by Angela Smith | Nov 9, 2015 | Guests
Blurb for Modern Magic: A Quartet of Fractured Fairy Tales
What if Cinderella ditched the prince’s ball and sent her fairy godmother to find love in her place?
Suppose a streetwise hero hired to steal an all-powerful Genie (stuck in a flash drive rather than a brass lamp) for a tech company ended up running for his life with the CEO’s gorgeous, intelligent daughter?
Or what if the bed that a certain golden-tressed girl accidentally napped in belonged to the hot and famous middle brother of a notorious boy band?
Can you envision the sparks that might fly if a bitter and downright beastly wheelchair-bound woman propositioned a handsome bookseller to stay with her in exchange for her rare book collection?
This spellbinding anthology features modern and sexy spins on four classic fairy tales that will enchant you by Jennifer DeCuir, Stephanie Cage, Andrea R. Cooper, and Nancy C. Weeks.
BUY LINKS
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
KOBO
About the Authors:
Jennifer DeCuir, author of A Late-Blooming Rose, grew up in a small town in Maine, which provides the basis for Scallop Shores, the fictional town in Drawn to Jonah. She’s busy raising two kids and a husband. She loves including children and babies in her stories, as her own provide endless story ideas. Currently residing in rain-soaked Washington, she can usually be found working on her latest book in a local Starbucks.
Where to find Jennifer DeCuir:
Website
Author Facebook Page
Twitter
Stephanie Cage, author of Music to Her Ears is a British romance writer, author of ‘Perfect Partners’ (Crimson Romance) and ‘Desperate Bid (The Wild Rose Press). She studied English Literature at Oxford University and Creative Writing at Bath Spa. One of her most exciting writing moments was winning a holiday to Sicily in the Woman’s Own Short Story Competition. More recently she won the Yorkshire Ridings Magazine’s Romance Story competition. Oddly, both short stories were set in the same location in Yorkshire.
Where to find Stephanie Cage:
Stephanie Cage’s Blog
Facebook Author Page
Twitter
Amazon Page
Pinterest
Andrea R. Cooper, author of Fairy Trouble writes fantasy, paranormal, historical and romantic suspense. Her favorite childhood memories revolved around creating vibrant characters for her friends, and then acting out their adventures. Inside her fantasy worlds of darkened forests, dragon-filled glades, and iced islands, nothing was banned. From the ethereal Elvin to the most maligned Vampires, all were welcome in her fictional realities, a stark contrast to her home, where the magical and mythical was forbidden.
Where to find Andrea R. Cooper
Website
Newsletter
Twitter
Nancy C. Weeks, author of His One Wish has loved happy-ever-after romances since she was in her early teens. While still in college, she met and married her hero. She spent the next several years honeymooning and working overseas. Today, she lives in suburban Maryland with her husband of more than thirty years. With her two grown children out of the nest, she loves spending her days on her deck writing as the local bird population keeps her company.
Find Nancy C. Weeks:
Website
Facebook Author Page
Twitter
Pinterest
by Angela Smith | Oct 21, 2014 | Guests
for
sensual contemporary Western romance
Last of a long line of agrarian witches, Selene
Pertunda thinks she will never meet the right man…until with the help of a
little magic, she finds Beck McNeal.
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Named for
the Goddess of Desire, can she dream of lasting happiness with only one man?
Selene Pertunda has no trouble attracting a man. She just can’t seem to
find the right one. From abusive husband Robert to tattooed bad boy lover
Kevin, Selene draws men to her like bears to her honeypot. The problem is that
none of them proves to be a good fit.
Sure she will never find a shared happiness, Selene has no way to suspect
she’s drawn the attention of a powerful goddess. So she scoffs at the idea that
the handsome man who begins to play a large part in her life could be her
destiny. After all, what could worldly, educated Beck McNeal want with a
small-town girl like Selene?
Selene and Beck try to their best to resist the inexplicable mutual
magnetism flaring between them. But can two ordinary people avoid the decree of
the Goddess of Desire?
Getting It Right
is the first novel-length work in
the Wyoming Series of contemporary romances by Christi Williams.
Click this Amazon pre-order link for Getting It Right!
Other books by Christi Williams:
“To the One I Never Forgot” is a short story that
launched the Wyoming Series. Gianna and Zack were too young for love
when they were separated. Now, all grown up, can Gianna be reunited with the
one she never forgot?
Christi Williams is also the author of two novels and a
novella in the Hawk Point Romances series. Take a Chance on Love is the story of the
chance encounter of widow Chancie de Leur and hot Wyoming Highway Patrol
trooper Micah Taylor. Perilous Promises is Perris and Noah Dalton’s
story of recovery from breast cancer and the effort to revive their formerly
wonderful marriage. The novella Clay’s Quest is the tale of a hot
Wyoming cop who comes up with a wacky plan to save his marriage when he just
won’t accept that his beautiful wife wants to find someone else to father her
baby.
Christi writes sensual, entertaining love stories of
unforgettable modern Western men and women. Readers say…Sensual: “Taken
a touchy subject and made it heartfelt and humorous, but she’s made it
H.O.T.!!” Humorous: “Cracked me up!” Love: “To be loved
like that!” Stories: “Character driven fiction.”
Links to Take a Chance on Love:
Links to Perilous Promises:
Link to “To the One I Never Forgot”:
To celebrate the upcoming release of
$50 Amazon gift certificate!
by Angela Smith | Mar 6, 2014 | Books, Guests
Welcome to today’s Virtual Blurb Blitz Tour!
The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
So be sure to comment, and click the banner to follow the tour for more chances to win!
Blurb:
Thirteen-year-old Derek’s cool snowboard adventure does a dangerous rewind, because his Burton Hero board holds the key to an unsolved crime.
Two Degrees From Zero is a story that opens up the world of snowboarding and surviving hazardous winter conditions in Keystone, Colorado.
Derek, his mom, and teen friend Janae (The Clan) are invited on a snowboarding vacation by his mom’s new romance Thomas. A blizzard hits during a sleigh ride and dinner at an isolated yurt miles from Keystone. The Clan accepts an offer from two arrogant snowmobilers for a way home. But to The Clan’s dismay instead of going home, they are abandoned in a creepy backwoods cabin.
Derek and Janae sneak out of the old cabin and make a dangerous trek across a white wilderness to find help while the snowmobilers are on the loose. Just as the teens find temporary shelter in an old car, another blizzard rages all night, leaving them hopelessly stranded. And their adventure has only begun.
Derek and Janae must escape the frozen ravages of the blizzard. Derek’s determination to save The Clan while outwitting the thieves is unstoppable. And the thieves are just as determined to find Derek’s snowboard because of the valuable information hidden on the board.
Excerpt…
“You know we’re missing an ultimate powder rush, because we have to ride in this goofy sleigh,” Derek said to Janae.
“Here you go,” Janae said. “Ruining this amazing experience because of your grumpiness.”
“Not grumpy on the slopes today,” Derek said. “Thomas spent lots of bucks on this trip, but I wish he’d stop acting like my dad, or really my Fake Dad.”
“Be nicer to your mom’s friend.”
“Easy for you to say,” Derek retorted. “Want to do the rails with me tomorrow?”
“Maybe. You were so full of yourself ripping through the pow,” Janae teased. “You’re a hucker, and you’ll try whatever trick you see another guy doing. You charge fast, fly through the air, and sometimes you even land upright.”
“I’m not a hucker. Wish I could lay down some cool tricks like the pros do,” Derek said.
“I saw you rolling down the windows a couple of times,” Janae said. “I’ll stick to the jumps.”
“Guess you’ll do anything to catch your balance. I like my cool Burton board I got at the rental shop. Except the left strap gave me trouble,” Derek complained.
“So that’s your excuse for not landing tricks,” Janae said.
Author Bio:
M.J. Stewart is a Colorado author and lives in Colorado Springs. Her love for the outdoors has provided many exciting adventures and include downhill skiing, biking, hiking, camping, and nature photography.
I’m on facebook at: martha.lancaster@facebook.com
I’m on twitter at: @hike4ski
Amazon.com buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Degrees-Zero-Snowboarding-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00GODMSJS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1385687435
by Angela Smith | Mar 1, 2014 | Guests
Welcome Cassandra Ulrich on my blog today! I’ve interviewed her about her novel, Love’s Intensity. But first, a bit about her story:
Brad loves fast horses, cars, and bikes. Life would be perfect if his stepmother could only mind her own business. Instead, his father hired a longtime friend and her family to work in their home, turning his world into a feudal mess.
He wants to hate the new arrivals and it doesn’t help that Kressa, daughter of the newcomers, is the most gorgeous girl he’d ever laid eyes on. With a scent that draws him to her, Kressa causes him more internal conflict than he ever dreamed possible. He falls for her so deeply, he tells her a secret he’d never even told his best friends – that he’s training to be a ninja warrior.
Kressa adores her country and loves hanging out with her many cousins. News of the move to Massachusetts comes as a shock to her. She refuses to be happy in this new place working as a servant for a rich man and his mean son, who had the nerve to be cute. And why does her skin tingle every time her hand brushes against his?
Despite her efforts, she finds herself desperately longing for a friendship with the one boy who scowls at her. Matters are only made more complicated when his family and hers clash. When he goes on a dangerous mission, she wonders, will he return so she can tell him he’s won her heart or will their families manage to keep them apart?
What intrigues you about your book “Love’s Intensity”?
I am intrigued by the complex and realistic characters in “Love’s Intensity”. It’s not easy to make characters multi-dimensional, but it’s worth the extra effort.
Who or what is your greatest writing influence?
My fifth grade teacher encouraged me to write after reading one of my stories. I didn’t act on it then, but I’ve never forgotten. I’m glad I took his advice albeit many years later.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
I didn’t. Writing books happened to me. I didn’t know what was going on until I talked to a couple of good friends who encouraged me to write a chapter and let them read it.
What was your favorite part of writing “Love’s Intensity”?
Letting the characters take over my mind so I could capture their essence on paper. I got to know each of them very well over a nine month period.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I enjoy being sucked into the world created in the story. It’s thrilling when the author writes characters I wish I could meet.
Are you a plotter, a panster, or both?
I am definitely a panster. Only after much of a story is written do I write down character details and such. I’m driven by inspiration.
Do you have a certain theme in your writing?
Love. Love can heal broken hearts and wounded souls. Love can lift the spirits but the lack of it can tear apart a life. People fight to have it, protect it, or steal it. I’ve written inspirational, romance, and adventure stories, but the central theme in them all is love.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Perhaps the best description is periodic. My stories tend to have a few climaxes with increasing intensity.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
That both our words and actions affect others, for good or for bad. The specifics are depicted in the stories.
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
Absolutely, but not in the exact way they happened. It’s more like taking a puzzle piece, cutting it up, and combining them with other pieces to create a different picture.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
The Bible. There are so many juicy stories in there about human interaction. I never get bored.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
Happy by Pharrell Williams.
Are you working on any projects right now?
Yes, a few stories concurrently. However, I hope to focus on a story about a South African girl later this year.
Do you see writing as a career?
I do. Although I’m just getting started, I treat it like a business. Now that I’ve had a taste, I don’t want to stop releasing books, stories and poetry.
If you had the career of your choice, what would you choose and why?
At this point in my life, I’d like to be an accomplished author.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I started writing poems in grade school. This continued on through my college years. I actually have four unpublished poetry books that I intend to release over the next couple years.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Keeping pov straight when writing in 3rd person. Thank goodness for editors who catch those errors.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never stop reinventing yourself. It’s tons of fun if you don’t mind adventures.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
I would like to meet Queen Latifah. She seems like a really neat, down-to-earth person.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I enjoy many kinds of books, but if I wrote them, they wouldn’t be the same story. I think I’ll abstain.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://cassandraulrich.com/
Blog: http://cassandraulrich.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraUlrichAuthor?bookmark_t=page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassandraUlric1
Lnkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cassandra-ulrich/62/866/6b3
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/288793394825730035/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Ulrich/e/B008H7H6SW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1393121477&sr=8-1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6925111.Cassandra_Ulrich
by Angela Smith | Feb 27, 2014 | Guests
Today I feature Jacqueline von Zwehl and her book The Prayer, a Love Story. Be sure to follow the tour and enter for your chance to win.
One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Blurb:…
Do you Believe in Miracles?
Do you Believe in Eternal Love?
Do you Believe in Answered Prayers?
YOU WILL
The Prayer, A Love Story is the inspirational true story of one woman who discovers the secret to living a life filled with miracles, unconditional love and answered prayers.
The journey begins with a divine promise, continues with unforeseen life challenges, and eventually leads to Jerusalem. Inside the Old City, a prayer will unlock the key to a life of miracles. This journey is proof heaven is real and its gifts are available to you now. Whether you have stopped believing in God or not, God believes in you.
The journey holds a promise for everyone. No matter how much darkness exists in your life, it cannot diminish the flicker of even the tiniest light. That light will lead you to your destiny and it will change your life forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Destiny
As soon as I got in the car, I almost changed my mind. I was exhausted. It had been a long week and, quite frankly, I was not in the mood for a party. Still, I had to go. I’d just say hello to Todd and leave early, I decided. I fumbled around in the dim light, looking for the directions. I had gone to Fort Lauderdale only a handful of times, and I still wasn’t sure how to get downtown.
Todd and I had known each other for years. He was the friend from Long Island who had organized the dismal raft-up that made me decide to leave New York. He was one of the most sociable and fun people you’d ever meet. Once you get on his email list, you’re a friend for life. That’s how he is. Todd was one of the last people I said goodbye to when I moved to Boca.
The previous Tuesday night, he had called. In his classic, larger-than-life style, he said he knew a guy who had a house in Fort Lauderdale, and he and a big group of friends from Long Island were flying down to stay there for the upcoming boat show. They were throwing a huge party on Saturday night, and I just had to be there.
I was not in the mood even early in the week. I was working long hours at the time, and I was men- tally drained. I also didn’t look forward to partying with a bunch of single guys from Long Island. If it had been anyone else but Todd, I would have politely declined, but we hadn’t seen each other in over a year and a half.
Reluctantly, I accepted, but I added one little white lie. I told Todd I had a boyfriend. The last thing I want- ed was for any guy at this party to think I was single. I did not want to get hit on by any out-of-state guys on vacation. I’d just make a quick appearance and get home early, I told myself.
I pulled up to the house a little after dark. It was a spectacular, newly constructed mansion on the inter- coastal in the Las Olas Isles of Fort Lauderdale. The home was impressive and stately, surrounded by stunning landscaping tall palm trees and a gated entrance. Although the house was huge, it looked quite warm and inviting, as well.
Suddenly, something odd hit me. There didn’t seem to be a party. In fact, hardly any cars were parked on the street. I double checked the address and checked the number on the gate.Yes, it was the right house.Was I too early?
Flashbacks of the cancelled raft-up went through my mind. The last time I got an invitation from Todd for a supposedly huge event, it turned out to be a small disaster. I swore that if Todd had invited me to this house and there was no party, he was going to owe me big time.
As I started toward the gate, my doubts took over. What was I doing there? I couldn’t hear any music. I considered turning around and getting back in my car, but just then, someone on a Harley parked next to my car. He spotted me right away and made his way towards me. I thought I would look foolish if I turned around and got back in my car.
The tall man from the Harley approached.“Hi, I’m Joe.”
“Hi, Joe, I’m Jackie.”
“Hey, Jackie. So, how do you know Chris?”
“I don’t know Chris. My friend Todd invited me.” “Oh. I have no idea who Todd is.”
I was starting to feel a bit awkward, but there was no turning back by then, so Joe and I walked in togeth- er. From a grand center hall foyer, we stepped down into a sunken living room accented by a vaulted ceiling and twenty-foot floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The first thing I noticed was the angel above the fireplace. It was a stunning, hand-carved, six-foot- tall wooden angel with a four-foot wingspan. I stood there staring at it, mesmerized. He was beautiful. For a moment, I completely forgot where I was or how I got there.
I began to notice my surroundings. This was not the house of a bachelor, as I had assumed. It was defi- nitely a family home. Family photos were everywhere, adults and children covering every wall and counter. In the foyer, an ornate antique Bible and a pile of rosaries graced a coffee table. Crosses and religious pictures adorned every wall. I could see that this home had been decorated by a mother, a woman of faith. It was a gracious and welcoming home.
The moment we walked in, Joe had left my side and slipped through the sliding glass doors leading to the back deck. Obviously, he’d been there before and knew the house well. I’m not sure how long I stood there, taking in my surroundings.
I quickly realized there was, in fact, no party. I was standing in a stranger’s home, completely alone. No crowds, no music, and definitely no party. Once again, I contemplated discreetly leaving. Then I heard a voice that seemed to be addressing me.
“Hey, there. I’m Carlos. How do you know Chris?” I followed the voice and walked through a break-fast room to get within view of whoever was talking to me. The voice had come from the kitchen. A casually dressed guy was seated at the island, enjoying his din- ner, and I guess he had noticed me standing by myself in the living room. I probably looked ridiculous just standing there, staring at the angel.
“Hi, Carlos. I’m Jackie. I don’t know Chris. I was invited by my friend Todd.”
“Who the hell is Todd?” Carlos blurted out.
At that point, I definitely felt like I had just crashed someone’s home. What was I doing there? Nothing about this made any sense. Why had Todd invited me to that house? Why had he told me there would be a party there that night? Why didn’t anyone there know who he was?
I needed to leave, and by then I didn’t care whether anyone saw me walk out the front door with no explanation. However, as I made my way back through the breakfast room and across the living room, I was intercepted.
A dark-haired man in blue swim trunks barreled through the sliding glass doors into the living room. He didn’t have a shirt on, just a towel wrapped around his shoulders. He was soaking wet, obviously just out of the pool. Oh my goodness, but he was cute! He was also half-naked and smiling at me—and that smile was melting me.
Full of excitement and exuberance, he put his hand out to shake mine and announced, “Hi, I’m Chris.”
Author Bio and Links:
Jacqueline von Zwehl, is a faith based relationship expert. She holds a BFA from New York University and a MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Jacqueline travels the country as a motivational speaker encouraging singles on the path to finding their soul mates. She has appeared on Nite Line, The Harvest Show, EWTN, TCT TV, Victory TV, CatholicTV, Telecare, Changing Lives, CatholicLife, That’s the Spirit, The Church, The Cardinal and You, NPR, and more. Jacqueline lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL with her husband Christopher, their two daughters and dog. The Prayer, A Love Story is her debut book. Jacqueline von Zwehl, is a faith based relationship expert. She holds a BFA from New York University and a MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Jacqueline travels the country as a motivational speaker encouraging singles on the path to finding their soul mates. She has appeared on Nite Line, The Harvest Show, EWTN, TCT TV, Victory TV, CatholicTV, Telecare, Changing Lives, CatholicLife, That’s the Spirit, The Church, The Cardinal and You, NPR, and more. Jacqueline lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL with her husband Christopher, their two daughters and dog. The Prayer, A Love Story is her debut book.
Read Jacqueline’s Blog at www.jackievonzwehl.com
Become a Fan: www.facebook.com/JackieVonZwehl
Follow: www.twitter.com/JackieVonZwehl
Author Profile: www.goodreads.com/jackievonzwehl
Amazon Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Love-Story-Jacqueline-Zwehl/dp/1939819008/ref=la_B00DY9W62Y_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383163807&sr=1-1
Amazon Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Love-Story-Unconditional-ebook/dp/B00G8QTDKI/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383164024&sr=1-3&keywords=the+prayer+a+love+story
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