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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Guest: Abigail Owen THE ROGUE KING #NewRelease @AOwenBooks

I'm thrilled to welcome Abigail Owen to my blog today. She has a new release, which she'll tell you about. I'm extra-thrilled to announce her book, The Boss, won the RWA Fantasy, Futuristic, & Paranormal chapter's Prism Award. Whoo-hoo, Abigail. Besides being an Award-Winning author, she is a regular contributor to the Paranormal Romantics blog. Busy girl! Here's Abigail to tell you about The Rogue King. This is her 1st book in mass-market paperback. What an accomplishment!

 Today is Release Day!
The Rogue King
(Inferno Rising #1)
By Abigail Owen

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who—and what—she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she’s treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can’t stop bursting into flames, and there’s a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her…

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he’s waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that’s impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself…and take back his birthright.


Buy Links:


Crossover Series – Fire’s Edge
Love the kings and clans of the Inferno Rising series? Wonder what’s happening over in the colonies where Enforcers protect and defend dragon shifter’s way of life? Check them out in Abigail’s Fire’s Edge crossover series!



Early Praise:
“Sexy, suspenseful, and smoking hot!” - NYT bestselling author, Alyssa Day
“It was absolutely fantastic!!! This paranormal story was non-stop action from beginning to end. I loved the characters, the storyline and the authors writing style.” - Crissy, Goodreads
“I absolutely loved it!” - Sandy K., Goodreads
“The Rogue King is a great start to a new series by Abigail Owen. Right from the prologue, the story pulls you in.” - Sandra, Goodreads
“I truly recommend this book to all you paranormal romance book lovers out there. These dragon shifters are worthy of your love as readers. They are fun, loyal, loving and not to be trifled with. You are guaranteed to fall in love…” - Moohnshine’s Corner
“THE ROGUE KING is a thrilling new spin-off series perfect for fans of Donna Grant and Sherrilyn Kenyon.” - Olivia F., Goodreads


“The world building was good. This is just what I look for in a paranormal read.” - Carissa, Goodreads
“The Rogue King was a thrilling read! There’s so much happening in this book, but what stood out...a few spies, lots of secrets, some sexy, protective dragon shifters, wolf shifters, a fantastic battle with really mad dragons, and a smoking hot romance that could burn the ground down!” - Jewlsbookblog, Goodreads
“Absolutely loved the chemistry and banter between Kasia and Brand.” - Lindsey I., Goodreads
“This was so good, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one.” - Lisa, Goodreads



Excerpt:
The only warning she got that she was being followed was the flick of a shadow in the headlights. Before she could react, a massive golden dragon slammed down on the road in front of her about half a mile out. She almost expected the ground to shake with the force, but the act was near silent.
Dammit.
She gritted her teeth and tightened her hands on the wheel. Rather than stop, Kasia hit the gas, pushing the car to go faster. He wasn’t taking her without a fight, that was for damn sure.
The dragon’s deep golden scales glittered in the oncoming headlights. He didn’t budge. But he did growl, his tail slashing back and forth.
“Move, you scaly bastard,” she muttered.
But she didn’t let up on the pedal.
He lowered his head and let loose a growl of warning, which she responded to by stomping harder on the gas.
“Get out of the way!”
She had no intention of playing chicken. If he didn’t, she’d ram this car down his fire-breathing throat. The hell with it. She didn’t want to go back to that cabin in Alaska anyway. Maul would miss her, but he’d be the only one.
Only the dragon didn’t move. Okay then. Kasia braced for impact.
At the moment she should’ve slammed into him, the beast heaved himself into the air, and she zoomed past, fishtailing underneath him from the force of the wind his wings caused.
He must’ve backed up, because he landed on the road in front of her again.
“You want another go, you oversized flying iguana?” she shouted, and bore down on him.
And again, he hopped out of her way only to land in her path.
Damn. Kasia held in a scream of fear-tinged frustration. They could keep this up all night, getting them nowhere fast. He wasn’t going to let her go.
With a growl of aggravation, though not defeat, Kasia stomped on the brakes. The tires squealed in protest, and the unpleasant odor of burning rubber followed her as she skidded the car to a stop broadside of the dragon, only a few feet away. If she rolled down her window, she could reach out and touch him.
The terrifying creature moved around the car, his movements more of a glide, like golden water flowing around her. He lowered his head to gaze in at her with an eye the size of her entire thigh. He snorted, and smoke trailed from his nostrils as he glared at her.
Please let this be Brand, and not some other phoenix-stealing dragon shifter.
Kasia glared back but raised her hands off the steering wheel in a gesture of surrender.


Author Bio:
Award-winning paranormal romance author, Abigail Owen, grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

No matter the genre, she loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.


Book Info:
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, Amara
Author: Abigail Owen
Cover Art: KAM Designs
Page Count: 400
Word Count: 103k
Release Date: 7/30/2019
Steam Rating: Hot


RWA FF&P chapter's Prism Award winner 2019.



Abigail was on this blog on September 24, 2018 to announce this book. Click here to read about it.
at 6 comments:

Monday, July 29, 2019

Guest: Maxine Douglas ELIZABETH #HistoricalRomance

Please welcome my guest Maxine Douglas. Her latest release, Elizabeth, will come out on August 1st. It's available for pre-order. See below.


Elizabeth
Widows of Blessings Valley, Book 1
American Western Historical Romance Series

Reason for series:

Webster defines grief as “emotional suffering caused by or as if by bereavement” and a widow as a “woman who has lost her husband by death and has not married again.” If these definitions were as simple as they sound.

To the Widows of Blessings Valley, these two words mean so much more. They mean living their lives without the one they gave their hearts and souls to. The one they vowed to love forever. It means crying themselves to sleep at night. It means trying to go on in a new life without knowing how. It means knowing no matter how much they try to heal they never really completely do. No matter how much they think they’ll never love again, they will but differently.

They say time heals all things. That may be true or may not. All I know is the scab on my heart and soul was slowly peeled off and bled again over the months I wrote this book. But I had to write it regardless of my pain, tears, and sorrow.

Elizabeth is the first in the Widows of Blessings Valley series. While it is always a thrill for an author to start a new series, it was with a heavy heart that I was compelled to write this one. I became a widow in April 2018 after a brief battle with cancer took my love from me to be with our Lord. During those agonizing first few months, so many questions flitted into my mind, along with the anger, grief, loneliness, and finally, acceptance that my beloved was really gone from this realm. It was some of those questions that inspired this series. I hope that it will let other widows, and widowers, know that they are not alone with the crazy questions that come to mind. That as they wonder what is or isn’t appropriate—should they remove their ring(s), when, if at all, should they start dating, are they still married or now considered single, what is the proper mourning period in our modern times, when will the anger go away, and the list goes on and on—others are experiencing similar emotions and questions. While I don’t expect this series to be the answer to the grieving of the reader, I do hope that I have somehow eased that feeling of being alone…for you are not.

Here start the stories of Elizabeth, Vera, Stella, Fannie, Vivian, Charlotte, Violet, and Willa herself—they are the Widows of Blessings Valley.

Random Article on grieving:  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/grieving-national-widows-day_n_5908c1dee4b02655f8415065v





Blurb:
A mining accident has killed several miners in Blessings Valley. Some of the widows are struggling through their grief to answer a widow’s question. With Wilhelmina “Willa” Alexander’s guidance, they just might each learn to live again.

Two people scarred by life. She carries the scars on her heart. He carries the scars on his body. Can they find peace, healing, and love together?

Excerpt:
Rechecking her sewing box for the tenth time, Elizabeth glanced at the mantel clock. Seven o’clock. One more hour before she had to report in at the hotel. What would she do with herself over the next thirty minutes?
Elizabeth paced the floor, feeling like she should be doing something. She was too worked up to sit and wait. She’d been up since dawn getting ready. Making sure that she was presentable. She wanted so badly to make a good impression on Mr. Raines. Her life in Blessings Valley depended on it.
“I can’t wait any longer. I’m going to leave now, Steven, but I’ll be back later today.” Elizabeth spoke to the wedding picture as she did every day. Talking to it was her way of feeling connected with her beloved in her mind, as well as in her heart.
Shawl around her shoulders, sewing box in her hand, Elizabeth walked out her door and down the steps. The sack lunch she’d prepared sat on the table where she’d left it, but it was far from her mind as she passed the church.
The door remained closed this early. The rising morning sun shone brightly on the stained-glass windows, the panes colorful and mesmerizing.
Her heart and soul might be slowly mending but not enough to walk through those doors again. Ignoring the invitation the message in the windows offered, continued on her way to the hotel, a slight heaviness claiming a spot in her heart.
Elizabeth strolled into town, the promise of a new day wrapping around her. It was still a bit too early for most of the businesses to be open. She saw Vera Baldwin duck into the door at Nana’s Laundry. Poor Vera was another of the widows who’d lost her beloved in the same accident that had claimed Steven.
The Baldwins had been in town for less than six months when the explosion happened. Elizabeth realized she was luckier than Vera. Yet like Vera, Elizabeth also found herself employed and alone, fighting for her place in Blessings Valley.
“Stop with these sad thoughts. They won’t do you a bit of good!” she scolded herself, shaking her head. “You are so much braver than you believe, Elizabeth Hamilton.”
Sample Chapter: https://bit.ly/2OgTffH


Bio:
Maxine Douglas writes in many genres and has found a love for the western historical romance. A Wisconsin native, Maxine resides in Chickasha. While Maxine may miss her family and friends in the north, she loves the mild winters Oklahoma has to offer. She has four grown children, two granddaughters, and a German Shorthair Pointer. And many friends she now considers her OK family.
Maxine’s western along the Chisholm Trail, The Marshal’s Bride, was a 2017 International Digital Award Finalist in the Western Historical-Short category.
Maxine is a current member of Romance Writers of America, Wisconsin Romance Writers of America, Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and its affiliate Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild, Inc.

Goodreads / Author Blog / Newsletter / Facebook / Twitter / Mailing List Signup / BookBub


at 11 comments:

Saturday, July 27, 2019

#WeWriWa ~ THE PILOT: A By-the-Book Administrator #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. I'm sharing snippets from The Pilot: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 1st book in a series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Celara's ship was hailed by one claiming to be Coalition Security. This week, we're in the other ship with Trevarr and his buddy Laning (who speaks first).

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. It's also edited a little from the original.

“Glad to see the old you is back.”
Laning and his cryptic remarks, Trevor thought. “What do you mean?”
“You have been one by-the-book administrator since you got to Mag Prime.”
Even though the cruiser was less agile than his personal ship, Trevarr easily dodged flying debris. His new position as Malcon Sector Administrator required him to bring order to this region of the Outer Rim and, by the Divine One, he would fulfill his responsibility.
“Start out the way you mean to go on.”
“Was that your daddy’s motto or the Evil Queen’s? Yeow!” Laning shrank against the copilot’s seat. “You’d better not get a scratch on my new ship.”



        There's no place like home and he stole hers. 

Life on the frontier of space is hard enough so when pirates stole Celara d'Enfaden's cargo, she vowed not to be tricked again. 

Determined to make an example out of indie pilots who disobey orders, Coalition Administrator Trevarr Jovano impounds Celara’s starship and cargo. If he backs down, he’ll lose respect. If she can’t deliver her cargo, she’ll default on her loan and lose her only home—her ship. 

More important than her ship, though, is her brother. To rescue him from a galactic gangster, she’ll even work with Jovano who is bent on avenging his wife’s murder.

 Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ Smashword

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.





at 19 comments:

Saturday, July 20, 2019

#WeWriWa: THE PILOT ~ Trevarr Can't Resist a Challenge #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. I'm sharing snippets from The Pilot: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 1st book in a series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Celara's ship was hailed by one claiming to be Coalition Security. This week, we're switching to the other ship.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. It's also edited a little from the original.


“Come on, Trev, you’re not going into that asteroid field, are you?”
Trevarr Jovano leaned forward in the pilot’s chair, alert for debris. He and his friend, Laning Servary, had been on a shake-down cruise for Laning’s new ship. When Trevarr had offered him the position of Chief Security Officer of Malcon Sector, he’d thrown in a newer, faster ship as incentive. He’d taken the controls from his friend a short time before sighting what he thought was a disabled cargo transport. With the way that vessel was fleeing, Trevarr was certain the pilot had something to hide.
He gave his friend a calculated smile, “He dares me to follow.”
Laning chuckled, “You never could resist a challenge.”
Trevarr did not ease off the accelerator of the Volpian cruiser. He just grinned.




        There's no place like home and he stole hers. 

Life on the frontier of space is hard enough so when pirates stole Celara d'Enfaden's cargo, she vowed not to be tricked again. 

Determined to make an example out of indie pilots who disobey orders, Coalition Administrator Trevarr Jovano impounds Celara’s starship and cargo. If he backs down, he’ll lose respect. If she can’t deliver her cargo, she’ll default on her loan and lose her only home—her ship. 

More important than her ship, though, is her brother. To rescue him from a galactic gangster, she’ll even work with Jovano who is bent on avenging his wife’s murder.

 Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ Smashword

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.





at 23 comments:

Saturday, July 13, 2019

#WeWriWa: THE PILOT ~ Famous Last Words #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. I'm sharing snippets from The Pilot: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 1st book in a series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. Celara's ship was hailed by one claiming to be Coalition Security. 

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. It's also edited a little from the original.

“Okay, just a few more secs and we’ll lose them.”
Arjay‘s response came out between a rasp and a groan, “Surely, you are not going into that asteroid field.”
“‘Don’t call me Shirley’,” she quoted from a Terran vid—if she didn’t need both hands to control the ship, she would’ve rubbed them in glee. “Those pirates won’t follow.”
“I recall an aphorism popular on Terra. Something about famous last words.”
“Arjay, you are such a poop.”
“Fair warning, cargo transport,” the pirate said, “Attempt to escape and we will fire on you.”
“Did he say attempt?” She grinned as she eased up on the throttle and dodged small asteroids at the outer edge of the field.



        There's no place like home and he stole hers. 

Life on the frontier of space is hard enough so when pirates stole Celara d'Enfaden's cargo, she vowed not to be tricked again. Determined to make an example out of indie pilots who disobey orders, Coalition Administrator Trevarr Jovano impounds Celara’s starship and cargo. If he backs down, he’ll lose respect. If she can’t deliver her cargo, she’ll default on her loan and lose her only home—her ship. More important than her ship, though, is her brother. To rescue him from a galactic gangster, she’ll even work with Jovano who is bent on avenging his wife’s murder.

 Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ Smashword

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.






at 22 comments:

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Guest: Pamela S. Thibodeaux's TEMPERED HEARTS Goes Audio


Pam will give away 1 audio copy, so be sure to leave a comment.


Blurb: Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.  Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.  It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.


Excerpt:
Taking advantage of the luxurious facilities, Tamera stood a long time in the shower washing away the grit and grime from traveling, as well as her other activities, then settled in the tub for a hot bath. She saturated her thick locks with conditioner, wrapped a moist, hot towel around her head and relaxed in scented, frothy water. Her vision blurred as exhaustion numbed her senses and she sank lower in the tub. She awoke with a start an hour later, shivering. She rose,drained the water from the tub and rinsed the conditioner out of her hair. Patting herself dry with a thick, soft towel, she reached for the robe that hung on the door.
Wrapped in the warm terry cloth, she sat at the vanity and combed the tangles out of her mass of blonde hair.She retrieved the blow dryer from her overnight bag, and ran her fingers through the thick tresses while applying heat. When the chore was nearly complete,she sprayed her hair with leave-in conditioner and brushed it. Tamera closed her eyes and mentally counted the strokes as a memory emerged in her mind…he in his favorite chair, she sitting at her father’s feet while he brushed and counted one hundred strokes.She heard his voice in her mind as she completed the task.
An everyday routine she once thought of as soothing, a time of bonding, she now considered a chore. Tamera blinked back tears, swallowed the lump in her throat, put down the brush, and seriously considered getting it all cut off.

Purchase Links:
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1Elwhpx
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/16sLHL9


Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story!

Links:


Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux


at 6 comments: