AlyCat and the Monday Blues Release Day Guest Post and Giveaway!

Release Day! by Alysson Foti Bourque

The release of the very first Alycat book, Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, was so unbelievably exciting. I think that I would rank it at the top of my “most amazing experience” list—right after my wedding day and birth of my children, of course. We have added some really enticing aspects to the upcoming author visits to make the kids jump for joy! This time around, the author visits will have an Alycat mascot that will make an appearance with a bright blue dress covered with sparkly musical notes! She is super cute! During the Monday Blues reading, there will be a music video shown of Alycat’s talent show performance with the original song from the book. This song is written by myself and produced by The Music Box and Holbrook Multi Media —both located in Lafayette, LA. The book will contain the lyrics of the song at the end—just like Thursday Dessert Day had a recipe for Alycat’s Popcorn Popsicle.

I am looking forward to meeting new smiling faces at upcoming book events and introducing them to Alycat. I cannot wait to reconnect with those who I have met from the previous book tours, school visits, and events also. I want to hear what they think of Alycat's newest adventure and how they think it compares to the first book. The greatest part of the Monday Blues book is that it provides tools to young readers to turn a not-so-good day into a great day through lessons learned by Alycat. I am thrilled to imagine that Alycat is a part of people’s home library and bedtime routine. She is a part of my family and I’m happy to get to share with the world!

Alycat and the Monday Blues

by Alysson Foti Bourque

See my review HERE.

GIVEAWAY

Win one of 5 prize packages which includes:

• a signed copy of Alycat and the Monday Blues,
• an Alycat plush toy,
• a bookmark,
• a drawstring Alycat Sports pack
• and a wristband (open to USA and CAN only)

(Ends Oct 14)
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Or link to the giveaway:
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Interview with Sean Danker, Author of Admiral, Plus Giveaway!

MBS is pleased to welcome Sean Danker, author of Admiral, for interview today.
I enjoyed this sci fi mystery adventure. Please see my REVIEW for more information about the book. 

Q1. Why sci fi mystery? What do you enjoy most about writing, and reading, in the genre?

SEAN: I've always been into mysteries, and SF appeals to me because it's home to straightforward, exciting things like creature features, but it can also be used to explore larger and more complex issues.

Q2. What inspired you to write this particular story?

SEAN: I really wanted to do something in space - there's been a lot of SF in my life, so it was kind of a given that at some point I'd write a space opera. With Admiral, I got to combine the things that characterize my writing in other genres with the things I really like in science fiction.

Q3. What is the biggest obstacle you have to overcome when you want to write?
SEAN: Deciding which projects to pursue has been a struggle for me. Sometimes the book I want to write isn't necessarily the most commercially viable book to write. I have to find a balance.

Q4. Can you please share one thing you found surprising or unusual when researching or writing Admiral?
SEAN: I originally wrote Admiral as a standalone novel telling a very contained story; I was worried when I was asked to turn it into a series, but the story actually lent itself very well to sequels and an overarching story - that surprised me, but I'm really pleased with the way it's turned out.

Q5. Do your work career/hobbies/interests influence your writing?
SEAN: My hobbies and interests certainly do, but I try to keep fiction and my professional life separate.

Q6. What are some of the best tips you’ve received on writing and what one tip would you pass on to new authors?
SEAN: The best tip I've ever gotten is to persevere - whether in the writing itself or the publication process. Not giving up is important in any career. A thick skin and a willingness to cooperate are good to have too.

Q7. What do you normally read and what are you reading now?
SEAN: My reading's pretty eclectic, but at the moment I'm reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Q8. Are the interesting portraits on your blog your own art work? Renderings of your views of your characters?
SEAN: There might be some of my work on the site somewhere, but the vast majority of what goes into the blog posts is done by other artists.

Thank you for sharing with your readers.

ABOUT SEAN DANKER:

Sean Danker has been writing since he was fifteen. He read entirely too much Asimov in college, and now we’re all paying the price for it. His hobbies include biting off more than he can chew, feeling sorry for himself on Twitter, and telling people to lighten up. He is currently serving in the military on a base in North Dakota. Find the author online at http://evagard.com/

 

GIVEAWAY

One print book from the Publisher; US only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, the interview OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 14, 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 14, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Guest Post On Jujitsuffragettes by L Davis Munro PLUS Giveaway!

On Jujitsuffragettes
by L Davis Munro 

One of the most frequent questions I get asked by readers is: How did you come up with the idea to make Emmy learn Jujitsu?

I didn’t, it is based on true historical events!

The suffragettes learned Jujitsu when they started experiencing violence from the police and especially when the Cat and Mouse Act took effect. This act allowed women to be released from jail early due to health issues, caused by hunger striking, and then re-arrested under the same charge and sentence when they were healthy. This brought huge stress on their bodies and caused some serious medical issues. The suffragettes needed a way to protect themselves from being re-arrested, so a group of women formed The Bodyguard. They were taught Jujistu from Edith Garrud and learned how to defend themselves. The Bodyguard protected prominent suffrage leaders during public events and engaged in hand to hand combat with the police on many occasions. It was a really fascinating piece of their history that I discovered during my research for this book. These women were knicknamed Suffrajitsus or Jujitsuffragettes by the media at the time.

Tony Wolf has written a short biography of Edith Garrud and also a fascinating graphic novel called “Suffragitsu: Mrs. Pankhurst’s Amazons”, an alternate history of The Bodyguard women. I am a huge fan and highly recommend it!! And if you are interested in more, many of the women who were part of The Bodyguard wrote autobiographies. One book I particularly loved is “With All Her Might: The Life of Gertrude Harding Militant Suffragette” by Gretchen Wilson.

“Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette” only starts Emmy’s journey in Jujitsu. The second book will delve more into this part of the history and The Bodyguard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Image from Wikipedea, article on Emmeline Pankhurst

SEE MY REVIEW POST FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOOK AND THE AUTHOR.

GIVEAWAY!
Win 1 of 2 prizes!  A copy of Emmy Nation + $15 Amazon gift card

(print book USA & Canada) (ebook International

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Fun - #4EvrBookBoyfriend - and a Special Giveaway Pack From @ForeverRomance - #FaLaLaForever

First - Take the Quiz and find out who your best book boyfriend might be.

Take the quiz and share your results on social media with #4EvrBookBoyfriend. Don't forget to tag @ForeverRomance!  http://www.buzzfeed.com/gcpforever/whos-your-perfect-book-boyfriend-14uds

Then enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a great Holiday bundle of books!

GIVEAWAY:
Through December 19, 2014

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Forever Romance Holiday Heat Week Release Celebration with Giveaway!

Maybe it isn't quite cold outside but I appreciate the chance to enjoy some early Holiday Spirit in these Christmas reads! PLUS there is a generous Giveaway with all FOUR books thanks to Forever, Hachette! Check out the book and author information and enjoy the excerpts. Then enter the Giveaway below.

About the books & authors

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS by Katie Lane

Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions. Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed.  But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever.  It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there.

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About Katie Lane

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas and Hunk for the Holiday series.  Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, enjoys reading, going to the gym, golfing, traveling, or just snuggling next to her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.

Learn more about Katie Lane at:
www.katielanebooks.com
Facebook.com/katielaneauthor 
Twitter, @ktlane3

Ring in the Holidays Excerpt:

She dropped her gaze and cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, but—”

The elevator came to a jerky stop, and she glanced over and forgot what she was about to say.

While the bright lights highlighted her flat hair and mascara- smudged eyes, they made him appear even more of a god. A god in vivid color. His skin was a smooth, even brown that no tanning product could duplicate. His lips a subtle, tempting rose that held a trace of moisture as if his tongue had just swept over them. His hair expertly cut waves of black velvet that begged for a woman’s caress. All set off by a pair of piercing green eyes. A green so vibrant and intense it reminded her of the eighteenth hole at her father’s golf course after a light spring shower. Those eyes stared straight through her as his finger slid away from the bright red stop button on the wall of the elevator.

“Did you just stop—?”

The rest of what she was going to say ended up muffled beneath firm lips as she was guided back against the wall and lifted to her toes. Unlike Riley’s gentle hunt and pecks, this man went straight to the good stuff. And the good stuff was the best she’d ever had.

She tried to remember what she was going to tell him, but his mouth wiped away all thoughts from her mind like a damp paper towel on a dry- erase board. He devoured her hungrily, leaving no room for breath or refusal. Not that she wanted to refuse him. At least, not yet. Once he ended the kiss, she would put a stop to things. But for now, she was quite happy doing exactly what she was doing. She liked how his lips molded to hers and how his long fingers flexed at her waist with each sexy flick of his tongue. But she especially liked the way his body held her in place, the hard press of his chest, stomach, and thighs papering her against the wall.

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER ANTHOLOGY: 

by Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy

friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, 'tis the season for giving love a chance . . . 

by Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don't come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime . . . 

by Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger. 

by Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who's set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time. . . 

by Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn't mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?

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About the authors

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

You can learn more at:
JillShalvis.com
Twitter @jillshalvis
Facebook.com/jillshalvis 

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. 

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
You can learn more at:
KristenAshley.net
Twitter @KristenAshley68
Facebook.com/kristenashleybooks 

Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar. 

You can learn more at: 

HopeRamsay.com 
Facebook, www.facebook.com/Hope.Ramsay 
Twitter, @HopeRamsay.

Molly lives a charmed life in Texas with hernearly perfect husband and extremely large cat Nelson. When she's not writing, she spends her days reading, taking dance classes with the hubby and watching all kinds of sports. 

You can learn more at: 
MollyCannon.com
Twitter, @cannonmolly

Known for her intensely emotional stories, Marilyn Pappano is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly eighty books. She has made regular appearances on bestseller lists and has received recognition for her work in the form of numerous awards. Though her husband's Navy career took them across the United States, he and Ms. Pappano now live in Oklahoma high on a hill that overlooks her hometown. They have one son and daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and a pack of mischievous dogs.

You can learn more at:
MarilynPappano.com
Twitter, @MarilynPappano
Facebook.com/MarilynPappanoFanPage

From Molly Cannon’s A MESSY LITTLE CHRISTMAS Excerpt:

“Which one of these ornaments is yours?” she asked.

He took a funny- looking Santa Claus from the tree. “I made this in my third grade art class.”

Santa was made out of paper plates and construction paper. His hat was folded and bent, his beard was shaped from the rippled edge of the plate, and his button nose was falling off. Linc studied it critically, thinking it was pretty good for third grade. “I do my best work in construction paper and glue.”

“It deserves a place of honor, for sure,” she said solemnly. She reached out to take it from him and her fingers brushed his. He stopped short. It was impossible to ignore the electrical charge that zipped between them. If she’d been any other woman he wouldn’t have hesitated. He would have pulled her into his arms, crushing the silly ornament between their bodies, and kissing her right then and there.

She smiled invitingly and her lips parted a bit, enough so he could feel her soft breath on his cheek. Her eyes softened to a leaf green, and he felt his caution crumble and transform into a maddening urgency. He let the ornament fall to the ground.

Then he was kissing her. She tasted like peppermint tea and smelled like cinnamon and pine needles. Her body melded against his, her breasts pressing against his chest. He wrapped both arms around her like he was claiming something rare and long lost. His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling it from that infernal ponytail. Her mouth opened under his and while their tongues dueled, her hands roamed across his back. It wasn’t enough. Without another thought, he picked her up and headed down the hall.

IT HAPPENED AT CHRISTMAS by Debbie Mason

Free-spirited activist Skylar Davis is out of money and out of options. After using up her trust fund trying to save the world, she hides out in Christmas, hoping the kindness of friends will help her forget the reckless actions of her past. All goes well . . . until she comes face-to-face with one of her mistakes: the town's gorgeous young mayor. Ethan O'Connor likes his life drama-free and predictable now that he's about to make the move from small-town politics to the Colorado State Senate. Then Skye blows back into town, as impulsive and passionate as he remembers. If word ever got out about their night together-the night he's never been able to forget-the scandal could cripple his career. Yet as he starts his campaign, Ethan finds that, like the town of Christmas itself, he can't get Skye out of his head . . . or his heart.

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About Debbie Mason

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

You can learn more at:
AuthorDebbieMason.com 
Twitter @AuthorDebMason

IT HAPPENEDAT CHRISTMAS Excerpt:

Later that evening, Ethan sat at a table in the local sports bar, the Penalty Box, with Gage and their mutual friend Jack Flaherty. Brandi, wearing her waitress uniform—a black-and-white-striped jersey and a short black skirt—approached with a tray of drinks. “Compliments of the house. Sawyer named the drink after you, Mr. Senator-to-be. It’s a Prince Charming. Bourbon, cinnamon schnapps, Goldschläger, and root beer rimmed with coarse salt,” she explained as she set the drinks on the table. “Sawyer suggested you have a couple of them before you speak to your baby mama again.”

Gage and Jack laughed. “Har har,” Ethan muttered, slanting a look to where the owner, Sawyer Anderson, stood behind the bar taking orders. The tall, broad-shouldered ex-captain of the Colorado Flurries, a professional hockey team, gave Ethan a two-fingered salute and grinned. “Your friend’s a real comedian,” Ethan said to Jack.

“Yeah, he likes to think so,” Jack said, “but maybe this time he’s right. From what Grace said, you could use all the help you can get.”

“At least your wife’s talking to you. Thanks to him”—Gage jerked a thumb at Ethan—“mine isn’t.”

“She was until I defended him. Now I’m in the same boat as you,” Jack said, taking a long pull on his beer.

“Would someone like to explain how I’m the bad guy in this? She had no intention of telling me about the baby. As far as she’s concerned, I’m a sperm donor and have no rights.” And once his initial shock had passed, he started to get excited about the baby. He’d always hoped to be a father one day, and he was not about to let Skylar Davis take that away from him. “I asked her to marry me.”

He didn’t realize Brandi had hung around until she said, “No, you didn’t ask her. You told her you were getting married. At the courthouse. On Friday.”

“Yeah, and you also told her she was irresponsible and flighty and threw losing her trust fund in her face,” Gage said.

Brandi gasped. “You didn’t?”

“Come on, I didn’t say anything that any of you haven’t said or thought. Besides, I was pissed off. And I had good reason to be.” He might’ve had good reason to be angry, but he shouldn’t have let his temper get the best of him. The temper he didn’t have until he met Skylar Davis. “I sent her flowers and an apology, okay?”

Gage grimaced.

“What? You don’t think she’ll like them? The florist told me any woman would love them. I sent her three dozen roses.” Who knew flowers could be that expensive? But even Ethan realized he had to make some kind of gesture after what he’d said to Skye.

“Most women would, just not the one you sent them to,” Gage said.

Nell McBride, Evelyn Tate, and Stella Wright ambled over, dragging chairs to the table.

Evelyn beamed at him. “Don’t you worry, Ethan. We’re the love experts. And, dear, those roses you sent me were beautiful.” She fluttered her lashes.

“Yes, Ethan, that was very sweet of you to send them to us. But a little extravagant, don’t you think? I hope you didn’t send them to all your female supporters. Their husband’s might not be as understanding as mine,” Stella said.

Ethan rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, ignoring Gage’s I-told-you-so look. “Did all three of you get a dozen roses?” he asked in hopes he misunderstood them and that Skye hadn’t sent his peace offering to the three older women.

“Yep, me, Stella, and Evelyn. But you didn’t have to bribe us. We’d vote for you anyhow. We want one of our own in the state senate, don’t we, girls?” Nell said as she pulled out a pad and pen. “And just as an FYI, when you put from a secret admirer, you’re not supposed to sign your name."

MISTLETOE ON MAIN STREET by Olivia Miles

Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas

dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night. Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life? Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.

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About Olivia Miles

Olivia Miles is a Chicago-based romance writer. Having grown up in New England, Olivia attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec before settling in Chicago where she lives with her husband, their daughter, and two ridiculously pampered pups.

When she is not chasing after her little ones, she is hard at work creating feisty heroines and alpha heroes with a heart. A city girl with a fondness for small town charm, Olivia enjoys highlighting both ways of life in her stories.

For more information on Olivia Miles, you can find her at:
http://oliviamilesbooks.com/
Twitter: @MsOliviaMiles
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorOliviaMiles

This is a sweet, easy read. Please take a few minutes to check out my Review on the prior post!
MISTLETOE ON MAIN STREET Excerpt:

When he glanced over at her, she was staring into the fireplace, the dancing flames painting a warm glow on her porcelain complexion. Her eyes looked flat and far away.

“Everything okay?” Doubt ate at him, leaving him with the twisting feeling of dread. Had she changed her mind about staying in town?
“I was just thinking of how things played out between us, the effects they had on everything else. I—I wish I had handled it differently. I wish that I had been able to come back here.”

He swallowed the knot in his throat, refusing to feel any more guilt. She was a big girl, she had made her choice. Besides, she had been the one to leave him first. She had set all this in motion.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned in the past few days, it’s that regret is the worst type of emotion.” He met her eyes. “You can’t change the past, Grace, and you have to tell yourself that everything that happened led us to this moment.”

“This moment?” she repeated.

He held her gaze, managing a nod.

“You’re right, I know.” She gave a sad smile. “I miss my father sometimes. I wish I could have seen him more often than his visits to New York. I wish…I’d never left.”

Luke leaned over and tucked a strand of her hair back from her face, his fingertips tracing the smooth silk of her neck. Arousal burned deep inside him, and his pulse quickened. He reached over and took her wineglass from her hands, setting it on the coffee table. She stared into his eyes, expectation parting her mouth. He met her lips with his, their contact so light it was almost imperceptible, save the shiver that zipped down his spine at the sensation.

He grazed her mouth, slowly bringing her full lips to his. His hand came around her slim waist, his fingers warming at the softness of her sweater, itching to slide the material away and experience the even softer skin beneath.

She sighed into him and he parted her lips with his tongue, slowly lacing his tongue with hers and then pulling away to gaze into her eyes. The green of her irises shone in the firelight, the flames reflecting in the flecks of gold around her pupils. She lowered her eyes, smiling shyly, and her long, black lashes dusted the apples of her cheeks. He leaned in again as arousal burned deep and pressed her into his chest. He could feel every curve of her body as her ripe, firm breasts rose and fell with heavy breaths. He lowered his hand, caressing her waist, her hips, and then higher, to trace the contours of her breast and the swanlike arch of her neck. He kissed her lips, her neck, her ear, breathing deep into her skin, memorizing every taste of her skin, every touch.

The buzzing from the timer on the oven stirred his attention from her, and he groaned. He pulled away, throwing her a bashful grin. “We’re being chaperoned,” he said.

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Always on My Mind Feature and Excerpt, Plus #Giveaway: Lucky Harbor Backlist!

ALWAYS ON MY MIND

by Jill Shalvis

Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 978-1-4555-2110-4

Summary:

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle . . .

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

Author’s Social Networking links:

Blog: http://jillshalvis.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillShalvis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillShalvis
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/16bZwGE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1aIeV6N
Indiebound: http://bit.ly/16c0lPH

Author Bio:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

ALWAYS ON MY MIND excerpt:

     He stared at her. “That’s quite a list of shortcomings,” he eventually said. “Is that all?”
     “No.” She shoved her wet hair from her face, though she managed to keep her regal stance, nose firmly in the air at nose-bleed height. “I held back because I didn’t want to be overly rude.”
     He laughed softly. “Don’t hold back, Leah. Let’s hear all of it.”
     “Well, your truck has more sporting goods than a store, you never say you’re sorry, and your girlfriends look like supermodels. I mean, what is that? There’s nothing wrong with real boobs, you know!”
     “I fail to see the problem.”
     She snorted again, and he was starting to feel greatly insulted. “You’re not exactly a walk in the park, Leah.”
     “No?”
     “No. You’re flighty, you live for your every whim, you downplay any real emotion you feel.”
     She hugged herself tight. “Good thing this is all pretend then, isn’t it,” she said softly.
     “Yeah.”
     She was freezing. And hauntingly gorgeous, so damn gorgeous standing there wet and silvery by the moon’s glow, like a goddess. It’s Leah, he had to keep reminding himself. Leah, who’d once beaten him in a marshmallow-eating contest, only to puke all over him. Leah, whose dark-green eyes had a way of telling the world to bite her. Leah, who’d run off on him and left him heartbroken. He took a step into her—for what exactly, he had no idea—and she poked a finger into his chest.
     “God,” she said. “You’re so…” Words apparently failed her, but she let out a sound that managed to perfectly convey how annoying he was.
     “Ditto,” he said, and then grabbed the finger drilling a hole between his pecs and tugged her hard enough that she lost her balance and fell against him.
     He wrapped an arm around her waist, entangling a hand in her wet hair.
     She went still as stone and stared into his eyes. And then lowered her gaze to his mouth.
     Yeah, they were in sync there. Suddenly he couldn’t breathe. Hers caught audibly in her throat, a good sign, he decided. Maybe she wouldn’t knee him in the balls. Testing the waters, he grazed her jawline with his teeth.
     She shivered.
     Then he slid his mouth to the very corner of hers and was rewarded by the clutch of her hands on his shirt. Having her hold on to him like this, like he was her only anchor, sent a bolt of lust straight through him. “Leah,” he murmured, hearing the surprise in his own voice, feeling the heat course through him as he finally—God, finally—covered her mouth with his.
     Her lips parted for him eagerly, and he groaned, drowning in the erotic collision of her hot tongue and chilled, wet body.
     Serious trouble. He was in serious trouble.

Rafflecopter  Code (with gift card and full backlist prizes!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester Giveaway!

We [Sourcebooks and me too] are really excited about the new Regency trilogy coming from Amanda Forester! The first book, A Wedding in Springtime, comes out next month and has already received TWO STARRED reviews! 

 Thanks to Sourcebooks for this opportunity to share. (I wonder if I can win it at another blog.)

 

Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013 

Her Timing Couldn't Be Worse...

Miss Eugenia Talbot's presentation to the queen is spoiled by a serious faux pas—the despicable William Grant made her laugh, right in front of Her Majesty. Now Eugenia is ruined and had better marry—someone, anyone—at once...

And His Couldn't Be Better...

Roguish William Grant has never taken anything seriously in his life. Until he meets Eugenia Talbot, who makes him feel and do thing he never thought he would.

Now Eugenia's great sense of humor and kindheartedness may be her undoing, unless William can help her find a husband. To his surprise, that's the last thing he wants to do...

To Enter for a print copy:

Share a brief story of the best, worst, funniest or most embarrassing part of your wedding or one you attended.

ENTRY REQUIRES COMMENT

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 26, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 27, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement. 

A Chance to win Children's Titles and $15.00 GC for books at eTreasures Publishing

Help J.D. Pooker celebrate the release of the VERY cute children's book: Mr. Chocolate and the Magic Js.

Visit J.D. Pooker to enter giveaways to win two different children's books and also a chance to win a $15 gift certificate to eTreasures -- ENDS 4/5/13.

Giveaway Opportunity for Once Upon a Remembrance

GIVEAWAY: Comment on tour posts to win an ebook copy of Once Upon a Remembrance!  
Grace is giving an ebook copy of  Once Upon a Remembrance to a commenter during her blog tour.
Just leave a comment on my review post or the guest post to be entered.
Tour runs through October 12.  Open International.



{thanks Grace!}








 Here is the schedule of stops to check out other spotlights, excerpts, interviews and reviews. Remember to comment for a chance to win this lovely story.
Tuesday October 2
    The Reflections of a Bookworm – Interview
  
Wednesday October 3
    Bodice Ripper Novels – promo post
 
Thursday October 4

    Reviews by Molly – review

Friday October 5

    The Thoughts of a Girl – excerpt
 
Monday October 8

    Herding Cats and Burning – excerpt
  
Tuesday October 9

    Oh Chrys! –  review
  
Wednesday October 10

    Insomnia of Books – review
  
Thursday October 11

    Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf – guest post
   
Friday October 12

    The Romance Reviewer- Review
  

Interview with Bec McMaster and Giveaway of Kiss of Steel

Please welcome Bec McMaster, Author of Kiss of Steel. 
See Below to enter the Giveaway for a print copy.

Q1.  What inspired you to write this genre?

BM: I have always had a love of science and a curiosity about the world and how it works – I studied two years of biology at University before deciding it wasn’t for me – so a lot of movie or books with a science base have always appealed. And the more outlandish the inventions or ideas, the more I like them. I remember my Dad taking me to see Wild, Wild, West when it first came out and we loved it. Then of course it started infiltrating a lot of the genres I read and my mind started racing. The story and world practically built itself.

Q2.  Do you do anything especially helpful for your world building? (Notebook, Bulletin board, etc.?)

BM: I stare out the window a lot. Kidding. Keeping track of it is hard, and I have started keeping detailed records, but honestly a lot of it is in my head. I have entire worlds and plots in there and I can recall most of it off the top of my head. It’s the names I need to keep track of mostly.

Q3.  Do your work career/hobbies/interests influence your writing?

BM: Everything I see, do or read influences my writing in some way. I’m particularly interested in travel, so I love setting my books in places I’ve been to or want to visit. It’s the next best thing to being there, and I love researching travel blogs and weird little facts about the places I set my books so that it truly feels like you’re there. I spent several months living in London four years ago, so a lot of that went into creating Kiss of Steel. London has such an atmosphere and a weight of history about it. I spent hours walking down random streets and staring at all the houses or little museums and pubs that were everywhere. Or absorbing all the little details of costumes at the Victoria & Albert museum. They’re amazing!
 
Q4.  Did you find anything “hands on” or unusual required when researching these books?

BM: Again, it’s a combination of experiences over the years popping up in the stream of my sub-conscious. For example, I did a junior pentathlon once, so we studied fencing, which came in handy for certain scenes. And my step-sister’s boyfriend is English so I spent a lot of time listening to him and the way he speaks. Not that he probably knows that.
 
Q5.  What is one thing you struggle with in your writing?

BM: Adverbs. They’re everywhere. Luckily I give the manuscript a good prune with the editorial scissors before anyone else lays eyes on it. I remember my critique partner highlighting them in a page once, just to show me. There was a lot of yellow.
 
Q6.  Please share your most rewarding experience since being published. 

BM: It actually happened two nights ago. I had my local book launch at the library in town and 120 people showed up, which is pretty good for a small town. The level of local support has been amazing, and people have been really, genuinely excited about hearing what has happened. I’ve always been a private person – in fact a lot of my friends weren’t even aware I wrote until a few years ago – so it’s been an eye-opening experience for me.

Q7.  If you could ask readers a question, what would it be?

BM: If you could create an invention to do anything you wanted, what would it be? (I must admit, I want the Tardis).

 

KISS OF STEEL BY BEC MCMASTER 

IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2012

 

A brilliantly creative debut where vampires, werewolves, and clockwork creatures roam the mist–shrouded streets of London...

When Nowhere is Safe…

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds. For more information, please visit http://www.becmcmaster.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @BecMcMaster.

GIVEAWAY ONE PRINT COPY OF Kiss of Steel

Thank you to Sourcebooks for allowing me to host a giveaway!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Print Copy from Sourcebooks:

ENTER HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries: Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
For 3 Extra Bonus entries: Comment on this Interview and/or Answer the Author's Q7 above in pink.
For 2 Extra Bonus entries: Comment on my review (the previous post).

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 5, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 6, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.