Saturday, March 28, 2015

Father, Lover, Husband - Some Times the Men in Our Lives Can Be a Pain



Amanda has been married twice. Both are dead. Another man wants to marry her but twice burn she's not excited about the idea.

Doesn't help that her father is the one that has arranged the marriage.

Excerpt -

“Where do you plan on living? His house or yours?” Dee’s question was interrupted when the bell over the door sounded again. She glanced in that direction. Her jaw clenched. “Don’t look now, but I think you have more trouble headed your way.”

Amanda didn’t have to turn to see who’d come through the door. She knew by the loud rumble of the man’s voice. “Hey, neighbor.”

She balled her hands into fists. “Pickled herons, I could have gone all day without seeing that man and been happy.”

Her father greeted Dee from across the room. “Dee, my darling child, bring your dear grand pappy a pint.”
Dee smiled and walked to the bar, where a drink was already waiting for Seth Butterfield. The local bartender knew Seth’s likes. Amanda's father probably came into the cafĂ© everyday.


Read the first scene on my website.
http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bdbchapter.html

Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Her Destiny is to Spread the Light...Can She? @NNP_W_Light



Title: Princess of the Light
Author: N. N. Light
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance, Christian Fantasy, Inspirational Fiction
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Blurb:
Gabriel, the Archangel and Messenger of God - yeah, that Gabriel - visits Mary Miller. He tells her, as the key, she is destined to spread the Light and vanquish the Darkness. Her first assignment is to restore the soul of the Walking Man. Sounds simple enough -- until she’s thrown into the face of evil. And then, Joe Deacons enters her heart. This battle just got a lot more complicated. She must complete her mission without losing all she loves.
Excerpt:
As she led me to the back of the store, I tried to switch off my desire and concentrate on the task at hand. Focus, Joe! Decorum! The inner jokes weren't helping. They just wanted to make me giggle like a schoolboy, and I doubted that would help matters much.
I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment while I tried to remember the books I came for.
She was driving me crazy! I shook my head like a wet dog for what seemed like the twentieth time and asked God for some help.
Suddenly she sidestepped and tripped. I reached out and caught her. As soon as my fingertips touched her, my whole being seemed to be on fire. You've gone completely insane, Joe. Maybe, I really had been working too hard lately.
Mary blushed and stammered, "I'm so, so s-s-sorry about that. There was, um, a stroller blocking the aisle."
"Yes, I saw that."
I knew I had to let go of her. When I did, she whirled around, stammering more of an apology. It took every ounce of my willpower not to bend down and kiss her. I should have taken that nap.
To keep from kissing her, I made a joke. "And here I thought you just wanted me to catch you in my arms to break the ice." I hesitated and then added, "It worked." Her light-hearted laugh made me wish I knew more jokes.
She cleared her throat, and turned back to where they were heading.
Once in front of the architecture books, Mary said, "If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask." Then she stepped back and smiled politely.
"Thank you for your help," I said, and wished I could think of something else to say to stall her.
As she walked away, I thought, I could watch you all day. I didn't realize I was grinning until my cheeks suddenly felt sore.


Buy Links:
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Author Bio:
N. N. Light was born in Minnesota, lived in Southern California only to move to chilly Ontario, Canada to marry her beloved husband MR N. She is blissfully happy and loves all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports and baking. She has been telling stories since the age of five and her mantra is to spread the Light.  Most of the time you can find her on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest. She is a proud member of ASMSG, Independent Author Network and Marketing for Romance Writers.
Part of the proceeds of Princess of the Light will go directly to food banks in order to feed the hungry and help those in need. With only 7,500 books sold, N. N. Light will be able to set up a monthly endowment for the local food bank.
I’d love to connect with you either via email or via these various social media sites:
iAuthor: http://www.iauthor.uk.com/princess-of-the-light:10294

Thanks for sharing your book with us,

Anita


Monday, March 23, 2015

#EggcerptExchange from How to woo A Reluctant Bride

How To Woo… A Reluctant Bride (Steamy Victorian Short Story) by Lyndi Lamont



Blurb:

A marriage of convience, nothing more...until darkly handsome Evan Channing and demure Lydia Blatchford meet. The rules are simple for an arrangement such as theirs. There should be no misunderstanding, no illusions of anything more. But the rules are about to change...

Lydia wants the kind of love and romance she reads about in books. Fortunately, she hasn't specified which book, and Evan has a copy of Richard Burton's new translation of the Kama Sutra, with its ancient wisdom on love and courtship. He sets out to win his high-born bride, blending seductive heat with exotic lessons in love-making. Lydia is prepared to tolerate this man she’s been sold to, but his scorching kisses send her pulses racing. Can an arranged marriage lead to love?

Excerpt: She broke off at the injured look on his face. "Forgive me, but surely you understand this marriage was never my preference."

He turned away from her and ran a hand through his hair. "Yes, I know, but I hoped you had become resigned to it."

"I have. At least I have tried to be," she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth. "That’s why I think it best just to plunge ahead. Once the banns have been read thrice, we can wed almost immediately."

He turned back, a frown still marring his forehead. "Will that give your mother enough time to plan?"

She shrugged. "All I need is a new gown."

"But won’t society think it odd we married in such haste?"

She looked him in the eye. "Let me make one thing clear. I do not give a fig for what society thinks. If you supposed you were marrying a social butterfly, let me banish that notion right now."

He smiled at her. "Harry said you were sensible, but this surprises me. I’m happy to agree to a short engagement." He stepped closer, towering over her. "The sooner I can make you mine, the better."

Her heart pounded and her breath caught as he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers for but a second before backing away. She drew in a deep breath. Her first kiss and it had been over almost before it was begun. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

"Shall we go inside and discuss the wedding plans with your parents?"

"Not yet. There is something else I’d like to say." It was now or never.

"Yes, my dear, what is it?"

She licked her lips then plunged ahead. "I know how these things work. Arranged marriages, that is. I won’t expect fidelity from you."

His shocked expression surprised her. "Is that what you think, Lydia? That I’m marrying you with the intention of cheating on you?"

"Perhaps not now," she said. "But in a few years… It’s not as if ours is a love match. I won’t cut up a fuss if you decide to take a mistress. As long as you are discreet."

"How very... sophisticated of you," he said, his tone dry enough to parch a desert.

She took a deep breath before continuing. "And once I’ve produced the requisite heir and spare, I assume I’ll be free to seek my pleasure elsewhere."

The thunderous look on his face startled her and she stepped back.

"You will do no such thing," he said fiercely, reaching for her. "Our union may not be a love match now, but I fully intend to see it turns into one."

With that, he pulled her into his embrace, trapping her arms between them as his encircled her shoulders and waist.

Before she could say a word, he pulled her into his embrace, trapping her arms between them as his encircled her shoulders and waist. Covering her mouth with his, he kissed her with a heady combination of passion and anger. Her resistance crumbled in the face of his onslaught. She clutched at his lapels and returned his kiss, even parting her lips when his tongue probed them. Overwhelmed by the sensations his lips provoked, she let her eyes drift shut as she clung to him.

When he let her go, he was still visibly upset. "There will be no more talk of infidelity. Have I made myself clear, Lydia?"

How To Woo… A Reluctant Bride is available for only 99 cents at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo and Smashwords. Find Lyndi online at:

Website: http://www.lyndilamont.com

Blog: http://www.lyndilamont.com/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LyndiLamont

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont

Saturday, March 21, 2015

An #EggcerptExchange with Lizzie Starr

Egg-cerpt

Keltic Flight
Double Keltic Triad: Book Three
To the Faerie Gentry of the Otherworld, the fairy wee folk are but a myth and legend. Until the fairy Korin falls in love with a hal-Gentry maid. Foced to bargain with an evil king to woo her, he risks discovery, and his life, to fulfill the conditions. Book Three of the Double Keltic Triad


Korin Goodfellow loves the Gentry maid, Nanceen. In order to woo her, Korin bargains with his evil king, who sets seemingly impossible tasks. The first? She must believe in him.
But the folk of Faerie, the Gentry, don't believe in the odd assortment of beings who make up the wee folk. And definitely not in fairies.
Nanceen doesn't know what she believes. Until Korin calls to her, then makes his way into her world, becoming a wingless man she can see, touch, believe in.
But will the rat king's conditions drive a wedge between them, or force Korin to confrontation, to battle, into risking his life for love?

Excerpt: 
Korin lay back. The leaf dipped with his movement as he reached to one side and snatched at the length of a nearby blade of grass. He tugged until a bit broke off, stuck the end in his mouth, and chewed thoughtfully. Floating high above him, clouds filled the clear sky. Their flat, gray color matched his mood. He sighed and turned to his side, propped his head on one hand and stretched his wings.

As much as he hated to admit it, the first of his king’s conditions would perhaps be the hardest to meet. It was the only clear requirement listed on the parchment. She must believe in him.

Korin tossed the shredded stem away. There had been a time long ago, even to the fairy, when both humans and the gentry readily believed in the smallest of the sidhe. Even after the human’s religious beliefs forced the gentry underground, then to the Otherworld, the diminutive fairy were honored, or at least remembered, with sweet honey cakes and fresh milk. Korin smacked his lips. It had been a long time since he’d tasted the creamy white ambrosia of milk.

Until humans began to blame the wee folk for their troubles. When aided by the priests, their beliefs in fairies disappeared. But how had the breach with the gentry occurred? Even the legends skirted the issue. There was no history to help him, and Korin was unsure how to proceed. Without Nanceen’s belief in him, fulfilling any of the other conditions would be useless.

Useless. That’s what he was. The niggling doubt became a surety. Somehow, the Fir Dhaerrig had manipulated him. But at what cost?

Korin flopped to his back, wincing as he folded an edge of one wing under him. He adjusted his position and covered his eyes with one forearm. There had to be a way to make Nanceen--no, he could not make her do anything. He would find a way to convince her of his reality. And the existence of his people. One word flashed through his mind. Over and over until the rapid flashes burned behind his closed eyelids. How?

A shadow covered him, cooling his skin. Cautious, he lifted his arm from his eyes and opened them. A face loomed over him. Startled, he scrambled to a sitting position and scooted back until he pressed against the plant stem.

“Hi, bu’fly man.”

The child’s whisper sent waves of relief over him. Occasionally there were children who saw fairies, until adults taught the belief out of them. Sadness followed the relief. If children could only retain their beliefs, perhaps the breach between races would be healed. And he wouldn’t be fighting to claim love from one of the gentry.

A chubby finger moved closer and he held still. Gently, the child touched the tip of one wing and giggled. “Pretty.”

“I thank you, child. How are you called?” At the confusion in her dark brown eyes, Korin asked, 

“What is your name?”

The rosebud mouth formed a silent ‘oh’. “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.” She giggled again. The clear sound filled Korin with a strange hope. “Who’re you?”

“I am Korin, young mistress.” He rose, bowed deeply, then spread his wings to their fullest.

“Bu’fly man. Kor’n.”

Korin winced at the childish lisping of his name, but cast a brilliant smile to the engaging girl. “Kor-in, young mistress. Are you able to say Kor-in?”

“Kor’n.” Dark brows drew together as she concentrated in forming her mouth around the syllables of his name. “Kor-in.”

A deep chuckle rose from Korin. “You may call me bu’fly man if you wish.” 

art nouveau male fairy brooch by Sliver b3

Visit *lizzie's blog at starrwords

Find out more about Keltic Flight and the tales of the Double Keltic Triad:

  



Thursday, March 19, 2015

The Saxon Bride by Ashley York an #EggcerptExchange Read


Blurb: In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn.
Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot. Her nobility and grace,  however, make her an ideal pawn in King William’s play for power with the Saxon people. When he decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?
John of Normandy is rewarded for his service and loyalty with land, titles and a Saxon beauty for a bride. John balks at the marriage, driven by the secret guilt of knowing Rowena's father died by his sword
 As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?

Excerpt:
"As my wife, Rowena..."
Her eyes narrowed at use of the title.
"...you will not allow men into your bedchamber. Other than me, that is."
A little shiver passed through her at the idea of him coming to her in the middle of the night. She could again feel his fingers caressing her. Perhaps he had indeed returned to be her husband in truth. The possibility excited her.
Arthur had followed her and even taken her in his arms to comfort her. In the past she had welcomed the feel of his arms around her, seldom as that happened, but she was already different. His arms no longer felt right around her. She had tried to tell him he could not be in her chamber, it wasn't seemly. He had looked so hurt.
"Do you not understand  me, wife?" John said.
The title bristled her. "Yes, husband, I understand you fine."
The use of titles did not make it any more true. Men always thought it did. They were wrong. Turning to him, she felt her cheeks grow hot as he caressed her ever so slowly with his eyes, finally resting on her face before her spoke again.
"Husband I will be soon enough."
His answer told her he didn't miss her meaning. He stood suddenly, and the fire silhouetting his large frame caused her breath to catch at his imposing size. From his powerful legs, slightly parted and ready for attack, to his solid torso, ready to receive the assault, to his burly arms more than willing to instigate the encounter. This was certainly no complacent lord of the manor; this was a well-honed fighting machine. Rowena was confused when she realized her own longing to touch him. His brown hair looked soft and the shadow of a beard around his chin caused her hand to itch for the touch of both.
"Know this, Rowena...:
Her breath quickened when he stepped toward her, his eyes piercing her own.
"...there will be no one but me."
He stopped just short of touching her but that now familiar heat reached out to her.
"You are mine and only mine."

Buy Links: Facebook   Amazon     BarnesandNoble     Apple    KOBO  

About the Author: Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. 

Her latest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in The Norman Conquest series.
When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.



Anita www.anitaphilmar.com

Friday, March 13, 2015

King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Twain & @KimHeadlee time-travel romance #EggcerptExchange




Love this book? Please join Kim's All-Stars Street Team!
TITLE – King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court (#KASIWC)
AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee
GENRE – Science Fiction/Fantasy Time-Travel Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – 1 November 2014 (ebook); 30 April 2015 (audiobook); 30 November 2015 (hardcover)
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 350 pages/70K words
PUBLISHER – Lucky Bat Books
COVER ARTIST – Jennifer Doneske
INTERIOR ARTISTS – Jennifer Doneske and Tom Doneske
FEATURE-LENGTH SCRIPTS – Registered trilogy: adaptation of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain, adaptation of KASIWC, and original script The Once and Future Queen; all available upon request.


SYNOPSIS
Morgan le Fay, 6th-century Queen of Gore and the only major character not killed off by Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, vows revenge upon the Yankee Hank Morgan. She casts a spell to take her to 1879 Connecticut so she may waylay Sir Boss before he can travel back in time to destroy her world. But the spell misses by 300 miles and 200 years, landing her in the Washington, D.C., of 2079, replete with flying limousines, hovering office buildings, virtual-reality television, and sundry other technological marvels.

Whatever is a time-displaced queen of magic and minions to do? Why, rebuild her kingdom, of course—two kingdoms, in fact: as Campaign Boss for the reelection of American President Malory Beckham Hinton, and as owner of the London Knights world-champion baseball franchise.

Written as though by the old master himself, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court by Mark Twain as channeled by Kim Iverson Headlee offers laughs, love, and a candid look at American society, popular culture, politics, baseball...and the human heart.

BUY LINKS
Amazon Kindle:
US | UK | CA | AU | BR | DE | ES | FR | IN | IT | NL | JP | MX

EPUB format for:
Nook | iPad/iPhone | Kobo | Smashwords

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Bee Zee Books | BookBzz | BooksGoSocial | Goodreads |
Character interview of Queen Morgan on Love My Kindle

SCREENPLAY EXCERPT
Adapted from Chapter XI: The Queen in Search of a Baseball Club
King Arthurs Sister in Washingtons Court
by Mark Twain
as channeled by Kim Iverson Headlee

INT. QUEEN MORGAN’S DC APARTMENT - DAY
(January, 2081)

Juxtaposition of shiny modern penthouse apartment in Rosslyn,
Virginia (featuring outstanding view across Potomac of
monuments, museums & Capitol) with trappings similar to those
inside Queen Morgan’s ancient castle. Queen Morgan packs for
relocation to London. Clarice works at her laptop. Luggage
everywhere, various types & sizes, in various stages of fill.

QUEEN MORGAN
It does so satisfy my soul to own some Knights once again.

CLARICE
Care to share how much it cost?

QUEEN MORGAN
Evil wench! Have you not enough work searching for another man I might hire as general manager? The team trustees hired the last one, and I do not trust them to avoid making another mistake. The MLB will release the sale details soon enough. Let us say it was a mountain of treasure.
Queen Morgan holds up an exquisite form-flattering scarlet
gown, trimmed in black.

CLARICE
Knights’ colors; of course that one must go with you.
Queen Morgan places gown in suitcase.

QUEEN MORGAN
I shall miss you, Clarice. Yet you shall oversee my DC office well.  I have seen it.

CLARICE
I’ll look out for the President for you, I promise.

QUEEN MORGAN
I appreciate that. President Malory has become as a sister to me...
Queen Morgan holds up another dress, a sexy little black one.

CLARICE
Please tell me about him.

QUEEN MORGAN
Excuse me?

CLARICE
I think about someone now and then, too-- David, the man who didn’t return from the mission to extract your brother. He never knew how I felt about him.

QUEEN MORGAN
The monk you mentioned the day we met... I am sorry. My lover’s name is-- was Sir Accolon.
Queen Morgan paces, drawing the dress through her fingers.

QUEEN MORGAN (CONT’D)
Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine-- and King Arthur-- were the only knights ever to best him in single combat. Accolon was big and strong, yet as a lover he was as tender as any virgin maid could ever wish. His intellect rivaled mine, as did his eagerness to help right the wrongs Arthur inflicted upon me.
Queen Morgan presses dress over her heart and keeps pacing.

QUEEN MORGAN (CONT’D)
Accolon’s hair was as glossy-black
as a raven's wing, and he kept it
short-cropped in the old Roman style.
It had a most endearing curl. His
eyes were a fathomless shade of
blue...
She halts in front of her monitor, tuned to a video montage
of SANDY CARTER, 40s, a baseball player/scout/coach/manager.

QUEEN MORGAN (CONT’D)
Lord God and all His angels in Heaven! Who is that? And if you say Accolon, I shall blast you into
next week.

CLARICE
And make it stick. Yes, ma’am.  (facing monitor)
Alexander Leroy “Sandy” Carter, second baseman and 2057 World Series MVP for the Yankees. He
retired his glove in '65 and spent the next several years as a Yankee scout and coach. The Red Sox hired him as a triple-A manager in '72.
Clarice directs full attention toward Queen Morgan.

CLARICE (CONT’D)
He’s managing their big club now.

QUEEN MORGAN
If this man is so valuable, why did Ira Desmorel let him go, and to none other than the Yankees’ most
ancient and hated of rivals? Or was the move Mr. Carter’s idea?
Video clip shows Sandy getting into a dugout brawl with a fellow YANKEE COACH. Clip rolls, showing more fights, including boardrooms and bars, during dialog.

CLARICE
His points are valid. He just doesn’t bother to curb his temper.

QUEEN MORGAN
So it was with Accolon...(appreciative whistle) Even today Alexander Carter has a--how do you say it in this century? Nice abs?

CLARICE: (grins) Those, too.

QUEEN MORGAN:  But he is not available.

CLARICE:
For the right price, Queen Morgan, anyone is.

QUEEN MORGAN:  Of course. That never changes.

Queen Morgan twitches her hand to don the sexy black dress. She touches a computer key to open a chat window, and she strikes a sultry pose. Connection opens to show Sandy in his Boston Red Sox office.

SANDY (V.O.): Carter. May I help--

QUEEN MORGAN:  Me? Why, yes, Mr. Carter. Indeed you may. In ever so many ways.


(END OF SCREENPLAY EXCERPT)


REVIEWS:
Do you love this book too?
Please join Kim's All-Stars Street Team!
Dust jacket mockup:
 

Pls RT #KASIWC/King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Twain & @KimHeadlee time-travel romance $0.99

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Deputy's Bride - #EggcerptExchange Book from #MFRWAuthor AnitaPhilmar



A hot, historical western stand-alone story with a satisfying HEA.


Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady, one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two.

Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling.

Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears its ugly head. Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making it to the alter?


Excerpt:

“Why Bo Kildare? You’re just the man I’ve been looking for.”

The fridge wind and the chilling words sent a shiver down Bo’s spine. His foot faltered on the wooden planks of the sidewalk. For months now he’d dodged every married woman in the territory. All of them had joined forces and decided he needed a wife. More mothers than he could name had introduced him to their daughters. Some even offered dowries for a quick marriage proposal. He’d manage to avoid the snare of virginal bride but it had been a close call a time or two.

As the deputy of Walker County, he had to be nice to the general population, but his patience was fried. After his long trip from Austin, and with another three or four hours ride before he’d reach his ranch, he didn’t need this hassle right now.

Forcing a smile on his face, he turned.

Madeline Cowden, his only friend in this war against the plot to get him devoted wife, stepped forward and wrapped her arm through his. “I believe I have the answer to that little problem you’re having.”

He grinned, delighted with the news that she might have found him a suitable lady to meet his unique situation. “Good. Why don’t we get in out of this bitter breeze and discuss the matter?”

Find now on preorder at Amazon - 

So excited about this book because it's the third book in the Naked Bluff, Texas series. As a Texas girl, I enjoy stepping back in time and discovering some of the Lone Star State's history.

Hope you enjoy,

Anita


Monday, March 9, 2015

A Wild YA Adventure on the #EggcerptExchange -

Don't normally share YA stories but this story is also a historical western with a twist.


Uprooted from a small Texas town, Florence “Ace” Fox is stashed in a camp for orphans, Weirdness abounds with the director talking of wizards and casting spells. He even claims she’s possessed, and that the entity is sending her power levels off the charts. 

Rebel Wizards learn of her strength and decide they can use Ace to their benefit and greed to gain control of The World!! They plot against her. 

In danger and on the run, Ace and her friends’ travel through the old west looking for a way to rid her of the entity. They discover that only the leaders of the wizarding world can help, but will she like their solution? 

Jail, death, or powerless. 

Excerpt: I need the right words or the spell will misfire. 

The statement still rumbled through her thoughts along with many others. What were they talking about? 

Ace hadn’t asked any questions. She’d found when joining a new group she’d fair better if she kept quiet and observe until she understood more about the people. 

“You might say we’re in school?” Vicki lowered her voice to where Ace had to lean over the side of her cot to hear her words clearly. 

“What type of school?” 

“On how to do magic,” Vicki muttered and held out her hand. A small light glowed in the center of her palm. 

Ace stared at the burning flame until it faded. Excitement filtered through her blood until she remembered the last time she had tried to help a person with nothing more than herbs and incoherent chants. 

Darn, she wanted to believe magic existed. Oh, to be powerful and right the wrongs of the world. However, the fantasy wouldn’t happen, couldn’t happen, the world didn’t have magic. It only had people who knew how to trick others. Peddlers of fancy dreams, who knew how to steal money from unsuspecting people, then disappeared into the night. 

Ace didn’t want to offend anyone and decided she’d keep her opinion to herself. “Right, then I guess, I have a lot to learn.” 

Vicki didn’t comment, instead after a few minutes Ace could hear the other girl’s steady breathing. 

Unable to settle down, Ace swung her legs over the side of her cot and sat on the side. She adjusted her white, cotton gown around her legs. Her mind fought to find answers to all the questions running through her head. 

Did Vicki believe she was being taught magic or was Saw deceiving everyone in the camp? After all, what did a bunch of kids know? And why only recruit orphans?

Purchase at 

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AZWCUC

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009AZWCUC

Hope you enjoy,

Anita

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Giveaway Ideas for New Books @kayelleallen #MFRWauthor #amwriting

I recommend giving away something other than a book. If you give away what you're trying to sell, who's going to buy? NY publishers spend thousands of dollars giving away books on shows like Today, Good Morning America, Ellen, and so on. If you don't have that kind of budget, what can you do?
Some authors hold Rafflecopter contests, but not every reader will sign up for them (I don't like them and won't sign up for one) and some authors don't like them. Even if you do use it, what are you going to give away?

Deleted Scenes Mini Book

Did you cut some beloved scenes from your book? Put them together, write a brief explanation for the reason you cut it, and create a mini book. Even a few pages are fine. Format it well. Include: an image of your cover, the blurb for the book, buy links, links for your social media and newsletter.
Remember when including social media this way -- if you're on Twitter, this is not the place to use @kayelleallen -- clicking that does nothing. Use the full URL so it becomes an active link. http://twitter.com/kayelleallen Save the document as an rtf if you plan to share it online, or better yet, as a pdf.

Puzzle Booklets

The Last Vhalgenn
I've had success with giveaway puzzle books. I like Word Search puzzles myself, and discovered a site that lets me make and download them.http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/WordSearchSetupForm.asp After creating it (choose the text option), copy and paste it into your word processing program. Be sure to copy the solution page as well. I have a free app that lets me turn that into a pdf, and I can use the puzzle as a giveaway. I created a set of puzzles for each book, and combined them to make one big puzzle book. I also have pdf puzzles for each individual book.

Create an Inside Peek Booklet

Another thing I did for my book The Last Vhalgenn was create a booklet about the book itself. I included trivia about the story, the cover, pictures (make sure they are licensed and/or royalty free), an excerpt, and buy links. I also added my social media links. Click here to see the finished product. http://is.gd/vhalgenn_peek


I hope this has sparked a few ideas. I'd love to hear your creative solutions. Please post them in the comments.
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Kayelle Allen is the founder of Marketing for Romance Writers. She is a multi-published, award-winning author, and the owner of The Author's Secret, an author support company. Her unstoppable heroes and heroines include contemporary characters, futuristic immortals, covert agents, and warriors who purr.
Unstoppable Heroes Blog http://kayelleallen.com/blog
The Author's Secret https://theauthorssecret.com

Friday, March 6, 2015

Tempered Dreams by Pamela S. Thibodeaux #EggcerptExchange #Romance

Title: Tempered Dreams (book 2 in Tempered series)


Blurb: Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

Excerpt: “Spend the day with me,” he urged. “We’ll go to my place. I’ll take a short nap after which we’ll do whatever your little heart desires.” 
“Anything?” she teased.
Her voice was as enticing as silk and just as alluring. Her excitement set fire to his blood. “Anything.” he assured in a thick voice.
His smoldering gaze, as tender as a caress and just as potent, lowered to her lips, lingered, then raked over her in a hungry gesture before returning to capture hers in a heated embrace. Trina felt as though he was touching her in the most intimate of ways. Her cheeks grew hot, her breath lodged in her throat. Desire washed over her in angry waves. She swallowed hard and tucked trembling hands in her lap, desperately trying to form a coherent sentence. “Please, Scott, don’t look at me like that.”  
He could actually feel her trembling response across the table. His voice lowered another notch. “Like what?”
Trina shook her head. “Like you’re starving to death and could eat me up. Didn’t you have enough food?”
Pushing his plate away, Scott stood and held his hand out to her. Trina placed a trembling one in his firm grip. Pulling her gently to her feet, Scott raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Food is not what I’m hungry for,” he informed her in a husky whisper.
Trina waited as he paid for their meal then followed him to the parking lot as gracefully as possible on legs that wobbled. He paused and in a silent gesture, signaled for her to give him her car keys. His fingers brushed sensuously over her wrist and palm, grasping hers gently when she placed them in his hand.
Locking his heated gaze with hers, Scott raised their clasped hands to his lips, this time lingering over the kiss. He nibbled on her knuckles, teasing the back of her hand with his mouth, then, in one swift movement, turned his attention to the sensitive flesh of her palm and wrist, relieving her of her keys and her senses.
Trina felt the caress to the very core of her being. She moaned, leaning against his hard frame when he pulled her closer. His heat enveloped her until she burned with him, for him. And his lips had never even touched hers.

Purchase Links:



Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”


Links:
Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com  

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

Thanks for sharing,

Anita