The Princess, the Pea and the Night of Passion by Rosetta Bloom #BigBookGiveaway #BookSpotlight

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The Princess, the Pea and the Night of Passion by Rosetta Bloom

In this grown-up version of the famous fairy tale, Princess Adara is running from her old life and a forced betrothal. Adara wants love and passion, but knows she can't get them back home. When a raging storm halts her escape, Adara seeks refuge in the first dwelling she sees.

Prince Richard is tired of the trite, vain, frigid princesses his mother introduces him to in hopes he'll marry. On this stormy night, he's in the mood to love a woman, but he's all alone. Then, Adara arrives on the castle doorstep, saying she's a princess in need of help. The queen is doubtful and decides to lock Adara in a room with a pea to determine if the girl is a real princess. Richard believes the beautiful, charming stranger, but he wants her locked in a bedroom for other reasons.

When Richard and Adara hook up, there's more than a pea-sized bit of passion involved....

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Best Things Said #IWSG #writing

IWSG Asks:

What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

When I started out writing as a teenager, before I knew anything about the writing craft, having only the knowledge of following my gut instinct for story-telling, I sent the beginning chapters of a few of my completed WIP's to several editors at the big-time publishing houses (Harlequin, Dorchester, etc). To my dismay, I received rejection letters from each of these, although each with comments and recommendations on how to improve my writing. Encouraged, I continued to write as well as study the craft as those editor's comments suggested.

I assumed, as a beginner, this was how the process worked. I didn't learn until a year or two later how lucky I was to receive those positive editor's comments.

One day, I spoke with two published romance authors who were both signing their books at the Waldenbooks where I worked. I eagerly chatted with them in between customers, telling them how much I admired their books and admitting that I was trying to get my work published, too. They asked how it was going. I told them about the encouraging rejections. They were both astonished that I had received anything other than a standard rejection letter. According to them, most editor's didn't have the time to bother with making comments or suggestions of any kind and just sent a form letter in response. Out of all the rejections I collected, I still have never received a plain form letter. Every editor has written something positive about my writing. I could clearly see the surprise on these author's faces as I told them this.

I knew at that moment, I would never give up writing or my efforts to get published. The look on their faces told me more than their words that I was on to something here. I had a long way to go, learning about writing and story-telling, but if those big-time NY editors were encouraging me to continue writing and working on improving my craft, then that's what I would do.

Now, several years later, I'm a published romance author, too!

With every completed manuscript and every published book, I strive to keep learning how to write a better story. And whenever I have doubts (which I still have many!) about whether I should continue writing, then I think back to that conversation with those two authors and think about how fortunate I really am.

How about you? What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing? Share in the comments section below! Also, be sure to check out the other blogs in the Insecure Writer's Support Group! 

The Night Watchman Express by @AlisonDeLuca #BigBookGiveaway #BookSpotlight

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The Night Watchman Express by Alison DeLuca

An underground factory, a terrifying laboratory, and the eerie whistle of the Night Watchman Express…

Miriam has only her guardians' son for company, and she and Simon dislike each other from the start. But they must find a way to trust each other, or they will end up on the sinister Night Watchman Express.

Full of danger, suspense, betrayal, and a hint of romance, this steampunk adventure is for readers of all ages.










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Enter the #BigBookGiveaway for a Chance to Win The Witch's Kiss

Enter the Big Book Giveaway for a chance to WIN a print copy of

The Witch's Kiss

Marianne Grey is a ghost.

But, she's not dead. Cursed by a necromancer, Marianne searches for the elusive spell needed to merge her spirit with her physical body. She's not alone in her search. Her neighbor and best friend, Sage Merriweather, has vowed to help her break the curse.

Sage suffers from his own demons. Literally.

After surviving a horrific attack, a demon has bonded with him, mutating Sage's magic so he can only conjure fire. Until he can break the bond, he is a danger to everyone near him, including those he loves.

From the glittering ballrooms of London to eerily dark graveyards, Marianne and Sage battle forces of evil destined to claim their souls for eternity. Though their newfound love for each other may be the toughest battle of all. 

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Enter the #BigBookGiveaway for Great Books

Summer is here! That means summer vacation for many of us and what better way to relax than to win a bunch of books from some fantastic authors!

Enter The Big Book Giveaway hosted by Girl Who Reads for a chance to win!

A total of 20 books have been donated which means 

2 winners will receive 10 books each! 

Here's what you might win:

 

The Night Watchman Express by Alison DeLuca 

Song of the Fairy Queen by Valerie Douglas

Crosscurrents by D.B. Sieders 

Til Death Do Us Part by Stephanie Ayers

The Taming by A. M. Rycroft

The Photograph by Grant Leishman

Silent Slaughter by C.E. Lawrence 

The Witch's Kiss by Tricia Schneider 

The Master's Plan A Novel by Stephany Tullis

Graveyard Shift by Angela Roquet 

Blood Moon by Angela Roquest 

Kitten Kaboodle by Kathi Daley

Rook by J.C. Andrijeski 

Black in White by J.C. Andrijeski 

Lucinda Literary donated:

Course Correction by Ginny Gilder (Beacon Press)

How to Write Like Tolstoy by Richard Cohen (Random House) 

And Penguin donated:

Bukowski in a Sundress by Kim Addonizio 

Find more information about this giveaway as well as other blog hosts and a 

BONUS OFFER at Girl Who Reads.

The Big Book Giveaway runs from July 1 - 31. Winners will be selected August 30.

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Meet Harley #rescuecat #catlover

I haven't properly introduced the newest addition to my family, yet. Let me do so now. Meet Harley Quinn, the newest member of our household.

She found us on a cold, wintry day in February. Earlier that morning, I had dropped the older kids off at school and had gone grocery shopping. Since it was just me and the baby, I had no one to help me unload the car. It took 5 trips from the car to the house that day. And with each trip, when I stepped onto the back porch I heard a strange squeaky sound. At first, I thought it was something bumping against the neighbor's house. After all, it was a windy day. But by the 3rd trip, I realized the squeaky noise would only occur when I was near the house. For my 4th trip I started looking around to try to find what was making that strange sound. By the 5th trip, I suddenly thought that it might be a cat. After all, with the experience I've had in the last 4 years as a cat owner, I've come to hear all sorts of noises that sound nothing like the traditional "meow" sound.

I stood still on the back porch, but the sound ceased.

"Hello?" I said out loud, searching amongst the many bicycles and kid's toys that were stashed on the back porch. "Is there a kitty out here?"

Sure enough, I heard the squeaky sound again. This time I was able to pinpoint its source. In the far, back corner of my porch, I found a tiny, scrawny bundle of black with two very green eyes gazing up at me. She opened her mouth for another croaky, squeak and my heart jumped.

It was so cold outside. And she was so tiny! What was she doing here?

"Hi, Kitty," I said, stepping toward her to get a better look. As I came forward, she stood and walked to meet me. I tentatively reached out my hand, thinking this will surely make the cat dart away. Stray cats in my experience never get this close to humans, but she looked so tiny and lost, I couldn't even think of anything else but to reach out to her.

To my surprise, she meowed and let me pet her.

All I felt was skin and bones. She was starving! My heart dropped.

"I'll be right back," I said and quickly ran into the house to get a small plate of cat food. When I came back outside, she was still there. I set the plate down and she pounced on it, gobbling the food. Again, my heart melted. She must be so hungry. When she was finished, she let me pet her again. This time she purred. A loud, rumbly purr. Then rubbed her head against my leg.

A kitten, I thought. She must be a kitten.

I couldn't leave her out in the cold. I knew from the weather reports that we were to have over a foot of snow in the next day or two. Where would she hide in that storm? Would she survive? She was already starving and trembling as I held her, so I didn't think twice about going back into the house to search for the cat kennel we kept in the attic. When I returned to the porch she was still there. I didn't even have to entice her into the kennel. I put another plate of food, plus a bowl of water and a blanket in the kennel and I picked her up and placed her inside.

That was how I met Harley.

The next day, I took her to the veterinarian to find that she was 3 lbs 6 oz. A kitten, I thought, but the vet corrected me. By her estimation, Kitty (as I called her then) was about 6 months old. Extremely small for that age but malnutrition could have stunted Kitty's growth. After all, I had no idea how long she was outside. Was she born out there or had she gotten away from her owners? Besides being undernourished, she also suffered from dehydration. She had fierce congestion, an ear infection and her one eye was weepy. A bit of fur was missing from her belly and paws. But, she was such a friendly kitty. She let everyone hold her and, boy, did she purr! So loudly!

When I spoke to my husband on the phone about her, I wasn't sure how he was going to take the news that I rescued another cat. We rescued 2 about 4 years ago. I had no intentions of keeping her. I just didn't want her dying. I saved her without thinking what to do next. But, when he saw her for the first time, I should've known she was destined to stay with us.

She's a black cat with dark brown stripes and a patch of white fur on her chest. My husband loves black cats. So, it didn't surprise me when no one stepped forward to claim her that he suggested we keep her.

New Contract, New Opportunities #HistoricalRomance #WIP

I'm super excited to announce that I've recently signed a new contract with The Wild RosePress to publish my historical romance tentatively titled, The Pirate's Lady.

This is a step in a new direction for me.

My books are primarily paranormal romances, however The Pirate's Lady will be straight historical romance without even a hint of supernatural goings-on!

Shocking, I know!

My readers and friends know that I am a huge paranormal lover, so what's with the change of scenery?

Well, it's exactly that. A change of scenery. A chance to let my writing muscles grow and perhaps to reach a new audience. I'm avidly interested in history. I've done immense amounts of research into many time periods that I've yet to dip my publishing toe into. I have several works-in-progress stories set in various time periods and locales. This just happens to be another one.

And pirates are fun! 

This is also an amazing opportunity for me to work with a new (to me!) editor, one who works in the historical department of TWRP. I hear those ladies are very serious about historical accuracy! I'm eagerly looking forward to learning more!

But, that doesn't mean that my paranormal romance editor won't be busy anymore. I have two more romances in the works with supernatural elements that I hope to send her soon. Despite branching into a new genre, that doesn't mean I'll abandon my first love!

If you'd like to keep up with my upcoming stories, 

please join my newsletter! 

Or if you'd like to catch up on my paranormal romances, 

check out my website.

#BookReview: Confessions of a 3-Day Novelist by Laura Roberts #nonfiction #amwriting #NaNoWriMo

Confessions of a 3-Day Novelist by Laura  Roberts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Want to write your books faster? Learn the tricks that bestselling authors use to succeed!

In 2011 author Laura Roberts wrote an entire book in just 72 hours, as part of the 3-Day Novel Contest. Upon completing the challenge successfully, she knew she'd found a great new way to write books quickly, and wanted to share her secrets with the world.

In this book you'll learn:
* How to write an entire book, from start to finish, in just three days;
* How to outline your story to achieve success;
* What you'll need to write your book in just 72 hours;

Plus plenty of tricks and tips for writing faster, smarter, and harder.

Use the methods that bestselling authors have used to achieve their success. Learn how to finish your books quickly to get them delivered to readers and build your fan base.

What are you waiting for? Grab a copy to start writing faster today. (less)

ebook, 31 pages

Published November 13th 2014 by Buttontapper Press

My Review:

I've been writing for years and years, but I still enjoy reading the how-to books for writing. In this book, the author claims you can learn to write a novel in 3 days. I believe it. I wrote a novel in a week when I was 15, then again just last year. Three days would be quite a record, and I am definitely up for that challenge!

In this short book, you'll find a list of things you need to accomplish writing a novel in 3 days. The author includes her method as well as some tips and suggestions. For a new writer, this is a very informative book that will aid you in achieving your goal. The method she uses is an excellent way to get that first draft written quickly. I especially liked her ideas for outlining and the caretaker. For a more advanced writer, one who has studied the craft and read many books on the subject, there's really not anything new. However, I did enjoy reading it anyway. Ms. Roberts has an engaging voice and a clear sense of humor which made the book a quick and entertaining read.




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#BookReview: Not2Nite by Barbara Burke #WWII #HistoricalRomance #TWRP

Not2Nite by Barbara   Burke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When ARP warden Molly sees a light shining through the darkness of London on a cold winter's night in the middle of the blitz she's infuriated with the careless American who struck it. Doesn't he know there's a war on?

Guy's just trying to find his way through a maze of unlit streets. He's very sorry and Molly reluctantly forgives him. When he accompanies her on her nightly rounds the two learn about each other, themselves and whether it's really possible to fall in love in only one night - especially when there's no guarantee of tomorrow.

Kindle Edition, 105 pages

Published February 8th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press 

 

My Review:

This is a WWII era romance, set in London during the Blitz of 1941. Molly is an Air Raid Precautions warden. Her job is to look out for enemy aircraft so she can alert the neighborhood of danger and help people find safety during air raids. During the night, London enforces blackouts to make it more difficult for enemy bombers to find their targets. Molly meets Guy, a visiting American, as he is lost among the darkened city streets and lights a match to see his way. Guy is intrigued by Molly and finds every excuse to spend more time with her, even accompanying her on her lookout for the night. During their night atop a roof they learn a lot about each other and by the next morning they promise to meet again in four days. Meanwhile, Guy heads to Leicester in search of his uncle, whom his mother wants to return with him to America. When Guy returns to London four days later, he finds…. Well, I won't tell you what he finds. I don't like spoilers!


What I can tell you is that this is a charming and sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is a story about love at first sight. The characters were well-rounded and likeable. The dialogue between the couple was flirty, engaging and witty. There are historical details woven throughout giving the reader an interesting glimpse of life in London during the Blitz. Not2Nite was filled with a range of emotions that kept me turning the pages with eager anticipation of the happily-ever-after these two characters deserved. Also, I enjoyed reading about Molly's cousin. I loved her spunkiness. I'd like to see her in a story of her own one day.

To Buy:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

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#BookReview: #DoctorWho: The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett and Narrated by Catherine Tate

Doctor Who: The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the TARDIS is invaded by a holographic marketing scam, the Doctor and Donna find themselves trapped on the Edifice, a purpose-built complex of luxury apartments in space. Their new environs leave much to be desired: millions of beings from across the Universe have been gathered to live side by side in similar apartments. Instead of creating neighbourly affection, it’s led to terrible battles being waged in the corridors and on the stairwells. The Doctor and Donna must cross the paths of deadly alien mobs as they search for the Edifice’s ultimate authority. Who - or what - lies at the heart of the incredible complex? What destructive scourge is eating away at the Edifice itself? And are the Doctor and Donna trapped forever in this living hell? Doctor Who: The Forever Trap features the Doctor and Donna, as played by David Tennant and Catherine Tate in the hit BBC Television series Doctor Who. Written specially for audio by Dan Abnett, it is read by Catherine Tate.

Audiobook

Published October 9th 2008 by BBC Audio (first published September 30th 2008)

My Review:

Ah, the Doctor. And not only any Doctor, but David Tennant's Doctor. One of my two most favorite Doctors along with Christopher Eccleston and Tom Baker. Since I can't watch any more television shows featuring these Doctors, I'm forever grateful that I can still enjoy learning about their adventures through books. And not only that, but hearing them narrated by my most favorite companion EVER is the best! Sorry, Rose.

The Forever Trap begins with Donna and the Doctor aboard the Tardis. A mysterious man appears on the ship, something that the Doctor claims is impossible. The man is a salesman of sorts, advertising a luxurious apartment. Before they can learn much more about how he's come to be here, Donna accidentally touches the man which seals the contract he has proposed and they are whisked away to the Edifice.

The Edifice is a building which houses the likes of all manner of creatures and aliens regardless of whether they are friend or foe, or even if the environment is suitable to their lifestyle. As in water creatures who are unable to breathe air. The Doctor and Donna are horrified at the conditions they find these abducted creatures are living and they search for who or what is responsible. And as always, the Doctor's mission to put things right at rather all costs.

This isn't the first Doctor Who audiobook I've listened to, but I believe it is now one of my favorites. The story was interesting and mysterious, just the way I like it. But, also, I think the talented Catherine Tate's narration was one of the reasons I loved this story. She did a fantastic job at creating voices for these alien creatures and even the Doctor. And it was a delight to hear Donna's voice again with her snarky comments. A pure joy!




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