Monday, April 20, 2015

Interview: Author Adriana Locke

Meet Adriana Locke

Biography:
Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own. 

Adriana resides in the Midwest with her family. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. She loves to be outside in the sunshine and always has a  piece of candy in her pocket. 

Her first novel, The Exception, was released in 2014. The followup, The Perception, was released  in March 2015. Both books follow the same characters, but can be read as standalone novels. Sacrifice, a novel unrelated to the others, is slated to hit stores in Summer 2015.

Please contact Adriana at www.adrianalocke.com. She loves to hear from readers.

Blurbs:

The Perception:
There is no greater burden than a secret, and Kari Stanley has been carrying one alone for a long time. But fate intervenes in the form of a broken down car and the kind offer of assistance from a handsome stranger with a sweet, southern drawl. In exchange, all she has to do is go to dinner
with him. Temptation was never so sweet.

Max Quinn has secrets of his own. His good deeds aren't just a product of his southern upbringing; they're his atonement. As one dinner turns into two, he realizes that Kari just might be his salvation.
 
As they struggle to find their path together, their secrets weigh heavier on them. Will they be able to trust one another with the truth, or will their secrets keep them apart forever?

The Exception:
There are exceptions to every rule ...

Jada Stanley is starting over, freeing herself from her past. Following the rules she’s given herself is easy enough, until she meets HIM. He’s gorgeous, cocky, and everything she needs to avoid, but that’s easier said than done.

Cane Alexander has his own set of rules, a plan to keep his life simple and free of complications. But when he sets his sights on Jada, she proves to be a temptation he just can’t resist.

Walls crumble, resolve fades, and precious rules are bent.

They can’t help but take a chance on each other, but chances come with risk. As the past rears its ugly head in ways they never see coming, will they revert back to protecting themselves? Or will they realize that the other is the exception to every rule they’ve ever made?

Teasers:


Social Media:


Buy Links:
The Perception:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/17J583k
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1AKuj0Q
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1AroArX
iTunes - http://bit.ly/1FVOigv
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1MegQAv

The Exception:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1DH9SSt
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1uwolyy
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1DgQoV6
iTunes - http://bit.ly/1nSOfVK
KOBO - http://bit.ly/1KBk4T4
Amazon Audiobook- http://amzn.to/1DBoN3q
Audible - http://adbl.co/19hEIY0
iTunes Audiobook- http://apple.co/1x88WHF

Interview:
1. What inspires your writing? Ah, good question. I think the thing that inspires me most when I sit down to write is hope. Whether it be hope that I could actually finish a novel (ha!) or hope for love, I think that word really triggers the words to flow from my fingertips. I’ve also noticed that when my outline doesn’t include a lot of promise of something better, it seems to just work its way in anyway.

2. Have you always wanted to be an author? Kind of. I have a pink Barbie suitcase in my mom’s attic of stories I wrote when I was in third or fourth grade. I’ve always been an avid reader and I think writing is a natural progression. I don’t really recall wanting to write novels after elementary school, although I did seem to gravitate towards English and writing classes in high school and college.

3. Who are your favorite authors? There are so many! I fell in love with Lauren Blakely, Beverly Preston, and Seraphina Donavan early in my romance-reading life. Gail McHugh, K Bromberg, Jodi Ellen Malpas, Heidi McLaughlin, and SL Scott are auto-clicks for me. I also adore Kari March, Angie McKeon, and Mandi Beck.

4. What would you say to someone who is just starting out as a writer? Before you get overwhelmed with the publishing details, finish the book. Actually writing “The End” is the hardest part. If you manage to do that and hit the “magic button”, I’d tell you to “feed the right wolf”. There’s an old parable that says there are two wolves inside us all - Evil and Good. The one that survives is the one that you feed. This industry, this process, can be intimidating and overwhelming. It’s very important to do things your way, to stay true to yourself. Never lose your integrity.

5. Do you ever put any part of yourself in you characters? I think so. Jada, for example,
knows she’s vulnerable but wants to stay strong. It’s a conscious decision for her, just like it is
for me. Kari is very happy on the outside, but inside she’s more quiet and sad. I can very
much identify with that. Julia in Sacrifice (releasing this summer) is a mother. Without giving too much away, I can relate to her in a variety of ways.
 
6. How old where you when your first book was published? I was 33 last year when The Exception published. But if anyone asks, let’s maintain I’m 29. ;)

7. How many books have you written? What are their titles? I’ve published two - The Exception and The Perception. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but the characters are the same in both books. The Exception follows Cane and Jada and The Perception follows Max and Kari.

8. Do you have any more books coming out? What are their titles? Yes! I have Sacrifice coming out this summer. It is completely unrelated to the other titles I’ve written. I’m super excited about because it’s really different from anything I’ve ever done. I’m also working on Dr. Manning’s story. If you’ve read The Perception, you know who he is. ;)

9. What do you hope readers take from your books? I would love it if readers took away a bit of hope from my stories. Whether it be hope that you can find the perfect match or hope that things will work out no matter how bad the situation looks, there’s always a reason to hold on. But really, if they just finish with a smile, that works, too.

10. What do you do to get ready to write? I’ll listen to a playlist for that story on Spotify for a bit before. I can’t listen to music while I write, but it really does inspire me. Then I usually just jump in.

11. Do you ever get writers block? What helps you get past it? Of course I do and it’s so frustrating. Sometimes I’ll sit down and try to re-plot the story or flesh out ideas or details I’ve been playing with. The best way to beat it though is to call a beta and talk it out. Sometimes you just need to work through it out loud.

12. What is your favorite type of book to read? Does that type influence your books? I’ll read anything. I love contemporary romance, but I also love mysteries and cookbooks and biographies. I have taken little things I’ve read or seen (a layout, for example) and noted it down as inspiration.

Tell us about your new novella/novel:
My last novel published is called The Perception. If you read The Exception, then you already know a little about Max and Kari. If you haven’t, no worries - this can be read as a standalone!

Max and Kari are already in love at the start of the book and readers really seem to like that.

They also seem to love that Max is not a cocky douchebag. Instead, he’s a fiercely loyal and absolute gentleman while maintaining an alpha status. Kari is getting a lot of mentions, too, as a strong, relatable heroine. Yes, she’s frustrating sometimes, but she’s pretty real. That might be the thing I’m most proud of in the entire book.

The novel I’m working on now is titled Sacrifice. It’s about Crew Gentry, a guy raised on the streets with his brother, Gage. Crew’s had a rough life, some of it his own doing, some of it not, and he has a chip on his shoulder.

At the start of the story, Crew has lost his wrestling career due to injury and is working on the docks in Boston. He’s angry and frustrated and really trying to figure out who he is and what matters to him. Ultimately, he comes face-to-face with those questions and an answer must be made.

Fun Facts:
1. Favorite food - Pizza! I could live on pizza. My family owned a pizza shop most of my life, so I grew up making pizzas and strombolis and things like that. There’s nothing that smells better than a pizza out of the oven.

2. Favorite color - Orange is the color I’m most drawn to and I adore the pinkish oranges.

3. Favorite sweet treat - Ice cream is probably my favorite. I just tried this new coffee-flavored gelato and it was heaven! It’s a good thing I have sons because ice cream never lasts long around here.

4. Favorite mixed drink - I LOVE these pineapple upside down cake drinks with vanilla vodka and pineapple juice. They’ll get you in trouble. ;) If that’s not a choice, I’ll always go for rum.

5. Favorite thing to shop for - Nothing! I hate shopping with everything that I am. I’d shop for anything over clothes for myself, though. That’s the worst.

6. Lucky number - 7. It’s my birthday and Mr. Locke’s baseball number from way back in the day.

7. Favorite book - Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan is my favorite series of all time. I love the grit, the realness of the series. The characters aren’t rich or beautiful or perfect, but damn it if I don’t love them. She just sucks you into that storyline and holds you hostage. I dread the day the series is over. I’m going to need to be medicated.

8. Favorite movie - It really changes. We are a very male-centric household, so I’ve learned to love Troy, Gladiator, and Fight Club. But if Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias is on, I’ll never change the channel. And who doesn’t love Dirty Dancing!?

9. Favorite song - The Devil Went Down to Georgia is my all-time favorite. It’s country but I really think it was the first rap song. LOL I love the fiddle and the tempo and just everything about it. My current obsession (besides anything by Maroon 5) is Beautiful War by Kings of Leon. I also love Roadhouse Blues by The Doors, I Cross My Heart by George Strait, and Whatta Man by Salt N Pepa. ;) Most of these are on my Spotify playlists for one book or another.

10. Favorite sport - Football season is about the only time I really watch any television. Mr. Locke has always been a fighter and my sons wrestle and box, so MMA is my second favorite. As a matter of fact, seeing a boxing match in Vegas is the only thing on my bucket list!

What is something everyone should know about you?  Wow. I don’t know. I’m not that interesting. I guess I would like everyone to know that I genuinely appreciate each and every one of them. If they’ve read my book and liked it, if they’ve read it and didn’t, even if they just thought about buying it - thank you. My life is incredibly full and my family will always come first. But writing lets me express myself in a different way, gives me something to look forward to besides washing baseball pants. ;) My stories are the cherry on top of my life and that’s only possible because readers out there support me. If I could, I’d hug each one of them.

Blog Tour: Unexpected Change by Annalisa Nicole


Title: Unexpected Chance
Series: Running Into Love #6
Author: Annalisa Nicole
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2015

Aiden Wellington has it all. He has an amazing, fulfilling job as a lawyer. He has a wonderful family who are all married with children. He has fancy cars, friends, and a beautiful Seattle home. Yes, he has everything a man could ever ask for, everything except the one thing that he desires most…a woman.

Savvy Russell has led an extremely hard life. She’s learned from a very early age that good things just don’t happen to her. She’s convinced karma has it out for her. When she finds something good, ultimately she’s left with nothing except for the shirt on her back. She’s always waiting for her newly found piece of happiness to be ripped away from her.

When life literally throws Savvy into Aiden’s arms can he get past his bitterness and see what is right in front of him?

Will Savvy finally put aside her misguided feelings of self-worthlessness to see what everybody else sees?

Is it possible to replace a lifetime of hurt with something as simple as love?









 





I am an “Indie” contemporary romance author. I live in California with my husband and two teenage boys. I absolutely love being a stay at home mom. 

I never liked reading as a kid. I only started reading romance novels in the past few years. My Kindle and I are inseparable now. A thought occurred to me in December of 2012 that maybe I could write a romance novel. So I went to work with the encouragement of my husband and my sister-in-law. It didn’t take long to figure out that I really enjoy writing. 

Today I am a self-published author and it has been an amazing journey. Sign up for Annalisa Nicole's Newsletter and get A Fighting Chance for FREE!  (Newsletter Link)








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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Cover Reveal:The Truth Be Told (Book 3)

TTBTFBBanner
Cover Reveal
The Truth Be Told (Book 3)
Series: The Truth in Lies Saga
Author: Jeanne McDonald
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Jada D'Lee Designs

Expected Release Date: May 18, 2015


 
Jeanne McDonald is an author, a mother, a wife, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in true love.  When she's not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, chatting with friends or diligently working toward her bachelor's degree in literature.  A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.

Website    |   Facebook   |   Twitter  |  Goodreads   |   Amazon  |  Google+   |  Smashwords
 
6a922-goodreads

From the moment Andrew Wise and McKenzie Evans first met, they tried to fight the magnetism that pulled them together.  No matter how hard they struggled with their feelings, their love was a force so strong that neither of them could deny it.

The news of Olivia Hamilton’s pregnancy, and the understanding that Drew is the father, led McKenzie to flee with the hope of rectifying her secret betrayal of falling in love with her best friend’s boyfriend. However, when Drew showed up and declared his undying love for her, McKenzie could no longer deny the truth. She and Drew were destined for each other.  McKenzie now has no choice but to face Olivia in order for her and Drew to move on with their lives together.  Secrets and lies may have kept them apart, but now, in the light of the truth, their legacy shines as pure as their love.

For as long as Drew can remember, there has always been tension between him and his father, Jonathan.  This time is proving no different.  Since sharing the truth of his past with McKenzie, Drew is emboldened by her unwavering love and acceptance of the man he is.  He’ll do anything necessary to protect the woman he loves and the life he’s come to understand she deserves.  With Jonathan and Olivia teamed together to rip them apart, Drew and McKenzie, along with the aid of some unexpected allies, must join forces to overcome the obstacles that will inevitably come their way.

In this much anticipated final installment of The Truth in Lies Saga, Drew and McKenzie will unite together to conquer the past, face the future, and uncover the truth in lies that threaten to destroy them.  Love brought them together and love will set them free.






 ARayofHope     25684-coversmall     The Certainty of Deception by Jeanne McDonald     A Hot Mess by Jeanne McDonald     IndulgenceCover

Monday, April 6, 2015

Cover Reveal: Marked by Charisse Spiers





Welcome to my fucking world. My name is Kaston Cox and I’m a criminal’s worst nightmare. Most people run from darkness, but I live in it, require it, and thrive in the night. Some call me a monster, some a lover of evil, and others, the devil himself, but they’re all wrong. I’m just a shadow in the dark. I speak for the innocent when no one else will. Once I have marked you, you better beg for forgiveness, because your time has run out…

Revenge is the ultimate wage for evil. Some just can’t stomach to do it themselves. That’s where I come in. I am the ultimate judge when called upon for justice. I will decide who lives and who dies. Blood may be on my hands, but it’s not the blood of the innocent. Remorse is nowhere to be found. I don’t give a shit if you understand. I can live with the man I look at every day in the mirror. My soul was tainted the day I was conceived. You think you know me? You have no fucking idea. I am who I am because of what they did to her, and to him. They were my family. This was the only form of restitution he believed in. I owed him everything. I took over the empire he built. This is how I repay him. There was only one rule: never allow emotions to form. Numb and heartless are the only two ways to live.

What I never included in the plan…was her.

My name is Lux Larsen. My life is as perfect as it can get. I’m a partier, a seductress when it comes to something that I want, and the ultimate sexual con artist. I use my body to get what I want and I’m not ashamed. Designer tags are what I’m after. I love sex. I’m good at it. Fuck double standards. Guys can do it, well guess what, so can I. I will never be caught back on the other side of the tracks for as long as I live. I left that hellhole years ago. I’ll do anything to stay away. You can call me a whore if you want, but I just look at it as I’ve decided to become a player in a man’s game, and I’m a fucking pro at it. Love is for the weak minded. Weak is something I’ll never be.

I never anticipated the predator that would find me. I’m now his prey…but I’m not sure I can run.

The world likes to think that love is only pure, only for those that do good, but what no one considers is when bad has to be done to formulate a different type of good. Two of the most random people can be a perfect match, being placed together like pieces to a puzzle. Being in the wrong place at the right time can be terrifying and it can also be exactly what is supposed to happen, because sometimes…love is born in the dark.





"Here. Good play. I can't say with that view it was the worse time I've ever lost money." He turns and walks away as they announce last call over the speakers.
"Does that mean I get half? I'd say I earned it."
I look at Makayla as she turns toward me and hangs her legs over the side. "You think so?"
"I didn't see you pulling your dick out as bait. My pussy was the one on display so you could win."

I move in front of her and grab her chin, closing in toward her. She starts to close her eyes until I speak. "Let's get one thing straight, baby. I would have won whether your pussy was present or not, but since you helped by sending him to the bathroom to take care of the hard-on you just created, I'll repay you in orgasms here in a few minutes. How does that sound?"

She grabs a handful of my shirt in her fist, pulling me closer. "Damn, just take me already. I've never been so turned on in my life." She presses her lips to mine and the alcohol takes over, directing all of my muscle movement. I grab her hips and pull her toward me as I roughly kiss her back. She instantly wraps her legs around my waist. I grind her against my now hardening cock.  She grabs the waistband of my pants, no longer concerned with where we are.

"Starting without me?"

I release her lips and look at Danyel standing next to the pool table. It's just now that I realize the bar is completely empty. "Where is the rest of staff?"

"I sent them home and locked the doors. Since I'm the manager I can do that. No one ever complains when being sent home early at closing. No work for them and a good time for me after a long night. It's a win/ win situation."

Makayla groans out, clearly frustrated and not wanting to share. I nod for Danyel to come closer and look at Makayla, locking my eyes with hers. "I'm your partner. You trust me in the field, right?" She nods, her eyes flitting from my eyes to my mouth and back again. "Trust me now. Be open-minded. Just because you try something new doesn't mean you have a label. We're all straight. Danyel probably likes dick more than you do. Got me?"

She breathes deeply, clearly nervous, but nods lightly. "Yeah, okay. I'll try...for you." I'm going to pretend I didn't hear longing in her voice and hope like hell I don't regret this at work Monday.

I reach out and hook my index finger over Danyel's waistband, pulling her closer. I kiss her, starting things slow. She slides her tongue inside my mouth, allowing each of our taste’s to mix, creating one of its own. I stop and turn to Makayla, doing the same. She moans into my mouth before I release her lips. "See. You taste her. You taste me. It's no different." I continue to look at her. "Danyel. Come show her how gentle you can be. I want to watch."

I step back, allowing Danyel to take my place. I can see the disappointment written all over her face, but she remains silent. Danyel touches her knee and skims her fingertips up Makayla's thigh, tracing the side of her body until her hand is on the side of Makayla's neck. "Relax, Makayla, and I'll reward you later." Her shoulders immediately drop.

Danyel lowers her face and kisses Makayla, slowly at first, but then you can tell the moment Danyel slides her tongue between Makayla's lips, because she completely lets go, and places her hands in Danyel's auburn hair, wanting more. My dick presses against my pants, wanting free, as I watch two beautiful women experiencing each other for the first time. The room is hazed from the alcohol, but that's exactly where I need to be.


I walk up to Danyel's backside, pressing my front against her. I press my lips next to her ear as they continue to kiss. "Do to her as I do to you. Are we clear?"



I found books when I was going through a hard time in life. They became my means of escape when things got bad. I realized quickly how much I loved to take a backseat to someone else's life and watch the journey unfold. That began my journey with books in November of 2012. I constantly had a book open on my Kindle app. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself as a writer, because I never thought I was creative enough. I'm living proof that things will fall into place when they're meant to be. People will make their way into our lives when we don't expect it, setting the path for what we are meant to do. Never give up on people. Never stop taking a chance on others. Someone took a chance on trusting me with her work when she didn't know me from a stranger on the street and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime as our relationship progressed, which led me to editing and writing as well. This is my dream I never knew I had. As soon as I sat down and gave writing a shot, it was like the floodgates opened. Now, I am lost in a world of fiction in my head, new characters constantly screaming for their stories to be told. Continue to dream and to go for them. No one ever found happiness by sitting on the sidelines. Sometimes we have to take risks and put ourselves out there. Thank you for all of your support, and may there be many books to come. XOXO- C