Author Interview: Mercy Amare & GIVEAWAY

Recently I got the awesome privilege of interviewing author Mercy Amare. Let me tell you, this chick is AWESOME! She is super sweet, down to earth, patient, and tons of fun to chat with! If you ever have the chance to interact with her, take advantage of it! 

She is the author of You Got Me (which we REVIEWED) & Don't Tell. She is currently working on her next novel, Jaded. 

Oh and at the end of this interview... there's a GIVEAWAY! 2 lucky folks will win e-books!

Let's get started! 

{em} So. Let's get to know you first. What are some fun facts about you?

{MA} I am a musician. I play the guitar, bass, and drums. I first got into writing by writing songs. In my life I've probably wrote over 500 songs. I also write my first book when I was 14 years old, and I haven't stopped writing since.

{em} Wasn't expecting that - definitely fun!

{MA}Yeah, I've always been kind of a nerd 

{em} I'm a total nerd girl, I get it! Right now - is writing your full time job?

{MA}Yes, writing is my full time job. I have a broken back, and had to quit my other job.

{em} When do you find is the best time to write?

{MA} Honestly, for me, LATE AT NIGHT. I get my best writing done from about 11 at night until about 3 or 4 in the morning... Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night (or morning) and just start writing. Those are the best times. I don't understand why.

{em} Oh wow! How long does it typically take you to write a book?

{MA} Normally, no more than 1 month to write it. But then comes editing! So normally about 2-3 months for the whole process!

{em} A lot faster than what I was expecting! So where did you come up with the idea for You Got Me?

{MA} Ideas normally just "COME" to me. Like I'll be walking, or showering, or listening to the radio, and an idea will just hit me. Roxy was the character who I thought of first. I based the story around her... a girl who's mom tried to kill her by cutting her open... And it grew from there

{em} I was FLOORED when it all came out about what had happened to her!

{MA} Yeah, I felt bad for Roxy. She had a rough life.

{em} She really did! Poor girl. But I LOOOOOOVED her new parents! Will we get more Roxy & Aiden??

{MA} YES! A sequel is coming... From Grace (Aiden's little sister) and Gary (Aiden's best friend)... It's based around the time of the wedding! I'm very excited to get started on it! Yes! I love Steve and Emily. They were exactly what Roxy needed.

{em} Oh! Gary and Grace. THAT is a little scandalous and a lot of fun! So we still have quite a few months until we get their story?

{MA} Yeah... The age difference, brother's best friend... It's a little scandalous 

{em} A little scandal makes things fun, for sure.

{MA} Hmmm... I'm HOPING to finish it in June/ July. I'm going to start on it as soon as I finish my current work in progress.

{em} Any hints about what you're working on now?

{MA} I'm working on a story that I'm calling Jaded, but that title could be changed. It's about a girl rock star who seeks out a "normal life", but when she moves to this new town, all these crazy things keep happening to her and her friends... She finds out her whole life was a lie... It's really about her trying to find herself. The real her. And everything else, you just have to wait for!

{em} Well that is certainly interesting!

{MA} The book is absolutely... chaotic! I cannot wait to finish it!

{em}There is something about chaos that usually grabs me… Let’s get some “fast fire” questions!

Favorite book: That's a tough question! At the moment, I would have to say Hopeless by Colleen Hoover.  

Favorite color: PINK. Always has been  Pink is happy.

Paperback or e-book? hmm... I like both for different reasons. Though I would have to go with ebooks 

Flirty or Dirty: I like it to be flirty before it's dirty 

Stay in or go out: Staying in, though 2 years ago I would have said going out. I think it's an age thing.

Sing or dance: SING! I have always been a singer... I love to dance, but I'm terrible at it  Plus, since I hurt my back, I can't dance anymore. BOO.

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REVIEW: You Got Me by Mercy Amare

Roxy is broken
Aiden wants to fix her

No matter how hard Roxy tries to overcome her past, she can't. She writes on her arms to escape the pain, but nothing can soothe the ache that she feels.

Aiden didn't go to college to meet girls, he came to play football. Too bad that it is impossible for him to stay away from Roxy.

After meeting on the roof, they instantly feel connected, but neither of them are ready for love.

You Got Me is a story about new beginnings, and finding love when you least expect it.

**This book is recommended for mature readers due to language and sexual content**

Every once in a while you come across a book that you haven't heard tons about and you fall in love with it. You love the characters. You love the storyline. You love everything about it. You realize that there is something special about this book and you want to know why you haven't heard more about it! This book is one of those books!

I absolutely adored this book! It is definitely a secret that needs to be let out!

I instantly fell in love with Roxy. She has got a lot going on with her, but you know that underneath her tough girl persona, she is absolutely broken. I wanted to reach in there and clock her upside her head a few times so she would see just how much Aiden adored her. I LOVED her parents and her therapist. They guided her in the right direction and then let her walk on her own. They were there to catch her if she fell, but they didn't hover.

And Aiden. What an amazing guy. Seriously, he was amazing. He lived his life for his family and you could feel the bond with them. He was the college boy that so many girls dreamed of - smart, athletic, beautiful, and devoted. He wasn't looking for a girl, but couldn't resist what was placed in front of him. He loves fiercely and is incredibly loyal. It is impossible not to absolutely adore this guy! 

Mercy Amare is like a little hidden treasure! She wrote a fabulous story and is even more fabulous to interact with! If you haven't checked out this book, do it RIGHT NOW! 
{em}

COVER REVEAL: Forgiving Lies by Molly McAdams

Cover Reveal

Forgiving Lies
by 
Molly McAdams

Date to be released: October 29
Currently available for pre-order!

BLOG TOUR Waiting For You by Shey Stahl

Bailey Gray is tired of her perfectly planned life. Everything about her life has been organized and lived out to the expectations set of her parents. She is the class valedictorian, has perfect grades, the perfect friends, a perfect boyfriend, basically perfect life...or so everyone thought. That's when she realizes the path planned isn't always the path chosen. 

On graduation day she makes a decision. One that changes everything she thought she knew about her intended future.

On a whim, she runs away with the town rebel, Dylan Wade, in search of the unknown.

Dylan Wade isn't looking to run away from anything.

He knows what he wants as he's been waiting on it for years.

On a journey to find the unknown, they discover a friendship they once knew along the open highway and have not a care in the world. Between the yellow and white lines of the heated summer asphalt, a spark draws them together as Dylan's past and Bailey future try to ripe them apart. 

Could it be that Dylan and his GTO are exactly what her perfectly planned life needs?

So, when I read a book and it references particular songs, I always find myself racing to look it up. I feel like it helps me connect with the story. I also enjoy when the author shares their playlist for the book because it helps you get inside their head and identify exactly what is going on with the characters. Waiting for You was no different except there were a LOT of music references! I loved it! Shey Stahl introduced me to some bands I wasn't familiar with as well as making me flashback to the 90's. It was amazing! So, here is the playlist for Waiting For You! I have found myself loving the wide variety of music included! After you enjoy this playlist, look below and enter the GIVEAWAY!
{em}

S&M - Rihanna

Let's Talk About Sex - Salt'n'Peppa

I'll Make Love to You - Boyz II Men

Feels Like the First Time - Foreigner

No Diggity - Blackstreet & Dr. Dre

Watching Waiting - Todd Carey

Some Nights - FUN!

The Fighter - The Fray

Hear Me Now - Framing Hanley

Bump'n Grind - R. Kelly

It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube

Bad Girlfriend - Theory of a Deadman

Do You Wanna Touch Me - Gary Glitter

Lollipop - Framing Hanley

Celebration - Kool & The Gang

One More Night - Maroon 5

The End - Kings Of Leon

Revelry - Kings Of Leon

I Want You - Kings Of Leon

No Tell - Smoke & Jackal

Fall Around - Smoke & Jackal

You - Framing Hanley

Touch It - Monifah

Rump Shaker - Wreckx-N-Effect

Pony - Ginuwine

Get It On Tonite - Montell Jordan

All Night Long - Buckcherry

FMLYHM - Seether

Love the Way You Lie - Eminem & Rihanna

Turn Me On - The Fray

I'll Be - Edwin McCain

You Found Me - The Fray

Stop & Stare - OneRepublic

Dream Life, Life - Colbie Callat

Start of Something Good - Daughtry

It Must've Been Love - Roxette

Ice, Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm - Crash Test Dummies

Kristy, Are You Doing Ok? - The Offspring

Fix You - The Offspring

In the End - Linkin Park

(I've Had) The Time of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Overload - Zappacosta

Open Your Eyes - Snow Patrol

You Stupid Girl - Framing Hanley

Don't Take It Personal - Monica

I'd Die Without You - P.M. Dawn

Merry Go Round - Kerry Musgraves

Hey Ma - Cam'Ron, Toya, Freekey Zeekey, & Juelz Sanchez

Epiphany - Staind

The Story - 30 Seconds To Mars

Collide - Kid Rock

Hands of Time - Groove Amanda

U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer

Going To California - Fuel

Angels - The xx

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COVER REVEAL Lost in You by Heidi McLaughlin

Coming May 1st
Cover by Sarah Hansen ~ OkayCreations.net

Lost in You

Ryan Stone is a less than average teenager. He doesn’t have fancy clothes. He doesn’t carry around the latest smartphone and he definitely doesn’t have an MP3 player. Instead, he goes to school, does his chores and dreams of a new life away from Brookfield where he’s expected to follow in his blue collar family’s footsteps. 

Hadley Carter is America’s Pop Princess. A successful recording artist living her dream with a sold-out tour and a handful of Grammy’s there isn’t much that she wants for, except love. But finding love on the road is near impossible when all she longs for are romantic dinners, a nighttime stroll on the beach and holding hands with someone who isn’t going to exploit her. 

When a chance encounter introduces Ryan to Hadley, will he be like her adoring fans looking for a way in, or will it be Hadley who pursues Ryan even though it might cost her the only career she's ever known.

Lost in You is a story about following your dreams, taking risks and getting lost in love. 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook | Blog


About Heidi:

Heidi is the author of USA Today, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling novel, Forever My Girl

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over- hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

USA Today Bestseller - Forever My Girl - Amazon | Barnes & Noble



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All-American Girl Blog Tour & Giveaway!

At the age of thirty, with two failed marriages and a tanking writing career, Samantha Moore deals with the world with the only tool she had left: anger. And she’s tired of it.
When her grandmother's near-death sends her rushing back home to Vermont, she hopes for the chance to overcome the rage ruling her life.

Once she’s home, Lance Cummings becomes a constant source of indigestion. Lance is a single father who learned first-hand the devastating effects of a damaging relationship. He sees through Samantha’s nasty temper—straight to her cry for help. He wants to help her, but he also wants to know why Samantha ran from him—and their future—twelve years before.

Taking care of her Grams, dealing with an alcoholic brother, and getting Lance to remove his annoyingly attractive nose from her business is draining on Samantha. And she’s only got three weeks to finish her stagnated novel or her publisher will drop her. No pressure. To top it off, pretending to hate the man she actually loves makes each day in Vermont harder than the last. Especially when Lance turns up the heat.

What a sweet story! I'm a definite sucker for reunited & second chance love stories! This one was just that!

Ms Dell brought a very unique twist to this story. It was so different from many other second chance love stories. I loved how messed up Samantha was and how she recognized it & began to work through her issues. Lance wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for her. He was the best kind of hero - didn't take her non-sense, but loved her through it all. The progression of the story was absolutely perfect. Things were not rushed between the pair, but it didn't drag on either. And then there were other twists and turns throughout the book - like crazy exes, personal issues, and just their past in general.

The supporting characters helped round out the story. It was fun to see the interaction between old best friends as well as new ones. Grams was fabulous in all of her old lady spunk! She was a no holds barred type of lady and added a whole new element!

If you're looking for a unique story about a second chance at love, check this one out!

Oh and we have a giveaway!



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Running On Empty Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Welcome to this stop on the Running On Empty Blog Tour! We are sooooo excited to have Alex and Blake here with us today! I'll just dive right in!

Welcome Alex & Blake :)

Blake. We'll start with you!

So. When did you realize that you weren't going to be able to walk away from Alex? 

Pretty much the day we were born.  I mean, I know I left after high school…but there wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t thinking about her.  So, even though I wasn’t physically present, I never really left her.  Then, when I came back and she had that very mature moment in the bar, (Blake looks over at Alex.  She rolls her eyes and he chuckles under his breath) I thought at that point the Alex I knew was gone.  So, it was then that I made the decision to leave Waco, Alex, and my feelings for her behind…there was nothing for me to hang on to anymore.  But, when she came over the next morning, I caught a brief glimpse of my Alex, and vowed at that moment to stay here until I found her.  (Alex – “I never knew that.”  She reaches over and grabs Blake’s hand)

What were you thinking when Alex found out what had actually brought you back to town? Did you imagine that strong of a reaction?

I learned very early in life to never underestimate Alex’s reactions to anything. But, I knew if she found out she’d be pissed.  So, I kept putting off telling her because every day I spent with her, I could feel her opening up to me.  I know now it was not the best decision to keep it from her, but hey…it all worked out eventually.  And I got an awesome t-shirt out of it.

How about when she showed up on your door step? How about that speech & shirt?

Honestly, I was done.  I never in a million years expected to see her again.  The woman is probably the most stubborn creature on this earth, and saying I’m sorry…well, let’s just say that’s the first time and most likely the last time I’ll ever hear it.  (Alex rolls her eyes and sighs. Blake keeps looking forward but smiles.) And the shirt…it wasn’t really the shirt that got to me.  It was the vulnerability she showed in making it.  That was the Alex I had been looking for, and once I found her, I wasn’t letting her go. (Alex – “How do you do that?  You make me so mad and then just make my heart melt.  It’s really annoying.”  Blake grins at her and shakes his head. “Honey, your compliments are so sweet.”)

How long did it take you to move back to town?

Not too long.  A couple of weekend trips.  Taking all three girls on the road…well, let’s just say it definitely sped up the moving process.  Definitely.

Now that we've  put Blake in the hot seat for a few minutes, it's time for Alex's turn!

When did you realize that you couldn't let Blake leave your life again?

Looking back, I know I was pushing him away.  Just the thought of losing anyone that I loved was too much.  I felt like I was in the middle of a massive game of tug-a-war with my emotions.  One second I would want to let him in, let him be in my life, and the next I was doing something to push him away because I was scared.  But I knew the minute I pushed him too far, I made the biggest mistake of my life.  So, after he left I knew I had to do something to get him back.  I had to take a leap of faith and just put myself out there…and like Blake said…it all worked out.  And he did get an awesome t-shirt. 

How are you adjusting to "needing" help?

(Alex laughs and Blake looks at me and shakes his head.) I’m getting better.  I think.  Blake? (Blake – “Ummm, no she’s not.  At all.”  Alex looks at him and shrugs her shoulders.)  “I guess I still need a little work in that department.

Are the girls loving having Blake around? 

Absolutely.  Blake and the girls bonded immediately.  They adore him and I know he feels the same about each one of them.  We still do Sunday Breakfast Dates and chocolate chip pancakes.  Every Sunday.  It’s something we all look forward to.  It’s a tradition that I think we will have for the rest of our lives. 

Now... these are for both of you...

Did Blake move in with you & the girls?

Alex – No, Blake got a place of his own when he moved back.  I didn’t think it would be appropriate for him to move in.  I have to set an example for my girls, and the last thing I want to deal with down the road is any of the girls coming to me and asking to move in with a guy and telling me it’s okay to do so because I did it.  No, thank you. 

How is Blake adjusting to going from the single life to family life?

Alex – He really jumped right into the role. From the moment he met the girls, I think he had already adjusted.  Blake?

Blake – Yeah.  I love the girls as if they are my own.  I’m happier now being a family man than I ever was being single.  All of these girls are my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way.  I love it and I love them. (Alex smiles and sighs “I love this man.”  Blake looks at her. “Now, that’s a compliment.”)

Will there be wedding bells soon?

Alex – Plans are in the making.  The girls are beyond excited. And so is Harlow…of course.  A little too excited.  Like offering her opinion about everything excited.

 How about some Blake & Alex babies?

(Blake laughs out loud.)

Alex – Ummmm, no. We’re not planning for any right now. 

Blake – But you never know.  (Blake gives me a wink.)

Alex – Obviously we’re still deliberating about the possibility of a baby in the future, but right now…no.

Any new antics from the littles? Are they still terrorizing the hell out of you?

Alex – Always.  But I’m used to it. They’ve been terrorizing me for years. 

Blake – They all have their little quirks. Nycole is always trying to act like she’s twenty years old. This one I’m not too happy about. Kyndall is constantly in her own world doing her own thing.  And Rylie?  (Blake sighs) Let’s just say she keeps me on my toes.  The other day I found her on top of the refrigerator.  (He shakes his head) She might be the death of me.

Is Wild & Wacky Wednesday still happening? Blake, you joining in on the fun?

Blake – Every Wednesday. There are just some traditions you don’t mess with.  That’s definitely one of them.  But Harlow usually brings Trace so it’s not that bad.  We all usually just sit around and watch the girls do what they do.  They’re very entertaining.

So. Ready for the lightening round? Both of you get to answer each one.

Favorite book/magazine:

Hot or Cold: Alex – Hot, Blake – Cold

Fast or Slow: Alex – Slow (looks over at Blake and giggles), Blake – (Smiles back at her) Slow

Winter or Summer: Alex – Summer, Blake – Winter

Favorite Color: Alex – Blue, Blake – Blue (Alex – “Copycat.  Get your own answers.”)

Top or Bottom: Alex – (Looks at Blake and giggles again) Either, Blake – With kids you don’t often get a choice...so I also have to say either.

Stay in or Go out: Alex – Stay in, Blake – Stay in.

Flirty or Dirty: Alex – Dirty! (Blake looks at her with huge eyes. Alex laughs. “I just wanted to see what you’d do.), Blake – I was gonna say flirty so keep outta trouble but I might have to change my answer. (Looks at Alex and winks) The girls are still with Harlow, right?

So there you have it, folks. Are they not freakin' adorable? I could not get enough of these two! What a fun pair they were. If I wasn't totally swooning over Blake before, I am now! I might also have a girl crush on Alex... 

In case you still haven't read the book, check out our REVIEW.  

Oh... a giveaway? Sure thing! There will be *2* prizes being given away for this one! One will be an e-copy of Running on Empty and one will be a SIGNED PAPERBACK!

If you simply cannot wait until this giveaway is over, go ahead and buy it on Amazon or B&N!

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