Monday, February 8, 2016

Valentine's Day Count Down Blitz: Day 8: Changes of the Heart by Debra Erfert

DAY 8

A coincidence is God’s way of staying anonymous.

Buying the 1920s farmhouse south of Phoenix, where the rumors of John Dillinger’s gang hid out in the 30s, is supposed to be Grace Evanheart’s way of escaping an old romance. When she finds an ancient diary with a map under the bedroom’s floorboard, the rumors solidify into fact. She doesn’t know who to trust with the news; Micah Stevens, the handsome deputy and the great grandson of the original landowners with whom she’s attracted, or Jerry, the young historian who seems too intent on learning about her new home?

Micah seems convinced their paths cross exactly at the right time and in the right place for them to fall in love. Now he just has to convince Grace of the same thing before suspicions of his real motive have her running again.

"Debra lives in Southwest Arizona, and has been married to Mike for 36 years. She's the mother of two awesome sons, who married their forever loves, and she's a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren with one more on the way.

Debra wrote her first novella thirteen years ago just for grins. That brief taste into the world of an author started an undeniable writing obsession rivaling only her love of chocolate. She's an award-winning fine artist, and loves traveling with her husband."

Facts about the Author:

1. I will never forget ... seeing my sons marry the loves of their lives.

2. The Best thing about writing is ... being transported to another adventure. I’m a discovery writer. For the most part, I follow my characters, and only gently guide them where I’d like them to go.

Connect with the Author:

Snippet:

With the doors opened I couldn’t use the candles, but I left the flashlight off, not wanting to use the batteries up all in one night. The bedroom I’d declared as the Master sat closest to the kitchen. Charlotte told me the house was built in the early 1920s, and although it had been renovated in the seventies, the owners hadn’t thought about adding a master bathroom.

A floorboard squeaking froze me in the mid pump. My first thought was Chelsea had changed her mind about staying the night, but why, then, didn’t she say anything? Then I noticed faint illumination in the hallway. Whoever came in must’ve had a flashlight; my heart leaped against my ribs in panic.

I listened. Were the footsteps getting closer? Or maybe they got farther away into the dining room? I couldn’t tell for sure with how my pulse beat loudly in my ears, interfering with my hearing. My cell phone was inside my handbag by the fireplace. Considering I only had the plastic pump and a half-inflated vinyl bed, I didn’t have anything to defend myself with—or hide behind. I knew I needed to get outside and run to a neighbor for help.

I just had to get my body to agree with my brain.

Fear had an ironic way of paralyzing important muscles. With my mouth open, I took a slow, deep breath—at least I took in a breath and convinced my feet to turn toward the bedroom door. The floorboard in the dining room creaked. I took off and rounded the corner, heading for the open front door. Heavy footfalls ran behind me.

“Stop!” a man shouted.

I didn’t stop. He grabbed my arm, slowing me down. I threw my best punch at what I hoped would be his head. His flashlight hit the floor—and so did I. He tackled me face first onto the dusty hardwood floor with my arm shoved up my spine. When I took in another breath, I realized the frantic screaming I’d heard a moment before had been my own.

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Blog tour: Walker Bride: Walker Family Saga Book 3 by Bernadette Marie

Always the bridal consultant, never the bride. That was former bad girl gone business professional, Pearl Walker's life until she put her hands on Tyson Morgan while measuring him for a tux.

Tyson was happy being a miserable man, taking care of his family's land, and not involved with a woman. However, even he can't resist the pull of attraction to the beautiful, and off limits, Pearl?

The feud between the Walkers and the Morgans had torn apart friends and families for generations. What might happen when Pearl Walker and Tyson Morgan become business partners—and more?

Access all of Bernadette Marie's Books here:

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends. Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter. At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years.

In 2007 – after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children – Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published. That year she wrote 12
books. In 2009 she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born. In 2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince
Publishing, and has released contemporary titles and has begun the process of taking on other authors in other genres.

Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events. She is also an accomplished martial artist, working her way to her second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
An avid reader she loves to meet readers who enjoy reading contemporary romances and
she always promises Happily Ever After.

Connect With The Author Here:

Amazon ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Website

WALKER BRIDE ~ EXCERPT 4

Her intentions on bringing Tyson to the bar had been to ease him into something—anything. Her blood had been pumping since Tyson walked through the door of her store. What she hadn’t anticipated was diving into family history or it upsetting her as much as it did. She was no prude. She understood relationships and sex. Greed fueled her too. That’s why she was so successful. What she didn’t understand was a man who would move from woman to woman and family to family as if it were okay. Why would he think it was okay to gamble away their savings over and over and then try and take away what his father and his brother worked so hard to grow?

The waitress set her beer on the counter, and she picked it up with shaking hands. The afternoon was going to be a waste now. Tyson Morgan was going to finish his drink and get out of there

as fast as he could. Why wouldn’t he? Crazy Walker women were not a prize anyone wanted to win.

She could feel the first two beers swimming in her head as she walked to the table. The glass sloshed over the side a bit as she set it down.

“You okay?”

“Fine,” she said as she picked up the glass.

“How are you getting home?”

“I have a car.”

Tyson’s lips pursed. “Yep, but I’m not thinking you should drive it.”

“I wasn’t going to. I’ll go back to my store and stay there for awhile. I’m not stupid. I won’t drink and then drive. I won’t even text.”

He actually laughed at that. “I didn’t mean to get you all worked up over your dad.”

She set her glass down and leaned in over the table. “Are you attracted to me?”

His eyes widened, and his face went pale. “Of course. You’re a very beautiful woman.”

“Why don’t you have one?”

“One what?”

“A woman?”

He finished his beer and let out a long breath. “Don’t need one.”

WALKER BRIDE ~ EXCERPT 5

Pearl watched him drive away from the small window next to the door. What had she done? She’d acted like an idiot that’s what she’d done. Why in the world had she gotten so worked up over him? Walking away from the door, she went to the kitchen and pulled a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. Her steady craft beer buzz was wearing off. Maybe she should have just stayed at work and brought her car home later.

Stupidly enough, she’d thought maybe she could convince Tyson to come in. Maybe they could spend some time together. The very thought had her tensing up. What had driven her to be so lonely that she was hitting on her cousin’s family—Lydia’s brother? She’d never made a move on the man—never. But today? What was so stellar about today?

Pearl walked to the living room and plopped herself down on the couch. She kicked her bare feet up on the coffee table and rested her head back. Weddings never used to bother her. She saw happy brides walk in and out of her store all the time. But ever since Susan and Eric got engaged and Bethany and Kent followed right behind, she’d felt the pang of longing for someone.

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, she thought to herself as she sipped from the bottle of water. But what did it matter? She was thirty-three years old, had her own place, her own business, and her own paid off car. She didn’t need a man for anything—well except for companionship.

She squeezed the bottle, and it overflowed onto her lap. With a jump, she came off the couch and cursed. “This is stupid. Tyson Morgan isn’t worth getting all worked up over,” she said aloud as if that would make all the difference.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page

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Sunday, February 7, 2016

Valentine's Day Count Down Blitz: Day 7: Dangerous Obsession by M.M. Roethig

DAY 7

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Author M.M. Roethig is a 'happily-ever-after' author whose guilty pleasure is a swoon worthy romance. Growing up, she spent her youth on various Air Force bases in many different states, which encouraged her imagination and love of make believe stories with each new city, scenery, and situation.

Finally settling in Idaho, M.M. Roethig finished her schooling years and eventually met and married her very own Prince Charming. A recent move took her to Northern Colorado, a place she has instantly fallen in love with and embraced as her home.

When she's not swooning over romance stories or writing, M.M. Roethig enjoys spending time with her husband and son who also call Colorado home. With two grown daughters and one son-in-law living in Idaho, she finds every excuse to travel back as much as possible.

Other hobbies M.M. Roethig enjoys is running, photography, baking, watching her son swim, trying new board games, and cheering on the Denver Broncos.

-->http://mmroethig.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authormmroethig
https://twitter.com/MMRoethig
http://www.amazon.com/M.M.-Roethig/e/B00901QB44
http://instagram.com/mmroethig/

-->A dancer and a Marine—two worlds collide.

Chloe Johnson is no stranger to the spotlight. A prestigious member of the LA Laker Girls, she’s in the public eye regularly. Her world is perfect.

Eric Taylor, on the other hand, is damaged, both body and spirit. Injured overseas, he returns home with fresh physical wounds, invisible emotional scars, and a bad attitude.

When Chloe becomes the object of affection to an unknown stalker, she must leave her life behind and rely on a total stranger, and the only man she’s ever met who’s never happy to see her—Eric. Can she trust this hardened soldier with her life?

Adjusting to civilian life hasn’t been easy for Eric. Swearing off women forever, all he wants is to be left alone. However, his world is thrown into chaos when Chloe appears on his doorstep as an invited guest of Eric’s twin brother. Bewitched by her innocent charms, Eric fights to keep her at arm’s length, putting his No More Women resolve to the test.

Everything soon changes when Chloe’s stalker trackers her down, making her a pawn in a cat and mouse game of Dangerous Obsession.

**Included at the end of this book is the short story, Reflections.**

-->http://www.amazon.com/M.M.-Roethig/e/B00901QB44
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/m.m.-roethig
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/raine/id991968184?mt=11
https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=roethig
http://www.inktera.com/store/search
https://www.scribd.com/m.m.8roethig
"I was whisked away into Chloe’s life of glamor, and submerged into the harsh horrors of Eric’s. Suddenly, when a stalker believes Chloe must be his, her life no longer seems so glittery. Thank goodness for safety behind the pages of a book! Thank goodness for excellent writers as Roethig who had me whipping the pages for the next exciting turn!" ~Elizabeth Mueller, author

Let's look at the Prologue!

Neon red flashed intermittently through the slit in the curtains. The parking lot sign threatened to go out only to flash once more. She didn’t know how long she lay next to him on the bed that was more springs than mattress, but loud snores filled the quiet room, letting her know he’d finally fallen asleep.

She’d been tugging on the bindings around her wrist for what felt like hours, to no avail. In a silent fit of frustration, she yanked hard and the rope slipped past her thumbs, releasing her bleeding hands. Stunned, she stared at the ropes, the prospect of freedom now a possibility. Her heart hammered in her chest as she slipped cautiously from the bed, praying the shift in weight would go unnoticed. If she could make it out of the room, she had a chance. If he woke before—she pushed the thought from her head.

Kneeling on all fours on the dirty, worn carpet, she held her breath and waited for any sign that he’d woken. His loud snores continued uninterrupted.

With slow, methodical movements, she opened the top drawer of the nightstand enough to reach inside for the phone he’d put there hours before. Her hands shook and her insides quivered with anticipation. It seemed silly, her need for her phone, but it was a lifeline to the only person who could save her.

Her breath came in shallow pants as she slipped her hand inside. Sweat dripped down her forehead as she closed her eyes and carefully felt around for the familiar object. Wrapping her fingers tightly around her phone, she pulled it from its confines and turned for the door.

Still on all fours, she crawled closer to freedom, stopping short of her destination when the rustle of sheets made her blood to run cold. Cautiously she turned and watched the sleeping form roll over to fondle her now vacant space. When he grasped nothing but air, his eyes popped open, scanning the room until he focused on her. His features contorted when he let out a massive roar, and launched himself from the bed like a man possessed.

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Saturday, February 6, 2016

Valentine's Day Count Down Blitz: Day 6: Vanishing Act by Erica Kiefer

DAY 6

In a journey for retribution, lines blur between courage, justice, and revenge.

A fresh start at college is exactly what Kate needs to ease the burden of her family secrets. When she meets the confident and charming Aaron Jackson, she weaves a new history for herself to fit into his seemingly perfect life. But the past refuses to stay where it belongs, causing a rift between their contrasting worlds.

When Ben reappears in Kate's life, she is only pulled deeper into the childhood that she's tried to forget. Driven by the abuse and pain that still lingers within him, Ben seeks Kate's help in making a change. But in this journey for retribution, lines blur between courage, justice, and revenge.

Bound by their shared and damaged youth, Kate is forced to choose sides, and fast. The final act is almost here, and time is running out.

Erica Kiefer’s debut novel Lingering Echoes was published by Clean Teen Publishing in November 2013. She continued the series with Rumors (A Lingering Echoes Prequel) and her newest release Vanishing Act. All of her books can be read as stand-alone contemporary YA fiction, touched with romance, emotional drama and suspense. With a degree in Recreation Therapy from Brigham Young University, Erica’s experiences working with at-risk youth have influenced the realistic and relatable nature of her writing. Her first inspirational non-fiction entitled Borrowed Angel (published in April 2014 with Currawong Press) describes the loss of her infant son and her journey towards healing.

Married since 2005, Erica resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her four children and can often be found satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies and a glass of milk. One day, she hopes to dust off her collegiate rugby skills and dive back into the game.

Facts about the Author

1. I will never forget meeting my first child, Ty. There is nothing like all the emotions and firsts that a newborn brings!

2. The best thing about writing is tapping into emotions and experiences from my past and inviting imagination to bring it all back to life in new light.

Connect with the Author:

Snippet:

Chapter 3

Ben

She didn’t recognize me, but I figured she wouldn’t.

After seven years, I wasn’t the same scared kid hiding behind locked doors. I would never be that boy again.

Kate had grown up, too. If I hadn’t done my research, I don’t know that I would have recognized her off the street either. She wore make up with deep purple eyeshadow that emphasized her pale blue eyes, and her lips were touched with pink gloss. Her face had lost the childish roundness that I remembered, fading the young innocence of the eleven-year-old I once knew. But I was well aware that the loss of innocence had more to do with life’s cruel blows than mere aging.

Even now, she still carried that protective tension in her expression. I had seen it resurface when I’d been so absorbed with the picture of Luke. I hadn’t meant to stare. But it was crazy to see him so big now—at least, in comparison to the seven-year-old boy I’d known. He must be fourteen now, and even still, I’d caught the fierce change in Kate’ demeanor when I’d held onto the photo too long. She had always been a shield to her little brother. That, obviously, had not changed.

I stepped out from behind the bus where I’d been hiding. Kate had crossed the mall parking lot by now and was entering through the double doors on her way to work. I had every intention of telling her—reminding her—of who I am. But maybe our shared past was not one she cared to remember, or deserved to relive. My plans were set and I would follow through with or without her. But if I could trust her—if she wanted to help—I would tell her everything.

But that would be for another time.

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Friday, February 5, 2016

Blog tour: Kingdom City Book 2: Revolt by Ben Ireland

KINGDOM CITY: REVOLT by Ben Ireland hits the interweb in just 24 hours. Follow our blog tour and Rafflecopter giveaway for the chance to win great prizes! Visit each blog each day for more ways to enter. KINGDOM CITY: REVOLT is Book 2 of the near-future dystopian series by Ben Ireland, with strong science fiction and urban fantasy elements.

January 30 through February 6, 2016

Find Ben Ireland on the web: AMAZON \| WEBSITE \| GOODREADS \| FACEBOOK \| TWITTER
Saturday, 01-30	Where the Words Take You
Sunday, 01-31	Perpetual Chaos of a Wandering Mind
Monday, 02-01	Ben Ireland Books
Tuesday, 02-02	JD Spero, Author
Wednesday, 02-03	Slithers of Thought
Wednesday, 02-03	Creativity from Chaos
Thursday, 02-04	Are You Afraid of the Dark
Thursday, 02-04	Semi Short Chic
Friday, 02-05	Songs of Mann
Friday, 02-05	Omega W
Saturday, 02-06	The Cult of Me
Saturday, 02-06	Book Reviews & Giveaways

Don't forget to enter our KINGDOM CITY: REVOLT blog tour Rafflecopter give-away below, on the blogs above, on our Facebook page, or on Rafflecopter, with daily chances to win!

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Valentine's Day Count Down Blitz: Day 5: One Winter by Natalie- Nicole Bates

DAY 5

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Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.
Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.
She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.

-->Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/Natalie-Nicole
Twitter: @BatesNatalie http://twitter.com/BatesNatalie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-Nicole-Bates/352610728138768
Blog: www.natalienicolebates.com
Amazon Author Central Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0071MP0DC

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After her mother’s sudden death, Rory Lane is home again. It has been fifteen years since she escaped Mount Pleasant and everyone and everything in it. Now she must oversee the closing of her mother’s affairs.
The only bright spot is Rory’s blossoming friendship with boarder CJ Rausch. Rory senses that CJ just might be her soul mate, but the handsome excavator is somewhat of a standoffish loner.
After an unthinkable event, Rory’s life spins out of control, and she must deal not only with her grasping, selfish sister, but also a manipulative, wannabe suitor. CJ offers Rory a way out, but at what price? Beware: Everyone has secrets in Mount Pleasant…And they enjoy them!