Friday, February 24, 2023

Blog Tour Alert! Celebrating The Wild Horse Peaks series by Brenda Whiteside

 I'm happy to host Brenda Whiteside's blog tour today! Brenda is offering a $10 Gift Card as her giveaway, so make sure to enter the draw. All the best, Brenda!


The Art of Love and Murder

A Wild Horse Peak Novel #1

by Brenda Whiteside

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery  

A woman searching for her past. A sheriff hiding in his present. Their future together threatened by murder.

Forty-three years after the airplane crash she survived killed her parents, Lacy Dahl is looking for answers. When her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew and disputes the identity of her father, someone is willing to murder to keep her discoveries hidden.

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the death of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy, he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts make that impossible saving Lacy may be his only redemption.

Just as she begins to believe the present is more important than her past, Chance's connection and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. When the truth is revealed, will the revelations free Lacy and Chance…or destroy them?


Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads


Southwest of Love and Murder

A Wild Horse Peak Novel #2

Writing murder mysteries is all in a day's work until an obsessed fan brings Phoebe’s stories to life.

 Mystery writer, Phoebe Anderson, owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now, someone has actually done it. Taking a few days to re-group on an isolated ranch, she doesn’t expect romance…or murder…to find her.

 Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years before. When Phoebe shakes up his routine, he fights to control his emotions, fearing the pain of opening his heart again.

 With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on the psychopath’s list is Mason.


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The Power of Love and Murder

A Wild Horse Peak Novel #3

Penny’s secrets can ruin the presidential contender who ordered her family’s murder…and mark her as the next hit.

Penny Spark’s desire to reconnect with family this Christmas exposes her true identity—a secret she’s hidden for thirteen years from the political powers that murdered her family.

Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets Penny, he believes this holiday season could be the start of life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.

With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender who targeted her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hopes for a new life…and love.


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The Deep Well of Love and Murder

A Wild Horse Peak Novel #4

A vengeful ex-husband and bloody fight for land threaten a love-struck couple’s happiness.

 After an abusive childhood and bad marriage, Laura Katz has finally found a home, stability…and possibly love. But her blissful refuge as nanny on the Meadowlark Ranch, miles from Flagstaff, shatters when her ex is released from prison, determined to reclaim her.

Randy Silva, the Argentine foreman, has plans for his own ranch, but a brutal land grab is underway. As the battle escalates, Laura steals his heart, but there are outsiders who stand in their way. He’s in a vicious battle for his land—and the woman he wants by his side.

Stakes are high, as the attacks on Randy and his ranch draw blood. While the vengeful ex-husband stalks Laura, a mob-backed land developer teams with a desperate gambler. Uncertain where the next attack will come from—will their love be caught in the crossfire.


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A Legacy of Love and Murder

A Wild Horse Peak Novel #1.5

Inheriting an Austrian Castle is an Alpine fairytale for August, until someone begins targeting the heirs.

August Myer arrives in Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, only to find he’s died under suspicious circumstances. As one of his heirs, her life is in danger, turning her Alpine adventure into a nightmare of veiled threats, unexplained accidents, and murder.

Inspector Tobias Wolf splits his time between catching criminals and fighting the spread of neo-Nazism. But when the beautiful, intriguing American crosses his path during a murder investigation, ensuring her safety challenges his priorities…and his heart.

When August learns the handsome inspector is concealing secrets, and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. Can Wolf save her before the killer strikes again?


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https://brendawhiteside.com


Guest Post

TURNING BITS OF MY LIFE INTO FICTION #inspiration #writing

Wild Horse Peaks is a four-book romantic suspense series set in Arizona, my home state, with the sequel set in Austria, a country I loved visiting. The characters in each book are either related or friends. The stories follow twisty paths of danger and suspense: a search to learn about birth parents who died…or were murdered, a mystery writer stalked by someone acting out her murder scenes, a politically driven madman chasing the last member of a family and her rockstar boyfriend, and a good old western land grab turned nasty. The sequel is an Austrian fairytale turned nightmare. And in the midst of all the mayhem—love

Each book holds a piece of my life. I think authors often weave in facets of themselves in their stories. The Art of Love and Murder has a Native American thread (I’m proud of my Indian blood) and a tie to the art community (my first idea for a career and why I went to college). In the second book, Southwest of Love and Murder, the heroine is a lusty, free-spirited, author (my alter-ego). The hero in The Power of Love and Murder is a rocker and just might resemble my son years back while one of the hero’s exploits is taken from the pages of my brother’s life. In the fourth book of the series, The Deep Well of Love and Murder, the only tie to the real me is the dog, Perro. He looks like my beloved Rusty, who died a few years ago.

Although the books are all connected, you can read them as standalones.

A Legacy of Love and Murder, a sequel, is free to members of Brenda’s Newletter Group.

You’ll enjoy this novel even if you haven’t read book 1, The Art of Love and Murder yet. Become a member of Brenda’s Newsletter Group (BNG) today to receive this exciting romantic suspense free. BNG members receive benefits that will excite and keep you reading all year long.

https://us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4804e039587723cfe02e83f2c&id=5e4b22a4ac


Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart so won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.


Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Friday, February 10, 2023

SEEKER: #NewRelease from Jean M. Grant

Jean M. Grant has visited my blog previously with her wonderful series set in medieval Scotland. With her new release, SEEKERS, she's back in medieval Scotland, in the world she created in her series. This time Jean is taking part in The Mortar and Pestle series with six other authors. Jean tells us about the series and SEEKER, her contribution. Great to have you here again, Jean!


5 Things About the Series:

1. Each book has a paranormal element or thread—selkies, gifted heroines, healers, vampires…a bit of magic!

2. The Mortar & Pestle plays a role in each book to bring true love upon an unsuspecting couple in unique ways. Whether it’s grinding food or herbs, crushing on an adversary’s head, making medicines, uncovering on an archaeological find, or mixing paints, the magical bowl finds its way into each of the stories.

3. The Mortar & Pestle travels through time: 900 AD Norse/Vikings, medieval Scottish Highlanders, 1700s Caribbean pirates, WWII treasure hunters, and contemporary people just trying to find their path.

4. Each book can be read as a standalone, out of or order, in order! Grab one or all today.

5. Each book is a low-heat romance (= PG to PG-13/behind closed doors or fade to black – whatever you like to call it!) and some of the authors are offering extra bonus spicy scenes! Check out their websites for more info.


Inspiration For the Series and Seeker

In early 2022, a group of seven authors got together through Zoom to talk shop, and one thing led to another…and a magical Mortar & Pestle was born! A few of us were in writing slumps. A few were looking for something new or fun to write. Our intention was to talk the biz, and instead, we left, our fingers itching to write a new romance! Each story has a bit of magic and is novella-length, spanning time from 900 AD to modern day. The series takes the reader on an adventure with Vikings, Highlanders, pirates, treasure hunters, vampires, healers, and artists. 

I already had a series set in medieval Scotland, so I dipped into that world and came up with an adventure that revolves around a yearly clan tournament. I chose two secondary characters from another one of my books in my historical trilogy. I wondered: Wouldn’t Aileana and Brodie's story be fun to write? Aileana is the spirited, independent, younger sister of the hero in A Hundred Lies. She is an adventurous archer and a very non-typical noblewoman of a magical family, for she lacks the mystical powers her family members possess. Brodie is a reserved, beta-hero who excels in strategy games. He has a health condition that prevents him from being war chieftain to his bullying older brother. Can these underdogs bring peace to their clans before it’s too late? Find out in Seeker.

Mortar and Pestle Series BLURB:

A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe.

Throughout time people have sought heir heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive.

Carved with Ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters.

Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.


Blurb for Seekers:

Nock, draw, release. Her bow is always ready, and if her arrow hits its mark, she will secure her destined soulmate.
 
Aileana Montgomerie’s bloodline holds valuable gifts of foresight and healing, but with each honor comes a curse. Even though she is descended from the mystical isles’ folk, she lacks the ability of the Scottish Ancients and wonders if she belongs in a magical family. Aileana just wants a purpose. What good is her bow and arrow if she is denied the right to fight for her clan?

Brodie MacDougall is ordained to be the next war chieftain of his clan. The title is a privilege as long as his brother, the future laird, doesn’t expect him to lift a sword and charge into battle. Chronic pain and nervous vapors force him to spend his days alone. Can his strategic skills keep him one step ahead of his conspiring brother?
 
Through a magical Mortar & Pestle, Brodie finds his heart’s desire. But there’s a catch. The seat on his brother’s council is no longer dependent upon his health…but on Aileana’s strength. With rumblings of unrest among their clans, will their love foster an alliance or be a step toward war?


Excerpt:

The mixture of herb fragrances mingled in her nose. Nutty, sharp, awakening.

She inhaled. Brodie inhaled.

As he released his hand from the pestle, a dark violet waft of smoke rose from the mortar.

An image appeared in her head, though her eyes were wide open:

A vast and lush meadow. Her bow in her hand. She stared at a target, runes carved into its center. The butt was made from a large mound of dirt, the kind used in the yearly tournament.

What in all the stars was happening?

And Brodie stood beside her in the image. Vision? Nonsense! Had she knocked her head? Fallen asleep? She held no gift of prophecy. What was this?

The ground rumbled. She heard Brodie’s heart racing as he whispered words of love in her ear.

Her neck tingled with gooseflesh, the way the wheat fields rippled on a windy day. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, and her belly warmed.

In your presence, the answer is shown, a voice said. Stay close to him, for your heart’s desire is known. What you seek, you will reap. Follow the golden prize. Let it be your sun.

She blinked as the image faded, her face aflame and the residual heat of his lips upon her skin still palpable. “Did you see that?”

“See what?”

He was staring at her, his body so close. She broke their shared gaze. “The mortar.”

He blew out a full, healthy breath as the lavender mist dissipated.

“Smoke?” she coaxed. Oh, please, Brodie. Say you see it, too!

He stared at the mortar. The purple smoke was now a pale haze fading to gray. The flecks in the black granite shimmered as bright as the stars.

“Aye, I do. A flame, but the color of a thistle. Though now it is gray.”

She gulped, feeling relieved but confused. Her mother’s treatments were as natural as the earth. She didn’t cast spells or evoke flares from simple herbs!

“Has this ever happened before?” he asked.

She wet her lips, searching his face. Her chest tingled.

“Never."

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Seeker-Scottish-Medieval-Enemies-Romance-ebook/dp/B0BRYS2JXY

Preorder SEEKER now through March 8th at 99¢!

Check out the free prequel on January 16th - HERE!

Regular priced e-book and paperback for Seeker releases on March 9th.

 

Series link on Amazon

 Check out the trailer!



Author Bio:

Jean M. Grant has a penchant for misunderstood creatures, be it sharks, microbes, or wounded characters. A scientist by training, she now spends her days as an author and champion for her children. She writes historical and contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Two of her books won InD’tale RONE awards and one won a NN Light award.

A nature enthusiast, Jean also writes for family-oriented travel magazines and websites. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and going on adventures near and far with her family. If she were stuck on a desert island, her three essentials (besides family, food, water, and shelter) would be coffee, lip balm, and The Rock Dwayne Johnson.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

THE BLOOD OF FAERIES: #NewRelease from Dan Rice

Fellow Wild Rose Press author Dan Rice is my guest today. Dan is celebrating the release of his YA urban fantasy, THE BLOOD OF FAERIES, book 2 in the Allison Lee Chronicles. He gives us a glimpse into what it takes to write a series of books. Dan is offering a $10 Gift Certificate as a prize during his blog tour, so make sure to enter. Thanks for being here, Dan!


The Surprising Aspects of Writing a Series

            Writing a series is a fun and surprising experience. You might think the writing gets easier the further along you are in the series. You have more experience writing and have lived with the characters longer. In the case of speculative fiction, you have a firmer grasp of your fantastical world.

            This is only partially true in my experience. I can knock out the rough draft faster, and it's of higher quality. I just don't put words onto the page; I often put down the right words. Most of this stems from having more experience writing the characters. While writing Dragons Walk Among Us, I was careful to ensure I was in Allison’s voice. Subsequently, while I wrote The Blood of Faeries and worked on the third book, I was not bothered by this concern. It's effortless to slip into her voice. That's not to say everything comes out perfect, but as mentioned before, the rough drafts are considerably better nowadays.

I've learned that the editing process never becomes less time-consuming. Yes, it's easier to catch errors in your writing with experience. But you spot so many more flaws sometimes it feels like you're trying to plug a leaking dam with your fingers. Keeping track of the minutia is one issue that rears its head while writing a series. With each novel in the series, tracking the details becomes a little bit harder. Likewise, identifying and fixing continuity errors becomes a time-consuming endeavor. I have comments sprinkled throughout the draft of book three, reminding me to check on details from earlier books. This is a crucial activity because, otherwise, some eagle-eyed readers are bound to notice continuity problems.

I have discovered that with experience, writing doesn't become any easier. You spend more time working on different aspects of the process than before. In my case, this is definitely editing, which I used to hate. Now, it is the most rewarding aspect of the process because it's while editing that the story truly comes alive.

The Blood of Faeries

The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2

by Dan Rice

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy 

Allison Lee wilts under the bright light of celebrity after being exposed as a shape-shifting monster. She'd rather be behind the camera than in front of it. Being under the tooth and claw of her monstrous mother is even less enjoyable. All she desires is for everything to go back to the way things were before she discovered her true nature. But, after she accidentally kills a mysterious man sent to kidnap her, she realizes piecing her old life back together is one gnarly jigsaw puzzle.
When Allison's sometimes boyfriend Haji goes missing, Allison and her squad suspect his unhealthy interest in magic led to his disappearance. Their quest to find Haji brings them face-to-face with beings thought long ago extinct whose agenda remains an enigma.

“I’ll shoot you in the leg.” He adjusts his aim.

“What if you hit my femoral artery? I’ll bleed out.” What did the gunman do to Dad? How in the world did he overcome Mother?

He frowns. “It doesn’t matter where I shoot you as long as it’s not immediately fatal. I know you heal fast. Now, stand up. Hands behind your head.”

I comply. “How do you plan to escape with me as a prisoner? Since you know I can heal quickly from a gunshot wound, you probably know I’m faster and stronger than you. Do you really think you can walk out of here, avoiding the security detail, with me in tow? Take your eyes off me for a second, I’ll disarm you and break your arm in the process.”

Sweat rolls down his brow. “Stifle it. Turn around. Keep your hands behind your head.”

“You’re making a mistake.” I can’t believe he overcame Mother. Taking me by surprise is one thing, but overcoming Mother, a battle-harden, magic-wielding, full-fledged skaag, is next level.

“We have your parents downstairs. You don’t start doing what you’re told without giving me lip, they’ll get hurt.”

Dad shouts from downstairs, followed by a loud thud, but no gunshot. I drop my hands and dart toward the intruder. Before he can pull the trigger, I’m on him, wrenching the gun up and to the side. Burning pain lacerates my right shoulder, and the crack of the gun is deafening. I’m more surprised than hurt because the sleeper’s prowess courses through my veins.


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Dragons Walk Among Us

The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 1

Shutterbug Allison Lee is trying to survive high school while suffering the popular girl's abuse. Her life is often abysmal, but at least her green hair is savage. Her talent for photography is recognized by the school paper and the judges of a photo contest. While visiting her friend Joe, a homeless vet, Allison's life irrevocably changes after an attack leaves her blind. All her dreams as a photojournalist are dashed as she realizes she'll never see again. Despair sets in until she is offered an experimental procedure to restore her vision. But there are side effects, or are they hallucinations? She now sees dragons accompanying some of the people she meets. Can she trust her eyes, or has the procedure affected her more than she can see?


**Only .99 cents!!**

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Dan Rice pens the young adult urban fantasy series The Allison Lee Chronicles in the wee hours of the morning. The series kicks off with his award-winning debut, Dragons Walk Among Us, which Kirkus Reviews calls, “An inspirational and socially relevant fantasy.”

While not pulling down the 9 to 5 or chauffeuring his soccer fanatic sons to practices and games, Dan enjoys photography and hiking through the wilderness.


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday, February 3, 2023

Love and Romance Book Festival

Calling all romance readers! It’s more than candy hearts, chocolates and flowers at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Love and Romance Book Festival. 42 romance books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon gift card. Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, CHILL OUT, will be featured on February 6. Wait until you read my romantic tip to enhance your love life. You won’t want to miss it.

Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/chill-out-lrbf-1

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Groundhog Day Bookish #Giveaway Event!

Come to the Groundhog Day Bookish Road Trip Giveaway Event! Takes place all day on February 2! Every participating author is offering a prize for one lucky commenter. All you have to do is answer a simple question. Winner chosen at random. Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bookish.road.trip