Blog Tour: Jenn Donald's Exclusive Interview and Review of Tension by R.L. Griffin

 Synopsis:

The Stella who emerges from the rubble of the bombing in Montana is a woman full of conflict. She knows she should be grateful that she lived when others didn't, but after waking in the hospital as a celebrity, complete with a new moniker, she's bitter and distrustful, questioning everything in her life. She's unsure of her friends, her new boyfriend, and her job. In addition, a face from the past reappears and threatens to take the one good thing in her life.

Stella attempts to deal with the new scrutiny of her life with her usual sense of humor, but she's filled with a new emotion that she tries desperately to hide: HATE. Her recovery is hastened by her determination to find the man who turned her into a walking scar. She's going to kill him; she needs to kill him.

Stella isn't alone. She has her close friends and her dog, Cooper. Will their support be enough to help Stella accomplish her plan, or will this endeavor be her undoing?

This book is intended for mature audiences due to strong language and sexual content.

 

 

 

Exclusive Interview R.L. Griffin:

(Interview questions asked by Jenn Donald)

1. You've mentioned enjoying an adult beverage when writing, what is your go-to drink when you sit down with one to write?

Red wine.

2. Aside from yourself, who is your favorite author?

Favorite author?  There are so many awesome authors.  I have to say that I am blown away by Tarryn Fisher, I just finished The Thief and was so impressed.   I also love John Green, I will read all his books.

3. Stella has a very strong personality, are there similarities to your own?

I guess I do have a bit of a strong personality, but I have a filter and Stella really doesn't most of the time. I like to cuss as much as she does too.

4. I think George is one of the most amazing characters I've read, where did his character come from?

Totally made up.  I did take some of awesome characteristics of my husband while he was courting me and incorporate him into George.

5. This is such an intense series with a lot going on, what inspired you to write this story?

It is crazy and intense and it came from the smallest scene that I let myself write.  I'd been so busy with life, work and a baby that I was pushing back a story that'd been talking to me.  I let this one scene in, which was a really small scene in By A Thread, and the characters seriously blew up my mind.  Patrick, Stella and George have ruled my mind for the last year and have made it know the story needs to get out.  All because I let myself write that one tiny scene about a girl drowning her sorrows at a bar.

6. Stella is a big fan of tattoos, what would your dream tattoo be?

I'm getting another tattoo when I go to New Adult Sleepover Weekend in Savannah this December.  White ink.  It symbolizes what me and my son say to each other and means so much to me.

7. Which character would you most want to go have a drink with?

Probably Millie.  She is genuine, funny and smart.  That's what you want with a drinking partner.

8. Once this series is finished do you have any ideas of what you'll write next?

Well, Seamless is the conclusion, but I'm also writing Heart In Wire that is Patrick's story throughout all of this.  I have a story that I wrote a few years ago that is new adult and I could definitely give another go.  My old book, Under Glass is going to be released as an ebook this fall.  Other than that I may take a bit of a break, unless inspiration strikes.  I'm hoping that I can get through Heart In Wire without new inspiration.  I'm a little nuts at the moment.

9.  Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Write.  Just write when you can.  When you get your story done let someone who will give you an honest opinion read it.  If they tell you it's shit.  Write a different story.

Read.  Read everything you can.

10. Here are a few quick get to know you, fun types:

Chocolate or vanilla - Chocolate

Tea or coffee- coffee

Favorite color- green

E-book or printed book- ebook (if I love a book I do by the hardcover)

Wine or beer- both.  seriously I love both.

 

 

 

Jenn Donald reviews Tension by R.L. Griffin

I feel like I need to start this review by stating that R.L. Griffin can make me swear like no other! Within the first few pages of Tension I was asking “WTF?” (loudly) and going back to By A Thread to check a few things and when I got to the end, not that you can call it that, I yelled so loud I scared the dog!!

Okay, now the actual review. I absolutely loved this book!  I will admit that I struggled with Stella a bit in By A Thread. I truly felt for everything she was going through but there were definitely times when I wanted to smack her a bit. That all changed in Tension. I adored her in this book, she has such strength and determination and honestly, she scares me a little.

 

Stella is trying to recover from everything that has happened in Montana and it’s definitely a struggle for her. She has physical scars but it’s the emotional ones that are the most severe. She is angry and hungry for revenge but she is also trying not to let that anger consume her. She wants to be the woman George deserves and I love her for that. One of my favorite parts of Stella’s character is her sense of humor and I loved that despite everything happening it’s still intact.

George, ah George! I so love him and I have to give him some kind of ultimate book-boyfriend award. He is such a strong, loving man and holy crap does he love Stella. He provides such strength and stability to the story. He is the perfect match for Stella and he knows it. I feel like I could gush about all of his wonderfulness forever.

Tension was one of those books that I couldn’t put down once I started reading, it was just that good. All of the characters are such complete people I feel like they became a part of my life, even the crazy ones. I found myself thinking about them all even after I finished the book. The twists and turns in the story continually surprised me and I laughed and cried and yelled! R.L. Griffin has a remarkable talent to make me think I understand something only to make it very clear that I don’t in just a few chapters and I totally freaking love her for that! I could go on and on but I don’t want to give anything away and ruin this amazing story. I truly cannot freaking wait for third book!!

“Love only works when the other person loves you back”

5 Stars!

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Purchase on Amazon

 

 

About R.L. Griffin

R.L. resides in the Atlanta area with some cool dudes: her husband, son and two dogs.  She was born and raised in the South.  She attended Georgia Southern University and moved to Washington, D.C. to intern in the United States Senate during the impeachment trial.  Falling in love with the city, she went to law school at American University, Washington College of Law.  By A Thread is R.L.’s second book, but is the first in a series of books.

 CONNECT ONLINE

Author Site~~ Facebook ~~ Twitter

 

 Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78a9/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt, Review, and Giveaway for Some Like It Spicy by Robbie Terman

 

Some Like it Spicy by Robbie Terman

 

Ashton Grey’s restaurant, Sweet Home, is in trouble. Months of empty tables have left her and her partners near bankruptcy, and her father’s prediction of her failure as a chef seems imminent. But a chance encounter could provide Ashton with the publicity she needs to save her restaurant—if the fiery chef is willing to compete on a reality cooking show. But in order to win, she needs to stay focused. No problem…until she meets the head judge.

Celebrity chef Ty Cates is ready to get away from the camera and back to the kitchen where he belongs. Performing as head judge on a reality show is just one more commitment he’d like to get out of, especially after he meets Ashton. Head judges dating contestants is about as taboo as putting ketchup on filet mignon, but from the moment they meet, there’s a simmering heat between them that neither can ignore.

As the competition heats up, they rely on sneaking around, stealing amazing night after amazing night together when the cameras aren’t rolling. When both realize what’s starting to feel like love could easily be a recipe for disaster, Ashton and Ty need to make a choice—get out of the kitchen or turn up the heat.

 

Excerpt

 

            Ashton allowed thirty seconds to lose herself in Ty before she had to push him away. One, two, three…

            His mouth was hot on hers, near bruising with urgency. But his tongue was gentle, caressing.

            Four, five, six…

            His hand found the bottom of her shirt and pushed beneath it.

            Seven, eight, nine…

            And then he pushed the silk and lace of her bra under her breast and his thumb found her nipple.

            Ten, ten, ten, ten, ten, ten, ten, ten, ten…

            Thirty seconds turned into minutes before clarity perforated her cloud-lined brain.

            "We need to stop," she whispered to Ty. "The door isn't locked."    

            Ty stopped nibbling at her neck to look up. "No one will come in without knocking." His lips found her pulse again.

            She let him play for another minute, enjoying him too much to stop him. Then, she asked, "Did you like my tuna burger?"

            He groaned and dropped his head to her shoulder. "I was hoping I could arouse you into forgetting."

            Her breath caught. "Was the dish that bad?"

            He sat up. "No. It was delicious, but Duffy's dry rub is freaking amazing. No one could beat that. I couldn't beat that."

            “If you like dry rub, I have one that I use on ribs." She swung a leg over his thighs to straddle him. "I could make it for you. Tonight." She leaned down and bit at his lower lip.

            Ty's hands cupped her bottom, placing her aching center directly on his. She ground her hips, taking delight in the way his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

            "Bring the rub," he said through gritted teeth. "Forget the ribs." His shoulders dropped. "Shit!"

            "What?"

            "I have plans tonight." He looked even more seriously pained now.

            "A date?” she quipped.

            He gave her a light smack on the ass. "No, sassy. Bowling. We have our league championship next week and tonight is our last practice. Scott will kill me if I skip out."

            She actually thought it was pretty sweet he was worried about his best friend, but she gave him a pout just for fun. "I guess I'll have to make my rub for someone else. Maybe Duffy and I can share recipes." She started to slide off his lap.

            He grabbed her by the waist and yanked her back to him. "Come with me."

            She froze. "Are you serious? You know we can't go out in public."

            "No one cares there, believe me," he promised. "That's one of the reasons I enjoy bowling so much. There isn't a single person in that alley who gives a damn about me. I don't get hassled at all. No reporters, no paparazzi, and no wannabe actresses trying to make names for themselves."

            She knew she should say no. Going out in public together was too big a risk, even if no one noticed them. But she wanted to meet Ty's best friend and see what his life was like outside the kitchen. Still, if they were caught…

            "Please." His eyes were glassy with hope.

            "Okay," she whispered. And prayed this wouldn't be a decision she’d regret.         

 

My thoughts:

 

One of the things I like about books published by Entangled is the fact that I am never disappointed in them. I know that I am going to enjoy the book, and not be throwing away my money. Some Like it Spicy certainly met that standard! I got so frustrated, because I was completely captivated by it, then real life stepped in, and I had to put it down until the next day. It is such a sweet (and spicy!) read that you won't want to put it down.

Ashton is the best! We meet her when she just about pins a guy's nuts to his chair with a kitchen knife, and seriously, how can you NOT love her for that alone? She has a temper (obviously), doesn't take criticism about her cooking well (after meeting her father, it's no wonder), and is about to lose the restaurant she and her two best friends have put everything into. The last thing she want to do is a reality cooking show, but her best friends convince her the publicity, win or lose, is what they need to pull the restaurant back from the brink of closure.

Enter Ty Cates. *sigh* He's hot, a celebrity chef, and used to dating women who's IQ's match their bra sizes (love that line!). He's instantly attracted to Ashton, but because of the rules in his contract with the show, he can't fraternize with her, let alone date her. After being with woman who don't eat and just want to be photographed on his arm to further their career's, Ashton's feistiness and love of food soon has him, and her, risking both of their careers to be with each other.

From Ashton puking on Ty's shoes, then nearly getting caught trying to hide her (naked) self and a stray condom, to a jolted ex-contestant doing what she can to ruin Ashton's chances on the show, Some Like it Spicy takes you on whirlwind of emotions. There were so many parts that had me cracking up laughing, out loud in fact, and there were times that I had tears in my eyes. I love how it started, I loved getting immersed in it, and I LOVE how it ended! One of the best happy ever after's I have read in a while. If you want a book with attitude, this one's for you!!

A 5 star read!

 

 

 

About Robbie

Robbie Terman began her journey as a writer in third grade, when she completed her first (24-page) "novel."  Many years later, she is published in contemporary romance.  Her heroines are feisty, her heroes Hot (yup, that's with a capital H!).  And, when you read her books, if you cry a little and laugh a lot, that's just the reaction she was hoping for.

 When she's not writing, Robbie can usually be found doing one of three things: shopping for shoes and handbags at Nordstrom; trying a new restaurant (or attempting a new recipe); or relaxing on the couch and catching up on her favorite television programs (if you're wondering which ones, open up a TV Guide and take your pick.  You've probably guessed right!).

 

Connect with Robbie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

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Excerpt: Sharing Harper by V. Murphy

 

 

 

“I’m not very good at sharing, especially when it comes to you Harper.”

A pain too hard to understand.
A struggle too deep to reach.
A love too complicated to work…but too intense to let go.
Harper Mae ran as far away as she could from her abusive past. She went to a different city and numbed her pain by using men, never sleeping with the same guy more than once.
Ryder worked at a coffee shop trying blend in with the rest of the world, desperately trying to live a normal life. After leaving a relationship and losing his family, he vowed never to fall in love again.

Until one day they are unexpectedly drawn to each other unable to let go.

Harper and Ryder’s turbulent relationship, two people who are struggling to find themselves, realize the answer lies within each other.
Secrets, so deep, that both have, end up surfacing causing irrevocable pain.
Will their love be strong enough to survive or will their pain be the downfall to their relationship?
Will Harper open up enough to share her past with Ryder or will he be just another number on her list?

 

 

About the author:

 

Her name is V. Murphy and she loves everything about reading (some may call her a bibliophile). She is a current graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and heading out west to live the California dream while pursuing her masters degree in school counseling at the University of San Diego. You can find her writing in a Panera, small coffeeshop or on campus. When she is not spending her time in school or reading, she loves to write, bake and shop.

Links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/VMurphyAuthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/vmurphy16

Email: vmmurphy4@gmail.com

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17968360-sharing-harper

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/431166770324336/?ref=22

 

 

 

Take Me Out by Danielle Elwood: Excerpt and Playlist

Synopsis:

Charlotte Windsor is moody, stubborn, and most of all maddening. The single college junior vows to take a summer off from dating; that is until she meets Bentley Young.
Bentley is the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Growing up with an absent mother, he learns early on in life to never depend on a woman — that is until he lays eyes on Charlotte.
One chance meeting changes their future forever. But, can this unconventional couple survive the never ending trials their relationship will endure?

 

Excerpt:

            “I think it is time we say goodnight,” I said with a frown as I got up off the black leather sectional and headed towards the door with Bentley.  I was a little light-headed, but I attributed that to the six pack or Sam Adams we split during the game.

“Thank you for such a wonderful evening, Charlie. I would love to see you again if you would like,” he said, staring at the tips of his shoes and ran his fingers through his hair. He appeared worried that I would run after our deep conversation. He looked unsure of himself, self-conscious, completely unlike his usual domineering attitude.

He held my hand on the way to the front door. At his touch, all rational thought left me. I needed him to have his lips on me. I was aching to feel more of him against more of me. What had gotten into me?

Once we reached our destination, he leaned down and planted a single soft kiss on my lips, just like he did that night at Fenway. His lips were so soft and the electricity between us was beyond belief. It left me wanting more. When he respectfully pulled away like most modest girls would hope for, I blurted out, “ That's it?”

 

Purchase Take Me Out on Amazon

About The Author:

 

 

Danielle A. Elwood is a blogger by trade who started writing her first romance novel Take Me Out as a hobby in 2012. She is a avid romance novel lover herself,  which inspired her to take the leap into writing her own. She was born and raised in Connecticut and is relocating to Florida in April of 2013 with her family.
Danielle is a mother of three – Camden (5), Benjamin (4), and Addison(2) and has written for various popular publications such as Disney owned Babble.com, as well as the Online Woman’s Magazine The Broad Side where she is also the managing editor, and her own website Danielle Elwood Dot Com, which is a parenting based Mom blog.
Some of the authors who inspired Danielle to take her chance at writing include:

• E.L. James
• Abbi Glines
• Melody Anne
• Sydney Landon
• Colleen Hoover
• Laura Kaye
• Cherrie Lynn

Author Links:

Website:  http://author.danielleelwood.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authordanielleaelwood

Twitter: http://twitter.com/danielleaelwood

Take Me Out on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17694082-take-me-out

Danielle on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DanielleAElwood

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Searching for Tomorrow by Katie Mac

   
    Synopsis:
    

What happens when you find the one person who completes you, and then life conspires against you? How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Katie and Tripp met on the playground the first day of third grade when Tripp tried to rescue Katie from Zack, her twin brother. A lifelong friendship that later blossomed into love began that day.
Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Katie boxes her grief up and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Katie relives her times with Tripp while struggling most days to even get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.
Zack is Katie's twin brother and was Tripp's best friend. Having lost his own love, he dedicates himself to helping Katie put her life back together. Throw in a mother-in-law who torments at every turn and poor Katie can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a
desire to somehow search for tomorrow. 

 ;

Author Links

Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

 
      
About this author If you are reading this, I think you should know that "About me" sounds so very pretentious to me. I guess that is what I am supposed to write about, so here it goes!

Katie Mac is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her hubba, hunka hubby, her three kids and her friends. She loves to cook and really loves to eat! During the spring and summer, you will more than likely find her outside puttering around in her garden. When the veggies start coming in, she will probably be sweating over a hot canner in the kitchen, canning all the goodies she is blessed with. Katie likes to hike and go camping, and as a Girl Scout leader, she gets to do this pretty often! On cold winter nights, you will probably find her wrapped in a warm blanket, lost in a good book, while sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch!

Katie was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. Not a day goes by that Katie doesn't thank God for abundantly blessing her. He has been so good to her, and she is very grateful. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Katie loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head (yes, be scared) and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!

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Cover Reveal: The Only One by Magan Vernon

 

 

ABOUT THE ONLY ONE:

 

 

Honor student, manager at the campus coffee shop, owner of an impressive sweater collection – Melanie Wilder has it all together. Then John “John Boy” Walden strolls into her life wearing nothing more than an impish grin and all-too-revealing loin cloth.

Soon, make-out sessions replace homework, lust triumphs over work. And to further crumble her perfect world, an unexpected phone call threatens to take away everything she’s worked for.

Now, as Melanie struggles to pick up the pieces, she realizes that John may be the only one to put her life back together…unless he shatters it first. 

ABOUT MAGAN VERNON:

 

 

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media.

You can find her online at www.maganvernon.com.

Links:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaganVernon

 

Facebook fan page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Magan-Vernon/215620155165079

 

GoodReads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17925554-the-only-one

 

Blog - www.maganvernon.com

 

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/authormagan/boards/

Excerpt:

I looked around the basement, sipping whatever concoction some guy poured out of a cooler. He called it a ‘magic potion’ and I hoped that didn’t mean he rufied it. I don’t know how Monica talked me into this.

A horde of girls clad in nothing more than lingerie pushed past me as if I were nothing more than another one of the paddles on the paneled wall. I tried to pull back but then I came face to chest with a set of abs and felt all of the magic potion cascade down my cardigan.

I gasped once the cold liquid soaked through both my layers and hit my skin.

“Too bad, that was such a nice sweater…” A deep voice said.

I looked up, all the way past the chiseled six pack and to a pair of cool blue eyes. “Maybe you should just take it off up in my room and I can help you dry off.” He leaned in, his full lips right on my ear. “Or make you wetter.”

My breath caught in my throat, rendering me speechless. Luckily my best friend Monica jumped between us, pushing the guy back so I got a full view of him and realized he was only wearing a loin cloth and a large smile.

"Down John Boy." She scowled at him and then turned to me, almost knocking her beret off. "What the hell happened to you?"

"I-I-I spilled my drink."

Monica's eyes narrowed as she looked down at the red liquid soaking through my gray sweater. She whipped her head around to the loin cloth clad guy. "Was this your fault? Are you trying to get my friend naked?"

He held up his hands, a cockeyed grin on his face. "Purely an accident, Lib."

Ah, now I knew where I’d seen him before. He had come into the coffee shop we worked at a few times. I don’t think he even glanced in my direction more than to hand me his student ID to pay, but was always calling Monica ‘Lib.’ I’m guessing because she was an extreme liberal.

Monica's boyfriend, the governor's son Trey Chapman, pushed through the crowd. When I usually saw him he was polished in dress pants and a dress shirt, but his Halloween costume was nothing more than a pair of American flag boxers, a dress shirt, and some gray hairspray. He looked ridiculous. I still don't know how Monica talked him into the Clinton and Lewinsky couples costumes.

"Hey, I’ve been looking for you." He slipped his arm around Monica's waist. "What's going on here?"

"Your big brother here spilled a drink on Melanie to try and get her naked."

"Hey!" John yelled.

"It wasn't his fault," I piped in. "It’s crowded here and he just ran into me. It’s fine."

"Fine?" Monica raised her eyebrows. "That Hermione costume you've been wearing since middle school is covered in ever clear and Kool aid. That’s not fine."

"I haven't worn this since middle school!" Okay, truth was, it was my go-to costume. I bought it for the first movie's midnight showing and wore it for every movie opening and Halloween since.

"Whatever." Monica turned her head to Trey and tugged on his shirt. "You can just wear Trey's shirt."