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Black & White Cover Reveal of While he was Away by Karen Schreck

While He Was Away Walmart-Exclusive Cover Reveal

and My Top Tips for Writing

Even When the Writing Gets Tough

By Karen Schreck

My birthday falls in January, just a few days after New Year’s Day.  This January, I received an incredible gift from my publisher, Sourcebooks Fire.  My young adult novel, While He Was Away, is being released nation-wide into Walmart with a brand new cover!

When my editor at Sourcebooks, Leah Hultenschmidt, graciously asked if I’d be open to this possibility last fall, I blinked, breathed deep, confirmed I wasn’t dreaming, and said, “Yes!”  I held on to the possibility until it became a reality.  Then, and only then, did I celebrate.

I won’t speak for all writers, but for me, writing is an act of faith.  I love the work deeply, or I wouldn’t do it.  I’ve generated a lot of pages that have never seen the light of day, written multiple novels that I’ve relegated to folders on my laptop.  Keeping the faith in anything, especially writing, can be hard.

The fact that Sourcebooks believed enough in While He Was Away to bring it to life the first time felt like a much-needed confirmation of years of hard work.  The fact that they are standing behind my book again in this way . . . well, it feels like a miracle.  I’m truly grateful.

 

Without further ado, here are my Top Writing Tips (they’ve help me a lot; I hope they help you in some way):

  1. Read a lot. Read voraciously. Read like a writer. Read some more. Read people who write in your genre or in a style that is similar to yours and take note of how they do what they do.  Read people who write in a completely different way to keep your head clear and give you new ideas.  Just. Keep.  Reading.
  2. Develop a ritual for your writing.  I wouldn’t think of telling you what to do.  You need to find what works for you, and sometimes that changes with your circumstances.  This year, I’ve been working at an ad agency in the city.  My ritual is to hunker down in the quiet car on the train and GET A LOT DONE.  Previously I’ve written in the very same quiet corner of my local library.  In basements.  On couches.  In bed.  By candlelight.  I’ve found that consistency and ritual can trigger my creativity.  Ring the bell and I’ll salivate.  Kind of like that.
  3. Don’t be afraid to be messy in your work.  Don’t be afraid to push forward even though it isn’t perfect.   Nothing is perfect!  Embrace that reality, and be kind to yourself.  And forgiving of the words on the page.
  4. Fall in love with revision.  “I’m not a writer,” I once heard a writer say.  “I am a re-writer.”  I LOVE that.  I love the word revision.  Re-vision.  Seeing again, anew, as if for the first time.  Revision gives great perspective.  And I think it’s where the real work gets done.
  5. Never give up.  Keep the faith.  Years may pass.  But the more you write, the more the very act of writing becomes rewarding.  Writing is soul-work; it lends meaning to life.  That’s what I believe, and that’s what sees me through.  Publication—well, that a wonderful thing.  But the writing—that’s where it’s at.

 

Ready for the cover? 

 Amazon,Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Good Reads

One year–he’ll be gone for one year and then we’ll be together again and everything will be back to the way it should be.

The day David left, I felt like my heart was breaking. Sure, any long-distance relationship is tough, but David was going to war–to fight, to protect, to put his life in danger. We can get through this, though. We’ll talk, we’ll email, we won’t let anything come between us.

I can be an army girlfriend for one year. But will my sweet, soulful, funny David be the same person when he comes home? Will I? And what if he doesn’t come home at all?…

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Series Spotlight of DN Simmons’ Knights of the Darkness Chronicles (& a giveaway too)

KNIGHTS OF THE DARKNESS CHRONICLES

By D.N. Simmons

 *****

Desires Unleashed

(Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #1)

Desires Unleashed is the first novel in the riveting, highly-addictive and sexually-charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of the chase in this electrifying page-turner as you uncover the mystery behind the series of gruesome killings that have been terrorizing the citizens of Chicago.

When a grisly decapitated corpse pops up on a Chicago Street, drained of blood, the highly-trained, government-funded special police force assigned two of their best detectives to the case. S.U.I.T. Detectives Warren Davis and Matthew Eric delve deep into their investigation to discover just who or what is leaving mutilated bodies in public places. They soon realize that the killer or killers is one step ahead of them and if they are going to stop the menace before another innocent human is viciously attack, they are going to need help.

Natasha Hemingway liked her life just the way it was… normal and supernatural-free. The vampires and shape-shifters were just where she wanted them to be—far away from her. All was going well until an unfortunate accident landed her in the hospital. It was then that she discovered she had an ability that could help her save countless lives. All of a sudden, she finds herself thrust into the dangerous and alluring world of the supernatural and into the arms of two very sexy and deadly vampires.

Original, gritty and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and wit, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won’t forget. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing series!

This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

Purchase now for $0.99:  Amazon

*****

The Guilty Innocent

(Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #2)

The Guilty Innocent is the second novel in the edgy, action-packed, sexually-charged, Knights of the Darkness Chronicles.

In this installment, Darian, the gorgeous, charismatic and charming master vampire of Chicago is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, but why? His lover, Xavier, Natasha and a few others must travel halfway across the world to find out who and why before time runs out and all hell breaks loose!

Purchase now:  Amazon

*****

The Royal Flush

(Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #3)

The Royal Flush is the third novel in the edgy, action-packed, sexually-charged, Knights of the Darkness Chronicles.

In the third installment of this tale, the hunt is on! The coven, Pack and Pride must join forces to stop a group of big game hunters by any means necessary! Hold on to your seat as the Knights take you on yet another wild ride that will not let you go until the last word is read and the book is closed!

Purchase now:  Amazon

*****

Hostile Territory

(Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #4)

 Hostile Territory is the fourth novel in the edgy, action-packed, sexually charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. In this installment, be prepared for the ultimate supernatural adventure! It’s no holds barred in this tale and there’s going to be hell to pay! A single orchestrated attack initiates a hunt unlike Darian and his friends have ever encountered. You really don’t want to miss out. The ante has been upped and they are out for blood!

Purchase now:  Amazon

*****

The Lion’s Den

(Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #5)

Darian, Elise and Xander have been through very rough times in the past, but nothing has prepared them for the menace that is causing all kinds of havoc in their territory this time around. Chicago is at the mercy, or lack thereof, of a ruthless gang of supernaturals who seem to take extreme pleasure in other people’s pain. In this game of cat and mouse, there’s no way to tell who’s the predator and who’s the prey.

Purchase now:  Amazon

 *****

Unholy Alliance

(Knights of the Darkness #6)

The Final Chapter of the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will leave you breathless!

Picking up the chaos from where The Lion’s Den left off, Unholy Alliance unleashes a whole new threat to everyone’s existence. It’s the calm before the storm and once the storm hits, you’ll have to pray and hope you survive. New alliances will be formed that will reshape the world with the blood of the innocent. There will be nowhere to hide, there will be no sanctuary. Who will stop them? Can they be stop? Hold on to your seats and prepare for one hell of a ride!

Original, sexy and gritty, the Knights of the Darkness

Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won’t forget!

Purchase now:  Amazon

A little more about D.N. Simmons 

I was born in the little, but big bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. I still live there today and I’m loving every second of it … Except for those harsh cold winters. I started writing short horror stories when I was eleven years old. It wasn’t until 2004 that I decided to take the plunge into the professional literary world when I wrote Desires Unleashed.

I love the supernatural world; I’ve always found it fascinating, especially vampires and shape-shifters. It was my love of the genre that motivated me to create the story I had always wanted to read. I published it, hoping there were other people out there who would be entertained by that same story. I love to entertain people, to offer them that fantasy world they can escape into filled with wonders and good times. I know I appreciate the escapism I’ve delved into when reading a good book.

Some of the accolades I’ve won for my writing are: “New Voice of Today” by A Romance Review, “Rising Star” by Love Romance and “Author of the Month” by Warrior of Words. I’ve been nominated two years in a row in several categories, including “best vampire novel” and “best urban-fantasy” at Love Romance and More. My third novel; The Royal Flush did win honorable mention in 2006.

Some of the accolades I’ve won for my writing are: “New Voice of Today” by A Romance Review, “Rising Star” by Love Romance and “Author of the Month” by Warrior of Words. I’ve been nominated two years in a row in several categories, including “best vampire novel” and “best urban-fantasy” at Love Romance and More. My third novel; The Royal Flush did win honorable mention in 2006.

Learn more about DN here:  D.N.’s Website | D.N.’s Blog | D.N. on FaceBook  |  D.N. on Twitter  | D.N. on Goodreads

DN SIMMONS Blog Stop Schedule

01/03 – Under the Covers

01/08 – Over the Edge

01/14 – Paranormal Haven

01/19 – The Reading Café

01/27 – Ramblings From This Chick

01/28 – Cocktails and Books

01/29 – Books-n-Kisses

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Kimberly’s review of Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Rev It Up
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He Never Misses a Target
Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL codename by striking quickly and quietly – and with lethal force. That’s how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart. It was the only way to keep her safe – from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow…

She Aims to Make Him Beg
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.” But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he’s wrapped around her heart, he’ll never let her go…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Black Knights, Inc series which I did not realize when I picked the book and coming in at this point I was lost with the background story. Yes I kind of caught up but it was a bit confusing. There is a lot about the background characters and not knowing their story and how the BKI got started made it hard to understand why someone was after them and like I said it does eventually explain but I wish I had read the other two books before this one.

The story of Jake and Shell is different. There past is explained pretty much right away and you understand why things were done the way they were. When I picked up the book I expected it to be about the guy who was in love with his best friends girl and now that the best friend is gone he wants to “take care” of her for the friends sake but that is not even close. Jake has loved Shell since they first met but he was so messed up as a SEAL he didn’t know good from bad and did what he thought was best for her but now he is ready to be the man she needs and she doesn’t believe he has changed.

The story is very interesting. I am not sure about the writing… Jake’s conversations are written very juvenile (“yo”, “dude”, etc) but the rest of the story is not so young. I think the author wanted us to see Jake’s softer fun side by making him the surfer who grew old but not up but I could be wrong. It would be interesting to read another one of Walker’s stories to see if it is the character or the writing.

I think any fan of the romantic suspense or a woman who loves a good old fashion SEAL story will enjoy this book but I suggest starting at book one.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Book Blitz: Phantom by Laura DeLuca

Phantom

Laura DeLuca

Buy links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashword

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Excerpt:

The orchestra tuned for its virtuoso, and Justyn stood ready. But no one else was ready for the magical performance he began. Beside her, Carmen was rambling on about something mundane. Rebecca elbowed her to silence so she could listen to the perfectly thrilling tenor. As she listened to the song unfold, the world around her started to slip away. Gone was the high school auditorium. Gone were the rowdy teenagers. The Gothic stranger on the stage had become the embodiment of Erik, and Rebecca watched him in all his dark glory, belting out his tormented love through the words of his song. And she was as breathless with wonder as Christine herself must have been when the masked stranger serenaded her in the candlelit labyrinth of the opera house. In that moment, Justyn wasn’t just portraying the phantom. Justyn was the phantom.

“Let the music touch your soul.

Let the darkness make you whole.

Do not fear what is unknown.

Your true path has now been shown.

Listen to the words I sing.

Embrace the peace that night will bring.”

As he continued to sing in his deep but somehow angelic voice, Rebecca found that she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. With every line, her heart began to beat faster.  She truly felt the arms of night wrapping her in a warm embrace. She could almost feel the hands of the phantom glide along her body as the words poured forth. The music caressed her. It possessed her—mind, body and soul. Each word left her longing, yearning for more.

She was gawking so obviously, it was hardly surprising when Justyn felt her eyes on him and steadily met her gaze. She realized her mouth was hanging open in stunned awe, and she quickly snapped it shut. His lips moved into just a small hint of a smile. He never took his eyes off her while he sang the final verse, making her cheeks flush to the point that she felt almost feverish. But it wasn’t embarrassment but excitement, arousal even, which was sending her mind spinning in so many directions.

When the song was over, and Rebecca had recovered just a hint of her composure, she couldn’t help but burst into a healthy round of applause. A few scattered people joined in, including Debbie and Carmen after she nudged them in the ribs. But only Miss King seemed to truly appreciate the brilliance of his talent as much as Rebecca did.

“That was amazing, Justyn!” the teacher gushed.

“Lord Justyn,” he corrected as he stepped down from the stage.

A few others complimented him as well, but he took in all in stride. In fact, his serious expression never faltered as he stepped down from the stage. He seemed almost bored, like it was all he could do to hold back a yawn, despite the smiles and words of encouragement.

But not everyone in the crowd was pleased as Justyn glided down the aisle, so ethereal in his dark garments that he still resonated the spirit of the Opera Ghost. Miss King might have been excited about the newest male addition to her cast after being limited for many years, but Tom and his group of boisterous companions glared at him as he passed them by.  Jay sneered and tossed a balled up piece of paper in Justyn’s direction, but the Goth was quick, and caught it in his hand without missing a beat.

“I think you dropped something,” he said.

His speaking voice was no less melodic than his singing voice, but something about his tone made Rebecca shiver. He tossed the paper back at Jay, who was nowhere near as coordinated as Justyn. He practically fell off his seat in his efforts to catch it.

“Hey vampire,” Tom called when Justyn went to walk away. “Are you sure you can handle the competition?”

Justyn smiled, a cool, sarcastic half-smile, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you?”

Miss King didn’t notice the short confrontation, and Justyn vanished from the auditorium as quickly and mysteriously as he had appeared. Only Rebecca had noticed the very real tension between the two boys. She wondered if it was a bad omen for them to start off the production with hard feelings and envy. That could only lead to trouble. The kind of trouble that could end with someone getting hurt.  The kind of trouble that Rebecca would do whatever it took to avoid.

 

About the Author:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Guest blogger: Lara Nance (& a giveaway)

Why do we love Dracula?

I have to admit, when I was young and watched Dracula movies, I always pulled for him. I wanted him to escape with his female victim and beat the good guys.

Strange?

Maybe so, but I’m not the only person fascinated with the vampire legend. It’s been going on for years, and will likely continue. People keep saying vampires are old news, but personally, I don’t see the loss of interest just yet.

So, what is it that makes us love this monster? These are my opinions, but they make sense to me.

First, of all the monsters we’ve built over the years, he’s the best looking as a monster. No one wants a date with Frankenstein or the Mummy. And the Werewolf is only hot when he’s in his human form. Creature from the Black Lagoon? Damp and Yech. But Drac is dark and mysterious and ahem, rich. Definitely the best bachelor of the lot.

Second, he has something to offer his female victim. That bite on the neck is supposed to be the next best thing to orgasm. Then there’s the whole turning into a vampire and living forever with your lover thing, too. Hey, it’s gotta be cool being able to fly and crawl on the ceiling, not to mention commanding some of the darker creatures of the night to do your bidding. All the other monsters just want to kill you…

Third, Clothes. Yep, Drac’s wardrobe rocks. A tuxedo with a black cape? Almost as good as a military uniform to attract the fairer sex.

Fourth, He the tortured male we all want to save by our love. We don’t want to be the female he kills just for a snack. We want to be the one he bites so we can live with him forever, because he loves us so much.

So, those are my theories. What do you guys think? Why do you love Dracula?

I hope you’ll also check out my latest release, DraculaVille – New York, for a new twist on the vampire story. It’s available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble in both E-book and print. And stop by my website to let me know how you liked it! www.laranance.com

*****

DraculaVille

(New York #1)

Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Super Ad/Publicity Agent, Talia Quinton, is poised at the top of her career to receive a much coveted job representing the world’s largest advertiser. She’s shocked and humiliated when the account is given to a rival agent with much less experience. Instead, Talia is ordered to come up with a publicity plan to bring tourists to Romania. An account not worth a tenth of the one she’d hoped for.

But she’s not called Talia the Tiger by the New York ad world for nothing. When she discovers a newly made and abandoned vampire named Drake, she takes on the job of healing and grooming him into the face of her new campaign.

Instead of touting the ancient country’s rolling hills and historic castles, she turns the advertising world on its head by bringing Romania’s dark past to the center of the presentation. She proposes they build a fantasy themed amusement park/resort for adults called, DraculaVille, right in the heart of Transylvania. And Drake will pose as Dracula, their spokesperson. A vampire pretending to be an actor, pretending to be a vampire.

Talia’s disturbing attraction to Drake is only one obstacle in her path. She soon discovers New York fairly swarms with warring vampire communities and she and Drake have landed right in the middle of their biggest conflict. On top of that, the odd members of the Romanian National Publicity Committee begin making strange demands that keep Talia constantly on the edge of losing the account and her reputation as New York’s most formidable Account Executive.

As a last straw, Talia and Drake are kidnapped by a ruthless vampire gang and forced to fight for their lives as the clock ticks on completing the assignment necessary to retain the DraculaVille account. Their only hope of gaining freedom is to consent to an ancient vampire bonding ceremony. There’s one problem. To complete the ceremony, Drake must kill Talia and turn her into a vampire. But despite her unavoidable attraction to the hunky vampire she saved, Talia’s not ready to die.

 

A little about Lara:

Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cites throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres, but the basis of all of her stories is a great tale of entertaining women’s fiction that will take you on an adventure of imagination. Smart stories that make you wonder, and live the romances you dream about.

If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales to paranormal romance and adventure, she’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, along with a touch of romance.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories. Lara loves to weave interesting true historical tidbits into her fiction which invite the reader to explore further after the novel is finished.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio.

Connect with Lara:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

DraculaVille Giveaway:

Lara is giving away a copy of DraculaVille (winners’ choice of paperback or eBook) to one winner.
Open to international readers as well.
For a chance to win.
Please leave Lara a comment of questions.
And your EMAIL address (No Email? No Entry)

***ends 1/31/13***

 

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Kelly’s review of Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Sultry with a Twist – Sultry Springs series #1
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
Charactes: Luke Gallagher & June Augustine
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/1/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real-you’ll fall in love, guaranteed!”-Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances…

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus warrant from her tiny Texas hometown. Now she’s stuck in the sticks for a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend.

If Texas wasn’t already hot enough, working side-by-side with June would make any man melt. Luke wants nothing more than to strip her down and throw her in the lake-the same lake where they were found buck naked and guilty as sin all those years ago. In their heads, they’re older and wise. But their hearts tell a different story.

REVIEW:
HOT DOG!!!! This was a great way to start my new year. New Author. New Series. New Obsession!!! Sultry with a Twist takes us to Sultry Springs Texas and with a name like Sultry Springs how can we not get hot and bothered?

Macy’s 1st book is a second chance at love story and boy howdy does this girl know how to write a story. From page one I was in love with June & Luke. I also loved that Macy took a body issue that many woman have and showed how men don’t see it as an issue but an extreme turn on.

This was a fabulously great story and is going on my keeper shelf. If you have not had a chance to visit Sultry Springs Texas yet I would highly recommend you grab your cowboy boots and hang on tight, because this is a must read for the new year.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kissing the Week of Jan 21-26th Goodbye

1.21.13

Guest Blogger: Lola James 

Kimberly’s review of Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

1.22.13

Release Day Madness 

Book Blitz:  In the Red by Selah Janel 

Interview with Honey Jans

Kelly ‘s review of Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis

1.23.13

Guest Reviewer Robyn’s review of Wildly by Debra Kayn

Interview & giveaway with YA Author Khelsey Jackson 

Jennifer’s review of Boyfriend from Hell by Jamie Quiad

1.24.13

Interview with Rachell Nichole

Kelly’s review of Instant Temptation by Jill Shalvis

1.25.13

Guest blogger & giveaway Mia Marlowe

Kimberly’s review of Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes

1.26.13

SINsational Saturday Series

Fool’s Gold Series by Susan Mallery 

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Fool’s Gold Series by Susan Mallery

Susan’s Amazon Page | Susan’s B&N Page

Chasing Perfect 

Fool’s Gold #1

Welcome to Fool’s Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There’s lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there’s just one tiny problem in Fool’s Gold: the men don’t seem to stick around. Maybe it’s the lure of big-city life, or maybe it’s plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.Charity’s nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer–everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he’s perfect just the way he is. But maybe that’s just what he needs–someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he’s just “chasing perfect.”

*****

Almost Perfect 

Fool’s Gold #2

Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Then she’d stolen the heart of the most popular boy in town, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until Ethan Hendrix betrayed her and everything they’d ever meant to each other. Devastated and pregnant, Liz left Fool’s Gold, California–forever, she thought….Now Liz must return to town and face the man who doesn’t know of their son’s existence. And this time she won’t have the option of making a quick getaway. Ethan and Liz can’t deny their passionate attraction, even after all these years. But will their desire be enough to spark a second chance at love?

*****

Sister of the Bride 

Fool’s Gold #2.5

When Katie McCormick finds out that her sister is marrying her ex, she finally agrees to a setup for the big day. To her surprise, Jackson is a “catch.” But when wedding catastrophe ensues, will their sparks fizzle or ignite into flames?

*****

Finding Perfect 

Fool’s Gold #3

When Pia O’Brian’s best friend dies, Pia expects to inherit her cherished cat. Instead, the woman leaves Pia three frozen embryos. With a disastrous track record in the romance department and the parenting skills of a hamster, Pia doesn’t think she’s meant for motherhood. But determined to do the right thing, Pia decides to become a single mother. Only to meet a gorgeous, sexy hunk the very same day.
A former foster-care kid now rich beyond his wildest dreams, Raoul Moreno runs a camp for needy children in Fool’s Gold, California. After his last relationship, Raoul thought he was done with women and commitment. Still, he can’t get sweet, sexy Pia out of his mind—and proposes a crazy plan. But can such an unconventional beginning really result in the perfect ending?

*****

Only Mine 

Fool’s Gold #4

Beloved bestselling author Mallery is back with the first title in a brand-new trilogy in her popular and emotional Fool’s Gold series. Original.

—————————————————————–
You can’t win if you don’t play…

Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers—the perfect contestants—off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.

*****

Only Yours 

Fool’s Gold #5

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right…or maybe Dr. Right?Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

*****

Only His 

Fool’s Gold #6

Wedding bells are ringing in Fool’s Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they’ve seen each other naked, but she’ll never forget the way he broke her heart.Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada’s “business only” ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again…or will their past get in the way?

*****

Only Us: A Fool’s Gold Holiday Novella

Fool’s Gold #6.1

Fool’s Gold, California, a charming small town that’s short on men, has captured thousands of readers’ hearts in Susan Mallery’s New York Times bestselling series. Fall in love with Fool’s Gold’s beloved characters and heartwarming romance in Only Us: A Fool’s Gold Holiday novella!

Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She’s drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie’s good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he’s also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever.

Since his divorce, Cameron hasn’t been willing to trust his heart–or his daughter–with anyone else. For months he’s pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all….

Don’t miss the latest title, A Fool’s Gold Christmas, book 10 of the Fool’s Gold series.

*****

Almost Summer 

Fool’s Gold #6.2

Ever since she was young, Paige McLean has longed to see the world. Still, she never imagined the world would land on her doorstep in the form of a charming British surgeon who needs a place to stay when his plans fall through.

After a devastating loss, Alistair Woodbury has vowed to live his life alone. But in all his travels, he hasn’t encountered a town as welcoming as Fool’s Gold, nor a woman as caring – or as beautiful – as Paige. Her compassion warms him almost as much as their stolen kisses.

When it’s Alistair’s time to leave, will his brief visit turn into a lifetime stay?

A Fool’s Gold series novella.

*****

Summer Days 

Fool’s Gold #7

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a new Fool’s Gold trilogy featuring three rugged cowboys who will find love in the unlikeliest of places…. Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to-the Castle Ranch in Fool’s Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could’ve prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he’s finding Heidi-and life as a cowboy-much more compelling than he wants to admit.

For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she’s always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won’t give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome.

As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they’ll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

*****

Summer Nights 

Fool’s Gold #8

Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!

*****

All Summer Long 

Fool’s Gold #9

Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he’ll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool’s Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he’s frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous… assets.

Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling reinforced long ago by a man who left soul-deep scars. Now she has good friends, a solid job and the itch to start a family—yet she can’t move toward the future while she’s haunted by painful memories.

Clay finds an unexpected ally, and unexpected temptation, in tomboyish Charlie, the only person who sees beyond his dazzling good looks to the real man beneath. But when Charlie comes to him with an indecent proposal, will they be able to overcome their pasts and find a love that lasts beyond one incredible summer?

*****

A Fool’s Gold Christmas 

Fool’s Gold #10

The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.Jaded lawyer Dante JeϬ€erson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister—oϬ€-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….

*****

Just One Kiss 

Fool’s Gold #11

Expected publication: May 2013

He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?
Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again-and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

*****

Two of a Kind 

Fool’s Gold #12

Expected publication: July 2013 by Harlequin HQN (first published June 18th 2013)

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery welcomes readers back to Fool’s Gold, where a one-time fling could become the real thing…
Felicia Swift never dreamed she’d hear a deep, sexy voice from her past in tiny Fool’s Gold, California. The last time Gideon Boylan whispered in her ear was half a world away…on the morning after the hottest night of her life. Her freaky smarts have limited her close friendships, and romance, but she came to Fool’s Gold looking for ordinary. Gorgeous, brooding Gideon is anything but that.

Black Ops taught Gideon that love could be deadly. Now he pretends to fit in while keeping everyone at arm’s length. Felicia wants more than he can give-a home, family, love-but she has a lot to learn about men…and Gideon needs to be the man to teach her.

As these two misfits discover that passion isn’t the only thing they have in common, they just might figure out that two of a kind should never be split apart.(less)

*****

Three Little Words 

Fool’s Gold #13

Expected publication: September 2013 by Harlequin HQN (first published July 30th 2013)

After years as a Navy SEAL, Ford is coming home to Fool’s Gold to open an elite defense academy with some ex-military buddies. He’s not sure how he feels about living so close to his family again. He loves them, but will they understand that he is no longer the same person he once was? He has seen things, done things, that changed him inside.

When Isabel agreed to run her parents’ bridal boutique, she didn’t know hometown hero Ford Hendrix would also be back in Fool’s Gold. Now she’s ducking around corners to avoid the handsome ex-SEAL,her unrequited first love – the man she wrote to for years, confessing her teenage dreams. He never replied, not once, and now that she’s all grown up, she’s embarrassed about the secrets he knows.

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Guest blogger Mia Marlowe (& a giveaway)

Choices that Change Characters

First, thanks for having me on Books-n-Kisses, Kelly. Great blog!

I thought I’d give your readers a peek behind the writers’ curtain today and share some of the things we think about as we craft our stories. Romance is character-driven fiction, so no matter how clever my premise, no matter how exciting my plot points, if readers don’t fall in love with my hero, if they don’t want to try on my heroine’s shoes, I’ve wasted perfectly good paper and ink. (Or pixels, if you’re an ebook junkie like I’ve become!)

So what do I do to create characters who breathe on their own? Well, there are the obvious first steps—choosing a name (which is a blog post all its own!), gifting the hero or heroine with certain physical characteristics (coloring, build, imperfections, intelligence, etc.—Side note to aspiring writers: it’s a good idea to record these things in a sort of “story bible” so your hero’s eyes don’t change from blue to green somewhere between Chapter 1 and 20). I also decide on my character’s most important goal.

But writers need to know more about their characters than they ever share with readers. We need to know what has made them the people they are when the story opens. We have to be well-acquainted with their backstory, while resisting the temptation to clutter our novel with it.  I like to do this by determining 5 critical choices, which are different for every soul on earth.

Look back on your own life. What were the turning points, the decisions that changed everything that came after? Was it which field to study? What faith to embrace? What guy to marry?  Should you give someone who betrayed you another chance? Will you move across the country to take a new job? What would you do to reach your goal? What are the absolutes you won’t violate even if it means surrendering that goal?

For WAKING UP WITH A RAKE, my hero Lord Rhys Warrington is haunted by a decision he made as a military officer. In the heat of battle, one of his friends was gut shot and begged Rhys to finish him cleanly. Rhys used his last shot to put a dying horse out of its misery instead, but he stayed by his friend for the three agonizing days it took him to succumb to the belly wound. Even years after returning from France, Rhys is plagued with recurring flashbacks of the battle and his decision. Check out this excerpt for an example of how Rhys’s past intrudes on his present at the most inopportune times: http://miamarlowe.com/books/waking.php#excerpt (If you’re an aspiring writer, note that I didn’t wallow in the flashback. I only allowed a bit of it into the present action,  only enough to raise questions in the reader’s mind that hopefully encourage them to read on.)

And I hope you’ll decide to read on in WAKING UP WITH A RAKE. It’s Book 1 in the Royal Rakes series, so there are plenty more adventures to come! Enjoy!

I love to connect with readers, and other writers! When I has a volunteer willing to put the first 500 words of their WIP online, I host Red Pencil Thursday—a cyber-critique group—on my blog http://miamarlowe.com/blog/red-pencil-thursday/.

 

WAKING UP WITH A RAKE

by CONNIE MASON AND MIA MARLOWE

JANUARY 2013

 Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Chapters/Indigo | IndieBound | Sourcebooks | Discover a New Love

The Fate of England’s Monarchy Is In The Hands of Three Notorious Rakes.

To prevent three royal dukes from marrying their way onto the throne, heroic, selfless agents for the crown will be dispatched…to seduce the dukes’ intended brides. These wickedly debauched rakes will rumple sheets and cause a scandal. But they just might fall into their own trap…

After he’s blamed for a botched assignment during war, former cavalry officer Rhys Warrick turns his back on “honor.” He spends his nights in brothels doing his best to live down to the expectations of his disapproving family. But one last mission could restore the reputation he’s so thoroughly sullied. All he has to do is seduce and ruin Miss Olivia Symon and his military record will be cleared. For a man with Rhys’s reputation, ravishing the delectably innocent miss should be easy. But Olivia’s honesty and bold curiosity stir more than Rhys’s desire. Suddenly the heart he thought he left on the battlefield is about to surrender…

 

A little about Mia:

Connie Mason is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels. She was named Storyteller of the Year in 1990 and received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 1994. She currently lives in Florida.

Mia Marlowe is a highly acclaimed new voice in romance whose debut novel released in Spring 2011 from Kensington. She lives in Boston, MA. Together, they are working on the next book in the Royal Rakes series, One Night with a Rake, which will be in stores in June 2013.

For more information, please visit http://www.conniemason.com/, http://miamarlowe.com/ and find Mia on Twitter, @Mia_Marlowe, and on Facebook, http://facebook.com/MiaMarloweFanPage.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Kimberly’s review of Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes

TITLE: Anything He Wants
AUTHOR: Sara Fawkes
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
First published as a five-part e serial novel, Anything He Wants inflamed imaginations everywhere and became a national bestseller. Now available for the first time ever as a complete book, this edition contains never-before-released scenes and special bonus material. Don’t miss this erotic tale of a powerful billionaire who always gets what he wants and the young woman who’s about to enter his exclusive realm–a world of glittering opulence and all-consuming passion, where she’ll explore the darkest reaches of her own desire.

Lucy Delacourt’s temp position isn’t quite her dream job but it pays the bills. The highlight of her day is riding the elevator in the mornings with a handsome stranger. Tall, dark, and sexy as hell, Lucy knows he’s way out of her league, but a girl can look, right?

Everything changes the day the stranger seduces her. Completely out of character, she yields without a fight, but she has no idea her wanton acts with a man whose name she doesn’t know will change her life forever. Because the sexy stranger is none other than Jeremiah Hamilton, billionaire CEO of Hamilton Industries, and one taste isn’t nearly enough to satisfy his need. As the billionaire pulls Lucy deeper into his world of high stakes business deals and ruthless takeovers, he demands nothing less than her complete surrender. But even as enemies seek deadly revenge against him, she’ll discover that her greatest threat is falling for her fiercely guarded boss…and yielding to her own darkest needs.

REVIEW:
The first thing I want a reader to know is this book has a cliffhanger and does not end with this book so don’t expect it. I was surprised by this and wish I had known before reading it (not that I wouldn’t have read it but I would have liked the forewarning.

Now, I have not researched this book but, I am going to assume that it was written as fan fiction off of 50 Shades Of Grey. There is just too many similarities in the stories. Not enough to say it was a rip off of it but enough to make me wonder if it started out as fan fiction and has become popular. The story is good (if not familiar) but Jeremiah really is not into BDSM as you would think he just likes control. He allows too many things that a Dom would never allow the sub to take liberties with. That being said the erotica is good. This is more of what the average person who enjoys a little fun can connect with, it is not over the top like some scenes from Shades.

It is good. It is interesting. It has more than just sex. I think anyone who enjoys these genre will enjoy this story very much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.