Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Ten Free Romances for your Kindle!

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In this novella, bad boy, Dane MacKenzie, is coming home to Surrender, Montana. It’s been ten years since he left the woman he loved behind to make a name for himself, and now he’s bound and determined to claim her once and for all.


But Charlotte Munroe has no desire to welcome home the Prodigal Son with a fatted calf. The bitterness of Dane’s betrayal runs deep, and she has no plans of letting him back into her life. Especially since she’s trying to protect the son Dane isn’t aware exists from heartbreak, since she’s sure he’s only going to walk out of their lives again.






Betrayed by a lover, her career in ruins, Fizz Beaumont devotes all her energy to restoring Broomhill Bay pier, using the old theatre as the home for the radio station that is her life.


The arrival of tycoon Luke Devlin, who has taken over her major sponsor, threatens not just her radio station but -- as he offers her a lesson in passion which promises to set the skies ablaze -- everything she holds dear.



Tina Bender is the gossip columnist at the infamous L.A. Informer tabloid. She knows everything about everyone who's anyone. And she's not afraid to print it. That is, until she receives a threatening note, promising, "If you don't stop writing about me, you're dead." Now her managing editor, Felix Dunn (from the High Heels Mysteries), has her teaming with a built bodyguard, a bubbly blonde, and an alcoholic obituary writer to uncover just which juicy piece of Hollywood gossip is worth killing over.






Miranda Fenster was known as the Fairy Tale Miss during the one disastrous London season that convinced her she would never have a happily-ever-after. But when her brother's love match is thwarted by the impossibly proper Duke of Kerstone, Miranda sets off to convince the duke to champion her brother's cause for love. Unfortunately, he is too proper to consider love a suitable reason for marriage, and too proper not to marry Miranda when they find themselves compromised. Now, Miranda has a second chance for happily-ever-after, if she can uncover her new husband's darkest secret. Originally published by Kensington Zebra Ballad, October 2000.



These two short stories will delight the lover of historical romance! 

The Art of Seduction

Clara Cameron will do anything to escape her impending marriage to the odious Lord Desmond, even if it means posing nude for artist Brendon Evans, the man she once loved. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other, but Clara’s love for Brendon hasn’t diminished. Will Brendon recognize Clara and admit his feelings for the woman before Lord Desmond comes calling, claiming Clara for his own?

Meant For Me

For years Cynthia Shaw has replied to Gabriel Baston’s letters, pretending to be his fiancĂ©, Cynthia’s wretched cousin Helen. When Gabriel appears at a masked ball and mistakes Cynthia for Helen, she can’t help herself and gives her innocence to the man she has loved for years. Will Lord Kennwick realize Cynthia was meant for him before it’s too late? 




If there's one thing that Janica Ellis is absolutely certain of, it's that she and Luke Carson are totally wrong for each other. She's a wild, artistic and outspoken fashion designer. He's a type A, workaholic trauma surgeon (who just happens to be sizzling hot and her brother-in-law!). But Janica is about to be proven wrong when opposites attract...in the sexiest possible way.

After a life-changing night in the ER, Luke is desperate for escape - and relief from his personal demons. For five years he has fought his attraction to his sister-in-law, but when he's pushed too far, he can't fight it another second. He needs her. Desperately. He's spent his whole life doing the right thing. For one night, he's going to follow desire instead. Straight into Janica's arms.

Janica can't believe Luke is finally at her front door...and that he's kissing her like he's been waiting his whole life to touch her. But even as their sensual connection deepens with every touch of skin on skin - and the man she always thought was such a good boy turns out to be sinfully, toe-curlingly bad between the sheets - Janica soon realizes she wants more than Luke's body. She wants his heart too. But what will Luke do when one night of extreme passion turns into an all or nothing proposition? (Steamy scenes, graphic and explicit sex...and lots of emotion.) 




The choice between adhering to a long-held pact and finally accepting love could prove Lady Tabitha Shelton’s unhinging. She is plump, plain, pleasant . . . and thoroughly unappealing to any of the men of the ton—apart from fortune hunters. A self-appointed wallflower, she has every intention of remaining one. Tabitha made a vow of spinsterhood with her cousins when they were girls, and she refuses to go back on her word. So far, she’s proven herself quite adept at warding off the blasted fortune hunters’ pursuits.

Noah deLancie, Marquess of Devonport, would prefer to marry for love and companionship—he’s a gentleman through and through—but circumstances have forced his hand: he needs money as badly as he needs a bride. When Noah’s brother-in-law suggests pursuit of his sister, Tabitha, a woman with a dowry large enough to cause even Croesus to blush and who is tantalizingly good company to boot, Noah stumbles into the future he hopes to secure. He’ll stop at nothing to convince Tabitha to marry him.

Nothing, that is, except perhaps the barrel of a dueling pistol, held to his face by his ladylove.



A run-down Victorian to renovate, a past to leave behind--who has time for romance...or murder? Patricia Amble, Tish to her friends, has gotten her life together. She's renovating an old, rambling Victorian house in a small town outside of Detroit, and the fixer-upper should net her a big profit when she resells. Romance is right next door, with two attractive neighbors vying for her affection. But even their persistent attentions can't dispel the sense of unease Tish feels. Voices whisper out of nowhere . . . and something odd is going on in the basement. Soon, Tish begins to question her decision to buy the old house. When a dead body turns up her own dark secrets make her a prime suspect in the current chaos. And is either of her attractive neighbors really who he says he is? What is going on just under the surface of this sleepy small town? Find out in this engaging debut of the Patricia Amble Mystery series. 



Haunted by a gruesome war and his own dark secrets, Former Union Soldier Radford Grayson returns home, seeking a loving reunion with his brothers and a place where he and his young daughter can make a home. Desperate for peace, Radford is ambushed by his unexpected and forbidden love for Evelyn—his brother's fiancĂ©e.






Rilo An comes from a world where there are no women. What he longs for is a life mate: someone who'll complete him, someone he can love who'll love him back, someone who'll ease the aching loneliness that haunts his life.

So he leaves his world, takes on the Earth name Chris West, and makes a payment to Star Systems Unlimited for a life mate. When he bonds with Caitlyn Davis, he thinks life can't get any better. But she was married before, and memories of her deceased husband still linger around her home. Will he find a place in her heart or will he have to become like her first husband in order to get her love?


Indie Author Spotlight of Amy Durrant Author of Prisms

The Author
Amy Durrant

The work of art:

Prisms

Where she creates his masterpieces:

Brentwood, UK

The genre that gets to claim her:
I would say Science Fiction, although I prefer the tag Futuristic Thriller.


The heart of the story:
It’s about a girl on the cusp of adulthood and her struggle against the oppressive dystopian society she lives in. All the character perspectives eventually twist into one tale with devastating consequences. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of rebellion, although I’m no anarchist myself!

Amy's muse knows what it wants:
I just like to sit down and see where the story takes me. I’ve always seen the action unfold in my head like a movie, so I think of myself as a translator. It’s a fairly organic style; what you see on the page is largely unchanged from the first draft.

The whole world may not know about prisms but those who do will be inspired.
I don’t know about the world seeing my work, but with ‘Prisms’ it will always be about creating something people can become absorbed in. If I can inspire even one person with my work, I will consider it a success.

Who do we have to thank for the books look and layout?
I had a wonderful editor, Charlotte Emma Gledson, but I actually designed the cover art myself. The story is so full on most of the time, so I wanted a simplistic contrast for the cover. Something that was visually distinctive yet meaningful to the context of the book.


Who kick started Amy's dream?
George Orwell’s ‘1984’ is my over-arching inspiration. The dystopian brutality of the police state in which Winston must try and survive struck up some chord in me that just spurred me into writing. Even from a young(ish) age I was reading the likes of Orwell and Burgess.

The one thing she has trouble with:
One of the greatest challenges I face with my writing is having to go back and try and add a bit of subtext. It’s all very well seeing the action unfold in my head, but if the reader’s not got anything to hold on to about the character, then you’ll always end up with an empty plot. Everyone likes a bit of back story!

Amy's characters know what they want!
My characters completely write themselves. I very rarely have to sit down and think, ‘Right, who am I going to create today?’ They all have their own entity and I respect that when I write about them. I’m almost obsessive in the way that all the details have to be perfect; right down to their mannerisms when they’re nervous.

She tries not to write herself into characters but a bit of slips in anyway:
I think it’s very dangerous to write one’s self into a character completely, although little traits of mine do have a habit of creeping into certain characters. For the most part, it’s a subconscious thing that I notice when I read back through it.

Amy is still waiting to start her day job. 
I’m currently a student at University and I wrote ‘Prisms’ when I was 18 years old. I consider myself still waiting to start my day job!

If she could go back in time, Amy would want to meet one of the greats! 
It would have to be Amelia Earheart. An aviation pioneer and a best-selling author? I’d love to sit down and talk to her over a cuppa; she was a truly remarkable and fearless woman.

Prisms might not stand out but it will definitely inspire:
I like to think that mine would not necessarily stand out, but inspire. Through creating what I hope to be a vivid story and believable characters, if I can keep people wanting to read on then that’s the main thing. Plus there’s not that many futuristic thrillers out there that intertwine at least six character perspectives into one story.

Helping each other is always free:
If you help out your fellow indie authors, they’re more likely to throw help your way too. Give an indie book a read and leave the author a review. If you’re lucky, most of the time they’ll return the favor.

Links to reach, follow and purchase from Amy Durrant:





Sunday, July 29, 2012

Indie Author Spotlight of D.J. Shaw Author of The 13th Doorway Series


The Author:
                                              D J Shaw


The work of art:

The 13th Doorway series

Where he creates his masterpieces:

Central Scotland, near Stirling.

The genre that gets to claim him:
I write sci-fi, aimed at 9-16 year olds but try to make my stories appeal to all – all my reviews are actually from adults.


The Heart Of The Story:
This book starts in a Scottish boarding school. Three students are in their English classroom when they notice their teacher’s hand seems to slip inside the interactive whiteboard he is using. Shocked, they wait behind after class and are desperate to discover whether it’s real or not. In one characters case, a little too desperate! The book follows their adventures as they discover what lies through the doorway, or portal. They discover something on the other side that leads to a search, back in school, to solve the mystery of a disappearance back in the 1940s. They are put through a series of trials and puzzles and try to fight to find out the secrets of the place they have discovered.
There is a lot to discover in this book – it’s called The 13th Doorway – that must mean there are at least 12 more! Where do they lead? Why are there statues of 30m tall beings? And who is watching them as they continue along their path? You even get a trip back to witness the moment of creation itself – it’ll blow your mind!

                           D J's muse works in mysterious ways.
I tend to just sit down at the computer and start typing. I usually think about where the story will go or how the plot will develop while I am out running or hillwalking. But when I start typing, it seems to take on a life of its own. New ideas just seem to happen as I type and sometimes I’m amazed that something I’m writing one day, ties in neatly with a plot point from the other day. I guess I just let my imagination flow and see where it takes me.
Funnily enough, I’ve just finished writing ‘The 13th Doorway 2: Worlds of Wonder’ and I had some strong ideas how it was going to end, so I wrote down a plan for my ending. For some reason, this seemed to block up my creativity and I ended up writing not one word for two months. I then scrapped the plan, started writing and the story built to a wonderfully exciting conclusion all on its own.  

He says his books won't take over the world but he's OK with that.
I’ve thought, “people will like my ideas” but I’m not the kind of writer who could write something the world needs to see! I’ll never write a literary classic; my stories are about sheer entertainment.

Those who helped The 13th Doorway reach perfection:
I’m so lucky to be a teacher because I have a wealth of artistic talent at my disposal. What I mean by that are my students, many of whom are very talented in the field of Art. So my front cover was drawn by a 15-year old girl by the name of Ashleigh Houston. All she wanted in return was some Ferrero Roche; she’s just delighted to see her work published. She’s also going to draw the cover for the next book and another lovely lady I met on twitter, Linda Smith, is going to do some sketches too!

Note from Nikki: I love Ferrero Roche! Good payment option. 


Again, regarding editing, for ‘The 13th Doorway’, the school librarian, Christine Sheerin, offered her services for free. An expert in all things ‘book’, she is wonderful to have as a friend and ally. For the sequel, my Head teacher has volunteered to edit if for me. She is stickler for correct spelling and grammar and she’ll have her work cut out trying to spot all my mistakes!

Once again we have one of the greats to thank for first inspiring D J to start writing:    
Stephen King is my favorite author and has been since I was 15 years old. I’ve read all his books; the first one I read being The Shining. And then he began releasing ‘The Dark Tower’ series of novels, which is now 8 books long. Those books have been the highlight of my reading life and some of his ideas are just total genius. That series has a hero called Roland and when I’m reading those books, I am Roland, marching steadily towards the Dark Tower, leaving nothing but chaos in my wake.

The one thing about the writing process that he never has enough of.
    Finding the time to do it definitely ranks as the most difficult thing, but I use my long school holidays as best I can.

D J's characters come from the children he has taught.
Again, I think being a teacher really helps with this. I've taught now for 19 years and have had thousands of students pass through my classroom doors, each with a different and unique character and personality. My characters in my books are very much based on some of the youngsters I have taught.

He has definitely written himself into his characters.
Yes!! Mr Scott, the teacher in the books. He’s me. My students knew it straight away.

Mr. Shaw has no intention of quitting his day job:
Even if I became the next JK Rowling, I’d still be a Maths teacher. I love my job and want to work in Education for the rest of my working life.

If he could go back in time to meet anyone, D J  would definitely aim as high as he could. 

Great question. My answer is Charles Darwin, who was the first to come up with the idea of Evolution. By studying the wildlife of Islands far from other land masses, he realised that the creatures there were different from others on the planet and made the leap that we all evolve due to our surroundings. I would love to have been part of his expeditions. The idea of different evolutions is a strong theme in ‘Worlds of Wonder’.

A hero better have some brains in his head. Brawn alone just won't do:
Even though the basic premise of my book (doorway to another world) is an old idea, I like to think (and my reviewers agree) that it’s full of new ideas, unique characters and plot settings and it has something for everyone; maths puzzles, giant creatures, drama, excitement, death, bit of romance, dark scary tunnels, hundreds of rats and a new world which everyone would want to visit.

D J  stands behind KDP as a means of free marketing.
I’m afraid I mostly just use facebook and twitter to get the word out there. The Amazon KDP deal is really good though, as it allows you to promote your book for free for a few days, allowing much needed exposure. I recently blogged on the benefits of KDP.

I know. I know. You want to know how to reach and follow D J  Shaw: 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/13th.Doorway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the13thdoorway
Blog: http://the13thdoorway.blogspot.co.uk

Nikki:
Thank You so much for being a part of my Indie Author Spotlight Donald! I really enjoyed your answers. And now, I can see I will absolutely have to read and review this one myself as well. Everyone else should as well. Seems to me like a book that will challenge my wits as well as my imagination. 

And now, I'll finally give ya what you've been wanting. Here's how to get your own copy of The 13th Doorway: 

It’s also available as a paperback on both amazon sites.


Indie Author Spotlight of Carol Cadoo Author of Deja Vu of Love

The Author   

Carol Cadoo

The work of art:
 DĂ©jĂ  Vu of Love



Where she creates. 
Cayucos California

The Genre that gets to claim her:
I think it’s Chick Lit some think romance.


The Heart Of The Story:
 It is a book about that one relationship in life we all have that is passionate incredible but never timed out right. Many men pass through your life but only one through your soul. This is the story of one of those relationships.

How her Muse Creates:  
You know I allow the characters to tell me the story and then I just channel it. So I actually write the story in my head while gardening, cleaning, doing everyday things. At some point my brain tell me okay it’s time. I then like a fighter going into the ring battle it out with the keyboards. Generally when I sit down to hit my “print” button in the old noodle computer I just go. It takes about 6 days of pretty solid locked up in the room , kids don’t knock on the door unless there is blood or cops at the door. LOL


 She wrote this and thought ; " The world has got to see this!" 
    I feel that way about this book. I just love these characters I really bonded with them. They are very cool people. I like them, especially Patrick Abbot Jazz Kellys best friend.



The book she read that gave her a calling:  
A Tree Grows in Brookly written by Betty Smith it changed my life in the fourth grade. I had never been moved by someones writing. I had been moved by the story before but never by the actually writing. I thought wow words do this to people? I knew when I turned the last page what I was going to do.

Her Biggest Writing Nemisis: 
Oh I hate the self editing process. I don’t mind the rewrite as far as making the book mor cohesive better flow, pacing. But boy do I hate to cut words I spent days, weeks, months writing . So my solution I don’t just cut I cut than I paste the work in a not this book maybe the next one file. I have yet to use any of those cut s but I find it easier to edit knowing the work is going into the garbage. It is a mind thing I think.

Her characters write themselves through her:
They write themselves using me to channel. I don’t even remember what I write. Kind of funny as I reread I laugh , I cry I live the story as if I have never heard a word. I have always been a little freaked out by the whole channeling process. Denied it for years as it is a little creepy, at the end of the day I finally just had t o embrace the process. Now I no longer freak over it I just think it is odd.

A peice of her goes into each character:
 I always include a secreat part of me in each character. I know but never discuss who has what of mine.

She is in it for the long haul:
I have been a wedding planner for years. I am now a full time writer out in my house in the middle of nowhere.

If Carol could go back in time, She's want to make the most of it:
 I would love to meet Ida Lupino she was an actress but more important she was a female director in the Golden Age of Hollywood. I can’t even imagine how tough that chick was.

It may not stand out from the millions but it'll sure give them a run for there money.
You know to be frank I am not sure mine would stand out but I guarantee it would give any book out there a run for their money. My characters are probably in my opine what most people are attracted to. I write really good dialoge and use it to move the story line forward versus using narrative to do that. I think that makes my book a little different then the rest.

Carol has learned a thing or two about marketing for free.
 Hard work in lieu of cash, I love the Mommy Bloggers if you will. I mean no disrespect for this group of savy strong moms who have become the number one resource for companies to market their products on line. I really respect these ladies . Check out your Mommy Blogs but learn their code of conduct cause I promise you they have one.

Nikki:
Carol. Thanks you so much for being on my first Indie Author Spotlight Participant! I have so much fun. You and I are so very similar in our writing styles. I feel much better haveing decided that maybe Im not crazy after all. LOL. I also barely remember what I write. Zone right out as if  I were sleeping. But it's so great realizing when you read back that you got skills. LOL. It was Great fun Carol and Thanks again. ♥ Ya Muah! 


Here is where you can find   DĂ©jĂ  Vu of Love !!!!! Go get yours now!!!


Twitter:carolcadoo@carolcadoo

Blog:I am to scared to blog isn’t that funny I am about to do my first guest blog and ready to throw up at just the thought. Not sure why but I take my hat off to those of you who are gifted bloggers. It is kind of like the difference between a family practioner vs an emergency room doctor. Both are fruit but…

Website: the address is www.carolcadoobookstore.com but it is under construction I am currently in an exclusive with Amazon so that is where my books are sold. Only on Amazon.
Add any other links that you feel would be helpful in convincing readers that they absolutely must buy right this minute or they'll die. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pYf3FkMZ4k Sights and Sounds of Deja Vu of Love Book Trailer






Thursday, July 26, 2012

BookPushalooza! 9 Books Only .99!


Welcome to the FIRST EVER BookPushalooza!

July 26th ONLY

9 Books, only .99.

With each purchase you get the chance to WIN while Helping Authors reach new heights in Amazon’s ranks.

It’s so easy a CAVEMAN could do it!

Follow the Instructions on the Rafflecopter Widget and for each book you purchase (or Borrow through Amazon Prime for Free) you get an entry in to WIN ---

(1) Grand Prize- $100 Amazon Gift Card

(2) Runners up of $25 Amazon Gift Cards

That’s not all! Purchase all NINE (9) books and get an additional 5 entries!

Don’t delay, this offer is good for JULY 26th ONLY!



Overview of Dark Isle

When evil begets evil, a choice is forced on Quinn, the one person who can see the danger. Does she save the ones she loves, or does she save the world from Chaos?

As the realms of Fae and human collide, Quinn's future has never looked so grim, or so damn impossible.

Genre- Urban Fantasy
Overview of Enemy in Blue

 The streets aren't safe when your enemy wears a blue uniform and a gold badge.
What if the good guys weren't good?
What if a cop went rogue and killed an innocent man?
What if it was all caught on video and the cop would do anything to cover it up?
Chase this lawless cop through the streets and to a scintillating series of showdowns with Cruz Marquez, a young attorney trying to nail down his enemy in blue.
Will justice be served?
Genre- Thriller



Overview of Land of the Noonday Sun

When two strangers have nothing left but their dreams, they must forge a relationship in Nantahala, North Carolina, a small town known as Land of the Noonday Sun.

A man with a traumatic past is able to turn his life around and is happy with his chosen career as a whitewater guide. Everything changes though when fate hurls a woman into his path. His carefree life is in turmoil, and his former weaknesses threaten to overtake him. Will he be strong enough when tragedy strikes and is once again in danger of losing everything he loves?
Genre- Contemporary Romance


Overview of This Time Forever

Delaney Brannigan and Blake Morrisson met at the Cedar Cove annual costume dance, known only to each other as the leopard and the cowboy--but, as Delaney soon discovers, the cowboy she'd thought had ridden off into the sunset never to tempt her again, is none other than the man she came from New York to find and discredit. Against her will, Delaney is drawn deeper and deeper into an overwhelming attraction to Blake--an attraction she can't give in to if she wants to keep the one thing she values more than anything else.
Genre- Contemporary Romance


Overview of Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula

Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her body has undergone some bizarre physical changes. Her senses, strength, and speed have been radically enhanced.

Lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous, action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain willing to do anything - including murder - to reach his own ambitious goals.

Genre- YA/MG Superhero

Overview of Gray Justice

Gray Justice is the fast-paced debut thriller from Alan McDermott. When a killer walks free from court, the victim's father sees just two options: accept the judge's decision; or take on the entire British justice system. Tom Gray chooses the latter and his crusade attracts instant worldwide media coverage. It was just what Tom was hoping for, but it brought him a lot more than he bargained for.

Gray Justice is much more than a simple tale of revenge: it's a rollercoaster ride with an ending you'll never forget!
Genre- Thriller

Overview of Gone at Zero Hundred 00:00

"Their lives are in the hands of two 18-year-olds..."
A Prominent P.I. is gunned down - killed by a sniper - and it’s broadcasted on live TV.
Now, her daughter, along with her childhood pal, are thrust into a complex and riveting thriller forced to take on a secret club whose members call themselves The Privileged Ones.
Murder. Teen abductions and illegal underground parties.
They’re chased by men in ski-masks, nearly gunned down by members of a cartel, and the only way to bring down this criminal enterprise; is to crash a Mardi Gras bash and stop their private cruise ship from sailing off into the sunset.

 

Overview of Allegiance

Who do YOU pledge allegiance to?

After exposing one of the most notorious rings of police corruption in history, lawyer Cruz Marquez planned on starting a new life south of the border. That plan unraveled when an extremist group of Minutemen captured and tortured him and his wife.


Will Cruz pledge allegiance to do right, or will he do anything to serve up revenge?

Genre- Thriller


Overview of Curbchek Reload

Curbchek-Reload is a dark account of the streets as they were worked by Zach Fortier, a dangerously deranged cop. Welcome back to the inner city and the twisted mentality of Zach Fortier. Patrolling the streets, broken and mentally damaged from years of urban violence, Zach fights a losing battle to maintain a hold on reality. Join him in the passenger seat of a police cruiser for more of the darker and meaner side of life: The inner city. In Curbchek-Reload you get a front row seat to an attempted murder of a cop, suicide attempts, rapes, and DARK cop humor. Curbchek-Reload - Fasten your bullet proof vest and buckle your seatbelt, it is gonna be a wild ride!

Genre- Police Procedural 


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/49be101/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

All winners will be notified via email July 28th 2012. For a list of winners contact onedaybookpush@yahoo.ca