Catherine Bybee's Blog, page 15

Guest Blogger, Sky Purington

Today, guest blogging on the Bybee Blog, is Sky Purington. Sky has recently released Highland Defiance, book one in her MacLomain Series-Early Years. This brand new series consists of novella length titles about all of the characters from The MacLomain Series who never had their love stories told in detail.
Welcome, Sky! It's always a pleasure to have you on my blog. And thanks for the yummy kilted guy. *slurp slurp* 

Thanks for having me over again, Catherine. It's always a pleasure to visit!
So what is it about a man in a kilt? More specifically, what is it about a Highlander from medieval Scotland? In my case, my husband's clan (MacLomains) and mine (Brouns) being intermarried for three hundred years during that time period kicked off my interest. I'd be lying if I said those first few months of research didn't make me fall totally in love with the concept of a tall, oh-so-sexy kilted warrior. In fact, the image and sense of romanticism attached to this type of character worked so incredibly well for me that I've since introduce five Highland heroes and am currently creating my sixth.

Yet one hero stands out above the rest. Who would that be? You guessed it, Adlin MacLomain, hero of Highland Defiance. while he's technically my fifth hero, he's really my first as he was born before all the rest.

I knew within a few chapters of writing Fate's Monolith (The MacLomain Series, Book I) that a clan needed a head shaman. So a quarter of the way through we meet an old man with a plaid wrapped over his wiry shoulder, This of course, was Adlin. THe moment he spoke of mysticism and Samhain celebrations, it became apparent he was going to play a much larger role throughout my books than previously anticipated. In one single paragraph, Adlin's character had whispered in my mind that he intended to stay with me for many years. Since then he has appeared in six novels from the two separate and one novella. He has gone from being an old meddlesome, match-making wizard to a ghost with a strong secondary character contribution.

For all the love connections he helped make happen, it was without question that he be allowed to fall in love as well. Soon after I made that decision, Mildred found her way into Destiny's Denial (Book II) playing the part of the heroine's grandmother. Without giving away too much, it becomes obvious that she and Adlin once shared a great love, one that remains strong throughout the series then straight into the afterlife.

Based on feedback, I knew it was time for Mildred and Adlin's love story to be told. In fact, it was because of reader requests that my new series, The MacLomain Series- Early Years, was created. Naturally this run of books is dedicated to sharing all those untold romances from the original series.

In Highland Defiance the reader travels back in time to early eleventh century Scotland. A time when the feudal system reigned and even the country's first king had yet set foot on Scottish soil. Adlin MacLomain was a young, virulent, handsome Highlander capable of stealing any lass's heart. No offense to Adlin but he pulled off a kilt far better aft twenty-five than e ever did in his eighties. *wink*

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed visiting not only Adlin in his youth, but his heroine, Mildred. I twas immensely interesting taking their well-developed elderly personalities and envisioning how they would have behaved minus a lifetime of experience. Well, at least for Mildred. You'll have to read Highland Defiance to learn the truth about Adlin.

For those of you familiar with the MacLomains, I hope Adline and Mildred's story is everything you hoped it would be. For those of you learning about this series for the first time here at Catherine's blog, get ready for an explosive Highland saga ripe with war, loss drama, lust, and so much more. Better yet, prepare yourself for over a thousand pages of 6'4" plus, weapon wielding, well-muscled men in kilts!

-Sky


Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels and several novellas. A new Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books. Readers have described her work as "Refreshing" and "Unforgettable."

Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com.

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases?

Visit Sky's Website, www.skypurington.com, to download her free App on iTunes and Android. Show More
Website: www.skypurington.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/skypurington
Twitter: www.twitter.com/skypurington
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Blog: www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com


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Not Quite Mine has ART!

Not Quite Mine has art... what do you think?


Gorgeous hotel heiress Katelyn “Katie” Morrison seems to have it all. But when she crosses paths with Dean Prescott—the only man she’s ever loved—at her brother’s wedding, Katie realizes there’s a gaping hole in her life. After the ceremony she gets an even bigger surprise: a baby girl left on her doorstep. Determined to keep the newborn until she learns who her mother is, Katie has her hands full and doesn’t need Dean snooping around…especially when his presence stirs feelings she thought were long gone..

Dean Prescott knows Katie is lying to him about the baby. He shouldn’t care what the woman who broke his heart is up to…and he most certainly shouldn’t still be aching for her. Yet Dean can’t ignore the need to protect Katie—or the desire to be near her every chance he gets. But when he and Katie solve the mystery surrounding the baby, their second chance for happiness could be shattered forever.
Coming May 7th...But you can pre-order now if you want! 
Amazon Kindle 

I'm On Sale!

Not Quite Dating is on sale for Only $1.99
Yep... less than two bucks and you can slip into Jack and Jessie's world for a short time. 
So what are you waiting for?
Go....... Now...... Pick up your Kindle copy today! 
Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. 
When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. 
As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way…To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the life he wants most of all… 
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Guest Blogging with Susannah Sandlin

Today I have with us, Susannah Sandlin...who is talking about heros and heroines. 

Breaking Down the Stubborn Hero and Heroine
Susannah Sandlin
I had a struggle on my hands when I began writing Omega, the newest book in my Penton Legacy series (out February 5). I usually have a good grasp of my hero and struggle with my heroine, or vice-versa. Every once in a serendipitous while, I’m in sync with both hero and heroine from the start. (The second series book, Absolution, was like that—thank you, Mirren and Glory!)
Then there was Omega. I did character charts. I plotted scenes. I made several false starts on the book before I finally set the laptop aside and put myself in time-out. Literally. I made myself sit in a chair in a quiet room and do something you’d think authors do a lot, but which in fact we rarely take time to do:  stop and think. Just think.
I finally figured out the problem with Will and Randa, my couple in Omega. They were both alike. That in itself is a challenge. Not only were they alike, however, but they handled stress in the same way—by erecting a wall.
Randa hides behind a tough-as-nails attitude. The only girl in a family of military guys, she feels she has to prove herself just a good a soldier as her brothers and her father the colonel. Nothing gets beneath that steel armor. When she was turned vampire, she lost her human family but inherited a new family in Penton—and has to prove herself all over again with another bunch of domineering guys (only these guys have fangs instead of uniforms).
Will has had a truly horrific upbringing, emotionally abused by his wealthy father in New York as a child, then turned vampire by that same father when he was 22, when the mental abuse turned physical. Outside, he is handsome and brilliant, with a quick wit and outgoing personality (and, yeah, a bit of a jerk). Inside, he feels like the inadequate screwup his father always told him he was. Like Randa, he hides himself behind a mask. He plays a role. He doesn’t want to be exposed.
So when two Teflon-coated characters come together, something extreme has to happen to get them to open up and, slowly—ever so slowly—begin to reveal bits of their hidden selves. In the case of Omega, it took a projectile grenade, a cave-in, and the lure of Army underwear. I can’t say more, or Will would sink his fangs in me.
So in the end, I got Omega written, and fell in love with this hard-to-understand couple that used up more than their fair share of my brain cells.
What kind of romantic couples do you prefer? The opposites-attract type (like Mirren and Glory), or the work-through-some-issues types (like Will and Randa)—or is it all about the chemistry? Enter the Rafflecopter for the tour prizes, and leave a comment to be entered for a choice of Penton Legacy print book, Kindle book, or audiobook (CD or mp3).
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Omega Penton Vampire Legacy, Book 3Susannah Sandlin
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Date of Publication: February 5, 2013
ISBN: 978-1612183596ASIN: B0073XV3L2
Number of pages: 328Word Count: approx. 88,000
Amazon        Barnes & Noble        Book Depository
Book Description:
The bloody war between the Vampire Tribunal and the defiant scathe of Penton, Alabama, rages on, forcing its residents and their bonded humans to retreat into the underground fortress of last resort: Omega. There, Will Ludlam is charged with the care of Penton's humans, though he longs to fight alongside his vampire brethren. He knows the risks: as the renegade son of the Tribunal's vicious leader, Will's capture could doom the resistance.
Yet he is determined to prove his worth to his adopted scathe, to his vengeful father and to former US Army officer Randa Thomas, his beautiful, reluctant partner. Randa has little faith that a former member of the vampire elite has what it takes to fight a war. But as their enemies descend upon Omega, Will's polished charm and Randa's guarded heart finally give way to the warrior within.
Fans of Susannah Sandlin's Penton Legacy are sure to devour this long-awaited third installment of the steamy paranormal series.        

Susannah Sandlin is the author of paranormal romance set in the Deep South, where there are always things that go bump in the night. A journalist by day, Susannah grew up in Alabama reading the gothic novels of Susan Howatch and the horror fantasy of Stephen King. (Um…it is fantasy, right?) The combination of Howatch and King probably explains a lot. Currently a resident of Auburn, Alabama, Susannah has also lived in Illinois, Texas, California, and Louisiana.
Website: http://www.susannahsandlin.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susannahsandlin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susannahsandlin
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5828129.Susannah_Sandlin
Indie Bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781612183541

Vows Trilogy Tour

I'm going on tour again... virtually that is!

In celebration of my re-release of my time travels I'm going to talk up the series and hopefully let a whole new list of people fall in love with the MacCoinnichs.

So come with me and slip into the pages of time...




January 28 Guest blog (reviews after Feb 4)Viviana, Enchantress of Bookshttp://www.vivianaenchantressofbooks.blogspot.com
January 28 PromoForever Book Lover     foreverbklover.blogspot.com 

January 29 PromoReview all 3Secret Southern Couture http://www.secretsoutherncouture.com/ Mom to Bed by 8 instead – http://www.momtobedby8.com/ 

January 29 review book 1The LUV'NVhttp://www.theluvnv.com
January 30 InterviewLily Pond Readshttp://lilypondreads.blogspot.com/

January 30 reviewsNot Just 9 to 5 www.notjust9to5.com
January 30, 31 promo and giveawayThe LUV'NVhttp://www.theluvnv.com

January 31 Guest blogPreternatura http://suzanne-johnson.blogspot.comGuest post: (5 places/times author would like to travel to and why)
February 1 InterviewTBQ'S Book Palacehttp://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com/
February 1 Excerpt and reviewBookgirl KnittingHttp://bookgirlknitting.blogspot.com/
February 2 InterviewReviewing in Chaos    http://reviewinginchaos.blogspot.com
February 2 Promo and reviewReadaholic's Reviews http://www.readaholicsreviews.com
February 3 PromoLunar Haven Review and Designshttp://lunarhavenrd.blogspot.com
February 3 Guest blogFangs, Wands & Fairydusthttp://fangswandsandfairydust.com/
February 4 Guest blog and reviewReading Reality, LLCwww.readingreality.net
February 4 reviewsWolf Majick Reviewswolfmajick.blogspot.com

The story behind Before the Moon Rises

Some books are written because the author is compelled to write them.
Some stories are written because someone says... 'try this.'

So... here's the deal. And here is why I give away Before the Moon Rises.

First, let me say that I truly love Max and Janet. Janet will always hold a place in my heart because of my own life. I worked the ER for years. Spent many a time on the radio talking to paramedics and making split decisions that truly had an effect on those who called 911. Did I ever meet a Max? No... well, maybe, *wink*

News Flash!!!  When I wrote Before the Moon Rises I wasn't a published author. Nope. I was a 'please someone publish me' author who tried to write any and every genre within the romance spectrum that I could.

You see... there was this lil' contest that The Wild Rose Press put out. The contest was about writing the best werewolf novella at 20,000 words or less.

Now... let me tell you, this isn't easy folks. Try weaving a plot in 20K or less. It's hard. And when its done really well I applaud the author responsible.

So the birth of Max and Janet was realized within the pages of Before the Moon Rises. I didn't win the contest. But I did end up with a contract. And while waiting to hear back about the contest I wrote Embracing the Wolf. Those of you who've read these books already know that Embracing the Wolf is a much longer story. Much more involved with more character development, and hopefully less rushing at the end.

WRITERS PAY ATTENTION:

Here is what I learned when writing Before the Moon Rises.

I learned I could deliver a conceivable plot in 20K. Well, if you let your mind believe that werewolves are real...and a smart girl sometimes does stupid things. Not 'Too Stupid to Live' things... but stupid things.

I learned that short stories are hard as hell to write.

I learned that a short story might lead to bigger and better things. Richard and Kate expand upon Max and Janet's story and that story wouldn't have been told had I not entered that contest.

I learned that you won't win all the contests you enter... but you'll grow as an author for putting yourself out there.

I learned that I LOVE writing paranormal stories. I love that when I pick up a paranormal I'm going to accept any and every twist the author tosses at me with nothing more than a shrug. "Oh, he sucks blood and only wakes during the night... okay... moving on."

Why do I give away Before the Moon Rises?

Let me tell you why. Because I can. And regardless of my level of talent when writing Before the Moon Rises my voice as a writer hasn't changed. I like to think I'm better at character development...at the plot... at twisting a conflict. At every aspect of the story. But my voice--and the humor mixed with emotion mixed with suspense--that hasn't shifted too much in the last five years.

Think of writers such as Nora Roberts and Steven King. I'm not for a minute saying I have their talent, but books they wrote in their earliest days are still in circulation. It's safe to say they have grown as writers but if you like their voice, or how they tell a story, you'll probably enjoy their current work as well.

So for now I give away Before the Moon Rises and for the effort I gain more readers over time. I may very well turn off a reader or two, but I think I gain more than I lose.

Enjoy Before the Moon Rises... and the yummy-ass cover... and if you like my voice, check out my other work.

Happy Reading,

Catherine.

Before the Moon Rises

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Embracing the Wolf

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Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Oh, now would you look at that. Angel Martinez has tagged me in a award...which is a modern day version of a, let's face it, a chain letter.Though unlike its wicked step-sister, this chain letter isn't linked to a slow and painful death or financial collapse. No, this award/letter is a way of spreading word about a blogger or internet friend who has made an influence in your life. 

So... my tagged bloggers. Let's see. Caridad Pinero, TJ McKay , Shelly Munro, Crystal Posey, Eliza March, Dakota Cassidy, ... damn, that's 15, right? *wink* 

So.... let me continue. 

Here are the rules:




Display the award logo on your blog. (Oh, it looks like someone in the mix has a crafty pen - Nice art!)
Link back to the person who nominated you. (Angel... my amazing Critique Partner and friend.) 

State 7 things about yourself. (Dear, Lord... I hope you don't want new stuff)
Nominate 15 bloggers for this award and link to them. (15... really? How about half of that... maybe less)
Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements. (Well what a waste of time if I missed that step - *rolls eyes*) 
Seven Things About Me: 
7. I make jelly from scratch. Yep, Susie f-ing homemaker. 

6. I believe there is life on other planets. I'm not going X files or anything...but I believe! *grin*

5. I live by the motto... Life isn't what your handed, it's what you make of it. 

4. I actually like to exercise. I don't do it enough, but I like it. 

3. Learning to play the piano is on my bucket list. 

2. I drink wine... but most of you know that already. 

1. I have my 13 year old check my spelling sometimes. *hangs head in shame* 

Free Amazon Gift Card

I'm giving away a $10.00 Amazon Gift card to one lucky winner.

Why? Because I'm re-releasing the first three of my time travel books and want everyone to have a chance to read them.

What do you have to do?

It's easy...  click on the link>>>>  a Rafflecopter giveaway

And tell me where you follow me. Twitter / Facebook / My Newsletter

That's it.

BTW - Have you read my time travels?
Before my readers knew me as Catherine Bybee Author of Wife by Wednesday...
My readers knew me as Catherine Bybee Author of Binding Vows.

Imagine if Samantha or Eliza...or Jessie were tossed back in time. Yeah, my time travels are that much fun and more.

Amazon 
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New Covers

Check out these yummy and lovely covers.
Crystal Posey, the cover goddess, has done it again!
These titles will be back online and ready to purchase within a few days. Stay tuned!



 Duncan MacCoinnich’s task… Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. 
Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them.When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century?And is it love they feel? Or something else?

Myra, a medieval virgin druidess, flees five hundred years into the future to escape death at the hands of a cursed witch and lands in the arms of a handsome but cynical twenty-first century cop. 
Officer Todd Blakely knows Myra is hiding something , but can't resist her innocent charms. Destiny throws them both into a world of intrigue and mysticism. Can Todd be the true white knight she needs? Or will magic and the winds of time tear them apart?










For her own safety, modern day, single mom, Lizzy McAllister is forced to bow to the medieval men who surround her when she's thrust back in time to the sixteenth century against her will. When Lizzie finds herself trapped in time with Fin, the one man she finds both irresistible and maddening, she agrees to combine forces with him to rid Scotland of the evil witch, Grainna. 
Finlay MacCoinnich's attraction to Lizzy sizzles the very air they breathe. Tearing down the solid walls the woman has built around her won't be easy, but he's willing to do anything to keep her by his side. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws them forward in time, will they manage to find their way back in time to save their family from peril? And will Lizzy willingly stay in his time, or abandon him altogether?

Goodbye 2012

What a year!

There are many people who can't wait to for the year to end. Let me go on the record and say this... I'm NOT one of them.

I think the best way for me to describe this year is like this...

JANUARY: To date... Wife by Wednesday was still topping the charts on Amazon selling over 230,000 copies since it's release in October of 2011.

I had email after email from the likes of Amazon, Google, Foreign Rights agencies... and the most important one, Jane, my agent...offering to represent me.

FEBRUARY: On the 12th of this month Wife by Wednesday made me a New York Times Bestselling Author. My debut on the list was at #18. I'll make the top 10 on the NYT's List before I was done. Over the course of the next two months I will sell over 70,000 more copies of Wife by Wednesday.

I released Highland Shifter, the 4th book in my Time Travel Series...and I do it solo. No publisher? No Problem.

MARCH: Espanol? I'm offered a contract for the translation of Wife by Wednesday in Spanish. With prodding from my agent, Jane, I put together a proposal for a three book series and she went off to pitch it.

APRIL: Portugal? Here we go again... Wife by Wednesday is going to be published in Portuguese. How does one proof read a book in a foreign language? My advance is in Euros. How figgin' cool is that?

Romantic Times Convention 2012, Chicago. I met a couple of editors that were considering my new three book series, "Not Quite". For the first time since I became a writer I feel like someone. I had actual fans wanting to talk to me and have me sign their books. And yeah... I heard from my agent about a three book deal. Not Quite Dating, Not Quite Mine and Not Quite Enough have a home with Montlake Romance.

MAY: Married by Monday is released. I hit the Barnes & Noble top ten bestsellers list and several sub categories on Amazon. My head is spinning. My agent is working her tail off and I'm trying to be an author, a publisher... not to mention a wife and mother.

JUNE: I consider finding a home for my Time Travel's. I have publishers that are interested...it's a matter of if the offer is enough and will I have the artistic license to do what I want with the rest of this series.

JULY: My first RWA and I'm went with the words "First Timer" and "Honor Roll" on my badge. So friggin' cool! I meet several of my author crushes. Nora Roberts, Christina Dodd to name a couple. I had an amazing time with my editor Kelli Martin and the entire Montlake team. Such a great group. At the same time I have offers for my Bride books. Stress and Excitement...all rolled into one amazing week.

AUGUST: Montlake buys the rights to my Bride Books. I have four slated for the series...but last time I looked, there are seven days in a week. *wink* Damn...now I'm looking at the calender and realizing how many books I have to write.

SEPTEMBER: WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! Holy cow do I have a serious amount of writing to do. I have deadlines for the first time ever. Oh, yeah...and I had surgery on my shoulder which knocked me off track for a little while, too.

OCTOBER: Still writing. Like a mad woman! I'm also gearing up for the release of Not Quite Dating...

NOVEMBER: Not Quite Dating is released. I reached the top 100 in the Kindle store on day flippin' one! I couldn't be happier with the reception of Jack and Jessie's story. As the tide rises, so does the sales of Married by Monday and Wife by Wednesday. Both moving back into the bestseller charts on Amazon.

DECEMBER: A month of reflection and writing. Cuz I still have two contracted books to get to my publisher this spring. Not to mention the long-awaited 5th book in my Time Travel Series that I decided to Self Publish after all.

And then there is that surviving the End of The World thing...

Yeah. 2012 was an amazing year.
C'mon 2013. Show me what you got!