Wednesday, 11 December 2013

This and That


Hi everyone,
Just a quick post.  I hope you will come on over and join me at Happily Ever After -

http://happilyeverafter-cgtetreault.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/interview-with-romance-author-nicole.html

I also went visiting with Amber A. Barden and chatted about Dancing on Air.

http://amberabardan.blogspot.com.au/

And Dancing on Air received a fab review from Love, Lust & Lipstick Stains. Here's the link -

http://www.lovelustandlipstickstains.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/thumbs-up-thursday-dancing-on-air-by.html


Both Rain and Dancing on Air are featured in the latest Marketing For Romance Writers newsletter. Yay!







I also had a visit with the lovely Samantha Holt.

http://samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/guest-post-and-spotlight-rain-by-nicole.html?showComment=1386743335323#c7921425065624985428


I've also signed up for Romancing the Book's Holiday Event. There are holiday post each day. Here's the link if you want to check it out.


http://romancing-the-book.com/



Just discovered this trailer for a new Beauty and the Beast movie. I can't wait to watch it - it looks so beautiful and sumptuous. Here's a link -

La Belle Et Bete
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br3sErpjMQo&feature=youtu.be


See, I told you it looked fab! I just love fairytales, don't you?



Thanks for stopping by,

Nicóle  xx

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Bewitching Blurbs



Bewitching Blurbs

Hi everyone,

Here’s this week’s Bewitching Blurbs. As always, there are some fantastic titles to choose from.

If you have a new release, feel free to add the title, buy link, website and blurb to the comment section.

Please just remember to keep it PG and it’s a blurb not an extract – thanks.

First we have a little shifter action. A Wolf at Her Door is another story in the Spellbound Treasure Series. It’s an interesting series, which is written by several different authors. They are stand alone, magical stories which are vaguely linked by certain characters. They are published by Jupiter Gardens Press and here’s a link to all the titles -

This is Jasmine’s fourth title in the series. Her other stories include Birthday Shift, Lupine Valentine and Outfoxed.

A Wolf at Her Door

By Jasmine Aherne

When Gwen wished for a hero to help save her sanctuary, she never expected tough, sexy stranger Rohan to show up at her door. Rohan is a natural with animals, and even helps to protect her home from vandals who would destroy what she’s worked for.

But this man hides secrets that she senses she’ll find in the golden eyes of the wolf she keeps dreaming of. Can Gwen entrust Rohan with saving the lives of the animals she loves, and even more dangerously, can she entrust him with her heart?



Rebekah Turner’s Chaos Bound has arrived. It’s the second instalment of the story which started in Chaos Born. I’ve added both blurbs so you can get the full impact...

Chaos Bound

By Rebekah Turner

The long-awaited sequel to Chaos Born takes us back into the Applecross, where Lora faces increasing threats to her survival and her chance at love.

Lora Blackgoat — mercenary and smuggler — has only just recovered from the last threat on her life and hasn’t even begun to sort out the mess of having both a nephilim warrior and a reborn hellspawn as potential lovers. Work should be a refuge, but a job finding missing persons puts her in the crosshairs of a violent gang and a merchant with a taste for blood sport.

Reluctantly, Lora turns to the two men in her life for help. Roman — the nephilim — professes to be her soul mate and turns to her when he feels the darkness of nephilim madness descending. But though Lora is drawn to Roman, it is Seth, ex-lover and reborn hellspawn, who Lora must ultimately ask to protect those she loves. Can she trust Seth to save Roman and her adoptive family, or will this be a fatal mistake?


Chaos Born (Book 1)

A fresh and exciting debut novel introducing the Chronicles from the Applecross.

Lora Blackgoat, smuggler and mercenary, has been lying low after a job gone bad made her a laughing stock in the industry. When a childhood friend turns to her for help, Lora leaps to restore her reputation and starts hunting a killer who is stalking the gas-lit streets.

She never expects that her path will lead her to the Order of Guides, a sadistic militant religious organisation - or to Roman, a deadly and dangerously attractive half-angel warrior who also hunts the killer.

When Lora discovers that the killer has broken fundamental laws of magic to enter the city, she also uncovers a conspiracy that leads back into her own dark past.


Here are some lovely contemporary romances –
The first is an Australian rural romance from Kate Loveday.
Inheritance
By Kate Loveday
When Cassie Taylor inherits Yallandoo, a cattle station near Cairns in Far North Queensland, she is shocked. What does she know about running cattle? But the property has been in her family for generations, and Cassie is not a quitter. She leaves behind her Sydney life and heads to the station, determined to make a go of it.

But a long drought and falling prices mean challenges Cassie doesn’t expect. To save her heritage, she’s going to have to come up with some new ideas — and fast. Then the threatening letters start to arrive. Someone doesn’t want Cassie to succeed, and they’re willing to go to any lengths to stop her...

 
Buckle Down is an anthology which features Samantha Holt’s first contemporary story, Her Dream Cowboy.  Normally, Samantha writes scintillating medieval Scottish romance, but I’m willing to swap a highland laird for a hot cowboy just this once J
Buckle Down
By Samantha Holt, C.V. Madison & J.T. Seate
Her Dream Cowboy by Samantha Holt

Talked into experiencing ranch life for herself by her best friend, Sophie comes all the way from England to Nevada, alone. But while her friend may have abandoned her, her guide for the week promises to stick close to her side.

A guide who just happens to be an honest to goodness, sexy cowboy.

Luke Harper is a busy man. He’s dedicated years to turning his ranch into a successful holiday business and he’s yet to find a woman who can deal with the realities of dating a cowboy. In his experience, they’re all after a dream. But Sophie proves too tempting for her own good and Luke can’t help wondering if the gorgeous woman would be willing to give him a chance.

Or is she just looking for a dream cowboy too?
The Layover by C.V. Madison (M/M erotic cowboy romance)

Security expert and avowed city boy Reno Locke drops into The Meeting Place for a little loving to fill his off hours. Country boy Wilder Henderson swings through to blow off a little steam after winning a rodeo competition. Locke finally works up the nerve to hit on Wilder and Locke takes Wilder back to his room. He finds out this urban cowboy is just what he was looking for during The Layover.

Faith, Hope, and Charity by J.T. Seate

In the old west, a young couple have plotted a future rendezvous for any chance of a life together, if only poor Johnny isn’t gunned down first by Faith’s father who is out for the cowboy’s blood.
 
The ever fabulous Annie Seaton’s Tangling with the CEO (a Half Moon Bay Novel) was released yesterday.
Tangling with the CEO
By Annie Seaton
Mixing business with pleasure never felt so right.
Blake Buchanan and Anastasia Delaney were roommates in college and could never see eye to eye about anything. The only time their walls came down was during one night of passion before Ana left without a word, never expecting to cross paths with Blake again.
Years later, Blake has made his millions. He comes back to Ana’s small California town to manage a corporate takeover that will close down the home restoration business she’s poured her heart and soul into. The fiery Ana is determined to convince money-minded Blake of her business’s worth, but when a family emergency throws them together, their walls come tumbling down once again…
Problem is, Blake’s business-first position hasn’t changed. And Ana can’t fall for the man who could become her boss—it’s not only her job at stake, but her heart.
 
 
Maggi Andersen’s Taming the Gentleman Spy was also released this month. It’s part of her Spies of Mayfair series, the first being ‘A Baron in her Bed’.
Taming the Gentleman Spy
By Maggi Andersen
John Haldane, Earl of Strathairn, is on an urgent mission to find the killer of his fellow spy. Has the treasonous Frenchman, Count Forney, returned to England to wreak havoc? Or has someone new landed on English shores to stir up rebellion in the Midlands? After visiting the young widow of one of his agents, Strathairn strengthens his resolve. A spy should never marry. And most certainly not to Lady Sibella Winborne, with her romantic ideas of love and marriage. Unable to give Sibella up entirely, he has kept her close as a friend. And then weak fool that he is he kissed her... Lady Sibella Winborne has refused several offers of marriage since her first Season years ago -- when she first set eyes on the handsome Earl of Strathairn. Sibella's many siblings always rush to her aid to discourage an ardent suitor, but not this time. Her elder brother, Chaloner, Marquess of Brandreth, has approved Lord Coombe's suit. Sibella yearns to set up her own household. She is known to be the sensible member of the family. But she doesn't feel at all sensible about Lord Strathairn. If only she could forget that kiss...
 
Free Read –
Here’s just a little short story.
More Costly Than Diamonds
By Nicole Hurley-Moore
After five long years Sir John Durand returns home from the Crusades. He left a wealthy estate and a young bride. But what will be waiting for him through the gates of Durand Manor?
Thanks for stopping by.
Nicóle  xx

 

Friday, 6 December 2013

Spotlight - Christina Tetreault



Hi everyone,

Today please welcome the lovely Christina Tetreault.
Christina writes contemporary romance and her latest book, The Billionaire’s Best Friend is now available. It’s the fourth instalment of Christina’s The Sherbrookes of Newport series.

Welcome Christina and thanks so much for visiting. J

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?

Lauren McDonald, the heroine in my most recent release, appeared in my first book The Teacher’s Billionaire.  She was Callie Taylor’s best friend and I always knew she needed her own book.  However, I wanted this book to stand out from the others in some way, hence the two men trying to win her heart.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

My characters always come first. Since I write books that are part of a series, readers have always met at least one of the main characters in each of my books before.

Are you working on anything at the present?

Yes, right now I am working on a new book that will be the first book in my new series Love On The North Shore.  This new series will be a spin off from my current series.  The hero of this book was a secondary character in my second book The Billionaire Playboy.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

The title for my first book I picked out of the air so to speak.  The titles for my other books were picked by my readers.  I established surveys and had them vote on the titles they liked the best.

What made you want to be a writer?

I became an avid reader young.  I loved getting lost in stories.  When I was ten I decided to try writing my own using my grandmother’s manual typewriter, and I just never stopped.

 
Blurb
 
Despite a wonderful family, a career she loves, and great friends, a void has existed in Lauren McDonald's life ever since her best friend, Callie, married billionaire Dylan Talbot. Although they have remained close, Lauren and Callie now lead very different lives. When Lauren meets wealthy CEO Kevin Walsh, she believes he could be the man to make her life whole again.  That is until the night Nathaniel Callahan, her high school sweetheart and the one man she has always loved, shows up.
 
Fifteen years ago Nate ended things with Lauren before heading off to the Naval Academy and his life with the Marines, but he never stopped loving her. Now he's home to correct the mistake he made all those years ago.
Who will win her heart:  the man who can promise her the world or the man who has the power to crush her heart again?
 
 
Excerpt
 
With his hand still wrapped around her wrist, she took a step away from him. "Soon you'll go back to wherever the military wants you. We may never see each other again. The past doesn't matter."
            "Like I told you the other night, Lauren. I am not leaving." He focused on removing the anger from his voice.
            A cynical smile formed on her face. "You left the marines? Yeah, right. They mean more to you then I ever did." The anger he'd heard before diminished, but sadness took its place.
            Nate reached out his free hand and touched her cheek. "That's not true, and I'm no longer on active duty." The warmth from her skin managed to penetrate through the calluses on his hands. "I'm in the reserves now. Last month I graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico."
            Lauren's eyes flew open. "You're an FBI Agent? Seriously!" Her voice hit the next octave.
            Surprise and shock trumped anger any day of the week. "Yeah, in the Boston field office."
            "Wow, that's..." The awe in her voice trailed off. "That doesn't change anything." She took a step back, and his hand fell away.
            With the increased distance between them, again the sunshine he'd felt bathed in a moment ago disappeared. "I don't believe that." In two steps he closed the distance between them. Before she could move again he made his move. He let his lips brush against hers.
            Home. The word lit up in his head. Regardless of the years gone by, he belonged right here with this woman. He always had.
 
Once again, thanks Christina for dropping by for a chat.
If you would like to find out more about Christina and her books the links are below. Also, if you would like to see how this series began The Teacher’s Billionaire (Book 1) is available at the moment for free on Amazon.
 
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Nicóle  xx
 

 
About Christina -
I wrote my first story with characters similar to those in the Sweet Valley Twins books at the age of 10 on my grandmother's manual typewriter. As I got older my stories and characters became more mature.
 
During my freshman year at UMass Dartmouth, I read my first romance novel and fell in love with the genre. I have been writing contemporary romance ever since.
Today I live with my husband, three beautiful daughters and two dogs in Massachusetts. Whenever I have a free moment you'll find me either reading a romance novel or working on my most current story.
 
 
 
 
 
Author Links:
 
twitter: @cgricci
 
Buy Links:
http://bit.ly/14xrBMh (Smashwords)
 
 

Thursday, 5 December 2013

Rain & Dancing on Air Giveaway


Hi everyone,

I did mention earlier in the year that I would do another giveaway. Well, I thought what better time than around Christmas?
 Of course the fact that both my new books were published in November may have a little to do with it. J

As I have two books to celebrate I’ll be giving away two prizes.

The first is inspired by my medieval fairytale, Rain. I have one pair of sterling silver (925) and faceted Swarovski crystal earrings. They measure approximately 2.5 cm in total drop and the crystal is about 1.2cm. These are very pretty, dainty earrings, which remind me of two little raindrops.
 

1216 AD

Nuri is caught between heaven and hell. Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being who follows the storms. The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her. But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon. As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.

 

The other prize is also inspired by my book. This time it’s the Victorian era romance, Dancing on Air. Sorry guys, I’m afraid it’s not antique Victorian jewellery... ah well, maybe one day. Instead I have a funky little wooden brooch of a ballerina. The brooch is new but it has a vintage vibe about it. She measures about 6cm x 3.5cm.

Cinderella meets Swan Lake in a cross-class, Victorian novel about a ballerina, an aristocrat, and the space in between them.

Lisette yearns for freedom, security and love, but none are offered on the run-down stage of The Imperial Theatre. Instead she has hard work, a tyrannical aunt, and the hope of one day becoming a prima ballerina. Dancing on the stage she catches the attention of two powerful men: Lord Gainswith and Lord De Vale.

Lord Evander Gainswith never expected to fall in love, let alone with a woman so wholly unacceptable to his family and his peers. The sinister Lord De Vale covets Lisette's youth and strength, and is willing to pay well for it. Lisette may dance roles in fairy tales and fantasies, but the real world is about to intrude, bringing with it the harsh realities of life for a young girl with dreams of rising above the demimonde.



To Enter

Just answer this question  -  A Scottish laird, a warrior, a knight, a regency rake, there are so many yummy heroes to choose from.  What’s your favourite type of historical hero?

Leave your answer & email in the comments section. The winners will be drawn via the top hat method (see pictures below). The contest is open internationally and one entry per person.  Have fun & good luck!

Open from 5th December to Friday 13th at midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Drawn 14th December.

The Top Hat Method -

All valid entries will be placed into my top hat (circa 1880’s and according to the label – Johnson & Co Hatters to the Queen & HRH the Prince of Wales. 113 Regent Street, London) and two random winners will be drawn.

 
Top Hat modelled by Alannah
 
 
Nicóle  xx

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Bewitching Blurbs



Bewitching Blurbs

Hi everyone,

So here’s another Bewitching Blurbs. This week we have some wonderful titles across several genres and heat levels.

If you have a new release, feel free to add the title, buy link, website and blurb to the comment section.

Please just remember to keep it PG and it’s a blurb not an extract – thanks.

  
 
Christina Phillips brings us a tale from ancient Briton. Her Savage Scot is the first in the Highland Warriors series. I just love this cover!
Her Savage Scot
By Christina Phillips

When tough Scot warrior Connor Mackenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.
Connor delivers the message from his king and Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada—Connor’s half-brother. However, the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

 
The ever fabulous Imogene Nix adds her latest contemporary story, A Bar in Paris.
A Bar in Paris
By Imogene Nix
Turning 30? All alone? A commitment-free weekend in Paris should help…shouldn't it?

What does a single woman do when she's turning thirty? She takes a weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or that's what Davina Chandler does, anyway.

Enter Johnathon, a tall, charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his magnetism and that sexy dimple?

What starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more, but can one weekend turn into a lifetime? And will a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?

For those of you who love a dark urban fantasy, Sarah Daltry offers Bitter Fruits.
Bitter Fruits
By Sarah Daltry
A vampire-themed masquerade party isn't really her scene, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars. When she meets Alec, the appeal suddenly becomes clear. It's obvious that they've been struck by the same intense mutual attraction, but Alec keeps his distance. Intrigued despite herself, Nora pushes a little deeper -- and discovers Alec's unimaginable secret...

Nora is not afraid of following Alec into the darkness, but the choice is soon taken from her. Someone is hunting her -- someone tied to the secret and desperate to see it play out. But when Nora finally meets her aggressor, she finds herself hopelessly drawn to him. She needs to make a choice between the two men, but can she save them both, knowing one is destined to die?
 
 

Amanda Canham’s  A Life Worth Living is about secret desires and second chances.

A Life Worth Living
By Amanda Canham

Dr Cameron Lewis has been running from his past for a long time, so when a career opportunity opens up in his hometown of Brisbane, he takes it as a sign to move home and pick up the pieces of his life. But his vow to never have a child remains steadfast — it’s the one thing he can’t compromise on.

Nurse Stacey Carter has always craved a family of her own, and, following a bitter divorce and the death of her mother, she finally decides to make her dreams come true. She doesn’t need a man to help, but she can’t help thinking that the new doctor in the Sleep Medicine ward might be the ideal alternative...


 


And to get us all into the festive mood of the season, Darlene Fredette and Rhian Cahill share some Christmas stories.

One Sweet Christmas (novella)
By Darlene Fredette

It’s going to take more than a few pieces of chocolate to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer. Luckily Candice Cane has a whole shop full...

Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.

Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.

Jackson wants nothing to do with his small town past, but Candice shows him what he didn’t even know he’d been missing. Can a bit of Christmas magic heal old wounds and offer up a future neither saw coming?



 
Secret Santa (novella)
By Rhian Cahill
From bestselling author Rhian Cahill. Sometimes Santa doesn’t give you what you want — he gives you what you need.

The last thing Jenn wants this Christmas to be is merry. Hibernating in her apartment is the perfect plan for someone who has lost way more than just her Christmas cheer. She’ll re-emerge on December 26th and move on with her life.

Morgan has had just about enough of dancing around the sexual chemistry between himself and his manager, Jenn. If he has his way, she won’t spend this Christmas — or any other — alone. With the help of a bogus set of secret Santa envelopes, he’s going to deliver a Christmas present to the woman he loves, one she’ll never forget!
 
 
Rain
By Nicole Hurley-Moore
On the mountain, high above the village of Farran – Nuri is caught between heaven and hell. Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being that follows the storms. Nuri knows that he is not human, he’s something more. She believes he is her beautiful fallen angel. But he is transient and is bound to the elements and their love may be as fleeting as the storm itself. And Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her, will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.
 
Hope you enjoyed this week’s Bewitching Blurbs.
As always thanks for stopping by.
 
Nicóle  xx