Girly Books Blog Hop: Location, Location, Location

One of the first parts of a novel that I have to plan is the location. Although I think characters are the key to a story, location can add to that character's life, emotional development, and romantic story line. 

In my upcoming novel, Time Changes Everything, I didn't even have to think twice about where the novel would take place.... immediately I knew. It had to be in NEW YORK CITY!

Five New York City Activities in Time Changes Everything:

1. A beautiful nighttime boat ride on the Hudson, with the Lady Liberty in the background.
2. A run through Central Park.
3. Great food including a fast lunch with Nathan's Hot Dogs and a New York Bagels breakfast.
4. Macy's Thanksgiving parade
5. A top-of-the-line fashion show, headed by my heroine.

You have to wait for my release for more specifics! 

Now, believe it or not, I have never been to New York! My father-in-law is a New Yorker, grown up in Brooklyn, and hubby lived there for a few months as a baby and teen. So, they've given me the scoop. My goal this year.... a romantic trip with my hubby to NYC!

So, what should we do on our trip? What are your favorite romantic things about New York City? Please leave a comment!

Now, as a giveaway, I'd like to giveaway a book I just finished that takes place in New York!

Is she his worst nightmare…

No relationships, that’s billionaire Garth Solen’s rule—especially not with a woman like his new employee Melissa Bencher, who thinks with her heart and not her head. But all bets are off when Melissa tries to make her jerk ex-boyfriend jealous by suggesting that she’s dating her gorgeous boss. How could she have imagined all the trouble one impulsive act could cause?

…or a dream come true?

To protect his ailing grandmother, Garth is forced to play the part of Melissa’s adoring fiancé. Now they’re trying on rings and posing for the paparazzi. The game is clear: for one month, they play the part of an engaged couple, and then they part ways. No emotions. No entanglements. But when it comes to matters of the heart, Melissa’s never been good at following the rules…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLICK HERE TO ENTER AND WIN THE GIRLY BOOKS BLOG HOP GRAND PRIZES and to find the linky to visit other participating blogs.

Grand Prize Includes: 

Thanks for stopping by!

Melinda

Guest Author: Nicole Camp

Want to meet the modern writing wonder woman? What a pleasure to have fellow Entranced Author, Nicole Camp, with us today. Nicole has written 3 books which will be published between March and June with Entranced Publishing and all of them sound amazing. Check each one out below:

Shadow’s Rising : release date March 2013

For nearly two hundred years the city of Aria has been under siege. 

Salcon reigns supreme and rules all he touches with a heart of darkness, seeking to conquer the last Navean city free of his control.

Enslaved to Salcon’s will and struggling to find hope in a life without any - one brother will give everything he has to save the other, and his sacrifice will change our world forever.

Shadow’s Born : release date April 2013

Eighteen year old Raffin has tried to blend in on Earth, even though he’s not completely human. 

Getting the girl of his dreams would have been enough adventure for Raffin, saving a race wasn't part of the plan. But now, he’s face to face with a truth right out of his nightmares.  

Created for vengeance, Raffin becomes aware of the fact that he was meant to end humanity. Being influenced by his Sire’s memories, and caught up by the allure of power, Raffin struggles to remain true to himself. 

Taken to a world away from his own, unlike any place he's ever known, a dark threat from his family’s past emerges there. Equally matched with the enemy, when only one will live, Raffin must win or die trying. The fate of two worlds depends on him.

And here is the book trailer! 

Magic&Meru: release date June 2013

Dream or reality, seventeen year old Bethany Song doesn’t know, and she doesn’t want to. The last thing she remembers is shattering her Aunt’s mirror and falling through the pieces, tumbling down into a hay cart.

Unconscious or not, now she’s trapped in the last place she ever wanted to be, a land full of magic and dragons, fairytales have nothing on this place. 

In the land of Ipsum there’s an evil Prince, a good witch and wizard, and she’s followed by baby dragon Parump. Most irritating of all is the dark and mysterious, Persk, who wants to rescue her - when she doesn’t need his help at all.

Bethany hopes she’ll just wake up from this nightmare, but until then, this modern girl will have to follow a dangerous quest, to get home.

About Nicole Camp:

I am a rabid writer, sometimes artist, and ice cream lover who lives in Arizona with my family and two pets. I am always tirelessly scribbling down ideas for my next book or writing project. When not writing, I am exploring the world through amateur photography, happily and randomly snapping pictures of my surroundings.

Even better, here is Nicole Camp's Author Introduction on the Entranced Publishing Youtube Site. 

Be sure to add these books to your TBR list! You don't want to miss them!

I love to hear from my readers. Let me know what you think about Nicole's books by commenting below.

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda

Six Sentence Sunday: New York Minute #sixsunday

I was sad to hear that Six Sentence Sunday will be coming to an end on January 27. So, I thought I'd participate in the last three #sixsunday's with my current WIP. 

Six Sentence Sunday is a day where published or non published authors share six sentences from their work. I will share my first six sentences from my newest WIP, New York Minute.

Every time Veronica’s friend concocted some ridiculous scheme on how to meet men, she blackmailed Veronica to partake in it. This particular plan was over-the-top. Chloe should know that Veronica was an on-the-border agoraphobic. In fact, just thinking about meeting men in this way practically gave her hives.

“I can’t believe you’re making me do this,” Veronica groaned.

Chloe looped her hand through Veronica’s elbow to keep her from escaping. “It’ll be fun. Maybe you’ll meet the man of your dreams.”

I love to hear comments, so please tell me what you think!

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda

Cover Reveal: The Best Man by Ana Blaze

TITLE: The Best Man

AUTHOR: Ana Blaze

PUBLISHER: Entranced Publishing

GENRE: Contemporary Romance Novella

RELEASE: Summer, 2013

I am so happy to take part in fellow Entranced Publishing author, Ana Blaze's debut novel, The Best Man cover reveal! Isn't it gorgeous!

Book Blurb:

Beth Chase is too busy planning perfect weddings to worry about the lack of action in her own love life. But if she was looking for a man, she wouldn't be looking at Colin Pratt. Her boss swears that Best Man Colin is a quiet scholar and science fiction writer who couldn't possibly cause a fuss at his own brother’s wedding. He’s clearly never met the man in question. Snarky, sexy and more than a little inebriated, Colin is the final obstacle between Beth and the last perfect wedding she needs to make partner. Of course, when she helps him into a taxi at the end of the night she has no idea that he’s only just begun to poke holes in her professional exterior. Colin might have the skills to seduce a romance professional, but can he convince her that he’s the best man to share her happy ever after?

Available from Entranced Publishing in Summer 2013!

To keep on top of news about The Best Man and other books from Ana Blaze and for the chance to WIN a $10 E-Gift Card for Amazon.com, make sure to Like Ana Blaze’s Facebook Page.

About Ana:

Ana lives just outside Washington DC with her very supportive husband and three rather demanding cats. She loves the ocean, Indian food, Ikea, and cooking. Ana admits to watching too much television and she swears that someday she’s going to learn how to play the guitar resting on the bookshelf in her office.

Blog: http://anablaze.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnaBlazeLove

Twitter:@ana_blaze

Participating in Blog Hops: Author Promotion #Wwow

Promoting yourself takes time, so why not have fun while doing it? One way I promote my blog and myself as an author is to participate in Blog Hops. Where and how do you do that? 

Here is a list of places to find specific types of blog hops:

Carrie Ann Ryan Blog Hops - http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/
Hops are focused on romance. She is very organized and there are many participants. You can't go wrong with this one!
Also, there is a facebook group to help with the organization: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarrieAnnBlogHops/

The Blog Hop Spot - http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/
Only a few a year, but worth checking out.
Also on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/367868446563993/?fref=ts

Under the Covers Book Reviews - http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/current-giveaways/upcoming-blog-hops
Adult-centered blog hops. Upcoming hops include Naughty New Years Blog Hop and Fools for Luv Blog Hop. 

Romance Reviews - http://www.theromancereviews.com/romancehop.php
Upcoming Romance Hop and Erotica Romance Hop 

Reading Romances - http://reading-romances.com/
You can also friend this blog on Goodreads and get updates of upcoming blog hops.

I am a Reader, Not a Writer - http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com
Although I am a writer, I know other writers do participated in these hops. Family friendly and lots of YA book hops coming up!

How does it work? Usually the hosting website has a linky sign up. You enter your blog address and name. Then you will be added to the list. Next, the hosting site will send an email with instructions, if there are any special materials or directions.

Write your blog post. Schedule it to be posted early that morning. 

Most bloghops have a giveaway. This is an ideal time to giveaway a copy of your book!If you have a giveaway, use rafflectopter or another useful tool. See my previous post on Rafflecopter use.

Promote  the blog hop on twitter or facebook. Warning: Don't overpromote! You want people to visit your blog,  not throw it out the window.

If you know of other blog hop hosting sites, please let us know in the comments below! 

It's that easy! 

Visit other Writer's Words of Wisdom authors for great advice!

Paloma Beck: http://romancebeckons.blogspot.com/search/label/WoW#.UMXrW4fAeSo

Lacey Wolfe: http://laceywolfe.com/blog.html

Tammy Dennings Maggy http://tammydenningsmaggy.blogspot.com

Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Blog Tour & Giveaway

Today we are happy to kick off the Romantic Tales Bedtime Stories Blog Tour! Below you will find a description of the books, author bios and a guest blog from Tigris Eden, one of the authors. Don't forget to read all the way to the bottom for the giveaway!

Check out the fabulous, hot covers of the series!

Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories - Season One

Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories - Season 1 has a little of everything. From your everyday contemporary romance with Riley Ross’ The Getaway, to Ty Langston’s rockers-turned-werewolves in Crave, and Tigris Eden’s Sci-Fi/Paranormal, The Genesis Project, these three stories in these three different genres are guaranteed to have you turning the page.

“Each episode built on the one before, just like watching your favorite weekly television shows.

I highly recommend you pick up the Romantic Tales Bedtime Stories Episodes, you will be happy that you did!!”

4 Stars from Jenny Metcalf

Crave from Ty Langston

As a reporter for the Wakefield Post, Harper Erkstine has seen everything. From murders to robberies, all of her recent stories have ended with tragic consequences so great, that she began to question if she made the right career choice for herself. In the middle of working on a missing persons story that has rocked her town to the core, Harper decides as a favor to her friend and colleague to do a feature on local an up and coming rock band, called ‘Crave.’

The feature was a break from her routine, but Harper soon discovers that this band and its enigmatic lead singer, Cass St. Marie, may have ties to the missing persons case she’s working. Not only does she question why, but she also finds there is more to this band than just their music.

The Getaway from Riley Ross

Mike and Juliet have been dating for about four months. Juliet is madly in love with him but has never shared her feelings. Mike hasn’t said those three magical words so she doesn’t even know if they are on the same page when it comes to their relationship.

Mike takes Juliet on a two week vacation, so she can escape her family drama and stresses from her job. He has romantic surprises planned and there are several unexpected surprises for them both. How well do Mike and Juliet really know each other especially when an explosive secret from his past is revealed?

The Genesis Project from Tigris Eden

Biologically engineered in a lab, Genesis Blackmore has always been different. Her father has told her it’s due to her enhancements, the Federated Council sees her as a genetic mutation; and her fellow peers see her as the shiny new toy. Gen has had better days.

Xander Treegold sees something in Genesis that he can’t explain. Is it her oddity that captures him or her innocence? Xander’s never taken no for an answer when it comes to getting what he wants and at every opportunity that is given to him Xander seems to fail miserably. That is until he pulls Genesis into a dark alcove in the Great Hall where others are preparing for their journey back to New Earth for Luna.

Will Genesis succumb to his attentions or will she once again deny him the only thing he’s ever truly wanted…her.

Buy Links

Amazon Print Copy

Amazon Ebook copy

Excerpt: The Genesis Project from Tigris Eden

Gen watched with shock and curiosity as limbs connected, arms groped, and caresses were exchanged. Since going to the Academy she’d learned a few things. The tasting was a carnal act. Intimate. It was seductive. The sound of her heart pounding roared in her ears at a decibel that would hurt any normal Pars hearing. Vaggo told her not to go, and as confusion and something else she didn’t understand settled warmly over her skin, Gen found herself taking cautious steps back toward the door. She couldn’t handle something of this magnitude. It was too much for her self-preservation. What else could be happening to her? It festered deep beneath her skin, hot and dangerous.

She could hear the sounds of her class mates, long sighs and breathy moans. Somewhere in the heated tangled mess of bodies was Xander, she was sure of it. Her insides wound into tiny knots, pulling imaginary strings inside tighter and tighter, until strangulation consumed those knots to death. The sound she made was desperate and lost. It escaped before she could force it back down. She was angry and hurt, she’d never had to deal with this type of emotion before; not when it came to other living things. In the lab, she’d experienced disappointment at something not coming out the way she expected, not with real living breathing things. Her specimens in the lab didn’t cause physical inability to breathe or pain so deep, it sawed through her rib cage and ripped into her heart.

As if she’d mentally willed him from the tangled limbs, he appeared. Xander walked straight through the throng of bodies, stepping over some and skirting others. He was wearing a sweater the same color as his long platinum hair and a pair of black pants; they were glossy, and she knew it was the gel leather that the elitist wore. The material was smoother than any animal’s flesh and molded to the skin that filled it. The pants showcased an enormous part of his body she didn’t want to look at, but couldn’t keep her eyes from dropping to.

Authors:

Ty Langston

As a child, multi-published author Ty Langston loved to read about dragons and knights so much that one day, her grandmother told her to “just write about them.”

So she did.

From that day forward, she never left home without her pen, a notebook, and some kind of music playing in the background. Her love of reading expanded from fantasy into science fiction, and eventually into paranormal romance and erotica.

She enjoys different works from George Martin, Anne McCaffrey, Stephen King, and Jackie Collins. But some of Ty’s favorite writers are from the world of TV and film: namely, Tudors creator Michael Hirst, and the late John Hughes.

Ty has a certificate in Broadcast Journalism along with a degree in Business Administration.

She is single and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Links:

Website: http://www.tylangston.com/

Blog: http://shellmusings.blogspot.com/?zx=8a218850b618ccfe

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4489440.Ty_Langston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ty-Langston/167107416642591

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bedofroses2001

Riley Ross

To date I haven’t published anything yet but I love to write wrestling fan fiction, romance and light erotica. I will be married for fifteen years this month to my best friend and Prince Charming all rolled into one. I am mommy to two Siberian Huskies.

Links:

Website: http://authorrileyross.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6473909.Riley_Ross

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RileyRossRomance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RileyRoss7

Tigris Eden

There is really not much to say... I love to write, read, and listen to music. My attempt at a music career sadly ended at the Apollo one warm night in May! LOL (Side note: I was not booed just outdone by two munchkins rapping to Biggy Smalls but they were good!)

Military brat extraordinaire; have traveled to a lot of interesting places.

The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion, was in 6th grade. It was called The Case of the Missing Pepperoni.

It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening.

Links:

Website: http://www.tigriseden.com/

Blog: http://www.tigrisedengardenofbooks.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5758136.Tigris_Eden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTigris

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tigris_Eden

Guest Post from Tigris Eden:

Music is a big part of my writing. It sets the mood for many of my character's actions or attitude. So I wanted to share with you some of the songs that I currently have on my player. I find that I love a lot of soundtracks, but my tastes are very eclectic. So I hope you enjoy the music I've picked out for today's post. 

 I love everything Flo Rida his music is so up lifting. You spin my head right round 

 Chevelle is a fav band of mine. Red 

 Apocalyptica's I don't care is another really good song. 

Jaime Foxx there is just no words, love his stuff! Fall for your type 

Last but not least is FINK! I love this guy! Can't wait to see him in concert! Who Says 

 Hope you enjoyed my mini track list. I have literally tens of thousands of music in my track list. The last song Who Say's is actually a very big part of my upcoming Book Burned In Shadows book two in the Shadow Unit Series, release date is still to be determined as I've had some personal items come up that has put the release on hold, but its coming in 2013. Enslaved In Shadow's the Author's cut will be available Jan 29th 2013.

Thanks, Tigris! 

Giveaway:

Enter via the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win the following prizes:

1 winner will receive a signed copy by all the authors. (Us only) 

3 winners will recieve an ebook (open to everyone) 

1 winner will receive a 25$ Gift Card to Amazon/Barnes their choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And thank you for stopping by, readers!

Melinda

Books to Read in 2013

Books I Want to Read in 2013!

Of course, Time Changes Everything will be released this year, so that is at the top of my list, along with all the other new Entranced Publishing novels:

Contemporary Romance

Only You by Lorna Peel, April

Legally Undercover by Rachel Kall, April

The Best Man by Ana Blaze, Summer

Goal, A Love Story by Bellamy Black Summer

Young Adult/New Adult

Elsker by ST Bende, May

Shadow Born and the Shadow Bled Series by Nicole Camp, April

Spirit World by Krystalyn Drown, April

Pride Goeth Before by Eden Plantz, April

Others on my list:

My absolute favorite authors have several books out next year. Here are a few:

Jill Shalvis: It Had to Be You, another Lucky Harbor series,  May,2013

Shannon Stacey: All He Ever Dreamed, another Kowalski Brothers series, January 2013

Susan Mallery: Just One Kiss and Two of a Kind,  Fool’s Gold series, May and June 2013

Ruthie Knox: How to Misbehave, January; Along Came Trouble, March

  

Be Mine Carina Press  Anthology featuring Shannon Stacey, Jennifer Crusie,Victoria Dahl, January 22, 2013

I currently have an ARC of Kristin Higgins, The Best Man, which will be released in February, on my Kindle. Can't wait to read that one too!  

It looks like it will be a great reading year in 2013. Seems like I should have a resolution about finding the time!

 Cheers,
Melinda

A Man Who Makes Me Laugh is Sexy - Hilarious David Bekham

Yes, you should know by now that David is my secret crush. Why? This hot bod, of course!

But not only that. He happens to be a funny bloke! Check out these videos, many behind Ellen DeGeneres pranks.

Hope you enjoyed! :)