Spring Cleaning Blitz: Day 9: Save the Last Dance for Me by Cora Lee

-->A graduate of the University of Michigan with a major in history, Cora is the 2014 winner of the Royal Ascot contest for best unpublished Regency romance. She went on a twelve year expedition through the blackboard jungle as a high school math teacher before publishing Save the Last Dance for Me, the first book in the Maitland Maidens series. When she’s not walking Rotten Row at the fashionable hour or attending the entertainments of the Season, you might find her participating in Historical Novel Society events, wading through her towering TBR pile, or eagerly awaiting the next Marvel movie release. If you’d like to find out more about Cora or her books you can visit her website, sign up for her newsletter, or connect with her on Facebook or Goodreads.

-->www.facebook.com/AuthorCoraLee
www.pinterest.com/coralee49
www.goodreads.com/coralee49
www.twitter.com/Cora_Lee49
http://eepurl.com/bA1-VH (newsletter sign up) 

-->Mr. Benedict Grey is the only heir to a long-standing title, and he knows his duty: find a suitable girl, get married, secure the succession beyond himself. But if a gentleman could be called a wallflower, Benedict would fit the description perfectly. And for the past six years, he’s been out of Society more than he’s been in it. How will he find a woman to wed and bed when he can barely converse with the ladies of the ton?

Lady Honoria Maitland has promised her dying father that, before he breathes his last, she would find a husband to take care of her. But she wants a gentleman that loves her, not her dowry or her name. When she reunites with her old friend Benedict, she proposes a plan that will help them both: a faux courtship and betrothal. She can teach him how to woo a woman and simultaneously ease her father’s last days. But Honoria’s clever plan failed to account for Benedict’s heart...or her own. Is she strong enough to bear the loss of her father and her friend?

Grab your copy from one of the links below!


-->Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/21kUo5E
Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1Rrl24L
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1LIHt0K
B&N: http://bit.ly/1QATiHs
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1OyJH2z
iBooks: http://apple.co/1XPhiMV
All Romance E-books/Omni Lit: http://bit.ly/21vcGO8 

Snippet #1:

“I would marry you, you know.”

She froze. “What?”

“If we were caught together. If I compromised you.” His eyes met hers in the half-light. “And not just because I’m looking for a wife now. I would have then, too.”

He didn’t have to explain when then was. She knew he was thinking of the day her mother died. He never did tell her how he’d gained entry into the house or how he found her bedchamber without disturbing anyone, but he’d managed to do both late that night. He’d sat with her and held her hand as she had talked of her mother, then cradled her against him when she’d wept. Only when she had calmed did either of them realize the potential for an immense scandal his presence caused. And even then he’d stayed with her until she fell asleep.

Her fingers tightened on his sleeve in response. Perhaps some of the old Benedict still existed after all.

Ready for some Author Q&A?

3.      What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?

Lately it's been focus. I was a teacher for a number of years, so a large portion of my adult life was regulated by bell schedules and after school meetings. I have a lot more freedom now, but my brain is used to unstructured time being down time. I have to consciously remind myself that writing time is precious, and that I can scroll through Facebook posts later :-)

4.      Which of your personality traits did you write into you characters? (Deliberately or accidentally)

I gave Benedict (Save's hero) my love of books and reading, though his taste is different than mine (he tends toward academic treatises and I gravitate to good storytelling). He also has a serious aversion to cold weather, which I share. We both returned home to cold winters after living for several years in warmer climates, and neither of us is particularly fond of the change :-)

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1142142815825785/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Scattering Stars by Wendy C Jorgensen

Wendy C. Jorgensen grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and began writing in second grade, furiously recording her hopes and dreams in a denim-covered diary. Besides hanging out at the library, she loved soaking up the rays—while reading a book, of course. During her sophomore year of high school, Wendy’s family moved to Carson City, Nevada, and she thought her life had ended. The desert, sagebrush, and cowboys were a far cry from the ocean, palm trees, and surfers of Florida. Fortunately within six months, the family relocated to Lake Tahoe, and her outlook improved dramatically.

Wendy started college at the University of Colorado in Boulder, followed by a year at the University of Nevada in Reno and two years at Brigham Young University, where she worked as a reporter and copy editor for The Daily Universe. A decision to take a short break from school turned into a twelve-year hiatus in Lake Tahoe. After a two-year stint in the civil engineering program at California State University in Sacramento, Wendy returned to Colorado and graduated from CU with a degree in English Writing. It was a long, but valuable, educational journey.

After twenty years in Colorado, Wendy recently moved back to Northern Nevada, close enough to Lake Tahoe to enjoy the beautiful scenery but far enough away to escape the heavy winters. She lives with a wonderful husband who’s a financial guru–thank goodness–and a golden retriever who’s often mistaken for a sloth. Her two brainy and creative sons challenge her intellect and make her want to be smarter. Wendy hopes someday to journey to the stars.

Connect with the Author here: 

 ~ Website  ~ Twitter ~
~ LinkedIn ~ Google+ ~ Instagram ~

Deep in the Colorado Mountains lie many secrets. One of them could change the world.

When sixteen-year-old Eve Hunter returns to her childhood home of Ridgway, Colorado, she discovers a tight-knit colony of scientists and their families led by her grandfather, Jarak. Ten years earlier, her mother drowned suspiciously in a nearby canyon, and Eve becomes convinced the townspeople are hiding something. By lineage, Eve belongs to the colony and despite her reservations, she feels drawn to the colonists—particularly one of them: Daniel Winter, an eerily familiar, intense boy whose determination to monitor her and all the colonists is more than a little disturbing.

After Jarak reveals her true heritage, Eve learns her return to Ridgway is not a coincidence. She’s a key piece in Jarak’s plan. As secrets are revealed, Eve becomes entangled in a deadly game—and time’s running out to master the rules. One wrong move could jeopardize the future of the planet. "

First lets take a look inside the book

Perhaps Brad decided he’d had enough for one day. He stood slowly, possessed by a fury that made me want to dive under the table. His body shook violently as he raised his arm toward Tara as if to push her away. An intense vibrating energy electrified the atmosphere as Tara shot backwards and slammed into the cafeteria wall.

Erik and Daniel shouted simultaneously, “Brad, stop!” Their shouts echoed throughout the room. Brad examined his hand, clearly stunned. Tara gaped at him, but not in terror as I would’ve expected. Despite her embarrassment and physical discomfort, her facial expression was eerily smug. She was pleased she’d provoked Brad to such overpowering rage.

“Well, Bradley. You surprised us all, didn’t you?”

And now for the Cover

************

*******

****

**

*

*

*

Pre-order your copy now!

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ 

~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Cleaning Blitz: Day 8: Sparks by RS McCoy

 “Everyone in the world has a Spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.” 

Starting school is supposed to be a fun and exciting time for any new student. But for Lark, a skilled archer and fledgling mind-reader, it’s a creative form of torture. Locked in rooms and hallways with both friends and enemies, bombarded by the thoughts and feelings of his peers, Lark is a prisoner.

On a quest to master his Spark, Lark’s mentor–his one ally–is anything but helpful. What Lark fails to realize is the value of his rare ability, and just how far some are willing to go to have control of him. 

~ AMAZON ~ B&N ~ KOBO ~ GOODREADS ~

 ~ SMASHWORDS ~ iBOOKS ~ CREATESPACE ~

Rachel McCoy is a Texan living in New Jersey. Between binge watching MTV reality shows and baking gluten free treats, she writes paranormal fantasy and science fiction novels. She is the self-published author of the Sparks Saga trilogy as well as numerous short stories, some of which now reside in anthologies. Back when she lived in the real world, Rachel earned a degree in marine biology, which contributed to her die-hard love of manta rays.

To connect with RS McCoy (or swap recipes), visit her on her website (rsmccoyauthor.com) or check out her Facebook page (facebook.com/AuthorRSMcCoy). You can also join her newsletter to receive release updates, free stories, and bonus extras (eepurl.com/YItp1).

Facts About the Author:

3. I really struggle with time management. I have two little kids, a husband that works 60+ hours a week, and recently starting hitting the gym after back surgery. My schedule is full and writing often takes the hit when I need to get something done. I end up working late at night to hit my deadlines, but in the end, I always make them!

4. My characters often have a no-nonsense attitude and a large vocabulary of curse words. My husband is literally a sailor and we are proficient users of all the words my mother hates. I think profanity adds an authenticity to my characters and, when used appropriately, really adds to their depth. And in fantasy it's a lot of fun to create some more interesting terms!

Connect with the Author:

~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ WEBSITE ~ AMAZON ~

~ GOODREADS ~ NEWSLETTER SIGN UP ~ 

Snippet #1

“In order to complete this Round, you must learn to fight another unarmed student without the use of your Spark. To prove you have successfully mastered this form of combat, you must defeat each and every Round Two student. Only then will I award your stripe. Use of combat techniques outside of my presence, or that of the combat instructor, will mean a free trip home.” The smile on his face made it clear as day that my trip home was what he wanted.

Avis led me to the dining hall, which was completely full—I guessed at least a hundred others. I had never been to the dining room so early, and the volume was just as bad as I feared. Aside from the audible roar of students at breakfast, their thoughts screamed into my head until I could do nothing but follow behind Avis like a dog.

He pushed me towards a table and brought over a plate of biscuits and bacon. “What’s this for?”

“How are you going to fight anyone if you can’t even lift up your little twig arms? Eat.”

I couldn't exactly argue with him; he was right. I was at a complete disadvantage compared to the well-fed students of Myxini. It's going to be a massacre. Not in the mood to deny the opportunity to eat, I shoveled it in my mouth and tried as best I could to not wince from the ache in my brain. Before I could even finish, Avis dropped a second plate in front of me. “Eat,” he said again, and I ate. By the time we left, I was certain I'd never eaten as much at one time, and it didn't feel pleasant.

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Cleaning Blitz: Day 7: The Witch's Reward by Liz McCraine

-->Liz McCraine is an outdoor enthusiast, military spouse, and mother. She loves to ride horses and go hiking with her family. When she isn't writing or corralling children, Liz enjoys relaxing with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. Her motto is: If it doesn't have a happy ending, I don't want to read it.

-->https://twitter.com/liz_mccraine
https://about.me/lizmccraine
https://www.amazon.com/author/lizmccraine 

-->
Fairy tales are not a thing of the past.

In the kingdom of Aggadorn, seventeen-year-old Larra Stoneworth of the village of Farr discovers she has a strange magical power. But the law for humans having such magic is simple: death. When word of Larra’s gift reaches the palace, the king’s son is sent to capture her and bring her to trial. During their journey from Larra’s small village to the city, Larra faces dangers unlike any she has ever imagined. Though Larra’s magic may seem a threat to some, another far more sinister threat emerges that endangers the life of everyone—even the king himself.

An innocent girl with powers she didn’t know she had. A noble prince sent to imprison her. A powerful counselor gone mad with jealousy. An evil plot. A death sentence. And above all, the strength of one young woman to do what is right, no matter the consequences. 

Pick up your copy today!

-->
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019PI585Y

Snippet 1:


The cage was made of wood and metal. The wood looked dark and heavy, hewn from the sturdiest of trees. The structure was equal in height as it was in length, the top and bottom separated by long, steel rods four or five feet tall. It was an inescapable prison guaranteed to contain the most dangerous beasts of the forest. Claw marks scratched the floor and impossibly marred the steel, testifying that the cage had been used before, and often. It had been built onto a wagon, and was hitched up to two large draft horses. And as Larra stared, she realized this cage for wild beasts was to be her new home. She was now the animal among the humans. 
One of her guards opened the barred door, and before she realized what was happening, she was lifted by the waist and roughly shoved inside. She fell sprawled out on her stomach, the impact against hard wood stunning her before the brief onslaught of pain. Recognizing she was about to be locked in, she struggled to rise, the act difficult without the use of her hands. She quickly moved on her knees toward the door, reaching it just as it slammed shut in her face. No emotion was visible on the faces of the knights as they locked her in. The bright summer sun glinted off their helmets, casting their features in shadows. Larra leaned into the bars.
“Don’t do this,” she begged.
They ignored her.
“Cease your ranting, witch,” came a deep voice from behind them. Her guards stepped away to reveal the younger man who had read the proclamation, the one with the aloof, hazel eyes. The captain, their leader.
Beyond him the cottage door was shut, and Larra saw no sign of her grandmother through the windows.
“Please,” she shouted as he walked past. “Can you at least tell me if my grandmother is all right?”
The man altered his direction, heading to the wagon with long, direct strides.
“I told you to be silent,” he warned. Stopping just inches away, he stared at her hard. “You will do as you’re told.” He nodded at something beyond the wagon. “Do you see those wolfhounds?”
Larra hadn’t noticed the two large dogs when she was first dragged from the cottage. They lay in the shade of a wide tree, waiting the command of their master.
“They’re trained to hunt and kill. They can outrun a deer at full speed across a field. If you try to run, those hounds will track you down and tear you to pieces.” His eyes remained fixed on hers, revealing nothing but his determination to do his job. “And remember,” he continued, “any use of your power will result in your immediate death. The king values the lives of his knights far more than your own. Do you understand?”
He didn’t wait for her to respond, but turned quickly away, striding to a big black horse that was close to seventeen hands tall. He rode to the front of the party and, lifting his arm in the air, signaled the group to move forward.
Larra was thrown off balance as the wagon jolted. The drafts strained the first few steps from the weight of their load, despite their obvious strength. Without the use of her hands, Larra couldn’t steady herself and ended up sprawled on the floor again. Struggling to sit, she was eventually able to lean into a corner, peering anxiously through the lines of horses and riders to catch one last glimpse of her home. There was still no sign of her grandmother, and the ache in her heart expanded even as the cottage shrank from sight.

And let's look at some Q&A's with Liz!

3.      What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it? Coming up with proper nouns. For me, creating names to fit the people and places in my stories takes an enormous amount of effort. I could write a dozen pages in the time it takes me to decide on a name for one of my characters.
4.      Which of your personality traits did you write into your characters? (Deliberately or accidentally). Queen Lissa is pretty sassy to her husband, King Steffan. It was a little too easy to write.

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1142142815825785/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour: A Devil in Hong Kong by David Harris Lang

On a snowy day in the year 889, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty had an epiphany: he was not immortal. His jade carver created the most beautiful jade burial suit in history, finishing just three weeks before the Han Emperor died. When the priceless two-thousand-year-old jade burial suit suddenly goes missing in modern Hong Kong, a brutal competition to find it ensues between rival Chinese, Burmese, and Japanese factions. As they battle for the priceless artifact, a psychotic killer with a Maori tattoo on his face surfaces leaving a trail of dismembered corpses strung together like traditional Burmese puppets. Detectives Ian Hamilton and Angela Cheung follow a trail of hacked bodies and terror through contemporary Hong Kong in their search for the killer.

~Amazon ~ Goodreads ~

David Harris Lang, a current resident of Hong Kong, has lived and worked in Asia much of his life. Besides being a prolific author of Asian-based thrillers, he is an international architect who brings an indelible sense of place’ to his writing as well as a deep understanding of Asian cultures, locales, and customs. His vivid fight scenes come from a life-long practice of the martial arts. A Devil in Hong Kong is David Lang’s third book.

Connect With the Author Here:

 ~ Website ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~

Top Ten List

·      Being out in nature hiking.

·      Snorkelling in water so clear it is like it is not there.

·      Fishing. Don't even have to be catching, I am happy even with a line in the water.

·      Cooking with my daughters.

·      Wrestling with my dog.

·      Writing a chapter and having no idea where the ideas came from, feeling like I am channeling some writing muse.

·      Exploring exotic places and ancient architecture.

·      Communicating successfully in a language other than my native tongue.

·      Slipping a jab.

·      Being warm under the covers when it is storming outside.

Character Casting

In my first book, 'The Journal of Rabbi Levy Wang', I envisioned Harrison Ford playing the hero, Harry Cohen.

Hmm, who could play Ian Hamilton in 'The Witch of Wanchai'? Shall we ask Tom Cruise?

In 'A Devil In Hong Kong' Liam Neeson would be good for the bad guy, Andy Duggan. He would certainly look scary with a Maori tattoo on his face!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway