Winter Showcase - Bethany Lopez

1) What is your favorite part of winter/the holidays?

My favorite part is that magical feeling you get. It starts when you're a kid, and luckily, it still happens when your an adult. I love the crisp air, the way lights twinkle in the dark, and the time that's spent with family.

2) What is your least favorite part of the winter/holidays?

I'm from Michigan, but I haven't lived there since I joined the Air Force in 1996. I've been lucky enough not to be stationed anywhere where it snows like it does there (knock on wood), and I'm happy about that. I can remember being at college and having to step out into the freezing wind, bundled up so that only my eyes showed, and how miserable I felt. *shudders*

3) Name one great book you've read this year.

Hmmmm, that's a toughy. Since it's the most recent and most on my mind, I'll have to say Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley. It made me laugh, cry, and fall in love, all of the qualities I love in a good book!

4) What is your favorite character from another author's book?

I really love the female characters in Penny Reid's Knitting in the City series. They are so funny, quirky, and smart. I wish I could write characters like that.

5) What is your favorite character from one of your own books?

I know it's not fair to pick someone whose book isn't even out yet, but she's from one of the books I've recently finished. Delilah "Lila" Horton from what is tentatively titled, Always Room for Cupcakes. She's a riot. Always getting into mischief working as an Investigative Photographer, she's one of the most fun characters I've ever written.  

(TOTALLY NOT FAIR! Stay tuned for more information on this book!)

6) What do you enjoy doing other than writing?

Reading, Movies, Travel, Going to Theme Parks with the Family. 

7) You have just received 1 million dollars, but you have to spend it in 24 hours. What do you do?

Put a nice chunk of money down on a house in California, and buy a place for my dad in Tennessee.

8) What is your favorite genre to read (and why)?

I mostly read Romance. Whether it's Contemporary, Rom Com, Paranormal, or Historical, I love to fall in love. 

9) What is your favorite genre to write (and why)? 

Contemporary Romance is what I have the most written in, but I've recently written a Women's Fiction and what would probably a Rom Com/Suspense, and I had a blast with both.

10) If you couldn't be a writer, what would you be?

I was a cook in the Air Force and I've been a Restaurant Manager as a civilian. I would probably work towards becoming a chef or open my own restaurant. 

Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She's a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.                                                                                                                                              Bethany Lopez is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

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Adios cover reveal!

~ COVER REVEAL ~

Title: Adios

Series: Stories about Melissa, book 6

Author: Bethany Lopez

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

Cover Design: Makeready Designs

Release Date: Dec 16, 2015

Junior year is halfway over and Melissa is thrilled to be going with Jess, Jimmy, and Brian to Cabo San Lucas for Spring Break. Things at home haven't been great, and she could use the break that the sun and sand of Mexico is sure to bring. But things don't go as planned and the perfect vacation changes things for Melissa and her friends. Will the damage done be permanent and will life at home ever get back to the way it used to be?

Goodreads

Special Pre-order Price - $.99

Amazon 

iBooks 

Nook 

Kobo 

Smashwords 

If you haven't read the other books in this YA series, now's the perfect time to get caught up!

~ SERIES SALE ~

The Stories about Melissa series is a coming of age series that follows Melissa, her family, and her friends. Similar to Sweet Valley High, each book is novella length. There will be eight books in the series.

Stories about Melissa reading order:

Ta Ta for Now! (Book 1, FREE)

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

iBooks 

Smashwords 

Kobo 

xoxoxo (Book 2, 99cents)

Amazon 
Barnes & Noble 
iBooks
Smashwords
Kobo 

Ciao (Book 3, 99cents)

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

iBooks 

Smashwords 

Kobo 

TTYL (Book 4, 99cents)

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

iBooks 

Smashwords 

Kobo 

With Love (Book 5, 99cents)

Amazon

iBooks

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

Cover Reveal - 10 Years

Cover reveal time!

You know I love my Bethany Lopez novels, so I'm so excited to bring you the cover reveal for the next book in her A Time for Love series, 10 Years! I have the rest of this series in several formats (including a signed copy of every book in the series lol) and cannot wait for this one!


*Warning* This book contains some scenes that may be hard to read. This story is meant for readers 18 and older

Excerpt at end of post

Title: 10 Years (Time for Love #5)

Author: Bethany Lopez

Age Group: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: B Designs

Goodreads

A lot can happen in 10 years, and Gwen and Craig have been there for each other through it all, from meeting on the playground to juggling college finals. But their long-standing friendship hasn't been without its challenges.

Gwen keeps her emotions locked down tight, and when someone hurts her, she shuts down and shuts them out. Craig has always been her hero, but when one night leaves her broken, she realizes he has the power to hurt her the most.

Unable to get past Gwen's emotional barriers, Craig focuses on baseball and reaching for his dreams, but he misses his best friend. He wonders if he'll ever have the same relationship he did with the girl he met ten years ago.

When the barriers finally come down and their true feelings are revealed, will they finally become the couple everyone says they're destined to be, or will the darkness from Gwen's past tear them apart forever?

Pre-order

COVER REVEAL MATERIALS: 10 Years by Bethany Lop

Pre-order your copy!

iBooks

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Series Reading Order:

8 Weeks

21 Days

42 Hours

15 Minutes

10 Years ~ Releasing, Feb 3, 2015

            

Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

Connect with Bethany

Facebook 

Goodreads 

Amazon 

Twitter 

Pinterest 

Blog 

Newsletter 

Excerpt ~ Gwen

His lips were softer than I’d ever imagined, and I’d imagined them a lot. At least once a day since I turned thirteen, maybe more.

I brought a hand up to touch his cheek gently, worried that too much movement on my part would bring him back to reality, and he’d pull away.

I could taste beer on his breath, but I didn’t mind. He moved closer, his hand on my back drawing me in so our chests touched. I took a sharp breath at the contact, amazed at how good it felt.

This was the first time I’d kissed, or touched another guy since that night with Brad at his party, but it was apples and oranges in comparison. With Craig I didn’t have one second of doubt, I knew I wanted his lips on mine, and now that I’d had a taste, I didn’t know how I’d ever be able to go back to the way things used to be.

I hoped he felt the same.

“Can I touch you, Gwennie?” Craig asked, his hand at the hem of my t-shirt.

His breath against my ear caused goosebumps to break out over my sensitive flesh.

“Yes,” I responded, my voice barely a whisper.

His hand was cool against my heated stomach and I shivered as he ran it up towards my breasts, which became heavy in anticipation of his touch.

Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt!

My top 5 summer reads and a ridiculously good give-away!

Oh, summer, beautiful, beautiful summer. When, for 8 fabulous weeks, I don't have to wake up early, be in traffic for an hour (one way, mind you), and deal with work. Instead, I get to sleep until the glorious hour of 7:45am, entertain a 3 year old, and attempt to get my house clean enough to counteract the insanity of the last 10 months.

But I digress!

Summer is also the time for reading, lots ofs reading, lots and lots of reading. The best is when it's a gorgeous day outside and I can sit on my deck, happily half-lost in a book while my kiddo plays with her water table or splashes in her kiddie pool (although if the pool is out, I usually end up in with her, it's hot out here!)

What's on my list for this summer you say? Here we go!


1) Hopeless in Hotlanta - Dawn Pendleton and Magan Vernon

2) 21 Days - Bethany Lopez (okay, so I've already read this one, but I want to read it again
when I can actually read for more than 10 minutes at a time)

3) Dancing with Deception - Andrea Heltsley (LOVED Dancing with Death)

4) The Dream Slayer - Jill Cooper

5) Break You - Jennifer Snyder


Do you need something new to read this summer (or fall, or maybe when winter hits?) Well, then check out this ridiculously awesome give-away.

The Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt will run from TODAY until midnight on SUNDAY (19^th July). To enter to win FORTY signed paperbacks by a wide range of authors PLUS $30 worth of Amazon Gift Cards, simply hop around ALL participating stops, collect all of the highlighted numbers, add them together, and then go enter the requested details along with your calculated answer in the ENTRY FORM. You can find more information on how the stop works HERE. All stops will direct you to the next place to hop across to. And don’t worry if you get lost, because the entire list of participating authors can be found HERE.


But, wait, that's not all! You can also win some fabulous swag from Aimee Laine!! She is giving away a print copy of Little White Lies AND Surrender!

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Ready for more fun? Then bop over to http://www.jabelfield.wordpress.com and keep scavenging!

Or, if you have all of your numbers and are ready to enter, then hop across to the Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt Entry Form.

21 Days Release!!

*Personal endorsement*

I was able to read 21 Days when it was still toddling around as a beta, and OMG it is fabulous. You guys know that I'm a fantasy girl, and this is definitely not a fantasy book, and I absolutely loved it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I connected with Sasha, as I usually don't connect with characters who are so completely unlike myself, and I definitely had an opinion of her from reading 8 Weeks, but she very, very quickly touched me and I felt like she was "that friend", where you aren't quite sure how you became friends because you are sooo different, but you couldn't imagine life without them.

And TJ, *swoon*. That's all that needs to be said, haha. 

21 Days is a fabulous romance, sweet and sexy (and yes, there are some scenes that perhaps younger teens/children shouldn't be reading, be warned, this is not YA), and just an absolutely heartwarming and great book. I highly recommend it!!!

With no further ado, here it is!!

Release Day

21 Days

Time for Love, book 2

Cover by B Designs

Photograph by K Keeton Designs

Edited by Red Road Editing

Formatted by White Hot eBook Formatting

Blurb:

Sasha and TJ are no strangers to enjoying sex with no strings attached, so when they decide to act on their mutual attraction, there should be no reason why they can’t apply that same philosophy to each other.

Money has never been an issue for Sasha, which made proving herself as a real estate dynamo a personal challenge she was determined to conquer. Raised in a gilded world masking neglect and disappointment, she learned not to depend on anyone, especially when it comes to love and relationships. Men are great for companionship, but she isn’t looking for anything serious.

Used to going without, TJ has worked hard to be able to support himself. When he loses his job and his home in one fell swoop, he faces relying on others for the first time in his adult life. Then Sasha steps in, offering him a place to stay until he’s back on his feet. He grudgingly agrees, but vows to be out of her guest room within 21 days.

They'll discover that a lot can change in 21 days, especially when they decide to give the idea of "friends with benefits" a try. As each day passes, Sasha and TJ become closer than they’ve ever been. Will they be able to go back to being just friends when their days together are up, or will they allow their personal hang-ups to get in the way of what they really cherish most?

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Smashwords

iTunes

Barnes & Noble

If you haven't read book 1, 8 Weeks, it's currently On Sale until June 6th!

Purchase Links:

Amazon

B & N

iTunes

Smashwords

Indelible - Review

Is this my first review I have done on this blog? I think it may be, but don't quote me on that, and while it will not be the last (hopefully) I am definitely excited to have the recently released, Indelible, by Bethany Lopez as the first.

*~* Warning: While I try not to give spoilers in reviews, some may sneak in, so don't read this if you don't want to know more about the book than just the blurb.

After year of partying, Sam decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart. Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother? Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?

~ * ~ * ~

Now, first things first, I must admit something. I typically do not read books like this. I'm a fantasy gal and don't usually like contemporary novels, because, well, I like to escape the world and contemporary is just too snug of a fit, if you know what I mean. When I clicked past the cover page on my Nook, I fully expected to be bored and move on to something else.

That being said, Bethany Lopez had me hooked by the 2nd page, and I was left reading into the wee hours of night because I felt like I had a vested interested in what happened to Sam. Samantha is an incredibly strong, interesting, and most of all realistic version of the college-aged mother, and I know this, because I have known quite a few. Her struggle between protecting her daughter and being a mother and wanting to just be any other college kid is very real and very poignant. 

Then you meet Judd. I wanted to hate Judd, really, I did. But I found myself liking him almost immediately. While at first you think he's just a regular jock who likes women, you later learn how incredible sweet and responsible he really is. I found myself rooting for Judd as much as Sam, and hoping they didn't hurt one another as they figured out the complexities of this relationship.

And then Karrie, her two year old daughter. Oh my did that bring tears and laughter. I have a daughter who is turning two in just a few weeks, and this character was spot on. I felt myself smiling with the happy moments, nodding my head in sympathy during her outbursts, and crying along with Sam after one of the worst days. As a mom, I've been there, and it actually made me feel better that someone else was going through it too, even if that someone was...you know...in a book.

But really, I'm a sucker for a good ending, and Bethany Lopez can write an awesome one. I wasn't quite sure where the book was going to go, as you start to realize that this is the kind of love story that can't have a happy ending, not for both people. Bethany's ending was poignant, heart-wrenching, beautiful, and brought tears to my eyes. It could not have been truer to the story, to life, or to the situation. I loved it.

If you would like to pick up a copy of Indelible (and I HIGHLY suggest that you do), be sure to click the links below to be taken to the appropriate purchase link.  (*Note* Links will be updated as more purchase opportunities arise)

Nook

Kindle

Paperback

Indelible release - by Bethany Lopez

Release Day Blitz ~ Indelible by Bethany Lopez  

Release Date: July 9, 2013

Photo by K Keeton Designs

Cover by B Designs

Indelible is a New Adult Contemporary Romance Blurb: After a year of partying, Sam decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart. Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother? Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?                Purchase Links Amazon: GoodReads:  Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Photo and Teaser by K Keeton Designs



About the Author:

Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

Indelible cover release - Bethany Lopez

Title: Indelible
Author: Bethany Lopez
Expected release date: July 9, 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Cover Designed by : B Design alliebbooks.wordpress.com – Photo by Kelsey Kukal-Keeton
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description:
After a year of partying, Sam decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart.

Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother?

Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17855632-indelible

Author Bio:

Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

Author social media links:
IAN - http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/bethany-lopez.html

Webpage - www.bethanylopez.blogspot.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/BethanyLopez2

Facebook - http://on.fb.me/LypEaO

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/bethanylopez2/

Why Indie rocks! - Bethany Lopez

Welcome to another post in the Why Indie Rocks! series. Today's guest author extraordinaire is the wonderful 

Bethany Lopez.

1) When did you first begin to write as an Indie-author/self-published author?

 I began writing in Oct 2010. I didn't release Ta Ta for Now!, my Contemporary YA, until June 2011.

2) Why did you decide to go the Indie-author/self-publishing route?

 I didn't even know it was an option when I began to write. I queried Agents and dealt with the rejections that came along with that. When I learned about publishing through Amazon from my Uncle. I decided to give it a try. I had no idea what I was getting in to. I learned so much in the six months after I self- published, and I met some amazing people who helped me along the way.

3) What are some advantages to being an Indie-Author/Self-published author? 

Control is a big one. I'm kind of a control freak, so it works for me. I like being able to choose my covers, how I want to market, and when I want to release my books.

4) What are some of the disadvantages to being an Indie-Author/Self-Published author? 

A dream of mine has always been to see my books in a bookstore. You can still make that happen by consignment, or doing an event in a store, but not to the same extent that you could if you were traditionally published.

5) What is your best advice to someone who wants to break into the Indie world?

 Build your platform prior to your book release. Start a Facebook Page, a Twitter Account, a Pinterest, and any other social media outlet that interests you. Start a blog. Get to know other writers,bloggers, and readers, before you start marketing yourself or your book. Pay it forward, as they say. No one wants to deal with a new writer who hasn't done their research, doesn't know anyone, and introduces themselves by pushing their work down our throats. That may sound harsh, but it's not meant to. We are a wonderful, generous, and friendly group, get to know us! Now I say this because I didn't go this route. As I said, I knew nothing about Self Publishing before I did it. I'm just trying to make it easier for you than it was for me. Laura Howard is a perfect example of doing this wonderfully. Her book isn't out yet, but she is a strong presence in this community.




Nissa: a contemporary fairy tale is a YA Contemporary Fantasy and will release on April 23rd.

P.S. (How cool is that cover! Gorgeous!)

Want to know more about Bethany? You can find her at any of these locations