Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Winners Announced






Since I have four winners I decided today I would do it slightly different with just one post with all the winners. That being said lets name the lucky winners of .......Sophie Barnes (swag) , Maxine Mansfield, Kim Law, and Claire Delacroix .


Eva's Flowers~ Won Sophie Barnes ~ Buttons and rack of cards..... I will need your snail mail to forward on

Teri Dion ~ Won ebook or paperback of Tempted by the Storm..... I will need to know if you want an ebook or the paperback of  Tempted by the Storm. If you want the paperback I will need your snail mail. 

Mickala Murphy~ Won $5 Amazon card and a paperback of Sugar Springs....... I will need the email to pass on for Kim to send your gift card as well as your snail mail. 

Aline Tobing ~  Won the paperback copy of  THE RENEGADE’S HEART
 
I will be emailing you guys shortly. If you see this before you get that email go ahead and send me one to Lindseyhutchison605 (at) gmail (dot) com
 
The next winners will be announced in my regular fashion. 
 
If you did not win this time around there is a lot more chances coming up. Stay tuned for the posts and thanks for being a part of the blog.   

Black Moon Blog Tour ~ Series Spotlight and Giveaway with J.D. Tyler

PRIMAL LAW, Alpha Pack #1
 
Founded by a group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price…After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight—and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman who reawakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke has evidence that leads the Alpha Pack on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule—because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk, and they might be the only tools he has to keep his mate alive…

 Order from: Amazon - B&N - BAM


BLACK MAGIC, An ALPHA PACK novella #1.5

 An original Alpha Pack novella featuring the sexy sorcerer and panther shifter Kalen Black…
Recruited by the Alpha Pack, Kalen Black is still very much a lone wolf. But when a paranormal creature threatens the life of Dr. Mackenzie Grant, Kalen must use all of his abilities to rescue her. This brush with death excites a passion between them, and after a night of intense pleasure, Kalen leaves Mac with a mysterious gift that just might save her life again.…


 Order from: Amazon -B&N
 

SAVAGE AWAKENING, Alpha Pack #2,

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for... After a mission goes wrong, Aric Savage is taken prisoner. Half-dead and despairing, he makes a stunning discovery: his Pack mate Micah Chase, who was reported dead, is a fellow captive. When the Alpha team goes into full-rescue mode, accompanying them is an absolute stunner with sable hair--and a spine of solid steel. LAPD officer and Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase has one priority: her brother Micah's recovery. Still, she can't help but be drawn to Aric, the ruggedly handsome wolf shifter who pleasures her as no man ever has--however fleeting their affair is destined to be. But when Aric's life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she's willing to sacrifice in the name of love, for the man fated to be her Bondmate.

 Order from: Amazon - B&N - BAM

BLACK MOON, Alpha Pack #3
Publication Date:  December 4, 2012
Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant's life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them--one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard. With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen's mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen's child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To be with his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all...
 Order from: Amazon - B&N - BAM
 J.D. Tyler is an award-winning, multi-published author who writes for New American Library under three pseudonyms. Whether this is due to an overdose of ambition or a multiple personality affliction, she’ll never tell.J.D. writes dark, sexy paranormal romance and has a huge thing for shifters, vampires, the Fae, and just about everything else that goes bump and grind in the night. She can’t get enough of those dangerous supernatural heroes, and the fun of creating her own was just too much temptation to resist… so she didn’t. J.D. doesn’t do self-denial.When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. She lives in Texas with her two teenagers.
 Connect with J.D. Tyler: Website / Facebook / Twitter

 BLACK MOON BLOG TOUR
11/25/12 - 12/15/12

11/25 - Ramblings From This Chick
11/26 - Reading Between the Wines
11/27 - Riverina Romantics
11/28 - United by Books
11/29 - Books-n-Kisses
11/30 - RR@H Novel Thoughts
12/01 - The Reading Café
12/02 - Book Lovin' Mamas
12/03 - Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction
LIVE CHAT - 8-9pm EST (7-8pm CT, 6-7pm MDT, 5-6pm PDT)
12/04 - Book Reader Addict
12/05 - Under the Covers
12/06 - Close Encounters with the Night Kind
12/07 - My Keeper Shelf
12/08 - Reading on the Wild Side
12/10 - Cocktails and Books
12/11 - Paranormal Haven
12/12 - Romancing the Book
12/13 - I Smell Sheep
12/14 - Grave Tells
12/15 - Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies…Oh My!


********** GIVEAWAY ********* 

J.D. has generously offered up  one paperback book from the Alpha Pack series (PRIMAL LAW, SAVAGE AWAKENING or BLACK MOON). winner's choice.All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 26, 2012

Devil Du Jour Blog Tour: Spotlight & Excerpt




The Book Waitress, Camille Duttonhas luck on her side.Good and badOn the upside, she narrowly escaped death and Satan claiming her soul. On the downside, a portal has been opened, and she can feel every time a creature from Hell crosses over to our world.

Derek Galloway is one tenacious man. His curious nature won’t let him rest until he closes Hell’s portal and finds a cure for Camille’s affliction. Satan will have one helluva fight on his hands if he tries to claim her again.

Camille and Derek, an unlikely couple, have found each other in the darkest of times. Will they find the answers they need to free her and the world from Satan’s grip? Or are they in for the longest, darkest battle of their lives?


BUY LINKS : AMAZON  / B&N / Smashwords 
 
BUY LINK FOR THE BOOK WAITRESS BOOK ONE
It's FREE on kindle right now!!
 
 
********* EXCERPT *********

 
Evil had done a real number on her in her sleep. She had to somehow push him out of her mind. Useless facts! She could try using all those facts she stored up for no good reason, but helped her in socially awkward situations. Maybe if she thought about them, she could squeeze the darkness out.
“Did you know good means morally excellent, virtuous, and righteous?” She sniffed and wiped her wet eyes with the hem of her t-shirt. Dragging her fingers through her thick mane, she removed the tumbling mess from her face and did her best to tame the reckless locks of hair.
“No I didn’t.” He extended his hand again, and this time she took it.
“It also means honorable and worthy.”
“Both of which you are.”
She inched out of the corner, ever closer, and kneeled before him, suddenly sensing his physical need of her, his concern, and affection. How could she deny her own longing and desire for him?
“Show me, Derek.” Her breath hitched. “Show me what Satan refuses me the truth.”
He rose to meet her in the center of the living room floor, the pair on their knees, like two souls praying and worshipping each other. Butterflies flitted joyfully in her belly, replacing the hurt of earlier, painful times. Her chin trembled with anticipation as he brought his lips to rest upon hers for the most gentle of kisses she believed had ever been given or received.
“I’m worthy, I’m worthy….” she murmured over and over as he kissed her branded eyelids and chased with feather-light kisses a single tear that had escaped to run down her cheek. He blazed another trail along her throat, down to the sweet spot between her breasts, and she enveloped him in her arms, cherishing the gentle restraint he displayed, appreciating how hard it must be for him to contain his full desires. Even she held back a little, wounds still smarting under the bandages.
But she couldn’t deny herself the glory of seeing what lay hidden under his shirt, and pushed him away to peel the thin material off in a burst of primal wanting. A godlike present had lain underneath. Smooth, sculpted arms, chest and abdomen seemed to beg for her hands to touch, and she willingly obeyed. Groaning, his eyes fluttered closed as she explored each hill with her lips and every valley with the tip of her tongue. He tasted of sunlight and all that was good and honest. Like a man. A virile man to whom she would have to show her entire body.
She froze, frightened by her urgent need and limitations.
He opened his eyes and when they met hers, they were filled with understanding. He caressed her cheek and whispered, “Camille, my beautiful flower, whatever you need, whatever you want, just tell me.”
He waited patiently for her to find her voice. “I…I don’t want you to see my body. Not like this.”
“Love-making can take many forms, sweetheart. Take me to your bed, Cam. I’ll show you.”


 My name is Deena Remiel, and I am an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. It seems the longer I write, the darker my stories get! But I just can’t get enough of Good vs Evil! I also teach language arts to middle schoolers. Curiously, I find myself being called upon to write all sorts of correspondence for my family and friends, but they are everything to me, and frequently serve as fodder for elements of my novels, poems, and posts. They take it all in stride, though, and with good humor. So, it’s really a perfect give and take relationship!
Feel free to contact me: deenaremiel@yahoo.com


Devil Du Jour Trailer

DIRECTIONS FOR READERS: Each stop on the DEVIL DU JOUR Blog Tour will have a letter to collect. After collecting all 13 letters, put them all together to create a sentence! Email me what the sentence says and I’ll email you back with a special gift! deenaremiel@yahoo.com
 
 My letter to collect is..N

 Here's the next stop on the tour.. Kristina's Books & More 

 If you've just joined the tour you can find the full blog tour schedule HERE



Friday, November 23, 2012

Interview and Giveaway With Sophie Barnes

United By Books is pleased to welcome back Sophie Barnes on the blog today to answer a few questions and share a little with us on her latest release The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda : A Summersby Tale.

1~ Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

First of all, I ‘d like to thank you for inviting me to join you on your blog today – it’s good to be back =)

I was born in Denmark, spent my childhood in Spain and have since lived in France, Ghana and the US, so I’d say that I have a pretty multicultural background with a particular penchant for ethnic food =) Aside from that, I’m a romantic at heart who loves peaceful walks in the forest or just finding a quiet spot, surrounded by nature, where I can sit and relax. My favorite romances are (in no particular order): Somewhere in Time, Pride and Prejudice & Gone with the Wind, but as much as I love watching movies, I’m just as happy (sometimes more so) to sit in a quiet corner and read a delicious book =)

2~  Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing historical romances?

Form of address has put me through the wringer a few times…lol…Not so much figuring out what’s correct and what isn’t, but deciding based on characters POV and relationship with individual how to refer to other characters both in internal thoughts and through dialogue. It’s not always as straight forward as you might think.

3~ What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Oh, I don’t know…I’ve seen an elephant up close in the wild and I love theme parks =)

 4~  Can you please tell us a little about your newest release ( The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda : A Summersby Tale 11/20) ?

Absolutely! This is the third book in the Summersby series and in it, we follow William Summersby, the eldest of the three siblings. As his father’s heir and seeing his younger siblings settled, he’s decided that it’s time for him to abandon his career in the Foreign Office in favor of getting married. He’s even selected his bride – a woman picked based on logical reasoning rather than an emotional one. But to his surprise, he suddenly finds himself trapped into marriage by a woman he’s never set eyes on before, and must find a way to either make the marriage work or accept it as the failure it seems destined to be.
Lucinda Blackwell has only one objective – revenge. Seeking out England’s foremost spy and attaching herself to him is a means to an end for her, for she will do anything to avenge the murder of her parents. However, she did not count on losing her heart in the bargain. Set in England and Constantinople, the story follows the blooming love and affection between William and Lucy as they find their lives threatened by a vindictive killer, and must risk everything in order to save each other.

5~  What's in store next for your readers or can you share anything about your current WIP?
Next up is another three part series with each book centered around the grand Kingsborough Ball. I can’t say much else yet, except that I’m currently reviewing the WIP for book one which is due on December 1st. 

6~ Would you like to share an excerpt from The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda : A Summersby Tale?

Oh, definitely! Here’s one from the beginning of the book =)

“Do you love her?” Miss Blackwell suddenly asked, her head tilted upward at a slight angle.
By deuce, even her voice was delightful to listen to. And those imploring eyes of hers…No, he’d be damned if he’d allow her to ensnare him with her womanly charms. She’d practically made a fool of both his sister and his father; she’d get no sympathy from him. Not now, not ever. “You and I are hardly well enough acquainted with each other for you to take such liberties in your questions, Miss Blackwell. My relationship to Lady Annabelle is of a personal nature and certainly not one that I am about to discuss with you.”
Miss Blackwell blinked. “Then you do not love her,” she said simply.
Good grief, but the woman was insufferable. Had he at any point in time told her that he was not in love with his fiancĂ©e? Why the devil would she draw such a conclusion? It was maddening and quite beyond him to understand the workings of her mind. “I hold her in the highest regard,” he said.
Miss Blackwell stared back at him with an increased measure of doubt in her eyes. “More reason for me to believe that you do not love her.”
“Miss Blackwell, if I did not know any better, I should say that you are either mad or deaf—perhaps even both. At no point have I told you that I do not love her, yet you are quite insistent upon the matter.”
“That is because, my lord, it is in everything you are saying and everything that you are not. If you truly love her, you would not have spent a moment’s hesitation in professing it. It is therefore my belief that you do not love her but that you are marrying her simply out of obligation.”
Why the blazes he was having this harebrained conversation with a woman he’d only just met, much less liked, was beyond him. But the beginnings of a smile that now played upon her lips did nothing short of make him catch his breath. With a sigh of resignation, he slowly nodded his head. “Well done, Miss Blackwell. You have indeed found me out.”
Her smile broadened. “Then it really doesn’t matter whom you marry, as long as you marry. Is that not so?”
He frowned, immediately on guard at her sudden enthusiasm. “Not exactly, no. The woman I marry must be one of breeding, of a gentle nature, and graceful bearing. Lady Annabelle fits all of those criteria rather nicely, and with time, I am more than confident that we shall become quite fond of each other.”
The impossible woman had the audacity to roll her eyes. “All I really wanted to know was whether or not anyone’s heart might be jeopardized if you were persuaded to marry somebody else. That is all.”
“Miss Blackwell, I can assure you that I have no intention of marrying anyone other than Lady Annabelle. She and I have a mutual agreement. We are both honorable people. Neither one of us would ever consider going back on our word.”
“I didn’t think as much,” she mused, and before William had any time to consider what she might be about to do, she’d thrown her arms about his neck, pulled him toward her, and placed her lips against his.

7~ How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

He’d chuck as much as a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood – Ta Da =)

8~ Please tell the Readers in two sentences why they should check out your Summersby Series?

Because it’s a fun-filled romance adventure with a twist. And because the hero’s not only charming and protective of the heroine, but quite hot too (see Paul Walker) =)

9~ How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

With my family and a bottle of wine =)

10~  How would you describe yourself in three words?

Sensitive, Dreamer, Determined.

11~ So are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Took me a while to figure this one out, LOL. I can’t say I’m a Twilight fan though I did see the first movie so I have to go with Edward – definitely =)

12~ Is there anything special you would like to share with the readers while we have you here today?

I would really like to thank everyone for showing such unbelievable kindness and support toward me during the past year. It’s been an incredible journey so far – more so because of how wonderful you’ve all been – readers and bloggers alike. There’s some big news to come, but I can’t share it just yet (it’s highly confidential – lol), though I’ll give you a hint – it has something to do with my next release =)

 Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian.

She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing.

When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Book Series Spotlight and Giveaway for Skye Morrison Vampire Series by J.L. McCoy

Skye Morrison has a lot in common with today’s college graduates; she’s neck-deep in student loan debt and desperate for a better paying job. For four years, the nightlife of Austin, Texas (home of Skye’s Alma Mater) has satiated her thirst for good music, a revamp in fashion and men – especially local musician, Jameson Doyle, but her spot as a waitress at Drop Kick Dan’s bar wasn’t going to cut the slack. A personal life troubled by a hounding ex only made matters worse. Skye was never the damsel in distress type, but when an unexpected public shouting match with her ex turned physical, a savior disguised as a heavenly gorgeous Irishman came to her rescue. Archer Rhys, a businessman with a lot to offer, doesn’t exactly sweep Skye off her feet but she couldn’t help but to be captivated by his ravenous good looks. When Archer makes Skye a lucrative job offer as his personal assistant for his new downtown Austin club, The Mausoleum, she quickly finds out that she may have gotten more than she bargained for.

 In this breakout novel, J.L. McCoy takes the reader on an indulgent descent into a modern-day counterculture of nighttime extravagances. Close your eyes, succumb to intense passion, sip a Vampire’s Kiss and let the pounding of the club music overtake you. With animated detail, you’ll find yourself on an unimaginable journey deep into the lair and grasp of Archer Rhys and his mind games. Distracted by Jameson’s charm and blinded by Archer’s allure and generous paycheck, Skye’s new life invokes the reader’s empathy as she’s surrounded in a whirlwind of desire, deceit and even death. Blood of the Son; this isn’t your little sister’s vampire novel. Approximately 84.020 words

Amazon Kindle links Blood of the Son : USUK/ B&N 

********* EXCERPT *********
(Coming shortly)


After a shocking admission by Archer Rhys, Skye Morrison and the rest of The Mausoleum's vampire crew have to deal with the aftermath of Houston business owner and fellow vampire Greyson Mead's murder. A gruesome discovery in Skye's driveway forces her out of her North Central Austin, Texas townhome and temporarily into Archer's lakeside mansion with her co-workers Trey, Hunter, Quinn, Seamus, Lochlan, Jameson, and of course the ever jealous Aoife. Skye must now live under the same roof with the two men she wants most and things are bound to get complicated. With a psychotic murder on the loose hell bent on killing vampires and the appointed army of The Faithful having no luck in finding them, will Skye's new boss and co-workers live to see next week? Will Skye make it out of Archer's mansion alive?

 Don't miss the next installment in the popular Skye Morrison Vampire Series brought to you by breakout novelist J.L. McCoy. v-v
Amazon Kindle links Sins of the Father : USUK/ B&N / Smashwords
********* EXCERPT **********
“Did you need something?” I asked.
Archer leaned forward in his chair and took off his expensive charcoal gray sports coat. “I wanted to see how you were handling all of this,”he said, throwing the coat onto the couch and moving to take off his cufflinks. I watched him struggle for a second before I intervened.
“Here, let me help you.” I said as I got up from the chair and walked around his desk. He smiled tiredly, sighed, and thanked me. I hopped up onto the desk, sat in the same place Aoife had only moments ago occupied and pulled his hand onto my lap. I slowly took off his left cufflink and sat it down on the dark desk beside me. I looked into his ice blue eyes as I rolled the shirtsleeve up his muscular forearm. “Honestly, Archer, I don’t know how I am handling this.”
He stared intensely into my eyes and searched them for clues. “Are you scared?” I nodded my head and gave him his arm back. I picked up his right one and began the same process again. “You know I’ll never let anything happen to you, don’t you?”
I watched my hands work as I thought about that for a few seconds.
“I know,” I said finally, looking back up into his beautiful eyes. Neither of us said anything for a long moment. “I’m worried about you...about all of you,” I admitted reluctantly, my fingers finishing their work.
Archer took one of my hands in his and leaned closer. “We’re going to be just fine,” he said, tucking a stray hair behind my left ear and then lifting my chin. “We’re a lot stronger than we look, Skye.”
I had a sudden flash of Greyson’s mutilated body and I swallowed hard, shaking my head. My eyes glistened with unshed tears. “But Greyson...,”
Archer shushed me with a gentle finger to my full lips. “Don’t,” he whispered, looking deeply into my eyes. “Don’t think about that.” He cupped my cheek and tenderly ran his thumb over my mouth, tracing my bottom lip.
“I’m sorry for how I acted earlier tonight,” he apologized gently, his eyes remorseful.
“I know,” I whispered. I tilted my head into his cool hand and closed my eyes. His touch was so comforting, his strong arms safe. I felt my body slowly start to relax for the first time tonight.
“I want you to stay with me tonight, Skye.” My eyes flew open in alarm and I sat up straight. “Us,” Archer amended quickly. “I meant I want you to stay with us...at my house.”
"Skye Morrison's life lately has been anything but ordinary. Attempting to pull together the pieces of her life that have been ripped to shreds after being kidnapped and tortured by Amun- who happens to be the father of all vampires-her dreams are haunted by memories of those recent fateful and horrific events. Skye struggles with her split feelings and the raw sexual tension with her lover, Jameson Doyle and boss Archer Rhys-the continuous object of her sexual fantasies. Residing at Archer's lakeside mansion with the rest of the vampire clan, Skye attempts to maintain a normal routine. With the vampire army, The Faithful, attempting unsuccessfully to capture Amun, her nightmares take her down a twisted spiral of entrapment and terror, taking its toll on her daily life. Haunted and hunted by the psychotic and mind-twisting Amun, Skye goes through dark and violent changes, revealing a side of herself she didn't know existed and ultimately leading to a shocking conclusion. 
With a climax that will leave you breathless and wanting more, don't miss the third chapter in the life of Skye Morrison. Pick up your copy of The Original Sin, book #3 of the Skye Morrison Vampire Series today, written by emerging author J.L. McCoy." 
Amazon Kindle links The Original Sin: US/ UK / B&N / Smashwords
********* EXCERPT **********

“Stop,” I whispered as the tears finally began to spill down my face. “I can’t bear to hear anymore.” My heart constricted with the pain his words brought. “How can you do this to me? How can you when you know I’m with Jameson.”
I roughly wiped the tears from my cheeks, stood up, and stormed over to him. “What am I supposed to do with this, Archer? Huh? Leave your brother and jump into your bed? What about him? What about his feelings? How can you do this to me? Why couldn’t you have just left it alone? Why did you have to tell me?”
“You deserve to know how I feel,” he growled. “You were mine before you were his.”
“No,” I shook my head sadly. “I wasn’t.”
“Why couldn’t you have just talked to me, Skye?” Archer asked, his voice full of pain. “Why didn’t you give me an opportunity to explain the kiss you saw between Aoife and me before you ran into my brother’s arms?”
“I thought I knew what I saw,” I whispered, losing my fight.
“You knew nothing,” he whispered, matching my tone, as he closed the gap between us and pulled me into his arms. He bent down and nuzzled my hair, taking a deep breath in.
I wrapped my arms around him and clung to him tightly. I buried my face in his chest and succumbed to my waterworks. “I knew nothing,” I finally admitted tearfully.
He held me for a long time, neither of us saying anything. I think we were both just content to be in each other’s arms. We had been denying ourselves for the longest time. Holding him felt like coming home; like a cool drink of water after a long week in the desert.
“I’m so sorry, Archer,” I sniffed. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“I’m sorry, too,” he mumbled into my hair as he placed light kisses about the top of my head. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. The girl I love is sleeping with my brother.”
 J. L. McCoy resides in the beautifully weird city of Austin, Texas with her opinionated Pekiweenie Isabel and handsome husband Kenny.  She has always been apassionate reader and enjoys watching movies, traveling, listening to heavy metal/classic rock/80s music, getting mani/pedis with her girls, and singing karaoke.  She loves body art and is hopelessly addicted to Sonic’s ice and Route 44 un-sweet raspberry iced tea.  

If you’d like more information about her or her upcoming books, please visit her at the following links:

Website: www.JLMcCoy.com

********* GIVEAWAY **********

J.L. has generously offered up a swag pack so just fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Guest Post and Giveaway with Shelley Shapard Gray

United By Books is please to let Shelley Shepard Gray take over the blog today ..........


One of my favorite things about A Christmas for Katie is that the heroine is a librarian. See, little Katie Weaver, one of the main characters in this novella, has a fondness for books and libraries and librarians. That’s just like me!
Did you ever visit the library growing up?
Libraries have always been special to me. I remember my first neighborhood library fondly. The children’s section was in a trailer next to a very old building where the main library was housed. That trailer was crowded and packed with books-and I thought it was the most amazing place ever. I still recall taking home The Little Matchmaker and reading it over and over again. Eventually, my mother got me a little book bag to carry my books back and forth.
Years later, they tore down the old building and carted off that trailer and built a beautiful new library. In high school, I’d hang out there with my girlfriends. Supposedly, we were studying…but usually we were looking at all of the old paperback romances in the back aisle. That’s where I used to check out old Barbara Cartland regencies four and five at a time.
In college, Boulder’s library next to the park became a haven for me. I read all of Agatha Christie’s books, then moved onto several more mysteries series while studying English literature in college. When I got my first teaching job in Mesa, AZ, I had no extra money, so that city’s library became a favorite spot, too.
Nowadays, I have to admit to being a little impatient for library books. I read a lot, and I read fairly fast, so it’s far easier to order a new book on my Kindle than it is to drive over to the library. But I still find myself in our town’s library several times a year, supposedly doing research…but more than likely sitting back in the stacks, skimming through stacks of novels and cookbooks.
I hope you will enjoy A Christmas for Katie, and Miss Donovan’s romance, too. I really enjoyed setting most of a novel in a place where I have so many happy memories.
Do you have a favorite library memory?  




I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.
I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.
Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.
I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.
Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.
    
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Virtual Blog Tour for Tudor Rubato by Jamie Salisbury with Giveaway

Having survived a near-death experience all Amadeus Tudor wants to do is escape to the countryside of Scotland with his wife Zara so the two can have some much needed down time together as a couple and work on rebuilding their relationship.  Life for the past couple of years, however has been “a long, strange trip (it’s been)”* for the internationally acclaimed rock star, with no signs of stopping. (*Grateful Dead - Truckin')
But before the couple can even get away, tragedy hits close to home forcing the couple into almost delaying their new adventure. Grace Tudor, the family matriarch insists the two embark on their new adventure and recommitting to each other immediately.
The change of scenery proves exactly what Amadeus needs to reboot his songwriting and his all encompassing bond with Zara.  Together they embrace their new adventure as slowly Amadeus, with the guidance of music icon, Peter McNichol embarks on what promises to be another notch in Amadeus’ career.
The road is full of twists and turns for the pair as one moment finds them frolicking in the meadows outside Edinburgh to the next learning the shocking and sinister side of one of Amadeus’ own brothers. 
Tudor Rubato Purchase Links: 
********* EXCERPT *********

I closed the front door and found Amadeus back in the kitchen helping himself to a huge slice of the blackcurrant pie. He certainly had no problem finding the plates and forks.
“Amadeus! I was going to warm the pasties so we could eat first.”
“But I’m starving.”
“So am I. Put it down. I’ll heat up these pasties so we can eat. Why don’t you open the bottle of wine. And put that pie down!”
“Mmm, okay,” he mumbled as he crammed his mouth full of pie.
I walked over and snatched the plate out of his hand, knowing full well he would eat the entire piece while we waited for the main course. Fortunately for us, the pasties were still fairly warm and I popped them into the microwave for a minute just to make them hot.
I found a corkscrew in a drawer and tossed it to him as I looked for a couple of wine glasses. I took two out of the cabinet and walked them over to him. As I laid them down, the buzzer on the microwave beeped letting me know the pasties were ready. I plated them, grabbed a couple of forks and walked over to the kitchen table situated along a cheerful large window. Amadeus quickly followed and placed a glass next to me as he sat down across the table.
The food was good, and we were both hungrier than we thought. We devoured all four of the pasties before Amadeus was back at his slice of pie. My mind was still spinning with the events of the day. It had been quite a long day for that matter, but I was too keyed up for sleep.
Instead I got up, gathered the dishes and put them in the dishwasher before I walked back over to where Amadeus sat, still at the kitchen table. I began to massage his neck and shoulders.
“How does that feel?”
“God you’ve got good hands. That feels wonderful.”
I knew beneath the table Amadeus was hard as granite, the blood running like lava through his veins, and I knew where this was going if I kept touching him.
I moved his hair to one side and began kissing him against the nape of his neck and smiled as a shudder rippled through him.
“Amadeus,” I cooed softly, “would you like to check out our new bedroom?”
It was all the encouragement he needed. Noisily he shoved back his chair and hauled me into his arms. “Why go all the way upstairs to the bedroom, love?”
Copyright©2012Jamie Salisbury

Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her diversified professional career that encompassed public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning.
 An avid reader of history, biographies, and romance it's only natural that she prefers to write romances with characters said to be "so authentic they spring forth from the page and shake the reader's hand." No stranger to life threatening situations Jamie pulls from life experience when she creates her stories. Such as when her family had to escape Chile when she was a teen because of the unstable political climate.
 Finding herself unable to walk great distances  as a result of  several foot surgeries, she started writing once again as a way to pass the time. With the completion of her first novel Perpetual Love she dove head first into the eBook and digital publishing paradigm. She couldn't be happier with her decision to grab the publishing industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to offer.

Contact Links
Site | Blog | Facebook| Twitter


********* GIVEAWAY *********
 Jamie will be giving a ever growing swag pack away to some lucky commenter along the tour. So make sure you leave an email address in case your name is drawn.