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Warning - Some posts may cause choking, spitting of beverage and /or a severe giggle fit. This advice brought to you by regular reader Louisa.

Friday 20 September 2013

On This Day

I've had another one of those blogging breaks, which happen far more often than I'd like them to. This time around, it has been almost three months since I last blogged. I knew what I wanted to blog about when I came back - it's something that I have wanted to blog about for almost as long as I have been blogging -  and my plan had been to blog on the 26th of this month, because it fell on the anniversary of something important to me. But it occurred to me this morning that today is actually the real anniversary for me, for it was on the 20th September 1999 that my life changed drastically.

That might sound overly dramatic, but it is true nonetheless. Now, I am the self-styled Princess of Procrastination. A humorous title, to go with a blog that, for the most part, is pure silliness. For anyone reading this, I should probably warn you that today's post is about as far from silliness as you can get.

But how do I start?

Perhaps I need to explain a little about the morning of September 20th, 1999.

My son, aged eight.
I was 23 at the time. I had the day off from work, but I was awake early anyway. My son was three at the time, and I had to have him ready for nursery that morning. Although it was long before I found out that my son had D.A.M.P. Syndrome (a blanket term for several spectrum disorders), I knew he wasn't quite the same as the other kids at his nursery. He was, even then, showing his obsessive tendencies. He  had already started to worry me with his refusal to eat almost everything we gave to him. His accent was purely American, despite the fact that we lived in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Although I didn't know at the time, these were classic symptoms of  D.A.M.P. Syndrome. But, he was also a loving child, and despite his problems, I never really had any trouble with him when he was a toddler.

I was bubbling with excitement on that particular day. After taking my son to nursery, I went home for an hour or so, and then, with my partner, left to meet my parents. I was scheduled for an ultrasound later that morning, and it was the all-important second scan where, as long as they could catch the right angle, I would find out the sex of my baby. I wanted a girl.  I'd always wanted a girl. I'd wanted a daughter the first time around, though I was perfectly happy when I had my son, of course. But I was still young enough - and really, 23 is still only a baby - to want to have a little girl who I could clothe in pretty little dresses with lace and frills and other fripperies. My partner wanted a girl this time around, too.

So there we were, a young couple, incredibly happy, and overflowing with excitement. There were two things that we wanted that morning. First, we wanted to see those fuzzy black and white pictures, showing our baby, and hear the incredible whooshing sound of the heartbeat of a healthy child. And then we wanted to ask the sex of our child.

This is when my life changed, and nothing in my 23 years of living could have prepared me. With hindsight, I can see that maybe I should have had an inkling of what was to come, but at the time, I was too busy being happy. I didn't actually see those fuzzy black and white pictures on the screen - perhaps there is a protocol for situations like these, but truthfully, I don't know. But I did hear that lovely reassuring heartbeat, and I still had a few more seconds of ignorant bliss.

When the radiologist turned to me with a grave look on her face, I started to feel a little nervous. My mother was sat in the room, my partner was holding my hand, and I could see that they both looked a little worried, too. The radiologist quickly popped her head through the door and asked for a doctor, who appeared almost immediately.  A minute or two passed while they studied the screen, and then the doctor calmly turned to me and gently told me that my baby had severe spina bifida and encephalitis.

I only really have impressions of that moment. I don't remember the exact words, just my partner's hand gripping my own, and the incredible feeling of shock that I had. When you hear the term 'reeling with shock', it is exactly right. It sounds strange, but I can clearly remember feeling as if a great force had hit me; my body went numb, and my face felt like someone was stretching it. That's the only way I can describe it. It was suffocating. And there was the strange horror of being told that your baby was essentially dying, which didn't make any sense to me when I could still hear the whooshing heartbeat, and could still feel her moving inside of me.

Yes, it was a girl. The girl we'd all wanted. Not that it would have been easier to hear if it had been a boy, of course, but somehow it was worse to know that it was a girl.

Everything was a blur after that. The gentle ushering from the room, the more detailed explanations in the doctor's office, and the discreet removal from the antenatal ward through the staff hallways, to avoid the waiting room full of happy, expectant mothers.

Despite my initial conviction that I would still have - and love - my daughter no matter what, there was never really any question over what would happen. My daughter had the very worst of worst case scenarios. She would not have survived the pregnancy, never mind the birth. Then followed six days and nights of incredible grief, mingled with continuing disbelief. I couldn't get my head around the fact that my daughter wouldn't survive. I couldn't understand how she could be dying when I could feel her moving around almost constantly.

I had what was termed a 'theraputic termination of pregnancy'. I didn't want to, but there was never really a choice. If she could have survived, I would never have dreamt of doing it. But there was no chance of that.  I already had a little boy who was showing mental illness indications- watching his mother grow huge with a child that he would never even see could have caused him untold damage. And despite my horror at the thought of what I was about to do (I've never believed in abortions), I knew that there was no other way.

I won't go into any details of the events of September 26th, except to say that it was a full labour. Apparently that is the safest thing for the mother in situations like these. I was half way through my pregnancy, and the labour was as brutal as if it had been a full-term birth. Except, of course, that in every minute of those long 10 hours, I was aware of the fact that there would be no joy at the end of it.

There were so many heartbreaking moments during the whole process. Of course, I was utterly devastated  throughout, but there were also the moments when, incredibly, the pain was worse than ever, and it would hit me like a punch to the gut, echoing my initial reaction to the first time I was told my daughter wouldn't survive. The birth itself was a painful haze, and I thought I couldn't possibly survive it. The morning after, when I started producing milk, was almost as bad as the labour itself. Then the nightmare days that followed, trying to stay bright and cheerful for my son, trying to pretend that everything was OK. The endless crying. Most of all, the sight of my partner carrying that tiny white coffin on the day we buried her.

Fourteen years later, I still don't think I'll ever fully recover from the loss of my daughter. I don't think anyone ever truly recovers from an experience like that. There are a multitude of horrors in this world, but the loss of a child is profound, and it changes you.

I went on to have another daughter, but she hasn't replaced my first. I remember her every day, and always
My son and daughter.
will. My son doesn't remember anything of these events, although he knows what happened. I'm thankful for that. And while I'll always grieve for my lost daughter, I'm always mindful of the fact that she made it possible for my second daughter to exist. It doesn't make it any less painful, but it at least makes me feel that I'm not a terrible mother for making the 'choice' that I did.

I love all my children equally, whether they're with me or not. My two living children, who make me proud every day. The daughter I lost. And Baby Smith, who I miscarried over twenty years ago. All loved. And all a part of my family.

So today I remember my first daughter, six days ahead of her birthday. I remember that, despite the trauma and heartbreak of her birth and death, I have a lot to be thankful for. I have two beautiful children, the second of which wouldn't be here if my first daughter had survived.

Can one child ever replace another? Of course not. As I said, I love all my children equally, and there will always be grief in my life for the daughter who wasn't meant to be. But I am recovered as much as I ever could be. It's always painful to think of her, but the tears eventually stopped. When I think of her now, I still hear the whooshing of her heartbeat, and remember the feeling of her moving inside of me. Strangely, that comforts me.  She was with me for so short a time, but I at least have memories of her being alive. And because of that, her memory will always live on.

Dedicated to Amber Marie Smith.


Friday 28 June 2013

Upsell in a Nutshell

*dusts off blog*

So I've been in the doldrums lately, what with one thing and another, so I figured it was time for a silly post. With that in mind, I've tracked down Ima Nutcase, the elusive reporter from The Daily Ramble, and got her to interview yours truly...


Hello everyone! Ima Nutcase here, and I have another exclusive interview with the Taffiest of authors, Tara Smith, who writes under the pen name of Amber T. Smith. The last time we caught up with Ms Smith was just over a year ago, when I was sadly misinformed of her premature death. As much as a journalist strives to report only the absolute truth, it seems I was duped into writing a false article, and though it pains me to retract my words (professional pride and all), I am also very happy to discover that Ms Smith is alive and well. And apparently still 23 years old. Note to self: must discover how this lady has stayed 23 for the three years in which I have been interviewing her.

Without further ado, here's the interview!

Ima: Good evening, Tara! It's been a while since we last chatted - tell me, what's been happening this last year?

Tara: Well, I got my book published a few months ago, which was nice! I'm pretty sure I've probably scared the people who have actually bought it, what with the insanely silly plotline, but everyone knew I was nuts anyway, so I'm not overly worried about that...

Ima: Yes. Well. *coughs* That really is great news!!

Tara: Yes, I thought so, too! Of course, I'm not going to be quitting my day job any time soon, but it's a start!

Ima: Indeed. Remind me what your day job is...?

Tara: I work in a covenience store called 'Spar'.

Ima: And your job entails...?

Tara: I work the stock, and serve as a cashier on the tills. And I upsell.

Ima: Excuse me... upsell?

Tara: Would you like to try some lovely scones, madam? Eight for a pound!

Ima: Erm, not at present, thank you all the same. Now then, upselling?

Tara: I have some fresh bananas on offer, madam,would you like any? Only a pound!

Ima: Er...

Tara: I see you're buying gammon, madam. How about a lovely fresh pineapple? On offer for a pound this week!

Ima: I really didn't...

Tara: Crumpets!

Ima: WHAT??

Tara: Only a pound!!

Ima: Well really, this is getting ridiculous...

Tara: What day is it?

Ima: Er, Friday. But what does that - ?

Tara: Would you like to buy a bonus ball for the lottery this Saturday? Two pounds a ticket, fifty pounds if you win, and all proceeds go to the NSPCC!

Ima: *is befuddled*

Tara: No? Don't like your chances? Well, for that same two pounds, you could have TWO punnets of strawberries! Only a POUND each! Bargain!

Ima: Look, I really only came here for an interview...

Tara: Nooooo! I have to upsell! It's in my contract! *eyes glaze over*

Ima: *starts to back away*

Tara: Plums! Only a pound!

Ima: *makes mental note to avoid crazy Taffy woman in the future*

Tara: Wait! You can't go yet!You haven't bought any Frazzles! Six packets for a pound!

Ima: I DON'T WANT ANY FRAZZLES!

Clearly, Ms Smith has lost the plot. Whether she regains her sanity remains to be seen, but I'm afraid this reporter is beating a hasty retreat. This is Ima Nutcase, reporting for The Daily...oh my giddyauntie, she's chasing me now!!!

Ima: *runs*

Tara: *chases reporter* We still have 350 packets of Hot Cross Buns! Just buy one packet...please! Only a pound! *cackles madly*


Original image

Friday 17 May 2013

The Best/Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest

So I totally forgot that I signed up for this blogfest - hosted by Ninja Alex, Stephen Tremp, Father Dragon Al and Livia Peterson. But that's cool, because this post will be really simple, and it won't require me to use my brain. Phew - that's good, because my brain is fried...


Best Movie Remake!


Original Image


I think the one that springs to mind is Peter Jackson's King Kong. Although it has a bit too much of the cheesies going on, the effects in all of the Kong scenes are brilliant, and I love how they gave that giant ape some human shortcomings.



Worst Movie Remake!

Original Image


It has to be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I'm sorry, but even though I love Johnny Depp, he just couldn't top Gene Wilder in this role. I found this remake WAY too much. I normally love over the top-ness, but this was just ridiculously silly. And not true to the book. 'Nuff said.


Princess Plea

Somebody please, please help!! I'm supposed to post the linky list with all of the participants, but it's Friday, I've just finished work for the week, and my brain is currently a squishy mass of gloop. Can somebody tell me how to add the linky list? Thanks!

And thanks to Ninja Alex, Stephen, Dragon Al and Livia for hosting this fun and simple blogfest!






Monday 13 May 2013

Princess Promo: Paws and Print

Most of you know that I am probably the most disorganised person in Blogland. I think the lack of organisation skills goes hand in hand with being a procrastinator (as well as being easily distracted, because I'm also away with the fairies most of the time). Anyway, well over a month ago, I decided that I needed to have a regular spot for guests. Something promotional. Something that could highlight a person (or a website) who deserved a little Promo Love. Now, I'm not going to lie, my version of a 'regular spot' will most likely differ from others, in that I will of course become sidetracked, forgetful, and fall foul of my procrastinating. But the good intention is there, and whether I post once a week, or once a month (which is far more likely, let's be honest here), 'Princess Promo' is now officially one of my post labels, *nods*




This first promotional post is special for a couple of reasons.

While searching for possible reviewers for my debut release, I came across Erin, who is just fabulous. She is fairly new to reviewing, and her website is also a recent debut. Erin is wonderful, and I'm not just saying that because she read my book and told me she 'adored' it. As soon as I saw her website, I knew that I needed to make her my first highlight in my promotional posting effort.

Her website is called Paws and Print, and you should definitely go and check it out. First, isn't that a wonderful name for a website? Two of my favourite things in one title, and the alliteration is also cool (I love me some alliteration!). I may be wrong, but I'm going to hazard a guess that the 'Prints' is referencing the fact that Erin is a reviewer. And her review policy is AWESOME. As well as offering the usual read, review, and post reviews at Amazon and Goodreads (par for the course for any reviewer worth their salt), she also states quite clearly that she is an 'upbeat' reviewer. Let me show you what she says...

On Paws and Print, I will review books that I have purchased, requests from authors and those I receive from tour companies as part of a promotional tour. No matter the source, all the reviews include my own opinions, and are not influenced by outside sources. 

I post honest reviews, which means I will let you know the good along with the bad. Keep in mind, I enjoy many kinds of books and I believe that nearly everything has an audience (even if it's not me). I always try to keep my reviews truthful, but upbeat. If I am reviewing something I truly don't enjoy as part of a promotional tour, I may withhold a paw print rating. 

All my reviews are cross promoted on Facebook & Twitter. They are also reprinted on Amazon and Goodreads. 

Ratings 

I utilize the same 1 through 5 rating system used by Amazon and Goodreads. Most often, you will find 3, 4 and 5 star reviews here, as I do not like to post negative reviews. 

3 Paw Prints--It's a good book, worth reading. I enjoyed this book, but there is probably nothing that makes it stand out. It is not the type of book I would be reading over and over (most likely). 
4 Paw Prints--I really liked this book. It is something I am recommending and probably worth a second read. 
5 Paw Prints--These are the special books, the ones I truly love. These are the books you will likely find me talking about, purchasing for friends and giving away to others.

Isn't that fab? One of the scariest aspects of seeking reviews is the fear that you will get flamed. Erin's policy takes away most of that fear (though not all, because for me, I will always be scared of reviews *snort*). Right away, I knew I wouldn't be dithering over requesting a review with this lady, and trust me, normally I dither for a long time before I fill out a request form.

But then I saw what her website was really about, and I immediately knew that whether this lady loved or hated my book, she deserved a little promo love. You see, the 'Paws' part of her title is referencing her wonderful intention behind the website. 

I was going to explain in my own words, but again, I think I'll just copy over what Erin has on the page, because I really think it needs to be read exactly as she phrased it herself...

Shop Mission 

The Paws and Print Shop is going to be our avenue for supporting rescue pets. You will find a wide variety of custom crochet items and ready to ship items. Each month, 15% of our sales will go to support local rescue charities in the form of a monetary donation or by purchasing goods needed by the shelters. While I support charities in the Philadelphia area, I know that pets all over the country need our help. So, if you have a favorite charity in need of a little love, please send me an email at erinlindsey(dot)maurer(at)gmail(dot)com. 

In addition to monthly donations, we will also feature items just for your pets. Currently, those are our pet bandanas, but more items will be added. For each item sold, a duplicate will be made and sent to help rescue pets in need.

Now, tell me that's not fabulous. Really. I bet you can't. *nods wisely* Seriously, this just warms the cockles of my animal-loving heart. What an awesome idea for supporting the many animals in need of rescue, love, and support. Not only is Erin donating much needed dollars from her proceeds, but she is duplicating every order she receives and donating the spare to an animal in need.

It's just all around awesome. So please, spare a moment and pop along to Erin's wonderful website. And even if you don't buy anything, spread the word. This lady has started a wonderful project, and I think it deserves to be recognised.

Here endeth my first official promotional post. I hope it does what I wanted it to do. Spread the love, people, spread the love...

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Pimping my Pal & Begonia Bribing

The Pimping...

I talk to a LOT of people in the online community. A LOT. I've been active online for around nine years now, give or take, and I'm far more outgoing online than I am in real life. Online, I can let loose the crazy person inside and have virtually no fear of being given the raised Eyebrows of Doom. Well, I probably still get the Eyebrows of Doom, but because I don't see it, it doesn't matter.

My first online home was HPANA (The Harry Potter Automatic News Aggregator), which sadly shut down a while back so I can't provide a link. I was deeply engrossed in the Potter fandom and picked HPANA as my online outlet - and it literally changed my life. I started writing shortly after joining the site, and I can honestly say that without HPANA, I wouldn't currently be biting my nails about whether my debut novel is selling or not.

But I digress (something I do an awful lot, but embrace because one of my earliest online friends advocates digression as a religion).

Anyway, what got me actually writing was plucking up the courage to join the fanfic community on HPANA. I stumbled into the Fan Fun forum one day, and I was happy to find lots of lovely Harry Potter stories that I could lose myself in while I waited for book six to arrive. I started my own writing with a pretty mediocre fanfic called 'The Wedding', which was a novella length story about Ron and Hermione's big day. I'll be honest, it was crap. And I do mean crap. But people seemed to like it, and when I started the sequel (Harry, Ginevra, and the Rocky Road of Romance - yeah, that really was the title *snort*) I had a pretty strong fan base. In fact, I would say that 'Rocky Road' is a good comparison to my current novel, as the wacky and crazy tone is a pretty close match.

The Watery Tart
Anyway, as well as the crazies, I also attempted a couple of more serious stories. One of them, 'Lily's Choice', was the first, and it was a fanfic based on my theory of Harry's mother, the deceased Lily Potter. This was the story that brought me more interest, and one of my biggest supporters was Tami. From day one, she was just fabulous, and when she started posting her first fanfic, 'The Other Prince'(the sublime story of Snape's mother, Eileen Prince), well I of course had to read right away and offer my support in return.

Let me tell you, 'The Other Prince' was more than sublime, it was brilliant. And it was very obvious that Tami was a gifted writer, who would one day end up being published. And not only did we support each other's stories, we also became friends. Real friends. Tami just has zany humour, and we really clicked because I am the same way.

When Tami started posting her second fanfic, 'The Best Laid Plans (Sometimes Go Awry)', I was on board right way, and it was just as fantastic as her first story, though the tone was very similar in many ways to my 'Rocky Road' story. We both told a serious story, but we both infused our work with crazy scenes.

By now, we were big mutual fans, and it was the start of a real friendship. When HPANA shut down, we were sad, but we still contacted each other. We had Facebook. We had our writer's group (made up entirely of HPANA members, by the way). And we actually met in real life a few years ago, too, which is pretty amazing seeing as Tami is from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and I am from little old Cardiff, in Wales (our writer's group met up in Cardiff several years ago when the opportunity arose to showcase some of our drabbles [100 word pieces of fiction] at a Cardiff art gallery).

Anyway, ANYWAY... basically, we mind melded virtually from the start. We just share the same humour, and sometimes even share the same thought, wacky though that sounds. There are only a handful of people I can say that about, and these are the people that I call my best friends. I have a few of these people in the real world, which is awesome, but for me to have that in the online world, too... well it's nuts. I don't know where I'd be without my HPANA buddies. The website may have gone, but the friendships have remained.

The Bribing...

Well it's not really a bribe, but the fabulous Tami (aka Alyse Carlson) has a book baby birthday today!! Her second cozy, 'The Begonia Bribe', has just hit the shelves!! *throws confetti* I'm so thrilled that Tami took her writing to the next level, and so proud of my mind melding friend. Her first cozy was a BEST SELLER!! And I'm pretty sure that the follow up will rocket too. *nods* Here's the deets, and HUGE CONGRATS to my friend, the awesomest Watery Tart in the world! *glomps Tami*


The Blurb:

Roanoke, Virginia, is home to some of the country’s most exquisite gardens, and it’s Camellia Harris’s job to promote them. But when a pint-sized beauty contest comes to town, someone decides to deliver a final judgment …

A beauty pageant for little girls—the Little Miss Begonia Pageant—has decided to hold their event in a Roanoke park. Camellia is called in to help deal with the botanical details, the cute contestants, and their catty mothers. She soon realizes that the drama onstage is nothing compared to the judges row. There’s jealousy, betrayal, and a love triangle involving local newsman—and known lothario—Telly Stevens. And a mysterious saboteur is trying to stop the pageant from happening at all.

But the drama turns deadly when Stevens is found dead, poisoned by some sort of plant. With a full flowerbed of potential suspects, Cam needs to dig through the evidence to uproot a killer with a deadly green thumb.

by Alyse Carlson

Available at Amazon, and pretty much anywhere that sells books. So, you know, go buy it. *smiles winsomely*






Wednesday 1 May 2013

Deflated Princess

You all know that scene from the Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban movie, right? You know, when Professor Lupin jumps in front of Harry to face the Boggart, and said Boggart turns into the moon? Well, remember how the moon became a balloon, and deflated and whizzed round the room? (Ha! That last sentence is almost poetic!) Anyway, that's how I feel at the moment...

Original image
Sheesh!! What a month April was!! I am seriously proud of myself that I managed to complete the A-Z posting challenge on TWO blogs, especially when you consider that I failed right at the end last year when I was just doing ONE blog. I wrote limericks over at my other blog, and scheduled most of them in advance a few at a time, and on THIS blog, I scheduled them the night before they were due. Still, that's a heck of a lot of typing, and having various windows open to add the numerous links that were needed for each post. I'm all linked out. *snort*

Major thanks to my 'CR Sisters' - my fellow authors at Crimson Romance - who stepped up and offered their fabulous books to be promoted by little old me. And HUGE thanks to Tami, who gave me the idea to book blurb to begin with. For someone who dithers no end when it comes to blogging, having a theme was essential, or I would never have managed to do it.

*coughsAvailableAtAmazoncoughs*
Of course, I'm also feeling all 'whooshy' like a deflated balloon for another reason. My debut rom-com released on Monday, and April was NUTSO, what with preparing various interview and guest spots on different blogs, and actively seeking reviews for my book baby. I knew I'd be busy with everything. but it still came as a shock just how busy I'd be. And it's only just beginning! Promotion NEVER ends, and is particularly important when you are a debut author.

I'll have no real idea how it all pans out until I get my first royalty statement from my publisher in September, so until then I'll be crossing my fingers that my book baby gets noticed! In the meantime, THANK YOU so much to those of you who have bought it, or shared a fabulous review of it! Any and all encouragement is fantastic, and gives me the nudge to continue with my writing!

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Z is for...

Zero Factor



The Blurb:

Armed and dangerous…

A Cybershock story.

Born a psionic—a rare human prized by the government for her gifts—agridome worker Via Brede lives by two simple rules: slip into stealth mode whenever the cybernetic-enhanced militia is near. And never remove the gloves that block her psychic ability.

During a routine delivery, a tear in her glove connects her with what should be her worst nightmare. A meched-out soldier with bulging muscles and a scarred face that makes her heart pound like a pneumatic drill. She also envisions his death in an attack that happens…now.

Locke’s typically ho-hum mission goes sideways when the stunning, green-eyed bubble farmer plants a sensual kiss that sets fire to every one of his remaining man-nerves. He also sees her vision. His own commander is about to kill him.

He needs Via to find out why. First step is to get her to Old Las Vegas without succumbing to a raw, sexual need that burns in him like fever. Getting there will be a snap. Getting out alive—and winning her trust—might be a little tougher.

by Stacy Gail

Author Bio:

Stacy Gail would love to announce that she is an accomplished concert pianist and can speak seven different languages. Unfortunately, she can’t. “Chopsticks” was the only piano tune she ever mastered, and her idea of speaking another language equates to talking with a funny accent.

There are, however, a couple of things Stacy can do—figure skate and write romances. While skating competitively from the age of eight and learning that perseverance is the true key to success, she began to write stories in between skating events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro.

Amazingly enough, both dreams have now come true. For more on Stacy, visit her website.

Princess Prattle:

So this is the second book blurb I've posted for Stacy in this A-Z challenge, but Stacy has been so fabulously supportive of my own publication journey, that I'm really glad I was able to swing two promotional posts for her! *glomps Stacy* Love ya, Sweetie! Mwuah!

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Monday 29 April 2013

Y is for...

YIPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Ok, 'Yippeeeeeeeee' isn't in the title of this book, and neither is it the name of the author. Come to think of it, I don't think it's even a word that is used in the book itself, either. But you know, I think I can be forgiven for not strictly sticking to my own rules on today's posting (not that I was particularly strict with some of the other posts this month, either, but that's another blog post...)

Today is release day for IF THE SHOE FITS!!!! Yay! Yippeeeeeeeee! Yabba-dabba do!!! *snorts and dances at the same time*   (Hmmm, would that be *snances* or *dorts*? I'm going with *snances*).

*coughs* Ok, now that we have that out of the way, I'll proceed with the posting format that I have used for all of the book blurbs that I have posted so far for the April A-Z...





The Blurb:

Life isn’t a fairy tale… except when it is.

There’s nothing wrong with Ella Gibson’s life— it just isn’t very exciting, despite being surrounded by lingerie. Working for Cardiff’s top modelling agency should have been glamorous, but most of the time Ella is running around with memos and cups of coffee. It’s a far cry from living the dream, but skirting the edge of her fantasy life is enough.

Then comes the day when her cat starts to talk, claiming to be Ella’s fairy godmother. As if that weren’t crazy enough, the pesky puss becomes a fashion advisor and behavioral expert, too. Add an evil ex-stepmother, a hunk called Charming, plus a looming party-cum-ball, and you have all the elements of a classical fairy tale. There’s even a couple of ugly sisters—the fact that they are two gorgeous gay men being neither here nor there.

Ella’s not your typical fairy-tale princess though, and it will take more than a discarded glass slipper to get her man. It’s quite possible she may have to curb her enthusiasm for cursing a wee bit, not to mention her love of vodka. And can Muse, her surprisingly straight-laced feline friend, overcome her prudishness long enough for Ella to sneak a kiss or three with her intended beau?

by Amber T. Smith

Author Bio:

It's meeeee!!!!!  Er... I mean: Amber T. Smith lives in Cardiff, the bustling capital city of Wales. When she isn’t busy keeping her kids, her cats, and her lizards from fighting, she can generally be found dreaming up new plots for alternative fairy tales.

I don't think I can link to the same blog that I'm using *snort*, but if you would like to follow my madness, feel free to come here, my main blogging page, or visit me at my book blog (where I've been limericking my way through the April A-Z). I'm also on Twitter and Facebook if you'd like to say 'hello'. I love talking with new friends! (I love talking in general, but prefer it when there are people who answer me back, rather than babbling to an empty void *winks*).

Saturday 27 April 2013

X is for...

Mr X

X is a tricky letter, but with a 'mystery man' featuring in the blurb for this book, and 'Mr X' a common way of naming a mystery person, I again cheated a little. Issallgood, though, innit? *winks*




The Blurb:

After being dumped by her cheating boyfriend, Maggie Tyler’s inner crazy person is about to be unleashed. Once free, Crazy Lady wreaks havoc on Maggie’s orderly life. By the time she wrestles the monster back into its cage, Maggie is fired from her cushy position as an executive assistant. Out of work, and unemployable, she’s forced to take a job manning the balloon stand at Party World. She wears a furry Binky the Baboon costume, hoping no one from her past will see her. All goes well until a wise-ass teenager opens the floodgates for an encore performance of Crazy Lady. Maggie is canned once again.

With the bill collectors swarming like sharks, she is forced to take a job tending bar at Frank’s Rock Club. Complications mount when her sullen teenage niece Becca arrives for the summer, along with a stray and very battle-scarred cat. As Maggie begins her new life, she jettisons her most destructive habits…smoking and love, and is joined on her journey by her friend, Pat, an emotionally battered veteran of the dating scene who bears the skid marks of too many failed relationships. Despite her resolve, Maggie finds herself drawn to David, a man of mystery. Is he the man of her dreams or the stuff of her worst nightmare?

As Maggie, Pat and Becca pick their way along the road toward true love, they find themselves facing unforeseen roadblocks.. not the least of which is organized crime. Is Mystery Man a criminal? Will Frank turn out to be Pat’s soulmate? Will the arrival of Becca’s mom throw ice water on her burgeoning romance? Does love triumph? Well, of course!

by Bea Moon

Author Bio:

Bea Moon is a former Vermonter, who made a beeline to South Florida at the first opportunity. She’s worked at many things, from waitress to executive secretary, with stopovers as newspaper columnist and freelance editor. She’s eighty years old and still doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. She love music (everything from Randy Travis to Pavarotti), reading, Downton Abbey, Dexter, and the Miami Dolphins. She reads palms (strictly for fun), and is fascinated by possibility of reincarnation.

Princess Prattle:

As I stated above, 'X' is a tricky letter, but I had to make it fit for this book! The cover is great, there's loads of lovely angsty goodness in the plot, plus there's a cat in there too! Not only that, but I just really want to be like this fabulous lady author 'when I grow up' too! If I'm still writing novels at the age of 80, I will be over the moon (no pun intended). What a fabulous inspiration to struggling writers everywhere!

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!!

Friday 26 April 2013

W is for...

Winter Storms



The Blurb:

Two years ago Carly Roberts split from her lover, Daniel Edwards, after he caused a terrible sailing accident that cost her both the use of her right leg and her Olympic dreams. Unable to watch his climb to double Olympic success, she stayed in the Cornish village they grew up in, while he travelled the world.

Racked with guilt, knowing he destroyed her future, Daniel has finally returned home to make amends. But he didn’t expect to fall in love with her again.

Carly has her own life now and it doesn’t include him. She can’t forgive him for the catastrophic injuries that changed her life. While the storms of a Cornish winter lash their village home, can Daniel persuade her to give him a second chance?

by Lucy Oliver

Author Bio:

Lucy Oliver grew up by the sea and particularly loved walking along the harbour in winter, when the streets were deserted and waves crashed against the seawalls. Now living inshore, she likes to return to those memories by writing passionate romances set against the backdrop of wild Cornish storms.

Currently on sale at Amazon UK and Amazon.com, so grab a bargain!

Author's Note:

Winter Storms was inspired by an image; a glimpse of wet cobbles in a seaside town. The fishing village of Haven Bay grew from this picture, along with the vision of a girl with bright red hair walking along the harbour, leaning on a stick. It is a story of love, forgiveness and learning to accept the twists and turns of fate. 

Princess Prattle:

I've actually just finished reading this one (I'll be posting a review up at Amazon UK and Goodreads later this evening), but I thought I'd add a few words here, too. This story is so full of atmospheric details of the Cornish coast, that you are literally sucked in to Ms Oliver's world - so much that you can almost feel the salty sea spray on your face and the snow-covered cobbles beneath your feet. I've been to similar coastal towns, and this book definitely reminded me of them! As to the characters, I have to give kudos for the author's ability to portray the heroine so beautifully. Carly is flawed, and not just physically. It's almost painful - but ultimately satisfying - to watch how she gradually works her way from bitter recluse, to someone who is capable of letting go of the past, and grasping the possibility of a future that she had thought was lost forever.

The cast of supporting characters is also fabulous - a vast array of locals, each with their own back story, and each bringing depth to the overall story. This was an absorbing read!

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!!

Thursday 25 April 2013

V is for...


Vristen Pierce



The Blurb:

When her ex comes to town, Cassie Jones has her world turned upside down. Thanks to her own lies, he expects her to be not only in love with the man of her dreams, but engaged.

Cassie has no time to formulate a revised plan of her own so she enlists the help of co-worker and friend, Julia. Julia’s “help” comes in the form of a man who’s completely wrong for Cassie in every conceivable way. With no time to spare, Cassie plunges headfirst into her fake relationship, despite her hesitation. She’s about to discover that one week can change everything.

by Vristen Pierce

Author Bio:

I write a lot of romance, a little erotica, and a smidgen of erotic romance--but all of it contemporary. For more information on my stories and general randomness and chatter, check out my website: Vristen Pierce.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please drop by!

Wednesday 24 April 2013

U is for...

Unattainable



The Blurb:

Unreachable. Dell Rosales gained her nickname, “inalcansable,” or “unreachable,’” the old-fashioned way, earning it with every new rip in her heart.

Unwanted. Dell returns home to salvage her father’s ranch by opening the place to a group of girls with problems and pain not unlike her own. With her outlook on love soured–perhaps beyond salvation–she clings to Becky, the tiny little girl whose own mother preferred a life of drugs and men to motherhood.

Unwinnable. Former DEA agent Jovani Treviño has seen that the war isn’t winnable: people keep dying. Drugs keep killing them. But pleas for help from the DEA make him agree to one last battle for the good cause—checking out heiress Dell Rosales, whose ranch on the Rio Grande provides a perfect spot for traffickers to cross if she allows them to.

Unattainable. Suspicions, passion, and their respective pasts draw Dell and Jovi into a tumultuous relationship that both must to avoid. Love seems distant, foolish to seek–unattainable. When an epic flood threatens not only Dell’s ranch but the surrounding area, will anything survive?

by Leslie P. García

Author Bio:

Words empower. South Texas author/educator Leslie P. García believes that absolutely. Absolutely.


Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Tuesday 23 April 2013

T is for...

Temperance
 


 
The Blurb:
 
Basil Fitzpatrick was born into a life of privilege. In 1856, at 23 years of age, he is the owner of the St. Louis branch of the family banking business. He has his pick of the ladies and life by the horns. Temperance Jones and her family are far from privileged. Her father is a circuit-riding preacher from Pennsylvania. But the rumblings of a war between the North and the South force the preacher to move his family to Oregon rather than to take up arms against his fellow man. However, hardship and sickness have slowed their pace, and they are forced to spend the winter in St. Louis, waiting for the next wagon trains to leave in the spring.
 
Basil is drawn to the large family the moment they roll into town, partly because they remind him of his own big family in New York. But also because of the eldest daughter, Temperance. She is a tiny, no-nonsense spitfire who is bent on fulfilling her father’s wish to get the family safely to Oregon. Basil is only interested in finding a mistress, not a wife. He knows if he allows Temperance into his heart, he is accepting the obligation of her entire family and their quest to settle in Oregon. He wants Temperance like he has wanted no other, but the burden of her family may be too much for him. And he can’t have one without the other.
 
 
Author Bio:
 
Becky Lower lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary. She uses writing as an excuse to explore old graveyards, Civil War battlefields, and to stay up late watching old westerns.
 
Banking On Temperance, Book 3 in The Cotillion Ball Series, will be released May 6, from Crimson Romance. Pre-order at Amazon.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Monday 22 April 2013

S is for...

Save my Soul




The Blurb:

Psychotherapist Maggie Collins has always been a little off the proverbial wall, but now she’s also knee deep in a delayed quarter-life crisis. With her meager paychecks devoured by student loan debt, a car payment and rent for office space, living at home with a flighty, folk-singing mother seemed like a good idea…at first. Now Maggie’s not so sure. She wants space to sort things out and launch a life of her own, but she needs a cushion of cash to get there. When an unexpected phone call brings an offer Maggie can’t refuse, she’s one deal with the devil away from moving out of her mother’s house.

The devil of contract negotiations, baseball agent Jordon Kemmons, has a problem the usual experts can’t fix…his star pitcher is too depressed to throw strikes. Even worse, Jordon’s post-divorce grudge against women is turning him into a raging mess. If desperate times call for desperate measures, then cynical Jordon has made the most desperate move of all. He’s hoping sexy psychotherapist Maggie Collins is the answer to all his rusty prayers.

Soon Maggie and Jordon are fighting an attraction that threatens everything they’ve ever believed. If it’s not just physical attraction…if it’s something more, maybe two wrongs can make a right.

by Elley Arden

Author Bio:

Elley Arden is a proud Pennsylvania girl who drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness. Learn more about her at www.elleyarden.com and on Twitter.


Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Saturday 20 April 2013

R is for...

Relentless




The Blurb:

Dallas homicide detective Remy LeBeau trusts no one. He hides from a past that could kill him and anyone involved with him. What he’s not prepared for is the return of an elusive serial killer . . . and an unwanted desire to protect a witness at all costs.

Professional barrel racer Cody Lewis’s dream of being top in the nation is within reach until she discovers a murdered woman in her horse trailer. The event pulls her into the sickening world of the Rodeo Sweethearts serial killer—a madman who terrorized Dallas’s rodeo circuit five years prior and is now back for more. But what’s worse is that Cody fits the profile of the Rodeo Sweetheart victims. . .

As Remy dives into the investigation, he uncovers secrets of a botched investigation and a tight-lipped boss, while attracting unwanted attention from the killer. Battling his partner, his attraction to Cody, and the demons of his past, catching the killer could cost Remy everything. Even Cody’s life.

by Winter Austin

Author Bio:

Winter Austin resides in the mid-west with her Beta Hero, four mind-boggling kids, and a bevy of pets. When she’s not trying to kill her characters in some form or fashion she can be found in the kitchen creating another culinary delight.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!!

Friday 19 April 2013

Q is for...

QUALNTO
 
Again, I've had to be creative with today's letter, as there wasn't a book or an author that I could find to represent the letter 'Q', but there is an interesting 'character' in this novel with a 'Q' name, so that's what I went with!



The Blurb:

Brilliant cryptologist Dr. Sarah Tu races against time to block the most dangerous Internet malware ever created, a botnet called QUALNTO. While Sarah is closed off in her computer lab, her sister, Hanna, is brutally attacked and left in a coma. As Sarah reels with guilt over not being there for her sister, a web of deception closes in, threatening her and everyone she loves.

Hanna’s condition is misleading. In her coma state, she is able to build a psychic bridge with FBI Special Agent Jason McNeil. Her cryptic messages plague Jason to keep Sarah safe.

Tough and street-smart Jason McNeil doesn’t believe in visions or telepathic messages, and he fights the voice inside his head. His first impression of Dr. Sarah Tu is another stiletto wearing ice-dragon on the war path―until he witnesses her façade crumble after seeing her sister’s bloody, tortured body. Jason’s protective instinct kicks in. He falls for Sarah―hard.

When an extremenly dangerous arms dealer and cybercriminal discovers that Sarah blocked his botnet, he kidnps Sarah. Placed in an impossible position, will she destroy the botnet to protect national security or release it to save the man she loves?

by Nancy C. Weeks

Author Bio:

Nancy C. Weeks lives in suburban Maryland with her husband of more than thirty years. She has two children in college and spends her days out on her deck writing as the local bird population keeps her company. She loves to hear from her readers.
 
For more about Nancy C. Weeks: website; blog; Facebook

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please drop by!

Thursday 18 April 2013

P is for...

Picture Reveal!

So, while I have been doing my best to use a letter either from the book title or author's name to link with the day's A-Z letter, with today's post I had to be a little more creative, as I signed up to do this cover reveal last month. Generally, when a new cover art is unveiled, it is called a 'cover reveal'  (for obvious reasons *snort*), but you all know how I like to bend the rules, so don't mind me changing the word from 'cover' to 'picture'. No matter how hard I tried, 'cover' just wouldn't be helpful and begin with a 'p'. *winks*



Cover art by Jen Naumann
The Blurb:

Ten Days  by Olivia Mayfield
Publication date: May 2013
Genre: New adult/YA crossover sci-fi romance
Goodreads Page

Seventeen-year-old Cally isn’t like the others. In her society, the Machine caters to every whim, ensuring people don’t have to leave their pods. But Cally and her best friend Marshal find themselves drawn to how things used to be, when people lived on the surface of the earth and relied upon manpower, not technology. When physical contact wasn’t uncivilized, and love was normal, acceptable, embraced. Cally tries to swallow down her increasing dissatisfaction with the "rules," as well as her rapidly developing feelings for Marshal, a task getting harder each day.

Then, things start going downhill, fast. Food is spoiled. Air grows musty. The population panics about the dysfunction--is it sabotage? Anarchy? But Cally and Marshal discover the truth: The Machine, the answer to all their problems for longer than anyone can remember, is breaking down. Now, these two have to risk it all to save themselves and the people they care about...before their entire world destroys itself.


Author Bio:

Olivia Mayfield has been an unabashed fan of romance since she was a young teen, secretly devouring her mom’s Harlequins. She has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, as well as a Master’s degree in English, and lives with her family in Ohio. In her free time, she loves reading, shopping, wearing absurdly high-heeled boots, cheesecake, singing karaoke, and harassing her friends.

You can find Olivia at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.




Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Wednesday 17 April 2013

O is for...

O’Neill



The Blurb:

Californian Gwendolyn Godwyn seeks to learn her family’s history and hopes to restore the bond that once existed between her Italian forebearers and those who live in America. While visiting her ancestral Italian town, Gwen is caught in a violent earthquake and inexplicably thrust through time.

At first refusing to believe what has happened, she nevertheless uses her wits to survive, donning a monk’s cowl to hide her identity as a woman. Ripped apart from all she has ever known, Gwen finds herself in the midst of brutal territorial battles in an era she once blithely called “The Dark Ages.” When the golden Italian summer of 951 emerges from the strife and gloom, Gwen joins forces with a cadre of gallant men, allies in the struggle against the evil nobles, Willa of Tuscany and Count Berengar, kidnappers of Italy’s rightful queen, Adelaide.

Along with Father Warinus and Lord Alberto Uzzo, Gwen seeks to rescue Adelaide and restore her kingdom. In the midst of this great adventure, Gwen falls in love with the complex and passionate Alberto, to whom she reveals her identity as a woman. But can Alberto learn to love her strong and independent nature and help Gwen in her quest to discover her rightful place in time?

by Morgan O’Neill

Author Bio:

Two authors writing as one, Cary Morgan Frates and Deborah O’Neill Cordes specialize in recreating pivotal moments in history, epic adventure, and romance––with a time travel twist. Follow their twenty-first century heroine, Gwendolyn Godwyn, as she battles for acceptance, honor, justice, and love in war-torn tenth century Italy. The epic begins with The Other Side of Heaven and will continue with Time Enough for Love.

Their Roman time travel trilogy was published by Crimson Romance in 2012, and their forthcoming Italian time travel series releases in May and July of 2013.

For more about Morgan O’Neill, visit MorganONeill.com and Facebook.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Tuesday 16 April 2013

N is for...

Nanny




The Blurb:

Hollywood director Nick Trenton needs a nanny and fast. It certainly hasn’t helped that his son has run off every one he’s hired. With a big shoot coming up in LA, Nick’s running out of options. Then along comes Rania George—sweetshop owner and one of the few people his son doesn’t want to give the slip. No, she doesn’t like Nick, but he can work around that. He loves his son and will do anything to get the lovely Miss George to say yes to his plan.

Rania is used to children hanging outside her sweetshop but seeing one alone on a dark night is a first. What sort of parent would let his child wander the streets at night?

Then she meets his Hollywood director father and assumes Nick’s too self absorbed to notice his son is wandering the streets alone. She learned from an early age that anything Hollywood related was bad news. She has vowed to stay away from anything—and she means anything—Hollywood.

Not that it helps when Nick’s cute-as-a-button son captures her heart nor when she’s offered to babysit said son for a huge amount of money. Only catch is she has to fly to Hollywood and spend three weeks in the company of his devastatingly attractive father.

After all her experiences with Hollywood, is she willing to risk it?

by Olivia Logan

Author Bio:

Olivia Logan lives in the ever sunny UK where if she’s not writing her newest romance, she’s planning the next one. Tweets as @Olivia_Logan_

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Monday 15 April 2013

M is for...

Manager




The Blurb:

Barb Carico’s life is all about business. Now that her best friend has tied the knot with her high school sweetheart and Barb’s new partner, she’s busier than ever. Managing Jesse Sullivan’s career and public persona can be a handful. Add in an aging mother who goes through home health nurses like candy, Barb’s hanging on the edge.

Her one salvation? Hunter Martin, prodigal son of Martin Family Dairy and, hopefully, Jesse’s next sponsor. A promise his father had already made before Hunter took over the public relations department. After his brother’s death, Hunter’s become an instant dad to his seven year old niece. More responsibility. For Hunter, the rodeo weekend with Barb is the perfect excuse to relax.

When their dinner turns into drinks and then a quick trip to a Vegas wedding chapel, both Barb and Hunter agree their nuptials were a mistake. A mistake they consummated the next evening. As soon as they’re home, the marriage will be annulled. That’s what they both want. Or at least what they tell themselves.

Upon their return, Hunter finds that distant relatives are suing him for custody of his niece. The only way for him to keep custody is to design a life that matches the promise of a perfect family. For that, he needs Barb to stay married to him. Hunter would give her anything to go along with the charade.

Barb doesn’t know anything about being a wife or mother but she needs one favor. A favor she’ll trade her lifestyle, independence, and even risk her heart to make come true.

by Lynn Cahoon

Author Bio:

Lynn Cahoon lives by the Mississippi River in a town steeped in history. She loves collecting old books, walking her Pomeranians, and writing romance.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Saturday 13 April 2013

L is for...

Love's Spirit




The Blurb:

Emily Brentwood’s ultimatum to return to England led to her husband’s capture by British troops, but she learns he has escaped and is still alive. She is overjoyed to be unexpectedly reunited with her husband, but Emily is appalled by Jonathon’s injuries at the hands of the British, and she blames herself for his imprisonment and torture.

Separated again when he is forced into hiding, Emily clings to his promise to be with her for the birth of their baby. Boldly, she confronts the British officer who attempted to rape her, and she defies the woman who wants her dead.

Still suffering from his wounds, Jonathon risks his life to reunite with Emily, but their time together is cut short by threats from the British and the scandalous demands of his former lover. Jonathon’s physical pain pales in comparison to the torment he feels when he betrays Emily. Standing in the way of their happiness is a British officer with a personal vendetta, and a woman whose vicious intentions threaten Emily’s life. Torn between anguish over his betrayal of Emily and his need to ensure her safety, Jonathon risks recapture and certain death when he returns to Brentwood Manor knowing that British soldiers scour the countryside for him.

Both Jonathon and Emily must overcome their guilt and trust that love’s spirit will triumph over the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart. Swirling around them is a war in which a new country is born from a demand for liberty and a new love is sparked in the midst of rebellion.

by Elizabeth Meyette

“Love’s Spirit delights and inspires in a story of passionate commitment
where Emily, Jonathan and their family are tested to heartbreaking limits
and only the purest love can save them.” — Pam B. Morris, author of Smitten Image

“Outstanding story line and historical accuracy. Great personalities that hold true to their convictions, Elizabeth Meyette really captures your imagination.” – Robert M. Ford, author of Battlestation Alpha

Author Bio: 

Elizabeth Meyette lives in the Great Lakes Bay region of Michigan and is often inspired as she walks along the beach listening to the waves. Due to several culinary mishaps, she is not allowed near the stove when writing; fortunately her husband Rich is an excellent cook.

Author's Note: 

On a walk along the shore, Elizabeth's husband Rich told her to listen to the waves. She listened. Then she retired from teaching and began her career as an author. Listening to the waves can change your life.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!!

Friday 12 April 2013

K is for...

Katie Kenyhercz




The Blurb:

Jacey Vaughn has a newly minted MBA when her father dies unexpectedly and leaves her his NHL team. Well-versed in business but not so much in hockey, Jacey navigates this new world with a few stumbles. She definitely doesn’t plan on falling for the team captain. At the first hint of scandal, a local Las Vegas reporter latches on, and Jacey finds herself in the newspaper with headlines that hurt instead of help. Jacey’s determined to keep her father’s legacy alive and make the team successful, but while she has no problem denying her feelings to the media, she can’t lie to herself.

Carter Phlynn has known nothing but hockey his entire life. Drafted into the NHL at age eighteen, winning the Stanley Cup is all he’s ever wanted. Nothing has ever disrupted his focus. Not until he meets his new boss. Jacey gets under his skin like no one else, and while dating the team owner would be a disaster for his career and reputation, he can’t get her out of his head. Carter has never had a relationship last more than a month, but the more he’s around Jacey, the more he can’t picture his future without her.

by Katie Kenyhercz

“A sweet and sexy read from cover to cover!”—Rachell Nichole, author of An Affair Across Times Square and Spicey with a Side of Cranberry Sauce

Author Bio:

Katie lives in northeast Ohio, where she writes hockey romance and works toward her MFA in the Writing of Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University.Find out more at her website.


Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!!

Thursday 11 April 2013

J is for...

Juli Page Morgan





The Blurb:

Under Katie Scott’s flower child exterior beats the heart of June Cleaver. Though she digs her bellbottoms and love beads, she longs for the idyllic family life she was denied as a child.

Laughed out of San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury after the Summer of Love for believing rock ’n roll and white picket fences can coexist she decides to try her luck in the bohemian neighborhood of Ladbroke Grove in London.
 sE
When she discovers her new friend Adam is starting a band with Jay Carey, she’s ecstatic. She’d admired the British guitar god from afar for years, and when she and Jay finally meet the attraction between them is instantaneous.

But life with a rock ’n roll star doesn’t lend itself well to white picket fences. And when Katie tells Jay the secret she’s carried for two years it may end the dream before it begins.

by Juli Page Morgan

Crimson and Clover, by debut author Juli Page Morgan, follows the far-out, groovy journey of a free-spirited heroine and her hard-rocking lover through the turbulent late Sixties and early Seventies. With an amazing supporting cast of characters, witty dialogue, and gritty backstage realism, the crackling chemistry between Crimson and Clover’s star couple will leave you rejoicing for their triumphs and weeping for their losses. This must-read book is an up-well-past-midnight delight that will leave you craving More, More, More!” – Traci Douglass, author of Seal of Destiny

“Juli Page Morgan’s debut novel, Crimson and Clover, is a nostalgic breath of fresh air, full of characters that are fully fleshed and step out from between the covers and into your imagination. Come relive the Swingin’ Sixties and discover the secret world of rock guitar gods and the women who love them.” – Debi Matlack, author of Old Dogs.

Author Bio:

Juli Page Morgan lives in Arkansas with her husband and youngest daughter. She listens to Led Zeppelin at maximum volume, exceeds the speed limit when she drives, and cannot live without her morning Starbucks fix. 

Book blurbing my way through the challenge here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!! 

Wednesday 10 April 2013

I is for...

Infiltration

*... because I needed an 'I' post, could not find an author or book title that fitted my needs, and so used a word that tied in with the book instead. The 'infiltration' is alluding to the general spy theme of the book I am blurbing today. Yep, I bend the rules. That's how I roll (and bend, apparently). *shifty*



The Blurb:

After an engagement gone terribly awry, American interior designer Eva Anderson has finally met the man of her dreams. Handsome, charming Owen Martin is one of London’s most talented musicians, and he’s head over heels for Eva to boot. They fall in love, get married and go on a fabulous honeymoon to Paris.

But Owen forgot to tell Eva one little detail: he’s actually a top secret British spy…oh, and there are more than a few women in his past. Unfortunately for Eva, one of those women is the beloved younger sister of Middle Eastern terrorist Hassam Khalil. Hassam wants nothing more than revenge on Owen for defiling his sister, so he kidnaps Eva.

Owen rushes to the catacombs of Paris to rescue his new bride only to discover that she’s learned all of his worst secrets and wants nothing more to do with him. From the teashops of London to the cafes of Paris and the ports of Alexandria, Owen and Eva encounter terrorists run amok, friends with the best of intentions, guns, fangirls and espionage galore. But, will love ever be enough to overcome the lies of this British spy?

by Selena Laurence

Author Bio:

Selena Laurence started writing in the office of a United States Senator where creating fiction was one of many skills she acquired. In addition to her addiction to writing and reading romance, she drives kids around, lets the dog have the front seat, and generally tries to wrangle chaos. Her husband, Mr. Laurence, is a very patient man.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please drop by!

Tuesday 9 April 2013

H is for ...

Heather Thurmeier





The Blurb:

If being forced to team up with reality TV’s favorite bad girl wasn’t enough, falling for her brother might just make this reality show a real nightmare.

Paige Anderson agrees to be on a new reality show called Treasure Trekkers, a show where contestants use handheld GPS units to find hidden caches filled with prizes, with her good friend Cassidy. But when Cassidy is unable to compete, Chip Cormack, the show’s producer, steps in with a last-minute replacement to be Paige’s partner—Zoe Oliver, reality TV’s favorite bad girl.

Jack Miles (aka Miles) is a mountain climber with the body to prove it. Miles convinced his climbing partner Ben to come on the show with him for one reason—to prove to Ben that they can still hike together, regardless of the fact that Ben lost his foot in a tragic accident. Miles isn’t about to let anything get in his way of winning—not even beautiful Paige.

But when Miles and Paige are thrown into an alliance with their teammates, working closely together leads to more than just good strategy. Can Paige steal Miles’ heart while surviving Zoe long enough to win the game?

by Heather Thurmeier

Author Bio:

Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. Her passion is contemporary romance—writing stories filled with laugh out loud moments, uber-hunky heroes, feisty heroines, and always a happily ever after. Author website.


Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please drop by!

Monday 8 April 2013

G is for...

The Garnet Dagger






The Blurb:

Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

by Andrea R. Cooper

Author Bio:

Andrea R. Cooper grew-up creating characters and never stopped. She lives in Houston and when not writing stories, she likes to dance when no one is watching. Follow her on Twitter @AndreaRCooper and visit her website.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please stop by!

Saturday 6 April 2013

F is for...

Fated Souls




The Blurb:

Shamed investigative journalist turned tabloid scribe Maggie O’Connell convinces her editor to let her go to Minnesota to research alleged werewolf sightings. Her first night in the woods, she gets trapped in an ancient sleeping bag, unintentionally attracts the attention of a bear, and is saved by the most unlikely of heroes: the very wolf she had come to investigate!

When she meets horse rancher Aidan Gael in the town market days later, she recognizes his eyes as those belonging to her champion. He dodges her every attempt to get to know him but undaunted Maggie launches a campaign to win over the recalcitrant Aidan.

Aidan tries desperately to avoid her; he both fears Maggie and fears for her. Neither man nor beast can resist her curious mind and courageous heart. One kiss threatens to break Aidan’s tenuous self-control but furthers Maggie’s resolve. But danger lurks at every turn. The curse Aidan fights to keep secret is only one of the obstacles that will test the strength of their bond. Together they will navigate the violence of both nature and of man in pursuit of their destiny.

Fated Souls releases April 15th.

by Becky Flade

Author Bio:

Becky Flade loves and laughs in Southeast Pennsylvania where she’s busy living her very own happily ever after, when she’s not writing about someone else’s.

Book blurbing my way through the challenge on here, and limericking my way through the April A-Z over at The Furry Tale Chronicles. Please drop by!