Cate Masters's Blog, page 31
February 15, 2014
Cover Reveal: Silk and Scorn by Cassandra Dean
Congrats to Cassandra Dean on her upcoming release of Silk and Scorn! I'm excited to be part of this cover reveal. Gorgeous, isn't it?
No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him.
His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to.
Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?
The Silk Series, Book 2 Early Victorian Sweet Romance Coming 19 February 2014 Decadent Publishing
Excerpt
15 February, 1847. Mrs. Wetherall.
He stared down at the name. There was something familiar about it, but he could not recall what it might be. He shrugged. She was soon to appear, and any familiarity would be quickly established. At that, the door opened and a woman who could only be Mrs. Wetherall swept in, an obscenely large hat obscuring most of her face. A gown of uncommon simplicity clothed her person, but for all the garment was simple, it was obviously well made, which suggested wealth.
Ah, well, no matter if he knew her name or not. A wealthy client was always welcome.
Dunn trailed behind her, his expression as eager as ever. “Mrs. Wetherall, sir.”
Arthur inclined his head. “Thank you. That will be all.”
“Right you are, sir.” The clerk bobbed his head and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.
Arthur turned his regard to the woman. Currently she studied his qualifications, hung on the wall along with the framed pictures his mother had given him for his birthday every year since he’d become a solicitor. “Mrs. Wetherall, good afternoon. Please, seat yourself.”
Her shoulders straightened infinitesimally but she didn’t respond, instead continuing to regard the wall.
Irritation tugged, but he suppressed it. Emotion would get him nowhere. “Mrs. Wetherall?”
With a sweep of her skirts, the lady and her hat settled into the chair before his desk.
Frowning, he sank to his own seat. That enormous hat was absurd, still disguising her face. Why did women think such things were attractive? In addition to being ludicrous, it no doubt put undue pressure upon her neck.
Lacing her hands in her lap, the lady finally spoke. “I find I require the services of a solicitor in regards to my late husband’s will.”
The hair at the back of his neck stood up. No. Oh, Christ, no.
The hat tilted, exposing her face. Every muscle in Arthur’s body seized.
Mrs. Wetherall, formerly Miss Sarah Stanhope and the bane of his childhood, glared at him from beneath her ridiculous hat.
======================================
About Cassandra
Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.
Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.
So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.
The love affair exists to this very day.
Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
You can find Cassandra at:
CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook~ Twitter Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com
GIVEAWAY a Rafflecopter giveaway
No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him.
His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to.
Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?
The Silk Series, Book 2 Early Victorian Sweet Romance Coming 19 February 2014 Decadent Publishing
Excerpt
15 February, 1847. Mrs. Wetherall.
He stared down at the name. There was something familiar about it, but he could not recall what it might be. He shrugged. She was soon to appear, and any familiarity would be quickly established. At that, the door opened and a woman who could only be Mrs. Wetherall swept in, an obscenely large hat obscuring most of her face. A gown of uncommon simplicity clothed her person, but for all the garment was simple, it was obviously well made, which suggested wealth.
Ah, well, no matter if he knew her name or not. A wealthy client was always welcome.
Dunn trailed behind her, his expression as eager as ever. “Mrs. Wetherall, sir.”
Arthur inclined his head. “Thank you. That will be all.”
“Right you are, sir.” The clerk bobbed his head and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.
Arthur turned his regard to the woman. Currently she studied his qualifications, hung on the wall along with the framed pictures his mother had given him for his birthday every year since he’d become a solicitor. “Mrs. Wetherall, good afternoon. Please, seat yourself.”
Her shoulders straightened infinitesimally but she didn’t respond, instead continuing to regard the wall.
Irritation tugged, but he suppressed it. Emotion would get him nowhere. “Mrs. Wetherall?”
With a sweep of her skirts, the lady and her hat settled into the chair before his desk.
Frowning, he sank to his own seat. That enormous hat was absurd, still disguising her face. Why did women think such things were attractive? In addition to being ludicrous, it no doubt put undue pressure upon her neck.
Lacing her hands in her lap, the lady finally spoke. “I find I require the services of a solicitor in regards to my late husband’s will.”
The hair at the back of his neck stood up. No. Oh, Christ, no.
The hat tilted, exposing her face. Every muscle in Arthur’s body seized.
Mrs. Wetherall, formerly Miss Sarah Stanhope and the bane of his childhood, glared at him from beneath her ridiculous hat.
======================================
About Cassandra 
Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.
So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.
The love affair exists to this very day.
Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
You can find Cassandra at:
CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook~ Twitter Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com
GIVEAWAY a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 10, 2014
Blue Moon blog tour starts today!
I'm excited for the launch of the Blue Moon Over Bliss Lake blog tour today! I hope you'll follow along, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!
Thanks to Literary Nook for arranging the tour, and to these hosts and reviewers:
February 10Musings of a Writing Reader – Guest post, promo and excerptButton the Push Books and Giveaways – Promo and excerptFebruary 11JM Stewart--Contemporary Romance Author – Guest post, promo and excerptHarlie’s Books – Review, promo and excerptLusty Penguin Reviews – Guest post, promo and excerptFebruary 123 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Promo and excerptFor the Love of Bookends – Review and promoFebruary 13Rachel Brimble Romance – Author InterviewDawn’s Reading Nook – Promo and excerptFebruary 14Literary Nook – Review, author interview and excerptFebruary 17Ramblings of a Book Lunatic – Review, promo and excerptWords of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess – Author interview and promoDanita Minnis – Guest post
February 7, 2014
Fire and Ice! - Winner!
LeanneCongrats and happy reading!
The Fire and Ice blog hop has begun! When I last checked, 37 other authors had signed up to participate. That means 38 sites with great giveaways! No worries - you have from today through Feb 15 to check out all the tempting offerings. You can find the full list here.Thanks to the ladies at Rainy Day Ramblings, Candace's Book Blog, My Guilty Obsession and The Nocturnal Library blogs for putting this all together. Just for you!
My giveaway
Decadent Publishing released my contemporary novella, A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe, last month. It's a sensual romance sure to melt your heart! I'm giving away an ebook.
How to enter
Leave a comment on this post describing what you love - or hate - about weddings! Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win.
Keep hopping!
1. Rainy Day Ramblings (Int)
2. The Nocturnal Library (Int)
3. Candace's Book Blog (Int)
4. Ali@My Guilty Obsession (Int)
5. Cherry Mischievous (Int)
6. LAURA @ MUSIC PLUS BOOKS (INT)
7. Joyousreads (INT)
8. Jenny @ Supernatural Snark (Int)
9. Ginny @ Gin's Book Notes
10. Christy @ Love of Books
11. Reading Reality
12. Adelynne
13. Buried in Books (INT)
14. Living a Goddess Life (US)
15. Alicia @ Addicted Reades (Int)
16. Beth @ Curling Up With A Good Book
17. Donna Augustine's Blog (INT)
18. Cyn @ Bookmunchies (INT)
19. Anna Simpson
20. Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings (INT)
21. Jennifer @ Some Like It Paranormal
22. Aman @ Enticed by Books
23. Mary @ BookSwarm
24. Cindi @ Mommasez...
25. Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
26. Danielle @ Coffee and Characters (INT)
27. MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT)
28. Veronica @ Mostly Reviews (Int)
29. Michelle @ Book Briefs
30. Jennifer @ bookaholics
31. Terrie L Fulk
32. Savings in Seconds(US)
33. Ashley@Chronicles
34. Cate Masters
35. Choc-o-Lit Chick
36. Jennifer Lane
37. Ophelia London
38. BIBLIOPHILE MYSTERY (INT)
Fire and Ice!
The Fire and Ice blog hop has begun! When I last checked, 37 other authors had signed up to participate. That means 38 sites with great giveaways! No worries - you have from today through Feb 15 to check out all the tempting offerings. You can find the full list here.Thanks to the ladies at Rainy Day Ramblings, Candace's Book Blog, My Guilty Obsession and The Nocturnal Library blogs for putting this all together. Just for you!
My giveaway
Decadent Publishing released my contemporary novella, A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe, last month. It's a sensual romance sure to melt your heart! I'm giving away an ebook.
How to enter
Leave a comment on this post describing what you love - or hate - about weddings! Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win.
Keep hopping!
1. Rainy Day Ramblings (Int)
2. The Nocturnal Library (Int)
3. Candace's Book Blog (Int)
4. Ali@My Guilty Obsession (Int)
5. Cherry Mischievous (Int)
6. LAURA @ MUSIC PLUS BOOKS (INT)
7. Joyousreads (INT)
8. Jenny @ Supernatural Snark (Int)
9. Ginny @ Gin's Book Notes
10. Christy @ Love of Books
11. Reading Reality
12. Adelynne
13. Buried in Books (INT)
14. Living a Goddess Life (US)
15. Alicia @ Addicted Reades (Int)
16. Beth @ Curling Up With A Good Book
17. Donna Augustine's Blog (INT)
18. Cyn @ Bookmunchies (INT)
19. Anna Simpson
20. Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings (INT)
21. Jennifer @ Some Like It Paranormal
22. Aman @ Enticed by Books
23. Mary @ BookSwarm
24. Cindi @ Mommasez...
25. Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
26. Danielle @ Coffee and Characters (INT)
27. MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT)
28. Veronica @ Mostly Reviews (Int)
29. Michelle @ Book Briefs
30. Jennifer @ bookaholics
31. Terrie L Fulk
32. Savings in Seconds(US)
33. Ashley@Chronicles
34. Cate Masters
35. Choc-o-Lit Chick
36. Jennifer Lane
37. Ophelia London
38. BIBLIOPHILE MYSTERY (INT)
February 6, 2014
Excited for the Winter Olympics!
I love watching the Olympics, especially the winter games, though I'm not crazy about the venue this year and pray for everyone's safety.Nevertheless, the athletes are incredible, accomplishing feats most of us can hardly imagine doing.
Writing is a bit like going for the gold as well. Visit me at the Daily Dose of Decadence to find out how.
I'm also over at Awesome Gang for an interview. They have a great setup - you can submit your answers, and they'll post it a few days after they review it. You should check it out!
And this weekend...
The Fire and Ice blog hop starts Saturday!
Weather permitting, I'll be part of a 14-author signing at Ashcombe's, an early celebration of Valentine's Day with a very cool gift basket put together by the authors, a gift card from Ashcombe's and individual offerings from participants. If you live in central Pennsylvania, come on out! You'll be glad you did.
Find the complete list of participating authors here.
Find directions here.
Hope to see you there!
February 3, 2014
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Now that I planted that Bowie ear worm...
I've been making some changes, removing books that I've self-pubbed. For one of two reasons: 1) I felt they were sub-standard and if readers are going to pick up my work, I want it to represent me in the best way. I have a lot of wonderful stories, and want readers to love them as much as I do.
2.) I'm revising to sub around. Also for one of two reasons: a) An editor's touch would help polish it up to the best it can be, and b) Amazon's ridiculous new policy of excluding authors who don't select their KDP Select option, in which readers can only find the book through Amazon, from making 70% profit on their books as opposed to 30%. I can make more money with an actual publisher.
I'm happy to announce that Musa Publishing accepted my futuristic fairy tale story, Meilin and the Challenger (formerly The 12 Dancing, Zombie-Killing Princesses). I signed the contract on Friday and am really looking forward to working with them.
The Magic of Lavender, book one of The Goddess Connection series, is no longer available either. I'm revising it to sub to another publisher. Since I began writing the third Goddess Connection story, I wanted all of them to be available to a wider readership. I hope to have good news in the next few months about that.
A few more stories may follow in that direction. I want to weigh the options carefully about how much time to put in. I don't want to spend too much time recycling stories that are already out there. I have so many other stories in my head clamoring to get out first.
I'm not going to get caught up in a loop of endless rewrites and re-releases. It will only exhaust me and readers too. But sometimes it's worth going back for another round of revisions, especially if it will help new readers find the story.
Another busy month!
The Fire and Ice blog hop starts Feb 8 and runs through the 15th! Lots of goodies and giveaways up for grabs, so I hope you'll hop along. Check out the list of participants here.
The blog tour for my contemporary holiday story, Blue Moon Over Bliss Lake, will run from Feb. 10 - 21st, with a tourwide giveaway. I hope you'll follow along and enter! Thanks to Literary Nook for arranging a wonderful tour!
I've been making some changes, removing books that I've self-pubbed. For one of two reasons: 1) I felt they were sub-standard and if readers are going to pick up my work, I want it to represent me in the best way. I have a lot of wonderful stories, and want readers to love them as much as I do.
2.) I'm revising to sub around. Also for one of two reasons: a) An editor's touch would help polish it up to the best it can be, and b) Amazon's ridiculous new policy of excluding authors who don't select their KDP Select option, in which readers can only find the book through Amazon, from making 70% profit on their books as opposed to 30%. I can make more money with an actual publisher.
I'm happy to announce that Musa Publishing accepted my futuristic fairy tale story, Meilin and the Challenger (formerly The 12 Dancing, Zombie-Killing Princesses). I signed the contract on Friday and am really looking forward to working with them.The Magic of Lavender, book one of The Goddess Connection series, is no longer available either. I'm revising it to sub to another publisher. Since I began writing the third Goddess Connection story, I wanted all of them to be available to a wider readership. I hope to have good news in the next few months about that.
A few more stories may follow in that direction. I want to weigh the options carefully about how much time to put in. I don't want to spend too much time recycling stories that are already out there. I have so many other stories in my head clamoring to get out first.
I'm not going to get caught up in a loop of endless rewrites and re-releases. It will only exhaust me and readers too. But sometimes it's worth going back for another round of revisions, especially if it will help new readers find the story.
Another busy month!The Fire and Ice blog hop starts Feb 8 and runs through the 15th! Lots of goodies and giveaways up for grabs, so I hope you'll hop along. Check out the list of participants here.
The blog tour for my contemporary holiday story, Blue Moon Over Bliss Lake, will run from Feb. 10 - 21st, with a tourwide giveaway. I hope you'll follow along and enter! Thanks to Literary Nook for arranging a wonderful tour!
February 1, 2014
I'm part of the Crazy Cupid Giveaway!
All Romance is celebrating Valentine's Day throughout February by giving away tons of prizes!
If you enter, you might win one of three copies of my contemporary, A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe.What are you waiting for? Go on over and join the party! Find details here.
January 30, 2014
January release celebration
Decadent Publishing's throwing a party for its January releases on Facebook tonight! I had two this month - A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe and The Ex Factor. Woot!I hope you'll join us tonight for a fun chat and, as always, giveaways. It starts at 9:00 p.m. EST on the Decadent FB book club. Hope to see you there!
January 28, 2014
New release! The Marine's Heiress by Susan Kelley
Congrats to Susan Kelley on the release of The Marine's Heiress, followup to her bestselling The Marine's Queen!A Recon Marine set on vengeance finds duty honor and love instead, but it may be too late to stop the explosion of violence he set in motion.
Susan also writes wonderful epic fantasy under the name Susan Gourley - check out her blog at http://susangourley.blogspot.com/ Her Futhark Chronicles are excellent reads.
Wishing you many sales, Susan!
January 26, 2014
Cover reveal: Complete Me by Catherine Peace
Congrats to Cate Peace on her upcoming March release of Complete Me, her contemporary Decadent 1NS! You're lucky enough to get a glimpse at the amazing cover, and read the (unofficial) blurb:
Out of the dating game for five years, best-selling romance author Claire Ergleston is convinced that writing out the romances she’s always wanted is a lot safer than trying in real life. Then she receives the news that she’s been signed up for a 1Night Stand date “to give her something to talk about in interviews.” Nothing worse than a romance author with no romance to pick apart.
Former rock star Ty Krause has let his past rule him for almost a decade. Unable to let the former love of his life go for good, he spends his days writing passable songs for a British boy band and his nights wishing he had the balls to say goodbye. In a last ditch effort, he signs up for 1Night Stand, thinking that a night of no-strings-attached sex will help him cut the other strings holding him back.
When the two meet, their instant attraction and connection muddy the waters a little too much. Will past hurts hold them back from each other, or will they be able to move forward and live out their dreams together?
Help Cate celebrate with a comment! Share the cover love. :)
Visit Cate on her blogs:
Going from Nobody to Somebody
The Pen Punks
Out of the dating game for five years, best-selling romance author Claire Ergleston is convinced that writing out the romances she’s always wanted is a lot safer than trying in real life. Then she receives the news that she’s been signed up for a 1Night Stand date “to give her something to talk about in interviews.” Nothing worse than a romance author with no romance to pick apart. Former rock star Ty Krause has let his past rule him for almost a decade. Unable to let the former love of his life go for good, he spends his days writing passable songs for a British boy band and his nights wishing he had the balls to say goodbye. In a last ditch effort, he signs up for 1Night Stand, thinking that a night of no-strings-attached sex will help him cut the other strings holding him back.
When the two meet, their instant attraction and connection muddy the waters a little too much. Will past hurts hold them back from each other, or will they be able to move forward and live out their dreams together?
Help Cate celebrate with a comment! Share the cover love. :)
Visit Cate on her blogs:
Going from Nobody to Somebody
The Pen Punks
