Cassandra Dean's Blog: Blog of Bloggy Blogness, page 10
November 30, 2013
Holiday eBook Giveaway with @jsubject
Hi peeps,
I’m taking my head out of the sand for a bit to chat about a fabulous giveaway! My good friend and amazing author bud, Jessica Subject, is hosting a HUGE book giveaway over on her blog. A bunch of authors, including myself, have donated books for one lucky person to win. Check out the goodies:
BOOK Author (Format)
HER DEVIANT LORD by Layna Pimentel (PDF, EPUB, or MOBI)
A GHOST FOR CHRISTMAS and 69 MUSTANG by Kacey Hammell (winner’s choice)
KEIR by Pippa Jay (winner’s choice)
THE PRINCESS AND THE PREPPER by Barbara Elsborg (winner’s choice)
HIDE & SEEK by Valerie Mann (PDF)
I’LL BE MATED FOR CHRISTMAS by Rebecca Royce (PDF)
THE COPPER AND THE MADAM by Karyn Gerrard (EPUB)
FOOL’S GOLD by Cassandra Dean (EPUB, PRC, or PDF)
THE PILOT by Diane Burton (Smashwords coupon)
SANTA’S SLEEPING BEAUTY by Lisa Fox (winner’s choice)
A KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Alicia Dean (Amazon or B&N)
MARRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Jane Kent (PDF)
SEX BOOT CAMP by Paisley Brown (ARe)
ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE by Jessica E. Subject (ARe)
You could WIN all fifteen ebooks simply by visiting Jessica’s website and entering the Rafflecopter giveaway. Couldn’t be simpler and what a wonderful early Christmas pressie. Good luck!
November 13, 2013
Amazon comes to Oz!
Finally, Australia has it’s very own Amazon! At the moment, Amazon.com.au services ebooks only but I have hopes we’ll get the full range in the future.
In the meantime, I’m stoked to say Oz peeps can now access my books via Amazon Australia!
Yay, massive happy dance and stuff 
October 31, 2013
Fall Into Winter Romance Giveaway Hop #western #historical #romance
The Fall Into Winter Romance Giveaway Hop is hosted by
AnnMarie Oakes.
Let the celebrations begin!
Hey peeps!
Welcome to the Fall Into Winter Romance Giveaway Hop! Big thanks go to AnnMarie Oakes for hosting.
This hop is to celebrate the release of Western Kisses Old West Christmas, a romance anthology featuring stories by Carre White and Kirsten Osbourne as well as a host of others. It just so happens I have a couple of western stories so this is a perfect fit!
Featured below is the first in The Diamond Series, ROUGH DIAMOND. I had such fun with Alice and Rupert and their shenanigans, and enjoyed creating the Diamond Saloon and her people. To research, I went on a cheeky trip to Sovereign Hill, an open air museum here in Australia, and that was just all manner of fun. If you’re ever in Ballarat, I highly recommend you check it out.
I hope you enjoy the hop and the glimpse at ROUGH DIAMOND below. There’s also a giveaway so don’t forget to scroll right to the end.
Cassandra
xx
Owner of the Diamond Saloon and Theater, Alice Reynolds is astounded when a fancy Englishman offers to buy her saloon. She won’t be selling her saloon to anyone, let alone a man with a pretty, empty-headed grin…but then, she reckons that grin just might be a lie, and a man of intelligence and cunning resides beneath.
Rupert Llewellyn has another purpose for offering to buy the pretty widow’s saloon—the coal buried deep in land she owns. However, he never banked on her knowing eyes making him weak at the knees, or how his deception would burn upon his soul.
Each determined to outwit the other, they tantalize and tease until passion explodes. But can their desire bridge the lies told and trust broken?
Available NOW
Decadent Publishing
Amazon: US | UK | Canada
Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks
Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.
Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.
So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.
The love affair exists to this very day.
Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
You can find Cassandra at:
CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com
And now, the giveaway
Enter via Rafflecopter below to go in the running to win any Decadent Publishing ebook from my backlist (excluding ROUGH DIAMOND) and a signed ROUGH DIAMOND postcard, a ROUGH DIAMOND magnet. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter.
Enter via Rafflecopter giveaway
But wait, what is this Grand Prize of which you spoke? Why, only a $50 Amazon.com gift card! Sounds pretty nifty, am I right? Make sure you enter!
Click here to enter the Grand Prize via Rafflecopter
Hop the blogs for more chances to win
October 24, 2013
Have you been watching…Redesign My Brain
My love of TV + my blog = Awesome fun sharing times.
Enjoy the shows I think are The Shizz
REDESIGN MY BRAIN
Redesign My Brain is a documentary produced by the ABC here in Australia, our government funded national broadcaster. The show postulates if it is possible to retrain your brain to improve memory, thinking time, creativity and a host of other skills 
– basically improving your brain. The show is hosted by Todd Sampson,who is one third of the Gruen Transfer/ Planet/Nation/ OrWhateverThey’reCallingItThisWeek, a show about media and marketing. To me, it seemed strange the ABC chose Todd to host, but he makes a focused and game for anything conduit into the world of improving your brain.
I watched the first episode last night and it was fascinating. It seems with a little training each day you can improve your memory and attention exponentially. Todd puts himself to the test and it’s amazing seeing how he improved his brain’s capabilities in such a short time, even going so far as to competing in the World Memory Championships in London. He memorises the order of a deck of cards, peeps. A WHOLE DECK OF CARDS.
The website has links to the exercises Todd undertakes so you can test your own abilities. I tried it. Yeah. Um. Not so good. I’m going to blame it on the fact that I’m tired? Heh.
Anyhoo, check out Redesign My Brain. It will get you thinking about your own capabilities and maybe even encourage you to exercise your mind a bit 
You can check out Redesign My Brain at:
ABC website ~ Watch on iView ~ Purchase from ABC Online store
October 16, 2013
Have you been watching…Haven
My love of TV + my blog = Awesome fun sharing times.
Enjoy the shows I think are The Shizz
Haven
Haven, Maine suffers from troubles. Every 27 years, the inhabitants are struck by troubles, strange powers that cause havoc with their lives. It could be a woman can cause people to spontaneous combust, a man could turn people to ice with his touch, or a family of selkies can finally wear their skins. 
More often than not, though, these troubles turn dark, causing destruction and despair for the inflicted.
Into this town comes Audrey Parker, an FBI agent assigned to investigate Haven. Upon her arrival, she discovers a knack for helping those who are troubled and also her uncanny resemblance to a woman who was involved in a 27 year old mystery – Who Killed the Colorado Kid
Based on a short story by Stephen King, The Colorado Kid, Haven has involved into an intriguing urban fantasy procedural with serial elements. I love it so much, I’m not even sure why. Let me see if I can discover Teh Reasons. A strong female character as the protagonist. A tortured gentleman love interest. A shifty criminal-lite secondary love interest. A town full of misfits. An ongoing mythology that grows with each season. An initial intriguing premise – Who is Audrey, really? Who is the Colorado Kid? Why was he killed? And what does it have to do with the troubles? – that has evolved and become something new and exciting. *sigh* I just love it.
You can check out Haven at:
the Website ~ Amazon.com ~ IMDb
October 12, 2013
Lucky 13 Trick-or-Treat Blog Hop
The Lucky 13 Trick-or-Treat Blog Hop is hosted by Heather Long.
Let the celebrations begin!
Hey peeps!
Welcome to the Lucky 13 Trick-or-Treat Blog Hop! Big thanks go to Heather Long for hosting.
Halloween isn’t a big thing here in Australia, which is a bit of a shame. I have vague memories of trick and treating as a child, walking around the neighbourhood with my mum. I’m pretty sure my primary school undertook some sort of Halloween celebrations, but it’s not clear at all. I must admit, I watch the hoopla made of the occasion on American TV shows and feel very envious. My friend, who is originally from Canada, organised a pumpkin carving party last Halloween which was super awesome fun – she even managed to find the special pumpkin carving tools! We made some marvellous looking pumpkins, as you can see:
Can you guess which one is mine?
So, what does this have to do with the ‘TREAT’ below. Why, absolutely nothing! What, you think I can link two things together in a linking-together kind of extravaganza? Pshaw, not I. That sounds way too complimicated for this little black duck 
So, instead, I will leave you with these wise words:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Treats – Sweet romance, inspirational, contemporary or historical
Owner of the Diamond Saloon and Theater, Alice Reynolds is astounded when a fancy Englishman offers to buy her saloon. She won’t be selling her saloon to anyone, let alone a man with a pretty, empty-headed grin…but then, she reckons that grin just might be a lie, and a man of intelligence and cunning resides beneath.
Rupert Llewellyn has another purpose for offering to buy the pretty widow’s saloon—the coal buried deep in land she owns. However, he never banked on her knowing eyes making him weak at the knees, or how his deception would burn upon his soul.
Each determined to outwit the other, they tantalize and tease until passion explodes. But can their desire bridge the lies told and trust broken?
Available NOW
Decadent Publishing
Amazon: US | UK | Canada
Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks
Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.
Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.
So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.
The love affair exists to this very day.
Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
You can find Cassandra at:
CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com
And now, the giveaway
Enter via Rafflecopter below to go in the running to win any Decadent Publishing ebook from my backlist (excluding ROUGH DIAMOND), a signed ROUGH DIAMOND postcard, a ROUGH DIAMOND magnet and a Mystery Prize. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter.
Enter via Rafflecopter giveaway
But wait, what is this Grand Prize# of which you spoke? Well, check it peeps! There are three prizes up for grabs: a Kindle Paperwhite (unfortunately US Only), a TREAT bundle of ebooks (including FOOL’S GOLD, The Diamond Series Book 2!) and a TRICK bundle of ebooks.
Sounds pretty nifty, am I right? Make sure you enter!
Click here to enter the Grand Prize via Rafflecopter
Check out some other TRICK or TREATS here
October 10, 2013
Happy Belated Book Birthday, ROUGH DIAMOND! I’m celebrating with a #giveaway
Happy Belated Book Birthday
ROUGH DIAMOND !
I’ve been a bit slack lately and as such the book birthday of ENSLAVED went by without fanfare. Well, peeps, we can’t have that and so, a belated celebration!
At the moment, ROUGH DIAMOND is on sale at all the Amazons, including US ($2.99) and UK (£1.98). Click on the Amazon links in the side bar for other international sites.
To celebrate ROUGH DIAMOND’s book birthday, I’m holding a giveaway. Click on the Rafflecopter link below to go in the running to win a Prize of Mystery – the Prize will contain objects of Wonder and Enchantment and all things Delightful. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter. The giveaway ends on 25 October, so make sure you enter quick.
Click on the Rafflecopter link to enter
Thanks for celebrating with me, peeps!
October 7, 2013
Guest author: Katherine Givens
Today we have historical romance author Katherine Givens on the blog. Make her welcome, peeps!
5 Things I Didn’t Know About
Becoming A Published Author
1. Never did I think I’d make friends and acquaintances.
I’ve always imagined the life of an author as lonely. I thought of a recluse in front of their computer or journal, pulling words out of her head for hours on end. I thought contact with editors and publishers was the extent of human reaction, but I was wrong. Happily so. Joining different organizations and groups for romance authors and writers has led to me forming precious friendships and bonds. It’s led to the passing of advice and tips. It’s led to laughter and conversations over books. It’s led to congratulations and shoulders to lean on when the inevitable rejections hit. As an author, I’m not the recluse I imagined. I am one in a community of editors, publishers, bloggers, and readers.
2. Social media.
Honestly, I didn’t know much about marketing a book when I first started. Joining the RWA taught me about the different channels to market a book, one of the strongest being social media. I hadn’t a clue Facebook and Twitter could be an author’s friend, but its a lesson I learned. And, surprisingly, I quite enjoy connecting with readers through social media.
3. Bloggers.
I knew blogs existed, but I thought this was more of a hobby for most. Several business savvy people learned this long before I did, and they’ve come to treat book blogs as a business. These bloggers put hard work, time, and dedication into their blogs. I appreciate their work more than I ever have before.
4. Hard work really does pay off.
In the beginning of my writing journey, I faced what every writer faced. The endless stream of rejection letters, or at least it seemed endless. But my lucky break came with In Her Dreams, my first release with Harlequin Australia’s imprint Escape Publishing. The publication of this book didn’t just fall into my lap. I had to dedicate myself to my craft. I had to push my doubts aside and write everyday. And in May of 2013 with one email from Harlequin Australia’s Escape, I learned hard work does indeed pay off.
5. I thought I was so deeply in love with writing, but my first sale has heightened my passion.
Writing has helped me through several difficulties in my life.l I’ve become so attached to my writing, because it is what I clung to through every hardship and trial. I associate my identity with the word “writer.” Well, now it is “author.” Writing fiction has always been when I’ve felt most alive, most in love with life. Now that I am published and able to share my gift with others, I am so madly in love with my writing it is sometimes difficult to contain.
What I did expect as a writer were the long hours, bouts of loneliness, and the painful rejections. I expected determination, passion, and hard work were requirements. I also expected to reach publication, have fun with every aspect of this job, and love what I do. And guess what! I was right about all of these things.
A flirty, fun, mix-and-match romance about two sisters who are betrothed to the wrong men…
Evangeline Vernon is a woman on the verge of spinsterhood — until the prim and proper Duke of Manchester steps in. Her family is pleased with the match, but the duke is not the passionate man Evangeline craves. Her heart belongs to an alluring, golden-haired gentleman, perfect in every way…except one: he doesn’t exist.
Angela Vernon is everything a proper, well-brought-up woman should be. She knows her place and understands society’s expectations — which include not being jealous of her sister and not coveting her sister’s suitor. But how can she bear the heartache of watching the only man she loves marry not only her sister, but a woman who doesn’t see past his exterior to the man he is beneath?
Available NOW
Escape Publishing
Amazon: US | UK | Canada
ARe | Google Play | B&N
In Her Dreams is Katherine Givens’ debut novella, which is published with Harlequin Australia’s imprint Escape Publishing. She is working on a number of other projects and always has ideas flooding her head. In her spare time, Katherine loves to read about history, craft jewellery, and play with her ornery kitten named Bucky. To learn more about Katherine and her writing, please visit the following sites. She loves to hear from readers.
September 16, 2013
Sunset on Summer Blog Hop
The Sunset on Summer Blog Hop is hosted by BTS eMag and Decadent Publishing.
Let the celebrations begin!
Hey peeps!
Welcome to the Sunset on Summer Blog Hop! Big thanks go to BTS eMag and Decadent Publishing for hosting.
It feel very strange for me to be writing about an end to Summer when it’s just beginning in my neck of the woods. Here in Australia, winter is slowly losing it’s grip, bright sun is peaking from the clouds and the cold is receding to allow a return to warmth. It’s been a long, wet winter and I’m mighty glad to have some sunny days on our horizon, filled with blue skies and short sleeves.
Still, it’s wonderful to celebrate the changing of the seasons and that’s what this blog hop is all about! Make sure you enter the giveaway below, as well as the Grand Prize being offered by BTS eMag and Decadent Publishing.
Enjoy the hop!
Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.
All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.
But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.
Available NOW
Decadent Publishing
Amazon: US | UK | Canada
Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks
Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.
Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.
So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.
The love affair exists to this very day.
Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
You can find Cassandra at:
CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com
And now, the giveaway
Enter via Rafflecopter below to go in the running to win any Decadent Publishing ebook from my backlist (excluding SILK & SCANDAL), a signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard, a SILK & SCANDAL magnet and a Mystery Prize. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter.
Enter via Rafflecopter giveaway
But wait, what is this Grand Prize# of which you spoke? Well, check it peeps! One winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7″ HD or NOOK HD winner’s choice (US Only), or Paypal Cash (International). Sounds pretty nifty, am I right? Make sure you enter!
Click here to enter the Grand Prize via Rafflecopter
Click here to hop the blogs
for your chance to win fabulous prizes
Visit the wonderful Co-Sponsors
Decadent Publishing
Deena Remiel
Kathleen Ann Gallagher
Taryn Kincaid
Lia Davis
Susannah Scott
Natalie-Nicole Bates
V.S. Nelson
Jennah Scott
Milly Taiden
J.A. Garland
The Smutty Kitty
Cynnara Tregarth
Christine Murphy
For the Love of Reading
Hannah Fielding
Eva Lefoy
Writer Wonderland
Katalina Leon
Annie Seaton
Celia Breslin
Amanda McIntyre
Susan Arden
Kendall McKenna
Lisa Kessler
Tiffany Allee
D.C. Stone
Tory Richards
Joanne Jaytanie
Cathy Perkins
Joya Fields
Grave Tells
Heather Long
Layla Hunter
J.L. Hammer
Serena Zane
Cat Johnson
Renea Mason
Patricia Green
Lisa Beth Darling
Sabrina York
Annie Seaton
Lena Hart
D.L. Jackson
Colette Saucier
=====================================================================
# Grand Prize small print: Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Chrisy from BTS Book Reviews emag and Decadent Publishing and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
September 11, 2013
Hump Day Hook – Rough Diamond #HDH
Welcome to Hump Day Hook, a weekly list of authors showcasing their work around the Internets. A big thanks to the wonderful peeps at Hump Day Hook for making this possible.
This week, I’m featuring Book 1 in The Diamond Series, ROUGH DIAMOND. ROUGH DIAMOND is only $2.99 at Amazon – Take advantage before it goes back to its regular-like price Oh, and ROUGH DIAMOND is GBP1.98 at Amazon UK.
Quickly, Alice checked her appearance in the mirror. The hour spent on accounts and reports had done little damage to her hair, the complicated arrangement she’d braided into the ebony strands still under ruthless control. Her gown remained unblemished, but it was difficult to see any flaw in black, especially in such uncertain light.
She’d taken to wearing the shade, as was proper and right, after Seth had passed. Too soon her husband had been taken from her, but few recovered from a knife and a wicked-bad man wielding it. In those dark days following his passing, ritual had kept her grief from overwhelming her.
With the heels of her hands, she wiped at her cheeks. That was over and done, and five years had passed. Grief had lessened, but the day she’d been of a mind to wear color, she’d hesitated. If she continued to wear black, no man would forget she was Seth’s widow, and all things considered, it would make the running of a saloon a mite smoother. So, she made it that her wardrobe consisted of nothing but black. Black blouses, black skirts, black dresses…. Damn, she was mighty tired of black.
Learn MORE about ROUGH DIAMOND here
Visit Hump Day Hook and discover more wonderful authors!
