Monday, September 30, 2013

Interview: Tasha Gwartney

Author Interview of the Week

Meet Tasha Gwartney, author of the True Witch saga.

Photo: Tasha Gwartney

Tasha Gwartney is a Military wife and mother. She is currently living at Fort Polk in central LA with her family and two huskies. Tasha has always had a passion for words. She started writing at the young age of ten. With first short stories, then she moved onto writing Poetry. Her poetry has won many awards both in Germany and within the United States. Tasha has always had a passion for children which moved her to attain a degree in Early Childhood Education.
In her spare time, Tasha loves to paint landscapes and dabble in photography. Her family has always told her that she got all the “artistry genes” in the family.  Besides spending time with her family, you would probably never catch Tasha without a book, or her ever handy kindle attached to her hand.
Tasha is currently having her first novel published September 2013. Tasha doesn’t have just one genre that she writes in. She loves to read and write in every genre. Her dream is to reach her readers on a deep and personal level. Tasha wants to take her readers on a journey where they will feel what the characters they are reading about are feeling. Experience the character’s joys, triumphs, and pain.
“If I can take someone on such an epic journey through my writing that they actually connect with my characters on a deep emotional level. Then my dreams of being a writer are realized.”
Tasha always has characters banging around in her head wanting their stories to be told. So keep an eye out for her work. She is sure to enlighten your imaginations. 

What made you want to be an author?

I have been writing for a very long time. I started roughly at the age of ten, just short stories here or there. I would write them down on anything I could get my hands on. Worksheets at school, much to the dismay of my teachers, scraps of paper, and sometimes things that weren’t meant to be written on. Much to my mother’s disappointment. That led her to buying me my very first journal. Since then I have written anything that has caught my fancy. I haven’t stopped since.

Who has inspired you the most?

Other Indie Authors. We struggle and pour our hearts and souls into our words that we put down on paper in the hopes of touching a reader or a fan on a deep and personal level. My friend Author Lara Burge especially. She is so dedicated to her craft, that even though she is having health issues that is effecting her ability to type. She ordered the ‘Dragon Program’ so she can continue to write. Using voice commands. Now that is inspiring.

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?

During my teens and early Twenties I was published as an award winning Poet. My writing style isn’t to everyone’s taste. My poetry is dark. But it has touched someone’s fancy out there. Since it has been published. 

How has your life considerably changed since you've been published?

Trying to balance what I call “writing time” and “family time” is difficult. I work as well as write. I am also a mom to a gorgeous little man and a Military wife. So balance is a tight rope that I walk daily. But I am making it work. One thing I never expected was the fan base that has been built around me. I love all of my fans and followers. They rock my heart hard!

You're first book, Fated Truth, comes out this September via Amazon.com. Are you excited? Nervous? Anxious?

Brilliantly excited. I am being published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterflies. They are one of the leading Indie Publishers out there. I am so lucky to have had them take me and my work on. Through them, this has been a fabulous experience. But yes, I am nervous. My book is my baby. I am sending it out into the world to be judged. That is an anxious feeling.

What kind of poetry did you write before? Is it something you would pursue later?

Dark and gut wrenchingly honest. I am still writing poetry. My poetry touches on something very personal to me. But if sharing my painful experiences through my poetry helps to let someone know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, then I have succeeded in my dreams where my poetry is concerned.

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?

Meeting and conversing with other Authors. We are a very eclectic bunch. So many very talented and creative personalities. It’s a joy to know them.

Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

Well, Fated Truth (Volume One in The True Witch Saga) is going LIVE via Amazon.com on September 10,2013. The next book in The True Witch Series is in the final revisions process. It is titled Unbroken Truth. Other than that specific series. I have six other works in progress going right now. I flitter from book to book. I get bored easily so I work on a lot of different novels at once. J

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?

Before you decide to publish, whether it be self-publishing or through a publishing house, build a fan base. Network and get your name out there. You need an audience to market yourself and your work to. Use beta readers for feedback, and never scrap anything that you have written. You might come back to it. Tweak it a bit and make it great.

Thanks so much, Tasha for interviewing with us! Don't forget to follow her many outlets below!


Listed below is the cover and synopsis for Tasha's first book, Fated Truth!
All Rights Reserved to Tasha Gwartney


Synopsis
Ella Reese has never been a normal girl. She grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone else’s business. In the home she grew up in she was despised for everything that she is. Ella didn’t fit into the mold that her parents desperately wanted her too. She learned early on to keep her head down and try to fit into a world that was never really meant for her. All Ella wants is to live a normal life and spend time with her two best friends. Maybe even make it through her senior year of High School without being maimed. But when Fate intervenes, picks up your roots, and sends your life in a new direction. You can’t exactly say no. Ella finds herself on a journey where she discovers herself to be a Goddess Touched True Witch with unequaled powers, falls madly soul deep in love with her chosen life mate, experiences horrific tragedies, reunites with those she thought she had lost forever, and discovers along the way that she has found a family that accepts her for who she truly is. But Fate doesn’t deal her cards lightly. When you are handed enormous power. That power comes with great responsibility. When Ella’s whole world falls apart and her love for her soul mate is put into doubt. Will she be strong enough to travel the path Fate has set her upon? Or will she fold under the weight of her new Fate?
All Rights Reserved to Tasha Gwartney
Find out when you read Fated Truth Volume One of The True Witch Saga.

When Ella Reese touched Jaxx’s hand for the first time she knew her life would never be the same, never had a touch between two seemingly ordinary finger tips spark a light so bright that Ella felt it ignite the embers burning deep within the withered flower that she called a soul, with the mere brush of a finger Ella bloomed, and Jaxx opened her eyes to a world where she could truly belong.


Interview: Michele Fisher

Author Interview of the Week

Meet Michele Fisher, author of upcoming novel A Fighting Chance.

Photo: Ashley Fisher
What made you want to be an author?

I've always had a really active imagination, and I was always creating stories in my head.  I felt like writing was my calling.

Who has inspired you the most?

All the authors and the stories that they have created have given me the most inspiration.  There are a too many to name.

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?

 I started getting serious about writing a little over a year ago.  I was going to go back to school for creative writing & screenplay writing, but had to withdrawal because my tuition was too expensive.  When I withdrew, I was so disappointed but I decided I wasn't going to let it stop me.  My husband and I went out and bought the same laptop I would have had through the school, and I've been writing hardcore ever since.

How has your life considerably changed since you've been published?

Well, I have not been published yet.  I am finishing up my first contemporary romance titled, A Fighting Chance, (Check out a teaser on my Facebook or my blog at michelefisher.wordpress.com).  I hope to start the editing process on it very soon.  Once everything is completed with the first book and it is published, you'll have to check back with me.  I'm sure I'll be biting my nails down to the quick.

What made you want to write Paranormal and Romance?

They're the two genres that I love writing about the most because they're the two genres that I imagine about the most.  I've always been fascinated with the inner workings and the evolvement of different relationships between couples.  I think love and romance are incredible things and writing about them seems to come naturally to me. As for the paranormal,  I've also been into that stuff all my life.  Its a challenge to write, but it's also fun because with the paranormal stuff, anything goes.  You can really get creative when you write about it.

Have you made a decision as to whether or not Fanged will become a full-length book or remain a novella?

That is something that I have been thinking very hard about here lately.  When I began writing Fanged, it was originally going to be more of a satire, but as the story and characters evolved in my head, it began to take a more serious direction.  I began posting it on my Facebook, just to see if people liked it.  I honestly didn't think it get many views, but people seem to like the story so I'm defiantly considering it.  I think these characters have a much deeper story to tell that can't be held in a short novella.

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?

The best experience has to be when I first posted Fanged, and people actually liked it.  It was the best feeling in the world.  Plus, meeting other authors like me.  They have given me so much support through this journey that I can't thank them enough.


Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

 I am finishing up my first novel, A Fighting Chance #1, which will hopefully be published through e-reader devices soon.  After that I will be working on book #2 to A Fighting Chance, and of course, working on Fanged.

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?

The best advice I could give to another author is to always let your characters tell the story, read lots of books, write everyday, and surround yourself with inspiration. 

Thanks so much, Michele for interviewing with us! Don't forget to follow her outlets listed below and keep an eye out for A Fighting Chance, debuting this September!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Rose of Thorne by Mia Michelle Blog Tour!



From the moment I see her something inside of me changes.  After the hellacious day that I have just experienced it is as if God himself has dropped an angel right out of the sky; right in front of my new silver Aston Martin.  When my eyes lock with her haunting blue green ones I think my whole universe shifted.  Thankfully, I stop in just enough time, but I curse my stupidity for failing to pay attention to where I am going.  I am so terrified as I watch her slap the hood of my car and tumble to the ground.  When I rush out to her I never expected to be affected the way that I am.  The moment my hand caressed her soft silky skin I know she is different and I am not about to let her go. 


Blurb:

When a drunk driver tragically orphans Skylar Rose at the age of sixteen, she leaves her dreams behind and takes on the daunting task of helping her elderly grandmother raise her young sister. While other girls her age were living a typical carefree life, she was picking up double shifts at a local cafĂ© and struggling to pay the bills. 

Always putting her sister’s needs and school first, Skylar has never had time to date or develop relationships. Now a senior in college, she has her sights set on an amazing internship opportunity. The last thing she needed was for a sexy distraction like Sebastian Thorne to walk into her life. 

Sebastian Thorne had been an entitled and reckless nineteen year old when he got behind the wheel of his new sports car that night. When his night of indulgence goes tragically wrong, Sebastian hesitantly turns to the one person, he knows can make everything go away…the one person he hates ..his father.

Now twenty-six, Sebastian is the young enigmatic and powerful CEO of his late father’s design company, Thorne Enterprises. With both millions in the bank and a new woman on his arm almost every night, the world never knew the dark secret he carried inside. Still plagued with nightmares from the night of that horrific accident and having to leave the beautiful girl behind, Sebastian vows to find the one that haunts his dreams. Sometimes the choice of revisiting our past opens the door to a future that we never thought possible.

Haunted by their past, these two want nothing more than to have their life given back to them. But what do you do when the person who gave you back your life, was the very one that took it from you in the first place?

* BOOK 2 THORNELESS will follow VERY VERY SOON!! Contains sexual content and abusive situations. Recommended for readers 18+ years.


Author Links



Bio:

Mia fell in love with the literary world at a very young age and began putting her active imagination to pen and paper by the age of six. Over the years, she has filled up numerous shelves with her notebooks and journals of her favorite stories. Twelve years ago, Mia began drafting The Thorne Series and through encouragement of a close friend, decided to finally take the leap of faith to bring her dream to life. She openly admits to having a hopeless infatuation with her Kindle and suffers from the one-click book addiction (No intervention required). 

Mia is currently a stay at home mom who has mastered the fine art of making a PB&J sandwich in between laundry and shuttling kids to ballet and swimming. In her spare time (“What spare time?” She laughs), she enjoys photography, traveling, and having a girls night out with her pals. She enjoys the simple things in life, such as sleeping more than 3 hours per night and 10 minute showers without being interrupted by children yelling “mommy” from the other side of the bathroom door. 

Mia Michelle resides in Tennessee with her soul mate and husband of 18 years and their 2 beautiful young children. She is currently working on her Masters in Counseling and drafting her new series. 


Gripping my shirt she frantically pulls me to her and kisses me with such fierceness that I swear I am about to come in my pants.  With a violent tug she rips my shirt open and I hear the buttons scatter across the hard wood floor of the room. That’s all it takes…. Game over!  I want in her… NOW!

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Love Interrupted Blog Tour







Blurb:

Logan Brooks and Andrew Eastin shared a once in a lifetime love. After losing her parents and overcoming many obstacles, she could not handle the possibility of losing him, too. She loved him enough to walk away, for both of their sakes.

As tragedy strikes again, Logan is on a downward spiral. Andrew knows she needs protection from herself, and he needs to love her through it, even if only from a distance.

When fate intervenes and allows them a second chance at love, will Logan and Andrew risk it? The Attraction is undeniable. The sexual tension, relentless. She is everything he has ever wanted. He sweeps her off her feet, renewing all that was lost.

Andrew promised her forever, but can words ever be enough? Can love prevail when life has different plans—bringing on more pain and emotions than imaginable? When lies and deceit corrupt the one thing sacred to them, plans will be ruined, promises will be
broken, and hearts will be shattered.

What happens when the unknown threatens all of their dreams? Will Logan and Andrew survive their love, Interrupted?





Dream Cast:











Author Links



Bio:

A.J. was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Four years ago, she relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband and four wonderful children, Hayden (15), Jacob (13), Riley (11), and Isaiah (10).

A.J. is passionate about working with people with disabilities, and has a long time love of working with munchkins. She currently owns and operates a childcare facility in North Central Texas.

When she is not busy breaking up fights about who is mom’s favorite, or who ate the last bowl of Fruity Pebbles, A.J. enjoys reading and writing. She also likes chatting and laughing with her book club friends. Love Interrupted is her first book and she is currently working on her second and third novels.









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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Love Interrupted PROMO









Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Kobo









Logan Brooks and Andrew Eastin
shared a once in a lifetime love. After losing her parents and overcoming many
obstacles, she could not handle the possibility of losing him, too. She loved
him enough to walk away, for both of their sakes.

As tragedy strikes again, Logan is
on a downward spiral. Andrew knows she needs protection from herself, and he
needs to love her through it, even if only from a distance.

When fate intervenes and allows
them a second chance at love, will Logan and Andrew risk it? The Attraction is
undeniable. The sexual tension, relentless. She is everything he has ever
wanted. He sweeps her off her feet, renewing all that was lost.

Andrew promised her forever, but
can words ever be enough? Can love prevail when life has different
plans—bringing on more pain and emotions than imaginable? When lies and deceit
corrupt the one thing sacred to them, plans will be ruined, promises will be
broken, and hearts will be shattered.

What happens when the unknown
threatens all of their dreams? Will Logan and Andrew survive their love,
interrupted?












A.J. was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Four years
ago, she relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband and four
wonderful children, Hayden (15), Jacob (13), Riley (11), and Isaiah (10).

A.J. is passionate about working with people with
disabilities, and has a long time love of working with munchkins. She currently
owns and operates a childcare facility in North Central Texas.

When she is not busy breaking up fights about who is mom’s
favorite, or who ate the last bowl of Fruity Pebbles, A.J. enjoys reading and
writing. She also likes chatting and laughing with her book club friends. Love
Interrupted is her first book and she is currently working on her second and
third novels.










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Broken Dreams (Shattered Lives Book #1) COVER REVEAL

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give to you the first book of the Shattered Lives Series by Rissa Blakeley



Broken Dreams



Elaina Cooper's world was turned upside down on her wedding day. She was about to marry Henry Daniels, the man of her dreams or so she thought. Just as she was to walk down the aisle, screams pierced the air and with that, the apocalypse had begun.
Elaina felt something was wrong; Henry knew far too much about the undead roaming the street and she was determined to get to the bottom of it no matter what it took. Henry's haunted past catches up to him in more ways than one. He must face his demons and Elaina must learn to accept him and his past. Henry is determined to fight to the very end to make their sexy, mercurial relationship work no matter what staggers in their path.

Along with their thrown together band of survivors, they must travel south to face Henry's haunted past. There will be joys and loss but in the end, can love hold them together?



Check out this lovely lady on her Facebook and her Goodreads. And while you're at it, head over to her interview we did with her in August. She's pretty fantastic and keep your eyes peeled for the Blog Tour and Spotlight post coming next month!

Facebook
Goodreads
ATLR Interview


{Side note from Alesha:}

Let me just say that I had the honor and privilege to be one of Rissa Blakeley's beta readers for Broken Dreams. It had been quite the journey and one hell of a ride to say the least. She's an incredible writer and I've literally watched her grow into her new skin. Once a shy, intimidated person worried about how well others would accept her book...now a confident, take-no-shit author determined to get her book noticed. I admire her spunk and determination. She's busted her ass and deserves every second of fame she gets. You are all going to love this book. You just can't help but fall in love with the characters. The genre may not be your thing but it wasn't mine either. Give it a chance. I promise you won't regret it.

Much love Rissa from the girls at A Thousand Lives Reviews

Broken Dreams **COVER REVEAL**




Broken Dreams (Shattered Lives, Book One) 

Due out 10/25/13
Intended for readers 18+ due to strong language, violence and sexual situations.

Blurb:


Elaina Cooper's world was turned upside down on her wedding day. She was about to marry Henry Daniels, the man of her dreams or so she thought. Just as she was to walk down the aisle, screams pierced the air and with that, the apocalypse had begun.

Elaina felt something was wrong; Henry knew far too much about the undead roaming the street and she was determined to get to the bottom of it no matter what it took. Henry's haunted past catches up to him in more ways than one. He must face his demons and Elaina must learn to accept him and his past. Henry is determined to fight to the very end to make their sexy, mercurial relationship work no matter what staggers in their path.

Along with their thrown together band of survivors, they must travel south to face Henry's haunted past. There will be joys and loss but in the end, can love hold them together?


Add it on Goodreads! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18214972-broken-dreams



{Alesha's Note:}
I had the pleasure of beta reading this book and it has been absolutely fantastic! There have been so many ups and downs and it has kept my attention the entire time. This is one of the few books I've read that don't have slow parts so I know you guys are going to love it! :)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Sinful Series by Emma Nichols


Amazon Buy Link












Blurb:



Sin at Sea:



When Alysin decided to surprise her boyfriend at work with dinner, the surprise was on her. Since he was going at it with his secretary on the conference table, she packed a bag and called her BFF. Jolie and Alysin had been traveling the country, working as digital nomads for ten years ever since graduation. Taking this as a sign it was time for a new move, they decided to take a cruise, regroup, and make a plan.



Then she meets Mr. Bedroom Eyes. Following her lead, they pretend to be married so that she can rid herself of the guy who started hitting on her before the boat left the dock. Though it was supposed to be a momentary arrangement, he asks her to take it one step farther. Then another and another. The cruise promises to be memorable in every way that matters. 



Along the way, Alysin learns that she won't have to fake an orgasm if she's with someone who knows what to do, that not all men suck, but the best ones suck really well, and that sometimes what starts out as something pretend, can fast become something completely real. Will the woman who lives life with no regrets, regret that she made that stupid rule about not exchanging names and contact info?



Vixen in Vegas:



It was supposed to be a week of simply being, of living in the moment, and enjoying every minute while it lasted. Of course, that kind of intoxication can have lingering effects. For Sin, she found herself wanting to break all the rules, to extend her time with the stranger who stole her heart. Vegas was just the right kind of place to take such a gamble. Meeting up with BE at the gondolas was a risk. Love went against everything they had promised, but the best things in life can’t be planned.



Soon Alysin will be tested. 



After guarding her heart for so long, she finally let a man in and discovered that the worst things in life happened when she least expected them. When she walked in on BE with another woman and overheard their heated conversation, she suddenly remembered there was a reason she made these rules. 



Will broken rules lead to broken hearts or will she realize that though love was a gamble, she was all in?






Author Links

Bio:

What made her decide to be an erotica author?

Simple.

How else was she going to parlay her two favorite past times into a career?

Emma is single and loving it. Like her first character, Alysin, Sin for short, she doesn't believe in settling or in settling down. She loves to indulge in her passions whenever the mood strikes and enjoys keeping all of life's cliche moments spicy.

Known for her sense of humor, Emma surrounds herself with friends whose antics often become the source of book fodder. Her ideal situation would be to explore the Caribbean while writing. She pursues that dream daily.

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Reality by Dani Hart Release Day Blitz





Dani Hart's new book, Reality is causing quite a stir!


This wonderful post is simply some amazing links for you to get your hands on a copy of Reality and to join in on the giveaway going on. Let's get to it!

Kindle Users:

Nook Users:

Smashwords Users:


Remember that groovy giveaway I mentioned? Click below to join in on the fun!



And last, but definitely not least, let's not forget to stop by her Facebook and her Blogspot to leave this upcoming author some much earned love!

Secrets of a Hart Blitz!


Amazon Buy Link








Blurb:

Five years ago, Kendall Hart’s life changed forever. A tragedy forced her to grow up fast and become a responsible adult overnight while her friends were still enjoying high school. She lives and breathes work leaving no time for a social life and her circle of friends is small. She has no room for complications in her life…then Tristan walks in.

Tristan O’Neal is forced to return home when his father becomes terminally ill. Taking care of his parents, dealing with an irresponsible brother, and starting a new job bring challenges to his life. Starting a relationship is the last thing on his mind but when sees Kendall, he finds himself drawn to her...she is so familiar. 

Tristan is what Kendall has always wanted but life isn’t always fair. Sometimes you have to let go of the one person you’ve always loved in order to protect them. Will Tristan be able to break through the wall she’s built around her heart or will Kendall’s secrets consume her and destroy their chance at a life together?



Author Links



Bio:

Elizabeth James is the author of the Design Series. She writes contemporary romance set in her native North Carolina. A life-long reader, she began writing a novel at age fifteen, put it away with no hopes of publication, but now has realized her dream as an adult. Inspired by several bestselling authors she began working as a beta reader and her passion for writing once again surfaced. She embarked on a journey to see if she could complete a novel and Love by Design was born. With warm reception to her first novel she is now making this crazy world a part of her life. Elizabeth believes you're never too late in life to realize your dreams and this has opened up a new world of adventures and meeting new people which she loves to do. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina with her husband and their dogs. She enjoys traveling, exploring North Carolina, and spending time with her friends.