*NEW COVER* "Finding Home" by Ann Vaughn

Title: Finding Home

Author: Ann Vaughn

Release Date: November 4, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Former Army Ranger Colt Harris wasn't looking for love but one day during lunch, it found him. Her name was Sarah. As cliched as it was, time stood still and all he could see was her. Her laughter filled his senses and he was gone. He knew his life was about to change. Sarah Sauter was used to being alone. She lost her parents when she was eighteen and after a bad experience with love, had given up on ever finding it again. Since then, her life had been all about surviving. Little did she know that when she went to lunch with her co-workers, she would meet a man who would literally turn her world upside down. When Colt steps into Sarah's life, he finds that things with her aren't exactly as they appear to be. Deeply hidden secrets in her past begin to resurface, dropping Colt and Sarah in the middle if a nearly twenty-seven year old mystery. It will take all of Colt's strength, patience and resolve Finding Home for Sarah.

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

http://animoto.com/play/r800Cy931b6LJfCfr19P0Q

Interview with Stuart Reardon

Hi, Stu.  First let me say, I am beyond thrilled that you agreed to be the face of my character, Colt Harris for the cover of Finding Home.  As I've told you, I saw a picture of you a couple of years ago and the whole character of Colt sprang to life from that, which is something that I've never done before.  I've always had the character in my head and then searched for someone who fit.   I am beyond thrilled that the very man who inspired the character has agreed to represent him on my cover.  So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for that.

Thank you.  I'm very flattered I was always the character in your book.  And thank you for choosing me for the cover, I really hope the book does great for you :) x

I know that you are first and foremost a rugby player and athlete.  What made you decide to go into modeling?  I sort of just fell into modeling.  I think being in sports and in good shape fits really well with modeling, and fitness modeling in particular.  Being in professional sports already had me in great shape, so stepping into fitness modeling was an easy transition.

What's the most unusual pose you've been asked to do?  No really unusual poses to date that stick out in my mind.  Some of the action shots are tough as it takes time to capture the right shot, so may have to do the same thing over and over again.

Another question I know everyone is always asking: is there any particular meaning behind your awesome tattoo?  Do the symbols represent something, or was it just a design you said, Hey, that looks cool, I want that? I got my tattoo when I was recovering from a really tough Achilles tendon injury.  I had a couple of operations to finally get it right, so it was during that time that I worked out the design with the tattooist and he did the magic.  I have always been interested in Tribal designs and culture, so the tattoo reflects that, and it reminds me of that really tough 14 month period in my life: the really low points which made me strong and determined, and a high point when I finally got back fit to play super league again after 14 months of recovery and rehab.

I've heard tattoos are addictive.   Will you get more or are you done?  Yes, tattoos are very addictive, I think I may get some more in the future but I've not decided yet.

I know you come to the States for modeling jobs, where all have you been? Yes, I've been to a couple of places in the States, NYC, Miami and LA.

Where have you not gone but would like to?   I would love to visit Vegas.  America is a huge country so I'm sure there are loads of beautiful places to visit.

For me, because I'm a Native Texan, I have to ask: have you been to Texas? I have not but I would love to visit Texas :)

How does it feel to be a muse for a character in a book? I'm very flattered to be your muse for Finding Home.  It's a pleasure to be liked :)

When I was looking through pictures of you on the Internet, I came across one where you were holding a guitar.  I grew up a Band Geek and love music of all kinds and try to incorporate it in my books when I can.  That picture inspired a whole scene in the book, where Colt is stressed about something and picks up his guitar and is idly playing while talking to his girlfriend, Sarah.  Do you play?   Yes, I play the guitar, not really well, though, I'm still learning.  I'm a beginner so it's a working process.

Later in the scene, he sings to her.  Do you sing? I try to sing but I'm not the best at that either.  I need to practice more  {Ann: I'm sure all the ladies are feeling what I am right now: *swoon*!!!  Stu singing!  *sigh* ;)}

OK, now let's get personal.  Are you ready for this?  I'll make it as painless as possible.  Lightning round:

Are you right or left-handed? Right

What's your favorite food? Steak or chicken

Favorite drink (non-alcoholic) Sparkling water

Favorite drink (alcoholic) Corona

Favorite car? Land Rover Sport

Motorcycles? Harley Davidson

Favorite color? Black

Favorite movie? Anchorman

Favorite TV show? Walking Dead/Game of Thrones

Favorite actor? Gerard Butler

Favorite actress? Eva Mendes

Favorite type of music: rock, pop, techno, metal, country, rap, hip hop? A bit of everything

Favorite song? Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

Favorite band/group? Kings of Leon

Favorite singer? Ed Sheering

Snow in the mountains/sun on the beach? Sun on the beach everyday

Cats/dogs/neither? Neither; I don't have time for pets

Nike/UnderArmor/Other? Nike

Favorite sport OTHER than rugby? Boxing

Favorite team? North Wales Crusaders - My Team, ha

Favorite American sport? (if any) American football

Favorite American team? (if any) NY Jets

Boxing or MMA? Boxing, but I like both, as both are really tough sports

watching TV, snuggle together or give you your space? Watching TV or movies: cuddles with Em

walking with your girlfriend, hold her hand, your hand on her back, arm around her shoulders or waist, or don't touch at all? Holding hands or no touch at all

Would your girlfriend say you are a Pushover or Alpha male? It's 50/50 I guess.  We have give and take or it wouldn't work.  I'm an Alpha male but a pushover if she's upset

Boxers/briefs/commando?  (lol, kidding!  You don't have to answer that!) All 3, it depends on the situation :)

Thank you so much for taking time to indulge the silly writer!  And thank you, again, for what I'm sure by now is the millionth time I've said it, but thank you for being so great with all this and for sharing your time and your picture with me and my readers!  You're welcome anytime :) x

Ann Vaughn is a Native Texan now living in Oklahoma. Writing has always been a comfort and a release for her, though she never expected to be published. It wasn't until a conversation with her husband about the rise of eBooks that she decided to try her hand at self-publishing. It was scary and exciting and ever since the release of her first book, Long Way Home on August 7, 2013. She now has three books available for purchase through Amazon, Long Way Home, Finding Home and A Home for Christmas, with the fourth and final book in the Home Series, Finally Home, releasing on March 10, 2014. In December 2013, Ann was named to Amazon's Romance Editor's List of Fan Picks for Top Debut Author. When not at her desk, lost in the world of the Home Series, Ann can usually be found at the ballparks watching her son's high school baseball games, or her daughter's softball or soccer games...or chasing after her energetic Border Collie puppy!

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads

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On sale for only $.99!

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*INTERVIEW & PROMO* "Modogamous" by Karen E. Martin

 

Newest release:

“Modogamous,” released in December 2013. It’s a Romantic Comedy of the Chick Lit variety. I’m also working on a spin-off novella, due out this spring, and I hope to complete a sequel by the end of the year. 

Kate Adams has a steady job, a home she loves in the big city, and good friends who always keep her laughing. Everything is going great—until the night she crosses the line with her best friend Mitch, and the boundaries between friendship and love begin to blur. Things get even more complicated when hunky JP enters the scene. Add to the mix a spunky little pug, and things start to get crazy! “I was hooked from the moment I began reading!” ~ “Fast paced, well written, and laugh out loud funny!” 

eBook/paperback: http://www.tinyurl.com/qesto7k

Signed paperback: http://karenemartin.com/blog/books/

 

So, tell us a little bit about yourself…

Born and raised in the Midwest, where I currently reside again after 10 years of globetrotting. I was an English teacher/teacher-trainer for many years in places like Morocco, Jordan, Washington, D.C., Romania, San Francisco, Dominica, and Mauritania. Now, I work full-time as a freelance writer, mostly for educational companies (writing textbooks, lesson plans, etc.). I enjoy my work, as it allows me to use my education and experience in a productive way. Not to mention, I get to do it from home in my pajamas!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t think there was an “aha” moment. I’ve always been a writer, even when I was doing some other job or going to school. I’ve written stories and kept journals since high school. That’s probably when I first realized that I could spin a decent story. Career wise, I finally decided to make the leap into freelance writing after a few years as an editor at a publishing house. I realized I could make a living writing, rather than just tweaking and revising what other people had written. Now I’m hoping to be able to spend more time writing books and less time taking on freelance projects. It would be a dream come true to be able to support myself solely by my books someday.

Can you relate to your characters?

Absolutely. In fact, the hardest part for me is writing characters I can’t relate to—creeps, for example. I really have to step back and put myself into the character’s mindset, remembering that he/she would not react in the same way that I would if I were faced with the same situation. For me, it’s easier to write about characters who think like I do, but every character needs to be his or her own person, so I try to stay away from regurgitating my own thoughts and attitudes too much through the characters.

What’s the hardest part for you while writing?

Probably plotting. I’m a bit of a pantser (someone who flies by the seat of their pants while writing), rather than a plotter. This presented a challenge in writing “Modogamous,” and I had to do a lot of cutting and rewriting to get rid of scenes or plot twists that just didn’t fit into the story line. I’m working on changing this habit a bit with the writing of my second book, a novella due out this spring. I outlined most of the plot before getting started, still leaving wiggle room for the characters to surprise me. So far, it’s been working out well.

What’s the biggest compliment you could receive as an author?

“I can’t wait to buy your next book!”

Do you have any quirks that help you write? Music, snacks? What kind?

I write in absolute silence. If I need to have music or sound in order to drown out the neighbors’ leaf blowers or barking dogs, it has to be instrumental, foreign, or the sounds of nature (I like listening to rainstorms, for example). I can’t listen to anything with words, or my mind automatically zeroes in on the lyrics, and it affects (or prevents) my flow of writing.

What was your favorite book as a child?

C.S. Lewis’ “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” Even though I loved all of the books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, this one was my favorite. The idea of going on a voyage of discovery really captured my imagination; it appealed to my growing wanderlust and my desire to explore and learn. The steadfast character of Reepicheep embodied that spirit of adventure for me and was an inspiring role model of someone who never gave up chasing his dreams, no matter how far-fetched they seemed.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Don’t wait! If you want to write, start now. Even if you only write 100 words a day, that’s 36,500 words in a year—enough for two novellas, or about half of a full-length novel. Some authors get their toes wet with a blog or on Wattpad, both good ways to get your writing out there and get some feedback/start growing a fan base.

Which brings me to my second piece of advice: don’t wait until your book is finished to start building your platform. That means social networking of some sort, in whatever form you choose. After all, once you’ve finished your book, you’ve got to have someone to tell about it. It’s true that some authors don’t do much social networking, but the scuttlebutt around the water cooler is that those authors don’t sell many books, either. A good place to start is by joining Facebook groups catering to books, indie authors, and/or your genre. You will find many supportive writers out there who are willing to help you learn the ropes, who will offer critiques, and so on. Good luck!

Thank you SO much for taking the time out for an interview with I'll Be Reading! Absolutely ADORED your advice for aspiring authors!! 

 

https://www.facebook.com/karenmartinauthor

https://twitter.com/KarenEMartin1

http://www.pinterest.com/karenemartin1/karen-e-martin-author/

http://www.karenemartin.com/blog/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17856555-karen-e-martin

http://www.amazon.com/Karen-E.-Martin/e/B00GL664QG/

http://www.wattpad.com/user/KarenEMartin

*BLOG TOUR* + Review and GIVEAWAY - "Tug Of War" by K. Larsen

SUPER FUN giveaway going on at the bottom of this post ;)

Be sure to enter!!

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Impulsive, YES. Irresponsible, SURE. Necessary, PROBABLY. Going to end badly, most likely. Does any of that matter to me, no. I decided that I can't please everyone so this week my only goal is to please me. I’m a selfish cow but I can’t seem to help it. I’m Clara Lord. I own Bloodline’s Tattoo Parlor, have a filthy mouth, no filter and a really strong objection to bossy idiots, pet names and wealthy men.

You will hate me, love me or love to hate me but either way it doesn’t matter. Everything I touch turns to crap and it’s all my fault. See, I lived through hell. Then I escaped hell and carefully spent the next eight years crafting a perfect little life until Domini Napoli screwed it all up. Now nothings right. Everything’s wrong and all my secrets are coming out.

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So, tell us a little bit about yourself…

Well, that’s a loaded question!

Hm, alright, I am a wife, mother, sister, aunt and daughter…normal.

I hate touching dirty dishes but don’t mind clean ones. I am not supermom. I am not super anything actually haha. My birthday is my favorite holiday and it lasts a full month at the very least- yes I throw myself a big ol’ birthday party to celebrate!

I am scared shitless of moths, #truestory, there is even a video on Facebook to document that compliments of my kids and husband chasing me around with a HUGE moth. Not cool.

I might have a slight addiction to goat cheese, chocolate and cheesecake and I really love chocolate martinis.

I have five books published and people have probably only heard of 1 or 2… I’m working on that.

Tug of War is book 1 in the Bloodlines series- all stand alone books tho- so no worries- Objective (book 2) will be out in April 2014 and I freakin’  LOVE IT.

I actually have a friend who committed the Puke and Throw scene from Tug of War- god bless him- was quite possibly one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed.

The Harp- is hands down my favorite bar in Boston. (Also, The Zoo cover band is real- check them out ya’ll cause I ADORE THEM.)

Music is my muse, I play viola, piano and used to sing a bit growing up. I try to incorporate music into my books. Music, reading and writing are all passions of mine.

I’m not actually as boring as this answer makes me out to be- or, maybe I am?

What inspired you to write “Tug Of War”?

I was so bored with whiney, pushover female leads. Little good girl virgins saving the bad boy! Bleh! So, I took it upon myself to write a character who was not like that. She is selfish and flawed to the tenth degree and I love that about her. She also admits all that and is owns it- another thing I love about her.

Can you relate to your characters, specifically Clara?

I can relate to them, Clara’s friends are witty and sarcastic but always there for her. They try to lead her in the right direction and offer her support. I have that in life with my friends.

Clara- yes. Of course I relate. Ha! Women put immense pressure on themselves to live up to this perfect wife, GF, mother etc. standard. She blows all that out of the water without being a deadbeat. I strive to just live my life the way I want to- to not hold on too tightly to what others think. To just follow your heart and your gut and own your mistakes. Hell – we all make them!

Can you send me Sawyers phone number? (worth a shot right?)

Yes, I can.

540-218-3264

He is single and looking currently… but shh- don’t tell your hubs.

Hey guys, seriously, CALL -or- TEXT SAWYER!!, also.. its an entry into the rafflecopter below ;)

What’s the biggest compliment you could receive as an author?

I had the most wonderful comment posted to me on FB from a woman who read 30 Days/Committed, she said that the portrayal of the story touched her and really hit home and that I nailed the feelings and description of what the lead was going through.

It was touching, made me smile that I conveyed what I intended but sad that she’d experienced something like that. But the greatest compliment is when a reader says they ‘felt’ something. If my writing can invoke emotions- whether its hate, love, sadness, etc. then I’ve done my job!

Do you have any quirks that help you write? Music, snacks? What kind?

Music for sure- all the books have their own playlists on Spotify. Check them out! Outside of that not really. I like to stay in comfy clothes and write in my living room or at a diner and have lots of coffee.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Reading! Dessert! Umm… pedicures! Hahaha there are a lot I guess.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Write. If  you have stuff bubbling around in your head- start noting it. I email myself ideas as they hit so I can go back and compile them all into a story!

  

Quick! First word (or few words) to come to your mind when you hear….

Clara –  beautiful bitch, witty

Sawyer –  SWOON, Tatted

Dominic –  Handsome, sophisticated, domineering

Tattoo –  Flowering vines covering a back

Wealthy Man –  decadence, luxury

Plot Twist – MY LIFE

Butterfly – swallowtail, gothic

Happily Ever After – Prince Charming and Cinderella

Thank you for taking the time out to answer these! “Tug of War” is, hands down, a new favorite of mine. I’m a total sucker for massive twists, and surprise endings, along with “out of the norm” story lines, and you, my dear, COMPLETLEY nailed each one of those!

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"Tug of War" is an amazing out-of-the-norm story. If you're looking for an innocent girl, and an easy love story, this isn't it. This is real. It's not easy, it's heartbreaking sometimes, and everything falls into place at others. But it keeps you guessing until the very last second. 

Lets look at the characters:

Clara, a doesn't take shit from no one, bad ass, opinionated chick, who has an interesting life, and a devastating secret, who I completely adore because in many ways she mirrors myself. 

"I’m Clara Lord. I own Bloodline’s Tattoo Parlor, have a filthy mouth, no filter and a really strong objection to bossy idiots, pet names and wealthy men."

(and you my dear are officially my new book-soul-mate)

Then there's Sawyer, my new love, my new book boyfriend, my new favorite guy.. period. Sawyer has so much charisma, cares so deeply about Clara, and has woven himself into a very crucial part of her life.

"He kisses my head and I breathe a sigh of relief as the safety of Sawyer's arms washes over me. He knows all but one of my secrets. Hell, he's really the only person out there that even knows me anymore."

And then.. there's Dominic, the new guy, the rich guy, the guy who won't give up. I should note, that keeping in line with this out-of-the-norm story, that Dominic is an out-of-the-norm rich guy, in the sense that he is way more down to earth than he first comes off.. you'll see.

"The man doesn't give up easily and he sure knows how to keep my interested sparked, I'll give him that."

Now, add in Clara's two best friends, and you get the massive amount of humor involved in "Tug of War". 

" 'Cougars? Seriously, since when does thirty-two put you in cougar territory?' I chortle.

'When the boys hitting on you are a decade or more younger than you. Thats when,' she replies."

There's also another very special character, that MAKES this book what it is, but you'll have to read to find out more about her ;)

"Tug of War" kept me on my toes. It had twists I didn't see coming, and the ending is nothing like I have ever read before. Is it a love triangle? Yes, it is at times. Does it end badly?.. Well, don't they all? But does one MAJOR event bring the entirety of this story to its knees. Yes, 1000 times yes. 

You will keep guessing until the last page, and even then it's a half bitter sweet/half beautifuly happily-ever-after. I loved EVERY second of this book. I loved how it wasn't like the typical books I read, but it had every element that I want in a story. I adored the characters (AND I'm doing a super-mega-happy dance that Sawyer is getting his own book!!) Not only is the storyline amazing, but the writing is fantastic! I would highly HIGHLY recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more by K. Larsen.

Favorite Quote:

" 'When you touch me.. it dominates me. I feel an insatiable need to feel you. It's a reckless and demanding feeling. Like I can't control myself. Like I want you to decour me.' My voice is soft but steady. 'I've never felt so out of control.' "

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