As we turn the corner on the month of January, it's time to think of
Valentine's Day. This year, the Wild Rose Press is offering all their
"Candy Hearts" digital novellas at a reduced price. Now is the time to
grab a copy of "Sweet Kiss." Just follow the link.
40% 0ff and Priced at Only $1.79 ~ "Sweet Kiss" Special Price
Blurb:
Hard-working
Kate Clark opens a thriving coffee shop that quickly becomes the local
hang-out for students and the community. Her
one
wish is to eventually buy out her sister’s share of the old Florida
home they inherited. However, Violet is in desperate need of cash and
has other plans.
Tappe Vanderberg, Kate’s childhood
friend and high school sweetheart, has sold his lucrative internet
security business to return to Little Heron Shores and fulfill his
dreams of owning a marina. Now the handsome Dutch-born businessman is
making waves with single women all over town—including loony, post
mistress Eva May Poole who’s in search of husband number three.
But
it’s Kate Clark who’s wreaking havoc with Tappe’s heart, not Eva May.
Can he find a way to shake the dingbat post mistress and convince Kate
to give him a second chance and the sweet kiss he remembers from an
earlier time?
Excerpt:
Tappe picked up the grimy jar of candy hearts. "No way! I can't believe
Fay saved this." He twisted off the lid and shook one into his hand.
"Neither can I. Don't you dare put that into your mouth. Those candies are over a decade old!"
"So? Sugar doesn't spoil."
"Okay, go ahead. Eat it. Poison yourself. Why should I care?" Kate said
dryly. "Just don't call me in the middle of the night."
She turned back to the stove, removed the pot, and started filling the jelly jars.
"You don't mean that." He dropped the candy back into the jar and started nuzzling her on the side of her neck.
"Do you realize I'm working with hot liquids?" She tried to be stern as she squirmed away still holding the scalding pot.
But he was on a roll.
"Not as hot as you are. Want to make out?"
Kate looked at him askance. "Now? Are you sane?"
"Yes, I'm fairly lucid. But if your answer is a no to making out, then can I lick the pot instead?"
"If you promise to quit licking my neck."
To Buy on Amazon: SWEET KISS on Amazon
The things I think and write today in blog posts, I will keep. And when I'm old and read them. . .will I laugh or will I weep?
Friday, January 27, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
LOVE'S REDEMPTION by Kara O'Neal
A Historical Romance of the Pikes Run Series
A Word from the Author:
Love’s
Redemption is a story of forgiveness and courage. I loved writing this book.
Willa is someone I admire. She’s had a tough life and does everything she can to
protect her loved ones. I enjoyed exploring her heart and watching her achieve
happiness. And she deserves so much happiness. Lonnie is the man she needs,
loyal, steady and kind. He is, without doubt, my favorite hero in the Pikes Run
Series. (So far.) And while he has a calm nature, he can be just as assertive
and determined as Willa. Together they make a wonderful couple, a model of true
love. You will not be disappointed in their journey!
Amazon
Buy Link:
http://amzn.to/2etVDdU
Blurb:
When
she was little more than a child, Willa Kramer went to extreme lengths to save
her family from their abusive father. After that horrible day, her mother and
siblings moved to Tennessee, and Willa had hoped to leave Texas, its memories
and Lonnie Davis, the only boy she had ever trusted, behind. But fate is
unpredictable.
Five
years have passed, and Lonnie finds himself reunited with Willa, the only girl
he’s ever loved. He’s determined not to let her slip away again, but a figure
from the past looms, threatening his hopes for the future.
Snippet:
He
paused. His chest tightened. He’d waited a long time to see her, had wondered if
he ever would. Years ago, she’d wrapped him around her little finger, and he’d
grown so attached to her, he’d thought about moving to Tennessee to be with her.
But then she had stopped writing. To say it had hurt would be an understatement.
But he hadn’t been angry. He could never be angry with her. Never. And now she
was back and near. It was too tempting.
After
taking a deep breath, he moved forward then went through the screen door. Even
though it gave a loud creak, she didn’t turn. Did she know it was he who stood
behind her?
The
light breeze ruffled her skirt. Her long, velvety hair grazed the small of her
back. An ache centered in the pit of his stomach. He’d missed her. And now she
was here. “Hello, Willa.”
Kara's website:
www.karaoneal.com
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/
Barnes
and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Alicia Dean - Haunting at Spook Light Inn: A World of Gothic - Oklahoma
Step back into the days of the classic Gothic Mystery romances like "The Shivering Sands" by Victoria Holt, "Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier and “Hunter’s Green” by
Phyllis A. Whitney. A new series from authors all over the world features
novellas in the style of these old-time stories. Check out the “A World of
Gothic” series here:
Our Gothic series includes authors from, and stories set in, Scotland, Greece,
Ireland, Texas, Florida, France, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, which is where mine is
set. My contribution to the series is titled “Haunting at Spook Light Inn” and
is based on an actual spook light phenomenon that appears in Northeastern
Oklahoma, only a few miles from where my sister and brother-in-law live. To help
with researching the book, I took a road trip to the area with my friends, Kathy
and Krysta. My sister Ruth drove us out to ‘spook light road.’ We didn’t see the
light, (Well, Kathy and I thought we saw it, but we’re not sure. And the
two naysayers with us claim we didn’t, so I guess I’ll say we didn’t…), but we
had a good time, and it was helpful for getting a feel for my
story.
NOTE: Many of the stories, including Haunting at Spook Light Inn, are on sale for only
99 cents each!
Blurb:
Amidst
a blizzard, paranormal debunker Camille Burditt arrives at Devil’s Promenade in
Oklahoma to research a supernatural 'spook light' phenomenon for her latest
book. There she encounters a ghostly being, which she dismisses as a figment of
her imagination. But as the apparition becomes too persistent to deny, Camille
realizes the woman’s ghost is quite real—and that her demise was not
accidental.
Declan
Rush—the inhospitable, reclusive owner of the inn where Camille is staying—is
linked to the deceased woman, but he is less than forthcoming. Despite his
unfriendliness, Camille is oddly drawn to him, even though she suspects his
connection to the spirit might be that of killer to victim.
When
another suspicious death occurs, Camille intensifies her investigation. She has
precious little time to ferret out the truth. Not only is her book deadline
looming—she's desperate to discover if the man she’s falling for is a
murderer.
Excerpt:
Right
at ten p.m., I put on my coat, boots, scarf and gloves then pulled open the
front door. I went around back and keyed in the code to the garage door. The
door slid open, and I climbed into a golf cart. I headed down the drive,
appreciative of the thick plastic that somewhat blocked the wind. Even with the
protection, I was chilled by the time I reached the road.
I
parked on the shoulder and snuggled into my coat. Above me, ice-coated tree
limbs drooped heavily. A howl rose in the distance. I looked around but saw
nothing. Of course, coyotes and mountain lions were sneaky. They wouldn’t be
parading around in plain view. From what I’d read, they kept mostly away from
civilization. Even though this area was hardly what I’d call civilized, it
wasn’t the wilderness either. I was certain whatever had made that sound was a
safe distance away.
A
three-quarter moon hung in the sky surrounded by a spattering of stars.
Beautiful. I didn’t see stars like that in Miami. I focused my attention back to
the end of the road. From my understanding, the best spot to see the light was
just to the left of a cell tower. I could see the red lights of the tower. I
studied the area left of it.
In
my peripheral vision, a brief glow appeared. I whipped my head around. A
translucent, but not quite human form, wafted above the ditch on the side of the
road.
I
gasped, and a tremble shot up my legs. It’s not real, whatever I’m seeing,
it’s not real.
The
figure floated toward me. I lifted the plastic, keeping my gaze on the
glow.
What
was it?
Not
the light. It wasn’t in the right spot nor was it the right
shape.
I
blinked. Still there. Oh God…
I
screwed my eyes shut tightly. When I opened them, the glow was
gone.
Amazon
buy link:
Bio:
Author
Alicia Dean began writing stories as a child. At age 10, she wrote her first
ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who
shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she
still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and
now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of
supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and
paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage
historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The
Wild Rose Press.
Other
than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually
works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and
rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter,
Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals. Some of
her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa
Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan
Kellerman…to name a few.
Find
Alicia here:
Website:
http://aliciadean.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give
away a $25 gift card each month:
https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors
Friday, January 6, 2017
KARMA - The Principle of Cause and Effect
The Twelve Laws of Karma:
Karma, the Hindu and Buddhism principle of cause and effect, is a lifestyle promoting positive thinking and actions. It also employs self-reflection to fix problems in our lives. As your read them, see how simple, but credible they are. Can you relate to any of to them? Notice how the symbols, like the endless knot and the ying and yang, interlink to represent cause and effect.
1. The Great Law
Whatever
we put out into the Universe will come back to us. This is also known as the “Law
of “Cause and Effect.”
Endless Knot Symbol |
2. The Law of Creation
Life does not happen by itself, we need to make it happen.
Surround yourself with what you want to have in your life and be yourself.
3.
The Law of Humility
We must accept something in order to change it.
4.
The Law of Growth
When
we change ourselves, our lives follow suit and change too. The only thing we
have control of is ourselves.
5.
The Law of Responsibility
We
must take responsibility for what is in our lives. It’s a Universal Truth that
we mirror what surrounds us, and what surrounds us mirrors us.
6.
The Law of Connection
Past,
Present and Future are all connected. Neither the first step nor the last one is
of greater significance. They are both needed to accomplish the task.
7.
The Law of Focus
One
cannot think of two things at the same time. If we are having rewarding positive
thoughts, it is not possible to have negative ones.
8.
The Law of Giving and Hospitality
Our
behavior should match our thoughts and actions. If we believe something to be
true, then sometimes in our lives we will be called upon to demonstrate that
truth.
9.
The Law of Here and Now
One
cannot be present if they are looking backward. Old thoughts, old patterns of
behavior, and old dreams prevent us from having new ones.
10.
The Law of Change
History
repeats itself until we learn from it and change our path.
11.
The Law of Patience and Reward
The
most valuable rewards require patience and persistence.
12. The Law of Significance and
Inspiration
Rewards
are the result of the energy and intent we put in them. Every personal
contribution is also a contribution to the Whole.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
AUTHOR DEBRA DOGGETT ~ "Training Tess"
Debra Doggett explains in her own words
how she became interested in historical writing:
I used to tell people I got a history degree because I didn’t have to take math classes for it. That was only part of the reason, but back then being a history nerd didn’t give off the best aura. Even my dad said he didn’t understand how I could take those classes because history was boring. It was one of the few things we disagreed on. Growing up, my hero was James Michener. It wasn’t only that he could write like nobody else, but he wrote history. His work inspired me, and one day I plan to write my own historical epic. My first attempt at dipping my toe into that goal was Training Tessa. I set this story in Renaissance Italy, one of my favorite time periods. It gave me an excuse to dig back into that time and place, making the writing fun. One of the biggest reasons for it, however, was the way sensuality permeated art, and life. Yes, there were lots of naysayers, but artists in particular began to look at the human body as sensual. That concept fit well with the story. I hope the story fits well with you.
Debra's Bio:
Debra
Doggett has been writing since childhood. Keeping stories in her head while
raising three daughters, pursuing her BA in History and working as a museum
professional has kept the writer inside her alive. She has also written,
performed and directed for the stage, her second love.
My author
links:
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/dgdoggett
Goodreads:
Blurb:
Meretessa
Brexiano believes in love. Her heart yearns for a true bond with the man she
weds. She also believes she can change her fate. Refusing the marriage her
father has arranged, she strikes a bargain with a man she hopes can teach her
the art of seduction. Nicolo da Parma is a businessman with a reputation as a
connoisseur of women. Their sensuality is the palette he has painted on since
his youth. This time, however, he may have struck a bargain which costs more
than he planned. Training Tessa might be the greatest challenge to his own heart
Nicolo's ever had.
Excerpt:
Nicolo reached
a hand toward her. “Seduction is a slow process, Tessa, a process which begins
with you. It begins in here.” He tapped her forehead. “Do you even know what
your own body looks like?”
She moved,
grateful for even a small space between them. “That’s ridiculous! Of course I
know what I look like. I see myself every day.”
“Ah, but do
you really see? How can you tempt a lover with a body you are not even aware
of?”
Before she
could protest, he swallowed up the small, safe distance. Strange sensations
stirred within her, leaving her without the ability to form the words she knew
she should be saying. Nicolo’s fingers untied the lace along her bodice. He
slipped the thin scarf through his hand with a sensual caress that made her
shiver. What would those fingers feel like against her skin? As his hand slid
over her shoulder, his fingers nudged her dress down, letting the fabric glide
to the top of her breasts. He leaned in close and for a moment she thought he
might kiss her. Tessa wondered what his lips would feel like, what they would
taste like.
Friday, December 30, 2016
REALISTIC WRITER RESOLUTIONS FOR 2017
MAKE TIME FOR YOUR WRITING
~ This tops the list for almost all writers. We resolve to make more
time for writing every year, but it’s so easy for life to distract us.
We rationalize we have other tasks and chores to do for our kids, our
husband, friends, or family. If we wrote only 500 words at day, we would
have 15,000 words in a month. One thousand words would net us 30,000,
quite an admirable word goal. Don’t feel like writing? Research, writing
exercises, outlining, reading for information, and editing also count
as part of the writing process since these activities propel us forward.
READ, READ, READ ~ Not only do we need to read in our genre to stay on top of the latest trends and to study other writers’ styles, structure, plotting, voice and pacing, but also we need to read outside our comfort zone. We need to delve into a memoir, a nonfiction book, editorials, the newspaper, and anything we don’t normally read. This will give us a new perspective when we sit down to write again.
GET ORGANIZED ~ Organize your writing space. File that pile of papers you were going to take care of. Clean out your emails. Clean up your hard drive. Back up your data. Review and update your blog, website, Facebook page and Twitter account. Set a timetable for writing a certain project and determine how you’re planning to track your progress.
SET REALISTIC GOALS ~ Stop beating yourself up when you don’t accomplish what you planned. Stop comparing yourself to other writers. Set realistic goals. Maybe you will only accomplish one novel per year. However, you might want to try writing a seasonal short story, or an opinion or a blog piece as well.
EXERCISE ~ Good health is important. Get plenty of rest and find some activity where you can get exercise: swimming, walking, golfing, tennis, zuma, dancing or any other activity that takes you away from the keyboard and gets you moving.
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions?
If so, share on of those in the comments below. Happy New Year!
READ, READ, READ ~ Not only do we need to read in our genre to stay on top of the latest trends and to study other writers’ styles, structure, plotting, voice and pacing, but also we need to read outside our comfort zone. We need to delve into a memoir, a nonfiction book, editorials, the newspaper, and anything we don’t normally read. This will give us a new perspective when we sit down to write again.
GET ORGANIZED ~ Organize your writing space. File that pile of papers you were going to take care of. Clean out your emails. Clean up your hard drive. Back up your data. Review and update your blog, website, Facebook page and Twitter account. Set a timetable for writing a certain project and determine how you’re planning to track your progress.
SET REALISTIC GOALS ~ Stop beating yourself up when you don’t accomplish what you planned. Stop comparing yourself to other writers. Set realistic goals. Maybe you will only accomplish one novel per year. However, you might want to try writing a seasonal short story, or an opinion or a blog piece as well.
EXERCISE ~ Good health is important. Get plenty of rest and find some activity where you can get exercise: swimming, walking, golfing, tennis, zuma, dancing or any other activity that takes you away from the keyboard and gets you moving.
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions?
If so, share on of those in the comments below. Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Tartan Temptation (Real Men Wear Kilts) by Kayden Claremont
How did Kayden Claremont create her hero for the series "Real Men Wear Kilts"? How did TARTAN TEMPTATION come about? In the author's own words:
I
love a man in a Kilt, I mean—who doesn’t.
When
The Wild Rose Press asked for stories for their Real Men Wear Kilts series I was
in heaven. I went through the usual list of placed you’d find a kilt-wearing
hunk, but decided to have Brodie Murdock wear his kilt every day. After all, it
would be such a pity to save all the scrumptiousness just for special
occasions.
Since
I write paranormal erotic romance, I had to come up with his paranormal quality.
I made Brodie Murdock a kilt-wearing, motorcycle-riding hottie with a secret he
can only share with his destined mate.
Brodie
took over the story so I had to make sure Cora Siegfried was he match in every
way. She became a kick-ass heroine who wouldn’t back down from fighting for the
man she loves.
With
his throne on the line, Brodie Murdock needs to secure his kingdom by taking a
bride. When the only woman he's ever wanted, Cora Siegfried, steps right into
his path, he knows the legends are true. She is his destiny. But will she
agree?
Buy
link:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2deP5wS
Blurb:
Financial
planner Cora Siegfried has returned to her hometown to settle her late
father's estate. Get in, get out, that's the plan. When she's almost run over by
a kilt-wearing hottie on a motorcycle, all her well-laid plans go up in smoke,
and all she can think about is getting well laid by her
childhood crush. But after what she hoped would be a one-night stand, leaving
him might not be as easy. Talk
about a tartan temptation.
With
his throne on the line, Brodie Murdock needs to secure his kingdom by taking a
bride. When the only woman he's ever wanted steps right into his path, he knows
the legends are true. She is his destiny. The feisty female isn't hard to seduce
into his bed for the night, but she's proving difficult to convince they are
meant for forever. And then there's the secret that could destroy any chance of
their future--a secret he's not ready to confess. Not until his stubborn soul
mate admits she
needs him for more than sex.
Snippet:
She rubbed her brow. That’s what she did when she was gathering her thoughts. “I can’t list the house without a stupid piece of paper from the lawyer, and he had to go away on a family emergency. What about my family emergency? My father died. Nobody cares about that.” Brodie turned the bike off, set it on its kickstand, and stood. He shouldn’t touch her, but he wrapped his arms around her and drew her against him. “I care.”
Doubt filled her dark blue eyes. “Why? Why do you care about me?”
Destiny. She’d think he was crazy, but it was the truth. He’d always understood it. “How could I not care about you?”
Taking a step back, she shook her head. The startled expression on her face told him he’d gone too far.
She hesitated then glared at him. “What do you want?”
He glanced up at the stormy cloud, then back at her. He hadn’t fooled her at all. He was running out of time. He had to win her trust now. “Ice cream. I need ice cream. You need ice cream. We all need ice cream.” He smiled, hoping his charm worked this time.
Disbelief shone in her eyes. “Now?”
Kayden
Claremont Bio:
Kayden loves sexy, well-crafted stories of lust and love. Her sensuous style drives the characters in lustful romps. When she is not crafting erotic romantic stories, she can be found crocheting or making jewelry. Kayden is a member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writing Community of Durham Region.
She hopes you enjoy her other books, HELL’S BOUNTY, TIMELESS PASSION, and RED HOT all published by The Wild Rose Press.
Kayden loves to hear from her readers.
Website: www.kaydenclaremont.com/
Blog: https://kaydenclaremont.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaydenclaremont
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/kayden.claremont/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/9136748.Kayden_Claremont
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kaydenclaremont/
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