Catherine Bybee's Blog, page 2

$100.00 Amazon Gift Card

So this happened and I'm celebrating by giving away a $100.00 Amazon Gift Card to one winner.Today is the last day to enter to win.
So click HERE to enter the drawing.
Thank you, Dear Readers!

The youngest is driving... watch out!

Yesterday morning my youngest son buckled into the driver's seat, followed all the rules of the road at just the right time, and a California state employee granted him the right do drive all by himself.
I really do think I was more nervous than him as he pulled away from the curb. Being a Mom bus driver for so many years has had its glorious place, but I'm soooo over it! As my children grew, and their requests to be picked up at 11 PM from a high school football game, or late night with their friends, I became less and less interested in pulling the late night shift.
While yesterday's milestone was truly my sons...it was also mine.I realized that with just the daily commute to his school, I will gain two hours of my day back. It means, less bags under my eyes from having to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn. More time to write the next book!
All the way home from the DMV I was all smiley and whoo hoo! The youngest sprig just kept looking at me like what was my issue? I was like... you have no idea, kid.
I do know that a whole new set of worries will take over. Having gone through a teenage driver once before, I know it isn't always whoo hoo. But at some point, the training wheels in life have to come off, and our children need to grow up.
Well done, youngest sprig...and hello two new hours in my day!

RELEASE DAY!

*Tossing Confetti*
It's release day, the day of all days to rejoice an fall in love with two new characters. I give to you, SEDUCED BY SUNDAY, the love story of Meg & Val! Two very unlikely people who can't stop the fight train of love coming their way.
As promised, Michael's story continues within the pages of SEDUCED BY SUNDAY. You will also be introduced to the heroine of the final Weekday Brides book.
Be sure to join me and my street team at my Seduced by Sunday Facebook Release Party, 9-5 PST, 4/14/15. I will be there with a few friends giving away tons of books and swag, and there will be plenty of eye candy. All of my giveaways are open to all readers, international included!
For the next several weeks, I will be on more than thirty blogs promoting SEDUCED BY SUNDAY. You can see this tour schedule here. Drop by any of those blogs to enter to win a Kindle Voyage or one of two Amazon Gift Cards.
Enjoy Seduced by Sunday... I know I did!
AVAILABLE NOW!AMAZON  |  KINDLE  |  B&N BAM  |  BOOK DEPO  |  AUDIO

COVER REVEAL!

The final book of the Weekday Brides series has cover art.I proudly give you the cover for Gabi & Hunter's story!
TREASURED BY THURSDAYWeekday Brides, Book 7Summer 2015

SEDUCED BY SUNDAY ARC GIVEAWAY!

Five copies of Seduced by Sunday ARC's (advanced reader's copies) are up for grabs. This is book 6 in the Weekday Brides series, due out April 14, 2015! 
This giveaway is being ran via rafflecopter. You will have to subscribe to the newsletter to be entered. If you're already subscribed, simply enter your email and you're in. After that you can enter multiple ways by following me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, tweeting, adding SBS to your TBR shelf on Goodreads... and then there is pinterest. There's all kinds of ways to get you hands on these ARCs... So, what are you waiting for?!

ENTER HERE

Not Quite Forever is Available Today

Can you believe it? Not Quite Forever is Available today.

I'll be online on Facebook for my release party event. I hope to see you all there.

Go forth and buy...read...and review.

The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. 

When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story.

Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Bybee’s magnetic fourth Not Quite contemporary proves that romance can happen in the most unlikely places...The love scenes are sizzling and the multi-dimensional characters make this a page-turner. Readers will look for earlier installments and eagerly anticipate new ones.” —Publishers Weekly

AMAZON   |   B&N

Not Quite Forever ~ 6 Days

Can you believe it? Finally, another Not Quite Book is nearly here.

I realized the other day, that it has been a year since Not Quite Enough was released. So for fans of the series, this is a long time coming.

Not only is this release special because I've written two sides of my own life within the pages. I think I know a thing or two about being a romance author...and Walt, is an ER doctor. Yeah, I was never a doctor, but as many of you know, I was an ER RN for years.

This book is even more special because it is my 20th published book.

20!  How did that happen?

Anyway... As I always do, I'll be having an all day Facebook release party online on release day. Click HERE to tell me you're coming.

I will be giving away plenty of copies of Not Quite Forever as well as a free Kindle once this book has reached the top 100 on Amazon's best sellers list. I'll be giving away swag packages and more, more, more.

For those of you who haven't read the blurb for Not Quite Forever, here it is:

The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee. 
Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. 
When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story.
Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want?
Pre-Order: Amazon E-Book, Amazon Print, Or Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited/PrimePre-Order: B&N Print

Book Spotlight: The Gangster's Kiss

The Gangster's Kiss
July 20, 2014
Love is a Danger Thing Series
Book One
251 Pages
ISBN: 1500775991

John O’Malley’s sister is missing. All the clues of her disappearance lead to Hayward County, Wisconsin and the crooks and questionable sheriff that reside there. Pretending to be one of them, John takes a job as bodyguard for the sheriff’s beautiful sister, Grace. It seems like the perfect way to investigate their crimes and corruption, but when someone threatens to kill Grace, the job proves harder than he thought. Is she an innocent witness to a crime, or just as guilty as everyone else?

Grace Sullivan just wanted a normal life: find a good man, get married and have a family. She has had enough of looking the other way while her brother hides behind his sheriff’s badge to conduct shady dealings. Hiring a gangster named John to watch her is the final straw. When a face from the past threatens her life, she is forced to put her life in John’s hands, but as time goes on, all she really wants is to be in the gangster’s arms.


EXCERPT
“You can come out, Miss Sullivan. I mean you no harm.” A low voice with a slight Irish accent called from the road. How did he know her name? She risked a peek. It was the man from the car. The one Daniel had just hired.

“Why are you chasing me?” Her voice did not sound nearly as strong as she wanted it to be.

“Begging your pardon, miss, I wasn’t chasing you.” She looked again. He stood relaxed and leaning on one leg. His left hand tucked into a trouser pocket. A suit coat folded over his forearm. A shotgun in one hand and a gun holster looped around each shoulder. “Your brother sent me to make sure you made it home safely.”

“Why would he do that? I’ve walked home safely plenty of times by myself.” She gripped the stick even tighter.

“Not to worry you none, miss, but there has been word of some kidnappings farther south. I’m sure you are quite capable of taking care of yourself but that twig in your hand will not save you from a bad man with a big gun.”

“And how do I know you are not a bad man with a big gun?” Her eyes glared at the weapon in his hand.

He chuckled and kicked a rock to the side with his shoe. “I have a big gun, yes, but if I was a bad man you would not be still standing there asking that question.” He switched the shotgun to his other hand and motioned her forward. “Please come out. We need to get off this road and get you home.”

Grace looked both directions down the road before stepping cautiously from behind the tree, the club still clutched tightly in her hand behind her back and the basket in the other. “What was your name again, boy?” She puffed out her chest. Her chin lifted and she began to walk in the direction of home again.

“O’Malley, John O’Malley, miss, and I am no boy.” He grinned down at her and winked.

“That’s debatable. Real men don’t follow lone women on their walk home and frighten them to death.”

“I’m sorry I frightened you, Miss Sullivan. That was not my intention. Mr. Sullivan didn’t realize you were leaving town until it was too late. I said I would make sure you arrived in one piece."

Grace smirked. “I’ll have you know, Mr. O’Malley, I have made it home in one piece for many years without your help.” She didn’t know who to be angrier with, her brother for treating her like a child, or the man beside her.

“Here, let me carry that basket for you.” John reached to take it from her.

“It’s quite all right.” She eyed the shotgun in his hand. “It looks like you have enough to carry.”

“That’s where you’re mistaken.” His warm hand touched hers as he grabbed the handle of her wicker basket. The brief contact sent goose bumps up her arm. They each held tight to the handle as they walked. “My mother, God rest her soul, raised me to be a gentleman. A gentleman never lets a lady carry her burdens alone.”

“And what do you know of my burdens, Mr. O’Malley?” She challenged.

“I don’t, but I think for the time being,” he slowed and nodded ahead, “it might be best if you dropped that club you’re carrying and hold your basket yourself.” He released his hold on the basket and moved the shotgun back to his right hand.

Grace looked where he indicated and her step faltered. It was him. The man she recognized from dinner last night. The club slipped from her fingers and made a thud when it hit the dirt.

“Don’t worry,” John whispered in her ear, “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

The man leaned against his car, shaving wood with a knife. “Miss Sullivan, we meet again,” he called from ahead, not bothering to look in her direction. He’d been waiting for her. Grace and John said nothing as they approached, but the stranger continued to speak, “You know, I still can’t figure out where I know you from. As I told you, I never forget a face.” He stopped whittling and stood. “It will come to me.”

Grace could feel tension fill the man beside her. Not wanting things to get out of hand, she inhaled a deep breath and addressed the intruder, “I’m afraid it is as I told you last night. I seldom go anywhere, so you must surely have me confused with someone else.” Grace and John slowed their gait as they approached the car, but kept walking. She turned as they passed and walked backward a few steps. “By the way, sir, what is your name?” Grace inquired, as she moved.

“The name’s Ed. Eddie ‘The Knife’ Killian.” He removed his hat and bowed his head.

Grace shook her head. “No, sorry. It doesn’t ring a bell. Maybe you know my friend here?” She gestured an elegant hand at John. “His name is John, Johnnie ‘Big Gun’ O’Malley. Good day to you, Mr. Killian.” She tucked her hand in the crook of John’s elbow and kept walking.

The woman had spunk, that’s for sure. Her hand tightened in the crook of his arm, but she’d stood up to that man like he was a rude schoolboy. She was obviously more than just a pretty face. John looked back to make sure the man wasn’t following. Good. Killian started his car and was heading toward town.

“You can relax. He’s going.” John reassured. “Friend of yours?”

“Hardly.” She turned her head to watch the retreating car. “He was at the house last night and insists that we are acquainted.” Her fingers still gripped his arm.

“Did he do something to upset you? Because if he did...” John stopped and looked at her pale face.

“No. It was nothing.” She dropped her hand from his arm and started walking.

“Are you sure? Maybe we need to tell Sheriff Sullivan about this.” He tried to retrieve her basket again.

“No. Please.” Her voice trembled, but was firm. “I don’t want to cause any trouble. My brother has enough things to worry about without dealing with some man that obviously thinks I am someone else.” Her blue eyes threatened tears. For a second, he had the urge take her in his arms and tell her everything would be okay, but things weren’t okay. She was not his girl and none of his concern. This was just a job. John turned to make sure Killian was still on his way.

He’d let it go for now, but he would be keeping an eye out for the man. Something wasn’t right. John didn’t know Grace very well, but he could always tell when someone was lying.

Ginger Ring is an eclectic, Midwestern girl with a weakness for cheese, dark chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. She loves reading, playing with her cats, watching great movies, and has a quirky sense of humor. Publishing a book has been a lifelong dream of hers and she is excited to share her romantic stories with you. Her heroines are classy, sassy and in search of love and adventure. When Ginger isn’t tracking down old gangster haunts or stopping at historical landmarks, you can find her on the backwaters of the Mississippi River fishing with her husband.




CONNECT WITH GINGERWebsite  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Amazon Author Page
BUY LINKSAmazon  |  B&N  |  BAM  |  Book Depot  |  IndBnd  |  Powell's  Available for Kindle Unlimited!

Free Isn't Always Free

Free Isn’t Always Free!
Every time you download a book off a pirate site, you delay, if not destroy, the authors ability to write their next novel.
You see, dear reader, while you might think published authors are rolling in money, you couldn't be more wrong. Most published authors have a day job and write in their spare time. With every pirated download your favorite author has one less book sold that their publisher sees. With every single book unaccounted for, that author may not receive another contract to finish the series...or have a reason to write the next book.
A prime example of this comes from my own personal experience with my Spanish translations. You see, dear readers... Wife by Wednesday was translated into Spanish (El Contrato)  a couple of years ago.  The publisher was 'happy' with the sales of the book in Spain and surrounding countries... I was not. Why? Because I found several pirate sites where I counted over a million downloads of my book. 
A MILLION.
I was told by many industry professionals that piracy in Spain is a massive problem and there was nothing I could do about it.

So I sat back and waited. Eventually, because Wife by Wednesday did OK in Spain...I actually hit one of their more noted bestsellers list... my publisher there took their option to publish Married by Monday...in Spanish (El Pacto). That too has been out for a while but hasn't done nearly as well. The pirate downloads, however were just as huge in numbers.
I have many readers who contact me, almost weekly, asking if the rest of the series will be published in Spanish.  Uhm.... I doubt it. I hate to say that, but I can't promise anything. With Millions of illegal downloads, and no money being made off the effort, why would a publisher bother?
I have considered self-publishing in Spanish, but that too would cost a nice penny that I may never see come back.
We all look for a good deal…buy the milk on sale vs. the name brand that costs .50 cents more… but if you take the milk without paying for it, everyone misses out.
In the case of English language books, most authors/publishers have plenty of discount days, deals, and even times to get a book for free.
So...while you might think it a windfall to find your favorite author's books on a site for free, remember that your 5 star review is not helping that author quit his or her day job so they can write full time. Your 5 star review is not paying their power bill to keep their computer running...their Internet up. Your 5 star pirated review really isn't helping them at all.
A cup of coffee at your favorite coffee house costs more than an E-Book. You don't walk out of the coffee house without pulling out your wallet... "Because they might arrest you for that shit."
Downloading a pirate book is NOT a victim-less crime. If writers can't make money on their work, they move on, and you won't read their next book even if you pay for it...because the writer didn't write it.

All Bestseller's Lists Are Not The Same

I’m always happy to see my books hitting the top of the bestseller lists. It’s a dream for every author to one day hit the New York Times, or the USA Today Bestseller’s List. 
With all the changes in publishing, you’d think these two standards in the industry would stay true to the delivery of the facts. After all, the New York Times and USA Today are both valid newspapers that have been known to dig through the emotion of the stories that need to be told in our country, and deliver only the facts.
So how is it that something as simple as a bestseller list has fallen through the cracks?



This week Taken by Tuesday debut on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller’s list at #7 in E-Book Fiction.  What does that mean? It means that according to the facts, the numbers of E-Books Taken by Tuesday has sold, this book has fallen between James Rollins, The 6th Extinction #6 on the WSJ List, and Gayle Forman’s, Where She Went #8 on the WSJ List.


Now, when I look at the NewYork Times , I see The 6thExtinction sitting at #4 on the E-Book Fiction List and Where She Went isn’t in the top 20.
For the sake of argument, I will look at the 10thBestseller on the WSJ, to which I find, Not A Drill by Lee Child. That same book is sitting at #5 on the NYT’s list.
Taken by Tuesdayisn’t on the NYT’s list…
Now let’s look at the USA Today Bestseller List.  There are 150 spots on this list. This list hasn’t been broken down into E-Book Fiction, or Children’s Fiction…or any of the other categories that the WSJ and the NYT’s have done. It’s simply the number of books sold in all formats in all genres within a given week. The 6thExtinction sits at #10 on the USAToday list and Where She Wentsits at #13.
Taken by Tuesdayisn’t on the USA Today’s list…
*scratches head* 
Now I know for a fact just how many E-Book copies of Taken by Tuesday were sold on its first week out because I’m the author, and that information is given to me by my publisher. I’m fairly certain that if James, Gayle, Lee and I were to sit down and compare notes…we’d all agree that Taken by Tuesday earned a spot on both the NYT’sand the USA Today’s Bestseller Lists.
So why isn’t Taken by Tuesday there? 
Politics.
According to the NYT’s * at the bottom of their methodology.“E-books available exclusively from a single vendor will be tracked at a future date.” This disclaimer has been at the bottom of this list for two years that I’ve been tracking it.
  USA Today doesn’t even offer an explanation as to why my current title isn’t on their list.

You see, Montlake, my publisher, sells the digital copy of my work exclusively on the Kindle. In fact, every Amazon Publishing Imprint isn’t eligible to make the NYT’s E-book Bestseller list, simply because the NYT’s won’t accept the reporting number of sales from the publisher. When I asked USA Today the last time, about two years ago, about why my work isn’t making their list regardless of the tens of thousands of copies I sell within a week…their answer was vague and much like a politician running for office, meaningless.

My thought… I either did or didn’t sell more copies than #20 on the NYT’s List. I either did or didn’t sell more copies than #150 on the USA Today’s List. Are those not the facts? Isn’t the bestseller list a list of facts?

A bestseller list is just that…right? Amount of copies sold regardless of format or vendor? *sigh* 

While I would love to boast that I’ve once again hit the NYT’s and the USA Today’s Bestseller’s List… I am much more excited about reaching a list that is true to the meaning of a bestseller.

Thank you Wall Street Journal for making an unbiased list that simply reports the facts.

And thank you, dear readers, for anxiously waiting for my next book to release and picking it up the second it comes out.


I will patiently wait for the sands of time to catch up to the New York Times and USA Today, and look forward to applauding my fellow bestselling authors when they finally receive the recognition they so justly deserve.