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Sunday, May 31, 2015

Passport to Happiness Blog Tour

Passport to Happiness Tour Banner


Welcome to my stop on The Passport to Happiness by Debbie White Blog Tour!




To escape the often lonely and boring reality of living in a small rural town, Jessica finds comfort in reading about the many places that exist beyond her small corner of the earth. When she joins the State Department and travels abroad looking for adventure, she gets more than she imagined was ever possible. Passport to happiness is a story of strength and determination, while exploring new places, but it’s also about finding love and happiness – no matter where you hang your hat.




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Excerpt

Birdie and I packed large floppy hats to keep the sun off our heads – the African sun gets hot – a scarf to help keep dust out of our mouths, and canteens full of water. I wanted to take pictures but didn’t have a camera, and neither did Birdie. “Let’s stop over at the store here on the compound. I saw cameras one day when I was looking around,” she said confidently. I purchased a small Kodak camera, and a roll of film. I promised Birdie I’d get copies made of the pictures so she could have some. Birdie had her eyes set on a pair of binoculars. She wasn’t sure about spending the money. She was saving for something big. She hadn’t told me yet what that something was. “Buy the binoculars, Birdie,” I appealed. “Those binoculars will help us to see some of the animals up close,” I added. Andrew and Bitalo had made plans to meet at the compound’s motor pool to secure a jeep for us. Birdie and I waited outside for them. I was very excited about what we were going to see. We chatted nonstop and before we knew it, Bitalo was pulling up to park at the reserve. “Don’t forget your camera!” Birdie reminded. “Don’t forget your binoculars!” I bantered. We were met at the gate by one of the reserve staff. They directed us where to park our jeep, and told us where to meet for the guided tour. As we waited for the tour guide, we got acquainted with the people who would be sharing our vehicle as we drove through the savannah. We only waited about twenty minutes, but it seemed like hours. The tour guide was very warm and presented a detailed overview of what we would see. He told us some of the animals we might encounter: zebras, warthogs, buffalo, impala, and eland, the largest of African antelope! He cautioned us to stay in the vehicle at all times, and to obey all of his commands. Although he didn’t anticipate any disturbances, he said wild animals can be unpredictable, and our awareness of this fact would keep us safe. “Get your camera ready!” Birdie exclaimed. I laughed at her. “I’ve got it all loaded and ready to click away,” I assured her. The driver helped us one by one to take a seat in the olive drab safari-type vehicle. Roll bars with a canopy over the top to keep some of the sun off us, and worn leather bench seats, the jeep was an exact replica of those I’d seen in magazines and books. The tour guide answered our countless questions. He told us the history of the game reserve, and going over again what we might see, when all of a sudden out of the tall grass came a warthog with a lion running fast behind it. The driver stopped the jeep suddenly so we could watch nature in action. The power and grace with which the lion ran was very impressive – the warthog, not so much. However, it ran like there was no tomorrow. They disappeared into the thick brush. I hoped for the best for the little warthog, but something deep inside told me otherwise. “Did you see that, Jessica?” Birdie squealed. “Yes. I couldn’t capture much on film. They were moving too fast for me. I’m afraid after we get the film developed, it could be just a blur,” I said, disgusted. We’d traveled a little further when we came upon two lion cubs. As we watched the playful antics of the cubs, we forgot the golden rule: where there are baby animals, mothers are nearby. Just at that moment when everyone was oohing and aahing, a large female lion gingerly stepped across our path. She looked at us for a moment, and then directed her attention toward her cubs. The four of us sat frozen, not speaking a word. Only the sounds of faint breathing could be heard and the beating of my own heart. The lioness growled, letting her little cubs know it was time to go, and off into the tall brush they ran. “I can’t believe what we just witnessed!” I said, shaken by the experience. “I never get tired of seeing animals in the wild, and Mother Nature at her finest.” Andrew said as he stroked my hand, trying to calm me down. The driver continued along the dry and dusty road while the tour guide continued with his presentation. As we anticipated what we’d see next, our adrenaline began working overtime – keeping us on edge. As the jeep rounded a bend, we came to a clearing and just beyond - a large lake. Playing in the water were several elephants, spraying each other with water from their trunks. I was able to snap several pictures. “Aren’t they cute?” I said. “Cute?” Andrew chuckled. I’d say majestic is a better description,” he said, teasingly. I agreed. The elephants were indeed magnificent. After a few moments, the driver continued. This time we came upon a heard of zebra’s grazing in a large field. They were swatting the flies off their rear ends just like the cows back home. They didn’t seem the least bit afraid or interested in us. I’d have to say that all the animals amazed me in one way or another, but when we came upon a group of giraffes, I couldn’t believe how tall they were. We watched in amazement as several of them stripped the leaves off the tall branches, as we took pictures.

About Debbie White:


Debbie is an Amazon bestselling author for her book Passport to Happiness in the category of fiction/sagas. She currently resides in beautiful Sonoma County, California, where the jagged Pacific coastline meets the rolling hills cascading with vineyards. She writes romance novellas that feature strong, independent women, who when faced with adversity, or tragedy, find strength to overcome the perils that stand in their way. She’s an avid supporter of animal rescue, and happily donates a portion of sales from her books to rescue organizations. She has two adult children, and two granddaughters. In her spare time, she loves to garden, travel, enjoy family, and her beloved rescue dogs, Dash and Briar. Her real passion of course is writing, and she uses her 20+ years as a military wife as inspiration for her stories.
Feel free to visit her Website, or visit her on her Facebook or Twitter pages!

RELINQUISH BY SAPPHIRE KNIGHT BLOG TOUR





Free bird- He calls me free bird, yet I’m not the one who’s free. At least not as free as he is. He’s covered in tattoos, roaring down a Texas highway, and living life. I sit here, pondering what my life could be. It was only supposed to be fun, a few casual hook-ups. I’m Avery, flustered Barista- looking for a diversion. I’m not like the others. I’m not ready to give-in and accept my fate.
2- I didn’t have a clue that the pull would be so strong. To concede, or relent, to just submit to my feelings for her. She came looking for me, when I had no idea I wanted to be found. She’s so strong, it’s mesmerizing, but I’m not the only one who notices. Just when it hits me of what’s right in front of me, waiting, things turn chaotic. I’m 2 Piece, a stubborn member of the Oath Keepers MC. You think you know me because I’m a typical biker? You don’t have a clue. Together, this is our story. Can we relinquish and submit to our hearts?





RELINQ TEASER 1


RELINQ TEASER 2


A soft vintage portrait of a glamorous woman. 

Secrets - Book #1

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PVLg1u
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RqSUiJ
B&N: http://bit.ly/1GWTFaU


Exposed - Book #2
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ByhG6y
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1EoFZVw
B&N: http://bit.ly/1FdpTUr



Sapphire Knight is the author of Secrets, Exposed, and is working on book three- Relinquish. Her books all reflect on what she loves to read herself. Sapphire is a Texas girl who is crazy about football. She has always had a knack for writing, whether it is poems or stories. She originally studied psychology and that has only added to her passion for writing. She has two boys and has been married for ten years. When she’s not busy in her writing cave, she’s busy playing with her three Doberman Pinschers. She loves to donate to help animals and watching a good action movie.

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Saturday, May 30, 2015

Behind the Lens New Release and Review Stop

REVIEW STOP



Behind the Lens
Book One of The Sexy Series
By, Author Heather Dahlgren
Release Date: April 24, 2015


**WARNING** Excessive sexy behavior by hot, muscular, tattooed models. Not to be held responsible for screen licking, sweating, or orgasmic tendencies. A fan and cold glass of wine are recommended.

Synopsis: The only thing Kallie Gregory ever wanted to do was take photos. She’s been doing it for as long as she can remember. Having succeeded in becoming an up and coming photographer, she is living her dream daily. She’s not willing to risk anything to ruin what she’s built.

Jax Burke has been living his dream. He’s one of the most sought after male models with his sexy look, muscular body and brilliant tattoos that are becoming increasingly more recognizable. He has no problem getting anything that he wants, including the ladies.

When Kallie and Jax meet there’s an instant connection. They become fast friends and spend the majority of their time together, both realizing how much they have in common with their dreams and goals. The closer they get to each other, the stronger their attraction becomes.

Only problem is, Jax is willing to risk it all for a chance at love, but Kallie is not.


Is it possible for Jax to convince Kallie to see what is behind the lens?


EXCERPT: 
“It was one hell of a shoot today.”  I close the door and lean on it, copying his position.
            “Thank you.  I couldn’t have been happier with the way things went.”  I look at him and he smiles.  “Well, minus the Melanie incident.  Again, I’m so sorry about that.  Nothing like that has ever happened with any of my models before.  I hope that doesn’t deter you from working with me in the future.”  He laughs, and I find myself joining him. 
            “Kallie, believe me, a little cock grabbing isn’t going to keep me from working with you.  I am looking forward to the next time.  You are definitely one of the most intriguing photographers I’ve ever worked with.”  The compliment feels amazing, especially coming from him.  He’s worked with some of the biggest photographers I know. 
            “This is my life, everything I’ve ever wanted.  So when you say something like that, it truly is a huge compliment.  Thank you.”  He is searching my face, for what, I have no idea.  I blink and look away though because it’s feeling too intimate.  “I really need to get going.  I have plans tomorrow, so I need to get these photos uploaded tonight.”  He pushes off the Jeep and stands in front of me.  Not as close as earlier, but too close none the less.
            “What plans do you have tomorrow?  Dinner with your boyfriend?”  I can’t help but burst out laughing.  It catches me completely off guard.  He rises his eyebrows and gives me that smirk.
            “Shit I’m sorry.  No, no dinner plans with the boyfriend.  No boyfriend.  I have a shoot with my brother and his family.”  He becomes completely serious, searching my face again.  I really wish he’d stop doing that shit.
            “Why is it so funny that I’d ask if you have a boyfriend?”  I straighten my back and clear my throat, feeling like I need to defend myself.
            “You’re a nosy little shit.  If you must know, most guys are jealous, insecure pricks that can’t handle what I do for a living.  What I do is so much more important than a relationship anyway.  I really need to get home Jax.  Thank you for helping with my bag and for being part of this today.”  I open my Jeep door, and he puts his arm against the truck, trapping me in place.  I have my back turned to him, and I’ve no intention of turning around.  I feel him move closer and my heart pounds in my chest.
            “You just haven’t found the right guy, that’s all.  Good night Kallie.”  He doesn’t say another word, and I hear his feet crunching on the rocks as he makes his way to his car.  I never once turn around.  I climb into the truck and slam the door.  I the only sound is my heavy breathing and the frantic beating of my heart.




Stephanie's Review:


OMG, I loved this book! This was the first book by Heather Dahlgren that I read, but it certainly won't be the last. 

This is the story of Kallie, a die-hard photographer from little girl on and now a successful professional. Her motto is never to get involved with the models not matter what. Jax, one of the most successful and sought-after models ends up in a photo shoot with Kallie and they both feel a pull towards one another. Kallie fights it tooth and nail and wonderful, sexy, sweet, tattooed Jax decides he will wait for her to come around.

They become "friends" as that is all Kallie is willing to give Jax and spend a lot of time together. Kallie has her brother Braden, who is having struggles of his own with his wife Sarah and Kallie's heart is breaking for him. Jax is there for her as always.

I feel strong arms wrap around me, and his chest against my back. "It's okay to cry, Kallie. I'll catch you when you start to fall. I promise you." I turn my head and smile at Jax. 

You can't help but LOVE Jax and his patience with Kallie! 

"I just figured you'd get drunk and go home." He stops at a light and leans over to kiss me. "Baby, I'm only home when I'm with you." Damn, my heart can't take this romantic guy sometimes. 

This is a wonderful story, with some ups and downs that will make you want to shake Kallie by the shoulders at times, but honestly, I could understand where she was coming from.

I loved the supporting characters, a few I wasn't so sure of initially, but they came around.

Kallie's fears come to light in the story and she pushes Jax away, but how this story ends is fabulous! I loved it!! It a wonderful story of believing and following what is in your heart!

This story is told from both Kallie's and Jax's POV which I loved. I also loved to read about the behind the scenes stuff with authors, cover artists, and models!!

I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.


Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1FSRqcm


About The Author


I am 36 years old.  I am married to my high school sweet heart.  We have been married for almost 12 years and have 3 amazing kids.  I’m a stay at home mom and my kids definitely keep me busy.  I live at the Jersey Shore and love all there is to do here.  I love nature, birds especially.  I enjoy hiking and fishing with my family. 
I have always loved to write.  In high school I used to write stories, poems and a lot of love notes!  I absolutely love to read.  I love the way I can get lost in a book and forget about the world around me.  Now that I am writing books, I feel the same way, only it’s my book I’m getting lost in.   
As for now, I am loving this journey of becoming an author.  It has been more then I dreamed it would be.   
You can always find me online.  I love social media, so please feel free to interact with me.

Instagram-5Dahlgrens
Twitter-@HeatherDahlgren