Constance Phillips's Blog, page 4
October 31, 2016
Plotting for Pantsers – it’s Almost NaNoWriMo Time
Plotting for pantsers? That is probably the most absurd, contradictory thing you’ve ever heard. Right?What is so scary it could cause
Right?What is so scary it could cause
Wrong!What is so scary it could cause
What is so scary it could cause pantsers to start plotting? Halloween, of course.
October thirty-first is a lot of things to many people. Of course, it is Halloween. For those like me who have a think about Houdini, it is the anniversary of his death and today marks the 90th seance to try and connect with the one man who debunked the idea of communicating with the dead. But for writers, it’s also the last day before that crazy month long write-a-thon NaNoWriMo.
What’s that you say? If you’re unaware, you obviously don’t have a writer in your life.
Someone decided a long time ago that November would be a good month for writers to sit down and commit to writing a 50,000 words novel. You know the month when most of us either have company or are traveling for Thanksgiving. It is also the same month many of us begin decorating for the winter holidays. A lot of us bake in Novemember. Let’s not forget holiday shopping.
Sure….Let’s also write a novel! Why not?
Do I sound a little pessimistic? Well, I guess it’s because I’ve started this journey oh so many times. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve successfully written the 50k. It’s that darn Thanksgiving. It shows up every year, steals a few days of my time, and sinks my ship of dreams that I will hit my word count goals and complete a novel in thirty days.
But…There is a positive side of this coin.
Every book I have started in November, I have finished. And, for the last several years, my NaNoWriMo projects has become a completed, published novel.
The one I plan to begin writing tomorrow….the one I will continue to plot the rest of today…will be published in very early 2017.
Will it be drafted by Nov. 30? I’m not sure, but that is the plan.
The post Plotting for Pantsers – it’s Almost NaNoWriMo Time appeared first on Constance Phillips, Romance Author.
October 25, 2016
Resurrecting Harry On Sale (Tuesday Teaser)
To celebrate Halloween, Resurrecting Harry on sale for 99¢ through Oct. 31. As many of you already know, Halloween is a rather important date for Harry Houdini. It is the anniversary of the escape artists death.
The date is also important to Erich Welch and a benchmark date in the book, and a reason to celebrate by bringing you this great sale.
Make sure you pick up the ebook before time slips away!
Resurrecting Harry
In order to save the only woman he’s ever loved from self-destruction, Harry puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper, Jaden. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch.
If he wants to keep his new life, he must convince Bess to give up the promise she made to Harry on his death bed and call off the séance she’s scheduled on the anniversary of his death.
Will Erich be able to help Bess over her loss and will any good come from resurrecting Harry?
BUY: Kindle | Amazon | Barnes And Noble | Nook | Kobo | Smashwords | iBooks | All Romance Ebooks
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October 21, 2016
Featured Author Wendy Burke
I’m so pleased to have Wendy Buke on the blog this week in the Friday’s Featured Author slot. Before I get on to the interview, here is Wendy’s bio.
Wendy Burke
Wendy lives with her chef husband and two furry feline children in the Great Lakes region of the Midwest. She has cheddar running through my veins, despite her many years away from my home state.(That would be Wisconsin for you non-cheese fans.) When not writing, she has a full-time job behind the scenes in television which keeps her from writing!
The Interview
Tell us about your latest release?
SAFE AT HOME is somewhat of a mini-version of the ‘cheesy romantic baseball story’ which has languished in my laptop for about 15 years. I have always been a baseball fan and wanted to get a baseball-centric story published, and through Decadent Publishing and their 1Night Stand line—I was able to, and, link this story to others I’ve written in the same line.
In SAFE AT HOME – Milwaukee ‘Breakers’ shortstop Andy Knox and his wife Charly have the life anyone would want–plenty of friends, fortune, adorable children, interesting, and at times, high-profile employment, a great house in the ‘burbs. They love each other, but sometimes life, unknowingly, gets in the way of ‘being in love.’
Are you a plotter or pantser?
Panster all the way—much to the irritation of some of my fellow-writers (Hello, Constance!) I may have a ‘plan’ in my head, but never is there a written outline. I pretty much am dictated to writing what the ‘people in my head’ tell me to!
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
Waiting! Waiting for an answer, waiting for return edits, waiting for a cover. I can say that now, but I think any writer will tell you, getting edited is the most excruciating experience—there’s a total stranger tearing apart your ‘baby.’
How about the most fun?
Seeing how the story will end and getting a pat on the back, or an “I hate you, you made me cry” email from the publisher. AND of course, readers identifying with your story and characters.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book CROSSING PATHS is still in this very laptop! I had promised to write the above ‘cheesy romance baseball story’ for a dear friend of mine. The two of us spent way too much time and money (when baseball was still affordable!) in old County Stadium in Milwaukee. CROSSING PATHS was supposed to be a fun way of recreating those days. It’s sad to say, my dear friend, Deb, died before I finished it.
Do you have any writing rituals? (Time of day to write, must have beverages? Etc?)
I write when I can. My ‘normal work hours’ sometimes have me leaving the house at 3:30 AM. I write when the characters tell me to—which can be difficult on the highway going 80mph!
Who is your go-to author, the one you know you can always count on to deliver a great story?
I have two actually – Brad Thor and James Rollins. I am a huge fan of Thor’s ‘Scot Harvath’ series and Rollins’ ‘Sigma Series’ line. A political thriller lives in my head—I just have to find the time to get it out and into my laptop. And, even though I write erotic romance, I don’t read much of it!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to travel, which doesn’t happen as often as I like. I read –especially on when sweating on my elliptical. And, I like a good laugh with friends and family.
What do you think makes a good story?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. I think characters, how they get through a situation and if they come out better or have learned something on the other side of that trying time.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
How long is this interview? Let’s see: a physician, a lawyer, a police officer. But about mid-junior high, I knew I wanted to be in radio and I’ve been fortunate enough to be in that business for 35 years-plus, with stops in behind the scenes television. I also wanted to be a writer and here I am!
What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m about a third of the way through another 1Night Stand (if Decadent Publishing will have it!) It’s a story which formed in my head in a millisecond during a work phone call—I just hope this ‘local’ Sheriff never finds out his comments to me one very-early morning prompted an erotic romance!
What do your plans for future projects include?
Like everyone, I’d like to win the lottery, not have to ‘work’ and just be able to afford to write full-time. That and create peace and solve world hunger! 
October 18, 2016
Safe at Home by Wendy Burke: Tuesday Teaser
I’m so happy to share Wendy Burke’s new release–Safe at Home–with all of you!
Safe At Home
Charly Knox has everything – she’s married to handsome, major league baseball shortstop, has two darling little girls, and a beautiful home in an upscale suburb. What more could she want? Other than the love of her husband.
Andy Knox has everything – a gorgeous, smart-as-a-whip wife, two daughters he can’t live without, plenty of fame, and more than enough fortune and friends. What more could he want? Other than the love of his wife?
Their marriage isn’t over, but stalled, stuck. Regardless of status, they’re bogged down in the rut that work, kids, familiarity and life in general can become.
Can Madame Eve “light the fire” and again show them why they fell in love in the first place?
Buy Links:
Amazon | Bookstrand | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo | All Romance E books |
Smashwords
Excerpt
Ten minutes later, two little girls were both dry and asleep. And, as Breanna insisted, in their parents’ bed. Charly rested her head against her husband’s. “Sorry, hon.”
“About what?”
She looked around the bed. “The interruption. My irritation. Too little of you know what these days, and then….”
“Hey.” His warm fingertip lifted her chin. “I love you.” Kissing her gently, he promised, “There’s always tomorrow.” He winked at her in the darkened room. “And I’ll make sure you get off like you’ve never gotten off before.” He stopped for a moment, cuddling a daughter. “Anyway, this is almost as good.”
“I guess we need to put a lock on that door.”
“What for? That would ruin all the excitement!”
Quietly, as to not wake their girls, they laughed together.
The thoughts that had darted to the front of her brain earlier in the evening, returned. A question spilled from her mouth before she had any chance to stop it. “So, this trade,” she began.
“Yes, Charlotte.”
No, not my given first name, this is not going to be good. “You know, don’t you?”
“I didn’t want to upset, you Char.”
So you were keeping me in the dark! “Just tell me, Andy.”
“New….”
“No….” With the utterance of that one word, she knew. A city she loathed, a metropolis that had emotionally chewed her up and spit her out. She hadn’t been to The City in more than a decade, and it would take some doing to get her to return.
“…York, the Bronx.”
Swallowing hard, she blocked the tears. A defeated, disgusted sigh left her. “No, Andy, not New York, not the Titans.” Cuddling Chloe closer, she turned her face from her husband and cried herself to sleep.
Two weeks later, the spring baseball rituals began. As much as she hated it, still Charly put on a happy face. If this were any other year, the girls would’ve been outfitted in little Milwaukee Breakers shirts, but mentally holding her nose, she honored her husband by dressing them in tiny Titans jerseys. They sat atop their father’s carry-on at the front door.
Charly watched as he squatted in front of them.
“Daddy’s going to miss you.” He clutched them tightly, smooching them wetly on the cheeks.
“Daddy going to Forida,” Bree mentioned.
“Florida, baby.”
“When he rose to meet Charly, there were tears in his eyes.
“What, Andy?”
Taking her into his arms and holding her tightly, he whispered, “This gets harder all the time.”
Knowing that, she didn’t let on how much his leaving affected her as well, especially since in Florida, there’d be no familiar faces to hang with, no women who understood her and she them. She’d be with strangers. “But, it’s what you do, honey.” She hugged him in return, kissing his cheek. “We’ll see you in a week or two.” His hold tightened about her.
His voice quiet, nearly apologetic, he confessed, “I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to ‘get busy’ lately, Charly. You know how much I’m going to miss that.” He kissed her ear, his voice even more quiet, secretive, “I’ll ask Mom to come to Florida with you. We can get a little alone time then.” His took her face in his hands and brought his lips to hers for a long, deep, gotta-make-it-last kiss.
When the car service driver rang the doorbell, a not so pretty chapter in their lives began.
The post Safe at Home by Wendy Burke: Tuesday Teaser appeared first on Constance Phillips, Romance Author.
October 17, 2016
Monday Motivation: After Plan A
If you are like me, you make a plan — plan A — and you do your best to stick to it. When things don’t work according to how I prescribed in my best-laid intentions, my sanity slips.
This is something I often need to remind myself of, so I thought I’d share it here, in case this is something you struggle with too
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October 14, 2016
Alyssa Drake: Friday Featured Author
I’m so pleased to spotlight Alyssa Drake on my blog this week as a featured author. Before we get to the interview, let’s learn a little bit more about Alyssa.
Alyssa Drake
Author Alyssa Drake has been creating stories since she could read, preferring to construct her own bedtime tales instead of reading the titles in her bookshelves. Enraptured with all types of writing, Alyssa has tried her hand at short stories, collaborations and poetry. However, her first love has always been books. She thoroughly enjoys strong heroines and often laughs aloud when visualizing conversations between her characters.
Alyssa graduated from the University of the Pacific, with a B.S. in business and a concentration in French literature. Currently she resides in Northern California with her blended family, where she works full-time at a chocolate factory.
She believes everyone is motivated by love of someone or something. One of her favorite diversions is fabricating stories about strangers surrounding her on public transportation. Alyssa can often be found madly scribbling notes on a train or daydreaming out the window as the scenery whips past.
A Perfect Plan is Alyssa’s first full-length novel. Her sophomore novel, An Imperfect Engagement, is awaiting its release date.
The Interview
Tell us about your latest release?
I am between releases. My first novel, A Perfect Plan was released May 20, 2016. It is the story of Samantha, the headstrong sister of the deceased Earl of Hastings. She wants no man to run her life, especially not Lord Benjamin Westwood, her brother’s best friend and her supposed guardian. With a long season of eager suitors waiting, Samantha dreams of escape. Unable to fight his growing attraction, Benjamin proposes a marriage of convenience, allowing him to woo Samantha without distraction. When they discover the Earl’s disappearance was due to foul play, Samantha is in grave danger and Benjamin is running out of time to save the one woman he truly loves.
My second novel, An Imperfect Engagement is currently with my publisher, pending its release date. Its blurb is below.
Kidnapped by the man who murdered her father, nearly beaten to death and severely poisoned. So far, Samantha Hastings’ engagement to Lord Benjamin Westwood has been rocky at best.
When the killer revels his venomous revenge plot had assistance, the Hastings and Westwood families must band together to defend themselves against a new threat. Samantha develops a risky plan to drawn the accomplice out of hiding, but this scheme may cost her more than she is willing to sacrifice.
The masked ball approaching and Samantha may not survive until her wedding day because – by the end of the evening – at least one person will die…
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I am a plotter. I planned out the bones of all three books and have been allowing the characters to lead me through the story.
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
The most difficult part for me is the self-promotion aspect. Silly me, I thought all you had to do was write the book. That is not true. Selling a book is the hardest part.
How about the most fun?
I love writing the conversations between characters. Some of them are so amusing I cannot help laughing aloud – which tends to draw looks on the train.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I have been writing ever since I was a child; more like a hobby. However, my scribbling became more concentrated when I moved to the opposite side of the bay. With the increase in my commute I needed a way to entertain myself while riding on the train. Mirroring the Amtrak Author Residency program, I began writing during my commute.
Do you have any writing rituals? (Time of day to write, must have beverages? Etc?)
My best writing occurs in the morning when I am on the train and everything is written by hand. This helps to submerge my imagination in the story; music and coffee are necessities to nurture my creative side. During lunch, I type everything into the computer, using that first opportunity for an edit and re-write. Then I print everything out. Using the printed copies, I make notes, changes, edits and other thoughts along the margins.
Who is your go-to author, the one you know you can always count on to deliver a great story?
Actually one of the best story-tellers is Stephan King. I always know when I pick up one of his books that I am in for a wild ride with unforgettable characters. That man is pure magic when it comes to writing.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to read! Shocking, not really. I love spending time with my children, going for walks, swimming, playing games – they keep me young.
What do you think makes a good story?
A good story has a strong, believable plot, well-developed characters and detailed description of the setting without detracting from the overall direction of the book.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be an actress. I took several acting classes when I was younger, but experienced a soul-ripping, portrayal of a character from which I was unable to detach. I decided ripping my heart out on a nightly basis was not a future career choice.
11) What projects are you working on at the present?
I am working on the third book in the Wiltshire Chronicles series, A Perfect Deception.
12) What do your plans for future projects include?
I would like to branch into other types of romance, specifically paranormal, but I continue to get drawn back into Wiltshire; some day perhaps. In the meantime, the Flannery family (mentioned in the 2nd and 3rd books), may be due for their own Wiltshire series.
THIS OR THAT
Breakfast or no breakfast? Breakfast
Eggs or pancakes? Pancakes, unless I’m pregnant, then eggs
Pork Bacon or Turkey Bacon? Turkey Bacon
Scrambled or Over Easy Eggs? Over Medium (not a choice, but my favorite)
White or Wheat Bread? Wheat bread
Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad? Potato Salad
Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes? Baked
Hot Dogs or Hamburgers? Hamburgers
Cookie Dough or Cookies from Scratch? Cookie from Scratch
Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie? Pumpkin
Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt? Fro Yo
Taco Bell or McDonalds? McD
Carrabba’s or Olive Garden? Olive Garden
Sweet or Sour? Sweet
Sushi or Smoked Fish? Sushi
Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Fingers? Fingers
French Fries or Salad? French Fries
Pringles or Lays? Pringles
Salt and Vinegar or Sour Cream and Onion? Sour Cream & Onion
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Surge Soda or Mellow Yellow? – never heard of either one
Black Coffee or Cream and Sugar? Cream & Sugar
Gatorade or Powerade? Gatorade
Buy links For Alyssa Drake’s Books
Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-perfect-plan-alyssa-drake/1123368205?ean=2940152609677
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-perfect-plan-2
iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-perfect-plan/id1081566829?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/612831
Buzz:
“This needs to be a TV series or something! Dark, sexy, mystery, romance. Oh Lordy, Ms. Drake can write some books! This book is a must read, even for someone who doesn’t particularly read romance novels. If you enjoy a good read with some mystery, read this one.”
Angeli – The Romance Reviews
“Reading this book made me realize just how much I used to love historical romances…Amanda Quick, Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Kleypas…I absolutely loved this book! Alyssa Drake did such a wonderful job weaving in an exciting mystery and love story with A Perfect Plan.”
J.L. Leslie author of the Zane series and the Morgan Family series
“This book is Pride & Prejudice with sizzle and shock! Alyssa Drake mastered the era with so much grace! The way she incorporated the period into the plot was fantastic! This was up there with Jane Austin in that classic sense, but with snap and saucy spice! So well written I don’t know where to start!”
Historical romance author, Nicole Strycharz
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October 11, 2016
A Look at Reider and Sable: A Tuesday Teaser peek at Refused to Reign
For today’s Tuesdy Teaser, I’d like to share a bit about Reider and Sable’s visit to the Hotel Paranormal went. Did it change them? Could the mystical hotel do its part and help bring these wayward lover’s back together?
Reidercc
The last person Reider expected to see when he walked through the doors of the Hotel Paranormal’s restaurant was Sable. Even though he tried to deny it, it was pretty obvious he was happy she was there.
Leaving the Great Basin wolf pack was something Reider felt he had to do, but if anyone could have changed his mind, it would have been Sable. She was the one person he truly believed was always on his side. The one person he could always count on to have his back.
Something he desperately needed as the unrecognized and illegitimate son of the wolf packs alpha.
Sable
When Reider left the Great Basin pack, no one appeared to care. Except Sable.
He’d always owned her heart, and she felt obligated to stand by his side and protect him from his enemies as best she could.
Now she’s been charged by the Conclave to bring Reider home. Most believe she is the only one who can get through to rightful heir of the pack.
So she does as she’s told and conveys what she knows to be a script of lies, all in the name of bringing Reider home.
Anything to keep him safe.
Refused to Reign
After his father’s death, Reider relinquished reign of the wolf pack to his brother Geoff, leaving everything—including Sable—behind, but refused to let go of the one thing his father ever gave him: the amulet that symbolized leadership. Six months later, Geoff is missing and the Conclave has called him to the Hotel Paranormal. They want him to take control of the Great Basin pack or hand over the amulet reserved for the alpha of the Great Basin Pack. Reider quickly learns the amulet is coveted by many.
Can Reider unravel the mystery and find his brother or will he submit to Sable and the Conclave and reclaim his reign?
A Hotel Paranormal story.
The Hotel Paranormal is THE place for supernatural beings looking to get away from it all. Beings like werewolves, vampires, elves, sprites, djinn and more check in from all over the world for business and for pleasure — and sometimes for both.
Released October 5: Buy: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | ARE | Print Createspace
The post A Look at Reider and Sable: A Tuesday Teaser peek at Refused to Reign appeared first on Constance Phillips, Romance Author.
October 7, 2016
Kristina Knight: Friday Featured Author
Kristina Knight is this week’s featured author! What makes this especially fun for me Kristi is a friend of mine and a wonderful author that I’m so excited to get to give a little shout out for. Seriously, if you’ve not read a Kristina Knight Romance, you need to remedy that!
Before we get to the interview, let me share a bit more about Knight.
Kristina Knight: The Bio
Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.
Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!
Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Google+ | Amazon Author Page
The Interview:
Tell us about your latest release?
Hi, readers! What the Gambler Risks is the third book in my Billionaire Cowboys trilogy – the books follow three brothers (Gage, Connor and Jase) raised on a ranch just outside Las Vegas. In Gambler, we get to know Jase (the eldest), who is (naturally) a professional gambler and game developer…and Sabrina – a list-making non-gambler who can’t seem to stay away from Jase!
Are you a plotter or pantser?
A little of both, actually. I usually have a loose synopsis that I work from that gives me some major turning points. However, I don’t always stick to those turning points – that’s where the pantsing comes in!
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
Figuring out the goals and motivations of my characters. The first three chapters usually get *several* makeovers until I have those goals and motivation clear in my head.
How about the most fun?
Dialogue! Sometimes it’s more fun than others, but I love the banter between characters – it’s my favorite thing!
What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book is What a Texas Girl Wants, and I kept seeing my heroine waking up on a beach with a wedding ring on her hand…but not knowing what happened to put it there. The story flowed from that initial snippet of a scene.
Do you have any writing rituals? (Time of day to write, must have beverages? Etc?)
I’ve usually got an ice-cold Coke or lemonade nearby, and my favorite candle (salted caramel from Yankee Candle) burning…those are my main rituals.
Who is your go-to author, the one you know you can always count on to deliver a great story?
Nora Roberts is one of my favorites, I also love Liz Flaherty’s books (her characters completely come to life!), and Tara Taylor Quinn.
W hat do you like to do when you’re not writing?
All kinds of things – my daughter is a swimmer, so I can usually be found at a pool. Or going for walks. Catching up on my reading. Sewing – I have a couple of wall-hangings for RadioMan that are woefully behind schedule!
What do you think makes a good story?
I think characters make the story. I love a silly or dramatic situation, but it’s the characters and how they react to those situations that get me invested in the books!
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
So many things! I flirted with the idea of being a police officer for a while, and then I thought about being a baseball announcer, a newspaper reporter, a teacher. . .the good thing about being a writer is that I can be all of those things, for a little while, with each book I write.
What projects are you working on at the present?
I’ve just started a new series, set in fictional Slippery Rock, Missouri. There are four books contracted right now, and they’ll start releasing in 2017 – I’m having a such a great time with the small town atmosphere and characters that I can’t wait to get to my desk every morning!
THIS OR THAT
Breakfast or no breakfast? – Breakfast – especially if it includes syrup!
Eggs or pancakes? – Pancakes (see the syrup answer above!)
Pork Bacon or Turkey Bacon? – Neither!
Scrambled or Over Easy Eggs? – Scrambled
White or Wheat Bread? – Wheat
Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad? – potato salad
Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes? – Baked! And loaded with all the good stuff!
Hot Dogs or Hamburgers? – hamburgers
Cookie Dough or Cookies from Scratch? – from scratch!
Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie? – pumpkin
Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt? – Fro-Yo!
Taco Bell or McDonalds? – Neither, again!
Carrabba’s or Olive Garden? – Olive Garden
Sweet or Sour? – Yes!
Sushi or Smoked Fish? – Ick on both!
Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Fingers? – Fingers…although I’m always wondering what part of the chicken the fingers come from…
French Fries or Salad? – Fries (although I’m trying to eat more salads!)
Pringles or Lays? – Lays
Salt and Vinegar or Sour Cream and Onion? – Sour Cream & Onion
Coke or Pepsi? – COKE!
Surge Soda or Mellow Yellow? – MelloYello
Black Coffee or Cream and Sugar? – Neither (I like the smell of coffee but not the taste!)
Gatorade or Powerade? – Ice Mountain Powerade, please!
What The Gambler Risks
Best-selling author Kristina Knight’s Billionaire Cowboys are back for one final ride with this seductive story of long-simmering feelings and hot Vegas nights.
Twenty-something ice queen Sabrina Smith enjoys the fame and fortune she’s found writing self-help books for a largely female audience. Her readers hang on every word of how the Vegas Virgin – an unflattering and inaccurate moniker given to her by a local shock jock – juggles dating, working, and friendships in Sin City.
And that’s why Jase Reeves spells trouble.
Jase knows Sabrina’s secret – that she’s not nearly as cold as she would like people to think – and he’s through keeping it. He didn’t intend to have a one-night stand with the Vegas Virgin, but now he can’t get her out of his head. And he can’t keep living this lie.
With Jase back at the tables in Vegas, Sabrina has one goal: stay away from the handsome gambler before he melts her career – and her heart.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
Author Endorsement:
“Kristina Knight does it again! If you like relatable characters that you fall in love with from page one, amazing sexual tension, a story line that keeps you turning the pages, and snappy dialogue then you’ll love What the Gambler Risks. Ms. Knight is one of my favorite authors and her stories never disappoint, making it hard for me to pick a favorite from all her titles. If you haven’t read one of her books, you definitely need to.” ~ Christine Warner – author of The Friends First series with Entangled Publishing
“Kristina Knight gets me hooked- What a great start to a sexy new series! I felt right at home with these characters. Gage and Callie (What the Bachelor Gets) kept me on my toes!” ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Lynn Barrett
“In What the Heiress Wants, Kristina Knight writes a riveting story of corporate espionage and spying with delightful characters you find yourself rooting for and falling in love with.” ~ Sharon Cullen, USA Today Bestselling Author
Buy Links:
AMZ |
B&N | iB | KOBO
Excerpt:
“One more hand. Winner buys the loser a drink?”
She tilted her water bottle toward him. “I already have a drink.”
Jase snickered but was careful to keep the sound light and friendly. “That’s not a drink.” He lifted his glass of soda water with lime to his mouth. Most people wouldn’t consider the contents of his glass a real drink, either, but he rarely drank when he played. Alcohol and cards did not mix well in Jase’s opinion. “What do you have to lose?” he pressed.
“We’ll see,” she said, not meeting his gaze directly, and he was 75 percent positive she was on her way to a yes.
The dealer switched decks and then dealt the cards. Jase had random cards in his hands, but he didn’t care. The woman studied her hand, one manicured nail tapping against the cards. Considering.
“Twenty,” she said, throwing a chip on the table.
“Raise to forty,” Jase said, tossing two chips on the table. The best plan of attack when the cards in his hand were useless was to make her think he held something amazing. He didn’t bluff in real card games, but despite her two wins, he didn’t peg this woman as a true card player. If she were a regular player, she wouldn’t be so transparent about what she held in her hands.
The woman blinked, and her teeth began nibbling at her lower lip.
“Are you in?” he asked, a bit more forcefully than was necessary.
Her finger tapped faster against the cards in her hand. “I’ll take three,” she said and slid three cards to the dealer.
As soon as her new cards were in her hands, Jase said, “I’ll stand.” And he stacked his worthless cards with all the careless confidence he used in high-stakes games around the globe. The kind of confidence that made big-time, big-money gamblers think twice about going against him in the second betting round.
The woman circled her index finger around her remaining green chip, considering her options. Call, take the gamble, lose, and have a drink with him. Of course, it would take a truly pitiful hand to lose to what he held. She could fold and have a drink with him. She could also call his bluff and, depending on the cards in her own hand, win. He didn’t like the thought of her winning, but if her winning at the table landed the two of them at the bar, was it really a loss for him?
“Call,” she said, and Jase felt a wave of admiration for his opponent. Which was not good, because if she was calling she had to have something in her hand, and he had a big, fat zero. Which meant she would win. Jase didn’t like to lose, especially at poker, not even when it was a friendly game instead of a high-stakes match with thousands of dollars to lose.
She laid down her cards: three queens, a two, and a ten.
“Three of a kind. Nice.”
“I was hoping for a full house.”
“I was hoping you’d fold, so I could buy you that drink,” he said and laid his cards—all four suits, random order—on the table.
“Nice bluff, I almost folded.”
“If it had been a better bluff, you would have folded.” He watched her for a moment across the table. “Now you have to buy me the drink; all in all, not a bad night at the table.”
The woman pushed back from the table, pulling the pot in the middle to her side. Jase pocketed the chips he had left in his stack. “I never agreed to that bed,” she said, and her hands stilled over the chips. Her gaze flicked to his, and despite the dim light, he saw the flush that crept over her cheeks.
“And here I thought we were just talking about a drink. I have to tell you, I’m not the kind of guy to go off to a strange woman’s hotel room after a lousy hand of poker,” he said with mock outrage.
“Bet. I meant bet.”
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October 4, 2016
Refused to Reign (Hotel Paranormal) is Tuesday’s Teaser
I am so proud and pleased to introduce all of you to Refused to Reign, my contribution to the Hotel Paranormal series.
Refused to Reign
After his father’s death, Reider relinquished reign of the wolf pack to his brother Geoff, leaving everything—including Sable—behind, but refused to let go of the one thing his father ever gave him: the amulet that symbolized leadership. Six months later, Geoff is missing and the Conclave has called him to the Hotel Paranormal. They want him to take control of the Great Basin pack or hand over the amulet reserved for the alpha of the Great Basin Pack. Reider quickly learns the amulet is coveted by many.
Can Reider unravel the mystery and find his brother or will he submit to Sable and the Conclave and reclaim his reign?
A Hotel Paranormal story.
The Hotel Paranormal is THE place for supernatural beings looking to get away from it all. Beings like werewolves, vampires, elves, sprites, djinn and more check in from all over the world for business and for pleasure — and sometimes for both.
Released October 5: Buy: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | ARE | Print Createspace
Excerpt:
Reider’s eyes adjusted to the low light in the corner of the Vegas resort’s bar easier than most. Truth was, he preferred the dark to the mid-day sun beating down on the Vegas strip.
As a lone wolf, he preferred a dark, cool den to the blazing heat of the desert sun. For him, everything seemed clearer and it was easier to tell who the enemy was.
He wrote off the twisting knot in his gut to the fact he was in Mojave territory. Borders never bothered his brother much, though. Everything about the desert gave Reider the urge to run, as fast as two—or four—legs would carry him.
Like he had six months ago.
For twenty-three years before that, he was the bastard son of Preston Lowell, alpha and leader of the Great Basin Pack. Rightful heir to the throne, and the product of a single night’s tryst during a blood moon festival, he spent a majority of his life forgotten and ignored by everyone except his grandmother, mother, and the woman’s two daughters by another wolf.
About a week ago, he’d begun receiving concerned texts from some of the wolves back in Carson City telling him his younger brother—now reigning leader—had disappeared. With each passing day, more inquiries came. Some begged he return to lead the pack.
Something he would never do.
So, here he sat in the small bar off the Bellagio’s lobby.
Six months ago, while convincing Reider he wasn’t fit to lead, Geoff swore off all his vices. Promised he was done with casinos.
Done with gambling.
Done with tequila.
Reider never believed Geoff’s sincerity and it didn’t surprise him the man had appeared to back slide only six months later.
A waiter appeared with an ice-cold beer. Setting the mug on a cardboard coaster, he then handed him a small beige envelope.
Reider rubbed the back of his neck, hoping the hairs that stood at attention would take a break and lie back down. Every one of his wolf senses had risen to high alert the moment he’d walked into the hotel.
As certain as he was Geoff would be here, he’d only picked up light traces of his scent in the lobby and near the elevators. Not in the corridors of the hotel near his favorite suite. He hadn’t been on the casino floor in the recent past either. No trace of him in the high rollers room.
And last—but not least—no trace of him here, in the Lilly Bar.
Confusing, but Reider had to believe it had been a long while since Geoff had been at the Bellagio, and hadn’t gambled when he was there.
He flipped the envelope over. It was sealed with green wax in the shape of a large claw.
Shit! The Conclave.
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September 30, 2016
Friday Featured Author: Vincent Marrone
It’s such a pleasure to have one of my fellow Hotel Paranormal authors–Vincent Marrone–here today as my featured author!
More about Vincent Marrone
Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Vincent Morrone now resides in Upstate NY with his wife. (Although he can still speak fluent Brooklynese.) His twin daughters remain not only his biggest fans, but usually are the first to read all of his work. Their home is run and operated for the comfort and convenience of their dogs. Vincent has been writing fiction, poetry and song lyrics for as long as he can remember, most of which involve magical misfits, paranormal prodigies and even on occasion superheroes and their sidekicks.
As they say in Brooklyn: Yo, you got something to say? Vincent would love to hear from you at Vincent@vincentmorrone.com
You can check his website http://vincentmorrone.com/ or connect with him on Twitter https://twitter.com/Vince524 and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Morrrone.
The Interview
Tell us about your latest release?
The Red Strokes is part of the very cool Paranormal Hotel Series, which I’m proud to be a part of. I actually was involved when our fearless leader first started it. I wrote my story back then, but it all got shelved. Then when it came to life again, I was able to share my ideas on the hotel characters and characteristics of the hotel itself, which became a part of the series bible for everyone.
Here’s the blurb to The Red Strokes:
Anna just inherited her aunt’s psychic gift, and it’s a gift she wishes she could return.
Anna is a college art student, a wallflower who prefers to hide behind her canvasses and paint the world she sees. When her aunt is brutally murdered by a faceless man, Anna inherits her psychic abilities. Now she’s got to deal with visions, ghosts, and her own destiny.
Ashton Cooke hadn’t seen Anna since they were ten years old, when he held her hand while she learned her mother had been killed in an accident, yet he could never stop thinking about her. They meet again when he poses nude for her art class, giving Anna a view of what she’s been missing.
Anna and Ashton are irresistibly drawn to each other. The slightest touch from Ashton causes Anna to see erotic visions of them together. When they arrive at the Hotel Paranormal, they discover that there’s more to their connection than just desire. Anna may be the key to the truth behind his parent’s death, and she’ll need to embrace her powers to save his remaining family from the man with no face.
A Hotel Paranormal story.
The Hotel Paranormal is THE place for supernatural beings looking to get away from it all. Beings like werewolves, vampires, elves, sprites, djinn and more check in from all over the world for business and for pleasure — and sometimes for both.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
A plotter, although I usually wear pants while doing it. I usually do a basic outline, but it’s not that detailed. Just enough to guide me as I write.
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
Advertising it. Getting it out there in front of readers.
How about the most fun?
Just that feeling you get as you write, seeing how it’s all coming together, feeling the emotions of the characters, and just watching how their story comes to life.
What projects are you working on at the present?
I recently put out a book called Torn Away, which won 1st place in the Saratoga RWA Great Beginnings contest. I’m working on the sequel, called Torn Apart. Plus I’ve got the 4th book in the Vision Series.
What do your plans for future projects include?
After I’m done with the Torn Series, (It’s planned as a Trilogy) And the Vision series, (3 books out, 2 to go.) After that, I’ve got this cool idea for a zombie book. There’s an outline I have for a story of an FBI agent who gets together with the daughter of a serial killer. Plus I’ve got a great idea that turns was inspired by my job, a customer service rep, where the character gets dragged into a game of cat and mouse by a psycho. Lots of things coming.
What paranormal creature is featured in your book?
My female lead is a psychic. Unlike Bristol Blackburn in my Vision series, Anna comes from a family where there’s always a psychic, but the ability is only passed down when the person who has it, dies. Anna is a wallflower and she never wanted the ability.
My male MC is a Demon Hunter, but he doesn’t know it. It’s revealed that hunter’s aren’t told about the paranormal world until their 15, and Ashton’s father dies before that can happen. He only discovers his destiny when they reach the hotel.
What was your favorite part about writing in this group project?
So far, it’s been the interaction with all the other authors, sharing ideas and getting feedback on my own. Being a part of a universe that’s larger than your own story is pretty amazing. I can’t wait to read each and every HPN book as they come out. The Hotel Paranormal. You can check in, but you can never check out.
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