Cate Masters's Blog, page 4

Get your goddess on!

The Goddess Connection says: Every woman should be treated like a goddess. Now you can read Goddess, Awakened, the first in the series for just 99 cents! Hurry, the sale ends 10/2.





Goddess, AwakenedThe Goddess Connection, Book 1Fantasy/paranormal romance novelAbout 89,700 words Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Kensington
With a little help from a goddess, battling evil is a piece of cake for Jocelyn Gibson. A descendant of the goddess Iris, Jocelyn Gibson may have forgotten about the realm of magic, but it hasn’t forgotten her. When Eric Hendricks is targeted by a demon, Joss must step in to battle the evil and save the town’s awkward, but endearing, vet…who also happens to be the man she loves. Joss’s new inn, a culinary career specializing in cooking with lavender and a new love all make for a fine recipe of disaster. She needs to embrace her inner goddess and harness the powers she never knew she had before it’s too late.

Like a little mythology with your mysteries?

IF you do, you'll love Mae Clair's Point Pleasant Series. And you're in luck - you can grab the first in the series, A Thousand Yesteryears, for just 99 cents. But hurry - the sale ends Sept. 4.


I read book 2 and loved it! I snapped up my copy of the first book.

Mae says on her blog: 

A THOUSAND YESTERYEARS is the first novel in my Point Pleasant Series, but the story is complete (no cliff-hanger endings with the need to read further for closure). A blend of fact, fiction and creepy urban folklore, the novel plays off the legend of the Mothman and the true-life tragedy of the Silver Bridge collapse, a catastrophe that decimated the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
You’ll discover the” TNT,” an abandoned WWII munitions site, now part of a wildlife management area. Densely forested with steep hills, wetlands, ponds and tunnels, it’s a virtual labyrinth of secluded hiding places idea for a terrifying creature—or killer—to hide. The characters are everyday people facing extraordinary circumstances, including secrets, betrayal and murder.


 
Behind a legend lies the truth…
As a child, Eve Parrish lost her father and her best friend, Maggie Flynn, in a tragic bridge collapse. Fifteen years later, she returns to Point Pleasant to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. Though much has changed about the once thriving river community, the ghost of tragedy still weighs heavily on the town, as do rumors and sightings of the Mothman, a local legend. When Eve uncovers startling information about her aunt’s death, that legend is in danger of becoming all too real…
Caden Flynn is one of the few lucky survivors of the bridge collapse, but blames himself for coercing his younger sister out that night. He’s carried that guilt for fifteen years, unaware of darker currents haunting the town. It isn’t long before Eve’s arrival unravels an old secret—one that places her and Caden in the crosshairs of a deadly killer…

You can purchase your .99 cent ebook copy from:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble 
iTunes 
Google Play  
Kobo  
Kensington Publishing

Visit Mae at:

Newsletter Sign-Up • average sending 4-6 a year
Facebook Author Page 
Books 

Summer Flash Sale!

Decadent Publishing is heating up summer with weekly flash sales! From Friday through Monday, they'll put five titles on sale for just 99 cents from Amazon and All Romance Ebooks. You'll be able to stock up on great beach reads! Woo hoo!

This week, Blue Moon Over Bliss Lake's available for only 99 cents.

Pick up your ebook from Amazon or All Romance today!

Reviewers have said:

"Cate can really tell a tale. This was a very good story all about how you can mess things up but still get a second chance to fix it.
The way things all come together is really cool. Cate has done a fantastic job with this book and all the wonderful characters in it."
- Ramblings of A Book Lunatic

"...totally blew me away.  This is why straight contemporary romance is my go-to genre to read.  Ms. Masters has written a beautiful second chance romance that at times is heartbreaking, sweet and funny.  Plus, watching Carter and Sierra grow as a couple but most importantly as individuals is a feat that some authors get wrong.  Ms. Masters didn’t get it wrong, she got it right."
- Harlie's Books

"What a sweet and romantic story!! I instantly fell in love with both Sierra and Carter and couldn’t wait to read what happens.

A romantic story from beginning to end that will leave you smiling." - Literary Nook

Happy bookaversary to Going with Gravity!

It's hard to believe it's been seven years since my contemporary romance novella, Going with Gravity, was first published. To celebrate its bookaversary, I revised the story a bit. I also created a new cover that fits the story better, and is much more beautiful!

In 2009, the artists at The Wild Rose Press created this cover.
The story released on July 16, 2009.

I'm grateful to The Wild Rose Press, publishers and editors and cover artists, for helping launch my romance writing career. Going with Gravity was one of three stories published with them in 2009, and several more followed in later years.


In 2011, I requested the rights back, revised the story and released it with this cover, which is a little play on one of the scenes.


And when I realized that the story was about to celebrate its seventh year, I decided to freshen up both the story and the cover.

So, without further adieu, here is the new Going With Gravity cover. Ta da!

The novella was a 2011 EPIC finalist, and has had some wonderful reviews.



Reviews have described Going with Gravity as:   “so compelling I did not want to put it down. The sexual encounters were sizzling and the ending was unexpected. There were moments of poignant emotional conflict.” 
And “What happens is what storybook romances are made of and what everyone hopes for in their lives. But, you will have to read this romantic and heartwarming novel to learn just when and why Allison realizes she might have met the right man, and why Wes made sure to meet her on that fateful flight. “
And praised the hero: “Wes, the hero, is so darned sexy, I wanted to take him home. I’m not talking about his finesse with the spicy part of loving; it’s his class, style and solidness of character. Wes struck a chord with me that makes him a keeper. There’s the part where Allison meets him again under somber circumstances. The way Ms. Masters describes the whole scene allowed me to visualize it. It’s hard to find the exact words to describe how it made me feel but it is no surprise to me that Allison could connect with a guy like Wes so readily. He’s written in such an approachable way, I fully believe that love at first sight can happen.”


It's a great beach read!

You can pick your copy up from Smashwords and Amazon. Other online booksellers will carry the updated version in a few weeks.

I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

The road less traveled

There’s a funny meme on social media that says: “I took the road less traveled, and now I don’t know where the hell I am.”
That pretty much sums up my current state, writing-wise. For the past two years, I’ve taken a fairly sharp turn away from romance. More like a 180 turn, actually—back toward the stories I fell in love with as a kid. I was a fangirl of Ray Bradbury, J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, and a few years later, Margaret Atwood, T.C. Boyle, Michael Chabon and a million others across the story spectrum. I never read only one genre.

When I write, I love to mash subgenres, but it’s been difficult to write in only one genre. Editors have prodded me from the beginning to add more sex scenes, and when I do, they still want more. More body parts, they say. And sometimes it reads a bit strained, to me. I prefer the emotional side of relationships.
And while I still believe all good stories have a love story at their hearts, I need to stretch into other genres. The two novels I’ve written over the last two years are definite stretches, one a futuristic novel and the other a magical realism.
And I have so many more ideas for more stories like those. Another futuristic. Another magical realism. A women’s ficion. A screenplay, though I’ve been avoiding that story because it runs to the dark side. Once I figure out a way to shine some light into it, I will go back to it because it’s a very powerful story.
I’m grateful for every reader and friend I’ve made along this journey. The generosity of the writing community has always been a warm and comforting safety net in this sometimes difficult business.
It’s definitely not goodbye, because I love all the stories I’ve written these past six years more than I can say. They are a part of my heart, and I hope new readers continue to find them and hopefully love them.
For now, future stories are splitting onto different paths. I hope you will all love those stories just as much as those I’ve already written.
I hope to still see you all along the way. I’m using my original pen name of C.A. Masterson for some stories, and I’m posting book news at my Painted Fire site: http://paintingfirewithwords.blogspot.com/It’s not so much a blog as a place to share information.
And I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/catemasters  (and less often at https://www.facebook.com/CA-Masterson-23541577106/because author pages tend to be hidden in the news feed).
And with a few events coming up, including a signing at Cupboard MakerBooks and York Book Expo, I’ll still be here as Cate Masters.
It’s an exciting and somewhat scary time. I don’t know where it will lead, but I feel good things are coming.

Guitar magic

I'm over at In the Pages of a Good Book talking about guitar magic today.

I hope you'll pop over and say hi.

I also mention that my contemporary rock 'n roll fantasy/fairy tale, The Griffin's Secret, is on sale this month for just 99 cents. In case you miss it. :)

The buy links don't seem to be working there, but here they are again:



Amazon  | Barnes and Noble  | Kensington








 

Night Magic cover reveal and giveaway!

Night Magic:  Moonlight & Jasmine Series, Book 1
The beautiful but lonely owner of a bath and body shop, Krista Winter is in need of legal counsel. She was forced to flee from her life as a teacher in New Jersey after being shunned for practicing witchcraft. Her past is about to catch up with her. Jon Bartolo is a dedicated lawyer, living in the town of Conway, New Hampshire. His days are spent helping his clients with their struggles and his nights are spent in agony, lost in a world between life and death. His mother, who died three years ago, lurks in his house, suffering from a curse for eternity, without a final resting place.  A smoldering fire between Jon and Krista ignites almost immediately, however, he’s sure his secret would frighten a woman away. An afternoon escape brings them closer, but doubts linger between the love-struck couple.  Burning questions about how to fuse their lives together with so much of their past still clouding the future become a heavy burden that they’re both trying to bear on their own.   It will take a touch of magic if there's any hope in sight.
There is still time to enter Kathleen’s Night Magic Cover Reveal Giveaway for a 10.00 Amazon Gift Card. Hop over to her place and enter. http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/2016/05/cover-reveal-giveaway-night-magic_28.html
While you are there take a look around. 
Love's Encore
Her contemporary romance, Love’s Encorewas released from Beachwalk Press on May 16, 2016. 
Here’s the blurb and buy link for Love’s Encore. 
Desire wins the lead role. 

Sadie Layne, a creative and motivated high school drama teacher, is grateful for second chances. After surviving breast cancer, she embarks on a celebratory trip to LA with her two best friends. Sadie never expected to run into the handsome and charming Vince De Carlo in the hotel lobby. She hasn't seen Vince much since they worked together in a theater company years ago. Their meeting interrupts her plans and reminds her of the life she left behind.
Vince, a struggling actor and cover model, is in LA to promote a television pilot. His old attraction to Sadie is stronger than ever. He never forgot her, even though a trusted friendship and a scripted kiss was all they'd shared.
The reunited pair give in to temptation, but reality soon collides with lust as strong doubts about their blossoming romance get in the way. Sadie dreads facing her defeat as an actress, and Vince doesn't think a struggling actor like himself is capable of providing the accomplished teacher with what she deserves.
Will the couple find a way to keep their sizzling romance alive and build a future together? Or will their uncertainty win the lead role and smother the flames? 
Here’s where you can find Kathleen. She loves hearing from her readers. 
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathleenAnnGallagher/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Twitter https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites Google https://plus.google.com/u/0/117606070036565136137/posts Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/magicalwriter/

Summer sale!

Starting today, Kensington Publishing is putting The Griffin's Secret, my rock 'n roll fantasy/reimagined fairy tale, on sale for just 99 cents.



Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31339Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Griffins-Secret-Cate-Masters-ebook/dp/B00ONTR8ZE?ie=UTF8&keywords=9781616507053&qid=1424637384&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/griffins-secret-cate-masters/1120611658?ean=9781616507053


What reviewers are saying:The author did an excellent job of fitting this Grimm's Tale into a rock music world. Readers will be intrigued and pulled into the story quickly. – Night Owl Reviews – TOP PICK https://romance.nightowlreviews.com/v5/reviews/arlenadean-reviews-the-griffins-secret-by-cate-masters
I loved this one! You will be hooked into this read from the very start. Be prepared for a lots of twist and turns, suspense as well as to be intrigued from this well told story – KK’s Reviews https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1283727028?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
A good blend of paranormal and contemporary romance – KiltsandSwords https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1273705790?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
The premise was interesting and unique. - Angela Street’s Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1249483226?book_show_action=true&page=1

Don't Wait Too Long is here!

It may not be an overly popular theme, but I love writing about people my own age. Boomers face unique problems as life changes, sometimes faster than we can adapt to.

So I'm happy that this 46,000 word novella is finally released! I hope you'll love these characters as much as I do.

Blurb


Tired of saying ‘yes’ when she should say ‘no’, Claire Sims is finally taking control of her life. Or working on it. At fifty, she’s alone after 20 years of marriage, but is ready to kick up her heels and dance. As a wife, she led a sheltered and lonely existence, but a year of being widowed taught her how to love getting out in the world by herself. She gave up hope of finding real love long ago, and for her, marriage was all work and no fun. Not ready to give up her freedom, she resists until a chance meeting with Kipling Baldwin. Easygoing, sweet, and intelligent, he tempts her in many ways, but can she let go of her fears to share her life with him?
Grief for his wife blurred three years of Kipling Baldwin’s life. Putting himself out there is a frightening concept, until he meets Claire. Her warmth and caring helps him remember the guy he once was instead of the stodgy middle-aged man he is now. He wants to become that guy again—for himself, and for Claire. Time’s precious when it begins running out, and moreso when Kip finds someone who makes life worth living again. But will Claire learn to trust him enough to let him in?
Get yours fromSmashwordsAmazon
Coming soon to other e-tailers!

Don't Wait Too Long, Contemporary Romance

Don’t Wait Too Long by Cate Masters
Tired of saying ‘yes’ when she should say ‘no’, Claire Sims is finally taking control of her life. Or working on it. At fifty, she’s alone after 20 years of marriage, but is ready to kick up her heels and dance. As a wife, she led a sheltered and lonely existence, but a year of being widowed taught her how to love getting out in the world by herself. She gave up hope of finding real love long ago, and for her, marriage was all work and no fun. Not ready to give up her freedom, she resists until a chance meeting with Kipling Baldwin. Easygoing, sweet, and intelligent, he tempts her in many ways, but can she let go of her fears to share her life with him?
Grief for his wife blurred three years of Kipling Baldwin’s life. Putting himself out there is a frightening concept, until he meets Claire. Her warmth and caring helps him remember the guy he once was instead of the stodgy middle-aged man he is now. He wants to become that guy again—for himself, and for Claire. Time’s precious when it begins running out, and moreso when Kip finds someone who makes life worth living again. But will Claire learn to trust him enough to let him in?
Don’t Wait Too Long Contemporary romance novella (sweet heat level) ISBN: 9781311279965 Publish Date: 5/23/2016 About 46,000 words Amazon  | Barnes and Noble (soon)  | Smashwords
Excerpt An insistence rises up within me. A growing buzz blocks out my thoughts except one: leaving. Everyone seems to be pushing me toward marrying the first man who asks, though it’s the last thing I want. Does anyone care what I want? I care, dammit. I will not let anyone else control my life. Not ever again. My temple throbs with a dull ache. I rub my eyes and for a moment, my vision blurs. The surroundings seem to stretch away from me in an arc. Within the center of the doorway, a figure appears and hesitates there. Squinting, I strain to clear my vision and get a better look at the newcomer. Somehow, I lock gazes with the man. He crosses the dance floor as if aiming for me. Every detail about him pops out at me. His dark hair. Black-framed glasses. Six feet of lean muscle. Deep brown eyes that hold mine with a conspiratorial sparkle, as if he knows all my secrets and desires. I nearly snort. Now that’s a fairy tale. Yet I can’t look away. It’s like a bad commercial for cologne, the handsome man approaching the beautiful woman in slow-mo. Except I’m middle-aged, not some barely-twenty model. And to think he could be interested in me is ridiculous. Beside me, Ernest still talks, louder with each word. Like a bad dream that will not go away. “Miss. I asked your name.” The handsome man has come within a few feet, and slows. This is the point in the commercial where he sweeps the girl onto his horse, or motorcycle, or into his Maserati, and they ride off into the sunset. Then I see myself as from a distance: standing awkwardly near the refreshment table. Of course, he only wants a drink. “I’m Claire Sims,” I answer Ernest with resigned disappointment. “Claire.” The tall stranger’s sonorous baritone startles me as much as his use of my name. I turn, and my alarm grows. He’s smiling. At me. “How did you—” “Get here?” He glances at Ernest. “The repair shop finished my truck in time. I’ve been looking for you.” “You have?” Had I accidentally clicked my heels three times and been transported over the singles rainbow? Or fallen asleep and into a wonderful dream? No, because then he’d have said he’s been looking for me all his life. And he wouldn’t be wearing the silver band on his wedding finger.