Tuesday, December 31, 2013

'Taming Jenna' by Charlene Raddon Blurb Blitz!


Taming Jenna
by Charlene Raddon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


BLURB: 

THE WRONG MAN

Deserted by her father at the tender age of seven, Jenna Leigh-Whittington had taught herself to ride, shoot, brawl…and steer clear of the opposite sex. But now, in a lonely Utah canyon, the Pinkerton agent has drawn her gun on a rugged stranger—only to discover that, far from the dangerous outlaw she’d been tracking, he is Branch McCauley, hired gun…and the most irresistible rascal ever to tempt and torment a woman!

THE RIGHT WOMAN

If there’s one thing McCauley trusts less than a female, it’s a female who packs a six-gun. But what a woman! Vowing to bring the sensuous hellcat to heel, McCauley has no inkling that their passionate battle of wills has just begun. Taming Jenna will be the most seductive—and satisfying—job he’s ever taken on.

Read an excerpt:
Something touched her face, something as light as a mist or a lover's kiss. She put her hands to her cheeks and felt the moisture. Mist. Her fingers found grit the fine spray couldn't wash off. She took a step, then another. Water pounded her feet, her calves. She reached out, only to have her hands smacked away by the force of the waterfall. She longed to stand under it, to strip off her torn, dirty clothes and wash away the grime and the soreness and the fear of trying to find her way through that pitch black mine tunnel.

How she longed to see the falls. She lifted her face toward the source and perceived moving shades of grayness among the black. There had to be a hole up there, yet she could not see it. Had night fallen outside?

Somehow the movement of the falls, the fresh scent, the liquid gurgle, made her feel less alone. She had a strong feeling some other live being occupied the dark, musty catacombs besides herself. Something besides rats and nasty dwarfs.

Her spirits climbed. No question now as to where she was—the old Murphey mine. She would follow the water's flow, and she would get out.

Above the muted roar of the small waterfall came another sound, sharp and loud like the crack of thunder on a stormy night, followed by rolling reverberations. Angry. Ominous. Her mouth quirked at the thought: Rainstorms deep inside the bowels of the earth. Obviously, her grip on sanity was still tenuous.

She did an about-face and splashed her way down the drift. The voice of the falls followed, like a jealous lover. She attempted to laugh. At herself. At her fears. Hysteria tainted the sound.

Water swirled about her ankles and rose higher. She kept walking. Her heart caught the urgency of the torrent and thudded tumultuously inside her breast. She trembled in the wet chill of the clammy garments plastered to her body. Her hair had come loose and tumbled about her shoulders in a wild array. She pushed a wet strand out of her eyes and thought of Maura's Irish stew. Her stomach growled.

As the stream swirled and raged about her knees, threatening to suck her into its depths, terror seized her. Two men had drowned in this mine, she remembered. Rembrandt had told her. A storm had caused a flashflood, and the men had been caught in it.

Rainstorms underground no longer seemed laughable.

She bolted blindly forward, groping at the walls with her hands to keep from falling, letting the current of the water guide her. Perspiration dripped into her eyes, in spite of the freezing temperature.

She lived now in a world without sight, without color, a world where perception came only through the senses, magnified by terror and desperation: The coarse, granular hardness of granite walls; spongy moss on splintered wood. Wetness. The smell of water, sweat, and fear. The ragged gasp of her own breath. And the roar—always the deafening roar—of the raging torrent that seemed bent on expelling her from this underground sepulcher of hell.

As the water rose to her hips, she had to move slower and more carefully. She took the Starr from its holster and tucked it inside her waistband to keep it dry. Her feet stumbled. She caught herself, stumbled again. The roar had become so much a part of her that she barely noticed the difference when the volume suddenly increased.

Her awareness of impending doom was strictly intuitive. She could see no danger approaching. But her imagination was excellent. Rising water and an indefinable change in the sound created visions in her mind that closed off her throat and sent her heart tumbling like boulders down an unstable incline.

A new sound came to her ears—her own choked whimper.

Tension mounted, keeping pace with the water's depth and the thunderous din. A scream ripped upward from her diaphragm to lodge in her throat as she plowed clumsily forward, waiting with increasing dread for a disaster she could not see, only sense.

A sudden deluge poured over her, whipping her hair into her face, stealing her breath, snatching her feet out from under her. Her arms flailed as she sought to regain her balance. She went down. Water rushed over her and into her open mouth, her hands scraped against the floor, and silence replaced the angry thunder in her ears.

Available on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNR87BS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GNR87BS&linkCode=as2&tag=andsboorev-20


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Charlene Raddon began her fiction career in the third grade when she announced in Show & Tell that a baby sister she never had was killed by a black widow spider. She often penned stories featuring mistreated young girls whose mother accused of crimes her sister had actually committed. Her first serious attempt at writing fiction came in 1980 when she woke up from a vivid dream that compelled her to drag out a portable typewriter and begin writing. She’s been at it ever since. An early love for romance novels and the Wild West led her to choose the historical romance genre but she also writes contemporary romance. At present, she has five books published in paperback by Kensington Books (one under the pseudonym Rachel Summers), and four eBooks published by Tirgearr Publishing.

Charlene’s awards include: RWA Golden Heart Finalist, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award Nomination, Affair de Coeur Magazine Reader/Writer Poll for Best Historical of the Year. Her books have won or place in several contests.

Currently, Charlene is working on her next release.

Twitter: @CRaddon
http://charlene-raddon.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/charleneb.b.raddon
www.charleneraddon.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1232154.Charlene_Raddon

Charlene will be awarding an e-copy of one of her books from her backlist at each stop to a randomly drawn commenter, and a Grand Prize of a $30 gift card will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter at the end of the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Check out the December releases from Entangled Flirts (3 giveaways!)



Pushing the Limits
by Nancy Fraser

ISBN: 9781622664382
Publisher: Entangled Flirt

Book blurb:
When a case of mistaken identity puts Cade Tucker in the wrong place at the right time, he can't believe his luck. Drawn to the beautiful Julia McCormack, he flirts his way into her bed, and they welcome the New Year together.

Though they agreed their time together was no-strings-attached sex only, Julia’s having a hard time letting go of the best sex she ever had. She dives into work at her corporate law firm, hoping to get her mind off the man who rocked her world. But then Julia finds out the senior partner has appointed a new attorney to work

with her on her biggest case, and her co-counsel will be Cade Tucker. Her plans to make partner are in serious jeopardy when she and Cade disagree on the best legal strategy for their case, but what will happen when they can no longer fight their desire, and the company’s strict non-fraternization policy threatens both of their jobs?

Buy links


About the author:
Nancy Fraser has been writing since she was a child, most often on walls and with crayons or (heaven forbid) permanent marker.

Since first becoming published in 1996, Nancy has received numerous five star reviews for her futuristic, time travel romance.

She’s also published in short contemporary, historical romance and is contracted for a series of ten vintage historical romances set during the Golden Decade of Rock & Roll (1955-1964).

When not writing fiction, Nancy likes to spend time with her five wonderful grandchildren.

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Tour Giveaway:
$15 gift card to the online book retailer of the winner's choice.
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The Earl’s Christmas Colt
by Rebecca Thomas

ISBN: 9781622664399
Publisher: Entangled Flirt

Book blurb::
Lady Arabella Sutton is stunned to learn her brother has betrothed her to a stranger despite his promises for a season in London. Although she is the first to admit no man would suit, since she’s more interested in horses than marriage, the last thing she wants is to become a brood mare to a stuffy old earl. Facing a future she cannot abide, she takes an impetuous ride to clear her head and ends up tending her injured mare instead.

Oliver Westwyck, the Earl of Marsdale, can’t believe his luck when he stops at an inn the night before he’s to meet his fiancĂ©e. In the stable, while tending the colt he intends to give to his future wife, he happens upon her—rain-drenched but beautiful. She assumes he’s a stable hand, a fine joke he means to end...until Lady Arabella declares all noblemen are egotistical, conceited, and arrogant. How can he reveal his true identity before he’s managed to change her mind and win her heart?


Buy links


Author bio:

I enjoy a love-hate relationship with Alaska, where I live with my husband and two teen-aged sons. While I struggle with some aspects of the 49th state (darkness, cold) I have grown to appreciate the unique things the last frontier has to offer (no traffic, 24 hour daylight, privacy). When I’m not reading, writing, or playing board games, I’m cheering for my sons at their hockey games and tennis matches. I write historical and contemporary romantic fiction and I’m a member of Romance Writers of America.

My first book, a historical romance, will be available on November 25, 2013.

The Blacksmith’s Son is with Entangled Publishing’s Flirt imprint.

Awards: My work has won first place in the Ignite the Flame, Emerald City Opener, Gateway to the Best, and Merritt writing contests.

Website: www.rebeccathomas.org

Blog: www.FromHeretoThereRomance.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rebecca_Thomas3

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beccawriter

Giveaway: 
10 e-book copies of The Blacksmith's Son by Rebecca Thomas
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Under the Hood
By Sally Clements

ISBN: 9781622664405
Publisher: Entangled Flirts

Book blurb:

When sexy mechanic Alice Starr mistakenly believes attorney Mark Jameson needs her help, he discovers he likes being rescued for a change. Smitten by her confidence, he hides his expertise so he has an excuse to see her again.

Starting their new all-female garage, Under the Hood, is keeping Alice and her friends busy. She doesn't have time for a man. But with one kiss, she and Mark have advanced into water so deep she's in danger of drowning. So why hasn't he called?

Mark wants to tell Alice the truth so they can pursue a relationship. But he's got even bigger problems at his office when his bitter aunt threatens Alice’s livelihood. He needs a plan, fast, or else Under the Hood and his chances with Alice could both be ruined.


Buy links

About the Author:

Sally Clements writes fun, sexy and real contemporary romance, partnering hot heroes with heroines who know what they want, and go for it!

Since her first book was published in 2010, she’s published six more, and is a full-time author. Sally lives in the Irish countryside, and when she isn’t writing can usually be found in traffic, driving ‘Mum’s taxi’.

Always a voracious reader, she considers writing for a living the perfect job—the only downside is saying goodbye to her characters at book’s end!

Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/r1m5H
Website: http://www.sallyclements.blogspot.com/
Blog: http://minxesofromance.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sallywriter @Sallywriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SallyClementsAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4209647.Sally_Clements

Giveaway:
 $25 Amazon gift card and a custom made Swarovski Crystal necklace made with aquamarine crystal beads and a sterling silver wrench charm. (one person to receive both.)
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Sunday, December 29, 2013

'School (The Teacher Series Book #1)' by Michelle Lowhorn Book Blitz!


Schooled
The Teacher Series Book # 1
By- Michelle Lowhorn
Genre- Romantic Suspense
Publication Date- October 16, 2013
Published By- Rebel Ink Press


Feisty fourth grade teacher, Emmelynne Johnson, is fiercely independent and has a vocabulary that would make a sailor blush. While hiking at an area national park, she finds herself lost and alone. Just when she thinks she’s found her way, she unknowingly witnesses a brutal murder sanctioned by a local crime boss.


Colt Christianson, homicide detective for the Fort Worth Police Department, is known for his dedication and willingness to do whatever necessary to solve the crime. Still grieving for his late partner, Colt is called to investigate a murder that has connections to his partner’s death.

When the killers attempt to silence the only witness, the detective switches roles to become her protector. Together they will be forced to fight two battles, one against the killers and one against their burgeoning mutual attraction.



 



About the Author-
I’ve always said that I’ve got the two best jobs in the world, mother and teacher. Now I can add a third, romance author. My husband, Randy, and I live in Texas with our two teenagers, Jessie & Nate. 
When I’m not teaching or writing, you can bet I’ve got my nose in a book. I’ve got a serious addiction to reading all genres of romance novels. Becoming an author is a dream come true.


    

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'Scorned' by Tyffani Clark Kemp Book Blitz!


Scorned
LeKrista Scott, Vampire Hunted # 1
By-Tyffani Clark Kemp
Publication Date- October 15th, 2012
Genre-Paranormal/Vampires 

LeKrista Scott has killed a vampire, and now his lover wants revenge. 

After months of watching her from the shadows, Lucretious, a millennia old vampire, finally makes his attack during a party thrown by his maker, Roman - a party where Roman proclaims his protection over LeKrista. Roman steps in and saves her life, but not before she deals Lucretious the true death in front of his lover, Perdita. Now LeKrista is running for her life and Roman is trying to save it, but she’s not sure if he really cares or if he has some underhanded reason for keeping her alive. She seeks help from Mages but they refuse to help her, even though she exhibits high potential as a Mage herself. In a last ditch effort, Roman whisks LeKrista away, but Perdita finds them. LeKrista must eliminate Perdita one way or another.

      
  

Sunday, December 22, 2013

'Letters from Home (Entangled Flirts)' by Bethanne Strasser



Blurb:

An Army doctor, Lena Rodriguez has always been too busy with school or the Army for romance. But the letters she received during deployment have captured her heart. Back home for the holidays, she awaits Christmas morning to meet the man who has turned her life upside down.

When Zack Benson watched his best friend's sister Lena leave for Afghanistan, he knew he had to tell her he loved her. So he sent her anonymous love letters. Now that she’s home, he realizes he's made a tactical error. Lena has fallen for the man in those letters but still thinks of him as a brother. He has to convince her otherwise because if he succeeds, he’ll get the best Christmas present ever. But if he fails, he could lose her for good.

Excerpt:
Zack finally caught Lena’s gaze from across the table, and he lifted a brow as if to ask her, what is this?

Not that he didn’t enjoy spending time with the family. As a matter of fact, until the holidays had come around, there’d only been a few dinners since summer ended. School, work, and life had taken precedence.

Lena shrugged and a slight flush rose on her cheeks.

“Lena, you and me, at the pool table for a game.” When it looked like she might refuse, Zack stood and went around the table.

“I play winner.” Juan called out.

“Oh, no. I can’t. I stink at pool, Zack. You know very well how badly I play pool.”

“Come on. Smart girl like you should have no problem setting up a table and sinking a few balls. Practice, that’s all.” Zack tugged on Lena’s chair. He took her hand and was surprised to feel a slight tremble in it. He tightened his grip. “Relax, I’m not going to bite. It’s just a friendly game of billiards.”

She laughed, almost nervously. He let her hand go when they reached the little cove with a table in it. They were just hidden from view, enough to be able to talk privately, or make out. But that was just his imagination running away with him.

They both took a cue, and Zack set the table. Her silence put him on edge. Usually he knew what she was thinking, now he felt out-of-sorts. He’d asked her out on a date—hadn’t he?

She’d come with an entourage.

“Zack?”

He looked up and found her waiting for him. He made the opening break and nodded to her. “Your turn.”

She stared at him with a blush rising on her cheeks. “Where do I start?”

He relaxed, smiled at her, then studied the table, looking for her first move. “Over here,” he started and took her arm to guide her around to where the cue ball sat. “Go for the solids. You can hit the four in, no problem. Easy peasy.”

She stood behind her cue and leaned over the table.

“No. Not like that.” Zack moved in behind her.

The idea hadn’t started out as a ploy, but now that he was here, breathing in the delicious scent of her perfume, he enjoyed the heat of her against his skin where his arms met hers. They were hip to hip. He cupped her hand in his and rested the cue stick on top of it. She fit perfectly under his arm and against his body.

He cleared his throat as lust shot straight through his bones. “Ready?”

She turned her head and eyed him suspiciously. Her gaze fell to his lips for a fraction of a second, but she turned back to the table and took her shot. The light bracelets at her wrists chimed, and the purple ball rolled into the corner pocket. “Okay.” She grinned, turning into his space. His hands went to her shoulders where they met skin, supple and smooth.

“That wasn’t too hard at all,” she whispered. Her breath seemed caught in her throat, as if maybe, maybe she felt something too.

Zack stayed where he was, absorbing her warmth, the happiness that seemed to roll off her. This was what he’d wanted for her when he asked her to go out with him. Just a chance to have some fun, remember what it was like when they were younger.

He brushed strands of her hair from her face, the touch making his heart stutter. The urge to kiss her overwhelmed him. “Lena.”

“Yes?”

With his thumb, Zack traced a line along her collarbone. He tunneled his hand under the thick weight of her dark hair. Her eyes were wide with wonder. When he dipped his head to taste her, her lips parted, and she sucked in a breath.

Zack’s heart was pounding. Like the staccato of his M16, beating against his chest.

The kiss was soft and slow, and at first she didn’t respond at all. On the verge of letting her go completely, he felt her hands come up and grip his waist. Her lips moved against his.

Nothing in his entire life had felt so right before. He sank into her.

“Hey guys…Whoa!”

Zack groaned at the intrusion. Lena broke away, sucked in another breath, this one filled with shock and what-did-I-do?

His eyes slid shut. Damn it.



Buy links
Also available on iTunes


BIO:

Bethanne writes about her favorite things: family and love. When she isn't writing about it, she's living it with her Army husband and their five kids. She lives in the beautiful state of Colorado, where she gets her fill of cool weather, running, camping, and coffee drinking. She loves to hear from readers!


Find her on her webpage: http://www.bethannestrasser.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bethanne.strasser.5
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Bethanne_writes
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bstrasser35

Friday, December 20, 2013

'Cowboy Lust' by Rachel Sanford


Casey had always loved Jake but she walked away. When she was forced to come home to her family's ranch the passion between the two flared to the surface again.

Can she stay away from him? Or will the handsome cowboy break through her defenses again and steal more than her heart?

This story is an adult erotic short story, approx. 14 pages with explicit sex scenes.

http://amzn.to/1bgKUZe

Author info:

Rachel Sanford is a new erotic romance writer from Ontario Canada. Her inspiration for writing comes from her incredibly happy and passionate marriage to the man of her dreams.

She strongly believes that living a happy, healthy, passionate, and loving life are the things that stimulate the mind, body and soul.
Her mission is "To spread passion, romance and love, one page at a time".

You can join her on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/racsansroom or contact her at racsan2000 (at) gmail.com

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Meet Victoria James, author of 'The Billionaire's Christmas Baby'



What was the inspiration behind this book?
A few years ago I began wondering what if I hadn’t grown up with anyone? What if I didn’t know my family, know who my parents were? What if I never had a home, a place that was my own? Would I want a family when I grew up? Or would I want to be alone, not really knowing how to be in a family, or how to trust someone enough to be in a lasting relationship?

Or, what if for the first few years of my life I had grown up in an idyllic family and then my world came crashing down around me? If the person nearest and dearest to me died, and no one in the family could pick up the pieces again? As an adult would I yearn for those days and try and recreate that special time in my life? Or would the pain of the loss prevent me from ever wanting to take the chance at such meaningful love?
To which character do you best relate?
Hannah, I think. She’s an optimist and loves all things Christmas
What is one of your favorite things about this book?
The power of forgiveness-even after people are gone. In, The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby, Jackson Pierce had a perfect childhood-until a death changed everything. The tragedy shattered his family, and he grew to hate the holidays, and everything that reminded him of the people he had lost. Hannah Woods, the woman who is about to challenge all his beliefs grew up with nothing, with no one. And yet, it is Hannah who teaches him the importance of family ties, and the power of forgiveness. Somehow, the two of them must overcome their pasts and find a way to be the family that both of them secretly desire…
What is it about the insanely rich billionaire that makes him so swoon-worthy for readers?
I think a couple of things: who doesn’t love the idea of not having to worry about money, living in gorgeous homes, being able to travel without worrying about cost. Also, the billionaire is also a man that is hard-working, intelligent, and reliable. All good things!
What is your secret for success in writing?
Loving what I write! I have to love my characters and they have to have the right dynamic…if not I lose interest and I can really feel that something is ‘off’…and if I feel that, than surely a reader would too!
What are some of your other publications?
The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby was my debut book. I also have my “Red River” series of books from Indulgence: A Risk Worth Taking and The Best Man’s Baby. The third book in that series is due out in 2014. I also have another book coming out as part of a continuity in March. It’s about a widowed rancher and the woman who gives him a reason to fall in love again…
On what projects are you currently working?
I just handed in edits on my rancher book. Then I’m diving into edits on the third Red River book.
I live across Lake Ontario in Upstate NY. Have you ever visited the States?
Lots of times! We have some relatives in NY as well as friends in the States.
What are some of your recommended places to visit in and near Toronto?
So many…it’s hard to narrow it down…downtown Toronto has some great attractions and there are nearby quaint towns that offer a lot as well. Right in the city of course there’s the C.N Tower, The Royal Ontario Museum and then throughout the year there are tons of different festivals and events.
What is something that readers may be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a wimp! Can’t handle any scary movies or stories
. Thank you so much for your time!
Thank you so much for having me!



The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby
by Victoria James

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


BLURB:

An Entangled Christmas Classic …

Jackson Pierce didn’t make his fortune entertaining every half-cocked idea, especially one involving diaper changes. Not even the cute brunette who links him to the baby in her arms can crack his icy heart.A baby on the doorstep is the least of Hannah Woods’s problems—she has to find the baby’s uncle, or the child will end up in foster care. She sleuths her way to the reclusive CEO’s doorstep only to find six feet of holiday sexy—and a door slammed in her face. But when Jackson comes around and urges they marry for little Emily’s sake, Hannah finds herself falling for the jaded billionaire and wishing for a holiday miracle of their own…

Read an excerpt:
“Look, you can spend the night here. Leave in the morning when the storm is over.”

She paused and went back to fruitlessly wiping off the windshield with one arm, while clutching a round container like a football under her other arm. He spotted a Christmas wreath attached to the front bumper of her car. He tried not to groan out loud at the absurd ornament. He had never actually met anyone who went to the trouble of decorating their car for Christmas. She was working on her side windows, still ignoring him. Stubborn was the last thing he needed right now.

“Well, we both know you can’t get anywhere with this weather tonight.” He felt the ice pellets drumming against the back of his neck like a bunch of nails. She continued to pay no attention to him. Enough was enough. He walked over and grabbed the scraper from her hand. She glared at him and yanked it back.

“I’m not staying here. You’re mentally unbalanced.”

“What were you thinking coming here alone, at night? Obviously you intended on staying.” He tried to pry the scraper out of her hand again, but it was as though that giant red mitten was super glued to the damn thing.

“Stop being a bully. I didn’t think it would take me over six hours to drive up here. I never planned on staying here, so stop flattering yourself. I don’t like you. I don’t trust you. So leave me alone and let go of my brush!”

She yelled that last part and he let go, his hands up in the air in a surrender motion. He wasn’t going to beg her to stay here. Jackson watched as she fell backwards into a mound of snow. A tin flew in the air and what looked like cookies fell out. Uh-oh.

“My cookies!”



Buy links
Also available from Entangled Publishing



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Victoria James always knew she wanted to be a writer and in grade five, she penned her first story, bound it (with staples) and a cardboard cover and did all the illustrations herself. Luckily, this book will never see the light of day again.

In high school she fell in love with historical romance and then contemporary romance. After graduating University with an English Literature degree, Victoria pursued a degree in Interior Design and then opened her own business. After her first child, Victoria knew it was time to fulfill the dream of writing romantic fiction.

Victoria is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.

Victoria loves connecting with readers, you can find her online at www.victoriajames.ca and on Twitter: @vicjames101

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6585223.Victoria_James

https://www.facebook.com/victoria.james.7146557

Twitter: @Vicjames101

Website/Blog: www.victoriajames.ca


Victoria will be awarding the first two books in the Red River Series (A Risk Worth Taking & The Best Man's Baby) + $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!
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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A chat with Liza O'Connor, author of 'Ghost Lover'


What was the inspiration behind Ghost Lover?
Most of my stories come to me when I’m dreaming. For this one I dreamt I’d made love to a very romantic ghost. In the morning, I went downstairs and googled to determine if that really happened to people. Turns out it’s been happening forever. Although I have to say, my Ghost Lover seems much nicer than a lot of those of lore (which should be called Demon Defilers.)
Did you have to do any research for this book?
I’ve yet to write a book that does not require research. I almost always need a lawyer…or five. My characters are trouble magnets and there seems to be no end to the trouble they get into. Because laws are different for every state, I need to ensure my lawyer knows that state.

I also had to investigate Lassier’s and the Durran history, and checked with my many English friends on how they would say things.
Which character is your favorite?
Mr. Finch the Ghost Cat. While it’s not in book, I gave him a fabulous backstory, which I share in some of my blogs. I’ll give you the short version here. Lassier lived in the 15th century and spent a great deal of his time protecting his lands from invaders. Mr. Finch is an ocelot he raised from a kitten. The 40 pound wildcat would ride into battle on his horse’s leather covered rump. During one battle, Lassier’s blade broke, but before the enemy could take kill Lassier, Mr. Finch leapt onto the neck of the enemy’s horse, causing the animal to rear and unseat the man. Then Mr. Finch stuck his paw into the man’s visor, causing the man to drop his sword to protect his eyes. Sadly, the man twisted Mr. Finch’s neck before Lassier could kill him.

The cat had saved Lassier’s life twice that day, so Lassier buried the animal in the family cemetery in hopes Mr. Finch would return as a ghost, just as all Durrans buried there did. He stayed up that night, waiting for Mr. Finch to rise. At midnight, the mist rose from the grave, but instead of forming the image of a ghost cat, it dissipated. Lassier silently cried at the loss of his grand cat until a familiar purr resonated in the air and heavy paws pressed on his chest. Mr. Finch was invisible but very much there. In fact, he proved to be more formidable than ever now, because no enemy could see what attacked them as he protected his master in all future battles.
What is so appealing about ghost stories, both as a reader and as a writer?
Huffington Post did a survey recently and found 45% of people in the US believe in ghosts.

I believe in ghosts because I live with one. She’s the original owner of my home—I suppose I should say HER home—and after a rough start, we’ve gotten along very well. However, because I know for a fact they exists, that means ghosts get to pop up in any of my books as a character. They are fair game.
Please tell us about your other published works.
Saving Casey is about an old woman who dies and returns in the body of a 17 yr old troubled teen. It starts out funny and then gets serious as the people who killed Casey come after Cass. (I also believe in reincarnation.)
[Psssst! Hey, everyone, Andi here, interrupting for a moment. You can read my review of Saving Casey over at Andi's Young Adult Books!]
Then I have a humorous Disaster Romance series called A Long Road To Love. The first two books, Worst Week Ever and Oh Stupid Heart are both available on Amazon. It’s about a billionaire egocentric boss and his adorable middle class Executive Assistant. They are like two different species and the relationship is impossible, but do they listen to me? No! They keep trying to make it work. I finally get them to come to reason in the third book, coming out in Feb 2014. It’s called Coming to Reason.
What other projects are you currently working?
I’m writing a fourth book resolving Trent’s screwed up life, and I’ll also be bringing out a Victorian-era humorous Mystery series starting mid-2014 which is my favorite series I’ve ever written.
What really drives you as a writer?
I love to tell stories.
How do you handle a case of writer's block?
I’ve never had writer’s block
You have a nose for adventure. What is one of your most memorable experiences?
I’ll never forget the first time I jumped out of a plane. Right after we took off, the stall alarm went off because the plane was overloaded with jumpers. Since I am also a pilot, I knew what the alarm meant, so I made my peace with God and prepared to crash. Somehow, they got the little plane up in the sky. When it came time to jump, I volunteered to get out of the little junk heap ASAP. However, the moment I rolled my legs out of the open side of the plane to feel about for the small metal bar to stand upon, I had a moment where I feared I’d be sucked out by the wind. Stupid fear, since I planned to jump out anyway, so I scolded myself and successfully grabbed hold of the strut until the instructor was satisfied and nodded for me to release the wing.

It was incredibly windy and noisy and so far I hadn’t enjoyed anything about this adventure, but once I let go and the death trap plane flew off without me and my chute opened, the most amazing sense of peace overcame me.

Nothing has come close to the calming sensation I felt that day. This proved to be most fortunate, because when I attempted to guide my parachute to the landing zone, I discovered one of the toggles had tangled up, so my chute could not be steered. Instead of panicking, I mentally said, “Oh look, the toggle is tangled. I need to fix that,” and set about putting matters to right. Once I had it operable, I steered away from the trees and power lines I had been heading towards, located my landing-site, and landed safely.
What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?
I had an important role in bringing you fiber to the home and high speed internet. You’re welcome.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Live life as if this is your only one. I don’t actually think it is. I believe we reincarnate. But treat it as if it is, because the next time you might return as an Aye Aye. (Here’s a funny you tube on the Aye Aye: http://youtu.be/jHs5POy8-8Y)
Thank you so much for your time!
Thanks for having me. It was fun.

GHOST LOVER
by Liza O’Connor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


BLURB:

Two sexy English brothers. One irresistible ghost. Who would you choose as your lover?

Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.

As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let him marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him--beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…

The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.

CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.

Read an excerpt:
Senna woke to her breast beeping. Trying to make sense of the oddity, she pushed herself up to rest on her elbows and discovered the noise came from Brendon’s wristwatch. Somehow, his hand had found its way beneath her bra during the night, and now chirped like a baby chick.

She contemplated tearing his hand off at the wrist, but he looked so angelic with his curly dark hair framing his handsome face. With a heavy sigh, she unlatched her bra and eased his hand out, then gently shook him until his face scrunched into a pained grimace.

He groaned and frowned at his noisy watch. “This is a god-awful hour to be woken up,” he said in his sexy British accent. “Never bothers me when I’m coming home at this hour.”

Senna rolled her eyes. “Speak for yourself.”

Pushing himself up, he shook his head. “Remember the second night I came around? You kept yelling at me, ‘Did I realize it was four in the morning?’ At the time, I couldn’t understand your fuss.” He groaned and scratched his scalp. “Well, I certainly understand it now. It’s bloody hell to be woken at this ungodly hour.”

Available as ebook and paperback
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1493667386/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1493667386&linkCode=as2&tag=andsboorev-20


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog, Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.




Liza will be awarding a digital copy of "Worst Week Ever" to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a grand prize of one $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her Virtual Book Tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!
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