Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 216

Wattpad Stories and Updates by Mandy Rosko

Sooooooooo, I have to say that I’m thoroughly enjoying using Wattpad. They say you need to update every day or so to get good traction, I’m assuming every two or three days at the very latest, but yeah, I’m liking this. I’m kind of nervous that I’m going to run out of chapters and not be able to keep up with the updates, but for now, this is pretty great.

The last time I updated my story, The Arrangement, was three days ago, and it had about 161 views on it. This rounds out to only a couple of readers, but I was happy with that number. 161 seems like a lot, so I was pleased and looking forward to two hundred. Little did I expect that I would log on today to make an update, and see it at 244 views. I thought that would take me a few more updates, but now it looks like I’m going to be shooting for the 300 mark pretty soon.

Again, I know that’s not a lot, some chapters don’t have more than 10 reads on them, but I like this. It reminds me of when I used to write fanfiction, and the engagement I would get. I like being able to post a story chapter by chapter and see that people are reading it and clicking the favorite button. So far I have only one comment, but since it’s the only one it therefore became the favorite :)

The lack of comments means that people are being nice and not pointing out the fact that there are probably a lot of grammar errors in this book so far. I haven’t exactly had the chance to edit it, but this is mainly a test to see if the story will be enjoyable, even though it’s already up for preorder on Kobo and iBooks. I really need to check B&N to see if it got on there. I keep getting lazy and forgetting :S

So that’s my cool update into my Wattpad adventures. Here’s to 300!

Cheers,

~Mandy

P.S, for anyone reading this who happens to be curious, here’s the link if you wanted a free Billionaire Bad Boy story to read: http://www.wattpad.com/user/Mandyrosko

Filed under: romance

Happy Unbirthday Paranormal-Scope

I have been surrounded by birthdays this week, so Alice will be frolicking here. A very happy unbirthday to you, unless of course, it’s your birthday.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

The Caterpillar understands balance in life. Work and play in the right amounts are good for you.

Taurus:

The Dormouse was confused. Don’t you be confused to. Ask questions when you need clarity.

Gemini:

The Caterpillar this is a time of inner reflection. Don’t depend on others to solve your problems. You are highly capable.

Cancer:

There is so much to Wonderland that Alice got confused. After meeting the Queen of Hearts, she learned that not all authority figures know what they’re doing. Try not to let them run your life.

Leo:

The White Queen said you had to run fast just to keep up. You have to run faster to get ahead. Don’t give up on your ideas and get them heard.

Virgo:

The White Rabbit always feels there’s no time. You have the time to get your project down, but if you feel the crunch ask for help from your colleagues.  Don’t get over your head.

Libra:

Cheshire Cat can be intimidating with his constant watching. Ignore the watcher and get work done.

Scorpio:

Alice traveled far to find what she needed most was close to home. Love is closer than your think.

Sagittarius:

The Mad Hatter found freedom in a cup of tea. Your dilemma is discovering your true passion in life, your true cup of tea. Start by asking, “What do I need?”

Capricorn:

Like the Cheshire Cat, you can conform or take the initiative.  Take the initiative more this week but maintain your easy going smile.

Aquarius:

The Jabberwocky is testing his wings. Time for you to do the same. Explore your possibilities.

Pisces:

The Walrus and the Carpenter fooled the little oysters out of their oyster bed. You feel tense. There’s a reason for it. Exercise caution this week.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

Another New Release: Only Marriage Will Do!

 It’s been a busy week and a half, with releases of both Beloveds and Only Marriage Will Do coming within a week of one another. But if you’ll indulge the proud parent for a moment, I want my new book to strut its stuff, so to speak.

To make it even sweeter, I’m giving away a copy of one of my back listed books to one of  the commenters on this blog today. All you have to do is tell me you’d like an e-copy (you can tell me which one if you already know). Good luck!

 

Blurb:

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the hero of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the man claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero, Captain Amiable Dawson, to escort her to her family estate, hoping that along the way she can win his love.

Amiable is charmed by the sweet, beautiful woman he rescued, and although he has grave reservations about her marital status, he allows himself to be swept up into Juliet’s romantic spell and the promise of a happy-ever-after.

The spell breaks when legal questions arise and Juliet faces the horror of not knowing if she is married to her knight in shining armor or the cruel viscount who is determined to have her at any price.

 

Excerpt:

“Juliet, mon amour.” St. Cyr reverted to his native French. “You cannot have a serious regard for this monstrous oaf?” He raked Amiable contemptuously with his gaze. “He is a barbarian compared to me, my dear. I can make you forget him, forget any of his crude gestures of love. Do you remember our embrace? At the king’s Christmas court ball? Such a quaint custom of the mistletoe. You seemed to long for more than just my tongue that night, my sweet.”

“Philippe, please.” Juliet shrank from him, blushing until her face matched the hue of her dress.

“I fear you did not heed my words earlier, St. Cyr,” Amiable replied in flawless French, pulling his sword free. “You have just besmirched the honor of my wife and I will have satisfaction of you.”

“Jack, no.” Juliet pulled Amiable to a corner of the room and whispered, “Please do not engage him, sir. We can hardly have a scene here without…” She peered over her shoulder.

Totally unconcerned with the challenge he had just been issued, St. Cyr inspected the Watteau on the wall, once again idly twisting his walking stick in his hand. The fool.

“You have no true reason to challenge him.”

“There you are wrong, my dear. Any gentleman has the duty to defend a lady’s honor.” He smiled at her, then turned back to St. Cyr. “May I suggest you apologize, my lord, unless you wish to meet me tomorrow morning?” He pointed his sword tip at St. Cyr’s mouth. “I will be much obliged to cut that offensive tongue out at your earliest convenience.” At last. Action he could take satisfaction in. He’d savor the anticipation of such a meeting.

St. Cyr paled a trifle as he looked from him to Juliet. “Forgive me, mon ange,” he addressed her, “for recalling our past intimacies. They should have remained in the memories of just us two.”

“Humph.” He stared hard at St. Cyr. Not the most contrite plea for forgiveness, but nothing more seemed forthcoming. Reluctantly, he executed a slight bow, acknowledged the dubious apology, and sheathed his blade.

“I have no such memories, Philippe.” Juliet spoke in French. “Nor do I want anything else from you except to be left alone.”

“C’est impossible, chérie. We are man and wife. I will not leave you alone in the care of another man. I insist you accompany me back to my inn.” St. Cyr dove for her hand.

With a strangled cry, Juliet spun around to hide behind Amiable.

“By God, that is enough.” He’d make an end to the wretch this time. “There are laws in England that prevent men from forcing women to marry them.”

“The law says Juliet is already married to me,” St. Cyr said softly and drew a sheaf of papers from his jacket. He waved them at Amiable. “And only to me.”

Only Marriage Will Do is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered for the giveaway.

Filed under: Jenna Jaxon

Writing Unique Characters and Assorted Sundries by Susan Hanniford Crowley

By Kurt Stüber [1] [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

As you’ve probably noticed Nights of Passion is going through changes.  We’ve welcomed Heather Novak as our Thursday author-in-residence. More and more romance authors are coming to be interviewed by the Passionate crew. We take the craft of writing seriously here. We have fun with it too.

I have been relatively scarce on the social media of late. I’ll tell you why. I’m preparing my second novel in the Arnhem Knights of New York series. The story of Noblesse is the hardest I’ve ever written. I cry with her. I laugh with her, and I’ve called in my critique partners to be ready, as they will be getting it soon. Then I will rewrite according to what they say. Then it’s on to my publisher. The research alone has been daunting, but Noblesse is worth it.

I’ve also been babysitting my granddaughter. Caring for a small child and watching her amazement with life just fills me with sheer happiness. Today she told me in disputing the idea of bedtime that “It’s no night,” and pointed to the window. We fixed that. We lowered all the window shades and closed the curtain.  Giggles.  Now on to a subject of writing intensity.

With all the books and movies out there, it can be challenging to write a character that is

By Sidney Paget (1860-1908) (de.WP) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

unique. For me I usually dream my stories with characters, so my challenge is how to portray them accurately. I must use enough detail without slowing the story.  Sometimes I add details of a particular trait when they are using that ability.

Still you don’t write characters in isolation. You try to see them in different views to get a more complete picture.  Here are some writing exercises to help flesh out a character (deep characterization) and make them alive.

1. Capture in words the details of the sun shining on their hair, their skin.

2. Portray them playing with a pet.

3. Write a dining scene with your character and their family.

4. Write a scene with your character and their closest friends  (An example might be ladies at tea or two close families camping together.) What is key here is the isolation from the rest of the world, so your character can be his or herself with a chosen few.

5. Show a scene where they are using a special talent or ability.

6. Write a scene where they are vulnerable or scared.

7. In this note, if your character has a disability think of how they function in the world and how comfortable they are with themselves. Do you research here and talk to real people about their lives.

8. Give your character a past with a family tree, traditions, beloved family members and childhood objects.

9. Give your character something they keep to themselves for reason of shame or grief that is too private to share.

Your goal is to make an unique, memorable character that the reader will care about. These nine exercises using just one character so you can experience them in different scenes will help you as the writer make them unique and breathing.

One of my favorite characters is Sherlock Holmes.

1. What makes him memorable to me?

His eagerness to take up the next challenge, his eagle-eyed view of the crime scene, and his ability to see the unnoticed.

2. What trait do I love?  He plays the violin to regain his control and think.

3. What trait shows his vulnerability? When he takes off on Watson and is found in an opium den. You have to figure that Holmes has seen so much death and despair, even though his mind is constantly working on the next clue, it must hurt him emotionally.

If you are trying out the exercises, please, let me know how you do.  Also if you are  struggling on some aspect of the writer’s craft, let me know and we’ll explore it together. Or if you have a humorous grandchild’s quote to share, I’d love to hear it.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, dreams, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, the romance of life, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire King of New York, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Writing Exercises, writing prompt, Writing Topics, Yule

Interview with author Joanne Guidoccio by Stacy Hoff

Today is Release Day for author Joanne Guidoccio’s A SEASON FOR KILLING BLONDES so I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce Joanne, and her brand new book. Glad I have the chance to participate in her new release’s blog tour!

Joanne, how did you get started in writing and when? What motivated you?

 In high school, I dreamed about writing the great Canadian novel. Instead, I listened to my practical Italian side and pursued a teaching career. I had no regrets but often wished I had the time and energy to pursue my creative interests.

Be careful what you wish for…

Five months before my fiftieth birthday, I received a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer, forcing me to reassess and re-evaluate my life. While undergoing treatments, I started reading cozy mysteries, devouring several books a week. Halfway through my “cancer” year, I came up with a storyline for my own cozy. I completed the book in two years and then let it sit for a while.

  Tell us about your genre and the books you like to write?

Right now, I’m alternating between cozy mysteries and paranormal romance. On the back burner, I have a collection of angel short stories and a memoir of my cancer experience. While it may sound like dabbling, there is one theme that connects all of my work – reinvention. And the protagonists are all boomer women. In short, I write boomer lit.

You have a regular blog. Tell me about your “Second Acts” articles.

Two months before the release of Between Land and Sea (my debut novel), I decided to start a “Second Acts” series on my blog. My original intention was to feature the reinvention stories of ten to twelve women and then turn my attention back to writing novels. Instead, I found myself researching and attracting more spectacular acts. To date, I have featured over ninety women from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States.

  Tell us a little about your own “second act.”

 I laid the foundation for my “second act” during my “cancer” year. When I retired three years later, I experimented with different activities and then decided to devote my second act to writing. At first, I focused on nonfiction and watched with delight as my articles and book reviews started appearing in newspapers, magazines, and online. In 2012, I decided to revamp A Season for Killing Blondes and while shopping the manuscript, I was inspired to write Between Land and Sea.

Ultimate goal: Write and publish at least one book a year.

  Any new projects in the works?

 In August, Soul Mate Publishing will release The Coming of Arabella, Book 2 of the Mediterranean trilogy. I have two WIPs in various stages of completion – Book 3 of the Mediterranean trilogy and Book 2 of the Gilda Greco Mystery series.

  Blurb for A SEASON FOR KILLING BLONDES

 Hours before the opening of her career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the dead body of golden girl Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside her office. Gilda’s life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high school crush, conducts the investigation.

When three more dead blondes turn up all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives, Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends.

As the puzzle pieces fall into place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and deceit she has long overlooked.

LINKS

Trailer

https://youtu.be/QURgFbybQVw

Buy Links

Amazon (Canada) – http://is.gd/t0g1KZ

Amazon (United States) – http://is.gd/jADjPp

Amazon (United Kingdom) – http://is.gd/8mknFJ

Amazon (Australia) – http://is.gd/r843iX

Kobo – http://is.gd/BpO9gY

Rafflecopter

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/628069201/?

Joanne Guidoccio’s Bio

 In high school, Joanne dabbled in poetry, but it would be over three decades before she entertained the idea of writing as a career. She listened to her practical Italian side and earned degrees in mathematics and education. She experienced many fulfilling moments as she watched her students develop an appreciation (and sometimes, love) of mathematics. Later, she obtained a post-graduate diploma as a career development practitioner and put that skill set to use in the co-operative education classroom. She welcomed this opportunity to help her students experience personal growth and acquire career direction through their placements.

In 2008, she took advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes paranormal romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.

Where to find Joanne…

 Website:   http://joanneguidoccio.com/

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio

Pinterest:   http://pinterest.com/jguidoccio/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio

 

LINKS FOR STACY HOFF

 

Find Stacy on Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com https://www.pinterest.com/authorstacyhoff/

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE: http://www.amazon.com/Season-Love-Box-Merry-Holly-ebook/dp/B00X3ZAR3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431122019&sr=8-1&keywords=Season+of+love+-+stacy+hoff

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS: http://www.amazon.com/Lawfully-Yours-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00U7U2WCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425508177&sr=8-2&keywords=book+-+lawfully+yours

 

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES: http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

Filed under: Author Interviews, Mystery, romance, Stacy Hoff

New Kid on the Blog by Heather Novak

Hello Friends!

My name is Heather Novak and I’m so thrilled and honored to be the newest blogger on Nights of Passion! I’m an indie author who is trying to be a hybrid (traditional and indie print). I’m halfway there. I just released book one in my New Adult series, featured in Falling Hard (A New Adult Anthology).  Contributing writer Stacy Hoff gave me one heck of an interview on my new book and my life with RWA. Make sure to check it out later this month!

Here are some fun facts about me –

I love writing and reading romance! My stories always feature strong heroines and bold subject lines saturated in dark humor. Don’t worry – I PROMISE happy endings. Life’s too short for sad endings! (Nicholas Sparks is banned from the house by my Prince Charming.)

Yes, I have a Prince Charming. He really hates that nickname because it’s “so uncreative.” So clearly, that’s what I call him. I remind him that it’s better than Prince Eric – seriously people, Ariel had red hair. How could he not figure it out?!

I had purple hair before it was cool. When my gray glitter hair started coming in several years ago, my amazing hair-apist introduced me to purple hair stain. I’ve never looked back!

I’m allergic/intolerant to most delicious things (bread, mustard, ribs…) I can’t have anything from a cow – that’s right, no cheese, butter, milk, ice cream, beef, nothing. I miss cheese. They make pretty decent fake ice cream, so I’ll happily pig out on that.

This container says 4 servings…                     CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

I love tacos. Like, I love tacos more than I love most people. My four major food groups are tacos, waffles, vegan ice cream, and peanut butter.

Mmmm…peanut butter….

I once wrote a song about peanut butter and posted it on Twitter. Smuckers contacted me and sent me a free jar, pretty much reinforcing my obsession. We also need to take a moment and talk about the amazingness of vegan chocolate peanut butter. I eat it out of the jar. It’s a sickness.

Sometimes, one must sit on the floor of their cubicle and eat peanut butter out of the jar. (Hair pulled back and no make up? Clearly a Monday.)

Yes, I’m the person who makes up weird songs about everything. You should see my The Voice audition…

I have an unhealthy obsession with The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I have the book, the DVD, and my YouTube channel ready to play an episode (or 12) at any given moment.

I’ve seen the 2005 Pride and Prejudice literally no less than 600 times. I’ve had to replace the DVD. I’m not using the word “literally” to mean “figuratively” like the dictionary now deems “acceptable.” Oh no. I used to play the movie before I went to sleep almost every night for two years while living across the country from my Prince Charming. Do the math (cause, really, I don’t do math).

I can’t spell. It’s bad. If you’re in my house while I’m writing, you will hear me yell questions on how to spell something because not even spellcheck can help me.

When I went to my little brother’s graduation at Louisiana State (where Pitch Perfect was filmed), we recreated scenes. Not weird…right? RIGHT?!

I have a massive girl crush on (Pitch Perfect). I Twitter stalk her like a 15 year old girl checking up on her older I’m-crazy-about-you-because-my-parents-don’t-like-you boyfriend. True. Story.

I’m pretty sure I could not live without Amazon Prime.

I love country music and still listen to Hanson (Yes they’re still a thing). Don’t judge.

I was on the radio for almost a decade, co-hosting a show that played music from the 1920’s to 1950’s, and I grew up in a theatre. I forget people my age have never heard of Glenn Miller or seen a silent film.

I have nightmares about dinosaurs. I don’t watch Jurassic Park, I won’t go to the theme park, I won’t read the book, nothing. Keep your dinosaurs.

My goal each week is to make you laugh, think, and smile! A huge thank you to Nights of Passion for inviting me to share the strange ramblings of my mind with you all.

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,

Heather Novak

Bold. Bewitching. Breathtaking. 

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Website: Heathernovak.net

Author of Hunting Witch Hazel featured in Falling Hard (A New Adult Anthology).  

Hunting Witch Hazel Trailer

Available Now!

Amazon U.S.

http://amzn.to/1G0aCoQ

iBooks

http://apple.co/1Fb1Nrp

Amazon UK

http://amzn.to/1bKvOmc

Kobo

http://bitly.com/1GjXN90

 

Filed under: Emotions, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, RWA, Social Media, Writer's Life

What Do You See?

This past week I went to a leadership symposium meant to motivate and perhaps inspire action and to some degree, I do believe it has done that, at least in my case. But what I really wanted to bring up today was how it also changed my viewpoint beyond leadership. As part of one “module” our facilitators shared a quote said by Vikram Dewan about his experience as CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo. His quote says (and I may be paraphrasing):

When you change the way you see the world, you can change the world you see.

Vikram Dewan lived these words and out of that came the Philadephia Zoo’s 360. I highly recommend  you check it out on their website as the idea is pretty amazing. Even more, the more I thought about the quote, all I could say was “wow!” It is so simple but so meaningful in my mind. Our session instructors went on to talk about defining ourselves by our potential versus our constraints, creating an environment that rewards motivation and effort and nurturing that growth mindset that opens us up to risk, pushing the envelope and hopefully taking the route of more innovative ideas and experiences. It’s moments and words like these that truly make me love the power within words and their meanings.

As a writer, we often tend to confine ourselves by the constraints of others whether they be agents, publishers, the industry of readers. What’s interesting is that despite the fact that these constraints come from various sources, they are still constraints we tend to place on ourselves. Most of the time, a reader or a publisher just asks for a good book or more of a certain type of genre. Sometimes we are a fit for that request, but sometimes we aren’t. Moral of today’s blog? Write what is in you to write. It will find its purpose and you can then think of the possibilities versus the constraints or even the guidelines.

Happy writing this week and have fun with it!

Filed under: A writer's life, Toni Kelly

This Week In Reading by Mandy Rosko

So, lately, I’ve been getting requests to do reviews on Goodreads, which has been really humbling and ego stroking for me since my reviews get posted to Amazon and Goodreads, and not to my Blog or anything (Which I really need to update). I’ve got a couple of books to get to, and am part way through one of them before I get to the others. After Dallas, my huge TBR pile got even bigger, so it’s taken me a while to get to them. Thankfully, the authors were made aware of this before I took on their books.

This is interesting to me. It was like I got these requests out of nowhere, or it could’ve been the jump in books I’ve been reading and reviewing this year, which is a jump compared to last year when I went through a weird phase where I bought a ton of books and read very few of them, because I was also buying a ton of videogames, and playing a bunch of them in addition to the writing I was doing.

I’m not going to be naming these books or their authors here, not unless I can give them 4 or 5 stars, and also because I’m pretty sure that these books are not romance themed, though there might be some romantic elements in them. I noticed that I like to read the sort of books that I don’t have an easy time writing, and it seems some people took notice of that and sent me some cool Sci-fi and Dystopian ebooks to read :)

Anyway, I was curious if this has happened to anyone else? When I write a review, I do it because I want to help out the author, especially if they happened to give me a free book. It seems only fair that I pay them with a review, and though I’ve got a set of rules for how I’ll be reviewing these, I’m also aware that I need to be careful since I’m an author and I don’t want to be stomping all over someone else’s work. I think I have a good way to do these reviews, however. Another author I know does this, and it seems to work out well for her, so I’ll give it a try, though for now, I won’t mention what it is.

Are any of you readers out there also writers? What do you do when requested to read a book for a review? Do you review books? Or do you feel you can’t since you don’t want to judge someone else’s work while still practicing your own craft? I’m very curious to know :)

Cheers until next week,

~Mandy

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Elves know things happen in their own time. Things you were expecting may be delayed. Only patience will work, so find sometime else to do while you wait.

Taurus:

Faeries find that sometimes romance looking promising and then doesn’t pan out. Timing is every thing in these matters. It’s just not time.

Gemini:

When dragons are confronted by problems, they work through one at a time. A friend may need a sympathetic ear.  Be ready for the unexpected.

Cancer:

Vampires understand that when too many stresses come their way, they build in extra time to relax and rest.  Change is coming and you have a lot on your plate.

Leo:

Werewolves are careful investors. Investigate a new opportunity coming your way.

Virgo:

Shapeshifters enjoy activity, but you may have overextended yourself. Choose the ones you want to do most and build in some downtime to relax with friends.

Libra:

Pixies are terrible gossips. Don’t believe everything you hear.

Scorpio:

Mermaid love a good celebration. Good news is coming your way. Share your news with those close.

Sagittarius:

Gnomes don’t like problems. Don’t let frustration sap your energy and muddle your thoughts. Exercise to think clearly before reacting.

Capricorn:

Hobbits love creations. Your creative talent is at an all time high. Enjoy the flow.

Aquarius:

Goblins are meticulous with money. It’s time to review your accounts.

Pisces:

Mermaids know that storms crop up at anytime. Unexpected problems will crop up.  You’ll get through it. Recoup with family or friends.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

Red Letter Week

THIS past week and next week will be my best red letter weeks in a long time.

On last Wednesday, June 3rd, I released Beloveds, Book 4 in my Time Enough to Love medieval series. It’s an erotic novella, hot and steamy mixed with lots of sensual romance as well. It’s now available at Amazon and free via Kindle Unlimited.

Passion never dies.

Lady Alyse Braedon frets over her renewed passion for Sir Geoffrey Longford, her first love. They have pledged their hearts to one another, despite the fact that both are recently widowed. Alyse worries that she has not properly mourned Thomas and cannot think herself as true wife to Geoffrey until she puts her feelings for her first husband to rest.

And then Thomas unaccountably appears in her bedroom. She is stunned and confused. When he begins to make love to her, however, she joyfully surrenders herself to his familiar caresses and expert ministrations…until Geoffrey arrives.

Faced with the dilemma of wanting two lovers, Alyse simply cannot choose–until  Thomas suggests she doesn’t have to. Instead he and Geoffrey will share her. The scandalous proposition awakens new hungers within her. Can she allow herself to abandon all she’s been taught a proper woman should resist, and find pleasure with both her beloveds?

THIS coming Tuesday, my second House of Pleasure Georgian/Regency romance, Only Marriage Will Do, releases on Amazon and other e-tailers. It’s a full length novel, set in Georgian London and northern England. Here’s the pre-order link to have it delivered first thing Tuesday morning!

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the hero of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the man claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero, Captain Amiable Dawson, to escort her to her family estate, hoping that along the way she can win his love.

Amiable is charmed by the sweet, beautiful woman he rescued, and although he has grave reservations about her marital status, he allows himself to be swept up into Juliet’s romantic spell and the promise of a happy-ever-after.

The spell breaks when legal questions arise and Juliet faces the horror of not knowing if she is married to her knight in shining armor or the cruel viscount who is determined to have her at any price.

AND just to round out my news: last week Only Scandal Will Do, the first book in The House of Pleasure Series, was on sale and hit #17 in Amazon’s paid category, #1 in Kindle Regency and Books Regency, and #5 in Historical Fiction.

It’s been a grand week for me! How about you?

Filed under: Jenna Jaxon, Publications