Get TORTURED with Amanda McIntyre! Join Day Three of the TORTURED Tour and Win a Signed Copy!



"25 Blogs in 25 days...the TORTURED tour!"
August 6th - Day Three of The Tour

Leaving Chicago, we had an interesting trek through Gary, Indiana (where I paid silent homage to the late Michael Jackson) and Ohio –which I discovered is much like driving through Nebraska (only those in the Midwest will understand) we arrived in the state of New York. Who knew that New York State was such a lush green, forested place? The short jaunt from Fredonia to Niagara Falls was a pleasant one and our weather at around seventy with low humidity and brilliant sunshine could not have been more perfect. After a quick lunch at my fav spot, Hard Rock CafĂ©, we ventured to the “falls” where I stood in amazement and memory of the last time I’d seen that area almost …dare I say it, forty years before. Eeek! It was well worth every mile to see my kids snapping away, their eyes wide with respect and wonder of such a magnificent sight. Yes, we’d seen the IMAX movie on Niagara, but seeing something of such magnitude in real life is far more incredible!

Then came the challenge, trekking down to the base of the falls to the “Cave of the Winds.” I could remember my trip on the “Maid of the Mist”—the boating excursion that takes soaked passengers on the river beneath the falls—but for the life of me I couldn’t recall this “Cave of the Winds” being there. Still, you live only once and I am a secret adventuresome pirate at heart, so I donned the required foam-soled sandals and rain poncho and stood before the simulated falls mural with my three of my children to snap our picture for posterity. (Oh yes, dad opted to hold bags, wait on the surface and test out the homemade ice cream)

I later wondered as we stood in a “cattle line” waiting our turn, if the picture was taken in case of an unexpected accident. What can I say? I’m a writer. Finally, we made it to the front of the line, where a man stood repeating the litany I’m sure several times over during the course of his shift, “this elevator will take you 175 feet below the surface and then you walk through a tunnel…” at which point I began to wonder how he could look so casual when sending people into this watery abyss.

I cinched my glad bag style poncho tight and got on my game face as I prepared to squeeze into the cubicle that would plummet me to the base of the falls. I tried not to think of thousands of tons of water rushing over the rocks, centuries old, one of the true wonders of the world—and I was going to get to stand in its grandeur and get soaked. I started thinking then about my latest work, my deadline and it suddenly seemed less stressful.

We emerged from the tunnel into the sunshine and stood a moment overlooking the churning waterway below. I chided myself for being overly concerned, and yet I had a feeling this wasn’t all there was. People with various odd looking expressions, soaked to the skin were coming from around a bend. THAT “feeling” came to fruition a few moments later when I stood at the base of a set of wooden stairs that angled every which way—looking like something out of the movie ”Labyrinth”—to a platform high above, settled right into the midst of the falls.

So I began the maze of steps, taking note of the haphazard and yet I was certain carefully placed wood planks jabbed here and there, bracing the structure against the rock. I tired not to think of the constant roar in my ear, the hundreds of thousands of pounds of pressing pushing against the narrow wood steps and single person walkways that crisscrossed the falls ahead. I tried not to think of having to stop part way when I small child decided firmly they didn’t want to go any further. Later, my husband tried to reason that hundreds of people go on this daily and each year they tear it down and rebuild it. Which I suppose was meant to appease my concern, but I’m not sure that it did. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat ;)

In my erotic Medieval historical, TORTURED (Harlequin Spice-Books, Aug. ’09) Sierra must face her fears and the unknown in order to survive. What fear have you had to face that made you realize the strength you have inside you? Read a full excerpt from TORTURED on my website! http://www.amandamcintyre.net/

One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of TORTURED! Having read this book, I can personally tell you that you really want to win this one. I actually cheered out loud at the ending!

Next stop Novel Thoughts at RRH http://www.novethoughts.wordpress.com/ -- August 7

See you on the road!
Amanda McIntyre
DIARY OF COZETTE Harlequin Spice Oct. '08
TORTURED Harlequin Spice Aug. '09
"Winter Awakening" in WINTER'S DESIRE Nov.'09


Bookmark and Share






60 comments:

  1. Hey Amanda! Oh I loved reading your descriptions of your experience at the Falls! I think NY is a very beautiful state. Maybe that's why I don't mind going on short road trips. The scenery is very pretty. I've only been to the American Falls once, and it was cold and windy so we really didn't get to 'see' it. We have always crossed the border. It's much busier on the other side with tourists, but very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This sounds like an Amazing book! I love how you think the pic was perhaps in case of an accident... I laughed out loud!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Birthday to a fellow Leo.
    I was born on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls - moved to Toronto when I was 5. I never get bored looking at the falls.Glad you enjoyed.
    Have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an amazing cover. Please count me in.

    cindyc725 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have a fear spiders - one of those crazy irrational kinds... so I make my self pick up the ones with the really long legs. I know they aren't really spiders but they still give me the creeps. And I try not to kill spiders on sight. It is helping me to be stronger and not scream like a little girl!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, that sounds beautiful, but scary! I'm so not one for heights of any kind! So you would do it again, huh?... Congrats on Tortured!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounded like an awesome experience! No Falls over here, that's why I'd love to visit Niagara some day.
    I'm afraid of heights, but beautiful sceneries make me forget that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. HI Amy!
    You lucky thing to live in such a beautiful state! We stayed on the American side as we didnt have passports prepared.
    you need to go back when its warm ;) Deven would love Cave of the Winds!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bookjunkie: yeah my bravado talking there, but inside I got the "willies" watching those sodden folks returning to the surface! Then again I guess it was a good thing that they DID return, eh?

    Mari: I can't imagine getting bored looking at the falls either ,Mari! Phenominally beautiful!

    SVZ: My hats off to you for facing your "spidey" fears! Um, I wish I could be as brave LOL
    there is just something that bothers me about a creature able to move that fast on eight legs...don't know what it is. Deep breath, maybe your story will inspire me to face my fear ;))

    Thanks guys for stopping by!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  10. flechen and Eva: My campadres in fear of heights;) I am a total wuse. Utterly . Completely hate heights.
    however, I think I've come to a point in my life where I don't want to pass up the opportunity of the experience--whether trying new food, meeting new people, choosing to walk into the roar of the Niagara Falls...
    I guess I looked at the little kids who were braving this and thought "if they can do this..." LOL Funny how that works;)

    Thanks for coming by!
    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I wanted also to thank Cheeky Reads for having me here also! I was fortunate to meet its lovely blog mistress at RT last year and she graciously invited me to come by for a visit! I'll be checking comments throughout the day!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love reading about your trip. I have never been to NY, but I would love to go someday.

    My daughter was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy 2 years ago when she was 20 months old. I do not like shots, IV's, any of that stuff. Well, I got over that pretty quickly since she was in the hospital for 36 days. I still would prefer that my husband take care of all of this stuff when she has to have things done, but I am much braver than I used to be!

    I look forward to hearing more about your trip!
    Have a great day~
    Amy M

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm currently reading The Diary of Cozette and am really enjoying it so hopefully Tortured will just as good.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Diary of Cozette cover is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. All of Amanda's covers are awesome! Check out her sneak peek at her upcoming book cover over at her blog

    http://mcintyreshouseofmuse.blogspot.com/2009/07/homage-to-spice-cover-gods.html

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tortured sounds good. Love the cover.
    I had a huge fear of driving that I conquered and got my drivers license.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Amanda!

    The DH and I visited the Falls on our way to Boston when we moved here. But we missed the Cave of the Winds, so we'll definitely have to go back.

    Like you, I have a healthy respect for dark, cold places that may fill up with water in a heartbeat should a cataclysm occur. In May we went to Bermuda and nothing could keep me out of their partially submerged Crystal Cave. My heart races, but I love that sort of adventure.

    You and I must both be adrenalyn junkies!

    If Tortured rises to the level of Diary of Cozette, you have another hit on your hands!

    Hugs,
    Emily

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have never been to the falls, probably because it is too close to home! I am weird that way. When I lived in Chicago I never visited the Sears tower either! But traveling to another country, that I would do. I am weird I guess!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Amanda!

    I've never been to the falls but your description makes me want to go now!! It sounds wonderful! One of my biggest fears is heights and I'm not sure what I need to do to overcome it but so far....nothing is working! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Amanda,
    Devin was actually lucky enough to go on his fourth grade field trip this past June to do the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist! He still talks about it. I won't go, but I tell him that my mom would do it with him :). I was thinking maybe this month that might be an outing, since my mom hasn't done it yet and she's been here with us for almost three years now.

    You know, I don't know how many years his school has been doing that as a fourth grade field trip but when they got back to school that day, their homework assignment was to write a letter to the school board saying how fun it was and that they don't want it taken away for future fourth graders. Apparently, there are people that think it's an unsafe field trip and they want it eliminated. I've never done it, so I don't know what it looks like going down those stairs, but even you said it was a bit scary. I asked Devin what he thought and he said it was safe enough.

    I agree though, I think NY is very pretty. Of course, if you asked my in laws who used to live up here but now live in TN, they would tell you that NY is the worst state and just all kinds of horrible things. I don't understand their thinking :)!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I was afraid to fly, especially after the one of the planes shortly after my flight crashed. I love to come to the US, so I have to fly at least 8 hours and more. When I flew to the RT in Houston two years ago I was for the first time alone on the plane and I had to get over my fear. Now as long as I have my Ipod and am able to listen to music I am able to relax.

    ReplyDelete
  21. My biggest fear is spiders. I have yet to conquer this. I'm working on it though. Please count me in for the giveaway. Have a great day.

    house_mouse88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow - that sounds incredible. I think at one point I must have visited the falls, maybe as a child, but I don't recall any of it. Must be time for another visit!

    I don't know what my greatest fear would be, but I remember one of the most terrifying moments of my life was just this last year when I went to NYC to audition for graduate programs in acting. I'd already auditioned the previous year through the same programs, and got only two callbacks and ended up not getting into either program. The preliminary auditions had me shaking very hard - and I was the last one of the day. I fought through the nausea and the sense of "FLEE FLEE" screaming through my body, and ended up making it to the final auditions and got 11 callbacks! I think the previous year's lack of success made me terrified to expose myself to rejection again, especially on such a grand scale. Building up that thick skin is probably the most challenging part of being an actor - for me, anyway.

    Since then, I've done several more auditions that have not panned out, but I am no longer afraid to hear "No". :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Danny: I admire your tenacity for hopping a plane across the ocean! I hope to quell my fear of that one day!

    Amy: I wont lie, it was scary, but not nearly so much for my kids(though they are older than Deven) it amazes me certainly but if it wasn't safe and they weren't absolutely sure of that, I doubt they would risk the possibility of disaster. My husband says they rebuild the structure each year. I was glad to go on it in retrospect-it was a blast and utterly amazing!
    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kupcake8: My kudos to you! I am inspired by your story! How very similar it is to getting a book published I found this to be! LOL All the best to you in your goals! Onward and upward!


    Blanche: A trip to Cave of the Winds just might quell that fear! Not sure. I cannpt say that I'm "cured" but it gave me a persepctive of -when might I get here again to try this?" Sometimes that can quell fear as well.;)

    Still Im mustering up to taking that first transoceanic flight;)

    Thanks for stopping in!
    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey Emily! Great to hear from you!
    (I need you to email me privately, btw!)
    Of course your pics from your vacay --er research trip ;)) we're absolutely gorgeous! check them out on her blog
    www.emilybryan.blogspot.com I'll be heading her way later on the Tour-Aug 26

    an adreneline junkie--its possible ;)) If I dont think about it a whole lot, I'm better off ;) I get this immortalistic bent and I figure, "lets do this."

    See you soon, Em! Thanks for stopping in!
    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Crystal: Good for you!! I just walked with my 16 yr old twins through the process and I tell you , these days I think you have to be pretty damn savy to get out there and drive! LOL
    High five for facing that fear and getting it done!

    Kalynnick: Thanks for your kind words about Cozette! They are different eras, and I think the emotion is different in each. Passionate, sensual, a bit grittier, some would call it darker, I mean it is the Dark Ages ;) It was a challenge, I think to see if love could survive such darkness...

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I hope I had the courage to bungee jump as a way to conquer with my fear of heights.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Amy M; I think you're amazing. Parenting on a good day, is challenge enough. (Do I hear an amen?) But to have that added reponsibility of special care to me puts you parents in a class all your own.
    I guess I always figured that the Universe felt you better equipped to handle such things than some of the rest of us;)

    I have a good friend who has had a life llong situation with her daughter. Their story is another that you would just shake you head and ask, how'd they get through this? I have enormous respect and admiration for her strength-though I'm quite sure you have the view I think like her, that you do what you have to do for your kids.

    I can relate to that entirely! Thank you for stopping by and sharing this and I hope all continues to go well!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  29. You go, Jane!!
    Thats one thing that I look at and wonder if I could do.;)

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am a big baby when it comes to bugs of most kinds. I am deathly scared of spiders and snakes. I could not pick one up. My heart just about stops when I see them. I have tried to compose myself and go about my business, but someone has to kill it or I can't rest. Really and truly I am not a scary person, except with those critters!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Cheeky Girl: Hey you! What a nice thing to say about Cozette! I'll pass on the good word to the cover art team at Spice! I do have to agree their covers are mighty fine. Mighty fine;)
    Case in point the cover I just receieved for "The MASTER and the MUSES" Exquiste! and could not better portray my male lead-Thomas Rodin better!

    I'll catch up a bit more later, Ive got to get back to Thomas and Grace!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Amanda!

    AmyC does live in a beautiful state, glad you got to enjoy it too!

    I would love to visit some of the places AmyC shows us in pictures. The Falls look great!

    Great cover by the way, I'm lovin' it, can wait to peek inside!

    Dottie :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I was completely terrified of giving birth. After I got pregnant there was no way I could NOT face my fear. I did a lot of research and prepared myself as best I could. I am very proud to say I delivered a healthy baby girl, without an epidural. Afterwards I felt like there was nothing I couldn't do. You want me to solve world peace. No problem. Find an alternate energy. Piece of cake. If there is one thing I learned, facing your fears is a must.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I hate spiders. When I see one in my house I get the bug spray (the can that sprays the Long stream of juice), stand back and let go. But I won't pick it up when it's dead, I use the vacuum. I don't think I'll ever get over this fear. I used to have a fear of flying, but with the help of my husband (and some meds from Dr.), I can handle it pretty well now.

    Wow, that cover is hot!!! I'd love to win this book.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You're braver than me, Amanda! I've been to the falls several times, and always go on Maid of the Mist, but I've never been to the Cave of the Winds. I don't like heights (even though heights don't bother me on rollercoasters or thrill rides). I attempted to overcome my fear of heights by going up the Eiffel tower (twice) and the second time, I actually managed to go outside on the observation deck (the first time I stayed inside), but I didn't much like it. :o(

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm loving reading all the comments! I don't have the fear of heights a few of you mention, but I am scared to death of spiders and snakes. Snakes are my downfall (and no, that doesn't make me Eve). :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I am not afraid of heights or dark or even rats.

    But spiders, snakes and water (drowning in it I mean, because I do take showers and drink it LOL) are my worst phobias. Just the mention of snakes can cause shivers and goosebumps. Spiders give me daily scares and over here we only have "little" ones.

    Good luck on the rest of the tour Amanda!!

    Hugs,
    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Amanda. That was some experience you had. Someday I would love to skydive or bungie jump. I learned to scuba years ago, but one of my biggest fears was running out of oxygen so far below the water. Although, I can swim, its the fear of not getting that next gulp of air before its too late.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I don't like heights but in basic training we had to climb a wall up one side and down the other. I was fine going up but at the top I didn't want to go over. With my fellow soldiers shouting encouragement, I made it over and down the other side! I still don't like heights but I know I can handle them when I have to.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Dottie! Thanks for stopping by!

    Jill: So true! I think maybe the fact that with my first I was also working FT (hence a very short 6 week maternity leave) made me think I could leap the tallest building! Its scary and wonderful all at once! Yeah, being a parent is certainly one fo lifes great mysteries!

    I think I kept telling myself how many women have done this since the dawn of time...LOL that and being prepared ahead helped a tad...

    having the weight off of my back--another good incentive! lOl
    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Boy--heights and spiders seem to be common with a lot of folks!( rightly so, to my way of thinking!;)
    Armenia: scuba diving--kudos to you girl! I dont think I could do that. I get a bit squeamish thinking about breathing in a little apparatus!

    Pearl: um.. where in the world do they have only "little" spiders? and is that tongue in cheek?

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  43. When I was a junior in college I participated in studying abroad in Rome. I had only studied Italian for one year, and didn't really know anyone I was traveling with. New country, foreign language, no friends, classes in Italian. But the great thing was I was able to travel throughout Europe Thursday-Monday every weekend. Made new friends, struggled through language barriers and had the best time of my life. While doing all of that I found that despite any obstacle that I really could do anything I set my mind to. The only true obstacle was myself.

    I would love to win Tortured and learn more about Sierra and how she overcomes her fears.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Colleen: Girl what you've gone through to serve our country, I applaud you. Those folks that are taking care of business all over the world so I can sleep at night are among the bravest of the brave.

    I dont think I could handle even basic training ;)
    Im so glad you stopped by!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  45. LOL Mitzi, thats sounds like me! Over kill!! One can never be to sure if they've becoem immune to last years Raid! Perhaps its a morphed breed! *Nodding head*..I'm with you,I understand.

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Booklover 1335
    check back at the Romance Club in my posts form the blog tour;)

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh Im not that brave, Kristi--you're the one with the world record on teh Mummy ride , arent you?
    and the Eiffel Tower? LOLOL Good lord, yeah I would have to mediate long and hard on that one! Kudos to you for even going up!
    Im one of those people that covers her eyes in a movie theater when the scene involves heights!

    Next time you ought to go to the Cave of the Winds... you dont even really realize you're going up..until you look behind--you see?
    Just dont look behind!

    I did fight the urge shove the little kid in front of me out of the way when she stopped needing her fathers assistance with her shoes or something;)
    yeah...brave me..

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Yes but how do you feel about apples, Cheeky? *evil grin*

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Okay Im back to writing ! I'll check in later and meantime, take a gander around this place? Nice digs, huh?
    I'll announce the winner here tomorrow morning-is that okay with you Cheeky?

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Ok, I'll admit it - I'm totally digging that cover.

    A fear I had to face? An emergency c-section with daughter #1...and yeah, it confirmed the fact that I kick ass ;)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hey Mama Nice-It is a glorious cover! I bow to the Spice gods often--
    Hey thanks for stopping in;)

    It's a late night for me. The whistle of the midnight train is blowing across the still silence of this little midwestern town. I've just finished another chapter on my WIP-thats two down today.

    Never had a section, though they told me after the fact I probably "should have" had one with my twins--uh, yeah now you tell me;)"

    I'll announce a winner tomorrow morning! Its been absolutely wonderful here at CHEEKY READS! Thanks again for having me!

    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  52. For those of you following the tour, we're heading to Novel Thoughts on Friday-Aug 7!
    www.novelthoughts.wordpress.com

    Hope you can stop by! Until then,

    May the wind be at your back~
    A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  53. One book I really want to read, please count me in!

    dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'm terrified of spiders so always get someone else to get rid of it for me. But I do have to face that fear when I'm the only one in the house and have to get rid of them by myself.
    Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks!

    wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Count me in for the contest, this looks amazing! I would love to read this!!
    ohmorningglow AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Again thanks to the lovely and "cheeky" Miss CHEEKY READS" for having me visit!
    And the winner of a copy of TORTURED is....

    CupK8!!
    Congrats! email me at amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

    Next stop : Novel Thoughts blog @ RRH

    May the wind be at your back~
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  57. Bats for my fear.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I know, I know - I'm totally late. Been busy! ;)

    Ooooh, CupK8!
    Enjoy your copy of Tortured!
    :)
    G.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I absolutely want to read this book, thanks!

    delialh0180(at)yahoo(dot)om

    ReplyDelete
  60. count me in please!
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete