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Cover Reveal: THE NEARNESS OF YOU by @KGFletcher3 #romance #music

Today we have the gorgeous cover for The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher! Check it out and preorder your copy today!

Title: The Nearness of You
Author: K.G. Fletcher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Day: October 10th

About The Nearness of You:

Lounge singer, Lauren Rose lived her comfortable life in Atlanta always dreaming of making it in show biz. When she unexpectedly meets British male super-model, David Randle at a gig at the posh St. Regis Hotel, she is swept away by his striking good looks and lilting cadence. In town for his sister Catherine’s nuptials to NASCAR driver, Brian Brady, David invites Lauren to the wedding on a whim. The two instantly bond over music, fashion and family. They continue their new relationship in New York City when David invites Lauren to see him in action at a high profile fashion shoot for his debut fragrance, “Drive.” Sparks fly when his assistant, Sabrina Watson is none too happy that his new girlfriend has interrupted his grueling, fast-paced schedule. She becomes fixated on separating the happy couple who are falling in love. Traversing the East Coast and Europe with the paparazzi in hot pursuit, David and Lauren navigate the precarious path of fame, fashion and fate. Her wildest dreams were coming true. Would she ever truly believe that his desire was to be near her – always?

Preorder Your Copy Today!
AMAZON | KOBO

Exclusive Excerpt:

“Excuse me, miss.” Looking up with a smile, ready to accommodate another song request, she was taken aback, her breath catching in her chest. The man was tall, dark, and handsome and he looked very familiar. She started to panic, trying to place him in the shadowy light. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I wanted to ask… that last song you just sang. It sounded so familiar. Who is the artist?” The molecules in her brain shifted, and she was suddenly aware of who was standing before her. In an effort not to faint or start screaming, she placed her hand on her heaving chest and tried to breathe again, all the while his steady gaze penetrating her entire being. She swallowed hard, trying to get some moisture back into her throat so she could respond, but it felt as if her entire mouth had been force-fed a bucket of sand. The gorgeous man was holding a martini glass and looking like he had just stepped out of a high-class advertisement, his designer clothing obvious. “Umm… that song was….” She cleared her throat. “It’s a Richard Rodgers, umm, song.” She eyed his drink and without thinking, took it out of his hands. “Do you mind?” She didn’t wait for his response, anxious to send moisture onto her hot tongue. She threw the drink back in one gulp before choking on the alcohol that burned going down her throat. “Oh my god! What was that?” she asked, her face scowling. He gently took the empty glass back from her, his index finger brushing her hand slightly. “Well, that was my gin martini. May I get you something more to your liking?” He tried not to smile but his blue eyes tinged with humor and gave him away. Lauren held the back of her hand to her mouth and stared. “I know who you are,” she whispered, wide eyed. “You’re the super…” He interrupted her quickly by abruptly grabbing her by the elbow. “Let me buy you a drink.” He started to lead her to the mahogany bar where her friend Tim was bartending. “Hey Lauren. How’s it going?” Tim asked as he wiped down the polished wood in front of them. Could he tell that she was coming undone being in the presence of one of the most stunning, sought after male models on the planet? She recalled a recent trip to New York with some of her girlfriends. They had stood in the middle of Times Square taking several pictures of this man’s famous image plastered on a giant billboard, his gorgeous, half-naked body on display for all the world to see, wearing designer underwear. She started to swoon thinking about it. “Good, Tim,” she replied a little too quickly, her voice three octaves higher than normal. She glanced at the illustrious man who was standing mere inches from her, not sure if she would be able to continue a conversation. Her entire body felt like it was buzzing and she thought she might hyperventilate. She sank onto the leather barstool, hoping it wasn’t obvious that she was coming undone. “Sparkling water for you?” Tim asked knowingly. Lauren never drank while she performed, a lesson she’d learned many years ago when she had made the mistake of going to happy hour with friends before a show. She couldn’t remember the lyrics that night because of one too many shots of tequila. She was lucky the manager hadn’t fired her. “Yes, please,” she squeaked. “And for you, sir?” He leaned his strong arm against the back of her bar stool and reached for a cashew in a crystal bowl, his bulging bicep almost grazing her breast. “I should like another gin martini, Tim. Hendricks please, with a cucumber garnish.” His British cadence was sophisticated and debonair, accentuating his high-class image. Tim placed a green tinted bottle of sparkling water in front of Lauren and proceeded to mix the martini. She tried to open her drink with her trembling hands, but the cap wouldn’t budge. “Allow me, Lauren,” he said, taking it from her, the “L” of her name sounding beautiful with his lilting articulation. He effortlessly turned the cap just once and handed it back to her, his chiseled features dangerously close to her lips. She offered a polite smile before taking a sip and almost choked when he started to speak, palming her back with his hand. “Feeling any better?” She licked her lips and placed the bottle back on the bar. “Yes, thank you.” She felt her cheeks flush, surprised when he leaned in and whispered into her ear. “It’s nice to meet you, Lauren. You have a lovely voice.” His warm breath made her insides tingle. She inhaled deeply before answering. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too… you have a lovely… face.” She forced herself not to roll her eyes after the words came out of her mouth, pursing her lips. What a stupid thing to say.

About K.G. Fletcher:

KG Fletcher is the author of the contemporary romance novel, The Nearness of You released in October, 2017. She has also penned romantic suspense novels, Love Song released in April, 2017 and Unexpected released in December, 2016. She is an active member of RWA and the Georgia Romance Writers Association. She was a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN and a recipient of the “Airplay International Award” for “Best New Artist” showcasing original songs at The Bluebird Café. She earned her BFA in theater at Valdosta State College and has traveled the world professionally as a singer/actress. She currently gets to play rock star as a backup singer in the National Tour, “Remember When Rock Was Young – the Elton John Tribute.” (www.almosteltonjohn.com) KG lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Ladd and their three gorgeous sons. She is a hopeless romantic continuing her work on her original cabaret act called, “The Novel Romantic – an unexpected evening of sweet & spicy love” to help promote her romance novels.

Find KG online:
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon | Cabaret Act

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New Release & Review: THE RESURRECTION OF DYLAN MCATHIE by @Nancee_Cain

The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie
by Nancee Cain
Series: Pine Bluff, #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover DesignerShannon Lumetta
Release Date: June 1, 2017

At seventeen, music legend Dylan McAthie ran away from his Alabama home to chase his dreams. Years later, he’s forced to return—coming full circle to escape the nightmare his life has become. Hounded by paparazzi and plagued by the aftermath of personal and professional loss, Dylan craves some quiet anonymity so he can regroup and sort out what lies ahead.

Hired by his estranged brother, Jennifer Adams knows exactly who Dylan is. She grew up next door to his family and has followed his career. But the surly, overbearing man she’s caring for as a private-duty nurse is far from the charming boy she remembers. Nevertheless, she’s determined to be professional, do a good job—and not fail at her first time getting away from home.

As her patient heals, his demeanor softens, and their interactions grow less antagonistic. Soon their chemistry is undeniable—and inappropriate—leaving the inexperienced Jennifer thoroughly confused. Adding to the turmoil, scandal finds Dylan once again, threatening all the progress he’s made and putting Jennifer at risk as collateral damage.

It’s up to Dylan to fix what his fame has so easily broken and find a way to move forward with his life. But will his resurrection mean the death of any relationship with Jennifer?


The Resurrection of Dylan McAthieThe Resurrection of Dylan McAthie by Nancee Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

He Lives?

After falling for Nancee Cain’s spunky heroines and complex heroes in her supernatural novels, I was excited to learn she wrote a contemporary romance. She sticks to her Southern settings in this story, which takes place in Pine Bluff, Alabama.

Dylan McAthie is a rock star who has fallen on hard times. The lead singer of his band as well as his pregnant ex-girlfriend have died from drug overdoses. He’s alienated from his family. And, he has sustained severe physical injuries from a car accident.

Enter nurse Jennifer Adams, ten years his junior. The fact that Dylan’s physician brother hired her does not endear her to Dylan. She bears the brunt of his misplaced anger for his screwed-up life.

I was intrigued and amused as the two sassed each other and got under each other’s skin. It’s quite a case of opposites attract. I also was horrified by something that happened to Jennifer.

The church old bitties are a lot of fun! Jennifer has to deal with being the preacher’s daughter, which makes it hard for her to find her own path. I liked her awesome nursing skills how she handled the situation with David.

There are plenty of obstacles and misunderstandings between Jen and Dylan. Jen becomes a bit ditzy due to some events that happen to her, and Dylan constantly takes one step forward and two back. At times he’s thoughtful (like with the amethyst ring) and at times he’s self-absorbed. He’s not sure if he wants to be a good guy or bad guy, and he often hovers somewhere in between.

I would’ve liked to know more about Dylan’s music. What inspired him to learn to play guitar? How’d he go from a local home-grown band to international rock stardom?

I think I also wanted more healing for Dylan to consider this a true resurrection. It’s realistic that he keeps returning to cigarettes and booze (preventing resolution of conflict with Jennifer) but it frustrated me all the same. When he starts treating Jen with sweetness, I felt a little taken by surprise.

I look forward to the next novel in the Pine Bluff series!

View all my reviews

During the day, Nancee Cain works as a nurse/counselor in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge.

Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.

Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)

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Cover Reveal: THE RESURRECTION OF DYLAN McATHIE by @Nancee_Cain #contemporary #romance

The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie
by Nancee Cain
Series: Pine Bluff, #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover DesignerShannon Lumetta
Release Date: June 1, 2017

(I CAN’T WAIT TO READ THIS!)

At seventeen, music legend Dylan McAthie ran away from his Alabama home to chase his dreams. Years later, he’s forced to return—coming full circle to escape the nightmare his life has become. Hounded by paparazzi and plagued by the aftermath of personal and professional loss, Dylan craves some quiet anonymity so he can regroup and sort out what lies ahead.

Hired by his estranged brother, Jennifer Adams knows exactly who Dylan is. She grew up next door to his family and has followed his career. But the surly, overbearing man she’s caring for as a private-duty nurse is far from the charming boy she remembers. Nevertheless, she’s determined to be professional, do a good job—and not fail at her first time getting away from home.

As her patient heals, his demeanor softens, and their interactions grow less antagonistic. Soon their chemistry is undeniable—and inappropriate—leaving the inexperienced Jennifer thoroughly confused. Adding to the turmoil, scandal finds Dylan once again, threatening all the progress he’s made and putting Jennifer at risk as collateral damage.

It’s up to Dylan to fix what his fame has so easily broken and find a way to move forward with his life. But will his resurrection mean the death of any relationship with Jennifer?

During the day, Nancee Cain works as a nurse/counselor in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge.

Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.

Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)

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What #songs Inspired New Release SPIKED (Blocked #3)?

Spiked has been out in the world for a week, generating wonderful reviews!

“Starting from the moving dedication to victims of trauma, to the very satisfying ending, this was not only a very engaging book, but also thought-provoking and inspirational.”
~Teresa from Goodreads



“I FLOVE MATEO AND JESSICA.

FLOVE, FLOVE, FLOVE.

I mean, come on, who wouldn’t like this broken guy who ends up being perfectly imperfect with a girl he never thought he would chance to meet. She is beautiful, smart, and yet utterly broken as well.

They build each other up as much as they break each other’s walls down.”


~Amy’s Review Obsession (this one made me laugh!)


The hero Mateo Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, so music is quite important to the story.

Which songs inspired SPIKED?

1) Lay it All on Me by Rudimental featuring Ed Sheeran

Let my love in, let my love in 

Lay your heart on me 

If you’re hurting, if you’re hurting 


Lay it all on me 





2) Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan

When the evening shadows and the stars appear

And there is no one there to dry your tears

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love.






3) Yesterday’s Songs by Neil Diamond

Baby, yesterday’s blues

May be yesterday’s news

But the truth always stays the same

And the good things will never change

Like sayin’ “I love you”

Just sayin’ “I love you”



Check out Nicki Elson’s post about another pivotal song on my Spiked playlist HERE.

What songs inspire you as a writer or reader?

Don’t forget to enter the $25 gift card giveaway HERE. It ends 10/15.

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New #Sports #Romance SPIKED (Blocked #3) by @JenLaneBooks #Giveaway

New Sports Romance Release

✯✯SPIKED by Jennifer Lane✯✯

Book 3 in Jennifer Lane´s Blocked Series!

jennifer lane spiked cover
They say
University is the time
To find yourself
But I don’t need to find myself
Just want to find you

After watching his older siblings find their love matches at Highbanks University, Mateo Ramirez feels unlikely to follow in their footsteps. What girl would want him? Unlike his brother and sister, he battles diabetes and chooses music over sports. But at least he can write songs about his life—and the girl who caught his eye when their parents ran against each other for US President.

Hey, chica! Come conmigo
And baby, why don’t we go
Down under the bridge to the water
With you it can only get hotter

Jessica Monroe is a talented swimmer who dreams of representing Team USA at the Olympics. When she earns an athletic scholarship to Highbanks, she’s excited to attend the same school as the cute boy she met two years ago: Mateo. Too bad he’s not around when a teammate spikes her drink. Jessica may never trust men again.

Trust
Is a hard-to-earn thing
Just
Try to keep listening
Swallow
Down all of the unjust
Hollow
My chest, my heart will bust

College years are the time to shake off the past and find your future. But will that future find Mateo and Jessica together? Dive in and immerse yourself in the eagerly anticipated conclusion to Jennifer Lane’s Blocked trilogy.


Join the Online Release Party 10/1/16: https://www.facebook.com/events/823926984404510/
jennifer lane banner
Meet the Men of the Blocked Series
Blocked: Dane Monroe, 6’8″ blond gigante, volleyball setter
Aced: Alejandro Ramirez, med student, baseball player
Spiked: Mateo Ramirez, soulful singer / songwriter

Check out the Blocked series FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Blocked only $.99 for a limited time:

Aced:

 


Jennifer Lane on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenLaneBooks/

Review Tour Hosted by Raven Publicity:

 

Enter to win a $25 gift card and series ebook set:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blurb Blast! SPIKED (Blocked #3) Has a Blurb #NA #Sports #Romance

If you want authors to shudder with fear and revulsion, ask them to write a BLURB.


What’s a blurb? It’s a brief summary of a story. The best blurbs hook the reader without giving away too much.

We writers are a verbose bunch and it’s tough for us to pack our narrative into a pithy punch. This is where critique partners and editors come in handy!

What characterizes your favorite blurbs? I’ve been drawn to starting with a sentence or two from the first person point of view. However, I wrote the blurbs for my first two books in the Blocked series in the third person, and wanted to stay consistent for book three.

I found a compromise for SPIKED (Blocked #3) by adding song lyrics to the blurb to capture the first person perspective of the hero Mateo, who’s a singer / songwriter.


SPIKED (Blocked #3)


They say
University is the time
To find yourself
But I don’t need to find myself
Just want to find you 

After watching his older siblings find their love matches at Highbanks University, Mateo Ramirez feels unlikely to follow in their footsteps. What girl would want him? Unlike his brother and sister, he battles diabetes and chooses music over sports. But at least he can write songs about his life—and the girl who caught his eye when their parents ran against each other for US President.

Hey, chica! Come conmigo
And baby, why don’t we go
Down under the bridge to the water
With you it can only get hotter 

Jessica Monroe is a talented swimmer who dreams of representing Team USA at the Olympics. When she earns an athletic scholarship to Highbanks, she’s excited to attend the same school as the cute boy she met two years ago: Mateo. Too bad he’s not around when a teammate spikes her drink. Jessica may never trust men again.

Trust
Is a hard-to-earn thing
Just
Try to keep listening

Swallow
Down all of the unjust
Hollow
My chest, my heart will bust 

College years are the time to shake off the past and find your future. But will that future find Mateo and Jessica together? Dive in and immerse yourself in the eagerly anticipated conclusion to Jennifer Lane’s Blocked trilogy.

~ * ~

Add to Goodreads HERE

What do you think?

Now I need to find a stock image of a Mexican-American guitar-playing shirtless hottie for the cover. But FIRST I need to finish writing the novel. 🙂

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#IWSG Writing Research


Holla, writers! Good to see you for the Insecure Writers Support Group started by Alex J Cavanaugh.


Join us HERE to share insecurities, worries, tips, and celebrations.

Let’s talk research. How do you research unfamiliar topics to increase the authenticity of your writing?

My WIP Spiked (Blocked #3) has two main characters:

* Mateo is a music performance major with diabetes

* Jessica is an art major on the varsity swim team

I have part lungs, part gills after swimming all my life, so I’m good with that aspect of the story. But I know very little about the intricacies of music, art, and diabetes.

Thank goodness for Professor Google. For this story, I’ve consulted the inter webs for ideas about college curriculums, acoustic guitars, and the Secret Service. Of course there’s a lot of crap on the internet, but I try to verify information with two or three sites.

Human capital is awesome for research, too. Lovely reader Nelly Guajardo guides me with the diabetes aspects and my kickbutt crit partner Nicki Elson helps me as well.

How do you research?

Happy writing!

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Natural Harmony: NA Romance RELEASE

Congratulations to Kate Roth on the release of NATURAL HARMONY!

Suddenly named the acting president of her uncle’s record label, former pop princess Sabrina Walker is finally ready to grow up. While her professional life moves forward, she still clings to the last fragment of her past life in the form of an uncertain relationship with her manager, Beau.
When Sabrina hires handsome, young assistant, Wade Lawson, he awakens in her the hidden confidence she’s always desired. What starts as a casual affair quickly intensifies to something much more.
Sabrina must decide—return to the familiar life of an insecure one-hit-wonder, or embrace Wade and the woman his passion has helped reveal.

Natural Harmony is a stand-alone contemporary romance novel for readers 18+ and is the first in the Confession Records collection.


Find Kate at her website and on Facebook!
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Genre Favorites Blogfest

That kooky author Alex Cavanaugh is at it again, hosting a fun blogfest HERE.

Genre Favorites Blogfest, September 17, 2012
One blogfest, four favorites!
List your favorite genre of:
Movie
Music
Books
And a guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories! 
Okay, here goes:
1) My favorite MOVIE genre is…

DRAMA/ROMANCE

Titanic is my favorite movie (quit laughing!) and here’s a deleted kissing scene from the epic ship flick:
I also love The Shawshank Redemption, Speed, Godfather II, Terminator II, American Beauty, Gladiator, Die Hard, Moonstruck, Working Girl, A Fish Called Wanda, Grand Canyon, Prince of Tides, Ordinary People, and so many more.

2) Favorite MUSIC genre:

MAINSTREAM ALTERNATIVE

Now that’s an oxymoron! What I mean is that I love music that’s “alternative” but not too far out there.

My favorite song is With or Without You by U2.

Gah. What a beautiful, sorrowful song. Other artists I love are The Fray, Jack Johnson, Colbie Callait, Indigo Girls, John Mayer, Adele, Snow Patrol, and The Script.

3) Now, BOOKS! My favorite genre is…

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

…which isn’t a surprise if you know what books I like to write. I adore author Pamela Clare, and I also enjoy fiction and YA contemporary.

4) Finally onto my GUILTY PLEASURE…

NEIL DIAMOND!

I love singing along to his songs, and there are SCADS of good ones like “Forever in Blue Jeans”:

Thank you Alex for this fun hop!