Sneak Peek Sunday: A Flawed Heart by April Emerson

Coming July 21st 

a new adult erotic romance

from Secret Cravings Publishing

A Flawed Heart
by April Emerson

Synopsis:
Claire Brighton has just finished college and is abandoning her warm, southern home in favor of gritty New York City. She searches for the perfect roommate and finds Lydia Taylor. Lydia lives a life of privilege in her father's penthouse, but like Claire, she's ready to go out into the world on her own. Claire and Lydia rent a little apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, not far from Lydia's older brother, Jason. Claire is intrigued by Lydia's stories of Jason, who is the black sheep of the family—and a musician. The minute Claire hears him sing, she falls for him. Claire thrives in her new urban surroundings, treasuring her time with Jason and exploring her new found sexuality, but both Claire and Jason carry shadows with them. They're each fighting to move on from wounds of their past, but they learn that they will need each other to do it. 

Excerpt:

Jason takes a sharp breath in, flicks his cigarette away and takes a step toward me. The intensity of his eye contact makes me apprehensive. I never talk about my daddy with anyone. I look down at my feet and Jason gently grabs and holds my wrist. The top of my head only reaches the base of his neck. I stare at his fresh tattoo. It’s black, white, and gray. It’s a Lilly with script around it. I can barely read it in the dim light but looking closer I see it says, ‘Never let go’.

“The tattoo. It’s for your mother?” I whisper.

Jason nods and leans down toward me. He presses his forehead against mine. The only sound is our breathing. I feel our pain in my chest. My heart is ripping open, and I want to comfort him and hold him and kiss him. I tilt my head back and look into Jason’s eyes. The current running between us is palpable. I part my lips and press them to his. The kiss is shy and tentative. His lips are so soft…they taste like beer and peppermint, and they’re warm and strong against mine. I realize how brazen I’m being and pull away. As I move back, Jason’s grip on me tightens and he places his hand on the small of my back so I can’t step away.

I smile and kiss him again. This time he presses my body to his and work his lips over mine, at first gentle and then rough. He lets go of my wrist and I’m free to touch his body. I place one hand over his heart and the other reaches up to touch his hair. He moans, grips my neck, and tilts my chin up with his thumb. The kiss becomes more desperate, more filled with desire—and warmth spreads through my body. He backs up against the wall and begins to kiss my neck. He tangles his hands in my hair.

I take this opportunity to breathe, but he kisses me again as he slides his hand down to my ass. I wrap one leg around his, craving more contact, wanting to ease the ache I’m feeling. He gets hard as my body rubs against his. He moans as I grind up against him and kisses me harder. I move my mouth to his shoulder and nibble at his flesh. I’ve never felt more aroused or been this forward. I feel as though I could kiss him every day and never tire of the way our mouths and bodies fit together. His grip tightens, and I know he must be feeling it too.

“You’re so beautiful. You feel so good.” He knots his fingers in my hair and kisses me again.

Just then, I hear the worst possible sound. The emergency door opens and Ben is standing there.

Cover reveal:

 Cover by Jada D'Lee Designs

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Be sure to check out April's other books!

Purchase a signed copy here

Review: Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie

Title: Maybe This Time

Author: Jennifer Crusie
Rating: 4 stars


It's been a while since I've read a book by Jennifer Crusie. I was exposed to her for the first time years ago in a book club. We read Welcome To Temptation, and while the book didn't wow me, it wasn't bad either. Since then, I've read several of her books. Some I've liked more than others. Maybe This Time has to be one of my favorites by Ms. Crusie.

It is a unique story that pulls you in.

I honestly had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book. All of the Jennifer Crusie books I've read have been different. She's not a formula writer, which in my opinion is a good thing. 

As I mention, this story was a little out of the ordinary. It had a paranormal element that I wasn't expecting when I picked it up. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'd consider this book romance with a touch or mystery, or paranormal with a touch of romance. It was all seamlessly put together by the author without the book being too heavy of a read. 

The other thing I liked about this book was the two children, Alice and Carter. I didn't know what to make of them at first, but they grew on me just as they did Andie and North, the heroine and hero of the story. 

At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Andie and North. They are divorced, but the reader can tell that there is some unfinished business there. As the story moves along, we find out more. What was surprising about this book was how little time the hero and heroine actually spent in the same room. For most of the book they are physically apart. That doesn't, however, diminish the romance between them. 

There are times in a romance when I don't always like both characters right off the bat. Maybe This Time wasn't like that. I loved both Andie and North right away, and I was routing for them to figure things out and get back together...somehow.

I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a non standard romance. If all you're wanting is a sex filled romp, then this book isn't for you. This is a sweeter romance even my Ms. Cruise's standards, but since it fit with the story and the characters it didn't bother me. 

Jennifer Crusie is an Ohio author, and she always sets her books locally. It's nice to read about places I know, and I'm sure I'll be picking up another one of her books in the future. 

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Author Bio

Jenny Crusie is the NYT bestselling author of twenty some novels and lots of other stuff. Her latest novel, Maybe This Time, hit shelves in August, 2010.

Jenny lives on the Ohio River where she often stares at the ceiling and counts her blessings.

Website

The Evolution Of A Book Cover - Part 2

Last week on the blog I talked about my decision to have a custom book cover made for my first self published novel. If you missed the post, you can view it here.

Part 2

After making the model selection and brainstorming poses and props with the photographer, it was time to put everything in motion. The first thing on the agenda was for Sara, my photographer, to track down some rope. Sounds simple enough, right? I  mean how hard it is to find rope? That was the exact problem, however. There were so many different types to choose from. We had to find something that would be comfortable for the models to work with and would also look good in the pictures. It couldn't be too thick, or too thin. Should we go with white, or use something with color? Decisions. Decisions.

The shoot itself was interesting. Half of it took place at a fire station. Luck would have it that five minutes after the photographer and models arrived that they got a call meaning everyone took off, and with them all the trucks and equipment. In the end, they got the shots they needed, and then headed back to the studio for some more pictures.

By the time it was all said and done, 300 pictures were taken. Two days later, I got the proofs in my inbox, and I have to say it was a little overwhelming.

Now comes the important part. Picking the cover photo.

I set up a folder for the pictures so that I could narrow it down. This was not easy. There were a lot of great pictures. I have to say, though, that I much prefer the dilemma of having too many to choose from than not enough.

Keep watching my blog for part 3 of The Evolution Of A Book Cover...coming soon.

Tuesday Teasers - Come Share Excerpts

Welcome to Tuesday Teasers!

This is a weekly post giving authors the opportunity to share a 100 word excerpt from a published work, or a work in progress (WIP).

Just a few simple rules.

1. Go to your blog and post an excerpt (Please limit your excerpt to no more than 100 words).
2. In the comments below, post a link to the excerpt on your blog.

 3. At the beginning of your comment, please list the title of the book, your author name, genre, and a buy link. (This will help readers find excerpts from the books that would be of most interest to them.) For example:

Behind Closed Doors (Daniels Brothers #1) by Sherri Hayes
Contemporary Romance
http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/46

Excerpt:

Just as he was ready to plate the eggs, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. She was standing there in one of his T-shirts and a blanket wrapped around her.

It was only with great effort that he managed not to drop the eggs. Trying to distract himself he said, “I made breakfast. Hope you’re hungry.” When he looked up, she smiled and his heart slammed against his chest, making it difficult to breathe. If he thought she’d been nearly irresistible before . . .

4.  Authors only 1 excerpt per week, please. 
5. At the end of your blog post, please include "Check out more Tuesday Teasers at http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2014/06/tuesday-teasers-readshare-excerpts.html."

Sneak Peek Sunday: Soldier On by Sydney Logan

Sydney Logan is celebrating the release of her third novel, Soldier On! Keep reading to learn more about the book, click the buy link to grab your copy at the special introductory price, and be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post!

 

 Release Date: June 20

Genres: Romance/Military/New Adult

  

Will his call of duty break both their hearts?

Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.

Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed. 

When faced with the realization that she's fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?

 

Regular Price: $2.99 (ebook) 

Also available in paperback

                                             

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author and holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education. With the 2012 release of her debut novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. Her second novel, Mountain Charm, was released in 2013. She is also the author of four short stories – Mistletoe Magic, The Little Drummer Boy, Force of Nature, and Stupid Cupid. A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.

 

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Release Day Blitz and Author Interview: Soldier On by Sydney Logan

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author and holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education. With the 2012 release of her debut novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. Her second novel, Mountain Charm, was released in 2013. She is also the author of four short stories – Mistletoe Magic, The Little Drummer Boy, Force of Nature, and Stupid Cupid. A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.

Website - Facebook - Twitter

Welcome to the blog. Please tell my readers a little about yourself and how you got started writing.

Thanks for having me! I’m from Tennessee and just turned forty in May. I’ve been happily married for eleven years. I’m a school librarian, and before that, I taught middle school reading for more than a decade, so I guess you can say books are in my blood. I love music, Peyton Manning, and the University of Tennessee Volunteers! :)

I’ve always been a writer. When I was younger, I used to write songs during class. I considered majoring in journalism in college, but I wanted to stay close to home, and there just aren’t a lot of journalism jobs in the hills of East Tennessee. I became a teacher instead, and I don’t regret that decision. I never stopped writing, though, and about four years ago, I published some stories online. An editor from a small, independent publishing house happened to be one of my readers (I know, what are the odds?), and the rest is history. I published two books, Lessons Learned and Mountain Charm, with TWCS Publishing House, and it was a wonderful experience. I’ve had the itch to self-publish for a while now, and I’m excited to do that with my third novel, Soldier On.

What made you decide to write a military romance?

I really wanted to write a soldier, but I didn’t want to write about war, so I decided to make Brandon an ROTC student. Once I had his story planned out, I needed a conflict for his love story with Steph. I’m not a big fan of writing love triangles. I prefer my conflicts to be personal, so that’s when I mapped out Steph’s internal struggle with the military. What could be worse for someone who hates the military than to fall in love with a soldier? There were so many emotions to explore, and I loved giving Steph the chance to mature emotionally during the course of the story.

 Did you do any special research when writing Soldier On?

So much research! I chatted with military wives and practically lived on goarmy.com for months. Brandon’s dad has Alzheimer’s, so I did a ton of research on that, as well. During my army research, I happened to find a YouTube video of an ROTC graduation. I hadn’t planned on writing it into the story, but it was such an emotional ceremony I just couldn’t resist. I also researched Fort Gordon, Georgia and the surrounding area, to see what was available as far as housing and schools, both of which were important in the story.

 Do you have any writing rituals?

The only real ritual I have is that I can’t write with the television on or with music playing, unless it’s instrumental. Even then I have to be careful because the mood of the music can really influence my writing. I tend to be the most creative at night, so that’s when I do most of my writing.

 If you had to describe your writing to someone who has never read your books before, what would you say?

My books are emotional and heartfelt romances that deal with real people and their very real problems. My books are sweet romances. My characters aren’t saints, but the love scenes aren’t graphic or detailed. I’ve had some readers tell me that they compare my books to Nicholas Sparks’ books, which thrills me because I absolutely love his work.

Tell us about the next book you’re working on.

I’m actually working on two, which is insane, but each of them calls to me for very different reasons. Both are contemporary romances. I’m also working on a Young Adult book that I hope to publish at some point. Once my blog tour winds down, I’m going to buckle down and focus on just one of them in hopes of publishing in early 2015.

 

 Release Date: June 20

Genres: Romance/Military/New Adult

  

Will his call of duty break both their hearts?

Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.

Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed. 

When faced with the realization that she's fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?

 

Amazon

Regular Price: $2.99 (ebook) 

Also available in paperback

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway