Tattoo Tuesday – @EmilyRPearson

SydTatTWO

I’m so excited to present to some, introduce to others Ms. Emily R. Pearson. Her novel Two Steps Back will be released on Friday, July 11, 2014.

Emily, your four questions start now:

1.   How old were you when you got your first tattoo? 
I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday. I actually designed it for my dad who passed away when I was 8. I went to a local shop a couple months in advance with my design and they took it and completely vamped it up for me.
20140601_212735-1
2.     How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more?
I have 4. I have a star on my foot and plan on adding to it. The star is because of the moment in The Lion King when Mufasa and Simba talk about all the kings of the past being stars in the sky. I also have the word ‘inspire’ that matches a close friend of mine’s as well. I have that tattoo for my dad and then I have a tattoo for my writing that I just got last month. It’s the quote I use to sign my books with; “Never let the past get in the way of your future.”
PicsArt_1404712753789
I have plans for many more 🙂
3.     What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo?  Tell me your tattoo story.
My first tattoo is my favorite one. It’s for my daddy and it holds a special place in my heart. If you look at the picture, you’ll see the wings are blue and green. That’s because my dad had a green eye and a blue eye. The antlers are obvious; he was a hunter. The barbed wire is actually a funny story. When I was little, I took a barbed wire fence out with my eye. I still have the scar to prove it. We were out of town because my dad and his friends were putting on a fireworks show and when he saw my battle wound, he tried to take me to the hospital instead of putting on his show. I told him I wanted to see the pretty lights so he cleaned me up and called me his champ. This tattoo means so much to me.

4.     Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why?   
Of course I like! Tattoo’s are hot! They aren’t required though. I love that someone can tell a story on their body though. That’s what makes tattoo’s special to me. It’s not just a fashion statement. It’s a story. I love stories, obviously!
I have several more planned myself. 🙂 Thanks so much Emily. 
If you want to learn more about Emily, check out her stuff: 
Check out her work:
Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00064]
I am hanging out with Emily this Friday for her Two Steps Back Release Day Facebook Party, be sure to stop by. There will be giveaways and prizes all day.
If you have a tattoo story to share, leave me a note in the comments. 

Y – Yes!!! Tattoo Tuesday – Special Addition

YOne of my favorite scenes in the book happens at the very end. You know that thing about the best way to ensure a relationship won’t last is the get the persons name tattooed on you body.  Well, Troy found a way around the rule. Let’s hope Miranda doesn’t freak out:

I walked back into D&D, coffee in hand, ready to lecture Dan on his lack of directional skills, but I stopped when I noticed Troy’s right hand. I almost dropped the coffee.

He had words written on the space between his thumb and index finger. It spelled Miranda Preston in a beautiful cursive, but it wasn’t just written, it was tattooed.

“What did you do?” I looked at Troy. He looked quite proud of himself, but his face fell when he saw my expression. “Why did you do that?”

He took the coffees out of my hand and sat them on the counter.

“Okay, before you freak out, let me explain.”

He grabbed my hand. “I didn’t get the name of my girlfriend tattooed on my hand. I got the name of my best friend.”

“What?”

“You’ve been my best friend my entire life, and that’s never going to change.”

“What?” I understood but wasn’t sure whether to kiss him or smack him for doing something so stupid.

I couldn’t believe he did that. He had my name … tattooed on his skin … forever.

How could I possibly express to him how crazy and stupid and precious and amazing he was to me for doing that?

“I want one too,” I said.

“Yes!!!! She bought it,” Dan said as Troy pulled me in his arms and kissed my lips.

I still don’t recommend it, but if you’ve been friends since you were four years old, it might be ok.

Anyone ever got a significant others name tattooed on their body? Are you still with the person? Is the tattoo still there? 

SydTatTWO

My new ink inspired by Another New Life!!

New InkThank so much to Manny from Bob Shaw Tattoo! He is my tattoo guy for life.

 

Sydney Reviews Tyler and Stella (Tattoo Thief, #2) by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Special Tattoo Tuesday Sydney Reviews FeatureSydTatTWO

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Tyler & Stella (Tattoo Thief, #2) by Heidi Joy Tretheway
Publication date: February 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

20565431

Synopsis:  Stella Ramsey always says bad boys can’t break your heart. They don’t call, don’t cuddle and don’t send flowers—but what do you expect? For Stella, no strings means no regrets.
When the biggest story of her fledgling career as a music journalist nearly ruins her relationship with her best friend, Stella has one chance to redeem herself. Tyler Walsh could be that chance.
Stella promises the bassist for the rock band Tattoo Thief anything in exchange for behind-the-scenes access. But Tyler doesn’t want anything. He wants everything—and that’s more than Stella is prepared to give. When Tyler’s explosive secret thrusts Stella into the media spotlight, she must choose between the selling the story and telling the truth—and exposing the truth about herself as well.

Review: I will forever be impressed/in awe/envious of Heidi Joy Tretheway for her writing skills. Anyone who can take a character who was the villain in book #1 and make them complex, interesting and sympathetic in book #2, earns my praise and respect.

Let me explain.

I read Gavin & Beryl: Tattoo Thief #1 and sent Heidi a message telling her how much I enjoyed it. It is one of those books I didn’t want to end.  Just before I reached the end, I saw a message from Heidi asking if I wanted to read Tattoo Thief #2. I was beyond excited, but then I read the synopsis and my heart dropped.

Without giving away to much, at the end of #1, one of the characters in the book named Stella did not come off well. She did something awful, hurtful and beyond forgivable. So, when I found out she was the main character in #2, I thought, what is Heidi doing?

Well, I am so glad this unexpected turn of events didn’t dissuade me from reading the book. Book #2 is just as interesting, exciting, sad, empowering and sexy as book #1.  I was hooked from the first page.  I didn’t fall in love with Stella, but I hoped for her transformation and throughout the book, you had no idea whether it would happen or not.

But, the star of the book was Tyler; tattoo’ed and talented, with a hero’s heart (sorry for the alliterations). He made me want to be his friend and take care of him. His story had me guessing and I was 100% satisfied with the results.

I recommend you read the books in order, but you don’t have to. Heidi has a special talent for writing about couples who at first don’t seem to fit, but in the end, you can’t imagine them not being together.

Tattoo References: Lots of great tattoo references. How could there not be with a name like Tattoo Thief. One of my favorites:  “Why do yo have all the tattoos?  Are you just cultivation a bad-boy image or do they mean something?” Tyler grins.  This is something he wants to talk about . . . “they’re about my history.” – love that.

Movie References: None

Favorite Line:  “Releasing control to let the other person steer your ship for a while. It’s terrifying and intimate and powerful.  It’s love.” – so good!!!!

*Just a few of my favorite things. 

6920129Author Bio:  Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

K – Kind of Off Topic

a-to-z-letters-kI’m taking a topic break to share a special Tattoo Tuesday post.  I know it’s Friday, but this couldn’t wait. It’s that good. I conducted a cool character interview to celebrate Magan Vernon’s new release, The Only Exception.

Allow me to introduce you to Monica Remy.

ImageProxy.mvc2

1. Tell me a little about your background. Where are you from and what was your childhood like?

Well, just getting right into it, aren’t we? Um, okay, where to start? I’m originally from Central Illinois and lived there most of my life besides a brief stint at Taylor college in the Chicago suburbs. My parents are still together (shocking I know) and I have a brother in high school who only seems to talk in one word sentences. I think my childhood was pretty normal, I wasn’t like a cheerleader or an honor student or anything, but I went to school football games, graduated, went to college, joined some student organizations and all that jazz.

2. I run a feature on my blog called Tattoo Tuesday and I would love for you to answer my 3 Tattoo Questions: 

  • How old were you when you got your first tattoo?  Eighteen
  • Tell me your tattoo story? It was right after I decided to transfer out of Taylor and I wanted something uplifting. I didn’t want a Phoenix, but something with the same “rise from the ashes” message. I found out about the princess flower that grows in volcanic soil and to have something so beautiful come from such destruction was very uplifting.
  • Tattoos on significant others, like or dislike and why? I never mind a bad boy with some tattoos, but I’m really starting to prefer the more clean cut and polished guys, no tats, no piercings, and maybe they wear dress shirts all the time…maybe.

3. You recently transferred to Central, why did you leave your old school and why Central?
(This is a big spoiler so I’m going to dance around it). I had many reasons for leaving Taylor. Sometimes it’s just nice to be closer to my family and sometimes we all just need to escape. My family is less than an hour from Central and I know if I need them, they’ll be there.

4. What is your major? 
Political Science and Women’s Studies.

5. You are partnered with Trey Chapman in debate class, what’s it like working so close with the Governor’s son? 
Ugh, Trey Chapman is a pain in my ass. Seriously. Did you know when I met the guy he immediately asked if I wanted literature on his dad’s campaign? *Sigh* On the other hand, the guy knows his stuff. He isn’t one of those headline readers, but really knows what he is talking about and I cannot lie; there is something very attractive about a guy that knows what he wants and goes for it.

6. Any chemistry there? Has he seen your tattoos? 
He likes to comment on my eyebrow piercing every chance he gets. As far as chemistry, well I’ll openly admit that a guy has a way of getting under my skin in a good and bad way.

7. If you don’t mind me getting personal, what do you look for in a man? 
And the tattoo question wasn’t personal? I kid, I kid. Um, I like someone that likes me for me. A guy that doesn’t expect me to be something that I’m not or fit into a perfect box. It doesn’t hurt for him to have a brain, either. I like actually having a conversation with someone. And I like brunettes with green eyes…and dimples *daydreams* WHAT? Okay sorry to drift off there. Thanks for having me and I hope I answered all of your questions!

Blurb:  Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor’s son, Trey Chapman.
No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.
A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.
Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.
Author Bio:
Magan Vernon started out by writing olympic fan fiction and now writes YA and New Adult fiction. She lives with her husband and kids in the insurance capital of the world and still dreams of winning an olympic gold medal for most books read in a single sitting. You can find her online at www.maganvernon.com
 ImageProxy.mvc

 

Tattoo Tuesday – Colette Saucier

SydTatTWO

I am very excited to welcome not only an award winning writer, but my new blog friend, Colette, to Tattoo Tuesday.

Cotette, here are your five questions.

1.     How old were you when you got your first tattoo?

I get my first tattoo right after my 27th birthday, although I had wanted to get one even longer. This was more years ago than I care to admit, and tattoos were not nearly so ubiquitous – especially on women. I wanted to give it some thought and think of something that would always be true for me.

2.     What made you want to get your first tattoo?
ohm namah shivaya inside of armI have seen so much beautiful body art, and, for those who get ink thoughtfully, it’s an incredible outlet for self-expression. When I got my first ink, there was no laser removal, no going back. For me, that is integrity – a commitment to one’s self.

 

3.     How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more?

ohm on inside of ankleI have three: I have the ohm symbol on my inner ankle so I see it when I have my legs crossed as I meditate. On my inner left arm, I have “ohm namah shivaya” in Sankskrit. The meaning translates to “I bow to the divine within myself.” It is a reminder that I can always be a better person. On the back of my neck, I have a symbol based on the triskele that represents how my life and my marriage are moving forward.

I have seen some quite elaborate designs recently that I would love, but my time for that has probably passed. But I might get a cute little mushroom on my ankle some day.

4.     What is your tattoo story?  Tell me the most recent or your favorite.

triskele on neckRemember how I said I wanted to be sure to get a tattoo that would always be true about me? Well, I decided to get the symbol for my astrological sign – Cancer – because I knew that would never change. I had it done on the back of my neck so I could wear my hair down if I wanted to cover it and up if I wanted to show it off. Unfortunately, most people mistook it for “69”! So I was not getting the kind of reaction I would have wanted! Last year, I had it made over into the triskele, and I am extremely pleased with it.

5.  Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike?  Why

I don’t like it when a guy is covered with tattoos or has sleeves, but of course I like them. Ink kind of runs in my family! My father and my brother both have tattoos, and my daughter and my husband got their first tattoos together (kind of a bonding experience for them!). All three of my daughters have multiple tattoos, and my husband and I got the same tattoo – “ohm namah shivaya” in Sankskrit – together as our commitment to being better partners to one another.

Bio

Colette Saucier is the bestselling author of Pulse and Prejudice, the paranormal adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic, which retells the story from Mr. Darcy’s point of view as a vampire.  Colette was selected “Debut Author of 2012” by Austenprose for her novel All My Tomorrows, which was also voted a Top 10 Romance Novel of 2012 (P&E Readers’ Choice). Her  romantic suspense, Alicia’s Possession, is scheduled for release in July.
She lives in South Louisiana with her two dogs and her inked husband.

Website: http://www.colettesaucier.com/

Blog: http://colettesaucier.blogspot.com/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Colette_Saucier

Thanks so much Colette and congrats on your upcoming release.  If you would like to be featured in Tattoo Tuesday, please leave me your information in the comments.