Jo Kessel on Tour: Weak At The Knees

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Welcome Jo Kessel with her exciting release Weak At The Knees.

BREAKING NEWS: Jo Kessel’s WEAK AT THE KNEES just received a 4 out of 5 ratings from a UK national paper, The Sun, which is the UK’s most popular paper with 2 million readers!

Giveaway: $50 Amazon or BN.com gift card

 

Author Interview

What part of the writing process do you dread? None of it. I love getting up in the morning and losing myself in a whole different world and characters whose lives have nothing to do with my own.

What is your favorite Joke? My favorite joke is usually one told to me by my youngest daughter Hannah. She loves to make them up and usually they are not even that funny, but she thinks they are and for minutes afterward she has fits of giggles. It’s these contagious cackles of laughter which I adore.

Where do you get your best ideas? From living life, listening to other peoples stories and observing – sometimes other peoples’ lives are so crazy that you couldn’t/wouldn’t actually ever contemplate even creating it as a plotline.

What do you do to relax? Yoga

Do you write about what turns you on? Sometimes – although I try not to make my sex scenes autobiographical.

 

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WEAK AT THE KNEES

By Jo Kessel

Blurb:  

“We got so busy living life that we forgot to live our dreams.”

Danni Lewis has been playing it safe for twenty-six years, but her sheltered existence is making her feel old ahead of time. When a sudden death plunges her into a spiral of grief, she throws caution to the wind and runs away to France in search of a new beginning.

The moment ski instructor Olivier du Pape enters her shattered world she falls hard, in more ways than one.

Their mutual desire is as powerful and seductive as the mountains around them. His dark gypsy looks and piercing blue eyes are irresistible.

Only she must resist, because he has a wife – and she’d made a pact to never get involved with a married man.

But how do you choose between keeping your word and being true to your soul?

Weak at the Knees is Jo’s debut novel in the new adult, contemporary romance genre – a story about love, loss and relationships, set between London and the heart of the French Alps.

 

Excerpt:

Olivier sits next to me on the piano stool. We’re even closer than that day up the mountain and it’s even more intoxicating. His body is so close to mine that the slightest adjustment would have us touching. I can feel his heat, an electrical charge which makes the side of my leg that’s almost brushing his tingle all the way down. He pulls up his woolly, navy sleeves. “Shall we?” I note the gold wedding band on his dark, manly hands as his fingers hover above the keyboard. I nod, not trusting myself to speak, thinking the sooner he starts playing piano the better, to distract me from this powerful attraction. He crashes both hands down with flair and starts playing his version of the Boogie Woogie. It’s slightly jazzier and more sophisticated than mine. I let him play by himself for a while, enjoying watching him, surprised by how good he is.

The rhythm gets to me, my upper torso unconsciously pulsing forward, toes tapping in my shoes. I put my mug down on top of the piano and start trying to improvise a Gerswhin-esque melody line, fluttering my right hand up and down the keyboard in syncopation to Olivier’s beat. For about ten minutes we thump away, cheesy grins on our faces, occasionally catching each others’ eye. We play whatever comes into our heads, changing the mood and key from time to time. Sometimes it works and sometimes it’s a discordant mess, but it doesn’t matter. By the time Olivier eventually tires and crashes a final chord, our bodies are touching all the way from our shoulders to our knees. I don’t want to move, which is exactly why I do. I stand up, to recover my senses and my drink.

———————–

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Author Information:

When Jo was ten years old she wrote a short story about losing a loved one. Her mother and big sister were so moved by the tale that it made them cry. Having reduced them to tears she vowed that the next time she wrote a story it would make them smile instead. Happily she succeeded and with this success grew an addiction for wanting to reach out and touch people with words. Jo lives in London with her husband and three children where she works as a TV and print journalist. She tells life stories and can often be found travelling the globe researching the next big holiday hotspots for readers to enjoy. Since becoming a mother anything even remotely sad makes her cry. She’s a sucker for a good romance and tear-jerker movies are the worst. She’s that woman in the cinema, struggling to muffle audible wails as everyone else turns round to stare.

P.S Jo’s pretty certain one of her daughters has inherited this gene.

 

US buy link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4VC70W

UK buy link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E4VC70W

 

Jo loves to hear from her readers and they can connect with her on:

Her website: www.jokessel.com

Twitter: @jo_kessel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kesseljo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173167.Jo_Kessel

 

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p.m. terrell: The Tempest Murders Interview and Giveaway

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http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/09/virtual-book-tour-tempest-murders-by-pm.html

 

Welcome p.m. terrell back to the blog! This time she gives us a peak at The Tempest Murders – reincarnation and soul mates! Also, you don’t want to miss the author interview.  p.m. will be awarding this beautiful Celtic bracelet (US only) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

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Author Interview

Woohoo! You are a published author. Describe a strong character trait you possess, good or bad, and how it helped you become a published author. The Tempest Murders is my 16th book release and looking back over the years, I believe determination helped me maintain a career in writing. It is a tough industry and I’ve seen a lot of authors come and go since my first book was published in 1984. Sometimes I think those who succeed are those who simply stayed in the game and refused to give up.

Sometimes an author begins writing a story before they are aware of its genre. Did you choose your genre, or did it choose you? I’ve written in four genres and three of the four chose me. My first published books were computer how-to books; the editor pursued me after reading some of my magazine articles. I also wrote two historical adventures based on my family’s history and a how-to book for authors, all of which chose me.

But my real love is suspense, especially when it contains romance and exotic locations, so I most definitely chose that genre.

I think it’s important to understand the genre before beginning to write because you really have to know who your target market is and how to reach them.

The plot thickens, or does it? Which one are you, a pantser or a plotter? I am a plotter. I begin by planning the crime in my suspense, and then I develop the characters best suited to tell the tale. Unlike some writers who write toward a climactic scene toward the end, I develop a starting point, mid-point and ending. Everything that occurs in the first half of the book takes me to a climactic mid-point, and from that point forward the action is a non-stop roller coaster headed for an even larger climax at the end.

Fear 101: As writers it is our duty to make our characters face their fears. Have you ever included one of your own fears in a storyline? From the time I was a small child, I had a fear of being kidnapped. When I wrote my most popular book, Songbirds are Free, about my ancestor who was captured by Shawnee warriors in 1780, I saw my own fear played out in those pages. I don’t know how Mary Neely could have remained so courageous, so determined to escape and find her way home. She remained a slave to the Shawnee tribe that captured her for three years—from the age of 19 to the age of 22.

Fear 102: Yes, deadlines are terrifying. Have you conquered the juggling act between writing and the rest of your life? What do you do when it feels like the balls are dropping all around you? I look at writing the same way others look at their full-time jobs. Many times there are personal crises or interruptions that come into play and yet millions of people find a way to get to work and do their jobs, regardless. I have set hours in which to write and I strive to be very focused, provided there isn’t an emergency situation requiring my attention. It also helps to compartmentalize and prioritize.

Where is your favorite place to write? Add that one comfort food that you can’t do without. My favorite place to write is in my living room where I am surrounded by freshwater angelfish aquariums. However, that isn’t always possible so I always have my office, which is separated from my house. I have a 360 degree view and it’s actually quite pleasant.

Definitely the comfort food I can’t live without is chocolate, the darker, the better.

Writing inspirations? I find inspiration everywhere I look. When I need a specific type of inspiration for a particular scene, I will often turn to movies or music. For example, if I am writing a romantic scene, I’ll watch movies with my favorite male leads or a particular romantic theme.

I’ve gone mad – why don’t you come with me? Some people just don’t understand us writers. Name a quirky, writer-thing you do that friends wish you didn’t. I am an avid people-watcher and I often note personality quirks or physical traits that make their way into my books. I always try to merge those characteristics with others so the source isn’t identifiable, but I’ve had friends say, “Don’t add this to your book please!”

I am also very sensitive; perhaps too much so. After all, writing about feelings is part of my life so it makes sense that I would feel them all acutely as well.

Tempes Book Cover

The Tempest Murders

by p.m. Terrell

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blurb:

A provocative story of a love that spans centuries, of soul mates found, lost and reunited… and the lengths to which one man will go to change their destiny.

Irish Detective Ryan O’Clery is working a series of homicides in America when he discovers a journal written by an uncle, Constable Rian Kelly, five generations earlier. The journal detailed the same type of murders as the worst storm in Ireland’s history slammed into the island in 1839.

As Hurricane Irene barrels toward the North Carolina coastline, Ryan discovers even the killer’s description matches his cases exactly. And as he falls in love with television reporter Cathleen Reilly, he begins to wonder if she is the reincarnation of Caitlin O’Conor, Rian Kelly’s lover—the woman who was lost to the killer as the storm raged in Ireland—and if he is the reincarnation of Constable Rian Kelly.

Now he’s in a race to rescue Cathleen before the killer finds her—or is history destined to repeat itself?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

They were bites away from finishing their meal when the sky opened up. There might have been a warning, had he been by himself and able to observe his surroundings; but by the time he noticed the trees bending deeply and the gray clouds roiling, the rain had descended on them in a torrent. Within seconds, their food was floating.

A tiny shriek escaped Cathleen’s lips as she vainly tried to keep the rain off her head.

Ryan jumped up, grabbed her wrist and in one fluid movement, had her on her feet. They raced for the back door, managing to rush inside just as a wicked clap of thunder sounded, followed almost instantly by a white streak of lightning.

Once inside, he closed the door, plunging them both into relative silence. He turned around, an offer to get her a towel on his lips. But when he laid eyes on her, the words froze. She was completely drenched. Her hair was hanging in folds from which water streamed until it formed a puddle on the hardwood floor. Her thin blouse was plastered to her body and seemed to highlight the black lace bra beneath. It further accentuated a slender waist before giving way to jeans that she now appeared to have been poured into. Her feet were soaked and as he took in the petite toes peeking out, he found himself staring at the pink polish and a Celtic toe ring before his eyes moved back up her body.

By the time they reached her eyes, he felt as if he was on automatic pilot. His mind was completely blank, his emotions swept away. He stepped toward her at the exact moment he reached out and pulled her to him, the wet blouse teasing his chest. He didn’t look in her eyes but closed his as his lips locked onto hers.

They were everything he’d dreamed about; full and moist and soft. But she wasn’t kissing him.

He stopped and took a step backward, separating them. She stood perfectly still and stared at him with eyes that had grown round and huge. Her face had lost its color and as she continued staring at him, he realized she was in shock.

Horrified with his own boorish behavior, he stumbled over his words. “I am so sorry. I’ve never done anything like that in my life—”

She rushed at him and for the briefest of moments, he didn’t know if she planned to slap him or pummel him or push him to the side to rush out the door. He staggered backward to get out of her way but when she descended on him her arms encircled his neck, pulling his head down to hers. When their lips met again, hers were slightly open and she met his mouth with a passion he had only dreamed about but had never fully experienced.

Ryan’s arms wrapped around her; pulling her to him so tightly he had to contain himself to keep from bruising her. She tasted sweet and fresh, the raindrops mingling with perspiration and a fragrance that was both soothing and wild and which seemed to envelop them both in a sensual cocoon.

His large hand found her face, the palm cupping her chin while his fingers stroked her jaw. Her skin was as soft as silk and moist from the rain; and as her lips parted further to allow him in, he thought he could never get enough of her. As one hand wandered to her hair, weaving his fingers through the long tresses, a mingled scent of citrus and florals wafted upward, growing in intensity as he fondled her locks.

He pressed his body against her, tightening his hold on her as his other hand explored her back, kneading her skin through the thin, wet blouse. Her breath was coming in short shallow bursts now and he could feel her heart quickening as he pressed ever closer. When she sighed softly, he opened his eyes and when she moaned, he reluctantly drew back from her, his muscled chest rising and falling and yearning.

Her face was flushed, the heat rising in her cheeks in a way that tantalized him. Her plump lips remained slightly parted and as he gazed at them, he realized he might have bruised them despite his efforts to control his passion. As his eyes found hers, he discovered them staring at him in a way that disarmed him. The gold flecks he had seen earlier appeared to have grown and now they nearly glowed as she looked at him. They were tumultuous, the colors dancing under her long, curved black lashes. But it was the raw emotion in them that gripped his soul; he’d seen desire before and had witnessed passion but there was something more—something deeper. It was trust, he realized with a start. As if she was standing before him, naked to the soul and she was entrusting herself to his care.

In his peripheral vision, he could see her chest rising and falling with her jagged breath and each rise threatened to take him closer to the peak of desire.

 

pmterrell

Author Bio and Links:

p.m.terrell is the pen name for Patricia McClelland Terrell, the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than eighteen books in four genres: contemporary suspense, historical suspense, computer how-to and non-fiction.

Prior to writing full-time, she founded two computer companies in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area: McClelland Enterprises, Inc. and Continental Software Development Corporation. Among her clients were the Central Intelligence Agency, United States Secret Service, U.S. Information Agency, and Department of Defense. Her specialties were in white collar computer crimes and computer intelligence.

Vicki’s Key was a top five finalist in the 2012 International Book Awards and 2012 USA Book Awards nominee and her historical suspense, River Passage, was a 2010 Best Fiction and Drama Winner. It was determined to be so historically accurate that a copy of the book resides at the Nashville Government Metropolitan Archives in Nashville, Tennessee.

She is also the co-founder of The Book ‘Em Foundation, an organization committed to raising public awareness of the correlation between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. She is the organizer of Book ‘Em North Carolina, an annual event held in Lumberton, North Carolina, to raise funds to increase literacy and reduce crime. For more information on this event and the literacy campaigns funded by it, visit www.bookemnc.org.

She sits on the boards of the Friends of the Robeson County Public Library and the Robeson County Arts Council. She has also served on the boards of Crime Stoppers and Crime Solvers and became the first female president of the Chesterfield County-Colonial Heights Crime Solvers in Virginia.

For more information visit the author’s website at www.pmterrell.com, follow her on Twitter at @pmterrell, her blog at www.pmterrell.blogspot.com, and on Facebook under author.p.m.terrell.

 

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Tempest-Murders-ebook/dp/B00EOAFTYY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377895714&sr=1-2&keywords=the+tempest+murders

Paranormal Romancer Danita Minnis Interview and Giveaway on RBtWBC!

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http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/2013/11/love-entwined-by-danita-minnis.html

 

I am so excited to be on Reading Between The Wines Book Club! Come over and read the interview and enter the giveaway!

Find out why sometimes you should take your dreams seriously…

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p.m. terrell: Dylan’s Song

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Welcome p.m. terrell back to the blog with Dylan’s Song, a must-have romantic suspense thriller. p.m. is giving away this beautiful Celtic Claddagh necklace so be sure to comment and leave your email address to enter the giveaway. The more you comment along the tour the better your chances of winning!

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Before we get into Dylan’s Song, let’s get into p.m. terrell’s head as she answers my ten.

Author Interview:

Woohoo! You are a published author. Describe a strong character trait you possess, good or bad, and how it helped you become a published author. Thanks for the Woohoo! My first book was published in 1984 (which makes me feel very old) but one of the things I am proudest of is the ability to stay in the game. When my first books were published, I thought I was going to set the world on fire, which of course, very rarely happens. So the character trait I possess that has helped me the most is a belief in myself through good and bad economic times and throughout the upheavals in the publishing industry that have allowed me to stay the course.

Sometimes an author begins writing a story before they are aware of its genre. Did you choose your genre, or did it choose you? I have written in four separate genres. I started my writing career with nonfiction, which chose me—a book editor read some of my magazine articles and asked me to turn them into full-length books.

However, I always wanted to write suspense, most likely because my father is a retired FBI Agent. I grew up around law enforcement and knowing about criminal activities—so that was a genre that I chose.

I also wrote two historical books based on the true stories of my ancestor who was captured by Shawnee warriors in 1780.

And when a publisher heard my name repeatedly, he contacted me to write a non-fiction book on how to promote books.

So I guess you could say that the non-fiction genres chose me, but I chose the fiction genres. I do believe it’s imperative that the author know what audience they are writing for before they begin writing that first page. To stay in this industry means you know what it takes to get the book into the hands of the reader—and that means you’ve clearly defined who your reader is.

The plot thickens, or does it? Which one are you, a pantser or a plotter? I am most definitely a plotter. I used to do all the things recommended for new authors—the index cards, writing the synopsis or the outline, etc. But now that I am writing two or three books per year, I find it flows. I begin with the crime and then I build the story around that, including the point of view that best fits that crime, the fatal flaw in the crime, and who best would serve as the antagonist. Sometimes the book will take an unexpected turn and I allow that to happen; but the “bones” of the book were definitely planned out.

Fear 101: As writers it is our duty to make our characters face their fears. Have you ever included one of your own fears in a storyline? I’ve found that most people are afraid of the unknown. My older sister used to tell me ghost stories and several members of my family have seen ghosts, including myself. So I did include that fear in the Black Swamp Mysteries series, especially in Vicki’s Key.

There was something about moving into a large, rambling old home with a mysterious woman confined to the third floor that Vicki never saw. And as the house came alive with ghosts, I often found myself looking over my shoulder and feeling someone’s presence just behind me or beside me.

I also have had a fear throughout my entire life of being kidnapped or captured. When I was writing Songbirds are Free about Mary Neely’s capture by Shawnee warriors, I had to confront those feelings of complete helplessness. The eeriest experience I had was standing on the banks of the Ohio River near Old Shawneetown, knowing that when Mary was led ashore there in 1780, she was surrounded by more than 2,200 Shawnee Indians. She was bound by her hands and ankles, and there was no hope of escape. She didn’t know if she would be tortured or killed. That was a heart-wrenching moment for me, and I still don’t know how she summoned the courage deep inside to survive her three years of captivity.

Fear 102: Yes, deadlines are terrifying. Have you conquered the juggling act between writing and the rest of your life? What do you do when it feels like the balls are dropping all around you? One of the myths I encounter repeatedly is that writers only write when they feel like it. That might be true if the author doesn’t have a contract. But when there is a set release date, there are dozens of people along the pipeline counting on me to make my deadlines—from the editors to the marketing and production teams.

I treat my writing career the same way I would if I worked in an office. I’ve seen people go to work from 9 to 5 (or longer) who were dealing with major traumas. And yet they managed to get their work done because it was what they were hired to do. I can’t do any less as a writer.

I do think it helps that my office is outside of my home (though on the same property). I compartmentalize, and when I reach my office I am ready for work. However, when I leave my office, the characters in my head don’t necessarily leave me!

Switch positions with one of your main characters in a scene. What is the outcome, disaster or divine intervention? I really like taking my characters to the brink of disaster. If the reader feels like the character will come out on top, where’s the suspense in that? They have to wonder what is going to happen and whether the protagonist is going to survive.

I believe that each one of us has the power within ourselves to overcome. So when my characters are brought to the edge of the cliff, they must summon something deep inside that prevents themselves from going over. It also isn’t enough to simply survive; they must win the battle.

Where is your favorite place to write? Add that one comfort food that you can’t do without. Oh, definitely that one comfort food is chocolate. I haven’t written a book yet without it. I especially love M&M’s and chocolate-covered raisins.

If there are others in my house, I will write in my office because it’s separated from the main house and I have complete solitude there. However, if the house is empty, on occasion I will slip into my living room with a laptop and write there. My living room contains seven aquariums (two more are in my bedroom) with freshwater angelfish. The main characters in the Black Swamp Mysteries series, Vicki Boyd and Dylan Maguire, are CIA operatives but they use an angelfish breeding business as their front. I find the fish are incredibly relaxing.

Writing inspirations? I find inspiration everywhere. I am an avid people watcher and I often pick up on traits that I weave through others to create memorable characters.

I chose the fish breeding business for my CIA operatives because I love angelfish but each time I began to talk about them, people’s eyes glazed over. So I thought that was the perfect CIA front because everybody would think they were too boring to be concerned with!

I also find a lot of inspiration in my surroundings. The Black Swamp Mysteries series takes place in the real town of Lumberton, North Carolina, where I make my home. From the black waters of the Lumber River that winds through the center of town… to the black swamps that are left behind after heavy rains… to the historical homes in the downtown district… there is an incredible amount of inspiration all around me.

You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them? I don’t have one favorite author, but I have favorite books. I am fascinated by those who write about ghosts and time travel, especially when romance factors in. I would love to know where those authors get their inspiration and story ideas.

I know two authors who spend part of each year writing in small Irish cottages, which is something I would love to do. I imagine I could find quite a bit of inspiration there!

I’ve gone mad – why don’t you come with me? Some people just don’t understand us writers. Name a quirky, writer-thing you do that friends wish you didn’t. A writer travels a fine line when a book is released. Everyone in the publishing chain behind me expects me to make that instant transition from solo writing to carnival barker, shouting about my latest release from every rooftop.

However, I’ve learned over time that family and close friends get tired very quickly of it. So the quirk I am trying hard to extinguish is discussing my latest release as a general topic of conversation. Doctors or lawyers shouldn’t discuss their patients or cases with their family or friends and I am trying hard to keep the marketing and promotional efforts compartmentalized… or I see that glazed look in their eyes!

 

Dylans Song Book Cover Banner copy

DYLAN’S SONG

By p.m. terrell

Blurb:  

Dylan Maguire returns to his native Ireland with psychic spy Vicki Boyd. Their mission: to locate and extract a CIA Agent who disappeared in Dublin while on the trail of a known terrorist. But when Dylan receives word that his grandmother is dying, he is plunged into a past he thought he’d left behind forever. His mission and the dark secrets he’d sought to keep hidden begin to merge into an underworld that could cost him his life. He must now confront his past demons and the real reason he left Ireland—while Vicki harbors a secret of her own.

Suspense Magazine says, “p.m.terrell’s writing is powerfully written and masterfully suspenseful; you have to hang on for the ride of your life.” Midwest Book Review says the Black Swamp Mysteries series is “page-turning action, unforgettable characters, breathtaking descriptions and unexpected plot twists.” And syndicated reviewer Marcia Freespirit says the series is “riveting, spell-binding, sexy and intense!”

 

 Excerpt:

It was a teeny room that was crammed full with only a double bed and a dresser. There were scant possessions; a mirror and hairbrush lay on the dresser beside two photographs of Dylan and his grandmother. There were no other people in any of the pictures and Vicki wanted to ask what had happened to his mother; why she didn’t appear in any of the photographs; and why there were no pictures of his grandfather.

Dylan leaned forward and gently tapped his grandmother’s shoulder. “Mam,” he said with a strange mixture of excitement and sorrow, “It’s me, Mick. I’ve come from America to see me best girl.”

The woman stirred, slowly at first. Her eyes opened and settled on the wall opposite her.

“I’ve come a long way to talk to ya, Mam,” Dylan chided gently. “Are ya gonna sleep the visit away?”

“Mickey,” she said suddenly.

“Aye,” he said, a broad smile spreading across his face.

She turned around to examine him. “Me Mickey,” she said, drawing her hands up to his face. He leaned in farther and kissed her on both cheeks. She didn’t seem to want him out of her grasp but when her hands slipped tiredly, he sat carefully on the mattress beside her and drew her hands into his lap.

She stared at him with intensely blue eyes. Her face was completely unlined and if it wasn’t for the translucent tone, she might have been forty years old. Her hair was very long, very thin and as white as snow. She grasped his hands with long, slender fingers that clearly showed her blue veins. “Now wouldn’t you be just the bee’s knees for these old eyes o’ mine? You always would be knowin’ how to buck up this old gal’s spirits.”

He reached across her narrow bed to retrieve the brush from the dresser. “You remember how I always loved to brush your hair?” he asked as he began brushing the long strands. He worked slowly, smoothing the hairs as he brushed so he didn’t pull on her scalp.

“And who might you be?” she asked suddenly.

Before she could answer, Dylan spoke. His voice was full of barely contained excitement. “I brought me girlfriend all the way from America to meet ya,” he said.

“Your girlfriend,” she said, smiling. Her entire face beamed when she smiled; her eyes became the same half-moon shape as Dylan’s and her nose crinkled. Lines that hadn’t been visible before now stretched from the outer corners of her eyes, further accentuating her good humor.

“I’m Vicki,” she said, leaning forward to rest her hand on the old woman’s arm.

“You’re the reason his smile is back,” she said.

Vicki glanced at Dylan, who was watching his grandmother with a gentle smile.

“Mickey is a good boy,” she said. “He’s always been a good boy. Don’t be allowin’ him to tell you otherwise.”

Dylan chuckled. “Mam always was an enabler.”

“You have the gift,” she went on, still eying Vicki.

“Excuse me?” Vicki laughed.

She pointed one long finger at Vicki. “The veil is thin in Ireland.”

 

pmterrell

Author Information:

p.m.terrell is the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 16 books. Vicki’s Key, one of the first books in the Black Swamp Mysteries series, was one of five finalists in the 2012 International Book Awards (Mystery/Suspense) and 2012 USA Best Book Awards (Mystery/Suspense.) River Passage, an historical work based on her ancestor’s migration to Fort Nashborough in 1779-1780, won the 2010 Best Fiction & Drama Award. The Nashville (TN) Metropolitan Government Archives determined it to be so historically accurate that they entered the original manuscript into their Archives for future researchers and historians.

Prior to becoming a full-time author in 2002, terrell founded and operated two computer companies in the Washington, DC area. Her clients included the United States Secret Service, CIA, Department of Defense and federal and local law enforcement. Her specialty is in the areas of computer crime and computer intelligence. Her experience in these areas have greatly influenced her books’ plots.

She is the co-founder of The Book ‘Em Foundation, whose slogan is “Buy a Book and Stop a Crook” and whose mission is to raise awareness of the link between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. She founded Book ‘Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair, an annual event to raise money to increase literacy and reduce crime.

For more information on Book ‘Em North Carolina, visit www.bookemnc.org and www.bookemnc.blogspot.com.

p.m.terrell’s website is www.pmterrell.com and her blog is www.pmterrell.blogspot.com.

She can be found on Twitter @pmterrell

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/author.p.m.terrell and https://www.facebook.com/pages/pmterrell/129318810431554.

Love Entwined on Paranormal Reads!

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I’m on Paranormal Reads where I talk soul mates and the writing journey. Come read the interview and excerpt.

http://paranormalreadsreviews.blogspot.com/2013/11/love-entwined-spotlight-excerpt.html

Rachel Brimble on Tour: The Seduction of Emily

seduction

The Seduction of Emily

by Rachel Brimble

Historical Romance

Publisher: eKensington

Release Date: April 1, 2013

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 225 pages

 

Available at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Seduction-of-Emily-ebook/dp/B00AKI4ISM/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theseductionofemily-1112073-237.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-seduction-of-emily-rachel-brimble/1113984015

BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-seduction-of-emily

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-seduction-of-emily

 

Description:

Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble’s captivating new novel. . .

Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father’s trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily’s fortune, and everything she values–except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.

Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother–the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy’s bewitching, spirited fiancé, Will’s plan changes.

Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .

 

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

 

Excerpt

His caught breath released in a low whistle. Attraction twitched his groin. “My God, tell me you’re not his.”

His gaze languidly travelled from the tip of the feather in the woman’s hat, to the glossy black hair curled and twisted beneath it. Her eyes were big and dark, her skin as smooth as glass over sweet apple cheeks. The vivid royal blue dress she wore was pulled in at a waist small enough to fit in his splayed hands, her stature poised and proud. She was exquisite.

Will smiled. Although her ample bosom was decently covered, the soft white netting revealed the faintest hue of her flesh. What he wouldn’t give . . . He forced his gaze upward and stiffened. She stared straight at him—and her mouth twitched with amusement. He pulled back his shoulders and flashed her a smile.

She didn’t lower her eyes as he expected.

Intrigued, he tipped her a wink.

A moment passed before she surprised him again. She did not turn away in disgust or demand Milne punch him to the ground; instead the minx winked straight back. Desire hit Will hard in the gut as a bubble of laughter tickled the back of his throat.

Who was she? He revelled in the tinge of pink staining her cheeks and suspected inside, she laughed right along with him.

Their secretly shared moment came to an abrupt end when her companion took her hand and placed it possessively in the crook of his arm. He led her in Will’s direction and Will bowed as they passed.

 

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About the Author:

I live with my fantastic husband, our two young daughters and my beloved black Labrador, Max in a small market town near the famous Georgian City of Bath.  Having always ‘played’ with writing, I didn’t seriously sit down and write toward publication until I became pregnant with my second daughter – then I told myself to get my butt in the chair and get on with it before she grows up and I’m forced to get a real job!

Lots of short stories followed as did lots of rejections!  I took a few distance learning courses, joined some online writers groups and basically, learned my craft.  Finally deciding short stories weren’t working for me (they are an art form in themselves!), in 2006 I decided to embark on my first novel and voila Searching For Sophie was born!  Since then, my other books have followed each year.

And when I’m not writing? You’ll find me with my head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with my family.  And in the evening?  Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused.

 

Connect with Rachel Brimble

Website: http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

Blog: http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441

 

Tour Schedule for The Seduction of Emily

October 21 – November 3

 

October 21:

A Little Fiction of Every Flavour – Promo, Excerpt

Romance that’s ‘Out Of This World – Promo, Excerpt

 

October 22:

Sleepless Nights Romance Reviews – Review

 

October 23:

Sweetie’s Contemporary Romance – Promo

 

October 24:

LOVE WITHOUT YOU – Excerpt

 

October 25:

Book Reviews by Xunaira J. – Promo

 

October 26:

The Avid Reader – Promo, Excerpt

 

October 27:

Lusty Penguin Reviews – Promo, Excerpt

 

October 28:

Babbling about Books and More – Review, Author Interview and Promo

 

October 29:

Reading Rainblog – Review, Excerpt

 

October 30:

Dalene’s Book Reviews – Promo, Excerpt

 

October 31:

Danita Minnis – Excerpt

 

November 1:

Readaholic’s Reviews – Review, Promo, Excerpt

 

November 2:

Crystal’s Many Reviewers – Review

 

November 3:

My Devotional Thoughts – Review

Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess – Review

Danita Minnis on Fantastic Forty – Interivew

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I always enjoy author interviews, a chance to get into an author’s mind and learn how they think. Today I am being featured on Jane Wakely’s Fantastic Forty. Stop by and get to know me in a fun interview here:

http://janewakely.blogspot.com/2013/10/fantastic-forty-danita-minnis-romance.html

Love Entwined Paranormal Palooza Giveaway!

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Halloween, one of my favorite times of the year – it’s almost here! Love Entwined is featured on Paranormal Palooza. Come on over for an excerpt and a giveaway. 🙂

http://writeawaybliss.com/love-entwined-a-cardiff-novel-book-2-by-danita-minnis/

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Rafflecopter code:

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Hot Halloween Heroes Giveaway Hop!

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Welcome to the Hot Halloween Heroes Giveaway Hop! Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card. Today we are going to take a look at the ghost of St. Clair Manor who waits to right the tragic history of the Cardiff family. Once the high priestess of il Dragone, the evil forces who stalk the Cardiffs through time, our spirit has sacrificed her life to in a desperate effort to save the Cardiffs. il Dragone is praying to their god it won’t work.

What powers would you wish for and would you give up your powers, to save a life?

loveentwined final cover

Amelie stared up at the yellow-gold satin fringe of the canopy on the four-poster.

“Beautiful, is it not?” The woman stood near the balcony doors. Her French was soft and seductive. Her face was in profile as she stared out at the black night. There was a single bedside lamp on and shadows clung to every corner but Amelie remembered those auburn curls tumbling down the woman’s back. “Everything in this manse is beautiful.”

Amelie glanced at the canopy fringe again and tried to form an answer, but no words came out. She wanted to see the woman’s face, and leaned up on her elbows. There was a dull ache between her eyes but she was more interested in the woman.

The wind whipped at the balcony windowpanes as the woman stared into the dark. The balcony doorknob rattled.

Amelie drew her eyes away from the windy night and whispered in French, “I am Amelie.” She cleared her throat, which was as smooth as sandpaper.

“Welcome.” There was amusement in the greeting. High cheekbones lifted with a smile.

She did not want to seem ignorant of the fact that Roman was married if indeed he was, and so she waited. The woman did not introduce herself and she would not look away from the howling night. The wind at the panes reminded Amelie of the lashing waves in her dreams…

“Hello, sleeping beauty.” Roman came through the bedroom door with a tray. He placed it on the nightstand. “You must have just woken. I brought you water.”

“Oh, thank you.” She sat up against the pillows and took the proffered glass. She drank half of it before he took the glass from her.

“Not too much. How are you feeling?”

“Fine. I was just talking to…” She glanced at the balcony doors, and blinked to clear her head. The woman was gone. The doorknob no longer rattled and the night was calm.

“Talking to whom?”

Amelie pointed to the double doors. “She was standing right there.”

“Anne?”

“No, a young woman. French. In a…some sort of dressing gown, I guess.”

“Caroline in a dressing gown? She’s much fonder of starched linen.”

“Your wife?”

“Not in this lifetime.” He chuckled. “The live-in maid.” He walked to the wall and turned the light switch on. “She’s not here now, and she’s not French.”

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Tag You’re IT Blog Hop!

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Thanks Lyncee Shillard for tagging me to take part in the Tag You’re IT blog hop! I in turn tag three other authors and invite them to answer the same questions for their Monday blogs.  They then tag 3 more authors, and so on and so forth till its one great big giant Tag-Along! Here goes!

 

1. What are you working on right now?

I have a couple of things going on: I’m finishing a vampire love story involving one of my favorite topics – reincarnation. Our live hero must make a choice; will he choose love or will he choose to stay alive?

I’m also excited about a ghostly love story that’s been rattling around in my head. Ideas simmered for a while and now I’ve finally started putting the story on paper. I’m getting some great ideas for this one with Halloween right around the corner; an old house, a lustful ghost and a prisoner on the loose who comes home to find buried treasure.

I’m still dreaming about my sci-fi romance. It’s an ambitious adventure as I have never written scif-fi but a daydream brought my heroine to me. This one is in the early stages. My heroine is very clear on who and what she wants and it’s just a matter of time until our more logical, time-traveling hero gives in during this post-apocalyptic adventure.

 

2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?

My approach to this sci-fi romance is to save Earth. I don’t think that is exactly unique from other stories – I would hope that many people would want to save the Earth! However, in this story I am going to try and bring Earth back to life after its gone. Like I said, early stages, and I love a challenge – we’ll see.

 

3. Why do you write what you do?

I like a little horror with my love stories. I was the kind child that said ‘what if?’ and would dream up all sorts of scenarios and alternative ways they could play out. I was always drawn to a haunting story that wouldn’t let you go, whether it was romance, horror or mystery. Influences like Hitchcock, Anne Rice and Stephen King really put me on the path of searching out my own tragic heroes and heroines.

 

4. How does your writing process work?

I thought for me it was all fly by the seat of my pants but I was wrong. I didn’t realize I had a process until I completed my second book. One thing or person, one kernel of an idea will simmer in me for weeks. It may come in casual day dreams or have me scrounging around for a pen quick to write it down. For example, with my first two books, I was clearly connected to the heroes and daydreamed dangerous encounters. For my new ghost romance, I am in sync with the three main players; the heroine, the ghost and the old house. I am always grabbing a pen to jot down something when one of the players come forward. It’s exciting and goes on for weeks until I feel I have enough to start writing the story. It may sound strange but I usually write the ending of the story first!

 

Here are the 3 authors I’ve tagged for this hop:

Angela Boudreau Searles

Eve Rabi

S Renea Mason

 

Have fun ladies – ready, set, GO!