A @PrismBookTours Finale: Make Me a Match by @MelCurtisAuthor @CariLynnWebb & @AJStewartWriter #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Review & Excerpt Tour Grand Finale for

Make Me a Match

By Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, & Anna J. Stewart

Did you enjoy meeting Cooper, Ty, and Gideon, three childhood friends all grown up and seeking love? If you missed any of the excerpts or reviews, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Intro to the Compilation

And in Kenkamken Bay, Alaska, childhood friends: Cooper Hamilton, Ty Porter and Gideon Walker are family: they’ve dreamed together, failed together and stalled out in life together. And now they plan to change their futures together as match-makers.

Heidi Reads... - Review

". . . once they put their efforts into helping the single members of the community improve their social lives the stories got more fun as they came up with interesting group activities to do in the dead of winter. The first two stories were okay but I loved the third one!"

I Am A Reader - Excerpt from Baby, Baby

The inner front door opened and a woman stepped in. She was wrapped from neck to snow boots in a reddish-brown parka that made her look like a stuffed sausage. Conversation in the room died away as every pair of male eyes turned toward her. She peeled off her knit cap, revealing shoulder-length, glossy blond hair and artfully applied makeup.

Christian Chick's Thoughts - Review

"Sometimes, novellas that are connected but are written by different authors don't feel cohesive, but in this case, the collection flowed seamlessly from one novella to the next."

Colorimetry - Excerpt from Baby, Baby

And the witty, handsome man she’d met ten months ago with the mischievous smile? He wasn’t witty—he was speechless. He wasn’t handsome—his dark hair brushed his shoulders unevenly and grew from his chin in short, thick stubs. He wasn’t smiling—his lips formed a shell-shocked, silent O.

Zerina Blossom's Books - Excerpt from The Matchmaker Wore Skate

Kelsey Nash, the beautiful, backstabbing columnist, had returned to K-Bay. The pretty looks belied an icy inner strength; the watered-down bourbon doe eyes camouflaged a shrewd nature.

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt from The Matchmaker Wore Skates

Ty leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Let’s be clear, K.J., we’ve seen these ladies before. They’ve taken our survey before. You’ve done nothing for me.”

Wishful Endings - Excerpt from Suddenly Sophie

As gray as Gideon saw his world, Sophie lightened up any space she walked into with her ebullient and gregarious personality—character traits Gideon both appreciated and worried about. Not everyone was as protective as he was prone to be when it came to Sophie Jennings.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"The first book sets things up and the last one ties things together. I liked that each book was by a different author. It helped separate the characters and define them as individuals with their own voice."

Mel's Shelves - Review

"The authors did an amazing job of making the stories seamless. The major characters were in each of the stories and they were consistent. I also love that the stories are all clean! If you're looking for a fun Valentine's Day read, check this one out!!"

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"4 STARS! . . . This is a compilation of three short stories that revolve around a group of friends."

Underneath the Covers - Excerpt from Suddenly Sophie

If she’d ever doubted the universe was determined to make her its comic relief, she now had solid proof. Stuffy Gideon probably disapproved of Sophie’s tendency toward taking chances, but what was the point in living if you weren’t going to go after life with a bit of gusto and purpose?

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I loved that each story has a unique voice, which is really pronounced by having a different author write each one. I enjoyed my time in Kenkamken, Alaska with these great people!"

Make Me a Match

by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, and Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Three bachelors turned…matchmakers?

BABY, BABY: One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?

THE MATCHMAKER WORE SKATES: Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!

SUDDENLY SOPHIE: Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. A Memory Away is Book 6 in the Harmony Valley series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Wonderfully entertaining.”

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Alabama with her family. If she isn’t at her computer, she can usually be found: picking up her daughters from school, dropping off at swimming or soccer practice or running into the grocery store for that one thing she forgot on her shopping list. She loves escaping into a romance and her e-reader can usually be found in her passenger seat. Visit her at: www.carilynnwebb.com.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).

Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Copy of Make Me a Match (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of A Memory Away by Melinda Curtis (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of The Bad Boy from Butterfly Harbor by Anna J. Stewart (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 12th

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Yeah!! #Excerpt from Make Me a Match by @MelCurtisAuthor @CariLynnWebb & @AJStewartWriter w/ @PrismBookTours ON TOUR!!! $25 GC #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Make Me a Match

by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, and Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Three bachelors turned…matchmakers?

One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?

Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!

Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Excerpt #2 -Baby, Baby by Melinda Curtis

“You don’t remember me, do you?” Nora Perry couldn’t help sounding angry and embarrassed. She’d traveled more than one hundred miles on a bus. It’d taken six hours instead of two. She was tired. The baby was tired.

And the witty, handsome man she’d met ten months ago with the mischievous smile? He wasn’t witty—he was speechless. He wasn’t handsome—his dark hair brushed his shoulders unevenly and grew from his chin in short, thick stubs. He wasn’t smiling—his lips formed a shell-shocked, silent O.

Coop led Nora to a tall wooden booth in the dimly lit, seen-better-days bar. She hung her parka on a booth hook, dropped her backpack to the floor and sat on the cold wooden bench too quickly, landing on her sit bones.

Zoe fussed, probably overheated from Nora’s resolve-melting mortification.

Coop didn’t remember her? Subtract fifty points from his man-appeal tally.

Last time Nora had seen Coop he’d had a stylish, clean-shaven jaw, a stylin’ opening line and a styled set of dance moves that would’ve qualified him for a spot on Dancing with the Stars, Alaska edition. They’d met at a bar in Anchorage last spring. Spring being a time when folks got a little nutty in Alaska because everything returned to “normal” for a few months. You didn’t have to wear parkas the size of sleeping bags or shovel as much snow.

“You don’t remember me, do you?” Nora repeated when Coop continued to be struck dumb. She was having trouble slipping off the baby carrier straps. Her lower lip trembled, much like Zoe’s did when her dirty diaper didn’t get changed quickly enough. “Am I that forgettable?” Her pride and her stomach slid to the floor. “Don’t answer that.”

Nora finally got the straps off and settled Zoe in the crook of her arm. “You had no trouble with words that night in Anchorage.” There. A clue. Perhaps the humiliation would end.

Coop couldn’t seem to drag his green gaze from Zoe. “I…uh…”

Or not. More mortifying heat flash-flooded her body. And when emotion flooded her hormonal, post-pregnancy body, which was often lately, her milk came in.

Could things get any worse? “We met at a bar.”

“Uh…” His gaze stroked her face and then dropped below her chin to the milk production department.

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. A Memory Away is Book 6 in the Harmony Valley series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Wonderfully entertaining.”

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Alabama with her family. If she isn’t at her computer, she can usually be found: picking up her daughters from school, dropping off at swimming or soccer practice or running into the grocery store for that one thing she forgot on her shopping list. She loves escaping into a romance and her e-reader can usually be found in her passenger seat. Visit her at: www.carilynnwebb.com.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).

Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Tour Schedule

January 31st: Launch

February 1st: Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader

February 2nd: Christian Chick's Thoughts & Colorimetry

February 3rd: Zerina Blossom's Books, deal sharing aunt, & Wishful Endings

February 4th: Getting Your Read On, Mel's Shelves, & Thoughts of a Blonde

February 5th: Underneath the Covers & Katie's Clean Book Collection

February 7th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Copy of Make Me a Match (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of A Memory Away by Melinda Curtis (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)

Copy of The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor by Anna J. Stewart (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)

Ends February 12th

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Grand Finale: The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor by @ajstewartwriter @PrismBookTours

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Grand Finale for

The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor

By Anna J. Stewart

We hope you enjoyed being introduced to Butterfly Harbor and its residents, especially Luke and Holly. If you missed any of the excerpts, interviews, or reviews, feel free to go back and read them and enter the Amazon gift card giveaway while you can...

Launch - Intro to the Book

Butterfly Harbor, California is a town on the verge of collapse. People have left, businesses have closed, and the infrastructure is in desperate need of, well, a lot of helping hands. The idea of community coming together to save something as important as the town they live in holds tremendous appeal. THE BAD BOY OF BUTTERFLY HARBOR, the debut book in the series, sets the stage for serious change, not just for the town, but for a few residents in particular.

underneath the covers - Excerpt

. . . He could manage a year in Butterfly Harbor.

Or so he’d told himself on the cross-country drive.

Apparently Holly Campbell hadn’t gotten the memo.

Luke glanced over as she swept out of sight into the kitchen, her shoulder-length brown hair tumbling in waves. She’d been pretty as a girl, but as a woman she was stunning.

I Am A Reader - Excerpt

Holly didn’t want to think about how “shiny” Luke Saxon had turned out. It had only been an hour since Luke had walked into the diner—an hour she’d spent scrubbing every pot and pan in the kitchen. Anything to distract herself and put her anger to some use.

Word Wranglers - Interview

1. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Honestly? I think from the time I wrote my first story as a freshman in high school. I’d always loved making up stories and playing make-believe, but when a group of friends and I started writing mini romances (soon after I discovered reading romances), the world kind of opened. My grades sure suffered, but I couldn’t stop writing.

Mommabears Book Blog - Excerpt

Now that Holly stepped away from the past, she was able to see those smooth edges her best friend mentioned. While she could still see the angry, abused teenage Luke lurking behind those blue eyes, the man standing in front of her seemed weathered and in control of what had weighed him down for so long. Both the easy smile he gave Abby and the guarded but polite glance he aimed in Holly’s direction had her regretting the vehemence of her earlier anger.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"This book focused more on healing and redemption than on romance. It was a community book and by that I mean that while there were a couple of main characters, it was more about the whole community than just those two characters. This book felt to me like made for TV, feel good film. I would watch this book on TV! I enjoyed my time in Butterfly Harbor and look forward to going back again with another character."

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

“Thanks, Gil.” Luke’s stomach gripped his still digesting lunch. And here he thought facing Holly or her father would be the hardest part of his return. Going back to the house he’d sworn never to step foot in again... “I’ll catch up with you next week to talk about the department budget.” By then he should have his bearings.

deal sharing aunt - Interview

3. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

From all over the place. THE BAD BOY OF BUTTERFLY HARBOR was inspired by Monterey, CA (and its sister city Pacific Grove). I had one heroine (back when I was writing urban fantasy romance) who shot into my head when I was at a Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams exhibit at an art museum. I think it was all the polished wood and atmosphere—she was just there, clear as day. TV inspires me a lot—I can figure out plot twists and see them coming a mile off, so it teaches me how not to do that. Anything at any time can pop a story or character into my head. It’s one of the reasons I love being a writer so much. Inspiration is everywhere.

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt

And he still wore a black leather jacket and carried himself with a self-assuredness that was both enviable and off-putting. His onetime too long ink-black hair had been shorn into shape, his pasty complexion replaced by what looked like years spent in the sun. The sad stone-blue eyes she remembered in the face of a sullen boy had turned to steel in the span of twelve years. She saw life painted on his handsome face.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"I love how real the characters in this story are. They are very well-developed and totally make you feel like you know them in real life. I love the setting of the story and the story itself. It is a clean book, yet it is filled with true romance. I love that!"

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Excerpt

“Yeah.” She shuddered, her brain going fuzzy as electricity zinged around her. Another couple of seconds and she could have been under that branch. She shrugged off his hold despite the comfort his hands provided. “You win."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"A touching story about redeeming yourself after a past you are not proud of."

Book Reviews @ Athena - Review HERE

"The story was interesting, the characters believable and the second chance was one both Luke and Holly deserved. Easy reading with a happy ending. "

Singing Librarian Books - Review

"Author Anna J. Stewart’s latest Harlequin Heartwarming novel, The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor, is a beautiful and inspiring story about learning from current and past mistakes, forgiveness, change, and love and friendship not only between adults, but children as well."

Becky on Books - Review

"I loved all the characters in this story–Holly and Luke, along with their large cast of secondaries. This series has real potential, and I’m looking forward to my next trip to Butterfly Harbor."

Mythical Books - Review

"Told in an attractive style, Bad Bay of Butterfly Harbor will be appreciated by those who enjoy a clean, but not a dull romance. I know I read it with pleasure."

Enthralling Dimple - Review

"This is a really beautiful book, beautiful in the sense of how the story was told with so much simplicity and genuine emotions. This book revolves around second chances, forgiveness, acceptance, and moving on. :) Something that’s a very important thing and not many people find it in them to do. . . . It’s a very thoughtful and sweet book. While it’s an easy read it will give you a lot to think about."

Zerina Blossom's Books - Interview

Can you tell us what your writing plans are?

Well, I have a second book in the Butterfly Harbor series coming out from Heartwarming in June (RECIPE FOR REDEMPTION) and hopefully they’ll want some more books for the line. In February, my two best writing friends and I have a Valentine’s anthology MAKE ME A MATCH from Heartwarming featuring three bachelors/best friends who delve into matchmaking. We had a lot of fun with those stories. I’ll also be wrapping up my Tremayne Family romances in April with THE TROUBLE WITH NATHAN (this features a hero who’s a thief and a heroine who’s a con artist). And then I’m diving into the romantic suspense genre with a trilogy from Harlequin Romantic Suspense. THE BONDED TRILOGY centers around a trio of childhood friends bonded by the kidnapping and unsolved murder of one of their friends twenty years ago. I’m going to be busy!

The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor

(Butterfly Harbor #1)
by Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can people truly change?

Two things keep Holly Campbell grounded: her precocious son and preserving her forty-year-old family diner in the face of expansion and change. She doesn't need a blast from the past like Luke Saxon, who's back in Butterfly Harbor after more than a decade away. The hard-luck kid who nearly destroyed her family, leaving her to pick up the pieces, is taking over as sheriff. She can't trust him, even if Luke's ideas for the town's upcoming anniversary seem to show he's trying to give back to their community. Has Butterfly Harbor found its unlikely savior? And has the widowed single mother finally found a man she can believe in, rely on…and love?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).

Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends December 24th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Finale #TourAtaGlance Asking for Trouble by Anna J Stewart

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

We're Launching the BOOK TOUR for

Asking for Trouble

By Anna J. Stewart

Did you miss reading the first two chapters and finding out more about the author and the book? Go back and check it all out!

Launch

What do you hope readers take with them when they read it?

Kindness. Yeah, if there's one thing I'd love people to take away from reading ASKING FOR TROUBLE, it's the fact that kindness can and will change the world.

Kelly P's Blog - Excerpt

A solitary page of official FBI letterhead listing a string of contact numbers was topped with a fluorescent pink sticky note covered in almost illegible scribbles. Gage’s gut clenched as he made out a smattering of phrases and names, but one word stood out enough to raise the hair on his neck. “Why would the FBI be interested in the Nemesis case? And what does that case have to do with the Tremayne family?”

Mythical Books - Interview

Growing up in a world without age categories for books, what do you think about YA, NA, A etc age classing?

I grew up in the 70's and 80's during a time when there weren't many YA books beyond Sweet Valley High so I dropped pretty early into mainstream fiction. I started reading Stephen King when I was 8 and never once did my mother say no to a book or say I couldn't read something because I wasn't the right age (a gift I will never be able to repay). I began reading romances soon after starting high school and never looked back.

Book N Blog - Review

...the plot moved along well and there was even a little twist at the end that didn’t surprise me but I enjoyed nonetheless. Overall, this was a fun book and I would be happy to read other Tremayne Family stories by Anna J. Stewart.

My Life Loves and Passion - Excerpt

Gage cleared his throat and swallowed the bitterness. Dwelling on a past he couldn’t change didn’t do anything but raise his blood pressure. He was moving on, finding where he fit. For now, he was content with the refinished office and skeleton staff two floors below Evan. Just in case this Kolfax was on to something, “This fund-raiser tonight. Were you invited?”

“I was.”

“Too bad you won’t be able to go.” Gage popped the lid off his cup and tossed it into a trash can as they passed.

Southern Chelle - Review

The huge twist in the story is AMAZING! . . . I LOVE the writing and characters of Mrs. Stewart and look forward to more of her once – just like the last book I read of hers.

Mary Terrani - Excerpt

Three hours before the annual Cancer Treatment Center fund-raiser, Morgan Tremayne wasn’t wearing the hand-beaded designer dress and kill-me-now Manolo Blahnik sandals. She wasn’t walking into the Winstead Salon and Spa with the other socialites. She wasn’t applying the makeup she hadn’t worn in months. Instead, she was jammed under the kitchen sink of her late grandmother’s Victorian, grey sludge squishing between her fingers as she tightened the lugs on the garbage disposal.

Babs Book Bistro - Interview

What do you have in the works now?
The flood gates have finally opened, LOL. ASKING FOR TROUBLE is the first in the Tremayne Family Romances and I recently turned in books 2 (HERE COMES TROUBLE) and 3 (THE TROUBLE WITH NATHAN) to my editor. I’ve also started self-publishing a series of novellas that take place in the same town as these stories. The first of which, READING BETWEEN THE LINES is a sweet romance prequel (of sorts) and is available now. I’ve just dived into a new series for Harlequin Heartwarming (their sweet contemporary romance line) that should start coming out in late 2015/early 2016. 

Colorimetry - Interview

Where do you get your ideas for characters? In particular, did you steal some characteristics from yourself or people you know for the main characters? 
For me, I get an image first. There's a scene, a face, something that triggers an idea. It's typically the heroine who appears in my head to begin with and, funny enough, my life-long collecting of dolls comes into play. Each of my heroines has a Barbie representation sitting on my desk.

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt

“Yeah, but that means maybe, and maybe isn’t no,” Kelley squealed, jumping away. “Wait ’til I tell Lydia she’s getting a princess dress, too. Make sure you watch out for him tonight, Morgan.”

Morgan blinked. “Who?”

“Prince Charming. He’ll be there, I just know it..." 

Mommabears Book Blog - Excerpt

Speaking of favors, Gage wasn’t convinced Evan appreciated Gage circumventing his plans for the evening, but Gage needed the perfect escort during the Tremayne Fund-raiser. Someone who could get him into the middle of action. Someone to make his foray into Nemesis’ hunting ground all that much smoother.

He only hoped the youngest Tremayne offspring would be more forthcoming than the picture he’d seen on the foundation’s website indicated.

underneath the covers - Spotlight

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

“Would you mind joining me for a drink while you wait for your date?” Gage asked.

“Oh, it’s not a date.” Morgan tried to remember the last time she’d even had a date. “Just a favor for my father.” Of course her father had no way of knowing how dangerous his request that she escort the District Attorney this evening was. Putting Morgan in the vicinity of law enforcement was akin to planting a time bomb at the base of the family tree.

     “Then it’s his loss.” Gage smiled, displaying a set of straight, white teeth behind full, quirked lips.

The Written Adventure - Excerpt

“District Attorney Marshall sends his regrets.” 

Morgan’s head snapped around as Gage joined them, pocketing his donation receipt and bidding marker. 

“Inspector Gage Juliano, Mr. Tremayne.” He held out his hand. Jackson inclined his head as if trying to place him. 

Inspector? Morgan’s throat slammed shut like a bear trap as blood pounded in her ears. 

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt

“Let’s start over, shall we? Inspector Gage Juliano.” He brought her hand to his mouth, brushed his lips over her knuckles. “It’s lovely to meet you, Miss Morgan Tremayne.” Her laugh threw his heart into an uneven tarantella. “You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?” Her smile tugged at the base of his heart. 

“Inspector, you have no idea.”

Asking for Trouble

(Tremayne Family #1)
Anna J. Stewart

Adult Contemporary Romance

February 17th 2015 by Berkley InterMix

The Tremaynes are one of the most prosperous families in Lantano Valley, California. But money can’t buy everything—especially when it comes to love…

Morgan Tramayne has a heart of gold, but to keep her children’s charity afloat she’s had to resort to some less than legal means: donations from a notorious cat burglar who targets the wealthy. It’s only a matter of time before Morgan’s criminal connection blows up in her face—especially since her undeniable attraction to the man heading the investigation keeps putting her in tricky situations.

Former police detective-turned-investigator Gage Juliano has two goals: salvaging his career and nabbing Lantano Valley’s present-day Robin Hood. But when he meets a beautiful, curvaceous woman who’s more interested in helping others than amassing a fortune like the rest of the town’s residents, Gage finds his desires pulled in an unexpected direction…

Note: This novel contains some mature content.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).
Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

$50 Gift Card (Winner's Choice of Amazon, BN or iTunes)

Ends March 8th

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Interview with Anna J Steward, author of Asking for Trouble on #PrismBookTours

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Asking for Trouble

(Tremayne Family #1)
Anna J. Stewart

Adult Contemporary Romance

February 17th 2015 by Berkley InterMix

The Tremaynes are one of the most prosperous families in Lantano Valley, California. But money can’t buy everything—especially when it comes to love…

Morgan Tramayne has a heart of gold, but to keep her children’s charity afloat she’s had to resort to some less than legal means: donations from a notorious cat burglar who targets the wealthy. It’s only a matter of time before Morgan’s criminal connection blows up in her face—especially since her undeniable attraction to the man heading the investigation keeps putting her in tricky situations.

Former police detective-turned-investigator Gage Juliano has two goals: salvaging his career and nabbing Lantano Valley’s present-day Robin Hood. But when he meets a beautiful, curvaceous woman who’s more interested in helping others than amassing a fortune like the rest of the town’s residents, Gage finds his desires pulled in an unexpected direction…

Note: This novel contains some mature content.

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Please welcome Anna to Colorimetry!

Tell us a little about how you got started as an author and how you came up with the idea for this book?

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Laura. I think I was a born storyteller. I always had imaginary friends or was making up fantastical tales, plus I've had a book in my hand for as long as I can remember. In the 70's, there wasn't the selection of YA novels there are now, so I dived into the mainstream fiction realm pretty early and was reading Stephen King by age 8. Once I discovered romance novels, however, I knew that's what I was meant to write. Around that same time, some friends and I started writing mini-romances featuring our favorite rock stars or movie stars (an early form of Fan Fiction I suppose). From there...writing was all there was for me.

ASKING FOR TROUBLE was actually the very first novel I ever finished. And I wrote it on a typewriter (that should tell you how long ago that happened). The idea was originally about Nemesis, the cat burglar stalking the wealthy citizens of fictional Lantano Valley, California, but as I learned more about writing and plot and conflict, I knew I needed another angle and additional characters. One night I was watching a St. Jude infomercial (I was a Danny Thomas fan from way back) and the idea of a children's charity/treatment center seemed the perfect thing for my heroine to fight for. The resulting circumstance asked the question what wouldn't Morgan Tremayne (my heroine) do to fight for those she loved. And who would be the worst possible person for her to fall for? A cop. The rest of the puzzle came together soon after.

Nice... I love seeing how the pieces came together individually to make the whole.

Where do you get your ideas for characters? In particular, did you steal some characteristics from yourself or people you know for the main characters?

For me, I get an image first. There's a scene, a face, something that triggers an idea. It's typically the heroine who appears in my head to begin with and, funny enough, my life-long collecting of dolls comes into play. Each of my heroines has a Barbie representation sitting on my desk. The middle-range ones (not the beach Barbies and not the super duper expensive ones), but the Black Label dolls that have such different features and postures. I know her when I see her...and have been known to stalk Internet shopping sites for just the right one (if I can't find her in my collection).

For my heroes, I tend to shop around Pinterest and end up with a Hollywood inspired face (I've recently formed an obsession with Matt Bomer from White Collar).

Alas, I don't tend to use characteristics from people I know. I have been known to use some people who rub me the wrong way as villains. I think a lot of authors do that. At least I hope so! Eesh. I hope I'm not that strange. The one aspect of myself that tends to sneak into each of my heroines is their independence. There's a fine line between self-sufficiency and well, being so strong a reader can't really get behind the character. This is why I'm grateful for my critique partners. They tell me when to reign my heroines in.

All that said, I think each character has formed in its own time and in its own way. For instance, I have one character (from a paranormal/Urban Fantasy novel I wrote) that exploded in my brain during a quiet walk through a local art gallery, a Georgia O'Keefe exhibit. I saw my heroine, knew what she was wearing, feet kicked up on a table and high leg leather boots. With a knife. Still gives me chills when I remember that. But so far...she's the only one to materialize in that way.

How awesome that you have a Barbie collection!! What a fun, unique way to picture a character... much nicer than choosing people you know. Characters that explode on the brain are also awesome.

Which author/authors or particular books have inspired you?

Nora Roberts. Stephen King is a close second, but it was Nora's romances that made me fall in love with the genre. I read an early Silhouette romance from her when I was in high school and have since read everything she's ever written. She's still the one I go back to when I get stuck or need inspiration.

Other influences? Jude Devereaux (have you read KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR?!), Sandra Brown, and Sherrilyn Kenyon (her Dark Hunter series). Storytelling doesn't get any better.

Personally, authors Brenda Novak and Melinda Curtis have had a tremendous impact on me and my pursuit of writing. This would not be happening without their encouragement and guidance. They never let me forget or lose sight of my dream.

Nice. Such good company!

What were some of your favorite reads of the past year?

I don't have as much time to read as I used to (and it breaks my heart!). On the way home from a conference last year, I read Alyssa Alexander's THE SMUGGLER WORE SILK--a historical romance, which I don't tend to read a lot of. I fell back in love with the genre. It was spectacular.

And I might be biased, by Mel Curtis' Hollywood RULES series (AMBER RULES is the first one) is so much sexy fun and she's also writing some fabulous sweet romances with her Harmony Valley and Bridesmaids series. Oh, I was lucky enough to get an early copy of THIS HEART OF MINE by Brenda Novak. I think it's her best Whiskey Creek book to date. Hits every emotion in the bank.

Great books to add to my To-Read list. I do enjoy the Whiskey Creek series. I'll have to make sure I have This Heart of Mine. Thank you!

For the aspiring writers out there, can you tell us something about how you develop your plot?

So funny. I just gave a workshop on this to my local writing group a few months ago.

For me, it starts with the name. I have a general idea of the type of story I'm going to write when I get started, but until that name locks into place, there's no moving forward. I tend to spend a lot of time with THE CHARACTER NAMING SOURCEBOOK. It always amazes me how a name I could never use for one story works perfectly for another. From there, I open the HEROES & HEROINES: 16 ARCHETYPES by Tami Cowden & friends. It's the first step in figuring out their conflict--their clash of belief systems as Mary Buckham would say. The plot kind of comes out of those explorations (unless the plot comes first, in which case, the other elements fall into place a bit easier).

For my TROUBLE books, there's the over-arching criminal aspect which was both fun and frustrating to write, which meant research. I'm not a criminal (thank goodness!) and figuring out the financial ins and outs of banking required numerous Q & A sessions with one of my best friend's husbands (he was very patient, LOL). I now know more about security systems, rock climbing, and computer hacking than I really should. I'm sure the NSA has my computer under surveillance with all my searching online. Bonus, though. Writing these books gave me a great excuse to watch a bunch of heist movies and TV shoes (hence my obsession with Matt Bomer from WHITE COLLAR).

While I always swear I'll plot out the book before I start, inevitably the story goes somewhere I don't expect. It's nailing down the conflict that keeps me on track, even when I'm cursing myself for not doing a scene by scene plot. I might hate it while I'm slogging through it, but having that creative freedom to see where the plot and characters take me, makes the words flow faster. But that's me! Every writer needs to figure out what works for them. And that's the most important lesson I've learned in the last few years. Trust yourself. The rest will follow.

Thank you for sharing your method!!  It's great to get a peak at the "bones" underneath the story and how they might've come together.  I'd love to attend your workshop. :-)

Anna, thank you for visiting here today!!  It's an honor to promote Asking for Trouble on the tour.

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).
Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

$50 Gift Card (Winner's Choice of Amazon, BN or iTunes)

Ends March 8th

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Follow the Tour!

2/16 - Launch

2/17 - Coffee Books & Art

2/18 - Mythical Books & Book N Blog

2/19 - My Life Loves and Passion

2/20 - Southern Chelle & Mary Terrani

2/22 - Babs Book Bistro & Colorimetry

2/23 - i blog 4 books & Beck Valley Books

2/24 - Mommabears Book Blog

2/25 - underneath the covers & Wishful Endings

2/26 - The Written Adventure & deal sharing aunt

2/27 - Harlie's Books

3/1 - Grand Finale

Grand Finale: Christmas Actually by Adams, Stewart & Curtis #Tourataglance #MistletoeKisses #PrismBookTours

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

It's the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR Grand Finale for

Christmas, Actually

By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis

Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas, where a sweet kiss takes place under the mistletoe.

Did you miss any of the excerpts, guest post, or reviews on the tour?

Feel free to go back and check out all the stops now!

Launch - Intro to the Collection

Christmas, Actually – three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!

Christy's Cozy Corners - An Interview with Anna Adams

How was it decided that the story would take place in Christmas Town, Maine?

We were looking for a setting that spoke of the holidays, and I’d lived in Maine in a town that decorated the green for Christmas. I described it, and someone suggested Christmas Town as a name for our fictional village.

Coffee Books & Art - Excerpt

Snowflakes hit the windshield and splayed into star shapes while Bing Crosby crooned his dreams of a white Christmas. Sophie Palmer tried to sing along, but her mind was already racing up the icy interstate to Christmas Town, Maine, where the father of her unborn child now lived. 

The Book Lovers' Lounge - Christmas Town by Anna Adams

And I imagined my own broken hero, Jack Banning, watching from the sidewalk, there in the town, but watching from the boundaries because he doesn’t belong any more.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"Yeah, I really loved my time in Christmas Town with the Banning family.  Each story was unique and romantic.  I loved all the characters.  They were real and identifiable.  It is the perfect book to curl up with as the days get colder and we get closer to Christmas."

Colorimetry - The Power of a First Kiss by Anna Adams

He’s at her house, killing time because he can’t go home and face his brother’s happiness when another friend calls to offer him an investment opportunity. Mary is leaning against George, also listening on the phone, when finally, he admits to his feelings. He takes her in his arms for a kiss he clearly doesn’t want even as he desires nothing in the whole wide world more than the hometown love of his life. 

Southern Chelle - Review

"I don’t think I’ve read anything by any of these authors before, but these novellas have me falling hard for their work! I used to receive the Harlequin Heartwarming books monthly, but I didn’t have room for anymore paperback books in my house and had to give it up. I’m so glad they’ve continued these offerings!"

Kelly P's Blog - An Interview with Anna J. Stewart

5. What do you hope readers will take with them after reading your story?

There's nothing better than a happily ever after--that's why I write (and read) romance, but that's kind of the easy answer. I think at its core, the story is about learning how to be open with others, to tell them how you're really feeling about situations that are emotionally damaging them.  Dean, Callie and Eliza all have to do this at some point during the story and once they do, the happily ever after is possible.

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing - Excerpt

     “Is this a bad time?” The combination of sympathy and amusement shining in green eyes, along with the tamed Irish lilt, called to mind fields of clover dotting rolling hills. She’d spent many a night and more than a few days dreaming of traveling to the Emerald Isle. Now it seemed as if Ireland had come to her.

     Shoulder-length, golden-streaked hair brushed the worn leather of the bomber jacket he wore over snug jeans, the hint of a plain white T-shirt peeking from under the collar.

The Wonderings Of One Person - Dream Cast for The Christmas Wish

There are some actors who just “hit” from the second I lay eyes on them. When looking for images of my Dean, I did not have to look much further than Chris Hemsworth.

Casting my heroines has always been problematic for me. Typically, I use another medium for inspiration (I’m a doll collector), but when I saw this picture of Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), I knew that was Callie.

Christian Chick's Thoughts - Review

"The Christmas Date: The instant I started reading this story, I knew I was going to love it. There's just something about those You've Got Mail-esque stories that I love. Nick and Gina are both so likeable, and their chemistry lept off the page. This was easily my favorite of the three stories!"

Bookworm Lisa - Review

     "Each of the author's did a great job in telling their story. I liked the descriptions and the characters.

     This book is a fun way to get into the holiday season and find a little clean Christmas romance."

fundinmental - My Top Ten Christmas Traditions by Anna J. Stewart

I LOVE Christmas time. Truly, from about Halloween on, I’m all about the tinsel, the trees and the music (why do they have to stop the Xmas carols on the 26th?!). For years now it’s just been my mom and me during the holiday season, but we’ve got our traditions…and they start early…even before we carve the Thanksgiving turkey.

Beck Valley Books - An Interview with Malinda Curtis

What’s your favorite aspect of the story?
One of my favorite aspects is Gina's parents. They've tried for years to do what they thought was right and it strained their character and their relationship. This year, they rejoin the pageant and the town's festivities in a very public way. It's a small part of the story, but a set of vignettes that I love.

Mel's Shelves - Review

"I loved seeing the siblings in each other's stories and enjoyed getting to know them. These stories are quick, easy reads which are perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas. I love that they're all clean so I can recommend it to everyone! Christmas Town was a fun place to visit!"

Painted Words - Review

"But what I truly loved about this book was that it didn't feel at all repetitive which can be a big hindrance to books like this especially if written by multiple authors. It was an absolutely beautiful story, one that I look forward to reading again next year at this time and it was the perfect way to start off the season." 

I Am A Reader - Melinda Curtis’s Favorite Treat at Christmas Time (with recipe)

My mom is a fan of Jell-o salad.  At Christmas, she’d serve us a slice of Jello salad on a leaf of lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise on top.  The first time Mr. Curtis had this dish, he happily took a big bite, expecting it to be whipped cream on top.  Kudos to him for keeping his disappointment to himself. 

Deal Sharing Aunt - Excerpt

In the wee hours of Christmas Eve morning, Gina stood at the edge of the town square and traced the deep, jagged scar that ran from her left temple to her jawline with the tip of a gloved finger, as if her touch could erase the past. The small ball of worry, the one that hadn’t let her sleep last night, expanded like bread dough in her chest, pressing against her lungs.

I should have told him.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt (4-star review here)

“Are you kidding? You’re beautiful. Why would he do that?

“You have to say that. You’re standing in my kitchen.” With me practically in your arms. Nevertheless, she hugged his words to her heart. No one had ever called her beautiful before.

JoJo's Corner - 10 Gifts Ideas for Your Teen/Young Adult & Review

I'm a little bit anal about the holidays.  I have a basic list I work from that my kids will enjoy or find useful.  They're all in college now, but that doesn't mean they want a package of socks for Christmas.  Here's a list of 10 suggested gift giving categories for your teen/young adult...

Review: "Christmas, Actually is the perfect collection of stories to cuddle up and enjoy on a cold wintry night!"

Undercover Book Reviews - Review

"Three stories in one book, a great way to start the Christmas season off! Anna Adams takes you on three separate journeys in the life of Jack, Callie, and Gina as each tells their own story. The plot is good in each one."

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

What a fun story! The reader is taken on a journey through Christmas Town, Maine and we get to see snippets of what makes this town special through the eyes of three different characters.

Christmas, Actually

by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis

Clean Contemporary Romance

Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages

November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:

Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child… But she doesn't need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:

Callie Banning's student has declared war on Christmas, so it's up to her to help the little girl—and her widowed father—believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:

Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date…and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - iTunes

About the Authors

Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who’ve become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing "what if" games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say "He made her heart pound." That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Tumblr - Pinterest

Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

- US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)

- 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

Ends November 30th

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