Check it out! The Fall Into Romance #BlogHop #HerdingCats

On By Casey's CornerIn Authors & Books, Herding Cats and Burning Soup3 Comments

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Fall Into Romance! Share the romances that had you falling in love with the genre! Or the ones that keep you smitten! Stop by each blog for new recommendations and giveaways!

Some of my formative years found me growing up in a rural section of New Jersey, back when farms were the norm and the word Condo referred to a place in the city. There were very few kids around and little to do. I read and wrote stories to entertain myself. The first place I lived in was nestled between a river and a farm, and the stories I created back then were fairy tale in nature – the great prince coming to rescue his love. I loved the story of Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast as a child. As an adult, I still love the story of Sleeping Beauty but it’s the one by Anne Rice now. 😉 When I was a bit older, we moved to a dead end street, again with no kids my age around and a river at the end of the road. The stories morphed into romantic adventure tales. In my teens, I went to what I call the dark side, and was like, “Romance? What’s that? Horror baby all the way.” I wrote horror into my adult years (and still do) and didn’t go back to romance till a friend turned me on to A Knight In Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux. It was then that I fell in love with romance stories — most specifically time travel romance. My shelves are filled with those kind of stories. I’m still an ecclectric reader, and writer if I’m honest since I don’t like to stick to a particular genre, but when I think of romances and want to read one, I normally reach for a good time travel. A bit of history, a bit of science, a bit of adventure, characters from different times trying to find their way in the world and with each other, how can one go wrong with those kind of stories?
You’ll notice that I have a variety of stories available, including time travel romance. 🙂 Find links to my pen names under ‘Author’ in the menu at the top of the site. My blog hop prize for one lucky winner will be one of my stories in e-book format. To have a chance to win, leave a comment below. Feel free to follow this blog and follow me on social media, too, to increase your chances! Thanks for stopping by today!
The other hoppers can be found HERE or use the main event link HERE Be sure to visit all of the other participants for chances at more prizes!

a look at Jordan S Gray & ‘Prude’ @JordanStephanie @Evernightpub #NA #Romance

On By Casey's CornerIn Authors & BooksLeave a comment

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Today we have author Jordan S Gray visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Jordan S Gray is a full time mother, college student, and writer. She never did quite grow out of that emo stage, and considers coffee, punk music, and Taylor Swift to be the necessary fuel for her writing. PRUDE is her debut novel, and you can find her on Twitter @JordanStephanie where she procrastinates most of her adult responsibilities and all of her schoolwork.

A look into…

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~ Blurb ~

* Rebecca Washington is a girl in control. Well, at least when it comes to acing her college classes. The rest of the time, she seems to be at the mercy of everyone else. Like when she’s dumped in front of her peers, hit on right afterwards by a jerk for some stupid bet, and then paired up with the jerk for a lit project.
* In order to maintain her perfect GPA, Rebecca will need to give a stellar presentation while ignoring the prying eyes that will be staring at her. When her partner, Derek, starts to ease her fears of public speaking with his laidback attitude, she’s forced to confront her new feelings about him and his charming smile. Rebecca knows falling for a guy who teases her for being a prudish nerd can only end badly, but what if it’s just another thing out of her control?

~ Excerpt ~

* Derek grinned. “What do you think about your ex’s girlfriend?”
* “Obviously that she’s annoyingly beautiful and, apparently, fun.” The word left a bad taste in her mouth.
* “I could say the same about you right now.”
* Rebecca felt her face redden even more. She pushed her bangs behind her ear, trying to find something else to stare at other than Derek’s mischievous eyes. Nothing seemed worthy.
* “I know we’ve been doing well with the whole friends’ thing,” Derek started.
* Rebecca cocked an eyebrow. “What now? Are you going to make fun of me?”
* “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said. “I was just wondering if, as a friend, I’m allowed to ask you to dance.”
* She let out a choking laugh. “Here? We’re at a party.”
* He gestured to the several groups of people who were dancing. “People dance at parties.”
* “I don’t think we should.”
* “Because you don’t want to, or because you don’t want to draw attention to yourself?”
* “Maybe the latter,” Rebecca mumbled to the ground.
* Derek took her hand, pulling her to the center of the living room. At first, their position terrified Rebecca, until she realized it was the most popular dancing spot. In the crowd, she felt shielded from prying eyes, like it was just the two of them.
* There’d been times, when Rebecca was home alone and listening to music, where she’d danced. But she had never done so in a public setting or with someone else, and in heels too. She bit her lip nervously as Derek guided her hands around his neck.
* “Relax,” he muttered. “It’s just a dance.”
* His statement didn’t reassure her at all. Her heart beat faster as she realized that she could feel every inch of him. They were so close. Her head was practically resting on his shoulder, and her body was pressed firmly against his.
* The feel of his hands on her waist made her shiver, her crop top inching up slightly as they began to move. Rebecca tried to focus on the beat, but it was really no use. Her fingers clasped together as she mentally reminded herself that playing with Derek’s hair was not a friendly thing to do—even if it looked really soft.
* They swayed together, his hands staying rigidly in place. Rebecca wondered what he was thinking about and why he’d decided to dance with her, but it was no use. Derek was likely someone she’d never fully understand.
* The song switched to something with a faster pace and erratic rhythm, but Rebecca hardly noticed. Derek moved a hand away from her hip, leaving Rebecca feeling a little colder, until he used it to brush a piece of her fallen bangs behind her ear.
* She had no idea how her legs and hips were still moving because, on the inside, Rebecca was totally, completely still. Her eyes fluttered closed as she felt his breath on her neck. Every single one of her nerves were on fire, zapping around in her body like lightening. Rebecca had never felt more alive … or scared.
* One of her hands drifted down to Derek’s chest, and she pressed against it. She hoped that he’d know she was trying to get away, but he only pulled her closer to him. Rebecca let out a gasp, clutching his neck and shoulder tightly.
* “Are you having fun?” he asked softly.
* Rebecca nodded once, unable to muster up anything coherent. Her brain was shutting down, and she wished it was from embarrassment or anger. No, this was something entirely different. So often Rebecca felt like two-halves of her were always in disagreement, but now, every part of her felt the same. She didn’t want him to let go.

Buy Prude here…
All Romance eBooks | Amazon | BookStrand | Evernight Publishing

Find Jordan S Gray here…
Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Thank you for joining us here today, Jordan S Gray! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

Welcome to Sara R. Turnquist & ‘The General’s Wife’ @sarat1701 @GoddessFish #Historical #Romance

On By Casey's CornerIn Authors & Books, Goddess Fish Promotions18 Comments

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Today we have author Sara R. Turnquist visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?
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* Sara is originally from middle TN. After a short stint in Memphis, where she earned a degree in Biology and began a career as both a Zoo Educator and a Sleep Technician, she then followed a dream to work for a large zoo in Orlando, FL as an Educator. Once she and her husband started their family, they moved back to Tennessee. Sara and her husband now enjoy a full life with their three beautiful and very active children. Sara enjoys many creative outlets – singing, piano, drawing, drama, and organizing anything. And even though she has enjoyed her career as a Zoo Educator, Sara’s great love of the written word continued to draw her to write. She has always been an avid reader and, for many years, has been what she terms a “closet writer”. Her travels and love of history have served to inspire her to write Historical Fiction. Sara has made several trips overseas to the Czech Republic. Her time among the Czech people and the landscapes of the country inspired her and greatly influenced her work on her debut novel, The Lady Bornekova, set in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Sara is also a member of the ACFW.

Today Sara R. Turnquist will be talking about — THE WRITE STUFF: THE BENEFITS OF A CRITIQUE GROUP.
* I cannot say enough good things about my critique group. Or about the benefits of a critique group in general. No matter what stage of writing – whether a newbie or a seasoned professional. My critique group is made up of all stages and places. And I love that. So, what can a writing group do to benefit me? I’ll spill the beans here…
* Provide Instant Feedback. This is one of the most basic and obvious reasons anyone joins a critique group. I encourage everyone to be bold enough to share his or her work. That’s the only way to improve. Let the group see it and give feedback. The more eyes, the more they can catch. This is not because the writing is bad, it’s because there are only so many things the writer can catch. We tend to be too close to the work. This is, however, where I advise everyone to be choosy about his or her critique group. No one wants a group that is vicious or tears others down. If that’s the vibe, don’t go back; but try another group.
* Broaden Your Horizons. By this I mean that we can learn more about our craft from others who are further along in their careers. I can benefit from others who have editors that have taught them different things. What can I glean from someone who attended a conference workshop that I didn’t have access to? These are all things to think about.
* Teach. There may even be an opportunity to teach others. This not only brings on the warm fuzzies, but it solidifies your knowledge of craft and gives anyone a confidence boost. As we learn and grow in our craft, we should turn around and teach others.
* Connect. Those in the group that are published and going to conferences can connect newbies in the group with people in the industry they have met. This can be extremely valuable. During my time in my critique group, I have come to see the necessity of going to conferences and workshops and even taking online courses. All of these things have grown me in my craft. But I never would have known where to find these things had it not been for my critique group’s fearless leader, who encouraged and connected me with other writers.
* Accountability & Support. That regular check-in keeps everyone accountable to continue working, so we have something to share if nothing else. But the groups’ support and encouragement helps everyone strive to complete projects and move further along in their career.
* These are just a few of the benefits. As I said, I could go on and on (but I won’t). The next question you are bound to ask is “how do I find a critique group?”. I would look in your city or surrounding area through local publications, or check with the public library. Utilizing your computer to search for local groups can also prove fruitful. If there isn’t anything promising, try to find an online critique partner, or critique group. I would look for these through a search as well. The important thing for me is that I am in a group led by or at least regularly attended by a published author.

A look into…

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~ Blurb ~

* “Go home!” Ismene is speechless as she reads those words written in blood on the walls of her new home. The young, raven-haired Grecian beauty had traveled all the way from her homeland to marry the Pharaoh’s top general. But she never expected this. The hatred of the Alexandrian mob for their Greek rulers is right in front of her. It is the first of many threats she will receive.
* Things are escalating out of control. Damaged crops and horses turned loose at night are one thing. But when Ismene receives a death threat, it becomes clear that there is a spy within her own household. She would turn to her husband to deal with this issue, except he left for battle by order of the Pharaoh. Not knowing whom to trust, she fears for her safety as well as the entire ruling class of Egypt.

~ Excerpt ~

* “Can you please take this blindfold off?” Ismene loved surprises, but couldn’t stand the waiting. Alistair had risen early to prepare a special breakfast for them and served her in bed. Then he had told her that he had something special planned for them today—a special place for them to visit.
* “Not yet,” Alistair said as he gripped her waist. Their chariot went over a bump which caused him to pull her to him even more tightly. She smiled at the feel of his secure embrace; even after this short time it still caused butterflies in her stomach.
* She felt the chariot continue to move down the smooth path with a little rocking here and there as the wheels found imperfections in the road.
* “We’re almost there, I promise,” he assured her. His voice was close to her ear and it gave her warm chills. She thought of the feel of those lips on her neck. There wasn’t much time to daydream, though, because, true to his word, it wasn’t much longer before she felt him slow the horses and still the chariot.
* “Ready for your surprise?” he asked.
* “Yes!” She feigned exasperation.
* Only then did he reach up, untie her blindfold, and let it fall. “The great Library of Alexandria.”

Buy The General’s Wife here…
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Smashwords

Find Sara R. Turnquist here…
Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Website

Thank you for joining us here today, Sara R. Turnquist! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Sara R. Turnquist will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour! So be sure to leave a comment AND use this RAFFLECOPTER LINK to enter the drawing. Also, visit the other tour stops for a greater chance of winning!