NEW RELEASE: from Wendy Knight ~ Warrior Everlasting

Fighting alongside the boy you shouldn't love is hard enough. Doing it while riding a unicorn who would gleefully fly to her death with you on her back is worse. What makes it insane?

Doing it in hell.

Scout and her unicorn, Ashra, risked everything just to make it into Aptavaras. Their plan is to free Scout’s family and the stolen souls, and seek vengeance on the man who took everything Ashra had once lived for. What they hadn’t counted on was Trey and his unicorn, Torz, following them.

It might be the only thing that will save them.

Because in Aptavaras, the soul stealers are many and the chances of survival are slim. Even if they can get past the demons, trick the demon master, rescue the souls and escape with their lives, there’s only one person who can open the gate, and he’s on the outside defending the world. But Scout, Trey, Ashra and Torz have one thing the soul stealers don’t—

A reason to live.

Bad Boy Anon Blog Hop

Welcome to the blog hop!

This may be dating me, but when I was a kid I used to LOVE watching 'Happy Days' re-runs. The Fonz. Seriously. The ultimate Bad Boy. He could snap his fingers, and girls would literally come out of the woodwork and fall all over themselves to get to his side. There's just something about the bad boy.

And let's face it.

Some of us are more addicted than others.

Allow me to feed your habit! I have three ebooks to giveaway today. Each one with a bad boy hero to satisfy your craving.

Just leave me a comment below with your favorite Bad Boy of all time (don't forget contact info so I can let you know if you win!). I'll draw three names at random to give away one of the three following books (winners' choice).

The Picture by Stephanie Taylor

Sophie lives her life as a hospice nurse running from her past and over-compensating for her sins. She wants nothing more than to help others the way someone once helped her. But she never expected to get so attached to one of her patients. Nicholas is suddenly looking for more meaning in his life than money, fast women and flashing lights. Life as a rocker has left him empty. Only Emily filled the gaping hole in his heart and with her death, his soul is broken into pieces. When two lives collide, Sophie and Nicholas know they'll never be the same. Together, they try to figure out a message Emily has left behind. Can they succeed before the realities of life tear them apart?

Beguiling Bridget by Leah Sanders & Rachel Van Dyken

Driven to distraction by the redhead across the room, Anthony Benson barely hears the terms of his brother’s challenge before agreeing to them.

No matter. It will be easy. Viscount Maddox has never had any problem impressing the ladies. And four weeks is more than enough time to win over this so obviously neglected wallflower.

But things are never as easy as they seem.

The lady has lofty aspirations. And not one of them includes love or marriage. Especially not with an arrogant and self-assured playboy like the viscount. No matter how attractive he may be.

Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Don't forget to follow the hop! Lots of Bad Boys to be had! :)

Spotlight: Wendy Knight

Astraea Press is celebrating their first cover reveal; Wendy Knight's Fate on Fire novella, Feudlings in Sight! Available Thursday on Astraea Press, Amazon, and all other major ebook retailers!

Blurb:
Boys of war suck at romance.

Charity Delyle has lived in the shadow of her Prodigy cousin and his powerful Guard since the day she was born. And she doesn’t mind—really. Except that being in Hunter’s shadow means that he can’t see her. And she’d like that to change.

Hunter has one purpose in life: Protect the Prodigy, or die trying. That means a social life, school, and even Charity come last until the war is over. For the most part, he’s okay with that—he can lose everything if he has to…except his seer.

Starting at a new school should be much safer than living in a war-ravaged Carules headquarters. But this new school is different than the others. Friendships are forged and destinies are questioned, and Hunter’s decision could cost them all everything they’ve been hoping for.


Excerpt:
“Okay, do you want to practice the ones we learned last week or just start new ones?” She had carefully color-coded the spell book with sticky tabs — spells they had mastered, spells they had practiced, spells that would come in handy one day — she was very organized. And if the Council ever found out she put sticky tabs in a book that was over three hundred years old, they would kill her completely dead.

“Learn as much as you can, Shane. Gonna be hard to find a place to practice in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by Normals.” Hunter idly traced spells in the air, letting them fizzle and die without igniting them.

“Well, alright.” Charity flipped to the red section — spells that would come in handy one day. She started at the top. “This one is called an Al-able.” The odd word rolled awkwardly off her tongue. “It’s like… it looks like it’s sort of a flat triangle of flames.”

Spotlight: Author Calico Daniels

Please welcome Calico Daniels, 

author of Fried Pickles and the Fuzz.

Gone Muddin’

In many small towns muddin’ is a popular past time for the young’uns. I’ll admit that I have been several times and had a ball J The key to a good muddin’ trip is making sure there is a group with several trucks and at least one with a tow chain or wench. Someone is gonna get stuck J Never fails.

Why in the world would anyone want to you might ask. Well, there is just something very satisfying about slippin’ and slidin’. Jerkin’ the wheel to correct the slide and when you finish…seein’ those trucks COVERED in mud J Silly? Of course. But in small towns where entertainment is hard to find, muddin’ is one of those things that is just pure fun. 

Safe? Well……it carries hazards of its own. Never go muddin’ in a top heavy or jacked up ride. The chances of rollin’ your truck go way up. Muddin’ is really an art that should only be performed in a VERY large pasture where it has already been permitted, the area checked for dangers like fence posts and holes, and the spectators should remain a safe distance from the mud pit J

Aside from that it’s a barrel of monkeys. J

Calico Daniels

Fried Pickles and the Fuzz available now from AstraeaPress,

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever eBooks are sold.

Blurb:

Big Creek might be a stereotypical small town but even they have drama.

Heather loves her little café, and her best customer is the county Sherriff. She’s been waiting months for him to ask her out…maybe she won’t have to wait much longer.

Bronson feels at home in Big Creek even though he hasn’t been the Sherriff for long. Small towns have their perks and a pretty café owner who cooks like an angel certainly doesn’t hurt. Now, if he could only get over his nerves and drum up the gumption to ask her out.

Throw in a gossip mill, a redneck festival and an ill timed attempt to help and you end up with some laughs, some ruffled feathers and a town that is….Redneck Fabulous.

Friday Favorite: Feudlings

Feudlings

by Wendy Knight

This is the first book in the series. I believe the next one is due to come out on August 1st. I so can't wait! Of all the books I've read so far this summer, I LOVE this one the most. And I don't typically go in for this genre, so yeah, that's saying something. Definitely a HUGE recommend on this one!

Here's the blurb:

Nothing makes a new school suck worse than discovering the guy you’re in love with is your prophesied nemesis.

Ari is the most powerful flame-throwing sorceress ever, and her people’s last hope in an ancient war. But she’s also a seventeen-year-old girl, and in her free, not-hunting-nemesis times, she jumps from school to school, trying to figure out regular people her own age and pretending she’ll get the chance to graduate.

Shane lives a double life. He goes to school and masters the art of popularity, hiding the fact that he has a fate with a slim chance of his survival. He’s destined to end a 300 year-old war by killing or being killed. He knows he’s hunted by a powerful enemy who’s not afraid to die. Only problem? He has no idea who that enemy is.

When Ari shows up at Shane’s school, angry and sullen and determined to keep him at arm’s reach, neither of them realize they are supposed to be killing each other, not falling in love. Until Ari does realize it, and she almost dies – by Shane’s hand.

Here's where you can get it:

Amazon                      Barnes & Noble                    Astraea Press

Also available pretty much anywhere ebooks are sold, so if you don't see your preferred retailer above, you're still not out of luck. :) Plus, you can get it in paperback too!

If you're intrigued and want to know more about the Feudlings series or get updates about the new releases, check out the Wendy Knight's Facebook page.

Spotlight: Welcome Bestselling Author Kelly Martin!

Excited Nervousness—AKA my First Book Signing

There are a lot of firsts in life: Your first kiss, first day at work, first child…

But there is one ‘first’ that has my attention at this moment.

My first book signing!

Dun… Dun… Dun…

I figured if I wrote about my nervousness then it might help. It couldn’t hurt, right? No matter your location on the writer timeline, there are events that scare you.

•             First draft written

•             First time querying an agent

•             First rejection

•             First contract

•             First review

•             First bad review ;)

I’ve been through all of those — safely behind my computer screen. (You guys haven’t been able to see my tears, right?)

But in public is different. Public people have eyes trained on you.

‘What if’ no one shows up?

‘What if’ lots of people do and I don’t have enough books?

‘What if’ I say something stupid?

‘What if’ I sit there and look like an idiot for two hours?

‘What if’ more people come than I think?

‘What if’ I’m not ‘professional’ enough (aka have enough ‘swag’ to giveaway or a not nice enough table covering. What? You don’t think like that?)

‘What if’

Two words I should ban from my vocabulary

Just like my first kiss, my first day on the job, and my first child (whose birthday is Friday, btw. She’ll be eight! I’m not sure when that happened.), this first will come and go as well.

I’ll learn from it.

I’ll take pictures.

I’ll smile.

And hopefully…  hopefully, I don’t drag as many books out as I’m dragging in.

Plus, it’s at a restaurant. Maybe I’ll get some food out of it as well (one can always hope)

Is something scaring you? Are you freaking out over whatever step you are at in your writing life? I’m right there with you. Not only am I having my first book signing, but I’m self publishing my first book (my third book released, first I’m self publishing). It’s scary. But it’s a good scary.

This writing thing is supposed to be fun. Remember the first words you wrote? They were fun. The first draft of your first book… Fun. Don’t let the worry take your fun away. Writing is creative. It’s exciting. And never boring (and if it is, just throw a serial killer in your story and keep right on going ;) )

SO, in conclusion, wherever you are in your writing life, enjoy it. Don’t let the ‘what if’s keep you down. It’s an exiting process. Enjoy it…

Says the girl who having her first book signing Sunday. (Okay, that is pretty cool)

Kelly Martin a southern girl who writes... a lot. She is the author of SAINT SLOAN and Grace Award winning, CROSSING THE DEEP. By day, she is a special education preschool teacher. By night, she has her hair in a bun and her fingers on a keyboard. She loves God, is addicted to chocolate, and would rather write than sleep. Kelly loves a good mystery and believes in Sherlock Holmes.

You can find her at kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

She's also on twitter: twitter.com/martieKay

And on facebook: Kelly Martin, Author

UP NEXT:

THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER (July 23rd, 2013)

Amnesia took her memories. He took her heart. Who would you trust if you didn't know anyone, but they all knew you?

Spotlight: Felicia Rogers

Beyond A Doubt, The Renaissance Hearts Series, Book Four

The end is finally here…

The final chapter has been written for The Renaissance Hearts Series. What began with Sarra and Cedric in There Your Heart Will Be Also concludes with Bryce and Lucy in Beyond A Doubt. Set in the turbulent times of Mary I of England, or Bloody Mary, and Henry II of France, the fight for religious freedom abounds. Intrigue, loss of property, and loss of life rule the day. Follow the epic ending of a family’s struggle.

Buy Beyond A Doubt on Amazon

Buy Beyond A Doubt on B&N

SUMMARY

Bryce Cameron is finally going home. Years spent away have him longing for the craggy landscapes from his childhood.

Lucy Lombard is on a mission. The mantel she carries was never meant for her possession yet it has been passed to her anyway. Alone and in danger, Lucy stumbles onto her greatest find.

Rescuing Bryce is either a blessing or a curse but regardless time is running out. With Bryce's help can Lucy fulfill her mission or will she be too late?

****

See what others have said about the Renaissance Hearts Series.

“I really enjoyed this book. I do not typically favor historical romance, but the romance was not too mushy, and the historical was not too heavy! This was an enjoyable, delightful read!!!.” Taken from Rachel’s Amazon review on There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One.

“If you are in for a good mystery with plenty of adventure, suspense & romance, you have come to the right place for this recommended novel because "By God's Grace" will give it all to you.” Taken from Arlena’s Amazon review of By God’s Grace, Book Two.

“Okay have to say this is my fav book so far in The Renaissance Heart Series! Felicia Rogers just gets better!” Taken from Danielle William’s Amazon review of Labor of Love, Book Three.

Don’t forget the other books in the series. Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Astraea Press.

~There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One

~By God’s Grace, Book Two

~Labor of Love, Book Three

ROMANCE AUTHOR

Felicia Rogers

Felicia Rogers is an author of six novels and three novellas. When she's not writing, Felicia volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America, teaches at a local homeschooling group, hikes, and spends time with her family.

To find out more information about Felicia Rogers visit the sites below. She loves hearing from readers.

Website: http://www.feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com

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

Email: feliciarogersauthor@yahoo.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412925.Felicia_Rogers

A to Z: Quixotic

Webster defines quixotic as "foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals;especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action".

Sir Colin Wilde was a man who aspired to be a rake. To become a good one, however, he enlisted the help of a friend: former notorious rake, Anthony Benson, Viscount Maddox. And he needed a lot of help.

Always blundering, never knowing what to say or do. Just like Christian in Cyrano de Bergerac.

Unfortunately, Maddox misled Wilde at every turn, frustrating his quixotic notions and leading him into epic failure every. single. time.

****

“She loves chocolates,” came the unmistakable voice of Viscount Maddox on Colin’s right.

“What the…?” He turned around and came face-to-face with Anthony. “What the devil are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” Anthony grabbed Colin’s arm and pulled him away from the door. “I agreed to help you with your first seduction.”

“This is not my first—”

“Do you want my help or not?” Anthony demanded.

“I do.” Colin sighed his resignation. Though he was certain this particular girl wouldn’t take much convincing. He examined his friend, who seemed to be sweating profusely. “I say, are you all right?”

Anthony rolled his eyes. “Just thinking about my final resting place is all.” He sighed and straightened his shoulders. “Lady Priscilla is very sensitive. You must not offend her.”

“Right.” Colin nodded.

“Begin by comparing her to Lady Hawthorne. She adores her and has always aimed to be just like her in every aspect of life.”

“Cordelia? Ambrose’s wife? Truly?” Colin wasn’t entirely convinced.

Anthony scratched his head and looked away. “It is all truth. Also, and do not forget this lest you lose her before you even try to seduce the woman…” Anthony leaned in and whispered, “She loves poetry.”

“Poetry?” Colin repeated. “But I am no poet! I hate poetry!”

“Make it up.”

“Do you know me at all? I cannot simply make something up on the spot. I’ll look like an idiot.”

Anthony began to pace. “Allow me to help.” He cleared his throat and took a stance in front of Colin. “Your hair is like a cloud.”

“A cloud?” Colin interrupted.

“Have patience. I’m not finished,” Anthony ground out. “Your hair is a cloud, dripping with rain. Oh, if I were grass that I could drink up the water. You would soothe my soul and make me… smile.”

“It does not even rhyme!” Colin shouted.

“Poetry does not have to rhyme,” Anthony argued.

~ from Taming Wilde (Rachel Van Dyken & Leah Sanders)

A to Z: Kissing Scenes

You may as well know up front, writing kissing scenes makes me blush. Which is why when I'm working with my writing partner, I will typically set her up to write them. Works out. She rocks the kissing scenes.

Sometimes though, she makes me do one... I think she's trying to stretch me, but she might just be messing with me because she likes to see me cringe when I write one.

Here are some of our kissing scenes from the Waltzing with the Wallflower series (See if you can tell which of us wrote what):

from Waltzing with the Wallflower (Book 1)

Her breath hitched. He noticed, because the instant it happened his eyes darted to her parted lips. He leaned in, lightly inviting her mouth to taste his. She seemed unsure, frozen in place. He lifted her chin and ever so gently brushed a light kiss across her lips. If lightning would have struck him where he stood, he wouldn’t have been shocked, for the minute her innocent lips came into contact with his, he was a changed man.

An electric current hummed between their bodies. Without asking permission or thinking of their current situation, or the bet for that matter, he laid claim to her lips again. She didn’t push against him. Instead she sighed as he pressed his body against hers and used his tongue to part her lips further. Lust shot through him at alarming speed as Cordelia let out a sensual sigh, entangling her fingers into his hair. With a little tug, she had his complete devotion and attention. In fact, he was quite ready to ruin her and be done with it. Tentatively, she tasted him as he had her. At that moment the fires of Hades couldn’t have put a stop to his sensual exploration of her mouth. His hands slid down her waist memorizing every line of her body…

“Ahem, I can see I’m interrupting. Good thing too, considering the circumstances.”

from Beguiling Bridget (Book 2)

“Many gentlemen feel as I do. They simply lack the courage to confess it aloud.” He was moving toward her now, and she felt trapped as she tried in vain to inch away from him, finally finding herself backed up to a cold marble column. “You might find this hard to believe, but men are often afraid intelligent women will reject them.”

“And yet they keep trying. Don’t they, my lord?” He was too close. He was far too close. No matter what he said, Bridget promised herself she would not concede the field. Defense strategy. That is what she needed. And the best defense was often a good offense.

She offered him a sinfully sweet smile and waited for him to stop in his tracks. He didn’t. Instead, he sauntered closer, slow but constant, until his face was inches from hers. Her breath quickened, and suddenly it seemed that air was in short supply even outside on the balcony.

“Yes, some of us don’t understand the word defeat.”

“Even when it comes in the form of strawberries?” Bridget asked, fighting to control her breathing as the man drew nearer.

“Even when the lady threatens to push us in front of oncoming carriages and feed us the most grotesque fruit known to mankind. Even then, my lady. Even then.” His smile dazzled her as he inclined his head and bestowed a soft lingering kiss on her lips.

The warm sensation of his tender kiss seeped into her bones. His lips were soft and hypnotic as they lightly moved across hers. A battle raged within her, and she couldn’t decide if she should pull him closer or slap him across his perfect aristocratic face. So she waited, hoping the answer would come on its own.

She didn’t have to wait long. As he withdrew, the victorious sparkle in his eye and the triumphant smirk spreading wide across his lips brought her the realization — he thought he’d won.

And then her hand flew on its own.

from Taming Wilde (Book 3)

“I may be a fool, but at least I am not a coward.” Her eyes narrowed. She leaned forward, her chin nearly resting on his chest.

“Coward?” Minutes ago Colin had wanted to kill Anthony; now he was grateful, for at least he knew how to use his rakish charms against Gemma. Allow her to believe in his cool indifference when really all he wanted to do was reach out and touch her, pull her into his arms and never let go.

“Yes, I believe that is what I said. You are a coward.” Gemma’s blue eyes were glossy with unshed tears.

“I see.” Colin slowly inhaled her scent and reached to tilt her chin toward his mouth. Before he lost his nerve, he crushed his lips against hers, relishing the memory of their first kiss. The day that changed everything. The day she abandoned him and chose her family over love.

Her mouth was so soft, softer than he remembered. It was everything he wanted — everything he needed. For a minute the darkness didn’t seem so dark. The hole seemed not so deep. But it was an illusion, for she could not be trusted — not as a friend and surely not as a lover. She would stomp on whatever was left of his heart and leave him in utter darkness, even deeper in the hole of his own making.

With a laugh, he pushed her away. “Still as innocent as I remember. Thank you for reminding me, dear Gemma.”

She stared at him in breathless shock. “Reminding you of what?”

“What I’m missing, of course.”

Release Day: Taming Wilde!

Being level-headed and even-keeled is a thing of the past. Sir Colin Wilde’s broken heart has sent him over the edge. And he is convinced the only way to get over the loss of Lady Gemma is to lose himself in debauchery.

Taking his cue from the private bachelor journal of Viscount Maddox, he presses forward in his quest to become the most notorious rake the ton has ever seen.

Prim and proper Lady Gemma isn't about to let him soil his reputation, especially over a misunderstanding. In spite of the propriety ingrained in her since birth, she throws convention to the wind and sets about to do the impossible... seduce a rake and tame Wilde.

AVAILABLE TODAY from these sellers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Astraea Press

Also available, the first two books in the trilogy:

     

Leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing for 1 of 3 Wallflower swag packs!

(Be sure to leave contact information.)

Thanks for stopping by to help us celebrate our newest release!

Sweet Saturday: Gemma's One Regret

Gemma scanned the room for a glimpse of Sir Wilde. Her brother had only just allowed her to return to London this week. For whatever reason, he had convinced her parents of the necessity of the prolonged absence. They fully agreed that she should retire to the country estate for a time, to recuperate from her episode with the man they deemed below her station.

She wished she had never told her lady’s maid of what had transpired between her and Sir Wilde. The disloyal girl had turned right around and passed the information directly to Gemma’s brother, Hawke. Enraged, he had stormed from the house to find the offending gentleman to teach him some manners.

To Gemma’s recollection, Wilde’s manner was altogether perfect. She closed her eyes and remembered, replaying the stolen moments they had shared. A wistful sigh escaped her lips before she could stop it.

“My lady, please,” Hawke whispered beside her, tightening his grasp on her arm. “Remember yourself.”

“I am remembering, my lord.” She cast a sidelong glance at her brother and wriggled her arm against his grip. “If you don’t mind, I am quite certain I no longer require your assistance, and you are hurting me.”

His cold stare warned her against giving any sign of impropriety.

Hawke knew what buttons to push with Gemma. Her sense of propriety was ingrained in every fiber of her being. In fact, it was that cursed sense that had mortified her so desperately when she and Wilde had first been caught in the embrace. She’d reacted with utter shame and disgrace at the time. But her long visit to Brookshire had given her ample time to consider the matter.

Looking back on it, Gemma was certain the only thing she would have done differently was insisting Wilde lock the door. That would have solved everything.

Sweet Saturday: A Challenge

"Get up. Get up, you wretched cur!" Van Burge's eyes were alive with fury. He threaded his fingers into Colin's cravat and tugged him roughly up from the floor. "You and I will settle this. Today! Else I shall have you descried a coward! In one hour, Jackson's. Do not fail." He spat every word into Colin's face, as he gripped him by the throat.

Van Burge released Colin with an emphatic shove, then he spun on his heel and stormed out, spewing threats and curses all the way.

"Lovely," Colin moaned and swiped at the blood dripping from his lip with the back of his hand.

Two hands appeared before him, no doubt a belated offer of futile help from the traitors he once called friends.

Colin lifted his eyes to the double image of Hawthorne and Maddox, the treacherous twin spawn of Satan. He shook his head and took one of the offered hands.

"Van Burge seems in earnest," Maddox said. An irritating mocking smile lifted the corners of his mouth.

"In earnest, Anthony? Truly? Whatever gave you that idea?" Hawthorne snorted with disdain.

"What will you do?" Maddox ignored his brother and bit straight into the heart of the matter.

"Do? Why, I shall go home, set my affairs in order, and make my way to Jackson's for the bloodbath."

"You mean to go through with it then?" Hawthorne asked. Concern was etched in his expression.

"Of course. What alternative do I have?"

~Taming Wilde (Waltzing with the Wallflower #3)

Wednesday Spotlight: J.F. Jenkins

J.F. Jenkins, author of the Dragon Saga series,the Vala series, and the Battlefield series, is my guest today! Welcome!

The New Year

As the year starts to come to a close, a lot of people look back at what they've accomplished. Looking back on the past has never been my thing, but I can say this was a good year for me. A lot was accomplished, a lot went well, and despite a few hiccups, there was little to complain about. I definitely got a lot of the things I planned on doing last year done, that's for sure. My big one was to laugh when the world didn't end on December 21^st. How about you all? Anyone else get a riot out of that one?

I'm one of those people who likes to look toward the future though. The things that are coming up, the ones that have yet to be achieved, are what push me to keep moving forward every day. As soon as December rolled around, I started getting excited for the new year. I've been planning and organizing for January first. I created a reward system for when I achieved my goals. Maybe it's a little nerdy of me, but I can't help but be excited over this. It gives me so much to look forward to, because I know that when I accomplish, I'm doing something good with my time.

Here are a few of the things I'm looking to doing in 2013:

Finish writing my series, Vala.

Learn how to write some new genres and POV styles, basically expand my writing skills.

Play a lot more video games.

Read more books I enjoy.

SELF PUBLISH. EEEK!

Get more organized around my house.

Become a full time writer!

So what about you? Do you have big goals and big plans for 2013? I've already gotten a couple of those things done already as I have two new releases coming out this year in a different genre than what I'm known for. Don't hold back from achieving your dreams!

As a special treat, Jillian is offering a free copy of her newest release, a short story called The Corruption of Mila. To qualify for the drawing, leave a comment about your goals, hopes, and/or dreams for 2013. We'll draw one at random on Saturday (January 12th).

FROM THE COVER:

Mila takes a hands off approach to dating. She's independent and picky and thinks she knows it all. When her best friend decides to set her up on a blind date with a guy who answers to the name of Jax, Mila decides to take a leap of faith. After all, with a name like Jax, how can he not be a dream boat?

Like most blind dates, however, Jax doesn't meet the expectations that Mila created in her imagination. With how badly she's struck out in her past relationships, is that really such a bad thing?

*****

Looking for more of J.F.'s titles? Check out her Amazon Author Page for buy links and more information!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Can you find true love in a kiss?  How about a dozen?

Lucy Duckworth is comfortable with her life and in her own skin, and her habit of picking up orphaned cats is noble.  Yet when her roommate asks her to fill in at a kissing booth during the Winter Carnival, Lucy’s even-keeled existence suddenly tilts.

Matthew Kincaide has one simple motto:  live off the land, keep your head down, don’t talk a whole lot and never trust a woman.  Divorced and not about to give a female control over him again, all he wants is to deliver his animals for the petting zoo and go home.  Too bad his annoying brother coaxes him into buying tickets for the kissing booth.

Lucy’s and Matthew’s first kiss ends with a violent sneeze, but she can’t forget that first lip-tingling, take-me-away moment.  Though Matthew’s shocked by his first reaction, he lines up for a second chance.  Surely lightning can’t strike twice.  Will winter fun and a random accident derail their quest to find out how many kisses it takes to fall in love?

Happy Twelfth Night to Alicia, the recipient of the Eleventh Day of Christmas giveaway!

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this book? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result tomorrow. This is the last day of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Thanks for joining me in the celebration!

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Waltzing with the Wallflower

The Season has only just begun, but already Ambrose Benson is bored…until his brother offers him a challenge. Something worthy of his particular talents.

The object: The girl hiding behind the plants—the one in the horrible dress.

The goal: Turn her into the envy of the ton. A lady suitable for a duke.

But there is just something about the lady—in spite of all her social misgivings—something that draws him like a moth to flame and makes him want to waltz with the wallflower.

Beguiling Bridget

Driven to distraction by the redhead across the room, Anthony Benson barely hears the terms of his brother’s challenge before agreeing to them.

No matter. It will be easy. Viscount Maddox has never had any problem impressing the ladies. And four weeks is more than enough time to win over this so obviously neglected wallflower.

But things are never as easy as they seem.

The lady has lofty aspirations. And not one of them includes love or marriage. Especially not with an arrogant and self-assured playboy like the viscount. No matter how attractive he may be.

Taming Wilde

Being level-headed and even-keeled is a thing of the past. Sir Colin Wilde’s broken heart has sent him over the edge. And he is convinced the only way to get over the loss of Lady Gemma is to lose himself in debauchery.

Taking his cue from the private bachelor journal of Viscount Maddox, he presses forward in his quest to become the most notorious rake the ton has ever seen.

Prim and proper Lady Gemma isn't about to let him soil his reputation, especially over a misunderstanding. In spite of the propriety ingrained in her since birth, she throws convention to the wind and sets about to do the impossible... seduce a rake and tame Wilde.

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this series? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. (Taming Wilde is yet to be released, but you will receive the third book as soon as it is available.) Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Blaine Graham lost his mother when he was the tender age of eleven. Grief over the loss drove a wedge between him and his father, and soon proved too difficult for him to deal with. At the age of sixteen, he falsified his papers and made the trip across the border into Canada with his best friend to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and enter the war in Europe as a pilot. Ten years later Captain Graham finds himself flying commercial jets in Boston – his estranged father and his past life all but forgotten, until the day he receives a telegram from his dying father asking him to come home.

The persistent Mara Crawford, a live-in nurse, has experienced her fair share of loss as well. Her attachment to Blaine’s father drives her desire to bring reconciliation between the two men before time runs out for her patient. But her best laid plans didn’t include falling in love again.

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for The Parting Gift? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Benedict Devlyn, Duke of Banbury, has one thing on his mind and it isn't marriage. But things take a turn for the worse when his menacing and aunt throws a hitch in his plans to remain the most sinful and talked about man in the ton. After all, a man cannot keep the reputation of being The Devil Duke when he is leg-shackled to some simpering spinster.

But his aunt, bless her heart, thinks she's dying, and believes her nephew’s behavior is the only thing standing in the way between her entrance to heaven or hell. So she very lovingly and selflessly sets him up. With his childhood nemesis.

A young woman who, though she claims it was an accident, has nearly killed him thrice through her lack of grace and manners. It matters not that the minute he sets eyes on her at the Christmas ball, his blood boils with lust. He refuses to allow himself to fall prey to his aunt’s ministrations.

That is, until he is compromised and stuck in an engagement to a girl who claims she'd rather jump from a moving carriage than marry him. Funny thing that, for the very minute she says no, he finds his heart very much wants to say yes. When she doesn't leap at the chance to marry him, he sets about to not only prove that he's worthy of her favor, but also worthy of her heart.

Happy New Year to Pam, the recipient of the Eighth Day of Christmas giveaway!

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this book? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Eighth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Ladies’ maid, Juliet Baines has gotten herself into a pickle by agreeing to go to London and taking the place of her mistress and best friend, Annabella Price, stepsister to the Duke of Wyndham. After all, what does a servant know about being a lady? But Juliet soon finds that pretending to be a lady isn’t nearly as hard as guarding her heart against the folly of wanting a man who’s completely out of reach.

Graeme "Grey" Roland Dominick Markwythe, Sixth Duke of Wyndham, approaches his duties as a nobleman with great dedication and meticulous care. And he’s a man who is not easily fooled... except when he tries to convince himself he's not utterly and madly in love with the beautiful imposter who has turned his life upside down. Will society and his responsibilities to his noble status keep him from opening his heart to the woman he loves?

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this book? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

When a call for paws goes out, five friends bring their collies without question to a friend’s house. They learn the collies are needed to help seven children with the grief of losing a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now, with seven friends, four collie yearlings and their mother, they set out to help the children.

Not far away, a mother hopefully leads her seven puppies to safety from a man intent on selling them for illicit purposes.

By a miracle of fate, the two mother collies find each other right before the man sells the puppies.

That Christmas morning will be one the children will remember all their lives as they are united with the puppies.

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for this book? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

My true love gave to me...

FROM THE COVER:

Lady Ivy Plumthorne, elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Wythorpe, is a worry to her parents. Desiring only that she be as happily wed as her younger sister, they've spent the past year parading prospective suitors in front of her. When she finds none of the suitors… suitable, her parents despair she will ever find the perfect husband. With Christmas approaching, they find one more prospective suitor, the Duke of Greenbriar. Only problem is, Ivy's already met the man of her dreams… and he's a toymaker.

Noel Phillip Vincent Greenstone, the Twelfth Duke of Greenbriar, wasn't cut out to be a duke. He preferred crafting toys that made children happy. So that's just what he did. And as Phillip Green, he traveled freely about, visiting shops and orphanages, and making no child went without a toy of his or her own. But a few chance meetings with Lady Ivy and he knows he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. The problem is, she needs to marry a nobleman and she only knows him as Phillip the Toymaker. He needs a plan, and fast. The world needs to meet the reclusive Duke of Greenbriar, so Phillip plans his own coming out. But how will Ivy react when she learns the truth?

Merry Christmas to Danielle Williams, the recipient of the Fourth Day of Christmas giveaway!

*****

Wanna be in the drawing for The Toymaker? Just leave a comment below with a way to get a hold of you. I'll draw a winner at midnight and post the result on tomorrow's giveaway. Be sure to come back again tomorrow for another 12 days giveaway!