Hey folks! I’ve recently renovated my website, and I’m moving my blog into the new digs. Please join me at my new blog for all the latest news, author features and interviews, and great contests! Here’s the link.
Hope to see you in my new home!
Guest Author: Barb Meyers & Giveaway!
Sometimes you just want to read something that makes you feel good, don’t you? You want to read a story that makes you laugh, a story that makes you smile and sigh with the satisfaction of a heart-warming love story. My featured author today writes exactly that kind of book. She’s Barb Meyers, and she specializes in making you feel good.
Barb’s first book was Hidden Assets, a romantic comedy published by Avalon Books in 2001. She followed that up with Training Tommy in 2002.
In 2008, Barb became a Samhain author, publishing the sexy romantic comedy, A Month From Miami.
Here’s what Jasmine Cresswell, USA Today bestselling author, had to say about A Month From Miami:
“Barbara Meyers has written a heart-warming story of love and new beginnings as her endearing, small town heroine searches for success and finds it in unexpected places.”
Here’s the blurb for A Month From Miami:
Hair stylist Kaylee escapes small town life and is on her way to big city glamour and sophistication when her car breaks down in a small Florida town. Broke and stranded she trades baby-sitting for car repairs with single dad mechanic Rick. She’s only a month away from Miami, but there’s thief after the secret stash hidden in her gas tank, the FBI not far behind, a little girl who wants a mommy and a special man who’s thrown a wrench into her carefully laid plans.
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Yes, it’s great to read about dukes and shapeshifters, Greek millionaires and ruthless princes, but every once in a while it’s really nice to read books about normal people, even if those normal people have to deal with FBI agents and jewel thieves! And with Barb, you can be guaranteed of a heart-warming, happy ending.
Fortunately for her fans, Barb has just released a new book with Samhain. It’s called A Forever Kind of Guy, and it sounds just wonderful:
Here’s the blurb for A Forever Kind of Guy:
First on Hayley Christopher’s list to get her train-wreck life back on track: stay away from men. Especially the ones who cause a ripple effect of bad decisions.
Still reeling from a high-profile divorce, the college dropout and former pro cheerleader is stumbling through yet another challenge—temporary custody of her nephew, Fletcher. No one knows better than Hayley that she’s not mother material. When she opens the door to her new landlord and old flame, she wonders just how many more past mistakes she is destined to pay for.
After the death of his wife, Ray Braddock is still putting the pieces back together. Hayley—and the silent little boy at her side—both bristle with emotional barriers so high, it appears no one but him can see that together, three broken people just might make a whole family.
As she watches Fletcher respond to Ray’s patient care, Hayley’s determination to hold on to her heart begins to soften. But just when she begins to think that Ray is one opportunity she shouldn’t let slip by, Fletcher’s gang-connected father threatens to make her pay for the one good choice she ever made…
Sounds exactly like the kind of contemporary romance I love to read! If you like your romance on the real side, with dashes of humor and a whole lot of heart, I think you’ll really like Barb’s books.
For my readers today, Barb is giving away a copy of A Month From Miami. Since Barb writes contemporary romance, let’s talk about that. What do you like in your contemporaries? Do you like stories about regular kinds of folks facing the challenges of life, or do you prefer more action-packed, high concept romances with lots of glamor, wealth, and adventure? Or both? One person who comments will win a copy of Barb’s book.
Contests Galore!
I’m currently running two wonderful contests on my facebook page. The first gives you the chance to win the Sherrilyn Kenyon prize package and gift bag tote you see at the top of this blog. To enter, simply go to my facebook page and follow the instructions.
The second contest involves the chance to win the entire signed backlist of some of your favorite authors, including Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn. Five huge romance fans who just happen to be romance authors as well have decided that we want to give you the opportunity to receive complete, SIGNED backlists of one of your very favorite authors (and yes, that means EVERYTHING they’ve ever written).
The romance fans/authors who are participating are: Ashley March, Shana Galen, Lila DiPasqua, Heather Snow, and moi, Vanessa Kelly.
The complete, SIGNED backlists they’re giving away are books from the following authors (henceforth known as “The Amazing Authors”):
Before we can give these awesome prizes away, though, we need you to show how fanatical of fans you are. Since we know that you’re already following The Amazing Authors on Facebook (you are, aren’t you??), all you need to do is follow the authors who want to give away these complete, signed backlists to you. We all have to reach a certain number of followers; once that happens, then we will run a Facebook giveaway on our individual pages where you can enter to win the complete, signed backlists from the Amazing Authors.
(Please note, you must follow and enter on each of the five Facebook pages to be eligible to win each backlist. The giveaway won’t happen until AFTER the goals are met for ALL of us, and the giveaways will be open to US and international residents! All books will be in English as print books; if any books in the Amazing Authors’ backlists are currently our of print, used books will be purchased for those titles so that the backlist will be complete.)
Ashley March (must reach 2500 total “Likes” in order to give away Lisa Kleypas backlist)
Shana Galen (must reach 2000 total “Likes” in order to give away Julia Quinn backlist)
Lila DiPasqua (must reach 3500 total “Likes” in order to give away Elizabeth Hoyt backlist)
Vanessa Kelly (must reach 2000 total “Likes” in order to give away Cynthia Eden backlist)
Heather Snow (must reach 2500 total “Likes” in order to give away Julie Garwood backlist)
Those are the rules! Tell your friends, tell your family, tell any fellow romance fan you know. Soon, 5 lucky winners will win a complete, signed backlist from a favorite author that will make you SQUEEEEE!
Now get out there and start liking those pages!
We Have A Winner!
The winner of Marilyn Brant’s upcoming release, A Summer in Europe, is Tina Simon. Congratulations! I’ll be in touch.
Thanks to everyone for stopping by the blog. My featured authors next week will be contemporary romance author Barb Meyers, and romantic suspense author Carol Ericson. Be sure to check back next week!
Guest Author: Marilyn Brant & Giveaway!
I’m very happy to have one of my writing pals on the blog today. She’s acclaimed women’s fiction author, Marilyn Brant. Marilyn has spent most of her life immersed in the written word. She’s a former teacher, a library staff member, freelance magazine writer, and national book reviewer. It’s no wonder, then, that she writes award-wining books that are witty, smart, and totally engaging.
Marilyn burst onto the scene with her debut book, According to Jane, which won the prestigious Golden Heart Award from the Romance Writers of America.
Take a gander at the blurb for this book:
It begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett’s teacher is assigning Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet “tsk” of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who’s teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author’s ghost has taken up residence in Ellie’s mind, and seems determined to stay there.
Jane’s wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the trauma of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go, but Jane’s counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.
Still, everyone has something to learn about love — perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie’s head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond all she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending…
Seriously, doesn’t that sound great? Readers can certainly see why reviewers called Marilyn’s debut smart and wildly inventive. Marilyn’s second book, Friday Mornings at Nine, was a Doubleday Book Club & Book-of-the-Month Club Featured Alternate Selection for October 2010. Wow! Impressive, eh?
And here’s what NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone Elkeles had to say about Marilyn’s books:
“Reading a Marilyn Brant book is like eating a piece of rich chocolate – it gets you excited, it’s deliciously satisfying, and it leaves a smile on your face after you’ve finished it!”
Marilyn’s fans are eagerly anticipating her next book, A Summer in Europe, which will be released by Kensington Publishing on November 29.
This book has already been picked as a Literary Guild & Rhapsody Book Club Featured Alternate Selection for December 2011. How cool is that?
Here’s the blurb for A Summer In Europe:
On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives and unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand tour of Europe in the company of Bea’s Sudoku and Mahjongg Club. The prospect isn’t entirely appealing. But when the gift she is expecting — an engagement ring from her boyfriend — doesn’t materialize, Gwen decides to go.
At first, Gwen approaches the trip as if it’s the math homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the bougainvillea and beauty of southern Italy, something changes. Gwen begins to live in the moment — skipping down stone staircases in Capri, running her fingers over a glacier in view of the Matterhorn, racing through the Louvre and taste-testing pastries, wine and gelato. Reveling in every new experience — especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor — Gwen discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within…
A Summer in Europe has already been getting fantastic reviews, which you can check out on Marilyn’s website. If you like beautiful, warm stories with lots of wit and heart, I think you’ll really love Marilyn’s books. And by the way, while you’re visiting Marilyn’s website, check out her ebooks – two really fun romantic comedies.
For my readers today, Marilyn has graciously donated a copy of A Summer in Europe. Since the book takes place in Europe, let’s talk about that. If there was only one country you could visit on that wonderful continent, which one would it be, and why? One person who comments will win a copy of Marilyn’s book!
We Have A Winner!
The winner of Zoe Archer’s book, Rebel, is Pam. Congratulations! I’ll be in touch.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the blog. My guest tomorrow is women’s fiction author Marilyn Brant! Be sure to stop on by.
Guest Author: Zoe Archer & Giveaway!
I’m pretty excited about my featured author today. She’s Zoe Archer, and she’s the definition of a rising star in the romance genre. Zoe is not only talented, hard-working, and way smart, she writes innovative, adventurous romance that both readers and critics have clutched to their collective bosoms with enthusiasm. And no wonder – I fell in love with Zoe’s writing just from reading her bio!
From that bio, you will learn that Zoe has been writing since she was knee high to a grasshopper. Many years and many stories later, she found herself in a PhD program for 18th century English Literature, before deciding that what she really wanted to do was write fiction. Her decision was partly influenced by the fact that she couldn’t read French or Latin, a requirement for attaining her doctorate. If I may be allowed to digress for a moment, I understand EXACTLY how Zoe felt. I, too, was once a PhD candidate in 18th century English Literature, and the thought of learning both French and Latin made me weep. Like Zoe, I also left grad school and…ahem. I guess I should really get back to Zoe.
Anyway, Zoe eventually found herself in the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. She graduated with an MFA, moved back to L.A., and began writing. Nose was applied to grindstone, books were sold, and she eventually made her way to Kensington Publishing, where a canny editor snapped up her totally cool adventure/romance series, Blades of the Rose.
Zoe describes her books as “high adventure.” In her own words, the Blades are:
“Exotic settings. Thrilling action. Sexy men in waistcoats and tall boots. Kick-ass women who carried rifles and knew how to use them. Diabolical inventions made of brass, wood and leather. And a bit of magic, just to keep things really interesting.”
Zounds! Indiana Jones meets Victorian England – I am so there!
Zoe has received great critical acclaim for this series, including a Publishers Weekly Pick of the Week and starred review for Scoundrel, and a prestigious RITA nomination for Rebel.
Isn’t that a fabulous cover? Honestly, how can you resist it! Here’s the blurb for Rebel:
On the Canadian frontier in 1875, nature is a harsh mistress. But the supernatural can really do you in…
A LONE WOLF
Nathan Lesperance is used to being different. He’s the first Native attorney in Vancouver, and welcome neither with white society nor his sometime tribe. Not to mention the powerful wildness he’s always felt inside him, too dangerous to set free. Then he met Astrid Bramfield and saw his like within her piercing eyes. Now, unless she helps him through the harsh terrain and the harsher unknowns of his true abilities, it could very well get him killed…
AND THE WOMAN WHO LEFT THE PACK
Astrid has traveled this path before. Once she was a Blade of the Rose, protecting the world’s magic from unscrupulous men, with her husband by her side. But she’s loved and lost, and as a world-class frontierswoman, she knows all about survival. Nathan’s searing gaze and long, lean muscles mean nothing but trouble. Yet something has ignited a forgotten flame inside her: a burning need for adventure, for life—and perhaps even for love…
There are four wonderful books and a novella in the Blade series, so be sure to check out Zoe’s website for all the details. While you’re visiting her website, take a look at her other books, including her Science Fiction novels and her backlist.
For my readers, Zoe will give away a copy of her RITA nominated book, Rebel. Since Zoe’s books often take place in exotic settings, let’s talk about that. Do you like historical romances that take the reader to settings like Mongolia, Canada, or Egypt? Or do you prefer the glittering confines of the London ballroom and the gentility of the English countryside? One person who comments will win a copy of Rebel.
And be sure to stop by the blog on Dec. 8. Zoe will be back here to talk about her new series, The Hellraisers.
We Have A Winner!
The winner of Amy Atwell’s fabulous romantic suspense, Lying Eyes, is Veronica Scott. Congratulations! I’ll be in touch.
Thanks to everyone for stopping by the blog. My featured authors this week will be historical and paranormal romance author Zoe Archer, and women’s fiction author Marilyn Brant. Be sure to stop by!
And while you’re here today, please check out the two fabulous contests I’m running on my facebook page, which include prize packs of books by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Cynthia Eden.
Guest Author: Amy Atwell & Giveaway!
Every once in a while, you meet someone who just seems special. Someone who has tons of positive energy and drive, and talent. Well, that perfectly describes my guest blogger today – she’s Amy Atwell, and she writes romantic suspense and historical romance, both fabulously. Readers agree since her latest book, Ambersley, has been on several digital bestseller lists. I’m turning the blog over to Amy, for a very intriguing discussion…
Thank you so much to Vanessa for inviting me here today.
The Truth About Lies (and why we love the people who tell them)
I’ve been reading novels for years and one of the common threads from story to story—especially in romances of all periods and types—is The Lie. I know we’ve all been taught not to lie, that lying is bad, that it makes people not trust us (think about that boy who cried “Wolf!” eh?). And yet, in a romance, I’ve rarely had a problem with learning to love a hero or a heroine despite any lies they’ve told.
Think about your favorite books, the ones that have grabbed you by the ear and whispered their demand that you add them to your keeper shelf. Do you recognize any of these versions of The Lie?
1. The Little White Lie: often used at the beginning of a story as a catalyst. Sometimes it binds the hero and heroine together, sometimes it sets them at odds. Generally, whoever told this little lie wishes to take it back, but events unfold so rapidly, it’s impossible.
2. The Identity Lie: most common in stories involving suspense or comedy. Someone is pretending to be someone else, usually for noble reasons. This always creates complications because at what point will this lie be revealed?
3. The Circumstances Lie: I think of this one in historicals—the hero or heroine who lies about his/her financial or social circumstances. Someone pretends to be wealthy and titled, or someone pretends to be a poor servant.
4. The Cover Up Lie: this may be used to keep a secret from other characters and sometimes from the reader. It’s often a spur of the moment lie and might be very small. But when used often, these lies add up to big trouble for a character.
5. The Trust in Me Lie: often goes hand-in-hand with the Identity Lie. This lie may be used by hero, heroine or villain. It’s the “trust me, I’ve got your best interests at heart” lie that we know will lead to complications and potentially endanger the (usually) heroine.
6. The Emotional Lie: oh yeah, the lie where someone says, “I don’t care.” We all know that’s a cover up, except maybe the character speaking the words. This lie is used to hide emotions from others in the book, but as readers we recognize—and often feel—the pain of grief or jealousy or righteous anger.
7. The False Promises Lie: this could also be called the Sacrificial Lie. It’s most common near the end of the book when the hero or heroine makes some giant sacrifice. A Titanic moment, when Jack would say to Rose, “Go ahead, get on that lifeboat. I’ll catch the next one.”
8. The Lie to Oneself: I love this lie best of all. Either the hero or heroine is misguided in what s/he believes s/he most wants. These characters don’t recognize the lie within, so when the truth becomes clear (usually through love) the change is dramatic and often very uplifting. (aka, the reader is doing the fist-bump and cheering!)
As you can see, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about ways to lie! And while I try not to lie in my daily life, I love to spin lies within my stories. In fact, I’m celebrating the first anniversary of my debut romantic suspense release LYING EYES this month, so I’m happy to give away a digital copy to a lucky commenter. As the title suggests, there are lies galore in this book, which combines humor, family drama and suspense all in a Las Vegas-set caper.
So, tell me true: do you have a beloved book where you forgave all the hero and/or heroine’s lies?
Vanessa, here. Amy, what a great post! So how about it, folks? Which hero or heroine do you forgive all? One person who comments will win a digital copy of Amy’s book, Lying Eyes.
Amy Atwell worked in professional theater for 15 years before turning from the stage to the page to write fiction. She now gives her imagination free rein in both contemporary and historical stories that combine adventure and romance. Her romantic suspense Lying Eyes is available from Carina Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble and her best selling historical romance Ambersley is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. An Ohio native, Amy has lived all across the country and now resides on a barrier island in Florida with her husband and two Russian Blues. Visit her online at her website, Magical Musings or Facebook.
Contests Galore!!
Folks, I have two exciting contests today – one that’s brand new, and one that I’ve been running for a few months now. They’re both on facebook, so please do check out the links to my facebook page. The first is a fantastic Sherrilyn Kenyon prize pack, which includes a gift tote, a hardcover copy of Born of Shadows, and paperback copies of No Mercy and Blood Trinity! I’ll be giving away three of those packs, so pretty good odds for this baby! Click HERE to enter now.
The second contest involves the chance to win the entire signed backlist of some of your favorite authors, including Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn. Five huge romance fans who just happen to be romance authors as well have decided that we want to give you the opportunity to receive complete, SIGNED backlists of one of your very favorite authors (and yes, that means EVERYTHING they’ve ever written).
The romance fans/authors who are participating are: Ashley March, Shana Galen, Lila DiPasqua, Heather Snow, and moi, Vanessa Kelly.
The complete, SIGNED backlists they’re giving away are books from the following authors (henceforth known as “The Amazing Authors”):
Before we can give these awesome prizes away, though, we need you to show how fanatical of fans you are. Since we know that you’re already following The Amazing Authors on Facebook (you are, aren’t you??), all you need to do is follow the authors who want to give away these complete, signed backlists to you. We all have to reach a certain number of followers; once that happens, then we will run a Facebook giveaway on our individual pages where you can enter to win the complete, signed backlists from the Amazing Authors.
(Please note, you must follow and enter on each of the five Facebook pages to be eligible to win each backlist. The giveaway won’t happen until AFTER the goals are met for ALL of us, and the giveaways will be open to US and international residents! All books will be in English as print books; if any books in the Amazing Authors’ backlists are currently our of print, used books will be purchased for those titles so that the backlist will be complete.)
Ashley March (must reach 2500 total “Likes” in order to give away Lisa Kleypas backlist)
Shana Galen (must reach 2000 total “Likes” in order to give away Julia Quinn backlist)
Lila DiPasqua (must reach 3500 total “Likes” in order to give away Elizabeth Hoyt backlist)
Vanessa Kelly (must reach 2000 total “Likes” in order to give away Cynthia Eden backlist)
Heather Snow (must reach 2500 total “Likes” in order to give away Julie Garwood backlist)
Those are the rules! Tell your friends, tell your family, tell any fellow romance fan you know. Soon, 5 lucky winners will win a complete, signed backlist from a favorite author that will make you SQUEEEEE!
Now get out there and start liking those pages!
Vanessa Kelly Author 