Karilyn Bentley's Blog, page 18

WOW 20 Beach Reads for Only 99 cents or Free!

How long is your To-Be-Read book pile? Mine seems to get bigger every day.  I admit I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Which is probably why I write romance. But I especially love a good summer beach read. Give me a goodhearted man, a strong woman, throw in a sunny beach, and I'm right there picking up a new book to add to my list. And who doesn't love a bargain!
Every once in a while we as authors get to participate in fun opportunities to bring great reads to our fans.  I am so thrilled to be part of a three day Summer Book Sale Extravaganza! Twenty authors of Contemporary Romance have come together and for three days from July 16-19, one of our books will be FREE or 99 Cents.  There's a little something for all tastes: Sweet, Sexy, Military, Sports, and so much more.
As for me, the first book in my Aloha Series—Aloha Texas—is only 99 cents for this sale event!  
Former US Navy diver Nick Harper is loving his new life as captain of a dive boat in Hawaii. Powerhouse attorney Kara Lynn O'Conner's world revolves around her small Texas town where life is easy and safe. Six year old Bradley Russell is about to change everything. 
Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Google

And here's a glimpse at the other books in this Summer Book Sale available now at most online retailer. Click on the book cover for more information.
                                         
         99 cents                                          Free                                         99 cents

                 
         Free                                   Free                                Free                             99 cents

                
          Free                                 99 cents                            Free                             99 cents

                 
          Free                                 Free                            99 cents                             99 cents

                 
          99 cents                        99 cents                       99 cents                          99 cents 

#FreeReads #Beachread #BargainBooks #Kindle #ibooks 

The Perfect Vacation by Chris Keniston and Kathy Ivan

The Perfect Vacation – Chris Keniston and the Beach
My bucket list of interesting places grows longer every year. I'd love to walk the Great Wall of China.  I'd like to stand in the center of Timbuktu.  But I'd especially like to have lunch in an ocean restaurant in Bali.  Yes. I mean one of those places where the table and chairs are in the water. The crystal clear aqua blue warm water.
And if you can't tell, I am most definitely a beach person.  I love the ocean, the sand, the sound of the waves rushing ashore.  And have you noticed how the food always tastes better by the sea?  









My mother and I had the best ever Macaroni and Cheese in Bermuda. 




Now I know a lot of people love the mountains. Some of the views are mind boggling. A friend of mine recently sent me a photo from the Grand Canyon – also on my bucket list - that left me breathless.




Of course my biggest problems with mountains is they tend to come with other interesting and often frightening sights, like bears.











The Perfect Vacation – Kathy Ivan and the Mountains 

As a girl born and raised in Florida (Miami and Key West) before moving to Texas, I can attest to the wonders of living by the beach.  Lots of sun, sand, and beautiful water.  But, after a while, it all becomes kind of ho hum.  Plus there are things in the water that can eat me just as fast as the above-mentioned bear.  LOL

So what's the opposite of the beach?  Switching my latitude brings a change in my attitude.  Why not head up into the mountains?  You can get solitude away from the day-to-day rat race, away from the maddening crowd.  Depending on the time of year, you can spend your summer in a cabin in the woods by a lake.  Maybe sit on the docks and watch the deer feeding along the shoreline.  Watch the ducks flying south, while you dangle your feet in the cool waters.



In the wintertime, imagine curling up by the fire at a resort in the mountains, with the snow falling outside, a cup of hot cocoa in your hand.  The ski slopes of Switzerland.  A chalet in the Italian Alps.  Visiting the fjords in Sweden and Denmark.  Or I can even stay closer to home, because Colorado is just a day's drive away and they have some of the best winter sports around. 

Of course, sitting beside a roaring fire, with a glass of wine, and the handsome ski instructor by myside – I may never go home. 


So that begs the question – if you had your druthers, where would you want to go on vacation this summer?  Chris votes for that restaurant in Bali.  Kathy is already halfway to the Swiss Alps!  

.@kellyleefiction Coincidence? Or subconscious mind tricks? #Murdering Eve #release #characternames #amwriting #myWANA

My first book, Murdering Eve, got a revamp & a facelift this year.  Newly edited with a shiny new cover, my new publisher asked me for a slew of information, including "interesting" anecdotes about either my writing process, or the book, to prepare for release promotional materials.

Immediately, I was stumped. What's an interesting anecdote? There are tons of un-interesting things I could say, like the fact that I write cross-legged, or guzzle diet cokes all day, or that I don't usually shower until I know husby is about to arrive home from work - and even then, it's hit or miss. None of that stuff, while true, is particularly interesting.

Then I got a random, out-of-the-blue email from an old boyfriend. And stared at his name in horror. The book I was about to release featured his first name as the name of my hero. Thrown into a frenzy of "holy crap", my brain buzzed with whether or not I'd done it "accidently on purpose".  Questions I didn't want the answer to ricocheted inside my skull, bouncing off one another.

- What if ex-boyfriend finds out I'm an author, reads the book, and assumes I'm still hung up on him?

- What would husby feel if he knew the hero in my first book shares the same name as the guy I dated before him? 

- Most importantly, why on earth did my brain pull such a nasty trick on me?

Then I reminded myself of something I already knew. The hero is a troll, which is kinda funny. Plus, the main "bad guy" in the book is a woman, and coincidentally, shares the name of one of husby's ex-girlfriends. Again - COINCIDENCE, I swear. Luckily, she turns out to be a complete bad-ass and one of my favorite characters, so really it's kind of a compliment.

At the end of the day, I had to admit to myself that I never really believed other authors when they said they didn't realize the names of their characters were from their personal past. That they weren't making some kind of passive-aggressive threat of "don't cross me, or I really will kill you in my next book".  But I have to believe those authors who claimed innocence now, because I'm one of them.

What about you? Have you inadvertently named a character the same as someone in your past and regretted it? Or maybe did it "accidently on purpose"?  :)



Excerpt: 

Eve moved a little closer and tilted her head to the side, unabashedly inspecting him.
“You don’t look like a troll. You being a werewolf is easier to believe.”
Whit laughed. “If you knew any real werewolves, you wouldn’t say that. I’m curious—what do you think a troll should look like?”
“You know…short, squat.”
She smiled, and warmth from her aura blanketed him. Whit felt their connection reopen. All traces of her fear were gone.
“Actually, I am short, compared to other trolls. I’ve been called a runt before.”
“Trolls have warts.”
He looked at her with mock solemnity. “I could have warts.”
She snorted. “Trolls live under bridges.”
“I like to fish under bridges. I even camp there if I’m out too late and forget my tent.”
Eve put her hands on her hips. “Trolls abduct and eat children.”
He grinned. “Only if I’m really, really hungry.”
Her small fist shot out and smacked him in the shoulder. He laughed and grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer to him.
Turning an angelic face up to his, she said, “Trolls are ugly.”
He leaned down and inhaled her scent. He couldn’t help himself. “Do you think I’m ugly, Eve?”
She allowed him closer, and lowered her voice to a sexy murmur. “I think you’re far from ugly, Whit. But you already know that.”

Available Now:  

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance Book / Bookstrand / The Wild Rose Press

 How to find Kelly:
Facebook / Website / Twitter

 

Let's get to know: Author Melissa Keir & her book Crashing Into Love #contemporaryRomance #MFRWorg #anthology

For my Vegas wedding, my books and computer came with me but there wasn't enough room for my wedding shoes. It’s all about priorities! Currently living in the suburbs of Ann Arbor, Michigan with my darling husband, way-too-grown-up children and spoiled dogs, I enjoy getting away through a book to escape the harsh winters or summer road construction.

Speed Round :Favorite movie: Valley Girl
Favorite book: Good Bones and Simple Murders
Last book read: Hog Wild by Jenna Jaxon
Favorite color: Green
Stilettos or flip-flops: Stilettos
Coffee or tea: Flavored coffee
E-book or paperback: Both
Pencil or pen: PenFavorite song: Melissa by the Allman BrothersStreak or not: Oh yes!Favorite dessert: CannolisChampagne or gin: NeitherParanormal or Historical: ParanormalGinger or Mary Ann: GingerFavorite TV show: Criminal MindsHot or cold: DependsPOV: First and Deep ThirdI'd die if I don't have: Internet

Can Rob and Keira's second honeymoon lead to romance, or will it crash and burn?
Once again alone with her thoughts, she turned toward her husband. They’d been married for seven years, and his looks still caused her stomach to flutter. I love running my fingers over his buzz cut. And his rough beard left sexy marks on my neck when we made love…not that it’s happened in a while. A part of the reason we’re on this trip is because of our lack of sex, tenderness. Of course, he’d have to be home in order to touch me.
Keira crossed her legs tighter as she glanced around the cabin. Her gaze fell to the cowboy two seats in front of her and across the aisle. That rancher is hot. His jeans really showed off his best assets when he walked back to the bathroom a while ago. His blue-striped shirt hugged his shoulders and guns. Those arms would hold a girl down or up and down all the while he loved on her. I bet if he and I were married, there’d be no need for counseling. She imagined running her fingers over his shoulders and down his arms. She uncrossed her legs and ran her hands down her jeans, shifting them.
Find Melissa at: Website
Contact Melissa at: Email
Find Crashing Into Love at:  Amazon
Ooh, Melissa, I'm hearing a seven-year itch in this story? What prompted you to write it?

Cover Reveal - A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion

Here it is people, my first Harlequin American cover.

I have to say, Hunter is as dreamy as I imagined. Check out the dimples!!!


Here's the blurb:

Way back when, Hunter Boone thought he and Josie Stephens had something that would last forever. Then she got her ticket out of town and took off—alone. The hurt nearly tore him apart. By the time Josie realized she'd made a mistake, Hunter had already married.

Now Josie's back in Stonewall Crossing, and while instant fire flares between them, she can't come between the now single dad and his son. As the whole town gets ready for Christmas, Josie finds it hard to avoid Hunter. No matter how much he tempts her with the promise of a future together, she has to tell herself—for her own survival—that relationships just aren't her thing…

It will release in October - but you can pre-order now on Amazon and B&N and everywhere Harlequin in sold. :)

The Boones of Texas Book 2 is slated for January: Twins for the Rebel Cowboy!!!

Release Day! Murdering Eve by Kelly L Lee #fantasy #romance #newrelease #soexcited @kellyleefiction

 With tremendous excitement, I announce the release of Book 1 in the Four Realms Series.... Murdering Eve is available today!  And here's the best part for any series lovers, Books 2 and 3 are complete and in the pipeline for release later this year - so you won't have to wait eons for more. 

If you want to find me today...I'll be doing my happy dance! Gold medal winner in the Readers Favorite award contest for best Fantasy Romance!



Exiled to magic-barren Earth Realm, Whit Blackstone has resigned himself to never seeing his family or clan again. But when a mysterious woman appears, wielding as much power as the goddess who banished him, primal desire and his desperation to return home collide.

Immortal… After twenty-nine years of believing herself human, Eve Moore can’t wrap her brain around the word. But even immortals can’t always cheat death, especially if a bloodthirsty God of War threatens your soul. Betrayed and hunted by a relentless assassin, newly immortal Eve Moore has no choice but to trust the heart-stopping stranger she’s been tasked to find and return to Olympus.

As their chemistry ignites, Eve discovers the depth of her emerging powers, and the inescapable connection she and Whit share.  When the time comes, will Eve hand him over and walk away? Or will the long buried secrets of her past doom both their lives, and their very souls?

Now available at the best on-line book sellers!

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance Book / Bookstrand / The Wild Rose Press

 How to find Kelly:
Facebook / Website / Twitter
  What reviewers have said about Murdering Eve:  "This book puts an exciting new twist to the contemporary fantasy world." - Long and Short Reviews "I look forward to reading more from this author, as she has infused new life into the paranormal scene." - Night Owl Reviews
"I couldn't put down Murdering Eve. Not only does the title itself intrigue, the book has a sexy hero, a kick-butt heroine, and just about everything required for an awesome read."  - CA Szarek, award-winning and best selling author 

Tuesday Book Review - By Kathy Ivan

The last Tuesday of each month, a princess is posting a book review of a book they've read and enjoyed.  (It will not be a fellow princess book, but instead a book they've read and enjoyed and want to share the love of this book with our readership.  
Today it's my turn to post a book review.  I'm a voracious reader, when I'm not working on writing my own books.  I read across multiple genres, though it's probably at least ninety percent romance.  Paranormal romance, yep.  Contemporary romance, you bet.  Romantic comedy, oh yeah.  Urban fantasy, yes please.  Romantic suspense, absolutely.  Horror, err, not so much. 
Today, I'm going to share a book from a series that I'm really enjoying.  The series is The Sugarland Blue series.  This is a spin off series from her Firefighters of Station Five series set in the fictional town of Sugarland. 
Jo Davis writes romantic suspense better than just about anybody.  (She also writes paranormal books under the name J.D. Tyler which are also absolutely fabulous.)  Ms. Davis has a way of getting you right inside the characters' heads, and bringing them alive in a way that makes you feel like you know these people.  There's a wealth of character in these stories that's missing in a lot of other books. 
On The Run is the latest in the series, featuring Detective Tonio Salvatore, a guy who always puts the job first.  He's been hurt before, and knows the only way to keep it from happening again is not to let anybody get close. 
Angel Silva desperately wants to break free from her brother and his gang, until a new sexy stranger shows up on the scene.  She can't help falling for the enigmatic Tonio Reyes—until she finds out that he's one of Sugarland's finest, and she's forced to go on the run.
Angel gets until Tonio's skin in a way nobody ever has, and he finds himself risking everything to keep her safe—including his career. 
The suspense ratcheted up from the very beginning, and kept me turning the pages on my e-reader.  I couldn't wait to see how they'd be able to get to their happily-ever-after.  But Ms. Davis delivers in her usual stylish fashion and gives us the perfect conclusion to this woman in peril story. 
I'd highly recommend every book in this series, and can't wait for the next one, which doesn't come out until December. 
PRINCESS RATING:  5 crowns
BUY LINKS:Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Run-Sugarland-Blue-Novel-ebook/dp/B00MNN7H7Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1435005182&sr=1-2
BN:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-the-run-jo-davis/1121693891?ean=9780451467935 

#NewRelease The Detective's Dragon by Karilyn Bentley #weekendreads

I'm excited to announce The Detective's Dragon is out now! <happy dancing!!!> This is the fourth book in the Draconia Tales series and was my favorite to write. After all, it's the reason the trilogy is now a series. Yep, I had only planned three books, but in the last chapter of the last book, the characters in The Detective's Dragon hopped into my mind and wouldn't let go. As all authors know, when a character sinks their teeth (or claws) into your mind, you have no choice but to write about them. Jamie and Parker insisted their story be told and I had to oblige them. Insistent characters make for sleepless nights. <g>


Here's a little peek into their story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
 


Blurb:As a Halfling with little magic, Jamie is barely considered a Draconi, his sole talent finding jewels and lost people. But when he dreams of a human female in trouble, he has no choice but to save her, even if it means crossing dimensions into a different realm. Unfairly accused and placed on administrative leave, Detective Ruby Parker is determined to regain her position on the Denver police force. When an attempt to kidnap her fails, she must learn to trust the stranger who appears from nowhere to help her. Unlike in Draconia, Jamie's powers work in Parker's world, his longing to wield magic finally fulfilled. But is working magic worth leaving his family and friends? When Parker realizes she loves Jamie, she must make a choice, follow her heart to a different world, or remain alone and attempt to regain her beloved job. What happens when the one you love lives in another dimension?
Excerpt:The squeak of hinges snapped Parker’s attention to the door. Hottie stood in the doorway, one hand on the frame, the other on the handle, a look of determination plastered on his face. A look she was familiar with. A look she saw reflected in her mirror on a daily basis. A look mirrored on her coworkers’ faces when working a case.A look she never thought to see directed her way.Which was a bit unnerving, but not nearly as unnerving as the realization he’d followed her. He stood in the doorway like he owned the place. Or owned her.Her limbs shuddered like a car without shocks. He. Followed. Her. Was he stalking her? Was he with the ones who tried to kidnap her? What was he doing here? More to the point, how did she get rid of him? Her muscles might be coming out of a deep freeze, but that didn’t mean she could hop off the bed and toss him out the door.Where was the damn call button?Parker patted the mattress. Hottie took a step closer. Then another. No button. Her heart shook an uneven rhythm, the beat a warning drum in her veins. Her hand moved faster against the mattress, searching, seeking, not finding.Damn it.“Be of ease. I mean no harm.”       She stilled, her hand paused mid-pat as if his words flipped her off switch. Deep and soothing, his voice stroked across frazzled nerves, slowing her racing heart. If he could bottle that sound, women would fall at his feet.

Buy Links:
Amazon
iTunes
B&N
TWRP

Contact Karilyn:
Website
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@SloaneBCollins Dreams: Is a cigar really just a cigar? #InspiringStories #SafeHaven #MFRWorg

I’m one of those people who dreams vividly and in color – I always have. It boggles my mind when my husband tells me he doesn’t dream, or that he doesn’t remember his dreams.  I usually remember most of my dreams, or at least flashes of them, on a daily basis.  And, depending on what’s going on in my life at that time, I tend to dream of certain things.  We used to have two cats, and when we lost them in the early 2000’s, it was as if we’d lost our children.  Actually, they were our kids.  I found when I was missing them the most, they would visit me in my dreams. 
Every so often, I dream about my dad, and the sister I lost in 1991.  I’ve analyzed those dreams, and they usually occur when I’m missing them the most, or when I have something exciting I wish I could share with them.  When something big is coming, I dream about it, and I think that’s my way of looking at every scenario that could happen. 
When I’m troubled, I dream about my grandmother’s house.  She’s been gone since the mid-nineties, but when I dream of her house, it’s as if I’m really there.  A friend told me she thinks it’s because she and her house were a safe haven for me growing up. Nonnie was always there for us, and in fact, we lived with her for several years after my parents divorced.  So I go to her house as an escape from my troubles. 
Because I am such a vivid dreamer, I also have nightmares, some of which have woken me up struggling to scream (I hate those!).  One particularly bad dream a few years ago was so scary my body flooded with a huge amount of adrenaline, and I woke up with an infection.  I don’t know if I was getting sick already, or if the dream brought it on. Of course, there’s always the wacky dreams, the ones that make me laugh.  
I’ve also had dreams that inspired stories I want to write someday.  Several over the years have stayed with me, and I’ve made sure to write detailed notes about them.  The most recent one like that has inspired an entire series about five brothers, right down to the goals, motivations, and conflicts for each one.  The first one will be difficult to write emotionally, and I’ll have to dig deep to write his story.
And of course I’ve dreamed many times about the books in my French Kiss Connection series!
I sometimes wonder what Freud would say about my dreams…

How about you? Do you dream?  In color? Do you remember your dreams?  Do you analyze or just go with the flow?

@VickiBatman - The Top Ten, er, Two Top Tens!!! #movieaddict #MFRWorg #warfilms

The Top Ten, er...Two Top Tens!!!
On Facebook, someone is always posting something about movies or great lines from movies, and I often respond to these topics as I LOVE movies. So when someone mentioned their top ten movie list, I wondered what my top ten are. I thought about what would make my list. I decided the Number One factor is if the movie is on TV, would I automatically tune in? Would I watch because I love it and every single time I see it, I get the same what a wonderful film feeling?I found I have a Top Twenty or Two Top Tens. In no specific order:
Mr. Roberts – the making scotch scene is hilarious and William Powell’s last       It’s a Wonderful Life Stalag 17 – William Holden is brilliant.




Sixteen CandlesBreakfast ClubPhiladelphia Story – “C K Dexter Haaavvveeen” scene and Cary Grant
White Christmas – great songsRaiders of the Lost Ark –Did you see it FOUR times when it was released?Casablanca



Bridget Jones’s Diary

Love ActuallyHis Girl Friday – the snappiest dialogue ever and irresistible Cary Grant
Man Who Shot Liberty Valance – there’s a real conundrum in this one



SilveradoM*A*S*H*Rebecca –I often pontificate on this gothic mystery.Rear Window – a peeping photographer sees a murderThe Quiet Man – John Wayne should have won an Oscar for this one.The Thin Man Millions





So what did I discover about my list?6 Christmas-ish movies4 War films2 by director John Hughes3 by director John Ford2 by director Alfred Hitchcock2 featuring Cary Grant2 featuring William Powell – yup, big fanSome are funny.Some are mysterious.Some are adventurous.
Please share your top three!



Vicki Batman left off Star Wars and James Bond; however, which to take out? Find her funny romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed at: Amazon