Netta & TJ's Review Spot

2012-06-20T22:58:00.001-07:00

Finally Movies!

Jess Michaels

As I’m writing this, my husband and I have just gotten back from seeing “The Avengers”. I’m not really a movie person. Okay, that’s not true. I’m a HUGE movie person. But so often I’m disappointed in movies anymore so I’ve gotten a little gun-shy in the theatres. I hate to be trapped, unable to flee for my life or at least roam off to check my email, if I get bored or pissed or start wondering how much money the writer for this crappy movie got paid. And for the past couple of years, nothing has really tempted me to run to the theatres. Oh, there were a few movies that got me there, but nothing like now.

It starts this year with The Avengers! As a movie nerd, as a Joss Whedon fan, I was shaking with excitement when we got into the theatre. Often this leads me to be disappointed, but not this time. I laughed, I cried and I’m already excited for Avengers 2 (not to mention Iron Man 3, Robert Downey Jr., people).

But to my surprise, the previews for the summer movie season left me excited to go to the theatre over and over again.

First, there’s The Dark Knight Rises. This was one of our previews and I’m so excited by it! I have loved the new Batman series and I love Joseph Gordon Levitt, who plays John Blake in the movie (a cop secretly helping Batman take down Bain). This movie is the end of the current Batman franchise (with a reboot already scheduled for 2015, dare I hope to see Levitt take the cowl?). It should be a fitting, explosive end to the series.

Men in Black 3 will be out by the time this blog is up for your reading pleasure. I plan to be there within the first couple weeks of release. I like Wil Smith and Josh Brolin is a great actor who should do Tommy Lee Jones justice as he plays that out. At least, I hope he will. I’ll post a comment on this blog and let you know what I think.

June 22 “Brave” opens. This is a new Pixar movie about a Scottish lass who wishes to control her own destiny. Pixar has proven again and again that it can create wonderful cartoons with depth and emotion. I expect this one will be the same.

There are more, as well. Prometheus, the new Ridley Scott movie. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter based on the book. A new Spiderman relaunches that series. Not so interested in him, but I love Emma Stone. Resident Evil, a re-release of Finding Nemo, and I can’t even express my excitement over Hobbit. So there’s a lot to see and do this summer, even for a movie scaredy cat like me.

In the meantime, while you wait for all this wonderfulness, maybe you’ll pick up my new book, AN INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, out now from Samhain. It probably won’t be made into a movie, but it will definitely pass a few very sexy hours while you wait for one to start.

Find Jess on Facebook, her Website or on Twitter

Thank you Jess Michaels for coming over to Netta & Tj's Review Spot!!!

Now all Fans!!!! Please comment what movie you are looking forward to this summer and one lucky winner will win the book "TABOO" by Jess Michaels. (Contest Ends June 24th)

Single, Cool, and Fine: How to Get Laid as an Ex-Teen Idol

2012-06-18T18:04:00.002-07:00

All your dirty teenage dreams are about to come true.

Gorgeous but awkward, talented but weird, James Venora is a twenty-seven-year-old struggling musician mired in the eternal stigma of having once been the stuff of Tiger Beat centerfolds. Getting married in his late teens also rendered him completely clueless when it comes to dating, a fact that comes to light when his wife surprises him with a request for a divorce. Now James has never felt the passage of time more strongly, and he decides to shirk his well-behaved habits and start wronging some rights. Unfortunately, he has no idea where to start.

Enter his brother Wade and his childhood friend E.Y.—both his biggest fans and biggest detractors. At their behest, James reads fan fiction written about himself to glean advice on how to live up to his potential—and instead discovers that what he wants most might be something he already has.

REVIEW:
I would give this book a 3 stars

This book was a little hard to get into, but once there, I understood.
This book helps you realize the struggles a pop star goes through with fame and what people expect from them. I really felt bad for James..one would think he had it all but there was more to him and his life then you would imagine! I now look at stars in a different light! Not to much of a spoiler, because i believe you need to read the book to get your own review.

Check out her website at http://luxzakari.com/ & her Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/luxzakari

Now for your change to win an E-BOOK.... Comment who was your favorite TIGER-BEAT Centerfold? Winner will be choosen Friday June 22nd.... Please invite all your friends over.

The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde

2012-03-24T17:08:00.002-07:00

Welcome Lori Wilde.....

Available Tuesday March 27th, 2012, The Cowboy Takes a Bride

A unforgettable heartfelt new series you don't want to miss! Welcome to Jubilee, Texas: Where everyone knows everyone's business-especially if that business is love!

Ex-champion bull rider turned cutting horse cowboy Joe Daniels isn’t quite sure how he ended up sleeping in a horse trough wearing nothing but this Stetson and cowboy boots. But now he’s wide-awake and a citified woman is glaring down at him. His goal? Get rid of her ASAP. The obstacle? Fighting the attraction he feels towards the blond-haired filly with the big, vulnerable eyes.

When out-of-work wedding planning Mariah Callahan learns that her estranged father has left her a rundown ranch in Jubilee, she has no choice but to accept it. Her goal? Redeem her career by planning local weddings. The obstacle? One emotionally wounded, hard-living cowboy who stirs her guilt, her heartstrings, and her long-buried cowgirl roots…

Lori has a contest (WIN A IPAD2) event going on and wanted me to let others know about it; in-conjunction with this new release!

Pre-Order B&N

Pre-Order Amazon

Go to her blogspot at http://wildelori.blogspot.com/ and comment (let her know you we sent you) if you have pre-ordered or plan to pre-order it by Tuesday AND comment here for a chance to win a $10 B&N or Amazon Gift Card (winners choice) ! You get two chances to win!

Extra points for sharing on your social networks, just leave a link here where you shared it.

Spellbound Falls..... By Janet Chapman

2012-02-23T18:19:00.002-08:00

We can't tell you enough how much we are please to have the one and only Janet Chapman visiting our site and giving away this special book "Spellbound Falls" it's a new series and once you start reading it and the new series you will see why this book is so dear to our hearts and souls.

We both got the chance to finally meet Janet while in New York this past summer and we had a very nice time with her for the hours we visited there. So now Janet is coming to us from Lakewatch, taking precious time away from her writing to stop by and be so generous to do this contest.

Welcome Janet,

Just a little hello to say how excited I am about SPELLBOUND FALLS's release. I happen to think this is one of my best stories. Mac is--be still my heart--so epic! And Olivia is perfect for him. And Henry is the best! I love this new small town I've created deep in the Maine woods off the beaten path, and I'm writing the fourth book in the series as we speak. I'm even moving a couple of my MacKeages to Spellbound Falls, because ...
well, there's room for only so much magic in this state, so I had to pull
them all together. We'll see the Midnight Bay crew in this series every so often, too. And you're going to get to meet Titus and Rana Oceanus, as well as see more of Mac's sister, Carolina. So here's my deal: You keep reading and I'll keep writing! -Janet

Thank you Janet for visiting with us..... so here's the special contest for the new release of Spellbound Falls that hits the shelves February 28th, 2012.

TO WIN A RARE SIGNED "SPELLBOUND FALLS" YOU MUST:

(1) COMMENT HERE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

(2) SHARE THIS CONTEST PAGE ON A SOCIAL NETWORK AND COPY YOUR LINK HERE

You will then be entered in the drawing for your chance to win this special treasure!

Contest begins February 23rd and will continue through February 28th, 2012.

THIS IS OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL, PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR COMMENT IF YOU ARE INTERNATIONAL OR USA....

(1) USA & (1) INTERNATIONAL, YES THAT'S TWO WINNERS! WHOO!

Million Dollar Bra... by Jennifer Loy

2011-12-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome Jennifer Loy.....

★★★★★ = Amazing

Jennifer Loy has been writing romantic novels since 2005 and continues her membership with the RWA Aloha chapter. While spending a short time in Hawaii, she discovered that poetry wasn’t all that she could write. The beautiful beaches and friendly people inspired her to write romantic tales. In one year she produced five novels. Unfortunately, she couldn’t stay in Paradise forever, but the writing continues. Now living in Southern California, she is writing more than ever and loving every minute of it.

Prior to writing full-time, Jennifer worked as a Travel Agent in Newport Beach, California. Alongside her writing, her other full-time job is raising her four children. Where does she find the time? A dedication for the love of family and creative writing. Her family is very supportive.

Living in and travelling to many cities over the years has given her free range to place her unruly characters in. There is never a dull moment in her books, you’ll certainly get a good laugh, and always have a happily ever after, so enjoy!

Blurb:

Who the hell can afford the four million dollar bra that comes out of the Victoria’s Secret catalog holiday issue every year? Devin Warner, Brittany’s boss could and he did. But why? She gets kidnapped before she finds out.

Ryan Blake, the world’s worst kidnapper has just discovered his mistake could very well work out for him, but can he convince the beautiful Brittany to take off this elegant jeweled bra? No way! They will steal it back and forth and enjoy every minute of it. An unruly adventure that criss-crosses across the country with more wild twists and turns than a rollercoaster ride.

Excerpt:

Plan B! Plan B!” Ryan slapped his own forehead with his palm.

A snicker escaped from my throat and Ryan glanced back at me.

“What are you laughing about? You’re not even important enough for anyone to notice you’re gone! Do any of those people look worried about you at all?”

Holy crap, he was right. I really was a nobody. Tied up with a million dollar bra on and no one cared and no one knew. It was like hitting the lottery and never being able to spend it. I put my head down. A few tears dripped onto the red satin on my thighs.

Ryan leaned down in front of me and tousled my hair. “Forget what I said okay. I’m sure you’re important to somebody.”

I growled and swung my shoulders toward him.

“Wow, feisty thing aren’t you?” He bent down and awkwardly patted my shoulder.

The strap from my dress slid down my shoulder. I slowly looked up and blinked tears from my eyes. Ryan saw the strap on my bra. He teetered back on his heels and then leaned in for a closer look. “Well, if those are real, Miss Brittany , I believe I’ve found Plan B.

I shook my head. “Mo. May arm eel,” I said.

Ryan pulled the bandana out of my mouth. “What was that?”

“They aren’t real.”

He lifted up his eyebrows and leaned forward to get a glimpse down my top. “The breasts or the jewels?”

Jennifer Loy ~ Warning: Books contain unruly adventures!

www.redrosepublishing.com ..There Goes the Neighborhood

www.champagnebooks.com ..Rodeo Drive, Million Dollar Bra, Sunset Sizzle

www.thewildrosepress.com ..Shoreline

www.jenniferloy.com

www.facebook.com/jennifer.loy1

CONTEST: TO WIN: A KINDLE OR PDF COPY OF MILLION DOLLAR BRA or A PRINT COPY OF THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHEN COMMENTING INDICATE WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE IF YOU WIN.....

CONTEST ENDS: DECEMBER 9th, 2011 ; Share this on Social Networks and get a second entry, post here your Social Network Name ... Good Luck !!!

"THE COMRADES" by Lynne Sears Williams

2011-11-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

Netta & TJ gave ★★★★★ = Amazing

Welcome Lynne to Netta & TJ's Review Spot! We would like to start off with a few questions to help our followers get to know you a little bit.

To start with, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Canada and have vivid recollections of how much our family read. One set of grandparents started out with Dr. Seuss books, added Scholastic, and tossed an Encyclopedia Britannica in for good measure. My mother added a book club and countless magazines, while my Dad ordered National Geographic & Scientific American. He read to us every night. Having twins after me rather exhausted my mother. They were insidiously dangerous despite their cherubic smiles. So, we read and went to the library every week. Some books would have been off-limits to other parents, ours encouraged us to read *anything.* We did. I enjoyed telling my elementary school friends about Gone With the Wind, was excited when I read The Godfather and scared to death by Rosemary's Baby. My favorite photo of my mother is one I took in college. I caught her unaware as she sat on a couch...reading.

What can you tell us about this book?

In a rather strange way this book's story mimics what happens in The Comrades. In my 2nd year of law school, I saw the school playboy with a huge fantasy book. Making certain my wedding ring flashed protective bolts of lightning I asked him how he found time for 'free reading.' Playboy answered if he didn't read something that wasn't law, he'd lose his mind. Incredible; the kid had a plan which didn't include include hitting on me! Armed with knowledge, I went home after school, grabbed the first novel I saw [Tolkien] read for a bit, then fell asleep. I dreamt about a handsome man, a beautiful woman and *knew* that a grudge meant they would never meet.

Do you plot everything out, from beginning to end, or does it just come to you as you write?

I do not plot; the characters do. Sometimes I am amazed at the things that I didn't see coming. I consider myself to be their scribe.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I was a journalist who never planned to do anything else. At first I could only write dialogue. I began to research, then had to learn how to write dialogue, then edit everything not needed.

What were your feelings when your first saw the cover of the finished product?

It was gorgeous. My publisher had worked with me to find the font I wanted, with a sword as the focal point. My friends who are writers liked it, including Diana Gabaldon. Simple but striking; the sword hilt looks like a cross, which is a reader's first clue that the book will have an undercurrent of Christian themes.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

Read, talk, shop. Rinse, repeat.

Do you have a routine before writing?

You bet! I open up the laptop, begin a page and say, "Okay, guys, who's talking today?"

Do you write in your PJ's or do you get dressed and get ready to work?

Every day is different, today I had to go out for a while, so I have respectable clothes on. Some days, pj's.

You can find more about "The Comrades" at Lynn's website http://www.lynnesearswilliams.com/

Her Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/searswilliams

Her Publisher's Page http://www.heartallybooks.com/authors/5-lynne-sears-williams

Watch the Trailer

LYNN IS OFFERING A "PRINT" BOOK TO THE WINNER IN THE USA and

A E-BOOK INTERNATIONALLY!!!!

That's 2 winners!

Please comment and indicated if you are USA or International, also when you

leave a comment please include your email address!

Lynn will be popping in and answering any questions you may have.

She will be here for a week!

Contest Ends Friday November 18th, 2011

Links to purchase the Book or E-Book: Amazon, B&N, ITUNES

Farsighted by Emlyn Chand ~Gift Card, Book, Contest & So Much More~

2011-10-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

We are please to welcome New Author in the YA Genre/Paranormal Emlyn Chand who is stopping by here for her Novel's Publicity Blog Tour.... with her New Release Farsighted, which was just release October 24th, and has invited us along for the tour!

Up Front and Personal Look:

Farsighted is about a boy "Alex Kosmitoras" who is blind but can "see" in other ways. Emlyn took you beyond what you would think the blind can see, hear, smell or touch their way through life. This isn't a story you can predict with all the twist and turns this YA Paranormal will definitely keep your head in the book.

Please read the excerpt of Chapter 1 and go to the bottom of the page to watch the trailer and comment for a chance to win *$100 Amazon gift card* in this grand Blog Tour.

Farsighted: Chapter 1

Our hero is about to embark on a journey. Life as he knows it is quiet, boring, and predictable, but it’s also comforting and familiar. That will soon change.

Today is the last day of summer, but I’m not doing anything even remotely close to fun. I’m just lying here in Mom’s garden, running my hands over the spiky blades of grass—back and forth, back and forth until my fingertips go numb. Until everything goes numb. I sigh, but no one’s around to hear.

“Alex,” Dad yells from the kitchen window. “Dinner.”

Already? How long have I been out here? I spring up from the ground and the grass springs up with me, one blade at a time – boing, boink, boint. The sounds would be imperceptible to any normal person, but they roar inside my ears. I picture an army of earthworms raising the blades as spears in their turf wars and smile to myself.

Dad opens the back door and calls out to me again. “C’mon, Alex. What’s taking you so long?”

Grabbing my cane, I shuffle over to the house, brushing past him as I squeeze inside. The kitchen reeks of fast food restaurants and movie theaters—butter and grease. That means it’s breakfast for dinner. We do this every Sunday night, because Mom goes out to garden club and Dad doesn’t know how to cook anything else. Plus it’s cheap.

Breathing heavily, Dad plunks some food onto both our plates and collapses into his chair. He groans and asks me to pass the butter, or rather the “bud-dah.” He grew up in Boston and every once in a while the accent works itself into his speech.

I slide the tub to dad; he reaches out and stops it before it can glide clear off the table.

“What’s this?” Dad asks.

“Uh, the butter. Obviously.”

Dad’s voice raises an octave. “I know it’s the butter, so don’t get smart. Why’d you give it to me?”

“Uh, because you asked me to.”

“No, I didn’t.” He exhales as if the wind has been knocked out of him by an ill-timed punch to the stomach. “Guess you must’ve read my mind.” He chuckles to himself and slides the cool metal knife into the butter and scrapes it across his toast.

Dad and I don’t usually talk to each other unless Mom is around, asking about our days, chatting on, working hard to create those warm and fuzzy family moments we don’t seem to create naturally. And even though Mom has reassured me a million times, I know that Dad resents me for being born blind.

I can tell he would have much rather had a son like Brady—the same guy who insists on making my high school experience as difficult as possible. Nothing’s worse than knowing that your own father thinks you’re a loser.

Dad and I finish our meal in silence and my mind wanders.

He rises suddenly from his chair, breaking apart my thoughts. “Let’s get this table cleared before your mother comes home,” he says, without pronouncing the r in cleared.

I stand too and pick up my plate and glass. Guess I’ll pass on that fifth biscuit.

“Your mother has a surprise for you.”

I smile for my dad’s benefit. My parents are horrible at keeping secrets. Last night, I overheard them talking in their room. Mom was bragging about how she found some “cute” new shades on Wal-Mart’s clearance rack.

About ten minutes later, the tires of Mom’s van crunch on the gravel in our driveway with lots of little pings and a big cuh-clunk. As usual, she steers directly into the pothole we don’t have the money to repair. Sometimes I wonder if she does it on purpose.

The door creaks open, inviting a comforting floral fragrance into the house. Mom always smells like flowers—today it’s tulips and jasmine. She steps lightly across the floor and places a wet kiss on my cheek. When she turns to greet Dad, I wipe at the left-over moistness with my shirt sleeve. I’m getting too old for this kind of thing—been too old for a while now actually, but this doesn’t seem to matter to her.

“How was your day, my little sapling?” she asks. I really wish she would stop calling me her “little sapling.”

“Hi, Mom.” I hug her, because it makes her happy.

“Are you excited for tomorrow?”

I snap my fingers, which is how I say “yes” without actually saying it, kind of how most people nod their heads. I’m excited to learn, to have something to do other than lie in the grass, to possibly make a friend. More than likely though, things won’t change. I’ll still be an outcast. I’ll still be all by myself, but at least I’ll know where I stand. No more wondering.

Ignoring him, I turn toward Mom. “So, Dad told me you’ve got a surprise for me?” I’d rather get this over with quickly before they try too hard to build up the suspense.

“Oh, yes,” she chirps, fluttering over to the other side of the living room, pulling out the drawer of the small table in the corner, and rustling the unpaid bills inside. She comes back over to me and places a small bag in my lap.

“Wait,” Dad says as my hand is about to reach inside the bag. “Before you open that, I just want to say that I know we haven’t been able to give you as many back-to-school supplies as you need this year. Your backpack is starting to tear and your boots are scuffed…”

I had no idea my boots were scuffed, but now that he’s pointed it out, it’s all I can think about.

“And all of this is my fault,” Dad continues as I wonder how badly my boots are scuffed. Where? On the heel? On the toe?

Mom clicks her tongue and rubs Dad’s shoulder sympathetically, dragging her fingernails across his thick shirt. The scratching sound draws my attention back to his melodramatic speech.

“I want to make you a promise, as soon as I get a job we’re going to buy all of those things for you. Okay?”

“It’s okay, Dad. I don’t need anything.” Except for you to be nice to me even when Mom isn’t around, and, oh yeah, a friend or two.

“That’s my brave little oak tree,” Mom says, giving me another hug. I swear, sometimes I think she’s from another planet, or at least another time period. But still, she loves me, even if she’s constantly saying stupid things like that.

When they seem to have nothing more to say, my left hand reaches into the bag and brings a pair of sunglasses up into the palm. I run my right hand over them, trying to make out their shape. They’ve got hard plastic frames and cushiony rubber ends for where they sit on top of the ears. They’re broad in front; the rim goes in a straight line all the way across about a half an inch above the nosepiece. These aren’t the normal bookworm glasses. They’re cool guy glasses.

“We thought you deserved a new pair of cool guy glasses since you’re practically sixteen,” Mom says.

Ugh, I hate when she uses the same words as me. I make a mental note never to say, or think, the words “cool guy glasses” again.

“And they’re even your favorite color!” Mom shouts, unable to contain herself.

Then they’re green. I “see” color through my nose and like green best because so many of the best-smelling things are that hue, like grass and leaves and vegetables and limes. But with green glasses, I’m afraid I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb—a sore green thumb. I smile and reach out my arms. Both my parents come in for a hug. I whisper a quick prayer for tomorrow and head to bed.

The next morning, my alarm starts yelling at six o’clock. Is it excited or trying to give me a warning? Well, time to get this over with, time to see if this year will be any different from all the crappy ones before. I reach over and flip the off-switch and stumble about in a sleepy haze, getting ready for the first day of the new school year.

On the way to the bathroom, I stub my toe on some bulky object that’s just sitting in the middle of the hallway, not even pushed up against the wall. I kick it to the side—clunk, straight into the wall—and continue to the bathroom. I shouldn’t need my cane to get around my own house. That had to be something of Dad’s. What, is he actually trying to kill me now?

I turn the shower knob and wait for the water to get warm. It’s taking forever since I’m the first one up today. Aggravated by the wait, I go back into the hall to find that object again. Stooping down, I attempt to work out the shape. Rectangular, with a handle, made of leather or something leather-like, with little metal clasps. A briefcase, I guess. But Dad’s a contractor, why would he need a briefcase? Why now? I flip the clasp, eager to find out what’s inside. But the case doesn’t open. Brushing my fingers across the top again, I find a twisty-turny thing on either side. A combination lock. If it’s so important, why’s it laying here in the middle of the hall like a discarded sock?

A wall of steam pushes into my back, returning my attention to the running shower. I return the case to its original position in the middle of the hall and go to wash up for school. Afterward, I towel off and put on my favorite shirt, which is soft and made of flannel. I wear my favorite pants too—they’re baggy with big pockets on the sides. As I’m pulling them on, I feel a tickle at my ankles where the hem now rests two full inches above where it should be. I groan, realizing I must’ve grown over the summer. How much taller can I get? I’m really tall now, at least a couple of inches over six feet, but we just don’t have the money to keep buying me new clothes every time I grow another inch.

To add the finishing touch to my first-day-of-school look, I slip my new cool guy glasses—er, sunglasses—on over my nose. The lenses are extra thick. Probably, if I wanted, I could sleep in class and no teacher would ever notice. But I’m not like that; I like to learn.

“Honey?” Mom calls from the end of the hallway. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah, I’m coming,” I yell back. “Just a sec.” I fiddle with my boots, trying to stuff my pants into them, so no one at school sees they’re too short. I’m sure this makes me look even more like a teenage Paul Bunyan than usual, but I don’t care. The boots are comfortable and help to support my ankles. Anyway I could probably wear nothing but expensive designer clothes and still be considered a freak.

Before standing, I run my hands over my feet. The right boot has a long narrow indentation across the toe. They are scuffed. Great. With a drawn-out sigh, I pick up my backpack and walk over to the kitchen where Mom is waiting. She has way too much energy for this early in the day.

“Yogurt with berries fresh from the garden,” she says, placing a glass in my hand. “You can eat in the car.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I jab a heaping spoonful into my mouth and finish it in five huge bites, then grab my cane from the hook near the front door, loop the cord around my wrist, and follow Mom out to the driveway where the rattly old family van is parked. As she shifts the car into drive, sadness washes over me. I’m almost sixteen, but I’ll never be able to drive. I’ll always be forced to rely on my parents for everything, my entire life.

We drive the twelve minutes to school, while Mom talks non-stop about new beginnings and the “carefree happiness of youth.” When the van stops, I take a deep breath, and wrap my fingers around the door handle, ready to find out what’s in store for me this year at Grandon High.

“Hey, Alex?” Mom stops me just as I’m about to step out onto the curb. I pause and wait. “Have a good day at school.”

“I will.”

“Dad’ll pick you up and bring you to the shop in the afternoon, okay?”

“Okay. Bye, Mom.” The longer we draw this scene out, the higher the chances of her kissing me on the head or calling me her “little sapling.” I just can’t risk starting out the year on such an embarrassing note.

I get out of the car and head straight inside the building. A bunch of kids are hanging around outside, chatting away about their summers, getting back into the swing of things. They don’t notice me as I slink by and make my way to my first hour, English—I memorized the location of all of my classes during the summer, so I wouldn’t embarrass myself by getting lost or arriving after the bell rings.

Entering the classroom, I drop my backpack on the floor, and prop my cane between the seat and the desk; that way it’s near at hand and easy to get later. Nobody else is here yet, not even the teacher. Bored already, I decide to go get a drink of water from the fountain. As I’m rounding the corner of the familiar hall, the air gets heavy like it does after a rainstorm. The aroma of wet grass and asphalt overpowers my senses. This definitely seems out of place for a high school hallway.

“Hey, Alex, how was it today?” Dad asks in a much better mood than usual.

I turn around in shock. What is my Dad doing here? Mom just dropped me off. Dad should be in bed still, not here at school embarrassing me.

“Dad?” I ask tentatively. “Dad, what are you doing here?”

“I’m not your daddy, you no-eyed freak!” comes the voice of Brady Evans, the running-back of the school’s Junior Varsity football team—my biggest enemy.

The air becomes lighter all of a sudden, as if a vacuum cleaner has sucked up all the humidity. The fragrance of sweat and Axe deodorant spray fills my nostrils. I’m totally confused now.

“Brady?”

“No, it’s your daddy. Loser…” Laughter comes from at least six different people, most of them girls.

“Sorry,” I mumble and head back to English class, forgetting to get my drink of water. Brady and his entourage follow me in, making jokes at my expense.

I put my head down on my desk, wishing I was a chameleon, so I could become one with the desk and fade out of view—being a reptile couldn’t be that much worse than having to endure high school.

“Mr. Kosmitoras, could you please come here?” the teacher calls, butchering the pronunciation of my name.

“Um, it’s Caas-me-toe-rh-aas actually,” I respond, getting up and walking over to the teacher’s desk at the front of the room. Brady and his friends are still laughing. I hope they’ve moved onto a new topic.

“Here are your textbooks for the year. We’re starting out with this basic reader,” she says, plopping a thick book into my hands. “Then we’ll be moving on to The Odyssey and finally Romeo and Juliet.” She places these into my outstretched palms as well.

“Thanks,” I mutter and head back to my seat. I begin skimming the basic reader, flipping through several pages at once, randomly trailing my finger over little snippets of text. Since no school around here caters specifically to visually impaired kids, my teachers special-order textbooks in braille for me. That’s all I need to get by, really. With very few exceptions, I can do anything other kids my age do. I’ve been this way my whole life; I know how to make it work.

Bit by bit, the other students trickle into the class. Someone who smells like cherry candy sits down across the room. Then, a series of loud thuds comes from that direction—she must’ve dropped her books.

“Simmi! Simmi, Jeez! Don’t make so much noise!” says some boy, who sounds a bit like Brady, but I don’t think is Brady. I don’t know anybody named Simmi, so this girl must be a new student. Why’s this boy being so mean to her already? Hope rises within me. Maybe she’ll be an outcast too; the two of us could team up.

The bell rings, taking away the cherries. I don’t pay any attention to the teacher as she introduces herself to the class. Instead, I think about the strange things that have been happening today. What was in that briefcase in the hall this morning, and why couldn’t I open it? Why did I think Brady Evans was my dad? Why do we have to read Romeo and Juliet this year in English class? We’re less than five minutes into first period, and my hopes for the new year are pretty much dashed.

Blog Tour Notes

THE BOOK: Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24 (for the author’s birthday).

THE CASH PRIZES: Guess what? You could win a $100 Amazon gift card as part of this special blog tour. That’s right! Just leave a comment below saying something about the post you just read, and you’ll be entered into the raffle. I could win $100 too! Please help by voting for my blog in the traffic-breaker poll. To cast your vote, visit the official Farsighted blog tour page and scroll all the way to the bottom. Thank you for your help with that. Please click on our blog "Netta & TJ’s Review Spot" at the above traffic-breaker poll.

THE GIVEAWAYS: Win 1 of 10 autographed copies of Farsighted before its paperback release by entering the giveaway on GoodReads. Perhaps you’d like an autographed postcard from the author; you can request one on her site.

MORE FUN: There's more fun below. Watch the live action Farsighted book trailer and take the quiz to find out which character is most like you!

THE AUTHOR: Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

Welcome Debra Webb ..... The Faces Of Evil

2011-10-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Life of a Series

I’ve written several stand-alone books, but most of my work has been a part of a series. In fact, I’m working on the 50^th book in my Colby Agency series (Harlequin Intrigue) right now. I love series. It feels good to sit down and work with folks I know. Folks who have become like part of my family. So it was an easy decision to throw myself into a new series when I pondered what to do next in the mainstream arena.

The Faces of Evil was born.

Though I adore my Jackie Mercer series (and will definitely be doing more books in that series), the Faces of Evil is the sort of storyline that comes naturally to me. I love delving into the darkness with a villain. My heart races when I find a new, daring way to put my characters in danger. Basically, I just like making people sweat!

But something else I enjoy very much is a good surprise…something different. My goal with the Faces of Evil is to explore fresh twists on chilling plots and to bring the darkness from the least expected places.

The series will be 12 books…most of which will be released in 2012!

OBSESSION is the first and it is out now for the debut price of only .99! IMPULSE will be coming mid-November. POWERis slated for the end of January. I hope you’ll check out this new endeavor!

Five commenters will receive a free copy of OBSESSION! Contest ends October 29th, 2011

Find Debra Webb on Facebook and her Website!!!

OUR VOTE: ★★★★★ = Amazing see book review under the review tab.

Welcome Doreen McGettigan...... and her story.... “BRISTOL bOYZ STOMP”

2011-10-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

Can you tell us a little about this book? The book started out as a journal. I kept the journal as a way to release the anger, frustration and fear I felt over my brother's murder.

Did writing it help you in anyway? It certainly helped me release a lot of tears. I don't think I honestly grieved until the last word was written and the book was sent off.

On your website, you say John (your husband) insisted that you finish your book. Did the rest of the family support this decision?In the beginning they all supported the book. When it became a reality some changed their minds. They all went through different stages. They all still live in Bristol so they were nervous about the reaction. They are all supportive of me. So far the positives are far outweighing the negatives.

What was the hardest part of writing the book? Releasing it is the hardest part so far. I feel as though I have sent my small child out into the world alone.

What do you hope people will learn from this book? I hope young people will learn that it is okay to stand up and say no to a bully. One young man started this. Six others could have stopped him. I also hope anyone experiencing crippling grief will be inspired to find a way back to living.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing? Do you have to juggle writing with a day job? I try to write for an hour in the morning and two hours at night. I do have a day job that I love. I work with elderly clients who have dementia, Alzheimer's or other mental health issues.

Are you working on another book, and is there anything you can tell us about it? My second book "I felt God's Pain" will hopefully be released next year at this time. It is another non-fiction and the story of my husband's son John, who died of suicide at the age of 17. Among many other issues this book will deal with the stigma of mental health.

What do you do to unwind? Do you have any hobbies? I have 13 Grandchildren and whenever I get the chance I bring a few of them home with me and we just have fun. What happens at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's stays at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's. On the rare occasion no children are available I hop on the back of John's Harley and we just ride.

If you could have dinner with any one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Oh that is such a tough question. I would love to have dinner with my stepson John because I never had the chance to meet him.

Available NOW at Tate Publishing Print or Ebook

Find Doreen at her Website: http://doreenmcgettigan.com/

Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/doreenb8

Watch the Trailer

"A painfully gripping, honest detail that will leave readers inspired to hug everyone they love and sadly; forever looking in the rear view mirror."

Comment, Ask a Question to Doreen for a chance to win. Please share on your facebook or twitter for an extra chance to win copy of Doreen's Book! Contest Ends Friday October 14th at 10pm EST. (please comment if you would like Print or E-book) There will be a winner for each.

After the Rain by Allana Lowe

2011-10-07T17:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome Allana, to our site, we are glad you made it. What an exciting new book!

To start with, can you tell us a little about yourself? I am a mother of two. I enjoy writing, photography, walking on the beach, and spontaneous road trips just to see where i end up.

What can you tell us about this book? The book is a fictional suspense drama romance for young adults (although only adults have read it so far and loved it)

Are you working on another book, and is there anything you can tell us about it? This is the first book in a 3 book series and I am currently half way through book two.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? When i am not writing i like to spend time with my family and friends. They are my inspiration.

When and why did you begin to write? I began writing when i was 16. Completed a screenplay when i was 18 and then threw it out because I didn't think it was good enough.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? My most interesting writing quirk...hmmm...i aim for perfection.

If you could work with any other author, who would it be? If there was any author I could work with it would definitely be either Stephanie Meyer or Nicholas Sparks.

Do you write in your PJ's or do you get dressed and get ready to work? I write in whatever i am comfortable in which most the time is my Pj"s!

You can find Allana Lowe on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/allana.lowe?sk=wall and you can purchase her book on Amazon and other places to purchase please click here.

Allana is giving away a copy of her book, please comment for your chance to win. Winner will be chosen on Sunday Evening.

"Coercion" by Lux Zakari

2011-10-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

We would like to give a big welcome to new author Lux Zakari for stopping by for an interview by Netta & TJ....

1. To start with can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure! I’m Lux Zakari, a right-handed Libra who masquerades as a librarian in northeast PA and writes down all the dirty thoughts that spring both bidden and unbidden to her mind. My two erotic novels – Coercion (2010) and Finale (2011) – have been unleashed upon the world, and my third, Secretly More, is on the way!

2. Did you know that you wanted to be an author from an early age?

Yes and no. Writing has always been intrinsic for me, just something I did without thinking. It’s so hard for me not to do it; it’s like I can’t help myself. I’m perpetually jotting down fragmented ideas and pieces of conversation that I intend on immortalizing in some way at some point in time. But it wasn’t until 2007 that I attempted writing erotica, a direction my younger self probably didn’t anticipate me taking! However, my writing has always been focused on relationships, and prior to being straight-up, undoubtedly sexual, it was still sensual in nature. I remember being in a creative writing workshop in college, and one boy wrote in his critique of one of my short stories, “Your writing is so good and sexually charged! For a girl in workshop, it’s kind of hot.” He credits himself for giving me my start.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?

So many factors went into the creation of my first published book, Coercion. Please visit my blog post “How to Write Coercion” (http://luxzakari.com/2010/10/20/how-to-write-coercion/) for the scoop!

4. When do you write, morning, afternoon, evening? Do you have a schedule?

None and all of the above. (A true Libra answer!) I sneak it in whenever and wherever I can! The stolen moments when I bang out a scene or a short story are some of the most gratifying.

5. When you write do you have background noise, or total quiet? Ie. Radio, tv

I usually have some kind of white noise going on, whether it be people talking around me or a rough homemade “soundtrack” I made for the story.

6. Who is your favorite author, and what is it that strikes you about their work?

I generally prefer books to their authors, but I will always love Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. I love the humor, the analysis of relationships, the hope and the pop culture references, and I hope I can someday write something of that caliber – with lots of sex, of course!

7. Are you working on anything now that you can tell us about?

I’m currently working on a story in which I explore the endlessly entertaining world of fan fiction. Also, I’ve plans to self-publish a novel that’s about love, sex and the Major Arcana. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

8. What do you do to un-wind?

So much interests me, so finding something to do to relax (or not) is never an issue for me; I always have something to do. Sometimes I’ll unwind by reading, playing a game, visiting or talking to friends, painting… The list goes on!

9. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“Famous” was always the vague, all-encompassing answer growing up. These days, I don’t know if I’m much more focused! I hope to always be writing, no matter what, and I’d like to dabble more in music.

10. Do you write in your PJ’s or do you get dressed and get ready for work?

It depends on my mood and the day. If it’s a mellow writing day, PJs are the dress code. If I’m at work and get the urge to write, then it’s business-cas all the way.

A little bit about Coerion

How far will one woman go for love?

Introverted and insecure Valerie Mercer was promised that during her senior year of college she would finally attract attention from boys…but never dreamed that would include Michael Vartanian.

Good looking, troubled and every parent’s nightmare, Michael is adamant on introducing Valerie to a world of both pleasure and, inadvertently, heartbreak. His interest in Valerie is dependent upon the mood and fidelity of his on-and-off-again girlfriend, Breeze.

Nevertheless, Valerie lets her hope and desire override common sense and soon finds she can’t deny Michael anything…no matter what’s at stake.

Content warning, explicit sex, prolific drug and alcohol usage, profanity.

Thank you for coming over Lux, we appreciate it and looking forward to your new release. Please comment below for a chance to win a E-BOOK copy of "Coercion" by Lux.

"Santa in a Kilt" by Donna Kauffman

2011-09-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome Donna Kauffman, we are so glad you were able to stop by this week, especially with your new release this week, "Santa in a Kilt, in the Novella "Unwrapped".

Thank you to Netta & TJ for inviting me over for a playdate today!

I’m excited to chat about my new release, UNWRAPPED, which made it to the shelves this week. My story, “Santa in a Kilt” is part of Kensington’s latest Christmas anthology, which also features stories from NYT Bestseller (and personal fave) Erin McCarthy, and new-to-me author, Kate Angell.

My novella is a contemporary love story, set on Kinloch, a fictional island in the Hebrides off the western highland coast of Scotland. The story stands alone, but also wraps up the trilogy I began on Kinloch a year ago, with SOME LIKE IT SCOT, and followed with OFF KILTER. For those who have been asking of Shay was going to get his story...the answer is YES! I had great fun not only writing his love story with Kira, but also getting to revisit the characters introduced in the earlier books, as well as tie up some loose ends. (For those asking about Blaine...all I’m going to say is...you won’t be disappointed. J )

Another event that has taken place for me during my Big Release Week is the digital release of one of my Bantam paranormals, THE LEGEND OF THE SORCERER, also on sale this week. And yes, THE LEGEND MACKINNON is going digital as well. When that happens, all of my single titles will finally be available either in print, digitally, or both. But, even more interesting and surprising to me, is that Random House just requested digital rights to all of my old Loveswepts! They will be released as part of their newly launched Loveswept Classics digital imprint. Yep, all 14 of them! They’ll be released next fall over a five month period, in groups of three or four. This means that a year from now, pretty much every thing I’ve ever written, two decades worth of books, over 50 titles, will be on the market in some format. Kinda cool! Part of me wonders how twenty year old stories will hold up, but being a die hard backlist collector of newly found favorite authors, I know having them available again will make some of my readers very happy.

Are you back list collectors? Have you added any digital books to your personal library? I’m a fan of both print and digital, but I think, as an author, one thing that’s kind of cool about the progression to digital is something my 23 year old son pointed out to me the other day. He said, “Hey, no matter what, your books will always be out there now. Forever. Kind of your legacy.” I hadn’t thought about it that way, but from a preservation standpoint, it’s nice to know they won’t just be stored in the Library of Congress for all perpetuity. And...I have a legacy. Hunh.

I’m just happy I get to keep writing love stories. I hope you enjoy my latest one!

Please find Donna on Facebook she is a generous author who gives away a book every week on her website http://donnakauffman.com/ .

We hope you will pick up this one! My review is posted on the above review tab. Please check it out.

Comment you answers and leave your email for a chance to win "Unwrapped"..... This is an "USA & INTERNATIONAL CONTEST"

Contest will end Monday 10/3/2011 at 10pm est.

"WHAT A DUKE WANTS" by Lavinia Kent

2011-09-27T04:21:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe it’s finally here – What a Duke Wants is out today! I know that sounds like shameless promotion, but I’ve been waiting for this day even longer than my readers. I haven’t been this excited about a book’s release since my debut.

Why am I so excited about this book? I’ve asked myself that question a lot over the past weeks. Part of it is definitely reader excitement. I’ve had so many readers ask me about Isabella’s book and it’s finally here – and I don’t think it will disappoint.

The other reason I’m so excited is that I love my hero, Mark Smythe, Duke of Strattington – and I did even before seeing him on the cover. He has his problems in the beginning as he adjusts to being a duke, but once he finds his stride, there’s no stopping him. This is a man who will do the right thing no matter what – even when a certain author thinks he needs to wait another 100 pages before he can have his happily ever after.

And then there’s Isabella ~~Masters~~ Smith. She’s the first sweet young miss that I’ve written in years, and it was a delicious struggle keeping her fresh and innocent, but also letting her show just how strong she is. She is a woman who knows just what she wants (Mark) and is willing to do what it takes to get there.

I wrote this book before I wrote my novellas, The Real Duchesses of London. (For a few weeks only, Avon is offering the novellas at only $.99 to celebrate the release of What a Duke Wants.) Working the Duchesses in before the Duke came out was a real challenge. There’s a ball in What a Duke Wants that I wanted to lead up to. Go to Amazon and Order Today.

So what else do I need to say? There’s a hot duke (see cover above), mistaken identity, an accusation of murder, a moment when all help is lost, a road trip, a truly cute kitten, steamy encounters, not one but two balls and, of course, true love.

If you want to know more, please visit my website, www.LaviniaKent.com, for an excerpt with a great first line and more fun information. Click here for the excerpt!!!

Let me know what books you’ve been looking forward to and I’ll send one lucky commenter a “Go to bed with a Duke tonight!” T-shirt (big enough for sleeping) and your choice of my books.

Thank you, Netta & TJ, for having me.

Lavinia, thank you so much for stopping by today on "RELEASE DAY" TJ & I are both excited about "What a Duke Wants" as you know we have been waiting for it almost as long as you have... Your loyal fans forever.... Fan #1 & Fan #2 :)

More Authors are showing up!

2011-09-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

We want to take a moment to Thank all the Authors who have came over to the new blog and offering their books out to fans!

We have an overwhelming response and many more authors coming over to share in the new blogs.

Please take a moment and comment which Author(s) you would like to come over to our new blog?

Again thank you fans and authors for this experience....

Next Author up is :Lavinia Kent: .... she will be here Tuesday September 27th for her new book "What a Duke Wants"

See you soon!

Netta & TJ

Ruth Ryan Langan's New Release & Review Contest

2011-09-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

http://ryanlangan.com/

The Unquiet
AVAILABLE: September 27, 2011(Pre-order now Amazon)
Berkley

Five New York Times bestselling authors—five superlative stories.

Includes thrilling stories by J D Robb, Mary Blayney, Mary Kay McComas and Patricia Gaffney, as well as Ruth's novella entitled Unforgiven.

Young American widow Brianna Kerr visits her late husband's estate in the Scottish Highlands, hoping to nurse her wounds and clear the crushing debt he has left her. When she encounters the spirit of an angry Highland laird, trapped between this world and the next, she discovers a soul mate. His love promises to heal her shattered heart, and her love promises to free him of his prison and find the eternal peace he desires. But can such an impossible situation really bring healing, or will it be the cause of even greater loss and pain?

Netta's Review:

Another great novella of Ruth Ryan Langan, I love the way she writes about the soul mate love. This was a very touching story, it really pulled at my heart and emotions, once your start to read this one you just can't put it down because you want to see what is going to happen next. One minute I wanted to cry and the next cheer for them! Very powerful story! A must read if you believe in soul mates and if not... you just may after reading this one.

We are please to announce that Ruth will be giving away a FREE ARC Signed copy of THE UNQUIET. Just comment below w/your email address how you feel about soul mate love and a winner will be chosen September 21, 2011 at 10pm EST.

Tj's Review:

Brianna Kerr, a young woman recently widowed, travels to Scotland to visit for the first time her only remaining asset, Ravenswood, her dead husband’s inherited estate. He had never taken her to his ancestral home, but often spoke fondly of memories of the gatekeeper’s cottage on the grounds of the great manor house. She discovers that not only has the grandeur of the manor somewhat faded, but also that the cottage is haunted by a violent and unfriendly spirit, bent on keeping everyone away. The estate is her only possession, and the key to restoring her life and her soul after her husband’s cruel betrayal. She must overcome the angry spirit of the former Laird of the Manor, only then will she learn the key to her own restoration, which comes by a bittersweet twist of fate that the reader will not exactly expect. A good, quick read laced with many of the familiar elements of Highlander romance.

Please visit Ruth's Website for more information on her up incoming releases at her website.

Dianna Dixon & Releasing Kaleb

2011-09-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome Dianna Dixon....

Click here to buy at Amazon

Down the hill about ten feet away sat a small
gravestone. With the light shielded, she could just make out the
name on it. KALEB was deeply imprinted into the stone, written in
black against the gray background. “Kaleb!!!!!!” she called out as
she ran quickly down the hill on her heels, trying not to fall. She
fell at the grave and began digging. “Kaleb! No! Kaleb!” she called
out as she dug with her hands. Finally she reached him. Opening
the box that held his tiny body, she reached in and cradled the
infant to her chest. There on her knees, she began rocking back and
forth with him. “My Kaleb.”

The previous is an expert from my novel Releasing Kaleb. It is a thriller, a tear jerker and a story about redemption all rolled into one! My passion is to drive you to read. To take you to another world in my stories as you also learn a lesson or two and have your heart touched! My name is Dianna Dixon and i hope you decide to purchase my novel and enjoy it to it’s fullest potential!

Come "Comment Chat" with her now... and find out more about her book.. Just leave a comment and she will reply back to you...

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN ON FRIDAY September 16th at 7pm EST.

Welcome New Author to Site : NYBS CARLA NEGGERS

2011-09-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Carla is one of our favorite authors and we are pleased to see her stop by our new Review Spot.

Please check out Carla Neggers NEW RELEASE : Saint's Gate at Amazon. I give this book ★★★★★ = Amazing!

1. Carla what can you tell us about this book?

SAINT'S GATE is the first book in my Sharpe & Donovan series featuring FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan. Emma specializes in art crimes and comes from a family of renowned art detectives. Colin is a deep-cover agent who's very protective of his real identity and his family. They both are from the Maine coast but they're worlds apart in so many ways! In SAINT'S GATE, they have to get to the bottom of the murder of a nun and disappearance of a mysterious painting at a Maine convent…where Emma once was a novice.

2. Is this book written regarding an experience you had recently in your life?

I was able to draw on my extensive travels in Maine and Ireland, as well as my love of Boston. The lives of saints have intrigued me since I was a kid, but it was fascinating to learn more about specific saints and their role in western art.

3. If you could write a book with any other author who would it be?

Hm…I've never had the urge to co-write a book. I love so many different authors for their unique voices. And so many are friends. That's good enough for me right now.

4. You have written many books, do you have one that’s your favorite?

No favorites. I don't think that way. Each book is what it is. I let the story go and focus on the next one percolating in my head. Right now I'm writing HERON'S COVE, the second in my Sharpe & Donovan series after SAINT'S GATE.

5. Do you have a routine before writing?

Before writing? Good question! I'm disciplined but I'm not a regimented writer. I have to have coffee and breakfast before I get started, and most days, I take a good walk. The temperature has to be above zero, though. I'll jump on Wii Fit if it's below zero.

6. When did you start writing?

I can hardly remember a time when I wasn't writing. As a kid, I'd climb a tree with a pad and pen and spit stories. My favorite tree was a sugar maple on the edge of the woods at our house in rural Massachusetts, but I also liked an oak on an old stone wall up in the fields. I always had a story in the works! Still do.

7. Would any of your “in the closet/under the bed” books you wrote ever be published?

Not a chance. ;-)

8. Have you ever thought about writing a Young Adult Book?

If I had an idea that gripped me, I would, absolutely.

Great questions, Thanks for having me here!-Carla Neggers

Thank you for your time and donation to the site! Netta & TJ.

Please COMMENT below to win a HARDBACK -SAINT'S GATE from Carla Neggers, Contest Ends September 14th, 2011 at 10pm EST. Sorry at this time USA Residents Only.

Welcome to Netta & TJ's Review Spot

2011-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new site! Thank you all for coming in and visit!

-Save this site as a favorite-

We are going to have a Blow-Out of Contest! I hope you will come and visit read, blog, and sign up to win something.

Our first Author will be Minnette Meador (September 2nd-7th 10pm EST) I personally Give this BOOK ★★★★★ = Amazing!

1. Would you ever think of changing genres? I've never met a genre I didn't like. I write in multiple genres now and I'll be writing in a couple more soon. I love the variety and it helps me to keep my voice fresh when I have to change if for a particular genre. Next up, Sci-Fi YA. :o)

2. Do you have a TBR pile? If yes name a few? I have a huge TBR pile and it includes books written by Lisa Hendrix, Delilah Marvelle, Kristina McMorris, Terry Pratchett, Spider Robinson, etc., etc. I love all kinds of books, but my favorites are always ones with some humor in them. I love a good comedy. I also have a secret passion for 30's mysteries as well.

3. Who is your favorite character that you have written about and why? Currently, I have a secondary character in Gladiator that I just have to write a book about. His name is Hasani and he is a eloquent smooth talking Egyptian pirate I introduced to be a foil for Thane's love of Phaedra. Not sure where he came from but I absolutely LOVE him. You'll be seeing the fourth book in the series starring this loveable rascal pirate.

4. When you are busy writing, do you have a ritual, like coffee and chips at the computer? Or something like that? Honestly, I don't have any set routines. I do drink coffee in the AM, but my wonderful doc has cut me back to 1-2 cups a day. I like to listen to music when I write and I have some very eclectic taste from techno to Mozart.

5. Do you plot everything out, from beginning to end, or does it just come to you as you write? I have reinvented myself into a plotter just out of pure necessity. For me, it takes too long to panster the story anymore; it goes a lot faster if I know where I'm going. HOWEVER, the characters always have ideas of their own; the book NEVER turns out exactly how I had planned. The character are usually right. I use Microsoft OneNote to plot, research, outline, etc. and love it.

6. Do you invent your characters the whole way, or do they create themselves? A little from Column A and a little from Column B. I fill out elaborate character sheets before I even start on the book, with everything from the color of their hair to who they dated in high school (or during battle training if we're talking historical). Again with the large HOWEVER; the character evolves just the same way we do as the story moves along. Interactions with other characters, events in their lives, physical changes, and those dreaded black moments have a tendency to change us all, don't they? The character starts out as a two dimensional creature to begin with and takes on substance as we move through the story. It makes for interesting times.

7. Do you prefer to write series or stand alone books? I write both and most of my books, even the ones in a series, are stand alone. Only Centurion & Edge of Honor should be read in order... oh, and my fantasy Starsight. I don't know that I prefer one to the other; I love revisiting wonderful characters I've grown close to, but I also love discovering new characters too.

8. Do you write in your PJ's or do you get dressed and get ready to work? PJ's all the way. If I had my choice I'd never had to leave the house, I'd live in my robe with my hair mohawked by a restless night. Now that's sophisticated sluggery! LOL I write all over the house (office, bedroom, kitchen, porch) so I can't always wear just my jammers. ~sigh~~

She has generously offered to give away her book “The Gladiator Prince” (Available Sept. 7th) in Kindle/NOOK Edition. (She is also able to sign the kindle edition-only to the winner.

There will be a second prizewinner: they will receive The Centurion and Gladiator trading cards.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COMMENT AND TELL MINNETTE WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT HER BOOKS!

Hope you will come and check out Minnette’s website out for more information:
http://www.minnettemeador.com/index.html

PLEASE BE SURE TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT THIS CONTEST AND SITE! THANKS FOR COMING OVER! WE LOOK FROWARD IN SEEING YOU AGAIN SOON AND GOOD LUCK!

Please see my Review Page on this book. Thank you! :)