Cate Masters's Blog, page 11

Goddess, Spellbound is in print!

Woo hoo! It's finally here! The print version of Goddess, Spellbound arrived. I could have kissed the UPS man. :)

And it looks pretty good! I'm not completely sold on the matte finish cover, though. Have you ever bought a book with a matte cover? I think I'll change it to glossy, if only to protect it from smudging.

Doesn't the Chairman look happy? lol  Shh, he thinks that's *him* on the cover. Next, he'll want us to start worshiping him like the ancient Egyptians worshiped cats.


So if you'd like to order a copy, it's on Amazon now. :)

And now I can't wait to get my proof copy for Goddess, Inflamed!

Busy, busy, busy!

I'm really excited about some events coming up this fall. First is York Book Expo on Oct. 17 in York, Pa. Sounds like a fairly large event, and should be lots of fun.

I'm also working out deets for an event in Harrisburg at Books A Million with two other authors. Nothing's finalized yet, but I'll let you know. :)

To get ready for York Book Expo, I set up a print version of Goddess, Spellbound in Create Space. The proof is supposed to arrive by next Friday. I can't wait to hold it in my hot little hands! And make sure it's as perfect as can be, of course.

Next up for Create Space is Goddess, Inflamed. Then I'll have all three Goddess Connection books in print! Woot!

I was going to set up Death Is A Bitch, too, as it's now almost 50k after the rewrite. But I noticed a publisher who considers previously published stories, and took a chance on subbing it. Fingers crossed!

I also subbed two other novellas, so now have three submissions out, and the waiting begins. Both guidelines say 12-16 weeks, so it will be awhile.

Which is fine, because I went back to another story I'd started. Actually, I'd written 50k but still had a long way to go. I'm finding it a bit difficult to get back into the main character's head. She has a unique voice, which is typical for a feisty warrior heroine. I'm really excited about this story and want to stick with it to the end without pausing again. Stay in the flow and write!

So how's your summer going? Are you busy or spending some lazy days in the sun?

Do You Want Me by Nancy Fraser

Do You Want Me
by Nancy Fraser



Decorated war hero Reece Michaels agrees to go undercover in order to bring down the Irish Mob. In return, the civilian life he’s coveted for the past six years will be returned to him.
Hired by mob boss Sean O’Malley to protect his youngest son, Reece soon discovers the young man needs more protection from his own family than its enemies.
What Reece doesn’t count on is his instant attraction to the police chief’s beautiful and willing daughter. Abby Mackenzie is the younger sister of a woman with whom Reece once had a torrid affair. He’s determined to not give in to Abby’s come-hither ways. After all, one Mackenzie woman was more than enough.

Buy Links
Decadent PublishingAmazoniTunes


Author Bio Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.
Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. Nancy is currently working on a Valentine’s story for 2016, her next Rock and Roll novella, the third McCade Legacy book and a second fairy tale for Decadent Publishing.
When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.
Media Links Website: www.nancyfraser.caBlog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor  @nfraserauthor Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthorGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser


Excerpt
Reece sat at the end of the long, mahogany bar nursing two fingers of Scotch.
“The boss is finishing up with some family business,” the bartender told him.
“Thanks, Eddie. I’m in no hurry.” He tossed back another mouthful of the hot, amber liquid and turned on the wooden stool to survey the room. Besides Eddie, the middle-aged bartender, three other ‘associates’ of O’Malley’s camped out in different corners of the half-empty bar. Obviously, O’Malley’s wealth was not dependent on his drinking clientele.
The door to the back office opened and a young woman stepped over the threshold. She looked vaguely familiar. As discreetly as he could manage, given the lack of a crowd, he studied her face. She smiled at him and then walked slowly in his direction. The gentle sway of her slim hips drew his attention like a magnet.
“Reece Michaels?” Her voice, a husky mix of warm honey and expensive whiskey, literally melted over his name. “Is it really you?”
“Uh….”
She laughed softly and tossed her head, her auburn curls swishing from side to side, dusting her silk-clad shoulders. When she met his gaze, her amber eyes widened. “Abby. Abby Mackenzie. You know my sister Lily and, as an unwelcome result, my dad.”
The breath he’d held came out on a whoosh. “My, my, haven’t you grown up? And quite nicely, I might add.”
“And you look like crap.”
Laughter bubbled up in his chest, but he tamped it down. “Thanks, I think.”
She made a show of waving her hand in a circle in front of his face. “What’s with the scraggly beard and God-awful slicked-back hair? If I remember correctly, and I’m sure I do, you used to be good-looking, in a clean-cut sort of way.”
“And you used to have freckles and braces. We all change.”
He braced himself for another verbal attack on his appearance. Yet, she stopped short when the door to O’Malley’s office opened and both Jason and his younger brother, Billy, stepped back into the bar.


Billy was exactly as Reece remembered him. Shorter and slighter of build than his older brother, he looked as if a good gust of wind would knock him down. His hair, blond rather than the O’Malley red, framed an unsmiling, pensive face.
With a rough nudge, Jason shoved Billy until he stood beside the bar where Reece and Abby were waiting.
“This is Reece Michaels. He’s the new guy Pops was telling you about,” Jason said, nodding in Reece’s direction. “Reece, you remember my baby brother, Billy, don’t you? Pops wants you to be his new bodyguard.”
Billy O’Malley’s look of anger at being called a ‘baby’ was probably no more comical than the look of surprise on his own face. Bodyguard to a spoiled rich kid was not what he’d had in mind when he’d asked O’Malley for a job.

Fun Book Fact

Like The Devil’s Sooty Brother, the Grimm fairy tale on which the book is based, Do You Want Me was written entirely in the hero’s point of view … even the absolutely decadent love scenes!

Holiday, unplugged

Today we leave for three days in the mountains. I can't wait! No fireworks, no parades, no Internet. Just a quiet 4th of July celebration with family.

If you celebrate, I hope you have a happy and safe holiday! If not, have a great weekend. :)


This is a shot of a grandboy running in the dark with a sparkler.

A Dangerous Affair in Venice - anthology of Cursed, Charmed, Claimed

He's lost everything... except her From beasty man, bitter and lonely, Bruno diCesare's transformed by Melina’s love. Fire destroyed his  quarters, and everything he loved. But his love for Melina is stronger. So strong, it threatens to blind him to danger. She's given up everything for him... Melina Weaver also transforms—from shy, bumbling scientist... to student of magic... to powerful fire mage.  She has no money, no job, nowhere to go--and she doesn't want to. Bruno is her life now, but his world threatens to destroy them. Their only hope? To join with the rogue magicks and overthrow the Council's dictatorship. If they survive the battle, will they be able to create a new world for themselves?



Available for just 99 cents from
Amazon
All Romance
Barnes and Noble



What reviewers are saying... Cursed was a shockingly beautiful love story – Indy Book Fairy
This book was awesome – The Jeep Diva
Cate Masters did a fantastic job of writing in this novella.  I was very impressed with how she was able to create such vivid and beautiful scenes – Bitten by Romance
"...a spellbinding tale of love, mystery, suspense and intrigue like no other.These books had me from the first chapter and I couldn't put them down. Paranormal romance has met its match with these books and the history that is wound within the story sets the tone for what the underside of Venice is for those of magical persuasion." – Sarah Says Read Romance
I really recommend this series. A bit of ole lore and set up in today's society really makes this story ( series) wonderful!! – Julie’s Books Reviews
ExcerptLight danced in his dark eyes. “I must admit, your fire dancing fascinated me. What made you choose such a dangerous skill to master?”“The thrill of the challenge, I suppose.” It balanced the rest of her mundane life, to a degree. Mastering each new level gave her a sense of achievement, where work couldn’t.Something flashed through his dark eyes. “Mistakes must be very painful.”“I practiced a long time before I worked up the nerve to actually light the wands. I found the fire great incentive to focus, however.” God, her grin must be goofy, the way he stared. Such gorgeous eyes, such a deep brown they almost appeared black. He probably had rugged features, if his large hands provided any indication. Too bad he wore gloves, another barrier between them.“Yes,” he said, “I imagine so.”“What about you? What other magic do you know?” Oh please, can you get any more ridiculous? It sounded like a line from a bad chick flick.The crinkle around his eyes was the only evidence of his smile, but enough to charm her.“Lifetimes of studying the dark arts have provided me with many tricks.”“Lifetimes?” she blurted.He stiffened in her arms. “Pardon?”She watched him carefully. “You said ‘lifetimes’. Plural.” And what the hell did he mean by ‘dark arts’?Rigidity masked the grace of his movements. “I’m sure you’re mistaken.” He stared over her head as they whirled to the song’s rhythm.Mistaken my ass. How very strange. More strange that the question upset him. He’d clammed up, and his muscles were so tense, she expected him to bolt. Better to drop it. For now. “Must have been a slip of the tongue.”“Yes.” Relief sounded in his tone, though guarded.This man had something to hide. How intriguing.

The anthology is live!

Woo hoo! The anthology ebook that brings together Cursed, Charmed and Claimed in one volume is now live! 

A Dangerous Affair in Venice is now up on Amazon

And on All Romance Ebooks

Still waiting for the Barnes and Noble link.

Here's the blurb for the trilogy:


He's lost everything... except herFrom beasty man, bitter and lonely, Bruno diCesare's transformed by Melina’s love. Fire destroyed his  quarters, and everything he loved. But his love for Melina is stronger. So strong, it threatens to blind him to danger.
She's given up everything for him...Melina Weaver also transforms—from shy, bumbling scientist... to student of magic... to powerful fire mage.  She has no money, no job, nowhere to go--and she doesn't want to. Bruno is her life now, but his world threatens to destroy them.Their only hope? To join with the rogue magicks and overthrow the Council's dictatorship.
If they survive the battle, will they be able to create a new world for themselves?
More friends to thank...
Thanks to Venus Cahill for featuring the anthology today!
And a very special thanks to Beckey White, who posted reviews for Cursed, Charmed and Claimed today! I'm always grateful for reviews, and Beckey had some lovely things to say, wrapping up with this: 
"Wow… Wow. Beautiful spellbinding ending that was creative and enjoyable for this series. If you enjoy historical paranormal sci-fi reads that is well written then this is one that I do have to say pick it up. You won't be disappointed"
 I get chills when a review says "Wow" :) So thanks for that too, Beckey!
One reminder...
I feel like I can't say this enough - this is not a new book, but a compilation of the three related novellas in The Vitruvian Man series (Cursed, Charmed and Claimed) put together in A Dangerous Affair in Venice.
I'd feel guilty if a reader picked it up thinking it was a brand new story. But for 99 cents, you can't go wrong ;)

One visit today

Thanks to Sara Daniels for featuring A Dangerous Affair in Venice today! You're a great friend. :)

I've been checking Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other sites for the listing, but nothing's popped up yet. I can't wait!

Visiting more friends today

I have the best friends! They're helping me share the good news that Cursed, Charmed and Claimed will be available this week in a box set called A Dangerous Affair in Venice. Only three more days!

Just to be more clear than I need to be, this trilogy was previously published by Decadent Publishing. Each is available separately for $2.99, so the .99 cent price is a great bargain. ;)

Thanks to Dena Garson for having me at her blog today.

And thanks to Landra Graf too. You guys rock!

Cursed, Charmed and Claimed available July 3 in a box set!

Woot! I've been sitting on this news for awhile.

Decadent Publishing will release my Vitruvian Man trilogy in a box set this week! *happy dance*

Thanks to Taryn Kincaid for having me at her blog today to share the great news.

I love this cover, too. It's stunning, don't you think? And evokes the magic and beauty of Venice beautifully.

I'll have more buy links as they pop up online. :)

The Mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker by Nancy Fraser

The Mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker In the Roaring Twenties… A former Hello Girl during WWI, widowed Ariel Pennybaker served her country proudly. She now carries on her late husband’s legacy…a home for the many returning, injured soldiers.
With her year of mourning nearly at an end, she’s had enough of her self-imposed celibacy. It’s time to get back in the game.
A chance meeting with a handsome WWI aviator has her imagining thoroughly naughty thoughts. When a second man walks into her life, her naughty thoughts turn downright decadent. What better way to fulfil her fantasies than by sharing both men’s beds.
As tempting as the idea is, Ariel has a huge secret, one she must protect at all costs. And, it’s possible one or both of her lovers is not what he seems.
Buy Links Amazon
Kobo
Google

Author Bio
Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.
Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. Nancy is currently working on a Valentine’s story for 2016, her next Rock and Roll novella, the third McCade Legacy book and a second fairy tale for Decadent Publishing.
When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

Website: www.nancyfraser.caBlog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor  @nfraserauthor Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthorGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser
Excerpt “Retired or not, I see you still possess that infamous flyboy charm.”
He shrugged, the lift of his shoulders drawing her attention to their width and the way he held himself.“Charming beautiful women was part of basic training,” he quipped. “Right up there with learning how to fly an airplane.”
His cheeky answer set her senses on alert. “I would think the flight instruction to be far more important than lessons on charm and seduction.”
“When you get right down to it, they’re very similar. It takes finesse to handle the throttle of a plane. You have to know exactly how much pressure to put on the stick, how to maneuver the knobs, and when to let the plane go on its own.”
The smooth tenor of his voice ratcheted her heart rate up yet another notch. “Really?” she said, her breath catching in her throat.
“There’s that one moment…when the plane is hanging there in the sky. You’ve given her all the encouragement she can take, urged her as far as she can go without breaking. Then, at just the right moment, she bursts forth with a second wind, lurches forward, and bounds unfettered across the bright blue sky.”
The sudden urge to fan herself had her clenching her hands into fists and pressing them to her sides. “It must be exciting…the flying, I mean.”
“As I said, not that different from seducing a woman. Both take a light touch at first—a gentle stroke until they’re primed. Followed by a more commanding hold, just before they reach the pinnacle of their endurance.”
A low groan escaped her throat, drawing his outright laugh.
“You make flying sound a lot like copulation, Major. Surely, when you were up in the air defeating our enemies, your attention was on something other than carnal activities.”
He leaned forward until his mouth hovered scant millimeters from her ear. His warm breath fanned over her cheek. “It’s all about a successful ending, Mrs. Pennybaker. Nothing prepares you for the climax of a good dogfight or the climax of a purely sexual encounter. They should both take your breath away.”

Fun Book FactNancy’s grandmother was the inspiration for this book. Of French nationality, she married a U.S. businessman and moved to Detroit Michigan. Prior to settling into motherhood, she worked for Michigan Bell and was recruited into the military during WWI as a “Hello Girl”. To the best of the author’s knowledge, she did NOT moonlight as a spy!