CAMPUS CRUSH BY ASHELYN DRAKE

The co-eds of Timberland College know a little romance is good for the soul.

Follow four couples as they try to find love in the Campus Crush Series boxset, including Nothing to Tell, Romancing the R.A., Behind Closed Doors, and Rushing Into Love.

When you're looking for love, you have to be willing to break the rules.

A closer look at the four novellas in Campus Crush:

Nothing To Tell  

Some guys have the art of hooking up down to a science. They know all the right words to say and all the right games to play.

Except...for guys like Mike Hannigan. The dude has got no game, his pick-up lines never work, and to make matters worse, his wing-man is his female best friend, Mindy.

Until one day, a mysterious raven-haired beauty catches Mike's eye and he's determined to have her. He doesn't care what lengths he has to go to. He'll do whatever it takes to perfect his game and figure out what to say without sounding like a sleaze.

But… There's always something strange about mysterious girls. They're usually mysterious for a reason and this girl in particular might be more than Mike bargained for.

Romancing the R.A. 

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl.

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

Behind Closed Doors 

Julia Monroe is through wishing she had an older guy like her best friend Noelle does. It’s time for her to act on her desires. So when she sees sexy, twenty-three-year-old Darren McEntire eating dinner alone at the pub, she decides to make her move. The attraction between them is undeniable, and even through Julia isn’t looking for a one-night stand, she winds up back at Darren’s place the same night she meets him. Only being with him makes her realize what she’s been missing dating other guys. All she wants is Darren.

But Julia allows Darren to think she’s his age and a grad student at the nearby college. She knows she has to confess the truth, but she’s afraid to shatter what they have. Not knowing what to do, she starts the semester only to discover that her new teaching assistant is none other than Darren. With the lies out in the open and campus policy against them, Julia and Darren know the relationship should be over before it even begins. But the chemistry between them is too strong to deny.

Can they find a way to be together or are they doomed to only see each other behind closed doors?

Rushing Into Love 

As a college junior, Mindy Stanton has no interest in dating a freshman.

That is until Ben Whitmore shows up and serenades his way into her heart at the dorm social she’s running. And after hearing him sing, even Mindy can’t deny that he has a deep, sexy voice that makes her melt.

Even though Mindy makes it clear that she doesn’t date younger guys, Ben pursues her anyway. After all, he doesn’t seem like the typical college freshman, who is only interested in hooking up, partying until he can’t remember his name, or joining a frat. He’s a gentleman, a romantic, and definitely knows all the right things to say to sweep a girl off her feet.

So Mindy drops her guard. She allows herself to fall for him. Before she knows it, Ben is all she can think about. To her, he’s perfect. But it doesn’t take Mindy long to discover that even the most perfect guys… have secrets.

Add Campus Crush on Goodreads.

Buy Campus Crush on Amazon and B&N.

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Find Ashelyn online

   

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE....AND WE HAVE - A COVER

Please help me welcome, Author Nicole Zoltack. She wrote a book and she's sharing her cover with us.

Hi, everyone! Nicole Zoltack here and I'm so happy to share with you the cover for my upcoming release.

Isn't it just beautiful? And it's perfect for the story.

Here's the blurb for BLOODLUST, a NA epic fantasy romance.

In a world torn by prejudice and hatred, six races struggled for supremacy.

Desperation…

Barbarian-Princess Ivy is unwilling to allow her father to provoke the other races into war and forms an unlikely alliance with Lukor the goliath to save her people from utter destruction.

Betrayal…

Unbeknownst to her, Lukor blames the barbarians for murdering his sister and plans on sabotaging her goal.

Bloodlust…

Almost despite each other, they grow to respect each other on their journey to decode secret messages from the trolls. But nothing Ivy can do will prevent the war as her father is blinded by Bloodlust and incites it himself. Not even killing him and becoming Barbaroness can stop the tide. And when Bloodlust claims Ivy, forcing her to kill everyone in her path, she must make a choice to destroy even Lukor, who she may have started to fall for and him in return.

The cover is so fitting, am I right?

The story will be released on February 24th. Ack! So excited. I'd love for you to share this and I'd even kiss you if you add it on Goodreads.

What do you think about the cover? The blurb? Does it sound like something you'd like to read?

Bio:

Nicole Zoltack loves to write in many genres, especially fantasy romance. When she's not writing about knights, superheroes, or zombies, she loves to spend time with her loving husband and three energetic boys. She enjoys riding horses (pretending they're unicorns!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, dress in garb. She'll also read anything she can get her hands on. To learn more about Nicole and her writing, visit her blog.

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...AND SOME IMPORTANT UPDATES

 

It's Valentine’s Day so I thought I'd share a romantic scene from my forthcoming YA Urban Fantasy novel, Finding Me.

I also thought I’d update everyone on my Self-Publishing Progress:

• I already posted that I have an editor. She is working on the book now and I should have it back next week some time.  I’m biting my nails and spitting them out. *Ewww that’s nasty*
• I found someone to make my cover. I should receive the first possible option today. Yay! I’ll do a special post to reveal this once I have a finished product. I don’t want anything fancy. No pictures of people or locations – not that there aren’t beautiful covers with both on them…I’ve always envisioned something different…think Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl book cover – not the movie book cover – the original.

• I am in search of a reasonably priced formatter now. Any suggestions?
• My tentative release date had to be changed. My new date is: April 2.

Now, for that scene I promised. In this scene, main character, Chloe Carmichael has just returned from a week out of school. This is the first introduction (but not the first encounter) between her and a possible love interest, Christopher:

 

“Hello. You’re Chloe.” I gawked at his voice. The echo of his words ringing in my ears. Spreading waves of warmth over me. In my dream, it hadn’t sounded that sweet, this melodic. The new guy spoke and held his hand out for me to shake. My belly did a summersault.

“I-I’m Chloe.” He knows that already, idiot. “Oh, umm, you know that,” I stammered. I bit my bottom lip.

Embarrassed, I took his hand. It radiated heat. I looked up into his eyes, like melted caramel, and I smiled ridiculously.                                                  

Was there such a thing as love at first sight? Could I be in love? I laughed internally. Stop that, Carmichael. You don’t know him and he’s just attractive. Smile and move on.

His lips curled up into the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen. All my limbs clanked to the floor below. I stared at him from the fragments of me that lay at his feet. What’s wrong with me? I grimaced internally. Your boyfriend’s been dead for a week and you’re already trying to hook-up with someone else. I found him attractive that was all. I’m not hooking up with him. Or anyone else in the foreseeable future. Pull yourself together and stop acting like a psycho, Carmichael.

“You dropped this the other day in the attendance office,” he said. He had that same gorgeous smile plastered across his face. I had to remember to breathe as he handed me a small fuchsia hairpin.

“Uh, thanks.” Breathe in, breathe out…breathe in, breathe out…. “You really could’ve thrown it out. It’s not important.” I looked everywhere but at him. Afraid he’d see the pathetic longing through my eyes.

“Isn’t it? In my mind, it seemed important – just because it was yours.”

I peered up at him, confused. Was he flirting with me? No, I told my misguided heart. He’s being polite. Very polite.

“Thanks, again.” I took the hairpin and placed it in my bag. I needed to walk away before I embarrassed myself further. What the heck’s the matter with you, Carmichael?

He extended his arm and blocked me from passing. “I can think of other ways you can thank me.” A smirk played at the corner of his full lips and he winked at me. He didn’t just wink at me. Who does that?

Like an itch that wouldn’t cease, the desire to linger in his presence overwhelmed me. It was like I’d found something I’d been searching for forever. The persistent urge of it inundated me. My heart skipped a noisy beat as our eyes met. My face betrayed me with a smile that said, I’d allow him to receive his thanks in any manner he saw fit.

“What do you have in mind,” I said, entertaining the conversation much longer than I should have. 

 

Do you have Valentine's Day plans? Share it in the comments.

 

 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

 

 

 

 

 

MOONLESS BY CRYSTAL COLLIER

Today I'm excited to host Crystal Collier for her paperback release of Moonless.

In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night.

Her nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless.

BUY IT HERE

So here's the question: If you lived in a society where arranged marriages were a la mode, whom would you beg your parents to set you up with? Why? (Literary characters and celebrities welcomed.) 

MY ANSWER: It took me forever to narrow this down. Of course, I choose one of my literary crushes: Holder, from Colleen Hoover's Hopeless. It was close though, Four, from Divergent was right on his heels.

And while you're at it, enter to win one of these great prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find the rest of the hop below!

And while your at it, enter to win one of these great prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway What do you think? Whom would you beg your parents to allow you to marry? Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

SUN AND MOON BY LEE STRAUSS

I'm thrilled to host Lee Strauss for the release of her new book, Sun and Moon. Read all the exciting details below...There's also a giveaway!

Sun & Moon by Lee Strauss

(Book One in the Minstrel Series)

If you’re a fan of the movie Inside Llewyn Davis, ABC television’s Nashville or Colleen Hoover’s upcoming novel, "Maybe Someday", the Minstrel Series is for you!

The Minstrel Series is a collection of contemporary romance novels set in the singer/songwriter world. The books are companion novels, with shared settings and characters, but each are complete standalone stories with a HEA (happily ever after) and no cliffhangers!

She has a past. He has a secret.

Katja Stoltz is a risk-taking singer-songwriter hoping to make it in the indie music scene in Dresden, Germany. Micah Sturm's a brooding uptown banker on a quest.

Driven to the streets, Katja is picked up by Micah - but he doesn't want what she thinks he does.

There’s an undeniable attraction between them, a gravitational pull they both struggle to resist. Katja knows she mustn’t fall in love with this handsome enigma. There’s something dark lurking beneath the surface. He could be dangerous.

And even if her life isn’t on the line, her heart most definitely is.




*not erotica - no explicit sex or coarse language

Buy now!

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | itunes

Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card, MP3s of all four songs featured on Sun & Moon, and a 12 month calendar from Dresden, Germany featuring many of the settings found in Sun & Moon.

Dresden, Germany

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Randomness, Anyone

I've been busy, writing, working, mothering, and performing all the other ...ing's in my life. So, I thought I'd share what's been up because, really, my brain is fried from work today. And here we go:
 
1. I finished reading Crossed by Ally Condie. It was not my favorite book but it was still good. Why did I not love it? The pacing was off to me. I actually skipped a few paragraphs, while our MC discussed the color of the landscaping around them in vivid detail. I love description but I like it to a minimum. Still, I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Coincidentally, I still have not read Allegiant. My oldest daughter bought me Insurgent for Christmas (She just started the series) and thought that I hadn't read it yet. I have it on my Kindle so she made an honest mistake. *pumps fist at her behind her back* I guess I'll get to it one day.
 
2. I'm reading, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green now. I know that I'm probably a little late with this one. I read the first five chapters of this book a while ago and loved the voice. But I knew I wasn't ready to read it yet. I picked it back up a few days ago and will finish it this time. It's not that I think it will be hard because of the writing. I adore Hazel (the MC and Augustus) I just have an aversion to crying. But I think this one might be a tear-jerker.  

 
3. Author, Kitsy Clare, is debuting the cover for her new NA novella, Model Position. The novella will be available on Feb. 20 for purchase. It’s a totally swoon worthy cover. Check it out here! That cover has me itching to read the contents. I've already added it to my TBR on Goodreads.

 
4. I found a professional editor for my MS, Finding Me. I'm so excited and nervous. I found her while reading a post over at Quanie Miller's blog. Thanks, Quanie!

What have you been up to? Read any good books lately?



Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

I'M READY

I've made a decisions.

And I'm going to stick with the decision I've made because I feel, at least for now, it's what's best for me. I posted a few months ago, that I was thinking of self-publishing. I've given the traditional route about as much as I can.

For now.

I've queried countless agents. I've gotten a few requests for fulls. I've even gotten a few, "I like this but I can't sell it." While I tried to remain positive and encouraged, it was a struggle. Each rejection was like a slap in the face...telling me I'm not good enough. Give up! But that's the thing: I can't give up. This is my passion. I don't think I could even function without writing anymore.

So, I'm going to self-publish my first book: Finding Me. I'd be the biggest liar if I didn't admit that I was nervous.

I'm terrified.

But I believe in my story. I've had three different CP's (no family or friends), three beta readers, and I've even posted the first five chapters on Critique Circle and I've gotten positive feedback. Well, after the MS was eviscerated a few times. So...

 

I'd like to share the opening line to Finding Me:
The weirdest day of my existence started with a kiss.

What are you ready for in 2014? Anticipating any big events or moments. Please share.


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

ARE YOU SABOTAGING YOURSELF

This year has flown by so fast. It’s almost Christmas. What! WHAT? It hardly seems fair that time keeps expanding by leaps and bounds and I can barely keep up. I must be truthful and say that while I made some big advances this year, I did not accomplish all my goals.

And I’m a little disappointed in myself.

The thing is, people will tell you, “Oh, it’s okay. You can’t do everything.” But the truth is, if you make a goal (a reasonable one at that) and you don’t accomplish it (par for death or serious illness) you should not give yourself an out. Don’t set yourself up for failure. As soon as I start giving myself an excuse to not do something, I’ve lost. As soon as I get lazy and undisciplined, I’ve lost. As soon as I start to feel sorry for myself because of my long hours, I’ve lost.

I might as well shut down my computer, stop writing and reading, and watch TV.

So you know what. There’s not going to be any pity parties over here. There’s not going to be any excuses, any undue pats on the back – not until I do what I set out to do. This isn’t just about writing…but it encompasses that dream, too. This is about EVERYTHING. I know what I am capable of and the only person who can stand in my way is ME. Not the day job that sucks my energy and exhausts me mentally, not the people in my life (family, friends) who clamor for my time/attention. Not the clock that stands as a constant reminder that time is limited and I must use it wisely.

Only I can stand in my way. And only you can stand in yours. Are YOU the real reason you haven’t reached all your goals? Stop making excuses and make opportunities.

Did you struggle particularly this year with anything? How did you overcome this?

 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

Randomness...Finally

Yay! I can update my blog again. So excited. I didn't have anything planned to say so I think I'll ramble a little.

1. I just finished two books by author, and Shewriter/YaLitchater, Kelly Hashway/Ashelyn Drake. The first had been on my TBR list for the longest: Touch of Death. The first chapter instantly grabbed me but I put it away because I had too many other books I was reading at the time. Well, I picked it back up last week and I'm glad I did. Can't wait to read the next books in the series! I read there might be a love triangle in the next book. With a character like Alex, the MC, Jodi's love interest, this will be awesome. Read the first book - you'll understand. The second was Ashelyn's Campus Crush Series book (a novella), Rushing Into Love. It was great - with lots of awww and ohh tender moments between the MC, Mindy and her love interest, Ben. I have posted reviews for both books on Amazon under my other name, Angelica Steward.

2. Speaking of my other name: Angelica Steward. When I first decided to write seriously, I decided to use my middle name, Dawn, and my maiden name, Brazil, to do so. I did it because I just thought that one day I might want to write something really different from kidlit. Not that I've gotten anything published yet but I wanted to be prepared for when I did. I was visiting the awesome site of Quanie Miller, a fellow Shewriter, and she was discussing this topic: writing under a different name because of writing under different genres. Check out her thought provoking post and the awesome comments left. Oh and she has a new book out, It Aint Easy Being Jazzy...check it out!

3. I still have not read Allegiant by Veronica Roth - yet. I was so excited about this series, too. I can't explain it. I raced through the first two books like a woman on fire. I started thinking about this seriously and thought if I feel like this now will my readers do the same. I mean it's not boredom...the series is awesome. There was a years gap for me I think between reading the second book and the last one coming out. I even think the release date was pushed back a few times. Could this have something to do with it. Uh, I don't think so... I've read the first few chapters using the "sample" feature on Amazon but nothing more. Maybe subconsciously I don't want to read it because I will have to leave the characters I have grown to love (Tris, Four, all the Dauntless)...

4. I was visiting another Shewriter, Chrys Fey's blog and she mentioned her book, Hurricane Crimes. So, being me, I immediately went to Amazon to get a sample to see if I'd like it. OMG. It was great. She hooked me right away. I am going to purchase it later today with some other books (maybe Allegiant) and I'll be sure to post a review on Amazon. Which, writing a review, I might add, is important to do to support the authors we like. I'm trying to remember to do that from now on if I like a book. I can't bring myself to write a review for books I hate though. I think because I know that entertainment is subjective my negative reaction to something may not be someone else's experience. And my mother taught me if you have nothing good to say then say nothing at all.

What have you been up to? Read any good books.

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

Issues

Okay, I've been experiencing some Blogger related issues. Namely, I can't update my friggin' BLOG! I'm typing this post from my phone. And I'm fuming. So I won't be able to update until I get this Blogger issue fixed. *heavy sigh* Plus, I missed the Zombie BLOGFEST with Beth Fred and Kelly Hashway. Sorry ladies. I'll get my post in eventually! 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh.