Mirror Image blog tour!

Mirror Image, book one in my sci-fi romance series, is on a blog tour! So far, I've had four gracious hosts and we continue on this week. Please visit my previous stops and stay tuned to either my twitter @KGStutts or Facebook.com/KGStutts to find out where I'll be at this week! Click the hyperlink to go to the post. Leave me a question or comment in the blogs and be entered to win a free copy of Mirror Image at the end of the tour. Make sure you let me know when you have.

First stop was with Reader's Retreat! Give them a like on Facebook.com/ReadersRetreat

Second stop was with Osier Publishing, a great publishing house in the UK! It was an honor.

Third stop was with a terrific author Karyn Pearson. If you haven't read any in her series, do yourself a favor and pick one up! She's fantastic.

Fourth stop was with a fellow sci-fi author, Ashley Hodges Bazer. I've had the pleasure of reading the first book in her series and it's wonderful.

Plenty more is coming this week! I was also interviewed by Glynis Smy. Not part of the tour, just happened to coincide.

Today I am happy to report Mirror Image has received ten reviews, six of them 5-Stars! Thank you for your support! If you've finished the book, please leave me a review. I'll have an update on paperbacks soon.

Sorry I haven't blogged as much as I have. My first romance, the historical erotic Change the Stars, was released at the beginning of the month! Also available on Nook. This once wrestling fan fic is now heating up smartphone apps and eReaders. Set in the 1930s, Maggie is the daughter of the largest organized crime syndicate in west Texas. When her father, Colton, promises her hand in marriage to another mobster to secure the future of his enterprise, she becomes the spark which will set Texas ablaze. Eric is torn between his loyalty to Colton and his desire for Maggie. Wade wants her as a trophy to take over Colton's territory. And Dean just wants her. Download Change the Stars today.

Second in my Mirror series, Mirror Shattered, is now in beta reading! I hope to update when I get a release date but right now we're looking at August. And I'm keeping fingers crossed I'll have an update on Amethyst Chronicles: Winter's Kiss, book one in a new series shortly. Check back on Friday as the Sci-fi Romance Brigade kicks off our summer blog tour. Until then...

Cover reveal - Pippa Jay

Today, I am happy to give my blog over to my good friend and fellow sci-fi romance author, Pippa Jay. The floor is yours.
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She can kill with a kiss. But can assassin Tyree also heal one man's grief, and bring peace to a galaxy threatened by war?

For Tyree of the Su, being an assassin isn’t simply something she was trained for. It's the sole reason for her existence. A genetically enhanced clone—one of many in Refuge—she's about to learn her secluded lifestyle, and that of all her kind, is under threat by a race capable of neutralizing their special talents to leave them defenseless.

For Zander D'joren, being a diplomat has not only cost him his appearance, but also the love of his life. Scarred, grieving, he must nonetheless continue in his role as co-delegate to the fearsome Tier-vane or risk a conflict that could only end one way.

Now both of them need to keep each other alive and maintain a perilous deception long enough to renegotiate the treaty with the Tier-vane, or throw their people into a war that could wipe out Terrans and Inc-Su alike. But there's more at stake than humanity, whether true or modified. Can the love growing between them save them both? Or merely hasten their destruction?

A science fiction romance novella, coming from Breathless Press 25^th July.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf HERE.

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Excerpt:

A thrill of excitement shivered down her spine as she backed away a few steps with Zander following. He shrugged off his formal outer robes, and for the first time she could appreciate the broad expanse of his chest, the close-fitting fabric stretched over well-defined muscles. It appeared he hadn't allowed his physique to slacken, despite leaving the Galactic Commission.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

Zander spread his hands in an open gesture to say that he was.

So why is he just standing there like a defunct Manikin instead of poised to fight?

Tyree took her combat position and Zander matched her, just as the Manikin had done. She'd never fought a human in combat practice before. This should be interesting.

She sprang forward and aimed two rapid punches at his face. Zander evaded both with a speed and grace totally out of proportion to his bulk. Her third he blocked with little effort, and she stepped back to reassess her strategy. But only for an instant.

A quick step forward and she lashed upward with her foot, snapping his head back. Zander staggered but didn't fall. Her second kick failed as he grabbed her ankle and jerked her off balance. She twisted as she dropped and caught him hard in the knee. Zander collapsed. Both rolled aside, and then jumped up to face each other again.

Not bad.

Tyree bit back a laugh as they exchanged blows, each faster than the last. Zander blocked or evaded most, but not all. His skill almost matched hers, yet his defenses were just a fraction too slow. Each move she made tested his reach, his reflexes and his stamina until she could sense him struggling a little.

Time for the kill.

She floored him with a kick to the chest, the full weight of her augmented density behind it, but as she moved in to finish the fight he dove into her. Tyree landed on her back hard enough to drive the breath from her lungs.

Zander had her pinned to the ground. She bucked but couldn't shift him. The triumphant smile on his face sent rage blazing through her gut. With hardly a whisper, she Misted out and went through him. Golden warmth filled her for a second before she pulled free. Zander pushed to his feet and spun to meet her, but she cranked up her molecular density and punched him hard in the chest. He collapsed, gasping and coughing. In one fluid movement she sat astride him at full density, and the air whumphed out of his lungs. She pinioned his arms with her hands, her face hovering mere centimeters above his.

As her breathing slowed to normal, a huge grin split her face. She'd made a vow to herself to jump him, and she'd done it. Perhaps it was childish, but it warmed her heart.

"Your...reputation...is well deserved," he gasped.

"You're not so bad yourself," she complimented him. He'd fought well, but perhaps not quite with the determination—and certainly not the desperation—of most opponents she'd faced. "For a human."

"Thank you. Perhaps we could try this again tomorrow?"

Tyree laughed. As much as he could irritate the hell out of her, he was equally amusing. "If you want to spend most of your morning on the floor..."

He gazed up at her with that easy smile, making no effort to struggle. Most humans, without the influence of her pheromones and the distraction of her naked body writhing above theirs, would not have been so trusting. So compliant. She found herself staring at his mouth. What would it be like to kiss him, without the use of her talents? Would it be as satisfying? As sensual? The warmth of him, the firmness of his body beneath hers, sent heat spiraling through her abdomen.

"Perhaps you could let me up now?" His words jerked her from such musings. What the hell was she thinking?

Bio:

After spending twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals laboratory, Pippa Jay is now a stay-at-home mum who writes scifi and the supernatural. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment playing guitar very badly, punishing herself with freestyle street dance, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in the historical town of Colchester in the UK with her husband of 21 years and three little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.

Pippa Jay is a dedicated member of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade, blogging at Spacefreighters Lounge, Adventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include a YA science fiction novel—Gethyon—published through BURST (Champagne Books), two self-published short stories (Terms & Conditions Apply and The Bones of the Sea), and she's one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She's also a double SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3^rd place), and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2^nd place).

You can stalk her at her website http://pippajay.co.uk, or at her blog http://pippajay.blogspot.co.uk, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.

Book Spotlight: Beth Barany

One of my favorite things about being an author is the connections we make. It's refreshing to have someone help you out when it comes time to getting your book out in the world. Author Beth Barany was happy to assist me when Mirror Image first launched and today, I am happy to do the same for her. I am happy and honored to feature book two in her series, Henrietta and the Dragon Stone. This is an exciting adventure which you should definitely take a look at.

About the Book

A new story of young adult epic fantasy adventure by award-winning author, Beth Barany.

Book 2 in the Five Kingdom series of the continuing adventures of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer.

What if everyone you loved was threatened by a force you couldn't see or fight?

Henrietta the legendary dragon slayer wants to return to her village for a heroes’ welcome. But an unknown sorcerer rides after her and her Dragon Stone and aims to destroy everyone she cares about. Can she claim her newfound powers sparked by the Dragon Stone and keep her loved ones safe, or will the sorcerer destroy everyone and everything she loves?

Excerpt of Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2 of the Five Kingdom series)

chapter one: in his grasp

The Dracontias, dra-con-ti-as, emphasis on the second syllable, is the most powerful gem in all the Five Kingdoms, and more powerful than all the other so-called Kingdom Stones. This one and only Dragon Stone unifies the kingdoms and empowers its user. But beware its one fatal flaw.

—from the Fire Wizards Compendium

Early Winter New Moon (Mitte Moon), Oro Islands, One of the Five Kingdoms

King Singfan sucked in a breath, stretched the crossbow, and held it steady, tracking the beast.

Time was of the essence. If he didn’t kill this dragon and obtain the Dragon Stone on the great dragon’s forehead, he’d have to start all over again. Unthinkable. Impossible.

He had to renew this king’s body during this night, while the stars were aligned just so, and the moon hung below the horizon.

The girl Dragon Slayer, that Henrietta, was performing exactly as he’d expected. She’d taken the proffered reward and given him the secret dragon lore, confirming what he needed to know. She crouched nearby, ready to do his bidding.

King Singfan breathed out, steadying his aim, and smiled.

Inside of him, Bjirn Eyvindir smiled, too, at Singfan’s glee. Hidden to everyone, Eyvindir had occupied the body of King Singfan for seventy-five years, a long king’s rule—longer than anyone on the Oro Islands could remember. If they did remember the length of King Singfan’s reign, Eyvindir by King Singfan’s hand had made sure they didn’t remember for long, and didn’t remember anything ever again.

King Singfan had given him free reign to run his magic through the man and control his every move. The man was his best and most perfect servant. Eyvindir wasn’t going to end the arrangement anytime soon. He’d planned this renewal too long for the moment to go awry.

The dragon hovered above the enormous cave floor about to settle, its scales flickering and iridescent in the torchlight. King Singfan held his breath, steadying his strong stance and perfect aim. He readied the powerful crossbow.

Before he could loose the arrow, Henrietta yelled “You can’t!” and shoved him to the hard-packed ground.

The dragon slayer pinned his arms against his torso with her legs, heavy on his chest. He struggled beneath her weight.

“How dare you!” he snarled. “We had an agreement.”

How had she slipped past his guard?

With every second that ticked by, he felt his power draining from him like water down the drain, no doubt shifting his appearance. But his voice held strong and loud. He gathered courage in that. There was still time to kill the dragon and obtain the Dragon Stone.

“I can’t let you!” she shouted, glaring down at him.

***

About Beth Barany:

Beth Barany writes magical tales of romance and adventure to transport readers to new worlds where anything is possible.

Book 1: Henrietta The Dragon Slayer was the 2012 Grand Prize winner at the California Fiction Writers Book Contest and the 2011 Finalist at the Hollywood Book Festival.

Reader reviews of the award-winning young adult fantasy, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, Book 1 in the Five Kingdoms series

As far as young adult fantasies go, Henrietta, The Dragon Slayer is a good read that I think any age, teen to adult, would enjoy. I only hope a sequel is in the works!

--LunaMoth

The witty dialogue and good story line makes this book hard to put down. I really could not stop reading it and was really tired the next day. It's also very satisfying to read about a girl heroine fighting the good fight. --Jeri

Beth, best known for strong heroines in her stories, this story is no exception. It is a tale of righteousness and overcoming adversity including magic. --Robert Mendak "RJ"

The book is a beautiful story about friendship, a heroine, and a quest to kill a dragon. Who wouldn't be excited? The entire concept sounded interesting and I was not at all disappointed. --Brittany, from Goodreads

Beth Barany has made a world where unlikely friendships rule and being a friend means more than you can know. --Tami, from Goodreads

·  Where to find Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2)

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1jB4AxQ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1mHPfA4

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1puwOxV

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1puwVJT

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/henrietta-dragon-stone-five/id812548135?mt=11

More at: http://bit.ly/1fsbqR7

We're also doing a giveaway! We are giving away 1 signed copy of Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2) and 1 signed copy of Henrietta the Dragon Slayer (Book 1).
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest blog: Patricia Green -Make it shiny

I am a member of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade. If you aren't familiar with the Brigade, there is a link on my website. Check us out! This week, I have opened up my blog to fellow Brigader, Patricia Green.
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Making it Shiny,

Earlier this year, I reclaimed my rights to three of my bestselling SF romance books. I plan to revise them over the course of the next two years. Although these books were set 150 or more years in the future, tech has changed enough to make me uncomfortable with the old stuff in these 10 year old books. For example, I set a colony on the moon Io (orbiting Jupiter). Thanks to some spiffy satellites, we now know that Io is extremely geologically unstable. Putting a domed colony there would be suicide. So out goes Io and in comes… I don’t know yet. I'll find out in June when I begin working on the rewrite.

The second and third books I'll be revising are a pair of serial novels. They portray a dystopian future, but in a hopeful way with an examination of virtual reality technology. With the advent of Google Glass and new virtual reality systems, the books are outdated and the tech needs to be "modernized." More accurately, the tech needs to catch up with the future. But am I wasting my time with all of this? What about these books made them bestsellers?

There are a lot of classic books set in the future, where some very talented and forward-thinking authors have prognosticated tech for the space age. Consider Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series, which includes John Carter of Mars. These days, we know there are no men of any stripe on Mars, so his Green Men of Mars could never exist, except in our imaginations.

Updating classics to new tech tends to mess up the plots. Should we change Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which, although we might consider it horror today, was really intended to be science fiction? We know now that reanimation of humans via electrical stimulus is impossible. There would be no way one could fit pieces of various humans together and come up with a cohesive whole. And yet, we do have transplants of a variety of organs and limbs today. Nevertheless, for current readers the idea of making a monster in the way of Frankenstein is so outlandish as to not be a wonder—unless the tech changes.

Do readers gloss over the old tech to enjoy the storyline of these classic books? I think they do, because these books are still popular. Robert Heinlein's books, for example, were bestsellers in their time, and remain bestsellers today. Their plots and characters are timeless, and that appears to be what readers want to focus on, rather than the technology.

I think the take-away from this is that, although many of us "small fry" authors believe that staying relevant in the marketplace requires updating tech in our older books, maybe that isn't so. Perhaps we should focus on the important aspects of our work—plot development, action, adventure, character growth—and not kill ourselves imagining the technology of the future. Write a good book, and they will come.

Here's some of Patricia's work:

Charlotte & the Pirate: Romantek Book 2 is my latest SF romance book. Another Romantek book, Eddie, My Love,  is due out May 30, 2014.

Blurb for Charlotte & the Pirate

Charlotte Darrell desperately needs to buy a Romantek dream vacation in the hope that their rejuvenation process can heal her horrid facial scar and restore her life back to what it was before her accident. But her virtual reality dream isn't all she expected.

Rex Boyd is a counter cyber-terrorism expert, working for Romantek. The company is aware that someone is trying to break into their operations and terrorize paying customers. Rex hopes to protect one of the most vulnerable, the rich and influential Marie Carthage.

Once in the dream, fighting the terrorist who has gotten access to Romantek's system, Rex finds the situation confounded by Charlotte's presence. Is she a paying customer like Marie, or is she part of the terrorist's network, there to do harm to Marie and start a firestorm of lawsuits that would bankrupt Romantek? And how will he ever reconcile his feelings for her with his suspicions?

Charlotte finds herself in love and in danger. The dream has become a nightmare, and there doesn't seem to be a path toward happiness.

Links to Charlotte & the Pirate:

Blushing Books

Amazon.com

Amazon UK

 

Patricia Green is a full-time fiction writer specializing in erotic romance. She provides the reader with love stories that emphasize fun characters with quirky personalities. Patricia is the author of more than 20 published novels and novellas.

In her personal life, Patricia is married and the mother of twins. When she’s not being the angel of domestic harmony and a semi-crazed creator of fictional friends, she loves to read, crochet, knit and watch hockey and baseball.

Social Media:

You can reach Patricia Green in the following ways:

Email: pig (at) patriciagreenbooks (dot) com

Website/Blog

Facebook

Twitter: @PatriciaIGreen

Google+

Amazon Author Page 

Goodreads Author Page

 

 

IWA

My usual Friday Blog Friday is over at http://iwassociation.com/?p=2128. Come back Monday for a guest post by Patricia Green!

Distinguished Press

This may sound like a woman towing the company line, but it's not.

I am proud to be a Distinguished Press author. I am proud to be a part of a wonderful support system of authors working together to accomplish a goal of producing the best books we can. We are a team to promote each other and try to improve our skills.

I can't remember if I found Distinguished Press or if it found me. I remember seeing a post on twitter about a company who works only with book series and I couldn't wait to submit Mirror Image after reading the website. Someone struck up a conversation with me from one of my tweets and I started talking about submitting my book and some of the other works I was in the middle of. The next day I get an email from the publisher! Loved the book and if I was still interested, wanted to send me a contract. I was ecstatic. I was doing something I shouldn't have done and was reading the email from my phone while driving (but I was at a stoplight) and kept reading. Imagine my surprise when I kept reading the email and it told me how much she enjoyed talking to me on Twitter, she loved my enthusiasm, and couldn't wait to work with me. I had unknowingly undergone an interview with the owner and had passed.

I was such a baby author, still cutting my teeth even though I had been working on the project for a long time. There were a lot of things I didn't know when it came time to edit Mirror Image and I'm sure I drove my terrific editor, Jen, crazy with some of my inane questions. Still, she never brushed me off and always made me feel safe with whatever I was asking. These women helped improve me as a writer.

Not too toot my own horn (but this is my blog so I'm going to) I feel like under Jen and Catrina, I've really stopped a lot of my bad habits and grown. Reading works from Ashley and Karyn really was insightful, too. They are always there to give advice, show me what did and didn't work and why, and always for support. I'm proud to be a member of this family.

If you are writing a book series, Distinguished Press is accepting Submissions. I encourage you to send your manuscript in and get on board as this company begins to expand.

Mirror Image is the first in a sci-fi romance series. In a sense, I feel like it was my freshman year. Under the learning tree, my next series Amethyst Chronicles feels like a senior project. My writing has greatly improved (tooting my horn again) in the last few months since I signed with them. Mirror Shattered will be even better than the first and we will keep improving and growing.

I've had bad experiences with some publishing companies to the point I almost gave up and self-published but I am glad I kept at it. Not every house is created equal. Submit your queries today.