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The Playboy’s Princess by @JoyFulcherBooks : New Release #Giveaway



Title: The Playboy’s Princess
Author: Joy Fulcher
Add to Goodreads
Buy from Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What do a Hollywood playboy and a Disney Princess have in common? Not a lot, but they can fake it. 

Jade Pratt is living a tough life, surviving paycheck to paycheck by working at Disneyland. She’d like nothing more than to be swept off her feet by her own Prince Charming. 

Drew Malik is living what appears to be a charmed life: He’s the son of a famous actor and has money, women…anything he could want. But he’s burning out in a life filled with booze and one night stands. When he finds out his trust fund is blocked until he either turns thirty or gets married, his friends plot to rescue him by placing an ad in the paper to find him a bride — fast. 

When Jade answers the ad, the pair meet up and agree to an arrangement that will solve both their problems. But when their fake marriage elicits real feelings and real problems, they’re both forced to re-evaluate their deal. 

Happily ever after was never the intention…but what if it’s their destiny?











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#IWSG Marketing Tips from Bestselling Authors

Time for November’s Support Group hosted by Alex J Cavanaugh.


Recently I attended a writer/reader event, the Queen City Indie Con, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The author marketing panel was particularly good and I want to share their tips with YOU.

Book Marketing Tips


(The photo on the right shows authors Abbi Glines and Tara Sivec but I also learned from Tonya Kappes, Jayne Rylon, and MR Polish.)

1. Do you have a newsletter? (I don’t at this time.) All the authors encouraged emailing a newsletter to your readers to inform them of new releases, giveaways, appearances, etc. If you rely on social media to spread the word, you give up control. For example, few Facebook fans now see posts on your page, and word on the street is that Twitter will also become more monetized.

2. Is your book on sale? How do you get the word out? Use Book Bub, a daily email alert sent to over one million readers. Getting a Book Bub ad is expensive but well worth it. Your book needs a certain number of reviews (including negative reviews!) to be accepted.

3. Is your ebook on Smashwords? If so, you can sell it to libraries through OverDrive. Check it out HERE. Most of my books aren’t available on Smashwords but I just looked at my free novella and it’s available at 36 libraries without my lifting a finger.

4. Will you attend a book conference? Partner with another author to purchase tote bags with your names on them.

5. Want to interact with readers? Schedule a Kindle chat, or post to the Kindle Author’s Forum, like “Kindle Books Under $5.00 by Indie Authors”.

6. Do you want to spread your swag around? Send it to Leena’s Goody Room and they will share it with readers.

7. Want to engage readers? Host a giveaway to be a character in your book.

8. Do you want to offer unique swag? Where else can you get a shirtless man cookie? And I also have a swim cap for my swimming romance Streamline. What are some unique swag ideas you’ve developed?


So what marketing ideas did I miss?

There was also a book signing and I met some really cool authors! Author Jayne Rylon has published THIRTY-EIGHT books. Makes me feel insignificant with my paltry five. 🙂


So my fellow writers, keep fighting the good fight to share your words with the world!

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The Jeweler by @BeckAndersonID : #Review and #Interview

Today I have the pleasure of hosting excellent author BECK ANDERSON! Her new release The Jeweler is zipping up the charts just as good things are happening for her debut novel Fix You.


Love that cover!
Available HERE


I’ll share my review of The Jeweler, followed by an interview with Beck. But first I want to alert you to a super generous giveaway Beck is hosting: win a Kindle Fire!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beck is also giving away an ebook of The Jeweler to one lucky commenter for this blog post. Please leave your email address in your comment.


The JewelerThe Jeweler by Beck Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing Plot, Quirky Characters

I loved Beck Anderson’s debut novel Fix You, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of her second novel, The Jeweler. When I heard about the clever plot, I was even more excited.

Fender Barnes is a cynical jeweler who regards his eager, love-struck, engagement-ring-buying customer Brad with disdain. Love isn’t real, right? But then Brad dies in a car accident right outside the jewelry shop, and Fender knows he needs to get the ring to its intended recipient: Ginger Stevens. But Fender never does anything right or easily, and when he sees the grieving woman at Brad’s funeral, things go pear-shaped.

Ginger is a ski instructor who’s stunned by her boyfriend’s death. She’s “love, light, green eyes, and freckles.” Just like in Fix You, the author’s portrayal of grief is authentic and eloquent:

The house was filled with his things, their things together. What upset her was looking at all the mundane stuff. Toothbrush. Who cared about his toothbrush? How could she get rid of it, though? A person accumulated stuff, never figuring he wouldn’t be around to tie up the loose ends. Brad had arrogant, unfinished stuff, like half-drunk Gatorade bottles in the fridge.

In Fix You, the heroine’s husband died. In The Jeweler, the heroine’s almost-fiance kicks the bucket. Which begs the question: is Beck Anderson’s husband worried at all? 😉 I hope he’s exercising and taking his fish oil.

There’s a host of wacky side characters, including Fender’s dad “Pop”, a man with some romantic tricks up his sleeve, and his bff Sam, a slovenly guy who shows his affection the best way a male buddy can: by insulting the hell out of Fender.

As per usual, Pop focused on the woman in the conversation. “Fender went after a girl? Really? Does this mean little Sandy didn’t make you swear off women forever?”
Sam brightened. “I’d almost forgotten about Sandy. Isn’t she the one that wrote I HATE YOU with weed killer on your front lawn?”


I love the understated humor.

Jewelry customers Jimmy the mobster and his bling-seeking girlfriend Naomi provide some color as well. Naomi has a heart-to-heart with Fender:

“That’s what my therapist says. She says no woman should be bought for a shiny piece of glass.”
Fender realized he was in the wrong profession, obviously. He should be blowing smoke up somebody’s ass for a hundred bucks an hour.


Hey! Therapists make way more than $100 an hour now, hehe.

This is a sweet and subtle love story, and I encourage you to give it a try!

View all my reviews



And now an interview with author Beck Anderson:

Jennifer Lane (JL): First of all, big-time congratulations for all the success of your debut novel, Fix You, a RITA finalist picked up by Simon & Schuster for release. What was the award ceremony like? What do you know about the re-release in 2015?

Beck Anderson (BA):  The award ceremony was unbelievable.  It was a huge ballroom in a hotel in San Antonio, and there were I think almost 3,000 people there.  My husband came with me, but we didn’t know a soul, except for the other nominees in the Best First Book category.  We sat at a table up front with like two other people who didn’t know anyone.  The whole ceremony I spent fretting because my dressing was creeping up and my cleavage was all out of whack.  Best First Book was the VERY LAST category to be announced, so I was a nervous mess by then.  Nora Roberts read the nominees.  She is such a cool lady.  I didn’t win, but it was unforgettable.  And the whole week of the conference I learned a TON.  

I don’t know much about the re-release yet. I do know it’s coming out on 3/3/15.  I have already re-proofed it, and there will be another galley, but so far that’s what I know.  I am honored and completely thankful to get this chance.  It’s surreal still — it hasn’t sunk in.


JL: And hooray for your second novel, The Jeweler! Which novel did you write first? How did writing The Jeweler compare to writing Fix You?

BA:  I actually wrote The Jeweler first.  I wrote the first draft a LONG time ago. It was a fun thing to come back to it, especially now that I have grown as a writer, and could add a lot to it to make it better.  The Jeweler felt easier? I think because Fender is such a strong character — he was really fun to write.


JL: Fender Barnes is the hero of The Jeweler. What influences formed his cynical personality? Was he inspired by anyone in particular?

BA: I think Fender’s mom dying when he was little really formed his personality — he’s always waiting for people to abandon him, so to combat that, he leaves them first, or gives them a reason to leave — kind of beating people to the punch in the abandonment department.  I love snarky guys — Chandler Bing from Friends is a great character, and Fender is actually a lot like many men I have known personally.  Guys with big hearts but a lot of doubts and a lot of sloppy mistakes.  It’s not easy to be twenty-something and not screw up constantly.  I know that’s what my twenties felt like.


JL: I love Chandler Bing. What draws you to writing grieving characters?

BA:  One of my greatest fears is losing the love of your life.  I have had two very good friends experience it.  I think I may finally be done chewing on it, but it’s really scary to me, and I can’t help but wonder how women handle it.


JL: What are you working on now?

BA: Oh, ’tis the season of Nano, so I am starting a new novel.  I think it’s going to be set near Yellowstone in fly-fishing country and it may involve a character from Fix You.  We will see.  I do also have the sequel to Fix You done, but it needs a little love, so I need to put the finishing touches on it.


Sounds great! Thanks to Beck for visiting the blog, and don’t forget to comment to win an ebook.

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Bloggers Talk Blocked: Review Tour and #Giveaway

The week since my college volleyball romance BLOCKED released has been fantastic.


We started off with a Facebook party–thank you to these hosts with the most:

Debra Anastasia (author of Poughkeepsie who alerted me to a key technological problem)

Nicki Elson (author of Divine Temptation)

Darcia Helle (author of No Justice)

Matthew Alan (author of What We Leave Behind)

Jennifer Locklear (co-author of Exposure)

Rumer Haven (author of Seven for a Secret which I’ve just started reading–great!)

Gwynn Evans Harrison (my bff who revealed all kinds of secrets about our time swimming and playing volleyball in college!)

Julie from AToMR Tours

(I just alerted the winners of the Release Giveaway … scroll down for the Review Tour Giveaway including a $15 gift card.)

~*~


Speaking of AToMR Tours, they’re hosting a Blocked Review Tour the next two weeks.

Check out this fun review from Bookaholic Fairies.

And I also loved this review from Momina at Novelty Books.

Thank you to all the wonderful friends and bloggers taking the time to promote, read, and review Blocked. I deeply “dig” you.

Come back next week for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group on 11/5 when I share what I learned about book marketing at the Queen City Indie Con!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blocked and Queen City Indie Con

It’s an exciting week with a new release and a fun book event.

My fifth novel, a college volleyball romance, launched on 10/21/14. It’s been a blast to read early reviews, like Mitsy Princell’s “This is one hot, sweet, smart, exciting, and fantastic story!” 

Available HERE for $2.99


I’ll sign print copies of Blocked and my other novels at the Queen City Indie Con.


Each purchase of Blocked gets you a special Blocked cookie in Cincinnati! And I’ll also have Streamline swim caps for my other sports romance about swimming, the US Navy, and murder.


Don’t forget to enter three giveaways for gift cards and books HERE, HERE, and HERE.

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Jenny on the BLOCKED! New #College #Volleyball #Release 10/21/14

I started writing Blocked over a year ago, and release day is finally HERE.

Cover Design by Coreen Montagna

Want to win stuff? Attend these events to win books, gift cards, cookies, and bookmarks!

FACEBOOK Party Tuesday 10/21 11:00 – 3:00 EST HERE

AToMR Tours Release Event with over 30 blogs participating. Enter the giveaway HERE.

Blocked Review Tour, including another giveaway, HERE.

Add Blocked to your Goodreads shelf.

And find Blocked on Amazon.

Lastly, if you’re near Cincinnati, Ohio this weekend, stop by the Queen City Indie Con where I’ll sign books and give away Blocked cookies and Streamline swim caps.


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Spooktacular #Giveaway Hop

Thanks to Kathy for hosting the 5th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!



Halloween is a fun time, and it’s even more exciting for me due to the release of my college volleyball romance BLOCKED available for pre-order HERE.

I’ll offer more Amazon gift cards HERE for the release event and review tour.

Today I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card, Blocked ebook, and Blocked bookmarks so you can have abs, abs, abs for yourself. Enter on the Rafflecopter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Now hop on over to these 300 participating blogs and win great stuff!

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#Interview and #Giveaway of Shadow’s Dangers by Cindy Mezni

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming awesome reader friend Mitsy Princell to the blog, to interview creative storyteller Cindy Mezni about book one in her Last Hope series: Shadow’s Dangers.


Get it HERE for only $.99.

Appearances can be deceiving…

Losing a loved one is never easy. Although Deliah learned to live without her parents when fate took them from her as a young girl, history repeats itself and causes her to face even greater challenges when Tess, the woman who raised her and was like a second mother to her, passes away. But even worse than dealing with her loss is the coinciding arrival of inexplicable nightmares that haunt Deliah’s nights.

She becomes consumed with images she didn’t understand and a recurrent dream about her parents’ car accident. Oddly, this dream details different versions from what she had always been told about the accident.

But when a new family, The Wates, arrive in town and begin to pay close attention to her, even stranger events follow. Now, Deliah must not only face her nightmares, but the possibility that a world she never suspected exists. And this world may cost her everything.


~*~

I met Mitsy on Goodreads and she’s a wonderful supporter of authors. Mitsy is super excited about Cindy’s work, and wants to share her love of Shadow’s Dangers with YOU. And onto the interview–take it away, ladies!



Reader Mitsy Princell (MP): How long did it take you to write Shadow’s Dangers?

Author Cindy Mezni (CM): Writing the first draft took me between 3-4 months. It’s modifying and rewriting some scenes and even some chapters that took a lot more time.

MP: Where did you get the idea? It’s so completely different and imaginative.

CM: I’ve always been a fan of paranormal books and I really wanted to write my own but I didn’t want it to be another vampire or werewolf story. And then, one day, I heard about polymorphs and after that, it didn’t take long for me to develop the story of The Last Hope series.

MP: How many books are going to be in the series?

CM: There will be four books in The Last Hope series. Book 2 is written but I still have some changes to do on the story and book 3 is partly written.

MP: When is book two coming out?

CM: There’s no release date yet but as soon as I have one, I’ll post something about it to let everyone know.

MP: On Facebook, your profile is all in French so are you writing your books in both English and French? First author I’ve ever known that could write in both languages. Impressive. 🙂

CM: In fact, my profile is in French – and sometimes in English, even if I had another Facebook page for my English-speaking readers – and yes, I’m writing my books in both languages. Actually, I first write them in French and then, I translate them in English. And thank you for the compliment and for the interview 🙂



Giveaway! Cindy is offering an ebook of Shadow’s Dangers to an international winner. To enter, simply comment on the interview and please include your email address in the comment.

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Excerpt from #College #Volleyball #Romance BLOCKED


Only one week till the release of BLOCKED on 10-21-14. We hope to have it up for pre-order soon.

Until then, here’s an excerpt from Dane’s point of view.

I was just about to slurp the leftover milk from my second bowl of cereal when Lucia entered the kitchen. With my bowl suspended in midair, I watched her stop in place once she saw me.
Shit. So much for avoiding her after my beer-goggle kiss a week ago. The girl confused the hell out of me. I’d hoped some time away from her would clarify things, but given the uptick of my heartbeat when she strolled in the room, that obviously hadn’t happened.
As I set my bowl back on the table, my eyes floated from her flushed face to the slogan on her hot-pink T-shirt:

I grinned. Thank God guys don’t have to wear Spandex. When she turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of the luscious curve of her bottom. And thank God girl players do.
“Wait, don’t go.” Why did I just say that?
She pivoted and nailed me with her suspicious gaze. “What?”
Feeling unnerved, I gestured toward the open box of cereal on the table. “Want some dinner? You don’t have to leave on my account.”
She stared at the cereal for a few moments. At first she seemed to give the box a longing look, like she’d discovered a deep cache of oil on a barren stretch of land. Then her eyes tightened into the same hostile look I’d seen so many times on her father. Despite this, I noticed dark hollows beneath her eyes and felt a smidgen of concern for her. That level of exhaustion typically didn’t occur until later in the season, when Holter’s constant demands would inevitably wear down the girl’s team.
“I’m not hungry,” she finally said.
“But you haven’t eaten anything.”
She glanced up from the box of cereal with wide eyes. “Yes, yes, I have.”
When she stepped away from me, I took my time getting to my feet in an effort to avoid scaring her away. “Then why’d you come to the kitchen?”
“I…” Her eyes darted around the modern appliances. She backed up until her butt brushed the counter, which one hand gripped with white knuckles. “I came to get a drink.”
Why did she look so tortured? “Oh.” I shrugged. “I’ll get it for you.”
“No—”
I made it to the fridge in two strides and opened the door. “What’d you want? We’ve got cranberry juice, orange juice, Coke…hey, there’s even some beer hidden back here — ”
“Water,” she said. I backed out of the shelf and straightened, wondering if I’d heard her correctly. “Just ice water.”
That’s kind of boring.” I crossed over to the cabinet and snatched a glass from the shelf, then returned to the refrigerator door to fill it with crushed ice and filtered water. “Here ya go.”
She hesitated as she studied the drink in my outstretched hand. “Relax. It’s not poisoned.” I grinned at her.
She grasped the glass. Her hand trembled as she took a sip. “Why are you being nice to me?”
Man, she had trust issues. All I did was get her a freaking glass of water! I performed a little bow and adopted an English accent. “The setter is here to serve the hitter, milady.”
Was that a hint of a smile? The subtle quirk of one corner of her mouth filled me with warmth, and I realized that was the first time I’d seen her even come close to a smile. Esa chica needed to learn how to chill if she wanted to last as a Highbanks varsity athlete. She set down her glass and seemed to take a deep breath.
“Have you always been a setter?”

Her question made me pause. Why does she want to know? “Yep.”
“Why?”

I need to be in charge. “I like being the leader of the team.”
“Kind of tall for a setter, aren’t you?”
Wow. Mute Girl actually engaged me in conversation? I watched her gaze linger at my feet and slowly sweep up my body. I stared right back at her, trying to figure out what she found so fascinating. When our eyes met, it took a second to register what was going on. Damn! She had just ogled me. Having her eyes roam over my body…I had to admit it felt pretty great. I winked at her, and a pretty, rose-colored blush crept up her neck a second before she looked away.
~*~
Don’t forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway HERE. You can also win muchos prizes at the Blocked Release party on Facebook 10-21-14 from 11:00-3:00 EST.

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New Release: A Little Faith by Emma James

Title: A Little Faith
Series: Ocean Beach #1
Author: Emma James
 Release Date: October 9, 2014

Synopsis
I had no idea a carefree island vacation would tear my life apart.

But now it’s time to put my walls up, make them impenetrable.

It’s the only way to survive.

~Faith

 
Six Years Later…

Harley, the protector. Retro, the straight shooter. 

Keanu, the funny bone. Levi, the model. And Text, who can’t seem to find himself.

All their lives were permanently altered by one event.

With a pact made, these five best friends need something from Faith.

Is she ready now to give them what they have been waiting for?

Join Faith as she goes on an emotional and heartwarming discovery where all may not be what it seems.

But with every ending, comes a new beginning, a second chance.

You just gotta have A Little Faith…

Welcome to Ocean Beach.

Links to Buy

AMAZON
US / UK / AU

Book Trailer
Playlist

Excerpt
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
– Bob Marley

It’s a hot and humid night. We’re all looking forward to a beer and some nightlife as we take the short walk from our hotel to the Coconut Club.
At this time of the year, the island is packed with tourists from all over the world. This means lots of beautiful girls in their tiny bikinis with a tan and a smile and everybody looking to have a good time.
Only ten days into our two week surfing vacation with my friends, I’ve been having the time of my life. We’ve met some great locals who have entrusted us with their secret surfing spots, which they keep on the down-low. These are theirplaces to surf, not to be overrun by tourists.
The surf has been awesome. We’ve ridden alongside the locals, our boards attached to our motorcycles as we follow them through the hustle and bustle of the crazy traffic. I shit you not, it almost appears like there are no road rules over here. It’s like dodge ball with motorcycles. It’s been a hell of a lot of fun taking the bikes to the streets, weaving through the ridiculous traffic, honking our horns—quite the adrenaline ride.
Once we make it out of the shit storm of traffic and get on the quieter roads around the island, we’re able to put the pedal to the metal and enjoy the scenery.
Fan-fucking-tastic!
Just don’t fucking crash has been our motto because the hospital service isn’t that great over here. You don’t want to wind up in it.
Since Faith would’ve loved to see some of the places we’ve been to and photograph them, Jase brought his camera and saved some of these memories for her. I can’t help thinking he has an interest in my sister. But Jase is a great guy, so I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
The locals have showed us the clubs and bars to check out. We know they receive commission for pointing us in the direction of certain places, but these guys don’t have the same opportunities we have been given in life, so why not help a guy out?
The food has been awesome. Keanu only got the shits for a few days—we did warn him about the water. We could smell him from across the hallway, making me glad I wasn’t sharing a room with Keanu. Levi got the short straw for those few days.
We’ve sat on the beach at night while Keanu, Levi, and Jase sang and strummed their guitars, entertaining a small crowd that gathered each evening while the sun sets. It’s a pretty awesome way to watch the sun go down if you ask me. This has been such a great trip.
After four years of college, we all just graduated and decided to take this trip as a gift to ourselves for summer break. We’ve all got stuff we have applied for or are in the process of locking down when we get home except for Jase, who is the youngest in the group and our friend Harley’s younger brother. He wanted to come along, so this is his vacation before he starts college.
We weren’t stupid; we all knew life was getting more serious and we were entering the next phase. We have our futures ahead of ourselves, yet who knew when we would be able to all get together and do this again? My only regret is Harley couldn’t make the trip.
He is moving ahead with his dream of owning a business—his college years were more about a backup plan. The guy is so smart. He plans way ahead. Out of all of us, he’s got his shit together the most. He landed himself a job that he couldn’t pass up. The boy is thinking big and has always been like that. He sees his future of owning a security business empire like a blueprint in his mind. I know he will make it happen, as well. He’s just that kind of guy.
Fuck, I love all these guys. My friends mean the world to me, and I would do anything for them.
Any-fucking-thing they asked of me.
The guys are all completely different. Well, maybe with the exception of Keanu and Levi. Those two are hilarious without trying and have this bond which glues them together. They have such a bromance going on that they will be friends for life. Nothing will get between them. They are brothers from another mother, through and through. Although, we all get along incredibly well.
Keanu and Levi have been spreading themselves among the ladies, while Retro seems happy enough just surfing, eating, and drinking. He’s got a lady on his mind back home, so he’s just letting his free spirit enjoy the waves and soak up the atmosphere.
I’ve been keeping a subtle eye on Jase; he’s been throwing back a few beers. The chicks love his blonde hair and mismatched blue and brown eyes. At eighteen, he isn’t technically underage here, only back home; as a result, he’s enjoying it while it lasts. I promised Harley, his brother, I would have his back and not let him get too out of control, and so far, he’s only thrown up like the exorcist one night. I think that helped cure him of hitting it too hard for a few more days. The waves are more important than getting totally wasted and not being able to surf anyways.
We enter the Coconut Club and make our way to a high-top table with the stools. This place is starting to fill up. The DJ is playing loud techno, and the club is pumping with bodies on the dance floor moving in sync.
Retro offers to buy the first round and takes off to the bar before it gets too busy and you wind up waiting to be served for ages.
Levi and Keanu are already scouting the club for hot chicks, talking in each other’s ear, being each other’s wingman. The next second, they are both shouting, “Challenge. Accepted!” and bumping fists. I roll my eyes. They do this every night once they have locked down their female prey. The girls are here to party, looking for a good time, and these two aim to please.
The tourists are all in party mode on the island. Inhibitions are left at the door. After what I have seen, I don’t think I will be letting my future daughter ever come on a vacation for summer break until she is at least thirty.
Hell. No.
Jase has already been spotted by a group of girls who are all giggling and pointing at him. I can’t help feeling proud of him. He was somewhat of a geek at school and I suppose Harley and my boys rubbed off on him. Now he’s buff and enjoying the female attention. His blonde hair and striking mismatched eyes make him stand out from the crowd.
We are all a pretty good looking bunch. We look after ourselves, and we hit up a fair bit of extreme sports. It keeps us fit. We aren’t the indoorsy type. We study hard, but we play hard, too.
One day, all this carefree stuff will have to be locked down, but at the moment, we are young and single and generally don’t do anything by halves.
It’s all or nothing.

Author Bio

Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her smexi husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household. She often bounces ideas off her family and gets very creative responses. She loves to read as much as write. Daytime for writing, night time for reading.

Emma hopes to surprise you with her debut book, A Little Faith.

Author Links
Giveaway