Welcome Guest Blogger, Christina Kirby

Carly's View welcomes Christina Kirby, author of A FACE IN THE CROWD. 

Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University. She worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states, and fortunately writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives. Christina is an avid reader of romance, young adult and anything having to do with pop culture. She also knows a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.

 Why Romance? By: Christina Kirby

Despite the plethora of genres available to write in, I never considered anything other than romance. Why you ask? Because I love the promise of a happy ending, new love, the drama, the butterflies as I live vicariously through the characters. The real question is how did I get this way? When did I fall in love with love? To answer that I had to circle back to my childhood/teen years because hey, that’s where it always begins, isn’t it?

I believe it was the couples of several of the shows I used to watch whose chemistry was so perfect on screen it left me begging for more each week. The longing looks, the held breath as they finally leaned in for their first (and perfect) kisses. There was nothing better and so now it’s my turn to hopefully write characters who will make someone else’s heart flutter.  

The Top 5 Television Couples Who Shaped My Career (Way Before I Had One)

1. Liz and Max – Roswell – I still go back and watch this show from time to time. Yep, I have the DVDs. Don’t judge.

2. Buffy and Angel – Buffy the Vampire Slayer – They were the most epic example of forbidden love since Romeo and Juliet.

3. Brenda and Dylan – 90210 – Teen drama portrayed by a bunch of people in their 20s and there was nothing better.

4. Dawson/Pacey/Joey – Dawson’s Creek – A love triangle done right.

5. Meredith and Derek – Grey’s Anatomy – The beginning of their relationship was so hot! Am I right? And he truly understood her like few others could. Okay, maybe Christina Yang, but she was her person.

Bonus Couple

6. Elena and Damon – The Vampire Diaries (Though I admit this one may have been a little after my teen years.)

Learn about Christina's newest release A FACE IN THE CROWD:

Alexis Hightower considers trust a four letter word, and she has no intention of getting serious with anyone. After all, her day job as a nurse is plenty serious enough. On one of her nights off, she attends a concert for her favorite band and ends up on stage. She never expected to meet the legendary singer in person or that he would be the one to make her question her way of life. But how do you learn to trust again when the one you want is desired by thousands?

Oliver Honeycutt has it all, success, fame, admirers, but when his family is faced with the unthinkable, none of it matters. Stranded in Atlanta, he meets Alexis who’s unlike any woman he’s known before. As his attraction grows, plans for the future change which leaves someone desperate to keep them apart. But Oliver won’t be easily discouraged. To have a future with Alexis he’ll do whatever it takes to make her see the man behind the image.

Excerpt:

            Oliver made his way back to the mike and shouted, “Do you want some more, Atlanta?”

Lexie’s scream mixed with the other fan’s and echoed throughout the room as Oliver sang the band’s first number one. As he moved from one side of the stage to the other, Lexie danced, arms over her head, as she let go. In the chaos of the noise, the heat of the bodies moving as one, and the music, she didn’t have to think or feel. She could just be.

A hand reached out for her and Simone hit her arm, mouth open in shock. Lexie blinked once and raised her eyes to meet those of Oliver. Up close, he was even better looking than in the magazines. Her heart stopped or maybe it leaped from her chest. She wasn’t sure. As if controlled by a stranger she reached for his hand and allowed him, with the help of two security guards, to pull her up onto the stage.

With her stomach in her throat, she stood awkwardly while Oliver sang to her. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be. Survival never pulled people up onto the stage. At least, they never had. But, there he was, positioned behind her, with his stomach pressed to her back. The heat of his skin and hers, melded together, so hot she feared their clothes would ignite.

Her eyes found Simone’s, who peeked out from behind her cell phone where she was recording what promised to be the best moment of Lexie’s life.

She dared a glance over her shoulder and feared she would faint when Oliver offered her a grin from behind the mike. Dear God he was hot. He pressed into her closer and placed a hand on her hip. Red, hot heat surged into her face. The move was definitely one she wouldn’t want her dad to see, but she was glad it was happening. As the song wound down, Oliver moved to stand beside her. Over his shoulder she saw his brother, Bailey, wailing on his blue Fender. The entire experience was surreal. His brother looked up and smiled, but something was wrong with his face.

She narrowed her eyes to get a better look, sure the lights were playing tricks on her. At the same time, he swiped a hand over his face and when he pulled it away, blood was smeared across his upper lip. He went back to playing, but his nose continued to bleed.

Her gaze refocused on Oliver. “Your brother,” she tried to explain over the music.

When he didn’t register what she was trying to say, she pointed.

Oliver’s head whipped around. For a brief moment, his eyes widened and then, as quickly as she’d seen it, the look was gone. Oliver finished the song and led her back to the edge of the stage where she was lowered back into the crowd. When she looked up, he met her gaze. The moment was brief, but she felt it. A moment of recognition between them. One that said he was sad it had to end. She wanted to reach for him, but she couldn’t. Instead, she stood frozen as fans around her pushed in and slapped her on the back. Oliver waved to his admirers and rushed off toward his brother.

 Buy Link for A FACE IN THE CROWD:

https://www.amazon.com/Face-Crowd-Christina-Kirby-ebook/dp/B01G7FENTA?ie=UTF8&keywords=christina%20kirby&qid=1464717359&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

Social Media Links for Christina Kirby:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CKirbyWriter
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/christina.kirby.395?fref=ts
Website – http://christinakirbybooks.com/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/authorchris0192/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9791223.Christina_Kirby
Amazon Author Central Page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OYJ337U

SAMANTHYA WYATT, AUTHOR OF THROUGH THE EYES OF BEA

Thank you so much Carly, for having me as your guest today. I’m very pleased to announce the release of my latest book, THROUGH THE EYES OF BEA.

As an author of sizzling romance, Bea’s story was far different from anything I’ve done. I became enmeshed in life events regaled to me upon several occasions and decided I needed to write this heart-wrenching saga.

Life is an interesting journey. We never know what’s in store for us. As a child, Bea had no idea her life would take such a drastic turn, yet with struggle and sacrifice, she overcame the challenges she faced. Abandoned by her mother, she had to take on the added responsibility of raising her siblings. Then her father brought a woman into their home making Bea and her siblings’ daily existence one of survival. The more I spoke with Bea, the more entangled I became in her story.  

THROUGH THE EYES OF BEA, contains memories of incidents during a time when certain happenings were hushed, not talked about, never mentioned. Not like today when anything goes and everything is accepted. Happy times and sad times, I was deeply touched, and wanted to share this emotional experience.

Bea’s story is for all book lovers and a good read for any time of the day.

BUY LINK FOR THROUGH THE EYES OF BEA 

http://amzn.to/29v9mxF

How could a mother distribute her children across the county and then just walk away?

That was the question burning in Bea’s mind. All she could do was watch as her mother shattered her family and then just left. Bea may have been the oldest, but at thirteen, she was still a child. And now it was up to her to take care of her five siblings.

Through struggle and sacrifice, Bea embraced her unchosen responsibility. When her father brought in a cruel, selfish woman who didn’t like children, Bea’s undertaking became one of survival.

Bea’s story begins in 1925, during a time when things were hushed, private, hidden. Heart-wrenching memories of the incidents that happened in her home, and how she and her siblings prevailed. An accounting of grief, sorrow, strength, endurance and love in an era when America was struggling.

I get a lot of joy from creating new characters and bringing them together in a romantic tale, but in writing Bea’s story, I laughed, I cried, I became so involved with the characters—and Bea—I wanted to share these emotions with the world. I’m very proud of this book. I sincerely hope all my readers receive as much joy reading my books as I do writing them.

Please visit my website for more information on me and my books.

www.samanthyawyatt.com

You can also find me on facebook, twitter, Soul Mate Publishing.

All of my books are on kindle at amazon and most are in paperback.

Buy Links:

http://amzn.to/1lEk2qY

http://amzn.to/1uSAlFl   

http://amzn.to/1mhTqw4

http://amzn.to/1GGrmhH

http://amzn.to/1RjyGUV

http://amzn.to/29v9mxF

The Upcoming Schedule

Hey Guys,  It's actually Carly on my own blog! My regularly scheduled blog is running a couple of days behind so I thought I would post the schedule of upcoming blogs you can look forward to.

There are a lot of wonderful authors to be featured so I hope you'll take the time to check them out.

July 17th     Samanthya Wyatt will have a book feature of her newest release coming out on July 20th.

July 25th     Christina Kirby will join me and blog about WHY ROMANCE? She will introduce you to some of her favorite couples. They were a lot of my favorites too :)

August 5th         Is currently open

August 15th      I will review Mandi Benet's book, TO ROME WITH LOVE

August 25th      I will review Roni Hall's book, MONTANA WILD.

September 5th         Is currently open 

September 15th      Joanne Guidoccio will join me. 

September 25th      I will review Amy Deason's  book, ANGEL IN THE SHADOWS

October 5th             I will review Anne B. Cole's book, SOUL's ESTRANGED

October 15th          Tracey Wood will join me.

October 25th         Nancy Fraser will join me to feature her newest release.

November 5th       Kate O'Boyle will join me.

November 15th     I will review Rachel Sharpe's third book in her series.

November 25th    Is currently open, although I will be shopping!

December 5th      Debut author, Abby Reed will join me.

December 15th   Erin Bevan will join me.

December 25th   Is currently open

As a side note, I will not take on anymore book reviews for the year. Starting in 2017, I will only do one review every other month. Book reviews will be available in January, March, May, July, September, and November on the 15th of those months. First come first served. Spots open for six authors.

Also, I only have four spots left for the year. If anyone is interested in those dates for something other than a book review, contact me at carlyjordynn@gmail.com.

FEATURING CERIAN HEBERT, AUTHOR OF THE STAYING KIND

Today we welcome Cerian Hebert, author of THE STAYING KIND. 

At the age of twelve Cerian was going to be a great mystery/adventure writer with her friends and her as the main characters. The basis of  their adventures would take place in their rural neighborhood. As the years went by, adventures in the neighborhood gave way to an enduring interest in horses and boys. So, instead of writing about twelve year olds solving mysteries regarding old, empty houses and strange gusts of icy wind, she started writing about romance. And horses.

While growing up in New Hampshire, Cerian dreamed about becoming an Olympic horseback rider, the curator of the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History in Washington DC, a paleontologist, and a famous actress in Hollywood. While none of that worked out, she kept up the writing. While either mucking stalls at a New York horse farm, or taking reservations for cruises, she never stopped writing in her ever growing pile of notebooks.

Currently, Cerian lives in southwestern New Hampshire with her husband, two of their four children, one dog, one cat, and three geckos. Her mundane job keeps her busy working as a customer satisfaction rep, until she makes enough at her writing to retire from the glamorous life of data entry. 

Check out Cerian's newest release, THE STAYING KIND, from Soul Mate Publishing. Here's a little taste for you.

Rio Presley isn’t looking for a place to fit in when she finds a job at a stable in New Hampshire. Travis Lithgow isn’t expecting to discover a drifter taking up residence in his hunting cabin and working for his aunt. Just back from a tour in the Middle East, he’s rebuilding his relationship with his rebellious teenage daughter. He’s sure Rio’s presence in their lives won’t make things easier, but he admires Rio’s strength facing the adversities in her life.

     As Rio fights the urge to get back on the road before she becomes too comfortable with her newfound love of horses, her feelings for Travis become stronger than the need to flee. Both he and his aunt are offering Rio everything she’s ever been afraid to want, but staying could bring her past crashing into the happy life she’s begun to build.

Did that wet your whistle for more? Read on for an excerpt from THE STAYING KIND...

Rio didn’t dare look at him. She kept her attention pinned to the rain-washed road, as her mind worked quickly to find a way out of this predicament.

She’d tell him to drop her off at the store a few doors down from the cabins. The weight lifted slightly from her heart. Then he wouldn’t know or be able to prove anything. She’d make her escape. Hike to the cabin in the woods. He had his hands full at home, surely he wouldn’t bother to follow her tonight.

Unfortunately, when he pulled into the parking lot at Two Maples, he pinned her with a single glance. “Which one is yours?”

“Over there,” she replied, vaguely pointing in the direction that could’ve indicated three different buildings. “I need to run to the store so you can drop me here. Thanks for the ride.”

“I’ll drive you to the store,” he replied.

Rio fidgeted. She hadn’t expected this. She supposed she should’ve, but for a brief moment she’d been secure in her newly hatched plan.

His eyes seemed to penetrate right into her brain. He didn’t smile, but he didn’t appear angry either. Just questioning. Waiting.

Rio gripped the door handle with icy, shaky hands. “I, uh, have to grab my wallet and jacket. It’s okay, I’m fine. The store is right there.”

Travis’s regard held steady. “No, I’ll wait. I want to make sure you’re home safely.”

Rio chuckled in an attempt to cover her growing discomfort. “In this town? I’ll be fine. Really.”

“I insist.”

Damn. He had no plans to let her off the hook. Rio pushed the door open and stepped out into the cold, beating rain. Quickly she surveyed the cabins. Out of the three, two didn’t have a car parked in front of them. One was smaller, so she headed toward it, praying by some miracle the door would be unlocked. Of course her prayers wouldn’t be answered. The knob wouldn’t give, no matter how hard she jiggled it.

“Please go,” she muttered under her breath. She shoved her hand into her jeans pocket, pretending to fish for a key. Anything to buy her some time.

Through the thick downpour, she felt the weight of his stare on her back, waiting for her to fail. In despair she sagged against the door. Now what? Admit defeat and ask for help? Pretend she forgot her keys? Then she could tell him she had to go to the office to ask for another key, and he could leave. If he would leave.

When she turned to face him, a rush colder than the pounding rain spilled through her entire body.

Travis had rolled his window all the way down and he held up her backpack.

The one she’d left stuffed under the bed at his cabin in the woods.

Want to buy the book? The buy link is below!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5WVIBU

Find Cerian on Social Media:

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/CerianHebert

Website: www.cerianhebert.com