Monday, November 26, 2012

Cyber Monday Sale at All Romance eBooks and OmniLit!

All Romance eBooks and OmniLit are having a super-cool Cyber Monday sale with a 50% rebate* on your purchase!

Hurry! This sale only lasts one day. 

Get all the books you love for yourself or the booklovers on your gift list all with a 50% rebate!

*rebate is applied to your account in eBucks after checkout.  
**Look for the crown icons that indicate rebate eligible books!

Sale ends Monday, November 26th 11:59 PM US Central Time

If you've been waiting for a great opportunity to buy my "Blood and Honor" series, this is it! 
You'll get back $3.00 in eBucks with the purchase of both books!




  

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Black Friday Blog Hop--Books to Buy!


Welcome to stop #36 of the Black Friday Blog Hop!



To enter the contests, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below.

And see below for details of a special one-day .99 sale!

Thanksgiving is barely over, but you know what that means--Christmas shopping! (And be sure to fit in a little retail therapy for yourself, while you're at it!) While I always end up at the mall at least once, I tend to do a lot of my shopping online, and since I come from a family of book lovers, Amazon and B&N are always among my stops. And of course, I end up buying one or two things for myself (because shopping is HARD and I have the willpower of a gnat). 

If you're anything like me, you'll be adding some books to your shopping cart, so I'd like to suggest a few that I discovered this year.

Romantic suspenseKristine Cayne (Deadly Vices series), Pamela Clare (I-Team series), Diana Layne (Vista Security series), Ann Charles (Deadwood series), Cherry Adair (Lodestone series), Trish McCallan (Forged series), Stacey Joy Netzel (Lost in Italy), Zee Monodee (Walking the Edge), J.M. Darhower (Sempre), Christine Fairchild (An Eye for Danger
Paranormal romanceJ.R. Ward (okay, I discovered Ward before this year, but she's released new books in both the Black Dagger Brotherhood and Fallen Angels series) and Larissa Ione (both the Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series). And if you like gritty urban fantasy as well, check out Karen Marie Moning (the Fever series) and Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress series). 
Historical romanceDelilah Marvelle (Scandal and Rumor series), Laura Navarre (The Devil's Mistress)
Erotic romanceLorelei James (Rough Riders series -- oh, those cowboys!), Natasha Blackthorne (A Measured Risk--The Earl of Ruel is my Christian Grey), Nina Lane (The Erotic Dark -- much darker than Fifty Shades)
And if your tastes run a little lighter than mine, try Diane Kelly's Tara Holloway series in humorous romantic suspense, or Natalie G. Owen's Moonlight Dating series in short paranormal romance. I also highly recommend David Wailing's Fake Kate, an unpredictable story about two sisters that's a mix of suspense, romance, and rollicking good writing.  

What are your favorite romances or romance authors?

***
Now that you've read my recommendations, are you wondering what kind of books I write? Of course you are! :)

My current romantic suspense series is called Blood and Honor and is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. The series chronicles the battles--both bloody and romantic--between two warring Mafia clans. Books 1 and 2 are available now. Here's a taste of Book 1: 

An Interpol agent playing a dangerous game. A Mafia princess desperate to escape. A man determined to exact retribution...

Nick Clarkston, a young Interpol agent, threatens to undo the fragile peace between the Lucchesi and Andretti families when he tries to take down the Mafia don father who abandoned him. He allies with his father's sworn enemy, a mobster both devious and ruthless. The mobster's alluring daughter helps Nick negotiate the murky criminal underworld, but he soon learns she's using him. Trapped, and with nowhere to turn, Nick makes a tragic mistake that plunges him further into danger.

Delfina Andretti appears to be the typical Mafia princess--but this princess wants out. Delfina dreams of being a fashion designer, and hooking up with Nick is her ticket out of an arranged marriage. Her feelings for Nick are genuine, but he's leery of her. Even worse, his heedless drive for justice threatens to get them both killed and to put everyone Delfina loves behind bars--unless she and Nick can forge a new future for their warring families.

Excerpt:

It was hard going in the dark—the night was cloudy and the moon was new. Delfina tripped over a tree root, and Nick caught her about the waist and pulled her back against his hard chest. She gasped at the jolt of adrenaline his touch roused in her. When he spoke, his voice, low and velvety, was so close to her ear that she shivered. “All right?”

Sì, grazie.” Her heart slammed against her ribcage as he held her, his large warm hands on her hips. She had a sudden, entirely insane, desire for him to kiss her. She turned her head toward his and felt his breath, warm against her cheek. Every inch of her skin danced with electricity. She waited, the only sound the rush of blood in her ears. Was he feeling the same way?
***

Want to know what happens next? You can find out in Retribution (Blood and Honor #2), available at these retailers: Amazon (Kindle)Amazon UK (Kindle)AppleAll Romance eBooksBarnes & Noble, Barnes & Noble (UK)DieselKoboOmniLitSmashwords, and Sony. If you prefer print, Retribution is also on Amazon (paperback) and Amazon UK (paperback).

***

NEWSFLASH -- BLACK FRIDAY SALE -- ONE DAY ONLY

Get Revenge and Retribution by Dana Delamar, regularly $4.99 each, for only .99 each at select retailers! That's two great reads for less than $2! 

Retribution links: AmazonAll Romance eBooksBarnes & NobleKoboOmniLit


You can also get four great reads from Kristine Cayne and others for .99 each at select retailers! See the Amazon carousel at the top of the page.  


NEWSFLASH -- BLACK FRIDAY SALE -- ONE DAY ONLY

***

Prize Giveaway!

To thank you for visiting my blog and participating in Romancing the Hop, I'm giving away a $15 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner's choice)! To win, you must post a comment with your name and email address. Comments without an email address will be discarded. For additional chances to win, follow the instructions in the RaffleCopter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Grand Prize Giveaway!


We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. (Comments without an email address will be discarded.) Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet (international)
2nd Grand Prize: A $75 Amazon or B&N Gift Card (international)
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more! (U.S. only)

To continue hopping, click the link below!

http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/p/black-friday.html

What I'm Thankful For

2012 has been an exciting and trying year for me, both personally and professionally. I finally realized my life-long dream of becoming a published writer this year, an occasion both momentous and oddly anti-climactic. My first book went out into the wild January 1st. I sold some copies that month, mostly to friends and family, a few to complete strangers. I received my first fan mail and it made me cry. Shortly after, I received my first public review, and it was less than glowing. But I learned a lot from that review, and now I'm thankful that the first one was tough. Because it toughened me up too. One of my greatest fears about my books going on sale was that people wouldn't like them and that all my fears about not being good enough would be validated. 

But I learned a very simple truth: Opinions are just that: opinions. Good, bad, or otherwise. I cannot possibly please everyone with my work. If I please the majority who buy it, fantastic. *That's* my goal. *Not* pleasing everyone. The latter is an impossible task. I was silly for ever thinking otherwise. 

As of today, I've sold over two thousand books. Not bad for someone who started from scratch and did hardly a lick of promo between January and June. And the majority of the reviews have been positive. I even got two four-star reviews from RT Book Reviews, which made my day both times it happened. 

So is all of this what I'm thankful for? Not really. What I am truly thankful for are my family, my friends, and my readers. My mom went through a *major* health scare this year, but she pulled through. My boyfriend and I are still going strong after more than three years, and I have no idea what I ever did without him. My friends have been there for me every step of the way. And my readers have helped keep me motivated when I thought I'd never make progress in my career. 

One of my readers, Stephanie, has even become a special friend. She wrote a post about us that made me cry. When I started out on this journey, I never expected anything like this to happen. So I'll add the unpredictability of life to my list of what I'm thankful for. You never do know what's just around the bend.  

If you're reading this--thank you! That means you're part of my world. :) 

So now it's your turn: What are you thankful for this year?  

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Next Big Thing Blog Hop with Dana Delamar

I'd like to start by saying a huge "Thank you!" to Kristine Cayne for nominating me as The Next Big Thing. Kristine is not only my critique partner, she's also my cheerleader and all-around partner-in-crime. I wouldn't be published today if it weren't for her. 

As I understand it, the Next Big Thing originated on the She Writes site, and is designed to raise awareness of our work, or work in progress. We do that by answering ten questions about it. We graciously thank the person who nominated us, and tag five other authors whose work could well be that NEXT BIG THING.

Without further ado: 
  
1. What is the title of your next book?

Malavita (Blood and Honor Prequel). Malavita is Italian for "bad life" and refers to the criminal underworld inhabited by the Mafia. Although the other books in my series feature adult protagonists, this one features two teenagers coping with Mafia life and the hatred between their families. Technically, it's a young adult book, but the themes in this story are very, very adult. 

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?


Revenge (Blood and Honor #1) by Dana Delamar
Earlier this year, I published the first two books (Revenge and Retribution) in my romantic suspense series, Blood and Honor, which is set in Italy among the Calabrian Mafia. Book 1, Revenge, refers to certain events in the past (namely the marriage between Enrico Lucchesi and Antonella Andretti) that put to bed the long-standing feud between the Lucchesi and Andretti families, a feud that erupts all over again in Revenge

When I'd originally written Revenge, some of the events leading up to the marriage were recounted through flashbacks, but I chose to cut those scenes to quicken the pace. However, I've heard from readers who wanted to know more about how this marriage came to be, since these families hate each other so passionately in Revenge, so I decided to flesh out the "before" story that had been banging around in my head. 

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Romantic suspense. I try to maintain a 60/40 suspense-to-romance ratio in these stories. The first two books in the series have been described as "well-executed, gritty, and real" and as "hot steamy romance and blood-curdling action" with "realistic characters and an exciting plot," so that should give you some idea of what these books are like!

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Ooh, this is a toughie! Enrico and Antonella are both in their teens and I can't think of any teenage actors that look like what I'm picturing in my head. Here are some photos that come close:



5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

The son of a Mafia don must learn to forgive the horrible crime committed against his family--and to accept his love for the daughter of the man who committed that crime--in order to end the bloody feud between two warring Mafia families.


6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Self-published. I'm targeting December 2012/January 2013.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I'm still writing it!

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

If you loved Sempre by J.M. Darhower or Crow's Row by Julie Hockley, you'll probably love Malavita

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

The readers who asked for more about Enrico and Antonella's marriage, and also Natalie G. Owens, who encouraged me to write the prequel when I was dithering about taking the time off from book 3 (Redemption) to write Malavita

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Think "The Godfather" meets "Romeo & Juliet." Scheming, treachery, murder, secrets, the passion of first love, the desire for vengeanceit's all there! Here's the full description of Malavita

A boy determined to avenge his family. A girl desperate for peace.
A father intent on destruction…

Eighteen-year-old Enrico Lucchesi never wanted anything to do with the Mafia. But when his brothers were murdered, he accepted that he would someday be the next don. However, he doesn’t accept that he must marry the teenage daughter of the man who killed them. Enrico will never trust an Andretti, never mind love one. The Andrettis are up to something with their so-called “truce”—and Enrico must avenge his siblings. But will his dark secret spell the end of his vengeance—and possibly the Lucchesis? 

Antonella Andretti unfortunately inherited the infamous Andretti “beak” and despairs of ever being noticed, much less loved—until the day Enrico Lucchesi defends her from schoolyard bullies. When her father tries to destroy the Lucchesis, she persuades him that an alliance—achieved by her marriage to Enrico—would be in everyone’s best interests. As her wedding day approaches, people close to her father start dying, and her fiancé’s behavior is suspect. When she learns Enrico’s true feelings about her—and what her father’s actual plans are—will Antonella damn their families to eternal war, or will she broker a peace that might destroy her heart?
***

Now it's time to pass the torch to several deserving authors so they can tell you about their amazing work. Their posts (which will have the same title: The Next Big Thing Blog Hop) will be live on or around November 28. Here they are:

Catherine Green
Stacy Green Whisenand
Carol DeVaney

Thank you for joining me on The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. I hope you'll visit my nominees next week when they post their answers to the ten questions.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Spectacular giveaway and review of "Romance in the Rain"!



Today I have a special treat! First, there's my review of a fantastic new anthology by six Seattle authors. Second, I have three huge giveaways that you can enter, with eleven prizes total, including tons of books, gift cards, and even a free ebook cover design! To enter the giveaways, follow the instructions in the RaffleCopters below. 

I recently had the pleasure of reading Romance in the Rain (A Seattle Anthology). 

Title: Romance in the Rain (A Seattle Anthology)
Authors: Kristine Cayne, Dawn Kravagna, Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw, Clare Tisdale, Marianne Stillings
Publisher: Kristine Cayne
Release Date: October 15, 2012
Pages: 360
Buy LinksAmazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Description:
From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. 





Romance in the Rain is an anthology of six novellas written by the Seattle Rainy Day Authors. All the stories are set in Seattle, and each one involves a member of four generations of the Caldwell family, spanning a time period from 1853 to slightly in the future. Unlike most anthologies, where the stories are loosely linked by a common theme, this one has the same family at its heart, which makes for a uniquely touching effect that had me reflecting on the generations of my own family that have preceded me and that will follow me. 

All the stories are strong, another factor that sets this anthology apart from many that I've read. Despite the varying time periods, genres, and tones, the anthology hangs together because of the family at its center. For once I found myself carefully and eagerly studying the family trees at the end of each story. What could have been just a clever gimmick turns out to add an emotion-stirring layer to this collection. 

A little about each story: 

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell: A thoroughly delightful and charming historical romance about Englishman James Caldwell's woes as he tries to build a homestead for himself in the Seattle territory. James hates Seattle, hates the weather, and is ready to give up and return home when the prickly and beautiful widow Mattie Jensen catches his eye. She's a challenge he's *not* ready to give up on, but her wounded heart gives him a merry chase. Amusing and well-drawn secondary characters round out this excellent tale. 

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings: A solid and well-constructed historical romantic suspense set in 1942, one year after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson, a female pilot, and Capt. Joe Caldwell, her superior, find themselves embroiled in the chase to catch a killer who hates the female pilots assisting with the war effort. Great banter, sizzling sexual tension, and genuine suspense blend into a potent and memorable mix. 

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna: A new-adult tale set at the University of Washington in 1983. Drama major Kara Caldwell finds herself the object of affection of two men: one a worldly assistant stage director, the other an earnest actor in the play she's working crew on. She's mad about the stage director and not so sure about the actor; he's just not her type. Or is he? Conflicting signals from both men have the tightly wound Kara in an uproar. Can she sort out true feelings from fictional ones? An enjoyable story with an at-times frustrating, but believable heroine. Vivid backstage and college settings bring this story to life. 

What's Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw: A quirky, slightly supernatural, contemporary romance set in the present day about the rocky romance between Ivy Turin, an up-and-coming chef, and Sam Rockney, a Caldwell and a superstar quarterback for the fictional Seattle Pioneers. Ivy's heart has been betrayed in the worst way, and she is reluctant to let anyone into her life--until a chance encounter with a jewelry vendor in the Pike Place Market, who insists on giving her a necklace with an unusual stone, which he claims will help her find true love. Although Ivy wants to trust again, when the outrageously perfect Sam enters her life shortly after, she can't help peering under every rock in search of his bad side, for she's convinced there must be one. No one can possibly be that perfect--he *must* be hiding something! This story is full of delightful twists and turns; I was never quite sure what would happen next or how it would all work out. Very well done! 

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale: A page-turning contemporary romance set in the present day about the fraught relationship between JD Caldwell, newly returned to Seattle and still licking his wounds from the break-up of a six-year relationship, and Maya, the mysterious beauty who answers the door of his best friend Parker's house. Turns out Parker is long gone, but his ex, Maya, invites the handsome stranger in anyway and welcomes him into her bed. JD falls hard and fast--but there is something broken about Maya, and she cannot seem to return his affection, despite his numerous and heartfelt attempts to prove himself to her. Unusual for a romance, this story is told entirely from JD's point of view, which keeps us in the dark about Maya and her intentions. When we find out what she's really up to, we're no less shocked than poor JD, who is sent reeling. Despite his doubts about Maya, JD resolves to win her over, but will she ever thaw? Very well-written and beautiful romance filled with genuine, heartbreaking emotion that compelled me to seek out more stories by Clare Tisdale. A standout!

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne: Taut, gripping romantic suspense set in the near future against the backdrop of a massive Seattle earthquake. Soon-to-be-divorced Erica Caldwell and her daughter Chloe are trapped in the King County Courthouse by a partial building collapse. Erica's estranged husband, Lieutenant Jamie Caldwell, of the Seattle Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team, takes charge of the rescue of his wife and daughter. When Erica and Chloe are finally found in the rubble after considerable searching, little does Jamie know that his day is about to get a whole lot worse. Can he save his wife and daughter--and his marriage--or are some things beyond repair? This story had me on the edge of my seat, as bad goes to worse goes to oh-My-God what more can these people take? My eyes teared up, I gasped in surprise, and my jaw dropped open more than once. And the emotional story line, of the hanging-on-by-a-thread love between Jamie and Erica, deepened and enriched the suspense plot. Another outstanding effort by Kristine Cayne that stands up well under repeated readings. I very much look forward to her upcoming firefighter romance series, which will follow up with the characters introduced in Aftershocks.

Overall an exciting collection by a group of exceptionally talented writers. Highly recommended! 

For more information about Romance in the Rain and the Seattle Rainy Day Writers, visit them at www.seattlerainydaywriters.com.



Giveaway Spectacular!

All giveaways end November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for. To enter the giveaways, follow the instructions in the RaffleCopters. 

Giveaways for US residents only.
Grand Prize: 

A Northwest Basket containing:

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Obsession + SWAG
- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Addiction + SWAG
- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, by Julia Quinn (autographed copy)
- Blood Trinity, by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
- 1 e-book copy of “Falling Angel” by Clare Tisdale
- 1 handmade shell necklace by Clare Tisdale
- A handmade afghan crocheted by Marianne Stillings
- 1 autographed copy of AROUSING SUSPICIONS
- 1 autographed copy of SATISFACTION
- 1 autographed copy of KILLER CHARMS
- 1 bag of truffles from Seattle Chocolates
- 3 chocolate bars from Seattle Chocolates
- $15 Starbucks gift card
- 1 autographed copy of Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl by Dawn Kravagna

Prize #5: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne
- 1 print copy Accidental Cinderella, by Nancy Robards Thompson
- 1 print copy Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels, by Sarah Wendell

Prize #6: 
- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne
- 1 print copy The Angel in My Arms, by Stephanie Sloane
- 1 print copy The Naughty List, by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden and Susan Fox (autographed by Susan Fox)

Prize #7: 
- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne
- 1 print copy Tsunami Blue, by Gayle Ann Williams
- 1 print copy A Tale of Two Demon Slayers, by Angie Fox (autographed copy)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaways for both US and International residents.
Prize #1:
- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession
- 1 ecopy of A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare
- 1 ecopy of The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

Prize #2:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession
 - 1 ecopy of Unraveled by Courtney Milan
- 1 ecopy of Unlocked, a novella by Courtney Milan

Prize #3:
- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession
- 1 ecopy of One Night in London by Caroline Linden
- 1 ecopy of Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Prize #4:
- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession
- 1 ecopy of Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Prize #8-10:
- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction
- $10 Amazon or B&N giftcard




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize #11 US and International Giveaway

1 free ebook cover design by Sherri Shaw with up to a $20 royalty-free background

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Autumn's Harvest Blog Hop


Welcome to stop #22 in the Autumn's Harvest blog hop!

To enter the contests, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below.

Autumn is harvest time; a time of preparation for the long winter ahead. A time to reflect on the bounty of the prior year, a time to be thankful for your friends and family and what you have. 

Autumn is also a contrast to and a harbinger of the renewal and rebirth to come in the spring. A reminder that it's not all easy times ahead, but someday the sun will shine again. 

The first two books in my "Blood and Honor" series are set during late summer, fall, and early winter. And that's no coincidence. The four books in the series chart a year or so in the life of Enrico Lucchesi, the don of the Lucchesi family, and his family's struggle against the Andrettis, who very much want to wipe out the Lucchesis and gain control of their fortune and territory. 


In the first book, Revenge (Blood and Honor, #1), Enrico learns that the long-standing truce between the families is about to break, and the long summer of peace that he's enjoyed has come to an end. Likewise, the relationship that he embarks on with Kate Andretti, the estranged wife of a rival, will have its own trials--its own summer, fall, winter, and spring--as they endure the challenges ahead. 

A woman on the run. A damaged Mafia don. A rival bent on revenge... 

Mafia don Enrico Lucchesi struggles to preserve a fragile truce with the Andretti family. But when Kate Andretti flees from her abusive husband, Enrico won't leave her in jeopardy. Can he save her without reigniting the bloody feud between the families?

To read an excerpt, click here.

Revenge links: Amazon (Kindle)Amazon (print)Amazon UK (Kindle)Amazon UK (print)AppleAREBarnes & NobleDieselKoboOmniLitSmashwordsSony

On sale now--only .99 cents!

***
What books have you read where the seasons play a role--
whether it be overt or subtle?
 

One I can think of is the "Game of Thrones" series by George R. R. Martin, where the constant refrain of "Winter is coming" signals both a literal change of seasons and the vast conflict that is erupting across the seven kingdoms. 

Prize Giveaway!

To thank you for visiting my blog and participating in Romancing the Hop, I'm giving away a $15 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner's choice)! To win, you must post a comment with your name and email address. Comments without an email address will be discarded. For additional chances to win, follow the instructions in the RaffleCopter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Grand Prize Giveaway!


We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. (Comments without an email address will be discarded.) Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet (international)
2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card (international)
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains 10+ paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more! (U.S. only)

To continue hopping, click the link below!