Friday, September 30, 2016

~ K.C. Bateman ~ Writing Kickass Heroines With Interesting Jobs! ~









I'm thrilled to have my friend Kate, who writes as K.C. Bateman, in the spotlight today! Kate and I met at a local Romance Writers of America meeting, and from the first day that she brought pages in, 
it was clear that she is an extremely talented author. Kate's wit and clever turn-of-phrases make for a delightful read. I hope you'll all pick up a copy of her latest and I know after that she'll be an automatic buy for you. 

Kate used to joke that her Secrets and Spies Series was all about kickass heroines with interesting jobs. And she's right.  Book One, To Steal a Heart, has a heroine that is a tightwalking thief! Book Two's heroine is a codebreaker. You don't meet those everyday.

Whenever we brought pages into our RWA meeting, we all wanted Kate to read them because of her lovely English accent, so try to imagine her voice in her answers. And without further ado...let's find out more about K.C. Bateman...

When did your love for writing start?

I’ve always loved reading, but I stumbled across the romance genre quite late. I distinctly remember the occasion – I was taking a train into London, about an hour on the slow train (which as a 22 year-old graduate was all I could afford), and I randomly picked up a book at the station. The cover was subtle – not your usual wind-blown Fabio, and I didn’t really know what genre it was. The book was Ransom by Julie Garwood. One train ride later, and I was completely hooked on historical romance. But I never really considered writing a book myself – I was busy running my own auction house, being a fine art appraiser, and juggling work and small kids. It was only after I followed by husband to the US that I realized I would go crazy if I didn’t do something other than keep house and taxi the kids around all day. I’d studied English at University, so I knew I could put a coherent sentence together, and I’d read plenty of really awful historicals by this point, and I figured well, if they can get published, why shouldn’t I have a go. . . ? At least my historical facts will be accurate . . .


What is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?


You have to write the books you want to read. Don’t try to copy someone else’s style because you think it will sell. It will come across as forced. And always remember that you can improve your writing. The best thing I ever did was join my local RWA (Romance Writers of America) local chapter. It helped me connect with other authors whose support, encouragement, teaching and constructive criticism have been invaluable. I’m always learning ways to better my craft.



What is something you struggle with when you write?

I hate plotting. As my engineer-husband will tell you, I really hate organizing, timetables and planning, but I know it’s just stupid to start writing a book with no idea of your overall story arc, or major plot points. So every time I come to plot a new book I pretend to myself that I’m just ‘jotting down ideas’. I keep a notebook and write down a couple of key scenes or snatches of dialogue. I type them up. I work out the order they have to go in to make sense. I work out what scenes I need to slot in between the big scenes to join them together. And hey-presto! It’s turned into an outline / plot without me noticing! By the time I’ve turned all my scribbled notes into actual, readable sentences, the book’s almost half done. Hurray!



I love how you trick yourself to get the job done! How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?


It’s tough. I have three kids under the age of ten, and it’s only this year that they’ve all been in full-time school. A good day is when I drop them at school and manage a solid block of writing before pickup. But I also think it’s really important to keep a work-life balance. You can’t stay slumped over a hot computer monitor all day, so I don’t let myself feel guilty for having lunch out with my girlfriends or meeting for coffee. Since I don’t watch a lot of TV, I sometimes get a couple of hours of writing done when the kids are all in bed – accompanied by just one small glass of wine . . .


Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.


Well, my first historical romance was set in the Italian Renaissance, which is, according to most publishers, a completely unsaleable time period. So I received numerous rejections, (ouch!) but took on board the fact that editors and agents liked my writing, but kept suggesting that I try writing a regency romance that would sell better. So I wrote another, straight Regency. I entered a couple of the RWA contests, and finalled in several, and from that I got a full MS request from my now-editor at Random House, Junessa Viloria. There was a terrifying moment when I sent her the full manuscript and immediately received a return email saying that she’d gone off on maternity leave – just my luck! – but one of her senior colleagues was checking her submissions and also liked the story, so I was offered a deal with Random House. I immediately shopped around to find a literary agent to represent me (having had lots of rejections from them too, I might add!), and strangely enough, it turns out it’s much easier to get an agent if you already have an offer from one of the Big Five publishing houses in your pocket! (classic chicken and egg scenario there). I am now represented by Patricia Nelson, at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, who did an excellent job negotiating the contracts for me, and managed to secure a three book deal with Random House. She’s also just sold French Foreign print and e-book rights for To Steal A Heart to J’ai Lu, the French Publisher. I can’t wait to read my own book in French! Oh la la!


And I'll have you know that Italian Renaissance romance is awesome, and I hope it will be published some day. You talked about being an auctioneer earlier. Tell us a little bit more about that.


Before I came to the USA and started writing, I was actually an antiques appraiser with my own auction house in the UK. I also appeared on several British antiques-related TV shows (Bargain Hunt, Flog it! and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,) as an on-screen expert. I’ve always loved history – which is really just a whole bunch of stories - so it was a natural sidestep to use my historical knowledge to write historical romance.



Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I currently live in Peoria IL, due to my husband’s work. I used to live near Cambridge in England (which is very lovely) and on the south-east coast of Spain. As to where I’d like to live, I love most places in Italy – the landscape! The food! The wine! The art! — so I’d choose to live in a massive crumbling Italian castle perched on the edge of a cliff with a view of the sea and a lovely garden, scattered with good-looking Italian groundsmen and gardeners, of course! The fact that I don’t speak Italian would only be a minor inconvenience.


I'm sure you could put up with it! If you owned a CB radio what would your "handle" be?


I think it would have to be ‘Auction fembot.’ It’s a name my husband gave me as a joke online alias years ago (I think just after Austin Powers films were released!) and I kinda like it! It sounds pretty kick-ass. No other truckers would mess with me.



No. Surely not. Once they saw your intimidating photo above, they'd want nothing to do with you, I'm certain. Name your favorite children's story.



It’s Goodnight Moon. I read it to my own kids now, and they love the ‘Goodnight nobody!’ page as much as I did when I was a kid.



What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?

A kettle and teabags. Without a doubt. Life’s just not worth living without a cup of tea!


That's the first time I've had that answer, but it's a good one. Thank you for joining us, Kate, and best wishes for To Steal a Heart and A Raven's Heart. 



And for a limited time only, you can get To Steal a Heart for only 99¢! (Now until October 10th!)

Purchase it here: http://a.co/fMGIXcl

And Kate will be back on October 18th to share A Raven's Heart with us. So tune in! 


Pre-order A Raven's Heart here: https://amzn.com/B0190HP7G0

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

~ You're In For THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GHOSTLY! ~







Please welcome our guest poster, Blaire Edens!




Just Like Kate Warne: Pinkerton’s Secret Weapon






When writing A GHOSTLY WAGER, I was interested in the stories of real women who became detectives in the years leading up to and following The Civil War. I stumbled upon Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton agent. Her story inspired my heroine, Annabelle Laurens.

At the age of twenty-three, Kate Warne was a childless widow who was looking for a job. She spotted an ad for Pinkerton agents in the newspaper and went to the Chicago office in 1856 determined to snag a job as a detective. Even though he was surprised at her request, Allan Pinkerton hired her and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made.

Of medium height, Warne was slender and radiated strength and compassion. According to Pinkerton, her dark blue eyes were “filled with fire” and she was “graceful" and “perfectly self-possessed in her manner.”

Warne was, in many ways, Pinkerton’s secret weapon. She had the ability to gain the confidence of other women who offered valuable information especially related to criminal cases. In the Adams Express Case, the agency was investigating the theft of several thousand dollars from the railroad company. Operating on a hunch that a man named Nathan Maloney, the Adams Express office manager in Montgomery, Alabama, stole the cash. Warne was dispatched to cultivate a friendship with Maloney’s wife. The wife told Warne about her husband’s action and Warne was able to find the hidden money and close the case.

In 1861, she worked directly with Allan Pinkerton to foil an assassination attempt on President-Elect Lincoln. Pinkerton sent her to Baltimore. She posed as a Mrs. Barley, a visitor from Alabama, and infiltrated a group of southern sympathizers. She discovered that an attempt on Lincoln’s life would be made while he was passing through Baltimore.. Not only did she courier messages to Lincoln’s party, but she also helped smuggle the president himself onto a train that would ultimately pass through Baltimore with him undetected.

Kate Warne worked for Pinkerton until she became ill and died in 1868. She’s interred in the Pinkerton family plot in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago.

In my book, Annabelle Lauren comes to the Tremayne P.S.I. Agency looking for work as a detective and while she has to convince Agent Cole Swanson that she’s not only capable but 
an incredible asset to the Tremayne team, she gets the job done. Just like Kate Warne.

Thank you, Blaire! That was very interesting! Now let's find out more about the anthology...


Blurb ~

What do you get when you mix cowboys with ghosts? A collection of eight (stand-alone) amazing stories from the Old West with haunts of every variety. 

Get your love of alpha cowboys on and feed your addiction for the bizarre (and sometimes spooky) world when you download The Good, The Bad and The Ghostly








Bestselling and Award-winning authors are pleased to save you more than 75% on this fantastic boxed set! (Price if books sold separately)

* * * 

Wild, Wild Ghost by Margo Bond Collins

With everyone she loves in the grave, Ruby specializes in the dead.



Comes An Outlaw by Keta Diablo

An outlaw returns to his childhood home to find his parents and brother dead, and the lovely widow in grave danger.



Long A Ghost, and Far Away by Andrea Downing

Ghosts are restless souls, and Lizzie Adams is one of them. How many lives will she get to find the perfect love?



A Ghostly Wager by Blaire Edens

Even a skeptical detective needs a little otherworldly help.



How the Ghost Was Won by Erin Hayes

There are ghost stories. And there are ghost legends.



McKee's Ghost by Anita Philmar

The ghost living in his house might have saved him from an unhappy marriage and brought him the girl of his dreams but when his ex- fiancé returns, the same spirit turns his life upside down.



A Ride Through Time by Charlene Raddon

P.S.I. Agent Burke Jameson wants to find out if Eagle Gulch, Colorado has genuine ghosts. But he found far more than he expected, including a horse ride that could change his life forever. 



The Ghost and the Bridegroom by Patti Sherry-Crews

She's sent west to solve a case. What she finds will change her forever.


Buy THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GHOSTLY here:


http://mybook.to/GoodBadGhostly 





Monday, September 26, 2016

~ NY Times Bestselling Author Susan Stoker Gives You JUSTICE FOR BOONE! She'll Stoke Your Fire! ~





 Justice for Boone is the 6th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings. 




Blurb ~




Sheriff’s Deputy Hayden Yates has worked hard to gain the respect and admiration of her fellow law enforcement officers. She’s succeeded so well, in fact, that she’s become just one of the guys. As her friends slowly begin to meet their soul mates, Hayden longs to be seen as a desirable woman, and not the tomboy she’s always been. 


No slouch when it comes to attracting the opposite sex, cowboy Boone Hatcher might want to give it a rest for a while, especially after his last girlfriend accuses him of domestic abuse. Deputy Yates sees right through his ex’s ruse—and Boone sees right through Deputy Yates. Hayden might seem all business, but her need for justice comes from a heart that beats with pure passion.


A few dates turn into something more, and as the couple’s relationship deepens, so do the threats from his ex. It’s up to Hayden to convince Boone the danger is real…before jealous antics escalate to deadly obsession.


Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30689954-justice-for-boone


You can purchase JUSTICE FOR BOONE here:

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2agBCq7

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/2abUVQr

iBooks: http://apple.co/2agBCXq

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ajArUH


Author Bio ~



New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.


Links ~

Website: http://www.stokeraces.com/

Newsletter: 

http://www.stokeraces.com/contact.html

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Susan_Stoker

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker/

Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8247140.Susan_Stoker




Saturday, September 24, 2016


RELEASED TODAY!!!




Blurb ~



PREPARE TO ENTER AN ALL-NEW WORLD...


"Fans of Suzanne Collins or Veronica Roth will adore this book."


Bella Forrest introduces her non-Shade (and longest ever) novel!

________________________________________


A toxic river divides nineteen-year-old Violet Bates's world by gender.

Women rule the East. Men rule the West.

Welcome to the lands of Matrus and Patrus...

Ever since the death of her mother, Violet's life has been shadowed by bad luck.

Already a prisoner to her own nation, now after two unfortunate incidents resulting in womanslaughter, she has been sentenced to death.


But one decision could save her life.


One decision to enter the kingdom of Patrus, where men rule and women submit.


Everything about the patriarchy defies Violet's identity, but she must sacrifice everything if she wishes to survive the forbidden kingdom... including forbidden love.


How much of yourself could you give up to keep yourself alive?

________________________________________

What Early Readers are Saying:


"Bella takes this genre to a new level. Imagine the intrigue of Divergent, the suspense of The Maze Runner and the heart-pounding excitement of The Hunger Games. That is the magic Bella is working with her new novel The Gender Game."

"The chemistry between the characters is INTENSE. Forbidden romance at its best!"

"You can never predict where Bella Forrest will take a story!"

"Intrigue, danger and mystery at every corner."

"Once I started reading, I knew I wouldn't be able to stop. My heart raced along with Violet's [...] The twists and turns so far in this book have left my mouth hanging agape."

"Intrigue, espionage, and a strong, smart female at the center of it all. Had me sucked in from the get go."



Goodreads:


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31131467-the-gender-game




Links ~




Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2aijJ76

(Amazon only – Kindle Unlimited)



Author Bio ~

Bella Forrest is the million-bestselling author of the "A Shade of Vampire" series.

Sign up to Bella's New Release email list and you'll automatically get notified as soon as her next book is released: www.forrestbooks.com

Visit her website: www.bellaforrest.net

Website: http://www.bellaforrest.net/

Newsletter Signup: http://www.bellaforrest.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashadeofvampire

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashadeofvampire/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashadeofvampire/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860531.Bella_Forrest

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2azGJCV



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

~ Soon You'll Be CRUSHING ON LOVE! ~








The Bradens are a series of stand alone novels that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger series.


"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

In CRUSHING ON LOVE... 



Blurb ~


Steve Johnson is living his life's passion watching over the Colorado Mountains as a ranger and wildlife consultant. But his peaceful life is upended when overzealous and insanely beautiful Shannon Braden flits back into his life after returning from a brief trip home to Maryland. He thought his attraction to her was under control—after all, she's only in Colorado temporarily, and he doesn't do casual affairs.

Shannon's return to Colorado has as much to do with the game of cat and mouse she and Steve have been playing as it does the data she's been hired to collect. But despite her efforts to explore the undeniable heat simmering between them, Steve's intent on keeping his distance.

When a ranch abutting the national park goes up for sale, Steve will do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. And when all his attempts fail, he's left with no alternative but to follow Shannon's guidance into the online world he abhors in order to raise the funds. The more time they spend together, the deeper their attraction becomes, and a game of cat and mouse turns into an unstoppable connection. But when Shannon's assignment comes to an end, will it mean an end to them, too? 






WANT MORE BRADENS? All Braden books can be read as stand-alone novels or as part of the series:

THE BRADENS (Peaceful Harbor, MD)
Healed by Love (Nate)
Surrender My Love (Cole)
River of Love (Sam)
Crushing on Love (Shannon)
Whisper of Love (Tempest)
Thrill of Love (Ty)
***
Read the complete LOVE IN BLOOM series:

SNOW SISTERS
THE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)
THE REMINGTONS
THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)
THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)
SEASIDE SUMMERS
WILD BOYS AFTER DARK

For a complete reading guide, family tree, checklists, and more, visit Melissa's website.






You can purchase CRUSHING ON LOVE here:


Author Bio ~


Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary's Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.


Monday, September 12, 2016

~ This Is One Book That Is WANTED! ~







Please welcome back the wonderful Marissa Garner with her newest release in the fabulous FBI Heat Series! Here's the romantic suspense/romantic thriller WANTED:



BLURB ~

For San Diego’s elite FBI agents, risking their lives is standard procedure when it comes to capturing the city’s most dangerous criminals—but falling in love is the greatest risk of all.



Kat MacKenzie knows something is terribly wrong at the Diablo Beach Nuclear Power Plant, but she can’t figure out if it’s computer error, equipment malfunction, or human sabotage. Unfortunately, the only person she can trust with the problem is the man she left at the altar two years ago. If Dillon doesn’t already hate her, he surely will once he discovers why she abandoned him.



The last person he expects to call him is the woman who broke his heart. But FBI Special Agent Dillon O’Malley can’t ignore Kat’s plea for help—not when national security may be at stake. As enemies become clear and catastrophe threatens, can Kat and Dillon put the past behind them to save the day and secure their future?






EXCERPT ~

Dillon ordered a large, meat-lovers pizza for delivery to his apartment before he left the office. Just as he disconnected, another call came in from the annoying anonymous number. He ignored it and headed straight home. Monday Night Football awaited him instead of another workout. Vegging in front of the TV for a few hours tonight seemed like a good idea so his mind could wrestle with the major career decision he needed to make.

The pizza delivery guy arrived shortly after he did. Within minutes, Dillon leaned back in the leather recliner with a plateful of meaty pizza and a longneck Corona, complete with a sliver of lime.

His iPhone rang again from where it lay on the end table. Irritation bubbled to the surface at the sight of the same number. He shook his head. The damn telemarketer should get a raise for perseverance alone. But enough was enough. He grabbed the phone.

“Whatever you’re selling, I’m not buying. Quit calling me.”

As he pulled the phone away from his ear, ready to slam it on the table, he heard a woman’s faint voice. “Dillon?”

Who knew two syllables could pack such a punch? But they did and knocked the wind right out of him.

“Dillon?” came the barely audible voice again. “Are you there?”

Although the words were a whisper, he identified the caller instantly. Slowly, he placed the phone back against his ear and said the only word his paralyzed brain could produce. “Yeah.”

She didn’t answer for several seconds, and before she did, he heard her gulp. Twice.

“It’s me. Kat. Katriona MacKenzie.”

What the hell? How many Kats did she think he knew? There had been and always would be only one Kat in his life.

When he didn’t respond, she spoke louder. “Dillon? Can you hear me?”

“Yeah,” he managed again around a boulder in his throat. Lame, lame, lame. After two years and what she’d done to him, he should have more to say to her. A lot more.

“Am I…interrupting…anything?” she asked hesitantly.

God, he wished he could say something like Yeah, I’m in the middle of screwing my wife’s brains out or I’m on the other line with the President or I’m busy saving the world. But he was just watching football. Alone. So what could he say? “No,” he muttered, the tightness in his chest threatening to choke off his single-syllable words entirely.

“Uh…how are you?”

Thank God, her words sounded strangled also.

“Um, I’m great. Awesome, in fact. Never been better.” He cringed and closed his eyes. Shit, that was over the top.

“Good. I…I’m really glad.”

“You?” Damn, back to single syllables. And he still couldn’t breathe right.

“I’m…okay.”

Then she stalled. He sensed Kat was losing her courage, but he’d be damned if he would make it easier for her.

She sighed heavily. “This was a mistake. Sorry to bother you, Dillon. Bye-o.”

And just like that, she was gone. But not without a last dagger to his heart by using their special good-bye.


LINKS ~

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PO4Euv

B&N: http://bit.ly/1rh8yE1

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UI5wjz

iTunes: http://apple.co/1ZF5g9s








AUTHOR BIO ~


Marissa Garner is a wife, writer, chocoholic, and animal lover, not necessarily in that order. As a little girl, she cut pictures of people out of her mother’s magazines and turned them into characters in her simple stories. Now she writes edgy romantic thrillers, steamy contemporary romance, and sexy paranormal romantic suspense. Her stories will titillate your mind as well as your libido. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband, but enjoys traveling from Athens to Anchorage to Acapulco and many locations in between.



Social media links:

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1NTfT19

Website: www.marissagarner.com

Facebook: MarissaGarnerAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/M_Garner_Author

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/marissa_garner

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Marissa-Garner/e/B00OJY23WQ

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/garner1819/










Series info:

HUNTED (FBI Heat #1) http://amzn.to/1PjQLGK

TARGETED (FBI Heat #2) http://amzn.to/1P0zz2Y 






Saturday, September 10, 2016

~ Fall Under The Spell of MORGAN D'ARCY: A VAMPYRE RHAPSODY! ~










This new book, my third from The Wild Rose Press, is a collection of short works featuring Morgan D’Arcy, the hero in Sinners’ Opera, the book of my heart. In edits on Rhapsody, my editor asked for more about Isabeau. She is the heroine in Sinner’s Opera and a continuous thread through most of the stories. I wrote the following in answer to this request, but she then clarified and wanted it—since all of the stories are from Morgan’s first-person POV—from his viewpoint. But this is it as it was originally written. I had envisioned it originally as a Epilogue, titled Never Goodbye.


Because Morgan was the first character to “speak” to me, this book is special. To celebrate its release, I will give one commenter a PDF of Sinners’ Opera.




Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampyre Rhapsody
By Linda Nightingale
From The Wild Rose Press
Cover Artist:  Debbie Taylor
Editor:  Callie Lynn Wolfe




A titled lord, concert pianist, and … vampire, Morgan D’Arcy has everything he wants…except what he most desires…the woman of his dreams—the search is on.

Rating:  Spicy
Digital Price:  $3.99
Print Price:  $13.99


Blurb ~

The greatest enemy of a vampire is boredom. Four centuries of existence have taught Lord Morgan Gabriel D'Arcy to fear nothing and no one. Humans and their weapons have little chance against his preternatural speed and arcane powers. Vampires are viral mutations of human DNA. Still, the Vampyre code requires secrecy, and he has learned to hide his nature from the world. The lure of mortality, of a life in the sun, puts Morgan again and again at the mercy of calculating human women though they fail to consider his charm and determination into the equation. However, even grooming a future bride from infancy proves to be fraught with heartbreak. And second chances are not always what they seem unless... you are Morgan. Immortality and beauty, aren’t they grand?

“…Morgan…is a tour de force of egotism, wit, sensuality, and talent…” ~Author Toni V. Sweeney

 “Morgan D’Arcy is a class act and the most arresting vampire I’ve ever encountered in literature or films.” ~ Historical and Paranormal Romance Author Beth Trissel


Ω
Excerpt ~

Never Goodbye

Isabeau, my Isabeau.
Isabeau with blonde-streaked brown hair and the most beautiful purple eyes. How could she forget me so quickly and return to that bastard?  Dark-haired, dark-eyed John Payne—my complete opposite—was my sworn enemy. One day soon, he’d die.
The Grim Reaper—with fangs—would teach him that Isabeau was mine.
I’d been present at her birth, had chosen her to be my wife in that moment, and had watched over her as her guardian angel. She’d been the most exquisite blonde child.
I’d influenced her career choice and financed her education by grants through anonymous foundations. I’d even bought her a white Andalusian horse. These things I’d given her. She’d given me more than I’d ever dreamed. To this unknown bargain, Isabeau had brought beauty, grace, and a vast intelligence. As a geneticist, she could find a cure for the fatal gene of madness that all progeny of vampires and mortals suffered. She had the required vampire DNA, mine in fact, but she didn’t know about the flawed chromosome. It was tragedy that she’d driven me away before I could confess.
Isabeau had been born in Beaufort, South Carolina. Her parents were friends that I’d chosen carefully to breed my future bride. She’d attended the College of Charleston, one of the finest Ivy League universities, and returned to Charleston when LifeGen, a genetics firm, offered her a position.
I’d given her my heart, unconditionally, and she’d broken it. After she banished me from her life, she returned my letters, deleted my emails, and refused my phone calls. Why? She’d discovered how I shaped her life and accused me of manipulating her.
For the thousandth time, I lifted a phone to my ear to make a hopeless call. This time, I was in Charleston. She wouldn’t recognize the number as I was ringing her from my hotel room.
“Hello.” Her voice! Music to my ears.
For a moment, I couldn’t speak, then I took a deep breath, and plunged. “Isabeau, you must talk with me.”
“Morgan, I’ve made it perfectly clear that I never want to hear from you again.” Anger stained her voice a shade deeper.
I imagined her in her sunshine yellow kitchen, leaning against the granite counter, coffee brewing and filling the room with its rich scent. Isabeau was tall and beautiful with a captivating smile. At the moment, unfortunately, she’d be frowning.
God, how I missed her! She was my light—I her dark—two pieces of a soul.
“Please, don’t ring off.” I paced the confines of my hotel room. “I’m in Charleston. I want to see you.”
“I have a date,” she said coolly.
A vision of Isabeau dressed for a night out on the town blinded me. Was she wearing one of the lovely dresses I’d given her while we lived our idyll in my house on the Battery? The Rover House overlooked the ocean. She’d left her Orange Street home to come to me. For five short months, we’d lived in a dreamlike state of bliss...together at last.
“A date with that bastard John Payne.” My hand fisted at my side. I wanted to strike something or someone. Tonight, the Royal Pain would join his ancestors.
“It’s none of your business.”
“You’re carrying my child, Isabeau. That makes it my business.” I washed to a halt by the bed. “You love me.”




Author Bio ~



Born in South Carolina, Linda has lived in England, Canada, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta and Houston.  She’s seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer, having bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses for many years.

Linda has won several writing awards, including the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award.   She is the mother of two wonderful sons, a retired legal assistant, member of the Houston Symphony League, and enjoys events with her car club.  Among her favorite things are her two marvelous sons, a snazzy black convertible, and her parlor grand piano.  She loves to dress up and host formal dinner parties.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LNightingale - @Lnightingale
Web Site:  http://www.lindanightingale.com – Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story.
Blog:  https://lindanightingale.wordpress.com/ - Lots of interesting guests & prizes

Book Video: 


Other Reads by Linda Nightingale:

Gemini Rising – Controversial Dark Fantasy with deep psychological undertones




Wednesday, September 7, 2016

~ Hey There, I've Got A Mission For You...MISSION TO NEW EARTH ~








I'll give you the details on that mission in a second. First, let's meet Marsh Rayburn...


[Interviewer whispers] OMG, would you look at this guy? Six feet two inches of fabulous male. I swear there isn’t an inch of fat on him. And those shoulders. A mile wide, at least. Dreamy dark eyes, dark hair. [regular voice] Marsh, come on in.



[Interviewer whispers] He has a loose-limbed walk, almost a swagger. And when we shook hands . . . OMG, his clasp was warm and firm and made me feel like I’m the most important person in the world and he would take care of me. [regular voice] Ladies and gentleman, I’d like you to meet Marsh Rayburn, second in command of the Mission to New Earth. Marsh, have a seat. Welcome.



Marsh: Thank you. I’m happy to be here to tell your readers about our mission to find a planet conducive to humanity. This is an exciting venture by the United Earth Space Agency. Three planets have been identified in the so-called Goldilocks zone where it’s not too hot, not too cold, but just the right environment for humans. Our team—



Interviewer: Hang on, Marsh. We want to know about you, not your mission. Tell us about yourself.

Marsh: [shifts uncomfortably] What do you want to know? 

Interviewer: We want to know about Marsh the man, not the astronaut. 

Marsh: I’d rather talk about the mission. With all the crises on Earth, it’s imperative that we find an alternate planet, in case of evacuation.

Interviewer [snorts]: Like that’s going to happen. C’mon, Marsh, throw me a bone here. Tell us where you grew up.

Marsh: [shakes head] I’m afraid Earth is on its last legs. We have screwed up this planet big time.

Interviewer [shoots a warning look]

Marsh: Okay, okay. I grew up on the family farm in Nebraska. Played basketball in high school. Got a scholarship to the University of Michigan. Graduated with an engineering degree. Joined the Navy then volunteered for the New Earth mission. Listen, I’d rather talk about the mission.

Interviewer [shakes finger at him]: Uh, uh, uh. Tell us about your family.

Marsh: [deep sigh] I’m the oldest of eight—even split, four boys, four girls. Like my parents, they’re all farmers. My brothers have taken over the family farm so Dad could retire. My sisters married farmers. Together they have fourteen kids.

Interviewer: Then you’re the only one who isn’t married and isn’t a farmer. How does your family feel about you going off on a one-way trip to . . . what’s the name of that planet? Serenity?


Marsh: That’s right. Our team named our destination planet Serenity to convey our hope of a serene life for its inhabitants. My family would rather I stay here on Earth.

Interviewer: Wow. Not too supportive, huh? How did your upbringing influence who you are today?

Marsh: My parents drilled into us a sense of responsibility and service. I think they meant service to the community, but I took it to mean service to our country—the United Americas—and to Earth itself.

Interviewer: Okay, let’s get down to the best part. What was your first thought when you met Sara Grenard?

Marsh [smiles broadly]: I took one look into those gorgeous blue eyes, and I was a goner.

Interviewer: Why did you fall for her?

Marsh [still grinning]: She is one kick-ass woman. I’d seen her during initial training at White Sands, New Mexico. She has a quiet, efficient way of getting people to work together. That’s why she’s commander of our mission, not me. I’m a my way or the highway kind of guy. Anyway, during training, she pinned me to the mat and laid a sizzling kiss on me. I knew then I’d met my future mate.

Interviewer: Whew. Is it getting hot in here? [clears throat] Why did you choose to go on this mission?

Marsh: Figured I had a lot to offer the team. I wanted to make a difference. That probably sounds hokey. I’d been in a few fire fights while I was in the SEALS. I wanted to do something good for humankind.

Interviewer: Doesn’t sound hokey to me. So tell me, how would you spend a free day?

Marsh [snorts]: What’s a free day? We’re working night and day to get ready for this mission. After the tsunami that wiped out the entire East Coast, the Powers That Be crammed eight years of training into four. We have to find another home before more disasters hit Earth.

Interviewer: Okay, I get it. But if you did have a free day . . .

Marsh: I’d spent it with Sara on a beach—she loves the water. Not likely to get that here on Titan. But if Serenity lives up to its pictures, we’ll have that beach. [stands] I have to get back to work. [strides away]

Interviewer: Uh, sure. Thanks for the interview. Bye. Well, that’s it, folks. Marsh Rayburn and his team will head off to Serenity tomorrow. We wish them Godspeed and good luck.

Here are the deets on Diane Burton’s Mission to New Earth: a novella

Genre: science fiction romance
Release date: August 31, 2016
Length: 88 pages (25k words)



Blurb ~




Earth’s overpopulation and dwindling resources force the United Earth Space Agency to ramp up exploration of new planets for a possible new home. As Sara Grenard and her team prepare for launch, are they ready for the one-way trip? Will they be in time to save humankind?



Amazon - https://amzn.com/B01JXZR0AK



Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/mission-to-new-earth-a-novella


iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/mission-to-new-earth-a-novella/id1148678942?mt=11

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mission-to-new-earth-diane-burton/1124495394?ean=2940156923311

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/661493

Amazon ~ Kobo ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes & Noble



Giveaway ~



a Rafflecopter giveaway






Author Bio ~






Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, and the Alex O’Hara PI mystery series. She is also a contributor to two anthologies: Portals, Volume 2 and How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in West Michigan. They have two children and three grandchildren.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com



Links ~

Blog: http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmburton72

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http://amzn.com/e/B00683MH5E

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