We’re half way through 2014 already and this month at Tule, that means Christmas in June! Are you in? For those of you who’ve been with me for a while, you know how much I love Christmas so this promo is one I’m really excited about.
It’s a super busy time with lots of great releases and a lot of fun planned for readers and right now, we’ve got a special Christmas bundle for you featuring stories from Melissa McClone, Katherine Garbera and myself, along with some extra content, including some of our favorite recipes from Marietta, Montana, and more.
TheChristmas bundle will be on sale on Wednesday at just .99 cents for a full week so if you didn’t get a chance to buy the stories earlier, do take advantage of this great deal!
But there’s more! You know Tule loves to reward fans and loyal readers for their continued support so we’re also hosting a wonderful contest that really will bring Christmas in June!
Grand prize ‘present’:
$50 Amazon gift card
$5 Starbucks drink card
Marietta, Montana mug & cocoa
Western themed ornament
3 books: A Copper Mountain Christmas anthology
Fiona Harper’s Make My Wish Come True
CJ Carmichael’s Big Sky Christmas
recipe cards, pen, & Tule tote bag
chocolate, popcorn & more!
2nd Prize:
$20 Target gift card
Marietta, Montana mug
$5 Starbucks drink card & cocoa
Western themed ornament A Copper Mountain Christmas anthology
CJ Carmichael’s Big Sky Christmas
recipe cards, pen, & Tule tote bag
chocolate, popcorn & more!
3rd Prize:
$10 Target gift card
$ 5 Starbucks drink card
Marietta, Montana mug & cocoa A Copper Mountain Christmas anthology
recipe cards, pen, & Tule tote bag
And there are 2 more bonus prizes that include:
$10 Target gift card
$5 Starbucks drink card A Copper Mountain Christmas anthology
recipe cards & pen & some extras surprises!
All the fun starts on Wednesday, June 4th so be sure you head over to the Montana Born Books page on Facebook for details on how to enter! I’d love for some of you to win these wonderful treats! Good luck!
I don’t even remember when or where I first met my friend, Beth Kendrick. I am thinking it was a tea at RWA’s annual conference, hosted by John Charles, the former RWA Librarian of the Year. It may have been sooner. I know I’d read her chick lit/women’s fiction books before I’d ever met her and loved her fresh, fun, flirty stories that always end happily, leaving you happy.
Over the years Beth and I have been able to meet up at conferences, and in Arizona (for tea again! with John Charles!), and Hawaii, when she brought her mom and son out to play with us a year ago on Oahu. We’ve spoken to librarians together and talked out plot problems and what makes an alpha an alpha. And now my lovely friend has a brand new release, just out yesterday and I convinced her she had to come share here on my JaneBlog, to talk about Cure for the Common Breakup(which features a nice blurb by me on the front cover!)
Beth, let’s talk about the new book. What led you to write this story?
Louis L’Amour wrote,“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.That will be the beginning.” That quote has gotten me through some dark times in my own life, and it provided the first spark of inspiration for this story.
Those of you who read my last book, “The Week Before the Wedding”, may remember Summer Benson, Emily’s wild-child maid of honor. Summer was truly a gift from the writing gods– spontaneous, whip-smart, and hilarious, with an “I regret nothing!” attitude—and it was obvious that she needed her own book. I decided I’d brainstorm some brilliant ideas for her story…right after I went on vacation in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Of course, it turns out that writers’ brains never truly go on vacation. After three days of “not working” at the beach, I had an idea for the new book–and by miraculous coincidence, it was set on the Delaware shore!
This book goes out to every woman who’s had her heart broken and has rallied with her girlfriends to hold on to humor, hope, and faith that life will go on. That laughter will heal. That love—in all its many forms—will prevail. Oh, and also, there’s a ton of classic breakup songs and fancy beach houses and a swoon-worthy “designated rebound guy”. Because, you know. Priorities.
Does music play a role in your writing process? If so, do you create a special playlist for every book you write?
The town of Black Dog Bay has a bar called the Whinery, which, in accordance with the whole “bounce back from your breakup” theme, offers a playlist that includes every breakup song you could ever want. My Facebook fans helped to compile the list and there’s a little something for everyone, from country to pop to classic R&B. Here’s a sampling of what’s on tap:
“Divorce Song” by Liz Phair, “Fist City” by Loretta Lynn, “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rhianna, “Needle in a Haystack” by the Vevelettes, “Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)” by Travis Tritt, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, and the Iris DeMent classic “God Will Forgive You (But I Won’t)”. I tried to put in a little something for everyone!
Did you do a lot of research while writing this book?
I’m a research junkie; I love getting little peeks into other careers and lifestyles. For this book, I interviewed a flight attendant because it was important to me to depict Summer’s job as more than the cultural cliché we have of flight attendants. My “source” (aka my friend Kimberly), who’s been working at a major airline for over a decade, told fascinating stories about the places she’s been and the people she’s worked with, and she also added some great little details, like the fact that it really bothers her that uniform regulations require that she wear black pantyhose with navy skirts. You’re just not going to get that kind of information from a Google search.
Oh, and I also went to the Delaware shore for a week and hung out with my family, eating ice cream and boardwalk fries and sipping wine. All in the name of research. These are the sacrifices I make for my art!
Welcome to Black Dog Bay, a tiny seaside town in Delaware known as “the best place in America to bounce back from your breakup.” Home to the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, and the Whinery bar, Black Dog Bay offers a haven for the suddenly single. Flight attendant Summer Benson lives by two rules: Don’t stay with the same man for too long and never stay in one place. She’s about to break rule number one by accepting her boyfriend’s proposal—then disaster strikes and her world is shattered in an instant. Summer heads to Black Dog Bay, where the locals welcome her. Even Hattie Huntington, the town’s oldest, richest, and meanest resident, likes her enough to give her a job. Then there’s Dutch Jansen, the rugged, stoic mayor, who’s the opposite of her type. She probably shouldn’t be kissing him. She definitely shouldn’t be falling in love. After a lifetime of globe-trotting, Summer has finally found a home. But Hattie has old scores to settle and a hidden agenda for her newest employee. Summer finds herself faced with an impossible choice: Leave Black Dog Bay behind forever, or stay with the ones she loves and cost them everything….
What are you working on next?
I just finished the first draft of “New Uses for Old Boyfriends”, which is also set in Black Dog Bay. (I’m never leaving the Whinery. Fact.) It’s about a recent divorcee who goes back to her hometown after her father dies…only to find financial disaster, a grieving mother in total denial, and a passel of ex-boyfriends—all with different agendas–awaiting her.
Name 3 books you hope to read soon:
“The Rosie Project”by Graeme Simsion, “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand (although I hear this will give me shark nightmares for weeks), and “Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink” by Kim Gruenenfelder
Title and author of the latest book you read?
Hands down, the best perk of being a writer is having other writers for friends. I just read volunteered (read: begged) to be a “beta reader” for my buddy Kresley Cole, who writes super dark and steamy paranormal romances. She caved and let me take a peek at a draft of her upcoming release, “Dark Skye” (to be published August 5) and OMG soooo good. I can’t wait to read the final version.
Name 5 words that fit your personality according to you. And 5 words that fit your personality according to your best friend.
According to me: Resilient, positive, tenacious, dog-crazy, bubbly
According to my friend Chandra (bear in mind that my new book is dedicated to her, so she may be EVER SO SLIGHTLY BIASED): Smart, witty, tenacious, curious, loving
We both listed “tenacious”. Translation: Beth Kendrick is as stubborn as a mule.
Beth Kendrick is the author of ten women’s fiction novels, including Cure for the Common Breakup and Nearlyweds, which was made into a Hallmark Channel original movie. She grew up in New England, went to college in the Midwest, and headed to grad school in California, where she earned her PhD in psychology. She now lives in Arizona with two red rescue mutts. Her favorite breakup songs include One Trick Pony’s “The Bride” and Icona Pop’s “I Love It”.
Thank you, Beth, for sharing with us today, and readers, I have a special special Beth Kendrick giveaway that includes copies of some of Beth’s backlist, a Starbucks drink card, and lots of treats all tucked into a Jane Porter tote bag. For a chance to win the Beth Prize, let me know how you would suggest getting over a bad break up, or a broken heart! Contest ends Monday May 13th, with the winner announced Tuesday morning!
One of my favorite days in May is Mother’s Day because it celebrates women and mothers everywhere, and I am such a fan of women. We really do juggle a lot of balls and accomplish amazing things. Women and moms are constantly giving and this year, as a special treat, Tule Publishing is recognizing women by releasing a fabulous Mother’s Day Romance Bundle featuring 12 delicious stories by 12 bestselling authors for just .99 cents!
We want to recognize all the wonderful moms and women out there who love to read and this is our little gift to you on your special day! This Mother’s Day collection features stories from Megan Crane, CJ Carmichael, Lilian Darcy, Melissa McClone, Katherine Garbera, Kelly Hunter, Trish Morey, Kim Boykin, Erika Marks, Kaira Rouda and yes, me, too. The special e-book boxed set is available at Amazon, and here’s the order link:
The special promo price will only last until the 11th of May (Mother’s Day) and then goes up to $2.99 on Monday, which is still a steal, so be sure to download your copy of the Mother’s Day box set today and do help me get the word out to all your friends too. It’s a very limited deal because by the end of May, this Mother’s Day gift will be gone forever!
A selection of tasty treats put together especially for Mother’s Day. From the ruggedly beautiful land that is Montana, come these tales of love and romance from some of the genre’s best selling and award winning authors. And the bonus is, they’re entirely calorie free! Happy Mother’s Day! Stories included: Megan Crane – Tempt Me, Cowboy CJ Carmichael – Promise Me Cowboy Lilian Darcy – The Sweetest Thing Jane Porter – Christmas at Copper Mountain Melissa McClone – Home for Christmas Katherine Garbera – A Cowboy for Christmas Kelly Hunter – What a Bride Wants Trish Morey – Second Chance Bride Kim Boykin – Sweet Home Carolina Erika Marks – Bet the House
I also have a wonderful Mother’s Day prize for one of you…just because I like you. 🙂
For a chance to win this special Mother’s Day treat, just tell me what you are doing this weekend in the comments section below, and that’s it! You are entered. Winner will be announced Sunday evening PST, so make sure you enter soon while you can!
I first ‘met’ Kaira Rouda when I lived in Seattle and a publicist sent me her debut novel, Here, Home, Hope to read and blurb. Things were so hectic at the time that I couldn’t get the blurb done in time for Kaira’s PR purposes, but I ended up reading the book later on vacation and loved it.
It wasn’t until I moved to Southern California that I had the chance to meet Kaira in person, and she’s literally brighter and sunnier and more wonderful than all this California sunshine. She is genuinely kind and bubbly and positive and I am thrilled she’s going to be publishing a story with Tule Publishing’s Southern Born imprint in August, and even more thrilled she’s become my friend.
Kaira has a brand new novel out yesterday, May 1st, and so I’ve asked her here to join us so you can get to know my friend!
Kaira, what do you love most about being a writer?
Being a writer was all I ever dreamed of becoming. I pinch myself because it’s my reality now, and has been since Here, Home, Hope came out three years ago this month. It took me until my 40s to finally go for it. I’m so thankful everyday!
Is there anything that has surprised you about writing or publishing your books?
This is going to sound funny, but I’ve discovered publishing today is a lot like the residential real estate industry was in early 2000. My husband and I built a national real estate franchise called Real Living during the time and the industry was fraught with change. Technology and big aggregators were creating quite a stir. Sound familiar? Whether authors define themselves as traditional, indie, hybrid or just simply, AUTHOR, content is what matters in the end. Good content – in this case a wonderful story and a skilled storyteller; in the case of real estate – good listings, great agents – presented to the right audience is key.
Do you incorporate any of your own life experiences into your stories?
Of course. J And my friends all know it by now.
Tell us about In The Mirror. What inspired you to write this story?
In the Mirror is without a doubt the most poignant story I’ve written to date. Ever since I was a young mom myself, I have known far too many moms who have been stricken by cancer in their prime. In particular, a dear friend of mine with children the same age as mine fought a valiant almost 11-year fight with metastatic breast cancer. Her grace under pressure continues to be an inspiration and a lasting legacy. The charities she established continue to raise huge sums of money to fight the disease.
We all know our time on earth is finite, there are warnings all around us, but how many of us think of life that way? In the story, Jennifer is a young mom fighting for her life, but she is still a woman who finds the attention from an old boyfriend exciting. The story asks the question: What choices would you make if you knew you might die soon?
This book has been in the works for 10 plus years, and I am so grateful for the response it has received from early reviewers. I hope you will give it a read.
“Emotionally gripping and heart-achingly beautiful.” When determined mother and entrepreneur, Jennifer Benson, is diagnosed with cancer, she enters an experimental treatment facility to tackle her death sentence the same way she’s tackled her life – head on. But while she’s busy fighting for a cure, running her business, planning a party, staying connected to her kids and trying to keep her sanity, she ignores her own intuition and warnings from others and reignites an old relationship best left behind. If you knew you might die, what choices would you make? How would it affect your marriage? How would you live each day? How many warnings would you ignore? And how would you say no to the one that got away?
What are you working on now?
Lines in the Sand, an Indigo Island romantic suspense novel, for Tule Publishing, scheduled to be out this August! I’m so excited to be partnering with Jane’s publishing company and I’m coming to RWA in San Antonio for the first time. So many exciting things are happening right now – I pinch myself!
What’s your astrological sign?
I’m a Taurus, but I love the ocean.
Three things you know now that you wish you’d known before publishing your first book?
Most authors don’t go on a 22-state book tour. I’m sort of an overachiever. That was a fun tour, but quite exhausting as you may imagine!
Last song you listened to?
This is so cool! (I think!) My youngest son is a junior in high school and just released his first EP. His name is Dylan Rouda and you can find him on iTunes etc. (Yes, proud mom moment.) Yesterday he came into the family room and played a new song he just wrote. It is amazing and I can’t wait for him to record it. (Yes, I’m completely biased, but still it’s good, I promise!) I guess what I’m saying is nothing beats the sound of your child following his dreams!
What words would you use to describe your book?
I love Tracey Garvis Graves’ blurb: “Emotionally gripping and heart-achingly beautiful, this novel will make you think about what’s truly important.”
Thank you, Kaira, and to celebrate this little ray of sunshine I’m giving away a Southern California gift with two Kaira Rouda novels, an Orange County Starbucks mug, and Orange County Starbucks drink card, a very cute California t-shirt, and lots of reader swag and treats. How to enter the giveaway? Tell me something you learned about Kaira, OR tell me something you liked that Kaira said! That’s it! How easy is that?
May is one of my favorite months because it brings the annual Brenda Novak Auction for Diabetes. I have tremendous respect for Brenda and if you’ve been with me for a while, you know I love to support the Diabetes cause and as always, I need your help to spread the word about A Sweet Life, a boxed set I’ve been asked to be a part of!
Priced at only 2.99 (regular price 7.99), A Sweet Life is a stunning limited edition (1500 page collection!!) of fourteen contemporary romances by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors, and includes a foreword by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber and stories from some of today’s most fabulous authors. Please help me support this cause and order your copy today of A Sweet Life.
Have your cake and eat it too–your purchase of A Sweet Life helps fight against diabetes! Priced at only 2.99 (regular price 7.99), indulge in this stunning limited edition collection of fourteen contemporary romances by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors… You can make a difference while you read! All proceeds from the sale of A Sweet Life will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research. Featuring a foreword by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber. Get your copy today! 1500 pages/ 675 000 words I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre (The Sullivans) The only woman wealthy Irish pub owner Jake McCann wants is the one he can’t have–Sophie Sullivan, his best friend’s off limits sister. But when the beautiful librarian appears on his doorstep as his every fantasy come to life, even though Jake knows loving Sophie isn’t the right thing to do…how can he possibly resist? On A Night Like This by Barbara Freethy (Callways #1) From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes the first book about the Callaways, a big Irish family born to serve and protect, many as San Francisco firefighters. May Day! By Heather Graham Members of the Krewe of Hunters team plan a relaxing vacation to jolly old London for the English celebration–they never figured that a May Pole just might be murder. Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent When mystery shopper Shannon Jacoby meets billionaire Declan McCormick with her hand down a toilet in the men’s room of one of his stores, it’s love at first flush. Built to Last by Susan Mallery The tale of Aaron Cross, a man who doesn’t know he needs saving…until he meets Marissa Spencer, a heroine inspired by the real life founder of the Motheread/ Fatheread Literacy Program. A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak Delaney is tired of waiting for the right man–all she wants is a baby. After seducing a handsome stranger, she returns to Dundee to find that same man is actually taking up residence on a ranch just outside of town–where he will very likely realize she’s expecting. Dare to Love by Carly Phillips In relationships, Ian Dare offers the bare minimum–until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor changes his perspective. Their affair heats up and love comes into play, but Riley’s secret past just might cost them everything. Executive Seduction by Jennifer Probst When Chandler Santell turns to Logan Grant, the most ruthless CEO in the finance industry to save her beloved Yoga and Arts Center, she never intended to have seduction as part of the plan… In Too Deep by RaeAnne Thayne Though fiercely drawn to the comfort of Andrea McPhee’s arms, Will Tanner isn’t sure he can find room for a woman like her in a life focused on vengeance–until he discovers she has secrets of her own. Every Girl Does It by Rachel Van Dyken Amanda gets a flash from the past when the nerdy kid she rejected in high school suddenly reappears in her life…dead sexy, he’s all man and he wants her. Homecoming Season by Susan Wiggs Miranda Sweeney and her family find hope and healing while spending an autumn at Willow Lake after Miranda survives breast cancer. Inspired by the founder of Cottage Dreams. Unspoken by Lauren Hawkeye Once, Ellie Kendrick was the only thing that Dominic Gabriel wanted. Now she’s back and her version of what happened between them so long ago makes him question everything he knows about himself as a man… Sweet Memories by Steena Holmes Thinking her marriage is over, Tessa is shocked to fall into the arms of her husband… literally. What’s a girl to do when her heart still goes pitter-patter for a man who ran out on her once but comes back determined to take another chance? Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter Jilted at the altar, Jenny Wright is devastated that bull riding champ Colton Thorpe witnesses her shame, but tough sexy Colton is a man who knows what he wants… and he wants Jenny.
Also, Brenda Novak’s auction opens this month, too, and once again I am supporting it through donations from Tule Publishing.
So, do grab your copy of A Sweet Life today here at Amazon and don’t forget about Brenda’s amazing auction and all the wonderful things you can bid on for writers, readers, and wonderful women! http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf
Feel like winning something? How about a JP surprise mystery box that is LOADED with great great stuff! Books, gift cards, treats, sweets….it’s awesome and I’d love for you to win. How to win? Just comment below and let me know what you’d bid on at Brenda Novak’s Diabetes Auction if you could bid on anything. Contest ends Saturday and winner announced Sunday. Good luck and have a terrific day!
I have a new book, Beauty’s Kiss, out today, and even better it’s available for FREE at Amazon right now, so download your copy this weekend! Once you’ve had a chance to read it, if you have a moment and don’t mind, I would be grateful if you’d post a review on the story, too. Although it’s only available as an ebook now, it will be available in print in the next thirty days.
Beauty’s Kiss is my third story set in Marietta, Montana, and the second story of my newest series, The Taming of the Sheenans. If you’ve read my books before, you know I love connected stories, and have written numerous series featuring families for Harlequin Presents (The Galvans, The Princess Brides, The Desert Kings), Grand Central Publishing (Marta from Odd Mom Out and her friends) and my Brennan Sisters trilogy from Berkley Books.
The Taming of the Sheenans, is about five brothers from Marietta, Montana and boy oh boy do these men know how to take over a scene and own the room! The Sheenans are big, tough, rugged men, and as different as the Montana landscape. I launched the series in December with Christmas at Copper Mountain, my story about widower Brock Sheenan, the oldest brother, a taciturn rancher and single father who has been alone too long.
Now the series continues with Beauty’s Kiss, featuring the ‘good’ Sheenan twin, venture capitalist Troy, named Marietta’s Most Eligible Bachelor by the Copper Mountain Courier several years ago. But thirty-six year old Troy is more than a pretty face. He’s brilliant and ambitious, loyal to this family, and has a secret soft spot for historical buildings, small towns, and brainy book girls and meets his match in new Marietta librarian, Taylor Harris.
Taylor Harris–Marietta, Montana’s new librarian–is the quiet type who likes her glamour between the book covers. When she’s pushed into attending the formal Valentine Ball with Marietta’s Most Eligible Bachelor, Troy Sheenan, Taylor can’t imagine a worse pairing. What in the world would she have in common with a wealthy playboy like Troy? Technology tycoon Troy is forced by business concerns to return to his hometown and take the town librarian to the Valentine Ball… what he doesn’t expect is that Taylor is even less excited about the prospect than he is! Intrigued by the only woman in town who wouldn’t be thrilled to take his arm at the big event, he’s determined that she will not just agree to be his date… bur she’s going to like it. Can Taylor turn a cold shoulder to Troy’s heart-melting charms, or is this about to be Marietta’s hottest Valentine’s Ball yet?To celebrate the release of Beauty’s Kiss, I’m giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card, chocolate and the print collection of one of my series in a JP tote bag. If you win, you get to choose the series! You can pick from one of my connected series by checking out the listings on my website…and its your choice… the Galvans, the Desert Kings, the Brennans, the Odd Mom Out quartet, or one of the others! Contest ends on Monday night and winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good luck!!
I’ve known New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips for a long long time and I’ve been a fan even longer. I’m very excited that she has a brand new release out today, Dare to Desire, and this story once again delivers her trademark hot, sexy characters and fun, fantastic plots!
NY Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family… siblings shaped by a father’s secrets and betrayal. “One of my favorite reads this year.” HM Ward, NYT Bestselling Author on Dare to Love Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career and his choice of willing women — until injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he callously hurt when she got too close for comfort. Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily. But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. Can he convince Madison to take a risk and dare to love?
Because enquiring minds want to know, I emailed Carly and asked her some very important questions.
Q. Carly, which do you like better Beach or Mountains?
A. Jane, the Beach
Q. Carly, Historical romance or Paranormal?
A. Paranormal (give me some shifters, baby!)
Q. And Carly, the most important of all. Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate?
A. Milk chocolate!
There you go! A deep, insightful chat with one of my fav author gals. Look for Dare to Desire on Amazon or Barnes & Noble today! Carly’s giving away a copy of Dare to Love to one lucky winner! For a chance to win, comment below and you’ll be entered in the contest. Have you read books by Carly before? What’s your favorite one? Contest ends Sunday night and winner will be announced on Monday.
I’m crazy about brides and weddings and have loved Bridal Magazines since I was a girl. There’s something about those gorgeous white dresses–puffy, sleek, shimmery, silky, slinky–and how they transform an ordinary girl into a princess.
I think every girl at one point has secretly flipped through a glossy Brides magazine, wishing she could be that Bride, which is how Montana Born Books new Spring series came about. We wanted great writers to give us a great bride…and it was up to the author to find her inspiration. The only rule? The heroine had to be in or from Marietta, Montana, and by the story’s end, she had to be a bride.
And the stories are wonderful. So very very wonderful.
They’re even better than the beautiful glossy brides covers Lani from Storywonk gave them. (Thank you, Lani! You’re a dream!!)
Last week Tule Publishing launched the Montana Born Brides series with Kelly Hunter’s What a Bride Wants, and the reviews have been pouring in–65+ so far and they’re fabulous. I think her cover is perfect, too. It’s fun, flirty, and sexy which suits Kelly’s great characters and voice. When questioned about her heroine, Kelly said, “I adore Ella Grace Emerson from this story. She’s such a blend of confidence and insecurity. She’s a strong woman. A capable one. I also gave her a go get it attitude and a little touch of princess. I think I want to be her.”
What a bride wants… Ella Grace Emerson adores her father, but he keeps trying to marry her off to every eligible rancher in Montana. When he puts an ad in the paper on her behalf – for a docile house-husband – Ella retaliates with one of her own, pinned to the noticeboard of the local saloon. No husband required, housebroken or otherwise. What she wants is the perfect lover. What a bride needs… Newcomer Cam Sawyer is perfectly willing to tear up the sheets with Ella and be her partner in chaos. She wants a bad boy and he’s had experience aplenty. But what she really needs is a strong and loving partner, and until Sawyer stops running from his past he can never be that. Sawyer’s the one Ella wants. But can he be the man she needs?Just yesterday, Tule released Trish Morey’s Second Chance Bride, the second story in the Brides series, and it’s only $0.99 cents on Amazon today so be sure to get your copy right away. Sometme tomorrow, on Tuesday, the price will go up to $2.99 so don’t miss your chance. (And see what I mean about gorgeous covers?!? Trish’s cover makes me want to dance!)
When I asked Trish what she loved most about her heroine, Scarlett, she said – “I love that Scarlett is flawed and knows it. She adores her twin sister, Tara, (even if she’s not too crazy about her choice of boyfriend) and wishes she were more like her. Tara’s the sensible twin while Scarlett has always been the one to get in trouble and need bailing out. But she’s strong too, and resilient, and she’s nobody’s fool, and by the end of the story, she’s getting her act together and finding her place in the world.”
Scarlett Buck has always been flaky in comparison to her sensible twin sister Tara, so nobody is really surprised when Scarlett spends all her money on a one way ticket to Australia to be with the man she’s met on the Net. But she hasn’t reckoned on the guy already being married, or her mom getting sick, and now she needs money for a flight home to Marietta, MT—quick. Signing on with Bella’s Belles in Kalgoorlie isn’t be the proudest moment in her life but it will get her home fast. After all, it’s just sex. Or is it? Mitch Bannister’s ex is about to marry his best friend, and he could really do with a cold beer and a hot woman. But the cowgirl he takes a shine to at Bella’s is surprisingly skittish, and in the end he leaves without hooking up. Later, when Mitch spies the cowgirl in the local pub begging for a job, he shrinks into the shadows–he’s not looking for complications, and something tells him that Scarlett Buck is a whole handful of them. But soon it’s clear she’s not just trouble, she’s in trouble, and like it or not, he’s not about to turn his back on this stray from the States. Especially if she can do him a favor in return. After all, it’s just a helping hand. Or is it?
Then coming up next week on the 15th of April will be the 3rd Brides story by the incomparable Sarah Mayberry. Sarah’s Almost A Bride, features Trish’s heroine, Scarlett’s twin sister, Tara and another stunning cover. Sarah’s story is amazing…all these authors are amazing and I am so excited for you to discover these talented authors, too.
Tara Buck has always been the good sister, level-headed by comparison to Scarlett, her flaky, impulsive twin. But when Tara learns her fiancé has been cheating on her with one of his school students, the orderly world she’s created for herself suddenly feels as if it’s falling apart. For years she chose the safe option, but from now on she’s going to live a little, stretch her wings…be a little daring. And if that means acting on the long-suppressed feelings she’s always had for Reid Dalton, then so be it! Reid has wanted Tara from the moment he met her, but she’s always been out of bounds. Not only is she his patrol partner at the Bozeman PD, she’s also engaged. But then her relationship blows up, and Reid finds himself battling his own instinct to stake his claim with the finest, hottest woman he’s ever known. Even if anything did happen between them, it would only ever be temporary – Reid’s a born wanderer, while Tara’s roots run deep in Marietta. So even if things are good between them, it seems their romance is destined to be short and sweet…
And if you love these first three stories as much as I do, you’re in luck. There will be five more Brides novellas by talented authors Katherine Garbera, Joanne Walsh, Kathleen O’Brien, Megan Crane, and Anne McAllister. Lucky luck us!
But before I get ahead of myself, let’s launch this first stories in style! I’ve got a terrific giveaway for one of you consisting of a beautiful teapot, teacup, tea, 3 brides stories by Harlequin super star talents Trish Morey, Kelly Hunter and me, plus lots more fun reader goodies —
For a chance to win this pretty bridal prize, talk to me! Tell me, are you a fan of wedding stories? Have you read the first book in this new Montana Born series? If so, what did you think? Or tell me when was the last time you attended a wedding! Fill me in and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. Contest ends Thursday night with winner announced Friday so enter today! (And don’t forget to get your copy of Trish’s book for just $0.99 before the price goes up!)
This was an exciting week for romance writers as the nominations were announced for this year’s Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards. The RITAs are my industry’s version of the Oscars and I was absolutely stunned–but also delighted–to get a phone call Wednesday morning informing me that my novella, Take Me, Cowboy, published by Tule this past October as part of the Montana Born Books imprint, was selected as one of the best novellas of the year. Several of my close friends were nominated for awards this year, too, including Harlequin author pals, Megan Crane/Caitlin Crews, Maisey Yates, and Sarah Morgan–all authors I’ve featured here on my Blog.
Marie Force, my guest author this past week, was also a RITA nominee, and so is my friend, Brenda Novak. Brenda and I date back many, many years. She’s so terrific and giving. Most of you are familiar with her auction, and how she is so dedicated to raising money for diabetes research. Brenda wants a cure, and so do I, and I love supporting her in every way possible.
I was so very happy to hear about Brenda’s RITA nomination for HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK. I have loved, loved loved her Whiskey Creek series, and if you’re reading the books, yoU know that her latest in the series, COME HOME TO ME, just released. It’s always exciting to have a new book out, but its also stressful because you’re anxious to hear what all your readers think. I wanted her to know how much I love her and how proud I am of her RITA nomination and her tremendous success.
If you’re reading the Whiksey Creek series, you probably know that COME HOME TO ME is getting rave reviews (4 1/2 stars from RT!!) and it’s also on sale right now for 30% off! You can learn more about the entire series on her website or her social media: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Here’s a very quick synopsis of the new book: When Presley returns to Whiskey Creek, she has completely changed her life. There’s just one catch. She hasn’t been able to get over bad boy Aaron Amos. But she can’t fall back into his arms…or his bed. There’s a secret she’s been guarding—a secret she’ll do anything to protect.
Brenda is my girl. She always has my back and if you are looking for a terrific warm-your-heart-make-you-feel-great read, COME HOME TO ME is it.
And since Brenda knows how much I love to share the love with my readers, we have a great giveaway for one of you–the Whiskey Creek series in a darling Brenda Novak tote! I’m throwing in a ton of reader goodies, too, so grab your copy of COME HOME TO ME while it’s on sale, and if you want to enter the contest, comment below. You can congratulate Brenda on her RITA nomination, or comment on one of the books in the series.
The contest ends Tuesday night with the winner announced Wednesday morning so please be sure to enter soon. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I’m still on deadline, writing like mad, but sometime next week, Beauty’s Kiss will be out and for a couple days…free!
I’m so happy to have Marie Forcehere with us today as a featured author on my JaneBlog. Marie is literally a force of nature. I’ve followed her career, impressed, dazzled, and then–pencil out, taking notes.
I love Marie’s commitment to her readers, who are her #1 priority, and yet she’s also managed to scoop up the indie published authors and make them a community, too. Can you tell I’m a fan?
We’re lucky to have Marie with us today, on her big release day for FATAL JEOPARDY, out right now, so without further delay, help me welcome Marie!
Marie, what do you love most about being an author?
I love everything about being an author, but mostly I love the readers. They are so incredibly loyal and supportive of me and my books. A distant second to that is the opportunity to do exactly what I love every day and to work with some of my favorite women who support me in a number of important ways. Plus I get to live in my own little fantasy worlds where everyone is happy and things usually work out. What’s not to love about that?
Is there anything that has surprised you about self-publishing your books?
To be entirely honest, I’ve been astounded by how profitable self-publishing has been. For years I was stuck in the low four figures when it came to my books, and I honestly never expected to ever make any real money as a writer. Self-publishing changed my life in every conceivable way, and it has changed the lives of several of my friends who are now working with me. That never would’ve happened without my self-published books and the ability to manage my career proactively.
What’s your version of success for an indie author?
Speaking for myself, I would say first and foremost was the ability to leave my day job. I’d worked for the same company for sixteen years and I loved the job and the company. I wasn’t sitting there hoping to be rid of it until my books took off to the point where I simply couldn’t manage to do both. Being able to write full time happened about ten years sooner than I had expected with the first of my two kids heading for college a year after I left my job. It’s been an incredibly amazing and wild three years, to but it mildly.
What’s the best thing you ever did for yourself in your career?
I took chances that not many people were taking yet in late 2010. When I self-published my first book, I had two publisher books coming soon after, so I self-published the first two and kept quiet about them until I got past those publisher releases. At that time, no one really knew if you could get sued for self-publishing while under contract, so it was a bit of a crap shoot—and one I’ve never regretted. The other really great thing I was able to do was releasing the first three books in the McCarthys of Gansett Island Series three months in a row in 2011, which gave that series an amazing start and propelled the momentum that continues today as I write book 11 while the readers clamor for more.
How do you stay creative?
I don’t have any special tricks to staying creative. Writing is my one creative outlet, so my attention is always focused on my books. I joke that I have more ideas for books than I have years left to live. 🙂 That’s why I spend very little time fretting about books that might remain outside of my control for many years to come. Shrug. Who cares? I’ll write new books.
What’s your typical day like when you’re between writing projects?
I’m never between writing projects. With three series going straight out right now, I’m always writing the next book. I go from one to the other and often have two going at the same time.
How do you prioritize every day to stay on track with your writing goals?
I write just about every morning, seven days a week. Morning is my most productive time of day, which took a while to happen. I had written at night for years when I was working for someone else and raising little kids. Recalibrating my brain to write during the day took about six months after I left my job. I don’t set actual word count or page count goals. The no-goals philosophy goes back to when I was still working full time and didn’t want to set myself up for failure by setting goals I could never achieve. To this day, I keep deadlines in mind and power through to The End without spending too much time obsessing about each day’s output. Some days my brain just isn’t interested in writing. So I spend those days doing other things that need to get done. I’ve learned not to fight the days when it just isn’t happening. It always comes back the next day. 🙂
Was there anyone or anything that helped inspire you to be a writer?
I have been a writer since I was a kid, but when my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003, that got me motivated to stop talking about writing a book “someday.” She got to read part of my first book, Treading Water, before she died in 2004. I like to think she is up there actively working on my behalf to drive sales and send me fantastic ideas. My dad is very engaged in my career and likes to know all the latest developments. I’m very glad he’s been able to share in the excitement with me. Everywhere we go, people want to talk about my books, and he loves that.
Please tell us about your current release.
My latest book—out on Monday, March 24, is Fatal Jeopardy, Book 7 in the Fatal Series, which debuted back in 2010 with Fatal Affair. Carina Press and HQN are bringing the series out in paperback this year, beginning with Fatal Affair and Fatal Justice, both of which are available now in stores, with three more print releases coming this year and several more next year until the print and ebook releases are synched. I’m so excited to see the Fatal Series out in bookstores and getting so much love from readers. Sam and Nick have become extremely popular, and it’s been a very exciting ride for me with this series that I’ve now been writing for five years!
Book seven of the Fatal series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Force Washington, D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland and her husband, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, have been looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving with their son. But any thoughts of a restful holiday are dashed when Sam and Nick return home to a gruesome scene: Sam’s seventeen-year-old niece Brooke, barely conscious and covered in blood on their front stoop. With lines between personal and professional blurring in this emotionally charged, deeply personal case, Sam is relying on Nick more than ever for support. But when suspicious images from the night in question appear on social media, Sam begins to wonder if her niece is telling her everything she knows about what really happened. And when Nick questions her tactics—and her ethics—as she races against the clock, Sam will need to decide how far she’s willing to go to prove Brooke is a victim, not a murderer.
What’s coming up next for you?
I hope to release the eleventh McCarthy book, Gansett After Dark, in May and then I Want to Hold Your Hand, Book 2 in the new Green Mountain Series, is out on June 3, followed by Book 3, I Saw Her Standing There, on November 4. I hope to have McCarthy Book 12 out this year, too. So I’m staying very busy!
What would be your two most important tips for other indie authors?
First would be to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t look at authors like me or others who have done well and think it happened overnight. I love to say I was a ten-year overnight success story. I worked for YEARS on this “project” before I made a dime from my efforts or saw a moment of success. I wrote seven books before I sold one back before self-publishing was an option. I think all the time about what I would’ve missed if I had given up when the first six books didn’t sell. It took twenty-five books to make the New York Times bestseller list, and I’m proud of the fact that I stayed with it long enough to get there. Since that first time on the NYT list last March, five other books have hit the list, which is incredible. So remember, nothing happens overnight. Second would be to expect to work harder than you ever have in your life. You are a “one-man-band” in a lot of ways, with your attention divided between a lot of competing demands. We hear all the time that it’s not enough to “only” write great books, and that is SOOOO true. Writing great books has to be the top priority. But you also need to be adept at marketing in the digital age and savvy about running a business. It’s a lot to juggle, so be prepared for an insane workload if you chose the indie path.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
To run my business the way a man would. I know that might seem sexist, but it was excellent advice—that came from another woman. As women, we tend to be pleasers and we come at things (often) from an emotional standpoint. Again, speaking in sweeping generalities here, men tend to be more pragmatic and less emotional. There’s a time and a place for emotional responses, but they don’t belong in business, even a creative business like ours. You have to be tough and look out for yourself and your career because NO ONE will ever care about it as much as you do. So as the very wise woman who gave me this advice said, “Grow a set and man up.” I liked that. It resonated with me, and I have never forgotten it.
Three things you know now that you wish you’d known before publishing your first book?
1. That I was about to embark upon a journey unlike anything I could ever have imagined.
2. That it’s all about the journey—the destination is almost secondary.
3. Patience and perseverance are the most important qualities to anyone pursuing a creative endeavor.
Name 5 words that fit your personality according to you. And 5 words that fit your personality according to your best friend.
With more than 2.5 million books sold, Marie Force is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary romances. Her New York Times bestselling self-published McCarthys of Gansett Island Series has sold more than 1 million e-books since Maid for Love was released in 2011. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Fatal Series from Harlequin’s Carina Press, as well as the Treading Water Series and numerous stand-alone books. All You Need is Love, book 1 in her new Green Mountain Series from Berkley Sensation, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller in February. The second book, I Want to Hold Your Hand, will be out in June, and the third book, I Saw Her Standing There, is coming in November. In 2014, Marie will have eight mass-market print releases—the first five Fatal Series books from Harlequin and the first three Green Mountain Series books from Berkley. While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two teenagers and two feisty dogs, Brandy and Louie.
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Have you read Marie before? What are you reading now, or what’s on your TBR pile? Fill me in and you’ll be entered to win a Marie Force extravaganza gift with 3 Marie Force ebooks of your choice, a $10 Amazon gift certificate and tons of Spring sweets and treats! Contest ends Thursday night with winner announced Friday morning so enter today!
Grand prize ‘present’:
2nd Prize:
3rd Prize:
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