Kindle Book Deals for Halloween

Scarlett and the Keepers of Light by Brandon Charles West and Miranda Ottewell
$0.99 or FREE for Prime Members

Scarlet Hopewell keeps dreaming about a magical world, a world where winged creatures sculpt with light, where dogs talk, and where Scarlet is the guest of honor at a wonderful party in a castle under the roots of a mighty oak tree. One day her father brings home an abandoned puppy who captures Scarlet’s heart. Dakota is fun and loving and smart. Actually, he’s really smart—too smart. And a lot too big. News shows start to take an interest.

As the beginning of the school year approaches, strange and ominous storms have everyone on edge, and Scarlet’s dreams are getting darker and more vivid. Her magical dream world has another side, a darker side with no interest in joyous parties. When the front door is blown off its hinges one night by three beautiful, silver-voiced men, Dakota leads the Hopewells in their escape—right into the world of Scarlet’s dreams.

Scarlet and the Keepers of Light, the first in a four-book series, is a fantasy for all ages about the adventure of growing up and finding the magic within.

Covens and Cocktails
$0.99

Four wonderfully witchy adventures from your favorite paranormal authors.

Some Like It Hexed by Angie Fox
Ghosts in the Graveyard by Liz Schulte
Spirits of Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase
Charmed and Dangerous by Rose Pressey









Haunting Danielle by Bobbi Holmes and Anna J. McIntyre
$0.99 or FREE for Prime Members (Regularly $3.99)

When Danielle Boatman inherits Marlow House, she dreams of turning it into a seaside bed and breakfast. Since she’s never visited the property, Danielle’s not sure what awaits her in Oregon. She certainly doesn’t expect to find one of the house’s previous owners still in residence. After all, the man has been dead for almost ninety years—shouldn’t he have moved on by now?

Charming Walt Marlow convinces Danielle the only way he can move on is if she solves the mystery of his death. Danielle soon discovers her real problems may come from the living—those who have their sights on Marlow House’s other secrets.

Liv's Journey: The Journey Series, Book One by Patricia Green Review

Title: Liv's Journey
Series: The Journey Series, Book One
Author: Patricia Green
Genre: Spanking Romance
Pages: 114
Price: $3.95
Thoughts: Steamy!

Book Synopsis:

Liv Aune loves to eat, and she hates to eat. In her recent past, she was a runway supermodel and now showcases plus-sized clothing. She knows she's healthier, but the habits of a lifetime of being a size zero are hard to break. On a shoot at a private ranch in Texas, Liz meets Trey Journey.

Trey grew up on his family's Texas ranch, but went into the military and has been successful there. He’d like a family, but after several tours in Afghanistan, he believes it unfair to inflict his dangerous lifestyle on a wife and kids. Plus, he has very specific ideas about a touchy subject: spanking. He wants it in his relationships, both for sexy fun and – occasionally – to make a very real and necessary point. He’s just about given up on finding someone – ever.

When he meets Liv, he's torn. She needs his help and he's not afraid to use corporal discipline to aid her through her tough inner struggles. She is curious about it and doesn’t know if she should accept it, or run away screaming. Then, just as their relationship is getting past its tentative start, a catastrophe occurs: a hovering paparazzo snaps a photo of her being bare-bottom spanked by Trey in a semi-public place. If the photo is released, as the photographer-turned-blackmailer threatens, it could end Liv’s career; Trey's and Liv's disagreements about how to handle the blackmail could also end the relationship.

Each wants something permanent and abiding, but neither believes they are right for the other person. They have to find their balancing point, the place where spanking discipline meets spanking pleasure, a metaphor for their fragile love.

Review:

First of all, excellent title for the book. Second of all, I just adore Patricia Green's spanking romances. They are so hot, but have great storylines as well. If you're in for a steamy read, I highly recommend this one!

Between the Sheets (Cocktail Cruises Book 3) by Allie Boniface Review

Title: Between the Sheets
Series: Cocktail Cruises Book 3
Author: Allie Boniface
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 103
Price: $2.99
Thoughts: Fun, Sexy, and a Good Pick-Me-Up

Book Synopsis:

An affair with an exotic cruise line dance instructor might be just the escape this single mother needs…

Andrea DeMarco is determined to merge a cruise ship career and single motherhood. But that leaves zero time for sex or love, so when she has a chance for a fling with a sexy cruise ship dancer, she goes for it.

Sebastian Vasquez enjoys a low-key life as the ship’s dance instructor, a welcome change from his previous life in Argentina as the star of a hugely popular dance show. But when Andrea sweeps into his life, everything changes.

Will new love help him come to terms with his past, and convince her to find room in her life for another man?

Review:

This is such a great series. It's fun, sexy, and always a good pick-me-up. I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I liked that the main character was a single mother who desperately needed the cruise more than she realized. I highly recommend this series.

Mississippi Madness by Eugenia Riley Review

Title: Mississippi Madness
Author: Eugenia Riley
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 380
Price: $3.99
Thoughts: Whisks you away to another time and place.

Book Synopsis:

A NOTE FROM AUTHOR EUGENIA RILEY:

Many moons ago when my acclaimed historical romance, MISSISSIPPI MADNESS, was first published in mass-market paperback, a severe paper shortage prompted the publisher to cut 100 pages from my final manuscript in order to save on very high book production costs at the time. Although the shortened book was enthusiastically received by my fans, I always felt as if some of the heart was cut out of my story. Thus I am delighted to resurrect MISSISSIPPI MADNESS in all its lusty glory in this brand-new, unabridged, freshly edited Eugenia Riley Classics edition of my beloved antebellum romance.

I invite you to join Jasmine DuBroc and Jared Hampton on their passionate adventures in Old South Natchez, Mississippi. You’ll cheer for Jasmine, a heroine who truly grows into her own strength as a woman during the course of the story. And you’ll fall in love with Jared, my charming, sexy and irrepressible hero; to quote from ROMANTIC TIMES, “Who can resist a knight in shining armor?” The story is filled with unexpected plot twists, dramatic escapades and heroic rescues. If moonlight and magnolias, sumptuous atmosphere and midnight seductions are your thing, then succumb to MISSISSIPPI MADNESS today!

MISSISSIPPI MADNESS is a full-length historical romance of approximately 125,000 words. Author Eugenia Riley is the renowned, bestselling author of dozens of historical, contemporary and time-travel romances, including the classics A TRYST IN TIME and BUSHWHACKED BRIDE. She has written for publishers including Avon, Bantam, Warner, Harlequin and Dorchester.

Review:

Eugenia Riley is a master when it comes to whisking readers away to another time and place. Her ability to create dialect that matches the time period is spot on. If you love romances set in the mid-1800s, you'll love this book.

Heroes: A Guest Post by Ruth A. Casie

Heroes, they're the stuff that dreams are made of. In the 1980's all a hero had to do was be handsome and chase the virginal heroine around in order to end up with a happily ever after. Readers wanted a man that displayed great courage and even perhaps made a personal sacrifice for the greater good in the face of danger, adversity or a position of weakness. Isn't that what heroism is all about?

Thirty years later, the heroism factor hasn't changed but the hero certainly has. Romance readers want a man of today with true emotions and vulnerabilities. Many readers don't care if he looks like Paul Giamatti or Gerard Butler or Sam Heughan (personally I think Graham McTavish is awesome). Handsome doesn't always translate into muscular or even gorgeous. Maybe it's his smoldering eyes (sex still sells) or his heart-stopping smirk when his heroine's intelligence shines (he'll let the reader know but he won't tell her until page 300). It can be almost anything. Most of all readers want insight into a sensitive man who needs to work out his own emotions in order to get his prize. It's how he faces and eventually resolves his internal conflict that keeps them reading.

Heroes can be swash-buckling, debonair, unassuming, and even unlikely. They don't necessarily have to be handsome with perfectly developed bodies although for that is still a plus *cheesy smile.* Readers want to cheer on the hero who struggles through his emotional quest, emerges enlightened, and wins the girl.

Once again, my critique partners and I have put together an anthology. Our Christmas offering is Timeless Treasures. There are five stories with a variety of heroes. My story, Whispers on the Wind, us about Lord Bran.

With their five years of training with the Druid Council completed, Arik and Bran, brothers in every way but blood, rush home to Fayne Manor in time for the new year's festivities. This year's celebration is special. After years of anticipation, Arik and Bran will receive their portions and at midnight, their sister Leticia will release the annual wishes intended for those in need of kindness, patience, courage and honor.

Arik, who is tapped to be the next Druid Grand Master, tells Bran he can have his portion, his childhood dream, Fayne Manor. Bran knows the ultimate decision rests with their father, Fendrel. Old childhood fears and insecurities about the loss of his parents and belonging to Fendrel's family resurface. He must find a way to cement his place in the family and obtain Fayne Manor. After much thought Bran sees the solution--marry Leticia.

His perfect plan begins to unravel when he realizes Leticia is in love with one of her father's allies. Do the fates have other plans for him when he meets Caylyn, a childhood friend, who stirs feelings in him he's never felt for any other woman? Will he be willing to give up everything he's ever wanted--for her?

Timeless Treasures is available to buy now.

September and the Single Heart by Vi Zetterwall Review

Title: September and the Single Heart
Series: The Single Heart Series, Book 9
Author: Vi Zetterwall
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 172
Price: $2.99 or FREE for Prime Members
Thoughts: Great main character and storyline.

Book Synopsis:

SHE SOUGHT LOVE BUT FOUND A CHALLENGE INSTEAD.

Master planner, James Hale, hatches a scheme to kidnap the daughter of a powerful mob boss and hold her for the highest ransom he can imagine. Anne Giamatti, the daughter, is 34 and trapped between her love for her father and her desire to be free from his stranglehold. James assembles a competent but flawed team to pull this off and all goes well until the end. In an ending so unpredictable that even the mastermind was surprised, James realizes that his only barrier to a win…is Anne herself.

Review:

I loved this one. I've only read two of the series, but this one was really good. Anne was such a wonderful character and the storyline built around her was just as wonderful. Can't wait to read more of this series.

The Great Baby Caper by Eugenia Riley Review

Title: The Great Baby Caper
Author: Eugenia Riley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 395
Price: $3.99 or FREE for Prime Members
Thoughts: A fun, sexy read.

Book Synopsis:

FIND A BRIDEGROOM . . . ON A SCAVENGER HUNT???

Oh, Baby!

Courtney Kelly is determined to become the next CEO of Bootle’s Baby Bower. Then at her company’s annual convention in New Orleans, Courtney’s crazy boss, M. Billingham Bootle, sends her and the other CEO candidates out on a wild, zany scavenger hunt to determine the winner of the promotion. Courtney’s assigned mission: Find the most eligible bachelor in the French Quarter willing to marry her . . . by morning!

Daddy Darling!

Daunted by her outrageous task, Courtney is prowling the French Quarter when she encounters suave, sexy Mark, a dashing Brit who quickly sweeps her off her feet and agrees to pose as her fiancé to help her win. But just as Courtney presents her “prize” to her boss, she learns she has been deceived, that the entire scavenger hunt was a stunt staged to get her to marry her boss’s grandson—who turns out to be none other than Mark! Although furious at him, Courtney can’t escape the consequences of an incredible night of passion she and Mark share. Soon the couple is immersed in a marriage of convenience, with a baby on the way. Mark and Courtney must juggle pending parenthood and a bi-continental marriage as they try to track down a wacky industrial saboteur at the baby products company. Can the expectant couple restore bliss to Bootle’s Baby Bower while finding love—and welcoming their own baby—along the way?

The Great Baby Caper is a fun, sexy, and touching contemporary romance of approximately 97,000 words. Eugenia Riley is the renowned, bestselling author of dozens of historical, contemporary, and time-travel romances, including the classics A TRYST IN TIME and BUSHWHACKED BRIDE.

Review:

I'm a huge fan of Eugenia Riley's work, but have to say this was one of my favorites. It was a fun, sexy read that I would actually read a second time. If you love contemporary romance, I highly recommend this book.

The Vampire's Partner: A Romance In Central City, Novella Two by Jordan K. Rose Review

Title: The Vampire's Partner
Series: A Romance in Central City, Novella Two
Author: Jordan K. Rose
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 93
Price: $1.99
Thoughts: A funny, sexy, and addictive series.

Book Synopsis:

With Panthera Laboratories running again The Vampire Guard has no choice but to return to Central City. Pretending to be lovers Hunter and Alice are sent in to do reconnaissance. But pretending to be something they both wish was real proves harder than they expect.

All logical thought tells Alice there’s no reason to mix business with pleasure unless you’re looking for a problem. Like every other girl who notices Hunter, she fantasizes about him. But becoming a member of his haram is not one of her life goals, neither is being forced to return to a life on the street. If there’s one sure-fire way of jeopardizing her career with The Guard and losing everything she’s worked so hard to attain, it’s by sleeping with her partner. The only problem is she can’t get her heart to believe logic or reason.

What is happening to Hunter? Is he losing his touch—his vampire touch? In all his years Hunter has never encountered anyone who could resist his vampire influence. Not until Alice. She’s also the only human to ever best him in a sparring match, but that was beginners luck and had nothing to do with the fact that he couldn’t stop thinking of how he wished she would see him as more than just a partner at work. No woman has ever awakened these feelings and no woman has ever denied him. He’ll do anything to persuade her to be his partner for life, love and eternity.

Review:

I love this series. It's fun, sexy, and addictive. The author has a way of creating incredibly sexy male leads that you can't help but swoon over. I can't wait to read the next one!

A Day in the Life of a Writer by Patricia Green

Some people call me an "author." To me, that sounds a little like I'm having tea and sugar cookies while signing book jackets. While it's true that I "author" books, down at the core, I simply write stuff. Sometimes the stuff is long enough to be a book and sometimes it's a short story. Occasionally, it's an article like the one you're reading now. Before I wrote fiction, I wrote business materials and literary analysis. It's all stringing words together to create something new and, hopefully, interesting for readers.

I can only speak for myself; and since I do this full-time, I don't represent all writers, but my typical work week is made up of six work days and one day off. On my work days, I work about six hours, and take a half hour lunch break. The hours I work are intense because, in many ways, they entail mandatory creativity. Usually, there's a movie in my head and all I need to do is transcribe it. But some days—oh those days!—there are interruptions, crises, irritations, and the movie just isn't there. I've had days when I felt like a clay brick, dense and heavy and anything but creative, but I wrote. And, you know what? The feeling of dull helplessness went away and, at the end of the day, I'd done a good day's work. 

When I wrote, Rescued by the Spy, (my latest release) I had trouble with the ending. I spent an entire day on about 1,000 words. I knew what I wanted to say; it was getting it just right that was tricky. That's a huge outlay of time for very little progress, but it was the ending that the story needed, and although I wasn't having a particularly creative day, I managed to come up with the important segment in a workmanlike way. Sometimes, a little mental muscle is what it takes.

My last pair of novellas, Discipline Down Under and Master of Two, flowed like wine from a carafe. They were full panoramic landscapes just waiting to be described. Those are the days that a writer lives for. They're the drug of choice, by far.

Research is also part of a writer's day. You can't write about what you don't understand. When I wrote my most recent historical romance, The Blackmith's Bride , I had to do extensive research on the historical period, the geography, and the cultures involved. Fortunately, I enjoy history and scholarly pursuits, so the research was a pleasure. Then I had to pick and choose which tidbits to use. I think we've all read books where the writer sort of dumps all that research on the reader. One of the fiction writer's chores is to sort through and use what needs to be used, rather than every "fascinating" detail.

Even contemporary pieces require research. For Strong, Silent Type, I had to investigate police procedure, for example. And for Liv's Journey, I had to study Texas geography, even though I lived there for five years. Research can also lead to creative moments.

Marketing is a big factor in writing. Writers of all levels have lots of marketing to do. I spend an hour or two each day at marketing chores. Would I rather be writing fiction? You bet! But I'd be writing only for my own consumption if I neglected my website, blog, lists, and social media.

There is a business aspect to writing as well. Becoming a professional writer is opening a small business. One has to track royalties, sales and taxes, as well as preparing manuscripts for sale, synopses for proposals and cover letters that entice publishers.

Writers also have to be readers, and for the majority of us, that's where the writing bug bit us. We're inspired by what we read, so much so that we are compelled to do it better, explore new aspects of characterization and plot, and build new worlds. So, a chunk of any writer's day has to be spent reading. That sounds like fun, but remember, this is critical reading and analysis, and entertainment is only one factor.

When I've finished for the day, I close my various documents (character profiles, setting profiles, plot notes, and manuscript) and walk away from the computer. I don't stop thinking about the story, and often I dream about upcoming segments, but I don't write anything more than a scrawled note to myself. Mandatory creativity is tiring.

So that's a day in a writer's life—my life. Creativity, research, analysis, marketing and business are all part of the process. Does it sound like fun or work? For me, it's fun most of the time, and work part of the time. I can't imagine having a better job.

Your Magic Touch by Kathy Carmichael Review

Title: Your Magic Touch
Author: Kathy Carmichael
Genre: Gothic Romance/Romantic Comedy
Pages: 92
Price: $2.99
Thoughts: Loved it!

Book Synopsis:

Tabloid reporter Frannie Fielding arrives at Haliday Hall with three ghost hunters to investigate possible ghost infestations. The blue blood Haliday family has been blackmailed into allowing them into their Newport, RI mansion. Sinclair Haliday, a dead ringer for Mr. Rochester or Mr. de Winter, is determined the only story the group will leave with is of a failed attempt to find ghosts.

The three ghost hunters are actually matchmaking wizards who are determined to promote a love match between Frannie and Sinclair. Unfortunately, their wizardly magic is rusty, resulting in the impression that Haliday Hall is rampant with ghostly activity.

In this fond spoof of gothic romance, both magic and sparks fly as Frannie tries to resist Sinclair's magic touch.

Review:

I absolutely LOVED this story! Kathy Carmichael has been one of my favorite authors since I read Hot Flash a couple years ago. Your Magic Touch is such a fun, romantic read. I loved the paranormal/fantasy elements and highly recommend this one.

A Risky Brides Exclusive by Peggy Webb

When my friend and fellow writer, Vicki Hinze, first talked to me about together a collection called Risky Brides, I immediately knew the story I wanted to write. For years, fans of my Southern Cousins Mystery series have asked what will happen to Jack and Callie. Elvis and the Buried Brides answers that question – sort of. It is also exclusive to this set.

Risky Brides (A Bestsellers’ Collection of Novels and Novellas) will be available for a limited time. While the collection is for sale, it’s the only place you can find Elvis and the Buried Brides, starring the canine sleuth who thinks he’s the King of Rock ‘N” Roll reincarnated.

Christmas is in the air and so is everybody in the small Southern town of Mooreville, Mississippi. Everybody’s talking about Jack and Callie. Will they or won’t they retie the marital knot? Fayrene, the owner of Gas, Grits and Guts is even offering to cater a reception and serve “peasants under glass.” But the town is full of suspicious minds, and somebody wants to leave the Valentine gang crying in the chapel. Can canine sleuth Elvis sniff out bad the guys, and will he ever get to croon “Love Me Tender” at the wedding?

Risky Brides is an unusual collection of stories from USA Today bestselling authors, award winning authors, and the brand new writing team of Bayard and Holmes. In this box set you’ll find reads that are contemporary and historical, dramatic and comedic, long and short. This is a Must Have collection, available now for preorder, on sale October 21^st for .99!

For the veteran authors, Risky Brides at this price is a great way to say, “Thank You” to our fans. For the new kids on the block, Bayard and Holmes, Risky Brides is a great way to introduce themselves to you.

Thanks for stopping by. We hope you enjoy reading this collection as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

The Conundrum of the Scottish Carved Stone Balls: Guest Post by Ruth A. Casie

Over 400 Scottish Carved Stone Balls have been found spread out in Scotland, primarily around Aberdeen. These balls are uniformly three inches in diameter, made from a wide range of materials, sandstone to granite, and sport a variety of patterns and knobs that range from the basic to the more ornate.

Archeologists have dated the balls as far back as the Neolithic era. They were made by Celts and some think the people before them, the Picts.

What were they used for? Ah, there is the conundrum. Because of the deep groves in some of the balls it’s thought that leather strapping was tied around the balls so they could be used as the South American bola. I dangerous weapon in deed but that theory has fallen out of favor, as has others.

The consistent size leads some speculation that the balls may have been used as part of a weighing device. That idea fell apart when further investigation proved that the weights of the stones were not consistent so that mathematically they could not be used in a weight system.

One theory was the balls were used in fishing nets. Others thought possibly as oracles, the way the ball rested when the balls were cast would lead to a interpreting a message. Since the balls fit comfortably in the hand, perhaps they were used to give someone the ‘right to speak.’ The person who held the ball had the ‘microphone.’

Were they weapons? Toys for a deadly game of catch? Tools, used in tanning hides where the balls were used to hold down the hide.

Because of their unique design and the precise placement of the knobs, there is some speculation that Neolithic people may have created the stone balls as an experiment in Greek solid geometry.

Although there are hundreds of stone balls, very little is known about how they were used. Almost all the balls are in good to perfect condition and show little sign of use. Authorities do not think these were utilitarian objects but were more symbolic and had a social significance indicating power or prestige.

Many years ago my brother gave me a small crystal oval, three inches and almost egg shaped. I had no idea what it was other than a pretty sculpture in the shape of an eagle. My husband and I speculated that it was a paper weight but we were wrong. I was surprised when I found out what it was used for.

I used carved stone balls in my new short story, Whispers on the Wind one of five short stories in TimelessTreasures.

If you're interested in the answer look at the comment below. So, what do you think? Could these carved stone balls have been used for similarly?

Favorite things writers say about about their jobs as writers – top ten style

Favorite things writers say about about their jobs as writers – top ten style

1. Working in your bathrobe and slippers.

2. The commute

3. Making your own hours

4. Eavesdropping on people in restaurants

5. Making your characters say things you, as a polite person, would never say

6. Reading your POV character’s mind

7. Making your characters do crazy things

8. Making nasty people from real life into fictional villains, then killing them.

9. Writing a happy ending

10. Having fans appreciate your work

11. Getting your next contract

Okay, technically, that’s 11 things, but I love my job too much to choose only 10.

I especially LOVE my latest book. I had two great friends go in on it with me to make it even bigger and better.

Gods Gone Wild

by

Ashlyn Chase

Dalton Diaz

Bonus story from USA Today Bestselling Author Terry Spear

~

Two Gods are in big trouble with Zeus. Gods will be gods and when these two taunt the wrong Goddess for their own entertainment, she erupts, literally, creating a whole new Hawaiian island. But Zeus is not amused and must teach them a lesson they won't forget. Who knew their punishment would lead to finding the loves of their lives?

Great Zeus! (Dalton Diaz)

Epimetheus knows he screwed up. Well, he knows it since Zeus pointed it out with a lightning bolt or two. He’s willing to take his punishment like a Titan, but all bets are off when his beloved dead wife Pandora shows up. Pandy has no memory of him. Epimetheus has no powers, and no forethought. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh My God (Ashlyn Chase) Rewritten and expanded version of 2009 CAPA and Eppie Award nominee, same title

The Greek God of wine, women, and party, falls off a balcony during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Now he has amnesia. All he knows is that they call him 'Big D', and he drinks too much and ought to give up alcohol for Lent.

Mandy and Brenda flashed Dionysus right before he fell. They're nice enough to take him to an AA meeting, and then back to their homes until he recovers his memory. Fortunately, they're not too nice to be naughty.

Bonus Story: Goddess in Training (Terry Spear) Previously published 2010 Indie, same title

In a game of the gods, librarian Lisandra, who has never been loved, is chosen to be the goddess of fertility. The demi-god of pleasure, Assarian is ordered by Zeus to train her in the hallowed halls of Mount Olympus to prove to his wife, Hera, goddess of marriage, mortals and immortals alike only need be physically satisfied to find fulfillment, to which Hera disagrees—all creatures must have love to be whole.

Finally Me: Discover the path way to yourself by A.J. Savoy - FREEBIE

Finally Me: Discover the path way to yourself by A.J. Savoy
$2.99 or FREE for Prime Members

Life is a journey, sometimes things work out the way we want and sometimes they don’t. But it’s good to know that, we are not alone on this trip. The Author A.J. Savoy, who is a regular person like you and I, describes personal life experiences, which awakens us to the truths of life, and gives us strength to face daily obstacles like, “fear” and how to deal with it, or the way to forgive ourselves and others in a clear and understandable way.

The point is, we want to find the best in us, without pretending to be someone else, but due to the pressures and expectations of others, we lose focus and it becomes difficult to find the way, which makes us feel complete.

A.J. Savoy uses several inspirational thoughts and stories, to get you aligned with your true self. The way to find your passion, and the motivation to take steps, which will transform your life.

Furthermore, the Author goes straight to the point and discovers with you, the five keys to inner freedom.

You don’t need to be a Guru, neither do you have to study psychology, to make some changes in your life. This book will definitely bring about a shift in your life.

The Magic of Mentors: Guest Post by Regan Black

What happens when your idol becomes your mentor? Magic!

Mentors are the people we look up to, people we admire for their various skills and expertise. They are the people we'd like to resemble when we grow up. Debra Webb, one of the top names in romantic suspense, has been that person for me for the majority of my career. She's driven, prolific, and quick with a plot twist.

We first met at a Smoky Mountain Romance Writers conference ages ago (miraculously, neither of us has aged a day since). Her advice from that weekend still carries me in good stead. Though our publishing paths differed, I’ve been fortunate that Deb has always been a tremendous source of support and encouragement throughout my career.

Deb gave me my first cover quote for Justice Incarnate (my first published novel). She taught me how to write a synopsis (a feat my critique partners greatly appreciated) and helped me sort out the editorial language of revision letters. In 2011, she introduced me to the editor of the Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance, who purchased an original Shadows of Justice novella for that anthology.

In the spring of 2012, amid the stunning success of her Faces of Evil series, Deb called to check on me. My year wasn't going nearly as well as hers. In fact, I was sure my career was going down in flames. I had the obituary written (some of my best work), but Deb refused to believe it. More importantly she refused to let me believe it.

That phone call was a catalyst. I took pages of notes while she dissected my circumstances, assessed my strengths, goals, and productivity, and laid out a plan to move me forward. Deb always has a plan.

The Unknown Identities series resulted from that call. We tweaked the marketing plan and assembled a collaboration which resulted in me joining her on the USA Today bestseller list. Six months later, another career-changing phone call united us as a writing team. 

The Hunk Next Door (coming from Harlequin Intrigue 11/1/2014) is our first contemporary romantic suspense novel, kicking off The Specialists: Heroes Next Door. Deb and I are excited to share these books with our readers. Being Deb’s co-author has been a joyful, energizing experience and I can hardly wait to see the results of my next phone call with my mentor.

Live the adventure!

~Regan

The Hunk Next Door by Debra Webb and Regan Black

$4.70

In the season of hope, someone's out for blood. Police Chief Abigail Jensen is determined to protect her town—and avoid falling too hard for Riley, the new guy next door. But deciding who to trust can be deadly, especially when he has deep secrets….

Agent Riley O'Brien's mission is clear when he joins the CIA's covert Specialist task force: protect a small-town cop from a terrorist, no matter what. Trading his identity for the undercover guise of a handyman is part of the plan…getting close to Abigail on a personal—and passionate—level isn't.

House of Horrors by Carole Gill Review

Title: House of Horrors
Author: Carole Gill
Genre: Horror
Pages: 320
Price: $2.99 or FREE for Prime Members
Thoughts: Loved it!

Book Synopsis:

 

Step into Carole Gill's House of Horrors... if you dare.

In this horror collection you'll find stories of vampires, zombies, murderous midgets, demon clowns, evil dolls, haunted cemeteries, a real shop of horrors, taxidermy gone haywire, serial killers and more!

Your worst fears and nightmares dished up for you with extra helpings of blood-curdling terror!
Review:

Love old-school horror? You're going to love this collection of short stories from Carole Gill. I found the collection impossible to put down and the perfect read for Halloween. I highly recommend this book for those that love horror that isn't too gory, but has the perfect amount of creepiness.

Ten Christmas Brides: Ten Christmas Romances

Ten Christmas Brides

by: Ruth Cardello, Nina Bruhns, Donna Fasano, Rebecca York, Helen Scott Taylor, Patrice Wilton, Mona Risk, Annie Jones, Alicia Street, and Mimi Barbour

Genre: Holiday Romance

Release Date: October 21, 2014

Join ten New York Times, USA Today and National best-selling authors to celebrate the holiday season with a boxed set of stories brimming with emotion, holiday spirit and happy ever afters. From sweet to sexy, suspense to small town drama, travel from Belarus to Africa to the snowy Highlands of Scotland as Santa delivers our gift to you--love, laughter and happiness this Christmas!

Recipe for Love
by Ruth Cardello, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

All Madison Andrade wants for Christmas is a place to hide and she finds it in the home of a lusty French chef. Richard D'Argenson's recipes are famous, but they lack one necessary ingredient--love.

Must Love Santa
by Nina Bruhns, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Detective Nick Palladin just needs to close one last case in Vice--going undercover as Santa--before getting his Christmas transfer to the K-9 Unit. But when a cute little fluffball and the knockout holding her leash stumble into the op and are attacked, Santa and his faithful dog come running to the rescue!

An Almost Perfect Christmas
by Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author
Aaron Chase is desperate to give his daughter a perfect Christmas and elicits the help of Pediatric Nurse Christy Cooper to do it. When Aaron's impish eight-year-old talks them into a make-believe wedding, can the magic of Christmas make the vows stick?

Christmas Captive (The Decorah Security Series)
by Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author

How did hard-driving businessman Jordan Campbell end up in a coma? And can nurse Hannah Andrews use her psychic talent to connect with him and trap his would-be killer? As she and Jordan work together, she knows she's putting her own life--and her heart--at risk.

The Army Doctor's Honeymoon Baby (The Army Doctor's Series)
by Helen Scott Taylor, Award-winning and National bestselling author

Army doctor, Blair Mackenzie, secretly loves his childhood friend, Lorna, and protects her in the African refugee camp where they work. Lorna depends on Blair--he's her best friend, the only man she's ever loved. She longs to admit her feelings but a family secret from their past prevents her.

Kiss Me Santa
by Patrice Wilton, National bestselling author

Widowed schoolteacher, Cindy Harris meets Brad Williams--posing as Santa--when she takes her young son to the mall. Imagine her surprise when he shows up as the hot-shot realtor selling her family home. Sparks fly between them. Can the magic of Christmas give them the best gift of all -- love?

An Unusual Christmas
by Mona Risk, Award-winning and National bestselling author

Running away from Christmas celebrations and the demons of her past, Dr. Jillian has dedicated her life to saving third-world children. In Belarus, a baby girl, four little boys, and a handsome doctor may teach her the true meaning of Christmas.

A Cowboy for Christmas
by Annie Jones, Award-winning and National bestselling author

A single mom who has pinned all her hopes on reviving a popular tourist dude ranch gets a Christmas surprise that may change everything when her son asks Santa for a new dad. And that very night a Christmas-skipping cowboy shows up at their door.

The Christmas Honeymoon
by Alicia Street, Award-winning and National bestselling author

Quiet librarian Serena always loved Christmas, until she was jilted before her December wedding. A year later, while trying to rekindle her tarnished holiday spirit, she meets Damien, handsome daredevil--and a total Scrooge. Their unlikely mutual attraction brings on a challenge that leads to one very romantic Christmas.

She's Not You
by Mimi Barbour, National bestselling author

Sick and widowed, running scared from a man who insists she belongs to him, Belle is forced to let the charmer down the hall help out. Not just for her sake, but it's Christmas, she's in trouble and her little girl has decided their sympathetic neighbor is her special hero.

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Barnes & Noble

Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ iTunes

A Special Gift From the Ten Brides Authors!

A book full of delicious cookie recipes to share with the family this Christmas!

In this book you’ll find favorite cookies of the heroes and heroines in the Ten Christmas Brides romance-novel boxed set. Some are the treats our characters remember fondly from their childhoods. Others are the ones they enjoy today—or make to give as gifts. Here you’ll find everything from Almond Crescents, Coffee Pecan Delights, and Swedish Teacake Cookies to Rocks, Butterscotch Brownies and Scottish Shortbread. And each recipe comes with a note explaining how it fits into the author’s story, so you’ll have a little more insight into her characters and plot.

The recipes are the authors' gifts to you this holiday season. Enjoy these special goodies and have a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes from the authors of Ten Christmas Brides!

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords ~ Kobo ~ iTunes

(Note: Favorite Christmas Cookies should be free on all platforms, but please check the price before purchasing since Amazon and Barnes & Noble sometimes do not update their pricing on a timely basis.)

Ruth Cardello
Ruth Cardello is a New York Times bestselling author.  She writes fast-paced, fun, sexy romances with hot alpha heroes and the strong women who tame them.  She writes about Billionaires, Cowboys, and she is also getting into some spicier story lines.  She likes to consider what she writes as bathtub reads.  Sheer escapism.
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Nina Bruhns
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nina Bruhns decided it was time to change careers and pursue her longtime dream of writing when fieldwork in Egyptology became too dangerous. Since then, Nina has achieved international bestsellerdom writing for Berkley, Harlequin and Silhouette, various epublishers, and now as an indie author with Cajun Hot Press. Nina has earned numerous awards for her thirty-plus books to date, including three Daphne du Maurier Awards for Best Overall Mystery-Suspense Book of the Year, three Rita nominations, four RT Bookclub Reviewers Choice Awards, a National Readers Choice Award, five Dorothy Parker Awards of Excellence, and two Golden Hearts.
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Donna Fasano
USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano is the author of over 30 romance and women's fiction titles. Her award-winning books have been described as "emotional," "heartwarming," and "simply wonderful!" Over the course of her 25 year career, she has sold 4 million books worldwide. BigAl from BooksAndPals.com says, "Donna Fasano is a keen observer of human nature and creates characters that ring true to life."
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Rebecca York
New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-selling and award-winning author, Rebecca has written over 145 books and novellas. In 2011 she became the dozenth author to receive the Romance Writers of America Centennial Award for having written 100 romantic novels. Her Killing Moon was a launch title for Berkley’s Sensation imprint in June 2003. Five more books in the series have followed.

Rebecca has authored or co-authored over 65 romantic thrillers, many for Harlequin Intrigue’s very popular 43 Light Street series, set in Baltimore, and many with paranormal elements.

Her many awards include two Rita finalist books. She has two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times: for Series Romantic Suspense and for Series Romantic Mystery. And her Peregrine Connection series won a Lifetime Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense Series.
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Helen Scott Taylor
Award-winning author, Helen Scott Taylor is an award-winne, writes sweet contemporary romance set in the UK and Europe. Her contribution to Ten Christmas Brides is The Army Doctor's Honeymoon Baby, part of her Army Doctor series.
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Patrice Wilton
Patrice Wilton is a National best selling author of more than 20 books. Her best known series include The Candy Bar Series, Serendipity Falls series, and her returning war hero series, A HERO LIES WITHIN, HANDLE WITH CARE and AT FIRST SIGHT.

She lives in West Palm Beach with her retired PGA golf pro husband, and plays tennis and golf when she's not writing fun, sexy romance stories. She loves emails and will answer everyone the same day.
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Mona Risk
From Best Romance Novel of the Year at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll, to Best Contemporary Romance of the Year at READERS FAVORITE with two Gold Medals, and EPPIE award finalist, Mona Risk’s name was posted on Amazon.com in the 100 most Popular Authors in Romance list for several months and she recently received an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER Award at Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
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Annie Jones
Award winning author Annie Jones loves Romance, Christmas and Route 66 so it seemed natural to combine them in A Cowboy for Christmas. The author of 40 books including romance and women's fiction, she lives in Kentucky with a houseful of family and a head full of ideas for more books.
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Alicia Street
Alicia Street is an award-winning author who often writes in collaboration with her husband, Roy. Her years as a dancer, choreographer and teacher are the inspiration behind her Dance 'n' Luv contemporary romance series. Many of her characters from this series cross over into her Holiday Luv series, which includes her sweet romance novella featured in Ten Christmas Brides.
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Mimi Barbour
Mimi Barbour is an Amazon best-selling author who's sold over 500,000 copies of her books world-wide. Her five romance series: The Vicarage Bench/ time travel at it's best, Angels with Attitudes / angels love romance, Vegas / fast-paced plotting, Elvis / make a song a book and her newest, Undercover FBI / with sizzling conflicts and lots of humor.

Mimi's been heard to say: "I'm an author who loves to read uplifting stories about romance. Add in some time travel, or maybe an angel, or even a little romantic suspense and it makes the story more fascinating because of the incredible possibilities."

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