Bad, BAD me! That last week in February got so busy I just now remembered I promised a copy of this series to a commenter. *slaps hands* I’m so sorry about that! But, Random.org chose MJ Schiller as the recipient! Congrats MJ!!!!
Osiyo~
Man-oh-man am I excited to introduce you all to these four fabulous writers, and ladies I consider friends, today!!! All but one are previously published, so a special welcome and congrats on your debut, Krysta Scott!!!
I’ll get right to it and turn the round pen over to these four friends who wrote a series together over months of martinis. Ladies, you’re up! đ
Martini Club 4 â The 1920s
A few years ago, myself and three of my writer friendsâAmanda McCabe, Kathy L Wheeler, and Krysta Scottâbegan meeting each Friday evening (unless something extremely important kept one of us away, and trust me, it had to be IMPORTANT) for Martinis and various other libations, at the Martini Lounge in Edmond, Oklahoma. In time, we came to dub our gathering the âMartini Club.â We unwind, vent, chat about writing, laugh, and strengthen an already strong bond of friendship. Itâs not only fun, itâs beneficial. As all writers know, no other friend besides a writer friend truly understands us. (We also have an honorary MC member, Cindy Sorenson. Although she is a writer, she declined to write one of the stories, but she has been invaluable as far as brainstorming and beta reading. So, what else could we doâŠwe named a character after her in the series!)
During one of these gatherings, one of us, and I canât remember who, made an offhand remark about writing stories centered around the Martini Club. The idea blossomed from there, and the âMartini Club 4â series was born. We thought it would be fun to set our first MC4 stories in the 1920âs, but we intend to write more in other decades in the future. During the planning, plotting, and writing, we have had a few weekend retreats that were loads of fun, and some were even productive. J What a joy to do something that I love so muchâwritingâwith a group of ladies that I love so much!
Today is release day, and we are all so excited!
*** The price through the end of February is ONLY 99Âą each – Regular price $2.99. ***
Blurb:
Four young English women discover friendship, romance, and danger in 1920âs New York City…
Excerpt: (from Reckless by Kathy L Wheeler)
Meggie couldnât believe it. She, Jessie and Lady Charlotte Leighton, or Charli as she preferred now that she was embarking on a new life too, were just blocks from walking up the gangplank to freedom. A new start. No more innuendoes from her mother and brothers. If they could just make it to the ship without Charli giving them away.
âDonât look so terrified, Charli.â Meggie tried to curb her irritation. Charli couldnât help being so shy. âThis is an adventure.â
Jessie looped her arm through Charliâs. âYouâll see. Weâll have a grand time. You wonât have to marry that stodgy Lord Brigdon. In no time at all youâll be baking, not just the best scones Americans have ever tasted, but the best cakes, and pastries for the most lavish parties imaginable.â
Meggie had to give Charli credit as she tried smiling through her fear, yet not quite managing the feat.
âIâd just feel better if weâd brought a maid or…or some companion.â Her voice trembled.
Meggie was careful to keep her tone gentle. âYou know we couldnât have dared trusting anyone.â They hadnât boarded the Empress of India yet. Not all danger lay around the London docks. Samuelâs dukedom could stifle their plans as effectively as murder.
Thick fog hovered low in the early grey morning skies. A shudder skittered up Meggieâs spine. âLetâs hurry,â she said, broadening her steps.
Activity picked up the closer they grew to the water, along with the stench. All conversation stalled, and Meggie gripped the handle of her bag as they made their way briskly down the street.
âNo!â The voice reached through the dense atmosphere a mere block from their destination.
âCome on, love. Iâll be gentle,â the words slurred heavily.
Meggie stopped.
âWhat are you doing?â Charli whispered, her voice as alarmed as the girl Meggie was trying to discern through the soupy sky.
âWe have to help,â she whispered back.
âOh, Megs.â Jessie rolled her eyesâMeggie could hear it in her voice.
At least Jessie would understand. If Meggie hadnât stopped she had no doubt Jess would have.
âLet me go. Let. Me. Go.â The panicked pitch rose two octaves.
âSheâs over there,â Meggie said. âIn that doorway.â Meggie lifted her skirt and ran, briefly picturing her motherâs horror. Jess and Charliâs footsteps pounded behind. She followed the frightened sound, pausing before an abandoned shop.
A tall, lanky man hunched over a girl who tried to crouch away, his hand gripping her breast.
Meggie dropped her valise. The sound carried in the quiet street. âThere you are, you silly girl. You scared us, getting separated like that.â
Luckily, the girl lost no time in picking up the ruse. She shoved away the bruteâs hand and brought up her knee. His pained high-pitched cry erupted. To Meggieâs surprise, he stumbled, tripping back and falling into a fetal position. A remarkable move, really. Something to ask the cheeky girl about later. Meggie grabbed her hand, snatched up her bag and took off, the other girls quickly following.
A half block from the ship, Meggie bent to catch her breath, taking in the girlâs matted hair and dirt-streaked face.
âThank you, milady.â Her lips trembled though she put up a brave front.
âThe name is Meggie. This is Jessââ She indicated with one hand. âAnd Charli. Whatâs yours?â
âEliza.â
âWell, Eliza. The docks arenât safe for a girl alone. Where are you going?â
âThe same as you I imagine.â
âYouâre going to America?â Excitement spilled from Jessie. âThatâs brilliant.â
The girlâs gaze flitted away. âUm, uh, y-yes.â
Charli frowned. âAlone?â
Meggie narrowed her eyes on her wrinkled frock where something suspicious streaked across the bodice. She prayed it was mud. This girl was in trouble, something Meggie and Jess were no strangers to. âYouâll come with us.â
âOh, I couldnât possiblyââ
âOf course you can. We need a fourth, besides.â That settled, Meggie took her arm once more, leaving Jess to handle Charli. âWeâre on an adventure.â
***
The entire series can be found at this link on Amazon:
Left to Right: Alicia Dean, Amanda McCabe, Kathy L Wheeler, Krysta Scott
Please check out and âlikeâ our Facebook page:
http://facebook.com/martiniclub4
I, for one, have already got my copies on my Kindle, thanks to pre-ordering weeks ago! But I am offering a set of all four books to one lucky commenter who can tell me what they like best about the roaring 20s. The clothing styles? Debonaire men? The risque-ness of simple things we now take for granted?
Also tell me what format you prefer in your comment. (mobi or PDF)
I’ll choose a name Sunday and announce the winner Monday in this same post. All I ask in return is that the winner leave a review of all four combined, or each independently, on Amazon, BN or Goodreads–all three would be even better! Or if you blog, you can just review them there and share the link for me in comments here, or email the link to me at calisa(dot)rhose(at)gmail(dot)com once you’ve read the books.
Remember to contact me once I call your name (winner) so I can get your books to you! If I don’t hear from the winner by the end of 48 hours I will choose another winner.
Above all, don’t forget to check next week to see who won. It could be you Random.org chooses! đ
Â
Apr 11
This gallery contains 2 photos.
How did the writerâs journey begin for you? I live in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and I consider myself an old-new writer. In other words, Iâm old to writing, new to novel writing. I hold a Masterâs Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and my history includes a long list of writing and […]
 UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!!
Hey-Ho cover oglers! Are you ready for Spring? I know I am! But until it arrives, hereâs Marchâs lovely cover art and the awesome authors, publishers and artists who made them possible for you to gaze this month. It would be great if you leave a comment letting everyone know what you like (or donât like) about them and maybe even check out a few author links to meet those behind the books. Or just say hi. Don’t forget to tell your friends to stop by so they can appreciate some greatness too!
UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!! This feature is only to highlight authorsânot to sell books (though if you see one you want to buy Iâm sure the authors wonât mind đ ). Enjoy this weeksâ covers to ogle and explore. If there is one provided, you can follow the artist links by clicking on the name, or if there’s an artist link provided, to learn more about the amazing creators of these beautiful covers. I think they deserve fair mention since they helped create the book! As always, click the covers for author websites to find out more. I wish everyone a fabulous new year in 2014!
 
Title: Abandon All Hope      Â
Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com
Genre:Â Contemporary Romance
Publisher:Â Kissmet Publishing
Cover artistâs name: Steven Novak
Release date: June 13, 2013
It was one of those mornings for newspaper-writer/photographer Hope Creswell. The alarm clock didnât go off and she cut her finger on broken glass. Not one to let such things get her down, Hope headed into her assignment meeting with excitement, only to leave it stunned. Her new assignment is to trail the sensational rock-star, Chase Hatton, for an article. Chase Hatton! No one knows the power that name holds for her. No one knows of the childhood friendship that blossomed into romance, only to abruptly die on the night of Hopeâs senior prom. No one knows of the ache that still fills her heart.
What starts out for Chase Hatton as an average publicity trip to Chicago suddenly becomes complicated when his manager tells him Hope Creswell will be interviewing him in the morning. He spent eight years trying to forget Hope, and now she would be in his penthouse in a matter of hours?
When Chase opens the door to his penthouse and finds Hope on the opposite side, his heart begins beating a rhythm the rocker has yet to capture in any of his music. The smoldering embers of their former romance are fanned by their mere proximity. Will they both be burned again?
Can Hope ever trust her heart to Chase after what he did? Can Chase bear to see her walk out on him a second time? And what about Hopeâs boyfriend, Phillip? Where does he fit into the picture that Hope is developing?
Title: Dream Reunion
Author: J.J. DiBenedetto
Website: www.writingdreams.net
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Suspense
Publisher: J.J. DiBenedetto
Cover Artist: Ami Low
Release date: December 16, 2013
“I wish someone – my mother, my husband, anybody – would really let me have it, instead of telling me everything’s not my fault when it obviously is…”
Sara’s seen the cost of interfering in other people’s dreams firsthand; it’s measured in ruined lives and cemetery plots.
When her supernatural dreams start up again, Sara is faced with problem after problem. And the only solution she can see is the one she’s sworn never to attempt – changing the minds of the dreamers from the inside-out.
Sara thought that fighting against serial killers, mobsters and crooked politicians was difficult, but she’s about to come up against the most difficult foe she’s ever faced: her own conscience.
Dream Reunion is the emotional sixth book in the Dream Series.
Title: Music For My Soul
Author: Lauren Linwood
Website: www.laurenlinwood.com
Genre: Medieval romance
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Cover Artist: Ramona Lockwood
Release date: May 14, 2013
As the third wife of an abusive French vineyard owner, Madeleine Bouchard hasnât produced the expected heir after three years of marriage. Fearing he plans to kill her, she flees during a trip to England. Unable to make her way home, she joins a troupe of traveling mummers and reinvents herself as the only woman troubadour in the land, captivating audiences with both song and story.
Nobleman Garrett Montayneâs fascination with Madeleine causes him to pay the troupe to bypass their next stop in order to journey to his estate. Though he suspects Madeleine of being a thief with dark secrets, love blossoms between them under the magical moon of summer solstice.
But Madeleineâs past is about to catch up with her, as her husband is set to arrive to conduct business with Garrett. Madeleine determines to free herself from her loveless marriage and make a new life with Garrett, no matter what the cost.
Title: No Other Love
Author: Jean Adams
Weblink: www.adventuresinauthorland.blogspot.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover Artist: Diana Carlile
Release date: TBA 2014
Lucas Nelson, a man brought to his knees and humiliated by two women, had given up on them. When he finds himself falling in love with Jenna, who he has problems avoiding, he knows heâs in trouble.
Jenna Blake is living the life of her dreams and has made it clear sheâs not interested in a relationship with an ordinary man. She wants to marry an aristocrat, like the Earl of Kendal. Nothing must be allowed to get in the way of everything sheâs worked for, not even true love.
But Jenna finds Lucas hard to resist. Will she follow her heart? Or the earl and his aristocratic trappings win her over?
Title: Pushing the Limits
WebLink: www.facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Artist: Heidi Stryker
Release date: December 30, 2013
When a case of mistaken identity puts Cade Tucker in the wrong place at the right time, he can’t believe his luck. Drawn to the beautiful Julia McCormack, he flirts his way into her bed, and they welcome the New Year together.
Though they agreed their time together was to be a no-strings-attached arrangement, Juliaâs having a hard time letting go of the best sex sheâs ever had. She dives into work at her corporate law firm, hoping to get her mind off the man who rocked her world.
But then Julia finds out the senior partner has appointed a new attorney to work with her on her biggest case, and her co-counsel will be Cade Tucker. Her plans to make partner are in serious jeopardy when she and Cade disagree on the best legal strategy for their case. What will happen when they can no longer fight their desire, and the companyâs strict fraternization policy threatens both of their jobs?
Title: The Girl and The Raven
Author: Pauline Gruber
Website: www.paulinegruber.com
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Dragonfly Ink, Ltd.
Cover Artist: Phatpuppy Art
Cover Designer: The Bookish Brunette
Release date: December 13, 2013
Good versus evil just got complicated.
Sixteen-year-old Lucy Walker just wants a normal life, until she learns she is half-witch, half-demon. Now she’s got other problems, like keeping her demon dad from killing her boyfriend, the witches in her life from killing her demon dad, and her non-supernatural friends safe from both sides. She’s walking a tightrope between good and evil, drawn to both, uncertain which she will ultimately choose.
Title: The Lady and the Earl
Author: Christine Donovan
Website: www.christinedonovan.org
Genre: Regency Romance
Publisher: Christine Donovan
Cover Artist: Cali Taylor
Release date: June 2, 2013
Lady Amelia Seabrook spends her days at her brotherâs country estate, far removed from London Society. Ever since the tragic death of her betrothed, Captain Rycroft, she canât bear the London Social Scene. Most days she can be found sitting on the banks of a small stream daydreaming about happier times with her captain. One day a stranger appears and spoils everything, or does he?
Living in self-imposed exile the past twelve years, William Spencer, the Earl of Bridgeton loves the solitude of the countryside. Some days it bothers him to read the daily papers from London and still see his name being mentioned. After twelve years one would think the gossip mongers would have someone else to gossip about. Someone else to blame for the murders of his family members.
Title: The Saint’s Devilish Deal
Website: www.kristinaknightauthor.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Kristina Knight
Cover Artist: Carey Doucet
Release Date: December 5, 2013
A billionaire surfer⊠A down-on-her-luck hotelier⊠One hot summer flingâŠ
Esmerelda Quinn has been looking for a place to belong since her parents were killed in a car crash when she was young. The closest thing to home has always been Aunt Constance’s villa in Puerto Vallarta, so after a string of dead-end hotellier jobs, she’s coming home to run the villa.
Santiago Cruz has called the villa home for as long as he can remember. In between surfing events, Constance has always had a room for him. Color him surprised when Constance decides to retire – and leaves a joint interest in the villa to both Santiago and Esme.
Esme isn’t thrilled to share ownership of the villa with the youngest Cruz brother – especially when she learns Santiago’s brother has been after the villa for years. But Santiago has grown up while she’s been away at school and soon she finds herself falling for the rich boy down the hall.
Title: Untangle My Heart
Author: Maria K. Alexander
Website:Â http://mariakalexander.com
Genre:Â Contemporary Romance
Publisher:Â The Wild Rose Press
Cover artist:Â Diana Carlile
Release date:Â March 19, 2014
When her marriage ended in tragedy, Kate DiFrancesco rebuilt her life, but has never gotten over the pain of what she lost. Seeking the help of an ex-lover ignites feelings sheâs promised never to have again. Sheâll need to untangle herself from dangers in her past in order to break the hard shell around her heart.
Edward Weston has a lot to prove, both to his stuffy upper-crust British family, and to himself. Working alongside Kate, a woman he had a casual relationship with, stirs unexpected feelings. Helping her family makes him realize what he’s missing. For the first time, he wants more than a one-night stand.
When Kate is threatened, Edward must overcome feeling unworthy to protect the woman he loves and fight for the family he never thought heâd have.
Title: Welcome Home
(Pikes Run Series-Book 1)
Author: Kara OâNeal
Website: www.karaoneal.com
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Cover Art: Adrian Nicholas
Release date: September 18, 2013
Emma Prescott, determined and selfless, flees from wealth and her murderous father, wanting the love and forgiveness of poor cotton farmer, Kyle Lonnigan.
Although Kyle refuses to forgive her for her part in his fatherâs death, Emma stays and works her own farm. Over the next several months, Emma proves to Kyle she is not the spoiled girl he remembers.Â
Emmaâs sudden re-entrance into Kyleâs life only conjures long-buried painful memories. Kyle does his best to avoid her, needing to keep the pain at bay, and stopping her from reminding him of their last moments together before bullets shattered their world. But, he is unsuccessful. The love he denies is too strong, and soon Emma and Kyle are tumbling headlong into the past and passion.
I want to thank all the authors who submit and make this a special place to share their work!
Sep 13
This gallery contains 4 photos.
with: DEATH STRETCH How did the writerâs journey begin for you? Gosh, I remember playing with paper dolls at a young age, and making up sad stories about them having accidents and living miserable lives. A real drama princess! I began writing plays then poetry, moved to science fiction and on to womenâs fiction. Finally […]
Osiyo~
Today and tomorrow I have a special guest visiting on the Ranch. One of the first wonderful writers I met after moving back to Oklahoma was a lady who actually had recently moved to Kansas but kept her membership with the Outlaws of OKRWA. She was helpful to my learning my way around a mini conference we do here; OKRWA Summer Heat Mini Conference. We have an agent and an editor come in from a publisher/agency and take pitches. (Anyone can attend for a low fee and have a chance to get your work in front of an acquiring member of a known literary agency or publisher. The last two we had editors from Harlequin and agents from The Irene Goodman Literary Agency and The Knight Agency.)
This writer was such a help and so very friendly, and has since moved back to Oklahoma. And then I got one of her books at our Christmas partyâand became an instant fan! So naturally when she reached out for Beta readers for a new Self-Published series she started last year, my hands went up high. Then I began to wonder about âthe writerâ and when she wanted to promote her series I took my chance and asked about her writing career.
Here in virtual person is my friend, Alicia Dean. Letâs give her a huge Ranch welcome!
Alicia, the Round Pen is yours to do as you please. Tell us about you and your writing.
It was great meeting you, too, Calisa. And Iâm so thrilled that your story was the first published in the Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll Series. Thank you for having me as your guest here at the Ranch. I have three grown children–two girls and a boy–and I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. I have a ton of wonderful friends and loving, supportive family members. Iâm so very blessed.
I’ve wanted to write since I was a child, and I’ve dabbled in it all my life. I actively began pursuing publication in 2001 and my first novel, a romantic suspense called Nothing to Fear, was published in 2007 by The Wild Rose Press. I now have five published novels (in June, it will be six) and four short stories (in August it will be five <g>. I have a short story coming out with TWRP August 8th that’s part of the Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series)
I write both paranormal and suspense, but I wanted to write a suspense series with recurring main characters. I didn’t want my heroine to be in law enforcement, so I tried to think of an occupation that might put her in contact with nefarious characters, so crime writer came to mind. Then, randomly, the idea popped into my head…what if a killer put names of his intended victims in the obit column before he killed them. Death Notice was born, the sequel followed, and I have a few more sequels in mind. However, before I can get to Book 3, I have a novella and another manuscript to write. đ
What a great book with an enticing cover! How and where can we stalk…er, find you?
Website: AliciaDean.com
Twitter: @Alicia_Dean_
Facebook: Alicia Dean
BIO:
Alicia Dean writes paranormal and romantic suspense and is the author of five published novels, two novellas, and a handful of short stories. She has three grown children and lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. Alicia loves nothing more than crafting spine-chilling, edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Say hey to Alicia and come on back tomorrow for part two of the Northland Chronicles: Death Offerings! Leave a comment today and/or tomorrow for a chance to win an Amazon or B&N gift card from Alicia!
Dodadagohvi~
Living in the Oklahoma countryside with my husband is all the inspiration I need.
Pen of The Dreamer 