Eleni Konstantine's Blog: Eleni's Taverna, page 8
April 27, 2014
Musa Monday: Sisters in Jeopardy by Wench Vonnie Hughes
Welcome back to Musa Monday - today I'm touting fellow Wench, Vonnie's latest release.
Sisters in Jeopardy, Book 3 of the Aurora Regency Sisters series by multi-published Vonnie Hughes is now available.
A kidnapper makes a grave mistake and faces a revenge he never expected.
Annis's new husband investigates crimes, and Caroline's new husband is a capable ex-Army officer. When their ladies are kidnapped in an effort to suppress the evidence of pilfering and murder, Giles and Fort fight their way through all the lies and subterfuge to not only rescue them, but also to avenge them.
EXCERPT:
Fort approached the person on the seat. “Mr. Young, we’ve been looking for you.”
If that was Mr. Young, why was he listing to one side like a ship at sea?
“Is he injured? Has John hurt him?” She hurried towards them.
“Stop!”
Fort’s peremptory order stopped her in her tracks. She watched as Fort examined Mr. Young’s head and neck. He lifted Mr. Young’s hand. It dropped laxly.
“He’s dead,” Fort said, turning towards Caroline. “Sweetheart, do you know your way out of the maze? I must stay here with the body. There’s been enough moving of evidence already.”
“How—?”
Fort gesticulated with a finger across his throat.
“Oh! I’ll fetch Giles. Sir William Harding will have to be notified too.” Caroline cast her husband an anxious look. “Please be careful, Giles, in case John comes back.”
“You be careful too, my love. Walk slowly and listen for footsteps on the other side of the hedge. And if you meet anyone—anyone at all, man or woman—scream. Scream loudly.”
Caroline nodded and plunged back along the gravel paths surrounded by greenery. To her great relief she met nobody, although she was so rattled by events that she took a wrong turning and had to retrace her steps. “Hurry,” she told herself. “Fort is alone there and John is on the loose.”
BUY LINK
All of Vonnie’s books are available on Musa Publishing and Amazon .
Vonnie Hughes is a multi-published author in both Regency books and contemporary suspense. She loves the intricacies of the social rules of the Regency period and the far-ranging consequences of the Napoleonic Code. And with suspense she has free rein to explore forensic matters and the strong convolutions of the human mind. Like many writers, some days she hates the whole process, but somehow she just cannot let it go.
Vonnie was born in New Zealand, but she and her husband now live happily in Australia. If you visit Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden. These is a bronze plaque engraved with a haiku describing the peacefulness of that environment. The poem was written by Vonnie.
Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads .
Sisters in Jeopardy, Book 3 of the Aurora Regency Sisters series by multi-published Vonnie Hughes is now available.
A kidnapper makes a grave mistake and faces a revenge he never expected.
Annis's new husband investigates crimes, and Caroline's new husband is a capable ex-Army officer. When their ladies are kidnapped in an effort to suppress the evidence of pilfering and murder, Giles and Fort fight their way through all the lies and subterfuge to not only rescue them, but also to avenge them.
EXCERPT:
Fort approached the person on the seat. “Mr. Young, we’ve been looking for you.”
If that was Mr. Young, why was he listing to one side like a ship at sea?
“Is he injured? Has John hurt him?” She hurried towards them.
“Stop!”
Fort’s peremptory order stopped her in her tracks. She watched as Fort examined Mr. Young’s head and neck. He lifted Mr. Young’s hand. It dropped laxly.
“He’s dead,” Fort said, turning towards Caroline. “Sweetheart, do you know your way out of the maze? I must stay here with the body. There’s been enough moving of evidence already.”
“How—?”
Fort gesticulated with a finger across his throat.
“Oh! I’ll fetch Giles. Sir William Harding will have to be notified too.” Caroline cast her husband an anxious look. “Please be careful, Giles, in case John comes back.”
“You be careful too, my love. Walk slowly and listen for footsteps on the other side of the hedge. And if you meet anyone—anyone at all, man or woman—scream. Scream loudly.”
Caroline nodded and plunged back along the gravel paths surrounded by greenery. To her great relief she met nobody, although she was so rattled by events that she took a wrong turning and had to retrace her steps. “Hurry,” she told herself. “Fort is alone there and John is on the loose.”
BUY LINK
All of Vonnie’s books are available on Musa Publishing and Amazon .
Vonnie Hughes is a multi-published author in both Regency books and contemporary suspense. She loves the intricacies of the social rules of the Regency period and the far-ranging consequences of the Napoleonic Code. And with suspense she has free rein to explore forensic matters and the strong convolutions of the human mind. Like many writers, some days she hates the whole process, but somehow she just cannot let it go.
Vonnie was born in New Zealand, but she and her husband now live happily in Australia. If you visit Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden. These is a bronze plaque engraved with a haiku describing the peacefulness of that environment. The poem was written by Vonnie.
Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads .
April 8, 2014
Writing Buddy Wednesday ~ Eva Scott
Today I am happy to have the return of Writing Buddy Wednesday.
Joining me is a lovely author, fellow Musan, and RWA member, Eva Scott. Eva writes historical romance set in ancient times but also contemporary romances.
Let's chat with Eva....
Your most recent release is Barbarian Bride. Can you describe this book for us?
This is the second book in the Romancing The Romans series. Barbarian Bride follows the tale of a minor character from The Last Gladiatrix, Klara the Hun. We find out how she ended up fighting as a Gladiatrix in the Coliseum – and what happens to her once she wins her freedom.
I hadn’t considered telling her story until my editor at Harlequin Escape, Kate Cuthbert, asked me to write it. Klara is feisty and independent, great fun to hang out with.
Please tell us a little about your road to publication.
I have always written but not seriously until 2005 when I started writing freelance articles for an outdoors magazine. Then I got a job where I had to translate medical speak into common English.
Both jobs felt like school work so when I fell pregnant with my son I thought I’d try fiction. I wrote my first novel, A Reluctant Wedding Planner, as a bit of an experiment really. I entered it into the Emerald and came 4th (if only I’d known more about POV at the time!). Encouraged, I sent it to some ebook publishers in the USA and was picked up. Voila! The learning process really began (and continues).
What attracted you to the romance and historical romance genres?
I wrote The Last Gladiatrix as a short story, loved the characters so much I expanded it into a novella.
Up until then I’d never considered writing historical although I’ve always been a history buff. My first pick for university had been archaeology. I found I loved writing it so much I can’t stop! I’m now working on my third historical and planning more.
Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in between?
In between. I do plot out a bit but often my characters dictate where the story actually goes. When I look back over my notes I’m often surprised at how far off the original plan we’ve deviated.
What are you working on now? And what’s in the near future for Eva Scott?
I’m currently doing edits on an outback contemporary romance, Red Dust Dreaming . And I’m finishing up the third book in the Romancing The Romans series. After that I’m planning another historical. I’m also plotting out another project which will be a complete departure from genre. Time to try something different.
What is your favourite part of the process of writing?
I love it all apart from editing. That I don’t enjoy very much at all. Feels like a chore every time. The very best bit of the writing process is meeting the characters, getting to know them before I start writing.
What are you currently reading?
I am rereading Barbara O’Neal’s The Secret of Everything . I love the way she draws her characters and I’ve read her books so often it feels as if I’m visiting with old friends. I’m keen to start I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes but it’s written in the first person and it will mess me up while I’m finishing writing my historical which is in the third person. I tend to be very influenced by whatever I’m reading so I must be careful what I choose while I’m writing.
~~~Thanks Eva!
On the bloody ground of the Colosseum, she fights to save her life. In the treacherous boxes above, he fights to save their love.
Though Klara didn't love the man who was to be her husband, she didn't want him murdered, and she vows to track down the man who committed the crime. Sickened that she'd been attracted to the mysterious Roman, Klara tracks Lucius Aurelius to the fringes of the Roman Empire, only to find that they've both been trapped in a clever plot to overthrow Klara's father, the Chief of the Huns.
Klara is separated from Lucius, captured by slavers and sold to a gladiator school. She is the only one who can save herself, by fighting for her freedom. Lucius can ensure her battle is easier, but only by sacrificing himself. How much is he willing to give up for the fiery woman he's come to love?
Buy links -
Harlequin Escape | iTunes | Amazon | Amazon Australia |
Amazon UK | Kobo | All Romance eBooks
Eva Scott lives on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland Australia in the town which brought the world the Bee Gees. When she’s not writing romance you can find her out on the water kayaking, fishing or swimming. When on dry land it’s all about the shoes and the coffee (and old Bee Gees records).
Find her at online at her
Website | Author Facebook page | Romancing the Romans Facebook page | Twitter
Joining me is a lovely author, fellow Musan, and RWA member, Eva Scott. Eva writes historical romance set in ancient times but also contemporary romances.
Let's chat with Eva....
Your most recent release is Barbarian Bride. Can you describe this book for us?
This is the second book in the Romancing The Romans series. Barbarian Bride follows the tale of a minor character from The Last Gladiatrix, Klara the Hun. We find out how she ended up fighting as a Gladiatrix in the Coliseum – and what happens to her once she wins her freedom.
I hadn’t considered telling her story until my editor at Harlequin Escape, Kate Cuthbert, asked me to write it. Klara is feisty and independent, great fun to hang out with.
Please tell us a little about your road to publication.
I have always written but not seriously until 2005 when I started writing freelance articles for an outdoors magazine. Then I got a job where I had to translate medical speak into common English.
Both jobs felt like school work so when I fell pregnant with my son I thought I’d try fiction. I wrote my first novel, A Reluctant Wedding Planner, as a bit of an experiment really. I entered it into the Emerald and came 4th (if only I’d known more about POV at the time!). Encouraged, I sent it to some ebook publishers in the USA and was picked up. Voila! The learning process really began (and continues).
What attracted you to the romance and historical romance genres?
I wrote The Last Gladiatrix as a short story, loved the characters so much I expanded it into a novella.
Up until then I’d never considered writing historical although I’ve always been a history buff. My first pick for university had been archaeology. I found I loved writing it so much I can’t stop! I’m now working on my third historical and planning more.
Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in between?
In between. I do plot out a bit but often my characters dictate where the story actually goes. When I look back over my notes I’m often surprised at how far off the original plan we’ve deviated.
What are you working on now? And what’s in the near future for Eva Scott?
I’m currently doing edits on an outback contemporary romance, Red Dust Dreaming . And I’m finishing up the third book in the Romancing The Romans series. After that I’m planning another historical. I’m also plotting out another project which will be a complete departure from genre. Time to try something different.
What is your favourite part of the process of writing?
I love it all apart from editing. That I don’t enjoy very much at all. Feels like a chore every time. The very best bit of the writing process is meeting the characters, getting to know them before I start writing.
What are you currently reading?
I am rereading Barbara O’Neal’s The Secret of Everything . I love the way she draws her characters and I’ve read her books so often it feels as if I’m visiting with old friends. I’m keen to start I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes but it’s written in the first person and it will mess me up while I’m finishing writing my historical which is in the third person. I tend to be very influenced by whatever I’m reading so I must be careful what I choose while I’m writing.
~~~Thanks Eva!
On the bloody ground of the Colosseum, she fights to save her life. In the treacherous boxes above, he fights to save their love.Though Klara didn't love the man who was to be her husband, she didn't want him murdered, and she vows to track down the man who committed the crime. Sickened that she'd been attracted to the mysterious Roman, Klara tracks Lucius Aurelius to the fringes of the Roman Empire, only to find that they've both been trapped in a clever plot to overthrow Klara's father, the Chief of the Huns.
Klara is separated from Lucius, captured by slavers and sold to a gladiator school. She is the only one who can save herself, by fighting for her freedom. Lucius can ensure her battle is easier, but only by sacrificing himself. How much is he willing to give up for the fiery woman he's come to love?
Buy links -
Harlequin Escape | iTunes | Amazon | Amazon Australia |
Amazon UK | Kobo | All Romance eBooks
Eva Scott lives on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland Australia in the town which brought the world the Bee Gees. When she’s not writing romance you can find her out on the water kayaking, fishing or swimming. When on dry land it’s all about the shoes and the coffee (and old Bee Gees records).
Find her at online at her
Website | Author Facebook page | Romancing the Romans Facebook page | Twitter
February 10, 2014
Musa Monday - Fall in Love with Musa Publishing
Grand PrizeFour $10.00 Musa Gift Certificates
All entrants are eligible for Grand Prize Drawing February 14, 2014Winners announced February 16, 2014
Enter daily to win free books!Musa Publishing is giving away two Promotional Paperback Books daily!PLUS each winner receives a download of Cooking with Musa.
No particular order to the daily drawings for the books below
For His Love by Nya Rayne
Marisa's Choice by Kadee McDonald
Only a Hero Will Do by Susan Lodge
Storm's Fury by Nya Rayne
Taming Angelina by Helen Hardt
Treasuring Amber by Helen Hardt
Trusting Sydney by Helen Hardt
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winners of paperback books who reside outside the Continental United States will receive their prize in e-book format.
All paperback book prizes must be claimed by February 20, 2014 or they are forfeited.
Giveaway begins February 6, 2014 and ends midnight CST February 13, 2014
February 7, 2014
Bringing Awareness
Hi everyone, it's been a really bus week for me but I wanted to share a giveaway which is bringing awareness to Congenital Heart Defect (CHD).
My Wenches of Words buddy, Sara Daniel is bringing awareness to this over at her blog. Until today, I didn't know there was an awareness week for this or the figures regarding this (at least in the US).
Hopefully more awareness and research will help this condition.
Sara Daniel Romance Author: #CHD Awareness Week - Captivating the CEO @Decaden...: Today kicks off Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week. Congenital heart defects are America’s number one birth defect. One out of ...
Take care all.
~yia~
My Wenches of Words buddy, Sara Daniel is bringing awareness to this over at her blog. Until today, I didn't know there was an awareness week for this or the figures regarding this (at least in the US).
Hopefully more awareness and research will help this condition.
Sara Daniel Romance Author: #CHD Awareness Week - Captivating the CEO @Decaden...: Today kicks off Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week. Congenital heart defects are America’s number one birth defect. One out of ...
Take care all.
~yia~
January 30, 2014
Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop Winner
The winner of the blog hop is:
Karla Oleinikoff
Congratulations!!
I'll be contacting you soon.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
~yia~
January 28, 2014
Writerly Wednesday ~ Words!
Words! I have some words! It's very exciting for this tired author who has been editing than writing in recent times.
It's not a lot of words I admit. It's the beginning of a short story and so far I know that a Wizard is asked to fill an unusual request. I'm going to work on it for the next few days.
I'm hoping this story helps turn the corner to free up my brain to write again. I've been thinking about a novel that I've got halfway done and maybe applying a plotting way of doing things to it. Just to see if anything again kick starts.
Maybe a set routine would help but long time readers of this blog, know how hard this had been for me over the years.
I find that each story responds to different processes. Some like being hand written, others straight into the computer, most want pantsing, some need a little pre-plot to start off with. I just go with the flow of what works. :)
I've been busy trying to rearrange my schedule and catch up on tasks. Things are happening and I want to thank my fellow bloggers in SARA and DSDU for helping to make my life so much easier. You're all gems!
Another thing I want to do is devote a little more time to the blog than I have done in the last six months of last year and well, January as well. It ended up in the 'will get to when I can' list, which is a hard list to get anything done on, so it has come to the 'do every fortnight' at least pile :) It's amazing how fast a fortnight can go past. I mean it's the 28th of January. Where did January go?
Anyone know?
~yia~
January 24, 2014
Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop
Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!
Oi! Oi! Oi!
Want a chance to read some Aussie authors but don't know where to start?
Well this blog hop will help you. Aussie authors have gathered together to celebrate being Australian with this blog hop and some great giveaways.
Follow the link to our host - Book'd Out - to click the names of some great Aussie Authors and have a chance to win the giveaways on offer.
I'm offering my Musa Publishing trio of releases - Enchanted Realms, Gateway to Hell, and SNOOP, and is open Internationally. All are ebooks.
Click the covers to read the blurbs and excerpts.
To enter simply enter using the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Happy discovering!!
~yia~
January 16, 2014
Musa warms up for winter!
Enter daily to win one of 17 promotional paperbacks
Outlaws by William WeldyOnly A Hero Will Do by Susan LodgeFirst Frost by Liz DeJesusGlass Frost by Liz DeJesus
Trusting Sydney by Helen HardtTaming Angelina by Helen HardtTreasuring Amber by Helen Hardt2012: The Rising by Joanne HiraseTypical Day by Gary K. WolfObsession by JoAnne KeltnerStained Glass byMindy HardwickGrape Bubblegum by Beth Bowland
Dragon Drop by Jerry AckermanNew Girl by Joan B. FloodThe Fox's Mask by Anna FrostUnforgettable You by Marci BoudreauxStorm’s Fury by Nya Rayne
And one of 30 e-books:
3.99 by Richard Satterlie
100,000 Midnights by Aaron SmithA Company of Thieves by David PillingA Place to Call Their Own by L. Dean Pace-FrechA Reason To Stay by L.S. MurphyA Sense of the Ridiculous by Heather KingA Willing Spirit by Cindi MyersAlaska Heat by Vella MunnAn Incident on MSR Tampa by SS Hampton, Sr
Apple of My Eye by Elizabeth BottsBaiting The Hook by Mary S. Palmer & David WiltonBetween by Clarissa JohalBlack Widow by Lena AustinBring Me To Life by Scarlett ParrishCaptain Westwood's Inheritance by Lynda DunwellContingency Plan by Anita EnsalCrazy Greta by David Hardy
Daughter of the Earth and Sky by Kaitlin BevisDeep Into The Night by Tracie Ingersoll LoyDragon Revealed by Nulli Para OraEnchanted Realms by Eleni KonstantineForget the Misteltoe by Lizzie T. LeafHer Goblin Prince by Thalia FrostHigh Stakes by Chad StrongICE blue by Susan Rae
Identity Thief by Milo James FowlerKeeper of Directions by L.K. MitchellKojiki by Keith YatsuhashiLittle Bird by Liza GainesLooney Dunes by Anne SkalitzaMasquerade by Sloane TaylorAll entrants are eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing January 31
Grand Prize Warm Up for Winter Basket
Snuggly Blanket$20.00 Musa Gift Certificate Starbucks CoffeeCoffee Mug Specialty Chocolates
PLUS
5 paperback books: Marissa's Choice by Kadee McDonald The Dominus Runes by Peter Lukes Walking the Dog by Linda BensonLove Lies Bleeding by Laini GilesFor his Love by Nya Rayne
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winners of paperback books who reside outside the Continental United States will receive their prize in e-book format.
January 13, 2014
I'm back!
Technically I didn't go anywhere but I haven't blogged in a month!
Where was I?
Study has taken a lot out of time away from other things, especially the household. December ended up being a month of catching up with that as well as prepping for Christmas and then catching up with family and friends.
So have I rested? Um...yes and no. I'm taking the breaks I need for the CFS and had a couple of 'chill' days where I read and watched TV, but now I'm tackling the very long to-do list. You know the one - where for every item you cross off, three things pop up in to take its place. Yep, that one.
Blogging has taken a back seat - actually it is more like it was shoved in the boot (trunk for my US friends). Now I am unpacking it and getting ready to go on the cruise along the 2014 highway with you all.
I am not going to make any resolutions and even though I usually have goals for the new year, I'm going to let things I want to do percolate while I do the catchup.
But of course, writing will be made more of a priority. I've missed storytelling so much and I just need the to kick-start the brain to actually work on a more on this, especially on the creative side - not just the editing side which has been the last couple of years.
And while I'm late....
Have a fantabulous 2014!!
~yia~
Where was I?
Study has taken a lot out of time away from other things, especially the household. December ended up being a month of catching up with that as well as prepping for Christmas and then catching up with family and friends.
So have I rested? Um...yes and no. I'm taking the breaks I need for the CFS and had a couple of 'chill' days where I read and watched TV, but now I'm tackling the very long to-do list. You know the one - where for every item you cross off, three things pop up in to take its place. Yep, that one.
Blogging has taken a back seat - actually it is more like it was shoved in the boot (trunk for my US friends). Now I am unpacking it and getting ready to go on the cruise along the 2014 highway with you all.
I am not going to make any resolutions and even though I usually have goals for the new year, I'm going to let things I want to do percolate while I do the catchup.
But of course, writing will be made more of a priority. I've missed storytelling so much and I just need the to kick-start the brain to actually work on a more on this, especially on the creative side - not just the editing side which has been the last couple of years.
And while I'm late....
Have a fantabulous 2014!!
~yia~
December 6, 2013
Release Day: SNOOP
SNOOP, my paranormal noir novelette at 7500 words is out now with Musa Publishing.
Huzzah!
I've got a copy up for grabs over at the DarkSide DownUnder blog.
The blurb and excerpt are over at the Musa blog.
Come and say on either of them, or even here!
~yia~
Eleni's Taverna
The blog of fantasy and paranormal author, Eleni Konstantine.
- Eleni Konstantine's profile
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