Tour Stop- Ties that Bind by Heather Huffman

Kate Yager never had a father, and she never minded - until her mom died. Now, acting on the name called out on her mother's deathbed, Kate has moved to San Francisco and gotten herself hired by the man she suspects to be her dad. As if a new job, new apartment, and new parent weren't enough, Kate finds herself head-over-heels in lust with a complete stranger she met at an art show. A stranger who, she later finds out, happens to work in her office.

As her relationships with her friends and father grow stronger, Kate has to confront the decisions of her past to find out whether she can love the man who gave her up, love the man who loves her truly, and even whether she can love herself. (Product Description)




Excerpt:

“I met a guy at the Gavin Nichols showing last night and almost did something really stupid,” Kate whispered breathlessly, unable to believe the words even as she spoke them. “When he went to grab a bottle of wine, I came to my senses and left.”

“Did you…” Liz started.

“No,” Kate jumped in quickly. “But I’m not sure if I’m relieved about that or not.”

“I’ve only known you for two days and just can’t picture you doing that.” Jessica shook her head.

“I’ve known me for thirty-two years and can’t picture it either.” Kate mimicked Jessica’s headshake.  “I can’t even begin to describe the pull this guy had on me.”

A throat cleared nervously just as Liz and Jessica’s eyes widened. Kate’s heart sank and she could only guess who’d just overheard that statement. She fixed a smile on her face and turned to greet the bemused face of Jack Cooper. It was the smiling eyes next to his that made her blood run cold and her face heat up at once.

“Ladies, I’d like to introduce you to Gavin Nichols. Turns out he had a show here yesterday so he’s here even sooner than we expected.” Jack couldn’t keep the pleasure out of his voice.  Kate rose mechanically to join the others in shaking Gavin’s hand.  Jack was motioning to each of them. “Gavin, this is Jessica Reid, Liz Bellinger and Kate Yager.”

“Oh, Katie and I go way back.” Gavin’s eyes sparkled with mischief and his lips twitched ever so slightly as he took her hand in his. She resisted the urge to yank it back at the electric current his touch created. “How have you been? It feels like ages since we last met.”

“Peachy.” Kate practically glowered at him. “And yourself?”

“Peachy.” At that, he did chuckle. “You left a little abruptly at our last meeting…I hope everything is okay.”

“Just fine, thanks.” She ground through her teeth.

“Looks like everyone else is ready for the meeting.” Liz came to her rescue.

“Just let me grab my notebook.” Kate motioned for the others to go on without her. Gavin looked ready to hang back, but Jack was ushering him towards the conference room.

Jessica’s wide eyes demanded an explanation to which Kate simply shrugged helplessly. “It’s him,” she mouthed. A giggle escaped Liz and her hand flew to her mouth. Confusion clouded Jack’s eyes but Gavin’s lips were twitching again. Kate made a mental note to ask him if he had a nervous tic or something.

Kate wasn’t sure if it was fate or Gavin’s maneuvering, but she found herself squeezed in next to him at the meeting.

“You could have told me who you are,” she whispered fiercely as she sat down.

“That seemed less fun somehow.” He shrugged with another smile.

“Weren’t you supposed to be here next week?”

“Because I had the show this week…but I woke up this morning with the sudden urge to report to work early.”

“Stop grinning like the village idiot,” she snapped, wishing she hadn’t been so quick to tell a stranger where she worked.

“Ouch, that was harsh.” He winced a little but his smile didn’t diminish.

“Sorry,” she apologized out of habit before turning her attention to Jack. He began the meeting the moment everyone was in their seat and quickly dove into the status of the upcoming launch. He praised Kate for booking a venue for the next two events, and she flushed with an odd pleasure at having made him happy with her.

The interchange wasn’t lost on Gavin. But then, Kate thought ruefully, nothing is lost on him today. It was hard for Kate to concentrate with him so close, too. He might have been infuriating, but he still smelled the same as he did last night. The same heat rolled off him, its long fingers licking at her skin. She struggled to make sense of the words people were saying, but they all came across as incoherent as Charlie Brown’s teacher. She just hoped no one turned their attention to her any time soon.

Heather Huffman

Heather has gracious given Nose In A Book three ebook copies to give away!! All you have to do is leave a comment blow (be sure to include your email)  to enter into the drawing. For the Grand Prize, follow the instructions from the Rafflecopter below!!

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WOW- Ceaseless by Abbi Glines

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine 

where you share an upcoming release that you're anticipating on reading. 

To coincide with my Book Boyfriend this week...

I am waiting on Ceaseless to be released. It is the final book of the Existence Trilogy by Abbi Glines.

He defied Heaven to keep her, he defeated evil to save her, but if her soul wants another... will he be able to let her go?

Scheduled release date of Sept 18, 2012

Cover Reveal- Fate by Elizabeth Reyes

Here it is!!! The cover for Elizabeth Reyes' latest novel...

Fate (Vincent & Rose)

Yes... it is the first from the Moreno Brother's spin-off series! 

*fist pump* Yes!!

OK- So it's been a while!!! lol

Real life has gotten in the way of my books and blogging

... can you believe that?!  The nerve!!! lol

I think I'm back on track. I have four posts set and ready to go for next week. 

I know you're shocked but it's the truth! 

Thank you for your patience with me and continuing to check in at 

Nose in A Book!

~Karen

Interview with Lauren Clark- author of Dancing Naked in Dixie

I would like to thank Lauren Clark 

for taking time out of her busy schedule 

to be with us here at Nose In A Book!

Lauren Clark is the author of Stay Tuned and Dancing Naked in Dixie. She writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Herbig loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website atwww.laurenclarkbooks.com.

What is was the most fun scene to write in Dancing Naked in Dixie? 

That would have to be the scene with Julia trying to get the cab from the two wealthy women in New York City. Julia's tired, cold, and wet, she really wants to go home and the two ladies are rude so she makes up a story that's she has an illness (Athazagoritis), which, of course, is also not real. The women buy the story, though, and spend the next twenty minutes quizzing her on medications, recovery, and the sickness itself. This scene is so Julia, she's very impulsive, though not meaning any harm to anyone. When she acts before she thinks, then Julia often ends up regretting it -- as is the case for these two ladies, who continue to try and "take care of her" long after the cab ride.

What was the most emotional scene to write?

Hands down, the night where it starts snowing in Eufaula. It's a weather rarity, so people get really excited and race outside to see it. Of course, a light dusting of snow looks really magical, like someone sprinkled powdered sugar on rooftops and front yards. Add that to a starry, bright night, and it's the perfect setting for romance. Unfortunately for Julia, Mary Katherine thinks so, too, and makes a public display that Shug is still her boyfriend.

Where did you get your ideas or inspiration for the characters in this book? 

I lived near Eufaula for many years and it is one of my favorite places to spend a long afternoon. The homes are amazing, the food is fabulous, and the people take a lot of pride in their community. The Pilgrimage is a great event, especially the candlelight tour!! I had the idea of a big-city travel writer coming to the Deep South for a story--and Eufaula seemed like the perfect place for her to visit. Throw in some controversy, secrets, danger, and romantic tension, and it all fell into place!  For the characters, many people in Lower Alabama (LA, as the locals call it) are die-hard Auburn University football team fans. "Jordan" is the last name of one of the famous coaches at Auburn, and I thought it would be fun to name a whole family after people or things that represent this much-loved university.

Is there anything in this book readers may not pick up on that you want to point out? 

I'd love for readers to take away that --like Julia-- we all have had preconceived notions about people or locations that may seem different or foreign. Dixie is about opening up to experience everything that life has to offer -- and finding happiness in the most unexpected places.

What is a fun fact about you that readers may not know?

I love superheroes and know waayyy too much about the powers and history of different characters. For Mother's Day, I went with my two boys (7 and 14) to see "The Avengers" movie! I think I liked it as much as they did (And of course, it helped that all of the good guys were pretty darn hot... and that Scarlett Johansson kicked butt as Black Widow.

Review- Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

Dancing Naked in Dixie 

by Lauren Clark

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired. 

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage. 

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

After trying to deal with the tragic loss of her mother and feeling of abandonment, Julia begins to live her full speed ahead. She uses the break neck pace as a wall to keep others at bay and from getting attached. She thinks this is a good way of coping until her new boss arrives and cancels all of her fast paced plans.  Unsatisfied with her work, her new editor sends her on what she views as the most undesirable assignment ever. Julia is sent to Eufaula, Alabama. She is immediately tossed into the ringer as an outsider in a small town. While memorable cast of characters that can usually be found in a small town trying to learn about their  big city visitor, a devious plot that could change the face of Eufaula forever begins to unfold. As Julia is shown around town by Shug, she begins to see how out of control and chaotic her own life truly is. After what can at least be an eventful visit, Julia returns to the usually comforting chaos of New York City only to find herself wishing things would slow down. Several months pass and she decides to return to Eufaula for the Pilgrimage. Just as many surprises lie in store for this visit as her last.

I did enjoy reading Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark. There was so much in this book. There was some wonderful historical information about the town of Eufaula and the families that help build it. It is well written and put together. It was a delightful glimpse into the hierarchy and delightful characters that can make up a small Southern town.  My only complaint was there were a couple of times when I just wanted the story line to move along already.  However, overall it was a fun, light hearted and entertaining read. I am giving Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark 4 out of 5 stars.

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Interview- Lauren Clark

I would like to thank Lauren Clark 

for taking time out of her busy schedule 

to be with us here at Nose In A Book!

Lauren Clark is the author of Stay Tuned and Dancing Naked in Dixie. She writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Herbig loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website atwww.laurenclarkbooks.com.

Welcome to Nose In A Book. I thank you for taking the time to join us. Could you start out telling the readers a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in a small town in Upstate New York, walked to school, played sports (field hockey, soccer, swimming), and was a cheerleader. I was NOT shy. I was precocious--in fact, my mother tells a story about how I slipped away from her in a department store when I was four years old, got into the elevator, and was met by a saleslady who asked me "Where are you going?" Evidently, I looked at her and said, "I'm going UP."

I am married with two boys, ages 7 and 14, and they are my world. I'm the mom who goes along on all of the field trips, loves to help with school projects, and cheer on my children in whatever they decide to pursue! I'm so happy that they adore books as much as I do--my 14 year-old has his own Kindle. I also love being silly with my boys--we make up stories, build Legos, play superheroes (I regularly tease my 7 year-old by telling him that I am "Super Mommy to the Rescue" with a pink cape and boots ... and he rolls his eyes and laughs. It's our special joke!)

When and how did you know that you wanted to become a writer?

I started trying to write stories as a teenager, but had a lot of distractions (sports, cheerleading, school, boys) so I didn't stick with it. When it came to college, I went into Journalism and Public Relations, so spent a lot of time interviewing, editing, and writing. That said, it was good experience, but it wasn't the same as learning how to write fiction.

Most writers' first novel never see the light of day. Can you share the summary of the first book you wrote?

(Cringe) It was about a teenager girl who shoplifts on a dare, then ends up stealing on a regular basis because it makes her feel temporarily better about her life (with a workaholic mother and minus a father).

How did you come up with the title?

Dancing Naked in Dixie jumped into my head one day when I was thinking about a novel about a travel writer who comes to Eufaula. My first idea was to have the protagonist discover some fabulous "dessert" or treat that was so good it made everyone want to dance naked! The more I thought about it, though, I felt it would be straying too much from the plotline that needed to be Julia's journey--a physical journey from New York to Eufaula, Alabama, but also a personal journey of growth and discovery about herself and her own family.

My first novel, Stay Tuned, came from being in the television business for a long time. I wanted something catchy, short, and easy to remember.

What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

I love the chapter in which Julia is trying to catch a cab in New York and two wealthy women get there first. In typical Julia fashion, she tells a little fib and says she's sick with Athazagoritis (which she also made up and isn't even an illness). He little white lie haunts her later in the book, when the two women want to send her flowers and cards at work...but none of Julia's co-workers knows what they are talking about!

What is was the most fun scene to write in Dancing Naked in Dixie? That would have to be the scene with Julia trying to get the cab from the two wealthy women in New York City. Julia's tired, cold, and wet, she really wants to go home and the two ladies are rude so she makes up a story that's she has an illness (Athazagoritis), which, of course, is also not real. The women buy the story, though, and spend the next twenty minutes quizzing her on medications, recovery, and the sickness itself. This scene is so Julia, she's very impulsive, though not meaning any harm to anyone. When she acts before she thinks, then Julia often ends up regretting it -- as is the case for these two ladies, who continue to try and "take care of her" long after the cab ride.

What was the most emotional scene to write? Hands down, the night where it starts snowing in Eufaula. It's a weather rarity, so people get really excited and race outside to see it. Of course, a light dusting of snow looks really magical, like someone sprinkled powdered sugar on rooftops and front yards. Add that to a starry, bright night, and it's the perfect setting for romance. Unfortunately for Julia, Mary Katherine thinks so, too, and makes a public display that Shug is still her boyfriend.

Where did you get your ideas or inspiration for the characters in this book? I lived near Eufaula for many years and it is one of my favorite places to spend a long afternoon. The homes are amazing, the food is fabulous, and the people take a lot of pride in their community. The Pilgrimage is a great event, especially the candlelight tour!! I had the idea of a big-city travel writer coming to the Deep South for a story--and Eufaula seemed like the perfect place for her to visit. Throw in some controversy, secrets, danger, and romantic tension, and it all fell into place!  For the characters, many people in Lower Alabama (LA, as the locals call it) are die-hard Auburn University football team fans. "Jordan" is the last name of one of the famous coaches at Auburn, and I thought it would be fun to name a whole family after people or things that represent this much-loved university.

Is there anything in this book readers may not pick up on that you want to point out? I'd love for readers to take away that --like Julia-- we all have had preconceived notions about people or locations that may seem different or foreign. Dixie is about opening up to experience everything that life has to offer -- and finding happiness in the most unexpected places.

What is a fun fact about you that readers may not know?

I love superheroes and know        waayyy too much about the powers and history of different characters. For Mother's Day,       I went with my two boys (7 and 14) to see "The Avengers" movie! I think I liked it as       much as they did (And of course, it helped that all of the good guys were pretty darn hot             ... and that Scarlett Johansson kicked butt as Black Widow.

What is your current work in progress?

I am researching for my next novel, The Pie Lab, which is a real restaurant in Greensboro, Alabama. This story will follow a girl who’s gone off to a big city (like Atlanta or New York) and vows NEVER to come home. She’s forced to return to Greensboro, though, when her romantic relationship falls apart. Since she’s burned a lot of bridges, it will be interesting to see how she makes amends.  The Pie Lab, as a business, is a great concept, as it offers on-the-job training and the owners are very active in the community. Added bonus…the pies are delicious! The Pie Lab has been featured in Southern Living and The New York Times.

What is your favorite part to research for a book?

I love to research a new town or city. With Dixie, I had lived near Eufaula for several years and visited many times (including during the Pilgrimage). When I was writing Stay Tuned, I researched Macon, Georgia -- the businesses, the city's population, ethnic makeup, colleges nearby, etc -- I want to know everything that I possibly can to make the setting authentic. I like to print out pictures of the place I am writing about so that I can glance up at them while I am writing.

What's your favorite gadget?  

I love my Macbook! I had a Dell until it died, and switched over to Apple. I've never looked back :)

Name three book crushes.

Shopaholic Series - Sophie Kinsella

Paris Series - Juliette Sobanet

Guilty Wives - James Patterson

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog:  www.laurenclarkbooks.com

My Goodreads author page:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5280308.Lauren_Clark

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ - !/LaurenClark_Bks

My facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Clark/235315706518284

BUY LINKS:

Dancing Naked in Dixie for Kindle

Dancing Naked in Paperback

Dancing Naked for Nook

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?   BOTH

Submit your questions for character interviews!

This was originally post to my new www.FiftyShadesBookClub.blogspot.com
and I thought I would open it up to all of you!! :)




Alright #FiftyFanGirls~ 

Your loyalty and smart mouths are about to be rewarded!!!

First, our love of Fifty Shades of Grey brought together

 and "bonded" us. *wink*   

When we wondered what could possibly sustain us after 

our Fifty experience, this Fifty Shades Book Club 

came into existence. 

Over time, two books were mentioned, recommended, and read over and over again.

 Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

Soon followed the release of Gabriel's Rapture.

 Because of this, we, the awesome fan base, have 

been given the privilege to "submit" (hehe) questions 

for our favorite characters!!!  

Laura will accept questions for Caden and Sylvain for any character you choose.

To ask your question you can either

1) Comment on this post

2) DM either @Nose_InA_Book or @MsAnaGrey

3) Email noseinabookblog@gmail.com

You have until Thurs June 7 to submit your questions.

Enjoy!!