'Text me' is on the Tour Bus!

You might well have been wondering if I'd disappeared down a black hole! I haven't - but there have been a hundred and one things happening in my life, including my son's GCSE exams (feel the revision pain!), preparing for the Festival of Romance (yeah, I know it isn't until November, but I am SO excited to be attending as an author - any tips on how to behave, what to wear and what to take gratefully received!), and trying to write despite various elements of chaos....

Anyway, I'm on the tour bus with 'Text me" this week...

If you've got time, please click here for a full list of stops and join me along the way! (I get lonely on my own!!)

Visit the 'Isle of Sensuality' with Aimee Duffy!

Susie, thank you so much for having me back on your blog. My pleasure, thanks for stopping by Aimee.

Since its absolutely freezing in the UK (I’m sitting here typing with fingerless gloves) I’m in the mood to chat about foreign places. The summer can’t come quick enough, not that we see much sun in the UK. BUT I am going abroad again this year, on another beach holiday, Portugal this time. It’s a family holiday though, for my uncles fiftieth. Not half as much fun. Still, I’m sure my cousin and I can sneak off to a few bars on the lookout for hotties. I’ll try and get some pictures—for research purposes, of course ;o)

The main reason I chose the setting for Isle of Sensuality is my love of Mexico and Latin America. I’d go back in a heartbeat, move there tomorrow (if that was an possible) and if money was no option, I’d travel all over.

To me, there’s nothing better than taking two weeks out, feeling white sand beneath your feet and swimming in warm, clear sea water. There’s nowhere like that in the UK I’ve heard of, probably why I love my holidays so much.

I could go on all day about the places I’ve been, would like to go or search the web for all the best places in the world, but I’d much rather hear about your favourite locations.

So, tease me with your tales of sun, sea and sexy foreign men and I’ll be happy. Might even visit some of the places myself.

And if you’d like to win a copy of Isle of Sensuality, you can enter the Rafflecopter.

Take care xoxo

Who knew being with Mr. Wrong could be so right?

Caitlyn Hart is shooting her first movie, and she doesn't want to screw it up. Still, she's on a deadline and when her co-star, Mr. Hot Shot Campbell, holds filming up, he's immediately on her shit list. But she can't ignore his charms for long or the overpowering want she feels for him. Even though she knows he's her Mr. Wrong, she doesn't mind him being her Mr. Right Now. If only her silly heart would stay immune.

Having been burned once, Jake Campbell doesn't have the capacity to love, but that doesn't mean relationships of a purely sexual nature are off limits. After all, a man has needs. His sexy co-star with fire red hair and a passion to match ignites his own desire and he sets out to convince her a fling is the only way to scratch the proverbial itch. Little did he figure that she'd be the one to penetrate the thick scars on his heart and make him feel.

Excerpt:

Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" Jake asked.

Caitlyn's brows pulled together as she tried to work out what was so special about the following day. Nothing came to mind. "Tomorrow?"

Jake turned to look at her, the cheeky grin back in place which had her heart beating out an unsteady rhythm. "Our characters will share their first kiss."

Her eyes widened as her face grew hot. How could she have forgotten? Probably because she'd been too busy stressing over the love scene to worry about much else.

"Not particularly," she breathed. Jake studied her with a teasing glint in his eyes. Her face flamed.

"Not buying it."

Irritation flared again and she clenched he"r hands into fists. She had to remind herself to keep her cool around him. She was supposed to be torturing him, not being tortured herself. Still, the thought that in less than twenty-four hours she'd have his lips on hers sent little heated jitters coursing through her body.

She forced her stiff shoulders to shrug, mortified by her lack of acting ability in his presence. "You can believe what you like."

He pulled the cling film from a platter of sandwiches and offered her the plate. Caitlyn picked up a smoked salmon piece and brought it to her lips. She groaned as the flavor of the bread and fish played across her taste buds. Jake's gaze went to her mouth and, feeling a little vindictive, she licked her lips. He swallowed and a thrill ran through her as she realized perhaps she really was torturing him.

With his focus still on her lips, he asked, "Do you really want our first kiss to be in front of the camera?"

The vindictive thrill vanished as panic started to creep in. She was alone with a man she barely knew for the second time in less than a day. Her thoughts were spinning with bad case scenarios and she couldn't even hear the voice of logic in her head telling her she was overreacting. All she could think of was she was there—literally flirting with danger—alone with Jake and no one had any idea where she was.

"Hey, Caitlyn, what's wrong?" Jake's eyes were serious and he looked concerned. Her inner fear must have shown in her expression, but she couldn't feel embarrassed about it yet. The panic was still forefront in her mind.

"Why did you bring me here?" She hated that her voice sounded small and frightened.

His eyes widened in surprise. "I brought you here because it's the nicest place I've seen on the island and I wanted to spend time with you. Having dinner where we could watch the sun set was all I had in mind."

She relaxed a little at his words. Jake sounded like he was telling the truth, and perhaps a little affronted she had doubted him. "I'm sorry, I overreacted." The voice of logic didn't have to whisper that in her head, it was obvious.

He shrugged and a hint of a smile played around the edges of his mouth. "I won't force you to do anything you're not comfortable with. That's not my style." He paused, took a bite of his sandwich, and swallowed before he continued. "Though if you wanted something to happen, I certainly wouldn't protest."

He winked at her and for an awful moment, Caitlyn had the wildest urge to close the distance between them and plant her lips on his, pulling herself against his well-sculpted chest.

"That won't ever happen," Caitlyn said with bite, trying to convince herself more than him.


Giveaway:

Aimee is giving away a digital copy of her book. To enter for a chance to win just fill out the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out more about Aimee and the other stops on the tour here - SHADES OF ROSE  

An interview with (drumroll please)... Aimee Duffy!

I've been lucky enough to grab Aimee in advance of the publication date for  'The Monster of Fame' - and she's giving away a copy!!! So if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on it... read on!

Can the voice of an angel heal a tortured soul?

Annabelle MacIntosh enters a reality singing contest to save her family from their mounting debt. Miles Oliver, celebrity judge and the owner of the biggest record company in the UK, doesn’t think she has what it takes. She sings like an angel, but when she performs all he can focus on is the terror in her eyes. It’s a look he knows only too well. After the pressure of fame destroyed his wife, Miles swore he’d never let the same thing happen to anyone else. Driven by the guilt he’s carried for years, Miles tries everything in his power to make sure Annabelle doesn’t succeed, because he doesn’t believe she’ll survive it.

Annabelle needs that prize money, and she’s determined to win it. As she fights to make it through each round of the contest, an attraction begins to develop between the two adversaries. The longer Annabelle remains in the competition, the deeper her attraction grows to the man who’s trying to prevent her from reaching her goal. Can she convince Miles she’s strong enough to fight the fame monster and win?

Hi Aimee, thank you so much for dropping by. I can’t wait to read ‘The Monster of Fame’ when it comes out on the 15^th October. I hope you don’t mind if I try and wheedle a few facts out of you in advance!

Wheedle away :o)

Okay, starting off with the book – because that’s what we’re really interested in!

1. If you had to sum up ‘The Monster of Fame’ in 30 words or less what would you say?

Only thirty words? Umm…

Miles, music mogul and judge on DYHWIT doesn’t want Annabelle to win because he doubts she’ll handle it. She needs the prize money to save her family, and home.

2. Annabelle sounds intriguing – what do you most like about her?

Even though at times she’s overwhelmed and feels like everything and everyone is against her, she picks herself up and gets on with it.

3. Is there anything about her that frustrates you?

Just one? :D Yes, actually. At one point she believes the bad press about her and it almost takes her down. Even as I wrote I was screaming at her to get a grip. Like I said before though, she always bounces back.

4. What does Miles most admire about her?

Her family values. When he realises that she’s taken the weight of her family’s debt on her shoulders, his plans to push her out of the competition seem less feasible so he has to plot another way…

5. And is he the type of guy you could fall for (don’t we fall for all our heroes?!) or would you pass him back to Annabelle?

Definitely. He’s sweet, a little tortured, and loves unconditionally. If I didn’t love Annabelle so much I’d pinch him!

6. What/who inspired you to write the story?

I’m a reality tv fanatic. Whether it be Big Brother, Stranded, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here or the Xfactor, I’ll watch it! Reality singing contests like The Voice & Pop Idol are my favourites and I thought, why not build that kind of competition around a romance? And there you have it, my two loves brought together as one!

7. And what about the characters - are they a little bit you, people you know, or did they just leap out and grab you (metaphorically speaking of course!)?

Despite living in a small village a few miles away from where I grew up, Annabelle is nothing like me. I think she’s a compilation of all the contestants on those time-sucking reality shows!

When I dreamt up Miles, I thought of a young, grunge/urban type with billions of bucks he didn’t know what to do with and a past that haunted him. Then I gave him a role as one of the judges and coupled with his guilt, he grew from there.

And we, sorry I, being naturally nosy would love to know a bit about you…

1. Where/when do you write?

Whenever I can. I find I’m way more productive at 5am sprints before I go off to work, or on a Sunday! Usually, I write on my sofa with my laptop, sometimes I write on my lunch hour. One thing I can say is if I go a few days without my fix, my fingers itch.

2. What part of writing do you enjoy most, coming up with the idea, planning, writing it or typing The End?!

I love the feeling you get typing ‘The End’ but it makes me sad to be saying goodbye to my characters—but there’s still revisions and edits, and more edits, so I guess it isn’t really the end, is it? :)

3. Sum yourself up in 30 words or less (ha, I hate questions like this!)?!

Now I do too! Lol.

I’m a workaholic and have only recently quit my part-time job, funny ‘cause I don’t see writing as work! Love shoes, handbags, Big Bang Theory, new clothes and hillwalking.

4. Do you spend much time reading? What’s your favourite bedtime/holiday read? Favourite author/genre?

When I was in Lanzarote this year I read Catherine Bybee’s Wife By Wednesday (LOVED IT) and Sylvia Day’s Bared To You (which I loved more). I like to read across lines and genre’s, the most recent I read before bed was Zara Stoneley’s Freefalling (which of course was absolutely brilliant!) 

Ah, thanks for saying that Aimee - glad you enjoyed it. I'm off to Lanzarote in the spring and I'll be taking my kindle... and probably 'The Monster of Fame' - if I can resist reading it before!

         

5. Coffee or tea (or wine!)?

 Is vodka an option? No? Okay, I’ll go with coffee…
Vodka is always an option!

6. Starter or dessert?

 Desert! Why someone would pick green pea soup over sticky toffee pudding is beyond me!

7. What would you be doing if time & money were no object?

 Writing 9/5! In Paris, and New York, and India. Writing and travelling!

8. Best bit of advice you’ve ever been given, and by whom?

 One of my teachers told me:- “never believe anyone who says you can’t, because you can.” He meant maths, and on that score he was wrong, but I’ve applied his advice to other things in life. Maths is still beyond me!

And before you run off, can you share a little excerpt?

Excerpt -

“It’s a no from me.”

The words rang again and again in Anna’s head, each time cutting her a little deeper. She straightened her spine and locked her knees to avoid falling to the floor and tried very hard to hold back the sobs bubbling up in her chest.

Anna tore her gaze away from Miles’s penetrating emerald eyes and returned her attention to an irregular floorboard in front of the judges’ table.

“Miles!” the female judge, Safri, chided. “You can’t be serious?” The incredulous note in Safri’s thick accent was obvious.

Anna looked up at Safri. Hope sparked anew. All she needed was two votes to go through. Maybe there was still a chance…

“I’m dead serious. She doesn’t have what it takes,” his deep voice rumbled.

Pain slashed across her like the lash of a whip. What did he mean? Wasn’t she pretty enough? He said she could sing!

“I disagree,” Safri said, turning to face Anna and squaring her broad, tanned shoulders. “I think you do and only an idiot would not take you through to the next round. I think you have winning potential and the star quality we’re looking for. It’s a yes from me.”

Anna managed to pull her lips into what she hoped was a grateful smile. Words still beyond her, she dragged in deep breaths through her nose to stop the tears from spilling over. From the corner of her eye she saw Miles’s brows pull down and his lips twist into a scowl as he glared at Safri.

What on earth had she done to goad such a response from him?

“I have to say, I agree with Safri,” Sander Chase said, breaking Anna out of her reverie. Still, the sorrow of Miles’s rejection almost swallowed her whole. “You’re through to the next round, Annabelle. Congratulations.”

Again, Anna forced herself to smile even though she felt like crying. This was what she wanted, right? Just the majority vote. It was enough, yet it didn’t feel like enough. She glanced at Miles again who was now pinching the bridge of his nose between a long forefinger and thumb, his eyes shut tight.

What she really wanted was his approval. The other two were talented recording artists, sure. But it was his opinion that mattered most. His company represented every ounce of talent in the UK and he didn’t think she had what it would take to be one of them. Was he right?

Thanks Aimee and good luck with ‘The Monster of Fame’, I’ll be looking out for it on the 15^th October.

Thanks for having me, Susie! It’s been fun!

Where can your readers find you? 

Website: www.aimeeduffy.co.uk 

Twitter: @aimeeduffyx

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/aimee.duffy.12

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6523308.Aim_e_Duffy

(Don't forget to check out Aimee's website for more info on her mega tour!)

Bio  -

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a good book in my hands. In primary school I loved Roald Dahl. In high school my English teacher introduced me to Charles Dickens, Stephen King, Jane Austin, Emily Bronte, and Shakespeare. It was then that I discovered my love for romance and I’ve wanted to pen my own imaginary heroes and heroines for others to enjoy ever since. Only in the last few years was I lucky enough to meet some fabulous and encouraging people to help me gain the skills to make that dream possible.

I live in sunny Scotland in a small town near the Ochils and work nine to five in a solicitors. In my free time, you’ll find me on Facebook, stalking *cough* following friends on Twitter and may even catch me shoe shopping.

If you fancy reading the rest of the story (and who wouldn't?), then there's a giveaway. Post a comment before 18th October and Aimee will select one person at random to win.... a copy of 'The Monster of Fame' PLUS a £10 Amazon voucher (15 US or Aus dollars if you aren't in the UK)