Friday, June 26, 2015

Book Fun Friday Welcomes Lilly Gayle



Book Fun Friday Welcome's Lilly Gayle
 Come join in on a little historical romance fun from the Wild Rose Press bunch!
 Author Bio:
Lilly Gayle is a wife, mother of two grown daughters, a new grandmother, and a breast cancer
survivor. She lives in North Carolina with her husband. When not working as an x-ray technologist and mammographer, Lilly writes paranormal and historical romances. She has six books in print and is the editor of Heartline, the newsletter for her local RWA chapter, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

About Slightly Noble:
The book is set in a time when commoners were moving up the social ladder and The Bastardy Laws made it nearly impossible for an unwed mother to keep her child. Many were murdered outright and others were "farmed" out to older women or couples who agreed to take in unwanted children for a price. These children were often starved and neglected while others were murdered outright. One of the most famous "baby farmers" of the Victorian era was Amelia Dyer. She was also one of the most prolific serial killers in England.
For a mere five pounds, she would take in a child with the promise of finding a loving home for the infant. Often times, she would pose as the adopting mother, anxious to raise a little one as her own. The children were never placed in permanent homes, and over her thirty-year career as a "baby farmer," she is believed to have killed no less than eight and possibly as many as 400 infants.
Dyer was arrested on April 4th, 1896 for the murder of four-month-old Doris Marmon. Dyer's defense attorney tried claiming she was insane, as she had spent some time in insane asylums, but Mrs. Dyer soon confessed that Doris Marmon was not the only infant in the Thames.

“You’ll know all mine by the tape around their necks,” she said.

It took the jury just five minutes to convict her, and on June 10, 1896, Amelia Dyer was hanged at Newgate Prison.

Despite the fact that Slightly Noble is set in 1865 rather than 1896, I took some creative license using Amelia Dyer's name in the story. Since Mrs. Dyer’s career as a baby farmer spanned thirty years, she could have been actively acquiring babies as early as 1865. And despite her arrest and six month sentence occurring in 1879, I mention it in Slightly Noble because the dates were close enough to fit the sub-plot of my story. I also wanted to emphasize how dire my heroine, Abby’s, situation was since she is pregnant and unwed during a time in history when women had few choices, and Bastardy laws limited those choices even more.


Book Logline: An American privateer turned viscount weds a pregnant unwed commoner.
Tagline: American privateer, Captain Jack isn't really an American, but heir to a viscountcy, and Abby is a pregnant, unwed commoner who just might make him the perfect noble wife.
Blurb:

American privateer, Captain Jack isn't really an American, but heir to a viscountcy. When his father dies, he leaves everything not entailed with the estate to his worthless cousin. Jack's only hope of inheriting his mother's ancestral home and honoring her dying wish is to marry and produce an heir before his thirty-fifth birthday—in five months. And he doesn't have a single prospect.

Pregnant and unwed, Abigail Halsey is sent by her father to an Anglican convent until he can find a family to adopt his grandchild or a husband for his daughter. Abby has other plans, but they go awry when she goes into labor early and her rescuer, a pirate captain turned lord, insists on marrying her.

Is Jack too much like his jealous, unforgiving father? Can Abby overcome her fear of men and have a real marriage? Or will she never be anything more than the unwanted wife of a Slightly Noble Viscount?

Excerpt:
She raised her chin. “I am a commoner, but as
you have guessed, my father was accepted in certain
social circles. Accepted, but not always welcomed.”

“Well, you will be welcomed now, Abby. You are
a viscountess.” His voice softened, but his eyes shone
with disappointment. Was it because he had hoped she
would confide in him? Or because she had confessed
her humble origins?

Pride stiffened her spine. “I am more than just a
viscountess. I am a wife and mother, and if I am to be a
good wife, at some point, I must act like a wife.” This
meant running a household, not living on a ship. She
did not want to argue or have him ask more questions
about her past, but she could not bear living aboard ship
indefinitely.

He started, his expression surprised. Then a slow
smile spread over his face, and his eyes burned as if he
had a fever. He leaned over the table, his face mere
inches from hers. “A real wife sleeps in her husband’s
bed.”

Abby’s breath hitched. Her pulse jumped. Oh dear!
He had taken her meaning all wrong. Heat rushed to her
cheeks, and her flesh tingled. “What I meant...That is, I
should be running your household.”

“We live on a ship.” He leaned back in his chair.
He still smiled, but it was now more humorous
than...amorous?

She shivered, unable to suppress a brief surge of
longing. What would it be like to kiss that hard mouth?
To feel his lips pressed against hers?

Dear Lord! What is wrong with me?

YouTube Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su6NPoeHFcM


Contact Lilly Here:

<a href="http://lillygayle.com">Lilly’s Website </a>| <a href="http://lillygayle.com/blog">Blog </a>| <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lillygaylebooks">Facebook </a>| <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lillygromwriter">Twitter </a>| <a http://www.amazon.com/author/lillygayle">Amazon</a>


Friday, June 19, 2015

Book Fun Friday Welcomes Claire Gem




Book Fun Friday is happy to welcome Claire Gem! 

Claire is featuring her paranormal romance called: Phantom Traces.
~~~
Thanks for hosting me, Celia! Today I’d like to share one of my absolute favorite parts about being an author.
Claire shares a few tidbits about being an author:

I can create people—my very own people! And places too. Not just situations, but faces and names and landscapes. For this reason, creating book trailers and Pinterest pages for my stories is like playtime for me.

So where do the images come from? Of course, I have an advantage many authors do not, and that’s a sister who is so savvy with Photoshop, she never fails to amaze me. But this knowledge also insures I’ll always be very, very nice to her!

My next go-to place for royalty-free images is Depositphotos.com. Once you get familiar with their search engine, it’s easy to type in key words and load hundreds, sometimes thousands of pictures of people, places and things that just might pertain to your novel.

I had a fabulous time creating the storyboard on Pinterest for Phantom Traces. I already knew exactly what Abby and Jack looked like, so it took some time to sift through hundreds of pages to “find” them, as I imagined them. Characters like Aunt Dianne, being so unique, also took some searching. But Leda Ludwig and Monica Browning practically leapt off the page and bitch-slapped me!

Pinterest is a marvelous source for seeking out “locations” — most of the images of my imaginary town of Caldwell, N.C. on the Pinterest page came from searching Pinterest for “Blue Ridge Mountains” and re-pinning them.

Creating my trailer, my FIRST book trailer ever, took me the entirety of a three-day holiday weekend, but it was well worth it. Distilling the essence of my story into a dozen or so pictures, along with only twenty or thirty words, was a challenge. But one I feel was critical for drawing reader interest.

It may be a cliché, but it’s so true: A picture truly is worth a thousand words!
~~~
In addition to your post, please provide the following information…

Claire’s Bio:
Claire Gem writes contemporary romance with a ghostly twist. An avid reader, she’s a fan of strong but sensitive heroes, spunky, sexy heroines, and a ghost story worth a few goose bumps. She loves creating characters so real, readers miss them when they reach The End.
Book Title: Phantom Traces (Paranormal Romance)

Log Line: Romance with a Ghostly Twist

Tag Line:  A hunky history professor in a tweed jacket, a cheeky Goth chick, and a pipe-smoking, book-hurling ghost. Put them all together in an antiquated library and, well…

Book Blurb:

Jack Wood’s silver-streaked hair definitely ages him, and he can thank Killer Dawn for that. He won’t be falling into the love trap again anytime real soon. But this new librarian has him curious, with her head-to-toe black Goth garb, piercings, and a defiant attitude to match. Definitely not his type of girl, but still…
Abigail Stryker’s got her work cut out for her. The last two librarians didn’t last a month before airborne books chased them off. But Abby’s determined to make her new life a go – and to stay as far away from older men as possible. Once was enough. Might be tough to do when the library’s best patron is none other than dreamy-eyed Jack Wood. And it seems the eccentric ghost may have taken a shine to her as well.
Book Excerpt:
~~~
As Abby followed Jack back down the stairs she asked, “So what brings you in this evening? Grading more papers? Or research?”
“Research. I’m looking into the library’s history. I’m trying to figure out why all those crazy rumors started flying about this place right after Dana Laramy retired. Before that this place was just our boring local library.”
“Laramy.” Abby paused near the reception desk, tilting her head. “Any relation to Laramy’s Antiques?”
“I think Dana is his aunt, though I’m not certain. Neither one is much for personal chit-chat. Weird family, the Laramys. One of these days I’ll have to take you over to meet old Martin. Now there’s a piece of work.” Jack chuckled.
At that moment, the lights in the building flickered, dropping dim and pale. They pulsed for a beat, then went completely out. It was still light outside, though the fading twilight cast the interior into near blackness.
“What the . . .” She looked around, wrapping her arms around herself and instinctively moving a step closer to Jack.
“Oh, that’s not unusual around here.” His voice was calm and reassuring. “Blue Ridge Power is infamous for testing transformers at the darnedest times of day.”
By the time he finished speaking, the lights began to glow, then steadily increased until they were fully illuminated. He grinned over at her. “At least it doesn’t last long.”
His killer smile shot a jitter through her middle again. She smiled back but found she couldn’t hold his gaze long without feeling as if she had a fever coming on. She turned away.
~~~
Question for You Dear Reader:
Ever had a ghostly encounter? Share with us!

Claire’s Contact Links:
Links (website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, book buy links, etc.):
Book Trailer Link: http://bit.ly/1EIj4IY
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1JrjWoH

          @gemwriter


Giveaway for YOU, leave a comment below to qualify:

I’m giving away one audiobook copy of Phantom Traces, winner chosen at random from those who comment on the post! Contest ends 1 week after posting, June 26, 2015. Listen to a free sample on Amazon or at Audible.com.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Book Fun Friday Welcomes Shirleen Davis



 Please welcome Shirleen Davis to Book Fun Friday with her contemporary romance feature.

Bio:

Shirleen Davies writes romance: historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. During the day she provides consulting services businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

Book Title: Always Love You (Contemporary Romance)

Log Line:
Romance, adventure, motorcycles, cowboys, suspense—everything you want in a contemporary western romance novel.


Book Blurb:


Eric Sinclair loves his bachelor status. His work at MacLaren Enterprises leaves him plenty of time to ride his horse and his Harley…and date beautiful women without a thought to commitment.
Amber Anderson is new at MacLaren Enterprises. Her passion for marketing landed her the perfect job—until she steps into a meeting to find the man she left, but still loves, sitting at the table—his disdain for her clear.
Eric won’t allow the past to taint his professional behavior, nor will he repeat his mistakes with Amber, even though love for her pulses through him as strong as ever.
As they strive to mold a working relationship, unexpected danger confronts those close to them, pitting the MacLarens and Sinclairs against an evil who stalks one but threatens them all.
Eric can’t forget their passionate past, while Amber wrestles with feelings she thought long buried. Can they put the past behind them to reclaim the love lost years before?

Book Excerpt:

“Amber…” He whispered her name a moment before lowering his head until his mouth came down on hers. The first touch seemed almost tentative before he wrapped his arms around her and tightened his hold. The kiss deepened, his mouth devouring hers, hot and moist.
He could feel her hands move up his arms to wrap around his neck, pulling him tight, melding her body to his. He groaned as her tongue traced his lips, sending a hot ache through him. Gathering her closer, he explored the recesses of her mouth until he pulled away on a ragged breath, letting his lips trace a path down her neck to the soft spot at the base. He sucked lightly before moving back up to reclaim her mouth.
Amber’s caution shattered at the first touch of his lips to hers. It had been so long and she wanted him so much. The feel of his mouth devouring hers sent waves of heat pulsing through her. She remembered how they used to be together and began to feel the same sense of urgency. Her hands moved under his jacket, splaying across his back.
“Ah, baby,” he groaned as fire roared through him.

Question For YOU Dear Reader: (leave your answer in the comment section below)

As a romance reader, what initially draws you to a series? Is there something specific that hooks you and puts a series (or author) on your auto-buy list?


How to Contact Shirleen:



Book Buy Links:




Friday, June 5, 2015

Book Fun Friday Welcomes Becky Lower




Book Fun Friday Welcomes Becky Lower
 and her historical romance book feature!

Author Bio: Amazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the country looking for great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love, amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it on a covered wagon headed west or in present day small town America.  Historical and contemporary romances are her specialty. Becky is a PAN member of RWA and is a member of the Historic and Contemporary RWA chapters. She has a degree in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State University, and lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary. She loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com


Book Title: Expressly Yours, Samantha (American historical)


Log Line: The Pony Express creates the backdrop for a great love story.

Book Tag Line: A girl on the run who decides to pose as a boy, and a young man who loves to ride horses meet as the Pony Express is about to start. Both are part of history, and have been destined to come into contact with each other.

Book Blurb: Samantha Hughes has one day to escape from her wicked uncle, and a sign in the post office is her answer. She’ll cut her hair to pose as a man and become Sam Hughes, a Pony Express rider.
Valerian Fitzpatrick doesn’t want the weight of responsibility that his brothers have in the family business. Fortunately, the Pony Express offers a chance to make his own way in the world.
He assumes his new buddy, Sam, is on the run from the law, until she’s hit by a stray gunshot and he has to undress her to staunch the wound. Friendship quickly turns to attraction—and more—but when Sam’s uncle tracks her down, she is forced to run yet again.
Val’s determined to find her, but will a future with Sam mean giving up the freedom he’s always craved?

Book Excerpt:

A sign at the post office caught Samantha’s eye. She feigned disinterest as she snuck sidelong glances at the poster about the new Pony Express, reading one line at a time.
Wanted: Young, skinny, wiry fellows.
She tore her glance from the sign and studied the customers queued up in front of her. Another quick look.
Not over eighteen.
She posted her letter and turned away from the window, catching the last of the poster’s message.
Must be expert riders. Willing to face death daily. Orphans preferred.
She was all of what they wanted, except for one basic and glaring fact. She might be young, skinny, and wiry, but she was no fellow. Samantha calmed her breathing as she walked away from the post office, but her mind was buzzing with possibilities. Her ticket out of the nightmare her life had become had just presented itself. She loved horses and had a good hand with them. All she needed to do was to hide her true identity—pretend to be a boy—and she was certain she could pull it off. Uncle Jack had enough money to keep him busy until after midnight. Samantha figured she had at least twelve hours to transform herself and get on the road.


Question for YOU Dear Reader: (leave a comment below) In every state in the country, there are national parks and historic sites. When was the last time your family visited one, and what did you learn from the experience?

How to Contact Becky:
Website: www.beckylowerauthor.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/becky.lower
Twitter: http://twitter.com@BeckyLower1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorbeckyl/
Blog: http://beckylowerauthor.blogspot.com
Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1FOy3Sd


Giveaway! I’ll give away an e-copy of Expressly Yours, Samantha to one lucky commenter.