Saturday, September 30, 2017

Halloween Treats!

Hi Everyone! My favorite month starts tomorrow, wahoo! I have some Halloween month reading recs for you, along with a fabulous giveaway sponsored by Bewitching Book Tours, and lastly, a recipe for the best caramels on the planet. Read on, my lovelies... :-)

pumpkin

Halloween Reads

  • The Dreamcaster Series, by C. J. Burright. Powerful, kickass dreamcasters and the men who love and fight for them. Two books available. #3 releases soon!
  • The Fallen Guardians Series, by G. L. Hunter. Sinfully sexy immortals, alpha to their core, and smart, strong women.
But wait! Here are more reads, plus prezzies...

Bewitching Book Tours Haunted Halloween Spooktacular

Discover a dozen new reads from participating authors in this Bewitching Book Tours Halloween event, and enter their giveaway for a $50 gift card.

And now, my favorite sweet Halloween treat compliments of my grandmother...
(p.s. soooo good you'll want them year-round!)

Grandma Eddie's Caramels

1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups white sugar
2 cups white Karo Syrup
1 stick of butter (1/4 lb.)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix together the first three ingredients (milk, sugar, syrup) in a large bowl.
Melt the butter in a large heavy kettle, pour in the mixture and bring to a boil.
Stir continuously while mixture boils until it reaches the temperature of 245 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer (can take up to 25 minutes).

Note: If mixture overcooks, candy gets too hard.

Once the 245-degree temperature is reached, remove kettle from stove.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then pour mixture onto a large buttered cookie sheet or flat pan.

Enjoy!

Have a great month, Dear Readers, and see you back here on Halloween Day!

xo,
Celia

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Friday, September 29, 2017

A Wife, A Mom, A Writer...Oh My. *Intro*

Let me start off by saying how excited I am to be included on this blog! Like seriously mind blown here! I've been a rather quiet writer for the last year so I decided an introduction as my first post would be a must. So here is a little about me....

First and foremost, I am a proud wife and mom to this crazy family. I have 2 awesome teenage daughters and I'm a step-mom to a pretty cool 19 year old.


My hubby and I have been married for 6 years now. And yep, he's pretty hot! ;-)


I work a full time job on top of attempting to be a writer. I wrote my first novel about 4 years ago and it spiraled from there. The first book 'Acquiring Elizabeth' and it's follow up 'Scarlet Beginnings' can be found on Amazon. I've written other stories but haven't published them just yet. They are both romance novels with some dirty parts because I am a hopeless romantic at heart with a dirty mind and adore a good love story. I try not to get too complicated in my stories which can be viewed as a good thing or bad depending on preference but I just write what I feel and go from there.




My day job (inside sales) definitely takes up most of my days then it's husband, kids, and studying for my real estate license. I still manage to squeeze in some writing here and there but lately I'm promoting other authors. 

I love Instagram. I post to that a few times a week. I just love photography and I truly believe that a picture can say more than words ever can. 

I'm also addicted to coffee, chocolate, wine, and Netflix but lately who isn't? 

Thanks for reading a little about me! 

Until next time!

Hugs,
Amber

Thursday, September 28, 2017

7th Annual Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Weekend


7th Annual Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Weekend
April 27-29, 2018
Clarion Hotel – Airport
5311 S Howell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207

Please join us as we welcome Keynote Speaker Susan Wiggs to Milwaukee for the 7th Annual Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Weekend.

REGISTER NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED
http://barbaravey.com/bvw17/

Hotel Reservations will available in October. The hotel is all reserved for us, so no worries about getting a room.

Schedule of Events
Friday  Author/Reader Bingo (3 Sessions!) – Authors TBA- FREE
Friday Night Author Q&A followed by Meet & Greet – Click for more info  – FREE
Romance Jeopardy – Authors TBA – FREE
Saturday Luncheon with the authors – Click for more info – TICKET REQUIRED
Book signing – Click for more info – FREE
Saturday Night Pizza Party – Click for more info – TICKET REQUIRED – No Sales at the Door
Saturday Night Party Hosted by Damon Suede and Eloisa James – Click for more info -FREE
Sunday Breakfast with an author – Click for more info – TICKET REQUIRED – No Sales at the Door

#BVW18

Attending Authors*
Abbie Roads romantic suspense
Alanna Lucas historical
Alex Kava mystery
Ann Marie Walker Contemporary Romance/Comedy/Suspense
Avery Flynn sassy, sexy romance
Brenda Drake YA Fantasy
Candace Havens Hot contemporary romance
Cathy Clamp paranormal
Christine Wenger cozy mysteries, romance
Damon Suede M/M romance
Danica Favorite historical, inspirational, contemporary
Deborah Coonts humorous mystery, thrillers
Denise Swanson cozy mysteries, romance
Desiree Holt erotica
Elizabeth Watson Historical
Elicia Hyder Paranormal, contemporary
Elisabeth Barrett Contemporary and romantic suspense
Elisabeth Naughton Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance
Eloisa James Historical
Erin McCarthy Contemporary romance, New Adult
Gennita Low Romantic intrigue
Heather Graham Paranormal, contemporary
Janna MacGregor Historical
Jeannie Moon Contemporary
Jennifer Ashley romance: paranormal, historical, contemporary; mystery
Jennifer L. Armentrout YA, New Adult, Adult
Jocie McKade Mystery and romantic comedy
Josie Brown Humorous romantic suspense
Julie Moffett Mystery, historical, timetravel
Karen Hawkins Historical, contemporary
Kelly Moran Contemporary romance, paranormal romance
Lenora Bell Historical
Lucy Farago Romantic Suspense
Maggie Marr Contemporary & romantic suspense
Marilyn Baron romantic suspense/historical romantic thrillers
Marina Adair Contemporary Romance
Mary Strand YA, romantic comedy, women’s fiction
MK Meredith Contemporary
Mollie Cox Bryan Mystery/Historical fiction/romance
Nan Dixon Contemporary
Nancy Herkness Contemporary
Nancy Naigle Small town suspense
Pintip Dunn Young Adult
Piper J. Drake Romantic suspense, Contemporary
Rochelle Alers Romance and Women’s Fiction
Rose Lerner Historical
Sabrina York Romance (Contemporary, Historical and Fantasy) and Sci Fi/Fantasy
Sandy Parks Thriller
Sharon Hamilton Romantic Suspense
Shirley Hailstock Romance, thriller
Sonali Dev Bollywood
Susan Carlisle Medical Romance
Susan Wiggs Historical, Contemporary
T.M. Cromer romantic suspense, paranormal, contemporary
Tara Taylor Quinn Romance, Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Tiffany Snow Contemporary
Tina DeSalvo Contemporary
Tonya Kappes Small town mystery
Violet Howe Romantic Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Winnie Griggs Historical, Inspirational, Contemporary
*List is subject to change


Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Romancing the Reader

I absolutely love reader events. I especially like the smaller conferences of 200 or less, with a great reader-to-author ratio.

I look forward to the opportunity to put my promotional materials and budget to good use. I've given up on doing promotion at conferences like RWA's annual event. To me, spending my hard-earned promotional dollars on author-only events is like preaching to the choir. I'd much rather *spoil* those readers who might just buy my book!

In mid-October I'll be joining 49 other authors, including Decadent's own D.L. Jackson, at the Fall in Love with New England reader/author event. And, I admit, I overspent my budget ... a lot. Let's just hope I can make some of it up in book sales at the Saturday book signing.

Shout out to anyone in the Manchester, New Hampshire area ... that's where we'll be so stop on by. Information is in the link above. I'd love to meet some more readers and other SMP authors.

So just how do you spoil readers ... short of giving away the books you want to sell?

Suggestion #1 - No paper for paper's sake. It's amazing the amount of post cards, unadorned bookmarks, and business cards that get thrown out.

Suggestion #2 - If you're itching to do a bookmark, get creative. A long, paper stick (even with your cover and blurb on it) doesn't hold the attention that you think it does. I did create bookmarks, but then I also "added" a tassel and a story-related charm.

Suggestion #3 - Do something unusual for your big promo splash. Since I'm signing four different books this year, I needed to find a way to showcase each one. So ... like any author on a budget ... I went to Costco. I bought boxes of gum in assorted flavors. I created labels with my book cover and blurb for all four books. Then, I matched the level of heat in the book to the flavor of the gum. The hotter the book, the spicier the gum. The 2x4 labels fit perfectly on the back of the packets.

Suggestion #4 - Participate in promo ops with the other authors. One of the authors is buying inexpensive charm bracelets. The other authors were able to sign up and provide charms for the bracelets. So, since I was ordering charms for my bookmarks, I thought ... why not? BTW ... I found a great (and cheap) source for charms: 8 Seasons (from China). I was pleasantly surprised (okay, really, really pleased) with the quality of the product.

Suggestion #5 - Take chocolate. The organizers are tying the conference to Halloween and planning a trick or treat route for the readers. All authors who wish to participate hang a decoration or a sign on their door and then hand out goodies. Apparently, last year there was wine.

I'm also doing a workshop (geared to readers) about how a reader can influence an author's creativity. There will be prizes for participation. And, I'm hosting a table at the costume dinner party on Friday night. (Psst ... don't tell but my costume also ties into one of my books!)

I know it sounds like a spent a fortune (a small one) but cultivating great relationships with readers who are eager to meet you and hear about your books is far more important, at least in my opinion, than providing swag to other authors.

I'd love to hear from both readers and authors about the types of swag you enjoy receiving. There's always room for a new idea.


Nancy

Happy Fall, Divas! Out-Foxxe'd is Almost Here...

Whew! This year is flying by. I swear I blinked and it was spring. Now, we're almost to October. We know what that means. cooler weather, cozy socks, bonfires, pumpkins, mugs filled with our favorite beverages and books that heat things up when the nights are long and chilly.

In less than two weeks, I'll have one of those HOT books to warm you up and get that blood pumping...to your most important areas that may be in need of some attention. Check out this amazing cover created by Bookin' It Designs. It features the very handsome Julian Christian. And that fox--I'm so in love with this one.

Out-Foxxe'd is my fifth Rosie Peaks book. I've teamed up with Wendi Zwaduk/Megan Slayer to turn this into a Rosie Peaks Crossover series. If you're familiar with Rosie's first two books, she was a monster-craving-nympho who wasn't exactly the ideal heroine. In book 3, she met the ghost of Ichabod Crane and her entire world changed. Let's say she had a wake-up call. She's been gone for two years and has now found herself in a quaint, college town. Eriewood, Ohio is now where Megan's and my characters are living and loving. Here's the blurb for Out-Foxxe'd:
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Coming Soon ðŸŒŸðŸŒŸðŸŒŸðŸŒŸ
Markus Foxxe is in Eriewood for one reason. His boss wants Rosie Peaks. He doesn't know why and he shouldn't care, but after meeting her, there's no way Markus will hand her over to the highest bidder.
Rosie Peaks left DuFour, Indiana two years ago and found a safe haven away from all things paranormal. Working at Mulcahy's Pub has been fairly uneventful. Until Markus Foxxe rolled into town in his silk suits with a primal sex appeal that makes her want to spend every night with him banging like a screen door in a hurricane. The only problem is, Rosie isn't looking for a commitment and Markus seems as though he's a one-mate kind of guy.
Will Markus change her mind? Or will Rosie find herself on the run again?
Links are live ♡

Rosie is as sassy as ever, but I believe she's met her match this time. 
Here's are a few snippets so you can see what Rosie's up to now. Happy Reading and I'll see you again right before Halloween.  
XOXOX,
Madison

Excerpt 1:
“What’ll it be?” She asked.
With one look from him, her heart nearly stopped beating and for some illogical reason, she felt as if her ovaries were deciding on the one egg that would be the perfect match for Mr. Amber Eyes with Thick Dark Lashes.
“What do you recommend.”
I recommend you take me home and fuck me senseless, she thought. Holy hell! That voice. Deep, almost a purr and smoother than a highball glass of aged Kentucky bourbon. Did men purr? No, but his voice was close enough. How could she feel as if she were being nestled in the softest fur when he’d barely spoken a handful of words to her. The way his lips begged to be kissed—smooth, full without being puffy. Such a perfect accent upon his Greek God chiseled face.
What she wouldn’t give to get one long look at his naked body. The silk business suit he wore was fine and sexy for some women she supposed, but, a walking, talking Adonis should be naked and posed for her optimum viewing pleasure. She’d ask him to stand in the corner of her bedroom and admire every single inch of him.
“Anything you want, I can give you.” Shit. Get it together, nympho. “I mean, our bartender, Lando, can make a million drinks. So, your wish is my command.” Damn it. “I mean—”
Mr. Adonis chuckled and it made her feel like a blubbering idiot. “I know exactly what you mean.” With a smirk, he continued, “How about something…dirty? A martini, please.”
“Okay. But, I should warn you this is last call. Do you wanna make it a double?”
“Sure. Why not. Guess I arrived too late to appreciate your…hospitality this evening.” His gaze traveled the length of her body and Rosie felt a trail of heat in its wake.
“Yeah. Sorry about that. I’ll make your last few moments here as enjoyable as I can.”
“I certainly hope so.” With the jukebox shut down for the evening and no other customers in the place, she heard him whisper as she went to turn in his drink order.
Any man who ordered a double during last call meant one of two things: He wanted sex or he was trouble. She’d gladly grant him the former if he propositioned her and she wouldn’t give a flying unicorn about the latter. He was—That. Damn. Hot.
What the hell had gotten into her? And how many cold showers would she take after work to get the man she just met out of her fantasies?

Excerpt 2:

“Why? Those spells suck and I’ve spent most of my life trying to stop them from happening. Do you have any idea what it’s like to live with something you need to learn to control? Because controlling them is the only way I’ve managed to live a semi-normal life without feeling like I was either going mad or being ripped apart.”
“I hate to be the messenger here, but, you have to allow them to happen. Haven’t you ever wondered why you were attracted to the monsters, the outcasts of society?”
“Um—it’s pretty simple. They’re nicer than most humans and more honest. Or so I thought until I was possessed by a ghost and betrayed by this asshole.” She hitched her thumb at Markus. “Let me guess. There’s some mystical explanation.” She waggled her fingers in the air. “Oh, better yet. Next, you’re gonna tell me I’m a motherfucking unicorn.” Rosie laughed it off. 
“Well, you are one of a kind. So, if you want to make jokes, technically, you’re our unicorn. You’re the voice of the living and dead. You can hear everything—if you open yourself up to it. And you’re the only person in the world with that ability, Rosie. You are The One. So, yeah, you’re a motherfucking unicorn in your own way. Does that satisfy your sarcasm quota for the evening? Can we move on now?” 


Monday, September 25, 2017

Our Rules by Jennifer Kacey



When the foundation of their marriage falters, Michael and Tabitha must rediscover what it means for her to be his hot wife.

Tabitha is a hot wife. Not just a sexy wife. A hot wife. A wife allowed to be with other men with the permission of her husband.
Michael couldn’t love his wife more. Which is exactly why he shares her with others. Because she’s his.

On the cusp of everything they’ve worked for—years in the making—a shattered promise threatens the foundation of their marriage. A foundation Michael had thought unbreakable until he lets Tabitha down in more ways than one.
Taking her submission for granted could lose him everything he’s strived for, and winning back her trust is the only thing that matters.





Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/J7CFsA
Totally Bound – https://goo.gl/GqQidk
Print Amazon – https://goo.gl/Bej8UX
Print Totally Bound - https://goo.gl/yO8YXY



Decadently Yours,
Jennifer Kacey


http://www.jenniferkacey.com/books.html


Jennifer Kacey is a writer, mother, and business owner living with her miniman in Texas. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.