Thursday, March 28, 2013

TBR welcomes Georgia Lyn Hunter

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Georgia Lyn Hunter. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
GLH: Hi. It’s a real pleasure and thanks for having me.
Reading was my first love, I never thought about writing. Then my family moved to the Middle East nine years ago. It was a culture shock and romance books were in dire shortage. A real downer for me when I tried to buy some, and the only book left on the shelf was Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Night Pleasures. With little choice, I bought it and was seduced right into this sensual dark world. And in the years to come, Amazon and I became best friends J
Finally, with time on my hands, I scribbled several short contemporary romances but it didn't hold my attention, until few years ago… that’s when the paranormal adventure really took hold.

TBR: Tell us about Absolute Surrender and where it's available.
GLH: This book is my debut novel, a lush paranormal romance, set in urban New York, with the drama, fun and suspense moments. And I’m quite excited about this release. Absolute Surrender is the start to the Fallen Guardian series.

It’s available from:

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
GLH: Blurb
Born in the flames of Heaven’s wrath, he’s all things sinful…and too dangerous to love.
An immortal guardian, Aethan’s walked alone for millennia, trapped in a hell of his own, until a feisty mortal crosses his path—a female he shouldn’t even look at, one who shakes the precarious foundations of all that he is—and one who’s determined to walk the edge of danger.
All her life, Echo Carter wanted “normal,” an impossible feat given that she can see demons. Now she’s determined to hunt down the demonii responsible for the death of her friend—and no man, no matter how sexy, will stop her—until she discovers a horrifying truth about herself, forcing her to turn to Aethan. But when two stubborn wills collide, a dangerous passion ignites…
As evil closes in, will this warrior overcome his darkest fears and claim her as his—or lose her to a far more sinister fate.

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
GLH: A bit of both I think. I start off with an idea and write to see what unfolds. This is usually about three to four chapters. Once the story takes shape, I stop and plot out the rest, just bare bones because I like to let my characters just take over and reveal twists that have me grinning. But I must have an ending or else I would exceed my word count as being a pantser showed me J

TBR: How do you develop your characters?
GLH: As I plot out the blueprint of my story, the characters take shape in my head and their personality and quirks are revealed…sometimes people watching helps too.

TBR: Any tips or tricks for world building you’d care to share?
GLH: It’s difficult to give actual steps. Research and more research. I searched the web, knew I wanted to write something different. I found the word: Empyreal, yep you guessed it, from there my Empyrean’s and the realm of Empyrea was born. Everything just snowballed from there—though I hasten to point out, only glimpses of Empyrea are revealed in this book. In my next book you get to understand that world a lot more.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
GLH: Oh yes. Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen~ Mark Twain

TBR: Which of your characters would you most like to invite to dinner, and why?
GLH: Týr, another of the Guardians and a fallen god. He’s so cocky, dinner would either be fun or a sensual affair… J

TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
GLH: That every word written has a reaction, and things turn around in your plot, things you never envisioned and you go—wow, I never saw that coming. Great moments, really.

TBR: What's next for you?
GLH: I just finished two more books, the second one’s completed, and the third book’s in revision stages right now.

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
GLH: The determination to plant butt to seat and write. Once in, it so great after a few hours and several thousand words later to see the twists and turns your story takes.

TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
GLH: One of my fellow author friend told me, when she reads my books, she can't quite decide which character she wants to have an affair with, so she goes after all.

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
GLH: website: http://georgialynhunter.com/

TBR: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
GLH: I love to hear their thoughts. They can email me through my contact page on my website. And if they’ve read Absolute Surrender, would they be kind enough to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. It’s much appreciated.

TBR: Readers, Georgia will give away an ebook to one lucky commenter. She'll pick a winner  and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you.

Thanks for visiting TBR, Georgia. All the best to you.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

In My Sights - L.J. Garland and Debbie Gould

Oh, to be… 
In My Sights

DEBBIE: Hi, all. I’m Debbie Gould, and this is my writing partner, L.J. Garland. We’re very excited to be here at Delphina Reads Too Much.
LJ: Yes, we are! This place looks great!
DEBBIE: We’ve been invited to talk about the release of In My Sights — our next book in our 1Night Stand Pararescuemen series from Decadent Publishing.
LJ: Oh! Love those Pararescuemen. Soooo hot!
DEBBIE: LOL Yes they are.
LJ: Colin, Bobby, Zeke, Kyle, and Jason. The team in this series is awesome. The series started with Bobby in Second Chance.
DEBBIE: I just love that story. Colin and Emily’s story dealt with some deep emotional issues.
LJ: It did. I know I had my tissue box out with that one. This release is Bobby’s story with In My Sights.
DEBBIE: Bobby is sooo hot!
LJ: Oh yeah! And he and Siobhan change each other’s lives.
DEBBIE: And that leaves the other team members.
LJ: Zeke, Kyle and Jason. Yep…and we’re working on Zeke’s story right now.
DEBBIE: This one is definitely taking some interesting twists and turns.
LJ: Well, we can’t become predictable. Sheesh!
DEBBIE: LOL Right.
LJ: But what we can do is share a bit about our team and what it takes to become a Pararescueman.
DEBBIE: Yes, we can! J

"Pipeline" Training

After completion of six weeks of Basic Military Training, we spend the next 17 months training at the following schools:
•The PARARESCUE/Combat Control
Indoctrination Course
10 weeks, Lackland AFB, TX
•US Army Airborne Parachutist School
3 weeks, Fort Benning, GA
•US Army Combat Divers School
4 weeks, Key West, FL
•US Navy Underwater Egress Training
1 day, Pensacola NAS, FL
•US Air Force Basic Survival School
2 and a half weeks, Fairchild AFB, WA
•US Army Military Freefall Parachutist School
5 weeks, Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ
•Special Operations Combat Medic Course
22 weeks, Fort Bragg, NC
•PARARESCUE Recovery Specialist Course
20 weeks, Kirtland AFB, NM

Air Force Pararescuemen, also known as PJs, are the only DoD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations. These Battlefield Airmen are the most highly trained and versatile Personnel Recovery specialists in the world. Pararescue is the nation's force of choice to execute the most perilous, demanding, and extreme rescue missions anytime, anywhere across the globe. The 500+ PJs are assigned to Guardian Angel and Special Tactics Squadrons throughout the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Air Force components. They operate most often as independent teams but routinely serve alongside with other US and Allied Special Operations Forces

Mission

To rescue, recover, and return American or Allied forces in times of danger or extreme duress. Whether shot down or isolated behind enemy lines; surrounded, engaged, wounded, or captured by the enemy; PJs will do whatever required to deny the enemy a victory and bring our warriors home to fight another day

Capabilites
To execute the PR mission, Pararescue teams assault, secure, and dominate the rescue objective area utilizing any available DoD or Allied, air, land, or sea asset. Their qualifications and capabilities are extensive. All PJs are qualified experts in Advanced Weapons and Small Unit Tactics, Airborne and Military Free Fall, both High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute operations, Combat Divers, High Angle/Confined Space Rescue operations, Small Boat/Vehicle Craft utilization, Rescue Swimmers, and Battlefield Trauma/Paramedics. All can fast rope/rappel/hoist from any vertical lift aircraft to both land and open ocean rescue objectives. All PJs can perform both static line and HALO jump operations utilizing boats, vehicles, or other equipment from any fixed wing aircraft. In addition, 1 in 12 personnel are tandem jump qualified and can HALO/HAHO both equipment and non-jump personnel into the objective area. As required, all PJs can jump in with and utilize extrication devices to remove war fighters or civilians trapped in wreckage or collapse structures. PJs also utilize the latest subsurface technology to locate and recover submerged equipment or personnel.

Recent History
Since 9/11 alone, these elite warriors have executed over 12,000 life saving, combat rescue missions. They've also eliminated and captured numerous enemy combatants during the execution of these missions. Additionally, because of their unique capabilities, they have been called upon to rescue over 5000 civilians worldwide during catastrophic natural disasters and other responses.

Decorations
PJs are the most highly decorated Air Force enlisted force. They've been awarded one Medal of Honor, 12 Air Force Crosses, and 105 Silver Stars.

Their motto, "These Things We Do, That Others May Live," affirms Pararescue's dedication and commitment to saving lives and self-sacrifice. As of January 2012, 10 pararescueman have been killed in action and paid the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pararescue Creed “It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save lives and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things I do, that others may live.

DEBBIE: The dedication these men have toward everything they do just amazes me. I truly believe it has to be a calling and not just a job. They don’t do it for the glory or recognition. Sadly, one of the members of a special ops team from my daughter’s base was killed in a motorcycle accident this past month. It turns out he was also a good friend of my co-workers husband. Small world since the base is in Florida and we are from Vermont. He and my daughter never knew each other yet they both grew up with-in a thirty mile radius in Vermont and were both at the same base in Florida. Anyway, my whole point to this was that this man never told his parents or his brother, who is also in the military, about the three bronze medals he’d been awarded over the years.  That was a man who didn’t do the dangerous things he did for glory, but for love.
LJ: No wonder these guys seem like superheroes….it’s cause they are! Look at all that training!! How could they not hold superhero status after all THAT??
DEBBIE: So, anyway, I hope we’ve done justice to the hero’s of our series and that in some small way they reflect the real life, everyday hero’s that not only exist in the military, but all those people that are out there trying to make their small part of the world a better place to live.

In My Sights
A 1Night Stand Story
Pararescuemen Series – Book 2

BLURB
Six months ago, Siobhan Cantrell’s world was changed forever by a sniper’s bullet. The incident transformed her from a secure confident woman to a recluse, afraid to leave her own home. When her friends urge her to re-enter the world of the living, they suggest Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service. Nervous, she signs up and learns the company is renown for in-depth background checks and safe encounters. So, how dangerous could it be?
Sergeant Bobby Martin has witnessed Madame Eve’s magic firsthand. His teammate found true love through her service. Still a skeptic but giving in to peer pressure, the Air Force Pararescueman signs himself up. When he meets Siobhan, his doubts fly out the window—unfortunately bullets start flying in them. Determined to protect her from a sniper that won’t give up, Bobby vows to keep her safe. As their chemistry ramps up, so does the sniper’s attempts.
Can Bobby keep Siobhan alive, or will the killer catch them in his sights?

Genre: Contemporary, military romance, erotic romance, suspense/thriller
Heat level: 4
Word count – 16k
Cover art by Fantasia Frog Designs

BUY

EXCERPT
Siobhan entered the large suite and glanced around. She’d used every ounce of strength she possessed to walk through the front doors of the hotel and into the dining room. But with Bobby standing behind her, the fine hairs on the back of her neck that had irritated her all evening, eased.
She strode through the room, flipping on lights, checking the bathroom. When she slid the shower curtain back, she stopped herself. What the hell am I doing?
Turning, she caught her reflection in the mirror, the scar on her temple a permanent reminder of everything she’d lost. The sniper had taken so much from her. But did that mean she had to lose her future, too?
By talking her into contacting Madame Eve, her friends had given her a second chance at getting some semblance of control again. And what am I doing? Looking over my shoulder, watching the balcony for shooters, and checking the bathtub for the damn bogeyman while a hot-blooded, gorgeous man is waiting in the bedroom.
And damn it, she wanted to quit hiding in the shadows. If she could survive that day six months ago, then she was damn well done cowering in fear. Hadn’t the bastard taken enough from her? In the past, she’d never shied away from her sexual side. She’d embraced it.
The past six months had been damn lonely. Time to take control again. Starting with the sexy Bobby Martin.
She turned to leave the bathroom and came smack up against a hard male body. He reached out to steady her as she stumbled.
“You okay?”
She pressed her palms on his chest in an attempt to recover her equilibrium—and what a chest. All hard, sculpted muscle. “Uh, yeah, I was just––”
“Looking for the bad guy?” He chuckled.
Heat rushed up her neck and claimed her face. “That obvious, huh?”
Taking her hands in his, he led her into the bedroom. “It’s what I do. If I can’t recognize someone clearing a room, I have no business in Special Ops.”
He tugged her against him, and she had to stop herself from swooning. The men she used to date were nothing close to Bobby. Sure, they’d been fit, but not like this man. He radiated strength and unadulterated male. Something that couldn’t be bottled if you tried. Pure down-and-dirty sex—she tilted her head and eyed him—yet something more.
He gave the impression he actually cared. After listening to her story downstairs, he’d understood immediately how uncomfortable she’d been, sitting in the open dining room, and had gotten her the heck out of there.
She could get used to a man like him. Except tonight would be a one-night stand—something she intended to take full advantage of. Slipping her hands under his shirt, she let her fingers glide up the rock hard abs and sculpted chest until her fingers brushed over his nipples.
His grip tightened on her arms, and his gaze darkened with lust. “Damn.”
A thrill shot through her at the reaction she’d produced, and as she stared up at him, desire coiled low in her body.
“Look, I’m not gonna lie to you.” He loosened his hold on her while he perused her face, settling on her mouth. “I wasn’t sure about this one-night thing to start with, but after seeing you…well, I can definitely follow through. No problem.” He shifted his attention to her eyes, the naked heat swirling in his baby blues causing her breath to catch. “But after what all you told me, I want you to know I get it. We can play this thing any way you want. Fast. Slow. Or I can just hold you.” He trailed his fingers up and down her arms, sending delicious tingles along her skin. “Though I’ll admit, that’s not my first choice.”
She stared at him. God, he was such a gentleman. Without hesitating, she lifted onto her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, crushed her mouth against his, and…holy crap, what a kiss! Her pulse jumped, her head spun. A fire sparked deep inside her, and her breath caught at the passion winding through her. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting exactly, but not anything like this.
Before she melted into a puddle at his feet, she broke the kiss and gazed up at him. “Does that answer your question?”
A sexy grin curved his lips. “Yes, ma’am.”

Monday, March 25, 2013

Book Blitz: Jessica by Laura DeLuca

Jessica
by Laura DeLuca




Wilbur was used to going to his college formals alone. He thought the Halloween Ball would be no different. He’s amazed when a beautiful girl in a Victorian costume displays an interest in him and even more amazed to find himself alone with her on one of the campus nature trails. What Wilbur doesn’t realize is that another woman has her eye on him too. The White Lady returns every Halloween to take revenge on the men of the campus for her brutal murder. She has chosen Wilbur as her next victim.




 
Excerpt

Wilbur thought he was going to collapse when Jessica wrapped one arm around his waist. He could feel her fingers, soft as silk, touching the nape of his neck with her other hand, and it made his flesh tingle. She even went so far as to lay her head on his shoulder. Her hair brushed against his cheek and the fresh, flowery scent made his vision blur. At first he thought it was just his allergies, but then the whole room and all the people in it seemed to change. The woman all wore full lacy gowns with their hair piled up in fancy up dos, while the men waltzed beside them in tailored suits with long tails and top hats. Even the music had changed from the typical sappy love song to a classical ballad played by a string quartet. He swore he saw the musicians in the corner; their bows sliding effortlessly over the strings of their instruments while their fingers pulsated in perfect vibrato. Even the floor under their feet had changed from the faded gymnasium floor, marked with the lines and circles of the basketball court, to hand laid tile in intricate patterns reminiscent of a Victorian ballroom.
As they circled the dance floor in an oddly quickened pace, the faces of the dancers started to transform even more. The beautiful nineteenth century ballroom aged and decayed, as did the men and women that surrounded him. Grotesque monsters with bloated skin and empty eyes dragged their decaying limbs in slow motion. Wilbur watched them with growing horror, almost forgetting about the girl in his arms. The monsters noticed the stranger among them. They reached for him with fingers green from rot. Catching his breath in fear, Wilbur pulled away from Jessica and very nearly stumbled to the ground.