This week through September 13, I’m participating in AuthorsXP list builder event for Sweet Romances. A ton of authors of sweet romances are offering copies of their books to those who enter the giveaway. My prizes are 3 e-book copies of Sweet Inspiration and 1 print copy (US only; ecopy to international entrant) of Anything But Flowers
To enter the giveaway, click here
Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s fourth annual Christmas in July Fête. Thirty-nine Christmas/Hanukkah-themed books featured plus a chance to win one of the following:
Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
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Direct Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775065
Open internationally
BLURB
He was the only man she wanted—and the one man she could never have.
At eighteen, she left all the pain and heartbreak behind and reinvented herself as wealthy, successful Constance Quinn. In her strictly regimented life, there’s no room for love. Now older and wiser, she’s determined to find the part of herself that got lost in her transformation.
When she meets Alex Martinez, something hot and urgent passes between them. Their attraction is mutual. Their desire is palpable, but she knows she’s playing with fire because she has a secret that Alex must never discover.
BUY LINKS
EXCERPT
Despite the sultry evening, Constance Quinn felt chilled. This was the house. Every room blazed with lights. The air vibrated with pounding music, accompanied by loud splashes, girlish squeals, and booming laughter. She should leave. Yet, she remained rooted, staring at the house for several more minutes before she turned—and literally bumped into a man. A startled gasp escaped her. She gave a nervous laugh. “Where did you come from?”
He took a step backward, as if knowing she felt threatened, and pointed toward the house she’d been studying. “From across the street.”
His voice captured her attention despite the noise in the background. When he stepped forward, into the light cast from a street lamp, her eyes widened and chill bumps swept over her arms as she realized who he was. His online photo didn’t do justice to his unruly dark hair and warm brown eyes. He didn’t look like anyone’s idea of a History professor. Not with those broad shoulders, lean waist, and carved biceps revealed by the golf shirt he wore. Unexpectedly, a wave of heat flashed through her, chasing away the chill.
“I’m Alejandro, but just about everyone calls me Alex.” He pointed again to the house across the street. “That’s my house. I hope the noise and lights didn’t disturb you.”
His easy smile made her breath catch. She could only shake her head in response. She found herself taking a step toward him. Oh, dear. She curled her hands into fists to keep from reaching out to touch him. Her pulse beat erratically. Suddenly, she felt threatened by…what? His intense masculinity? She took a deep breath and made herself articulate what she was feeling, rather than stuff her feelings into the hole in her soul and pretend they didn’t exist. What was she feeling?
Attraction. Desire.
No! That was crazy. She was the Ice Queen. She didn’t feel desire—especially not for a man she’d just met. She bit back a groan. Why this man?
Even if she wanted him, she could never have him.
BIO
Joan Reeves is a NY Times and USAToday bestselling author who believes it’s never too late to live happily ever after. Joan lives her HEA with her husband, dividing their time between a book-cluttered home in Houston and a house in the Texas Hill Country where they sit on the porch at night, stare at the star-studded sky, and listen to coyotes howl.
WEB CONTACTS
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GIVEAWAY
a writer’s journal to a winner in the U.S. Outside the U.S. the prize will be a copy of one of my ebooks.
TAGLINE
Hope just wants to be normal—too bad that will never happen.
BLURB
The last thing Hope Hallows wants is to become the latest headline. Living in a town that likes secrets, she prefers to keep hers hidden. Avoiding a nosy reporter’s questions about her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with a single touch, and those who crave this bliss, is nothing new. But having her brother’s annoying girlfriend, Berta, go missing is—especially when it makes Hope suspect number one.
BUY LINKS
EXCERPT
“I swear you have a death wish. Are you looking for any excuse to use your abilities again?”
I started at the ferocity in his remark and straightened in defense. He was supposed to be my ally, but I should’ve anticipated his reaction. “I had no choice.”
“Only because you chose to take her in the woods in the first place.” The tiny haze of lights ignited around him as his frustration built.
I pushed my hands in my pockets to prevent from reaching for him for my own selfish comfort. He had to understand. Griffith was the only one who understood me. He was my rock in this ever-changing town. “I had to help look for Berta. There isn’t a choice in everything. I couldn’t let Chance go alone. Yes, I went because it was my idea in the first place, but also because he’s my brother. It’s not safe for him.”
His gaze locked with mine. “You didn’t worry about yourself? Or consider how much worry you’ve caused me? Damn it Hope, you, of all people, should realize what lurks undercover in the daylight has little fear at night and outside of town.”
Griffith always saw right through my petty motives. The trait was what I loved and hated about him.
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line.
WEB CONTACTS
GIVEAWAY of a $15 Amazon Card
or find the link on author’s website contest page
Today’s my featured spotlight on N.N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Fall into These Great Reads Bookathon. Highlighted is Laced By Love, Book 1 in the Entertainers of the West series. Click over to here and enter for a chance at winning a $150 Amazon gift card. Rafflecopter drawing ends September 30 with the winner being announced on October 1st.
https://iwantromancegiveaway.blogspot.com/p/enter-giveaway.html
Who couldn’t use a little more romance? Not to mention a pretty in pink Marc Jacobs leather wristlet? Or a Kindle Fire 7? Or maybe you’ve been lusting after the newest romance bestseller on Amazon. Enter our giveaway April 2-22 and you could be one of 8 lucky winners to add new ‘romance’ to their lives!
(Sponsored by the 67 authors listed below)
Alexia Adams • Allyson R Abbott • Amy Ruttan • Anne Stone • Aubrey Wynne • Becky Lower • Bethany-Kris • Brenda Whiteside • Brighton Walsh • Cailin Briste • Calinda B • Candace Sams • Carla Krae • Carrie Whitethorne • Cate Tayler • CB Samet • Cecy Robson • Charmaine Ross • Crystal Dawn • Donna R. Mercer • E.B. Black • Eliza Daly • Elizabeth Meyette • Elizabeth Rose • Holly Cortelyou • J. L. Lora • J.E. Parker • Jacquie Biggar • JC Andrijeski • Jen Doyle • Jennifer Dawson • Joan Reeves • Joanne Dannon • Josie Riviera • Julieann Dove • Karly Morgan • Kim Petersen • Kris Michaels • Kristin Holt • Kristy Tate • L A Cotton • Lana Campbell • Laurel Greer • Linda Carroll-Bradd • Lola Karns • Madeline Iva • Mari Carr • Marilyn Peake • Megyn Ward • Melissa Belle • Melissa McClone • Michele Barrow-Belisle • Nancy C. Weeks • Patrice Wilton • PG Forte • Renee Ann Miller • Ruth A. Casie • Sarah Williams • Shereen Vedam • Soraya Naomi • Stacey Joy Netzel • Stacy Gold • Susan Jean Ricci • Susanne Matthews • Sydney Aaliyah Michelle • Victoria Saccenti • Aileen Harkwood
Plus, shop our book fair where you can choose from books in genres from contemporary romance to romantic suspense to PNR for 2.99 or less. You’ll even find a bonus giveaway!
https://iwantromancegiveaway.blogspot.com/p/book-fair.html
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What’s the logline that describes your writing?
It’s interesting that you ask that question since I’ve recently had my website and my logline updated. Previously it was, “Making the Ordinary Extraordinary and Laughing all the Way”. My new one is, “Stories with Hocus Pocus and All That.”
I believe both capture the essence of my writing, which is humorous paranormal and fantasy romance.
Do you start a new story with the plot or characters first?
My characters always start the story. Sometimes I don’t even know their names when they begin telling me their story.
Is your writing style planned or freestyle?
As you can see from my answer above, my writing is freestyle (or panster as some refer to it–I write by the seat of my pants.) I’ve tried to force myself to plan out part of my story to reduce editing after, but most of the time my characters have minds of their own, lol.
Have you traveled to any locations that appear in your books?
Most of my stories feature small towns surrounded by dense wooded areas (a great place to tuck away all kinds of secrets). I draw from my home to create the settings, although I don’t use any specific locations.
Are you a pet person? If so, what do you have?
Yes, definitely. I currently have a Shih Tzu, or I should say, he has us, lol. Scruff’s been with our family for four years now. Prior to that, we had a Lhasa Apso for 14+ years. My girls have had an array of other critters over the years—guinea pigs, hermit crabs, fish and a hamster. My husband is allergic to cats, or I’m sure one might’ve been in the mix as well.
What do you hope readers gain from your stories?
I hope readers find a relaxing escape from the everyday. That they might laugh a little and wander out of the comfort zone of their imagination. That they might appreciate those around them once they look a little closer and see the extraordinary concealed within.
BLURB
They were never supposed to meet. Fame came easy for Liv by following in the footsteps of the female writers in her family. The cycle repeated for decades…until Liv changed the story. Her villain doesn’t like the revision—and he isn’t a fictional character. In his story, the bad guy always wins.
They were never supposed to find love. Liv never questioned her demanding nocturnal muse, or the strange incidents in her old, family home until she met Gage. His job was to watch her from afar, not reveal the truth about the curse and the stories of the dead. They’ve broken all the rules. Together they unravel secrets as they strive to stop the cycle. Liv’s ability to find love, and protect her loved ones, hangs on the fickle whims of the dead—and they’ve got nothing to lose.
BUY LINKS
EXCERPT
“I met this strange man at the bar last night. He told me some really weird stuff.” I paused. When she remained silent, I continued. “He said it was related to my writing.” She watched me with the fascination of one who desperately wanted to look away but couldn’t. As if a deer blinded to the oncoming headlights, she was fixated, trapped. “He said to talk to you.”
I searched her face. I knew my Grams. When resignation settled on her features a knot clenched in my stomach from either fear, or the excitement of validating Gage didn’t fabricate the story. Perhaps he wasn’t crazy.
Grams slowly closed her eyes and opened them again. “He found you?”
I nodded.
She turned to stare out the frosted window where the birdfeeder sat frozen over from the recent snow. “I can’t believe he took that risk. Watchers are never to approach the Recorders. It could totally upset the balance.” She worried her lower lip between her teeth.
When she used the same terms as Gage, my anxiety elevated. I expected her to deny his claims and then we’d laugh about the incident. “Grams, please tell me. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I took a deep breath. “Some weird things happened last night. Occasionally I notice unusual things, but it’s an old house and I have an active imagination, but this time it scared me.”
Added note: This manuscript placed second in the 2015 Golden Palm Contest of the Florida Romance Writers—Paranormal category
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line.
WEB CONTACTS
GIVEAWAY for $15 card
Several romance and mystery authors are participating in a Rafflecopter giveaway to offer everyone a chance to win a new Kindle Fire. The contest runs during the month of June and participants earn an entry for each newsletter signup completed.
An event for readers will be held at next month’s CA Dreamin’ conference. Have you ever wondered about the writers who create those stories you love to read? Or maybe you wanted to express your thanks for the stories that bring you entertainment and allow you to escape for a few hours. Romance readers will have a chance to meet sixty authors, learn about their stories, and ask questions. Attendees will also receive a free tote bag with swag.
I’ll be there sharing a table with Harlequin author Patricia Thayer. A contest is being run on her website for a chance to win your ticket to attend. We have forgotten about our readers who live too far away to attend and have giveaways for you, too. To enter, click here
The event will be held March 25th from 1:30-4PM in Brea, California.
Now here’s my entry in the “Grandma’s Wedding Quilts” series. I set this story in my “Dorado, Texas” world so many of the secondary characters are known to my readers. But that won’t stop your enjoyment–the story stands on its own merit.
BLURB
When Ione Forrester calls off her wedding, she becomes the social pariah of Des Moines. Much to her society parents’ chagrin. To escape the gossip, Ione accepts a teaching job in Dorado, Texas, vowing to avoid scandal at all costs. Relocating from a doctor’s household with cook and maids to a room in a boarding house is quite an adjustment. Then she has to face her biggest challenge—a schoolhouse full of students.
Carpenter Morgan Shipley’s business is doing well and now he’s looking for companionship. An ad for a mail-order bride brings a deluge of letters, which prove more than he can handle. To his surprise, an intriguing woman from a big city arrives in his small Texas town. Correspondence is nothing like interacting with a flesh-and-blood woman every day. But gossip-leery Ione wants nothing to do with Morgan’s attempts at courting, which makes him try even harder.
Amazon buy link SPECIAL 99cents today (price will rise to regular $2.99 after release day)
EXCERPT
Morgan tracked the woman’s progress around the backs of the occupied chairs to the empty one to Penn’s right. He noticed everyone else watched her movements, as well. Strangers in this small town were always objects of speculation—like he’d engaged in hours earlier. Lowering to his seat, he again forced himself to look away to avoid appearing rude.
“Ivey, will you announce tonight’s menu?” Missus Treadwell unfolded her napkin then started serving big spoonfuls onto plates and passing them.
As she pointed to the meat platter, Ivey grinned. “The main course is a ragout of pork with mushrooms, wild onions, and turnips.” She gestured toward other bowls. “Mashed potatoes with chopped garlic and parsley, pickled beets and artichoke hearts, buttered corn, and rolls.” She removed the cover from the closest bowl and scooped a spoonful of potatoes onto the plate before handing it to her left. “As is probably obvious, I’m the cook here at the boardinghouse.”
“Berg Spengler, town blacksmith.” The bear of a man ducked his head as he passed the plate.
“I’m Maisie Treadwell, and I’m the maid.” The woman with honey-blonde hair served a portion of beets and handed the plate top the next person, quickly repeating the gesture with the next one.
“I hope the potatoes don’t have too much garlic.” A dark-haired boarder giggled. “I have to work tonight.” She added a serving of cut corn and passed the plate. “Oh, I’m Olivia Domingo, and I am a barmaid at the Golden Door.”
Morgan glanced across the table in time to see the new woman’s eyes shoot wide and her backbone straighten before she passed the plate to Penn.
Then she pulled her expression back to neutral. “My turn, I suppose.” The stranger leaned forward and gave a little wave.
Ah, she speaks. Morgan savored the sweet sound of her voice.
“My name is Ione Forrester, and I have been hired to be Dorado’s new schoolteacher.”
“Welcome to Dorado, Miss Forrester. We’re glad you’ve joined us.” The rapid words spewed from his mouth before Morgan gave them any thought. Which made him look like an awkward schoolboy.
GIVEAWAY
Anyone leaving a comment here or on my post on the Sweet American Sweethearts blog today will have a chance at winning an e-copy of Wandering Home, the first novella in the Dorado, Texas series.