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Friday, October 31, 2014

Author Spotlight!! Jacquelyn Ayres!

Author Spotlight!

Jacquelyn Ayres

Author Interview

What prompted you to write your first book?

I was making a lot of changes in my life that were basically getting me back to me. One of the biggest changes was getting back to my writing. A story started in my head and instead of letting it play out there, I put it down on paper. I haven’t been able to stop since!

Is there anything or anyone in particular that you draw inspiration from?

I don’t think there is anyone in particular. I tend be inspired by many different people and how they pull through what life has handed them. I always try to showcase that in my books—bring awareness.

Which story has been your favorite to write?

I had the most fun writing Under Contract. I had just come off of writing The Lost & Found series which, though laced with humor itself, tore me to shreds.

Is there a book concept you’re just dying to write?

Yes, actually there is! It came to me several months ago but with having to finish the GEG series and the prequel for my other series, it’s going to have to sit and marinate on the back burner for a while.  I won’t tell you much about it because it’s so early except to say that it will be about lost love and not between lovers. ;)

Which character of yours, is your favorite?

That’s a close call for me but I’m going to say most of the parent figures like Hazel, Alma, Happy, Grams, Shannon, and now, Winnie. They don’t have these huge parts in my books but when they come into a scene, their presence is known and often stays with you. That’s what I think makes them the most kick-ass!

Do you have a favorite book?

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia. Brilliant book and funny to boot. I always recommend that one!

Who is your favorite Disney character?

 Snow White

Do you have a method to your writing process?

Outlining, etc.  Yes. I start writing, getting interrupted by my kids, beg for fifteen minutes to work, they leave me alone for five.  Hit repeat on that and throw in laundry, cooking, errands, activities, and others and that’s my day time routine. Once they are in bed then it’s on like Donkey Kong! I don’t do outlines because even when I have the story in my head, once I start writing, my characters take me in a totally different direction. Sometimes (most of the time) I stare at the screen while a whole scene plays out in my head. Then I snap out of it and realize I didn't write a damn word of that scene! It’s a wonder I ever get a book finished!

Have you ever gone back to book you've published and wished you could have changed the ending or some other major aspect of the story?

 The only thing I would change is not make the last Chapter of Under Contract a chapter. It’s a short one and I think some people felt that the book ended abruptly. It didn't. Their story was done and any unanswered questions are a part of someone else’s main story in the series. It’s up to them to tell it. J

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to new writers?

First, make sure you get an editor. Then make sure that editor actually knows what they are doing and follows the guidelines of the Chicago Manual of Style. If this editor doesn't mention it or doesn't know what you are talking about, then they probably were good with commas in school and think they can edit a book. Not the case! Secondly, don’t let one person’s negative opinion of your work, guide your career. There will always be someone out there who doesn't like your style. Everything is subjective. In saying that, always make sure to surround yourself with honest people. You definitely don’t want people who will put rose-colored glasses on you either. Thirdly, this is hard work. It takes up a lot of hours in your day. You have to keep at it. Writing the book is the easiest part. Fourth, enjoy the experience. If you’re not enjoying it then that reflects elsewhere. Good luck and Congrats!


About Jacquelyn Ayres

I am a Domestic Engineer (born and raised in NJ) whose sole responsibility is to guide three young impressionable kids into becoming phenomenal adults. This challenging, yet rewarding work requires a lot of love (coffee), patience (wine) and determination (periodic exorcisms). I work all of this magic in the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Before becoming a Domestic Goddess (not really), I spent over a decade working in the medical field where I wore more hats than the Queen.

I have had a love for the written word and the great escape it provides since I was a little girl. When I wasn't reading about people and the places they lived, I was creating my own characters and adventures. Finally, I have been putting a pen to paper allowing my characters to come to life. When I don't have a pen and paper in hand, you can often find me laughing at the conversations my characters are having in my head. 


Stalk Her

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Books by Jacquelyn Ayres

The Lost & Found Series:

 

Goodbye Caution: 

Becca Campbell is a mother, friend, and widow to a war hero (may he rot in hell). She just wants to raise her daughter right and keep her bed-and-breakfast afloat in this economy. Her traumatic past leaves her with no desire for a relationship until Grayson James walks through her door. He’s not the type of man you can easily say “no” to. Becca can’t quite understand the pull she feels toward him. But then his controlling nature starts to push her away—and into Ray McNeil’s comforting arms. Which is right where Ray has always wanted her.

Who will Becca choose?

Will she finally give in to her feelings for Ray, or continue the tumultuous relationship with Grayson? Only one thing is certain -either choice will mean saying goodbye to caution. 

***Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language and violence.

10% of the proceeds from this book will be donated to YWCAUSA.org to help abused women and children.
Amazon  ¨  Amazon UK  ¨  B&N   ¨  Google


Goodbye Secrets

What if your life wasn't exactly as you thought it was? What if there were secrets you kept—from yourself?

Becca Campbell has no idea her world is about to be turned upside down when she and Grayson return to New Hampshire.

Pieces start flying into place, answering the questions of the puzzle she calls her life. Things finally add up—it all makes sense. All that was lost is now found.

But will she be able to move forward, knowing the truth?


Amazon ¨ Amazon UK ¨ B&N  ¨  Google  ¨  Kobo

Goodbye Uncertainty
BECCA Campbell was lost for seven years, until an unexpected person from her past came back into her life and unveiled the truth. 

This truth has set her free.

If only it were that easy.

Knowing what she now knows, Becca must come to grips with reality. She has to fight for the man she loves. The man she is meant to be with.

Becca, very sure of her path, needs to get him to say goodbye to uncertainty.

What happens, though, when uncertainty with her is all he’s ever known?

Amazon ¨ Amazon UK ¨ B&N ¨ Google ¨ Kobo



The One (a novella)

Kip Taylor is everyone’s dream. His one downfall is that he’s a player. He can have any woman he wants in town—state, even—and he knows it. There’s only one woman Kip wants. Trouble is, he hasn’t met her yet. Until then, he’s going to fill his dance card with the Johnson girls: Maggie, May, and Missy.
Shelby never thought she’d see Rison, Arkansas, again. She’s been estranged from her extended family for over a decade. Things happen and sometimes the only place you can find solitude is the very place that has raised so many questions in your life. 

She was looking to start her life over.

He was looking for his to truly begin.

Neither one of them understood the power of kismet until the day their eyes locked. From that moment—in their heart of hearts—they knew that the other was The One.
Amazon  ¨  Amazon UK  ¨  B&N  ¨  Google 



The GEG series:


*** This book contains the GEGs! For those of you who don't understand that warning: GEGs= strong language. gut-busting LOL moments caused by best friends who check their maturity at the door when they're together, and impromptu Kegel exercises. This book does not come with batteries.


Under Contract
Charlotte McKendrick is your typical thirty-something stay-at-home mom. She has three beautiful children, a loving family, special friends, and the most wonderful, adoring husband. Her life is a dream.

Er . . . let’s try this again.

Charlotte McKendrick is not your typical thirty-something stay-at-home mom. Yes, she’s got three beautiful children, a loving family (all of them lingerers—you’ll see), and her friends are special, all right! As far as her wonderful, adoring husband, what a joke! That bastard abandoned her and the kids six months ago. 

Now, she will do anything she can to survive and provide for her children. Even if it means signing on the dotted line . . .

Mitch Colton is the CEO of Colton Technologies. Most of his year is spent traveling around the world, bringing companies the latest innovations in automobile technology. He doesn’t have time for a traditional relationship and the BS that comes with it. He doesn’t do the “marriage” thing, the “kid” thing, and he certainly doesn’t do the “falling in love” thing. All that said, he still wants someone to come home to. Someone who will offer everything he wants, and nothing he doesn’t. He realizes loyalty paired with these kinds of demands won’t come cheap. No problem. What he doesn’t realize is that once Charlotte McKendrick signs that dotted line, he’ll be paying with a lot more than money.

Amazon  ¨  Amazon UK  ¨  B&N  ¨  Google  




Coming Soon

In The Mix
November 2014
CiCi O’Brien has a weapon of mass destruction—her mouth. It’s always loaded and ready to strike, whether the situation calls for laughter or a professional smartass. It’s been her strongest defense against unwanted feelings over the past fifteen years. If she acts like she doesn’t care, then she won’t, right?

Yeah . . . keep telling yourself that, Ceese!

Luckily for CiCi, she’s surrounded by friends and family who can easily see through her façade. They (and the furballs she takes care of at work) are who enrich her life, have been the ones she’s needed. That is, until the day her life changed—when she grabbed it by the balls.

No, seriously . . . she grabbed him by the balls. Not kidding. 

Kyle Cooper has it all. He’s smart, handsome, and a ninja (not really, but that’s what Mitch likes to call him). As vice president of Colton Technologies, he travels around the world with Mitch, bringing companies the latest innovations in automobile technology. At home, he’s a force to be reckoned with, always hanging out with his parents and sister or . . . working.

Oh.

Kyle Cooper does not have it all, and he’s ready for a change. He just isn’t sure where to begin. That is, until CiCi O’Brien walks into his office and grabs this bull by the . . . horns (wink), which causes a spark to ignite in both of them. Kyle embraces it. CiCi does everything, short of calling the fire department, to put it out. Who will prevail? And what will that win truly mean? 

***Though it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order since all books will have a continuation of EVERYONE'S story. 

New Release!!! Excerpt & Giveaway!! Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire


Travel back to Red Hill on Halloween!
AMONG MONSTERS 
is Live!!


Title: Among Monsters (A Red Hill Novella)
Author: Jamie McGuire

Among Monsters will be available in ebook and paperback on Amazon!
*Amazon Exclusive

Blurb:

Being thirteen has pitfalls of its own, but growing up has never been this hard.
Jenna had promised her mother that if the worst happened during her dad’s weekend, they would meet at Red Hill Ranch. When she finds seven words spray-painted on her dad’s wall the morning after a deadly outbreak, she makes a promise to herself: to get to the ranch with her seven-year-old sister, Halle, and to get them both there alive.

Among Monsters is the companion novella to Red Hill, both exploring from different perspectives what many broken families experience every other weekend: What if your children aren't with you when the world ends? What would you do to get to them? What would they go through to get to you?

For Jenna, seeing her mother again is worth everything. Determined to keep her promise, she is faced with experiences and decisions that force her to leave her childhood behind.

Excerpt

“You’re scared. You’re too scared to keep going.”

“Honey,” Dad began.

“You had to walk one day, and you’re scared? You killed a dozen infected and walked away without a scratch. We hit a parked truck at fifty miles an hour and barely noticed. Why are you suddenly opposed to Red Hill?” I was trying to remain calm, but with every point, my tone got higher.

Tavia clasped her hands together. “We’re all scared—”

“Then, stay!” I said, my voice transitioning to a weird chuckle even though I found none of what they were saying funny. “You don’t have to come with us. But our mom is waiting for us at Red Hill, and that is where Halle and I are going.”

“Not today,” Dad said.

“Then, when?” I asked again, emphasizing each word.

“When I say,” he said, sounding final.

I laughed once without humor. “I’m not asking to go to the mall. We’re talking about Mom being alone without us! She’s waiting for us! Do you honestly think I care that you’re”—I used my fingers to make quotation marks in the air—“the dad right now?”

He stomped over to me and leaned into my face, taking me back to a time when my parents had still been married. “You’d better start caring. Just because it’s the end of the world doesn’t mean I won’t whip your ass!”

Tavia pulled him back, and he flipped around, picking up a pillow and throwing it against the wall.

She eyed Dad warily. She was now seeing the side of him that Halle and I were used to, a side that I had been waiting for since this began.

“Andrew, maybe you should take a walk and see if you can do anything more to secure the house.”

Dad turned to her, his face severe. The skin between his brows had formed a crevice, as deep and as dark as his anger in that moment. His hazel-green eyes burned bright against his olive skin. Just when I thought he would start yelling again, he left the room.

Tavia took a deep breath and held her hand to her heart. “That was—”

“Typical,” I grumbled.

“You fight like that with him a lot?”

“We used to but not lately.”

“He gets pretty mad, huh?” she asked, glancing at the closed door.

“He has a temper. He’s working on it—allegedly.”

“Is that why you want to get to your mom so bad?”

My eyebrows pulled in. “What would you do if you were separated from Tobin?”

She blinked.

“She’s my mom. If I scrape my knee, I call for her. If I’m sick, I ask for her. If I’m scared, I cry for her. If there’s an apocalypse, I’m going to the ends of the earth for her.” My eyes and nose burned. The sudden emotion surprised me. I wiped my cheek and sniffed, staring at the floor. “It’s forty miles. We can make it.”

“We…we don’t know if Tobin can make forty miles. Who knows how long that would take on foot?”

“It doesn’t matter if we waste time here. What were you two talking about? How to convince me to stay? For a few days? For a week? Forever?”

“No.” She shook her head. “We’re just worried about the little ones being able to make it that far. We need a car—or at the very least, a way to carry the supplies. I can’t hold Tobin all day long. I can’t run with him. It’s too dangerous to try.”

“I like you, Tavia. I’m not trying to be mean, but no one’s asking you to come with us. If you want to stay here, stay here.”

She was taken aback. “I know, but we can’t do this alone. We need one another.”

“Brad will leave eventually for Shallot. You need my dad to stay.”

“It’s not so different. You need him to leave.”

“But he’s my dad. I’m not going to give up on seeing my mom again because you can’t travel with Tobin.”

Tavia’s sweet smile fell away. She wasn’t being confrontational, but she did have the look of a mother bear protecting her cub. “Halle can’t make the trip either. You would be risking her life if you go, especially if you try something as ridiculous as leaving without your dad. We’re the adults, Jenna. He’ll listen to me.”

I took a deep breath and lowered my chin. Tavia was pretty intimidating. I thought about what Mom would say when I told her about this conversation later. She would want me to fight. She would want me to do anything I could to get Halle and me to Red Hill.

“My dad and I have had our ups and downs,” I said, keeping my voice low and steady. “But if you try to make him pick between you or me, you’ll lose.”

Giveaway

Go to Jamie's Facebook Page for a chance to win a signed hardback of Red Hill AND a signed paperback of the new novella, Among Monsters! 


Amazon | BN | iTunes



About the Author:

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She attended the Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.

Jamie paved the way for the New Adult genre with international bestseller, Beautiful Disaster. Her follow-up novel Walking Disaster debuted at #1 on the New York TimesUSA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She has also written apocalyptic thriller Red Hill, a novella titled A Beautiful Wedding, and the Providence series, a young adult paranormal romance trilogy.

Jamie lives on a ranch just outside Enid, OK with husband Jeff and their three children. They share their 30 acres with cattle, six horses, three dogs, and Rooster the cat.

Find Jamie at www.jamiemcguire.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Website     Facebook     Twitter

Blog Tour Review! Pieces of Paisley by Leigh Ann Lunsford

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Synopsis 

 Paisley Hull fell in love at sixteen; the forever kind of love: unexpected, passionate, consuming - her first. She never thought she could walk away from that kind of passion. Ignoring her heart, guided by her head, she never looked back. Blindsided by the beauty of a tiny, hazel-eyed vixen, Jake Grant fell head over heels in love, vowing to keep her protected and not let his past taint her. He may have been overzealous in his attempts to show her how much he cherished her but he never thought she would walk away without a fight. Nine years later, a now divorced Jake has a chance encounter with an engaged Paisley just a few short weeks before she is set to walk down the aisle. Wondering if they gave up too easily, the two embark on a journey through the jagged edges of their past. Can they overcome the obstacles to finally become one or is it too late for their second chance? paisley

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Review- 4.5 Stars

A story about first love. Paisley's track to happily ever after. I loved Paisley from page 1. She is full of spunk and sass. Her best friend Krista and she have been friends forever. Two peas in a pod. The banter is hilarious. Krista takes Paisley to a beach house to meet Krista's current hook up Chad and his friends. This totally took me back to high school! I loved hanging out with older guys. I was never as fortunate as Paisley meeting Jake! Not to mention boys didn’t look like they do now (or in books!).

I love how Paisley is a no shit kind of girl. Her and Jake have great chemistry and the banter is so fun between them right off the bat. Jake has an anger issue but he is not a player like his friends appear to be. He was very much the gentleman towards Pais. He didn’t appreciate the danger Krista brought around Paisley too. Needless to say they didn’t get along. 

The story takes you through the ups and downs of new love and military. Jake is in the Navy, got deployed for 3 weeks before his big deployment of 6 months. Paisley stays strong and independent while Jake is out on deployment making her question if he will still be around when he returns. How can you not admire a teenager who maintains her strength and independence? Even after her best friend has left town to get her shit together. 

As they progress through the story and their relationship you get the highs and lows. More lows then the highs unfortunately. I felt so bad for them when they broke up. Losing your first love is so hard on you. Neither of them fought for the other. Paisley goes on to go to college to start a career. She meets several guys after Jake but never had a connection with any of them. 

Now to mention her parents... Her mom is very open with her. More of a friend then a mom and her stepfather just goes with the flow. She tries to guide Paisley through her problems but Paisley handles things the best she knows how. If my daughter is strong and independent like her, I would take a few steps back from over baring... 


I give this story a strong 4 stars. Go one click this book and take the journey with Paisley. It just might take you back to your younger days like it did me. It’s always refreshing to look back at our journeys. 

Teasers

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Buy Links

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 About the Author

Leigh Ann Lunsford is stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn’t writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows or watching Sons of Anarchy. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come.
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TWITER: @AuthorLeigh
  

 Other Books by Leigh Ann Lunsford

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  FB Profile Pic for Jen

Book Blitz, Excerpt, & Giveaway!! The Fighter by Kira Adams



The Fighter (Foundation #2)
by Kira Adams 
Release Date: 10/28/14

Summary from Goodreads:
Junior year was supposed to be some of the best times of his life. Instead, Jace Austin lost not only his mother, but also his identical twin brother. After time to heal and grieve, Jace was able to confront his inner demons, and open himself up to love.

Senior year is shaping up to be more of the same; another day, another roller coaster. His father believes Jace is to blame for the deaths in their family; drinking himself numb. He can’t play the hero all the time, and one day soon Jace is going to come face to face with that reality—and let’s face it, it won’t be pretty.


Buy Links:

Excerpt

Even though she looked like she had crawled her way out of hell, Peyton always looked beautiful to me. I was happy for the distraction.
“How can you look like such a train wreck to the rest of the world but so irresistible to me?” I asked, breaking into a wide grin.
“Wow, you are such a romantic…” Peyton rolled her eyes before an unsteady look took over her face. Quickly, she threw her hand over her mouth in an attempt to hold it together. “I’m going to be sick!” She barely got the words out before she raced off of her bed and into the adjoining bathroom, not bothering to close the door behind her.
I felt terrible for her. Even though being around someone puking was not ideal and quite nauseating, I had a strong stomach. Without waiting for any instruction for her, I joined Peyton in the bathroom, scooping up her long hair from her face and holding it back as she released the remnants of her unsettled stomach. “I should get a boyfriend of the year award for this,” I joked lightly from behind her.
Although she wasn’t facing me, I could still feel a smile playing across her lips. She ripped off a couple of squares of toilet paper, wiping her mouth. After flushing the toilet, she fell against the wall of the bathroom, weak and tired. “I feel terrible.”
“I know,” I replied in a soothing voice, rubbing her shoulder gently with my hand. “Is your stomach feeling settled? Did you want to get back into your bed?”
“I feel like World War Three is happening in there,” Peyton said, closing her eyes lightly.
“I’m sorry babe.” Luckily for me, I rarely ever got sick, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t sympathize with her. “Here, let’s get you back into your bed.” I scooped up her weak frame and carried her the few feet to her full-sized bed, softly laying her down onto her pillows. “Do you want the covers on you?”
She shook her head yes as I pulled them over her body which was now facing away from me. I kissed the top of her head, turning to exit her room.

“Where are you going?” A small voice rose out of her, her body still facing the opposite direction.

“I’m not leaving, I promise. I’m going downstairs to get you a puke bowl.” See what I said? Best boyfriend ever…




Pieces of Me
by Kira Adams 
Release Date: 08/11/14

Summary from Goodreads:
For sixteen year old Peyton Lane, life has never been easy. She’s not popular, overweight, and oh yeah, her sister is embarrassed of her. But over the course of a tumultuous year, everything changes for Peyton. 

Suddenly all eyes are on her and it’s not because she’s fat. From a pair of handsome twins to a couple of dangerously sexy rockers, Peyton will have to find out who she can trust with her heart. From the ups and downs to the twists and turns—this is Peyton’s story of finding one’s voice and growing into your own.

This is a coming of age romance that involves realistic situations and raw emotions. This is Pieces of Me.



Buy Links:
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Createspace

About the Author
Krista Pakseresht has always been a dreamer. From the first time she opened her eyes. Creating worlds through words is one thing she is truly talented at. She specializes in Young adult/New adult romance, horror, action, fantasy, and non-fiction under the pen name Kira Adams.

She is the author of the Infinite Love series, the Foundation series, the Darkness Falls series, and the Looking Glass series.

Author Links:
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