Trial Of Love

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting the lovely Christina OW.  She's stopping by the blog to share with us a little bit about her latest novel, Trial Of Love, as well as a little bit about herself and a giveaway.  Enjoy!

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Trial Of Love, a turbulent love story about a slave from America and the Earl who saved her from a fate worse than death.

Blurb

 After her mother’s death, Melanie’s life in America is full of heartache. Still, she has never allowed herself to despair. She was responsible for the care of her beloved father. Then he remarried a woman to wicked to be considered a mother to Melanie or her two sisters. After years of abuse, the stepmother sells Melanie off—to work in a brothel, and about to be sold to the highest bidder. Through a series of fortuitous events, Melanie falls into the care of Christopher, Earl of Ashworth, who has family issues of her own. The solution to his problems—and redemption for Melanie—wind together toward destiny.

Christina OW writes suspense, thrillers, erotica, interracial and multicultural romance books. She is the author of Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Regency Romance books and a poet of currently 3 titles. She loves reading novels that take her on a ride of wild emotions. Books have always been an escape for her, for a few hours she gets to live the lives of characters she grows to cherish and admire. She's always had an active imagination and because of it has lived in her head more than she has been in the outside world. She always imagined scenarios and wondered how they would turn out in the end, and what kind of emotions they would invoke. Thus began her writing career.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

My love for reading novels started a very long time, about when I was 10 or 11. I was in awe of how a person’s imagination could just take form and fill up pages. I loved the fact that I would read the words and watch it play out in my mind. Some of the books became way more interesting than watching TV!

I’m a person who lives in her head more than the outside world because off all the stories in my head. So I figured maybe I should put down all the stories I had in my head on paper, and share them, see if everyone else loved them as much as I did.

What about historical/regency romance?

I wasn't much of a fan because the books I'd read so far the characters just seemed stuffy and annoying. But then I found several books published by Second Wind Publishing and I was hooked! 

Their books were more than just trying to be historically accurate, they had everything and they seemed to come alive through the words and I couldn't stop reading them. I'm a huge Regency fan now.

Do you have a favorite and a least favorite scene in the book?

Yes, I do have a favorite scene and a scene that I didn't like writing but was necessary in the book. A person’s character is built buy the positive and negative things in their lives and the same goes for books.

Is TOL apart of the series? How many books are in the series?

Yes, Trial of Love is apart of the series and the first book. So far, there are 3 books in the series, TOL, A Lady Unbecoming and Lady Nancy. 

I'm still playing with the idea of adding more books about some of the supporting characters in TOL. I'll see how these 3 books go first then take it from there.

Any more new releases for 2014 from you?

Yes. His Paris Affair (Albury Affairs #3) will be out in late June and I'm expecting Book #2 of the Slave Bound series A Lady Unbecoming to be released later on this year.

Excerpt

   "Hello again,” Carl whispered, pressing her tight against him.
   Melanie felt her body go cold at his touch. Quickly she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away. Nicholas grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him. “What have you done to the lady, Mr. Meed?” he asked harshly.

   Carl gave a slight bow, “Nothing Lord Townson.”

   “It didn’t look like nothing,” Nancy pushed standing up and moving to Melanie. “Dove, you look pale. What’s the matter?”

   Melanie pulled a tight smile over her lips and shook her head, “Forgive me. He took me by surprise and I reacted.”

   “See, it was all a misunderstanding.” Carl spoke with a casual laugh.

   Nancy nodded, moving back to her seat.

  Carl moved towards them and Melanie fought the urge to hide further behind Nicholas. He held out his hand, eyeing her. “May I have this dance?”

  She wanted to yell ‘go to hell’ and run out, but, she wasn’t that uneducated girl anymore. She was supposed to either politely decline and make up an excuse or accept.

   “You can have the next one Carl,” Nicholas spoke firmly, taking Melanie’s hand and starting the dance.         “What did he really do to you Melanie?”

    He bought me!

Contact Author:

Website

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Facebook page- Christina OW

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Enter for your chance to win a paperback or ebook copy of Trial Of Love or Smashwords gift card using the Rafflecopte giveaway link--->  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f774880/

See you in the pages of Trial Of Love!

Unfinished Business

It's not secret that I'm a huge fan of up and coming author, Christina Jones.  I've read all of her books that she's written thus far and none of them disappoint.  And her newest novel, Unfinished Business, is no different.  The sequel to Strictly Professional and set five years into the future, Unfinished Business is a contemporary romance in which we watch Gabi attempt to move from her bad breakup with Terrence.  

Meanwhile, Terrence is focused on the complete opposite.  He's finally realized his mistakes and wants Gabi back, but when an old rival from his college days starts trying to put the moves on Gabi, he has to wonder if he's too late. 

This is by far my favorite book from Christina.  She's done such a beautiful job of emotionally drawing readers in Terrence and Gabi's story that you kind of want it to just go on and on.  If you haven't already picked up your copy of Unfinished Business, trust me you will want to.  And if you haven't read Strictly Professional yet, be sure to get it so that you will be in the loop.  

I can't wait to see what Christina has up her sleeve next!  And if you can't wait either, you can her on Twitter, Facebook and her blog, Being Mrs Jones.  Be sure to check out the book cover and an excerpt from Unfinished Business below.

Excerpt

“I can’t believe you didn't kill his ass,” Daniella said, pouring the last of the pitcher of frozen margarita into my glass.

            I shrugged, then accepted the drink from her and took a sip. “He was still Joci’s dad, and even though it hurt like hell… I still loved him.”

            “Well, you’re better than me, cause I would have bust into that office and thrown a Molotov at that couch.”  She flipped her hair over her shoulder, frowning as she looked around the restaurant.

            Daniella and these dramatics, my goodness. I shook my head at my coworker and friend of almost four years.  I had instantly been attracted to her bubbly, over-the-top demeanor on my first day at Atkins & Associates.  I think she could tell I was new to Dallas and new to practicing law, because she approached me as soon as I walked through the front door, complimented my shoes, then told me to straighten my shoulders and look a little ‘sweeter’. “This is Texas, nena.  ‘Nice-nasty’ will get you everywhere, but if these folks think you’re a bitch… well, good luck.”

            It took me a full thirty minutes to actually believe that she was a legal secretary.  My secretary. With her perfect wavy hair, perfect stylish clothes, and perfect fun attitude, I would have been more inclined to believe that she was a news anchor or something.  I quickly learned that her ‘pretty girl’ looks were no reason to under-estimate her.  Daniella was a beast at her job, which I definitely needed.  Moving to a new state with no friends or family and a one year old had left any semblance of order in shambles.  Daniella found Joci a wonderful daycare that was close to the office and half the price of the nanny I had hired, got me into a gorgeous condo and out of a hotel room, and after only two weeks as a new associate, she had me so well organized and integrated that I felt like I had been there forever.

            One day, after I had been at Atkins & Associates for about a month, she walked into my office while I was in the middle of a breakdown.  Terrence had called to check on me and Joci, and the sound of his voice just made me lose it.  I rushed him off of the phone so I could cry about the mistake I had made in giving up on our relationship.  I cried because I was disgusted with myself for still loving him, even after he had hurt me so bad.  And I cried because I was guilty that it felt so good to be back at work, doing what I loved, instead of tending to my baby.

            When Daniella walked in, she simply said, “Uh-uh.” before she stormed back out to her desk.  A few minutes later, she was back, and I learned that she had called my former nanny and worked out some kind of on-call babysitting deal with her.  She then informed me that she and I were going out that night, to have some fun.  She’s been dragging me out on sporadic Friday nights ever since then.

            “Stop looking at your phone, chula.”

            I shot Daniella a playful scowl as I finally read the last message Terrence had sent me, nearly two hours before.

            “You didn't notice the inscription, did you?”

            I placed my phone down on the table and removed the pretty white gold bangle that had arrived in a pretty blue box.  Trying not to think of what Terrence must have spent on what was easily my favorite gift, I held it up to the light, turning it until I found the tiny words inscribed inside.

“I’ll never forget again.”

My April TBR List

Hi!  My name is K and I'm addicted to books.  I recently took the time to go through all the books I've purchased this year alone and I can officially say that I have a book buying problem.  I have purchased well over 50 books from the Kindle store and I have about 15-20 paperbacks stacked up on my nightstand. Not to mention, I visit my local library at least once a week and get new books.

So, what I've decided to do is read at least three books from my Kindle, one library book and two from my nightstand stack.  That's seven books a month, but I'm sure I'll read more because I read to my two little darlings every night.  Also, I seem to read to faster on my Kindle and will most likely end up reading more than three Kindle books.  

Anyways, here's my list that I'm working on knocking out this month.  And I will go ahead and say that I broke my limit of one of library book. 

Library Books

                     

I fell in love with the Vampire Empire series about a year and half ago.  I was at the library and saw the first book The Greyfriar sitting on a shelf and decided to give it a read.  I wasn't sure if it was going to be more Twilight or more Interview With the Vampire.  After having read the first book, I definitely think the Vampire Empire series is unique in it's own right.  I also loved that this series was written by a husband and wife duo, Clay & Susan Griffith. 

You definitely don't see a lot of this now days and I think that's probably what makes this series such a great read.  I imagine Susan brings the romantic elements and Clay brings the all the action like the wonderfully written fight scenes.  I have started on the second book and can't wait to finish it and read the third.

Night Stand

           

Both of these are religious books.  The God of Yes is nonfiction and written by Pastor Jud Wilhite.  Basically, he's dispelling the myth that being Christian is all about things you can't do.  And I definitely think that at times Christianity gets a back wrap as being the 'not fun' religion.   There are so many commandments in the Bible that some people feel like becoming a Christian would take away their ability to have fun.  Jud is pastor in Vegas, so you know I'm interested to read what his views are and see if they will be more conservative, liberal or somewhere in the middle.

The Winner's Game sounds like it's going to be a tear jerker.  I am definitely going to have my box of tissues handy.  From reading the back cover, I get the feeling that this book will also have a Noah Sparks vibe to it.  It's about a 17 year old Ann Bennett and her family getting back in touch with each and finding the love again.  She has heart condition, which you would think would bring the family closer, but it doesn't.  So, they discover a game created by their great-grandparents, The Winner's Game and work their way back towards behaving more like a real family.

The cover also mentions something about a tragedy.  So, I'm guessing that Ann isn't going to make it to get her heart transplant.  Then, again who knows.  Maybe, one of the other siblings or parents will be killed off in horrific accident and end up as Ann's donor.  I don't know, but I can't wait to find out.  I definitely think this book is about how we endure tests of our faith.

Kindle

   

Against All Odds will be my fist time reading anything by Gwynne Foster.  From the blurb, I got that this book has almost like a Romeo and Juilet thing going on.  Melissa and Adam's families have some kind of deep rooted feud that they discover after meeting.  It threatens to jeopardize their business relationship as well as their intimate one.  Considering the title, I think it's pretty safe to say that there will be a happily ever after to this story, but I'm interested in reading about how they end up there anyways.

I've grown to love Kimberla Roby and her Rev Curtis Black series.  I definitely think that playing off of some of the real life scandals that have gone down with these mega-churches and pastors was a good idea for her because she writes about these church scandals and scandalous congregation members like no other.  I've read a few of the more recent books in this series and am working my way back to beginning to get the full scoop.

When I saw that this book involved a remote island, ex-lovers and secrets, I knew that I had to read The Island.  It reminded me of Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews from the blurb, but I'm keeping an open mind.  I know that every author has their own voice and way of telling a story even if the stories are a bit similar or have a similar vibe.

So, those are my reads for the month that I want to get finished before I move to any other books.  Feel free to share with me what books are your reading list for this month!

Until next time,

K.

So Obsessed Saturday: Southern Charm

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While I'm working hard to wrap up Forever Branded, you know what they say about all work and no play.  So, one night I was taking a writing break and decided to catch up on some tv because I roughly watch adult tv once a week.  Seriously, the current show selections just don't interest me.  Not to mention, I spend my days being a mother, wife, and working on various projects for clients for other business.

Anyways, it was late and the kids have finally drifted off to sleep.  I started flipping through the channels and came across this show Southern Charm on Bravo.  Of course, being a Carolina girl, I just to see what this show was about. Honestly, in my mind I had assumed it be a cast of all women and obviously have something to do with living in the South, but I had it pegged as being more of a Housewives sort of show with a twist.  Whelp, after watching one episode I was hooked.  

This show is a bit of a train wreck but it's a bearable train wreck.  No punches or elbows have been thrown yet and I hope none will because I don't watch reality shows with fighting.  In a nutshell, Southern Charm is a reality show set in Charleston, South Carolina and the main cast consists of 6 Charleston residents who are considered to be of elite status (some more than others). 

So hands down Cameran is my favorite.  She's the most grounded and in touch with reality out of the group.  Unlike her other cast mates, she doesn't come from a rich family.  She really has to make a living to afford her lifestyle, which appears to be modest and one that I and other the majority of viewers can relate to.  She's smart, funny, bubbly and charming.  But I do think that if you cross her wrong, she will check you.

My next favorite is Craig because he seems to be more in touch with reality as well like Cameran.  He's currently a law student and law clerk, which I love because I've always had an interest law and was almost a criminal justice major in college. Craig has already had a little drama on the show after he felt like Shep broke the 'Bro Code' by hooking up with Kathryn despite knowing that Craig wanted to ask her out.  However, in Shep's defense (and this is probably the only time you will catch me defending Shep) Kathryn did pursue him first when they all went to the beach to hang out.  Sorry Craig.  Sometimes if you snooze or move too slow, you miss out!

Then there's the Thomas Ravenal.  Yep, former SC State Treasurer who was convicted of cocaine distribution charges over 5 years ago.  He did rehab and served his prison time, but some people still feel the need to punish him or hold his past transgression against him.  However, if you ask me, I think that the majority of politicians have skeletons in their closets.  I mean people were still supporting Mark Sanford after news of his mistress broke and he was the governor!

I don't know but I kind of like Thomas because he doesn't let what people think of his past mistake get to him.  He jokes about (which Whitney didn't appreciate) and keeps it moving.  We all fall short, but if you have a second chance at life, why would you let your past hinder you from enjoying it.  I'm sure he knows by now to say no to drugs.  He's seen and experienced what they can cost him.

He's currently getting a lot crap on the show for dating Kathryn (yep, the same one Craig likes and hooked up with Shep) because of their age difference.  She's 21 and he's 50 (at the time of the filming).  And the biggest problem people have is their sex life.  They feel like she should feel like she's having sex with her dad.  Here's my thought on the matter, why do they care?  She's in her right mind.

I could understand if she wasn't all there or emotional unstable like say Anna Nicole Smith, but she isn't.  She's a consenting adult.  Secondly, Thomas looks better than most 50 year old men.  Seriously, he's like younger Dennis Quaid.  Now, I could be biased because I'm married to an older man, but I say more power to them!

Now, I really liked Jenna.  She's a rebel and a fashion risk taker.  However, Jenna turned me off a bit when she said that Kathryn's dress "matched her abortion" (Kathryn and Thomas had a pregnancy scare) at the Carolina Day party.  Abortion is such a sensitive and hot topic, especially here in the Carolinas.  I just thought that joke was not the least bit funny or appropriate.  Very bad taste.

Also, what I don't get about Jenna is her judgement of Thomas and Kathryn's relationship when she's in her twenties and is dating a 50-something year old as well.  Like isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?  But bad joke and hypocritical tendencies aside, I think Jenna is a cool chick.  She takes zero crap and is very feisty.  I can't wait to see what other looks we'll see here in the rest of the season.  And if Southern Charm makes it to season 2, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she stays on the cast!

Not going to lie, but I initially thought that Whitney was gay as did some of the show members.  However, after his mom finding a huge pile of women's clothing and going on and on about his parading women in and out of their gorgeous home, I guess it's safe to say that he's straight.  Like Jenna, Whitney is a bit of a hypocrite because he's been preaching to Thomas about being all conservative but he's not really conservative himself.  And in the last episode a bombshell was dropped that he tricked to get at Kathryn as well.  In way, I feel like he's a little bit of a walking oxymoron. 

And his mom, Pat, is quite the character.  She cracks me up a little bit. I get the impression that while she likes to act like a Southern belle, she's really a firecracker!  I'm anxious to see if she and Brandi (Whitney's assistant) are going to have words because she dislikes that poor girl with a passion.

My least favorite person on the show would have to be Shep.  Why?  Well, he was totally insensitive when Craig confronted him about putting the moves on Kathryn when he knew that he liked her and was going to ask her out.  Then, he hangs out with Thomas and tells him what a nice guy he is, but then in the confessionals or when he's with other cast mates he's saying something different. 

Then, he had the nerve to get mad at MJ because she hangs out with her ex, but he still hangs out with his ex, Dani.  Not to mention, he slept with Kathryn while he was trying talk to MJ!  In a word, Shep is a playa.  Not player with, but playa and he could hot when MJ pretty much let him know that he had no claim on her.  High five MJ!

Also, Shep is clueless about what he wants to do with his life.  And I guess that's fine when your family is rich and practically Carolina royalty, but if he's trying to lock down a girl like MJ, then he's going to have transition into settle mode and get a career going.  With all that said, Shep is the life of the party!  He definitely knows how to have a good time and is the most hilarious in his confessionals out of everyone on the show.

There you have it folks!  That's my obsession for this week.  If you've seen Southern Charm, tell me your thoughts on the cast in the comment section below.  Who's your favorite?  Least favorite?  What do you think of Kathryn and Thomas's age difference?

Until next time,

K.