Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Visit @AngelaKayAustin's book store for the perfect holiday read

Visit the books section of my website to read an excerpt from one of my books!


DerailedWhen you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, TN, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself before he loses everything.

Love All Over MeTamara Blanden blames herself for the loss of her one true love. Hidden away from life, she lives only to see him again.

Jerome Blanden couldn’t let go of his love, even in death. Because of him…his selfishness, she’d lost so much time. Time he couldn’t give back. But, he could change everything.

Michael Armstrong didn’t believe in a lot of things anymore.  What was happening to him now couldn’t be real.  How was any of it possible?




He’d sat on top of the world… the perfect woman, a daughter, and a job that made his father proud. Now, Kendis was divorced, and his daughter wasn’t really his. At least, he has a good job…at Brady and Associates, the firm that sends him to Maryland for their client, Eastover. Eastover, one of Maryland’s largest commercial real estate developers, is on a mission to take over older, outdated malls.

She’d been through the wringer in her personal life, and now LaKia thinks the only thing she can control is her career as Marketing Director for a small commercial real estate company. She’d always wanted marriage and children like her best friend has… but she’s given up on ever finding her own Mr. Right.

Until Kendis. He gave her everything, and she gave it right back.


Christmas Davis wanted to give something back to the community she loved.  But, that opportunity was lost to her.  Although won by another, would his ambitions allow him to help those in need?

Presley Marino knew she might say no, but she was the only person he wanted.  Together, they could change things in the hometown they both loved.  That part would be easy, but convincing her and his brother wouldn’t.

Would they allow an uneasy history to silence a need for change, or would they force a new beginning?


When you lose everything you love, how are you supposed to believe it won’t happen again?

The knife at her throat didn’t frighten Scarlet Anderson.  In fact, it was a relief.  Finally, she didn’t have to worry any longer about living another empty day.  She’d be reunited with the ones she loved.

Joshua Davis had faced a lot of challenges in his life, his faith and the love of his family had seen him through his latest battles.  But…no person could help him now.  How had he managed to fall in love with someone who’d stopped loving herself?  And what was he supposed to do?


For her employees, Victoria James quits her job to save theirs.  That decision loses her the man she thought she loved.  And sends her back to Memphis, TN with everything she owns to face a neglected and forgotten relationship with her grandfather.

Everything she has is stolen.  Chad Kirkpatrick, her childhood love, the first man to break her heart, now a police officer, comes to her aide.

Can she move forward, and put her past behind her?  Will Chad forgive her?



Love's ChanceTo pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn’t welcome her with open arms, but Chance O’Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family’s restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love.






Sex, liquor, and men are not always a good thing.  Kelly Ann Mitchell discovers this the hard way.  One night of confusion, and misplaced trust result in a mistake she can’t take back.  Forced to make a choice, she chooses the only thing she can live with which changes her life, and the lives of everyone around her forever.

Charles Mitchell failed his family, his daughter, once.  He’s determined not to do it again.  Jerry Harte must pay for what he’s done, and Charles will be the one to make sure he does.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

On the Frontline now available in print!





ANNOUNCING

On the Frontline
by Angela Kay Austin


Two terrific Angela Kay Austin short stories in print for the first time!

For those who serve, and the ones who love them.  

Scarlet’s Tears
When you lose everything you love, how are you supposed to believe it won't happen again? The knife at her throat didn't frighten Scarlet Anderson. In fact, it was a relief. Joshua Davis had faced a lot of challenges in his life, his faith and the love of his family had seen him through. But, no person could help him, now. How did he fall in love with someone who didn't love herself?

Derailed

When you’re given away by people who are supposed to love you forever, it is hard to believe love and family really exist. JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen. Homeless on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life. And, then she met Jeremy...



Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Visit my Youtube channel




 For more book trailers, visit my Youtube channel!

Monday, September 30, 2013

Grab a your favorite beverage and curl up with a book by @AngelaKayAustin!

Visit the books section of my website to read an excerpt from one of my books!


DerailedWhen you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, TN, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself before he loses everything.

Love All Over MeTamara Blanden blames herself for the loss of her one true love. Hidden away from life, she lives only to see him again.

Jerome Blanden couldn’t let go of his love, even in death. Because of him…his selfishness, she’d lost so much time. Time he couldn’t give back. But, he could change everything.

Michael Armstrong didn’t believe in a lot of things anymore.  What was happening to him now couldn’t be real.  How was any of it possible?




He’d sat on top of the world… the perfect woman, a daughter, and a job that made his father proud. Now, Kendis was divorced, and his daughter wasn’t really his. At least, he has a good job…at Brady and Associates, the firm that sends him to Maryland for their client, Eastover. Eastover, one of Maryland’s largest commercial real estate developers, is on a mission to take over older, outdated malls.

She’d been through the wringer in her personal life, and now LaKia thinks the only thing she can control is her career as Marketing Director for a small commercial real estate company. She’d always wanted marriage and children like her best friend has… but she’s given up on ever finding her own Mr. Right.

Until Kendis. He gave her everything, and she gave it right back.


Christmas Davis wanted to give something back to the community she loved.  But, that opportunity was lost to her.  Although won by another, would his ambitions allow him to help those in need?

Presley Marino knew she might say no, but she was the only person he wanted.  Together, they could change things in the hometown they both loved.  That part would be easy, but convincing her and his brother wouldn’t.

Would they allow an uneasy history to silence a need for change, or would they force a new beginning?


When you lose everything you love, how are you supposed to believe it won’t happen again?

The knife at her throat didn’t frighten Scarlet Anderson.  In fact, it was a relief.  Finally, she didn’t have to worry any longer about living another empty day.  She’d be reunited with the ones she loved.

Joshua Davis had faced a lot of challenges in his life, his faith and the love of his family had seen him through his latest battles.  But…no person could help him now.  How had he managed to fall in love with someone who’d stopped loving herself?  And what was he supposed to do?


For her employees, Victoria James quits her job to save theirs.  That decision loses her the man she thought she loved.  And sends her back to Memphis, TN with everything she owns to face a neglected and forgotten relationship with her grandfather.

Everything she has is stolen.  Chad Kirkpatrick, her childhood love, the first man to break her heart, now a police officer, comes to her aide.

Can she move forward, and put her past behind her?  Will Chad forgive her?



Love's ChanceTo pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn’t welcome her with open arms, but Chance O’Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family’s restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love.






Sex, liquor, and men are not always a good thing.  Kelly Ann Mitchell discovers this the hard way.  One night of confusion, and misplaced trust result in a mistake she can’t take back.  Forced to make a choice, she chooses the only thing she can live with which changes her life, and the lives of everyone around her forever.

Charles Mitchell failed his family, his daughter, once.  He’s determined not to do it again.  Jerry Harte must pay for what he’s done, and Charles will be the one to make sure he does.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

What do your #childhood favorites make you remember?



When I was a child, some of the things I loved most where:

-Lemonheads
-Boston Baked Beans
-those orange push up pop things that always melted before I finished them, and I'd end up licking it off my hands
-watching cartoons with my baby brother
-laying on the sofa on a rainy Sunday with the windows up listening to rain fall (I also loved the smell of honeysuckle in the air after the rain stopped.)

Yeah, life was pretty simple  for me as a child :-)

One of my absolute favorite things was sitting in front of the TV and watching Diana Ross' concerts live!  My
cousin and I never missed it.  We couldn't wait to see what she would walk wearing.  No one could ever do it like Lady D!

Hair! Outfit!  100% diva!

As much as I loved her as a child, I never saw her in concert.  Finally, that has changed.  My cousin and I saw her in concert, and I swear I felt like I'd been transported back in time.  Once again I felt like that young girl sitting in front of my parents' television bursting with excitement waiting for Lady D to hit the stage.

Absolutely awesome!  Next time, I'm bringing flowers, and I'll steady my nerves, walk to the stage, and present Lady D with the biggest bunch of flowers my arms can carry :-)


If you'd like to see some video from Diana Ross in concert in Memphis, TN, check out my YouTube Channel!

What did you love as a child?  How does it make you feel today?

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Angela Kay Austin's Derailed Available in Audio Book!




Can you hear it now? YOU BET!

Derailed  by Angela Kay Austin is now available as an AUDIOBOOK on Audible, iTunes, and on Amazon! Also in All Ebook Formats and Print Editions.

Derailed
by Angela Kay Austin

When you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself... before he loses everything.

Review
A Great Short Read March 6, 2013
by TJ7109md

“I really enjoyed this book. Its not filled with erotic 'page filler' non-sense but what I feel is a well written story with Christian values that are presented such that they do not 'preach' to the reader. This book had me crying and laughing. I think the subject matter of the real life situations that female war veterans face upon their return home hit me square in the face. It was touching story and I would love to see a series that allows the other female characters to have their own HEF. My only wish is if more details were added at the beginning of the story on how the main female character ended up in her situation (it comes toward the end). Overall a great short read and kudos to this author.”

Narrated and Produced by Diana Birdsall, 12 Time Telly Award Winning Voice Talent, an experienced voice in ‘the Biz’ for over 25 years. Diana also narrated and produced Angela’s Sweet Victory, also available Audible, iTunes, and on Amazon! Also in All Ebook Formats.


                             
AUDIO and ALL ELECTRONIC EDITIONS

BUY LINKS


AUDIO – on Audible.com


Your Amazon-exclusive Audible.com 30-day free trial membership includes:
  • This audiobook free, plus a bonus audiobook of your choice
  • Exchange any book you don't like with our Great Listen Guarantee
  • Total flexibility - cancel, pause or upgrade membership easily and whenever you like




And coming soon in print!



Tuesday, August 20, 2013

#BookReview -- Archangel's Storm by @NaliniSingh

One of the things I love most about picking up on a series late is that there are plenty of books for me to read.  Less of that frustration of having to wait for the next book :-)

After catching on to @NaliniSingh Archangel series, I was thrilled because there were several books for me to read.  But, now, it sucks because I've just read Archangel's Storm, and it is the last.  The next release will be Archangel's Legion, which won't be available for months.

Anyway...

For anyone who's read the series, or who has been reading it along with me, you're familiar with Jason.  He's the sad one.  The one with the beautiful tattoos that are mysterious and intriguing.

As Jason's story is told the sadness in my heart grew for him.  His tale is heartbreaking, and as it was told, I pictured the little boy -- fractured and alone -- in my mind.  The tears he shed for his mother, his family, I cried for him.  It was hauntingly distressful.

I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but there is a scene with a young Jason and his mother on the kitchen floor of their home that broke my heart.  From @NaliniSingh description to the emotion that shoots off the page, it broke my heart.  I was unable to read the words on the page through my tears.

Then, there's Mahiya.  Gentle, but strong.  When we're first introduced to her, I don't know if she's an enemy or a friend.  It couldn't be more perfect for a spymaster to have the this kind of puzzle in a woman.  It's a puzzle I can't tell you much about without spoiling it for you, just a little.

The complexity of Mahiya is, in part, due to her relationship with her aunt, Neha.  The one who both provides for her, and at the snap of a finger can take everything from her, including her life.

Jason is so dark and unknown, and Mahiya, although not dark, is also an unknown.  At times, her character seemed almost too gentle for Jason, but as Jason's story unfolds, you wonder if it's not just what he needs.

Throughout the story, there is a little interjection of another story line -- Dmitri and Honor, every time I read a piece of it, I kept expecting something catastrophic to happen. Hopefully, my fears will not come true.

I can't wait for Archangel's Legion!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

#BookReview -- "Lover Reborn" by J.R. Ward

At last year's Romantic Times, I purchased an autographed copy of "Lover Reborn," but refused to read it until the release of "Lover At Last."

Why? Because I completely love the character of Tohrment and John Matthew, and because I love Blay and Qhuinn.  And I knew that Tohr's book would set-up Blay and Qhuinn's story.

For those that don't know John Matthew's story, you have to start at the beginning, and know Darius' story to know his story.  The connection between Darius and Tohrment continues with Tohrment's relationship with John Matthew.

As  I read this book, I found myself crying and smiling.  Happy that John and Tohr had found their way back to each other because they don't know just how important they are to each other.  They have a love for each other that cuts John so deeply when Tohr disappears after the death of his wife and unborn son.  It cuts John in a way that Tohr didn't realize or think about until he began to face his demons.  Likewise, John didn't understand his adopted father's loss until he was faced with the same possible loss.

With the introduction of Autumn and the development of a relationship between her and the daughter she tried to kill while still in the womb, you are once again overwhelmed with emotion.  Although I like Xhex, she's not particularly one of my favorite characters, but John Matthew does deserve a strong mate, and she is strong.  And in time her mother Autumn also regains a sort of inner strength.  I would like Autumn to eventually be stronger in all ways, but hey one step at a time.

I've always loved Lassiter, but after this book I'm even more in love with him.  He sacrificed what -- we don't know for the love between Autumn and Tohr.

To see Tohr reconnect with John, and learn to love Autumn was a great experience for me.

In true J.R. Ward-style, she has several sub-plots: John and Xhex, Xcor and B.O.B., Autumn and Xhex, Assail and everyone.  In one way, I enjoy the other story lines because it continues to let me know what's happening with the other members of BDB, but sometimes it almost takes away from the story that you're reading.  It's as if you don't get enough of the story you purchased.  In the case of this one, I think I got the story that I wanted, but probably a touch too much of the others.

I don't know if I care enough about Xcor and his B.O.B, but I may read the lead book because of who his potential love interest may be.  I am not terribly interested in the struggle for the throne, and don't know if I care to read that story.  But, I would like to see his potential love interest happy.  And if it happens as I think, I am interested to see how J.R. Ward will justify the fight.  Curiosity might just make me read.  But, we'll see.

My next read will be "Lover at Last"!  I can't wait to read Blay and Qhuinn's story.


Monday, July 1, 2013

Visit my Youtube channel




 For more book trailers, visit my Youtube channel!

Monday, June 24, 2013

@CharJGordon chats with @AngelaKayAustin about love after fifty

When I met Charmaine Gordon, I knew immediately that she had a big heart and a warm personality.  She was a guest on my blog, and right away I liked her.  She shared some of her journey from actress to writer, and some of it reminded me of myself.  Of course, my acting career consisted of a few extra roles on a few shoes, and long waits and bad auditions for more roles that never came :-) But, it was fun.

I love that Charmaine is writing a new series all about love after a certain age.  I've written a few older characters in my books, but I've never delved into the love and romance of those characters aside from how it taught or influenced the behaviors of the hero and heroine in my story.  I'm intrigued by Charmaine's new release and upcoming series.

Instant Grandpa blurb:

Summer at the Jersey Shore just got hotter…  Take one widower grandfather, add two little grandkids, and widowed grandmother with a small granddaughter. Mix well. Stir in sun drenched beach days and moonlit nights. What have you got? A kite flying high with a new tail; an author writing a book to sort out emotions; a talented boy with his mother returned to claim the prize. Family complications and a happy beginning… not the end.

Join us at Romancing the Pen!

Friday, June 21, 2013

So, I know you were wondering...why all the posts about audio books? #audiobooks

A while ago, my publisher told me that Vanilla Heart Publishing would begin to produce audio books.  I loved the idea, but I had to admit, most of what I listen to is music or educational teachings in audio.  So, I wanted to know more about who the audio book listener is. Read more here.

I found one among my own friends.  She's a single mother of one, and honestly, if it's not on audio book, she'll probably never get the chance to ever hear (read) it :-)

I drive a lot myself, and this makes me wonder why I never listened to narrated stories vs educational while driving.  No reason.  I guess I've just always picked up the book (ebook or print.) Now, that I have some of my own work available in this format, it's totally excited me.  Driving around while listening to someone narrate my book...wow!  This has to be how singers feel the first time they hear their songs on the radio.

Love love love it!


Thursday, June 20, 2013

#BookReview - Archangel's Blade by @NaliniSingh

You guys all know by now that I'm a huge Nalini Singh fan. I love her stories for so many reasons.  One of them being the strength of her story telling.  I love the way she layers in her sub-plots and wraps up everything by the book's end in a way that makes me impatient for the next one.  Each book deepens your knowledge of the entire world the characters live within.

"Archangel's Blade" filled in so many questions for me about Dmitri.  I wanted his story, but honestly, didn't realize it would be so good.  Dmitri is Raphael's second.  He's a man of tremendous dedication and strength. But, you never know why he has such allegiance to Raphael or vice versa.

This book explains to us why Dmitri became a man deserving of the respect and friendship of an Archangel.

Honor, the heroine of the story, is just as broken and damaged as Dmitri.  There are still a few mysteries to Honor.  But, what we do know of her by the end of the book touches your heart.  And I found myself truly hoping that she discovered a way to become stronger and be able to grow closer to Dmitri, instead of running screaming from him.  (I might have run screaming in the other direction!)

As the story unfolds, and you learn more about Honor and who she could possibly be, the only thing you can do is smile.  Dmitri and Honor's tragic stories gives them a unique bond.  A bond that can't be broken by anything, not even time.

I love this series, and I hope it continues for many many more books.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Who reads? How do they read? #e-books #audiobooks

Seventy-five percent of Americans sixteen and older, according to a Pew Internet survey, said they've read a book in 2012.  That's a decrease of three percent from 2011.  Eighty-nine percent of the readers said they read a print book.  Thirty percent of the readers said they read an e-book.  Seventeen percent said they listened to an audio book. (According to the survey, readers read a median of six books.)

What does it all mean?

To me, it means that if you want to reach readers, you have to have your book available in multiple formats.  As technology continues to advance, and readers purchase more smart devices, we -- authors -- risk the possibility of losing, or not even attracting some readers, if they can't get our books the way they want to receive them.

We've all heard about print vs e-books for years.  But, I think what surprised me about this survey was the increase in audio books (increased from thirteen percent to seventeen percent.) As our schedules get tighter, and time becomes more precious, will audio books be the new trend?

I still love curling up with a good book (print or e-book.)

What do you think?

(If you want to read more about this survey check out http://libraries.pewinternet.org.)

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

E-book borrowing? #libraries

I read something, recently, that said there was an increase in e-book borrowing from libraries of two percent over last year (increase from three percent to five percent.)  There was also an increase in the amount of people who were aware that libraries allowed e-book borrowing.  I have to admit, I was one of those who only recently became aware that the bugs had been worked out, and that it could be done effectively.

Libraries have always been one of my favorite places.  I love being surrounded by the history and adventure.  But, I guess it seems a little odd to me (an e-book reader owner) that libraries allow the borrowing of e-books.  In all fairness, I have to admit that I also find it weird that Amazon allows returns on e-book purchases.

I don't know why I feel there's a difference between e-book borrowing and print book borrowing, but I do.

But, I would never want to see libraries die.  If e-book borrowing helps save libraries, I'd prefer libraries allow borrowing to Amazon e-book return policy.

What do you think?


Saturday, June 1, 2013

Coffee, tea, and a book by me

Visit the books section of my website to read an excerpt from one of my books!


DerailedWhen you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, TN, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself before he loses everything.

Love All Over MeTamara Blanden blames herself for the loss of her one true love. Hidden away from life, she lives only to see him again.

Jerome Blanden couldn’t let go of his love, even in death. Because of him…his selfishness, she’d lost so much time. Time he couldn’t give back. But, he could change everything.

Michael Armstrong didn’t believe in a lot of things anymore.  What was happening to him now couldn’t be real.  How was any of it possible?




He’d sat on top of the world… the perfect woman, a daughter, and a job that made his father proud. Now, Kendis was divorced, and his daughter wasn’t really his. At least, he has a good job…at Brady and Associates, the firm that sends him to Maryland for their client, Eastover. Eastover, one of Maryland’s largest commercial real estate developers, is on a mission to take over older, outdated malls.

She’d been through the wringer in her personal life, and now LaKia thinks the only thing she can control is her career as Marketing Director for a small commercial real estate company. She’d always wanted marriage and children like her best friend has… but she’s given up on ever finding her own Mr. Right.

Until Kendis. He gave her everything, and she gave it right back.


Christmas Davis wanted to give something back to the community she loved.  But, that opportunity was lost to her.  Although won by another, would his ambitions allow him to help those in need?

Presley Marino knew she might say no, but she was the only person he wanted.  Together, they could change things in the hometown they both loved.  That part would be easy, but convincing her and his brother wouldn’t.

Would they allow an uneasy history to silence a need for change, or would they force a new beginning?


When you lose everything you love, how are you supposed to believe it won’t happen again?

The knife at her throat didn’t frighten Scarlet Anderson.  In fact, it was a relief.  Finally, she didn’t have to worry any longer about living another empty day.  She’d be reunited with the ones she loved.

Joshua Davis had faced a lot of challenges in his life, his faith and the love of his family had seen him through his latest battles.  But…no person could help him now.  How had he managed to fall in love with someone who’d stopped loving herself?  And what was he supposed to do?


For her employees, Victoria James quits her job to save theirs.  That decision loses her the man she thought she loved.  And sends her back to Memphis, TN with everything she owns to face a neglected and forgotten relationship with her grandfather.

Everything she has is stolen.  Chad Kirkpatrick, her childhood love, the first man to break her heart, now a police officer, comes to her aide.

Can she move forward, and put her past behind her?  Will Chad forgive her?



Love's ChanceTo pay back her parents and prevent the loss of their family business, Sinclair Mosley leaves her family and friends behind. Pennsylvania doesn’t welcome her with open arms, but Chance O’Malley does. At the risk of losing everything that brought her to Pennsylvania, including her family’s restaurant, Sinclair must decide if she’s willing to take a chance on love.






Sex, liquor, and men are not always a good thing.  Kelly Ann Mitchell discovers this the hard way.  One night of confusion, and misplaced trust result in a mistake she can’t take back.  Forced to make a choice, she chooses the only thing she can live with which changes her life, and the lives of everyone around her forever.

Charles Mitchell failed his family, his daughter, once.  He’s determined not to do it again.  Jerry Harte must pay for what he’s done, and Charles will be the one to make sure he does.

Monday, May 27, 2013

When you visit Memphis, TN, you have to...

...eat!


Memphis in May is coming to a close, but when you visit Memphis, you have to check out some of my favorite places.

Flight – this restaurant is one of the best date spots in Memphis. There’s an outdoor patio, if you want to sit and watch the sights and sounds of Beale Street.  The bar area is small, which adds to the intimacy of the small restaurant.  There are two levels, but it’s not a huge spacious building.

The menu. Delicious.  Elk.  Quail. Seafood.  There are plenty of choices. And, of course, there’s wine.  To top it all off, you can order tapas style, if you prefer!

Alchemy – I guess I’d call it an upscale bar.  It’s large with plenty of room to mix and mingle.  There’s music piped through, great drinks, and wonderful food.  You can pull up a chair at the bar, or be seated in any of the other areas of the bar.  It’s trendy and fun. 

Bhan Thai – Thai food, live music, and great people.  Whenever I have a friend come to town, I have to take them to Bhan Thai.  Crispy duck and a glass of wine while sitting on the patio listening to live music…it can’t get any better!

Now, when you come to my hometown, you’ll know a few places to visit.  And this doesn’t even begin to touch the barbecue.  That one is easy to find.  You only have to follow your nose.  I swear the air is perfumed with the scents of cinnamon, hickory, honey, and spice all year long J

Thursday, May 23, 2013

What does the future look like?


While meeting over coffee with some friends the other day, the subject of a dystopian vs utopian future came up.  It was suggested that maybe one of the reasons people write the dystopian future is because it’s easier.

Then and now, I think I might agree with that.  Because even if on the surface you write a utopian world, by the time you drill down, there would have to be something happening to make it so.  I mean what qualifies as “perfect”? And how can it be perfect for everyone? 

It can’t can it?

With the success of TV shows and movies showing the struggle to survive, it would appear that there are a lot of people that prefer the dystopian tale.  But, I have to admit, I seem to be getting tired of it.  I also am tired of the young adult angle.  Why is it that the adults always seem so clueless?

I don’t write science fiction, so I haven’t attempted to write a futuristic tale, but as I sit and wonder what my story would look like, I can’t say I know.  Would it be based around children saving the world? Or, would there be one “all knowing” character leading the rest? Or, would we simply pick ourselves up brush ourselves off?

Maybe that’s what the dystopian world shows?

What do you think?

Monday, May 20, 2013

#BookReview - The Vampire, The Witch, and The Werewolf by @Louisabacio

I picked this book up at RT 2012.  One of the many things that comes from exhibiting at RT is that you meet great authors.  Louisa Bacio was one of the many authors that sat near me during the exhibit.

The longer she and I sat and talked the more I became intrigued about her writing and her books.  I can't tell you why this book captured my interest because I don't read much Erotica or Erotic Romance.  And books that feature threesomes never really draw my attention.

This book surprised me because of the romance.  Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of sex :-)  But, the sex fits the story, and you saw the closeness of the relationship between all of the characters grow with each encounter.

The story is set in New Orleans and the author uses New Orleans to bring in every supernatural creature: ghosts, demons, Voodoo priestesses, and of course, witches, vampires, and werewolves.  (Sometimes it seemed like creatures made appearances just because it was New Orleans, but hey, it's New Orleans.)

I enjoyed the story.  I think the story builds to a gradual climax, and then she tosses you right on over the cliff as the story winds up pretty quickly.

I would've loved to have seen Lilly learn how to use and control her powers.  I guess it's cliche, but the heroine, Lily, kind of went from not knowing who she was to knowing and quickly accepting it to knowing how to control and use the powers that grew inside of her.

My heart felt for Trevor, the werewolf, he seemed so torn and and lost, and so deserving of true love.  Lawrence, is your typical Alpha.  The three of these characters fit well together.

I'd love to know more about Lily's father, Trevor's sister.   And will there ever be a baby?



Sunday, April 21, 2013

@ShewandaP discusses character redemption with @AngelaKayAustin

This week Shewanda Pugh joins me to discuss her second installment in the "Crimson Footprints" series. Book two, "Crimson Footprints II" is the story of a secondary character that many of her readers didn't necessarily like in the first book.

I think this is something that many authors deal with.  You have a character that intrigues you, but you don't think readers will like that character, or you know they won't.  How do you treat that story?  Do you write it?

Join me and Shewanda Pugh at Romancing the Pen, to find out more about how she tackled  this situation.



Saturday, April 20, 2013

#BookReview - A Perfect Darkness by @JamieRush

Yes, I've discovered a new series! Love it when I don't have to wait for the next book to release :-)

This book made me think of some of my favorite scifi TV shows and movies as I read it.

Amy Shane and Lucas Vanderwyck our heroine and hero in "A Perfect Darkness," are twenty-somethings and the offspring of parents who were part of an American CIA psychic program gone horribly wrong.

Amy Shane is the "typical" twenty-something loner type.  She makes her living working on computers hidden away from the world, until Lucas.

Lucas Vanderwyck stumbled on a secret because of his best friend/brother.  None of them knew what they were in for, but now that they're in it, they have to fight or die.

What I think I enjoyed most about this book was the way the love grew between Amy and Lucas.  She loved him through his art, his friends, and her dreams.  Awesome!

Lucas broke his promise to himself.  Trying to save her, he involved her in something he only partially understood.

Together with their friends, they begin to put together the puzzle pieces of their pasts.

Jaime did a great job with pulling me in and keeping me interested.  The characters were probably a little young for me.  (I'm not a super YA fan, and although this was not YA, the characters are young.)  But, I will read Eric and Petra's stories!




Monday, April 15, 2013

@authorvwj joins @AngelaKayAustin with a message for all writers

This week on Romancing the Pen, author Victoria Warren Jackson shares a message for authors everywhere!


Blurb:
Desiree and Shanna are sisters. They both lived similar lives, but Desiree becomes infected with HIV. With two children, a caring sister, a supportive mother, and a new boyfriend, Desiree’s world could be perfect. The fear of dying from AIDS stands in the way of Desiree’s happiness. For Shanna, life will never be the same.

Join us this week at Romancing the Pen!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Did you miss my @MFRW_ORG @blogtalkradio interview with @ChantaRand?

It was such a pleasure to interview Chanta Rand!  It was interesting to talk with a woman who writes historical and contemporary fiction with excitement and passion.

I kick myself for not asking Chanta what it feels like to be part of a creative husband/wife team.  She writes and her husband is a photographer.  Obviously, from the beautiful covers he's done for her, a great one.  And he has to be an incredibly secure and strong man.  If you want to know why, take a look at some of the covers he's done for her: www.ChantaRand.com.

If you missed the interview, listen to it on blogtalkradio.com. Or, click on the link below.





Listen to internet radio with Marketing for Romance Writers on Blog Talk Radio

Monday, April 1, 2013

Have you visited my youtube channel lately?




 For more book trailers, visit my Youtube channel!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Marie Laval discusses the perfect hero

Who is my perfect hero?  I don't know.  I think as I've matured, my hero has grown and developed with me.  There once was a time when nothing mattered, but whether he was tall, dark, and handsome :-)  Now, I have as much or more of an attraction to a man whose mind is as interesting as his physique.

My own heroes mimic this.  They "feed" both their mind and bodies.

Marie discusses with me how important the eyes of her hero are to her.  How her ability to daydream about him brings him to life.

Join us this week at Romancing the Pen, and tell us what you think.


THE LION’S EMBRACE by Marie Laval

Blurb

Arrogant, selfish and dangerous, Lucas Saintclair is everything Harriet Montague dislikes in a man. He is also the best guide in the whole of the Barbary States, the only man who can rescue her archaeologist father from the gang of Tuareg fighters that has kidnapped him. As Harriet embarks on a perilous journey across Algeria with Saintclair and Archibald Drake, her father’s most trusted friend, she discovers a bewitching but brutal land where nothing is what it seems. Who are these men intent on stealing her father’s ransom? What was her father hoping to find in Tuareg queen Tin Hinan’s tomb? Is Lucas Saintclair really as callous as he claims—or is he a man haunted by a past he cannot forgive? Dangerous passions engulf Harriet’s heart in the heat of the Sahara. Secrets of lost treasures, rebel fighters, and a sinister criminal brotherhood threaten her life and the life of the man she loves.

Does forever lie in the lion’s embrace?



Wednesday, March 20, 2013

#BookReview - Wicked Nights by @genashowalter

I've read books by Gena before, but it's been a while since I picked up anything.

The cover of this book stopped me in the store!  Walking through the aisles searching for something by one of my other favorite authors, I literally stopped when I saw the cover.

The way the woman is holding onto the man made my heart melt.  And the way he uses both is body and his wings to protect her makes me jealous :-)

I may be the only person in the world who hasn't read Gena's Lords of the Underworld series, so I knew nothing of Zacharel.  Immediately, I was interested in this man.  Because he seemed so alone.  You cared about him and his losses.  You cared for the team that he was charged with leading.  All of them equally broken and damaged in their own way.

Annabelle Miller, the heroine, again so alone in everything.  And to add to it, she's been locked away in an institution and drugged for years for a crime she didn't commit.

When I began the book, I thought, I know where this is going.  But, I'll stay on the ride.

Gena surprised me.  She'd dropped little clues, but I didn't catch one of them until she did the big reveal at the end!

And when she did, my heart opened up even more for Zacharel.

This book was not what I expected.  It had many elements we're all familiar with: alpha male, damsel in distress, angels and demons.  But, Gena used them slightly differently than I expected.

When I finished this book, I sat and thought about it.  If I were to have been in Zacharel's position, what choice would I have made, if tested in the same way?  Honestly, I don't think I would've made the same choice.  Guilt would've utterly consumed me.

If you are looking for a good read that has heart, action, and one or two surprises, this one will do it for you.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

My appearance on So Dream Something with @KenLaSalle

Ken LaSalle invited me to be a guest on his podcast, So Dream Something.  When he first told me that we'd be speaking for ninety minutes, I didn't think I wanted to do it.  What on earth do I have to talk about for ninety minutes.

Fast forward to today, and well, I think I could've kept talking!  It was such fun.  I hope that you guys will tune in and listen.  If you are an iTunes junkie like me, then you can download it and listen, or you can click below.

So Dream Something

Also, you can check out Ken's website, and listen to some of his other guests.

Ken's also been my guest on Romancing the Pen.  Take a look at some of what he had to share with me about his own writing career.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Book signing @ The Booksellers at Laurelwood

I hope that you all will come meet me and my friends at The Booksellers at Laurelwood located in Memphis, TN.  I will be joined by three local authors: Laura T. Johnson, Roger Bethel, and Scarlett.  We'll read from our latest works and have a giveaway!



If you have read any of my books, bring it with you, and I'll autograph it!

We'll sign and speak from 2:00 P.M. CST - 3:00 P.M. CST.

For more information on The Booksellers at Laurelwood, click here.



Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Series TV -- love it or hate it?

I always say that I don't watch much television.  I should modify that to say, I don't watch much series TV.  I love movies, and lately I've become addicted to Netflix, and watch movies on everything, including my smart phone.

But, gremlins have crept into my brain, and snatched it.  I'm hooked on: "The Walking Dead," "The Following," and reruns of "The Big Bang Theory."

Can somebody anybody tell me why?  What's happened to me?

"The Walking Dead"!  Zombies, really.  Rotting, slow walking, munching on my flesh zombies!  I watch this show, and I hate to be interrupted while I'm watching it.  I don't like to take phone calls during any of my shows, unless you're watching it, too. :-)

I can't even say that I know the characters' names, but the little boy in "The Walking Dead" breaks my heart every time I watch it.  I hate that he's facing such struggles.  Then, I think, people face crazy hard struggles every day.  And to be slapped with children dealing with it, it makes me want to wrap them all up in some magical something that will protect them.  When you make it zombies, the battle seems easier.  You hide, fight, and kill.  But, in life it's not so easy.

"The Following" is a little different.  I'm torn.  I both love and hate the show.  I feel a little like I'm watching a night-time soap opera because of the way the show ends every week.  But, I love the battle with the Joe.  Who doesn't love Kevin Bacon?  It's great to see him again, but I am going to need to see him have  win soon, or I might have to stop watching.

"The Big Bang Theory" why did I catch onto this show so late?!  It's great.  I love Sheldon's innocence.  The whole cast of characters keeps me laughing, and they take my mind off my own worries.  It's is truly escapism into light-hearted, unoffensive humor.  Love it!

My dvr is going to make me so so happy in the future!  And my Netflix account :-)

What are you guys watching?

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Chatting with J.T. Seate


Join me and J.T. as we discuss his release "Connor House" from MuseItUp Publishing.


"Connor House" follows the lives of two sisters living in the Washinington DC area shortly after the Civil War. The death of one of their daughters is an unspeakable tragedy, but the loss does not necessarily mean the end, especially within "Connor House."

To read an excerpt, visit Romancing the Pen!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Derailed is now available!

I'm excited!  "Derailed" is my homage to women military vets.  Most of you know by now that many members of my family have served in the military.  Primarily the men of my family.  I think that along with a lot of news broadcasts highlighting the plight of women vets and the differences between the needs of women and men made me wonder what happens to our women in the military.

I watched interviews, read a ton of news stories, and the end results became what is now "Derailed."

Now that women have been given permission to be in the "combat" zones of war, I think the struggles and battles of women post-war will become even more important.  (Most of the men and women vets I've spoken with all believe that women have been on the front-lines during every war.  They just weren't being paid for it.)

Women, like men, face homelessness, joblessness, single parent issues when they are no longer on active duty.  But, the "root" cause of the battles women struggle against are not always the mirror image of men.

"Derailed" is my short story that tells one possibility.



Blurb:  When you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, TN, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself before he loses everything.


Read and excerpt on my website: Derailed excerpt.

Friday, March 8, 2013

New trailer for Derailed

"Derailed" is now available!



Blurb:  When you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, TN, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself before he loses everything.






Purchase your copy today!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Women History Month at Cornelia Crenshaw Library

Cornelia Crenshaw Library opened in 1939, and was the first library in Memphis, TN to allow African-Americans access.  Allowing African-Americans to walk through the doors and read.  As a native Memphian, this fact makes me leap at the chance to do as much as possible with and for this special branch.

March 9, 2013, I will join other panelist to speak on issues facing women in today's society.  I'll be joined by other authors, community leaders, and hopefully -- you!

To find out more about the program, and Cornelia Crenshaw Library, click here.

I hope you will join us!




Sunday, March 3, 2013

Chatting with William Auch

This week, I'm chatting with William Auch about his new release, "Love in Provence."


BLURB:  
When John Martin is forced to sell his tech company, he decides to take a six-month vacation to the south of France.

When he meets Madame Garcin, her daughter Sophie, and her granddaughter Isabelle, his life is changed forever.   What began as a long vacation becomes a journey of self-discovery marked by love, loss, and tragedy.  

He is molded by this family of three generations of women, tempered by tragedy themselves, in ways that he could never have imagined.

William is also giving away a $25 gift certificate! Join us at Romancing the Pen to find out more details about how to win.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Coming Soon from Angela Kay Austin


COMING SOON!



When you’re given away by the people who are supposed to love you forever, it makes it hard to believe love and family really exist.

JoAn Fentress thought the military would take care of her in the way her family never did, but that didn’t happen.  Homeless on the streets of Memphis, TN, she walked through the only open door she could find, and it changed her life.

Jeremy Hooks needed only to smile, and the world gave him whatever he asked of it.  Eventually, people stop partying, right…at least when they’re threatened.  He has one more chance to prove himself before he loses everything.