Coming Soon: Summertime Dream by Babette James

Fellow Wild Rose Press author, Babette James, is visiting my blog today to talk about her upcoming release. Please help me give her a warm welcome!

Thanks, Tricia, for letting me visit here today. I’m delighted to share a peek at my new contemporary romance novel from The Wild Rose Press, Summertime Dream, which is releasing in Kindle and print this coming Friday, December 27^th, on Amazon.

  

Summertime Dream is the second novel in my River series, which began with Clear As Day. I had enjoyed writing Christopher and Margie as friends of my hero and heroine in Clear As Day, but they were already married and happily in love, and I had no intentions of giving them their own story or writing a prequel. Best laid plans…

I was taking a little break from writing the intended next book in this series, and was playing around with some scraps of scenes set around the Fourth of July, wanting to write a story  completely separate from the River series, when the idea hit me that this was possibly perfect for a fun little story of how Christopher and Margie met the summer before the events in Clear As Day.

Well, my characters had other plans and had far more to tell than a short story. My sweet happy couple had shadows in their pasts and problems to resolve. I absolutely loved writing their novel and watching the two learn what they needed in their lives as they dealt with the house, her family, the mystery of Christopher’s grandmother, and fell headlong into love.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

Babette

Blurb:

The Fourth of July is over, but for these summer lovers the fireworks have just begun.

An unexpected inheritance brings business consultant Christopher Gordon from Los Angeles to quaint Falk’s Bend. He’s carved a week from his demanding schedule to list his great-grandparents’ house for sale and explore his roots. However, disturbing family secrets and the sweet temptation of writer Margie Olsson derail his plans, challenging him to seize the elusive dream missing from his hectic life— love.

A recent brush with death shook Margie’s life, but not her dreams and she’s ready to move forward. Only, standing up to her loving, over-protective family isn’t easy. Helping Christopher explore the derelict mansion and unravel his grandmother’s mysterious past should be a harmless fun taste of independence. But when her experimental summer fling ignites into unexpected love, how can her small town dreams work with his big city life?

Excerpt:

Margie laughed. “Of course, in my dreams it was a bit less rundown.”

“I’d imagine so. Interested in buying?”

“Oh, if only I could, I would in an instant. I’m sure the property alone is worth far more than I can afford.  It’s a huge piece of land. And the repairs and restoration...” Longing swelled. She sighed. Someone else would buy and live in her dream home.

Quiet fell between them for a while. Bees buzzed in the clover. Birds sang, chirped, and flitted. A hummingbird whizzed past. Two more ducks joined the first amid quiet bickering quacks. Dandelion fluff drifted by on an unfelt breeze.

A truck rattled down the lane, breaking the moment.

“Suppose we ought to head back...” Christopher turned, so close their arms brushed, but instead of retreating, he hesitated. Their eyes locked. Where dismay and frustration had filled his green eyes, want simmered. The heavy air electrified.

You need a change.

On a surge of bewildering crazy courage, she stretched up and kissed him. The brief brush of lips to lips left her shaken and her heart pounding, like she had  just come up for air.

His eyes widened in his serious, craggy face.

No, oh, no. Blowing out an unsteady breath, she pressed a hand to her stomach. She’d carried her day’s adventure one impetuous step too far. Her heroines were the daring part of her. She’d never even kissed on a first date before, and this wasn’t even a date.

Before the apology fluttering in her mind could break free, he cupped her cheek and touched his mouth down on hers.

Summertime Dream will be available on Amazon.com in Kindle and print on Friday, December 27, 2013

“Summertime Dream is a perfect glass of Lemonade on a hot day. Simple, elegant and beautifully written. I enjoyed each scene. Loved the chemistry between the characters and the house. Great story!” ~ Deborah Diez

Clear As Day, (★★★★½ RT Book Reviews, ★★★★★ Top Pick The Romance Reviews) is available now in eBook and print at:

Amazon.com: http://amzn.com/B007RN9STW

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=4806

And at all other eBook retailers

Blurb for Clear As Day:

What’s a girl to do when her summer lover wants forever?

Haunted by dark memories of her parents' volatile marriage, artist Kay Browning keeps her heart locked behind a free-spirit facade and contents herself with the comfortable affair she has every summer with easygoing photographer Nate Quinn. 

The only trouble with her plan? This summer Nate's come to Lake Mohave to claim the lover he can't let go. He’s done with the endless traveling and settling for temporary homes and temporary loves. Kay’s always been more than just a vacation fling, and now he must convince this woman, who sees love as a course to certain heartbreak, to take that leap of faith and learn how safe love with the right man can be.

About the Author:

Babette James writes sweetly scorching contemporary romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. As a teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test! Born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California, she’s had a life-long love of the desert and going down the shore. Babette now lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and extremely spoiled cats.

You can find Babette at:

Website: http://babettejames.com/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ltvyP

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BabetteJames

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/babette.james

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BabetteJamesAuthor

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.com/e/B007KDJWV8

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/babettejames

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/babettejames/

Cover Reveal: Wolf's Bane by Ash Krafton

My friend and fellow Wild Rose Press author, Ash Krafton, has news to share with readers today. The cover for her upcoming novel, Wolf's Bane, is revealed at last! Oh, it makes my fingers itch to hold a copy in my hands! I can't wait to read it!

If you haven't read the first of the Demimonde, you have until December 30 for a chance to win an ebook version of Bleeding Hearts by entering her contest for A Very Paranormal Holidays Blog Hop. 

WOLF’S BANE (Demimonde #3)

By Ash Krafton

BLURB:

Sometimes, when life gives you lemons, all you can do is try to avoid paper cuts.

Since becoming oracle to the demivampire two years ago, advice columnist Sophie has battled werewolves and survived a vampire attack (or two). However, not only was she powerless to save her lover Marek when he slipped to the brink of evolution, she also witnessed his transformation into a falcon, the symbol of Horus United.

Sophie’s quest to save Marek is further complicated when rock star Dierk Adeluf – who also happens to be the king of the Werekind – invites her backstage after a concert. Just when it seems she will find respite from heartache, Sophie is bitten by a werewolf and Dierk decides she is destined to be his queen.

Sophie is caught between the demivamps she loves and the Were who commands her to love him. Throw in his jealous wanna-be girlfriend—a true bitch if ever there was one—and an ambush by witches, and there you have the big mess that Sophie calls her life. And, hello? Her soul mate is still a bird.

She’s supposed to be the girl with all the answers, but Sophie needs more than a little advice--she needs divine intervention.

Forthcoming Spring 2014 via Pink Narcissus Press

Find the other Books of the Demimonde at

AMAZON ~~ B&N ~~ GOODREADS ~~ PINK NARC

Ash Krafton

BIO

Ash Krafton is a writer of all things spec fic. She believes spectacular endings make the best beginnings… Why not? One billion black holes can’t be wrong. 

Her first novel BLEEDING HEARTS: Book One of the Demimonde is available through Pink Narcissus Press. The manuscript earned finalist distinction in several Romance Writers of America 2011 competitions and has earned several other awards. The follow-up BLOOD RUSH (Demimonde #2) was published in 2013 and the third installment WOLF’S BANE (Demimonde #3) is expected mid-2014. 

Her urban fantasy novelette STRANGER AT THE HELL GATE is available through the Black Rose line of The Wild Rose Press. 

In addition to novel-length fiction, Ash enjoys writing poetry and short fiction, some of which earned awards and distinction in several national competitions. One of her poems was selected as a Pushcart prize nominee. She’s a member of Pennwriters, RWA, Pikes Peak Writers, SFPA, and the Maryland Writers Association. She also contributes to Query Tracker’s blog at http://querytracker.blogspot.com. 

Ash resides with her family in a rural town in the heart of the Pennsylvania anthracite coal region. She’ll never leave, either, because coal is just another example of a spectacular ending waiting for a brilliant beginning. (It’s kinda fitting.) And because, like a black hole, once you’re in…

…you can never get out.

Find Ash at:

Website ~~ Blog ~~ Twitter ~~ Facebook ~~ Goodreads

FREE on Kindle! The Witch's Thief by Tricia Schneider

The Witch's Thief is FREE on Kindle from December 17-21! This a Christmas gift...from me to you! For all of my readers in appreciation of your support. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to read my books! And to any new readers, I hope you take a chance on me. I know there are literally thousands of books on the market these days. I'd feel honored if you chose my book from among them. 

Also, for those who haven't read my previous books...

My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, is having a 25 Days of Christmas sale which includes The Witch and the Wolf and The Witch and the Vampire at 25% off!

AND I'm co-hosting A Very Paranormal Holidays Blog Hop with author Kallysten. There are prizes galore, so be sure to enter all the contests for your chance at free books, gift cards and other cool items!

Happy Holidays to you all! 

~Tricia

About the book:

To save her sister’s life, Julia Grey seeks a spell hidden somewhere within Merriweather Manor. Her position as a lady's companion affords her the freedom to search the house. But time is running out. The necromancer she's bargained with is growing impatient. And an unexpected appearance of a man from her past makes matters worse in an already complicated situation.

Basil Merriweather returns to England after ten years abroad to discover his childhood sweetheart living in his home. But, he's no longer the carefree man of his youth and she's hiding something--deadly secrets Basil vows to uncover even as he hides a dark secret of his own.

While neither Basil nor Julia will trust in the other, their hearts speak a truer language. In a grand attempt to save Julia's sister and Basil's life, the two must finally confess sinister truths. Will their admissions help or hinder any future they may have together? Or will the necromancer destroy all in a vile attempt at revenge.

Excerpt:

"What are you doing?"

He ignored her frantic questioning. Instead, he blocked out the sound of her voice and raised his arms into the air at his sides, his fingers splayed out as he extended his senses to scan the area. His power eased out, like extensions of his fingertips, stretching into the corners of the room, seeking, searching for the source of the magic he sensed.

It was here. Somewhere.

He had sensed it earlier on his arrival, but being that his aunt and siblings practiced magic on a regular basis he'd never given it a second thought.

This room, however, stank with it. He smelled the odor, something strangely like sulfur...

"A spell has been cast in this room," he muttered. A strange spell. Odd. A spell he'd never sensed before, something new. It felt off in some way he couldn't explain. Who would be working new magic of this kind in his home? And, in this room in particular. Aunt Petunia worked her spells in the privacy of her rooms upstairs, or sometimes in the gardens, but never in this room. And his siblings each practiced in their own private settings, places where they could concentrate without the threat of being disturbed.

He took a step closer to the center of the room where he sensed a surge of power. He shivered as coldness seeped into his skin. It wrapped around his arm, sinking into his flesh, right down to the bone.

The magic in his house was always full of warmth and gentleness. Goodness and love. This magic chilled him to the bone. His heart skipped a beat. There was fear, terror, pain.

This spell was full of darkness.

FREE ON KINDLE ~ DECEMBER 17-21

 

A Very Paranormal Holidays Blog Hop with Tricia Schneider

Authors Kallysten and Tricia Schneider (that's me!) organized this Very Paranormal holidays Blog Hop to share their love for paranormal romance, help you discover new authors, win books, prizes... and maybe a brand new Kindle Fire!

The Holiday Season is upon us and I have an extra reason to celebrate this year. My newest release, The Witch's Thief, is available now on Kindle and Paperback! 

And since this is the season of giving I have other good news to share with readers...

My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, is celebrating the holidays with a 25 Days of Christmas Sale! That means all their digital titles are 25% off until Christmas Day! This is the perfect time to stock up on all those romances you've been wanting to buy. Or take a chance on a new author! There's a romance for everyone at The Wild Rose Press!

This SALE includes the first two books in The Merriweather Witches: 

And as a special holiday treat for readers...if you get a chance to see this post anytime between December 17-21 you can hurry over to Amazon Kindle to get a copy of The Witch's Thief for FREE!  

This is a limited time offer!  

Get a copy for yourself, your mom, your sister, your neighbor. It's Christmas! It's the time for giving! Do you know anyone who loves paranormal romance? Get a copy for them, too! This is a great time of year to give the gift of books. 

Don't have a Kindle? No problem! You can get a Free Kindle app for your PC, mobile or tablet. 

Did you miss any of these sales? Not to worry! I don't want anyone to feel left out.

Anyone who leaves a comment on my blog will be eligible to win other prizes.

I'll be picking 2 random winners for this one! Be sure to leave your email address in the comment section on this blog post so I can contact you if you should win!

The Prizes

1st Prize

A $10.00 Amazon Gift Card 

 2nd Prize

A Kindle copy of The Witch's Thief

A Very Paranormal Holidays Blog Hop

Grand Prize

A Brand New Kindle Fire HD! (7", 16GB, wi-fi, no ads)

Click here to enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize: a Rafflecopter giveaway Blurb:

To save her sister’s life, Julia Grey seeks a spell hidden somewhere within Merriweather Manor. Her position as a lady's companion affords her the freedom to search the house. But time is running out. The necromancer she's bargained with is growing impatient. And an unexpected appearance of a man from her past makes matters worse in an already complicated situation.

Basil Merriweather returns to England after ten years abroad to discover his childhood sweetheart living in his home. But, he's no longer the carefree man of his youth and she's hiding something--deadly secrets Basil vows to uncover even as he hides a dark secret of his own.

While neither Basil nor Julia will trust in the other, their hearts speak a truer language. In a grand attempt to save Julia's sister and Basil's life, the two must finally confess sinister truths. Will their admissions help or hinder any future they may have together? Or will the necromancer destroy all in a vile attempt at revenge.

Excerpt:

"What are you doing?"

He ignored her frantic questioning. Instead, he blocked out the sound of her voice and raised his arms into the air at his sides, his fingers splayed out as he extended his senses to scan the area. His power eased out, like extensions of his fingertips, stretching into the corners of the room, seeking, searching for the source of the magic he sensed.

It was here. Somewhere.

He had sensed it earlier on his arrival, but being that his aunt and siblings practiced magic on a regular basis he'd never given it a second thought.

This room, however, stank with it. He smelled the odor, something strangely like sulfur...

"A spell has been cast in this room," he muttered. A strange spell. Odd. A spell he'd never sensed before, something new. It felt off in some way he couldn't explain. Who would be working new magic of this kind in his home? And, in this room in particular. Aunt Petunia worked her spells in the privacy of her rooms upstairs, or sometimes in the gardens, but never in this room. And his siblings each practiced in their own private settings, places where they could concentrate without the threat of being disturbed.

He took a step closer to the center of the room where he sensed a surge of power. He shivered as coldness seeped into his skin. It wrapped around his arm, sinking into his flesh, right down to the bone.

The magic in his house was always full of warmth and gentleness. Goodness and love. This magic chilled him to the bone. His heart skipped a beat. There was fear, terror, pain.

This spell was full of darkness.

Don't forget to check out these blogs 
for more chances to win cool prizes! 
Remember, the more you enter, the better your chances to win!

FREE on Kindle! Burdened by Desire, Elemental Sisters II

FREE on Kindle December 3-7!

Blurb: Jocelyn, an Elemental, is stuck between the mortal and immortal worlds, yet not quite a part of either. Her power over the elements of the Earth won’t evolve until she meets her mate. Before then she’s an easy prey and a coveted possession for the Malums Inmortalis who wish to conquer the world.

Alpha werewolf, Landon, has been living with the knowledge his fated female, the one woman created for him, is just beyond his reach. For months he’s forsaken her, refusing to accept his mate because she can never grant him a much-needed heir for his nearly extinct pack.

Despite his decision Landon finds himself drawn to Jocelyn and when an attempt is made on her life, he realizes his destiny lies with her.  Can they overcome the long-held prejudices of his kind and defeat their enemies in time to find what the future holds?

Excerpt: His heart-wrenching confession took Jocelyn by surprise. As his eyes continued to bore into hers, her heart skipped several beats. Was he being truthful? She wanted to believe he was. Maybe it was the way he stared at her, consuming her like nothing else mattered, like she was the center of his universe. She wanted to believe he was sorry and that she excited him. It would comfort her knowing he was as drawn to her as she was to him. But were the words he spoke true?

He pulled her a touch closer, his body rubbing close to her own, she felt every muscle on his chest and his heat, the warmth from his body soothing her. Her eyes settled on his lips and she imagined what would happened if he kissed her again? What would she do? She was supposed to be angry with him but the reason was beyond her grasp.

“Baby?”

The endearment caught her off guard, and her eyes drifted to his again. She fought to catch her breath as his gaze enveloped her. If she waited any longer, his scent would once again devour her. Was he waiting for, a response? What was she supposed to say? Did he ask a question? She couldn’t remember. All she wanted now was a kiss. Just one mind blowing, gut wrenching, searing kiss.

BIO:

J.L. Sheppard was born and raised in Miami, Florida where she still lives with her husband.

As a child, her greatest aspiration was to become a writer. She read often, kept a journal and wrote countless poems. She attended Florida International University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors in Communications. During her senior year, she interned at NBC Miami, WTVJ. Following the internship, she was hired and worked in the News Department for three years.

It wasn’t until 2011 that she set her heart and mind into writing her first completed novel, Demon King’s Desire, which was published in January of 2013.

Besides reading and writing, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

BUY LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/Burdened-Desire-J-L-Sheppard-ebook/dp/B00FDZBEA2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1383937214

Website: http://www.JLSheppard.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JLSheppardAuthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jlsheppard5/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JL_Sheppard

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6894176.J_L_Sheppard

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CXDFEIK

Huge E-book Sale at The Wild Rose Press!

The Wild Rose Press

Early Bird Black Friday Sale

All digital titles on sale at 50% off! 

My books are on SALE at The Wild Rose Press! This is the perfect time to catch up on my paranormal series about the Merriweather Witches. My newest book, The Witch's Thief, is currently available in paperback and on Kindle. If you haven't read the first two books in this series, now's your chance with this incredible sale. 

And while you're checking out my books, take a look at the other titles from my publisher. They have a romance for everyone there! Paranormal, historical, suspense, contemporary, women's fiction, and young adult. From every time period and every length! They have short stories and longer novels. Seriously, something for everyone who loves a great romance to read during those cold winter nights! 

But, you must hurry! I'm not sure how long this sale will continue!

 

 The Witch and the Wolf

Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.

Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

 $1.99
Sale: $1.00
Save: 50% off     

To Purchase or Read Excerpt

 

 The Witch and the Vampire

Melora Merriweather is searching for a fellow witch to protect her from a scheming uncle with plans of marriage. When her carriage overturns on her journey, she is rescued by a mysterious man whom she learns is the very person she seeks. But, he’s not the witch she thought he was…

Sebastian Collins should have left for London days ago. Now a snowstorm has trapped him with a woman who has come seeking protection, a woman who intrigues him like no other. And with each passing hour, his hunger for her grows…hunger for her kiss, her caress, and her blood.

$2.99
Sale: $1.50
Save: 50% off                                  

To Purchase or Read Excerpt

 

Want some more Romance? Check out these titles!

Stranger at the Hell Gate
by Ash Krafton

Jagger Sintallon, a half-demon warrior, has dedicated his existence to fighting demons who enter the world through Hell gates. A loner of conflicting ideals, he offers shelter to a troubled woman but knows he is too rough, too dangerous, and too cocky for her delicate nature.

Dedicated to Divine Will, Sonya Camael, a Seraph, is determined to discover why she is drawn to Jagger's doorstep and the reason behind her mission. She needs the demon's help but fears he may get himself killed before she can figure it out and the world slips into Hell's dominion.

Sonya faces grave danger with evil stalking her every move, and Jagger shouldn't care but realizes he cares more than he'd likely admit. Sonya knows Jagger cannot win this war alone, but will her divine intervention mean his imminent end? Or will just the right combination of Heaven and Hell set the world right once again?

$1.99
Sale: $1.00
Save: 50% off

To Purchase or Read an Excerpt

 

Clash of Wills
by S.G. Rogers

When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins...

Princess Samantha's magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication--especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.

To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha's scheme, he vows to protect her...until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance. Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust? And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?

$1.99
Sale: $1.00
Save: 50% off

To Purchase or Read an Excerpt

 

Maximus
by Christine Elaine Black

Carissa Valeria distrusts the handsome soldier who rescues her reckless son from plunging to an early death. Recalling the man's heartless treatment of her from years ago, she itches to even the score, but her son hails the rescuer as a hero. When he becomes her neighbor, her son's friendship with the soldier threatens to uncover old secrets and place her family and her heart in danger.

Exiled to the countryside by the Roman emperor, Maximus Octavius is confounded by the brittle countenance of the woman he's willing to befriend. She's afraid, and he's determined to find out why. But helping Carissa and her son means confronting the guilt of his long-forgotten past and stirring the silenced passion in his heart.

Can Maximus win Carissa before fear and revenge tear them apart forever?

$3.99
Sale: $2.00
Save: 50% off

To Purchase or Read an Excerpt 

She's Got Dibs
by AJ Nuest

True love does not exist...or so event planner Tessa Adams learns the day she gets jilted--twenty-four hours prior to walking down the aisle. One-night stands are much easier, and with sexy philanthropists like David Brenner, how can she resist? Now if she could just get rid of him. Had she known the biggest event of her career would be working for David's father, she would have cut and run. Instead, she's unwittingly become a part of his parents' plan to destroy his life-long dreams. Will sacrificing her love protect him or be the ultimate betrayal?

Wealthy and gorgeous, David Brenner seemingly holds the world in the palm of his hand--his generous heart and infectious smile are just two in an endless stream of attractive qualities. But the one thing he wants, he can't have--a repeat of the passionate night he spent in the arms of a skittish Tessa Adams.

His family's far-reaching power threatens to crush their dreams. To prove his love, he would risk everything...but will the return of her ex-fiance be their final undoing?

$5.99
Sale: $3.00
Save: 50% off

To Purchase or Read an Excerpt

Embrace the Darkness 
by Lilly Gayle

An experimental vaccine gives vampire Gerard Delaroche hope for the first time in two centuries--until two people are brutally murdered, and he suspects a conspiracy between vampires and mortals. To solve the crime, he must put his trust in a beautiful detective. But is former soldier and MP turned detective, Amber Buckley, a threat to his existence? Or the answer to his prayers?

Amber Buckley and her partner are assigned to do follow up interviews in the Lifeblood of America slayings. Amber believes she and Reid are just new eyes on a cold case. That is, until she meets Gerard Delaroche. Something about him teases long-buried memories Amber would rather not chase. However, the two join together, falling into more than resolution of a murder case. It seems Amber has some dark secrets of her own.

To find their way into the light, Amber and Gerard must first EMBRACE THE DARKNESS.

$5.99
Sale: $3.00
Save: 50% off

To Purchase or Read an Excerpt