Thursday, January 31, 2013

Tour and Other Stuff

A Game of Cat & Mouse will be going on a virtual tour with Enchanted Book Promotions starting....tomorrow!!! I'm excited and if you follow along you'll be entered in a chance to win a $20 gift card of choice!!! Just leave a comment at each stop and finally send me an email letting me know you'd like to enter!!! Good luck!!!
Tour schedule is available on website with links!!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Game of Cat & Mouse is going on Tour!!!

Enchanted Book Promotions is hosting A Game of Cat & Mouse for the tour starting February 1, 2013!  I hope everyone will join me throughout the tour!

Visit here for the tour schedule: astridcielo.com
Also, visit Enchanted Book Promotions if you want to schedule your own book tour! 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Something to Think About...

"The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart."
~Josiah G. Holland

"If we listened to our intellect, we'd never have a love affair.  We'd never have a friendship.  We'd never go into business, because we'd be too cynical.  Well, that's just nonsense.  You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down."
~Annie Dillard

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Whew!!!!

So, it's been one long week!!!!  I haven't been able to write due to working and I'm starting to feel the words bursting at the seams of my brain!!!!  I hope to be able to start writing again soon!  I will say that I've been busy with my day....er...Night Job!  Spotlighting as a nurse can be trying but rewarding at times!!!  So, I'm hoping everyone is enjoying Maria's Match!  I am also happy to announce that both A Game of Cat & Mouse and Maria's Match is going on tour!!!
A Game of Cat & Mouse will be going on tour with Enchanted Book Promotions Starting Feb. 1, 2013!!!! The schedule is on my website and I hope to see you there!!!!
Also, Reading Addiction Virtual blog tours is hosting Maria's Match starting March 1st!  
These are my first book tours and I'm excited to see how much fun they are!!!! Don't miss out on the prizes!!!!


Friday, January 25, 2013

Book Review!!!!

Devotion by Marie E. Blossom

This book is set in the future, where humans have left Earth and a colony of Arcadia has lived in relative peace for centuries...until the Androids arrive...

This book is a mystery, romance and sci-fi all rolled into one that is sure to leave you breathless and waiting for more.  I fell in love with the two main characters, Zef (H) and Xi (h)!  I loved the entire premise of this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a good sci-fi romance!  The sex scenes are pretty hot too, so that's an added bonus.  I'm hoping that there is a second book in this, and when you meet a very special Android, then you'll know why...So...I can't wait to see what's in store for Arcadia!

Disclaimer:  Bought the book, Loved the book, wrote a review...True story ;)!

Purchase Links:

Author Website: Marie E. Blossom


Monday, January 21, 2013

Congrats!!!

Congratulations to the winners of the Maria's Match contest!!! Check your inboxes for those goodies!

Official Release Day!

Today is the official release of Maria's Match!!! I'm super excited for everyone to delve deeper into the mystery and drama that is Salin!! I hope y'all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it!!!! Available at Amazon, ARe and Smashwords. Soon to be available at B&N, Sony and KOBO!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Something to Think About...

Sunday?  Again?  You guessed it...Something to think about!

"Creativity can solve almost any problem.  The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything."
George Lois

What problem are you solving by creativity?

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Upcoming Release: Maria's Match

Maria's Match will be released on Jan. 21, 2013!  Check out this excerpt!


Silvius’s tongue delved deep within Maria’s mouth, taking her thoughts of resistance, which weren’t strong to begin with, and destroying them with the intensity of his kiss.  He angled her face for an even deeper kiss and Maria moaned into his mouth as pleasure zinged from her lips down to her pussy that was already drenching her panties.  Silvius nipped at her bottom lip before skimming her throat with the same lips that had turned her mind to mush with kisses. 
Maria knew she should probably stop this, but from the moment she’d looked into his blue eyes she’d felt a spark.  She’d admired the almost feline way he moved as he gently helped to move a dying Ember onto a cruiser and then into a medical scanner that reminded her more of a coffin than a lifesaving device.  She was supposed to gather information, not fall under the trap of lust.  Though she was usually wary in her encounters, Maria couldn’t help but throw caution to the wind for this male.  She tangled her hands into his dark hair as his mouth moved lower over her collarbone and into the cleavage revealed by her scrub top.  His tongue sent chills down her spin as Silvius lapped at the exposed swell of her breasts.  He rested his hands on her waist smoothing the hem of her scrub top up so that his bare hands rested on her bare skin. 
She could feel her heart trying to beat out of her chest and she was in awe of her reaction.  Never before had she felt as though she may explode with need.  Silvius lifted his head from his torturous ministrations and she forced herself to release her hold on the strands of his hair.  Maria watched as the black strands fell to his shoulders and smiled as she thought of how the color of his hair was perfect for his almost crimson colored skin.  Maria’s breath stilled in her chest as the intenseness of his blue eyes froze her into place.
“Maria?”
Such a complex question hanging in the air between them, and Maria couldn’t find the words to answer.  So, Maria did the only thing she could think to get Silvius to understand what words couldn’t express.  She grabbed his face between her hands and plastered her mouth to his, groaning into his mouth as he took over.  Tender and sweet was replaced with a conqueror claiming his rights.  That was fine with Maria, or at least her body thought so.  Her panties soaked through at the demand of his onslaught and resistance was a foreign word that she didn’t understand as he ended the kiss only long enough to remove her scrub top before resuming his demanding and toe-curling kiss. 
She lay back when he pushed her shoulders and sighed at the feel of his weight on top of her.  Maria whimpered when he ended the kiss, but Silvius just smiled before bending to nip at her shoulder. 
“This is only the beginning, mea.”
Silvius blue eyes widened at his words, but Maria didn't have a chance to question his reaction because he returned to using his teeth and tongue to arouse her to a fever pitch.  Maria could barely breathe when he dipped his mouth to her pussy, his tongue teasing her clit mercilessly.  She cried out her back bowing off the mattress.  Silvius ceased his torment and Maria thought she would go insane as close to the edge as she was, just one more swipe with his wicked tongue and she was sure that she’d tip over the edge of the cliff that she yearned for.
“I’m so close...please!”
Maria didn’t have long to wait for him to shed his clothing and she swallowed at all the crimson flesh that he exposed.  Muscled arms and shoulders led to a chest that spoke of strength she’d not yet seen.  A smattering of black hair dusted his chest and led to a firm set of abdominal muscles that she wanted to explore with her tongue.  Standing erect and gathering most of her attention was the sizeable erection that he sported, crimson skin covered his most intimate flesh in a package that made Maria’s mouth water.  Silvius joined her on the bed, settling himself between her thighs.  A moment of clarity made her think of a condom, protection from disease, but she almost laughed at the thought.  These aliens were probably the most disease free people in this galaxy after the authorities got finished with them, and besides she took birth control.  Not so much for pregnancy prevention than menstrual cycle regulation, but looking at his large cock made her wish for sex with this man every night.
She was pulled from her wandering thoughts when he cupped her face.
“Mine.”
A simple statement, but it felt as though he’d asked for something.  Too far gone to contemplate the meaning of his words, Maria spread her thighs groaning at the feel of his cock pressing against her wet mound.  Silvius groaned as he reached between them to line their bodies up before slowly sinking inch by agonizing inch into her aching channel.  Maria felt her eyes roll at the unexpected pleasure of being stretched to capacity, her every nerve firing in rapid succession, begging him to move.  She dug her nails into his shoulders, wishing she could release him, but though she tried, she couldn’t.
When he didn’t move, Maria wiggled her hips and opened her eyes when Silvius still didn’t give in.  She loved his blue eyes and she especially loved the way he looked at her.
“Please, Silvius,” she moaned arching against him.
Silvius groaned before taking her mouth in a kiss, his hips finally moving in a rhythm that was sure to take her over the edge quickly.  His scent permeated her pores.  The feel of skin against skin, and the feel of his cock as it tunneled in and out of her willing flesh all proved to be too much.  Maria screamed. 
Maria sat up in the bed as the orgasm washed through her.  Sweet dampened her skin and her breath came in pants as she came down from her erotic dream.  She relaxed a little looking around the familiar bedroom of her teenage years.  Placing a trembling hand on her slightly distended abdomen, she consoled herself with the fact that it was just a dream - one of the past, but still a dream.
The dream of the night that Silvius and she had shared aboard that ship haunted her.  Every night she felt his mouth, hands and tongue bringing her to ecstasy.  She always woke with her skin damp with sweat as she climaxed.  The dream was always bittersweet because she received such pleasure, but her body cried for Silvius to hold her as she slept--as he had on the ship.
She lay back in the hopes that she could fall back to sleep.  Maria knew that she would be up early puking her guts up as her baby made itself known.  She really wished she could go to the doctor.  It always rankled her feathers when a pregnant female came into the emergency room with no prenatal care.  If the government didn’t offer them a way to receive that prenatal care then it would be different, but they did.  She knew she was taking a risk, especially since she’d had none at all.  But she was scared.  Would the baby be normal?  What if they found out it was Silvius was the father?  Would she be in trouble?  She’d already withheld vital information from her commanding officers--not counting the pregnancy--so she could already face charges.  What the hell had she been thinking?
Maria thought that she’d learned her lesson the first time, but she hadn’t.  She had allowed another man to leave her in a vulnerable position and she wasn’t sure how to find a way out of it.  She could have an abortion, but the mere thought brought tears to her eyes.  She cupped her belly protectively and whispered, “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”


Friday, January 18, 2013

Writing a Book Review: The Where (Post 3 of 3)

So, you know the how and the why, now all you need is the where!  Rest assured this is a very short post, because let's face it...you're ready to post your review!


  • Goodreads
    • Excellent place to rate and review a book...It is easy to join and you can socialize with other avid readers like yourself!
  • Where you purchased the book:
    • Most stores make it pretty easy to post a review!  Look at the page where you bought the book and viola...Post your review!
  • Start a blog
    • Make your own review blog!  With easy templates, putting together a blog is as easy as choosing a template and adding content.  Two great ones are blogger and wordpress and each are free!
  • Make your own website
    • Check out different website making sites, such as weebly, webs, wordpress, and the list goes on.  Most of these services are free.  What costs is your domain and only if you wish to pay for one.  
So go out there and review up a storm!!!  Good Reading...and reviewing!


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Serenity...A Glimpse on the Inside

No one can see the terrible things that I see.  The dreams that haunt me as I sleep.  And when I wake, it is to a truth that could become the nightmare I've just escaped.  Every morning when I look into my daughter's eyes I can see that she too sees things that no toddler should ever have to.  I can only hope that she'll grow strong and embrace who she is.
The time for Salin's invasion is nearing, and I can't help but think that we are not ready.  These people have endured so much.  The blue death has taken from them things that they can never hope to replace: mothers, sisters, lovers.  But now I can see that the threat has set their eyes on somewhere else.  Their greed unfathomable as they prepare to savage yet another planet without regard to the lives they will erase.
I wish that I could say that I understand their motives, but in truth I don't.  I can only hope that we can overcome.

~Serenity

To Earth:
I am Serenity, and once I lived on Earth.  About four years ago my friend Anna and I found that we were not alone in the universe.  Eon, my husband now, took me from Earth of my own free will, and in that time I've learned that the Salinian's are people, just like you and I.  My plea is that you give them a chance, because I fear in the end they will also be your saving grace.  
Listen to them, and remember that we are all the same, though their skin is just a shade of red as opposed to our own varying shades.  

Thank you,

Serenity

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Something to Think About...

Sunday is here again and that can only mean that it is time for something to think about...


"There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."
Will Rogers 
Read more at HERE


"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."
Ray Bradbury

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Maria's Match

I am finished with edits, and am formatting for print and ebook format.  Formatting isn't as fun as writing or editing, but a necessary part of the process!  I am also happy for the release of Salin's Salvation, Volume 1, for those who've never been introduced to Salin and its current state of trouble, I invite you to find out with Volume 1 which will include all three books the series has so far!

Thanks everyone!  I am so happy that you're enjoying the books!

~Astrid

Don't forget to enter the many contests that I have going for Maria's Match!  Check out my website for more information!!!  Happy Reading!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Writing a Book Review: The How (Post 2 of 3)

Note: This is part two (2) of a three (3) part post about book reviews: They why, the how and the where!  To view the first post, click here.

So, you're all fired up about writing a book review and you stare at the blank screen, that cursor flashing on and off the screen.  It's taunting you, telling you in it's own insidious way that you'll never be able to get past your writers block to scribble down a few lines about the book you just enjoyed.  What was the book called again?  Oh no!!!!! AHHHHHHH!

Just kidding :)!  Writing a book review is supposed to be fun, not an experience that leaves you sweating and gives you nightmares for years to come.  These are a few tips to aide you in your next book review!!!

As I said in the last post, a book review is critical look at the book in question.  After pouring through plenty of websites, some of them from educational institutions I might add, a book review can be broken down into three parts: the summary, the critical review, and the reviewers opinion of whether the audience would like to read the book.

Part One:  The Summary:
This is basically a telling of the story in a few short sentences.  For example, if I were doing a critical review of Romeo & Juliet, the first portion of my review would look something like this:

The Montague's and Capulet's are at war, and nothing can bridge that gap.  The young Romeo sneaks into a party one night and falls hopelessly in love with Juliet.  Feuding continues, yet the two young lovers cannot bear to be apart.  They wed in secrecy and plan to run away together, but fate isn't so kind.  A communication error leaves the two lovers in a tragic set of circumstances that in the end leads the two families to question the validity of their feud.

See, just a basic summary.  Now, be kind because I've not read Romeo & Juliet in ages!

Part Two: The Critical Review
This is the part where you break down the story and tell why you did or did not like the story.  Were there any characters that grabbed you by the heart strings or made you want to bash their brains in?  What about the plot intrigued you most?  For a list of questions/etc, click here or here.  Here is an example using Romeo & Juliet:

Shakespeare's use of rhyme and iambic pentameter is amazing as he tells the story of two star crossed lovers who find a tragic fate.  While I enjoyed getting to know each character, I found that Romeo & Juliet to be less of a romance and more of warning.  Letting oneself become so involved in a war or feud can have devastating consequences on families.  I also find myself forgetting the reasoning for the feud.  But, this is Shakespeare, so one must be prepared for the untimely deaths of the main characters.  Overall worth the read and though I don't find myself connecting with the characters on a personal level, I did feel as though they were well developed.

Part Three: How the Audience Might Like the Book

This one is purely based on how you think others will perceive the book.  Again, I'll use my example, Romeo & Juliet:

This play will resonate with the young and old, however, I do suggest the reader to be at least in high school as some of the language can be difficult for younger children, as well as the violence.  It should also be noted that suicide is used within the text, although it isn't glorified.  All in all, this is a must read, because one can simply not go through a proper English and Literature education without at least running into one of Shakespeare's works, and Romeo & Juliet is, in my opinion, one of his best.  Although, I am quite partial to Macbeth.

Now, a few things that are on my mind

Q:  Should I write a book if I didn't like the book?

A:  My answer to that is yes, as long as you're clear on why you didn't like the book.  Was it poorly written?  Did the plot line fall flat? Or, in contrast, was the book something completely different that you normally wouldn't get into or couldn't get into?  I've never started a book that I didn't finish...except for Jack London's Call of the Wild.  Was it because it wasn't well written?  No of course not, but from the beginning, I just couldn't get interested in the book, and no matter how hard I tried...It just wasn't working.  A close second was Frankenstein...I know shudder to think.  I'll be honest, I didn't even like the movies or television shows that related to Frankenstein.  But I did finish it, although it may have been due more to the fact that it was required in high school.  The point I'm trying to make is that although you didn't enjoy the book, others might and your review should reflect your honest opinion of that.

Q: Does my review have to look like yours?

A: Of course not!  Your review should be as unique as you are.  It doesn't have to be staid and written like an article for the newspaper, besides, the most fun reviews are funny or captivating in other ways!  Also, a person can read approx. 150 words in a minute, so too many words equals someone not reading the entire review!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Something to Think About

Here's a little something to think about...

"In three words I can sum up everything that I've learned about life:  it goes on."
~Robert Frost

"Dreams are the touchstones of our character."
~Henry David Thoreau


Saturday, January 5, 2013

Random Excerpt!

And today's random excerpt comes from...A Game of Cat & Mouse!
Random Chapter: 12
Random lines: Page 89 (PRINT) First two paragraphs!

Wesley Chambers was a large man, about six four and built like a body builder.  He wore his black hair shorn close to his scalp.  Caleb too the hand offered and was hard pressed to keep from wincing at his bear-like grip.
"It's nice to meet you, Caleb.  I knew your father."
Caleb looked him over and tried to place the man, but he was at a loss.  Miranda leaned forward and sniffed the male, and Caleb saw red.  He picked Miranda up and placed her behind his back before growling low in his throat at the male who'd interested his mate.  Wesley lifted his arms in surrender with a shit-eating grin plastered to his face.


Available at Amazon, ARe, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, iBookstore, Kobo and Sony.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Writing a Book Review: The Why! (Post 1 of 3)

Note: This is part one (1) of a three (3) part post about book reviews: They why, the how and the where!

     A book review is a critical review of a book, and if you're an avid reader, then you are familiar with book reviews and have read your fair share of book reviews.  Now, some have probably written a review or two, while others haven't written one.  Some wonder how do I write a book review?  Others wonder where do I write a book review, and some of you have come to the right place to answer 'Why should I write a book review?'

Here are a few reasons why you should write a book review...

  1. Exercise your critical writing skills: We learned to write at a very early age, then we took those letters and made words until we could eventually form sentences.  Chances are if you read, then you have a limitless vocabulary in which to utilize in writing a review of your favorite books.
  2. Tell others why they should (or shouldn't) purchase a book:  Lots of people have mad skills at telling other people what to buy, so if you have those mad skills, then get to writing.
  3. Just for fun...Fun?  Well, yeah.  Think about it like this:  I just read an awesome book and I want to tell the world about it!  So why not have fun with it?  Crack a joke-or two!  
  4. Make a name for yourself!  Think of all the book review websites that you visit, and think how cool it would be if people wanted you to review their books?  Contacted you for your honest opinion!  The sky is the limit and beyond that?  Outer space!
So, now you're fired up to write reviews!  What next?  The how, of course!  Check in for that post soon!