July 13, 2017 · 7:48 am

“10 Moments That Changed My Life” by Marie Higgins Plus: PRETENDING YOU’RE MINE Historical Romance

Please help me welcome author Marie Higgins, sharing the…

“10 Moments That Changed My Life”

  1. Writing a skit for girl’s camp when I was 17 years old, and getting the award of ‘best written’. At this age, I didn’t even know I wanted to be a writer.
  2. Receiving awards for my skits in the community. When I was in my mid-twenties, I wrote skits for my community which were performed and judged. The awards I received were “Funniest” and “Best Written”.
  3. Reading my first romance book, A Rose in Winter by Kathleen E Woodiwiss. I was in my mid-twenties, and my step-mother-in-law brought me this book to read when I was very sick. I was so caught up in the story that I couldn’t put it down. After I finished this story, I searched for more books by this author, and then more historical romance books. That was the point in my life when I fell in love with historical romance.
  4. Watching a romance/suspense movie that had the worst ending! Yes, believe it or not, this did change my life, because I was so upset that the producer/writer of this movie made the audience fall in love with the hero and heroine and yet they didn’t end up together at the end. This was the very thing that pushed me to write my own happy endings!
  5. I’ve always had movie-like dreams. The day I watched that crappy movie, I had a dream that night about a happily-ever-after story. The next morning, I decided to write my dream. That’s all it took to kick-start my muse. The rest, they say, is history…
  6. Joining RWA (Romance Writers of America). Can you imagine how excited I was to join a group of other writers who loved romance as I did? The years I was with the Utah Chapter, I met so many great women (who are still my friends today), and I learned so much about writing. I realized if I was going to be a writer, I’d better learn how to do it the right way.
  7. Winning Second Place in a writing contest! I entered my story (which is now titled “Charmed By Knight”) into a RWA contest, and I won second place! I was shocked…and on cloud nine. It was exciting to think that readers actually enjoyed my story.
  8. Received my first email from an agent from my dream agency. She had read “Charmed by Knight”, and loved it…but she couldn’t fit it into her schedule to represent me. So although I never did get with this ‘dream agency’, it was a thrill knowing she enjoyed my story. I even kept the email. lol
  9. Getting my first publishing contract. In 2010, I had a publishing company offer to contract one of my stories (which is now titled “Her Own Fairy Godmother”). The editor told me how much fun she had reading this story, and how she couldn’t put it down. Unfortunately, this particular publishing company was one of the worst mistakes I made, but at the time, I was thrilled that a publisher wanted my stories!
  10. Discovering self-publishing! In 2011 I had heard so many great things about self-publishing, so I decided to give it a try. That was one of the BEST decisions I’d ever made. Many of my stories were in Amazon’s top 100 best sellers, and I received many 5-star reviews! Now, all these years—and 44 books—later, my stories are still making it to Amazon’s top 100 best sellers, and I’m still receiving many awesome 5-star reviews.

Wow, Marie, what an excellent, fun list! I can definitely relate to your Kathleen Woodiwiss moment, except mine was The Flame and the Flower – Brandon and Heather, I’ll never forget reading that and being completely swept away. Although, my first experience with passionate historical romances was Rosemary Rogers’ Sweet, Savage Love. I read it 8 times! But, enough about me, LOL. Tell us about your book…

HEROIC ROGUE SERIES (all ebooks 99 cents through the month of July).

PRETENDING YOU’RE MINE (book 1)

Mercedes Maxwell is devastated when her twin sister is driven to take her own life by none other than her husband, William Braxton. Determined to make her brother-in-law pay for the injustice, Mercedes travels to Dorchester, England to find him. She is shocked to find that William is unaware of his wife’s death, and when Mercedes is mistaken for her sister, she decides to pose as her twin to glean some answers. Mercedes embarks on an adventure she never dreamed of in hopes of bringing justice to her sister. Instead of justice, Mercedes uncovers a plethora of secrets and mystery. As she works to unravel the mystery and discovers who she can trust, Mercedes finds that all is not as it seems, and that William Braxton may be the one man she can trust.

 EXCERPT :

Thundering hooves of a horse bore down upon them. Mercedes switched her attention to the man on the steed. The small crowd parted, and the man atop the animal dismounted. His horse had whipped up a cloud of dust in the dingy alley and she waved her hand in front of her face to keep from sneezing. The sight of the rider left her speechless and a bit weak at the knees.

His rugged appearance shocked her, his strength evident in his muscled arms and legs. Rather than the fancy clothes of the English gentry, the beige shirt and brown leather vest of a farmer’s attire stretched taut across his wide chest, and the black material of his trousers molded to his legs and fit snugly into his black knee-boots. But this man was no farmer. That much appeared evident by the way he carried himself as he strode toward her, his step too confident, too graceful.

When he neared and she gazed upon his face, her breath caught in her throat. The sun had turned his skin a light brown, and the sureness of his jaw bespoke authority. Chestnut hair tousled by the wind framed his head, and she had a sudden urge to swipe the unruly locks off his forehead.

He was quite handsome, if she dared admit, and he literally made her lungs stop working. Never had that happened to her from just admiring a man. Looking into his fiery hazel eyes, she swallowed hard.

He stopped mere inches away, towering over both Mercedes and the soldier like a dark cloud of doom. She leaned her head back to take in his height.

The handsome man met the soldier’s stare. “Sir, will you kindly remove your hands from my wife?”

Her jaw dropped. Wife?

“Correct me, Mr. Braxton, but was your wife not running from you?” The soldier shook his head. “A few hours ago, I had heard that you reported your wife missing. Now here she is caught running. There must be a reason for that.”

She sucked in her breath. Mr. Braxton? This handsome and very powerful man was William Braxton, her sister’s husband?

The pulse in her temple grew stronger. She couldn’t speak, and she couldn’t think. Telling him about Kat’s death was crucial, yet she didn’t want to do that in front of all of these spectators.

If only her mind would cooperate with her tongue and voice, perhaps she wouldn’t feel like a trapped animal. But more importantly, why did she find her brother-in-law dangerously attractive?

When the man in question settled his eyes on her, his expression softened and a smile touched his mouth. “Yes, my dear. Please inform the captain and all these good people why you were running from me.”

 Purchase link to Amazon – http://a.co/aZ0bGdL

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marie Higgins is a best-selling, multi-published author of Christian and sweet romance novels; from refined bad-boy heroes who make your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. She’s been with a Christian publisher since 2010. Between those and her others, she’s published over 40 heartwarming, on-the-edge-of-your-seat stories and broadened her readership by writing mystery/suspense, humor, time-travel, paranormal, along with her love for historical romances. Her readers have dubbed her “Queen of Tease”, because of all her twists and turns and unexpected endings.

Visit her website / blog to discover more about her – www.mariehiggins.com

Find her on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/marie.higgins.7543

And Twitter – https://twitter.com/mariehigginsXOX

 

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July 12, 2017 · 6:42 am

Author Interview with Mary Morgan ~ New Release: QUEST OF A WARRIOR

Today’s guest, Mary Morgan is sharing a new release, a giveaway, and a great interview!

Welcome, Mary! Thank you for joining me.

 

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

I always begin each story with a brand new journal. It has become a tradition to find the one that feels right. This is where I put all the pertinent character(s) information, settings, and any plot ideas. It’s also a form of reference material and word count. I start with a basic outline, but my characters always take me in another direction. I might begin as the “captain at the wheel,” but in the end, they are the ones guiding the tale.

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

Marketing my book! It can drain the creativity side tremendously. Yet, after three years, I have found the balance and strive to maintain time to write every day. When I don’t, I find I’m a cranky author. All these ideas/voices are sitting there, so I need to keep the wheels of creativity flowing.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself? What is one word you think others might use to describe you?

Me: Passionate

Others: Supportive

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? What’s your favorite childhood book?

“Hawaii” by James Michener. After reading his book as a young teen, I became fascinated with historical novels. His story launched me on a lifetime of adventures within history.

I was obsessed with the Nancy Drew books as a child. It was a delight to read about a girl solving mysteries. Devoured them all, so there’s no favorite. I consider the entire set as one. 🙂

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

There’s only one actor I’ve envisioned for Conn in “Quest of a Warrior,” and that’s Alexander Skarsgard. From the moment Conn stepped forth in my first book, “Dragon Knight’s Sword,” I saw this actor. It’s the way Alexander moves, and those eyes say it all.

What is your favorite quote?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Thanks again, Mary. I enjoyed the interview. I love that quote. And, Alexander Skarsgard….sigh… 🙂 

Check out Mary’s giveaway and her book…

Rafflecopter Giveaway June 30 – July 31 !!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MWUxYzRmNjRlNjU0ZmNkZWI5NTk1MmIwNjFiM2NkOjY=/?

Blurb:

“You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!”

Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich has traveled the earth for thousands of years, guarding the realm between mortal and Fae. His deeds are legendary. Yet, one mistake will force him on a journey to fix a broken time-line. However, on Conn’s quest, he must face a human female who will eventually bring this ancient warrior to his knees.

When Ivy O’Callaghan inherits her uncle’s estate, she never imagines there will be more secrets to unravel, including the one she hides from the world. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she learns to trust and step out of the shadows. However, nothing prepares Ivy when she learns Conn’s true identity.

As the loom of fate weaves a thread around the lovers from two different worlds, will the sacrifices they make lead them to love? Or will their secrets destroy and separate them forever? 

Excerpt:

Conn fought the bolt of desire spearing a path throughout his body. Her touch spoke volumes—an invitation to taste. Never had he longed to kiss a human like this wee lass. His heart beat loudly, and he found himself unable to move. She was a Goddess of the moonlight. It danced off her face and hair, and he trembled before her. Ivy’s fingers traced down his cheek and across his lips. He was helpless to contain the growl that escaped from his mouth.

The rush of passion overtook him, and Conn slammed the door on his mind. Grasping Ivy around the waist, he hoisted her up on top of the bridge. Her lips parted on a sigh, and he lowered his mouth to feast on something he dared not take. The first brush of her soft lips against his own ignited a hunger he could no longer contain. Taking her moan deep into him, Conn glorified in the sensation of her mouth—one filled with a honeyed sweetness.

The Fae warrior became just a man for the first time. Something primal burst within him. Emotions he had never felt left him dizzy, spiraling to a physical plane. He craved them all. His lips seared a course down her neck, to her throat, and then recaptured the velvet warmth of her mouth. 

Buy Links:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Warrior-Legends-Fenian-Warriors-ebook/dp/B072HPBMDM/

Barnes&Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/quest-of-a-warrior-mary-morgan/1126404360/

The Wild Rose: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5086-quest-of-a-warrior.html

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/quest-of-a-warrior

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/quest-of-a-warrior/id1231868317?mt=11

 

Author Bio:

Award-winning Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

Author Links:

WEBSITE:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

 

 

 

 

 

 

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July 6, 2017 · 10:02 am

EAGLE EYE – LIKE NO OTHER – BOOK 2 by Darcy Flynn

I am delighted to host today’s guest. Not only has she become one of my treasured author friends, her writing is fabulous!! Her romances are cute, passionate, and emotional, and this is one of my favorites. (And how yummy is the cover? I think girls DO make passes at guys who wear glasses… :))

Welcome, Darcy!

 

I had so much fun linking Jillian Jeffrey, a character from my first book, Keeper of My Heart, with the second book in my Like No Other Series. My readers wanted Jill’s story told and I’m happy they insisted.

Blurb:

Could one little mistake derail everything she’s worked for?

Undercover journalist, Cameron Phillips, is known for his forthright exposé articles uncovering scandals of New York City’s rich and famous. Using the pseudonym Eagle Eye to hide his identity, he is free to wield his finger pointing, no-holds-barred articles at leisure.

Jillian Jeffrey, teen fashion industry’s latest darling, has a heart for the less fortunate. Her goal is to raise enough money for fashion icon Anna Delany’s, Like No Other charity foundation. The donation will not only keep the charity afloat, but will place Jill in the running for a coveted position on LNO’s board of directors.

In a moment of weakness, at the charity gala, Jill reluctantly accepts a bet from her ex-boyfriend and uses a homeless man to raise twenty thousand dollars. Unknown to Jill, the homeless guy is the cynical, undercover journalist, and Jill has just become his latest exposé target.

In a twist of fate, Cameron is soon hired to shadow Jill as she volunteers with the charity. Shorthaired and clean-shaven, he looks nothing like the bearded, disheveled man Jill had encountered the night of the gala. During their time together, he not only discovers the noble reason behind the bet, but witnesses first hand his article’s negative impact on her business. Faced with the prospect of losing her, will Cameron come up with an antidote for Eagle Eye’s toxic exposé before Jill loses everything she’s worked for?

Excerpt:

“Okay. I admit it. I was having coffee in the bistro near the park when I spotted you. So, I followed you here.”

An incredulous expression crossed his face. “You do see the weirdness in this don’t you?”

“I felt badly for what Sandra said last week.”

“It was the truth, wasn’t it?”

“To a point, but—”

“Look. An abandoned subway is no place for a spoiled socialite. This place is dangerous.”

“You think I’m spoiled?”

“Yes and twenty thousand dollars richer.”

“The twenty thousand was for charity.”

“I guess that made what you did to me okay?”

“No. Of course not.” She sighed. “Look, I admit that I’ve done fairly well for myself. But it hasn’t always been that way.”

 “You’re a Jeffrey. It’s always been that way, sweetheart.”

She pulled her hands away from the flame and clasped them to her chest. “What do you mean?”

“Wealthy, wrapped up in yourself, and according to the society pages, One of New York City’s wealthiest families back in town,” he mocked. “Everyone who’s anyone in this city knows about the Jeffrey girls of Scarsdale.”

“Girls?”

“Your sisters.”

“Oh, of course, them.” First Mark and now him. No wonder he had ill feelings toward her. He thought she was one of those Jeffreys.

“So, you think because of that you know me?”

“Not you personally, but…” He shrugged.

“When you’ve met one high society dame, you’ve met them all. Is that it?”

“Dame? Now there’s a word.” The corners of his mouth lifted. “First hobo and now dame. You and your friends should get out more.”

For one second, all she saw was his to-die-for half-smile. That along with his disheveled appearance was quite a package.

“Well, according to your earlier comment, my friends and I get out plenty.”

He gazed down at her. His crooked smile still played around his lips and his eyes held a sudden twinkle that disarmed her. But she couldn’t help notice the note of disdain behind that charming twinkle. She’d used him, coaxed him into a glamorous environment, then humiliated him. It probably wouldn’t make any difference as to what he thought of her, so let him think what he wanted.

 

Purchase at Amazon: http://a.co/acPSbpy

Purchase at B&N: http://bit.ly/2sserzd

To follow or find out more about Darcy check out the links below.

Website/Blog: http://www.darcyflynnromances.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcyflynn

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

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0077AG3ZM

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975929.Darcy_Flynn

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dflynnauthor/boards/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116563609469381811624/posts?tab=XX

Newsletter sign up form –

http://us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=570b0042efc422749dab88376&id=f47b8b7a0c

 

About the Author

Darcy Flynn is known for her heartwarming, sweet contemporary romances. Her refreshing storylines, irritatingly handsome heroes and feisty heroines will delight and entertain you from the first page to the last. Miss Flynn’s heroes and heroines have a tangible chemistry that is entertaining, humorous and competitive.

Darcy lives with her husband and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She raises rare breed chickens, stargazes on warm summer nights and indulges daily in afternoon tea.

Although, published in the Christian non-fiction market under her real name, Joy Griffin Dent, it was the empty nest that turned her to writing romantic fiction. Proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

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June 29, 2017 · 2:58 pm

June’s Featured Books – #Erotic #Suspense #Historical #Romantic Suspense #Paranormal Romance

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

 

A Love So Strong – Historical romance by Beverly Wells…

She can’t cook, doesn’t sew, and lord have mercy she has to put lime down the outhouse, but Morgan is determined to play her mock role as a mail order bride to catch the saboteurs of the railroad. In A LOVE SO STRONG, she’s blessed with a sisterly bond she hadn’t counted on, while gaining the deep love of the undercover PI. Full of humor, this historical romance was also written to raise awareness of ALS.

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A Deep Thing ~ Riveting Suspense by A.K. Smith…

Here’s a great beach read. Travel to the beaches and jungles of Mexico and escape to the magic of the Yucatan. Give your summer a little love, lies and secret societies.

5 Stars Dive into A Deep Thing A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith is a high concept thriller–think The Da Vinci Code of the deep–that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go. A roller coaster ride of romance, suspense, mystery and intrigue, this page-turner surprises at every turn and offers a stunning ending you’ll never suspect. I never heard of cenotes–magical underground caves in the Yucatan Peninsula so it was fascinating to learn about diving in these beautiful sinkholes. This book really packs a punch. It has everything from conspiracy theories to corporate greed and smart writing that doesn’t disappoint. –Marilyn Baron, Author of Stumble Stones: A Novel

Special sale $0.99 to celebrate 6 month release date! – Only a few days left at this price!!

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Wanton Angel, Mia London’s latest steamy novella, is ON SALE for 99 Cents!!! Grab it while you can.

A one-night stand shouldn’t change her life… Piper Diamond has it all. A thriving, successful career, amazing friends, and her love life right where she wants it—by the balls. Anyone can see she’s smart, sexy, and not afraid to speak her mind. To Piper, men are bracelets to slip on and off at will. So why should one night with a handsome stranger tip her world off its axis? Scott Reid is ambitious, confident, and handsome. And when a gorgeous blonde needs to be rescued from a slimeball in a bar, he’s just the man for the job. Little does he know, Piper needs a hell of a lot more than an instant hero.

 

 

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Flood by Elaine Cantrell ~ A tense, thrilling romantic suspense

Drawn together by their love of animals, Aria De Luca and Caleb Hawkins burn for each other. They never suspected that malignant forces around them were successfully plotting Caleb’s ruin from the moment he entered her life. When the flood of a century strikes Aria’s hometown, an alienated Caleb is all that stands between her and catastrophic loss.

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Haunting of Hotel Labelle by Sharon Buchbinder ~ A sassy, sexy paranormal romance

When hotel inspector, Tallulah Thompson, is called in along with her pug, Franny, to investigate renovation delays, she meets an extremely annoyed and dapper turn-of-the-century innkeeper. The only problem is he’s in limbo, neither dead nor alive, and Tallulah and the pug are the first to see him in a hundred years.

Cursed by a medicine woman, “Love ‘em and Leave ‘em Lucius” Stewart is stuck between worlds until he finds his true love and gives her his heart. When he first sees Tallulah, he doesn’t know what he’s feeling. Yet, her stunning beauty, and feisty attitude pull him in.

With the fate of Hotel LaBelle on the line, Tallulah with the help of a powerful medicine woman turns Lucius back into a flesh and blood man. She and Lucius team up to save the hotel, but Tallulah can’t help but wonder if he will ever let go of his past love and learn to love again.

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Stone Heart, High Tide Romantic Suspense, Book 2 by Min Edwards.

An evil man, a young widow and child, a wounded warrior… a country at war with world-wide arms dealers. Perhaps this is too much for tiny Stone Bay, Maine to survive. But if Drew Meacham has anything to say about it, the battle will never come nearer to his new love than the rough seas of the Bay of Fundy.

 

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June 26, 2017 · 9:36 am

In Those Dazzling Days of Elvis by Josephine Rascoe Keenan

I’m so pleased to welcome back Josephine Rascoe Keenan. I am totally obsessed with the theme of her books. How could I not be? It’s Elvis!! 🙂 She received an excellent review from Kirkus. Check out Book 2 in her series…

 

Pen-L Publishing announced the release on June 12, 2017, of In Those Dazzling Days of Elvis, the second novel in the Days of Elvis series by Josephine Rascoe Keenan. The book tells a story of human anguish and betrayal, love and loss, recrimination and regret, and shows how choices, once made, can change one’s life forever. Ms. Keenan meticulously recreates the “golden days” of drive-in movies, screen wire petticoats, and flashy American cars, when the world seemed brighter and more innocent than today.

A secret rules the life of the main character.

In the days when Elvis Presley dazzled the nation, his “good luck charm,” Julie Morgan, a small town girl bound by the social code of the 1950s, makes a serious mistake in attempting to cope with her broken home. A seemingly innocent decision to attend a concert proves to be a misstep leading from one bad decision to another, another, and yet another, ultimately catapulting her into a terrible dilemma with no apparent way out. In desperation, Julie agrees to a scheme that Carmen, her lookalike, insists will save Julie from disaster. Their plan is risky, and Julie’s resolve wavers, but Elvis’s long-distance friendship and support give her strength. On the precipice of success, fate intervenes in this “perfect plan” to turn back time and restore her innocence, leaving Julie alone in the heap of rubble that was once her life, and struggling to escape from the tragic consequences of her choices.

Prestigious Kirkus Reviews writes that Keenan “~does an admirable job portraying the often inconceivable repercussions of now commonplace experiences in a small, Southern town in the ’50s. Carmen and Julie take turns narrating, and the dialogue toggles smoothly between their two distinct voices.” ~ “A convincing glimpse into the challenges of navigating small-town gossip, social pressure, and the inevitable difficulty of becoming an adult.”~ Kirkus Reviews

Of Keenan’s debut novel, In Those First Bright Days of Elvis, published in May of 2016, Kirkus Reviews wrote that it “~animates the social scene of small-town, 1950s Arkansas.”~ “As Julie navigates love, family, and friendships, she faces difficult decisions still applicable to teens today. While slang terms anchor the text firmly in the ’50s, the in crowd’s conversations about sex prove some things never change. Julie’s friendship with Elvis is a useful window into a broader national narrative. His letters and appearances provide a glimpse of the changing tastes in music and the impact of cultural touchstones such as The Ed Sullivan Show. Elvis’s letters also provide lighter moments that counter the somber themes of infidelity and unwanted pregnancy. The King of Rock and Roll presides over this tale of youthful loss and longing.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Josephine Rascoe Keenan was born and raised in El Dorado, Arkansas’s oil patch. She earned a B.A. Degree from the University Arkansas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and an M.A. Degree from the University of Colorado. After working many years in theatre and film as a director and an actress, with membership in the professional unions, SAG-AFTRA, and Actors’ Equity Association, she expanded her writing efforts from diaries and journals, kept from age eleven, to novels and short stories for young people. Two of her stories were published in the teen magazine, Cricket, and her poem, A Ride on Grandpa’s Foot appeared in Modern Maturity magazine. Her plays have toured with Artreach Touring Theatre; and one was chosen as a winner of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s New Play Contest.

Recently, Josephine participated in the Ohioana Library’s 2017 Book Festival, as well as Tongue and Groove, Sunset, and Authors Words and Wine, three literary salons in Cincinnati. She has had book signings at Blue Marble Bookstore in Ft. Thomas, KY, and at Village Lights Bookstore in Madison, IN. She expresses thanks to Alicia for posting an interview on her blog, as well as this new information.

Josephine wrote the books to tell today’s kids what life was like in the 50s, as well as to give older folks a time travel experience back to their youth. Although the books are not about Elvis Presley’s life, they are set during the time when his star was low on the horizon, before he became “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and changed our world forever.

When not writing, Josephine enjoys oil painting (The cover art for her books is her own work), square dancing, and cooking Southern dishes, such as hot water cornbread, little lady peas, and grandma’s peach cobbler for her husband Frank and their friends at the couple’s restored 1845 log house. Visit Josephine at www.keenannovels.com, and follow her on  Facebook @ Josephine.Keenan1, and onTwitter@JRKeenan01

Her books can be ordered online from http://www.pen-.com/InThoseDazzlingDays.html, or from Amazon at: www.amazon.com/Those-Dazzling-Days-Elvis/dp/1683130774

 

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June 24, 2017 · 8:49 am

Meet My Cousin Jon M Michaels and his “Tale of the Sharp-Dressed Man”

I am beyond thrilled to introduce today’s guest. Jon is actually my second cousin. His dad is my cousin, but Jon and I are close to the same age. My mother is next to the youngest of a dozen or so siblings, so myself and my siblings were closer in age to the children of our cousins rather than our cousins (if that makes any sense.)

(UPDATE: I learned from my friend, Darcy Flynn, in the comments, that he is actually my first cousin once removed, and I have been defining ‘second cousin’ incorrectly my entire life. I also read that a first cousin once removed is also a nephew or niece, so I think Jon should start calling me ‘Aunt Alicia’ – anyone else agree?)

But, moving on…I barely knew Jon growing up, although I’m not sure why since we lived in the same general vicinity. I reconnected with him a few years ago at a family reunion and learned he was writing a book and told him to let me know if I could do anything to help. (Since that time, I’ve gotten to know him and his fabulous wife better, and we have so much in common with our twisted sense of humor and taste in books and shows…it’s awesome! :))  He contacted me a little while after the reunion and asked me to read/edit it for him. I agreed, but I will say, I was a little anxous. What if it sucked? It was his FIRST book. How many people think they can sit down and write a book and it’s a disaster? Well, let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. I LOVED this novel! It’s witty and creepy and dark and funny with great, vivid characters who I felt like I knew. (much of it takes place in Wetumka, Oklahoma, an area I know well since my grandparents and much of my mom’s family lived in and around Wetumka, and I spent a lot of time in the area when I was growing up, which made it extra special). I have so enjoyed helping him polish and present his fabulous novel to the world. 

 

Without further ado (I mean, that was more than enough ado, am I right?), meet Jon M Michaels…

 

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

Well, I’m an Okie, born and raised. As a kid our family moved a lot, so I learned to adapt and make friends. That’s not to say it was easy, but I think it’s helped me to accept change. I’ve done a little bit of everything; private investigator, oil field pipe inspector, sales and some college sprinkled in there somewhere. I currently live in Oklahoma City with my wife and cat, with no plans to move.

Where did you get the idea for Tale of the Sharp-Dressed Man?

Good question. I guess the character, Sharp-Dressed Man, came to me before the story. It’s a character that’s a part of family lore. I sort of fleshed the story around that.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

I like being freaked out by stories. Scary, and bizarre. Bentley Little has some good stuff along those lines. I read Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot when I was eleven years old, and that paved my way to horror. I also used to watch Dark Shadows as a kid. My mom thought I was in my room playing, but I was peeking around the corner at the television.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Getting to the end.

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

Finding an ending that I liked.

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley.

What was your first job?

I worked in the kitchen at a nursing home. It was a summer job. It was interesting, and sometimes unnerving.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

That’s a toughie. But I’d have to say Salem’s Lot. Great characters and a truly evil villain.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Tale of the Sharp-Dressed Man?

That they were on an adventure, and made some friends along the way.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

Without a scant of hesitation, I’d have to say Willie Nelson would be great as Grandpa Theo. As for the rest, I don’t have any idea.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

Hmm…, I guess I’d rather have a bad review, but that doesn’t mean I’d like it. At least someone was reading it.

What is your favorite quote?

Mark Twain’s quote, “Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.”

If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be?

Ruckus McGraw.

If you could spend time with a character from your book, who would it be? And what would you do during that day?

Again, Ruckus. We’d drive around listening to the Allman Brothers, while he indulged me with advice on women, sex and high-dollar whiskey. But, I’d have to throw Grandpa Theo in there as well. The three of us would have a high time.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

A little of both.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They are extremely supportive.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

Buddy Wynn. He’s such a bastard.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

I drank bourbon with Barry Switzer once, and he signed his book “Bootlegger’s Boy.” He happens to be a very down to earth person.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Nothing specific.

How did your interest in writing originate? 

Not sure, but it’s tied to my love of reading. I caught on to reading from the first time I learned of Dick, Jane and Spot. In the fifth grade, I wrote a short story about a woman who changed into a giant, black widow spider. The story was supposed to be punishment for something I did in science class (I don’t recall what the infraction was). I was to write a one-thousand-page essay on something related to science. I chose spiders. My teacher accepted my spin (pun intended) on the subject, but he scolded me and said it was not what he was wanting. He was wanting a scientific essay, but since I put the effort into it he’d accept it. However, I saw him passing the story around to the other teachers during lunch that day. They all seemed to enjoy it.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 
Stephen King. His characters are vivid and believable.

Tell us your favorite…

Movie – Apocalypse Now

Music – Kings of Leon

Place you’ve visited – San Diego

Place you’d like to visit – Tokyo

TV show from childhood – The Six Million Dollar Man

TV show from adulthood – Breaking Bad

Food – My wife’s spaghetti

Sports team – Sooners, Thunder

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

Thank you, Jon. Fun interview! Now, about your book…

 

Blurb:

Thirteen-year-old Luke Morgan was living a charmed life on his Grandpa Theo’s farm. sheltered from the noise of the world by endless, rural beauty. But, his country innocence is quickly shattered one late afternoon as he watches an approaching thunderstorm with his grandfather at his side. Something other than churning clouds were in the sky that day. A twisting, black, mass of evil that his grandfather is not unfamiliar with. Upon seeing the strange spectacle, Theo tells Luke that the two of them must travel to their neighbor’s home—and kill the entire family.

Luke quickly learns there is much he doesn’t know about his kindly grandfather, as he is plunged into a nightmarish world built of demons and human suffering.

Excerpt:

A sound nudged me back into awareness. My eyes opened to the same room, except it was darker. The antiseptic smells of the hospital swam with a lingering staleness, seeming sharper as I lay alone in the darkness. I noticed a pain in my left arm, a tube taped into place, dripping numbing concoctions into my body. A dim slash of light wandered in through the blinds in my room, probably from a street light. My head felt as if it was stuffed with cotton, and my sadness was still suffocating. I wanted to find sleep again. There was nothing in the world of reality that I wanted.

The shuffle of a shoe whispered from the darkened room, the rustle of clothes. “Who’s there?”

Footsteps, slow and easy, grew closer. A figure emerged from the shadows and stood at the foot of my bed. He was tall, dressed in a shining suit and wearing a top hat. He had long, black hair that glistened like a snake’s skin, and a face made for Hollywood. “Do you know who I am?”

“Yes.” My voice was a whisper. “You’re the devil.”

“Well, give the hillbilly a chicken dinner. You must be the genius in the family.”

The devil had a black cane topped with a small human skull, approximately the size of an infant’s. He leaned forward on the cane and smiled at me. His teeth were glazed pieces of coal. “I go by many names, but you can call me Nick. I’ve been called that for some time in these parts.”

Dreadfulness emanated from the devil, pushing against me with a smothering force. I scooted into my pillow and drew my legs tight.

Nick sighed and spun his cane with spider-like dexterity, walking in and out of the shadows, grinning. “Luke, Luke. You might have been an agent of spectacular ability. But, alas, you were protected by Him, which placed you beyond my influence. Your loss as much as it was mine.”

I was scared. More scared than I had ever been in my young life—which is a rather significant statement, considering the horrors I’d recently endured. Things slithered and bumped in the room. I heard raspy whispers speaking in a strange tongue. And the devil himself stood in front of me.

Scared shitless, I was.

Nick stopped the twirling and sat on the left side of the bed. “I don’t have much time to waste on you, so this will be brief. I just wanted to pop in for a chat. Is that fine?”

I nodded my head. I figured I didn’t have much choice in the matter.

“You’ve got pluck, boy. Not unlike good ole’ Theo.” The devil tapped his chin, thinking. “Yes, the dearly departed Theo.”

A jolt of anger filled my head with blood.

The devil laughed and stood up. He walked into the streaming light and tilted his head in a way that allowed me a brief look at his eyes. They were like black glass. “It seems all of your loved ones depart.”

The words were hurled razor blades, angering and wounding. Tears formed in my eyes, which angered me even more.

“Yes, your father and your mother. They too have departed.” He pointed the end of his cane at me. “I watched as they died. It was not a pleasant experience for either of them, I assure you.”

I didn’t know much of their death, only that they were murdered. I didn’t want to know anything else about it, and I didn’t want to hear it from the devil. “Why are you here? What do you want from me?”

“Just like ole gramps, you get straight to the point.” Nick reached inside his jacket and withdrew a pocket-watch. He hooked the chain with a claw from his pinky and suspended it in front of his face. “And that is a good thing, as I do tend to get rather long-winded, and I have plans to meet with someone in this very hospital. Yes, an old woman who happens to be a patient, or in your case, a hospital neighbor. This woman has earned my company, and I do not wish to disappoint.”

I closed my eyes, wishing he would reach the end of his say, or turn to smoke and disappear. He surely did enjoy the sound of his own voice.

“At any rate, it is a wonderful stroke of fate that this woman and you are in the same residence. I may now tell you, face to face, that your life from this moment on is going to be noteworthy. You’ve been marked, boy. Your grandfather was stolen from me. A debt is still owed.”

Words dipped in hate.

“But, the hayseed—your grand pappy—possessed a faith so strong it garnered him worthy of His protection, which was passed down to you.” Black spittle sprayed from his mouth. “So, I may not harm you.”

If I trusted him, those would have been relieving words. But, he was the devil.

 

Jon at his first book signing – June 17, 2017

About the Author:

Jon M Michaels was born and raised in Oklahoma, and has lived in various rural towns all of his life. His years spent as a private investigator, coupled with the local stories he grew up hearing, heavily influenced his writing this book. He currently lives with his wife in Oklahoma City, and their black cat, Lucy.

Find Jon here:

https://www.facebook.com/jonm.michaels

 

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June 23, 2017 · 8:06 am

7 Days Left to Enter Giveaway!

Source: 12 Days Left to Enter Giveaway!

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June 21, 2017 · 9:45 am

Gun For Hire ~ The Maui Heat Series by J.J. Montgomery

Please help me welcome J.J. Montgomery, a Wild Rose Press author, sharing her new release.  Sounds like a fantastic read!!

 

 

J.J. will be awarding 5 ebook of Gun For Hire to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here.

 

BLURB:

The job should have been easy—patrol a swank beach that serves as a backyard for Maui’s rich, kick out the riffraff, and get a tan in the process. But rent-a-cop Samantha Winters didn’t anticipate a deliciously grumpy cop, Sergeant Grady Roark, who comes down to the beach to bust her chops and instead leaves her breathless…and wondering why the one man who could help her seems determined to thwart her at every turn.

Grady is keeping secrets from Sam that have him walking the line between attraction and duty. But when Sam becomes the target of a shadowy organization, Grady will have to choose between the law and the temptation of a woman who has him breaking every rule he’s ever known.

The job should have been easy, but when the bullets start flying, Sam learns nothing is as easy as it seems when you’re a Gun for Hire.

Buy Links:

Amazon | The Wild Rose Press

Excerpt: 

“Why John Deacon, Sam?” Grady’s hands tightened on the steering wheel.

I threw my hands up. “It could be Jesus Christ himself signing my paycheck and I’d still be doing it for the same reasons! The job works for my family. What is your problem with John Deacon? And don’t tell me nothing—you owe me more than that.”

“Maybe I’m just jealous.” Grady stared ahead. “Like you said.”

My stomach did a loop. “Don’t use your charm on me, I’m immune—”

“You think I’m charming?”

“Hell no, I don’t! And particularly not when you’re avoiding my question.”

“But you said I had charm.” He tilted his head and gave me a long, sly look from the corner of his eyes. His teeth flashed white from that tanned face and I nearly had to fan myself when I realized I loved the feeling of Grady teasing me.

I threw my hands up in the air. “I give up!”

He wanted to talk about confusing? All I knew about Grady prior to this day was that he was six-foot-two of gorgeous and about as warm as a polar bear on the North Pole in January. And now—

 

Author Bio:

J.J. MONTGOMERY writes romantic suspense novels with a sense of humor. Her heroines are as smart as they are smart mouthed and the men in their lives are just trying to keep up. Gun for Hire is the first book in J.J.’s Maui Heat Series.

If you’d like to know more, including info on her newest book, where she gets her ideas, and how it’s possible she can’t use Facebook, please visit her:

Social Links:

Website | Facebook |  Twitter  | Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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June 18, 2017 · 8:21 am

A Plethora of #99Cent Ebooks!!! June 2017 #BargainBooks

99 Cent Ebooks galore

Check out our monthly list of 99 cent reads. All different genres, all great bargains!

Hope you discover some excellent reads!

PLEASE CONFIRM BEFORE ORDERING!!! – We are not responsible if prices are no longer 99 cents

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Wanton Angel: Prequel to Life To The Max Kindle Edition  by Mia London

A one-night stand shouldn’t change her life

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A Highland Pearl (Scottish Historical Romance)

A sweet romance blossoms amidst feuding and war. With her reputation at stake after being accused of practicing witchcraft and hated as a member of a rival clan, Maidie considers leaving Clan Munro and returning to the home of her birth in Clan Cameron. Fierce battles, a tragic encounter, and a handsome clan chief compel her to make crucial decisions in this haunting romance set in the16th century Highlands of Scotland.

Find Brenda B. Taylor Here http://www.brendabtaylor.com/highland-treasures-series

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A Highland Ruby

She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass forced Gavin Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin leaves no doubt he returned to make the bonnie Flora his own and intends to fight for her. Flora’s betrothed, Iain MacKay, and Gavin’s brother, Chief Andrew Munro, have other plans. Andrew needs her to marry the MacKay and bring peace between the two clans. Iain MacKay desires an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to make crucial decisions.

Find Brenda B. Taylor here: http://www.brendabtaylor.com/highland-treasures-series

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Running Away by Catherine Mede (contemporary romance)

Larissa has one too many things go wrong in her life, so she does what she does best. Runs away. Harley is a movie star hiding out in the idyllic Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. When their lives cross paths, suddenly life changes for both of them.

Find Catherine Mede here: http://www.catherinemede.com

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Alpha Lover by Brenda Sparks (Paranormal Romance)

Nicholai was her fantasy, and that’s all he could ever be. Julie was the first woman to turn him away. To have their happily-ever-after, he must save her from her demons—both real and imaginary.

Find Brenda here: http://www.brenda-sparks.com

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Sage It Out (a psychic mystery romance)

Police line, do not cross. When Rose’s action triggers her BFF’s psychic vision about a child in danger, Rose life is turned upside down. Getting the police involved throws her an unexpected romantic curveball. Can a jaded police detective help ultra-independent Rose achieve a long sought-after redemption, or will they both retreat behind their yellow tape and lose out on love?

Find Shereen here: https://www.facebook.com/ShereenVedam

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Imperial Warriors: Two Scorching Tales of the Roman Empire by Regina Kammer (Ancient World historical romance)

A knight in Trajanic Rome, a Viking in Byzantine Constantinople. Two sizzling tales of romance between warriors and the women who are inexorably drawn to them, each story set during a different time and place in the Roman Empire. Includes ancient world romance bonus content!

Find Regina Kammer here: http://kammerotica.com/

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Paging Dr. Hot by Sophia Knightly

Miami TV reporter Francesca Lake is on a doctor hunt. Frankie wasn’t always a hypochondriac, but everything changed with her mom’s near-fatal heart attack. So begins a series of amorous escapades and startling revelations as she works her way through the list of eligible. None of them compares to hunky Dr. Harrison Taylor. Much as Harrison makes her senses wobbly, she needs a people doctor, not the vet for her miniature dachshund Romeo. Frankie is trying to be sensible, but her heart and outspoken dog are conspiring against her…

Find Sophia Knightly here: http://www.sophiaknightly.net

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Wilde One by Jannine Gallant (Romantic Suspense)

A cross country scavenger hunt to find a hidden treasure may be more than they bargained for. Griff and Ainslee must solve the riddles and reach the prize before their competition stops them…by any means necessary.

Find Jannine Gallant here: http://www.janninegallant.com/

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Running Wild, Hell Ryders MC #1 by J.L. Sheppard (Contemporary Romance/MC Romance)

She runs from her perfect life straight into his—a life of bikers who play and ride by their own rules. He keeps his distance. But when she kisses him, all bets are off.

https://www.jlsheppard.com/

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BAD BOY, BIG HEART

ANDREA DOWNING

New Yorker K.C. Daniels feels the strain of being her overbearing parents’ daughter. Chay Ridgway feels the strain of being his father’s sole support. As these two find their way in the world during three months in Wyoming, will it be a summer romance or a love that will last for years?

Find Andrea here: https://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/

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Andrea Downing & 6 others

A Cowboy to Keep ( contemporary western romance anthology)

Catch a cowboy … Keep a cowboy …Don’t miss this great collection from USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors!! Featuring stories by Carra Copelin, Andrea Downing, Kristy McCaffrey, Devon McKay, Hildie McQueen, Hebby Roman, and Patti Sherry-Crews

Find Andrea here: http://andreadowning.com

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Bound by His Kiss by Catherine Kean (Historical Romance)

On her way to visit Lord Bramwell Hawksley before they will marry, Lady Miranda de Vornay is taken captive by outlaws. Their leader claims he is Bram; her betrothed is his corrupt half-brother. Miranda must find out the truth, for she will love only the lord to whom she’s bound by his long-ago kiss.

Find Catherine Kean here: http://www.catherinekean.com

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A Knight to Remember by Catherine Kean (Historical Romance)

When widowed Lady Aislinn Locksmeade finds a naked, unconscious man in the forest, she wonders if he’s Hugh Brigonne, her first and only true love. When he wakes, he can’t remember who he is or what happened. Does she dare to love him, or is there greater danger to Aislinn than risking her heart?

Find Catherine Kean here: http://www.catherinekean.com

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The Reluctant Debutante by Becky Lower

In 1855 New York, Ginger Fitzpatrick has absolutely no interest in taking part in the newest rage in America—the Cotillion Ball. Instead, Ginger would rather be rallying for women’s rights—at least until she meets her brother’s best friend from St. Louis, a dark mysterious man named Joseph Lafontaine.

Find Becky Lower here: https://www.amazon.com/Becky-Lower/e/B008DTC15C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1480527074&sr=1-2-ent

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The Velvet Ribbon by Christie Adams (Erotic Romance with BDSM elements)

A street crime brings Alex and Beth together as more than just employer and employee, but their happiness is threatened by a cold-blooded monster seeking the ultimate revenge against the former SAS officer… a life for a life.

Find Christie Adams here: https://christieadamsauthor.com/

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Josie Riviera

Bargained away to a brothel, she is beyond hope, beyond rescue…but not beyond the reach of the one man who can save her. Sometimes, bonds between a man and a woman, however young, are meant to last a lifetime. But will it take more than a dose of Gypsy magic to chase away the doubts between two guarded lovers?

Find Josie Here: http://josieriviera.com/

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Saving Sarah by Kara O’Neal (Historical Romance)

Sarah has to break her courtship with Michael Lonnigan, her true love, because someone from her past is threatening her family. This evil is demanding Sarah marry him, giving him her family’s land and good name, or he’ll spill the secret he knows and send her father to the noose.

Find Kara here: http://www.karaoneal.com

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Laced By Love, a Montana Sky Kindle Worlds novel by Linda Carroll-Bradd (historical romance)

Will leather craftsman Nicolai oppose his family obligation to help the stranded vaudeville performer who has caught his eye?

Find Linda here https://www.facebook.com/linda.carrollbradd

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An Unlikely Marriage, a Montana Sky Kindle Worlds novella by Linda Carroll-Bradd (historical romance)

Will a marriage of convenience between a vaudeville performer and a rancher turn into more on a trail drive through Montana Territory?

Find Linda here https://www.facebook.com/linda.carrollbradd

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Forever Him (An Obsessed Novella) by Jeanne St. James (Contemporary Erotic Romance)

I can’t keep my eyes off the tall, dark, and confident man who stops in the coffee shop every morning. I want this stranger more than I’ve ever wanted anyone before, even though I only know his first name. As an author, my imagination is my ultimate writing tool, men like Kane my muse…

Find Jeanne St. James here: http://www.jeannestjames.com

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Mistaken Identity III by Sylvia Hubbard (Suspense Erotic)

She wanted something different; They wanted her! Standalone Novel in the Mistaken Identity Series

‘Find Sylvia Hubbard here http://www.twitter.com/sylviahubbard1

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Only Him (An Obsessed Novella) by Jeanne St. James (Contemporary Erotic Romance)

Never in my life did I think my high school obsession would move right next door. I’ve never wanted anyone but him. Reid Turner is my ultimate fantasy.

Find Jeanne St. James here: https://www.facebook.com/JeanneStJamesAuthor

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aHunter4Rescue (Science Fiction Romance)

After crash-landing on Earth, Ardal, commander of an elite unit of alien warriors, unexpectedly develops a mating bond with Fiona — the human woman who saves him. But what happens when his duty clashes with his heart?

Find Cynthia Here: http://www.cynthiaclement.com

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Finding Me – The Salty Key Inn – 1

Sheena Sullivan Morelli and her sisters, Darcy and Regan, receive the unexpected news that their Uncle Gavin Sullivan, the black sheep of the family, has left them a hotel on the Gulf coast of Florida. But, the gift comes with a twist.

Find Judith Keim-https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Keim/e/B00THNL4VA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1, Twitter@judithkeim, website: http://www.judithkeim.com/

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Desert Heat by Patti Sherry-Crews

Sometimes it seems like Angel Harper is going to spend her adult life making up for mistakes she made in her youth. Now she’s struggling to make things right for herself and the son she’s raising alone on her guest ranch. When handsome firefighting cowboy, Boone Donovan, sets his sights on her will she be willing to take a risk on love?

Find Patti here: https://www.amazon.com/Patti-Sherry-Crews/e/B01C7L8QUU/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

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Sweet Thing by Emily Leigh (contemporary romance)

Violet Calloway has it all together until her father’s death throws her life and perspective into a tailspin. Taking a leap of faith, Violet dives into building a bakery. Hiring Nick Morello, the sexy and confident contractor seems like a good choice until she kisses him…

Find Emily Leigh Here: http://www.facebook.com/emilyleighbooks

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The Love of a Rake by Linda Rae Sande (Regency Romance)

A sensual tale of two rakes, two horses, and two not-so-marriage-minded women

Find Linda Rae Sande here: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Rae-Sande/e/B00BUYEI0S

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More Beginnings by Iris Blobel (Contemporary Romance)

Zach Taylor, an escort in Sydney, living in Hobart, enlists the help of Natasha Peterson when his teenage friend, Mia, runs away. And although Natasha is attracted to him as well, she has her own problems to deal with, not to mention her initial reaction to Zach’s occupation.

Find Iris here: http://www.irisblobel.com

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P.M. Richter (paranormal suspense)

Michelle was brutally attacked in her locked hotel room in Las Vegas. The police didn’t believe her and thought she must have lured a man up to her hotel room for a little sexual adventure, which went dangerously out of control. Michelle decides an affair with a wickedly handsome man who moves into her building might cure her of the humiliating, embarrassing, and uncontrollable anxiety attacks which plague her whenever she finds herself alone with a man. How could she know that she made the worst possible choice?

Find PM Richter here: https://www.amazon.com/Pam-Richter/e/B003ZV7J5A/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

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Covert Exposure, a Nick Spinelli Mystery by Valerie J. Clarizio (romantic suspense)

When a mall Santa and elf turn up dead, Detective Spinelli goes undercover as Santa to catch a killer. His new love interest, Shannon O’Hara, plays his little helper. Sparks fly! Problem: Shannon appears to be next on the killer’s list.

Find Valerie here: https://valclarizio.wordpress.com/

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Covert Exposure, a Nick Spinelli Mystery by Valerie J. Clarizio (romantic suspense)

When a mall Santa and elf turn up dead, Detective Spinelli goes undercover as Santa to catch a killer. His new love interest, Shannon O’Hara, plays his little helper. Sparks fly! Problem: Shannon appears to be next on the killer’s list.

Find Valerie here: https://valclarizio.wordpress.com/

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Destiny by Casi McLean (supernatural suspense with romantic elements)

Reagan Nichols is used to challenges, but ever since twilight fell over Spirit Lake and that murky mist oozed inland, everything feels surreal––especially when she finds a little girl wandering through the eerie fog.

Find Casi McLean here: https://www.amazon.com/Casi-McLean/e/B0053XXRJU/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

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Common Grounds by S.J. Maylee (Erotic Romance)

While Kate Sanderson mixes batter and pumps buttercream inside her tasty creations at the West Egg restaurant, she dreams about two things: owning a bakery and finding a man capable of satisfying her every desire.

Find S.J. Maylee here: https://www.amazon.com/S.J.-Maylee/e/B00EQ51W34/

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Lyric – Book 2.5 by Andrea R. Cooper (paranormal romance)

Daniel Davis has a secret he’s paid hundreds of thousands to keep that way. Now when exotic Cassie marches into his office, he can’t stop thinking about her and makes her an offer. Be his date for a high-profile party and he’ll consider her company for his office redecorating project.

Find (Andrea R. Cooper) here: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author/

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Blood Tide by CJ Matthew (Paranormal Shifter Romance)

The Santa Barbara Channel holds a closely guarded secret: a pod of dolphins capable of shifting into human form. During Sy’s first shift, her escort is killed, she is wounded, and rescued by a human male. Who can she trust?

Find CJ Matthew here: http://www.cjmatthew.com

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Party For Two by Monique DeVere (Romantic Comedy)

Ex-lawyer turned pregnancy model Danielle Hampton has one simple rule; never date an attorney. Civil Rights Attorney Casey Lowe lives by a code of practice: never date his boss’s daughter. But he’ll do just about anything to make partner.

Find Monique DeVere here: http://moniquedevere.com

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Goodbye, Hello by Allyson R. Abbott Contemporary Romance

Linda has a chance of a new life; and boy is she going to take it. After realizing she has lived her life being what everyone else wanted her to be, Linda knows she needs to change. Using her deceased husband’s pension and insurance money, she heads to Fiji, to find herself and bumps into a very nice distraction.

Find Allyson R. Abbott here: https://www.amazon.com/Allyson-R.-Abbott/e/B00SJPD84I/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

 

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Seth (A Dark Assassins World Novella) by Valerie Ullmer (Genre: Paranormal Romance)

Immortals have been a part of Seth’s world since he barged into Kai’s life at the age of twelve. But the one night he met Aubrey changed his world, and he’d never been so happy to be wrong.

Find Valerie Here: http://www.valerieullmer.com

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An English Rose by Allyson R Abbott Women’s Fiction

A compelling and humorous insight of past years and present dilemma’s as Rose reflects on her usefulness in later life. Just as she acknowledges and accepts her sell-by-date is approaching, life suddenly becomes interesting again, in more ways than one.

https://www.facebook.com/AllysonRAbbott/

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Her Perfect Match: A Liaison Novella by Valerie Ullmer; Genre: Contemporary Romance

Gabriel Kane lived by one hard and fast rule. Never mix business with pleasure. But the moment Rebecca Cole walked back into his life with only business on her mind, he finds himself forgetting about the rules. Now, he’s determined to go after what he’s always wanted. Her.

Find Valerie Here: http://www.valerieullmer.com

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Shadows of the Soul by Angelique Armae (Paranormal Romance)

When Hell’s sexiest bad boy–Nicolai Valentine–defied Lucifer, he lost everything. Now Heaven’s fearless human warrior–Isabel Heart–has come to Nicolai’s aid. When the two meet… A haunting past is reborn…

Find Angelique Armae Here: http://www.angeliquearmae.com

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BLACK GOLD by Augustine Sam (Literary Fiction with Romantic Elements)

He is black. She is white. They are young and carefree and broke. When they land two spectacular job offers within the first week of graduation, their bleak honeymoon is transformed into a dream. What they don’t know is that undisclosed details of the deal will entrap them in the place where dreams end and nightmares begin.

Find Augustine here: https://www.augustinesam.com/

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The Would-Be Mommy by Jacqueline Diamond (medical romance)

When a journalist stirs up trouble with his story about a hospital welcoming abandoned babies, he accidentally ignites a firestorm around public relations director Jennifer Serra. Now she faces losing her heart to a baby she can’t keep, and losing her job because of a scandalous secret.

Find Jacqueline here: http://www.jacquelinediamond.com

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Unexplained (Paranormal with Romantic Elements)

A figure. A flash of blue light. A dive from a mountaintop no one could survive. Nothing, or no one, left behind. Can Chris and Sarah discover the meaning of their strange and dangerous psychic connection before their lives are ripped apart?

http://reneeregent.com

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Only a Hero Will Do by Alanna Lucas (historical romance-Regency)

A beautiful, feisty heiress. A dashing, enigmatic, ex-army captain. They must work together to defeat dark forces threatening Britain’s monarchy. Elizabeth Atwell can break any code—but will she also break Grant Alexander’s heart?

Find Alanna here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlannaLucas/

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Not Quite Heaven by Barbara Meyers (Contemporary Romance)

One forbidden kiss is witnessed by a treacherous woman whose dramatic death the following day destroys Ian’s family, career, and future. After four years apart can Melissa, whom Ian loves, hates and blames for his losses, save him?

Find BARBARA MEYERS here: https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Meyers/e/B002BOHV3C/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

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Invisible by L.A. Remenicky (Romantic Suspense)

They found each other. Then the killer found them.

Find L.A. Remenicky here: http://www.laremenicky.com

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At His Command (Medieval Romance)

What’s a lady to do when the king commands her to marry a lord, but she’s falling for the knight sent to protect her from undesirable suitors and is a scribe for the king’s rival for the throne? Could she defy her king for love?

Find Ruth here: http://www.ruthkaufman.com

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The Big Guy Upstairs by Mary Vine (Children’s Book)

A young boy named Johnny overhears his grandmother saying that she will pray to the Big Guy Upstairs and he wonders who that is. His grandma tells him that it is an expression meaning God. While Grandma cooks soup, Johnny tries to find God in the attic.

Find Mary here: http://www.maryvine.com

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Emma Comes Through by Velma Parker (Children’s Book)

The jungle animals shook with excitement at the rare birth of twin elephants, including Lonnie Lion who considered the nice meal they would make. The animals watched Elmer and Emma and soon realized that Emma had trouble learning to walk. In fact, everything seemed to frighten her.

Find Velma at http://www.maryvine.com

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Desire by Design (Contemporary Romance)

To make ends meet, Celia, a widowed mother of three, takes a job as nanny. Her recently divorced boss, Richard, has sworn off romance and lives only for his work and for his young daughter. But he didn’t count on Celia and her children to brighten up his home … and sneak into his heart.

Find Thea Dawson here: http://www.facebook.com/TheaDawsonAuthor

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Tameri Etherton (Epic Fantasy)

A new world. A new man. An age-old grudge. If her family doesn’t kill her, a mad God might.

Find Tameri Etherton here: https://www.facebook.com/TameriEthertonAuthor/

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Heart of the Witch by Alicia Dean – Paranormal Romance

A witch must choose between stopping a serial killer and protecting her coven.

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Rake’s Honour

Beautiful, impoverished Fanny Brightwell has a few scores to settle—and a heart to win—before she can secure the wealthy, aristocratic husband her ambitious mama demands.

Find Beverley Oakley here: http://www.beverleyoakley.com/

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Lies You Tell by Jacki Renée (Romantic Suspense)

With homeland safety on the line, Bryan and Danielle must have faith in each other again in order to save themselves and their children.

Find Jacki Renée here: http://www.iamjackirenee.com/

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Necessary Lies by Jacki Renée (Romantic Suspense)

Single mother, Dr. Danielle Edwards, never imagined her happily-ever-after ending so soon. Bryan is a successful global businessman, but he’s hiding the real purpose for his relationship with Danielle. How strong is a relationship that is built on lies?

Find Jacki Renée here: http://www.iamjackirenee.com/

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At the Mercy of Her Pleasure (Scifi Romance)

A fast-paced scifi romantic comedy. He’s an adorable, fun-loving hero who’s half-human and half-cat. She’s a by-the-book army captain. Do opposites attract? Oh, mercy!

Find Kayelle Allen here: https://kayelleallen.com

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Switched by Diane Burton (science fiction romance)

Who gets kidnapped by aliens by mistake? Bummer. Worse, the handsome captain acts like Spock’s clone. Worse than that, you can’t go home. Can it get any worse? You bet.

Find Diane Burton here: http://www.dianeburton.com/

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Escape to Africa – A Romance Anthology – 6 Stories by 6 Authors:

This collection includes romantic suspense, and contemporary, historical, time travel, and paranormal romances by Award-Winning and Multi-Published Authors: Denyse Bridger, Lynn Crain, Alicia Dean, Gemma Juliana, Marie Laval, and Jenny Twist.

Lynn Crain at http://www.facebook.com/oddlynn3

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A Lover for Rachel

 

Rachel Hamilton comes to Stonehenge to celebrate her birthday on Summer Solstice, only to find herself trapped beneath the massive rhyolite bluestones with sexy wizard, Dewin Kingston, who convinces her that she is the key to their escape.

Lynn Crain at http://www.facebook.com/oddlynn3

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Night of the Blue Moon

All his life he felt he hadn’t belonged but it wasn’t until Clarity Langford appeared did he know the truth of it. Once that truth was revealed there was no going back for Connor Angus, only forward. He discovers he is the long thought dead son of pack Elite leader, Charles Langford. And with that knowledge comes a family full of sisters, mystery and longing for things he’s not sure he has any right to obtain and one of those things is Cordelia Sinclair.

Find Lynn Here: http://www.facebook.com/LynnCrainAuthor

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THE RANCHER AND THE SHEPHERDESS

He’s not what she expected. She’s not what he needed. Can they make this work?

Find Caroline here: http://www.carolineclemmons.com/

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BRIDE’S ADVENTURE

She can’t help her brother, so she returns to her friends. Trouble follows her to Montana.

Find Caroline here: http://www.carolineclemmons.com/

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Captive Illusions: Iain and Kelsey

Every woman holds deep inside her a dark fantasy. Some dream of forced sex, some dream of being tied up, others dream of being swept away to a place from which she can’t escape, some dream of places and times in the past and others still dream about the forgotten realms where vampires, werewolves, elves and more exist…no woman knows how she’s going to react until it happens. And sometimes that fear and anger at being controlled turns into a wanton desire that even the most frigid ice queen can not deny.

Lynn Crain at http://www.facebook.com/LynnCrainAuthor

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June 14, 2017 · 1:45 pm

My Path to Publication… (More like my rocky road.) by Ashlyn Chase

An excellent, inspiring article by Ashlyn Chase. You don’t want to miss this one!

 

I’ve always been extremely creative. I missed the clues that I might enjoy writing…like loving my creative writing class in high school and even earning an A+ from a tough teacher, but like I said—Duh. I had already decided to pursue fine art, so I stubbornly stuck to that goal. But at Mass College of Art I discovered there were far more talented people than I, and we were all going to starve. LOL

Fast forward several years with twists and turns like marriage, birth, divorce, and I became an RN to put food on the table. In nursing, creativity is highly discouraged by doctors who want you to follow their orders to the letter. Sheesh. I needed an outlet!

I took a course in screenwriting. That taught me how to tell stories, but Hollywood passed on my romantic comedies. Oh well. I lived closer to New York, anyway. So I turned my ‘movies’ into novels and found where I fit in.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Well behaved women rarely make history.” Well, I don’t have to worry about that! I monitored my reading tastes to see what I might like to spend months writing. (Novels are a hellova lot longer and more difficult to write than screenplays.) I discovered that I liked reading the hot stuff! When I accepted this (and stopped blushing) I tried writing a steambath of a novel.

Back in the early part of this century, traditional publishers held the reigns. ebooks were almost unheard of. I had joined RWA (Romance Writers of America) and was trying the traditional route along with everyone else. I received a lot of good advice and continued to practice my craft, while submitting my first finished novel and getting a slew of rejection letters. Many self-published authors have missed this awesome opportunity to thicken their skin. There’s nothing like being told, ‘Thanks but no thanks’ to boost your self-esteem. (Pass the chocolate, please.)

Anyway, a fellow author who liked my writing but knew what I was up against, mentioned I might try epublishing. I didn’t know what it was. Heck, nobody did back in 2002. So, I looked into it and researched a few electronic publishers. I narrowed it down to three and submitted my manuscript. (Not the story that was rejected everywhere. By then I had taken the hint.) But I used what I’d learned from it and wrote a better book. I wasn’t letting rejection discourage me.

My ego finally got a boost when all three epublishers offered contracts! Oh my goodness. I picked one and began publishing. Let’s fast forward again. My ebooks were doing well. Reviews were positive and my romantic comedies were being nominated for (and winning) awards! I was having fun! Cool. I got from my readers what I didn’t get from a lot of my fellow writers. Respect. Epublished authors at the time were considered inferior. Erotica authors were considered the red-headed stepchildren. I was both.

Time to fast forward again. I kept trying to find a publisher that would put my books on the shelves at Barnes and Noble, make bookmarks for me, contract non-English translations…in other words, someone to make me world famous. LOL. I’m nothing if not a big dreamer. But it’s a funny thing about dreams. They won’t come true if you let them go. Eventually I wound up in the right place at the right time with the right idea. Lo and behold, I received “the call!” Yes. Editors used to call, not email. Some still do.

In 2010 my first mass market paperback came out. It was the start of a series. The series did well and garnered a spin-off series. The spin-off did well and they contracted another spin-off! Okay…we’re nine books into this thing (as of the August 1st 2017 release, Never Dare a Dragon.)

Are we done? Not by a long shot. I’m calling my Sourcebooks titles “The series that never ends.” I’m working on book 2 of another spin-off now. I’ll give you the run-down in easily digestible bites.

Strange Neighbors – the name of the book and series that started it all. Book 2 is The Werewolf Upstairs and book 3 is The Vampire Next Door.

1st Spin off series: Flirting with Fangs. Book 1 is Flirting Under a Full Moon; Book 2 is How to Date a Dragon; Book 3 is Kissing with Fangs.

2nd Spin off series: Boston Dragons. Book 1 is I Dream of Dragons; Book 2 is My Wild Irish Dragon; and book 3 is Never Dare a Dragon. Here, we’re up to date—publishing-wise.

3rd spin off series under contract: Phoenix Brothers. Book 1 is Hooked on a Phoenix. Finished and sent to my editor, waiting for the dreaded red pen. And what am I working on now? Book 2. Title? I don’t really know yet. I’m calling it Wing-men. I’ve rarely kept the titles I started with, so I’ll have to get back to you on that.

By the titles alone, I hope you can tell what I write. Light paranormal romance. And I’m not just an epublished or traditionally published author. Now I’m an Indie author too. The rights to several of my old epublished books have reverted to me. So, I’m updating, rewriting, and rereleasing many of these books, independently.

The roller coaster ride continues. I have an agent next to me now. She keeps me from screaming too loud or demanding the ride stop, because I can’t take it anymore.

Advice to the newbie… Yikes! Are you sure you want to do this? If no one can talk you out of it, no matter how many sensible arguments they throw at you, you just might make it. Ignore the haters and hang in there.

And if you’d like some company, I’ve started a wonderful conference for readers and writers that takes place in New England, smack dab in the middle of foliage season!

 

 

Wow…I’ve always been fascinated with New England. What a wonderful conference…I’d love to come. Maybe I’ll plan to do that.

Thanks so much for joining me today, Ashlyn!

 

Find Ashlyn here:

http://www.ashlynchase.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAshlynChase

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