Author Alicia Dean

October 31, 2022 · 5:15 pm

Horror Short Stories ~ On Sale for #99Cents while on Pre-Order ~ #HappyHalloween! #Fri13thStories

The Grimoire of Caligari by Stephen B King (Link coming soon)

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October 29, 2022 · 9:07 am

October 2022 Featured Books – Find New & Wonderful Authors!!! #BookWorm #AmReading

Looking for something new and fabulous to read? Try these…

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Otherworld evil is loose in the real world. Bram Farrell, Private Investigator, must track it down and destroy it before it destroys him.

Bram Farrell has starred in twenty bestselling novels by writer—and witch—Calista Amberson. Her fans love the tall, dark, and handsome PI who vanquishes supernatural bad guys using his magical powers. So, when Calista uses her magic to pull Bram from his fictional world into real-world, modern-day Detroit, she rocks both worlds.

Every supernatural being on Earth felt his arrival in this dimension. They don’t trust Calie’s intentions and Bram doesn’t either. When the supernatural community hands him the job of discovering who killed the beings in the real world that match those he killed in each volume of The Raven Tales, he takes on the task. It’s a job he’s done in twenty books—he’s up to the familiar challenge.

Bram’s investigation turns up a lot of suspicious characters grouchy bar-owning trolls, a thirsty vampire godfather, a couple of murderous x-cage fighters, a suspicious minister¬¬—and the Devil himself. Things are getting dicey: Bram could use some help with this job—but whom can he trust?
Fans of Jim Butcher will fall hard for Bram and Raven’s Moon.
J.B. Dane is a recovering romance writer with over two dozen titles under her belt. So when “Bram Farrell” walked into her office, she hired him on the spot. Together they kick Otherworlders’, er, nether regions, and write the second book in the Raven Tales series.

Find the two of them with their feet up on the desk at: http://www.RomanceandMystery2.com/jb-dane.

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Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land.
Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of Break Heart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, Una has enough to worry about.
Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most—the woman or the artifacts?
When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of Break Heart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Only daring and blind trust can save them.

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They each hit the trail solo in search of themselves…

Overworked entrepreneur Jules Martinez is sick and tired of men leaving her for their exes. Determined to wipe the giant, scarlet R for rebound off her forehead, she kicks off a yearlong vow of celibacy with five, blissful weeks backpacking her favorite trails through Washington State. Solo.

Out-of-work financial analyst Evan Davenport hasn’t been happy since camping in Scouts as a kid—before his wealthy parents and now ex-fiancé made all his major life decisions. Hoping to find joy and purpose, he buys all the latest ultralight backpacking gear, flies to Washington, and sets off alone on a weeklong speed hike through the wilderness.

Mother Nature has other plans, though, and keeps shoving Evan and Jules in each other’s paths. Usually naked. When sparks fly, can they find what they’re looking for in life together instead of apart?

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Riddled with guilt and tormented by desire, Lucy Short keeps notes about newcomers to the village, but why? The misfit with the rescue dog has a mysterious past. She’s been biding her time, plotting and scheming, and now she’s determined to get what she deserves. It won’t be straight forward. Someone is sure to be watching her every move, and there seems to be something more sinister going on.

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Filed under Author Blog Post, Ebook Deal

Tagged as #BookstoRead, #FantasyRomance, #HistoricalRomance, #ParanormalRomance, #WRPbks, Featured Books, Historical Romance, loss, Mystery, paranormal romance, series, suspense

October 25, 2022 · 6:45 am

#HobbyCareerPassion: Author Gini Rifkin – Raising Goats & New Release: Break Heart Canyon

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Gini Rifkin…

In my new historical romance, Break Heart Canyon, my heroine is a Scottish immigrant who raises goats in Colorado. While in the process of researching weaving, spinning, and farming during 1878, I began to consider following in my heroine’s footsteps.

I have been rescuing farm animals for over 20 years and my first rescue was a three footed angora goat named Precious. When I got her, she was in bad shape, with a heavily matted and tangled coat, blood sucking lice, and the three feet she did have were overgrown.

Every year I would trim off and keep her mohair. This procedure had to be done by hand as she was terrified of the electric clippers, but those hours were a special time for us as we bonded and listened to the oldies on the radio in the barn.

I have previously experimented with felting, but that was as far as I got—until recently. This year I decided to take lessons at the yarn shop to learn to spin and weave those bags of mohair. Although sweet Precious is gone, I think of her with heartwarming memories as I card her hair and try to achieve “greatness” at this ancient art.

The process of weaving being many thousands of years old, think of all the hands that plied the yarn and threw the shuttle to make cloth so vital to everyone from the common man to royalty.

Working on my rigid heddle loom is going better than spinning on the drop spindle, but both offer hours of relaxation, reflection, and the rewriting of chapters in my head. Now I’m spinning tales along with weaving tea towels. Had it not been for one brave little goat, I would never have thought of making this wonderful hobby a part of my life.

In Break Heart Canyon, there are also two lovable donkeys inspired by my two rescues, Jack and Rosie. Burros are incredible animals, thoughtful rather than stubborn, and intelligent with the gift for frequently outsmarting me. Along with the goats, ducks, and cats they have brightened my days and brought wonderful people into my world.

Wish I could show my heroine, Una MacLaren, the scarf I’m working on now. I’m sure she would agree we are fortunate to be surrounded by animals who keep us grounded, give us joy, and teach us what is most important in our lives. You can meet Una, and the handsome rascal who steals her heart, in Break Heart Canyon.

Excerpt:

With her fiery red hair and apparent love for the land and animals, she seemed the perfect person to live in this secluded vale surrounded by a canyon brimming with tall-tales and legends.

Standing now in her cabin, inhaling the tantalizing aroma of food, and dowsed in the fragrance of the hanging herbs and spices, Ryker believed this woman was capable of casting a spell on him. She needn’t bother, he was already smitten. Yes smitten. Never in his life had that term seemed relevant. The rampage of feelings she stirred in him ran the gambit from wanting to bed her, to wanting to protect her, to wanting to walk away from her as fast as possible.

She was a danger to his way of life. Or maybe his way of life was a danger to his happiness. Una confused him. Made him unsettled. And what a fetching picture she created, one easy to commit to memory and long for at a later date. But he wasn’t fond of wasting time on lonely reflections—he needed to vacate the cabin.

“Anything I can do for you other than get out of your way?”

“More firewood is always appreciated.”

He hurried outside, relieved to have a legitimate reason for performing any activity other than standing and staring at her like a randy schoolboy. Returning with all the split wood he could carry, he deposited the armload by the stove and turned to leave.

“Thank you, Ryker.”

For the first time, she’d called him by his Christian name, and dang he liked the sound of it wrapped in her unpredictable Scottish burr.

“You’re welcome, Una.” His reply came over his shoulder as he left. The jaunty tune she hummed hesitated for a moment. He smiled. Did she like the sound of her name on his lips as well?

https://books2read.com/u/mqExL6

http://ginirifkin.blogspot.com

https://amzn.to/2R53KA9

https://www.facebook.com/people/Gini-Rifkin-Author/100001680213365

Gini Rifkin writes stories of romance and adventure. Her settings include the American West, Medieval & Victorian England, and Contemporary thriller & fantasy. When not reading or writing, she keeps busy spinning goat hair and weaving. She also has the privilege of caring for a menagerie of abandoned animals including ducks, goats, donkeys, and cats. Born in Illinois, when struck by wanderlust, she moved to Colorado and met her husband, Gary. They shared the journey for 30 years, spending vacations canoeing, doing Mountain Man reenacting, and traveling around this great country. Although Gary has passed on, a little bit of him lives on in every hero she creates. Gini considers family and friends her most treasured of gifts.

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Filed under Author Blog Post, For Writers, Hobbies...Careers...Passions, New Release

Tagged as new release

October 20, 2022 · 2:15 pm

Get Your Fright on this Halloween….for Cheap! #99Cent #Horror #Ebook #ShortStories

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October 13, 2022 · 6:27 am

12 Week Course – Idea to First Draft: $75.00

A new class begins November 1st…sign up before the spots are taken!

Want to whip your ideas into shape and turn them into an exciting novel? Develop habits that will increase your productivity as you learn the secrets even the biggest names use to write their stories?

All this and much more in this 12-week, interactive course for beginners and seasoned authors alike.

Each week, you’ll have the chance to ask questions. You’ll also have 3 opportunities during the course to brainstorm with me or submit scenes to me for feedback.

*** Classes start on the first day of every odd month. (Jan 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, November 1 – Max of 10 authors per class)

Week 1 is all about PREPARING TO WRITE.

In just the first week, you’ll learn:

How to condense your story idea into a few powerful sentences

Tips for turning off your internal editor and freeing your creativity

How to increase productivity and form a daily writing habit

Week 2: CHARACTER

How to create an overview of your main character(s) and their role in the story

Week 3: STORY QUESTIONS

Questions to answer that will lay a solid foundation for your novel

Week 4: OUTLINE/SCENE LIST

The Inciting Incident, turning points, middle twist, black moment and climax. Even pantsers will benefit from sketching out these story parts, and plotters can go a step further and actually write out a list of scenes.

Week 5: SCENE CRAFTING

Elements to include in a scene

Week 6: SPRINTS

How to conduct successful writing sprints to increase productivity

Week 7: WRITER’S BLOCK

Tips to defeat writer’s block

Week 8: OPENING HOOK

What is needed in your opening scene and what is not

Week 9: THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF YOUR NOVEL

Learn which parts of your novel are most important and how to make them shine

Week 10: THE CRAFT OF WRITING

Learn about showing vs. telling, head hopping, and more

Week 11: SELF EDITING

Tips on polishing and revising

Week 12: WHAT NOW?

An overview of what steps need to be taken, depending on your goal, once you finish your novel

To sign up for the course, complete this form: 12 Week Novel Course Signup

Contact me at Alicia@aliciadean.com for questions

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October 11, 2022 · 7:06 am

September 2022 Featured Books – Find New & Wonderful Authors!!! #AHAgrp #BookWorm #AmReading #Ebooks

Looking for something new and fabulous to read? Try these…

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They each hit the trail solo in search of themselves…

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Secrets can protect what the truth will destroy.
Elidor MacKenzie has a gift she can’t return—the ability to absorb the joy, pain, and suffering of others. She’s spent her life running from what she considers her curse. Now, her best friend is dead, and she alone holds the key to an archaeological discovery that could destroy a culture. With newfound inner peace, Elidor has returned home to make amends and guard the secret revelation. But greed-driven scavengers have followed her. Once again, the energies of Joshua will stir the hurricane, with her at the deadly center.

Jules never got over Elidor. Twenty years and a famous journalism career later, he’s back in Joshua—and so is his first love. If his heart can stand the torture, he’ll risk reviving their relationship. But saving Elidor from herself and the secret she won’t give up may be the death of them both.

With Jules by her side, Elidor is determined to outrun the scavengers, guard the secret, and renew their love. But fate is coming after her, and there’s nowhere the couple can hide.

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No matter how you came to it, there was something about the idea of mixing a mystery story and a comedy tale together that intrigued you. Titillated your muse. Made you want to spin a story in this mystery subgenre yourself.
Welcome to the club!
Beth Daniels walks you through the twists and turns of putting some funny in your mystery to help you create a heart-stopping mystery that will also have your readers chuckling.

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Jordan Vasilakis is on the run, living under an assumed name. After a disastrous marriage to a notorious Greek business tycoon, she flees to the States and starts rebuilding her life. But her ruthless husband is determined to destroy her…once he finds her.

Michael Machau is drawn to the new singer at Jazz House restaurant, but the guarded woman is harboring dangerous secrets. The dedicated police officer may have to risk more than just his heart to forge a connection with the woman he knows as Madeline Cielo, especially when he discovers she’s living a lie.

Worlds collide. Lies entangle. Survival, much less love, is in question. They must quickly distinguish friends from enemies or risk losing everything—including a future together.

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Violetta Pelicani, massage therapist in Grado, Italy shortly after WWI, meets a young man at almost the same instant she learns her favorite uncle is dead. Suspicion of murder arises, and the two work together to prevent Vi from being accused. Though she has helped her uncle run his gelateria, she expects to gain nothing from his death, but she has already gained an admirer in John.

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Filed under Author Blog Post, Ebook Deal

Tagged as #BookstoRead, #FantasyRomance, #HistoricalRomance, #ParanormalRomance, #WRPbks, Featured Books, Historical Romance, loss, Mystery, paranormal romance, series, suspense

October 11, 2022 · 6:49 am

#HobbyCareerPassion: Author Amber Daulton – Belle’s Love of Music & New Release: Arresting Benjamin

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Amber Dalton and her heroine, Belle Hamlin…

Hi, readers. I’m Belle Hamlin, the heroine from Amber Daulton’s new romantic suspense novel, Arresting Benjamin. I’m excited to talk about my greatest passion—playing music. It’s also my career, but the money I make from it dumps it into the hobby category. Yep, that’s right. I’m a struggling musician with a dreaded day job at an insurance company that is sucking the life out of me. I live in Denver, Colorado, but I travel all across the state for a paying gig. I mostly play at bars and clubs, but sometimes I perform covers of classic songs for weddings, birthdays, and funerals. I can’t afford to be picky when it comes to a reputable gig. You’ll often find my best friends—Mia, Chanel, and Shea—running the merchandise table for me at a bar. They’re my biggest supporters. (By the way, have you checked out their oh-so-sexy books yet? You can find them here.) Anyway, I need my music like I need the air to breathe. My heroes are music legends like Melissa Etheridge, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Nicks, so I write both folky and rock ballads. Since I draw inspiration from my own personal experience, most of my songs delve into relationships gone bad. I’ve met a lot of fans at my shows, and I’m honored and humbled every time someone tells me how much they relate to the pain, frustration, and rage I’ve vented into my songs. I write from the heart, but sometimes it’s hard to share my pain and humiliation so openly. It’s worth it, though, if I can make anyone feel better about themselves and let them know they aren’t alone. Music should heal and offer hope, and that’s my goal in writing and playing music. Since several of my songs lean toward man-bashing and revenge tales, I thought for sure that Benji, my new guy, would run far away once he heard them. Thankfully, he proved me wrong. I gotta say, Benji has made me happy and healed some of my wounds, but that’s put a dent in my angsty creative process. Now, I’m not knocking our relationship or anything, but I’ve written a few sappy love songs lately and they clash with my damn-all-men-to-hell songs. I’m worried I’ll lose fans if I don’t keep up my angry, bad girl rocker persona with lyrics that match, but I write what I feel, and I’m in love. Sue me. All in all, though, songwriting and performing is who I am. It’s my hobby, career, and passion all wrapped into one. I can’t be anyone other than who I am, and I don’t want to be. Are you interested in reading about one of my performances? Check out the excerpt below. It’s in Benji’s POV, but I think he did a good job of describing the situation. Thanks so much for visiting. PS – Do you want a $25 Amazon gift card? Check out my Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a0982c528/

With enemies at every turn, how will they survive with their lives and love intact? Blurb A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker. Mechanic Benjamin Starwell can’t stop thinking about Belle Hamlin, the ballsy musician he slept with and skipped out on months earlier. He never meant to get her pregnant, but he’ll do whatever it takes to win back her trust and be a part of his child’s life. His desire for Belle drives him to be a better man, but he’s worn thin with a garage to run and his estranged sister dumping her troubles on him. Belle’s juggling impending motherhood, her indie rock career, and a stalker who’s determined to see her fail. Even though she’s desperate to get her priorities straight, she pushes aside her past hurt and welcomes Benji back into her bed. She never expects him to slip into her heart. When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child. Excerpt: Benji’s heart pounded harder as Belle strutted onto the stage from a rear door. Her hips swayed with a ba-dum beat as her hair flapped behind her shoulders. Was there an air vent above her? Dark eye shadow, mascara, and a dark slash of blush on her cheeks deepened her sultry eyes. Her lips swelled like a juicy plum. God, was her lipstick purple? Burgundy, maybe? She bent over, showing off her fine ass, and plugged her acoustic-electric guitar into the amp. A baby-faced gopher carried a stool and a water bottle to the middle of the platform. She patted him on the back and stared out at the crowd. Several men ogled her, despite the baby bump. Their lady friends laughed, but some frowned and slapped the guys’ arms. Wow. Benji swallowed hard. What he wouldn’t do to unzip her knee-high leather boots, pull down her stockings, and flip up her short pleated skirt? Her red sleeveless blouse emphasized the breasts he couldn’t wait to suckle. “Hiya, Tempes lovers! How ya doin’? Thanks for coming out in this cold weather.” Her voice echoed through the speakers. The lights lit Belle and the stage in a soft white glow. She strummed the guitar, testing it, as the audience shouted. “I’m Belle Hamlin, and this badass girl is Matilda.” She held up the sunburst-finished instrument. “We’ll rock you for the next hour, so let’s get started.” She ignored the stool, jumping into a song as her fans applauded. Deep, rumbling chords reverberated from the guitar and speakers. “She’s starting with ‘Stay True’.” Chanel clapped. “It’s my favorite.” “This is rock-and-roll. She sang folk and singer/songwriter-type stuff the night we met.” He bit his lip as her friends stood and danced in place. “What did you expect? She’s a solo female artist sandwiched between testosterone-filled rock bands. She has to up her game.” Shea tapped his CD case and flashed a grin. “Give it a whirl later. Belle is a cross between Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks, and Eric Clapton. Her guy issues and social opinions bleed into her songs.” Wonderful. Guy issues. He had his work cut out for him. Buy links: Only .99 cents until October 18, 2022 Universal link – https://books2read.com/arrestingbenjamin/ Amazon – https://amzn.to/3usC6SN Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940186751144 iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id6443054336 Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arresting-benjamin Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=JHJ5EAAAQBAJ About Amber:

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. Find out more here: https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton Sign up for her exclusive newsletter (free ebook to new subscribers): https://bit.ly/amberdaultonnewsletter

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Filed under Author Blog Post, For Writers, Hobbies...Careers...Passions, New Release

Tagged as #HobbyCareerPassion, Award Winning Author, indie author, new release, romantic suspense, steamy romance

October 10, 2022 · 2:48 pm

Author Promo Pal September Reviews

APP REVIEW:

A fabulous and wonderfully written romantic suspense that kept me turning pages. I didn’t want it to end, yet I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. The author painted a vivid and striking setting that came alive. I adore a novel with secrets and this one didn’t disappoint. The characters were real and relatable. I loved absolutely everything about this fantastic novel.

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APP REVIEW:

Another great read from this talented author. I love the main character, Henry, and enjoyed traveling with him to Hawaii. The setting was perfect and I could imagine I was there. And the mystery and intrigue didn’t let up until the very end. The story kept me guessing right up to its exciting conclusion. Highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more in this series!

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APP REVIEW:

Beth Daniels’ humor and personality really shine through in this informative and well-written ‘how-to’ book. I can see how she’s able to write such witty and entertaining novels. I’m not an author myself, but this book was still interesting and I can definitely see how it would be helpful to authors wanting to write funny mysteries. Give it a try…you won’t be sorry!
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APP REVIEW:

Oh wow…I was completely swept away in this medieval/fairytale romance. The characters and setting were perfectly done. I loved how the author interwove the mythology, legendas, romance and fairytale. It was beautifully written and kept me on the edge of my seat worrying for the princess. She is a great character and definitely not a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. The evil queen is delightfully wicked. Just spectacular all the way around and I am very pumped to read more of this magical adventure.

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APP REVIEW:

Fantastic. spell-binding romantic suspense. I could really sympathize with Jordan and I loved that her hero was a policeman. I admire law enforcement so much and Michael was a great hero. The author did an excellent job with mood and setting. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and rooted for this couple to find safety and their Happily Ever After. A truly wonderful, satisfying read.

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APP REVIEW:

A quirky, fun and unique mystery story. I loved the vintage setting and the realistic and interesting cast of characters. It was so vivid and well-written that the story leapt off the page. I couldn’t put it down as I tried–and failed–to solve the mystery. But I enjoyed every moment of it.

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APP REVIEW:

I was intrigued by the title and cover but wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed, though. The story is unique and compelling and I loved the main character. The mystery was a nice touch but mostly the story was about Lucy and her righting her wrongs and putting her past to rest. The author painted a vivid picture of the village where the story was set as well as the characters. A truly engaging read that I very much enjoyed.

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APP REVIEW:

A beautiful story of friendship and family. The author did a great job of conveying the trials and hardships these characters faced but also the triumphs, love and loyalty. I felt connected to the people in this story and I admired them so much. War is a horrific thing to deal with but the author reminded us in a heartwarming way that there can be a ray of hope amidst all the bad.

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APP REVIEW:

A helpful and practical guide that will help you discover your passion and what to do once you have. I loved that the author used her own experiences as examples. While hers had to do with writing, and I’m not a writer, she explained it in a way that would be helpful no matter what your passion is. She spoke in plain and simple, common-sense terms and didn’t convolute it by being verbose or preachy. I enjoyed this immensely and I’m looking forward to trying the exercises provided in the book.

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APP REVIEW:

Loved, loved, loved this story! The paranormal aspects were highly creative and seemed so realistic, I could almost believe in banshees and possessors and the like. The romance between Orla and David was soooo sweet and I rooted hard for them to get together. The friendship between all the main characters was very realistic and I loved the bond they shared. There was also a lot of witty banter, which I enjoyed. The writing was engaging and flawless. I was totally engrossed from beginning to end.

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APP REVIEW:

I love football and enjoyed this story about a former football star and the woman he let slip away years earlier. An excellent second-chance romance. It kept me turning pages hoping these two would find their way to their happily ever after. I enjoy a romance with a good conflict, and this one had a great one.

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APP REVIEW:

Love, love the setting, characters, the plot, and…everything. Such a wonderful, sexy, emotional read. It was a unique and refreshing change that the heroine was the one who rescued the hero. She was a strong, smart, capable woman. Loved the hero as well…he was sexy and funny and kind. They were both fantastic characters. The writing was engaging and vivid. Excellent book!

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Tagged as Author Promo Pal, book reviews, Ebooks, Reading

October 7, 2022 · 7:56 am

Author Interview with Pamela S Thibodeaux ~ New Release: Kyleigh’s Cowboy #InspirationalRomance

I am delighted to feature my sweet friend and talented author, Pamela S Thibodeaux on today’s blog. By the way…her book is available for pre-order AND it’s on sale for only 99 cents!!

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets? I am a mother of four (two by blood and two by marriage) and grandmother of three hailing from SW Louisiana. No pets at the time but my daughter and son have enough to make up for me not having any LOL!

Where did you get the idea for KYLEIGH’S COWBOY? In a first-chapter scene Kyleigh’s daughter has encouraged her to get out and socialize more then remarks about her maybe one day future husband …. “Who knows, he might be a tall, dark, handsome cowboy like dad always fantasized of being.” Hence the title.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)? Back in 1989 I committed my writing to God and said I didn’t want to write “just another romance” but something to glorify Him. I then revised my stories to include the characters’ faith, even though I had no idea there were major differences in Christian romances from traditional at the time. It’s been a tough lesson as I still don’t write traditional Christian but “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and it’s all I write.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

Kyleigh’s Cowboy started out as a short story for a popular women’s magazine but was rejected because the editor and readership did not like cowboys. Talk about a shock! Who doesn’t like cowboys, right? LOL!

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book? Getting into a set routine and applying the butt in chair principle.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

For some reason I felt this story (which began at less than 800 words) should be a minimum of 25K. Why this particular number still baffles me but for a while I struggled to get the word count up. I was going through a challenging period in my life at the time but once things settled down for me, adding scenes was easy. Even in the editing stages I’ve added or rounded out a few scenes in hopes of delivering a satisfying read.

What book have you read that you wish you had written? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? My favorite book of all time is actually the Born In trilogy by Nora Roberts. I really can’t explain why except those characters stay with me and I reread their stories often.

What’s your favorite childhood book? Again, this is a series not just one book: Walter Farley’s Black Stallion series

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie? Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle from the TV series Heartland. I believe these two would make excellent Kyleigh and Lance in a few years!

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write? Sometimes I think I’d like to write a traditional romance with steamy, passionate love scenes. I started one years ago but haven’t sat down to finish it. (See answer above about butt in chair principle 😊)

What is your favorite quote? “Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? ~Marianne Williamson from A Return to Love

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? Nora Roberts is hands-down my favorite author of all time. I just LOVE the way her characters grow throughout the books and her powers of description are beyond anything else I’ve read.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author? I had one reader/reviewer trash me and even question my faith because of my characters’ flaws and the way those were portrayed in the story. She didn’t bother to mention the growth or lessons learned from the instances she bemoaned. What has been the best compliment? ANY time I’m told one of my stories touched someone’s heart or changed their life or mind about a certain perception they’ve held it makes all the other stuff about writing/publishing worthwhile.

Your favorite…

Movie: I’m not good at having only one answer to your questions LOL! My favorite movies of all time are Pretty Woman and A Few Good Men

Music: Anything I can dance to which leaves out heavy metal and rap.

Place you’ve visited: Bandera, TX will always be my home away from home but my favorite places I’ve visited to date are Churchill Downs Home of the Kentucky Derby and Boonsboro MD – Nora Roberts’s hometown and her businesses Inn Boonsboro & Turn the Page Bookstore.

Place you’d like to visit: Ireland

TV show from adulthood: Heartland

Food: Bread in its every form: white, wheat, whole grain, pastries, cookies, cakes, pies (you get my drift LOL!)

Sports team: New Orleans Saints

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? I prefer card and board games over television.

Thank you for the fun interview. I enjoyed getting to know more about you. Now…tell us about your book!

She’s attempting to start a new life. He’s roamed for more than a decade. Can they let go of the past and grab hold of the future?

Seven years after the death of her husband, Kyleigh Winters turned their old vacation home into a brand new guest ranch. Not willing to join the ranks of lonely women trolling the bars or online in search of a man, Kyleigh is sure if God wishes her to have another husband, He’ll send the perfect someone in His own time. But will she be open to the possibility of new love when He does?

Searching for a place that calls to his soul, Lance Stevens has been a roaming cowboy for ten years since retiring from the Marines. He finds that sanctuary the moment he drives through the Silver Star’s gate and meeting the lovely owner speaks to more than his soul. Will he open to the healing power of love?

Get Pamela Thibodeaux’s second chance romance novella today and see how love and faith conquers all.

Excerpt:

Lance sat on his horse atop the highest hill the ranch boasted. Christmas was less than a week away and they were free of scheduled guests until then, but they never knew when someone would pop in and want to stay. Seth and Elaina had painted her bedroom and he’d refinished the dresser, hiding the ugly scars left by flames with fresh color. He’d trimmed it out with an intricate geometric pattern stenciled in various shades that picked up the muted hues of her new bedspread and curtains. The work his son was capable of surprised and pleased Lance.

If only he could relate that to the boy.

Kyleigh had lavished praise on Seth, saying she wished he’d been involved in the renovations they’d endured before opening the ranch to the public. She then promised to find more woodwork for him to do for as long as he chose to remain in her employ. The three of them had been thick as thieves ever since.

And that was a problem.

He hadn’t had a moment alone with Kyleigh in days.
Time to remedy that.
Lance whirled his horse around, picked his way down the trail and into the corral. He unsaddled and groomed the animal. After giving Champ an extra helping of oats, he turned the big chestnut loose to roam with the herd, and then ambled to the bunkhouse to shower and dress. Convincing Kyleigh to have dinner with him in town might be easier if he smelled less like a cowboy and more like a gentleman. He cornered her in the office as she tallied up the day’s books and prepared a deposit. “Just the lady I wanted to see.”

She glanced up, smiled, and his heart stuttered in his chest. “You clean up nice.”

Lance chuckled. “Got a hot date.”

Her eyebrow arched in question. “Is that a fact?”

He stepped closer, cupped her cheek in his hand. “That’s a fact, ma’am. What’re you hungry for?”

“What makes you think I don’t already have plans for this evening?”

The flush on her cheeks, light in her eyes, and softly curved lips assured Lance she didn’t, but he played along for the simple joy the teasing brought. “Cancel them. Nothing is as important as dinner tonight. With me. Just the two of us…wine, food, dancing. No ranch, no kids, no responsibilities.”

“A bit demanding, aren’t you?”

He took her hands, pulled her to her feet. “That, my lady, was a request. This is a demand,” he murmured, then captured her mouth in a hot, hungry gesture. By the time he let her catch her breath again, she was plastered against him, her fingers fisted in his shirtfront.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF627TZF

BB: https://www.bookbub.com/books/kyleigh-s-cowboy-by-pamela-s-thibodeaux

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62590658-kyleigh-s-cowboy

Other: https://books2read.com/KyleighsCowboy

About Pamela:

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story! http://bit.ly/psthibnewsletter

Social Media Links:

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/e/B002BM045Q/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1268453.Pamela_S_Thibodeaux

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelasthibodeaux/

11 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post

Tagged as Christian Romance, Clean and wholesome romance, Edgy Christian Fiction, Small Town & Rural Romance, sweet romance, Western Romance

October 2, 2022 · 5:26 am

Author Interview with Rachel Brimble & New Release: Victoria & Violet #HistoricalRomance

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Rachel Brimble…

Rachel, thank you for joining me today! Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

Hi, I am so happy to be here! Although originally from Bristol in the UK, I am now lucky enough to live just a short drive from the famous city of Bath, England. I have been married to my wonderful Mr. B for 24 years and we have two grown up daughters and a chocolate Labrador called Tyler.

When I’m not working, I love to travel, read, knit and watch far too many period and crime dramas…

Where did you get the idea for Victoria & Violet?

This book is the realization of a long-held ambition – I have wanted to include real characters and events in one of my novels for so long and I have finally managed it with Victoria & Violet.

I love writing historical romance so had the idea to write a series where the books are linked by each successive monarch or their consort, but the actual romance revolves around two fictional characters at court. Victoria & Violet is set in the court of Queen Victoria and follows the journey and escapades of her housemaid, Violet.

I absolutely loved writing it and now enjoying book 2 set in the court of Queen Alexandra.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Social media! It has so many benefits for artists of any kind promoting their work, but it does take up a large chunk of my writing time. Having said that, it’s absolutely necessary and I secretly enjoy it! I have made some of best online friends through social media, not to mention building some fantastic relationships with my readers. So, it’s fair to say I have accepted social media is part of my working life!

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Victoria & Violet?

I’d say this book will appeal to all fans of British period drama, so I’d love for readers to come away with the feeling that they have been transported to a different world where courtiers, royalty and common people interact and learn to love and respect one another.

I hope I provide laughter, a few tears and memorable scenes that readers will recall time and time again.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I am currently studying for a history degree in the hope of writing Royal biographies sometime in the future. I am a bit of Royal nut and especially enjoy reading about past British monarchs so would love to spend my days immersed in research and writing about one of them.

For fiction, I also occasionally think whether or not I could write a cozy crime novel…watch this space!

What is your favorite quote?

“Set it up the way you want it to be.” Iyanla Vanzant

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They love that I write and are quick to tell anyone and everyone who will listen what I do! Not all of them read my work, but the ones who do are always asking when the next book is coming and the ones who don’t still ask me a hundred questions whenever we’re together.

It really warms me to have their unending support.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Nora Roberts! As a ridiculously starry-eyed fan of hers for over two decades, it was the biggest thrill of my life when my husband surprised me by booking afternoon tea with Nora Roberts at the beautiful Ashford Castle in Ireland (we also stayed the night!).

I spoke to her at the book signing and said hello again in the hotel later that evening. It was a weekend I will never forget 😊

Your favorite…

Movie Notting Hill

Music 1980s

Place you’ve visited Croatia

Place you’d like to visit Sardinia

TV show from childhood Grange Hill

TV show from adulthood Too many!

Food Chicken Satay

Sports team None – not a sports person at all!

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Television

Great interview….I agree about Social Media! 🙂 Now, please tell us about your book…

It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England…

When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess of Kent.

Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action.

Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings.

Only Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…

Excerpt:

What awaits me is marriage,” he said. “But I am not a man any woman should want for a husband so it’s something I will avoid for as long as possible.”

The curiosity in her eyes made his confidence falter, and James lifted his fingers from her arm. No doubt she thought him pathetic for fearing something that so many longed for. But Violet did not know him or what he might be capable of. Of the nasty, volatile temperament passed down through the men in his family for generations.

“Better marriage than imprisonment with a mother who has controlled and belittled you your entire life.” She smiled wryly, her gaze sad. “Better a son who will one day marry than a daughter shackled to a mother who wishes her to scheme and spy upon the only person who has made her feel human, liked, and worthy of a modicum of respect for the first time in months.”

He stilled. “Do you speak of the queen?”

Mistress Parker swallowed before looking at Victoria where she stood a few feet away. “What would you like to do if not marry?” she asked quietly.

James stared at her profile, unsure of her thoughts or disposition. “Stay at court where I am happy. Work hard. Rise within the hierarchy as a single man.”

“I want to paint.”

Had he heard her correctly? “Paint?”

She softly smiled as she faced him. “Yes. I dream of my landscapes hanging in every gallery and every grand house in the country. If you think yourself an oddity in this mercenary world, whatever must you think of me? Good evening, Mr. Greene.”

James stared after her as Violet disappeared amongst the mass of finery, his heart heavy for the sadness that emanated from her, yet his inquisitiveness about her had only deepened. He looked at Victoria as she laughed with Melbourne and others in her circle. Could it be that the queen saw the same spark of something special in Violet Parker that he did?

Find the book here: Buy Links

About Rachel:

Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of 29 novels including the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin). Her latest novel, Victoria & Violet is the first book in her new Royal Maids series with the Wild Rose Press and releases 17^th October 2022.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association as well as the Historical Novel Society and has thousands of social media followers all over the world.

To sign up for her newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!), click here: https://bit.ly/3zyH7dt

Website: https://bit.ly/3wH7HQs

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3AQvK0A

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3i49GZ3

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3lTQZbF

1 Comment

Filed under Author Blog Post

Tagged as Historical Romance, queen Victoria, romance series, Royal romance

Author Alicia Dean

Horror Short Stories ~ On Sale for #99Cents while on Pre-Order ~ #HappyHalloween! #Fri13thStories

October 2022 Featured Books – Find New & Wonderful Authors!!! #BookWorm #AmReading

Looking for something new and fabulous to read? Try these…

#HobbyCareerPassion: Author Gini Rifkin – Raising Goats & New Release: Break Heart Canyon

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Gini Rifkin…

Get Your Fright on this Halloween….for Cheap! #99Cent #Horror #Ebook #ShortStories

12 Week Course – Idea to First Draft: $75.00

September 2022 Featured Books – Find New & Wonderful Authors!!! #AHAgrp #BookWorm #AmReading #Ebooks

Looking for something new and fabulous to read? Try these…

#HobbyCareerPassion: Author Amber Daulton – Belle’s Love of Music & New Release: Arresting Benjamin

Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.

I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Amber Dalton and her heroine, Belle Hamlin…

Author Interview with Pamela S Thibodeaux ~ New Release: Kyleigh’s Cowboy #InspirationalRomance

Author Interview with Rachel Brimble & New Release: Victoria & Violet #HistoricalRomance

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