Please continue to enjoy reading my Louisiana Heart Beats Blog. This page will be updated on all of my television guests as soon as I can get back to the studio. I am out due to a needed surgery that is pending, but hopefully happening soon. While you are here, also check out all […]
Month: July 2016
A Kiss At Midnight Reviews Blog!
Are Overused Romance Themes Walking the Tight-Trope?
By Cora Kenborn
Billionaire. BDSM Dominate. Marriage of Convenience. Love Triangle. Sports Hero. Motorcycle Club. Stepbrother. Forbidden Love. Secret babies. Frenemies.
You know them, you read them, you love them, you hate them; sometimes you love to hate them. Maybe even sometimes you want one of them to die a slow and painful death, never to return again to a single page.
But what are they?
Tropes. Simply put, they are recycled clichés the romance genre uses to get the main characters to their happily (or a recent trend, “not-so-happily”) ever after. As authors, we spent countless hours trying to keep our tropes fresh and unique—adding that special spin or “oomph” all our own to make it stand out above all other tropes in romance land.
Webster’s Dictionary defines trope as: a word, phrase, or image used in a new and different way in order to create an artistic effect…
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ON DRY LAND by Rebecca Barber
——— SYNOPSIS ———
Tyler Andrews, Olympic swimming superstar, has always gotten his way—until he falls in love.
Living in the spotlight was just part of Tyler’s life. Magazines, paparazzi, and being the topic of every sports radio show in Australia…it was either adjust or be driven insane. He’d gotten used to his fame. Hell, he even enjoyed it. But there is one thing he can’t get used to—his girlfriend, Ava Jacobs, hates being the center of the public’s attention.
Ava has lived her life in the shadows—and that’s exactly how she likes it.
But after fulfilling her lifelong dream to have her debut novel published, her world is turned on its head by Tyler’s fame. She writes novels for a reason—it’s a quiet, peaceful profession. The last thing she wants is to be thrown into the spotlight.
Love and life don’t always fit as well as fame and fortune.
Frustrated by Ava’s continuous reluctance to publicly embrace their relationship, Tyler takes every opportunity to make his own declarations—social media posts, visiting her at work, and even crashing her first television promotional appearance, which she grudgingly accepted as part of her publishing deal.
So when something changes and Tyler abruptly pulls away, Ava knows something is terribly wrong.
With Olympic selection looming, Ava’s publisher eagerly awaiting a sequel to her hit novel, and day-to-day life taking a toll, Tyler starts to see that life is much easier in the pool than…
On Dry Land.
——— PURCHASE ———
KINDLE US: http://amzn.to/1Ohg2SE
KINDLE UK: http://amzn.to/1YiqDis
KINDLE AU: http://amzn.to/22Z9Nph
——— AUTHOR: REBECCA BARBER ———
Rebecca, one of four kids to her parents who are both primary school teachers, was born in Wollongong on the south coast of Australia before moving to the country with her family. After a few years of embracing all that country life had to offer, the family relocated to Port Macquarie with its white sand beaches. After a brief period enjoying the sun and the surf they finally settled in Canberra where Rebecca still lives today. But all through her childhood a notepad and a book where never far away. These days Rebecca is an avid reader, and when she isn’t buried in a book or cheering on her beloved football team she’s spending time with her husband Robert and their overly spoilt dog Levi.
Other books in the series!
Perfection Is Just An Illusion
Nobody’s Obligation
On Dry Land
Check out the AWESOME giveaway on Rebecca’s Facebook page and enter!
Your Angel, Me–Cora Kenborn
Your Angel, Me by Cora Kenborn
COMING OCTOBER 25, 2016
What do you do when your dream job becomes a nightmare?
When sassy, entertainment writer, Phoebe moved to NYC from the south, she never dreamed being coerced into ghostwriting bad boy rocker, Julian’s autobiography would make her the target of a deranged stalker. Everyone has skeletons in their closet, but rock stars also have obsessive fans. When Phoebe and Julian start to fall for each other, their public romance risks both their lives as obsession is unleashed.
Phoebe Ryan has a dark past she refuses to share, but the scars she bears tell the story without her permission. They reminded her of terrifying moments spent with the monster that haunts her. Ability to trust destroyed, Phoebe tries to maintain focus on her dream of becoming an author despite the attraction she feels for the sexy rocker and the baggage that comes with him.
Julian Bale is metal’s hottest new front man. His world was shattered one drunken night and it almost ruined him. Weighted down by guilt, he blames himself for an accident he could’ve prevented. While any emotional attachment is out of the question, Julian will play the media’s game. However, his hot little ghostwriter will never get that story out of him. As much as he wants her, if he has to choose between his dream and hers, it’s no contest.
After futile bouts of resistance, they give into a forbidden attraction too strong to ignore. Now the secret’s out and it’s made them both targets. A psychotic stalker is determined to have Julian for herself, even if she has to reveal the skeletons of their pasts and eliminate obstacles to do it…including Phoebe.
On the brink of stardom, two careers are on the line, and the stakes are high. Can Phoebe and Julian overcome the past and fight for what’s theirs—or in the end, is the price of fame their own survival?
Personal FB page: http://www.facebook.com/Cora.kenbor…
Author page: http://www.facebook.com/CoraKenborn
Email: cora@corakenborn.com
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/tbbookblog/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/corakenborn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corakenbornauthor
Website: www.corakenborn.com
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15178303.Cora_Kenborn
Forgotten by Samie Sands
FORGOTTEN by Samie Sands
AM 13 OUTBREAK SERIES, #2
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Release Date: May 17, 2016
SYNOPSIS: Every attempt to contain the deadly AM13 virus has failed, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction…
The plague is spreading out of control with no cure in sight. Then the government announces its new plan—a sanctuary in an area completely untouched by the infected—as long as you can get there alive and unscathed.
Ethan Watton has managed to survive this long, even with OCD making every day more hellish than it already is…
Ethan’s obsessive-compulsive disorder dramatically affected his life before the infection began. Now he’s desperate to get as far away from the zombie virus as humanly possible. Isolated and afraid, Ethan thinks there is no way in hell he will survive the epidemic.
Alyssa Turner has spent her teenage years prepping for the undead to challenge her zombie killing skills…
Alyssa knows with absolute certainty that she will survive the AM13 virus. She’s read all the books, watched all the films, and done all the research. She’s strong, tough, and a self-proclaimed badass. Any group would be lucky to fight alongside her…until the unthinkable makes her doubt every skill she’s acquired.
Dr. Jones is a scientist who doesn’t understand why he was selected to produce a cure…
Surely there are survivors more experienced in virology than he is. And what will happen to him—and the rest of the species—if he fails? Is the fate of the human race really resting on his shoulders? Or are there others working toward the same goal?
With the zombies multiplying and survivors struggling to make it to the sanctuary, Ethan, Alyssa, and Dr. Jones fight to fulfill their destinies. If they fail, their fate is sealed, and they will join the millions of others who have been…
Forgotten.
PURCHASE LINKS:
KINDLE: http://amzn.to/1s8Ctj9
PAPERBACK: http://amzn.to/1s8Cwve
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Samie Sands is a 30 year old freelance graphic designer who has recently decided to follow her lifelong dream and use her creativity in a new way by writing.
She has a degree in Media Studies and PR and has already had articles published in a number of e-zines, including one of the most popular pieces at Zombie Guide Magazine. She has also had a number of her short stories included in some very successful anthologies.
She lives in a small seaside town in the UK, but loves to travel to gain inspiration from new places and different cultures. To follow Samie’s work, please check out her website http://samiesands.com
Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/samantha-sands/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8102183.Samie_Sands
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamieSandsLockdown
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamieSands
Copper Veins by Jennifer Allis Provost
Book Title: COPPER VEINS
Author: Jennifer Allis Provost
Series: Copper Legacy #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Spence City, an imprint of Spencer Hill Press
SYNOPSIS:
Sara’s pretty sure her life is perfect.
Not only are she and Micah finally married, her father, who’d been missing since the Magic Wars, has been found. Actually, he just strode up to the manor’s front door, but whatever. Sara knows better than to look a gift horse in the mouth.
But Baudoin Corbeau isn’t content to return to family life. He’s decided that he will be the force of change in the Mundane world, and lead the Elemental resistance to victory with his children at his side. What’s worse, Baudoin doesn’t approve of Sara’s marriage, and makes every attempt to separate her from Micah.
After a visit to the Mundane realm leaves Sara, Max and Sadie imprisoned by the Peacekeepers, Sara’s doubts creep to the surface. Is her father right? Does she belong in the Mundane realm, not the Otherworld? Is Micah really the right man–make that elf–for her?
Was marrying him a mistake?
Cover Designer: Lisa Amowitz http://www.lisaamowitz.com/
About the author: Jennifer Allis Provost writes books about faeries, orcs and elves. Zombies too. She grew up in the wilds of Western Massachusetts and had read every book in the local library by age twelve. (It was a small library). An early love of mythology and folklore led to her epic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Parthalan, and her day job as a cubicle monkey helped shape her urban fantasy, Copper Girl. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975887.Jennifer_Allis_Provost
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/copperraven/
WEBSITE: http://authorjenniferallisprovost.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/parthalan
Love, Always
“Sometimes the line between love and lust is blurred by more than just blind infatuation.”
Love, Always: An Anthology of Romantic Short Stories
Authors: S. Valentine, A. Gorman, Jennifer Loring, A.L. Vincent, Haley Allison, Jennifer Allis Provost, Michelle Jo Quinn, Debbie De Louise, Erin Lee, J.A. Kerr, Michael Ross, Natalina Reis, Lilly James, Alison Mello, Gabriela Cabezut, C.J. Laurence, Camille Taylor
Cover Design by Rock Your World Promotions
Stock Photo via Adobe Stock
★ SYNOPSIS ★
Sometimes the line between love and lust is blurred by more than just blind infatuation.
Love comes in many different forms, at different times, and in many ways. Each new relationship creates their own story as they risk everything and go along for the ride.
Love, Always is the perfect recipe for romance. Sixteen authors have created a collection of stories filled with desire ranging from hot and steamy, to sweet and sentimental. Whether they are what you expect or not, we guarantee a love filled with laughter and passion just for you. The only question that remains is, we can’t control who we fall for…so who will capture your heart?
Love, Always.
***Only available as a giveaway/competition prize. Be on the lookout!***
Coming Soon! More by Karen Hughes
Coming July 19th 2016 from @LimitlessBooks… More by @Keren_Hughes
#ComingSoon #NewRelease #NewAdult #Contemporary #Romance
Synopsis:
Drake Anderson is all the man Annalise Duncan ever wanted…
Annalise has it all. The perfect husband. The perfect son. The perfect life. After the father of her son Ayden abandoned her to be a single parent, she finally felt like she hit the romance jackpot. Her boss, Drake Anderson, turned out to be more than just a friend. He’s the love of her life, and an amazing stepfather to her son.
But the picture perfect marriage is merely an illusion…
After seven wonderful years, Drake leaves. He doesn’t give her a reason, or even the courtesy of a return phone call. Six months go by without even a single acknowledgement. Annalise is devastated. Her heart and soul belonged to Drake, and he was the only father Ayden ever knew. She’d dedicated her life to him and the family they built together, and she isn’t willing to let that dream go easily.
When Annalise spots Drake out at a café with a woman, her heart shatters all over again. But it’s not what Annalise thinks. He isn’t cheating on her. There are things about leaving that Drake just can’t or won’t explain. Some things should remain a secret.
He wants his old life back, but Annalise won’t accept anything but the truth…
Drake has to find a way to convince his wife, his Cariad, to take him back, but it may mean facing a truth he wanted to keep hidden. He must prove to Annalise that despite his past, he wants her…
More.
Add to your Goodreads TBR here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29093984-more
Don’t Miss Out…
Keren is hosting a Release Day Giveaway on July 19th over on her author page.
1 lucky winner will receive:
- 1 signed paperback of More <can also include autograph of cover model>
- 1 *exclusive* swag pack <including a miniature bottle of JD & shot glass>
- A cocktail shaker + accessories
- A cocktail recipe book
- 1 signed photo of model Amanda Renee <the stunner featured on the cover> with handmade frame
And for the Runners Up…
There will be eARCs of More sent direct to your Kindle
Also, there will be swag aplenty!
To be entered into the draw, go to https://www.facebook.com/kerentshughes and see the pinned post. There you will find the T’s & C’s of entry. The closing date to enter by is August 2nd 2016. <giving you TWO weeks to get your entries in>
Submit Work to Teen Ink & Get Published! — Creative Writing Contests
Submit Work to Teen Ink & Get Published! Teen Ink has no staff writers; we depend completely on you to send writing, art, and photos. There is no charge to submit or be published. All submissions will be considered for publication in Teen Ink’s print magazine and website. Read guidelines & FAQ: General Guidelines: All […]
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