Monday, August 31, 2015

«RELEASE BLITZ» Finding Sam by Taylor Lavati




Blurb
Sometimes, the past isn’t supposed to be forgotten.

Sam is convinced he’s cursed. Everything he touches dies. He leaves his past behind and travels across the country, hoping the distance will save the loved ones he’s left.  When his car breaks down, he becomes stranded, finding comfort in a stray dog.

Despite the fact that he refuses to build any relationships, the people of Sterling, Colorado wiggle their way into his heart. His adopted dog, Lucky, shows him he can handle responsibility. His new boss, Lenny, shows him he has purpose. His neighbor, Izzy, shows him he’s capable of love again. But can Sam find happiness after he’s lost it all?
Finding Sam, the sequel to the bestselling novel of addiction and attraction, A Reliant Love, is a tale of redemption, acceptance, and finding yourself.

Links
Nook: TBD

Author Links
Twitter: @taylorjlavati



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Excerpt One
“I shouldn’t be here,” I mutter under my breath. 
“Like in this town or here in the kitchen with me?” She quirks her head to the side and crosses her arms over her chest. It’s defensive, but not, at the same time. More likely a precautionary arm cross.
“Both.”
“Do you not like me? I know I can talk a lot, and I’m trying hard to be positive in this awkward situation. Sometimes it’s just one comment too much that can set someone off. I’m sure you can tell, but I’m normally really upbeat and positive.” She nods like a hundred times.
“Why?”
“Anything can happen at anytime, so you have to live every day like it’s your last. That guy just pisses me off.” She shakes her head, dragging in a loud breath. 
“Listen, I’m not begging you to like me,” she says as she slams the refrigerator door shut. “It’s just that you’re new around here, and I saw you as a clean slate. I just want to be friends, so if you have a girlfriend, that’s fine.” She steps forward and grabs my forearm. I stare down at where our bare flesh connects. “Seriously, I’m not a relationship person. I don’t believe in relationships, but I do respect them. I’d never step on another girl’s toes. I just want to be friends.”
“I’m leaving the second my car is fixed.” My words ring with finality. Her hand falls from me as she steps backwards towards the fridge like I slapped her.



Character Interview
1) Sam - In Reliant Love, why did you accept the fact that Sarah's accident was both of yours, but you couldn't accept Nat's as both of yours?

At first I didn’t accept the fact. It took my time in rehab to understand that other people made decisions that led up to the accident with Sarah that night. Pete let Sarah and I leave the party. It’s not like I forced Sarah to get in the car with me. If anything, she pushed me to leave so we could hang out alone. Karen, my therapist, explained all that to me. She told me I was thinking irrationally.

With Nat, I know it’s my fault. She would have never been in the car if I hadn’t gone out with Frank and gotten drunk and high. I relapsed that night to the point that I barely remember certain parts. It’s just a blur. And there’s a sliver of doubt in my head that tells me it isn’t my fault, but I’m so angry and sad, I don’t know what to think. I still take the blame.

2) Izzy- We first meet you in Finding Sam. Can you tell us a little about your past?

Oh, sure. I’m a pretty average girl. Well, I got to Sterling when my mom dropped me at my grandpa Lenny’s. My mom was a drifter. She used drugs and lived what she liked to call a gypsy life. Once I had to go to school, she dropped me here and never came back. Then she died so I got to stay with Lenny full time. He brought me up. I left Sterling to run away from my problems, but of course, came right back. Lenny used his savings to buy me the bakery. It’s right across the street from his store. I think he did it just to keep an eye on me. So that’s the past, and now I’m here.

3) Sam- How are you coping with your loss?

I have no idea. It’s literally day by day. Some are worse than others and some are really worse than others. I count the days by how long she’s been missing. I pray that maybe it’s all a sick dream. But when I shut my eyes at night, she visits me and I know my dreams are only worse than reality. I think I’m still angry that this happened. I can’t move past it because it still pisses me off and aggravates me.

4) Izzy- Are you looking for love?

Definitely not. Sure, I’d love to be in love someday, but at this point, I don’t think I’m ready. I don’t even know if it’s something I believe in. It’s hard to have complete trust in another person when you really have no idea what they’re thinking or what their intentions are. It’s scary. So while the idea of love is great, I just don’t think it’s something I can handle. I’m not the most stable person.


5) Izzy- You own a bakery, but you can't cook. Why is that?

I have no idea! It’s funny you should bring that up because I’ve always wondered if anyone else knew the difference between cooking and baking. I think there are too many variables in cooking, add a pinch of salt here and the entire meal is ruined. Where with cooking, it’s more precise and if you add a little extra chocolate, odds are the desert is still going to be good. I have no idea what my problem is, but I cannot cook a single piece of pasta if my life depended on me.

6) Sam- When you were helping Lenny at the general store, did you learn anything about yourself?

Definitely. I think I learned more in those first two weeks in Sterling than the entire rest of my life. Having this job where I saw the differences I was making, made it easier to keep going. I would work my entire body to the point of exhaustion and then all I could think about at the end of the day was going to bed. It distracted me while helping me grieve. I learned that I’m maybe a little stronger than I thought I was. And by getting to know Lenny and how important his store is to him, it made me care.

7) Izzy- Is there anything in particular that drew you to Sam? And how is that your dog's won't leave each other? Are they friends or having a relationship with possible puppies?

In Sterling, we don’t get a lot of passerbys. And I’ve always felt stuck in the town like I can’t breathe sometimes. So when Sam first showed up, I was so excited. I wanted to get to know him and be friends with him. As time went on, he pushed me away and I realized there was depth to him. I kept wanting to know more and more about him. In a brooding angry kind of way, he’s somewhat charming.

I want Killer and Lucky to have puppies so bad! I think the two are best friends. They’re both neutered so some weird tiny-big puppies are out of the picture, but still. I think Lucky and Killer are the best of friends. They’re opposites in every aspect, but it makes them best friends. I don’t know. They’re just the best dogs ever.

8) Sam- Why won't you let Petey into your life? Are you afraid of something? Judgement perhaps?

I met Petey so damn long ago, he’s more family than my real family. It makes it really hard for me to disappoint him. After the accident with Sarah, I never thought Petey would speak to me again. I probably went to the same college as him just to attempt to make amends but I was always so scared. When I checked into rehab, it felt like this was a new beginning for Pete and I. And, you know, things were good until the accident with Nat. And I just don’t want to lose him again so I figure if I push him away first, it won’t hurt as much.

9) Sam- What is it about Izzy that makes you think about Nat?

At first, it was the light that shined naturally from her. They both smile like crazy, emit this positive energy you can’t ignore, and put hope in me. But that’s pretty much as far as the similarities go. Looks wise, they’re polar opposites. Nat was blonde, tan and light-eyed. Izzy has fair skin, near-black hair, and chocolate eyes. Where Nat was so innocent and forgiving and she let me walk all over her, Izzy would never allow that. She’s smart, she understands the world I’ve lived in. It’s just so different.

10) Sam & Izzy- How do you feel about Lenny having cancer?

Sam “You can go first.”
Izzy “Well, we first discovered the cancer about two years ago. He’s been fighting really hard and luckily it hasn’t been progressing. I hate seeing him in pain so I try really hard to make him comfortable and get him his favorite things. He has this slippers he loves to wear after we go to the doctor. He calls them pillows for his feet.”
Sam “Not knowing what’s going to happen is the worst part. Any time I hear him cough, I worry it’s going to be the last. It’s like walking on eggshells through life. He’s become such a staple in my life, I don’t know what it’d do to me if I were to lose him.”

BONUS Sam & Izzy- Where do you see your future?

Sam “Honestly, I’m just happy to have a future. It took so long for me to get to a place of peace so I take it day by day and try not to look too hard into the far future. Right now, I need to take Izzy to her doctor’s appointment and tonight we’ll have dinner together. Tomorrow I’m working at the store all day and receiving a shipment. That’s how I live now.”

Izzy “He’s so negative! But it definitely helps us both to live at the edge of our seats. There aren’t many expectations except honesty. As long as we’re both honest with each other and communicating our feelings, I think everything will turn out fine. He’s important to me. And I think he knows that.”


**RELEASE BLITZ** Degrade by T.L. Smith




Title: Degrade
Series: Flawed
Author: T.L. Smith
 Release Date: August 31, 2015



Blurb

Zeke

One rule, only one rule women need to follow when they're with me.

Don’t ask for more.

This rule is in place for a reason, you won't get more of what’s not there to give.

Bexley

He is striking, and he's all man. He is also the devil, or so I believe him to be. I gave him my heart, not realizing I was doing so. He likes to break me down, so I'm a shell of the person I once was. He's chipping away at me, bit by bit. Though I’m not as weak as he thinks, and when I can’t handle it anymore, I will come back swinging.








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Excerpt

I’m an idiot, I know this. I just can’t help myself. When it comes to him, I do as he says, do as he pleases. Even if it’s against everything, I believe in. He has a hold on me, which no other person has ever held. I don’t believe he loves me, but I love him. So that has to count for something? Right? My love is big enough. I believe it can hold onto both of us and wrap us up in a vice grip. See, I did tell you, I’m an idiot.






Author Links

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**BOOK BLITZ** Touched To The Soul by Elsa Winckler


Touched to the Soul
by Elsa Winckler
Series: Touched, #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 6, 2015



A passion that runs soul deep... 

Zoe Sutherland can't stand the pushy, arrogant architect Dale Cavallo. He was just too damn sure of himself, too handsome, too…everything. Maneuvered into working as the interior decorator on his latest project, a glamorous new hotel, Zoe can't keep her mind on the job. And worse, the strange man won't give her access to the hotel's floor plans. How is she supposed to finish the design when she doesn't have the plans? And when the obnoxious man distracts her with every smoldering look, every touch...

Dale has one goal: get rid of the pesky interior designer. Since he's been forced into close proximity with the beautiful Zoe, everything's gone downhill. And to make matters worse, she's only out to further her own career—and he's not about to give her the hotel's plans so she can steal his ideas. He needs to get her out of his system, and sleeping with her seems like the best way to do that. When it comes to women, he's found the best way to handle them is to love 'em and leave 'em. But something strange is happening...because after a night of loving Zoe, he's finding it harder than ever to leave…



Desperately she tried to get her sluggish brain cells to work, tried to rationalize what she was feeling. If she thought about it, her reaction was normal. She was young and unattached; he was a sought-after, rich tycoon—what girl wouldn’t swoon a little bit? And anyway, this was probably the way he always danced with any woman. She’d read enough about him to know he seldom had the same girl on his arm. So she knew this was just for tonight.

Slowly she became aware that the music was farther away, that they’d moved on to the wide terrace overlooking the sea. He steered her farther away around a pillar. And for the first time, she looked up at him.

His eyes were dark with an expression she’d never seen before. What was it? Desire? But that was impossible; it had been obvious from the start that he could hardly stand the sight of her. Surely he wasn’t interested in her in that way, was he?

“Zoe, this is exactly the reason why I’ve stayed away from you, why I haven’t danced with you tonight. This is so not what I want, but I can’t seem to help myself around you…”

Before she could ask what he was talking about, he kissed her.

His lips were warm and demanding, and with a sigh she surrendered. It never even occurred to her to deny him this. To deny herself this pleasure. Because that’s what it was. Pure, unadulterated pleasure.

With a shaky exhale, she pulled him closer and thrust her fingers into his hair. He groaned while his hands restlessly explored her body. Don’t stop, please don’t stop, a voice begged inside her head. For a split second she worried that she’d said the words out loud, but quickly remembered her mouth was otherwise engaged. As far as she was concerned, it could stay that way forever.





Inspired by the writing of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James, and the Brontë sisters, Elsa Winckler likes her heroines beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. She married her college boyfriend who, after 40 years, still makes her weak in the knees. They have 3 interesting children, 3 beautiful grandsons and live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty's Bay, South Africa.







**BLOG TOUR** Hell's Flower by S.L. Schiefer & Jen Cousineau

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Raven Two people. That's how it usually starts right? I grew up believing one thing, only for one day to completely mess up everything I've ever been taught. Was I a good girl? No, not by any means. But, the world I'm about to be thrown into is unlike anything I've ever known.
Mace Multiple people. I live for club life. As the President of the Hell's Storm MC I protect my brothers at all costs, and they do the same for me. After a rival club killed what was mine, I vowed to live in as many chicks as possible. Never tasting the same one twice. But, all it takes is that one look to completely bring a man, even me, to my knees. Two people. Brought up on different sides of the tracks. Two different paths in life. Both will be tested, taken to the very edge of darkness that threatens to consume them both. Will they be able to withstand the heat of hell? Or will they fight to death and lose themselves?
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S.L. Schiefer
So, as some of you may know, my first jump into the Indie World was with a light and fluffy romance. But, I think I’ve finally found my niche, the dark! *insert evil laugh* I love reading anything and everything, will read even when I’m supposed to be working. I’m really not that cool of a person, I love hiding behind my electronic devices. But, if you can grab my attention I will talk your dang ear off. I was born and raised in Ohio, O-H-I-O! I’ve been with my high school sweetheart for 10 years now. I’m surprised one of us hasn’t killed each other by now. lol. I have two beautiful little boys, that can give Satan a run for his money. I would love to hear from any of you.
Jen Cousineau
Romance Author. ItWorks distributor. Mother. Wife. Adventurist wannabe. Fitness enthusiast. Coffee and chapstick addict.
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Author S.L. Schiefer
Jen Cousineau
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**COVER REVEAL** Sentenced by L.L. Collins




Title: Sentenced
Author: L.L. Collins
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance
Cover Design: Marisa-Rose Shor with Cover Me, Darling
 Release Date: October/November 2015 (TBD)



Blurb

THE BAD BOY: I’m Johnny. An ex-con with a bad attitude and a controlling demeanor that somehow made the women flock to my bed but never my heart. It was unavailable for possession.

THE TEMPTATION: She was just supposed to be a two day hookup. But one taste of her and I knew I was in danger of never getting enough. She has her own demons to contend with, and dealing with my own was hard enough. I won’t allow temptation to take control of me.


THE SENTENCE: I'd given myself a life sentence a long time ago, and she made me want things I wouldn't allow myself to have. Giving into it just might destroy us both.







Author Bio

L.L. Collins loves spending her days in the Florida sun with her husband and two boys, reading, and writing. LL has been writing since she was old enough to write. Always a story in her head, she finally decided to let the characters out made her lifelong dream of becoming an author come true in the self-publishing world. She's the author of the Living Again Series and the Twisted Series, plus a new standalone, Back to the Drawing Board. Visit LL on her website, www.llcollinsauthor.com and on all social media. Look for more of her emotionally charged novels soon!



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