Selena Blake's Blog, page 19
September 26, 2014
What’s Sweeter than Sin?
Hello Wolfpack and Happy Friday! I hope you’re doing well. Did the week fly by for you? I really don’t know where all my minutes run off to.
This week’s Featured This Friday is Sweeter Than Sin by Shiloh Walker. Shiloh and I met back at the Coastal Magic con in February. She’s such a hoot! Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you’re ready to read!
CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN
It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.
WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE
Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…
EXCERPT
His eyes bored into hers and she opened her mouth, the words hovering on the tip of her tongue.
How could she tell him that she just didn’t know why she was here, what she was doing?
She needed to have some sort of answer. Some sort of game plan. She’d come down here to set things straight. She needed to talk to people, but who did she trust? Besides Adam, she didn’t know.
Licking her lips, she shifted on her feet and glanced up.
He was staring at her mouth.
Her heart stuttered to a stop, her breath catching in her throat as their gazes locked.
“Fuck,” he muttered.
And then he lowered his head, his mouth slanting over hers, his hands pushing into her hair.
Well, that was one plan she could get on board with. That one night kept replaying itself over and over in her mind and now it was a fever in her blood, something that was turning into an obsession.
He was turning into an obsession.
His body was hot against her own, his chest damp and sweaty under the ragged t-shirt, his skin furnace-hot. She wanted to peel his clothes away, then her own and press up against him, have him press her against whatever surface was available and then push inside. Hot, hard and fast. Anything to ease the ache inside her.
Groaning, she slid her arms around his waist, skimming her hands under the hem of his shirt. When she found his skin, silken smooth and hot, she sank her nails into it.
He hissed against her mouth and nipped at her tongue.
That only made it worse and an ache settled deep down inside, panging inside her womb, a hungry, needing little beast that was going to drive her mad.
He caught her face and angled her head up and to the side as he ran his mouth down her neck. “You want to drive me mad,” he muttered. “That’s just all there is to it.”
“We can go mad together,” she said, trying to breathe around the raging ball of want inside her.
“Sounds like a plan.” He leaned back, grabbed the hem of her shirt.
“Good plan.” She started to strip his away.
The little clicking sound didn’t register at first. Not right away. Even the light breeze dancing across her flesh didn’t entirely click. Not until Adam looked away.
She followed his gaze. And her heart jumped up into her throat, and lodged there.
Get Your Copy
Amazon | BN | IndieBound | Book Depository | iBooks
The post What’s Sweeter than Sin? appeared first on Selena Blake.
September 25, 2014
Authors, Link to your book on iTunes
Authors, having trouble linking to your book on iTunes?I see this question go by frequently on the loops I’m on. Since iTunes is what you might call a “closed” system, you don’t just swipe (aka copy and paste) a URL in the same way you do amazon. So how are you supposed to send readers to your books? Until recently I’d been telling readers to search for the title on iTunes. But that was lazy of me. So how do you link to your book on iTunes?
Use iTunes Link Maker to find your book’s link within the iTunes catalog. You can pull just the URL, HTML ready text, or one of two different sized images.
Here’s an example of what the pop up looks like:
The raw link is there at the top. Then they give you three different HTML snippet options that you can copy and paste directly into the “code/text” portion/version of your blogpost or website HTML.
Here’s an example of what the iTunes Link Maker options look like:
Go For It (Book 2, Girls’ Night Trilogy) – Selena Blake
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September 23, 2014
What do you want?
Hello, hello, hello! Thanks for stopping by today. So glad to have you along for the read. Today’s post is about deciding what you really want. Think about it and leave me a comment (or if you’re reading this in your email, you can hit reply to get in touch.)
~S
I saw a graphic/question go by on Facebook the other day and to paraphrase, it asks what did you really want out of life when you were a child?
When I was little I wanted to be a vet, I loved to play teacher and my parents say I made one heck of a nurse.
But kids rarely know what they want in life and I find that my aspirations change fairly frequently.
There was a point where I thought I wanted to be a psychologist. Thank goodness I didn’t. I already have enough voices in my head thanks to characters.
I suppose the question isn’t as simple as what do you want out of life but what will you have to do to get it? What will you be willing to sacrifice to achieve it?
Moving Target
I think knowing what you want is half the battle. Figuring out what steps it takes to get what you want is a good portion of the second half. Execution is the last chunk.
But I’ve also found that goals and dreams are moving targets. Just as soon as you hit your goal weight, the holidays could sweep through and now you’re five pounds heavier again. And sometimes goals change. Maybe life changes. Maybe your goal for to buy sporty little car doesn’t make sense because you get married and have a wolfcub of your own.
I’ve learned not to get too attached to goals. Flexibility helps in the long run. But it’s nice to daydream…
Now over to you!
Do you have any lofty goals? Let’s hear em! Leave a comment below.
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September 22, 2014
Bookmark Design for Indie Authors
Hello all!
The topic of bookmarks came up on one of the loops I’m on and I promised to show off my bookmark design. (I’ll include some more info and thoughts about bookmark design for indie authors after the images.)
Details
I get the 2″ x 8″ bookmarks from GotPrint: http://gotprint.net/g/uploadBookmark.do
These are 4 color front and back in 14pt Gloss coating cover and UV. They’re a good weight, heavy duty enough to last but flexible enough to bend when they need to. The color was very saturated, the printing crisp, and I really liked the feel of the glossy coating.
Why this Design
These fit my print books well and provide plenty of space. I use my bookmarks as a flyer of sorts. Rather than being book centric, they’re author centric. They tie in with my brand and promote my books in general via review snippets and then on the back I have a list of all my books and a decorative blank space to sign the bookmarks. I like that they don’t promote a single book because I have romance trading cards that promote individual books. These are nice to hand to a new-to-me reader so that they can get a glimpse of what I write. I also tried to make them pretty rather than packed with “buy me” information. I wanted something that readers would want to keep, if not collect.
Bookmark Design for Indie Author Tips
Remember that a lot of bookmarks go in the trash, so think of what you can do to make yours collectible.
Consider creating a design built around your brand rather than one book.
Try to drive traffic to your website/social media, and if you can, your newsletter.
Leave a space to sign the bookmark as readers love getting something signed from the author.
Questions? Comments?
Feel free to leave a comment below and/or share a link to your bookmarks so we can all check them out.
Writers, consider signing up for Selena’s mailing list exclusively for writers! It’s free and you’ll get occasional tips you won’t want to miss.
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What I’m Working On: Deep Space Encounters, here we come
Good morning dear Wolfpack!
If you’re new here, welcome to the Pack. On Mondays I try to fill you in on what I’m working on and see what’s new in your life.
As you may have read last week, I sent Go For It (book 2 in the Girls Night Trilogy, that’s Gretchen and Greg’s book for those of you keeping track at home.) to the editor. Then I finished the rewrite of Reclaiming Isis.
I’ve had a few questions about Reclaiming Isis (and the rest of the Deep Space Encounters series) recently. This is a short paranormal sci fi menage. Book two of the series is Rescuing Natacha and that’s what I’m rewriting this week. These books were previously published by a small epub and after rereading them I realized that the word count restraints set by the original publisher hadn’t allowed for much world building or bigger hints at backstory. So. They’re being rewritten.
I’m thrilled with how Reclaiming Isis turned out. Now to whip Rescuing Natacha and Azula’s Rebellion (Book 3, DSE) into shape.
I think that’s it from me. Did you see that my next book (Go For It) is available for preorder on amazon?! Everyone’s been asking for that. Here’s the link: http://selena-blake.com/GFIamz
Now Over to You!
What are you up to this week? Anyone starting a new job? Are the kiddos participating in any after school activities? Are you working on any home improvement projects? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY… What are you reading?! I look forward to reading your comments below. (If you’re reading this via email, there should be an ‘email the author’ link below so you can reply directly.)
The post What I’m Working On: Deep Space Encounters, here we come appeared first on Selena Blake.
September 21, 2014
SSFI: The Sometimes Weird, Sometimes Interesting Search Terms
Happy Sunday. Let’s jump right in to some interesting, some weird search terms that bring readers to my site. Trust me, we get some real eyebrow raisers around these parts.
1. cara sutra, Madison Layle
Interesting because neither of these ladies have appeared on my blog for quite a while. But hello and howdy!
2. how does guidepost publishing co decide the author of grace chapel inn book series
Umm – I’ve got nothin’.
3. fiction writer’s spreadsheet, writers spreadsheet
You’re in luck! I’ve got that. While you’re here, you might be interested in checking out my blog series Adventures in Publishing where I discuss the publishing industry and indie publishing. You never know what aspect or topic I’ll talk about. Also, I’ve got a section about writing that might help you out.
Someone searched for it terms are pulled from the search terms collected by Google Analytics that bring visitors to selena-blake.com.
The post SSFI: The Sometimes Weird, Sometimes Interesting Search Terms appeared first on Selena Blake.
September 20, 2014
What I’m Watching: Make Your Move
Hello Wolfpack! Welcome. Thanks for stopping by today.
So last weekend DH and I rented two movies and I liked one so much that I’m back this weekend with a recommendation. You can pick it up now at your local RedBox.
We know I lurve Derek Hough (of Dancing with the Stars fame) right? Well, this is his first big role and he nailed it. The dancing – yummy and different. The storyline was better than I expected. Honestly, I wasn’t wowed by the trailer… I have seen way too many movies lately where all the best parts of the movie were in the trailer.
Make Your Move is not that way. They didn’t capture the story very well in the trailer or how much conflict there really was. This is a Romeo and Juliet story. I never got that from the trailer.
For whatever reason this movie didn’t come out at my local theater anyway but I snapped it up as soon as I could and I’m glad I did. I love dance movies (guilty pleasure. We’ve all got one.) and I heart Derek Hough. Make Your Move is definitely on my list of favorite Dance Movies ever! (Also on the list, Step Up and Center Stage.)
And even though the trailer didn’t WOW me, I’d be remiss not to share the eye candy with the Wolfpack.
Now Over To You…
What are you up to this weekend? Watching anything good? Reading a fabulous book? Did you see Make Your Move? What’d you think?
The post What I’m Watching: Make Your Move appeared first on Selena Blake.
September 19, 2014
Do you need a little cherishing?
In case your ereader is sitting empty (yeah, I’m laughing at that idea too) here’s a little something coming soon from my friend Lexi Blake. Long time Wolfpackers will remember that Lexi and I (not only share a last name) but were in a NYT Bestselling bundle last summer, Alpha Bad Boys. She’s written what is sure to be another delicious tale.
Cherished
By Lexi Blake
A Masters and Mercenaries Novella
Coming October 28, 2014
For more information, visit www.lexiblake.net
A doctor living a double life
By day, Dr. Will Daley is one of Dallas’s most eligible bachelors, but every night he dons his leathers as one of Sanctum’s most desired Doms. He’s sworn off looking for a long-term relationship but is captivated by the club’s newest member, Bridget Slaten, even though they couldn’t be more different. She comes from a world of privilege and he was raised in poverty. When he discovers she needs a date to her sister’s wedding, he makes certain he’s literally the only man for the job.
A woman no longer willing to live in the shadows
For most of her life, Bridget hid herself behind her laptop. She can write romantic, sensuous lives for her characters but not herself. Having Master Will as her date to the wedding is a thrilling prospect but he has a special request. He wants her to accept two weeks of his services as a Dom, a lover, and expert in BDSM, and that is an offer she can’t refuse. Their sexual chemistry is undeniable, but it’s in the tender moments that Bridget realizes she’s falling for a man who might never trust her with his heart.
A love strong enough to cherish
Together in paradise for a week, Will realizes he can’t imagine his life without Bridget. As the wedding approaches, ghosts from their past come back to haunt them and threaten to ruin the peace they’ve found. With everything exposed, they will have to risk it all to claim the love that can set them both free.
* * * *
Excerpt:
“I thought you were staying for dinner.” He moved in, taking up all the space. This close, she could see that he had a five-o’clock shadow across his perfect jaw. She was a sucker for a square jaw. Damn it. Even his ears were hot. She kind of wanted to lick them to see if he was ticklish there.
“I think that’s a bad idea.”
“Because I’m not looking for anything serious?” Will asked. “Does everything have to be serious? Do you go into every relationship looking to get married?”
“No. I don’t think about getting married much.” Her parents marriage was so bad she often couldn’t stomach the idea. “But I’m getting too old to do the one-night stand thing.”
He moved in closer and she nearly forgot to breathe. He smelled so good. Clean and masculine. Sandalwood. He’d likely washed with it. All over. A vision of him soaping that body made her mouth water. “I didn’t say anything about one-night stands. I said maybe you shouldn’t take every relationship so seriously. Bridget, I want to spend time with you.”
And her nipples were hard. Yeah, they wanted to spend time with him, but her brain was still in charge. “My sister’s getting married in Hawaii.”
Oh, her brain was a traitor, too.
He loomed over her, his body inches away. His lips curled up in the sexiest grin. “Really? That sounds like fun. When is that happening?”
He was going to kiss her. His lips were going to touch hers and she had the sudden and deep fear that she wouldn’t be the same afterward. Still, she couldn’t quite seem to move, couldn’t get the will worked up to step back. She only managed to run her tongue across her lips to make sure they weren’t bone dry. “Soon. Next week.”
He sighed, his hands finding her shoulders. “Oh, I guess you’re going to be out of town then. I was hoping to see you while I was on vacation next week.”
She was mesmerized by his eyes. This close, she could see how green they were. His hands moved to her neck. “You could come with me. I need a date.”
Now she was kind of happy everyone else had turned her down. It seemed right to ask him, good to be here with him.
There was the sound of a phone ringing.
He shook his head as his hands sank into her hair. The way he was taking his time did something for her. The men she’d been with before had all just gone for it and would likely have already been pawing her boobs by now, but Will was moving with languid seduction. It was like a dance. “You need a date?”
The only thing pulling her out of the sensual haze was that stupid phone. Who had a landline these days? “I do. Shouldn’t you get that?”
His nose touched hers as his fingers ran along her scalp, sending pleasurable shivers through her body. “Don’t worry about it. The hospital requires I keep a house phone. And a pager. And a cell. If it’s really important, they’ll page me. This is more fun than answering the phone, don’t you think? Bridget, you know I won’t be able to keep my hands off you if we go to Hawaii together.”
She didn’t want him to. She was fairly certain she was going to fall into bed with him in the next ten minutes. Maybe he was right. Maybe she took everything too seriously and she should have some fun for once in her life. Maybe she could handle it. “Will?”
His mouth hovered right over hers, and there was no way to mistake the satisfaction coming off him. He wanted her. God, he really wanted her. “Yes, Bridget?”
“Do you want to come to Hawaii with me?”
* * * *
Pre-order here:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uRp7H7
The post Do you need a little cherishing? appeared first on Selena Blake.
September 18, 2014
Go For It (Book 2, Girls’ Night Trilogy) COVER REVEAL
Go For It is the second book in my Girls’ Night Trilogy. You’ll remember Gretchen Mascoe from the first book, Ask For It. This is another delicious contemporary romance novel full of fun characters, cameos from past characters and lots of cookies.
Gretchen Mascoe has had a ‘thing’ for Greg Fairchild for years but the timing has never been right. A freak accident leaves him dependent on her nursing skills and wondering why he never noticed how incredibly special she is.
This one is for anyone who’s ever quietly loved another. For anyone who needs to be reminded of their innate self worth. Go For It reminds us to tell our loved ones we love them as frequently as we can because you never know what tomorrow will bring. This is the novel that make you believe in happily ever after, again.
GO FOR IT RELEASE DATE: NOV 11, 2014
Preorder: amazon | coming soon: barnes and noble | kobo | allromanceebooks | itunes
So, who’s ready for a romance novel excerpt?! (Cause you guys know I’m an excerpt junkie!) The first look at Go For It (starring Miz Gretchen Mascoe and the ultra dreamy Greg Fairchild) is up in the Members’ Lounge. So head on over Wolfpack. Enjoy a little Thursday tease (you know I aim to please!) And remember, it’s on sale right now at $2.99. This super special rate is available only to diehard, early shopping, Selena Stalking Wolfpack fans. Get it while it’s hot. And pretty pleasure with pumpkin pie on top, tell your friends about the book. I need to head back to my writing cave which means I’m depending on you wonderful folks to spread the word.
If you’d like to help spread the word, here are a few ideas.
Tweet about it
Check it out! @SelenaBlake ‘s new contemporary romance is up for pre-order:
Share the news on Facebook
Don’t miss the PreOrder sale price for Selena Blake’s latest contemporary romance:
Blog about it.
Here are the deets you might want to share.
GO FOR IT is a full length (80,000 word) contemporary romance novel. This is the second book in the Girls’ Night Trilogy. Featured characters: Gretchen Mascoe, Greg Fairchild, Baby Campbell, Joe Catrell, Adam & Cindy, JJ Fairchild and Trevor Wyatt) Readers can sign up for Selena’s newsletter to get a FREE copy of the prequel to the series, Instructing Adam (about Cindy and Adam’s meet cute.)
Pre-Order sale price: $2.99
ABOUT GO FOR IT
This one is for anyone who’s ever quietly loved another. For anyone who needs to be reminded of their innate self worth. New York Times bestselling author Selena Blake brings you a brand new contemporary romance novel that make you believe in happily ever after, again.
Gretchen Mascoe has had a ‘thing’ for Greg Fairchild for years, however the timing has never been right. So she sat on the sidelines, watching him date woman after woman. It’s time to tell him how she feels or move on with her life, but how do you move on when you know in your bones he’s the one?
When a tragic car accident leaves Greg dependent on Gretchen’s generosity and nursing skills, he sees a whole new side to his sister’s usually quiet and laced up friend. Especially when making love somehow works its way into his healing process. Suddenly, he’s falling hard and it’s not just her chocolate chip cookies he’s after. Will his survivor’s guilt ruin their chance at happily ever after?
Readers can learn more about Go For It by visiting my website at www.selena-blake.com
Readers can also get 5 free readers when they sign up for my newsletter: http://www.selena-blake.com/extras/ne...
PreOrder the book.
This increases the book’s ranking which shows it to more readers.
If you have ideas for promoting the book, excellent! If you have questions, my virtual door is always open!
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September 17, 2014
What I’m Reading: Magic Flirts by Lisa Scott
You guys know how much I love Lisa Scott’s short story anthologies! (For our new wolf cubs… I love Lisa Scott’s short story anthologies!) She has a new one out called Magic Flirts.
Magic Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories by Lisa Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic Flirts is light paranormal all the way and OMG I loved it. (As usual.) Particularly the 3rd, 4th, and 5th stories. Three and five yanked (yanked I tell you!) on my heart strings. I really wanted those stories (and this anthology in particular) to go on forever.
If you’re in the mood for something short, sweet and lightly paranormal I highly recommend Magic Flirts by Lisa Scott.
Over To You…
What are you reading? What would you recommend to the Wolfpack?
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