Monday 29 April 2013

Welcome Etopia Press author, Dianne Hartsock...



Hi, Dianne! Nice to meet you and welcome to my blog. It's exciting to be a part of your ongoing tour and I wish you lots of success :) Delicious cover, by the way! Let's get started with the interview...

  When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?

I've been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, but when my first grade teacher pinned my very first attempt at a fiction story to the board for everyone to read, I was hooked. I loved that something I had written was being read and liked by my friends. I still love that feeling of accomplishment. Also, I had a wonderful creative writing teacher in seventh grade who encouraged me to submit my stories to the local newspaper for a writing contest they held every year. I won! Seeing a story of mine in print clinched it for me.

 What is the best and worse thing you have learned from an editor/agent?

Best advice I've ever been given is to be true to myself and my writing. Don't try to write like anyone else. Simply put the words that come to you down on paper (or computer). It's the only way to find your own unique writing voice.

Worse thing? That I still need to work on 'showing' a story rather than 'telling' it. Sometimes it's hard for me to see the difference until it's pointed out to me.

Favourite author/s?

Ray Bradbury: The imagery in his stories captivates me. 

Dean R. Koontz: That a story can be terrifying yet still have an underlying message of peace and love.

J.R.R. Tolkien: For obvious reasons.

What is your typical day?

To begin with, I get up an hour earlier in the morning than I need to, to get in some writing before work. I'm a full time floral designer, so I put in my eight hours, come home, have dinner. Unwind with my husband. Then I have about two hours in the evening after he's gone to bed to write.  On my days off I squeeze in as much writing as I can, but still make sure I leave enough time for my family.

 Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?

Tris: Shia Labeouf
Aiden: Jared Padalecki

 Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?

I've always loved the tragic hero, full of angst and courage. When I started writing WITHOUT AIDEN I had a vague idea where I wanted the story to go. I knew what tragedy Tris would face, how Aiden would react to him, and that we needed a Happily Ever After. But mostly I just started in on the story and let my characters guide me.

What surprised you the most when you became a published?

All the promoting! Don't get me wrong, I love connecting with readers and other writers, but I didn't really believe there would be so much to it. I've had to adjust my writing schedule to include time for social networking, but I've become used to it, and now it's just part of the job of being a writer. And when I have feedback from a reader is the best of all. It means they took the time out of their busy lives to read my book and tell me how they felt about it. I love that!

Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?

This last summer my son started college and moved into his own apartment. I got his room!  All my lovely things are here with me, pictures and artwork, an oriental rug on the floor. There's a large picture window facing west so I can watch the sunset and overlooks the garden. My desk's in front of that, bookshelves behind me. There's also a bed and TV in case we have guests (or I want to spend a lazy afternoon doing nothing).

What’s next for you?

And I've signed a contract for the Ad-Dick-tion Anthology coming out later this year from Breathless Press. I also have a story submitting for another anthology with them I'm waiting to hear back on.

Also, at the moment I'm working on another contemporary m/m erotic romance, Jack and Peter, that I'm really excited about! I don't want to give away too much yet, but Jack finds a beautiful stranger sleeping on his patio who captures his heart but also puts his life in danger.

Oh, and I'm working on two 'free reads' to be released this summer.



WITHOUT AIDEN
By
Dianne Hartsock

BLURB:  

Is a gift of love enough to open Aiden’s heart and let Tris back in?

After the car accident that killed his parents and left his sister paralyzed, Tris is left with nothing. His family is destroyed. His reputation is shot. And all he has is the guilt of knowing it was all his fault. People in town know he’d been drinking that night, and know he should never have gotten behind the wheel. And even Aiden, the man he thought he’d be with forever, blames him too much to stay.

But Tris can’t let him just disappear. After months of loneliness and isolation, Tris brings Aiden a gift on his birthday, a hawk he’s carved from a chunk of wood they’d found in the forest during an afternoon of love. A small chink seems to open in Aiden’s heart, the first sign of forgiveness. With renewed hope, Tris takes a job renovating one of the older homes in town and tries to rebuild his life. But the townspeople have long memories, and when his sister’s condition worsens, forgiveness—and Aiden—seem to slip even further out of reach…


EXCERPT:

The car slowed and came to a stop. Tris looked out the front windshield at the aging building with the garish neon signs in the windows. Murphey’s Diner? Day just kept getting better.

“Do you mind? I have class in forty-five minutes and Murphey serves the quickest breakfast.”

“It’s fine.” Tris pushed open his door and climbed out into the crowded parking lot. “Think we’ll get a table?” he asked over the roof of the Fiat.

“There’s usually room at the counter.”

Tris shrugged and followed Aiden into the bustling restaurant. He probably imagined the silence when they walked through the door, but then again everyone had known his parents. Three months were a blink of an eye in the small town of Cherry Creek.

He lifted his chin a trifle as they crossed the crowded room and tried not to notice the whispers behind him. Conversation resumed as they sat at the counter. Aiden seemed impervious to their attention, and Tris picked up the paper menu, acknowledging he was probably being overly sensitive. The waitress smiled as she brought coffee and took their orders, and Tris relaxed enough to enjoy the precious minutes with his estranged darling.

“What class do you have this morning?” he asked and took a sip from the steaming mug. If nothing else, Murphey’s always had good coffee. Aiden shifted on his stool to face him. Tris thrilled when their knees touched and Aiden made no effort to move away.

“Chemistry. I’d ditch out to celebrate my birthday with friends, but there’s an important lab I need to finish up.”

Tris’s lips quirked. “That never stopped you before.”

“That’s only because you were a bad influence.”

Tris chortled into his mug of coffee even as a flush heated his face. It had never taken long to persuade Aiden to stay with him. A soft kiss on the sensitive skin behind his ear. A nip on the neck. Gentle sucks on Aiden’s full bottom lip, the snug silver hoop driving Tris crazy with want. He heard Aiden’s drawn breath—as if his thoughts had gone the same route—and all the blood rushed to his groin. Damn. His dick was going to need some serious attention once he got home.

He smiled secretly when Aiden had to clear his throat. “Are you coming back to college?”

The question caught Tris off guard, though he should have expected it. “Once Candice is better…” Familiar panic churned in his stomach.

Aiden’s gentle voice tore down his shaky defenses. “How is she?”

“I don’t know,” Tris whispered and swallowed the tears that would come, damn them. “I left her with the doctor. I couldn’t stay in the house.”

Their food arrived. Tris picked up his fork, stomach queasy at the sight of the greasy mounds on the cheap plate. But he dug into the eggs and spicy hash browns anyway, to stop the screams of helplessness in his head. Despair leaned its heavy weight on his shoulders. He jumped when Aiden touched his arm.

“I’m sorry, Tris. Can I see her?”

“Of course. She’d like that. She asks about you.” Tris moved the fork around on his plate. When he and Aiden had first hooked up after years of flirting, Candice had been their biggest supporter. He didn’t have the heart to tell his sister they’d broken up after the accident that had left her paralyzed. Maybe he didn’t want to believe it and saying the words would make it true. It couldn’t be true. They’d been so good together! No one knew him as well as Aiden did. No one else could drive him wild with a single hot glance.

He remembered the long nights they lay under the stars, made love, and planned their future. Aiden wanted to graduate with a science major. Tris had whispered in his ear that he really didn’t like making furniture. He had the odd wish to be a pastry chef. Aiden licked Tris’s lips and said he made a wonderful dessert.

Tris bit his lip to hide its tremble. No, he’d never admit he and Aiden were through. He’d rather live with the hope they could work things out.
  
  
AUTHOR INFORMATION:

After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, Dianne now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.
She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms her hands which kindles her imagination.
Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.


PRIZE INFORMATION

Dianne will be awarding a $10 All Romance Ebooks Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  
Comments??


Thursday 25 April 2013

Welcome Etopia Press author, Anne Lange...




Hi Rachel. Thanks for inviting me to visit you!

1)   What is your writing routine?

Whenever I can find the time and the right mood. LOL.  I work all day so most of my writing is done in the evenings and on weekends. But I must confess, I get caught up in the social and marketing aspect of it, and have to force myself to stop all of that and write. 

2)   Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write?

I read mostly erotic romance and romantic suspense, but I would have to say that Romantic Suspense is my favorite to read, because of the unknown, but it has to have a high heat level. I like my stories to have some great looking heroes and some great action in and out of the bedroom.

As for writing, my favorite is the erotic romance—probably because it’s at a little slower pace than the RS and I’m still very new at this.  I don’t have to have so many twists and turns and I can focus more on the sensual scenes.

3)   What do you expect from an editor?

Great question!  Above all I want them to be honest and respectful.  I believe they can be critical where necessary, but offer constructive criticism and recommendations for improvement that will make my story the best it can be.  I love when they provide suggestions without changing my voice or my intent. I am open to just about anything an editor will suggest, but those few times when I feel very strongly about something, I would hope that they’ll respect that.  I trust they know their job. I know my story isn’t perfect when they read it (wouldn’t that be nice, but alas, there is always room for improvement) but, at the end of the day, it is my story. However, I will never just say no to a recommendation, likewise I would expect the same in return.

4)   What are you working on right now?

I’m currently writing book 2 in a romantic suspense series that has paranormal elements.  Some of my characters are human/jaguar shifters. I’m really excited about this series as it’s a bit of stretch for me, but I’m loving it.

5)   Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?

I’m new at this, but still, my suggestion would be to take baby steps.  You don’t have to go for the big guns right out of the gate. I hear many aspiring authors talk about getting an agent and going for one of the big publishers. They feel they can’t be successful otherwise.  Both of those are not easy to do. Why put yourself through that when you can be successful on your own, and through a smaller publisher?  That doesn’t mean you’ll never have “official” representation. I certainly haven’t ruled it out. But I don’t think I’m ready for it yet.  I believe that if you have some credibility to back up your credentials, that when the day comes that you do need that agent, and you are ready for the “big time’ the path will have less obstacles, and less chance of rejection. 


6)   What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Gosh, that was a while ago. I’d probably say French or art.  I hated math and English, although I did well at them. I suck at geography.  I like the idea of knowing a different language.  And with art, I got to be creative. I loved drawing horses. J

7)   What is your favorite dessert?

I don’t have a particular favorite.  But, when I’m out for special occasions, I’ll often pick chocolate mousse or Crème Brule. 

8)   High heels, sneakers or flip flops? 

High heels! Minimum 4 inch w/a platform and peep toe -- you know the ones!


WORTH THE RISK a contemporary erotic romance by Anne Lange
Title: Worth the Risk
Author: Anne Lange
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Word Count: 26,491
Page Count: 118
Price: 3.99
ISBN: 978-1-939194-51-0
Heat Level: 4
Editor: Rachel Firasek
Cover Artist: Annie Melton
Release Date: 1/4/2013
Even the hottest sex might not be enough to ease the pain of the past…
Molly Simpson arrives at a beautiful provincial park, ready to spend the May Two-Four holiday camping with friends. This weekend is the highlight of her year—or it was, until Tanner Daivies showed up. Her high school crush is all grown up, sexy as sin, and he’s demanding answers—answers Molly isn’t sure she can give him. She had her reasons for leaving him all those years ago, but now, sex with Tanner is scorching, and when they’re together, it’s clear they were never meant to be apart. But the past doesn’t want to stay buried, and Molly isn’t sure reliving it is worth the risk…
Excerpt:

Buy Links


Reviews


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Author BIO

Anne Lange grew up with a love of reading. In fact, if you take a close look, she’s got a book with her where ever she goes, and will usually sneak in at least a chapter or ten whenever she can spare a few minutes. She reads many genres of fiction, but prefers to write sexy romance with attractive men, strong females, and always a happily ever after.
While embarking on a career as a romance author, Anne juggles a full time job and a family. She grew up in Southern Ontario (Canada), but now makes her home in Eastern Ontario where she lives with her husband and three children, and Rocky the bearded dragon.

To connect with Anne:
Web Page/Blog: http://authorannelange.com/
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneLange

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Anne_Lange
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorannelange


Anne Lange
Check your inhibitions at the door.

Worth The Risk - Etopia Press (available now)

Giveaway Info:
Prize is a $10 Amazon Gift Card, $10 Starbucks Gift Card AND 1 eBook copy of "Worth the Risk". Contest is tour-wide and ends May 24. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Rafflecopter Code:


Link to Schedule:


Comments??

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Welcome Ellora's Cave author, Scarlett Scott...



Her Errant Earl
by Scarlett Scott

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

BLURB:

Victoria, Countess of Pembroke, knew her marriage wasn’t a love match, but she certainly hadn’t expected to be wedded, bedded and abandoned in the countryside. When her husband suddenly returns bent on seduction, she’s suspicious of his motives even though she finds it difficult indeed to resist his knowing hands and hot kisses.

Pembroke can’t afford to allow Victoria to discover the real reason for his reappearance in her life. To get what he wants, he’ll do anything, even if it means bedding the wife he never wanted.

But what begins as a tedious task turns into a raging passion neither of them can deny. As the truth unravels at last, they must choose between forgetting the past and allowing it to consume them.


EXCERPT

I’ve told you before that I never wanted to hurt you, Victoria.” He put down his spoon. “My battle is with my father, not you, and I will forever regret that you were caught up in the crossfire.”

The acknowledgment seemed genuine. But she didn’t know if it was enough. “Thank you,” she offered simply. “I am gratified you have realized that much, at least.”

“You are most welcome.” He studied her intently. “Now, I find I’ve tired of the soup course. Have you?”

Her turtle soup had long gone cold. She nodded, watching warily as he rose from the table and stalked toward her. He stopped when he was at her side, leaning his hip negligently against the table. He reached out, framing her face with his large hands.

“We both know I never wanted to be a husband when I married you,” he said at last, his tone grave.

His acknowledgment had an air of deep candor to it, far more than his effortless flirtation and charming grins did. She searched his bright gaze, wondering if she could trust him. Wondering if she should. It occurred to her that what had happened in the past did not hold as much power over her life as what could happen in the future.

“And what of now?” she asked. “What do you want now?” It was the question that seemed to matter the most.

His gaze grew shuttered. “I have a duty to do by you.”

She frowned, trying to understand him. His hands were still a warm, tempting touch on her face. “Duty is not a want.”

“Sometimes it becomes a want,” he murmured, lowering his mouth to crush hers.





AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Scarlett Scott has loved romance novels ever since she was eleven and swiped her older sister’s books to read by flashlight in her closet. Her mother caught her, but she remained undeterred in her pursuit of happily ever afters. An award-winning author, she writes steamy historical and sexy contemporary romance. She lives in PA with her hero and their adorable dog who thinks he is a person in training.



Twitter: @scarscoromance





Scarlett will be awarding a Kindle copy of her historical romance A Mad Passion and a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
 Comments??

Thursday 18 April 2013

Welcome Beachwalk Press author, Tamaria Soana....



 Title: Southern Embrace
Author: Tamaria Soana
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Format: Ebook
Length: 18,000 words

Publication Date: April 15th 2013

Buy Links: Beachwalk Press |

Book Description:

Can a long lost love mend a grieving heart?

Widowed at twenty-three, Savannah Grant is devastated and consumed with grief, a grief that she can't seem to move past. When her high school sweetheart, Lance Peterson, re-enters her life, Savannah struggles with the feeling that she would be betraying her deceased husband by moving on. Plus, she can't forget the way Lance broke her heart all those years ago.

Lance never stopped loving Savannah. He wants a second chance, and he's willing to do anything it takes to convince her to give him one. Will she give in and let Lance love her, showing her a passion beyond anything she thought possible?

Content Warning: adult language, explicit sexual situations, anal play

Excerpt

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon. Van grabbed her purse and headed out to the mall. Nikki's shower was the following weekend, and Nikki had been on her to get a new dress for days, threatening to drag her shopping kicking and screaming if she didn't go herself.

Once at the mall, Van picked up some last minute gifts for Nikki. After trying on a few dresses, she found a knee-length, strapless coral dress. She purchased it and was off in search of a pair of shoes. When she found the perfect pair of coral and silver heels, Van concluded the trip to the mall a complete success.

Her cellphone rang as she was leaving the shoe store. She dug around in her bag to find it. With her head down and her steps brisk, she ran right into someone.

"I'm so sorry. I'm such a klutz," she said as she looked up into the brown eyes of her first love. She gasped and took a step back, surveying him. His light brown hair was a little shorter and he was built like a man now, not the boy she used to know. She stood frozen in place, staring at him. This can't be happening. A tidal wave of emotions rushed through her at once. Anger, resentment, hatred, but mainly pain…so much pain.

"Van."

"Lance? Oh my God!" She took another step back. "How?"

"I-I talked to Nikki. She told me you would be here. I needed to see you. When I heard what happened…" He paused. "I knew I couldn't stay away any longer. I'm so sorry."

The more he talked, the more Van's anger flared. Who does he think he is? He left me! Turned his back on me when he cut all ties!

"What exactly are you sorry for, Lance? That my husband died or that you broke my heart all those years ago?" The words she spoke were full of acid. "You have a lot of nerve just showing up here like nothing ever happened. Go away." She turned to leave.

"Please, Van, just talk to me. Give me a chance to explain," he begged as he reached for her hand.

"Don't you dare touch me," she said through gritted teeth, yanking her hand away. "What do you want from me?" She stared at him while plotting all the ways she was going to torture Nikki for her betrayal.

She seethed as he looked around. "Calm down, Van. People are starting to stare. Please, can we go somewhere more private and talk? There is so much I need to tell you."

"What could you possibly have to say to me that would make up for what you did? I mean, I know you had to move, but you cut all ties with me. Like the three years we spent together meant nothing to you, like I meant nothing to you. Damn you, Lance, you didn't even try to make it work."

"Please, Savannah. Give me a chance to explain."

"Give me one reason why I should."

"Because I still love you. I. Never. Stopped. I cut all ties with you because I had to. Long distance relationships never work out. I was afraid you would wake up one day and resent me. Being apart from you was killing me. I thought this way we would both be able to move on. But I was wrong, I never was able to move on. I let the love I have for you consume me. I wanted to come back sooner, but then I heard you'd gotten married. When I found out what had happened, I wanted to rush here and be by your side, but I figured you would need some time."

His words shocked and confused her. After she took a few moments to process everything, she shook her head. "I can't do this." She turned and walked away, then stopped. "Go back to wherever it was you came from and leave me alone."

"I won't give up on you. I won't stop trying, and I most definitely won't ever leave you again."

"Just go away, Lance. You're good at that," she snarled before she walked away. She didn't dare turn around because looking at him as he begged her to give him a chance to explain would certainly weaken her. Van needed to focus on how she was going to kill her so-called best friend.


About the Author:

Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.

She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.


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