FREE Harlequin book: WEDDING DATE WITH MR WRONG

If you're in Australia, Mills & Boon are giving away one of my books FREE on iBooks today (valid for the next week.)

Coupons in the Herald Sun, The Sunday Telegraph, etc… or check out HERE.

New release: HIS LITTLE MIRACLE

I love having my stories reprinted in anthologies and this one is no exception.

THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABY is part of 'His Little Miracle', just released as part of Harlequin's 'By Request' program.

You can grab the paperback at the bargain price of AU$9.60 (for 3 full length novels!) and free worldwide postage HERE

Or pop it on your kindle HERE

GUEST AUTHOR: Jennifer Faye

Today I'd like to welcome Harlequin Romance author Jennifer Faye to my blog.

Congratulations on your new release, SNOWBOUND WITH THE SOLDIER, Jennifer. Over to you!

Available at:

Amazon   |   Amazon - UK   |   Barnes & Noble   |   Harlequin  |  iTunes  |  Waterstones

The Book Depository   |   IndieBound  | 

1) Have you always been a writer? 

I started writing as a little kid. I can remember asking Santa Claus for a typewriter. And he brought it. It had a grey case and white keys. And don’t remind me how old that makes me that they still had typewriters back then. LOL. Then in elementary school I would write short stories to pass around the lunch table. So off and on throughout my life, I was writing this or that. It wasn’t until I was a teenager and read my first Harlequin that I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. Hmm…does this mean I’m grown up now? ;-)

2) Do you have a particular writing process? 

Yes, I do. It’s my process and I’ve learned to value it as it gets me from start to finish.

Here’s an overview:

1.    write the complete synopsis

2.    wait for editor feedback

3.    implement editor’s comments

4.    set up an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my progress and ensure I’ll meet my deadline

5.    start writing/researching details

6.    keep writing…ignore the doubt crows that always circle and tell me that it is rubbish. By the time I type “The End” and reread it won’t sound as awful as I’m imagining. ;-)

3) Is there a particular book or an author that has influenced you in your writing? 

This is a tough question. Way back when I got the burning desire to write romances it was due to Harlequin paperbacks, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Danielle Steele and Johanna Lindsey. Those women would keep me up most of the night with a flash light in one hand and a book in the other, hoping I’d never reach the end because it was sooo good.

4) Is there one piece of writing (or life?) advice that has stuck with you, or that you would like to share?

There was a piece of advice that I got and learned was wrong…There are rules to writing fiction.

I’m not talking about the mechanics of grammar. Yes, sometimes a writer will break a grammatical rule for dramatic purposes. But you need to know the rules of grammar before breaking them. ;-)

The rules I’m talking about involve the craft of storytelling. To use a prologue or not to. To write 1^st person or 3^rd person. To always start with the heroine’s POV. And the list goes on.

My advice is go with your gut. If it feels right, run with it. Your editor will tell you if you’ve run amuck. ;-)

5) Can you tell us three things about yourself that we probably don’t already know? 

1.  I love pizza. It should be calorie-free so I can eat it every day. ;-)

2.  My guilty pleasure is watching Y&R (Young & the Restless) while eating lunch

3.  I have more hobbies than I have time in the day. If only I could squeeze a couple more hours.

6) Congratulations on your release of SNOWBOUND WITH THE SOLDIER. Where did the idea come from?

This is really sad to admit, but I don’t actually remember what sparked the first idea for SNOWBOUND WITH THE SOLDIER. I just knew I wanted to write a Christmas story. The idea grew from there. I entered the original version in the Mills & Boon New Voices entry in which I won an editor’s critique on the opening chapter. Talk about being over the moon. I took that feedback and reworked the story. I then entered it in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write 2011 Contest where it made a Top Five Finalist, and I had a M&B editor to work on it with me. So as you can tell it’s been around for a while. But those characters really wanted their HEA and I was determined that they would have it. ;-)

Maybe this Christmas…?  

It has been seven long years since Kara Jameson last saw Jason Greene. Returning home as a wounded war hero, Jason looks a shell of the man she once knew. Yet her heart still skips a beat as if it was yesterday…. 

Stepping back into civilian life, Jason looks to Kara for help. But there's too much water under the bridge—not to mention too much lingering attraction. 

But it seems that the mountain weather has other ideas, and when Kara and Jason end up snowbound together they are forced to confront the ghosts of Christmas past.

7) Do you have a favourite paragraph or sentence from your story that you would like to tantalise us with?

Kara and Jason are seeking shelter from a harrowing snowstorm at a mountain cabin. Kara is desperately trying to think up an alternative to staying alone with Jason, but she can’t think of any…

“What about the military? Didn’t they do anything for the holidays?”

He paused by the front door. His back went ramrod straight.

“I always opted to be on duty,” he said, his tone clipped.

“You’re home now. Time to start over. A chance for new beginnings…” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t want him to misconstrue her words—to think she wanted them to have a new beginning. “You should try joining in the fun. After all, it’s the most joyous time of the year.”

Kara forced a smile. She couldn’t believe she was trying to talk him into celebrating the exact same holiday in which he’d broken her heart. If he wanted to be an old, cranky Scrooge, why should she care?

Jason didn’t say anything as he opened the door and stepped aside, allowing her to enter. In the narrow opening her arm brushed against him, and even through the layers of clothing, an electrical current zinged up her arm, warming a spot in her chest.

Staying here wasn’t a good idea.

Being alone with her new boss was an even poorer idea.

This whole situation constituted the worst idea…ever.

8) What can we expect from you next? Is there something you are working on right now? 

My next release will be out in March 2014, SAFE IN THE TYCOON’S ARMS. It is something different for me as there isn’t sexy cowboy anywhere in sight or a small town. This story takes place in New York City. And the hero, Lucas, is a rich businessman that can fill out a suit in all of the right places…And did I mention he was recently named Bachelor-Of-The-Year? Can you say hot? ;-)

9) Plotter or pantser? 

I started off being a pantser. But I ended up having to do way too many rounds of revisions. I knew there had to be something better…something more efficient. I just had too many stories to tell and not enough time. Through observation and trial and error, I became a plotter/pantser hybrid. And I love it. :-)

10) Digital books or print books? 

Both. I love print books. After staring at a computer monitor all day, I like to settle down with a print book. I love the feel, the smell, everything about it.

But these days there are sooo many wonderful books that only come via digital format. I don’t want to miss them.  So I read both. Although between you and me, I still don’t have an ereader. I do my reading on my computer. So guess what is going to be on Santa’s list this year?

CHECK OUT JENNIFER'S BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY HERE.

Author Bio

Jennifer Faye is a two-time RT Book Reviews TOP PICK author. Maybe that’s partly due to the fact that she has spent most of her life with her nose in one book or another. It was only natural that she dreamed of becoming a romance writer and spinning the tales of the imaginary people running around in her mind. But first life took her on a couple of detours. Refusing to give up on her dreams, she finally succeeded in getting her name on a book cover. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her very, very patient husband, one amazing daughter (the other remarkable daughter has flown the coop to chase her own dreams) and two spoiled rotten cats. When she’s not glued to her laptop writing another contemporary romance (which isn’t often) or enjoying some family time, she loves to get lost in a good book, cross-stitch, embroider, quilt, knit, watch hockey (go Pittsburgh Penguins!), and garden. Jennifer loves to hear from readers--you can contact her via her website.

Author Links

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Google+ / Tumblr

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Old Desires

Liz Fielding is one of my favourite authors and she has just released a new indie-book (a re-release of one of her fabulous Harlequin Romances.)

Over to you Liz...

Thanks so much for inviting me onto your blog, Nicola! I’m having a bit of a fan girl moment here. Having read Crazy Love, I can’t wait for more stories about the inhabitants of the town called Love!

Okay, I’ll keep this short; I know how busy you all are at this time of year – but I’m celebrating the twentieth anniversary of my first book – An Image of You - hitting the shelves. I’ve just re-released one of my early romances, OLD DESIRES, as an eBook. 

To whet your appetite, here’s a little taster:

‘Holly?’

His voice grated against her spine and she stopped and turned slowly back to face him.  He hadn’t moved.

‘Yes?’ she asked, from the safe distance of her porch.

‘There was something else.’

‘Can’t it wait?’ She fumbled desperately in her pocket for her keys.

‘I don’t believe it can.’ Her margin of safety proved illusory as in a stride he was beside her, his eyes smoky dark as he searched her face. It was a look that seemed to touch her, stroke her, burn her up until she thought she would cry out. After a moment, or it might have been an age in which she felt as if she was suspended at the top of a roller-coaster, waiting for that dizzy freefall plunge, he spoke. ‘I don’t believe it can wait another moment.’

She closed her eyes in an effort to blot out the desire in his eyes, not quite trusting it, but knowing that it was far too late for her to fight the echoing response he must all too clearly see in hers. Knowing that she was helpless to resist.

He took her face between his hands, tilting her face upwards cradling it in his long fingers until she could bear it no longer. ‘Please…’ The word, barely more than a sigh, escaped her lips, but whether she was begging for release or capture she scarcely knew. Until he kissed her and by then it was too late.

Old Desires is available from Amazon UK and Amazon US (and from all other Amazon sites if you’re an expat).

New release: WEDDING DATE WITH MR WRONG

With the advent of Harlequin's new series KISS, launching in Feb 2013, all my Harlequin books will be released under that imprint.

So WEDDING DATE WITH MR WRONG (just released) is my last Harlequin Romance, the series that started it all for me with The Tycoon's Dating Deal back in March 2004.

I'm feeling very nostalgic!

Here's the blurb:

Callie Umberto has had enough of dating disasters after the holiday fling of a lifetime ended abruptly and she swore off men for good.

Now her ex-flame is back in her life. 

Pro surfer Archer Flett might be as gorgeous as always, but his commitment phobia is just as active. She must be out of her mind to agree to be his date for his brother's wedding! 

But there's something about Archer that has always tempted Callie to throw caution to the wind.

And yeah, Archer is one hot surfer dude!

You can grab a print copy here (worldwide free postage) 
Or for kindle here 
Or nook here

Guest blogger: Soraya Lane

Today I'm thrilled to welcome Harlequin Romance author SORAYA LANE to my blog.


Soraya is one of my best writing buddies and our daily chats are invaluable!  I'm thrilled she has released her first YA novel, CHANGE. (Isn't the cover gorgeous?)
It's waiting for me on my kindle and I'm looking forward to reading.


Now, over to Soraya!

I’m so excited to be kick-starting my blog tour here today! Nicola is one of my absolute best writing buddies, and I don’t know what I’d do without her… despite the fact that we’ve never met in person, we email many times each day. So a huge thank you for inviting me to drop by J

 

My debut young adult novel, Change, is a story I’m so in love with, even after re-reading it countless times. As with all my books, it’s a romance, but it’s also setting the scene for a paranormal world that will be further explored in the sequel – unfortunately you’ll have to wait until next year for that though!

 

Change is currently available exclusively from Amazon as a kindle ebook, for the low price of only US$2.99. For more information about Change or my other books, I’d love you to swing past my website www.sorayalane.com or connect with me on twitter @Soraya_Lane.

 

Blurb:

 

“When her twin sister dies of a mysterious heart condition, Riley King is sent to her grandma’s ranch. But instead of the isolation she’s been aching for, she learns of a family secret that’s been deliberately kept from her, until now.

 

As if finding out she’s actually a leopard wasn't enough shock for one vacation, Riley meets Hunter Logan … the guy she’s promised to. For life. But Riley has no intention of being told what to do by anyone, certainly not some stubborn, dominant shifter. Even if he can make her purr, her claws are slicing out. Until Riley realizes that not fulfilling her destiny would commit her sister to a life on the other side without her.”    

Available from Amazon.

Cover reveal: WEDDING DATE WITH MR. WRONG

It's always exciting to glimpse a cover for the first time and I love the colours of this one!

Plus it encapsulates a scene from the book, a beachside wedding.

WEDDING DATE WITH MR. WRONG releases this October in the USA (or pre-order here at 25% off, only AU $3.62)

Il milionario cerca aiuto

GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS has had some lovely covers around the world and this one is no exception.

So bright and sunny!

It's out this month in Italy with the lovely Nina Harrington.

NEW RELEASE: Bombshell for the Boss

BOMBSHELL FOR THE BOSS is a special release anthology featuring 3 full length category romances. And you guessed it by the cover, all feature a pregnancy theme.

Liz Fielding's THE BRIDE'S BABY, Jackie Braun's BOARDROOM BABY SURPRISE and my EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE.

Kristen Lewis is the oldest heroine I've written (35) and married to her career. I loved seeing how she developed emotionally when handling a very unexpected pregnancy!

What was also fun about this book...it starts with a one night stand in Singapore. And yeah, it's a Harlequin Romance!
Was nice to push the boundaries a little.

If you're in the UK you can grab this book off shelves now or buy online for the bargain price of AU$10.69 with free postage worldwide (for 3 books!)

My 31st Harlequin book sold!

Funny how many books I write are inspired by one picture, usually of a hot celeb.

In the case of my 31st category romance for Harlequin Mills and Boon, a picture of Brad Pitt inspired my hot surfer dude Archer Flett.

I've just had word WEDDING DATE WITH MR. WRONG (Harlequin Romance) will be released in North America in October this year (with UK release date to be confirmed.)

The brand new excerpt has just gone live too!

I still pinch myself every time I sell a book, because it feels like only yesterday I sold my first.
Time flies and I'm so lucky to have the best job in the world!

Bombshell for the Boss

I'm a fan girl of Liz Fielding so always have a huge squee when I see my name in an anthology next to hers!

I've been lucky enough to have been paired with her twice before and third times a charm, along with the fabulous Jackie Braun.

BOMBSHELL FOR THE BOSS, releasing this June, features my Harlequin Romance EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE (where a 35 year old TV exec married to her career falls pregnant to a brooding widower following a one night stand in Singapore.)

The pre-release price is fab at the Book Depository (free worldwide postage!)

AU$7.97 for 3 full length category romances, bargain!

Buy here

Want to write for Harlequin Romance?

Want to write for Harlequin Romance?

Here's your chance.

The Mills and Boon UK team are fast-tracking submissions!

"...we’ll be launching a fast track submission period! Anyone who sends us their first chapter and synopsis between 14th March and 23rd April will hear back from us less than ONE MONTH after the closing date, before the 18th May.


"The email address to send your submission to is romancefasttrack@hqnuk.co.uk.

"Please attach your first chapter and short synopsis to the email as well as a short query letter, letting us know how much of the manuscript is complete. Please note, we’ll be looking at only one submission per person."
 
So there you have it.
What are you waiting for?