tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66910352204004595442023-12-17T02:10:11.119-08:00Delirious Musings of a Writersabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-75700169279239917492014-07-05T14:30:00.000-07:002014-07-05T14:47:10.972-07:00Cover Reveal: Thicker Than BloodHello there all you strange people out there!<br />
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Allow me to introduce a brilliant author. She's currently working on a five-book series entitled <b>The Magicians series</b>, she is a funny and interesting person, so without further ado I introduce you to<b> </b></div>
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<b>Lindsey Sablowski</b>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuXEWSk-RBJOOjSLsB3Hnm26YltH-LJ8pYkitUheby0ucUkm-vBlNCZKKYiwYApgtwkM97LRIDicIx0vqQ7lOScKK34ppMOSgx7MfwsgTp8UFBusggFe1jgXN4kjEMoyo6YujEeyYp6cd/s1600/new+author+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuXEWSk-RBJOOjSLsB3Hnm26YltH-LJ8pYkitUheby0ucUkm-vBlNCZKKYiwYApgtwkM97LRIDicIx0vqQ7lOScKK34ppMOSgx7MfwsgTp8UFBusggFe1jgXN4kjEMoyo6YujEeyYp6cd/s1600/new+author+pic.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Lindsey R. Sablowski is a fantasy author who lives in Maryland with her boyfriend and two cats. </div>
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Lindsey has always adored reading and writing. Some of her favorite authors include John </div>
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Greene, Phillipa Gregory, Michael J. Sullivan, Tamora Pierce, and Mary Stewart.</div>
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Her two published books, Cursed With Power and Shadows and Embers, are part of the </div>
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Magicians series, consisting of a total of five books. The third installment in the series, titled Thicker </div>
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Than Blood, will be releasing in August 2014.</div>
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<i>To stay updated with her progress in upcoming books and to learn more about the Magicians </i></div>
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<i>series, you can follow her blog at: www.lrenees-fictionalwriter.blogspot.com</i></div>
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Now, allow me to explain. Sablowski has already finished two books out of her series - Cursed with Power and Shadows and Embers - so this is the cover revea#l for her third book Thicker Than Blood. Let us begin with a brief snippet from her new novel (which is delightfully intriguing): </div>
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<i>We followed the noises and passed by more trees until Léal was in our sight. He performed a </i><i>spell which hit the tree in front of him. Rostland held me back and gestured he would advance first.</i><i>Slowly stepping forward, Rostland said, “Léal, you need to stop before you hurt yourself.”</i><i>He turned around and glared, but sweat covered his face and ran past his neck. </i><i>Léal replied, “You knew her for one year; I knew her for five. She kept saying time and time </i><i>again she was on my side, and I never once believed her until the end.”</i><i>Rostland took another step forward, but Léal raised his hand. I considered moving closer to help </i><i>if anything spun out of control, but I was confident in Rostland.</i><i>“Do you plan to kill me again? Come now, you’re making a fool out of yourself,” Rostland said </i><i>in a firm voice.</i><i>Léal whispered a word and cast a spell, causing a ice shard to strike through Rostland’s chest. </i><i>Every muscle in my body tensed, but Rostland quickly ripped the icicle out and threw it on the ground. </i><i>The icicle broke apart into pieces, and the two men stared at each other.</i></blockquote>
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Hmm, I am just itching to read this! So, have I intrigued all of you as well? Then, I suppose I should reveal this cover seeing as that's what this is all about. So allow me to show you the beauty of <b>Thicker Than Blood's</b> cover!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CVZniNDEc4QEzHd_N1HOj7NxfbBnZ56EpTxb0NZcjYlTbbW-WcEA3qZJwZiMSktnHSUG2VSvGdb1yXvum2TwoDauHTN99PYiqk1vVSx99PVqDbP_kOoc8IPQ8FXLSbrhJ1qfY1JTjYU6/s1600/Thicker+Than+Blood+FRONTCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CVZniNDEc4QEzHd_N1HOj7NxfbBnZ56EpTxb0NZcjYlTbbW-WcEA3qZJwZiMSktnHSUG2VSvGdb1yXvum2TwoDauHTN99PYiqk1vVSx99PVqDbP_kOoc8IPQ8FXLSbrhJ1qfY1JTjYU6/s1600/Thicker+Than+Blood+FRONTCOVER.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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How do you think it compares to her other two novels in the series? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q4n5ykx4zo53-wZYe8542r-gUYmDkj5-6vJfuXOBE73HbysbqExaA8uTuWEfH-wUZpK0mi7cV5SWelDoDaUw_yrRHqQh99icQYNWCDa3AzyXOs0A04bHBv5hrW3IY0ZHl3uXapGF_0u0/s1600/cursedwithpower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q4n5ykx4zo53-wZYe8542r-gUYmDkj5-6vJfuXOBE73HbysbqExaA8uTuWEfH-wUZpK0mi7cV5SWelDoDaUw_yrRHqQh99icQYNWCDa3AzyXOs0A04bHBv5hrW3IY0ZHl3uXapGF_0u0/s1600/cursedwithpower.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARSANi9rhemJbKVcsXWTSklazR_lIjxqFCnYX0tW1Tg-0Eufttn-56jEMMgkiC_80YQSOh7SLW2R43KHGppTpxzO5rilYuW8jur_Usd_Uf7Kh3-OTBNIsmknU3oo5efTOJdg7k06aOV7x/s1600/shadowsandembers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARSANi9rhemJbKVcsXWTSklazR_lIjxqFCnYX0tW1Tg-0Eufttn-56jEMMgkiC_80YQSOh7SLW2R43KHGppTpxzO5rilYuW8jur_Usd_Uf7Kh3-OTBNIsmknU3oo5efTOJdg7k06aOV7x/s1600/shadowsandembers.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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Ah, next time I'll definitely have to invite Sablowski for a guest post! It would be marvelous. Now then, it's time I fled the scene of this beautiful crime. I hope you enjoyed this brief cover reveal and that you - as much as I - want to read Sablowski's series! </div>
sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-35571906694366860582014-06-17T18:34:00.000-07:002014-06-17T18:34:50.165-07:00Review - Chasing Freedom by Nicola S. Dorrington <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YS7AQNUg8_6GQxMXbnskGLEoc1NX3BH7Kp1_AUk0grTD7c6uDMqxEqWWXTdq8Z-f0CJz_7pOXlxaTzh5d2ItcUutaQQWnm8_uFSSCB4Bxi6p_5qpX66l3saTOvtPmSCg-Vw36ObtRcw/s1600/CF7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YS7AQNUg8_6GQxMXbnskGLEoc1NX3BH7Kp1_AUk0grTD7c6uDMqxEqWWXTdq8Z-f0CJz_7pOXlxaTzh5d2ItcUutaQQWnm8_uFSSCB4Bxi6p_5qpX66l3saTOvtPmSCg-Vw36ObtRcw/s1600/CF7.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>About the Book </b></div>
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Chase Finn is being hunted, and if he ever stops running he’s going to end up dead.<br />
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It doesn’t matter that he’s only seventeen. It doesn’t matter that just a few weeks ago he was a normal teenager. All that matters is that he is a threat, and the Agents tracking him will stop at nothing to see him neutralized.<br />
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With the line between friends and enemies blurring, Chase discovers he is just a pawn in the middle of a war that’s lasted for centuries, but he isn’t going to let himself be used any longer.<br />
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Soon both sides of the war are going to learn that the most important thing about Chase Finn isn’t that he’s a werewolf, it’s that he’ll sacrifice everything, even his own freedom, for the people he loves.<br />
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<b>My Review</b><br />
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I'm not going to lie, this book took a little while for me to get into, but when I did, I found it really enjoyable. This is a book that I would usually pick up from the bookstore, as it is filled with werewolves, shifters and vampires. This automatically assures me that this book is going to be full of some butt kicking scenes. How can you have so many supernaturals together and not get some epic battle scenes?<br />
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This story really began to draw me in, which is not a surprise given all of the mystery that you are immediately given. Who is after Chase? And why do they want him? You are left wondering and waiting. I think the initial questions that are asked when the story first begins are what really drew me in and made me just want to keep flipping those pages.<br />
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Not only was the plot great and gripping, but I really enjoyed the characters. Chase, who I kind of found to be a little annoying at first, really grew on me and his relationship with a certain shifter was so fun to read about. Though none can really match Maladict for me. He was just the greatest for me, what with his snarky and sarcastic attitude. He's a vampire after my own heart, really. I don't know that the story would have been the same without him.<br />
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If I were going to rate this story, I'd give it a four. The plot took a little time to pick up, but when it did, it was great. And I found that I really enjoyed the writing style too, which is almost as important as the plot in my opinion.<br />
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Overall, a very good read and one that I would highly suggest to anyone looking for a good supernatural read.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Where to find the book </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kindle: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZZXDAY" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B00KZZXDAY</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nook: </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-freedom-nicola-s-dorrington/1119720901?ean=2940046003086" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/<wbr></wbr>w/chasing-freedom-nicola-s-<wbr></wbr>dorrington/1119720901?ean=<wbr></wbr>2940046003086</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">All Other Formats: </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/446951" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">https://www.smashwords.com/<wbr></wbr>books/view/446951</a><br />
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<b>About The Author</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMigQsB9_TEnWBQZl_But8BeUxyBd6at1ojhec1crQKlrYjT1LtaDyRjTXw6c8amafZZyHlOoMLoXSsfpUdqB04EGkZlGb4sOkZNQooO9ATsdiU6m_QYR5O5KzZSDB7aFoj-3jj8HR2vY/s1600/Author+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMigQsB9_TEnWBQZl_But8BeUxyBd6at1ojhec1crQKlrYjT1LtaDyRjTXw6c8amafZZyHlOoMLoXSsfpUdqB04EGkZlGb4sOkZNQooO9ATsdiU6m_QYR5O5KzZSDB7aFoj-3jj8HR2vY/s1600/Author+Pic.jpg" /></a></div>
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Nicola S. Dorrington is a 30 year-old writer from England, currently living in the Cayman Islands, <br />
where she procrastinates by staring at the ocean. CHASING FREEDOM is her second novel, set in a wet and mythical version of the country she left behind. Her first novel THE LAST KNIGHT was published 2013. She fully expects to one day be a crazy old cat lady - only with dogs.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Where to find Nicola </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NovelsByNsDorrington?ref_type=bookmark" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>NovelsByNsDorrington?ref_type=<wbr></wbr>bookmark</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Blog:</span><a href="http://nsdorrington.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://nsdorrington.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Twitter </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NSDorrington" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>NSDorrington</a><br />
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Head on over to Nicola's blog and enter to win some pretty nifty stuff. </div>
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Kailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-7971868050149952742014-04-08T17:06:00.003-07:002014-04-08T17:06:49.264-07:00<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
Daydream if you must, because that's the only escape you'll get from reality during daylight hours.</blockquote>
sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-6747857216562148802014-04-08T13:19:00.003-07:002014-04-08T13:19:56.469-07:00Well, Hello ThereHey there readers. Been a while, hasn't it? Don't worry, it's not you, it's me. I've been pretty<strike> lazy </strike>busy the last few months, what with writing, family stuff and preparing for college. That's right, this girl is a senior and just a very few weeks away from being done with high school <i>forever</i>. It's very exciting, though I'm also a bit nervous.<br />
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I mean, who isn't nervous about going off to college? You have to say goodbye to the childish ways of the past and become an adult, which is a very intimidating title. I mean, I've always thought of myself as more mature than most girls my age, but come July 27th, I'm going to be a real adult.<br />
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Not going to lie, it feels weird every time I think about it. One night a few weeks back, I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep when I really understood that this was it, I'm growing up. For a very long time, I've wanted to get older and be able to do grown up things, like drive. Now I am driving and thinking about buying a car, which is just crazy. I've also been forced to think about college and what I want to do with my life afterwards.<br />
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I'm still not really sure what direction my life is going, despite the hours I've spent thinking about it. Of course I want to be a writer and get my stuff published, but that is still a few years down the road. So, what do I do until then? Where should I live after school? Do I want to move back in with my family or stay out on my own? There are so many questions and frankly, I don't have many answers.<br />
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These questions aren't all going to be answered any time soon, I know that. I'm sure I'll be going back and forth with my options until the last minute, even if that isn't the adult thing to do. But despite the fact that sooner than I can believe, I'll be moving out of my parents house and starting an adult life of my own, I'm happy. I'm still nervous and apprehensive and I'm going to question every decision I make from now on, that's okay. People can't become responsible overnight and becoming 18 doesn't magically give you the answers. It'll take time and I've just got to be prepared to screw up - a lot.<br />
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I'm not really sure if any of this makes sense, but I hope you can all find something useful among the mush. Saby and I will be trying to post much more often now and I think we'll have some cool posts for y'all in the not too distant future.<br />
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-KailynKailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-17216545630026441572014-01-06T13:26:00.000-08:002014-04-08T17:04:48.957-07:00Long time no see?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello there, </div>
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It's been a while, no? The last year has been very hectic, and it's definitely been filled with fun and maybe a few mishaps. I mean, I even managed to break my foot. So here's to hoping that 2014 will be a little bit better. </div>
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There will be a few upcoming blog tours and reviews, but that's on my side of the fence. I'll have to send some messages to those lazy co-authors of mine. I'll be damned if they don't forget that they're a part of this blog, too. Ha ha.</div>
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Anyways, despite this being the first day of back to school, there happens to be a snow day. Which is great news by my definition, but all good things must come to an end. Which is why I'm hoping for a snow day tomorrow as well. Why? Well, on Wednesday I get to have this cast removed. Woo hoo! Only to get a new cast put on. Bummer. </div>
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Ha, guess it was my fault anyway. I mean, I broke my foot all because I decided that I wanted to try out for the "baby-gate jumping olympics". A not-so-bright idea on my part. </div>
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All that aside, I'd like to wish you all a late Happy New Years from myself (and surely those lazy co-authors of mine). So, until a later date. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just going to post this here because I can. :) </span></div>
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- Write on</div>
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Sabryna</div>
sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-87372264167278208112013-12-12T13:11:00.003-08:002013-12-12T13:11:48.426-08:00Cover Reveal: Almost Married<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
New books are a great way to spend one's time regardless of whether it's the holiday or not! So take a look at this newest book that'll be coming out next year by Roe Valentine! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7RKGgMlmKsmWeP2Y-ZxDA8r8zM87NJmm_QsGpC0M-hq7vnMaCJHJPEAE2eCWmB-DhB5hShXE3unmGGPlJP9yqtOHwHTt-5v1bd41MzpvXJODrZeSL2cVsAgw1ryiUBVC8CU2uowlNouL/s1600/almostmarried.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7RKGgMlmKsmWeP2Y-ZxDA8r8zM87NJmm_QsGpC0M-hq7vnMaCJHJPEAE2eCWmB-DhB5hShXE3unmGGPlJP9yqtOHwHTt-5v1bd41MzpvXJODrZeSL2cVsAgw1ryiUBVC8CU2uowlNouL/s320/almostmarried.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Title</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> Almost Married</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Author</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong> </strong>Roe Valentine</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Genre</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong> </strong>Contemporary Romance</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Release Date</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong> </strong>27 January 2014</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Blurb</strong></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Realist, Dr. Carla Harris, believes that people create their own fate,
through hard work and careful planning. She believes in playing things safe.
But, while preparing for her upcoming nuptials she’s forced to confront the
most reckless thing she’s ever done, her estranged husband, Jacob.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Idealist Jacob Moreau believes in soul mates, as much as he believes in
saving endangered companies. When his long lost wife reenters his life seeking
a divorce, he is convinced more than ever they are meant to be together. And he
will do—and lose—anything to have her again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She thought she had her life planned to perfection. He thought they made
perfect sense together. Would marrying Jacob be the craziest thing she’s ever
done, or divorcing him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You can add Almost Married to your to-read list on Goodreads: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span lang="NL"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18858066-almost-married"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18858066-almost-married</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>I now present to you the author: Roe Valentine! </strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Roe Valentine was born into the right family. Not only does the name
Valentine suit her, but her grandmother, unknowingly, introduced the young Ms.
Valentine to her first romance novel. She hasn’t read anything else since. She
calls herself a romantic at heart and believes that love conquerors all.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EE7aPNW_fkyVio9KElqJbl3ZhDTU_MEQNLz6UnTCtoIhWeRTV3NpGLIZb_S0B6-KhyphenhyphenRmtkjDkI4ZO_1D3kV7bQF3Rmc7O9oFs1FnWDXputUqisFrJ4eJJVth2M-7GwifUTKq1qWYFVfs/s1600/Roe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EE7aPNW_fkyVio9KElqJbl3ZhDTU_MEQNLz6UnTCtoIhWeRTV3NpGLIZb_S0B6-KhyphenhyphenRmtkjDkI4ZO_1D3kV7bQF3Rmc7O9oFs1FnWDXputUqisFrJ4eJJVth2M-7GwifUTKq1qWYFVfs/s320/Roe.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(I'm kinda sorta jealous of her author photo, I mean</div>
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my author photos always have this "deer in head-lights" look.)</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The San Antonio native, who now lives in Houston, attempted to write her
first contemporary romance novel when she was nineteen years old. That attempt
didn’t take, but her story has a happy ending. She kept pursuing the dream
until she landed her first publishing contract. Almost Married is her debut
novel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">When not busy writing
or reading love stories, Roe can often be found in a yoga class or chatting
with friends at her favorite coffee shop. Enjoying margaritas with some
girl-talk isn’t unusual for her either. For a night in, she watches reruns of
her favorite TV shows and, of course, romantic comedies on her Roku, usually
with a glass of wine.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: NL; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Feel like contacting this lovely author? Send some messages her way, she loves chattin' with her readers (who wouldn't?): </strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Facebook - </span><span lang="NL"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoeValentine"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/RoeValentine</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Twitter – </span><span lang="NL"><a href="http://twitter.com/roevalentine"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">http://twitter.com/roevalentine</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Goodreads - </span><span lang="NL"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7406587.Roe_Valentine"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7406587.Roe_Valentine</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Website - </span><span lang="NL"><a href="http://www.roevalentine.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">www.roevalentine.com</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Email - </span><span lang="NL"><a href="mailto:info@roevalentine.com"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue;">info@roevalentine.com</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-67073439621726639262013-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:002013-09-07T08:44:34.576-07:00Push yourselfWhen you begin writing, usually it's in a very simple way and everything you write within the first few years of writing is the same. This is alright if you don't ever plan on going anywhere with your writing, but if you want to write for the New York Times or write a best-seller, then you need to try something new.<br />
<br />
Now, there are about a billion ways of writing and if you read a lot, you've probably read so many different ways that it makes your head spin. All of these ways of writing probably didn't just magically happen when the writer put pen to paper. I'll bet you that it took them years of trying out new ways to write before they came up with the best for them.<br />
<br />
Maybe you write first person and use very simple, common, everyday words. Well, why not push yourself and try something new? How about third person, using synonyms for some of your favorite words and stretching your vocabulary. Try not to use the words 'that' and 'it' so often. Maybe even write a genre that you've never even thought about writing before.<br />
<br />
All of these things can help you grow as a writer. Even if you decide to stick with first person narrative, your writing style will not be the same as it was before. By exploring new ways of writing and thinking, you're expanding your creativity and improving the way that you write.<br />
<br />
Just try pushing yourself and trying something new, because if you just continue writing the same way, how are you bettering yourself?<br />
<br />
- KailynKailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-82797822132344319412013-09-03T09:54:00.000-07:002013-09-03T09:54:16.998-07:00Cover Reveal - Vision of Shadows by Vincent Marrone <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycSOc61OTpDuV0Q5eK5ckxebrFvjY_ckViEsWUMBqpwgYP-cJuUlP3yBk5fTIbtfVVGWz6-XiknAG1GDwQ9W5m-9bdY1bOtdyimZ2mx6vk8KdbSBvft-pPVOkfkzJSIjzhvfpiLVH2NM/s1600/VisionOfShadows333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycSOc61OTpDuV0Q5eK5ckxebrFvjY_ckViEsWUMBqpwgYP-cJuUlP3yBk5fTIbtfVVGWz6-XiknAG1GDwQ9W5m-9bdY1bOtdyimZ2mx6vk8KdbSBvft-pPVOkfkzJSIjzhvfpiLVH2NM/s1600/VisionOfShadows333.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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</div>
<h4 align="CENTER" style="page-break-inside: avoid; widows: 4;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">December
30, 2013</span></span></span></span></h4>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><br /></span></span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Is
Bristol Blackburn about to meet the love of her life...or her
killer? </b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><i><br /></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">After
the death of her parents, Bristol Blackburn's life is thrown into
chaos and she's forced to move to Spirit, a small town where shadows
are stirring. As she learns to navigate her new school and figures
out how to keep her psychic abilities secret from her family, Bristol
comes face to face with the boy who makes a regular appearance in her
dreams: the gorgeous, possibly deadly, Payne McKnight. Soon she’ll
find out if Payne will be the love of her life, or the end of it —
and she has no idea which possibility scares her more.<br /><br />And
that's not even the worst of it. Strange shadows are haunting her
dreams, and they're up to something that could put Bristol and the
lives of everyone she loves in jeopardy.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">You
can add Vision of Shadows to your to-read list on Goodreads: </span></span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18108617-vision-of-shadows">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18108617-vision-of-shadows</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><b>Want a taste? </b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><b> </b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<i><span lang="en-US">Journal of Bristol Blackburn</span></i><br />
<i>
</i><i><span lang="en-US">Sunday, March 17th </span></i>
<br />
<div lang="en-US">
<br /></div>
<span lang="en-US">There are times when being psychic
really bites and this is one of them. Here it is, three in the
morning and all I can think about is the boy who will eventually have
his hands on me.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> I have no idea what his name is. We’ve
never met, but I feel like we’ve grown up together. I’ve had
visions of him since I was six years old. Now, eleven years later, I
know we’re getting closer and closer to finally meeting. I think
it’s going to happen any day now.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> And the thought scares the hell out of me. </span><br />
<span lang="en-US"> </span>
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> I know what Dream Boy will look like. In a
word: hot. Dark hair that falls loosely over his deep blue eyes. He
has an angel’s face and the devil’s grin. </span><br />
<span lang="en-US"> </span>
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> I know he’s got a bad boy attitude. Half
the time, I get flashes of him getting hurt. Sometimes he’s playing
the hero. Other times, he’s just being an idiot. Many times, it
seems like there’s someone who enjoys hurting him.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US">What I don’t know is what he’ll be to
me. </span><br />
<span lang="en-US"> </span>
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> There are times when he seems to love me.
Don’t ask me why. But he’ll look at me with nothing but love and
contentment in his eyes. Earlier tonight, I had one of those dreams.
One where he couldn’t keep his hands off of me. Weird that I know
every inch of his body, yet I have no idea what his name is, huh.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> Then there’s the other vision. It was the
first one I had of him and the one I have most often. It’s the one
I woke from tonight, the feeling of his hands still on my skin.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> In that vision, he doesn’t look at me
with love, but hatred. He has his hands wrapped around my neck as he
slowly squeezes the life out of me.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"> So any day now, I’m about to meet the boy
of my dreams—literally. Then I get to see if he’s going to be the
love of my life, or the end of it.</span><br />
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<span lang="en-US"> Funny thing is, I’m not sure which idea
scares the crap out of me more.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><b>About
the Author. </b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD3QIdbHyURDq8Qqneo4xhPfPGVj3sFyb8avrc7OWxwefBOzHVzjybKctzeuqsXONAhx7BW3wKwz7HDhELFhVzHZ4KbMo7jwYQ-L9G2xgBwMEzIdqZf8jYk7hDHdJ6KYAsI7cOMxrZYU/s1600/Author+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD3QIdbHyURDq8Qqneo4xhPfPGVj3sFyb8avrc7OWxwefBOzHVzjybKctzeuqsXONAhx7BW3wKwz7HDhELFhVzHZ4KbMo7jwYQ-L9G2xgBwMEzIdqZf8jYk7hDHdJ6KYAsI7cOMxrZYU/s1600/Author+picture.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Born
and raised in Brooklyn NY, Vincent Morrone now resides in Upstate NY
with his wife. (Although he can still speak fluent Brooklynese.) His
twin daughters remain not only his biggest fans, but usually are the
first to read all of his work. Their home is run and operated for the
comfort and convenience of their dogs. </span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Vincent
has been writing fiction, poetry and song lyrics for as long as he
can remember, most of which involve magical misfits, paranormal
prodigies and even on occasion superheroes and their sidekicks.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">As
they say in Brooklyn: Yo, you got something to say to Vincent? </span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Check
out http://vincentmorrone.com/ where you can learn about Vincent and
leave him a comment. You can also connect with Vincent on Twitter
https://twitter.com/Vince524 and Facebook
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Morrrone">https://www.facebook.com/Morrrone</a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">Wow, what a stunning cover! I don't know about you, but I can't wait to read this book.<br /><br />-Kailyn</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />Kailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-77092642473152696322013-08-21T13:22:00.000-07:002013-08-21T13:22:05.131-07:00Review - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv8usHFWrmdc132tP2xlmX9NJVm-4FFKPBLbf6aTBIMGcweHZug7-EcIkwFrZKOZJw_WYbqqw-DDpq2-lsqU6IMqN5pDns1nixRhu5ypHb828rLDhp1e_XhMvR0VJkbpQ9rGUognaCrc/s1600/The+Fault+In+Our+Stars+-+John+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv8usHFWrmdc132tP2xlmX9NJVm-4FFKPBLbf6aTBIMGcweHZug7-EcIkwFrZKOZJw_WYbqqw-DDpq2-lsqU6IMqN5pDns1nixRhu5ypHb828rLDhp1e_XhMvR0VJkbpQ9rGUognaCrc/s1600/The+Fault+In+Our+Stars+-+John+Green.jpg" height="224" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know I'm a little late on the band wagon that is The Fault in Our stars, but better late then never, right? </div>
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For the past I don't know how many months, I've been seeing a lot of posts from my friends about this amazing and very sad book and I was determined to read it. So while I was staying with my brother, I asked my sister in-law to take me to B&N so I could get it and started reading it on my plane ride home.</div>
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I'd like to say that this book captured my attention right away and that I fell in love with it from the first words, but then I would be lying. Not that I didn't like it, but it's one of those books where I had to force myself to read on, though really all I wanted to do was put it down and pick up a book I knew I loved, like Vampire Academy. I didn't though, most of the time. I pushed onward and was well rewarded.</div>
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The story centers around Hazel Grace Lancaster, who currently has cancer and because of it, she has sucky lungs and has to wheel her oxygen around with her all day. Within the first few pages she meets Augustus Waters, a sexy cancer survivor that I grew to love very quickly. There's just something that I really love about Gus and I rather think that he's the reason that I wanted to keep reading. </div>
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Funny, depressing, a little crazy and sad are words I would use to describe this book. It's about cancer, so you expect it to be a couple of those things, but funny? Well, let's just say that for me, it's Augustus that adds that much needed humor to the story. There's nothing wrong with Hazel Graces' humor, but I don't think she'd be half so funny without her partner in crime. </div>
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Overall, I really enjoyed the story, even the parts at the end, where I cried like a baby. There was just something about this story that really grew on me and made me glad that I worked my way to the end and can say proudly that I finished this much loved book. Now I want to pick up my copy of Looking For Alaska that I picked up at the same time.</div>
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But, as there is always one of those, I found this story a little hard to read. The style in which John Green writes isn't one that I would say I enjoy and sometimes I had a hard time following along with the story line. Here and there I found it very difficult to read on and there were some aspects of the overall story that I think he could have done without.</div>
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In the end, I give it 3.5 stars and recommend that you pick up a copy, as well as a box of tissues, and enjoy.</div>
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Happy Reading!</div>
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Kailyn </div>
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Kailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-65716279903647614302013-08-01T12:12:00.000-07:002013-08-01T12:12:21.553-07:00Cover Reveal: Yours, for Now by Siren Allen!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hello and welcome back to </b>all of you darling readers out there! Are you getting bored? I mean, I don't post very often, do I? I'm terribly sorry about that! However, there appears to be a lovely new cover reveal that I've got for you all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure you'd be delighted to hear that Siren Allen's book "Yours, for Now" is going to be put up on the blog! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the information below and see if you'd be totally interested in this new book (*cough* like I just so happen to be *cough*)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><b>Blurb: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><i>The question: "Would you like to try BDSM with me?"</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><i>Elizabeth Kemp never thought she'd ask friend and colleague, Preston Lancaster to be her submissive. Even more surprising, he agrees – on one condition: she has to return the favor. Her two weeks as his Domme end with a dramatic climax she wasn't prepared for – she's hopelessly in love and terrified he'll break her heart.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><i>Dr. Preston Lancaster has been in love with Elizabeth since the day they met. His two weeks with her are more than he ever imagined, but when the tables are turned, she refuses to make good on her promise to reciprocate. Preston isn't giving up without a fight, but he's not fighting for two weeks of dominance anymore. He's fighting for forever.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><i>Can Preston convince Elizabeth that her heart is safe with him – or will two weeks be all he has?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;">Are you interested yet? You can add "Yours, for Now" to your "to-read" list on Goodreads! C'mon, you know you want to: </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18214222-yours-for-now" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18214222-yours-for-now</a><br />
Ah, right! I should probably introduce the author, so let's just ask this question for the sake of asking it: <br />
Who <i>is</i> Siren Allen? Well, here's the answer:<br />
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Hi, my name is Siren Allen. I'm a writer and lover of all things erotic and romantic. I reside in southern Mississipi where I write steamy romances that are guaranteed to make you blush. When I'm not listening to the characters in my head and jotting down their adventures, I am busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technicien. I love to travel, preferably with my husband, so he can do all of the driving. I enjoy time with my family, who are just as silly as I am. I have no children...yet, wish me luck! My hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though I hate trying on clothing. If I wasn't a writer or a Laboratory Professional, I would probably be a Secret Agent. But that's the beauty of being a writer; you can create your own world and be whoever you want to be. In my imaginary world, I am Queen and my siblings are my minions.</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alright, so I've pretty much told you all there is to know about the book and Siren Allen, right? I guess that's it... right? Oh! I almost forgot (seriously) that this post was all for that cover reveal! Haha.</span><br />
Well, shall we have a drumroll please? <br />
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Without further ado, take a look at Siren Allen's "Yours, for Now" cover REVEALED! </div>
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I think this cover deserves a round of applause with its enticing image. I mean, really! That man is just too hot to be on a cover. He should probably be lounging in my living room, instead. *cough* Hold on, don't listen to me. I'm supposed to be keeping this about PG-13, but actually... when you think about it, it's kind of impossible to promote an erotica without going above and beyond PG-13, so let's just keep what I was saying and I'll try not to add to it. <br />
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Anyway, that's all we've got for you today! Come back and maybe we'll have more news from or about Siren Allen and her novels! (Personally, this one is interesting me greatly). <br />
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Write on. </div>
sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-31935975665096526842013-07-25T08:07:00.001-07:002013-07-25T08:07:21.833-07:00Guest Post: Lindsey Sablowski!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><b>Hi, my name is </b>Lindsey Sablowski, and I am the author of the young adult fantasy book </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Cursed With Power </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">and the upcoming sequel, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Shadows and Embers</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> (releasing July 26th!). Today I've been asked to talk about how I write my novels and develop the characters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A novel is honestly like your child. It's special, it's unique, and you know it from beginning to end. You're there with it from the moment it's "born" to the day it "spreads its wings." That's the wonderful part of being an author -you get to bring something into this world that you can be proud of. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I realize every author has a different way of writing their novel. For me, it changes with each book. For <i>Cursed With Power </i>I didn't do any outlining for the first draft, and then it wasn't until revisions that I really started to outline what would happen in each chapter. For my upcoming book, <i>Shadows and Embers</i>, I outlined a lot because I didn't want to skip over anything important. Whether you want to outline or not, I do think it helps a lot to have some kind of organization of ideas for your book. It's so easy to start writing a chapter, think up an idea, and then forget it in the next five minutes. You're a writer, have some fun with your ideas, get creative and have a organized and working system to keep them all together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for development with characters, I think a lot of this relies on focusing on people in your everyday life. I write fictional stories, but the characters in my books are created because of people I have met in my life. Some are more strongly based on individuals than others. This especially goes along with relationships as well. I know what it's like to lose people and to find someone you thought you had lost again, and those kind of experiences can really help when it comes to developing your characters into relationships with one another. People fall in love with characters because they can relate to them or because they have feelings for them. All throughout a book you have chances to show what each character means to the other, and that's how authors like John Green and Stephen King really get to people... They can either scare them or make them cry all because they took something people know and put it into words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think another great point to remember with characters is that every character deserves to have their own voice. You know the saying "walk in someone else's shoes?" That is exactly what you need to do for your characters. You need to walk in their shoes, walk with them, talk with them, everything possible until you know exactly who they are. Know them so well that when another character comes along you can clearly tell the difference between the two people talking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope I shared some news tips with everyone that can help, and whenever in doubt remember there are hundreds of books and websites that go into greater detail about all of this. Enjoy your days, and thanks for having me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">--</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">Lindsey Sablowski</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">Published YA author of <em style="line-height: 21px;">Cursed with Power</em></span></strong></div>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-49602737741335908042013-07-16T06:59:00.004-07:002013-07-16T06:59:59.448-07:00Cover Reveal: Shadows & Embers by Lindsey Sablowski<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Welcome to</b> you all, fellow readers! I'm glad to see that you decided to show up today to take a peek at a lovely cover reveal from Lindsey Sablowski and her new novel Shadows and Embers! It sounds interesting enough to me, and if I ever find some loose change around the house I might just go and buy it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Without further ado... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's 1569 in Transylvania; Léal Irvine has committed to a powerful man
all for the sake of revenge. Handsome, young Irvine is a high-ranking
magician working for Esmour's organization, Destin, which is composed of
Dark magicians from around the local areas. However, one by one
magicians vanish or die, and suddenly the world of magic is not as safe
as it once was. One of the members and Léal's best friend, Nicia,
betrays the organization before the downfall. Unfortunately no one
realizes the act of treason might have saved her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A year later
Destin has fallen, and Léal sees the world through icy blue eyes. With
only five Dark magicians alive his survival is constantly threatened,
and he has no great leader or trusted allies to turn to. After
infiltrating Belsgar and killing a member of the Magic Council, the war
between darkness and light is no longer something anyone can walk away
from. A new villain rises with a secret that could be deadly; meanwhile
Nicia works to prove her loyalty to Léal while trying to revive their
friendship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sides will be chosen, relationships will be at stake,
and in the end the balance of the magical world will depend on the
outcome of the war. When you're walking on a thin line between revenge
and forgiveness how do you choose the right path without stepping too
far over the crack?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sablowski's even given us the chance to check out her book jacket, and I can certainly say that it is beautiful! Wah! I want my book to be published, too!</span></span></div>
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That's all! Isn't it lovely, though? Ah, the joys of being an author. </div>
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Looks like I've best get going. I mean, having a job is not the funnest thing anymore, but I have to get to work eventually to win my bread, eh?<br />
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Write on! sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-41002788114196422002013-07-11T21:23:00.002-07:002013-07-11T21:23:22.046-07:00To write or not to write?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>That is the question</b>. Is it not? I mean, I've been sitting at my computer and have begun to put off my novel writing. I know I shouldn't be doing it but some people just lack a bit of inspiration after vomiting their first 18,779 words. Seriously, though, I'm wondering what should happen next. At the moment I feel like I'm writing John Watson's perspective of Reichenbach Falls (if you haven't watched that episode yet then please do!). </div>
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Ah, the reason why I posted today was because my good friend and fellow Inkie (more on that later) has made me a novel cover for my NaNo project. I adore it! </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliriousmusingsofawriter/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxmlUmJIf5lCUAlOUafz6Eoju0STKILglfXAJH2nzdFHSNVb0m21vIQKPdk0_pm5Edwc_NLnKeOg4dYA0HaRN50RUKJz7QHQaSIjIFIvNHDVtPYm-G9Fq0SVoH-kdvnR5KjdTvuiQM9JA/s400/933871_478855718862760_828439761_n.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Awesome, eh? </div>
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In fact, it's inspired another half of the story. But I'm limited to what kind of awesomeness I can include, seeing as in the 1800s there wasn't a huge technology boom like there is now. So we'll see how far I can take my dearest Evans and will he break with the death of all of his family and friends? We'll see.</div>
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I wonder if I should mention this? I'm going to be posting my lovely novel cover up on a seperate page and I'll add a wordcount bar to show you my progress on how it's going. That should keep you interested, eh?</div>
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Write on! </div>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-32974958882769615462013-07-06T19:09:00.002-07:002013-07-06T19:09:53.958-07:00Welcome to Camp! <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Summer has come</b> and it is here to stay - at least for a little while. </div>
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Let's have a show of hands as to who has entered Camp NaNo this summer? I sure have! I'll be participating this July, so I'll only be there for a month. I'm not very spirited to move on to August. That's just too much "word vomit" for me! </div>
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My novel - Watcher - is quite the piece of work let me tell you, but there are always times when I struggle to get through it. I'm always itching to rewrite and erase but I refuse to allow myself such a measly means of escape.<br />
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Instead, I power through! It's a tough job but someone's got to do it.<br />
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I'm always doubting, but then I'll write a wonderful scene that has even me in tears and I'll realize that this is what I want. I want these tears because they signifie my hardwork and eventually they'll be the readers' tears!<br />
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I can't say much more than this, but it's going well. I've got 15,000 words so far and I'm trekking onwards on this long road to finishing my novel. So how have I managed to get through the first week of NaNo? Let me tell you this:<br />
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<li>Be brave. You can't freeze in the face of danger, you must move forward no matter how daunting the cliffside may be.</li>
<li>Don't murder your friends and family (figuratively speaking). Of course, you might be extremely irritated because of the fact that they keep banging on your door and telling you that you should do something with your life and <i>not </i>be sitting at the computer writing a novel that could possibly change the course of history itself <b>but</b> don't let that deter you.</li>
<li>Think positive. This is the hardest of them all. I mean, there were times when I just looked at my novel and immediately though:<i> what the hell is this? Some kind of gibberish fit only for trash!</i> but I pushed on. That's the immediate thing. Just tell yourself <i>"When I finish this novel, I might be as famous as J.K. Rowling or it might be as awesome as Stephen King's novels!</i>" </li>
<li>Don't look back. This is another of the hard ones. You must always move forward. To look into the previous words that you've written or the previous chapter leads to your untimely demise. I swear it. If you can't handle the pressure of looking forward, go ahead and look back but remind yourself that if you stop there this is all you'll be getting. There won't be another word after that last sentence.</li>
<li>Listen to music! That is my salvation. I swear that music has helped me get through the toughest of scenes and the roughest of roller coasters. It's all that I care about when I'm writing.</li>
<li>WARS! A lot of you might not understand the concept of a <b>Word War</b> but (if you happen to be a former Inkie then you won't need this explanation) if you have a bunch of writer friends then gather 'em up. Set a time (:45 to :55) and then you explode into action! You Write! In the given time frame you are to write as many words as you possibly can. At the end, you post your total wordcount (you can try an online site if you don't have Microsoft, like: <a href="http://www.wordcounter.net/">http://www.wordcounter.net/</a>) and then post up the snippets that you've written. Of course, if there are spoilers then you don't really have to. It's completely and entirely up to you. </li>
<li>Goodluck charms. This is the last one of my little tricks. I use my goodluck charm - being a notebook and a pen - which always inspires me and reminds me that I have to write no matter what. </li>
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You know, there are multiple ways to encourage yourself to write. Some people reward themselves after having reached a certain goal - either with cookies, dinner, lunch, breakfast or just candies. I suppose that's one way to do it, eh?</div>
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Anyway, I've got to get back to my own writing, so I'll wish you luck with yours. I'll get back to you next week and see if I can give you a little info on my own project so for now I'm going to drink the wine of literature and spew it up on paper! </div>
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Until next time.</div>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-71506712201384796102013-07-01T11:32:00.000-07:002013-07-01T11:32:07.369-07:00Q&A With Author Nicola S. Dorrington<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Seventeen-year-old Cara Page Knows what mark she's going to get on her English test next week. She knows in three days her history teacher is going to be late because his car broke down. She knows she's going to give the new boy a nose bleed on his first day. </span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">She knows because every night she dreams of the future, and every day those dreams come true.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Now she's dreaming of a boy, and a future that can't be real. Because if it is, then everything she thought was myth and legend is actually true, and there is an evil coming that will tear the country apart.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Lance Filwer is a boy with secrets of his own, and a past full of mistakes he can't undo. Cara is his second chance, his chance to succeed where he failed before - if only she'll trust him enough to let him help her.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Cara needs to know what's happening, but the answer lies in a long forgotten past, and an ancient legend. To find it Cara will have to travel into the depths of Wales, and the heart of ancient Britain. </span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">With Wraiths, creatures from the darkest of myths, dogging her every move, Cara knows it's only a matter of time before they catch up with her. And myth or not, they will kill her.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Her only hope is Lance, and the birth right she must claim, if she is to prevent the future she has foreseen.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">You can buy THE LAST KNIGHT on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Knight-Pendragon-ebook/dp/B00DPMIA1G/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372568498&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Last+Knight" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f0b3f;">Amazon</span></a>.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"> </span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">You can add THE LAST KNIGHT to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18048103-the-last-knight" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f0b3f;">Goodreads</span></a>. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">About the author</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd04phif04GSn-pk5K8RPof9WTt5XNQz98A3VFsh4v0dqsFGBAi9gO9jbncUZHRCVNnbH59JHQaLCFFMfn3A2hTezn4pe5kmMkzXlB_thvGKFAc25-_auI9sEhR1mNoSlePi5qDY3SV6_4/s355/Author+Pic.jpg" style="clear: right; color: #1155cc; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Nicola S. Dorrington is a 29 year-old writer from England, currently living in the Cayman Islands,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">where she procrastinates by staring at the ocean. THE LAST KNIGHT is her first novel, set in a wet and mythical version of the country she left behind. She fully expects to one day be a crazy old cat lady - only with dogs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">You can find out more about Nicola on her <a href="http://nsdorrington.blogspot.com.au/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f0b3f;">blog</span></a>, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/NovelsByNsDorrington" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f0b3f;">Facebook</span></a> and on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/NSDorrington" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f0b3f;">@NSDorrington</span></a>.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><i>I asked Nicola a few questions and here is what she had to say!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>When did you begin writing and what prompted you to try it? </b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I started writing properly when I was about fourteen or fifteen. I’d always carried on stories in my head when I read books I particularly enjoyed (I suppose it was fan-fiction in its own way) and I just decided to try writing some of them down. I moved quite quickly onto writing my first novel. It was about 20,000 words long and I was so proud of it. I think I still have it somewhere!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Where did the idea for The Last Knight come from? And how long did it take you to finish writing the first draft?</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I think I always knew that I would write a book about King Arthur, but for a long time I had no idea how to make it different and original. After all, the legends of King Arthur have been re-told so many times. Then one day I had this idea about a girl having memories of a life that wasn’t her own. It seemed like a cool concept but I didn’t really want to do reincarnation, I wanted something different, and so The Last Knight was born. To begin with all I knew was that she had these visions and that they were somehow connected to King Arthur – it was a long while before the plot as it is now really came into its own.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">As for how long it took for the first draft – not that long. I think I finished the very first, rough, long-hand draft in about 7 weeks. It was one of those ideas that just takes hold. Of course, I almost immediately went back and re-wrote about 90% of it, and then it got put away for a few months before I went in for the next re-write. I’ve now been working on it for about 3 years.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>The Last Knight is full of myths and all sorts of fantasy creatures. What is your favorite fantasy or mythological creature? </b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Oh, now that’s a tricky question, because I love a lot of them. But I would probably have to say dragons. There is something majestic and beautiful about dragons.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Is your main character, Cara, based on yourself?<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I wish! About the only thing we share is blond hair. I don’t think I could go through the things she goes through and come out as strong as she does. But she is based on a few people I know.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>When you were writing The Last Knight, where there any books that you read as inspiration?</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I read a lot of books on King Arthur the whole time I was writing. T.H White’s books, snippets of Malory and Geoffrey of Monmouth. And I read a lot of books on British mythology and folklore.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Are there plans for a sequel in the future? </b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The second book, The Last Pendragon, is currently in the first draft stages. I’ve had to put it to one side to focus on the release of The Last Knight, but I’m hoping it won’t take me three years to get this one finished!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>What book are you currently reading? </b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The Long War by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. It’s an adult sci-fi, so a bit different to what I write, but Terry Pratchett is one of my all-time favourite authors!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Right before you sit down to write a book, is there anything that you do to prepare yourself and get those creative juices flowing?<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Well, I always write long-hand in spiral bound notebooks and I like to have a fresh, clean new notepad when starting something new. I almost never work at a desk, I prefer to write curled up on the couch, but I have to be comfy and I have to have the TV or something on in the background because I actually find silence too distracting. I’ve normally let the ideas stew in my head for a while before I put pen to paper so by the time I sit down to write the words are pretty much leaping onto the page.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Be sure to pick up your copy of this shiny new book! </i></span></span></div>
Kailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-61471975153186942482013-06-27T23:02:00.001-07:002013-06-27T23:02:07.102-07:00Afflicted: Guest Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome! I've returned now that Summer Vacation has begun and I've got a wonderful little gift for all of our loyal guests at "Hotel de Musings". Today we've got <b>Jelsa</b>, a warmly-welcomed friend, to be our guest reviewer for Afflicted, the sequel to Battle Scars by Sophie Monroe.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1/5 stars</span></div>
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Every pet peeve that I have, I found in this novel. To prove I’m not crazy, I have marked some quotes from the book to back up my points. Here goes:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLOsmRK0ws8zexNK-UMmnn6k843KlKmhsx6SFFFTC3VV22X4_1WZ-JwUPH4TgZRbDsbWOmeP6NF8T332DnZ_CWFrFx0pO-wBlrCyZAZw3AajKWdd3Bg55xrAyDK8ab1Dw9Noku5NfOE9m/s320/AFFLICTED+FINAL+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLOsmRK0ws8zexNK-UMmnn6k843KlKmhsx6SFFFTC3VV22X4_1WZ-JwUPH4TgZRbDsbWOmeP6NF8T332DnZ_CWFrFx0pO-wBlrCyZAZw3AajKWdd3Bg55xrAyDK8ab1Dw9Noku5NfOE9m/s320/AFFLICTED+FINAL+COVER.jpg" /></a><b>Repetition of words:</b></div>
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The word “fuck” appears 146 times in the novel. Not only that, the novel is only 197 pages. A few pages had this word on it three or four times. Yes, people curse. But when characters are resorting to only using curse words instead of word choice with more substance, it becomes annoying instead of an asset.</div>
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“Another part of my anatomy” (page 6) /“Certain part of my anatomy” (page 25) --> This is Blake referencing his, for lack of a better word, genitals. Not only is that phrase repeated, but it is also not what a teenage male would actually think. To add to the inconsistency, partway through Blake starts referencing this part of his anatomy as “bam-bam,” which is apparently what he has named it. There are so many things wrong with that name that I don’t even want to unpack them. Piper also somehow knows its name. However Blake never mentions it to her, which means Piper must’ve read Blake’s mind or something.</div>
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The phrase “claimed my mouth” is often associated with kissing in this novel. Not only is this an awkward phrase, it also doesn’t show what is actually happening. There’s different types of kisses and different lengths of kisses. None of this information is shown when this phrase is constantly used over and over again. The phrase “kissed me passionately” is used over and over again as well. (I also noticed this in Carrier of the Mark.) That phrase also does not give readers real information about anything that is actually happening.</div>
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<b>Description of Characters:</b></div>
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Character descriptions are there for a reason. One of my pet peeves is when character descriptions are blocked together, they’re all formatted the same way, and they’re very stereotypical. This book’s character descriptions fell under all three categories.</div>
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For example, on page 20 Blake meets a girl named Hayley after a set.</div>
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She was a petite brunette with the body of a swimsuit model.</div>
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Descriptions like these can be weaved in much more subtly. Describing a girl by her body more instead of her face also doesn’t really make sense because most people look at faces first when they meet people.</div>
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On page 35, Piper describes her boyfriend, Cole.</div>
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“He was handsome in an all-American boy way with his military haircut and freshly shaved face. He had dark brown hair, big brown eyes and a perfect smile.”</div>
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My critique of this sentence would be the following:</div>
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-What is the “all-American boy way”?</div>
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-Hair and eyes description is at the same time. Usually this should be spread out. Putting them together is very stereotypical.</div>
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-What is her definition of a “perfect smile”? Some people like dimples. Some don’t. Letting readers know this information makes the characters more realistic.</div>
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<b>Unlikable Characters</b></div>
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There was not a single likable character in this entire novel. Blake is a sex-obsessed boy who spends almost the entire book sleeping with different girls. While relationship abuse is a very serious matter, the relationship abuse in this novel was strung along and repeated over and over just so the book would have some sort of plot. (Although not a very interesting one.) Readers have no reason to want Piper and Cole to remain together. Of course, Piper does end up with Blake, but if Cole is going to be in the novel, readers need to understand him. No character is 100% “good” or 100% “bad.” </div>
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A successful story is able to reveal a characters’ strengths and weaknesses, no matter if they’re protagonists or antagonists. In this novel Cole was 150% antagonistic and, while I also really hated Blake throughout the novel, at least Blake wasn’t abusive.</div>
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Also, Blake is definitely a Gary-sue. Every girl he runs into wants to get into his pants, simply because he’s “attractive.” While physical appearance is what most people first notice about other people, a relationship based solely on physical and sexual attraction doesn’t last long in the real world. In the real world people have emotions. Many emotional things and emotional moments happened in this novel, but the emotions were skimmed over and usually sex resulted. As a reader this was very frustrating. While I know that sex before marriage is common in today’s society, reading six sex scenes about fifty pages into a novel is definitely a plot issue. This was a sign of an entire novel of relying on sex for intimacy instead of compassion, emotional intimacy, and friendship.</div>
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Besides seeing each other as sex partners, I see no reason for Blake and Piper to be attracted to each other. I was holding out for a well-written emotional scene to redeem this novel, but I was sorely disappointed.</div>
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<b>Grammatical mistakes:</b></div>
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My biggest grammatical pet peeve is when people do not punctuate dialogue correctly. Throughout the entire novel, the dialogue grammar was punctuated incorrectly, and it was very difficult to force myself to keep reading on because there is a legitimate way to properly format dialogue, believe it or not.</div>
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For example:</div>
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Page 8: “Every thing’s going to be fine. Stop worrying.” She teased, placing her hand to the side of my face in an effort to comfort me.</div>
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I see more than one problem with those sentences, but I’ll stick to my point for now.</div>
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“Teased” is synonymous to “said.” Therefore the punctuation should be:</div>
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“Stop worrying,” she teased, placing…</div>
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Another option would be to format it with the verb beginning its own sentence, which would look like:</div>
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“Stop worrying.” She placed her hand to the side of my face.</div>
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When a whole novel has that error throughout it and this author has already published a few novels, this is absolutely unacceptable. If this error happened once or twice, that’s forgivable. But when a whole novel is written that way, that is a huge problem.</div>
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(By the way, notice how “every thing” is separated when it should be joined. That’s one of many mistakes in this novel.)</div>
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Throughout the novel, there were also instances where the narration would switch from past to present tense and then back to past tense. After a certain point I got tired of recording examples, but here is one from page 16.</div>
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I tried calling Rowan again and got her voicemail. We’ve been playing phone tag all week, but in three days we would be in Arizona and I planned on surprising her.</div>
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Somehow the author managed to use past, present, and future tense in one sentence. This was, however, done incorrectly. In the second sentence “we’ve” should be “we’d.”</div>
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Not only is changing tense incorrect, but it’s also confusing. If a reader begins reading in past tense, they expect the story to stay in past tense. If it switches to present it implies that there’s been a shift in time when there hasn’t been. (I’ll admit this excerpt is not the best example, but at least it gets the point across.)</div>
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My favorite mistake was by far the following sentence from page 126.</div>
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She walked over to the China cabinet.</div>
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China is the country, not a type of silverware.</div>
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Okay, I take back what I said. This is my favorite mistake, from page 92.</div>
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“I really like her mom and I’m looking forward to bringing her home to visit with me so you can meet her.”</div>
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Blake was referring to Piper, not her mom, while talking to his own mother. The lack of commas and punctuation in proper places was a nice recipe for giving this reader a good laugh after reading this sentence.</div>
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I could go on about a character “balling” their eyes out on page 158 and find other examples, but that probably covers the grammar inaccuracies enough.</div>
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<b>Could’ve Been Written Better:</b></div>
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There were several info-dumps in the novel (the prologue, page 16, page 32 for an info-dump on Piper, and yet another info-dump on page 34. If I’m talking about myself and I say I have black hair and brown eyes and a dog named Waffles that likes to take walks and I like to read and write young adult novels and I’m in a relationship for the first time in my life going on nine months almost and I have two younger brothers who like to play basketball and I’m in college studying to be a psychology and child development major with a minor in music (if you read all that I apologize, it was to make a point) and I just talk about superficial things that could be shown in a novel all in one place, readers get bored and glaze over it. Readers have no reason to care about all that information. Instead if an author wants to reveal information about a character, it can be weaved in subtly.</div>
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A character’s brothers and dog can wait to show up somewhere else in the novel. The major and minor in college information can be shown through a character having a violin recital, or reading a psychology textbook or talking about a psychology experiment such as the slippery slope or Milgram’s experiment (it was quite shocking, I suggest you check it out. Sorry for my awful pun). Then the information adds to the story instead of wasting space.</div>
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I don’t even remember what I read about Blake and Piper because honestly, 1) I didn’t care and 2) all the information was in one place, and it was ridiculously long. Through editing and better writing all this information could’ve been shown instead of told, as well as have enriched the story greatly instead of boring readers. </div>
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This might just be my personal opinion, but it would be nice to know a main character’s name somewhat soon after that character’s introduction. In this novel Piper’s last name isn’t revealed until page 191, less than 10 pages from the ending. As a reader I might not have liked Piper a whole lot, but less than 10 pages from the ending is not the place to reveal a main character’s last name.</div>
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Inaccuracies</div>
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A birthing scene does not take half an hour. However the birthing scene on page 196 spans merely a few paragraphs and takes half an hour. No mention of the pain involved and fatigue. The author clearly did not research birthing, which usually takes around 10-12 hours just to finish the first of three parts. About half an hour to an hour is usually involved in the actual birthing process, followed by the after birth. In the book it’s very casually mentioned that the entire process takes half an hour, which is very inaccurate.</div>
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Even if Piper was far enough along that the second part was already beginning, she would’ve been in pain much sooner than described in the novel. Considering a good part of the novel hinges on the fact that Piper got pregnant, this scene should be much more important, lengthier, and more accurate.</div>
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Telling, not Showing</div>
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There were many examples of this, but let me just name a few:</div>
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Page 33: His expression menacing…</div>
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Page 34: He truly did look sorry…</div>
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Page 37: He looked torn…</div>
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Page 38: Clearly torn up about the whole conversation…</div>
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Page 157: I said firmly, getting angry with her…</div>
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70% of communication is body language. 20% is tone, and 10% is the actual words communicated. What does it mean to have a menacing expression, look truly sorry, or torn? It varies based on character. Some characters are more physically expressive while some turn away when upset. People also express their anger differently. The author missed many opportunities to show how the characters are different because of simply telling emotions instead of showing them. Yes, emotions were (and should) be present due to the subject matter in this novel. They just weren’t presented in a way that a reader can actually connect to.</div>
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<b>SEX DOES NOT EQUAL ROMANCE</b></div>
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This topic was basically covered throughout the other sections, so I’ll let this be and recommend no one read this novel. (If I rate a book 1 out of 5 stars, then it’s synonymous to “I don’t recommend it for anyone.”) If what you’re looking for is a novel driven by sex and the same plot points bouncing back and forth, go ahead. But if you’re looking for a book that shows characters struggling through real issues aided by each other emotionally with a real plot line, this is not your book.</div>
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If you read this far, thank you for your time, and happy reading.</div>
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Come again! I hope you heed Jelsa's advice, I mean. I took a gander at the book myself and let me just say that I completely agree with everything she's said! </div>
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Beware this book, beware! </div>
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Sorry Madame Monroe, but we'll be looking for a better turnout from you soon, eh?</div>
sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-30592136480453524772013-06-15T16:17:00.002-07:002013-06-15T16:17:43.018-07:00Review - Goal! A Love Story by Bellamy Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBoR0yWWSHKo__W0ifjqlqAUlDL3beP1hm9gqX0EAM6GVCcedAeSgCa3N4_IXA53oDXdyEMvDstEHGDu4cKmbE4iEtepASQRdykfG8CLvFzQLfUhlHt29xTCW3ylAbnIWSmKseEV6AAI/s1600/GOAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBoR0yWWSHKo__W0ifjqlqAUlDL3beP1hm9gqX0EAM6GVCcedAeSgCa3N4_IXA53oDXdyEMvDstEHGDu4cKmbE4iEtepASQRdykfG8CLvFzQLfUhlHt29xTCW3ylAbnIWSmKseEV6AAI/s1600/GOAL.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Goal! A Love Story by Bellamy Black </span></span></b></div>
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Jenny Wales is a local television star who has everything she needs: good friends, a great career, and a gorgeous apartment with an outstanding shower. The only thing missing in her life is love, something that she hasn’t made time for in her quest to be the best reporter in town.</div>
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An international soccer star, Paolo Gutierrez is a reluctant celebrity looking for a quieter life away from the glitz and glamour of Europe. He longs for chance to remember the game he loves and build a life for himself far from the paparazzi’s lens.</div>
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When Jenny and Paolo meet, it’s love at first sight. It should be a simple story of boy meets girl, but the team, the town, and the entire world seem to have an opinion on their love affair. Up against a losing streak, Victoria Beckham wannabes, and the risk of losing their careers, Jenny and Paolo will have to fight to win this game of love.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt </b></span></div>
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Jenny’s lips fall open as she stares at the man formerly known as Paolo. “I,” she says with some disgust, “am the worst reporter ever.” <br />
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Paolo reaches out, places a gentle finger under her chin, and shuts her mouth. “You are not the worst reporter,” he says softly, willing his cheeks to not turn red. He grimaces at her expression;, she looks so dismayed, adorable but dismayed. “I am just good at evading reporters.” He shrugs helplessly, giving her what he hopes is an apologetic yet winning smile. “I’ve had to be.” It does not seem to be working. “I’ve had a lot of experience over the years.” Paolo tries not to shrink back as her expressions changes from dismay to fury.<br />
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“Well.” She leans toward him with an angry light in her eye. “I’m sure you’ve had a lot experience with that — fifteen years, I believe.” She hisses through her teeth, “Juan Carlos ‘the Assassin’ Gutierrez.”<br />
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Paolo gazes at her in awe, mesmerized by the fire in her eyes. She is really something. Gorgeous. He draws back as she squints at him. And a little terrifying. I like it. “Actually.” He chuckles weakly. “It is Juan Carlos Paolo Gutierrez. The Spanish press like to drop the Paolo and replace it with Assassin. It drives my mother crazy.” He chuckles again. “And you pronounced it excellently.”<br />
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“Well, thanks,” she snaps, folding her arms. “I got tips from an expert.” Her knee bounces in agitation. “Right now, I don’t know if I’m more aggravated with you…” Her angry gaze flies around the room, landing on the leader of the Conga. “Or with that wooly mammoth over there who has been masquerading as my best friend.” Jenny’s eyes narrow to slits. <br />
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Across the room, Rocky stumbles, nearly falling into one of the men he’d told Paolo were called the Wonder Twins. <br />
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“Prepare for extinction.” Jenny starts to rise.<br />
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“Wait.” Paolo places a hand on her knee, not wanting her to leave. “I am sorry for misleading you. It was my fault.” He confesses, “He had no choice. Please don’t be upset with Rocky.”<br />
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“He had no choice? Rocky?” She seems dubious but she slumps back onto the sofa, her eyes flitting between the hand on her knee and his eyes. Paolo smiles at her gently and her eyes narrow again but she makes no attempt to remove his hand. “What was it — the Guy Code?”<br />
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“No.” He scoffs. “Nothing as silly as that.” Paolo sighs, squeezing her knee almost absentmindedly as he gathers his thoughts, trying to find the best way to explain his friendship with Rocky. He squeezes again and Jenny lets out a little giggle. Paolo pretends not to hear her as he turns his eyes to her and holds her gaze, wanting her to see his sincerity and honest regret. “It was a handshake and a spit oath.” </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div>
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Bellamy Black has enjoyed the written word long before she could actually read it. This initially one-sided relationship has blossomed into a lifelong love affair filled with adventurous governesses, brave women, and determined warriors. An East Coast girl, living an East Coast life, when she is not writing or working her corporate day job, Bellamy enjoys spending time with friends, a nice glass of Shiraz, and the occasional bit of mayhem. She will also never turn down an opportunity to catch a rerun of the Golden Girls.</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17669129-goal" target="_blank">You can add Goal! to you to-read list on Goodreads! </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/entranced/goal/" target="_blank">You can find more about Goal! on the Entranced site, you can also find the buy links here as soon as Goal! is available!</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Review</b></span></div>
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My first thought about this book was that I wasn't going to like it one bit, as I'm not really a soccer kind of girl and rarely like books about sports. And maybe I didn't love this book, but it was certainly better then I thought it would be. <br />
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It took a little ways into the book for me to finally start getting into it, but when Paolo jumped into the story, I was all in. The instant romance between him and Jenny was adorable and laughable. I couldn't help but smile as I read through their first meeting, first date and first everything else. They are really such a great literary couple.<br />
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Though I adored these characters, Rockman included, I found the writing lacking a little. There were times that I felt there could have been more added to a scene and other times less dialog and more action. And I also wasn't crazy about the scenes with Dora. I didn't think it added anything to the story and could have done without it.<br />
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But the story itself I liked and the romance was really good, as well the the comedy aspect. Sometimes I laughed so hard that my dad would give me a strange look. And with the more adorable and sweet scenes between Jenny and Paolo I couldn't help but smile and make 'aw' sounds. <br />
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Overall, it was a pleasant book, though maybe not the most well written book that I've ever read, though far better then some I have. If you love to laugh and love romance, then this is surely the book for you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Want to win this book? Enter now!</b></span></div>
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Kailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-63390154785968939112013-06-15T16:17:00.000-07:002013-06-15T16:17:05.228-07:00Afflicted by Sophie Monroe<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well hello there to all of you deprived readers! I know, it's been a while since we've posted anything right? Well, give us some time. I'm sure we'll get used to this eventually. Remember, the blogging world is new to us. We're still working out the kinks in our project. But let me assure you that it should be going smoothly next month. I mean, I'll be buying a schedule and everything! Wish me the best of luck, eh?</div>
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Oh look here: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sBPsOEi7po63lyZoB1rVkYLCx6N0cDzcYhw7CyznZUstVjsY-WzWPCK2s_EqFizYxr4f0Wh60FyThpCu7K1gn2hMvLFrxiiKaeK6pBHSaXwNlIiU9RDY658Pnh26b8Apa6kPbqrX-37a/s1600/afflicted+blog+tour+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sBPsOEi7po63lyZoB1rVkYLCx6N0cDzcYhw7CyznZUstVjsY-WzWPCK2s_EqFizYxr4f0Wh60FyThpCu7K1gn2hMvLFrxiiKaeK6pBHSaXwNlIiU9RDY658Pnh26b8Apa6kPbqrX-37a/s400/afflicted+blog+tour+banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Check below to enter the giveaway for a chance at a free copy!</i></div>
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I suppose I should mention that today we have a novel stoppin' around to be welcomed to our blog. So here it is! Afflicted by Sophie Monroe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlkmVqxwtkNLUrphKmx_3HEUvxzp3y0t0ihuWHqnAI_nMcA255QKgmynUhjnYO8AWG9ISSrVSYOpK2b-oV4UMXUtfQiAT1kD8hEv2K6CrgNb-GBjY8RYqbqNzKVWFvbDMHGm7r3ouuH3L/s1600/AFFLICTED+FINAL+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlkmVqxwtkNLUrphKmx_3HEUvxzp3y0t0ihuWHqnAI_nMcA255QKgmynUhjnYO8AWG9ISSrVSYOpK2b-oV4UMXUtfQiAT1kD8hEv2K6CrgNb-GBjY8RYqbqNzKVWFvbDMHGm7r3ouuH3L/s320/AFFLICTED+FINAL+COVER.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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<i>Fresh off tour Blake Potter, the sexy bassist for Battlescars, is in Smithville, Ohio to work on their next album ‘Coming Clean’. Still pining after Aubrey’s best friend, Piper, it’s going to be harder than he expected to see her back with her long-term boyfriend, Cole. He’s trying his hardest to forget her, but no matter how hard he tries to stay away circumstances keep bringing them together. Being burned before, he refuses to let it happen again. He’s still struggling to let go of Rowan, the girl that made him the way he is.</i></div>
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<i>Piper is fighting an uphill battle of her own. She’s working her ass off trying to make a name for herself as a tattoo artist. Her long-term boyfriend, Cole, was recently discharged from the Marines turning her world in a way that she never expected. When he begins leaving for days at a time Piper starts struggling to help him pick up the pieces. She calls the one person that might be able to help, Blake. He becomes the friend that she needs no matter how much it’s killing him.</i></div>
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<i>What will happen when one phone call changes everything for both of them leading them in a path that neither anticipated? Pasts will come out of the shadows and threaten to ruin everything</i>.</div>
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Here's a little bit about the author: </div>
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Sophie Monroe is an author from New Jersey. She’s obsessed with music and loves a good story. She released the Amazon Best Seller Battlescars in March. Afflicted is a spin-off of Battlescars with different characters but has appearances of the reader’s favorites Jake, Aubrey and Granny Jean, along with the rest of the gang.</div>
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Well, it seems more of a description of what the novel is supposed to be rather than an author's introduction, but hey? Who are we to judge? </div>
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Oh yes! Before I forget, I think you're all plenty interested now, right? Well, just to be sure here's an excerpt of Monroe's novel, Afflicted. </div>
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<i>Hurt flashed across his face breaking my heart even further. I knew I needed to face this on my own. I was starting to second-guess if Blake and I could really be something, would I ever be able to love him like I loved Cole? Were we holding onto strings better left to fray? He said he loved me and I was pretty sure that I loved him, but in my jumbled thoughts I couldn’t think of anything except going home to Cole.</i></div>
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<i>“I’ll call a cab.” I put on a brave face and pushed everything aside.</i></div>
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<i>“I’ll take you. Let’s go.” </i></div>
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<i>He said holding my bag in one hand and reaching for my hand with the other. I retracted knowing that touching him would falter my reserve. I followed him down the hallway and said a quick goodbye to his parents with Blake promising to explain when he got back. He told Joss to be there when he got back. Speeding the entire ride to the airport and parking in the drop off zone he walked inside without waiting for me to catch up with him. He went straight the ticket counter using his charms on the girl working. Pulling a credit card from his wallet he handed it to her while she waited for the ticket to print. I stood off to the side letting him do his thing. When he was finished he handed me the ticket with a look in his eyes that will probably haunt me for as long as I live.</i></div>
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Have we got you hook, line and sinker yet?</div>
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Well now there are a couple of options before you. You can either buy from:</div>
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<li><b> Goodreads: </b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17715869-afflicted">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17715869-afflicted</a></li>
<li><b>Amazon:</b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afflicted-Battlescars-II-Romance-ebook/dp/B00CVBB7QW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370207196&sr=1-1&keywords=afflicted">http://www.amazon.com/Afflicted-Battlescars-II-Romance-ebook/dp/B00CVBB7QW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370207196&sr=1-1&keywords=afflicted</a></li>
<li><b>Barnes and Nobles: </b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/afflicted-sophie-monroe/1115373434?ean=2940016788845">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/afflicted-sophie-monroe/1115373434?ean=2940016788845</a></li>
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Or enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a free copy! </div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d77197/" id="rc-2d77197" rel="nofollow">Enter here for a chance to win!</a>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-6916718474687692492013-06-14T18:35:00.002-07:002013-06-14T18:35:22.632-07:00<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i>Is it truly better to love than be loved?</i></blockquote>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-3673262746057239772013-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-06-08T18:56:48.954-07:00Blog Tour : Danny by Margo Anne Rhea<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blurb</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paige Warren is sure she's come to terms with her impending divorce, until she wakes up in bed with her soon-to-be ex, Danny. Worse yet, the bed belongs to Stacey, the sexual surrogate Paige and Danny have been sleeping with for months -- and Stacey's not there. </span></div>
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As much as Paige tries to deny it, she soon realizes she's still in love with Danny. Now she's torn between him and the woman who holds them together. Should she risk hurting Stacey to rekindle a monogamous relationship with the man she once thought she'd spend the rest of her life with, or should she learn from past experience?</div>
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Danny is a sensual, erotic novella following one woman's struggle between a love she thought was over and a relationship that's barely begun.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Review</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me just take a little breather. I mean, after reading this steamy new erotic novel Danny, I must say that it really did take my breath away. Paige and her husband Danny, soon-to-be-divorced, haven't been on the best of terms. Our lovely MC was expecting something a little different in regards to their relationship. Something along the lines of less work and more play, if you know what I mean. Paige, as a character, is quite interesting in the way she perceives the way a relationship should work. Although, I'm going to consider her a little bit of a shy nymphomaniac. (I mean this in the nicest possible way).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3CDZbSZYsGPk5REuQBAVdU78Adx1INYXPpPKNJe44MiF8JoZGXjgqdUGKlus4y8DlRa4cpOHOxgoENE4Brxe0YmPcAILOoCS4jufbWXtKxZNQLCPM6X0b2qISQIN9OR8HIttiNANEcWG/s1600/danny+cover+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3CDZbSZYsGPk5REuQBAVdU78Adx1INYXPpPKNJe44MiF8JoZGXjgqdUGKlus4y8DlRa4cpOHOxgoENE4Brxe0YmPcAILOoCS4jufbWXtKxZNQLCPM6X0b2qISQIN9OR8HIttiNANEcWG/s320/danny+cover+image.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout most of the novel, she is eyeing up her husband, Danny, while feasting on darling Stacey that she describes as "looking like pure lust" and with the description in the novel, I can see how that might be true. Ah, in regards to Stacey, she is supposed to be the couple's "cure" for their relationship when throughout the novel it appears she is more like a double-edged sword because it just so happens that Paige has "fallen" for this little vixen. Now, don't get me wrong, as you go through the novel you can see that Stacey is kinda-sorta helping the couple along in their relationship but during those encounters she has with them it appears she's more of a poison than a cure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I should get back to the original topic, about the characters; Danny, our hot smokin' husband, is well done in the way he tries to appeal Paige. I absolutely loved his development through and through because the reader, or myself, truly gets a sense of his uncertainty in the beginning that fades as he realizes what he really wants and how he has to go about getting it. The only downside that I really see in this novel would have to be that third chapter. Danny tells his sex-driven wife that he's given up his job and other things just to please her. That doesn't really strike me as something a confident man would do. I mean, why on earth? I suggest that Paige get herself a job and keep up with being able to pay off the bills for the house. I'd say, consdering that Danny was a doctor at a hospital, that he was getting some damn good money. Either Paige is stinkin' rich or she is definitely in need of some carnal satisfaction (nymphomaniac). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of the novel happens in the bedroom (well it is an erotica) and overall there isn't much detail to the scenery that goes around in the novel. We find out whose bed their on, whose house their in and the time of day it is but otherwise it's not very fleshed out. If you know what I mean. However, I believed this ties in pretty well with the plot. Or maybe just with the character that the novel is centered around - our lovely little nympho Paige. Paige describes the scene in that way of hers which basically consists of telling the reader whose room they are currently canoodling in but she doesn't go very far (which is kind of a relief) I mean, the setting in this kind of novel is important but with the way Rhea described it, it seems to fit in perfectly. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, let's go on to the plot. We have Stacey, our supposed cure, and Danny the hunk of a husband, and Paige who currently loves Stacey, sex and (even though she filed for a divorce) monsieur Danny. In the beginning, Paige wakes up to see mister gorgeous laying in bed next to her with Stacey nowhere in sight. This causes quite the panic in her but as the novel progresses, Paige realises that she still loves her hunk of a husband. This now causes her to feel extremely guilty - even though the three of them end up having sex - and she feels like she should tell Stacey but being the good little nympho she is, she decides to keep it from Stacey who inevitably finds out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The plot is original in the sense that it's not everyday that the couple share the "cure" in such a way, and even the fact that the developments between both Paige and Danny were slightly unexpected I believe that it warrants a good enough rating. However, I'd say that you'll have to read it to debate my opinion.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(Purchase links to Rhea's work are at the bottom of the post.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, for Danny by Margo Anne Rhea, I'll give it a healthy three and a half stars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope to read more of her work soon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Interview</b></span></div>
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We we<span style="font-family: inherit;">re given </span>the chance to ask Margo Anne Rhea a few questions in regards to her life as an author. Here's what she said : </div>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">1. Where did you find the inspiration for Danny? </span></b></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The inspiration for DANNY came in the form of a dream. In this dream, my significant other and I were separated, but we were both sleeping with the same woman. He was trying to seduce me to come back to him. When I woke up, I started writing. And DANNY was born.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">2. Did you do any kind of research? </span></b></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I looked at a LOT of pictures of hot guys on the internet. That's really all the research Danny required.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>3. Have you experienced a similar situation such as this?</b> </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I haven't experienced it in real life, no. And to be honest, I'm a little glad I haven't. I imagine divorce is pretty painful for couples, even if they never officially go through with it.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">4. What got you interested in writing?</span></b></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I can't say that there was any one thing that got me interested. I've always written. I never really thought about it and it wasn't until was in college that I began to consider it anything more than just a hobby.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>5. Tea or coffee?</b> </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">It depends on the mood. If I'm writing and want to focus my thoughts, coffee. If I'm relaxing on a cool (because Florida never truly gets "cold") Winter's night, hot tea is lovely.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">6. How long have you been writing? </span></b></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Ever since I can remember. Somewhere in a box at my childhood home, there is an adorably poorly-written short story about a rash of crimes against small businesses. The mystery is of course solved by a Nancy-Drew-like heroine of the distinguished age of 8. That's the first thing I remember writing, but I'm told there were many more before it.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>7. How many novels have you published? Can you give us a bit of a teaser to one of them (or an upcoming novel)?</b> </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Danny is my debut novella. I would be happy to share a little teaser!</span></pre>
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A<i>t exactly 5:02 p.m., I shut my computer down, grabbed my purse, and made for the elevator. The ten-minute drive through rush hour traffic felt like it took an hour. But for all my impatience, when I finally parked just steps from Stacey’s front door, it took me several minutes to propel myself from my SUV and into the condo.
They were both waiting by the fire in the living room when I got there. Stacey, in a tantalizing black negligee that showed everything except what her matching thong covered, looked like pure lust. She had her auburn hair pulled up in a bun, flyaway strands framing her baby-doll face. Big baby blues peered up at me, perfecting the look of innocence.
Danny, on the other hand, seemed more than uncomfortable in nothing but a pair of red boxer-briefs that molded to his body. I couldn’t blame him. We’d certainly seen each other in less clothing than that, but even I felt exposed in jeans and a sweater right then.
“Good, you’re finally here.” Stacey purred the words and patted the space next to her on the down comforter they’d placed in front of the fireplace. I pulled my boots and socks off and joined them on the blanket. Danny had a glass of wine waiting for me and pressed it into my hands as soon as I was settled.
Stacey’s hand slipped under the hem of my sweater to fiddle with the button of my slacks. I knew what was going to happen next. We’d done this so many times, I could have done it in my sleep. And almost did the other morning, I reminded myself. I avoided looking at Danny.
Stacey’s fingernails grazed my thighs as she tugged my pants down and off my legs. My sweater was the next to go. She threw that behind her. I watched as it landed unceremoniously on the floor, a puddle of black mohair.</i>
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<b>8. Was this the original plan for the novel? Or was it supposed to turn out some other way? </b></span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I didn't actually have a plan for how Danny would end when I started writing it. I just followed the flow. Looking back at it now though, I couldn't imagine a different ending for Paige and Danny's story.
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<b>9. Is there an alternate ending to Danny?</b></span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">There isn't an alternate ending, but I have given some thought to writing a prequel about how Paige and Danny met.</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">10. Where did you come up with the idea of Stacey? </span></b></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Stacey is actually based on a real-life friend of mine. In the dream that inspired Danny, Stacey was just an idea, an intangible character who wasn't actually there. When I was writing Stacey, I needed her to be a deeper character, so I based her on a good friend.
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<b>11. Why did you decide to write erotica? </b></span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">It wasn't actually a decision. It just sort of happened. What can I say, I write what the characters in my head tell me to. :)</span></pre>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>12.</b> <b>Are you planning to dabble in other genres as well?</b> </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I plan to dabble in any genre that will have me!</span></pre>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And thank you Margo for the wonderful interview you've granted us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Purchase Links</b> </span><br />
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon: </span></u></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Danny-ebook/dp/B00CVV1GQ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368995381&sr=1-1&keywords=margo+anne+rhea" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.amazon.com/Danny-ebook/dp/B00CVV1GQ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368995381&sr=1-1&keywords=margo+anne+rhea</span></a></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>B&N:</u> </span></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/danny-margo-anne-rhea/1115374594?ean=2940016413310" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/danny-margo-anne-rhea/1115374594?ean=2940016413310</span></a></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kobo: </span></u></pre>
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<a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Danny/book-C171Ch9TakSGmUlHYAjSyw/page1.html?s=2msdHoc8ZESCEWJK37NyBw&r=1" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Danny/book-171Ch9TakSGmUlHYAjSyw/page1.html?s=2msdHoc8ZESCEWJK37NyBw&r=1</span></a></div>
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<u>Smashwords:</u> </div>
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<pre style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/317721" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/317721</a></span></pre>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's all we've got for our stop on Danny's Blog Tour! I hope to see more of Margo's work soon, and I hope to see it on the shelves this time. </span></div>
<br />sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-74317365341189109342013-06-03T06:58:00.000-07:002013-06-03T06:58:34.060-07:00<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<em>We all have something we believe in.</em></div>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-7852089162126319952013-05-31T11:06:00.001-07:002013-05-31T11:06:58.816-07:00Cover Reveal: Speak Easy by Melanie Harlow Cover reveal for Speak Easy by Melanie Harlow. Ah, it looks so good! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy.<br />
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Be sure to enter to win a copy for yourself!<br />
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-Kailyn<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijftMU1GoUmWvI_tUMO7vJcTghqBfYFBIxmLDXdoaAQf4aqKlmRBhIHlx1LlKRJIOzerEO5hp-oEsc0ZKFvJ6TQatv3V3ENWfcsNlEYU6logKgbmRjRgps9VfDhv1B6lXFFXHTKa8AoFo/s1600/Speak+Easy+Cover+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijftMU1GoUmWvI_tUMO7vJcTghqBfYFBIxmLDXdoaAQf4aqKlmRBhIHlx1LlKRJIOzerEO5hp-oEsc0ZKFvJ6TQatv3V3ENWfcsNlEYU6logKgbmRjRgps9VfDhv1B6lXFFXHTKa8AoFo/s320/Speak+Easy+Cover+Final.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Title:</b> Speak Easy</div>
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<b>Author:</b> Melanie Harlow</div>
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<b>Expected release date:</b> July 22, 2013 Genre: Historical</div>
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<b>Age Group:</b> New Adult</div>
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<b>Cover Designed by:</b> Tom Barnes Design</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17935785-speak-easy" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsa971cb04.png" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a597/Julie_Brazeal/goodreads-badge-add-plus_zpsa971cb04.png" /></a>
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July, 1923. The ‘20s are roaring, and twenty-year-old Tiny O’Mara is desperate for a little anything-goes excitement. But when her father is kidnapped by a mobster in Detroit's exploding organized crime scene, she’s shocked to find herself caught up in the bootlegging wars of Prohibition—and torn between two gorgeous gangsters on opposite sides.
To save her father’s life, she’ll have to choose between them. But deciding whom to trust isn’t easy in a world where everyone wants something—be it booze, money, power, or sex—and no one cares what it takes to get it.
Temptation is everywhere.
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<b>About the Author</b><br />
<a href="http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/Julie_Brazeal/media/MelanieHarlow_zpsb336e2d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MelanieHarlow_zpsb336e2d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a597/Julie_Brazeal/MelanieHarlow_zpsb336e2d3.jpg" height="147" width="147" /></a><br />
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. SPEAK EASY was inspired by her cocktail-culture obsession, her affection for good gin, and the view from the end of her street. She lifts her glass to NA readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.
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<a href="http://www.melanieharlowwrites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Melanie Harlow</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melanie-Harlow-Author/413310215442787?%20bookmark_t=page" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MelanieHarlow2" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<a href="http://atomrbookblogtours.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo AToMRToursC66a-A00aT03a-Z_mdm_zpsa3cc6896.jpg" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a597/Julie_Brazeal/AToMRToursC66a-A00aT03a-Z_mdm_zpsa3cc6896.jpg" height="92" width="208" /></a>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/19fbe20/" id="rc-19fbe20" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Kailyn Elysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05752722385579410738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-91146097723475372272013-05-29T10:12:00.002-07:002013-05-29T10:14:33.597-07:00Gambling on Love -- Blog Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>May 29th Blog Stop at Delirious Musings of a Writer </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIiTksMtjmTLWM6SqcAFLQwxTj7FmoVnTPzh2mSl7JNyRozK5fGpQlZN9EXse9OzbFuS7YVSWnEDkXObDK2AXhkUxf6TuCKd56nOCcKGt-MAm8d1e15KjCzbXdyP-TIzZAR_hSGgb6bqU/s1600/gamblingonlove-bt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIiTksMtjmTLWM6SqcAFLQwxTj7FmoVnTPzh2mSl7JNyRozK5fGpQlZN9EXse9OzbFuS7YVSWnEDkXObDK2AXhkUxf6TuCKd56nOCcKGt-MAm8d1e15KjCzbXdyP-TIzZAR_hSGgb6bqU/s320/gamblingonlove-bt.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Covering Creative Ground: <i>How Two Authors with Totally Different Voices Write Together When They’re 1400 Miles Apart? </i><br />
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Nancy Fraser and Patti Shenberger have known each other since 1995, but it wasn’t until 1997 that they even considered writing together and, like a lot of things in life, it all happened by accident. Patti wanted to practice her pitch before an editor appointment. Nancy made the suggestion that she could beef up one of her secondary characters and possibly pitch it as a two-book series. Then, we thought, well if one secondary character deserves a story, shouldn’t another? And, voila! … the idea for a series was born.<br />
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Now, you might wonder what happened between then and now that it’s taken this long for us to bring the McCade Legacy to the readers. Well, we shopped the first book around to all the big name houses (you know … the ones that take nine months to a year to response). We kept hearing: great writing, nice voice. Unfortunately, because it was a time travel historical, we weren’t finding any buyers. Then, Nancy moved away … far away … in a crazy grandma-like trance to follow her military son and grandchildren all over Canada.<br />
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Even long distance, we did end up publishing that book through an e-publisher back in 2007 and then it was reissued later. We get our rights back on the book at the end of this year and hope to make it part of the Legacy series as a prequel to the other seven books we have planned.<br />
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With the first book in the hands of the publisher, we were putting together the proposal for subsequent books, when life reared its ugly head. Over the next four years, we both took turns with life-threatening medical issues. However, even illness can’t keep a good idea down!<br />
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We began working on Gambling on Love in the spring of 2012. By the time we’d finished, Entangled Publishing had announced their new Scandalous line and we decided to send our brand new baby off to them. We heard back very quickly with a contract offer. Needless to say, we were elated! That first contract has turned into two contracts for a total of three books, with the outline for five more books, taking our wonderful relationship with Entangled into 2015. Some days it feels almost like having tenure!<br />
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Enough about “how” it all started. Let’s focus on “how” it works! First of all, we both had to acknowledge the fact that our voices are entirely different. Patti’s strength is dialogue while Nancy’s is all about the frivolous, touchy-feely, steamy stuff! Luckily, we do share an almost uncanny ability to spot what the other is doing wrong. However, with such divergent writing styles, we knew we’d never be able to alternate scenes or chapters. So, we devised our own way of team writing. One of us writes the entire book while the other is responsible for all line edits, final read-through and acts as the liaison between the team and the publisher. Then, next book, we switch roles.<br />
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That’s not to say, the words are set in stone, because everything is negotiable. If Nancy’s dialogue sucks (see Nancy shake head emphatically), then we discuss it rationally and come up with the best alternative. If Patti’s love scene isn’t “steamy” enough, Nancy always re-writes it! (See Patti shaking fist!)<br />
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For the second book in the series, tentatively titled, The Lawman’s Agreement, we tried a new tactic. First, we wrote a synopsis, and then broke the synopsis down into a twenty-five chapter outline. We set a writing quota of one chapter per day. Once five chapters had been completed, they were sent to the other team member for editing, then the next five and so on. We kept this schedule for the entire book, finishing it within five weeks, including the final read-through and getting it sent off to the editor.<br />
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We’re not saying the system would work for everyone, especially if you can’t agree to disagree sometimes. However, it’s certainly worked for us. Either Nancy or Patti would love to discuss the details of our system with would-be writing teams and how best to maximize your individual strengths. We welcome your emails on the subject, or any writing subject in general.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPfst2jNb1k_XM0F-h0UShL9A0Kkx50eEix1qaMjqgvmTJ_BjA1-TAZwd-9xKD21_Mz6MzHtw17namlQsb23tvGetkIKIH5HocMhNtHrd4W027lHXYQU-eRsnP2iwspD_K2VVWApEdVnQ/s1600/GoLCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPfst2jNb1k_XM0F-h0UShL9A0Kkx50eEix1qaMjqgvmTJ_BjA1-TAZwd-9xKD21_Mz6MzHtw17namlQsb23tvGetkIKIH5HocMhNtHrd4W027lHXYQU-eRsnP2iwspD_K2VVWApEdVnQ/s320/GoLCover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>About the book: </b><br />
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Felicity Beaumont is a rich man's willful daughter with a heart of gold who wants more than anything to free her father's illegally indentured workers.<br />
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When she devises a plan to move them north with the help of Jake McCade, owner of the gambling boat known as the River Maiden, she finds she's run afoul of not only her father but of the man she's duped into helping her.<br />
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As her plan begins to unravel, she and Jake are forced into a marriage for the sake of propriety and soon discover the most important thing to them both is the life they're now building together.<br />
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<b>About the Authors:</b><br />
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Nancy Fraser has been writing since she was a child, most often on walls and with crayons or (heaven forbid) permanent marker. Since first becoming published in 1996, Nancy has received numerous five star reviews for her futuristic, time travel romance. She's also published in short contemporary, historical romance and is contracted for a series of ten vintage historical romances set during the Golden Decade of Rock & Roll (1955-1964). When not writing fiction, Nancy likes to spend time with her grandchildren and is excitedly awaiting a new addition to her grand-family in July.<br />
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<b>Connect with Nancy:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.nancyfraser.ca/index.html" target="_blank">Author Website</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265536.Nancy_Fraser" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NancyFraserAuthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - <a href="http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/" target="_blank">Blog</a></span></span><br />
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Patti Shenberger recently signed a contract for her sixteenth romance novel/novella sale. She is published in short contemporary, historical time travel, paranormal and erotic romance, as well as multi-published in fiction and non-fiction magazine length work. She's a wife, mother of two, mother-in-law of two and a pet mommy of two. Patti is a lifelong resident of Michigan, where she complains about the heat in the summer and the snow in the winter. When she's not writing, Patti can be found with her nose buried in a book.<br />
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<b>Connect with Patti:</b> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.pattishenberger.com/" target="_blank">Author Website</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/PattiShenberger" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/845149.Patti_Shenberger" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorPattiShenberger" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - <a href="http://pattishenbergers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a></span><br />
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<b><i>Gambling on Love</i> available for Purchase:</b><br />
- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gambling-Love-Entangled-Scandalous-ebook/dp/B00CK51J9E" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gambling-on-love-nancy-fraser/1115213928" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
- <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gambling-on-love/id642292916?mt=11" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Gambling-on-Love/book-aftKHQRQpEuwineHwZWX8w/page1.html" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br />
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<b>Tour-wide Giveaway!</b></div>
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<i>Name the Hotel!</i></div>
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As part of a tour-wide giveaway the authors are offering one lucky winner the chance to not only name the hotel which will appear in the second McCade Legacy novel, but will also have their name used as a character in the book as well!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb55465/" target="_blank">Click to Enter</a></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-42063528345104790822013-05-25T11:48:00.002-07:002013-05-25T11:48:10.842-07:00<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i>There ain't no rest for the wicked.</i></blockquote>
sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6691035220400459544.post-36012019355838837272013-05-20T17:04:00.001-07:002013-05-23T10:05:46.064-07:00Photography and ideas<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Maybe the capitalization of</b> the title was a little unnecessary but I found it to be exclaiming the very thing that I felt needed to be exclaimed! This weekend was lovely! Absolutely perfect for writing and taking photography which is exactly what I did. I mean, it did deprive me of the internet but that's perfectly fine, right? A little withdrawal, a few symptoms, but nothing major. </div>
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Now, I shoud get talking about what I mean by this title that I've given today's post and that is exactly what it says: photography is equivalent to inspiration and gives a ton of ideas. </div>
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Shall I give an example? Alright, how about this : </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uUlIwVhlwr2ybwz4THkVelbMVt6T7iE-lxHSjfQCQ_3jRMfD7hsFKupiY5SBFpeKbuou0hUjnWAbhIrTHKpgl1TyVfSfAgS2VWfALFGu_GW9CDCvA4HCMv2z7hWpIH7w6ORkPlPVVTGf/s1600/He_told_me_not_to_even_breathe_by_joganelken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uUlIwVhlwr2ybwz4THkVelbMVt6T7iE-lxHSjfQCQ_3jRMfD7hsFKupiY5SBFpeKbuou0hUjnWAbhIrTHKpgl1TyVfSfAgS2VWfALFGu_GW9CDCvA4HCMv2z7hWpIH7w6ORkPlPVVTGf/s320/He_told_me_not_to_even_breathe_by_joganelken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How much inspiration can you glean from this one picture?</div>
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I decided that I would create my own thousand worded picture and take a ton this weekend! Albeit they aren't exactly this kind of picture. I don't have the people nor the equipement to take such a beautiful image. </div>
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I, however, suggest that you all take a gander outside and walk around a little. Just bring a camera, a water bottle, and sit outside. You'll look around a bit, see some birds hear some sounds and then ... it'll hit you! </div>
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You'll be smack dab in the middle of you thoughts running around you, ideas swirling and your camera there to capture it all in an instant! I mean, sometimes it's not obvious but to give a little example of what I mean I'll describe a situation : </div>
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I was sitting silently at the edge of a pond, small rivulets of water streamed over damp moss covered rocks. I had my camera hanging around my neck, it was uncomfortable in the stifling heat. I watched the water weave its way around rock after rock before creating a small pool where a bird sat sipping from the small basin. If I tried hard enough, I could imagine the bird to be a cyborg, ever-watchful. It was waiting for an approaching subject so that it could relay the information to the owner. Or, I could picture small fairies urging the bird to drink, nursing it back to health from when it had fallen from its nest. </div>
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As you can see there are a ton of different scenarios. It was at that moment that I took the picture - certain to retain the inspiration forever! </div>
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Haha, see? Inspiration is everywhere. EVERYWHERE, I tell you. If you don't believe me then take a good hard look and see for yourself. </div>
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- Anyways, that's really all I've got to talk about today. Tomorrow I'll bring up some good poetry information that you'll be glad to retain, right? </div>
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Write on! </div>
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sabrynabrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14335330158010540544noreply@blogger.com