Author Interview: Tania Elizabeth

Please welcome Tania to my blog today. She is helping to raise funds for the Starlight Children's Foundation, which supports terminally ill children and their families. For every appearance blog appearance,  she will be donating $1 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. 

Check out their progress on their Facebook page.

What is your name and where do you live now?

My name is Tania Elizabeth and as of now, I currently call the gorgeous sunny Gold Coast on the East Coast of Australia my home.

First off, how has your week been?

Brilliant, wonderful, grand! Every day is one more day for more divine experiences and one day closer to all my dreams come true. As with, it was my sons 10^th birthday and my children and I thoroughly enjoyed watching last night’s meteor shower from the mountain top. J

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

I am a great mother of three beautiful children, whom I am so very proud of. I am an advocate for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports terminally ill children and their families. I love life and the world over. So much so, that many think I am on something J And as for my writing . . . that has been something in which I have done from the mere age of 11. Writing is not only one of my deepest passions, but I also find it to be my catharsis, a healing process if you may.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it what would you say?

‘The Tier of Eternal Grace’ is a captivating fantasy of magic and passion, wound into the truths of reality that will enchant readers with its depiction of the faerie realm, and the exploits of the faeries themselves. Book One of the series The Moon Clearing is an immersive tale of mysticism and adventure, of spiritual and sensual intent that shall enrapture your every sense.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Much of my writing is based upon personal experience in one way or another. It is because of this, that I find writing a part of my healing process. Especially with those life details that many of us would prefer to be left unturned. Through the words I wrote, I gained a new strength and learnt the true meaning of I Love Me.

What was your favourite chapter to write and why?

Chapter Three, Dissension, was quite a lot of fun. This Chapter was based around the battle scenes that took place on the Moon Clearing. As faeries, they do not acquire physical weapons as such. Though their strengths are more than undeniable, as they have the capability to manipulate all forces of nature, fire, air, water and earth. The scene bringing with it much torment, adventure, and destruct.

What does your protagonist think about you? Would they want to hang out with you, their author and creator?

Absolutely. Considering she is based upon my own self. How could I not want to hang out with me. I love me! ;)

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Though a fantasy fiction where the reader can loose themselves within the enchantment, the magic and the drama . . . my hope is that the reader may also finds themselves on a journey of self discovery. To come to a new understanding of oneself. To gain a new love and respect for oneself and that of Mother Earth and all others.

Do you have a favourite character from your books? Why are they your favourite?

Tatiana Grace, being the queen of thy faeries. She is of such strength and wisdom. Not only is she of absolute beauty without, though her beauty within shines above all else. Her love for all souls and that of Mother Earth is admirable. She makes no judgement and lives her everyday in complete gratitude.

Do you have to do much research?

Would you believe, that although it is a fantasy fiction of a realm unlike that of our own. Yes, I have had to do quite a lot of research. Though this is where the nerd in me comes out. I love this. I love learning new things. One example would be learning about the many different kinds of trees/plants/flowers . . . down to the anatomy of a tree. For the second book, I have even gone and spoken to a doctor in order to get facts right on a particular subject. For I could not have written about particular things had I not had a better understanding of it.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

I apologise to those who believe this to be of truth. Though, I do not believe in writer’s block, nor will allow the fear of the block to exist within myself. I live in complete faith and belief that the words will always flow, and that they have always done. The fear only arises out of the fear of failure. No one of us are ever a failure, and it is only our own selves that can bring this true upon oneself.

Is there a certain author that influenced you in writing?

There are many authors that have had an influence on my writing. Though I could very easily tell you the three main authors that opened me up to my world of fantastical, poetic and influential writing. To begin with, I would have to name, Enid Blyton. For it was her books, The Adventures of the Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair in which had me lost in the fantasy worlds as a child.                   Then you would have the classical and poetic writings of William Shakespeare.                                     And, last but certainly not least, Florence Scovel Shinn, who wrote the book in which was the catalyst for my own journey of self love and discovery.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Do not doubt and do not fear your own potential. If you believe that you can be the next J.K. Rowling, then be it. Do not allow others to bring you down and have you believe otherwise. For I guarantee they will try. Though it is your choice as to whether you listen to their banter, or that of your own negative influence also. Think about it. Why only reach for the closest star, when you could reach for them all with open arms. BELIEVE! x

Tania Elizabeth is a mother first and foremost and the author of The Tier of Eternal Grace. Book One The Moon Clearing was released earlier this year. Book Two The Mirrors Shadow will be released about September. Book Three will then follow in the early part of 2014.

SUMMARY of The Moon Clearing

Beyond the boundary that separates the mundane and earthly planes from the divine lies Eterna Fadas, a place ruled by extraordinary beings, lithe and human-like in appearance, yet ethereal in their grace and beauty, and sensuous in nature.

"I have existed always! Where I began I do not know, for all I know is just as I am today!"

As Queen, Tatiana was thought to have lived a life of opulence, her faith and beliefs her endearing essence. Why then was it so, that beneath the picture of perfection laid torments and terrors even she dare not explain. Being She came with its prices paid. Being She came with a deal; a contract in which she was to relinquish herself to a rogue of unmerciful fury. Would this be the end of all she know? Would this be the end of her existence?

Purchase Tania's book on Amazon.

Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Borderland Bride is going on blog tour! I'm sharing excerpts and doing interviews across the internet as well as giving away ebooks.

Here's the tour schedule. Be sure to follow to for your chance to win!

Apr 29: Danita Minnis (Author Interview)
Apr 29: Aspired Writer (Book Spotlight)
May 1: Have Novel, Will Edit (Author Interview)
May 2: Naughty Bits Book Reviews (Author Interview)
May 3: Jody's Book Reviews, Giveaways & Tours (Book Spotlight)
May 4: Rachel Brimble Romance (Author Interview)
May 5: Author Raine Delight's World (Author Interview)
May 5: Janna Shay's Fair Play (Author Interview)
May 6: Love in a Book (Author Interview)
May 7: Coffee Beans & Love Scenes (Book Spotlight)
May 8: Dawn's Reading Nook (Author Interview)
May 9: It's All About the Romance! (Book Spotlight)
May 10: Bunny's Review (Author Interview)
May 11: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess (Author Interview)
May 11: Kristy Centeno (Author Interview)
May 12: For the Love of Bookends (Author Interview)


I'm also offering the chance to win a £10 Amazon GC on my blog to celebrate. Simply enter using the Rafflcopter below. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Barrage Stop: Message from Viola Mari by Sabrina Devonshire

Please welcome Sabrina who is sharing a great excerpt from her Sci-Fi romance, Message from Viola Mari. Be sure to enter the giveaway to win 5 eBook copies (1 each to 5 winners) of “Message from Viola Mari”. Contest is tour-wide and ends May 1. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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World-renowned oceanographer and meteorite specialist Marissa Jones uncovers evidence that a comet cloud will soon destroy Earth. When aspiring writer and her best friend Jennifer begs her to take a Saturday morning sci-fi writing class, Marissa reluctantly agrees. Writing her real-life story as fiction gives her an astonishing new perspective on the anomalous set of craters she discovered off the La Jolla Coast.

But this favor for her friend stirs up more than scientific results…writing teacher Justin Lincoln goads her constantly and taunts her with his irresistible curly blond locks and steely physique he knows only too well make women drool. Marissa teeters on the edge of anger and raging attraction for this irritating man. But it’s a terrible time to let lust call the shots when the world’s about to end and Marissa’s the only one who can save everyone. Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers. Buy Message from Viola Mari on Amazon, ARe and B&N. Reviews 5 Stars from Ellen Cross—“Marissa Jones is a young Oceanographer and Metorite specialist, with a poor track record with men. Driven by her best friend, Jennifer, to join a sci-fi writing class, Mari is forced to suffer the frustratingly personal attention of her beyond mouth-watering, yet insanely irritating teacher, Justin Lincoln. One look at Justin, and Mari doesn't know whether to follow her body's desire to kiss him, or satisfy her mind's urge to punch his lights out. Mari's research into the mysterious craters on the ocean floor, leads her to the discovery that the earth's end is approaching in a cataclysmic event that will claim all life. With no-one willing to believe her research, Mari is left with not only the fate of all mankind in her hands, but a best friend to keep happy, a sexy man to figure out, and a book to finish writing. Simple huh? Sabrina Devonshire has exploded into the sci-fi genre with "A message from Viola Mari". Her beautifully descriptive style with the delicious splashes of witty humour throughout, are a delight for the senses. “Message from Viola Mari” will keep you guessing right up until the very last page.”

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About the Author 

Sabrina Devonshire, an avid swimmer most of her life, can usually be found near or immersed in a body of water. If she's not seeking an endorphin rush in a pool, lake or ocean, she's often encouraging people to work out or writing a book or magazine article. She also loves traveling to off-the-beaten-path places where phones and electronic devices tend not to work well. Peru and Belize are two of her favorites. Sabrina lives in southern Arizona with her husband, two children, and fluffy dog, Sugar. Find Sabrina on her website or Twitter.

~Excerpt~

Wise Jane suggested we carpool to the first class. She knows me too well. If we weren’t travelling together, I would have called her an hour before class, saying I’m so sorry, but I’m not going to be able to make today’s class. Then I would moan that I’d been stricken by the most dreadful menstrual migraine, my tooth ached or my garage door wouldn’t open.

We strode into the building and sat at adjacent desks arranged in a semi-circle around what I presumed was Professor Justin’s desk. I feigned sending text messages, occasionally glancing up to check out my classmates. Two elderly women walked into the room together and sat side by side, their shoulders hunched over their desks, their legs crossed. Several college-aged students sauntered in, including a Hispanic girl with a flawless olive complexion and long iron-straightened hair. Another girl with a tiny heart-shaped face and a miniature body to match it wore makeup so thick, I wanted to ask if she’d spread it on with a knife. A handsome man with a football player’s physique dropped into a chair. He looked like Jennifer’s type. His curly dark hair looked like it hadn’t seen a brush for days and a five o’ clock shadow darkened his face even though it was only nine in the morning. 

Three of us comprised the professional crowd. We wore too many wrinkles to belong to the Hello-Fresh-Face collegiate crowd but looked far too stressed-out to be retired. I was the one with lines etched into my forehead, while Jennifer had bitten her nails down to the quick. The balding man sitting beside me nervously plucked hairs from his brows. It was Zoloft we needed, not a writing class. But Jennifer just didn’t get it.

Justin Lincoln’s entrance broke into my people-watching moment. His tall physique was lean and muscular, and damp unruly blond curls fell below his shoulders. Either he had washed his hair recently or he’d just worked out. Maybe an episode of intercourse dampened his hair, I thought, before I covered my flushed face with my hand and pretended to study papers on my desk.

Once my face cooled, I cautiously glanced up. He wore knee-length khaki shorts with threads hanging loose, a black crew neck T-shirt and a pair of Brooks running shoes. California was way more casual than the East Coast, but this guy gave a whole new meaning to the word. Maybe next week, he’ll show up in his underwear. The image made me laugh, which sent several pairs of eyes looking my way, so I coughed to make my burst of psychotic behavior appear less awkward. When Jennifer glanced at me curiously, I shrugged.

He pulled a stack of papers from his black backpack and introduced himself. “I’m Justin Lincoln.” He continued speaking and walked toward me. The gold flecks in his emerald green eyes captivated my attention. I blinked and tried unsuccessfully to look away from him.

Just when I expected him to drop the pile of papers on my desk and say take one and pass them around, he handed a sheet of paper directly to me. As he did, our fingers touched. A warm tingle flowed up my arm leaving me feeling light headed. When I glanced up, his gaze lingered on mine for longer than necessary. As my pulse raced, my once reasoning brain began thinking like a love-sick teenager. The calm and collected scientist that I am, I allowed the paper to slip from my quivering hands. Blushing, I snatched it from the floor.

I’m a research scientist at one of the most prestigious oceanographic institutions in the world. So why can’t I hold onto a simple piece of paper? 

Once Justin finished passing out papers, he reviewed the syllabus line by line. The rubber soles of his shoes squeaked as he paced. Every other week, we would bring in copies of our work for the class to critique, he explained. 

Justin’s eyes followed me over the top of his black rectangular reading glasses as I leaned over and whispered, “What the hell did you get me in to?” into Jennifer’s ear. 

“Is there a problem, um…” He glanced through his pile of papers before saying, “Miss Jones? Or do you mind if I call you Marissa?” How the hell did he know my name? 

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Tortured Hero Blog Hop

So sadly the tortured hero blog hop has been cancelled but I thought I'd still post about tortured heroes. I love tortured heroes. There's something about that chip on their shoulder and the thought of them finding that one person that can heal their hearts, that I adore. Today I'm interviewing my ultimate tortured hero, Nicholas from The Angel's Assassin. Nicholas is a man with a very dark past so this should be interesting...

Hi and welcome, Nicholas. How are you?

*Nicholas' brow furrows as he takes in my appearance and shifts in the chair.* Good day, my lady. I am well enough.

So today I'm talking about heroes - do you consider yourself a hero?

Nay.

But you saved Annabel, didn't you?

Aye, though she need not have been in danger, had it not be for...

For?

*His eyes narrow and he sighs.* My actions put her in danger. I will say no more.

Ok, I can see I'm not going to get anything more on that from you. You and Annabel are married now, aren't you? What is it about Annabel that you love the most?

You have met Annabel, have you not?

I have.

Well, you should know well enough what I love about her. She is an angel.

To you?

Nay, an angel from heaven. She saved my soul.

Wow, that's quite impressive. Why did your soul need saving?

I wish not to speak of it. I am not proud of my past deeds. *He fixes me with his dark gaze.* But I am a changed man now.

I can see that. So what does the future hold for you now?

I know not, save that I will work to ensure Annabel wants for naught. That's all that matters.

Well thank you for your time, Nicholas, I hope you and Annabel well be very happy together.

*His face softens* My thanks, my lady. *He glances around the room* This is a strange home...

I send Nicholas away before my phone rings or he notices my computer. No sense in scaring him too much! I hope you enjoyed getting to know Nicholas - as you can see he's not the easiest of characters to converse with. Annabel definitely has her work cut out, so it's a good thing she's pretty tenacious! So what makes a tortured hero for you? 

Author Spotlight: E. B Black

Please welcome my friend. E.B. to my  blog today. She's sharing her book, Medusa's Desire with us.

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It all started the day her god raped her.

She transformed into an  abomination through his touch. Here skin grew scales. Her eyes turned  red. She screamed for help, but all who saw her became stone.

Medusa  thought she would be alone forever, until the day a man came to kill  her and fell in love instead. Now Perseus is running from those who  hired him as he continues to love a girl who could kill him with a  glance.

Purchase Medusa's Desire on Amazon.

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What is your book about?

Medusa went from being one of the most beautiful women in the world to the ugliest one because Poseidon raped her. It's about the struggle of her falling in love when she no longer remembers how to be human and is incapable of gazing into the eyes of her lover.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Medusa always terrified me because I thought as a child that when she turned people into stone, she also trapped their souls inside the statues. I used to worry whether or not she was real and if she would come and hurt me.

I found out she had been raped and is a misunderstood monster and I longed to get to know her.

What makes your book different than others in your genre?

It's sexier and grittier. I'm not afraid to write about anything.

Because I'm re-writing greek myths, my stories are tragedies and don't necessarily have happily ever afters.

Who is your favorite writer? Why?

Stephenie Meyer because she inspired me to write paranormal romance and fantasy romance novels.

She writes very differently than I do. She is afraid to kill characters and her books have an overall happier view of the world. I'm darker than she is.

What strange writing rituals do you have?

I always write sitting in bed. This leads me to sometimes take naps in the middle of the day. A few months ago, I rolled over my laptop and cracked the screen. It was terrible.

Is your writing style similar to any well-known writers? If so, which one(s)?

I think I'm most similar to Kelley Armstrong, but I only write for adults. She's not afraid to write about characters with faults or write about morbid and disturbing things. She also wrote a trilogy about necromancers, which is one of my favorite things to write about.

Who is your Muse?

Life is my muse. The interesting experiences I have and people I meet fuel my imagination.

What are your hobbies?

I play piano on occasion, I especially love to compose music.

When I get breaks from writing and promoting, I watch television, movies, or read books.

I also play D&D (and other role-playing games) with friends and enjoy video games.

Does your main character resemble anyone in your family or circle of friends?

Medusa has an exaggerated resemblance to me and some of my insecurities. Many women struggle with body image issues, including myself, and being a monster so hideous that people turn into stone when they gaze at you is not going to make someone very confident in their looks.

How long did it take you to write your book?

I was working on various aspects of writing and publishing Medusa's Desire for all of 2012.

What are some writing goals for the future?

I'm going to add a free novella to the Death of Eros series about Pandora's box.

I'm also working on a romantic trilogy about necromancers.

If you were stranded on an island which book would you bring with you?

Jane Eyre

What makes a good fantasy novel?

Imagination and the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes. I love the worlds and cultures fantasy can take you to. They're completely different from your own.

What was the most difficult thing you have learned being a writer?

I have to be patient about everything. Every step in the writing process takes a long time and there are many of them.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm usually lost in some type of fantasy, romance, or YA novel.


Author Bio

Growing up, I was sheltered from fantasy, paranormal, and science  fiction novels. Now that I've tried them as an adult, I've become  addicted! I like to escape to other worlds so much that I had to create  my own.

In junior high and high school, I read romance novels all  day long. It frustrated my mother and teachers because I'd neglect my  homework in order to squeeze more reading time in.
I became an author because I enjoy reading and daydreaming. I wanted to share my passion for these things with all of you!

I  live in Southern California with my boyfriend and two dogs. If you'd  like to contact me about anything, please do so at deathauthor@live.com

Author Interview: Michelle Muckley

Please welcome Michelle to my blog today! She is talking a little about her latest release and the inspiration behind it. Also be sure to stop by her Facebook page for your chance to win a paperback copy of her book as well as a goody bag.

What is your name and where do you live now?
My name is Michelle Muckley.  I am originally from Warwick, in Warwickshire, but now live on the southern coast of Cyprus.


First off, how has your week been?
It has actually been completely hectic.  I heard that writer’s are notoriously disorganised, which I think is actually a writer’s disease rather than a personality trait.  Before I was a writer, I had a handle on just about everything I had to do, and now  am all over the place.  This week I have re-edited The Loss of Deference  after becoming aware of the odd typo here and there prior to the paperback release,  and I have spent a lot of time organising this blog tour!  I haven’t discussed me so much in my life.  It is starting to feel like therapy!

Please tell us about your current release.
My current release is called Escaping Life.  It is an emotional thriller about a woman whose mother and sister died four years previously in quite horrible and peculiar circumstances, and she has escaped to live a quiet life with her husband by the sea.  It soon becomes clear to Elizabeth that what she believes to be the truth is not the reality of what happened.  She sets out on a journey to discover what really happened to her sister, and if in fact she even died.  With the help of a detective, who himself is tortured by painful memories from his past, they must uncover the truth of what happened and face up to their demons.  


Where did you come up with the idea to write your book?
Years ago a body was found on a beach.  The Taman Shud case.  To this day he remains unidentified.  That was where the initial idea sprang up from.

Are your books available as eBooks? Were you involved in that process at all? Do you read eBooks or is it paper all the way?
I have become and electronic reader as a result of publishing my own e-book.  I love the simplicity of it.  I go to my PC and within five minutes I have a new book there and waiting for me.  It’s great for discovering new writers and new genres.  But, if I am honest I still prefer paperbacks.  I read a paperback for the first time in about a year last week and realised why I love it so much.  It’s a totally different experience.


Did you have any say in the title / cover of your book?
I decided both title and cover for both published books.  I have an excellent designer who has just reworked the cover for The Loss of Deference and I am over the moon with the results.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
In Escaping Life I cannot deny there is a bit of an underlying theme.  I want people to take the message that there is no point in hiding from the truth, or running from a painful past.  Hiding never helps.  Facing life head-on is the only way forwards, otherwise you are just going around in circles.

Do you have plans for a new book?
There is a third book weeks away from publication and I am so excited about it.  With every book I feel like I have improved and that my writing and storytelling is developing.   This is my favourite of my books so far.


What genre would you place your books into?
My books are definitely thriller/suspense, but there is something else to it.  I try to develop my characters in a way that is very descriptive.  I like creating vivid imagery, which is sometimes not considered part of the thriller genre.

Can you describe the feeling you had when you saw your published book for the first time?
Has anything surprised you about your writing life?
How much I enjoy it.  I used to work in a hospital in cardiology, and loved the buzz and excitement of it.  I never thought that I would find that in writing full time, which is almost what I am doing.   But I love the creation, I love the fact that I can see my own writing develop, and I love the feeling of holding my books in my hands and saying ‘I did that’.  When somebody reads my work and tells me that they enjoyed it, it just makes my day!

BIOGRAPHY
I was born in the town of Warwick in 1981. It is a small historical town in the heart of England, and Ι was the fifth child born into a family of boys. I developed an interest in the written world from a young age, with more than a little help from Roald Dahl. Book club at primary school only proved to increase my love of escaping into the world of a good book.

Whilst six years at secondary school did little to quell the romantic notion of one day sitting in my mountain cabin and smoking a celebratory cigarette as the first novel was born, somewhere within those six years the dream of becoming a writer got put on hold. Perhaps it was because science was deemed a safer career path, or maybe it was because they let me chop up hearts, but I found myself spending more and more time in the biology lab and eventually the university applications went in and the next twelve years of employment were set; science, hearts, although sadly no more dissections.  Somewhere though resting quietly in the background was the desire to find those old aspirations to write, and follow the dream.  It was at this point that I began to write my first book.

Six years later, having uprooted from England and having settled on the southern Mediterranean shores of Cyprus, the dream to publish is now a reality. I am still working as a part time scientist, but I am also writing daily. When I am not sat at the computer you will find me hiking in the mountains, drinking frappe at the beach, or talking to myself in the kitchen in the style of an American celebrity chef.  Just think Ina Garten.  

Find Michelle on her Facebook page and Website.


You can purchase Escaping Life on Amazon.

Author Interview: Amanda Ward

Today the lovely Amanda (and fellow Richard Armitage fan, I might add) is joining me and talking about the books she's got coming up. Would you check out that beautiful cover?! Fab! Let's see what Amanda's got to say for herself.

What is your name and where do you live now?

My name is Amanda Ward and I live in Luton Bedfordshire.

First off, how has your week been?

Knackering.  Have finally managed the first round of edits for my manuscript and sent them off. Kids are back at school thankfully. So am getting back into the routine of school runs, housework and writing.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it what would you say?

My novel that I have finished the first round of edits for is called Without Saying A Word. In a nutshell, the good aristocratic virginal younger male gets his older woman! Books To Go Now will be publishing it.  I have a fantastic cover. No release date yet. Will announce it when I know.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

In Without Saying A Word Laura encounters domestic violence.  I’ve been there, not as much as Laura suffered, but it was enough for me to try and write down how I felt at the time.

Do you have plans for a new book?

I have recently signed a contract with Secret Cravings Publishing for my Pann Haggerty stories, and boy are they fun. Think Miranda in a campervan with Luke from Gilmore Girls.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

I don’t suffer from writer’s block, I tend to procrastinate and find other things to do instead of writing. However, when I’m in the flow, I don’t like to stop.

Is there a certain author that influenced you in writing?

There is a few. Gina Wilkins, Janet Dailey and Sandra Canfield.  They wrote some of my absolute favourite romance novels.  I go back to them time and time again.

What is your favourite book and why?  Have you read it more than once?

There are five. The Hero trilogy by Gina Wilkins, For The Love of God by Janet Dailey and Mariah by Sandra Canfield.  The hero trilogy have good guys in them. Janet Dailey writes about a gorgeous vicar and Sandra has quite possibly the hottest love scene I have ever read between a pastor and his wife.

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'What You See Is What You Get' would be the best way to describe Amanda. Born in Bexleyheath, 

England 1971, she is a wife and mother of seven children ranging in ages from her 21 year old daughter down to a spirited 3 year old son.  Life in her house is manic.  There is always unpredictablity and a disaster waiting round the next corner.  There is however,  plenty of love and laughter in the home Amanda shares with her wonderful comedic husband Matt and 3 youngest children  in Bedfordshire,  England.  In between school runs, housework and talking to her two cats, Amanda divides her time between writing, dreaming and watching her favourite films and television shows.  An unashamed addict of Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, Gilmore Girls, Anne of Green Gables  and Doris Day musicals, as well as sharing her husband's love of Science Fiction and superhero films.

Amanda is also passionate about history and her bookshelves are lined with books on the Royal Families of Europe and thick historical tomes.  Her love of romance novels began when she was snooping in her grandmother's spare room where she found a Janet Dailey novel, from there her dream of becoming a published author began.  Her perfect afternoon would be spent watching a musical, drinking a pot of tea and munching on warm home-made cakes with her family.   Wife, mother, dreamer and lover.  Jill of all trades, master of none!

FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/421523227879728/#!/pages/Amanda-J-Ward/198946286868633

OFFICAL BLOG

http://kooks-kooksnook.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=b09cc6b7431d3237

TWITTER

https://twitter.com/Augustmum

OFFICAL WEBSITE

http://amandajward.weebly.com/

Blog Tour Stop: Celine (The Night Touched Chronicles #1) by Maegan Provan

Please welcome Maegan on her book tour for Celine. She is giving away a signed copy to one lucky winner as well as two Kindle copies. 

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Love

Destiny

and War

Created by the First Born, The Night Touched created the bloodlines from which all modern day vampires descended. Different because of their incredible powers and advantages in the human world, The Night Touched were a special kind of vampire. However, they were believed to have died out centuries ago, and had been reduced to little more than whispers in the vampire world.

Until now.

Harper Kemp was the only modern Night Touched in existence. The reasons behind her creation were unknown and she had been abandoned during her change. Eventually she was found by Lily and Jason and taught how to handle what she had become. She learned how to blend in with the human world and even made herself in to quite the socialite of the New York City elite scene.

After a plea for help in her dreams and the dangers of a forbidden love, Harper is sent down a path to discovery; not only is she not alone, she’s about to face her worst nightmare – a devastatingly handsome slayer named Silas with a finger on her non existent pulse.

Reviews

“CELINE is the first book in the Night Touched Chronicles. This is a series I’m very excited about because the author takes us back to the roots of vampires from old horror movies, while still adding a modern twist. Provan's vampires are sophisticated, intelligent, and calculating. But, make no mistake--there is nothing tame or vegetarian about these vampires, particularly the Night Touched … This fast-paced story is full of tension, passion, and surprises. Once I began reading, I couldn’t stop and read it within a matter of a few hours. This is easily one of the most engaging vampire stories I've read in a long time and I would recommend it to both old-school vampire fans and to Twilight lovers alike.”--triciaATW (Amazon)

“I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. The cover is stunning! This book had a way about it. It was an easy read because it was action packed and kept the reader interested. I liked how there are two types of vampires and I found the background about each type very interesting. I also liked how the author incorporated other supernatural beings, but they didn't take away from the vampires. … All in all, this was a great start to the trilogy. I can’t wait to read more and find out where the story leads. I would recommend this book to vampire lovers. I look forward to the rest of the series.”--Justine (Goodreads)

You can purchase Celine on Amazon.

~Excerpt~

She took Lily by the arm and I quietly followed out to the outdoor lounge area. As we sat around the fire pit, a ruggedly handsome man caught my eye. He was leaning on the ledge, smoking a cigarette and staring out over the city. His ash blonde hair was spiked forward in a messy faux-hawk. He seemed as though he was deep in thought, his brow furrowed like he was trying to think of a question he wanted to ask but he couldn’t quite remember what it was or who the question was meant for.

“Oh good, Silas is still here. Harper, I simply must introduce you to him.” Misty must have noticed my staring. “Silas! Come here, darling, I have someone I want you to meet.”

He sighed heavily and flicked his cigarette over the side. Straightening up, he turned towards us. Our eyes met in a moment of fireworks, bells and chimes. I had never seen a more handsome man in my entire existence. We smiled at each other. For that moment the world seemed to melt away. I could almost feel my heart start to beat again.

“I guess they like each other.” Lily commented with a giggle.

“Seems like it,” Misty chimed in.

The snarky commentary snapped us out of our trance. He cleared his throat and I looked down at my dress, trying to smooth a nonexistent wrinkle. I had never experienced an attraction to any one like that. It was definitely something different, but I liked it.

“Silas, I’d like you to meet Lily Buchannan and Harper Kemp. Both of you, this is Silas Foster.”

There was an awkward exchange of hello’s and then an even more awkward silence that followed. Lily and Misty started up some boring conversation about something that they had seen at Bloomingdale’s earlier in the week, leaving Silas and I to ourselves. We looked at each other then quickly looked away, I hugged my arm and he kicked his foot back and forth across the ground.

About the Author

Maegan Provan was born and raised in Texas. She is married to a great guy. They have a dog and two cats. When not writing, Maegan spends a lot of time on social media sites as well as playing a lot of computer games. Her love of vampires is what brought her into the urban fantasy/paranormal genre.

Celine is her first novel, as well as Book 1 in the series The Night Touched Chronicles

Connect with Maegan Provan

authormaeganprovan@gmail.com

http://authormaeganprovan.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheNightTouchedChronicles

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maegan-Provan-Author/403492586408377

https://www.twitter.com/ProvanMaegan

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Interview with Daniel Adams, actor and hunk from Fan Girl and the Geek by Krystal Brookes

I'm welcoming my good friend Krystal Brookes to my blog today. She's interviewing one of her sexy characters for us. Read on to find out more!

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Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog, Samantha. I was a bit shy and didn't want to arrive alone so I brought a friend with me.

This is Daniel Adams, the hero from my novella, Fan Girl and the Geek. I brought him along so I could interview him. So here goes:

Krystal: Hi Daniel *blushes*

Daniel: Hi Krystal. How's it going?

Krystal: Fine thanks.  So I hear you're an actor. Have you been in anything I would know?

Daniel: Well I'm best known for being in Starship Einstein. Have you heard of it?

Krystal: Is that one of those geeky sci-fi shows?

Daniel: *Chuckles* Yeah, I guess so.

Krystal: So you must play the hunky, well-defined and muscly captain?

Daniel: No I was the geeky kid. The Will Wheaton of Starship Einstein.

Krystal: Well, you've certainly grown into your skin. You're very cute. Are you single?

Daniel: No. I'm in a relationship with a beautiful Scottish girl.

Krystal: Oh *looks crestfallen* How did you meet?

Daniel: At a sci-fi convention.

Krystal: So your girlfriend is a geek.

Daniel: She was a bit of a fan girl when I met her. She was daft about the guy who played the captain.

Krystal: Oh what happened?

Daniel: Well that would spoil the book.

Krystal: Hmm, yeah, I guess. Well since you are my creation, will you take your top off?

Daniel: No. This is sexual harassment.

Krystal: Oh come on. Just a wee peek.  I mean I could have given you a big fat belly.

Daniel: Use your imagination. *Daniel winks, stands up and walks out.*

Well folks that was revealing.  But not as revealing as we would have liked. Eh? Oh well I'll leave you with a pic of what Daniel was like in my head.

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Rhett Williams, the hunky captain on the TV show Starship Einstein, is coming to a convention in the UK, and Shona Ross is determined to meet him. Having spent years dreaming about the handsome actor, she nurtures dreams of becoming more than just a fan.
When Rhett does not live up to expectations and leaves Shona despondent, Daniel Adams, the geeky kid from the show, befriends her. Only he's no longer a geeky kid. In fact, her attraction to him is almost interplanetary. Can Shona get over her infatuation, forget about Daniel's weak role, and see the man for what he is now?

You can buy the book at from Amazon US and UK and in other formats from ARe.

Author Spotlight: Sonia Taylor Brock

The Legend of the Swamp Witch has been told for centuries in the Swamps of Southern Louisiana. Voodoo, Dark Magic, Strange Creatures... all kinds of rumors float around about those swamps. A young reporter chasing a lead ventures in to those swamps and finds more than he ever hoped for, there really is magic and monsters and sooo much more!

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Sonia Taylor Brock, Author currently self published, has written two books,
THE INHERITANCE OF A SWAMP WITCH and A WITCH'S WELCOME. Both of THE SWAMP WITCH series, the books are the result of a wonderful conglomeration of Cajun Creole culture and bringing legends of old into a modern focus in this urban fantasy. New twists on the creation of Vampires, Were creatures, Angels, Trolls, Titans and magic and how they mesh with today's world where humans understand The One God and the power of prayer. These books use humor and adventure to tell the story. She has also written a series of short stories that revolve around the main character of THE SWAMP WITCH series and how she affects changes in the destiny of the people she meets. Sonia has worked with several publications throughout her career such as The Cullman Times, Creative Loafing Magazine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Facility Safety Management Magazine, Galz Magazine and published articles in Trade Publications as a Marketing Professional throughout career. Sonia is a colorful person and characterizes her life development as constantly evolving and never ending. She refuses to be old and professes to have a young mind even it does seem to forget more things now. She loves to Live, Love, Laugh, Dream and dance in the rain. Sonia currently lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her Husband James and her daughters and grandson.

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Purchase The Inheritance of  a Swamp Witch from Amazon and B&N. You can find out more about Sonia on her website and Facebook page.