Irene Preston's Blog, page 12
April 30, 2014
30 + Authors May Day FB Party – Free Books!
Send to KindleHere’s where I’ll be on May Day . I’m having a little fun with over 30 other romance authors. We’ll be tossing out FREE BOOKS and other goodies all day long – so make sure you stop by!
I’ll be hosting from 5-6 PM Eastern, and there will be a copy of INFAMOUS up for grabs.
It’s Time to Party!
JOIN ME & over a two dozen other contemporary romance authors as we share excerpts from our books. We’ll have selections from all heat levels. Join in on the hourly contests and win prizes. This is a party you do not want to miss and it’s going on all day on May 1st.
Participating Authors Include:
Victoria Barbour – Vicki Batman – Paloma Beck – Gemma Brocato – Candy Caine – Lisa Carlisle – Carly Carson – Margie Church – Karen Cino – Wendy Lynn Clark – Margo Bond Collins – Kandie Delley – Emerald – Candace Gold – Lily Harlem – Susan Jaymes – Mona Karel – Patricia Kiyono – Adriana Kraft – Jan Meredith – Siobhan Muir – Martha O’Sullivan – Skylin O’Thomas - Victoria Pinder – Irene Preston – Jana Richards – Christi Williams – Sabrina York
CLICK HERE to Attend!
March 7, 2014
Happy Birthday to Me…PLUS Infamous in Stores!
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Hey, hey, it’s my birthday!
And it’s an awkward one - I’m getting to that age where I start wondering if there is a limit on the number of Annual 39th Birthdays I can have before someone makes me pick a new number.
I have to admit I whined a little this morning. ”I don’t want to be old.”
Bones (who is a is full 6 months younger, and lords this over me every year) was unfazed. “You’re not old…just older.”
Not helpful, my love. This is what I get for marrying a younger man, sure the stamina is great, but …
One of my nicest birthday presents this year actually happened a few weeks early. My e-book Infamous was picked up for print distribution and is now for sale in Barnes and Noble and other brick-and-mortar booksellers. In this digital age, this might not seem like such a huge deal for most, but I grew up in the dark, non-digital age. Being able to walk into an ACTUAL BOOKSTORE and see Infamous on the shelves next to big-name authors like Jennifer Probst, Kristen Proby, and Nora Roberts was a major life moment. Maybe not as big as marrying my young boy-toy or the birth of our child, but right up there, for sure.
Even better, after announcing my authorly insecurities on the Inter-webs, people started sending me pictures – to PROVE that, yes, my book was in more than my local bookstore where I was able to personally go visit it.
Thank you so much to my friends and fans – you are my real best birthday present – even better than the print release!
So, even at this advanced age (39, AGAIN), I’m still having dreams come true. Bones is right. I’m not so old.
Infamous – IN AN ACTUAL STORE!!
February 13, 2014
Cover Reveal! The Heart Teaches Best by MJ Schiller
Send to KindleI’m so pleased to welcome MJ Schiller today with a beautiful new cover. Isn’t it just the most intriguing thing?
I am really excited to be here today to reveal the cover for my new romantic suspense, THE HEART TEACHES BEST! Thank you for hosting me! I am blessed with a wonderful cover artist and I think this is my favorite cover so far.
The Heart Teaches best will be available March 1!
Here’s a blurb:
Cooper Sullivan is the cop in charge of investigating a murder outside of a Los Angeles night club. The famous romance author, Sydney Essex, has been found strangled in the parking lot. When the young officer returns to the scene of the crime the night after the murder, he gets involved in a fight in order to protect a woman, who he realizes afterward, is the victim’s sister. Soon he finds himself torn by his attraction to the irresistible blond teacher, and his need to maintain a professional distance.
Laney Essex is distraught over her sister’s death, so the high school English teacher returns to the bar where the crime occurred to find answers. To her dismay, she is only left with more questions, many centered on her developing relationship with Cooper Sullivan. Is the pull she’s feeling towards him reciprocated, or is the handsome detective only showing her professional courtesy, or, perhaps, even pity?
When Laney receives a threatening phone call from Sydney’s murderer, it quickly becomes evident that the man who killed her sister is after her, too! Can Cooper figure out who the killer is before it’s too late? And if he does solve the case, will it just be another file stamped “CLOSED” in red and locked away in a drawer, or will the sparks that have been flying between the two finally ignite?
GET THE HEART TEACHES BEST MARCH 1ST!
BUY IT ON AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS.
Or like my Facebook page and wait for the announcement and buy link there.
February 3, 2014
$1.99 SALE – Get Infamous on the cheap!
Send to Kindle$1.99 During February Only!Can’t wait for the paperback on February 18th? Snag a digital copy of Infamous for over 50% off on Amazon.com right now!
Infamous is only $1.99 on Amazon.com during February.
Here’s a little excerpt to get you in the mood!
He couldn’t contain his memories as easily, though. They twined around him while the spray pounded onto his body. Jessica, here in the shower, sliding down him like a warm tropical rain, her mouth engulfing him with its own moist heat. Jessica bent over his arm, bottles scattering around them as she braced herself against the wall and he slid into her. Jessica, limp and sated, her long hair trailing a river of water as he carried her back into the bedroom. . . .
Of course, you can read the full first chapter here….
Or you can just GET THE $1.99 DEAL!
Enjoy!
January 12, 2014
4 Romance Giveaways from 4 Austin Authors
Send to KindleWhat’s better than one free book? FOUR free books! I intended this post to be about the GoodReads Giveaway I’m running to celebrate the release of INFAMOUS in bookstores February 18th. Then I realized that three of my friends (all local Austin authors) have give-aways on Goodreads right now. It only takes seconds to register for all four – so use the links below to head on over RIGHT NOW!
Giveaway #1 – Paperback copy of INFAMOUS by Irene Preston (me!)
It’s socialite meets soccer dad. What could possibly go wrong? SNEAK PEEK - Click here to read the FULL first chapter!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Infamous
by Irene Preston
Giveaway ends February 17, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Giveaway #2 – Paperback copy of DANCE AWAY, DANGER by Alexa Bourne
Love, romantic suspense? Check out the new release from my friend Alexa and enter to win one of 3 paperback copies.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Dance Away Danger
by Alexa Bourne
Giveaway ends February 07, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Giveaway #3 – Paperback copy of LIMONCELLO YELLOW By Traci Andrighetti
Murder, mayhem, and meddling Sicilian grandmas… it’s chick-lit with an Italian twist! Hurry – Traci’s Contest ends January 14.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Limoncello Yellow
by Traci Andrighetti
Giveaway ends January 14, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Giveaway #4 – Paperback copy of Adrenaline Rush by Rebecca Royce
Do you like Super Heroes? (me! I do!) Do you like romance? (me!me!me!) Don’t miss the new The Capes book by Rebecca Royce!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Adrenaline Rush
by Rebecca Royce
Giveaway ends February 21, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
GOOD LUCK!
January 9, 2014
Coming Soon to a Barnes and Noble Near You!
Send to KindleInfamous Trade Paperback Release – February 18, 2014Great news! Infamous has been picked up for national print distribution. You can find it in Barnes and Noble stores and other booksellers starting February 18.
I’m beyond excited about this. As a matter of fact, I keep checking the email from my publisher to make sure I didn’t dream the whole thing. So few digital-first authors ever get the opportunity to see their books on the shelves in a national retailer. I never thought I would be one of those lucky authors. Huge thanks to my readers, my publisher, and my writing buddies who helped me get here – I couldn’t have done it alone!
More Fun Coming
To celebrate the in-store release I’ll be doing some give-aways and guest appearances – stay tuned for more information!
Pretty new Book Cover
As part of the release, I’ve got a spiffy updated cover to share. Have a look! The publisher moved my coveted endorsement from best-selling author Emily McKay front and center.
Infamous will be IN STORES February 18
Of course you can still buy a digital copy online now from Amazon (or one of these other e-tailers) and you can read the first full chapter absolutely FREE right here on my site. If you are in the Austin area, please consider buying from The Book Spot – they are ultra-supportive of all the local romance authors.
January 7, 2014
TBR Tuesday: Romantic Suspense by Alexa Bourne
Send to KindleWelcome back to my TBR pile!
For those of you keeping track – I survived the coconut milk experiment!
Today I’m happy to feature two brand new books by my good friend Alexa Bourne. I just finished Liar, Liar and I’m just ready to dive into Dance Away, Danger. Alexa writes a beautiful mix of suspense and romance that I’m sure you will enjoy just as much as I did.
She’s also got some fun stuff going on for fans. Check out the GoodReads Giveaway for Dance Away, Danger and stop by her web-site to learn about her 2014 Danger Challenge (Alexa’s challenging you to get our of your comfort zone and live a little).
Here are the blurbs!
Liar, LiarUnable to protect her mother from her father as a child, Devin McQueen has made it her mission as an adult to protect as many abused women and children as she can. The rare moments she’s not consumed with work as a victims’ advocate, she limits her involvements to safe, predictable men….until she meets bounty hunter Grady Cooper. He is big, bold, brash, and has no problem speaking his mind.
Growing up in a broken home, Grady realized early on that good deeds had a price. To survive, he learned to weigh every decision by what he could gain. Unfortunately, the successful, solitary life he’s worked so hard to create spins out of control when demons from his past shake his confidence. His boss has given him one last chance—bring in Devin’s latest client quickly, and quietly and maybe he’ll still have a job. It didn’t sound unreasonable until he met Devin.
Suddenly, Grady must make a decision: save his career or follow his heart?
Dance Away, DangerSensible dance instructor Tessa Gage likes her life organized, risk-free and on her own terms. When her cop brother goes missing, his crooked partner tries to kill her, and a handsome stranger claims he’s come to protect her, she’s forced to leave her comfort zone. With more dance and business sense than survival skills and no idea who to trust, Tessa has no choice but to rely on this man who’d rather be anywhere but by her side.
When carefree carpenter Matt Rylan gets a late night call from an Army buddy who once saved his life, he finds himself where he never again wanted to be—responsible for someone else. Honor demands Matt cooperate, but he never expects his simple babysitting job to test the limits of his self-control. Nor does he expect it to explode into a race against time for his very freedom.
As Tessa and Matt get closer to the truth, and to each other, Tessa learns to step outside the safety of her world to help set the wheels of justice in motion. For Matt, supporting this courageous woman suddenly becomes everything to him. Yet, his biggest challenge remains sharing his closed-off heart with her before the danger silences them both forever.
Buy Dance Away, Danger on Amazon
January 5, 2014
DANGER!
Send to KindleHow to Live Dangerously with Squirrels and Coconut Milk
Pumpkin Soup. It will look better after the pumpkin cooks and I puree it. Promise.
Today I am making pumpkin soup. I go to the pantry for coconut milk. I have three cans: Expires 2016, Expires 2012, Expires ?? (and I’m pretty sure ?? is the oldest).
I take all three back into the kitchen where Bones is cutting up pumpkin because this is a job he deems too dangerous for me (something about knives and danger to myself and others….phhtt).
Me: When we were growing up there were no expiration dates on cans. If it wasn’t bulging out on the top you ate it.
(And I’m pretty sure this is the logic that kept 2012 and ?? in the pantry so far).
Bones: True
Me: Do you suppose we can use this 2012?
Bones: I don’t know.
Me: Maybe I should throw it out.
Bones: Okay.
Me: It seems wrong to throw it out if it’s not bad.
Bones: Do what you want. Just stop talking about it.
Me: I’m not going to be able to throw it out without opening it.
Bones: I’m going to cut you.
Coconut Milk: Expiration 2012
…
Me: It looks fine. Color is perfect It smells fine. Are you afraid to eat it?
Bones: No.
Me: I’m using it.
So…I’m posting this because we live out in the country and someone should look for our bodies if you don’t hear from us again.
Also, a squirrel has taken up residence in our HVAC closet. We’ve set a trap. Bones is going to reach his hand in and grab it if it doesn’t get itself into that trap by the time he gets home tomorrow night.
He was going to do it in the morning, but I told him he should save anything that might incur a trip the the ER until after work.
That’s enough danger for me today.
If you are inclined to add a little danger to your own life, you should join me in ALEXA BOURNE’S 2014 DANGER CHALLENGE. Most people are choosing things other than expired coconut milk and squirrel wrangling.
Hope to see you there!
Here’s the squirrel!
December 29, 2013
BOUNCE by K.M. Jackson
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I’m super-excited to showcase BOUNCE by K.M. Jackson here today. I’ve read both of K.M.’s previous books and BOUNCE is burning a hole in my kindle right now! I love the title, I love the premise, I love K.M.’s writing.
Without further ado, let’s BOUNCE y’all!
Hi Irene, thanks so much for having me here to talk about BOUNCE. Writing BOUNCE was really a labor of love. Being a wife, mother or twins, and having lived the life of both a stay at home and work outside the home mom, I know the struggles of both and the feeling of the grass is always greener. Writing Sabrina’s story was a pleasure and I hope that readers will enjoy it as much I enjoyed writing it.
Growing up as a young girl, Sabrina Jacobs could only dream her life would be this good. She has a successful career, a famous sexy husband, two children, a house in an affluent Westchester suburb and a shoe collection worthy of a magazine spread. Too bad it’s all a fascade.
It has been almost a year since her husband admitted he had an affair with a younger and bouncier coworker. Follow Sabrina as she tries to rein in her out-of-control life by kicking her husband out on his rear, chucking her career and even firing her too-cute-for-the-job nanny. But how will she survive as a stay-at-home mom in the land of designer clothes, designer kid’s parties and designer babies? Hmm… maybe the hunky young French teacher, who has been flirting sshamelessly with Sabrina, is just what she needs to take her mind off her problems. Well, not if her husband has something to say about it. Will Sabrina be able to forgive and still be true to herself?
BOUNCE can be purchased at Amazon here and Barnes and Noble here
K.M. can be found at www.kwana.com
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/KmJacksonAuthor
On twitter at: https://twitter.com/kwanawrites
December 3, 2013
What to Read – Fantasy and Paranormal
Send to KindleI told you I missed a lot of releases. I’ve got three books vying for attention on my fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal stack. The first is actually an anthology (5 novellas!) of awesome paranormal romance from Fated Desires. The second two are two very different, very special offerings from one of my very favorite authors, Skyler White.
by Rebecca Royce, Carrie Ann Ryan, Marie Harte, Lia Davis and Leia Shaw
If you love paranormal romance – this bundle is for you! Five sexy novellas from five bestselling authors. Need I say more?
Most of the stories in this bundle are from series you may already know and love (like Dante’s Circle by Carrie Ann Ryan). But you also have a chance to get a jump start on a sexy new werewolf series by Rebecca Royce. Do you love werewolves? I do!
BLURB
From five bestselling authors comes five brand new novellas sure to heat up the night.
From Carrie Ann Ryan‘s Dante’s Circle series, a demon from the fiery depths of hell must make his choice to follow in the footsteps of his father or love the submissive wolf who lays claim to his heart in His Choice.
From Marie Harte‘s Beasts of Burden, Eira, a fierce valkyrie, has spent fifty years trying to get a rise out of her goddess’s guardians. But when the battle-cat shifters give her what she wants, can she handle the heat–and the danger–that comes from loving them?
From Rebecca Royce’s brand new series, the Alphas of each werewolf Pack are on the brink of war. Travis Michaels will use all in his power to keep innocent Lilliana out of danger and into his arms…away from rival Alpha Cyrus Fennell.
From Lia Davis‘s Ashwood Falls series, buried pain, old lies, and dangerous secrets aren’t enough to keep the sparks from flying as Sarah Mathews and rebel leader, Damian Palmer, try to survive a new threat against their race.
From Leia Shaw‘s Shadows of Destiny series, a war is brewing in the supernatural world. Rebel shifter Dalton’s only passion is protecting the colony, and flirtatious misfit, Eden, is a distraction he can’t afford. But as danger approaches, he learns that underestimating the sexy little wolf is a big mistake.
The next two books are from Skyler White. Now, you would think I would have devoured these already because Skyler is one of my favorite authors and her books are an auto-buy for me. I have a curious relationship with them though. I horde them. I usually buy as soon as they come out – frequently in hardcover. So I have them. Then I wait for the perfect moment to read them. I anticipate the pleasure. I draw out the moment when I will crack open the cover. When I finally start reading, the going is frequently slower than with other books. I need time to wallow around in the prose, the imagery, the layers.
Yeah, I know. I’m totally weird. You should just buy them and read them. You will love them. Really.
OFFERINGS:: LANDS OF SEX & MAGIC EPISODE 1
by Skyler White
I shamelessly stole the book cover from Julie Kenner’s blog. It is the original cover. The new one is more discreet (because Amazon can’t distinguish between art and porn). I prefer this one, however. I was at a retreat with Julie and Skyler earlier this year. In the same critique circle even (and how did that happen?). Vivien Jackson was also there along with a few other people you haven’t heard of yet, but will. (And yep, now I’m just name-dropping.) I promise I breathed very deeply during the session to see if I could suck in a tiny bit of the talent that was floating around. Anyway, the point I’m getting to is that we all loved (LOVED) the little glimpse we got of this striking bit of erotica. Like her cover, Skyler’s writing is art rather than porn. So, this is on my TBR because I haven’t read the full, final novella yet – but I can highly recommend it just on the early draft of the first pages. Get it. Get it now!
BLURB:
In two lands, worlds apart, night offers two women the first whispers of their power.
In the Arcai, where all religion and politics are rooted in sex, young Cessaire Oghan offers her body for initiation into ancient rituals of magic and desire.
In America, a powerful but secretive business magnate offers designer Maxine MacAllister work whose professional and emotional scope she does not know and may not want.
As night deepen, both women, the mythic and the modern, will need all the sacred power and erotic wisdom pleasure brings, and more.
by Steven Brust and Skyler White
Skyler White, Steven Brust, a secret society of immortals – do you really need any more? I am hooked, hooked, hooked.
This is another one I got just a tiny little peek at during the early stages. At that time, I had no idea who Skye’s collaborator was. After reading her bit, I believe my comment was along the lines of, “Your partner better up his game.” (Sorry Mr. Brust – I’m sure I’ll like your bits just as well). If you’re more of a traditional sci-fi fan, this might be your best pick from this post.
BLURB:
“Secret societies, immortality, murder mysteries and Las Vegas all in one book? Shut up and take my money.” —John Scalzi
The Incrementalists—a secret society of two hundred people with an unbroken lineage reaching back forty thousand years. They cheat death, share lives and memories, and communicate with one another across nations, races, and time. They have an epic history, an almost magical memory, and a very modest mission: to make the world better, just a little bit at a time. Their ongoing argument about how to do this is older than most of their individual memories.
Phil, whose personality has stayed stable through more incarnations than anyone else’s, has loved Celeste—and argued with her—for most of the last four hundred years. But now Celeste, recently dead, embittered, and very unstable, has changed the rules—not incrementally, and not for the better. Now the heart of the group must gather in Las Vegas to save the Incrementalists, and maybe the world.
“Watch Steven Brust. He’s good. He moves fast. He surprises you. Watching him untangle the diverse threads of intrigue, honor, character and mayhem from amid the gears of a world as intricately constructed as a Swiss watch is a rare pleasure.” —Roger Zelazny
Buy on The Incrementalists on Amazon
