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Cover to Covers by Alexandrea Weis-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Cover to Covers by Alexandrea Weis-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Cover to Covers
by Alexandrea Weis
Genre: contemporary, adult, romance
Release Date: February 1, 2014

Cover to Covers

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / / The Book Depository

A man driven by his desires.

Tyler Moore is considered cold, ruthless, and determined to get everything he wants. CEO of a flourishing oil company, he thrives on order and never gives up control to anyone.

The woman from his past.

Monique Delome has left her unhappy past behind to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Love is something she believes is better suited to the pages of her novels and not meant for real life.

Whether in the boardroom or the bedroom, Tyler Moore is always in charge. But when Monique Delome walks back into his life, everything changes. A successful romance author, all the sexy leading men Monique writes about strangely remind everyone of Tyler. Intrigued, Tyler sets out to seduce the one woman he could never forget. Soon Tyler gets more than he bargained for, and his grip on his well-ordered life is turned upside down.

Tyler Moore is about to find out what happens when a romantic tale jumps from the pages and comes to life between the sheets.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: COVER TO COVERS is an adult, romantic, contemporary, erotic storyline that focuses on Propel Oil CEO Tyler Moore and romance author Monique Delome. With a prior history twenty years earlier, Cover to Covers is a second chance storyline that requires a third shot at love. An accidental meeting in Dallas will find the former college sweethearts face to face for the first time in two decades and the attraction is just as powerful as before.

The storyline follows Tyler as he endeavors to rekindle the romance that he once had with the one that got away. Twice divorced, Tyler’s history as a womanizer has left a bad impression on Monique but Monique has put her knowledge of Tyler to good use and Tyler is about to find out just what type of leading man he can truly be.

The relationship between our leading couple is erotic and sensual. Tyler’s reputation with the ladies precedes his appearance and Monique is willing to put the past aside for a second chance at love. But Tyler ran before and when things get tough, Tyler will run again.

The world building pulls the reader into the sights and sounds of New Orleans and, everything it has to offer. The characters are diverse; their backgrounds are the building blocks of the story whereupon Weis establishes her introductory premise.

There is one particular aspect of the storyline that did bother me, especially in this age of STDs and AIDs. The amount of unprotected sex by our hero never called into question the use of condoms or contraceptives. This, to me, is questionable in a storyline, regardless of the age of the characters. Both in their forties, with Tyler’s very active and current sex life, I would have thought Monique would have demanded condoms but it was only ever mentioned once in passing-after- several orgasms and nights together.

COVER TO COVERS is a story of heartbreak and betrayal; forgiveness and letting go; and two people who have loved one another for over twenty years. Alexandrea Weis writes a romantic storyline about the people and places she knows in New Orleans with a dash of smexy on the side.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

 

TRC: Hi Alexandrea and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

alexandrea-weis1Alexandrea: I am a nurse by training, but have been writing since the age of eight. I published my first novel several years ago and have been writing steadily since. Cover to Covers is my tenth published novel. I am also a permitted/certified Wildlife Rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. So my other passion is animals.

TRC: What or who influenced your foray into writing?

Alexandrea: I am not sure what influenced me. I just always felt connected to words ever since I can remember. It was always easier for me to put on to paper what I was feeling and thinking. It has always been something I needed to do, not necessarily wanted to do.

TRC: Your home is New Orleans and plays a prominent role in many of your story lines and series. How much influence does the people and places have on your storyline premises and plot twists?

Alexandrea: A great deal. New Orleans is an eclectic city and I don’t think you can help being some sort of creative soul coming from here. People are just as influential to me since characters are so important to my writing. I prefer to be called a character writer, because to me characters make the story; without them feeling real, the story is not believable.

TRC: Are any of the characters in your storylines based in reality or a compilation of people and your imagination?

Alexandrea: Probably a bit of both. Traits and tendencies I borrow from people I know, and then sprinkle in other nuances I feel they need to add to the story.

Cover to CoversTRC: COVER TO COVERS is your February 2014 contemporary, adult release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Alexandrea: The book came from the idea of second chances. What would happen if two people who once had cared deeply for each other, got the opportunity to try again. Despite how they may have changed over the years, could that love be rekindled and survive. It is also written from the male lead’s point of view. Tyler Moore is a man who has lived a successful but empty life, and reuniting with the one woman he really cared about causes him to re-evaluate his life. After all, falling in love is a blending of who we are, who we have been, and the person we find to open our heart.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series or is this a stand alone storyline?

Alexandrea: There will be a few spin off books in this series. Each containing characters from this novel. The next book, The Riding Master will bring Tyler Moore and Monique Delome back, and other books down the road will bring back other characters as well.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

Alexandrea: I have no idea! I can never really picture actors or actresses for my characters, because they are so real and different to me. They are their own selves, and not so easily molded into another person.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Alexandrea: I never plan out a book completely. I have an idea where I am going and then I just write. Often, I surprise myself when I am writing and where the book goes. That is what keeps it fun.

TRC: SINS OF A SHADOW MAN is the second instalment and June 2014 release in the Secret Brokers series – a spin off from your Nicci Beauvoir series-focusing on former FBI agent Dallas August. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Alexandrea: Sins is another glimpse into the world of my favorite character, Dallas August. He is a complicated man, getting over heartbreak, but living in a dangerous world of selling secrets. In the next book in the series, he is trying to keep his friends in New Orleans safe, while keeping his business of buying and selling secrets functioning. He walks a thin line between what is legal and moral to that gray world where everything is unethical and very illegal. In this next book, he also finds a love interest, but is torn between having a normal life, and giving up the thrill of what he does.

The Secret BrokersTRC: Will the characters from the Nicci Beauvoir series continue to overlap with The Secret Brokers?

Alexandrea: Yes. The third book in The Secret Brokers Series will bring back Nicci, David and the whole crew for another adventure. Called Good Man Gone, it will be out in 2016.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Alexandrea: Characters always come first. It has to make sense from their point of view. As their personalities emerge, ti enhances the plot of the story; because why they do something can change the direction of the tale.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Alexandrea: Make it tight, make it believable, and you have to make characters the reader believes in. If the reader does not care about the characters, they will not care about the story.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Alexandrea: If I can’t think. I go for a drive. Do not ask me why, but driving helps me think. After I drive around for an hour, I usually have figured out a problem in the story.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

Alexandrea: Sex! I know it seems unbelievable, but writing sex scenes, keeping them interesting, and making them fun, is a real challenge. I guess that is as true in relationships as it is in books. You have to always find something new.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Alexandrea: Actually, I have other authors that bounce ideas off me, all the time. In helping them, it helps me think of new situations or storylines. I actually have no problem with finding ideas. I am usually writing the next book in my head while still in the middle of working on one, and thinking of another storyline on top of that. It’s a disease.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Alexandrea: I am finishing up another book in this spin off series of Cover to Covers called The Bondage Club. It is the story of Hunter Donovan, a floundering publisher, who decides to venture into erotica, and hires Carey Anderson to be his editor. Cary introduces Hunter to the world of bondage clubs, and soon their professional relationship becomes very personal, causing a lot of mishaps and funny adventures for Hunter as he tries to survive Carey’s diverse interests. It will be released in 2015.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Alexandrea: Just thank you for the opportunity to have this time to get to know your readers. And as always, thank you Sandy, for all that you do.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- French Fries.

Favorite Dessert-not a real dessert person

Favorite TV Show-Game of Thrones

Last Movie You Saw-I don’t go to the movie theater. I wait until they come out on cable.

Dark or Milk Chocolate-Milk Chocolate

Secret Celebrity Crush-Henry Cavill. For his personality and not his looks. He is a really great guy.

Last Vacation Destination–Los Angeles-working vacation. The only kind I ever take.

Pet Peeve-Waste. Wasting time, money, life. I hate waste. There are too many other things to do.

TRC: Thank you Alexandrea for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of Cover to Covers and the upcoming release of Sins of a Shadow Man.

Giveaway-Purple:Black

Alexandrea is offering a ebook copy of COVER TO COVERS to two (2) lucky commenters.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

6. Giveaway runs from March 8 to March 12, 2014

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Catching Up With Shannon K. Butcher – Interview & Giveaway

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Catching Up With Shannon K. Butcher – Interview & Giveaway

 

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The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Shannon K. Butcher.  Today Shannon will be discussing her new release, Willing Sacrifice, which is the 10th book in her wonderful Sentinel Wars series.  Shannon will also tell us what she has upcoming.

Just below this post is our dual review of Willing Sacrifce.

Let’s talk to Shannon.

 

 

TRC: Hi Shannon.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us again at The Reading Cafe, and to give us an update as to what you have upcoming, as well as what to expect in 2014.

Shannon: Thanks so much for having me back! It’s always great to come back for a visit.

This year will see the addition of one book to each of my two current series. First up is WILLING SACRIFICE, which came out this week. It’s the tenth installment of the Sentinel Wars series, and the conclusion to Torr and Grace’s storyline that so many of you have asked for. It’s a bit of a change of pace for what readers have come to expect from the series, but I hope folks enjoy it. I know I had a ton of fun writing it!

Next up is the fourth book of my romantic suspense series, the Edge. EDGE OF BETRAYAL comes out in November 2014, and revolves around computer genius Mira, and bad boy Adam.

TRC:  Willing Sacrifice, which was released yesterday, is your 10th book in your wonderful Sentinel Wars series.  Can you please tell us the premise of this series, for those who may not have read it?

Shannon:   Sure. The Sentinel Wars is a dark paranormal romance series with plenty of action. There are three races of beings who are fighting back the forces of evil that plague Earth. They each have their own set of powers and skills, but all are vital to turning the tide of war against the demons that roam free, killing innocent humans.

Most of the books center around the Theronai, who are hot, tattooed, badass, sword-wielding warriors who have vowed to protect humans. Their kind is dying off because there are few females left and no more being born. Without their female counterparts, the power the men house grows until it becomes toxic and begins destroying their soul. Every male Theronai born knows he has an expiration date. As each leaf on their lifemark—a living tattoo that covers their chests—falls, a little piece of them dies.

In book one, these men come across a woman raised as human who had no idea what she really is—the first of her kind born in centuries. The series kicks off when she learns that she can wield the powers of magic and help stem the rising tide of demons out for human and Sentinel blood.

Willing sacrifice.March 14jpgTRC: Can you give a brief description of Willing Sacrifice?

Shannon:  Willing Sacrifice is the conclusion to a story I’ve been working on for years. Torr, one of the Theronai, was paralyzed while rescuing Grace and her brother from demons. Torr knew he could never be with Grace—he was helpless in his paralysis, and unable to protect her from the demons who wanted her blood. Grace knew that Torr would die if he didn’t go out into the world and find the woman who could save his soul and restore his failing body. As much as she wanted to save him, she was powerless to do so.

Without spoiling anything, their paths continued to cross for several books. Now, when Torr least expects it, he’s summoned to another world where the powerful Athanasian woman, Brenya, lives. She demands his help in accordance with a vow he made to her in the hopes of saving Grace’s life. He finds the woman he loves, but she no longer knows who he is. Her memory has been wiped clean of everything she ever knew.

The two of them set out into the wild, untamed wilderness to seek and destroy the source of evil that’s begun to trickle through a gateway so they can save the only world Grace has ever known.

Links to order Willing Sacrifice:
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /  Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

TRC:  When you were here last you mentioned that you were working on some other “fun paranormal projects”.  Anything new on this?

Shannon:   Nothing I’m ready to share yet. My schedule has been so busy that I’m still fighting to get new projects squeezed in between my contracted work. I just finished book five—the final book of the Edge series, and am getting set to start work on the next installment of the Sentinel Wars. Once that’s done, there will be a bit of time for my pet projects—most of which are so close to being done, I can taste it. 🙂

TRC:  In your spare time, you design & create such beautiful jewelry.  Has this always been a hobby, and how do you find time to make these unique creations?

Shannon: Thank you! I’ve always loved making things with my hands. It started with pretty rocks and dough made out of flour and water, and evolved into something that needs its own room to contain. The magpie in me has always appreciated shiny things, so making my own jewelry seemed a much saner option than going broke buying all the things that caught my eye.

I honestly don’t have a lot of time to bead anymore. I try to find one afternoon a month to play, but it often ends up being used to do all the important things that slide when I’m writing. The good news is that beads don’t expire, and they’re always there waiting patiently for me to find time to give them my attention.

The few things I am able to make end up going to contest prizes, raffle baskets or charity auctions. If you have a love of shiny things like I do, I encourage you to check out my website for whatever it is I’m giving away this month. 🙂

TRC:  Thank you, Shannon for giving us an update on what we can look forward to in 2014, and we wish you the best with Willing Sacrifice.

Shannon:  Thank you so much for letting me come out of my writing cave for a few minutes to visit. I spend so little time on social media these days, I really enjoy having an opportunity like this to let people know what’s going on in my writing life. Until next time…happy reading!

Giveaway 21-30-51Shannon has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win a signed copy of Willing Sacrifice, as well as a handmade necklace, bead embroidered by Shannon.

Shannon butcher necklace

 

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to U.S. or Canada only

4.  Contest runs from March 5 – March 8, 2014

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The Cougar Diaries Part III by Aoife Brennan-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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The Cougar Diaries Part III by Aoife Brennan-Review, Interview and Giveaway

 

 

The Cougar Diaries
Part III
by Aoife Brennan
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Genre: contemporary, romance, erotic

__________________________________

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2013

.99cents at: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

This is the third and final chapter in Aoife Brennan’s THE COUGAR DIARIES series focusing on the fictionalized account of her life and struggles following the demise of her marriage. Aoife will take us on a journey of sexual experimentation; love and loss; betrayal and expectations. In the end, she will discover that being happy is easy but staying happy is another quest all together.

 

REVIEW:   THE COUGAR DIARIES Part III is the culmination of one woman’s journey as she endeavors to push forward when the world is trying to bring her down. Aoife Brennan is a woman whose husband walked away-never to be heard from again. She has struggled with unemployment and loss of income in a country where the people are struggling right along beside her. And the one bright light in her life-the man with whom she had fallen in love- walked away when he perceived something better for the future-or so he thought.

Part III follows Aoife (pronounced ee-fa) as she struggles with depression and a broken heart. We watch as she finds solace in wine, writing and taking on the next political cause. Aoife will discover and explore a different sexual reality –one that focuses on the pain and resulting pleasure; and she will also learn that to keep her head above the proverbial water, she must push forward when, in reality, she wants to curl up and go back to sleep. Along the way, well meaning family and friends, will take her on adventures and explore people and places she would never have done before. From the world of BDSM and role playing to plaster casting her body, Aoife will find that there are many ways of expressing your inner most thoughts and desires.

Aoife Brennan has written a wonderful series about one woman’s struggles with divorce; single parenthood; financial disasters; and betrayal. The character of Aoife is strong but vulnerable, especially where her heart is concerned, and in the end, she will focus on healing her emotional health as well as her heart. There is a mix of heartbreak and sorrow; humor and fun; friendships and love. The storyline will take you from the mind of a woman lost in a world of hurt to a place where she is able to look forward to a future – with or without the man that she loves. Aoife is a woman pulled between the past and the present but knows that her future will mean making choices that will not be pleasant for all.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

THE COUGAR DIARIES Part I by Aoife Brennan

Click HERE for our review of THE COUGAR DIARIES pt 1.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2013

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The Cougar Diaries is a year in the life of Aoife Brennan, A newly single woman, Dubliner and mother to two teenage boys – she has to fight for her way of life, overcome the antiquated legal divorce system, secure a fair future from her estranged ex and LIVE! This is about a woman living and loving again, making mistakes, embracing life and giving it lots of welly!

_________________________________

 

THE COUGAR DIARIES Part II by Aoife Brennan

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2013

Click HERE for our review of THE COUGAR DIARIES pt 2.

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Aoife Brennan, 40-something Dubliner, carries on her madcap year battling the recession in Ireland, trying to find new love in Athens and overcoming austerity in Ireland

 

••••••••••••••••••

Interview white:black

TRC: Hi Aoife and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of the third book in your COUGAR DIARIES series.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

 

Aoife: Thank you I am delighted to be here. Thank you also on congratulating me on the completion of my trilogy. It took the guts of year of non-stop writing and I was delighted when I was able to write ‘The End’. Although I have to say I was also very sad. The project had consumed me for twelve months and I almost felt bereaved when it was finished.

I am an Irish woman in my forties from Dublin. I am divorced with two teenage children. I started off writing a non-fiction book on divorce with my literary agent when the bottom fell out of my world financially. So I segued into a fiction book full of fun, drama and sex. A book where the magic pen can alter the future.

TRC: What or who influenced your foray into writing?

Aoife: I have always written. I have a degree in English Lit and I have written professionally in my job ever since. From a very young age I always said I was an author but it wasn’t until I hit forty that I realised I had better start writing my fiction books. I started off writing children’s books, then a full length children’s novel. Then when my marriage and world fell apart I took courage and dipped into writing erotica. However, I was less influenced by the fifty shades juggernaut and more by writers such as Anais Nin, DH Lawrence and Erica Jong which is, I acknowledge, a strange mixture.

TRC: The Cougar Diaries is described as a fictional account of your life following the demise of your marriage. Would you please tell us about the series?

Aoife: The Cougar Diaries is a fast paced series of books charting the life of Aoife Brennan as she comes to terms with the end of her marriage, deals with the difficult legal issues, faces job insecurity and then repossession of her house. In the midst of all these problems she meets Chris, a younger man. The series charts their romance and deals with issues facing a love affair between an older woman and a younger man.

 

TRC: Are the secondary storyline characters based in reality or a culmination of fact and fiction?

Aoife: Everyone is a fictional character. I could not say one character in the books is based on a real person. But I have and frequently did steal lines and conversations from people around me without shame.

TRC: Has anyone recognized themselves in the storyline and if so, what was his/her reaction?

Aoife: Friends had said they see other people but they are only clutching at straws. However, one early character (the butcher) was called the same name as a real boyfriend who also happened to be a butcher in a previous life. It was only when a friend who read an early version pointed this out that I realised it could have been read as such. I changed his name but in all honestly I was surprised at the coincidence for it surely wasn’t on purpose!

TRC: Have you considered writing a series of novellas to keep the reader up to date on your continuing story?

Aoife: One of the things that I liked about writing the three books was that there was a beginning, a middle and an end. It is not my life, just my life if I could convert it into fiction. I quite like happy endings and find real life is a little short on such conveniences.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

Aoife: For Chris I have no doubt that Mr Michael Fassbender would be wonderful. For Aoife, it’s a hard choice but I would say Irish actress Orla Brady – one of her most recent roles was in Dr Who when she got to kiss the last Doctor played by Matt Smith. I know I have chosen Irish actors but it is really hard to listen to actors try and do the Irish accent. If I mention Tom Cruise in Far and Away then you have an idea of what an ‘oirish’ accent sounds like.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Aoife: You know I actually think that real life is a lot more unpredictable than fiction can ever hope to be. If you will indulge me, may I quote from book three where Aoife is talking about coincidences with her brother George.

‘It’s like Edgar Allan Poe and his novel about Arthur Gordon Pym,’ said George.

‘I don’t remember that one,’ I said. ‘I only remember the one about being locked in the coffin.’

‘It’s Poe’s only full length novel but it was dissed by the critics,’ said George. ‘Poe called it a silly book at the time although it was supposed to have inspired Herman Melville afterwards. In the novel, there were four survivors of a shipwreck in an open boat.

As they ran out of food, they drew lots and killed and ate the cabin boy called Richard Parker. Poe said it was based loosely on reality, and it was. But this reality hadn’t happened – yet. For some sixty years later a boat called the Mignonette floundered with only four survivors left in an open boat. Eventually the three senior members killed and ate the cabin boy, whose name was also Richard Parker.’

‘Spooky,’ I said.

TRC: Are you a plotter or a panster (write by the ‘seat of your pants’)?

Aoife: A bit of both. Sometimes story lines overtake me, such as #strawberrygate in book one. There I was writing a serious sex scene and I started to giggle as I thought about an alternative ending. I was in stitches laughing as I continued to write the scene. It was certainly not what I intended. Other times I find I need to really think about the plot and where it is going. Then I go for a long walk and try and figure out what makes sense for the story.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Aoife: Again, it is a bit of both. Sometimes the characters just march away with the story with little or no direction from me. Sometimes, I pull them up, especially if I need to move the story to a particular point.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Aoife: I am no expert but I write from the heart. I truly believe in my characters and the story. If I believe then I have some hope that my readers will also believe. As I write, it is like watching a film, with muted volume, with the characters waiting for me to say ‘Action’ and then they start talking and moving around.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Aoife: I walk. I walk. Then I walk some more. Most days I walk two hours both for pleasure and head space.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

Aoife: I feel like a human newspaper. I read everything that is happening – in print, online – then it forms the backdrop of my story. Small stories and big. The story is everywoman in Ireland in 2013.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Aoife: I don’t actually bounce ideas. When I have done so in the past, sometimes people have said it could not be done. I believe in the adage that whether you say you can or whether you say you can’t, you are right!

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Aoife: I am working on four projects now – all very separate. The first is editing a non-fiction book about a family where the middle child has severe celebral palsey. The impact on the whole family is devastating. Sometimes we only hear the success stories, but for every disabled person who is winning, there are ten who are not. The very same with able-bodied people. I think it is a very important story and needs to be told.

The second is the true life story of an amazing woman who founded the only equine charity in Ireland. Her own personal story and that of saving horses is better than any fiction.

The third is a new novel. Fiction. Only 1200 words in. It is a romance with a difference. I’m very excited about it.

Finally, I am writing with a friend, an erotic writer in the UK. We finished our first novella before Christmas. It is pure filth! We write paragraph about, each pushing the boundaries of the other. It is such fun. We hope to publish this soon under our joint names and then start number two!

Oh, I should add that I am also writing my autobiography. If you think Aoife’s fictional life has been crazy then you should see the real one! I think that will be the book out next.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Aoife: I just want to say that while walking kept me sane, writing saved my life. So for everyone who reads my book you are truly a life saver!

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Sushi

Favorite Dessert
Death by chocolate

Favorite TV Show
Currently Breaking Bad – I’m in season three now so don’t tell me how it ends (I’ve seen loads of spoilers on Facebook but have avoided all so far!)

Last Movie You Saw
Shame (again)

Favorite Place to write
In bed. My house is very small and I share it with my two teenagers. I want to earn enough money to buy a writing shed!

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush
Michael Fassbender (only it’s no secret)

Last Vacation Destination
Galway on the West of Ireland for the weekend.

Pet Peeve
Rudeness

TRC: Thank you Aoife for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of The Cougar Diaries 3 and the success of the series.

 

Aoife is offering the following prizes to four (4) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

 

 

GRAND PRIZE: 1 winner will receive ecopies of The Cougar Diaries Pts 1, 2 and 3-the trilogy.

RUNNER UP PRIZE: 3 winners will each receive an ecopy of The Cougar Diaries Pt 1.

1. If you have not registered at The Reading Cafe, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Giveaway run from January 26, 2014 to January 30, 2014

4. Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

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Fine Tuning Hanna by Tiina Walsh-Review and Interview with the Author

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Fine Tuning Hanna by Tiina Walsh-Review and Interview with the Author

Fine Tuning Hanna

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

Would saying the magic words ‘I love you’ in time have stopped it all going so wrong for Hanna? Or was some other power at play? Finnish piano-tuner Hanna Suvanto loves her new life and friends in Dublin. And the icing on the cake is meeting Ireland’s premium bachelor, the personal development guru, Sebastian O’Reilly. But their whirlwind romance hits a serious obstacle when Hanna’s stay is unexpectedly cut short. Sebastian seems strangely unconcerned about her departure – and then Hanna makes a shocking discovery about the man she thought she knew. Heartbroken and disillusioned with love, she returns to Finland, resolving to rebuild her life. Back in Ireland, Sebastian can’t get Hanna out of his mind. Surely there is more to her abrupt departure than meets the eye?

REVIEW:

Fine Tuning Hanna is a 282 page good read! It’s a great love story with many interesting well written secondary characters.

Hanna Suvanto is a pretty Finnish young woman, working in Ireland. She is a piano technician, mostly tuning pianos for concert halls. She meets and falls madly in love (and her with her) with a positive thinking speaker, Sebastian O’Reilly (God, I love that name! – LOL). Our author gives us a wonderful story with great scenery, wonderful scenes of love and friendships, while teaching us about positive thinking theory. Very interesting stuff!

They have a whirlwind wonderful time, while the deadline for her to return to Finland ticks away. Then a spiteful woman brings the thing to a seeming halt…resulting in heartache, confusion for Sebastian, and so much more. Will they reconcile? Will love be thwarted? Ahhh….

Fine Tuning Hanna is an interesting mix of learning cultural differences, positive thinking theory, friendships and love. There are, of course, the elements of heat-break and redemption! An interesting and intriguing rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, betrayal, and ultimate friendship.

I don’t do spoilers, because you need to read the wonderful details as the author unfolds the story to you. I’m not sure if this is the author’s first book, but it’s well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the story, shed a few tears, laughed out loud and found my heart pounding a few times! What else is there?
Get a nice glass of wine or your favorite beverage, cuddle up and enjoy, I did!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Interview

TRC: Hi Tiina and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

FOLLOW: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

Tiina WalshTiina: I grew up in Finland but when I was 19, I moved to Ireland, fell in love with an Irishman and have lived in Ireland for the past 16 years. My native language is Finnish. I own and run several companies in the real estate sector in Finland and Ireland, which involves traveling back and forward between the two countries a lot. I have always wanted to be a writer, and finally realized my dream of becoming a published author in 2013.

TRC: FINE TUNING HANNA is your August 2013 release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Tiina: The book tells the story of Hanna, a Finnish female piano tuner working in Ireland. She falls in love with a famous Irish personal development coach, Sebastian. After the initial romance, things go badly wrong, Hanna goes back to Finland heartbroken, leaving Sebastian baffled by her abrupt departure. But since it’s a romance, there is a happy ending for the couple!

TRC: Who or what was the inspiration behind the characters and the storyline?

Tiina: To some extent, the main character of Hanna is based on me – although it’s my husband who is a piano tuner / player in real life! A lot of the cultural observations about the Finns and the Irish are based on my own experiences. Both myself and my husband are very keen on personal development, hence it was easy to choose Sebastian’s profession ( and he looks quite a lot like my husband…)

Some of the other characters were loosely inspired by some of my friends, yet all characters grew to be their own persons as the story developed.

The storyline itself developed little by little from my initial idea of a Finnish-Irish love story, which incorporated the idea of the main couple at some level not feeling “good enough” for the other one, and both of them having to “grow” during the story to realize that their ideas of themselves were holding them back in achieving a good relationship.

Fine Tuning HannaTRC: How much of the “positive thinking theory” premise is derived from your husband? Do you believe in the power of positive thinking?

Tiina: My husband and I discuss positive thinking ideas a lot, and I confess that I often consult him and his wisdom – he really is very knowledgeable and passionate about positive thinking! And yes, I really do believe in the power of positive thinking, as I have seen endless amount of evidence to support these ideas in my own life, and we both continue to study the topic further all the time.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Tiina: It would make my ego very happy to think I’m the director, but after the initial idea for the storyline, I’m afraid the characters decide what happens next, and I often feel like a mere spectator of the events unfolding – an act very similar to reading, which is my passion in life.

TRC: Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Tiina: Definitely a pantster. I have not learner the art of “looking around the corners” which I presume is what a plotter can do. I have just finished the manuscript of my second book and this, as well as FINE-TUNING HANNA, was written entirely in a pantster mode. But saying that, I have a great idea for my third book, and I have a feeling that some plotting will be required- I don’t know, as I haven’t started it yet!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Tiina: The writer must concentrate really hard in feeling and listening to the character, in order to bring the characters’ true emotions alive – only if they ring true, will the reader be engaged. Rushing the storyline and not editing the book enough times to catch more details of the situations unfolding, will make the emotional state of the characters feel too shallow to engage the reader.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Tiina: My beautiful characters keep me on my toes! And my excellent editor…

TRC: How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of deadlines?

Tiina: I have a lot of anxiety and deadlines in my day job, so I don’t really feel any anxiety in regards to writing. But then again, as a self-published author, I get to choose what I do and when – one of the reasons why I chose to go down this path. The plan is to publish a book a year, which I believe to be achievable to me, since I love being a (evening time) writer so much.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about you?

Tiina: Tough question! Perhaps the fact that some people seem to think that as a non-native English speaker/writer, I shouldn’t be able to write books in English. If only they knew the amount of English text I “devour” all the time…

TRC: Writers Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the stress and anxiety of Writers Block?

Tiina: I just don’t write when I don’t feel like it – I can’t say I have felt the Block, but it’s probably because I only write when the Muse takes me.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family, friends and fellow authors. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Tiina: I bounce ideas with my husband and my best friend, who is a famous Irish harpist – a true artist. Funnily enough, neither of them are great readers,
yet extremely insightful when it comes to the story format.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Tiina: I’m working at the ideas level of my third book, and I’m excited and terrified in equal measures about starting the book in early 2014. This is going to be my biggest challenge yet, and I sincerely hope I’m good enough to bring the book alive.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Tiina: Thank you for this opportunity! I have enjoyed thinking about your questions.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Meatballs and mash potatoes (typical Scandinavian fare)

Favorite Dessert
Something very chocolaty

Favorite TV Show
The Mentalist

Last Movie You Saw
The Family

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Both

Pet Peeve
My husband keeps using my pen in the home office – it’s mine!

Secret Celebrity Crush
Edward – wait, he’s not real! Not so fussed about the actor, though…

TRC: Thank you Tiina for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of FINE TUNING HANNA. We wish you all the best.

Tiina: Thank YOU.

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Tick to The Tock by Matthew Turner-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Tick to The Tock by Matthew Turner-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Tick To The Tock
by Matthew Turner
Release Date: January 8, 2014
Genre: contemporary, fiction, new adult

Tick to the Tock

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

TICK TO THE TOCK by Matthew Turner

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8, 2014

What would you do if you had three months to live? That’s what Dante King faces, the indecisive twenty-two-year-old who must finally learn to embrace life and love.

Tick to the Tock is a Contemporary New Adult Novel about Dante coming-of-age during turbulent times. A story inspired by love, but with the gritty realities of regret, missed opportunity, and understanding life’s meaning under dire circumstance. But a single mind isn’t affected on this journey, as an eclectic group comes to terms with the past, present, and what lies ahead.

Dante must confront and accept his fate, but can he let go of Danni: his lost love and kindred dreamer? With his rationally stubborn cousin, and eccentric best friend, Dante witnesses a life of dream and wonder: embarking across Europe, tackling Tibet, travelling Australia, and defeating each lifelong wish one-by-one.

Follow this coming-of-age roller coaster as four lives change forever. We’re only given one, but it’s never too late to understand faith, discover acceptance, and uncover the true meaning of love and happiness. Dante will die, but not before Danii, Ethan, Wilbur and he undertake an intense and heartfelt journey.

Smile… Cry… Ask yourself what you would do with three months left… Because Love & Living Begins Now

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TICK TO THE TOCK is a contemporary, new adult stand alone novel that will take you on a journey of reflection for one man as he faces his mortality and the end of life. Twenty two year old Dante King is going to die. An inoperable brain tumor is forcing the young man to take a hard look at life and with it comes the reality of his death. Not wanting to sit at home waiting for the end, Dante embarks on a journey across Europe, Asia and Australia with his two best friends Wil and Ethan and, the woman he so desperately wanted to love.

Matthew Turner has written an amazing piece of literature that will make you think – if you knew you only had three months to live- what would you do and why? Our hero Dante reflects on his short life; his relationship with family and friends; his failures and regrets; the people he knows and loves. And in the end, it is a story about one man as he searches for answers to a question- is this all there is?

We are introduced to Dante’s cousin and best friend Ethan who is more like a parent to our travelling four-some; Wil is the friend who hides his pain behind humor and booze; and Danii-the woman Dante has always loved but has had a difficult time with his emotions and letting go. These four friends will face the future together and one that will be imprinted in their souls forever.

Most of the storyline is a narrative reflection. Told in first person POV from Dante’s perspective the story is a mixture of flashbacks, reflections, memories and regrets but along the way four people will discover that there is more to life than dying-there is surviving and moving forward; living life to the fullest with no regrets because there is nothing we can do about the past. But for one man, there is a second chance at love before he dies and a love that will continue long after his death.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

TRC: Hi Matthew and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of Tick to the Tock.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Goodreads/ Website/ Blog/ Facebook

Matthew TurnerMatthew: Hello all. Well, my name is Matthew Turner, and I’m a writer from Yorkshire who has a gorgeous 10 month old son. I write a great deal, but I embrace the whole spectrum of Storytelling: working with individuals and brands to help reinvigorate their marketing through the art of story.

My passion is fiction though. This is what excites me the most.

TRC: Please explain the significance of TurnDog Millionaire and what is represents to you?

Matthew: When I set up my company I wanted to stand out (because there are A LOT of Matthew Turners in the world). My nickname growing up was Turndog, so I decided to use this. The whole story behind this can be found here >> http://bit.ly/18Ya3vk << but basically Turndog allows me to use an alter ego when needed, whilst always remaining who I am and what I stand for.

As a bit of an introvert, this certainly helps give me the confidence to attack each day with vigour.

Tick to the TockTRC: TICK TO THE TOCK is your January 2014 release-a contemporary, new adult storyline about one man who is facing the ultimate challenge-to live an die with dignity. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Matthew: Dante is a twenty-two-year-old indecisive guy who has always lived in the future and clung to the past. I think most of us do this, because embracing the moment each and every day is tough. All of a sudden it’s all taken away from Dante though, and he faces a lot of reflection, and a chance to finally live and love before it’s too late.

As such, TICK to the TOCK focusses on the journey he goes through, and the journey the people closest to him do, too.

There are many happy moments in this book, but it surrounds a devastating plot, which, as you can guess, creates a rollercoaster ride throughout. There’s also a romance at its core too, so all of this mingles together in a way that makes the reader think, cry, smile, and think some more (at least, that’s the plan).

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (e.g. logistical, theological, thanatological etc) did you encounter writing this particular novel?

Matthew: It required me to dig deep within myself, and focus on all of the things I haven’t done, as well as those I have: what means the most to me, what I would miss if it was taken away, how I would react, etc…

As a new father, this was tough. I shed a few tears and forced myself to face things head on. All the while, however, this is a story built on romance, so there are many happy times, too. As such, I felt very up and down, smiling and thinking happy thoughts one minute, but then mulling over loss the next.

Also, I’ve never gone through something like this before. I worried each second I wouldn’t do it justice, but I placed myself as deep into the pain as possible and kept faith with my empathy – that it would guide me through. In the end, I think it did. I was able to offer an insight and angle that I believe only I can.

TRC: Did writing Tick to the Tock bring up any personal reflections on your own mortality?

Matthew: Like I say, many many many times. I constantly considered my journey in life, all the times I said yes, all those occasions I said no, and if it was all taken away today, would I have regrets. The truth is I do have regrets, because I think most people do.

We all wish we could be a little more, but at the same time, we need to take pride in the person we become. I think writing TICK to the TOCK helped me see this. In a way, it was a kind of therapy I never expected. A darn right cheaper too, I might add.

TRC: ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER is a six part prequel novella to Tick to the Tock. Would you please tell us something about the premise? Is it required reading to understand the premise and characters in Tick to the Tock?

One Day in September

Matthew: I wouldn’t say it’s required reading, no. I created it so TICK to the TOCK could be enjoyed without reading One Day in September, and vice versa. However, this six part prequel does offer an insight that helps better understand the characters and their history.

Basically, each Part is told from the POV from the four main characters (1 from Ethan, 1 from Danii, 2 from Wilbur, and 2 from Dante). The entire series is set the day before TICK to the TOCK begins, and we see how their lives interweave into one another’s.

I’m fascinated by the idea of serialised fiction, and this is my first attempt at it. I really enjoyed the process, and the feedback has been good. I think it adds a great element to a novel, and I’m delighted to have done it.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in Tick to the Tock, which models or actors would best represent the image your have in mind?

Matthew: With Danii, I started off with Emmy Rossum, but she quickly developed and became her own entity. Emmy had the kind of look I was after though, so I spent quite a while looking at her face, which was no hindrance on my part at all.

As for Dante, I began with Andrew Garfield, but again, he quickly took on his own style and look. I think this is important. You don’t want to focus too much on any one individual. Characters need to become their own people.

TRC: Are any events or characters based on reality or an amalgamation of your imagination and real life?

Matthew: No one character is based on any one person, but each is formed of those around me day-in, day-out (including several aspects of me).

This is how I write. I like to create characters built on who I am, who I wish I was, wish I wasn’t, etc… I’m also a bit of a people watcher (creepy, I know), so am always on the look out for interesting folk. I think some of my friends will read TICK to the TOCK and see where parts of my inspiration came from. I happen to know a few interesting individuals, that is for sure.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Matthew: I think my writing often directs the characters. I start knowing the character well, but after a few weeks I realise how deeper they could be. I suppose it’s a little like cooking or baking. You start with the ingredients, but as you go through the process and taste what you make, you add a little extra this, or a smidgen more of that.

I like this. The characters evolve as they need to… as I discover new aspects of them… as they showcase themselves in a new light. It feels more organic and lifelike this way, and as though they are real people. This certainly helps dig through the tougher aspects of a book, because the people within it are those you love or hate or feel close to.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Matthew: I do this a little, but I mostly like to get lost in my own mind. Feedback from others is helpful after the first draft, but until that point I keep most of my thoughts under wrap. I do like to share my journey online, though. Not the finer details so much, just the insanities of an author.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Matthew: No new Fictional project yet, although I have a few ideas that I will play with in early 2014. I’m not sure what novel three will look like yet, but I’m excited for it.

As for non-fiction, well, I’m working on a project called The Successful Mistake. It involves me interviewing 250 entrepreneurs about the mistakes they have made, and how they’ve overcome them. It’s been a mind blowing project so far. Truly life changing!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Matthew: Just that I’d like to thank you for having me, and thank the readers for reading.

I’m not sure if TICK to the TOCK will be your cup of tea, but I hope you’ll join my journey on Facebook (search for MatthewTurner.Writer) because I love meeting new people. Who knows, you may be the next interesting and quirky character in my work 🙂

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Humous & Pitta Bread

Favorite Dessert
Blueberry Muffin

Favorite TV Show
Lost

Last Movie You Saw
Gravity

Dark or Milk Chocolate
The darker the better!!!

Last Vacation Destination
Austin, Texas

Pet Peeve
Myself. I usually drive myself a little insane on most days.

Secret Celebrity Crush
My crushes aren’t usually secret as I happily share them everywhere. To give you one though, let’s say Emma Watson.

TRC: Thank you Matthew for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulation on the release of Tick To The Tock. We wish you all the best.

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Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye-Review and Blog Tour

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Hard As it Gets by Laura Kaye-Review and Blog Tour

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Hard As It Gets
Hard Ink #1
by Laura Kaye
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Genre: contemporary, suspense, romance

Hard As It Gets

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK; Release Date November 26, 2013

Tall, dark, and lethal…

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey’s tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome–pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He’s left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander’s daughter. Loyalty won’t let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn’t expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge..

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD AS IT GETS is the first instalment in Laura Kaye’s new contemporary, adult, suspense, action-filled, adult HARD INK series focusing on a group of ex special forces soldiers trying to prove their innocence in an Afghanistan military operation that went horribly wrong.

The premise of Hard As It Gets finds Becca Merritt at Hard Ink Tattoo Studio when her computer nerd brother Charlie goes missing and the only clue is a cryptic message to contact Rixey at Hard Ink Tattoo. Nick Rixey is a former special forcers soldier who once served under the command of Becca and Charlie’s father- Colonel Merritt- and wants nothing to do with Becca or her brother. Painful memories and the loss of friends has forced Nick to walk away from the life he once knew and the people he loved. But when Becca’s life is threatened, Nick gathers his former friends for another mission that will bring them one stop closer to clearing their names and uncovering the truth about what happened the year before.

The relationship between Becca and Nick is one of instant attraction but one that is initially subdued because of the circumstances surrounding Nick’s association with Becca’s father and the search for her missing brother. Nick wants Becca but knows that if the truth about what happened in Afghanistan were ever revealed he could lose Becca once her brother has been found.

The storyline is a suspense filled, action packed search and recovery for Becca’s missing brother and the people behind his abduction. Although the ex special forces friends are closer to clearing up their name, they are no closer to finding the people behind the operation and why they were the ones to take the fall. The story ends with the mystery yet to be solved but in doing so will allow each member to be front and center in a future storyline.

Laura Kaye pulls the reader into a heart pounding story about honorable men who have been placed in a dishonorable position because of one man’s greed and struggle for power. We are introduced to the surviving members of the special forcers team-each bearing the emotional and physical scars of that fateful day-and each with their own story to tell. Nick will come face to face with the ‘brothers’ he once served with and fought beside and, realize that pushing them away was the biggest mistake he could have made.

HARD AS IT GETS is a story about betrayal and loss; lovers and friends; retribution and honor. Laura’s grasp of the military life and the day to day struggle of those who survived will make you think about all of the soldiers who have returned only to remember those that they left behind.

Copy supplied by the author/publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

Hey everyone! I’m soooo excited to be celebrating my release of Hard As It Gets, the first book in my new Hard Ink series that follows the surviving members of a disgraced Army Special Forces unit as they follow new leads to uncover the conspiracy that saw them discharged from the military. Running their covert operation out of the back of Nick Rixey’s tattoo parlor, their mission brings them into all-out war against an organized crime ring. Along the way, the team finds love and support in unexpected places—but will they be able to regain their stolen honor?

Today, I wanted to share a sexy excerpt from the book where the action is heating up for Nick and Becca – ahem – enjoy!

Excerpt ~ Chapter 11, just after Becca has survived a kidnapping attempt:

Becca’s insides nearly vibrated with the need to know what the hell Nick wasn’t telling her. She’d hit the edge of her tolerance for any more mystery, even of the tall, dark, and achingly handsome kind.

His lips pressed into a grim line and his eyes flashed. “Becca, let’s just—”

“No.” She stepped right into his space and jabbed a finger into the granite of his chest. “Don’t put me off anymore. I deserve to know. I need to know,” she said, hating the strained pitch of her voice.

His expression went dark and his jaw ticked. She saw it in his eyes the minute he made the decision to spill. Her stomach plummeted to the floor. It was bad. He didn’t need to tell her that much. Everything inside her braced for the onslaught of bad news.

When he spoke, the words were even, straightforward, factual. “Someone ransacked your house. Picked the back door lock again. Went through just about every room.”

The brick walls bent and warped around her, but she shook off the dizziness and forced herself to focus on Nick’s face. His presence was the only thing grounding her. “Why would they do that? Could you tell if anything was missing?”

He shook his head. “The why of it I intend to figure out. I promise you. But the place was too much of a mess to—”

“Take me.” Becca pushed past him and hit the handle on the door.

Arms wrapped around her from behind. “Becca, we—”

“No!” She threw off the hold and scrambled away, her back coming up hard against the wall.

Nick’s expression was a roiling sea of emotion. Surprise. Fear. Anger. Concern. “I’m sorry. What just—”

“That was how he grabbed me.” She swallowed hard and shuddered at the remembered press of the man’s flesh against hers. “I’m sorry,” she rasped, embarrassment heating her face, despair and exhaustion sucking the fight out of her.

He came forward slowly. “Don’t apologize,” he said, his voice cranked tight. “And don’t cry.” His thumb swiped under her eye, once, twice, and then his knuckles caressed her cheekbone. The little touches were comforting, sweet, and she thought maybe he needed to give them as much as she needed to feel them. He tucked the loose strands of her destroyed ponytail behind her ear.

“I’m not crying,” she said despite the wetness plain on her face. She shook her aching head, then pressed her cheek into his hand. “I’m not.”

“I know.”

Guest Post beige
Introducing Nick and Becca from Hard As It Gets

I am absolutely thrilled to be celebrating the release of my sexy contemporary romance, Hard As It Gets, the first book in my new Hard Ink series. If you like sexy, gritty contemporaries, military heroes and themes, and even a little suspense, Hard As It Gets is the perfect book for you! *grins*

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt, the hero and heroine of Hard As It Gets. They just sizzled together on the page and I really enjoyed writing them. I hope you love them, too! So, without further ado, please meet Hard As It Gets’s Nick and Becca:

MEET HERO NICK RIXEY:

Becca’s first impression of Nick:
“I’m Nick Rixey. Who wants to know?”

Becca jumped at the deep sound of the man’s voice. Geez. How long had he been standing there? And, big as he was, how had she not heard him approach? It was like he’d materialized out of thin air.

The surprise of his appearance pounded adrenaline through her system. Her racing pulse had absolutely nothing to do with the bulge of his impressive biceps straining the sleeves of his black T-shirt, the hints of ink just visible on his upper arms, nor with his harsh yet darkly handsome face. And definitely not with the way his jeans hung on those lean hips. Right. Definitely not.

Given who her father was, or had been, this was the type of man she’d expected to find at the end of Charlie’s cryptic note. His dark hair was a little on the long side, but the hard edges and leashed strength of his body clearly read ex-military.

Nick’s Job: Process Server, Part-time Tattoo Artist

3 Words that Describe Nick: Tortured, Alpha, Heroic

3 Things he Loves about Heroine Becca Merritt: Her courage, her compassion, the way she takes away his hurt

Who could play Nick if the book was made into a movie? Tyler Hoechlin hung above my desk for months (in fact, he just may still be there!), so he’s got the look for sure!

MEET HEROINE BECCA MERRITT:

Nick’s first impression of Becca:
Becca Merritt was the all-American girl personified, with her fierce blue eyes and wavy hair the rich color of honey. Bet she tastes as sweet, too. And, damn, that body. It was all he’d been able to do not to gawk at the curves her fitted T-shirt hugged, or trace his eyes over the lace just visible through the thin cotton. It was like the sun had strolled through their front door, casting heat and light all over him. Only the haunted dark circles under her eyes ruined the analogy.

Becca’s Job: ER nurse

3 Words that Describe Becca: Loyal, Compassionate, Strong

3 Things she Loves about Hero Nick Rixey: His intensity (in everything), his strength, his willingness to help her and her brother

Who could play Becca if the book was made into a movie? With her wholesome prettiness, Blake Lively would make a good Becca Merritt!

Do you have a question for either of the characters or their author lady? Ask away and we’d all be happy to chat!

Thanks for reading!
Laura

“Edgy, sexy, and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!”
~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets

About The Author beige

Laura Kaye-21

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

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Guardian’s Faith (Guardians of the Race #4) by Jacqueline Rhoades-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Guardian’s Faith (Guardians of the Race #4) by Jacqueline Rhoades-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Guardian’s Faith
Guardians of the Race #4
by Jacqueline Rhoades
Release Date: November 10, 2013

Guardian's Faith cover

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GUARDIAN’S FAITH (Guardians of the Race #4) by Jacqueline Rhoades

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2013

Physically and emotionally damaged by the horrors of her past, no one is more surprised than meek and silent Faith Parsons when she feels compelled to stow away in the van of the taciturn Liege Lord, Lucien ad Toussaint and travel to his House of Guardians in the faraway Southwest. She’s even more surprised when some of the local women see her as the one who will heal the 160 year old wounds that are destroying their way of life.

Lucien, too, is haunted by his past. He has withdrawn from the world around him and lives a reclusive and duty-bound life. He never expected that a tiny Daughter of Man could open the doors to a heart he’s kept closed for so long.

As the attraction between Faith and Lucien grows, the events of both their pasts begin to replay in the present. Must history repeat itself or can their future be changed?

REVIEW: GUARDIAN’S FAITH is the fourth instalment in Jacqueline Rhoades’s adult contemporary, paranormal Guardians of the Race series. The premise of the series focuses on the Guardians (descendants of the angel Gabriel) and the women they love. The women in the storyline are the Daughters of Man and the descendants of one of the original matings between angels and humans. GUARDIAN’S FAITH is Lucien and Faith’s storyline. Lucien is a Guardian who believes the old ways are best and Faith is the woman to bring him into the future and out of the past.

Faith Parsons is a Daughter of Man whose powers have yet to reach their full potential. Following months of horrific abuse at the hands of a demon, Faith is having a difficult time with her emotional recovery until the day Lucien ad Toussaint pays a visit to Canaan’s House of Guardians where she resides. What follows is a cross country escapade with two rambunctious trainees, a quiet Vigilante and the man who would steal her heart.

Guardian’s Faith focuses on Faith’s recovery and the re-building of Lucien’s House of Guardians. The reader is pulled into Lucien’s world of shape-shifters, demons and vampires; Guardians, family and betrayal; a village mired in secrets and old-world beliefs; and the vendetta of one family to take back their birthright.

The relationship between our leading couple is slow to build but one that will see both Lucien and Faith succumbed to the healing properties of friendship and love. Lucien has long hidden in the shadows and kept to himself but when Faith enters his life with her love of humor, a good joke and pizza, Lucien will find his frozen heart begins to melt. Love will open Lucien’s eyes and his heart to a possible future that involves both his present and his past.

Jacqueline Rhoades pushes the Guardians of the Race series in another direction by breathing life into Lucien’s House of Guardians and the re-establishing of a family home for future Guardians and their mates. We are introduced to several secondary characters including new trainees Adam and Lalo, the members of Lucien’s household and a village of people who are more than they appear to be.

Guardian’s Faith is a story of betrayal and loss; revenge and death; family and friends; healing and love. Jacqueline has written a wonderful and engaging series that will keep your attention from the very start-you will become one with the family of Guardians and Daughters of Man-and experience the emotional high and lows as Jacqueline’s storyline characters come to life on the pages of the Guardians of the Race series.

READING ORDER
Guardian’s Grace
Guardian’s Hope
Guardian’s Joy
Guardian’s Faith

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post beige

Hello Everyone! It’s really great to be here on the Reading Café posting as a guest.

I’m really excited about my release, Guardian’s Faith. It was a tough one to write because Faith is such a damaged character, both physically and emotionally. What she suffered couldn’t be fixed with a single kiss, not even from the luscious Lucien. I needed her growth and healing, which began in Guardian’s Joy, to be as realistic as possible within the realm of fiction, so I researched women who’d suffered similar trauma in the real world.

Wait a minute! I write paranormal romance, which is about as far from reality as you can get! Don’t you just make it up as you do along? Demon hunter? Shifters? Vampires? You can’t get much farther away from the real world than that, and yet…

If my world of the Paenitentia and the Daughters of Man were real, would the beings that populated it be so different from you and me? I don’t think so. They would still have hopes and dreams and feel pain and heartache. They wouldn’t be believable to you, the reader, if they didn’t.

Guardians of the Race

I know my high school teacher, who used the old adage, “Write what you know”, would be turning over in her grave, but if I wrote about only what I know, I wouldn’t have any readers. They all would have been bored to death a long time ago!

So if you don’t know something through your own life experiences what do you do? I suppose some lucky writers have the ability to write purely from their imaginations. I don’t. If I haven’t been there, done that, then I need to learn from the folks who have, before I can imagine what my character feels.

If I wanted my readers to understand Faith’s pain and perspective, I had to have some understanding of it first, so I read case studies and the writings of women who really had been there and had the fortitude to fight their way back. Did I use everything I learned? Of course not, nor was my portrayal entirely accurate, but I hope I gave my readers enough to feel an empathy for Faith.

The Alpha's ChoiceI did the same for the cubs in The Alpha’s Choice. They were secondary characters, but their personalities were based on those typical of children raised in abusive environments. I also researched wolf behavior as I built my wolver world. Pack behavior is different from human and since my wolvers carry the psyche of both inside them, inner conflicts can and do arise.

Is it all heavy duty research on the internet? No, some of it’s face to face. Personally, I have no idea what it’s like to be tall and willowy, or petite. The only way to find out is ask. I’ve talked to friends and yes, complete strangers about the oddest things. I stopped a biker to ask about his Harley. I asked his girlfriend about her leathers.

Research isn’t just about asking questions, either. Most writers are people watchers. We watch how they move, how they gesture when they speak. See that girl who twists her hair when she talks? Watch her face. Is she nervous or is she thinking? See that guy ahead of you in line at Motor Vehicles. He stands with his hands behind his back and feet a comfortable distance apart. Ex-military?

The internet is a huge boon to a writer, but not everything can be learned there. To a writer, everything is research. Everywhere we go, everyone we meet is research which we file away in the drawers of our minds. We try not to be obvious about it, but it’s always there.

So, now that you know, try not to act too self-conscious next time you have lunch with a writer, because they’ll probably file that away as research, too.

Jacqueline

About The Author beige

Jacqueline Rhoades

Follow: Website / Goodreads/ Facebook Twitter/ Pinterest

Jacqueline, known as Jackie to her friends, lives in rural southern Ohio with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. She believes coffee is a food group and therefore necessary to survival. She always has a pot brewing. When not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in someone else’s book or working in her garden. She also spends a great deal of time chasing deer and rabbits who apparently also like gardening.
Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website.

Giveaway beige

Jacqueline is offering TWO giveaways for our members at The Reading Cafe.

FIRST PRIZE: One winner will receive a complete e-set of Guardians of the Race –Books 1-4

SECOND PRIZE: One winner will receive an ecopy of Guardian’s Faith.

1. If you have not registered at The Reading Cafe, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social logins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please comment and tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Giveaway is open Internationally.

5. Giveaway runs from November 19-23, 2013

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Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder

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Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder

March 25, 2014 marks the date of JR Ward’s much anticipated release of The King (Wrath and Beth’s continuing story). The Reading Cafe would like to introduce Jeffrey J. Gmerek -the cover model for The King and the re release of Dark Lover  (Feb 2014)

TRC: Hi Jeff and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on making the cover of J.R.Ward’s THE KING.

Jeff Gmerek 4We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jeff: I have had health problems growing up where I had to give up sports and focus on my heath, which is how I got into the fitness scene 7 years ago. I am a 100% Natural Fitness Model/Bodybuilder from New York. I am a Special Education Teacher. I’ve been signed with a Fitness Modeling agency in NYC for 4 years as well as a Model for Extreme Sun Capsule.

TRC: What type of daily regimen do you follow to stay in shape? Does it change based on cover shoots and job requirements?

Jeff: I wake up at 6am every morning and go to sleep at 10pm. Sleep is very important when trying to build muscle. I designed my own nutrition plan where I follow a High Protein/High Carb Diet. Email me for nutrition plans (serious inquiries only at Juniorizzy@aol.com). I am 6 foot 1 245lbs. Depending on job requirement I have to make sure that I look the part depending what type of build they want for the covers.

Jeff Gmerek 3TRC: There is always a story behind being discovered. Would you please tell us about your foray into the cover model business?

Jeff: I was discovered about 4 years ago by Silver Model Management’s CEO Adam Silver. From there everything fell right into place. I have to give a special thanks to Tony Mauro, one of the best illustrators/graphic artist around.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. What is your opinion about nude modelling?

Jeff: I have never done nude modeling nor will I ever.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surround by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Jeff: My family, friends and photographers have and always will be very supportive of me. Sometimes is it very stressful, especially when I have to travel and make sure I have everything that I need(especially my meals.)

Jeff Gmerek JR WardTRC: At The Reading Cafe we first became aware of you as a cover model for J.R.Ward’s THE KING (2014). Do you know on how many covers you have appeared? Do you remember your first cover on which your image appeared?

Archangel's Storm-Jeff GmerekJeff: I have been on 12 Book covers, several magazines in the U.S. and one of the best known magazines(Vanity) in the U.K. Last year I won the Best Male Cover of the Year which was Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Storm.

TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years with the many vampire, werewolf and fantasy storylines. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the romance cover model?

 

Jeff: That the reader gets involved and can’t put the book down, wanting more.

Reaper's Legacy-Jeff GmerekTRC: What do you feel is the most important or interesting aspect of the romance cover industry?

Jeff: To catch the reader’s eye and get their full attention.

TRC: If you could become a contestant on a reality TV program, which show would you choose and why?

Jeff: Funny your ask this question. Just the other day I got asked to be on The Bacholerette.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about yourself?

Jeff: That people judge me by my looks. I was raised very old school and am very family oriented.

Jeff Gmerek 1

 

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Jeff: I like to go in my hot tub and turn on the TV or listen to music while I am in it. During the summer I like to go up to my beach house.

 

 

 

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream

Favorite Movie: Training Day

Favorite TV Show: The Voice

Last Movie that you Saw: 42

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk

Pet Peeve: People chewing with their mouth open

Secret Celebrity Crush: Vida Guerra

TRC:  Thank you Jeffrey for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the upcoming release of THE KING and your coveted image. We wish you all the best for future covers.

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