Category: Blog Tour

New Release Blog Tour This Week!

I have a new release later this week (YAY!), and I’m ridiculously excited about it. It’s the first release of 2013 but I don’t plan on letting it be the last. To celebrate I’m going on a blog tour starting Wednesday (Jan. 9) and going through Monday (Jan. 14). Some of the posts include giveaways, some don’t. To be honest I don’t remember which is which. So if you want some cool swag, including a deck of cards from Ellora’s Cave, you’ll have to check them ALL out. 😉


Wednesday, Jan. 9th:

Thursday, Jan 10th (Release Day!):

Friday, Jan 11th:

Monday, Jan. 14th:

Interview at Jocelyn Dex’s blog

Wednesday, Jan. 16th:

Fiction Vixen

And don’t forget, if you want to meet me in person I’ll be at Katy Budget Books on January 19th signing Day Shift and They Call Me Death.

Do You Know Marianne Evans? (contest)

Today I’m happy to welcome another Inspirational Romance author to my blog. Marianne Evans has a new release coming soon titled Devotion. I absolutely love the cover!

You’re Writing About…WHAT?
Yep. Those four seemingly innocuous words came at me more than a few times as I created the story DEVOTION, releasing on October 15th from Harbourlight Books (part of the amazing publisher, Pelican Book Group!). Why, you may ask? Oh, nothing too out of the ordinary…just another day of being an author of Christian fiction and romance writing about adultery.

You read the word correctly, no need to scan back over it a few times. Adultery.
Before I wander into the topic of the “A” word, let me give you a frame of reference. Some background. First of all, there’s a misconception out there that Christian fiction and romance is, thankfully, beginning to overcome. What would that be? It’s the idea that books with a Christian world view and faith-centered themes are somehow out of step with modern culture and the reality of our world. Unrelatable.

There’s another misconception we’re blasting out of the water as well. It’s the idea that Christian novels are…well…shall we say…a cleverly masked sermon. I like to hope, and pray that the stories we tell apply to the life all of us lead with an uplifting message of hope and inspiration.

Now, I’ll step toward the topic of DEVOTION.

I’ll grant you, the idea of a Christian novel centered on the issue of adultery is unusual, but Devotion and the characters who drive it, stirred my heart and refused to be silenced. Kellen and Juliet Rossiter had a story to tell with powerful importance and impact. The idea of working on committed relationship, fixing what’s wrong and finding your way back to the love you share with your spouse appealed to me as a writer and a woman who’s been married for thirty years.

Marriage, like life, has seasons both good and bad. People you love, the vows you make, aren’t disposable. When the seasons of turmoil transform into the seasons of joy, you look back on the trials and share a knowing sense of connectedness and rejoice in all you have established together as husband and wife—a covenant, not just a contract.

I pray you enjoy Devotion and that it blesses you as creating it has blessed me!

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover
www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
Blurb:
From This Day Forward

Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.

Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that’s what she thinks.

For Better or Worse

But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?

‘Til Death Do Us Part

When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion. 

Book Info:

  • Paperback: 300 pages
  • Publisher: Harbourlight Books (October 5, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1611161649
  • ISBN-13: 978-1611161649

Author Bio:
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Evans’s novel, Hearts Communion, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors in the Romance category and readers have lauded her work as: ‘Riveting.’ ‘Realistic and true to heart.’ ‘Compelling.’ Evans has also won acclaim in such RWA contests as The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence where she has been a finalist twice, and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence.
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of Aneruca chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. She’s also active in American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Marianne is also giving away one ebook copy of Devotion to a lucky reader. Leave a comment below with your email address to enter. The winner will be chosen via random.org on 7/28. Good luck!

Do You Know J. C. Daniels?

Well, do you? If that name doesn’t sound familiar I’ll bet Shiloh Walker does. Both monikers belong to the same insanely talented author. I’ve been a fan of Shiloh’s since around 2007. If you’ve never read her contemporary romance then you are missing out! As for J.C., I plan to snatch up her work a.s.a.p.. So, without further adieu, I give you J.C. Daniels:

Hello!
I’m on a mad dash around blog land, promoting the release of my upcoming urban fantasy… I write romance—romantic suspense and paranormal romance under the name Shiloh Walker. My urban fantasy books will be released under the pen name J.C. Daniels, and while yes, there’s a romantic thread running through them, they aren’t romance. I…uh…well, I really liked a couple of the guys I met while writing the first two books and there’s also a guy I really, really hated…

Colbana.

The message popped up on my phone sometime past eleven that night.Sprawled on my bed, going bleary eyed as I combed through yet another batch of runaways, I grabbed the phone with one hand and flipped the sheet over me with my other. I was just barely fast enough.The door to my room opened a micro-second later.I was dressed. Workout shorts, a tank top, decent enough, but still. Studiously ignoring him, I read the message and tapped back a reply.

The one and only.

That’s a relief. Can’t handle two of you, Linc texted back. So, exactly why did you make a point of giving me your cell number when I’ve had it for three years now? I mean, I called you to ask you out about once a week for a year.

I smiled a little as I deleted the message before replying. Linc had picked up on that, all right.The shadow fell across my bed, although I didn’t hear him.Rolling around, I casually settled with my back against the headboard and glanced up. 

“Any reason you’re in my room?”

Damon leaned a shoulder against the bedpost, stared at me. “Who is the message from?”

“A guy.”

Black brows ratcheted up. “You really think you got time to mess with that shit right now?”

“Hey, when you got an itch…” I shrugged and sent Linc back a reply. 

Just need a favor. When the results come back on the kid, can you email me them to my old email? Not the current—somebody reads them over my shoulder right now. He’s also trying to read my texts, BTW.

I deleted that message as the asshole in residence pushed away from the bedpost and prowled closer.

Sure thing, gorgeous.

I rolled my eyes.Two seconds later, the phone was out of my hand.

“You asshole, give me my phone back.”

Damon read the message, then went to scroll back through the other messages. 

“Why are you deleting the messages?”

“None of your damned business!” I snapped. 

Rolling to my knees, I went to snatch the phone way.I stopped as he lifted a hand and rolled out of his reach in a backwards shoulder roll before he could so much as touch me. Coming off the bed, I kept it between us as I stared at him.He’d warned me there was a reckoning coming and while I figured it would happen sooner or later, I’d rather not have it happen just yet. My palm itched. Absently, I twisted it as the bones popped.Damon wasn’t messing with my phone anymore. He threw it down on the bed and glared at me.

 “Would you quit acting like every time I move, I’m going to attack you?”

Call me…I’m here, I’m here—

The sword was on my bed and the silver of it burned unnaturally bright.

He glanced at it and said, “If you even move toward that thing, I’m going to bend it into knots.”I curled my lip at him. “Like you could.”

He leaned forward. “Is that a dare, little girl?”

“No. It’s a plainly stated fact. Now…why don’t you do us both a favor and get the fuck out of my bedroom?” 

I jutted my chin out, rotated my wrist again as the itching and heat flared. The sword flashed brighter. I usually wasn’t this close to it without having it in my hand.I couldn’t help it, though. Ever since he’d spouted off that little piece about a reckoning, I’d been on eggshells, just waiting for whatever the hell he had in mind. If he thought he could leave another mark on me, damn it, I’d bloody him.

He leaped over the bed. I backpedaled and faded into nothingness, going invisible as he came for me.This was one time where his sense of smell might not help.The entire room smelled of me.

“Damn it, considering how mouthy you are, you’re a damned coward.” 

A smirk was on his lips as I brushed by him, just barely missing his outstretched hand. He moved back over by the bed and settled on the foot of it, that sly, Cheshire cat grin curling his lips as he reached behind him, closing his hand over the grip of my sword.My breath hitched in my chest.

Mine—

His eyes flickered my way. No, he couldn’t see me and tracking me by scent was harder. But he heard that, damn it. I couldn’t stop the way my heart reacted when he touched my blade. Couldn’t stop it.

“Don’t like seeing me play with your toy, huh?” He lifted her and caught the tip in his other hand. Muscles flexed. “How about if I twist it up a little?” 

Read more…Shiloh Walker/J.C. Daniels    

She’s also holding a contest! Enter to win some blades and books—check out the J.C. Daniels Book Tour! For a full list of the prizes and disclaimer, please visit the blog.


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Do You Know Mary Manners? (contest)

Today’s guest post is something very different from the norm. I’ve never posted Inspirational Romance here before, though I have read a few books in that genre. I’ve found them to be wonderful stories full of love and usually amazing characters. I hope you’ll agree with me and welcome today’s guest, Inspirational Romance author Mary Manners.

What Makes a ‘Good’ Bad Boy?
I’ve often wondered why women are so drawn to Bad Boys. I have a few of my own lurking in my past. My husband often jokes that he’s a Bad Boy, and I recently bought him a motorcycle just to keep the image intact.
When the idea for my debut contemporary inspirational romance, Mended Heart came to me, I knew I wanted to take a bad boy and turn him good (within the confines of 200 or so pages). What a daunting task! So, how does one ‘change’ a bad boy to good? First, one must understand the recipe for a bad boy:
Bad Boy Stew:
1 Overflowing Cup of Hidden Secrets
2 Heaping Tablespoons of Recklessness
1 Swollen Ego Mixed with a Rounded Teaspoon of Pride
A Dash of Insecurity
A sprinkle of Humor
Just a Pinch of Conscience
Garnish with Good Looks
Take the above ingredients and stir them well. Then add the girl he spurned in high school, who’s back in town with a vengeance. Blend them together and bake at high temperatures until he realizes she’s developed a backbone—and a sharp tongue. Throw their hidden secrets into the mix and let them churn for a while, then peek and see what’s cooking. Continue to let the contents mingle, watching for new developments. When the ingredients appear to be fully meshed and tender, remove from the heat and enjoy!
Now, it’s my firm opinion that every woman is drawn by a bad boy, but we also entertain the idea that deep down, somewhere in the depths of his reclusive heart, there’s a good boy just dying to get out. That’s what happened with Mended Heart. When the story opens, Shane Calkin is the proverbial rich kid in town. He runs with a wild, reckless crowd that shuns Jade McAllister…the poor girl from the trailer park whose father took off when she was a child.
But the passage of time—and a host of life-altering circumstances—set into motion subtle changes in both Shane and Jade. When they meet again, ten years later, on the steps of Pineyville Church, the ingredients they both bring to the recipe make them ripe for travel down a new path…into a fresh and exciting direction.
The most important ingredients in the Bad Boy recipe are the Hidden Secrets (what woman doesn’t like a few juicy secrets?) and the Pinch of Conscience…for this is what sets the desired change into motion. The sharing of secrets creates a strong bond between a man and a woman. And without at least the slightest Pinch of Conscience—which leads to a sense of loyalty when blended well with the other ingredients—there can be no real development or change.
Of course, it’s important to remember that a true Bad Boy always harbors just a hint of his wild nature along with the deep tenderness and loyalty that develops along the way. He’s willing—and ready—to fight to the death for the woman he’s grown to love. And, after all, a hint of Bad Boy, even when he’s good, is what keeps the excitement flowing!

-Mary Manners

http://www.marymannersromance.com/


Mary Manners is an award-winning author of inspirational romance who lives in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband and daughter. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
In her free time, she likes to garden, take long walks with her husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.
Product Information:
  • Paperback: 228 pages
  • Publisher: White Rose Publishing (October 5, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1611161665
  • ISBN-13: 978-1611161663

  • Mary is offering a Tour Wide Giveaway – Please enter by Rafflecopter – each commentator from each stop will be entered into a grand giveaway for a chance to win one of the two prizes up for grabs – a $50 Gift Card (Amazon/BN – winners choice) or  a print set of her (5) books (Wisdom Tree when it debuts in October). Winners will be chosen August 14th.

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And the Winner is…

First I’d like to thank everyone for following along on my blog tour for Two Dates Max. I had a lot of fun writing the book, and reading your thoughts on the story has been awesome. Second, I’m sorry I don’t have enough prizes for everyone. Some of you are very loyal and I sincerely appreciate it. I plan to keep giving stuff away all year.
So, without further ado, the grand prize winner of the tote full of books pictured to the left is…
Fedora! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
She was a wonderful blog hopper, commenting 15 separate times. It’s no wonder random.org chose her, lol.

And the Prize is…

So, if you’ve been following along on my Two Dates Max blog tour then you know there’s a grand prize at the end. Right? Well, there is. I finally got off my bottom and took a photo of it so everyone can know what’s up for grabs. If you haven’t left a single comment yet and decide you want in, it’s not too late. Go to the schedule listed here and click on any date to leave a comment before 10 am CST tomorrow, Wednesday, April 4th. I will announce the winner at noon.

WWWW: Shameless Self Promotion

Just in case you missed it, (where have you been? Under a rock?) I’m in the midst of a blog tour for my newest release, Two Dates Max. Today’s post is over at Cassandra Carr’s blog, where I interview Sean Maxwell from the story. Don’t forget to leave a comment there too. One winner will have their choice from my back list. Good luck!

New Release!!

I’m forgoing my usual Friday WTF? post because today I have a new release!! Two Dates Max is the sequel to Two-Week Trial. If you’ve read the first then you’re familiar with Sean Maxwell, Mari’s boss in retail hell. If not, check out the excerpt to get a taste of what he’s like:

“Hey, Sean. Here a little early today, huh?”
One thick brow lifted in surprise but the scowl remained. I batted my eyelashes playfully in an attempt to make him smile, but he just rolled his eyes.
“I left work early,” he growled.
“Oh? Everything okay in the world of retail?”
He looked conflicted, as if he couldn’t decide on whether to actually talk to me or not. I didn’t know why every conversation had to be a battle with him, but we were finally making progress and I wasn’t willing to give it up.
“Yeah. No… I don’t know. I’m just a little stressed out right now.”
My smile melted into genuine concern and I placed a hand on the fist he held clenched against the countertop. He looked down at my hand but didn’t pull away.
“You know, there usually isn’t anyone in the hot tub at this hour. Why don’t you lay off the weights today and go relax?”
When his gaze returned to mine there was genuine surprise. He unclenched his fist and turned his hand up, twining our fingers for one heart-stopping moment.
“That’s a great idea. Thanks, Megan.”
I smiled and slipped my hand from his to grab a towel. The loss of his skin against mine was like a slap but it was worth it to see appreciation in his gaze. He took the towel with a nod of thanks and walked away. My heart started beating again and I remembered to breathe. Something was weighing heavily on his mind and I wanted to know how to make it go away. A glance at the clock showed ten minutes until my replacement arrived. I usually left the gym right after working an early shift to go to the bookstore. I could spend hours there and usually more money than was wise, but it’s my only vice. This time I decided to stay and take a dip in the hot tub. After all, I needed some downtime too.
Twenty minutes later I peeked around the corner of the wall separating the women’s locker room from the coed pool area. The hot tub was on the other end of the room, so Sean would see me coming. I adjusted the straps on my one-piece, black bathing suit, wishing for the millionth time I had Elle’s body. I naturally kept in shape being an employee of the gym, but I’d always been athletic. Years of softball, volleyball and soccer had given me a teenage boy’s figure rather than a voluptuous woman’s. There wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it without surgery so I tried hard not to care.
Sean had his back to me, lounging in the hot tub with the jets on high. His eyes were closed and my bare feet made almost no sound. We were alone, though there were two men in the pool swimming laps. I entered the water slowly so my body could acclimate to the higher temperature. It was divine. I didn’t normally take time to enjoy most of the gym’s perks, but this was one time I just couldn’t stay away.
I must have splashed or gasped, or something to announce my presence, because when I looked up from taking the final step into the water Sean’s intense blue gaze was on me. I froze and smiled weakly, my nerves going into overdrive at joining him uninvited. Was I being too bold after barely getting him to agree on the barbecue? He remained silent with a blank look on his face as I took a seat opposite him, a full leg’s length away. I’d piled my dark-brown hair into a haphazard knot at the top of my head. It’s so thin, I usually can’t get it to stay in a neat braid. I silently prayed it didn’t look too messy.
“Mmmm, this feels great, huh? Definitely relaxing,” I said.
He didn’t reply and I fought to keep my natural smile in place. I made a show of looking around, as if seeing the pool area for the first time. I didn’t come in here often, so it wasn’t completely for show. Sean didn’t say a word or move a muscle.
An eternity later, in reality only about seven minutes, the two men in the pool left. Sean and I were completely alone, but I didn’t expect to stay that way in the middle of the afternoon. I lounged back against the hot tub and clasped my hands behind my head, closing my eyes. I was actually relaxing and enjoying the solitude when something brushed my foot. I opened one eye to see Sean standing and my pulse leapt. I wanted to jump up and grab him but decided looking that desperate was uncalled for. If he wanted to leave, fine.
I let my lid drop back down and he brushed against my calf. I’m on the short side, so I didn’t understand how my legs could possibly be in his way. However, if Sean wanted to touch my bare skin I was all for it. Even after that thought, his rough hands on my upper thighs jerked me fully upright. My eyes flew open and were filled with his lightly furred chest. I looked up to see him well within my personal space, and slowly inching slower. My breath caught in my lungs and I watched in fascination as his gaze zeroed in on my lips and stayed there. He was going to kiss me and I was going to let him.
All rational thought disappeared the moment his lips touched mine. I didn’t give a damn about being in a public place, where I worked and could potentially be seen by my boss. I wrapped my arms around Sean’s neck and pulled him in tight, afraid to let go when I finally had him where I needed him. He didn’t seem to want to escape as he explored my mouth with his expert tongue. His taste, mint and coffee, filled my senses and I moaned in delight.
His hands had moved to my hips and he tightened his grip to pin me in place. I wasn’t going anywhere, but his forcefulness ratcheted up my arousal and I wrapped my legs around his hips. He finally pulled back but didn’t try to move away. I caught my breath and looked up into his eyes.
“I really needed that,” he whispered.
Want more? Buy it today from Ellora’s Cave here.Are you following along on my blog tour? Be sure to leave a comment at each stop for the chance to win your choice from my back list. I’ll choose today’s winner tomorrow morning via random.org. Please include your email address in your comment. Plus all commenters will be entered for the grand prize of a Missy Jane tote full of gently used books!