The Dark Duet by KaSonndra Leigh - Cover Reveal

The Dark Duet (A Musical Interlude, #3)

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

55,000 words

Release Date: June 24th, 2014

Family.

What does that word mean?

Kindness. Generosity... Love?

None of that applies to mine.

I think we should try vicious, corrupt...

Deadly.

I am not an innocent.

I do not believe in fate.

Revenge should have its moment to shine.

I’ve been a slave to circumstance...

A child of the shadows.

Now, I embrace the gloom and thrive inside it.

Revenge. Love.

Vengeance. Salvation.

The battle inside me rages on.

At least it does until one day when... I find her.

I do not understand.

I cannot allow myself to believe that...

There is light inside the darkness.                  

~Nikolai Belikov

           

** This novel contains mature content. It is intended for an audience at 18+ years of age.**

Add the Dark Duet to your to-read list on goodreads!

 Other Books in the Series

 

The Crescendo (The Musical Interlude, #2)

New Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May, 27th 2014

250pgs.

He taught her how to walk outside the line. She taught him how to leave the past behind. In the end, fate brought them both together. 

Six months ago, Erin Angelo was hired by Alek Dostov, the charismatic Maestro who hired her design firm, the same man who healed the wounds of her tragic past. 
In the highly anticipated, reader requested sequel to THE PRELUDE, Alek and Erin are preparing to embrace their new life and love for music while nurturing Erin’s blossoming singing career. But when a mysterious figure from Erin’s past walks back into her life, Alek and Erin’s belief that their love will conquer everything is put to the test. As Alek continues to struggle with the ghosts of his past and recent family troubles, Erin finds a way to reconnect with her fiancée. The couple set out on a tour of Italy, taking Alek’s music group to the next level. 
But Alek’s mother, Katerina, has other plans in mind. She orders the tour manager to go along with them. Now, they will face new challenges while dealing with the pressures of their careers. 
Passion, excitement, adventure, danger, and a Maestro that has more swagger than a rock star. THE CRESCENDO lifts you up to a high you won’t soon forget.

Add to your want-to-read list on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788536-the-crescendo

The Official Musical Interlude Series Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/8RY5gd7cLTE

 

The Prelude (The Musical Interlude #1)

An Amazon #1 International Bestseller!

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

New Cover Reveal

After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.
Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless. 
Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.
Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

**This novel contains mature situations and language. It is intended for an audience at 18+ years of age.**

Purchase the Prelude at: http://www.amazon.com/Prelude-Musical-Interlude-1-ebook/dp/B00C43RBFI 

 

An Aria In Venice (The Musical Interlude #1.5)

New Adult Contemporary Romance (Standalone)

99,000 words

Release Date: April 22nd, 2014

His goal…One night with the ballerina.
Her goal…To beat the player at his game.
The outcome...Something completely unexpected.

Adriana Dostov pegged Luca Martuccio from day one: gorgeous, talented, arrogant, a man who has had difficulty committing to one woman in the past. He is known in fashion circles as the player with a scandalous history. So when the girls in her ballet troupe suggest she gives up her virginity to him, she doesn't say no. But she’s not sure that a ‘yes’ is the right answer either. Yet, she can’t stop herself from making the offer... a one night stand in Venice.

Luca wanted feisty little Adriana the moment they first met - and he fully intends to have her, hence why he's agreed to accept her proposal. In the end, he'll get what he wants. No commitment. All sex.

But, as Luca discovers, there's more to the ballerina with the overbearing mother - and he can't help but care about the frightened girl behind those sad eyes.

Adriana discovers Luca isn't just walking sex on a stick - he has a wildly passionate side, a lost soul who has suffered just as much grief as her. And it could be, they're exactly what the other one needs. 

Purchase on Amazon:  

http://www.amazon.com/An-Aria-Venice-Musical-Interlude-ebook/dp/B00JTO26PA/

Add to your want-to-read list on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18038436-an-aria-in-venice       

** This novel contains mature situations and language. It is intended for an audience at 18+ years of age.**

Coming Soon:

The Overture (Book 4 of the Musical Interlude Saga) - Release date August, 2014 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21839798-the-overture

About the Author

Author of the Lost Immortals Saga and the Seraphine Trilogy, I'm also a mother, blogger, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. I believe in karma, coffee, and seriously wish that the producers of Xena would bring my favorite show ever back.

I was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when I'm not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals). Most of my characters are based on people that I've met throughout my travels and adventures. People tend to stop and start conversations with me as if I've known them my entire life. Does this freak me out? Not really. My mom says that one day I'll get kidnapped by one of them. I told her that if it weren't for these lovely people then I wouldn't be able to create the stories that I do.

I have many favorite authors but there are some who truly rock my socks: Octavia Butler, Anne Rice, Kami Garcia, J.K. Rowling, Dean Koontz (on his good-book days), Stephen King (same as DK) Ann Radcliffe, Mary Shelley, Elizabeth Kostova, and so many more...

Some other common tidbits...hmm. I've watched the movie Under the Tuscan Sun almost 200 times. Seriously, the way I see it is if I keep watching it enough, then suddenly the house that Diane Lane lives in will magically appear in my backyard. I know. I have a huge imagination!

Nail That Opening - Overview of one panel from RT14 convention

Well, I'm back home from attending the Romantic Times Convention in New Orleans the last few days. It was a blast and I'll do a separate post with pictures and general impressions.

Today, however, I wanted to outline some great points and advice from one of the panels: Nail That Opening - Lesson From Hollywood on Capturing Your Audience, which was run by Mallory Braus, Editor at Carina Press, and Elizabeth London, Editor at Ellora's Cave.

They talked about:

5 Things To Look For In An Opening

1. Engaging from the beginning with a strong, compelling character. Compelling and likable character may not be the same thing. For example, a book (or a movie) can open with a villain. But the character has to be interesting and compelling throughout the story. What can make a character more compelling? Idiosyncrasies are a great way to add to well-rounded personalities. Characters acting heroic and/or making sacrifices are usually compelling and inspire viewers/readers to keep following their story.

2. Setting the (correct) expectations. The opening has to set the tone and the genre of the work. It is the author's promise to the reader. The author then can play with how that expectation will be delivered, but it does have to be delivered by the end of the work.

3. Setting the atmosphere. Think of an opening in a movie. The atmosphere is often set by the music scores and the lighting effects. Creepy or suspenseful music will pull the viewer into the right feel and alert him to the type of the movie. An author does not have the luxury of including music or lighting effects in a book - so an author has to be a screenwriter, a music composer and a lighting director at the same time, all with words. The feel, the texture of the scene is all about relaying sensory details. Atmosphere is not just the setting, but how the characters experience and engage with their environment.

4. Introducing the dramatic question. It doesn't have to be a complicated question. It could be as simple as "Will they or won't they get together?" It can be an "what if" question. Once this question is answered, the book (or movie) is over.

5. Presenting the inciting incident. The hook where "normal" changes. It is especially effective to start from the character's "normal" and then have the inciting incident take them out of their comfort zone. The contrast between that norm and the change is what makes the story compelling. But the change has to happen quickly - first few scenes of a movie or the first chapter of a book. The change can be very drastic (the end of the world is coming) or something that will be a change only for the character (they have never been out of their tiny town, but now they have to go to Japan for a new job).

RT Booklovers Convention in New Orleans - This Week!

 
On Wednesday morning I'm leaving for the RT Booklovers Convention in New Orleans, and it's really exciting. I've been to a couple of smaller writers conventions in the past, but this is a biggie. I'm looking forward to attending a number of panels and workshops, as well as meeting some of wonderful on-line writer friends.

If you are in New Orleans for the convention, stop by Club RT on Thursday, May 15th, at 4pm and say hi to my writing partner Tina Moss and moi.

I'll do a post-convention recap next week, hopefully with a lot of pictures.

To find out more about the RT Convention, follow this link: https://www.rtconvention.com/

Cover Reveal - Qualify by Vera Nazarian

Here's an exciting new cover reveal for Qualify, a YA sci-fi dystopian novel by Vera Nazarian

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Qualify by Vera Nazarian
(The Atlantis Grail #1)
Publication date: May 25th 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis:

 

The year is 2047. An extinction-level asteroid is hurtling toward earth, and the descendents of ancient Atlantis have returned from the stars in their silver ships to offer humanity help.

But there’s a catch.

They can only take a tiny percent of the Earth’s population back to the colony planet Atlantis. And in order to be chosen, you must be a teen, you must be bright, talented, and athletic, and you must Qualify.

Sixteen-year-old Gwenevere Lark is determined not only to Qualify but to rescue her entire family.

Because there’s a loophole.

If you are good enough to Qualify, you are eligible to compete in the brutal games of the Atlantis Grail, which grants all winners the laurels, high tech luxuries, and full privileges of Atlantis Citizenship. And if you are in the Top Ten, then all your wildest wishes are granted… Such as curing your mother’s cancer.

There is only one problem.

Gwen Lark is known as a klutz and a nerd. While she’s a hotshot in classics, history, science, and languages, the closest she’s come to sports is a backyard pool and a skateboard.

This time she is in over her head, and in for a fight of her life, against impossible odds and world-class competition—including Logan Sangre, the most amazing guy in her class, the one she’s been crushing on, and who doesn’t seem to know she exists.

Because every other teen on Earth has the same idea.

You Qualify or you die.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21845122-qualify


AUTHOR BIO:

VERA NAZARIAN is a two-time Nebula Award Nominee, award-winning artist, and member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a writer and reader with a penchant for moral fables and stories of intense wonder, true love, and intricacy.

She is the author of critically acclaimed novels DREAMS OF THE COMPASS ROSE and LORDS OF RAINBOW, as well as the outrageous parodies MANSFIELD PARK AND MUMMIES and NORTHANGER ABBEY AND ANGELS AND DRAGONS, and most recently, PRIDE AND PLATYPUS: MR. DARCY'S DREADFUL SECRET in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series.

After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.

Her official author website is www.veranazarian.com

Author links: 

http://www.veranazarian.com/

https://twitter.com/Norilana

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/186145.Vera_Nazarian

 

 

 

Quote of the Day

 

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

  ~ Oscar Wilde 

Quote of the Day

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” 

~ Albert Einstein

Fade In by M. Mabie - Excerpt & Giveaway

Fade In by M. Mabie

Synopsis:

Tatum Elliot is a successful writer on a hit television show, lives in an Upper East Side apartment and loves her life. She wouldn’t change a thing. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a choice. She's losing her sight. Tripping over her tongue and her heels, Tatum all too quickly realizes that the things which appeared so important before are slowly slipping away leaving room for what really matters. With the support of her best friends, family and colleagues, she begins to see that there’s much more to life… and herself. When Ben Harris enters her life as her new personal assistant, she can’t tell if it’s his good looks and charm that are working on her libido, or his kind and helpful nature working on her heart? Whatever it is, neither one of them can resist it. As her vision fades out, a world of love and happiness just might…Fade In. Fade In is a contemporary-romance novel about laughing through your tears and telling life to, quite frankly, “Suck it.” This novel contains sexual situations that the author may or may not have tried at home… for your safety, of course. Research is research.

Excerpt

"Ben?"

"Tatum."  Hearing my name cross his lips in that sultry voice is more of a turn-on than I could have ever imagined and I need to shut it down.  "You looked really pretty this morning."

"I did?"

"Yep.  And I bet you look even better right now in bed." 

My pulse races.  How does he know I'm in bed?

He yawns, and that makes me yawn too, even though now I'm wide awake. 

"Thanks.  You weren't that bad to look at yourself.  What makes you think I'm in bed?"

"I don't know.  I was just guessing.  It is the middle of the night."  He pauses before adding, "And that's where I've been picturing you."

I blush.  "You're picturing me?  What am I wearing?"  I laugh to myself, thinking that the cliché question is suppose to be "What are you wearing?"  But we're in his imagination and I'm eager to know what he keeps there.

He makes a humming sound that vibrates all the way through me.  "You really want to know?"

"Yes."  My one-word answer comes out slowly and wavers in and out, sounding like a question.

I hear the air hiss through his teeth before he says, "It isn't much.  Sleep well.  I'll see you in the morning."  Then he's gone before I even say goodnight or talk him further into a pay-by-the-minute type of conversation.

I won't bore you with the details, but my faithful device, Mr. Right, just didn't cut it tonight.   Maybe it's time for a new one.

Or new lots of things.

Author Bio:

M. Mabie lives in Illinois, NOT Chicago, with her rock-star husband. (True story.) She loves writing for Fifty5Cents Book Blog, which she owns and operates- at the moment quite poorly. She's a proud member of the Indie Author Romance Author Chicks writing group where she maintains a high standard of professionalism and lady-like maturity- or not. She cares about politics, but won’t discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne’s World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. M. Mabie has never been accused of being tight lipped or shy. She’s THAT girl. (She doesn't usually speak in third-person, but surprisingly does when weirded-out about writing her bio.)

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eJXyIA

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1fB0TDq

iTunes: http://bit.ly/NzILmI

Other Links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMMabie

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorMMabie

Goodreads Author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7420449.M_Mabie

Goodreads Fade In page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18911978-fade-in

Website: http://www.MMabie.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/M.-Mabie/e/B00JG5A6D6

Signup for the M. Mabie New Letter: http://eepurl.com/RTbLP

Playlist:

https://play.spotify.com/user/12120286539/playlist/6YwvLM9tsgQm6Y81gV4zVF

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway