BLOG TOUR: Unchained Memories by Maria Imbalnzo

As a rising medical malpractice attorney, Charlotte Taylor believes in standing up for the injured, giving them a voice, and advocating for their rights. She couldn't do it for her mother, so she does it for others, even if it means losing the love of her life.

Dr. Clayton Montgomery believes in working hard and playing even harder, until he reconnects with Charlotte. Barely noticing her crush when he tutored her ten years ago, Clay has a chance to make up for lost time when the beautiful lawyer comes back into town...until he discovers her chosen career path.

Now, philosophical differences soon become a reality and Charlotte is faced with the choice of representing a client against the hospital and against Clay. Will Charlotte give up her career and her tribute to her mother for a second chance with the man who got away?

Buy link:  Amazon-http://tinyurl.com/o3wgbdp

Website:http://www.mariaimbalzano.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaImbalzano

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

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/search?query=Maria+Imbalzano

About the author:

I was born in Trenton, NJ , in the heart of Chambersburg, the Italian section of town. My father was a barber and my mother, a State employee, who also taught me to jitterbug at the tender age of four. We loved to dance in the living room while watching American Bandstand. Hardly star material, but I was driven nonetheless. The product of a Catholic School education, I learned the basics, and took for granted  I would be successful doing something, even if it entailed cutting hair. I attended Rutgers University as a psychology major, but after three years decided I liked political science better. My first job led me to Manhattan where I worked as a paralegal for four years before attending Fordham University School of Law. There I learned to think like a lawyer, write like a lawyer, and speak like a lawyer, all while living like a pauper in the city of my dreams. Living in New York City, albeit on a tight budget, allowed me to indulge my love of ballet, art museums, and theater. Did you know you could walk into a theater after intermission and no one checks your ticket? I enjoyed the second half of many plays as well as ballets.

My love of reading dates back to my childhood when I would borrow at least four books from the library every week. During the summer, I would sit in the house and read, until my mother, totally frustrated, would send me outside to play and lock me out. I always found my way back in. However, I must confess, I hated to write. In every English and writing class throughout college, I dreaded trying to be creative. As a friend from law school so aptly put it, “The reason why we’re here is because we don’t have a creative bone in our bodies.” I agreed.

Despite my dislike of creative writing back then, I embraced legal writing, and was first published in Volume 5 of the Fordham International Law Journal. My article was entitled “In re Mackin: Is the Application of the Political Offense Exception an Extradition Issue for the Judicial or Executive Branch?” I would advise you against reading it, for you will surely fall asleep.

Following law school, I returned to central New Jersey and took a job at a local law firm where I have been a partner for many years.  My area of practice is divorce, and while emotions run high and clients are living through the worst time of their lives, I find the practice very satisfying.  In addition to litigation,  I have added mediation and collaborative divorce to my repertoire, which are much more civil ways of dealing with issues in family law cases.

In addition to practicing law and raising two daughters, I’ve been working towards my second career.  Memoranda of Law and Legal Briefs, although fascinating, pale in comparison to writing romance/women’s fiction. So how does one transition from divorce lawyer by day to romance writer by night? That’s the beauty of having two distinct passions.

Red. Hot. Sexy.

Like magnets, Clay’s eyes clicked on Charlotte, unable to repel the force holding them. Her chestnut hair was held up in a loose, sexy do that had him itching to pull the pins to release it. Her strapless dress showcased a long neck and creamy shoulders that called out to be kissed. His involuntary focus on her lovely traits throughout the evening had made him a rude dinner companion; unable to answer even the easiest of questions.

He had come here tonight to socialize with the powers that be at the hospital, to talk up the ER, to lay the groundwork for future requests. But his concentration had been directed elsewhere. Since he’d squandered his opportunity to network, he should leave. But here he was at the bar at ten-thirty, waiting for a scotch and soda. The band was heavily into their Motown set and many of the revelers packed the dance floor.

Across the room, Clay zeroed in on Charlotte talking to a group of men, her red gown like a flame in a sea of black. He smiled. She sure knew how to turn heads. His included.

But he knew her better than those clowns. He knew the sweet, tough eighteen-year-old who’d lost her parents within hours of each other. The broken girl whose emotional health had worried Dr. Collins, their Chief of Surgery, much more than her physical wounds.

As the band segued into a slow song, Clay covered the distance between them. “Excuse us, gentlemen, but the lady promised me a dance, and I’d like to claim it now.” He deposited his drink on an empty table and guided her toward the dance floor.

“I don’t recall promising you a dance.” Her beautiful face held the hint of a smile.

“You don’t? I must have dreamed it.”

He pulled her into his embrace, and moved with the music around the floor, feeling like one of the luckiest men there. Although she hadn’t promised anything, she glided around the room, following his lead. Her perfume intoxicated him more than any drink ever could, and the  movement of her graceful body against his had his heart palpitating. 

Little Charley Taylor had certainly grown up, and he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to know her now. As an adult. Ten years removed from the time their lives had intersected. 

Review: Girl Talk

Girl Talk by Charmaine Galloway

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In today’s society, there are so many negative influences, abuse and bullying going on with our children that it was refreshing to see this book by Charmaine Galloway. She helps young ladies know that they are beautiful and that with every situation…”this too will pass.” Our girls need this positive reinforcement. It helps them to know life goes on. Don’t give in to the peer pressure.

I also enjoyed how the author broke the book up into sections and at the beginning of each section was a bible verse. There were also prayers throughout this collection of poetry.

My favorite poems were: Boy Please, WWW dot Com, Teenage Love and Step Father just to name a few. You will definitely take something from each poem you read.

Great job Charmaine. I applaud you for taking the time out to write this motivational book for girls…young and old.




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Review: The Night My Soul Cried

The Night My Soul Cried by LaRedeaux

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



As a starting reading this poetry book by Author LaRedeaux, I was intrigued by the emotions behind each poem whether it was about sensuality or love. We all have experienced in one way or another, each of the emotions that are described throughout this book.

You can tell Author LaRedeaux put her all into publishing this work. I have read almost all of her stories and she never ceases to amaze me what she can do with a pen.




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10/10 with Author Angie Daniels

      Can you please tell us who is the person behind the pen?

     That depends on who you ask. Angie Daniels is a free spirit who isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind or even better, write about it. My alter ego Sasha Campbell strutted onto the literary scene in five-inch heels with a wild imagination and style for keeping it real. Together we know what readers want and strive to deliver.

 

          What is your greatest achievement?

      Becoming a published author

        What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?

It’s a whole lot harder than it appears. Author don’t just write a book one day and publish it the next (well they could, but I wouldn’t advise it). Publishing (the right way) is a process that takes stages and quite a bit of time to achieve the books readers love so much.

 What is your greatest fear?

Failure. I’m always striving for perfection so succeeding is always the biggest challenge for me.

      What author(s) has influenced your writing style?

Oh my, there are so many but some of my biggest favorites are Mary B. Morrison, Carl Weber, K’wan, James Patterson, and the list goes on.

       What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?

I try to write stories that not only entertain but also educate. If I can leave a stamp on the literary scene as an author who changed lives and made a difference then my work will not be forgotten.

          How important was a "platform" in selling your books?

Having a platform is vital for an author’s career. It’s not who you know but who knows you. We rely on our readers and reviewers to create a buzz because without it, we’re just another author so we have to do whatever we can to get readers to see us. Especially now when anyone can become a “published author” so readers have a multitude of options. I was fortunate to start my career with a traditional publishing house so I had the publisher’s name and built-in fan base. It was then up to me to take my platform to the next level. In this day and age, social media is key.

     Do you have any book signings coming up where readers can meet you?

Readers can come out and meet me at Romance Slam Jam 2014, New Orleans, 7-11 May. For more information log onto www.romanceslamjam.org

       Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?

I am planning an exciting year starting with Talk a Good Game, a Sasha Campbell/Angie Daniels collaboration; the next volumes of The Decadent Delight and The Sexy Simmons Series that readers have been asking for; and possibly one more special surprise.

     What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

For me the work isn’t done on the first draft but on the second or third. I write a book from beginning to end, take a week off and then the rewriting begins. Agents, publishers and readers want a complete and polished product. Rewrite until your book cannot be improved any further. Look at writing as a representation of who you are and strive for perfection!

FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER

More about the author:

Angie Daniels has released over two dozen novels. She has won numerous awards including a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for When it Rains, and an Emma Award for Favorite Erotic Romance, for A Delight Before Christmas. She began her road to publication in 2001 when she was offered a four-book deal with Genesis Press. In 2002 she signed with BET/Arabesque which was purchased by Harlequin/Kimani Romance in 2005. Angie joined Kensington Publishing in 2003. Angie Daniels is also honored to be the keynote speaker for the 2014 Romance Slam Jam. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia College.  

Review: The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son by Kimberla Lawson Roby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Rev Curtis Black and his dysfunctional family are back. As both of his sons, Matthew and Dillon fight for love, the battle becomes more than anyone bargained for.

Matthew’s marriage to Racquel spins out of control fast as he struggles with the verbal and physical abuse from his wife. He reminisces about his life before his marriage and how he wished he had listened to his parents and stayed in school. Unable to turn back the hands of time, he becomes content with building a future without Racquel and as a single dad to their son, MJ. As Matthew decides enough is enough, Racquel becomes an imminent danger to herself, Matthew and MJ.

Throughout this story, you will see the highs and lows of Racquel’s mental status. Racquel has no boundaries and will do whatever she needs to do to get back at Matthew and has no problem taking down anyone in her way.

Long lost son Dillon is sick and tired of feeling like an outsider. He wants to have the same type of closeness with Rev. Black that his siblings have but it doesn’t seem like it is going to happen. The more Dillon does to get his dad’s attention, the more it backfires on him.
The two least likely people form a comradery and they plan to take down everyone in the Black family including Matthew. Will Dillon finally get his father’s love? Will Matthew finally be able to break free from Racquel’s abuse?

You have to one click this interesting read.




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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Love Redeemed by Love Belvin

Love Redeemed – the conclusion of the of the Love’s Improbable Possibility series:

Life’s complicated…

Life’s not fair…

All is fair in love and war…

You ever wonder what events led up to an individual’s inability to trust? Love Lost starts off by peeling back layers of a young girl who experienced the loss of essential, reliable and nurturing love.

Rayna Brimm, hailing from an inner-city in New Jersey, survives a series of betrayal and loss only to forge forward in self-preservation and obtain an education in North Carolina. After receiving her degree, vowing never return home, she finds herself in California where she tries to build a self-contained life. She made a personal declaration to get through life without further dependence on others in order to avoid yet another heartbreak. Only, fate said otherwise.

Enter Azmir Jacobs, a tall, dark, handsome and very wealthy man, who has street credibility and executive power in the corporate world. Azmir has money, power and beautiful women at his beck and call, but only one woman has caught his eye. The resilient Rayna Brimm, a woman whose dysfunctional upbringing contributes towards her tough skin, issues with trust and a deep-seated fear to love, turns out to be more than he bargained for when he discovered her in his boardroom presenting a leasing proposal.

Rayna isn’t the only one with a checkered past. Can Azmir conceal his convoluted life long enough to prove that he can provide Rayna the stable and reliable love that she clearly needs and deserves? Or will his lofty lifestyle and endless resources scare her away?

Find out in this riveting conclusion how Rayna reconciles her inability to trust and willingness to explore love in ways she thought she wasn’t worthy of. See love redeemed for someone who thought it was not in the cards. Also, experience Azmir’s lessons on love, forgiveness, and acceptance as his world is transformed to include a life partner.

Amazon author page link

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Belvin/e/B00CZDLZO0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1397227378&sr=8-1

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BOOK BLAST: How Sweet the Sound by Vanessa Miller

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 4, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1426749287

ISBN-13: 978-1426749285

Genre: Historical Gospel Fiction

Shar Gracey wants nothing more than to sing the Lord’s praises, so she jumps at the chance to join a traveling choir led by the father of black gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey. Better yet, the opportunity will give her money to pay for her ailing mother’s medical care.

While on tour she falls under the tutelage of gospel great Mahalia Jackson—and falls for the handsome but not-so-great Nicoli James, whose desires for Shar are fueled by his own greed. Shar would do anything for Nicoli—and he knows it—so when his life is threatened after a night of gambling, Shar agrees to help pay Nicoli’s debt, only to have her faith and dreams shattered.

Reeling from the betrayal, Shar loses her voice and she believes that she will never sing again. She has no place to run except back home to her seriously ill mother—and the man she left behind, who would move heaven and earth to make Shar’s pain go away. Even if it means he has to let her go . . . again.

AMAZON PAPERBACK ~ AMAZON EBOOK ~ BARNES AND NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying. Vanessa is currently in the process of turning the novels in the Rain Series into stage productions.

Vanessa has been writing since she was a young child. When she wasn’t writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels, reading great books consumed her free time. However, it wasn’t until she committed her life to the Lord in 1994 that she realized all gifts and anointing come from God. She then set out to write redemption stories that glorify God.

To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series. She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. Vanessa believes that each book will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all, her God-given destiny to write and produce plays and novels that bring deliverance to God’s people. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

Social Links:

Email: vmiller-01@earthlink.net

Website: http://vanessamiller.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vanessamiller01

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vanessamiller01

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77899021863/

Hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

Tour page: http://wnlbooktours.com/vanessa-miller-how-sweet-the-sound/

A Mom's Guide to Home Organization

Are you frazzled by your family's hectic schedule and chaotic household? Then try Debbie Lillard's "A Mom's Guide to Home Organization." This book walks you through simple processes and tips for organizing your time, your stuff and your space. The second half of the book addresses how to teach your children the life skill of being organized. Written by a busy mom for busy moms.


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COVER REVEAL: Earth by Jessica Frances

Cover Designed by Melissa Gill @ MGBookCovers 

Earth is being invaded. There was no warning and no time to stage any kind of defense. Instead countries started to go silent. They were no longer reachable and no one knew what was happening.

So when Canada went dark; everyone knew America would be next.

Mattie:

My name is Matilda, but everyone calls me Mattie. I was at college in Oregon when the attack began. By the time Canada went quiet, we’d had enough. So two of my friends and I decided to join the fight in Vancouver and find out what was really happening.

That is when everything changed. What we found was death, destruction and machines that were slaughtering humans. There would be no escape for us; no place to go where the machines couldn't reach us.

I had no future, but then I met him.

Marduke:

My name is Marduke and I’m part of the reason Earth is being invaded. I’m from a different planet and even though I look human, I’m not. But when Earth was invaded, I began running from my family and running for my life.

Then she saved me.

She made me feel something I’d never felt before. She saved my life and opened my heart to the possibility of love, she changed me forever.

What are the chances of finding your true love right when the world is ending? What kind of cruel fate places them together under those circumstances?

What is she supposed to do when he tells her he is not from Earth? When she finds out that he is one of the invaders?

What does she do when she finds out everything she thought she knew was wrong?

What does he do when he has to make a choice between protecting her and saving himself?

How can they overcome everything standing in their way?

BOOK BLAST: When Ice Melts by Altonya Washington

Paperback: 294 pages
Publisher: Al Tonya Washington (January 3, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0989145557
ISBN-13: 978-0989145558
Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Women Fiction

Age group: Adult 18+

Icia Graham’s love affair with Rakim Transou had the makings of a fairy tale romance with the happily ever after ending, until the night of Rakim’s college graduation party. For Icia, it was the night her life was forever changed. So desperate to escape the horrific memories she’d suddenly been saddled with, Icia left school and the man she loved. The years passed and; in that time, both Rakim and Icia reached goals that carried them to the heights of success. For Rakim it was a powerful advertising agency that brought him a respected and revered name in the business. Icia’s accomplishment was a bit darker, but no less revered and she had no desire to revisit the past and be tortured by thoughts of love lost with the only man she’d ever wanted.
A series of events however, would bring Icia right back to where she swore she’d never return. Once more Rakim Transou was back in her life and she was simultaneously overjoyed and distraught. How could she start anew with the man who still meant everything to her, when there were so many secrets between them? When the need for vengeance on those; who were still very much a part of Rakim’s life, still raged so viciously inside her?

AMAZON EBOOK ~ AMAZON PAPERBACK ~ BARNES & NOBLE

About the Author













AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years. In 2013, her Harlequin Kimani novel "His Texas Touch" won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Series Romance of 2012. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya released her latest erotica "Ravenous: Ruler of Perfection II" in 2013. Her newest title with Harlequin Kimani is "Provocative Passion" nominated for an AMB Ovation Award for Outstanding Interracial Romance and the sequel to the January 2013 release "Provocative Territory". In November she will release "A Lover's Debt", the 17th title in the Ramsey Tesano saga.

TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ WEBSITE ~ EMAIL

Author Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/altonya-washington-when-ice-melts/

Houston, Texas~

"Here you go, Val," Rakim Transou was saying to his assistant as he signed the last of the three contracts on his desk. "I don't have time, man," he grumbled to his Vice President.

Charles 'Cory" Henderson shook his head at his boss and best friend, before perching his lean body on the edge of the desk. "You need to think about this, Kimm."

"Is that it, Valerie?" Rakim sighed, pleased to see his mound of work slowly dissolving.

Val scanned the documents and smiled. "That's it," she sang and headed out of the office.

"Kimm, what's the point of owning this place if you're not gonna have fun runnin' it?" Cory asked, once Val was gone.

Rakim ran both hands over his soft, close-cut hair. "The last thing I need to do is waste my day looking at pictures."

"Of models," Cory pointed out, smiling devilishly. "Do you know how stress-relieving that can be?"

Rakim groaned. "Here we go," he said, leaning back in his leather swivel chair. "You know I get tired of you telling me how sad my life is. If I hadn't been focused on business all these years, you wouldn't be working for one of the most successful ad agencies in the country."

Cory nodded, familiar with the speech. He cleared his throat and braced his hands on top of the polished cherry wood desk. "And given that you own one of the most successful agencies in the country, why can't you have some fun?"

Rakim leaned forward to pin Cory with his deep, obsidian stare. "I don't want one of the most successful agencies. I want the most successful agency, period."

Cory slapped a hand against his bald head. "Man, thinking like that'll never get you a steady woman."

"I can live with that," Rakim easily replied, focusing his attention on the appointment book lying open on the desk.

"I give up," Cory mumbled and walked out of the plush, twentieth floor office.

Alone, Rakim allowed the facade to fade. He massaged the bridge of his nose, then opened the bottom desk drawer and pulled a tattered envelope from the back. The expression was fixed, intense on his handsome, dark-chocolate face. His midnight gaze was riveted on the contents of the note he knew by heart.

Rakim,

I'm so sorry I couldn’t be there today. Something's happened and I have to leave. I'll be changing schools. Don't try to find me. My parents won't tell you anything. I hate doing this to you, but I can't see you again.  I just can't. I do love you-so much. It's really better like this. I love you, but if you hate me now, I understand.  Coco.

           As usual, once Rakim finished reading the letter, he pressed the page to his nose. He swore he could still smell her perfume clinging to it.

The relationship they shared had been so right. She was everything to him and he trusted her with his life. When he walked into his bedroom the afternoon of the graduation, his entire world changed. He found the note lying in the center of the bed. Icia Graham had taken anything else that would have reminded him of her-including all the pictures. The brief letter provided no answers. It was most effective; however, in helping him lose his temper. Rakim grunted as he remembered the way he demolished the house. Cory and Fred had been so spooked by his mood that they left him alone for a week.

Just then, Cory's earlier comments filtered his mind. He had completely buried himself in work after Icia left. He took the job he'd been offered in Richmond and worked there while obtaining his Masters degree. Afterwards, he went back home to Houston and put everything he had into building his company. Now, The Transou Agency was respected by its competitors and clients alike.

Of course, Rakim acknowledged that his private life may have suffered. Not that there weren't women. There had been several. Unfortunately, he only had to be in the relationship for a matter of months, before he began to compare his companion to Icia. Not even that flaw could keep the women away, though. Rakim Transou's good looks seem to intensify with age. He stood well over six feet and had been blessed with a flawless deep chocolate complexion and the type of lean, muscular frame that flattered everything he wore. The thick, curly afro he used to sport had been trimmed to a close-cut fade. The style only enhanced his pitch, deep-set eyes and sleek brows. His wide mouth was made more enticing by the set of double dimples which appeared whenever he spoke or smiled.

Book Blast and Giveaway. Author is giving away $10.00 Amazon Gift Card, One signed autograph copy and one ebook copy of When Ice Melts.

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COVER REVEAL: SPIKE (Spark #2) by Jennifer Ryder

Title: Spike (Spark #2)

Author: Jennifer Ryder

Genre: Erotic romance / Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 28, 2014

Cover Design: Rebecca Berto / Berto Designs

Synopsis

I, Aidan Stone, got the girl.

My beautiful Eevie is sweet and sassy, and owns my heart like no other. And I promised her, I’d always protect her. And I meant it, but shit just got serious.

Blackmail. Extortion. And Eevie is the target.

Sometimes the past comes back to haunt us. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to distance yourself from it, it comes back and bites you in the arse. And in waltzes Mr Hotshot Detective, Ryan Clark, thinkin’ he can save the day, and take my girl.

Well I’ve got news for him.

Teaser

“Do you want some more to eat?” she asks, like she’s asking me an entirely different question. She might have as well said ‘are you ready for sex yet?’.

I nod my head from side to side. No more food.

The corner of her mouth curls up as she takes my hand and dips my index finger into the remaining spicy sauce left on one of the dishes. She leans closer, giving me a man’s-eye view of her tits and takes my finger into her hot wet mouth. I nearly choke on the breath I take in as she takes her lips to the base of my finger, sucking it hard and wrapping her tongue around it as she slowly releases it. She places my hand on the table and licks her lips before sitting back in her chair, her hooded eyes begging me to take her home.

I wave my hand in the air to get the attention of … anyone. Preferably someone who can help me with the bill.

~Aidan Stone, Spike~

Spark (Spark #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N

About the Author

New Adult and erotic romance writer. My debut novel 'Spark', part of a five part romantic suspense series was released on 28 February 2014.

A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn't stifle her creativity any longer.

Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.

Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.

Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.

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Giveaway

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BOOK BLAST: Blue Butterfly by Marian Thomas

Paperback: 314 pages

Publisher: L.B. Publishing (March 3, 2014)

ISBN-10: 0984896759

ISBN-13: 978-0984896752

Book Title: Blue Butterfly

Genre: Christian Fiction,  Age Group 18+

About the book

There have been five black ballerinas that have made a noticeable mark in the world of ballet. Five that have fought to have the world see their talent rather than the color of their skin. Each has graced the stage as soloist and/or principal dancer. Precious Blue Johnson is set to become one of them. Precious Blue Johnson, young, country and naive, from Lutts County, Georgia, is traveling to the energizing city of New York to search for her birth father and perhaps make history by becoming the first black ballerina. Her simple mocha skin and thick lips will put her in the center of a movement, expose secrets and unlock the past as she steps onto the stage as the Blue Butterfly. She will be guided by the vivacious and wise Ms. Ann and fall in love with the alluring Ray Silvers. Ray brings the whole package. Enchanting eyes, a bright future as a doctor, and a willingness to love completely. To Precious, he is perfect. Except Ray’s package includes his deadly past. Will their love survive the one person who could end it all—his drug-addicted mother? 

Purchase on Amazon

About the Author

Clean Fiction novelist Marian L. Thomas is a dynamic story-teller with five engaging and dramatic novels to her credit. Her books have been seen on national television stations and featured in print magazines and newspapers. She has also been a guest on many broadcast and online radio stations. Her titles, My Father’s Colors and Strings of Color both received the USA Best Book Finalist Award. What makes her books unique? Mrs. Thomas is a pioneer for clean fiction for contemporary female readers. She refuses to lace her work with explicit sexual themes or profanity. Ms. Thomas’ books are rich with ever-intriguing themes of race, family strife, love, courage, friendship and forgiveness. And yet her tales, which seem to pre-stage current tabloid headlines, are spelled out in ways that suit the delicate moral tastes of both the Christian Fiction reader and the Clean Fiction book reader. Ms. Thomas resides in a suburb of Georgia with her husband, family and dear friends.

Social Links

Email: info@marianlthomas.com

Website:   www.marianlthomas.com

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1kO44gv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarianLThomas01

From Chapter One

They say on the night that I was born June 30, 1969the fringes of the moon could be seen peeking out through the thin layers of the clouds. They say that the rain had done come down so hard it felt like something was tearing away at your soul, drop by drop. They say my mama was laying in the birthing room screaming because I was ripping her life away from her. They say that the doctors wanted to cut away at her tummy, but she had done plain-out refused. She was an ebullient woman, with the heart of an unbreakable but beautiful stallion.

I ain't never seen the woman with eyes so blue they felt like they could reach down into the pit of your core and tell you about yourself. I ain't never seen the warmth of her smile or the way she could soothe my daddy with her kind-hearted words. People talk under their breath about her. Talk about how long her silky blond hair was or how thin and soft her frame was. I do alls I can when I hear them whispering about the woman who gave her life so I could dance in the rain on a hot summer day.

Just before she took her last breath they say that she stared into my eyes and smiled because I done come into the world with what she thought was the better part of her. The one feature that my daddy loved the most.

She was the one who placed the weight of my name upon me. Precious Blue Johnson, but everyone around here in Lutts County, Georgia, fixed my name at Precious.

My dear, sweet Daddy is a tall, well-stocked-around-the-tummy man. I heard that back in his heyday he sported a nicely trimmed frame of six feet, two inches. That his hair used to be slicked back so perfectly there wasn't a black woman in Lutts County that wasn't dying to give it a coat or two of sweet brown sugar with the very tips of their hard-worked fingers.

His shoulders hang now sometimes, but that wasn't always the case. No, it be said that when Charles Johnson used to walk down these dirt-filled roads, his shoulders stood towering with an air of confidence that one could breathe in from a mile away.

Once upon a time, it be rumored that his hazel brown eyes were fixed on singing his way out of Lutts County. They still talk about this fact in the rooms of their barely-able-to-stand homes, where they figure can't nobody hear them but God. Whispering under the dim lights about how it is such a shame that he wasted his talent on a white woman.

There are nights when I would wonder what his voice must have sounded like. I would hear him humming sometimes, but I ain't never heard the sound of butter flowing from his lips.

That's what they say he sounded like.

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BLOG STOP: Henderson's Heart by AK Henderson

Can you please tell us who is AK Henderson?
Well A.K. Henderson is a husband of 11yrs, a father of 3, a poet, songwriter, graphic artist, and last but not least a budding young Fiction Author with a new found love for writing. My first fiction novel is titled “Henderson’s Heart” and I’m so excited about the support this book is receiving.

What inspired you to write your first book?
My inspiration for writing actually came from my not being able to record any music. I was fully immersed in the Gospel Rap industry when I found myself questioning if I should take a break. A couple weeks later one of my kids spilled a cup of water next to my laptop and it was a wrap. My first book actually started as a short story that I began writing because I was frustrated about not being able to do music. So basically all of the stress and depression I was dealing with led me to write to vent my frustration.

What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?
One of the major things I wish people knew was the amount of work involved in the process from start to finish. A lot of people think you can just sit down and pick away at the keys and the next thing you know you have bestseller. The real successful people in the literary world are those that are invested in their craft. This means when you read someone’s book you are literally getting a piece of them.

How did you come up with your title?
I usually have the title picked out before I start writing. When I write I approach a story that same I a songwriter approaches a new song. My inspiration usually comes from a weird dream I’ve had or something I’ve experienced. Once I write the first hundred or so words I sit back and consider what title best describes the story. For me the title set the tone for the entire book and I usually revisit the title the further along I get in the story. If the plot doesn’t fit I usually change the title.

What author(s) has influenced your writing style?
Now that’s a hard question mainly because I wasn’t really a fiction reader before I started writing. I’m more of a researcher; I have a bachelors in Biblical Studies so I spent 5 years in Bible College doing research. My wife tried introducing me to different authors but because I knew the stories weren’t true I quickly lost interest. So I can’t say that any authors have influenced my writing style in that sense. What I can say is that people like Treasure Blue, Cash, NeNe Capri and Rio Terrell have shown me what it means to write compelling material that is believable.

What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?
You know one of the main reasons I couldn’t get into to reading a lot of Urban Fiction was the fact that it was so graphic. No shade toward anybody because we all come from that upbringing. What I noticed though was that there was a need for those same types of books for people who couldn’t handle the foul language and strong sexual material. So for me the legacy I wanted to leave for my readers was and is that I there is something for everyone. Every real writing pours their heart out in their book and leaves you feeling like you part of their legacy. So I want my readers to feel like they are part of my legacy, without them I’m just a writer.

How important was a "platform" in selling your books?
Platform was absolutely key for me in selling my books. I had no idea how people would respond to my book and I never wanted to seem too confident in myself. I used to be a very conceited person and I always thought some writers were arrogant. What I realized was the platforms that have been made available to us cannot be taken for granted. The tempting thing is to rely on someone else to do the footwork for you but there’s nothing like being able to reach out to readers through different platforms. Plus if people don’t know who you are and what you have to offer they’ll have no incentive to support you.

Do you have book signings coming up where readers can meet you?
I am currently working on planning book signings in St. Louis where I currently reside, in Indiana where I was raised and anywhere else that will open their doors to me. The literary community of readers, authors and publishers have been nothing but supportive and I feel I owe it them to make myself available to all my supporters.

Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
I am excited about my upcoming projects and I can’t wait for everyone to experience this journey with me. I am currently going through the rewriting process of my second novel titled “Army of One”. I am in the beginning stages of the second installment of the “Heart Series” title “Bella’s Heart” as well as a several short story collaborations. Lastly one of the most exciting projects I have coming up is my first Children’s Picture book titled “The Brothers”. I’m telling you God-willing I have loads of material that I can’t wait for the world to read.

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?
I’ll pass on the most valuable jewel that has ever been given to me to anyone aspiring to be an author. Research is your friend not your enemy. Do your research on every person that promises you anything whether it be another author, a publisher, editor, so on and so forth. People will only do what you permit them to do so DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Always trust your gut, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog and I look forward to providing the most exciting material to all lovers of reading. God Bless. 

About the book, Henderson's Heart:

What happens when love and success are no longer the common thread between a husband and wife? This power couple finds themselves haunted by the unresolved issues from Mike’s childhood when his first love Lida masquerading as his closest friend changes the rules to the game. Accusations of infidelity plague Mike and Rachel’s marriage as Rachel becomes convinced that her happiness is more important that her family and a forbidden love interest Marcus offers to rescue her from her unfulfilling circumstances. The stakes are raised as Mike taps back into the streets he was once saved from to reconnect with his childhood mentor Cali to find out about the man that has stolen his wife’s heart. Henderson’s Heart gives new meaning to the phrase “For better or worse” and one thing is certain, everything changes when passion outweighs promises.

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More about the author:

A.K. Henderson is one of the most refreshing and dynamic new writers in Urban Literature today. This Michigan City, IN native is putting the industry on notice with his brass and power heavy writing style. Gritty, Raw, and Dynamic best describes the literary prowess of A.K. Henderson as he has fused his knowledge of street life with his Faith. Drawn to a lifestyle of drugs and violence he would rise out the dark shadows of the inner city to experience a moment with God that would change his life forever. In the midst of going to jail as a teen he realized the king that lay dormant inside him.

Now as an awesome writer, husband and father of 3 children, A.K. Henderson is Best Selling Author in the making walking in the fullness of God’s vision for his life. As a writer he has written and performed music and poetry for over 8 years and he is now prepared to leave his mark on the world of Urban Fiction. He finds great pleasure in communicating his heart and experiences to anyone interested in reading what he has to say. As a writer he intends on bringing a breath of fresh air into the world of literature and with his first novel “Henderson’s Heart- When Passion Outweighs Promises” he’s bound to get the attention of readers everywhere.

 

 

COVER REVEAL: Shattered Promises by J.R. Grant

In a perfect world, Lani Foster had it all; wonderful, supportive parents, two adorable little boys, an amazing husband whom she loved fiercely, and an unbreakable bond with her best friend, Parker, no one can tear apart.

But Lani never realized being happy would cost her years of pain, until tragedy strikes the Foster family, leaving her left hanging by a thread, questioning everything around her.

Lies are exposed and secrets are brought to surface, destroying the one person who just wanted to feel loved, to be happy.

What do you do when you find out your marriage was nothing but a lie? Do you stand by the one person who abolishes your world? Or do you let go, and leave everything behind to start all over again.

Shattered Promises is about learning how to survive after the storm pulls you away. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy, it's finding the special one to stand by your side through the rain.

“I have one tiny piece of my heart left,” I whisper as I close my eyes, not believing this is really happening. “One tiny piece, and I’m handing it over to you. Just, please….please be gentle with it. Because if something were to happen between us, God, I’ll be done. I’ll have nothing left. Losing you will destr-….. ” Before I’m able to finish, he leans in, grabbing the back of my neck, and kisses me.

His teeth softly tug at my bottom lip, forcing my mouth open.

A faint moan escapes my lips the second I feel his tongue invade me.

Gripping my waist, he lifts me up, and his hands move to the back of my thighs, holding me in place. Without breaking contact from our kiss, he carries me into the bedroom and lays me down on the bed, staying directly on top of me.

“I’ve waited a lifetime to hear you say those words. You’re it for me, princess. You’re all I’ll ever need.” Nibbling on my neck, then back up to my ear, he pushes up on his elbows and hits me with that sexy as hell smile.

“When you’re sad, I’ll be the one to cheer you up. When the world disappoints you, I’ll protect you and hold you close to my heart. I refuse to let anyone hurt you or take advantage of you again.”

Tears slowly drip from the corners of my eyes, except this time, it’s not caused from pain. For once in my life I am happy, pushing the past behind me.

“When you need to cry, it’ll be my arms that hold you. You’ll never feel alone again.” Lifting my shirt, he keeps his eyes trained on mine and continues speaking.

“I’ll worship the ground you walk on, take care of you, and love you until the end of time. You were made for me, Lani Renee’.

The feel of his lips run back across my mouth and I hold him there, refusing to let go. Unclasping my bra, his callused fingers rub over top of my nipple, forcing me to squirm, while his other hand inches underneath my cotton shorts, heading directly to my aching spot.

“I’m going to show you what it feels like to be cherished, to feel loved. And after tonight, you’re mine. I’m never letting you go.”

I’m scared he’s going to hurt me once this is over. I don’t think I could ever go through another heartache. But instead of running like I’ve always done, I decide not to let fear control me any longer. Tonight is about new beginnings, it’s about starting over. And tonight, I’m going to see what it feels like to let him love me.

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J.R. Grant is a thirty something mom of three who resides on the East Coast. When she isn't spending her day relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand, she’s lost in a world of fictional characters, begging to tell their story. She is a hopeless romantic that loves getting sucked into a mushy book anytime of the day. The minute her love of reading was discovered, is the day she became unstoppable. With high hopes and great expectations, she can’t wait to share her stories with the world.

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