Book Blog Tour with Author Roni Loren - Hot Excerpt, Interview, and Giveaway

About the Author

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.

If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat.

Places to find Roni Loren: Her Site, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads!

About the Book

The new Loving on the Edge romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing Between Us turns on the heat between two men who wonder how much they’re willing to risk in the name of love.

Four years after an accident tore their friendship apart, Hunter and Devon are living separate lives. Hunter is now the all-America hero—a congressman’s son and a pro pitcher in Houston preparing to marry his beauty-queen girlfriend. Devon is in Dallas running a new restaurant.

But when Hunter unexpectedly shows up in Devon’s bar, Devon can’t turn him away. Damn it if the man isn’t still gorgeous. But engaged? Hell no. All he’s doing for Devon is bringing back memories of their college-roommate days, and the night their relationship went too far. Turns out Hunter has never forgotten it either.

Now Devon can’t help but be drawn in all over again by the only guy who’s ever gotten close enough to break his heart. Maybe one more night together would be enough for both of them to finally move on. Or maybe one night will change everything…

You can buy YOURS ALL ALONG at the following online outlets: 

Amazon | B&N |  iTunes | Google Play | Kobo 

The Giveaway

Enter Roni's giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card (Amazon or B&N)!

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At the Movies: Interview with Roni

If your story was a movie, what would be its logline?
Star baseball player Hunter Riley is getting married but first, his fiancé wants him to find a best man. Only problem? The one man Hunter’s ever called best friend is the very one who could derail it all.


Who would you envision playing the main characters in the story?
It’s weird. Sometimes I have a definite real life physical inspiration in my head for a character. Like Colby in my book Nothing Between Us looks like Joe Manganiello in my head. But more often than not, I “feel” a character first, meaning I feel their personality, how’d they talk, how they move through the world. So outside of the basics like hair and eye color, only later do I get the sense of what they look like. BUT having said all that, I will say that the original seed of an idea for this story came from Big Brother last season—Zach and Frankie (Zankie for those who watched). I had a few chapters of this book written from years ago and had to put it aside to work on other projects. But once I saw the relationship on Big Brother, it sparked something, and the story became fully formed in my head. I knew I had to write it. Zach and Frankie are not necessarily how I physically picture my characters or even their personalities, but I loved loved loved the total acceptance and love between them (Frankie’s gay, Zach straight) and that’s what I used for the inspiration. So my story has a grain of fan fiction in it, shipping those two, lol.


Who are musical artists you think would be awesome on the movie's soundtrack? Why?
Here are the songs that made me think of them as I was writing:

• "Say Something" by A Great Big World (There’s a long separation between these two. The story takes place in two separate times. So this song makes me thing of that.)
• "Misty Blue" by Dorothy Moore (same as above, it’s about longing and separation)
• "What You Need" by INXS (This one’s upbeat and makes me think of how they are exactly what each other needs.)
• "The Reason" by Hoobastank (This one would be from Hunter to Devon. You’ll have to read to find out why. ;) )
• "You're My Best Friend" by Queen (This one is just a happy song that makes me think of how solid their friendship is at the core of it all.)

A Taste of Yours All Along

Excerpt

“But first . . .” Phil said, wincing a bit. “I have one more customer who requested to see the manager.”

“Ah, fuck.” One more complaint tonight and Devon might lose it. “Where?”

Phil pointed to a booth near the front window. “Big guy in the baseball cap. He’s nearly polished off a bottle of cabernet, so be warned.”

Great. Only thing worse than an unhappy customer was a ranting, drunk one.

Devon swallowed another sip of his own drink, then headed toward the corner booth. The guy’s back was to him, and he seemed to be staring out the window at the cars passing by on the downtown street. The flatbread he’d ordered was sitting mostly untouched in the center of the table.

Damn, Bryce couldn’t have managed to screw up a simple pizza, could he? Devon squeezed between two empty tables and straightened his suit jacket before stepping around to face the man, an apology poised on his lips. “Sir, how can I help—?”

But the question died in the air as the man looked up from beneath the bill of his ball cap. Dark, soulful eyes stared back at Devon from a face he knew better than his own. Any cogent response melted right out of his ears. “Jesus Christ.”

Hunter looked Devon up and down, his brows knitting in that way that indicated alcohol-blurred thoughts. “Wow, you look . . . important.”

Devon couldn’t help taking his own eyeful. Shaggy black hair peeking out from beneath the cap, tight T-shirt spread over shoulders and pecs honed for top athletic performance—a body Devon had ogled way too many times when he and Hunter had shared a room in the frat house.

“And you look . . .” Fucking amazing. Perfect. Even better than on TV. “Drunk. What the hell are you doing here, Hunt?”

His grin was lazy, lopsided. “I’m on vacation.” He raised a finger to his mouth. “Shh, don’t tell anyone. Top secret.”

Devon braced his hands on the table and sank onto the bench seat on the other side of the booth, not sure his legs were going to continue to hold him up. “Vacation?”

Hunter lifted his glass. “You know I haven’t had alcohol in four years.”

Four years. Which was exactly how long it’d been since Devon had last seen him. He tried to take a breath, but the room seemed to have less air in it than a moment before. He ran through the reasons why Hunter could possibly be here right now. Drinking. In his bar.

The guy had become the poster child of clean living after college. And over the last few years, the sports media had nearly canonized him for the turnaround. The congressman’s son. The stellar pitcher. The all-American guy with the beauty queen girlfriend.

Not that Devon had been paying attention. Or recording every game he pitched.

God, he was pathetic.

He cleared his throat, trying to come up with something to say. “Why are you drinking now?”

Hunter pointed at him, his finger wavering. “Good question.”

He followed up with a sage nod like he’d explained everything.

Fuck. The guy was hammered. The waitress probably hadn’t blinked at letting Hunter order a few glasses. He was big and broad—a guy who looked able to handle his liquor. But Hunter’s tolerance had always been low, and if he’d been sober for four years, that would only have made it worse. Devon grabbed the stem of Hunter’s half-empty glass, moved it to the side, and then replaced the spot in front of him with the flatbread. “You need to eat something, big man.”

The old nickname rolled off of Dev’s tongue before he caught it, and Hunter stiffened. Sober awareness flickered in his dark eyes, as if the words had snapped him temporarily from the wine haze. He shook his head. “Need to go.”

He shifted as if to stand, but Devon jumped up and put a firm hand on Hunter’s shoulder, pushing him back down. Their gazes locked for a moment, Devon looming over Hunter, the position dragging him back to memories he didn’t want to access right now, fantasies he’d conjured since. He shook them off and cleared his throat. “No way. You’re not going anywhere.”

Order YOURS ALL ALONG today at the following online outlets: 

Amazon | B&N |  iTunes | Google Play | Kobo 

Book Blitz Tour & Giveaway: Blame it on the Kiss by Robin Bielman

THE AUTHOR

USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and one crazy-cute dog who loves to chew on everyone’s socks. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, eat cupcakes, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com, and check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads!

THE BOOK

The one guy she shouldn’t want…

Honor Mitchell has lived with guilt and regret for a long time, so when she promises to do the things on her dying best friend’s wish list, she’s determined to follow through and do something right for a change. But when she’s thrown together for wedding duties with the one man who complicates her vow–just by looking at him–she has to put her faith in Bryce Bishop’s pledge to help her, no strings attached.

Bryce’s near one-night stand with his ex-girlfriend’s best friend a few months ago might have been a mistake, but helping the beautiful, free-spirited Honor with her promise isn’t. His trust in women is shot, but he can’t help but play his best man card to his advantage and help Honor tick off the items on his ex’s list, even if it puts him in a no-win situation. Because his assistance might get Honor what she wants, but suddenly being the do-good guy puts his plans–and heart–in serious jeopardy.


Purchase BLAME IT ON THE KISS at the following online outlets: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

THE GIVEAWAY

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THE EXCERPT

Bryce stared at her. Most girls would’ve had a fit if the sprinklers had soaked them. Not only had Honor laughed it off, she looked amazing and none the worse for wear as the pink light of the toy ring glowed at her waist.

“Do not tell me you have x-ray vision and can see the color of my undergarments, because then I’d have to use this magic ring to one, make you color blind, and two, make your clothes disintegrate so everyone could see if you’re a boxer or briefs man.”

His grin came quick and easy. “You want to see what I have on underneath my jeans, all you have to do is ask.”

“No thanks.” She stopped in front of him.

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“You don’t look positive.”

“How do I look?”

He took a slow inspection down her body and back up. “You really want me to answer that?”

“Boy, you had me fooled there for a minute Captain Underpants, but I see you’re just like every other guy, which is a huge relief, I can’t even tell you.” She brushed by him and headed toward the front door.

“What does that mean?” He fell in step beside her. Something didn’t feel right inside him. He didn’t like being lumped in with all guys.

“Here,” she slipped the ring off her finger and dropped it into their bag. “Be a good partner and turn our stuff in so I can raid Sophie’s closest for something to change in to.”

“Grab me one of Zane’s shirts, would you?”

She paused at the porch to slip off her shoes and slowly rake her eyes down and up his body. Touché. “Really? Zane’s got all sorts of muscle going on and I’m not sure—”

He whipped off his shirt. Honor was messing with him, but he wanted to remind her Zane didn’t have anything on him. He took care of his body, often working out with the guys he represented. He put forth the best image possible for his agency and that included being in good physical shape.

The appreciative look in her eyes told him she liked what she saw. She’d had her hands all over his chest in their hotel room, and if he closed his eyes he knew he’d remember exactly how hot her touch had made him.

“Can I ask you something?” he ventured.

“Okay,” she said to his chest.

“Eyes up here, sweetheart.” He motioned his hand in the direction of his face.
Her cheeks reddened. “Sorry, yes?”

“Have you had your one night stand?” He fisted his hands. It didn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter. But for some reason, he wanted to know. She might not be wired for it, but according to Payton, the two of them were like sisters, and if Honor promised to do the things on Payton’s list, he imagined she would keep that vow.

She gulped and again he could see her mind at work in the way she blinked and her head tilted a fraction to the side. “No.” A crease drew her brows together. “But I might be able to remedy that these next few days. A couple of Zane’s friends seem like they’d be willing to help me out.”

No doubt. “People hook up at weddings all the time, don’t they?”

“That’s what I hear.”

Purchase BLAME IT ON THE KISS at the following online outlets: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Author Cassietta Jefferson’s New Book Shades of Brown

Shades of Brown Virtual Book Tour July 1-July 11, 2014

Genre: Inspirational/Christian Fiction

Paperback: 182 pages

Publisher: Virtuous Ink Publishing LLC (April 29, 2014)

ISBN-10: 0988625903

ISBN-13: 978-0988625907

Cassietta Jefferson is a contemporary Christian author, publisher, editor, and blogger. She is the newest book reviewer for Prophetic Worship Intensive Christ Unit (PWICU); a faith based Radio and TV media platform. She is also the founder of Virtuous Ink Publishing LLC where she seeks to provide her readers with the best in contemporary Christian literature.

Cassietta earned her Bachelors of Applied Science in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and after traveling the country currently resides in Las Vegas Nevada. She is married to a proud retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant and together they have raised three children. Cassietta the youngest of ten siblings; seven older brothers and two older sisters who in addition to her wonderful parents help to shape her life.

In 2012, Cassietta published her first novel, Be Still & Know and published a novella, Timing is everything, the following year. Her latest book, Shades of Brown, is now available in print and ebook versions. To find out more about Cassietta Jefferson, visit http://www.virtuousinkpublishing.com/. You can also find Cassietta on Twitter and Facebook.

Asami, Bonita, Morgan, and Sienna have shared everything including their laughter and tears. No matter the challenge, they always emerged stronger with their friendship intact. No one ever expected that they would be tested again so severely.

These women soon learn that although life brings its share of storms, it’s what they do in the midst of those storms that define their character. While navigating the worst storms of their lives, these captivating women discover the true meaning of friendship, faith, and family.

What will they do when faced with devastating life situations that shake the very foundation that their lives are built upon? Follow this group of audacious women as they stare down the most tumultuous year they have ever had to face.

You can purchase SHADES OF BROWN from Amazon [ebook / paperback]!

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Author Cassietta Jefferson’s New Book Shades of Brown

It has nothing to do with 50 Shades of Grey. Shades of Brown is about four women, Asami, Bonita, Morgan, and Sienna. These are four different women who are four different shades of brown because of their different ethnicities. The title of this book actually came from those differences in their physical appearance that I find so interesting and beautiful.

It’s actually four novellas. Shades of Brown started out as four novellas, or short stories, that I wanted to make a bit more interesting. The stories have been intertwined in such a way that allows the reader to follow up with each character while reading about another.

The idea for this book came from my own circle of friends. This book is loosely based on a sisterhood started years ago. My friends and I would get together and enjoy each others company over breakfast at a place called Wenchell’s here in Las Vegas. As I left the restaurant one morning I thought, what an amazing circle of women. I remember feeling so honored that as different as we all were, we were still able to support and share with one another. While I didn’t take any actual situations from our sisterhood, I did use some of my friend’s flavor and the beauty that they each brought to the table.

The Magnolia Pancake Haus is one of my favorite Texas restaurants. This book revolves around four woman who not only share a beautiful friendship, but they share a love of a local restaurant called Magnolia Pancake Haus. This is an actual restaurant in San Antonio and is one of my favorite spots to grab breakfast. The Praline French Toast is my absolute favorite.

The author is reflected in each of the characters. I was asked once which one of my characters are most like me. The truth is that I can’t pick just one. It’s impossible because there’s a bit of my personality that shines through each of these women. For instance, Asami is very quiet and has an almost shy quality. This trait was taken from my own personality as I’m pretty quiet and can sometimes seems a little shy.

Shades of Brown is all about sisterhood. Shades of Brown is about four women who face some pretty incredible challenges and how they face and overcome these challenges. There is a ton of conflict throughout the book. Along each of their journeys these women face things like health concerns, fertility issues, and marital struggles; their very faith is shaken. What I wanted to shine through is that although they disagree and have all of this conflict, they remain strong and they remain friends. None of their issues hinder heir sisterhood and I hope we as women can maybe take a little of that resolve and apply it to our own relationships with other women.

There will be a follow up to Shades of Brown. Yes, I’m letting the cat out of the bag now; there will be a follow up to this book. I had a ton of fun writing the stories of these four beautiful women and developing their characters; this isn’t the end of their stories. There’s more these women have to say and do.

There is a call in this book for women to take better care of their health. Since being diagnosed with Hypertension, I’ve become very passionate about taking care of myself and my health. For more years than I care to admit, I’ve struggled with my weight and wanting to lose weight. What I know now is that it’s more important for me to get healthy and get to a healthy place. I still struggle with nutrition and eating the right types of foods, but I continue to work on it. In this book I write about characters like Morgan who struggles with maintaining a healthy weight and making healthy food choice because it inspires me and gives me hope that if I keep working at it and stay positive, I’ll get to where I need to be.

This book was revised and rewritten more than 10 times. Initially, the lives of these characters were supposed to go in a totally different direction. Careers were different, the city the women lived in was different, the issues the women faced were different…everything was different. There were so many changes happening with this project that at one point I wanted to scrap the whole thing and start again. The project began to take shape about six months before going to print. It was only then that I was able to see a clear picture of who these women are and how they would handle their challenges.

Shades of Brown is available now! It’s true, Shades of Brown is available right now! You can get your copy today from www.cassiettajefferson.com or for Kindle at Amazon.

Powerful Autobiography HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW Sheds Light on Mental Health, Faith, and More

Book Title: His Eye is on the Sparrow

Genre Autobiography / Mental Health

Print Length: 110 pages

Publisher: Virtuous Ink Publishing (December 12, 2013)

ASIN: B00HBU530O Ebook

ISBN-10: 0988625938

ISBN-13: 978-0988625938

About the Author

Newcomer Lisa Sparrow has endured more pain and loss in her life than anyone should be expected to. With her first book, His Eye Is on the Sparrow, she reveals the challenges she has faced in stunning detail. Lisa has learned the hard way that if you stay where you are in life, you’ll never reach your full potential. Her journey to self love and acceptance has been a hard fought battle and one she is led by God to share with her readers.

Lisa is a divorced mother of two wonderful children, Lauren and Leon, and currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. She currently works as clerical support for a local lighting company.

With His Eye Is on the Sparrow, Lisa hopes to shed some light on the subject of mental illness in this country. Although this is Lisa’s first project, it certainly will not be her last. She is currently working on her second book, scheduled to be released in 2014.

Learn more about Lisa at the following online outlets: Website | Twitter | Facebook

About the Book

Lisa Sparrow has never felt loved or wanted. Born into a family that she never quite fit into, her childhood was spent alternating between the foster care system and various mental health institutions. How could the very people charged to protect her make her feel so worthless?

From the agony of multiple miscarriages to the pain of never feeling love from anyone, Lisa Y.

Sparrow reveals the most intimate of details of her life in the hopes that someone is freed from their own prison of mental illness.

You can purchase His Eye Is on the Sparrow at Amazon: Paperback | Ebook

Why I Wrote His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Lisa Y. Sparrow

Recently, I wrote a book called, His Eye is on the Sparrow. It’s a reflective memoir about the challenges I face living life as a mentally ill woman. There were several reasons I had for writing this book, but it all boils down to helping someone else going through a similar situation.

Initially, I wrote His Eye is on the Sparrow because I wanted to somehow help people who love and care about people like me, who suffer from mental illness, understand what their loved one is going through. I've had friends over the years who have asked what they could do to help me during a mental health episode. I know there are questions about this topic and sadly, I know that they go unanswered.

Given the sheer number of people seeking and requiring mental health assistance these days, people want to know what to do to get through such difficult challenges. My experiences are uniquely my own, every mentally ill person will not react to a mental health crisis the way that I do. However, I do hope that sharing some of my experiences will give others some insight into the mind of a mentally ill person.

Finally, I wanted to help remove the stigma of mental illness and provide a voice to those that are too afraid or unable to speak for themselves. There was a time in my life when I didn’t feel I had a voice. I was unable to talk in my own home growing up, so when I was finally able to, I realized that I had something to say. I want others who suffer from mental illness understand that they do have a voice. Know that if you’re suffering from mental illness, there is help available. Please don’t be afraid to seek and get the help that you need.

Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tour. Click the logo below to check out the rest of Lisa Y. Sparrow's tour schedule!

Touring with Many Strange Women Author Parker J. Cole

Solomon Greene made a deal with God--If He'd send him an unattractive woman, he'd marry her on sight and do what was spiritually right by God. After all, he needed an ugly wife to help him escape from his sordid past. Celeste Martin made a deal with Solomon. She'd be his ugly wife. All she wanted in return was his name. She was in love with her sister's fiancé and he would be the only man she'd ever love. Solomon had no idea that he'd find his wife fascinating. Celeste didn't know that one taste from her husband's lips would have her wanting more. Yet many strange women were between them. Could Solomon ever escape from his past? Could Celeste ever love her husband?

Purchase Many Strange Women today at Amazon [ebook / paperback] and Barnes & Noble!

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Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and their beloved dog, Sarah.

Learn more about Parker via the following online outlets:

[Website] [Twitter] [Facebook]

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SNEAK PEEK

MR. AND MRS. SOLOMON GREENE

The thought of kissing her husband was repugnant. The idea had the attraction of eating an apple with a worm in it. The longer Celeste Greene thought about it, the more distasteful it became.

“I hope you don’t intend for me to actually kiss this man, Reverend,” Celeste bit out in a carefully controlled voice.

The minister was a short black man whose gray hair had receded until his head looked like a polished teak wood surface. Dark rimmed bifocals rested on his nose and gray bushy eyebrows lifted in surprise.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Grane?” His voice was deep and rumbled like gravel shifting at the bottom of a fish tank.

“I refuse to kiss this man.”

The minister closed the Bible in his hand and pressed it against his Santa Claus belly. He cleared his throat.

“Mrs. Grane, I have married couples for a good many years. I can honestly say I’ve never heard a wife speak so about her husband. Although, the decision is yours, may one ask why you choose not to kiss your husband?”

“Because I don’t know him.”

Celeste could see the minister’s confusion as he glanced over at the tall silent man by her side. She looked at him too but only saw his profile. Her new husband reeked of unwashed body odor and alcohol, although his clothes didn’t display any hint of those noxious smells. In fact, his clothes were perfectly tailored to him, the dark blue suit with its sharp cut and the pastel colored green shirt under it gave her husband a handsome appearance.

Too bad the clothes could not do anything about his stench.

Celeste had no idea her husband had spoken until she realized his mouth moved. He still chose not to look at her but directed his statement to the minster.

“The name is Greene.”

“Greene?”

“Yes, my wife’s new name is Mrs. Solomon Greene. With an ‘e’.”

“Indeed? Well, I do apologize for the mistake.”

Celeste folded her arms and turned fully toward her husband.

“Solomon, are you ready to sign the papers so we can get back to the hotel room?”

“Yes, Celeste. Let’s get this over with.”

A scant fifteen minutes later and Celeste felt the sun warm her face as she stepped out of the small church. Of course the June sun blazed brightly in the sky on this, the most unexpected day of her life. The snow shrouded Rocky Mountains in the Denver skyline only added to the physical perfection of the day. Why couldn’t it be rainy and gloomy? Why couldn’t lightning and thunder shake the ground to mirror the feelings that swarmed inside of her? Why should the sky be the bluest she’d ever seen it and the sound of the birds that twittered from tree to tree create a song to accompany her discomfiture?

“I appreciate that you married me, Celeste Greene,” her husband said from somewhere behind her.

She turned, her arms still folded. “It’s the least I could do.”

Gratitude welled inside Solomon’s heart as he once again realized his wife had none of the attributes he found sexy in a woman. He had hoped the woman he married would have the beauty of a gargoyle but a plain face would do just as well.

He studied his new wife. The top of her head reached his shoulder. She held her body stiff and her face remained devoid of expression. It emphasized her unattractiveness. If she never smiled at all, it would be wonderful.

She wore a peculiar outfit—a blue skirt that brushed the tops of her shoes, a blouse buttoned to her neck with long sleeves buttoned at her wrist and her hands were encased in plain white gloves. It had an old fashioned look to it, like something from the pioneer days. It obscured her figure and Solomon breathed a sigh of relief. His belief in God had been restored.

The Lord had sent an unattractive woman to be his wife. His eyes began to water and he blinked furiously. He could hardly break down and cry a bucket of tears in joy right now.

“I’ve called my driver,” he told her as a metallic glint caught his peripheral vision and he whirled his head to see a sleek black limousine Hummer turn the corner and stop in front of them.

Celeste didn’t respond. Her silence made him want to click his heels. A woman who didn’t talk incessantly had to be a godsend. Perfect!

Moments later, he sat by her side as the vehicle moved. The scenery passed and Solomon appreciated it as the light of the sun beamed on the ground. The leaves rustled as a gentle breeze wafted through them and the sight of birds as they flew by lifted his spirits. It was a lovely June day and he’d found his wife.

Purchase Many Strange Women today at Amazon [ebook / paperback] and Barnes & Noble!

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Tour is hosted by WNL Virtual Blog Tours. Check out Parker's book tour schedule at their site.

Touring with The Predatory Lies of Anorexia Author Abby Kelly

I want. I want you to want me. I want you to think I am the smartest, the thinnest, the most beautiful. I want you to want to be me. I want to be enviable. I want to be impervious. I want to need nothing. I want you to know that I am strong. I want to think I am better than everyone else. I want.

I’m willing to give up everything. I will give up mind and future. I will give up health, happiness and peace. I will give up family, friends and fun. I will give up rest and comfort. I will give up food. But please, just let me keep faith.

In this raw telling of her long struggle with anorexia, Abby Kelly reveals the predatory lies that ran rampant in her disordered mind. She will lead readers through the fight to her final victory.

Readers will find empathy, compassion and insight in these pages. Most of all, they will find hope for recovery and a life beyond the battle.

Purchase The Predatory Lies of Anorexia: A Survivor's Story today at Amazon!

Also, meet your next favorite book -- this one! -- at Goodreads!

Enter to win a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card at Rafflecopter today! Click the link below the image!

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Abby Kelly is a nomadic, military spouse writing from wherever she momentarily finds herself with her husband, their wonderful dog, Brave, and two tolerable cats.

Abby began writing in the process of recovering from a more-than-decade long eating disorder. She credits Jesus Christ for her full recovery and for filling her with a passion to encourage others to seek freedom from their own addictions and struggles.

Now, Abby writes for numerous Christian publications as well as maintains her personal blog, Predatory-Lies. In her free time, she and Brave enjoy volunteering in hospitals and schools as a pet therapy team through Pet Partners.

Learn more about Abby and The Predatory Lies of Anorexia at her website and on Twitter and Facebook.

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From Chapter 1, “The Flight”

“You will never see me again!” I screamed. I knew I was running out of time as we approached the airport. “I’ll die there! I’m never coming home.”

“Abby, stop. You are getting yourself all worked up and we have to go inside now.” My father parked the car in the dismal parking garage. Ignoring my residual choking on tears, he got out of the car and began to extract the suitcases, careful not to get any dirt on his jeans.

Daddy always looked sharp, one more thing I hated about myself. In the last several years I had become more of a skeleton freak show than an attractive daughter he could be proud of. My face was gaunt and haggard and wore the look of an aging smoker. My breasts were flat and my waist curve-less, like a prepubescent boy. I wore sea-foam green sweat pants with the word “SPIRIT” in block letters down my right leg. The sweats hung around my thighs like a tent missing poles, but I liked them because I felt small inside them. A sloppy white t-shirt blaring “SPIRIT” as well, topped the ensemble.

“Abby, get out of the car.”

I debated for a moment, but knew that I’d never win. The wildest of my tantrums were no match for Dad’s strength, but until now, at least in the battle of wills, I had triumphed. Two days prior my parents played their trump card.

“We’ve tried everything.” My parents had me cornered in their bedroom. Mom spoke because I listened more calmly to her. “We’ve been patient while you’ve promised over and over to try. We are really, really worried about you.”

Mom’s voice broke there. Dad turned and glared at my little sisters eavesdropping from the bedroom doorway. Two sets of chocolate brown eyes and one blue pair ducked back into the hallway. Then he shut the door and stepped forward.

“You promised to gain ten pounds in two months.” Dad’s voice was taut. The six-foot-four man that I once thought invincible slouched beneath a heavy burden. “Over a month ago, you agreed to the ultimatum that you would gain eight pounds. You’re nowhere near that. You need help and this is not a discussion. Remuda Ranch agreed to admit you, and we need to be there the day after tomorrow.” Daddy turned and left the room.

I slumped to my knees on the floor. “Please, please, please, Mom! Don’t send me away. I can’t be gone for two months. You might as well disown me. I’ll die there!”

Purchase The Predatory Lies of Anorexia: A Survivor's Story today at Amazon!

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Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour! Visit Author Abby Kelly's tour page at WNL Virtual Blog Tours.

Book Touring: So He Hurt You, Now What by Nicole Cleveland

SO HE HURT YOU, NOW WHAT? by Nicole Cleveland

Paperback: 104 pages

Publisher: DocUmeant Publishing (January 1, 2010)

ISBN-10: 098260050X

ISBN-13: 978-0982600504

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction, Inspirational

Author Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/nicole-cleveland

Hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tour

www.wnlbooktours.com

About The Book

So He Hurt You, Now What? - Messages of Hope for a Hurting Sister is a series of short messages to encourage, uplift and inspire you. Think of a daily message you would send a friend that's at a very low place in their life. Her husband or boyfriend just left her or she just found out of his betrayal. She's in shock and kinda frozen....unable to move forward.

We need a voice in our ear that says... Hey Girl - You are going to make it... You are NOT alone... Let me help you get out of this pit you are currently in because you can't stay there.

In the midst of our storm or "pity party" we need someone that's not gonna play with us. Somebody that has no other motive but to see us be happy.

That is what you'll get from - So He Hurt You, Now What? - Messages of Hope for a Hurting Sister

The book can be purchased as a paperback and an Ebook!

:::::::

Nicole Cleveland is the founder of Breathe Again Magazine and host of Breathe Again Radio & TV Show.

She has helped thousands of women extract purpose from the pain they’ve endured. She has a heart for those on the verge of giving up, like she once was. Her ministry and personal mission is to ensure people are not suffering in silence.

In 2010 she released her debut book, “So He Cheated, Now What?”, her personal testimony of overcoming an affair in her marriage; an affair that produced a child.

God is the steady rock that stays consistent in her life. Without God, nothing she does would be possible.




Visit Nicole at the following online outlets:

• Email Address: nicoleconline@gmail.com
• Website: www.nicoleconline.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoleconline
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornicolecleveland

Author Paulette Harper Reveals Cover and More for Latest Work, Living Separate Lives

Title: Living Separate Lives

Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny

Author: Paulette Harper

Publisher: Thy Word Publishing

Genre: Christian Fiction, Novella

Hosted By: Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour http://www.wnlbooktours.com

ISBN-13: 978-0-9899691-0-9

Releasing: November 5, 2013, e-book and paperback

About the Book

Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes. What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? Which one will leave the same or worse?

For Candace Walker, life has left her battered and bruised. Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. After fifteen years of marriage, bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head for Jordan Tate, whose husband wants to call it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas, dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest feats.

Although they have been friends for years, they thought they knew each other well. But will a secret destroy their relationship and bring the sisterhood to a complete halt? Will they be able to forgive and allow God to mend that which might be torn?

About the Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008. Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole and The Sanctuary. Her articles have appeared on-line and in print.

Social Media Links

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PauletteHarperAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pauletteharper
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paulette-harper-johnson/7/a29/8a7
Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/pauletteharper/
Website: http://www.pauletteharper.com
Email: pharperjohnson@gmail.com

Check out the trailer for Living Separate Lives

Excerpt

“Stop preaching to me. I don’t want to hear it anymore. I’ve had enough of your self-righteousness.” The words continued to cut Jordan’s heart; words that she never heard before coming from the mouth of her husband, Eric. “You knew how I was before we got married.” His tone deepened with every word.

Standing in front of the sink, Jordan was frozen and motionless in the middle of the kitchen. She held the dish towel in one hand and a plate in the other. She turned and faced Eric, whose eyes were cold and hard. The verbal blows kept coming. Her mouth opened wide, but no words could be formed when he uttered the deadly words, “I want a divorce.”

Hosted by: WNL Virtual Book Tour: http://wnlbooktours.com

Funding a Dream: Author Liz DeJesus

If you don't know Liz DeJesus, you should. Especially if you love stories with wonderfully intriguing, engaging female main characters and fantastical twists. I've known Liz for many years and have been honored to have been one of the first people to touch many of her stories during their editing phase.

Yesterday, I mentioned J.D. Walker and the fundraising campaign currently underway for her movie, The Postwoman.

Liz, too, is on a fundraising journey. For what?

For the rest of her book tour--the tour enables Liz to promote her two YA fantasy novels, First Frost [which has received amazing reviews from bloggers and other authors] and Glass Frost [which is set to be released July 19].

I was so happy to learn recently that Liz was invited to go to the Baltimore Comic Con and Baltimore Book Festival. She's eager to get there and continue on with her tour. Funds from her campaign would be used to pay for limited edition copies of First Frost, promotional items, and other travel expenses.

Just $500 would help Liz make her goal and send her to Baltimore.

Liz talked to me about what achieving her fundraising goal would mean to her. For her, it goes beyond just fulfilling this tour; it continues her childhood dreams.

It would mean that people support my artistic endeavors. That they believe that I can make my dream come true. I know it sounds cheesy, but this was what I dreamed of doing when I was a little girl stuck in the mountains of Puerto Rico. I wanted to be a writer. More importantly, I wanted to be a working author. One that was traveling and meeting new people. It's one of my favorite things to do. LOL In the past few months, I have met so many incredible people, and I want to continue to go places and meet new people. But the financial strain is making things difficult.

Help Liz continue on her literary journey by supporting her FundRazr campaign, which ends on August 20, 2013.

You can also help the cause by clicking any of the buttons at the end of this post to share it on G+, Facebook, and Twitter. It takes a community to raise an indie talent. Support this one today!

Touring with Christians with Pervasive Issues Author Annie Brown

About Annie Brown

Annie Brown is the mother of four adult children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is a licensed minister and social worker. As a social worker, Annie works the terminally ill, providing emotional support at the most critical time in an individual's life. It is Annie's desire that Christians work through their pervasive issues before the end of life, so that the transition between death and eternity can be smooth, and not cluttered with unresolved conflicts.

You can learning more about Annie through Outskirts Press Website, Twitter page, and Facebook page; you can also e-mail her if you'd like to share your thoughts on her book!

About Christians with Pervasive Issues

[Purchase Christians with Pervasive Issues at Amazon and Outskirts Press]

Even as a faithful Christian, there may be times when you feel that there is no hope of escaping issues and themes in your life that ensnare and trip you up time and time again. When a certain pattern of behavior or type of suffering has been following you all your life, it’s hard to believe that you can ever escape from it. Christians with Pervasive Issues shows us that every child of God can be delivered from issues that cause them to be a victim, rather than walking in victory. In compassionate, no-nonsense language, Annie Brown demonstrates that with genuine repentance, using God’s principles, and the right counseling/support, you can overcome anything. Christians with Pervasive Issues gives you the ray of hope you need in order to heal your life, and get closer to God.

The Meaning of Pervasive Issues

I WAS GETTING ready for work and suddenly the words “Pervasive Issues” were dropped into my spirit. Can you imagine someone who is not normally a morning person having something so important to deal with? I could not even think of the meaning of “pervasive,” so I could not comprehend what was being said to me. I went on to work, but it did not leave me. I shared what had been dropped into my spirit with my co-worker who is an encourager. He gave me a push to pursue the message the Spirit was conveying, and to understand what God wanted me to write. I could not begin until I did some preliminary homework. I had to figure out what part of speech that “pervasive” was. “Pervasive” is an adjective, which served as a modifier to the noun (issue). Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined it as “spreading through every part.” If an issue is pervasive, it permeates the whole of something. Pervasive issues need to be dealt with within the Body of Christ.

An Excerpt from Christians with Pervasive Issues

A Remedy to Get to the Root of the Problem
WHAT IS NEEDED is that the people of God “must” clean out their secret compartments and confess that they need the Lord to deliver them. Confession is made unto salvation (deliverance). If we confess our faults, the Lord is faithful in forgiving us. You may ask, “Why do I have to confess if I was not responsible for what happened to me?”

The issue then becomes whether you have forgiven the person that caused me this harm. If there is no forgiveness, then you become a victim twice: a victim of circumstance, and a victim of bondage. This can be in some ways more dangerous than cancer. This will always be eating away at you. With cancer, at least you know what is going on in your body. Being a victim of circumstance and having an unforgiving heart bring torment. This torment becomes a part of you in such a way that it eats through your mind, destroys your inner peace, and puts your soul in jeopardy because it becomes a heart matter of sin.

Recognizing There Is a Need
EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN the Body of Christ has strengths and needs. Most times the two words strength and weakness are used to describe parts of your abilities to cope. I like the word needs instead of weakness, because weakness denotes that I just cannot help it.

However, the word need helps me to understand that I am insufficient within myself to furnish the supply. In other words, I don’t have what it takes to get this matter taken care of and I “need” help. Help, Lord! The Word of God has declared that God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. Denying our helplessness and unwillingness to take the need to God only prolongs getting deliverance and healing. The Lord revealed that the Body of Christ was compared to harvest time when it is gone and the people are left in dire need.

Let us look at Jeremiah 8:20, which stated, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved [delivered].”

Excerpt from Debut Author Stephanie Acon's Escape from a Nightmare

 

Stephanie Acon has been writing edgy fiction tales and poetry since the age of ten years old. However, it wasn't until the age of 21, when she found Hip-Hop, (or Hip-Hop found her) that subsequently she became known to the underground Hip-Hop world as NinaRaw. For ten years consistent, she rocked with force and played a vital part on the side of Systematic Muzick Inc. ('The OESC' and 'The Murc Unit'). In the midst of performing, writing, rhyming, recording, selling and shopping mixtapes...among the community, somewhere, NinaRaw became hailed and dubbed as the "queen." And not by way of cliché props, but strictly because those saying the title "queen" meant it when they said it, and said it when they felt it necessary. By proof, NinaRaw was never just a rapper. She was the female emcee who crafted lyrics with messages that ran deep into memories.

To those who heard for themselves, her wordplay was unforgettable, and to the "underground" she set the bar, for not only female rappers, but lyricists period. Every rhyme written heeded life, and she packed them with something so intense it could only be categorized as royal. What drove the energy level up so high was simple, and complex, wrapped all in one explanation - her goal. Stephanie's point to it all. The method behind her voice, and presence, was meant to be a lit candle among a lost generation. Her generation. Knowing that their influential genre of music could sometimes get so dark that listeners slumbered, she wanted to WAKE them. And Hip-Hop became a way...a tool. Although never commercially acclaimed, NinaRaw embarked on the mission of a lifetime. All by way of Hip-Hop! But then, after serving the culture for years, somewhere, over the last two, the course began to curve. Or change.

Fate was evolving.

The mysterious element that made NinaRaw unique was something far above rapping rhyming lyrics. It was more than that. It was rare, rawness, and it needed to crossover. Too bad, NinaRaw couldn't and wouldn't cross over. From the start, she was the exception, breaking the rule. Crossing over was not an option. Not in regards to Hip-Hop. Making commercialized music was not in the design, so NinaRaw stepped back. Something needed to be reconsidered. This female was more than just a limited rap song, or an image to be drawn up by A&Rs of a controlled system or industry. Even more than the writer she will always be, "she" is a purpose. A purpose that had to transcend and transform all levels in order to be fulfilled and make herself known abroad - without compromising; a reason to humble down from the boisterous style of rap music and become the light that she is destined to be, by any means necessary. If Hip-Hop wouldn't allow the jewel inside to shine, then a higher power would. This is when life came full circle, and NinaRaw came back to herself.

Meet Stephanie "Nina" Acon. She is now an author...

ESCAPE FROM A NIGHTMARE is her first urban fiction novel. Her inspirations have been drawn from the many experiences she has endured, observed, and inhabited in the streets of St. Louis. One of Stephanie's most compelling inspirations came from the life-altering tutelage that she received from her most profound mentor, GOD - and of course her crew.

About Escape from a Nightmare

Have you ever experienced a premonition that you just couldn't shake? A foreboding dream or sign that you deeply wanted to ignore but...your spirit just wouldn't release it? Well meet Gabriana Hilson... Gabriana is a dreamer in more than one way. She has daydreams of living the good life on her terms, and without compromise. But then, there are the "other" dreams. The very strange and disturbing omens that come while sleeping. They whisper the conflict of everything and arrange messages that Gabriana doesn't want to hear...or see. Especially the ones about her boyfriend. That's a problem. To Gabriana, Scholar is the king of kings. She is willing to sacrifice it all for him, including family, friends, God, and her sanity. She believes that Scholar is a beautiful dream come-true... but is he really?

After signing a record deal as a rapper, Scholar brings Gabriana along for the roller coaster ride of her life. He knows how much she loves him, so when the drama begins, he uses his manipulative tactics to hold her in place. He is the ruler of their world, and everything is running the way he has always planned until things go horribly wrong. Suddenly, a well-planned dream quickly turns into the nightmare of all nightmares. Both Scholar and Gabriana learn the hard way to expect the unexpected - for he comes out of the blue. Or does he? He is extremely calculating...and his name is Khali Simone. After meeting him... Gabriana has no idea of the door she opens.

Excerpt from Escape from a Nightmare

Gabriana grabbed her hair and buried her face into a pillow. “I cannot stand you.” Her muffled outburst vibrated the soft material surrounding her face.

She thought about how insensitive Scholar could be sometimes. Every since she was a child, Gabriana had been a dreamer. Since she was five years old, she would wake up in the middle of the night, screaming and crying. Her mother would always comfort her. She never judged or scolded her for the midnight disturbances. Why couldn’t her man provide that same support? Gabriana could never confide in him about her dreams or how she felt about life’s mysteries. He wasn’t the type; he wasn’t having it. Scholar rarely talked about anything other than himself, his goals, money or fame. His views on subjects such as God, Jesus, or any religions were simple. His motto was, If I can’t see it or feel it, it doesn’t matter. Once while at her mother's house, Gabriana was upstairs getting dressed for their date, Jannette had asked Scholar if he believed in God. His response to her was honest. “I don't know what I believe.” 

Jannette pitied him during that conversation. She replied, “Scholar, if you don't know your God, then you don’t know yourself. You have to know God in order to love Him. You have to love Him in order to love yourself.”

Scholar did not disguise his frown. He looked to the ceiling and exhaled frustrated air. When he returned his eyes toward Jannette's, both of their expressions of distaste met head-on. 

She continued in a slow, deliberate tone, saying, “Ultimately, you cannot possibly love my daughter if you do not love yourself.”

Becoming angered by her words, Scholar said to Jannette, “Look, no disrespect, but like my father told me a long time ago...I AM God.”

Jannette was taken aback by this young man's arrogance. Who would teach their son that type of nonsense? That's craziness, she thought. However, she did not express those questions to Scholar. She simply shook her head negatively and told him, “You are not God. You are not the Father... nor his Son. You are a fool.”

Scholar didn't reply to her. He got up from the large La-Z-Boy chair and left her house immediately without saying another word or even offering a good-bye. He was so offended that he left Jannette's front door wide-open purposely as a sign of disrespect. When Gabriana called him a few minutes later to ask him why he had left, Scholar told her that her mother had disrespected him. With a hint of hurt in his voice, he asked Gabriana, “Who is she to disregard anything my father ever instilled in me?”

Gabriana didn't understand what he was talking about. Her only reply was, “My mother is not the same and she is always tripping nowadays. Just let it go, baby.” But he couldn’t. Ever since that evening, Scholar secretly despised Jannette. He never felt that she liked him. Whenever Gabriana would bring him around her mother he would grow quiet and/or agitated…and it always showed. Eventually, Gabriana stopped bringing him around her mother. Jannette didn’t necessary disagree with this, but the catch was losing time with her daughter. Gabriana was always with Scholar. 

The night before had been a celebration for Scholar’s recent record-deal signing. Gabriana, Scholar and all of his family and friends had partied all night at three different clubs, all featuring personalities from the local hip-hop and R&B radio stations. It seemed like everyone in the city came out to support her dude. She was so proud of Scholar. Everything was finally happening, but it was all happening so fast. 

After Gabriana and Scholar departed the hotel, Brick escorted the couple back to Scholar’s house, so he could pack. He was headed for New York City to handle some business with the record label and his management team. During the ride to the house, Scholar explained to Gabriana that he had been asked to join a popular hip-hop tour. It was a last-minute decision, but because of his rising popularity amongst the industry, his label and management wanted to utilize the opportunity to promote their newest artist. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Scholar was about to blow up very quickly. 

Gabriana didn’t take this news well. “Why are you just now telling me this and why are you not taking me?” she asked with a salty attitude. Scholar chose this time to give the news to Gabriana purposely. He was not in the mood to argue about this with her, so he used his friend as a calculated distraction for altering his attention. Immediately, he turned to face Brick and changed the subject. Gabriana was beyond pissed. Once they were back at Scholar’s house, Gabriana met him in his room to talk. She asked Scholar again why he was playing her. 

“Don't start with me, Gabri. I already explained the situation to you, so what are you tripping about now?” Scholar started out calmly.

“Excuse me, are you serious?”

Shoving him in the face, she continued saying, “What is the matter with you? I have been the one here for you on your come up. I got your foot in the door and now you’re leaving me behind. Nah, nigga, that ain't happening because you completely have me—”

Scholar interrupted her. “Who are you talking to right now, huh? You need to check yourself and keep your hand out of my face.” He was now yelling at her. “My talent got my foot in the door, so don't ever give yourself that credit. You're nuts if you think I wasn't breaking through eventually...with or without your help. So don't ever say that to me, again. It is what it is and you're not going with me this round, flat out. And another thing, don’t start tripping with me, or disrespecting me, because I’ll leave you behind crying fo’real.” Biting down hard on his bottom lip, Scholar looked at her directly in her eyes. “Don't ever think you can't get the eraser,” he boldly said. 

Gabriana couldn’t believe that he had just said that to her. The couple stared at each other without saying anything else. Gabriana tried to walk away, but Scholar stopped her. He grabbed her elbow and pulled her into his arms then spoke in her ear. 

“Gabri, I’m sorry…but I mean every word. You’re my girl and I got you, but if you start acting opposite of that then you can forget about it. I will keep it moving and replace that pretty face before you can blink a lash. Are you understanding me?” He looked into her stunned face.

After another second, he continued, “But I don’t want that for us...because I need your faith right now.”

Order your copy of Escape from a Nightmare today!