Wine and Love … #CrushedTour {+ Giveaway}

It’s a pleasure to be a part of author Deborah Coonts’ Masquerade Book Tour for her current release, CRUSHED, the first installment in her Heart of Napa series.

Title: Crushed, a novel of wine and love

Author: Deborah Coonts

Publication Date: March 9, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: The Heart of Napa, Book #1

As part of the tour, the author has graciously answered some questions and is hosting a tour-wide giveaway for one (1) digital copy of the Lucky Series by Deborah Coonts and one (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card. Please see the end of the post for more details.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:

In Napa Valley, he who has the best grapes wins.
          And in the pursuit of perfection, dreams and hearts can be crushed.
          Sophia Stone is a widow on the brink of an empty nest, stuck in an unsatisfying job managing the vineyard for a mediocre Napa vintner. Faced with an uncertain future she wonders how do you choose between making a living and making a life? Between protecting your heart and sharing it? Five years ago, after her husband was killed in an accident, Sophia put her heart and dreams on ice to care for those around her. Now her home, her dreams, and her family’s legacy grapes are threatened by the greed of the new money moving into the Valley. Sophia has a choice—give up and let them take what is hers, or risk everything fighting a battle everyone says she can’t win.
          Nico Treviani has one goal in life: make brilliant wine. A woman would be an unwanted distraction. So, while recognized as one of Napa’s premier vintners, Nico finds himself alone… until his brother’s death drops not one, but two women into his life — his thirteen-year-old twin nieces. In an instant, Nico gains a family and loses his best friend and partner in the winemaking business. Struggling to care for his nieces, Nico accepts a job as head winemaker for Avery Specter, one of the new-money crowd. And he learns the hard way that new money doesn’t stick to the old rules.

CRUSHED is available at the following sites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and GoodReads.

Please join me in giving Deborah a warm welcome as she answered some questions about her writing. Welcome, Deborah.

What inspired you to write this story?

Deborah:
The courage of all of the women I meet.

Which character was the hardest to write and why?

Deborah:

The protagonist, curiously. I thought I knew her when I started—turns out I had some things she could teach me. Also, she starts out a bit timid and afraid—not traits that are easy to write and make heroic. But, it’s her growth in the story that make her heroic, so that was great fun. On the other hand, the male lead, Nico, leapt off the page and threatened to take over the story at each appearance!

If your book was made into a movie today, who would you like to see playing the main character?

Deborah:

Sophia? Ashley Judd.

What is the best writing advice you've been given that you like to pass along to others?

Deborah:

Do it because you love it, and never, ever stop.

What do you hope readers take away from reading your book?

Deborah:
A bit of compassion for themselves and their own messy journey through life. All of us have messy journeys, but we tend to beat ourselves up for our mistakes rather than stop to take solace and joy in what we have accomplished. And don’t let fear define you and rob you of your dreams.

Do you have any projects you're currently working on?

Deborah:
Ha! Always! I’m doing the edits now on two thrillers. One with a female helicopter pilot and a Coast Guard Commander that take place in the world of Big Oil out in the Gulf of Mexico. I’m a pilot—I had to write about a female pilot eventually:) The other thrill has a young woman, late 30’s, a former undercover cop who is now is Witness Protection. She comes home one day to find a dead man in her bathtub. Suffice it to say, there are complicating factors, not the least of which is a genetic health issue and a cutting edge treatment program that complicate her life dramatically. A fun psychological thriller.

Deborah, thanks for joining us today and sharing this look at your writing. It’s always interesting to learn where a writer gets their inspiration.

You can also find Deborah on tour at the following blogs:

May 16
The Book Bag (Guest Post)
EskieMama Reads (Spotlight)
Hope. Dreams. Life... Love (Spotlight)

May 17
My Creatively Random Life (Character Interview)
Charline's Blog and More... (Guest Post)
100 Pages A Day (Spotlight)

May 18
POTL: All Things Books, Reading and Publishing (Guest Post)
Underneath the Covers (Spotlight)
A Writer's Life (Spotlight)

May 19
Thoughts in Progress (Author Interview)
Grammy's Book Shelf (Spotlight)
Masquerade Crew (Top Ten List)

May 20
BB's Book Reviews & Promotions (Author Interview)
Boom Baby Reviews (Character Interview)
DJ's Book Corner (Top Ten List)

Author Deborah Coonts

Deborah Coonts’ mother tells her she was born in Texas a very long time ago. Deborah isn’t so sure—her mother can’t be trusted. These things we are fairly certain of though: Deborah was raised in Texas on BBQ, Mexican food and beer.

She is the author of WANNA GET LUCKY? a humorous romantic mystery set amid the glitz, glamor and gaudy of Las Vegas that was a NY Times Notable Crime Novel and double RITA™ Finalist and received several starred reviews as have the five sequels. CRUSHED the first novel in her Heart of Napa series is out now. Deborah can usually be found at the bar, but also at her website.

For more on Deborah and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, Pinterest, and Instagram.

This is a tour-wide giveaway. The giveaway is for one (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card and one (1) digital copy of the Lucky series by Deborah Coonts. The giveaway ends on May 27. The giveaway is open Internationally and readers should void where prohibited.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you ever toured a winery or would you like to? If you have toured, what was your favorite part?

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Author Offers End of Year Giveaway

Author Mia Darien is giving away free stuff!

The Prizes

One (1) Adelheid Prize Pack

One (1) Here, Kitty Kitty Prize Pack

One (1) Bellator Prize Pack

One (1) Amor Vincit Omnia Prize Pack

One (1) International/Digital Prize Pack

Restrictions

All of the physical prize packs are restricted to US/Canada mailing addresses, but there is an international prize pack with a bunch of eBooks and a gift card to Amazon. Every physical prize pack will have a physical copy of the book, signed bookmark, and a collection of book-related items.

GIVEAWAY:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Mia Darien

Born a Connecticut Yankee in nobody's court, Mia Darien grew up to brave snow and talk fast. She started reading when she was three and never looked back, soon frequently falling asleep with a book under her cheek. (Something she still does, though these days it’s her Nook as often as a paperback.) 

At eleven, she discovered Night Mare by Piers Anthony and entered the world of grown-up fantasy fiction and it was all over from there. She started writing at fourteen, then met vampires as a teenager and the concept for what would become Adelheid was soon born. Epic fantasy remains her first love, but she enjoys writing whatever stories come to mind in any genre. 

Now she loves both writing and helping her indie community with her freelancing. A geek till the end, she enjoys role-play by email games and World of Warcraft when she has the time. Married to her very own Named Man of the North, she lives with him, their mini-tank (also known as their son) and pets, who usually act more childish than the child.

She is the author of the urban fantasy series Adelheid, and several anthologies for charity. You can find her at her website, or the following social media.

  

Dating Tips From Dad…#DTFDTour

I’m delighted today to be participating (even though I’m late) in author Amity Jones’ recent Masquerade Book Tour for her release, DATING TIPS FROM DAD: How to Win the Dating Game.

Amity is joining us to tell a little about the book and share the “Top 10 things you should never do on a first date.”

This fascinating non-fiction book was released in late June. Here’s a brief synopsis of it:

        Growing up with my father had helped me to learn valuable ways of what to do and not to do regarding dating. I am so grateful he took the time with me to make sure I would have the best type of person in my life.
        This book is designed to help parents talk to their kids about dating. In addition, singles that have struggled and for those back into the dating world after being out of it for a long time.
        In this book you will find fast ways of how to meet that guy or girl; beginning of dating; who makes the first move; great conversation starters; and when to move on. As a bonus I have some tips I have learned along the way and have found helpful for me, as well as my friends I have shared them with.

DATING TIPS FROM DAD is available at Goodreads and Amazon.

Now here are the “Top 10 things you should never do on a first date.”

1. Go out with someone who sends you a text or email for a date.
2. Check your texts/emails while on your date (unless you want it to end quickly).
3. Eat BBQ ribs and corn.
4. Chew with your mouth open.
5. Go to the restroom and not come back to your date (at least politely excuse yourself and exit).
6. Lie about anything (even small lies to make yourself sound better is still a lie).
7. Wear clothes that are too provocative…saying let’s have sex now.
8. Kiss them.
9. Invite them into your house.
10. Meet your family or kids (save that for if and when it gets to the next stage)

Let’s meet the author of this witty book.

Author Amity Jones

Amity Jones grew up with her father from age 8 and on. Learning the simple steps of dating, among other things, were very helpful in finding the most amazing men in her life. 

After she did a personal survey of her friends the last 10 years and found that they didn't really learn "how-to-date" other than from trial and error, from their dysfunctional parents, and/or their peers that didn't know what they were doing. It led her to write this book to help others learn her dating tips from dad. 

For more on Amity, connect with her on Amazon and Twitter.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Sorry this post is running late but my computer decided to crash and then I had to have all the information from it installed in the new computer. Do have any dating tips from your parents you’d like to share with us? What was the best advice your Dad gave you about dating?

Dragonlove #DLBlast {+ Giveaway}

For love that is tested in the crucible of fate must burn, or die...
It’s a pleasure to be a part of author Marc Secchia’s Book Blast for his latest release, DRAGONLOVE.

As part of the #DLBlast, Marc is sharing an excerpt from his book and offering a fun giveaway. Please be sure to see the end of the post for more details on the giveaway.

Publication Date: August 15, 2015
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Series: Dragonfriend #2

When a woman loves a Dragon, that love will change the world.

Six years have passed since Hualiama and Grandion defied the Island-World’s most sacred law. They burned the heavens together as Rider and Dragon. For his crime, Grandion the Tourmaline Dragon suffered exile and imprisonment. The Dragons forced Hualiama to forget her past.

Now, the suns must set upon the age of the Ancient Dragons. Amaryllion Fireborn, last of his kind, bequeaths Hualiama an astonishing legacy. She is the Dragonfriend. Raised by Dragons. Burned by Dragon fire. Oath-bound to a Dragon. Crossing the Island-World in search of her Dragonlove, she will forge an indelible mark upon history.

As war between Dragons and Humans engulfs the Islands, Hualiama must unravel the secrets of her tragic past in order to confront an evil that threatens the very existence of the Dragonkind. For love that is tested in the crucible of fate must burn, or die.

Amazon
Goodreads

Now for the excerpt:

Dragon-thunder shook the palace.

      Hualiama kicked off her soft slippers. Picking up her formal lace skirts, she began to run, but the long train snagged immediately on the curved claws of a stylised jade Dragon. Dagger in hand, she hacked wildly at the priceless fabric restricting her stride. Bleeding–Dragon fire take it! She stumbled up endless stairs designed by an architect enamoured with galleries sized to house ridiculous mountains of royal artefacts. Entering a long corridor, her woefully short legs stretched into a sprint. Ranks of larger-than-life paintings of tall, pointy-eared ancestors blurred to either side. All of her attention was focussed on the altercation on the Receiving Balcony, atop Fra’anior’s Royal Palace.
      A Dragon’s voice boomed, “This means war, King Chalcion!”
      She had to stop them. Now.
      Slewing around a corner, Lia deliberately cannoned off a man-high ornamental vase. She caught her balance, agile as any dragonet, and picked up her knees. Head down, she pumped her arms, accelerating to the speed of a warrior and dancer who trained for five hours daily. Twisting between two thickset marble columns to shortcut her route, Lia used a stone pot-plant as a springboard to leap upward at full stretch, flying briefly over a yawning drop to the palace gardens below. Snagging the crenulations atop the wall with her fingertips, she wriggled upward with the facility of a lizard scaling a wall and vaulted smoothly onto the balcony beyond. One more level.
      She heard querulous voices, and the swish of Dragons’ wings. They were leaving.
      Her heart could not sink, because it was thrashing about in her throat. But it should. This was just the incident to ignite the simmering relations between Dragons and Humans. She should know. That very morning, Lia had witnessed a Dragonwing immolating a Human village.
      Bounding up the final staircase, she raced out onto the balcony, screaming, “Stop!”
      Lia caught her foot in the wreck of her dress, slipped, and skidded across the rough flagstones all the way to the edge of her father’s robes.
      “Stop them!”
      Stooping, the King seized her arm. “This is an outrage, Hualiama! How dare you barge–”
      She tore herself free, hurled herself to the balcony’s edge, and screamed again, “Stop! By the Spirits of the Ancient Dragons, please!”
      Hualiama gazed out over her beloved Island. Sweet, haunting harmonies of birdsong and dragonet-song saluted the gathering evening, the ever-song, some called it, the unique melody of Fra’anior, which was an Island-Cluster of twenty-seven Islands precariously perched on the rim-wall of the greatest volcano in the Island-World. The late afternoon light streamed in so thick and golden, she feared the King might pass a law to store it in the royal treasury. But she had eyes only for the Dragons.
      Four Dragons winged over the vast bowl of Fra’anior’s volcanic caldera, their scales gleaming like glorious jewels in the resplendent light. Two were hundred-foot Reds, as perfect as matched rubies, called Zulior and Qualiana, and the third a vast emerald-green named Andarraz. Sapphurion, the Dragon Elder himself, led their Dragonwing. His scales evoked the turquoise hue of a clear lake. All were breathtaking, but Sapphurion was the greatest of all, the leader of the Island-World’s Dragons.
      The four Dragons banked with supreme grace, angling back toward the Receiving Balcony. Hualiama’s heart stood still.

Marc is a South African-born author who lives and works in Ethiopia with his wife and 4 children, 2 dogs, a rabbit, and a variable number of marabou storks that roost on the acacia trees out back. On a good night there are also hyenas patrolling the back fence.

When he's not writing about Africa Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.

For more information on Marc and his writing, visit his website and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Pinterest.

This giveaway is for a $25 Amazon Gift Card and five (5) Kindle copies of ARANYA. The giveaway ends Aug. 21.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, please be patient.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope this has enticed you to check out this fascinating book.

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Svatura Series ... Come See {+ Giveaway}

Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: To Be Announced

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Svatura Series, Volume 1

When fairy tales turn into nightmares…

Ellie Aubrey has spent most of her unnaturally long life hiding her extraordinary abilities from the world. On the run from the shapeshifting wolves who murdered her family, she risks discovery in order to secretly watch over another group of similarly gifted people, determined they won’t suffer the same fate.

Alex Jenner has come home to protect his family from an unknown danger lurking in the woods. Suspicious of the new girl in town, he challenges Ellie in ways that will spark one of two possible outcomes: they’ll spontaneously combust, or she’ll lose control of the one power she’s fought so hard to contain.

In this fairy tale, the dragon the prince must slay is also the princess who holds his heart.

Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: To Be Announced

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Svatura Series, Volume 2

Selene sacrificed everything when she took her brother’s place as ruler of the Vyusher—including her secret love for one-time adversary Griffin Aubrey. When nightmares that are just a little too real start, Selene fears she’s turned into a cold-blooded killer…the monster Griffin thinks she is.

Griffin and Ellie Aubrey are finally safe for the first time in over a hundred years, and Griffin doesn’t want to easily forgive the woman he blames for killing his family. But when an unknown menace drives Selene to leave her people and seek their help, Griffin must decide.

Can he move past his hatred of everything she is? Or will the bond that could bring them both the greatest joy now be the source of their deepest despair?

Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: To Be Announced

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Svatura Series, Volume 3

Lila Jenner left her family to start a new life away from Ramsey Pierce. After decades of rejection, she needs the chance to discover who she is without him. Helping to rebuild relationships between tribes of Svatura is just the opportunity she needs.

Determined that the fire raging inside him will never harm Lila, Ramsey denies the magical bond that could be theirs alone. But when an old enemy resurfaces and Lila disappears, he realizes he’ll do anything to win her back and make her his.

However, Maddox, driven by a centuries-old quest for revenge, is stronger than any of them ever imagined. Friends and enemies must band together against this shared threat. Even then, they may discover too late that one dragon is not always enough…

Designed by: Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: To Be Announced

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Svatura Series, Volume 4

Only oblivion can stop her pain.

Adelaide Jenner feels nothing… she is completely numb inside. Her fated love abandoned her and joined their enemy. On that day her sister turned off all Adelaide’s emotions in order to save her from a heartbreak that could push her over the edge of sanity. But the great power she claims, wielded without compassion or love, can only lead to pain.

Nate Pierce believes Adelaide used her extraordinary powers to deceive him all these years. So he destroyed a relationship he thought to be false and hungers for revenge. Now, Nate serves Maddox, unaware that his new leader is using him as a pawn in a bid to enslave or kill all Svatura.

The only hope of finally defeating Maddox is for Adelaide and her sisters to combine their growing powers against him. But the key to a Svatura’s power is the heart, and Adelaide is still missing hers.

Award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado, and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.

Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

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Thanks for stopping by. Don't you just adore these covers? Doesn't the colors grab your attention instantly?