MONICA JAMES - GIVEAWAY - VLOG GUEST POST - THE I SURRENDER TRILOGY - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 30

Day 30 is the last day of my Aussie Author Road Trip. I am spending it with the lovely Monica James and she has an AWESOME guest post VLOG for y'all and she wants to show you her books, I Surrender and Surrender To Me. Check out her excerpts and her awesome giveaway.

Ahhh, the last day in my magical Kombi van . It has been a blast discovering all the Aussie talent we have in our country. I hope you have all found some wonderful authors to read. I know I have.

Until next time ...

Welcome Monica James.

AUTHOR BIO:

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson. Listening to the likes of Elvis to Fiona Apple and everything in between has been her inspirational tool to write. Her varied musical and literary tastes have shaped her into the writer she has become. 

Monica partook in extra Literature and Writing studies in High School. She studied a Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at La Trobe University Victoria, Australia, majoring in Philosophy and Cinema Studies for three years. 

Monica James has just had her first novel, paperback and eBook editions, published through theEDGEbooks. The novel is entitled I Surrender, and is the first book in a trilogy. Her second book, Surrender to Me, will be released October 21st 2013. 

I Surrender, on the first day of release, charted at #38 on Amazon’s Hot New Coming of Age Bestselling Releases List. 

Monica is attending her first book signing at, Rockin’ the Holidays Indie Readers Bash at the House of Blues, Anaheim, Downtown Disney on Nov. 2, 2013. 

When she is not writing, Monica is running her own business, but always finds a balance between the two. Monica enjoys reading honest, heartfelt and turbulent stories that leave an imprint on her. She put pen to paper because she wanted to write a book that she would want to read. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, hopeful others enjoy reading about the world as she sees it.

6 Quick Things: 

A quote that means something to you.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. Dr. Seuss

A song that describes you. 

Trouble by Elvis Presley

 Who is your book boyfriend? 

Do I have to list only 1?! LOL Hmmm... atm (it changes daily) Bones from The Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost. Why? Pssh, because he's Bones!! 

Amen

Who is your book girlfriend? 

Ellie from Sins and Needles (The Artists Trilogy) by Karina Halle. Why? because she's a total badass!

Author that inspired you and why?

 Dr. Seuss, because he writes whimsical nonsense that makes complete sense to me. 

 Will you be attending the Indie Author Down Under Gold Coast event 22nd March 2014? 

Facebook Link

YES, YES YES!!

Title of Book : I Surrender
Author: Monica James
State: Victoria
Series Title:The I Surrender Trilogy
Published By : theEDGEbooks
Date Released : July 30th 2013

Genre : New Adult

I Surrender: Singapore has stolen a piece of Ava Thompson.

It took one life shattering moment, for her to realize, her EX is not the man she believed him to be. Returning home to Los Angeles was never going to be easy for Ava. Her heart has been shattered to smithereens and she’s convinced it’ll never heal. Or, so she thought.

Enter Jasper White.

Unbeknown to Ava, Jasper White will change her life forever.

The attraction is instantaneous which troubles Ava, who has sworn off men indefinitely. But, she is finding resisting Jasper, with his tousled bedroom hair and piercing cerulean eyes, harder than she ever imagined. And that’s because Jasper knows what he wants, and he wants Ava.

But, can Ava surrender to her feelings for the one man who compels her to love again? Because, what happens if love does not triumph all? What happens if love isn’t enough?

Surrender to Me:Ava Thompson left the love of her life, Jasper White, to unearth her destiny. Even though the decision was the toughest of her life, it was the only way for Ava to grow into the woman she’s always wanted to become.

Sadly, that destiny has led her back to the place that broke her.

Singapore.

And more importantly, it has led her back to the man who broke her.

Harper.

But Ava is no longer the scared, lost girl she once was. Ava is stronger, and she will not allow her past, taint her future.

Six months later, Ava travels back to Los Angeles for an event that embraces the true meaning of love. Sadly for Ava, her meaning of true love has been lost.

And that’s because of one life changing event that has altered her life forever.

Los Angeles is not how Ava left it. Things have changed. People have changed. She has changed. But what has remained untouched is her passionate love for Jasper White.

But does Jasper feel the same?

AWESOME VLOG GUEST POST

What a sweetie!!

Title of Book : Surrender To Me
Author: Monica James
State: Victoria
Series Title:The I Surrender Trilogy
Published By : theEDGEbooks
Date Released : October 21st 2013

Genre : New Adult

Ava Thompson left the love of her life, Jasper White, to unearth her destiny. Even though the decision was the toughest of her life, it was the only way for Ava to grow into the woman she’s always wanted to become.

Sadly, that destiny has led her back to the place that broke her.

Singapore.

And more importantly, it has led her back to the man who broke her.

Harper.

But Ava is no longer the scared, lost girl she once was. Ava is stronger, and she will not allow her past, taint her future. 

Six months later, Ava travels back to Los Angeles for an event that embraces the true meaning of love. Sadly for Ava, her meaning of true love has been lost.

And that’s because of one life changing event that has altered her life forever.

Los Angeles is not how Ava left it. Things have changed. People have changed. She has changed. But what has remained untouched is her passionate love for Jasper White.

But does Jasper feel the same?

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6937440.Monica_James

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/monica.james81

https://www.facebook.com/authormonicajames

Twitter: @monicajames81

Excerpt from I Surrender:

"Both our chests are rising with the adrenalin of our chase, but as my mind comprehends the position we are in, I am breathing uneasy for another reason. His entire body is pressed against mine. He gazes at me with a half smile, his dimples on show. I am so aware of how close we are and I can’t move.

My cheeks suddenly heat and my heart begins to beat madly, as I aware of what Jasper wants. I can feel the heat of his skin against mine and I gasp at the contact. His smile disappears, and as he looks at me with such deep intensity, the butterflies in my stomach begin to flutter uncontrollably. He reaches up to brush a runaway hair from my face, his fingers passing gently over my cheek, while I involuntarily liquefy.

I stare into those cerulean depths and I feel it. That tickle you usually feel in your belly right before something big is about to happen.

“I surrender,” he whispers huskily, his fingers lingering on my cheek.


Why do I feel there is a hidden message behind those two little words?

With his fierce jaw, piercing blue eyes and unruly bedroom hair, he looks perfect.

But that’s not what knocks me flat. It’s that impassioned look of desire he is giving me, and I know Jasper wants to kiss me. He is looking intently upon my mouth, like it is his sustenance.I am torn. The sexual chemistry between us is palpable.

I shouldn’t want this for so many reasons, but why does it feel so right, so intrinsic? I feel like a liar after convincing myself I don’t want to explore anything more than friendship with Jasper. Because right now, looking at him, looking at his perfect lips, I can think of nothing else."

Monica signed at: http://rockinholidayindiebash.wordpress.com/

And will be signing at Indie Author Down Under event 
 http://www.indieauthorsdownunder.com/ Gold Coast March 22nd 2014.

Giveaway Time:

International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monica sent her street team, who are spread all over the world, stickers to sticker the hell outta their country and to also wear their shirts in front of landmarks that represent where they are in the world, wearing their shirts :) 

Check out the street crew around the world.

I Surrender by Monica James is making history!!

For the first time ever, a soundtrack has been written to accompany a book!! The 10 track album was written by Passengers of Ego, the band starring in the novel. All songs were inspired by I Surrender, and reflect a chosen chapter in the book.

The album entitled, I Surrender will be available via iTunes, and also on CD on October 25th 2013.

For orders- passengersofego.bigcartel.com

Be part of history!! 

Full music video released: October 18th 2013!

Here is a little taste of what’s to come!

http://animoto.com/play/BAJp9k9M51o10IqDhcWzMQ

Passengers of Ego are coming! 

https://www.facebook.com/passengersofego

I Surrender by Monica James 

https://www.facebook.com/authormonicajames

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17372057-i-surrender

Model: Anthony Hamelin 

Photographer: Lindee Robinson Photography

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindee-Robinson-Photography/145122465514273

Monica James' publisher, theEDGEbooks.com has put together an author signing and band performance of P.O.E. to help celebrate the release of the CD at the legendary, House of Blues in Downtown Disney, Anaheim! Come out to meet Monica James and the band Nov. 2, 2013 at Rockin’ the Holidays Indie Readers Bash!

BOOK REVIEW - RACHEL BROOKES - JUST BREATHE - BREATHE # 1 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SELF PUBLISHED - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 29

Day 29 continues with my review for Just Breathe by Rachel Brookes. I really enjoyed this first installment in her series and am looking forward to reading her novella #1.5 - Breathless. Available now from Amazon.

By: Rachel Brookes

Published By: Rachel Brookes

Released : Available Now

Details: Digital for honest review, 304 Pages

RATING: 4.25 TATE STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.

Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.

When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.

One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.

In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.

The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.

However, one thing will become clear.

They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I really enjoyed Rachel’s story about an Aussie girl living in L.A. who is a bit of a player when it comes to men. She is essentially the female version of a man-whore. No relationship, just a good time. She knows how to reel them in and how to set them free. She has her rules. Savannah Rae goes after what guy she sets her sights on and gets him every time.

Once again I found myself hiding behind one-night stands. They were the one thing that provided me with comfort for a couple of measly hours, but in those hours, I was everything to the man I was with. In that moment, I knew I wouldn’t be abandoned. I knew I wouldn’t be hurt, and I knew I wouldn’t be alone. I had rules I would never break though. I always left before they woke; I never took a guy back to my house; and it was only ever a one-time thing.

Mr Davenport is her only family and also her boss at Beautify Magazine. He wants Savannah to leave her past behind her and start fresh with her new position at the magazine. Stop the one-night stands and partying.

A promise she can’t keep.

Enter Tanzi, new best friend and drinking buddy, these two really needed to buy some shares in tequila because they can drink like fish. Fill the fish bowl with tequila and give them each a straw.

“Babe, the moment you told me you loved tequila, shopping, and trashy reality shows, I knew we would be best friends. We are a match made in heaven.”


Tanzi also happens to be the twin of the hottie that catches Savannah’s eye.

Her sights have landed on Tate Connors, fellow man-whore .

But, is this one too dangerous for a one-night stand?

Mr Sex on legs owns Red Velvet bar.

Let the games begin.

Grab your popcorn and sit back and watch these two fight their magnetism.

“Believe me, Tate. I am definitely not boring,” I scoffed and cocked an eyebrow in his direction. I placed my empty glass on the table, motioning to the tray of shots in front of us. “Game?”

“You have no idea.” He grinned. His words were drenched with intention, and the feeling of becoming his newest game excited me. Little did he know I could play with the best of them.

Throw in a pile of angst and smexual tension...

Tanzi glared at her twin and began tapping her foot impatiently. “Shut the hell up, Tate. Serve us a damn cocktail.”

He smirked that deliciously sexy smirk that caused my breath to catch in the back of my throat. Shit

“Sex on the Beach, Quick Fuck, Between the Sheets, Climax, Slipper Nipple? What will I be serving you tonight, Savannah?”

“Do you have one called Not in Your Fucking Life?”

He raised an eyebrow and glared as fire swarmed within his baby blue eyes.

Tanzi scoffed beside me, giving me that extra bit of confidence to go head to head with her brother.

“What about a Stuck Up Bitch Who Screws Any Man Who Walks? I hear they are popular with the local bands,” he spat back at me.


Will another fish in the sea be enough to keep her emotions in check, keep her skeletons hidden deep in her emotional closet? 

Provide that security blanket she craves.

With a smile and a kiss on my hand, he introduced himself. “Blake Ryan, vocalist of The Fallen, California born and bred. Here to be at your service, Miss Savannah.”


AND... then watch Tate and Sav fail at fighting their feelings to discover how much alike they really are. 

Is this a match made in heaven, or is there still too much baggage to sort through?

Tate starts to face his past fears and the heartache that is locked inside him and let Savannah into his heart, into his past he has kept under lock and key.

“I need you, Sav. It’s as simple as that. I am not me without you.” His voice cracked under the heavy emotion of his words. He didn’t look anywhere but at me.


Will he be able to get past it all and accept Savannah’s love without letting it destroy them?

“I could tell you that I love you, but honestly, Sav, it’s so much more than that.” His lips kissed the tip of my nose ever so lightly and he stared at me for what seemed like forever.

Tate begins to struggle with his love for Savannah and his fears surface.

The demons of his past.

The sub characters were all great. Jack is an awesome guy. I love him to bits. He is like a big brother to Savannah and best friends with Tate. Jack is dating Tanzi and these two reminded me a lot of America and Shepley from Beautiful Disaster. Jack and Tanzi are loved up and know how to stand up for their friends. Jack knows how to talk to Tate and he knows when to get pissed off at his friend. Jack has morals and only eyes for Tanzi. He is a solid friend to both Tate and Savannah.

He is Tate’s moral compass when he needs to be pointed in the right direction.

Lucas was an odd character in the mix, for me. He was newer to the group than even Savannah, yet he eventually has eyes for another, yet he was very close, sometimes I thought too close to Savannah. If I was Ali I would have been questioning his motives.

It felt a little forced his actions towards Savannah when he hadn’t really known her very long. I know it was a source of upset for Tate, the way Lucas behaved, even though it was platonic. I felt like Lucas was used to be Tate’s thorn in his side. If he didn’t like another then it would have felt more real for me.

I really did enjoy this read and Tate will have many readers hearts a flutter. He is a very smexi character, very growl worthy. I just hope he can keep it altogether for his and Sav’s sake. 

Put those demons to rest.


I am looking forward to reading , Breathless #1.5.

Michelle

BREATHLESS

One look from Savannah Rae was all it took for Tate Connors to fall.

From the first moment he laid eyes on her, his world was irrevocably shaken. He’s willing to accept that his life will never be the same again, but when she has to leave for New York the distance becomes more than either of them expected.

Tate is left alone with not only an empty bed but also a thousand thoughts running through his head. Insecurities soar as he wonders if he could ever really be the kind of man Savannah deserves.

When the demons of his past continue to threaten the future he so desperately craves, Tate knows he has to make the ultimate choice. Risk destroying his relationship and his family with one life changing decision, or gamble on fate and hope the past stays exactly that…the past.

LISA EDWARD - GIVEAWAY - INTERVIEW - EXCERPTS - BOOK TRAILER - SONGBIRD - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SELF PUBLISHED - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 29

Day 29 has arrived and it is time for Lisa Edward to show off her debut New Adult Contemporary Romance, SONGBIRD. I am reading it now.

Check out her BEAUTIFUL book trailer. It kinda makes me a bit teary. 

I had a chat with Lisa, so check out the Q & A and find out who she would cast in the roles of Riley, Cole and Tara.

Welcome Lisa.

AUTHOR BIO

While Lisa Edward has called Melbourne Australia home for her entire life, she has lived and worked in England, and travelled through most parts of Europe and the United States. She loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and beautiful daughter, or curling up into the early hours of the morning with a great novel. Her deep appreciation for literature was nurtured from a young age, being taught to respect books and get lost in their stories. She enjoys reading honest and realistic novels that are relatable, thought provoking and leave a lasting impression. She can’t write without music playing, using the emotions from different songs to invoke that of her characters. Lisa takes inspiration from her own life experiences, the people around her and those she has met in her travels. 

Title of Book : Songbird
Author: Lisa Edward
State: Victoria

Series Title: Songbird Trilogy
Published By : Self Published
Date Released : 25 November, 2013
Genre : New Adult / Contemporary Romance

Book Cover Designer : Lindee Robinson Photography 


Every relationship changes you, some for the better, others can shatter your confidence and almost destroy you. 

For the musically talented, twenty-four year old Tara O’Connell, her relationship with Stephen almost broke her, until Tara found the strength to leave.

Now she is on the road to discovering that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and follow your heart.

As Tara’s self-belief grows, she meets two men she is instantly drawn to who will change her life forever.

Corporal Riley Hammond is a soldier in the Australian Military Special Forces. With his smiling sapphire blue eyes, Tara falls for him instantly. He is thoughtful and caring, and gives her the support and love she needs.

While Cole Michaels is the overconfident singer in a popular local band. His charisma, emerald green eyes, tattoos and piercing, have girls falling at his feet. But while Cole pushes Tara’s buttons, he also pushes her to reach for the stars.

Both men couldn’t be more polar opposites, but both offer Tara different qualities that she needs to fulfil her destiny.

As Tara continues her journey, she will discover fate can offer you more than one path. Her fate is in her own hands, and the choices she makes, will shape her life forever.

EXCERPT

 Tara and Riley at Boot Camp 

We were heading back to the meeting point with only two hundred and fifty metres left to go, before having completed the full five kilometre circuit of the lake. Riley and I had been running together most of the way, I knew he had been taking it easy to stay with me and I appreciated the gesture.

“Come on I’ll race you, loser pays for dinner,” I called, taking off at a sprint.

Riley was like a freaking Olympian he was so fast, but I had longer legs so could take longer strides. I pushed as hard as I could to at least try to stay level with him, and I’m sure in the end he backed off to let me win.

I threw myself down on the grass under a shady tree and laid stretched out, hands over head trying to calm my breathing.

“Hot, sweaty and breathless really suits you,” Riley said with a cheeky grin as he lay down next to me, mimicking my position.

“Well I have you to thank for that, you were riding me pretty hard toward the end.” I blushed suddenly realising what I had just blurted out, but Riley just chuckled.

“Next time you can ride me, as hard as you like.”

I blushed an even deeper scarlet and shook my head to clear the tantalising image, I could always replay it later.

“Okay, pair up for stretches,” Mal instructed to the group.

Now stretches I could do, fifteen years of ballet had kept me very flexible. Riley knelt up over one of my legs while he held the ankle of the other.

“Let me know if it hurts,” he said, the corner of his mouth twitching.

“I can take it,” I said, biting my bottom lip.

He pushed my leg gently at first, then realising it was still going, pushed it all the way so my foot was beside my head and he was leaning right over me.

“Ah...that’s handy,” he said with raised eyebrows, a cheeky smile shining through his eyes again.

I diverted my eyes and looked down at his side. From the position he was in, I could now read the tattoo clearly, it said;

Give me Strength when I’m standing and Faith when I fall 

I lightly ran my fingers down the tattoo as I read it, and he shivered but held still, watching my face intently.

“Was it just something you liked or does it have special significance for you?” I asked curiously.

“It has significance in various ways,” he said, sitting down next to me. “In the military we need strength when we’re standing toe to toe with the enemy, and faith that we can get back up in the face of defeat. But I think we need faith that we are doing the right thing and making the right decisions in life, even when the right thing is sometimes the hardest.”

He smiled down at me. “Do you have any tattoos hidden away?”

His eyes scanned my body. There wasn’t that much that was covered up under my little shorts and crop top.

I shook my head. “I’ve thought about it, but I’ve never found a verse or picture that I would want to wear for the rest of my life.” I shrugged. “Maybe one day.” 

Excerpt – Cole’s Tattoos 

I helped bus the tables as I was pretty useless at pulling beers. I had lost track of time when I felt my phone buzz in my skirt pocket. I raced into the back room and just managed to answer the call in time. It was Riley and my heart melted at the sound of his voice.

“Where are you?” he asked, obviously able to hear the band playing in the background.

I told him excitedly about catching up with Jay and lining up the band to meet Marcus, and how I was now bussing tables at the bar. For some reason I felt the need to avoid mentioning Cole. But Riley could hear him singing in the background and commented on his voice.

“Ah, yep he does have a great voice,” I said, feeling guilty when I hadn’t done anything to feel guilty about.

I quickly changed the subject and asked Riley what he had been up to. We had only been speaking for about fifteen minutes when the band stopped for a break, and then the door opened and Cole was standing there.

He could see I was on the phone but didn’t seem to care, as he came in and pulled off his sweat soaked t-shirt, before rummaging in a bag and pulling out a clean one.

I looked at his shirtless body in awe. Not only did he have the full sleeve of tattoos up his left arm, but he had angel wings, or was that eagle wings across his shoulder blades.

He turned around to face me and saw me looking at him, so stood still and cockily held his arms out to the sides so I could get a good look, watching my expression.

I couldn’t help it; I exhaled loudly at the sight of his ripped body.

Finally, I managed to tear my eyes away from his amazing body and turn my back to him. I heard him chuckle softly. Then realising that the bar would be busy with people buying drinks now that the band was on a break, I reluctantly told Riley I would have to go.

“I’ll see you in a week,” Riley said as he was getting ready to hang up. “I miss you babe, I think about you all the time.”

“I miss you too,” I said quietly into the phone. “I love you. See you next week.”

“I love you too.” Then he was gone.

“Hmm, I take it that wasn’t your mum,” Cole said. “Boyfriend not around at the moment?” he asked with a smirk.

“He’s in the army, based in Sydney,” I replied as I headed for the door.

“Must get lonely,” he said with a glint in his eye as he pulled his clean shirt on over his head.

Q & A SESH with LISA

Michelle:  What five words describe Lisa Edward the AUTHOR?

Lisa: Driven, creative, imaginative, dreamer, passionate 

Michelle:  What five words describe the person behind the author?

Lisa: Organised, artistic, tired, dedicated, stubborn

Michelle: If you were given the task of walking up to somebody random in the street and you were to explain your book to them in a short speech what would you tell them? Not your book blurbs, but something more...deeper.

Lisa: I would say it’s about finding the best ‘you’ possible, and not letting other people dictate who you should be or how you should live your life. It’s also about making your own happiness and not relying on other people to make you happy. For Tara, music was her bliss, her passion and she let someone influence her and take that away. Other people can help you along your way, but ultimately your destiny is a choice that you have to make.

Michelle:  What ten words would Tara use to describe Corporal Riley Hammond and also Cole Michaels?

Lisa: For Riley it’s easy. He’s caring, considerate, loyal, devoted, brave, sensitive, witty, passionate, thoughtful and supportive.

For Cole it would depend on what stage they are at in their relationship. From the beginning of the book to the end, her perception of him changes significantly. From arrogant, provocative, charismatic, man-whore (is that one word or two?), challenging. To, talented, supportive, honest, dependable, comforting. 

Michelle:  Why do you think women love to read about a tattooed guy?

Lisa: We all love a bad boy don’t we, that whole idea of someone who could be a bit dangerous or exciting to take us away from our everyday life. Actually both Riley and Cole have tattoos. Riley’s is a saying that is significant to his personal life as well as his life in the military, while Cole’s are more for show, although the one on his back is also very personal to him in a secretive way.

Michelle:  If you could put a piece of artwork on your body from Songbird, what would it be? Be it a quote or an image and why?

Lisa: I love Cole’s wings although it would have to be scaled down as it covers half his back. The idea of wings and taking flight appeals to me, also the words interwoven in the feathers have a special meaning to Cole but most people don’t notice them. I like that there is a part of the tattoo that is only for him and you can add whatever words have meaning to you.

Michelle:  What quote do you think is the most powerful from Songbird?

Lisa: There are a lot of quotes that I like, but the one that stands out is something that Kelli says to Tara, when she is talking about how she maintains a long distance relationship. 

“I would rather spend one day with him and nine days apart, then ten days with someone else.” 

This is really at the heart of the story, making the time you have together count. 

Michelle:  Is there a song you listened to the most while writing Songbird and why?

Lisa: There wasn’t just one song. I listened to different songs depending on the mood of what I was writing. Basically there were songs for Cole, Riley and of course Tara. With Tara being a pianist, I listened to quite a bit of Adele, Alicia Keys, Ingrid Michaelson and piano based songs, to find music that she might play at Songbirds.

Michelle:  What song best describes each Cole and Riley and why?

Lisa: Tara plays A Thousand Years by Christina Perri in the bar and refers to it as Riley’s song, so that would have to be the song that describes Riley. It’s about finding ‘the one’ and always knowing that they were out there. If you believe that our paths cross with the same people in every lifetime, then that’s the essence of this song.

For Cole it’s less deep, probably Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon. It’s raw, it’s rough and I can picture Cole singing it every time I hear it. Having said that, I’m quite partial to Never Say Never by The Fray as well for Cole.

Michelle:  Casting call. Who do you see in your mind when writing Tara, Cole and Riley and do you have any images?

Lisa: Riley would be played by Ian Somerhalder no doubt whatsoever. I picture him in my mind and have done from the very beginning. 

For Cole I have an image in my head but have never seen anyone who absolutely meets that picture. Closest I’ve found is Rodrigo Guirao Diaz. 

Tara could be played by Shelley Hennig, although Megan George, the model on the cover of the book certainly fits the bill.

Michelle:  What message do you want readers to take from your debut book Songbird?

Lisa: Follow your dreams. Find that ‘something’ in your life that makes you want to get up in the morning and don’t let anyone stand in your way. If something makes you happy, regardless of how big, small or insignificant other people may think it is, you should follow that pursuit.

Michelle:  What has been the one thing that stands out to you in your journey as a writer? 

Lisa: It doesn’t matter how much you map out the storyline, the story will inevitably tell you where it wants to go, at least it did for me. At the beginning of the process it was all about Tara and Riley and their struggles with managing a long distance relationship. Half way through the book a ‘distraction’ named Cole emerged and the rest as they say, is history.

Michelle:  Where were you and what were you doing when you came up with the initial idea for Songbird?

Lisa: The initial idea has been knocking on my brain trying to get out for about 15 years. I was in Tara’s position a long time ago and I had a friend like Kelli at the time, who had a boyfriend in the military. It was always in the back of my mind and has been quite therapeutic to write.

Michelle:  What has been the most memorable book signing or book event you have been to and why? 

Lisa: I haven’t done any book signings or been to any. The only book I’ve had signed is by my good friend Monica James. I took the book to work and she signed it for me! It was memorable because it’s more than just a signed book, it’s a friend’s achievement and dream come to life.

Michelle:  If your life at this point in time could be described in a chocolate flavour or an icecream flavour, what flavour would it be and why?

Lisa: Wow that’s a good question! Right at this moment I’d say Rocky Road. There are definitely rocky parts of self-publishing, but there are also the soft, feel-good moments, where people offer to help you and promote your work just because they are genuinely nice people. Overall it’s been pretty sweet, too good to stop at just one.

Michelle: Thank you Lisa for taking the time to answer my Q’s and all the best with your writing. 

Lisa: Thank you Michelle, it’s been fun!

Goodreads Link: www.goodreads.com/LisaEdward

Social Media Links:

 www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaEdward


Purchase Songbird from Amazon

GIVEAWAY TIME

International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

JANI KAY - GIVEAWAYS - EXCERPT - OPEN YOUR EYES & LOST IN FRANCE - SELF PUBLISHED - ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 28

Day 28 the magical Kombi is zooming over to Western Australia today to catch up with all things Jani Kay. Check out her books and her 6 Quick Things. She also has a nice excerpt to wet your whistle.

She has an awesome giveaway for you to enter, so make sure you do.

Welcome Jani.

AUTHOR BIO: 

Jani is a skincare formulation scientist by day and a writer of steamy stories by night. She is married to a special man, and her two children and their partners are the sunshine in her life. She is a voracious reader and would spend her last dollar on a book - always fascinated that for the mere price of a book, she can escape her world for a while and see through someone else's eyes.

Besides reading, her favourite 'thing' is traveling - she has traveled the world, learning about the ways people live and has come to the realization that no matter where we live, we all ultimately want the same things. Her hobby - Scrapbooking - keeps her up till way after midnight and her usual subjects are her family and her travels.
Ever since she can remember, Jani wanted to write stories about people, about their lives and loves. Relationships and Happiness - arguably the most difficult things to master in life and yet exactly what everyone ultimately desires (in her humble opinion).

6 QUICK THINGS

A quote that means something to you.

Fortune favours the BOLD

A song that describes you.

Long cool woman in a black dress  
NOT - I'm the exact opposite -lol

Who is your book boyfriend? 

Gideon Cross (Crossfire series - Sylvia Day) - so alpha male, yet takes care of his woman 100%, was my FIRST book BF & I've stayed loyal...

Who is your book girlfriend? 

Chloe from Beautiful Bastard (Christina Lauren) - she didn't take shit from a guy. My kind of girl.

Author that inspired you and why?

Sylvia Day - hot steamy sex scenes, had my eyes open wide & my panties soaked & Hubby happy... lol

Will you be attending the Indie Author Down Under Gold Coast event in March 2014?

Hell yes!!!

JANI'S BOOKS

Title : Open Your Eyes

Author: Jani Kay
State : Western Australia

Series : Stand Alone Book
Published By : Self Published
Date Released :27 July 2013
Genre : Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Blurb : From Author

Finding Your Soulmate? Second chances? Hot steamy sex? Hell YES!

Shattered and disillusioned after separating from her domineering husband, all Natalie wants, is a peaceful Christmas vacation in New York City, with her 21 year old daughter, Olivia. Uncomplicated. No pressure. Fun.

What she didn’t expect, was meeting a dangerously handsome stranger in an art gallery. He is charming, sexy as hell, and does funny things to her insides. Her frozen heart slowly melts as he seduces her, awakening her deepest desires, showing her that the kind of love she craves is very possible. She wants him as much as he wants her.

Battling his demons from the past, famous photographer Nicholas Gallagher has successfully evaded serious relationships, earning him the title of the world’s most eligible bachelor. But from the moment he lays eyes on Natalie, she stirs something in him. Compelled to chase the sadness from her vivid blue eyes, Nick is captivated by the spirited Australian beauty.

Hot romance.
Steamy sex.
Absolute perfection.

Until Natalie gets a call from home – one she can’t ignore. In a fateful moment the game changes and throws her life into chaos. Gabriel, her jealous ex, wants her back. Two powerful men want her. She is forced to make a choice that will tear her apart.

Will Natalie make the right choice? Is it possible to love more than one person deeply? Will she finally find her soul mate, the one person who can look into her eyes and see deep into her soul, everything she is and everything she desires… will she finally open her eyes?

A Stand-alone Novel.

NB: Do not read this novel if you don't like sizzling hot sex scenes, angst, difficult choices, emotional rollercoasters, mature characters. This books has all of that and more... You WILL get mad at the heroine, you WILL fall in love with the Hero, you WILL hate the (ex)husband, you WILL ugly cry...don't believe me? You have been warned... No responsibility taken if you throw your eReader.

Title: Lost in France 

Author: Jani Kay

Series Title: Firebird Trilogy # 1

Published By : Self Published

Date Releasing: 5 December 2013

Genre : Erotic Contemporary Romance

Blurb : From Author

Lost in France is an erotic contemporary romance novel set in Paris, the city of Love and Romance. Part 1 of 3 in the exciting Firebird Series.

Offered a thrilling new job, Rebecca flees her tormented past, putting as much distance between herself and her ex-lover, wanting a fresh beginning in a foreign city.

On the airplane she meets Alain, a dangerously handsome Frenchman, who seduces her with his charming European ways. But her new boss, super arrogant CEO, Maxwell Grant, doesn't like her entanglement with the Frenchman; he wants Rebecca to himself...

Rebecca hates her boss and tells him in so many words - a career limiting move if ever there was one...

Is Rebecca jumping from one hotter-than-hell fire into another? 

And will she finally find what she is looking for?

Find out on 5th December 2013

Goodreads Link:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18272377-open-your-eyes

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18453733-firebird

Social Media Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/janikaybooks

https://twitter.com/janikaybooks

EXCERPT

The big house was silent; it was only 7:30 am. I assumed everyone was still asleep. Quietly, I padded my way downstairs to the kitchen. It was time I had a turn at preparing breakfast for everyone.

I looked up toward the doorway, Nick came sauntering in, only wearing his pajama pants. They hung off his hips in a way that made my insides unfurl, the path from his navel going south covered by a thin line of dark hair, his well-defined abs opening up to a glorious chest with a smattering of dark hair begging to be touched. Oh my! Nicholas Gallagher definitely works out.

His sleep-mussed hair was sexy as hell, and the dark shadow from his stubble gave him a rugged appearance. He saw me and instantly his lips curled into a killer smile, his green eyes smouldering beneath his dark brows. My belly pulled tight and I had to squeeze my legs together to ease the itch that settled between my legs. God! He was mouth-watering. I would love to let that stubble scratch my itch.

“What a lovely surprise.” He stood behind me and pulled me into his hard chest, his stubble scraping my neck as he planted a warm and wet kiss on my skin. Then he turned me around and before I knew it, he’d lifted me onto the kitchen counter. He pushed my legs open and positioned himself between them, cupping my face in his big hand.

“You look so sexy,” he breathed, peering at me from under his thick black lashes.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I said as I messed his hair even more with both my hands. My fingers could not keep still, they had to touch him. “Breakfast smells good. How long before it comes

“I only just put it in. Another thirty minutes…”

“Hmm,” he groaned as his mouth found mine, “no time to waste.” He slid his hands over my shoulders and found my breasts. He squeezed them in his warm hands, before rubbing his thumbs over the tight nubs. His touch sent bolts of electricity straight to my groin. Heat pooled between my legs. My panties dampened against my skin.

His hands trembled lightly as he skimmed them over my ribs, and the curve of my hips, till he found the hem of my nightdress and pushed the silky fabric up my thighs, exposing my apex. Next he slipped his fingers under the lace of my panties, into my slick wetness. I drew in a sharp breath, the feel of his finger exquisite on my swollen flesh.

“Ah God, so wet,” he moaned. “I need to taste you.”

I don’t know whose need was greater, his to taste me or mine to have his mouth on me.

Interview with Jani Kay – author of ‘Open Your Eyes’ 

What is it that you enjoy about writing fiction? 

When I write I go into a different world. It is the purest form of escape. Time stands still. All my senses are engaged. I am fully alive, but in an alternative universe. It is a feeling unlike any other. Addictive.

I love peeling back the layers and discovering all that is hidden beneath the surface of the book characters. I want to keep digging till I get to the very core of them – of what makes them tick, their inner desires, their conflicts and fears - searching into their very soul.

I am an observer of people and their behaviours; you will always find me in the back corner of a café, sipping a latte, watching people, imagining what goes on in their lives. 

When did you first know you wanted to become a writer?

My childhood dream was to be a writer - I wrote elaborate stories with well-developed plots and characters. I told my younger brothers stories I made up as I went, every night before bed. I have a VERY active imagination... My writing style is the same – I am what is known as a ‘pantser’ - weaving stories by the seat of my pants, making it up as I go, letting the characters speak for themselves. I merely record the story they show me in a movie in my head.

As a teenager I spent school vacations reading. I would start a book in the morning and only close my eyes when done at around 3 am, sleep a bit, wake and start the next book... I have always been a voracious reader...

I would spend my last dollar on a book. Reading gives insight into another human being’s thoughts, expands your mind - all for the small price of a book – often less than the cost of a coffee. Amazing!

What made you write your first book? 

Fear of failure is the biggest stumbling block to realising our dreams. All my life up until last year, I waited, thinking I had to write something really profound. Then one day I had an AHA moment - I realised I didn’t need to, I could simply write what I enjoyed and connected with - steamy adult romance... seems there are an awful lot of people who like reading it...

I realised that time is fleeting, that I had do it NOW - not waiting any longer to realise my dreams. I had to open my eyes to the possibilities. I didn’t want to die with regrets of never having the courage to follow my passion of writing.

Tell us about ‘Open Your Eyes’ – your début novel.

I started writing Open Your Eyes in the air, flying between Australia and New York in January 2013. It's a very long flight…

I’d just been to New York for New Year – to see the ball drop in Times Square with my daughter – something on our ‘bucket list’. So a big part of the story plays off in New York.

In Open Your Eyes, Natalie is a disillusioned forty year old woman who is in search of inner peace and tranquillity; she wants to escape her problems by having a fun and relaxing vacation in NYC with her feisty daughter, Olivia. No pressure, no worries, no complications…

Natalie believes in second chances in spite of her demons. Separated from domineering Gabriel – whose cruel and jealous ways hurt her deeply – she still hopes for reconciliation for her family’s sake.

However, her world is turned upside down when she unexpectedly meets a charming, seductive bachelor – the famous photographer Nicholas Gallagher - who awakens her latent desires and sweeps her off her feet in a delicious holiday romance.

Just as Natalie starts falling for Nick, Fate steps in. Caught up in a heart wrenching love triangle, she is forced to make a difficult choice. Gabriel is her first love, the man whose name and children she bears. Nick truly sees her, deep into her soul. Both men want her. Who will she choose? Because above all, Natalie wants a second chance at love and happiness.

So one of the issues we explore in ‘Open Your Eyes’ is how she deals with her search for her true soul mate. Is it ever too late; are we ever too old to stop yearning for that special connection?

Why is ‘Open Your Eyes’ based on mature adults? 

Natalie is forty, experienced and mature, but she still has a LOT of living left in her. So we follow her journey in ‘Open Your Eyes’. And yes, sex is still very hot and steamy at that age!! Probably even better, as she is in the prime of her life... she knows what she likes.

GIVEAWAY TIME

International 

3 Digital Copies of Open Your Eyes 

5 Digital Copies of Lost in France (due 5 Dec)

a Rafflecopter giveaway