Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 53

MK McClintock-A Home for Christmas GIVEAWAY

I asked MK McClintock to stop by and share a few tidbits that would interest my readers. Since I live on the east coast and she is way out west in Montana, it is refreshing to get into another writer's head. Let's start off with this:
I used to be a bit of a daredevil, which included participating in such crazy activities as skydiving and cliff jumping. I’m terrified of heights. When I was younger, I wanted to be a K-9 Cop.




Dearest Reader,
What a beautiful time to be alive. I used to bemoan that I was born in what I believed to be the wrong century. I truly thought—and still do—that I would have done quite well in the 18th or 19th centuries. Yes, life was indeed rougher and so unpredictable, but aren't they still? I suppose it is the simplicity of life back then compared to how it is now. There's so much noise everywhere that I constantly feel the need to escape the din. That's not always easy, but for me, it is necessary. This is one reason why I choose to live where I do. Montana is often a forgotten place with a somewhat sparse population considering the land mass. The winters can be long and brutal with barely a hint of sun, but I wouldn't change a thing about it.
When the lakes, mountains, and parks empty of tourists, that's when I find true solace. Without that solace, I could not write. I could not create.
As Gloria E. Anzaldúa said, “Why am I compelled to write? . . . Because the world I create in the writing compensates for what the real world does not give me."  This is also why I prefer to write historical fiction. Not to say that I will never write a contemporary, but historicals feed my soul in a way that a contemporary story never has.
My newest work of historical fiction is A Home for Christmas, a collection of three short stories, each one featuring a character who is in search of a new home. That wasn't my intention when I began to write the stories, but a home is exactly what they find. Their journeys may not be easy and their stories may not have all began with sunshine and roses, but they each find their own solace.
Whether you’re a writer inspired by the season and eager to write your first or tenth book, or if you’re a reader looking to curl up by the fire with a good story

MK McCLINTOCKWriting stories of love and adventure from another time.

BioMK McClintock spins tales of romance and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana.
-2014 RONE Award-Nominee for Alaina Claiborne-Crowned Heart for Excellence from InD'Tale Magazine for Blackwood Crossing and The Montana Gallagher Collection
Learn more about MK by visiting her website at http://www.mkmcclintock.com or blog at http://www.booksandbenches.com.

Genres: historical romantic westerns, historical romantic mysteries, western short stories
Contact & Connectwww.mkmcclintock.comwww.booksandbenches.com (blog)Facebook.com/mkmcclintockbooksTwitter.com/mkmcclintockPinterest.com/mkmcclintock            
Glacier Park-October
A Home for ChristmasShort Story CollectionBy MK McClintock
A collection of three historical western short stories to inspire love and warm the heart.
Praise for A Home for Christmas
"The cold nips at your face and delicious Christmas cake leaves you wanting more." - M. Ann Roher, Author of "Mattie"
“If you like the 1800's, like I do, you will love these stories!”-Diane Holm, The Reader’s Cove, Amazon Vine Reviewer
“I really enjoyed these charming historical fictions CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN, TETON CHRISTMAS and LILY'S CHRISTMAS WISH! . . . Ms. McClintock is a very descriptive writer, I could feel the surroundings!”-Nicole Laverdure

CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN
In search of family she barely knows and adventure she's always wanted, Katherine Donahue is saved from freezing on a winter night in the mountains of Montana by August Hollister. Neither of them expected that what one woman had in mind was a new beginning for them both.

TETON CHRISTMAS
Heartache and a thirst for adventure lead McKensie Stewart and her sister to Wyoming after the death of their parents. With the help of a widowed aunt and a charming horse breeder, McKensie discovers that hope is a cherished promise, and there is no greater gift than love.

LILY'S CHRISTMAS WISH
Lily Malone has never had a real family or a real Christmas. This holiday season, she might get both. From an orphanage in New York City to the rugged mountains of Colorado, Lily sends out only one wish. But when the time comes, can she give it up so someone else's wish can come true?

Settings: Montana, Colorado, Wyoming
Christmas Short Stories/Western
Book LinksAmazon| B&N| Kobo| Autographed
Copper Point, Montana Territory—December 1879
"Alone now, surrounded by a peace she rarely experienced, Katherine pet Crockett in front of the hearth. The fire flickered, causing the flames’ shadows to dance over the log walls. The scent of yeast drifted from the rising loaves of bread waiting on the kitchen counter. Quiet surrounded Katherine and Crockett as they enjoyed a few moments alone before the others woke."
-from CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN
_____________________________________________

Wickliffe, Wyoming Territory—December 22, 1892
"The sun shone from the brilliant blue sky, kissing her skin and brightening the freckles scattered across her nose. McKensie Stewart closed her eyes, breathed in the frosty air, and spread her arms wide. She stood on the side of the snow-covered road where the stage coach had dropped them off and relished in the wonderment. They had finally arrived in Wyoming." 
-from TETON CHRISTMAS 
Look for the Wycliffe Hotel's Famous Coffee Cake recipe at the end of the book.
_______________________________________________

Cotter’s Gulch, Colorado—December 1868
Dear God. Please help me find a family. Love, Lily.
The forged wheels whirred and ground against the iron rails as the small window of the train car opened up to the vast landscape of the American West. Miss Abbott told her the same stories over and over again, promising that a new life waited. She wasn’t sorry to see the dingy city disappear four days ago, and she hoped to never see it again. Those memories she wanted to leave far behind."
-from LILY'S CHRISTMAS WISH

Book GiveawayEnter to win one of 3 copies of A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: Short Story Collection1 print edition (US only) and 2 e-book editionsGiveaway ends 12/31/2014
Enter HERE 

Diana Cosby-a Passion for Writing And Helping our Veterans

Diana Cosby combines her passion for writing and charity work to help our troops with the release of An Oath Taken, the first book in The Oath Series.
Many of you know that I love volunteering my time and energy in helping to make a positive difference in others’ lives.  As a military brat, a retired Navy Chief, a former military wife, and a mom of three children who have served in the military—two in the Marines and one in the Army, all who have served in Afghanistan—I understand the demands on members of the military and the impact on their families. 
Upon return from combat duty, many Veterans face challenges including depression, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, suicidal thoughts, brain injury, as well as physical issues incurred during deployment. I wanted to do something that would make a difference and help these Veterans.  
So, I will be donating 100% of my proceeds from the first week of sales of 
An Oath Taken (8 December 2014 – 14 December 2014) 
to veterans’ charities and causes that support military service members and their families.
I shared my idea with my editor, and then asked if she could notify me of my royalties after the first week of sales for An Oath Taken. My editor’s response brought tears to my eyes. Kensington Publishing Corp. would gladly do as I asked — and make a matching It’s hard to deploy and leave ones family, friends, and miss the holidays, more so for those who are placed in harm’s way.  But, it’s also a tremendous challenge for the family members left at home wondering every single day if their loved one is alive.  And when the family is reunited with their soldier after a dangerous tour of duty, regular family difficulties may seem overwhelming.   Many military families need support to stay strong as their soldier receives proper treatment, which is one of the functions of the military charities I support.
Education, proper diagnosis, and treatment are the key to good physical and mental health.  I sincerely hope that my 100% donation from my first week of sales of An Oath Taken, combined with my publishers matching contribution, can help returning Veterans as they continue their on-going fight in overcoming personal battles on the home front.
Thank you all for your time, and may God bless our troops and their families!
Sincerely, Diana Cosby

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning MacGruder Brother books are available in five languages.  Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.
After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.   With the release of her 6th book in the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series, she’s now preparing for the release of the 1st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, “An Oath Taken,” which will be available on December 8th, 2014.  In addition, she’s excited about the upcoming release of The MacGruder Brothers e- Nancy Lee: Thank you for stopping by and sharing this opportunity for readers to buy a great book AND help veterans. As the daughter of a Navy veteran and the mother of an Army veteran, I salute you!
Diana: You are very welcome! I look forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.
Learn more about Diana and her books at www.dianacosby.com

Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra presents THE COIN

Nancy: Author Marie Elena Alonso-Sierra stopped by to share her latest release, THE COIN, a Romantic Suspense/Thriller. Enjoy the FREE excerpt AND leave a comment for the GIVEAWAY!
Welcome!

Excerpt
Gabriela took it and averted her face, pretending to look at the passing view.  Richard wasn’t fooled.  He knew she wasn’t watching her surroundings.  “Gabriela.  We have to talk.”“Like hell we do,” she answered, without turning her head.“Yes, we do.  You can’t go on like this all day, pretending I don’t exist, biting my head off every time you answer my questions.”She shrugged in answer and kept staring out the window.  They passed an ancient chimney stack from an abandoned perfume factory and rounded their way up past the old railway station.  As they climbed higher, the traffic became thicker with tourist buses, cars with foreign plates, and impatient locals.  They would be crawling along before they ever reached the road turnoff.“Listen.  What happened last night shouldn’t have—”“You’re damn right it shouldn’t have happened,” she told him viciously.  “And it won’t happen again.”  She turned sparkling, angry eyes at him.  “Last night, I was a fool to allow you to even touch me.  And you, chivalrous person that you are, took full advantage of a weak moment.”He ground the car gears as the car crawled even slower, inching its way around a traffic circle with an iron sculpture of a rose cradling a perfume bottle in its center.  The fragile hold on his temper snapped.  “Damn it to hell, Gabriela.  Do you think this is easy on me?  I’m a man who’s always taken what I’ve goddamn wanted, without asking permission.  Look at me, for God’s sake.  For the first time in my life, I’m considerate of a woman, careful not to wound your damn moral sensibilities.  I’ve never given a shit about what the opposite sex has thought of me, or wanted, or whether my actions have pleased or hurt.  I’ve never been in love, Gabriela.  Do you think I enjoy feeling weak and vulnerable?  Do you?”“No,” she admitted, and looked down at her hands.  She couldn’t fool herself.  She was lashing out at him to better protect herself against her growing attachment, her irrational love.  It was her only defense.“I love you, Gabriela,” he said, and felt her wince at his words.  “I’m sorry about last night, but I don’t regret it happening.  I’d be a hypocrite if I told you otherwise.”  He shifted to first and managed only an inch.  “What’s done is done.  That’s no reason for going at each other’s throats for the remainder of the day.  Can we at least act civilized toward each other until I can have Maurice finish things off?  That way, I’ll finally be out of your hair and you can go back to your life the way it was.”Outside the car, life seemed to be pulsating.  Inside, it was holding its breath.  “My life can never be the same again,” she said low, with heartrending sadness.Richard clenched his jaw, recognizing the truth in her statement.  What comfort could he offer?  The situation could never be repaired.  He was in the same shoes.

GIVEAWAY!Leave a comment for a chance to WINa Signed print copy OR “Authorgraphed” Kindle version OR epub version of The Coin; bookmark; rack card.*USA residents only
**You MUST include contact info (This blog does not collect reader info) Book Blurb The cost of this coin might just be too high... When Gabriela finds a mysterious coin in the French Riviera, she is thrust into a struggle between governments, terrorists, and madmen, all seeking vital information she doesn't know she has. Richard, the intelligence officer assigned to protect her, has all he can do to keep her safe--and keep the stirrings of his heart from endangering them both.
Where can readers buy your book?Smashwords     Amazon      iTunes
Barnes and Noble     Kobo      Goodreads
                                              Author Bio Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is a full-time novelist based in North Carolina. With Cuban roots, she has lived in many countries, including France, the setting for her first novel, The Coin. She speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German, and reads Latin, Middle English, and old French. She holds a Masters in English literature, specializing in medieval romances, and is currently an active member of the Carolina Romance Writers. She loves to hear from her readers, and always hopes to open a dialogue with her fans.Connect with the author here:


Facebook     Twitter      Blog Amazon Author Central     Goodreads  

And the Winner is...

The Blog Tour celebrating the release of My Dark Highlander has ended
I am proud to announce that the winner of the $25 Amazon Gift Card is 
Angie D.
Thank you to everyone who left a comment, 'liked' me on Facebook, followed me on Twitter, or posted a tweet. You are appreciated!

Nancy Lee

MY DARK HIGHLANDER Blog Tour

The Blog Tour is ON and I am giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky Reader


Please visit these locations:Mythical BooksARe CafeBooks 'n PearlsMore Romance PleaseBFD Book BlogPreturnaturaSapphyria's Book ReviewsThe Bookish & Romantic3 Partners in ShoppingLola Carson BooksLisa' World of Books



All this is to promote the 2nd Book in myKilted Athletes Through Time series
Amazon ebook Nook Smashwords All Romance Amazon Print iTunes Kobo Barnes and Noble Print Books-A-Million Book Depository
Powell’s Books

Pre-Order SHIVER-a White Mountains Thriller with Bonus book

My next release is a little different from the Scottish time travels I have released over the years. SHIVER is a romantic suspense/thriller set in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. 

The Story
In a quirky college town surrounded by the mountains of New Hampshire new art history professor, Jacob Oliver, hikes a trail on a crisp September morning. He contemplates his life. Divorced and forced out of his job with the Boston Police due to a horrific accident, he spots a naked woman beneath a majestic waterfall. Escaping, he falls and reinjures his knee.
Destiny Blake hears a noise. Someone is on her mountain. She finds a handsome man sitting in the mud. Love blooms and lust consumes them after she helps him to the safety of her cabin. Soon, assumptions pull them apart, leaving her vulnerable to the unwanted attentions of other men.
When Jacob decides he cannot live without her, he must save her from a madman who chases her up her mountain through the cold, snowy darkness of a November night.

Ghostly voices push Jacob onward, and urge Destiny to fight back. Pain, hypothermia, and death threaten before the sun rises. Can Destiny and Jacob make it off Destiny's mountain...alive?
The book will be out in print around December 1st. However, the ebook is currently available exclusively at Amazon for Pre-Order. And, if you Pre-Order it, YOU SAVE MONEY! 
Pre-Order at THIS LINK for only $2.99
Oh, AND AS AN EXTRA BONUS, I have included at the end of this ebook, UNWRAPPING CHRIS, a contemporary military holiday story. A 99 cent book, absolutely FREE!

FREE Ebook: My Lady Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger

It is my birthday week, but YOU get the gift. My Lady Highlander,the first book in the Kilted Athletes Through Time series, is a full-length Scottish time travel romance. 
The Book Blurb:

Isobel MacHamish escaped a betrothal in ancient Scotland. Five years later, in present-day New England, life is quiet…and dull, until a caber-tossing athlete turns her world upside down. Keeping her hands to herself is one battle she cannot win.

Bryce Buchanan returns from ancient Scotland to teach history, and compete at the New England Highland Games. Savings Izzy from a fire, a former lover, and a wicked Scottish brownie leaves ‘Bull’ torn…especially when they end up in 1603 Scotland. Again.
For a FREE download for your Kindle, iPhone, iPad, or computer please click 
HERE


Also consider buying the 2nd book in the series, My Dark Highlander.

Watch for the December release of my next book, SHIVER, a White Mountains Thriller

Remember Our Veterans!

Veteran's Day salutes those men and women who have served or are serving in our nation's military. The event occurs annually during the 11th month, on the 11th day, at the 11th hour. It is a time to say "Thanks" and to appreciate those who keep us safe, and have protected our homeland.


On another note, I am a writer so I will take this opportunity to remind all about my contemporary MILITARY short story, UNWRAPPING CHRIS. The 99cent ebook is available everywhere, and I was assisted by my son, Sgt. Eric Badger, retired, who made sure I used the correct terminology.



BOOK BLURB
Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for a secure future for her and her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher Hawkins regrets leaving young Jayne eight years ago to go off to war. A crash encounter a week before Christmas thrusts these two lonely people back into each other's lives once more. Jayne must learn to trust a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris must overcome the guilt of taking her innocence, and then leaving her heartbroken and alone. A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies him as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his eyes off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations, explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight, Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?




UNWRAPPING CHRIS buy links Amazon     NOOK      Smashwords iTunes     Kobo     All Romance 
HUG A VETERAN!

Long Live Sweet Romance by Kristy Tate

LONG LIVE SWEET ROMANCE! Nancy: I am intrigued with your article's title. Explain?
Kristy: I had an uncomfortable experience a number of years ago when I attended a workshop where a writer brought in pages and pages of sex scenes to be critiqued. She read one steamy passage and then said, now, skip 70 pages and then she’d read another libido boosting scene. After the workshop, after I stopped blushing, I asked her why she’d saved and clustered her sex scenes just for us. Her answer, my agent said the reason my novels aren’t selling is because they need the sex scenes so I’m adding them. Since then, this writer is self-publishing her novels, sweet romances, sans sex scenes, and she’s sold thousands of her books. I think she’s financially doing much better than she would have had she published within the traditional romance industry AND she’s able to look her grandmother in the eye.
Nancy: I hear you. My mom reads my nearly complete draft, which is why the sexual tension and somewhat spicy lovemaking in my books is not what I would call erotic or graphic. My characters don't curse very much, either.
Kristy: This reaffirms my belief that there’s a giant gaping hole in the publishing industry. I believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of stories and I also believe not every story has to be powerful. Entertainment is as valuable as enlightenment. Sometimes we just need to get away. Go somewhere else--take our mind off of the nitty-gritty of everyday. And even if we can’t afford an African safari or romp in the Amazon, those experiences are available to us, FOR FREE, at the public library. We can have romance, mystery and intrigue if we possess a library card.
I’ll admit I cried when the Border’s Bookstore closed. Whenever I felt sad I’d go to Borders and buy a book and a chocolate. It didn’t happen often, I’m usually upbeat, but when I’d feel trampled upon and world weary, I knew that I could be lifted up just by going to the closest bookstore. Chocolates and books were there, waiting. 
Nancy: I feel this way, too! There was a lovely Borders near my house, and I miss it very much.
Kristy: My son couldn’t understand my loss. You made your choice when you bought your I-pad, he said. I want libraries, bookstores AND books in the clouds, I replied.
I want books with romance, mystery and intrigue, but I don’t want books with titillation, excessive violence or gore. And that’s the genius of anthologies like 
Autumn's Kiss: Ten Contemporary & Historical Sweet Romances. Ten sweet stories of love. Ten great authors. Ten ways to celebrate Autumn. Falling in love is timeless. From a sexy medieval stonemason to a small town shopkeeper - Regency England to Napa Vineyards, this selection of Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal and Time-Travel short romance stories is sure to capture your heart.  Featuring my novella, The Witching Well
THE WITCHING WELL . KristyTate. Time Travel Celia Quinn holds Jason West responsible for the demise of her grandmother's dress shop, so when she takes a sip of water from the witching well and is transported back to Regency England, Jason West is the last person she wants to see--or kiss.
Now available on Amazon for only $2.99. 
More About the Author Kristy Tate is the mom of six incredibly brilliant and beautiful children, and the author of several novels. Although many of her novels have won awards and have ranked on Amazon's top 100 list, Kristy has yet to realize her lifelong dream of owning a Schnauzer farm. Kristy studied English literature at Brigham Young University and at BYU's International Center in London.
For updates on Kristy's upcoming novels, please visit her BLOG   

Nancy Lee Badger: NEW RELEASE! My Dark Highlander

I had to shout out that my 13th book is now available in ebook and print. 

The Book Blurb
Stranded in 1603 Scotland, veterinarian Jenny Morgan is eager to get home to New England. Hiding her ability to read auras, a powerful witch comes to her aid. All Jenny will miss is the man who stole her heart, one dark night.

Laird Gavin Sinclair has a missing brother, a murderous father, and a dark-eyed beauty on his mind. When Jenny returns to a dangerous future, he sets aside his obligations and searches for her at the New England Highland Games. Jealousy and lust ravage his dark soul, until he and Jenny fight evil together. 
Excerpt   “Lass, are ye well?” Gavin asked Jenny. Her limp body, beneath a wayward strand of moonlight, was cause for concern. She was breathing, and the only blood marring the forest floor belonged to his sire. The man had disappeared in a beam of light so intense, little black spots danced in Gavin’s vision.     When he had come across his father, with Jenny’s breast visible beneath her ruined gown, his heart had caught in his throat. Retaliation sprang to mind. The urge to cast a spell and kill his sire had risen so fast, it had terrified him. Angus Sinclair deserved to die, but the only thing holding Gavin back was the possibility of injuring Jenny. Tamping down his rage, he helped Jenny to her feet.     “Thanks. I'm fine. I'm glad he's gone. I heard the stories about your father, but I've never known anyone who oozed evil, like him.”     Gavin’s hands shook, and he was thankful she did not sense his evil side that had reared its ugly head. “Aye, ‘tis why Niall and I were reluctant to follow him.”      “His threats against you turned my stomach, and when he pressed his…”     “His dirk?” As moonlight passed above, her cheeks blazed red, and he wondered why she looked embarrassed. She clutched her dress together, but the milky swells of her breasts were visible.      “Not his dirk, idiot." Print Book's Back CoverYou can check more of the book, including the first chapter at these on-line BUY LINKS: Amazon ebook Nook Smashwords All Romance Amazon Print
Print ISBN: 978-1502558558   330 pages EBook ISBN:  9781310158292 ASIN: B00P47DSQC