Book Tour Review: Claiming His Mate by M. Limoges

Claiming His Mate

Black Hills Wolves, #5
M. Limoges

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Date of Publication: February 6, 2015
Number of pages: 63
Word Count: 15,000
Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     ARe

@GoddessFish Interview & Giveaway: Binary Witness by Rosie Claverton

Binary Witness


The Amy Lane Mysteries, Book 1
Rosie Claverton


Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Carina Press
Date of Publication: May 5, 2014
Number of pages: 213
Word Count: 78,000
Cover Artist:

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit

Police detectives rely on Amy Lane to track the digital debris of their most elusive criminals--when she's not in the throes of a panic attack. After two students disappear in Cardiff, Amy uncovers photographic evidence that they've been murdered. From the safety of her computer, she looks through the city's digital eyes to trace the steps of a killer.

Amy's investigation requires footwork, however, and the agoraphobic genius can't hack it alone. She turns to her newly-hired cleaner, ex-con Jason Carr. Jason is fascinated by both Amy and the work, and can't refuse even when she sends him into situations that risk returning him to prison.

The killer strikes again and again, and Amy and Jason are the only investigators closing in on him. But Amy's psyche is cracking under the strain, and Jason's past is catching up with him. To stop the next murder, they must hold their unconventional partnership together at any cost.

Excerpt: 

Melody

She thought she could see a couple of hotels in the distance. She’d ask them for directions, or maybe they’d call her a taxi. Few men could resist a girl shivering in their lobby, even if she looked like she was more water than woman. “A moisten bint.”

But, as luck would have it, she heard a car come up behind her. She turned to stare into the headlights and stuck her arm out, waving frantically to flag down the longed-for taxi and trying not to totter backwards in her six-inchers. The car pulled into the pavement and she yanked open the back door, clambering in and sitting down with a sigh. She was shivering now but it was at least a bit warmer in the car, and it smelled of industrial cleaners and the peculiar scent of an air freshener pretending to be pine.

“Where to?” he said, glancing up at the mirror. He clearly liked the look of her dress. She smiled politely at him and pulled her coat round her. She’d feel like a right tit if it was right round the corner. “The Colonies,” she said. “Australia Road.”

“Right,” he said and pulled off. The doors locked.

And Melody realised she couldn’t see a meter. Or a badge hanging up front. She couldn’t see the driver’s face. And she couldn’t get out.

“Actually, maybe I’ll walk,” she said tentatively, hand going for the door handle.

He ignored her, hands gripping the steering wheel.

“I don’t think I have any cash.” Her heart started to race, her hands shaking as she clutched her handbag closer.

“That’s okay,” he said.

Melody screamed.

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Rosie Claverton to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give a great big Geeky welcome!

Let's start with some writer specific questions before moving into the fun stuff. That way everyone can really get to know the person behind the writer. We will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready for the interrogation to begin?

Bit nervous, but I’m hoping my fellow geeks will go easy on me!

Writing Specific

1. Is your writing style more plotter or pantser?

I’m a bit of both. When I write mysteries, I always start at the end – whodunit and what are their means, motive and opportunity. I have to then plan each murder scene and what vital clues will be uncovered, before layering in the red herrings and diversions. However, I always get lost somewhere in the middle and the journey my sleuths take to find the killer often goes on a detour, while I desperately try to nudge them back on track. I should stop writing such strong-minded individuals who like to have things their own way!

2. When is your favorite time/place to write? Do you write structured or patchworked?

I always do my best writing on the train. I used to have a long-distance relationship with my husband, before he was my husband, and I took the train every other weekend. I found that long stretch of uninterrupted writing time, free from distractions – particularly an internet connection – really productive. Now I travel my train a lot less, but I can turn even a fifteen-minute trip into an intense writing session.

I do write in order, however, when I’m into the drafting stage. When my story’s just an outline, I hinge the plot on big events and set pieces, which I jump around like the hyperactive child I once was. Sometimes, I do screw myself over with a plot point later on and have to go back and fix the rest – the worst thing about doing that is realizing halfway through that you’ve broken the whole plot, and having to change it all back. Bad decisions can be very time-consuming.

3. How do you deal with Writer's Block?

It’s usually because I’m hungry – a lot of stalling in my life is because I’m hungry! However, if the muse isn’t satisfied by a quick snack, it’s usually because something isn’t working in the plot or with the characters – for me, writer’s block is a Big Fat Warning that I need to change an element of the story. I also work much better with deadlines, so if I don’t have one already, I impose my own – I can be a very hard taskmaster!

4. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

I hate sheep. I grew up on a farm and I believe they are the Spawn of Satan. People think that sheep are stupid and will just follow meekly. But no! If you get one strong-willed sheep, all the rest will follow it on its ill-advised journey in exactly the opposite direction to where you want them to go. There’s a reason I now live in a city.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

When I was hunting for an agent last year, one piece of feedback said that they had difficulty with my characters. Because my character work and dialogue are my favourite parts of writing, I was hurt by that. However, ultimately, those rejection notes only improved my writing because I responded to that criticism and delved deeper into those characters. Which leads to my best compliment: I take notes well, responding and evolving in response to constructive criticism. I worked with a script editor who wrote an entire blog post about my ability to take notes, which was very flattering.

Fun Stuff

6. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Telepathy would be awesome, especially if I was an Omega-level mutant like Phoenix or Professor X. Because being an incredibly telepath would be a lot like being a writer, except you could actually make people believe in your stories and act them out for your amusement. Not that, uh, I would ever do that. It would also be useful for…world peace, or something. Telepathy For Great Justice!


7. What was the name of the last book you read?

I’m in the middle of re-reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, which is one of my favourite classics. It’s actually research for another project I’m plotting, so the book is stuffed with bright yellow sticky notes.


8. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

Jane Austen. She was wickedly clever and I bet she could tell the best dinner party anecdotes. And we’d mock all the pretty girls and their accomplishments, while taking tea and a turn about the park.

9. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?

Laptop, ereader and satellite modem. I have a need to be connected, even since I was a teenager – it’s that whole “growing up on a farm” thing.


10. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

I tend to buy fresh groceries on the way home from work, so the fridge is usually bare of all except what I’m cooking with that day. The exception is a selection of cheese, including Indian paneer; tofu; milk; and an assortment of pickles and sauces, including my homemade sweet chilli jam. I am also never without a super-size bottle of garlic mayonnaise.

Think Fast

AM or PM? PM. I am definitely not a morning person, and I really come alive after sunset.
Meat or Veggies? I’m vegetarian, so it has to be veggies. Though they’re always better when smothered in cheese.
Summer or Winter? Summer! I get terribly cold, so I’m always huddled under the duvet with thick pyjamas while my husband is throwing off the covers. Since we got our African Pygmy Hedgehog, I have an excuse to turn the heating up and keep the house lovely and toasty.
Coffee or Tea? I will always pick tea, unless I am a walking zombie or there’s some calorie-laden specialty coffee tempting me. My favourite is Black Forest Mocha, with extra cream, cherry sauce and chocolate curls.
Print or Electronic? Print for books I want to keep forever, lending to friends, and reading in the bath. Electronic for books I have to read now and taking long trips.

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Never judge a book by its cover, but always judge people by their bookshelves.

Giveaway: 

Rosie will be awarding to randomly drawn winners during the tour one of the following items: a "@" pendant, an engraved Floppy Disk Keyring, a Cardiff City Typographic Mug, a £10 Amazon voucher, 3 Binary Witness ebooks.

So follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Binary Witness Rafflecopter Giveaway

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

May 5th:
Rogues Angels

May 6th:
Deal Sharing Aunt

May 7th:
Writers and Authors

May 8th:
Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Queen of All She Reads

May 9th:
Queentutt's World of Escapism

May 12th:
Room With Books

May 13th:
Musings and Ramblings

May 14th:
Booklover Sue

May 15th:
My Devotional Thoughts

May 16th:
The blog of C.R. Moss
Long and Short Reviews

Author Bio:

Rosie Claverton grew up in Devon, daughter to a Sri Lankan father and a Norfolk mother, surrounded by folk mythology and surly sheep. She moved to Cardiff to study Medicine and adopted Wales as her home. Her short film "Dragon Chasers" aired on BBC Wales in Autumn 2012. Her debut novel Binary Witness is due for publication by Carina Press in 2014. Currently exiled to London, she lives with her journalist husband and their pet hedgehog.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

@GoddessFish Interview & Giveaway: Anything for Love by Darry Fraser

Anything for Love

Darry Fraser


Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Steam eReads Publishing
Date of Publication: February 12, 2014
Number of pages: 168
Word Count: 54,000
Cover Artist: Niina Cord

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     Kobo     ARe

Tilla is the managing director of a temping staff agency who finds herself enmeshed in Kent Taylor’s business world, which includes an IT takeover. When she decides to work in his office as one of his temporary staff members they clash, so she keeps her identity to herself. When they both decide to take a break from their crazy business lives, they have no clue it’s at the same place, in the same house and at the same time, on the isolated north west coast of rugged Australis Island.

She tells herself she can’t bear to be near him one moment longer... until they find a way to be together. But when he has to suddenly leave their hideaway and doesn’t give her a backward glance, she realises she shouldn’t have done just anything for love.

Excerpt: 

Her dream was a loud one. There was stumbling and cursing, unlike any of her dreams before, but she was reluctant to come awake ... too tired. She tossed and moaned her protest, but when she heard the crash of a dozen bottles of wine she bolted upright, wide awake, heart hammering and her throat suddenly constricted.

She clutched the bed-clothes to her chin, gulped in great breaths of air. Tried to shake herself fully awake.

The cursing and snarling continued, the bottles crashing and clanging on the slate floor.

Terror struck her very soul.

There was a drunk in her little haven.

Oh no, oh no ...

She couldn’t see a thing—it was pitch outside, no moon. She leapt out of the bed dragging the sheet with her and groping in the dark for her clothes. Where were her clothes—? Oh God—in the bathroom ... how’d she possibly defend herself ... ?

Another curse and then another. “What the bloody hell—?”

Stopped her frantic panic, covered her mouth with one hand. She knew that voice. It was unmistakable. Tilla shook herself. It couldn’t be. She must still be asleep … It just couldn’t be. Her heart pounded.

“Who the bloody hell put that there?” the gravelly voice boomed.

She tried to distil the solid block of fear which weighed on her chest like a sack of potatoes.

There was no mistaking that voice. No mistaking it at all.

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Darry Fraser to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give a great big Geeky welcome!

Let's start with some writer specific questions before moving into the fun stuff. That way everyone can really get to know the person behind the writer. We will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready for the interrogation to begin?

Writing Specific

1. When is your favorite time/place to write? Do you write structured or patchworked?

I write anywhere it’s quiet and secluded mostly to entice the muse. Now I find the muse is even more enticed if I have a good red in a glass on my desk.

I don’t think I have a ‘favourite’ time… the only time I can make space to write is from about 8pm to midnight (if I last till midnight) and on the weekends.

I usually write structured and I don’t mean so much as a plotter would; I mean that I write chapter by chapter - as a pantster. BUT – I’ve found that sometimes the little fun competitions that come by can help create a new scene, or an edge to an old idea I’d had for a new scene. Often, if you move ahead of yourself three or four chapters, write that chapter then have to go back and fill in, your catch-up chapters are more interesting. I don’t do it deliberately, just when the challenge is there, but each time I’ve done it the work seems to be fresher and more succinct. Might do it more often!

2. How do you deal with Writer's Block?

The only times I feel I’ve had writer’s block is when I’m tired or when I’ve just finished editing / polishing / submitting /doing the rounds after the book is finished. It’s almost as if it’s ‘out with the old in with the new’. So I give myself a few days to refresh. Sometimes it’s more than a couple of days, sometimes a week.

The ‘block’ seems to go away by itself and suddenly a new story is ready for tackling.

Having said all that, I have had occasion to really force myself to get the words out. My mistake at the time was trying to write what the characters didn’t want. When I got what they were trying to convey, the book found itself published very quickly.

3. What one thing do you wish someone had told you before you started writing?

Don’t ever give up. Don’t ever EVER give up. (But learn your craft as well).

I don’t think I did give up –life just got in the way, and I found that I was very easily led (by myself I hasten to add) to let everything else come before me and what I wanted for me. I always dabbled, returned to moth-eaten manuscripts, re-hashed older stories, got new ones down but I never took it further.

The time it takes to get everything ready just for submission in the first instance if massive. Then if your work is accepted, the edits are usually time consuming (all very worth it) and these days, unlike the good ol’ days, your own level of self-promotion and book marketing is as much time consuming as was the writing of your novel.

But never give up. Never give IT up.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I like to walk my dog, catch up with friends, read, cook, entertain. I like to work in my day job which happens to be my own shop where I support local business – either with printing of business cards, or artist’s greeting cards, weddings services, funeral services, birthdays or in clerical assistance – book-keeping, manuscripts, family histories. Living in a small community there’s no shortage of stories to spin around the happenings of real life.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

That I write in the genres I’m currently published in – romance and romantic suspense. My friends are all readers, but not of this genre. I have one friend in particular who buys my books but hasn’t read one. One day I will write something she wants to read. I suppose technically it’s not a criticism of my writing but of what I write.

I’m sure there has been tough criticism, but I guess I turned it from a perceived negative into a positive and got on with it.

What has been the best compliment?

That my style is lyrical; that it’s easy to read and real to life; that my stories are more real than fiction, though without all the bad news.

Fun Stuff

6. What was the last movie/concert/show that you saw?

(Australian band) Daryl Braithwaite- he was the lead singer in the 80s with a band called Sherbet – and they were big in Oz.

7. What was the name of the last book you read?

Sing You home – Jodie Picoult

8. Tell us 2 positive and 2 negative character traits you possess.

I’m happy, I’m honest. I procrastinate, I hermitise

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Castello blue cheese, local wines, local smallgoods, olives, sundried tomatoes, home made fig jam… oh, and some vegetables I suppose.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

She Never Gave Up (Though She Often Said She Was).

Think Fast

Elvis or Sinatra? Sinatra … but that’s a really tough one.
Meat or Veggies? Meat
Italian or Chinese? Italian
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Cake or Pie? Cake

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us.

And thank you for having me.

Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

If you want to write – anything – write. And write and write and write. Then revise and chop all the trash. And never give up. Did I say that already??

Giveaway: 

Darry will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of Berry Flavours to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 

So follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

April 24th:
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

May 1st:
Room With Books

May 8th:
Writers and Authors
Musings and Ramblings

May 15th:
Queentutt's World of Escapism

May 22nd:
Booklover Sue

May 29th:
Books Direct
Aly's Miscellany

June 5th:
Nana Prah

June 12th:
The Book Review
Long and Short Reviews

Author Bio:

I have been writing since a very young age. I was the one at school with the home-penned plays and stories, the entertaining ideas and the grand vision, believing I had great talent. Wrong.

I believed that because I could put words on a page in a grammatically acceptable way and tell a reasonable story that I was ‘an author’. Technically, I suppose I was, but the apprenticeship as a ‘writer' – to labour the difference - is a long and hard road.

One day, I had what I still call a little ‘thing’ – I saw my late grandfather in his World War One trench gear talking to ‘me’ at my desk and suddenly the words flowed and so did the short story which was published within two weeks in an Australian national women’s magazine.

So I revisited all my short stories and my novel-length stories and found success again with four short stories and then two short novels in 2001/2.

Alas, life got in the way once more. I kept writing, but in the dark so to speak. I used it as a means of escape, as a retreat and I was able to create my own HEA or HFN.

Then life took another turn and I figured that I had nothing to lose. I dusted off quite a number of manuscripts and began to whip them into shape. At a serendipitous meeting with my current publisher, Nicola at SteamEreads, she agreed to read my current work at the time. It was a 67,000 word unedited novel, which she accepted. It was published in June – Money For Blood.

Since then I have had three other novels and two novellas accepted, all HEA/HFN.

I currently have four books published with Steam eReads.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Steam eReads | Goodreads

Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Miss Kane's Christmas by Caroline Mickelson

Miss Kane's Christmas

Miss Kane's Christmas
Caroline Mickelson

Genre: Holiday Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Bon Accord Press

Date of Publication: October 17, 2012

Number of pages: 154

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father's request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book 'Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea'.

Posing as Miss Kane, the children's new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa's only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists?

Excerpt: 

Carol grabbed ahold of Tinsel’s shoulder and pulled him back into the kitchen by the scruff of his green felt collar. “Get in here,” she hissed. “Quick, before anyone sees you.”

“What?” Tinsel objected. “Why are you acting like this? We’re here to help you.”

“Well it won’t help me if you’re seen,” Carol shot back. She threw up her hands. “Look, Tinsel, please go back out to the garage and wait with Jolly until everyone has gone to bed.”

“Rapz is here with us too,” Tinsel said, his voice suddenly a stage whisper.

“What?” Carol sounded frantic and she knew it, but she couldn’t help it. The day had been long. She’d never lived in such a Christmas hostile environment. Acting casual about the holidays was proving to be exhausting. She closed her eyes for a second. Focus, Carol, she instructed herself. Breathe deeply. She was a seasoned professional who managed over twelve hundred elves, often under very hectic circumstances. She could handle this. “Rapz is a loose cannon. Why couldn’t he have just stayed in the wrapping department?”

“Nicholas said-”

“Nicholas?” Carol shook her head. So this was her brother’s doing, his idea of a joke. She should have known her father wouldn’t send a wrapper elf. Like all of Santa’s helpers, Rapz’s heart was in the right place. But he paid more attention to wearing just the right sun glasses and gold chains than he did to all the little details that were necessary to make Christmas magical. “Never mind what my brother said. I just need you three to stay out of sight until I can get everyone to sleep and the house is quiet.”

Tinsel winked, clearly finding the situation amusing. “Can do.”

“Miss Kane?” Ben’s voice called from the living room. “What’s going on in there?”

She cringed. Oh, holy holiday, had he heard Tinsel?

“I’ll be right there, Mr. Hanson,” she answered. She shooed Tinsel in the direction of the garage. “Just stay out of sight.” She turned back to the elf. “Go on. I’ll get them all upstairs and then I’ll come get you.”

As soon as Tinsel slipped into the garage, Carol headed toward the living room but she took only a few steps before she bumped straight into Ben Hanson.

“Owww.” Ben staggered backward and held up his good hand to keep Carol from coming any closer. “Who’s in the kitchen with you?”

“No one.” Carol reached out but he backed away.

“I heard voices.” Ben’s voice held an accusatory tone.

“Voices?” Carol shook her head. “The medicine must be playing tricks on you.” She tried to maneuver him back into the living room but he wouldn’t budge. “Do you want me to call the doctor?”

“No, I don’t want you to call the doctor.” He drew his brows together in an expression that was equal parts confusion and annoyance.

Ben’s frown, Carol decided, was rather attractive. She smiled. She couldn’t help herself.

“And just what is so funny?” Ben demanded.

“I always smile during the holidays,” Carol said. “Now, we really need to get you up to bed.” She gently turned him toward the staircase. “Let’s say goodnight to the children and then get you between the sheets.”

Guest Post: 

Christmas has always been about family and gifts to me. The family part has never changed for me – I love spending time with family. It’s the best part of the holiday hands down. Gifts are a close second but now that I’m older I’m not talking about the kind you wrap in pretty, shiny paper and top off with ribbons. It used to be about that when I was a child, oh, how I loved my new books all wrapped on Christmas morning! But now that I’m the mom to two pre-teens and two teenagers I see Christmas as the time I get to sit back and think back over the last year and be grateful for the gift of happy moments, the gift of family, of good health, of time to write and time to read. Any new friends I made that year are a gift and any time I spent with old friends is a gift too. Another year with my husband? A gift! So although I can’t unwrap these gifts, I love them every bit as much as the toys and books I received as a child.

Judith - Thank you for hosting Miss Kane’s Christmas on your blog site. A very happy holiday to you and your blog readers
~ Caroline

Review: 

There is something about the Christmas season that makes most people smile a little brighter, laugh a little longer and forgive a little faster. It is the one time all year that we go out of our way to live the 'goodwill towards men' lifestyle. Why? Maybe because for most of us, we retain memories and echoes of the feelings of magic and hope from our childhood Christmases. Dreams of Santa, the elves, North Pole and a sleigh pulled by magical reindeer, were encouraged and built upon year after year. Only a true Scrooge could deny the beauty of seeing the wonder in a child's eyes during the Christmas season. And that is exactly what we have in this book, a Scrooge.  He can't even seem to help himself, even though he is not actually deliberately trying to remove all the joy from his children's young lives.

The story opens on Santa giving his daughter Carol an assignment. She will be playing the part of a nanny for a young girl and boy who's father, Ben, doesn't believe in Christmas. She has just a matter of days to show him the true meaning of Christmas and restore his Christmas spirit.  Otherwise his book, Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Child about Santa is a Bad Idea could affect Christmas for an untold number of children around the world.

I will be honest, the romance portion of this book, just didn't do it for me. It didn't make sense to me how they managed to fall in love so quickly. But changing Ben's mind about Christmas was well played. I enjoyed watching him see his children change before his eyes and his realization of what he was doing to them was well written and touching. I adored the elves, especially Rapz, and wish I had gotten to see more of them and the kids were hoot. Overall, if you are looking for a feel good story, with a reminder of why the Christmas spirit is important, then this was a great read. I have it 3 stars on Goodreads.

Giveaway: 

2 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

November 18:
Chick Lit Plus – Review

November 19:
Chick Lit Goddess – Excerpt
Book Mama Blog – Guest Post & Excerpt

November 20:
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

November 22:
Everything Books and Authors – Excerpt

November 25:
Keep Calm and Blog On – Review

November 26:
Musings and Ramblings – Review, Guest Post & Excerpt

December 1:
The Book Bag – Review, Guest Post & Excerpt

December 4:
Storm Goddess Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post & Excerpt

December 6:
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post & Excerpt

December 9:
Samantha March – Q&A & Excerpt

Author Bio:

Caroline Mickelson loves her family and loves to write. She also loves a good adventure, among her favorites thus far were attending graduate school in a Scottish castle, riding a camel around the Pyramids in Giza, and taking a best-in-a-lifetime road trip to Graceland. Caroline lives in the American southwest with her husband and their four children, affectionately known as The Miracles.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |Pinterest

Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Negotiation Tactics by Lori Ryan

Negotiation Tactics

Book Title
Sutton Capital Series, Book 3
Lori Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense


Date of Publication: September 6, 2013

Number of pages: 339

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon

Fans of the Sutton Capital Series have been waiting for Jennie and Chad’s story for a long time and they won’t be disappointed! And, new readers are sure to fall in love with the series.

After the crushing heartache of losing her husband at a harshly young age, Jennie Evans had finally found a place to call home. She had a job she loved and new friends to support her. With the exception of having to continuously fight off the feelings she had for Chad Thompson, she was happy again. As happy as she could be anyway. When Jennie’s well-meaning friends meddle in her life, they send her world into a tailspin once again. Soon, she’s on the run from some very dangerous people with the one man she doesn’t want to be with.

Chad Thompson has loved Jennie from afar for the last year, but he’s maintained control. Jennie’s made it clear she wants nothing to do with him and he won’t cross the line she’s drawn in the sand. Until she asks him to. And, when that happens, their world is turned upside down. Chad’s left scrambling to keep Jennie safe as he tries to right their world again. Unfortunately, Chad has to accept the fact that his heart is likely to be crushed in the process and nothing will ever be the same again.

Excerpt: 

Jack laughed at Chad’s frown. “Hey, get yourself a wife and you won’t miss us so much.”

“Funny.” Chad scowled as the men picked up their bags and started toward the exit.

Jack and Andrew got quiet and Chad groaned inside. He knew what was coming.

Can’t everyone drop the whole Jennie and Chad thing?

He had barely managed to get the image of Jennie in a T-shirt with no bra, out of his head for the last hour of the basketball game and now they had to put it front and center again without even mentioning her name. That sight had plagued him for two damn days and he wasn’t likely to get over it anytime soon.

“Chad, you really need to see where this thing with Jennie might go. Have you even been on a date with anyone else since you met her?” Jack asked.

They crossed the parking lot toward their cars, but it was clear Jack and Andrew were going to stay until he gave them an answer. Chad didn’t want to tell Jack the answer to that question and he didn’t want to have this conversation with Jack and Andrew again. As far as they knew, he didn’t want to date Jennie because he was her boss at Sutton Capital. And, that was part of it, but Chad hadn't told anyone the truth.

Guest Post: 

Lori has gone from being a lawyer to dog trainer to writer. I invited her to tell us a little bit about when she knew it was time to transition to the next phase of her life.

Here’s the thing. I’ve loved each phase of my life for different reasons, but my previous careers have involved a high level of stress.

When I went to law school, I felt like I had found my niche for the first time in life. To say I loved law school is the understatement of the year. I loved the classes, the people, the campus in Hartford, Connecticut – everything. When I graduated, I went to work for one of the best law firms in the state, working for the partner every associate in the firm wanted to work for doing intellectual property litigation. I had it made.

And, I was miserable. The love that I’d found in law school just never translated into the real world. And, I knew that if I had all those things going for me, it wasn’t just a matter of finding the right firm or the right field of law or the right person to work for. I was stressed out, miserable, and literally crying every night when I went home. It just wasn’t for me.

When I went into working with dogs, I found a field I loved. Dog behavior fascinated me – and still does. I loved being able to help people with their dogs and getting to work with animals I loved on a regular basis. The only problem was, there was a whole new type of stress to get used to. The “fix my dog” for me kind of stress. As a consultant who specialized in dog bites and dog aggression, a great deal of the cases I saw involved dogs and owners who were at the end of their rope. If I couldn’t fix their problems, the dog may have to be rehomed to a safer setting or euthanized. Not a stress you want on your shoulders.

When you add in the fact that some of the owners didn’t have the time, resources, or just plain skill level to deal with the dog they had, the burn out rate gets pretty high. Even though I was able to help 99% of the dogs who came to me, those 1% get to you after a while. Getting calls from people around the country who want to know if their dog is safe or how bad their dog’s bite level was, and what their options are for keeping their family safe but saving their dog from euthanasia just began to weigh too heavily.

Add in the fact that dog trainers work a lot of weekends and evenings and I have two kids under the age of four and the equation just wasn’t working for me and my family any longer. So, I began to pull back a bit and let others run my company. One day, I decided I wanted to try writing. My husband and friends and family supported me and voila, here we are!

And, I’m finding I’m very happy with this line of work. There are some stresses in meeting deadlines, but the work is creative and I get to communicate with my readers every day when they email me. I love it! I can also always try new genres and find new ways to stretch myself as a writer. There are just so many options. I plan to keep writing for a very long time and don’t see an end to this career anytime soon.

Review: 

This is the third book in the Sutton Capital Series by Lori Ryan. I discovered this series doing book tours and have been lucky enough to have been involved in a tour for each of the books as they have been released. Each book has built on characters introduced in previous books, and this one is no exception. This is the story of Jennie and Chad, first introduced in Book 1, Legal Ease. We have watched them dance around each other for two books, and this book is the big release after all that building tension.

The story opens with Chad waking from a nightmare. He still suffers them from his time spent in the military. It becomes obvious that Chad has some survivor's guilt over making it out alive. He answers his phone to Jennie needing a ride. She was stranded at a park with no shoes and no way home. Chad is immediately worried that someone has hurt her or worse, but she quickly assures him that she is fine. Just tired and sore from running in bare feet. When Chad gets to Jennie, he demands to know how she got in this predicament. Jennie had gone for her normal run, ending in the unauthorized swim in the pool of a frequent traveler. She never used his pool if he was home, but apparently he figured out that someone was poaching and got a guard dog.  This caused Jennie to have to make a run for it, and when she grabbed up her things, she left her shoes behind. This is typical Jennie, and when she told Jill and Kelly, her best friends, they laughed about it. Chad on the other had, was not amused.

It is shortly after this incident between the two, that Jack, head of Sutton Capital, Kelly's husband and Chad's cousin, gets a request from an old friend about checking into a potential investment property, a tropical honeymoon destination.  The plot is hatched to send Chad and Jennie undercover to investigate the property for 2 weeks as honeymooners. The hope is that by forcing them together, maybe they will finally admit their attraction to each other. Except, things are not always as they appear at the resort and soon Chad is taking Jennie into hiding for the sake of her very life.

Let me first start by saying, that it is a darn good thing that I read this on my day off. I had a nice chunk of time set aside to be devoted to this book, and I needed every bit of it. Because I wasn't going anywhere once I got into this book. Between the emotional roller-coaster that Ms. Ryan had me on and the box of tissues I went through from the emotional wringer I went through, I wouldn't have been able to get anything else done. Typically, I don't like to read books that I know I am going to cry in. But I just couldn't put this one down. I was so emotionally invested in Chad and Jennie's journey, I just had to keep reading. If Ms. Ryan keeps amping up the emotional power of each book, the next one just might kill me! This was a 5 star read.  Just remember to have the time and tissues to invest in this book before you start it.


Giveaway: 

Lori will be awarding a $50 gift certificate to Amazon to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

So follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

October 18:
Unabridged Andra

October 25:
Regina May Ross's Blog

November 1:
Susana's Morning Room

November 8:
Beyond My Writing Space - review only

November 15:
Straight from the Library

November 22:
Musings and Ramblings

Novmeber 29:
The Reading Addict
Musings From An Addicted Reader - review only

December 6:
Reading In Twilight

December 13:
Crazy Four Books

December 20:
Book 'Em North Carolina

January 3:
Harlie's Books

January 10:
Simply Ali

January 17:
Booklover Sue

January 24:
Brooke Blogs
Storm Goddess Book Reviews and More

January 31:
Sharing Links and Wisdom

Author Bio:

Lori is an award winning author and stay-at-home mom. Her second book, Penalty Clause, won first place in the romance category in Lcuky Cinda Publishing’s Annual Global Writer’s Contest in 2013.

Lori has had a number of careers before embarking on her newest adventure of writing novels. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Law, she practiced law for three years, working primarily in the areas of utilities law and intellectual property litigation.

More recently, Lori owned and operated a dog training business in Austin, Texas, where she specialized in aggression and became an expert in the field of dog bite analysis. Lori sold her dog training business in 2013 and is now a full time writer and mother of two.

Lori still lives in Austin with her husband -- who is endlessly supportive of her changing career paths -- and her two children, one cat, and three dogs.

Want to be a part of my online street team? Email me at Loriryanauthor@gmail.com and put the words ‘street team’ in the subject line. I’ll email you back with directions for joining my team.

To join my email list to receive updates and news, including sneak peeks and free giveaways or contest news, visit http://www.loriryanromance.com/#!join-my-mailing-list/cdpp.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Review, Interview & Giveaway: Wonder Guy by Naomi Stone

Wonder Guy

Wonder Guy
Naomi Stone

Genre: Light Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Date of Publication: May 24, 2013

Number of pages: 366
Word Count: ~86,000

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Sony     Kobo     ARe

Greg Roberts has been in love with the girl next door since they were both twelve, but Gloria Torkinson is engaged to marry someone else. Greg can only respect her choice in the matter - until his fairy godmother pops in with a different idea. As a mysterious, masked superhero Greg can appear to Gloria in a whole new light and win her love. But super-heroing is trickier than Greg knew, creating its own problems and uncovering inimical forces in his world that he never suspected. He'll have to discover the true hero in himself before he can set things to right and win at love.

Excerpt: 

“Let go.” He plucked at her arms, still clenched around the cherry stem. Gladly she released it, turning at the urging of his hands to transfer her hold to him. She clasped her arms around his neck, and in the instant her eyes met his, looking out from behind his mask, she forgot her fear and her weariness. A bolt of exhilaration shot through her, an inexplicable joy.

Gloria grinned, letting the world drop away below them. She hardly registered how they’d shot into the sky, leaving mosquito hordes far below. She might never have this chance again. The belly dancers of the world might surround him as soon as they returned to earth, the way they’d done when he’d stopped that rogue elephant in Uptown. She’d have to go back to her life and her work and responsibilities. Right now this magnificent man’s arms wrapped tightly around her and his gaze stayed locked with hers. For the moment he was hers.

His masked face drew close, his breath warm on her mouth. Gloria leaned in, brushed her lips across his chiseled, slightly parted ones, thrilled as they softened and opened beneath her light touch. She bore down, parting her own lips to kiss him in earnest.

Oh Lord. If they weren’t already up among the clouds she’d be flying now. Who knew a kiss had the power to unlock such a rush of sensation, become a whole new dimension of delight? It had never worked that way before. His mouth met hers with equal fervor and with a tenderness melting her from crown to toes.

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Naomi Stone to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give her a big Geeky welcome!

I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?

Sure. And thanks for having me here today!

Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

I worked as a performer at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for four seasons, taking on the role of a wandering scholar, a woman disguised as a man. I carried my quill pen and parchments around, asking visitors about the meaning of life and recording the answers assiduously in calligraphy. I also carried a mandolin slung over my back and a fencing foil in a sheath at my side, to represent a well-rounded education. The experience was great fun, but exhausting. Festival days are twelve hours long and performers are always 'on' unless they retreat behind the scenes. I loved it, especially interacting with the other performers I knew, but couldn't keep it up, along with a full time job, once I became a home-owner. I found the festival very inspiring as a writer and one of my earliest attempts at a romance novel was set there.

2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Lots of things. The usual fun and games on the internet, but also arts, crafts and my favorite social activity: sing-alongs. I participate in a couple singing groups that each meet once a month. There's a Rise Up Singing group that chooses songs from the book of the same name, and there's a filk-singing group. Filk, for those unfamiliar with it, is a kind of folk music of the science fiction and fantasy fan community. It's been around for many years and features songs inspired by the books, movies and other media versions of stories in the genre. I've made up a few filk songs myself, of which you can find some samples if you check out my website, but I'm far from the most prolific member of our Minneapolis group.

3. How did you choose the genres you write in?

It doesn't seem like a matter of choosing. I write what I love. I've always loved fantasy adventures with strong romantic elements. I've always loved magic and happy ever after endings. I've always loved fairy tales, mysteries and stories bringing together some of the different things I love.

4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

Many authors and books have influenced me. One of my earliest influences is Keith Laumer who wrote a series of humorous, adventurous, romantic fantasies featuring the character Lafayette O'Leary. These are not the best-known books, but they struck both my funny bone and imagination. Later, author Joan Vinge blew me away with her version of the story of The Snow Queen. I loved the way she preserved the essential plot and romance of Hans Christian Anderson's original story, while transforming it into compelling science fiction. More lately, Lois McMaster Bujold has inspired me with her books combining well-realized f/sf world-building with fulfilling relationships and romances among her fascinating cast of characters.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I'm afraid my toughest criticism comes from myself. I'm the one who decided to cut thirty-thousand words of backstory from a fifty-thousand word draft of my first novel--after deciding I just didn't need it there. It wasn't part of the immediate, compelling action of the story.

The best compliment appeared in a recent Amazon review saying, "Wonder Guy is whimsical, humorous, lyrical and beautifully written. Ms Stone does a great job with balance as the story is light and dark, good and evil and most of all, very touching."

Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

Al-Marid, the djinni hero of my first novel, Spirited. And why not? He's sexy, intelligent and a vastly powerful being who'd probably be glad to help me out with a few practical problems if I asked him nicely. Like my lack of adequate housing, and the condition of my wardrobe. I bet he'd even provide the dinner.

7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?

If I were stranded on a deserted island, I'm the kind of person who'd rather bring practical things than luxury items. Like, a cabana stocked with non-perishable food and drink, and a working generator, and a two-way radio set so I wouldn't be stranded any longer than I liked. With the practicalities taken care of, then I could think about luxuries. I've got my generator, so I could bring my Nook, stocked with plenty of reading material - and yes; I could be on an island paradise and still want to escape into books. I'd also want a parasol since I'm prone to sunburn and a hammock so I'd have a comfortable place to do my reading.

8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?

I'm immediately thinking of celebrities I don't want for parents. Still thinking… seems like being a celebrity could get in the way of being a good parent. I'd want parents who'd have time for me and be willing to share the spotlight, even if it's only the spotlight of their attention. I'd also want parents who could give me the space to find my own way, and set a good example of balancing personal with community interests, and balancing practical needs with the need for fun and frivolity. If you've ever seen that show about trading wives, you've seen examples of how easy it is for parents to go overboard with their values, becoming strict to the point of joylessness or lenient to the point of madness. Are there any celebrities who are sensible and kind, ready to take me as I am and support me in the course I need to follow to become more so? Katie Couric and Dustin Hoffman?

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

A loaf of wheat bread, eggs, butter, cheese, both wheat and white corn tortillas, salsa, pizza sauce, dill pickles and sliced pepperoni, with cabbage and apples in the veggie drawer. If you catch me on the right day, leftover macaroni casserole or stir-fry.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

What a Long, Strange Trip it's Been

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Summer, if only because winters around here are likely to kill you.
Coffee or Tea? Depends on my mood. Sleepy: Coffee. Upset tummy: tea.
Cake or Pie? Pie. Fruit pie, or pecan. Heated and ala mode.
Car or Truck? Car.
Print or Electronic? Depends again. I grew up on print and I love it, but if I need to travel light, electronic is the way to go.

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Thank you for having me here, it's been a lot of fun. I don't know about words of wisdom. You can probably find plenty of those on Pinterest, but I hope your readers will check out one or the other of my stories and let me know how they like them.

Review: 

As anyone knows who has been following me, I am a self professed Geek Girl.  So whenever I get a chance to read a Superhero book, I am going to jump at it. Add in the fact that our soon to be Superhero Greg is a total geek himself, and I was all set up to really enjoy this read.

The story opens with Gloria and Aggie, Greg's mother, working on improving their latest arts & crafts project. They are manufacturing and selling Cell Shells and have come up with an idea to increase their market share. Gloria's smile manages to short circuit Greg's ability to speak coherently around Gloria and he basically ends up standing there just staring at her. Greg and Gloria have grown up together, as neighbors and friends, but he is sure that he has missed his opportunity to let Gloria know how he really feels about her. After all, she has a fiance, Pete, who soon arrives to pick up Gloria. This leaves Greg in a bit of a funk and needing to head out on a fast and furious bicycle ride. That plan is about to amended, when he meets his fairy godmother. Serafina has arrived at the behest of a wish by Greg's mother. Serafina is part of the Fairy Godmother's Union, True Love Local 521. She tells Greg that she is there to help him in his quest to win Gloria's heart. Gloria just needs to see him in a different light and oh boy does she have a plan for that.

What I really liked about this book, is that the author didn't just take the book into the realm of fluffy feel good reads and drop it off. There was several spots in the story where the issues brought up were thought provoking and really made you consider how you would react in a particular situation.  Yes, there was some over the top, fantastical stunts, but the core of this book was about facing down your demons and finding your own moral compass. I started this book thinking it would be a quick, feel good read and ended up questioning and re-examining my own principles. If faced with these situations, how would I handle them? Basically, it was like heading out for an burger and fries and getting a 7 course steak dinner instead.

Another really amazing thing to me were the physics explanations for the "magic" that was happening. It was done with enough technicalities to be understood by our geek Greg, but also simple enough that I could almost follow along. For me this was another one of those stop and consider moments. It is obvious that the author really put a lot of though and planning into making the rules of their world "work". I rarely hand out 5 stars, but this one just really impressed me. I really hope the Ms. Stone continues this work into a series.

Giveaway: 

Naomi will be awarding :

Tourwide: a Somewhere Rainbow, a Jewelmark wearable-bookmark by Craftswoman, Laramie Sasseville featuring carnelian, citrine, blue Amazonite, and blue zircon

&  

Each Blog Stop: a free download card for her previous release, Spirited

The Jewelmark has an extra-long ribbon, allowing it to double as an ascot.

So follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

November 4:
Brooke Blogs

November 5:
Snarky Mom Reads...
Unabridged Andra

November 6:
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews

November 7:
Simply Ali

November 8:
Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Reviews Unleashed

November 11:
You Gotta Read Reviews

November 12:
Room With Books

November 13:
Kit 'N Kabookle
Magic and Mayhem

November 14:
Long and Short Reviews

November 15:
Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess

November 18:
Harlie's Books

November 19:
Musings and Ramblings

November 20:
Welcome to My World of Dreams

November 21:
Straight from the Library

November 22:
Sharing Links and Wisdom

Author Bio:

It all started when my parents had to go and teach me to talk. Then they sent me to school where I learned to read and write. I learned to read and pretty soon I fell in love with books and stories. I loved fairy tales and tales of magic from the very start. Even before that I loved to daydream; I daydreamed myself into adventures with my favorite TV characters. I dreamed up adventures crossing time and space on my own, meeting characters out of history and stories. Books gave me the sense that there was a home waiting for my daydreams, a place where they belonged.

To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review, Interview & Giveaway: Hijack in Abstract by Larissa Reinhart

Hijack in Abstract

Hijack in Abstract
A Cherry Tucker Mystery, Book 3
Larissa Reinhart

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press

Date of Publication: November 1, 2013

Number of pages: 257

Cover Artist: Jessie Porter & Scott Asano

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

Cherry Tucker’s love life has shifted into neutral. And her siblings, Grandpa, and sort-of-ex-husband have flipped her personal life to greasy side up. But life in Halo, Georgia, isn’t all bad for the sassy, Southern artist. Her career has pushed into full throttle. A classical series sold. A portrait commissioned. Then Uncle Will, Forks County Sheriff, calls in a favor to have Cherry draw a composite sketch of a hijacker. Suddenly, life takes a hairpin when the composite leads to a related murder, her local card sharking buddy Max Avtaikin becomes bear bait, and her Amazonian nemesis labels the classical series “pervert art,” causing Cherry to be shunned by the town.

Cherry’s jamming gears between trailer parks, Atlanta mansions, and trucker bars searching for the hijacker who left a widow and orphan destitute and Max Avtaikin in legal jeopardy. While she seeks to help the misfortunate and save her local reputation, Cherry’s hammer down attitude has her facing the headlights of an oncoming killer, ready to grind her gears for good.

Excerpt: 

“You’re a copper thief, Tyrone?” I said as I crosshatched shadow lines to emphasize the composite’s cheekbones. “Now why would you want to spend your nights stripping air conditioner units when you could be doing something more productive?”

“I don’t strip A/C units,” Tyrone tapped on the sketch pad. “His nose needs to be longer.”

I grabbed my gum eraser and scrubbed at the end of the composite’s nose.

“Air conditioners are not enough of a challenge for Tyrone here,” said Luke. “He likes to shimmy poles for his wire.”

Tyrone smiled. “They call me the Flying Coderre.”

“Were you up on a pole when you saw this guy?”

Tyrone cut his eyes to Luke. “Allegedly. At the rest stop on the interstate near the Line Creek exit.”

“What was the guy doing?”

“Helping himself to a truck.”

“You don’t need to know that information,” said Luke. “Just draw.”

“I’m just curious. It’s not like I’m going to look for the guy.”

Luke snorted, which was his way of saying “I don’t believe you.” We’ve had some past misunderstandings on the difference between “being helpful” and “interfering with the law.” Luke refused to acknowledge I can gain information as good as any cop just through my local gossip network. I call myself inquisitive and creative. He calls me nosy and harebrained. He forgets my interest for crime had been honed from growing up around a county sheriff. I never wanted to be a cop, though. Not unless I could bedazzle my uniform and stonewash the polyester out of the cotton/poly blend. And those cop shoes? Forget about it.

“I don’t think the deputy trusts you.” Tyrone eyed my drawing. “The dude was wearing a track suit. Shiny blue or black. It was hard to tell the color in the dark.”

I began sketching in a track suit collar. “I’ve given the deputy no reason not to trust me.”

Luke snorted again.

“Are you catching a cold or something?” I said. “Do you need a tissue?”

“I need you to finish up and stop talking to the perp.”

“Tyrone, let me ask you this,” I said. “If you had a girlfriend who was an artist, and you knew she had a painting deadline that involved a life study, and then found her innocently drawing this model, would you accuse her of cheating?”

“Do not talk to her, Tyrone,” said Luke.

“What’s a life study?” said Tyrone.

“Drawing the human figure using a live model.”

“Drawing somebody naked,” said Luke. “And not just anybody. Her ex-husband.”

A knock sounded on the door and we glanced at the narrow inset window to see Uncle Will glaring at us. He twirled his finger in the wrap-it up sign and nodded at Luke.

“Dammit,” said Luke. “How did you pull me into that?”

Interview: 

Today, we welcome Larissa Reinhart to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give her a big Geeky welcome!

I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?

Hey Judith! Thanks so much for having me on. I’m ready!!

Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

I once ate cow rectum in Japan. I didn’t know what it was. Very chewy. The cook thought it was hilarious. Especially since he had to gesture and point to explain what we were eating.

2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Reading. I also love to travel. What I don’t like to do is clean the house, but that’s generally what I have to do if I’m not writing.

3. How did you choose the genres you write in?

I wrote Portrait of a Dead Guy and then my editor told me the genre. So I guess the genre choose me. And now I keep the Cherry Tucker books in that genre. Which some call cozy. I call them funny, Southern, romantic mysteries. But that’s hard to shelve.

4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

Stephen King’s ON WRITING is one of my favorites about writing. Any book I read has had an influence on me, though. And I like to read all kinds of fiction.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I’ll start with the best compliment. When readers take the time to email, tweet, or Facebook me to tell me they like Cherry Tucker. She’s flawed. Seriously flawed. But they still like her. My toughest critic is myself, but probably second toughest is my editor. But I need her to be tough to make me better a writer.

Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

I’ll say the bartender Red from the Cherry Tucker books. Because I’ve heard his bar makes some good hot wings.

7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?

A blender, margarita mix, and tequila. Wait, I need ice. So a cooler, ice, and Coronas. Wait, I need limes... Ok, I can’t do this one.

8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?

Doris Day and David Niven in Please Don’t Eat the Daisies. Wouldn’t you have loved to be their kids?

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

You wouldn’t find any margaritas or beer. They’re on that desert island.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

The Case of the Missing Sock. Because that’s what happens every week on laundry day.

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Summer
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Cake or Pie? Pake. I’m for real.
Car or Truck? Depends on the engine.
Print or Electronic? Print!

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Thanks so much for having me! That was fun. I just want to thank everyone for their support. And has anyone tried Pake? I saw it on a menu once and have been dying to try it. Pie + Cake. Genius.

Review: 

This is the third book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series by Larissa Reinhart. Cherry Tucker remains a feisty, opinionated, loud mouthed, big hearted spit fire of a character. She may be a bit redneck, but you would never have a truer friend. I just love reading about Cherry's exploits. She makes a trip to the SipNZip an adventure.

This book begins with Cherry in the local police station at 3am doing a composite drawing for her honorary uncle, Sheriff Will Thompson. There was a shooting and hijacking of a rig out at the interstate reststop, and the police were lucky enough to find a witness. A witness who was trying to steal copper wire, but a witness none the less.  Of course, when Cherry finds out about it, she can't but be curious and want to know what happened.  And how else do you find out, except by asking questions? Cherry's ex boyfriend, Deputy Luke Harper, doesn't take kindly to Cherry's way of finding out information and would like to keep her out of the investigation completely. With Cherry's recently sale of her "Classical" paintings, and a new portrait commission lined up, she really shouldn't have time get involved.  Little does she know exactly how far she will end up delving into the investigation.

One of the great things about the Cherry Tucker books are the variety of interesting associates. Cherry has quite a collection of the unique, engaging and distinctive cast of characters around her. From Max "The Bear" Avtaikin to her sister Casey and from Grandpa Ed to her best friend Leah, Cherry's friends and family all help to showcase the many sides and facets of Cherrilyn Tucker.

Every book I change my mind about who I think Cherry should be with romantically. I imagine if I am having this kind of trouble, there is no wonder Cherry seems so confounded with her options. In book 1, I was rooting for Luke, book 2 had me reconsidering Todd and in this book I put some sincere thought into Max. It's my opinion though, that Cherry will never settle down until she resolves things with her mother. Not to get spoiler-y, but we do get another piece to that puzzle at the end of this story.  I am looking forward to reading more. I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

Giveaway: 

$20 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

November 4:
Mary Castillo – Interview

November 5:
The Book Bag – Review & Excerpt

November 6:
Ink and Paper – Interview & Excerpt

November 8:
Shelf Pleasure – Interview

November 11:
Keep Calm and Blog On – Review

November 12:
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews – Interview & Excerpt

November 14:
Tlassy – Review

November 15:
Musings and Ramblings – Review, Interview & Excerpt

November 18:
Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and More – Excerpt

November 19:
Chick Lit Plus – Review

November 22:
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review, Interview & Excerpt

November 25:
Everything Books and Authors – Excerpt

Author Bio:

Growing up in a small town, Larissa Reinhart couldn’t wait to move to an exotic city far from corn fields. After moving around the US and Japan, now she loves to write about rough hewn characters that live near corn fields, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. HIJACK IN ABSTRACT is the third in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series from Henery Press, following STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (May 2013) and PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist. QUICK SKETCH, a Cherry Tucker prequel to PORTRAIT, is in the mystery anthology THE HEARTACHE MOTEL (December 2013). She lives near Atlanta with her minions and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit. Visit her website larissareinhart.com or find her chatting with the Little Read Hens on Facebook.

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