One of My Fantasy Crushes - #TeamUll #Elsker #NATourney

It's no surprise to my regular readers that I'm a sassy, sensual romance writer who LOVES men. Yes, I'm not ashamed to admit it. I often fall in love with those sexy heroes I read about and no better fantasy crush deserves an award more than ULL from my amazing writer friend, S.T. Bende's NA novel, Elsker. 

Here’s the blurb for Elsker:
You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.
Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. He’s an honest to goodness Norse God – an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms. Her orderly life just got very messy.

Ull is not just any boyfriend/hero -- he is a the Norse God of Winter and Thor's step-son. I could just stop right there. What's not to love about that? BUT, I will continue, because there's so much MORE to love! Here's my list of why I love Ull and why YOU should vote for Ull in the NA Tourney.

1. He knows what he wants and gets what he wants -- except for that small-town girl, Kristia, who somehow steps in over his head.
2. He's completely in love with Kristia -- even brings her flowers, prepares a picnic and dotes on her in any way he can. **sigh**
3. Not only that, but Ull is willing to change his life as he knows it for Kristia. Now that's love!
4. He's an Asgardian Assasin. Imagine all that training he must endure -- hot abs anyone?
5. He makes the most amazing waffles with Olaug's secret recipe.
6. He's more than intelligent, if you ask me, he's a genius. Having attended several universities and receiving degrees in several areas, he knows his stuff!
7. He's always a gentleman, opening the car door, giving Kristia his jacket and -- ahem -- waiting until they've tied the knot to consummate their love.
8. He protects his people. Remember that Asgardian Assasin thing? Well, being a killer for his people is pretty dang hot!
9. He's a faithful friend -- Gunter and Inga could vouch for it.
10. He's absolutely gorgeous! Tall (6'5"), blond, blue eyed, well-dressed and muscular. Imagine a younger Alexander Skarsgard. Yep. (wiping off that drool as I think about him).

Now for a little fun. I gotta "HEY GIRL" Ull. He's totally worth it and totally up there with my Ry-Ry obsession. Ready? Here ya go!

And if you didn't catch ST Bende and I's Hey Girl showdown in the past, check these links out:

Round 1: (Steamy Showdown) at Melinda Dozier website: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2013/05/ull-vs-jake-showdown-elsker-by-st-bende.html

Round 2: ST Bende website: http://stbende.blogspot.com/2013/05/release-day-time-changes-everything-by.html

AND... that's not all!  Ull's fantastic fans have created limericks in support of Ull as the NA crush. Check these out.

So, what can YOU do? First and foremost, you can vote for ULL on Tuesday at the NA Crush Tourney at NA Alley! Remember it's TUESDAY, JULY 2!

Also, for more Ull, you can follow Ull on Twitter at www.twitter.com/UllMyhr . 

[Book Spotlight] Destination Wedding by Robyn Neeley

Title: Destination Wedding

Author: Robyn Neeley

Publisher: Crimson Romance

BLURB:

 

Wedding planner Kate Ashby’s fear of flying is eased by a sexy stranger and one slow lip lock that rockets her into another obit.

 

CEO Luke Cannon has just traded seats with his identical twin. Little did he know that an innocent kiss while pretending he was his brother would soon create havoc.

 

What happens in the air doesn’t stay up there. Once on tropical land, Kate believes that the handsome stranger who gave her the best kiss of her life is now her new client, Drew Cannon, fiancé to the beautiful and wealthy Lauren Kincaid. While Kate struggles with the intense feelings she thinks she has for Drew, Luke discovers Kate’s been hired to plan his brother’s destination wedding. He also realizes the initial sparks they shared 30,000 feet up are now mistakenly aimed at Drew.

 

Can Luke get Kate to realize that the feelings she has are for him? He’s got forty-eight hours in paradise to try.

 

Available on Amazon

Coming soon to Barnes & Noble

http://www.robynneeley.com/

 

 

Author Bio: Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can’t live without Dunkin Donuts coffee and has never met a cookie she didn’t like. If you have a must read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know. Visit her athttp://www.robynneeley.com/

 

Twitter – @robynneeley

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/robyn.neeley.1

What sparked your interest in becoming a romance writer?

I’ve always been a reader. The day after a particularly sad event in 2009, I sat on the commuter train and scratched some sentences on a notepad that eventually became the prologue to my holiday romance, Christmas Dinner. It took me three years filled with online classes; critiques and chapter contests, before it was finally ready to submit. It’s coming out this November by Crimson Romance.

What is your favorite scene in your new release?

I have so many! The opening scene in Destination Wedding is so fun in a terrifying way. My wedding planner heroine has a serious case of in-flight fright on a rather turbulent 12 hour flight to Hawaii. To get through it she chants her calming mantra, “I do. I do,” and when that doesn’t work she throws back two tiny vodka bottles and a glass of champagne. Lucky for her, my hero helps ease her nerves.

There’s also a towel scene in the hotel that has been cracking readers up. An author told me before it released that this scene would be the one people would talk about if it was a movie. I guess she was right. It is quite a “the hero so deserved that and then some” kind of scene. J

Best Writing Advice You’ve Ever Received

Everyone says to keep writing. It’s true. Publish the first and move on to the second. I agree – to an extent. I wouldn’t feel comfortable if I didn’t work equally as hard to promote the book currently out. To me, promotion is part of the writing cycle. I now build in hours during the week to specifically promote. It does cut down on my writing time for the current project, but I’m okay with that. I want my book that is currently out there to have its best chance. I owe it to my characters!

Worst Writing Advice You’ve Ever Received

Get onto social media (and best as well!). While yes, it is important to be on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc… you need to be smart about your outreach, otherwise you run the risk of promoting constantly to other authors who most likely won’t buy your book. Some will, but you’ve got to work on expanding your audience to readers interested in your genre.

I spend a lot of time experimenting with advertisments and hashtags. Because my book is called Destination Wedding it’s allowed me to creatively use the #destinationwedding hashtag, starting conversations with people I might otherwise not have connected with, but might enjoy my book.

Do you have a website recommendation for other writers?

I am a fan of both Savvy Authors and Romance University. Savvy Authors offers super helpful online workshops and online discussion chats. Romance University has wonderful weekly posts on writing craft; tips for publicity and marketing; and support for new authors.

Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place

I love to have Dunkin Donuts iced coffee next to me when I write – and okay, I never go there without getting a glazed donut as well.

Often, I’ll have a romantic comedy movie playing for inspiration. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched Music and Lyrics, Runaway Bride, The Wedding Planner and Leap Year! I’m pretty sure I would sweep any “Romantic Comedies” category on Jeopardy!

Is there anyone who really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published?

I took a three month mentoring class with Lori Wilde last summer offered through Savvy Authors. She was tough! I think I cried the first three weeks. My writing grew by leaps and bounds. The techniques I learned from her helped me write Destination Wedding in four months. She was amazing! I highly recommend aspiring writers consider an online mentoring course. Savvy Authors offers several of these throughout the year with seasoned mentors. It’s highly worth the investment!

The Georgia Corbins by Kara Leigh Miller Birthday Blitz

"Thank you so much for tonight," I said to Levi and Tucker as we stood beneath the tree that I had to climb to get back into my room. "This was so much fun."

"Sure was." Tucker grinned and grabbed the lowest branch of the tree.

"Hey! What are you doing?" I reached for his leg, but he was already out of my reach.

"We're taking you home," Levi said, following Tucker up the tree.

I stood dumbfounded. "You guys, you can't go to my room. What if my parents are there waiting for me?" They ignored me and continued to climb. I grumbled and followed them. So help me God if they got me into more trouble I was going to kill them. They always did this. They convinced me to do something bad, and then they didn't know when to quit.

By the time I reached the roof, Levi and Tucker were climbing through my window. I contemplated just going back down and through the front door—admitting to my parents that I'd snuck out and gone to Cass's house. I would get in a lot less trouble for that than I would for sneaking the Corbins into my bedroom.

"You coming, Al?" Tucker asked, sticking his head out the window.

Too late to turn back now. With a sigh and a shake of my head, I climbed through my bedroom window. And I came face to face with both of my parents. Levi and Tucker were standing nearby, grinning from ear to ear. "What's going on?"

"Surprise," Tucker said.

"Your parents knew all along what we were doing," Levi explained.

I wanted to be annoyed, but I couldn't contain my smile. "And all night I've been worried about getting caught." This was definitely the best surprise of the entire night.

Collect your last clue below, and then head on over to Kara Leigh Miller's Blog to enter the grand prize giveaway!

(www.karaleighmiller.com/index.html)

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Need to catch up on where they've been?

Stop #1 – www.bookishblurb.com

Stop #2 – www.nikkilynnvale.com/Blog.html

Stop #3 – http://amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com.au/

Stop #4 – http://lolabookreviews.blogspot.com

Stop #5 – www.rorishay.com

Stop #6 – http://connie-avidreader.blogspot.com

Stop #7 --  http://meradethhouston.blogspot.com

Stop #8 – www.ariakane.com

The Georgia Corbins by Kara Leigh Miller  

Ali Philips never thought anything could be more devastating than the day Levi and Tucker Corbin, her two best friends—her only friends—moved away. Three years passed without a single phone call, text message, or email from them and she’s resolved to the fact that she will probably never see them again. Until one morning when she comes face-to-face with Levi Corbin in physics class. 

Little does she know, the Corbins have returned to Haldeen with only one thing on their minds: winning Ali’s heart. Ali soon finds herself in the middle of a love triangle she doesn’t want any part of. As she tries to reclaim the friendships she’s lost and to adjust to the unfamiliar feelings she’s having, she struggles with making the one decision that will forever change their lives: Levi or Tucker Corbin? 

She’s always had a special bond with Tucker and feels most comfortable when she’s with him. But Levi brings her to life in a way she didn’t think was possible and makes her feel things she didn’t think she would ever feel. Torn between the two, Ali is certain of only one thing–by the time it’s over, she’ll lose one of her best friends.

BUY The Georgia Corbins:  http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/blush/the-georgia-corbins/

[Book Blitz] Hotter Than Texas by Tina Leonard

Blurb:

"Perfection takes time, but desire waits for no man. Or woman "

"Pecan Creek, Book 1"

With more than one skeleton rattling in her closet, Sugar Cassevechia hopes The Most Honest Town in Texas will be the perfect place to start an online business. As soon as her mother remembers the family recipe that ll get hotterthanhellnuts.com off the ground.

In the meantime, no way is Sugar letting their new landlord get away with renting them a run-down house that s decorated like a rich widow s orgasm. Even if he s the biggest hunk of hot she s ever laid eyes on.

Jake Bentley would love to do nothing but sit back and be amused as the Cassevechia women unwittingly stir up trouble in his uptight town. But something about them thaws out his frozen rescue complex. Especially Sugar s long, chestnut hair and sassy mouth.

Right about the time Sugar figures one steamy night in Jake s bed won t hurt, another skeleton joins the party in the form of a dead body in the Belle Watling room. And Sugar must decide if her family s reputation and her own heart are safe with Jake.

Warning: No sex in this book. Nope. None. Nada. Honest. Now, if you believe that, the author has an iceberg in Texas to sell you. Better hurry before there's none left to cool the fevered dreams generated by this book.

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY:

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[Book Tour] The Georgia Corbins by Kara Leigh Miller

Title: The Georgia Corbins

Author: Kara Leigh Miller

Publisher and Imprint: Entranced Publishing

Genre: YA contemporary romance

Release Date: June 10 2013

Length: 265 pages

Blurb:

Ali Philips never thought anything could be more devastating than the day Levi and Tucker Corbin, her two best friends—her only friends—moved away. Three years passed without a single phone call, text message, or email from them and she’s resolved to the fact that she will probably never see them again. Until one morning when she comes face-to-face with Levi Corbin in physics class. 

Little does she know, the Corbins have returned to Haldeen with only one thing on their minds: winning Ali’s heart. Ali soon finds herself in the middle of a love triangle she doesn’t want any part of. As she tries to reclaim the friendships she’s lost and to adjust to the unfamiliar feelings she’s having, she struggles with making the one decision that will forever change their lives: Levi or Tucker Corbin? 

She’s always had a special bond with Tucker and feels most comfortable when she’s with him. But Levi brings her to life in a way she didn’t think was possible and makes her feel things she didn’t think she would ever feel. Torn between the two, Ali is certain of only one thing–by the time it’s over, she’ll lose one of her best friends.

Buy Links: http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/blush/the-georgia-corbins/

Add to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17669136-the-georgia-corbins

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/HQeur_ftAno

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Georgia Corbins, Kara Leigh Miller is giving away exciting prizes. The Grand Prize, which is open to US residents only, includes a signed copy of The Georgia Corbins, The Georgia Corbins hardcover journal and postcards, The Georgia Corbins tote bag, Kara Leigh Miller pens and notebooks, and Legasea bookmarks.

Second and third prizes are an ebook copy of The Georgia Corbins, and one lucky person will win a first chapter critique. International entries are welcome. Good luck! Winners will be announced July 1^st.

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About the Author:

Born and raised in the small town of Mexico, New York, Kara was an only child who was forced to find ways to entertain herself. Playing make believe with her Barbie dolls and stuffed animals was her first real taste of storytelling before she became old enough to develop a love affair with the written word. In early 2010, Kara picked up her very first erotic romance novel, and she was instantly hooked. She loves to write contemporary romance, erotica, and young adult romance. Currently she has several full-length novels in the works, a series of novellas, and a handful of short stories. Kara is an active member of the CNY Creative Writers Café and the CNY Romance Writers. Today, Kara resides in New Haven, New York with her husband, five kids, and three cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s thinking about reading and writing. And when she’s not doing that, she’s spending time with her family and friends.

Author Social Media Links:

Blog: http://www.karaleighmiller.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraLeighMille1

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

We're very lucky today since we have special guests --- Levi and Tucker from The Georgia Corbins. Let's have a little fun. How about The Ultimate Showdown? Which boy knows more about Ali? 

Levi vs. Tucker – The Ultimate Showdown

Melinda: Welcome to the blog, Levi and Tucker. So, I hear you two have been fighting over the young, beautiful Ali Philips.

Tucker: Yup.

Levi: *sighs and shakes his head* No. We're not fighting. We agreed to let her make the choice and we'd both deal with it.

Tucker: Yeah, but I'm clearly winning.

Levi: In your dreams!

Tucker: You know I am. *grins really slow and crosses his arms over his chest*

Levi: Whatever, Tuck. *rolls his eyes*

Melinda: Okay, boys, let's settle this once and for all, shall we? You're both here today to play a rapid round of "Who Knows Ali Best." Each correct answer earns you one point. The player with the most points after one minute wins. A coin toss will determine who goes first. Ready? Call it. *throws a quarter in the air*

Levi & Tucker: Heads! *they glare at each other*

Melinda: Tails. Okay, let's try this again. Tucker, call it.

Levi: Why does Tucker get to call it?

Melinda: *sighs* Are we really going to argue over the coin toss?

Tucker: Tails.

Melinda: *looks at Levi* Heads okay with you?

Levi: Yeah, fine, whatever. 

Melinda: Okay, good. *throws quarter again* Tails. Tucker goes first.

Tucker: *smiles*

Levi: Figures.

Melinda: All right, Tucker, I'm going to ask you a series of questions and you have to answer as fast as possible, because the more questions I ask, the more points you can earn. Ready?

Tucker: Yeah.

Melinda: What is Ali's favorite color?

Tucker: Purple.

Melinda: Ali's favorite food?

Tucker: Chicken and biscuits.

Melinda: Ali's favorite drink?

Tucker: Sprite.

Melinda: Ali's favorite movie?

Tucker: My Best Friend's Wedding.

Levi: *laughs*

Tucker: *flips Levi the middle finger*

Melinda: What does Ali want to be when she grows up?

Tucker: A mermaid. *laughs*

Melinda: Ali's best friend?

Tucker: Me.

Melinda: Okay, time's up. I asked you six questions. You did not get all of them correct. Levi, I'm going to ask you the same six questions. Ready?

Levi: Yup.

Melinda: What is Ali's favorite color?

Levi: Blue.

Melinda: Ali's favorite food?

Levi: Chicken and biscuits.

Melinda: Ali's favorite drink?

Levi: Root beer floats.

Melinda: Ali's favorite movie?

Levi: Scream.

Tucker: *laughs* Al don't like scary movies.

Levi: You don't know anything about her.

Melinda: *sighs with frustration* What does Ali want to be when she grows up?

Levi: A lawyer

Melinda: Ali's best friend?

Levi: Cass.

Tucker: Cass is not Al's best friend. We've always been her best friends. Me, specifically.

Levi: You didn't even like her when we first met her.

Melinda: Okay, okay, that's enough.

Tucker: I liked her just fine. I just didn't like how you were all gooey eyed over her.

Levi: Jealous?

Tucker: Not of you. Al has always liked me better.

Levi: No, Ali just felt sorry for you for getting into so much trouble.

Tucker: Most of the time Al was by my side getting into trouble.

Levi: Yeah, and who does she always run to when she needs help? *smiles a lopsided grin*

Tucker: You smile like an idiot.

Levi: And you're just an idiot.

Melinda: *throws question cards in the air and walks away with a huff*

Tucker: Hey! Who won?

Levi: Yeah, who won?

Melinda: I think you're both winners, but what really matters is what Ali thinks. Guess we need to read your story to find out. Thank gentlemen for being here. Nothing like the Georgia boys!

[Cover Reveal] One Wicked Night by Emily Quinn

Blurb:

Angel Jones is a career-driven woman at the top of her game with a big problem: a wickedly handsome boss. It is impossible to get him out of her mind, so her friends talk her into using someone else’s invitation to an exclusive dating service. It’s a dare she can’t resist.

Fernando Durante knows lusting after someone at work is not an option. He has managed to avoid direct contact with her for years, but thanks to a recent promotion, the witty goddess reports directly to him. When a friend emails him an invitation to an exclusive dating service, Fernando accepts against his better judgment.

Will Angel and Fernando let their hearts guide them?

You can add One Wicked Night to your to-read list on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18006383-one-wicked-night

Informaton about the book:

Title: One Wicked Night

Series: Wicked #1

Author: Emily Quinn

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Release Date: July 15, 2013

About the Author:

Emily Quinn writes sexy contemporary romances with irresistible bad boys, feisty heroines, a bit of conflict, humor and a dash of spice.

She loves books and falls in love with every hero she reads. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband, two kids, and her dog.

Emily loves hearing from her readers.

You can find and contact Emily here:

Website: http://emilyquinnauthor.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/equinnauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.quinn.37017794

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/equinnauthor/ 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7020325.Emily_Quinn