Category Archives: Author Blog Post

A Highland Ruby by Brenda B. Taylor

 

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Brenda B. Taylor, with her new release…

 

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Blurb:

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.

A Highland Ruby Excerpt:

He watched her through the grey mist, walking along the shore of Cromarty Firth. The hood of her arisaid covered her bonnie russet locks, but he imagined them bouncing with each step she took. She came every morn, sometimes with the wee curly-headed laddie in tow, but now, she walked alone. His heart beat a fast rhythm like a lad watching his first love. How foolish to be hiding behind a rock when he could speak to her, hold her hand, and look into her dark eyes.

Gavin gathered courage and stood to his full height when Flora walked past the rock where he hid. “Flora,” he said in a quiet voice. She continued to walk, not hearing him above the moaning wind.

Quickly, he took a place beside her, then grabbed her arm. She screamed as she turned to face him. Her eyes widened with fear, she tried to jerk her arm free, then beat his chest with the fist of the other hand, and kicked his shin with the toe of a pointed boot.

Gavin jumped from the boot’s path, but kept her arm secure. “Stop. ‘Tis I, Gavin.” She stopped kicking and the free hand went to her mouth while she studied his face. A small squeak emerged from between full red lips. He watched her lips for a moment, then bent to place a kiss on the inviting mouth. She became rigid with no response.

A Highland Ruby Buy Links:

Historical Heartbeats

Amazon

Apple iTunes

Kobo

Smashwords

 

Author Interview:

Why did you write this book?

Since elementary school I’ve had a desire to write stories, but a family and career took precedence over my ambitions to be a writer. After retirement, I became interested in genealogy and followed my family line to Scotland. Stories about the ancient Scots stirred my interest. A Highland Ruby is a result of research into my Scots heritage and Scotland’s history.

What is your favorite genre to read?

My favorite genres to read are historical romance and historical fiction. History is one of my teaching fields, and I enjoy reading stories set in the past.

Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?

My favorite character from fiction is Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice,

What are you working on at the moment, and what will we see from you in coming months?

I am working on a novella prequel to A Highland Pearl, the first book in the Highland Treasures series. The novella tells the story of the love between Andrew’s and Gavin’s parents, Aine and William Munro.

Thank you for joining me today, Brenda. I enjoyed getting to know about you and your book!

About Author Brenda B. Taylor:

The desire to write historical fiction has long been a passion with Brenda B. Taylor. Since elementary school, she has written stories in her spare time. Brenda earned three degrees: a BSE from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; then worked as a teacher and administrator in the Texas Public School system. Only after retirement could she fulfill the dream of publication.

Brenda and her husband make their home in beautiful East Texas where they enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. She crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. She sincerely thanks all who purchase and read her books. Her desire is that the message in each book will touch the heart of the reader as it did hers in the writing.

Author Contact Information:

Historical Heartbeats

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Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release

Alicia Dean’s 1920’s Vintage Romance ~ RUINED ~ Free through Monday, March 21st!

This is technically Book 2 in the series, although each are stand-alone. It’s FREE on Amazon for a few more days…

Click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon Page…

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ABOUT:

Downton Abbey meets Sex and the City…

She vowed she’d be no man’s doxy, but fate had other plans…

After the Earl of Goodwin attempts to force himself on her, housemaid Eliza Gilbert flees England for New York, hoping to build a better life. But the land of opportunity proves as harsh as the London docks, and she finds herself in a situation more dreadful than the one she escaped.

When Vince Taggart’s childhood friend disappears, he heads to New York in search of her and meets Eliza, a woman with a less than honorable reputation. Inexplicably captivated, Vince can’t force himself to stay away, especially when he learns Eliza may be the key to finding his missing friend.

*** The Martini Club 4 Series came about as a result of four author friends who meet each week at a favorite hangout, The Martini Lounge in Edmond Oklahoma. They decided to write stories centered around a similar establishment, and these four novellas were the result. Their next installment of the series will be set in the 1940s. Follow the authors to keep up with all their releases, including the Martini Club 4 series.

Excerpt:

He studied her with intense blue eyes. The dimple on the right side of that firm mouth creased with a smile. For the first time, she noticed a scar on his slightly crooked nose. The man was a ruffian, so why did he make her pulse race?

She’d resigned herself to giving her body to whatever slobbering pig came along, she would suffer through it, let her mind go somewhere far, far away, and move on.

But this man—how on Earth could she be intimate with him and not feel…something decidedly unprofessional.

“That sounds lovely.” As the words came out, she realized that there was a grain of truth to them. She couldn’t imagine this handsome, charming man’s attentions being as vile as Killman’s were. In fact, having his lips on hers, his touch on her skin…

Eliza lifted her gaze, then looked away when she met his eyes. They were just too…striking, too blue. “I’m afraid you’ll have to speak to Oscar. He handles all my transactions.” She could never have a normal outing with a man. A lump of regret rose in her throat. She turned and started up the stairs.

Vince caught up to her in a few steps and grabbed her arm, taking the bag from her at the same time. “That was a lousy thing to say.”

She opened her mouth to accuse him of going around Oscar so he didn’t have to pay. But that was ridiculous. He hadn’t taken what he’d paid for the first time. She lifted a hand and rubbed her forehead. His attention confused her. What was his angle? He didn’t want sex. Did he think she was hiding something about Cynthia and if he spent time with her he could draw it out? “What do you want from me?”

“A picnic.”

 

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MARTINI CLUB 4 SERIES IN ORDER:

Rebellious (Book 1) by Amanda McCabe – http://amzn.com/B00RKKP9VI

Ruined (Book 2) by Alicia Dean

Reckless (Book 3) by Kathy L Wheeler – http://amzn.com/B00RICW0G0

Runaway (Book 4) by Krysta Scott http://amzn.com/B00RIFHGPC

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Filed under Author Blog Post, Ebook Deal

Historical research…how much? How little? by Rachel Brimble – New Release: Her One True Love

Please help me welcome Rachel Brimble, who shares her thoughts on Historical research—something I know nothing about. But, I learned a great deal from her post. And be sure to check out her new release…is that a gorgeous cover or what?

 

I often get asked how much research goes into my Victorian romances and I find this really difficult to answer. As I write romance rather than historical fiction, I focus on the central relationship more than anything––which basically means the emotion. To my mind, the emotions of people during the 1800s would have been more or less the same as today…even if their problems and concerns were entirely different.

My research begins once I have decided on the theme of my book – for Her One True Love, my latest Victorian romance, the central theme is “Journey To Self-Discovery”. So what did this mean as far as research is concerned? Well, first and foremost, I had to decide what it is that will make my hero and heroine discover themselves! For the heroine, I stumbled across an article on England’s Foundling Hospitals and children immediately became her purpose in life.

I was hooked immediately and went on to learn about boarding houses that took in children, either temporarily until their parents could reclaimed them, or until the children were of a working age.

As for the hero, his discovery would come by accompanying the heroine on her journey!

Obviously we are all lucky enough to have access to the World Wide Web nowadays, but I still think it is imperative to read as well as visit places as much as possible. I read plenty of Victorian non-fiction while writing this book as well as visiting No 1 Royal Crescent in Bath (although this is set to the Georgian era, it gave me a nice sense of place), the Bath Fashion Museum and spoke to the Bath Archives Department too. My favorite Victorian research book (and the most helpful!) is The Victorian City by Judith Flanders.

For my next historical book, I am venturing into the Edwardian era for the very first time and I’m having a great time expanding my knowledge! The problem with research is often knowing when to stop. If you enjoy history, the temptation to keep researching rather than getting on with the writing is hard to resist.

Through my reading and visiting, I have become more and more interested in delving backwards as well as forwards. I wouldn’t be surprised if I write a Georgian or even a Tudor series in the future. Watch this space!

Cover

Blurb: 

She Can’t Forget Him… 

Jane Charlotte Danes has loved the squire of her idyllic country town for as long as she can remember. He is good, kind, and alluring beyond words… and he chose to marry another. Tired of dwelling on her futile longings, Jane plans a move to Bath, where she dreams of a new beginning. But the man who has so imprisoned her heart is only a few steps behind…

He Can’t Let Her Go…

Until now, Matthew Cleaves has endeavored to meet the responsibilities of his position with dignity and good spirits—including his dutiful marriage. But when his wife leaves him for another man, Matthew is at last free to pursue his one true love. Only one vital question remains: will the captivating, stubborn, beautiful Jane allow him the challenge, and the pleasure, of winning her back?

Excerpt:

Matthew turned and faced Jane. “When are you leaving for the city?”

She took another step back, her gaze darting over his face. “The day after tomorrow. Why?”

“Because I will escort you. We can travel together in my carriage.”

“No, I do not need your––”

“I will be going anyway. I planned to visit some contacts in the city in the hope of securing guaranteed trade for Biddestone in the coming year. It seems unnecessary for us to make the trip separately when I have a carriage plenty big enough for us both.”

“There is absolutely no need. Jeannie will be coming with me.”

“My offer still stands.”

She glared. “It’s my intention to start on the path of independence, of finding out what the world has to offer me on my own merit. I will hardly be carving out my own path when at the first step from my home, I lean on you.”

“You are being stubborn.”

She pulled back her shoulders. “And you are not?”

The longer he looked at her, the more Matthew saw the quiet beauty he’d desperately tried to ignore. He took a steadying breath. “Please, Jane. Let me escort you to Bath.”

The seconds passed, but Matthew held his tongue. It was imperative she spoke next, that she understood he didn’t mean to bully her but wanted to ensure her safety to a city ravaged by danger, as much as opportunity.

She sighed. “Fine. On one condition.”

He held her gaze. “Which is?”

Her eyes softened, slowly lighting with mischief. “You smile. Now. You smile at me like you did before she left.”

Heat rose to his face. “You want me to smile?”

“Yes. Smile for me, Matthew.”

Empathy and passion swirled in her eyes, but they also bore a deep, painful awareness that scratched hard over his heart. The longer he stared, the more he wanted to make her happy.

He smiled, his gaze on hers…and was surprised to find the trade no effort at all.

Find it here:

Amazon UK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

 

AUTHOR PIC

Bio:

Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had five books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and recently signed a contract for three more. She also has four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical including Her One True Love.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook Street Team – Rachel’s Readers

 

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Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release

ANGELINE – Bride Brigade Two by Caroline Clemmons

I’m happy to welcome Caroline Clemmons with her latest release…

 

Beautiful woman wearing red dress over a train

 

Please help me celebrate the release this month of ANGELINE, Bride Brigade book two, on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited at http://amzn.com/B01CEK3W0S.

Creating this town in which all the women are elderly widows or part of older couples—except for the wealthy young widow, Lydia Jane Harrison—was fun. Many bachelors are threatening to move to Fort Worth or another city so they can meet a wife and start a family. Who can blame them?

Lydia loathes the fact there are no women her age and no children in town. Her friend Sophia Gaston challenges Lydia to do something about the problem because Sophia’s son is threatening to leave. Lydia travels back to Richmond, Virginia to recruit young women of high caliber with a view to marriage. She chooses four but by the time she reaches Tarnation, she has seven young women with her. I love the name of the town, Tarnation, don’t you?

The site of this fictional town near the base of the Palo Pinto Mountains in North Central Texas is an area I love. To people from other locales, these may look like hills. By geological standards, they are mountains. There is something about that area that calls to me. I never tire of driving through the mountains and picturesque small towns like Palo Pinto, Strawn, and Santo. 

This was one of the hardest books I’ve written. I’ve said that before, but this really was the most difficult. Not because of research, but because the hero is the minister of Tarnation. Writing a minister hero without being too “churchy” was a challenge. Not that I have anything against inspirational romances—I read them, but they’re not what I write. My goal is to have the same tone for each of the Bride Brigade books. I’m sure my family is happy I’ve completed and published ANGELINE so I’d quit fretting about it (yes, that’s a nice way of saying complaining).

I have to admit I love the heroine, Angeline Chandler, and the hero, Grady McIntyre. In my opinion, they make the perfect couple. Lydia Harrison gave Angeline a second chance and secretly knew she was right for Grady. This makes a marriage for two of the seven women Lydia brought to Tarnation. 

Here’s the blurb for ANGELINE:

A desperate young woman

A second chance

A life-changing decision.

Angeline Chandler didn’t invite the attack that created her condition but she’s suffering the result. Disowned by her family and left alone and destitute, she gets a second chance when a kind woman rescues her and invites her to travel to Tarnation, Texas with six other young women for the purpose of marriage with a local bachelor. The prospect of marrying one man while carrying another’s child worries Angeline. Who would want her with another man’s baby?

Grady McIntyre is a minister whose wife died soon after their son was born. The woman who has been helping with his toddler has told him she’s too old to continue. When Angeline’s name is suggested as a part-time nanny, he seizes the chance to hire her. Their attraction is instantaneous but Angeline resists. A minister needs a virtuous woman, not a fallen one. Soon they marry and both are happy.

Trouble rears its ugly head until matters come to a crisis. Angeline and Grady must be strong to protect their love and preserve Grady’s ministry.

Here’s an excerpt from ANGELINE:    

The vigor which had been with her on her walk had completely disappeared. In its place a clammy, smothering sensation overwhelmed her. If only she could reach Lydia’s she’d be safe. She hardly remembered taking her fabric and going out the door.

The world spun and she reached out her hand to steady herself but found only air. She gasped for breath, unable to breathe. Her knees turned to rubber and she felt herself sinking.

Firm hands clasped her upper arms. “Miss, may I help you?”

She looked into the kindest hazel eyes she’d ever seen. His blond hair barely showed under his hat. “I don’t know what came over me. I suppose I’m still tired from my journey.”

He looped her arm onto his. “I’m the local pastor, Grady McIntyre. Please allow me to escort you to the Harrison home.”

“Thank you, I’m Angeline Chandler. Frankly, I can use a solid arm to lean on for the walk.” She clasped his forearm as she would a stair banister. For a minister, he was muscular and appeared strong.

“You must be one of the young women who came with Lydia. I couldn’t get away to greet your arrival but I understand there was quite a reception committee.”

She forced a smile. After all, he was gallant enough to help her and deserved a friendly response. “I was awfully tired. I hardly remember anyone except the mercantile owner and the sheriff. Lydia made a point of greeting them.”

“I remember that trip and imagine by then you only wanted a bath and a bed. That’s a tiring ride.”

“Deadly. I’m surprised my teeth didn’t fall out with all the bumps and rattles.”

“Don’t understand how anyone’s brave enough to leave town. Once I arrived, I vowed never to leave.”

She grinned at his attempt to cheer her. “Me, too…

~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you’ll read ANGELINE. If you haven’t read the first Bride Brigade book, JOSEPHINE, won’t you try it, too? There are five more of the Bride Brigade series to come. So far, reviews have been good for both books. I hope you agree. If you do, please post a review.

~~~~~~~~~

Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family time, reading, travel, browsing antiques, genealogy, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest. Subscribe to her newsletter here to receive a FREE novella of Happy Is The Bride. She loves to hear from readers at caroline @ carolineclemmons.com

 

 

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Every Vow She Breaks ~ Getting the Most from your Setting by Jannine Gallant

I am thrilled to host my friend, and a fabulous author, Jannine Gallant, who writes tense, compelling, passionate Romantic Suspense.  

 

Thanks for having me on you blog, Alicia! Today, I’d like to explore what a well-drawn setting brings to a book. For me, it establishes the tone of the story. City vs country. Hot weather vs cold. A tropical beach. Snow-capped mountains. A steamy bayou. All add a different dimension to a book, and with it, certain expectations from the reader. In my new release, Every Vow She Breaks, the story is set on the Northern California coast in the fall. Fog shrouded redwoods and long stretches of deserted beach with a cool wind blowing are the backdrop for romance and mystery. The eerie surroundings add to the suspenseful atmosphere. The feeling you get when you’re walking alone in the woods as the sun sets and dark shadows fall across the trail… A stick snaps. Your heartrate speeds up, and you glance over your shoulder, even though you know no one is there… That’s the feeling I want to convey to readers with my setting. If I’ve done my job right, immersing them in the mystery will be a piece of cake!

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As a reader, what are some of your favorite settings? If you’re an author, do you have certain settings you use again and again?

 

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Blurb:

A Promise Can Follow You To the Grave…

Claire Templeton is drawn to the majestic beauty of the California Redwoods in the hopes of capturing an unexplained phenomenon on camera. What she doesn’t expect is to run into her first love, Jed Lafferty, the boy she worshipped as a child, the man she’s never been able to forget.

Carefree, fun-loving Jed doesn’t believe in fate, preferring to make his own luck. But when he runs into the little girl who used to follow him like a shadow, now an irresistible woman, he can’t help feeling the odds are turning in his favor. Letting Claire walk out of his life the first time might be his single biggest regret. But when strange gifts and cards left for Claire turn sinister, it’s clear someone else from her past isn’t ready to let go . . .

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About the Author:

Write what you know… I’ve taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. I grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently live in beautiful Lake Tahoe with my husband and two daughters. When I’m not busy writing, I hike or snowshoe in the woods around my home. Whether I’m writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, I bring the beauty of nature to my stories.

Links:

Website

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Apple

Kobo

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Interview: Karilyn Bentley, Author of Paranormal Romance, DEMON KISSED

Please help me welcome today’s guest and her intriguing novel… Isn’t this a fantastic cover?

 

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BLURB:

Gin Crawford, the world’s latest demon huntress, has no time to mourn her dead lover as she’s called in to determine why a demon attack occurred at the local medical school. And not just any demon, but the one demon that gives her demon-killing bracelet the shivers. A dead professor, a lab full of missing anthrax, and a demon who turns good people into minions complicate her life. Can Gin and her mentor Aidan Smythe solve the mystery of the missing anthrax and the identity of the demon before someone else dies?

EXCERPT:

The scent of sulfur hangs in the air like a demonic stink bomb. I want to slap a hand over my nose, but no one else seems affected by the stench. Must be a demon huntress thing.

Justitian,” Smythe mutters. “Not demon huntress.”

“If you don’t like my new title, then stay out of my mind.”

He glares. I swallow. Cross my arms. Refuse to take a step back. I’m learning not to be intimidated by his anger. Go me.

My justitia vibrates, throwing me out of my internal battle, pulling me back to the land of death and minions. The blob of colors pulsates, a glowing reminder of a moment of terror. The moment the demon appeared to the grad student.

Granted, I’m still taking Demons 101, but I thought demons formed minions in private.  Usually after the human committed a crime, not before. A tryout, so to speak. And maybe that happened, but it sure seems to me like the black blob of demon force appeared to the grad student smack in the middle of the hallway.

Or maybe that always happens, and I just now noticed it.

The justitia’s vibration grows stronger, trembling my arm, my veins. Not its normal excited tremor upon seeing a minion or demon. A rush of images spikes through my mind, scenes of terror coupled with blood and death, memories of the justitia’s former wearers captured in time by the entity in the bracelet.

I’m not the only one freaked out by the colored blob. How bad was this demon to scare a justitia?

 

Wow, chilling excerpt! Now, let’s get to know Karilyn…

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

I have to drink hot tea when writing. I can’t seem to write without it.

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

The Outlander series and the first few books of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

I do! I’m a clinical research coordinator at a busy oncology clinic. This means I help run clinical trials. Sounds fancy. What it really involves is a bunch of paperwork. You can think of me as a glorified paper pusher. And yes, I do enjoy it. It makes me feel like I’m helping people. And isn’t that what we should all strive to do?

Yes, I agree. It’s great you have a job where you can help others. What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

The aforementioned job. As much as I like it if I could stay home and write (and make money writing), I’d gladly give it up.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Demon Kissed?

Wanting to read the next in the series (or the first in the series if they haven’t already).

What is your favorite quote?

Anyone who thinks he’s too small to make a difference has never been bit by a mosquito – Lily Casey Smith in Half-Broke Horses

Love that quote!

What is your favorite…

MovieStar Wars

MusicMumford & Sons

Place you’ve visitedSweden

Place you’d like to visitScotland

TV show from childhoodLaverne & Shirley

TV show from adulthood Game of Thrones

Foodapples

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

Excellent! I enjoyed your answers, although, I bet you are the only person in the world whose favorite food is apples. 🙂 

Karilyn has a question for readers… What is your favorite genre to read?

(Mine is suspense…but paranormal is probably second.)

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BIO:

Karilyn Bentley’s love of reading stories and preference of sitting in front of a computer at home instead of in a cube, drove her to pen her own works, blending fantasy and romance mixed with a touch of funny.

Her paranormal romance novella, Werewolves in London, placed in the Got Wolf contest and started her writing career as an author of sexy heroes and lush fantasy worlds.

Karilyn lives in North Texas with her own hunky hero, a crazy dog nicknamed The Kraken, and a handful of colorful saltwater fish.

 

CONTACT LINKS:

Website:    http://www.karilynbentley.com

Facebook:             https://www.facebook.com/KarilynBentleyAuthor

Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/karilynbentley1

Blog:                      http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com

Goodreads:           http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4051943.Karilyn_Bentley

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

Newsletter:            http://eepurl.com/ba_0Rf

 

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01AB5116U

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demon-kissed-karilyn-bentley/1123272613?ean=2940157964696

TWRP: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6639

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/demon-kissed/id1076170387?mt=11

 

 

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Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release

“10 Moments that Changed My Life” by Liz Tyner – PLUS, her new release, THE NOTORIOUS COUNTESS

Please welcome my dear friend, Liz Tyner…

 

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 Ten (Mostly Unplanned) Moments that changed my life:

  1. I was too young to read, but my mom asked me to tell her a story. She wrote it down and said she would keep it with the “important papers.”
  2. My husband said he wanted to go to college—which also led to moment #3.
  3. At age twenty-five, I went with someone applying for a job, showed them how I thought the application should be filled out, and ended up working there twenty years.
  4. At twenty-six, because of #3, I had to put writing non-fiction articles aside, so I began a novel, which four years and 100,000 words later was a story with a sagging middle. My energy sagged. I soon stopped writing. As in “I quit. I do not want to do this anymore.”
  5. My husband said I needed a laptop computer. I didn’t think I did.
  6. Because #2 turned out well, and I didn’t like #3 particularly, I put in a job application somewhere else and ended up with more spare time.
  7. With #5 being so handy, I wrote a 60,000 word journal about violin lessons—which was another unplanned event in my life. (Yes, you can end up in a violin class without really planning to but that’s a long story—a 60,000 word one.)
  8. It snowed. Roads were bad. I started a writing a story thanks to #5, #6, and #7. I wrote four rough drafts of short novels in approximately a year.
  9. So now I really wanted a book published. The writer’s conference site in Nashville flooded after I’d signed up, and I ended up flying to the new conference location in Florida alone, which led to me deciding later to fly to NY with friends, and then back to NY—alone—and I’d never flown until after I was forty.
  10. Someone didn’t show up for their pitch appointment after I traveled to Atlanta for a writer’s conference, and I was in the right place at the right time, and met an editor from Harlequin who agreed to look at my historical romance…

Wow, Liz. Great stuff. What a series of seeming mishaps that turned into a blessing. 

Check out Liz’s book and the gorgeous cover!

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Blurb:

“People must have something to talk about… And I do make for a good tale.” 

After escaping an unhappy marriage, Lady Riverton enjoys her notoriety among the ton…even if her reputation isn’t deserved. But when she’s caught in a most compromising position with Andrew Robson, for the first time the truth is even more scandalous than the rumors! 

And yet, in Andrew’s arms, Beatrice finds she’s no longer defined by her reputation and is free to be the woman she truly is. Is it time for Beatrice to trust in Andrew and end her reign of scandal once and for all?

Excerpt:

                Sitting shoulder to shoulder, aware of every one of her curves, he forced himself to think of plans for Beatrice’s reintroduction into society.

                She turned her face to him. From the gentle brushes of movement at his side, he knew he need move only the barest amount and she would be in his arms.

                “I don’t think your sleep quite agreed with you,” she mumbled. “You look quite grim.”

                He nodded, aware of her fluid movements, confined by the seat, and yet she didn’t still. Her body moved constantly, checking its boundaries.

                She coughed and lost all seriousness. “Did you, um, think of me last night?”

                His thoughts jumped from her body to her words. “Of course.”

                Her shoulders wobbled and she managed to squeeze so close to him he braced himself not to be pushed out of the other side of the conveyance. Tickles of warmth moved from the place she touched to flood his entire body.

                Wide eyes blinked at him in feigned innocence. “I do have a place in the country. Except it’s rather crowded. My mother’s there.”

                “I was trying to think of ways you might impress the ton.

                “I did not think of that once after you left.” She moved closer to her side of the curricle. “They cannot be impressed by me. I assure you. They’ve spent too many teatimes murmuring about what has happened in my past.”

                Andrew slowed the horse.

                “Past. Present. The future. You must only think of the future now. I don’t believe anyone is really aware of the events of the night yet,” Andrew mused, “so I want us to be noted today. A pre-emptive move for when Tilly’s words are spread about.”

                He ignored the skepticism on her face. “Also you might adopt a worthy cause and pour yourself into it. A cause which shows your heart. With your ability to draw attention, you’ll gather print. At first people will be unimpressed, but over time you’ll gain acceptance. People are fascinated when others change from what is expected. Think of reformed rakes. Ordinary people into war heroes. Women who sacrifice for others. Those gather a lot of discussion.”

                “So you think to tame the Beast.”

                “I think for you to tame her,” he said. “Things have been exaggerated in your past and now you will merely control what is noticed and embellished.”

                She gave a distinctive grimace and touched the blue at her sleeve. “Not the carriage incident.”

                “You must also refrain from rolling your eyes in public, I suppose. And smirking. And using scissors.”

Fabulous excerpt! Sounds like a great read. Readers, you can check it out here:

http://www.amazon.com/Notorious-Countess-Liz-Tyner-ebook/dp/B015CJXXY8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1448639838&sr=8-4&keywords=liz+tyner

http://liztyner.com

https://www.pinterest.com/liztyner1/

liz

Safe in My Arms—My First Book: Safe in the Earl’s Arms

 

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Filed under 10 Moments that Changed My Life, Author Blog Post, New Release

Candy Hearts Romances from The Wild Rose Press – Part 2

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(Click this image to see all the stories on Amazon!)

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!!! Check out the second round of fabulous stories…

Click on the covers to be taken to the Amazon buy pages.

 

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Dillon Greenleaf is a member of Mythreal royalty and head of his planet’s security. Debutantes have been chasing him his entire adult life in order to wed a man of power, and he’s totally off women in general. But when he meets Keira Foley, an Earth officer, who he suspects is a pirate spy, he finds he quite likes the Plain Jane female.

Keira has been pegged brilliant and unattractive by her fellow officers, something she doesn’t mind until she meets the hot, royal stud-muffin who believes she is capable of treason against her own world. When they meet again at the Earth Embassy’s Valentine’s Day ball, Keira however blows Dillon’s mind.

Yet, in the midst of trying to find the real traitor, Dillon’s match-making grandmother, and a night made for love, Keira and Dillon must decide if they can put aside their differences in time to find a love that will be ever after.

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Beth has always loved Mark. He was the boy of her dreams even though she was nothing more than his little sister’s best friend. Now he’s back from the military and looking at her differently. Though that could be the plate of lasagna she dropped in his lap.

A series of mishaps gives Mark opportunity to spend time with her. He is sure that he is the man for her but experience has taught Beth not all men can be trusted. Can he convince her that he wants her to be his for Valentine’s Day and ever after?

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Forty year old Alex Spencer has given up on love. Having escaped five years earlier from the verbally abusive and two decades older, Trent Peterson, her life revolves around her daughter, sixteen-year-old Josie, even if Josie wants nothing to do with her.

But with Valentine’s Day looming, Alex’s high school sweetheart, Billy Leibowitz, whom she kicked out of her life twenty years earlier thanks to Trent’s demands, has been invading her thoughts. Alex searches for Billy in vain—it seems as if he’s simply disappeared. Suddenly, Candy Hearts, which Billy sent to Alex every Valentine’s Day, start arriving in the mail. Is Billy sending the Candy Hearts? Will this finally be her chance at happily ever after?

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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, gorse fairy, Flora Hawthorne is up to her neck in flowers, chocolate, and all things romance. She has no time for love, until she comes face to face with her own personal Cupid and the sparks fly!

Looking to settle down, Cupid Tharin Terize wants fairy Flora Hawthorne to be his valentine, not just for one night, but for the rest of time. Now, all he has to do is convince her.

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The car accident totaled Sabrina Post’s convertible and reinvented her memories. She can’t recall dumping Cole Dawson ten years ago. What her new clairvoyant visions tell Sabrina is he’s her husband.

Any practical girl would question her sanity. But if Sabrina wants to make this imaginary future a reality, she’ll have to regain Cole’s trust and eliminate her rival, the coffee shop waitress who’s pegged Cole as husband #4.

To prove she’s foreseen their destiny, Sabrina stirs Cole’s interest by revealing specifics about him she couldn’t have otherwise known. Unfortunately, the one detail he vividly remembers is the pain when she left him and their “rinky-dink” town in her rearview mirror.

If Cole can’t believe she’s a changed woman, can Sabrina accept the only second chance she has at love exists in her memories?

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Hard-working Kate Clark opens a thriving coffee shop that quickly becomes the local hang-out for students and the community. Her one wish is to eventually buy out her sister’s share of the old Florida home they inherited. However, Violet is need desperate of cash and has other plans.

Tappe Vanderberg, Kate’s childhood friend and high school sweetheart, has sold his lucrative internet security business to return to Little Heron Shores and fulfill his dreams of owning a marina. Now the handsome Dutch-born businessman is making waves with single women all over town—including loony, post mistress Eva May Poole who’s in search of husband number three.

But it’s Kate Clark who’s wreaking havoc with Tappe’s heart, not Eva May. Can he find away to shake the dingbat post mistress and convince Kate to give him a second chance and the sweet kiss he remembers from an earlier time?

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For wedding stylist Misty Morningside, mixing business with pleasure is a professional no-no. That is, until she runs into wedding photographer Adam Wright at a Valentine’s Day event. Dare they set aside business for one night of pleasure?

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Aspiring choreographer and dance teacher, Simon West is walking along the hall in the college where he teaches when he gets knocked over by klutzy, two left feet, accounting professor Veronica Cooke. Simon wants to get to know the beautiful woman who ran him down, but how will she react when she finds out his alter-ego is a super sexy cowboy at an upscale exotic dancing male revue and that he makes ends meet by taking off his clothes?

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It’s Valentine’s Day, and candy heart sayings mock Drew Engledown’s lonely state. He wants more in his life than work, but hasn’t met anyone he can imagine spending his life with. When he puts his own life at risk to save a friend, he’s sent back in time to Regency London and mistaken for a murdered earl. Has he been given a chance at love with the earl’s beautiful widow, or will he suffer the same fate as the previous lord?

When her husband’s heir lays claim to all she once owned, Lady Engledown is left nearly destitute. So she doesn’t know whether to be relieved or angry when the earl returns but claims he’s not her husband. Could he be telling the truth, or is he toying with her? She doesn’t know what to think of this man who is so different from the husband she never loved. Can they find happiness together, or will this man she comes to love leave her worse off than before?

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Allison McCall, supervisor in the Romance and Proposal Department of Cupid Corp., firmly believes rules are meant to be followed, yet her own love life is unfulfilling.

Preston Carlyle, Allison’s former boyfriend and one of her more creative agents, believes rules should be broken occasionally to give true love a chance. Only, he’s having a hard time convincing Allison and Cupid his techniques are working.

From the disastrous paperwork and the frequency of Allison’s visits to Cupid’s office on Preston’s behalf, she fears her position and his job are in jeopardy.
But when she finds out he’s requested a transfer to the Holiday Security Agency, Allison decides to prove she cares for him…even if it means breaking a few rules.

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Broken-hearted and bitter, Brenna Jones plans to spend Valentine’s weekend at her parents’ cabin, reading romance novels and devouring heart-shaped candy. When her truck hits a snowdrift and plows into a bank—during a storm, no less—her plans take a drastic detour. Eric Buchanan, the playboy jerk from her past, comes to her aid. He’s her only option for reaching safety.

Eric can’t wait to escape his parents’ latest attempt to set him up. He’s given up on happiness, knowing he blew his chance at love a decade ago. When his snowmobile ride turns into a harrying escape from a blizzard, he discovers Brenna stranded in the storm. After he ensures her safety, he plans to explain the misunderstanding that tore them apart. Can a secluded cabin help Eric convince Brenna to be his love?

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Meghan Muldoon is at a crossroads: struggling to balance the demands of a high stress vocation as an advocate for victims of violence and her feelings for Keenan Rossi, a man who wants to make their relationship permanent.

On Valentine’s Day, a series of routine crises force Meg to question staying in a profession which fulfills her both professionally and spiritually–or devoting the rest of her life to the one person who completes her.

Which one is For Keeps?

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Volunteering at a horse rescue has helped heal schoolteacher Kelsey Hunter after her celebrity ex’s betrayal. Life in the rural California community suits her better than the bling of Hollywood. When she seeks help for a classroom project, she’s thrown into the sphere of a down-to-earth organic farmer and horseman who could really steal her heart…

Landry Mills, successful mega-spokesmodel for a famed Westernwear line, returns to his hometown to regroup and reconsider signing the next contract. Meeting Kelsey explodes feelings in him he wants to make real. But finding out a fancy director’s son recently crushed her spirit has him take things slow. What will Kelsey do when she finds out he’s a celebrity in his own right? He might not be able to bear it…

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When ARP warden Molly sees a light shining through the darkness of London on a cold winter’s night in the middle of the blitz she’s infuriated with the careless American who struck it. Doesn’t he know there’s a war on?
Guy’s just trying to find his way through a maze of unlit streets. He’s very sorry and Molly reluctantly forgives him. When he accompanies her on her nightly rounds the two learn about each other, themselves and whether it’s really possible to fall in love in only one night – especially when there’s no guarantee of tomorrow.

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Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?” Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.

Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.

As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?

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The last place Lorena Weber wants to be on Valentine’s Day is a singles party thrown by her newlywed best friend. But how can she say no? She’ll give it an hour—two, tops—and then she’s heading back to her normal life. But she didn’t plan on seeing the one man who had turned her world on its side New Year’s Eve with one kiss that opened doors she had firmly locked.

Caleb Manning got coerced into attending this ridiculous party by a co-worker. He’ll stay for an hour at most and then he’ll head home. That was the plan until he recognized Lorena across the room and had to see if that kiss was only New Year’s Eve magic or something more.

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Everyone expects Rebecca Winston to marry her high school/college sweetheart, Garrett Langley. The problem is, the flame’s gone out on their romance. They’re still best of friends, but only friends. When Garrett’s father has a heart attack, his older brother Wyatt (an L.A. attorney) returns home for the first time in years. The attraction between Rebecca and Wyatt is immediate.

Can Rebecca expect her family and, especially, Garrett to understand that her desires have changed and turned toward Wyatt?

Can Wyatt get past the feeling that he’s poaching his younger brother’s girl?

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Alone on Valentine’s Day, Leo Rankin attends the library’s Blind Date With a Book event hoping for something he can take to bed with him that night, and finds himself competing against Gerri Webb for the last remaining book. Wild child Gerri is not his usual type. Yet he feels an immediate, sizzling attraction and agrees to share the book and its accompanying bag of candy hearts.

The whole idea of a Blind Date With a Book is to go off genre, so Gerri doesn’t mind when their flirty conversation suggests they unwrap each other rather than the mystery book. When a candy heart advises, “Ask Me,” she asks Leo back to her apartment. She never expects button-down Leo to hit all her buttons, but by the next morning she fears her heart’s in danger. Can one night spent off genre translate to real life?

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In Heather Ridge, Virginia, myth has it the lucky recipients of the two FIND ME candy hearts distributed each year are soul mates.

Too afraid of seeing her one-time trusted friend, good-hearted Lyse Haynes refuses to go to her high school class reunion. But when she receives a second invitation containing the elusive candy heart, she takes an overdue vacation to pursue the dream of finally finding her soul mate.

Ice cream creator Cooper Schmidt plans to take his product nationwide. His marketing team proposes the perfect destination for his next store. Unfortunately, it belongs to the father of the woman he’s harbored feelings for since high school. He uses her belief in myths and mails her the candy heart to entice her to Heather Ridge, in hopes she will convince her father to sell.

There’s just one problem. After ten years, his old feelings tumble forward, stronger than ever, and Lyse has a decision to make—discover who has the candy heart companion or follow her heart.

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When her husband ran off with a perky, much younger woman, Regina Cox got the house , a decrepit car, and her freedom. Divorced, she plans to remain man-free and focus on her career as a writer. Trouble is, the skinny boy next door who used to tease her about her braces is now a handsome hunk and features as the hero in her latest romance novel.

Tucker Owen is a Dom with his eye on the new divorcee next door. His fantasies center around draping Regina over his spanking bench. Too bad she’s a strong woman and not submissive in the least. But when he learns she writes erotica romance and is having trouble getting the research right, he offers a week-long tutorial that’s bound to teach them both a few things.

Regina can’t refuse all the research she could ask for and no strings sex on top. And with the sassy sub, Tucker soon discovers the pleasure that comes when the topper is topped.

 

Hope you enjoyed browsing the Candy Hearts Romances, and I hope you found some great reads. Tune in Wednesday for more of these fun stories!

 

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Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release, Uncategorized

Fill the Stadium – New Release from K.M. Daughters – PLUS a Giveaway!

Please help me welcome today’s guests, K.M. Daughters. I have the pleasure of being their current editor for their Wild Rose Press books, and not only are these ladies a pure joy, their books are fantastic. Especially their latest release, Fill the Stadium. It’s a heartfelt, emotional, fabulous read. Grab a box of tissues and settle in…

 

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Nikki Lambert’s husband purposely stalls his truck in the path of the midnight freight on the same day her eldest son, Jack, is diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.

Injured NFL quarterback, Ramsey Delaney is benched from his starting position leaving him ample time for more hands-on involvement in The Good Sports Club, a community center he established where Nikki’s sons, Jack and Rocky are enrolled.

Jack’s deteriorating motor skills concern Ram’s employees who bar Jack from attending the club without Ram’s knowledge. Nikki wants nothing but normalcy for Jack and she heatedly confronts Ram for depriving her son of a beloved activity. Ram immediately reinstates Jack forging the fateful bond between Nikki and her boys’ number-one sports hero. Ram is instantly attracted to Nikki. He wants to win her heart more than he’s ever wanted to win a game. But after her husband’s terrible abandonment will Nikki trust Ram’s motives and open her heart to love again?

Amazon Buy Link Click HERE

And now, let’s get to know the authors…

Where did you get the idea for FILL STADIUM?

Fill The Stadium is based on a charity football game held in Soldier’s Field at Harvard University – a K.M. Daughters’ idea after learning about ALD through Kathie’s son. He is an alumnus and former captain of the Harvard football team. His dear friend’s grandson died of ALD which prompted his passion for fundraising benefiting research. We wrote the novel inspired by the charity event concept that we created.

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

We chose to write this story as mainstream fiction because it explores universal themes that we believe have mass appeal.

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

ALD is a devastating disease that afflicts children. Despite that, we wanted to portray Jack’s battle as everyday heroism, memorable and valuable for any age. We also wanted to convey emotionally charged plot elements with simplicity and no melodrama.

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

Just recently THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO by Mitch Albom. Could not put it down. You have to read this book. It is magical.

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

Day jobs. 🙂

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

Oh this is such fun! Natalie Portman as Nikki Lambert, Chris Hemsworth as Ram Delaney, Jacob Tremblay as Jack, Emma Thompson as Kay Lambert, and Ed Harris as Mickey Lambert.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

No review –  hands down. We were biting our fingernails anticipating a Kirkus Review for Fill The Stadium and are thrilled that it was great.

Thank you so much for joining me today, ladies! And now, a few questions from K.M. Daughters…and a giveaway!

A question for your guests who are avid readers… What might prompt you to write a review for a book online, for example on Amazon or Goodreads?

We are excited to send a digital copy of Fill The Stadium to the first guest who answers this question correctly (hint – check K.M. Daughters’ website) 🙂

What is the date we celebrate as K.M. Daughters’ “birthday” – the day we received THE CALL from The Wild Rose Press for two novels?

http://www.kmdaughters.com

 

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BIO

K.M. Daughters is the penname for team writers and sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare nee Lynch. The author name is dedicated to the memory of their parents, Katherine and Michael, the “K” and “M” in K.M. Daughters. Inspired by their father who wrote children’s books for them when they were small and their mother’s love of romance novels, K.M. Daughters was “born” in 2005 at a Romance Writers of America national conference when the sisters plotted their first manuscript.
K.M. Daughters has published twelve award-winning novels garnering rave reviews. RT Book Reviews magazine awarded a 4-star, “Compelling, Page Turner…” rating to BEYOND THE CODE OF CONDUCT, CAPTURING KARMA and ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND LAW. RT Book Reviews awarded ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC 4 1/2 stars! “Fantastic…”, and the final installment in the Sullivan Boys Romantic Suspense Series: IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, rated 4 1/2 stars by RT Book Reviews – “FANTASTIC, A KEEPER”.
THE SNOWS, an Amazon Kindle Select book is the author’s first women’s fiction novel with inspirational elements.
FILL THE STADIUM, mainstream women’s fiction, is K.M. Daughters’ newest release.
Three children’s books penned by their father, Michael Lynch are now available for Kindle: THE SLIPPERS WITH THE TURNED UP TOES, THE TWILIGHT TWINS AND SASPERILDA.

K.M. Daughters resides in Illinois and New Jersey with husbands Nick and Tom, a total of five children and eight grandchildren between them.

 

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Filed under Author Blog Post, New Release, Uncategorized

Candy Hearts Romances from The Wild Rose Press – Part 1

white notecard surrounded by candy conversation hearts- blank

(Click this image to see all the stories on Amazon!)

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!!! Check out these fun romances from The Wild Rose Press.

Click on the covers to be taken to the Amazon buy pages.

On Wednesday, I will post the remaining stories from this great new series…

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Veterinarian Lexi Mallory wants to submit to the sexy new Dom from the club, but trauma from her past keeps getting in the way. It’s a good thing Gabriel Huntington has a special way with difficult subs and sees the gorgeous Lexi as a delicious challenge. Unfortunately, Lexi fears her inability to relinquish control will finally test Garbriel’s patience and he’ll end their contract. Can Lexi lower her barriers and allow Gabriel’s touch to melt her heart?

 

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Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

 

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When Erika’s ex becomes her boss less than a year after dumping her by text, she gets desperate to find a date to the corporate Valentine’s dance so he doesn’t suspect she still has feelings for him. Though not a fan of texting for the obvious reason, she doesn’t have much choice but to tap the keypad in order to gain the attention of the only viable candidate from the classified ads.

Grayson made the mistake of listening to his brother a year ago and has regretted what he did to Erika ever since. But his brother’s next suggestion just might be his salvation when he takes out an ad for a Valentine’s date…and Erika answers.

Using a pseudo name and keeping contact to text messages only, Grayson’s plans to make Erika fall back in love with him appears to be working…until the date of the dance draws near, and she pushes a meeting—face to face.

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For nearly a decade Maggie has put the needs of her younger siblings ahead of her own. Now she’s willing to accept a marriage without passion in order to protect her brother, but fate has a wicked sense of humor. On the eve of her wedding, Maggie meets the man of her dreams.

When Shamus loses a bet the penalty is a blind date. Shamus is prepared to endure a long, boring night; the last thing he expects is to find the woman who can bring his heart back to life.

But Maggie is keeping secrets–and her engagement is only one of them.

 

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Tate Campbell liked his life. Running his bar kept him busy and paid his bills, and a relationship with anyone wasn’t on the horizon. He sure wasn’t expecting a Valentine surprise, especially one who looked like a fallen angel—with a broken-down car.

Dace Robinson’s career as an ER doctor left little time for relationships. Valentine’s Day was just another day on the calendar, albeit one filled with annoying decorations and sad reminders she had no one special in her life.Until the night car trouble compelled her to seek help in a biker bar, and the handsome owner claimed Dace as his woman – she had no idea how sweet Valentine’s Day could be.

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Don’t call. Don’t text. Tweet me…

Married to her work, event planner Avery Kurtz runs her life and her business on a private message feed. She has no time to waste on emails or a love life, and Valentine’s Day means just more parties to plan.

But when Tanner Voss, best man in Avery’s best friend’s wedding, is assigned to help finalize plans, her world is turned heart-side up. The hotshot attorney might be a player—he’s hit on her before and she avoided that mistake—but he’s also surprisingly cooperative, focused on making the perfect choices for their friends, and even on board with her messaging preference. Between the erotic dreams about the sexy litigator and her body urging her to forget caution, Avery is wondering if she was wrong about Tanner and wants him to do more than “tweet me.”

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Darby Malone has trouble saying no. Hosting a children’s Valentine party at her recently renovated gallery is the last straw, and the last time she intends to say yes to anything. That is, until she meets Ben, a well-known Cape Cod artist with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Can she afford to say yes to him?

Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. His life has been empty since his wife died four years ago, his paintings the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?

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Teacher Lori Tait has always wanted a family, but now she’s 40, she’s pretty much decided all the good men are taken. Instead, she devotes herself to her students, particularly one little girl whose struggle with math seems inconsistent with an otherwise brilliant and artistic mind.

Mark Wilder hadn’t planned to become a father, but when a fling resulted in his daughter, Grace, he whole-heartedly embraced the role. Raised in a family of boys, what does he know about women and girls? Once he learns of Grace’s inability to comprehend basic math, he welcomes the role of tutor as a way to connect with his daughter; the opportunity to spend time with her sexy teacher is an added bonus.

When Lori cracks the mystery of Grace’s problem, Mark’s world is thrown into turmoil; he’s the last person who can help his daughter. He pushes everyone away, confirming Lori’s theory about men. Grace, however, has other plans. Using her new-found understanding of math, she sets out to prove to her father and teacher that, together, they add up to the perfect match.

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A hacker is targeting Meredith Crismis’s struggling new dessert company. But when the tech firm she depends on sends hunky computer expert Vlad Wiznitsky to fix the problem, things begin improving for Meredith, both personally and professionally.

First, her relationship with Vlad heats up to the sizzling point, then Meredith’s given the chance to snag a wealthy customer who could put her company’s bottom line permanently into the black. It seems like a dream come true, until the persistent hacker turns her “Divine Desserts” website into an X-rated marketplace, the wealthy customer demands a discontinued decorative item or else no sale, and her relationship with Vlad begins to unravel under the pressure of her obsession with professional success.

For a woman who deals with creating intricate wedding cakes and luscious muffins, life has suddenly become the ultimate recipe for disaster.

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Makenna Stewart flees Scotland for the Big Island of Hawaii intent on making real a cherished dream—a bakery of her own. Hard work and long hours leave Makenna craving some fun in her life. Her best customer, Greek-god sexy surfer Tom may be just what she needs, but she suspects there’s more to him than board shorts and a devastating smile.

Retired professional surfer and real-estate multi-millionaire Tom Bensford, is there when she opens every morning, but he’s not craving her Morning Glory muffins. Fascinated by the dark-haired, blue-eyed wahine with the creamy Celtic skin and devastating Scottish accent, he’s never met a woman like her. Too bad he’s about to destroy her dreams.

To him, it’s just business. To her, it’s the kind of betrayal she fled Scotland to escape. Can the island magic in Makenna’s heritage save her dream and their romance, or will his secret tear them apart?

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A Valentine’s Day wedding on a Caribbean beach! The last thing Riley Flynn wants is to be present at her ex-fiancé’s wedding—which should have been hers—but she refuses to give him the satisfaction, despite the nosedive her life has recently taken. Now, if she can only find a plus one to prove she isn’t a complete failure.All Sam Rutherford wants is a peaceful life, but his zany neighbor is making it impossible. The woman is a menace to herself, and anyone in her path—he has the dent in his car to prove it. But when she raises those big amber eyes and confides in him, how can he say no to anything she wants? Soon she’s invading his life and bungling her way… into his heart.

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Treena Stanton, artistic coordinator of Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park, wants to exact revenge on Clayton Wagner. She had a crush on him in school, but he never acknowledged her existence. Revenge is sweet but not as sweet as the pleasure of his touch.

Strategic accounts manager, Clayton Wagner lost a bet and has to work the next twenty-four hours at his buddy’s theme park. But when his “boss for the day” with mouth-watering curves demands he wear a cowboy costume, all he can think about is finding out what’s under her petticoat.

But when the truth is revealed about their past, will the sparks of passion fizzle or burst into Red Hot flames?

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Hot Stuff takes on double meaning when klutzy Kate is faced with rookie cop Dallas looking for a stolen lawn statue. In her quiet, crime-free Wisconsin village, Kate has her hands full writing slogans for candy hearts and keeping her kleptomaniac brother with Asperger’s Syndrome inside the law. Even her grandmother’s famous snickerdoodle cookies can’t ameliorate the crime when a stolen lawn statue turns out to be a drug dispenser. Will Kate rise above her concern of what Dallas’s uniform represents and admit the charming Texas rookie is the man of her dreams?

 

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Andi’s new to town and looking for a fresh start in the dating department. She’s attracted to the guy she sees each morning, but begins flirting via text with Garrett, a friend of her new co-workers. Despite many attempts and determination, she misses opportunities to introduce herself to Cute Coffee Shop Guy or actually meet Garrett in person. With Valentine’s Day approaching she succumbs to the sugar rush of Candy Hearts and when ‘Secret Admirer’ continues to appear in the messages, she takes it as a sign to decide which guy is her real Secret Admirer.

 

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Josie and Carson Sandberg are on the cusp of being empty-nesters. With a cross-country move and Carson’s busy work schedule, there hasn’t been much time to connect. When gifted with a romantic getaway and challenge that says “Surprise Me”, the two embark on a trip that reveals secret desires and more. But sometimes a fantasy is better left undiscovered…

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During the day, Megan surrounds herself with water lilies and goldfish in the ponds she creates. At night,
memories of her lying ex-boyfriend are a reminder she can never again trust a man.

Jason embraces his career as paramedic firefighter, even though ugly experience declares his profession a greedy mistress. During quiet nights at the station, he wonders if this bachelor existence is all he’ll ever know.

Then Jason meets Megan and sparks fly, chased by flashes of anger when Jason, battling a raging
apartment fire, stands up Megan on their first date. Is St. Valentine powerful enough to bring these two strong-willed people together?

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Looking for inspiration, designer Genevieve Hoffman agrees to an apartment swap and heads to the south of France. But when the apartment owner’s brother returns from deployment, she finds herself with a man who inspires fantasies rather than fashion.

Etienne Gagnon barely made it out of Syria alive during his last special forces assignment. All he wants is a little R&R in the apartment he shares with his sister. But the woman making breakfast in his kitchen isn’t his sister. He might not understand a word coming out of her mouth, but he has no problem reading body language and likes what she’s saying just fine.

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In 1905 New York City, affluent Millie Moore wants to be outspoken like the suffragettes she admires. She also wants to rid herself of an annoying and controlling suitor. For a well-brought up young lady whose mother fears her impending spinsterhood, speaking her mind is an uphill battle.

When Raymond Wilson sees Millie at a rally, it’s love at first sight. Not wanting his stutter to ruin his chances, he enchants a little candy heart to do his talking for him.

For Millie, Raymond is a breath of fresh air. And maybe, just maybe, someone she could love. But for her social-climbing suitor Guy Elliot, he’s a threat to his plans. And Raymond isn’t the only one who knows something about magic. Now the ante has been upped and Millie is the prize…

 

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Summer Dawn Riley’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a woman’s weapon’s class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has.
Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

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As a young girl, Monda was placed into the tutelage of Mistress Teevac. Trained to use her empathic skills and educated in the ways to please a man, Monda is on her way to her new mate and master when her spaceship crashes. Rescued by a handsome space lieutenant, who literally makes her heart race, Monda’s eyes and heart are opened to new possibilities.

When Lieutenant Patrick Lancaster looks at the exotic Monda, he sees beautiful not alien. With an instinct to protect her and the desire to have her, he’d be honored to call her his own, but the stars have something else in mind. Or do they?

 

Hope you enjoyed browsing the Candy Hearts Romances, and I hope you found some great reads. Tune in Wednesday for more of these fun stories!

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