Suzanne G. Rogers's Blog, page 41

Sale at Musa Publishing Through Halloween

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trick or Treat? Through October 31st, Musa Publishing is having a 30% off sale on ALL mystery, thriller, horror, and sci-fi titles, including my fantasy novel EPIC Award Finalist Tournament of Chance and two contemporary Norse mythology novellas, The Druid/The Accidental Immortal.

~ S.G. Rogers

 

Victorian-Era Iconoclast Catherine Walters

Victorian-era courtesan Catherine Walters

With all the emphasis on moral purity, money, and royal titles in the Victorian era, it’s refreshing to hear about an outsider beating the Upper Tens at their own game. Liverpool-born lass Catherine Walters (1839 – 1920) was the Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton of her era. Nicknamed “Skittles” (perhaps stemming from her early job at a bowling alley), her exceptional beauty allowed her to rise to the level of a superstar. Among her lovers were royals, intellectuals, and wealthy benefactors alike, and her discretion was nearly as valuable as her looks. Among other properties, she had a home in the exclusive London neighborhood of Mayfair. An accomplished horsewoman, she drew admiring crowds whenever she rode on Rotten Row in Hyde Park. Her taste in clothes set trends and sparked envy among aristocratic ladies. She “retired” at about the age of 50 (cougar anyone?) as a wealthy woman.

Although my current work-in-progress (Jessamine’s Folly) is set in the Edwardian era, the story includes a character reminiscent of Skittles. I admire the mindset of a woman who goes about living life in her own fashion, thumbing her nose at snobbish conventions and refusing to bow to a set of societal “rules” which excluded her from birth. I drink a toast to an iconoclast of a prior era. ~ S.G. Rogers

 

 

EPIC Finalist TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE by S.G. Rogers

I was just informed that my fantasy novel, Tournament of Chance, is a finalist in the EPIC eBook Awards. In Tournament, a young woman pushes back against a brutal monarch when she discovers his promise of upward mobility is actually a sham designed to keep the peasants in their place. If you enjoy sword & sorcery, time-travel, magic, dragons, and characters determined to prevail against treachery and deceit, this novel is for you.

~ S.G. Rogers

Available in all e-formats from Musa Publishing HERE. Also available at , and wherever fine e-books are sold.

What Amazon readers are saying:

“It’s fast paced and fascinating! I loved Heather, and Dane, and Jo, and Shimmer, and…You know, I loved everyone. This was a completely developed world.” - Kaitlin

“I was riveted by Heather’s story. SG Rogers kept me on the edge of my seat because of her fast pacing – I just had to know what happened next.” – Muddy Rose Reviews

“[A] captivating story about a young girl who crashes through the crystal ceiling of the kingdom she lives in by challenging the upper class in the Tournament of Chance.  Heather is a plucky, strong character who will appeal to young adults… It’s fabulous!” – Anteater1982

“What Reviewers are saying:

“I loved this book! It is fast-paced and engaging, and I honestly couldn’t put the book down! The characters were very real and I grew to love them. I admired Heather’s perseverance, and how she continued to come up with new solutions when the original plan failed. This has fantasy mixed in with time travel, which made for a fun, unique twist on the genre. Usually, I get a little confused with time travel tales, but not with this one. With each time period, more and more of the story was connected, and more aspects of the tale were explained. I loved seeing all the characters having to put their differences and backgrounds aside to work together to overthrow an evil king. This is fantasy at its finest, with kings and dragons, princesses and tournaments, and of course, magic and romance! Rogers is a talented writer, and I will definitely be reading more of her books.” –

“I loved every character in this book.  Dane was very swoon-worthy.  I loved how the relationship between Heather and Dane wasn’t rushed. I loved watching both characters grow and develop in this story.  They both changed for the better.  Heather was no damsel in distress and that is what I loved about her.  She was able to throw a knife and shoot arrows better than anybody.  Manny was hilarious!!!  He has a great since of humor.  Shimmer was very wise.  He was a great leader to follow.  I was glad Jovander got to meet Heather again after 8 years.  There wasn’t a character I didn’t like.  Each had something I loved about them.” –

“I really love how unique all the ideas in this book are. It’s not your basic fantasy and magic novel. It has a unique foundation in which S.G. Rogers enthralls you from the very beginning and doesn’t let you go. You experience emotions all over the spectrum and S.G. makes you really believe these are living, breathing characters. She paints a beautiful story that I just did not want to end.” –

Add to your To-Read list on Goodreads .

Sneak Peek: Kira (Warrior Princess) by S.G. Rogers

I’ve been busy working on two projects simultaneously: an Edwardian-era romance entitled Jessamine’s Folly and a prequel to my Yden series entitled Kira (Warrior Princess). I hope to have Jessamine’s Folly ready for the Christmas season, but I thought I’d share a pivotal scene from Kira right now. I hope you enjoy it, and have a lovely weekend! ~ S.G. Rogers

Murmuring voices woke Kira from an uneasy sleep in her horse’s stall. A sharp pain in her neck made her wince, and she cursed the circumstances keeping her from her comfortable bed at the lodge. It must be late…perhaps my virtue will be safe now. She dragged herself upright and stretched, but immediately ducked behind a pillar when she realized she wasn’t alone. Mandral was leading the huge black charger from its stall several yards away, while the wizard Patnik waited near the stable entrance.

“The current threat has been neutralized,” Mandral said. “It’s time to mobilize.”

Delicious shivers went down Kira’s spine at the man’s voice. She longed to touch his hand and feel the warmth of his smile. Don’t be foolish! It’s the love potion and these sensations are not real. 

“The wizard Dorsit has returned to Ylan, Warlord. If the Nomads seek his help, he may present a complication. I advise you to tie up the loose ends immediately,” Patnik said.

Dorsit is alive?

Mandral chuckled. “I don’t want her harmed. Kira Szul is under my thrall, and the idea of marriage to the Nomad leader’s daughter rather pleases me. With Kira at my side, Nomads will more readily accept a coup,”

Kira bit back a gasp. He knew who I was all along.

“But—”

“Enough! I’ve paid the barmaid to slit the boy’s throat come morning, and Kira shall ride with me to her father’s encampment as my future bride.”

“With your permission, I’ll transport directly to our staging area. Captain Blane is awaiting your orders.”

“Tell him to send squads of Cygards to surround Eastknot Crossing immediately. Nobody is permitted in or out. I’ll meet you there to review the rest of my troops personally. At first light, the game begins.”

Mandral spurred his horse forward. As the warlord rode from the stable, Patnik transported away with a flash of light and the low boom of thunder. Kira let out the breath she’d been holding. Oh, Solegra! Nomad Territory is being invaded!

Go-To Music List

I’m the first to admit I’m musically uncool. I even, um, liked the disco era. I think the ’80s was my favorite decade for music, probably because it was upbeat and cheerful. I enjoyed Huey Lewis and the News, the Go-Go’s, and even Wham! Taste in music is an individual thing, admittedly, but I’m guessing most people have a few songs that will put a smile on their face every single time. When I’m writing, usually I prefer dead quiet, but I do have a “writing list” on my I-Tunes account. The songs change from time to time, but I thought I’d share the current Top Ten list with you. Leave a comment, below, and let me know what particular song of yours is a go-to song for you. ~ S.G. Rogers

1. Good Time (Alex Goot)

2. I Like to Move it (Reel 2 Real)

3. Supermassive Black Hole (Muse)

4. She’s So High (Tal Bachman)

5. Walk Away (Kelly Clarkson)

6. Shambala (Three Dog Night)

7. You Shook Me All Night Long (ACDC)

8. Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf)

9. We Built This City (Starship)

10. Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)

9/27/13 – Ice Captain’s Daughter is a Friday Freebee

One day only, September 27th, The Ice Captain’s Daughter is a free download for your Kindle at Amazon HERE.  It’s short (appx. 131 pages), it’s sweet (so no worries about reading it in front of the kids), and it’s set in the Victorian era, which is one of the most interesting eras in recent history.

Ice Trade in New York, 1884. Image from Harper’s Weekly, courtesy Wikipedia

Who is the Ice Captain? Although 1899 England would shortly see mechanical means of creating ice, in the 19th century it was largely imported by ships first from America and thereafter Norway, and then packed into ice houses. The fictional Captain Roring was one such captain, who managed to capture the imagination of Society in his youth by virtue of his extreme good looks and fabulous ice. The Ice Captain’s Daughter is the story of his daughter’s introduction into London Society, which was notorious for snobbish attitudes about rank, privilege, and titles. Is an ice captain’s daughter good enough for the Upper Tens, or will her expectations melt like ice?

Blurb:

The daughter of a wealthy ice merchant, Miss Jillian Roring intends to marry for love. En route to her first Season in London, however, a failed kidnapping sends her into the arms of the most jaded bachelor in England. When Logan and Jillian unwittingly violate the rigid rules of propriety in Victorian-era England, he is obliged to make her an offer of marriage. Because she aspires to be more than an obligation, Jillian refuses the match. Logan follows her to London to woo her properly, but his scheming ex-fiancée has other plans.

Can Logan convince Jillian that his love for her is real or will the cruel gossip and sharp tongues of London society tear their budding relationship apart?

A romantic Victorian-era novella set in 1899 England.

Norway ice trade, late 19th century. Original photograph in “Norge i det nittende ȧarhundrede” (1900), Nordahl Rolfsen (1848-1928), reproduced in Proctor, “Ice Carrying Trade at Sea”, 1981

Minna & the Valentine – New Cover

I have a beautiful new cover for my fantasy romance short, Minna & the Valentine, which features the heroine Minna Westerfield. At her side is Beast, the cocker spaniel puppy Evan Valentine uses to weave his way into Minna’s heart.

Blurb:

Can Minna seal a rift in the universe before it’s too late?

Minna has a secret. Her father, ex-dragon jockey Wynn Westerfield, will forever hold a grudge against wizards. Because it was a wizard who caused his career-ending accident, Minna struggles to hide her incredible magical powers from him…and from the world.

Evan Valentine has attended a prestigious magical academy on scholarship, although he’s managed to conceal that fact from everyone. He’s on the fast track to success with his apprenticeship to wizard Thaddeus Bartholomew, and Evan’s carefully constructed life doesn’t include a certain beautiful girl whose powers rival his own.

Although Minna and Evan don’t realize it yet, their destinies have been intertwined for years. When a threat arises, Minna and Evan must travel to another reality to retrieve a dangerous magical artifact. Can Minna and Evan learn to work together, despite their mutual mistrust? Or will their explosive romantic attraction lead to disaster?

Excerpt:

The wizard had her sketchbook in his hands and was staring at the drawings. Embarrassed, Minna snatched the sketchbook away.

“What are you doing!” she cried. “This is private! You should have asked permission before snooping through my work!”

“Would you have given it?”

“No!”

“I didn’t think so,” he said. “Since those sketches are of me, I feel fully justified in ‘snooping,’ as you put it. You should have asked permission before drawing my portrait.”

Minna’s face flamed red, but her chin lifted defiantly. “Would you have given it?” she asked.

“No,” he replied. “I don’t know. Maybe. But I don’t much like being stared at when I’m sleeping, thank you very much!”

She folded her arms across her chest. “Really? I had the impression you enjoy being stared at all the time.”

Beast was whining, and Minna couldn’t believe she was being so rude. Had an entirely different person crawled into her skin? Evan snatched up his coat and shrugged it on. “Listen, it’s none of my business, but with magical abilities like yours it’s a shame you don’t use them openly.”

“You’re right. It’s none of your business.”

“So you admit you’re magical. We’re making progress.”

Minna sputtered with outrage. “I…you…”

The wizard gave her a crooked smile as he reached up and pulled the pencil from the topknot on her head. Her chestnut hair tumbled down over her shoulders. Minna stood frozen in shock as Evan arranged her hair around her face with his fingers.

“I had to see what you look like with your hair down. I bet I’m not the only one who enjoys being stared at,” he said.

Minna & the Valentine is available at Amazon, BN.com, and Smashwords.

Seductive Lies – Colleen Connally’s Newest Gothic Romance

New release by author Colleen Connally! If you like Gothic and/or historical romance, this is for you…

Blurb:

Only love can heal a heart betrayed…

Harriet Burke has long been haunted by a family scandal. Abandoned by her mother as an infant, she has grown up in the shadows of the events that led up to that scandal. But all changes when she meets the future Viscount of Daneford. The dashing young Lieutenant Arthur Hammett defies his grandfather. Professing his undying love, he proposes to Harriet. Harriet quickly learns that all is not what it seems. Secrets, lies, and betrayal shatters Harriet’s life, leaving Harriet little choice. She has to begin life anew…

They were destined to be together but fate has other plans…

Lord Arthur Daneford made a rash decision years ago that cost him greatly…his biggest regret. Now, though, his past has reemerged. Chilling information has been called to his attention that Harriet’s life is endangered. He will stop at nothing to ensure her safety, but will she accept his help before it’s too late?

ABOUT:

Family scandal…Forbidden love…Ghosts and Curses

Harriet Burke has been cursed or so says her grandfather. In her youth, a gypsy’s blessing gave Harriet the ability to disregard the boundaries of death. Lord Arthur believes it is total nonsense, but he cannot deny there is no explanation for her knowledge. Haunted by visions of wrongs once done, Harriet fears there will be no escape.

Available for the Kindle on Amazon HERE, and for the Nook at BN.com HERE, or on Smashwords in all formats HERE. If you crave an old fashioned paperback, you can get it on Amazon HERE.  Enjoy!

Celtic Romance Kindle Freebee

Looking for a gorgeous Celtic warrior? Look no farther than Passion’s Sacred Dance, which is a Kindle free download, September 24th – 28th. Go HERE to pick up your free copy, and happy reading!

~ S.G. Rogers

Blurb:

Battling mounting debt, Stacy Macken is determined not to lose her historic art gallery. When Aaron Fielding appears and offers to help, she fights to keep the attraction sizzling between them from clouding her judgment. He may be her savior in disguise–but can she trust him?

Aaron intrigues her with tales of the Tuatha dé Danann, sworn warriors who protect humanity from the monsters seeking their destruction. If Aaron can prove what he claims, she would give up anything to help–even the gallery he claims is sacred ground. But with her property set to stage the next epic battle, she needs answers. An old family diary will confirm the ancient legend is true, if only they can find it in time.

If the battle is lost, the enemy will take control of Earth for the next five hundred years. Stacy and Aaron’s budding love might only complicate things.

 

Great New Look – Last Great Wizard of Yden

My new cover for Last Great Wizard of Yden (Yden Book One) has arrived, featuring the character of Kira Szul!

Blurb: On the magical planet of Yden, Earth is a fantasy. So when Kira Szul’s plan to stop a cruel warlord goes horribly wrong, the last person she expects to stage a rescue is a brand new wizard from a mythological dimension. Although Jon Hansen is just learning about his magical powers, he doesn’t mind taking time out from his quest to rescue a damsel in distress. Unfortunately, he also makes an enemy of the powerful Wolf Clan wizard, Efysian. Can Jon, Kira, and their friends outwit the most evil wizard the magical world has ever known, or will Jon become the next wizard in Efysian’s gruesome collection?

Excerpt:

A sudden commotion distracted Mandral from slitting Jon’s throat. A struggle had erupted between a newly arrived prisoner and the cygard holding him captive. Half a dozen cygards descended, but Mandral forbade them from intervention. The prisoner, covered from head to toe in a green hooded cape, was besting his captor. The cygard staggered up the chamber from a well-­placed sidekick to his ribs. The prisoner then twisted in the air to slam a nimble hook kick to the cygard’s head. The cygard’s helmet flew off, revealing his ugly face. Audibly disgusted, the onlookers averted their eyes until the fallen cygard managed to get his now-dented helmet back on.

Mandral laughed in delight. He directed the hovering cygards to subdue the prisoner and tie his tether on the ring next to Jon’s. The dented cygard yanked off the prisoner’s cape and stepped back. The crowd murmured.

The newcomer was female, and a stunning one at that. Her full, waist-­length hair was a wavy chestnut with red highlights. Her eyes were a violet color, and her skin was a golden tan. Despite his own predicament, Jon flushed. He couldn’t help but stare. From the expressions of the other men in the room, he knew he wasn’t the only one.

Mandral clapped his hands in a deliberate, slow, and obviously sarcastic manner. “What an entrance, Kira Szul. You’re looking savage, as usual,” he drawled.

I’ve very pleased with the revamping of the series, with covers that reflect the characters. The third and final book in the series, Secrets of Yden, will feature Jon! Look for it around the first of the year.

~ S.G. Rogers

Last Great Wizard of Yden is available via Smashwords, BN.com, Amazon, and other fine outlets. Trade paperback with former cover is still available HERE.

If you’d like to sample the magical world of Yden, download

The Temporary Wizard of Locklynn at Smashwords free HERE.