Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Single Game by Amanda Black

Title: The Single Game
Author: Amanda Black
Series: Apartment #3
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: July 15, 2015
Summary:
In this third, stand-alone installment of Amanda Black’s Apartment Novels series, sparks fly during a sexy party game.

When Eden Foster’s parents tell her they’re moving from Chicago to the Illinois suburb of Aledo, Eden is crushed. That is, until she runs crying to her jock boyfriend, who she finds on top of her so-called best friend. Moving’s not looking so bad anymore.

Now a senior at Mercer County High, Eden is ready to re-enter the dating scene. Still burned over the betrayal of her ex, she’s looking for someone sweet and innocent. With the help of her two new friends, Zoe and Amy, Eden makes a list of what she’s looking for: an eager virgin, ready for training—and no jocks.

Eden thinks she’s found what she’s looking for in Logan Black, a shy and geeky classmate. But why are Zoe and Amy convinced that the answer to her search is a party game…with kissing?

Eden better get ready, because she’s about to play the Single Game.

The Single Game is the latest addition to the erotic Apartment Novels series, which began with Lily and Ethan in The Apartment and The Blank Canvas.


I’m so excited for the release of my new book The Single Game! It’s my first venture into NA territory and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. While it is a continuation of my Apartment series that gives us a glimpse into the future of some of the main characters, it can easily be read as a standalone novel featuring the next generation of the Foster family. So if you haven’t read the first two books but this one sounds interesting to you, go ahead and jump on in! If you really like this one you can always go back and see how it all began.

The idea for this story actually came to me in a dream a while ago. It was just a fleeting image of two random teenagers making out for the first time in a dark closet during a party game that was sort of like spin the bottle. The boy was very nervous and the girl was the one putting him at ease. For some reason that one scene kept replaying in my mind over and over again after I woke up, which I found totally weird because I can never remember my dreams. I always feel like they must have been awesome, but damn if I can ever recall one single detail the next morning. That’s why when I realized that I was building on that scenario in my head the more that I thought about it, I knew I had to write it down or it would drive me crazy. As the story unfolded, I realized that I was drawing on a lot of my own experiences from when I started dating my husband, so this one ended up being very near and dear to my heart.

I really hope you check out this sweet and sexy story and let me know what you think! -Amanda Black

What elements of your own love life influenced this story? 
More than I should probably admit! My husband and I were both very young when we started dating. Not quite as young as Eden and Logan, but there were still plenty of bets that we would never make it.

There is less angst in The Single Game than in your previous books (The Apartment and The Blank Canvas), can you talk about that a little bit more?
That was most definitely on purpose. By the time I finished writing those books I was absolutely drained from all of the emotions I had dredged up, both personal and fictional. Once I started getting the idea for The Single Game I saw that as an opportunity to just sit back and have some fun. It sounds funny to say that I was avoiding melodrama while also writing about teenagers, but I just wanted it to feel genuine, sweet and loving. Life has enough angst. I wanted to give me and my readers a small break.

What motivated you to write a New Adult Erotica? 
I was already used to writing erotic romance after the last two books, but I was just really drawn to the story that was growing in my mind of these two teenagers on the verge of graduating high school. It’s such a big milestone in everyone’s life and I wanted to see how this couple would deal with a budding relationship in the middle of all of that.

I was so intrigued by the characters in this story. Logan is a shy, geeky, male virgin whereas Eden is a beautiful, confident, and sexually active HS senior girl. What made you reverse these typically male/female roles? 
I’m always up for a good role reversal! Honestly, some details of their relationship were drawn right from my own and other people I’ve known. There were plenty of girls who got burned by dating a player and they were much happier once they gave the shy guy another look. Plus, how many of us have said at one time, “I’d love to find a guy with no relationship baggage who I could teach exactly what I like.” Eden takes that idea and runs with it, exploring and discovering brand new things that she and Logan both like.

What character in The Single Game is most like you and why? 
Definitely Eden. I had the proverbial burning by the ex. Not quite as dramatic as hers was, but that scene came from my ugliest high school memories. I wasn’t back in the saddle until early college but by then I knew what a treasure I had when I found my own shy guy.

Author Bio:
Amanda Black was born and raised in the Midwest, where she still lives with her husband and spoiled-rotten dogs. She earned a bachelor's degree in Studio Art before deciding that she actually needed to pay some bills, which is when she took a position as an ophthalmic technician.

For the past few years she's been a closet romance writer in her spare time and would love nothing more than to make it a full-time career. When she's not writing her next steamy love scene, her interests include reading, sketching, and annihilating her friends and family in movie trivia.


FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER  /  BLOG








Brought to you by: 

The Butterfly Effect by Renea Porter

Title: The Butterfly Effect
Author: Renea Porter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 19, 2015
Summary:
Riley and her best friend Bea are starting their freshman year of college. Away from home and on their own the two witches are still learning what capabilities they have.

Nathan is the most powerful witch, known as the wizard. Over the centuries, he's managed to keep a low profile. That is, until Riley walks into his class.

While trying to manage her magic, Riley's attraction to Nathan intensifies. Riley also befriends Ace, a frat boy Bear shape shifter that feels protective over her for a number of reasons.

Not everything is as it seems. But the one thing that remains is her fate, as it hangs in the balance.

Does Riley's fate lie with Nathan or Ace?



Author Bio:
Renea has always had her nose inside of a book ever since she could remember. She has wrote ever since she was young enough to write, never showing anyone what she was writing. Initially she started writing Coming Back to You without intending to publish, but her hubby of 15 years encouraged her to publish it. And she did. She couldn't imagine never writing. Its in her blood.

Her mind is always wondering, plotting and full of ideas. Even her hubs questions her sanity sometimes, because she well her characters are real. They feel real.


FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER  /  WEBSITE



Brought to you by: 

Sons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello

Title: Sons of the Sphinx
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Series: The Quest Books
Genre: YA Historical Time Travel
Release Date: October 10, 2014
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Cover Design: Bernistevens Design
Summary:
Two souls

Separated by three millennium

One with a gift that is more like a curse

One on an almost impossible quest

Destinies entwined; one seeks to find herself while the other seeks his lost queen. To succeed, the pair must right the injustices 3,000 years in the past.

Only together can they fulfill The Prophecy, but in the process they must defeat the Pharaoh Horemheb.

Dishonor and death are the fate of the defeated.


Before us, nearly filling up the room and taller than either of us, stands the golden shrine of Tutankhamun. I remembered what else lay in that room. Inside that shrine are three more, each a bit smaller than the outside one. All tucked inside each other like those nesting dolls from my grandmother’s childhood. Inside the last shrine were the four sarcophagi of Tut, each displaying him in golden and jeweled splendor.

The last one holds the famed mask of the golden boy. And beneath that, the body of the young pharaoh who now stands here before me. Beyond my understanding, he has been given back his human form, allowed to return one last time to restore honor to his family, one last time to find his true love. And here I am, trying to help, trying to understand, trying to stay alive. Will I ever be able to go home again? Or will I become as lost as Hesena?

Rosa: Hi! I’m Rosa. I’m 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. I’m your typical teenager—well, almost. I don’t have many friends anymore, but it’s hard to blame the other kids. If I was them, I’d probably steer clear of me too, at least most of the time. No one is ever mean to me; I’ve grown up with most of them, and on my bad days, they try to ignore me. Wish I could do the same to those who talk to me. Mostly I just shake my head and carry on. It helps that I have a sarcastic sense of humor.

My daily life consists of trying to pass all my classes, getting a date for school dances, and dealing with Nana’s gift nearly every day while I try not to lose my mind.

Tut: My name is Nebkheperure Tutanhkame. I ascended the throne of Egypt upon the death of my father, Pharaoh Akhenaten. There has been much speculation in modern day on my death. My concern is finding the final resting place of my beloved queen, Ankhesenamun and making right that which was wronged centuries ago.

1. What is the biggest influence/interest that brought you to this genre?
Working with my students. Over the years I’ve run into readers of all types. The ones who fascinated me weren’t the ones who read everything in sight, but the ones who could read but chose to spend their time doing other activities. It was only when we started our Arthurian Legend unit and read the stories from the ancient worlds that these kids sat up, picked up the books, and actually read. So now I write Arthurian Legend for ages 9-13 and ancient tales for ages 12+. It’s my hope to entice these reluctant readers early on in exploring books.

2. When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process(outline, plot, character names, editing, etc)?
Editing is my favorite part. My first draft is just a rough outline of the story I’m creating. The subsequent drafts bring life to my characters and story.

3. When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing?
I love international spy thrillers. This goes back to my first read of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity so long ago. His books are ones that I reread often.

4. If you could co-author with any author, past or present, who would you choose?
That’s a tough one. I think maybe Shakespeare—the twists and turns in his plays were masterpieces. I emolated his technique in my 2nd Arthurian tale: Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom. Took a lot of planning and changing, but the twists and turns came off quite well.

5. Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you later in life?
I’ve written or made up stories since I was a kid. Over the years, I tried my hand at romances that will never ever see the light of day! Just not comfortable with that genre. Once I knew what I wanted to write, I just built those stories in my head until I had the time to write them out. That wasn’t until I retired from teaching in 2007.

Author Bio:
I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.


FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER  /  WEBSITE
WEBSITE2  /  BLOG  /  PINTEREST  /  GOOGLE+








Brought to you by:

Seal the Deal by Makenna Jameison

Title: Seal the Deal
Author: Makenna Jameison
Series: Alpha SEALS #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: July 14, 2015

***Content Warning:  Explicit sexual material 18+***
Summary:
She needs his protection almost as much as she needs his heart…

Rebecca Mayes has already endured more than her fair share of tragedy. After her husband was killed in a horrific car crash, she’d do anything to shield herself from more heartache. A highly sought after attorney, Rebecca’s success in the courtroom has not come without costs. The disgruntled ex-husband of a client is seeking revenge on the one he blames for his troubles—and his sights are set on Rebecca. While she remains blissfully unaware, he’s stalking her, and getting closer every day.

Navy SEAL Patrick “Ice” Foster vowed to never be in a relationship again after watching his ex-wife slowly die of cancer. That type of anguish was more than he could handle in one lifetime, and there’s no way anyone can change his mind.

Despite their determination never to fall in love again, Rebecca and Patrick can’t deny the connection between them. But when danger lurks around every corner, she knows there’s only one man she can trust to protect both her and her daughter. But who will protect her from a broken heart?

**SEAL the Deal, a stand-alone novel, is book one in the new series, Alpha SEALs.**


“And what keeps you up at night?” he asked huskily, watching her blush again at the sexual undertones of his question.

“Work,” she finally replied, recovering, as she met his blue gaze.

He grinned at her, trying to put her more at ease. “You’re too easy to tease,” he finally admitted. It wasn’t like him to want to put anyone at ease, but something about this woman had him feeling possessive and protective at the same time. Not to mention incredibly, uncomfortably, aroused.

“It’s not nice to tease people,” Abby said innocently, and Rebecca and Patrick both burst into laughter.

“You’re not having any ice cream either,” Rebecca pointed out.

He shrugged, not really caring to explain that he was on a strict training regimen. “So Rebecca,” he said, enjoying the way the sound of her name felt on his lips, “do you and Abby frequent the playground often?”

“Yes!” Abby shouted.

Rebecca smiled at her daughter and looked back to him. “It’s pretty much our Sunday afternoon tradition when the weather is good.”

He considered that, wanting to see her again without knowing entirely why. “Maybe Logan and I will see you here next weekend?”

“I’d like that.”

He stared at her a moment longer then he should have and then stood. “Come on, buddy, let’s get going.” Logan jumped to his feet, and Patrick rested his hand on his son’s shoulder before meeting Rebecca’s eyes. “Stay safe,” he said, before turning to leave. He could feel her eyes watching him as they walked out the front door, and it took absolutely all of his strength not to look back.


Author Bio:
Makenna Jameison is the author of eight books. She loves to write stories with hot alpha males, steamy romance, and happily-ever-afters. An avid reader and writer her entire life, she published her first book in December 2012 and hasn’t looked back. Makenna enjoys reading, writing, coffee, the beach, and traveling to new places. She lives in Washington DC with her husband and daughter.


FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER  /  WEBSITE







Brought to you by: