Living Indie Book & Author Blog: July 2015

COVER REVEAL - TIME TO LOVE BY ANGELA FORD

Bethany, recently returned from Europe, seeks medical advice for a stomach upset. Because of her mixed parentage, she has inherited a specific gene, which has made her a candidate for colorectal cancer. She challenges her diagnosis; she is too young for this kind of condition and she has too much life to live. And so she sets off on a whole new journey of discovery, taking her eclectic group of friends with her.

In this story, I hope I’m showing readers what receiving a diagnosis of bowel cancer is often about, using language and situations everyone can understand. I wanted an angle different from any other books I have read on this subject.

The protagonist is loosely based on my daughter, Anna, who is similar in age to Bethany. Anna was twice diagnosed with Grade 4 cancer. This story is in part about how she processed that information and what she did with it.

There is no right or wrong way.

Bethany is a thirty-year-old woman struggling to accept she has colorectal bowel cancer. We follow her diagnosis and the current recommended medical procedures. I have written for anybody (male or female) connected to someone with this diagnosis in the hope they may appreciate how each individual’s reaction and mental process in these circumstances is different.

It’s about Bethany’s courage in the face of her medical minefield. Recently returned from Europe with what she thinks is a runny gut, she eventually seeks medical advice. However she is not at all convinced with the diagnosis of bowel cancer; she’s too young: she has too much life to live: she’s financially secure and loves her job, almost as much as she loves her friends. Besides, bowel cancer is – well, so not nice.

Initially, Bethany chooses to ignore her condition and refuses to confide in family or friends. But she does employ a housekeeper.

So we now have Bethany and Kate under the same roof; two women who are opposites in every way. Whilst Bethany is just shy of phobic about housekeeping, Kate is diligent. Bethany is gorgeous. Kate is homely. Bethany is extravagant. Kate is cautious. Yet a bond develops between this unlikely pair that will endure though the trials and heartaches the following year may hold.

While one woman has lost control of her life another finds her purpose.

What people are left with when they’ve read this is that it’s a love story between Bethany and Kate. That Bethany has bowel cancer is the least important thing about Bethany. That unassuming Kate is her caregiver is the least important thing about Kate.

It’s a simple love/drama about several very different people who meet in highly unusual circumstances. It’s also a story about dealing with a medical condition when you don’t understand half of the words used.

I’ve written it with a lot of humor. It’s not a depressing book, although the subject matter might seem a bit off-putting. And because of that there had to be a lot of levity in it.

In this story I often cross the genres.

Perhaps more than some I write a completely different book every time. It’s about feeling that what I do has some value. And it’s very hard as a writer not to feel anxious about what you put out. It’s not enough to put out a good book. You have to put out the best book you’ve ever written. I think this is mine.

SUSAN TARR

I’ve been writing for over 25 years (and doesn’t that sound better than 27.38years?).

Let’s take a chunk of me from the late 70s when I arrived on the coast of Kenya, East Africa in a 28ft yacht, still heaving my gut out. And if that didn’t cure me of the sea life, I was crew on an old Baltic Trader, where my job was to caulk the 80ft teak decks. I got that job because I was the one who ran fastest, backward, in a straight line. So boiling up tar in the galley, combing out hemp, and using a specially made blunt chisel thing was my lot. Then I was promoted to applying linseed oil and some other stuff to the bowsprit. Because of the shark cruising below me, a safety net was set in place. So 28 coats of linseed oil and other stuff later, I was all set to make my mark on the fancy water line. One row in white, the other in red.

Did I get over being seasick? No! I started my morning with a cup of tea, some stale bread and a seasick tablet. I’d already tried the chewing gum from Europe, but sailing gave me the munchies, and it’s hard to eat stale bread and dried cheese with a wad of gum in one cheek. Next was the patch behind my ear; that caused me to hallucinate. So mostly I was an anchor-bound sailor. Yet ask me to repair a sail, sew a flag, plug a hole using a chunk off the broomstick, or take part in a quiz about sailing terms or nautical safety, and I’d blitz it.

I’ve yet to finalize my book on my Kenyan escapades but one day…

My girls were born in Kenya. Both emergency caesarians, one without anesthetic (eek!). When we eventually returned to New Zealand (we flew) after a couple of coups, we settled into tourism in the Bay of Island via a yacht charter and mobile home business with lots of international travel.

I have always written in some form or other, and when I’m not writing I’m happily editing or proofreading for other authors.

OTHER BOOKS BY SUSAN TARR

PHENOMENA the Lost and Forgotten Children http://goo.gl/M659oU

MIRANDA BAY http://goo.gl/5L1yY4

JACK just an ordinary dog in the dog house http://goo.gl/rdlXzb

Facebook Author Page: http://goo.gl/dToB4X
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Tarr/e/B00I0I3M9U/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7154859.Susan_Tarr
My Webpage: http://susan-tarr-author.webnode.com/

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Inspiration for When the ROLLER COASTER Stops comes from a whole lot of living and loving, from personal and shared experiences of family, workmates and friends: from managing a tourist resort in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand; from working in psychiatric hospitals, extensive travel, sailing internationally, and from starting my wee family in Kenya, East Africa. I draw from everyone and everything in order to present a montage of quirky but realistic characters. But mainly I draw from my daughter, Anna.

I would like to acknowledge the value and insight into this medical condition provided by the NZ Cancer Society, Dr Tannis Laidlaw, and Dr Dan & Linda Wilson.

To my family

I could not have attempted Bethany’s story if it weren’t for the love and friendship my daughter, Anna, and I share. This story is yet another intertwining of both our lives.

And I am forever grateful to my husband, Michael, for revealing the mysteries of my computer to me.

PROMO TOUR - OBLIVION BY JOSHUA RYAN OGG

Laugh, cry and fall in love in the newest standalone within the

Mathews Family Series. Meet Ryan and Carrie Ann in

A Taste of Summer. #SummerNeverTastedGood

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OgoKLx

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1gJ1MCi

Blurb

Most people know Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Summer, as Ryan, no last name required. But once upon a time, he was just Summer to Carrie Ann—before a decade of blockbuster hits skyrocketed his success into superstardom.

Summer was smart, gorgeous, and cocky as hell. Nothing was out of his reach. Not even Carrie Ann Lowell. He was the love of her life—until he shattered her heart. Their breakup left more than a profound rift in her soul. It crushed her.

When Carrie Ann’s college flame forces his way back into her life, his dirty-talking, bold self-assurance re-ignites a passion she thought had long since been extinguished. Carrie Ann didn’t believe in second chances.

Not even for him.

No matter how deliciously tempting.

With sparks flying and hidden truths unraveling, will Carrie Anne be able to deny her desires to save herself from another heart break?

EXCERPT

Summer skewered her with a harsh stare. “Stop acting like you don’t feel the connection we share.”

“That was a long time ago, Summer. You don’t know anything about me anymore.”

“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong Red. I know exactly who you are. What you want. What makes you happy. You need a man who will want you for exactly who you are. Independent, hardworking, passionate, fun, bossy and as stubborn as the day is long…in Alaska.” In spite of his seriousness, she almost smiled. “You also need a man who’s confident enough to put you in your place occasionally.”

“Don’t forget faithful,” she stabbed, whirling her back to him. Her breasts on display to the great outdoors reaching for her shirt. Thrusting each arm into the oversized sleeves, she busied herself with the buttons. High strung emotions caused her fingers to tremble, hindering her progress. “That man doesn’t exist.”

She heard him make a scoffing sound as he latched his fingers around her wrist, turning her to face him. Her heart spurred into a frantic beat. His grip so gentle and caring that she had no chance at resisting him. The soft cotton fabric of her shirt listed open all the way to her navel and below. The slope of her full breasts fully exposed, yet he seemed enthralled with her face.

“Our connection is far more than physical. We share a closeness, an intimacy that stretches beyond that of past lovers, Carrie Ann. Our bodies, our energy, we vibrate on the same frequency.” A familiar strain in his tone, low and ragged, flooded her with memories of long nights filled with passion and companionship. “Your laugh reaches the darkest, dustiest corners of my soul and brings it to life. When you’re near me my heart feels fuller. My breath comes easier. My smile…fuck…I can’t wipe it off my face when I’m near you. I connect with you on every level of my being, Carrie Ann.”

“What are you? Some kind of inspirational relationship guru now?”

He ignored the dig. “You make me fall for you…every…single…time just by the way you look at me.”

Battling the oncoming waterworks burning the back of her eyes and nose, she willed her defenses, regarding him scornfully, “You just want a blow job or…or a fuck for the night.”

His eyes broadened. Her crudeness surprised him more than it shocked herself.

“Well, I do love the vision of your mouth wrapped around my cock.” He moved closer, coasting his fingers along the ridge of her jaw. “And I most certainly want to fuck you senseless.”

“I’m sure you’ve knocked sense into plenty of women.”

“Carrie Ann, I’ve never wanted to fuck another woman the way I want to fuck you.”

Her lip curled, repulsed by his words. Summer was visibly shaking. She started to pull away from him, but he gripped her arms.

“You’re also the only woman I can really talk to. And the woman I want to look into the future with. Plain and simple, Red. I just want you. Inside, outside, upside down and fucking sideways.” The demanding but gentle squeeze of his fingers around her biceps, drew a rush of breath from her lungs. A flash of belligerent male triumph ignited fire in his eyes. Apparently he was happy to have finally made his point. “Carrie Ann, you’re the only woman I want in my bed when I wake up every morning.”

Teaser Quotes!!!

“I don’t want to be your friend, Carrie Ann.” She heard him murmur. He raised to his feet, playing with her fingers before letting them loose, dropping his hand at his side. “I want to be your everything.”

****

“You own my heart. You always have. Everything else has just been white noise filling in the blank spaces.”

****

“Did it hurt?” he asked, his voice no more than a whisper.

Her face screwed into a painful crumple of emotions. She shook her head and then nodded. A single tear rolled from the corner of her eye, catching on the pillow. “It hurt in here the most,” she admitted in an ache of a whisper, bringing his hand over her beating heart.

****

Carrie Ann ripped the card from the clear prongs. Her fingers trembled as she opened the small envelope.

I’m teaching Drew how to ask a woman out on a date…Properly

I miss you, Red

Have dinner with me

Happy birthday

Summer

****

“You’re invading my space!”

His eyes twinkled as if weighing the consequences of his answer. He whispered in a soft growl, “I’m gonna invade your personal space with my cock as soon as you come to your damn senses.”

She went scarlet. The provocative remark fired off a round of clenches, low and deep, striking a tender place hidden inside. The man melted her insides. He turned her to a withering mess with a simple smile. He also had a way of pissing her off more than any other man she’d ever known.

It wasn’t fair or easy.

And neither was she.

“In. Your. Dreams.”

“Every night, Red. Every night.”

****

“Other women all have the same fuckin’ problem, Red.”

“Let me guess. They’re all after your millions?”

“That’s not the problem I’m referring to.”

“Too beautiful? Too thin? Too crazy like that one voodoo chick you dated?” There was no need to go into detail. He knew exactly who she meant.

“None of them are you, Carrie Ann.” His voice was soft and soothing, slipping past her defenses, caressing old wounds hidden deep inside.

****

“I kind of like this…softer side of you, Summer.”

“Oh really?” He growled. “It’s the only thing soft you’re going to get from me today.”

“Is that so?” she countered boldly, trying to keep a straight face. “Gonna give it to me hard?”

“Carrie Ann Lowell, from now on you get it however you’d like it.” His tone riddled with impeccable politeness. For a millisecond. “Hard and fast, slow and dirty…you just say the word, but today I plan on fucking you into exhaustion.”

****

“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” he growled, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His mouth wandered hungrily over her throat as he filled her. “The way you say my name…Christ, Red, I have waited so long to hear the sounds you make when I’m inside you.”

****

“Everything I’ve been through has made me a better man…and you deserve the best version of me that I can possibly give you, Red.”

Haven’t read this series yet?

Fall in love with the Mathews Family for ONLY $3.99

(Four Books for one low, low price)

The Mathews Family Box Set

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/17GDsw5

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G4wNuk

Nook: http://bit.ly/1LlwcHA

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iBooks: http://apple.co/1zOMY83

About the Author

#1 Bestselling Author, Beverly Preston has been a stay at home mom for 21 years, although she prefers the title Domestic Engineer. Along the way, Beverly worked side by side with her husband Don, the love of her life, designing, building and selling custom homes. As her children begin to venture out on their own, she’s left to shed a tear—for a minute—wonder what’s next in life, and embrace the feeling of empowerment that surely must’ve been wrapped in a present she received on her fortieth birthday.

If Beverly isn’t at home riding her spin bike, you’ll find her spinning richly emotional and sinfully sexy romance stories.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

In honor of Carrie Ann's favorite line Beverly will be giving away this Triple F necklace and a $50 Amazon GC.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PROMO TOUR - STOLEN HEARTS BY ANDREA R COOPER

Title: Consumed (Collide Series Book 2)

Author: J.C. Hannigan

Publisher: Booktrope Publishing

Re-Release: July 1^st, 2015

Purchase Link: http://tinyurl.com/p4shg7t

Jax Walker is a hard man to resist. He’s tall, dark, and delicious. Harlow didn’t plan on falling for another, with her heart still stuck on Iain. But it’s so hard with him gone. And she’s been aching since they last touched. Two whole years of silent wondering; of desperate sleepless longing. Fate, however, may have other plans. Just as Harlow’s ready to open herself to new love, her whole world is pulled into a twisting and painful spiral. In this new adult novel, readers are consumed by the collision of past and present. Raw and dark, this emotional minefield is the perfect second book in the continuing story of Harlow Jones.

Collide (Collide Series Book 1)

Re-Release: May 11^th 2015

Purchase Link: http://tinyurl.com/q29gala

Harlow Jones has a troubled past, and a questionable future. Surrounded by death, tragedy, and intrigue, she is forced to mature long before her time. Plagued by anxiety and depression, she hides her inner turmoil with spite and sarcasm. Her thick skin is impenetrable…or so she thought. Until she becomes involved with her grade twelve English teacher. In this exclusive entry into the new adult genre, with raw style that is as dark as it is poignant, Collide presents the ultimate choice: forbidden love or doing the right thing.

JC Hannigan lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, their two sons, and two dogs. She writes contemporary romance, through which she brings to light awareness of mental health and social challenges. Like any good Canadian, she loves hiking and carbs. Collide is her first novel.

Connect with J.C. Hannigan:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jcahannigan

Twitter: @jcahannigan

Google +: http://tinyurl.com/qaqex3f

Website: www.jchannigan.com

3 eBook Sets of Collide Series (Books 1 & 2)

CLOSES July 28, 2015

Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzNhODg2YjViN2I2MmQ3ZTc3NDBiNWZkOTI5ODZmOjY=/?

PRE/NEW RELEASE - CHRISTMAS PETS AND KISSES

His best friend’s sister was off limits. Her brother’s best friend was out of her league…

JACK CARTWRIGHT AND SAMANTHA GRIFFIN HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER—AND DENYING IT—SINCE THEY WERE 17. Jack’s home was wherever his abusive father dragged him. Until his best friend Keith’s family rescued him and gave him at a real future. What he didn’t count on was falling in love with Keith’s baby sister Samantha.

Jack and Samantha forged individual lives, he as an NFL star, she as a print supermodel, keeping the passion they felt for each other hidden from the world. Until a family tragedy forces them together again—to face the feelings they’ve long denied.

Read an excerpt here!

Trailer also available

Nina Day Gerard LOVES to write about love! When she's not writing romance, she's reading it. She's been inspired by great romance writers like Maya Banks, and Bella Andre. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, and her muse, a little Calico named Celine.