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AND THE WINNER IS!!! ~ Calisa Rhose and Tuesday RoundUp welcomes ~ Starr Gardinier #mfrwauthor #winner

Sep 29

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Osiyo~

Congratulations Mae Clair!!!!!! WOOT!!!!!! You’ll be contacted shortly by Starr ti deliver your copy of The Other Side- Melinda’s Story!

We thank everyone who visited and commented! 😀

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Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice and something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules
 The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.

I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Starr Gardinier, who is sharing their book, The Other Side: Melinda’s Story with us!

Please show ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Starr some real Ranch love!

Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.

StarrGardinier09.29.15A paralegal by day, she’s an author by night. Apart from being an award winning author for her short story “Cut,” Starr Gardinier has appeared in a blaze and made her mark on the literary world with her Ivanovich series and now her Other Side series.

Having studied and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Literature/Creative Writing, she has found her unique style and is known for her works’ distinctive voice, making every character stand out.

She’s the founder and owner of Editing by Starr. She’s also the former executive editor for Suspense Magazine. She has been interviewed in the newspaper and on the radio with relation to her fiction work. She has been a co-host on Suspense Radio.

Starr is a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW) and of Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles Chapter and nationally. She has won three Best Speaker awards as well as Best Evaluator at the Voice Ambassadors chapter of Toastmasters. She has always been active in events. As co-chair and main coordinator for the West Coast Author Premiere, she arranged weekend-long events to help authors from all over network, learn and share their work with the public. Starr has also been instrumental in compiling authors and planning a local author event at Barnes and Noble in Ventura, California along with the store’s event manager.

Please see more on her editing service at www.editing.queenwriter.com, read more about her at www.QueenWriter.com, and/or visit her blog at www.qw-blog.blogspot.com.

Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.

My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like? Wow. Most of the time, pretty much the same place. On the chaise part of our sofa with my dog next to me (or on top of my keyboard). I actually do have an office, but rarely use it.

I have an office, too, but it’s not set up yet. Don’t you love-hate remodeling? 😆 For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you? Titles for me aren’t a problem. Names however, are. In my newest release, the protagonist is Melinda James and her supporting character is Trent Miller. I look at the names now and think, ‘My gosh, I could have done better than that!’

I like those names and I’m sure readers will too. What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers? Never, ever give up. If writing is your passion, then keep doing it. Don’t let anyone tell you to give up.

Popular advice and I agree with you. The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment? At the moment? I’d say it’s the same for any moment. And that is, write what you feel. The industry has a tendency to rock one way or the other as to what genres readers are after. But it all circles back around. Let’s say, romance is in. By the time you start your novel and it gets published, readers have changed their minds and now it’s fantasy. Again, I say, write what you feel.

Great advice. Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why? Tough question. There are many. Edgar Allen Poe because I’d love to know what drove him, what in his life called out to him to be a poet. Another is Stephen King; I’d like to know what honest impact his major accident had on his writing career.

Interesting choice and I actually saw an interview years ago where he answered that question. Sorry, I don’t remember who interviewed him or his answer. ;). Okay, it’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆

Favorite animal? Dog

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall

Favorite food? Pizza

Well done! 🙂 I’m a dog person too. Okay, Flash four. Ready? What are you working on now? The third in the Other Side series: Ben’s Story. The first, Melinda’s Story is out on September 18, 2015 and the second, Trent’s Story is done and with the copy editor.

Congrats on the second contract! What are you sharing today? The Other Side: Melinda’s Story

Melinda’s family is dead, killed for information that is hidden deep within her mind. Her father tries to warn her from the ‘Other Side’ that she is in danger from the killers who want what only she can give them. Committed to Skyview Haven, she must determine if the ‘Other Side’ truly exists or if it is a trick of her heart and mind. With time running out Melinda must determine who she can trust. Is it the ghosts of her family, a boy who may not be who he appears to be, or the doctor who is determined to cure her? Can she figure out the truth before it is too late?

TheOtherSideStarrGardinier09.29.15Excerpt:

I walked to my window and just as I’d done so many times in the past, looked down, hoping to spot Beth. And suddenly, she was there. She was waving up at me to come down. I could see her forming the words, Come on. I smiled like I haven’t smiled in a long time. I knew it. I knew she was alive. I put my index finger up to tell her I’d be there in a minute. I quickly stuck my feet into some shoes and grabbed a jacket. I tiptoed all the way downstairs and through the kitchen to the back door. I looked out the window first to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Nope. She was there! Right there at the foot of our path. I smiled again, quietly opened the door, and slipped out. I hugged her hard and she pulled away.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“What do you mean? I’ve missed you. Where the hell have you been? They said you were dead. I didn’t believe them,” it all came out in a rush, in one long sentence, hardly a breath in between words.

“I’m right here. Remember? We promised to be in each other’s lives for always.”

“I know, but…”

“Ssshhh,” she cautioned. “We have to be quiet. Come on,” she tugged at my arm.

We walked a short way down the path. Before we got to her backyard, she suddenly stopped and I ran smack into the back end of her.

“What the hell?”

“Shit! I can’t…”

She looked at me with a frown on her face then smiled. “Let’s go to our place!”

“Okay, but you do know it’s the middle of the night. We’ll get into trouble if they know we’re out here.”

“Everyone’s sleeping. They won’t know.”

She grabbed my arm and tugged at me when I hesitated.

“Beth…”

“What?”

I smiled and said, “Nothing. Let’s go!”

I was happy and nothing was going to spoil it for me. I knew Beth wasn’t dead. I knew it!

‘Our place’ was a fort that we constructed in the woods. Well, not a real fort. We found some wood and leaned them all around a tree, sort of forming a teepee. Then I brought some old curtains my mom didn’t use anymore and we draped it over top of the wood. The inside was small, but it was ours. We sat huddled under old blankets she brought from her house a while ago. It was dark in our fort, but we had a flashlight if we needed it.

We chatted for a while. I told her all about how everyone thinks she’s dead, that she’d drowned. After I told her they had a funeral for her and everything, she giggled.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because it’s funny. I’m not dead, I’m right here.”

She laughed again as she pinched my arm.

“Ow! Damn it!”

“If I was dead, I couldn’t do that, could I?”

I laughed with her, but it felt wrong. Something was not right. Then it hit me. If Beth was alive, that meant my dad was dead.

“Beth, you’re alive.”

“Yes, silly, I know that.”

“But then what about my dad?”

“What about him?”

“Beth, I think he’s dead.”

“What?”

Tears started trickling down my face again.

“What are you talking about? You’re dad’s fine. I saw him earlier today.”

“Where?”

I knew the answer. Deep inside, I knew the answer and I can’t tell you how I knew.

“I saw him on the bridge. At least I think it was him. It was raining pretty hard. But I know it was your car. Hey! Where are you going?”

As she talked, I got up and left the fort. It started raining, but I didn’t care. Beth was here, which meant Dad was dead. The little pleasure I got seeing Beth again didn’t last long. I couldn’t win. I felt like I had to choose between Beth and my dad. It wasn’t fair.

“Melinda, what’s wrong?” she pleaded. “Aren’t you happy we’re together?”

“Yes, but my dad…” I said, standing there in the rain.

“He’s fine. Can we go back under now? I’m getting freakin’ soaked.”

“I have to go.”

I turned abruptly and began running back home. The rain made everything slick and I fell a few times, getting branches stuck in my hair and plastered with mud. In my backyard, I stopped and looked at our house. Every light seemed to be on. I saw Kyle pass by the kitchen window. I stood rooted to the spot. Do I go back to Beth? Somehow knowing if I did, it meant my dad would be dead. Or do I go in the house and accept the fact Beth was gone?

***

Chilling excerpt, Starr! I love the cover, too. Where can we find your book?

Amazon ~ KOBO ~ B&N ~ All Romance Ebooks ~ Book Strand ~ Wild Rose Press

Where will you be next? I have several blogs who are hosting me. Here is the information:

9-14-2015 – Alicia Dean’s blog

9-17-2015 – QueenWriter blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

9-18-2015 – L.A. Kelley’s blog

9-19-2015 – Peggy Jaeger’s blog

9-21-2015 – Marie Tuhart’s blog

9-22-2015 – Abigail Owen’s blog

9-23-2015 – Debra Doggett’s blog

9-24-2015 – Sandra Dailey’s blog

9-25-2015 – Judy Reynold’s blog

9-28-2015 – Isla Grey’s blog

9-29-2015 – Calisa Rhose’s blog  That’s today! Thanks for visiting!!!

10-6-2015 – Mary Morgan’s blog

Feel free to go back and check out any you missed. Plus, on October 3, 2015, along with several other authors, I am hosting and participating in a FB Launch Party. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1204016436282600/. I hope to see you all there! Authors are offering FREEBIES!

That’s a great lineup, Starr. I’ll be sure to try to stop by the FB Party!

I hope to see you all there! Today I’ll gift one copy of the digital version of The Other Side: Melinda’s Story to the 1st person who can answer this question [hint: you can find the answer on my website at www.QueenWriter.com] What is the name of the other series I’ve written in the past and what genre is it?

I know!! I went to find out, but I’ll let others guess. It’s just a click away, so go get your answer.

Thank you so much for playing along Starr! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.

It was great being here, Calisa, and I would love to return. Thank you for the fun day on your Ranch!

Visitors- Don’t forget!!! Leave your email address in a comment so we can contact the winner of Starr’s ebook. 🙂

Dodadagohvi~

Posted in Blog Tour, guest blogging, Interview, Pen of the Dreamer, Tuesday Round Up, Welcome

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Calisa Rhose welcomes Alicia Dean on Friday FanFare! #mfrwauthor #fridayfanfare #ruined

May 15

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Friday Fanfare Welcomes:

Alicia Dean – Ruined: Martini Club 4 – The 1920s

How did the writer’s journey begin for you?

I’ve wanted to write all my life, and I wrote my first romance at age 11. I put writing aside when I married and raised my three children, but in 2001, I took a writing class with Mel Odom, and my inspiration and drive was renewed. I published my first novel in 2007, and I now have 24 published works.

Alicia DeanBIO

Award-winning, multi-published author Alicia Dean began writing stories as a child. At age 11, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who happened to share the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman
to name a few.

Tell us three things about you-the writer-readers wouldn’t typically know.

  1. I always use celebrities as the model/inspiration on which to base my main characters.
  2. My first few drafts are always a hellacious mess, and it takes several passes to polish my work before it’s ready to share.
  3. Each time I begin a story, and several times while I’m writing it, I am racked with self-doubt and I often struggle to get even a sentence down, let alone an entire scene.

It all began when


When my three writer friends and I, who gather each week at the Martini Lounge in Edmond, Oklahoma, decided to write stories centered around a place like the ML.

Where did you get the premise for this book?

I knew that each of our heroines were running from something in England, and I decided my girl was running from a lecherous Earl. My mind went to the irony of her escaping his lechery, only to end up a prostitute.

What stands out about this story that made writing it different for you?

Mainly that it was in the 1920s. I had never written anything other than contemporary (well, about the same time, I wrote a 1957 short story, but other than that, all my books are contemporary). I really had a blast researching the time period. I love the colorful terminology, the spirit of independence and change, and the creative ways people managed to skirt the whole prohibition thing.

Were there any difficult challenges or special subject matter you came across while writing this book?

It was difficult to not only write my heroine as British, but to keep the 1920s feel and accuracy. I ran across some fascinating stories during my research, a few of them ended up in the book.

What about this book would make us want to read it more than others of similar taste?

I think the uniqueness of my heroine being a prostitute would be compelling. But, also, the fact that I wrote this as part of a series with my three writer friend, and it’s fun to see how our stories are separate, yet interconnect from time to time.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

I want them to feel as though they stepped back in time and were thoroughly entertained.

Tell us about the finished book. Is there anything special we might not know after reading it?

I used Robert Redford as my inspiration for Vince Taggart, and I used an actress unknown to me, Jamie Alexander, who seemed perfect for Eliza. When I finished the story, I was kind of sad it ended. I really loved visiting that time period, and I wanted to do more.

Blurb:

She vowed she’d be no man’s doxy, but fate had other plans… 

After the Earl of Goodwin attempts to force himself on her, housemaid Eliza Gilbert flees England for New York, hoping to build a better life. But the land of opportunity proves as harsh as the London docks, and she finds herself in a situation more dreadful than the one she escaped. 

When Vince Taggart ’s childhood friend disappears, he heads to New York in search of her and meets Eliza, a woman with a less than honorable reputation. Inexplicably captivated, Vince can’t force himself to stay away, especially when he learns Eliza may be the key to finding his missing friend. 

Ruined_MC4_AliciaDean04.06.15Ruined Excerpt:

The ballroom was magnificent. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling like diamonds dripping from the sky. Grecian columns with golden draperies strung between them bordered the entire room. Paul Whiteman’s orchestra was performing on a platform stage set within a rectangular alcove at the western end of the room. Meggie would be joining them soon. What a fabulous opportunity for her. All her dreams were coming true.

Why her, and not me? Why can’t my dreams come true?

She nearly gasped in horror at the unbidden thought. Her cheeks warmed with shame. How could she be envious of Meggie? She deserved every happiness in the world. Just because Eliza had made poor decisions and ruined her life, it didn’t mean she couldn’t be happy for her friends. She blinked back tears. She was happy for her friends. Really, she was.

She clutched a champagne flute in her damp palms, praying she could get through the evening without being forced on a ‘date.’ Across the enormous dance floor, Oscar stood conversing with two men. Please don’t let either of them choose me


***

Where can readers find you and your books?

Website: www.aliciadean.com/

Blog: www.aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

Is there anything else you want to share or add?

The four of us have a fun blog where we post every Sunday, and all four books are currently on sale for 99 cents. You can find the blog and the books on Amazon here:

www.martiniclub4.wordpress.com/

Please check out and ‘like’ our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/martiniclub4

The entire series can be found at this link on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/s/ref=series_rw_dp_labf?_encoding=UTF8&field-keywords=Martini%20Club%204%20Series%20-%20The%201920s&url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text

There you have it. Check out Ruined by Alicia Dean!

Thank you for visiting the Ranch.

Posted in Blog Tour, Friday Fanfare, Interview, Pen of the Dreamer

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Calisa Rhose welcomes Erin Fanning to the Round Pen #mfrwauthor #guest #pnromance

May 14

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Osiyo~

Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules
 The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.

AuthorPhotoFanningErinI’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Erin Fanning, who is sharing their book, Blood Stitches with us!

Please show ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Erin some real Ranch love!

Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.

I split my time between the mountains of central Idaho and the lakes and woods of northern Michigan. When not writing and reading, I can be found kayaking, hiking, skiing, biking or knitting and sometimes working on my bowling game, which has to be the most frustrating activity ever created.

I’m jealous! You have two places to inspire you, I have one. 🙂 Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones. My writing area at the moment is a recliner in my living room. What does your writing space look like?

I like to take my laptop and crawl into a big comfy chair, which is more conducive to reading (and napping) than writing. But I definitely get my best writing done when I’m confined to a place (like a library), where I have no distractions and can’t procrastinate by doing the dishes or laundry.

I’m a procrastinator for sure. For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?

I would say it’s probably the former—I don’t really find any of the writing process to be as easy as breathing. It’s a lot of work and coming up with titles and character names is usually a long process of brain storming and elimination.

Mine typically come easy, but lately I’ve been challenged on every one I need. LOL What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?

Never give up: the publishing world rewards hard work and dedication. Sometimes I think success in writing has more to do with patience, perseverance, and the ability to revise than raw talent.

Very true. The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?

I think you have to be willing to promote yourself through all available avenues—social media, blogging, and reaching out to readers. But I also believe that many things always remain the same, which includes the time and hard work that writing requires.

I completely agree, Erin. Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?

I admire so many authors that’s it’s hard to narrow it down, but I think it would be lovely to have tea with Rosamunde Pilcher at her home in Scotland. I love her ability to capture the setting of her books, particularly in Winter Solstice, and it would be wonderful to ask her about her writing process.

It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆

Favorite animal?

Snow leopard

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter?

Summer

Favorite food?

Key lime pie

Snow leopard, cool answer! Well done! 🙂

Okay, Flash four. Ready?

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a sequel to Blood Stitches. It begins about a year after the events in Blood Stitches and continues the adventures of Gabby and her friends.

What are you sharing today?

Blood StitchesBlood Stitches-highres

It’s called El Toque de la Luna–The Touch of the Moon. At least that’s how nineteen-year-old Gabby’s older sister, Esperanza, refers to the magical powers she inherited from their Mayan ancestors. Esperanza says women with El Toque weave magic into their knitting, creating tapestries capable of saving–or devastating–the world. Gabby thinks Esperanza is more like touched in the head–until a man dressed like a candy corn arrives at their Seattle home on Halloween. But “Mr. C” is far from sweet…

Soon, Gabby and her almost-more-than-friend, Frank, find themselves spirited away to a demon ball, complete with shape shifters–and on a mission to destroy Esperanza’s tapestries before they cause an apocalyptic disaster… And before it’s too late to confess their true feelings for each other.

Where can we find you and your books?

At my website/blog— erinfanning.com

You can find Blood Stitches on Amazon– www.amazon.com/Blood-Stitches-Erin-Fanning-ebook/dp/B00ONTR8I6

Barnes & Noble– www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-stitches-erin-fanning/1121044500?ean=9781616506735

and other retail outlets.

Where will you be next?

I’m heading over to Christa Maurice’s website tomorrow— christamaurice.com

What a cool coincidence, Christa will be visiting me in July. Thank you so much for playing along , Erin! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.

Dodadagohvi~

Posted in Blog Tour, Interview, Pen of the Dreamer, Promotion

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Calisa Rhose invites Cate Masters to the Round Pen #MFRWAuthor #interview

Mar 3

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Osiyo~
It’s the month of green so I’m all in for St. Patrick’s Day, being part Irish. Let’s kick off the green month, welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules
 The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Cate Masters, who is sharing her book, The Griffin’s Secret with us! I think those who can take a regular fairy tale we grew up with and turn it into their own are super talented. I’ve never done it, but maybe I’ll give it a try some day. 😀
For now, please show ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cate some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
Cate: Thanks so much for having me at the Ranch, Calisa! I’ve been married to my best friend for 37 years. I’m a lucky grandma of three wonderful boys, all of whom live with us! Our home is very lively, lol
CR: Ours too! We have five granddaughters and, though they all don’t, the oldest one lives with us. Hmm, all boys, all girls…could be a story there. 😆 I’m right behind ya’ll at 32 years this September, Cate. Congratulations on the time! Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is in my recliner in a corner of my living room. What does your writing space look like?
Cate: Wherever I carry my laptop, lol. Sometimes the dining room table, where I can catch some sunshine to chase away the winter blahs, and sometimes in bed at night. When I need to break out of my routine (or escape the grandboys’ chaos, lol), I go to the library or a coffee shop.
CR: For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
Cate: Rarely is either a natural occurrence. The name has to fit the character or I keep changing it till it does. Only once have I begun with a title (for my paranormal, Death Is A Bitch).
CR: What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Cate: The most important thing is persistence. If you love to write, just keep writing what you love.
CR: The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
Cate: I’m still scratching my head! Sometimes stories seem to just take off with readers. I think word of mouth is a powerful thing, and it’s a strike of lightning that either happens or doesn’t.
CR: I completely agree. If anyone finds the secret, don’t forget to share! Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
Cate: Neil Gaiman has been an inspiration for a long time. I love his stories.
CR: I admit, I have no idea who he is. Guess what I’ll be Googling? LOL It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal?
Dog
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter?
Fall
Favorite food?
Coffee 🙂
CR: Me too on the food choice. 🙂 Well done!
Okay, Flash four. Ready? What are you working on now?
Cate: I’m working on several WIPs, but nothing even close to being finished at the moment.
CR: What are you sharing today?
Cate: My fantasy novella, The Griffin’s Secret, is a re-imagined Grimm’s fairy tale in a magical, rock and roll setting in current day.
The Griffin’s Secret
Reimagined fairy tale/fantasy romance novella
ISBN: 9781616507053
Publish Date: 5/12/2015
About 33,000 words
Jackson Grant had it all—the girl he loved, his Harley, and his guitar. Until a tragic accident stole it all away. Now, more than scars and a tattoo remain. Jackson has a secret. Cursed by his dead girlfriend’s mother, he can never fall in love again or his beloved will die. With his heart on lockdown, he keeps to himself—until a roadie gig with Malcontent, the world’s most popular band, entwines his fate with sweet, wounded Layla’s

Music is what Layla lives for. She has no choice. She’s bound by magic to serve Malcontent, cursed to propel them to stardom with her musical powers. Then Jackson appears and gives her hope that he’s the hero who will save her. A reluctant hero, yet one she can’t resist. But freedom will come at price—and who will pay
?
Cate: Kensington’s Lyrical Press will release it on May 12. It’s available for preorder now:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kensington

Griffin'sSecret-CateMasters
Excerpt
The faint scent of an exotic flower on an ocean breeze hit him the second the girl walked in. Every part of his body stood at attention, taking in the way she moved. The curve of her slender hips. Those long legs
they’d wrap around the back seat of his Harley perfectly. Wrap around him perfectly, too.
A flip of her onyx-silk hair sent it behind her shoulder as she sat opposite. “Who are you?”
Good question. He’d been seeking the same answer for too long. “Jackson Grant.”
Her eyes darkened, deep brown to charcoal diamonds. “Why are you here?”
“For the roadie job.” Was she the first gatekeeper? A gate she kept locked, he’d bet. Or maybe she was another test. Kev had warned him there’d be tricky questions and to answer straight. Something told him she asked out of curiosity.
“You think you’re up for such a demanding job?”
Again, the impression hit him she was making these questions up as she went along, ad-libbing off his replies.
He’d play. “I’m strong. Dependable. I follow orders, keep my head down, and stay out of trouble.” And he liked his privacy.
Her features smoothed, hard as porcelain. “Do you.” Not a question.
He’d answer anyway. “Yes.”
Did disappointment curl her lip? Or boredom? Why did he care? If he could, he’d blast out of there before his own curiosity got the better of him. Already, she’d gotten under his skin. Crazy how the tat no longer singed him, but now twisted like a trapped animal.
With a plastic smile, she batted her eyes, and the false flirtation didn’t suit her. “So. You’re a yes-man.”
The way she said it, he’d be no different than any other roadie serving the great rock star, Malcolm Fetterman. Fine by Jackson. The less he stood out, the better. Except for her. He hated to think of her glossing over his presence, but that would be better, too.
He drummed his fingers on the table. “I need the job.” Where the hell was Malcolm anyway? The longer he stayed with her, the more he wanted to. Definitely couldn’t afford that kind of trouble. He glanced at the open door, hoping he wouldn’t have to go through the same interrogation again.
She tapped the table. “You’d have to travel constantly.”
“Perfect.” No different than his usual way of life. Except this time, his paycheck would remain steady.
“You wouldn’t miss your family?” She dipped her head. “Your girlfriend?”
He curled his lip this time. No one’s business but his. He shifted in his seat. “They’re better off.”
Her brows knit, and then her expression became unreadable as the Sphinx. “The hours are long, and the equipment’s heavy. Everything has to be exactly as Mal orders.”
Did he imagine it, or had she winced at her own words?
He shrugged. “It’s his show.” Someday, Jackson would have his own roadies. And would treat them much better than Malcolm Fetterman did, if the stories proved true.
Her steely focus cut into him. “Mal doesn’t hire musicians except for those in the band. And there aren’t any openings in Malcontent.”
He didn’t allow himself to blink. “No problem.”
“But you play, don’t you?” Her gaze dropped to his callused fingertips drumming the tabletop.
He drew his hand down. “No.” A necessary lie. She might suspect, but couldn’t possibly know the truth. Almost like leaving one of his limbs behind, he’d locked his Fender in storage in New Jersey with his paltry possessions for six months. By then, he’d know whether this gig worked out.

***

About the Author
Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at www.catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.
CR: Where can we find you and your books?
Cate: I’d love to connect with you on any of these sites:
Blog: www.catemasters.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Cate-Masters/89969413736?ref=ts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CateMasters
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Cate-Masters/e/B002OBQ98A/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1331753999
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/2944596.Cate_Masters
Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CateMasters
Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/user/CateMasters
CR: Where will you be next?
Cate: I’m waiting on details for the blog tour, but I’ll post info on my blog when I have it. 🙂
I’d love to hear from readers – what genre of stories do you love best?
CR: Thank you so much for playing along, Cate! Great question. I prefer contemporary, but there are some awesome fantasy and paranormal writers out there who seem determined to convert me. LOL
Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Cate: Thanks again for having me, Calisa. Until we meet again…
CR: Which should be soon, since we are publishing sisters at two ePress houses!
Dodadagohvi~

Posted in Blog Tour, guest blogging, Interview, Marketing, Pen of the Dreamer, Tuesday Round Up

18 Comments

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Calisa Rhose presents ~ One More Second Chance by Jana Richards #MFRWAuthor #LobsterCove

Feb 17

Posted by

Osiyo~

I’m welcoming to the Round Pen sister WRP author and a wonderful writer, Jana Richards, to share her contribution in the Lobster Cove multi-author series.

ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE is part of the Lobster Cove series from The Wild Rose Press. Lobster Cove is a fictional small town in Maine, and stories included in series include contemporary romance (like mine), romantic suspense, historical romance, paranormal and erotic romance. Writing a story in a multi-author series was a lot of fun, but it had its challenges. The series needed continuity and consistency, so characters and buildings, and even the landscape had to be the same from book to book. That necessitated a lot of emailing back and forth between writers and our senior editor, Lori Graham. Lori even created a map of the town! I found the map very helpful in moving my characters around town, and just getting a picture of what the town looked like.

I love small town romances, probably because I came originally from a small town. In ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE, I wanted to explore what it would be like for someone from ‘away’ to fit into a place where everybody knew everybody. Coming from a big city, would he find Lobster Cove too small and set in its ways, too lacking in the things he was accustomed to in a larger center? Or would he discover that despite living in each others pockets, people in Lobster Cove sincerely cared about one another and looked after their own when the chips were down?

Good question. These books are special to me because I was in on the creation of Lobster Cove from the ground up and have met most of the characters as they came to Lobster Cove from their writers’ minds. I’m still working on my book (romantic suspense) for the series, but many others are already flying through the cyber book stores. Let’s learn about Jana’s book now!

Title: One More Second Chance

Author: Jana Richards

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, the Lobster Cove Series

Release Date: February 6, 2015

Blurb:

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?perf5.000x8.000.indd

Excerpt:

“What did the x-ray find?” she asked.

“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.”

Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice.

“You think someone deliberately hurt her?”

“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.”

“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.”

“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.”

“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.”

“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.”

Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her


She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her.

No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong.

“I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.”

“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.”

Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.”

“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.”

Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?”

“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children
”

He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.”

 ***

Bio:

JanaRichardsWhen Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPI finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.janarichards.com

Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065

Kobo:

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/one-more-second-chance

Chapters/Indigo:

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/one-more-second-chance/9781628307061-item.html?ikwid=Jana+Richards&ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=0

ibooks:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-more-second-chance/id959306323?mt=11

Your book sounds great, such sensitive subject matter, and I love the cover, Jana! Congrats on your release and for letting me be a part of the release party!!! Now to work on my budget so I can get the book! 🙂

Dodadagohvi~

Posted in Blog Tour, guest blogging, Pen of the Dreamer, Promotion, Publishers, The Wild Rose Press, Tuesday Round Up, Welcome

4 Comments

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Calisa Rhose presents ~ Book III in The Golden Key Legacy by AJ Nuest #MFRWAuthor #GKL #AJNuest

Jan 29

Posted by

Osiyo~
Today’s post is special. Special because my dear friend, AJ Nuest, has Book Three in her Golden Key Legacy release TODAY!!!!!!!! And there’s gonna be a heck of a party. If you want to get advance peeks at any and all of AJ’s cover art, you should join her Street Team! She also shares private excerpts of all her work there too. I love being a member for those and so many other reasons. 🙂
Read on for all the details and a view of the spectacular cover.

***

Thursday, January 29th marks the release of
Book III in The Golden Key Legacy…
by
AJ Nuest

AWizardRisesThe homecoming celebration held in honor of Princess Faedrah is fraught with
perilous frustration. Her nightmares have returned thricefold and, to her
horror, a horrendous blight has spread like a plague throughout the kingdom. Compounding
her worries, Rhys’ arrival in her world has been welcomed with the exact horror-filled
reaction she expected. Her beloved has been cast into the dungeons, and no amount
of arguing with the king and queen will prove he’s her fated love.

Magical powers were supposed to be a gift, or so Rhys McEleod had always believed. Too
bad the second he landed in Faedrah’s world the legacy he inherited slammed
into his body like a weight. He’s got zero control and his constant visions of
Faedrah fighting an evil entity aren’t helping. At least her parents made the
right decision and stuck him away someplace safe. Until he can figure out his
next move, prove himself an ally and uncover the clues to stopping Faedrah’s
nightmares, he’s got no choice but to wait
and learn exactly what he’s become.

It’s a $0.99 SALE!!!

Legacy Banner
The entire The Golden Key Legacy
is sale priced!!!
 
***
A Furious Muse, Book I…
http://www.amazon.com/Furious-Muse-HarperImpulse-Fantasy-Romance-ebook/dp/B00O7CP4ZI/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FNAMYJVR6ZNVS9FN9X4

Since the day of her birth, Princess Faedrah Austiere has been defined by her place
within the kingdom. As the single heir to the half-blood gypsy king and his
prophesied white queen, she is fiercely protected, shuttered inside an ivory
castle and well-trained in the art of war. Yet neither her obligations as
future queen nor the black infestation threatening her kingdom fail to hinder
the mysterious pull of the antique armoire hidden in her parents’ bedchamber. And
stealing the golden key for a leap through time is the only way to confront the
dark lord haunting her dreams.

One face. The image of one defiant, relentless woman has been stuck in Rhys
McEleod’s head ever since he was old enough paint her luscious curves on the
canvas. But the day she walks into his life off the street—sexier than hell and
itching for a fight—he’s not convinced she’s the same women he’s envisioned
since childhood. That is, not until he spots the golden key around her neck—an
object he’d never fully shown in any of his paintings.

Now if he could just persuade his lovely muse he’s not the enemy. Unless the
elusive Faedrah Austiere learns to trust him, he’ll never have her in his
bed—the one place he’s convinced she belongs.

 
~ * ~
The Sacrifice, Book II…
http://www.amazon.com/The-Sacrifice-HarperImpulse-Fantasy-Romance-ebook/dp/B00O7CP4XA/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TXJ3B839GJXX58M6QG5

The second Faedrah Austiere walked into his life off the canvas, everything in Rhys
McEleod’s world stopped making sense. Not only does her story sound like a
Grimm’s fairy tale, evidently he’s been cast as the villain. If that isn’t
enough, the mirror inside that old, beat up armoire at her uncle’s condo is
supposedly a doorway to another world. Ever since the pathway opened, something
inside him has seemed
off. If what his muse says is true, they are headed for
an epic showdown, but he isn’t about to let her go. Nothing is more important than
Faedrah’s protection, even if her parents refuse to accept him.

Though certain their fates are bound by more than the golden key Princess Faedrah
wears around her neck, it is paramount Rhys’ true identity be kept secret.
Should news of his bloodline ever reach her kingdom, their entire quest to save
her people could be lost. Their only hope to prove his loyalty is to steal the
map to the dark lord’s Crystal Crypt. Yet her a plan endangers her beloved more
than the accusations he faces in her kingdom and, to escape evil’s grasp, she
and Rhys must take a leap of faith beyond her wildest imagination. 

 
Pre-Order the Final Installment in this epic time travel fantasy romance!
Releases February 26th!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Reckoning-HarperImpulse-Fantasy-Romance-ebook/dp/B00O7CP50C/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KEPCA95M6RJAYR3YJBB

Rhys had one job to do. One measly errand that shouldn’t have been a problem, given
the nature of his powers. But when an old enemy reappears, detailing the result
of his actions, Rhys is forced to make a choice between a future with Faedrah
or dying before his time. Frustrated and out of options, he agrees to her
suggestion they to leap forward in time to the future
even though a good chance
exists his powers will be nothing but a memory in his world. Flying blind on a
wing and a prayer, they prepare to fight for everything they love against a
wizard of insurmountable power.

Faedrah does her best to gather their closest allies. The sides are squared in a war to
control the future of both worlds. With the stakes so high, only one advantage
has been cast in their favor. The sigil of utmost protection inherent in Rhys’
signature. If not enough to thwart the evil awaiting at the Austiere gates, she
could find herself imprisoned in the future, while her kingdom and all those
she has sworn to protect are lost to the mists of time.

***
~Join the Party on Facebook~
GKL Banner
On Thursday January 29th, we’ll be celebrating the release of
A Wizard Rises on Facebook!
Prizes, Contest, Author Giveaways!
Don’t miss out! Click HERE to join in the fun!!!

Posted in Blog Tour, guest blogging, Marketing, Pen of the Dreamer, Promotion

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Calisa Rhose presents ~ End of Lonely Street by Alicia Dean – Plus an Awesome Giveaway #TWRP #MFRWAuthor #ElvisPresley

Jan 8

Posted by

Osiyo~

I’m turning the round pen over to friend and fellow TWRP author, Alicia Dean to share her new release and much more. Who doesn’t love Elvis Presley? Mostly those of us from the 50s, 60s and 70s grew up listening to his smooth, sensual and sexy voice and swooned. I still can see my older sister planted in front of the radio, chin in hands, during one Christmas when I was eleven as Elvis sang White Christmas as if he were singing a love song just to her. She was a big fan. 🙂

I have one very dear friend who, having been born in the 40s, literally grew up listening to and watching Elvis and to this day she’s a huge fan. She could probably rival Alicia in that respect. I was there several years ago when my friend’s husband gifted her with a hand gun with Elvis’s likeness and signature engraved into the pearl handle! Even though I grew up with his heavenly Christmas and love songs, I’m not even close to the fangirldom as that of my talented guest, Alicia Dean.

She can take you inside that fangirl world, and does on her own blog. Have a question about this crooner? You might find an answer here. In the meantime, she’s written a book titled after one of Elvis’s most famous songs. I’ll be reading this one for sure!

Take it away, Alicia! 🙂

I’m excited to share my latest release from The Wild Rose Press on what would have been Elvis’ eightieth birthday. ‘End of Lonely Street’ is a Vintage Romance Short Story set in 1957, in the era when Elvis first burst on the scene. Like my heroine in the story, I am a diehard Elvis fan. (As you probably figured out, I took the title from a line in Heartbreak Hotel, which was Elvis’ first million selling record).

Check out End of Lonely Street and enter to win GREAT prizes


GIVEAWAY: – Entries accepted from January 8, 2015 through noon on January 22, 2015

Three prizes –

Elvis Gift Basket including DVD, CD, plus more

$25 Amazon Gift Card

$10 Amazon Gift Card

First place winner has first choice, second place winner has second choice, third place winner receives remaining prize.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00QQO3BK0

Blurb:

Can she let go of the past, before it destroys her future?

All Toby Lawson wanted was to go to college to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and the painful memories of finding her and the guy Toby loved kissing. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away, helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, and even though she knows her mother initiated the kiss, and that he didn’t kiss her back, she can‘t seem to get past what happened. He soon realizes that the true problem lies in Toby’s belief that she’s not good enough for him and in her fear that she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?EndofLonelyStreet_AliciaDean01.08.15

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Mapleton, Tennessee, November, 1957

Toby Lawson closed her eyes and shut out all sounds of the diner, except for Elvis Presley’s voice. He was crooning about how she was the only one for him
no matter where he went or what he did
 he’d spend his whole life loving her


Rough hands landed on her waist and shattered the fantasy. She caught a whiff of hair tonic and too much cologne, and she snapped her eyes open. Wes Markham’s hateful face replaced the image of Elvis’ beautiful, crooked smile and smoldering blue eyes.

“Let me go.” She gritted her teeth, keeping her voice low. If her boss, Mr. Winstead, knew there was trouble on account of her, he’d explode. He’d barely let her have the job in the first place. Everyone in Mapleton knew the Lawson women were trouble.

Toby gripped his right wrist with one hand, tightening her hold on the utensils she held in the other. “I said let me go. Now!”

She shoved against him, but he didn’t budge.

He pulled her tighter. “Your momma’s a whole lot friendlier than you are. They say the apple don’t fall far from the tree, so how’s about you cut the pretense and we go someplace quiet? Winstead won’t miss you for a few minutes.”

Her cheeks heated. She didn’t dare look around. No doubt the customers were watching, listening. Elvis had stopped singing and everyone in the place could hear what he’d said about her mother. It wasn’t like they didn’t all know, though. Constance Lawson hadn’t exactly kept her escapades a secret.

Toby clenched her teeth and brandished the utensils. She spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “Release me this instant, or I swear, you’ll be pulling this steak knife out of your eyeball.”

He held her gaze for a split second, then gave a laugh that was somewhere between nervous and furious. “Sure, sure. Okay.” He released her and stepped back. “I was just foolin’ around anyway. I got better things to do with my time than waste it on a used up chick like you.”

Muffled laughter rose around her. Oh God, she could crawl into a hole.

“How about you apologize to the lady, then beat it?”

Toby whirled at the male voice. Noah Rivers stood behind her, looking handsome and sharp in his police uniform—even with his dark hair in the military buzz cut. Her knees weakened, and tingles swept over her skin. She swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. She’d heard he was back, but hadn’t seen him until now. And what a time to have a reunion.

***

*** 10% of all of Alicia Dean’s net royalties for End of Lonely Street will go to

The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation ( http://www.graceland.com/epcf/ ) ***

AliciaDeanheadAlicia Dean lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman
to name a few.

Find Alicia here:

Website: http://aliciadean.com/

Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

Geez… What a scene. 🙂 Be sure to do the Rafflecopter for your chance to win!

Thanks, Alicia. Many wishes for ultimate success with your release!

Dodadagohvi~

Posted in Blog Tour, Contests, guest blogging, Pen of the Dreamer, Promotion, Publishers, The Wild Rose Press

5 Comments

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Calisa Rhose Presents ~ Sweet Deception by Angel Nicholas

Dec 15

Posted by

Osiyo~

I just have to share this post from Tattered Pages and author friend AJ Nuest. Angel Nicholas is the debut author of Sweet Deception from Harper Impulse and her new book comes with a BANG! Several actually, judging by the blurb. But the book will also offer something for your funny bone if the excerpt shared over at AJs is any indication.

But don’t take my word for it. Go on over and take a peek for yourself.

AJ’s Tattered Pages: Sweet Deception with Angel Nicholas: Her boring existence seems perfect until a charming detective threatens Ally’s heart and lethal contract killers jeopardize her happily ev…

In the meantime, I’ma see if I can convince Angel to come visit the Ranch and share some about the writing of this story. Watch for an interview or post before Christmas (if she isn’t fully booked until then). 🙂

Thank you for stopping by!

Dodadagohvi~

Posted in Blogs, inspirations, Pen of the Dreamer, Tuesday Round Up

2 Comments

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Calisa Rhose presents ~ Sarah Grimm- Secondary Characters Who Demand Their Own Stories #MFRWAuthor #BlackPhoenixseries

Dec 5

Posted by

Happy December!!!

I know I typically have Friday FanFare instead of guest posts on Friday, but Christmas is coming and I have my first pressy! My number one book boyfriend has escaped from authorland this week and is everywhere just for you to meet, so I have to introduce you to Dominic Price. *swoon*

So as a special event today, I invited Sarah Grimm to tell how Dom’s story came to be with a little taste of Dom’s and Rebecca’s sizzle, and where you can get your copy of Midnight Heat. I already have my copy and can’t wait to read it! 🙂

When I was writing After Midnight—Black Phoenix book 1—I honestly had no intention of creating a series. I had one story in my head, one where in the midst of wrapping up the hero and heroine’s happily-ever-after with a bright red bow, I would also give secondary character Dominic Price his. Then he walked onto the page and instantly stole my heart. I knew immediately he would need his own book. He was blunt, didn’t believe in lying and often said whatever he was thinking. He was funny—I’m a sucker for a man who makes me laugh—but also
wounded. There was a sadness to him. A deep sadness tied to a woman he loved desperately, but had walked away from: Rebecca Dahlman. I had to explore this—had to—and so Midnight Heat was born.

Writing Dominic’s story wasn’t easy. At times I was an interviewer asking questions of him, then rewording them when he wouldn’t give me an answer. At times a psychologist, studying his mind and behavior, digging for the reasoning behind his actions. Dom was afraid to trust me with his backstory, just as he was afraid to trust Rebecca, but eventually, I got it out of him. Then, I had to figure a way to help him win Rebecca back. In the end, he didn’t need my help after all.

***MH_cover

Rebecca pulled into her driveway to find Dominic leaning against the post of the front porch. It’d been a lousy week and the last thing she needed, the last possible thing she could deal with right now, was him. Yet here he was. Looking as sinfully gorgeous as ever.

His long black hair was messy, like he’d been running his fingers through it. Her own twitched with the need to bury her hands in his hair and pull him to her. Pull him in tight, setting aside everything that stood between them. Trusting this time would be different.

For a long moment the temptation was so great she couldn’t breathe. She walked past him, used her key to unlock the door but didn’t open it. Exhaustion pulled at her, made her limbs heavy and her eyes burn. The double shift she’d just come off had been difficult, made more so by the arrival of Mr. Masters – the little boy’s father. He hadn’t said anything, just stood against a light pole outside the emergency entrance. In a fashion eerily similar to the way Dominic stood now.

It had taken her the entire drive home to shake off the trickle of alarm from between her shoulder blades.

Unable to summon the most basic of manners, she sighed. “Not tonight, Dom.” Tonight she felt far too exposed and vulnerable. “Honestly, I don’t have the strength for another go around with you.”

He looked her over slowly, studying her without a word. She knew what she looked like, had seen her reflection in the mirror after getting cleaned up at the hospital. Dark circles of fatigue beneath bloodshot eyes, her naturally pale skin more drawn than normal. She couldn’t hold her tongue when she was tired. No doubt he’d use that to his advantage.

“Are you okay?”

The fact that he asked, after everything they’d said to each other, nearly brought tears to her eyes. No. “Yes.”

He was quiet a moment, then blew out a breath. “I was hoping to have that talk you wanted, but I can see tonight’s not the night.”

She allowed herself to relax a bit. “It’s really not.”

“Just so you know, I’ll go home tonight, but I’m not going away.”

“What does that mean?”

Dominic gazed deep into her eyes. “I want a second chance, Rebecca.” His tone was a dark promise that curled around her and had her pulse kicking hard. “A chance to show you how much I’ve changed. To be what you want me to be; a lover and a friend.”

Heart in her throat she could only whisper. “For how long?”

“As long as you’ll have me.”

She closed her eyes and swallowed back the ache, the longing. Yes, cried her heart. Oh please, yes. Her head refused to believe. “Dom,” she murmured.

He didn’t speak. Nor did he walk away. Instead, he stepped closer. So close his breath brushed her temple, his body heat warmed her. She opened her eyes, tipped her head up to see into his. He stood close enough to touch her, only he didn’t. “Your best friend’s name is Karmen.”

Confusion scattered her thoughts. “How?”

“You’re wrong. I met her once – the same night I met you. She’s Latina, pretty but
I barely remember her.” His eyes darkened to mirror the night sky. “I was too blinded by you.”

“Dominic.” She lifted a hand and settled it in the center of his chest, feeling the hard muscle as well as the heat—traced her fingers over one pec and his body tightened.

Still, he didn’t touch her.

“You listen to classical music all the time. So much it used to drive me bonkers. But only if you’re happy. When you’re sad, you listen to the blues.”

Or his. She’d grown quite fond of Black Phoenix’s music over the years.

“I don’t recall what make or model your car was, just that it was a bit dodgy and smelled like cheese.” His chuckle vibrated up her arm.

God, how was she supposed to resist this? He was giving her everything she’d demanded of him the other night. All the answers she’d accused him of not caring enough to have. Rebecca leaned in, pressing closer, absorbing his scent, his proximity, and still his arms remained at his sides. He wasn’t going to make it easy on her. Anything that might happen, everything was being left up to her.

“I had a kink in my ass for a week after that first night.” His gaze fell to hers as she laughed. “I would do anything to make you laugh.” His voice was low, raw, as he reverently touched her cheek. “I would do anything to make sure I never make you cry again. I don’t want to be what makes you cry, Rebecca. Not anymore.”

Her body wouldn’t stop shaking. “Dominic.”

“I miss you so much. I miss us. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t regret walking away from you.”

It was too much to take in at once. Rebecca couldn’t move, and her vocal cords seemed to be temporarily useless. She ended up just standing there, as her heart took a hard leap against her ribs and hope blossomed.

***

See what I mean?! I’m in lust for this man! Whew!!

If you haven’t read Black Phoenix, Book One- After Midnight– you’ll want to get it and meet Noah and Isabeau too. I adore those two and they revisit in Dom’s story. I love keeping up with past characters. Don’t you?

Ok, here’s the other important information you’ll want.

BUY LINKS:

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id943576931

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midnight-heat-sarah-

grimm/1120790396?ean=2940046316315

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00NU8M0QQ

Amazon : UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NU8M0QQ

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/midnight-heat-2

Author Bio:

Sarah Grimm is a wife and mother of two—five if you count her much-loved dogs.

She resides in beautiful West Michigan, with her husband, two sons & three

rescue dogs. Her addictions include reading, laughter and drag racing.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.sarahgrimm.com

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahGrimm.Author

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SarahGrimmAuthr

Thanks for stopping by! Can you remember your all-time favorite hero, the one who makes your blood boil in that good way and your head light? Sarah will gift one copy of Midnight Heat to a commenter. Seriously, once you meet this HAWT bassist–you’ll never look at rock-n-roll the same!

Posted in Blog Tour, guest blogging, Pen of the Dreamer, Welcome

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