Rae Rivers's Blog, page 5

We Have a Date!

I'm so excited to share some news but before I do, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all my amazing readers, friends and family who have followed my Keepers series so far.  Without you, this series wouldn't be possible. Your support and daily messages of appreciation for my stories is more priceless than you can ever know.

So ...  after months of plotting, planning, writing, editing, and plenty of excitement, The Keepers: Declan has a release date!

It's available now for Pre-Order and will officially be on sale worldwide and hitting your eReaders on 29 May 2014!  (Paperback release date to follow.)

Readers will get to hang out with all three of the Bennett brothers again, meet a new crowd of warlocks itching for chaos, say hello to the gorgeous Sienna and Archer (so romantic, aren't they?) and meet a beautiful, spunky new heroine, Kate - Declan's match.  And one word for Kate and Declan ...

Dynamic!

Love these two together.  They have been a fun, romantic blast to write.

So, to all those awesome readers eager for their next Keeper fix, mark the date as Declan is on his way to your eReaders soon!

Amazon US
Amazon UK

Hope you all enjoy reading Declan's journey as much as I loved writing it!

Rae Rivers

Where The Magic Happens

Ever wonder where authors write their books?  Author J.C. McKenzie of Shift Happens (don't you just love that title?) shares her writing process, along with a few great pics of her writing space.  I must admit, I'm in love with the idea of her mug warmer ... I desperately need one of those as I'm always drinking cold coffee!

Welcome J.C.!

First I’d like to thank Rae Rivers for hosting me on her blog today! I’m very excited to be here and hope you enjoy learning about my writing space.

Now, about that writing habitat. Some writers are strangely protective of their writing space. Mine is fairly new, so that sense of dragon-esque protection for my “hoard” hasn’t kicked in yet, and I’m not sure it ever will. My writing, as a principle, is very portable. I’ve written in many different environments—the back porch of my parents place on the island, the beaches of New Zealand, various ferries and planes, the Starbucks down the road from our last place, and now, an office/spare bedroom in our home in Saskatchewan. I’ve written in notebooks, on scraps of paper, napkins, desktop computers, laptops, netbooks, and the backs of receipts. Now that I’m dedicating more time and energy to my writing, I’m a little more set up.

The pictures of my writing space were taken at night, but during the day, streams of Prairie sunlight flood the small room. When I’m stuck, I get to look up and see pictures of my two favorite people—my husband and my son. My cute IKEA secretary desk also hosts my HP G62 laptop, which I received free as a promotional deal from a telephone company. The computer’s on its last leg, so I’m regularly e-mailing myself copies as a backup system, just in case it all goes to hell. The board you see above the desk is my most recent purchase and I LOVE IT! Martha Stewart Home Office. That woman is a genius. I think my husband might ban me from Staples, because I want to keep adding to it, despite not needing anything else. We got the Vancouver calendar (on the left) in the mail for free from a realtor right before we made our big move from the West Coast of Canada to the Prairies. The pictures make me happy and homesick at the same time, but that turmoil of emotion is rather conducive to my writing process. Go figure!

To me, the space isn't nearly as important as the mind-set. Relaxation and the support of my loved ones is key for me. My family and friends are awesome, and I can’t say enough good things about them. For the relaxation piece, I’m almost always drinking coffee. Just the smell of it puts me at ease and I often don’t finish every cup I pour. (Side note: today, my husband bought me a mug warmer because he’s tired of finding half-finished cups in the office and around the house. What a keeper!) There’s also music playing. I find I’m most productive when listening to Blues, Jazz or Classical, which is funny, because that’s not what I crank when I’m alone in the car! 

My writing time is limited to when my son sleeps, so I get short bursts here and there—mainly nap time and bedtime. I tend to write 500-1000 words per day in about a 1-3 hour period that’s usually not consecutive! Thank goodness no one reads those first drafts, because they tend to be a bit disjointed, and if I’m honest, fairly crappy. I polish the manuscript (MS) and exchange pieces of it with a few carefully selected and trusted critique partners. After listening to their advice, I smooth the MS over again, and then send it to trusted friends, family and lovers of the genre to read and ask them to give me their thoughts (i.e. beta readers). After I've taken in their comments, added a bit more spit and polish, the manuscript is submitted to the publisher. 

All that magic happens here—on a cheap, dented desk, with a free, fairly dilapidated computer. If you’re a writer, what does your writing space look like? If you’re a reader, where do you like to read? 

 Happy writing and reading!

J.C. McKenzie

About the Author:
Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.J.C. McKenzie’s Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | The Wild Rose Press

New Release - Shift Happens!

·        I'm delighted to welcome the lovely J.C. McKenzie today with her debut novel, Shift Happens.  Gorgeous cover, don't you think?

Blurb

Andrea McNelly's job as a government agent is not asking questions, but then a routine assignment turns into a botched assassination of a Master Vampire's human servant. Answers become a priority. Her search to discover the truth is riddled with obstacles, the largest being an oversized Werewolf who resembles a Norse god. Andy can't afford the distraction he offers, because if she fails, she faces eternal enslavement.
Wick's job is to monitor Andy, but he prefers more intimate activities, none of them G-Rated. His choices, however, are often not his own. His ability to help Andy is limited by his bond to the Master Vampire.
Facing many trials and challenges along her path to redemption, Andy learns the value of her freedom might be set too high.
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvQ79fXVrj0



Excerpt:

A large black wolf trotted into the clearing to confront me. He had a white-tipped snout, white boots and mitts and would have looked cute had he not been the most intimidating Werewolf I’d ever seen. Standing tall and solid, power rolled off of his body. His eyes bore into mine. I sniffed the air. The strong Werewolf scent of rosemary swirled around me, strong and seductive, laced with sugar. A weird fuzzy sensation spread out from my chest. Whoa.Alpha.My other form growled low, demanding release, straining against my skin. The energy of the wolves built—layers upon layers of excitement and impatience. The air pulsated with anticipation. They could sense the imminent kill.Let me out! My other form repeated, throwing her power against my built up walls, howling in defiance.When the energy of the Werewolves surged, I finally released her. My wolf form flowed out fast, wiping out the feline in little more than a heartbeat. Smaller, weaker and the size of a natural wolf, a Shifter in this form was no match for a Werewolf, especially a dominant one. I had time to meet the eyes of the Alpha for only an instant before the pack leapt forward. My limbs shook. It went against every instinct ingrained within me, but I rolled onto my back—submissive.
Buy Links:

Amazon
Available in print and all other electronic formats on July 16th, 2014
About J.C.

Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
J.C. McKenzie’s Website 
Blog 
Facebook 
Twitter 
GoodreadsThe Wild Rose Press


J.C.is running a fantastic giveaway to win five copies of her books - so hurry and enter!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for sharing your fantastic new release with us, J.C.!

Rae Rivers

Cat Got Your Tongue? On Tour!

Whilst I'm busily adding the final touches to The Keepers: Declan (yes, I'm done!!!), my romantic suspense book, Cat Got Your Tongue?, goes on tour this week where it will be hosted by several lovely book bloggers and reviewers!

Tour stops are as follows:

Feb 17th - Brooke Blogs

Feb 18th - 3 Partners in Shopping
                 Angie Derek Author Blog

Feb 19th - StarAngels' Reviews
                 Literaria

Feb 20th - Room with Books
                 Christine's Words
                 Danielle-Claude Indie Books Reviews

Feb 21st - A Tasty Read Book Reviews
                Crazy Four Books
                Red Wine & Books

Thanks for having me, ladies.  I look forward to the visit on your pretty blogs!

Rae Rivers

New Release: Braedric's Bane!

Today I'm welcoming the lovely AJ Nuest, talented author of The Golden Key Chronicles.  This week marked the release of Braedric's Bane, Book 4 in this brilliant fantasy series!
Blurb
To escape the clutches of the evil Wizard Gaelleod, Rowena and Caedmon flee to the future. With her memories intact and the help of her dear friends, Rowena is confident they can uncover the clues behind her connection to the key.
Yet Violet's dire prophecy does more than detail their history. Caedmon's worst fears are confirmed. Though they must return to his realm, everything he loves stands to be ripped from his grasp.
Join Caedmon and Rowena as they embark on an epic battle to protect the Austiere Kingdom and fight to safeguard their love in Braedric's Bane, Book IV of The Golden Key Chronicles.   Advance praise for Braedric's Bane:
5 STARS from Comet Babes Books! Amazing 4th book. What more can you ask from a fantasy series--time travelling, costumes and even a fight. Add the sexy hero and it has everything you could want in a book!Advance praise for Braedric's Bane:
 5 STARS from Follow the Yellow Book Road! An epic fantasy, adventure and romance with a dash of comedy rolled into one fabulous book. I literally read it in one sitting.
Available February 13th on AMAZON and AMAZONUK!
AJ is a multi-published, award-winning author who lives in the middle of a cornfield in NW Indiana. Her loving husband, two beautiful children and a bevy of spoiled pets have agreed to stay and, in exchange for three rations per day and laundry service, tolerate her lunacy. While she spend most days happily ensconced in crafting romance across a multitude of genres, an underground coup has been percolating. The dogs just informed her the cat is secretly vying for dictatorship.  
WEBSITE / BLOG / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / PINTEREST

Picasso vs Shoes

I have an appreciation for priceless artifacts in the same way that I appreciate shoes. I admire them from a distance but seldom indulge in them. (Sorry, shoe lovers but as I’m permanently on the go with small kiddies, I need simple, practical flats! I'll stick to admiring yours!) As for the art, head on over to my blog post on the ROSA website!

Picasso Anyone?

Cat Got Your Tongue? Releases Worldwide!

Exciting day for my first book ever written! Cat Got Your Tongue? celebrates its official worldwide release today!

Up until now, it appeared exclusively on Amazon but as of today, it will be available at all other online retailers too. The book is also available in print!

Thousands of copies have already been downloaded and a steady stream of 4 and 5 star reviews have begun trickling in from wonderful readers who've loved Alex and Cole's story. I had so much fun writing this book. Exploring the world of art theft, billionaires, and cat burglars (and not to forget the hot romance!) was so exciting and it's awesome that my readers are enjoying my story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

So ... to all you beautiful people who have either bought, reviewed, or shared the news of Cat Got Your Tongue? ... from the bottom of my heart, I say THANK YOU!

And if you're still on the fence about taking a chance on this book ... check out this fabulous professional review by Desere Steenberg. (Thanks, Desere!)

BLURB

A billionaire’s life and art collection are at risk. Who better to help than the daughter of a cat burglar?

When art collector Cole Anderson is targeted for his priceless Renoir, he reluctantly employs a bodyguard to upgrade his personal security. Imagine his surprise when she arrives—professional, capable, and sporting a ponytail and a gorgeous smile. Alex Foxley is all woman—sexy, feisty, and intimately familiar with the shady workings of the art underworld thanks to her mother’s connections.

While battling an explosive attraction for each other and thwarting thieves determined to have Cole’s Renoir at any cost, Cole and Alex must work together to protect his life and property—and uncover a secret neither of them knows exists. Will they discover who is behind the deadly conspiracy before it’s too late? Or will passion and lust blind them to what’s right under their noses?

Snag yourself a copy here:

Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Amazon UK
Amazon US
The Wild Rose Press

Thanks for reading!

Rae Rivers

African Adventures

Waving hello and wishing you a wonderful New Year!  I'm back from my adventure travels through three African countries and bring you a beautiful African sunset.  The above picture was taken from Etosha Pan in Namibia from the deck of our small villa where I spent a few days watching the waterhole for wild animals coming to drink and writing The Keepers: Declan. 
Well rested?  Not quite.  Inspired?  Definitely.
Want to know why?
Because it was a busy, tiring, tough but fabulous holiday. 
My children were absolute travel stars (thank God for the iPhone and iPad!) and loved the lack of routine and that every day was a brand new adventure.  The family time, love and laughter we shared was priceless.  Every new challenge, trip and destination was embraced with trust and smiling faces.   
Our travels consisted of several interesting border stops, dodging an epidemic of donkeys and cattle on the side of the main roads, pot holes and challenging roads that had our 4x4 Toyota Hilux earning a newfound respect (and had me praying like crazy!), and a huge lack of supplies and shops.  We spent a few nights sleeping under the stars surrounded by a roaring pride of lions whilst a cheeky leopard waltzed through our camp, had a hair-raising experience in a fancy lodge that doubled up as a spider's nest (from great, great granny spider right down to hundreds of her offspring!), and got up close and personal in the mother of all African storms that had us running for cover.  We also visited several lovely lodges that served as much needed rest stops, witnessed incredible blood-red sunsets, shared endless laughter with beautiful friends, and saw the most spectacular wild animal sightings.  


Since this holiday, I have a newfound appreciation for the following:
1.   Contact lenses (and the easy access thereof)2.   Woolworths, Spar, or any other clean, well stocked shop3.   Chocolate4.   The easy access to the yummy wines from our beautiful wine farms here5.   Medical care 6.   Cellphone reception7.   WI-FI!!!!8.   Toyota Hilux 4x49.   Mosquito nets10. My Kindle11. Well behaved children12. Vodka and Appletiser
So ... we've unpacked, downloaded all the photos, the kids are back at school and we're settling into reality.  Although I'm really excited for the new year as I'll be working on The Keepers: Declan and The Keepers: Ethan, I have to admit that I'm a little sad that our holiday is over ... BUT the best part of all is that when you're an author, you get to travel anywhere you want whilst staying in the comfort of your home!
Having said that (and hopefully you won't think it sounds crazy!), I'm off to Rapid Falls in Canada to check on my Keepers!
Thanks for reading!
Rae Rivers

12 Days of Christmas Tour

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas Tour with Jane Lark. After signing with publisher Harper Impulse, Jane, author of the smash-hit Marlow Intrigues series, has decided to end 2013 with a bang! She’s gathered together some of the industry’s best authors to create one enormous Christmas giveaway.The huge prize is made up of more than 30 books, a combination of signed paperbacks and eBooks, and two gorgeous book bags. It’s the perfect early Christmas present for any bookworm and all you’ve got to do to win is feast your eyes on the details below and enter via the Rafflecopter . . .To kick off the prizes, Jane is giving away copies of her much loved The Illicit Love of a Courtesan and its highly anticipated follow-up The Passionate Love of a Rake 
Jane's books have been a huge hit with fans, leading to an ever-increasing fan base and comments such as:"Jane Lark has an amazing talent to draw the reader in from the first page onwards." - CosmoChickLitanAnd to celebrate her upcoming December release of NA novel I Found You, you could also win a unique rucksack.The book is already causing excitement among readers and looks set to be the must-read NA of 2014. 
 
But that's not all folks! As if Jane's books weren't enough, check out the other amazing books included in the prize pot, you're sure to find one or two of your fav authors getting involved . . . 
    Entry to Jane Lark's 12 Days of Christmas giveaway extravaganza is easy, just follow the authors on Facebook or Twitter, plus maybe give the comp a shout-out tweet (or two) all via the Rafflecopter below and you're golden. But don't forget to keep your fingers crossed too!  a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please take a moment to read through the giveaway terms and conditions:This is an international giveaway.Signed paperbacks are to be sent from the authors themselves. Jane Lark, BestChickLit and/or any authors involved accept no responsibility for delivery failures. The winner must be open to accepting eBooks in any format i.e. Kindle copies and via iTunes voucher, from different sources. In the event of .mobi copies, the winner must have an Amazon Kindle account and be prepared to add selected addresses as approved emails on their Personal Document settings.Some of the books involved in the giveaway contain adult and sexual content and this should be taken into consideration before reading. Jane Lark, BestChickLit, Harper Impulse and any of the participating authors are free to amend any of the giveaway details at any time.Good luck!

Free Read: Cat Got Your Tongue?

My romantic suspense novel, Cat Got Your Tongue?, is available on Amazon for FREE this week so if you're keen on a sexy read involving cat burglars, bodyguards, art heists and hot romance, head on over to Amazon and snag your copy!  Happy reading!

Blurb

 A billionaire’s life and art collection are at risk. Who better to help than the daughter of a cat burglar?
 When art collector Cole Anderson is targeted for his priceless Renoir, he reluctantly employs a bodyguard to upgrade his personal security. Imagine his surprise when she arrives—professional, capable, and sporting a ponytail and a gorgeous smile. Alex Foxley is all woman—sexy, feisty, and intimately familiar with the shady workings of the art underworld thanks to her mother’s connections.
 While battling an explosive attraction for each other and thwarting thieves determined to have Cole’s Renoir at any cost, Cole and Alex must work together to protect his life and property—and uncover a secret neither of them knows exists. Will they discover who is behind the deadly conspiracy before it’s too late? Or will passion and lust blind them to what’s right under their noses? Buy Links Amazon USAmazon UK (Offer ends 23/11/13) Thanks for stopping by! Rae Rivers