Sunday 21 June 2015

Heartstrings by Kelli McCracken Promo Tour @kelli_mccracken



Heartstrings
by Kelli McCracken
Promo Tour

  
Add to GOODREADS



“You’ve suffered a terrible tragedy, Jo.” That’s what my doctor keeps telling me. All I know is that I’ve lost everything—my ability to play piano, six years of my life, my will to live…

The only thing keeping Jocelyn 'Jo' Hayes from falling apart is her brother, Brighton, whose past is sketchier than her mind. Brighton’s hiding secrets. He refuses to give Jo the answers she needs, but after she meets the mysterious Adam, she decides to keep secrets of her own.

As Jo’s recovery fluctuates, Adam’s purpose in her life grows more confusing. Then Paxton Carr shows up at her door. His resemblance to Adam sends Jo’s on a quest to discover the truth and regain her memories.

But the truth doesn’t always set someone free. Will Jo find the missing pieces of her memory and solve the riddle she calls life, or will the ugly truth destroy what’s left of her mind?





(FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED)





What people are saying about Heartstrings:

All I can say is Kelli McCracken blew my mind but in a good way. WOW! So AMAZING! ~ Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics

I am not new to Kelli McCracken's ability to create art with words...as having read the Soulmate series books, but I must say she blew me away with this book! Her characters are so real and simply become a part of your life from page one until the end...and linger after that. ~ Lara Lynn

This book has the most precious love story written. I would love to see it on the big screen. Without a doubt, Kelli is the Queen of Romance within a mystery package. She is especially my number one author for love stories. ~ Dee Archer


I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed this book. It's so full of emotion and keeps you guessing all the way through! I couldn't bare to stop reading, and devoured it in just one day! ~ Kim



Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I'm just a crazy lady who listens to the voices in her head and writes stories about these pesky people. lol. I've been writing since I was 13 years old (11 if you count poetry). I'm a chocolate connoisseur, professional percolator, and master in the art of procrastination. Some people say I have a sense of humor. Who'da thunk it? :-D

I write paranormal romance, though it's on the lighter side. The first book in my Soulmate Series was mistaken for a contemporary romance by a lot of readers. There's more of a paranormal element in the subsequent books. I do plan to write a few contemporary novels soon, but paranormal is my chosen genre.

Which writers inspire you?

Edgar Allan Poe is part of the reason I began writing. His work is dark but passionate. He knew how to hit a nerve with his readers. Stephen King inspires me as well. To me, he is one of those people who defines perseverance. The man received so many rejection letters early in his career but he kept writing and submitting his work until it made it into the right hands. Whenever I feel like giving up on writing, I think about what he went through. 

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Marlon Teixeira is a male model, so I'm not sure about his acting skill ;-) but visually, he makes a great Dylan McBride

Heaven Lewis is a tough one. I've always imagined Natalie Portman or Crystal Reed (ex Alison from Teen Wolf)

Cam Gigandet would make a great Layne Perry

When did you decide to become a writer?

I've always loved writing and reading. I've had an overactive imagination since I was a kid, but writing came into play through poetry when I was 11. I started writing stories at the age of 13. I decided to do this full time back in 2010 and published my debut novel in November of 2011.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

Believe it or not, I write quite a bit on my iPhone when I can't get to my laptop, which is where I do most of my writing.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I used to get an idea and just run with it, but with my last two books, I used on an outline. I did the same for my current work in progress. Not that characters like sticking to what I plan for them. Layne Perry is a prime example of this. He wasn't originally supposed to have such a huge part in this series, but when Dylan grew quiet, Layne didn't. His story came to the forefront.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

I've had a love affair with books even before I could read. I would sit with my picture books in my lap for hours, creating my own stories to match the illustrations. I love reading, though I don't get to do it as much as I used to. Some of my favorites are J R R Tolkien, Johanna Lindsey, PC & Kristin Cast, Amber Scott, Elena Gray, and Stephen King.

Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

If you mean by doing giveaways and contests, I'm not really sure. I think authors have a 50/50 shot in gaining a new reader this way. When it comes to free books on Amazon, the answer is no. When Amazon's Prime program began in late 2011, it created a buzz that drew in customers. But as more and more authors began using it, the site became saturated with free books. Most people who shop for free books never read them. I'm not saying everyone does this. I have a good friend who shops for free books to find new authors. It's a great way to discover a new author without having to pay for a book you may not like. But most people who get free books don't read them. It also opens up more piracy opportunities.

How do you relax?

Relax? What is this relax thing you speak of? lol. When I can find the time, I like taking walks or soaking in a long hot bath with a glass of wine. Whenever I release a book, I like to veg out with a movie marathon.

What is your favorite book and why?

I can't pick a favorite. I love PC & Kristin Cast's House of Night series and Johanna Lindsey's The Devil Who Tamed Her. Stephen King's Carrie is one of my all time favorites.

What is your favorite quote?

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” —Steve Jobs

What is your favorite movie and why?

Again, this is another hard decision. There a couple movies I could watch over and over.

1) Pretty Woman
2) He's Just Not That Into You
3) Dazed and Confused 

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

J. R. R. Tolkien. I love his work. His imagination was so vast. I'm envious.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don't go into this industry expecting to be a best seller. Go in with the idea of creating something that makes you happy then share it with the world. As long as you're happy with what you've created, no one else's opinions matter, and you will be faced with many opinions. 

Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

 I don't see much changing, other than having more published books. I'm in this for the long haul. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Funny you should ask that considering my characters have some superpowers of their own. ;-) I would have to say I'd want teleportation abilities. Imagine how much money you'd save in gas and car expenses. 

What secret talents do you have?

I'm ambidextrous. Oh, I read tarot cards too. 

Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before?

Greece and Ireland. Greece, because of the amount of history. Ireland, because of family heritage.

What is something you want to accomplish before you die?

Learn to play guitar

What does your writing process look like?

A hot mess. :) As scenes come to me, I take notes on my phone and usually transfer them to my computer when I have time. I use Scrivener to organize my notes and create my outlines. Once my outline is complete, or pretty close, I start writing. Sometimes I write before I do an outline. Either way, it gets me where I'm going. After I start writing, I'm a slave to the story from 7am to 4pm each day. I used to write around the clock, but having a family makes that impossible. I want time with my kids and husband too.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Aside from my kids? :) To me, it was taking control of my career. Being an indie author isn't easy by any means, but I like the fact that I have control of every aspect of my career. 

Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

I don't think so. When I first started, I had a little trouble with action scenes, but I think I've gotten better. I just write the story the way the characters tell it.

Did you learn anything from writing your books and what was it?

Yes. I learned that love is about more than being with someone. It's about the sacrifices you're willing to make for that person, not because you have to or it's expected, but because you want to.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I'm fortunate that I have a lot of supportive people. Naming one seems a bit unfair because I consider them a part of my team and without them, none of this would be possible. My two editors, my PA, and a few good friends are to me, on entity. My team.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Sure. I'd love to share it. Thank you for asking. This if from my newest release, Heartstrings:

It was gloomy, and cold, and the rain misting upon me was so light, it was as if I’d stumbled into a spider web, dragging it along with every step. The fog, like my confusion, thickened the further I walked. The constant whirling in the distance ignited my curiosity. I wasn’t sure what lie ahead, just out of view, but I knew it was something important, something that resulted from dire consequences.

The surrounding trees with their aggressive limbs slowed my progression. If not for them or the snow-covered ground, I would have sworn I was walking through sand. The snow wasn’t much better, and the trees… Each low hanging branch grabbed at my clothing like skeleton fingers, just as slim, and harsh, and terrifying.

I picked up my pace as best I could. My heart raced to the point I thought it would break free of the cage in which it was captured—my ribs. I wasn’t sure how I’d gotten here, or where here was, but I knew if I didn’t find my way out, I’d be lost in darkness forever.

Lights flickered in the distance. I hurried toward them though my head spun fiercely. The faster I moved, the more they grew out of reach. It was like being in a bad dream and seeing a door at the end of a tunnel. Despite how many steps I took, I never reached the end.

Screeching pieced my ears. The sky above was dark and dreary, but showed no signs of the owl I swore had made the noise. Yet the noise reoccurred, only louder—closer. Its sharp, crisp vibrations didn’t resemble an animal, but something mechanical. Perhaps it was a piece of heavy machinery. My father operated them all his life. I’d been to his job sites and knew the sound well. Still, something in me said I was wrong about the sound again.

The air grew tainted with smoke. It coupled with the putrid scent of something resembling burnt rubber. There was another scent I didn’t recognize, and it was worse than the former. I stumbled through the fog, desperate to find the source of the commotion, as well as the stench. Dread pumped through my veins. I had no clue what lie ahead. The fog wouldn’t dissipate, which left me fumbling my way through the snow.

What appeared to be the edge of my woodland purgatory loomed ahead. I would soon have answers. Just a little further to edge and—

The sound of metal twisting split the air. I fell to the ground, taking cover just as crunching echoed through the woods. Each heartbeat vibrated my chest. The amount of fear was insurmountable.

Though part of me wanted to stand up and drive forward into the unknown, I couldn’t. My joints froze, keeping my body still. The feeling that something terrible was happening wouldn’t fade. No matter how afraid I was of what was occurring just out of view, I needed answers.

Pushing myself back to a stand, I clung to a tree, gawking at the edge of the woods. More lights flickered. Each flash beckoned me forward until I couldn’t resist the urge to move. I crept closer, hoping my heart wouldn’t explode before I received the answers to my questions. And just as I stepped from the slumbering, snow filled woodlands, blackness entrapped me. And I fell.

My body twirled through a bottomless pit that pulled me further into its desperate nothingness. I grabbed and kicked about frantically. My last hope of finding something to stop me slipped away.

Then my body crashed into something hard. I lurched forward as my eyes flew open and the spinning stopped. My hands fisted the soft fabric beneath them. Once they came into view, a breath of relief filled my lungs.

I was home, safe and sound and tucked into my bed. The fabric was nothing more than my sheets, and the nothingness from which I’d came, a bad dream. Knowing as much provided me with a small sense of peace. But it didn’t last long. Despite the fact that I’d escaped the darkness of my subconscious, I was faced with one reality I didn’t want.

The answers I sought were still questions waiting to be unraveled. And the memories I longed to regain were still locked away in the part of my brain that refused to cooperate.

Tears warmed my cheeks before I buried my face into my pillow. And I wept. Uncontrollably. Profusely. Hopelessly…

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Time. There isn't enough hours in a day and I'm always struggling to find time to write some days because there is so much going on, both professionally and personally. This is why I take a lot of notes on my phone. ;-)

What book are you reading now?

I haven’t started a new book yet. I’m hoping to dig into the last two books of the House of Night Series by PC and Kristin Casts. I love those books.

What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

Paranormal romance is my favorite, but I do have a few contemporary romances planned. I write, for the most part, on the lighter side of paranormal. No vampires or shifters (though I do enjoy reading these types of books). My first book was mistaken for contemporary romance by a lot of readers. They got a big shock with book two. 

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

Always. They're so vivid to me anyway, especially Layne Perry.






Kelli McCracken spends most of her days in front of her computer, crafting her next novel. She loves to read and occasionally curls up with a good book. When she's not chauffeuring kids, cleaning house, or hog-tying unruly characters, she enjoys taking hikes, drinking coffee, or listening to music.

"I've learned that in life, you can never take anything too serious. Murphy's Law never fails, and if you spend your life trying to be perfect, you miss out on mishaps that can turn into miracles. Take time to appreciate life. It's gone before you know it."

Kelli lives with her husband and children in Eastern Kentucky. To learn more about the author, you can find her on Facebook or visit her website.






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Defender's Blood Series by A.K. Michaels Blog Tour @AvaKMichaels



Defender's Blood Series 
by A.K. Michaels
Blog Tour

Book 0.5: Vlad & Irina: Prequel

Synopsis:

Irina awakes, bound and beaten, in a cabin. A prisoner of a rogue Wolf. Her life is a living hell until she reaches the point where she longs for death to take her. 
Two powerful Vampires, Vlad and Zach, are on the hunt for this Wolf, and finding him ends in a bloody fight to the death. Only Zach's vast Vampire abilities alert them to Irina's whereabouts. They find her, bloodied and broken...and newly turned. 

With no other option, they take the young woman to their home, Unity, where she refuses to be separated from Vlad. The Vampire reluctantly lets her stay in his home and all too soon he realizes he feels for her things that no Vampire should for a Wolf. 

This is the story of Vlad and Irina from the Defender's Blood series of books. Here you find out exactly how things were for them in the beginning. 

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Book 2: Alex's Destiny


 Synopsis:

Alex has no idea her life is about to change beyond her wildest imaginings. She is the last in a long line of very special females born for a dangerous task, and she isn't sure she is up to it. Zach, her vampire protector, is just as sure she is.

Demon attacks, angels and even the ultimate, divine intervention, shake Alex to her very core. Can she do this? Can Zach keep her safe? The alternative is unthinkable: demons once more ruling the earth.

Zach has to ensure that Alex puts a stop to this - and quickly!

Read Defender's Blood, Alex's Destiny – Book 1 in the Defender's series.

Please be aware there is some adult content in this book.

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Book 2: The Birth and The Battle




Synopsis:

Pregnant? How could she be pregnant?! Alex was mated to a vampire and no vampire had ever sired a babe let alone twins! Alex and Zach were shocked and worried! Why is the Angel Michael drawn to Alex and the babies growing in her womb? All does not go well and with the impending birth comes an unspeakable evil – an evil that wants one thing! It wants the babies! How can Zach stop their children from being taken? Only one way – a battle that has never been seen on earth before – Supernaturals against Demons and their minions. Tho even the amount of Supers willing to fight is not enough! How can they win and how can Alex survive? Read on to find out. 

The Birth and The Battle, Book 2 in the Defender's Blood series. 
EXPLICIT SEX SCENES - NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 18's

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Book 3: The Turning


Synopsis:

Alexina lay dying and Zach's vampire heart was being ripped from his chest! He couldn't lose her! The fairy told him what he must do but he was torn – could he do it? There was no choice – he had to! Would she survive tho? Most didn't and he knew that her chances were slim. Their babies were born but at what cost! Zach had to take his love far away – anything else was too dangerous. That meant he had to walk away from his newborns! His friend and fellow vampire James took them and vowed to come back to help Zach and in the process his life was changed forever. The scarred vampire – or as he thought of himself – the monster – had no idea what awaited! The fate of their babies lies in the balance – just what is in store for the babes?! Something that will rip the hearts from both Alex and Zach?

Book 3 The Turning in the Defender's Blood series carries on from 2, The Birth and The Battle – read on to find out what happens to Alex and Zach and indeed James!

PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE EXPLICIT SEX SCENES IN THIS BOOK!! NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 18'S.

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Book 4: The Return


Synopsis:

What happened to the twins? Will Alex and Zach get their babies back? Things don't look good as three years have passed and there has been no sign of them! Alex and Zach throw themselves into their work. Setting up a new department covering the worst cases of abuse against supers and children – usually of a sexual nature

Dmitri no longer works as Vlad's Second in Command – now he works for Alex and Zach. Dmitri's life is in for a change – one he didn't think possible – how will he cope? Tatya, Vlad and Irina's baby is now a gorgeous three year old who Alex and Zach dote on – loving her in the absence of their own babies!

The Angel Michael makes a return and he is not alone and his news is shocking! A new threat to humankind!

An ancient vampire is found – one who is making money off the misery of others – he is very powerful – more so than maybe even Zach! This vampire wants Alex – and takes her – will she and Zach survive the separation?!

Read on to find out all this and more – much more!

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Book 5: The Fallen


Synopsis:

Alex and Zach have their twins back – BUT – they are not the babies that they had taken – no they are full grown with a destiny. To find and eliminate the threat of the Fallen Ones! Fallen Angels here on earth! Fallen Angels who want to breed – make their own offspring – ones that would be far stronger, superior, to humans. Ones that would eventually enslave mankind! Now THAT none of them could allow!

Alex and Zach meet some of these head on in Scotland! Duncan – their friend and Alpha to his pack of wolves, has a brother. A brother they didn't know about – because he was very rare – he was Alpha to a pack of jaguars that lived remotely in the Highlands. His pack attacked by great beasts that decimated the entire pack. The entire pack ripped apart – that is apart from the young females taken! Duncan's niece Samantha escapes and manages to get to Duncan and ask for help. Help that results in Duncan losing three of his wolves and almost his own life!
Can the vampires and their twins and friends help? We can only hope that they can!

PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT!

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Book 6: Tatiana's War


Synopsis:

Tatiana is in pain. The fairy feels death and destruction emanating from her own realm, the Fairy Realm – a secret kingdom where none can gain entry, which should have been safe. Her only option is to travel there with her mate and their friends, a group of strong Wolves and Vampires. These warriors represent the one hope of saving her Queen and her people. What awaits them? Can they save the Fairy realm and all who live there, or will they perish in the attempt?

Read Book 6 in the Defender's Blood series – Tatiana's War – to find out.
Adult Content In This Book!

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Book 7: Lexi's Trials


Synopsis:

Who – or what – is watching Lexi? Friendly Angel or deadly foe? 
  
Conall is incensed to discover Lexi is under surveillance; especially since his precious sister is pregnant with twins; fathered by ex-angel Michael.  
  
With Zach, Alex, Vlad and the rest of the squad on a mission so ghastly it will leave Alex shaken and disgusted, it is left to Conall to track down this potential threat. What he discovers shocks him to the core, but before he can take action, the unthinkable happens: Lexi is taken. 
  
Can ex-angel Michael find his mate in time? Will Lexi and her unborn twins survive? 

Find out in this, the last instalment, of the Defender's Blood series.

Buy Links


About the Author:


A. K. Michaels, Ava, was born in Scotland quite a number of years ago! She was married at a young age and is mother to three much loved children. After the birth of her last child she went back to higher education and studied for a year before gaining employment in the banking industry. She worked in that role for a number of years before leaving, both the job and the country.

She lived abroad for a few years before returning to Scotland and finally taking up her dream - writing.

She is the author of the Defender's Blood series of books and other series’ including The Witch, The Wolf and the Vampire, Supernatural Enforcement Bureau and also Sabrina's Vampire, together with a Wolf Erotica Novella, Lori's Wolf. Her books fall into the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre and she loves writing those particular kinds of stories where she can let her imagination run wild!

Stalk A.K. Michaels:







Book Blitz for MARRIED IN MONTANA by Kirsten Osbourne @AuthorKOsbourne & @BPICPromos


Married in Montana
by Kirsten Osbourne
Series: At the Altar, #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy
Cover Designer: Erin Dameron-Hill
Release Date: April 16, 2015



Savannah is tired of the dating scene, even though she wants to get married and have a family. She knows her mother will never move on with her own life as long as Savannah is single. Savannah goes to see a matchmaker, specializing in setting up couples who meet at the altar. At first, she thinks Scott is a dream come true, but his blundering soon makes her crazy.

Scott, a Montana bison rancher, doesn't have time to find a wife. His work is all-encompassing. Besides, he tends to have a hard time getting women to go out with him more than once. When he runs into a matchmaker he's known all his life, he tells her about the problems he's had to see if she can help him. When he meets Savannah at the altar, his heart stops for a moment. She's exactly what he's looking for. Will their diverse backgrounds keep them apart? Or will they be able to work through their differences to make their marriage a loving relationship?



She looked at her husband. "A week?"

"On one condition," he said, not liking the idea of waiting but not willing to start their marriage on the wrong foot by insisting on his marital rights.

"What's that?"

"I get to try to convince you otherwise."

She smiled. "So you're going to constantly be asking me for sex?"

He grinned. "Oh, I'll be a little more subtle than that." He brought her hand to his lips, kissing the palm, his tongue sneaking out to touch her skin.

"I see." She nodded. "That's fair. I think it's a perfect compromise."

"So do I," he told her. "It sounds very fair to me."

"Is there a spare room I can use until our week is up?"

He frowned at that. He would have an easier time convincing her if they were sharing a bed, but he could see where that would give him an unfair advantage in their little game. "Yes, you can have any of the spare rooms you'd like."

"Thank you," she said simply. She felt like she was being a bad wife even asking, but she knew she'd feel like she was being a bad person if she jumped into bed with a total stranger the day she met him, even if he was her husband. "Tell me about the ranch."

He took the change of subject in stride, talking about the huge spread and the men who worked for him. "I have a foreman, but I'm out there sweating and working every day right along with my men." He eyed her. "Do you ride?"

She shook her head. "No. I wanted to when I was a girl, but after my father died, we just didn't have the money for any extras. Mom worked, but it wasn't the same as both of them working."

She heard a buzzing from her purse, and opened it, taking out her phone. "My mother's texting me." She handed him the phone so he could read the message for himself.

Scott laughed, reading the message aloud. "'Has he killed you yet? If he has, please don't answer this. If not, please give me a call so I know you're all right.' I think you should call her."




USA Today Bestselling author, Kirsten Osbourne, has always known she would eventually be a writer.
She penned her first book in a spiral notebook when she was ten and has been writing ever since. As Kirsten she writes both historical and contemporary romance, with a humorous flair. As Morganna Mayfair, she ventures into the realm of paranormal historical romance. Kirsten lives in Texas with her husband of over fifteen years, their son, and a crazed mutt. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy and make believe where there is always a happily ever after at the end.