Thursday, December 12, 2013

Holy Schweaty Balls! It's Cold Outside! #MFRW Home For The Holidays Hop


Welcome to MFRW's Home for the Holidays Blog Hop hosted by MFRW!

The winter holidays are almost upon us. And what better way to celebrate than with some HOT and SPICY books which are sure to keep us all warm and toasty. After all, we have to do something. There is snow outside, more on its way and that annoying meteorologist keeps reporting that it's going to be a icy season. So, in celebration of this most precious holiday season I invite you all to be bop along to the next stop on this fun hop!!

For my portion of the hop, I'm going to introduce you to my latest release. In fact it's so new that it was just released today!! That's right! The holiday anthology, 'Tis the Season for Seduction was released today, on Friday the 13th. All I need is a black cat and a ladder to walk under and I have myself the superstition trifecta. LOL Seriously though, this book is so new, some might even say it's brand "spanking" new. Hehehe...

For your chance to win an eBook copy of my newest release, 'Tis the Season for Seduction, please leave me a comment below (with your email address). But, wait there's more!

If you want a second chance to win, I'll be giving away one eBook from any of my back list to a runner up winner! 

And, while I still have your attention, here's a peek at 'Tis the Season for Seduction. 


Four Seduced Muses have banded together with Sassy Vixen Publishing to bring five erotic romance stories to life...

Nicole Morgan’s Christmases Past
After 12 years of marriage, Priscilla has decided to leave her workaholic husband. Refusing to give up, Max sets out to find her before it is too late. Will being stranded in a blizzard be enough to repair their broken relationship?

Maya DeLeina’s A Winter’s Ecstasy
During a blizzard, Noel finds refuge with Grayson at his cabin. As temptation builds her self-control begins to unravel. Grayson unleashes her passion, but one question plagues her. Why there are no mirrors in Grayson’s cabin?

May Water’s Ski Bunny Blues
Max is unhappy when his job transfers him to New Hampshire. When online dating fails him he meets Shawn who warms his cockles by the fire. Will Shawn be enough to keep Max with him, or will he walk away?

Tammy Dennings Maggy’s Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Coast Guard Steve Sanders is called to assist a sinking vessel. His pregnant wife Jolene waits for his return when the rescue mission has goes horribly wrong. Will a miracle bring him back to meet his wife under the mistletoe?

Lia Michaels’s Have a Naughty, Naughty Christmas

Candice, Alexander and Gabriel own Candy Kisses, the place to be in Detroit. The business partners have kept their desires hidden. When a wealthy playboy extends an offer that allows them to indulge their wildest fantasies, they embark on a very naughty Christmas.


Nicole Morgan is an author of erotic romance novels, which more often than not have a suspenseful backstory. Erotic romance mixed with good old-fashioned whodunit. While she's written everything from contemporary to paranormal her leading men will more than likely be wearing a uniform of some kind. From military to police officers, she has a love for writing about those who protect and serve. From her very first novel (which turned into a four book series) about Navy SEALs to her more recent releases you will be sure to find a few twists and turns you were not expecting.

She also has a recurring monthly column in Book & Trailer Showcase's eMagazine, and is a proud member of the wonderful group of gals, Four Seduced Muses and is honored to be a part of Romance Books 4 Us Gold Authors. 

Find out more about Nicole and her books by visiting her websiteblogGoogle + PageTwitterFacebook and her Yahoo Group, Nicole’s Think Tank.



Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Latest WTF Moment in the Publishing World...


Well, I think the day has finally come where I’ve seen and heard it all. I know, who would’ve thunk it! Oh now, take it easy grammar Nazis. The spelling error and improper English was purposeful and as you read on you’ll see why.

It would seem that an author who I didn’t much care for before has taken his condescension to new levels. For years I’ve considered this man to be arrogant, self absorbed and quite frankly full of himself. But, hey… who am I to judge? Not everyone is going to get along in life and that’s just the way it is. Besides, he and I aren’t neighbors and our paths rarely cross. Especially since I removed his posts from my Facebook newsfeed. Uh oh…did I just admit that out loud?  I won’t even get into the knowledge that my observation has shown he tends to come down on women more than men. Nope, not going to mention that at all. Oops. I think I just did. Anyway, it would appear that this “author” has taken it upon himself to offer up not just a review with comments that seem somewhat irrelevant and prove him to be uninformed. He has gone so far as to send back to the author a copy of her book in .pdf format, fully edited by him. Umm… crazy man does what?! Who does that?! Well, apparently this man does. In his ‘editing’ he goes on to school this author on her failed writing style. Here’s where I, as a fellow author, have a problem. Allow me to explain…

This author has a total of three books published, at least according to his Amazon Author Page. In his two sentence bio there are punctuation errors and sentences that aren’t quite…how shall we say, proper? Failed writing style, perhaps? He has three books released, which all appear to be self published. Out of those three books, he has only one review which is a 4 Star. This is in stark contrast to the author he attempted to school. She also has three books released. All of which are published with Siren Bookstrand, a publisher who knows the erotic romance industry and puts their authors through several rounds of edits. On Amazon her three books have an average rating of 4.6 out of 8 total reviews. So, at first glance it would appear that this author is doing something right, even if her unsolicited editor/reviewer thinks so or not. After I heard about this situation, I decided to take a look at his particular review of her book. And let’s just say I was shocked by what I found….



As you’ll notice, in the very first sentence of his review he points out that he enjoyed the story, but vampires aren’t his cup of tea. Umm…then why’d you buy it? What he neglects to mention in his review is that he purchased book 1 in this series and according to another Goodreads review, he read that one as well. So, if the title and blurb weren’t enough to clue him into it being a vampire story, wouldn’t the first book in the series have cleared up any confusion he had over plotlines? Anyway, let’ also take a look at another part of his review. He mentions the vampire’s bight. Umm… vampire’s what?? No, that’s not a misspelling. He actually wrote it as bight, and not bite. Unless the vampire is also a sailor, or someone who just likes to tie rope, I can only assume that this is an error made by the reviewer. Eeeks! Has the teacher made a boo boo? Now, don’t get me wrong I know we’re all capable of typing a word wrong. However, wouldn’t you think that someone that was arrogant enough to send back a published book to the author complete with his editing notes and suggestions would know the proper use of the words: bite, bight? Well, I guess not. It must be one of those, do as I say, not as I do things.

Some of you may be wondering why I have removed the reviewer/name of this man from the above graphic, or why I have not made one mention of his name or books in this post. The answer to that my friends is quite simple. I flat out refuse to give this man one second of fame for his arrogance and self righteous behavior.


Now, since I’m a big believer in seeing things from a positive perspective I will say that not all bad has come from this experience. You see, not only has his actions solidified my opinion of this man, proving that his arrogance wasn’t just something I suspected, but it is an actual fact. This has also made me want to buy the book in question! And I invite you all to do the same!!! So, go on and pick up any of Lynne St. James’s wonderful books at Bookstrand. You won’t regret it! The girl can really tell a story! *winks* 

Until next time, my friends. And puhhleeeease remember to be kind to one another. The publishing world may seem like a giant sea, but it can become really small pond if you start picking on your own kind. 


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Publishing is a Business, Treat it as Such


Do you ever get an email and you feel like Alan Funt is hiding in the bushes? Ohh… sorry, probably showed my age there. Think… Ashton Kutcher on his acclaimed television show, Punk’d.

In any case, I woke up today under the assumption that it was just an ordinary Tuesday. However, it would seem that I was way wrong. I signed onto Facebook and I was alerted to a new…we’ll call it ‘drama’ that’s going around in the publishing world as of late. Unlike most dramas in the publishing world, I usually scan over the information just so I can be aware of what everyone is gossiping about, but rarely do I stop to comment, much less form an opinion on the topic. That was until today. There was something about the parties involved that prevented me from merely walking away as an uninterested party. What was that reason you ask? Well, here’s my point of view on things from an outside observer’s perspective…

It would seem that a certain author, who I will refer to from now on as “Author X” is involved in a legal dispute with one of Author X’s publishers. Apparently the dispute centers around something referred to as FRoR (Future Rights of Refusal). From the information I saw, it appeared that this publisher offered Author X a contract on a book, but felt the writing and/or story fit better under a different imprint than the one Author X preferred it to be in. For those of you who don’t know what imprints are, they are basically a way for readers to help ascertain which books fit into certain categories, i.e. ménage, shifters, BDSM, etc.  Some publishing houses do have much more specific imprints and/or guidelines, but this is to just give you an idea.

Now, let me fast forward a bit so I can bring you all up to speed. From what I read this 
author did not accept the contract and after 90 days (the time frame which is normally applicable during the FRoR) Author X took her story and self published it. Here’s where things get a tad messy. Author X did not verify with her publisher who held FRoR to confirm that she was able to self publish said work. Then it would seem that said publisher took actions to protect their interest in the characters which they held the FRoR on.

So there you have it. There’s a legal dispute that is between Author X and said publisher. You think this would be the end of the story. But, wait… there’s more!

We all know there are always two sides to every situation, so I will give you both sides to this coin from my perspective. First, I have no qualms with said publisher and I have no skin in this game. I do however, have a history (albeit a small one) with Author X which does lend to my opinion on this topic. You see, a little over a year ago I shared one of her new release links on both Facebook and Twitter. Then I went so far as to tag Author X in the post. It wasn’t too long before I heard from Author X. I’d say maybe only an hour or so passed before I received quite a baffling private message from her on Facebook. Author X chided me, in quite a condescending manner for tagging her in a post without first letting her know ahead of time. Apparently, Author X hadn’t bothered to go see what it was that I tagged her in, but instead decided to school me on professionalism and how my actions were in “poor form” (actual words she chose) to not let her know beforehand. Umm…what?!?!  You’re mad that I helped promote your new release to my thousands of followers and friends without first notifying you?  Oh the horror!!! Clearly I was completely out of line!! *rolls eyes* Anyway, after I deleted the posts, thus removing her being tagged, I informed her that I was only trying to help out a fellow author (again…how dare I?) which I do from time to time. She then apologized and tried to pull the foot which she had jammed in her mouth out, but sadly failed by continuing to be condescending and explain how she was such a busy and prolific author that she gets confused sometimes. A word to the wise, if you’re going to try and apologize for being rude and arrogant, you might want to try doing it without lavishing yourself with compliments. It might just be considered in… “poor form”.

Now, back on topic… I don’t get involved in these types of disputes between publishers and authors for one very important reason. That being, because I am a firm believe that every instance is as unique as the parties involved. Case in point, I’ve had poor experiences with other publishers, but I kept those experiences private because they were my experiences, and my dissatisfaction with them may not be someone else’s dissatisfaction as every situation is different. You might be asking yourself why I’m getting involved in this dispute then. Well, I’d be happy to answer that question for you! Allow me to explain…
I received an email this afternoon from Author X. Imagine my surprise when I opened said email and read the lengthy request for my help. What?! You want my help? Umm… yeah, let me think about that. Back to what I was saying, Author X was very clever to add an email confidentiality disclosure to the bottom of her email warning me that any sharing of her email could be considered illegal. Eeeks! Soooo glad I read that warning! However, in the long email Author X claims that she would like my assistance in spreading the word on her situation with readers and authors on various avenues such as blogs and message boards. She even goes on to state in her email that I may include the information within her email to do so. Huh? So, wait… let me see if I’ve got this straight. You, who previously attempted to school me on professionalism, is now asking for my help in a situation that you’ve gotten yourself into? To add to that, I’m being warned in the confidentiality disclosure to not share anything she sent me, but then she contradicts her requests by asking me to use the information she’s given me to help better her cause? Umm…  I may have forgotten to mention this, but Author X is basically asking me to help her in a cause which would negatively affect my book sales and future relationship with said publisher. Further, I’d like it known that I don’t claim to be a psychic, but something tells me that if I was drowning and in need of a life preserver, Author X wouldn’t so much as throw me a rope. This may seem like a harsh assumption on my part, however, I remind you that the only time in four years that Author X has said two words to me was to put me in my place for doing something nice. Outside of that I’ve not heard a peep from her. And now she wants my help? Riiiiiiight. Let me get right on that!

Here’s the problem as I see it, and please know that this is only my opinion and I am by no means a lawyer, a judge or even an expert of the topic at hand. However, speaking as a published author who has dealt with several houses and contracts over the years, I offer the following:

Author X has a publishing house which holds FRoR over her characters in a book, and they have offered her a contract for a book which contains said characters. Which means they have not refused the book. If Author X is under the assumption that they have refused said book – which honestly in this case I don’t know how she could have been – then Author X has an obligation to the publishing house and to herself to confirm her assumption. No smart business deals were ever based on assumptions. Every reasonable business minded person will tell you that unless you have it in writing, you don’t have it. However, even with this being my opinion on the subject it still wouldn’t have been any of my business. At least not until Author X decided to send me an email asking for my help.

So, to summarize I offer you all this….

The publishing world is a business. And like with all businesses, there are contracts. Those parties involved in said contracts are legally bound to uphold their end of that legal agreement. If an author has chosen not to do so then that is on them. Business is not some touchy feely, hand holding trip to Grandma’s house where you can do something wrong and you’re given a kiss and a cookie. Not at all. There are consequences involved in the actions you take. And if you find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of Author X, I ask you to do the right thing and not attempt to form a mutiny against the publisher you’re disgruntled with. It is a selfish act wherein you are asking others to take the heat (possibly financially and professionally) for your bad judgment.


It’s a big old scary world out there, so never bite the hand that feeds you! 


Saturday, October 26, 2013

@SensuousPromos Book Tour for Vallory Vance’s, The Beginning of Forever



Welcome to the 6th stop in Sensuous Promo’s Book Tour
for Vallory Vance’s, The Beginning of Forever.

About The Beginning of Forever ~
The story of Amber Grayson and Kevin Miller began with a flash fiction piece, Rainy Day Surprise, about the couple enjoying a rainy afternoon with the help of a new toy. Much to my amazement, I received a lot of encouragement from readers to write more about this sexy man, his uptight girlfriend and the naughtiness that went on when they closed the doors.
In the Moment, was born. This short story chronicles how the sometimes pushy office manager managed to wrangle herself a cowboy. Amber is in full dictator gear in this one. And she should be because she’s the Project Manager and Kevin’s boss. Undaunted by the towering woman in her constricting black suit, Kevin has a lot of fun peeling her out of it.
I am pleased and little sad to let this couple go after our year together. It has been an awesome ride with them and one I hope you’ll take.

View the book trailer on Youtube:

The Beginning of Forever by Vallory Vance
Amber Grayson, a conservative executive, found true love with fiancé, Kevin Miller. He infused her life with a sense of adventure and challenged her thoughts about appropriate bedroom behavior. After such a steamy affair, Amber was expecting nothing less during their engagement.
Even with the rushed timetable for the wedding combined with the stress of merging their households and finances, Amber is excited to begin a family with the man of her dreams. However, the beginning of forever is more difficult than either of them thought.
Locked in a battle of wills, Amber and Kevin find their commitment to each other and their future tested. Is this the beginning of their lives together or the end?

Excerpt (R) ~
“Of course I love you.” She scooted forward and kissed him.
He quickly caught her neck, held her so that he could feel the warm rush of her breath. Her kiss held no passion, and felt like one you’d bestow on a friend. He needed assurance that she was with him until the end, no matter what.
“How about ‘I want you so bad’?” He moved his lips over her throat and felt a beat brush against his mouth.
“Tell me.” He nipped at the delicate skin of her neck, tasting the spray of scented mist on his tongue.
“I want you so bad.”
The husky pant of her desire pounded in his head and stilled the quiver in his chest. She was his again.
He yanked the rim of the T-shirt over her head, ripped the short shorts and panties down her legs. Reclining back on his haunches, he massaged between her legs, his fingers slickening with the motion. His.
Her hands twisted into the pillows, flopped at her sides and her moans filled his ears. He slipped his fingers into her, watching her move, while his cock thumped unmercifully against his zipper.
“Just let go, Amber.” He bent over, caught her mouth, and thrust his tongue inside. Her moaning deepened and her eyes squeezed shut. Bucking wildly beneath him, she tore her mouth from his and warmth rushed around his fingers. He kissed her gently and rose from the bed, removing his clothes slowly.
Dark wisps of her hair fanned out of her braid onto the cream pillow bunched beneath her head, and her large wide-set eyes fluttered open to meet his in a soft gaze. Her lips parted to speak but only expelled a shallow breath. There was a part of him that wanted to watch the trailing of her hands from her neck on their languid journey down between her breasts. And there was a part of him, a stronger part, which draped her trembling thighs over his forearms and lunged into her.

Buy Links
·         Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/356812

About The Beginning of Forever ~
The story of Amber Grayson and Kevin Miller began with a flash fiction piece, Rainy Day Surprise, about the couple enjoying a rainy afternoon with the help of a new toy. Much to my amazement, I received a lot of encouragement from readers to write more about this sexy man, his uptight girlfriend and the naughtiness that went on when they closed the doors.
In the Moment, was born. This short story chronicles how the sometimes pushy office manager managed to wrangle herself a cowboy. Amber is in full dictator gear in this one. And she should be because she’s the Project Manager and Kevin’s boss. Undaunted by the towering woman in her constricting black suit, Kevin has a lot of fun peeling her out of it.
I am pleased and little sad to let this couple go after our year together. It has been an awesome ride with them and one I hope you’ll take.
View the book trailer on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LhtuGJCEpU

Connect with Vallory Vance online:
The Vallory V Blog: www.valloryv.wordpress.com




Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Brace Yourself for Liz Crowe's, "Good Faith"

Make sure to read this entire post and look for the Rafflecopter contest! 

OMG, OMG, OMG!!! It's almost here!! After delighting us with her delectable stories in the Stewart Realty Series, Liz Crowe's highly anticipated final installment, Good Faith will be here in just thirty days!

I first came across Liz's books and this series when I picked up Sweat Equity. At the time I was having a dork-o-saurus moment and didn't pay attention to that little number 2 at the end of the title. Which, had I been paying attention I would have realized that this was the 2nd book in her Stewart Realty Series. I just liked the look of the blindfolded gal on the cover and the blurb sounded good. Well, little did I know that Jack and Sara would set set the pages on fire. Like most of us, I love a good book, so when I found this book I fell in love with Liz's writing style. She has a unique way of spinning a tale which doesn't fit the typical mold of so many books on the shelves these days. As wonderful as her story telling is though, there is something even more awesome that I got to find out when I became a member of Romance Books 4 Us. Liz is a delight to chat with. She has a wit and charm about her that not many have these days. She doesn't take herself too seriously and has a true passion for her characters and their stories. Plus, she brews beer! I mean... Hello!! She writes amazing books and brews beer? Does it get any better than this? Well, if you ask me, I would say I think not!

Now, I'm told that this final novel can be read as a stand alone, but really why would you want to? These stories were meant to be read and enjoyed many times over and over again. Don't believe me? Take a look at this peak into this upcoming novel which will be absolutely, positively not what you are expecting...

Good Faith

Strong personalities—volatile marriages—stressful careers—conflicting goals—difficult children.

Contemporary challenges facing close-knit families form the crucible that forges a new generation.

Brandis, Gabriel, Blair and Lillian emerge from the entanglement of their parents’ longstanding emotional connections, but one’s star will burn brighter – and hotter – than the others.

With a personality that consumes everyone and everything in its path, Brandis Gordon struggles to maintain control as he ricochets between wild success and miserable failure. His life proves how even the strongest relationships can be strangled by the ties that bind.

Brandis and Gabe Frietag are as close as any brothers, bound by both loyalty and fierce rivalry. The strength of their ultimate alliance is tested time and again by Brandis’ choices.

Companions from birth, Blair Frietag and Lillian Robinson share loner tendencies, but come to rely on each other through adolescence. As they mature, both are forced to confront their feelings for the men they knew as boys.

Somewhere between the tangle of good memories and bad, independence and addiction, optimism and despair, the intertwined destinies of the new generation finally collide, leaving some stronger, others broken, but none unscathed.


As a chronicle of three families navigating the minefields of teen years into the turbulence of young adulthood, Good Faith holds up a literary mirror to contemporary life with joys and temptations unflinchingly reflected. Its fresh, real-life voice portrays the sheer volatility of human nature, complete with the hopes, dreams, and unexpected setbacks of marriage, parenthood and “coming of age.”


Good Faith (Advanced Excerpt)
by
Liz Crowe

© 2013 Tri Destiny Publishing – All rights reserved.  Limited duplication allowed for pre-approved promotional purposes only.  This content may not be shared or distributed in any capacity at any time outside the scope of the original intent without express written consent of Tri Destiny Publishing or their representative.

 

That morning his father had roused him from a sound sleep. He’d blinked, confused, by the angle of the sunlight. He rarely slept much past eight since he usually had some sort of training or the other.
“Let’s go son. Time for lunch.”
Brandis had dragged himself up, his limbs feeling like they weighed a thousand pounds each. His brain buzzed with a strange sort of energy, his typical state, and not at all welcome considering it normally didn’t hit him until later in the day. The conversation his father began as soon as they were seated at their usual diner did not help.
“So, listen, Brandis. These girls…Katie’s friends from college….”
Brandis sipped his ice water, waiting for his father to finish the thought. His heart pounded, and his face flushed hot with embarrassment.
Jack sighed, as if exasperated that Brandis didn’t pick up the thread on his own, leaving him to carry on with the awkwardness about to ensue. Then he leveled his gaze, his face open, not angry or judgmental. “I think that you may be in for some…I mean, they’re…shit.”
“If you are gonna tell me where babies come from again,” Brandis said, after deciding to ease his father’s obvious distress. He cocked an eyebrow and half a smile. Jack seemed to relax somewhat as Brandis continued. “Don’t bother. I already know.”
He flashed his brightest smile up at the middle-aged woman who stood at their table, coffee pot in hand. She blinked rapidly at him, and at that precise moment, Brandis got his first flash of…something…about his power. Up until now he’d merely been “Brandis the trouble maker, the causer of strife.” Suddenly, he felt strong, amazingly so, stronger than even the man sitting across from him, a taller, older version of himself. His body tingled all over, as he tested the smile out again on the woman, making her slop some coffee out onto the table. His father frowned, but then chuckled as the woman walked away after they gave their orders.
“Son,” he said, leaning back and cradling the coffee mug to his chest. “Your adventure has only just begun.”
“Huh?” Brandis picked up his cup but didn’t drink any. He hated coffee, but had ordered it in a burst of need to be more like Jack. As he sipped the bitter stuff, he was transported back years before when he and his dad would spend every single Saturday morning together, eating breakfast at this very diner. He had adored the man, he remembered distinctly. His chest hurt at the simplicity of their relationship then. He looked away from Jack’s deep blue, knowing gaze.
The subject changed of its own accord, and Brandis let it. Although part of him wanted to ask for advice, a much bigger part would not allow the words past his lips.
They ate, discussing the upcoming football season and Brandis’ part in it. The recruiting company Jack had contracted last year to video his every move would start up with the first game. He’d made varsity again, technically as backup quarterback to a senior boy. Brandis didn’t see this as a setback and had every intention of starting under center by the second or third game.
Finally, when they pushed their empty plates back and sat looking at each other, Brandis felt more comfortable in his father’s presence than he had been in a long time. Jack said, “I am pretty sure at least one of those girls sleeping in the basement is determined to change the status of your virginity for you probably as soon as tonight.”
Brandis choked on the last sip of lukewarm coffee. His face burned, and his body tingled again. “I’m…it’s…uh….” He clutched the napkin in his lap unable to meet his father’s eyes.
“No need to say anything. Let’s just say your mother is an astute reader of female intent. While I was busy admiring your sister’s friend’s ass, she apparently read the girl’s mind or something.” Brandis’ face flushed even hotter.
He resisted the urge to protest, to proclaim his innocence of such things. Because he wanted it back—those mornings between them, father and son, man and boy, not this awkward, man and almost-man bullshit. Because while the thought of one of his sister’s college friends popping his cherry remained a pleasant fantasy, it also made him feel older than he wanted to be right then.
“So, I bought a box of condoms this morning,” Jack went on. “Put some downstairs in the side table drawer and the rest in your room. Use them please.” He sipped the last of his coffee, looked as if he were about to get up, then leaned forward, touching Brandis’ wrist. “Have fun. Don’t be an asshole to women. Let every experience teach you…something. Because you are nothing as a man if you don’t learn from every woman you…love.” Jack looked out the window onto the nearly empty parking lot. Then he turned back, tightened his grip on his son’s arm. “God, you are so…young.” His face fell a moment, then he perked up again, his eyes twinkling. “Okay, so, your mother told me to tell you not to let them corrupt you. But all I’m gonna say is this: always wear protection, no matter what, no matter how much you don’t want to. And don’t let your mom catch you in the act. I’ll handle her otherwise.”
Then he let go, stood and smiled, draping a friendly arm around Brandis’ shoulders as they exited the restaurant.
“You really didn’t tell me you were admiring Katie’s friend’s ass, did you, Dad?”
“No, son. I most certainly did not. You obviously misheard me.” Jack winked as he stood by the passenger’s side of his classic Corvette convertible and tossed the keys to Brandis. “Remember what I told you. Don’t ride my clutch.”

About Liz Crowe

Amazon best-selling author, beer blogger and beer marketing expert, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town.  She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing novels about the same time she agreed to take on marketing and sales for the Wolverine State Brewing Company.   

Most days find her sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, unless she’s writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications. 

Her early forays into the publishing world led to a groundbreaking fiction subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” which has gained thousands of fans and followers interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”).  More recently she is garnering even more fans across genres with her latest novels, which are more character-driven fiction, while remaining very much “real life.”

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and many times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate, and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, be sure and stop into the Wolverine State Brewing Co. Tap Room—but don’t ask her for anything “like” a Bud Light, or risk serious injury.



Would you like the opportunity to meet Liz? 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 22, 2013

#BlogHop : Six-Pack Stud-A-Thon


Welcome to the Six-Pack Stud-A-Thon Blog hop hosted by
I'm #7 in this hop, some might even say LUCKY #7, but we have over 70 blogs participating so your chances of winning something really great are, well... really great!



My part of the hop is simple, leave me a comment below (with your email address) telling me the sexiest six packs you've seen or read about. They can be a movie star, a rock star, even one of the hot heroes from a book you're reading! 

I'll choose one random winner on October 2nd to receive their choice of one of my back list of books. 
All of my current releases can be found here: 
Bookstrand.com 

There is also a Grand Prize being offered, so don't forget to use the rafflecopter below to increase your chances of winning some awesome prizes!!



The fun doesn't stop here though, visit the other stops on this hop by clicking on any of the links below. Have fun, and Happy Hopping! 

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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Sensuous Promo’s Book Tour for Fairy Dust by Carol Shenold


Welcome to the next stop in Sensuous Promo’s Book Tour for Carol Shenold’s, Fairy Dust.

Can a half-fairy and a were wolf find true love and save the world the same day?

Fairy Dust by Carol Shenold

Half fae/half witch, Ande Ryan’s deepest desires are simple: a stress-free, fun evening with a nice guy, to earn the respect of her peers in the Paranormal Investigation Unit, and at long last, learn to use her Goddess given fae magic.

Instead, she fights a demon, gets mugged by a pixie, meets her soul mate and oh yeah, has to try and defeat a wizard with the help of a six-foot elf and a wolf—Cal Masterson.

Cal had no idea that his first encounter with Ande Ryan would include a fight with a demon or an intense attraction to the red-haired fairy who displays as much courage and determination as any wolf in his pack. Will Cal overcome his need to protect her as they both fight the odds and allow her fulfill her destiny?

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Excerpt

The thing coming at me barreled out of the trees, leaping from shadow to shadow.

Its rotten-meat smell drove me back. It didn’t hesitate before it threw itself at the circle shield. Sparks flew off, crackling in the air and weakening the shield. It kept coming, like the crazy it was, slamming itself into the arc, weakening it more and more until one of the impacts threw me back, into my own energy and through it. 

Okay, out of protection here. I threw myself over to land on my knees and came up in a crouch.

The ghoul looked around as if it couldn’t figure out where I went. When it saw me, it let out a snarl and flew toward me. I sent a stream of earth fire at his sorry ass but missed because I levitated at the precise moment I let the stream of fire loose. Ahhhhh.

It always happens at the wrong time. If I ever get control of the flying thing, it will be so great. 

Now the darkling was truly confused, and I sent another tiny but forceful fire stream toward him. This time I didn’t miss, and he burst into flame, at least his arm did.

He screamed with frustration because he couldn’t see where I was, flailed around a bit, and ran back into the trees.

“Damn it.” I needed down before the hell dog came back so I could get rid of it.

What if some kid came along. Not one child but several, in a group, with a leader came skipping toward the bridge. Damn, I shouldn’t have had that thought out-loud.

“Go back,” I yelled as loud as I could. “Hurry. Run.” The kids were chattering at the top of their lungs. The leader tried to push them faster, wanting out of the park before the sun set altogether I guessed. They didn’t hear a word I said.

Shadows crept toward them, and one shadow moved away from the others. It was back and heading straight toward the kids.

“Up here, idiot. Leave the kids alone. I’m your prey. Come on, use that one cell you have for a brain.”

“Oomph.” I dropped like a dead fairy, directly in front of the thing. I was toast.




Thursday, June 20, 2013

Page Turner Book Tours Presents Airion: Return to Zire by J.S. Council



Title: Airion: Return To Zire

Author: J.S. Council

Series: Airion Series

Genre: Young Adult Epic Fantasy

Publisher: Self Published

Formats Available In: Paperback, Ebook (HTML, Kindle, Epub, PDF, RTF, LRF, Palm Doc, Plain Text (download), Plain Text (View)

Blurb: Aside from his outward appearance, Kobi is a normal thirteen-year-old boy. Living with his mother, his father, and his identical twin brother, Raili, with whom he spends most days at the cove watching dolphins and whales feed, he is happy with his life just the way it is. But his fourteenth birthday is coming and Kobi has no idea how much his life is about to change.

            When Raili is pulled through a puddle in the floor of their second floor bedroom by a monster armed with poisonous, spiked tentacles, Kobi goes in after him. What he finds isn’t Raili, but a new world all together, buried beneath the ocean. With a bounty on his head that has been there since he and Raili’s birth, Kobi will have to learn to fight or die before he can be reunited with Raili again. Everything he knew to be true was a lie.

            People he loved and trusted are not who they seem. He isn’t the normal boy he thought himself to be. A transformation is coming. Raili is gone. Blood is shed. Traitors lurk, waiting for their chance. War is inevitable. The fate of the world of Airion rests in his hands. The Wiseone speaks. Failure is certain.

Book Links:




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About The Author:

“Although I didn’t fully commit to making writing my life’s work until my sophomore year of college, I have always been a writer at heart. I was the only student in class to get excited about school papers, even asking to write a few for extra credit on occasion. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in Creative Writing – Fiction. After graduating, I moved to Japan where I wrote most of my debut novel, Airion: Return to Zire and all of my second novel Airion: Light and Dawn – the first two of a four book series. Japan was a peaceful place to just sit and write, but life in Japan was also filled with adventure. However much I loved it there, I had to return home to do what I love most. Write.”

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EXCERPT

           “We think Raili is in Cella,” said Kobi, his eyes still to the floor.

            “That’s terrible,” said Winiki, covering her mouth. “What can I do?”

            “Nothing,” said Trayn before anyone else could speak.

            “But Trayn!” Winiki protested.

            “You’re too young and it’s too dangerous,” said Trayn, picking up the red Shikai, which glowed much brighter than when Kobi held it.

            “I’m not a child!” said Winiki. “I want to fight!”

            “No,” said Trayn in a tone that marked the end of discussion.

            Winiki’s eyes swelled with tears. “That’s not fair,” she said in a barely audible voice. “You’ve been training for years. I’m nearly thirteen and I’m not allowed to even hold a sword. Where’s the justice in that?”

            Trayn calmly lifted the black Shikai from the table.

            “Will you kill and die by the sword, Winiki?” said Trayn, looking at the orb glow brightly in his hand. Winiki said nothing. “Are you willing to die, but fight to live? Would you kill without hesitation but show mercy to an enemy who would kill you without thought? Do you even know what that means?”

            With tears streaming down her face, Winiki took the black Shikai from Trayn’s hand and gracefully held it up in front of her as it burned brightly; maybe even brighter than before. Trayn, Rick, and Kobi stared at Winiki with parted lips and wide eyes as she placed the orb back into Trayn’s hand.

            “I have just as much right to the sword as you, Trayn Saio,” said Winiki. She turned to Kobi and hugged him. “I’m glad you’re back,” she whispered, old tears making her face cold against his cheek. “I’ve waited my whole life to meet you and Raili. I will do my part, I promise.”

            She left without a second glance at Trayn, leaving the smithy in silence.

            “I would forge that girl a sword right now if I didn’t think your father would have my head for it,” said Rick, still staring at the entryway.

            “He isn’t the one who would have your head,” said Trayn, staring at the black Shikai. “Win has been interested in the sword since she first saw one. But on her first attempt to use one, she badly cut herself. Mother became very upset and banned Winiki from the sword, suggesting that the girls of the Royal Family start being healers above all, and leaving the actual fighting to the men. Win was still quite young and fascinated by mother’s healing techniques, so there was little protest. But, with age, she’s starting to rebel. She wants to be a Heal Warrior, like all women of the Royal Family have. I’ve caught her twice on the practice grounds at midnight, teaching herself how to move. Even I have to admit, she’s making great progress, even on her own. With decent training, she could maybe even surpass our mother’s skill.”

            “You haven’t told Kai Ventra.” Rick said this more like a statement than a question.

            Trayn shook his head. “Sadly, I know how she feels,” he said, rolling the black Shikai on the table with his palm. It flicked irregularly. “I cannot blame Win for a desire that I too possess. It’s like blaming a fish for wanting to swim. But I can’t help her disobey our mother. Father also understands Winiki’s passion, but even he has spoken no word against the ban, and he’s the King.”