Down Under Author: Nic Starr

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Meet Nic Starr!

Nic Starr blog banner Final

Nic Starr is the author of recent releases in her It’s Not Easy, A Day At A Time, and many others.

To get to know Nic Starr a little better, the author agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Author Bio 1

Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!

When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.

You can find Nic on Facebook, Twitter and her blog. She’d love it if you stopped by to say hi.

Author Contacts

Contacts/Follow  Nic Starr at :
Twitter https://twitter.com/nicstar000
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/nicstar000/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8139967.Nic_Starr
Website: http://www.nicstarr.com
Blog: http://www.nicstarr.com
Tumblr https://www.tumblr.com/blog/nic-starr
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nicki.nicstar

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Author Books Stories Down Under1 copy

Your Books:

 

  Covers - Dec 2014 - 2

 

It’s Not Easy (available at Dreamspinner Press) Book Details and Blurb:Its Not Easy cover

Ben Cooper gave up on following his dreams to keep the peace in his family. Best friend Spencer Henderson has always been Ben’s rock. For Spence, who is in love with Ben, supporting Ben always came first, but as Ben starts to date their friend Suzie, Spence has to think of himself for the first time. The ramifications of one fateful night means leaving their small town may be Spence’s only option to protect his broken heart.

With trouble escalating at home and Spence out of reach, Ben finds it harder to cope. Without Spence’s help, Ben’s life may finally spiral out of control.
ebook, 130 pages
Published July 23rd 2014 by Dreamspinner Press (first published July 22nd 2014)
original titleIt’s Not Easy
ISBN139781632160171

A Day at a Time (available at Dreamspinner Press): Book Details and Blurb:A Day At A Time Cover

Sean Vargos is quiet, well respected, and dedicated to his job. But Dave Simpson sees Sean as more than a coworker. He’s fought his attraction to Sean for months but can’t get him out of his thoughts.

They tentatively embark on a relationship, but Sean isn’t all that he seems. He struggles to put his past behind him and overcome his fears.

Dave, with his good looks and open nature, accepts that sometimes Sean’s doubts get the better of him and he runs. Dave just wants the chance to show Sean he can be trusted and the past doesn’t have to dictate their future.
ebook, 78 pages
Published October 29th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632161215

More Than a Superstar (available from Dreamspinner Press) Book Details and Blurb:More than A Superstar cover

Sam Miller’s dreams are simple—to give back to the aunt who supported him since his mother’s death and to have a family of his own. He focuses on making a success of their catering business Poppy’s Pantry, and his close group of friends. However, when Aunt Poppy ends up in the hospital, it’s a stranger Sam meets in the corridor who gives him the support he needs.

Rob Taylor is a man with secrets. His life in the public eye has taken its toll, and now he lives with the repercussions. When he finds himself falling for Sam, he knows things are finally going his way.

But just as Sam and Rob find their happiness, another secret threatens to tear them apart.
ebook, 106 pages
Expected publication: December 17th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632162977
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://nicstarr.com/ni

Waiting, Hoping, Wishing (Love’s Landscapes) Book Blurb and Details:Wishing Waiting Hoping

Dear Author,
He’s been waiting for that text for more than a week. Please tell us either what happens next or what happened to get him here and whether he frowns or smiles next.

Photo Description:
A gorgeous young man is lying on a bed in nothing but his grey boxer briefs. He is clean-cut with a tanned, smooth and beautifully defined body. He should be enjoying the luxurious bed with its crisp, white linens as he relaxes in the hotel room, but his look is pensive. In the first photo, he is clearly worried and slightly sad. In the second photo, he is focused on his phone, as if it can provide the answers he is looking for.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love’s Landscapes” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
ebook, 58 pages
Published July 18th 2014 by M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.mmromancegroup.com/waiting-hoping-wishing-by-nic-starr/
seriesLove’s Landscapes
charactersDean Clark, Matt (Waiting, Hoping, Wishing)
settingSydney (Australia)

Genre(s): m/m romance, contemporary

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Nic Starr) is an eBook copy of A Day At A Time. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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A Guest Blog by Nic Starr….and Happy Australia Day!

 

  The Great Aussie Public Holiday by Nic Starr

Ferrython

 

There’s something you should know about us Australians – we LOVE our Public Holidays – a day off work or school, a chance to have a long weekend, an excuse to eat, drink and be merry.

We don’t need a reason for a public holiday, we’ll celebrate anything. We celebrate the Queen’s Birthday (although nothing much about it is related to the monarchy), Labour Day (it’s just a day off work) and a horse race. Yes, you read correctly. The lucky folk in the state of Victoria, have a gazetted public holiday for the running of the Melbourne Cup. The rest of us in other states are supposed to work, but having a Melbourne Cup lunch and stopping to watch the race in the mid-afternoon, has become a bit of a tradition. This is why the Melbourne Cup is known as the race that stops the nation.

Today, the 26th January, is Australia Day. It’s the day we celebrate everything Australian. And it’s the one Public Holiday that means the most to me. It’s a day for reflecting on the wonderful country we live in and recognizing Australian achievers. It always reminds me that we DO live in the lucky country, with a diverse culture and many blessings.

Australia Day is all about our Australian flag, the green and gold, lamb on the barbecue and a cold beer. It’s about going to the beach, getting together with family and friends. It’s about fireworks.

This Australia Day, my hubby and my girls are at the Sydney Cricket Ground watching the Australian Cricket Team play in a One Day game against India – you can’t get more Aussie than that! I’m spending the day with my mum and friends having a barbie while overlooking all the activity on Sydney Harbour.

As I watch the boats on the harbour and the Sydney ferries, decorated with their balloons and banners, competing in the iconic Ferrython, I’m will be thinking of my dad. He was very patriotic and adored this great country. He raised an Australian flag every day but this special day gave him even more reason to be proud.

So here’s to my dad who’s no longer with us, and here’s to Australia! ❤

*The Ferrython is a race held every Australia Day where Sydney ferries compete against each other for the honour of winning. They race from Circular Quay to Shark Island and back to a big finish directly under the Sydney Harbor Bridge which makes a great finishing line. The photo above was taken a few years ago when I had the privilege to be on one of the ferries during the race.

 

VBT: Enticing Hart by Mae Hancock (book tour and contest)

 

This is a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will receive a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

ENTICING HART
by Mae Hancock

Hart Emile is tired of cruising for guys, living a soulless existence. He needs a change; so when an acquaintance gives him the number of the gay friendly Red Fox Ranch that’s hiring for staff, he heads south.

Oak Redman is eighteen years old and desperate to explore his awakening sexuality. The moment Hart lays eyes on the handsome young rancher he’s smitten. Not only is Oak hot, spirited and very persistent, he is also the ranch boss’s son and strictly off limits. Hart tries to fight his feelings and to respect his boss and the family who quickly become dear to him, but after Oak’s Grandma suggests he gets with Oak he can’t deny himself the most exciting and enticing man he has ever met.

Hart’s not the only man to have noticed how sweet and charming Oak Redman is. A family friend, Steve, is also anxious to have the affections of the young rancher. Can Hart work out Steve’s dark secrets before it’s too late and keep his job, his lover and his life?

Enjoy an excerpt:

The high-pitched choir of songbirds echoed through the forest as Oak and Hart settled on a rug, late in the afternoon. The two of them had found a clearing at the side of the forest that was near enough to the tress to offer shade, but also close to the water where they’d been fishing. They’d no sooner sat down than Hart spotted something on the other side of the riverbank moving in the grass.

“Shh…I just saw something. I think it’s an otter.” Hart absentmindedly put a hand on Oak’s lap to still him. He didn’t know which was more exciting, seeing the otters, or the burning hot palm that touched his thigh. Oak sat rigidly, glancing between the handsome cowboy’s hand and the otter family bounding along through the grass bank.

“Aren’t you going to get your camera?” Hart chivvied him along.

“Oh…yes.” Oak moved slowly, reaching for the black bag and pulling the camera out. He attached the lens calmly and crawled down the small decline toward the stony bank. He beckoned Hart to join him then focused the lens on the otters. He could hear his companion creeping through the grass behind him. Belly down on the mud, Oak steadied the camera as Hart came alongside him, and let out a sigh as he sank down next to Oak to watch.

The female had two pups with her. As their svelte bodies wound through the rocks to the water’s edge, the mother otter glided into the river without so much as a splash, and the two pups followed. Oak lost count of the photos he took, possibly hundreds of shots as they paddled through the murky depths cautiously. Their fur shiny and dark from absorbing water, making their frames sleeker as they gracefully bathed against the flow.

“Can you hear them?” Hart said with a smile that sprang from his lips right through to his big gray eyes.

“Yeah…” Oak whispered.

The otters called to one another with endearing high-pitched squeaks.

“You ever seen them hold hands?” Hart asked, his lips so close to Oak’s ear that he could feel Hart’s breath tickling the skin.

“No, but I’d love to get a picture of it.”

After about fifteen minutes of lying in the grass like a predator, Oak’s pointed his lens to follow the family towards some big flat stones that were warm from the sun. The otters rested on the smooth surface, shaking their fur, and squeaking to each other until eventually all three disappeared through the long grasses.

“Hart.” Oak turned to face his companion on the ground.

“Yes?”

“I just realized I’m getting damp down here,” Oak said, letting out a snort.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I enjoy writing both academic and fiction material. My research interests include focus on people who experience marginalization, both in historical societies and modern. Themes include disability, neurosis, homosexuality, addiction, mental illness, slavery and prostitution. The most important part of my work is creating multi-dimensional, believable characters that are able to build lasting romantic relationships against the odds. I want all my readers to laugh, cry and enjoy the erotic journey towards a happy ending.

MBB_TourBookCoverBanner_EnticingHart copyContest:  THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: $10 Amazon/BN GC, must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Contest open world wide.

Follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.

Use the link provided to enter the contest and for all additional contest details:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last Week of Down Under Author Showcase and Our Week Ahead at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

AUS flag over countryDownUnder_January Is Banner

Into the Final Week We Go...

kiwi and NZ country

It’s the last week for our Down Under Author Showcase.  How great to have this many authors gathered  together this month.  It’s been a time of discovery and a time to renew old acquaintances, traditionally a way to celebrate the start of a new year.

There have been many authors that were new to me and the other reviewers here at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.  John Wiltshire’s (and Radulf) have been a hit all the way around.  L.J. LaBarthe?  Yes indeedy!  Cecil Wilde’s  a new find for several of us.  N.R. Walker, Renae Kaye, Meredith Shayne…all have had multiple “must have, must read” stories for many readers.  Beany Sparks, Toni Griffin, Christian Baines…..the paranormal and supernatural tales of all these authors were wonderful.  Isabelle Rowan, A.B. Gayle, Lisa Henry…ok, all wonderful.  So here is a look at the month author by author.  All their contests are still open until January 31st!  So is our Down Under Scavenger Hunt, Bottom Drawer Publications and  Wayward Ink Publications contests too!  Don’t forget to enter them all!

1/1/2015 Christian Baines         1/2/2015 Nicki J. Markus       1/3/2014 Anne Barwell
1/5/2015 N.J. Nielson                1/6/2015 L.J. LaBarthe            1/7/2015 Michelle Rae
1/8/2015 Renae Kaye                 1/9/2015 John Wiltshire        1/10/2015 N. R. Walker
1/12/2015 John Terry Moore   1/13/2015 Beany Sparks          1/14/2015 A.B. Gayle
1/15/2015 Lisa Henry               1/16/2015 Meredith Shayne     1/17/2015 Pelaam

1/19/2015 Toni Griffin              1/20/2015 L. J. Harris              1/21/2015 Isabelle Rowan
1/22/2015 Maggie Mitchell      1/23/2015 Penny Brandon        1/24/2015 Lily Velden
1/26/2015 Nic Starr                 1/27/2015 Barry Lowe               1/28/2015 Cecil Wilde
1/29/2015 Ellen Cross              1/30/2015 Bette Browne           1/31/2015 RJ Jones

 

Our Facts of the Day for Australia and New Zealand:

Australia Facts of the Day

 

wombat poop

Wombat poop is cube shaped.  This prevents them from rolling away when marking territory.  Uh, wow.

In what book did the author substitute “pellets” for cubes?  People would never have believed cubes so bending the truth made sense.

baby wombat

 

 

 

Australians love nicknames:

  • Australians from Queensland are called “banana benders.”
  • People from Western Australia are called “sand gropers.”
  • People from New South Wales are called “cockroaches.”

What were some of the nicknames used for main characters in stories from our Down Under Authors?

 

 

New Zealand Facts of the Day:

In the Lord of the Rings films, the beer drunk on camera was a custom NZ brew called ‘Sobering Thought’.hobbithouse01

The filming of these movies pumped around $200 million into the country’s economy. The hobbithouse06New Zealand government even created a Minister for Lord of the Rings, to ensure the most money could be made from the films.

In 1990, the NZ prime minister appointed a National Wizard.

 

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Our Schedule This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words…

Monday, January 26:

  • Day 26-Welcome, Nic Starr, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
  • Down Under Author Nic Starr
  • In the Book Spotlight: Enticing Hart by Mae Hancock
  • A Stella Review:  Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali
  • No Denying Sin by BL Morticia Book Tour and Contest

Tuesday, January 27:

  • Day 27-Welcome, Barry Lowe, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
  • Down Under Author Barry Lowe
  • A Sammy Review: Black John by Amy Lane
  • A MelanieM Review: Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall
  • Come to the Window by Mia Kerick tour and contest

Wednesday, January 28:

  • Day 28-Welcome, Cecil Wilde, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
  • Down Under Author Cecil Wilde
  • A Stella Review: Defying Conventions by Cecil Wilde
  • A Sammy Review: Dirty Dining by E. M. Lynley
  • In the Spotlight: Cheryl Headford’s Memories of Forgotten Love

Thursday, January 29:

  • Day 29-Welcome, Ellen Cross, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
  • Down Under Author Ellen Cross
  • A Mika Review: Run with the Moon by Bailey Bradford
  • A Sammy Review: Chase In Shadows by Amy Lane
  • Guest Blog on Australian Memories by Author Jim Provenzano

Friday, January 30:

  • Day 30-Welcome, Bette Browne, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
  • Down Under Author Bette Browne
  • A Barb Review Catch Me When I Fall by John Wiltshire
  • A MelanieM Review: Conscious Decisions of the Heart by John Wiltshire
  • In the Spotlight:  Charlie Cochrane’s Lessons for Survivors (contest)
  • A.J. Thomas: The Way Things Are Book Tour/contest

Saturday, January 31:

  • Final Day of Down Under Showcase-Welcome, R.J. Jones, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
  • Down Under Author R. J. Jones
  • Down Under Author Wrap-up and recap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down Under Author Lily Velden

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Meet Lily Velden!

Give me fiction… Reality is overrated.

Lily Velden is the author of  Same Page, The Race Is On, Heart Knot Mine and other listed below.

Today Lily Velden author and owner of Wayward Ink Publishing  (a down under press) is guest blogging about a subject I’m fascinated with…book covers.  Be sure to check that out and leave us a few comments of your own on the subject!

Wayward Ink is helping to sponsor this event and has a special contest for all to enter…more about that later today.

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Author Bio 1

LILY VELDEN lives on the east coast of Australia, her family having emigrated from Holland when she was a child.
She’s both a left and right brain person, holding qualifications in both Finance and Fine Arts. She tells her friends that her way with numbers will make her a profitable artist and writer… one day.

Lily has always had a love of language and a beautifully crafted sentence, and admits to having a fetish for collecting quotes, poems, and song lyrics. What she won’t admit to is how many notebooks she’s filled with those quotes… Her fascination carries on into her artworks where she often incorporates text. When a shoulder injury slowed down her art practice she decided to explore her love of the written word more fully and began writing. “I’ll paint my pictures with words.”

Not that she’s abandoned artmaking in its entirety—Lily collaborates on the designs for all her book covers.
There are many things Lily loves, here are just a few of the PG rated ones: a good laugh (all the better if caused by a naughty joke), the smell of freshly baked goods and mown grass, a smile from a stranger, rainbows after the rain, and witnessing a promise kept.

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Author Contacts

You can contact/follow Lily Velden at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LilyVelden
Blog: http://lilyvelden.wordpress.com/
Tumblr: http://lilyvelden.tumblr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lily.velden
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Author Books Stories Down Under1 copy

Lily Velden’s Books:

NOVELS / NOVELLAS:

Same Page - Front Cover 600x870SAME PAGE (Book 1: How The Light Gets In)- Dreamspinner Press

He was like the only splash of color in a black-and-white photograph.

The man was beautiful.

At an exhibition opening in Sydney, jaded Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff lays eyes on publicity-shy artist Liam Lassiter for the first time and is immediately captivated. But he doesn’t get far into their first conversation before he realizes what he’s feeling is attraction, which brings him up short. Jaxon has always been a womanizer.

Despite his reservations, Jaxon makes a play for Liam, but Liam has his own issues. Unlucky in love and orphaned at sixteen, he is reluctant to open his heart to anyone, and dismisses Jaxon out of hand.

Driven by a need he doesn’t understand, Jaxon organizes a return to Sydney to film his next project. If he can’t be with Liam, maybe they can be friends. Of course, that creates a whole new problem. Now Jaxon is falling in love for the first time. How can he move their relationship from friends to lovers without destroying the trust he’s worked so hard for?

TheRaceIsOn600x900THE RACE IS ON (Book 2: How The Light Gets In)-Dreamspinner Press

Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship. Between Jaxon’s career and Liam’s need to prepare for a life in the limelight, they decide to wait until filming of Jaxon’s latest project has wrapped.

Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it

HeartKnotMine_previewHEART KNOT MINE-Dreamspinner Press

Despite a successful college teaching career, Noah Daniels has become depressed. He feels he’s leading a monochromatic life: love has eluded him. When he’s offered a chance to teach in London as part of an exchange program, he accepts, hoping a change of scenery will do him good. But once he’s there, his outlook on love and sexuality changes in ways he never expected.

Robert Callinan is Noah’s English counterpart in the program. The men exchange not only their jobs, but also their homes, and it is what Noah stumbles across while staying at Robert’s house that sends him on a journey of self-discovery—both mentally and physically. A journey that puts color back into his life… just not in the way he expected. When the exchange program ends, Noah has to go home, but he doesn’t know if he wants to return to the life he left behind

Read an excerpt here.

Gay As Mardi Gras coverGAY AS MARDI GRAS (Novella)-Dreamspinner Press

After the demise of his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Janey, Jesse needs to get away. His nan has just the thing: a month-long cruise around Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. It seems perfect—until Jesse realizes what kind of cruise it is.

A gay cruise.

Since Jesse’s roommate, Daniel, is recovering from a broken heart, the two decide to buddy up. They hit it off, and with Daniel now Jesse’s partner in crime, they explore the boat and participate in all the fun activities on offer—with some, ah, interesting results for straight boy Jesse.
Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor

Bollocks _previewALikelyStory-preview

animal magnetism coverHunter or Hunted

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORIES IN THE FOLLOWING ANTHOLOGIES
STRIPPED BARE: Animal Magnetism Anthology (Dreamspinner Press)
WRITTEN IN THE STARS: Bollocks! Anthology (Wayward Ink Publishing)
LIFE ACCORDING TO BUDDY: Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology(Wayward Ink Publishing)
HUNTER OR HUNTED?: Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology(Wayward Ink Publishing)
DR. JUSTIN GAYLORD: A Likely Story Anthology (co-authored with Taylin Clavelli, Wayward Ink Publishing)

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Lily Velden) is an eBook copy the reader’s choice of her books. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Hint: Lily Velden has 2! Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Author Guest Blog

Lily Velden is guest blogging today about….

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD COVER

Let me start by saying how close to my heart cover design is. I have loved the arts, pottering away at it since I was a child. In my late twenties I went back as a mature age student to gain a degree in Fine Arts and have been a practicing artist ever since. A smattering of samples of my work can be found on my website.STRANDED_preview

When I began writing for publication I decided that if it was at all possible, I’d design my own covers, so other than my first published short story in an anthology, that’s what I’ve done.

Wayward Ink is an Aussie publishing house and we like to think we’re easy to get along with, but when it comes to our covers we don’t go by the popular Aussie refrain ‘She’ll be right, mate.’. We realise how important good Cover Art is in assisting authors to market and promote their stories.

The cover is, after all, the first thing a potential reader will see of a book. People are visual—when the word dog is said, they aren’t picturing the letters D-O-G, but rather picturing their favorite pooch. A well-designed cover will entice a potential reader to pick up the book and read the blurb which in turn, if done well, will help encourage them to purchase the book.

Cover artists in the digital age are faced with a new challenge—the final cover must work both as a thumbnail on a website and as the cover of a paperback.AClosedDoor-preview

At Wayward Ink we believe that in order to design a fantastic cover the author’s input is essential—nobody knows their characters and the journey they go on better than the author. It’s important to us that the author be over-the-moon thrilled with their cover. As we say here in Australia, we’d like our covers to put a smile on their dial. In other words we want out authors to be happy, because a happy author is one who can’t wait to share.

Now about Wayward Ink Publishing’s contest:  

WAYWARD INK PRIZES: 3 x $25 gift cards (please let me know if you would like or require more sponsorship) We have paperbacks and gift packs we could do as well. Gift packs would contain: Novelty USB drive, USB extension cord, fridge magnet, 2 x pens, lip balm. (Happy to do these for the event and not just in WIP’s timeslot)

So how to enter?  Write a comment below on book covers, what you like, favorites ones, etc.  Make sure to add your email address in the body.  And use this Rafflecopter link below (different from the Lily Velden giveaway) to enter also:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 24 of STRW Down Under Showcase-Welcome, Lily Velden and our AUS/NZ Facts of the Day

DownUnder_badge

Welcome, Lily Velden

and

Wayward Ink Publications!

 

We’re closing in on our last week of our Down Under Author Showcase, and its been so rewarding to see readers discover new authors and books along the way. And we still have another week to go.  We are finishing out this week with author Lily Velden who is also the owner of Wayward Ink Publications, a Down Under press.

So in addition to all of Lily Velden’s wonderful books, check out Wayward Ink as well!  How can you not love a press that has an anthology called Bollocks! Wayward  Ink is offering up a wonderful contest for all to enter.  Look for the link for Wayward Press as well as the link to Lily Velden’s giveaway! Yes, two giveaways instead of one, plus the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word of the day!

AUS flag over countryNow on to our Australia and New Zealand Facts of the Day!

Australia Fact of the Day

Unusual and interesting facts about Australia include Australia’s only armed rebellion, the “Eureka Stockade” took place in the Ballarat Goldfields in 1854. The goldfield workers (known as ‘diggers’) were opposed to the government miners’ licences. The rebellion became a significant event in the reforming of unfair laws, the developing of democracy in Australia, and the formation of the Australian identity and a fundamental principle of Aussie ‘mateship’. The Anzac soldiers of World War 1 went on to adopt the term ‘diggers’ and Australian soldiers have been known as ‘diggers’ since.interesting-facts-eureka-rebellion

– See more here!

What author gave us the recipe for Anzac biscuits? Do you remember?

 

 

kiwi and NZ countryNew Zealand’s Interesting Facts of the Day 

“Lord of the Rings” was filmed entirely in New Zealand.  It’s director?  Sir Peter Robert Jackson is a New Zealand film director, producer and screenwriter living in Wellingon, NZ.The Lord of the Rings

 

New Zealand is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire. Mount Ruapehu, situated in the middle of North Island, is the most active volcano on mainland.New Zealand Mountain

 

 

On Tour with Iyanna Jenna’s Just A Little Unwell Book tour and contest

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Book Name: Just A Little Unwell
Release Date: January 4, 2015
Goodreads Link
Author Name: Iyana Jenna

Author Bio:

Iyana writes M/M short stories and novellas. Her works have been published by Evernight Publishing, JMS Books, Books to Go Now, Torquere Press, Bitten Press, Leap of Faith Publishing, Breathless Press, and Alfie Dog Fiction.

Iyana lives in Jakarta, a city famous for its traffic jams, a lot of cars and motorcycles, and people selling stuff on the roads. You can spend two hours on the road going to a place you can reach in half an hour in a normal situation. Thanks to the traffic jams, though, Iyana can come up with a lot of stories, mostly shorties, as she prefers to spend the time during her trips writing into her cell phone rather than sleeping.

Another thing Iyana loves is kitties. Right now she has three of them. Their names are Cil, Horus, and Betsy, and one kitten. When she doesn’t write, she plays with them, or they would play with her when she writes.

Where can you find Iyana?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/books.by.iyanajenna
Twitter: @IyanaJenna
LinkedIn

Publisher: JMS Books
Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Sales Links:  JMS Books  Amazon  All Romance (ARe)  Bookstrand  Smashwords

Blurb:Just_a_Little_Unwell_400x600

Patrick Trafford is pleased with the simple life he has, spending his time tending a tiny garden accompanied by his best friend, Chad, who just happens to be a cockroach. Nevertheless, he can’t hide the excitement bubbling in him when a man suddenly appears in the garden.

Damien Abner politely welcomes, albeit somewhat at a loss, Patrick’s warm offer to spend time with him. To have a coffee, watch some movie, and dance along with the characters in it.

They begin to date and Patrick has never been happier, though he barely knows who Damien is — not that it matters to him. For him, being clueless does mean bliss.

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

Patrick floats through the following day. When Damien shows up, Patrick takes him immediately to near the TV, sets the video cassette into place, and clutches Damien’s hands as they dance. He offers coffee and cookies this time and finally brings his guitar out to the sitting room. Patrick feels a bit uneasy when Damien keeps looking at him instead of his guitar.

“Do you like it?”

“Huh?”

“My guitar.”

Confusion flashes across Damien’s good-looking face for a second.

“Oh, absolutely.” His smile cracks. He shifts on the couch to make space for Patrick. Patrick plops down next to him and begins to sing. It’s “More Than Words,” one of his favorite songs. Damien listens carefully.

Damien is silent, even after Patrick has stopped singing. His eyes turn soft.

“So, what do you say? What do you think of my voice?” Patrick asks impatiently.

Damien’s still quiet. Then he closes his eyes and reaches out a hand. He touches the side of Patrick’s face.

Patrick holds his breath and closes his eyes too. He doesn’t dare to move. Damien’s hand feels so warm and good on his skin.

He lets out a heavy sigh when the hand is gone and opens his eyes.

“That’s the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard,” Damien says.

Patrick doesn’t know what to do. He puts aside his guitar — grabs it back — lays it down on the table — takes it back again and holds it close to him. He rocks slowly on the couch.

“Thank you,” he murmurs — not sure whether he is expressing gratitude for the compliment or the touch.

Damien stands up.

“You’re leaving?” Patrick asks, disappointed.

“I have other things I need to do, Patrick.”

Patrick swallows deep. He turns away. “Okay. It’s almost dark anyway and I haven’t been to the garden.”

“Yeah.”

“Will you come again?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I’d love you to.”

“So I’ll come.”

Damien waves and walks away.

As if to remind Patrick he’s there, Chad crawls up Patrick’s shirt front. Patrick palms him up and puts him on the table.

“Do you like him, too?” Patrick asks.

Chad only chirps.

Pages or Words: 5,600 words

IJBadgeTour Dates: January 23, 2015

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Nephylim, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Lee Brazil, Inked Rainbow Reads, Andrew Q. Gordon, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, Amanda C. Stone, Molly Lolly, Christy Loves 2 Read, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Cate Ashwood, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Velvet Panic, My Fiction Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Carly’s Book Reviews, The Hat Party

Contest: Rafflecopter Prize: 2 e-copies of ‘Just A Little Unwell’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the link provided to enter the contest and for all further contest details.

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Down Under Author: Penny Brandon

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Meet Penny  Brandon!

 

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Penny Brandon is the author of the Blind Passion series, Murphy’s Law, and others listed below.

To get to know Penny Brandon a little better, the author agreed to share with us her thoughts on an Australian Christmas, and holidays in general.  Penny has also included an excerpt from her book as well. Look for that below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Author Bio 1

Penny has been a lover of books since before she could read and a maker of stories before she knew how to talk properly, so it was only natural that she started writing when she could hold a pen. From fairytales to teenage romances to the hot, erotic stories she writes now, she’s always held the same belief; to love what she puts down on paper. Which means she doesn’t love cooking, cleaning or weeding the garden. She does, however, love to travel and has lived in England and Ireland and now resides in Australia, where she intends to stay and discover all that she can of this beautiful country.

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Author Contacts

Contacts/Follow at :
Twitter @PennyBrandon
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pennybrandon3/
Goodreads Author Page
Website
Blog http://www.pennybrandon.blogspot.com.au/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/penny.brandon.3

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Author Books Stories Down Under1 copy

 

Bringing Him HomeBehind Every CloudMurphys LawPB_BlindPassion

 

 

 

 

✍Blind Passion – published by Loose id LLC

Attraction for Adam was not a handsome face, a striking smile, or beautiful eyes, but a scent that would drive him to distraction or a voice that could make his heart beat faster. When the combination of the two walked into his life in Luke, Adam couldn’t help but want him. But how was he supposed to know if Luke felt the same attraction? He had no prior experience, no past encounters, nothing to help him. Not even his sight.

One look at Adam and Luke wanted him. Sensual, gorgeous, kind, with a strength that Luke was drawn to, Adam was everything Luke desired. Being in Adam’s arms, showing him the pleasure of a man’s body, being touched, held, and desired in return, had Luke wanting more, had him wanting what he knew he couldn’t have.

It didn’t matter to him that Adam was blind, but Adam deserved more than someone like him. Luke was a man with a broken past and falling in love with Adam was a foolish thing to do, especially because Adam would never love him back if he found out what Luke was hiding.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, voyeurism
✍Bringing Him Home – published by Loose id LLC

Jared knew that looking for a man to love was pointless because he’d never be able to bring him home. But one chance meeting and one hot night with Kyle had Jared seriously trying to figure out if he really had to live by the rules of someone else’s intolerance.

Torn between wanting Kyle and facing the narrow-mindedness of a small country town, Jared didn’t know what to do. Could Kyle really want Jared enough to deal with the town’s hostility together? By the time Jared got himself ready to talk to Kyle, to ask him, Kyle had left.

Kyle had been looking to find someone to love, looking for a place to call home, and one blazing night spent in Jared’s arms and Kyle knew Jared was just the man he was looking for. But Kyle had a feeling Jared didn’t want to bring Kyle home with him and when he found out why he had no choice but to leave.

It didn’t matter that he wanted Jared, or even that Jared wanted him. The town where Jared lived was the one town Kyle swore he would never set foot in again.

✍Choices (Looking Glass #1) – published by Loose id LLC

Marc was straight, always had been and always thought he would be, but when shown his true love in a magic mirror he was shocked to find out his true love was a man. Not only that, it was up to him to convince his true love they were meant to be together. All bad enough, but after finding Liam, the only way he’s able to persuade Liam to go out with him is to offer him sex – even though that was something Marc was definitely not ready for.

Liam thought Marc was crazy. Marc was straight and he was talking about true love and making a life together, but Liam didn’t believe in love and he certainly wasn’t going to fall in love with a crazy straight guy regardless of how sexy he was. But he hadn’t reckoned on Marc’s pushy attitude or his offer of sex which, no matter how much he knew he should, Liam couldn’t turn down.

✍Murphy’s Law – published by Loose id LLC
✍Behind Every Cloud – published by Loose id LLC
✍First Kiss (Looking Glass #2) – published by Loose id LLC  

Free Stories:

✍Wanting Jack from Goodreads Hot Summer Days
✍Jackman from Love is Always Write at Goodreads

Genre(s): LGBTQ Fiction, M/M Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Erotic Romance

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Wanting Jack from Hot Summer DaysJackman cover

 

 

 

 

 

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Penny Brandon) is an eBook copy of Murphy’s Law. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here.
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Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . John’s Question: Where did Nik and Ben find Radulf?

Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Penny’s Guest Post on Christmas

and

an Excerpt from Murphy’s Law!

Hi, my name is Penny, and I now live in Australia, but I grew up in England, so Christmas is quite different, mainly because of the seasons. Though a lot of traditions are the same, I think moving from one country to another can be a bit of a culture shock. David, from Murphy’s Law certainly thought so, and while trying to emulate an English Christmas in his new home town in Outback Australia, he came across a few variations.
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“What do you think?” David stood on the ladder, precariously balanced on the second to top step as he readjusted the star.

“I think you should get down.”

Scott’s frown had David sighing. “I’m fine. I’m only three feet off the floor.”

“I know, but that’s enough to break an arm or sprain an ankle if you fell.”

If it hadn’t been such a possibility, David would have come back with some sharp retort. He hated being reminded how much of a klutz he was, even if Scott had every reason to be on guard.

Ignoring the worry on Scott’s face, David once again pointed to the star. “Well?” he asked.

“It’s beautiful, but I don’t understand all the fuss.”

“Fuss?” David twisted, glaring at Scott as the man instinctively put out his hands to stop him from toppling off the ladder.

“You know this is my first Christmas away from home.”

“I thought this was your home.” Scott’s frown deepened.

“You know what I mean. An English Christmas is so different from an Aussie one.”

“Of course it is. We’re in opposing hemispheres. It’s cold up there, and warm down here.”

“Warm?” David used his forearm to wipe the sweat off his brow. “It’s forty degrees outside.”

“Which is why we’re inside with the air conditioning on.” Scott’s pragmatic point of view frustrated David because Scott just didn’t get it.

David was used to days curled up in front of an open fire, with a mug of hot chocolate while wrapped up in a soft blanket. Granted, being wrapped in Scott’s arms while sitting on the front porch and having a cold beer wasn’t bad either, but it just didn’t feel like Christmas. Here he was greeted with Galahs and Wattles, not Robin Red Breasts and Holly Bushes. In England there would be snow on the ground, and the air would have a crisp sharpness to it that took your breath away. Whereas the heat in outback Australia was hot and dry, and everywhere was covered in red dirt.

Knowing he couldn’t change the climate, David at least wanted to re-create the cosy atmosphere he’d experienced while growing up in England, and that included a decorated Christmas tree. He glanced at the tinsel and baubles, the twinkling lights and the star on top, and thought it was perfect. Now all he needed were the gifts to put underneath.

“Um, did you pick up the turkey and ham?” he asked, hoping Scott had forgotten so there was a chance to grab the hidden presents from the bedroom closet.

“Yes, and the prawns.”

“The what?”

“Prawns. You know, for dinner.”

“Christmas dinner?” David stared at Scott, aghast. Surely he couldn’t be serious.

Scott grinned at him, his pale blue eyes lit with amusement. “Yes. It’s a tradition of ours.”

David was all for traditions, but prawns, on Christmas day? “Why?” he asked.

“My grandmother started it. She didn’t want to be cooking on a hot summer’s day, so she got my granddad to go and buy something that could be eaten without her having to cook it. He came back with prawns.” Scott tilted his head to the side. “We’re not the only ones to do it. A lot of Aussie’s have prawns on Christmas day.”

“Do you still have pudding and mince pies?”

“Of course, but we have cream or ice-cream instead of hot custard.”

“Oh.” David liked custard. His mom used to make it from scratch. Not that he’d be able to do that himself, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to go without it completely.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I got you some.”

“You did?”

Scott wrapped his fingers around David’s ankle, absently rubbing a scar he’d got while learning to ride his bike as a child. “Of course I did. I also bought all the ingredients to make a trifle, just in case.”

So maybe Scott did get it. David smiled then leaned down to capture Scott’s firm lips. They were warm, and tasted of…well, Scott.

“Do you think we can start some traditions of our own?” David asked while sliding his arms around Scott’s neck.

“Yes,” Scott murmured. “And that’s letting me put up the star every year so you don’t have to climb a ladder ever again.”

“Okay.” David was quick to agree, but he was thinking of a different kind of tradition. Maybe one involved skinny dipping in the pool.
****

Down Under Day 23- Welcome, Penny Brandon, NZ/AUS Facts of the Day

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Welcome, Penny Brandon!

It’s Day 23 of our Down Under Author Showcase and we’re heading towards the end.    Our featured author today is Penny Brandon.  It’s through a scene  about an Australian Christmas that I got my first taste of the holiday viewed through an Australian colored lens, so its wonderful that Penny Brandon gives us another perspective on this holiday.  Don’t forget to check out all Penny Brandon’s stories, her bio, and enter her giveaway of the day!

I hope you all are having as much fun as I am with the Australian and New Zealand facts of the day.  If you think about it, drop me a line and let me know which were your favorites.

Thanks to Wayward Ink Publishing, we are adding another contest to the already full pot,  check out your chances to win more gift cards on the Down Under Author Showcase page.  Look for Wayward Ink Publishing and enter via the Rafflecopter link provided.

Now onto our facts of the day for Australia and New Zealand…

 

 

Australia Fact(s) of the Day!

In land area, Australia is estimated to be 7,692,024 square Kilometers and the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population.Australia globe

Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. It lies between 10° and 39° South latitude. The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2,228 metres.

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land is arid or semi-arid. Its fertile areas are well-watered, however, and these are used very effectively to help feed the world. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned to drought.

 

New Zealand Fact(s) of the Day!

New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin, the rarest sea lion, the Hookers Sea Lion, theHooker's Sealion largest flightless parrot, the kakapo, the oldest reptile, the tuatara, the heaviest insect, a weta, the biggest earth-worms, the smallest bats, some of the oldest trees, and many of the rarest birds, insects, and plants in the world.

In Our Book Spotlight Today: Just Jack by Meredith Russell (contest included)

In Our Book Spotlight Today:   Just Jack by Meredith Russell

Just-Jack 400x600When the line between fairy tales and magic, and the real world become blurred, can love really conquer anything?
Leo Marsh is having a bad day. He just caught his boyfriend cheating on him, and not for the first time, then he falls, quite literally, for a man who has to be too good to be true….

When Leo slips and falls on some ice in front of Jack, Jack sees something all too familiar in Leo’s eyes. For over fifty years, Jack has existed in a solitary life of ice and bitterness. Just like Leo, he was betrayed by a man he loved, and swore no one would ever break his heart again: he gave up on love, and it seemed love had given up on him.

But if by fate or magic, Jack and Leo find their paths crossing for a second time, and with a little guidance from friends, dare to take a chance on each other. The problem is, Jack isn’t the charming and uncomplicated guy Leo thinks he is. When Jack gave away his ability to love, he became something else, someone cold and unloving. He became Jack Frost.

As Jack and Leo get closer, Jack is left torn and confused. Jack yearns for anything that reminds him of his humanity, but the truth is, he feels nothing, not warmth, not love, and he knows he might never be able to love Leo the way he deserves to be loved.

About Meredith – Bio and Contacts

Meredith Russell lives in the heart of England. An avid fan of many story genres, she enjoys nothing less than a happy ending. She believes in heroes and romance and strives to reflect this in her writing. Sharing her imagination and passion for stories and characters is a dream Meredith is excited to turn into reality.

Email:  meredithrussell666@gmail.com
Webpage:  http://www.meredithrussell.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meredithrussellauthor

Buy Link at Love Lane Books

Excerpt

Cramming his hands in his jacket pockets, Jack looked at the ground, and with the toe of his boot, he drew a circle in the snow. Adding eyes and a smile, Jack admired his masterpiece for a moment. It wasn’t quite right. He crouched and held his hand over the simple drawing. Slowly, he pulled back his hand. The soft flakes quivered. He teased the snow, rearranging the picture, then straightened up. The image’s smile was gone, replaced with a frown.

“Hello, Jack,” he said to the drawn face.

With a heavy sigh, he dragged his foot across the image, wiping the sidewalk clear. If only it was that easy to wipe away the morose feeling from inside him.

He rubbed a hand over his face and took a deep breath. There was a smile on his lips as he looked ahead at the elderly gentleman making his way toward him.

“Too cruel?” he asked himself.

Maybe. Jack smiled. Or maybe not. He wiggled his fingers and felt the cold air surge between them. This was who he was—the bringer of mishaps, ice, and mischief, and of the frost on the window panes.

He was Jack Frost.

Contest: Enter to Win $15 giftcard from Amazon or ARe, and two other prizes of free ebooks. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Open world wide.

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On Tour with Kari Gregg and Tame a Wild Human (tour and contest)

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Hi, everyone, thanks for having me on this tour for Tame a Wild Human! Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of this post for a chance to win a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit.

About Tame a Wild HumanTameAWildHuman_400x600

Drugged, bound, and left as bait on the cusp of the lunar cycle, Wyatt Redding is faced with a terrifying set of no-win scenarios. Best case: he survives the coming days as a werewolf pack’s plaything and returns to the city as a second-class citizen with the mark—and protection—of the pack. Worst case: the wolves sate their lusts with Wyatt’s body, then send him home without their protection, condemning him to live out the rest of his short life as a slave to the worst of humanity’s scorn and abuse.

Wyatt’s only chance is to swallow every ounce of pride, bury his fear, and meekly comply with every wicked desire and carnal demand the wolf pack makes of him. He expects three days of sex and humiliation. What he doesn’t expect is to start enjoying it. Or to grow attached to his captor and pack Alpha, Cole.

As the lunar cycle ends, Wyatt begins to realize that the only thing to fear more than being sent home without the pack’s protection is being sent home at all.

About Kari Gregg

Kari Gregg lives in the mountains of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia with her Wonderful husband and three very Wild children.
When Kari’s not writing, she enjoys reading, coffee, zombie flicks, coffee, naked mud-wrestling (not really), and . . . coffee!

Connect with Kari:
Website: KariGregg.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Kari.M.Gregg
Twitter: @karigregg
Goodreads: goodreads.com/KariGregg

Giveaway

Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on January 25th. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.