Blog Tour, Circle of Dishonor, Giveaways

Blog Tour and Something to Think About

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

Hey, want a free copy of my latest book scheduled to be released June 23? Then be on the lookout for the list of blogs hosting a review or just a good old fashioned promo stop. Come by and say hello, you’ll be eligible to win a free copy or even a $25 gift card to Amazon/B&N.

Now for something I keep forgetting to mention. Along with CIRCLE OF DISHONOR being a novella, it is different than the other three books. You’re wondering how, right? Without giving away too much of the little book, let me say that the plot is more about the relationship than the usual bad guy/girl versus good guy/girl. It’s hotter too. Much more sensual than the other books, plus it has a little bondage. HA! Surprised you?

It’s definitely a book you would want to read late at night with your sweetie within touching distance. *eyebrows wiggle*

Circle of Dishonor, My Books

CIRCLE OF DISHONOR Cover Reveal To The World!

Posted on June 1, 2014June 1, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00009]

I’m so excited! The book will be released June 23, 2014 at most on-line major booksellers. So be on the lookout!

Want to read the blurb and excerpt? Click here.

Odd Observation, Writing

Thinking Ahead

Posted on May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

The other day I downloaded a book I was waiting for (read it in two days and it was regular size – a little under 400 pages I believe – it was wonderful – thank you, Cherise Sinclair) and while purchasing it, another book caught my eye and I bought it. (Addict, right?)

I have to say the other story was interesting but the number of errors were horrendous. They were simple mistakes that could easily been caught by a critique partner. Many times throughout the book (yes, I read the whole thing – see, I do try) the author placed a “was” and then a verb like: “He was stood and waved at the girl . . .”

To make matters worse, I had download three more books (thank goodness, two were free – feeding the addiction – HELP, NANCY!) from other new-to-me authors, and OMG! I can overlook a handful of errors, but they were riddled. The agony!!

Not saying that mistakes don’t happen in traditional published books (each one of mine had one or handful – sadly), but I seriously thought about asking for a refund on one of them it was so bad and I could tell this was a beginner-author, but decided to use it as a lesson.

ALWAYS “LOOK INSIDE” BEFORE DOWNLOADING!!!

Men, Odd Observation

The Ties That Bind

Posted on May 24, 2014May 25, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

I don’t know if you figured it out yet, but I’m at times a little off beat. A couple weeks ago, I came across this picture. No face or body, but it goes to prove how sexy a man’s hands and forearms can be. So freaking masculine. There is something sexy about seeing a lean, well-muscled man in cuffs. All that strength under control

A man’s fingers can tell you a lot. Calluses say the man works with his hands, digging ditches or carving wood. Long fingers are usually associated with surgeons and pianists; thick fingers with brawn and the more masculine pursuits.

I’ve never been wild about rings on men, except maybe a wedding band, but whoa! The rings in the picture say to me he’s a bit of a rebel. A biker. Maybe even a musician.

Yep. Not all men need to be military alpha males. Tied up, they become pure sexual beings. Yum.

Yes. You’re right. I have a vivid imagination.

Circle of Dishonor, excerpt, My Books

A Snippet of CIRCLE OF DISHONOR

Posted on May 15, 2014May 31, 2014 by Carla Swafford, Author

The blurb for the small novella, CIRCLE OF DISHONOR.

John “Ice” Takahashi’s final job for The Circle has an unexpected hitch in it; he’s fallen for an innocent civilian and his enemies know. With his mission in a shambles, he’ll do anything to protect her, including kill. So how can a man without honor prove he’s worthy of her love?

Lena Matthews feels like she’s playing with fire by dating the mysterious Master J. He’s exotic, dangerous, and exactly what she needs in her boring life. With the bad guys bearing down on them, she discovers a whole new world of sensuality that binds her heart to his forever.

And here is the snippet from the first chapter.

Lena Matthews felt like a perverted voyeur.

Sitting in a coffee shop across the courtyard from the martial arts studio’s glass storefront, she stared at the tae kwon do class as they kicked and jabbed. Most of the students wore white pajama-like uniforms, except for the teacher. He stood out in black with his shaggy dark hair and ripped body. The man looked good enough to lick.

For the last five weeks after her tai chi class, she’d claimed the same chair and watched his every move. Behind her, others in the coffee shop chatted about the class and the mysterious man leading it.

From what she’d overheard, his name was John Takahashi, and the students called him Master J.

Master? Oh, yeah. She could imagine he’d master many things. With his strong hands and long muscled arms and legs, he likely controlled any situation or person. He could easily lift and hold her against the wall as he stroked her to a climax. She whimpered and squeezed her knees together.

A shake of her head knocked out the dirty thoughts racing through her mind. She knew better. He’d never be attracted to an ordinary person like her. The woman he chose would be totally the opposite of her: young, athletic with honey blonde hair. Lena was about as interesting as watching bread turn to toast.

I had hoped to have it out in June, but it will be later. No date at this time. Keep an eye out here. [Updated 5/31/14 – It will be out in June after all. YAY! Probably June 23. Be on the lookout for the announcement!]