Michelle McLean's Blog, page 4
June 9, 2014
Romancing the Rumrunner Release Day!
My 1920's romance, Romancing the Rumrunner, releases today! And for the next few days it'll be available for only 99 cents!
Prohibition Era Chicago
She's worked too hard to be run out of town...
Jessica Harlan spends her nights as The Phoenix, the owner of the most popular speakeasy in town. Her days are spent running her respectable butcher shop and dodging prohibition agents and rival club owners who all want to put her out of business.
He's worked too hard to let his heart get in the way...
When the opportunity arises to go undercover for the Feds to catch The Phoenix, Gumshoe Anthony Solomon jumps on it. But he never suspected the notorious rumrunner would be a dame - or that he'd be so drawn to the feisty little minx.
They play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, knowing they can't trust the other, but unable to walk away. While their hearts dodge the crossfire, the mobsters raise the stakes, and even The Phoenix may not rise again.
And be sure to join me, Diana Quincy, and Kathleen Bittner Roth for a FB release party night!! There'll be guest authors, prizes, and tons of fun!
Prohibition Era ChicagoShe's worked too hard to be run out of town...
Jessica Harlan spends her nights as The Phoenix, the owner of the most popular speakeasy in town. Her days are spent running her respectable butcher shop and dodging prohibition agents and rival club owners who all want to put her out of business.
He's worked too hard to let his heart get in the way...
When the opportunity arises to go undercover for the Feds to catch The Phoenix, Gumshoe Anthony Solomon jumps on it. But he never suspected the notorious rumrunner would be a dame - or that he'd be so drawn to the feisty little minx.
They play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, knowing they can't trust the other, but unable to walk away. While their hearts dodge the crossfire, the mobsters raise the stakes, and even The Phoenix may not rise again.
And be sure to join me, Diana Quincy, and Kathleen Bittner Roth for a FB release party night!! There'll be guest authors, prizes, and tons of fun!
June 6, 2014
What's Your Rumrunner Name?
Romancing the Rumrunner releases on Monday!!! We are having a few fun and games to get in the rumrunning mood :D Find out what your rumrunner name is and feel free to spread the game around! :)
June 4, 2014
Leap From the Ledge
I posted this a few years ago, geared towards all my fellow writers who were trying their hardest to be patient while writing/querying/waiting on subs, etc. But this can actually apply to just about anything in life.
My kids are on their first day of summer vacation. I have a severe love/hate relationship with summer vacation. It's nice to not have the morning rush, fun to stay up a bit later and sleep in the next morning, fun to take off and play with the kids whenever we want. But sometimes, when the boredom sets in or they start picking at each other....oh, do I start praying for fall :) I'm out on that ledge just yanking my newly graying hairs out one at a time.
So...when those days get to me, or when I'm the typical writerly ledge waiting on submissions, here are a few good tips to follow :)
Quote of the Day:
When my writer buddies and I start feeling the inevitable stress/depression/feelings of inferiority...the down sections of this wonderful roller coaster we are all on...we like to joke that we are 'living on the edge.' Sometimes we set up camp, complete with hotdogs and marshmallow roasts, and I believe one friend once set up an amusement park on her ledge.
Yes, we really do get that elaborate :) It gives us the opportunity to blow off some steam, vent our angst to those who will appreciate it, and most of the time, our ledge time allows us to scream to the high heavens....and then we get back to work, a little less stressed, a little more refreshed. (And in the mommy world, hanging with a few fellow moms, sans kids, can work wonders too!)
Another wonderful friend told me that when you are on that ledge, you have two choices...take a deep breath and back away, or leap off and enjoy the flight. :)
Usually, I take that deep breath, back away slowly, and continue on. But I think this time, I'm going to take that jump and enjoy the flight. Not permanently, of course. But for today - yep. I'm feeling the need to fly :)
So, I am shutting off my computer, and I'm going to spend the entire day getting my house together and playing with my kids. Tomorrow I'll get working again (and I'm sure I'll be back on the ledge soon). But heck, I've backed away often enough, maybe jumping will keep me from that ledge a little longer :)
But before I go, here are my top 3 tactics I usually employ to make that ledge a little less inviting.....
1. My friends - those that are in the writing and querying (or mommy!) trenches with me and understand the mad emotions that go with this "hobby" of ours. There is nothing like engaging in a full out vent session with those who truly feel your pain.
2. My funnies - a laugh cures a thousand ills. I pull up that LOL site, google jokes, or go watch a movie that I know will put a smile on my face. There is nothing like a full out belly laugh to put you in a good mood.
3. My reading - I have been reading for as long as I can remember. In fact, I think my earliest memory is of reading. I remember lying on the floor with a book and tape set and looking up and seeing my parents in the kitchen. My mom said I got those books and tapes for Christmas when I was 2. I still remember opening the box. I had never seen anything so beautiful :)
What do you guys do when the ledge starts beckoning? Do you back away slowly or take the leap? Or do you just set up camp and party for a while? (Hey, sometimes that can be a lot of fun, especially if a bunch of your writer buddies are current residents) :D
My kids are on their first day of summer vacation. I have a severe love/hate relationship with summer vacation. It's nice to not have the morning rush, fun to stay up a bit later and sleep in the next morning, fun to take off and play with the kids whenever we want. But sometimes, when the boredom sets in or they start picking at each other....oh, do I start praying for fall :) I'm out on that ledge just yanking my newly graying hairs out one at a time.
So...when those days get to me, or when I'm the typical writerly ledge waiting on submissions, here are a few good tips to follow :)
Quote of the Day:
A writer's life is not designed to reassure your mother.
~Rita Mae Brown
When my writer buddies and I start feeling the inevitable stress/depression/feelings of inferiority...the down sections of this wonderful roller coaster we are all on...we like to joke that we are 'living on the edge.' Sometimes we set up camp, complete with hotdogs and marshmallow roasts, and I believe one friend once set up an amusement park on her ledge.
Yes, we really do get that elaborate :) It gives us the opportunity to blow off some steam, vent our angst to those who will appreciate it, and most of the time, our ledge time allows us to scream to the high heavens....and then we get back to work, a little less stressed, a little more refreshed. (And in the mommy world, hanging with a few fellow moms, sans kids, can work wonders too!)
Another wonderful friend told me that when you are on that ledge, you have two choices...take a deep breath and back away, or leap off and enjoy the flight. :)
Usually, I take that deep breath, back away slowly, and continue on. But I think this time, I'm going to take that jump and enjoy the flight. Not permanently, of course. But for today - yep. I'm feeling the need to fly :)
So, I am shutting off my computer, and I'm going to spend the entire day getting my house together and playing with my kids. Tomorrow I'll get working again (and I'm sure I'll be back on the ledge soon). But heck, I've backed away often enough, maybe jumping will keep me from that ledge a little longer :)
But before I go, here are my top 3 tactics I usually employ to make that ledge a little less inviting.....
1. My friends - those that are in the writing and querying (or mommy!) trenches with me and understand the mad emotions that go with this "hobby" of ours. There is nothing like engaging in a full out vent session with those who truly feel your pain.
2. My funnies - a laugh cures a thousand ills. I pull up that LOL site, google jokes, or go watch a movie that I know will put a smile on my face. There is nothing like a full out belly laugh to put you in a good mood.
3. My reading - I have been reading for as long as I can remember. In fact, I think my earliest memory is of reading. I remember lying on the floor with a book and tape set and looking up and seeing my parents in the kitchen. My mom said I got those books and tapes for Christmas when I was 2. I still remember opening the box. I had never seen anything so beautiful :)
What do you guys do when the ledge starts beckoning? Do you back away slowly or take the leap? Or do you just set up camp and party for a while? (Hey, sometimes that can be a lot of fun, especially if a bunch of your writer buddies are current residents) :D
June 3, 2014
Facebook Party!!
We are one week from the release of my new book, Romancing the Rumrunner!
To help celebrate, my fellow Scandalous authors, who also have new books releasing, will be joining me for a Facebook party. There will be guest posts, giveaways, and tons of fun to be had, so be sure to come on over!
The party will take place on June 9th from 7-9pm EST.
To help celebrate, my fellow Scandalous authors, who also have new books releasing, will be joining me for a Facebook party. There will be guest posts, giveaways, and tons of fun to be had, so be sure to come on over!
The party will take place on June 9th from 7-9pm EST.
May 12, 2014
It's a Bundle of Bandits!!
That's right, it's release day for the bundle of all three Blood Blade Sisters novels!! If you haven't read these yet and you think they look even remotely interesting, now is definitely the time to get them. For a limited time, this entire bundle will be on sale for only 99 cents!! All 3 full-length novels for less than a dollar!! You seriously can't beat that price :) Don't miss out!! Click here for a sneak peek and links for available retailers.
The Wild West just got a little wilder...
In a time when justice is hard to come by, three unconventional sisters become one notorious bandit - The Blood Blade - robbing from the corrupt lawmen to give back to the innocent.
A Bandit's Stolen Heart
Under the persona of the bandit, Blood Blade, Cilla Richardson robs from the corrupt and gives to the poor. But an accidental kidnapping leaves her with a very handsome captive named Leo Forrester... and an idea to save her town.
A Bandit's Broken Heart
Determined to make a fresh start with her daughter, widow Brynne Richardson gives up her bandit activities and leaves California for Boston. Working for a handsome doctor fulfills her need to be useful and independent, but he creates another yearning she can't deny. But will he understand when she has to resurrect the Blood Blade?
A Bandit's Betrayed Heart
Lucy Richardson's bandit sisters may have taught her to sling a gun and pick a stubborn lock, but nothing prepared her for the agony of her first heartbreak. Her sisters taught her to fight like hell for what she wants... and she wants Finn.
All three books in the Blood Blade Sisters Series on sale for the price of two. Now that's a steal...
The Wild West just got a little wilder...
In a time when justice is hard to come by, three unconventional sisters become one notorious bandit - The Blood Blade - robbing from the corrupt lawmen to give back to the innocent.
A Bandit's Stolen Heart
Under the persona of the bandit, Blood Blade, Cilla Richardson robs from the corrupt and gives to the poor. But an accidental kidnapping leaves her with a very handsome captive named Leo Forrester... and an idea to save her town.
A Bandit's Broken Heart
Determined to make a fresh start with her daughter, widow Brynne Richardson gives up her bandit activities and leaves California for Boston. Working for a handsome doctor fulfills her need to be useful and independent, but he creates another yearning she can't deny. But will he understand when she has to resurrect the Blood Blade?
A Bandit's Betrayed Heart
Lucy Richardson's bandit sisters may have taught her to sling a gun and pick a stubborn lock, but nothing prepared her for the agony of her first heartbreak. Her sisters taught her to fight like hell for what she wants... and she wants Finn.
All three books in the Blood Blade Sisters Series on sale for the price of two. Now that's a steal...
May 9, 2014
Taming Miss Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson
I'm very pleased to spotlight the new book by my fellow Embracing Romance author, Jessica Jefferson. Jessica has been kind enough to provide us with an excerpt. Be sure to check this one out and enjoy the teaser!
Miss Tamsin Tisdale believes herself to be completely unsuitable for London life. After a myriad of social mishaps, and the potential ruination of her family name, she’s shipped away to her cousin’s northern estate. Only after she accepts the type of existence Society dictates she must follow will she be welcomed home.
Marcus Winston, the Duke of Grayson, has a lackluster reputation. The last in a dying line, he’s endured a protected life—rank with privilege, but encumbered by isolation. After a brief encounter with rebellion, he learns the devastating consequences of his carelessness and willingly accepts living life from inside his gilded cage.
However, a chance meeting with the brazen Miss Tisdale gives Marc the opportunity to reinvent himself into the man he’s always dreamed of being. But when his deception comes to light, and ghosts from both their pasts threaten to unravel the intimacy they’ve come to cherish, will either of them set their fears aside long enough to embrace love? Or will Miss Tisdale’s stubbornness divide them?
EXCERPT:
Marc watched the faint outline come across the dense morning fog, becoming more discernible as it approached. The tall, thin figure was riding along at a perilous speed, given the morning’s lack of visibility. He thought perhaps it was some gangly young man misguided in the fog. It wouldn’t be the first time someone accidentally stumbled upon the vast property that made up his family’s immodest estate.
Then the fog parted in an almost biblical manner, revealing his gross inaccuracy.
Were those . . . breasts?
Marc closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Typically, women didn’t ride alone at such an hour and they certainly didn’t wander unexpectedly across his property. It’d been quite a while, his last birthday to be exact, since his last intimate encounter with a woman—a gift, compliments of St. Regis—so there was always the possibility that perhaps his half-drunk, sex-starved mind had conjured up the sensual image.
He shook his head, opened his eyes, and looked back again toward the horizon.
Yes, those were most certainly breasts.
And she was most definitely not a young man. The woman’s riding habit pulled taut against her body as she raced toward him. Her hair was blowing behind her—various hues of auburn and gold, like wild flames curling about in the wind. Then a decidedly feminine voice burst through the morning’s silence, interrupting his self-doubt.
“Oh, thank goodness I found you!”
This was no mirage. She was indeed very real.
And very loud.
Marc watched, dumbfounded, as the girl—no, woman—slowed her approach. “Pardon?” he called back, certain he couldn’t possibly have heard her correctly.
“I’m so happy I’ve found you,” she repeated, nearly breathless. “Well, not you specifically, anyone really. I’ve been riding in circles for close to an hour now, and I’d just about given up all hope of finding someone when I spotted you. My cousin warned me about the altitude of these hills and how I mustn’t underestimate the density of this blasted fog. Of course, I didn’t listen and got myself thoroughly turned about. You see, I’m forever regretting not listening.”
She rode closer still and he could see her quite plainly now. She was tall and lanky, her riding habit revealing a rather trim frame. His focus quickly shifted from her slender build to her smile. It resembled nothing of the demure, timid smiles he’d become accustomed to seeing within his social circles. This smile was wide, revealing a number of straight ivory teeth, and seemed to extend to every facet of her face. Even her eyes, large and dark, appeared to be smiling.
Were they brown?
No, blue.
They were an impossibly dark shade of blue.
Then she gave her head a little shake, throwing a mass of unruly ginger curls over her shoulders, captivating him entirely.
About the Author:
Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it—almost Chicago. She is heavily inspired by classic sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy. Visit her at http://www.jessicajefferson.com for more of her random romance musings.
Fall in love with romance again . . .
http://www.JessicaJefferson.com and http://www.embracingromance.com
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Compromising Miss Tisdale and Taming Miss Tisdale available now on Amazon!
Miss Tamsin Tisdale believes herself to be completely unsuitable for London life. After a myriad of social mishaps, and the potential ruination of her family name, she’s shipped away to her cousin’s northern estate. Only after she accepts the type of existence Society dictates she must follow will she be welcomed home.Marcus Winston, the Duke of Grayson, has a lackluster reputation. The last in a dying line, he’s endured a protected life—rank with privilege, but encumbered by isolation. After a brief encounter with rebellion, he learns the devastating consequences of his carelessness and willingly accepts living life from inside his gilded cage.
However, a chance meeting with the brazen Miss Tisdale gives Marc the opportunity to reinvent himself into the man he’s always dreamed of being. But when his deception comes to light, and ghosts from both their pasts threaten to unravel the intimacy they’ve come to cherish, will either of them set their fears aside long enough to embrace love? Or will Miss Tisdale’s stubbornness divide them?
EXCERPT:
Marc watched the faint outline come across the dense morning fog, becoming more discernible as it approached. The tall, thin figure was riding along at a perilous speed, given the morning’s lack of visibility. He thought perhaps it was some gangly young man misguided in the fog. It wouldn’t be the first time someone accidentally stumbled upon the vast property that made up his family’s immodest estate.
Then the fog parted in an almost biblical manner, revealing his gross inaccuracy.
Were those . . . breasts?
Marc closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Typically, women didn’t ride alone at such an hour and they certainly didn’t wander unexpectedly across his property. It’d been quite a while, his last birthday to be exact, since his last intimate encounter with a woman—a gift, compliments of St. Regis—so there was always the possibility that perhaps his half-drunk, sex-starved mind had conjured up the sensual image.
He shook his head, opened his eyes, and looked back again toward the horizon.
Yes, those were most certainly breasts.
And she was most definitely not a young man. The woman’s riding habit pulled taut against her body as she raced toward him. Her hair was blowing behind her—various hues of auburn and gold, like wild flames curling about in the wind. Then a decidedly feminine voice burst through the morning’s silence, interrupting his self-doubt.
“Oh, thank goodness I found you!”
This was no mirage. She was indeed very real.
And very loud.
Marc watched, dumbfounded, as the girl—no, woman—slowed her approach. “Pardon?” he called back, certain he couldn’t possibly have heard her correctly.
“I’m so happy I’ve found you,” she repeated, nearly breathless. “Well, not you specifically, anyone really. I’ve been riding in circles for close to an hour now, and I’d just about given up all hope of finding someone when I spotted you. My cousin warned me about the altitude of these hills and how I mustn’t underestimate the density of this blasted fog. Of course, I didn’t listen and got myself thoroughly turned about. You see, I’m forever regretting not listening.”
She rode closer still and he could see her quite plainly now. She was tall and lanky, her riding habit revealing a rather trim frame. His focus quickly shifted from her slender build to her smile. It resembled nothing of the demure, timid smiles he’d become accustomed to seeing within his social circles. This smile was wide, revealing a number of straight ivory teeth, and seemed to extend to every facet of her face. Even her eyes, large and dark, appeared to be smiling.
Were they brown?
No, blue.
They were an impossibly dark shade of blue.
Then she gave her head a little shake, throwing a mass of unruly ginger curls over her shoulders, captivating him entirely.
About the Author:
Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it—almost Chicago. She is heavily inspired by classic sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy. Visit her at http://www.jessicajefferson.com for more of her random romance musings. Fall in love with romance again . . .
http://www.JessicaJefferson.com and http://www.embracingromance.com
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Compromising Miss Tisdale and Taming Miss Tisdale available now on Amazon!
May 5, 2014
A Night of Scandalous Obsessions
Celebrating the release of my Blood Blade Sisters series bundle with fellow Scandalous author Frances Fowlkes. We are throwing a FB party with tons of fabulous prizes so be sure to stop on by!! The party kicks off next Monday, May 12th, from 7-9pm EST. We've got several guest authors stopping by, including Gina Conkle, Callie Hutton, Ally Broadfield, and many more, and there will be books, gift cards, and prizes galore! Don't miss out on the fun!!
May 4, 2014
April 10, 2014
Book Page Beauty
I have a houseful of books. They are everywhere. And I love it :-D But every now and then I end up with a book I either don't want, or it's been damaged in some way so I can no longer read it, or give it away. But throwing any book away makes me absolutely cringe in horror.
Luckily, there are people out there who are much more creative than me :-) I will definitely be trying to make a few of these gorgeous book page beauties in the near future :-)
See the tutorial on how to make these at Ashbee Design
I'd love to renew my vows just so I can carry one of these :-D
Bouquet made by Bookworm Eats Flower found on Offbeatbride.com
You absolutely must check out The Nesting Place - she has 20 ways to decorate with book pages and they are AWESOME ya'all. This book page wreath is one of her ideas.
And this...I can't even tell you how much I want this :-) Absolutely stunning clock made from sheet music.
Found on Pinterest linked to My Sweet Savannah. Check out her site, it's amazing!
(Originally posted at Oven Mitts and Other Bits)
Luckily, there are people out there who are much more creative than me :-) I will definitely be trying to make a few of these gorgeous book page beauties in the near future :-)
See the tutorial on how to make these at Ashbee DesignI'd love to renew my vows just so I can carry one of these :-D
Bouquet made by Bookworm Eats Flower found on Offbeatbride.comYou absolutely must check out The Nesting Place - she has 20 ways to decorate with book pages and they are AWESOME ya'all. This book page wreath is one of her ideas.
And this...I can't even tell you how much I want this :-) Absolutely stunning clock made from sheet music.
Found on Pinterest linked to My Sweet Savannah. Check out her site, it's amazing!(Originally posted at Oven Mitts and Other Bits)
April 9, 2014
Cover Reveal and Giveaway! Rewind to You by Laura Johnston
Cover Reveal, About the Author, a Sneak Peek of REWIND TO YOU and Rafflecopter Giveaway
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Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Author: Laura JohnstonPublisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.Genre: Clean Contemporary YA RomanceRelease Date: September 15, 2014; Available for PREORDER now
One last summer before college
on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she?
This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before
the world as she knew it was ripped away.
But the past isn’t easily left
behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the
night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the
guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who
scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.
When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up
to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past
and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…
About the Author:
Laura's Official Website * Facebook Page * Twitter * GoodreadsLaura
Johnston lives in sunny Arizona
with her husband and two children. Growing up in Orem, Utah with five siblings,
a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active
imagination and always loved a good story. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, dancing (deduced to dancing around the kitchen
while cooking dinner these days), traveling, writing, writing and more writing,
and above all, spending time with her husband and kids. REWIND TO YOU, her
debut novel, was inspired by the loss of her father as a teenager.
A Sneak Peek of REWIND TO YOU:
Giveaway: Signed Copy of REWIND TO YOU and $25 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. The winner, chosen by Rafflecopter, will be announced here on April 29th as well as emailed. The winner will have 5 days to respond at which point a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
