BOOKS AND BLOGGING PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is defined as a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought. Well, my theory is if I can add at least 10 new books to my Wishlist and move at least 5 older Wishlist selections to my TBR list every month, then life is a ice cream sundae. And if I can find those 10 books from at least 5 new blogs each month then that's the cherry on top.

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!
Well, I've made it almost 5 years now, so for better or worse, I continue on. I tend to blog in spurts as the urge to be creative erupts. As I don't have an artistic bone in my body, you will see very few changes in the layouts. Hey, I'm a reader not an artist like so many of the awesome bloggers I follow. I know you don't always have the time but if you stopped and looked, take a half a minute and say your piece. Recommend a book that you have enjoyed or hated for that matter. Thank you to all who visit.
Oh, and I moved my Google Friend Connect info and share this buttons to the top, as without our friends, who are we?


Thursday, May 28, 2015

Author Samantha Warren Release Party and $37.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE at BittenByBooks

Edith Myers has had enough.

Her first day at yet another new school and now she has a new enemy - Dana Blake: cheerleader, prom queen, head mean girl. But when Edith finds a strange key on school grounds, Dana's attitude changes. There's more to the cheerleader than meets the eye. She is the keeper of the magical key to another world, or was until Edith found it and became the new keeper. 

Now Edith finds herself drawn into an interdimensional struggle that could change their fates... and destroy their world. With the help of Charles, a man from the other world, Edith must confront her fears and accept her inner strength if they're going to make it through the war alive.


Buy a print copy of The Third Key from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of The Third Key from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY .99 cents!

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: A $37.00 Amazon Gift Card

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

BOOK BLAST for PERFECTLY STRAIGHT BY JACQUELINE CAMPOS #PStr8Blast



Can Stevie resolve the conflict between her public and private persona?

Title: Perfectly Straight
Author: Jacqueline Campos
Publication Date: May 11, 2015 
Genre: Erotic Romance

Stevie Ramsey, America’s Sweetheart, is an actress who enjoys phenomenal popularity and success. She has one significant secret that she guards fiercely---she is a closeted lesbian who is in a relationship with her personal assistant, Kylie Winston. Kylie, a former model, maintains the position in title only as suggested by Stevie’s svengali-like manager. Eventually Stevie caves to pressure to have an affair with Fletcher Coleman, a hot up-and-coming actor as a ruse to fool her public. However the plan explodes in Stevie’s face and a heart-broken and betrayed Kylie leaves her. 

But the actress pines for her gorgeous ex-lover, Kylie Winston who has moved to New York where she has resumed a successful modeling career. Stevie resolves to win back Kylie, but also decides to finally dedicate herself to her craft and takes charge of her career for the first time. 

Perfectly Straight follows Stevie Ramsey as she struggles to find her way through life and love exploring relationships with women and men until finally accepting her identity. Can Stevie resolve the conflict between her public and private persona?

EXCERPT
“This is my secret place,” he said.  The tiny carpeted room was barren.  Fletcher tugged at a sheet hanging on the wall to reveal sliding glass doors.  He slid the door open and exposed a tiny terrace that overlooked a pool surrounded by lit-up palm trees.  The lights from outside dimly penetrated the room, making it unnecessary to turn on additional lighting.  He went to a mini-refrigerator in the corner of the room and took out two bottles of dark ale.  Fletcher took off his tuxedo jacket and laid it on the floor and then sat next to it.  He pulled her down on his jacket.  “I used to come here and dream about making it big,” he said, opening a bottle and handing it to her.  She took a long swallow that she instantly proceeded to spray over both of them.
“What the fuck is this!  Horse piss?” she uttered.  They laughed.  She wiped the beer off herself and from his face.  They stopped laughing and looked into each other’s eyes.  He looked away and took a long gulp from his bottle.  Stevie took another drink, knowing what to expect this time.  “So, tell me about this room.”
He guzzled again from his beer bottle then spoke.  “I worked at this hotel delivering room service not too long ago.  You can’t imagine the things I’ve seen!”
“Oh, do tell!”
He shook his head.  “No, I was raised not to talk about things like that around a lady.”
“Does anyone else know about this?”
“I don’t think so.  It’s like a forgotten room.  I was delivering room service once and I opened this door by mistake.  After a while I noticed no one ever used it.  So I brought in the little fridge.  I slept here many nights during my lean years.”
“Come on, I’m sure you have some steamy stories to tell about what has happened to you in this room!”
He cracked a grin.  “One story.  I only brought one woman here and it was actually after my career got going.  It’s not that exciting of a story, really.”
“Well, your career is exciting!”
“Yeah, I just wrapped my first film where I’m the lead.  It’s just an action film.  I play a bounty hunter trying to keep the streets safe.”
Just an action film?  I’m sure there were millions spent on it!”
“That may be true, but I want my films to mean something.  I’m not crazy about rehashing the same formula over and over.  My next film, whatever it is, will be relevant, no matter how long it takes me to find,” he said.
“Then I doubt we’ll ever be working together!  From what I understand, my films weren’t very good.  The next one, whatever it is, I’m sure will be the same.  I basically show up and say and do as I’m told.  Somebody is doing something right because I’ve made a lot of money for other people—and for myself as well.”
“They might be fluff Stevie, but I think you’re really good in them!  I can’t take my eyes off of you when you’re on screen.  Nobody can!  You have what they call it —something that can’t be taught.”
Stevie smiled.  “Thank you, Fletcher.  That’s very sweet.”  Her eyes were drawn to his massive biceps as he raised his arm to take another drink from the beer bottle.  They continued talking about everything and nothing in particular, drinking bottle after bottle of beer.  With each sip she wondered why he did not attempt to make a move.  She studied him as he spoke of his passion for his profession.  So far, he was one of the nicest men she had met.  Tom’s words rang in her head like church bells.  She uttered under her breath, “Tom hasn’t been wrong yet.  It might as well be you.”
“What was that?”
“Nothing . . . just drunk.”  The more she anticipated his move the more she found herself wanting him to make it.  She might have even been looking forward to making out with a man  for real for the first time.  Inevitably, Stevie knew that it would be up to her if anything were to happen between them that night, in that little room.  She also knew that if he was a healthy heterosexual male, it wouldn’t take much encouragement.  “You know, if this were a movie, this would be the part when the leading man would kiss his leading lady,” she whispered.
On cue he leaned in and kissed her.  She instantly felt the difference between kissing a man on a bright soundstage, with a large crew looking on, and alone in a dark little room, drunk.  Although he handled her as if she were a porcelain doll, it was more forceful than kissing a woman.  She felt his male energy taking the lead and directing the action.  Without a doubt she was the one being kissed.  The barely-there hair stubble around his mouth burned her skin a little.  But his lips were soft, and when he parted them his tongue felt cold from the beer.  His tongue sought out hers and she took it in her mouth, sucking on it delicately.


Jacqueline Campos is the author of the celebrity-based erotic books, "The Arrangement" and "Perfectly Straight."

When not writing books and screenplays she can be found vowing to take up yoga and guitar lessons on the guitar that was given to her by her mother many Christmases ago. She is usually searching for an inspiring view of nature, simplicity, and peace. Although she lives in Southern California, she always has Texas and Chicos Tacos in her heart.

Jacqueline found herself writing to create stories that were entertaining but not necessarily the norm. She would like her novels to be exciting and to contain messages of love, kindness, and respect---and of course, sex with no holds barred.




Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Author Tina Gabrielle Character Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE at BittenByBooks

Find thrills and sexy chills in Scandalous's latest historical romance...
Every gentleman has his secrets...
London 1821
After years of marriage to a selfish man who preferred gambling to his young bride, Jane, the widowed countess of Stanwell, now seeks what she was long denied-a satisfying lover. Naturally, a lady needs a list of eligible candidates, which doesn't include the dangerously handsome (if far too arrogant) Gareth Ramsey...until he steals a sinful kiss from Jane's all-too-willing lips.
Reputed as an arrogant barrister, Gareth's real occupation is as a spy in the service of His Majesty, and his suspect is on Jane's list of possible lovers. With her life in danger, there's no safer place for Jane than with him-and in his bed. But Jane is as distracting as she is infuriating, and keeping her by his side while he pursues his mission might just endanger them both...

Buy a Kindle copy of At the Spy’s Pleasure from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $2.99!
Books in the Crown’s Secret Service series in the order they should be read:

Book Blitz : Ara by B.R. Eddy



Ara
Release Date: Fall 2014
339 pages


Ara Vertrees is an advisor to the King in Jimalia, a thriving island nation in the middle of a vast ocean. Her macaws are trained to fly home to the palace to repeat confidential information. When their messages become more and more troubling, she finds herself in the middle of a crisis she never expected. Ara's story is full of adventure, friendship, mystery, love and loss. Join Ara and her companions as they fight pirates, uncover deception, find love and fight for Jimalia.
Message from the Author

My name is Brit and I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My work with animals brought macaws into my life. They frightened me, moved me, hurt me, loved me and made me grow. I hope that my novel will help people understand these birds better! They are breathtaking and intelligent, but do not make good pets for most families. They require a lot of space and attention, can be very destructive and can easily outlive you. They can be incredible companions to the right people. Please keep all these things in mind when considering a macaw as a pet!"

Excerpt 
A bell tinkled in the distance. Sprigg peeled his gummy eyes open. It was night, he tried to remember what woke him. A bell, the aviary bell. His heart skipped, this would be a breaking point for him. Ara’s system would fail today. There was no one to deliver the message to, so did Sprigg just feed the bird? That could destroy the bird’s behavior. He sighed and rubbed his eyes, then rose to put on his slippers. May as well see who it was. He lit a candle and went to the aviary. A scarlet macaw sat on a low perch, waiting. Faint light from the distant sun grayed the sky. Sprigg held his candle up to the macaw to see who it was. Beautiful bird, long tail, high forehead, sprinkles of green on his nape... It was Seven. He just stared at the bird, who lifted up one foot hopefully. Sprigg mechanically took the bird on his arm as he began to realize that this bird had been with Ara, the Prestige hadn’t landed in Bastal before being hijacked. Seven had either found a way off the ship and flown home, or Ara was alive. Sprigg felt his keel bone, the bird’s weight was perfect, evidence that he’d been carefully maintained. Chills ran up his back. His breathing quickened, he wanted to believe it so badly. Ara could be alive. This bird could hold the answers to his burning questions. He was fully awake. Now if Seven did have a message, how was he to extract it? He left Seven in the aviary and went to prepare a diet. He had to hear the message somehow, he had to know what had happened.  With the diet in hand, he fetched Seven, left Reef in the apartment and headed to the conference room where messages were received. Sprigg stood there alone with Seven. The sun was nearly to the horizon. Seven fluffed up his feathers and looked around. Sprigg wondered if there was some secret prompt that Ara had never told him about. A few moments went by before Seven hunkered down on his arm and shat on the floor. Sprigg frowned and waited until the sun was nearly clear of the eastern sea. Seven remained silent. This wasn’t working at all. He had to do something crazy. Nothing was more important than hearing Seven’s message. As a servant, he was familiar with the secret passages and stairways built for service crew. His heart beat madly as he made his way straight for the dungeon. He took narrow brick passages. Seven seemed uneasy about the unlit path and gripped Sprigg’s arm hard. Sprigg pushed the narrow door open and peeked into the dungeon hall. It was obviously in disuse from Victor’s peaceful reign. Lord Heldey was the only prisoner in the last cell across from Sprigg. The rest were empty. He looked up the hall where torch lights lit up the hall, surely there were guards up the stairs there. Flynn noticed Sprigg with the bird and sat up. Sprigg winced, he was a mess. He’d obviously received a beating at one point. His clothes were bloodied and torn, his hair was a mop on his head. He looked ten years older, but oddly more manly than Sprigg had ever perceived him. Sprigg took a breath and glanced up the hall again before silently crossing to where Seven could see the prisoner. Seven was trembling nervously and Sprigg’s hope for hearing the message was dwindling fast. Lord Heldely remained silent, as expected before hearing a message. They waited, but Seven just clutched Sprigg and kept his secrets. Sprigg felt so desperate, but this wasn’t working. He turned to go. 
“Wait!” Flynn hissed, gripping his cell bars, “I’m innocent! They’re going to hang me for a crime I’d never commit, you have to help me!” Sprigg shushed him sharply, “Be silent! I have to fast this bird. I’ll return tonight, I swear it.”

Friday, May 22, 2015

Blitz for ONCE UPON A SEAL by Suzan Butler

Meet the Military Men of the Lucky Thirteen Series in Once Upon a Seal by Suzan Butler!
Coming May 19th is the fifth novel in the Lucky Thirteen series, ONCE UPON A SEAL from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Suzan Butler! Read how a small town girl starts to change her perceptions after conversations with a reclusive former Navy SEAL.

Check out Suzan’s recent post about summer reads on Fresh Fiction!


Follow the tour and you could win some awesome prizes!



Maddie Benson has spent her entire life in Sugar Falls and has never ventured—nor wanted to venture—beyond her small town’s safe borders. But when her delivery job takes her to the doorstep of one very reclusive, former Navy SEAL, Sebastian McIntyre, her small town perceptions are challenged with every conversation they have. It’s not long before she’s losing herself—and her heart—to the mysterious man behind the door.

Bastian’s scars are deeper than the surface. They’re embedded into his soul, and he’s content to keep them buried. But the second Maddie ends up on his doorstep with her sparkling smile and her sunshine hair, his quiet new life shatters and she just might be able to excise the demons he’s tried hard to keep tucked away—if he lets her in.

When Bastian’s old life comes haunting them, he knows he should let her go. But the light she shines on his soul keeps the darkness within him at bay. Letting her go may take more strength than he has, and keeping her close could get her killed.

On Sale in Print and Digital: May 19, 2015
Amazon | Barnes and Noble


 Add ONCE UPON A SEAL to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Author Bio: Suzan Butler writes adult contemporary romance and has a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and world domination. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity with two monsters, writing naughty books and planning the next step in her evil plans into the twilight hours of the night because that's when it's quiet in the house. She loves to hear from readers.

Suzan also has a monthly newsletter she shares with her alter ego, New York Times and USA Today bestseller, S.M. Butler, who writes new adult romantic suspense and military romance. In the newsletter, you'll find information about new releases, updates on future books, contests, giveaways, get first peek at new covers, and find out where she'll be visiting through books signings and conventions throughout the year.

 Website | Newsletter | Facebook  | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram
Grand Prize: $25 Amazon or B&N gift card
Runner-up Prizes: Digital copies of any one (1) book by Suzan Butler in the Lucky Thirteen series (except Once Upon A Seal)