Category: Tour-Pump Up Your Promo

Blog Tour/ Budapest Romance

Posted on by Cindy

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budapestromanceTitle: Budapest Romance
Author: Rozsa Gaston
Publisher: Rozsa Gaston
Pages: 266
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback/Kindle/Audible

When Kati Dunai travels to Budapest to settle her father’s estate, the last thing on her mind is the pursuit of pleasure. She’s a busy international conference planner, her life rooted in Manhattan.

But from the moment she sets foot in the city of her father’s youth, it’s pleasure that pursues her. At the thermal bath spa hotel where she’s staying, she meets a Dutchman who reminds her of Béla Dunai, her Hungarian refugee father, who fled his homeland shortly after its 1956 revolution.

Jan Klassen is in Budapest to mend from a motorcycle accident. His scars have healed on the outside, but inside, he cannot forgive himself for the consequences his son now lives with forever.

Jan has never met a woman like Kati before. Her blend of New England restraint with gypsy spirit captivates him. While Jan introduces Kati to Budapest’s leisurely pace of life, Kati introduces Jan to her own leisurely pace of sensual exploration as their attraction to each other grows over six magical days.

When Kati returns to New York, their relationship continues. But it’s not just an ocean that separates them. Kati’s corporate job with frequent travel is the antithesis of the slow-paced pleasures she enjoyed in her father’s favorite city, one of Europe’s crown jewels.

Which will Kati put first—her new career or her new love; a man who reminds her of the father she never fully understood? And is it the Hungarian pleasure-loving side of herself that she really needs to understand before she can offer her heart to the man who has awakened her to who she truly is?

For More Information
Budapest Romance is available at Amazon.
Audio edition available at www.audible.com/BudapestRomance with actress Romy Nordlinger of All My Children, One Life to Live narrating.
Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Budapest-Romance-authorRozsa Gaston writes playful books on serious matters. Women getting what they want out of life is one of them. She studied European intellectual history at Yale, and then received her master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia. In between, she worked as a singer/pianist all over the world. She lives in Bronxville, NY with her family.

Her books include Budapest Romance, The Ava Series: ParisAdieu, Part I and Black is Not a Color, Part II, Running from Love, Dog Sitters and Lyric. Her upcoming novel is Sense of Touch, a fictionalized story of Anne of Brittany and Queen of France.

For More Information

Book Spotlight/ Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox

Posted on by Cindy

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About the Author
Lisa Consiglio Ryan is the founder of Whole Health Designs, juicy clean living advocate and mama of two. She loves her yoga practice, running, and has a mission to spread the word, “Food is love.” She provides detox programs and private coaching for women who desire to embrace clean living.

As a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach, Lisa has worked with thousands in her Renewal 10 Day Detox programs. Her work has been featured in Fitness Magazine, TinyBuddha, Elephant Journal, Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Life, The Daily Meal, and Mind Body Green. You can also check out Lisa’s new membership program, Clean + Sexy 2014 (year-long detox + community) Kickin’ It Clean gluten-free meal plans for plant lovers and Juice Shop. Lisa is leading a wellness retreat in Costa Rica this July: Clean + Sexy Wellness Retreat.

Her latest book is the health/wellness/cookbook, Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox.

For More Information
• Visit Lisa Consiglio Ryan’s website.
• Connect with Lisa on Facebook and Twitter.
• Visit Lisa’s blog.
• Find out about her private coaching here.
• Contact Lisa.

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About the Book:

Lose weight, energize, and glow with over 50 recipes and complete 10 day detox plan. This whole foods cleanse includes detailed menu plan, shopping list, and bonus recipes to make after your cleanse. Renewal “Anytime” also includes pre-detox plan, daily instructions, FAQ’s, and post-detox next steps.

For More Information
• Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox is available at Amazon.
• Download your copy at iTunes.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Title: Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox
Author: Lisa Consiglio Ryan
Publisher: Lisa Consiglio Ryan
Pages: 118
Genre: Health/Wellness/Cookbook
Format: Kindle
Purchase at AMAZON

Lose weight, energize, and glow with over 50 recipes and complete 10 day detox plan. This whole foods cleanse includes detailed menu plan, shopping list, and bonus recipes to make after your cleanse. Renewal “Anytime” also includes pre-detox plan, daily instructions, FAQ’s, and post-detox next steps.

bookexcerpt
Welcome!

Are you ready to get your detox on? I have so many exciting things in store for you. If you need a quick pick-me-up after vacation or a binge weekend, Renewal “Anytime” is a perfect body reboot. You can also use this detox if you need to look and feel good fast for a wedding, reunion, or big event. Before you embark on your detox journey, I want to talk about the word BALANCE. Ahhhh, balance.

You are told to strive for balance in your life. In my opinion, that’s pretty difficult to accomplish. As humans, we have so many outside sources that can get us out of whack with life. New job, moving, marriage, trips, environmental toxins… Since you can’t control every single thing in your life, you can, however, control what you put into our body and how you deal with stress.

That’s why I developed Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox. Think of this plan as a clean living jumpstart. You will start with eating clean, whole foods. You will also incorporate exercise, breathing, and even dry brushing and massage. So let’s call it a re-balance. This is something you can do when you start to feel “off”, overwhelmed or even heavy and tired. Our bodies do, however, strive for balance to keep us in optimum health; physically, mentally, emotionally, within seasons, nature, and even with each other.

Physically, your blood needs to be at a pH level of 7.365. Did you ever hear of acidity and alkaline? Maybe in a biology class way back? I don’t want to go into a science lesson, but instead, I want to point out something extremely important; your body loves you. Your body works hard to keep you alive. When we become acidic over time due to consuming a lot of caffeine, sugar and processed foods, being exposed to environmental toxins like pesticides, and most of all stress, this leads to inflammation.

Inflammation leads to chronic disease.

Not good. We don’t want any of that. So doing a gentle cleanse is a great way to re-balance by pumping the alkaline foods such as dark leafy greens, veggies and fruits and taking some “me” time.

Managing stress is also a way to help the body re-balance. Try yoga, meditation, or breathing. While eating lunch, try sitting still for 5 minutes without the TV on, texting, or reading a magazine. Your body is striving for balance so make sure to participate in activities that are relaxing and soulful; alkaline activities.

While your body is working to keep you healthy, make sure to get a re-balance once in awhile to help her out. Take out this plan after your cleanse; use the recipes, tips and give your body a reboot each season or when you need a healthy jumpstart. Remember that having perfect balance isn’t really doable, but you can get pretty darn close by following the steps in this plan.

I’m so excited to be on this wellness journey with you. Have an amazing detox experience and keep in mind this is not about perfection but about getting a chance to RE-BALANCE.

Pre- Cleansing Instructions:
Here’s your action plan for a successful detox:
1. Set a goal or intention. Before you begin your detox, write down a few things you hope to achieve during your 10 days. You can reference your goals when your enthusiasm occasionally dips.

2. Prepare your loved ones. Your family, friends, even coworkers (especially those you eat meals with) should know how important the detox is to you. Ask for their support.

3. Invite a friend to join in on the fun. Even the most motivated person can derail without support. Doing the detox with a partner means you can encourage each other, trade meals, or even chat about daily progress. It’s nice to have someone to commiserate with when you miss that chocolate!

4. Start weaning off the following:

* Caffeine
* Sugar
* Processed foods
* Gluten
* Alcohol
* Soy
* Dairy

First, start weaning with caffeine and sugar. They are drugs I tell you! Plus your first few days of detox will be extremely difficult if you don’t start weaning at least 2-3 days beforehand.

For caffeine, limit your use. For example, if you drink 3 Diet Cokes a day; try for 1 and replace with water or an herbal tea. If you drink 4 cups of coffee, just drink 2, then half caf/half decaf.

For sugar, limit processed foods as much as possible. Artificial and added sugars hide out in boxed and bagged products. Also, try using natural sweeteners like stevia or raw honey until your detox starts.

Next, limit any processed foods, gluten, soy, dairy and alcohol during the pre-cleansing process. That way you can ease into your detox without shocking your system.

5. Clean out your fridge. Get rid of any old produce, leftovers, and any foods that don’t fit into the detox plan. Make room for all the gorgeous veggies, fruits and greens. I promise when you open up the door, you will see beauty!

6. Check your detox shopping list and look in your pantry for items you already have on hand. Make sure you have these basics:
* filtered water
* fresh lemons (for morning water especially)
* extra virgin olive oil
* raw apple cider vinegar ( I use this daily…fights any illness I swear!)
* sea salt- preferably Celtic
* organic pepper
* an assortment of fresh herbs
* spices (to jazz up any grain or veggie)

6. Get yourself a detox prezzie. Invest in something that will make your 10 days more comfortable and fun. I bought a pretty bowl for my salads and a gorgeous crystal-looking glass for my juices. What about a cool travel lunch bag or cooler to tote around all your detox goodies? Funky placemats to use for your meals? How can you feel special during these 10 days? This is the most important step…ready?

7. Please use these 10 days to take care of YOU. Tell your family and friends that you are taking time for yourself so that they know to either help out with meals or give you some alone time at night. Make sure to limit stress as much as possible. Also, your food is so connected to your thoughts. Cherish each bite and take time to breathe and be still.

This is a time of connection: your body, mind, and spirit.

I’m so happy to be cleansing with you!
Renewal “Anytime” Detox…How It Works
Renewal “Anytime” Detox is for 10 days…10 days of discovering new things about your body. How glorious!

Here’s how it works:
1. Read this entire book, cover to cover, before you head to the grocery store.

2. Check your pantry. Do you have leftover quinoa or a spices that can be used for the cleanse? Don’t go and buy extra items. Stick to the list, especially if you have a budget. You might have some of the ingredients hanging out in your cupboard or fridge.
*Most items can be found at a natural food store. Just ask anyone in the produce section or bulk section for items you are looking for. Don’t take a lot of time searching for items. Ask for help.
*I like to buy my grains like quinoa in the bulk section of the grocery store; saves me a little cash plus I can get the right amount I need for a recipe.

3. Make sure to follow the Daily Practices such as breathing and dry brushing so you have an overall holistic experience with your detox.

4. Journal during your cleanse to jot down feelings, observations, etc… This is a nice way to get to know your body better and make that body-mind connection even stronger.

5. Use the “Return to Life” section of this book to ease back after detox. Make sure to focus on what foods you don’t need or just want to introduce slowly.

This packet can guide you towards a plan afterwards. As you know, each person is uniquely different, so customize your next steps per your body, schedule, and lifestyle.

6.Use the BONUS recipes after your detox to keep the glow going. These recipes will also help you ease back into “regular life” without shocking your system.

Questions about detox…
Detox can be an amazing experience, but knowing the ins and outs of the process is so beneficial to a successful cleanse.

These questions have been compiled during my work with thousands of clients. You might be asking yourself some of these questions as you embark on this clean living adventure. Make sure to refer to this section before you start your detox – and during – if concerns come up.

 

Guest Post by author LIsa Consiglio Ryan

Guest Post by author LIsa Consiglio Ryan

Posted on by Cindy

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4 Detox Myths Busted: How to Detox Safely without Starving Yourself

Summer is here. It’s time to get out in the sun, show more skin, and be active.

Can you feel it? The sun, the warmth, the feeling of getting a fresh start? I can actually feel it in my bones, my whole being. I’m ready to burst with action and get moving.

Now that it is getting warmer, you might feel a new spark and power and be filled with inspiration and energy to act upon your ideas. You want to get outside and play!

This is a good time to take a look at your life, make a new plan, and get a brand new start. What do you want to clear out? With your environment? Within yourself? What do you wish to see happen in your life?

New starts and new beginnings remind me of cleansing. And a great way to supercharge the season is to detox.
Once you experience a detox that incorporates whole foods and daily activities that support your body, there isn’t anything in the world that can compare to the feeling you get after a detox. You may feel increased bouts of energy, eliminate your cravings, lose weight, reduce bloating and get rid of belly fat. Your mind is clear and focused, and even your mood can improve. You might even glow!

If you don’t think you need a detox or are scared straight even hearing the word, think again.

Here are four sure-fire ways to overcome excuses and detox safely:

Myth 1: “I will starve.”

Try a gentle, clean food-based detox. Eliminate processed foods and foods with added sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, soy, and animal protein. Stick to organic fruits and veggies for your cleanse. Add lots of vegetables, fruits, greens, grains, legumes, and beans. Also plan to eat every 3 hours with meals and snacks. That way you won’t feel deprived or hungry. If you are feeling hungry, drink water. Hunger is actually a sign of being dehydrated so drink up.

Myth 2: “I will have to stick to the bathroom.”

To be honest, you might be constipated or go to the bathroom a little more often than usual. This is natural as your body expels toxins especially at the beginning of the cleanse. You are eating normal food. In fact, real food. Therefore, you body will begin to balance itself out and become regular.

Move your body during detox. Movement on the outside stimulates movement on the inside. Eating foods that nourish and detoxify are necessary for your cleanse, but the next step is to incorporate exercise. Try gentle yoga, walking in nature, stretching. You don’t want to run twelve miles during your cleanse or do a long bike ride. You will be completely exhausted. Your body is working hard to get rid of toxins, and she needs to rest to restore during the detox period.

Myth 3: “I have to mix up powders and take pills.”

If you Google “detox,” you can get all sorts of scary looking boxes or programs to buy. Instead go for the real foods and pump the green goodness. Detox greens and veggies consist of spinach, parsley, watercress, asparagus, peas, fennel, and mustard greens. You can also add in additional dark leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, and collards. The chlorophyll from the leaves feed the blood, and help your body achieve balance. Therefore, ridding your body of toxins becomes easier. You feel cleaner without sucking down tons of powdery mixes.

Myth 4: “I will faint.”

If you keep up with your delicious greens and whole foods, eat every 3 hours, drink tons of water, there is no reason for you to faint or feel weak. You can rid your body of toxins without putting your life on hold. Make sure to eat all your meals and snacks, and if you need extra protein, go for it. Listen to your body and let her guide the way.
Detox doesn’t have to be a scary. It can be delicious and an amazing way to reboot your body.
Are you ready to get down with detox?

 

I want to thank Lisa for taking time out of her busy tour schedule to do this guest post for me. I think this has shed some light on detoxing for me and something that I am thinking I will be doing very soon as I have been feeling very blah, tired, run down etc.

Have you ever detoxed?

Cover Reveal/ Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost

Posted on by Cindy

Today I am honored to be one of the last few stops on the Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost cover reveal tour.

About the Book:

Eccentric tobacco tycoon Rodger Hawthorne III can have anything his heart desires except his dead wife, Sarah. Feeling responsible for the car crash that killed her twenty years earlier, he offers one million dollars to anyone who can find her spirit and bring it to him within one week or the money is forfeited. Six spiritually-challenged—but highly intuitive—women find his ad over the Internet and accept his challenge only to embark on a journey they didn’t quite expect that covers astral traveling, past life regressions and spiritual encounters of the unworldly kind. While this book is lightly based on a true story of a real man who is offering one million dollars to anyone who can prove that spirits exist, this story is purely fictional. Or is it?

Coming October 2013!

About the Authors:

Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan and Dorothy Thompson make up the writing team of the new paranormal romance, Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost. All three ladies have a passion for the paranormal and were part of an online spiritual group to discuss ghosties and bumps in the night when one of them discovered there was a man on the Internet looking for proof of the existence of ghosts and anyone who could prove they exist would win a million dollars. Unfortunately, no one has been able to accomplish this task and fortunately for the women, it gave them an exciting idea for a new book. Visit their official book blog at www.MillionDollarGhost.blogspot.com or join them at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RomancingTheMillionDollarGhost
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Book Spotlight/ Down and Out In Beverly Heels

Posted on by Cindy

 
About the Book:
Meg Barnes, a beloved actress for her role as TV detective Jinx Forgarty, has it all but thanks to her newlywed con-man husband, loses everything and ends up living on the streets of Tinsel Town in her Ritz-Volvo. This fun, light-hearted romance takes us into the Hollywood social swirl, but also delves into the gritty truth of what it is to be “homeless and hiding it” in one of the most glittering, fashionable cities in the world. It’s also a story of redemption with a “Thelma and Louise” twist as Meg, incorporating skills she learned as a TV detective, tracks down her fugitive husband and struggles to regain her reputation, career and friendships.
Purchase your copy at AMAZON.

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BOOK EXCERPT:
Excerpted from Down and Out in Beverly Heels by Kathryn Leigh Scott, ©Montlake Romance 2013

Actress Meg Barnes, homeless and living in her car, hopes to spend the night in a safer place than parked at the curb of a local park for the night. She needs a good night’s sleep because she’s got a job guest-starring in a TV pilot.

I park up the street in a cul de sac off the main road. Then, my overnight bag slung on my shoulder, I slip through a break in a boxwood hedge. In the shadow of a sycamore tree, I pause, listening to the sounds of the night. The lights are off in Marjorie Singleton’s house, my benefactor tucked in for the night. I don’t know Marjorie well, though whenever I voted, it was in Marjorie’s clean, spacious garage, her Bentley parked on the street to make way for a bank of polling booths on election day. I’m sure Marjorie, if she knew, would be only too happy to extend a neighborly welcome to me.
It’s Wednesday: Marjorie’s son, who lives in Encino, is home with his family and won’t stop by again until Friday afternoon, when he’ll bring her Chinese takeaway. I know the rituals; I’ve watched Jake Singleton come and go. This is a safe night, and all is quiet.

I follow the flagstone walkway around the swimming pool, past the rose bed, and turn the knob on the side door to the garage. It’s unlocked, as usual. Inside, I slip quietly along the west wall to the workbench Marjorie’s long-dead husband built, and set down my carryall. I plug my laptop and cellphone into a wall outlet to top up, then move through the darkness to Marjorie’s Bentley. She rarely drives it anymore.

I toss my sleeping bag into the back seat. Tonight I can pack in a good six hours and be gone before the gardeners arrive. On those nights when I’ve had to spend the night in my own car, I remain fully clothed, doors locked, windows open no more than a finger-tip wide.

Usually I find a spot on the street around Holmby Park, the gates to Aaron Spelling’s mansion within spitting distance. Should his ghostly presence be hovering above his former abode, I can imagine his bemusement seeing me camping out a stone’s throw from his old bedroom window. I still get residuals from his shows, blessed checks from repeats of mindless fluff that pay my car insurance and buy me another month at the health club. But those nights parked on the street, hiding under spread newspapers, even with the tinted windows, are the tough ones, the only time it really hits me that I’m homeless.

More accurately, I am without a home. I am not actually a Homeless Person. I always manage to have a roof over my head, even if it comes with four wheels and a dashboard. I’m not a bag lady, a bum. I’m not a thief, though I suppose I’ve stolen a few pennies’ worth of kilowatt juice from Marjorie. But the back seat of an old lady’s car is only temporary accommodation, not Home, Sweet Home. I awaken too often in the night, dozing more often than sleeping.
I slide my legs deeper into my sleeping bag and hug my arms for warmth, trying to stop the rat-wheel of worry spinning in my head. I am far from complacent about the fix I’m in, yet I manage to drift off in welcome sleep.

Moments later—or is it hours?—I’m fully awake and alert, every fiber of my being a listening device. What is it? What did I hear? My heart bangs in my ears as I strain to sort out the sounds. The irrigation system kicking in? A squirrel on the roof?

Hearing footsteps falling softly on the flagstone walk, I slide free of my sleeping bag. Who’s coming for me? Who in hell knows I’m here? My fingers close around a small can of pepper spray. I don’t even know that the aerosol works. The container is old and I’ve never had occasion to test it.
The garage door scrapes open. A beam of light arcs across the windshield. A male voice booms. “C’mon out. Now!”

… It’s my Margot Kidder nightmare, a“caught-in-the-headlights” shot of myself disheveled, my arms clutching a sleeping bag, splashed on the cover of a supermarket tabloid: “Former ‘Holiday’ Star Down and Out in Beverly Hills!”

Tears sting my cheeks. Wouldn’t the paparazzi love this shot? Jinx, face puffy, mascara smudged, lurking in someone’s garage. I press my forehead into my sleeping bag, recalling poor Margot, missing her front teeth and in need of meds, cowering in someone’s backyard. What’s my excuse? If I’m busted now, it’s the end of my job next week, the end of pulling myself out of this confounding mess I’m in.

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About the Author:
Kathryn Leigh Scott is an actress, probably best known for creating the roles of Josette DuPres and Maggie Evans, the love interests of vampire Barnabas Collins in the cult classic TV show “Dark Shadows.” Downand Out in Beverly Heels is her second work of fiction. Scott wrote Dark Passages, a paranormal romance, with more than a passing nod to the ‘60s soap and she appeared in the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton film Dark Shadows last year.
Scott is currently at work on a sequel to Down and Out in Beverly Heels.
To learn more about Kathyrn, please visit www.kathrynleighscott.com .
Connect & Socialize:

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Down and Out in Beverly Heels Tour Page:
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Book Blast/ Siding With Plato

Posted on by Cindy

About the Book:
Brooke Aarons can’t get to college fast enough. Leaving behind her small town life, she intends to transform herself into a brilliant psychologist with no distractions along the way. But when she finds herself on a double date with the school’s star football player – and worse, enjoying it – Brooke has to wonder if she’s the one who needs her head examined. James Cartwright’s easy life, endless bucks, and long line of willing girls should make him a non-starter for Brooke, but as she learns, the psychology behind a bad crush is a whole lot messier of a subject. Maybe Plato was right. Maybe love is a serious mental disease. If so, Brooke doesn’t have long to find a cure before James’ attention proves to be a terminal condition.

Purchase your copy:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

About the Author:
Michelle Manning was born and raised in Valencia, CA, attended Arizona State University, and graduated with a degree in journalism. After bouncing between New York and Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry, Michelle is releasing her debut novel, SidingWith Plato.
Visit her website at www.michellemanningwrites.com.

Pump Up Your Book and Michelle Manning are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. This promotion will run July 1 – 26. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter and announced on July 29. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog. If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is June 20. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments for your blog, too! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Guest Post with author Eva Marquez

Posted on by Cindy
Thank You Pump Up Your Book for allowing me to spotlight this book and allowing me to be on the virtual blog tour.
 

Today I am on the book tour for Sweetest Taboo by author Eva Marquez that was put together by Pump Up Your Book.

I got to spotlight this book a few weeks ago and it sounded so good that I couldn’t wait to show case it.

I am so thrilled and happy that I also got the chance to read and review the book. My review will be posted shortly. So check back a little later for that.

But now I am so honored to have Tom Stevens, a character in Eva Marquez’s Sweetest Taboo do a guest post for me. I want to thank Eva for taking the time out of her busy tour schedule to do this for me and I truly appreciate it.

Without further hesitation please help me welcome Eva to the blog.

Dear Readers,

I suppose many of you might have comments or even unanswered questions that you would like to ask me, given the opportunity to do so. With that said, I would like to take this brief moment in time to at least try to partly explain “my side of the story”, and what my thoughts were as to the decisions I made so many years ago.

I would like to start by saying, you don’t always have a choice with whom you truly fall in love with. For those of you who would like to argue the point, well, all I can say is…have you really ever been in LOVE? I am not talking infatuation, dependency, or that you have been with someone for such a long time you are “used” to them and you wouldn’t know how to live without them in your life. I am talking about the type of love that you KNOW, that you FEEL in every fiber of your soul, a feeling of comfort, of being “at home” in the arms of that person, knowing if you never saw them again, you would continue to love them unconditionally with all of your heart for the rest of your life? This is how I felt about Isabel, don’t ask me why…because I can not explain, it is just how it was, how it is, and how I feel.

The first time I saw Isabel from afar, I felt a connection. I don’t know why I should have felt anything at all, as she was just one of thousands of students I have seen on campus over the years. But there was something there, I know, you may be saying “but she was only 15”. I didn’t look at Isabel as an “age” or anything else, I just felt a connection of some sort…it was that simple. I didn’t see her until the following year on the swim team, where as you have read, I got to know her quite well. I NEVER set out to seduce her; it was quite the opposite as she flirted and made relentless advances by being near me every chance she could. Eventually things happened (against my better judgment I might add) as we got to know each other, as we fell in love with each other, and as we dreamed of a life together.

I will always say that Isabel was never a “school girl”, she was never an “age”, and she was never anyone I pursued. She just appeared in my life at that particular moment in time, and while the relationship that developed between us was strong, it only became stronger as time went on. To you, the reader, know that I love Isabel with all of my heart, with all of my soul, and with every fiber of my being. It can and will never be any other way for me. This I know.

~ Tom Stevens

About the Author:
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.

Her latest book is the YA/Adult Fiction, Sweetest Taboo. You can visit Eva’s website at www.SweetestTabooBook.com

About the Book:

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship. Join Isabel as she makes her way through this dark love story, hiding from teachers, lying to her parents, and defying the authorities to make a life with the man she loves. Watch as she discovers the wonders of love and romance, and the terrible betrayal of jealous friends. And cry with her when she learns the hard truth about life and the people in her world. Sweetest Taboo is inspired by the true and tragic stories of students who fall in love with their teachers, and live with the hard truths of forbidden romances. In a world full of after-school specials on sexual predators, this touching book seeks a different path, casting both student and teacher in a gentle light, and showing that true love may lie at the base of even the most illicit romance.

Sweetest Taboo Tour Page: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/10/28/pump-up-your-book-presents-sweetest-taboo-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
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