Monday, 5 August 2013

Summer Lovin' Blog Hop



Please click date button to view entire post.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for dropping in and joining our Summer Lovin’ Blog Hop. And a big thank you to Love, Lust and Lipstick Stains for organizing the hop. I hope you have fun and maybe even discover a few new stories and authors on the way.

The theme of the hop is of course what we love about summer. Whilst others may talk about swimming, hazy lost summers of their youth, the soaring temperatures and hot lovers – the one thing I love and value above all else (with the exception of my family) is... my air conditioner. Yes I know, it’s not at all sexy, sensual or even a little bit romantic but without it I couldn’t think or even function.

Summers in Australia are hot. Where I live it is not uncommon for the temperatures to hit up in the 40 – 45 degrees Celsius range (which is about 104 – 113 F). Now this would be fine if you could spend the day at the beach, river, watering hole, weir, pool or res (reservoir) but most days you can’t. On days like this I find it hard to write as my brain is usually melting out my ears.
Disaster averted - cold water stops woman melting through man.
 

This is why I love my air conditioner. I turn it to full and dream of winter.

...Oh, I’m also awfully fond of my fridge icemaker.

 

I’ve added a snippet of one of my stories, Misrule’s Mistress. It’s a medieval Christmas novella set in England. It’s Yuletide which means frost, ice and snow abound. With all the heat of the Summer Lovin’ Hop, I thought some of you may need a little cooling off!

 Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.

 To go into the major prize draw (a huge bundle of ebooks) please leave a comment and email address in the comment section below - thanks!

Thanks for visiting & enjoy the hop!

There's a blue froggy link to keep you hopping at the end of this post.

Nicóle  xx  *who is in the middle of a glorious winter*
www.nicolehurley-moore.com
 

 

Excerpt

“If I were sure that you loved me, if you would accept my offer, I would wait if I knew how long.”Barric slowly closed his fingers over the ring and let his hand fall down by his side.

“I cannot tell you, for I do not know – a year, two... or three.”

“But after all these long years, would you then marry me?”

“I do not know, Barric; I do not know what to say. I am confused and do not know what I want or feel,” she said as went to walk away but Barric caught her arm and she turned her head and looked at him.

“You kissed me back, Ellette.”

“I know, I know I did... but...”

“Then without an answer I cannot wait for you, Ellette, no matter how much I want to,” Barric said as his hand slid down her cheek. “If I cannot have you, it matters little who I take for a wife. And because of that, I vow I will be married by the Feast of Epiphany.”

Arching a brow, Ellette replied, “Are brides so easily found?”

“I want you, Ellette, but if you do not wish me for a husband and cast me aside, I will be forced to find a bride elsewhere.”

“By the end of our winter festivities?”

 “Aye,” Barric said.

“I fear you have taken our games and challenges too far. For whom will you marry... the kitchen maid, or the weaver’s daughter? I am the only eligible maid at Cranley, and I say nay.”

“Mayhap, but I will be married by midnight at the feast.”

“In twelve days?” Torn and confused, Ellette stared at Barric. Part of her wanted to cry that perhaps she had been too hasty, perhaps one day, far away, she would marry him. Mixed with that, she was annoyed and hurt that he would think she was so easily replaced; and lastly, a hint of competitiveness reared its head. She almost wanted to take his challenge and wager that it would be impossible to marry in twelve days.

“Aye – I swear it,” Barric said as he turned and returned to the feast, leaving Ellette alone with her riotous thoughts.


Misrule's Mistress Amazon Link -
http://goo.gl/hM95yi


Images - Love, Lust & Lipstick Stains.
Bigstock,, JGP.
 



 


                                        http://www.lovelustandlipstickstains.co.uk/p/blog-hops.html
 
 
 

Friday, 2 August 2013

Housekeeping



 

 
Hi everyone,

 Today I’m immersed in the edits for Dancing on Air. I’m steadily working my way through and I think they are shaping up pretty well. I can’t wait for its release in November from Escape Publishing.
Have you checked out Escaped Publishing's great titles?
 
 
 

I hope that you can join me for Love, Lust and Lipstick Stain’s Summer Lovin’ Blog Hop. It runs from the 5th – 8th of August. We are talking about why we love summer. There are some great prizes up for grabs and it looks as if it will be great fun.

 
 
 
 
 
Historical Hearts is now on Twitter. Come join us for a tweet or jump over to the blog. If you love historical romance, you’ll love Historical Hearts!

http://historicalhearts.blogspot.com.au/

 
 
 
The Darkside Down Under has had a makeover. If you like a little magic, the paranormal or even a touch of sci fi or steampunk - then perhaps the Darkside is for you. Come on over and see what the darksiders are up to.
Dark Side DownUnder
 
 
 
 

I’m off again this Sunday to the Romance Writing course with Anne Gracie. Can’t wait and looking forward to another great session.

 

Thank for stopping by.

Nicole  xx
 
Image - Bigstock

Saturday, 27 July 2013

Spotlight - Krystal Shannan



Hi everyone,

For those of you who love paranormal romances (especially the shifting kind), you are in for a treat. Today we have the lovely Krystal Shannan joining us. Krystal is a paranormal romance author, who lives in Texas with her family. She’s dropping in today to give us a little peek at her new release – Saving Margaret.

Saving Margaret is the second book in her Vegas Mates Series. The first instalment is Chasing Sam.

 

Here’s the blurb

Successful, but lonely, Margaret Taylor finds her mate in the body of a man she least expects it in. A bear! Her human half tries to reason her way out of the match, but her wolf is through with her excuses. Crossing the species line isn’t unheard of, but it’s not often done.


Try as she might to avoid him, fate makes sure the big grizzly bear is nearby at all times. But, will his presence be enough to protect her from the evil stalking her?


The power of the magick between them can’t be avoided. But, Scott O’Hearn thinks the beautiful Taylor wolf is doing a fine job of just that —avoiding him. He can’t help he’s a bear shifter and he’s determined to convince her it doesn’t matter. She is his mate and he’s waited over a century to find her.


Will he convince Margaret she’s his true match before it’s too late?

 

Excerpt:

 

Hallie shook her arm free. “Why are we hiding in the bathroom from a hot guy? Granted, he’s a bear. But, still a really hot guy.”

“Yes, Margaret,” Maggie started, her brow raised suspiciously. “Why are we hiding from Scott?”

“Oh, hot guy has a name?” Hallie started walking to the door.

“Stop.” Margaret sighed. “Please just help me sneak out of here.”

Hallie shrugged and pulled open the door just a hair.

“Please tell her I need to speak with her.” His deep bass voice rumbled through the thin opening, making Margaret’s whole body shiver.

Her lady parts were contemplating the horizontal mambo while the rest of her was nearing panic level. What the hell is wrong with me?

The door shut and Hallie pulled her phone out of her purse. Her fingers practically flew on the screen.

“Margaret, what is going on? Why don’t you want to talk to Scott?” Maggie leaned against the vanity countertop and crossed her arms over her chest.

***

 

Hope you enjoyed the snippet of Saving Margaret. Thanks to Krystal for sharing it with us.

Krystal’s books are available from Amazon, Smashwords and ARe. If you would like to find out more about Krystal all her links are listed below.

 

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Nicóle  xx
www.nicolehurley-moore.com
 

 

Available Now @ Amazon | Smashwords | ARe

 

Novel – 40K word count – Paranormal / Witches/ Shifter Romance

 

Vegas Mates in series order…

CHASING SAM (novella)

SAVING MARGARET

 


Krystal Shannan

Magick, Myth, and Legendary Romance.

___________________________________

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Friday, 26 July 2013

Dancing on Air



Hi everyone,

I have signed a contract with Escape Publishing (Harlequin Australia)!!! It's for my Victorian period romance , Dancing on Air, which is set in the world of ballet. I’m so excited and haven’t stopped doing the Snoopy dance since I heard.

Dancing on Air will be released later this year (November).

I can’t wait to share Lisette's and Evander’s story with you all.


Here’s the blurb :

A Victorian ballerina yearns for freedom, security and love. Three men offer her aspects of what she desires, but only one holds her heart. Lord Evander Gainswith has a colourful past – he has never fallen in love before. He wants a mistress. However, just like in the ballet, Lisette wants a fairytale ending – she wants marriage. But the sinister Lord De Vale, who is confidante and paramour to Lisette’s Aunt and guardian, covets her. To survive Lisette discovers she needs more than a lover – she may need a saviour.

 




So why am I writing about a theatre? I suppose it stems from my childhood. My mother was a dancer and some of my earliest memories are of The Princess Theatre in Melbourne (Australia). It was built in 1886 and is a beautiful example of a Victorian period theatre. As a child I remember backstage being like a rabbit warren; it was cool, dark, scary and magical at the same time. The decorations were beautiful and sumptuous and it felt as if I had entered an enchanted world. These images have always been in the back of my mind, so I’ve taken them and woven a tale. Here's a picture of  The Princess Theatre - Melbourne.
 
Thanks for stopping by,
Nicóle   xx
 
 
Images - Escape Publishing, Stock.xchng, Public domain.
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

A Late Post




Hi everyone,
Sorry I missed a post. Life has been hectic here and things just fell through the cracks.
Today I'm using my new tablet to write this blog - hopefully nothing will implode. I haven't used a tablet before (this is a Surface RT) so it could get interesting.

I went to Anne Gracie's writing workshop and it was fab. I came away enthused and couldn't wait to dive back into my new story. I wanted to rewrite a couple of sections and apply a couple of things I had just learnt. But life decided otherwise. I've been running around and just haven't been able to apply myself. Of course, there's a bit of procrastination added in there as well.

And of course now I have a new toy to play with... hmmmm.

Hopefully the word count for Midnight's Masque will start climbing again - et deinceps sursum (onward and upward).

Can't wait for the next writing class... maybe I'll get my act together by then!

Thanks for stopping by.


Nicole   xx

www.nicolehurley-moore.com


Image - Bigstock


                  

Thursday, 4 July 2013

Writing Romance Workshop


Hi everyone,

This Sunday I'm off to Melbourne to attend Anne Gracie's Writing Romance Workshop.

Apparently, we will be exploring conflict within a novel and characterization. I'm terribly excited as this will be the first workshop I have ever attended.


Anne Gracie is an award winning, best selling Historical Romance author. You can find out about her books from her website -  www.annegracie.com
And just as an aside I have to say - I loved her 'Devil Riders' series!


I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for stopping by.



Nicóle  xx 

Monday, 1 July 2013

Christmas in July Sale



Hi everyone,

 I have another little snippet of information. Coffee Time Romance & More is having a Christmas in July Sale on all their ebooks (yes, including mine!).
 

 So, I hope you take advantage of the sale and grab a bargain.
 

My books are listed here :


 

Capturing Bliss :

In 12th-century England, love isn’t part of the marriage equation. But Lady Blissot de Woodville adores her younger sister too much to see her suffer such a fate. Instead, Bliss recklessly switches places with her sister—and marries a total stranger under false pretenses! Fortunately, she soon discovers she shares a rare passion and genuine love with her new husband, the ardent Lord William Reynard. Yet the happier Bliss becomes, the more her secret weighs heavily on her heart…because one desperate lie could destroy everything she’s come to cherish.

 
 

Misrule’s Mistress :

Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.

 

Until the Stars Burn Cold :

Forbidden love. In ancient Persia, in the town of Adwan, Jinn is ripped from his beloved Shuri’s side. Jinn is cursed into a ring as punishment for daring to love the wrong woman. Empires crumble, centuries pass and Jinn is still captive. That is until present day antiques dealer, Mia Templeton accidentally releases him.

 
 
 

The Trinket Seller’s Daughter :

Lost in the forest, Emelin runs for her life after her traveling party is massacred by outlaws. Sir Allard de Gerril is in pursuit of the ruthless Archer and his band when he finds Emelin. Bound by vengeance the pair seek out Archer, but as they journey through the dark woods revenge gives way to passion. With each passing day, Emelin dares to dream that there is a place for a lowly trinket seller’s daughter by the knight’s side. Yet as Archer begins to hunt the couple, Emelin fears that she and Allard will not have a future together as they may never escape the tangled wood alive.