Showing posts with label My Family’s Heart Book Reviews & Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Family’s Heart Book Reviews & Tours. Show all posts

Monday, 10 March 2014

LOVERBOY *~*BlogTour~*~ & Giveaway


My Writing Process
My writing process all starts with a spark in my mind. I can see something, an object, a tree, a house. I can hear something. All it takes is one little spark for an idea to begin. Once the idea is started I begin fleshing out characters. Who do I feel would be best for this idea? What is their names? How do they look? How do they act? How do they talk? I write out their descriptions, just very basic and then I start with a plot outline. I keep the characters basic because during the plot outline they become more real and develop a lot more. They may make changes on me, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s all about them becoming who they’re meant to be in the book. I even make the outline basic. Such as “A” happens, which leads to “B” and then “C” occurs. I keep it simple because when I actually begin writing, I never know what those characters may change on me. I spend so much time creating them, that they do become real and have minds of their own. While I may plan “A” leads to “B” which then goes to “C,” my character may scream and yell, “No way, lady! “A” will happen but “B” and “C” is never happening and I am moving to “D” and “E” whether you like it or not.” I feel that because I do spend so much time creating the characters and the outline that when I do go really get things written it will flow steadily for me. At this point I’ve gotten to know the story and the character’s minds and they lead the way for me. Getting to the actual writing part can take a while, but I feel it’s better that way. By the time I do reach the writing point, the characters are ready to go. =)
Trista


The Book

Loverboy by Trista Jaszczak
Genre: contemporary romance


About Loverboy:
When Charlotte Murphy escapes from the ruthless serial rapist and killer, Loverboy, she finds herself completely lost and scared to death. Lost, frightened, recovering, and in the sights of a brutal killer. In a most odd but clever tactic from the police, they assign Charlie 24/7 live-in protection; a move that is supposed to comfort her and make healing easier. Somehow, despite the odds, Charlie finds a refuge in officer Nick Andrews and in his arms she finds the strength to heal and the courage to move on with life. Nick finds everything that he wasn’t looking for in Charlie’s eyes and a fight against a killer that becomes personal.
Source: Info in the About Loverboy was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link:


LoverboyTeaser1

Excerpt:
My name is Charlotte Murphy. Charlotte? Charlotte… No… No, they call me Charlie. I call me Charlie. Everyone calls me Charlie; they have for years. My head hurts. Bad. I’m twenty-one? I’m from Indiana. Wait. Where in Indiana? Why can’t I remember? My parents have lived there all my life. Indiana? Morgantown, Indiana. But, I moved? I don’t live there anymore. Ugh. Why can’t I move my head? No. I don’t live there anymore. I live in New York. For…for…? School. For school. I live there for school. And, I’m a dancer. I’m an instructor for a studio part time. I work with the younger girls. I can’t move my arms, either. Where am I? Where was I? It’s black, everything is black. I was leaving school. No. Work? No, I don’t work until later this week. Why can’t I remember? What was I doing? I was leaving…something. Somewhere. I’m sore. Everywhere hurts. The party. I was leaving a party. That’s it. I left the party, because people were acting crazy. I walked. I walked home. I remember. I cut through Central Park. But then someone grabbed me. Someone grabbed me hard. They covered my mouth. I remember!

My eyes pop open, and suddenly I’m greeted by annoying, harsh white lights and beeping noises. I groan softly. My God, I was right. I was grabbed. Someone kidnapped me. They don’t still have me do they? They can’t. No. I ran. I got away. I move my eyes around slowly and realize the only thing that can have beeping noises and such bright lights is the hospital. I’m in the hospital. I don’t remember getting here. I couldn’t have gotten here by myself. Could I? I moan again, this time making an attempt to move my hand. At least, I think I’m trying to move my hand. It hurts, too. My head, my neck, my arms, my legs, everywhere. Stabbing pains, shooting pains; pains that I’ve never felt before in my life course through every last inch of my body. Just how hurt am I? I can feel my heart beginning to pound furiously deep in my chest. I hear a clicking noise and feet on the floor as the sounds come closer.

“Charlotte?” I hear a soft female voice.

I open my mouth and realize how dry it is. I swallow hard and make another attempt to speak.

“It’s okay, Sweetie,” she interrupts me. “You don’t have to talk. Do you know where you are?”

I give myself a moment and fight through the pain enough to nod my head.

“You understand that you’re in the hospital?” She asks.

I lick my dry lips to find an array of what feels like cuts around them, and nod slowly once more.

“You are one lucky girl,” she says, as I feel her working with the tubes that I now see are all attached to me. “We didn’t expect you to wake up this soon.”

“Pain,” I finally choke out.

“Don’t worry; we’ll get you something more for the pain.” She reassures me. “Just try to relax for me. Don’t worry now; the police are here.”

The police?

“Police?” I stammer.

“Why, dear, after what you’ve just been through they wouldn’t dare leave you without protection,” she says softly, as I feel her working with another tube that I can now tell is running directly into my arm.

“Protection?” I ask. “I was,” I pause to swallow. “I was kidnapped.” My thoughts become jumbled a moment as I try to comprehend everything that’s happened to me. Everything in my mind seems to be surrounded by a thick haze, and I can’t pull even one random through from the mess.

She looks down at me, making the most pitiful face I have ever seen on a person. “Oh, Sweetheart, I better let the police talk to you about that.”

Just how bad am I?

“Can I,” I stop. “Can I sit up?” I ask

“Do you feel up to it?” She asks. “I don’t want to exhaust you; you just woke up.”

“How long have I been out?” I ask, now feeling more strength in my voice.

She takes a moment to glance at the gold watch on her wrist. “Just about twelve hours now, dear.”

Twelve hours?!

“I think sitting up will help my back,” I reply, softly.

She cocks her head to the side, giving me the pitiful look again. This time I can’t be too sure, but I think I can see tears in her eyes. She finally nods and begins pushing buttons on the side of the bed that control the angle and lift. I can feel my body’s muscles beginning to work for the first time, in what feels like, years. Aches, pops, and uncomfortable groans; I can feel it all. I finally bring my strongest hand up to my neck, rubbing a tender spot that is completely covered with what I can only assume is a large bandage.

“Would you like a pillow behind your back?” She asks, the pitiful look falling over her face again.

I can’t imagine just how bad I look, but judging by the look on her face, not pretty. I nod slowly as she helps me lean forward, just enough for her to slide the pillow behind me.

“Can I get you anything else?” She asks, giving my shoulder a tender pat.

I shake my head.

“Well, the doctor will be in shortly,” she replies. “But, if you need me, just push this button.” She pulls a remote from behind the bed, pointing at the bright red button. She smiles. “The other two buttons control your TV.”

“Thank you,” I manage, as I weakly take the remote from her hand.

As the nurse turns to make her exit, I’m surprised to see a doctor already on his way in. He’s tall with pale skin, and his eyes give the impression that he hasn’t slept in days. His hair too; it’s mousy brown and cut short, but looks as though he’s just crawled out of bed. He smiles.

“Glad to see you awake,” he says. “How do you feel?”

“Like I was just run over by a Mack truck,” I say, working to adjust myself in the bed.

“Well, given what you’ve just been through, I would say you should feel even worse,” he says. “Mind if I have a look at you?”

I shake my head. Do I honestly have a choice? He steps closer, and suddenly I feel a pang of panic that I can’t explain. My heart begins to race and I can feel sweat beginning to build up on the palm of my hands. I swallow and give him a strange look. I open my mouth to apologize, but he politely stops me.

“It’s okay, I won’t hurt you,” he says.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I don’t,” I pause to swallow and look away for a moment, “I don’t know what happened.”

“You’ve been through a lot, Charlotte. You’re a very lucky young woman.”

“I guess I don’t remember what exactly I’ve been through,” I say, looking down at the tiled hospital floor.

“One step at a time,” he says. “Best just to take it easy for now. Would you like for me to call Doctor Kenton? She’s really great to work with. I think you would really like her.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s okay. I trust you.”

Five whole minutes into his routine examination, and I regret not letting him phone Doctor Kenton. My palms are sweaty, my mouth is dry, and, though I have been able to control my racing heart, I’m sure he’s able to pick up on how uneasy I am with his hands anywhere near me. After listening to my heart, he backs away slowly and smiles.

“Everything looks perfect,” he says. “You sure you feel alright?”

I nod. “As well as I can for the aches and pains.”

“I can certainly make sure you have something for the pain,” he says, “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“Well, I do have a question,” I say, “How long will I be in here?”

“It’s hard to say,” he says, “It could be a few more days; it could be a week. The best thing for you is to stay here until you’ve healed. You’ve endured a lot, and I wouldn’t want to release you just yet.”

I nod. I should have figured. “Is there any way that I could get some clothes that are a little more,” I pause. “Covering?”

He nods. “I can’t see how some good warm sweats would hurt.”

“Thank you,” I say.

“And, one last thing,” he says. “There’s a gentleman here; a police officer. He’s to stand guard at your door.”

Police? Stand guard at my door? What the hell happened to me?

“Okay.”

“I’m sure he’ll be in shortly for his questions.”

I nod.

“You let us know if you need anything, Charlotte.” He smiles.

I nod again in silence as he makes his way out the door. It’s then that I can hear him talking to the cop, who truly is standing just outside my door. I slowly lean my head back and sigh. I can’t remember a thing. What’s worse is, now I don’t know that I want to.

The light knock at the door makes me jump unexpectedly. I let out a deep breath as the nurse from before steps in, smiling.

“I brought you something warmer to slip on,” she says, “The police department was kind enough to lend us some sweats for you,” she explains as she sets them on the bed. “Would you like some help getting dressed?”

I look down at my right hand that’s badly bruised, there’s an IV ran in the top. Glancing to the left, I see it’s in the same horrible shape, minus the IV. I give a slight nod, and she begins helping pull the blankets back. It’s the first time I’ve seen anything other than my hands, and I see that both my legs are cut up badly and bruised. My mouth drops as I see some of the cuts are extremely deep and have been stitched up. My eyes follow up my legs to my bruised thighs, and I see the deep purple bruising has gone in between them. I look up at the nurse, with, more than likely, the same pitiful look she gave me.

“I’m sorry,” she says, softly. “We don’t have to do this now.”

I shake my head and swallow. “I want to be covered.”

She nods as she helps my legs off the side of the bed.

“I was raped.” I ask, “Wasn’t I?”

She quietly reaches for the navy blue sweat pants and gingerly guides my legs into them. Finally, she looks up and gives me a slow, sad nod.

I lick my lips and look down as I ease myself down off the bed long enough to pull the sweat pants up around my sore waist that is just as tender to touch as my legs.

“Would you like the sweatshirt on too?” She asks, holding up the navy blue sweatshirt that has the word POLICE in bold yellow print on the front.

I nod. “I just want to be covered.”

“I understand,” she says as she begins working gingerly around the IV, and an array of deep cuts and bruises that I now see are all over my upper body as well. I feel a wave of nausea wash over me as I fight to hold everything from vomit to tears inside.

“There,” she says, finally tugging the warm shirt down around me. “Feel better?”

I nod. “Thank you for your help.”

“It’s no trouble,” she replies. “Would you like some socks, too? These floors get so cold at night.”

I immediately nod, wanting each and every inch of my body to be covered by something, anything at all.

She pulls a pair of thick gray socks from a storage cabinet, and is kind enough to help them on my feet. She smiles and pulls the blankets around me once more. “You get some rest now. The more you rest, the quicker you’ll heal.” She smiles, as she heads for the door.

I force a smile. “Thank you. I will.”

Normally, I wouldn’t mind being left alone at all; but, now that I have a lot swimming through my mind, I don’t want to be left alone to remember anything. I remember I had walked to my friend Rachael’s party. I knew most of the people there, except for a small handful of her latest fling’s friends. They were the reason I left. Turns out they had a taste for a lot of booze and drugs too. And, by drugs, I don’t mean marijuana. I mean cocaine and other substances I don’t even want to think about putting anywhere near my body. I told Rachael it was bad news, and to get them out. But, she didn’t believe me, of course. Isn’t that how it always worked? It was her party and her place, so I did what I thought was best. I grabbed my coat and took off. I walked. I know I walked; I usually walk everywhere. But, I cut through Central Park. Not because it’s really a short cut, but just because it’s one of my favorite places. That was my mistake, cutting through the park. That’s where he got me. How stupid can I be? Who walks through a deserted park, late at night, alone? Apparently, stupid Charlie Murphy does.

I make a feeble attempt to roll to my side, but I’m greeted by a new stabbing pain on my hip. One so bad I let out a loud cry and bring myself nearly to tears. I take a few deep breaths, and suddenly the large, wooden hospital door is flung open with such a great force that it makes a loud banging noise against the wall. There, standing in the doorway, is the police officer. There’s no mistaking him in his perfect black uniform. He’s young, a lot younger than I would ever expect, and tall with golden brown hair that has a messy style. My yelp has clearly startled him. His body finally relaxes, and he straightens himself out.

“I’m sorry,” He says, “I didn’t mean to bother you, I just…” He stops.

I shake my head. “It’s okay.”

“I’ll just be outside if you need me,” he says, as he grabs for the door handle to shut it behind him.

I stare blankly at the door. He’s a ‘He’. How could the police department even think of sending a man after what I’d been through? Even though, I admit I wasn’t fully aware of just what I had been through yet. Stupid police department. Stupid me. Stupid men. Stupid everything. I sigh deeply. The pain in my side is slowly beginning to fade into a light throbbing. I have a sudden urge to lift my sweatshirt in order to see what has caused the immense pain, but after seeing my legs, I fight the urge to look just yet. After my legs, I’m terrified to see the rest of me, even though I know I will have to eventually. It is my body, after all.

Despite the aches and pains that are pulsing and throbbing, I pull the blanket up around my shoulders a bit tighter and close my eyes. I suddenly feel exhausted again. Apparently I’d just been through hell, and I looked like it too, so I didn’t see anything wrong with letting myself fall into a nice, deep sleep.


LoverboyTeaser4


Meet The Author
About Trista:
Trista Jaszczak (jazz-ick) is the author of the Believe series (fairy tale re-tellings), and upcoming relaunches, Loverboy, What Lies Inside and the Darkness Falls series. She is an Air Force spouse and mother to two mischievous and rambunctious little girls. She is originally from Hamilton, Ohio but calls home where ever the Air Force sends her. She currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska where she finds endless inspiration in the pure Alaskan wilderness. When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her family in the vast Alaskan outdoors, plucking away at her old guitar or working on self improvement in the gym. She loves the outdoors, the moon, old movies and music.


LoverboyTeaser3

Giveaway

Giveaway Prizes

One 1st Place Winner: Paperback Loverboy Handmade Book Thong (International Gift Card equivalent)

Two 2nd Place Winner: eCopy Loverboy with handmade Loverboy Bookmark (International OK)

Three 3rd Place Winners: eCopy Loverboy (International OK)


Tour Organized By:

Friday, 14 February 2014

WOUNDED LOVE by Phoenix Rayne *~*RELEASE BLITZ*~*


TOUR-ABOUTBOOK

Wounded Love by Phoenix Rayne
Book 1 of the Love To Loathe Trilogy
Genre: Contemporary Romance


About Wounded Love:
Jyme has searched across country for his one and only true love. He get’s a reliable lead and rescues Cricket from the horrid Casino life. It appears that Cricket and Jyme have it all together now. They have a house, serenity, safety…a normal life. But something always seems to take Cricket back to her past…sometimes, her present life requires it.
Source: Info in the About Wounded Love was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):


TOUR-EXCERPT
I woke to an alarm but it wasn’t my alarm. I sat up, looked around, and realized it was the hotel’s fire alarm going off. I jumped up, ran to Cinnamon’s room, and swung the door open. She was knocked out on her bed half dressed; I shook the shit out of her, and she started yelling.
“What the hell is that noise?”
I ran down to Sugar’s room, and she was butt naked and so was her company. I screamed at the both of them to get up. They both jumped up disoriented. I ran back to my room. I put my stilettos I’d had on earlier in my big purse and slid into my house shoes. I ran back down the hall, passing Sugar and her company. I ran back into Cinnamon’s room, and she was wide-awake at her safe in her closet getting money out. I had forgotten about my safe, so I ran back to my room. I put the code in and yanked the door open; I pulled out the small stack of money and reached in deeper. I got the plastic bag that was balled up in the corner and shoved everything in my purse. I reached deeper, found the last item in the safe, and slid it on my ring finger. I slammed the door and took off towards the living room. Cinnamon was waiting at the door; we clasped hands and ran for the stairs. The hotel was in an uproar. We made it down to the lobby, but it was so congested with customers trying to leave the casino.
“Basement,” I yelled to Cinnamon. We took the employee stairs and ran down the long concrete hall. There were about a dozen people in front of us, but we finally made it through the door. When we got outside, the back lawn was crammed with people rushing towards the front of the building. Cinnamon and I still held on to each other’s hands. We made it to the front of the building, and everyone was frantic. I pulled out my cell phone to call Sugar, but someone pushed me so hard I dropped the phone. I let go of Cinnamon’s hand to retrieve my fallen phone. I found it and stood up straight; a man in all black with a white ski mask stood right in front of me. Before I could even prepare a good scream, someone covered my mouth with a wet bandana, and then I was out.
I woke up to soft kisses all over my face, and then I stretched wide. I was sleeping well and I kept my eyes shut. Someone was happy to see me. I have had this dream so many times, and I enjoyed every single one of them.
“Hi there,” I breathed.
“Hi.”
“Where’ve you been?”
“Looking for you.”
“I’ve been right here the whole time.”
“What?”
“You used to come and see me all the time, and then you stopped.” I told him. I kissed his neck and pulled him closer.
“I’ve missed you so much.”
“Cricket?” He said my name in an odd way.
“What’s wrong? Do you have to go now? Please, Jyme, just stay a little longer.”
“Cricket,”
“Shh, just hold me real tight before you go.” There was a knock at the door, and I freaked.
“NO…PLEASE…JYME, DON’T LET HIM HURT ME. HE HITS ME SO HARD. PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME PLEASE.” I screamed at the top of lungs through tears. Someone knocked again, louder this time.
“Wait a minute,” Jyme yelling. I clung to him and wrapped my arms around him tighter. I cried into his chest, and my eyes started stinging.
“Cricket, I’m right here, and I won’t let anybody hurt you, I swear.”
“But he’s at the door, and he’ll beat it down. He’s done it before,” I said frantically.
“Shh, Babe. Are you afraid of me?” he asked softly.
“No.”I assured him.
“Then open your eyes and look at me” I slowly opened my eyes and blinked several times through piercing pain. Then, I saw him, and I slid my fingers through his jet-black hair.
“Oh it’s you!”
“It’s me,” he chuckled
“You know, you with hair; you’ve never come to see me.”
“Cricket, you’re really here, and I’m really here with you. I’m not sure what you’re talking about right now. But I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you.”
“Huh” I asked him. I couldn’t help it but I pinched myself. I felt the pain but I didn’t wake up.
There was another knock at the door, and Jyme got up from the bed. I really saw him this time. His hair was loose and shoulder length. He wore jeans and a t-shirt, and his feet were bare. I looked around and recognized everything. We were in our room, and nothing had changed. The bedding was the same, and so was the furniture. I looked out the window, and there were the boats all in the water.


TOUR-MEETAUTHOR
About Phoenix:
I am a history maker....I am the very first author to be published in G Street Chronicles Romance Division. I will do my very best to make all of my lovers of a gripping Romance satisfied.

My parents planned for me, conceived me, and then birthed me. After that, things got much more boring. I didn’t do much, but I did do some things. I lived more and did more things. Then I found that I’m only happy when I write. So now, I mostly write and am, therefore, happy.

Tour organized by

Monday, 27 January 2014

Book Blitz – ‘Naughty Little Bedtime Stories’ by Tamara Soana


Naughty Little Bedtime Stories
By-Tamaria Soana
Anthology of Steamy Short Stories  

Bedtime stories that will heat up your night.

Naughty Little Bedtime Stories contains twelve short stories that will arouse your senses. You’ll find stories that contain light bondage, food play, ménage (m/m/f), and other erotic events. Each story has a different setting and couple who explore all things naughty in and out of the bedroom.

Content Warning: adult language, graphic sexual situations.


   




About the Author-
Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.

She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.
 


Sunday, 26 January 2014

RAIN by Nicole Hurley-Moore & Giveaway


Rain by Nicole Hurley-Moore
Genre: Fantasy: Medieval Fairytale

About Rain:
1216 AD
On the mountain, high above the village of Farran – Nuri is caught between heaven and hell. Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being who follows the storms. Nuri knows that he is not human, he’s something more. She believes he is her beautiful fallen angel. Yet he is transient and is bound to the elements and their love may be as fleeting as the storm itself. The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her.

But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon. As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.
Source: Info in the About Rain was from the press kit from the publicity team.



Rain Trailer:


About Nicole:
Nicole has always been a lover of fairy tales, history and romance. She grew up in Melbourne and has traveled extensively, whilst living her life through the romance of books. Her first passion in life has always been her family, but after studying and achieving a History degree and Honours in Medieval Literature, she devoted her time to writing historical romance.

She is a full time writer who lives in the Central Highlands of Victoria with her family, where they live in the peaceful surrounds of a semi‐rural town.


GIVEAWAY:
$20 Amazon Gift Card