Crush on CHBB

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Elite Blog Tour with the Fabulous Coey Cain





Blurb:
 
Everyone assumes that Joelie Baudelaire lives a charmed life. She has a generous benefactor in Warren Jardine, and a glamorous lifestyle in the exciting city of Las Vegas. Everyone is wrong.
 
When Warren is arrested, Joelie has the ability to escape the emotional jail he's held her captive in for two years. Her father's house should be her refuge, but it's another kind of prison altogether. All Joelie wants is a normal, peaceful life. Discovering that she is one of The World Elite, a genetically superior race, puts a whole new set of shackles on her life.
 
Her destiny is planned, and her future marriage is pre-arranged. While Joelie still remembers her childhood crush on the Elite, Sender Stelle, it isn't easy to accept a betrothal to a man she barely knows beyond his photograph.
 
Warren doesn't want to release his control over her. The World Elite would force her to fulfill her destined duty, and Sender has gone from resigned acceptance to benign co-operation with the powers that be.
 
Freedom is just out of reach. All Joelie must do is defy some of the most powerful people in the world, and survive.
 
 
 
 

My Q&A with the Amazing Coey Cain
 
Most of my favorite authors are indie or self-pubbed, what made me you decide to go that route? And what made you decide on CHBB?

When I came onto the scene, CHBB and Vamptasy were two different companies, but I was under the impression they were the same. From the get-go, that’s the company I wanted to be with. I didn’t want my book sitting on a shelf, collecting dust and going unnoticed. I knew, without a doubt, these publishers would sell my book and get it noticed. The day I signed with Vamptasy, I knew my book was in the best hands possible.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Always write to please yourself. That’s the first bit of advice that comes to mind. It’s not a race or a competition. Don’t do it for the money, do it because you love it. I’m convinced that a person has to be a little insane to be a writer to begin with. There’s no sense in making yourself any crazier than you already are, so just write to make yourself happy.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider the biggest influence in your writing?

This is going to sound really bad… but I’m going to have to choose Danielle Steel. I, personally, don’t relate to any of her books. I’ve not been able to love anything I’ve ever read by her. I knew she was mega successful, a bestseller, and wicked rich by doing what she loved to do. That was my dream too and I respect her. I’ve always said, “I want to be the next Danielle Steel.” If she can do it, I can too.

What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us?

All of my attention lately has been focused on The Elite II. It’s coming along rather nicely and I’ll be introducing some new characters, new problems, and some brand new Elites. One of which is sure to intrigue a lot of people. An Asian Albino and all-around Badass by the name of Kiko is stepping onto the scene. This chick is intense and, by far, the most hair-raising cast member of the bunch. Big things are coming.

Okay, those were some pretty basic questions. Let’s get a bit more personal. How much of The Elite is based on actually life experience?

People who really know me, and know my life, think I’m writing about myself. I’ve used some scenarios that have happened to me in real life because it’s raw and it’s real. The experiences and the emotion is real and it’s sometimes gut-wrenching because I went through it. At times, it wasn’t easy to write. To this day, it’s not easy for me to read. I strive for authenticity in everything I create. Yes, it’s fiction, but there’s moments where the line between fiction and reality becomes smudged.

What is one of your writing quirks? Do you plot out your books or just freely write them and let the characters tell you what to do next?

It’s about 10% plan and 90% Free-For-All. A lot of the time, I don’t feel like I’m in control. The visions that come to me are like premonitions and as hard as I try, it can’t be unseen. The story tells itself and I don’t fight it. It is the way it is. I’ve compared my books to a movie that plays in my head. That’s exactly what it is. I don’t make my characters do many things. I can steer them in a direction, but the rest of the time they’re in control.

Any song or songs that could basically sum up the overall mood of The Elite?
 
So far, I’ve not found a single jingle that could ever possibly do that. There might come a day, but this isn’t it.

Describe yourself in three words.
 
Dominant, Honest, and Impatient.

Besides being one of the coolest chicks I know and an amazing writer, what else do you feel you need to accomplish before you die?

lol. You’re sweet. Thanks for the compliment.
What do I want to accomplish before I die… Everything. Leave no stone unturned, leave no rollercoaster unridden. I don’t want to die with a single wish on my bucket list.

Thanks for being on the blog, Coey. You are seriously one of my favorite lit sisters! <3

Love you! Thank you so much for having me on today. :)  

 
 
 
About the Author
 

Coey Cain is a dedicated author who began writing novels as a means of entertainment at the tender age of eight. Never intending to publish or pursue a career in the field, she chased other opportunities and gained knowledge in a plethora of interests. She spent most of her adult life out West, living a fast-paced lifestyle and appreciating every minute of it. With a great love for fast cars, and with sixteen years’ experience in racing and precision driving, she dreams of rally racing cross-country one day.
 
Coey is an adventurist at heart who’s unafraid of new endeavors. She believes that danger and risks are what make for the best experiences, and ultimately better stories. Currently, she’s maintaining a quiet lifestyle while focusing on her writing career. Her passion for writing and storytelling has stood the test of time and she feels obligated to herself to make her dreams come true in every aspect of life.
 
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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Elizabeth A. Lance's Agents of the Crown Series Tour

 
 
 
Book 1: Courting Danger: Agents for the Crown
 
Ellen Montgomery wants nothing more than to live her life on her terms. However when her Father catches her riding his favorite stallion astride and in her brothers breeches no less, he decides to send Ellen to Paris for some much needed polish before the London Season. Ellen is soon fascinated with the Lords she meets, but only one makes her blood burn in more ways than one!
 
Christopher Fairfax, the new Earl of Durham has sworn off women, they are nothing but trouble. But he soon finds himself intrigued by his best friend’s younger sister, a wild little hellion who won’t listen to reason and won’t stay out of his head.
 
Ellen and Christopher both find themselves courting danger when they find a common enemy in Lord Darby, a ruthless man wanted by the crown for murder. A man determined to gain Ellen’s hand and therefore her fortune in marriage by any means necessary. Ellen and Christopher must work together to stop him before it’s too late.
 
 
 
Book 2: Artifice: Agents for the Crown
 
David Alexander Cole, the Earl of Whitborne is tired of his life as an agent, but when he meets an enchanting young miss with an unusual request he finds he cannot help but be intrigued.  Miss Joanna Deville enters his life like a whirlwind and he finds himself hard pressed not to help her in her quest for love, but soon finds himself entangled in a love triangle. The game is one of deception, make a certain gentleman jealous, and catch a jewel thief in the process, but it goes awry when he finds himself falling in love with Joanna’s devastatingly beautiful best friend, Miss Arianna Channing.  What’s a spy to do when confronted with such Artifice…
      
Arianna Channing has always been the belle of the ball. Her entourage includes all of the most eligible gentlemen, and she enjoys the power her beauty has over them, but there is one… One delectable rake with the power to make her feel something more, something real and true, but he’s embroiled in a charade of love with her best friend. How can she ever convince the rakishly handsome Lord Whitborne to quit his deception and join her in a true romance…
      
“Very well, my dear, you have yourself a bargain.  As soon as we reach London, I shall become your Flirt.  Though, I may ask for a favor in return later,” Alex replied, with a wicked grin.
 
 
 
Book 3: Charade: Agents for the Crown     
Jessica Farrington fell in love with Lord Ashley Sinclair the moment they were reacquainted. She only wishes that he actually felt the same desire for her, as she does for him.  Jessica soon finds that she must leave London when a letter arrives informing her of her father’s assassination attempt in Vienna.  Her best friends join her on her journey and she realizes that Ashley will be along as well. She is secretly thrilled, for it will afford her more time in his company.
Enter Lord Knight, a handsome and romantic masked Romeo, who takes Jessica’s breath away. His late night visits to her balcony, and his stolen kisses have Jessica’s heart soaring.  His dancing grey eyes and wicked smile remind her so much of her love, but are her suspicions of her amorous Romeo correct?
 Join Jessica and her friends as they travel to Vienna to unmask an assassin and find her heart’s desire.
 
*Excerpt from Courting Danger: Agents of the Crown*
 
 
Ellen joined her aunt in the front hall and they walked out to their waiting carriage together.
 
“Will Mr. Fairfax and Jonathon be joining us this evening?”
 
“I fear not my dear. He and your brother have both deserted us for the gaming clubs I believe.”
 
Ellen was disappointed to find that he would not be joining them in their box at the Opera that evening. Ever since she had realized her true feelings for him earlier that morning, she had hoped to run into him and start repairing their relationship. “Oh. I see.”
 
“I am sure that we shall have a fine time without them my dear. Countess Olivia and Lord Sinclair are sure to join us.”
 
Ellen glanced down the street as she climbed aboard the carriage. She noticed an unfamiliar equipage parked down the block, but in the streetlight, she could not make out the crest. Something about it disturbed her, however she was unsure what. “Aunt Kate, do you know whose carriage that is?”
 
Kate glanced in the direction Ellen had indicated and studied the crest upon the door. “Why, if I am not mistaken, I believe that those are the Duke of Avebury’s colors, though I cannot be sure, my dear.”
 
Feeling worried, Ellen frowned, for the Duke lived on the opposite side of Paris. “What could he possibly be doing over here?”
 
“I would not worry about it, love, for if it is he, he shan’t bother us.”
 
They rode to the south of the city where the opera house was located. Jean opened the carriage door and helped them to descend. They entered the exquisitely decorated building and made their way through the throng of patrons to their box on the second floor. Ellen sat down in one of the front seats so that she might take everything in, and looked around in excitement. The stage, hidden by gold brocade curtains, would be easy to see from their seats. She glanced up with delight at the gorgeous tapestries hanging upon the walls. Everything looked so inviting.
 
Picking up her opera glasses, Ellen gazed about the room, waiting for the Opera to start. Her eyes caught on the box directly across from her and she gasped.
 
Christopher sat across from the Well’s box with a stunning raven-haired courtesan. At least that is what Ellen suspected her to be. The woman wore a dangerously low cut gown of ruby red silk. She had a positively gaudy diamond necklace around her throat and the seductive way she leaned into Christopher made Ellen sick with jealousy.
 
She felt as if she had been slapped. “How dare he!” Positive that her cheeks were as red as the Cyprian’s gown, Ellen covered them, willing herself to be calm. She turned at once to Lord Sinclair, who had just entered the box. “Lord Sinclair, how lovely it is to see you. Will you be joining us for the entire performance, Milord?”
 
Sinclair smiled. “If you wish, my dear Miss Montgomery, it would be my pleasure. I had hoped to be invited to sit with you for a while.” He took the seat next to her.
 
Ellen turned her fiery gaze back to Christopher. If he thinks I am going to behave the proper lady with him sitting with a harlot, then he has another think coming. She leaned in closer to Lord Sinclair with determination and her most charming smile. “Have you seen this opera, Milord?”
 
“I am afraid not, however I am told that it is quite delightful,” he answered, a roguish grin lighting his face. “You do look very lovely this evening Miss Montgomery.”
 
“La Sir! You will put me to the blush!” she exclaimed as she tapped him playfully with her fan, her eyes twinkling with naughtiness.
 
“So what has put you into such high spirits this evening?” he asked.
 
“Why, it is your company, of course, my Lord,” she answered with an amused smile.
 
“I could not possibly take all of the credit for your mood. Perhaps it is the…atmosphere.”   Sinclair arched an eyebrow and cast a look across the room with a smile.
 
“A lady would never admit to that, Milord.”  Ellen brushed her fan against her left cheek and felt her cheeks heat at his look.
 


Author Bio:

 
Elizabeth A. Lance lives with her husband, Brandon, their two teens, lovingly nicknamed Princess and The Boy, and a menagerie of crazy animals. She is the author of  several short stories, the Young Adult series, Soul Mates as well as the Agents for the Crown, Regency series with Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing. She loves to hear from her fans and can be reached at http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAnneLance.
 
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Book Trailer Reveal: Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

 
 Title: Branded
Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Genre: Mature Young Adult, Dystopian
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours
 
 

Book Description:
 
Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.
 
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.
 
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win. The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.
 
 
 
Author Bios:

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.


Links:

Twitter
Website/blog
Facebook
 
Book Trailer:
 
 
 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Q&A with the Fabulous Danielle Farman

 
Blood & Milk: Tainted Dreams by Danielle Farman
Release Date: May 22nd 
Publisher: Vamptasy
 
 
Blurb:
 
Maya's quiet life changes beyond recognition when she meets and falls in love with Adrian. Just when she thinks her life of loneliness and pain is over, she learns that Adrian has a secret. The shy but sexy guitarist is tormented by blood lust. He and his fellow band members are vampires. Their leader, Nicholas, believes they are messengers of God sent to do His will by murdering the sinners of the world. Maya fights for her life and sanity as she tries to save Adrian from Nicholas' grasp.
 
 


Q&A with the author


1.     Most of my favorite authors are indie or self-pubbed, what made me you decide to go that route? And what made you decide on Vamptasy?

 
I adore many indie and self-pubbed authors too! I was recommended by a friend to send my manuscript to Vamptasy, so I looked them up. I loved their way of doing things and how friendly they appeared.

 
2.   Do you have any advice for other writers?

 
Honestly, don’t give up on your dreams! I never thought I would ever have a novel published yet here I am! Never push yourself too much. Enjoy writing and revel in your amazing imagination.

 
3.   If you had to choose, which writer would you consider the biggest influence in your writing?

 

That is a tough one! My all-time favourite author is Stephen King. I admire how blunt and ‘straight to the point’ he is. People are often criticized for what they write, but he never cared. I remember an interview I read with King. He was asked something like ‘why do you write about such scary things?’ and he replied ‘why do you assume I have a choice?’ In school I was often made fun of and criticized for my style of writing and themes, and after reading those wise words of Stephen Kings I smiled and carried on writing what I enjoyed to write about. My style is obviously different than his, but he influenced me in this way.

 
4.   What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us?

 
I am currently working on another paranormal romance novel. It is dark and gothic, much like ‘Blood and Milk’, but slightly more light-hearted. I have another novel idea for after that as well. It will be the darkest of my creations which is both exciting and frightening for me.


5.   Okay, those were some pretty basic questions. Let’s get a bit more personal. How much of Blood and Milk is based on actually life experience?

 
Parts of it are loosely based on life occurrences, such as some of the less extreme experiences the characters have with bullies. What Maya see’s when she is out at night in the town is very much real. That’s the scary part. And I know a bunch of vampires who live together in a cellar. Just kidding.

 
6.   What is one of your writing quirks? Do you plot out your books or just freely write them and let the characters tell you what to do next?

 
I always try to plan my books as best I can before writing them, but characters have an amazing ability to change beneath your fingertips as you type. They surprise me sometimes, and do the craziest things.

 
7.   Any song or songs that could basically sum up the overall mood of Blood and Milk?

 
There are a few songs I listen to that inspire me to write ‘Blood and Milk’ such as ‘Cry for Eternity’ by Dragonforce, ‘Nemo’ by Nightwish, ‘Parasite God’ by Mortiis and ‘Fear of the Dark’ by Iron Maiden. The lyrics and themes aren’t completely relevant, but many are.

 
8.   Describe yourself in three words.

 Nervous, eccentric and sarcastic.

 
9.   Besides being an amazing writer, what else do you feel you need to accomplish before you die?

 
There are so many things! I would love for my novels to inspire people. I am actually currently pregnant with my first child, so I hope to accomplish being an awesome mother too! And possibly be taken on by an alternative modeling agency at some point as I also enjoy doing alternative modeling as a hobby.




Excerpt from Blood & Milk:



At some point down the line I had tried to walk through that forest again. I had tried to face those trees. They stood tall, hanging over me, knowing the truth. The earth beneath my sodden boots had tasted her blood, and so had the fallen leaves and overgrown grass. Nature was a hushed spectator. The trees whispered words of judgment as I passed by them. Gently, they moved together, watching me. I had felt their presence that day as well. The day I found Jemma. The world had been silent like the grave, holding its breath as it waited for me to find her. Nature would judge me for loving Adrian.

When I had found her lying there I debated whether she was just sleeping. Her dead body lay there perfectly, like someone lying in their coffin. Her hair was tainted red, but it was placed so caringly on her shoulders. The white dress had been made presentable, just passing her knees. Her hands were positioned on her stomach, one on top of the other. My mind had discarded the wound on her neck, and the blood on her dress. It was her fingers, and the missing nails. All ten fingers and thumbs rested on her dress without nails. I just stood there, staring at her hands. I noticed the blood underneath them, and so curiosity took over. Blankly and mechanically, I had lifted her hands, cringing at how cold they felt.

I screamed and threw myself away from her, landing on my front as I attempted to turn away. My scream had ripped through the silent air. It was too loud, so I covered my mouth. I twisted my body around to check what I had seen was real. Seeing it again made me taste vomit in my mouth. It burned in my throat. It was then I noticed the gaping hole in her neck. This image was the beginning of so many tainted dreams.

Those memories were vivid in my mind as I walked there once more. I recalled phoning the police, and then waiting for them. I had just stood there staring at her. The trees watched all of this, and the wind gently wept.

I could see her everywhere. Her face appeared in the bark of the trees. The knots in the wood became her eyes. Every branch on the ground was her listless body, still waiting to be found. A supermarket bag became her dress, and the red leaves on the ground was a sea of her blood. I swore I could still smell her rotting body. It mixed together with the smells of nature, and cold air.

The sleeping zombie still lay slumbering in my mind, and I could see her everywhere I looked in the forest. Her blood tainted my mind, while Adrian’s secret tainted my life.

This sick reality was eating away at my already fragile mind. Adrian’s blood was contaminated by sinful desires. Those dreams of his blood falling into milk were a reality. Nicholas seen me as the problem. He seen it as my milk was contaminating Adrian’s blood. Nicholas, my antagonist. I hated him with ever inch of my body and soul. But I would keep Adrian sane. He is my love. I was the prayer to his tainted dreams, even though he was the cause of mine.

 




About the Author:

 

Danielle was born in Aberdeen, in the North East of Scotland and lives in her beloved bungalow with her boyfriend and several pets she likes to call her 'familiars'. She enjoys writing, reading, going on long walks while listening to music and modeling as her alter ego Jester Jinx. Danielle mainly writes paranormal romance and horror stories. It has been her dream since the age of five to be a published author.




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