Happily Ever After Thoughts: April 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Review of INKED by Dawn Kunda

Dawn’s Kunda’s Inked has terrific suspense! If a reader likes international espionage and really tense scenes, this is the book to read. From the start, Mary and Cal are put into a dangerous situation that just escalates. Soon the double-crossing begins until the only one they can trust is each other. The problem with that is Mary has worked with Cal before and it got her shot.

Unfortunately, the physical attraction between she and Cal is impossible to resist, but she is determined to keep her distance emotionally. All of this is a bit difficult as they make their way from Egypt to Turkey, all the while trying to figure out which ground agents to trust and who in Washington DC they can trust.

I read this book on a plane and the story was so intense I had to put it down and walk down to the galley to talk to the flight attends just to relive a little of the stress! And better yet, there will be a sequel! If you like a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you will love this book. Inked

Enjoy the read,

Alexis

Monday, April 28, 2014

JoAnne Meyers with a Giveaway

NEVER GIVE UP

For as long as I can remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting, sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not take her advice and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and family of my own.

I put my love for writing and painting on hold for years. I unfortunately married a man who like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first love-art. I got a late start, but always encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors. I now have six books under contract with two publishing houses.

So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from enjoying your natural talents. You might need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up.

Loves, Myths and Monsters- 11fantasy tales filled with mystery, intrigue, danger and unsuspecting love

Welcome To Anna

Little does 17 year old Zoe, realize, but the Chupracabra followed her to Ohio from South America. What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and unsuspecting friendships and love.

The Hunter's Bride

When all game warden Daren Abram, had to worry about was which lucky lady to woo, he comes to the realization that his town is being stalked by the reincarnation of the town's legend.

Moon People

For teenage mermaid Constance, coming to the quaint seaside town of Willowick, is heavenly, until she falls for mortal boy Drake. For the town to survive, Constance is forced to choose between her kind and the boy and town she loves.

The Pack

When young Lycan Sonny Red Blanket, a Shawnee Indian falls for mortal girl Drenda Way, he must save her from his fellow Lycan's and stop a werewolf uprising.

The Bidding

Apiologist

34-year-old Duncan McPherson goes to Circleville, Ohio, to investigate a series of mysterious bee attacks. What is uncovered proves to be more dark and sinister then anyone imaged.

The Agreement

Incarcerated in the abandoned Roseville jail, is the last thing rich college student and speeder Brice Conrad, needs. With an "agreement" between the town and a permanent demonic "guest", only the unfortunate ones know the truth, but do not live to tell.

For The Love Of Ginnie

Handsome bachelor and Scientist Alex Anderson from the thirtieth century, returns to the Civil War with time serum to save his beloved Ginnie Wade from a snipers bullet, while finding a roller coaster ride of joy and perils.

Is It Only A Myth?

When 32-year-old Vinton County Sheriff, James "Jim" Connors, discovers he has a Mothman hunting in his county, he stops at nothing to save his citizens.

The Proposition

The rough and ready cowboy John Queenie gets the shock of his life, when the ad to break a "wild filly" turns out to be a fiery Quaker girl named Tess. This is a story proving love conquers all.

The House On Shady Lane

A seemingly loving family turns out to be serial killers in 1873.

Love's Curse

When an Egypt love curse scroll is stolen from a Dean's office, persons begin dying in bizarre and grisly ways, with the college's mascot a Viking King statue jokingly blamed for it.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Book Signing This Weekend!

Hi y'all...how's everyone doing this good Friday morning? Hope everyone is wonderful, fabulous, and outrageous and that you all have a big, fun weekend planned! But just in case you don't, go check out the website for Arizona's Ultimate Women's EXPO, which will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix.

There will be fabulous booths and displays, and some wonderful keynote speakers!

Just follow this link for lots more information on seminars, speakers, and products...http://azwomensexpo.com/home

And for those of you who just can't get your hands on enough books, The Write Authors will also be there signing all of their fabulous books. So come see...

                              Lizzie Bella
                              Carolyn Hughey / K.T. Roberts
                              Kayce Lassiter                                    (WooHoo...that's me!)
                              Taylor Michaels
                              H.D. Thomson
                              Arabella Thorne
                              Tami Vinson

So pack the kiddies off to the babysitter, grab your car keys, and come join us for some super fun. I also heard a rumor there will be a Martini booth...yeah, baby...that's what I'm talkin' about!

That's my story, fun and fabulous, and I'm stickin' to it! So hang on real tight now, 'cuz we're gonna go real, real fast!

Love ya,

Kayce

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherry Jones

Jones has put together a remarkable novel encompassing the lives of four sisters who, through the ingenious efforts of their mother, all become queens throughout medieval Europe.

Each sister is represented by the cunning description their mother paints according to the wants of the targeted king or king-to-be.

Granted, to be a queen of a country and its provinces sounds worldly, heady, and full of perks, yet the actual lives and forfeits of freedom for the sisters sounds downright primitive and full of abuse.

Love is not considered in the trade for a kingdom, yet each sister strains her efforts to find love amidst the trading, money, wars, and all it takes to be a queen.

An unforgettable novel full of sacrifices for the family, love, and politics.

Happy reading,

Dawn

Reader's Digest and Fond Memories

Today, when I went grocery shopping (I seem to spend a great deal of time at the grocery, don’t I?), I picked up the latest edition of the Reader’s Digest. I love this magazine and have for….well, a very long time. How long, you ask? Not sure I should answer on the grounds it might tell you how old I am, but I can tell you that I’ve been reading this magazine since I was eight or nine.

Other magazines have come and gone. For the longest time, I read Good Housekeeping and Ladies’ Home Journal and a few others (for years and years and years), but not any longer. No, there’s nothing wrong with those magazines…I just have limited time and…well….the Reader’s Digest is a fond memory thing.

My grampa was a big Reader’s Digest fan and since I spent a great deal of time at my grandparents place AND because I was a voracious reader, it was only natural that I should pick it up and read through it. And kept reading through it. Year after year. Decade after decade. Even after I moved to Arizona and things were a bit tight, that dear, sweet man got me a subscription so I wouldn’t have to miss an issue and we would talk about the articles on our weekly phone call.

My favorite articles? Of course, the humor like Life In These United States, Laughter, the Best Medicine and Humor in Uniform, but the thing I love the most, the thing I always turn to first? Word Power. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned from that simple vocabulary test.

He’s gone now, my grampa, but I’m still reading the Reader’s Digest and every time I do, I think of him.

So, do you have a favorite magazine? One you’ve been reading for ages and ages?

As always, happy reading!

Marie

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Interview with Jennifer Kacey and Giveaway

Alexis: Today we have Erotic Contemporary author, Jennifer Kacey and she's giving away a Swag pack and extra goodies! Leave a comment for a chance to win :-)

So Jennifer, what made you chose your title for this recent release?

Jennifer: OMG seriously the title, Orgasm University, was a place holder. I didn’t figure there was any way in God’s green earth that I’d be allowed to keep it because it was so over the top. When I got to keep it I squealed and jumped up and down in front of my husband. (Thankfully there was no camera. If there’s no photo it never happened…)

Alexis: Where did you get the idea for this story?

Jennifer: Medical Fetish is not something I’d say I was ever like “oh yeah” about. I knew it was out there and, okay fine. Then I had a dream…about a friend of mine… AWKWARD much?!? And then not too long after that I went to a kink meeting and it was about—you guessed it—medical fetish. I got so many deliciously kinky ideas that I couldn’t write this story fast enough. It’s deliciously dirty!

Alexis: Sounds like it was fate. What are you working on now?

Jennifer: I’m writing Jenna’s Consent which is the next book in the Members Only series. I just passed 80K on it. It’s ménage and BDSM and it’s got LOTS of rope. It’s an awesome story and I can’t wait for it to be finished so I can get it to my editor!!!

Alexis: Speaking of writing, can you describe your writing process?

Jennifer: I work full time where I work around 50 hours a week so I can only write on weeknights and during the weekend. I try for 3000 words each weeknight and between 6K-10K on the weekend depending on how many other real life things we have going on. I come up with a storyline, write detailed character notes along with physical descriptions, then write a complete outline. Get approval from my editor, and then I write the book. If it’s a short story, 35K or less. I finish the outline and just write the story. Writing keeps me out of trouble…mostly.

Alexis: Okay, now for the tough question. What is your favorite treat?

Jennifer: Oreos. Why? Because they’re Oreos. ***GRINS***

Alexis: Good point! Thank you so much for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts, Jennifer. It was great fun to have you here :-)

Check out the Blurb for Orgasm University!

Victoria’s been called frigid by every boyfriend she’s ever had. Having never gotten off during sex with even one of them probably has something to do with it. But none of them knew how broken she really is. She not only hasn’t gotten off having sex, she’s never orgasmed…ever.

Then she sees an interdepartmental memo for a university study that claims it can help with her little problem. Once she signs her name on the dotted line, Dr. Hotlidge, finds all the right buttons to push.

He’s been looking for the perfect subject for his grant study, but something’s been missing from each of the women he’s questioned so far. Everything changes when Jane Smith #129 steps into his exam room.

It’s supposed to be anonymous, clinical research and nothing more. But when he finds her inner submissive hiding just below the surface, they both find more than they bargained for.

A Romantica® BDSM erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy Links
Orgasm University on Ellora’s Cave

About Jennifer

Jennifer Kacey is a wife, mother, and business owner living with her family in Texas. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.

Website - http://www.jenniferkacey.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.kacey.7
Twitter - https://twitter.com/JenniferKacey
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6941549.Jennifer_Kacey
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jenniferkacey/

Alexis: Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a cool Swag Pack with extra goodies from Jennifer. Her "extras" are always so fun!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Energized from Arizona

A week ago I was in Arizona. Actually, I spent 10 days there and they were jam packed. What energized me the most was all the conversations about writing!

It started off with the Desert Dreams Conference in Tempe. This is a wonderful conference because the Desert Rose RWA chapter (I’m a member) is so warm. They provide a hospitality suite where anyone, author, aspiring author, agent, editor, publisher, husband (yes, we had all of these characters there) can hang out, have a snack and a drink, and chat in a relaxed area. Isn’t that unique? I always have so much fun in that room ;-) My covers were part of the presentation on the big screen in the ballroom which was so cool. Of course, there were also wonderful workshops at the conference and even fun baskets to be won. Happily Ever After Thoughts authors donated one too.

Then there were the lengthy conversations with some of the romance writers that I look up to. Both Jennifer Ashley and Caris Roane were so forthcoming with insights and advice. I can’t thank them enough for spending their valuable time one-on-one with me. These ladies rock!

Next was my presentation to the Valley of the Sun RWA Chapter (I’m a member). It was great to be back in the warm fold of their smiles. This group has been my mainstay while isolated on my island and a number have visited me. They enjoyed my talk on “Refining Your Writing Process” and it felt so good to give back a little after all the support they have given me. Then later in the week a contingent of VOS friends (Cathy McDavid, Arabella Thorne, Tia Dani, H.D. Thomson) met me and my husband for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a wonderful time talking about life, love, and writing.

Lastly, squeezed in at the 11^th hour, was a business meeting with my wonderful critique partner Marie Patrick and my designer/formatter Carol of Bella Media Management. Hard work was started and plans made for future projects. After all these discussions, I am more revved up to work on my two current projects that ever! So I guess I better get going. I’m so thrilled to have visited Arizona. I may just have to go back next year ;-)

Always, Lexi