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Showing posts with label Excerpt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Excerpt. Show all posts

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Cover Reveal: The Singing River by the lovely R.K. Ryals

 
 

The Singing River

 Cover Reveal  - July 21, 2013
Expected Release Date – August 4, 2013
NA Contemporary
By R.K. Ryals

Cover Design By Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography
 
Synopsis:
 
In Mississippi, there's a legend about a Singing River, a tragic love story that ended with an entire Indian tribe singing a death chant as they marched stoically into the Pascagoula River to die ...
 
At eighteen, Haven Ambrose isn't just a high school graduate. In her head, she's an aspiring writer, a traveler, a chef, a slayer of injustice, an astronomer, an archaeologist, and the love child of a famous, rich musician. But reality is harsher. Reality is overdue bills, a crumbling trailer, an absent father, an old addiction, and a hot, crushing summer that may end in disappointment.
 
For twenty year-old River Brayden, life seems good, but appearances can be deceiving. The oldest son of a wealthy family, he has finished his first year at Harvard to return home for the summer only to discover his younger brother headed down an unforgiving road.
 
They will be drawn together by a song. For during the late summer, they say the Pascagoula death chant can still be heard near the Singing River. Its call is haunting, its chant a testament of love and sacrifice. It calls to some ... beckoning.
 
Add The Singing River To Your TBR List on Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18132842-the-singing-river
 
 
 
Excerpt:
 
I stepped toward her. “You have a way of making people relate to you.”
 
She snorted. “I doubt that.”
 
I was in front of her now, my face peering down into hers. “Really, you do. A few hours of knowing you feels like days.”
 
“Sounds tiresome,” she teased.
 
“It’s a gift,” I countered.
 
There were sudden lines in her forehead, a troubled look in her eye. “Some might call it a curse,” she murmured. “By the end of this trip, you’ll want me gone.”
 
It was my turn to frown, my gaze studying her face. She had green eyes so dark they could be mistaken for brown and lashes so long they almost touched her brows. True, she was more willowy than curvy, but she was beautiful in an understated, elegant kind of way. The faint freckles on the bridge of her nose drove me crazy.
 
“Why do you think that?” I asked.
 
There was something stark and open about her eyes when she answered, “Because I am better at being abandoned than I am at keeping people.”
 
 
 
About The Author:
 
R. K. Ryals is a scatterbrained mother of three whose passion is reading whatever she can get her hands on. She makes her home in Mississippi with her husband, three daughters, a Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, and a coffeepot she couldn't live without.
 
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Saturday, June 8, 2013

Kim McNiel's Caleb Blog Tour

 
 
 

Synopsis:

Living a double life, Caleb is a hard-working and self-assured man, who doubles as an arrogant, cocky and womanizing prick. With his choices of women on a layaway plan, he’s never lonely.

Caleb believes he’s nailed the market on being the ultimate playa and never wonders what the consequences could be if Sarah, his live in, ever found out…until she does. When Sarah turns his life upside down, Caleb loses it and catastrophe follows not far behind.

When his world gets flipped right size up, he begins to realize the things that are really important to him. Although Caleb makes some ultimate sacrifices to save his pride, ego and relationship with Sarah, he still hides one very important secret.
 
  Excerpt:
 
Stopping at the florist on the way home, I pull in and pick up a dozen pink roses for Sarah. Yes, sucking ass big time.
Hey, if it works…then I’ll be all good. When I’m good, everyone is good. God forbid I get red roses, she’d want to run off to the fucking chapel. That isn’t going to happen to me, not in this lifetime anyways. I stroll in the house.
“I’m home babe,” I yell out, dropping the folder on the table.
“Upstairs,” Sarah yells back. I know this tone.
Skipping two steps at a time, I follow the circular staircase. I dodge the hanging chandelier with my head. Something else she had to have, forgetting I am well over six fucking feet tall.
“Hi darling, these are for you,” I hand her the flowers.
“Why? Because you slammed the phone down in my ear earlier?”
And…here we go! She’s such a bitchacoholic.
 
 
About the Author

Kim McNiel is a good ole' country girl at heart. She was born and raised in a small Texas town called Spring. As the mother of three, she spent most of her adult life dedicated to raising her family. With her children almost grown, she decided to fulfill her dream of writing. Her best friend, told her 'pen to paper sweetie, never give up, and never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T—‘ she heeded his advice and didn't. She writes contemporary and steamy romance and several memoir pieces on the back burner.
 
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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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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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