.

Sourcebooks Casablanca
Historical Western Romance
May 5, 2015
ISBN: 9781492602842
$7.99 Mass Market Paperback

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where to Buy:

TEXAS MAIL ORDER BRIDE (Book 1)
Amazon | Apple | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound | Kobo

TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE (Book 2)
Amazon | Apple | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Excerpt from TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE by Linda Broday

Toby barreled out the kitchen door, trailed by Biscuit. “What’cha doin’?”
“Hi, pardner.” Brett ruffled Toby’s dark hair. “I brought you something.”
“What is it?”
“Your very own tepee.”
“To keep?” Toby’s eyes widened and his big grin spread.
“Maybe. We’ll see how it goes. If you mind your elders, you can keep it. If not, I’ll have to take it back.”
“I’m the best boy in the whole world.”
Brett’s grunt seemed to say that time would tell as he arranged twelve long poles on the ground and began tying the tops of three together with a length of rawhide. “Where do you want to put this, Rand?”
“Let’s move it over by the woodpile, where it’s out of the way.” He was going to be the only white man with an Indian tepee on his ranch. How had this sorry state of affairs come to pass? But he wouldn’t say no. It meant too much to Brett and to Toby.
Callie came from the house looking fit to be tied. “Hello, Brett. I hope this isn’t what it looks like.”
“Miss Callie, I wanted something special for Toby to play in, that’s all. If you draw the line at him sleeping out here, that’s all right. It’s up to you to decide when and how often you want the boy to use it.” Brett gave her a smile. “I’d never undermine you.”
“This could be very magical to a child,” Rand said gently.
“Please, ma’am?” Toby begged. “I wanna be an Indian.”
Biscuit gave a loud whine and spun around in a circle as though she too was adding her two cents’ worth.
“Please?” Toby persisted.
When she lifted her eyes to Rand, he gave her a lopsided grin and a wink. Getting tangled up in her warm whiskey gaze could be quite pleasurable, he found.
“Oh, all right.” Callie threw up her hands. “But I won’t have you sleeping out here, young man. You’ll play in it only when I give you permission. And you’ll have chores to do each day before you can play. Understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s too dangerous out here at night anyway, with that mountain lion hanging around,” Rand said. “I’ll keep an eye on him during the day. I don’t want you to worry.”
Toby hugged Callie, then threw his arms around Brett’s waist. “Thank you. I’m glad we came here.”
Brett returned Toby’s hug, then knelt to rub Biscuit’s head. “Now tell me where you got such a fine-looking animal.”
Rand stood watching the pint-sized squirt relay what little facts he knew. He already loved this little kid. Whatever had happened to them, it made him happy that he could help bring a light to the boy’s eyes. He remembered how dull they’d been when he’d first found them in the run-down bunkhouse last week. His mind turned back time to the days following his, Cooper’s, and Brett’s escape from the orphan train. To avoid detection, they’d slept during the day and traveled by the light of the moon, eating food whenever they found some or managed to kill a rabbit or squirrel. Cooper was always the one to watch over them and fight when things called for it. He’d once tried to kill Tolbert Early in a bathhouse for attacking Brett.
Toby had that same protective instinct. Rand only prayed he could help the boy stay a boy a while longer. Once you became a man, you could never go back.
“Where are you, brother?” Brett asked.
“Just thinking that you’d best explain what we need to do.”
With Biscuit supervising and pretty much getting in the way, they all pitched in erecting the tepee, which was made from buffalo hide.
Working side by side with Callie proved the best part. Each time their hands touched, a current ran up Rand’s arm. He couldn’t imagine what might happen if the touching involved a bed and the scent of night around them. He’d probably just explode faster than a load of nitroglycerin. Likely find pieces of him three states over.
The haunted look had begun to fade from her eyes a little, and she wasn’t as tense and anxious as when they first arrived.
Maybe, just maybe, the fear would be gone soon.
And then he intended to kiss the daylights out of her.
Of course he’d go slow. He closed his eyes and watched it play out in his head.
He’d start by kissing each eyelid, then move to her shell-like ears and trail kisses down her long slender throat.
Tiny nibbles at the corners of her mouth.
Trace the seam with his tongue.
Breathe her fragrance.
Whisper tender words.
Only then would he press his lips fully against hers and take all that she wanted to give.
And then…
“Rand!”
It took a minute to sink in that someone was trying to get his attention. “What?”
“Where did you go?” Brett asked. “I need you to help me get these sewn buffalo hides around this tripod and cone I’ve made. Of course, if you’d rather take a nap—”
“Just show me what to do,” Rand snapped.
As they worked, Rand’s gaze kept straying to Callie’s soft, round curves. The woman was going to be the death of him yet.
Even so, he was realizing he’d die a happy man if he could only get a taste of her lips.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
About the Author:
Linda Broday now resides in the panhandle of Texas on the Llano Estacado. At a young age, she discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall rugged cowboys that get her fired up! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She blogs regularly at www.PetticoatsandPistols.com. 

Connect with Linda Broday
Website – www.LindaBroday.com 
Twitter – https://twitter.com/lbroday 
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor 
Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/Linda_Broday 

Praise for Linda Broday
“Broday understands the West and its lure. Without stinting on the gritty reality of a rough Texas life, she brings strong characters and deep emotions into a very realistic western romance that pulls no punches.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on Redemption
“Linda Broday is a wonderfully talented author, who has a knack for bringing the west to life.”—Roundtable Reviews
“Broday’s style of storytelling is captivating; readers become emotionally involved in her stories, and are not disappointed with the outcomes.”—The Best Reviews
“A compelling tale... sure to touch western romance fans seeking a sentimental love story.”—RT Book Reviews, 3 stars, on The Cowboy Who Came Calling

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dropping the Dime By Ellie Ashe ~ Giveaway ~ Character Interview ~

 Dropping the Dime

 By Ellie Ashe

99 cent special – only for a limited time !!

Giveaway:  $20 Amazon Gift Card. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Character Interview:

Assistant to her former defense attorney isn’t Miranda Vaughn’s dream job, but her first task is a simple one—protect a CFO turned informant, and help her prove embezzlement. But what should be a straightforward assignment is complicated when Miranda is thrown together with a hot FBI agent who saved her life, broke her heart, and then disappeared.

An interview with Miranda Vaughn, the heroine of Dropping the Dime, book 2 of the Miranda Vaughn Mysteries! 

What do you do for a living? 

Well, I used to be a financial analyst, but now I work for a criminal defense attorney, helping him with his white-collar criminal cases. It’s not where I thought I would be at 32, but the work is fulfilling and interesting. And I get to work with my best friend, Sarah, who always keeps things exciting.  Sometimes, too exciting. 

What are your favorite scenes in the book: the action, the dialog, or the romance? 

Oh, the action! Oh, wait, you weren’t talking about the romantic action? Well, either one of those. 

Do you like the way the book ended? 

Oh my yes! 

Would you be interested in another book in the series, if your writer was so inclined? 

Yes! I have to know what happens next! I mean, have you met my new neighbor? 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Blurb:

Miranda Vaughn was once falsely accused of stealing millions, and now she’s helping others who are facing criminal charges. While being an assistant to her former defense attorney isn’t Miranda’s dream job, she’s eager to prove herself, and her first task is a simple one—protect Kathryn, a shy CFO turned informant, and help her prove that a popular real estate developer is embezzling millions from his company. But what should be a straightforward assignment is deliciously complicated when Miranda is thrown together with FBI Agent Jake Barnes, the man who saved her life, broke her heart, and then disappeared.

Beneath the neatly plotted rows of new homes lurk dark secrets, bitter feuds and a whole lot of greed. Nothing is what it appears, even Miranda’s timid client, who is hiding secrets of her own. Despite her growing distrust of her client, Miranda must protect Kathryn from becoming the target of the FBI’s investigation and protect herself from the real thief—all while protecting her heart from the sexy FBI agent she can’t seem to resist.

Gemma Halliday Publishing

70,000-word romantic mystery 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buy links:  

 Kobo   Nook    iBook    Smashwords    Print     Amazon    Gemma Halliday Publishing

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt:

One of my favorite parts of writing the Miranda Vaughn Mysteries is exploring the chemistry between Miranda and Jake Barnes, the hot FBI agent who saved her life, then broke her heart. In Dropping the Dime, Miranda and Jake are thrown together on an investigation. Miranda’s trying to protect her client, Kathryn, a whistle-blower who is working with the FBI to expose her crooked real estate developer boss. But Kathryn’s keeping her own secrets and before long, Miranda is fighting to keep the FBI from turning its investigation to the timid accountant. 

Here’s a peek of how Miranda and Jake navigate those conflicts in Dropping the Dime:

“So, you’re not investigating Kathryn?” I asked.

The question hung in the air between us in the quiet kitchen. Jake reached up and put the plates away in the open cupboards, then turned and leaned against the counter. 

“Should I?” 

“No,” I said. “You shouldn’t. She’s a nice person who just tried to do the right thing.” 

He raised an eyebrow. “You don’t even know her.” 

“I know her better than you do. She’s not a criminal.” 

“She’s lying. She’s lying to you. And she’s lying to the FBI, which is a federal crime,” he said, his expression hardened. 

“Kathryn is not lying!” I had nothing to back that up. “She’s smarter than that.” 

“She’s just going to get herself in trouble if she doesn’t come clean with us,” he said. “Look, Finn is happy to finally nail Simon Leonidis, but I’m not looking at this as a personal vendetta. If we’re going to prosecute him, we need evidence. Not just his CFO’s suspicions.” 

I knew that, but for some reason, I had a feeling there was more to it than that. 

“You just don’t believe her, do you?” 

He crossed his arms and I was momentarily distracted by the way his biceps flexed. I looked away quickly. 

“Maybe we shouldn’t talk about work,” he said. 

“That’s a good idea,” I said, then paused. What else would we talk about? All of my interaction with Jake had been work related, in one way or another, starting with our first encounter when he arrested me. Was my attraction purely lust? Based on nothing of substance? 

“So, how was your day?” he asked, a slight smile on his lips. 

I discovered that I’d been defending a liar and uncovered a Greek tragedy. “Uh, it was fine. How was yours?” 

Oh God. Was this what happened when you fell for someone based solely on looks? And a lot of adrenaline. And chemistry.

He smiled and my heart did an extra little flutter. “Well, I got to take a romantic drive in the country with a beautiful woman, then take her to dinner.” 

The heat rose up my face. “You certainly spun that in a positive light.” 

Jake’s smile widened. “How would you have spun it?” 

“I don’t know. Maybe that I completed a successful undercover mission,” I said. “I guess I’m not as mushy as you.” 

He laughed and raised an eyebrow. “Mushy?” 

“Yeah, you know. Romantic. Soft.” 

He was in front of me in an instant, his arms on either side, leaning in, a wall of chest covered in a snug black t-shirt backing me against the counter. I had to tilt my head back to look at him and when I did, my breath caught at the nearness. My gaze lingered on his lips, so close. So very close. 

“Not soft,” he whispered and leaned in. 

It had been more than half a year since I’d felt the touch of those lips, but the effect was the same. Dizzying. Electric. A tug of passion that reached from my soul. Nothing, no one, had ever made me feel like that. 

“We shouldn’t do this,” I whispered. 

“I know.” Jake’s voice was low and gravelly and thrilled me to the pit of my stomach. 

“I told Rob there wasn’t anything between us,” I said as his lips grazed my neck, sending a shiver through me. 

“The case will be over soon.” 

It wasn’t his voice that caused the tremors this time, it was the words. It didn’t matter that we had nothing to talk about except for work, which we were not allowed to discuss. It didn’t matter that we were at odds. This connection wasn’t something to give up on, just because of our jobs. I’d work at the bakery for the rest of my life to keep this. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Author Bio:

Ellie Ashe has always been drawn to jobs where she can tell stories—journalist, lawyer, and now writer. Writing quirky romantic mysteries is how she gets the "happily ever after" that so often is lacking in her day job. 

When not writing, you can find her with her nose in a good book, watching far too much TV, or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting friends and family. She lives in Northern California with her husband and three cats, all of whom worry when she starts browsing the puppy listings on petfinder.com.

Author contact info:

Ellieashe.com

Twitter.com/ellieashe

https://www.facebook.com/EllieAsheBooks

Newsletter sign-up:  http://bit.ly/EllieNews

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

52 LIKES By Medeia Sharif ~ Character Interview ~ Giveaway

52 LIKES

By Medeia Sharif

 Giveaway:  $25 Amazon Gift Card. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Character Interview from 52 Likes:

Q: What is your idea of happiness?

A: To be left alone by all the people who’ve harassed me in my high school years. I’d also like to leave Miami and start all over somewhere else.

Q: And where would you choose to live?

A :I’d like to live in a huge city like Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York where I can just blend in. 

Q: What is your greatest fear?

A: That I’ll always be sad or angry, because I’ve been that way for a while. 

Q: What is your least favorite trait?

A: I used to be overemotional. This trait allowed people to get under my skin even more, because I was giving them a reaction they wanted. I’m glad to say I’ve cooled down.

Q: What do you value most in friends?

A: Their loyalty. I can share something with them and they’ll tell no one and help the best they can.

Q: Who is your hero?

A: The females in my life are awesome—my best friend, mom, and counselor. They are strong women who can get through anything. 
                                                      


 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
BLURB: 

After a brutal rape and near-murder, Valerie wants to get past feelings of victimhood from both the assault and her history of being bullied. Not knowing the identity of her masked rapist and dealing with the nasty rumors about that night are two things that plague her daily. 

Valerie will have to follow ghostly entities, past victims of the rapist-murderer, contacting her through a social media site. Why do all of their eerie photos have 52 likes under them? Their messages are leading her to the mystery man, although he’ll put up a fight to remain hidden. 

14+ due to adult situations

 *Editor's Pick*
YA Paranormal/Evernight Teen/@ 47K

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buy Links: 

Evernight Teen / Amazon / Omni Lit / BookStrand


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Excerpt:

With the girls closest to me, I see their Picomatic profile page, which is a reminder that I have a direct message on there. “Did you DM me on Picomatic?” I whisper to Cookie.
She shakes her head, briefly looking up from her notebook. I should be writing too, but can’t concentrate on the five questions Ms. Garland wrote on the board. She’s seated behind her desk as a student approaches her to ask a question. The student is blocking her face, so she can’t see me at all. During times like these, when teachers are busy, I whip out my phone.
I slide my phone out of my pocket and into my lap. It used to be a wonderful distraction that entertained me during boring lectures and educational videos. Seeing others on Picomatic, I’m now dying to know what the DM is about. Even if it’s an inappropriate or harassing one, I need to see it. If it upsets me, I’ll report it as spam. If it's extremely bad, pertaining to that night, I have to tell someone, even though last year the school didn't do much in the way of protecting me from the trio, which was the quartet back then since Hector would play their vicious games.
I open my Picomatic page. Selfies abound, some from a few seconds ago. Most pictures are from P.E. or some other class where teachers don't supervise as much. Some people are taking pictures of work that has been graded, bragging about A's or criticizing teachers who gave them F's. I tap the corner, where the direct messages are. If it’s a graphic with THOT or some other message on it, I need to know that’s not who I am. I never was. Be brave, I urge myself.
There’s a DM from someone named 2beautiful. I can’t recall any friends who use that handle. Where the profile pic should be, there’s a close-up of an eye. The eye is lined, with heavy mascara and purple and blue eye shadow. It’s an attractive picture, although eye pics can be deceiving. Sometimes the rest of the person isn’t as pretty. I don’t recognize this eye, although anyone’s eye can be transformed like this with the right makeup.
I scroll down to see the picture message she sent me. I frown, unsure of what this is, who this is. It’s almost pornographic, but not really since it’s just a sliver of skin, although there’s a hint of the girl’s V between her legs.
The picture is of a slender, yet curvaceous naked hip. The bone protrudes slightly and I can tell the girl is pear-shaped. I’m also pear-shaped, which is especially noticeable around Christmas time when I gain five pounds from eating too much during winter break.
This photo of a girl’s hip has 52 likes. I gasp. Is it a photo of me? Did someone take a picture of me at home or in the shower? Then I think back to the rape, of the flashes of light…I thought it was lightning, but I could be wrong. He had pulled me down to the floor and knocked me around. The room was dark. Maybe I didn’t notice every single thing he had done to me. Had the rapist photographed me?


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author Bio:

I’m a Kurdish-American author who was born in New York City, and I presently call Miami my home. I received my master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many genres in college, I found my niche writing for young people. Today I'm a MG and YA writer published through various presses. In addition to being a writer, I'm a middle school English teacher. My memberships include Mensa, ALAN, and SCBWI.

Website  | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads 







a Rafflecopter giveaway

High-Risk Fever By Lea Bronsen ~ Character Interview ~ Giveaway

High-Risk Fever

By Lea Bronsen

Giveaway
3 ebook copies & $10 Amazon GC, Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Character Interview: 


Welcome, the both of you! Let’s start with your names. 
Brian: Anne and Brian Johnston

Okay, a few easy questions. Do you have any siblings? 
Anne (a bit nervous, folds her hands in her lap): No, I grew up an only child. 
Brian: I have a younger brother, but I haven’t seen him in years.
Anne (turns to him): I’ve told you he should come visit us here in France. I’ve never met him.
Brian: Sweetie, maybe I’ll take you for a trip to the US. You’ll be able to meet my whole family.
Anne (smiles): I’d love that.

Right. Who’s been your greatest influence and why? 
Anne: My parents were always around, until recently when Papa began to forget and they moved into an apartment in town (she sighs) 
Brian: They’re loveable people, Anne.
Anne (nods): Yes. They were strict, but very loving, and they gave me a good, safe childhood.
Brian: As for me, I grew up in the US in the sixties, and the hippie movement largely influenced my views of the world.

That’s very interesting. So where do you live now? Do you like it? 
Brian: We live in a small village in the French Alps. It’s remote, but charming, with a fantastic mountain scenery and really nice, caring neighbors.

With whom do you live? How do you feel about that person? 
Brian: Well, we live together, obviously. Anne’s my wife and the love of my life. I’d do anything for her.
Anne: I love you, too, Brian. And our happiness would be perfect if—
Brian (interrupts her): I’m sure our interviewer has more questions for us.

Yes, I do. What sort of a home is it (castle, apartment, cardboard box)?
Anne (laughs): Cardboard box? It’s a bed and breakfast. I’ve lived here all my life. 
Brian: Her parents used to run the place, but we—Anne (he throws her a glance)—took over the business a couple of years ago.

Okay, now on to a couple of revealing questions. What’s your greatest talent?
Anne: Aha! Brian’s the best cooking chef. His cuisine is one of the reasons some of our tenants come back year after year. 
Brian: Aw, c’mon.
Anne: It’s true. I won’t be surprised if we land a star in the Michelin Guide soon.
Brian (shakes his head while a reddish hue spreads on his face): Baby, please. Enough. You are talented in what you do, too. You’re a charming hostess. Our tenants love your kindness and professionalism.
Anne: Thank you.

Yeah, and what about the opposite? What are you the most hopeless at?
Anne (very quickly): Making babies. Ooops! (turns to Brian, cheeks flushing) I didn’t mean to say it like that, Brian. I’m sorry.
Brian (stares straight ahead): It’s okay. 

Uhm, this leads me to the next question, although it seems you’ve already answered it. How do you feel about children? Do you have or want to have your own?
(Anne and Brian throw each other a glance)
Anne: We’d love to have children. Definitely. 

Righ. We’re almost done. What, if anything, do you do to keep fit and healthy?
Brian (sends a glance to Anne): We have sex several times a day (laughs)
Anne: Bah, it’s so typical of men to say that (puffs)
Brian: But you gotta admit you like it.
Anne (low, under her breath): Yeah, ahem, if only you’d vary things a bit.
Brian: What did you say, honey?
Anne (gives him a bright smile): I looove it!

And lastly, what do you dislike most about your life? What is missing?
Anne (face devoid of emotion): Nothing. I love my life. Couldn’t ask for more.
Brian (leans to her and kisses her cheek): I have everything I need in my life. I’m happy.
Awesome! Thank you for coming, it’s been a pleasure to have you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Blurb: 

Two young and indecently handsome bicyclists visit a village in the French Alps during the summer holidays. Forced by a raging storm to spend the night at the local bed & breakfast, they invade the quiet lives of hostess Anne and her husband, Brian. 
A power outage plunges the foursome into darkness, encouraging new liaisons to form, life-long secrets to be unveiled, and steamy lessons to be learned. But once the storm moves on, can the four find a balance and resume their normal lives?

Decadent Publishing, @57k words
Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Menage/multiple partners, GLBT/gay

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
BUY LINKS: 

Decadent | Amazon.com | Amazon.uk | Kobo |Barnes & Noble | Smashwords |ARe
Add it to your Goodreads list!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
EXCERPT: 

Breathing deeply to calm her nerves, she approached the unfortunate bicyclist and bent to grab his handlebar.
Surely by pure coincidence, one of his gloved hands landed on hers, curling strong fingers around her small ones and helping her pull until the bike stood upright between them.
Still, even as he stood on his feet, his hand lingered, holding hers firmly on the hard-plastic handle.
Anne looked up into his face, seeing him for the first time. How in the world had she missed such a jewel earlier? Among tanned, Latin features, a pair of black diamonds sparkling with mischief stared back without shame. His long, black locks were swept back in a ponytail, revealing a single golden earring in his left lobe. Large chest muscles heaved beneath a tight, pink spandex shirt, begging to be caressed by a woman’s hand, and black chest hairs peeked from the open collar.
Unable to believe the seductive intensity he exuded, she sucked in a breath and held it while the world narrowed. Her head buzzed. “What?”
“What?” The beautiful bicyclist used the same low tone, his full lips forming a teasing grin inches from her face. He was so near she could smell his hot breath. Intoxicating.
How had he come so close? And how long before her husband noticed?
Thankfully, Brian’s calm, indifferent voice rose behind her, addressing the blond bicyclist. “So you’re looking for a place to stay?”
“Yeah. We’ve already asked in several different villages on our way here.”
Anne tugged at her trapped hand and took a demonstrative step back. “Please.”
“Oh.” Feigning surprise, the dark beauty lifted an eyebrow and removed his hand, allowing her to retrieve hers. “Sorry,” he added, rolling a thick R with his tongue, keeping his lips parted a second too long. A move so deliberately naughty, her stomach knotted with need.
As she retreated, he studied her face with a grin, arrogance and amusement gleaming in his dark eyes, before turning his attention to the two other men.
Blood pulsing in her temples, she copied his movement.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT LEA BRONSEN:

Lea has always had a vivid imagination and written since an early age. Now juggling life as a mother, full-time worker, and thriving author, she struggles to find any reading time - but when she opens a book, she wants it fast, hot, and edgy! Striving to give her own stories the same intensity, she currently divides her writing time between psychological thriller, erotic contemporary romance, and dripping erotica.    She loves to interact with her readers, so send a mail to leabronsen@yahoo.com or come visit her on Website | Facebook profile | Facebook page | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a Rafflecopter giveaway