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Thursday, March 30, 2017

NBTM Tour: Call to Honor by Tawny Weber



Call to Honor: A SEAL Brotherhood Novel, #1
by Tawny Weber
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GENRE:  Contemporary Romance
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BLURB:
“No man left behind” is inscribed in the DNA of every SEAL and Lieutenant Diego Torres is no exception. But with a team member killed—and the body missing— Diego’s honor is sorely tested. Now his career and reputation are on the line, and a traitor is hiding among them. Diego wants answers...and only one woman has them.
Single mom Harper Maclean has two priorities—raising her son Nathan and starting a new life. Her mysterious new neighbor may be impossibly charming, but Diego asks too many questions about her past—and about the father of her child. Questions she fears will reveal her burning attraction for Diego, and ultimately put them all in danger’s path.


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Excerpt Two:

IT PAYS TO be a winner.
And Diego Torres was a big believer in winning.
But it was the winning that he liked.
The competition.
The thrill of testing his skills, pushing his limits. Of knowing he was better than his adversary.
Yeah. He liked knowing he was the best.
He didn’t do it for reward.
Especially not when the reward came by way of the pomp and pageantry of a ceremony like today. Standing onstage in front of the various platoons that made up SEAL Team 7, listening to Admiral Cree pontificate was a pain in the ass. What made it worse wasn’t the couple hundred sets of eyes inspecting him or the discomfort of his dress whites, too tight across the shoulders.
It was the damned shoes. Diego’s toes pinched in the mirror-bright black patent leather, begging him to flex. He didn’t, of course. Not while standing at attention. But damn. Give him a pair of combat boots any day.
As the sun baked through his cap and the heat of the morning swirled around, he wondered what yahoo had decided to hold this ceremony outdoors. And why it felt so much hotter standing in the San Diego sun in whites than it did in the Afghan desert in full combat gear. Probably because combat gear fit him better.
Diego had spent a large portion of his life fighting over the wrong things. He’d fought over turf. He’d fought over gang colors. Hell, if the mood struck, he’d have fought over just how blue the sky was. It’d taken a bullet barely missing his heart to clue him in to the fact that maybe the things he was fighting over simply weren’t worth dying for.



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than forty books, Tawny Weber loves writing about sexy heroes, most notably her popular Navy SEALs series.  Her sassy, emotional romances are filled with men dedicated to being the best—and women determined to have the best.  Tawny credits her ex-military alpha husband for inspiration in her writing, and in her life.   The recipient of numerous writing accolades, including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and in addition to the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists, Tawny has also hit the number one spot on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  
A homeschooling mom, Tawny enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and spending time with her family and dogs in her Northern California home.
You can find Tawny on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.   

Call to Honor : http://tawnyweber.com/cth

Interview with Tawny Weber
Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
I did have two imaginary friends when I was young.  They were ghosts and lived in the walls of my bedroom.  Their names were Pinky and Blue (not very original, I know) and they were always there with great advice and a shoulder to cry on.  When I was 6 and ran away to live in the tree in the front yard, they went with me.  
Do you have any phobias?
Oh, so many.  On good days, I like to credit them to my vivid imagination.  
Do you listen to music when you're writing?
I do –I create a playlist for every book I write. Or in the case of CALL TO HONOR, the playlist has spanned the first three books in the Team Poseidon series.  You can check it out at http://tawnyweber.com/team-poseidon

Do you ever read your stories out loud?
No.  I don’t listen to books on tape, either.  I’m just not a strong auditory ‘reader’ so it’s not something that clicks for me.  That said, I don’t read my books after they’re published, either.  In part because I’m usually pretty deep into a new story by the time the last one is out, but also because I’d want to revise or tweak or change things and not being able to would bug me.  
Tell us about your main character and who inspired him/her.
My hero, Lt. Diego Torres is the main focus of CALL TO HONOR.  Most of his personality and backstory are from my imagination, but his sense of honor and determination are inspired by my husband.  He has such a passionate belief in honor, in respect and in doing the right thing because its right. So as Diego’s honor was challenged, I asked myself how my husband would deal with it, how he’d feel about it, and drew from that to create Diego’s reactions.  I hope they came through as strongly as I’d imagined them.   

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION


Tawny will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.




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Digging in the Stars by Katherine Blakeney blitz


Digging in the Stars
Katherine Blakeney
Published by: Blaze Publishing
Publication date: March 28th 2017
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

A lost ancient civilization and the tomb of a legendary king lie buried beneath centuries of ash on the volcanic planet Thror, but that’s not the only reason sixteen-year-old Carter has tricked her Archaeology of Outer Space class into coming here. Her best friend Conrad has just disappeared on a trip to Thror, leaving behind little more than a broken vintage camera. The strange and disturbing photographs she manages to extract make her suspect Conrad’s disappearance is somehow connected to the hidden tomb of the last king of Thror.

Unfortunately, the ludicrously over-friendly ‘Furry Giants’ who have taken over the planet’s barren surface would rather offer her cheap souvenirs than answers, and the local officials insist they have no record of Conrad’s existence. Inspired by fear for Conrad’s life and the chance to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, Carter and her friends follow Conrad’s footsteps deep into the mountains of Thror’s forbidden Black Zone and launch an illicit excavation.

Coded messages, stunning ancient ruins, and clues left by Conrad himself begin to surface as the young archaeologists fall victim to an alarming series of accidents staged by the increasingly hostile Furry Giants. Piecing together a history of dictatorship, terrorism and disguise, Carter glimpses the horrors beyond Thror’s flamboyant façade and startling revelations about the friend she thought she knew. The masks of Thror hide devastating secrets, and the golden tomb buried deep in the frozen core may claim the lives of everyone she loves.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

TEASERS:

“Please remain seated as we begin our descent into Thror. Welcome, and enjoy your stay.”

The time for action was at hand, and she still didn’t feel ready. The flight felt much shorter than she’d expected.

The girls exchanged bewildered looks across the aisles. Stunned silence. They couldn’t have missed that final announcement. Avoiding Professor P’s gaze, Carter still felt the look of shock the professor shot across the cabin. Once, Carter had seen herself arriving on Thror as a great explorer. Instead, she would be remembered as a half-baked deceiver and kidnapper. The Throrians would have called her a scent-changer.

* * *

Carter had been so close to her goal. She saw that crack with her own eyes, a portal into a lost ancient world, chambers filed with carvings, images that had never been recorded or reproduced. The greatest discovery of this or any other century, waiting less than twenty feet away. Waiting for her. And Conrad had been there first. The moment she thought it, she felt guilty. She was allowing herself to get carried away by archaeological fervor, mentally competing with Conrad, when he might have paid a terrible price for his discovery.



Author Bio:

I am an author and independent filmmaker/stop motion animator with a BFA in Stop Motion Animation from the School of Visual Arts in New York and a PhD in Film Studies from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK). My thesis focuses on silent film adaptations of late nineteenth and early twentieth century Gothic novels, with a special emphasis on psychological and aesthetic representations of the Monster figure. My debut novel, a YA Sci-Fi adventure called Digging in the Stars, is forthcoming with Blaze Publishing on March 28, 2017.

Raised by an Egyptologist mother, I grew up among museums and excavation sites, where I developed an unhealthy fascination with ancient art and mythology. I divide my time between bringing 12”-tall people to life in my studio in Edinburgh, excavating ancient tombs in the Egyptian desert, and researching Gothic literary monsters in silent film. I have worked for more than 10 years as photographer and videographer for the South Asasif Conservation Project, an archaeological expedition in Egypt and I have published numerous articles on film and archaeology.

I write, direct, design, and animate short films and commissioned projects in my studio in Edinburgh, Scotland and have been employed as an animator, screenwriter, modelmaker and art director for studios in Edinburgh, South Korea and Qatar. I have produced commissioned projects for IdeasTap in London, the Arts Trust Scotland and the British Library. My shorts have won competitions and screened at various international festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe. In 2015, my short film The Burglar With the Yellow Hand was nominated for an Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK) Research in Film Award.

You can find out more about all aspects of my work on my website, http://yorwickcastle.com

My new blog http://KatherineBlakeneyStardigger.blogspot.com is all about Digging in the Stars and my references and inspirations as a writer.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

VBT: Visible Through Darkness by Auden Johnson



Visible Through Darkness
by Auden Johnson
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GENRE:   Fantasy Romance
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BLURB:
Jade Greer is an outcast. Her only light is memories of her dead family. An unusual call leads her to Serin, a prisoner trapped in darkness for twenty years. Saving him leads Jade to a world for people with powers. A world her parents were once a part of. Jura, the once vibrant world, is dying. The magic is leaving the land. Jade and Serin have no homes to go back to, but they move forward with hope because they're no longer alone.



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Excerpt One:
Jade lunged at him. He fell backwards. She straddled his chest and beat her fist and her frustrations into his face. No one would care what she did to him. He made her relive everything this world represented and everything she couldn’t have. Her fists burned. No one would care. People were supposed to care. He wore a wedding ring. He had a wife and maybe children. This world didn’t raise people to honor such commitments. 
What Mom and Dad had was beautiful. She once wished for something like that. People like him turned that dream to ash. 
She punched and punched. He stopped moving. Why was she born into such an ugly world? Why couldn’t she be selfish like everyone else?

His face caved under her blows. Finally, something bent to her will. Her fist drilled though his skull. Jade’s blood sang. His head became bloody ground beef flecked with small hard pieces. She punched concrete. She needed to stop. Her body wouldn’t listen. Sharp pain slid up her arms. Stop. Gore splashed into her face. Stop. Her body froze.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
An artist at heart, Auden loves photography, graphic design and writing beautifully dark and diverse stories. As a kid, she created her own books by folding several construction papers in half and stapling them down the middle, adding her own illustrations. She holds a B.A. in English, a M.S. in Library and Information Science, a M.S. in Publishing. She’s an Author/Social Media Marketing Consultant for Aubey LLC, a small press publisher and offers writing, design and marketing advice on her blog. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY starting her own business as a photographer, designer and author. Find info on her dark fantasy stories on aubeyllc.com. Book 3 of The Merging Worlds series, The Lost Sciell, is coming soon.
Author Links:
Amazon buy link:

Interview with Auden Johnson
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
Mostly anime. I like to give my characters bright hair color and unusual eyes, characteristics often found in anime. When I’m creating a dystopian world, I think of shows like No.6. Currently, I’m working on a paranormal investigation story so I pulled some inspirations from a show called Ghost Hunt. Anime has some of the most imaginative magic systems and creatures I’ve ever seen. In Visible Through Darkness, Jade befriends an animal called a Twilight Hunter. That little beastly wouldn’t feel out of place in an anime.

How did you do research for your book?
I searched Google, Pinterest and DeviantArt to find fantasy artwork. They help me piece together the world, Jura. I look at images to give more detailed descriptions of my settings. I little creating unusual animals. Searching for images helps me create these creatures.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
I’m trying to get my business off the ground. It’s been a ride. I offer cover design and social media marketing help to authors. I’m also a photographer. Right now, I’m selling my photographs as stock images. I dream of getting paid to take photos of places around the world.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I’ve thought about this a lot. I think I’m too nerdy to mess with time travel. That never goes well. Even with people who only time travel in short bursts, like going back 10 minutes, something always goes horribly wrong. I don’t know if I’d time travel if given the chance.  

What is your next project?
I try to release 2-3 stories a year. Book 4 of this series, The Jura series, will come out sometime this year. I’d also like to publish a photo book. Right now, I’m trying to pin down a theme. Next month, I’ll be releasing a paranormal fantasy story called The Unburned Island. This one has some haunts, magic and little romance.


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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Auden Johnson will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



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NBTM: Taming the Texas Beauty by Jody Vitek


Taming the Texas Beauty
by Jody Vitek
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GENRE: Contemporary Romance
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BLURB:
Two years ago, Ryan Rogers was attracted to Stephanie Lockhart, but as the detective who brought down her criminal brother, getting close to her was out of the question. Now, ready to restart the relationship, he discovers her salon is connected to a series of high-end robberies.
In spite of losing her brother because of Detective Rogers, Stephanie hasn’t forgotten their attraction. It could be happily ever after when they meet once again…until she and her salon are implicated in crime, sending her world spiraling out of control.
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Excerpt Two:
“Ohh, that’s who was on the booty call.” Vergas wore a broad smile. He couldn’t keep from her who called.
“Don’t call it that, okay? I met her Saturday night. We talked about how her brother affected us at the time and where we’re at with our lives. We’re going out Wednesday night. On a date.” He relished another bite of the perfect burger, juicy with no pink to be seen.
“I’m glad you two finally connected. And speaking of the salon, talk, Rogers.”
“Keep an open mind.” He informed her about the conversations at the salon. “This has bothered me since. They say to go with your instinct. Today I acted when I asked the question.”
“You know it’s natural for people to talk to their hairdressers. They fill the position of a therapist for some customers.”
“A therapist?”
“They hear a lot of shit. Much like a bartender hears the woes of their patrons. You know, I thought your question was odd at first, but I can understand why. I’m glad I asked my follow-up question without checking with you first to see where you were headed with your probe.”
“I am too. I want to go back and ask the other victims where they go and who they see for their beauty care.” He savored the last bite of his lunch.
“I agree. And we should inquire with the men as well.”
“Yep. When we get back to the office, I’ll compile a list of the victims.” A large gulp quenched his thirst.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Jody Vitek is a multi-published author with Satin Romance, an imprint of Melange Books, LLC. She has been a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Midwest Fiction Writers (MFW) since 2001 and is a Provisional PAN member of RWA.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Jody remains close to home living with her husband of twenty-five plus years, three children and a cat named Holly. Growing up, she enjoyed reading V.C. Andrews’ the Dollanganger series, starting with Flowers in the Attic, S.E. Hinton, and Stephen King to name a few. Today her tastes run across the board in fiction and non-fiction, in all genres.
She has traveled throughout the United States, to the Bahamas and Cancun, Mexico. Between watching her youngest son playing soccer, maintaining one of the many scrapbook albums, gardening and being the COO of the Vitek household, she writes contemporary romances.
Contacts and Links
Twitter: @JodyVitek
Interview with Jody Vitek

1. What is your favorite part of this book and why?
The unplanned pregnancy, in Taming the Texas Beauty, would be my favorite part. It wasn’t plotted to happen in the story. I didn’t want to write another pregnancy in one of my books, but Stephanie brought it about. Yes, my character’s do talk to me. They do things that surprise me. Much of Stephanie’s reaction is like my own when I found out I was pregnant with my third child. He is a four-year post-vasectomy child. Surprise! You’re not happy, yet you plan what you need to take care of. You cry out of uncertainty and happiness. The emotions run rampant at the thought of telling your friends who are struggling to get pregnant. Reactions to a pregnancy are different from one woman to the next. They can also vary from one pregnancy to the next.
2. If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
As a woman, I’ve seen enough of a beauty salon, spa, etc. to not care to spend time with Stephanie Lockhart. I’m married to a law enforcement officer who’s worked various positions within the Sheriff’s Office. He’s never held the position of detective. I think it could be interesting to spend time with Ryan Rogers. As much as TV shows can glamorize a detective’s job, I’m certain there’s a lot of desk and footwork. I couldn’t decide how the work day happens, but after work, it would be fun to talk over a couple beers.
3. If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
I got the book Night Whispers by Judith McNaught passed to me from a friend. The romantic suspense storyline stuck with me. I had dreams about the characters and story for a week. I’ve never had another book affect me in the same way. Years later, Judith held a book signing at the local Barnes and Noble. My friend, who gave me the book, was going to the signing and took my copy. I’m happy to have a signed copy of Night Whispers by Judith on my keeper shelf.
4. Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
All of my characters come from my imagination. It’s their quirks, habits, etc. that I pull from real life. It can be a part of me, family, friends, or a stranger that spark the inspiration for the character’s actions, oddities, and so forth. As a writer, you have to be very careful if you write a story with an actual character, as there can be legal issues.
5. What made you want to become a writer?

I didn’t want to be a writer. I had a “nine-to-five” job while raising my first child. I didn’t want to be a stay at home mom. Three years later I had my second child, went back to work, but had to quit after six months of being back. Our daycare costs increased above and beyond what I was being paid. It devastated me at the time. I was miserable. I napped while my children napped. A story played over and over in my head. I grew tired of being lazy after a year. I was going crazy with these people living in my head, and put their story on paper. I knew nothing about writing a romance. I was just telling the story of these characters so they’d leave me alone. Eventually, I shared what I was doing with a friend and she read what I had written. She inspired me to pursue publication. It would take me twelve years before selling my first book, Florida Heat. Florida Heat is the first book in the trilogy, that leads us to the third and final book, Taming the Texas Beauty. The book my friend read would become my fourth release, renamed as Up Close and Personal. My writing was so bad, I kept the premise and rewrote the story.
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Jody Vitek will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.




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