Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 40

Cyber Monday Boxed Set Deal

Shopping on-line is one way to make a reader smile or to share a great gift with others. With that in mind, consider purchasing the ebook When Love Conquers Time, a 4-Author Boxed set.

When Love Conquers Time is an enticing collection of four full-length novels, featuring time travel, by best-selling authors. Sit back and prepare yourself as we journey back through time and space in search of romance, passion, action and adventure. 

From the 14th century to the 20th century. Ria Cantrell, Paul A. Crust, Dawn Marie Hamilton, and Nancy Lee Badger bring you over 1,000 pages of romance and adventure.


only 99 cents at Amazon (US)
Amazon UK    Amazon CAN     AmazonAU  

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Boxed Set Deal

Shopping on-line is one way to make a reader smile or to share a great gift with others. With that in mind, consider purchasing the ebook When Love Conquers Time, a 4-Author Boxed set.

When Love Conquers Time is an enticing collection of four full-length novels, featuring time travel, by best-selling authors. Sit back and prepare yourself as we journey back through time and space in search of romance, passion, action and adventure. 

From the 14th century to the 20th century. Ria Cantrell, Paul A. Crust, Dawn Marie Hamilton, and Nancy Lee Badger bring you over 1,000 pages of romance and adventure.

only 99 cents at Amazon (US)
Amazon UK    Amazon CAN     AmazonAU  

Nancy Lee Badger presents Ruth A Casie & Once Upon a Haunted Castle

Ruth A. Casie stopped by to share her part in an exciting collaboration of authors, which resulted in the following exciting book. I asked her to tell my readers a bit more about her contribution, The Maxwell Ghost, part of Once Upon a Haunted Castle. Take it away, Ruth!
Castles, ghosts, Scottish heroes, what’s not to love! It never ceases to amaze me how the same story premise given to several authors results in different stories. The five of us had a great time writing these stories for you. So sit back. Welcome to the Highlands and the Islands of Scotland where ghosts inhabit haunted castles and can even help out forbidden lovers when they wish. Once Upon a Haunted Castle is an anthology containing five original novellas from bestselling and award-winning authors Kathrym LeVeque, Eliza Knight, Terri Brisbin, Madeline Martin and myself Ruth A. Casie. Our stories will take you to some of our favorite castles to meet our favorite ghosts.
My story,  The Maxwell Ghost  is set in Caerlaverock Castle in the Dumfries in the 1200s. I loved this story so much that it has been extended in a full length novel, The Highlander’s English Woman available December 1 and currently on pre-sale. 
Book Back Cover Copy The Maxwell Ghost  – featured in the collection Once Upon a Haunted Castle Caerlaverock Castle, on the Scottish border is in an uproar. Traitors, deception, murder and ghosts run riot. The food stores have been tainted and the granaries set ablaze. Rumors fly when servants Evan and his bride-to-be, Angel are found murdered. They believe that in the heat of an argument Evan killed Angel when she threatened to expose him. Distraught over his impulsive actions, he took his own life. Now his ghost haunts the castle. A young cook, Sonia is sure everyone has it wrong and the ghost haunts the castle to seek justice. She will move heaven and earth to get to the truth, but she is helpless.
Laura Reynolds travels from England to her cousin, The Maxwell’s castle to put Evan’s ghost to rest. They have one week to complete the task or Evan’s ghost is doomed to haunt the castle forever. The Maxwell, while he loves his cousin, doesn’t believe in her sorceress ways. With the unsettled times, he cannot send her back to England right away, rather he lets her pursue her investigation.
Jamie Maxwell Collins has finished his service to The Maxwell and eager for his promised farm. While longtime friends with Laura, he has little patience for her hocus pocus, but in order to get his farm The Maxwell requires Jamie protect and help her. Will Sonia’s information tip the scales and help them find justice for Evan and Angel? With Sonia’s insight, will Laura and Jamie see that the depths of their relationship goes way beyond friendship or are they doomed to deny it forever

Excerpt“Do you have any idea why Darla wants you away from Glen Kirk?” Jamie asked.Laura’s back stiffened. “I see that she wants me to visit Caerlaverock to help Cousin Herbert in her place. The bigger question is why are you against taking me? Because if you are, James Maxwell Collins, I’m sure Gareth or one of the men will gladly escort me.”“Wait, Lass. I’ve not said I wouldn’t take you with me. I’m simply inquiring as to why Darla is so anxious to have you away.” His soft tone and softer eyes quieted her. Lisbeth’s words were right. She cringed at the idea of marrying Bryce. He wasn’t where her interests lie.“Has Bryce said anything?” He moved forward in his chair. “Has he done anything to—” His fist pounded the table making her jump.“No, not at all.” Her hand instinctively covered his fist to ease his concern. “He makes me uncomfortable. That’s all. You said the ghost appeared after Evan died three weeks ago. You don’t have much time.” She removed her hand, got up and sat by the dying fire. Jamie followed.“What do you mean? Much time?” he asked as he stirred the embers to life.Laura sat and watched muscles under his shirt as he stretched and maneuvered the heavy log. The glow of the fire reflected off the gold strands threaded through his dark ginger hair and gave a soft halo effect. A smirk touched her lips. Jamie was no saint and the gossip of his escapades was legendary with the girls and women in the village. She dreamt of him at one time, a young girl’s fascination.He turned toward her.“Laura, what do you mean not much time?” Buy LinksAmazon/Kindle      AmazonPaper    iBook    BN     Kobo 
More About the Author

Ruth A. CASIE is an author of swashbuckling action-adventure time-travel romance about strong empowered women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. Her Druid Knight novels have both finaled in the NJRW Golden Leaf contest. Ruth lives in New Jersey with her husband, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she started writing time travel romance, she was a speech therapist, international bank product and marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing time travel romance. Connect with Ruth:
Website    Blog     Google+    Twitter     Facebook Author PageAmazon     Pinterest     Ruth’s Newsletter Signup    BN     KOBO    iBook

Happy Birthday to Me (and you can win the gift)

As I get older, I appreciate birthdays more and more. I am Thankful to be alive! I keep busy with my family, travel, writing my next novel, and so much more.


My day is November 13th and sometimes (like the day I was born) it falls on a FRIDAY. Needless to say, I love to write paranormal novels. Find all my books  HERE



When is your birthday? Share the day and month (not the year) and I will choose one winner at the end of the week for a special gift from me to you...a PRINT copy of SPARK, Clan of dragons, Book #1



a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Quote for Veteran's Day

"Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state." Thomas Jefferson

I can remember our country's military draft, the lottery, and young men fleeing the United States for Canada, so they did not have to serve in the military.

Things changed. There is no draft and no more lottery. Young men sign-up without coercion, and many serve their country with dignity and grace. They come back to civilian life with experience, and a sense of purpose. They attend college, join the work force, and fall in love. Some have problems, including a rather high suicide rate. November 11th is Veteran's Day in the United States of America. Please...hug a Veteran!



Help me celebrate my birthday this month by reading one of my books. You can find all the links HERE

Congrats to my Latest Winners!

The following entries each won a print copy of my latest book, SMOKE , Clan of Dragons Book #2

Darcee K of California

Thomas R of Pennsylvania

Margaret S of Australia

Watch the post for your books and watch for the third book in the series, SMOLDER .

SMOKE Buy Links:
Amazon   Amazon Can     Amazon NL   Amazon UK   Amazon AUS

Amazon Print    B&N Print   B-A-M Print   Book Depository Print        

Patty Taylor and Sea Wolf Magick

I invited author Patty Taylor to visit and share intimate details of her life and tell us more about the books she writes. She says...
Raised as a “country girl” in Maryland, I fell in love with animals, books and the mystical world of magick from a small child. My mother being born and raised in Northern Ireland, along with the discovery of my father having American Indian ancestry, my fascination for both cultures quickly led my imagination to run wild. I come from a family of storytellers and grew up listening to tales of the charming wee ones, fairies, the mischievous leprechauns, and magical creatures including dragons, Selkies, witches and more . . .  
Book BLURB:When a seafaring Highlander Lycan rescues a cursed witch from the clutches of evil, a magical voyage fueled by fire and ice ignites more than just passion across the high seas.

Quinn McCord’s alpha wolf instincts compel him to search for others of his kind and offer safe haven on board his nautical home, The Sea Wolf.  His priorities are tested when sorcery lures him to a savage trap, and fate forces him to choose between his cravings for an irresistible witch, and his vast love of the sea.
Headstrong healer, Beth McMasters, uses her 21stcentury skills to help others, after returning to her rightful Scottish birthplace in 1797. While determined to remain single and restore her family’s good name, new Will Quinn and Beth’s bond for each other be powerful enough to keep them together and find a cure for her curse before they run out of time, or will the truth of their legacy tear them apart? With the help of a miniature dragon, a crew of wolf shifters, trolls, and other mythical creatures, they journey across the Mystical Isle of Skye, to enchanting Iceland . . . for another adventure filled with magick and mayhem.


Buy Link for Sea Wolf Magick:   Amazon
Buy Link for Mortal Magick:   Amazon




Patty Taylor, Author of Fantasy Romance – with a “wee bit” of “MAGICK” from the heart. Patty’s thrilled to carry on the family tradition and her love for her Irish and Scottish heritage by writing stories with a wee bit of magical lore woven with Highland Romance.  In her spare time, Patty can be found sitting beside one of her spinning wheels, blending exotic fibers . . . mixed with sheep, alpaca and Samoyed undercoat. Check out her Website 

Patty Taylor in Northern Ireland, near Dunluce Castle

On the Road Again with Michele Drier and SNAP

On the Road Again

It’s closing in on Halloween and time I put on my costume. That’s right, I dress up like an author.
What does an author look like? A bit frazzled, somewhat frantic, putting on a happy face while begging “please buy my book.”
Maybe it’s because of the long summer when much of California takes a vacation away from the heat, but every year September, October and into November is the travel season. The one where you load up the trunk of your car with books and hit the appearance road.
This year it began in New Orleans with two panels at Bouchercon, the world’s oldest and largest mystery fan and author convention. As the co-chair for Bouchercon 2020, here in Sacramento, I spent six days taking notes, shadowing people, being on panels, talking, talking talking. I was reacquainted with old friends, met some new ones and came home exhausted.

The Great Valley Book Festwith (left to right)Catriona McPhersonCindy SampleCherie O'BoyleMichele Driermoderator Danna Wilberg
Packed up the car and took off for a presentation in Fresno, 170 miles south. Home again, I reloaded the car and drove to Manteca (50 miles south) for the Great Valley Book Fest, a one-day fair of all thing bookish. Talked to a lot of people, met William Kent Kruger, award-winning author of Ordinary Grace.
Then closer to home, I drove to Face in a Book, an independent book store in El Dorado Hills to take part in a Sisters in Crime mystery panel. I’m the president of the local Sisters chapter, Capitol Crimes, and with four other members, regaled the audience with tales of being a writer. How do you come up with your plots? Do you have a regular writing schedule? Are you like your characters?

Odd, no one asked what we wear to write in. They probably knew that a writer’s uniform is jammies…or in my case either a t-shirt or sweatshirt, depending on the temperature. One author confessed to writing every morning in her recliner and another said she stands at her kitchen counter. Me? I sit in my office and stare, waiting for inspiration to leap out from the walls.
I‘m winding up this sprint on Nov. 5 when I teach a writing class at a local Adult Ed program.
At the bookstore, I fell into conversation with a young woman who’s just finished her first novel, a YA coming-of-age set in the supernatural. I gave her some resources, encouraged her to polish her book and to see it through to be published. Having the passion to write, to finish a novel, or short story or essay is a wonderful thing. And to sell it, to share your stories with others, to amuse, challenge, scare, teach others through the persuasion of your own words is heady stuff.
But being a writer is scary, also. Putting your thoughts, ideas and words out there for perfect strangers. Letting people you don’t know into your world. And then hoping they’ll pay to hear and read that story, those words. And what’s even more scary? I still have a trunk full of books in my car.I tell myself that John Grisham and Stephenie Meyer started out this way.

Book BlurbIn book nine of the Kandesdky Vampire Chronicles, Maxie Gwenoch, LA-based media star, VP for International Planning for the multi-national gossip conglomerate, SNAP, has finally agreed to marry Jean-Louis Kandesky, a 500-year-old Hungarian vampire a leader of the family that owns SNAP.

Is marriage a big change? Not as big as the fact that Maxie is now a vampire, as well. When munitions from the Kandesky Enterprises weapons plant in Slovakia turn up at the bombing of a Royal's house in England, Jean-Louis and his "brother," Nik, are hot on the trail of shadowy terrorist groups dealing in international weapons sales. Are the Kandesky arms being sold to terrorists groups? Should Maxie use her new-found vampire strengths to ferret out the scum?
More About the AuthorMichele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. She’s lived and worked all over the state, calling both Southern and Northern California home.  During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series.
She is the president of Capitol Crimes, the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime, and the co-chair of Bouchercon 2020.Her Amy Hobbes Newspaper Mysteries are Edited for Death , (called “Riveting and much recommended” by the Midwest Book Review), Labeled for Death and Delta for Death.
Her paranormal romance series, The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles , was the best paranormal vampire series of 2014 from the Paranormal Romance Guild. The series is SNAP: The World Unfolds, SNAP: New Talent , Plague: A Love Story, Danube: A Tale of Murder , SNAP: Love for Blood, SNAP: Happily Ever After?, SNAP: White Nights,  SNAP: All That Jazz, and SNAP: I, Vampire.
Visit her facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMicheleDrier, her website www.micheledrier.com or her Amazon author page, http://www.amazon.com/Michele-Drier/e/B005D2YC8G/

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Sorchia Dubois and Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones

I have welcomed Sorchia Dubois to my blog so she can share her book, to be released October 28, 2016. This is my way of paying-it-forward to other authors.
Take it away, Sorhcia!
Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones is Book 1 in a 3-Book romantic suspense series. Book 2, Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen, and Book 3,  Zoraida Grey and the Pictish Runes , will be released in 2017. The three books follow Zoraida from what begins as a relatively simple quest to pinch a healing crystal to a journey of self-discovery and adventure. She vows to put her love life on hold until she achieves her goal, but the seductive spells of the beguiling Logan witches may be too powerful to resist.
Book BlurbGranny’s dying, but Zoraida can save her with a magic crystal of smoky quartz. Too bad the crystal is in Scotland––in a haunted castle––guarded by mind-reading, psychopathic sorcerers.
Getting inside Castle Logan is easy. Getting out––not so much. Before she can snatch the stone, Zoraida stumbles into a family feud, uncovers a wicked ancient curse, and finds herself ensorcelled by not one but two handsome Scottish witches. Up to their necks in family intrigue and smack-dab in the middle of a simmering clan war, Zoraida and her best friend Zhu discover Granny hasn’t told them everything.
Not by a long shot.
Excerpt from Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones
    “Your Granny taught you a great deal, I’ll wager.” His brows knit together. The suspicion returns to his eyes.    “She taught me enough.”    “Are you sure?”    “What do you mean by that?”    “I mean Castle Logan is not what you expected, is it? You’re out of your depth here.”    “I wouldn’t say that.” I resolve to stand firm, though he is so close I can feel his warmth and smell the musk of sweat and dirt on his clothes.    “Don’t pretend to be something you are not. We scare you. Admit it.” He scowls down at me.    “And I seem to scare you and maybe even Michael.” I scowl right back at him. “I don’t know why––since I am only here on vacation.”    Shea’s lips curl in a sneer. “Michael and I disagree about many things, but we are in total agreement about you. You are hiding something. Rest assured we’ll discover what it is in short order.”    “Everybody in this bloody castle is hiding something. Why should I be any different? It’s not like I killed somebody.”    Too late, I remember Miss Watson’s certainty that Shea killed the old laird. It’s never clever to bait an accused murderer. I move away but he grasps my arm, his eyes black with anger.    “You didn’t waste time learning all there is to learn from town gossip. Consider this. If I could kill my own uncle—toss him over the side of the tower and watch him break apart––what do you suppose I could do to you?” 

Buy links
Preorder the e-book here:  Amazon Preorder the paperback here:  The Wild Rose Press   More About the Author Sorchia Dubois lives in the piney forest of the Missouri Ozarks with eight cats. She edits technical writing and fiction part time, but she spends at least five hours per day tapping out paranormal romance, Gothic murder, and Scottish thrillers. A proud member of the Ross clan, Sorchia incorporates all things Celtic (especially Scottish) into her works. She can often be found swilling Scotch at Scottish festivals. Connect with her here:
Website    Twitter
Pinterest   Facebook
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads Author Page

Free Excerpt from SMOKE by Nancy Lee Badger

I thought I would stop by my own blog and treat y'all to an excerpt from SMOKE, Clan of Dragons, Book #2:
    The odor of the dragon’s breath overpowered the scent of pine and fresh-fallen snow. Kera ran a hand down her leg, and didn’t feel any blood, but the limb throbbed. When heavy footsteps grew closer, a momentary wish to dip her body into the nearest fairy pool disappeared. How foolish. The urge to escape beneath its cool, clear water, or feel the massaging action of a cascading waterfall, was not strong enough to forget her current predicament, or the wintry weather.    The dragon moved toward her as it circled the tree. Its long white fangs glistened, and its hot breath melted the snow at her feet. Kera searched the area for a weapon. Unfortunately, the snow around the tree was heavy, and had covered everything.    Gazing upward, she thought to grab a limb and climb to safety, but she stopped when an odd voice said, “I apologize.” Who spoke to her in the presence of a dragon? Curiosity would be her downfall someday, but she peered from behind the tree and saw the green dragon, and only the dragon.    “Did you…say something?”    I be speaking to a dragon? Did I hit me head as well?    “Aye, lass,” the dragon said. “I apologized. I did not mean to throw you so hard, but your wolf form surprised me. There be friends of mine nearby whom I wish to protect. I can…ahh…see you be not only a wolf.”    With her secret out, a weight lifted from her shoulders. “I, also, apologize. I hope I did not hurt you by walking on your head. I heard something fall from the mountain, then I smelled you and…I was too curious for me own good.”    “You have a lovely smile, but I see pain in your eyes. Be you injured?”    She nodded, then immediately wondered if admitting her vulnerability made her a target. While contemplating her next move, the dragon leaned closer and sniffed her hip.    “No blood. You should come with me.”Before she could answer with a resounding nay, a roar shook the tree, and dumped snow from the branches above them, onto their heads. The cold blanket of white powder stole her breath, and the ground rumbled beneath her feet. She clasped the tree’s trunk to stay on her feet. Pain sliced along her leg, and brought tears to her eyes.    Kera gained her balance, and peeked again. Another dragon had joined the first, and he looked angry. Smoke curled from his nostrils, and his red scales glistened like fresh-spilled blood. His black wings flapped, sending waves of cold wind directly at her, and the tree.    “Calm yourself, brother. The lass be injured, and not a threat to anyone.” The green dragon moved closer, and shielded Kera with his white wings.    “I smell wolf and human. You know how I feel about humans!”

Buy Links: Amazon     Amazon UK    Amazon Can    Amazon Aus
Amazon PRINT    B&N PRINT     B-A-M