Blog Tour Special Feature: THE FALL OF RAIN

Today is a very special day for me. It's the day we're giving you a glimpse into my upcoming release, The Fall of Rain, with both a blurb and excerpt. And there is no better place to do this than at one of my favorite blogs, Chicks of Characterization. So, hurry on over and read it! You'll be so glad you did, Dægan Ræliksen fans!

By the way, this blog is also on my blog tour, so don't forget to leave your comment to be entered into my Blog Tour Giveaway. And besides, I'm dying to know your thoughts after you read the excerpt...
Happy Reading!

Friday 56: MATTERS OF THE HEART By Mahalia Levey

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Post any sentence from that page (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog. (If you do not have your own blog) post it in the comments section of this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Eden ignored the alarm system telling her she had a visitor and locked the door behind him and reset the alarm system.

When she turned around, TJ regarded her in silence. "What?"

"The stalker was from college?"

"Yeah, but that was after you left.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great

Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Blog Tour Destination #12: Keri Ford's Blog & Chicks of Characterization

Today, I'm visiting two blogs with two never-before-read excerpts from SILENT PARTNER. I hope you'll check them out and leave a comment at each to enter my Blog Tour Giveaway!
See HERE for complete contest details.

• Keri Ford's Blog
• Chicks of Characterization

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

Enrique Iglesias

Birthdate: May 8, 1975

Website

Facebook
Twitter

As some of you know, this man was my muse for Grayson Anders in SILENT PARTNER. And if you've ever seen this man perform and dance, you'd know why he makes the perfect hero for my new contemporary release.

Since there were so many great pictures of Enrique, I'm featuring him this week and the next. I hope you enjoy a double dose of this sexy Spaniard.
Happy Wednesday!

See you next week!

Blog Tour Destination #11: Heart of Romance

Today, I am at author, Sarah Hoss' blog called the Heart of Romance for an interview. And she's asked some really interesting questions about my career. Drop by and see what I have to say.

*And don't forget to visit me at Chicks of Characterization again--yes, again! and leave a comment there, as well, to enter my Blog Tour Giveaway. I'm the spotlight author this entire week and every day they're featuring something new about me. So, get your comment in for the day to increase your chances of winning in the final drawing!

See HERE for complete contest details.

Look What Just Showed Up At My Door....

Pretty, aren't they?

And now you can get a print version of Silent Partner as well! They're available at Amazon and Turquoise Morning Press.

Blog Tour Destination #10: Chicks of Characterization

All this week, I am the spotlight author at Chicks of Characterization! And for each day I'm there, you can comment daily to increase your chances of winning in my Blog Tour Giveaway. Hope to see you there.
See HERE for complete contest details.

Friday 56: THE THRICE PRINCESS By Drea Becraft

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Post any sentence from that page (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog. (If you do not have your own blog) post it in the comments section of this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Staring into her eyes while pleasuring her was an even bigger turn on. It soon ended though as her hold on her neck gave out. Once again, she rested her head on the pillow beneath it. Closing her eyes as her face contorted in pure ecstasy.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great

Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Blog Tour Destinations #8 & #9

Here's where I'm at today in my Blog Tour Giveaway:

• #8 - Sweet N Sexy Divas
• #9 - Romance Books R Us

Hope to see you there!

Blog Tour Destinations #5, #6, & #7

Today, I am at three blogs for the continuation of my Blog Tour & Giveaway! And I hope to see you all at every one. There are new excerpts at each stop, but at Beyond Romance, I open up my heart a little and tell about how I came up with the premise of Silent Partner.  *Don't forget to leave your comments at each so you can be entered in my giveaway three additional times!
See HERE for complete contest details.

• #5 - Beyond Romance
• #6 - Tess MacKall's Blog
• #7 - Romance Junkies

On a side note, I'm so sorry I didn't do a Wake-Me-Up Wednesday feature. Since I am at three blogs today I didn't have much time to dedicate toward the search. But I will at least give you a pic of who I used as a muse for my hero, Grayson Anders, in Silent Partner. Enjoy!

Sky Purington Announces Her Contest Winner

Sky: A huge round of congrat's goes to Cynthia Arsuaga! You just won a copy of a gift certificate to Amazon or Digi Books (your choice).

And before I leave, one more big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped in and joined the fun! Your comments were fabulous! You made my day.

Renee: And thank you, Sky, for coming to Past The Print. It was so much fun to have you here and I'd love it if you came back again.

Sky Purington's blog post (in case you missed it)

Sending Out My Sincerest Gratitude To All My Fans!

I just received word that MAC LIAM won the "5 Heart Sweetheart Award" from The Romance Studio and it's all thanks to my loyal fans and friends. You guys are the best! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

This week's 5 Heart Sweetheart...MAC LIAM!

"This is one fantastic historical. This is the second book in the Emerald Isle Trilogy and I am definitely going to go back and read the first one. Readers are transported back in time to a lush green land surrounded by beautiful rocky shores with imagery that practically surrounds you. Breandán is a perfect hero; from the beginning of the story there is no doubt as to the strength of his feelings toward Mara. He is hardworking and steadfast. He is perfect husband and father material, I wonder if he has any descendants I can look up? Mara truly is a princess and such a devoted mother. In all honesty I was expecting to feel some animosity towards her for the desperation she has led Breandán to but she never intentionally hurt him and my resentment disappeared before it had a chance to solidify. The secondary characters are as well-developed as the hunter hero and his royal lady. The story is vivid and the historical detail so impressive without bogging the plot or action down. It comes alive and winds its way into your heart. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical romance and I cannot wait to read the final book of the trilogy as this story has stayed with me days after I read the last word." - Theresa Joseph

Buy it today!

Blog Tour Destination #4: Tina Donahue Presents...

My next stop on my Blog Tour & Giveaway is at the very talented Tina Donahue's blog. Don't forget to leave your comment to increase your chances of winning!

Blog Tour Destination #3: Coffee And Romance

Want another taste of a spicy excerpt from my new release, SILENT PARTNER, along with some of my favorite coffee recipes? Then visit with me at my third blog stop: Coffee And Romance and get your fill.

*Don't forget to leave a comment for me so you can be entered into my Blog Tour Giveaway.

New Release: IN THE HAY By Keri Ford

In The Hay

By Keri Ford

Available at:
Nook | ARe | 1PlaceForRomance | Bookstrand

Coming soon in a print anthology!

Blurb:

It’s been a White Picket Fence life for Nicolette. Charming, but tedious. She graduated high school, raring to go. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems though. The fear of being stuck in a rut, living a dull day-to-day life keeps Nicolette from settling on a career, despite her six years of college. When the chance arrives for her to housesit, she takes opportunity by the horns for a little playtime. She would experience life and find something that would make her happy.

Drew knows exactly what he wants. To run the family construction business. Too bad his dad doesn’t think he’s ready. They make a deal. Drew will help his cousin put up a new fence and after he’s learned hard work, the construction business is his. Drew's not sure learning how to string fence line together will see him suitable for a career of paper pushing, but h e’ll do it.

When Drew meets the wanna-be-free-spirited Nicolette, his determined thoughts of what he’s always worked for begins to sway. Nicolette’s finding the fun in life. But their relationship is temporary. A week tops.

Guest Blogger Author Sky Purington

Hi Everyone! Glad to be here at Renee’s Past the Print blog. I can’t help but look around in awe. There’s so much great information!

While here, I thought it might be fun to run a contest.

*How to enter? Somewhere in this blog post is a word that doesn't belong. To win a gift certificate to either Amazon or DigiBooks (your choice), simply find the word, leave a comment on this blog (DO NOT say what the word is) and then email me with the word at Skypurington@live.com

For those of you unfamiliar with my work, I write a cross-genre of fantasy and paranormal romance. When it comes to my stories, think Druids and sexy Scottish Highlander wizards. Lately, it’s all about the vampires. Novellas, Darkest Memory and Heart of Vesuvius were written as a mini series. Fang-tastic little undead troopers that they are, the heroes from both stories have been doing a lot of blog hopping with me lately. I’ve interviewed them in so many ways you’d think their supernatural virility might be waning by now. Not quite the case.

Regrettably, Gabriel (Hero from Darkest Memory) sends his regrets. A new night club is opening in London. He’s needed there. Luckily, Salvator (Heart of Vesuvius) is up for more! So I thought this time I’d let him take the reigns. He’s requesting to share memories via quotes from his tale. What do you think? Should we give him the floor? I say YES! Trust me, he’s so hot that just listening to his sexier-than-get-out Italian accent makes the ride well worth your time. For those of you whom speak Italian please forgive his less than gracious quips. Whispers, “Giving Salvator this blog post was risky.” *wicked grin*

                               

Salvator, m’dear, have at it!

SALVATOR:  Bellissimo blog. Sky, always a pleasure. Renee, thank you so much for letting me visit your blog. Un buon posto per comunicare. I thought this visit to share more memorable exchanges between my love and I. While I always wanted her, these particular moments made it inevitable. Naturally, they’re all bits from my Point of View in the story. In this first scene, I again remembered how strong my desire was for Alexandria (AKA- Alex). L'amore che è vero.

Furious, she dug her nails into his shoulders and tried to push him back.

He didn’t budge an inch.

Why should he? The position felt quite enjoyable, her current mood, wonderfully defiant. She had hanged some…not as much as she thought she had. This little vampire had always stood up to him, had been able to turn him away. It made no sense, really. He knew, deep down, it had more to do with her affect over him rather than his lack of supernatural ability or strength.

It also had to do with the fact he knew he had eternity to make her his.

“Let me go, Salvator.” She glared up, fangs bared, big deep-blue eyes deadly. He wandered her face, inch by inch, enjoyed what had been gone from him for so long.

SALVATOR: What a little spitfire. Still is! Rende le cose difficili. Half the reason I love her. You’ll see her attitude only pronounced during this next bit. But isn’t she precious?

Sitting on his black leather sofa, Salvator crossed one leg over the other, amused. “Hence growing as a vampire, he learns about respect. You, however, are more of a fledgling than I previously thought.”

Alex swung around, back ramrod straight and walked to the hearth, before she turned his way once more. “You won’t incite me.”

“I already have…multiple times.”

“So you think.” She gave him her profile while she studied the fire, obviously weighing her next words. When she spoke a slight shake to her voice belayed the fear she would not admit to. “I know you say you owe my brother a favor, it’s why you harbor us. It occurs to me that the favor you do is great, even for an elder. I can’t help but wonder what else you will want in payment for this protection.”

He smiled softly. She may be a weak vampire but her wisdom far exceeded what most would think her capable. “You worry too much.”

“I worry with good reason.”

“You worry too soon.” He enjoyed the firelight as it licked the silk gown hugging her curves. “Besides, would you not pay any price to ensure your brother and friend’s safety?”

SALVATOR: As you can see, she’s very protective of her brother. No complaints here. That’s why she’s with me again. La donna mi spinge folle. I’d say it’s time to travel a bit further into the story. You see, while Alexandria has a natural aversion to me, she’s always favored the mortals. No more.

This particular scene shows that she’s capable of acting like a vampire. Hang on! Cell phone’s ringing. Si, I am a victim of modern day devices. (Salvator takes the call, nods and repeatedly says, “Of course, my love.”) Ending the call, he addresses us once more…. Seems I can’t share the scene I’d hoped. Alexandria would winner like you to know she feels she was the best sort of vampire before meeting me and still adores mortals. Sempre ha a discutere su tutto. Against my recommendation, Alexandria wants me to share a never-seen-at-a-blog-before inside look at some of our secrets. So, for the first time ever, here’s a glimpse that’ll most likely make your jaw drop. Non è sicuro avrei condiviso questa. All I can tell you is it was from Alexandria’s perspective.

There were an awful lot of positions a woman could find herself in mortal life, never mind vampire existence. This, right now, defied it all. She didn’t know which fact to assimilate first. That she wasn’t a vampire right now, she definitely was a prostitute or that he was a gladiator! Aye, she’d lived through the Norman invasion into medieval England but this reality brought her back to the days of the Roman Empire! Big difference in her book.

SALVATOR: I bid you all a very good eve. It was a pleasure visiting. (Vanishes in the blink of an eye. No doubt off to find Alex)

Sky here. Wow! I can’t believe Alex wanted to share that. Then again, these two vamps always surprise me. Constantly up and down. Well, I shouldn’t say it like that. They’re definitely in love but certainly one of those couples that continue to work at it. Do I think they’ll go separate ways? Never.

I won’t take up too much more space on Renee’s blog. Love it here! Here’s a quick look at what the critics are saying about Heart of Vesuvius.

"...this haunting story about loves lost and found is certainly worth the read. The ominous climax of the story, where we learn the origin of the feud between the two brothers and the truth that lies at the heart of Salvatore's relationship with Alexandria, was beautifully, heartbreakingly written."
~The Romance Reviews

"The vampire on vampire sex is hot and wild; it's a great addition to the story! ...a great read for all you romantics and vampire lovers!"
~Nocturne Romance Reads


“This vampire romance grabs you and keeps you riveted until the very end. I couldn’t put it down. If you love paranormal or vampire stories, this is one to read.”

 ~ Lisa- Happily Ever After Reviews

Heart of Vesuvius is available at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Kindle, Fictionwise, and many other online bookstores.

Learn more about me and my work at my Website. Join me on Facebook. Follow me at Twitter. Are you a reader who enjoys meeting new authors every week? Head over to my blog, A Writer’s Mind. Are you an author always looking for free ways to spread the word about your stories? Click here.

My Yahoo Group, SkyRomance is all about giving an extra boost to writers and readers alike. Authors, do you have an active blog? Come share! Readers, are you looking for a place to follow the latest in the writing world? Join this group now. Added bonus? There’s a quarterly prize given away.

Thanks so much for having me (us) over, Renee!

Best Always,

~Sky

Guest Blogger Author Tonya Kappes

Last month I touched a bit on what type of PR personality you have. I even gave you a little quiz on how to help you figure it out. Click here to take the quiz if you haven’t.

No matter what your PR personality is, you always need friends. I mean really good friends when you are a writer. You need the honest ones, the ones that are happy no matter what. During those rejections you can lean on them, they are there to celebrate the happy success. Yes! You have those friends. But do you?

Writer’s are strange creatures. I know! I’m one. But I think that sometimes I’m different. Debbie MaComber said at an RWA conference that you have a ton of friends when you start out writing. They back you up and cheer you on. The more successful you become the less friends you will have.

That’s sad to me! I’m not that friend. I am the friend who wants her writing friends to succeed even if I don’t make it to the top. That is exactly what I’m doing with The Tricked-Out Toolbox. I am passing along everything that has helped me so far. Paying it forward!!

One very important section in The Tricked-Out Toolbox is on PR buddies. This is a very important section. If there was one thing I would want you to take away from The Tricked-Out Toolbox is this—PR BUDDIES!!

These are those writers like me who want to PAY IT FORWARD!

Say what?

YES!! They want to help you, but don’t forget to pay it forward. This is what it is all about. Call it KARMA, you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours. Like Renee for instance, she’s great at paying it forward. Not only does she blog hop, she invites those people over to her blog. The more you pay it forward, the more readers you get, the more exposure you get. How fun is that?

That’s not all! You will get some really great tips on how to be a good PR buddy to your writing friends. This is where it starts! PAY IT FORWARD!!

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

Aaron O'Connell

I nearly fell off my chair when I found out this guy was born in Indiana and raised in Dayton Ohio. That's just about an hour and half from where I live! And let's not pass over the fact that he has an Irish surname. Let's face it, the more I found out about him, the more I just couldn't pass him up.
Happy Wednesday!

American Model

Website

Credits:
Bruce Weber
Doug Inglish
Sam Zakuto
Greg Vaughn
Lucky Winter '10
Mariano Vivanco
Nous Model Management

I saved the best pic for last...don't ye think?

Kicking Off The Blog Tour and Giveaway At Romance By Chance

Today, I'm at romance author Christina Wolfer's blog, Romance By Chance, promoting my new release SILENT PARTNER. Remember to leave a comment for me at my post to be entered to win the following:

• An autographed copy of RÆLIKSEN or MAC LIAM (winner's choice)
• Assorted bookmarks and bookplates
• A $15 gift certificate to Amazon

*From now until mid May, I will be at 13 different blogs and each blog you visit/comment, you can increase your chances of winning in the final drawing on May 20th. Don't forget to leave your email address as well in the comment section of each post so I can contact you if your name is drawn. See HERE for complete contest details. 

Renee Vincent Blog Tour & Giveaway!

April is winding up to be a very busy month and will soon prove to be a very lucrative month for my readers who visit me on my blog tour! I'll be blogging at many sites in the next few weeks and for anyone who leaves a comment or question on those posts will be entered to win the following:

• Any autographed trade paperback book of either RÆLIKSEN (Book 1) or MAC LIAM (Book 2) winner's choice
• Assorted bookmarks and bookplates
• $15 gift certificate to Amazon

*Contest Details (read carefully...): For each site you visit and leave a comment, you'll be entered to win. And the more sites you visit/comment on, the higher your chances of winning. That means if you visit and leave a comment on each of the blogs where I've posted, your name will be entered in the drawing that many times. (One comment per person per blog. I do have to set some limits in order to be fair.) *Realize, on some days, I will be at several blogs simultaneously and it is okay to comment at each to increase your chances.
(The dates and direct links of the blogs are listed above.)