Archangel's Desire

Friday, February 27, 2015

Book Blast & Interview: Wildest Dreams by @StrlngGry

Wildest Dreams Banner 851 x 315_thumb[1]

Book Blast

 

clip_image002_thumb[1]Wildest Dreams

Sweet Dreams Series

Book 1

Stefany Rattles

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

ISBN: 978-1500659530

ASIN: B00MV3TO42

Number of pages: 172

Word Count: 50,863

Cover Artist: Stefany Rattles

Book Description:

When nineteen year old Alaina Sanders scores a position as an assistant at L&A law firm where her lifetime crush Rayden Matthews happens to work, feelings and emotions from the past resurface. With the physical attraction stronger than ever, soon they find themselves in a complicated situation. Rayden is engaged to his high school sweet-heart, but things are not what they seem and Rayden must make a choice before it’s too late.

L and A is Alaina’s first professional job, needless to say that the last thing she wants is drama or to lose her job. Unfortunately she finds herself surrounded by a series of events that are out of her control… like a stalker for one.

When her work and personal life intertwine, how will she be able to handle them? In a boring town like Springdale, Arkansas how much worse can things get for Alaina?

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/r6HWhZpWUnw

Available at Amazon Kindle and Paperback

Free download for the Kindle Feb 23 and Feb 24

Excerpt

The first time that I saw Rayden Matthews, I was in seventh grade. We were both on a bus on our way to school I was talking to my friend at the time, Daisy.

"I'll give you back your homework before you go to math class." she was saying.

I nodded, 'Okay, don't forget because if I don't turn it in today I’ll get an__ Ow!"

My hair had been pulled.

That day, I had it up in a ponytail and it wasn't short.

I turned around in my seat and scowled at the stupid boy that pulled it.

Boys...

There were two of them.

"What was that for?" I glared at both of them.

They both looked a little older than me about two years but not much.

The boy sitting by the window pointed at his friend who was intentionally looking away from me.

Daisy giggled beside me.

Since neither one responded I turned back around in my seat and forgot about them, that is, until my hair was lightly pulled again.

"Hey!" I spun around, "why are you bugging me?"

The boy by the window laughed hard while his friend turned a little red, "he likes you," explained the friend.

I looked from one to the other, trying to figure out if it was a joke. But as I looked at the kid that wouldn't look me in the eye I could tell he was blushing.

Hmm…

He was cute.

"What's your name?" I asked him and just when he met my eyes and was about to answer, the bus came to an abrupt stop and all the kids jumped out of their seats shoving one another.

The kid that liked me and his friend quickly walked past me and left the bus. Daisy and I shared a confused look and then we both stepped off the bus.

"His name's Rayden," said Daisy as she handed me back my math homework, "he's in the ninth grade."

We were both now in the cafeteria getting lunch. Daisy had told me that she had seen the kid -Rayden- before, she had friends who had friends who were friends with him. Finding out his name was not going to be a problem, she'd said.

In a matter of hours she managed to find out what it was.

"Ninth grade?" I asked a little skeptical.

She gave me a look. "That's only two years! It's not like's old or something."

Conversation stops for a few minutes while we get our tray with food and sit to eat.

"So anyway, his name's Rayden Matthews, he's in the ninth grade and he's cute." So Daisy thought so too, well that made two of us.

I rolled my eyes. “Do you see him anywhere?” I asked while I looked around the cafeteria myself but there were too many kids, hard to find one out of over a hundred.

Daisy shook her head, “he’s a ninth grader, so he’s probably the other half that eats after we do.”

She had a point.

Days later I don’t really pay attention to Rayden, I didn’t think he was taking the bus to or from school.

I didn’t see him.

Daisy wanted to talk about him and his friend, she said that his friend’s dad had been taking them to school extra early because of band practice and they also stayed after school.

I told her that I didn’t care. There were many boys and it’s not like at that point I was old enough to date yet, especially a ninth grader.

But I saw him again.

I was at the school library, looking through books. After searching for over fifteen minutes I picked one of those mystery/scary books and was ready to check out, Daisy was with me.

“Oh my god,” she covered her mouth.

I looked over at the direction where she was staring.

“Oh.” There he was, standing by a window looking at some books on a shelf. The sun light was hitting him directly and he’s hair looks a little lighter, it almost looks like there’s a halo. He’s__

Our eyes met and we stare at each other for a minute…

In that very moment, it’s like the world had stopped and it literally revolved around us. We had made a connection deeper than anything I could have felt in my life. It was a weird feeling that as young girl I could not possibly explain to anyone, ever. The only word that could come to mind was mesmerizing.

It was mesmerizing.

And then I’m being pulled.

“Ah!” Daisy is pulling my arm and I’m trying to shove her out of the way.

“Hey,” He said to me and smiles.

I smiled back.

“We have to go back to class,” said Daisy pointing at the clock on the wall.

“Fine,” I looked over my shoulder one more time. And catch Rayden looking at me and then he walked away.

I didn’t understand why Daisy didn’t want me to talk to Rayden and then other times when she where she would be such a brat.

Later I found out she had a crush on him.

Well wasn't that great!

She was my best friend for about a year until I realized what a sneaky… you know, she really was.

A little later I met Brie.

Rayden and I spoke on a few occasions. I finally got his phone number a year later and called him.

We had the longest conversations and it was nice talking to him. There were times where we even passed notes during school but it never went beyond that. I even tried to hook him up with some Costa Rican chick that he’d been crushing on but unfortunately for him -and fortunately for me- she was never interested.

Daisy transfers to a different school and as far as I know, she has no communication with Rayden.

One day I discovered he had a girlfriend, he was dating a teacher’s daughter her name wasn’t important. I still talked to him and we still wrote to each other, once in a while.

Eventually they broke up.

One day we stopped talking, I was fifteen and new to high school. I learned that he had a new girlfriend, Jessica. She had a pretty face, not a great body. But I could tell he really liked her, not because of her looks but maybe it was her personality, that’s just the kind of guy he was.

It wasn’t fair but all through high school they continued dating. I did meet someone and we started a relationship that lasted a few years, we even lived together.

But it wasn’t the same and that’s why I was single again.

I saw him from a distance for the rest of the week. We didn’t end up in the elevator together again.

Which was only a little disappointing but I got over it.

From a distance I could see a few changes in Rayden. He had more of a toned body than he used to, he had a confident walk unlike the shy boy I remembered.

I wished I could talk to him...

***

  Author Interview

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

 I have always loved reading and writing but at first I didn’t think about being an author. When I was in High School I thought I wanted to be a teacher but after graduating, I realized that it wasn’t something I liked to do.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

 I first considered myself a writer when I published the first book in my Dark Night series.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

 After deciding that I wanted to publish Dark Night, it didn’t take me more than a few months to get it ready for publishing.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?’

 I work at JB Hunt Transport as an Application Specialist. Basically I do driver applications over the phone and pre-qualify them.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

My latest book is called Bad Romance. It is a spin-off of Wildest Dreams and it has mostly new characters with appearances by favorite characters from Wildest Dreams.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

At this time I self-publish my books and do it through Amazon.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

My first published book took me years to finish but that was mainly due to the fact that I wasn’t planning on publishing Dark Night at first. I wrote the first draft when I was eighteen and then left it alone for a year or two. Later I went back to it and did some editing. Eventually in 2013 I thought about it and realized that I could easily self-publish it, so I worked hard to make it better and then released it. On the other hand, Wildest Dreams only took me 3 months to write and then I listed the book on Wattpad so people could read it for free. Then I decided to publish that one too in 2014.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

 I have major plans. Currently I have 3 books that I’ll be working on releasing this year with a possibility of a 4th one. I’m also planning on attending a few author events which will be posted on my website. Several book giveaways throughout the year.

What genre would you place your books into?

 I would place my Dark Night series into YA Paranormal Romance category and the Sweet Dreams series into Contemporary Romantic Suspense category.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

 I really enjoy reading those specific genres and some of my favorite books are YA Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

 My favorite characters surprisingly are not the protagonists of my stories (though I do love them too). To me when I write from their point of view, it’s like I’m living their life and I have to say that it’s not all that. What I mean is that I really like the surrounding characters. My favorite character from Wildest Dreams is Brie, she’s just so awesome! She’s a great best friend and I know she’s had her rough patches but she’s doing great.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I have been writing since I was in school but back then it started out as writing songs. Eventually, after reading Twilight I was inspired to write my own books.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I have to sit at my desk at home. It is my own little spot where I can just write (mainly because I have a desktop right now). That’s where I usually tune out everything and do work.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

 Yes I do. I like to know what people think. Some message me on Facebook and I appreciate it. I think it’s cool when the author messages back, if he/she has the time.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

At first I started out writing the book and then choosing the title but now it kind of comes at the same time. I’ll know what the book will be about and come up with a title then I’ll start writing it.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

With my characters, I choose names based on where they come from usually (like with Dark Night) or try to find unique names that are not too over the top and I know people would like. With places I usually pick the first thing that pops into my head and go with it.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them? Main character names and places are decided before their creation. Everything else is decided as I write.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along? Most of the time, I let their traits develop as I go along.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

I would say the message is that if it that relationship is meant to be, it will be. But I like for the readers to tell me what they got from the story. What is the message or morals that they got?

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I like all them! But for work I use the Kindle app on my phone. At home usually books either hardback or paperback (I’m not picky). I’ll use a tablet for traveling.

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

 I don’t have just one favorite book… But I love the Fallen series by Lauren Kate and the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

 In my opinion some do and some don’t. It just depends on the director, cast, etc. I don’t have a favorite or worse book to movie transfer yet.

Your favorite food is?

Sushi!

Your favorite singer/group is?

My favorite band is Linkin Park and favorite singer is Adele.

Your favorite color is?

Black.

Your favorite Author is?

Richelle Mead.

    About The Author

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Stefany Rattles, lived in Los Angeles California for eight years and then moved to Arkansas and has been living there ever since. She has a full time office job and writes on her free time.

She wrote Dark Night when she was eighteen years old after it sat on her computer for several years. One day that she decided to work on it and finish it. Now, she has published 3 books, one of them is her first New Adult- Contemporary Romantic Suspense book in the Sweet Dreams Series.

She graduated Springdale High in 2007. Currently she is also attending Post University and hopes to get her degree in Computer Science.

She loves to read, write, read and write… when she’s not playing with her two little ones.

Web: http://stefanyrattles.wix.com/strlnggry

Blog: http://stefrattlesblog.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StrlngGry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stefany-Rattles/628466587263459

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8292431.Stefany_Rattles

Enter to win a paperback copy at Stefany’s website

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Infected- Prey by @aspeed

Infected Prey Banner 851 x 315_thumb[1]

Book Blast

 

clip_image002_thumb[1]Infected: Prey

Infected Series

Book One

Andrea Speed

Genre: Gay mystery/urban fantasy

Publisher: DSP Publications

ISBN: 163216325X

ASIN: B00NJRJZGG

Number of pages: 376

Word Count: 152,000

Cover Artist: Anne Cain

Book Description:

In a world where a werecat virus has changed society, Roan McKichan, a born infected and ex-cop, works as a private detective trying to solve crimes involving other infecteds.

The murder of a former cop draws Roan into an odd case where an unidentifiable species of cat appears to be showing an unusual level of intelligence. He juggles that with trying to find a missing teenage boy, who, unbeknownst to his parents, was “cat” obsessed. And when someone is brutally murdering infecteds, Eli Winters, leader of the Church of the Divine Transformation, hires Roan to find the killer before he closes in on Eli.

Working the crimes will lead Roan through a maze of hate, personal grudges, and mortal danger. With help from his tiger-strain infected partner, Paris Lehane, he does his best to survive in a world that hates and fears their kind… and occasionally worships them.

Available at DSP Publications Amazon

Excerpt

HE was on his third beer of the evening when he thought he heard a noise in the backyard.

Hank DeSilvo scowled and looked out the window over the kitchen sink full of dirty dishes. He could see nothing but darkness, and maybe a bit of reflected light from the television. This was probably a bad time to remember the back porch light had blown out two days ago, and he’d forgotten to replace it.

Not that it mattered. The only light currently in the house was coming from the television, and as long as he ignored it, he developed enough night vision to make out a shape moving in the back garden. Or was it the wind moving a shrub? Kind of hard to say.

He slammed his can down with an annoyed grunt. It was probably the Hindles’ stupid ass dog again, shitting all over the place and tearing through his garbage. He hated that fucking thing, some ugly Rottweiler mix they insisted was a “friendly” dog, and yet it always had a look in its flat, black eyes that was just this side of rabid. They never leashed the damn thing either, and apparently his yard destruction was “cute.” He was just about out of this fucking place and that damn thing had to make a final appearance. And it was final all right; he was going to make damn sure of that.

He went back to the living room, glancing at the game as he walked past—it was a fucking damn boring game anyway—and got his shotgun from the cabinet. It was illegal as all hell, a sawed-off thirty ought six with the barrels cut so short you could have stowed it under a jacket, but the barrels had been filed down expertly; it wasn’t just the rough work of a desperate amateur but the sign of a pro. Which was why, when they’d searched the drug mule’s truck and he’d found it wedged under the front seat, he hid it in his trunk and didn’t report finding it. It wouldn’t have added that much to the mule’s sentence; he already had enough rock in his glove compartment to put him away for the rest of his pointless life, especially if it was his “third strike” (and it was, no surprise there), and he doubted the guy was so stupid that he’d actually ask why he wasn’t charged with owning an illegally modified weapon. Yeah, he was dumb; you had to be dumb if you were speeding and had a few thousand in rock in the car, as well as being obviously stoned yourself. But asking after that was a special kind of stupid, the kind only politicians and people on reality television ever seemed to crest.

He cracked open the gun and made sure he had some shells loaded in it before snapping it shut again with a sharp flick of his wrist. Man that felt good. This was a real man’s weapon, made him feel a foot taller and made of pure muscle, and he knew why that meth fuckhead was carrying it around with him. A weapon like this was a real god-killer; it made you feel invincible.

It was pure overkill, of course. The Hindles’ dog was fairly big, and yet one shot from this gun would rip it in half clean down the middle, as well as make a boom loud enough to set off every car alarm on the block. But what the fuck did he care? He was an ex-cop; he’d say the dog charged him, and on his property he could shoot the fucking thing if he wanted. He’d swap out the sawed-off for his Remington before they arrived. Ballistics wouldn’t match, but by the time they proved that, he’d be long gone. Good-bye, shit-hole city; hello, tropical paradise. It was just a shame that it took him this long to collect.

He stood at the back door for a moment, cradling the shotgun gently, and let his eyes get adjusted to the dark before going out onto the concrete patio. He had a mini Maglite with him with a red lens over the bulb, so if there was something he needed to see he could twist it on without losing his night vision. Not that he needed to make a direct hit; even if he just winged the dog, he’d probably rip half its face off, maybe a leg.

First step off the patio his foot squelched in something; it felt too liquid to be shit, but the smell that hit him was meaty, redolent of shit and offal and God knew what else. Had that fucking dog already strewn his garbage about? Goddamn it.

Holding the shotgun in one arm, he turned on the flashlight and looked down at what he’d stepped in.

At first it looked like a puddle, which didn’t make sense since it hadn’t rained in a week, and the thought that it was dog piss was dismissed since it was dark, and dog piss wasn’t usually black. Or was that red-black? Swinging the light outwards, he saw greasy, ropey strands that couldn’t have come from his garbage can, and then a big hunk of raw, bloody meat like a lamb shank… only it was too long and thin to be a shank, too dark, and ended in a paw.

It was a Rottweiler leg.

Someone—something—had dismembered the Hindles’ psychotic dog and spread about a third of it all over his backyard. He saw the leg, which was the biggest piece, an assortment of internal organs, loops of intestines laid out like fallen party streamers, and lots of blood. But where was the other two thirds of the dog?

The hair stood up on the back of his neck, and he knew he had to get the fuck inside now. But as he turned, shotgun at the ready and braced against his hip, he saw the flash of white teeth in the dim moonlight, and his brain sent out the impulse to pull the trigger.

He didn’t have time to wonder why it never happened as the teeth ripped open his throat.

  Character Interview

Character Name: Paris Lehane

Character Bio: Born in suburban Vancouver to a couple of college professors, Paris was the only son, and was gifted with a natural, overwhelming charm and great beauty. So of course he used it to his advantage, and was a bisexual libertine for much of his teens. It all changed in college, when he hooked up with the wrong woman and found himself infected with the tiger virus. He had a bit of a nervous breakdown.

Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?

My charm is actually the answer to both questions. It’s my gift, and my curse. Which doesn’t work as well if you can’t see me pulling up my cape dramatically and stalking from the room.

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?

I’m really sorry for being a dick when I was younger. I was kind of insufferable.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

If I put my mind to it, I can juggle. Not more than three items, and I have to be in a good mood. Also, if you told anyone about it, I’d have to kill you.

What are you most afraid of?

Changing into a tiger and eating someone.

What do you want more than anything?

A cure? Or more time. I’d take either.

What is your relationship status?

Seriously taken. I have met the greatest guy in the world.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

Fabulous, of course. I am stylish and sexy.

How much of a rebel are you?

You think I’d be a huge one, and Roan, being an ex-cop, would be the fuddy duddy, but he likes to fight. Roan doesn’t follow rules blindly, and while I like a good, sexy rebellion, I’m not fully committed to it, especially if it gets hard. So I’ll be the spokesmodel of your revolution, but it’ll be Roan doing the heavy lifting.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

My hair.

What is your idea of happiness?

Being snuggled under the cover with Roan.

What is your current state of mind?

 Content.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t really have one. Possessions are ultimately meaningless. It’s people that matter.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Being as charming as sin, and twice as lovely.

What is it that you, most dislike?

Bigoted bastards. And hypocrites are pretty odious too.

Which living person do you, most despise?

I try not to despite people too much, because all that negative energy gets to you after a while.  But I suppose Louis Gorse. He knows what he did.

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t meet Roan sooner.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A sense of humor. I know everyone says that, but I mean it. Being hot is also a plus.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Again, a sense of humor is nice. And being hot is still a plus.

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

Hmm. That’s a tough one. Maybe D’Artangon?

Which living person do you most admire?

Oh, Roan, of course. Once you get to know the guy, it’s hard not to admire him.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Well … I probably wouldn’t be infected.

What is your motto?

 As I go, so goes the party.

 

Giveaway

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

  About The Author

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Andrea Speed was born looking for trouble in some hot month without an R in it. While succeeding in finding Trouble, she has also been found by its twin brother, Clean Up, and is now on the run, wanted for the murder of a mop and a really cute, innocent bucket that was only one day away from retirement. (I was framed, I tell you - framed!)

In her spare time, she arms lemurs in preparation for the upcoming war against the Mole Men. Viva la revolution!

Website: www.andreaspeed.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrea.speed.3

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Andreaspeedwriter

Twitter: @aspeed

Google+: https://plus.google.com/109420358312270961913/posts

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/andreaspeed

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Book Blast: Forever in My Heart - Tangled Hearts # 2 by @MKAlexander1

 

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Presented by:
Sparkle Book Tours
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Forever in My Heart - Tangled Hearts # 2

by Maria K. Alexander

Audience: Adult - Genre: Romance - Formats: E-book and Paperback - Publisher: The Wild Rose Press - Cover by: Diana Carlile - Editor: Eilidh MacKenzie - Pages: 334 pages - ISBN: 978-1-62830-810-5 -  ASIN: B00SEEN6OQ -  Date Published: February 20, 2015
blurb
Vicky DiFrancesco is ready to put the past behind her. After a humiliating divorce, she’s determined to make her new café a success. The last thing she needs is her first love around, reminding her of what they’d lost. But when her life is threatened, could he be the very man she needs?
Jamie DiSilva’s homecoming after retiring from the army isn’t the one he’d been hoping for. Now, he’s trying to start a home improvement business in a town settled on holding him accountable for the sins of his late brothers. Redeeming himself to the girl he never stopped loving and her family is difficult when his brothers’ secrets come back to haunt him.
Untangling themselves from the past means righting several wrongs and deciding if their love is meant to last forever.
book links

excerpt
“What happened today between us can never happen again.”
“Because of your sister?”
“Because of my entire family. Kate isn’t the only member with a grudge against the DiSilva family.”
Just his bad luck.
“My parents and I have never done anything to warrant being shunned by them. Our parents were best friends.”
“That doesn’t change what your brothers did or how it’s impacted my family. It’s one thing to deal with you living in the same town. It’s another for them to accept what just happened between us.”
“What happens between us has nothing to do with your family,” he snapped. He was tired of being judged. It wasn’t like she didn’t feel something for him. He lowered his voice and cupped her cheek. “Things can be good between us, Vick. You know it.”
She held his gaze, and he felt her tremble. He leaned forward, determined to convince her to give them a chance.
Her hand shot out and stopped him from doing more than graze her lips. “Stop. Nothing good will come of this.” She rolled off the bed and kept her back to him.
“You’re choosing them over your own happiness?”
She wiped at her face before turning to him.
Despite the tears that dampened her eyes, her answer was clear from the stubborn set of her chin. “What choice do I have?”
“There’s always a choice.”
“And a price to pay. They’re my family. I pick them. I’ll always pick them.”
trailer









about the author
A romantic at heart, Maria K. Alexander spent hours as a young girl getting lost in and wishing to be one of the heroines in the stories she read. Books gave her the ability to go to another world where she loved meeting new characters, learning about their problems, and watching them fall in love.
Maria is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. She blogs about her writing journey with The Violet Femmes at http://thevioletfemmes.com. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Book Blast: Stitches by Jeremy L Blunt @stitchesforlife

stitches

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Stitches- Because Some Wounds Need More Than a Band-Aid Cure AUTHOR – Jeremy L Blunt PUBLICATION DATE – February 10, 2015 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 184 PUBLISHER – Upland Avenue Publishing Group COVER ARTIST – Daniela Frongia
Stitches - Book Cover Smaller

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Have you ever found yourself at a loss when trying to figure out why relating to the very people you feel you have to or should be able to communicate well with just doesn’t work? Have you ever had that feeling after you come out of something which gave you the blues while in it, was actually not as bad as you made it if only you had paid attention to the signs and lessons from previous events? If either of these things sound like you then “STITCHES” are what you need. We look for answers from everywhere in the world, our friends, church members, parents, celebrities and sometimes even our enemies but never inside ourselves.
STITCHES are the tools we need to address the issues we have. If you’re tired of putting a Band-Aid on wounds that seem to just keep resurfacing and don’t seem to go away, then I encourage you to start using stitches instead. AS you read “STITCHES”, allow it to broaden your perspective and increase your confidence that you are not as lost as you may have believed.

BUY & TBR LINKS

EXCERPT

The problem with most relationships is not the baggage that people knowingly bring into them, it is with the baggage that they have, know they have but act like it is not there. Now let's be honest. We all have baggage. Baggage is what we pick up from life's experiences that affect how we react to things, how we deal with people, and how we carry ourselves. All baggage is not bad baggage. For instance, it is only after you deal with someone who is independent that you determine if moving forward, you want someone else who is also independent or if you would rather have someone who just has independency. Either way, the baggage we carry from situation to situation affects us differently.
Ideally when we met someone we would like for their baggage to be displayed and scanned as it would be going through check in at an airport. First giving them an opportunity to dispose of anything that would be hazardous to anyone else around and then going through a thermo scan. The problem with baggage does not come when we are dealing with someone who is upfront with baggage that is not necessarily healthy but rather when things pop up that they claim to know nothing about. On my last trip to the airport, I remember hearing several announcements about baggage not being left unattended or taking packages from people that you do not know. We should treat the people we deal with every day with the same level of security and caution. Until we know what at least pops up during their initial scan, we should not pursue them past the outer lobby of our life. In other words, they should remain associates. They should not get VIP treatment or otherwise they may feel and act like they are entitled to more than they are. Then you will feel guilty and try and fast track them to the exclusive area prematurely. To catch a plane now, they tell you to be at the airport at least two hours before your flight so you can go through all of the proper checks and still make your flight on time. We should treat everyone we meet with the same expectation. If they are not willing to show up early, stand in a line or two for a few minutes, and undergo pre checks, then they may as well be labeled as a terrorist and should be treated hostile. I mean let's face it, what is the point of blood, sweat, and tears if you are not going to use the lessons it has taught you to better yourself. Would you knowingly let a terrorist come on a plane that you are boarding? Of course not! Then why do we let people in our lives without proper clearance. You need to know something about the people you deal with. Where they are from? Who have they been with? Who they people are? Have they picked up any habits, I mean packages, from strangers along the way?
Even after going through baggage check, people still can have extra stuff that can threaten your life. An example of this is insecurities. Let us say you have met this guy and he seems to have it pretty much together. He is a dream come true. You open up and allow him to board your life. Once in the air you realize he has tendencies. He always wants to know about the names of people from a previous manifest. He also asked repeatedly about current passengers who are just temporary passengers until the next stop or two. You understand his concerns but point out that none of these issues surfaced or questions were asked during initial boarding. You pacify him by giving him everything it seems that he would need but nothing is helping. He wants to dig deeper and ask more questions. This is a classic example of what I call “unauthorized baggage”. Unauthorized baggage can have you off balance with very little to no clue as to why. When a partner is overly aggressive or possessive, it can weigh you down to the point where you are ready to start throwing things off. When nothing you do seems to be working, you will start eliminating things that are actually in your life to help you; like fuel, food or even extra oxygen (friends who give you life). Again, those closest to you will give you warning signs when this happens. Your body will also be a good sign of indicators. Do not ignore the signs. Pay attention, life has a way of getting your attention. If you are not careful you will find yourself starting to become distant with friends and even point the figure at others as the reason to why things are the way they are.

BOOK SOUNDTRACK

Life and Favor – John P. Kee and New Life feat. James Fortune Her Heart – Anthony Hamilton My Favorite Thing – Ronald Isley featuring Kem Rise and Fall – Craig David feat Sting All of Me – John Legend Sweat – Toni Braxton & Babyface

AUTHORS PLAYLIST

Medelssohn: Octet in E flat, Op. 20-1 Van Cliburn Tchaikovsky: Concerto No. 1 & Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2 Michael Meets Mozart More Than Anything – Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise Grateful – Hezekiah Walker, Love Fellowship Choir
Stitches - Author Photo

AUTHOR BIO

Jeremy L. Blunt is a capitol city native of Louisiana and a graduate of the East Baton Rouge Public School System. He is a proud Husband, Father, and Mentor. He is married to the former LaTrisha Earline Milton, also of Baton Rouge. He has two daughters, Kaylie and Amerie Blunt. His hobbies include traveling, reading, exercising, and interacting with people. He is honorably retired from the Louisiana National Guard. While also defending his country, Jeremy has and continues to be very active in his community. He serves as a Minister to young people and serves and advises several boards in his community. Jeremy attended Louisiana State University and attends HOPE Bible Institute for Theology and Religious Studies.
Jeremy is a motivated speaker and teacher who delivers a message of self empowerment and change to audiences of all demographics. He continues to work with “at-risk” youth and considers it as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. He is an advocate for service and continued education.
Jeremy lives by the motto: “Change comes from those willing to do things differently”.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

INSTAGRAM – stitches4life
Tour Organized & Hosted by buttonmfh

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: An Opportunity Seized by @donnag63

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An Opportunity Seized -  Haven Security Series # 1
by Donna Gallagher

Audience: Adult/ Erotic - Genre: Thriller and Suspense, Rubenesque - Formats: E-book -  Publisher: Totally Bound - Cover by: Posh Gosh – Totally Bound Publishing - Editor: Sarah Smeaton – Totally Bound Publishing - Pages: 140 pages (50K) - ASIN: can be send later - Date Published: 13th February 2015
 
blurb

Book one in the Haven Security series
Two unforeseen moments in time— One brings them together—the other is a danger so real it could tear them apart.
Antoinette ‘Toni’ Grimaldi prefers to keep out of the spotlight, blend in with the crowd and experience life the same as the bulk of the population. Being a mining magnate’s daughter is a difficult persona for her to uphold. She just doesn’t fit in with high society standards, always managing to say something inappropriate or trip over her own feet at the worst possible moment, resulting in that look of disappointment and embarrassment her parents inevitably wear whenever she’s around.
Meeting a handsome stranger who comes to her rescue and asks her out on a date is so much more than Toni could have ever hoped for on her dream holiday—one she is surprised her parents have even permitted her to take alone. Her fairy-tale moment is short-lived, though, when Toni discovers the stranger has been hired by her family to follow her every move—under the guise of keeping her safe.
Jason finds he is drawn to Antoinette. She is nothing at all like the socialite he was expecting to shadow around London’s nightclubs. After an awkward first meeting, he convinces Toni that there is more to his interest in her than just as her bodyguard. To his surprise, his attraction for the soft-spoken, thoughtful woman grows, despite his usual reluctance to commit to any kind of relationship.
Then a disaster at one of the family-owned mines and a string of death threats force Toni to return home, and her need for a bodyguard becomes a life and death reality.

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excerpt

This thing with Toni—whatever it was—was different. Jason wanted more than just a quick romp in the sack. He wanted to hold her in his arms as they fell asleep, after a round or two of some mind-blowing sex, of course. Jason wanted Toni something bad, wanted to feel his cock push between the folds of her pussy. He wanted to hear Toni call his name as he licked and sucked her clit and drove her wild, until the resulting orgasm left her body quivering with satisfaction. Then he would enter her slowly, savouring every new sensation as his cock found space between those slick, wet walls of her cunt.
Even though he wanted this nearly more than he wanted his next breath, Jason had walked Toni to her door, and, after organising a time for them to meet in the morning, he had kissed her lips gently then walked away. It had taken every ounce of his self-control to leave her there with her eyes burning a hole in his back as she’d watched him go.
As a result, Jason now sat in his room, calling himself every name under the sun for being such an idiot and not taking what he’d wanted—Toni naked and lying stretched out on his bed. All the while he ruthlessly pumped his hand up and down his cock to try to give his balls some relief.
He needed to clear his head so he could email the daily report of Toni’s movements to Nathan. Well, as detailed as he could without giving away the fact that he’d blown his cover and was now lying in bed imagining all the ways he wanted to pleasure the daughter of the firm’s biggest client. Yep, Nathan really did not need to read about any of that—his mate would go ballistic.
* * * *
Toni couldn’t sleep. Looking at the clock again and finding out that only a few minutes had passed, she kicked the sheets off her legs with exasperation. Her body was on fire, the sheets too heavy against her skin. She’d flung off her nightie twenty minutes ago as the fabric had abraded her sensitive nipples—nipples that had remained hard and wanting—or, more precisely, wanting Jason ever since he had left her at her door. This is ridiculous. I should just go bang on his door until he lets me in and gives me an orgasm so I can bloody sleep. What’s the point of knowing he’s next door if I can’t take advantage of it? It had been a bit of a shock at first when Jason had admitted to being in the room next to hers all along. Toni was convinced she had just invented a new form of torture.
She wanted to feel Jason’s hands on her body so badly it hurt. As she unconsciously ground her pelvis against the mattress, imagining how it would feel to have his lips around her nipples with his hard body, heavy and warm, over hers, she’d been close to orgasm. It had taken Toni a few seconds to realise what she was doing. She’d been so busy imagining what it would feel like to have Jason touching her, she had lost control.
“Aaargh,” Toni groaned again as she punched the pillow repeatedly with her clenched fist. I’m going to look delightful in the morning, bags on bags, a bloody set of luggage under my eyes if I don’t get some sleep.
The bed linen felt like it was lined with barbed wire and ultimately won the war declared on her sexually frustrated and sensitised skin. She had suffered enough. Toni got up from the bed, then shook her head as she looked at the tangle of twisted sheets she’d left behind. She found her dressing gown and slipped her arms through the sleeve openings. The light and delicate fabric of her luxurious covering might as well have been a sheet of sandpaper rubbing against her body.
After tucking her room key into the pocket, she quietly opened her door, just enough to poke her head outside and check that the corridor was clear. Finding it empty and not hearing any sound of approaching footsteps, Toni pulled the door closed behind her until the sound of the lock clicked into place—a sound that in the still of the corridor seemed like the boom of a bass drum being struck.
She took the three steps that separated her room from Jason’s and, summoning up all the bravado she could muster, Toni knocked on the door. It was really more like a brush of her fingertips against the two inch thick wood, but it was the best she could manage, given that she was already trying to quell the sound of her heart pumping so loudly that it was probably making enough noise to wake the entire hotel.
For one short moment Toni imagined a squad of firemen, fully suited up, with hoses and axes at the ready, racing down the hallway searching for the source of the loud thumping horn that sounded like an alarm but was in fact her heart beating. If he doesn’t open the door by the time I count to ten, I’m going back to my room and will just have to deal with the sexual tension I’m feeling myself… One… Two…

Author Interview

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

 No. I’ve always loved to read, the voices in my head only made themselves known a few years ago.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

 I still find it foreign calling myself that. When I attend conferences, I’m usually busy being a fan girl, gushing over (stalking) my favorite authors. I still get a bit of a shock when someone asks for an autograph.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

 I was very lucky and hit gold on my first submission. I submitted my manuscript to Totally Bound Publishing and was picked up by my first editor, Amy Parker. With her help we polished up my writing enough to be offered a contract. Then Totally Bound contracted all the books in my League of Love series, so I’ve stuck with them.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

Yes, I do boring admin work. Luckily I can work from home and one of the bosses is my hubby ;)

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

An Opportunity Seized. Reluctant heiress gets a good dose of reality and some mind-blowing sex with the help of her sexy, ex-soldier bodyguard.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

 I’m published by Totally Bound Publishing – they’re awesome.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

Before I went through my first official editing, I could pump out a book in about two weeks. Now it takes me a lot longer, my muse is fickle and doesn’t like to hang around when I’m doing promotional work or not fully focused on him/her. It’s one of the things I find the most difficult, trying to keep up with all the promotional aspects of releasing a book. And the time differences, Australia is asleep when everything happens. I also find that I’m getting distracted trying to create a manuscript that won’t need lengthy editing. So far, I’m not really going so well with that, my edits are always extensive.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

 I’ve started book 3 in my Haven Security series and I’d like to do another footy book to round out that series. I really enjoy reading paranormal books and would love to give that a go at some stage.

What genre would you place your books into?

An Opportunity Seized is a Contemporary Erotic Suspense story.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

 After writing seven books in my sports genre, League of Love series I really wanted to try something else. I love reading ex-soldier turned bodyguard books, so thought I’d give it ago. My heroes are all Aussies.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

 I have a soft spot for JT (Mandy’s He-man) he is always chatting away in my head making smart-ass comments about the other heroes. For my new Haven Security series I think Chris Winters is going to be a favorite. I’m writing his story now. Well I should be but he is missing in action at the moment!

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

 I’ve been writing since 2010 and my first book was published in 2012. It took me a long time to work up the courage to submit the manuscript. So glad I did. It wasn’t so much I was inspired to write, it was more if I didn’t, the voices were going to keep chattering away at me. I wrote to get some peace and quiet.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

 I’m an avid sports fan – the Aussie footy rugby league is my sport of choice but I will watch anything. So, Foxtel sports channel is usually on when I’m at my writing spot. My work desk is in an alcove just off the living area – we call it a lounge-room, ‘cause you know it has a lounge/sofa in it, and it’s where the family congregates to watch television. The house is empty during the day, just me and my furbaby.

 Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

I really shouldn’t but I do. I’ve been lucky most of my reviews have been very positive.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

The title usually appears as I’m writing the story.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

 This will sound strange but the voices in my head tell me their names. It’s usually the hero that talks to me but sometimes the heroine chimes in as well. Laura, from Laura’s Light (book 3 in my League of Love series) has been the only heroine that has taken control of a story.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

Yes, there does seem to be a reason for each book. I’ve written about coping with depression, single motherhood, low self-esteem, marriage problems due to lack of communication and PTSD.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

 I only read ebooks these days. I have my library downloaded onto my phone and iPad, so all my lovely books and authors are with me wherever I go. My husband rues the day he gave me my first smartphone ;)

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

 The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke by N.j. Walters. I love this book and when I feel a little down I re-read it. I’m not sure why this book, in a fabulous series, sticks out for me but it does. I love that Shamus didn’t judge Cindy by her past mistakes, even if it caused him trouble with his family.

Your favorite singer/group is?

 Toss-up between Evanescence and Good Charlotte at the moment but I have many favorites.

Your favorite color is?

Black – Yes, I know it’s not really a color!

Your favorite Author is?

 N.j. Walters.

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about the author
imageA few years ago when the sensual, male voices in Australian-born Donna Gallagher’s head became too loud to ignore there were only two options available – check herself into a mental hospital or put pen to paper and write.
A voracious reader and avid sports fan it was no surprise that her first seven books were based around her beloved sport of rugby league. A former WAG Donna had plenty of personal experience to fall back on as she created her fictional team of hunky Aussie sports heroes and the women that won their hearts.
A double finalist in the Australian Romance Readers Awards 2013 for Favourite Erotic Romance with her books Emily’s Cowboy and Sarah’s Soldier, Donna was also thrilled to be named a finalist for ARRA’s Favourite Australian Romance Author and Favourite Continuing Romance Series.
While sports romances will always hold a special place in her heart Donna has now expanded her genres to include romantic suspense with her soon to be released Haven Security series and a sexy, short, contemporary erotic story A Fruitful Intimacy set on a tropical island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Her years as a WAG may not have lived up to the happy-ever-after she creates in her books but a second shot at love has proven a winner. Donna is now happily married to her very own hero. She lives a ten minute drive from Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House with her three grown sons, two turtles and a very spoilt mini dachshund called Toni.

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Tour Schedule - One Week Blog Tour for An Opportunity Seized by Donna Gallagher from Feb 16 to 24, 2015.
Feb 16
Rustys Reading
The Avid Reader
Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom
Feb 17
Indy Book Fairy
Eclipse Reviews
Feb 18
Sweet Treat Reading Reviews
Pick a Genre Already 
Archaeolibrarian - I dig good books!
Feb 19
Bound 2 Escape
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog
One Last Page Book Blog
Feb 20
Deal Sharing Aunt
Deborah's Blog of Book Reviews, Spotlights and More
Room With Books
Feb 23
Angels with Attitude Book Reviews
A Little Bit of R&R
Feb 24
Tailorereads
Hooked on Books
Portals to New Worlds