Book promo stop for Beneath Southern Skies by Terra Little

Beneath Southern Skies

by Terra Little

About The Author: 

Terra Little is a native of Missouri, where she currently resides and works as a secondary English Literature teacher. She is a critically acclaimed contemporary, romantic, and women's fiction author, and also an avid reader. In 2009, "Where There's Smoke", Terra's sophomore literary effort, was named a Best Book by Library Journal. Prior to this honor, as well as in the aftermath of it, Terra's work has been recognized by numerous book clubs and book reviewers, including Kirkus Reviews, The San Francisco Book Review, Fresh Fiction and The Romantic Times.

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PUBLISHER: Harlequin Kimani Press

PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2013

GENRE: Romance

AMAZON 

BACK COVER BLURB:

A little Southern comfort goes a long way…

To the world she's Vanessa Valentino, the poison-penned gossip columnist and blogger, but back in Georgia, she's just Tressie Valentine. After digging up one scandalous secret too many, she's forced back home to the sleepy town she thought she'd left behind forever. And now she must face Nathaniel Woodberry, who became her sworn enemy when one of her stories hit too close to home. Yet for some reason, Tressie can't turn off her longing for the irresistible investigative journalist.

Nate can't believe Tressie's back to wreak havoc on the close-knit community they both grew up in, and he can't help holding a grudge against her past deeds. But soon the commitment-wary bachelor discovers that the Southern belle is still a compassionate, loving woman. Nate finds himself drawn to her and he can't stop thinking about seducing her with a healthy dose of down-home passion. But can he stop Tressie from making a mistake that could destroy their hometown—and their blossoming love?

Excerpt #1

The shower.

It was going full blast and she was singing along with the water’s spray. No, that wasn’t quite right. Actually she was singing—horribly—over and above the water’s spray.

The sound of her voice scraped across his nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard, spiking his irritation level into orbit. Without stopping to think about what he was doing, he barged into the steamy bathroom and snatched the shower curtain back.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he bellowed.

She turned just as a blast of cool air slammed into her skin, and then visions of warriors rushing in for battle flashed before her eyes—big, strapping men with bulging muscles, bloodthirsty expressions on their faces, and mighty swords slicing through the air. She saw herself being impaled to death and then buried in a shallow grave deep in the woods, where no one would ever find her. She saw, as plain as day, the likelihood that no one would even bother to look for her because the sad fact was that she wasn’t the most popular person in the world and she had no real friends to speak of. Every questionable deed that she’d ever done played before her eyes like a movie. Her killer would go unpunished and her death would be in vain. The public would probably celebrate once her true identity was revealed. They would—

Oh God. She was going to die.

Partially blinded by soap bubbles and completely on the verge of hysteria, Tressie opened her mouth and did the only thing she could think to do under the circumstances. She screamed at the top of her lungs.

It seemed like an eternity, but it really took only a few seconds to wipe the soap bubbles from her eyes and focus. When she did, the first thing she saw through the steam was a pair of gorgeous hazel eyes staring into hers. Expanding her gaze to a wide-screen view, she took in a pair of perfectly shaped lips and a dimpled chin, thick eyebrows and smooth pecan-brown skin. Something in her brain eventually clicked and she recognized Nate Woodberry, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to scream like a banshee. The only difference was that this time the sounds she made were intelligible. “What the hell,” she shrieked frantically as she snatched the shower curtain from his grasp and wrapped it around her body, “are you doing in here?”

“I rang the bell. You didn’t answer.” He was the epitome of calm.

“So you just walk right on in and make yourself at home?” She slung her wet hair back and out of her face and shut off the water. “Idiot! Hand me a towel from over there, would you?” She snatched the towel he handed her and only released her death grip on the shower curtain long enough to make the trade. The fact that he had undoubtedly seen more of her naked body in the past thirty seconds than her doctor had in years burned her skin to a cherry-red crisp, especially since he hadn’t so much as given it a second glance in all that time. So much for cutting back on sweets and working out like a demon.

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Interview with urban fiction writer Vogue

This interview goes hand-in-hand with the promo post from Monday for Vogue's novel The Ace of Diamonds. (Check it out for how to enter for the giveaway!)

Bio:

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Vogue’s journey through the world of creative writing first began in middle school with poetry and songwriting. While the mix of rhythm and words was the initial passage to self-expression, it was the discovery of prose that opened the door to a world of endless possibilities. An avid reader of Urban Fiction, Vogue felt the need to create literary works that had an equal balance of street lit, drama, romance, and faith-based undertones.

A graduate of Winthrop University (Rock Hill, S.C.), possessing a bachelor’s degree in social work, Vogue, first birthed the idea of The Diamond Collection in the halls of her alma mater. In 2003, she put pen to paper and thus was created, Diamonds In The Rough, part one of The Diamond Collection series.

By 2010, Vogue had written drafts of the entire ten book series and in June of 2010, Diamonds In The Rough, was published for her to share with the rest of the world. Soon followed by Diamonds Are Forever in October of 2010 and The Ace of Diamonds in February of 2013, Vogue joined the league of other writers, determined to make her mark in the literary world.

Still writing, Vogue plans to release the fourth book in the series, Black Diamonds, in late 2013 or early 2014 as well as pen her first Young Adult novel.

Welcome, Vogue. Please tell us about The Ace of Diamonds.

Famous for its glitz and glamour, the city of Brookstone is also known as being the home of one of New York’s most notorious drug lords, Jay Santiago. The son of a famed politician and socialite, he spent the last seventeen years of his life in federal prison only to return to the city that took him captive. In true underdog fashion, Jay rises from the bottom and rebuilds an empire and cartel that is as powerful as its leader. After linking up with an old comrade, Jay believes he has found the one material object that will allow him to leave his criminal enterprise for good. However, his most prized possession could lead to his biggest downfall yet.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired to write this book after receiving an enormous response to the character of Jay Santiago in two of my previous releases, Diamonds in the Rough and Diamonds Are Forever. Several readers had requested to know more about Jay’s background and I decided to write a novel that was focused more on his character than in the previous releases. In addition, I wanted to show his character’s transition from a notorious drug lord to a legit businessman.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Currently, I am working on Black Diamonds, which will be my fourth novel as well as expounding on several ideas for short stories, which will be centered on topics such as interracial relationships, abuse, faith, and domestic violence. I am looking to release Black Diamonds in December of 2013 or January of 2014.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer starting in high school when I transitioned from poetry to fan fiction. My love for the art form led me to start writing full-length novels and since then, I haven’t looked back!

Do you write full-time?

Currently, I am not writing full-time, but am dedicating myself to promoting The Ace of Diamonds. I am, however, rewriting my first novel, which I hope to re-release later this month. I will not start back writing full-time until October when I start finalizing Black Diamonds.

If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write? When I am not writing, I am still jotting down ideas for future stories. I write only when I am inspired instead of trying to work while I have writer’s block.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love to watch action movie trailers or movie clips when I am writing. Car chases, fight scenes, and the drama of it all helps rev up my creative process.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. I always thought that I was going to end up becoming an English teacher because English was my major for about two years in college. Halfway through, I discovered Social Work, which I realized was my intended path.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

The life of a writer has its ups and downs; however, we have an outlet to vent our frustrations, joys, and pains. Let’s pick up our pens and unleash!

Thanks, Vogue. Happy to have you here! Write on!

Book promo stop for Ace of Diamonds by Vogue

Ace of Diamonds

Book III in The Diamond Collection

by Vogue

About The Author:

Vogue is the author of Diamonds in the Rough and Diamonds Are Forever. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, she is a graduate of Winthrop University, possessing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Vogue currently resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

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The Ace of Diamonds

Book III of The Diamond Collection

Genre: Urban Fiction

Publisher: Crown Jewel Publishing

Release Date: February 11, 2013

Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Book Description:

Since his release from prison, Brookstone’s most notorious drug lord, Jay Santiago, has been hard at work rebuilding his life and empire. With two businesses under his belt and one in the making, Jay is readily known as one of New York’s elite men.

While the root of his financial status lies in the newly rebuilt Santiago cartel, Jay is determined to expand his wealth. After reconnecting with an old comrade, he believes that he has found the one thing that could increase his fortune and allow him to leave behind the dangers of his criminal enterprise for good.

However, as Jay’s new business venture begins to come to fruition, he quickly learns that the one material object that he loves the most could lead to his biggest downfall yet. 

Excerpt from The Ace of Diamonds

Excerpt #1

Carmen stared out the window as Kane’s Jeep backed out of the driveway. She wanted to call him to come back, but she knew that he wouldn’t. While they had cleared the air on one issue, another one had surfaced. This one, though, she couldn’t fix. She was nine months pregnant and Nyla was coming regardless of how Kane felt. He might not have liked the idea, but he knew when they renewed their vows that she was pregnant. He seemed okay with it then, but obviously the whole thing was an act.

When his car disappeared out of the gates, Carmen began to think that her marriage wasn’t going to survive. If Kane was running out now then she knew it would be worse when Nyla came. Jay would be around more than ever and she would be forced to communicate with him. There might even be times when he had to come to the house. The distance between her and Kane would only grow.

Carmen pulled the curtains closed as she made her way back to the bed. She sat down, and tried to fight back her tears. She and Kane had been fine until Jay’s lawsuit, which sent them spiraling back into a place that neither one of them wanted to be. Carmen wanted to come up with an answer to fix everything, but she couldn’t. Softly crying, she did the only thing she knew how; she prayed to God for guidance and strength. She told herself that this would be the last time she would allow Kane to leave. After tonight, she would put her foot down. If she wanted to

save her marriage, she had to act like it, now or never. 

Diamonds Are Forever

Book II of The Diamond Collection

Genre: Urban Fiction

Publisher: Passionate Writer Publishing

Release Date: October 25, 2010

Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Book Description:

Eight months pregnant, Carmen Davenport is unsure of what is waiting for her outside of the Metropolitan Correctional Facility. For six grueling months, she sat in a cold cell with only the thought of her unborn son, keeping her sane. Now, she has returned to Brookstone to discover that Flame is now a multi-million dollar enterprise, all thanks to her best friend, Tiara. Diamonds Are Forever is a reunion with familiar characters and another look into the dramatic lives of Brookstone’s finest.

Diamonds in the Rough

Book I of The Diamond Collection

Genre: Urban Fiction

Publisher: Passionate Writers Publishing

Release Date: June 1, 2010

Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Book Description:

Carmen Davenport is living the American dream. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she has anything that a twenty-one year old college student would want: supportive parents, a set of fly friends, and an inheritance to one of the most lucrative clothing companies in New York: Flame, Inc. The only thing missing is love, but that doesn’t seem to faze her until she lays eyes on Jay Santiago, a Puerto Rican drug lord who is destined to make Carmen his at any cost. Instantly, Carmen begins to fall for him despite his reign as the head of a multi-million dollar drug cartel.

After securing the rights to her inheritance, Carmen soon learns that Flame, Inc. is headed towards a downward spiral. Too ambitious to allow her dream to go down the drain, Carmen begins pulling at all lifelines to save her company. Putting aside everything she’s ever believed in, Carmen soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and crime. However, Carmen knows that in order to achieve her goal, she must remain focused no matter how dangerous the road to success may get.

Giveaway:

One Signed Copy of Ace of Diamonds

Open to US/Canada 

International Winners will receive an E-Book

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Interview with non-fiction author B.L. Brown

Today's guest is writer B.L. Brown to talk about her book Halo-Orangees employer-employee “one accord” Volume I One Mind, One Body, One Team.

B.L. is giving away 4 signed books,50 free total-access dating packages (http://www.h-connect.net), 50 free job postings, and $100 cash to many lucky winners. You can enter through the rafflecopter code below the interview.

Bio:

Author B.L.Brown was born and raised in the city of Memphis. Memphis, Tennessee has been her permanent resident since birth. B.L. Brown is the CEO and Founder of Halo-Orangees', international online job board (halo-orangeesjobs.com).

In 2012, Author B.L. Brown launched Halo-Orangees/h-connect brand, international online dating website h-connect.net. The h-connect.net brand is empowering and motivating singles to find their best friend in love.

Welcome, B.L. Please tell us about your current release, Halo-Orangees.

This book embodies the message that all human beings have a purpose and can rise above any situation or circumstance as long as they remain ethically true to themselves. Halo-Orangees employer-employee “one accord” Volume I One Mind, One Body, One Team has twelve chapters; nine out of twelve chapters contain real life on the job experiences of people I have some form of association with. The objective of the book is to take the most difficult on-the-job conflicts and use them as a platform to show others that they shouldn’t let anyone disable their growth by ‘confining them to a box’. “Your life purpose is to take the totality of your negative experiences, roll them up into one, and use them positively to lay the foundation for your destiny” (Excerpt~ B.L. Brown). Halo-Orangees is a nonexclusive on the job survival manual, mindset enhancer, and stress reliever for both employers and employees. This book will change your life both personally and professionally.

What inspired you to write this book?

Halo-Orangees’ employer-employee “one accord” Volume I One Mind, One Body, One Team (Halo-Orangees: Helping Advocate Longevity of Organizations by Obtaining Objectives through Redefining Above-Board New Generational Guidelines for Employer Employee Standards) was inspired, developed, and birthed from my reaction to a manager with whom I, B. L. Brown, had the pleasure—that is, in making me stronger—of working for. My executive director had perfected the art of insulting staff members on a daily basis. I could only surmise that this leader saw the entire group of employees as confined to a small shoe box. In a one-on-one meeting with my executive director, he made the statement that another employee, who held the same title, was better than I was. In response, I informed him that this employee was not better than I, nor was I better than she. I also asked him to explain the basis for his statement. He stumbled, stuttered, and finally replied that this employee was better than I because she held two master’s degrees. From that one statement, I instantly realized my true purpose in life. On that day, reckoning my experience with a newfound belief, the foundation of Halo-Orangees emerged. Halo-Orangees employer-employee “one accord” Volume I One Mind, One Body, One Team Introduction is entitled, “Don’t Allow Anyone to Confine You to a Box, Disabling Your Growth”. You are the only one who defines you, so don’t ever allow anyone to tell you who you are, or that you are not good enough (Excerpt~ B.L. Brown).

What exciting story are you working on next?

Halo-Orangees’ employer-employee “one accord” Volume II One Mind, One Body, One Team

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I defined myself as a writer when Halo-Orangees’ employer-employee “one accord” Volume I One Mind, One Body, One Team was published.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I do not write full-time. I am the CEO and Founder of Halo-Orangees', international online job board (halo-orangeesjobs.com). Halo-Orangees international job board delivers candidates on time and under budget. Employers can post jobs and search resume database. Jobseekers can post resumes and search jobs for free. I recently launched Halo-Orangees/ h-connect brand, an international online dating website (www.h-connect.net). My mindset automatically resets to writing mode each morning.

What do you do for fun?

The most rewarding part of my life is my kids. We enjoy traveling, dining out, attending the movies, and shopping. I love to read in my spare time. I also enjoy watching mystery movies on Sundays.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My writing process is most effective in the early mornings with a hot cup of coffee and an inspirational gospel CD.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, whenever I felt isolated from the rest of the world, I would write. I have become accustomed to expressing myself by way of pen and paper verses verbal communication. Therefore, becoming a writer has been planted within my heart since childhood.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I encourage all readers to purchase Halo-Orangees employer-employee “one accord” Volume I One Mind, One Body, One Team at http://www.amazon.com/dp/1432747584. Visit Halo-Orangees website at http:www.halo-orangeesjobs.com create an account, post your resume, and apply for jobs. Halo-Orangees resume database is searched daily by numerous organizations for qualified applicants to meet their organizational needs. Therefore, if you do not see a position in which you qualify at the time of your search, it is to your advantage to continue the process and upload your resume. Opportunities are available through the resume database component of Halo-Orangees website http:www.halo-orangeesjobs.com.

Lisa Jackson, I would like to thank you and Virtual Book Tour Cafe for creating platforms for “Self-Published Authors” to share their book with the world.

It's my pleasure to be a tour host, B.L. Thanks for stopping by today!

Progress can also be followed via social media:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Linkedin | H-connect

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