Tuesday, September 27, 2016

#GiveAway - LOST REPUTATION By Kimberly Ann Miller


LOST REPUTATION
By Kimberly Ann Miller

Interview with  Kimberly Ann Miller:

Crystal: Today I am so thrilled to host Kimberly Ann Miller. Welcome Kimberly! Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Kimberly: Sure!  I write MG, YA, and NA fiction. I live near the Jersey Shore and am a born and raised Jersey girl. I have Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. I love traveling, snorkeling, stargazing, reading, and cats!

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Kimberly: I have a few manuscripts looking for homes in the MG, YA, and NA age groups; some fantasy, some contemporary, and all with a splash of romance.

Crystal:  Where did you come up with the idea for either your current release or the WIP you are working on now? 

Kimberly: I tend to be a suspicious person and see scandals in everyday life. I thought it would be fun to put those scandals in a high school with a curious girl who loves to break a juicy news story as well as fool around with conspiracy theories.

Crystal: Do you have a favorite snack that like to munch on while writing? If so would you mind sharing what it is with us?

Kimberly: I like to walk to Starbucks and get a tall hot chai with a piece of banana bread or a pumpkin muffin. They get me started and put me in the mood to write.

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Kimberly: My favorite scene is when Vic has to rescue Casey. I don’t want to spoil it, but it was a fun scene to write!

Crystal: When you are not busy writing wonderful stories to keep us lucky readers entertained, what do you like to do? Do you have a hobby? 

Kimberly: I read, of course! I mostly read YA but occasionally read true crime, paranormal romance, thrillers, and nonfiction. I also love taking walks, going out to eat, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Crystal:  Do you have a favorite background noise you like to have going while you write (TV, Music, kids playing)?

Kimberly: I sure do – I love writing on my back porch, listening to the birds at the feeder. It’s so relaxing.

Crystal: Thank you for visiting today. It has been a pleasure to visit with you. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Kimberly: Thank you for having me! I love to hear from readers, so please don’t be shy and come visit me on Facebook or Twitter. As a reader myself, there’s not much better than talking about books!

About the Book:

Casey Hayes has a secret—she writesthe conspiracy theory column for her high school newspaper. As the editor, she thrives on the thrill of uncovering the facts—until she gets tangled up in a scandal.


When she exposes a teacher’s shameful secret, threats start, demanding she stop spreading the vicious rumors. Casey blows it off and keeps on writing. Even sexy Victor Cruz, the hot senior with

the adorable accent who chases after Casey and tries to protect her, fails to convince her to keep her mouth shut. But things only get worse as she ignores the warnings, and soon, Casey must decide if exposing the truth is more important to her than her life.


Romance/Contemporary/Suspense/Young Adult
Evernight Teen Publishing/237 pages

Buy Links:  
Evernight Teen |  Amazon | ARe    



Excerpt:

I laughed at the memory as I locked

up the newsroom and rushed to my next class. I still had a smile on my face as

I plopped down on my seat in the back row of calculus. Victor Cruz, my secret

crush, entered the room. My pulse reacted to his presence, but, thank God, no
other part of me did that he could see. I didn’t want to be lusting after
anyone this year because I was planning on working hard toward my college goals
and didn’t need the distraction.

The worst thing was, Charli told me

he gave his ex-girlfriend some rash because he cheated on her. I so did

not do the sexually transmitted diseases thing, and I definitely had zerorespect

for cheaters. Not even for a hunk like him, who obviously screwed around and
didn’t care if he got girls sick.

But damn, did this guy make my

insides quiver. He was totally hot. His parents moved to New Jersey

from Spain during middle school when Vic was scrawny and didn’t speak much

English. When senior year started a month ago, no one recognized him because
he’d grown ten inches, gained fifty pounds—of muscle—and must have taken some
classes in style because, damn, the boy knew how to dress to show off his
build.

Loose jeans with a belt, black boots,

and a black, long-sleeved tee only made him sexier. And the way he walked? It

should’ve been a crime. He had a swagger about him that rivaled any of the good

old boys of Hollywood. Watching it made me quiver in places I didn’t know could
quiver.

But it wasn’t just his looks that

held me captive. He had the values of an old-fashioned guy—holding the door

open for girls, helping them with heavy stuff, defending them when guys were

too rough or mean.

If it wasn’t for that wild partying

side of him … sigh.

As he approached his seat, I couldn’t

help but stare at his thighs, mesmerized by the fluid sway they made with each

step.

He caught me staring and raised a

thick black brow. I diverted my eyes and pretended to be very interested in the

junior’s notebook next to me. But I didn’t even know his name. Ugh.

Vic slid into his seat next to me and

winked at the girls that were staring at him.
They always stared at him.

I rolled my eyes. But when I felt his

eyes on me, I shifted in my seat, fighting the funny tingle in my stomach that

came from looking at him.

The other problem was, besides being

a distraction, Vic knew how sexy he’d become. He acted so cocky and confident,

I wanted to smack the grin off his face and remind him that not long ago, he

could have passed for a ten-year-old boy who couldn’t speak English or speak to
girls.

But, whatever. He had a harem now, so

good for him. And shiny black hair, smooth, bronze skin, and deep brown eyes

that … never mind. Didn’t matter anyway.

Kylie sauntered over to him, swaying

her hips so hard, I wondered how they didn’t dislocate. She leaned over his

back and wrapped her arms around his ample shoulders, pressing her boobs into

his back. I’m sure he loved that. “Hey, Vic. Busy this weekend? My parents are
out of town, and we can go riding if you want. I’ll pack us a lunch.” She ran
her fingernails over his chest as she spoke, clearly enjoying the feel of him.

He pulled her fingers off him and

slipped out of her grasp. “Sorry, I’m busy, but thanks for asking.”

She leaned into him again, making

sure to press her boobs into his neck. I rolled my eyes so hard, they almost

didn’t return to face front. That would suck. What would I tell the nurse? I

was looking at my brain instead of in front of me and I needed an eye
adjustment?
“Maybe another time, okay?”
Vic nodded once. “Si.”

I pulled out my phone to check

messages, done with listening to the vixen and her attempts at charming the

hottest guy in school.

“Hey, Casey,” he said in his sexy

Spanish accent. He had this way of dragging out the end of my name, making it

sound like Kay Seee.

It was both unsettling and adorable,

so I just grunted at him. How else could I get anything done with him around?


About the Author:


Kimberly Ann Miller received Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a

Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  She is an avid reader and particularly enjoys true crime and young adult novels.  She grew up in New Jersey and currently resides in Monmouth County with her husband and cats. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel to sunny islands where she snorkels by day and stargazes by night. She always takes her Nook with her.




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Giveaway:  $10 Evernight Teen GC 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#GiveAway - Secret Places Revealed By Paulette Harper

Please join author Paulette Harper as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release Secret Places Revealed, on September 27, 2016.


Secret Places Revealed



In celebration of Paulette’s upcoming release, Secret Places Revealed, she’s giving away one (1) autographed copy of Secret Places Revealed. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter.  This contest is open for US only through October, 7, 2016


About the Book:


A broken man, a woman on the run, a love that won’t be denied.

Single—and very content—real estate developer Aaron Blackman is determined not to become involved in another relationship. He’s experienced enough drama to last a lifetime. The only thing garnering his attention now is his growing business. And he plans to keep it that way. Then Simone Herron waltzes into his life, beautiful and confident. Fighting to keep his promise to himself—to remain single—he soon discovers that when it comes to love, some promises must be broken.


After losing her fiancé in an untimely death, Simone Herron relocates. She desperately needs to put the past behind her and start a new chapter in her life. While love is the farthest thing from her mind, she experiences an attraction to the handsome Aaron Blackman that frightens her. She's built a wall around her heart, but can she find the strength and courage she needs to welcome love again? To do so, she must conquer her fears and allow God to put all of her broken pieces back together.


Publication Date: September 16, 2016
Paperback: 342 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
ISBN-10: 0989969150
ISBN-13: 978-0989969154
ASIN: B01M0GXCGB

Buy Links:




About the Author:

In addition to being an award winning author of Completely Whole, Paulette is an inspirational speaker, as well as a writing workshop instructor. She has a passion to coach aspiring authors and speaks into the lives of women from every walk of life. Her literary works have been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including CBN, Real Life Real Faith Magazine, and Black Pearls Magazine. She has also appeared on numerous local and online radio shows.

Paulette resides in Northern California.


Social Links:









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#GiveAway - Roadside Assistance by Marie Harte

Roadside Assistance
 by Marie Harte
About the Book:


Underneath the axle grease and tats
He’s a gentleman

Foley Sanders figured he’ll always be content with a life of cars and casual hookups. Until a run-in with Cyn, a statuesque firecracker with a hate-on for men, leaves him bewitched and intrigued—much to her annoyance.

Maybe Cynthia Nichols was a little hard on Foley, that muscular, tattooed, super-hot mechanic next door. But she’s tired of feeling defensive about her size and has sworn off men. She’s got a new job, new life, perfect plan. Foley has trouble written all over him—no way is she going to fall for his charms.

Foley might look like a bad idea, but underneath, he’s all gentleman. Too bad Cyn’s not buying it. What’s a bad boy to do when the goddess of his dreams won’t give him the time of day?

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, MARIE HARTE is a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit marieharte.com and fall in love.

Amazon |B&N | iBooks | Kobo 

Excerpt: 

By Saturday afternoon, Cyn still hadn’t called Foley. She sat in her kitchen, staring at the scrap of paper he’d left behind. She’d plugged his number into her phone under “Big Man,” knowing Nina would never look Foley up under that name if she happened to nose through Cyn’s contacts. Cyn didn’t nickname her associates. All business, even in her social life, she organized with flawless attention to detail. Foley should have been filed under S for Sanders.
She stared at his number again, wondering why she kept dithering over what to do about him. The orgasm had softened her toward him. The man clearly had skills. He hadn’t asked for more than sex, and God knew it had been a while for her.
Why not enjoy him? She’d never been one for casual sex, but Foley was nice. He’d helped her with her car, which yes, had needed nothing more than a new battery—or so Matt had said. She’d refused to go down to Webster’s, surrounded by so much testosterone and Foley. Not when she had trouble keeping her thoughts—and lips—to herself.
She blushed, still amazed she’d turned his nice kiss into a friggin’ orgasm. Yet for all the pleasure Foley had given her, he hadn’t taken his own. What kind of guy did that? Especially with a woman as willing as she’d been. Hell, he could have mounted her outside on her front lawn and she wouldn’t have said no.
“I’m so easy. And desperate.” She groaned.
Fortunately, she had no one to hear her but herself. Nina and Matt had decided to put in time at the shop, while Cyn’s nephews helped out their grandparents, getting ready for the annual holiday party.
Cyn had wondered if she should bring Foley—for about three seconds. Any scent of a man with her, and her mother would no doubt pester and degrade her into a bitter, self-doubting mess by the end of the evening.
As hard as Cyn had worked to overcome Ella’s badgering, the little girl who lived on inside her constantly wondered if maybe Ella wasn’t right. Cyn probably wasn’t smart, funny, or independent enough to live on her own. And with her chubbiness, she couldn’t hope to land a decent man, not without her mother’s help.
Part of Ella was correct. Cyn didn’t feel fully satisfied with life, despite her successes. Even her sexual encounter with Foley had been lacking something. A closeness? A reciprocal lust? Then again, the man had not been faking that monster in his pants.
Hell. She fanned herself, dying to know what he looked like naked. She wanted to see all those tattoos. She pushed the call button on her phone then hung up before it could ring.
Should I? Shouldn’t I? Should I? Shouldn’t I?
With one more week until the holidays, maybe she should wait until after Christmas for a date. He likely had plans with family. That dimension of his character further softened her. Foley loved his mother. And Sam, a man he considered a brother.
How could she not like a guy who cared for his family? She loved hers unconditionally, despite her mother’s unintentional cruelty. Cyn knew that at heart, Ella wanted only the best for her daughter, despite how much she hurt Cyn with her criticisms.
Love could be strange. Just because Foley loved his mother, Cyn shouldn’t make him out to be a saint.
She dialed him anyway.
The phone started ringing. She brought it to her ear, her nerves on high alert as she waited on the call she’d been dying to make for two days.

#Review- Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne

Snowfall on Haven Point may just be my favorite Christmas story of the year. I LOVE Christmas themed stories and I absolutely adore RaeAnne Thayne's books. I was in my glory reading Snowfall on Haven point, my first Christmas story this year.

I have read all the books in the Haven Point series. So I had the chance to meet Andrea Montgomery and her adorable children in a previous book. This lady has been through so much. I admire her spunk that has gotten her so far, her attitude to push forward with life, and her devotion to her children. This lady is a marvel. I was so glad to see Andrea and her children get to tell more of their story. 

Marshall Bailey has found himself injured and on his own. His family is out of town so the lovely and kind Andrea steps in to help out when Marshall sister's ask her to. Oh my goodness the first encounter with these two was interesting. Marshall is NOT a happy camper to have to depend on anyone. He is a VERY independent man and is use to taking care of himself.

Andrea doesn't let his bark get to her though. She continues to check in and these two form a friendship. I loved watching the interaction between rough and gruff Marshall and Andrea's two sweet children. Chloe is a little shy after all she has been through and seen. Marshall wins her over though. I love books that include the children in the relationship. I think it gives a deeper reaction to the emotions and changes of relationships. I enjoyed watching Andrea and Marshall get to know each other and build on their friendship. 

As I mentioned this is part of the Haven Point series. So if you have had a chance to read other books in the series I think you will enjoy catching up with old friends from Haven point. I always relish my chance to see how my friends from previous books are doing. 

Ms. Thayne's books are always a great read. She has a talentfor writing an enjoyable story that tends to hit my emotions deeply. I don't think she has ever failed to make me shed tears with her incredible story lines. Snowfall on Haven Point certainly had me on the edge for a little while and reaching for my Kleenex box in other scenes. Her characters are so incredibly well written that I truly do feel as though I've taken a vacation to Haven Point to visit for Christmas. Oh the beautiful scenes she creates with her descriptions make me wish I could go visit. I'd love to attend the annual Christmas boat parade. It sounds so beautiful.

If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas book to kick off your holiday reading I suggest giving this one a try. If you are a RaeAnne Thayne fan, like me, you are going to love it. If you haven't had a chance to read RaeAnne Thayne's books yet but love small town romance series then give her books a try. I truly do not think you will be disappointed. I know I never have been.

I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Snowfall on Haven Point. 

You may find more of my reviews on RaeAnne Thayne's work here

Amazon Buy Link 


Riverbend Road Amazon Buy Link


Snow Angel Cove Buy Link 


Redemption Bay Buy Link 


 Evergreen Springs Buy Link 

Saturday, September 24, 2016

#GiveAway - To Say Goodbye By Lindsay Detwiler

To Say Goodbye
By Lindsay Detwiler


99c SALE









Feisty Sophia never shies away from life. Playful, romantic, connected—her marriage was the thing of fairy tales. But when tragedy strikes, Sophia is left to pick up the pieces of her life.


After leaving the army, Jackson is ready to start afresh. But when he returns home, his life spirals out of control.

As Sophia and Jackson find themselves in each other, they start to see redemption is possible. Trying to piece together a new life, they must answer the question:  Should they forge a life together and say goodbye to their pasts completely, or should they loyally go their separate ways to avoid heartache?

SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 24, 2016
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Cover Designer: Claire Smith








Amazon: US I UK I CA I AU

iTunes I Nook I Are





An high school English teacher, an author, and a fan of anything pink and/or glittery, Lindsay's the English teacher cliché; she love cats, reading, Shakespeare, and Poe.

She currently lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad (her junior high sweetheart); their cats, Arya, Amelia, Alice, and Bob; and their Mastiff, Henry.

Lindsay's goal with her writing is to show the power of love and the beauty of life while also instilling a true sense of realism in her work. Some reviewers have noted that her books are not the “typical romance.” With her novels coming from a place of honesty, Lindsay examines the difficult questions, looks at the tough emotions, and paints the pictures that are sometimes difficult to look at. She wants her fiction to resonate with readers as realistic, poetic, and powerful. Lindsay wants women readers to be able to say, “I see myself in that novel.” She wants to speak to the modern woman’s experience while also bringing a twist of something new and exciting. Her aim is for readers to say, “That could happen,” or “I feel like the characters are real.” That’s how she knows she's done her job.

Lindsay's hope is that by becoming a published author, she can inspire some of her students and other aspiring writers to pursue their own passions. She wants them to see that any dream can be attained and publishing a novel isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Facebook I Twitter I Website


Thursday, September 22, 2016

#GiveAway - The General's Wife by Sara R. Turnquist


The General's Wife
by Sara R. Turnquist


Sara R. Turnquist will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chance of winning by visiting the other tour stops. The locations may be found here

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Q&A with Sara R. Turnquist:

Q: Any weird things you do when you’re alone?

A: Sometimes I make faces at myself. Just to see what I look like when I make dumb faces at other people.

Q: What is your favorite quote and why?

A: Why do I have to narrow it to one??? I have so many. Okay…
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
I have found this to be true in my life. Especially with my writing. I used to be what I call a “closet writer”. I never let anyone read what I wrote. Then I let my husband read it. He encouraged me to let my VERY honest friend read it. She loved it. It gave me the courage to let him query some publishers and agents.

Q: Who is your favorite author and why?

A: Again, I have several. I’ll narrow it down to two: Michelle Moran and Melanie Dickerson. I love the detail in Michelle Moran’s Historical Fiction. It’s like you’re there, she paints the picture so well for you. Melanie Dickerson helps you get into the character’s head and heart so well. You feel what the character feels. It’s amazing.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

A: Being consistent with point of view (not head-hopping and not switching tenses). Having a deep point of view (really getting us into the character’s head, tell us what the character is thinking and feeling). Cut out excess words.

Q: Where did you get the idea for this book?

A: When I was in middle school, I learned about the Ptolemaic Period (the time in Egyptian history when the pharaohs were Greek and there was a blending of Greek and Egyptian culture). So, when I started getting serious about writing, placing a story during that time period made sense to me. The story seemed to emerge organically from there. And the more I researched, the more the story came to life.


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BLURB:

“Go home!” Ismene is speechless as she reads those words written in blood on the walls of her new home. The young, raven-haired Grecian beauty had traveled all the way from her homeland to marry the Pharaoh’s top general. But she never expected this. The hatred of the Alexandrian mob for their Greek rulers is right in front of her. It is the first of many threats she will receive.

Things are escalating out of control. Damaged crops and horses turned loose at night are one thing. But when Ismene receives a death threat, it becomes clear that there is a spy within her own household. She would turn to her husband to deal with this issue, except he left for battle by order of the Pharaoh. Not knowing whom to trust, she fears for her safety as well as the entire ruling class of Egypt.

GENRE: Historical Romance

Buy Links:



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EXCERPT:

A din of whispered conversation among the servants could be heard, but only just. No one wanted to speak out for fear of enraging the general further. Many of the servants were unable to read Greek and had no idea what important message was scarred into their master's most prized sanctuary. As if the vandalism alone wasn't enough to evoke a great anger in him, the message itself had pushed him closer to the edge of violence. They had never seen their kind master in such a state.

“What is everybody...” Ismene's voice interrupted their musings. No one, not even Alistair, had even noticed that she had arrived at the grand estate, least of all made it all the way out to the gardens. Her voice, which started light and happy, trailed off as she noticed the source of everyone's fixation.

There were many audible gasps as the servants, like Alistair, turned and saw Ismene's paled face, her mouth moving as if trying to form words, though none came forth.

Alistair rushed over to her, “Ismene, don't look...it's...” he said, trying to turn her away, to go back in direction she had just come.
It was only then that he realized—the message—it was for her. Ismene and Alonah came to the gardens each day to check on her tiger lilies. This wall faced the entrance into the gardens closest to her bedchambers, the entrance she came through every day. How did anyone outside of his house and Pharaoh's know that? His heart sank. There was a leak in one of these houses.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sara is originally from middle TN. After a short stint in Memphis, where she earned a degree in Biology and began a career as both a Zoo Educator and a Sleep Technician, she then followed a dream to work for a large zoo in Orlando, FL as an Educator. Once she and her husband started their family, they moved back to Tennessee. Sara and her husband now enjoy a full life with their three beautiful and very active children. Sara enjoys many creative outlets – singing, piano, drawing, drama, and organizing anything. And even though she has enjoyed her career as a Zoo Educator, Sara's great love of the written word continued to draw her to write. She has always been an avid reader and, for many years, has been what she terms a “closet writer”. Her travels and love of history have served to inspire her to write Historical Fiction. Sara has made several trips overseas to the Czech Republic. Her time among the Czech people and the landscapes of the country inspired her and greatly influenced her work on her debut novel, The Lady Bornekova, set in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Sara is also a member of the ACFW.


How to reach me:

Website/URL: saraturnquist.com
Twitter: @sarat1701
Facebook: Sara R. Turnquist, Author - www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist