Guest Post and Giveaway: Judging a Book by Its Cover by Kristine Mason, Author of Shadow of Perception

Today, Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason, a Romantic Suspense and book 2 of the CORE Shadow Trilogy is being featured on my blog as a part of the VBT. Following is a Guest Post by the author that I hope you enjoy. Alongside this post, you'll find the book and author links, an excerpt from Shadow of Perception and other related information.

Kristine Mason will be awarding $5 Amazon gift cards to six randomly drawn commenters during the tour. 

There'll also be awards of ten print books to ten other randomly drawn commenters during the tour; five copies of Pick Me, a contemporary romance and five copies of Shadow of Danger, book 1 of the CORE Shadow Trilogy. 
Print copies apply to US ONLY.

 

Judging a Book by Its Cover

When I began working with my cover artist for the CORE Shadow Trilogy, I wasn’t sure what route to go…straight suspense, sexy, or a combination of both. The cover artist sent me a few suggestions, and while they weren’t bad, they didn’t fit the books. So, one Sunday morning I spent a couple of hours going through photos. When I found these really cool shadowy pictures, I knew I had to pass them along to my gal and see if she could do something with them. Boy, did she ever. The first book, Shadow of Danger, has a definite suspense vibe. The second book, Shadow of Perception, is a great blend of romance and suspense. The third book in the series? Well, I just couldn’t resist. I loved the photo I’d found and loved what my cover artist was able to do with it. This cover has a bit of creepy, suspenseful vibe, minus the romance. But, it works with the series (you can see it here: http://www.kristinemason.net).

The whole clichéd “don’t judge a book by its cover” is—in my humble opinion—bogus. When you open up your Kindle, iPad, Nook or whatever ereader you’re using, what’s the first thing you see? The cover. If it grabs you, you’ll read through the book summary/blurb, then maybe be enticed enough to either buy the book or at least read the sample. I’m curious to know…how many of you judge a book by its cover?

 

Shadow of Perception

CORE Shadow Trilogy #2
 

 

What happens when negligent plastic surgeons receive a taste of their own medicine…?

Chicago investigative reporter, Eden Risk, receives an unmarked envelope containing a postcard ordering her to watch the enclosed DVD…or someone else dies. No Police. After Eden watches the DVD, a gruesome, horrifying surgery, she turns to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, for help. Only she hadn’t expected that help to come with a catch. Her former lover, Hudson Patterson, has been assigned to the case.

Hudson would rather have another CORE agent handle the investigation. Two years ago, he’d screwed things up with Eden…bad. And as more DVDs arrive, Eden and Hudson find themselves not only knee-deep in a twisted investigation, but forced to deal with their past, and the love they’d tried to deny. 

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

 

An Excerpt from Shadow of Perception:

Hero’s POV:

Hudson cleared his throat and eyed Eden’s cat. “I’ve only seen cats that size at the zoo or in the jungle. What the hell is it? Besides big and ugly.”

“Don’t talk like that.” She cupped Fabio’s only ear. “He’s sensitive.”

Eden had to have snapped at some point during the past two years. Literally. Since when did this woman, this no bullshit, headstrong woman, become all sensitive?

“Whatever, Dr. Doolittle,” he said, hiding his irritation. She could let her guard down, shed her hard as nails persona for a frickin’ cat, but she’d never bothered to make the effort with him. During those months they’d been together, she’d come willingly to his bed, or she’d invite him to hers. Their pillow talk had been fun and sexy. They had exchanged stories, but never secrets. And after a while, that had bothered him. For the first time…ever, he’d been intrigued by a woman and he’d begun to trust enough to want to give more of himself than he’d ever been willing to in the past. Unfortunately, despite the intimate moments they’d shared, she had kept herself guarded. Instead of trying to find a way to break through her barriers, he’d gone and screwed everything up with her. He’d regretted that night for over two years. And the mistake she’d promised him she would never forgive.

 

About the Author:

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good had come from writing it. I realized my passion, and had found a career that I love.

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

Author Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

Brought to YOU by:

 

 

(Note: I'm not responsible for the contents of this post, including the guest post, the excerpt and the links, as all of the above were provided to me by Goddess Fish Promotions.) ~Punya