tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38459722741668620822024-03-29T03:29:50.867+00:00CarolOatesCarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-37242671098722563902018-03-22T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-22T10:00:03.081+00:00Time for Titanic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's less than a day until I head off to Belfast for the <a href="http://titanicsigningbelfast.com/">Titanic Signing event</a>. I can't wait to meet the amazing authors who will be attending.<br />
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I will be bringing along copies of all my books, bookmarks, postcards, and some goodies for readers who stop by my table.<br />
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Yep, I will be bringing along a whole lot of soap, some with scents inspired by my books. Everything from chocolate, the eye colour of one of characters to coffee for Something Wicked. For those with a sweet tooth, I'll have rainbow lollipops inspired by the rainbow roses Caleb gives to Triona in Shades of Atlantis.<br />
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To top it off, I will also be hosting a giveaway at my table. All you have to do is pop along and drop your name and a contact into the fish bowl. You could win yourself some handcrafted soap, a copy of Something Wicked, plus a signed copy of the award winning book, Forbidden by <a href="https://featherstoneauthor.wordpress.com/">Feather Stone</a>.<br />
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Better Wear Your Flak Jacket</div>
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Gunfire echoes within the walls of a Middle East police compound.
Screams of terror are brutally silenced. Police captain Hashim Sharif
captures one survivor. Soon Eliza MacKay will wish she had died with her
companions.</div>
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The vile act of terrorism is covered-up. Sharif becomes the reluctant
keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, MacKay. His
corrupt superiors have a gun rammed against his skull. Disloyalty to the
mayor will be rewarded with being buried alive.</div>
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Whatever the cost, his government’s honor must be restored. Secretly,
Sharif hunts forensic evidence. Who is responsible for the murder of
fifteen American volunteers? And, why did MacKay lie about her identity?
He can’t trust her. Her mental illness is going to get both of them
killed.</div>
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When he receives orders to dispose of MacKay, his Muslim faith is
tested. Murder an innocent in cold blood? He will suffer Allah’s eternal
wrath.</div>
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CIA Agent Hutchinson has the lying Sharif in his cross hairs. Sharif
dodges the agent’s traps almost as easily as the hitman on his tail.
When Sharif discovers the shocking truth, he loses all hope of survival.</div>
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What is worth dying for? Perhaps it’s not bringing a madman to
justice. Could it be saving the life of a woman who kick-started his
numb heart? On the knife edge of risk, Sharif plots an act most
forbidden and fatal.</div>
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Tickets to the
event available at: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftitanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk%2F&h=ATOgEdf9Tx2s5fW3QyxfG9F8MZyxgHvvUCAQDO25qXR4P20J179KeWHRazt_38HS7kT7_fSE6vH1ZhgZP3FpeNvLeTasQNG6OMHpJU4AZrhX8s3aZ9v357V87n8Nh9F7Pyli" href="https://titanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://titanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk</a></div>
CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-12143313373801864712018-03-19T20:17:00.000+00:002018-03-19T20:17:26.128+00:00Titanic Signing, Belfast <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkxW3xqxQG_vcnu3cjf36Fvr4ioexso-Pwz3HnGR3cE_RgiutdTDBCnkZ9J0rrUUGEVH9Bij_RtBjLZYX0MI1PP5AdP4OrheT_ESZdU90HcYCnGr-Xt2ViVN8yvp6w8WsmZcFHNlyktTm/s1600/29178550_2044669392417880_5087896130893643776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkxW3xqxQG_vcnu3cjf36Fvr4ioexso-Pwz3HnGR3cE_RgiutdTDBCnkZ9J0rrUUGEVH9Bij_RtBjLZYX0MI1PP5AdP4OrheT_ESZdU90HcYCnGr-Xt2ViVN8yvp6w8WsmZcFHNlyktTm/s400/29178550_2044669392417880_5087896130893643776_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been out of the limelight for a while now. What better way to jump back in than with an amazing event like the Titanic Signing in Belfast?<br />
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It's just a few days until authors from all around the globe will gather in the ballroom of Titanic Belfast, with the backdrop of the replica staircase from Titanic's first class dining room.<br />
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<a href="http://www.latimes.com/resizer/wpBm70WEMWAEj0yne6fXVJp4Zqg=/1400x0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/2XVXJS7635GYHJ6CE6DPLFMTD4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.latimes.com/resizer/wpBm70WEMWAEj0yne6fXVJp4Zqg=/1400x0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/2XVXJS7635GYHJ6CE6DPLFMTD4.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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To celebrate this unique event some of the attending authors have collaborated on a very special short story collection. 12 tales straight from the heart of the ocean and inspired by the ill-fated ship that sank on its maiden voyage in April, 1912.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEQPqtRKCja2ggslc4foYo11JEUDe9NRKkKcB16rTNJAyuonKgDqRemE2i5gDkyGeA9KwUqsE286cbjPVedH9ORI6gMqDI_aheEksstCBmbYzY_QVxFFla1f6VtodI3E0kF2P8-BcfZS4/s1600/28166755_811049302398667_2372670552428355320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEQPqtRKCja2ggslc4foYo11JEUDe9NRKkKcB16rTNJAyuonKgDqRemE2i5gDkyGeA9KwUqsE286cbjPVedH9ORI6gMqDI_aheEksstCBmbYzY_QVxFFla1f6VtodI3E0kF2P8-BcfZS4/s320/28166755_811049302398667_2372670552428355320_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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All proceeds from the anthology go to the two event charities <a href="http://www.tinylife.org.uk/">TinyLife</a>
and <a href="http://www.nihospice.org/">NI Hospice</a>. </div>
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Available now as an ebook and paperback.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.eu/43XROiV">Amazon UK</a></div>
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<a href="http://a.co/15xzPNu">Amazon US</a></div>
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Don't forget, there are still tickets to the
event available at: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftitanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk%2F&h=ATOgEdf9Tx2s5fW3QyxfG9F8MZyxgHvvUCAQDO25qXR4P20J179KeWHRazt_38HS7kT7_fSE6vH1ZhgZP3FpeNvLeTasQNG6OMHpJU4AZrhX8s3aZ9v357V87n8Nh9F7Pyli" href="https://titanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://titanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk</a><br />
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Check back on Thursday for a sneak peek at the goodies I'll be taking along to the event! </div>
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-59032584401782846722016-08-03T09:00:00.000+01:002016-08-03T09:00:00.159+01:00Review - 44 Gilmore Street by Shani Struthers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1465600833l/30420170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1465600833l/30420170.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<b>Summary</b><br />
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<b> </b></div>
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">"We all have to face
our demons at some point." </span></div>
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">Psychic Surveys - specialists in domestic
spiritual clearance - have never been busier. Although exhausted, Ruby
is pleased. Her track record as well as her down-to-earth, no-nonsense
approach inspires faith in the haunted, who willingly call on her high
street consultancy when the supernatural takes hold. But that's all
about to change. Two cases prove trying: 44 Gilmore Street, home to a
particularly violent spirit, and the reincarnation case of Elisha Grey.
When Gilmore Street attracts press attention, matters quickly
deteriorate. Dubbed the 'New Enfield', the 'Ghost of Gilmore Street'
inflames public imagination, but as Ruby and the team fail repeatedly to
evict the entity, faith in them wavers. Dealing with negative press,
the strangeness surrounding Elisha, and a spirit that's becoming
increasingly territorial, Ruby's at breaking point. So much is pushing
her towards the abyss, not least her own past. It seems some demons just
won't let go...</span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972"><b>Review</b></span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">A brilliant finale to a series!</span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">I read this a few weeks ago. <i>44 Gilmore Street</i> was pretty timely after my disappointment with the movie, <i>The Conjuring 2</i>. The later was based on the infamous Enfield Poltergeist, but unfortunately made changes that didn't improve on the original story, giving it the Hollywood treatment. </span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972"><i>44 Gilmore Street </i>did immediately remind me of the Enfield story, with the haunting carry on happening to an average family, living in an average house on an average British Street. So I wasn't surprised when the reference to the case came up. </span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">Let's face it, we don't usually expect people living down the road or next door to experience a haunting. Because most of us can relate to their living situation, it notches up the creepiness. </span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">All the team return, but this latest case comes with the added scrutiny of the press. That and the persistence of a new client that Ruby is reluctant to take on threatened to drive a wedge into the team. And at a time they are facing one of their most violent hauntings, they need to pull together. </span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">The writing, as ever, is engaging but simple and direct with the perfect balance of decription, carrying the reader through the action flawlessly. The story is complex with several misdirects so just when I thought I had it all figured out, it shifts again, keeping me turning pages right to the very end. </span><br />
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972">I highly recommend this entire series. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText10487990428311722972"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30420170-psychic-surveys-book-three">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span id="freeText10487990428311722972"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Psychic-Surveys-Book-Three-Supernatural-ebook/dp/B01F7S9RNK">Amazon</a> </span></div>
<span id="freeText10487990428311722972"><br /></span>CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-56872934735943171402016-07-28T10:00:00.000+01:002016-07-28T10:00:15.332+01:00Tempting Jo by Nancee Cain - Release Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Congratulation to Nancee Cain on the release of her second novel, <i>Tempting Jo</i>. Look at that beautiful cover. To celebrate release day, I have a few teasers and an excerpt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-SqMQinl__BBazOdOyG5Ny9SJQWlB70Ft9toXJHAh095eMRAqKPF2HEKU59XGgycC_-_OuV7S9q2XT1MarLNBL9pqvej0pYGPloNz-yFV_hXrda2sNzSDiBsXs_htoC2K-AmuEZVlO-W/s1600/TemptingJoCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-SqMQinl__BBazOdOyG5Ny9SJQWlB70Ft9toXJHAh095eMRAqKPF2HEKU59XGgycC_-_OuV7S9q2XT1MarLNBL9pqvej0pYGPloNz-yFV_hXrda2sNzSDiBsXs_htoC2K-AmuEZVlO-W/s640/TemptingJoCover.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Summary </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forbidden
love is hell...</span></i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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and quirky, Jo Sanford thinks her boss is God's gift to women--and she couldn't
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to lure his administrative assistant right into his arms--and bed.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jo's best friend, refuses to sit by and watch as Luc tries to win the heart of
the woman he's always protected. After all, Rafe is her guardian angel.
Suddenly, Jo's caught in the middle of a battle between good and evil. But the
closer she gets to the fire, the hotter it burns. Now, Jo's going to learn that
when love battles lust, Heaven and Hell collide.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN2M90BcLpBmG8eD-ER08alN8IShy8fInsVge6y7LEHT0DjZ62JZE25d86ZRg_KmVr2zoXbvO8EHDgT_xq96ObxBXUinwPC4lWU3ExR8ja6ER_QD2_JN4je8iXeXet-I1vnsTSHdvnlAt/s1600/TJopromo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN2M90BcLpBmG8eD-ER08alN8IShy8fInsVge6y7LEHT0DjZ62JZE25d86ZRg_KmVr2zoXbvO8EHDgT_xq96ObxBXUinwPC4lWU3ExR8ja6ER_QD2_JN4je8iXeXet-I1vnsTSHdvnlAt/s400/TJopromo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now doesn't that sound tempting? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07DLBhkaXZ95bcNW_cNQCI3-OGo-0XvDWGqYlWIuusnWaogy5HIFLZaWdi2M3BudBenLXGu8cCqFI4BX4i6Ee_wKEe4bjEmwIlrxM_2wQCoANlp4KnLaHIb8uEjSFb3RLQmqWZ75PkH5S/s1600/TJCircus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07DLBhkaXZ95bcNW_cNQCI3-OGo-0XvDWGqYlWIuusnWaogy5HIFLZaWdi2M3BudBenLXGu8cCqFI4BX4i6Ee_wKEe4bjEmwIlrxM_2wQCoANlp4KnLaHIb8uEjSFb3RLQmqWZ75PkH5S/s320/TJCircus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Excerpt</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</span></div>
<div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">To my surprise, Mr. DeVille scratches Atticus
behind the ears instead of pushing him away. “Since we’re stuck here, what should
we do?” Finished with his sandwich, he wipes his mouth with his thumb. I’d have
been more than willing to lick it clean for him.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">A pounding on the door interrupts us. Dadgumit,
just when things are about to get interesting with Mr., er, Luc. I scurry to the
door, intent on getting rid of whoever it is. I find Rafe holding a bag of food
and two cups of coffee.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“Hey, I figured your power was still out, so
I brought you some coffee and breakfast.” His eyes scan my small apartment, narrowing
when he spies Luc.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Mr. DeVille smirks. “What impeccable timing.
Goodman, is it?” He casually swings his legs over the side of the bed and steps
into his pants.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“Yes, sir.” Although polite, Rafe’s voice has
an edge to it. The tension in the air snaps like an impending storm. “The roads
are clear, although Mrs. Cabot called and said not to come to work today since schools
are still closed and the power remains off for much of the area. Here included,
I see.”</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“How astute of you to notice. No wonder I pay
you the big bucks. Of course Mrs. Cabot said to stay home. It isn’t her losing money,
is it?”</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Mr. DeVille pulls off my sweatshirt, revealing
those cut abs. I stare unabashedly, and Rafe snaps his fingers in front of my face.
Luc buttons his shirt, glaring at Rafe the entire time.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“Well, Friday. Thank you for the hospitality.
I’m sure since Goodman <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">flew </i>here on the
icy roads to check on you, I’ll have no problems getting home. I suggest you take
today to study for your classes, and remember I’ll be more than happy to help with
your homework assignments.” His eyes flash with desire, and my cheeks heat.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Rafe snarls, looking positively feral.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“A-Are you sure the roads are okay? Would you
like a cup of this coffee before you go?”</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“I only brought two cups,” Rafe protests.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Shocked by his rudeness—and to our boss, no
less—I quickly offer, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mr. DeVille</i> can
have my cup.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What has gotten into him?</i></span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Ignoring Rafe, Mr. DeVille turns to me as he
shrugs into his coat. “That’s quite all right. Thank you, Friday.” He gives me a
conspiratorial wink and a smile.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Rafe, in comparison, receives a cool nod. The
hair on my arms stands on end when Mr. DeVille stops and turns to face my friend.
I must be having some sort of low blood sugar event because I swear it looks like
the rims of his blue eyes have turned the color of a hot stove eye. I blink and
find him glaring at Rafe, and the look is returned in kind. Good thing we aren’t
living in a century past. If we were, I’m quite certain there would be a duel at
fifty paces. He leaves without saying another word.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">Rafe slams the door with a muttered, “Good riddance.”</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Thanks
a lot.”</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">“You’re welcome.” He ignores my sarcasm.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">I sigh and gratefully accept the warm to-go
cup. I can’t stay mad at him for long; he’s my best friend.</span></div>
<b>
</b><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US">And he has coffee.</span></div>
<div class="BodyText1">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><div class="BodyText1">
<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Add <i>Tempting Jo</i> to you TRL on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31118752-tempting-jo?from_search=true">Goodreads</a> </span></b></span></div>
</span><br /><span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"><b>
</b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<b>About the Author</b><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During the day, Nancee works as a
nurse in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights
are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge.
Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an
autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her
To-Be-Read list on her e-reader qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.
Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a
Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability
may put a damper on both of these dreams.) </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141413; font-family: "Times-Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141413; font-family: "Times-Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.nanceecain.com/">Website</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141413; font-family: "Times-Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://nanceecain.wordpress.com/"> Blog</a></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Nancee_Cain"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141413; font-family: "Times-Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> Goodreads</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141413; font-family: "Times-Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NanceeCainAuthor/"> Newsletter Facebook</a></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nanceecain"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #141413; font-family: "Times-Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> Pinterest </span></a>
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<br />
<b> </b>
CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-9305943197056417992016-04-03T17:32:00.000+01:002016-04-03T17:32:08.649+01:00To Blue or Not to Blue<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">It's Autism month. There is some debate on if it should be awareness or acceptance month. The fact is, even those living with Autism can't agree on almost anything connected to Autism. Yesterday, buildings and monuments all around the world went blue for World Autism Awareness day and lots of people are Lighting Up Blue. I won't be. It's not popular to admit that or to point out what Light Up Blue officially represents. I specifically didn't post this yesterday out of consideration for those who just wanted to enjoy the day and not get involved in the politics of Autism. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">Living with Autism can sometime feel like shouting into a void. It can be lonely and frustrating. Awareness and Acceptance are complex issues, and my own views are continually evolving. The truth is somewhat disconcerting. Although Autism connects us, the Autism community is a community, not divided but splintered into a million pieces. There is very little universal consensus on anything from causes to decision making to if the term should be 'Autistic' or 'person with Autism'. Being a spectrum disorder, Autism affects individuals and families in such vastly different ways that everyone wants something different from Autism month. The one thing that we all want is to feel heard. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">It's a touchy subject for some. Like it or not, aware of it or not, agree with it or not, Light it Up Blue started and still represents an Autism Speaks Campaign.</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">I used to Light Up Blue. I used to support Autism Speaks with money and time. I donated work for a fundraising collection of stories. I spread the word on social media. Then I found out that, like other charities I'd previously donated to, huge sums of money raised was going to pay salaries, research, and marketing campaigns to raise even more money. And very little going to directly to help those in need right now.</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">That is why I no longer go Blue. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">I don't support everything they stand for, but anyone would be hard pressed to find a group they can agree with on everything. It's not about the goal of the research for a cure because I do support the research. I hope those who are severely debilitated or who wish it can someday access a cure. It's not that they sometimes portray autism as something terrible, because you know what? For some it is terrible. It's not even that they support parents and caregivers as advocates, because what is the alternative? Someone who has never met my son but thinks they know better because they are on the spectrum too? I would no more allow my son to make major life decisions alone than I would a four-year-old. And I am even less likely to allow some autistic stranger tell me that I don't know best for my son and myself. Because I sure as hell do. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">So, when I don't Light Up Blue, IS NOT A JUDGEMENT on anyone who does. Is it not me saying I support anti-AS groups either, because I don't. I have no interest in being silenced or discounted as a voice for my son. It is not me saying I support acceptance over awareness. I want both to a degree. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">I will never accept something that hurts my child the way Autism does. I do want acceptance in a positive way that helps autistic people integrate and live their life to whatever level they are capable. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">I want awareness. Real awareness, not the fluffy 'isn't autism great for Silicon Valley' awareness. The raw awareness of the good and bad. The meltdowns, outbursts, the stress, the grief, the work from caregivers and autistic individuals, the determination, sleepless nights, the milestones, achievements, and the moments of joy. I want Awareness of how little things can make life a little easier. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br />So, regardless of want to achieve this April, if you turn blue or not, whatever it is you support or how you support it, and even if I don't agree with your message, I do hope at the end of it, you feel heard. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happy Autism Month. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="amsgt-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-36589589605724912802016-02-22T23:15:00.001+00:002016-02-22T23:15:06.899+00:00The Revenger by Debra Anastasia Release Day <br />
<br />
I am so very excited about this release and I am already reading it. This is a not to be missed book. On FaceBook I described it as "Sheer Brilliance". It's a sort of anti-hero origin story for adults. Or hero origin story depending on your perspective. Dark, twisted, and heartbreaking. Debra Anastasia at her very best.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEqWoumQ2DXYwLNOosh5YhlL4S_VVFlaPoxmA4nqJh9Otzn0JhZZQgcmcm9VTJgUNbrqZpo8YgT_eP63bw0vV8_lSmzrz6qVB2EIe-b59fXqHcTRg1_wci0A-dYlGkBO0Fst_ZhJJtbmX/s1600/Digital+Cover+for+The+Revenger+Wonderful+12696366_1708286026061308_1687936792_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEqWoumQ2DXYwLNOosh5YhlL4S_VVFlaPoxmA4nqJh9Otzn0JhZZQgcmcm9VTJgUNbrqZpo8YgT_eP63bw0vV8_lSmzrz6qVB2EIe-b59fXqHcTRg1_wci0A-dYlGkBO0Fst_ZhJJtbmX/s400/Digital+Cover+for+The+Revenger+Wonderful+12696366_1708286026061308_1687936792_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VEM375JkSWQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VEM375JkSWQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<b>Summary</b><br />
<br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10pt;">The real hero of this
story is dead. You should have met him. He was a beautiful man. The love of my
life. I didn’t deserve him. <br />
<br />
Now what’s left are the jagged edges of the person I am without him, and what I
have to do to get by. This isn’t even a story about love. Not really. It’s a
twisted tale of revenge and hate—a happily never after. <br />
<br />
The only man in my life now is the one I have to kill. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10pt;">I’m Savvy Raine. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10pt;">I used to be a wife. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10pt;">I used to be a
mother. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10pt;">Now I am the
Revenger.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Excerpt </b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">There was very little chatter after the alarming phone call. Savvy
looked at the clock. It was only five, but the extra help Tallow had enlisted
acted like she was about to disintegrate. When they were finally done, they
hung Savvy’s costume from a door, fully expecting her to drop trou in front of
all the strangers.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">She looked at the silver outfit meant to demean her and classify
her as his, just like all his other favorites.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">“Yeah, I’m not actually going to be wearing that.” She looked from
one shocked person to the other.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Tallow recovered first. “But this is what he told you to wear!”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Savvy laughed hollowly. “Yeah, he can suck his own d*ck for all I
care.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">The atmosphere changed. The others now realized Savvy didn’t think
it was a huge honor to be a f*ckhole.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">“That’s not acceptable. I’ll put you in it myself if I have to,
but you’re leaving here in that outfit.” Tallow bravely gathered up the skirt
and came into Savvy’s personal space. He obviously thought she was just a
regular girl.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">In an instant she’d lifted Tallow into the air by his neck. “I’m
not wearing it.” She stared him down until he began to turn blue. Then
she set him back on his feet.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Tallow was a quick learner and smoothed his fancy shirt. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> “Okay
then, let me see what else we have."</span><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Buy Links </span></b></div>
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ibooks: <a class="" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1084122072" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1084122072</a></div>
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Amazon US: <a href="http://amzn.to/1PJmQU3" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1PJmQU3</a></div>
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Amazon FR :<a href="http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B01BPV4NSM" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B01BPV4NSM</a></div>
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Nook: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-revenger-debra-anastasia/1123424753?ean=2940152803419" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-revenger-debra-anastasia/1123424753?ean=2940152803419</a><br />
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Kobo: <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-revenger" target="_blank">https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-revenger</a><br />
<br />
Tolino:<a href="http://www.ebook.de/de/product/25708811/debra_anastasia_the_revenger.html?searchId=1687382027" target="_blank"> http://www.ebook.de/de/product/25708811/debra_anastasia_the_revenger.html?searchId=1687382027</a></div>
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Print: <a href="https://www.createspace.com/6058878" target="_blank">https://www.createspace.com/6058878 </a></div>
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-36436710333103954762016-02-19T09:00:00.000+00:002016-02-19T09:00:28.008+00:00Abandoned Blog Tour - Guest Post from Elisa Dane<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBonsD9Bd4FJ2PxnID0JUCtXxq6UELrnCI_RHbx9CthlBbAMPm4czbHZB5lJexY6UEzWEdwGpFVGRiply8RRuWnhE3YLG8tRrtFi7TkAVtI4buarsmBIOWBT4BArgYQmUCRckGIQyD09q/s1600/AbandonedTour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBonsD9Bd4FJ2PxnID0JUCtXxq6UELrnCI_RHbx9CthlBbAMPm4czbHZB5lJexY6UEzWEdwGpFVGRiply8RRuWnhE3YLG8tRrtFi7TkAVtI4buarsmBIOWBT4BArgYQmUCRckGIQyD09q/s640/AbandonedTour.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today, I'm delighted to welcome Elisa Dane to my blog as part of the blog tour for the release of her latest book - Abandoned<b>. </b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a writer myself, I'm always fascinated by the process of other writers and so I opted to ask Elisa a question about her writing. I will review the book at a later date, but trust me, this book is to the author's usual incredible high standard. </span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summary </span></b></div>
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</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Abandoned by Elisa Dane</span></i></span></b></div>
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</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Publication Date:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February 15,
2016</span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swoon Romance</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">My name is Tierra Owens, and I like to
kiss. A lot. It numbs the hollow ache in my chest and—for a few minutes—makes
me forget how truly alone I am. My mother is an alcoholic. She hates me and
insists I'm the reason she's not married to my father, whom I have never met.
My best friend, Kaylee, is the only person who knows the real me. Everyone else
sees what I want them to: a happy, confident, popular girl who has the world at
her feet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">I am a fraud.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Relationships are forbidden. I avoid them
at all costs. Sex? Emotions? Those things make a person vulnerable, and
vulnerability always leads to heartbreak. When my childhood crush, Mattie shows
up at school my world tumbles off its axis. The shell I surround myself with
feels more like a pathetic crutch than a protective barrier, and I find myself
wanting things. Daydreaming about what it would be like to have a boyfriend, a
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<span lang="EN-US">The sad fact is: I'll never have any of
those things. I am unworthy—trash. Which is why my mom abandoned me.</span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Grab it now! </span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abandoned-Elisa-Dane-ebook/dp/B01ACPWG9U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452991148&sr=8-1&keywords=abandoned+elisa+dane">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My question </span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You
don't seem at all shy about tackling difficult subject matter in your books,
such as relationship abuse among teens and teen drinking. Can you explain a
little about how you do your research?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Hi,
Carol! So excited to be hanging out with you today! Okay, so you’re interested
in knowing what type of research I do to tackle the tough subjects I write
about. Two words: my hubby. I’m married to a police officer that worked in a
high school for eight years. He’s also an active shooter instructor and owns
his own company, which goes into schools and assess their safety, while
training them how to deal with critical incidences, such as active shooters.
While I’m never told specific details about any of his cases, I do glean a good
deal of information from him as to what types of problems and situations are
plaguing today’s teens. I’ve gone to him on a number of occasions while
plotting, and asked what types of negative behavior he’s seeing at the schools.
He’s dealt with all kinds of bullying, both online, and in person, as well as
sexual extortion, substance abuse, physical abuse, etc. My guy is a fountain of
information.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He was
exceptionally helpful to me while I wrote each of my YA novels. In general,
I’ll explain the situation my character’s are in, then ask him if that
situation is believable, and if the police happen to be involved, how would
they respond? My main character, Tierra, did her level best to keep the police
out of her situation, which was not the smartest decision on her part. With my
other books, In The After in particular, I pretty much ran every aspect of the
book by him while I was writing. I consider myself extremely lucky to have a
police officer for a hubby!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thanks
so much for having me on your blog today! I hope you and your readers enjoy
Mattie and Tierra’s story!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Give Away </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ends February 26, 2016</span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">One (1) winner will
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<div style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Elisa Dane loves books, chocolate, reality television, her
family, and All Star Cheerleading. Not necessarily in that order! She writes
contemporary YA romance with cheerleaders. Yep. She writes what she knows, and
it’s her hope that her stories will not only take you on a romantic journey
that will warm your heart, but that you’ll find a new respect for the sport of
All Star Cheerleading you may not have had before. She’s represented by
Brittany Booker of the Booker/Albert Agency, and has published a NA paranormal
series under her real name, Lisa Sanchez.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/www.elisadane.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Website</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">|<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://twitter.com/elisadane" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Twitter</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">|<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElisaDane" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Facebook</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">|<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/elisadane/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Pinterest</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">|<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://elisadane.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Tumblr</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">|<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7450641.Elisa_Dane" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Goodreads</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Thank you, Elisa, for joining us today and Chapter by Chapter for arranging the blog tour. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></div>
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-17206880552273434392016-02-09T16:03:00.000+00:002016-02-09T16:03:52.850+00:00Review - Poughkeepsie Begins by Debra Anastasia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Summary</b> <br />
<span id="freeText6154459389733515212"> </span><br />
<span id="freeText6154459389733515212">It ends with the
beginning. This legendary, indie, cult-favorite series ends its tale
with the story of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood before the tattoo. Before
the train station, before the church, before a criminal empire there
was a foster home and three teen boys who chose each other as family,
because the ones they were born into didn’t exist<br /><br />Still in high
school, Beckett is already laying the groundwork for a grander life
ahead, one where his brothers want for nothing and get some respect for
once. But even as he plans, Beckett must decide if he’s ready to make
that choice—diving in to a life that trades his chance at a future, his
chance at something as simple as first love with a girl named Candy Cox,
for their chance to find happiness.<br /><br />Blake, Beckett, and Cole’s
devotion to each other is forged by fists and the driving need to belong
somewhere, to do more than just survive this life. Readers of the
series know they each get there in the end, but before we count smiles,
we must first shed tears. These early days of the Poughkeepsie
brotherhood will play on your heartstrings before serrating them with a
knife; they’ll lift your soul with music, only to leave you with nothing
but a desperate prayer for hope.<br /><br />And when you reach the end of the beginning, you’ll be ready to start the series all over again.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Review </b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
It ends where it begins is so true. This is a book that delivers a hat-trick in less than two hundred pages. It is a stand alone book, an ending, and a beginning all in one. For those who haven't spent the last several years engrossed in the tales of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood as I have done, PB is an excellent way to dip your toe in the water. It's complete in itself, a stand alone novel with no cliff ending and no need to be familiar with any of the characters.<br />
<br />
But, who are we kidding? If you haven't already, you are going to want to read the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series after this. In which case, it's a fantastic place to begin, right back in high-school.<br />
<br />
If, like me, you have been following Beckett, Cole, and Blake through their adventures and heartache as adults, this is a bittersweet goodbye, a gift from the author. It will break your heart and give you hope all over again.<br />
<br />
Although it is a book about young adults, this is an Adult book, or at the very least New Adult. It deals with some difficult themes, there is course language, violence, raw emotion, sex, and abuse of all sorts. However, don't let that put you off. It is a gripping story that is not long or drawn out so although it's emotionally intense, it's short enough that it didn't leave me drained as some books have in the past. <br />
<br />
A book definitely worth a spot on your To Read list.<br />
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Buy Links</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon US: <a href="http://amzn.to/1MlhCMp">http://amzn.to/1MlhCMp</a><br />
Amazon UK: <a href="http://amzn.to/1Y2d98U">http://amzn.to/1Y2d98U</a><br />
Amazon AU: <a href="http://bit.ly/1MxLcSh">http://bit.ly/1MxLcSh</a><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Amazon CA: <a href="http://amzn.to/1MUj7GV">http://amzn.to/1MUj7GV</a></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Nook: <a href="http://bit.ly/1RKRA90">http://bit.ly/1RKRA90</a></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">iTunes: <a href="http://apple.co/1Qrqg17">http://apple.co/1Qrqg17</a></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Google Play: <a href="http://bit.ly/1Y3kuVF">http://bit.ly/1Y3kuVF</a></span></span></div>
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Goodreads: <a href="http://bit.ly/1NeYnaX">http://bit.ly/1NeYnaX</a></div>
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<b>Find the whole <i>Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series</i> here</b>: http://amzn.to/1OfpAtk</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-5435948379223878702015-12-20T01:08:00.000+00:002015-12-20T01:08:04.300+00:00Review - Aced (Blocked #2) by Jennifer Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir781n9gMYvNUTzeickxdTDmBAS10YmHUIEWqAuDHrMTsa7WpFDZZd4aYtoumNo5jBszCfiIAWEbgCkHRuucWBtD3EanykeW9_aGb4D7AxRx7GzXsEUwXAXDC_jgGYu9SaCxrNSDPKqPn6/s1600/Aced+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir781n9gMYvNUTzeickxdTDmBAS10YmHUIEWqAuDHrMTsa7WpFDZZd4aYtoumNo5jBszCfiIAWEbgCkHRuucWBtD3EanykeW9_aGb4D7AxRx7GzXsEUwXAXDC_jgGYu9SaCxrNSDPKqPn6/s320/Aced+Cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the
glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer
Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.
<br />
<br />
Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep
faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for
something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently,
take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so
unfulfilled? <br />
<br />
Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball
and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life
off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school
applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also
approaches. <br />
<br />
Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his
sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But
will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction?
Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own
man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.<br />
<br />
Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-
rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is
worth the risk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Review</b><br />
<br />
Overall I loved this book as much as the first book. It's a sweet romance the delves deeply into what it means to be an athlete as well as what happens when it's taken away. It also deals with darker issues of family dynamics, illness, and race. I couldn't put it down once I started. Based on the first book, I knew I would struggle with Alejandro as a leading man. I knew his principles would irk me, and they did. Jennifer Lane doesn't do cutout characters. She has a way of capturing them with all sorts of views that never come across preachy, even when they are ridiculously fixed in a somewhat narrow world view. Just like real people can be. This book is no exception.<br />
<br />
I found Alejandro overbearing and self-righteous, especially at the beginning. But then, I found myself thinking he was a bit wishy washy when he couldn't stick to those same principles later in the book because they didn't suit him. Seriously, the poor guy couldn't catch a break with me. He did have his good points such as being kind and brave, and did eventually win me over. Although, we'd never be able to talk politics.<br />
<br />
Maddie I could empathize with a lot more. She is struggling with depression and trying to hold her world together while it is being turned upside down. She had much more moderate world views, however, getting on with her own life seems to be enough for her during the course of the book. It's not that she doesn't care about the wider world, because she does. It's just that she seems to take it as it comes to her without preconceived notions about anyone. <br />
<br />
There is almost instant sizzle between these two, although getting to the relationship part was a sort of slow, gentle burn that reminded me of old black and white movies. As if Alejandro was a gentleman courting her. Maddie deserved that, she deserved some love and care. I respected his character more for taking his time.<br />
<br />
Since these books are set against the background of politics(Alejandro is the president's son) some of things discussed by the characters are very much a part of American current affairs. However, nothing that I wasn't already aware of or couldn't keep up with and the book is very much about the romance and relationships rather than the backdrops.<br />
<br />
Like I said, all in all, I loved it. I'm very much looking forward to book three that will focus on another Ramirez sibling. <br />
<br />
<br />
Easy 5 star read, for those who love sweet romance with a side of reality in all it's wonderful and broken glory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
<br />
<b> </b>Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane!
By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more
fun. <br />
<br />
Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances.
Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in <i>Blocked</i> despite
the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In <i>Aced</i>, the second book
in the <i>Blocked</i> series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.
<i>Aced</i> launches in December 2015. <br />
<br />
A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances
as well: <i>Streamline</i>, a military mystery, and the free New Adult novella
<i>Swim Recruit</i>.<br />
<br />
Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She
is also the author of The <i>Con</i>duct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that
includes <i>With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior</i>, and <i>On Best Behavior</i>.
<br />
<br />
Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and
cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her
sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-60795278148876091812015-12-16T00:19:00.000+00:002015-12-16T00:19:21.116+00:00Review - Broken Bonds by Trisha Wolfe Let me start by saying, I am way behind on my reviews and hope to catch up over the holidays. This year has really kicked my butt. I'm reading almost as much as ever and although I tend to only spend time reviewing books I've enjoyed, I haven't even found much time to do that!<br />
<br />
<b>Adult Read</b> <br />
<br />
So, here we go. Broken Bonds is actually the series name for With Visions of Red books #1,#2, and #3. It's available in single books or as a handy dandy box set. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Visions-Red-Broken-Bonds-Boxed-ebook/dp/B016XIF9NK">Amazon UK</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Visions-Red-Broken-Bonds-Boxed-ebook/dp/B016XIF9NK">Amazon US </a> </div>
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I've read a number of Trisha Wolfe's books in the past and she never fails to impress me, but let me just say that these books blew my socks off. I had book one on my To Read from release but never quite got around to it and by the time the box set came out, I totally forgotten what the series was even about. So, I dived in blind. Although it is three relatively fast reads, they are not books for reading in isolation. They need to be read together and in order.<br />
<br />
Sadie Bonds was introduced to the world of blood and violence in a brutal and very personal way. Now working as a criminal profiler, catching the bad guys seems to verge almost on obsession for her. By night she explores her dark fantasies at an exclusive BDSM club. It's there she meets Colton, a rope rigger at the club with a dark past of his own. Meanwhile, there is a sadistic serial killer on the loose and he is trying hard to get Sadie's attention. So begins a twisted game of cat and mouse.<br />
<br />
Despite the gore, brutality, and sometimes disturbing scenes depicted, there is a sophistication about these books. I can only put it down to the skill of the author. Think Dexter/Hannibal. With varied points of view, the reader gets to explore the world of police investigation from different angles. The killer's POV was particularly chilling with almost poetic prose I found genuinely scary.<br />
<br />
Contrasting that is the developing romance between Sadie and Colton. The sex scenes are sensual and detailed rather than graphic and each scene serves a purpose in propelling the story forward. And these books do zoom along with fast paced action that will keep any reader completely engrossed.<br />
<br />
One for those who enjoy an excellent crime read with a dark hit of romance and erotica.<br />
<br />
<b>Five Stars</b><br />
<br />
<br /><b>About the Author</b><br />
<br />
<span>From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and
characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in
South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy
worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span>Find out more at </span><br /><span>TrishaWolfe.com</span></div>
<br />
<br />CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-2657464754878679792015-12-02T14:56:00.000+00:002015-12-02T14:56:07.459+00:00Aced by Jennifer Lane Release Day! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Title: ACED</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Series: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blocked-Jennifer-Lane-ebook/dp/B00OI0AQYI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1425001584&sr=1-1&keywords=blocked" target="_blank">Blocked</a></b> #2</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Author: Jennifer Lane</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Release Date: December 2, 2015</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Genre: New Adult Sports
Romance </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Length: 80,000 words</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cover Artist: Coreen
Montagna </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Synopsis: </b><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the
glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer
Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.
<br />
<br />
Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep
faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for
something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently,
take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so
unfulfilled? <br />
<br />
Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball
and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life
off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school
applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also
approaches. <br />
<br />
Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his
sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But
will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction?
Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own
man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.<br />
<br />
Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-
rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is
worth the risk.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b> <span style="font-size: large;">Add
to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25916281-aced" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Follow the <a href="http://jenniferlanebooks.blogspot.com/2015/11/aced-blocked-2-review-tour-signups-na.html" target="_blank">TOUR</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get ACED!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aced-Blocked-Book-Jennifer-Lane-ebook/dp/B017HPH9FY/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></b></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Reviews for Aced</span></u></div>
<i>“Jennifer's characters always interact with each other in a very comfortable
pattern of easy and witty banter. She is exceedingly good at dialogue. Aced is a very
brave book. Like Blocked, it is not simply a fluffy, sweet and cozy romance."</i><br />
~Teresa from Goodreads<br />
<br />
<i>"Lord forgive me for I have sinned and lusted over the hottie known as
ALEJANDRO. Yup, dibs he's all mine, chicas."</i><br />
~Nelly from Romance Bytes<br />
<br />
<i>"The plot is so well paced, I was reading until the wee hours of the
morning."</i><br />
~Karie Deegan from My Reading Reality<br />
<br />
<i>"Blocked captivated my attention from start to finish and Aced does not
disappoint. Hotheaded Alejandro meets his match in stubborn and confident
Maddie."</i><br />
~Aaliyah from Goodreads<br />
<div>
<div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaways</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1) Join us for the Facebook party 12-2-15 <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1481084278863664/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. Over 25 Authors with prizes!<br />
<br />
2) Leave a review on Amazon on 12-2-15 for a chance to win $25 gift card.<br />
<br />
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3) And enter the Rafflecopter Release Giveaway:<br />
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<b><br /></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">About
the Author</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1279242046p8/2798441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1279242046p8/2798441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane!
By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more
fun. <br />
<br />
Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances.
Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in <i>Blocked</i> despite
the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In <i>Aced</i>, the second book
in the <i>Blocked</i> series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.
<i>Aced</i> launches in December 2015. <br />
<br />
A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances
as well: <i>Streamline</i>, a military mystery, and the free New Adult novella
<i>Swim Recruit</i>.<br />
<br />
Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She
is also the author of The <i>Con</i>duct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that
includes <i>With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior</i>, and <i>On Best Behavior</i>.
<br />
<br />
Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and
cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her
sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://jenniferlanebooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://eepurl.com/bzQIjz" target="_blank">NEWSLETTER</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Lane/e/B003WZV5YK/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1" target="_blank">AMAZON</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-80480868470795366412015-11-23T17:52:00.000+00:002015-11-23T17:52:38.795+00:00Poughekeepsie Begins Blog Tour - Interview with Debra Anastasia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Over the years I've made no secret of my love for the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series. Now, it's time to go all the way back to the beginning and meet the boys where it all started. And look at that cover! This is a prequel and can be read as a stand alone, but let's face it, no one is going to want to stop at the beginning. Read on for a look at the summary, an excerpt, some quickfire questions for Debra, and an extra special surprise gift for readers! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIGEDg_XwAot_znb27nvHbk8D2Hwv9nXNz7cmqsk-E6ym6hKcIqBVd1CUXU4kEtcZCySiTnmI78lmPHDyuB28i-Cc0HYSQMbDEfy0TSJVP7XSm-Re3b9_GlpjTIrdfwlHk_eBekfLwyWU/s1600/End+at+the+beginning+PB+Teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIGEDg_XwAot_znb27nvHbk8D2Hwv9nXNz7cmqsk-E6ym6hKcIqBVd1CUXU4kEtcZCySiTnmI78lmPHDyuB28i-Cc0HYSQMbDEfy0TSJVP7XSm-Re3b9_GlpjTIrdfwlHk_eBekfLwyWU/s320/End+at+the+beginning+PB+Teaser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Summary:</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It ends with the beginning. This legendary,
indie, cult-favorite series ends its tale with the story of the Poughkeepsie
brotherhood before the tattoo. Before the train station, before the church,
before a criminal empire there was a foster home and three teen boys who chose
each other as family, because the ones they were born into didn’t exist<br />
<br />
Still in high school, Beckett is already laying the groundwork for a grander
life ahead, one where his brothers want for nothing and get some respect for
once. But even as he plans, Beckett must decide if he’s ready to make that
choice—diving in to a life that trades his chance at a future, his chance at
something as simple as first love with a girl named Candy Cox, for their chance
to find happiness.<br />
<br />
Blake, Beckett, and Cole’s devotion to each other is forged by fists and the
driving need to belong somewhere, to do more than just survive this life.
Readers of the series know they each get there in the end, but before we count
smiles, we must first shed tears. These early days of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood
will play on your heartstrings before serrating them with a knife; they’ll lift
your soul with music, only to leave you with nothing but a desperate prayer for
hope.<br />
<br />
And when you reach the end of the beginning, you’ll be ready to start the
series all over again.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Interview</b><br />
<br />
<b>Of all the books, what has been the most emotionally draining scene to
write?</b><br />
<br />
Losing Mouse was the worst for me. I knew the series was real
then. I cried so hard. <br />
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<div>
<b>In
the last book you wrote an experimental scene focusing on the senses of
the characters and it worked perfectly. Can we expect anything like
that from the new book?</b> </div>
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</div>
<div>
No. Ha. I love that scene, and thanks for
remembering it. This book came super quickly. I think the part that is
the most dangerous for me is Cole's scenes. He has the worst history, so
I felt horrible opening that up on him. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Music
you've selected
has been a big part of the Poughkeepsie experience for me. If you had to
pick one track to represent the entire series, what would it be? </b> </div>
<div>
It
would have to be Drop in the Ocean by Ron Pope. It just sends me back
and I love that song. So very Blake. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>I
love these characters so much. It's hard letting go as a reader. Are
the boys really done now? Is there any possibility you might revisit
them at some time in the future or are you moving on?</b></div>
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<b> </b></div>
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They are done. And
I'm having trouble letting them go. There's a thread in Saving
Poughkeepsie that I could continue, but for the most part it is 99.9%
done forever. <br />
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Buy Links</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon US: <a href="http://amzn.to/1MlhCMp">http://amzn.to/1MlhCMp</a><br />
Amazon UK: <a href="http://amzn.to/1Y2d98U">http://amzn.to/1Y2d98U</a><br />
Amazon AU: <a href="http://bit.ly/1MxLcSh">http://bit.ly/1MxLcSh</a><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Amazon CA: <a href="http://amzn.to/1MUj7GV">http://amzn.to/1MUj7GV</a></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Nook: <a href="http://bit.ly/1RKRA90">http://bit.ly/1RKRA90</a></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">iTunes: <a href="http://apple.co/1Qrqg17">http://apple.co/1Qrqg17</a></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Google Play: <a href="http://bit.ly/1Y3kuVF">http://bit.ly/1Y3kuVF</a></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Goodreads: <a href="http://bit.ly/1NeYnaX">http://bit.ly/1NeYnaX</a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Find the whole <i>Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series</i> here</b>: http://amzn.to/1OfpAtk</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Free App as a present from the boys</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIL-Z1vuEpECMG6bL_8TJ2LPDNk-fXjoFF0J7UPHVhyphenhyphenjt5vBb_OBbrENRjJ6BFNWdQjmi633Bo1aip9zpQt8u2FlO_RRKJhKy1_Odt_MmGT5uZdc-hYAw31r5K1Ow0ZBoYg4HBqpPLLxTM/s1600/PST+READERS+FREE+APP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIL-Z1vuEpECMG6bL_8TJ2LPDNk-fXjoFF0J7UPHVhyphenhyphenjt5vBb_OBbrENRjJ6BFNWdQjmi633Bo1aip9zpQt8u2FlO_RRKJhKy1_Odt_MmGT5uZdc-hYAw31r5K1Ow0ZBoYg4HBqpPLLxTM/s320/PST+READERS+FREE+APP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="textexposedshow">Here's the log in info:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">web: <a href="http://omnificpublishing.com/PT0111513/chapter-one.html">http://omnificpublishing.com/PT0111513/chapter-one.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Mobile app <a href="http://poughkeepsieapp.com/Poukeeidebrannnxiv_/">http://poughkeepsieapp.com/Poukeeidebrannnxiv_/</a>
</span><br />
<br />
Navigation is on the upper right side. <br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Any questions? Find me here: http://on.fb.me/1MVcrSB</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<b>Excerpt </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZDEIlcVi3jM7q64ftIRNiOr815e5uCFloaB1KaYPlletlvy-oXo7SbFZULAwVeRHf6yXeY4scwizEK8FYuvoqFN4GySzLe2NXJWR3uc56RoR8t3O6RIizhP6bmqxs5k_WPUBRkkPR1Mn/s1600/Pink+Princess+Teaser+PB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZDEIlcVi3jM7q64ftIRNiOr815e5uCFloaB1KaYPlletlvy-oXo7SbFZULAwVeRHf6yXeY4scwizEK8FYuvoqFN4GySzLe2NXJWR3uc56RoR8t3O6RIizhP6bmqxs5k_WPUBRkkPR1Mn/s320/Pink+Princess+Teaser+PB.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">When
she ducked under the bleachers, he was a dick, right off the bat. His buzz was
wearing off, but he was still high and broken at the closeness of her. “You’re
missing your boyfriend during his lawn ballet.” He assumed a stance—douche
mixed with confrontational—that he knew stopped people. It set up his walls
real nice. With everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Everyone
but her. She walked right up to him. She pushed him hard once, twice, until his
back hit one of the supports. And then she slapped him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">He
took the slap and rolled his eyes. “That all you got for me, pink princess?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">And
then she was kissing him. Oh, God. Kissing him and palming him with the same
ferociousness he felt. He grabbed the metal behind him to keep from attacking
her and nailing her right on the concrete floor littered with cigarettes and
chip bags. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">She
pulled away and slapped him again, growling, “Fuck you, Beckett Taylor. Don’t
you ever do that to me again. I’m worth more than that, and you know it.” She
stepped back, leaving cold space and his heated erection between them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">He
swallowed, his pounding heart trying to beat some common sense into his brain
again. It wasn’t working. He let go of the bleachers and advanced. “You have
some fucking nerve. You’re the one up there prom-queening it with goddamn
Ryler.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">She
stood her ground as he came at her. And he knew he was intimidating. Shit,
full-grown men stepped aside when he was coming. But Candy raised her chin. He
was amazed at the fight in her, right there. He pulled her into a dip, just
like fucking Pyler had, except he did it like a man who wanted a woman and knew
what to do with her body. Candy needed to push him away; she needed to turn her
head. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Instead
she groaned and bit his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood. He put his hand
between her legs and dragged it up to her breast, squeezing hard so she would
feel it through her coat. She sunk her nails into the skin at his neck. She was
a buried treasure. He was sure as fuck no one knew about this side of her. Only
he could get her panting like she was. He spanked her bottom once. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“Ow.”
She was shocked. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">He
stopped kissing and looked her in the face as he spanked her again, more
forcefully this time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Her
“Ow” was quieter, and the hunger in her eyes far deeper than her years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Again
he spanked her. And this time she purred. Fucking purred. He began slow,
circular caresses over the denim that covered her ass. He was desperate to see
the red imprints from his hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“Fuck
it.” Beckett picked her up and set her back against the metal support he’d
tried to cling to before. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">They
weren’t alone. Red tips of cigarettes glowed, gentle murmurs of illicit
behavior could be heard if you knew how to listen for trouble. Still, he held
her against the pole and mimicked the motions he was desperate to do with her.
He dropped his mouth to the zipper on her coat, which kept her safe from all
his intentions. He used his teeth to pull it down to her cleavage. He buried
his face, licking and nuzzling her sweet-smelling neck. He used his chin to
move material so he could access more of her chest. She smelled like goddamn
candy. His dick could pack gunpowder in a cannon it was so fucking hard. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">After
a moment, the murmurs added up. Too many. He glanced around and noticed the
cigarettes being stubbed out. He let his prize slide down the metal gently. He
leaned down to kiss her lips, then her forehead, right under the edge of her
fuzzy hat before whispering, “Go. Cops are here. Go.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">And
then Candy, sweet-smelling, homework-doing Candy, stuck her hand in his
jacket’s hidden pocket and took the gun out. He pulled her hands and his gun
close to make sure the safety was on before letting her tuck it into her bra. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“Anything
else?” she asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">And
then he slipped the rest of the merchandise in his left pocket into her right
one. She turned and left. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“And
don’t you ever talk to me again, Taylor. I have a boyfriend!” She stormed away
as the resource officer stepped up next to him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“You
have a way with the ladies, son.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“I’m
not your son.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“That’s
the truth right there. ’Cause if you were, you’d be on that field kicking
footballs instead of selling at my school.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">When
Beckett was let off with a warning due to lack of evidence, his one thought was
of her. Candy was so perfect for him it hurt. </span></div>
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-11179403294183783292015-10-21T12:47:00.000+01:002015-10-21T12:47:00.214+01:00Cover Reveal - Aced(Blocked #2) by Jennifer Lane<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Today I 'm so excited to be a part of the cover reveal for the second book in the <i>Blocked</i> <i>series</i> by Jennifer Lane. Jennifer is an amazing author with an excellent insight into what makes people tick. This helps her character to pop off the page and root themselves in the readers mind. You'll find yourself thinking about her stories long after you put the book down. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTk4EokPjIPvFE1wyR-GaWxYlG7bvcHIySJ59sKaEfz2bW72F11TB7jkImruuSOeIHVLqUbpvRLB-uhyphenhyphenvse7gz636wBIZ9zRAcHBRnPFbGr4Rb1ur5C1h1rxbz8EYKhybTQ9fj-F_kSbr/s1600/FrontCoverAced-HighRes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTk4EokPjIPvFE1wyR-GaWxYlG7bvcHIySJ59sKaEfz2bW72F11TB7jkImruuSOeIHVLqUbpvRLB-uhyphenhyphenvse7gz636wBIZ9zRAcHBRnPFbGr4Rb1ur5C1h1rxbz8EYKhybTQ9fj-F_kSbr/s400/FrontCoverAced-HighRes.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Title: <i>Aced</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Series: <i>Blocked #2</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Author: <i>Jennifer Lane</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Genre: <i>New Adult Sports Romance</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cover Design: <i>Coreen Montagna</i> (coreenm@gmail.com)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Release Date: <i>December 2, 2015</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blurb</span></div>
<br />
Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in <i>Blocked</i> despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love. <br />
<br />
Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled? <br />
<br />
Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches. <br />
<br />
Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.<br />
<br />
Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.<br />
<br />
<div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25916281-aced" target="_blank">ADD TO GOODREADS</a></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Book one <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blocked-Jennifer-Lane-ebook/dp/B00OI0AQYI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">BLOCKED</a></b> on SALE for a limited time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt from <i>Aced</i></span></div>
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I’d only seen Alejandro on TV, but his presence seemed magnified in real life. He was Jaylon’s height but probably weighed thirty pounds less. He moved like a panther, sleek and long in a black suit “dressed down” with no tie. His short black hair shone in the arena lights, and he appeared freshly shaven. <i>Hot damn!</i> He sure looked more suave than any college boy I’d encountered. Was that the typical dress for medical school at Johns Hopkins? Probably not. Something told me Alex did things his own way. <br />
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As Alejandro approached, Lucia stood to hug him, shaking her head. “Hey, what’re you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming.” <br />
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He smiled. “Could we go somewhere to talk?” <br />
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She glanced at me. “I don’t want to leave Maddie. I dragged her here, so it’d be rude to abandon her.” <br />
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“So this is the famous Maddie.” When Alejandro reached across to shake my hand, his dark eyes burned into me. “I’ve seen you play, but it’s good to finally meet. I’ve heard great things about you.” His handshake was firm, but his hand was soft and warm, zinging a surprising thrill right through me. I realized that for at least a few moments, I hadn’t thought about Jaylon. Alejandro let go all too quickly. <br />
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His expression sobered as he looked back at Lucia. “I want to talk to you about something in private.” <br />
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She folded her arms across her chest as they both sat. “I already said no, thank you. I can’t right now.” <br />
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He frowned and squared his shoulders. Then he leaned in to Lucia’s ear and spoke to her in Spanish. She bristled next to me. <br />
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“How dare you?” she hissed. <br />
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I leaned back. What had just changed my sweet Rez into a pissy hellcat?<br />
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Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more fun. <br />
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Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances. Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in <i>Blocked</i> despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In <i>Aced</i>, the second book in the Blocked series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love. Aced launches in December 2015. <br />
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A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances as well: <i>Streamline</i>, a military mystery, and the free New Adult <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/swim-recruit-jennifer-lane/1113038601?ean=2940044896642" target="_blank">novella</a> <i>Swim Recruit</i>.<br />
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Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The <i>Con</i>duct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that includes <i>With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior</i>, and <i>On Best Behavior</i>. <br />
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Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.<br />
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-74903825534011719382015-10-08T14:09:00.001+01:002015-10-08T23:26:11.183+01:00The Vampire and I–A Decade of Twilight<p> </p> <p>So, I'm a fangirl(Note: there is no upper limit on the use of girl in this context), I make no excuses for it. I've been a fangirl most of my life. Dracula, Star Trek, Supernatural, Twilight, Marvel and DC, and beyond. Experiencing a book or movie, or television show is made a million times better by sharing the experience. </p> <p>Many moons ago my American sis-in-law passed along a book her mum had passed to her. That book was Twilight. It was trickling into Ireland and no one I knew had heard of it yet, although Twilight had already well and truly taken off in the US. People who hadn’t picked up a book in years were reading again. And when they finished with Twilight, they wanted to keep reading other books. <strong>Twilight got people reading</strong>.  </p> <p>“But it’s just a book, right?” Okay, for a moment let’s forget the debate about the writing, the sexism, the unhealthy relationships, the baby name, the anti-climax in Breaking Dawn, and the plot holes. Oh yeah, and the seemingly mass disappointment of the new book. </p> <p>To this day I couldn’t tell you about Twilight that kept me so hooked, but back then I wanted more. Fanfiction came to the rescue. </p> <p>That was early days before the Twi fandom grew huge, before the movie, before Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were on every magazine cover, before the drama kicked in about Breaking Dawn and Midnight Sun. However, there was already an astonishing number of Twilight fanfictions doing the rounds and already a strong indication that non-canon and alternate universe fanfictions would dominate. </p> <p>Non-Canon: An idea, storyline, pairing, concept not from the original. </p> <p>Alternative Universe Fanfiction: Taking the entire story and turning it on it’s head by creating a new universe or changing the characters so dramatically, they are no longer the original character.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.caroloates.com/2012/07/through-my-eyes-writing-fanfiction.html"><u>An earlier post about why I consider these types of fanfiction as original writing in their own right.</u></a>  </p> <p align="left">I came across Wide Awake. An all human story about an emotional scared Bella and Edward, straining under the weight of their traumatic past. The story was posted chapter by chapter and it was in the comments section, while discussing the story, that I met readers who would become my fandom friends and later, real life friends. </p> <p align="left">We got together on a closed website/social group. We chatted about the hottest fanfictions(a number of which have gone on to become published novels), we made recommendations, shared fan art, laughed, cried, laughed some more, and raised money for fandom sponsored charities. Over time, the profile pictures and fandom names became real names with real faces and real life stories. <strong>Twilight brought friends together.</strong> </p> <p align="left">Others in the group were writing fanfictions of their own. Some hadn’t written anything in years and some were new to creative writing. <strong>Twilight got us writing.</strong> </p> <p align="left">As for me, I was going through a significant dry spell. For a number of reasons, I’d lost my confidence, I’d lost my passion for writing. Shades of Atlantis was trunked(put away) and I’d given up on the idea of ever publishing. After a while, I began to feel the bug to write. Fanfiction seemed a safe way to dip my toe back in the water and stretch my writing muscles again. I posted anonymously at first and didn’t even tell my fandom friends. After some initial positive feedback, I told the group what I was up to. One of the ladies graciously stepped forward at great time expense and I’m sure a trial on her patience to edit my chapters before I posted them. Some of the other group members helped with later writing. In fact, all of my work since then has benefitted from the eyes and notes of people I met through the Twilight fandom. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J75RP4A9Us8/VhZq81C9t_I/AAAAAAAACXQ/kgoc5L5I0Rs/s1600-h/RAcover6.jpgoriginal4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="RAcover6.jpg~original" border="0" alt="RAcover6.jpg~original" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16U4BbiAmRc/VhZq9lRTR4I/AAAAAAAACXU/NnDt0q2rcC8/RAcover6.jpgoriginal_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="441" /></a></p> <p align="left">This was common in the Twilight fanfiction community. Writers would often have anything up to three, four, or sometimes more beta readers or editors. Others set up websites offering grammar help and writing workshops. WC(word challenge) was common place, with writers from all corners of the world getting together on social media chat groups to write, critique, and encourage each other. The expectation of quality increased. <strong>Twilight made us better writers.</strong> </p> <p align="left">To say nothing of those who created cover art or artwork for the stories, created video trailers, ran competitions, blogged, promoted, and reviewed. Some of whom have gone on to work in publishing. It wasn’t all about the stories either. It was about the people, people from every walk of life, every income bracket, every age bracket and education level, and all over the world. There were swapshops, Christmas gift exchanges, women’s issues awareness, charity drives … <strong>Twilight inspired us to get creative. </strong></p> <p align="left">Meanwhile, in the background a subtle shift was happening. Some were leaving the fandom, through a natural progression they were moving on to other thing or they just lost interest. Some got disillusioned with the cliques that naturally form in such huge groups and the self-styled mean girls. </p> <p align="left">Other Twilight fans wanted to share beyond the fandom. Publishers were getting a whiff of these online stories that were receiving tens of thousands of reviews. Scrubbing or rewriting fanfiction and publishing it was nothing new. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare is the subject of heavy fandom debate since it began life as Harry Potter fanfiction. The Twilight movie and franchise was huge, mostly because of the free advertisement and absolute mayhem that went along with the Twi fangirls. Publishers wanted a piece of that action. There was talk about some fanfiction writers being contacted by Trade publishers. And within the fandom, two small publishers were just about to burst onto the market. The people at Twilighted announced the opening of Omnific Publishing, a separate entity for publication of original writing. And The Writers Coffeeshop fanfiction site were opening a publishing arm. </p> <p align="left">There is no doubt this caused a huge rift in the fandom. An anonymous hate site came along where it seemed no one was beyond attack and users happily hid behind fake names. On one side were those who didn’t want to share. They didn’t like the idea of writing that was previously free being sold on the open market. There was the issue of copyright. Obviously anything canon in the Twilight universe was off limits. What made a story derivative and what made it original, and who owned what? Many in the fandom believed they held some sort of ownership over stories shared as fanfiction. That these stories did not belong to the writers, but the readers. </p> <p align="left">Others were thrilled at the prospect of owning their favorite stories in print. From their perspective(one I share), many of the biggest stories shared little in common with Twilight beyond names which were easily changed. They believed the prose and original ideas belonged to the writers, even if the inspiration to write came from Twilight. It wasn’t as if there would be any impact on the Twilight books. No one was about to go into a shop looking for a Young Adult book about a teenage girl falling in love with a vampire and accidently walk out with an Adult Contemporary about a panty-ripping CEO. </p> <p align="left">I respected what these publishers were trying to do. So many of the people writing in the fandom were as talented as anyone available in book shops, but they probably would never have considered publishing. These small publishers were giving them a voice and a step onto the publishing ladder. I personally didn’t feel it affected me that much. As a reader, if I finished reading a fanfiction, I didn’t see it was any of my beewax what the writer did with it after. As a writer, since my full-length story was a role swap of Twilight and focused heavily on the original cannon, it was never going to be a candidate for pulling it from fanfiction.net and publishing, or <em>Pull to Publish</em> as it came to be known. I was more interested in the prospect of digging up Shades of Atlantis and submitting it. I had seen what the team at Omnific Publishing had done with Twilighted and I trusted them enough to considering publishing again. </p> <p align="left"><strong>Twilight brought many of us into publishing.</strong> </p> <p align="left">It wasn’t only me. You may have heard of a title that originally came from The Writer’s Coffee Shop called Fifty Shades of Grey. Now, while not everyone has had the same success, there is a huge number of titles from authors who started out in the Twilight Fandom. Some of the books from these writers started life with Bella and Edward and many didn’t. </p> <p align="left">So, you see, Twilight is not just a book. For many it’s means much more. They say you never forget your first love. Well, you never forget your first fandom either. For many, Twilight was their first introduction to a fandom community. So while there was drama and bad feeling for some, and a good many have moved on from their Twilight days, most are still grateful for all the good times and the friends it brought to them. </p> CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-84648710450526887292015-09-16T15:33:00.001+01:002015-09-16T15:33:27.726+01:00Grianán of Aileach<br />
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Grianán of Aileach was one of our stops while visiting Innishown this past summer. I say "one of our stops" but it was actually right next door to the hotel where we stayed,<u> <a href="http://www.angriananhotel.com/">An Grianán Hotel,</a></u> so it wasn't so much a stop as a visit next door. <br />
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The hotel was first on the agenda to gather some information about the local area and was partially handy since it has a visitors center right on site. As you can see from the a above picture, the region is steeped in folklore of the <span class="_Tgc">The Tuatha Dé Danann, the ancient people featured in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21570172-shades-of-atlantis">Shades of Atlantis</a>. The hotel hosts Celtic Feast Nights a few times a year. Unfortunately, and much to my disappointment, our visit wasn't going to coincide with one of these dates. However, I was able to console myself with breakfast in stunning surroundings of The Old Church Restaurant, a magnificent building dating back 150 years, before the boy and I set about exploring the visitors center.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">For someone like me with a genuine passionate interest in folklore, <a href="http://www.oldchurchvisitorcentre.com/">The Old Church Visitors Center</a> is something of a spectacular find tucked away at the top of Ireland. I was in my element. The boy was pretty excited too. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Walking around the back of the hotel, we were greeted by none other the King Nuada, examples of standing stones and a Celtic cross, all with voiced information. Then onto the hut, where we met a hologram of Danu, Goddess of the </span><span class="_Tgc">Dé Danann. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">Passing through a door into the Old Church, we proceeded up the stairs to the presentation beneath the rafter, wandering around for a solid hour as colored light filtered through stained glass windows and chandeliers sparkled overhead. Among the exhibits are replicas of </span><span class="_Tgc"><span class="_Tgc">Dé Danann's magical weapons, costumes, and an informative history of the local area. They boy even got to stand on </span></span><span class="_Tgc"><span class="_Tgc"><span class="st">Lia Fáil (The stone of Destiny also featured in Shades of Atlantis), which folklore says scream when touched by the rightful ruler of Ireland. </span></span></span><br />
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Unfortunately, according to Nuada's Hologram, his was not destined to rule Ireland. However, in an amusing twist, it seems I am. You can just call me Queen Carol. <br />
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<span class="_Tgc"><span class="_Tgc"><span class="st">My photos don't do the visitor's center justice but for more, you might like to check out this Youtube video from the offical site. Absolutely worth a visit while visiting Innishowen. </span></span></span>
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As instructed by Dagda, off we went to visit the Ring Fort.</div>
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Grianán of Aileach sits on top of a steep hill and is open to the public for a part of the year. It's not a big distance from the hotel, but walking it wouldn't be for the faint of heart. It's up, up, up, narrow winding roads all the way. I was glad we took the car. There is ample parking before a very short walk to the fort. Even in the car park, the views into the distance were something else. As you can see, we didn't get great weather. It is Ireland after all. </div>
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The ringfort dates back to sixth or seventh century and is thought to be the seat of the Kingdom of Aileach, and built by the Uí Néill. Finds at the site suggest it was of some importance long before the structure was built. The fort was destroyed in 1101 according to the Irish annals. In the 19th century the site was excavated and the ringfort rebuilt.<br />
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Outside, the ringfort dominates the hillside, with walls 16 feet high and 15 feet thick. Inside, there are three terraces with stone steps. If you are brave enough to climb the steps in windy Irish weather, the 360 degree view is worth it.<br />
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-49111223721818511552015-09-07T15:06:00.000+01:002015-09-07T15:06:32.615+01:00Bride Without A Groom I went to a wedding fair this weekend. Honestly. I've been to two this year. Yes, yes, I can practically hear the shocked laughter from those who know me in real life. Me at a wedding fair with my track record! Let's just say I've heard more proposals than the panel at Dragon's Den. I joked with my sister-in-law that I was getting a head start on things for my next ex-finance.<br />
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I was actually there for the cake. My sis-in-law runs a small but successful home bakery, <i><a href="http://vanillavalleycakes.com/index.html">Vanilla Valley Cakes</a></i>, catering everything from treats and desert tables to birthday and wedding cakes.<br />
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She was checking out the fair to see if it might be something she could attend as a vendor in the future. </div>
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The Wedding and Honeymoon Show had everything you'd expect, with fashion shows, hotels, entertainers, and lots and lots of cakes. What I didn't expect to meet was an author with a stand featuring her debut novel. A spot of genius to promote a book about the ultimate bridezilla at a wedding fair. So, of course I had to stop and say hello. I had a lovely chat with Amy Lynch. Bride Without Groom is now on my To Read List. </div>
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<b>Contemporary Romance </b></div>
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<b> HarperCollinsUK</b></div>
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<span id="freeText17272714160484753359">Rebecca has chosen the
most luscious, five tiered, wedding cake – as featured in Hello!
Magazine. The engagement ring that she has selected is celebrity
inspired. The wedding singer is on speed dial. He doesn’t usually do
Michael Bolton, but as it’s for a first dance he’ll make an exception.
Father Maguire is checking dates for the parish church as we speak. The
deposit on the white sand honeymoon is paid for in full on Barry’s card.
Sure, the resort was good enough for Pierce Brosnan when he tied the
knot. She has fallen for an ivory lace couture gown that is to die for.
The down payment may require her to sell a left kidney, but it will be
worth it. Isn’t that why you have two? <br /><br />There’s one teeny
problem. It’s nothing, really. No need to panic! It’s just that Barry
has yet to propose. Says he’s not ready! He can be a bit of a kill joy
that way. It’s time to face the harsh reality – she is a bride without a
groom. <br /><br />Truth be told, Barry’s had enough. There’s only so much
wedding talk that one man can take. Discovering the credit card
statement is the final straw. Now he’s leaving for a conference in
Bangkok and frankly, he’s looking forward to the peace and quiet. He
says he needs time to think about their relationship. As the Tiger beer
flows and the tie loosens, his colleague Shelley is providing more than a
shoulder for him to cry on. Maybe Shelley is right. Maybe Rebecca only
wants the big day. <br /><br />Back in Dublin, Rebecca worries. Maybe she
has pushed Barry too far this time. Best mates Pam and Emer are on hand
for counseling and cocktails. With the help of family, friends and a
well stocked drinks cabinet, Rebecca puts her cunning plan together.
Operation ‘Win Back Barry’ is in full swing. She needs to convince Barry
that she’s not crazy – just crazy about him. But wait… who is the
mysterious woman that is so keen to talk to her, and what is it that
Barry needs to get off his chest?</span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0008152276"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy it on Amazon UK</span></a> </div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/B00V2VXACG"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy it on Amazon.com</span></a></div>
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Find Amy on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmyLynchAuthor">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AmyLynchAuthor">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9822839.Amy_Lynch">Goodreads</a>, or </div>
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<a href="http://amylynchauthor.com/">AmyLynchAuthor.com</a></div>
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CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-53217342030978347812015-08-31T13:29:00.000+01:002015-08-31T13:29:13.304+01:00Amazing Grace in InishowenWriters find their inspiration in many ways. For me, it's mostly been Ireland. We have a rich heritage and a stunning landscape which has provided me with an endless supply of ideas over the years. <br />
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One of the few remaining places I've always wanted to visit, but have never had the opportunity, is Innishowen in Donegal. So, imagine my delight when my son picked it as one of the places his wanted to explore this summer. From the area's connection to the <span class="_Tgc">Tuatha Dé Danann from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shades-Atlantis-The-Series/dp/1936305445"><u><i>Shades of Atlantis</i></u></a> and providing me with the name of a character in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Wicked-Carol-Oates-ebook/dp/B00S2SQ69G">Something Wicked,</a></i> Innishowen translates to The Island of Eoghan, I couldn't wait to get exploring. </span><br />
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Innishowen is a peninsula in Donegal on the northern coast of Ireland, tucked between Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.<br />
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I am not the only writer to find inspiration there. Even if you've never heard of Innishowen, you've no doubt heard of the hymn, Amazing Grace.<br />
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Many Years ago, a man named John Newton, a former slave trader and rogue, was traveling aboard a ship to England. The ship got caught up in a violent storm. The ship, already in disrepair upon setting sail, was in no condition to weather the storm. Crew used everything and anything on hand to try and keep the ship together despite a gaping hole in the side. With little hope of rescue because they'd been blown off course, Newton, a man who had already brushed death on several occasions was sure he was about to die and prayed to God for mercy.<br />
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Although he was convinced God's mercy was beyond reach for a man such as him, it arrived in strong winds that pushed the ship onward. Eventually they came within the sights of Tory Island off the north coast of Ireland. The ship limped as far a Lough Swilly and Newton was saved.<br />
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Later he reflected on the almost shipwreak as being a metaphor for how his life and how he had been lost as sea long before boarding that ship. He wrote the first verse of the famous song while awaiting repairs of the ship.<br />
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Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)<br />
That saved a wretch like me<br />
I once was lost, but now am found,<br />
Was blind, but now I see.</div>
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Coming up -- <span class="st">Grianan of Aileach</span></div>
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<br />CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-3372508531230555812015-08-21T14:24:00.000+01:002015-08-21T14:24:00.135+01:00Stepping back from Publishing - Update. So, it's probably about time I catch up on blogging. And, a good way to do that is to catch up on what we got up to this summer.<br />
Back in May I wrote about why I felt I needed to take a <a href="http://www.caroloates.com/2015/03/why-im-stepping-back-from-publishing.html">break from publishing</a>. Things were slightly different on the home front this summer. For one thing, stepping back from the pressure I was putting myself under for publishing turned out to be the right decision and I now feel ready to start dipping my toes back in.<br />
I never planned to stop writing, but initially felt I needed a little break to recharge. As any writer knows, taking a break isn't as easy as it would first appear. In the beginning, I promised myself no new projects, but it was very difficult to let go of the habit of carrying a notebook and pen. I didn't exactly manage it. Even when I wasn't writing on paper, I found my mind was still whirling with ideas. I was still processing what my next moves would be in this great adventure of publishing. I was still drawn to places that inspire my writing. <br />
What was a girl to do? Okay, so I gave in a little. More on that in upcoming blog posts. I also took out my crochet and knitting needles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlkNvp58RzenAgmXNVfHUTXaooYmfrnmlVENf-UBBf1DNx3WHfgUfnqU8ZPTmlAoYX7xRPObukOmxH8hXzm8XbPVlEDAM3eAw_xj_p6RX0Tx0CWRwAzhF0gB2t2gvLAiBHfMjN1Q6zUyT/s1600/2015-08-18+13.50.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlkNvp58RzenAgmXNVfHUTXaooYmfrnmlVENf-UBBf1DNx3WHfgUfnqU8ZPTmlAoYX7xRPObukOmxH8hXzm8XbPVlEDAM3eAw_xj_p6RX0Tx0CWRwAzhF0gB2t2gvLAiBHfMjN1Q6zUyT/s320/2015-08-18+13.50.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjtTCqCZVleqxoPYDaDiUSIsWmX6q6LXmKnqP-ikcWQR4Hhn_KRciVv5H1f4SXqZybW6MPWOTZgXZq6WTEs-ryFK48fUAVLdsFtq522lpFcURiC0HBxvJ-XFg52JPXp6TsU8fnL8sPb_D/s1600/2015-06-06+06.04.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjtTCqCZVleqxoPYDaDiUSIsWmX6q6LXmKnqP-ikcWQR4Hhn_KRciVv5H1f4SXqZybW6MPWOTZgXZq6WTEs-ryFK48fUAVLdsFtq522lpFcURiC0HBxvJ-XFg52JPXp6TsU8fnL8sPb_D/s320/2015-06-06+06.04.53.jpg" width="181" /></a>After years of scribbling in notebooks every time I sat down for a coffee, or on a train, or bus, I couldn't stop writing. Not even for a week, never mind the summer months! Knitting and crochet turned out to be a way to keep my hands busy and following patterns kept my mind from wandering, prompting a barman in a hotel we stayed in to asked if I was a smoker trying to quit. I chuckled and explained smoking wasn't my particular addiction.<br />
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I also baked - A lot.<br />
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If anything, taking a break has reaffirmed to me that even though I love all this other creative stuff I get up to, my first love is writing and that I want to share my writing by throwing my hand back into publishing soon. <br />
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Another big change this summer was my son settling into his autism adult service. However, we still managed a bit of exploring. On my next blog post I'll be talking about our trip to Donegal and the connection to <span class="_Tgc">The Tuatha Dé Danann from <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shades-Atlantis-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00NO131EE">Shades of Atlantis</a></i>. </span><br />
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<br />CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-75329648812910979132015-08-17T23:04:00.000+01:002015-08-17T23:04:22.182+01:00Review - Saving Evangeline by Nancee Cain <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> Omnific Publishing </b></div>
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<b>Release date: May 26th 2015</b></div>
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<b>Summary</b><br />
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<span id="freeText562430073665340490">Evangeline is the town
pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible for the death of
her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved cross-country.
Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life.<br /><br />Rogue angel
Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends
to invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss
sends him to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his
angelic nature, and he must complete the task as <i>Father</i> Remiel Blackson.<br /><br />Forced
together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love
unfolds. A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel
and Evangeline are headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his
love save her, or will they both be lost forever?</span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><b>My Review</b></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">This review has been a long, long time coming. I read this back in June<b> </b>but because of other commitments and taking a step back from writing for the summer, I haven't been blogging much. My apologies to Naccee Cain for the long delay in sharing my love of this stand out debut novel.</span><span id="freeText562430073665340490"> </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">Who over a certain age
doesn't remember the allure and drama of The Thorn Birds, both the mini
series and the book, and the captivating intrigue of the priest torn
between his love of God and his love of a woman?</span><br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">Father Remiel isn't a young man like any other, he isn't even a priest, and not particularly happy with his lot. He is an angel in disguise...and I don't mean that metaphorically. There is every reason why this book shouldn't be a romance, neither of these two is in place or time in their existence that screams datable. However, love is not convenient, it's messy, stubborn and intrusive. It sometimes creeps into cracks that appear when someone is falling apart and helps to glue them back together. It's not people who find love, it's love that finds people. Which, let's face it, makes us root for Remiel and Evie even more. </span><br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">When an angel with rebellious streak is bored in Heaven, what's his boss to do? Send him on a mission to save a depressed young woman from herself. The catch, he has to do it in a guise of a priest. A battle of wins ensure after Remiel recuses Evie. Though I got a sense immediately that these two flawed characters would need to save each other if either is to survive. </span><br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">Well written, this novel is sharp, intriguing, and witty. The author doesn't shy away from sensitive subjects but handles them with care. I can sometimes be critical of books dealing with suicide and depression but felt this writing held up very well. The author clearly has a good insight. Not one moment of wanting to throw the book across the room. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">It is full of angst and emotionally draining in some parts but perfectly balanced with the hope of a happy ending. The imagery immerses the reader in the story, so much so, I could easily image this on a big screen. It's adult so there is sex scenes. I felt they were a natural progression rather than something forced for the sake of squeezing sex into the book. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490">All in all, this is an excellent debut and <i>expect big things from Nancee Cain. </i> </span><br />
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><b>Buy it now</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Evangeline-Nancee-Cain-ebook/dp/B00Y41MUI6"><span id="freeText562430073665340490">Amazon </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"> <b>For a full list of stockists </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Saving-Evangeline/Nancee-Cain/9781623422035">Simon and Schuster</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><b>About Nancee Cain</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor13843907">During the day, Nancee Cain
works as a nurse in the field of addiction to support her coffee and
reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary
romances with a serrated edge.<br /><br />Authors are her rock stars, and
she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary,
Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list on her e-reader
qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.<br /><br />Always looking to
try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a
tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a
damper on both of these dreams.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor13843907"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor13843907"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nancee.cain">Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Nancee_Cain"> Twitter </a> <a href="http://www.nanceecain.com/">Website</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13843907.Nancee_Cain">Goodreads </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeText562430073665340490"><b> </b></span></div>
CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-8469824879557625352015-05-26T23:05:00.002+01:002015-05-26T23:05:20.518+01:00Release Day! Saving Evangeline by Nancee CainI couldn’t be more delighted to bring you the news of this wonderful debut
from Nancee Cain. It’s already gathering plenty of 5 star ratings, with many
more sure to follow. <img height="406" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431105103l/25391336.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /><br />
Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible
for the death of her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved
cross-country. Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life. <br />Rogue
angel Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends to
invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss sends him
to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his angelic nature, and
he must complete the task as <em>Father</em> Remiel Blackson. <br />Forced
together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love unfolds.
A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel and Evangeline are
headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his love save her, or will they
both be lost forever?<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Evangeline-Nancee-Cain-ebook/dp/B00Y41MUI6"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Buy the Book</u></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25391336-saving-evangeline">Goodreads</a></u></span></div>
CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-5244160472743438052015-05-12T21:15:00.001+01:002015-05-12T21:15:29.252+01:00Trouble Me by Beck Anderson–Release day!<p><em>Trouble Me</em> is the follow up to <em>Fix You, </em>in which a film star and a young widow find their lives turned up side down by a chance meeting on a jogging trail. You can read my full review of <em>Fix You</em><u> </u><a href="http://www.caroloates.com/2015/03/fix-you-by-beck-anderson-review-and.html"><u>here</u></a>. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1430714919l/25346379.jpg" /></p> <p align="center">Omnific Publishing</p> <p align="center">Release 12th May 2015 </p> <p>In Fix You, movie star Andrew Pettigrew (Andy to his fans, Andrew to his friends) somehow found the level-headed love he was looking for in young widow and “regular girl” Kelly Reynolds. Now, as they work to mesh their growing relationship with his gold-statue ambitions, things go a bit sideways, in true Hollywood fashion. <br />Though they’re still wonderfully in love, it’s challenge enough for Andrew and Kelly to decipher what it means to be a family—and a growing family at that—between takes on set. But Andrew also brings history with a temperamental co-star, assorted paparazzi, and someone out there who has serious, perhaps obsessive, issues with him into the mix. Suddenly the Reynolds-Pettigrew clan must fight not just to stay together, but to stay safe. <br />In Trouble Me, the sequel to Fix You and third novel from Rita finalist Beck Anderson, Kelly and Andrew struggle to stay sane within their whirlwind life. It’s a life that’s equal parts amazing and amusing, less glamorous than you might expect, and spiked with very real fears no amount of stardom can overcome. <br />Will Andrew and Kelly be torn apart, or will they help each other stay strong at their broken places?</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25346379-trouble-me"><font size="4">Goodreads</font></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Amazon</font> </p> <p align="left"><strong>About the Author</strong></p> <p>Beck Anderson believes in the power of perfectly imperfect women and in the healing power of love. Her first novel, Fix You, grew out of those beliefs and the time to write afforded by the worst Thanksgiving blizzard she’s ever witnessed in West Yellowstone. <br />Beck balances (clumsily at best) writing novels and screenplays, working full-time as an educator, mothering two pre-teen males, loving one post-40 husband, and making time to walk the foothills of Boise, Idaho, with Stefano DiMera Delfino Anderson, the suavest Chihuahua north of the border.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://authorbeck.com/"><u>Website</u></a>     <a href="https://twitter.com/BeckAndersonID"><u>Twitter</u></a>     <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beckandersonauthor"><u>Facebook</u></a>     <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7178862.Beck_Anderson"><u>Goodreads</u></a> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">While we are talking Omnific Publishing, let me introduce you to an upcoming debut release from Nancee Cain. This is one for the To Read list. Add it to your Goodreads shelves <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25391336-saving-evangeline?from_search=true&search_version=service"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431105103l/25391336.jpg" /> </p> <p>Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible for the death of her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved cross-country. Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life. <br />Rogue angel Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends to invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss sends him to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his angelic nature, and he must complete the task as <em>Father</em> Remiel Blackson. <br />Forced together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love unfolds. A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel and Evangeline are headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his love save her, or will they both be lost forever?</p> CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-37173908057574826302015-04-22T13:41:00.001+01:002015-04-22T13:41:49.802+01:00Vibrizzio by Nicki Elson-New Release<p> </p> <p>Congratulations to <u><a href="http://nickielson.blogspot.ie/">Nicki Elson</a></u> on her latest release, <em>Vibrizzio. </em>I’ve loved everything Nicki has written so far, so I’m betting that I’ll love this too.   <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422248311l/22236624.jpg" width="264" height="391" /></p> <p align="center">Adult Read</p> <p align="center">Swoon Romance</p> <p align="center">Released April 21st 2015</p> <p>Lyssa Bates doesn’t need a man. Not when the world is fully-stocked with double A batteries (long-lasting) and a wide array of options in Amazon’s health and sexual wellness category. Thank the gods of Internet ordering. <br />After yet another failed relationship, the twenty-six-year-old investment analyst is convinced that real guys aren’t ever going to live up to her expectations—so why should she bother with them when the only thing standing between her and her next mind-blowing O is the case in which she keeps Vibrizzio? Yep. She gave it a name. An Italian name! <br />She’s determined to keep her dating life purely electronic...though she occasionally fantasizes about Hayden King, the delicious new associate she just got partnered with at work. <br />While Lyssa manages her romantic risks by deleting men from of the equation, the ever-charming Hayden protects his heart by diversifying his love life across multiple women. <br />As the two young professionals travel together around the country for business, their flirty working relationship develops into a close friendship that hurtles toward something more. <br />Between hot tub confessions in Baltimore, an accidental kiss in Dallas, and an all-nighter in Chicago, Hayden proves himself to be better than any fantasy, and Vibrizzio's days may finally be numbered.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vibrizzio-Big-V-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00SILZL6G/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><b><em>VIBRIZZIO</em> at Amazon</b></a></p> CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-48667314911058334062015-04-14T14:20:00.001+01:002015-04-14T14:20:51.602+01:00Rise to Me by Shani Struthers–Review<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425281491l/25053102.jpg" width="256" height="389" /></p> <p align="center"><strong>Supernatural </strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>Adult</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>Crooked Cat Publishing </strong></p> <p><strong>Summary</strong> </p> <p>“This isn’t a ghost we’re dealing with. If only it were that simple…” <br />Eighteen years ago, when psychic Ruby Davis was a child, her mother – also a psychic – suffered a nervous breakdown. Ruby was never told why. “It won’t help you to know,” the only answer ever given. Fast forward to the present and Ruby is earning a living from her gift, running a high street consultancy – Psychic Surveys – specialising in domestic spiritual clearance. <br />Boasting a strong track record, business is booming. Dealing with spirits has become routine but there is more to the paranormal than even Ruby can imagine. Someone – something – stalks her, terrifying but also strangely familiar. Hiding in the shadows, it is fast becoming bolder and the only way to fight it is for the past to be revealed – no matter what the danger. <br />When you can see the light, you can see the darkness too. <br />And sometimes the darkness can see you.</p> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <p>Finally, I’m getting around to writing this review. After reading the first book in this series, <em>The Haunting of Highdown Hall,</em> I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Let me just say, I grew up on dark supernatural and horror. From a young age I probably saw more movies and read more books in the genre than I should have. I had nightmares because of James Herbert and Stephen King books, and one of the first movies on our home cinema(a projector and screen) was The Masque of the Red Death. So I don’t scare all that easily.</p> <p>I knew from teasers and the author that this would be a darker story that the first. I more or less laughed it off. Reality is so much more frightening than fantasy, the idea that something could happen rather than something that is impossible. Shani Struthers knows how to take a scenario right up to the line of possibility. That’s what makes this book so creepy. </p> <p>In saying all that, it took me longer to get through than I expected. It was a lot to take in and even when I wasn’t reading it, I was still thinking about it. </p> <p>Ruby and the team at Psychic Surveys are back, along with Ruby’s matriarchal psychically gifted family. The book starts out as expected with Ruby and co. helping spooks to find their way back into the light. It quickly takes on a darker tone when she is called to the home of a deeply troubled young man convinced he is being stalked by something evil. Ruby tries her best to help him but the encounter opens a doorway in her memory to a dark encounter of her own.  </p> <p><em>“I see you, Ruby, I see you.”</em></p> <p>Colour me chilled to the bone with that line. </p> <p>And so begins an escalating  fight between good and evil where Ruby is the prize. Ruby isn’t about to lose herself so easily, and neither are her friends and family, especially her mum, Jessica, who has been little more than a zombie for many years. </p> <p>There is a lot of detail in this book, a lot of history on Ruby’s life before the first book, on spiritualism and the history of occult. It’s a meaty read but I found, especially in earlier chapters, that the reader gets a little break to digest while characters went about their daily lives and give a real sense of who they are and what they are about. This is important to making the reader want to root for them. This story is layered and deep, thought provoking while not being pretentious. </p> <p>Shani Struthers once again shows why she is an automatic buy for me. Her writing is fantastic, her prose tight and realistic with enough description of surroundings and characters to completely submerge the reader in to the world she has created. Everything was tied up at the end, there were no characters left dangling over cliffs. I got a sense that there may be more darkness to come in future books. </p> <p>It’s difficult to talk about this book without giving too much away, so I’ll leave it there. It’s a must read, especially for those who read books or come out of a cinema shrugging at what was meant to be spine tingling.  </p> <p><strong>links</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25053102-psychic-surveys-book-two">Goodreads</a>     <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Psychic-Surveys-Book-Two-Supernatural-ebook/dp/B00U4ZFO5W/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Amazon.com</a>      <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychic-Surveys-Book-Two-Supernatural-ebook/dp/B00U4ZFO5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1429017455&sr=1-1&keywords=Psychic+Surveys+Book+Two%3A+Rise+To+Me+-+A+Supernatural+Thriller">Amazon.uk</a> </p> <p align="left"><strong>About the Author</strong></p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1370849984p5/7012437.jpg" />An avid reader, I'll wade through pretty much anything but hot favourites right now are romance, horror (not gory though, more supernatural) and contemporary. Am discovering some wonderful books through Goodreads and writing circles on Facebook - haven't had to pop into Waterstones for ages! I'm also the author of The Runaway Year, published by Omnific Publishing - a contemporary Cornish romance with a healthy dash of sass. Later this year my second novel will be available - a paranormal mystery this time. Psychic Surveys Book 1: The Haunting of Highdown Hall will be published by Crooked Cat Publishing and is the first in a series which will only get darker. <br />Read all about it on my website or on my blog. I'm also on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/shani_struthers">https://twitter.com/shani_struthers</a> and Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shani-Struthers/318842441568025">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shani-S...</a>.</p> CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-9345834264927066692015-03-21T13:05:00.001+00:002015-03-21T13:05:30.731+00:00Command the Tides by Wren Handman–Excerpt<p><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-56d3uZze1wQ/VQ1slriqWRI/AAAAAAAACQU/lax6Y-tVYHM/s1600-h/24597001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="24597001" border="0" alt="24597001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3iipgY8D9C0/VQ1smP2gGrI/AAAAAAAACQY/9bgVuO6zTOM/24597001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="372" /></a></strong></p> <p align="center">Book Title: Command The Tides (The Chronicles of Midvalen, Book One) </p> <p align="center">ISBN: 9781623421809 </p> <p align="center">Genre: Romantic Fantasy </p> <p align="center">Available in Paperback and Ebook March 17, 2015</p> <p><strong>Summary:</strong></p> <p>Enter Midvalen, a world of kings and kingdoms, princes and pretenders. <br />In the Kingdom of Miranov, Taya seems to have it all: she owns her own store, she’s engaged to be married to a handsome man, and she’s a success. But the truth is more complicated than anyone could guess. Her engagement is a sham, an agreement of convenience that she made with Darren so she can own land and he can get his mother off his back. She thinks things have become complicated when she realizes that she's fallen in love with him, something she never planned to do. But what's worse is discovering that her simple sailor boy is actually the crown prince of neighboring Sephria, and his usurping Uncle is trying to kill him. <br />When Darren shows up at her door, bleeding and fleeing assassins, Taya is drawn into a complicated mess of politics, fighting, and broken hearts. Her allegiances will be questioned, her love will find a new course, and she’ll do it all while trying to stay alive, save the day, and guard her heart.</p> <p><strong>Excerpt </strong></p> <p><i>“David, help Ryan cover the trail. I’ll help Sarah take Darren. Taya, take my sword and cover us.”</i></p> <p><i>“The girl? She’s like to cut off her own feet as an enemy!” Liam hissed.</i></p> <p><i>Taya felt her face grow hot. As always when she felt embarrassment closing in, she covered it with anger. She grabbed Jeremy’s sword by the hilt, drawing it out with one smooth motion and swinging it down so the point touched the</i></p> <p><i>ground just an inch in front of Liam’s foot. She felt Jeremy take a staggering</i></p> <p><i>step backward, startled.</i></p> <p><i>“I will not only cut our enemy, I will cut the feet off of our enemy and</i></p> <p><i>leave them to bleed in the dirt. I haven’t let us down yet, and I certainly don’t</i></p> <p><i>intend to start now. And if you ever call me ‘the girl’ again, I will show you</i></p> <p><i>exactly what I am expert at cutting off,” she snarled, and then she hoisted the</i></p> <p><i>sword and spun on her heel, storming away before he could react.</i></p> <p><i>She stood at the edge of their sad, sodden company, the hilt of the sword</i></p> <p><i>resting snugly in the palm of her hand, her back straight and her head held high,</i></p> <p><i>and the only thing going through her mind was the fact she had absolutely,</i></p> <p><i>completely, no idea how to use a sword.</i></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Command-Tides-Wren-Handman-ebook/dp/B00TBKUVDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426547601&sr=8-1&keywords=wren+handman">Amazon</a>    <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/command-the-tides-wren-handman/1121190933?ean=9781623421816">BN.com</a>    <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24597001-command-the-tides">Goodreads</a>     <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Command-the-Tides/Wren-Handman/9781623421816">Simon and Schuster</a></p> <p><strong>Author Bio</strong></p> <p>Wren Handman is a novelist, fiction writer, and playwright. Her first novel, <i>Last Cut</i>, was published by James Lorimer Publishing Ltd (Sept 2012) and is aimed at teenagers with reading difficulties. She has published short stories both in print and online, including in the anthology <i>Voice From the Planet</i> (Harvard Square Editions) and the online magazine <i>Crow Toes Quarterly</i>, an award-winning Canadian children’s publication. For regular updates check out her short fiction project, Lucid Dreaming (<a href="http://www.wrenhandman.com/lucid-dreaming">www.wrenhandman.com/lucid-dreaming</a>), which responds to original art pieces with flash fiction stories.</p> CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3845972274166862082.post-48272726600350863612015-03-17T16:09:00.001+00:002015-03-17T16:09:40.553+00:00Why I’m stepping back from Publishing for now<p> </p> <p>Writers who keep writing are those who must. Even on the dark days when it seems no one wants to read what they are writing, there’s always one more story they have to get down, one more idea to flesh out, one more perfect first line that leads to a second and third. You catch my drift here. They will gasp out their last breath tapping on a keyboard or with arthritic fingers grasping some writing implement or another. </p> <p>Those writers will never stop writing because it’s in their blood. It’s in mine. </p> <p>Publishing is a different kettle of kittens. A writer doesn’t need to publish. Publishing isn’t writing. It’s been my experience that one has very little to do with the other. This might sound like a strange admission coming from a writer with a fifth novel recently released. There are all sorts of reasons to publish--Reach is one, sharing a story through a medium that may be beyond the individual. Some publish for the glory, for the sense of achievement, or the money. Although money has always been the worst of all reasons to publish. Most published authors will agree there is little money in comparison the the hours put in. </p> <p>I envisioned my stories in the hands of people from every corner of the world. To do that I felt I needed to belong to the publishing community. I saw myself writing everyday, interacting with other writers and readers while my books did the reaching with me. Anything beyond that seemed like a pipe dream. </p> <p>Books have always been important to me. They are a means to escape when I can’t. A way live in other worlds when my own becomes overwhelming. To be other people and have grand adventures when my life sucks. So, I also wanted to be a part of the book industry. To be blunt, I never expected to earn vast sums or top best seller lists but I also didn’t expect to fail so abysmally as an author. </p> <p>I write and I spend months revising, then there’s the submission. And then the real work begins. Making a book is incredibly time consuming and involves a number of people. Writing, by comparison, is the easy part. Once it’s done, it’s done. After the book is out there, there is the constant promotion to garner even a couple of sales. In the past, I’ve had days where I spend about 25 minutes working on a story and several hours a day working on promotions. As of today, my latest <em>Something Wicked </em>(released January 20th)<em> </em>is<em> </em>still out of stock on US Amazon and only recently stocked elsewhere. Because stuff happened in publishing, deadlines, and time slots, and miscommunications. Not necessarily anyone’s fault but no less stressful because it isn’t. </p> <p>Publishing is a business. I don’t want this to sound like sour grapes. I don’t in any sense feel I deserve to sell books. I don’t feel readers owe me reviews or word of mouth. I’m extremely grateful to those who have given me their time. I’m grateful to those who have supported me because I know that’s a gift they didn’t have to share. I’m grateful for the reviews, good, bad, and indifferent. I came into this with what I thought were realistic expectations. It’s not a sense of entitlement. I don’t feel I entitled to have my books read just because I put them out in the world. But I did hope they wouldn’t disappear into oblivion. </p> <p>I know the reality is that I’ve been lucky. Despite atrocious sales, my publisher continued to believe in me and continued to invest in my work. I will always be grateful for that. I write what I want and don’t limit myself to one genre, age, or even to happy ever after. There isn’t a lot of consistency in what I produce. </p> <p>The terrible truth is, my books don’t sell. To be honest, they don’t garner a lot of interest in giveaways either. It would appear in the grand scheme, there are very few readers who connect with my style of writing and storytelling. As much as I hate to disappoint faithful readers, my options are change how and what I write or keep writing what I love and step back from publishing before shouting into the void and chucking my work(and the work of all those who help me create my books) into the abyss drives me insane. Neither is ideal, but I know I can’t just write something I don’t believe in. I can’t change how I write. </p> <p>I’m not one to quit. It’s not in my nature, so this has been an almost impossible decision for me. My instinct is to keep slogging away until the bitter end. But I don’t want to think of publishing with bitterness. I want it to be something I’m proud of and something I may well return to one day. I’m not planning to disappear from the blogosphere or social media and I’m not saying never. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I will take another pop at publishing in the future. Maybe my time will come. But for now, I’m taking a break from chasing my next publication to enjoy simply writing for pleasure again. </p> <p>It’s been a roller-coaster. Thank you for taking the ride with me.  </p> CarolOateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10589011233661606242noreply@blogger.com7