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Showing posts from July, 2014

New Release BREAKING FREE by SM Koz: Review, Interview, FREE on Amazon

I had the pleasure of reading the ARC of Breaking Free , a YA/NA contemporary romance by SM KOZ. It's free on Amazon 8/1 and 8/2...get after it HERE . First is my review, then an interview with the author. Breaking Free by S.M. Koz My rating: 4 of 5 stars Love Blooms in Wilderness Program This New Adult romance will be released 8-1-14, and the psychological aspects of the story enticed me to read an advanced copy. Kelsie is a 17-year-old cheerleader who’s a hot mess. Her best friend died in a car accident, and Kelsie unfairly blames herself. To numb her emotional pain, she starts self-injuring. While cutting oneself is horrifying, I didn’t fully appreciate the horror until I was right there with Kelsie, feeling her pain and her disgust from taking it out on her body. To try to curb her harmful behavior, Kelsie’s father sends her to a wilderness therapy program. She is ill-prepared and ticked off, with her huge suitcase and even bigger attitude. But the counselo

Charity Anthology: Rise Up Volume Two

Help out a book blogger by purchasing this anthology! “We all know how fragile life is, especially when faced with a life threatening illness.” ~Nic, Flirty and Dirty Book Blog. Fiction introduced us. Reality binds us together. Stephanie Thomas — co-founder of The Indie Bookshelf — has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. Stephanie isn’t only a blogger; she’s a loving wife, and mother to three young boys. In the independent author community, we have an extraordinary network of fellow authors, and readers. A special group of people who bridge this gap—helping authors connect with readers—is book bloggers. These men and women dedicate hours upon hours to reading and reviewing our works, and spreading the word to help us reach new readers. Now, one of these women needs our help. 100% of the proceeds of the Rise Up anthology (volumes one and two) will go directly to Stephanie and her family to help them on this unexpected leg of their journ

Three Intriguing Aspects of Sports Romance

Sports Romance! What do I love about it? I'm at Willow Star's blog today discussing my three favorite aspects of sporty love: 1. Learn something about different sports. 2. Sporty love scenes. Underwater kisses, anyone? 3. We shall overcome! Taking characters battling conflict to a whole new level.  What do YOU love about sports romance? In addition to my swimming romance Streamline , my college volleyball romance Blocked will launch 10-21-14 . First will be Blocked 's cover reveal tour on 8-25-14, hosted by A Tale of Many Reviews Tours .

Review and Interview: Ex Factor by Elisa Dane

Today I welcome awesome author Elisa Dane to the blog! First I'll review her Young Adult romance Ex Factor , then I'll interview her. Stick around for the giveaway at the end. Ex-Factor by Elisa Dane My rating: 5 of 5 stars Truth and Consequences Teenager Nev is a former gymnast whose life has undergone startling transitions. She gets uprooted to live with her aunt and cousin in northern California when her father dies and her mother succumbs to a debilitating illness. Not only is she disoriented in this new place, but she's also overwhelmed by guilt. Just what secrets hide behind that guilt? Nev's cousin Livvie is on a competitive cheer team, X Factor, and Nev's tumbling expertise makes her a shoo-in for the team. At first Nev balks at joining the Diamond Girls squad because tumbling in a gym sparks painful memories of her mother. But by flying through the air again, she slowly finds her footing, and her recovery is a beautiful thing. It's cool to

#IWSG Editing, Blurbs, Cover Design

Happy July to all writers! Join us at Alex Cavanaugh's blog for the monthly support group. My favorite season is summer, especially swimming outside. Swimming a couple of miles is much more fun in the sunshine. Americans, what are you doing July 4th? Attending a cookout like me? I'll attempt these patriotic red velvet brownies (*points right*) Check out the recipe HERE . My editor and I are thick into edits for my fifth novel, Blocked . We came up with a blurb (that was tough!) and posted it on Goodreads . And now I'm getting quotes from cover designers. What do you think is a reasonable cost for a cover artist? I'll likely pony up and pay a bit more than I'd planned in order to get the designer I want. One thing I've noticed in editing is my typical writer mistakes. (Thank God for editors!) In the past, I've had shifty POV, but I think I've cleared that up. But I continue to struggle with the timeline. My editor has to ask "W

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop

Thanks to Mary and Kathy for hosting this hop! I love America. One thing that makes America great is FREEDOM. Not only freedom to read, but freedom to voice dissenting views on politics and religion. Americans' fierce political divide inspired my fifth novel Blocked . It's a college volleyball romance between two individuals with polar opposite philosophies about the way the world should work: College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. Hijole . Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her. Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President. When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’