Friday 29 June 2012

Maid for Pleasure by Lucy Rodgers Blog Tour

Insurance actuary Libby Beckett is the epitome of a successful, independent, modern woman. With her six figure salary, she has a condo overlooking the beach, a BMW, and a closet full of fabulous shoes. So why isn’t she happy? And why do her fantasies always involve whips, bondage, and sexual slavery? Her desires are impossible to explain her buttoned-down accountant boyfriend, which is why when she stumbles across a website for a quasi-dating service for submissive women called Maid for It, she signs up. She’s quickly “matched” to Gavin Huntley, an engineer and inventor possessed of a small fortune and his own private island in the Caribbean. After carefully weighing the risks and rewards, as any good actuary should do, Libby breaks it off with her boyfriend and heads to Gavin’s island for what she promises herself will be two weeks to explore her darkest, dirtiest desires. When her time is up, she’ll say her safe word and, as outlined in Maid for It’s contract, Gavin will be required to release her.

But Gavin knows what Libby truly needs, and it’s not to be free. She’s made for pleasure—his pleasure—and he intends to put her to good use. Forever.

MY REVIEW:

Maid For Pleasure by Lucy Rodgers  - 4 Star Rating!
Maid for Pleasure was an enjoyable read, it was fast paced, well written and I ended up reading this book very quickly, I couldn't put it down until I knew what was going to happen to Libby.  Lucy's writing is excellent, descriptions were well written and when she described the Island and the house you could picture the beautiful place in your head. I really enjoyed Lucy Rodgers writing style and will read many more of her books.  Maid For Pleasure is a well written erotica/bdsm novel.  
Libby has just recently broken up with her boyfriend and is looking for a change, having some time off work and knows she needs a change in her hectic work life she signs up for an online dating site for submissives called Maid For It.  Libby plans on staying for 2 weeks to live out her dream of totally letting go and giving control completely over to her dominant, but after two weeks she will return to her real life.  We meet Gavin Huntley the dominant...and Libby must submit to this powerful man.   At first he has her cleaning and she wonders what type of dominant he was.....was she ever going to get what she wanted?  Enjoying her stay and the people she meets Libby cannot believe her time is almost up, wondering how she is going to walk away.   Will her family and friends believe Libby is alright?  See what happens next!
Maid For Pleasure is a bit dark, has some suspense added in and I really enjoyed Lucy Rodgers writing, I opened this book one afternoon and didn't stop reading it till I reached the end. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.


An Excerpt from Maid for Pleasure
by Lucy Rodgers
Two hours later, I’ve changed my mind. I do hate this and him. My knees are screaming in agony, my back and arms ache, and my hands are raw. And I’m not even halfway done.

I pause and straighten, stretching my arms above my head. I want to quit. I want to take this bucket of water and throw it in his face, walk out the door and find the driver who brought me here and demand he take me back to the airstrip. Hell, I don’t even have to do that. All I have to do is utter the safe word we’ve agreed on and everything will come to a halt.
So why don’t I?
Because I haven’t gotten what I came for, and every nerve ending in my body tells me I will get it if I can just get through this test.
Gavin turns my crank. Even more than I expected. Before I came, I worried that even though I’d seen his photos and found him attractive, the chemistry wouldn’t be there in person. But it is. And despite the fact that he hasn’t touched me yet, not even in an asexual way, I can feel the thickness of the air and the crackling of the tension between us. He wants to do all the things he’s promised to me.
Even now, as I arch my back and roll my shoulders, I’m aware of him watching me. After I got down to scrub the floor, he took a large roll of paper out of a file drawer and spread it out on the large dining room table. He’s been there since, working on a project, I presume, while I’ve been on my hands and knees. I imagine he’s been getting a pretty good show, given my lack of panties and the way my breasts jiggle when I scrub.
In a way, demanding that I prove I really want to submit myself fully to him, without conditions or hard limits, is the act of a gentleman.
At the moment, however, that thought doesn’t make me any less impatient or resentful. I drop the scrub brush into the bucket. I’m done, and I’m willing to accept the consequences. What I’m not going to do is use my safe word to escape those consequences.
“Are you quitting?” Gavin asks.
I was right. He’s definitely been paying attention the whole time I’ve been working. “Yes, Master.”
God, saying that word sends a bolt of lust straight to my pussy. I’ve spent years wondering what’s wrong with me. How I could possibly be turned on by behavior other people would classify as controlling and abusive. Now, I know it doesn’t matter. I am. That’s enough. 
“You know you haven’t finished what I told you to do yet.”
I somehow manage to get to my feet, which isn’t easy because I’m stiff from hours in one position, and turn to look at him. The expression on his face—cold and implacable—makes me so weak in the knees, I fear I might fall back down to them.
“I know, Master. But I need a break. I’m not used to this kind of work.” I try to keep any hint of whining or complaint out of my voice.
To my relief, the lines around his mouth ease. “I did ask rather a lot of you for a first day, didn’t I?”
Instinct tells me it isn’t wise to agree with him. I need to let him know that nothing he asks of me can be too much. “No, you didn’t ask too much. I just can do too little.”
A smile tugs at one corner of his mouth. He gets up from the chair and starts toward me. “Well played, pet, well played.”
There’s no mistaking the thick erection pushing against the zipper of his jeans. I close my eyes, swaying with anticipation. Something is finally going to happen.
“Open your eyes,” he commands, soft and low.
Even before I obey, I know he’s only inches from me. Heat radiates from him as though he’s an open flame, and his warm, cinnamon-sweet breath caresses my face. When I do open my eyes, I find he’s removed his glasses, and his eyes are an even more startling blue than I expected. Almost the same shade as the ocean that surrounds his island, and just as cutting.
I shiver, which makes no sense, because I’m burning up.
“You know there will be consequences for not completing your task.”
Oh God, I hope so. “Yes, Master.”
He reaches out and tucks a hair behind my ear. “I should make you finish, I think. I’m afraid you’ll consider the punishment I have in mind more of a reward.”
That sounds promising.
“Get on your knees.”
I blink my surprise as my knees scream in protest at the idea. “Master?” I can’t keep the note of pleading out of my voice this time.
“On your knees,” he repeats. “Now.”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I do what he tells me. As soon as my knees meet the cool, hard tile, I want to cry. They may not be bloody, but they’re definitely bruised. It’s even more agonizing than I expected.
“Does that hurt?” he asks softly. And, I can’t help thinking, with a hint of delight. He’s enjoying my pain.
“Yes, Master.”
“Good. It wouldn’t be punishment if it felt good, would it?”
I shake my head. “No, I guess not.” My knees throb in protest, but my clit throbs more. I’m enjoying my pain as much—maybe more—than he is.
With my eyes still closed, I await whatever else he has in store for me. There’s a rustling sound and the unmistakable scritch of a metal zipper. I know what’s coming, and I lick my lips just as he brushes the velvety head of his cock against my cheek. Not waiting for his direction, I turn my head and open my mouth.
He grabs the back of my head and pulls me to a halt. Wincing because his fingers are threaded up under the bun over which my lacy French maid’s cap is pinned, I look up at him in confusion. Have I misunderstood his intentions?
“The first thing you need to learn, pet, is that you never do anything unless I tell you to. All the initiative is mine. Understood?”
Swallowing hard, I nod even though I’m not sure it’s a rule I can easily obey. I’m a little too Type A to never take the initiative. But for two weeks… Maybe. I’ll try.
“Good. Now, you’re going to open that pretty little mouth of yours, and I’m going to fuck it until I come down your throat. You are not to participate in any way. You’re just providing me a hole to fuck. Got it?”
I nod again. Every part of my body is tingling with arousal.
“And one more thing.”
“Yes, Master.”
“You are not allowed to come unless I tell you to. And I’m warning you right now, I’m not going to tell you to come today. If you do come, you’ll finish the floor.”
I stare up at him, stunned and terrified by this order. Because I’m so lit up, I’m not sure I can keep myself from coming. And the thought that I can’t makes the need even harder to suppress.
“Now, open wide, pet.”

I open. And pray.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Rodgers writes dark erotic tales that explore the three C’s: consent, coercion, and captivity. Her stories always include some combination of forced seduction, questionable consent, lack of safe words, indoctrination, and slavery/ownership. Lucy’s books are intended for mature readers who understand the difference between fantasy and reality and who are looking for erotic literature that explores not just the physical but also the psychological and emotional elements of sexual bondage and domination.

How to connect with Lucy

Where to purchase Maid for Pleasure:


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Thursday 28 June 2012

Canada Day Blog Hop - Giveaways!!




In honor of Canada's birthday we are having a Canada Day Blog Hop extravaganza!
Each blog will host their own giveaway - Canada themed of course!
Giveaways' will run from June 28th to July 1st,
All giveaways MUST be open to Canadian Residents!
International giveaways are welcome too!


Trapped within the cruel world of hormones and bullies, fifteen-year-old Aiden is convinced life has more to offer him. His instincts are proven correct on the night he is awakened by a voice calling to him from outside his window. As he sleepily peers into his yard, his eyes slowly focus on a woman who says she is there to take him to Eden. Aiden is about to fulfill the life purpose he never knew he had.

It is in Eden, a land on the brink of war, where Aiden will finally learn to trust himself and those around him. Accompanied by Wolf, his sidekick Logan, and the beautiful archer, Elisa, Aiden is soon thrust into a battle to save Eden. Meanwhile Elisa, the only girl in the King’s Army, is in the midst of her own struggles. Betrothed to a man she has no intention of marrying, Elisa is caught between the need to prove herself and her desire for true happiness. And now that she has met Aiden, she is more confused than ever.

In this action-packed fantasy tale, romance, adventure, and intrigue surround Aiden as he learns just what he is capable of when he discovers confidence and courage.


Ghosts harass and annoy Tess to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice. Kipp, a former cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five-year-old cold case of Hannah Reid’s disappearance, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever, or find the killer.


A year after graduating from high school, nineteen-year-old Emma Ward feels lost. She has spent most of her life trying to please her frigid, miserable mother - studying hard, getting good grades, avoiding the whole teenage rebellion thing - and now she feels she has no identity beyond that. Because she spent so many years working hard and planning every moment of her life, she doesn't have any friends, has never had a boyfriend, and basically doesn't know who she is or what she really wants from life. Working two part-time jobs to save money for college hasn't helped her make decisions about her future, so she decides it's time for a change. She leaves home to live with her free-spirited, slightly eccentric Aunt Daisy in a small town that makes Emma feel like she's stepped back in time.

When Emma meets Nicholas Shaw, everything changes - he's unlike anyone she's ever met before, the kind of man she didn't even know existed in the 21st century. Carefree and spirited like Daisy, Nicholas teaches Emma to appreciate life, the beauty around her, and to just let go and live. Between Daisy and Nicholas, Emma feels like she belongs somewhere for the first time in her life, and realizes that you don't always need a plan - sometimes life steers you where you're meant to be.

Life is wonderful, an endless string of blue sky days, until Nicholas is diagnosed with cancer, and life changes once again for Emma in ways she never thought possible. Now it's time for her to help Nicholas the way he's helped her. Emma will have to use her new-found strength, and discover along the way if love really is enough to get you through.

How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth of the past?

Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan has never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to Guilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is a very unique, gifted school.

Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her. She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become marked with a unique tattoo (tatù) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatù enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their marking.

Both her parents were marked though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young and never told her. Learning about her family’s past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope for her own life.




The biggest thing on 15-year-old Tommy's mind is convincing Mom to let him go to the drive-in, but when an accident claims his mother's life and puts him in the hospital, the arrival of his estranged, alien father brings more changes than he had bargained for.It doesn't take his father long to figure out that Tommy knows nothing about who or what he is. Without any explanation, Tommy finds himself onboard his father's spaceship where he is forced to trust a man he does not know in a world he knows even less about. Adapting to his new life seems overwhelming, and his father's solution may prove to be Tommy's finest challenge yet...Jayden. A few months younger than Tommy, high strung and always in a mood, the doctor's daughter definitely didn't like being 'told' to help Tommy fit in. Jayden is not the most welcoming or patient of tutors, let alone a friend.As fate would have it, Tommy quickly learns that none of these things compare to the peril that comes from being born with amethyst eyes




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Don't forget to stop by and check out all the other blogs and enter their giveaways!

Wednesday 27 June 2012

First Visions (Second Sight #1) by Heather Topham Wood - Interview & Review




Two years ago, 21-year-old Kate Edwards became deathly ill and slipped into a coma. While unconscious, she crept into the mind of a missing boy and awoke with the knowledge of his location. Friends and family were skeptical and wary of her new ability to see into the minds of others. Their fears prompted Kate to keep her psychic powers a secret. Feeling alienated, she dropped out of college and spent most of her days holed up at her mother’s home.

Now another child has been abducted. Police detective Jared Corbett seeks out Kate for her help in solving the case.

Reluctantly, Kate agrees and they must work together to bring 8-year-old Cori Preston home to her family. Although attracted to one another, Jared has a girlfriend with ties to the abduction case and Kate is sarcastic and guarded since her coma. With visions she can’t control and an uncontrollable attraction to the detective, she wonders if she can leave the past behind and finally stop hiding from the world. Otherwise, Cori may be lost forever.


My Review:
First Visions by Heather Topham Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed First Visions written by Heather Topham Wood, her writing was great, and she made me laugh out loud at Kate’s funny and sarcastic dialogue. I’ve always said it takes a great writer to make a reader feel actual emotions while reading a book, and Heather does this well.

We are introduced to Kate; she is a bit of a recluse caused by the media attention she received when she had a vision of where a kidnapped boy was being held. Kate had contracted meningitis and fell into a coma when she woke up she told the police what she had dreamt. Once the media got a hold of this information they wouldn’t leave her alone. Withdrawing from people she decided it was safer staying away plus who wants to go out and see people staring at you thinking you are a freak. The turmoil Kate has lived through has made her witty, sarcastic and speaks her mind, you end up really laughing at some of the comments she makes.

When another child goes missing in walks Jared, a police detective who pleads with Kate to help him, Kate at first denies her talent, the last thing she wants to happen again is to be in the middle of a media circus. Deep down Kate knows she has to try to help Jared and decides it’s time to stop denying her gift and figure out a way to help without letting out her secret. Plus did I mention Jared is very sexy looking.

This book has some great dialogue between Jared and Kate, the friendship and feelings you see start to develop are great. But like everything in life nothing comes that easy for Kate. First she knows Jared has a girlfriend, she knows she needs to get out more and socialize with people her own age. Taking the steps towards opening herself up, trusting that Jared is going to keep his word and no matter what keep her name out of the investigation………… Kate tries to venture out of her comfort zone.

This is a fantastic read; you have a touch of mystery/suspense as your always hoping the find the kidnapped girl. Then you have Kate who is trying to take the step to start living her life again. And just to add some spice to this you have an attraction between Jared and Kate. I have rated First Vision 4.5 stars and cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend anyone reading this to go purchase a copy of First Visions.


Welcome Heather to my Blog and now, enjoy the interview! 


1. Did you always want to be a writer? And what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember and recently found stories I wrote as far back as elementary school. I didn’t grow up in the greatest of circumstances and I think I relied on my stories as a way to escape from real life. I’ve done freelance article writing since college and recently felt the need to return to my roots as a fiction author.

2. How would you describe First Visions?

It’s an upper YA novel about a detective and psychic coming together to locate a missing child. I tried to combine a few genres to create an interesting and fun read. There is a paranormal element since Kate is psychic along with a mystery component because of the child’s abduction. And of course, I couldn’t leave out the romance. Kate finds herself attracted to the detective working on the case although he’s unavailable.

3.  Which character you had most fun writing?

By far, Kate. She’s like this little voice in the back of my head that I can’t get rid of. Many of her remarks are usually something I’m thinking, but would never have the nerve to say. She’s snarky which lets me have a lot of fun with her dialogue. But she also has a soft and vulnerable side which is enjoyable to write as well.

4.  What was your main source of inspiration for the story?

My very lovely grandmother passed away last year and I found a collection of my old writings in her home. When in high school I wrote a short story about a psychic who helped find an abducted child. I took some of the concepts from this story and expanded on it to create First Visions.

5.   What should readers expect from First Visions?

The book is definitely not your typical YA paranormal romance. Although some of the subjects are very serious, I tried to inject as much humor as possible in the appropriate spots. I also tried to create a realistic main character who is flawed, but relatable. I’m not a fan of books with bland main characters who don’t know their own minds.

6.   What books have most influenced your life most?

I’ve read so many amazing books in my life, that’s a challenging question to answer. The books I find the most influential are the types that inspire you in some way. It may be a marathon reading of Jane Austen books or a trashy romance with a half-dressed hero and heroine on the cover. A few standouts for me include The Host by Stephenie Meyer, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Ethereal by Addison Moore.

7.   What are your current projects?

I’m working hard on the sequel to First Visions and have an outline and several chapters completed. This novel introduces a new psychic that offers to help Kate control her visions, but he has his own ulterior motives. I also have outlined two additional YA novels separate from the Second Sight series.

8.   Do you see writing as a career?

Not for a very long time. I remember when I received an English degree from college, one of the graduation speakers even quipped, “Now good luck finding a job.” I floundered for a long time in college and changed majors three times. English turned out to be the only thing that seemed a good fit.

9.  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always wanted to be a writer, but it’s just not typically considered a practical career choice. You tend to receive the same looks if you also say you want to be a musician or an actress. After college, I began taking on freelance writing projects and realized I could bring home a substantial supplemental income with the jobs. Eventually I segued way into working full-time as an article and magazine writer. However, I never gave up my love of novels and now hope to focus on this type of writing as much as humanly possible.

10.  Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

The readers and reviewers of First Visions have been absolutely amazing. I’m embarrassed to say I even teared up after a few very flattering reviews. They’ve encouraged me to keep writing and are looking forward to the sequel.

11.  What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Editing! However, I was lucky enough to find an editor I really enjoyed working with and who helped get the book to the place I wanted it to be.  

12. Any last thoughts or words of wisdom you would like to share with the readers?

Don’t let life get in the way of following your dreams. I put off working on my novels for a long time and it’s one of my biggest regrets. Even if I only have an hour to spare, I now make sure I use that time writing.

Author Bio

Heather Topham Wood graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Working full-time as a freelance writer for publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine, she writes fiction novels in her spare time. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.
First Visions is the first book in the Second Sight series.





Tuesday 26 June 2012

Demonically Tempted (Frostbite Book 2) by Stacey Kennedy

Demonically Tempted
Frostbite Book 2
By Stacey Kennedy

Tess Jennings, now a member of the Memphis Police Department, is on her first cold case. The suspected suicide of Lizbeth Knapp ten years ago isn’t a theory her family accepts—they believe she was murdered.
But the case is only one of Tess’s worries. Ghosts are talking, and word of her abilities rapidly spreads. A dark ghost is terrifying the spirits of Memphis, and she must force the entity to cross over.

Tess doesn’t have to do this alone. Not only does she have her ghost-lover, Kipp McGowen, but the department has brought in a medium. Dane Wolfe might answer all her questions, but he also brings a world of trouble. Will Tess finally have all she’s ever wanted, or will everything she’s vowed to protect be ripped away?

*SERIES DOES NOT CONTAIN STANDALONE STORIES. MUST BE READ IN ORDER. FIRST BOOK IN FROSTBITE SERIES IS 
Supernaturally Kissed*

My Review: 4.5 Stars (excellent read)

Demonically Tempted (Frostbite #2) By Stacey Kennedy
If you’re reading my review, first thing I will say is you need to go purchase Supernaturally Kissed the first book in this series. Demonically Tempted is the second book in the Frostbite series and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading these two books.  Stacey Kennedy’s writing is superb, character descriptions are well written and the story flows extremely well.  I went from Supernaturally Kissed and moved right into Demonically Tempted.  I honestly cannot say enough about Stacey’s writing besides she is a fantastic author and I will continue to read her books.
Demonically Tempted continues off from where Supernaturally Kissed ends.  Tess Jennings see’s ghosts, and not only has she realized she is supposed to help these ghost she somehow has managed to fall in love with one.  It’s actually quite funny and I truly enjoyed Tess and Kipps relationship. 
Tess gets a job working with the Memphis police department,  and helps them solve cold cases, knowing Tess is not fully aware of her talents the police department brings in a medium who works with the F.B.I to help her understand her gifts.   This story has suspense, missing ghosts, misunderstandings, romance and loss and did I mention a demon. It is quite the book and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.  I am hoping to become Stacey Kennedy’s newest stalker/maybe beta reader…super fan….lol….oh please I need the next book!
Oh and since I don’t want to write spoiler alerts I just have to say I loved the ending and was sort of prayed this was going to happen…great writing Stacey.
To read my review of Supernaturally Kissed: Click Here!
About the Author

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com

Website | Blog | Facebook |Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

I'd Like to Welcome Stacey to my blog.

Now, enjoy the interview!

1. Did you always want to be a writer? And what inspired you to write?

Heck no! I never had dreams of becoming a writer…EVER! In fact, I went to college to become a Law Clerk and did that for about five years. After I had children and decided to stay home is when it all came together. The first year of my daughter’s life I read…a lot. Then the itch to write a story appeared and the rest is history. Looking back, I suppose I can see little signs that I was meant to do this. It just took me a while to realize it.

2. How would you describe Demonically Tempted?

A mix between urban fantasy and paranormal romance with a dash of humor and of course, some of the steamy stuff too. I typically tend to write between the genres because I love both so it comes out in my writing. It’s a fast paced story that gets a little dark at times and is a lot of fun.

3. Which character you had most fun writing?

The heroine, Tess. I thoroughly enjoy being inside her mind. She amuses me. It’s not only what she says, but it’s her thought process. How she comes to things, why she makes the decisions she does, and even her reactions—she’s a hoot!

4. What was your main source of inspiration for the story?

The main inspiration throughout the series is Tess’s gifts to see and talk to ghosts. It’s her journey accepting the gifts she has and realizing exactly what that means. But on the flipside, it’s also her and Kipp’s journey together. Each book is fighting their way toward a happily ever after. All in all, it’s Tess’s emotional journey and finding happiness.

5. How did you come up with the title of your book?

Well, I wanted to keep it in line with the first book, SUPERNATURALLY KISSED, to keep it all connected. So that made it slightly easier because it narrowed down the list of words I could use. From there, the title just kinda hit me because in the story Tess is just that…tempted by a demon.

6. What books have most influenced your life most?

Anything by Jeaniene Frost, Keri Arthur and Katie MacAlister—I adore their writing and am a huge fan!

7.What are your current projects?

I’m just wrapping up a new urban fantasy romance, THE CAT’S MEOW. It should have a summer release and I’m pretty excited about. It’s great fun. The warlock, Kale is full of YUM!!

8. Do you see writing as a career?

Yes and no. I never used to think of it as a career and more of a hobby. Something I just loved to do. But as I got busier and had more releases it became a necessity to think of it as a career, because I was doing it all the time! Drove my hubby nuts when I worked at night. So, I had to start thinking of it as a job and set working hours, so that I wasn’t working too much. But at the same time, I love what I do so it’s not really work.

9.  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Like I said above, it was the idea for a story that came to my mind, which was WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED. That story will be coming out with Entangled Publishing in the Summer 2013 (mass-market). I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until I sat down and realized I could do it.

10.  What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?

That I could do it! LOL!

11.  What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the first draft of a story is always very easy and tons of fun for me. But after that is when it gets hard. I have a love/hate relationship with rewrites. Well, mostly hate. I wish I could write the perfect story the first time around. Maybe one day I will. For now, rewrites are definitely the most challenging and the part of the writing process that I loathe. That is, until I see the improvement to the story and that’s where the love comes in.

Any last thoughts or words of wisdom you would like to share with the readers?

As always just a huge thank you for all the support and love! Thank you so much for the interview and letting me stop by.

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com.




Sunday 24 June 2012

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes - Interview & Giveaway!


The Moon Dwellers Synopsis:

In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms.

After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the
middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents' crimes of treason.

Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.

At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.

When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.

About the Author

David Estes was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was very young. He grew up in Pittsburgh and then went to Penn State for college. Eventually moved to Sydney, Australia where he met his wife. A reader all his life, he began writing novels for the children's and YA markets in 2010. He´s a writer with OCD, a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), a mad-skilled ping-pong player, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table.

My Interview with David Estes.

1. Did you always want to be a writer? And what inspired you to write?

First off, thank you so much for offering to interview me, particularly as part of the launch blog tour for The Moon Dwellers.

In the back of my mind, I always had this crazy notion that someday I would write books for a living, but I always found some excuse not to write.  I moved to Sydney two and a half years ago for work and met my wife, who helped convince me to start writing in late 2010.  Now she can’t get me to stop!

So I’m pretty much obsessed with writing now and recently began doing it full time.  I published my first three books in October 2011 as a trilogy (The Evolution Trilogy: Angel Evolution, Demon Evolution, and Archangel Evolution).  I have loads of other projects at the moment too, which I’ll tell you all about later.

Once I started writing, I think I knew pretty much right away that it was what I wanted to do with my life.  It’s just who I am!  When I’m in the throes of a writing session (I mean like living, breathing, feeling the characters, the plot, the drama), it’s the most amazing feeling in the world for me. 
My inspiration comes from all different places.  From the authors I look up to like Suzanne Collins, JK Rowling, and Veronica Roth, to music, to the little things you see in life as you’re walking down the street: inspiration is abundant in this world, so you always have to be ready to grab it and embrace it.

2. How would you describe The Moon Dwellers?

My new YA dystopian book, The Moon Dwellers, is a story about people from different classes of a future society, one in which humankind was forced to move underground due to the destruction of the earth’s surface.  I tell the story from alternating points of view by Adele, a seventeen-year-old moon dweller (the middle class), and Tristan, a sun dweller (the upper class).  Adele is locked away in prison, her parents and sister abducted by the sun dweller Enforcers.  Tristan is locked in a prison of his own, my his father’s—who happens to be the President of the Tri-Realms—ideals of a society ruled by the elite.  While both trying to escape their respective prisons, Adele and Tristan end up in the midst of a rebellion by the star dwellers (the low class), as Adele tries to find her family, who she believes are still alive, and Tristan tries to find himself.

3. What was your main source of inspiration for the story?

Over the last year I’ve absolutely loved the dystopian revolution, as magnificent books, like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Delirium, and The Maze Runner have gained incredible popularity.  By the time I’d written and published my first trilogy (The Evolution Trilogy), the YA dystopian revolution was in full swing and I was pretty much obsessed, reading every dystopian book I could get my hands on.  One day I thought to myself, “Self, you could write a pretty darn good dystopian book,” so I got started right away, which is what I do.  I knew I wanted to have it take place below ground with a strong female character and loveable supporting characters.

It’s well documented that I have serious OCD, such that when I dive into a project, I am all the way in, to the point of crazy, my-wife-wants-to-strangle-me obsession.  So I finished the book in about thirty days, let’s call it a month just to be conservative.   I dove into the beta stage with a fervor, and to my utmost delight, my early readers came back with extremely positive feedback, along with some awesome constructive feedback.  I edited, rewrote, revised, edited, added a prologue, changed the tense, and edited some more, and finally the book was ready! 

4.  How did you come up with the title for The Moon Dwellers?

It was one of those ideas that just popped into my head.  Strange how they do that sometimes!  I wanted the title to be very unique, and I thought a dystopian book that takes place underground on earth should have a title that makes you think, Huh? I wonder where that title comes from?  So I decided to call the different classes the sun dwellers, the moon dwellers and the star dwellers, and use those as the titles for the first three books (I’m currently planning 4 books for the saga). 

5.  What books have most influenced your life most?

The Lord of the Rings is probably the biggest influence as it’s really what got me started reading seriously.  I loved books before then, but it wasn’t till I sank my teeth into LOTR that I became fully addicted.  I’ve read it more than ten times! 

Since then, I’ve been influenced by Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, and Amanda Hockings, who have showed me what can be achieved if you dream big and love what you do!

6.  What are your current projects?

My first priority is the sequel to The Moon Dwellers, which will be published in September of this year.  I’m 52,000 words in, so it’s well on its way to entering the beta phase, which I’m planning to start in July.

I have also recently finished a Middle-Grade novel about a boy with a very unique disability and one hell of a sense of humor who meets loads of interesting early teenagers on a suspenseful yet funny adventure to uncover the truth about the father he never knew.  This book is scheduled for release on July 31st of this year.

I have also completed the first four books in a children's series aimed at kids between the ages of 7 and 10.  It's a classic superhero story about a girl who meets a strange animal who leads her to a treasure chest in the middle of the forest.  The chest contains a gift that allows the girl to perform miraculous feats.  I have another two books planned for the series, which I will be working to complete in 2012, although the first four books in the series will be published on August 31st 2012.

My remaining projects range from a variety of children's novels from the fantastical to the downright silly, to my next venture into YA fantasy, and to the creation of an adult suspense/mystery series with a strong and interesting male character.  I have written the first page of more books than I can count without taking off my shoes!

7.  Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely.  I personally believe that your career should be in something you love, and writing is what I love.  I was an accountant and a risk officer for almost ten years after college, and I never really loved it, or even liked it that much.  And yet that was my “career”.  Now I’m writing every day, connecting with my readers, and loving every minute of it.  Since becoming a full time writer, I feel more like I have a career than ever before.

8.  Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I am so lucky to have some of the most devoted, active online, and funniest readers.  Which means I interact with them a ton!  And that makes my job so much more fun!!  I speak to my readers all the time on Facebook, Twitter, my blog, and Goodreads.  We laugh together, talk about books, and have become friends.  Ideally, I would love to be friends with all of readers, at least to some degree.  I hope that never changes.

They say all kinds of things, some ask for feedback on their writing, which I almost always am willing to do (even though I’m not a particularly good beta reader!), some ask questions about my books, others simply offer support and encouragement (which I love), and many just say funny things that give me a laugh.  Lately, my Goodreads fan club has started calling me Mr. Blue Eyes, which cracks me up and has stuck as my nickname.

9.  Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

My goal as a writer is to just keep getting better, each and every day, with each and every book.  That’s what my readers deserve, and that’s what I’ll always strive to do.  I’ll learn from my mistakes and learn from my favorite authors.  My mom told me recently that she’s noticed I get better with each book, and that was the best compliment she could give me. 

10.  Who designed the covers?

My first three book covers (for The Evolution Trilogy) were designed by Claudia McKinney at phatpuppyart.com, with the custom font and jacket design by my friends at Winkipop Design in Australia.  I’ve since hired Winkipop Designs to do all my book covers going forward, the first of which was the cover for The Moon Dwellers, which I’ve received so much positive feedback on since the reveal on June 15th.  I can’t wait to see what they come up with for the next book!

11. Any last thoughts or words of wisdom you would like to share with the readers?

I love my readers and I always love hearing from you all.  Without all of your support and encouragement, my books would be nothing but words on a page.  I owe my career to my readers, which I’ll try to repay by publishing books that entertain, excite, and delight all those who read them.
I welcome any and all comments, encouragement, feedback and questions by one of my favorite social networking sites shown below.  Happy reading!!

My blog/website: http://davidestesbooks.blogspot.com
My Facebook page/s: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Estes/130852990343920
My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/davidestesbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/davidestesbooks



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Friday 22 June 2012

Cover Reveal - Determinant, Book 3 The Guardians of Vesturon



Series : The Guardians of Vesturon
Genre : Young Adult Paranormal Romance (with a sci-fi element)
Heat : Hot

Synopsis of Determinant

January St. Davis, on her own since the age of sixteen and struggling to stay in college, thinks she’s scored in a major way when she lands a paid summer internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.  One evening, after working an especially long shift, a chance encouter with a group of mysterious men alters the course of her life.

Rykerian Yarrister, a Guardian of Vesturon with unearthly powers and impossibly gorgeous looks, finds himself at odds over the human female he recently saved from certain death.  When it seems he is on the verge of winning her over, she is ripped from his hands by a strange and powerful being, threatening to destroy her if his demands are not met.

Do Rykerian and the Guardians have the ability to meet this fierce barbarian’s ultimatums, or will January suffer a horrid demise?

A little about me

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

A.M.’s Boss:  Hello.

A.M:  Hey Boss, I'm calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.

A.M.’s Boss:  Why ever would I want to do that?

A.M.:  Because I quit!

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

A.M.:  Hey hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?

A.M.’s Hubs:  Sure...having some car trouble?

A.M.:  Not at all.  I don't have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.

A.M.’s Hubs:  WHAT?!

A.M.:  It's time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.

So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. 

Survival and Resurrection are her first and second full length novels, and Beginnings is her prequel novella to the series. 

Determinant, her third in the series will be released 6/30/12.

(It didn’t really happen like that, but you get the idea!)


Book Links

The Guardians of Vesturon is available from the following retailers:


Where You Can Find Me


 And if you haven't yet read this series pick up your copies today!

Thursday 21 June 2012

Shades of Desire by L.M. Pruitt - Blog Tour

All I wanted was a little peace and quiet.

Instead, I've got dead Covenant members and a steady stream of letters from the new guy in town. His beverage of choice? A 2002 Merlot, with a shot or two of powerful virgin blood.

On top of that, I'm breaking in a new police liaison, failing at playing matchmaker, and fighting nausea like it's a full time job.

Did I forget to mention that I've also got enough girls living at the Crossroads to start my own boarding school?

Peace and quiet? Out the window.


My Review:

Shades of Desire (Jude Magdalyn, #2)by L.M. Pruitt

LM Pruitt's has given us an excellent second novel in the Jude Magdalyn series. Shades of Desire continues off where Shades of Gray ends.

Jude is pregnant and she calls her unborn baby a bump….lol you have to read this book it made me laugh so many times and the wit and sarcasm is written extremely well. When a author can make me smile and laugh out loud you know the writing is good.

So the story continues and young women are being killed and it’s up to Jude to solve this mystery and put an end to the killings. The new police Detective Rhett and William (vampire) are there to help her along the way and did I mention how handsome and sexy these two are.

This book has everything a great story should have, humor, suspense, romance, sex, action, vampires, magic and mystery…need I say more.

I can’t say too much more without putting spoiler warnings, but take my word for it L.M. Pruitt has written a really great story and this is a series I am going to continue to read.

I would recommend anyone who is reading my post to click on the buy links below and pick up a copy for yourself. 

Shades of Gray
Book One
By L.M. Pruitt

Jude Magdalyn Henries lives what many would call an unconventional life.

Orphaned at birth, raised by nuns, a teenage runaway living on the streets... she now earns a living at odd jobs, including one as a fake tarot card reader. Very little about Jude's life appears normal, by any scale.

When she accepts a gig to do a private reading, unconventional takes on an entirely new meaning. Life as she knows it ends when she's thrust into a world she never knew existed-one filled with magic, vampires, and her beloved New Orleans on the verge of an underground war.

To make matters worse, she's got two men in her life vying for attention, Williams and Theo. Both call to a different part of her, but one scares her just a little bit.

Can she step up to the challenges set before her and make the right choices for the greater good?

My Review:

This is the first book in the Jude Magdalyn series, it is a really great story, and I absolutely loved it and enjoyed every page.

The humor, wit and sarcasm is some fantastic writing and I truly enjoyed reading Shades of Gray. L.M. Pruitt is an excellent author, the character description are written extremely well you get to know everyone, the story flows so well that you have a hard time putting this book down.

Jude is a really great main character, when we meet her she is working as a fake tarot card reader.... growing up on the streets Jude is a street hustler and knows how to work people. When she meets a man named William and she finds out things about herself and her destiny.

She meets a group of people who are called the Convenant and Jude is taken under leader’s wings to help her learn about herself and powers.

Jude is a fantastic heroine and I love her sarcasm and wit, this is a great read and I recommend everyone to go read this series. Check out the buy links below.


About the Author:

L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She is the author of the Jude Magdalyn Series as well as New Moon Rising, featuring Cari Gravier, and Taken, featuring Frankie Post. She is currently at work on the next book in the Moon Rising series, Harvest Moon Rising, due out April 2012. Ms. Pruitt makes her home in Florida with two cats--one smart, the other not so much.

Contact her at:




Where to Buy her Books