Resilience is here!

Published on June 14, 2018June 11, 2018 by Amy Brock McNew3 Comments

Resilience 3D (1)

I cannot even explain how excited I am about this latest installment of TRWC!

Like all of TRWC, this one has been a labor of love. I think out of all of the books in this series, this was the toughest to write, but also my favorite. I put a lot of myself and my past into this series, laying my guts on the page with every word I write. Never has that been more true than in Resilience.

I completely lay myself bare in this story, giving you an inside look into some of the deepest hurts and darkest times of my life through Liz. It’s not pretty. It’s not soothing. It may even be difficult to read for some.

But it’s honest, real, and as raw as you can get. It is quite literally my guts on these pages.

Here’s a peak into that world.

~The fiercest warriors emerge from the most brutal storms.~

Liz and Ryland Vaughn have fought hard to survive every threat that’s risen against them. But nothing they’ve faced compares to the battle to come.

As they settle in to married life, all seems perfect and quiet. Too quiet. Being a warrior doesn’t allow for peace.

Then one vicious moment throws their world into upheaval and rips their hearts to shreds.

Wanting to get away from it all, they accept a mission to New Orleans to assist fellow warriors. Ryland hopes the time away will repair the rift between them, but the chasm only widens as they face an enemy so subtly horrific, they don’t even know they’re falling.

As they descend into darkness, Liz’s past once again rears its ugly head.

This time, it takes Ryland along for the ride.

Can Liz and Ryland undo the damage to their marriage and hang on to their faith while completing their mission? Or will they fall to temptation and lose everything they’ve fought so hard for?

As I promised, this series keeps getting darker. Resilience doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. And there’s one big reason.

Lucifer has arrived in the TRWC world.

Resilience_ Playground

In the story, we know him as “Dom”, but don’t let the pretty facade fool you. The epitome of evil lurks inside that suave, handsome package. Of course, evil wouldn’t be able to do its job if it wasn’t tempting, right? And “Dom” brings the temptation in spades.

Fire and ice Resilience

Not to be upstaged, Tiriana brings the pain with her own special brand of torture.

She’s up to her same old tricks, but this time, she’s pulling out all the stops. She’s going for the win and holding nothing back to get it.

Don’t worry, it’s not all gloom and doom for our favorite warriors! With several new characters, and a brand new setting in New Orleans, there are plenty lighter moments.

cookies-702931_1920

And of course…

Oreos!!!

I hope you enjoy this latest addition to the TRWC world. Thanks so much for your support! Don’t forget to go grab your copy!

Resilience on Amazon!

And what would a post from me be without some music? Today I’m sharing Liz and Ryland’s song. It’s like it was written just for them. Give it a listen. I dare ya not to cry if you’re already #TeamLizAndRy! ❤

Up Close & Personal With Author Michelle Dare!

Published on March 1, 2018February 26, 2018 by Amy Brock McNew1 Comment

Sensual romantic foreplay by couple in bed

I’ve told you all about Michelle Dare’s latest release, Where I End, now it’s time to get personal with the author herself. She joins us today to show us a piece of her process and lay her guts on the page.

Michelle, thanks so much for letting me pick your brain! I won’t ask too many hard questions. Well, I’ll try. Okay, so I’m going for the throat! Hehe. This is Guts On The Page, after all! So let’s jump right in.

1.) Why do you write?

Because I love it and if I don’t, my characters will drive me crazy.

~Yeah, I know that feeling!

2.) What do you want people to take away from your books, first the fantasy, then the new adult?

I want them to be able to escape reality for a little bit and live in another world in my fantasy books. To feel what it’s like flying on the back of a dragon or being able to use magic. With my new adult books, I want to pull on the reader’s heartstrings and show them that even in the darkest hour love can survive.

~I hear you. And it’s great when you can combine all that in one genre.

3.) Where is your favorite place in the world? Favorite place to write? I love the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I would live there if I could. I don’t have a favorite place to write. It’s more of where I can keep an eye on the kids and dog while working.

~Ah, a chick after my own heart. Love that Salt Life on the beach!

4.) Do you listen to music when you write? If so, do you have playlists for your books? If not, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

No. If I do, I end up singing and dancing in my seat instead of writing. I listen to a little bit of everything.

~Yeah, when a song hits you just right, sometimes you just have to move!

5.) What or who was your inspiration for writing Where I End and Where I Am?

Cy from Where I End came to me in a dream and once he started talking, he didn’t stop until his story was told. After readers read Where I End they started asking for Parker’s story. Once he popped into my head, he never left. He’s such a different character from Cy but they each have powerful stories to tell.

~And we love them both! You tell their stories so well.

6.) And now a really tough question, which one do you love the most, Parker or Cy? Why? Bwahaha!

*Gasp* I don’t think I could pick a favorite. I love them equally. But I will say, even after Parker’s story was told, he never left my head. He talks to my other characters and jokes with them. He’s a lot of fun.

~He does seem like the type to have plenty to say.

7.) What drink do you have to have with you when you’re writing?

I don’t drink and normally don’t even have water near me. But I usually have a snack like chips or something.

8.) Do you prefer writing love scenes or fight scenes and why?

I enjoy writing fight scenes. The ones where the characters are arguing because they are packed full of emotion and I love writing down what’s going through their heads. The passion, the love, the hatred, whatever it is, the emotions are strong.

~Same here. A good fight runs the emotional gamut!

9.) Other than the people and fur babies in your life, what is one thing you cannot live without?

Lots! My SUV, phone, Kindle. Oh and chocolate! I have an obsession with Hershey Kisses and M&Ms.

~Oh, chocolate!

10.) Do you have any further plans for books with Cy and Parker?

I don’t have plans to give them more of their own books but one day may write Blair’s book. I have her story in my head but also have a long list of other books to write as well.

~Yay!

And now we end with the rapid fire questions. Clear your mind and say the first thing that pops into your head.

~Music: loud or soft? Loud

~Hot drink: tea or coffee? Coffee

~Favorite genre to read? YA

~Favorite musical artist or band? Maroon 5

~Peanut butter or jelly? Neither

~Gordon Ramsey or Bobby Flay? Ramsey

~Celebrity crush? Jeremy Renner

Thanks for joining us, Michelle! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

Thank you so much!

Don’t forget to grab your copy of Where I Am!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Bi3xUQ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2BYUR2m

B&N: http://bit.ly/2nQBlzN

iBooks: https://apple.co/2BYo0dZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2BZdJhC

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2C0fYB8

Bernie the Cowboy is Here!

Published on August 1, 2017July 31, 2017 by Amy Brock McNewLeave a comment

Berniebanner_release

Have you met the Promiscus Guardians?

If not, here’s your introduction.

I’ve heard a lot about Bernie the mischievous cowboy guardian, and I can’t wait to meet him! Author Brianna West brings the fun, the adventure, and the heat with this third installment. But enough with me rambling about it. Here’s the blurb and an excerpt that’s sure to get you hooked. Then check out the links below for the FB party, and ways to stay in touch with Brianna, and find out more about her fabulously fun paranormal stories.

FinalBernieCover

Nyla, born and raised in the In-Between realm as the princess of the Spiritum Bellatorum, has been betrothed from birth and forced to conceal the true personality within in order to project herself as nothing but the perfect princess she was taught to be.

When her brother betrays their kind, Nyla acquires an unprecedented mission to find and convince him to come home. Teaming up with the Promiscus Guardians to locate her runaway brother in the mortal realm, Nyla is introduced to the resident comedian and self-proclaimed cowboy Guardian, Bernie.

He is everything she wishes she could be outwardly and she’s instantly intrigued by his happy, easy-going nature. But, like Nyla, Bernie is keeping a part of himself tightly locked away.

What will happen when their barriers start to come down? Will they be able to overcome so many obstacles laid out before them, or will their relationship be torn apart before they have a chance to find something deeper?

bernieteaser3

And as promised, an excerpt!

Holding me underneath my arms, Bernard lifted me into the air with another shout of joy. “Aren’t you just the prettiest gal at the ball!”

He said I was pretty! He actually said it!

Rigid and unable to get my body to react more than it currently was with my hands painfully clutching his shoulders, I gasped and then forgot how to breathe altogether. I was put down before I could get my brain to work properly, swooped up underneath my knees and carried out into the hallway without a breath in between.

Red suffused my body like I’d been immersed in sweltering heat, blushing a violent blood color. Finally, I was able to deliver a swift, unforgiving hit to the overstepping Guardian. The damaging blow my fist dealt to his stomach took Bernard straight to his knees. And a swift second later, my dagger was at his throat the instant his knees hit the floor.

I kept a weapon on my person always. Even in my cute, frilly dress.

“What right do you have—” I started in a low growl.

Bernard leaned forward, coming within inches of my face and baffling me when he pushed his throat into the blade. I instantly retracted my arm so that the dagger didn’t cut into his skin. And when my eyes flicked back up to his face, Bernard was grinning mischievously.

It was downright illicit the look he gave me. It made my heart start up in my chest and pulse thud loudly in my ears as I hesitated with the dagger still gripped firmly in my hand. Bernard took hold of the wrist that held my weapon, caressing the skin he touched with his thumb. Instantly, I dropped the dagger to the floor, the loud clatter echoing off the walls.

“You are mighty pretty in that dress, miss,” he said in a soft, whispery voice. One I hadn’t been prepared to hear from him.

Electricity shot down my spine and my heart skipped a beat. “What…?”

“You’re not being very nice to this lovesick cowboy,” Bernard continued, grasping my wrist tenderly and taking us to our feet.

But after a few breaths, he still hadn’t pull away and I couldn’t move; only listen as his deep, enchanting baritone continued to murmur to me as only a lover would, making my cheeks incredibly hot with each uttered word.

teambernie

I’m thinking I need to snag the first two books, then grab Bernie and go hide away with them for a while! Won’t you join me? Get your copy here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brianna-West/e/B016APSN6Q

Pronoun: https://books.pronoun.com/briannawest/

Signed Paperbacks: http://bit.ly/2lQOXJN

Find Brianna here for exciting news, amazing merch, and all kinds of fun! Then be sure and head over to the FB party!

Website: http://www.authorbriannawest.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbriannawest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwest0426

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/briannawest

Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/briannawest

Brand Merchandise: http://rdbl.co/2k97vm9

Facebook Event August 4^th: https://www.facebook.com/events/1871233159809142/

(Signed Paperback and $30 Amazon Gift Card among many prizes)

Universal Link: books.pronoun.com/Bernie/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35264941-bernie

Cover Reveal for Antoinette’s Fall

Published on May 8, 2017May 8, 2017 by Amy Brock McNewLeave a comment

I’m stoked to bring to you the cover reveal for Sloane Nichole’s debut Paranormal Romance!

Already firmly established in contemporary romance, author Skye Turner is joining us over here on the dark side! She’s tapping into her massive talent to bring us tales full of fantastical creatures, magic, and of course, her trademark steamy romance. I cannot express how excited I am to get a hold of this book! But until then, I have a few things to tide us all over.

Love Spells

Read on to find out why I’m so excited about this release!

Antoinette’s Fall

Deep in the bayous in the south of Louisiana, lies a place of revelry, mystery, and magic…

Antoinette Dubois, an Intuitive, has always been a beautiful woman, with no interest in falling in love…

One fateful night on the banks of the bayou, under the light of a full moon, events start unfolding that have Antoinette losing control of her powers…

René Batiste has always been by Antoinette’s side. Together, they seek to reverse the upcoming calamity and to protect Antoinette.

René has loved Antoinette his entire life, but the curse on her family is dangerous for those who love the Dubois women, and means Antoinette is determined never to succumb to love.

However, fate has a tendency to make its own rules…

Welcome to L’Amour Bayou… where beauty and magic reside and nothing is as it seems.

***This book is intended for those 18 and older. It contains graphic language and adult content. Those against those things should NOT read!***

And now for the amazing cover!

Antoinette's Fall E-Cover

How gorgeous is that cover? If I’ve whet your appetite and have you chomping at the bit to read the first installment of this new series, stay tuned. I’ll have more information and buy links as soon as they are available. While you’re waiting, find Sloane here to keep up to date on all the latest happenings and maybe even find exclusive content and behind the scenes info!

Antoinette’s Fall

Coming July 11, 2017

Antoinette's Fall Paperback Fixed!

Heart of a Hero

Published on March 27, 2017March 28, 2017 by Amy Brock McNew3 Comments

In the Reluctant Warrior Chronicles, I write about heroes and heroines who fight demons. But what makes them heroes? Is it the way they face down the enemy on the battlefield? Is it because they reach out to help those around them, or rescue those in untenable situations? Is it because they rally together to encourage one another and carry each other through the toughest battles?

I think it’s all of the above and more.

Hero (noun)-

A hero can be something different to each person. They may be a warrior, a parent, a friend who is there for you, someone who takes care of you, a volunteer, or a survivor who has decided to no longer be a victim. They can be strangers or family, friends or lovers, male or female, young or old.

How do you define a hero?

That’s exactly what I want to find out. I’m starting a blog series titled “Heart of a Hero”. The purpose? To shine a light on those who make a difference in the lives of the people around them. To give credit to those who do so much, yet often fade into the background, working their goodwill and making sacrifices no one may ever know about. Using real people, I want to show, not just tell, what the true definition of hero is. I want to know what a hero is to you.

Girl comforting her sad depressed friend and holding her hand, support and friendship concept

Togetherness is helping people to defeat their problems

Silhouette of helping hand between two climber

volunteer group hands together showing unity

Starting April 1st and running all month, I want to share stories of not just my own heroes, but yours as well.

Twice a week, I’ll post about a hero of mine and tell you what makes them a hero to me. Maybe they were there for me when I needed someone most, maybe they’ve battled addiction or disease and won, or maybe they have sacrificed for myself and others. Whatever the reason, they are my heroes and I want the world to know.

Also in the posts, I will highlight one or two of your heroes. I want to know the people you look up to and admire and why. I want to know about those who make a difference in your life and the lives of others every day. I want real-life, everyday, unsung heroes.

All you have to do is email me at: AmyBrockMcNew@gmail.com, and tell me about your heroes. I want to know what makes them special, unique, and worthy of the title of hero. You can even include pictures if you like, just be sure to give me written permission for their use.

I look forward to hearing about the heroes in your life, and sharing about those in mine!

The Battle Continues

Published on January 24, 2017January 23, 2017 by Amy Brock McNew5 Comments

wow-706857_1280

As I sit here on release day for my second novel, I’m in awe. I have two books published. It’s surreal.

Three years ago, almost to the day, I began this journey. I finally gave in to my sisters’ urging (The none too subtle or gentle urging. More like shoving me off the cliff!), and sat down to start writing a book. I hit the keyboard with no idea what I was doing, no concept of how to get where I wanted to be.

I just wrote.

I stopped overthinking, let my fingers fly, and out poured the story that had been churning in my gut.

I was scared. Terrified, really. Putting so much of my own life into the tale was…exhausting, nerve-wracking, embarrassing, crazy-making, eye-opening, gut-wrenching, and so much more. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears onto those pages. Quite literally at times. I worked through my issues as Liz worked hers out on the page.

I faced my fears.

I unearthed those hidden hurts I’d buried so deep.

I confronted the rage inside me, rage I thought I’d conquered.

I walked through the agony, despair, and abandonment.

I met myself in those pages.

10150927206_06a2aec86b_k

The self I’d tried to forget and pretend didn’t exist. The self with her heart still isolated, cut off and determined not to really let anybody in. The self that never fully let herself trust. The self who raged at the world, at those who had hurt her, and yes, a little at God, for “letting” some of those things happen to her.

The self who had yet to forgive, and had no idea she was poisoning her life, holding herself back, limiting her own potential and hurting the ones she loved.

And as I climbed up in the middle of all that mess, as I waded through to find the true me, the true Liz, the whole story underneath all the debris, a miraculous thing happened.

I began to heal.

I cried. I laughed. I threw things. I laid into the heavy bag and split my knuckles open several times. (Don’t forget gloves.) I shivered and screamed and begged God. I opened myself up, every dark recess, every secret corner, and I looked that broken girl who had no idea she was still broken right in the eye. I begged her to forgive. To laugh. To love. To fight. To trust, like she’d never been capable of before.

She did.

Though the battle rages on, she continues to stand tall. To face her fears. To step into the hot zone and eliminate the threat.

And every time I write another installment of this story, my story, I pick up my sword and I face down those demons.

But I don’t go it alone.

dangerous-1282330_1920

They say it takes an army. I’m convinced that is true.

The army behind me and my story? Second to none.

The only way I’ve gotten to this point is because they’ve been with me. No way could I have undertaken this mission on my own and succeeded.

It’s overwhelming when I really think about it. The sheer number of people I have supporting me is unreal.

My husband. My kids. My sisters. My brothers. Aunts and uncles and cousins. My friends. My publishing team. My Realmies. My loyal readers. There are too many to label individually, unless I wanted this post to be three days long.

These people have fought countless battles with me. They’ve guided me, cried with me, laughed with me, held me, taught me, encouraged me, and kicked me in the butt when I needed it. This series would not exist if not for them, and I am forever grateful.

So as I celebrate another release, another piece of my story out in the universe, I think of these people. I think about the army that surrounds me. The Realm Warriors. They’ve got my six and I’ve got theirs.

As this battle continues, I know I will never fight alone.

Scarlet Moon

Published on October 25, 2016October 25, 2016 by Amy Brock McNew3 Comments

Today I have another special guest on Guts on the Page, author S.D. Grimm. Plus, a giveaway!

S.D. just released her latest fantasy, Scarlet Moon, Book One in the Children of the Blood Moon series. I’ve just started reading and, trust me, you’re going to want to get your hands on this book!

I took this opportunity to ask a few questions and find out exactly what makes this promising author tick. Here are the results. 14658376_10210665510698298_1074934663_n

First, I got the scoop on the real S.D.! You know, all those important, burning questions.

~What’s something we wouldn’t know about you just by looking?

Well, I do like Brazilain jiu jitsu, kickboxing, fencing, and shooting. Archery is next.

A woman after my own heart. This chick is dynamite in a small package. Don’t set her off!

~If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?

Invisibility. But that’s not the superpower I’d want. I’d want to be telepathic.

Hm. Not sure I’d want to know what most people are thinking! If I had to choose, I think I’d go for telekinesis. Who wouldn’t want to be able to move things with your mind?

Now let’s get to what we all know is one of my favorite topics, in addition to fighting. Which we covered. 😉

~Do you listen to music while you write?

YES! But not while I edit. I need to hear the cadence of the sentences when I edit.

I can see that. Myself, even if I’m doing an out loud read, I gotta have the tunes. It’s like oxygen for me.

~Name one song/artist you’re embarrassed you like.

Haha! “Call Me Maybe”

Wow. Okay. So maybe I’m wishing I hadn’t asked that question! But, sometimes there are no explanations for why a song resonates with you. Or just gets stuck in your brain.

~Here’s the question that really tells us a lot about someone. What’s your favorite fandom?

I have way too many. I love Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, a bunch of anime, the first seasons of the Vampire Diaries and Supernatural, DC and Marvel, Harry Potter, some 80s cult classics, Buffy. I mean, I’m pretty well-rounded when it comes to this kind of thing.

I am right there with you on LOTR, Supernatural, and Buffy. Now I understand a little more of why we get along so well!

Now on to a little more serious type questions.

We all know I live and breathe speculative fiction. I read it, watch it, write it, and sometimes, live it. I’ve always been drawn to the strange, paranormal, and wonderfully weird. So I gotta know,

~Why do you write speculative fiction? What draws you to it?

Magic. I love the endless creative possibilities of fantasy and sci-fi. Something about this genre sparks to life the kid inside me that makes me want to share the wonder I experience in believing and hoping and knowing the impossible is somehow possible. I like to encourage others to embrace that inner child and believe it too.

It does have unlimited potential, doesn’t it? Nothing is too far outside of the box. The only limit is your imagination.

~When did you start writing?

In elementary school. I wasn’t serious about trying to get published until seven years ago, and that’s when I started writing Scarlet Moon.

~What’s a normal writing day like for you?

I’m not sure normal is the right word, but when I write I sit with my laptop somewhere or in my little cubby in the basement, and I turn on some music and I write. Prepping for that includes thinking about upcoming scenes, which I do while I do chores, or take a shower, or right before I fall asleep. I have been caught brandishing a wooden spoon in the kitchen while simultaneously cooking dinner and “head-writing” a fight scene. *blushes*

Yay! I’m not alone! Why is it that the best scenes, especially fight scenes for me, come to you at the weirdest times? And, then there’s the fact that I can’t seem to just think them, I have to act them out.

14741682_10210665499178010_1003597934_n

~What was your inspiration for writing Scarlet Moon?

I love animals. The novel I wrote prior to this one (which sits in a proverbial dark, secret drawer) was about animals. All the characters were animals. And one day I decided to get serious about publishing. Then I decided I was going to write about people. I still wanted animals to be a big part of the story so I chose to write about a race of people who can commune with nature. These people basically get certain talents or abilities from animals—and they reciprocate, giving animals certain abilities too. Then I researched some really cool animals, including mythological ones, and the story world really grew from there.

~What is Scarlet Moon about? Told from multiple point of view characters, Scarlet Moon is a young adult fantasy about Jayden, a seventeen-year-old, dagger-wielding, storm-detecting orphan who can save the race of people known as the Feravolk from a sorceress queen bent on annihilating them. Maybe they should have thought of that before they killed Jayden’s family.

It’s sounds amazing. I can’t wait to dive in deeper.

~Where can we learn more about you and your book?

My website http://sdgrimm.com

You can order it here: https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Moon-Children-Blood-Book/dp/1683700503/

And you can totally come to this facebook party and try to win a copy. 😀 https://www.facebook.com/events/183601465406699/

Thank you so much for letting me pick your brain today!

If you would like to win a signed copy of Scarlet Moon, all you have to do to be entered is like mine and S.D.’s Facebook pages! Her link is above, mine is below. Once you’ve liked, comment here to let us know so you can be entered.

Amy Brock McNew Author

If you would like to know more about S.D. and her stories, check out the links above and below. And definitely get your hands on a copy of Scarlet Moon!

14642713_10210665491337814_440895232_n S. D. Grimm’s first love in writing is young adult speculative fiction. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency and her debut novel, Scarlet Moon, is slated to be published in October 2016. When she’s not writing or editing, Sarah enjoys reading (of course!), making clay dragons for her Grimmlies store on Etsy, practicing kickboxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu, training dogs, and doing anything outdoorsy with the family. Her office is anywhere she can curl up with her laptop and at least one large-sized dog.