Blog Hop: Sabrina Luna

Welcome back to another fantastic day! It's Wednesday, which is typically reserved for flash fiction, but today I'm hosting Sabrina Luna whose work is featured in the Love Again anthology. Enjoy!

Please tell the readers a little about yourself: 

My name’s Sabrina Luna and I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina.  When I’m not busy writing or doing other work, I enjoy meeting up with my “geek” friends for movies & munchies, haunting bookstores and creating art.

How about your latest release?

It’s titled “Crazy for You” and will be appearing in Ruby Lioness Press’ anthology “Love Again”. 

What was your primary inspiration for this book?

I wrote this story because I love the whole premise of a couple finding love again months after a wild, impulsive weekend together.  

Do you have any muses?

For the story, I was envisioning a handsome, yet somewhat ordinary guy who knows what he wants, but needs some encouragement from his younger sister and a gal who is trying to ‘be good’ and stick to a decision she made when she was a teenager.  Luckily, his stepsister’s wedding brings them back together once again.

Do you control your characters or do they flog you into shape?

Oh, I never try to control my character, but, if the inspiration is right, then the story seems to just flow –and I love when that happens!

When you write, is there a special routine you follow?

I usually start off with a title and a basic idea, and then I briefly outline scenes to guide me along.  Once in a while, the story may take a detour, but usually it will flow pretty smooth until the end.

If you could be one animal, person, or at a place for a day what/who/where would it be?

Oh, I’d time travel back to Christmas holidays in the early 1980s and be with my family.  My parents, grandmother and uncle have all passed on now, but I’ve love to re-visit those happy times once more.

Five random facts about you:

1.) I love coffee!

2.) I’m a professional psychic reader of Tarot & oracle cards and a Kosmic Astrologer.

3.)  I’m a geeky fan of The Big Bang Theory!

4.)  I enjoy creating mixed media art on recycled materials such as cereal boxes.

5.)  I’m an optimist –the glass is always half-full!

Are you working on any new releases later this year?

I’m working on re-releasing several of my out-of-print titles via ebooks and getting ideas on some new writing projects.  So, keep your fingers crossed for me!

Anything else you’d like to say?

I believe in doing what you love & loving what you do, so I’d like to thank all my readers for letting me tell you stories!   It’s one of the many things I love to do!  Thank you!  J 

Contact info (Facebook, Twitter, website, blog):

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabrina-Luna/148222614214

Website: http://www.sabrinaluna.com

Book Spotlight: Moon Over Alcatraz!

FRIDAY! Here's an awesome book spotlight for you. Enjoy!

Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty.  But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return.

Excerpt:

Three days later we were standing at the edge of a hole in the ground at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward, the silence so thick, the insides of my ears buzzed like a distant swarm of angry bees.  Mr. Peralta and another gentleman stood off to the side while Weston and I held hands next to the tiny casket.

Weston had chosen a simple mahogany box with gold handles, a bouquet of white lilies graced the top of the small box.  I knelt down and laid a kiss on the smooth wood then wiped off the tears that had fallen on the wood.  Weston joined me and placed a single red rose in the middle of the lilies.

He helped me up and we stood side-by-side in silence, my guilt over her death like a stone in my empty belly.  I missed everything I’d dreamed would be happening right now, yearned for all that could have been.

Weston nodded at the man standing next to Mr. Peralta and our baby was slowly lowered into the gaping maw.  She reached the bottom, and a bird landed on the rich brown dirt piled next to the grave.  It pecked around, chirping a little song, then flew off - as if saying goodbye.  My heart squeezed inside my chest.

I picked up a small handful of soft dirt.  “Goodbye, Christine,” I whispered, throwing it on top of her casket.

Weston wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in close to his side.  Why her?  Why my baby?  

Was this supposed to make sense?  And, if so, to whom?

We drove home in silence.  No words existed to express my grief.

Fascinated by broken-hearted couples and atypical families, Patricia weaves engaging tales of men and women who create cohesive families where love reigns supreme.  She sprinkles her books with intriguing characters who struggle to find balance in life after tragedy.  Whether an unwed teenager, desperate widow, abandoned father, or a couple who stray from their marital vows, her characters form relationships impacted by their desire to create a family.

Aside from writing, her favorite things to do include riding her Friesian horse, Maximus, dot-to-dot for adults, and watching Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington movies.  She spends a majority of her days writing while her two very large Chocolate Labs lounge on the couch cuddled next to her and her MacBook.

She writes a blog every Wednesday, so if you're interested, sign up to be on the mailing list and she'll notify you after she posts her blog on this website.  Or just drop by Wednesday mornings and leave a comment.

Guest blogger: LM Brown!

Happy Thursday! Today's guest is author LM Brown. Enjoy!

You want me to do what?

Welcome to the fifth and final day of my blog tour in celebration of Valentine’s Day and also my newly released Valentine’s Day themed short story.

During this short tour I have blogged about the origins of Valentine’s Day, Lupercalia, how the tradition of the first man a woman sees being her husband might work in the modern world, and all about the birds.

But that is barely touching the tip of the iceberg of Valentine’s Day traditions.  Of course we all know the obvious ones – sending flowers (often roses), cards signed from Your Valentine, etc.  But what about some of the less obvious ones?

If you see someone doing something remarkably odd or unusual at this time of year, there’s a small chance they may just be trying to find their Valentine in a more unusual way.

See that girl walking round the church at midnight on the Eve of Valentine’s Day?  Maybe she’s looking for a lost piece of jewellery or perhaps she is lost?  If she walks round the church twelve times though, she is probably hoping it will make her dream of her future husband that night.

No, it’s not very late Christmas Carollers.  In the 18^th and 19^th centuries children singing door to door on Valentine’s Day was not unusual.  Some sang songs of romance, others not so much. 

Putting five bay leaves on a pillow (one in each corner and one in the centre) is another way of dreaming of your true love, provided you recite one of several rhymes before you sleep.  Of course, there are so many variations on the rhymes and the number of times you should say them, you may not get to sleep at all that night.

Despite the popularity of birds in Valentine’s traditions, eggs are not so popular.  If you feed your would be sweetheart eggs on Valentine’s Day you are saying no to them.  Best to stick to apples and pears, as they are said to mean yes.

Of course, you may not believe in all of this at all, or you may decide to make up your own tradition instead, just like the friend of one of the heroes of my new release did with her Anti-Valentine’s Party. 

Blurb

Can a wrong number lead to Mr Right? Nick Davis’s life takes an unexpected turn when a stranger starts leaving messages on his answer machine. Is there hope Nick can become more to Connor Hayes than just a wrong number?

Excerpt

Nick Davis stumbled from his bedroom into the kitchen, cringing at the bright sunlight of the January morning. He snapped the blinds down, causing him to simultaneously sigh with relief at the more subdued light and groan at the sound, which echoed far too loudly for his liking. Every step he took was careful and measured, so as not to make his aching head pound any more than necessary. He spared a glance at the blinking red light on the answering machine: a new message. Suspecting it to be a slightly belated Happy New Year greeting, and probably a loud one, Nick left it for the moment. He headed for the fridge and a hangover cure in the form of hair of the dog, also known as a nice cold beer.

Damn, what did I do last night? He remembered meeting his mates at The Red Lion for a night out on the town. They'd had a few drinks there before moving on to The Royal Oak. Then they'd headed out to the city, where things started to get a little hazy. He did recall Marc screaming Happy New Year down the phone at least an hour early, but midnight itself was a complete blank. He supposed he should be thankful he'd made it home in one piece, and hadn't woken up to find a strange man in his bed this morning.

After nursing his hangover until mid-afternoon Nick finally remembered the message and hit the play button.

"Hey, baby! Happy New Year! Missing you already. I can't wait to see you again. Give me a call to let me know you got back safely. Love you."

Nick frowned at the answer machine. He didn't recognise the voice of the soft-spoken man on the other end of the phone. Chalking it up to someone too inebriated to dial correctly, he deleted the message and promptly forgot about it.

Available from Silver Publishing

https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/gift-of-love-anthology-ebook-p-804

Where to find L.M. Brown

Website – http://lmbrownauthor.webs.com/

Blog – http://lmbrownauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001471647696

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/lmbrown

Valentine's Day Blog Hop!

Ah, Valentine's Day. To prepare for the upcoming most-romantic-day-evah, I'm busy writing an opening involving a kidnapping and a fight. This poor character will be put through the wringer, but she'll find love along the way.

Hopefully, they can make it last. Time will tell.

There's nothing more that I love than a suspense tinged with romance and maybe some hot sex in there somewhere. ;) Hope y'all are enjoying the blog hop! Here's a short excerpt from The Reign of Delila, releasing March 10th. And don't forget to swing on by here to visit the other sites for the chance to win some awesome prizes!

Finn glanced down at me and smiled at my nonchalant expression. "Nothing fazes you, does it?"


"No."


His head dipped low to my ear. "Come dance with me, my love," he murmured. "I might be able to shake you up a bit." He tugged me onto the dance floor, running his long and cool fingers down my neck.


Finn pulled me against him, my back pressed to his front, and ran his hands up my sides. Smiling, I threaded my hands behind his head and leaned against him. Eyes were beginning to watch us, and I'd caught one set at the bar.


The man was young, mid twenties or so, built from years of athletics. Not a typical footballer or basketball player, though. Something different. He reclined casually against the bar, sipping from his longneck while his eyes traveled across my length. I kept my eyes locked on him, narrowing in on the meal, as my hips began a slow rhythm against Finn.


"I see you have an admirer," Finn whispered, his lips pressed against my neck. With a sharp jerk of my hip, I was facing him, pressed against his body with his thigh sliding between my legs. "I'm not sure he can handle you."


His hands slid down my back as the music changed to a sensual song. "I haven't met any who can," I replied. My head fell back as I bent from the waist on each booming beat, and his hand ran down my exposed stomach. People around us began to stop and stare. He yanked me back up, our bodies pressed so close light had no hope of penetrating between us. Weaving my hand into his hair and tugging hard, I relished in his sharp intake of breath.


"You vixen," he said with a soft laugh, and spun me out by a hand. When I twirled back in, he captured my waist and cradled my cheek. For a split second, I wondered if he might kiss me, but then I blinked and he was stepping back. "Go get your man."

Valentine's Day Blog Hop!

How dare I?

I can't believe I forgot to post a blog for the Valentine's Day blog hop. Sincerest apologies to all you fine readers, though I hope you enjoyed some of the guests I've had this week.

Well, how's everyone's weekend going? Big plans for the Valentine's Day, I hope. My husband and I just celebrated our big ten years of marriage. We were together in high school, too, and when he joined the Army I tagged along for the ride. Here's us in high school:

Yeah, he was a lot skinnier, as was I. LOL, life happens, you know? Here's a more recent picture of us:

This was during his fourth and final deployment. So, since we just had an anniversary, we won't be doing anything special for the 14th. No big deal, he just bought me a new car to replace the one wrecked on the freeway, and we're getting our family room back since somebody's taking the pool table! Hooray for fireplaces in this frigid weather!

I'll be back tomorrow with more tales of romance, as I see it anyway. In the meantime, let me tell you what I'm offering for the blog hop:

(1) winner for a choice of any of my backlisted titles.

(1) winner of my new release coming out March 10.

And (2) winners for gift cards to Amazon, B&N, or AllRomance!

Don't forget to visit http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/ for the full list of prizes you can win form so many fabulous peeps!

Here's some info on the books so you can think about it. Have a great Saturday!

Delila has roamed the Earth for over one thousand years with her maker, Alaric. She has everything a vampire could want: Beauty, brains, a booming business, and an ability to read human emotions. When a werewolf makes an imprint in her life, Delila feels she may have finally found the soul mate she has been seeking. But when everything goes terribly wrong Delila finds herself burdened with a young half breed child to protect from the evil forces of her world.

When you rule the vampires, you can expect a few hiccups here and there.

But Delila McAllister hardly expects to find newborn vampires wreaking havoc on her world. No one is sure where the little beasts are coming from, or why they’re not decimating unknowing human populations.

Even as she’s trying to figure out one problem, another arises. Her Alpha werewolf daughter, Ana, is torn between her loyalty to Delila and her pack’s desire for war.

Delila knows what she has to do. But can she save her race, herself, and her daughter?

Mel McIntyre thought she was all set in this life. She had a fabulous job, a cute apartment and a cat. But when her sister dies and her last living relative, her nephew Joey, disappears, Mel finds everything she knows turned upside down.

Unwillingly thrown into a world she never thought existed thanks to an almost fatal mistake made by Joey, Mel finds herself suddenly involved with a vampire named Levi. And she quickly discovers this relationship isn’t the good thing she thought it to be.

As Mel becomes a shell of her former self, can she find the strength to battle back? Or will she let the vampires win?

A neighbor, arrested, covered in his wife’s blood. A wolf stalking her. To top it all off, the new neighbor is trying to kill her—in her nightmares.

Billie is having one hell of a time with the new guy on the block. She can’t decide if she hates him or wants to take him to bed, for starters. And every time she dreams about him, she wakes up with dried blood on her body.

There’s only one explanation, but even Billie thinks she’s crazy for believing it. No way is her neighbor trying to kill her…

Right?

Abigail Jones is a former prostitute who buys her freedom from a Mexican cartel boss and forges a new life. Secure in the knowledge that she's escaped her past, Abigail's world falls apart when her brother's head is delivered to her in a brown paper box. And when the cartel boss sends an assassin to take her life, Abigail can't deny the danger she faces.

While Abby struggles to recreate herself and tries to focus on conforming to the rules of the Witness Protection Program, not to mention life with her toddler nephew, the cartel continues their search for her. And although life seems to slowly return to some form of normalcy, little does Abby know that her past is slowly closing in on her.

So, there you have it! Enjoy, happy weekend, and as always:

Blog Hop: TD Jones!

Happy Friday! Today, I'm welcoming TD Jones for an interview and flash fiction, the author of Coming Up For Air. Enjoy!

Please tell the readers a little about yourself: My name is Teresa Jones and I write under the name of T.D. Jones. I’m a Texas gal and have been all my life. I write romance/humor and family drama.

How about your latest release? My latest release is called Coming Up For Air. It is a sweet romance about love that was lost for a long time and then found again later in life.

What was your primary inspiration for this book? Maggie Dawson, the main character for the story, came to me one night and started telling me how Kevin Walker left her standing at the altar eighteen years ago.

Do you have any muses? My Aunt Hazel is my muse. She is always throwing something out there that makes me think “what if”

Do you control your characters or do they flog you into shape? I try to control them in the beginning but they end up telling me what we are going to do in a story.

When you write, is there a special routine you follow? I work full time at a hospital so I just grab writing time wherever and whenever I can. I have given up a lot of weekend fun time to get my stories done, but it is all worth it in the end. I don’t have any kids at home so that helps a lot.

If you could be one animal, person, or at a place for a day what/who/where would it be? I would be my cat, Smokey. He was a stray and we took him in and he’s very spoiled.

Five random facts about you: I’m only 5’1. I love to organize. I suck at math. I believe a bubble bath can cure anything. It’s hard for me to stay up passed 8:30pm.

Are you working on any new releases later this year? Yes, I just finished Salem’s World and it will come out later in Feb.  I have Wrangled Hearts coming out in March and I also have A Dangerous Game coming out sometime this spring. So, if you happen to run into me somewhere you will know why my eyes are spinning and I’m rambling on…I have lost my mind!

Anything else you’d like to say? Thank you for having me. I hope you like me enough to let me visit again sometime. I love to hear from readers about anything so come to one of my sites and visit.

Contact info (Facebook, Twitter, website, blog):

www.tdjones.weebly.com

www.writingonthego.blogspot.com

www.twitter/TDJones5

Facebook: TD Jones/Author

Flash Fiction:

Dawn quickly opened her eyes when she heard the noise. She slowly pushed her way up realizing she had fallen asleep in the tub. The noise got closer. What was it? Click, click, click. As she stood up and was reaching for a towel the bathroom door swung open.  She screamed as a big, dog came through the door. Click, click, his nails announced as he walked up to the tub and looked at Dawn as if she was the one intruding.

“Hunter! Where did you go boy,” the male voice screamed.

Dawn quickly stepped out of the tub and wrapped a plush towel around her before she had any more surprise guest.

“He’s in here,” she hollered.

She heard footsteps enter the bedroom and then stop. “I’m sorry for my pest of a dog. I’m Pete’s nephew, Wade.” The voice announced. “You must be Miller’s niece. You’re all over the news.”

“You might as well come in, your dog has.”

“Hunter, you should be ashamed of yourself.” Wade tugged at the dog’s collar. “I’m sorry, he loves water and he got away from me while I was downstairs.”

“Can we discuss your dog and his issues after I get dressed?” Dawn shifted a leg, realizing that the towel just barely covered all the necessary areas.

“I just came by to shut some of the windows I left open to air out the place. No need for you to put on clothes.”

“Excuse me.”

"I’m sorry, that might have come out wrong. We better get out of here.” He tugged at his dog’s collar and turned him around. “I’m sorry again for the intrusion.” 

Dawn stood in the middle of the room wondering what had just gone on and why was that handsome stranger carrying a gun?

Blog Hop: Deena Remiel!

Welcome, welcome! Happy Thursday. I'm hosting Deena Remiel today, author of Relic. Enjoy!

Please tell the readers a little about yourself:

Well, I’m a mother of two girls - preteen and teenager. I’m taking condolences, thank you! I’ve been married for about 19 years to a wonderful man. For 21 years I’ve taught kids, and for the last 5 years, strictly language arts (reading and writing). I love music of all kinds and going to bars that do sing-alongs. If they let me dance, I love it even more. My husband and I have an open marriage. You see, I’m having an affair with chocolate. It’s been going on for years now and he knows all about it. He actually encourages it, especially on holidays. I love scrapbooking and have documented our family’s vacations. My best ideas pop up in the shower. My angels are very thankful.

How about your latest release?

Relic, second book in the Brethren Series, releases on January 27^th, and I couldn’t be happier! It picks up where Trinity, the first book in the Brethren Series ends.

What was your primary inspiration for this book?

I wanted to know how Raphael was going to pick himself up and move on after what happened in Trinity. I was intrigued by him and wanted to know his history. And I wanted it to be heart-wrenching!

Do you have any muses? 

Interesting you should ask! I just met with a medium and she told me I have an angelic muse! I had no idea I had one. I’ve been convinced I had no muse whatsoever. She’s female with long brown flowing hair. Guess that’s why I write about angels.

Do you control your characters or do they flog you into shape?

It’s a tenuous balancing act. I give them parameters and then let them roam freely within them.  It’s a happy coexistence. When I open myself up to listen to their stories, it goes much better.

When you write, is there a special routine you follow?

I usually read what I wrote last to get back in the frame of mind. I get my snacks and drink ready and sit on my office couch. I can’t listen to music, like many other authors do because the melodies and lyrics distract me.

If you could be one animal, person, or at a place for a day what/who/where would it be?

I would like to be a butterfly on Adrian Paul’s shoulder as he goes about his day. I’ve had such a crush on him! Do you remember him? He was the Highlander on the TV series adaptation of the Highlander movies. “There can be only one!” Hee hee

Five random facts about you:

I would love to have a real angel wings tattoo, but I HATE PAIN! So I have to settle for removable.

I would love to live full-time in Disney World.

I play piano, but would love to learn the flute and guitar.

I enjoy painting abstract art on canvas.

I love photography.

Are you working on any new releases later this year?

Yes, I’m working on the third book in the Brethren Series, Elixxir. I tell ya, I’m LOVING this story, too! Hee hee

Anything else you’d like to say?

Thanks so much for hosting me and my angels on your site! 

Contact info (Facebook, Twitter, website, blog):

www.deenaremiel.com

www.decadentpublishing.com

www.facebook.com/deena.remiel

www.twitter.com/deeanremiel

http://riseofthebrethren.wordpress.com

http://plotmamas.com

http://paraposse.blogspot.com

Flash Fiction!

The gun fired and recoiled with such force it rattled the fragile bones in my hand and left a lingering tingling sensation.  I rested the lethal weapon on the kitchen counter and smiled smugly. There he laid, a bloody mess, with the shrapnel of his innards splayed about on the floor around him. He’d always been such a pest. Ever since I’d moved into the house. Day in a day out he took advantage of me until I just couldn’t take it anymore.  I’d thought to do away with him a long time ago, however, my nerves always got the better of me. That is until I heard the news about the diseases he carried and realized it was no longer safe to live with him. So I did it. I shot him dead. Mr. Rat is gone!

Relic:

Raphael, a Brethren Savior, an angel with a forgotten past, has lost his power to heal and is on a self-imposed guilt trip to get it back.

Serena Sikes is a wanted woman. Desired by “undesirables” for a stolen relic and its suspected healing powers, she is hunted down in the Arizona desert and left for dead.

Raphael and Serena are inexorably bound together, for locked deep within the relic’s heart is the soul of his long lost wife. Danger lurks around every corner as Raphael tries to keep both Serena and his dead wife’s soul alive and lustful temptation at bay.

Three souls bound together by an ancient relic, bound by a timeless gift, and bound by a love that is eternal.

About The Author:

 

It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing romance novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings. She loves connecting with her fans, so find her at deenaremiel.com. 

Blog Hop: Liz Crowe

Hello, all! Another fabulous day in the life of the interwebs. Today, I'm welcoming Liz Crowe. She's here to discuss her newest release, Floor Time, the first of The Realtor Series. Enjoy!

Please tell the readers a little about yourself:

I’m very likely the most overcommitted individual you will ever meet. I have a hard time with “down time” perhaps. But I am part owner and marketing/sales director a fast growing craft microbrewery in Michigan. And I have 2 teenage daughters at home who either play soccer incessantly or require my attentions otherwise. I have an English degree and have had 7 books published since 2010.

How about your latest release?

Floor Time, first of The Realtors Series with Tri Destiny Publishing:

Jack Gordon is Ann Arbor's most delectable bachelor.  At age thirty-five, he's made millions as a top-selling Ann Arbor real estate broker and has the right connections to close a deal by any means necessary. With his rugged good looks and compelling personality, he has a virtual black book most men would kill for and he uses it often, never settling for one woman for very long.

While his D/s past remains buried, exactly where he wants it, an undercurrent of boredom and dissatisfaction runs through his life now.  Disastrous experience years earlier made him swear off the whole scene, but the more Jack suppresses his natural Dom, the more his frustration grows.   

Sara Thornton, just a rookie in the field, has fast-tracked herself to the top of the Ann Arbor real estate market. Her life evolves into a disciplined and focused routine, exactly what she wants.  However, as her career takes off, the fulfillment she seeks remains inexplicably out of reach.  The one thing she knows for sure, she will not join the Jack Gordon groupies in her company, no matter how tempting that might seem.

A chance encounter, then a difficult transaction, throw Jack and Sara together and the sparks fly high and hot and often. Forced to confront the compulsions that gain momentum with each sizzling encounter, their relationship seems to spiral out of control until Jack finally admits what he needs, and shows Sara what she's been missing

What was your primary inspiration for this book?

I sold real estate for nearly eight years, was a success at it and used its stresses and many personalities I encountered to created Jack and Sara’s story.

Do you have any muses?

Hans, my 6’5” blond haired blue eyed wonder boy of a muse wears lederhosen and no shirt. Back away ladies. He’s mine.

Do you control your characters or do they flog you into shape?

I completely control them.

When you write, is there a special routine you follow?

Other than becoming what you could call utterly obsessed project-by-project, no. Hans whispers ideas lovingly into my ear, pours me a craft beer, and watches while I head write a bit, then sit at a keyboard until the damn thing is done.  He gets a kick out of it really. At the moment he is sitting in the corner pouting because I won’t let him whisper to me until I get my current projects through editing/promotion.  He is very cute when he’s pouting.

If you could be one animal, person, or at a place for a day what/who/where would it be?

I would be that writer, who snagged That Agent, who then procured That Contract from That Publisher that lead to That Premium Cable Series—the day that all came together. I’d be that person.

Five random facts about you:

I’m a preacher’s kid.

I hate (no despise) to cook.

I can brew beer although I pay a couple of guys to do it for me.

I’ve lived in 3 foreign countries in my adult life.

My favorite soccer team is Real Madrid.

Are you working on any new releases later this year?

Oh heavens, I’m always working on SOMETHING. The 2 follow ups to FLOOR TIME will release in February/March so you can continue to follow Jack and Sara’s story through SWEAT EQUITY and CLOSING COSTS.

I also have a really fun brewery-based intrigue, mystery, hot romance called CHEEKY BLONDE coming from Decadent Publishing plus the prequel (THE DIPLOMAT’S DAUGHTER) and follow up novel (FLOWER PASSAGE: TARKAN’S STORY) to my very popular Turkish Delights trilogy with Decadent.

And I’m thrilled to say I just sold a novel to Ellora’s Cave. “LUST ON TAP” is a brewery-based ménage romance that will release at some point in 2012.

Contact info (Facebook, Twitter, website, blog):

Beer blog: www.a2beerwench.com

Writing blog: www.brewingpassion.com

Website: www.lizcrowe.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor

Twitter: beerwencha2

Blog Hop/Review: Priest And The Peaches

Hello, hello! Today, I'm welcoming Larry Peterson, author of The Priest and The Peaches. You'll find an interview and review of the aforementioned title below. Enjoy!


Welcome aboard! Tell us a little about yourself, please.

Basically I am a “blue-collar guy”. It is the world I come from, a world of hard working, hard drinking construction workers, cops, long-shoremen, firemen, railroad workers, bus drivers, truckers, sanitation workers, etc. who were, for the most part, family men who loved their God, their families and their country---unconditionally. Consequently, if you would ask me to describe my work as a writer I would call it “blue-collar” meaning that I believe my work is simple fair, easily readable, no-nonsense, minimally superlative, and flows quickly. There is lots of dialogue and my tendency to be omniscient is obvious. I think that is because the characters and I are part of each other and I know what they are thinking.

What about your latest release?

“The Priest and the Peaches” officially launched on January 1st of this year. It is a story about five, newly orphaned kids growing up in the Bronx during the 1960’s who are now on a quest to remain together as a family. They have no money, the rent is past due, the utility payments are behind and the younger boys need clothes. Teddy Peach 18, is the oldest and he is determined to keep the family together but outside forces are at work trying to get the younger boys, aged 14, 10 and six, into a “properly supervised environment”. Enter Father Tim Sullivan, the local parish priest, who quietly acts as their guide as they begin navigating the turbulent waters of “grown-up world”.

Ok, let’s get down to the fun stuff. If you were stranded on a lush tropical island, and all of your basic needs were met, what two items would you have with you? What person would be with you? Remember, you’re stuck there for an indefinite period with only each other to occupy the time.

Well, I would probably like to have a bible. You can read it over and over and discuss it with the person who is with you. Since I am a mid-60s senior citizen I would also like (you ready) some denture cleaner. The person I would like to have with me would be my wife. She always has my back and my best interests at heart and could more than likely figure out a way to prepare the food that was available.

If you could play opposite any of your lead characters, which one would it be and why?

Probably, Dancer. He’s young, impetuous, and contrary. He would try to BS me but I am wise to him. I know that in due time I’ll wear him down and he’ll be the kid he should be. Plus, we love each other.
If you could lead any of your secondary characters, which one would it be and why?
I’m thinking the drunken attorney, Tom Hagenjack. Underneath his perpetual, drunken stupor is a kind man who is simply a victim of his own addiction. Maybe I might be able to reach out to him and help him get sober even though I know it is something only he can do.

You’re locked in a closet with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, three paperclips and a string. How do you get out?

Well, I would not worry about them or the paper clip or the string. I would just kick the door down (trust me, I can do it) and walk out. I would make sure that they are all okay and then be on my merry way.

Name five things you can do with a pencil.

Print & write, sharpen, erase, sketch and use as a weapon.

Who’s your favorite character from your book(s)? Why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Father Tim Sullivan. This man grew up in the “Hell’s Kitchen” section of Manhattan down by the docks. He is street wise, and tough yet has a simple faith which allows him to see the Hand of God working even amidst chaos. He is not preachy, heavy handed or authoritarian, and has the ability to make folks smile.
There should be more people like him.

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

Okay, vast interwebs is what intimidates me. So many places to go etc. So little time to get there. I am at the following: www.slipperywilie.bolgspot.com, http://www.thepriestandthepeaches.com, www.tribute-books.com also, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you google “Larry Peterson, author” I am there also. I also belong to several on-line writer’s groups.

What about your books? Where are they being sold at?

My first book is a children’s book, “Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes”, which was released in Jan of 2011. This is available in hard-cover and e-book. Of course the new book is “The Priest and the Peaches” released Jan 1, 2012. This is an e-book. Both of them can be found at the sites listed above and are available thru Amazon (Kindle), Barnes & Noble (Nook), iPad, Google, PDF and Smashwords.

Thanks for dropping in! Any last words? Yes---thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it.

And now, the review:

The Priest and The Peaches follow a young family who suddenly find themselves orphaned. Their mother has passed, as well as their grandmother, and now their father dies after a debilitating pancreatic attack brought on by drinking.

There are quite a few troubles in this book, the least of which are grief related. The children find themselves dealing with debts and a pesky neighbor who sticks her nose into their business regularly. They seek guidance from their local parish.

There's just a few things that caught my eye. I found the sentences to be choppy and dialogue repetitive, but I've seen far worse. All in all, this is a good read about a family forced to endure things children shouldn't have to see so young.

Author Bio:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other. 

You can also find Larry here:

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P0EYI8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006P0EYI8

Nook buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches-larry-peterson%252F1108051518%253Fean%253D2940013858190%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Dthe%252Bpriest%252Band%252Bthe%252Bpeaches
iBookstore buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fbook%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches%252Fid491711271%253Fmt%253D11%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30

Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116166?ref=tributebooks
PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1538819

RWA Blog Hop: Romantic Suspense

Welcome, and happy Friday! Today, I'm part of a tour for the RWA mystery romance writers members, and happy to host Phyllis Humphrey. Enjoy!

Why Romantic Suspense is the Best Genre:

Today’s readers have lots of choices. Just in the romance category, there is contemporary, historical, paranormal, and fantasy, among others. But, in my opinion--and that of thousands of buyers of e-books last year--romantic suspense is the best.

And why not? It covers the two most engaging aspects of the reading experience, as well as life itself. "Love makes the world go around," and none of us would be here without it. In addition, we also have a universal need for safety and protection. As Sherlock Homes might say, "Elementary, my dear Watson." So, combining these two necessities into romantic suspense satisfies the reader more than any other type of novel.

Knowing that, the mystery/suspense chapter of Romance Writers of America--called Kiss of Death, or KOD--is the place to go for help in crafting those stories. After all, every story needs conflict, and that’s what mystery and suspense is about. Second, KOD helps with details. Got a question about weapons, legal problems, medical techniques? Some member will know all about it. Third, Lethal Ladies will critique your work as you submit chapters, and they can get or keep you on the right track. I know from personal experience with my romantic suspense novel.

Finally, the chapter holds contests--the fabulous Daphne du Maurier Awards--for both published and unpublished writers Add the "Death by Chocolate" party held at the RWA Conference and you have a combination (dare I say it?) "to die for."

Phyllis is one of the many talented authors who belong to the Romance Writers of America’s Kiss of Death chapter. At Kiss of Death we believe that every great romance should include suspense. Whether a spy thriller in Regency times, a paranormal romance with a revenge-seeking zombie, or a traditional serial killer after the heroine, romance relies on suspense, leading the reader through the trials of the heroine and hero to see if they will get their happily ever after ending. If you can call your writing suspenseful, then the Kiss of Death has something for you! Find out more and join at http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org and follow us on Twitter at @RWAKissofDeath.

Find out more about Phyllis on her website at http://phyllishumphrey.com/ .


North By Northeast, by Phyllis Humphrey:

A young school teacher boards a luxurious train for a relaxing week-long excursion from New Orleans to Washington D.C., but soon becomes an unwitting player in an intruige involving kidnapping and robbery. The culprit is apparently aboard the train but his (or her) identity is unknown. Even the handsome love interest she has met on-board may be involved. Who is he, really, and what part will he play in all this?

Stop by I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read (http://www.sithereandread.com/) to visit Avery Flynn today, and Getting Naughty Between the Stacks (http://gnbstacks.blogspot.com/) tomorrow to visit with W. Lynn Chantale!