Saturday, December 15, 2012

SCP Promo Author Paloma Beck

I had Connor's Christmas play yesterday, and there was just no hope of getting everything ready before today. I know, I'm very sorry and I keep coming up with all sorts of bumps in the road. I'm tempted just to call it Promo Whatever-day-I-Have-Time-And-Access-To-The-Computer Day. But thank you for hanging in there with me!

I've known Paloma for a while now, and she has been probably the most helpful with her blog and writing tips. Not only is she a well-spring of fresh writing ideas, but she also gives other authors a heads-up on new networking and promotional trends. She introduced me to Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and so many more promotional outlets I wasn't even aware existed. She is just one awesome chic, really!





Thanks for having me on your blog… I bet you love books! ;) My author, Paloma Beck, is busy working on edits for my sister’s book due out in December so I’m filling in for this guest post. My name’s Eloise. I’m the sister who suffered the soul sin of Envy before meeting my mate in Eternal Envy. Caedon and I didn’t have the easiest of beginnings. I actually thought he was a cave man with his whole bossy attitude but things got better. I think it was his charm… there was nothing like him talking in Italian to make me swoon.
So let’s talk about the language of love. Paloma uses it a lot in our Seven Sin Sisters series. She does a good job explaining some of it. But I’ll teach you enough to use it on your mate. Who knows? Maybe he’ll swoon too!
·         Ti amo! OR Ti voglio. (I love you!)
·         Ti voglio molto bene. (I love you very much.)
·         Ti adoro. (I adore you.)                                                    
·         Ti desidero. (I want you.)                                                
·         Ho bisogno di te. (I need you.)
·         Sei importante per me. (You are important to me.)
·         Sei tutto per me. (You are everything to me.)
·         Mi sono infatuato di te. (I'm infatuated with you.)
·         Ho un debole per te. (I'm weak for you.)



Now, here’s an excerpt from the first time Caedon tries to speak in Italian, not knowing I speak the language too! Enjoy…
Excerpt
Caedon rose, dropped his hands to his hips and looked down at her. He was huge, larger even than he looked in the shadows, but so incredibly gentle as he reached down to lift her. Since he was well over six feet, Eloise came to his shoulders with her own 5’8” frame, and for the first time, she felt small and delicate.
Carefully, she placed her weight on her foot and winced. Caedon immediately picked her up again. Eloise’s entire world shifted in his arms. She closed her eyes to absorb the moment and when she brought her eyes back to his, she saw him wet his lips before swallowing.
“You feel it too, right?” His insecurity was as charming as everything else about him. Should she play with him? Surely not, she thought to herself.
“Yes. I feel it.” Eloise smiled and Caedon returned the gesture before pulling her to his chest again and ducking his head into her neck. His breathing was labored, but he seemed to be working to steady his breaths.
“So, Eloise, what were you doing wandering the vineyards?”
“I don’t remember,” Eloise shrugged, unclear about what had led her here in the first place. “I decided on a walk once the ceremony ended. Wait, why weren’t you at the ceremony?” Eloise suddenly realized she knew nothing about this man who was holding her. His grasp on her changed from warm and safe to frightening. Memories of Layla and Gracie’s kidnapping assaulted her mind.
“Relax,” Caedon reassured Eloise. “I work with Madden. I run the comm room, which meant I had to hold back today. Someone had to watch the compound.”
“So why are you out here now?” Still doubtful but unable to pull herself from his hold, Eloise looked him directly in the eye, challenging him to lie to her.
“I saw someone heading this way. Since it wasn’t in the direction of the wedding party, I thought I’d check it out.”
It all sounded good, but Eloise couldn’t help but be skeptical. There had been so many years of wanting–of envying-others’ happiness; to have this man who was her mate holding her was simply too good to be true. She had spent so much time envying others and she had not considered ever getting her own complete joy. Without a doubt, this is what it was. She had not a single drip of envy. It was as if suddenly she could breathe more deeply. She wanted nothing more than Caedon and he was hers.
When she looked back up at him, he was staring at her, and Eloise realized she must’ve zoned out and gotten lost in her own thoughts. Caedon was smirking at her. “W-were you saying something?” Eloise’s cheeks must’ve been scarlet; she was so embarrassed.
“I was noticing the outrageous shoes you’re wearing. What possessed you to wear these to walk through a vineyard? You’re lucky you didn’t break your ankle,” Caedon admonished her.
“I wore these shoes for my sister’s Pronouncement. And I’ll have you know, these are the very latest in my line.” A shoe designer might not be an admirable profession but Eloise was very proud of her accomplishments. And this shoe was one of her best-selling designs.
“I’ll have you know, you won’t be wearing that type of heels anymore.”
Eloise pushed away from Caedon’s chest and gave him her most rebellious look. “I will not be told what I can and cannot wear. I have a closet full of shoes that I love more than anything and I plan to wear them each and every day as I’ve always done.”
“Ostinata,” Caedon mumbled to himself as he began to move in the direction of the wedding.
“Where are we going? I can walk.” Eloise struggled to get out of Caedon’s grasp but it was like cutting through steel. Resigned, she sank into his hold, “Ostinato.”
Caedon looked bemused, “You speak Italian.”
“Perhaps.”
“Are you always this challenging? This stubborn?”
“I am independent. I’m not stubborn. Though if you continue to call me stubborn, I can certainly show you just how much challenge I can provide a bossy man like you.”
At her words, Caedon let out a roar of laughter, “Oh, Ostinata, you are perfection.”
“Do not call me that as if it were an endearment!” Eloise controlled her grin by just an inch. She was not going to let him know just how right he was. How could he know her so well already? She only knew the term Ostinata because her mother and father used it so often with her.
© Paloma Beck, Seven Sin Sisters 2012

Eternal Envy (Seven Sin Sisters #2) BLURB
RELEASE DATE: October 2012
GENRE: Erotic Paranormal Romance
ELEMENTS: Adult Language, Explicit Sex

Seven sisters are entwined in a legacy, one originating back from the time of the Italian Wars in the 1500s. One by one, they will find their mates from the immortal Valendite Breeds and secure their place in history.
Eloise has lived with bitter envy her entire life until the moment she fell into the arms of Caedon. Once claimed by her mate, she will covet nothing more for eternity, especially now that she has it all. Caedon plans to fulfill her every need if he can just keep her safe. With their secret so close to being exposed and a mate who finds herself in the midst of the drama, Caedon has enough to keep his hands full.
Then Caedon’s parents, believed dead for a century, come across the Terrorist Elimination Unit’s (TEU) radar. Can he save his parents while protecting his newfound mate?



About Paloma
Paloma Beck is an erotic romance writer in both the contemporary and paranormal realms. Happily married and living a life of total contradiction, Paloma runs carpool service for her three sons, volunteers in PTA and teaches religious education.
Then in the moments when her characters talk to her, she journals their stories - and they are anything but PG. As an introvert, Paloma needs quiet time with her characters to keep sane and writing is the perfect outlet for her creativity.
Paloma believes a daily dose of espresso and a good book make any day better.
 

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Doomsday

If you're like me, you've seen A LOT of hub-bub on television, social media, magazines, etc about the end of the world, as we know it. Some documentaries are more terrifying than others. I just watched Earth 2100 on the History Channel, which by the way, immediately followed a program about Nostradamus and all that rubbish. I like the saying "For we know not the hour or the day..." and I'm okay with that. There's way too much worry and gut-twisting involved with the old watching, waiting, worrying technique.

If you have common sense or a working brain at all, you know that the world is indeed in a sad shape. There's war, political corruption and intrigue, famine, and tragic cases of humans turning on fellow humans. I must say that yesterday's school shootings are weighing heavy on my mind. I couldn't even begin to imagine something like that happening to my community and my heart truly breaks for those poor mothers and families in Connecticut.

I'm no theologian, and I'm no astrologist either- but things only seem to get worse. But, thus is the rise and fall of societies and species alike. I will venture so far as to say that we depend far too much on technology and the government to lead us. We need to have our own thoughts and means for support. We need good, honest, hard-working officials to lead us instead of using every legal-and illegal- trick in the book to steal from us.

What about you? Are you sick of sensational journalism and media? Are you anxiously watching your calendar and wondering if the Mayans were correct?

Friday, December 7, 2012

Promo Friday: SCP Author Karen Cino

Welcome back! As you can see, I have everything together- and on the right day to boot! Things are actually looking up this week as I get back into the swing of things. I love the Holiday Season, but it sure does crowd up my calendar a bit. I hope you guys are doing wonderfully and getting all of your shopping and cooking done for family gatherings.

This week, I have Karen Cino on my blog and she's here to promote her new book, The Boardwalk. She is also the author of Roses (April 2012) and her upcoming series Mystical Wonders (February and April 2013), so don't forget to look for those as well!
 


Karen Cino is an author, poet and former journalist. She’d been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper and the Staten Island Register. After reading Jackie Collin’s “Lovers and Gamblers” she knew she found her niche, writing women’s fiction.
Her daily walk down at the boardwalk is what gets her muse going. It clears her mind and helps her find realistic plot ideas and characters, boosting her muse. She loves writing about local places that people can relate to.   
Karen is a single mom living in Staten Island, New York with her two adult children, Michael and Nicole, and three cats.
Secret Cravings Publishing published her debut novel Roses in April 2012. Coming in early 2013 is her two book series: Mystical Wonders – Circle of Friends, and Mystical Wonders – Second Chances.
Karen's Links:

 
After an accident at work, Brooklyn DeMelli walks every day down at the boardwalk as a way to keep active and have a semi normal social life. She meets up with the regular morning walkers, while enjoying the beauty of the beach and the scent of the ocean. To keep busy she started her own company, making beaded jewelry for parties and flea markets.

Mario Morales is the hippy that plays acoustic guitar every morning at different ends of the boardwalk. The music captivates Brooklyn. Following the muse, she meets Mario who turns out to be a narcotics detective working undercover on a huge investigation. When Mario finds out Brooklyn is inadvertently involved in a drug trafficking ring, it leads to a series of events, which puts Brooklyn’s life in jeopardy, while forming a romantic bond between them.

Excerpt:

When she heard strains of guitar in the distance, her memories faded away. She hadn’t heard the music in days. Now that she finally had the time, she planned to find the musician who brought such sweet melodies to her ears.
The music led her to the jungle gym by the bocce ball courts. A few days ago she heard the same Beatles song being played at the opposite end of the boardwalk at Midland Beach/Miller Field. She decided to investigate, walking the path under the trees in the shade, blocking her from the intense heat of the sun.
She spotted the musician, a guitarist, who sat with his back to her, and she listened as he changed his style from classical to a blues-jazz number. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. For a brief moment, she felt the music flow through her, sending a chill down her overheated body.
Across the bocce ball courts hung American and Italian flags along with a banner announcing the semi-finals of the Italian-American Bocce Ball Association. The guitarist gathered an audience of men and women clapping from the courts. When he began playing again, they turned their attention back to the game.
Brooklyn moved closer, listening to his muse. At the close of the song, he looked up and their gazes met. Raven eyes enhanced his jet-black hair that was neatly pulled back into a two-inch long ponytail. His bronzed skin from the summer sun and lips were oh so inviting.
“Beautiful music.” After she spoke, Brooklyn knew she sounded like a complete idiot.
“Thank you.” He stood, putting his acoustic guitar down on the wooden bench. “I’m glad you enjoyed the tunes.”
“Are you the same musician who plays down the other end on the beach by Miller Field?”
“Yes I am. I move around every so often sharing my music.”
Brooklyn tried not to stare, but couldn’t help it he was gorgeous. His muscles bulged out of his white T-shirt, displaying a tribal print cuff on his left forearm. “I’m glad I ran into you today,” she said staring at him from behind her dark sunglasses.
“You come down here often?” he asked in a husky voice.
“I’m down here everyday.”
“Maybe I’ll catch you again.”
Brooklyn dropped a five-dollar bill into the guitar case before jogging back onto the boardwalk. What a wonderful way to start her day. She headed toward the fishing pier, humming the guitarist’s tune.

Reviews:
*The boardwalk of Staten Island provide a place for Brooklyn DeMelli, a woman still grieving the loss of her husband, to heal both physically and mentally. It's also where she first encounters Mario,a handsome and sexy detective who's undercover as a "hobo-type" street musician. Danger and romance await them both as the case Mario is investigating becomes linked to Brooklyn's freelance business. Both Brooklyn and Mario must come to terms with their own personal losses and become willing to love again. Colorful characters, lively dialogue, warm humor, and local setting add to this fast paced and highly enjoyable erotic romance.  - Catherine Greenfeder


Buy Links:


Don't forget to come back next week when I'll have my pal Paloma Beck as my guest!


 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Sad

I've been a little sad a lot lately. I'm not sure if it's just seasonal or what, but I just can't shake it. I'm out of my groove with little interest in writing and it absolutely sucks. I have lots of unfinished projects on my desk and I just kind of look at them and sigh. I seriously need to whip myself back into shape and get to it.

Christmas sort of brings out the worst in me. Well, not really the worst- but the depressing part of me. I try not to think about money that much, but with all the extra things I need to buy and presents that need to be wrapped- it's constantly on my mind. Now, I'm not impoverished- my family and I have everything we need-, but want is another subject matter entirely. And that Santa Man is getting on my nerves. I mean, I work my ass off to afford nice things for my kids and that butthole comes in and takes ALL the credit. See what I mean? Christmas has turned me into a spiteful Elf.

This morning wasn't much easier. I took Connor to school and dropped him at the door so he could eat breakfast while I parked...and he told me he didn't need me to come in! He doesn't NEED his mother?! Well that really depressed the hell outta me! Sure, I want him to be responsible and he's going to grow up at some point...but...but... *Sad face*

Is anyone else suffering the Christmas Blues?


Monday, December 3, 2012

Promo Friday (Monday edition) SCP Author Jan Graham

No need to check your calendars- my post is late. I know, I've been sick a lot lately and Lord knows I'm tired of talking about it, so you must also be tired of hearing it- but I had a stomach bug Friday and then family plans this weekend. Thankfully, Jan is a wonderful, understanding chica!

Jan was one of the very first friends I made at Secret Cravings. I asked her lots of questions and she helped me learn so much! I'll never be able to repay her for her kindnesses or her patience. She's even won Connor's heart by sending him pictures of Australia and Kangaroos. We're saving our pennies for our trip one of these days, lol.

Let's get to know a little more about Ms. Graham and her book Healing A Cougar's Heart from her Sydney Cougar Series!




I have enjoyed writing throughout different periods of my life, but it is only now that I have the ability to work on it in a full time capacity. I love the imagery the written word creates in one’s mind and therefore I am an avid reader as well as an author.

At the end of 2010, after many years of working in the “real” world, I finally decided to make writing my career. I currently have books under contract with Siren Publishing and Secret Cravings Publishing. Even though all of my writing falls under the erotic romance banner, I write a variety of genres including BDSM, contemporary romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. So there’s something for everyone really.

I am pleased that I’m finally able to give the characters that swirl around my head on a constant basis the opportunity to put themselves down on paper, and hopefully entertain others as much as they amuse me. More information about what I’m up to, competitions and general nonsense can be uncovered if you visit my website http://www.jangraham.com.au or my blog at http://jangraham.blogspot.com

 

Blurb:


Isabelle O’Connor never considered herself the type of woman who needed a knight in shining armor to come and rescue her, until one does. Well he’s more a knight in blue jeans and white shirt. After all, it is modern times. Unfortunately, her perfect hero has a flaw... he’s a cop.  Isabelle decided years ago never to become involved with a police officer again, and she isn’t going to change her mind now.

Mark Dean loves being a cop. He also loves the hot redhead he rescued from a creep’s unwanted attention at a local nightclub. Mark knows that before he can gain Isabelle’s affection he has to convince her of something. Being a cop has nothing to do with her reluctance to date him. Isabelle’s heart never healed after the death of her husband and Mark makes it his mission to help heal this feisty Cougar’s heart.





Excerpt:


Mark pulled the frightened woman closer to his side. She was shaking like a leaf, and the only words she’d managed to utter since he placed his arms around her were, “Oh God,” which coincided with each time she heard her attacker’s cursing.
“I won’t let him hurt you, beautiful, and neither will that big dude just over there.” Mark pointed to the huge bouncer then glanced down at her. She had the greenest eyes he’d ever seen. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”
Still trembling from the attack, she stumbled on her own name. “Um…it’s Isabelle…Isabelle O’Connor.”
Mark responded with his name and gave her a warm smile to reassure her she was safe. What he really wanted to do was turn around and punch the creep’s lights out.
Bastard!
When the jerk realized he was being evicted from the club, all hell broke loose. He did not intend to go quietly. Mark pushed Isabelle behind him as he called for police backup. As other bouncers moved in, the creep pulled a knife. Mick suddenly went down like a lead balloon, his blood spilling out onto the floor. The club’s manager secured the weapon, but not before his abdomen and arm were sliced. In the midst of the chaos, Isabelle’s body descended to the floor. Assuming she was fainting, Mark rushed to scoop her up and move her away from the scene, only to realize she’d dropped to her knees and was crawling toward Mick. Mark positioned himself between the ongoing fight and Isabelle as she attended to the bouncer’s injuries.
Once the others had the attacker under control, Mark knelt down to see what she needed him to do. “You seem to know what you’re doing.” He helped her roll Mick onto his side, handed over his T-shirt when she requested it, and supported the bouncer’s head with his leg. Bar staff rushed over carrying bundles of towels, unfortunately too late to save his now blood-covered shirt.
“I’m an ER nurse.” That explained her sudden change in demeanor. She’d kicked into work mode. Her expression was calm, her actions confident; she knew exactly what to do, and she did it with efficiency. She was amazing.
Up close, Isabelle was even prettier than he’d first thought. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her hair was blood red, and her skin had a smattering of tiny freckles across her chest and arms. He wanted to trace each one and see how far down her body the lucky little speckles went. Her breasts weren’t large, but they’d fit in his mouth perfectly, with only a little overflow to press against the outer edge of his mouth and spill toward his cheeks. Her lips were the prettiest pink− full, luscious− the gloss she wore making them all the more tempting. He had to fight the urge to bend down, kiss her, and nip at her full bottom lip.
She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
He cursed silently. He was rock hard under his jeans—not that it bothered him too much. It might bother Mick though. The bouncer’s head rested on his lap. If Mick turned sideways, he could very well end up with a black eye.

Reviews:
**** (4 Star) Review from RT Book Reviews
Hero Mark is the perfect combination of sexy and romantic. He is exactly the kind of man that Isabelle, a heroine who is afraid to love again, needs. There is some tension in the fact that Isabelle is older then Mark, but the author approaches this delicate topic with realism and heart. With a poignant plot that doesn’t lack heat, this novella is a page-turner.
Isabelle O’Connor starts to fall for Mark Dean when he steps in to protect her at a nightclub. And while she is OK with being older than him, Isabelle has a hard time dealing with Mark’s job as a cop. Isabelle’s husband was killed in the line of duty, so she is hesitant to commit once again to someone with such a dangerous career. Mark knows that, to win the woman of his dreams, he will have to heal his cougar’s heart.- RT Reviewer Eve Polak
Jan's Links




 Don't forget to head on back here Friday to meet with Karen Cino!