Author JL Madore & Blaze Ignites

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author JL Madore & Blaze Ignites to my blog today!

About the Author:

September 2009 marked the beginning of my journey with writing paranormal/fantasy romance novels. After spending a year hiatus in Panama with my family, I returned to Ontario relaxed and ready to let stories flow from my mind onto the page. The only problem was—I didn’t know a thing about the craft of writing.

Almost four years later, after dozens of workshops, reading hundreds of books, joining a writing community and two critique groups, I've won two writing scholarships and believe I've got a handle on what I’m trying to say and the voice with which I want to say it.

Currently, I am working on the five book Scourge Survivor Series as well as a darker, erotic/romance paranormal series currently called Watchers of the Grey.

Blaze Ignites
Scourge Survivor Series: Book 1

JL Madore

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

ISBN: 978-0-9916763-1-6

Number of pages: pdf- 276, epub- 172

Word Count: 107,000

Cover Artist: David Wysotski

Amazon    Kobo   Barnes and Noble   iBookstore   Lulu

Book Description:

Blaze Ignites blends strong, clever women and tough, sexy men in a fast paced, volatile cocktail of action, seduction and wicked humour.

"Destiny my ass." Jade Glaster refuses to believe the Fates rule her life. Orphaned after an attack by Scourge soldiers, a young Jade vows never to be powerless again. Once grown and strong, wielding the affinities of fire and healing, Jade protects innocents as an enforcer for her world's elite policing agency—The Talon.

When an emissary mission to reinstate a race of exiled Elves brings Galan into her life, Jade finds herself overwhelmed by new passions, some welcome, some not. Although Galan's antiquated views on women offend her to her heated core, when the Scourge attack his family, she helps him navigate the outside worlds he knows nothing about—the magical Realm of the Fair and, stranger still . . . the modern streets of Toronto.

Through their sensually charged pursuit of justice, Jade discovers that when dealing with the Fates—destiny is never random.

Excerpt

~ Chapter 1 ~

Gun versus wand.

Lexi and I saw the standoff escalating beyond the crush of half-naked, leather-clad bodies on the dance floor. The patrons of the tavern, human and not, ceased shimmying to the techno-rock of the house band and drew wands and daggers in every direction.

"Let us through people." Raising my palms I called my powers. "Castian, come to me." A surge of arcane energy lifted my hair as my affinity awoke. "Down!" I shielded Lexi and avoided the white-gold energy bolt zinging past our heads. It hit the mirrored wall over the bar, bursting into a shower of sparks and jagged shards.

A shot rang out. Shit.

Magic buzzed and crackled in the air like a bug-light in August. I threw out some heat to part the remaining sea of bodies. Ignoring the sneers of rubberneckers, we pushed through and my sister and I joined the altercation.

A scruffy, brute of a man sporting a bandana stood, gun poised, staring straight into the wand-tip of one of the Academy of Affinities' fifth-year wizardry students.

"Problem, gentlemen?" I asked, easing into their circle.

With shoulders rigid and wand steady, the student, Nash Blackpaw, focused straight ahead. "Jade, this asshole thinks he's dragging my friend back to the Modern Realm."

I assessed the native girl shielded behind his back. She looked shaken but unharmed.

"I don't think," the brute hissed. "This is a family matter. Jade is it?"

Pushing down the urge to wipe the amused sneer off the bastard's face I tried to remain professional. "Jade is what friends and students call me. You can call me Blaze. That is my official nom de guerre."

I held up my wrist and revealed my Talon brand. Cold, sharp eyes narrowed on my copper skin as the trademark golden hawk of a Talon enforcer appeared. "Sir, you are armed with intent to do harm on Haven grounds. This entire mountain is a sanctuary. According to Fae law, the girl is welcome to claim refuge here."

"Screw the laws," he spat, shifting the business end of the gun toward me. "Fae laws force our race to live in the Modern Realm—force us to hide who we are as if we're worth less than those fucking humans. The gods won't care about one worthless runaway. Tell your boy here to lower his wand and we're gone."

Catching Lexi's eye, I glanced toward the girl and my sister dissolved into the crowd.

"Again, that would be no." The muzzle of the gun pointed at my chest at an almost point blank range. My skin tingled warm. I pushed back my temper. "I know how you must feel—"

"You know nothing," he snapped, spittle flying. "You are human."

With his full attention on me, I wove more persuasion into my words. "As a Talon enforcer, I ensure the laws of both realms are upheld. You smuggled a gun from the Modern Realm onto sanctuary grounds. There's no chance you're leaving with the girl. The Portal Gates are sealed for summer solstice and you have things to answer for. Your only option here is to lower your weapon."

My suggestion had the barrel wavering. He clutched the grip with both hands and stabilized it. His jaw clenched as his index finger tightened on the trigger. I gave another push of energy and when I thought I was at my limit, I pushed further. Perspiration beaded across his furrowed brow. I held on. Needles of pain ran through my jaw as I clenched my teeth. After another minute, the Glock clattered to the tavern floor.

He lunged.

My feet left the ground as his shoulder caught my cheek. Something solid connected with my ribs and I hit the dance floor in an awkward half-twist. My back connected with the wood plank right before my head bounced. I was still seeing white splotches bursting in front of my eyes when the brute's staggering weight lifted and two Were-lion bouncers took control.

One snatched the weapon and shoved it into the waistband of his jeans. His litter-mate grabbed the guy's thick arms and wrenched them back until I expected to hear the snap of bone. Rumbling like a storm cloud, the pair of Weres cable-tied the guy's hands and signaled to everyone that the show was over.

"And a good night was had by all." Lexi rolled her amethyst eyes and offered me a hand up.

Links:

Website: www.jlmadore.ca

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/JLMadore

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlmadore

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17833323-blaze-ignites 

Please thank JL for joining us today! Please check out the links and the book!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce

Tonya Callihan & Edge

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Tonya Callihan to my blog today! She is having a cover reveal for her new book: Edge!

• Blurb:

  Attorney, Fallon Markwell, isn’t easily intimidated. Working her career she has learned to go toe-to-toe with the worst of them. Going undercover is something she is used to doing. Posing as Fallon Kelly should be easy, but she is learning it is becoming more and more difficult as she develops feelings for the one man she can’t have. She is using Sergeant Major Luke Roberts to solve her case. Once he learns about her lies he will never speak to her again. In fact, if she isn’t careful he could cost her her career. Sergeant Major Luke Roberts isn’t afraid to go after what he wants. And he wants Fallon Kelly, he has his own agenda. She’s a beautiful woman who could provide some nice arm candy to a few events he must attend and rock his world in the bedroom. He offers Fallon a proposition she can’t refuse, although the deal breaker could be the non-kissing rule he implements in their arrangement. After a P.I. Fallon has worked with for years is murdered and people close to her are in harm’s way Fallon must reevaluate what’s important. Can she trust Luke to help her if he knows the truth? Can she trust him with her heart as well?
• 

  Facebook (Facebook.com/authoronyareneecallihan) Website (tonyareneecallihan.weebly.com) Blog (tonyareneecallihan.blogspot.com) Twitter @tonyacallihan

Here are the two main characters:

Please thank Tonya for joining us today! Check out her links and her new book!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce

Author Tim O'Neil

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Tim O'Neil to my blog today!

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)? My name is Tim O’Neil and I use the penname T.S. O’Neil.  I took the alias TS Elliot for an email account back about 13 years ago when people customarily didn’t use their true name for their address and T.S. actually corresponds to my first and middle names; Timothy Steven.  

While publishing Tampa Star, I noticed a lot of authors were using their initials instead of their first name like J.K. Rowlins. I resurrected T.S. and followed suite.  

Tell me a bit about yourself: I am 53 years young and originally from Newington CT. I went to undergraduate school at Northeastern University in Boston and have an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Technology Management.  I spent a good amount of time in the military; first as an enlisted Marine in the Marine Reserve, then about ten years on active duty as an officer in the Military Police Corps of the U.S. Army and I finished out my career in the Army Reserve.

During that time, I travelled a lot of the world, picked up Spanish as the Army sent me to language school and managed to have a lot of fun and while mostly avoiding combat.  While most sane people view being shot at as merely a life threatening situation, those in the military look at it as an opportunity for career advancement. 

Well, as a careerist, I was a miserable failure as I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meaning wherever I happened to be, peace was breaking out like mad.  

I was supposed to jump into Omar Torrejo Airport with the Rangers during Operation Just Cause, but instead I went on to the MP Officer Advance Course. The invasion took place in December of 89, as I drove home to Connecticut for Christmas break and members of my former unit parachuted into glory.  Later, as I sat in Panama enjoying the new era of peace and prosperity, Operation Desert Storm took place. My luck finally caught up with me and I spent part of a tour in Iraq. Other than a couple of nights of rocket fire, the period in Iraq was relatively peaceful.  

I got out of the military and eventually gravitated to the IT Field.  I am currently an IT Architect for a healthcare company. I live in Seminole Florida with the love of my life, Suzanne and we are getting married on Oct 4^th of this year.

What type of genre do you write? I believe it’s technically in the Thriller genre

What genre do you personally read? I used to read a lot of Thriller / Mystery fiction, and I still occasionally do. My favourite author is Elmore Leonard, followed closely by Laurence Shames.   

Tell me about your latest?

I published Tampa Star late last year and it is my first book. It’s the story of a father and son that’s told in two parts. The first part of the book starts in the early seventies in the aftermath of the war in Viet Nam. The father, Char, is a Seminole Indian and former Green Beret who is wounded by a dead guerrilla in the aftermath of a firefight. He is subsequently evacuated and discharged with a bum leg.  Char moves to the Florida Gulf Coast, gets a job, meets a girl and life seems to be going his way, until he falls in with the wrong crowd and things spiral out of control from there.

The second part of the book picks up in two thousand and four when the son, a former Recon Marine Officer, is discharged and travels to Florida in search of his father.

 The story has a host of villains that you will love to hate, including a corrupt cop, a Mafia Capo and a Russian ex-CIA interrogator.  

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story? I think it was Elmore Leonard more than anyone. That guy can tell a story. The dialog he develops is so realistic, I can absolutely see the characters saying it in real life. The man is a genius.  I am very sorry to hear he is in ill health and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way? Tough Guys Don’t Dance by Norman Mailer is a book that I loved reading and a movie that I loved watching. The protagonist, played by Ryan O’Neal, is watching his world crumble all around him; his wife leaves him, he can’t stop drinking and oh yeah, there’s two heads in a bag in the basement and he is left trying to figure out how they got there. I would always watch the movie when my life was at a low point and it would allow me to say: “Well, at least I don’t have it as bad as that guy.”   

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?  Sometimes good people do bad things, but most of the time they are not beyond redemption. 

What challenges have you faced in your writing career? The self-publishing maze is a challenge and there are a lot of good people in the field, but there are also a certain amount of folks offering dubious quality services. There is a steep learning curve in knowing who you can trust to offer value.

Additionally, if you aren’t actively promoting your work you could write the next Lord of the Flies, but no one will read it.  I guess labouring in obscurity can be character building. 

What has been your best moment as a writer? I think it would have to be publishing Tampa Star and dedicating it to my mother, who has always believed in me.

Who is your author idol? Elmore Leonard.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters? An idealized version of myself perhaps. I like to think I can employ witty repartee in tense, life threatening situations, but usually I’m too scared to crack wise.  I think I see part of myself in Char Blackfox, the protagonist in Tampa Star, in that life has kicked him around a lot, but he has come back swinging.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do? No, the self-publishing game is a lot different than having a publisher do all the grunt work for you; the promotion, proof reading, copy editing and most importantly, floating you an advance.  

What does your workspace look like? A very messy large computer table with three computers, ancillary equipment and assorted chotchkies, including a little Dilbert stress ball.    

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?  Not yet, but I’m sure I will.

What do you do when you’re not writing?  I spend time with my fiancée, Suzanne, travel and pay attention to my regular job.  I would like to say, biking, but I have not done much of that lately. I manage to get a few hours in at the gym, but that can be a challenge sometimes.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer? You’re asking the wrong person; ask my fiancée.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?  I think that when someone questions how I came up with a particularly off beat character or some weird way to kill someone and I tell them it was really easy signifies to me that I think differently than a lot of other people. I am not sure whether that is a gift or a curse. 

What advice would you give to aspiring authors? Keep trying. Don’t give up. Be open to criticism and always be willing to take good advice when it’s offered.

After this book, what is next? I am about ninety percent done with Starfish Prime, the second book in the Blackfox Chronicles. This time, Michael Blackfox is pulled back into the Marine Corps. Since he has been out, a new Special Operations unit has been formed and his skill set makes him uniquely qualified for their current mission. He is forced to join or watch his father be sent to jail for the crimes he committed in Tampa Star.  

Your website?  http://timoneil.wix.com/ts-oneil-

Your blog? I have not started a blog…yet.

Other websites? http://www.amazon.com/T.S.-ONeil/e/B00DK8VL1Q

https://www.facebook.com/TampStar

Where can your book be found? Amazon and Smashwords

http://www.amazon.com/Tampa-Star-Blackfox-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00A6DSN5A

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/TimONeil

Please thank Tim for joining us today! Check out his links and pick up a book!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce

Author Elodie Parkes

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Elodie Parkes to my blog today!

Just a little about her to let you readers know who she is:

I live in the United Kingdom and I work in an antiques shop as well as writing. I have two dogs that keep me fit with their need for walks. I love the countryside and the coast.

I write romance, contemporary, and erotic with a twist of mystery, suspense, or the paranormal, now and then. I like to make the story unusual in some way, by a quirk in the tale. My books are always steamy.

Thank you for inviting me to your fabulous blog to celebrate the release of my erotic romance, ‘The Old Star’ with a cover reveal.

The love story has paranormal threads, a little mystery and magic, it’s erotic and I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I loved writing it.

The idea came to me when I was working. Sometimes in my job I have to travel to places where an antique has been offered for sale to the place I work. I had to go look at a chaise longue that was in a semi derelict house. The place was going to be demolished and so I was to buy the item, get it loaded in the truck and bring it back to the store. The guy selling it was just lovely. He and another hunk loaded the chaise longue into the pick-up for me. I’m small and slim so I generally get the help, but this guy was extra helpful and yummy. (Pity we passed each other like ships in the night). The house was spooky and the chaise longue, although needing reupholstering, was great. On the way back to work the story of ‘The Old Star’ dropped into my head. The title had been with me for a few weeks after I saw an old building with that name plaque hanging off the ruins, next to a burned out barn.

Here’s the blurb for the book.

The Old Star

She was looking for new office space...but it found her…what’s hidden in this spooky place?

When Cathy Faraday goes out from her office to buy morning tea, a set of circumstances send her on a different route from the one she would normally take. Waiting on a street unknown to her is a house. Old and left to fade away the house looks shabby against its neighbors. The whole row of houses are now offices and Cathy sees a ‘for let sign’ outside the place. Something draws her to the house. Someone watches from the third floor window.

Cathy applies to rent the building to expand her dating agency business. As she begins to make it ready, the house reveals its secrets.

Erotic romance, with a twist of paranormal, set in contemporary England this story will haunt you.

Graphic sex/love scenes. 18+ only.

It’s releasing from Hot Ink on Kindle August 23, so look out for it, and check my blog for the buy links.

In the meantime, here is the cover reveal and a chance to enter the prize draw:

I have three trailers too, (smiles), fun to make, one is widescreen, another two are standard, the sexy new one has different music, but I guess I like them all. I’d love for your readers to check them out.

Sexy new trailer The Old Star August 23 release from Hot Ink http://youtu.be/zeHJ1lewAKU

http://youtu.be/6sF5VuI70SM

widescreen

http://youtu.be/g4sdVoj3xF0

standard

Here’s an excerpt, 18+ R rated

Cathy had surprised herself by falling into the kiss with Owen, but she found him so attractive she just let it happen. She felt the most delicious softness creep over her, as his tongue found hers, and when he pressed her close to his body, she wanted to stay there forever. Her whole body tingled with need and now as he kissed down her neck waves of sexual heat moved down through her stomach and made her pussy wet. She throbbed between her legs as the wetness increased when she felt his hard cock against her.

Cathy hadn’t had too many sexual relationships, but she knew the depth of need to feel him inside her was new. It was intense, as if every nerve in her body had sprung to life.

She pressed back, holding him around the neck to kiss him. Her nipples felt hard and needy. She wished he’d pull off her shirt and suck them into his mouth. She wished he’d unzip her jeans and feel how wet she was for his cock. She didn’t know what to do except kiss him and her kiss became more urgent and hungry.

He was drawing away from her. He had moved from her. She couldn’t feel his erection anymore. ‘Don’t stop, please.’

****

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

****

I’m running a celebration prize draw because I am so excited about this book.

First Prize, WIN a $25 Amazon gift voucher to buy what you want and the kindle copy of ‘The Old Star’ gifted from Amazon

Second prize, WIN a kindle copy gifted from Amazon of both ‘The Old Star’ and ‘The Winter Girl’ the latest release erotic romances.

Blurb:

Lily Prescott is only just over a relationship break up when she decides to take up residence in a house left to her by her recently deceased grandmother. Her corporate law job takes a back seat as she licks her wounds in the small country town. She looks around the main shopping street and discovers people who will befriend her, but she also runs into the town’s most eligible bachelor and secret bad boy, Starr Forrester.

Loved for his lifelong association with the town, Starr hides his methods for staying single well from his friends. He’s nearly thirty, gorgeous, a designer, owns a business and on the lookout for his ‘Winter Girl’….

Will it be Lily? What is a ‘Winter girl’?

Fun, sex, romance and a little twist of the paranormal, makes this a must read erotic romance.

Third prize, WIN the kindle copy gifted from Amazon of ‘The Last Time’

Steamy, erotic romance with a twist of mystery. Actor Seth Carbery swears he will never fall in love again, that is until he meets private detective Bethany Snow.

Something strange is going on. Seth and other members of the movie cast and crew are receiving threatening letters, but no threat has ever been carried out... yet. Bethany Snow is sent on location by the Black Agency to investigate, and guard Seth Carbery against danger.

The case is not what it first seems and even when Bethany thinks it could be over, a new twist means she becomes a target.

Seth and Bethany find they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Who's sending the letters and why? Does Seth have a secret admirer or stalker?

With steamy romance, graphic love scenes, and a quirky story of what people do for love this erotic romance is for adults only.

ALL prizes are international. Please enter via the rafflecopter and leave the address your prize would be gifted to if you win one of the three prizes. Choose any of the entry requirements not all.

Rafflecopter

Find Elodie online:

http://elodieparkes.blogspot.co.uk

http://melodyelodie.tumblr.com/

http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/2586-elodie-parkes

http://about.me/elodie_parkes

http://www.hotinkbooks.com/hot-ink-authors.html

http://www.eternalpress.biz/people.php?author=540

http://www.moonrosepublishing.com/#!elodie-parkes/cio5

http://www.manicreaders.com/ElodieParkes/

http://www.facebook.com/ElodieParkes

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448944.Elodie_Parkes/blog

https://twitter.com/ElodieParkes

https://plus.google.com/114681167004175190514/posts

http://pinterest.com/melodyelodie

https://plus.google.com/u/0/100127291306930462635/posts

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsKf5cy0pl7QcMmWcYluaA

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elodie-Parkes/e/B00AHBYPO4

http://www.amazon.com/Elodie-Parkes/e/B00AHBYPO4

Find Elodie’s books:

Barnes & Noble

https://ebookstore.sony.com/author/elodie-parkes_450560

KOBO

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ElodieP

http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615729494

http://www.amazon.com/Millie-Reinvented-ebook/dp/B008H5IF7U

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Millie-Reinvented-ebook/dp/B008H5IF7U

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RBJXOI

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Two-of-Them-ebook/dp/B008RBJXOI

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JIIVQ 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Horoscope-Writer-ebook/dp/B0094JIIVQ

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thelasttime-1213476-356.html

http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Time-ebook/dp/B00CW6FLBS

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Last-Time-ebook/dp/B00CW6FLBS

Paperback http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Time-Elodie-Parkes/dp/161572950X

http://www.amazon.com/The-Winter-Girl-ebook/dp/B00DDZRKNY

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Winter-Girl-ebook/dp/B00DDZRKNY

IF you prefer the embed codes for the trailers on your blog, here they are to choose from

Sexy new

Standard screen (this is different form sexy new)

Widescreen

Please thank Elodie for joining us today. Please visit her links, sign up for the giveaway and buy a book or two.

Keep Writing!
Jodie Pierce

Author Candy J. Starr & Bad Boy Rock Star

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Candy J. Starr to my blog today!

AUTHOR BIO:
Candy J. Starr used to be a band manager until she realised that the band she managed was so lacking in charisma that they actually sucked the charisma out of any room they played. “Screw you,” she said, leaving them to wallow in obscurity – totally forgetting that they owed her big bucks for video equipment hire.

Candy has filmed and interviewed some big names in the rock business, and a lot of small ones. She’s seen the dirty little secrets that go on in the back rooms of band venues. She’s seen the ugly side of rock and the very pretty one.

But, of course, everything she writes is fiction.

BOOK INFO:

Bad Boy Rock Star by Candy J. Starr 
Publication date: November, 2013 
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Hannah Sorrento is a princess, the toughest obstacle she's ever had to face is finding shoes to match her outfit. Then her father disappears and she's been left with nothing more than the money in her purse and a contract for the management of hot, indie rock band, Storm.

She thinks she can use them to get some fast money but the lead singer, Jack Colt, has his own ideas and, from their first meeting, sparks fly.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18218528-bad-boy-rock-star?ac=1

Please thank Candy for joining us today. Check out her link and pick up her book!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce

Author Serena Akeroyd

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Serena Akeroyd to my blog today!

Bio:

I'm a latent developer in the writing world; I only discovered my love of the written word at 20. But ever since then, there's no stopping me.

Naughty Nookie is my first published series and gradually, the lives of the three central characters will be revealed amidst the cosmopolitan background of New York as their sexual explorations awaken them to who they really are.

Erotica is my genre; especially with unorthodox happy ever afters!

Proud purveyor of #NaughtyNookie!

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?

Serena Akeroyd is a pen name.  I use a pseudonym mostly because my real name is a bit of a mouthful, but also, my pen name is a mixture of ancestral names.  I feel like I’m keeping it in the family that way.  J

Tell me a bit about yourself:

I love what I do and writing makes me happy.  In a way, I’d say it defines me.  It’s my future and my present.  That sounds a bit intense, but I love the written word.  Whether I’m the one doing the scribbling or whether it’s someone else and I can sit back and enjoy.

What type of genre do you write?

I write romance, but erotica predominantly.  Everything has to have love threading through it, as that’s what I enjoy as a reader.  And really, that’s how I started writing.  I wanted to write something I myself would enjoy. 

What genre do you personally read?

Mostly romance and erotica.  Although I do enjoy classic authors such as Jane Austen or even Shakespeare.  Fan of Sebastian Faulks too. 

Tell me about your latest?

Fall Into Love is the first in a twelve part series called Naughty Nookie.  Simone is the heroine and it’s about one night that changes her life.  That takes her from the mundane to a world that she never even imagined existed. 

I’m currently writing part two of her tale, Crazy Little Thing Called Lust. 

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

Enid Blyton.  I’ve loved reading since a child and mostly, her books.  From Mallory Towers to the Secret Seven.  She sparked my passion and the love of stories.  And then, believe it or not, when I was around 18, Mills and Boon!  I became hooked on Happily Ever Afters!  

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

Once upon a time, I’d have said Birdsong, by Sebastian Faulks and then I read Girl At Lion D’Or by the same author.  That story really affected me and in a way, made me realize at a pretty early age that Happily Ever Afters don’t exist and that life can and does get in the way of happiness.  It was my coming of age tale, I think.  A fabulous read; one so good that I daren’t read it again for fear of it having changed in some way.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Mostly that life can be fun; live it in the here and now, be aware of the future and the past, but before anything, enjoy the present. 

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

I’m facing it at the moment actually; I’m a bit of a hermit!  And pushing myself out there and my book on to the social networking scene is a bit daunting!  

What has been your best moment as a writer?

That moment when Amazon updated its systems and my book was online and ready to sell.  More so than when I actually sold my first book.  I felt as though I’ve finally done it and I was relieved as hell! 

Who is your author idol?

Nora Roberts.  I love how she’s diversified and changed the romance genre, tipping it on its head and radicalizing it.  In a way, her romance is different to my idea of romance, but I love the Eve Dallas series. 

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

No.  Never.  Each character comes to life in my head thanks to circumstances and at first, pick of the draw!  For example, Simone has waist-length hair.  That just popped into my head followed by the colour.  Sometimes, my characters’ appearances reflect their personalities. 

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

No, there’s so much more to do.  Naughty Nookie has twelve parts and I’m nowhere near reaching the twelfth part!   I need to get my writing cap on! 

What does your workspace look like?

I write better in bed, believe it or not.  And no, I’m never neat.  My sheets are always scuffed and messy and I just sit in the middle of it!   :D

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

I get tired, so I just switch off and do something for me.  Mostly, reading regenerates my energy levels so that’s what I do.  I can’t quit, because writing is who I am. 

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I’m boring.  And I admit it! 

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Remembering why you’re a writer.  Because you love telling stories.  You can’t let negative reviews get to you; you can’t feel lost because a percentage of people don’t get what you do.  Keep on, look onwards and upwards and remember that you’re a storyteller. 

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?

No, not one specific moment.  The idea has become concrete over the last seven or so years.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Write what you want to read.  If you want to read it, you won’t be the only one and you’ll have a ready-made audience. 

After this book, what is next?

Crazy Little Thing Called Love; part two of the Naughty Nookie Series and a continuation of Simone’s story.

Your website?

Website

www.serenaakeroyd.net

Your blog?

Blog

http://www.serenaakeroyd.net/author-blog

Other websites?

Facebook

www.facebook.com/serenaakeroyd

@SerenaAkeroyd

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/SerenaAkeroyd

Author Central

http://www.amazon.com/Serena-Akeroyd/e/B00EC76REA

Where can your book be found?

Kindle UK: http://ow.ly/nFn7f 
Kindle US: http://ow.ly/nFnfk

Please thank Serena for joining us today. Check out her links and pick up her book!

Keep Writing!
Jodie Pierce

Theodora Kostova

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Theodora to my blog today!

Author Bio

Hi, my name is Teodora and I live in London with my husband Ted and my son Jason. I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it became my full time job in 2010 when I decided that everything else I've tried bores me to death and I have to do what I've always wanted to do, but never had to guts to fully embrace. I've been a journalist, an editor, a personal assistant and an interior designer among other things, but as soon as the novelty of the new, exciting job wears off, I always go back to writing. Being twitchy, impatient, loud and hasty are not qualities that help a writer, because I have to sit alone, preferably still, and write for most of the day, but I absolutely love it. It's the only time that I'm truly at peace and the only thing I can do for more than ten minutes at a time - my son has a bigger attention span than me.
When I'm procrastinating, I like to go to the gym, cook Italian meals (and eat them), read, listen to rock music, watch indie movies and True Blood re-runs. Or, in the worst case scenario, get beaten at every Wii game by a five year old.

THEN, NOW, FOREVER (Heartbeat #2)

By Teodora Kostova

COVER REVEAL August 12^th

Cover by:  Cover It Designs  http://salon.io.coveritdesigns/page

Release date: September 2013

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance (17+ due to sexual situations, language and extremely hot Italian guys :P)

Synopsis:

Then

 Gia had let Beppe into her life so easily, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She’d held him when he’d hurt so badly he’d thought he might die; she’d talked him down when he’d been so angry he’d considered doing something he’d regret for the rest of his life.

 Gia had saved his life.

At least once he needed to be strong for her.

This right now, this moment, was theirs. It belonged to them, not to abusive or dead fathers, not to guilt, regret or sorrow, not to the past of the future.

But will their love survive when tragedy separates them?

“I have to go, Gia. I’m tired and I feel empty. I know you need me, but I have nothing left to give you. I need to heal.”

“I miss you so much it’s hard to breathe.”

Now

Beppe was still Gia’s closest friend. But they’d never be anything more than that again. Remembering what it felt like to have the person you love most in the world be torn away from you still hurt. Gia was determined never to be put into that position again.

There was never lack of love, but can Beppe win Gia’s trust again?

Forever

“When I was broken you gave me pieces of yourself and made me whole again.”

Add to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18043990-then-now-forever

IN A HEARTBEAT (Heartbeat #1)

Synopsis

Stella

“I’ve been in and out of hospitals for the past ten months. I’ve had half my liver removed and even though this time the doctors are very optimistic that they’ve removed all of the tumours, they can’t be sure. In another three months they want me here again for a check up. Right now I feel better than I’ve ever felt. I know the damn thing is gone, at least for the moment. Despite that, I can’t make any plans for the future, not yet. I need to go somewhere where nobody knows me, where I can relax and maybe even forget about all this. Where I can meet people who don’t think of me as the girl who lost her father and her brother in a car accident, and who has cancer. I want to have fun, even if it’s for a couple of months.”

When Stella decides to visit her estranged cousin Lisa in Genoa, she has no idea Italy will give her a new reason to live.

Max

“Her gaze locked on a scene so beautiful, the picturesque beach paled in comparison. A lifeguard emerged from the water, his orange trunks stuck to his legs and water dripping all over him. He shook his head to get rid of some of the water in his hair and Stella felt as if everything started developing in slow motion – tiny drops of water slid from his neck down his broad chest and muscular arms, along a weaving tattoo on his right shoulder, and continued downwards towards his chest and washboard stomach, finally getting lost in the waistband of his trunks. A part of another tattoo peeked over his trunks on his left hip, the other part hidden under them. It was a total Baywatch moment.”

Their love is epic. But there are too many things keeping them apart.

“How could you keep this from me, Lisa? If you had told me the first day I met him, I would have avoided him like the plague. Nothing would have happened between us.”
“I kept your secrets, too, Stella.”

Are Max and Stella strong enough to fight not only for their love, but for their lives?

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teodorakostovaauthor?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Teodora_Kostova

Series blog: http://heartbeatseries.blogspot.co.uk/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829316.Teodora_Kostova
Blog: http://www.teodorakostova.blogspot.com/

In a Heartbeat Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17447935-in-a-heartbeat?ac=1

Buy Links

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-heartbeat-Heartbeat-1-ebook/dp/B00C4XBS52/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=19NH9WKDRZAIY&coliid=I2IYUN6WO6LPU9

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/In-heartbeat-Heartbeat-1-ebook/dp/B00C4XBS52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364894169&sr=8-1&keywords=in+a+heartbeat+teodora+kostova

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/301784

Please thank Theodora for joining us today! Check out her links and buy a book!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce