Category Archives: Publishing

#FallingIntoLove, Jake dh, Novels, Publishing, readers

THE BULLETPROOF GHOST by Jake dh #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 12, 2014 Melanie Leave a comment

Blurb

Kyle Richard is constantly picked on by a group of bullies. One day, they took it too far and killed the young boy. Kyle awakens as a cybernetic killing machine created by a mysterious man only known as William. Kyle makes new alliances and reforges connections with old friends as the action packed climax comes to a fever pitch. Will Kyle obey his creator’s will or forge his own destiny?

Excerpt

Four saw Kyle on the gym floor bleeding to death in Irene’s arms. She was screaming, “No,no no nononono,” Kyle was coughing up blood. The other younger, uninjured Kyle was still at Four’s side staring at him with angry tears rolling down his face.

Four turned away. He never had been disturbed by anything before, but this… “No… make it disappear, Kyle.”

“Why? Isn’t this what you wanted?!” his eyes were filled with tears of rage, “This is how I died! Bleeding and scared. I didn’t understand,” Kyle dropped to his knees and screamed in rage, pounding the floor. The gym shattered when his fist hit the linoleum, “Why did I have to die…?” the white nothingness Four inhabited at the beginning remained,

Author Bio

Jake dh has written for Examiner for years, but now he delves into the world of fiction. He just released his first book, The BulletProof Ghost: Prototypes. This is the first book of many in this riveting new scifi series.

Jake lives with his wife Sarah and baby son, Xander in Evansville, IN. He enjoys gaming, genre movies, anime and comics. He also roller blades when he gets the chance.

Purchase Links

Amazon Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MK30EC4#
Amazon Softback (physical) – http://www.amazon.com/The-BulletProof-Ghost-Prototypes-Invincible/dp/1495448118/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/470168

Author Links

Website – www.thebulletproofghost.com
Author Shout – http://authorshout.com/author-shout-bookshelf/jake-d-h/
Author Central – http://www.amazon.com/Jake-d-h/e/B00N8LTYNM/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
Blogger – http://thebproofblog.blogspot.com/

#FallingIntoLove, Ashley York, Novels, Publishing, readers

The Saxon Bride by Ashley York #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 8, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

The Saxon Bride buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Saxon-Bride-Norman-Conquest-ebook/dp/B00M08LCJI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1411140570

Blurb: In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. The Saxons must fight for everything they have in the hopes of winning their country back from the Normans who are determined to break their resistance. Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot.

When the new King decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. The handsome soldier with the kind brown eyes and gentle touch is a threat to her determination to defy the interlopers. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?

John of Normandy resists marriage and wants only to prove himself worthy of William’s trust but when rewarded by King William with the gift of an earldom and a Saxon bride, he balks at marriage, driven by the guilt of knowing her father died by his sword. However, John’s reluctance is soon replaced by a deep desire to please this woman and win her over as well as her people.

As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?

Bio: 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 newest 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.

Links:

www.ashleyyorkauthor.com

email: ashleyyorkauthor@gmail.com

Twitter: @ashley1066york

EXCERPT:

A Norman. I have been given to a Norman to wife.

Rowena Godwinson, daughter of the late Earl of Essex and the last living member of that powerful Saxon family, stood before her reflection in the polished brass. The wedding gown passed down through three generations of Godwin women before her, draped softly across the shoulders, skimming down her waist and falling over the tips of her deerskin slippers. She blinked back with vacant eyes.

Fear tripped up her spine and her stomach clenched. She had lived among the victors for nigh on five years now. Their disdain for her people was quite obvious. Now the man who had usurped her own uncle as rightful king at the Battle of Hastings had ordered her to marry. With both parents dead, she was his ward.

Rowena clenched her teeth and turned to the window. She glimpsed the slate roof of the chapel beyond the trees where the nuptials would take place this very day. Her family’s chapel. Countless celebrations with uncles, close friends, and more cousins than she could name, had taken place there. Those were happy years.

“My lady?”

Rowena looked at the drawn face of her handmaiden, Joan. The blonde sheen of her hair, long gone with the stress of the circumstances and occupation they were all forced to live under.

“Yes?”

Joan gulped. “Do you think he will be kind to you? Tonight, I mean?”

Rowena’s breath caught in her throat. The marriage bed. How would her husband treat her? With kindness? As her husband, he gained much by this union. A lot of responsibility, yes, but also power. Some men loved power.

She tipped her chin up.

“I believe he will be kind as I will give him no reason not to be.”

Joan’s eyes rounded. Rowena smiled tightly.

“Fear not, Joan. I will be amicable.”

“My lady, would that I could impart upon you my own knowledge, but I have none. Your mother’s death before she prepared you leaves you in a bad way.”

“Perhaps he will be a gentle man. John.” His name was all she knew.

“Yes, my lady. He is one of William’s most trusted knights.”

“A warrior.” Rowena’s tone was flat and for an instant she saw again her father. Cold and dead. Blood all around. She forced the memory aside. “Then he will be a good protector.”

“Yes, but of whom?”

#FallingIntoLove, Ally Shields, Book Launch, Novels, Publishing, readers

Cross Keys by Ally Shields #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 3, 2014 Melanie 3 Comments

Thank you so much for hosting me and my new urban fantasy release! I’m thrilled for the opportunity to tell you a little about my book and to share a Cajun recipe, one of several I brought back from New Orleans while researching the book.

(If you check my Oct. 3 blog post, you’ll find a list of other websites where you’ll find eight more recipes!)

Happy reading…and sampling of the Cajun cuisine. 🙂

Cross Keys (An Elvenrude Novel) by Ally Shields

Genre: Urban fantasy/Paranormal romance

Rating: PG-13

Book Blurb:

Conspiracy, murder, and magic…and the death of all they hold dear.

When the first wanderer—a common elf who isn’t authorized to use the portal—is spotted on the streets of New Orleans, the king assigns Kameo Ryndel to assist in the elf’s capture. But before she can intervene, humans with guns shoot the wanderer and steal his body. When Seth Lormarc, an Elite elf from a rival guild, appears at the scene, Kam suspects he is involved.

Seth Lormarc is in New Orleans to find out who was behind the portal breach, and his best lead is the intriguing Kam Ryndel. When he stakes out her apartment and finds her sneaking out in the middle of the night, dressed in black and leaping to the top of the nearest building, he knows there’s something unique about the beautiful elf. That kind of feat requires magic. Ancient magic.

As their paths cross during their investigations, they develop an irresistible attraction, although there’s little time for romance. The portal breach is tied to an illegal smuggling operation that has come to the attention of the human CIA. But the stakes are raised when Kam and Seth discover a band of conspirators and a rebellion deep in Elvenrude that promises nothing except destruction of their world.

Pre-order and Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Keys-Ally-Shields-ebook/dp/B00NSR0OT4/

Works-in-Progress #amwriting

August 25, 2014 Melanie 1 Comment

#amwriting

Yep, I’m writing. As a matter of fact, I’ve got two projects on the go at the same time. Well, sort of at the same time.

Shadows From Her Past (the sequel to A Shadow in the Past) is comfortably ensconced with my beta readers. So while I’m waiting for feedback from them before moving on to the next revision, I plotted another book.

Plotting for me is huge! I’m more of a pantser but I have to know where I’m going so maybe that makes me a plantser?

Anyway, I had started this project a while ago and it languished in the dark recesses of my hard drive. I wrote the ending but that was about it. So while I had lots of time (well not lots but you get my drift), I went to my trusty software Storybook Pro (similar to Scrivener) and plotted my little heart out from beginning to end.

My writing has changed (hopefully for the better) a lot since I originally started this project so a lot of things have changed since that early draft. Some of the characters are new, some aren’t. They’re older now – thirtysomethings – but essentially the plot remains the same.

The ending will remain the same just improved (I hope) because my voice has developed and I’ll be able to pack more oomph into the emotional upheaval.

So all that being said, this work-in-progress (currently known as Second Chances) is sitting at … drum roll please … 5133 words. I know it’s not much but every word counts. I’m thinking this one will come in at about 85,000 words when all is said and done.

And what is this work-in-progress about?

Here are two versions of my two-sentence blurb.

#1 Katherine Murphy lives in fear of losing her partner when the helicopter he’s on ditches in the North Sea on a return flight from the oil platform he works on. Will he perish in the crash or will they be given a second chance together?

#2 When a helicopter ditches in the North Sea returning from the Alba Ecosse platform, Katherine Murphy lives in fear knowing that her partner, Jared Martin, is onboard. Will he perish in the crash or defy the odds and survive?

Which one do you like best?

Authors, Blog Tour, Book Launch, Carol E. Wyer, Novels, Publishing

THREE LITTLE BIRDS by Carol E Wyer ~ Launch Day Splash

August 15, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

THREE LITTLE BIRDS – BLURB

If your friend challenged you, would you dare? Charlie Blundell cannot get over the tragic death of her only daughter. She drifts between her job at the Art cafe and her hospital radio show, the only things which give her life purpose. Her best friend, the madcap Mercedes, cajoles Charlie into writing a ‘carpe diem’ list, but then swaps Charlie’s list with her own. Now, each must complete the other’s challenges, and the outcomes will astound both of them. The challenges begin as a series of relatively harmless, fun activities. Soon, though, the stakes increase when Charlie has to complete her challenges to save the hospital radio station. As the tasks become more demanding, a handsome stranger takes an interest in her, but he is not what he seems. One challenge causes a secret buried deep within her to surface, which may prove to be her undoing. Three Little Birds is a story of love, friendship and discovery, laced with hilarity and topped by a wickedly funny parrot called Bert.

~~~~~~~~~~

Here’s Carol’s story behind her latest novel, Three Little Birds.

Three Little Birds was a book I wanted to write for some time. There is quite a bit of personal stuff hidden among the pages and it has a clear message – one of hope. It is more than just a story about two women and two bucket lists. The title alone is a giveaway of that fact. Not only is it to do with the lyrics of the Bob Marley song but there are three birds (parrots) in the story that provide much of the light-hearted humour and on a deeper level, the title has a relevance that I can’t divulge but will touch the reader and quite probably make them shed tears.

I set the book at a hospital radio station because I wanted to highlight the importance of those presenters who give their time freely and whose role is more important than you may realise. It is no secret that I spent a fair amount of time in hospital, undergoing treatment for spinal problems when I was younger. I had operations and treatments over a period of several years. At one stage, I spent 11 weeks on traction which involved being laid at an angle in bed so my head was at the lowest point, with heavy weights attached to my legs that were then dropped over the end of the bed. The idea was to stretch the spine and move a trapped disc. It didn’t work. All I managed to do was be sick, drop food and drink all over myself and feel depressed. Hospital radio kept me sane. I tuned in first thing in the morning and listened until lights went out. I would have howled every day in frustration had I not had hospital radio to keep me company with its cheerful presenters and request shows.

More recently, I met fellow author and hospital radio presenter Charlie Blundell on FB. She is such a cheery lady and so positive. She epitomises the sort of presenter who lifts patient’s spirits. She became my inspiration for Charlie in the book. There the similarity ends though as my character’s life is very different to Charlie Blundell’s.

The book offers a tale of friendship, love and moreover hope, even when there seems there is none. I liked all the characters, even the lesser ones such as Peggy who owns Bert the parrot and Susannah, a middle-aged woman who Charlie meets at belly dancing class. There is more than one person’s story in the book.

The thread that runs through the book is of course, the challenges that both friends have to complete. Each character undergoes a journey that is only made possible through the challenges. Of course there is much hilarity and the results are often unexpected. Even the slightest challenge sends the character on a different path and it was that message that I wanted to get across. Whoever you are and whatever your situation, be brave. Have a go at things that you would ordinarily not try even if it is not an adrenaline-filled challenge. Maybe it is as simple as learning to swim or have a go at cooking something adventurous.

Last year, I wanted to take up something from my Grumpy Old Menopause book to prove it would help women like me. I really fancied pole dancing but as I had a painful frozen shoulder that wasn’t possible, so I went for something I knew would terrify me but could be rewarding—I did a crash course in stand-up comedy!

The results were surprising all right. Having done one gig to a sell-out audience, I was soon booked up to tour the Black Country doing my comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth and then was invited to do it at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival on main stage! I’m not bragging, merely pointing out that you don’t know where these things will take you, so have a go. At worst, you will feel you have achieved something. If you have no idea of what you want to do, check through the list of 100 ideas at the end of the book. I’m sure you’ll find something there to amuse you.

So, for this book, I had to prove the point and embark on some of Charlie’s challenges. I’ve chosen four of them and a bonus challenge—indoor skydiving! How did I get on? You need to check the videos and photographs to find out. So, what are you waiting for? Carpe Diem!

~~~~~~~~~~

My review:

Three Little Birds had me hooked from the opening page. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. It’s filled with laugh out loud moments, a few you evil woman, you’ve made me cry moments, intermingled with suspense, sexual tension and everything you’d expect to find in a romance novel, plus the ‘feathered’ man of the hour, that lovable parrot, Bert.

~~~~~~~~~~

About the Author:

An ex teacher and linguist Carol used to live and work in Casablanca until the late eighties when she returned to the UK, set up a language company and settled down to married life.

When her son finally left the nest a couple of years ago Carol took up writing full time. She has written articles and novels which generally encourage others to age disgracefully and enjoy life.

Carol blogs at Facing 50 with humour.

Thanks for dropping by today, Carol, and best of luck with your launch of THREE LITTLE BIRDS.

Authors, Blog Tour, Book Launch, book swag, Nicky Wells, Novels, Publishing, Rock Star Romance

Launch Extravaganza for FALLEN FOR ROCK by Nicky Wells

June 30, 2014 Melanie 4 Comments

Launch Day is here for FALLEN FOR ROCK!

Blurb:

‘A thrilling and delicious story of love and self-discovery woven around a broken romance that will make you turn page after page and cheer to the end.’

Love, life, loyalties. Nothing stays the same when Emily gets drawn into the world of rock.

Glossy and sophisticated professional high-flyer Emily has no time for nonsense such as the rock music her ex-boyfriend Nate adored so much. Yet when she unexpectedly comes into possession of VIP tickets—access all areas—for new rock band phenomenon, MonX, she can’t resist the temptation.

The fateful gig turns into more than one night, and Emily finds herself strangely drawn to this new and unfamiliar glittery world. However, only weeks later, MonX and her own universe fall apart with devastating consequences for all. When MonX lead singer Mike appeals for her help, she reluctantly embraces a new opportunity. But she soon discovers that while she may be a rock chick after all, a groupie she is not… Or is she?

Just exactly where do her loyalties lie? And what direction will her life take now that she’s left behind everything she treasured?

Warning! Fallen For Rock contains some explicit content and strong language that may not be suitable for readers under eighteen years of age.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Proudly introducing: Mike Loud, rock guitarist and “I’m hell to live with” lead singer in Fallen for Rock

Welcome, Mike, and thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. How are you?

I’m fine, thanks so much for having me. It’s a bit early in the day, so please nudge me if seem a bit spaced out. And thanks for the extra strong coffee!

Late night recording, was it?

Absolutely. We didn’t leave the studio until four in the morning. That’s like…five hours ago.

Goodness. I’m doubly honoured that you made it, then.

Wouldn’t have missed it for the world, chick.

I’m very glad to hear that you’re back recording again. It was all a bit touch and go after the MonX break up for a while, wasn’t it?

Well. *coughs* You could say that. We didn’t part on the most amicable of terms.

You’ve been keeping very quiet about what happened. You never gave a statement to the press at the time, but you did reveal all to Nicky Wells for her latest novel, Fallen for Rock. How come?

Technically, I didn’t reveal anything to anyone. Nicky was primarily chatting with Emily, and Emily shared what I’d told her. Obviously I met Nicky a few times as well, and I read the whole book before it ever went to print…

You did?

Of course I did. I’m a fast reader. I’m not adverse to a bit of romance, although it was a little strange seeing… um… well… some of Emily and my… physical encounters…rendered on the page. In written words. Not that I’m a prude or anything. It was just odd to read that stuff about me.

Ha! I bet. So what happened with MonX?

*Mike grins* You’ll have to read the book for the gory details. I swear I was innocent, really.

Tell me about the book. How does it feel to be not only a rock star but also a romantic hero?

A romantic hero, crikey! *guffaws loudly* I’d never considered it like that. It feels surreal, to say the least. I’d never planned to ‘star’ in a book. A movie, perhaps, but not a book. Although who knows… maybe one day Fallen for Rock will hit the big screen.

Anything’s possible. I hear Nicky had an offer for a movie deal on her first novel before now?

She certainly did.

And?

She turned it down, or so she told me. Apparently she didn’t like the terms of the deal, and they wanted to change the location too.

Crazy. But Fallen for Rock…?

I guess if the right deal comes along, we’ll have to talk casting.

Who’d be you, do you think?

Me? *laughs loudly* I’d play myself.

It’s interesting to hear about what drives you.

Ha! Some would say I’m too driven. Emily nearly chucked me out way back when because I was such an arsehole while I was writing music. She was really worried for me too, and all I did in response was snap at her. Although in fairness, I had warned her that I’m hell to live with.

And that’s also in the book. Am I thinking of the right scene here?

You certainly are. That bit’s in the book, as is our whole story from start to finish. How we met, how MonX broke up, and what happened next to me, and to her.

Why “Fallen for Rock”?

Great question. Nicky says it’s because Emily goes through such a turnaround. You know, from rock-hater to rock-lover. Me, I think the title works on many levels. I took a fall, too, although not so much ‘for rock’ as ‘from grace.’ And Emily quite literally had a fall. A fall that would change everything! So it’s a fab title, and the meaning just gets more and more powerful as the story unfolds.

Thanks so much, Mike, it’s been brilliant talking with you. You take care now!

You too. And rock on, as Nicky would say.

Rock on indeed…

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fallen for Rock SWAG Giveaway!

To celebrate the launch of Fallen for Rock and to spread some joy, I’m giving away the following items:

One Large Signed Poster of “Fallen for Rock”

Three Sets of Signed “Fallen for Rock” Swag (Postcards and Bookmarks)

Three Sets of Signed “Fallen for Rock SWAG SPECIAL” including 2 bookmarks, 2 postcards and 2 guitar picks

Five Sets of Signed “Fallen for Rock” Guitar Picks (two picks per set)

One Set of “The Complete Nicky Wells Swag” (signed): Bookmarks and postcards for Sophie’s Turn, Sophie’s Run, Sophie’s Encore, Spirits of Christmas and Fallen for Rock

One Audio CD: Bon Jovi “Greatest Hits” (2010)

One Amazon Gift Certificate for £5/$7 or equivalent

Enter HERE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Nicky Wells: Romance that Rocks Your World!

Ultimate rock chick author Nicky Wells writes romance with rock stars—because there’s no better romantic hero than a golden-voiced bad boy with a secret soft heart and a magical stage presence!

Nicky’s books offer glitzy, glamorous romance with rock stars—imagine Bridget Jones ROCKS Notting Hill! If you’ve ever had a crush on any kind of celebrity, you’ll connect with Nicky’s heroes and their leading ladies.

Born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993 and currently lives in Lincoln with her husband and their two boys. Nicky loves listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor at Siren 107.3 FM with her own monthly show. Rock on!

Nicky’s books: Sophie’s Turn | Sophie’s Run | Sophie’s Encore | Spirits of Christmas

You can buy Fallen For Rock here:

Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.de | Amazon.ca | Amazon.au

Did you know? There’s a single out now by Nicky’s fictional rock band Tuscq come to life! “Love Me Better” is available for download from Amazon, iTunes and many other places.

Authors, Blog Tour, Novel covers, Novels, Paranormal YA, Publicity, Publishing, YA fiction

Intangible by DelSheree Gladden

March 25, 2014 Melanie 4 Comments

Intangible (The Aerling Series, #2) by DelSheree Gladden

Blurb:

Mason is not imaginary.
He’s not a ghost, either.
And he’s most definitely not a hallucination.

Mason is an Aerling, and the Sentinels’ number one target.

Separated to keep each other safe and alive until Mason’s eighteenth birthday when Olivia is expected to guide him back to the world of the Aerlings, neither one was prepared to be stripped of their best friend, of the person they love most. The pain being away from each other causes is the least of their worries, though, as the Sentinels intensify their search for Mason and bring the threat of danger to a whole new level.

Oddities – Guest Post from DelSheree Gladden

I will be the first one to admit that I am weird. We all are, but not everyone is willing to admit it. Just for fun, stop whatever you doing and list five things about yourself that make you a little bit odd. Try to think of things other people might not already know. I’ll do it too. Ready? Go!

I am a big Star Trek fan and I have watched just about every episode of all the different series, and every movie. Yes, there were movies before the ones with Chris Pine and Benedict Cumberbatch.
I like to put my socks on first when I’m getting dressed because I don’t like having to push my pant legs out of the way to get them on.
I like spinach, a lot. I don’t get why other people hate it so much. It’s great in spanakopita.
I kill the majority of plants I try to plant every year. I really do try to keep them alive, but apparently I’m just a terrible gardener.
I can’t stand eating the same food more than once every couple of weeks. Except hamburgers. Those are pretty much always good.

Did you make your list? Feel free to share it in the comments below!

Now, why did I just tell you five strange things about myself? To make a point. Everybody has issues and weird idiosyncrasies. Real people are not perfect. Characters in a book should not be perfect either. If you can’t name five weird things about your character, they need a little more depth. You want the characters you write to remind your readers of someone they know, whether it’s a person they like or don’t like. They need to feel real enough that readers can develop a relationship with your characters.

Once you have five oddities about a character, then go back and figure out where they came from. Why does your female lead hate cereal? Is it because it gets soggy in milk, or did she grow up in a home where she never had the type of parents who took the time to make her breakfast as a child? Why does your main love interest never wear blue? Is it because his mom painted his room Robin’s Egg Blue as an infant and made him keep it that color even through high school? Or is it because that is the eye color of the man who hurt someone he loved?

This is something I try to practice in my writing, not only with my main characters, but with every side character, and especially with the villains. Every character should make readers wonder about their past and how it has shaped them. They’ll keep reading to find out the answers to questions like: Why does Evie insist on skirting the rules so often? Why is Olivia so amazingly bad at sports? Why does Mason not remember more than bits and pieces of his life before Olivia? Where did the Sentinel chasing Mason get his scars? If you want to know the answers, grab a copy of Intangible and find out.

What are the stories behind your list of five weird facts?

About the Author

DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, The Destroyer Trilogy, and Invisible. Look for, Wicked Power, the next book in the Someone Wicked This Way Comes Series, and Soul Stone, book two in the Escaping Fate Series, coming 2014.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads

Invisible (The Aerling Series, #1) by DelSheree Gladden

Blurb:

Olivia’s best friend is not imaginary. He’s not a ghost, either. And she’s pretty sure he’s not a hallucination. He’s just Mason.

He is, however, invisible.

When Olivia spotted the crying little boy on her front porch at five years old, she had no idea she was the only one who could see him. Twelve years later when new-girl Robin bumps into the both of them and introduces herself to Mason, they are both stunned.

Mason couldn’t be more pleased that someone else can see him. Olivia, on the other hand, isn’t jumping at the chance to welcome Robin into their circle. Jealousy may have something to do with
that, but honest fear that Robin’s presence will put Mason in danger is soon validated when a strange black car shows up outside Olivia’s house.

The race to find out what Robin knows in time to protect Mason from whatever threats are coming becomes Olivia’s only focus.

Authors, book blitz, Book covers, Book Launch, Novels, Publicity, Publishing, Writing

Launch Day Blog Blitz for SHANNON’S LAW by Emma Calin

February 28, 2014 Melanie 8 Comments

SHANNON’S LAW
Another ‘Passion Patrol’ novel by Emma Calin

Today’s the day – the worldwide release of Emma Calin’s steamy action-romance novel SHANNON’S LAW.

Emma’s ‘Passion Patrol’ books are stand-alone stories that feature hot cops, hot crimes and hot romance. SHANNON’S LAW introduces another sassy female cop, Shannon Aguerri, who catches crooks, delivers justice and always gets her man.

In celebration of the launch, Emma is offering SHANNON’S LAW at just $1.50/£0.99 for all digital versions, until the 10^th March. There are special offers in place for the paperback version too – it’s at a rock-bottom introductory price of $10.99/£5.99/€6.99 until the 10^th March.

You can win free copies of the paperback and digital versions, as well as other cool book-related ‘swag’ in Emma’s launch day giveaway on Rafflecopter which includes a FREE GIFT for every entrant (see below.)

Launch Day Party…

Emma is having an online launch party “Afternoon Tea At Bloxington Manor” on Friday the 28th February and you are invited too:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1394655604131023/

Come along to share a cuppa and a slice of cake, win prizes and find out about the book and the author.

What the early reviewers of Shannon’s Law say…

5 Stars – Jenny Marston, Essex, UK.

“Move over Mr Grey – there’s a new Earl in town! Shannon’s Law is dramatic, mesmerizing and incredibly sexy. The ultimate fairy-tale.”

5 Stars – Anneli Purchase, Canada.

“Shannon’s Law will draw you in from page one and hold you fast, immersed in the love and suspense until the end.”

5 Stars – Petra Rovere, Slovenia.

“A fast-paced and intense story where two different social worlds collide in a vortex full of love, hatred, intrigues and passion. Emma Calin has done it again. A book hard to put down before its end.”

BUY LINKS TO SHANNON’s LAW…

Amazon Worldwide

http://www.bookshow.me/shannons

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shannons-law-emma-calin/1118020965?ean=2940045552899

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/shannons-law/id793730238?mt=11

Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/395170

SHANNON’S LAW Blurb…

Wild child inner city cop Shannon Aguerri walks a dangerous line between her methods and justice. When the bosses lose their nerve, after yet another maverick mission, she is transferred to green pastures to play out the role of a routine village cop. When she encounters signs of people and drug trafficking she homes in on serious millionaire criminals. As a loner she has attracted men but nothing has stuck. She meets Spencer, the hunky and widowed Earl of Bloxington and there is an immediate rapport between them. Their social differences mean nothing to their passion and need. Already in the mix however, is an upper class female rival – who has long plotted her way into the Earl’s bed. The jealousy is an evil shade of green and the anger is a violent scarlet. Often inhibited by a sense of duty and honour, Spencer is slow to reveal his feelings. When Shannon confronts him with the need to choose between her word and that of her rival, he does not immediately support her. All the same, when they are forced together to carry out a desperate rescue mission, their love is stronger than everything ranged against them.

Find out more and watch the book promo video here:

The Shannon’s Law Landing Page

Revealing all on Pinterest…

Emma has been posting snippets from the story, photos of places and people that inspired the venues and characters on Pinterest during her pre-launch book tour…

http://www.pinterest.com/emmacalin/shannons-law-launch-reveal-on-pinterest/

There is also news about the book on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

(‘Likes’ are always appreciated…..)

You’ve read the story and felt the passion – now taste the love…

There’s a companion cookbook that Emma is also launching today – COP’S KITCHEN. This includes recipes for all the meals from the Shannon’s Law. The good news is that all entries to the Rafflecopter draw below get a free copy of this illustrated e-book.

Buy Cop’s Kitchen Here:

Kindle:http://www.bookshow.me/copskitchen

Other e-readers and PDF: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/407437

Shannon’s Law Launch Day Rafflecopter Draw…

Prizes include $30/£20/€25 Amazon gift card, paperback and digital copies of Shannon’s Law, various afternoon-tea related swag items AND…. a FREE COPY of Emma’s digital cookery book Cop’s Kitchen for EVERY entrant!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Mjg1OTEwYzI5YjYwMjA3ZWY2Y2EzZDEzODljNmNjOjIz/

Special offer on the first ‘Passion Patrol’ book KNOCKOUT!

Watch out as well for a special discount on Emma’s first ‘Passion Patrol’ book Knockout! It’s on an Amazon Kindle Countdown Deal for 5 days at 99c/76p from 3^rd-7^th March. http://www.bookshow.me/Knockout

Authors, Blog Tour, Book Launch, ebooks, Fun stuff, LAHE Lifestyle, Love a Happy Ending Lifestyle magazine, Novels, Publicity, Publishing, readers, Writing

Historical inspirations behind SHANNON’S LAW – a very special ring

February 7, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

Thank you so much for letting me showcase my forthcoming steamy action-romance novel SHANNON’S LAW. It’s the second in my PASSION PATROL series – stories where sassy female cops lock up the criminals and always get their man.

February marks the start of my “Pinterest Reveal Virtual Book Tour” in the run-up to the launch on the 28th February 2014.

Every day there are feature posts on topics relating to SHANNON’S LAW on blogs all around the world. They’re all linked together on one big Pinterest Board. Each post replaces a ‘mystery’ silhouette that was posted in January. I saved all my notes and photos as I was writing, on a private Pinterest Board and now I can share them with you.

Today’s subject is: Inspirational Jewellery – A very special ring sold in 2013

Shannon's_Law_Post_21_Inspired_by_a_ring — Empress Joséphine’s engagement ring… just about 1 carat each stone. Sold in 2013 by Joséphine’s family in Fontainbleau, Paris. THE most romantic ring in history?

There is a fair bit of jewellery in Shannon’s Law. Some of it is new but some of it is pre-owned. Lovers of baubles will probably be aware that the price of new jewellery does not indicate its cost in terms of metal and gems. Anyone who has ever sold an item will know that the secondhand price is often a fraction of the original tag in the jewellers store. There are some fabulous bargains to be had if you are prepared to consider something previously loved.

The above applies to most transactions. If the item was previously loved by someone famous all bets are off. During the writing of the story I was looking for a ring. There was already a Napoléon and Joséphine flavour to the narrative. While looking for a suitable object, the engagement ring given to Joséphine came up for sale at auction. Of course I had to step in and try to buy it. It was a snip at $ one million. Sadly I didn’t have quite enough cash. Despite my personal disappointment, one of the characters in the book did manage to make the winning bid. This is why I find fiction so appealing.

Looking at the ring I can imagine it on Joséphine’s finger. Napoléon was only a soldier in 1796 and it would have melted his credit card in the way that she had melted his heart. Somehow he got the cash. My theory is that it was in order to find the money that he went to war with half the world. The ring itself is beautiful. It is called a “toi et moi” style (“you and me”). The gold has aged to a gorgeous rose patina. It has a tear shaped sapphire alongside an inverted diamond of the same size and shape. It is a true work of beauty. It remained in Joséphine’s family until it was sold in March 2013 – the anniversary of two hundred and fifty years after her birth.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/napoleon-josephines-engagement-ring-sells-949000/story?id=18802074

BOOK BLURB

Wild child inner-city cop Shannon Aguerri walks a dangerous line between her methods and justice. When the bosses lose their nerve, after yet another maverick mission, she is transferred to green pastures to play out the role of a routine village cop. When she encounters signs of slave and drug trafficking she homes in on serious millionaire criminals.

As a loner she has attracted men but nothing has stuck. When she meets Spencer, the hunky and widowed Earl of Bloxington, there is an immediate rapport between them. Their social differences mean nothing to their passion and need.

Already in the mix is an upper class female rival – who has long plotted her way into the Earl’s bed. The jealousy is an evil shade of green and the anger is a violent scarlet.

Often inhibited by a sense of duty and honour, Spencer is slow to reveal his feelings. When Shannon confronts him with the need to choose between her word and that of her rival, he does not immediately support her.

All issues are set aside, when they are forced together to carry out a desperate rescue mission. Their love is stronger than everything ranged against them.

SHANNON’S LAW comes out on February 28th 2014 in print and digital formats for all e-readers.

Amazon are offering some great discounts for pre-orders of the paperback version
(29% off in USA, 12% off in the UK).

You can pre-order the digital version at a pre-launch special price from Nook, Kobo, and iTunes. It will also be available in all digital formats on Smashwords.

See this post and others from my tour as they go live on Pinterest.

Follow Shannon’s Law on Facebook.

Visit the Shannon’s Law Website for book details and pre-order information.

RAFFLECOPTER DRAW
Win Amazon vouchers, copies of the book PLUS a free gift for every entrant (see prizes below).

ENTER DRAW HERE: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Mjg1OTEwYzI5YjYwMjA3ZWY2Y2EzZDEzODljNmNjOjE5/

The draw will be made at random, by Rafflecopter on the 7th March 2013.

Companion Cook-Book

In addition to SHANNON’S LAW, I’m launching a companion digital cook-book with illustrated recipes for all the meals from the novel.

It’s called COP’S KITCHEN – Read the love story and taste the romance!

To celebrate the launch of SHANNON’S LAW, there is a special FREE gift for you in my RAFFLECOPTER draw. As well as great, unique prizes to win, EVERY ENTRANT will get their own digital copy of – COP’S KITCHEN. There are many ways to get bonus chances – by commenting on this post, liking Facebook Pages etc.

ENTER DRAW HERE: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Mjg1OTEwYzI5YjYwMjA3ZWY2Y2EzZDEzODljNmNjOjE5/

Main Prizes in the Draw:

$30/£20/€25 Amazon Gift Voucher, 2 paperback copies of Shannon’s Law, 3 digital copies of Shannon’s Law.

Shannon’s Law comes out in paperback and digital formats for all e-readers
on February 28th 2014.

Emma Calin’s Website

Emma Calin’s Twitter

Emma Calin’s Facebook

About.me page: http://about.me/emmacalin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4915751.Emma_Calin

*****************************

This post is part of the

“SHANNON’S LAW PRE-LAUNCH PINTEREST REVEAL VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR”

Follow the other posts in February to see the background to the story unfold.

via the PINTEREST BOARD for Shannon’s Law

or via the individual blogs around the world here.

Authors, Book covers, ebooks, Kindle, kobo, Love a Happy Ending Lifestyle magazine, Novel covers, Novels, Publishing, readers, Reading, Writing

Anneli Purchase talks about her novel Orion’s Gift

January 27, 2014 Melanie 4 Comments

Authors are often asked what inspired them to write. For my novel “Orion’s Gift,” the answer is easy.

One winter, I was on vacation in Baja California, a state of Mexico, living in a travel trailer for three months. The sun and sea were glorious, and on days I didn’t feel like fishing, swimming, or snorkeling, I could go hiking in the desert. Life was easy and fun at this small beach where only about six other campers stayed.

One day an elderly woman arrived in a camper van with San Diego plates. She parked by the beach and never got out of her vehicle for the whole three days that she stayed there, preferring to sit in her van, smoking cigarettes and listening to audio tapes.

I wondered at her strange behaviour. Why would she drive all the way from San Diego and not get out of her van at this beautiful beach? Why was she inhaling that thick cigarette smoke when she had the cleanest air in the world right outside her door? What was she listening to? Maybe it was one of my novels on the audio tape and she just had to hear what happened next. I wish!

I had no answers and it bothered me that I couldn’t figure it out. I decided then, that hers would make a good story, if only I knew what it was. I imagined all kinds of scenarios and Orion’s Gift began to take shape.

Instead of this poor old strange woman, I created Sylvia, a young and beautiful California girl in her thirties. I gave her a reason for suddenly leaving her seemingly perfect life in Chula Vista, near San Diego. I couldn’t have her be without a romantic interest, so I created a man for her. While Sylvia and Kevin spent time star-gazing, watching the constellation of Orion, each kept a secret from the other. When the spouses they had deserted come looking for them, the young couple’s new love is tested and their lives are turned upside down

I still wonder about the woman from San Diego though. What was the real story? Probably, I’ll never know.

Orion’s Gift is available at all amazon outlets and at Smashwords.com.

Anneli Purchase has written two other books, “The Wind Weeps” and “Julia’s Violinist,” which are also available on amazon and smashwords. You can find out more about them by visiting Anneli’s webpage at http://www.anneli-purchase.com