Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 121
May 7, 2014
Beyond Desire Collection: Boxed Set only $.99
Beyond Desire Collection
A limited edition boxed set of alpha males, badboys, & billionaire romance novels from NY Times & USA Today Bestselling authors!
Publication Date: May 5, 2014
THE BILLIONAIRE’S OBSESSION ~ SIMON by J. S. Scott
Reclusive billionaire Simon Hudson would rather be behind a computer creating computer games …until he meets Kara Foster. But when she ends up in a situation that could very well be her destruction, Simon steps up to help her, not realizing that in saving Kara, he might very well be salvaging his own soul.
ONE MORE DAY by M. Malone
When Ridley Wells finds herself on the wrong side of a mafia don, she runs to the only person she trusts. But her twin sister is out of town and she has no where to go. So when resident bad boy Jackson Alexander mistakes her for her sister, she does something she knows she shouldn’t. She lies.
FOR YOU by Mimi Strong
Aubrey’s fled her shabby past for a reason, and won’t let anyone close enough to discover her secrets. Sawyer talks his way into one date, and then another. Aubrey finds herself smiling, and falling in love. But when the truth comes out about Aubrey’s past, will Sawyer stand by her side?
ONE SWEET SUMMER by Cali MacKay
Riley never got over her first love, Thorsen, so when he shows up at the quirky inn she manages 12 years later, she falls for him all over again. She soon finds out the inn is being sold to Holt Enterprises, who’ll strip it of everything that makes it unique. When faced with the real reason Thorsen’s returned and his unbearable betrayal, will she be able to save the inn and her chance at true love?
DEFINING DESTINY by Deanna Chase
Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore has already met her soul mate. But when he betrays her she returns home with some decisions to make. After a horrific accident, Seth Keenan’s own destiny is shattered. Now he’s abandoned his career in favor of his tattoo gun and has vowed to never to get close to anyone again…until he meets Lucy.
A MOMENT by Marie Hall
Lili would much rather be doing homework on Valentine’s then hanging out in a Burlesque bar, until she meets the brooding Ryan. What she doesn’t know is that Ryan has decided tonight he’ll end it all, but fate has other plans for him. Lili is determined to save not only his body, but his soul too.
IN KELLY’S CORNER by Roxie Rivera
Former Marine Kelly Connolly will do anything to keep Bee Langston safe, but winning the underground cage fighting tournament to save his family’s legacy comes at a high price–one that might just cost his sweet Bee her life.
REUNITED IN LOVE by Nadia Lee
Billionaire Ethan Lloyd gets the second chance he wants when he runs into Kerri Wilson. She’s the only woman who ever touched him, but she vanished after their one night of passion. He offers her a job and a home, but with her past catching up to her, Kerri may have to bolt again–
THE TEMPORARY PROMISE by Bonnie Dee
Struggling actress Tara has grown used to the idea that her career might not progress beyond an occasional commercial–until her best friend’s brother, Luis encourages her to make a big move. Soon Tara is taking more than career risks as she plunges headlong into a steamy relationship with the guy she crushed on as a teenager.
ESCAPE IN YOU by Rachel Schurig
Jet Taylor is the quintessential bad boy. The type of guy most girls do their best to avoid. But Zoe Janes is no saint herself and the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Zoe to stick to her “fun only” mantra.
**Limited Edition, Limited Time 99 cents SALE from NYT & USA Today Bestselling authors!**
Get this set now before it’s gone! Retail for this collection is over $25.00!
May 6, 2014
Spotlight On: The Jamett and Joseph Series by Renee Vincent
By
The Start of
Something Good
Jamett & Joseph Series, Book One
ISBN (Print): 9780985583101
ISBN (Ebook): 978098583118
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Price: FREE (limited time offer)
Available at: Amazon
B&N iBooksSmashwordsKobo
Blurb:
Who knew Mr. Right lived right next door?
Jamie Sutherland, coffee shop owner and serial ruined-relationship survivor, moves into a beautiful loft apartment for a change of scenery. What she doesn’t plan on getting is an eye-full of her handsome next-door neighbor–in nothing but a towel–arguing with his significant other in the hallway.
Joseph Scarbrough’s world crashes down on him one cruel morning when his childhood sweetheart rips his heart out of his chest and walks away. His humiliation isn’t complete until he turns around to pick up the pieces and sees a beautiful brunette who just witnessed his Dear John moment.
Caught in an awkward situation, the two backpedal into their separate worlds. But fate seems determined to make their worlds collide on a regular basis. Is it destiny just being clumsy when it comes to the two unlikely neighbors or is it the start of something good?
Reviews:
“…a witty, poignant contemporary romance that you will hate to see end. This sweet, innocent tale takes you along for the ride as life takes two people on the path from friendship to love. Dealing with the choices in life, friendship, family, love, loss and gain, this fun, flirty story will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone.”
5 Blue Ribbons ~ Romance Junkies
“The author has a wonderful capability of evoking all the reader’s senses in a such subtle way that encourages reading this perfectly paced story in one sitting. A light and easy read, this alternately hilarious and heartwarming story is definitely the start of something good!”
~ 4 STARS! ~ Night Owl Reviews
“I’ve just finished The Start of Something Good. I sure the heck hope that Book 2 is out soon because I don’t know that I can wait!! That was one of the best sweet stories that I’ve had the privilege of reading in a long time. It was really easy to develop an emotional connection with the characters, as well. I love the premise and I can’t wait to see how Jaime and Joseph’s relationship progresses.”
~ 5 STARS! ~ Liz from Coffee Beans & Love Scenes
ISBM (Ebook) : 9780985583132
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Price: $2.99
Available at: AmazonB&N | | ARe
Blurb:
The road less traveled never had so many bumps.
Jamie Sutherland never expects to connect with her sexy-as-sin neighbor, Joseph Scarbrough, especially after all the failed relationships she’s suffered. Not only does she find out he’s not quite “the player” she believed him to be, but that his heart bears scars much deeper than her own. Ready to take a chance on this unlikely match, she eagerly await their upcoming date and hopes that Joseph is the very companion she’s been waiting for all her life.
Time and time again, the comical sporadic encounters resume in their loft apartment complex and Joseph eventually reveals that he is the building superintendent in a very unforgettable, Lucky-in-the-Diet-Coke-commercial fashion.
While he’s proficient in fixing Jamie’s clogged sink, he’s not all that great at leaving his past behind. When Caroline, his yuppy ex-girlfriend, makes another surprise visit, Jamie’s road to something better gets a little rocky.
Will Joseph choose the familiar woman with whom he had a history, or the loyal friend who’s given him a future?
Spotlight On Blue Plate Special by Harold Kempka
Blue Plate Special – PROMO Blitz
By Harold Kempka
Horror
Date Published: June 4, 2013
Hal takes you right to the action in the Blue Plate Special anthology. This compilation of horror flash fiction dips, loops, and twists to churn your gut and draw out your primal fear without lengthy descriptions and back story.
In the anthology’s namesake, “Blue Plate Special,” Billy stops at a roadside café on a lonely, foggy highway. The blue plate special on the menu sounds good and even comes with desert. Yum-yum.
An old woman matches wits with a burglar; while hitchhikers thumb rides and Good Samaritans pick them up. An office worker boards the last train home. Lonely singles, zombies, vampires, and dark sinister creatures bumping in the night further grace the pages, as do unruly children, psychos and the people who love them.
Blue Plate Special contains something for nearly every twisted mind, and in the span of a lunch hour you can read a tale or two. While you head back to work energized, you may even ponder an idea or two about retaliating against your heavy-handed boss.
EXCERPT
Billy leaned against the steering wheel, his fatigued eyes trying to follow the white line separating the gravel shoulder from the deserted highway. The soupy fog, however, swallowed up his headlights a few feet past the bumper. Hunger ate at his stomach as he turned the radio dial scanning channels.
“Come on!” he grumbled, hearing only static.
He glanced back at the road. The hazy aura of flashing red lights lit up the darkness ahead. Billy slowed to a near crawl upon reaching the accident scene.
A state police officer stood beside a red flare, flashlight in hand ready to direct traffic. Emergency crews worked at a feverish pace, extricating victims from the smoldering, crumpled vehicles. A paramedic performed CPR on a bloodied, mangled victim thrown onto the road shoulder.
Visualizing the horror of the victim’s incineration, Billy shuddered and hoped they died first. As he drove past, the traffic officer’s deep set eyes bored through him with an indifferent gaze.
The last he heard was a paramedic shouting, “Come on, buddy, breathe!”
A few miles past the carnage, the fog thinned and he accelerated. Up ahead, Billy spotted a neon arrow on a sign pole that impaled a mangled Peterbilt. A placard on the truck’s grill read, Junkyard Café.
Anxious for a hot meal and a brief respite, Billy pulled in. A field littered with rusting, wrecked cars sat in the lot behind the cafe, no doubt the reason for its namesake. He parked alongside a gray Chevy Van in the otherwise empty lot, and walked toward the cafe entrance.
The aroma of hot coffee and greasy hamburgers swirled through the air as he stepped inside. The only other customer was a family hunched over a table tucked against the far wall.
They avoided eye contact as Billy slid into a booth and grabbed the menu off the table. A plump, tired-looking waitress stepped from the kitchen. After wiping her hands on a grease-stained apron, she waddled to his booth.
“It must be my lucky night,” she said. “Crappiest fog in years and I got customers. I’m Lorraine by the way, and not ‘hey you’ or ‘waitress’.”
“Yeah, well…uh, Lorraine I’m lost and hungry. I hope you can help me out on both counts.”
“Uh-huh,” she said poising her pencil over the order pad. “So, do you know what you want or do you need a minute?”
Billy glanced at the special on the menu jacket.
“I’ll have the hot beef sandwich and coffee.”
“Good choice.”
Lorraine turned toward the kitchen and hollered, “One Blue Plate Special!”
Billy heard muffled laughter in the kitchen. She returned a minute later with his coffee, but disappeared back into the kitchen. He stared through a window toward the junked cars. The bluish flashes of fireflies dotted the darkness.
An older, raggedly dressed couple stepped through the doors and Lorraine hollered, “Hi there! I haven’t seen you two in ages.”
They sat in a booth near Billy. “It’s always good to swing by and see you, Lorraine.”
As other customers straggled in, Louise greeted them in a similar fashion. She stayed busy chatting and filling coffee cups.
Finally, Lorraine returned with his meal. The tantalizing aroma fueled Billy’s hunger. He shoved a forkful of roast beef mixed into his mouth. His stomach welcomed the pleasant warmth.
After a few bites, however, the taste turned rancid. He glanced at his plate, where pile of maggots wriggled among slices of nearly raw flesh. Billy gagged and gulped at his coffee, but spit out the mouthful of warm, coagulating blood.
Billy gasped for air and broke into a sweat. He glanced at the family. Gaping wounds covered their charred and twisted bodies and a pool of dark crimson oozed from beneath their table.
A fetid odor filled the air. He slid from the booth and staggered toward the door. Lorraine and the others watched him through milky eyes set deep in their sockets.
Harold Kempka
Harold “Hal” Kempka is a former Marine combat veteran and resides in the Inland Empire of Southern California. His post military career revolved around sales and sales management in the graphic art industry, including fine printing paper and packaging. After courses in the creative writing program at UC Riverside he began writing short stories, eventually gravitating toward horror fiction. He has had over one hundred flash and short fiction stories published in magazines, ezines, and anthologies in the U.S. as well as the UK. Hal’s email is: rvnvet6667@yahoo.comAuthor Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords
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Giveaway
Paperback copy of NTD
May 5, 2014
Happy Release Day! Evolution: Sage by S.A. Huchton
Title: Evolution: Sage
Author: S.A. Huchton
Series: The Evolution Series (#2)
Genre: Adult Superhero Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: May 6
Edition/Formats: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
“Devastated by her choices, Candace Bristol is on the brink of losing it all: her mind, her hope, everything she thought she was.
But from the ruins rises new purpose. An enemy has emerged and it will take everything to combat this new threat. Broken as she is, picking up the pieces and carrying on might be the hardest battle to win, but it’s either fight, or lose what little she has left.
Amongst the wreckage, hope still burns. The flicker of a flame kindles something within her she thought was dead.
Love can break you.
So, too, can it bring you back to life.”
A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. Her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread was released as a full cast audiobook podcast, becoming a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. After releasing short fiction of steampunk, noir fantasy, and other varieties, she released the first three books of the Sci-Fi Romance Endure series in 2013. All three books of the Evolution series will be released in 2014, as well as a Steampunk Fantasy novel, Master of Myth (the Antigone’s Wrath series, book 1), which was the first place winner of the Crested Butte Writers’ contest, The Sandy, in 2012.
When not writing, Starla trains three Minions, a black lab, and a military husband whilst designing book covers for independent authors and publishers at Designed by Starla.
Places to find Starla
Blog
Author Page
Website
Places to find Evolution: Sage
Amazon
Goodreads
Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle
Evolution: SAGE (Evolution series)
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My Five Favorite Books—A Guest Post by Cate Parke
Welcome today to Cate Parke, author of Richard Berkeley’s Bride, here to share her five favorite books in her genre!
1. I’m an historical romance author. What can I say? My favorite book of all times, the one I’d have in my hands if the house caught on fire, the one they’ll have to pry out of my cold dead hands is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Some years back I realized I’d re-read the book at least once each year since 1978. The book speaks to me of a young woman’s journey toward becoming a woman, one who learns what it means to love, really love.
2. Ditto with the above. My second favorite book is Persuasion by Jane Austen. This book fascinates me since Austen was older when she wrote this, and more experienced as an author. There is speculation that it is, in many senses, autobiographical. Unlike Miss Austen, Anne Elliot finally won her man. The writer rises above her own disappointed hopes and writes another timeless love story. Thankfully, I have it on my e-reader.
3. Next I’m forced to Kathleen Woodiwiss’s beautiful story, The Wolf and the Dove to my list. I’ve re-read this book so many times my paperback version is falling apart. Now I have it on my e-reader—thank Heaven! I know I’ll re-read it yet two or three more times. Kathleen Woodiwiss is a marvelous storyteller once you learn to overlook the “thy” and the “thou” usages. Way back in 1976, I even made a gown for a ball from a Vogue Paris Original that resembled a medieval lady’s gown—all because of this story. It haunts me still.
4. I can’t leave the next book since it, too, has nearly been worn out from re-reading. It’s Rosemary Rogers’s The Wildest Heart. I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This story is set, largely, in the desert south of Albuquerque called the Jornada del Muerto, Spanish for “Journey of Death.” That’s what it must have felt like back in the mid- to late- 19th century. The high mountain ranges on either side of the desert hide beautiful valleys much like the one Ms. Rogers described. I have this one in my e-reader now. The author added back what must have been deleted scenes. She did a superb job. The addition is seamless, enhancing her original story.
5. The last book in this list surprises me. It is by an author I regard as a friend, one also published by my publishing house, Turquoise Morning Press. It is Raeliksen by Renee Vincent. The story reads like epic poetry and has one of the most surprising endings I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading (no spoilers here). I have it in my e-reader, too. So, besides my leather bound copy of Pride and Prejudice, guess what else will come with me if my house catches on fire!
____________________
Richard Berkeley’s Bride
By Cate Parke
Historical Romance, @300 pages
Turquoise Morning Press
Will his ambitions and her fears imperil their future?
In Charlestowne, South Carolina Colony, 1769, a ship docks containing a treasure beyond most men’s dreams—Lord Edward’s lovely daughter, Alexandra—destined for one fortunate man, Richard Berkeley.
Although he’s the scion of a wealthy prominent family, the arranged marriage unlocks the door to far greater wealth and power than Richard ever hoped to achieve. He soon learns his lordship’s offer to instate him as his sole heir isn’t the only treasure worth risking his life for. Alexandra is the true prize.
Intrigued by the proud, wealthy beauty soon to become his wife, Richard sets aside his mistress. But Eliza Perrineau had long schemed to become Richard’s fiancée and is furious when he cast her off. Her plans for revenge quickly swell wildly and threaten to destroy Richard. Her cousin, Lord Thomas Graham plans to ensure his untimely demise and has him charged with murder. Unless Richard can prove his innocence fast, he’ll swing for a crime he didn’t commit.
Alexandra has her own secrets—including deep-seated fears that imperil their chance for happiness. But Richard discovers Aleandra’s love is a prize worth protecting—if only he can help her overcome her fears and past struggles to create a marriage truly worthy of their love.
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Buy Links:
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Berkeleys-Bride-Cate-Parke-ebook/dp/B00IAOD42O/
Turquoise Morning Press – http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/richard-berkeley-s-bride-by-cate-parke
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/richard-berkeley-bride-cate-parke/1118595483?ean=2940148325185
Are – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-richardberkeley039sbride-1414899-158.html
Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/richard-berkeley-s-bride
iBooks – http://ibookstore.com/products.php?i=B00IAOD42OC:%5CUsers%5CCate%20Parke%5CDocuments%5CAmazon%20MP3
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Excerpt:
Charlestowne, South Carolina Colony, March 1768
Richard Berkeley broke the wax seal on his father’s message and read, “14th March. Lord Edward’s house, Meeting Street. Supper, eight o’clock. We have an offer to tender.
~Thos. Berkeley
Postscript: It’s time you married, boy. We want heirs.
Richard’s eyes widened and one eyebrow ratcheted up several notches. What in hell does this mean? Marriage…heirs? What the devil are my father and Lord Edward up to now?
He’d once considered ways he hated starting his day and this note just shot to the top of his list.
It occurred to him one of two possibilities existed. Either a life-changing opportunity knocked or he should run the other way—fast. The latter option was undoubtedly the best.
****
“Come in, my son, come in.” Thomas Berkeley boomed, clapping Richard’s shoulder. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
He turned and indicated a winged armchair across from Lord Edward. His father’s hearty good humor deepened Richard’s wariness.
A worm of suspicion wriggled into Richard’s core. The glee contained in his father’s words triggered his conjecture that his elder barely restrained himself from rubbing his hands together in eagerness.
Richard sat, and crossed an ankle over his knee. He contained an urge to drum his fingers on the chair’s arm and gripped it instead, while brooding, not for the first time that day, over what game these two schemers played. So he smoldered—not a little irritated over their intrusion into his well-deserved freedom—and gripped the chair so hard he left a deep imprint in the chair’s well-padded arm.
“Good evening, my boy. Busy day?”
Lord Edward Campbell passed Richard a shimmering tumbler half-full of whisky. More than a little smug, his lordship’s piercing, blue-eyed stare pinned Richard against the chair’s back. Richard had always admired Lord Edward’s ability to miss not a single detail during complex negotiations. Yet his admiration did nothing to decrease his mounting uneasiness.
Flickering candles alight in eight-branched candelabras, set on tables near them, chased deep dusk from the room and sparkled in the panes of tall, satin-draped windows.
Richard’s quick glance slid toward first one man, then the other, still pondering what these two wanted of him. What did their earlier comment regarding his conjugal condition have to do with anything? And heirs? Wide smirks plastered the older men’s features.
“Pardon me, sirs, but you leave me with the grim notion that you haven’t merely invited me to eat supper—but to be the main course.”
Chuckling at Richard’s quip, Lord Edward leaned forward. “Thomas and I wish to propose a betrothal.”
Richard’s head snapped up. A pin’s drop, falling onto the Persian carpet beneath his feet, would have echoed throughout the room. Well, now I know.
“A betrothal, my lord? May I ask to whom?”
Richard took a modest sip of the excellent whisky to cover his sudden urge to gulp. It’s a damned good thing my mouth wasn’t full of this when he made that pronouncement or his lordship might have worn the evidence of my surprise. It was the single thing he’d found to smile about…if only a smile could be mustered. His father and Lord Edward grinned enough for all three of them, like two aging cats that had gotten into a canary’s cage with satisfactory results.
His lordship’s meticulous scrutiny left Richard feeling as though he were a naturalist’s specimen.
“Yes, Richard. My daughter, Alexandra, is now of age and soon to have her London season. Afterward, she will return home and then you both may marry. My father assures me she resembles her mother in every way.”
Richard’s glance skipped toward a portrait of Lady Georgiana, hanging above the fireplace. He knew the painting well, having seen it many times, and admired the lady’s extraordinary beauty. Lord Edward’s daughter might be the mirror image of her mother, yet he wasn’t ready to surrender the freedom his bachelor life afforded, nor ready to change his connubial status.
At twenty-six, he deemed himself entitled to independence. After years spent pursuing his studies, first at Eton, then Christ Church, Oxford and, afterward, London’s Middle Temple, he’d worked hard to gain credentials anyone would find impressive for a man his age. Hard upon his return to Charlestowne, Lord Edward, his old mentor, lured him into his far-flung shipping venture and other financial schemes.
“I’m pleased you’d consider me worthy of your daughter, My Lord. I recall her, of course, but she was just a small child when I left for England. I know little of her except her name.”
“Hm-m. Yes, that is a difficulty, my boy.” His Lordship stared at him, and steepled his fingers. “Of course, she will be home next year and then you may meet her.”
Richard cleared his throat. “If I may, sir, I sail to London next month on business. May I propose meeting her then? Afterward, I’ll reply to your proposal.”
One of Lord Edward’s elegant brows lifted. “She leaves London for Inveraray Castle, my father’s home in Scotland, before your arrival in London, Richard.” He stirred in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. “If you wish, I will send a letter of introduction to my father with you. After our affairs in London are concluded you may travel to Argyllshire to meet her.”
“I’m flattered, sir. I will, of course, be happy to make your daughter’s acquaintance. May I ask why I was chosen?” Richard was careful to remain blasé.
“I have intended you for her since you were but a young lad.” His lordship’s smug grin was that of a man satisfied all his plans had come to fruition.
“Thomas permitted me a share in your rearing, Richard. You have grown to be a fine man whom I admire and trust. I flatter myself I played a small role in the outcome. Indeed, I could not be prouder of you if you were my own son.”
“Edward and I spoke of this possibility when you and his daughter were both but youngsters, my son. It’s our hope you’ll concede to our proposal.”
Two pairs of shrewd eyes in the faces of his elders stabbed him. “Your marriage to my daughter will unite two excellent names and fortunes into a mighty alliance. I will, of course, make you my heir.
It was the coup ď grâce. Richard strove but failed to restrain the outward sign of the piercing pleasure that speared him.
Thoughts cascaded through his head. Well, I’d hoped to create a name and fortune in Charlestowne. Here it is…offered up for the taking.
Possessed of a prominent and ancient name in the city, Richard’s family was amongst the colony’s most affluent. The eldest son of the eldest son, he’d inherit it all.
“The question is,” he thought, “am I willing to surrender my independence for a girl I hardly remember? Well, Richard old man, there’s only one way to know.” And, if he was right, she just might be the wife he sought—the one worth far more than his forfeited bachelorhood.
****
Lord Edward snapped the seal on the message and scanned the few words, allowing a slow triumphant smile to slide onto his face.
Thursday, 20th October 1768
Inveraray Castle
Sir,
I have been introduced to your daughter. Miss Campbell is everything you described, yet far more. Consider me the willing fly caught in your web, my lord. I accept your proposal. I am
Your obedient servant &c
~Richard Berkeley
______________
Author Bio:
I am a writer of historical romances. As a member of Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers and Celtic Rose Writers, I’m write historical romance. I’ve been an avid reader all my life and began writing seriously eight years ago. In my day job, I am a registered nurse. It has been my privilege to practice Pediatric nursing during my entire career. I’m also the wife of a retired U.S. Navy Officer. I’ve lived and travelled with him for the twenty-six years of his career. With him I’ve visited England, Canada, Mexico and all but four of the United States. Thanks to him, I’ve dipped my toes in every body of water that washes America’s shores, including the Gulfs of Mexico and California and even the Arctic Ocean (br-r). I’ve travelled over, under and on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After many journeys across this great nation and back again, I now live, love and write among the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in lovely Northeast Tennessee.
As it happens, I was born on a Tuesday. I’m convinced my mother made a mistake, though. I believe she meant to give birth to me the previous Thursday. According to the old Mother Goose tale, which says Thursday’s Child has far to go, my life would have been far better defined. Also, I would have been born under the sign of the lion, which would have reflected my redheaded temperament much, much better. It’s true. What could my mother have been thinking??? (I really had red hair once upon a time. I was born with it and had it all my life–until not long ago…but that’s another story. That’s true, too.)
According to that dear old Mother Goose tale, I should have been born full of grace. So very sad, but nobody ever, ever attributed me with this particular virtue. After only one college class in dance I was convinced of the unfortunate truth. I can’t sing. True. Nobody would ever ask me to do more than add volume to a chorus. I can’t paint or even draw a picture using more than shoddy stick figures. My mother was an artist. Dear Mom didn’t pass along a single shred of her skill. So what does a girl do whose soul demands expression? She becomes a writer to fulfill its burning need. That’s also true.
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Author Links:
Website Facebook Blog Twitter Google+ Goodreads
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Giveaway:
Cate is giving away an ebook copy of Richard Berkeley’s Bride
Direct Link http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Yzc0NThmNDMxY2FlNDZkZGQ0NGVlNDgzNzBkZjkyOjMw/
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Author Interview: Holly Gilliatt
Welcome today to Holly Gilliatt, author of ‘Til St. Patrick’s Day in the Love Finds a Way Boxed Set!
1. What do you write about? Tell us a little about your previously published works or works in progress.
I write about love—among families, friends and, of course, romantic love as well. Along with that is usually a good dose of humor. My story that’s included in the boxed set, ’Til St. Patrick’s Day, is romantic women’s fiction that follows three best friends and their lives and loves over the course of one winter. This is the first book of three in the St. Louis Sisters Series with a sequel due out in July, called Dreams, Interrupted. In the meantime, my latest release, Love in Sight, is about an attractive, funny, smart guy looking for his happily-ever-after…but is finding out that blind guys aren’t at the top of most women’s Most Eligible Bachelor lists.
2. How do you handle bad reviews?
It depends on if they just don’t like the book or something like that. That I can handle—tastes differ and not everyone will like my books. But if they have a specific criticism that I don’t agree with, then it eats away at me. I try to ignore it, but it always bums me out.
3. Tell us a little about your work in progress.
I’m currently writing book #3 in the St. Louis Sisters series. Not even sure what it’s going to be called yet, but it’s fun to see what the three besties—Claudia, Karen & Jayne—are up to.
4. Any advice for aspiring writers?
Just keep plugging away at it, and understand that the industry is in a lot of turmoil right now. So your route to publishing may not follow the traditional model from ten years ago, but there are new avenues to pursue and have your work get in front of readers. And be ready to plug & promote your work…the days of writing and leaving that up to someone else are over. Most importantly—write what you love.
5. Who are a few authors you look up to?
For humor and looking at the world from a different point of view—David Sedaris and Ryan Knighton. For women’s fiction—Jane Green and Claire Cook. And I’m in awe of Stephen King’s abilities to write just about anything.
6. What book are you reading now?
The sequel to Must Love Dogs—New Leash on Life by Claire Cook. It’s laugh-out-loud funny.
7. What books have most influenced your life most?
Some books that have stayed with me for years are: Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes.
8. Have you ever used characteristics from someone you know in one of your books?
Of course! So friends, family, co-workers—watch out. Sometimes I have characters that are amalgams of various different people. And there are bits of me in many of them as well.
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Four unconventional love stories from popular and bestselling romance authors, each with sequels from Turquoise Morning Press.
Limited time offer… $ .99
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‘Til St. Patrick’s Day
by
Holly Gilliatt
For three best friends, one winter will change everything.
Chronically optimistic Jayne is surprised she’s still single at twenty-eight. But as always for Jayne, there’s hope. This time his name is Gray—a successful, gorgeous marketing VP that she can’t believe is going out with her. She’s never given up on the belief that the right man for her is out there. Maybe Gray could be the one…if she just works hard enough to make it happen.
Her cynical friend Karen is suspicious of Jayne’s new guy with his model looks and over-inflated ego. She’s concerned for Jayne, but has her own relationship to worry about. Not that anything’s wrong with her boyfriend. He’s actually perfect for her, which is why she’s terrified. Not sure she can ever fully trust a man again, she considers bailing on yet another relationship.
Claudia is always there for her friends, mothering them like the children she craves to have. Happily married, Claudia anxiously awaits the day her husband finally agrees it’s time to start a family.
‘Til St. Patrick’s Day is a novel about the depths of friendship and what happens when love doesn’t go according to plan.
AMAZON | KOBO | SMASHWORDS
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS | PUBLISHER | B&N
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Excerpt
November
Jayne closed the door behind her and leaned against it, afraid to even move. She was pretty certain the last four hours had just been a dream, and if she dared to move or speak or even breathe too deeply—it might all go away. So she stood silently, desperately still.
When her cell phone blared from inside her purse, she jumped back, startled. Her heart started pulsating quickly, and she was relieved that so far, her night seemed perhaps to be real. She dug around in her oversized purse and grabbed her phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.” Karen. Relief again. It wasn’t some dream fairy about to snatch away one of the best nights of her life. “Are you home yet?”
“Yeah, I just walked in the door.” Breathe, she reminded herself. Jayne pulled off the coat she’d worn to keep out the autumn cold that had begun to creep into St. Louis. She threw it over the arm of her couch before she plopped down.
“And? How’d it go?”
“Oh, he’s just…dreamy…” Her voice tapered off as a stupid grin flooded her face.
“So I take that to mean it was good.”
“No, it was fabulous.” She closed her eyes, visions of the night running through her mind.
“Give me the rundown.” Karen was always to the point, one of the things Jayne loved best about her.
“Okay, well, first he took me to dinner in the city. That new trendy place in Lafayette Square. It was really great inside, and the food…well, you know how I love food. And it was delish.”
“Did he open doors for you and all that?
“Yeah, yeah he did. It was nice.” All night long, and now too, she couldn’t believe that Gray Brandt had asked her out. He was impossibly attractive—wavy black hair, dimples, a ridiculously bright white smile, and perfectly toned body. She wasn’t sure what she’d noticed about him first…his captivating bright blue eyes or his six-foot-two Adonis-like body.
“Then what?”
“Then we went to a movie, and afterwards we went downtown and actually went for a horse-drawn carriage ride.”
Karen groaned. “How cheesy.”
“You are so jaded. It wasn’t cheesy. It was romantic.”
“He was just trying to get laid. Did he?”
“No, but he got a goodnight kiss.” Jayne giggled. “But I would have done it if he wanted.”
“Well, I guess there’s nothing wrong with a little hot sex from time to time.” Karen sighed. “But a carriage ride?”
“I liked it. I thought it was sweet and romantic and touching.”
“Yeah, if it’s your senior prom and you’re wearing a corsage.”
“Oh, stop. Next time I won’t give you all the details if you’re going to just belittle them.”
“But it’s so much fun,” Karen said, laughing. “I’m sorry. I know you like all that shit.”
“Yes, I do. I still can’t believe he actually went out with me!”
“I can’t wait to see this guy. I mean, he sounds like the love child of Johnny Depp and Maks from Dancing with the Stars. If they were gay lovers, and if gay men could procreate together, that is.”
Jayne couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s actually a pretty good assessment. And did I ever mention to you that he has the most beautiful deep blue eyes I’ve ever seen?”
“Only a dozen times or so.”
“Well, he does,” she said, grinning. “So he said he’d call me tomorrow to make some plans for the weekend.”
“That sounds promising. If you actually hear from him.”
“He’ll call.”
“I hope for your sake that he does. Well, it sounds like you had a great time.”
“We really did.” Jayne yawned. “I better get to bed…it’s late and I have to work in the morning. Some of us have real jobs, you know.”
“I have a real job. I just make my own hours. Jealous, eh?”
“Completely.”
“Well don’t be. I worked my ass off on a proposal all day yesterday and presented it to the potential client today. And I could absolutely tell he’s not going to do business with me.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I can just tell. He was disinterested, polite but not friendly, and he didn’t really ask any questions.”
“Well that sucks. Was it a big customer?”
“Decent.” Karen sighed. “But in this economy I’ll take whatever I can get.”
“You are good at what you do, you’re smart and tough. Don’t give up—you never know.”
“You’re an eternal optimist, Jayne. It’s what makes you so lovable and irritating all at the same time.”
“Not sure if I should say thank you or call you a bitch for that,” Jayne said with a chuckle.
“How about, ‘Thanks, bitch’?” They both laughed. “Well, I’ll let you go…are we still on for Saturday lunch with Claudia?”
“Of course. See you then, if we don’t talk before.”
“Okay. G’night.”
“’Night.” Jayne hung up the phone, put it on the charger, and sauntered to her bedroom. Yawning as she pulled off her clothes and slid a sleep shirt over her head, she crawled into bed without so much as brushing her teeth. The incessant dripping sound from the bathroom faucet that normally drove her insane didn’t bother her at all. Unlike most nights, she barely noticed it.
She was tired and wanted nothing more than to fall asleep and have dreams of Gray.
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A self-confessed music, movie and accessories junkie, Holly Gilliatt’s passion has always been writing. Give her an Algebra quiz and she’ll curl up in the fetal position. But throw a test requiring all essay answers her way and she’s in heaven. Between the day job, husband, three kids, two dogs and cat—it’s not easy to find time to write. So she sacrifices the laundry pile to spin her tales of laughter, friendship and love. She’s proud to call the St. Louis area her home.
Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Goodreads
Buy: Love in SightBuy: ‘Til St. Patrick’s Day
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Giveaway:
These 4 great authors are giving away a $25 Gift Card to Turquoise Morning Press.
Direct Link:
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May 4, 2014
Cover Reveal: TWISTED (Eternal Guardians Series, Bk #7) By Elisabeth Naughton
Twisted
(Eternal Guardians Series, Bk #7)
By Elisabeth Naughton
Blurb:
NICK – Leader of the half-breeds, the last true hero, and the son of one psychotic Titan. He’s spent his life fighting a dark pull toward the gods he doesn’t understand. But as his powers grow stronger and his destiny is revealed, no one knows whether he will choose to fight for the side of good or succumb to the sinister lure of evil…even him.
Release:
Coming Summer 2014
Excerpt
She pulled the cell door open. Metal groaned. And his chest pinched when he realized that was it. She was leaving. After not punishing him like he’d expected, but pleasuring him.
“Why?”
It was the only word he could get out. His throat was thick, his brain still foggy, but none of this—none of what she’d done last night when she’d tended his wound or tonight when she’d brought him to a blistering climax—made sense.
She hesitated, one hand on the door handle, one step to freedom. Then she turned her head back into the room, just enough so he could see the supple line of her jaw and the plump perfection of her lips, but she didn’t meet his eyes. And like it had before, that feeling she was as much a prisoner as was he, slammed into him.
Which would be worse? To be tortured? Or to be forced to torture others and live with the knowledge of what you’ve done day after day after miserable day?
“Because I’m not the monster Zagreus is,” she whispered. “Not yet, anyway.”
About The Author
Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned to a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home. Learn more at http://www.ElisabethNaughton.com.
You can find Elisabeth here
Spotlight on FAG by Krissy Bells
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Krissy will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn winner via the Rafflecopter at the end of this post. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Remember, the more stops you visit, the more chances you earn to win.
Aaron Garrett is many things in life: he is a son, a friend, a student, and caring boyfriend to his lovely girlfriend Leigh Ann. In these roles, he is kind, hardworking, smart, loving, dedicated, and considerate. At Jefferson High School, he is a leader, a football star, and well-respected by his peers. Aaron’s life is perfectly on track, he is pursuing a college scholarship and hopeful for the future, except for just one thing: Aaron Garrett is gay. When a former child star from Aaron’s small Southern town saturates the national media after making homophobic comments, Aaron’s life is turned upside down as supporters rally around the sentiments. Social media attention begins to swell nationally and locally until it begins to eat away at every part of Aaron’s existence.
Enjoy an excerpt:
Principal Bernard began to speak. “Students, if I can have your attention, please. I’m sure you likely noticed that Mr. Reynolds is not here today. Some of you may even have heard rumors regarding his absence. Unfortunately, Mr. Reynolds came in this morning to find his classroom vandalized.”
Aaron and his classmates began surveying the room, searching for a hint as to what vandalism the principal was referring to.
“I’m not in the mood to play guessing games, so I will inform you that profane language was found written on the blackboard. It is obvious that it was left deliberately and with intention. Mr. Reynolds was very disheartened as he is a dedicated instructor and prides himself on the rapport he has built with his students.”
As Principal Bernard spoke, Aaron eyed the chalkboard. In the far corner, he noticed a light outline of letters. It was the dusty evidence of the word that had been wiped away. He squinted in an effort to make out the faintly visible letters. He finally was able to read a capital F-A-G, FAG. The chalkboard said “FAG.” Aaron was disgusted and sad at the same time. Mr. Reynolds was a fair and altogether good teacher. Aaron couldn’t take his eyes off the word. Beside it, at the edge of the chalkboard, was a laminated poster Mr. Reynolds had taped up. The poster displayed a quote by Candice Stine: “There is nothing better in this world than seeing a student succeed and knowing that you helped. That’s a teacher’s passion.”
Krissy Bells was born and raised in the Detroit metro area. A former school secretary, she now spends her days as a stay-at-home mom. She is passionate about her family and friends, her Dachshund named Harry, and anything topped with cheese or chocolate. Krissy can be contacted at authorkrissybells@gmail.com. Thank you for reading!
Goodreads – Authorpage:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7905172.Krissy_Bells
Amazon – Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Krissy-Bells/e/B00IPS6FWQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1395853053&sr=8-1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krissy.bells.5
Enter to win!
Spotlight On: Mine to Spell, by Janeal Falor
Title: Mine to Spell
Author: Janeal Falor
Series: Mine #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publication: May 5th, 2014
Cynthia has always hidden from her father’s hexes behind her older sister. When her family gains independence unheard of for women, she’s relieved that her days of harsh punishments are over. But as her seventeenth birthday approaches—the typical age to be sold to a new master—death threats endanger her sisters. She now faces two options: run or meet society’s expectations.
For once, Cynthia isn’t going to let her older sister shield her from the problem. She’s going to prove to herself, her sisters, and society that her family isn’t a threat to their traditions. She willingly chooses to be purchased by a new master. A bold step that takes her somewhere she never thought she would go and to a man she might possibly fall in love with. With his help, she may just find a way to save her sisters while discovering how to stand up for herself. If she lives long enough.
Purchase:
Amazon | Smashwords | B&N
————————————————————
Book #1
99 ¢ for a limited time!!
Amazon | Smashwords | B&N
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“Have you made any progress?” Serena asks.
After giving my necklace a tug, I randomly pick one of the three choices of a future owner I’ve narrowed it down to. At this point, there’s nothing different about any of them. All are rich warlocks offering much for possession of me but say little else. Any warlock who said anything more always said something distasteful. “Contact this one. And make sure he pays for me before you sign anything.”
“You’re making the decision so soon?”
There’s no holding back my emotions any longer. This isn’t something I want any more than she does, but there’s a part to play. I focus all my negativity into cheer. It comes out in a squeak of giddiness. “Naturally I did, Serena. I can’t wait until I’m with my new owner. Excuse me while I go embroider a handkerchief with his name on it.”
The stunned look on her face makes an apology want to tumble from my lips, but there’s no saying the words. I spring from the room like I’m the happiest woman in Chardonia, not the one returning to a world full of hexes and beatings and warlocks. A world I despise.
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Amazon best selling author Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it’s time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family, fencing, or drinking hot chocolate.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr
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May 3, 2014
All About The Wonder: A Guest Post by Author L. Jagi Lamplighter
All About The Wonder
by L. Jagi Lamplighter
Photo by Cat Mihos
Recently, I met my first grader at the bus after school. As we walked home, he asked suddenly:, “Mom, why do you write fantasy?”
I must admit, I was taken aback. I did not have an easy answer ready on the tip of my tongue (or any other part of my tongue, for that matter.) After stuttering a bit, I recovered and said, “Because it is filled with wonder—wonder, magic, and enchantment. Because when you write fantasy, you can write about anything.”
And really, that is the reason. For me, it is all about the wonder.
Fantasy can do anything, go anywhere, occur in any milieu. It can take place in your back yard, in the ancient past, on the moon, in another dimension—the nature and laws of which can be anything you imagine. It can be frightening, romantic, mysterious, filled with intriguing factoids. But there is one thing fantasy does better than any other genre, and that is wonder.
Wonder is the sensation we feel when we suddenly discover that there is more to the world than we expected….and that this more is better, or at least more awe inspiring, than we had imagined. When this happens in real life—when we hold our infant son for the first time, or rush outside on our way to work to find a baby fawn, all wet and new, standing on our driveway, what is the first thing we always say when we describe the experience to someone else?
“It was like magic!”
I live in a world where there is wonder all around me, and no one else ever seems to notice it. Amazing things happen all the time.
Once, I went to the Mall in Washington D.C. in hopes of meeting an author I particularly admired. It is rather a rare thing, to have an author one admires in town. By an even rarer quirk of coincidences, I found myself not in line with the hundreds of other people who were waiting for his signature, but standing next to him, talking to his daughter. There was a sprinkling of rain—which did not dismay his die hard fans in the least—and, when I turned around, a huge rainbow arched across the sky. But it was not just in the sky. From our position, it was coming out of the dome of the capital building!
I had seldom seen a rainbow so clearly, much less one in so auspicious a place! (This was just at the very beginning of the bank crisis, while they were first discussing the bailout. I kept wanting to shout: “Hurry! Catch the Leprechaun! Grab the crock of gold!” ) Things like that just do not happen in real life.
But it did. I even have a picture (see above.)
It was like magic!
I have always wanted to have a daughter. I have also always wanted to adopt a child. When I was a teenager, I had friends who needed adopting, but no one wanted to take on children who were so old. Too much trouble. So that became one of my dreams, too: to adopt a teenager.
I also wanted to be a writer. I have always wanted to tell stories. As a child, a group of adults who used to dress up as elves and kidnap their friends for fun once granted me the title “the Legendmaker,” because even way back then, everyone knew that was what I wanted to do.
But wanting to write and succeeding are two different things. It took me nine years to finish my first novel and another six to sell it. By the time the book finally hit the shelves, I had waited 17 years.
Then, July 29th, 2009, a day I shall never forget, not if I lived for a thousand years, it actually happened. My book arrived! After all that time waiting, I held the beautiful volume in my hands.
But it hardly mattered, because just a few hours before, my husband and I had grasped each other while we sent off the email saying, “Yes, we would like to be the parents to the thirteen year old girl who will lose her ability to have a family forever if she is not adopted before her fourteenth birthday in November.” With the return email, saying that our application was going forward, the picture of the beautiful Chinese girl we had received the day before suddenly became a picture of our daughter. For the first time, after waiting four years, we saw our daughter’s face.
On the same day, I gained a book and a daughter!
It was like magic!
And that is why I write fantasy. Because I want to share that, to weave a tale of awe and enchantment so others can experience even a hint of the way I felt upon those two occasions.
Because nothing is more like magic than magic itself.
When you walk into your garden and discover that fairies really are living in your lily-of-the-valley; when you are taking a rest by a cool mountain river and you suddenly realize that what you had taken for an outcropping of rock is peering at you; when you come around what you thought was a familiar corner an catch elves dancing in the moonlight, that is fantasy at its best. When done right, it reminds us of those moments in our lives, those real moments, when the curtain of mudanity is pulled aside, and we see, not a little man from Kansas, but something vast and glorious that, if only for an instance, lifts us out of our every day life and into eternity.
And that is magic.
PS. Being an published author is a delightful thing…but being the mother of a teenage girl is even more wonderful. Life is filled with wonder every day.
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Rachel Griffin wants to know everything. As a freshman at Roanoke Academy for the Sorcerous Arts, she has been granted to opportunity to study both mundane and magical subjects.
But even her perfect recollection of every book she has ever read does not help her when she finds a strange statue in the forest—a statue of a woman with wings. Nowhere—neither in the arcane tomes of the Wise, nor in the dictionary and encyclopedia of the non-magic-using Unwary—can she find mention of such a creature.
What could it be? And why are the statue’s wings missing when she returns?
When someone tries to kill a fellow student, Rachel soon realizes that, in the same way her World of the Wise hides from mundane folk, there is another, more secret world hiding from everyone—which her perfect recall allows her to remember. Her need to know everything drives her to investigate.
Rushing forward where others fear to tread, Rachel finds herself beset by wraiths, magical pranks, homework, a Raven said to bring the doom of worlds, love’s first blush, and at least one fire-breathing teacher.
Curiosity might kill a cat, but nothing stops Rachel Griffin!
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* This article previously appeared on the blog of Downunder writer friend Dolly Garland and at Magical Words, a website of writing tips and publishing advice for aspiring novelists run by a group of top fantasy writers.
