Blog Tour - Face The Music by Andrea K. Robbins | Guest Post, Review/Spreading the Word, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Andrea K. Robbins, who is talking about which part of her novel was her favorite part to write about!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! Check out more stops for this Blog Tour by clicking here! [Blog Tour will run from March 18 - 29, 2013]

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Which Part of "Face The Music" was your Favorite Part to Write & Why? :

The first draft was so exciting. I didn’t care about commas or spelling. Didn’t worry about sequence or style or format. My purpose was to tell a story. I got to dream up new scenes and script conversations. It was like I was watching a movie in my head, piece by piece, and frantically trying to get all the details down before they were forgotten. It was FUN!

The editing was a lot of work, but, in the end, rewarding. I tend to be a perfectionist, at least with my writing, and I’d read and re-read the same sentence ten times, tweak it a bit, maybe change it back to the way it was, and then move on to the next. There were several times I’d put the manuscript away and take a long hiatus before going back through it again. When I finally decided to self publish, I had to create a deadline and make myself stop. Otherwise, I’d probably still be tweaking it!

My favorite part, though, has been happening since I published. I love reading reader comments and reviews and am so happy that they love my characters as much as I do.

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About the Author :

Born and raised in eastern Missouri, Andrea K. Robbins is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and Idaho State University and hold degrees in Human Nutrition, Biological Sciences, and Secondary Education. She currently resides in southern Idaho with her husband and two young daughters and enjoys teaching Jr. and High School science and health classes at a local school district. Robbins is also working toward her Masters degree in Science Education through Montana State University. When not working, she can be found spending time with her family or getting lost in a sappy love story.

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Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 601 KB | Release Date: June 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"Face The Music" by Andrea K. Robbins

Author's Book Description : After losing her mother in a tragic accident, Allison Banks takes on the sole responsibility of caring for her little sister, her young niece, and her disabled grandmother. When her long-term boyfriend walks out, offering little in the way of explanation, Allison is left totally confused and utterly heartbroken. To cope, the 24-year-old closes herself off to any serious relationships and dives into her work as a graduate student.

Needing the extra income, Allison takes a job for the hot, new, reality TV show, Superstardom. Captivated by the competition’s front-runner, the mysterious and sexy singer, Chris Knots, Allison dismisses her attraction as nothing more than a silly, school-girl crush. But, when the hunky performer reveals an interest of his own, Allison must work through her reservations and decide if there’s room in her life for something more.

My Book Review (edited version - on March 2013) : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a thought provoking take on the reality singing show world that kept my attention wrapped while having me rooting for Allie and Chris the whole way!! I am surprised to say that since Allie mostly annoyed me throughout this novel, because of how she doesn't commit until the last minute, I enjoyed the novel as much as I did. Yet with that being said, I understood that all her problems about committing to Chris (or anyone for that matter) because of how badly burned she was before and afraid of any heartache happening again for her.

As I pushed on, I could feel myself growing to love her close-knit group of friends and family! It turns into a very sweet moving romance story that I could not put down. And I'm sooo happy about whom Jake ends up with since I was hoping that from the beginning!!

Overall, I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances, especially ones where the main male character is a hot singer!! [Read more of Jess' Review and 3 Teasers for this novel HERE!]

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Face the Music | Welcome to Small Business Saturday/Week | Giveaway Winners from my Small Business Saturday/Week Contests | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : We Aim to Please | Face Lift | A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Andrea, then please check her out on the Goodreads' website.

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Giveaways!! :

• An E-book copy of "Face The Music" to ONE randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

The Fine Print -- To Enter :

1. This contest ends on March 29th 2013.
2. This contest is International!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

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Find Andrea K. Robbins :

• Goodreads
• Smashwords
• Andrea K. Robbins - Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Face The Music : Goodreads | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | iBook | Sony | Kobo

Feasted On: Oh, Canada!/Big City Pack Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 158 KB | Release Date: April 2011 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Ellora's Cave

"The Canuck Werewolf" [Oh, Canada!/Big City Pack Series, Book 1] by Marisa Chenery

My Book Summary : Rylee gets roped in by her mother to take her younger teenage brother and two of his friends camping during the Victoria Day long weekend. It doesn't start out as a great trip for her and she begins to have a feeling that it's just going get worse. That is until she meets Atticus and falls head over heels for him instantly. If only his ex-girlfriend didn't happen to follow him to the same campground they are at trying to win him back, otherwise things might just be perfect.

That is if she can handle his secret too...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars--a werewolf finds his mate while trying to get away from domineering father/pack leader and greedy ex-girlfriends. Even though I'm not completely happy with how Rylee first handled the whole "werewolf" situation, yet it was somewhat understandable given her circumstances, I did like how everything quickly came back together for Atticus and her. Their quick romance is spicy and sweet to read about. I really liked how Atticus handles his "mating urge" and explanation to Rylee (his mate) a whole lot better than Roan did to his own mate in "Roan's Fall."

I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick paranormal romance that is slightly erotic.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Roan's Fall

Author's Novel Extras : The Canuck Werewolf Excerpt | A New Contract | New Cover and Contract | The Canuck Werewolf’s Release Date | The Canuck Werewolf Now Out

Author's Series Extras : New Contracts | Werewolf’s Treasure Release Date | New Cover and Release Date | Werewolf’s Treasure Now Released | New Contract | Werewolf Claimed Release Date | Werewolf Claimed Released | New Contract | Big City Pack News | New Release Date | New Release and Contract | New Print Book | Big City Pack Trade Paperback Released

Book Teaser(s) :

The teenage male, she sometimes thought, became retarded once puberty set in. ~ within Chapter 1

“Atticus,” she said on a whimpered moan.
He lifted his head and said loud enough to wake her, “I’m right here, Rylee.”
She jerked and her eyes fluttered open. “Atticus?”
“It’s me.”
“What the hell do you th—”
He cut her off by turning her head his way and sealing her lips with his. They remained stiff, but eventually softened as he licked and sucked, not backing down. Angling his mouth for a tighter fit, he stroked his tongue along the seam of her lips. Much to his pleasure, Rylee opened, giving him access to fully taste her. Their tongues met, twining, tasting. ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Marisa, then please check out her website.

Idolizing In: The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 9

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 384; Kindle Edition - File Size: 572 KB | Expected Release Date: February 5, 2013 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Wildcat" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 9] by Cheryl Brooks (aka Samantha R. Michaels)

My Book Summary : Even though Jerden was named the hottest hunk in the galaxy by the Damenk Tribune ever since Audrey, Jerden's sexual "fluffer," was murdered he has become a recluse and has stayed hidden from everyone as much as possible. That is until Sara's horse winds up on his property and she comes into his life planning on getting him back. After they come to an agreement about "sharing" her horse, they quickly find that their attraction to one another is creating a bond that makes them want to be around each other more than they would have ever expected. However, while their relationship goes from nonexistent to steamy, old enemies find a way of showing up in the most unexpected ways in hopes of coming between them for good. Will their enemies succeed? Or will Sara and Jerden find that protecting each other is the one thing they'll never have to worry about?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! This is the best novel of Ms. Brooks' Cat Star Chronicles thus far!! I could not get enough of Sara and Jerden!! Reading about their personal tragedies and how they worked together to get over their fears was heartwarming and very erotic. =0)

Yet, the novel's plot flowed wonderfully from beginning to end. Very well written. Plus, I enjoyed getting updates on Tarq, Lucy, Jack, Cat, Bonnie, Lynx, Dax, Ava, and all of their families!! Also, I can't wait to read Onca's novel "Rascal" coming out around February 2014!!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys some spicy sci-fi romantic erotica!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 4 | Book 8 | Book 7

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : End of the year 2010 Update | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Stud | Liebster Blog Award - 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Teaser Tuesdays: Wildcat

Author's Novel Extras : - The following blog links you are about to view may contain content only suitable for adults. - Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Whopping Wildcat Weasel Wednesday! | Friday Fun! | Sunday's Hunk of the Day! | Wildcats and Monday Moons! | Thursday Thoughts | Thursday Thoughts | Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate, and...Recover? | Friday Fun! | Saturday's Hunk of the Day! | To moon or not to moon... | Friday Fun! | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Thursday Thoughts | Let it snow? | Thursday Thoughts | Wet Friday Fun! | Saturday's Hunk of the Day! | Friday Fun! | Friday Fun! | Monday Moons! | Wildcat Launch Party and Giveaway! | Tasty Tuesday Wildcat Szechaun Shrimp and Vegetables! | Whopping Weasel Giveaway! | Tasty Tuesday Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake! | Whopping Weasel Wednesday Chat! | Thursday Thoughts | Tasty Tuesday Jambalaya! | Wildcat Giveaway Extravaganza! | Friday Fun!

Author's Series Extras : - The following blog links you are about to view may contain content only suitable for adults. - Yummydoodle Week Begins....on a Thursday? | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Thursday Thoughts | Whopping Weasel Virgin? | Monday Moons and Ramblings | Blue Monday Moons | Thursday Thoughts | Thursday Thoughts | Thursday Thoughts | Tattooed Monday Moons! | Thursday Thoughts | Monday Moons! | Thursday Thoughts | Virgin's Release Day! | Thursday Thoughts | Launch Party! | Monday Moons! | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Thursday Thoughts | Thursday Thoughts | Friday Fun! | Beginnings and Endings | Wet Monday Moons! | Hot, Hot, HOT? | Rascally Monday Moons! | Thursday Thoughts | The Next Big Thing! | Friday Fun! | Monday Moons! | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Wet Monday Moons! | Thursday Thoughts

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 2

It was almost as though their souls had touched.
She shook her head, banishing the thought. Souls didn't touch or connect or any of the mumbo jumbo mystical nonsense that people wrote sonnets about. It simply didn't happen. It was a trick of the moonlight, or a feeling of compassion, no more.
That's what Ebenezer Scrooge thought.
Sara stomped her foot in protest. "I am not being visited by ghosts. And I am not like Scrooge. Besides, that was fiction."
If there was one thing Sara prided herself upon, it was being firmly grounded in reality. There was a simple, rational, logical explanation for everything. Granted, there were aliens with strange powers, but those abilities were natural for them. In Sara's opinion, humans who claimed to have supernatural talents were just plain lying. ~ within Chapter 4

Jerden had never been one to experience performance anxiety, but he was beginning to understand why many men did. The whole what if my dick doesn't work horror was enough to make any man's cock deflate.
He almost laughed out load. A Zetithian was performance anxiety? Too funny.
Particularly in Jerden's case. He'd been voted the best fuck on Rhylos three years straight. Still, with that kind of reputation to live up to, it was perfectly understandable for a guy to be a little nervous around a woman like Sara. ~ within Chapter 16

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cheryl, then please check out her website.

Teaser Tuesdays: Wildcat

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Wildcat" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 9] by Cheryl Brooks

Book Teaser:

"That Katy mare is so ready, one touch made my tongue hard." Sara rolled her eyes. She'd long since learned to ignore Reutal's sexual remarks---and because a Norludian male's tongue did double duty as his sex organ, this comment was definitely sexual.
"Thanks, Reutal, but a simple 'she's in season' would've done."
In the three years he'd worked for Sara, the horses had stepped on Reutal's flipper-like feet so many times, it was a wonder he could walk. However, he had the uncanny knack of being able to simply touch a finger to a mare's lip and know when she was in estrus, which made him a very handy fellow to have on a breeding farm. He could also predict almost to the minute when a mare would foal. Unfortunately, he also liked to sample the "essence" of other females, and the fact that Norludians rarely wore clothing was disturbing to more people.
"Still true," Reutal insisted with a cheeky grin. "Can't lie to the boss." ~ within Chapter 2

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 4 | Book 8 | Book 7

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : End of the year 2010 Update | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Stud | Liebster Blog Award - 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Disappointmentville: Roxie's Protectors Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 197 KB | Release Date: October 2009 | Publisher: Liquid Silver Books | Obtained: Liquid Silver Books

"Roan's Fall" [Roxie's Protectors Series, Book 1] by Marisa Chenery

My Book Summary : After 1,000 years, Roan finally finds his mate while being Roxie's bodyguard during her hair salon appointment. It should be a wonderful occasion during normal circumstances but Roan finds that his new mate, Ansley, is mortal so he's nervous about scaring her off but coming on to strong and mating her before he can admit to her everything she needs to know. The only trouble now is that every time he tries to tell her his big secret one thing leads to another and talking is the last thing that they end up doing. Will Roan find a way to make everything right and Ansley feel intrigued by his secrets? Or will he need Roxie to help dig him out of the mess he makes?

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. A guy finds his mate but is unsure of how to tell her that he's a werewolf.

I really wanted to like this novel. The beginning was cute but after that, the plot really doesn't go anywhere. I wish the characters had more depth, I suppose. As well, I wish that Ansley's shyness didn't make her seem as weak as she appears to be.

I don't recommend this novel but I'm curious see where this series will go since Roan's pack of unmated brothers seemed interesting. =0)

Author's Novel Extras : Roan's Fall Excerpt | My New Cover | Roan’s Fall Release Date | Marissa Chenery Interview | Roan’s Fall is out | Roan’s Fall is a bestseller | I’m A Lories Finalist


Author's Series Extras : Cover for His She-Wolf Warrior | A New Contract | Another Book Sold | Another Best Seller | Another Liquid Silver Book’s Contract | One More Cover | Jager’s Mate Release Date | Jager’s Mate Was Released | Another Contract | Leif’s Surrender Cover | Leif’s Surrender Release Date | Leif’s Surrender is now out | Two New Contracts | A New Contract | Skylar’s Devotion Release Date | Skylar’s Devotion Now Out | A New Contract | Publisher Change | Three New Covers and a Release Date | Kye’s Heart Now Out | New Contract | Dirk’s Love Now Out | New Covers | New Release & Changed Release Date | New Print Book | Miles’s Redemption Now Out

Book Teaser(s) :

With all these hunky men around her, she had a hard time not staring at each of them. They all looked as if they had walked off a cover of a romance novel. Each one of them exuded confidence and sex appeal. She doubted any of them had trouble getting a woman. Not that she was interested in Roan’s brothers in that way. Roan’s good looks attracted her more than his brothers’ did.
Noticing the room had gone completely silent, Ansley looked at the men who stood around her. From the scowl on Roan’s face, she realized she had been caught staring. She gave him a sheepish smile. “Hey, as long as they’re here I’m going look. I’m not dead you know.” Ansley cringed when the last word left her mouth. That hadn’t exactly been smart to tell the man she’d just slept with that she had been ogling his brothers. Her cursed mouth had done it again. ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Marisa, then please check out her website.

Dear Small Business Saturday/Week Contest Winners ...

Hi Ladies .... I just wanted to take this moment to say I'm sooo sorry!! I know it is now about 3 months past the date that I announced you as the winners but money's been tight and I didn't plan out everything like I had hoped. But I never forgot about you!

Anyway ... I just wanted to say again sorry for the delay but your books are now on their way to you!!


I hope you'll like them, still, once you receive them. *hahaa* =0)

Best regards, Jess

Made the Grade: Hybrid Misfit by Eve Langlais

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 340 KB | Release Date: May 2011 | Publisher: Liquid Silver Books | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Hybrid Misfit" by Eve Langlais

My Book Summary : Beth (Trixi) is what she likes to call a hybrid misfit. She was born human but when she was young, she was diagnosed with leukemia and after a few years of nothing working her parents signed her up for some experimental treatments that turned her into what she is today .... however, even though she now understands her duel natures she has no idea as to what she actually is. =0/ But over the years she has found away to survive on her own and now she'll do whatever it takes to make sure she'll make it through whatever comes her way.

If only she can stand up against the Army of Light and the Legion of Darkness then everything may work out for her, and if her new lovers have anything to say about it, she will beat them all...

My Book Review : THIS BOOK WAS A REREAD:: Then (July 2011): 3 out of 5 stars | Now (March 2013): 3.5 out of 5 stars!! Beth, Simon, and Gene are a match mate in ... well not heaven but definitely in limbo! =0)

This novel was spicy, thrilling, and funny the whole way through. I liked the mystery (at first) about learning Simon's nature. Then reading about Beth's "girl power" tendencies made you cheer for her throughout the novel. In addition, I enjoyed learning Gene's mystic ways and flirtatious personality! Very entertaining!

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys quirky paranormal erotic romances!

- On a side note -
I wish/hope Ms. Langlais will write novel/novellas about Beth's best friends, Lana & Claire, since this novel talks a lot about them but doesn't let you know what their up to after the big battle at all.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Bunny And The Bear

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Feasted On: Ridgeville Series, Book 5

Author's Novel Extras : Hybrid Misfit Excerpt | Let’s see who’s paying attention...

Book Teaser(s) :

“But they’re vampires?” Lana said, her eyes narrowing. “So who was nuts enough to jump in and help you? Or should I say what?”
“Well, I never did find out what Simon was, although I do guarantee he’s not human.” That got the girls bouncing in excitement.
“Is he hot?”
“Does he have a brother?”
I laughed at their reaction. “He is drop dead gorgeous and built like an ox. And while I didn’t find out if he had a brother, he does have a friend who’s a genie.”
Claire squealed and Lana leaned forward eagerly. “This I need to hear about.”
I told them about waking up at Simon’s place and meeting Gene. They giggled when they learned about his actual bottle. They sighed over my description of both men. And exclaimed when they heard how I’d gotten home with magically produced donuts.
Lana held her donut in front of her and eyed it suspiciously. Shrugging, she took a bite. “Damn, for a magic donut, it sure tastes good.” ~ within Chapter 3

“We have reservations,” Simon said tugging me forward to stand before the podium which had a thick book open on top.
“Your name?” asked the lizard thing with what I could have sworn was a sneer.
I’m not sure what Simon did behind me, but the maître d’ recoiled and adopted a more servile expression. “Of course, sir. Sorry for not recognizing you. Please, follow me.”
We followed the lizard man—who, to my amusement, had a tail sticking out of the back of his pants. We passed dozens of tables, partially hidden in shadows, but not dark enough for me to not realize that most of the patrons weren’t descended from Adam and Eve. I recognized some species—like the dwarves with their big beards and short, stocky stature. There were some fairies with gossamer wings whose sizes ranged from Thumbelina to human sized. The one eyed scary dude was, if I remembered my mythology correctly, a Cyclops. And at the sight of a bright blue demon, I clutched tightly at Simon’s arm.
He followed my gaze and patted my hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. We’ll explain it in a second.”
His words made my eyes widen, because I immediately grasped the implication. “You’re using me as bait,” I hissed. I’d actually contemplated doing that and it was part of the plan I’d meant to broach over dinner. It annoyed me that they’d acted without consulting me first, even if I’d had the some thought.
“I prefer the term ‘showing you off,’” Gene replied as we arrived at our table and he pulled out a chair for me. ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Eve, then please check out her website.