Friday, December 20, 2013

Cover Reveal - Not Another Soldier by Samantha Holt







Title: Not Another Solider
Author: Samantha Holt
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date: 17th January 2014


Blurb

I’ve just buried my husband. I was going to divorce him and now he’s dead.
After five years as a military wife, Sienna is moving on. She’s keen to leave behind the misery of her marriage to Rob but for some reason the past won’t let her go. It doesn’t help that her closest friend, Nick, is also a soldier. Unfortunately Sienna is struggling to deny her attraction to the sexy marine, even knowing there can be no future in it. When the injured soldier admits he wants her just as badly, and has always wanted her, the fight to control her feelings becomes harder.
And now she’s learning things about her late husband that surprise even her. When the secrets of Rob’s life come to light, Sienna finds herself involved with some very nasty people and Nick is determined to protect her, no matter what.
As the danger grows to both her heart and her life, Sienna needs to decide if it was the army that was the problem or her late husband. Is Nick worth the heartache of being a military spouse again? And will he be able to protect her from the ring of drug dealers slowly closing in?

About the Author

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!). She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome!



Find Samantha on Facebook

Win a $10 Amazon GC
2 x ARC copies of Not Another Soldier

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cover Reveal A Tragic Wreck by TK Leigh



Book Title: A Tragic Wreck
Author: T.K. Leigh
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: February 4, 2013
How can you continue living when you’re living a lie? How can you convince your body to stop feeling, your soul to stop caring, and your heart to stop beating?


Haunted by her past, Olivia Adler flees Boston for a beach in Florida, leaving everyone behind, trying to shut the world out. Remaining a relative recluse in her self-imposed prison, she tries to turn everything off, wanting to feel nothing. But a new acquaintance won’t let that happen. After being away from Alexander for a month, his voice constantly ringing in her head, reminding her that her inability to confront her demons will not only destroy her, but also him, can she really be expected to want to feel again when it brings nothing but pain?


Back in Boston, everywhere he turns, Alexander Burnham is reminded of Olivia… His Olivia… He tries to dull the ache left in his heart the only way he knows how… in the bed of a beautiful woman. But Alexander isn’t about to lose his Olivia. After a clue comes to light regarding Olivia’s whereabouts, can he convince her to return to Boston with him? When a force that has laid dormant for months resurfaces, can Alexander still protect her from the unknown danger? And when Alexander comes face to face with a shadow of both his and Olivia’s past, will he be able to tell her the secret that is threatening to tear them apart?


A Tragic Wreck is the continuation of T.K. Leigh’s heart-breaking Beautiful Mess series.
“Well, then, what do you want from me, Olivia?” he asked loudly, watching her walk away.


She spun around abruptly and searched his eyes. “I don’t want you to always feel like you have to come and help me, Alex,” she whimpered, her throat beginning to close up again, thinking about the man who was no longer hers. “I just want you to stand by my side while I try to help myself.” Her eyes narrowed, staring at him as he remained silent on the busy Boston street. “Do you think you can do that?” She looked at him as snow continued to blanket the sidewalk, desperately wanting him to say that yes, he could do that. That he would stand by her side. That he would forget all about her running out on him. And that he would do anything he could to make sure she never did the same thing again.


But instead, Alexander just stood there and stared, not saying anything.


Several moments passed, the silence deafening. “That’s what I thought.” Her eyes fell as she turned and continued to walk, shivering from the snow and the last shattered pieces of her heart being stomped on.


Alexander tried to open his mouth to say something. Anything. Tell her to wait. Stop. He made a mistake. But nothing came out. He knew he had just let the only woman he would ever truly love walk out of his life. And he did nothing. He watched his entire world fall apart and he didn't do anything to stop it. All of a sudden, he felt more lonely than he had ever felt in all his thirty years.
T. K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre.


When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.




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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Thornless tour and winners from yesterday!

Yesterday's winners are:  

List Randomizer

There were 4 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
  1. melanie m.
  2. kathy p.

Email me your addresses, and I'll get them to Clara for your prizes.  anneconleyauthor@gmail.com




Buy Links!




** SPOILER ALERT FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T READ BOOK ONE**

I hate him..I love him..I hate that I still love him but I do. My parents, my life, my happiness, my heart….he has officially taken all of them from me now. Yes, I am the wilting dying Rose that once belonged to Sebastian Thorne. He had given me back my life, but little did I know he was the very one who had taken it all away from me from the start. I hate him…I love him. 

I never expected Lucas Drake to walk back in my life when I was at my lowest and darkest point. He promises that he will help me heal this pain, but in order to do that he says I need to get away from this town. Maybe he is right. There is nothing here for me anymore but painful memories…and Sebastian. Maybe the only way for this Rose to survive is to do the one impossible thing. I Skylar Rose… must become Thorneless.








Mia fell in love with the literary world at a very young age and began putting her active imagination to pen and paper by the age of six. Over the years, she has filled up numerous shelves with her notebooks and journals of her favorite stories. Twelve years ago, Mia began drafting The Thorne Series and through encouragement of a close friend, decided to finally take the leap of faith to bring her dream to life. She openly admits to having a hopeless infatuation with her Kindle and suffers from the one-click book addiction (No intervention required). 

Mia is currently a stay at home mom who has mastered the fine art of making a PB&J sandwich in between laundry and shuttling kids to ballet and swimming. In her spare time (“What spare time?” She laughs), she enjoys photography, traveling, and having a girls night out with her pals. She enjoys the simple things in life, such as sleeping more than 3 hours per night and 10 minute showers without being interrupted by children yelling “mommy” from the other side of the bathroom door. 

Mia Michelle resides in Tennessee with her soul mate and husband of 18 years and their 2 beautiful young children. She is currently working on her Masters in Counseling and drafting her new series. 









Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Gratification (Desire Never Dies) by Clara Grace Walker

Today, I'm featuring a new (to me) author, Clara Grace Walker, who wrote Gratification (Desire Never Dies).  I'm reviewing the book, so just scroll down slowly for my thoughts on it...But read through first, there's all kinds of great stuff from Clara.  There's also a chance to win stuff at the end.




Blurb:  Sex, drugs and money. Preston Tyler's fight to save his company from a hostile takeover is not your average business deal. Worse than the lying, scheming and back-stabbing he must deal with, however, is having to go to his company's largest shareholder, Maggie McKenize, for help; the woman who jilted him at the altar. If Preston plays his cards right, maybe he can not only save his company, but win back Maggie's heart as well.


Clara’s Playlist:  This changes from time to time, but currently consists of the following:
1. Wake Me Up by Avicii
2. Brave by Sara Bareilles
3. Breathless by The Corrs
4. Linger by The Cranberries
5. What If by Five For Fighting
6. Show Me What I’m Looking For by Carolina Liar
7. Drops of Jupiter by Train
8. Cruise by Florida Georgia Line
9. Love Me Again by John Newman
10. Counting Stars by OneRepublic
11. Little Wonders by Rob Thomas
12. Sundown by Gordon Lightfoot


Tell Us About Your Book:  Gratification is about Preston Tyler’s fight to save his company from a hostile takeover.  Of course, this is not your average business deal, as it involves sex, drugs and murder, (and no small amount of back-stabbing).  In order to save his company, Preston must also go to the largest shareholder for help; who also happens to be his ex-fiancée, Maggie McKenzie.  As Preston fights to save his company, he also struggles to win back Maggie’s heart and convince her to give their love another chance.

What Role Does Music Play In Your Writing?  Music influences my writing in many ways.  It inspires me in terms of mood and theme, and also informs me about my characters.  I know, for example, that Preston’s character in Gratification would hear the song If You’re Gone by Matchbox Twenty and think of his lost love, Maggie.  I also know that Rod liked using music as a tool to keep his female conquests a little off-balance.  We see this when he takes Taralynn to the punk rock bar called The Dungeon.  In his personal life, however, as shown in Gossip, Rod prefers 80s pop music.  It’s not only what music a character likes, but also what they pretend to like, that reveals something about them.  Patrice McKenzie, for example, loves attending the opera and the symphony.  Not, however, because she has any real appreciation for the music.  With Patrice, it’s all about appearances.  In this way, Patrice exemplifies Gratification’s theme of deceiving appearances.

What do you like to read when you are not writing?  I love reading women’s fiction, suspense and fantasy/sci-fi.  I read a pretty diverse group of authors.  Everyone from Sidney Sheldon to Elmore Leonard to James Patterson, with fantasy/sci-fi classics like Tolkein, Douglas Addams and George RR Martin thrown in for good measure.  And I love Hemingway!

Which aspect of writing do you struggle with the most?  I find the first draft of a book the most difficult to write, getting out the bare bones of the story.  Editing comes much easier to me; fleshing out the details and tweaking the plot.  It always feels less daunting to me once I feel like I have something to work with.

Which character do you have the most in common with?  In Gratification, that would have to be Maggie.  I share her stubbornness, her love of children and her desire to help victims of domestic abuse.  In terms of characters from all of my works, collectively, however, the answer would have to be Nick Beck.  We are both ambitious, charge-right-in, do-what-we-want types who love grammar!  

What advice would you give an aspiring author?  Write.  Re-write.  Re-write some more.  Listen objectively to criticism and be gracious in receiving it.  Read the things you truly love several times, highlighting passages that speak to you so you can analyze how the author achieved that effect.  Learn your craft; spelling, grammar, the whole nine yards.  The best editing advice I ever received was this:  When in doubt, leave it out.  Most of all, never give up.

What do you have planned for the future?  I will be releasing Gossip, book 2 of the Desire Never Dies trilogy on December 15, 2013.  Look for it as an e-book on Amazon.  Redemption, Book 3, the final installment of the trilogy, will be released in the Spring of 2014.  After that, I will be starting an, as yet unnamed, series, which will consist of 4 novels:  Exploits, Whispers, Delicious and Sanctuary.  I plan on keeping busy with my writing for as long as my fingers can still strike the keyboard! J




Ways to Connect with Clara Grace Walker:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ClaraGraceWalker?ref=hl
Twitter:   https://twitter.com/AuthorClaraGW
Website:  http://www.claragracewalker.com/home.html
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7266560.Clara_Grace_Walker
Blog:  http://claragracewalker.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Central:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00F5Y3RVK
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/AuthorClaraGW/

Buy Links:

My Review:

I gotta say, I really liked this book. There was so much about it that was great: tight writing style, epic struggles, well-drawn out characters (both primary and secondary), great dialogue, and gripping story.  While the romance Gratification is almost secondary to the soap opera around the main characters, the relationships between everyone was very real.  I got so mad at Maggie for being so freaking stubborn because I fell in love with Preston.  I felt for these characters who, at the beginning of the story, seemed a little unoriginal, but grew on me.  The secondary characters, who were almost all horrible people, were so well done, and deliciously evil.  I even began to pity a couple of them towards the end.  I had two problems with the book.  1.)  Maggie was soooo stubborn.  She couldn't see past her own issues, even when they were pointed out to her, and she was so quick to judge Preston, a couple of times even calling him judgemental.  2.)  The bad guys were so bad.  I know that sounds weird, but (and this is incredibly difficult to do, I think I point it out because it's an issue I have with my own writing) a great bad guy needs to have something to like about him, or the reader can't relate to his motivations.  A great example of this is Crimson Sky. Anyway, that's a common problem I find in books, and I'm pretty sure I'm constantly finding it, because I struggle with it myself.  Overall, I found this book gripping, and I can totally see James Patterson's influence in Ms. Walker's writing, as it was incredibly suspenseful, with lots of twists and turns before getting to the inevitable happy ending for Preston and Maggie.  Great job!

She just released Gossip, and I'm looking forward to reading that one, especially if it's like Gratification.

Clara Grace Walker is giving away stuff!

For your chance to win an autographed 10 x 12 book cover and a $10 Amazon gift card, all you have to do is comment on this post with your favorite bad guy from a book or movie.  Be sure to follow my blog to see other spotlights and posts from other great authors (as well as myself).  I will choose the winner tomorrow morning (24 hours from now) via randomizer.org.


Monday, December 16, 2013




EMERGE
Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her since Evan, her best friend, has coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.

Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.

A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.

N/A Coming of Age- MATURE audiences.




EMBRACE
Evan Allen is a handsome, athletic, southern gentleman who now attends Georgia Southern University for no good reason.

After what he expected to be the romantic gesture of the century, Evan is looking at no friends, a year of ineligibility on the football team, and no girl.

He's starting over alone and doesn't know quite how to proceed. Certain members of The Crew refuse to let him face things by himself, taking him under their wing, and it doesn't take the ladies long to notice him, either.

Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned. Sometimes it goes better.

Embrace it.

Embrace, the second book in the Evolve Series by S.E. Hall, follows the characters from her debut New Adult romance, Emerge.



ENTANGLED
Things heat up, and not just the Georgia summertime, when Dane and Laney go head to head over plans for her new duplex. But Laney's got his number, and knows just how to coerce her bossy, domineering man. Spend the summer with the gang and find out...just how many is a crowd?

The members of the Evolve Crew are getting older; so is the content. Mature audiences recommended.

Optimal reading order: Emerge, Embrace, Entangled




BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Evolve-Box-Set-S-E-Hall-ebook/dp/B00GTW5YPE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386819332&sr=1-1&keywords=evolve+series+box+set




About the author:
S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 17 years and 3 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading.


Social Links
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/S.E.HallAuthorEmerge
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7087549.S_E_Hall?from_search=true
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/S.E.-Hall/e/B00D0AB9TI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

S.E. Hall is giving away 2 paperback of Emerge and 1 Dane Keychain and 1 Evan Keychain
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On a different note...  Cassandra Giovanni is having a SALE!












Thursday, December 12, 2013

SALES...UGH

Sales are down.  I was expecting it, but I've gone longer without selling a single book than I have in months, and I'm trying not to get discouraged.  I know that people are busy making Christmas happen in their homes, and aren't really buying a lot of books right now.  I myself have taken a break, to save up for the kids' Christmas presents, so I'm not mad at the world for not buying my books or anything, I'm just...discouraged.
I've been trying to come up with ideas for getting my numbers up, and haven't been able to come up with anything new.  It's frustrating me, as I've always been pretty good at sales and marketing, but I've never really worked in an industry that took a hit during the holidays.  It's odd, to say the least.

I think my husband is more disappointed than I am.  He was hoping that sales would double with each new book I released, and watching his frustration every day when he asks, "Did you sell any books?" is hard.  No pressure, honey...  Every morning, I wake up and think to myself, "What am I going to do to sell books today?"  It's an old trick that my Aunt Lisa taught me, and my well is running dry.  I think today though, I will hit up some facebook book groups for a little free publicity and see what happens...Can't hurt, and surely there's someone that I have bugged recently who will help me out.

I'll also get back on googleplus, and see what I can do on there...  Who knows?

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Buckle Down Anthology 

Includes:  Her Dream Cowboy by Samantha Holt, The Layover by C.V. Madison, Faith, Hope and Charity by J.T. Seate

Publisher: Jupiter Gardens Press
Buy links: Amazon | ARe | Jupiter Gardens Press


Blurbs: 

Her Dream Cowboy by Samantha Holt

Talked into experiencing ranch life for herself by her best friend, Sophie comes all the way from England to Nevada, alone. But while her friend may have abandoned her, her guide for the week promises to stick close to her side.

A guide who just happens to be an honest to goodness, sexy cowboy.

Luke Harper is a busy man. He’s dedicated years to turning his ranch into a successful holiday business and he’s yet to find a woman who can deal with the realities of dating a cowboy. In his experience, they’re all after a dream. But Sophie proves too tempting for her own good and Luke can’t help wondering if the gorgeous woman would be willing to give him a chance.

Or is she just looking for a dream cowboy too?


The Layover by C.V. Madison (M/M erotic cowboy romance)

Security expert and avowed city boy Reno Locke drops into The Meeting Place for a little loving to fill his off hours. Country boy Wilder Henderson swings through to blow off a little steam after winning a rodeo competition. Locke finally works up the nerve to hit on Wilder and Locke takes Wilder back to his room. He finds out this urban cowboy is just what he was looking for during The Layover.


Faith, Hope, and Charity by J.T. Seate

In the old west, a young couple have plotted a future rendezvous for any chance of a life together, if only poor Johnny isn’t gunned down first by Faith’s father who is out for the cowboy’s blood.


About the authors
Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!).  She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome! Find Samantha on Facebook at www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

Excerpt – Her Dream Cowboy

When she tilted her head up to his, he found himself caught up in her pretty dark eyes. He heard her sharp intake of breath and a shudder wracked her. He hoped it was no longer fear that made her shiver.
Lips parted and he knew he had no choice. He had to kiss her.
Dipping his head, he skimmed his mouth across hers experimentally. When she didn’t pull back, he tried again, pressing harder this time. She released a tiny moan and shocked him by slipping her tongue in his mouth.
Luke’s body responded immediately and he grazed his hands down to cup her ass and rock her into his arousal. She gasped. Had he scared her? Apparently not, as she looped both hands around his neck and twined her fingers in his hair.
Damn, the woman could kiss. So much for the stiff British upper lip. She explored his mouth, tangling her tongue greedily with his. Her ass gave way under his fingertips when he molded his hands around them and squeezed. Blood rushed through him and all he thought of was stripping her bare and feasting on every inch of her.
A squawk from above broke through his lusty haze as she jolted in his arms at the sound and he prized himself away. Dammit, she was here to see the sights. To see the blasted wildlife, not kiss him. Lips flushed and soft, she gazed dreamily at him, cheeks pink. Too roughly he thrust her back and her dreamy state snapped quickly away.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “Unprofessional of me. Didn’t mean anything by it.”
Sophie scowled and tugged her askew T-shirt back into place. “What did you expect? That I’d fall head over heels for you? It was just a kiss, nothing more.”
Just a kiss? Luke righted his hat and stared at her. Just a kiss? Yeah, a kiss that boiled his blood. A kiss that made him forget all reason. A kiss that made him want to pin her to the dusty ground and take everything she could give. Like hell was it just a kiss.

~~~


Excerpt  – The Layover

Locke walked out of his pants and worked the buttons free of his shirt. It slid from his shoulders in the doorway to his bedroom. "I got neighbors, yeah, bu-- damn." He came to a dead stop and devoured the sight of the near naked man before him.
While he wouldn't say Wilder was ripped, he was defined. The lines of his abs curled all the way to the rise of his hips. As a horseman, he had broad, well muscled thighs and through the shed of clothing across the small main room, the man was still wearing his hat.
Locke grinned wickedly, tugging his tie from his neck. He dropped it to the floor and backed into the small bedroom. "Leave the hat on.”
With a tip of his Stetson Wilder crossed the abbreviated foyer. His bravado showed in his stride, a cocky strut of pending glory awaiting him just feet ahead. He lingered just past the doorway, giving a low whistle before he struck out for the bed again. He fingered a small length of rope he palmed from his jeans pocket.



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Michael Maxwell

Today, I'm interviewing Michael Maxwell, author of Cole Dust, as well as three other books in his Cole series.  Help me welcome him to The Conley Corner.  






Is there anything you would like to share to get us started?

In the past few day, I have been challenged as to what it is exactly that I write. It has become apparent to me that I am a man without a genre. Three women whose judgment, guidance, and council I rely on, have all pointed out the very strong romantic elements of my books. That isn’t to say they are romances in the classic sense, but woven within the very fabric Cole Sage’s character, is a very real sense of the need for, and the depths of that love drive our actions.


Describe your writing process.  

I firmly believe in process. I think each writer must find the process that works best for them. BUT, to create and maintain structure to a finished product, you must have a framework that provides three basic things.
1) Beginning, middle and end.
Every book I have written so far has started seed, a germ if you will that began with two or three paragraphs. Some have just been sitting all by themselves for ages. Then when I go back and re-read then POW an idea.
2) An outline.
As simple as it seems I use a 13 Chapter template. I need to visually see, a place to start laying out the plot. It frequently changes but if I don’t have a road map how will you know where you’re going?
3) Freedom to let the story go where it needs to go.
I think having the ability and flexibility to let the characters do what real people would do is really important. In my third book A Cult of Cole, Cole meets a pretty FBI agent who is cute, clever and witty, and he falls for her. It wasn’t some hot, lusty, tear your close off romance but a real, thoughtful caring attraction between two real people. I never saw it coming, and neither did Cole and I think the freedom within the story to allow things to happen is, a) natural and b) very romantic.
Here’s the crazy contradiction, to what I just said, I guess you would call me a chaos writer. I work from sketch, scenes and dialog. I will get an idea for a scene that is true and believable for the man character. And I’ll write it. I will write dialog between two characters that feels natural and real. Then later I come back to it and find it has a very natural place in the story. If you have a strong outline to work from you can jump around and it really removes the threat of writer block.

What motivates you to sit down and write?

I have so many ideas that are pleading to get written that sometimes I just have to sit and write an outline for a book, a list of titles, descriptions of characters, sketches or sometimes just notes to myself about a seed of an idea. I have lots of motivation; I just don’t have enough time!

Where does your inspiration come from?

I think several things have shaped me as a person and as a writer. First, I am a hopeless romantic. I think a lot of people who read this interview are going to see a side of me they wouldn’t have expected. I am a total sucker for a costume drama. I’m as of today, an out of the closet Catherine Cookson fan too! lol
Music is a lifelong passion of mine. I have gotten totally inspired by a three minute pop songs. I wrote an entire book from an idea I got listening to the Paul Williams song Waking Up Alone. I must have listened to it a million times while writing Diamonds and Cole it so perfectly set the tone I wanted to capture.




What do you think your greatest strength is in your writing?

I like to feel I connect with my reader’s feelings. To have someone write a review and says I made them cry, tells me I reached a place that means something soul deep in them. I have also won praise for my ability to describe places, dreams, memories, and situations that make the read feel like they are right there with the character. These are the things people react to that makes me proud of what I have been able to write for them.





What is your biggest challenge?

I live in constant fear of not being original. Those who have read the Cole Sage series have remarked that Cole stays true as a character, yet grows as a person. I refuse to follow formulas, where a body is discovered on page three and in chapter twelve “the person you least suspect’ is the one who did it. So to have a plot that allows a satisfying mystery and still shows Cole’s journey though  love, family and his personal struggles is something that fans of the series really look forward to.

Earlier I said I’m a man without a genre. The spiritual and romantic journey that we find Cole Sage taking across the overall flow of the series I believe is more important than the mystery element. That is not to say that I am not totally focused on the problems he finds himself faced with solving but, the personal relationships, love and personal growth are an integral part of the story. Life is a mystery, sometimes and we just need to figure that out.


Name some authors who have influenced or inspired you?


What a list that would be! Charles Dickens, first and foremost. He was the greatest of all Romantic Novelists. Our Mutual Friend, (my favorite), Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations all are romantic perfection. The great Canadian novelist Robertson Davies was a storyteller like no other. If you haven’t, you must read The Deptford Trilogy. Then there’s the angelic trio Jane Austen, Catherine Cookson and Edna Ferber. To me they embody romance at it soul. You’re right! There are no mystery writer’s! Stuart M. Kaminsky, Peter Lovesey and Arthur Conan Doyle are my mystery trinity.


Tell a little about your most recent work.  Title, genre, and tag line.

My latest book released on December 5, is the book I am the most proud of. If all I left behind as a writer was Cole Dust I could die a happy man! On the cover it asks the question, “Can a look into the past decide a man’s future?”

It is a romance of epic proportions, a mystery, and a journey that questions what molds us into the people we are. It is again a real problem putting into the genre box. My most faithful followers are women. Strong women, who have responded to the strength of a journalist who has overcome heartbreak, depression and disappointment to overcome it all to find there is a second chance in life. One woman said “Cole Sage is the man every woman wants and every man needs to be”.
This is the description that will be accompanying the book on Amazon:

Every family has its secrets. To Cole Sage the greatest mystery of all is why his parents would never speak of his grandparents.

In Cole Dust, Cole Sage inherits a house and small farm in Oklahoma from a long lost cousin. Orvin, Oklahoma is filled with colorful characters that open their hearts, and town, to the last member of the Sage clan.

A dusty old trunk in the attic opens to Cole the world of the grandfather her never knew. Through the journals of George Sage, we travel from the pre-World War I America to the late fifties and the story of a man who is tormented by alcohol, racism, the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression and an addiction to gambling that have left two generations scarred and resentful. Possessing a devil may care charm, and a heart torn between love and duty, George Sage takes a dark secret to his grave and a link to the grandson who would never know him.

In George, Cole sees many of the struggles he faces in faith and fate in his own life. His relationship with Kelly Mitchell is growing deeper as Cole struggles with the desire to stay in Orvin.

As he rebuilds the old farm Cole reads of over forty years of the triumphs and disgrace in a family history he’s never known. Along the way, Cole discovers a love and pride in this man that his parents tried to erase.

The last volumes of the George Sage’s story unlock a secret locked away for fifty year and that will change Cole Sage forever.

Tell us about your favorite character from the book.  

Obviously Cole Sage is the star of the show, you gotta love him!  Then there’s Cole’s grandfather George Sage is a wonderful character, he’s handsome, witty, charismatic, and full of hopes and dreams. Tragically his life is destroyed by lies, loss and alcohol. Somehow through it all the spark of love and truth burns bright enough for him to keep pouring  out his soul in his daily journal entries for forty years. He’s quite a guy.

Is/are there specific themes that you would like your reader to grasp while their reading your novel?

I think redemption is the major theme of my writing. I got a 3 Star review on Amazon that said “I don't care to read about a reporter who is bogged down in so much doom & gloom” I had to laugh, because the 11 five star and 3 four star reviews almost all point to the redemptive message of the story. There is hope. There is a new start, and there is love in the world.
I think we need heroes/heroines who are real people. I get sick of reading stories where the hero, make that protagonist, is a drunk or drug addict, or that gambles away every sent he makes and beds any woman who happens to turn up in the story. THAT my friend is not who heroes/heroines are. I pray to God that is not who we have become as a society. So, I thought who would I want to be like? Cole Sage was the answer. He is no superman, or saint, he has his flaws, but he is a real guy who feels, pain, love, loyalty and has a moral compass that point straight to right. And will fight to the death to protect what he feels is right, and those he loves.


What makes a good story?

First and foremost, the characters must draw you in and make you want to know what they are going to do. If you don’t care about the hero/heroine what does it matter how clever the storyline is? It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.

I think a story has to NOT have an “oh come on” element to it. Nothing turns me of faster that some preposterous event of plot that just stretches the boundaries of credulity to where I set the book down and say “Oh come on!” I am awful to watch TV with. Sometimes I get why Elvis shot his TV. lol

How do you market your work?

Not well enough! Seriously, I have tried all the things my learned coaches have advised. Facebook friends and an Author page have really help me learn from others. I have a strong following on Goodreads. Twitter is great for spreading the word. I have recently started buying a few well-chosen ads. As an independent author you really need to study what successful writers do and copy it as well as you can.


Do you have a current work in progress?  Can you tell a little bit about it?

I have a lot of irons in the fire at the moment.

 I am writing the fifth and sixth Cole Sage books. Cole Shoot is about a gang war in San Francisco, and a dear friend of Cole’s is killed by a stray bullet. He is reaching a “next step” moment with Kelly Mitchell his delightful love interest. A nice surprise is a character from book one returns and is in mortal danger. A new member of the Cole Sage family or characters, California Corwin makes her debut!
Cross of Cole is a real interesting one! Cole is sent to write the obituary for a charismatic spiritual leader whose life strangely paralleled a man who was killed a couple thousand years ago. And what about Kelly? Wait and see!

There is a spin-off book based on the exploits of California Corwin a rough and tumble female Private Investigator. Cal is like nobody you’ve ever met before  the book is written in collaboration with David VanDyke the amazing Science Fiction writer coming in January.

AND… If the planets all line up correctly there will be an announcement of another collaborative effort with a terrific Western writer on a series of romantic western novels based on the writing of a legendary music icon!

Other than that there’s not much happening.


Tell us about yourself, outside of writing.

Besides my wife of 36 years and writing, my great passions are travel, music and film. I have visited 39 countries and look forward to summer to add a few more to the list. I have been a music fanatic since the Beatles came to America. At one time I owned a small chain of record stores and promoted concerts. I love nothing more in the winter than snuggling up under a quilt on the couch and watching a good movie. I think that’s where my success in writing comes from because I really “see and hear what I write.


Michael's books can be found HERE



Monday, December 9, 2013

Little Drummer Boy and Lies Interrupted...Twofer!




Heat up your holiday for only 99 Cents!





Little Drummer Boy - Vol. 3 of the Savannah Rossi Chronicles
Published Dec. 16, 2012
5,837 words
Erotic Romance


Synopsis:

It's Christmas Eve and sexy singer/songwriter Savannah Rossi has plans to spend the evening at a local jazz club sitting in with a friend's band. After months of flirtation with the smouldering drummer, she's also got plans to light his yule log after the gig. Oh cum all ye faithful, it's the most wonderful time of the year! 
*Contains graphic sexual content and strong language.*

The Savannah Rossi Chronicles are a series of stand alone short stories/novellas preceding an eventual full length novel that follow the steamy adventures of sexy, independent, musically-gifted singer/songwriter Savannah Rossi, who is teetering on the verge of national success. This is no spoiled brat pop princess looking to be saved. Confident, driven, intelligent and unabashed in her sexuality, Savannah has created her own success and enjoys a vibrant sex life on her own terms with men of her choosing. Is it possible that any one man could tame such an independent free spirit? Who says she even needs to be tamed? Join Savannah on her erotic musical journey to find out! 

Ten volumes total are planned, to be followed up with a full length novel. So don't worry; Sav will get her HEA!






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Meet The Author





Deliza Rafferty is a new erotic romance writer located in Hollywood. She's written all sorts of stories and poems for personal enjoyment since she was a little girl, but has spent most of her career in the music business. She is venturing into sharing her musings publicly for the very first time and is excited that modern day technology allows her to do it at her leisure. "Deliza" means "gives pleasure and "Rafferty" means "rich and prosperous." With a name like that, what else could she do? Well...legally, anyway?

Deliza loves to interact with her readers, so feel free to stalk her all over the interwebz!


WEBSITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   GOODREADS   











Having a second chance at your once in a lifetime love doesn’t necessarily mean things will go the way you plan. Logan Brookes and Andrew Eastin thought they had found true happiness; that their lives were finally coming together. Their relationship was no stranger to trials and tribulations, but nothing could have prepared them for the troubles they had yet to experience.

After overcoming her fears only to lose the love of her life again, Logan faced a bitter reality. Finally accepting that she could not change things that were out of her hands, she resolved there was one thing that she could control—her own life, and her own acceptance.

Andrew couldn’t imagine living without Logan. He never dreamed she would turn to another man. Losing her to someone else was one thing, but losing her completely would send him spiraling out of control. When fate intervenes and paths are rerouted, Andrew is faced with unimaginable decisions.

A love interrupted only led to betrayal and more lies, and lies destroy people. Unless, you destroy the lies.

Andrew takes it upon himself to fight for the only thing that has ever mattered in his life. Logan. He would come up against his own family if he had to in order to protect her and her unborn child. If he has anything to say about it, nothing will prevent Andrew and Logan from breaking free, being together, and interrupting the lies that threaten to end them both.

You still have time to read Book 1 of the Interrupted Series...



Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords


Logan Brooks and Andrew Eastin shared a once in a lifetime love. After losing her parents and overcoming many obstacles, she could not handle the possibility of losing him, too. She loved him enough to walk away, for both of their sakes. 

As tragedy strikes again, Logan is on a downward spiral. Andrew knows she needs protection from herself, and he needs to love her through it, even if only from a distance. 

When fate intervenes and allows them a second chance at love, will Logan and Andrew risk it? The Attraction is undeniable. The sexual tension, relentless. She is everything he has ever wanted. He sweeps her off her feet, renewing all that was lost. 

Andrew promised her forever, but can words ever be enough? Can love prevail when life has different plans—bringing on more pain and emotions than imaginable? When lies and deceit corrupt the one thing sacred to them, plans will be ruined, promises will be broken, and hearts will be shattered.

What happens when the unknown threatens all of their dreams? Will Logan and Andrew survive their love, interrupted?








A.J. was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Four years ago, she relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband and four wonderful children, Hayden (15), Jacob (13), Riley (11), and Isaiah (10).

A.J. is passionate about working with people with disabilities, and has a long time love of working with munchkins. She currently owns and operates a childcare facility in North Central Texas.

When she is not busy breaking up fights about who is mom’s favorite, or who ate the last bowl of Fruity Pebbles, A.J. enjoys reading and writing. She also likes chatting and laughing with her book club friends. Love Interrupted is her first book and she is currently working on her second and third novels.





The Romance Reviews