Posts Tagged ‘humor’

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Welcome to my stop on the Book Blast for Vegas Vacation.

After you read the synopsis and fun excerpt, enter the giveaway to win some great prizes.

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BLURB:

It’s spring break, and a group of teachers from Half Moon Bay Middle School are planning to cut loose. History teacher Meg Phillips hadn’t planned on being one of them—Vegas isn’t really a town for a bookworm—but somehow she let her friend Anne talk her into it.

Though honestly, she’d rather indulge in some poolside reading than co-star in an R-rated edition of Teachers Gone Wild.

It took some major arm twisting for Finn Walsh to convince his fellow gym teacher, Anne, to do whatever it took to get Meg to Vegas. For over a year he’s been looking for the chance to get to know her outside of work. He’s drawn to her quiet beauty and intelligence—and the hint of fire beneath her understated exterior.

When he finally gets the opportunity to peel away those layers, the result is far more explosive than he ever fantasized. Now to convince her that the week isn’t a wildly out-of-character mistake, but the start of something amazing…

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EXCERPT

 

Meg got stuck in the middle seat on the plane.

She should have known it was a bad sign. The seventh grade science teacher, Carla, dumped her rum and Coke all over Meg’s white shirt and tan capris on the flight to Vegas. No amount of dabbing in the miniscule airplane bathroom had managed to get the sticky stain out or removed the stink of distillery that floated in a cloud around her.

Awesome start to the vacay.

She slumped in her seat, feeling disgusting, and cranked up the volume on her iPod to drown out the two English teachers’ giggling. How had she let Anne talk her into this? How could her three best friends have conspired against her this way? She could be home with a glass of wine—in her hand and not on her clothes—reading the new Cleopatra biography, sitting in the wicker chair on her balcony with her feet propped on the railing. She clenched her teeth as turbulence made the plane shudder and her stomach flip.

Thank God this was a short flight.

Thirty minutes later, she was waiting for her luggage to come around the carousel. The flash of bright lights and jarring sounds from the slot machines made her head ache. The cacophony seemed to permeate every inch of the airport. She really should have stayed home and played a hermit—it had to be more fun than this. The rum and Coke had formed a stiff crust in her shirt, bra, and capris. All she wanted right now was a hot shower in the hotel. Her stomach rumbled loudly—a reminder that she’d been trapped in the plane during lunchtime. Food would be good too, but cleaning up and a new set of clothes came first.

She refocused on the luggage carousel just in time to see her bag go trundling past her. Leaning forward, she made a grab for it. And missed. “Crap!”

“Got it.” Finn plucked the heavy suitcase from the conveyer belt as if it weighed nothing.

Of course, it had to be him who came to her rescue. The smile he gave her was enough to melt any woman’s resistance and leave her panting after him. With his auburn hair, laser blue eyes, and body to die for, he was too gorgeous for words, and he clearly knew it. She stiffened her spine when he beckoned her toward him. She knew she needed to retrieve her bag, but getting anywhere near the man was a hazard to her mental health.

She wanted him. It was as simple and as complicated as that. She wanted to use his very fine body as her personal jungle gym. All night long. This kind of visceral reaction to anyone was completely foreign territory for her, but her hormones did a tango every time he was nearby, reminding her it had been a very long while since she’d made time to go on a date, let alone get laid.

 

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

Giveaway

Crystal will be awarding 5 digital copies of her backlist story, “All Tangled Up” to randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a grand prize pack of a copy of “All Tangled Up”, a $10 Amazon or BN gift card, and a Vegas-inspired playing card necklace to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

So leave a comment for Crystal. Something about the cover or the book or just say hello!

Prize

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

CrystalJordanAuthorPhoto

Crystal Jordan is originally from California, but has lived all over the United States. Currently, she serves as a librarian at a university in her home state, and she writes contemporary, paranormal, futuristic, and erotic romance. Her publishers have included Kensington Aphrodisia, Harlequin Spice Briefs, Ellora’s Cave, and Samhain Publishing.

Links:

Website: http://www.crystaljordan.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/crystaljordan

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrystalJordanFanPage

Buy links will be added to the book’s page on my website as they become available: http://www.crystaljordan.com/books/vegas-vacation

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
~

My tease for today is from A.M. Hargroves newest release Kissing Fire.

Now available!

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Releasing April 15th!

This scene is from when Avery is interrogated by the airport gestapo! I had to include most of it as I loved it.

“How can you explain this?” one asked as he held up the wrapped box.

“The present from Melissa?”

“Don’t be a smart ass with us Miss. What is your name?”

“Avery Middleton.”

“Miss Middleton. How can you explain this?”

“It’s a gift from Melissa.”

The FBI guy groaned and rubbed his head. The door opened again and another TSA agent came in with one of those big German Shepherd guard dogs. The dog came up to me and I reached out my hand to pet it. I thought it was a handsome looking dog and I’d always loved animals.

“Hi there fella,” I said.

The damn thing nearly took my hand off as it growled and snapped at me, while the agent pulled it back by its leash. I screamed at the top of my lungs and everyone jumped to their feet as the room broke out in chaos. I leaped up on the table fearing the beast was going to chow down on me for lunch, as it was now foaming at the mouth while his saliva was gushing out and pooling on the floor.

“Are you all trying to kill me or something?” I hollered.

“That’s a bomb sniffing dog! You’re not supposed to pet the damn thing. It’s trained to attack!”

“Well, it would’ve been nice if ya’ll had told me! Dern, it nearly ate my arm!”

“It did not!”

“Did too! What kind of place are ya’ll running here?”

Leave it to Anne to have me laughing at and loving Avery.

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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To Tame a Montana Heart Button 300 x 225

I love a series. You get to see your favorite characters grow and get into and out of all kinds of situations. Each new book is like meeting old friends again. You feel instantly comfortable, like you’ve never been apart.

I look forward to seeing the Montana Girls and their guys again.

To Tame a Montana Heart
Montana Girl Series, Book One

Dawn Luedecke

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Genre: Western Historical

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

ISBN-10: 1612172016

ISBN-13: 978-1612172019

ASIN: B008MZR7DS

Number of pages: 308

Word Count: 87,193

Cover Artist: Tina Lynn

The Wild Rose Press ebook             The Wild Rose Press print

Amazon kindle edition  Amazon paperback edition

Barnes and Noble ebook

Book Description:

Running from a past of privilege, deceit, and danger, Travis Simms is ready to settle down. What better place to forget all he left behind than the quiet little Montana town of Lolo   Hot Springs? His goal is clear — build a hotel and his own destiny without complications —until one of the town’s most troublesome women captures his attention.

Dusty Larson is hell bent on independence, helping her sister run the Triple D Ranch. She can do anything a man can, and do it better, so she certainly doesn’t need one in her life. The only problem is she seems to attract bad luck and danger…and Travis. Can he tame her wild ways and keep his bachelor status intact — or does he risk losing his heart?

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhBEPCsswTs]

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Excerpt

She watched him with care. “I don’t know if I love you. I like you, a lot, but I don’t have the slightest idea what love feels like.”

 Travis’ smile grew slowly across his face. “I understand. I’m not sure if I love you or not, but I also don’t think I could live without you. So you will always have that.” His voice was almost a whisper when he said the last.

“Truly?” Her voice cracked and she had to force herself to breathe easy.

“Truly.”

She inclined her head and took two brisk steps toward him. She leaned over and kissed him with all the fever of a thousand fires. He reached up and intertwined his hand through her hair to hold her still as he plundered her mouth.

She released him with a shaky breath and jumped back to turn on her heels. “Put something nice on. I’ll be back with a preacher man.”

“You know, I heard you only have to say ‘I marry you’ three times and then you’re hitched.”

She threw him a sassy look and slammed the door shut.

My review

To Tame a Montana Heart fed my hunger for a lighter, more humorous read.

Welcome to Lolo Springs.

Dusty comes from a large family. Lolo Springs is a small town. Impropriety is frowned upon and Dusty, along with a few of her sisters and her younger brother, give the town enough to raise their eyebrows.

Dusty and her younger brother, Dalon, help DeEtte run the Triple D Ranch. Something else frowned upon by the town gossips. Women get married, have babies, and tend the home. They don’t run around in men’s pants, doing men’s work.

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That doesn’t stop Dusty. She shoots like Annie Oakley and can bust broncos as well as any man. And she has a passion for fishing. That’s how she gets in a pickle with newcomer, Travis.

Travis doesn’t realize he’s in a race when he joins two riders running their horses on the plain. He loses by a nose and the pert, sassy, woman on her black stallion claims his horse. He laughs it off, but later his horse disappears.

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He later encounters her again, fishing in his stream. He spots his horse and sneaks around to get him. Then he decides to have some fun with her and fines her for trespassing. He takes her catch of fresh fish and leaves, chuckling.

Thus begins the game of who can keep the horse and the beginning of a romance.

I loved Travis and Dusty. He’s the jilted man and she’s the independent tomboy. What a match.

Dusty’s siblings go from refined, to rebellious and independent in character, with one older sister even becoming a bounty hunter. Scandalous!

With trying to complete the building of the hotel, run the Triple D Ranch, bust the broncos for delivery, deal with the rustlers that stole their herd, and the threat of an Indian uprising, their’s never a dull moment for these guys.

It was really fun to see Justine, the prim, older sister, let her hair down and even put on some pants. The author has set this up perfectly to feature different siblings in their own stories. It’s great this is a series.  I’ll read every one and have a rip-tearing time.

To tame a Montana Heart is relaxing and funny and reads like a swift flowing stream. Sit back and enjoy.

Four shiny spurs.

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About the Author:

Dawn Luedecke

A country girl born and bred, Dawn Luedecke has spent most of her life surrounded by horses, country folk, and the wild terrain of Nevada, Idaho and Montana. As a child she would spend many afternoons reading books, watching western classics, and Rogers and Hammerstein movies.

When she grew up she decided to leave the quiet country life for a chance to find adventure by serving a successful tour in the United States Coast Guard. During that time she found her soul mate (and alpha male) and started a family and writing career. She enjoys writing historical and paranormal romance and spends as much time as she can working on her current manuscript.

For more information visit www.dawnluedecke.com

Adam Light is here to offer his short story, Way Out Of Here, as a free read on Goodreads.

I’ll let him tell you about it.

For the entire month of April, I will have the e-book for my highly rated short story Way Out Of Here available for free on Goodreads. Simply follow this link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17… and click on the read book tab under the cover picture and you can read this story for free. It can also be downloaded to your e-reader.
I decided to do this as a “Thank You” to all the wonderful people on here who have given me support over the last year, or for those who have not read any of my work as a free introduction to it. Thanks for checking it out. Don’t forget, I’m not begging for reviews or ratings, but if you have opinions you would like me to hear, I would be eager to hear them. If you like what you read, feel free to tell your friends about me. Thanks!

Go here to read his dark,humorous, short horror story now!

Way Out Of Here

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Gordon Delanolan goes by the name  of Nolan. He’s one of those rare people. One of the lucky few. He struck gold, winning $50 million in the lottery. After doing right by family, sailing the world, and doing everything his heart desires, he’s bored. And unhappy. He wonders if he’ll every be truly happy.

You know that feeling you get, like something’s about to happen? Well, that’s how Nolan’s feeling.

It starts with the stomach cramps. So bad he’s wondering if somethings ripping him apart from the inside out, sending him to his knees to pray to the porcelain god.

When things seem to be calming down and Nolan is about to drift off into la la land, IT happens.

A voice comes out of nowhere, startling him awake.

“Nolan!” it said.

What the hell? Was he dreaming?

Then he hears it again!

“Nolan, go the bathroom,” it said.

Nope, he’s not dreaming.

At first he tries to ignore the voice. But it proves, with excruciating pain, to be impossibe. IT won’t be ignored.

I just love Adam’s mind. It takes you out there, way out there. I would love to see his stories as episodes on Twilight Zone.

Nolan has a voice coming out of his navel. Yep, his navel and that’s not all! I wish I could see the expression on your face right now. And also when you get to the “out of” part in this story. The voice is only the beginning of what happens to Nolan.

This story is like a dream. One you want to wake up from, but, at the same time, you want to see where it’s going. Know what I mean? It stayed with me for a while, like I just woke up and the feelings lingered.

5 Stars for taking me into the “out of.”

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I’ve read all of Adam’s books.

My Review

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My Review

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My Review

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My Review

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Corpus Corruptum ~ Written by Adam & Evans Light

Review coming soon.

About the author

Adam   Light

Besides being the best father and husband I can be, my ultimate goal in life is writing horror fiction that will knock people’s socks off.

I began the journey into writing for the public in the fall of 2011, and I have not looked back since. I admit that I got a late start on it, as I am pushing 40 now, but I believe that an eleventh-hour commencement is preferable to none at all.

I have self-published five short stories to date. The most recent one entitled THE CONTINUANCE AGENCY is the first chapter in a planned series still in progress. This one is a departure for me, and comes as a refreshing turning point in my writing. I look forward to writing longer works, my long term goal being to write full length novels.

I have been humbled and emboldened by all the positive responses to my stories, and thus encouraged to continue my quest. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed my work, giving an unknown author such as myself a chance to unleash my madness upon you.

Goodreads

Amazon

Today’s post is going to be a little different!

I won Shadow of the Oak by Eric Edstrom from a giveaway on Sherry’s blog fundinmental.

I’ve read his Undermountain Saga and this is a bit different.

Young folks and us older folks will love this first chapter in the Sal Van Sleen Series. I did!

For today I am doing an interview with Cole, my son. He read the book and we had a lively discussion about it. He’s 18 years old and I thought it would be fun for you, the readers, to get both of out thoughts about it.

To add to the fun, Eric is offering three paperbacks to three lucky winners! You can enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post. But don’t skip ahead. This interview is fun!

Shadow of the Oak (A Sal Van Sleen Adventure)

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Mushkobewun, WI, 1986

My name is Sal Van Sleen. I live in Boringsville, Wisconsin, also known as Mushkobewun. To give you an idea of how little is going on in this town, consider that my friend Billy and I pretty much spend our summers messing around at the Little Hickory dam.

Exciting, huh?

That was until my girlfriend’s little sister, Chrissy, got abducted by a nasty, supernatural … thing.

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t just let something like that go…

My Review

I felt like a kid again! Eric’s written a story that takes you back. For me, way back! I used to hang out at a decrepit bridge on the bank of a creek near my house when I was young.

I still remember the sounds of water tumbling over rocks, seeing butterflies and dragonflies flitting through the tall reeds. And the cattails, oh those glorious cattails. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on those. Used to whack each other with them and come home with fluffy white seeds all in our hair.

What we didn’t have was the thing in this book. It’s mean and nasty and not to be toyed with.

When it attacks Chrissy, she ends up contaminated by it and is lying in the hospital.What started as a fun day at the dam, discussing comic book strategies, becomes a journey to capture or kill the creature, and hopefully find a cure for Chrissy.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Sal, Billy, and Becca.They are very different from each other, and while that causes friction at times, they do stick together where it matters. True friends through thick and thin.

Once Billy and Becca believe Sal’s story of the creature, they put their heads together and come up with a plan that lands them in the pickle of all time!

I loved this story. I want more!

And now, enjoy the interview!

So tell me Cole, how did you like Shadow of the Oak?

Cole:  I thought it was great! It read really fast and felt like I was watching a movie, something like Goose Bumps.

Me:  I loved it too. I could see it all so clearly. Wish you could have seen the creek where I grew up. You’d really get a sense of the area these guys hung out at and how easily you could believe in this creature being there.

Is there a character you liked the most and why?

Cole:  Yes, Billy. He felt like the most complex of the trio. Liked his view of Becca changing, changing…throughout the book.

Me:  I’d have to say Sal. He stuck to his guns about the creature, even when his friends didn’t believe him. Also, I had fun watching him fumble around with his crush on Becca.

What made you laugh?

Cole:  Billy, when he was designing the dresses instead of working on the comic books.

Me: That was funny. What made me laugh was Becca and how she knew these two boys way better than they thought.

Was it a fast read? Easy to follow?

Cole: Yes, very fast and creative. Read it in about an hour and didn’t want it to end yet.

Me: Yeah, took me about that long too. It just flew by and now I wish I could rush over to Amazon and get more!

What was your favorite part?

Cole:  When the monster started to go up…oops, can’t tell you that.

Me:  I know! That was crazy. I remember you saying how hopeless the situation was.

Would you read more of this series?

Cole:  Yep. I’m curious as to what could possibly happen after the Chupacabra incident.

Me:  Me too. Wonder what kind of pickle they could get into next.

What would you like to see happen in the next book?

Cole:  I would like to see how Sal’s dad could be thrown into the mix.

Me:  Good one. He does seem to share something special, almost secret, with Sal. As for me, I’d like to see something happen at the dam again, maybe some kind of sea monster the next time.

Cole’s rating ~ 5 Chups!

       

My rating ~ 5 Chupies!

       

Well, there you have it folks! We both agree on some things and definitely agree that we loved the book!

Giveaway

Eric has offered three paperbacks for my giveaway!

US Only. Sorry to my International friends.

To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question, Can you remember the first book you read?”

Giveaway ends Feb. 28th.

Thank you and Good Luck!

Wait a minute!

This just in!

Eric has a sale going on right now on Amazon!

You can purchase Undermountain, the first book in The Undermountain Saga, for 99 cents right now on Amazon!

And another thing!

He’s also having a giveaway on Goodreads!

 Book Giveaway

Winners will get all three books!

UndermountainCover

The UndermountaiN Saga by Eric Edstrom

Giveaway ends March 18, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

About the Author

Eric Edstrom

Eric is an author, songwriter, husband, father, and guitarist. He is the author of Undermountain, Afterlife and Starkiller, the YA science fiction series The Undermountain Saga.

Eric loves working out with kettlebells and eating pretty much anything with peanut butter.

Eric has a featured article just published: http://www.kalkion.com/news/1736/scie…

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5408492.Eric_Edstrom

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

Facebook.com/erickentedstrom

www.ericedstrom.com

Books by Eric Edstrom.

Click on the covers to purchase.

Sal Van Sleen Series

Undermountain Saga

A.M. Hargrove’s brand “spankin” new release!

Shattered Edge

An Edge Novel

17339105

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I don’t normally use the descriptions for a book. I prefer to write my own. In this instance, I’m going to because I want to spend more time telling you about how I felt after reading Shattered Edge.

Description from Goodreads

Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned…

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him…six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done.

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Lets talk.

I hope you like your romance hot and steamy, cause that’s what you’re going to get in this book.

In the first Edge Novel, Edge of Disaster, the heart came first and the racy sex scenes came later.

Not so in Shattered Edge. Once Terri decides to give Justin another chance, it’s right to bed!

I have a fan attached to the top of my headboard for my bed and it came in handy. Not in the way you think! It put the flames out when the hot bedroom scenes set fire to my Kindle.

I felt so sad for Terri. Recovering from her car crash has taken a long time and she still has a ways to go. Her beautiful leg is so scarred and battered. It’s really knocked her for a loop. And then to have Justin do the dirty with two bimbos just shattered her.

Taking Justin back was a big risk, but I was so happy she did. I felt they belonged together, if they could just move on from the past and forgive.

Justin really screwed things up. He wallowed in self blame and did some stupid crap. Thank God Alexia let him have it and set him on the straight and narrow.

He’s now determined to win Terri back and goes to some really daring lengths to do so.

The author’s writing is so visual, I could see him sneaking into Terri’s house, tiptoeing to her bedroom and softly lying down beside her in the bed.

She bolted up into a sitting position and started yelling.

“Sshh, it’s me, Justin,” I said as I sat up and tried to assure her she was safe.

“No it’s not.”

She swung her fist and hooked me in the jaw. Damn that hurt too.

Good for her. He deserved it. He’s real lucky she didn’t have time to grab the pepper spray hidden under her pillow!

They talked, they haggled, and finally Terri proposed a six month trial period. Justin will have to prove himself or it ends. And with the many following pages, they made up for lost time.


When Terri’s brother, Preston, arrived on the scene, this story took a dark and scary turn. Weird things started happening and it became a mystery to me.

So, we have a hot and steamy romance, a chance to patch things up, and now, a mystery. This is a recipe for a thrilling, hold on to your boot straps, new chapter in The Edge Novels.

I’d hurry up and get your copy! It just released today and you can start reading it tonight! Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Keep a fan nearby:)

Five Steamy Stars!

You can read about Alexia and Pearce in Edge of Disaster.

Edge of Disaster

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Description

Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

Go here to read my review.

About the author and her books.
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A.M. Hargrove

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.” “Boss, is that you?” “Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?” “Er… right.  Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.” “Why ever would I want to do that?” “Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?” “Sure… Having some car trouble?” “Not at all.  I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.” “WHAT?!” “It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Author links:

   Blog        http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com/
   Twitter      http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1

Goodreads   http://www.goodreads.com/amhargrove1

Click on images to purchase the books

 The Guardians of Vesturon Series

The Praestani Novels

More books by A. M. Hargrove

 

First off, check out this cover art! Is it not delicious?

Edge of Disaster

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Now that your done drooling over the cover, I’ll tell you about the story.

Alexia’s hit rock bottom. Too much booze and drugs and bad moves.

Her best friend, Terri, has had enough of her crap.

Shit Lex. What’d ya do now?”

Terri loves Lex, but enough is enough.

I won’t say a word other than this shit has got to stop. You’re going to end up dead one day.”

Alexia takes a long, hard look at herself, facing some really ugly memories of crazy, dangerous situations she’s been in. She makes a promise to Terri and to herself. This stops now.

She lives in a carriage house, working part-time for the owner, Lisbeth, a blue-haired dynamo, and waitresses nights at an upscale restaurant.

One night, when Alexia arrives at work, she finds she’s working a large party from the Medical University.

She methodically works the group, taking orders, when a voice causes her to look up from her order pad into a set of smoky gray eyes. She keeps looking, completing her examination of his face and feels a stirring inside herself, an awakening, like from a deep sleep.

Quickly getting a grip, she works the group, trying to keep it together. It seems he was going out of his way to monopolize her attention. And it was working. Boy, was it ever.

The evening ends smoothly and smoky eyes, Pearce, makes a point of thanking her and giving her a hefty tip along with his card. Written on the back, “Please call me. I’d like to take you out to dinner some time. PM

Alexia turns the card over. Whoa. He’s a trauma surgeon. She keeps the card, but doesn’t plan on calling him. He doesn’t need to get involved with her. She’s a wreck and not ready to date anyone yet.

She nonchalantly asks Lisbeth if she knew the Middleton’s. Turns out Pearce is the grandson of her close friend, Avery.

Lisbeth cares a lot about Alexia, would like to see her get out there and live again, move on from the past. She’s going to have to give Avery a call.

Fate steps in and Alexia bumps into Pearce and after much cajoling by him, agrees to have drinks. His smoky eyes entrance her and his sultry voice and charm seduce her.

He had a perfectly beautiful smile on his face and I couldn’t help but smile back.

What?” he asked.

“What what?” I tried to deflect his question.

“What’s that look about?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize I had a look.” Now only the corner of his mouth turned up. I wanted to sit on his lap and run my fingers through his hair and kiss that corner of his mouth.

“What?”

“What? Me?”

“Yeah you. You had  a look on your face.”

I was grinning ear to ear while reading this part and there’s plenty more.

She refuses to go on a date. Giving no explanation. Inside, she feels unworthy, dirty. Her shaded past rises up to haunt her. So they part ways, leaving Pearce frustrated and determined.

As Alexia is walking down the street, she’s viciously assaulted and when she comes to, she’s tied and gagged, with no idea where she is. She hurts all over. Voices from the other room grow closer. They enter the room and from their lewd comments she knows she’s about to be raped. One advantage she has is they have to untie her legs to do that and when they do she unleashes everything she’s got. Kicking and thrashing, she’s not going to just lie there and take it. Finally, one of them’s had enough and knocks her out.

When she comes to, she’s in an ambulance being rushed to the hospital. They just dumped her on the side of the road and some strangers found her and called for help. She has a skull fracture, broken wrist, fractured ribs, a ruptured spleen, and two stab wounds.

Pearce can’t believe his eyes when they rush her into the ER. He should never have let her walk away earlier. Now look at her. As he’s emotionally involved, he has another surgeon do the surgery but does what he promised Alexia. He holds her hand all through the procedure.

Pearce is a goner, just doesn’t know it yet.

There was something about her that I couldn’t get out of my mind. The way she walked, talked, moved, everything. I just wish she’d give me a fucking chance and I’d show her the world.”

Yep. He’s a goner!

So, the romance begins. Alexia moves on, finally able to push aside her feelings of unworthiness and forgive herself about Peter’s death. They were arguing because she didn’t want to get married. She stormed off and got in her car. Peter followed and they were shouting and screaming at each other when she lost control of the car and it crashed. She survived, but Peter didn’t. Her own family blamed her and shunned her when she needed them most.

This explains her slide to the bottom, but now Alexia has found love again, with sexy, smoky eyes, Pearce.

I had so much fun meeting Pearce’s family. His parents are as gooey eyed over each other as the day they met and his brother, Justin, another hunk, is sarcastic and funny. My kind of guy.

Wait until you meet Terri, Alexia’s best friend. She puts herself out there. No wallflower there. And fierce, like a tiger, when it comes to Alex. Pearce will have to pass her inspection.

Who wouldn’t want someone like Pearce. He’s so loving and supportive of Alexia and Lord help the one who hurts her.

Alexia may have done some stupid things, but who hasn’t. Her crappy family just used and dumped her and if it weren’t for Terri, she may well have died.

This isn’t a sweet little romance. Dark things happen. But then there’s the well placed humor to lighten the mood, and the smoldering, sensuous, beyond the bedroom door, scenes will leave you gasping.

 While I became so distracted in this delicious romance, I kind of forgot some of the other stuff and got so damned mad in one part! The author doesn’t leave anything unanswered and I wish I could express myself better. I felt Alexia’s shame, hopelessness, and desperation along with her euphoria and glee.

A scene I loved.

“You’re spectacular. You’ve a mouth made for kissing and a body made for love. You’re the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen. You’re skin is like silk…so soft and smooth and your hair. Dark chocolate…to match your eyes. Warm and inviting. You’re ravishing. And you’ve charmed the pants off me. See?”

Hotter than molten lava, with depth and loveable characters. Five Stars from me!

On Valentines Day I’ll be back to tell you about Shattered Edge.  It’s Terri’ story, but you’ll get to see Alex and Pearce again!

Feast your eyes on this!

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Description

Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned…

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him…six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done.

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Mark your calendar. Shattered Edge releases on Valentines Day!

About the author and her books.
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A.M. Hargrove

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.” “Boss, is that you?” “Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?” “Er… right.  Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.” “Why ever would I want to do that?” “Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?” “Sure… Having some car trouble?” “Not at all.  I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.” “WHAT?!” “It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Author links:

   Blog        http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com/
   Twitter      http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1

Goodreads   http://www.goodreads.com/amhargrove1

Click on images to purchase the books

 The Guardians of Vesturon Series

The Praestani Novels

More books by A. M. Hargrove

  Coming Feb. 14th. Shattered Edge. Just in time for a valentine!

Yummy! Yummy! I can’t wait to read the newest release from A.M. Hargrove!

Feast your eyes on this!

Shattered Edge

Description

Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned…

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him…six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done.

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Excerpt

Terri

My best friend was getting married in ten minutes. I was about to walk down the aisle as her maid of honor and I’d never been so nervous in my entire life. My palms were pretty much dripping water and I only hoped my dress wasn’t stained beneath my arms, because I was sure that about right now I was having massive antiperspirant failure. I had practiced walking in these shoes for two solid weeks at physical therapy. My therapists had convinced me (I actually made them pinky swear to me) that I could do this. At this moment I was quite certain that they had fed me some boldfaced lies. I knew when I took my first few steps, that I would stumble, then my bad leg would give out, and I would go rolling instead of walking down that aisle.

Crap in a handbasket!

I looked at Tana, the wedding director, and she nodded, signaling it was my turn. My grip tightened on my bouquet of fresh cut flowers. I was surprised the damn stems weren’t crushed by now. No doubt my fingers would be green by the time the ceremony was over.

My left foot went out, followed by my right. Okay, I had this. I repeated this mantra…left, right, left, right, until I was up at the altar and taking my place next to the spot where Lexi would stand.

I smiled and I’m sure it reached my ears, because I swear I could feel my earrings tickling my cheeks. Then I forgot the promise I made to myself. I totally blanked out because I was so excited about the stupid fact that I had made it down the aisle without looking gimpy. I let my eyes wander across the altar and damn if they didn’t land directly on him.

Shiz!

He looked like the dude in the Ralph Lauren Polo ad…tall dark and alluring. Dressed in a black tux, he was perfect. Justin Middleton, brother of the groom and best man…my heartbreaking nemesis.  I suppose nemesis is relatively harsh, but heartbreaker isn’t. I had dreaded this day now for months. I should be happy for Lexi…she’d been my bestie since freshman year at UVA. But I was pulling the selfish card today. I tried not to, but everything I did was useless. I pasted a smile back on my face and jerked my head to the back of the church so I could watch Lexi walk down the aisle.

Damn, that girl looked gorgeous. Her dress was really something. I’d never seen a bride where anything close to that. Originality…pure and simple. Her dress had an illusion neckline, making it appear sleeveless and off the shoulders, when it actually had sheer fabric that afforded a boat neckline. The dress was fitted and had fabric beads sewn onto it until it hit mid thigh where it was covered in layers of chiffon and stiff ribbon, giving it a totally off the charts look. And she was getting married in the church every Charlestonian would give their left hand…hell their right hand too…to get married in. St. Phillips was the church on every Charleston postcard ever made. You had to be connected to get married there. And the Middletons were certainly connected. Hell, they were Charleston. South of Broad, blue blooded born and bred. Lexi sure lucked out here.

And Pearce…didn’t he look yummy? Not nearly as yummy as Justin, but girls all over South Carolina would be grieving today because one of the most eligible bachelors, not to mention one of the wealthiest, was getting hitched.  Once again, Lexi sure lucked out. But if anyone deserved it, Lexi did.

Now, I sure wish the show could get a move on, because I would love for this thing to get the hell over with. I only had enough plastic smiles to last for a certain amount of time and once they ran out, I was gonna have to hit the road.  I hated to be so snarky about this, but I couldn’t stand around with this happy assed face when I was cracking to pieces on the inside.

The happy couple said their vows and damn it all, I started crying. Thank God the Tana gave us a list with a bag at the rehearsal last night, which included waterproof mascara and eyeliner, or I would’ve looked like Rocky raccoon, resident maid of honor and side kick to Bullwinkle. Yeah, this was gonna be fun.

Now, I had to look forward to picture time and more plastic smiles. I pulled up my bootstraps and watched as Lexi and Pearce walked down the aisle as Dr. and Mrs. Middleton. Oh good lord, they looked so happy. I really couldn’t help the true smile that formed then, because looking at them made me believe in it all…their love was nothing short of bursting from them.

I heard a throat clearing and looked up to see Justin waiting with his arm bent. I’d been so engrossed in watching the happy couple, I’d forgotten I had to walk arm in arm with him.

Well, isn’t this a crap storm?

I didn’t have time to prepare myself. When I put my hand on his arm, I felt the jolt all the way to my toes. I forced myself to look at my feet, when all I wanted to do was to fall into his eyes…his perfectly gorgeous eyes. Lexi always called Pearce, Smoky Eyes, because he had gray eyes. Well, Justin’s were gray too, but his were the color of the sea, right before a storm hit. Deep, dark bluish gray and every time I looked at them I was pulled into their depths…just like I would imagine the sea as it would call to me.  Mysterious, with things unknown lurking below the surface. That was Justin. Beautiful and sometimes frightening because he made me feel things I’d never felt before.

He leaned his tall frame down to my smaller one so he could whisper to me, “You were perfect when you walked down the aisle, Terri. You made me proud.”

That caused my head to jerk up. I shouldn’t have done that because my eyes landed right on his. And there I was, falling into them…deeply, dramatically, and yes, painfully.

“God, you’re beautiful.” Three simple words that nearly made me cry. I felt my lower lip tremble, but forced myself to smile instead.

“Thanks. You clean up pretty good yourself,” my voice trembled.

He smiled and it felt like someone lifted all the blinds and curtains in the church. The light just entered and blazed around him. He was that kind of beautiful. I knew I needed to get away from him. That’s the sort of effect he had on me.

Suddenly, I was back there again…last March.

“Ms. Mitchell, we’re taking you into surgery. You were in a car accident and your leg was broken. We’re going to fix you right up.”

Car accident? Where was Justin? Was he okay? Surgery? The next thing I knew I woke up again in a room and there were my mom and dad.

Several surgeries later, that damn wheelchair, physical therapy and Justin…Justin. God, why couldn’t I forget him? Things had been moving along so well until that wreck. All those surgeries and he couldn’t stop blaming himself. And then Lexi catching him with those two girls and my heart nearly breaking. Yeah, my leg had been broken and I’d been left with a twisted mass of scars, but my heart was the one that felt more damaged.

We reached the back of the church and were whisked off to the side by Tana and the photographer to where pictures would be taken. I was hoping they could put this thing on fast forward, get to the reception, have a little face time with Lexi and get the heck outta Dodge. That was my plan anyway.

Picture after picture and tons of pasted smiles later (I hope Lex didn’t shoot my ass when she saw these pictures), we finally hopped in the limos and left for the reception at the Charleston Yacht and Harbor Club.

I mingled with some of the guests, and made my way around to chat with Lexi and Pearce for a while, but before long, the throbbing in my leg and the aches and pains, had me hunting a chair. I spied one back in the corner so I walked, or at least gave my best imitation of one, over to it and blew out a huge puff of air when the weight left that leg. I was happy Lexi had approved the long dresses that we wore since they hid the scars that covered my disfigured limb. I absently rubbed it, like I often did, wishing for a huge bag of ice.  They ought to invent Spanx you could cram an ice bag into for people like me. Maybe I could join forces with the Spanx lady and we could come out with Spanx on Ice. I bet those professional ice skaters would love that! We could even make a version for hockey players.

“You must have something terrifically funny on your mind by the look on your face.”

That voice of his made me want to strip off every thread of clothing and run naked through the streets yelling, “Take me, take me!” Crap! What kind of sexy did that man have working?

“I guess so. I was thinking about a joint venture with the Spanx lady.  We could call it Spanx on Ice.”

“What?” he asked, bewilderment clouding his eyes.

“You know…for my leg.”

“Oh.” He smiled, nodded and acted like he was with me. I knew better from his odd expression.  He didn’t get it at all.

“Do you even know what Spanx are?”

“No clue.”

I burst out laughing. “Never mind then. They’re something no man should ever know about.”

“Hmm, now I’m intrigued.”

“Oh God! Don’t be.” The last thing I needed was for Justin Middleton to see me in a pair of Spanx.

Mother of God save me now!


This sounds like another great story from A.M. Hargrove! Mark your calendar. Shattered Edge is due to be released on Valentine’s Day!

You can read about Lexi and Pearce in Edge of Disaster.

Edge of Disaster

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Description

Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

Teaser

He had a perfectly beautiful smile on his face and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“What?” he asked.
“What what?” I tried to deflect his question.
“What’s that look about?”
“Oh, I didn’t realize I had a look.” Now only one corner of his mouth turned up. I wanted to sit on his lap and run my fingers through his hair and kiss that corner of his mouth.
“What?”
“What? Me?”
“Yeah you. You had a look on your face.”
I was grinning from ear to ear while reading this part. Loving every minute of this book! And the cover art. Whoa!!

I’ve just finished reading this and will be posting my review soon!

I can’t decide which cover I love more! How about you?

For all things A.M. Hargrove go here.

A.M. Hargrove

Welcome to my stop on this wonderful tour hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer!
I have not one, but two novellas to tell you about, so grab your favorite beverage and snuggle in while I tell you about these two cozy mysteries.
Almost forgot to mention the Giveaway ! Yep, you can win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash! Link to enter is at the bottom of this post.
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Three Sisters and Showstoppers by Helen Smith

Three Sisters and Showstoppers are two novella-length stories in the Emily Castles mystery series. The first full-length novel, Invitation to Die, will be published by Thomas & Mercer in October 2013.

The Emily Castles mystery series is set in present-day London. It features twenty-six-year-old Londoner Emily Castles and her neighbor, eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel Crowther. In Three Sisters, Emily goes to a party in a big house at the end of her street. She’s sure she witnesses a murder, but no one will believe her. She teams up with Dr. Muriel to investigate.

In Showstoppers, Emily helps out at a local stage school run by her neighbor, Victoria. Soon she’s mixed up in a blackmail plot and two deaths. Emily and Dr. Muriel team up to prevent further a massacre live on stage during the end of term show.

My Review of Showstoppers

Showstoppers is the second chapter in The Emily Castle Mysteries.

When Emily discovers she’s mistakenly received a letter for her neighbor Victoria, she does the good neighbor thing and walks it over to her. The response she gets is surprising.

“Oh God, no!” said Victoria.

Victoria explains she has been receiving these anonymous threatening letters. She thinks they may be from an ex-boyfriend, but Emily is doubtful.

The author has a colorful cast of characters in this cozy mystery.  She leads you down many paths to discover who is writing the letters.

I had a really fun time meeting the cast of characters and trying to guess who did it.

See if you can spot the clues. How are your sleuthing skills?

When you read Showstoppers you’ll be drawn into  this mystery to the surprising end.

Four Stars for setting the stage!

Praise for the Emily Castles Mystery Series

Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious… Helen Smith is a master story-teller.

~Socrates Book Reviews

It grips you from the very beginning.

~Babs Books Bistro

Bright, colorful and full of surprises.

~Amazon Vine Reviewer

Fast-paced and unusual, I highly recommend this one.

My Review of Three Sisters

Three Sisters is the first chapter in The Emily Castle Mysteries.

Emily decides she will go to the bonfire party at the end of her block. She has nothing pressing and really needs to get out of the house.

The party is a combination of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night, where people dress up in costumes. At this party the participants each have a role they play and the guests are there as observers only.

The knife throwing event draws a large crowd. As the two woman throw their knives back and forth, one of them is struck in the chest.

Panic ensues and the police are summoned. Shortly after they arrive, the crowd begins to cheer. When Emily gets to the front of the crowd she sees the dead girl standing and smiling, displaying the prop, a rubber knife. It was all part of the performance, or was it?

Emily had seen the light go out of the girl’s eyes. She was certain she had died.

I really enjoyed Three Sisters and became quite fond of Emily Castle. I dove right in and started digging for clues, going down wrong paths, suspecting everyone, and finally getting to the truth.

This author does an excellent job giving you a fun and intriguing mystery to solve in a short, easy read. I know I’ll be watching for more about Emily Castle and her adventures.

Four Stars for this performance!

~Eva’s Sanctuary
Praise for Helen Smith

Smith is gin-and-tonic funny.

~The Booklist

Purchase

Author Helen Smith

Helen Smith is a novelist and playwright who lives in London. She’s the author of bestselling cult novels Alison Wonderland, Being Light and The Miracle Inspector as well as the Emily Castles Mystery Series.

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Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the good times roll!

It’s that time again. Time to announce the winners.

The winner of the paperback of Glory Alley and The Star Riders by C. Deanna Verhoff is:

Janna

Congratulations!

All winners have been notified.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

I do love reading them and hope you continue to visit fuonlyknew!

Thanks so much to C. Deanna Verhoff for her wonderful book and for letting me host her giveaway.

*****For all of my giveaways go here*****

I’d love to keep telling ya’ll about some really great books.

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Go here  for my review.