Okay, today's Keeping It Real is a cry for HELP! So far, my biggest success has been with The Right Pitch because it's a part of a boxed set. Moving forward, I'm thinking I should probably try to be involved in at least one-two boxed sets/year so that I can make some money on this whole book writing escapade and keep at it. For 2015, I have two opportunities for boxed sets for far.
The first being a sports novella that will be due out sometime in June. At this time (and it's subject to change), but I think the hero will be Benny Martinez from The Right Pitch. I haven't worked out all of his storyline, but I've got an idea or two floating around in my head. I'll keep you posted.
Now, the other set is a Christmas themed set with a pet involved. Oh, and it has to be sweetsy (I think), meaning no sex on scene. :-/ So let's focus on what this story should involve. A pet. Well, I'm a dog lover but that seems kind of generic. No cats, sorry, or goldfish. Definitely no reptiles, so maybe a dog it is. Perhaps a stray? A dog at the pound that needs a home? I don't know, let's figure that out together.
The other part is WHO are these Christmas themed characters??? I'm thinking they have to know each other since the book has to be centered around Christmas time. Exes? Former crushes? Neighbors? HELP!!!
Monday, December 29, 2014
Aroused & Desired by Jade Kerrion
Title: Aroused
Author: Jade Kerrion
Release Date: December 29, 2014
Synopsis
Recently divorced, Dr. Vera Rios is too busy navigating the potholes of single parenthood to look for Mr. Right, but along comes a man who cherishes her, adores her daughter, and helps her find her sexy groove. The only problem: Mr. Perfect is an escort.
Rowan Forrester conceals many other secrets, one of which threatens the happiness he finds with Vera. Can love find a way, or will Vera have to choose between her beloved daughter and the man of her dreams?
Links to Buy
Title: Desired
Author: Jade Kerrion
Release Date: December 29, 2014
Synopsis
At seventeen, Gabriel Cruz and Valeria Trevino exchanged promise rings and agreed on the grand plan for their life, including marriage, children, and a happily-ever-after. Twenty years later, “The Plan” is on track, and a key milestone—Gabriel’s partnership in a law firm—is within grasp, but Valeria derails their shared lives by demanding a divorce.
Valeria can’t explain her decision, but she is compelled by a desperate need for something more than they had agreed upon. What can they do when the foundation of their grand plan crumbles beneath them?
Links to Buy
Also Available
Author Bio
Jade Kerrion writes award-winning and occasionally best-selling
science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels anchored on unlikely romances
you will root for and happy endings you can believe in. Her favorite romance is
the Double
Helix love triangle between Galahad—the lab-created perfect human
being; Danyael—an alpha empath and Galahad’s physical template; and Zara—the
woman who can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate
Sign up for Jade’s New
Release Mailing List for news of giveaways, contests, and new releases.
Visit Jade at Life
Shocks Romances or at JadeKerrion.com
Author Links
Giveaway
Monday, December 22, 2014
Keeping It Real: Writer's Block
Welcome to the second edition of keeping it real! Today I'm going to talk about modern day "writer's block." I do most of my brainstorming and story developing in my head... on my drive to and from work. The words are beautiful, well scripted, and flow perfectly...
Then I sit down in front of my computer with a good two-three hour stretch of time to do nothing but write. I open up the document, skim through the last section I wrote, type a sentence and then oh, I'd better go check Facebook. Hmm...nothing new there. Maybe someone left a new review on Goodreads. Nope, still the same numbers. I wonder what the Amazon rank is on Heroes to Swoon For. Oh, don't forget KDP, I need to see if I sold any books. Sweet! I did. Okay, so if I sell X amount of books/day and I make X amount off the book and I spent X to publish it, I only need to sell 1,284,203 to break even. :-/ Yeah...
By the time that whole process is done, an hour has passed. Hmm...I better start writing so I go back to the doc, but I can't get that number out of my head. I need to sell books!!! What can I do to sell books that won't cost me more money??? OH! I know, I can post my link in the 4,859 book lovers group that I belong to. Let me go post in five groups, only five... Twenty groups later, okay, that's good, I'll probably get at least one sale, right? Back to the doc...
Three paragraphs in and crap, Sloan needs a bridesmaid dress, better head over to Pinterest. Scroll through image after image, cute, like it, not quite right, oh maybe for another story-start a new board for future book idea. Well, now I need characters for my future book, better look them up. Now, what will be their names. Hmm, Babycenter will have some good ideas...
Okay, new story idea pinned, now back to my WIP. Slides, hm, already used that word in the last sentence. Thesaurus.com...okay, move, glide, drift. Okay, okay, one of those will work. *Yawn* Wow, it's past my bedtime! Better shut down the computer and head to bed.
And that my friends, is my modern day "writer's block" or the story of how I have ADD. If only I could "think" my words onto paper, I'd write a whole novel in a week!
Then I sit down in front of my computer with a good two-three hour stretch of time to do nothing but write. I open up the document, skim through the last section I wrote, type a sentence and then oh, I'd better go check Facebook. Hmm...nothing new there. Maybe someone left a new review on Goodreads. Nope, still the same numbers. I wonder what the Amazon rank is on Heroes to Swoon For. Oh, don't forget KDP, I need to see if I sold any books. Sweet! I did. Okay, so if I sell X amount of books/day and I make X amount off the book and I spent X to publish it, I only need to sell 1,284,203 to break even. :-/ Yeah...
By the time that whole process is done, an hour has passed. Hmm...I better start writing so I go back to the doc, but I can't get that number out of my head. I need to sell books!!! What can I do to sell books that won't cost me more money??? OH! I know, I can post my link in the 4,859 book lovers group that I belong to. Let me go post in five groups, only five... Twenty groups later, okay, that's good, I'll probably get at least one sale, right? Back to the doc...
Three paragraphs in and crap, Sloan needs a bridesmaid dress, better head over to Pinterest. Scroll through image after image, cute, like it, not quite right, oh maybe for another story-start a new board for future book idea. Well, now I need characters for my future book, better look them up. Now, what will be their names. Hmm, Babycenter will have some good ideas...
Okay, new story idea pinned, now back to my WIP. Slides, hm, already used that word in the last sentence. Thesaurus.com...okay, move, glide, drift. Okay, okay, one of those will work. *Yawn* Wow, it's past my bedtime! Better shut down the computer and head to bed.
And that my friends, is my modern day "writer's block" or the story of how I have ADD. If only I could "think" my words onto paper, I'd write a whole novel in a week!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Keeping It Real
So obviously, my Wordpre$$ blog got shut down if you haven't noticed. Apparently, I was doing too much promo and not enough "being real." I get it, I really do, but posting for other authors is a way to show the love and support each other. I still plan on doing that, but I'm vowing to write one "real" blog post/week. You know, to keep it real!
I'll try to keep them all related to writing in some way, shape, or form. Maybe I'll vent about how tired I am of posting in FB groups day after day and only getting one sale, maybe I'll discuss how expensive indie publishing can be, how I could probably have twenty books written but I waste the majority of my writing time on Facebook, the progress on a book, OR maybe I'll discuss with you my thoughts on reviews. Eek-so many exciting things, I know you can hardly stand it, right??? I will definitely be asking for help brainstorming. I have a sports novella that I just can't get motivated on!
And who knows, maybe it won't be writing related at all. Maybe I'll have some awesome recipe to share, like the cheese broccoli casserole I made at Thanksgiving and am now obsessed with, or I'll go on some awesome trip, meet someone super cool, and I'll want to tell you about it. I don't know what I'll write, but whatever it is, it will be real, it will be me, and I'll post it every Monday. So here's my first post in "Keeping It Real" and here's to hopefully many more!
I'll try to keep them all related to writing in some way, shape, or form. Maybe I'll vent about how tired I am of posting in FB groups day after day and only getting one sale, maybe I'll discuss how expensive indie publishing can be, how I could probably have twenty books written but I waste the majority of my writing time on Facebook, the progress on a book, OR maybe I'll discuss with you my thoughts on reviews. Eek-so many exciting things, I know you can hardly stand it, right??? I will definitely be asking for help brainstorming. I have a sports novella that I just can't get motivated on!
And who knows, maybe it won't be writing related at all. Maybe I'll have some awesome recipe to share, like the cheese broccoli casserole I made at Thanksgiving and am now obsessed with, or I'll go on some awesome trip, meet someone super cool, and I'll want to tell you about it. I don't know what I'll write, but whatever it is, it will be real, it will be me, and I'll post it every Monday. So here's my first post in "Keeping It Real" and here's to hopefully many more!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Starting Over by Michele Shriver
Title: Starting Over
Author: Michele Shriver
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Synopsis
Liz Matthews agrees to a blind date for her daughter’s
wedding with only one goal in mind- making her ex-husband jealous. The plan
works, but also backfires as she finds herself enjoying the company of her
younger date.
Links to Buy
Review
(Insert your review here)
Excerpt
Something
was wrong with this picture, Ben decided as he watched Liz dance with her
ex-husband. Oh, they certainly made a very attractive couple as they moved
across the floor with a grace that reflected many dances together. And Brandt
looked at Liz the way Ben expected she wanted him to look at her—as if she was
the only woman in the world. Heck, at one point it even appeared Brandt would
kiss her, right there in front of his date, and hers, and an entire wedding
party. Liz’s plan to get Brandt’s attention seemed to be working to perfection.
So why
didn’t she look happy to be on the receiving end of that attention? Why did she
pull away, rebuffing Brandt’s attempt to kiss her, rather than moving into it?
And why was Ben so relieved when she did? His role was supposed to be to make
Brandt jealous, and suddenly Ben was the jealous one.
The song
ended and Liz separated herself from Brandt and made her way back to where Ben
stood. “Sorry about that,” she said.
“Don’t
be. I know my role.” He’d played it well so far, and Ben planned to continue.
“I would like to dance with you, if you’re still interested.”
“I am,
yes.”
Ben took
Liz’s hand and led her to the dance floor and settled his hand in the small of
her back. He hadn’t shared a slow dance with anyone but Amy in two decades, and
he hoped he wouldn’t trip over his own feet. “We get a better choice in songs,
at least,” he remarked as Lifehouse’s You
and Me began to play. The lyrics were appropriate, too, since Ben couldn’t
seem to keep his eyes off of Liz, and he sure couldn’t explain why.
“I was
thinking the same.”
“So you
don’t like Endless Love, either?”
“Not so
much, no,” Liz said. “Brandt thought he was being cute by requesting it. It was
our wedding song.”
She
didn’t sound at all happy about it, which would match her expression during the
dance. Ben officially had no idea what to make of Liz’s relationship with her
ex-husband. “And you don’t look back on your wedding day fondly?” He hoped he
wasn’t prying. Surely, she’d understand that he had some questions, given the
events of the afternoon.
“Oh, the
wedding day was fine,” Liz said. “It’s the marriage that left something to be
desired.”
“Yet you
still want him back.” It was a statement, not a question.
Liz
frowned. “What gave you that idea?”
So she
claimed to not want Brandt back? Now Ben was more confused than ever. “Not
what. Who. Todd, when he suggested this whole thing to me.”
“Of
course. I should have figured.” Liz chuckled. “I’m afraid our mutual friends
don’t always understand my somewhat twisted history with Brandt.”
“That
makes three of us, then,” Ben said. “Are you saying you don’t want him back?” He found himself hoping that was the case,
although the whole jealousy plan would then make even less sense.
“I wish I
could give you an easy answer.” Liz sighed. “It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll get
a chance to tell you sometime. I probably owe you that much, given what you’ve
had to put up with today. For now, can we just dance? I like dancing with you,
Bennett Grayson.”
Ben
nodded, happy to oblige. “I like dancing with you too.”
***
By the time she left the museum following the reception, Liz
wanted a warm bath, a cold glass of wine and the chance to unwind and reflect
after an afternoon that managed to be joyous, bittersweet, and maddeningly
confusing all at the same time. First, she had an obligation to get her date
back home safely. Although he’d played his part to perfection, Liz figured Ben
was probably more than ready for their date to be over. And who could blame
him? He’d just endured an afternoon with a babbling, blubbering
mother-of-the-bride who couldn’t seem to make up her mind what she wanted from
her ex-husband.
She
silently cursed Brandt as she drove back to Concord. Maggie had certainly
nailed it when she remarked on Brandt’s ability to mess with Liz’s head and
heart. He’d done plenty of both today, from showing up with Marissa, to
choosing their wedding song for the dance, the barely-averted kiss attempt and
then almost sounding regretful when she reminded him of the infidelities that ended
their marriage.
“You’re
very quiet all of the sudden,” Ben remarked.
“Just
tired. It’s been quite a day,” Liz said. “Besides, I figure you’ve probably had
enough of me by now.”
“Actually,
I had a good time today. I enjoyed getting to know you, Liz.”
“Me too,”
she admitted as she pulled the car to a stop in front of Ben’s house. He was
intelligent, funny and a perfect gentleman. Oh, and gorgeous. How could she
forget that? “You’re a good sport for going along with all of this.”
“Like I
said, I enjoyed it.” He shrugged. “And hey, I got to put those acting classes
to good use.”
Acting
classes. That’s right. None of his attention was real. She needed to remember
that. “I’m glad they came in handy.” She gave him a smile. “Good night, Ben.”
He unfastened his seatbelt, but instead of
reaching for the door handle he turned to face her. “Good night, Liz.” He put
his hand on her cheek and brushed his lips across hers.
When
Brandt tried to kiss her, Liz’s first instinct had been to pull away. This
time, her body had the opposite reaction. It didn’t want to pull away. It
wanted to move closer. It wanted to respond to the sensation of Ben’s lips on
hers. Common sense prevailed, though. “There’s no one else around.” The words
came out slightly breathless. “You don’t have to pretend to be interested in me
anymore.”
“I
know that,” Ben said, then let himself out of the car.
Author Bio
Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.
Author Links
Giveaway
Monday, December 8, 2014
Heroes to Swoon For Release Day!!!
HEROES TO SWOON FOR
11 Sizzling Contemporary Romances
New Release Sale Price
$0.99 Limited Time
Purchased separately, the
books in this set would cost over $30. Nine Full-Length Novels, 1 Novella, and
1 Short Story from NY Times, USA Today, National and International Bestselling
Authors.
We
all need a hero! Preferably a hot, muscled, romantic one who's not afraid to
fight for the woman he loves. From firefighters to athletes, and artists to
rockers, these swoon-worthy heroes will keep you on your toes and weak in your
knees. Slip into a reading adventure that will have you panting for more: fun,
steam, and thrills.
Authors include:
Jade Kerrion, Chantel
Rhondeau, Rachelle Ayala,
Lyssa Lane,
Michele Shriver, P.C. Zick, K.S. Thomas,
Stacy Eaton, Melinda Curtis, Jennifer
Saints, and Julie Leto
Release Date: December 8, 2014
LINKS TO BUY
iTUNES / KOBO / GOOGLE PLAY
REVIEW
(insert your review here)
Aroused by Jade Kerrion
Can falling in love with a gorgeous male escort
lead to anything except inevitable heartbreak?
Connect with Jade Kerrion
Blazing Love by Chantel Rhondeau
An emotionally injured veterinarian assistant struggles to resist the heat of a blazing hot firefighter, but she can’t avoid the flames of his passion.
Connect with Chantel Rhondeau
Roaring Hot! by Rachelle Ayala
Connect with Rachelle Ayala
The Right Pitch by Lyssa Layne
Colie Adger is torn between the lavish attention from a big
shot pitcher and the common sense of a solid friend. Can Colie figure out her
own heart and hit a homerun off the right pitch?
Connect with Lyssa Layne
The Art of Love by Michele Shriver
After watching her parents' marriage crumble, jewelry artist
Chelsea Matthews doesn't believe in love, but a sexy painter sets out to win
her heart and prove that good guys do exist.
Connect with Michele Shriver
Behind the Altar by P.C. Zick
All seems perfect in Leah's life until tattoo artist Dean rides
his Harley into her heart in this story of forbidden love.
Connect with P.C. Zick
Lost Avalon by K.S. Thomas
Blaise Nolan has it all - brooding good looks, a haunting voice
and troubled lyrics of a soul gone lost. Only he didn't wind up brooding,
haunted and lost by accident...
Connect with K.S. Thomas
Second Shield by Stacy Eaton
Agent Drew Bradley goes undercover to find an officer gone rogue,
but what he finds in Detective Sergeant Mackenzie McAllister is nothing he
every expected.
Connect with Stacy Eaton
Amber Rules by Melinda Curtis
One of the first assignments of life coach to the rich and famous,
Amber Rule, is to improve the game of Evan Oliver, one of the biggest bad-asses
in the NBA. Will Amber up Evan's game?
Or will he teach her a new set of rules?
Connect with Melinda Curtis
Wild Irish Ride by Jennifer Saints
Wild Irish Ride Sexy,
Southern Suspense. Jesse was Alexi's forbidden fruit, the one man she couldn't
forget and can't resist. After twelve years he's back for her--so is a killer.
Connect with Jennifer Saints
How You Remind Me by Julie Leto
Sexy guitarist Shaw Tyler knows lawyer Kate
Schaffer’s personal fantasies. Trouble is, she doesn’t remember why. She longs
for a passionate liaison with Shaw, but is she willing to take the chance at
reliving past mistakes?
Connect with Julie Leto
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