My Book Addiction and More!

April 30, 2014April 29, 2014

RELEASE WEEK GIVEAWAY- SUE- ELLEN WELFONDER~ TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER

Oh my gosh!! Sue- Ellen Welfonder has so much going on this week….It’s release week for TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER (book I in the Scandalous Scots series)

A TEMPTING PROPOSITION
As one of the bastards born to the Stirling court, Sorley the Hawk has never known his mother or father. It’s a burning quest he has devoted himself to uncovering at any cost. But as a roguish warrior who serves at the pleasure of the King, his prowess-both on the battlefield and in his bedchamber-is legendary. So when a flame-haired Highland lass sneaks into his quarters with a tantalizing proposition, he can’t resist taking her up on her offer . . .

AN UNQUENCHABLE DESIRE
Lady Mirabelle MacLaren will do anything to keep from marrying her odious suitor, even sully her own good name. And who better to despoil her than his sworn enemy, the one they call “Hawk?” As they set about the enjoyable task of ruining her reputation, Hawk and Mirabelle soon learn that rebellion never tasted so sweet.

How for your reading pleasure…..

Rogue Excerpt:

We had a plan, an agreement.” Mirabelle shifted on his lap, keenly aware of a certain hot ridge of hardness nudging the bottom of her thighs, burning her even through the layers of her skirts.
“Aye, we did.” He took her face between his hands then, kissing her long and deep. When he pulled back, breaking the kiss, his eyes were darker than she’d ever seen them, and he was breathing hard. “I still have a plan, sweetness. And I hope I’ll gain your agreement.”
Mirabelle just looked at him, sure she hadn’t heard rightly.
But she must’ve, because all along the table, and even elsewhere on the dais, people were grinning, looking on with rapt interest.
Mirabelle ignored them, but she did frown. “Our plan doesn’t seem to have the affect I’d desired.”
To her surprise, Sorley grabbed her to him again and kissed her even more hungrily than before. It was a wild and heated open-mouthed kiss, full of breath, tongue, and hunger. He also thrust his fingers into her hair as he ravished her lips, holding her firmly to him, giving her no choice but to return the kiss with equal fervor.
She did so gladly, feeling bereft when he finally tore his mouth from hers. She hadn’t wanted their kiss to end and the delicious tingles rippling through her left no doubt that she also wanted more.
Sure he could tell, she met his gaze, thrilled and excited, but also worried that her heart and not her good sense was guiding her.
“That was indeed better.” It was all she could think to say. “A most convincing display, for sure.”
“Indeed.” He leaned in, kissed the tip of her nose. “Though my purpose has changed, or have you no’ heard anything I’ve said this e’en?”
Mirabelle blinked. “I do not understand.”
“Then I shall make it clearer.” He cupped her face, slanting his mouth over hers again, his tongue thrusting sure and possessively.
She melted beneath the onslaught, gripped his shoulders to keep from sliding off his lap. The he pulled back, breaking the kiss as swiftly as he’d seized her. But he kept hold of her face, looked deep into her eyes. Clearly stirred, his chest rose and fell, heavily. And his gaze wasn’t just piercing, but blazed with something that made everything else around them fade to nothingness, as if they were alone in the hall, perhaps all the world.
“This isnae a planned seduction, Mirabelle,” he spoke her name as if it held gold. The rough softness of his tone weakened her knees.
The look on his face….
Her eyes started burning again just seeing the adoration there. The other more fierce expression that she didn’t dare hope to decipher.
“No deliberate attempt to scandalize you.” He leaned close to say that, lowering his voice so no one else would hear. “A man doesnae bring shame to the woman he loves.”

Buy Links:

Amazon – http://tiny.cc/0ahqex

Barnes & Noble – http://tiny.cc/ibhqex

IndieBound – http://tiny.cc/zbhqex

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About Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty-year career with the airlines. Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity, as each trip gives her inspiration for new books. Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a 450-year-old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle. Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell terrier in Florida.

Sue-Ellen’s social media:

www.welfonder.com
www.facebook.com/SueEllenWelfonderAuthor
@se_welfonder

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~GIVEAWAY ALERT~

(Sponsored by the publisher)

Thanks, to Julie, at Grand Central Publishing, we are offering 1 lucky commenter a chance to win a print copy of HOW TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. Sorry, open to US residents only! No P.O. Boxes, please. Ships via UPS!

Giveaway will run from April 30 until May 9,2014.

GOOD LUCK!

Note: you MUST re-visit the site to see to won!

For, an additional giveaway or two, and a visit with Sue-Ellen, herself, please visit,

A visit with author Sue-Ellen Welfonder and a giveaway!

before, May 2nd, 2014!!

*MBA is NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN, MISDIRECTED, OR OTHERWISE NOT RECEIVED PRIZE WINS.*

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For My Thoughts, visit our sister site:

http://mybookaddictionreviews.com/2014/04/29/review-to-love-a-highlander-by-sue-ellen-welfonder/

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Happy hump day, everyone!!

April 29, 2014

SPOTLIGHT~ DREAM ON~ M. KIRCHER

Title: Dream On
Author: M. Kircher

Tagline: Love is dangerous for Emily, even in her dreams.
Description: Seventeen-year-old dreamwalker, Em, might have to choose—leave her mother forever in the dreamworld or save the life of hot, rebel Gabe.

Emily Dal Monte and her mother, Lily, are special. They’re humans with a glitch in their genetic code that allows them to explore the fantastic, and often terrifying, world of their dreams for as long as they choose to remain asleep. But when Em’s father is killed in a tragic accident and her distraught mother loses herself more and more in the dreams of her crumbling mind, Em is forced to support the two of them the only way she knows how, by writing down her mother’s amazing dreams and selling them as books. Enter Gabriel Sobel, the punk newcomer at Em’s high school who realizes Em is the daughter of his favorite, reclusive author. Gabe can’t figure out why Em keeps brushing him off and makes it his mission to find out what’s really going on at the Dal Monte household. He stumbles upon their shocking family secret just as Lily takes a turn for the worse. It’s up to Em, Gabe, and one very nosy book editor to hop from one extraordinary dream to the next, to find Lily and convince her to wake up before she loses her mind…and before Em loses her first chance at love.

Buy Links:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Dream-On-M-Kircher-ebook/dp/B00JUA2ICY
Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dream-on-m-kircher/1119280434

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Author Bio: M. KIRCHER graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Gordon College. She devours YA, science fiction, fantasy, and romance on a regular basis and is immensely happy to pour her time and energy into creating stories for other people to enjoy. Bob Ross and J.R.R. Tolkien tie for her two favorite people of all time.

M. Kircher lives in Connecticut with her husband, energetic son, and new baby girl.

Publisher: Astraea Press http://www.astraeapress.com/
Date: April 22, 2014
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance
Pages: 213
Language: English

Website: http://mkircher.com/
Blog: http://mkircher.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkircher83
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MKircher83
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7202354.M_Kircher
Amazon Author Profile: http://www.amazon.com/M.-Kircher/e/B00E8AKEGI
Wattapad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/MelissaKircher

Excerpt 1
Tiny shafts of sunlight stream down from the treetops above us, forming small rings that illuminate the red pine-covered ground below. It’s weird how quiet it is here. There are none of the sounds you’d normally associate with a forest, like the scurrying tread of small animals or the soft breeze rustling through the trees. Everything is completely still.
I rest my forehead against the warm bark of the tree and try to calm my racing thoughts. How do I get us out of this mess? Mom and Evan aren’t here with Gabe and me. At least, as far as I can tell, they aren’t here, and we don’t have any time to find them. Evan and Gabe need to wake up now, or they could die. It’s so simple, yet so complicated. Do I save Gabe’s life? Or do I continue to risk killing him and try to save everyone? If I pull Gabe out, I could risk losing both Mom and Evan inside this dream. I have no idea if Mom’s recognition of me was a moment’s clarity, or something more lasting. I might never be able to locate her and Evan again.
A sob rises in my throat. I can’t help it. I’m so tired and overwhelmed, and we’re all so deeply in trouble. Despite my best efforts, the sob escapes, and then I can’t seem to stop another one from bursting out of my mouth. And then another one. Huge, wrenching cries tear through me, and I double over, my face in my hands, as the tears stream through my fingertips.
It’s all just too much.
I hear Gabe come to stand beside me, and before I can protest, he draws me back into his arms. I can’t seem to stop crying. I’m so embarrassed, but I just can’t stop.
His rough fingers catch the bottom of my chin, and slowly he tilts my face up toward his, so we’re gazing into each other’s eyes. My breath hitches, and it’s not just from all the crying.
“I’m sorry, Em,” Gabe whispers, his soft words loud in the silence surrounding us. “But there’s no one I’d rather be with right now than you.”

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Coming soon!

Please stop by our sister site, MyBookAddictionReviews My Thoughts coming soon!!!

April 29, 2014

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT! A KILLING NOTION BY MELISSA BOURBON

Title: A Killing Notion
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Author: Melissa Bourbon
Publisher: Penguin Group
Language: English
Pages: 320
Format: Ebook
Amazon –Barnes and Noble – Goodreads

Harlow Jane Cassidy is swamped with homecoming couture requests. If only she didn’t have to help solve a murder, she might get the gowns off the dress forms….

Harlow is doing everything she can to expand her dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows—without letting clients know about her secret charm. When she has a chance to create homecoming dresses with a local charity and handmade mums for several high school girls—including Gracie, whose father, Will, has mended Harlow’s heart—she is ready to use her magical talents for a great cause.

But when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder, Harlow knows things won’t be back on course until she helps Gracie clear the football player’s name. If Harlow can’t patch up this mess before the big game, her business and her love life might be permanently benched.

INCLUDES SEWING TIPS

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ABOUT MELISSA BOURBON

Melissa Bourbon, who sometimes answers to her Latina-by-marriage name, Misa Ramirez, gave up teaching middle and high school kids in northern California to write full-time amid horses and longhorns in north Texas. She is the author of the Magical Dressmaking Mystery series (A Custom-Fit Crime, Deadly Patterns, A Fitting End).

CONNECT & SOCIALIZE!

**TWITTER FACEBOOK WEBSITE**

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To Follow the tour schedule visit:

Pump Up Your Book Presents A Killing Notion Virtual Book Publicity Tour!

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Presented by:

Pump Up Your Book Presents A Killing Notion Virtual Book Publicity Tour!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today!!

April 28, 2014April 28, 2014

A visit with author Sue-Ellen Welfonder and a giveaway!

Hello Everyone! Many thanks to WendyK and April for hosting me today. To Love A Highlander, Scandalous Scots #1, releases tomorrow, Apr. 29th, and I’m delighted to celebrate at My Book Addiction and More.

A TEMPTING PROPOSITION

As one of the bastards born to the Stirling court, Sorley the Hawk has never known his mother or father. It’s a burning quest he has devoted himself to uncovering at any cost. But as a roguish warrior who serves at the pleasure of the King, his prowess-both on the battlefield and in his bedchamber-is legendary. So when a flame-haired Highland lass sneaks into his quarters with a tantalizing proposition, he can’t resist taking her up on her offer . . .

AN UNQUENCHABLE DESIRE

Lady Mirabelle MacLaren will do anything to keep from marrying her odious suitor, even sully her own good name. And who better to despoil her than his sworn enemy, the one they call “Hawk?” As they set about the enjoyable task of ruining her reputation, Hawk and Mirabelle soon learn that rebellion never tasted so sweet.

~*~*~

Mini-Excerpt from To Love A Highlander

Set-Up: Sorley and Mirabelle have met up in the castle chapel to discuss the finer points of the proposition she’s made him…

Mira FINAL - To Love A Highlander belle swallowed, unable to help herself. “You are a charmer.”

A slow smile curved Sorley’s lips. A darkly seductive smile, as unsettling as how he’d let his gaze slide oh-so-suggestively up and down her body. Yet his boldness made her pulse leap. It also warmed her in indecent places. She touched a hand to her breast, feeling both hot and dizzy despite the chill dampness of the chapel.

He stepped closer, giving her the distinct impression he’d pounce if she so much as blinked. “I am fond of women, aye.”

“So I have heard.” She kept her head raised, resisted the urge to wipe her palms against her cloak.

“Are you nervous?”

“I am relieved.” She spoke true, just not admitting she was indeed jittery. Her emotions were running higher than ever before.

She was also sharply aware of every ruggedly alluring inch of him. Including the oh-so-virile bulge she could see through the edges of his cloak. The glow of a wall sconce slanted right there, proving that he wasn’t just a tall, strapping man, powerfully-built and good-looking.

He was also just as well-lusted as the court ladies claimed.

Sorley the Hawk wanted her.

And he was already prepared to do exactly what she’d asked of him.

~*~*~
Read More by purchasing TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Amazon
BN

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To Love A Highlander is more than just the first full-length book of my new Scandalous Scots series. (Scandalous Scots launched in Dec. 2013 with my holiday e-novella, Once Upon A Highland Christmas.) This story stands out as a book of firsts in my writing career, and that makes Sorley and Mirabelle’s tale extra-special for me.

I always visit My Book Addiction and More at release time, a tradition I love and enjoy so much. For that reason, I save really special tidbits to share here. Things not revealed anywhere else. Today is no exception as I haven’t yet mentioned the ‘firsts’ associated with To Love A Highlander and Scandalous Scots.

Are you curious?

I hope so! And I’ll not keep you waiting…

Scandalous Scots is my first series about heroes who are not chieftains. Some readers may point out that Sir M of Bride of the Beast was not a laird or chieftain, but if you read his book, you’ll know he soon became one, within a very few pages of his story. That isn’t so with Sorley the Hawk, hero of To Love A Highlander. And it isn’t so with the other three heroes of the 4.5 book series.

These heroes are bastards, quite literally. They’ve had a rough time of it, pasts that have been anything but privileged. And they emerged greater men for these early hardships. They’re the medieval equivalent of self-made men and they’re proud, bold, and roguish. Women adore them and with good reason: they are incredible lovers! But they aren’t lairds or chieftains. They were born at the royal court of Stirling Castle.

And that brings me to another first…

To Love A Highlander is set at a real castle, Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top historical landmarks. Again, many readers will know that my popular MacKenzie series uses Eilean Donan Castle as a setting. But I changed the name to Eilean Creag in the series. In every book until now, I’ve created my own fictional castle settings. Sure, I base these castles on real ones, or a combination of actual castles and strongholds that I know and love in Scotland. But I’ve never written an actual, existing castle as a setting. Until now. The story wouldn’t have worked otherwise. Readers can learn more about Stirling (and how I chose to write it) in my Author’s Note at the back of the book.

Another first is that a few of the characters are actual historical personages. Yes, I did this to a degree in my Highland Warriors trilogy. But not to the extent I’ve used actual historical people in To Love A Highlander. These characters (associated with the royal court) appear in subsequent Scandalous Scots books and have an integral role in the stories. I’ve never done that before. My reason for avoiding this has been because, loving Scottish medieval history as much as I do, I love these people. The real ones. The men and women who lived and breathed and were just as real as you and I today. I felt ‘unworthy’ to put words into their mouths, actions and physical movement to bodies long turned to dust.

I did not believe I could do them justice and had too much respect for them to risk portraying them poorly.

So I really had to wrestle with myself to put these people into the pages of To Love A Highlander. When you meet them, I hope you’ll agree that I treated them well and with the honor and respect they deserve.

There are several other firsts, but I will only share one more.

A very special first: Little Heart, the stray kitten in To Love A Highlander.

All my books have animal characters, but the main ones are usually dogs. I chose a feral kitten for this book because I learned of a wee feral kitten who was brutalized by playground bullies. One boy was a hero, seizing the kitten so he could be rushed to a vet clinic. The good souls there tried valiantly to save the kitten, but he died of his injuries several days later.

This kitten was called Little Heart, after the heart stitched onto his body bandaging.

Little Heart’s tragedy upset me so much that I decided to put him into this story, giving him to the heroine, Mirabelle, and letting him enjoy the happy ending I so wish he’d found in real life. To Love A Highlander is dedicated to the real Little Heart so that he is remembered always. And I will be donating a portion of this book’s royalties to my favorite cat rescue organization, Alley Cat Allies.

Whether you are a long-time reader of my books, or a first-time reader, I hope you will enjoy To Love A Highlander!

WendyK and April, thank you so much for letting me celebrate this new release with you. It’s always such a pleasure to be here.

*Here,I, WendyK want to put in that it’s always an honor and pleasure to have Sue-Ellen with us!*

Everyone else, thank you for stopping by! One reader will win a copy of To Love A Highlander, ebook or paper, your choice. If you read and enjoy the story, please tell your friends and help me spread word about Scandalous Scots. I’d really appreciate it.

*Giveaway above is from Sue-Ellen Welfonder*

Ice breaker ~ Who rules at your house: pet(s) or you?

Find me online at:

Sue-Ellen Welfonder: Book News Only

http://tartaninkafterhours.wordpress.com/

http://alliemackay.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SueEllenWelfonderAuthor

Mailing List: Sign-Up Here

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SE_Welfonder

Tartan Ink: All Things Celtic, Highland Magic, Kilties, & Other Neat Things

http://tartaninkblog.wordpress.com/

Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s bio (unofficial):

I’m proudly old-fashioned, listen to classical and New Age music as I write, I live, breath, and dream medieval Scotland, and enjoy living quietly. Shabby chic suits me better than glitz and glam. Hate shopping except bookstores and thrift shops. I believe in Highland magic and love whimsy. I’m also convinced some people are born out of time and place, and am sure I’m one of them.

If I wasn’t writing, I’d be out in the field fighting for animal rights, rescuing stray cats and dogs, saving whales and seals, hugging trees, and going ghost-hunting, always searching for a time portal to sweep me out of this world and back to medieval Scotland.
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*Now for our, MBA’s, giveaway*

We are giving away ONE EBOOK only copy of ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by Sue-Ellen Welfonder to one lucky reader. In order to win just tell us, do you have a favorite pet charity? How do you support it?

And we’re going to give away one $10 gift card to Amazon, so you can purchase your own copy of TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER by Sue-Ellen Welfonder and help support Alley Cat Allies! To enter this giveaway just ask Sue-Ellen ANYTHING. It’s up to you to ask the question just comment below with your question and you’ll be entered to win.

*All Giveaways on this post end May 2nd, 2014. MBA is NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN, MISDIRECTED, OR OTHERWISE NOT RECEIVED PRIZE WINS.*

April 26, 2014April 24, 2014

SECONDARY CHARACTERS IN “UNCHAINED MEMORIES” BY MARIA IMBALZANO~ WITH GIVEAWAY

We are excited to have with us today….

Maria Imbalzano

{UNCHAINED MEMORIES}

Welcome, Maria……

Secondary Characters in “Unchained Memories” by Maria Imbalzano

Secondary characters are just as important to the story as the hero and heroine. When I’m creating my secondary characters, I figure out their goal, motivation and conflict as it relates to the hero or heroine.
In “Unchained Memories”, the two most important secondary characters are Renee, Charlotte’s sister, and Matt, Clay’s best friend.

Sister relationships are always full of conflict and drama and the sisters in “Unchained Memories” are no different. When Charlotte and Renee were younger, they were best friends growing up in a loving household. They played together, shared secrets, clothes and dreams. But then tragedy struck and their parents died in a car crash that also injured Charlotte. Being the younger sister, a senior in high school, she was alone during her stay in the hospital and rehab. Renee was in college at the time, and did not take over the role of parent or nurturer. This affected Charlotte greatly, and the deep-seated resentment over this is clear in the beginning of the story.

Although Charlotte disrupts her life to return to her hometown of Princeton when Renee’s husband dies suddenly of a heart attack, she continually acknowledges to herself that Renee had not been there for her when she needed her. At first, Charlotte doesn’t raise the issue with Renee, who is not only grieving the loss of her husband, but trying to be in the present for her two young children. But after a while, Charlotte can no longer keep silent and the anger, resentment and blame come out. Charlotte and Renee have a lot to work through during “Unchained Memories” and the conflict between them adds heightened emotion to the story.

While Clay has several siblings, two brothers and two sisters, I did not use any one of them as the main secondary character, although they all have a role in the story. Matt is Clay’s best friend and colleague at the hospital. They are both ER doctors, having met during their internship at Nassau General Hospital. Matt is recently divorced and jaded about relationships. He gives Clay a hard time about dating Charlotte and hones in on the fact that Charlotte is a medical malpractice lawyer, the bane to their existence as doctors. Matt is a constant buzz in Clay’s ear to ditch the enemy before it’s too late, advice Clay doesn’t want to hear.

Although Matt tries to interfere with Clay’s love life and touts the benefits of serial dating, when Matt meets Renee, his own counsel seems to fall by the wayside.

Secondary characters have just as much depth as main characters, although they have less page time. The challenge is to make the readers care just as much about them as they do the hero and heroine. I have had many people ask me if I am now writing Renee and Matt’s story because they want to know what happens with them. I am thrilled that readers care, and once I finish my work in progress, I plan to explore their story.

What a fascinating tale! I think secondary characters help to move the story along. Thanks for taking a Saturday, to spend time with us and our readers today!!

We wish you all the luck and great success with in your writing career!

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Blurb:

As a rising medical malpractice attorney, Charlotte Taylor believes in standing up for the injured, giving them a voice, and advocating for their rights. She couldn’t do it for her mother, so she does it for others, even if it means losing the love of her life.

Dr. Clayton Montgomery believes in working hard and playing even harder, until he reconnects with Charlotte. Barely noticing her crush when he tutored her ten years ago, Clay has a chance to make up for lost time when the beautiful lawyer comes back into town…until he discovers her chosen career path.

Now, philosophical differences soon become a reality and Charlotte is faced with the choice of representing a client against the hospital and against Clay. Will Charlotte give up her career and her tribute to her mother for a second chance with the man who got away?

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Unchained-Memories-Maria-Imbalzano-ebook/dp/B00FDZ6HWM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398343141&sr=8-1&keywords=unchained+memories

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About the author:

I was born in Trenton, NJ , in the heart of Chambersburg, the Italian section of town. My father was a barber and my mother, a State employee, who also taught me to jitterbug at the tender age of four. We loved to dance in the living room while watching American Bandstand. Hardly star material, but I was driven nonetheless. The product of a Catholic School education, I learned the basics, and took for granted I would be successful doing something, even if it entailed cutting hair. I attended Rutgers University as a psychology major, but after three years decided I liked political science better. My first job led me to Manhattan where I worked as a paralegal for four years before attending Fordham University School of Law. There I learned to think like a lawyer, write like a lawyer, and speak like a lawyer, all while living like a pauper in the city of my dreams. Living in New York City, albeit on a tight budget, allowed me to indulge my love of ballet, art museums, and theater. Did you know you could walk into a theater after intermission and no one checks your ticket? I enjoyed the second half of many plays as well as ballets.

My love of reading dates back to my childhood when I would borrow at least four books from the library every week. During the summer, I would sit in the house and read, until my mother, totally frustrated, would send me outside to play and lock me out. I always found my way back in. However, I must confess, I hated to write. In every English and writing class throughout college, I dreaded trying to be creative. As a friend from law school so aptly put it, “The reason why we’re here is because we don’t have a creative bone in our bodies.” I agreed.

Despite my dislike of creative writing back then, I embraced legal writing, and was first published in Volume 5 of the Fordham International Law Journal. My article was entitled “In re Mackin: Is the Application of the Political Offense Exception an Extradition Issue for the Judicial or Executive Branch?” I would advise you against reading it, for you will surely fall asleep.

Following law school, I returned to central New Jersey and took a job at a local law firm where I have been a partner for many years. My area of practice is divorce, and while emotions run high and clients are living through the worst time of their lives, I find the practice very satisfying. In addition to litigation, I have added mediation and collaborative divorce to my repertoire, which are much more civil ways of dealing with issues in family law cases.

In addition to practicing law and raising two daughters, I’ve been working towards my second career. Memoranda of Law and Legal Briefs, although fascinating, pale in comparison to writing romance/women’s fiction. So how does one transition from divorce lawyer by day to romance writer by night? That’s the beauty of having two distinct passions.

CONNECT & SOCIALIZE!

Website: http://www.mariaimbalzano.com/

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~GIVEAWAY ALERT~

(Sponsored by the author and/or publicist)

Thanks to Babs, we are offering 1 lucky commenter a chance to win a digital copy of UNCHAINED MEMORIES.

Giveaway will run from April 26 until May 2, 2014.

*NOTE: You will need to re-visit the site to see if you won or not, than you have 48 hours to contact me, AprilR, at [email protected], or forfeit your prize*

GOOD LUCK!

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Please help us spread the word! If you get the chance leave a review, authors love hearing from readers!!

HAPPY SPRING!!

April 25, 2014April 10, 2014

BIRTHDAY WISHES TO MOLLY!!

WE AT MBA&M WISH MOLLY A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOLLY!!

From the staff at MBA&M

April 24, 2014April 23, 2014

WHERE WAS GOD? SHEILA L. JACKSON….BLOG TOUR WITH REVIEW….

Title: Where Was God? (Their Hearts Burned to be Together)
Genre: Christian Fiction Romance Suspense
Author: Sheila L. Jackson
Publisher: Concerning Life Publishing
Pages: 226
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Where Was God? Fayth Angelica Hope, questioned after the death of her father. Reared by a mother who could give, Cruella Deville, a run for her money as, “The Queen of Mean,” Fayth turns her back on the church, her faith, and love. She believed, no, just and merciful God would have abandoned her to the harsh brutality of her mother’s iron fist. Her emotional and spiritual scars run deep, lasting into adulthood.

As a promising investigative reporter, she decides to change her name. Her given name of Fayth has more curses attached to it than blessings. She hopes the switch to Angelica will give her the clean slate she desires.

Assigned to investigate financial advisor Jasion McCoy, Angelica goes in determined to expose him for embezzlement. She hopes the story will advance her career as one of the top reporters across the country. Instantly, there is an attraction. But she hides her feelings from him. After a series of missteps, broken heartedness, and rejections in her past, she buries the notion of any man, especially a man of his caliber, ever loving her. With the evidence stacked against him, she believes his only interest in her, is to keep from going to prison.

Top-notch financial advisor Jasion McCoy is in the middle of an embezzlement scheme. When Angelica Hope shows up in his office, he knows he’s in trouble. She is one of the hottest investigative reporters in Port City and now she’s gunning for him. How can Jasion convince her that he is innocent? And how can he hold back his feeling for the woman who’s out to do him in?

226 pp.

Buy Link:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Where-Was-God-Sheila-Jackson/dp/0988922584/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

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BOOK EXCERPT:

Twelve-year-old Fayth Angelica Hope sat motionless next to her aunt as the mourners flooded the Saint Gabriel Baptist Church fellowship hall. She rolled her red, puffy eyes heavenwards as she tried to make sense of her father’s death. Bursts of laughter jolted her senses. What is so funny, she thought? The grieving faces she had seen earlier now beamed with excitement. Stories and jokes about her father’s life filtered throughout the small, stuffy room, which sent flames shooting from her nostrils.

“My father is dead and these people are celebrating,” Fayth cried as anger continued to well up inside her petite frame. Shaking her head in disbelief, she collapsed onto her aunt’s broad shoulder, giving in to the tears that tugged at her heartstrings.

“That’s what people do after funerals, baby. They remember the dead,” Beatrice said, cuddling her arm around her distraught niece. “Your dad was a good man.”

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Sheila Jackson Sheila L. Jackson lives with her family in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is an anointed speaker, teacher, and writer that utilize her gifts to carry the Word of God to those in need of spiritual soul food. Sheila has penned two, inspirational non-fiction books, The Enemy Within and Through the Eyes of God. She has also written several inspirational and social articles for a local newspaper and magazine.

Her latest book is the Christian fiction romance suspense, Where Was God? (Their Hearts Burned to be Together).

For more information about this author and books, visit her website at www.sheilaljackson2.com.

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FOLLOW THE TOUR:

Pump Up Your Book Presents Where Was God Virtual Book Publicity Tour

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Presented by:

Pump Up Your Book:

www.PumpUpYourBook.com

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MY THOUGHTS:

WHERE WAS GOD? by Sheila L. Jackson is an exciting Inspirational Romantic Suspense set in Port City, Louisiana. Meet, Fayth Angelica Hope, her mother,Cruella Deville(“The Queen of Mean”), and Jasion McCoy, a financial advisor.

Fayth, after being reared by a cruel mother, starts to use her middle name, Angelica, thinking this will help her get a new start, as an investigative reporter. Her mother is cruel and brutal, leaving Angelica with emotional and spiritual scars.

Jasion MCoy, is a financial advisor, who is caught in the middle of an embezzlement scheme. Is he innocent or guilty of embezzlement? This is what Angelica intends to find out and expose the truth.

Together, the two find sparks, broken hearts may be able to heal, forgiveness, healing, hope, mystery, suspense, danger, faith and the power of love.

Don’t let the title stop you from reading this fast paced, well written tale of finding love, redemption, rescuing and healing hearts. The characters are engaging, the storyline is powerful and interesting. A great debut by this author, and one to watch out for in the future. A great tale to be sure and one I enjoyed. If you enjoy Romantic Suspense, a psychological Thrillers, and finding love, than you will enjoy “Where Was God?”. A complex tale of healing and forgiveness. Well done, Ms. Jackson. I hope to read more from this author. Received for an honest review from the publicist and/or author.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

April 23, 2014

MATURE CONTENT WARNING! RAVAGE ME~ RYAN MICHELE~

Title: Ravage Me

Author: Ryan Michele

Synopsis

After spending the last two years stuck behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, Harlow ‘Princess’ Gavelson’s time inside has finally come to an end, and she’s ready for revenge. Unfortunately, being the daughter to the Vice President of the Ravage Motorcycle Club cuts into her plans, as orders must be followed. Trying to settle back into this life is proving difficult when the tables are turned and the woman who framed her is out for blood. Lucky for Princess, growing up in a MC has taught her how to hold her own.

After spending years in hell overseas, Donavon ‘Cruz’ came home to lose the very thing he went into hell for, sending him to the darkest moments of his life. Joining Ravage two years ago was his safe haven, and he protects his family at all costs.

When a dark-haired bombshell struts into the club’s shop, he’s caught off guard but immediately knows she’s the one he’d do anything for. Tough as nails, and taking no crap from anyone, he’s captivated by a woman who could handle this life. Trying to meet the needs of the MC business and follow his heart proves to be difficult when the two collide, and lives are at stake.

Can these two find a way to be together, or will the needs of Ravage cost them everything, including their lives?

*Contains mature content including, sex and violence. Mature audiences only.*

Purchase Links:

Amazon • Barnes and Noble

About the Author

I’m a mom and a wife who works full time. I have a huge obsession with collecting paperbacks and reading. Becoming an author, wasn’t exactly what I set out to do, it just happened. I needed something to help me get rid of the feeling of being ‘just a mom’ or ‘just a wife’ that was consuming me and writing became that outlet. My book(s) cover some tough issues which are hard for some readers to digest. I am grateful for every single one of you who read my books.

Facebook | Goodreads | Ryan’s Website | Twitter

April 23, 2014

THE FIRST SERIES BY DAWNE DOMINIQUE

Eden‘s Hell, I: The First

Eden's Hell 7 In the beginning…

God created man and called him Adam, a fine specimen replicated in his own image. He then created woman to ease Adam’s loneliness and named her Lillith. Unfortunately, God realized his mistake too late in giving woman free will, for she would rule her domain-not man. When Lillith left Adam, God created another for his first-born son, and gave her the name Eve and a kingdom called Eden, but by then it was too late, for he’d unleashed Hell into the world of man.

Purchase your copy:

Dark Dairy, II: The First

The lives of a deranged serial killer, a seven centuries old First vampire and a City of Winnipeg detective collide in this second novel of Dawné Dominique’s The First series. Daniella Rolfe, a seven-century old First vampire is unwittingly drawn together with a City of Winnipeg detective, who happens to be investigating a string of some rather bizarre serial murders. It doesn’t take long for her to discover that this mere mortal man holds more power over her than any she’s ever known. And Aiden…he’s only dreamed about women like Daniella. Blood battles and broken vows are just the beginning of Daniella Rolfe’s woes.

Purchase your copy:

Kindred Blood, III: The First

There is nothing thicker—or stronger—than kindred blood.

Being married in Scotland sounds like the perfect romantic getaway, doesn’t it? For Daniella Rolfe and Aiden Blackmore, the nightmare they’d left behind was just the beginning. When Aiden is kidnapped, Daniella will go to any lengths to ensure he’s brought safely back to her, no matter the amount of blood to be shed. Together with Spencer Dalton, a private investigator she hired to help find Aiden, they begin to unravel more than they bargained for.

Broken vows are the least of Daniella’s worries now.

Purchase your copy:

Crimson Cries, IV: The First

Can she leave behind her past in order to do what’s necessary for the future?

When Paladin Sandalio, prince of the vilkacis race, shows up at her door with the same cryptic warnings as her father, Daniella Rolfe has no choice but to believe the Nuasiar Nine walk the world again. With vamps and wolves dying side-by-side, and innocents caught in the crossfire, she knows it won’t be long before the veils are set asunder. Trusting those she’s detested for centuries is no easy task, but learning that entities like them were not created by accident will be the greatest challenge of all.

New vows will be taken—now she will show them real fear.

Purchase your copy:

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Meet the author:

A multi-published and award-nominated author of paranormal erotic romance and fantasy, Dawné Dominique’s novels instantly hook readers until that last page is read.

Although published in the US, she’s a Canadian author through and through. The second novel of her vampire series, Dark Diary, II: The First, is set in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she resides with her family, and Gunkers, a stray cat she recently saved, and Chumbly, their newest addition to the feline household.

She embraces life with one simple rule: “Everything in life happens for a reason, be it good or bad, and it’s because of this we learn to never take anything for granted.”

Her latest books are in The First Series: Eden’s Hell, Dark Dairy, Kindred Blood and Crimson Cries.

Drop by to pay her visit at: www.dawnedominique.com or www.DusktildawnDesigns.com.

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