Karilyn Bentley's Blog, page 19

RELEASE DAY!!! by Kathy Ivan

IT'S RELEASE DAY!
I've been looking forward to sharing my release day news forever it feels like.  But all four books in the Lovin' Las Vegas series are live and for sale. 
This was such a fun series to write.  Four college friends who've all kept in touch after graduation have their semiannual get together in Vegas.  Sounds like fun, right?  But when they start talking about "the one that got away" things really start to get interesting. 
Here's the blurb for book #1, It Happened In Vegas
It's party time in Las Vegas when four former college roommates and best friends converge on Sin City.  Add in a crazy drunken bet about finding the "one that got away" to see if there's a spark still burning after all these years—how bad could it be? 
That's what Charlotte "Charlie" King thinks after agreeing to the foolish bet.  Her friends convince her to reconnect with the one man she's been unable to forget.   Only there's a catch—he's the older brother of her former fiance.
Rodeo star Jared Drake is in Las Vegas for the Grand National finals.  He's shocked to see Charlie at the arena.  The split between her and his brother wasn't pretty.  Plus, he feels partly responsible for their breakup, since the chemistry between him and Charlie was off the charts from the moment they met.    
Misunderstandings and lies kept them apart four years ago.  Can they find a way past all their obstacles and take a chance on finding a path to happily ever after or will the lies from the past drive them apart forever?  
  I hope you'll take a minute and check out all four books in this brand new series.  Book #1 is free at all sites (except Amazon and we're working on getting that one free). 
Here are the buy links for all the books.  BUY LINKS FOR LOVIN' LAS VEGAS SERIESIT HAPPENED IN VEGAS (book #1) AMAZON:     http://amzn.to/1Qukvle BN:  http://tinyurl.com/vegasbn KOBO:  http://tinyurl.com/vegaskobo IBOOKS:  http://apple.co/1dC4J5V GOOGLEPLAY:  http://tinyurl.com/vegasgplay








CRAZY VEGAS LOVE (book #2) AMAZON:    http://amzn.to/1SixFiE
BN:  http://tinyurl.com/nookcrazy KOBO:  http://tinyurl.com/crazykobo IBOOKS:  http://apple.co/1SgqKXl GOOGLEPLAY:    http://tinyurl.com/crazygplay








MARRIAGE, VEGAS STYLE (book #3) AMAZON:  http://amzn.to/1FWHwD8 BN:  http://tinyurl.com/marrbn KOBO:  http://tinyurl.com/marrkobo IBOOKS:  http://apple.co/1ef6c2R GOOGLEPLAY:  http://tinyurl.com/marrgplay    








A VIRGIN IN VEGAS (book #4) AMAZON:  http://amzn.to/1ShPiPH BN:  http://tinyurl.com/virgbn KOBO:  http://tinyurl.com/virginkobo IBOOKS:  http://apple.co/1GFBGK5 GOOGLEPLAY:    http://tinyurl.com/virggplay

A fabulous author interview with Jami Gray! Would perish wo coffee, chocolate & boys! #MFRWorg #suspense #am reading

 

Jami Gray is the award winning, multi-published author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Kyn Kronicles, and the Paranormal Romantic Suspense series, PSY-IV Teams. She can be soothed with coffee and chocolate. Surrounded by Star Wars obsessed males and two female labs moonlighting as the Fur Minxes, she escapes by playing with the voices in her head. 
Let's get to know Jami!


Speed Round:
Favorite movie: Inception
Favorite book: Magic Bites
Last book read: Cat’s Lair
Favorite color: Purple
Stilettos or flipflops: Stilettos (if I could walk in them)
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or paperback: either
Pencil or pen: PenFavorite song: Desire by Meg Myers  Streak or not: SeafoodFavorite dessert: anything with chocolate Champagne or gin: GinParanormal or Historical: ParanormalGinger or Mary Ann: Mary AnnFavorite TV show: NCIS New OrleansHot or cold: ColdPOV: Close thirdI'd die if I don't have: coffee, chocolate, and my boys

As judge, jury & executioner, Raine faces her past nightmares with Gavin, but will he condemn her or save her?
Walking into the dim house, Raine braced for the usual smell accompanying a violent death. She knew that smell. It was distinctive. It reminded a person of raw meat and coppery blood. A scent warning you whatever you found, it wouldn’t be recognizable.
Find Jami at: WebsiteContact Jami at: EmailFind Shadow's Edge at: Amazon


Thank you, Jami, for being with the Plotting Princesses today. Congratulations on you book!

Swapping Genres - by #Kathy Ivan

First posted at Not Your Usual Suspects blog.

First off, let me say that while I'm a bit waterlogged, everything here in North Texas (at least in my neck of the woods) is fine and we're drying out.  Though I'll admit, I haven't seen this much rain since I lived in Florida—during hurricane season. 
I've been thinking about my suspense writing a lot recently.  Why?  Because I haven't done any—not for a couple of months.  Oh, I'm still writing, and I have a series of books coming out that are contemporary romance—without any smidgeon of suspense or mystery in sight. 

It's been a bit of a palate cleanser, to be honest.  Most of what I've written over the last few years has been romantic suspense, writing and building up my New Orleans Connection series.  But when I had the idea for this new contemporary romance series, there wasn't any place to fir in a good mystery.  It was strictly hero and heroine romance (of course with a happily-ever-after).
And strangely enough, these stories flowed quickly and easily.  I think it's because I didn't have to contemplate and plot about laying a trail of red herrings and false clues to divert suspicion from the villain. 
Truthfully, I think the break has done me a world of good, because I'm currently working on the next romantic suspense book in my New Orleans Connection series, and it feels fresh and exciting again.  So for me, taking a little bit of a genre break worked.  I can't promise it will work for everybody, but if you find yourself feeling the blues over your latest work in progress, consider a writing palate cleanser and write a short story in a different genre—even if it never sees the light of day once you finish.  You may find it stimulates your creative juices in new and exciting directions.
I'll never leave behind my romantic suspense roots, I can't.  I love it too much.  Being able to weave elements of mystery into the books, the adrenaline rush you get in creating those life and death situations—no, I'll always write that.  But every once in a while, don't be surprised if you see me working on a little something "extra." 

My new series of contemporary romances will be releasing within the next two weeks, so keep you eyes open for the announcement.  

New Stories, New Beginnings

When I'm writing, it's easy to get lost in the story. Actually, it's one of my favorite parts of the creative process. It's the same when reading an amazing book or watching a riveting film.

These books and movies go on our 'keeper shelf'. There's a comfort in being able to revisit them, to spend time in places we love with people that 'speak' to us.

Here are a few of my fave classics: #1984, #LordOfTheFlies, #TheShellSeekers, and A Pilgrim's Progress. I have a sprinkling of horror, a good pile of scifi, some mysteries, and, of course, lots of romance (#PlottingPrincess books galore!).



My movie keeper shelf is 'all over the place too'. #Gladiator, #DraculaUntold, #PrideandPrejudice, and on and on. I love a variety of rich experiences, something to suit my mood, pick me up, calm me down, or utterly distract.

My eldest is graduating from high school this week. I'm so proud of who she is. Smart, funny, beautiful, and capable of ruling the world. I've been pouring over pictures reliving a lot of her growing-up years. She's lived a great story so far, one I'm happy to revisit again and again. And I absolutely know this new chapter (college) will be riveting but I am breathless with anticipation for her to get started.


I can think of a whole handful of 'new beginnings' I treasure - some not so much - in books, movies, and in my life. What about you? What are some of your 'new beginnings' or a 'keepers'?

Welcome to Action Adventure & Historical Romantic Suspense author Geri Foster : Love Revealed #MFRWorg #RLFblog #romanticsuspense

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Geri Foster writes compelling, and heartwarming Action Adventure and Historical Romantic Suspense. Let's get to know more about Geri!
Favorite movie: Titanic
Favorite book: Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
Last book read: Chasing Shadows/Erin Richards
Favorite color: Red
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or paperback: Ebooks
Pencil or pen: PenFavorite song: Thinking Out LoudStreak or not: NotFavorite dessert: Chocolate CakeChampagne or gin: ChampagneParanormal or Historical: HistoricalGinger or Mary Ann: GingerFavorite TV show: BlacklistHot or cold: ColdPOV: 3rd PersonI'd die if I don't have: Coffee
She’s running from a past, he’s duty-bound to protect her.He stands on the other side of sorrow and despair with a love so vast and strong it reachesJefferson City, Missouri - 1947Cora Williams focused on her work-hardened hands clasped in front of her and the cinder block wall on the other side of the room.
“Well now, it can’t be time for you to leave us, is it?” Herbert Grubber, the head prison guard, hiked his belted pants over his massive girth and continued in his harassing tone. “I thought you’d be here at least another month.” His bushy brows plowed together tightly then the left side of his mouth lifted in a lopsided grin. “We sure hate to see you go.”

Find Geri Foster at: WebsiteFind Love Revealed at: Amazon AppleContact Geri at: Email

Time for the Princess Last Tuesday Book Review -

We all have our favorite tropes. Story themes that grab you at first sight. One of mine is marriage of convenience. So how could I resist Cora Seton's The Navy SEAL's Email Order Bride.

Mason Hall, Navy SEAL, knows all about difficult assignments, but his current mission is one for the record books. Not only must he find a wife—and get her pregnant—or forfeit the ranch his family has prized for generations, he must also convince his three brothers to marry, too—before the year is up. Who knew one city girl and three wayward brothers could put up such a fight?

Cora takes a tried and true trope and successfully weaves an interesting heart-warming modern day read.  I love it when a book has me falling in love with a character in the first paragraphs. Ms. Seton does exactly that. She had me in love with all four brothers before I turned the first page. Honorable men with a strong sense of loyalty and family. How could I not love these brothers?

Add in the cutest drunken online matchmaking scene for our heroine and I was hooked. I loved how Ms. Seton took us on a well-traveled and often predictable road but instead gave us a real and believable love story.  Every turn kept my interest and the last page had me wanting more. Fortunately, there are three more brothers!

Do you have a story theme you love best?

Reviewed by Chris Keniston 

.@VickiBatman - What name was popular when you were in school? #namingbaby #MFRWorg #RLFblog #cozymystery

The Name Game
When I went to grade school, there were at least three other girls in my class with the same name. However, they were spelt differently.
I’m: Vicki
Those girls were: Vikki, Vickie, Vicky
Later on and when I thought about it, Susan, Cathy, and Kathy names dominated, as did variations with full names or short names, like Katie, Katy, Kat, Cathie, Cathleen, Suzie, Suzy.
So when I was pregnant with #1son, Handsome and I struggled over naming him, even though we didn't know he would be a boy. I’d toss out something.  “No.” And more. “Nope.”
I was determined he would not have a J name:  Jonathan, Justin, Jacob, Jake, Joshua, etc. Those names were way too popular. I didn’t want him to have to go through what I did. Finally when watching an old and favorite detective movie, I said, “What do you think about this?”
Handsome said, “Yes.”
Great Rejoicing! I can’t say what #1son’s name is because he doesn’t want me to tell via social media. Lol. The funny thing is in his Sunday School class of 24 kids, there were two other boys with the same name. Yikes!
I never thought I’d have a boy. I come from a family of four girls. In my mind, I was going to have girls. And name the first, Holland. The second, Hayley.  And the third, Hattie.
Sadly, no girls came my way. Instead, I got #2son: first name is his dad’s, second name is a church friend’s.
And let’s mention, they get the wonderful Batman as their last name. lolol.
A lot of character’s names just pop in a writer’s head and as a writer, I know when this instance does happen, that name is most likely absolutely perfect.
I have gone the route of looking at the census and seeing which names were popular in specific years. In 2014, these are the names used:
If you want to look up your birth year, go to: Now back to naming the girl thingy—I did get to. I named my heroine from my romantic comedy mystery, Harriette Lee Cooks, Hattie for short. I thought Hattie sounded sassy. And the background for her name came from her grandmother, Harriette.
When I grew up, if my mom yelled my whole name, Vicki Lea, I was in serious trouble and had better hotfoot her way instantly. Hattie’s mom does this also. And I used an L name for the middle name. It’s a way of honoring my sisters whose middle names begin with an L, as well as my mother’s, and my grandmother’s first name was Lillie. Her sisters’ names began with an L too.
So lay it on me: Do you like your name? Were there too many others in your class with the same one? What is your favorite name?
To discover more about Hattie and her wacky journey through unemployment, her romance with a hunky hero, and murder, go to: Amazon

Rowdy #RT15 Photos and a Regal Release @katbaldwin

The Romantic Times Conference finished up yesterday There were several Princesses in attendance. If you think this looks like a Where's Waldo drawing you would be right. There were thousands in attendance at the Giant Book Fair. Were you there? Can you find yourself in this crowd? Ha! Me, either. I can't find my own nose in a room that crowded.

This photo comes via the fabulous Kay Thomas - Thank you KayHere's a closer but highly candid Where's the Princess photo. In this picture try to find Sylvia McDaniels, Kathleen Baldwin, and Chris Keniston. Oops! Chris stepped out of the photo. But she was there earlier. And so was Princess Liese Sherwood-Fabre.

Fun was had by one and all. There was line dancing with the Steampunk crowd, bull riding with the western writers.


And silly selfies, like this one with me and author Patience Griffin. 

And eating! Lot's of eating.

Tasting of savory and sweet delights; such as Bacon lollipops at the Meddlesome Moth, and this delicious fried cheesecake, which Princess Sylvia shared with me and our pal, author Kay Thomas. Yum!!

And here's Princess Phyllis at a scrumptious dinner with her editors and fellow authors at Soul Mate publishing.

On Saturday, we met readers, tons of readers. See top photo. We talked about our favorite stories and signed our books. Like my brand new release: A School for Unusual Girls, which New York Times Sunday Book Review said, "is enticing from the first sentence." They also said this... "Baldwin has an ear for period dialogue as she draws us into this world of sharp, smart young ladies who are actually being trained and deployed for the British war effort by the mysterious headmistress, Miss Stranje. It’s speculative historical fiction, with a trace of steampunk inventiveness..." And a bunch of other nice stuff. 
So, I am a very happy Princess.  Many thanks to Suzanne Farrell for this photoPrincess Kathleen's new Historical YA series debuts today. To read more about it got to A School for Unusual Girls on Amazon. 

If you were at RT tell us what you did there? Who you met? What you ate... Did you ride the bull? Line dance. (I tried line dancing, but I didn't know how. So author Angi Morgan coached me.) 
Your turn.
Tell ALL!!!

Donny Osmond Was My First @sloanebcollins #PuppyLove #FirstCrush #DonnyOsmond #LastingLove #PlottingPrincesses #Romance #AmWriting #MustRead #MFRWorg

I was thinking about crushes the other day, and happened to think I covered a lot of firsts with my own first crush, Donny Osmond.  He was my first crush, my first poster on the wall, my first record album (yes, I’m old), my first concert, my first fan club.  I even had the requisite purple socks with his face on them, all the record albums (still have them, in fact), the Donny & Marie dolls, and the concert posters. 
He’s come a long way from the young boy on Andy Williams show. He’s a husband, a father, a grandfather (how’d that happen?), a man of very strong faith, and he continues to entertain fans of all ages.  I still love his music, and I want to go to Las Vegas for the Donny & Marie concerts there.
I graduated from pop star to actor with Vincent Van Patten in 1974 when he played the son on Apple’s Way.  Imagine my surprise several years ago when I caught him announcing some world of poker show.  Only problem with that show is there wasn’t enough face time! 
My junior year in high school was a huge change for me. My sister and I moved to Missouri from Texas to live with my dad and his new family.  I was miserable not knowing anyone…until I met the boy across the street.  He was my first friend, and so cute! Well, my idea of cute: redneck, worn jeans, beard, and beat-up baseball cap.  We were always friends, nothing more, but I still crushed on him.
Then, in college, I had a crush on the guy who delivered merchandise at my summer job.  And I crushed hard.  We ended up opening one of the new kiosks for the company, so it was close quarters, and we talked a lot.  I was dying for him to ask me out, but it wasn’t until his last day, before he left for the military, that he asked me out for pizza in the mall.  I wore a red shirt, and I swear my face was the same color because I was so excited and happy.  He left for Colorado, and we stayed in contact by writing long letters. 
We fell in love through those letters.  A year later he transferred to Missouri, a couple of hours away from where I attended college, and three months after that we were engaged. 
We’ve been married almost twenty-seven years now, and I still crush on him.
When I write, I think back over the years to those puppy loves and my first love for my husband, and use those emotions to enrich my characters when they meet The One.


How about you? Who was your first crush? 

Anticipation is a Good Thing by @sashawrites #Avengers #Thor

I have a confession. I haven't seen the new #Avengers Age of Ultron yet! I know -- it's horrible.
:(
But my brood has promised to take me for Mother's Day outing. I can wait. Really. I can.



Now, I know there have been mixed reviews. A lot of people seem to prefer the first Avengers. A lot of people have posted all sorts of spoiler-y things on FB and Twitter and every other social media outlet - but I'm staying strong. (So please don't post anything here that will burst my anticipation bubble please.)


Because, let's face it, that's part of the fun, right? The whole point of marketing, really -- making us (the little people) giddy waiting and wanting 'it' now. And while I've been surprised at how few #Avenger commercials I've seen, I knew when it was coming out AND that I had to see it.

Why? Because I love Joss Whedon and the characters and the Marvel-verse that's been such a powerhouse in the theaters the last few years. Even when I get a little antsy over the smidge too long action sequences, I'm entertained. And, let's face it, the zippy dialogue rocks too.


But one reason trumps them all. One reason makes me equal parts impatience and flustered schoolgirl with a big fat crush.


I know there are other guys on the team but, for me, THIS guy is the man. Well, the God. I am so devoted to him that Thursday is 'THORS-day' on FB and I get to post all sorts of lovely pics, snippets, and general awesomeness.  ;)
So, without giving any movie spoilers, who do you fan girl over? Iron Man? The Hulk? Captain America?
Come on, share with the group. I'll respect your opinion, but I know my pick is the best. :) #ThorRules