Who's Your Hero Blogfest!

Today, we're celebrating heroes and what they mean to us.  Special thanks to Joy L. Campbell and Michelle Wallace for hosting this blog hop.  The goal of this post is to write about the heroes that are inspiring us the most right now.  Who's my hero?  The easy answer would be a family member or perhaps my children.  But that's not what's in my head right now unfortunately.  No, what's in my head at the moment is a hero character I'm currently writing about.  

As writers we spend our lives observing people and situations, watching movies and then, of course, spend countless hours in our imagination.  We are creatures of the moment who are driven to capture the perfect story in our own words.  Right now the hero I've captured is rolled up into a ball of confusion in my head, and I'm sure I'm doing a butcher-like job trying to describe him on paper.  He's terrible complex just like the relationships he creates.  He's bold, unforgiving a has a sense of humor.  Is he a ladies man?  Funny you should ask, but yes, he is.

It's odd how when you're in the middle of a story how it's difficult to think little else but your hero or circumstances you've created for them.  Like any good story, I used real-life inspiring heroes to capture mine.  Whether it's straight from the news, a situation I've witnessed or even experienced, finding and using your everyday life as a muse for your hero writing is utterly essential.  It could be the heroic efforts of the many healthcare workers administering care to Ebola victims or a kind gesture of child.  For me, hero moments are everywhere when your writing.  At times it makes our job relatively easy.  At other times, not so much.   My goal for this writing project is to harness all the signs I receive and somehow make this hero of mine shine.  It's not an easy task that's for sure, but like any good writer, I'm up for the task.

What about you?  Do you have a hero you honoring today?  Or are you like me and are locked in creative-mode with your current project?

It's Monday.  Be sure and have a wonderful week.

Mina Burrows

All Aboard the Island Adventure Romance Blog Train

Hey guys! Fellow author and friend J.L. Campbell is here on my blog today, celebrating romance and suspense straight from the islands.  Campbell is a fantastic writer that I've read and featured previously on my blog here and here.  Well, now she's back and she's brought some exciting news.  Please welcome J.L.!

Hello.  Welcome to the second stop for the Island Adventure Romance Blog Train. This series is about standalone books that feature fast-paced stories set in the Caribbean.

Chasing Anya is about an independent woman, who has something of a history. She is plagued by a troublesome ex, who has no intention of letting the past stay where it belongs. Among the challenges Anya faces, is forgiving herself for something she believes is unforgivable.

What makes Anya's story special is that she presents a strong front to the world, while battling her demons and hiding her insecurities. Chasing Anya is more than a romance novel, it explores choices and living with the consequences of the decisions we make. The book also explores themes of friendship, healing and redemption. And no, it's not preachy. There's also excitement and intrigue as a case of insurance fraud unfolds around Anya.

In this book, we also meet her sister, Celeste, who I'll just say is a handful. She doesn't come across as a likeable character, but matures in her own story, Taming Celeste, which follows Anya's romance.

If you want a no-risk taste of the start of this series, Anya’s Wish is my gift to you. This free download is accessible here. I hope you enjoy the introduction to a set of characters whose lives intertwine in different stories.

Over the period of the tour (October 20-31), the prices of all the books in this series will be discounted to 0.99. Also, you may enter on the Rafflecopter to win a ten dollar ($10.00) Amazon voucher or an e-copy of the entire collection, which includes Chasing Anya, Contraband and Taming Celeste.

Follow the tour stops as I share information about these books that have been described as compelling and well-written, with vibrant characters.

J.L. Campbell lives in Jamaica and writes romantic suspense, women's fiction and young adult novels. She also writes non-fiction and is a certified editor. Visit her on the web at http://www.joylcampbell.com or at her Amazon page. She's enjoys good company, so feel free to follow her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by Joy!  Okay, everyone!  Hurry and get your copies while the deals are hot! And don't forget to enter to win too!  

Have a great rest of the week!

Mina Burrows

Cover Reveal: Chasing Anya by J.L. Campbell

Today I'm featuring fellow author friend, J.L. Campbell's latest romance book with a beautiful cover reveal, Chasing Anya. From the eclectic taste of the excerpt below it promises to be unique, hot and full of mystery.  But first, take a look at the cover and book blurb below:

Been there. Done that.

Feisty and independent, Anya Davies lives by her own rules. The one thing she’s hell-bent on avoiding is a conventional relationship. Nor is she interested in romance, thanks to her abusive ex who refuses to stay in the past. The second complication in her life is a secret that condemns her to constant guilt and a solitary life. A series of near misses and escalating threats are a third and worrying factor. Only a special man would understand or live with Anya’s challenges and demands.

Casual sex...so not having that.

Enter Christophe Mondesir. Two years ago, Anya dumped him without explanation. An accidental meeting shoots Anya back on Christophe’s radar. He refuses to be denied and plans to breach the fortress Anya has built around her heart—if she’ll commit to more than a casual liaison. He’s also determined to find out what she’s hiding. That’s if the stalker who’s after Anya doesn’t end her life first. 

Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
Content/Theme(s): Sexual Content (not graphic), Post Abortion Syndrome, Relationships, Spousal Abuse,
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Publisher: The Writers' Suite

He stood before her, pressing kisses to her neck. Then his lips covered hers. Soft. Persuasive.

She resisted him at first, but the memory of his lovemaking warmed her blood and she relaxed against him. The unknown word he’d spoken came to mind and she twisted away from him. “I’m not so sure I should let you touch me, ’specially since I don’t know what you said earlier. What was that anyhow?”

“I said you should stop talking like a slut.”

She mashed his toes with her foot. “How dare you talk to me like that?”

“Ouch! If you insist on treating sex as if it is some sort of pill—”

“If you were sensitive to my needs, I wouldn't have to resort to asking for sex.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You know what? I’m going to give you what you want.”

That said, Christophe pressed his lips to hers, forcing her mouth open. She fought him, but this time he ignored her attempts to escape.

The intensity of his kiss frightened her. His grip on her arms was too tight and she felt suffocated by his strength. “No, Christophe, I—”

His hand glided under her shirt and the words lodged in her throat. She cast aside her objections, swept away by the fire his touch lit on her insides.

They landed on her bed, struggling to free themselves of their clothing. Minutes later, Christophe reduced her to an orgasmic shudder.

Then they started over.

When they were satisfied, she panted against his chest.

Christophe eased away from her and rolled onto his back to stare into a corner of the room.

Now what was wrong with him? She raised herself up on her elbow. “What’s bugging you now?”

It took him a while to look her in the eyes. “D’you realize I just raped you?”

She almost giggled. “Well, it was the best rape I ever had.”

He sighed. “I’m serious. You said no, and I didn’t listen.”

He murmured something she didn’t hear and rolled onto his side, away from her.

Anya stared at a mole on his shoulder, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. Was he serious? Wasn’t she supposed to be the basket case?

She scratched at the skin around the cast. It was itching like hell lately.

Christophe got up and went into the bathroom. The toilet flushed and she waited for him to come back to bed. Instead, he got a pair of jeans from the cupboard and pulled them on, along with a tee-shirt.

Anya gaped at him. “Where the hell d’you think you’re going?”

“Home. I need to think.”

“What d’you need to think about, Christophe?”

“Things.”

She yanked her shirt on and stood in front of him. “Every time I get mad and tell you to leave, you refuse to go. Now, we don’t even have a serious quarrel and you’re running away. What’s wrong with you?”

He slipped both hands in his pockets and wouldn’t look at her. “I have to go.”

Using her hand, she tipped his head so she could see his eyes.

He was in pain.

She didn’t understand what the problem was, but something had gone terribly wrong. She grabbed his arms and spoke softly to him. “Don’t walk out on me now. I don’t know what’s going on with you, or what you think you did, but I need you.”

“I’m sorry, Anya.” He stepped out of her grasp and walked away.

She sank on the bed, rubbing the frown line on her forehead. Would he be all right? Her heart rate went up and she pressed a hand to her chest. Christophe had left, but she needed to check whether he’d locked up.

The lock was engaged and she was alone in the house. She leaned against the front door, feeling as if she’d bought a bus ticket and the driver had dropped her off miles away from her destination.

Her eyes smarted, but she would not cry. While she was sure Christophe’s withdrawal was directly related to her, she sensed there were other factors at play.

If he didn’t want to talk, how could she get to the root of what was eating him?

J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican, who is always on the hunt for story-making material.

She writes romantic suspense, women's fiction and young adult novels. She is the author of Anya's Wish, Chasing Anya, Contraband, Christine's Odyssey, Dissolution, Distraction, Don't Get Mad...Get Even, Retribution, Saving Sam and Hardware (written under the pen name Jayda McTyson).

Where to find JL Campbell:

Social Media
Author site: http://www.joylcampbell.com
Goodreads: JL Campbell
Twitter: @JL_Campbell
Facebook: JL Campbell
Amazon: JL Campbell

Fabulosity Reads Book Promotions is a book touring website that promotes authors and their precious works to an extensive audience using blogs, twitter, Facebook and other Social Media, with the aim of introducing them to an appreciative readership. They offer a diverse range of both complimentary and affordable products to help the reach of your book go that much further.

Book Review: Retribution by J.L. Campbell

Retribution by J.L. Campbell is finally here!  Whew.  What a great book!  Retribution is Book 2 in Campbell's exciting contemporary romance series.  Before I begin my review you may want to check out my review of Distraction here and also I wanted to post the book description.  See below:

JUSTINE CHARLES is still trying to put the pieces of her life together seven years after a disastrous extra-marital affair. She’s raising a troubled teenage daughter and six-year-old Emile, the result of her indiscretion.

A chance meeting drops the still-scorching Xavier McKellop back on her radar. Her former lover is hurt and furious that Justine has kept his son’s birth a secret. She has little choice when Xavier demands time with Emile.

Though the moments between Justine and Xavier are tense, it’s evident the flame of attraction between them still burns hot. And just as she begins to hope and dream about being with the only man who ever stirred her heart, body and soul, Justine’s life is thrown into chaos. Her daughter discovers Justine’s betrayal and Xavier’s soon-to-be ex-wife wants him back.

This time around, in her quest for love, Justine might not only lose her deepest desire, but everything she holds dear.


My thoughts:  Like most of the readers, I read the first chapter of Retribution back when I read Distraction.  Since then, almost a year later, I've waited for this book.  All I can say is Xavier is back!  The story picks up where the Justine and Xavier's relationship left off some seven years later.  Justine knew the day would come when she'd have to face Xavier and reveal the secret that could ruin everything they had, including the beautiful memories they created.  They meet unexpectedly only now Justine is a widow, cursed with relentless guilt of her past wrong doings.  Xavier steps back into Justine's life, forcing her to make the right choices for her and her son's future.  Xavier was such a rock in the book and I will forever refer to him as the music man.  Both characters made significant mistakes in their lives, but the beauty was their determination to see things through for the good of their family's future.  With the years comes more challenges like raising teenagers and divorce.  What I loved about Retribution, was Campbell didn't write a cookie-cut romance, she wrote a beautifully in-depth story about love, loss, friendship and how wonderful things can be when two people make amends. 

On a side not, I can't get enough of the Proverbs Campbell put before each chapter, giving the reader a hint of what's to come.  I loved this. Here's a sample:  
Proverb: Bush have ears and wall have eyes. 
Meaning: Be careful how you disclose sensitive information that can filter to those you don’t want to know your business.

If you're looking for a different take on romance and you're willing to take a journey with a couple that make their fair share of mistakes, then Retribution is just the book for you!  And wouldn't you know it Campbell's not done yet.  Book 3, Absolution, is in the works and I just can't imagine what she has in store for us.

Have you read Retribution?  What about Distraction?  Are you a fan of the series?

Mina B.        

Friendship-is-Forever Tour

It's here! J.L. Campbell's Friendship-Is-Forever Tour!  Wahoo!  I'm super excited to be one of the blogs participating in the tour to promote Distraction.  What a great book.  For those that missed it, please click here to read it. 

And now please welcome J.L. Campbell!

When I got my first publishing contract, I felt as if someone had dumped me in the deep end of a pool without giving me swimming lessons. In a mind-boggling, whirlwind teleconference with the publisher, a group of us were given a list of all the ways in which we could market our books. Since then, I've been big on research. Needless to say, I've not found the golden nugget yet, but I do realize that word of mouth helps to get the word out.

That said, I hesitated to ask Mina to host me on a leg of the tour because I figured that since this blog is mainly about paranormal stuff that I wouldn’t find any kind of readership here. Well, I can chuckle about that now, since Mina read Distraction and liked it. So much for thinking that only readers of women’s fiction would enjoy the book.

Distraction tells the story of three women who are unalike in many ways, but share a strong friendship. I’ve found the blogging world much like that. We have different interests and yet we connect as both readers and writers, supporting each other on our writing journey.

In A Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Steps to Distraction you’ll meet Dionne, Kyra and Justine a year before Distraction takes place. I hope you’ll like this taste of friendship and things Jamaican. Download your complimentary copy from Smashwords.

Each person who leaves a comment will be entered to win an e-copy of Distraction. At the end of this Friendship tour, there’ll be a main prize of a Distraction note pad & pen and a $10 Amazon gift card. The second prize is a paperback copy of Distraction. Sign up for that at the Rafflecopter here.

Mina, many thanks for hosting!

J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican and the author of Contraband, Distraction, Dissolution, Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, Giving up the Dream and Hardware (pen name Jayda McTyson). Campbell is always on the lookout for story making material, loves company and can usually be found lollygagging on her blog at http://thecharacterdepot. blogspot.com

J.L. Campbell on Amazon

J.L. Campbell on Facebook

J.L. Campbell on Goodreads

J.L. Campbell on Twitter

Book Review: J.L. Campbell's Distraction

I mentioned last week I would be posting my book review for Distraction by J.L. Campbell.  I'm unbelievably excited to discuss this incredible, all-consuming tale about friendship, love and betrayal.  Distraction features three Jamaican females who go through their adulthood, dealing with their own personal trials and tribulations.  It wonderfully intertwines the lives of  Justine, Dionne and Kyra so that the reader gets a front seat into their distracted lives.

There were three aspects to this novel that kept me pondering it for weeks if not a month after I read it.  Those aspects were friendship, real-life drama and consequences and perseverance!  

Friendship    

Justine, Dionne and Kyra are close-knit friends who meet often to bond and even vent about their lives.  Their unconditional friendship was the first aspect I enjoyed.  In life, it's often challenging to find friends that will accept you despite your faults.  And trust me, these women had their faults, but was most refreshing was their willingness to support each other regardless of their life choices.  And isn't that what friends are for?     

Real-life Drama & Consequences

All three of these women are uniquely flawed not only by their circumstances, but their decision-making.  As the reader, we get the birds-eye view how their situations evolved due to lying, infidelity and sadly physical and emotional abuse.  Not everyone deals with these issues in their everyday life, but unfortunately most of us know someone that is dealing with it right now.  There were somber moments within this book that were griping.  Justine, Dionne and Kyra like TNT know drama and WOW was it intense.  

Perseverance

There's something to be said for the three heroines that persevered during adverse times.  They each had to find strength to deal with their personal lives and eventually move forward.  Justine was locked in a loveless marriage and between her and her husband, they both had far too many secrets to hide.  Dionne and Kyra let their finances rule them which in return left for some incredible drama.  All three were distracted by something that led them astray, albeit loneliness or financial reasons or just plain stupidity.  In the end, their perseverance prevailed.

If your looking for something different to add to your book shelf or Kindle this summer, check out J.L. Campbell's Distraction.  It was easily a 4 for me.  For those that don't know Book 2 in the series is called Retribution and I got a sneak peak at it too.  And boy was it goooooood!  Can't wait!    

Stay tuned tomorrow as the Distraction tour stops here at my blog!  Woot!  

Mina B.

Buzzworthy Contemporary Romance Novels

I typically don’t post reviews or ramblings about contemporary lit on my blog, but there are a few books that are currently available that are just too incredible not to recognize.  Some of the authors I know and others I don’t, but they all have one thing in common; they’ve seduced with their real-life characters and unique romantic plots.  If you need a break from the supernatural side of books, and you adore romance, check these outs. 

Contemporary Romance Lit for Summer of 2012

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster. I'll repeat it again for those who aren't familiar with the novel. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire!  This book was my all-time favorite this summer. I’ll start by saying it was a complete obsession for me. In fact, as far as ratings go it was a 5. Yes, that’s how much I loved it. It’s not very often, we readers find a male character that we adore or better yet cleave to. Travis Maddox is that character. He’s perfectly flawed and extremely likable. No wonder all the chicks are whipping off their panties for him. All except for Abby Abernathy. She’s a reformed good girl and as much as she’s attracted to the elusive bad boy, she won’t succumb to his charm. Putting these two together made for some spectacular reading. Abby & Travis are the quintessential disaster couple, and Beautiful Disaster is about their wild roller-coaster relationship, which began as a friendship and ends up with love.  I adored this book, and I can't rave about it enough.  Move over Fifty Shades and make way for Beautiful Disaster.  And for those of you that don't know,  Jamie McGuire has just finalized Walking Disaster which is Beautiful Disaster told from Travis's perspective.  OH MY GOD!!!  I can't wait to read that one.  God, I hope she writes a story for each of the brothers.  Love you Jamie McGuire.  You rock!

 
Marie Force’s McCarthys of Gansett Island 

Like most book addicts, I got hooked on Marie Force's McCarthys of Gansett Island series from Book 1, McCarthys of Gansett Island, Book 1: Maid for Love, It’s FREE on Kindle/Amazon, so if you haven’t read this yet, check it out. I’ll admit, I thought it was going to be cheesy.  Instead, it was surprisingly good.  This series is filled with true-to-life female characters—which I love— and die hard men who at times were pretty darn funny. Marie Force’s bestselling McCarthy’s of Gansett Island series suck you in, making you want to explore the Island and uncover every nook and cranny about the characters that live there.  I’m telling you…if I could take a one-way fairy boat ride to that place, I would in a heart beat.  I’m betting you would too. There are six books total in the series and at just under $4, they are easy on your wallet.  Again, the first one is free for a limited time, so download it while you can.

Cecilia Robert’s Truly.Madly.Deeply.You 

I recently read Cecilia Robert’s novella, Truly.Madly.Deeply.You and totally enjoyed it. Liese Hansfeld is determined to spend Valentine’s day and the four days leading up to it alone, reliving her tragic past. She is a lovely, kindhearted woman who has a past that suffocates her future. But her best friend, Freytag Meier, refuses to have Liese give up on love. And he won’t let another year go by with Liese torturing herself. This Valentine's Day, he’s determined to spend every waking moment with Liese. Could it be that she’s the woman of his dreams? Or is it the other way around?  I won’t tell you want happens, but it was truly different.  Aside from its uniqueness, what I loved best about this novella was its sweet nature. There were so many romantic gestures that I found it incredibly endearing. If you’re looking for a quick novella filled with romance, give Truly.Madly.Deeply.You  a try. It’s only $1.99 on Amazon which is a total deal, right? Go get a copy.

Distraction by J.L. Campbell 

I won’t go into too much detail about J.L. Campbell's Distraction since I'm planning on writing a full review next week when the Distraction tour makes its blog stop here.  I will say I loved it and wanted to include it in my contemporary lit list.  Distraction's only $2.99 on Amazon so get it while the price is right.  Woot!  In the meantime, here’s a synopsis of the book.   

Three Jamaican women walk a tightrope of decisions when their lives are derailed by blackmail, deceit and infidelity. JUSTINE CHARLES, sensible and self-contained, battles an addiction which could destroy her marriage, reputation, and relationship with her daughter. DIONNE JONES, an aggressive go-getter, takes risks that cut a trail of devastation through her family and business. KYRA MILLS, struggling single mother, is crippled by debt, bad judgment and destructive choices. Can two of the long-time friends survive startling revelations involving their partners? And will the other push her obsession to the point of danger?

Game On by Kyra Lennon

Kyra Lennon recently released Game On this month and it's getting fantastic reviews.  Go Kyra!  This is actually one I'm reading now and so far I'm thoroughly enjoying it.  I think this book had me at the beginning with all the men and soccer.  Anyway, it's on sale now too for a low $2.99 so get your copy quick before the price goes up.  Here's the synopsis:

After swapping her small town life to work for one of the top soccer teams in the U.S, Leah Walker thought she could finally leave the ghosts of her past behind. However, when she meets serial womanizer, Radleigh McCoy, the memories of her old life come swarming back, and she is forced to ask herself whether she has really changed at all.

That's it.  That's my Buzzworthy Contemporary Romance Lit for Summer of 2012.  Have you read any of these? Have any contemp lit books you'd recommend to finish off this summer?

Mina B.