Cover Reveal – TNT by Giulia Lagomarsino

Title: TNT
Series: Reed Security Series
Author: Giulia Lagomarsino
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 18, 2020
After walking into his girlfriend’s house and finding her murdered, Tony is struggling to get back to normal. Everyone’s looking at him like he’s damaged, but they don’t know the truth. And when they find out, they won’t ever look at him the same again. But a one night stand changes everything. Suddenly, everyone at Reed Security is trying to set Tony up with this crazy woman that can’t cook, shows up at his work, and calls him at all hours of the night. He doesn’t want to hurt her, but how long is a man supposed to go along with a crazy person that thinks there’s a relationship where there isn’t one?
After meeting Tony one night, Molly knows without a doubt that he’s the man for her. He’s everything she’s been waiting for, and she’s not going to let this opportunity slip through her fingers. She knows that he’s slightly damaged and dealing with a lot, but with a little encouragement from Tony’s teammates, she refuses to let him push her away. She has a whole arsenal of tips and tricks to keep a man’s attention, and with her momma’s advice and her best friend’s help, there’s no way she’ll fail. Now she just has to make Tony see that what they have is forever.
“Uh…you know, this isn’t working,” I said briskly.
She tilted her head, all cute like and looked at me in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Us…whatever this is. It’s not going to work. You’re nice and all, but it’s just not working.”
I waited for the tears and the drop of her face. I braced myself for the yelling and name-calling. But no matter how much I steeled myself for her reaction, I just wasn’t ready for what she actually said.
“Hmmm. Well, I appreciate your input, but I think it’s going good. Pop tarts?”
“What?”
“I’m sticking some in the toaster. Want some?”
I blinked several times, shook my head, and even slapped my own face, but nothing changed. She was still standing in front of me, asking me if I wanted fucking pop tarts after I just broke up with her. She actually refused to break up with me. Could that really happen? Did I not get a say in this? And if so, was I destined to just be with her the rest of my life? I’d never been in this position before. I’d never had a woman refuse to let me break up with her. What was the protocol for this? Did I just go along with it? Maybe I should just not return her calls. Of course, that hadn’t really worked so far. She always showed up, with food.
“Honey?” She quirked her head to the side and smiled sweetly at me. “Pop tarts?”
Shaking my head, I tried again. “I’m serious, Molly. I’m breaking up with you. I don’t want to be with you anymore. It’s been fun, but let’s just end this now.”
“I hear you. I really do, and while I think you make some not very valid points, I’m going to pretend like what you said makes total sense. But we’re not breaking up. You’re just freaking out and you want to end this before it gets too real. I get it, but we’re still not breaking up.”
And with that, she turned around and left the room. I stared at the floor, trying to figure out what to do next. How the fuck had this happened? Was I being too sweet? I mean, I was never too sweet. I was never that guy that women felt they could walk all over. Yet, here I was, standing alone in my pretend girlfriend’s bedroom as she walked out after telling me we were not breaking up.
This was not happening. She couldn’t make me stay with her. She couldn’t force me to date her. I wasn’t some chump. I was Tony-fucking-Tacos. I groaned and rolled my eyes at myself. I was not Tony Tacos. I was something much cooler. I wasn’t even Mexican, and if I was honest with myself, I didn’t even like tacos all that much. Not that I would tell Molly that. She had been really sweet yesterday, bringing me food at work because she thought tacos were my favorite. 
I cursed myself for thinking of her as sweet when I was trying to break up with her. Damnit, I would not be forced to date a woman that I really liked. Fuck, I was screwed. I marched into the kitchen and slapped my hand down on the countertop.
“Listen, Molly, this is over between us. I’m not going to let you tell me that we’re not breaking up, because we are so breaking up. I’m walking out that door and you will not follow me. You will not bring me food at work, and you will not call me later tonight to ask where I am. Do you know why?”
She smiled at me. “Because you think we’re breaking up.”
“Yes. No!” I shouted. “I don’t think we’re breaking up. We are in actuality breaking up. It’s for sure. Not a possibility or a probability. We are one hundred percent broken up, as of right now,” I said, punctuating the statement by punching the counter with my pointer finger.
She nodded, her eyes wide with a very serious expression on her face. “I hear you. I want you to know that I really do hear you, but it’s just not possible for us to break up. We have that dinner with Momma and Daddy tomorrow, and they already planned dinner. Momma did all her shopping and got everything we could possibly need for your favorite dinner.”
“What dinner?” I asked hesitantly.
“Tacos,” she grinned.
“Fucking hell,” I said, throwing my hands up in the air. “I’m not even fucking Mexican!”
Sinner (Reed Security Series #1) Cap (Reed Security Series #2) Cazzo (Reed Security Series #3) Knight (Reed Security Series #4) Irish (Reed Security Series #5) Hunter (Reed Security Series #6) Whiskey (Reed Security Series #7) Lola (Reed Security Series #8) Ice (Reed Security Series #9) Burg (Reed Security Series #10) Gabe (Reed Security Series #11) Jules (Reed Security Series #12) Sniper (Reed Security Series – Book 1 of a 3 Book ARC) Jackson (Reed Security Series – Book 2 of a 3 Book ARC) Chance (Reed Security Series – Book 3 of a 3 Book ARC) Phoenix Rising (Reed Security Series #16) Alec (Reed Security Series #17) Storm (Reed Security Series #18) Wolf (Reed Security Series #19) A Mad Reed Security Christmas (Reed Security Series #20) Rocco (Reed Security Series #21) Coop (Reed Security Series #22)
I’m a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.” I didn’t think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn’t already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven’t been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.
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Saturday Spotlight – Tutus & Cowboy Boots by Casey Peeler

Tutus & Cowboy Boots
Part One
by Casey Peeler
Genre: Small Town Sweet Romance
Spoiled yet broken-hearted New Yorker meets gorgeous, kind-hearted southern gentleman.
Cadence Lewis has been dancing before she could walk. Living in New York with her parents she has the chance to go to the best dance school in the country, but when her parents divorce she’s forced to leave her dreams behind and move to her mom’s small country hometown.
Cadence believes that all men are like her father: cold, unloving, and selfish. Barrick Carpenter has made Candace’s life eventful since the day she stepped onto her Grandma’s farm.
After witnessing Cadence’s heart shattering a million pieces, can Barrick put it back together and show Cadence that everyone isn’t like her father? Can he convince her to let love in?
**Get it Free!!**
Tutus & Cowboy Boots
Part Two
A sweet, small-town romance that will take you on an emotional roller coaster of tears and laughter.
After an eventful Christmas break, Cadence Lewis is shaken to her core, but someone she doesn’t expect is there to hold her together.
Barrick Carpenter didn’t plan on falling in love with the sassy, New Yorker, but now he will do anything to protect her from her father.
When a second bombshell is dropped on Cadence, she has two options: guard her heart forever or risk letting love in. Will Cadence push Barrick away or fall completely head over boots?
Casey Peeler grew up in North Carolina and still lives there with her husband and daughter.
Growing up Casey wasn’t an avid reader or writer, but after reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston during her senior year of high school, and multiple Nicholas Sparks’ novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading. That love ignited the passion for writing several years later, and her writing style combines real life scenarios with morals and values teenagers need in their daily lives.
When Casey isn’t writing, you can find her near a body of water listening to country music with a cold beverage and a great book.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

Saturday Spotlight – The Belgian Beast by Janae Keyes

The Belgian Beast BannerTitle: The Belgian Beast

Author: Janae Keyes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 22, 2019

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48594578-the-belgian-beast

The Belgian Beast EbookBlurb: 

Nothing is chance, there’s always a purpose.

A fighter with a stone exterior…

Marc Vandenberghe has made a name for himself, The Belgian Beast. This undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter is at the top of his game as he uses the pain of his past to fuel him but is still caged by it. He’s fought for everything in life but has never fully fought the voices that haunt him. On the outside he’s strong but weakness lingers, waiting to defeat him for good.

A dancer fighting to break free…

The child of Malian immigrants, Nina Sangare has never fully felt like she belonged. Through crippling anxiety and depression, the only thing she has to hold it all together is dance. With the voices of her past haunting her, she battles to silence them. She might seem meek to those on the outside but inside she’s the epitome of being strong through the storm.

Meeting at a train station in Brussels, nothing will ever be the same for the fighter and the dancer. In the heart of Europe, Marc and Nina must learn to fight through their pasts, but it’s much easier said than done.

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Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YDYY8BQ

AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YDYY8BQ

AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YDYY8BQ

AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07YDYY8BQ

Universal: https://www.mybook.to/BelgianBeast 

Book Trailer:

https://www.facebook.com/JanaeKeyesAuthor/videos/3059755027399058

Social Media Links: 

janaekeyesauthor@gmail.com

www.JanaeKeyes.com

facebook.com/JanaeKeyesAuthor

twitter.com/JanaeKeyesWrite

instagram.com/JanaeKeyesAuthor

amazon.com/author/janaekeyes

bookbub.com/profile/janae-keyes

 

Saturday Spotlight – Storm by Giulia Lagomarsino

Storm BannerTitle: Storm

Series: Reed Security Series

Author: Giulia Lagomarsino

Release Date: October 23, 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romance Thriller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48265214-storm

StormeBook (1) (2)Blurb: 

Storm

I had one job, get Jessica “Rabbit” Finley to sell her property to Reed Security. I could do that. I was Army Strong. Hell, I took down bad guys for a living. I could handle this sexy vixen. No problem. Except, she’s a little crazy. She thinks that there are ghosts on her property, and she has the men at Reed Security believing her too. But then I found out her history and it had me wondering…Was she really crazy?

Jessica

I’ve never known who I really am. My family history has been contorted into something that I can only hope to unravel in my lifetime. But then I got a clue that led me to buy this creepy insane asylum. I was told there were answers here and I’m finding them, along with ghosts that still haunt this estate. There’s an upside, though. There’s a sexy man here to keep me company. But the closer I get to finding my answers, the closer I get to being locked up in the asylum myself.

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30QNaaH

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/30RCEjJ

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2ANKb8v

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2IugI7T


Storm-2 (1)

Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/TSr7UZ0-gnk

Also Available: (Kindle Unlimited)

Sinner (Reed Security Series #1)

Cap (Reed Security Series #2)

Cazzo (Reed Security Series #3)

Knight (Reed Security Series #4)

Irish (Reed Security Series #5)

Hunter (Reed Security Series #6)

Whiskey (Reed Security Series #7)

Lola (Reed Security Series #8)

Ice (Reed Security Series #9)

Burg (Reed Security Series #10)

Gabe (Reed Security Series #11)

Jules (Reed Security Series #12)

Sniper (Reed Security Series – Book 1 of a 3 Book ARC)

Jackson (Reed Security Series – Book 2 of a 3 Book ARC)

Chance (Reed Security Series – Book 3 of a 3 Book ARC)

Phoenix Rising (Reed Security Series #16)

Alec (Reed Security Series #17)

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SAImCX

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Lecq7e

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2TmbIVK

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2L9s1oD

Giveaway:

Embedded:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78942133

Author Bio:

I’m a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.” I didn’t think I had anything to share on a blog that a thousand other mothers hadn’t already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven’t been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.

Social Media Links: 

website: https://sites.google.com/view/giulianalagomarsino/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazybookladylover/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17110361.Giulia_Lagomarsino

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crzybookladyluv

 

Saturday Spotlight – Alec by Giulia Lagomarsino

Alec BannerTitle: Alec 

Series: Reed Security Series

Author: Giulia Lagomarsino

Release Date: September 25, 2019

Genre: Contemporary Security Romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47945712-alec

Blurb: 

Alec

I’ve been chasing this damn woman for three years. Our relationship is finally out in the open and I’m not letting this chance slip past me. I will make her mine, and there won’t be any room for arguments. There’s the slight problem of Craig, our other teammate. He knows what we do in the other rooms at night, or during the day, and that leaves us in a bit of a predicament. But we’ll work it out. I always get my woman, and Florrie is all mine.

Florrie

It took me by surprise when I fell for Alec. I hadn’t intended to ever sleep with my teammate, but then one day, he was there and so damn sexy. It was just supposed to be sex, nothing more. But he kept pushing and then one day, it was out in the open. Everyone knew and there was no way for me to stop what was happening. Except, there’s just one problem, I’ve got a secret that ensures we’ll never be together in the way he wants. Now I just have to find a way to tell him.

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2kqDPrd

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2kyRI6s

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2kBcuCt

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2kmrmVr

Alec Teaser Banner

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/B1s4sjT5xAI

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78942106

Also Available: (Kindle Unlimited)

Sinner (Reed Security Series #1)

Cap (Reed Security Series #2)

Cazzo (Reed Security Series #3)

Knight (Reed Security Series #4)

Irish (Reed Security Series #5)

Hunter (Reed Security Series #6)

Whiskey (Reed Security Series #7)

Lola (Reed Security Series #8)

Ice (Reed Security Series #9)

Burg (Reed Security Series #10)

Gabe (Reed Security Series #11)

Jules (Reed Security Series #12)

Sniper (Reed Security Series – Book 1 of a 3 Book ARC)

Jackson (Reed Security Series – Book 2 of a 3 Book ARC)

Chance (Reed Security Series – Book 3 of a 3 Book ARC)

Phoenix Rising (Reed Security Series #16)

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SAImCX

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Lecq7e

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2TmbIVK

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2L9s1oD

Copy of 2 (1) (1)Excerpt:

“Who is he?” Hunter asked. “Just tell me and I’ll kick his ass.”

“I think I can do my own ass-kicking.”

“No. Whoever this asshole is, just tell us and we’ll take care of things. We’ll make sure you never see him again. If you know what I mean,” he continued.

“I know exactly what you mean, and no, you don’t need to make him disappear.”

“But, that’s what we do. We don’t know how to solve any other problems,” Gabe said, almost in confusion. 

Rocco groaned and held up a hand to ward off the guys. “I didn’t want to get involved, but it looks like I’m gonna have to. Why don’t you tell us about this guy? What’s he like?”

“Smart, strong, capable…”

“Sexy?”

“Of course,” I huffed. “But he’s confusing. I thought that he was into me, but then nothing happened. Is it me? Am I not pretty enough?”

“No,” Sinner said, shaking his head sharply.

“Of course not-” Hunter snorted uncomfortably.

“You’re beautiful,” Rocco said firmly, and the other guys joined in.

“Sexy as hell.”

“Nice rack.”

“Good ass. Nice and firm.”

“You have nice elbows,” Sinner said.

“What?” I asked in confusion. Hunter smacked him upside the head.

“I panicked,” Sinner said. “You all said nice rack, good ass. What else was left?”

“You could have gone with beautiful eyes,” I snapped. “Or even nice legs, but nice elbows? Who the fuck says that?”

“Obviously not this guy you’re seeing or he’d already be dead,” Rocco muttered.

“Did you fuck him?” Hunter asked. “Guys always lose interest after you fuck them.”

“No,” I sneered. “It’s not like I just spread my legs for any guy I come across.”

“Did you come right out and tell him you like him?” Rocco asked. “Some guys are fucking stupid and can’t take a hint.”

“Actually, I wrote him a note and told him that I really liked him and asked if he liked me too.”

“Like in the song?” Sinner asked.

“Yeah,” I snarked. “Just like in the song. I even drew boxes and asked him to check yes or no.”

“Did he answer?” 

“No, you idiot! I didn’t actually do that. I’m not in second grade.”

“Maybe you should,” Sinner shot back. “With all your sarcasm, he probably doesn’t know if you want to kiss him or kick him in the balls.”

Author Bio:

I’m a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.” I didn’t think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn’t already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven’t been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.

Social Media Links: 

website: https://sites.google.com/view/giulianalagomarsino/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazybookladylover/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17110361.Giulia_Lagomarsino

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crzybookladyluv

Saturday Spotlight – Arresting Mason by Amber Daulton

Arresting Mason

Series: Arresting Onyx (book 1)

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

ASIN: B07BHGMQRK

Print ISBN: 978-1-5092-2007-6

Digital ISBN: 978-1-5092-2008-3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 80k

Heat Rating: 5 Flames

 

Arresting Mason teaser 1 (cover)

Blurb

Once you’re in a prison gang, you’re in it for life. That’s what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother—his parole officer—catches them together and doesn’t approve.

Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets but never expects those secrets to threaten her life.

When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason’s return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?

Tagline

Their chance encounter resulted in a steamy affair, but will his former gang and a parole officer tear them apart?

 

Arresting MasonExcerpt

“Which one is your car?” She glanced around the crowded parking lot. A few streetlights pushed back the darkness and shadows. The restaurant served customers until midnight on the weekends, but no one loitered in the lot, at least from what Mia could see.

“Don’t have one at the moment.” Mason hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. “I took the bus. It stopped a few blocks from here.”

“Would you like a ride?” She pulled the car keys from her purse. “I feel a little ridiculous we met here tonight. I just wasn’t sure if you were some kind of freak.”

His eyebrow lifted, and he closed the distance between them as a tiger would zero in on its mate. A sexy, masculine smile curled his lips. “Have you made up your mind yet?”

“I’ll let you know in the morning.” Desire trickled down her spine. Mia nodded toward the passenger side of the car for him to hop in.

He confiscated her keys instead to unlock and open the driver’s side door for her like a gentleman. Then he leaned closer and nuzzled her temple with his nose.

Not sure if he planned to seduce her in the parking lot or if he merely wanted to tease her, Mia pressed her hand to his chest and tried to think straight. “You’re the first guy I’ve gone on a date with since my divorce. I haven’t slept with anyone since Evan.”

He tunneled his fingers through her wavy, chestnut-brown hair. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time either. We’ll take it slow or fast, whatever you want, but I promise you one thing. After I’m done with you, you won’t even remember that bastard’s name.”

Oh, God. She almost melted right then and there. “Fast. I want you, Mason.”

“Take me to your place and you can have me.”

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39005064-arresting-mason

Buy Links:

Amazon – http://amzn.to/2ppcmEJ

Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/2uOj90J

iTunes – https://apple.co/2FVAQMP

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arresting-mason

Google Play – https://bit.ly/2Izu3cZ

The Wild Rose Press store – http://bit.ly/2FSVvBa

Books2Read – https://books2read.com/u/m2vvY7

Buy Links for Audio:

Amazon – https://amzn.to/2Nbwr03

Audible – https://adbl.co/2CV6oVU

iTunes – https://apple.co/2NHwMqA

Official Book Trailer

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc0q0dLLFPM

Amber DaultonAbout the Author:

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

Amber lives in North Carolina with her husband and four demanding cats. Feel free to visit her at http://www.amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com.

Social Media Links:

Facebook Author Page – www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.author

 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AmberDaulton1

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/

Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton

Amazon Author Page – http://amzn.to/14JoZff 

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/amberdaultonauthor/

Book Bub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amber-daulton

Book Gorilla – https://www.bookgorilla.com/author/B00ALQITWY/amber-daulton/kcc

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/amberdaulton

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/pub/amber-daulton/87/538/368 

Google Plus – https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmberDaulton

The Wild Rose Press – https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/2362_amber-daulton

 

AuThursday – Brandy Woods Snow

DSC_0096Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I have a BA in English/Writing from Clemson University. While creative writing has
always been my first love, the media has been my home for more than 17 years, during
which time I’ve built a strong platform that includes articles in Delta Sky magazine,
Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, and Home Design & Décor magazine (Charlotte, Triangle). I have also worked in corporate communications,
marketing, public relations and business development for several regional and
international companies. At age 35, I finally embraced my true calling as a novelist and
began writing the first draft of what is now my debut release MEANT TO BE BROKEN.
I am a member of RWA and YARWA as well as a number of online romance-inspired
writing communities.

When I’m not writing, reading, or spending time with my husband and three kids, I also
enjoy kayaking, family hikes, yelling “Go Tigers!” as loud as I can during football
season, playing the piano and taking “naked” Jeep Wrangler cruises on twisty, country
roads.

How do you make time to write?

I didn’t for the longest time, which is why it took me 10 years to write my first book after
the inspiration struck. I don’t make that mistake anymore. Life gets busy with the kids, a
husband that’s often away from home, and two businesses under my belt, but I’ve learned to take time where I can get it. My favorite place to write (and where I wrote most of MEANT TO BE BROKEN) is the school car line. I go early, park out front and have an hour or two for focused writing time. In the car line, there’s no laundry or dishes or
countless other chores calling my name. It’s just me and my notebook.

Honestly, though, I also have to give credit to my family. They are so supportive. They
understand this is my passion, and they are terrific about giving me the time I need to
steal away and write in private when inspiration is really kicking into high gear.

How did you deal with Rejection Letters if you received any?

I wrote an entire blog on my path to publication for MEANT TO BE BROKEN, which
you can find here: http://brandywsnow.com/the-long-and-winding-road-to-publication-installment-1-a-timeline-of-meant-to-be-broken/. It gives a comprehensive look at the
process, from first inspiration to THE CALL.

But to give a quick summary, I did receive rejections on MEANT TO BE BROKEN. I’d
lie if I said they didn’t sting. They do, and there’s no getting around that. But for me, that
was the trick. So many people tell you to shrug off the rejection and consider it one step
closer. And that’s true to a certain degree, but I don’t recommend just shrugging it off.
Sure the industry is highly subjective, and in most cases you’ll get that “it’s not you, it’s
me” explanation after the “no thanks,” but there’s nothing wrong with taking a moment
to FEEL the rejection. Scream. Yell. Cry. Go to the gym and beat on the heavy bag for a
while. Let it out, get in touch with that negative outflow and then harness it and repurpose it—pour it back into your drive to continue onwards, to find success.

Can you tell us your story of getting “THE CALL”?

I got THE EMAIL—the one that led to THE CALL—in July 2017. I was standing in the
checkout line at a local department store, waiting to pay for a fab new pair of shoes when the email notification dinged and appeared on my phone screen. I opened it immediately and cried—tears rolling sort of crying—in the middle of everything.
THE CALL was incredible. A small press publisher, Filles Vertes Publishing, had read
my manuscript and was completely taken. The owner, Myra Fiacco, shared my vision for
it and had a plan moving forward. I loved the fact they were open to my being an active
part in the process, even allowing my input on the final cover design. It took a month to
negotiate contract specifics and call in other outstanding submissions. In the end, I knew
FVP was the perfect place for my book, and I officially signed the contract in August
2017.

What are you working on at the minute?

I think for the moment the question might be what am I not working on? LOL I’m in one
of those unique spaces of time where I’m able to see the industry from several different
angles all at once. While I’m promoting the release of my debut YA contemporary
romance, I’m also busy writing the sequel and another WIP that just won’t leave me
alone (I’ve tried to put it aside until I’m finished with the other one but it just won’t go!).
I’m also once again in the trenches, querying another standalone YA contemporary
romance and am an acting mentor in the #WriteMentor program, helping two mentees
polish their manuscripts for the upcoming agent round in September.

It’s busy, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. And I’m excited to be able to
give a little back to the writing community that has been so good to me.

What do you think of “trailers” for books? 

I love book trailers if they’re done right. I think they are essential, especially in cases like
mine where I’m trying to reach the YA market. The younger generations have been
raised on technology and the ease of access to visual information on social media
platforms. Trailers are a perfect way to tap into that vein.
My book trailer was done by Brando Jones Films. I wanted something a little more
cinematic, and they came through with flying colors, planning and putting together a
small production piece that captured MEANT TO BE BROKEN with such style and
artistry.
You can see the trailer for MEANT TO BE BROKEN here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9LjG_02TF8&t=6s

How do you relax?

Oh, lots of ways! Spending time with family is my number one, closely followed by a
long hot bath with a good book. I also have to plug my favorite product, the Spoonk Mat,
which is a therapeutic acupuncture mat that I lay on to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Other than that, I’d have to say a trip to the SC coast always works wonders, too, with
heartaches and all being healed by the sea.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Three things jump to mind immediately.
Find your tribe. A healthy group of critique partners is a necessity to get your manuscript polished to perfection. They’re also great for rooting you on during querying, consoling you during rejections, and cheering you on when that Call does come in.
Read in your genre and then read some more. I know you’ve heard this advice before. It’s
true. The truest true that ever was true. Just do it!

Never give up. Rejection is a part of the process, but what determines our success is our
ability to keep going in the face of adversity. I love to recall this quote from Oliver
Goldsmith: “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.”

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I do my best to stay active on a range of social media platforms and on my website’s
blog. I’ve also just started a fledgling YouTube channel to begin posting vlogs soon. Find
me at any of the below:

www.BrandyWSnow.com
www.twitter.com/brandy_snow
www.facebook.com/BWSnowWrites
www.goodreads.com/goodreadscombrandy_snow
www.tumblr.com/authorbrandywoodssnow
www.amazon.com/author/brandywsnow

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Absolutely! The book is told in a dual POV from both the female (Rayne) and male
(Gage) protagonist. Here’s an excerpt from the book’s opening in Rayne’s POV. I love
these opening lines because they hint at the relationship to come, they give you a good
sense of the small town Southern setting and they set-up the conflict Rayne will face
with her Mama.

MeantToBeBrokenFrontCover

At 9:30 Saturday morning, I find out Preston Howard wants to date me. At 11:30, my mama hears it from old lady McAlister and has a “spell” in aisle three of the Piggly Wiggly. It’s taken seventeen years, but I finally understand the two things my social life and Mama have in common. They’re both erratic and one usually suffers because of the other.

The store manager calls me on my cell and asks me to come get her. He has my number
because he’s Daddy’s best friend’s brother and used me to babysit his kids a few times last year. I answer, expecting another job offer.

“Rayne? This is Dave Sullivan, you know, the manager down at the Piggly Wiggly? There’s been an incident with your mama.”

Apparently, it’d happened in front of the Luzianne tea bags. She was comparing the family size to smaller ones when Mrs. McAlister offered her a coupon… and a piece of news.

The details get a little sketchy from there—something about her sinking to the floor and
gasping for air. That’s when the manager came over with one of those small brown paper sacks they use to bag up ice cream and had her breathe in it. A nurse and a vet, both in the crowd assembled around her, agreed from their varied medical expertise it didn’t appear to be life-threatening. When the paper bag seemed to work, he decided to call me instead of the ambulance.

I pull into the parking lot ten minutes later. She’s sitting on the front bench beside the
automatic doors where the employees go to smoke, under the “I’m Big on the Pig!” sign. Mrs. McAlister sits beside her, a little too close, waving a folded-up circular in her face. I wonder what the store employees and shoppers think of me, casually parking the car, walking-not-running, and looking both ways before crossing the main traffic flow. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out they’re all watching from between the weekly specials scribbled on the plate-glass windows.

I don’t feel the need to rush. It isn’t a heart attack or stroke. I call it her bipolar though Daddy gets mad when I refer to it like that. The diagnosis is anxiety, better known as my evil little sister—always around, always a pain, and always ruining my life.

This sort of episode has happened before, just not too often in public. In most societies that’s considered good news—but not in the South. They say we don’t hide our crazy, we dress it up and parade it on the front porch. And even if we don’t, someone else will do the parading for us—telegraph, telephone, tell-a-southern woman. We know how to reach out and touch some people.

Mrs. McAlister jumps up from the bench and grabs my arm as I step up on the curb. “I
suwannee, child. She liked to turned over her buggy and spilt them groceries everywhere.”

Talking to some of the older ladies in town always feels like walking out of real life and into some part ofSteel Magnolias. She gives me her version of the sordid details. Mama created quite a scene, not just with her episode but also by her scandalous choice of groceries. The mayonnaise was the only casualty, rolling out the leg hole of the kiddie seat portion of the cart when Mama accidentally gave it a rough shove while collapsing on the linoleum.

Mrs. McAlister hadn’t bothered to pick that up and put it back in the buggy, which was now waiting by the customer service desk. It wasn’t Dukes Mayonnaise. She leans in close to whisper because how embarrassing would that be for Mama. To her, it’s further proof Mama hadn’t been feeling well.MeantToBeBrokenFullCover