~General Updates~ Upcoming Releases, Cover Reveals, Website Revamps

Hello again, my lovely readers! I've left you in the dark about a great many things lately. Truth is, I've been plagued by a bout of depression so bad that I just didn't care anymore. I was ready to let everything fall to the wayside, eventually disappear. I've managed to claw my way mostly out, though I'm by no means in the clear yet. I will get there, though. I've climbed out before and I can do it again.

That said, here are a few things that I've done recently and a few things to look forward to. 

Upcoming Releases & a Cover Reveal

That's right, my lovelies! There is a new book on the horizon. It's called Gertrude's Grace and it's a bit of a change from my usual offerings. While it has a streak of seriousness to it, it's by no means as dark as normal. It's even a bit humorous—I've been told it's "laugh out loud" funny. Which is good, since that's kinda what I was going for with this. It's my fluffy Regency offering to the world, and I hope it's received with the good humor I intended.

There's no set release date on it, as of yet. Honestly, it started out a really short story of about 6000 words (for those of you unsure how long a story that is, a novel is over 40,000). After my beta readers expressed the desire for a longer tale about these two characters, I gave the manuscript another look. It has two more chapters at the time of this post and is currently over 9000 words. So I'm not sure how long it will end up being, thus the reason I don't have a clear release date yet. I will endeavor to keep you lovely readers updated on that score. 

Meanwhile, I do have a cover for the story and I will share that, and the blurb, with you now. 

Blurb:

Ladies know how to behave in Society. Ladies never put a foot wrong, never say an inappropriate word, and never cause their parents a moment of distress. Ladies can overcome any embarrassment with grace and poise.

….and then there's Gertrude.

Gertrude struggles in the bright light of Society, trying to keep her poise and not embarrass her adoring mother. But when she falls for the most eligible bachelor the Season has to offer, she literally falls.
​
….on him.

Lord Chatterton survives Lady Gertrude's onslaught with dignity. While Society mocks her from the sidelines, Chatterton isn't laughing. He's falling, too. For Gertrude.

And there you have it. I hope that little description makes you eager to read it. ;)

At this time, I have no plans to make this available in paperback, but if it gets any longer, that could change. I'll keep you updated on that, as well.

Website Updates

In other news, I've completely revamped my website. The image I used behind the name is one I took myself. It's a pink carnation my husband gave to me one anniversary.

I hope the site more inviting now, and easy to navigate. Click HERE to give the site a view and, if you want, you can let me know your thoughts in the comment section on this blog post.

I plan to redo my business cards, design new bookmarks, get more cool things to advertise my books, and host more contests and giveaways this year, too. I have a busy, busy year ahead of me. :)

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ FFXIII-2 ~ Yeul's Theme

My Newest Release

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that Death Becomes Her was available for pre-order on Amazon. Well, as of Oct 20, it's officially released and can be purchased for only 99¢! Woo-hoo! This is a special introductory price, so grab it cheap while you can! ;) 

This book is the compiled version of the serial Regency that appeared in InD'tale Magazine and includes an exclusive short story called The Devil She Knows.

A Gothic tale of love and...body-snatching. 

Melly lives in darkness, stealing bodies by moonlight to support her sisters and herself. Coming face-to-face with a new doctor, one who doesn't view the resurrectionists with quite the same acceptance as his predecessor, she must decide what is best for her family—a family who desires to choose for themselves.

Currently available only on Amazon: US, UK, CA, DE, AU. Excerpts can be found on my website HERE.


♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing
♫♪ Sixx: A.M. ~ Life is Beautiful

Death Becomes Her is now AVAILABLE!

The second serial romance to appear in InD'tale Magazine has been compiled and uploaded to Amazon. This is a bit of a morbid tale about a resurrectionist and the doctor who falls for her. She has sisters and one of these sisters stars in the special exclusive short story included in this edition, The Devil She Knows. This is my gift to you, my lovely readers, for always being the supportive, encouraging creatures you are. ♥ 

I've made it available as a pre-order, before its official release on October 20. It's only available on Amazon at this time, but will follow to Smashwords, B&N, iTunes, Kobo, and 'txtr by the end of January 2015. If you'd like an excerpt, check out my website HERE. If you already know you want it, grab it from Amazon: US, UK, DE, CA, AU. ☺

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Reba McEntire ~ One Honest Heart

Another Forgotten Excerpt

I promised another excerpt, this time from Introductions, the final story in my Heartless Regency trilogy, Forgotten, and other Heartless tales. I’ve snipped a portion for your reading pleasure. Enjoy! ♥

---

Introductions:

A Heartless Conclusion

England 1824

“Lord and Lady Gabriel St. Clair!”

Michaella’s head whipped up at the majordomo’s stentorian announcement. “Gabe?” slipped from her lips just before those very lips were ruthlessly pressed against another pair of lips.

“My love,” Rhys mused between kisses to her neck and face, “calling out...another man’s name...whilst making love to...your husband...is very bad form.” He renewed his assault on her lips, giving her no opportunity to respond, if a coherent response was something she could even manage at the moment. His hands pulled her close, fingers splayed across her back. “Very...bad...form.”

Summoning an inhuman amount of control, Michaella pulled away, far enough to regard her husband’s smiling countenance. “Seducing one’s wife”—she placed a hand over his mouth as he leaned in to continue said seduction—“in an alcove...in the middle of the day...across from the drawing room...no less...is most improper.”

“Your speech would have been far more effective had you kissed me with each pause, my love,” Rhys mused, allowing her just a touch more distance, though he didn’t actually release her.

She smiled. “Perhaps, but how much of it would you have remembered after?”

He twined his fingers with hers, staring down at the linked appendages. “This is the first moment I’ve had alone with you in days.” He bestowed his most earnest expression on her, adding just a touch of pathetic entreaty.

She scowled at his emotional appeal, or tried to. “Stealing into an alcove is your way to remedy that?” She wanted to ask him why he didn’t simply enter her bedchamber on any of the past few nights. She wanted to ask him why he chose to sleep in his own chamber, for that matter. But good breeding would not allow her to ask such an indelicate question.

Instead, she allowed him to seduce her in a most inappropriate place, where any one of their guests might happen upon them, causing quite the countryside scandal. And as she pondered the possible ramifications, his hand slid down her shoulder, passing ever so lightly over her breast and on down to curl around her corseted ribs. Her breath caught as she vividly remembered the feel of his hands on her skin instead of hampered by several layers of sensible silk and whalebone.

And no guests constantly underfoot.

“Darling, your every waking moment since we left London has been filled with planning and family and servants,” Rhys patiently explained, trailing kisses over her cheeks and neck. Michaella’s heart kicked up a beat, her fingers clenching in the rough cloth of Rhys’ jacket. “I saw a moment and took advantage.”

And what he meant by that was he saw her in the foyer, greeting a newly arrived guest, and spirited her into the curtained alcove. Concerned that something had gone horribly wrong with one of the male guests at this, her very first house party, she’d followed with nothing more than a truncated “Please excuse—” directed at the new arrivals.

She could barely contain her shock when, instead of speaking, her very proper and gentlemanly husband pulled her into his arms and kissed her like a starving man. Too shocked to protest and—admittedly—pleasantly surprised, he’d managed to distract her quite well for several minutes.

Until Huxley’s voice broke through the sensual haze, intoning a name she’d not heard in months, the name of a man she’d not seen in years. How was it possible that he chose to attend her house party?

---

If you missed last week’s excerpt of Forgotten, you can find it HERE. An excerpt from Loyalty can be found on my website HERE.

Like what you read? Grab the full book from Amazon (US & UK), B&N, Apple, or Smashwords.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ P!NK ~ There You Go 

A Forgotten Excerpt

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a random excerpt from one of my books. As Forgotten, and other Heartless tales is my newest release, it makes sense to give that one the spotlight today. :) 

There is already an excerpt from Loyalty, the first story in this trio, on my website. This time, how about an excerpt from Forgotten, the story for which the trilogy is named? Here’s the first page of Forgotten. Enjoy! ♥

---

Forgotten

His heart belonged to his past...

Chapter One

France 1824

Hélène tossed the rag onto the bar, her gaze sliding, as always, down the shining expanse to linger on the man standing at the other end. He laughed with a regular patron, white teeth flashing in his sun-darkened face. He didn’t glance her way, but as she watched, his brow furrowed as it always did when he tried to remember something from his past.

Nearly four years ago she’d fished him out of the sea. He remembered nothing of who he was or how he’d come to be there, but ships sank all the time. His accent proclaimed his English roots and his air of superiority hinted at a life amongst the elite. Whether he was nobility or just an upper servant aping his betters was something she couldn’t quite decide.

With no hint of his identity and the face of a fallen angel, Hélène could think of no better name than Gabriel. Recalling the look on his face the first time she’d called him that, she knew she’d hit upon something. Recognition, a bit of horror, and a dash of humor darkened his clear blue eyes until they appeared nearly black in his gaunt features. How she’d managed to land on the very name he could lay claim to, or at least one that triggered a memory, was a mystery to her.

She suspected he’d fought in the war that ended nearly a decade past. His absent arm seemed to prove as much, and the way he watched everything, missing so little, was like that of a well-trained soldier, always watching for the sabre aimed at his back.

Pain lurched in Hélène’s chest, the ache of a person who cannot bring peace to a loved one. Gabriel’s memories were resurfacing but he would not speak of them. And with no desire to really force them from him, she allowed him his secrecy. Her ignorance of his past should have allowed her to be quite happy but she couldn’t stop thinking he might have a family somewhere, waiting, grieving. She would certainly grieve his loss were she to find herself suddenly without him.

Retrieving her rag and stowing it under the bar, she reached for the bucket at her feet and exited through the back door of the tavern.

---

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit of Forgotten. Next week I’ll share a bit of Introductions. If you’re already intrigued enough to add this book to your collection, you can grab the e-book from Amazon (US & UK), B&N, Apple, or Smashwords.

Have a lovely weekend!

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Hinder ~ Without You 

A Forgotten Party

Forgotten, and other Heartless tales is officially released, as of yesterday! Woo-hoo!! ♥ A new book release is a reason to celebrate so that's what I'm gonna do. And you're all invited! 

It's an online gathering (Facebook), nothing fancy, a few giveaways with prizes. If it's something you'd like to attend, please click on over HERE and "join" the party. It will start on Saturday, March 1, at 10 am eastern time. I will officially close the party at 6 pm. 

Additionally, as a special introductory offer, you can get a e-copy of Forgotten, and other Heartless tales from Amazon (US; UK) or Smashwords for only 99¢ until March 4. (For an excerpt from Loyalty, the first story in this book, you can visit my website HERE.)

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Lindsey Stirling ~ Shadows  

A Forgotten Blurb

Forgotten, and other Heartless tales is officially submitted to formatting genius Linda Boulanger. It will undergo some painless cosmetic surgery before I release it to you lovely readers. ♥ 

Meanwhile, I should share the official back cover blurb for this treasure, shouldn't I? ☺ 

Loyalty... 
Lady Michaella Harcourt's loyalty is unparalleled. Years after his death, she still pines for her lost love. The desire for a family, however, leads her to the Duke of Derringer with a request: arrange a marriage for her, to a man who won't require her heart.

Forgotten... 
Gabriel has made a life for himself with the Frenchwoman who fished him from the water many years ago. He remembers nothing of his former life, but when bits and pieces begin to fall into place, he seeks answers. Hélène does whatever she can to fulfill his wish, even if it means losing him to the woman who haunts his dreams.

Introductions: A Heartless Conclusion... 
Michaella's house party takes a turn for the intense when Lord and Lady Gabriel St. Clair attend. Old emotions resurface, sending certain guests into a panic. Meanwhile, the Duke of Derringer and his wife must overcome a crisis of their own.

Remember, Intrigue and Heartless are on sale for only 99¢ until Feb 28. Take advantage of the price now! ♥ 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Linkin Park ~ 1STP KLOSR 

Yet Another Cover Reveal and a Heartless Sale

I've been one busy little bee around here and I have another cover reveal for you lovely, lovely readers. 

Have I mentioned there's a new release on the horizon? There is, and it's called Forgotten, and other Heartless tales. This book features three novelettes, all centered around Heartless characters in particular. There are appearances by a few characters from other books, but the main focus is a few supporting characters from Heartless. 

The individual story titles are Loyalty, Forgotten, and Introductions: A Heartless Conclusion. Once I have the back cover blurb for this book, I'll reveal what each story is about. 

And without further ado, here's the official...

COVER REVEAL!!!

As usual, this design was done by An Author's Art ~ Cover Design. And again, that's me. ;) 

As a special bonus, to celebrate the upcoming release of Forgotten, and other Heartless tales, Heartless is on sale for only $0.99 everywhere e-books are sold! (Except B&N, who for some reason are taking their merry time lowering the price.) Here are the links. :)

• Amazon
• Smashwords
• Apple
• Kobo 
• Diesel
• Sony
• B&N (eventually, it will be $0.99 here too)
  

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Papa Roach ~ Take Me

~General Updates~ New Releases, InD'Tale, The 11th Commandment

It's now time for another catch-up post. 

New Releases...

I've revealed the cover for my upcoming release, Intrigue. This book is connected to my others in that it takes place between Deception and Entangled* and it features a rather memorable appearance by the Duke of Derringer (from Heartless). 

So here's the official... 

...for you lovely blog readers: 

Look for this new title in July 2013. The book description can be found on my website HERE.

*Formerly known as Spellbound.

InD'Tale Magazine... 

With the end of The 11th Commandment, there's now a new serial in InD'Tale Magazine, the first installment having officially made its debut in the June 2013 issue. Check your inboxes for your copy. If you haven't subscribed yet, you should do so now. It's still FREE.

The new story is a bit morbid, a bit dark, and a good bit more humorous than I'd originally intended. I knew body-snatching would be a dark subject and when the idea occurred to me for a woman to have this unlikely profession, it also occurred to me she'd need help doing it. Sisters, perhaps. Six sisters, in turns out, for a total of seven young women involved in one of the most despised activities of the time. Who knew they'd all have senses of humor, teasing each other, clearly a close-knit family, despite their very morbid job. It'll be interesting to see how it all turns out. ♥

On that note, I need to brainstorm a new idea for my next serial...

The 11th Commandment...

My previous serial Regency has been compiled and is now available for purchase. If you want the convenience of having the whole story on your e-reading device, it's only $1 USD to get it. The eBook is currently available on Amazon and Smashwords, with B&N, Kobo, Sony, Apple, and Diesel coming soon.

If you are an InD'tale subscriber, you can still read the whole story for free by accessing past issues in the magazine archive. (You must be registered and logged in to access the archive.)

I think that's the extent of my news at the moment. I am stressed, excited, overwhelmed, and a little nuts at the moment, but I think things will calm a bit after the Romance Novel Convention in August. ☺

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing
♫♪ Sick Puppies ~ Odd One

Deception's Cover Revealed

I have some exciting news! After several weeks of communication with my new publisher, TreasureLine Publishing, Deception is only weeks away from publication.

A few days ago, my publisher revealed the cover on the TreasureLine facebook page. I'm excited and so tickled pink. It's a gorgeous cover, if I do say so myself, and I am pleased to have had such a liberal hand in its creation.

I should take this opportunity to tell you a little about the story. From the back:

Miss Aurora Glendenning wants marriage. She wants the security and protection of a man who loves her for herself alone. Only love will allow a man to overlook the glaring mistakes she's made. So she hides her past and her wealth behind an elaborate web of deceit. 


Levi, Lord Greville needs a fortune. He resolves to marry an heiress and recoup his losses. But when he meets the lovely Miss Glendenning, he can think of no one else. Determined on his course, he forces his mind away from the young woman. But an indiscreet meeting causes a rushed marriage and the revealing of lies too shocking to endure. 


When Aurora's past makes threatening advances, Levi must choose between love and pride. 


Look for it soon from TreasureLine Publishing!

Ran Into a Leeetle Snag With Deception

In editing my newest novel, Deception, I have realized that I made a mistake in a certain aspect of Regency history. Oops. I have to modify this detail since I can't, in good conscience, release a book onto the general public with a known historical inaccuracy. Obviously, as we are all imperfect and historical authors have not actually lived in the time period we favor--however much we may want to--I may have missed something in one of my previous novels. I hope not, of course, and tried very hard to get everything right...ah, well. I think I am beginning to ramble. Allow me to get to the point.

Deception's release will be delayed until sometime next week. My apologies for this delay.

New Release

I am hoping to get my newest Regency, Deception, on the virtual bookshelves by the end of this week. It is connected to my currently published novels.

Briefly: 

Determined to find love, Aurora Glendenning hides her wealth and status, all too aware that money will often blind a man. When she meets Levi, Lord Greville, she thinks her prayers have been answered. There's just one problem: he needs wealth to prevent his swift relocation to debtor's prison. When an improper meeting results in a rushed wedding, Aurora's lies begin to unravel. Her past arrives in the form of an old love, revealing far more than she'd ever intended. Levi's love is tested, Aurora's life is threatened, and through it all, a little girl is the catalyst.