It's a pleasure to have my writing friend, Rachel Kall, here today with her newest cover reveal. Check it out! I LOVE IT! Don't you?
Race to Kill (Book 1 in the Love and
Scandal Series)
When fiercely
independent Vivian Reese is thrust onto the national stage during a heated
presidential campaign, she doesn't expect to become a media darling.
She also doesn't expect to start to fall for her sexy new bodyguard,
Marcus Locke. But when threats start surfacing against the sitting President's
campaign and all evidence points to Vivian, she doesn't know who to
trust.
Delta Force Operator
turned FBI agent Marcus Locke is supposed to be investigating campaign finance
crimes. He's not supposed to be checking out the sexy,
eloquent campaign spokeswoman Vivian Reese, who's one of his prime suspects!
But when they are caught in the middle of a presidential race that is
quickly turning deadly, he is forced to put both his heart and his job in
the line of fire.
Tempers flare and
passions ignite as the campaign gets dangerous, but when bullets start to fly
will either of them survive?
TRAILER REVEAL:
Information about the book:
Title: Race to Kill
Author: Rachel Kall
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 7, 2013
Series: Love and Scandal Series
Information
about the author:
Rachel Kall writes romantic suspense.
She likes writing spicy and suspenseful stories to keep readers guessing.
Rachel is a member of Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death, and Georgia
Romance Writers. She loves animals and is active in animal rescue. She enjoys
adding loveable pets to her stories. She lives in Georgia with her husband and
five furkids—two dogs and three cats. She is represented by Sarah Younger at
Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
We're still on a roll! Authors LOVE to break the rules, so of course our characters do too! Let's read more about our Rule Breakers!
Paloma Beck, Author of Hold My Hand How did I break the rules when I wrote Hold My Hand?
I made the story personal and included elements that hit very close to home. When I decided to write for publication, I intended to hold back enough of myself that my characters wouldn't have too much of my personality or issues in them. I blew that out of the water when Aubrey came to me and demanded her story be written. I broke the rules and I'm so glad I did.
How has Aubrey broken the rules?
Aubrey thinks the relationship William wants with her might be breaking the rules she's lived by her whole life. She may not be tight with her family but she's always had her faith. When she decides to break the rules -going against the church's teaching- she comes to realize that sometimes rules are all about interpretation.
This is a difficult question for me because I am the ultimate rule follower. Call me crazy, but that’s just me. So I thought about this and wondered when I did something that I theoretically shouldn’t have. When I rescued my dog Zoe from a high kill shelter, my husband had specifically told me when I called him to tell her what I was doing that a) he didn’t want another dog and b) I should not get another dog. Under no circumstances is what he said. Well you know what I did? I broke the rules. I left work, drove down to the animal control, and busted Zoe out. Years later my husband is glad I broke the rules:)
How does my character break the rules?
Alex Popov is a high powered attorney with her eyes set on partnership. When Alex is faced with evidence provided by the FBI that her client contact Pedro Martin is involved in illegal arms trading, she breaks the rules. She decides to trust in him and goes against the FBI even when the evidence is stacked against Pedro. Was she right? Check out Legally Undercover to find out!
When it comes to
romance, there are many “rules” a writer should follow in order to appeal to
specific publishers. Well, I broke several with For the Love of Quinn (Now and
Forever). First and foremost, the novel is HUGE at well over 200,000
words. The heroine isn’t a young
twenty-something either. She’s just like me, over forty with a successful
career as a veterinary surgeon. She’s also MARRIED when she meets and falls in
love with the two men who would change her life forever. One would be with her
through thick and thin and the other is her soul mate, searching for her
through each and every lifetime. I made one of the heroes confused and unsure
that he was the one for her. More often
than not, publishers want sure, confident heroes who know what they want and go
out and get it. I wanted to show real life situations with these characters
because I lived it myself.
How my characters broke the rules
Quinn stays in a
loveless and sexless marriage because of a promise she made to an old woman on
her death bed. This seems honorable on the surface, but ultimately it ends up
causing her years of unnecessary sadness and pain. She decides to finally enjoy herself on a trip
to Las Vegas, determined to let whatever happens in Vegas stay there, but her
heart had other plans. Not one, but two
men stake claims on her affections.
Casino owner Steve Eischer is the first to have her in his bed and
determined to keep her there for as long as she’ll have him. Jake Hartley, the classic bad boy is nearly
struck dumb when his eyes meet with hers on the dance floor. Never before had
he felt a pull so strong. He wants her, but more than just a one night
stand. He pursues her even though it’s
clear Steve will do whatever it takes to keep her.
Ultimately, Quinn finds
herself in love with both men and yet unable to give herself completely to
either one because of her bad marriage.
The guilt she feels over this overwhelms her and yet she can’t stay away
from either one of them. She relies more and more on Steve to escape her nasty
husband and yet her heart also yearns for Jake even after he shatters her world
by agreeing to marry another.
Will Steve be able to
move heaven and earth to give her the happiness she deserves or will he lose her forever to a broken
heart? Read For the Love of Quinn to
find out.
Attorney Alex Popov’s dream
of partnership is put to the test when she’s pulled into a top-secret
investigation involving arms dealers and one of her clients, Rodrigues Capital.
The only good part about her association with the secretive organization is her
client contact, Pedro Martín. She’s drawn to him, but he’s hiding something.
When Jacob shows up as a new
attorney at Alex’s firm, it’s clear Pedro isn’t the only one with secrets. As
Alex tries to determine Jacob’s true identity, she’s drawn closer to Pedro and
deeper into the mystery of Rodrigues Capital and its shadowy networks.
Everyone has an agenda. In a
world of lies, where no one is what they seem, Alex puts everything — even her
dreams of partnership — on the line for love.
About the Author
Rachel Kall writes
romantic suspense. She enjoys writing spicy and suspenseful stories to keep
readers guessing. She’s a lawyer by day and passionate about writing. Her
favorite genres are romantic suspense and contemporary romance, but she’s
always open to an amazing story in any genre. Rachel is a member of Romance
Writers of America, KOD, and Georgia Romance Writers. She loves animals and is
active in animal rescue. She enjoys adding lovable pets to her stories. She
lives in Georgia with her husband and five furkids—two dogs and three cats.
Don't
worry. We'll start nice and easy. And rule number one is this: The connection
between the man and the woman is more important than the steps. You could have
the most amazing dance steps in the world, but if there's no connection between
the man and the woman, then it's really not the salsa."
He
positioned her left hand on his shoulder. Then he put his left hand into her
right and placed his right hand gently on her back.
"The thing to remember about the salsa is you
hold the one count and step on two. It'll be easier for you to follow me, but
let me walk you through it once. Hold on one. On two, step back with your right
foot. Step forward with your right foot. Then hold the beat. Step forward with
your left. Step back onto your right. Step back on your left. And that's
it."
Alex
surprised herself as she caught onto the basic salsa steps. They started
dancing to the music, and he began to improvise, adding additional steps. She
kept up with him as well as she could, and she couldn't keep the smile off her
face. With each additional
step she was drawn closer to him and could smell the scent of his light but
masculine cologne. She couldn't miss that flash of heat in his eyes. But he
still wasn't being pushy with her.
She
officially felt like she was in the twilight zone. It almost seemed like they
were on a real date. All of the stress and pressure of the past days melted off
of her with every step and with each touch of his hand on her body. They
finished dancing, and stood
laughing hand in hand.
"You've
actually cheered me up, Pedro, much better than the wine and pizza therapy. I
needed some salsa."
"You've
got the perfect body for Latin dancing."
She
felt her cheeks redden. "I have a few extra curves," she said,
feeling a bit self-conscious.
"Your curves are just right the way they
are." He cupped his hands on her face, and never dropping eye contact,
pulled her to him. As his lips touched hers for the first time, she got lost in
the moment. While she knew she should back away, she couldn't help but give in.
Right then, she wanted him. It was undeniable.
Momentarily
letting go of her doubts, she grabbed onto his shoulders and ran her hands
lightly down his back. She strained, going up on her toes to get even closer to
him because of their height difference. His lips were soft, and there was
something so forbidden about what she was doing. He deepened the kiss and she
allowed it to continue for a few minutes, savoring the way his lips felt
against hers. All of her senses were heightened as his hands glided down to her
waist. She wanted this to continue, but she had to get a grip. Reluctantly, she
took a step back but still remained in his arms.
"Pedro,
I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm not sure this is a good idea."
Even she didn't
believe the words as they came out of her mouth.
He leaned down and spoke quietly into her ear giving
her chills. "Alex, I can be
very persistent…”
It's hard to believe that I've been blogging for a whole year. It started out as a "okay, I'll give it a try" and turned into a full-blown adventure. I'm so glad I entered the blogging world. I've met so many fabulous people and have learned more than I could've imagined.
Now for the FUN! I have super, wonderful, amazing, incredible, groovy, awe-inspiring friends who are bloggers, authors, publishers, editors and they will be donating wonderful prizes for my BLOGIVERSARY giveaways! What are the giveaways? Check this list out:
$5 Amazon Gift Certificate for one of my awesome donation participants (randomly selected) + First 5-pages Manuscript Critique -From Me
Print copies (US only) - The One That Got Away (Harlequin Kiss) by Kelly Hunter and Hitched! (Harlequin Kiss) by Jessica Hart - from Sara at Harlequin Junkie
I have been tagged for “The Next Big Thing” for the second time. The amazing Nicole Camp tagged me this time around. Make sure you check out her photoblog. Pretty cool!
The idea seems pretty simple: I have to answer 10 questions about my work-in-progress.
10 Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing:
1. What is the title of your Work In Progress?
My current WIP is titled New York Minute.
2. Where did the idea come from for your book?
Time Changes Everything, my debut novel coming out in May from Entranced Publishing, has a secondary character who wanted her own story...Veronica, a shy, but sexy accountant.
3. What genre does your book fall under?
Sexy Contemporary Romance
4. What actors do you imagine playing your characters?
Diego could be played by Josh Wald, the sexy skateboarder/model. Veronica's actress has been hard to find.
Here is my pinterest board with pictures of how I invision them: http://pinterest.com/melindadozier/new-york-minute/
5. What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book? Excitement hadn't always been in Veronica Adams' dictionary. Until she met Diego Diaz at a wedding and spent one fascinating night as a sexy seductress. Three weeks later, she reunites with Diego when her friend, Chloe, talks her into a Speed Dating event. Should she take the risk of another sensual exploration or continue with her boring life?
6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'm aiming for publication next year. First, I need to finish it.
7. How long did it take you to finish the first draft of your manuscript?
Still working. Half way there!
8. What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?
I've never read anything like this and that's what makes the story unique. There is the whole shy girl turns vixen trope that you may find in other contemporary romance books.
9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Veronica and Diego. My characters create a life in my head until I surrender and write. When I wrote Time Changes Everything, Veronica stayed in the background and I thought she needed her own story. I've always wanted a sexy, Latino "bad boy" and that's where Diego steps in.
10. What else about your book might pique your readers’ interest?
Again, New York takes place front and center. I always love a New York setting with romance in the air.
Another hook would be my steamy sex scenes. For some reason, there's a sensual explosion between these two -- and they have lots of fun.
That's it! I can't wait to share the finished WIP with you. In the meantime, I will be participating in Sunday's Writer's Weekend Warriors with #8Sunday lines from my WIPs. Also, check out my pinterest board for pics of scenes and characters: http://pinterest.com/melindadozier/new-york-minute/
I tag the following 3 authors to continue on with the Blog Hop! Ana Blaze - The Best Man from Entranced Publishing to be released in April.
Rachel Kall - Legally Undercover from Entranced Publishing to be released in April
Joanne Stewart - Contemporary Romance author with Crimson Romance
Do you love to read about Alpha Males? Who are your favorites? In honor of the Alpha Male Blog Hop, I've invited a group of wonderful authors to answer these questions. I hope you enjoy!
Why do I love Alpha Males?
Which book has your favorite Alpha Male?
After reading everyone's responses, go below to enter to win:
A $5 Amazon Gift Card
OR
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: An Awesome Swag Pack!
So, without further ado, please welcome my featured authors.
Well, you've read my book, Melinda, so you know I don't 100% go for those macho, alpha males. I like a man with a softer side. I'd say a blend of alpha and beta - take charge when I need him to, but be kind and nurturing when I need that. However, my new WIP involves a very alpha male and I have to admit, as we peel back the layers and I get to know him better, he is a wonderful man. Hmmm... too many alphas in books to narrow it down without saying Eric Northman again from the Sookie Stackhouse books, but I've got the perfect one from a TV show. Have you ever watched Law and Order, Special Victims Unit? An actor who used to be on there, Christopher Meloni, played Detective Stabler. Not only was he very alpha, but very, very HOT! :-) Hotness always factors in with those alphas, doesn't it? I would recommend watching reruns of this show if you missed him!
Rachel Kall,author ofLegally Undercover, a romantic suspense to be published by Entranced Publishing April 22, 2013 I think a true Alpha Male is the perfect combination of strength and smarts. The Alpha Male knows what he wants and is willing to fight for it. My favorite Alpha Males can be in found in books by Suzanne Brockmann, Roxanne St. Claire, and Catherine Mann all writers of wonderful romantic suspense.
Rachelle Ayala, author of Broken Build and Michal's Window
An Alpha male is decisive with a take charge attitude and tough exterior. He doesn't like to talk about his feelings, but if you're the special woman who can squeeze into his heart, you'll find him loyal and utterly adorable. Just don't let anyone else catch on.
Dave Jewell of my latest book, Broken Build, is my favorite alpha male. A hard charging CEO who fires at will, he hides his brokenness with a playboy lifestyle... until Jen uncovers the dusty crib and baby toys.
Dariel Raye, author of Dark Sentinels: Sable Two of my favorite alpha males are Nalini Singh's Noel and Galen, from "Angel's Flight." Both are men of few words, yet when they speak, they are intelligent, insightful, and direct. They are both powerful, protective men who are not intimidated by a strong woman; in fact, they support and encourage strength in the women they love, taking whatever steps they deem necessary to help them acknowledge and fulfill their dreams. These men make me feel safe, willing to risk their lives to protect me from harm. They show me I am loved instead of wasting time with flowery lip-service.
Alpha males? Women still like alpha males? Well, I’m more
of a beta male kinda girl! Five reasons I’m addicted to this type of man: 1.
He’ll let his woman pay the tab every once in a while, 2. He’ll admit his
mistakes and apologize, 3. He doesn’t need the approval of his ‘pack’, 4. He
doesn’t bulldoze people to get his way, 5. He’s not afraid to admit when he’s
fallen in love! My advice…whether your
beta man is in the flesh or among the pages of a good book, hold tight to him
and never let him go!
ST Bende, author of Elsker, a mythology based novel to be published by Entranced Publishing May 20, 2013
I feel like choosing a single favorite Alpha Male is a Herculean task. I suppose I could start there - Hercules. Now that's an Alpha Male. Even the Disney cartoon version was dreamy - strong, sensitive, powerful... a halfway decent singer. And I'd be remiss if I mentioned a mythological Alpha without bringing up Thor. Strong, powerful, most likely not all that sensitive (but who really cares when the guy wields the power of Mjolnir and harnesses the forces of thunder?), and probably really good looking, given his Nordic roots. But I'm fairly certain the ultimate Alpha Male was James Bond himself. Sometimes dark, sometimes brooding, always elegant, well dressed, refined, dignified, and able to handle any situation. Doesn't every woman fancy a man who has it all under control? And who among us wouldn't love to be a Bond Girl? I wouldn't object to looking even a smidge like Ursula Andress in that white bikini, walking out of the Caribbean to meet James Bond. Hey, this blog post is about fantasy, isn't it?
Melinda Dozier, author of Time Changes Everything, to be published by Entranced Publishing June 3, 2013
Alpha males are attractive because they know what they want. There´s nothing sexier than a confident, fearless, bold man. When it comes to love, an Alpha is ahead of the game. He doesn´t ask for love, but he tells the herione he wants it. He needs it. He has got to have it, and he will do whatever it takes to get it.
Jake in Time Changes Everything is the perfect Alpha. He has all the qualities I mentioned above. Once he realizes he's ready to love Amanda, he goes for it. He only has to convince her to admit it, too. What are some of the ways he convinces Amanda to take the risk on love? Find out in June, 2013 when Time Changes Everything is published. ______________________________________________________________________________
Like what you heard? Please click on the author's name for their blog site or their book picture to buy their book!
But that's not all....Enter to win on the Alpha Male Blog Hop hosted by Carrie Ann's Blog Hops. We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
And that's STILL not all... For a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card, enter my own raffle below.
Remember to comment below about your favorite Alpha Males (with your email) and link on to other blog hop participants at:http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/ for more chances to win!
As an aspiring published author, I loved to read other's blogs
about their "trips" into the published world. Since I have signed my
contract with Entranced Publishing, I have been on a whirlwind of excitement.
So, as promised, I will share my experiences of becoming a published writer as
all the steps unfold.
After signing the
contract, I received a lot of information from my publisher. Below I will
discuss a few of the fun steps I've been through.
1. Online
Author Group- A wonderful asset of Entranced
Publishing is the camaraderie between the soon-to-be published authors. We have
an online group where we can post questions, find information from our editor,
or just say hi. I have to tell you that Entranced Publishing has a great team
of fun, chatty, uplifting authors. I suggest you visit their blogs or find them
on twitter. Their links are below:
2. Art Design
for Book Cover - Receiving
the art design form regarding my future book cover gave me the heebee jeebees.
Every new author dreams of their new cover, and I couldn't wait to see mine.
However, I had visions in my head of how it would look already. Knowing that
someone else was really in charge shook me a little, because you never know if
they have the same thoughts as the author. I didn't need to worry. Little did I
know, my own publisher/editor, Ashley Christman, worked my cover herself, and
she had the exact vision as I did! In fact, we both had the same coupleidea
without telling each other. I've already decided that Ashley is a superwoman!
She worked my cover in less than a week and now the product is a fabulous
cover. In fact, I want to stare at it non-stop, like a love-sick teenager. I
think I will print it out and frame it for my office.
What now?
Actually a lot! I am working on a prequel novella to Time Changes Everything, currently titled Boy Next Door. I
actually had it written up before, but never shared it with anyone but a few
loyal critters (you know who you are!) It'll be sent to Entranced and hopefully released before the Time Changes Everything launch date of June 3, 2013.
Also, waiting on
my first round of edits and then I know I will be super busy! Am I crazy in
saying I can't wait? Remind me that I said that in about a month's time.
Thanks for stopping
by. Check back next week for more about my Road to Publishing.
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