Cover Reveal: Manwhore by Katy Evans

MANWHORE +1

The unexpected love story that began in MANWHORE 

continues heating up the pages in MANWHORE + 1

Release date: July 7, 2015

Billionaire playboy? Check. 

Ruthless businessman? Check. 

Absolutely sinful? Check.

Malcolm Saint was an assignment. A story. A beautiful, difficult man I was supposed to uncover for a racy exposé.

I intended to reveal him, his secrets, his lifestyle—not let him reveal me. But my head was overtaken by my heart and suddenly nothing could stop me from falling. I fell for him, and I fell hard. 

Malcolm Saint is absolute Sin, and I've become a hopeless Sinner.

Now that the assignment is over, Saint wants something from me--something unexpected--and I want this wicked playboy's heart. But how can I prove to the man who trusts no one that I’m worthy of becoming his plus one?

Manwhore + 1 Pre-order Links (Releases 7/7)

S&S: http://bit.ly/1CPTb4p

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zRVwK0

B&N: http://bit.ly/1MCumRA

BAM:  http://bit.ly/1Ab7Uts

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1DxWthT

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1DFubRl

iBookstore: http://bit.ly/1LiINZe 

Nook Print: http://bit.ly/17xoat8

Google Play: http://bit.ly/19FLxCq

Manwhore (bk 1) Pre-order links (Releases 3/24) 

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1wCc6Nz

iBookstore: http://bit.ly/1xYs8r8

Nook: http://bit.ly/1BUNMKj

Amazon print: http://amzn.to/1DFXWQr

B&N print: http://bit.ly/1tT19vA

BAM: http://bit.ly/1BUOc3B

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1sdhgmI

S&S: http://bit.ly/1x3F08a

Book Review: The Final Piece by Maggi Myers

The Final Piece by Maggi Myers

313 pages 
Published November 13th 2012
To purchase this book click HERE
My Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:

This has to be one of the most remarkable books that I have read. This story is filled with loss, child abuse and love. Make sure when you are ready to read it you have the tissues handy. The story is about a girl named Beth, she has endured years of abuse at such a young age. As she gets older she begins to pick up the pieces. The Final Piece is so brilliantly written! Its is raw and "ugly" at times but yet so beautiful. Please take the time to read this amazing story! I thought I knew what was going to happen but this book pleasantly surprised me.


Goodreads.com Description:

Life shouldn’t be about picking up the pieces.

Beth Bradshaw has spent her life hiding from her tragic past. From the moment a trusted family friend steals her innocence until the moment another rescues her, she struggles to just survive.

Surrounded by the comfort and protection of her extended family, Beth embarks on a journey of healing far from the horrors of her home. In her darkest moments, she meets a boy named Ryan. For one incredible summer, Ryan shows Beth what it’s like to act her own age.

To feel free and let go.
If only for a while.

Years later, another tragedy threatens to shatter the life Beth has carefully crafted. When faced, yet again, with more pieces to pick up, Beth begins to question what her choices have cost her.
Leaving her old life behind, she sets forth on a pilgrimage that will bring her back to the boy she could never forget. He wants to help her pick up the pieces of her life, but is she willing to do what it takes to become whole again?

Can she trust him with a piece of herself?

My favorite quotes:

“We are all broken in one way or another. It's how we put those pieces back together that matters".”

“Hell bent and beautiful, you're my heart.”

“I spent so much energy on cutting and pasting together the person I wanted to be that I forgot who I was.” 

“I mourn the piece of myself that I gave away and will never get back”

“Life is full of lessons we either learn from or get bitter over.” 

“Tommy cocooned me in his arms. The same arms that struck out to protect me, the arms that saved me. “In my life, I have never known, nor will I ever know, someone as strong and courageous as you, Elizabeth Irene Bradshaw,” Tommy whispers against my temple. I have no words, so I nod my head against his chest, hoping he understands my acceptance of his praise. “You honour me with your trust, baby girl. I am so very proud of you.”  

Book Review: Saved by Kelly Elliott

Saved by Kelly Elliott

Pages: 503
Published April 4 2013
My Star Rating: 4 Stars

My review:

This is book two in the wanted series. Do not read this book if you did not read Wanted first.

What do you do when the man you have loved for years finally proposes to you? Celebrate? Make wild passionate love to each other? Not in this book. This wild ride of a story starts off where Wanted left off. Jeff and ari finally figured out how to make it work and told each other how much they love one other after years of differences. A one night stand before they even became a couple called Jeff to tell him that she was pregnant. Then the night that he was going to propose, ari's father shows up and ruins the whole thing by telling ari that Jeff got someone else pregnant and he planning on proposing. What do you do when the one woman you despise the most says she is pregnant with the man you loves baby?

Is Rebecca really having Jeff's baby? She is due in 2 months and that's when the truth comes out. Ari and her friends scheme to find the truth. There is now way that she can be due in two months when she looks like she is gonna pop any minute. Nancy drew is on the case. 

Josh, is beautiful and sexy, basically sex on a stick! This former man whore falls deeply in love with Heather. Josh will fight his way into her heart and prove to her that his feelings are real. Easier said then done.

Heather lost her parents a year ago, and her heart is beyond fragile. She is just afraid to let someone in, and just when she does, her walls go back up and is just too scared to lose any one else that she loves. How far can heather push josh away before he just gives up?

Ellie and Gunner cut their honeymoon short because his father has a heart attack. Gunner and his father have not seen eye to eye in many years. Will this be the opportunity for them to make amends? Will they ever see eye to eye and have that father son relationship again?

Enjoy the ride while you watch this story unfold! There will be happiness, sadness, and lots of fighting.

Goodreads.com Description:

Arianna and Jefferson’s love is true but will it be enough? 

Ari who comes from a loving home with a family who has had more than their share of difficulties, is faced with possibly losing the love of her life. All she dreams of is growing old and having children with Jeff, but a family history and a conniving Rebecca could shatter that dream. Trying to support Jeff and cope with all the truths and possibilities of her own destiny may prove to be more than one person can handle.

Jeff’s dream is to raise horses on his ranch in Mason with the only women who has ever filled his heart and soul. But he’s running the risk of losing her by trying to be the man he knows he should be by taking on his responsibilities. He’s completely bewitched by the passionate and always outspoken Ari, but needs to do right for the child that could possibly be his.

Despite all the odds stacked against them can their relationship be…..SAVED?

My Favorite Quotes:

"To quote the great Katherine Hepburn, " I could  peel you like a pear, and God Himself would see the justice in it." I'll do it young lady, if you keep pushing me!"

"As one goes through life, one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move."

She looked up at me and smiled. "I never want this feeling to end...ever." I smiled back at her, watching as her eyes turned from love to passion within a matter of seconds. "What feeling would that be sweetheart?" "The feeling of being so incredibly in love with you that I can hardly breathe. I'm so happy here, Gunner. I'm so very happy here in our little world." Our little world. I couldn't have said it better even if I tried.

"I don't think you can get to where you're truly meant to go until you travel that one road...the one that's filled with sharp turns, steep hills and nothing but pot-holes that you have to try to get around. After you make it off that road, you find the one that is straight, smooth and filled with nothing but happiness."

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are expecting to give which is everything."

You have to love a book that has a playlist of songs that fit right along with the story.

Playlist:

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri 

Dirty Dancer – Enrigue Iglesias 

Me and You – Kenny Chesney 

The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean 

Over – Blake Shelton 

Red – Taylor Swift 

Circles – Christina Aguilera

Red Hot Kinda of Love – Christina Aguilera 

Wipe Your Eyes – Maroon 5 

Everything – Lifehouse 

Woohoo – Christina Aguilera 

Our Little World – Susan Ashton 

Like I Am – Rascal Flatts 

Hurt – Christina Aguilera 

Scream and Shout – Wil I Am
The Moment I Knew - Taylor Swift 

Blank Page – Christina Aguilera 

Let There Be Cowgirls – Chris Cagle 

Lift Me Up – Christina Aguilera 

Better Dig Two – The Band Perry 

Cookie Jar – Gym Class Hero’s 

Toxic - Britney Spears 

Shut Up – Christina Aguilera 

Cowboy – Kid Rock

All I Need – Christina Aguilera 

Club Can’t Handle Me Flo Rida

My Girls – Christina Aguilera 

There You Go – Pink

It Will Be Me – Faith Hill

When She Says Baby – Jason Aldean 

You Save Me – Kenny Chesney 

Desnudate – Christina Aguilera 

These Days – Rascal Flatts

She Thinks My Tractors Sexy – Kenny Chesney

Breathe – Faith Hill 

Daylight – Maroon 5

Run – Matt Nathanson 

A Better Life – Keith Urban 

Say Once More – Amy Grant 

You Could Be Happy – Snow Patrol

Purchase the Wanted Series

My interview with Kelly Elliott

Coming Soon: Daring Dane by Felicia Tatum

Daring Dane (Intoxicating Passion #3) will be released February 14th 2014

Description

Korah and Dane have taken their attraction to the next level, causing both to guard their hearts closely. After a frightening encounter with Korah’s ex-boyfriend, she desperately seeks Dane’s comfort, but can’t find him.

What will happen when both decide to date other people? Will their true feelings prevail? Can Dane change his playboy ways when Korah dares him to be a better man?

Excerpt

So I did what any decent red-blooded female would do in this situation. I got myself a date for Valentine’s Day. He was a frat boy, not particularly good-looking, but he was there, convenient, and he would drive Dane crazy. I didn’t like him. I didn’t even really want to go on the date, but I knew I had to do this. Needed to make some sort of move to tell Dane, and myself, but it didn’t really matter that he left after we had sex. His betrayal didn’t really hurt, didn’t run through me like a boiling river scorching my blood. I hadn’t cried over it every night, hugging Elle while I whimpered into my pillows. Dane Davidson had broken me further than before, ripping my soul into pieces. I refused to allow anyone that much power over me.

Featured Author: Sarah J. Pepper Author of Death of the Mad Hatter

Interview with Sarah J Pepper

I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit? 

I had the amazing pleasure of working with Sarah Pepper on quite a few occasions throughout her journey that lead up to her publication date for Death of the Mad Hatter. Her writing is exquisite  detailed and so beyond creative. I love her work, and cannot wait to work with her again!!!!

Can you describe Death of the Mad Hatter in 20 words? A confusion of love/hate words jumbled together in a maddening way that come together to form Wonderland. 

How did you come up with the idea for Death of the Mad Hatter?

Josh Wilcoxon of Wilcoxon Photography has a few twisted fairy tale pics that he does out of his passion for photography. He and a colleague were both Alice in Wonderland fans, so they snapped away. I stumbled onto the pictures and fell in love. Here’s the pics from the TRIAL shoot. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.192648930827126.45220.100263103399043&type=3

Without giving away any spoilers, for those who have not read Death of the Mad Hatter, what was your favorite scene to write? 

Favorite non-spoiler scene…hmmmm I suppose that would have to be a cluster of scenes between Alice Mae and Ryley: here’s one before they get too intense!! 

“Chez wouldn’t get out of the oven, and my aunts were trying to bake sweets,” Alice held her finger along the wall, tracing the brick line as we walked down the hall to the freshman hall. 

“Who’s Chez?” I asked, walking alongside her.

“A spy. He doubles as an annoying, super-villain feline. It would seem that making sure I received a tardy slip on week two was on that cat’s top priority list.”

There were far too many oddities about her comment. “Why was there a cat in your oven?”

“He was curious.”

“Is this cat real or is he a figment of your imagination?”

That earned me a slap across the face. 

Describe a typical day when you are writing. Do you have any pre-writing rituals?

Well, I have to get through my 4 year old puppy (Max) before I can reach my computer. He is quite an attention hog, so after a few pets or a run he’s usual good. Then there is my cat (Nelly) who hate everything, me included. But I love her anyway (because I think it annoys her) and then I usual have to get in some kind of a work out to clear my head. So by the time I finally sit down to my computer, I’m covered in puppy slobber, a few scratches from my cat, sweat clinging to me, and (Godwilling) an entire pot of coffee.  Then, I take a breath, talk myself out of getting on Facebook or checking email because that can derail a writing day by 4 hours, and open up Word. I get about six words into my “well-thought-out premise” when my characters hijack my story and make up a series of messes that I have to somehow clean up. So you might be wondering if I have any idea of who kills who or what happens next? No, I am clueless. Pesky imaginary friends…

Do you have any plans for a book signing event?

Yes! I’ll be one of the authors at Sweet as a Peach in GA on April 5^th and Penned Con in St. Louis on September 12/13

This book was amazing!! Are you working on a sequel? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

Honestly, I wasn’t planning on writing more until my beta readers/advanced readers “insisted profusely” that I continue with Alice Mae’s story. So, I guess I have to fall down the rumperbabbit hole again and see if I can get my hands dirty. 

What came first, the characters or the concept for the story? 

Characters. Always characters. I focus more on character development than the actual premise. I truly believe everyone has a story to tell, even my imaginary friends. So I just poke them a little, make them show more of their true nature and let the chips fall where they may. I have no problem deleting entire chapters after I finish the story to make it flow faster or explain on others. But, I need the reader to believe in my characters if they are going to give my story half a chance…hope that makes sense.

If  Death of the Mad Hatter became a movie, who would your dream cast be?

If Death of the Mad Hatter became a story, you’d have to revive me out of my shocked-induced coma first!!! That would be my dream for this to be more than it is. Anyways, dream cast… hmmmm. *hold your horses, let me Goggle some actors/actresses*  (45 minutes later) okay. Sorry about that. I got stuck drooling over Chris Hemsworth—which totally made me rethink Ryley’s character… but alas, it can’t be him…. So here’s my cast. Alice Mae: a blonde Emma Stone Ryley: Paul Wesley. Queen of Hearts: Charlize Theron. Jack of Diamonds: Michael Gambon. The Joker: the late Heath Ledger. M.H: Johnny Depp. 

Do you have a favorite author? Oh, I used to then I tripped and fell into Barnes & Noble and found like a billion more!! I am partial to the Sookie Stackhouse Series (two words: Eric-effing-Northman!) But I guess I’d say that Kate Lauren probably influenced me the most. I read Fallen and thought to myself, “Self, I want to write like her.” That single book changed my writing style forever. 

What are your favorite top 3 books that you would recommend? Ummm, well since I already mentioned Fallen and the Eric Northman Series (and probably shouldn’t scream out every single one of my books) I’d have to say: Tale of Two Cities made me fall in love with foreshadowing.  The Time Traveler’s Wife—love this book for secret reasons (no my hubby isn’t a time-traveler) and the Animorphs. I might have been the only girl in SD to read that series but it truly let my imagination run rampant. 

What book, if any, are you reading now? I just finished The Immortal Circus (GREAT READ BTW) and was able to chat with the author. Good fellow!

Do you prefer to read traditional books or e-books? I like both and find the different types to be beneficial, but I’ll always love holding a book and smelling the pages more than anything else. 

If you could work with any author, who would it be? Lol, J.K. Rowling—I’d get her to share her secrets!

What inspired you to start writing? I have no business writing novels. Yep, that’s me. I grew up in the middle of nowhere South Dakota, where the nearest Walmart was an hour drive and I was thrilled to have dialup on my computer. English was never my subject; in fact, my spelling mimics someone with alphabetical turrets and my grammar is well, lacking for lack of a better word. So how did I end up with ten novels? Well, that is a long story, but here is the shortened version: My idea of writing didn’t start until a dear friend forced me to watch Twilight with her. Sparkling vamps? Give me a break. But I humored her, thinking that any night I had an excuse to shove popcorn down my throat was a good night. Within three days following the movie I finished the first two books. Soon after I found a few different authors specializing in the sci-fi/fantasy realm and read their works. Days turned into months about as quickly as I turned each page in the books I finished. Soon I had a dilemma. My favorite authors weren’t coming out with their newest works for another several months. A light bulb went off in my head…

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Metaphorically wrap yourself in bubble wrap. You’re going to get bad reviews, fall on your face, lose entire novels to a crashed computer, and you’ll hear “NO” more times from publishers/agents than you can count. So be prepared and really figure out your reason for writing because you’ll need to revisit it a lot. Oh! And make a happy folder!

Do you have any tattoos or piercings? I write dark twisted novels with a hint of sparkling magic… what do you think? ;)

Do you have any fears? Death. Positively terrified of it. (Religious beliefs aside for a moment. And yes, I’m a believer but…) What happens if there is nothing, squat, dirt and worms after you croak? And then, if there is a big man upstairs and you didn’t really impress him that much with your Rightdoings and end up downstairs with his arch-nemesis, what hell that will be. Literally. That and spiders. Them damn things give me the heebie-jeebies!! 

What do you do for fun, besides writing? I’m an adrenaline junkie!!! Love me some fun. I made a bucket list back when I was in college—so a million years ago for those who want to know my age. I had a pet dinosaur : ) If it’s sky diving, bull riding, speeding on my bike, hiking in the Rockies, playing with jelly fish, or seeing what other trouble I can get into, I’m doing it or done it…. AND I have the bad back to prove it. But injuries aside, I regret none of it.  

Do you have any vices? Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

What was the last thing you googled? Chris Hemsworth…he’s my screen saver now, lol

If you could describe yourself in 5 words what would they be? (mind blank) I asked my husband and he said, “Crazy Bitch.” Gosh, I love him!!!! 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

WHEN GIRLS SAY “I’M NOT PRETTY” AS THEY APPLY LIP GLOSS IN THE MIRROR, ADJUST THEIR HIGH-HEELD SHOES AND TIGHTEN THEIR SIZE SMALL BELT! I fight the urge to back hand them with a phone book… omg. Maybe this one shouldn’t be published! I sound like a crazy person.  (maybe my hubs was right in the 5 words to describe me) Okay, I just hate it when people aren’t real with themselves. You are who you are and most of the time that isn’t going to change. You can’t change the exterior but the interior can have a complete makeover. So if you aren’t happy with yourself do something to change it. 

Be sure to check out my review of Death of the Mad Hatter HERE

New Release! My Lady Series by Shirl Anders

My Lady Series (1-5)
 

Sizzling tales of seduction, intrigue, obsessions, and
passionate encounters with irresistible alpha lords that will
take you on a wild ride and leave you breathless.

This 5 book bundle is regency gone sexy and check out these
hot alpha dukes, earls, and marques who save their ladies while showing the
passion that can be found in regency England.

My Lady Compelled: Meet our hero: The duke even at
his age, he was still the most attractive man that Gabriella had ever seen. He
was muscular and trim with short cut, silver-gray hair, adding a dramatic and
handsome maturity to his tanned and hawkish features.

Lady Gabriella St. John is purchased, from a scandalous
"wives sale," by her long-ago admirer and now ex-spy Drummond the
Duke of Kitteridge. 

My Lady Enslaved: Meet our hero: The earl looked and was dressed like an
English nobleman, he was older with rich dove-gray streaks of silver in his
wavy jet-black hair. His eyes were shards of black ice, cold and calculating.
His face was planed and masculine. There was not a drop of softness in the man.

Captured between her deadly twin sister and Lord Ravenscar,
Chloe finds herself kidnapped and imprisoned against her will. 

My Lady Captive: Meet our hero: The earl was like
a fierce predatory mountain lion. Golden and sleek with steely pronounced
muscle while his purply blue eyes arced sapphire fire, and his face planed
along rugged masculine bone.

Lord Wyndham Hawkenge risks everything trying to save Lady
Orelan from the hedonistic clutches of an old revival,
Alexei Tropov 

My Lady Taken: Meet our hero: The duke was so
handsome with his eye patch, shadowed jaw, and one clear crystal blue eye. A
handsome rogue with strong square shoulders and a lean muscular body.

The Duke of Sutherlin's spying career is over and the time
has arrived for him to marry. But Radford isn't certain he
can find a hot-blooded lady like his ex-spying friends from the Archangels
have. 

My Lady Enthralled: Meet our hero: The marques had the face of erotic male seduction and beauty, from his
shaded tea-colored skin to his sensually full lips with melting depths of mahogany-colored
eyes, framed by black-tipped lashes and a long fall of rich brown hair.

This is an erotic romance chiller and not for the faint of
heart. Lord Saxonhurst embarks on a dark and very
dangerous adventure to save Joelle and himself from a dangerous cult.

Purchase Links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OOVZ8O

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-lady-series-bundle-shirl-anders/1113255522

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/my-lady-series-bundle-1-5/id569665151

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=cwwWAgAAQBAJ

Sizzling tales of seduction, intrigue, obsessions, and passionate encounters with irresistible alpha lords that will take you on a wild ride and leave you breathless.

Featured Author Friday featuring Janice Baker - Promises, Promises

Author bio from goodreads.com:
Janice Baker likes to eat off fine china from the most expensive restaurants, wear the most expensive designer labels and drive the most luxurious cars. Just kidding! I am really your typical mom with two amazing daughters and a fabulous husband. Although I love my family very much, I really enjoy escaping to a fulfilled fantasy world I can create in my mind. Get away with me into my books and enjoy some time away from reality

Before we start, I would like to say that I loved reading Promises, Promises! I love a book filled with seduction, friendship, dominance, passion and love!! I cannot wait until the next book comes out!!!!

Can you describe Promises, Promises in 20 words? 

Desperately searching for love, Izzy escapes a man who abused her trust. Meeting Z, she overcomes her past, finding love.

How did you come up with the idea for Promises, Promises?

I read so many amazing books about BDSM relationships and I constantly wondered if there was possibly one guy out there who claimed to be a “Dom,” but was really just a jerk. I thought about what the submissive would be like if she wanted to leave her situation. 

And no, I’m not against BDSM relationships, if they’re between two consulting adults. I just wondered, like with any relationship, if something like this could have happened. 

Without giving away any spoilers, for those who have not read Promises, Promises, what was your favorite scene to write? 

That’s tough because I have several, but I would have to say my favorite overall is the ocean/thunderstorm scene. I actually woke and typed the scene with my eyes closed at 4am. Fun Fact: I actually wrote that scene from Z’s perspective. When I went to add the scene, I realized it was actually Izzy’s Chapter. I really tried several ways to leave the scene in Z’s perspective, but it just didn’t seem to flow. I went through and changed it to Izzy’s and wound up loving it even more!

Describe a typical day when you are writing. Do you have any pre-writing rituals? 

Nothing really comes to mind. Writing depends on my mood or time of day. I actually write most of my ideas or some key scenes when I first wake or sometimes they even wake me! I also have many new ideas when I’m driving or in the car line for school. When I “schedule” my writing time, it’s usually right after I drop the kids off at school or after they go to bed. I try to get them to bed early! 

Do you have any plans for a book signing event?

I currently do not have any book signings scheduled, but I am trying for Wicked Book Weekend, Book Bash or Naughty Mafia in 2014. I loved Book Bash when I attended as a reader. *raises hand high in the air* Fan Girl right here! I had a blast meeting all my favorite authors! I cannot wait to meet some of my readers one day!

Will there be a sequel? if so can you give us an idea of what to expect?

Yes, well, sort of. There will be a companion novel for Matt. Izzy and Z and all your favorite characters will still appear and their stories will weave in and out, but it will be Matt and Vanessa’s love story. 

I honestly had not expected to write one though. Promises, Promises was written as a standalone, but I had so many readers write to me asking for the other characters’ stories and the wheels started turning! 

Is there another book project that you are working on? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I do have another WIP (work in progress). I started writing it while Promises, Promises was being edited. I’m thrilled with it actually and cannot wait to share Jordan and Justin’s story. Snippet to come soon!

What came first, the characters or the concept for the story? 

The concept for the story actually came first for Promises, Promises. Izzy’s character and her situation stemmed from the actually concept/storyline. I had a lot of fun going outside of the norm. 

If Promises, Promises became a movie, who would your dream cast be?

Hmm, really a tough question! It’s tough because I never really “see” a whole face when I write about a character. It’s more the feeling I get from each one. Take Z for instance. If I had to pick an actor, it would be a young Brad Pitt, but more for his facial expressions in some of his earlier movies. Spy Game is one of my favorites, but more so because the way he smirks or gives that playful smile when his eyes light up. His lips. Dear God, his lips, right after he licks them! *fanning myself* I guess if I were to pick more from just “looks” of the image or the inspiration would be: 

Z: Young Brad Pitt

Izzy: Katheryn Winnick or Charlize Theron

Mel: Cameron Diaz or Kate Hudson

Flynn: Bradley Cooper or Patrick Dempsey

Clark: Ryan Reynolds (I’m thinking he could deliver Clark’s lines really well!)

Him: Ryan Merriman

Do you ever read the reviews about your books? If so, do you pay attention to any negative reviews or let them influence your writing?

Whew! Yes, I actually do. I read all of them. Every single one. The good and the bad. When I read a negative review, I look for constructive criticism that might be able to help my future writing. I can’t please everyone, but if I did something that really irked several readers, I know that is something that can help me become a better writer. 

Do you have a favorite author?

Many! Again – very tough question. Umm, if I had to choose - I would have to say Sylvia Day. I met her at Book Bash. It was the end of the day and she just arrived from her tour in Australia and New Zealand late the previous evening. She had a HUGE blister on her finger from signing so many books. She was smiling and told me how much she loves to meet her readers, regardless of her blister. Not only does she write amazing books, she’s also a fabulous person. 

What are your favorite top 3 books that you would recommend?

Wow! You might as well ask me if I have a favorite child! Argh! Umm, ok. Well, I’d have to say Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You and Hunger Games.

What book, if any, are you reading now?

Well, I’m not supposed to be reading right now, I’m supposed to be writing. However, Olivia Cunning’s latest book just came out – Tell Me and I “might” be flipping through it “not reading!”

Do you prefer to read traditional books or e-books?

I LOVE my kindle app! I can read in the middle of the night if I want (which happens a LOT). I can read the books I love with the naughty covers in public and no one knows how dirty I can be! That being said, I do have to say I also LOVE my paperback books. It’s a toss-up between a brand new book with fresh pages (love that new book smell!) or a well-worn loved book. I guess I didn’t really answer the question! I prefer both, would have to be my “final” answer.

Out of the books that you have read, which character couple would you like to invite over for dinner and why?

*Evil Laugh* Probably, Kellan Kyle and Kierra. I would probably feel horrible because I would drool all over KK. 

If you could work with any author, who would it be?

K.A Linde. I would love to get inside her mind and figure out how she writes such great angst! I love her Avoiding series. Do you see why I couldn’t just pick 3 books to recommend? Can I also add the Avoiding series in there too?

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always had these characters in my head. I’ve had scenes play out, but never thought to write any down.  I would tell my husband about what I was thinking and I would go on and on about it. He probably is relieved that I’m not insane with these people running around in my head. One night he asked why I didn’t just go into the office, start typing and try to write a book. I thought he was crazy, but then when I told my best friend about it the next day, she told me to just try it out and see. I sent her 3 chapters and waited on pins and needles before she finally came back to me saying she wanted more! I was hooked after that!

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

While researching how to self-publish, my husband and I read that you should have 2-3 books lined up and ready to go before you release your first one. I wish I had followed that advice, but I was so anxious to get Promises, Promises out there! I have several that are close to being done, but when everyone loved Promises, Promises and asked for more, I jumped at writing the companion. Hindsight is always 20/20. 

What are you top 5 most important things in your life?

My children, my husband, friends, health and love

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

I do. Sunshine for happiness on my right backside. It’s small. And I did it with a friend when I was 26. 

Do you have any fears?

Horror movies. I hate to be “scared.” Unfortunately, my husband has taught my daughter that. Now she jumps out of the closet and enjoys scaring the daylights out of me. She thinks it’s the greatest thing ever and my husband seems to get a kick out of it too. Me. Not so much.  

What do you do for fun, besides writing?

We live near the gulf, so the beach is my fun! My favorite is family sunset night. We meet friends with some drinks and enjoy family, friends and fantastic sunsets!

Do you have any vices?

Starbucks’ Skinny Mocha Café – Vente, please! Yep, just hit repeat!

What was the last thing you googled?

Gourmet meals. I’m definitely not a cook (just ask my husband!), but Izzy is. So I was looking up something awesome for her to whip up for the “gang!”

If you could describe yourself in 5 words what would they be?

Silly, Trusting, Loving, Patient & Understanding.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Mean people. I hate to sound cliché, but mean people really do suck. Keep your hate to yourselves and let the rest of us enjoy life. 

Where was the last place someone spotted you and asked for an autograph?

Well, that hasn’t happened yet, but I can guarantee I’ll be jumping up and down hugging the heck out of that poor soul! 

Thank you so much for the interview! Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

I want to let all of my readers know that I absolutely love their kind words about my writing. I have never been so humbled in my entire life as to when a reader contacts me out of the blue to let me know how much they enjoyed Izzy and Z’s story or asking questions about future books. I truly do love hearing from every last one of you.

Read my review of Promises, Promises

Looking to purchase Promises, Promises

Book Review: Pieces Of You (Shattered Hearts Book 2) by Cassia Leo

Pieces of you (Shattered Hearts Book 2) By Cassia Leo

322 pages 
Published May 3rd 2013
To purchase this book click HERE

My review:

If you have not read the first book in this series then you HAVE to read it before you read this one. This book starts right where Relentless leaves off. Claire becomes conflicted about the adoption and Chris' need to find the baby causes Claire to go to this dark place. She starts to punish herself and doesn't feel like she deserves the love that people are trying to give her. She has many issues that she needs to confront. We also learn more about Chris and the fact that he never moved on from Claire and wants her back. Adam, who loves Claire very much, takes a job for his dad and leaves Claire with Chris. There are so many emotions in this book, plus there is a huge cliffhanger at the end!!! 

Goodreads.com description:
"Sometimes letting someone go is the ultimate act of love."

In Relentless, college student Claire Nixon and surfer Adam Parker each had a painful past too heavy to carry alone. Claire tried to push Adam away, but Adam's relentless pursuit of her heart and her secrets made her walls come crumbling down.

But now Claire's attending college a hundred miles away from Adam. With their new relationship already hanging by a thread, Adam is sent to Hawaii on business.

And Claire's first love, rock star Chris Knight, is back in her life.

Chris wants his ex-girlfriend back. Both he and Claire know that only Chris has the power to mend the final missing piece of Claire's shattered heart. But Claire's strength is tested as she is forced to confront the demons she's been running from for more than a year.

Now Claire must choose between a long-distance relationship with Adam and a second chance at true love, family, and home with Chris.

My favorite quotes:

“The quickest path to self-destruction is to push away the people you love.”

“Why? Why do you have to leave?” “Because sometimes you have to suffer without the things you want now so you can have everything you need later.”

“You’re my mess, and that makes you a beautiful mess

“You’re mine, and a piece of you will always belong to me the same way a piece of me will always belong to you.”

Bring Me Home (Shattered Hearts Book 3) By Cassia Leo

Published on August 06, 2013
To purchase this book click HERE
My review coming soon.... 


Goodreads.com description:

 “Sometimes letting someone go is the ultimate act of love.”

Claire Nixon is a college student with a past full of secrets and heartbreak. She was saved once by her first love, and rock star, Chris Knight. But when she encouraged Chris to leave town to pursue his dreams, both Claire and Chris didn’t realize it would be the biggest mistake of their lives.
After a devastating year apart and thousands of miles of distance between them, Claire met sexy surfer Adam Parker. With his awful jokes and profound patience, he helped Claire pick up the shattered pieces of her broken heart for the second time.But now Chris has returned and he is willing and determined to make Claire’s dreams come true—the same way she did for him when she let him go. With Adam’s former girlfriend in the picture, Claire finds herself torn between the new, passionate love she shares with Adam and the family she shares with Chris.

Cassia Leo is one of my favorite authors! Have you read any of her books? Did you read the Shattered Hearts Series? 

Do you have a favorite quote that you would like to share for my next book review blog?

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