Ruth Cardello Is Back With Another Billionaire!

Ruth Cardello, NYT's Bestselling Author of Maid for the Billionaire and For Love or Legacy,
has a new release coming on May 20th, and fans are beyond ecstatic.

Rise of the Billionaire

Dreaming of Alethea gave Jeremy Kater the strength to survive a difficult childhood. Now that he has influential friends who owe him big favors, he's determined to become the kind of man Alethea would be interested in - rich and dangerous. Jeisa Borreto was hired to help Jeremy morph into that man. It's a job she would enjoy, if it weren’t tearing her heart to pieces.

How do you help someone change, when you already love who they are?

Hint: Sleeping with them doesn't help.

Excerpt:

He paused and shook his head. Jeisa slid beneath one of his arms again to help steady him.  The heat from his body spread like a wildfire through her own. Jeremy was all man now and everywhere their bodies touched, Jeisa felt just how much he’d changed.  The strong arm draped across her shoulders no longer felt like it belonged to a man who spent his life behind a computer. Boxing was only a small piece of Jeremy’s plan to physically transform himself.  He’d started running and lifting weights very soon after they’d met.  Jeisa hadn’t thought it was necessary… But oh, the results were nice.

He stumbled as they walked. Her hand flew up to steady him, coming to a rest in the middle of his hard chest and she felt him catch his breath. 

Is he thinking what I’m thinking?

No, no, no, she thought frantically.

Unlike me, Jeremy has always been painfully honest.

Remember that he’s doing all of this to win the heart of a woman.

Another woman.

As in, not me.

Her body didn’t care. She looked past the swelling and the blood and all she could see were his beautiful, sexy blue eyes. They paused for what seemed an eternity and she couldn’t look away.

What would it be like to be loved by a man who is willing to do anything to win your heart?

You could be yourself with such a man.

Love like that doesn’t follow the rules.

It is sweaty, and passionate, and the stuff that romances are made of.

An odd expression entered Jeremy’s eyes and he straightened away from her, breaking contact. 

“Jeisa,” he said in a gruff voice, “let’s go home.”

“Yes,” she said, and mentally kicked herself for allowing the lines between employer and friend to blur.  She was part of Jeremy’s life.

Just not in the way she wanted to be.

For more information, check out Ruth's website at www.ruthcardello.com

or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorruth.cardello

or check her out on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RuthieCardello

Happy Reading and Writing!

Cherie

Love the New Cover for Edge of Mercy!!

I've decided to become legitimate! Well, in publishing at least. Professionalism and all that makes a difference, so I took the plunge and bought a custom cover for Edge of Mercy.  It's everything I wanted and more.  Not only does the girl on the cover help me picture Charlie perfectly, but the overall feel is so much more dystopian.  Hope you love it as much as I do.

I have LFD Designs For Authors to thank.  The whole process was so easy and the very talented graphic artist gave me mock-ups to consider, and I was able to explain what I liked and make suggestions.  She listened and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Check it out at Amazon:  Edge of Mercy for Kindle

Or BN:  Edge of Mercy Nook Book

Happy Reading and Writing,

Cherie

Things That Amaze Me Lately

Time is a rare commodity these days, but despite all the cuckoo-crazy-cakes responsibilities I've taken on, I sit here amazed at how great life really is.

Some things that amaze me lately:

• How much can be accomplished in one measly weekend, day, hour, and minute.
• How time with people whose brains work like mine can re-energize and renew my passion for creative writing.
• How tasty Irish Cream can be.
• How generous people can be with their time and information.

Turns out, USA Today Bestselling Author, Liliana Hart's visit to The Kentucky Romance Writers of America, Spring Into Writing workshop, was the most amazing of all.  Sometimes it makes all the difference when someone who has gone before in something and is highly successful takes the time to lead the way for the rest of us.  She truly is "paying it forward."

Check out the work of this popular author.  Two of her books are listed here, and you'll find a complete list at her website when you click on her name above.

http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Rebellion-Liliana-Hart/dp/147007169X

WHISKEY REBELLION: AN ADDISON HOLMES MYSTERY My name is Addison Holmes, and I teach history at James Madison High School in Whiskey Bayou, Georgia. You might be under the assumption that my life went to the dogs when my fiancé left me at the altar for the home economics teacher, or when I got notice that my apartment building was going to be condemned, or even when I was desperate enough to strip to my unmentionables to earn some extra cash. The truth is that I'm pretty much used to disasters following me around on a daily basis, but I could have gone without finding my principal dead in the parking lot of a seedy gentlemen's club. After the initial shock of finding my first dead body, which included throwing back shots of Jack Daniels like it was water, I decided to take stock of my life. I was in a desperate situation and if the school board ever found out I'd been a stripper, even a bad stripper, I'd be jobless as well as fiancé-less and homeless. Fortunately, I had a friend who felt sorry enough for me to give me a job doing some surveillance work at her detective agency. Not to mention the fact that I was now able to stick my nose into other people's business for a good cause, find a murderer, and pick up helpful tips from an incredibly attractive detective. Come check out my story and be thankful your life is relatively normal. Other Full-Length Titles by Liliana Hart DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS CATCH ME IF YOU CAN ALL ABOUT EVE PARADISE DISGUISED What readers are saying: Romancing the Book – “An entertaining, fun read.” Romanceaholic Book Review – “This book is hysterical. It’s a true comedy of errors…A perfect summer read… lighthearted and funny” Reader review at Barnes & Noble - ”I haven’t read a book this funny since the first few Janet Evanovich books… A definite recommendation for everyone.”

http://www.amazon.com/Erotic-Romance-Mackenzie-Family-ebook/dp/B005C5YZ86In this novella, bad boy, Dane MacKenzie, is coming home to Surrender, Montana. It’s been ten years since he left the woman he loved behind to make a name for himself, and now he’s bound and determined to claim her once and for all.
But Charlotte Munroe has no desire to welcome home the Prodigal Son with a fatted calf. The bitterness of Dane’s betrayal runs deep, and she has no plans of letting him back into her life. Especially since she’s trying to protect the son Dane isn’t aware exists from heartbreak, since she’s sure he’s only going to walk out of their lives again.

USA Today Bestselling Author Liliana Hart is Headed to Kentucky!

Kentucky Romance Writers

2013 Spring into Writing Workshop, Saturday, March 16^th, 9am-4pm


With USA Today Bestselling Author Liliana Hart

Liliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis, so she finally decided to hang up her hat and let someone else have all the fun. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).

Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. A recent USA Today Bestselling author, her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.

Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company and she loves to present about the writing life.

-  Liliana Hart Will Present On--

Getting Started in Self-publishing

The Roll/Role of an Agent (going it alone or with help)

Author Branding and Covers

Marketing 101

Algorithms

The Worth of an Author

____________________________________

Where:  Hyatt Place Conference Room

2001 Bryant Rd.

Lexington, Ky 40509

859-296-0091

Directions and Rates- Phone: +1 859 296 0091

Time:  9am-4pm, with lunch break 12-1

Cost for the Saturday event is $25 for KYRW members and $40 for non-members. (Does not include lunch.)

Hosted by The Kentucky Romance Writers. Please visit our website: www.kentuckyromancewriters.com or contact

KYRW Pres. Cherie Marks at authorcheriemarks@gmail.com

Please Welcome Amy Durham!

Today, I am excited to have an exceptional author (and very good friend), Amy Durham, on the blog.  She was nice enough to answer a few questions for me and to share all the juicy details on her latest release.

So, let's get right to it.

AMY: Thanks Cherie, for inviting me to come hang out with you! I really appreciate the chance to interact with your readers and promote my latest release, ONCE AND FOR ALL! 


CHERIE: Which comes first for you—plot or characters?

AMY: Usually, the characters and some kind of event or scene comes first. I find that if the characters “flesh themselves out” for me, the plot will follow smoothly after that.


CHERIE: What aspect of writing comes easy to you? What is difficult?

AMY: The initial plotting and characterizations come easy. I enjoy the rush of the beginning of the book! I’m never short on ideas! The most challenging is just finding the time to really dig in and write. I teach full time, and I have 3 kids of my own, so sometimes I have to wait until summer break to get large chunks of writing done. However, I do write in smaller batches regularly.

CHERIE: Who are some of your must-read authors and why?

AMY: Rachel Vincent, because I LOVE her “Soul Screamer” series. Nyrae Dawn, Tiffany King, and Jessica Sorenson for gritty stories that carry important messages.
Where in the world would you want to visit (all in the name of research, of course) and why?

Ireland and Scotland. There is a something deep inside me that longs – almost physically – to see these places! I’d love to set a story – or many stories – in those places someday! 

CHERIE: What did you enjoy most about writing your latest work?

AMY: I enjoyed exploring the idea of “class-jumping” in high school. I remember how scandalous it was in high school when a “popular” boy dated a girl a class or two below him, or when a “popular” girl befriended another girl who didn’t run in the same circles. Others, from both “classes” aren’t quick to accept those scenarios, and, as we all know, kids can sometimes be cruel. I wanted to create a story where a popular boy and unpopular girl fell for each other, feared the ramifications of their peers, but ultimately decided their love was worth it.

CHERIE: Can you talk about what you are working on now?

AMY: I’m working on another young adult paranormal romance. ONCE AND FOR ALL, which just released, is book 2 in the Sky Cove Series. (ONCE AGAIN is book 1.) I’m taking a break from Sky Cove for a bit and writing a book called “Dusk”, another young adult paranormal romance. The paranormal element is different. Rather than reincarnation, the characters encounter a fellow high school student who is human, but with a few…. “extra abilities”!

CHERIE: Favorite movie and why?

AMY: I have several, and, as you might expect, they are all romantic stories! “When Harry Met Sally” is my absolute fave, but “Notting Hill”, “The Sound of Music”, and “P.S. I Love You” all follow pretty closely behind! I also adore the movie “Once”. It’s an independent Irish film with GREAT music! 

CHERIE: What can you tell us about Once and For All?

Book Blurb:

What happens when 180 pounds of football star collides with 105 pounds of art geek?  

An ancient curse springs to life, of course.

Phoebe Campbell is anything but popular. Todd Miller is the epitome of the high school jock. Their socially opposite worlds collide when they are paired to work together on a project for art class. Attempting to cooperate for the sake of their assignment, Todd and Phoebe begin to look past preconceived notions and see each other for who they truly are. As genuine feelings begin to develop between them, they find themselves plagued by dangerous shape-shifting episodes and unexplained telepathic connections.

In order to stop the mysterious occurrences, Phoebe and Todd are forced into a mission to uncover the truth. In their quest, they discover unsettling stories that hint at a previous existence, and also clues to an ancient curse that has never been broken.

Can they learn to love each other despite the typical high school social expectations? And will their love be the key that breaks the ancient curse once and for all?

Find ONCE AND FOR ALL at:

AMAZON

B&N

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

SMASHWORDS

KOBO

Contact Amy online:

amybdurham@gmail.com

www.amydurham.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyDurham

www.twitter.com/Amy_Durham

Wisteria Book Blast

Wisteria by Bisi Leyton:

Sixteen year old Wisteria Kuti has two options—track the infected around the Isle of Smythe or leave the only known safe haven and face a world infested with flesh eating biters. But even with well-armed trackers, things go wrong and Wisteria ends up alone facing certain death, until she is rescued by the mysterious Bach. Uninfected, Bach is able to survive among the hordes of living dead.

Eighteen year old Bach, from a race known as The Family, has no interest in human affairs. He was sent here to complete his Great Walk and return home as a man—as a Sen Son. The Family regard humans as Dirt People, but Bach is drawn to this Terran girl, whom he has never seen before, but somehow knows.

Hunted by flesh eaters, cannibals, and the mysterious blood thirsty group called Red Phoenix, Wisteria and Bach make their way back to the Isle of Smythe, a community built on secrets and lies.

Praise for Wisteria:

“I love the buildup of this story, getting to know the characters and watching their connection grow. I had no idea which way the story was headed and I was kept in suspense right up to the very end! It has plenty of action and a fascinating plot and I can’t wait to see what Bisi Leyton has for us next!!” 

~ Naomi Hop 

“There are a lot of great things in this book, so much more than zombies and a struggle for survival. At it’s base core it is about star-crossed lovers, literally and the supporting characters roles… Ms. Leyton brings to Wisteria a mixture of science fiction, fantasy, dystopic world with a twist to the paranormal romance angle!”

~ Cabin Goddess

“The book was full of nonstop action from the beginning until the end, and I did not put it down until I had finished it. I loved the book.” 

~Author Monique Morgan

Purchase:

Lulu * Amazon * Smashwords

Book Trailer:





Audiobook Excerpt: 

Author Bisi Leyton:

Bisi Leyton was born in East London in 1978. She grew up in London, Nigeria and the States, listening to the stories life and love from aunts, cousins and big sisters.

She lives in London, but has worked around Europe including France, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and the Czech Republic. She has a fondness for reading graphic novels.

Links

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Blog Tour Now Through January 25th

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/27/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bare Knuckle Bucket of Does or How To Make Progress on Your Work-in-Progress

When the deadline looms, I'm one of those people who put it in gear and gun it hard all the way to the finish line.  I work great under pressure.  Of course, right now, most of my deadlines and the pressure that goes with them come from the day job, but that's another story.

So, if it's such an important piece of me, why am I not more productive as a writer?

Many writers are wired to think in stories.  Their brains are cluttered with story ideas, lines of dialogue, quirky characters, and flowing descriptions that would make angels weep.  Yet, until they make it to the page, all they can possibly be are possibilities.  Until a writer has an editor or critique partner putting on pressure to give over finished products, stories are often left not started or unfinished.  Lately, I'm soooo there.

Once again, the question is how to change that.  However, the reality of it all is this--there is no easy solution.  I'm the only one putting pressure on me to get writing done, and apparently I'm not twisting the screws tightly enough.

The only way a writer can push toward those lofty publishing dreams, whether it be to publish traditionally or independently, is to begin and finish the damn book.  It's time to become a bare-knuckle bucket of does.

But what does that mean?

It means setting goals and sticking with them.  It's one thing to set a long-term goal like getting published.  In order to achieve that lofty goal though, what you do in the short-term really, really matters.  So, what are some good short-term goals?

One of the first goals has to be about writing time.  Writing time has to be priority.  Determine how much time you really can devote to writing each week.  I thought I could devote seven hours a week.  One hour a day, right?  Reality check--not possible with my day job.

Try to be as realistic as possible when setting writing goals.  Dean Wesley Smith suggests you set a goal you think you can meet and then cut it in half.  So, my current writing goal for each week is three and a half hours.

Unfortunately, I'm a slow writer.  I don't like to plot ahead.  When I do, my brain thinks I've actually written the piece, but I've learned a trick.  I fool my brain by only plotting a few scenes at a time.  If I only plan a few steps ahead, it gives me direction but not satisfaction.  This doesn't change the fact that I can only write about 750 words in an hour.  Most writers aim for 1000, and I've hit that and gone over before, but I know I can hit 750 words, so that is my goal for now.  As my schedule frees up, this might be one goal I re-think, but for now, it will work for me.  This means, I will complete 2,625 words weekly.  Sounds small, and it is, but I can make it work.  In a year, even if I only write fifty weeks in the year, I'll write 131,250 words.  For me that's two novels and a short story.

Hopefully, you find some good, realistic information you can use here.  There is more to being a bare-knuckle bucket of does, but I'll continue with that next time.

For now, happy reading and writing,

Cherie Marks