HBS Author’s Spotlight – Class of March 2013

This month we have a group of interesting writers with worlds of knowledge and expertise. We have twelve authors this time around.

Be sure to check out what they have coming next for their readers. I try to pick authors who are interesting studies and ask them unique questions for our Q/A section.

Check out our new feature to the HBS Author's Spotlight, The Showcase. I have included those authors in this class. Thanks to the following outstanding authors for a great month.

Here is a summary of our March 2013 crew.


Terry Ambrose

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Funny Mystery, Suspense

Website: Terry Ambrose - Mysteries with character
Twitter: @suspense_writer
E-Mail: info@terryambrose.com
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New Book coming soon: a sequel to PHOTO FINISH and we’ll be visiting the Garden Isle of Kauai with McKenna.

Social media: the one thing I never want to do is to be one of those authors who posts 50 times a day to “buy my book!” I find those posts obnoxious and counterproductive.

Book signing: The next big appearance will be at the LA Times Festival of Books. I’ll be in the Murder, We Wrote (Booth #935).

Book trailers: I think trailers have only a small impact on book sales.

Author's Book List
License to Lie
Photo Finish
Life's Shorts

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For the rest of the story...View Terry Ambrose - HBS Author's Spotlight

Todd Borg

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Todd Borg
Website: Todd Borg
E-Mail: todd@toddborg.com


New book is due out August 1st. As for a hint about the title, it begins with "TAHOE,

The book covers are my secret weapon, and they are designed by a graphics wizard in Portland, Oregon named Keith Carlson.

Support groups: Writer's groups, especially critique groups, are essential. The only way you can turn a rough draft into a superior story is to have other writers and readers serve as editors and tell you what works and what doesn't.

Ebooks have changed several aspects of my career, all for the better. Readers can acquire my books faster, read them faster, and do it for less money.

Book giveaways: After Christmas, I participated in a free Kindle giveaway of my book TAHOE TRAP, and it got 23,000 downloads. When the book went back up to $4.99, it immediately hit Amazon's bestseller list…

Workshops: I split the focus two-thirds on writing, one-third on publishing and finding an audience (marketing). The next workshop is in Sacramento, November 16, 17, 18.

Author's Book List
Tahoe Trap
Tahoe Hijack
Tahoe Heat
Tahoe Night
Tahoe Avalanche
Tahoe Silence
Tahoe Ice Grave
Tahoe Blowup
Tahoe Deathfall

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For the rest of the story...View Todd Borg - HBS Author's Spotlight

Catherine Bybee

Author Genre: Romance

Author's Blog: Romance by Catherine
Website: Catherine Bybee
Twitter: @catherinebybee
E-Mail: catherinebybee@yahoo.com
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New Book: Fiancé by Friday the third book in my Weekday Bride Series is coming on August 13th. I cannot wait to share Neil and Gwen’s story with my readers.

Next book: Not Quite Mine is being released before Fiancé by Friday. Not Quite Mine is coming before Mother’s Day of this year on May 7th. My ARC’s have already gone out and the reviews are trickling in.

Social Media: I’m actually heading up a workshop at the Romantic Times Convention this year on this subject. I have always believed that a strong online presence is as important to selling a book and finding readers as writing the book and getting it published.

Workshops: I’ll be at the Romantic Times Convention in Kansas City in May for workshops and appearances as well as book signing.

Covers: Crystal Posey, my assistant, is my cover goddess for most of books. She has designed my Bride Series covers, my Time Travel covers and my Ritter werewolf covers.

Giveaways: I do giveaway books. I like to give away the print copies my publisher sends me. I also give away digital copies of myself published titles.

Author's Book List
Fiance by Friday
Married by Monday
Wife by Wednesday
Not Quite Mine
Not Quite Dating
Embracing the Wolf
Highland Shifter
Redeeming Vows
Silent Vows
Binding Vows
Soul Mate

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For the rest of the story...View Catherine Bybee - HBS Author's Spotlight

Rob Cornell

Author Genre: Mystery, Dark Fantasy

Author's Blog: Rob Cornell - "News" page
Website: Rob Cornell
Twitter: @RobCornellBooks
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New Book: I just released the third book in The Lockman Chronicles last week, Darkest Hour.

Social media: I took to Twitter pretty hardcore early on, using all the tricks of building a network of like-minded folks, mainly by following people who followed people I liked.

Ebooks changed anything: Not anything. Everything. I could write a short book about what electronic publishing has done for me. The doors it’s opened. The readers I’ve found. The actual money I’ve made. I can’t imagine ever going back to the old way.

Giveaways: I’ve had mixed luck with giveaways. This is an area I’m still learning, though I have made up my mind about a few things.

Author's Book List
Red Run
Darkest Hour
The Hustle
Dark Legion
Darker Things
Last Call

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For the rest of the story...View Rob Cornell - HBS Author's Spotlight

Clive Eaton

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Website: Clive Eaton - Author
Twitter: @CliveEaton
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


Next Book: Operation Stonehenge

Book Idea: It’s a natural progression from my debut novel, The Pyramid Legacy,

Synopsis: The evidence is unquestionable - The architects of The Great Pyramid and Stonehenge were related!

Both the debut novel, and Operation Stonehenge, are out and out fiction. However, I’ve woven a number of facts together with the fiction. The challenge I set for readers is to identify which is which. Finally, can the reader solve the puzzles Ben Anderson faces, before he does? (assuming, of course, he in fact does!)

Author's Book List
Operation Stonehenge
The Pyramid Legacy

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For the rest of the story...View Clive Eaton - HBS Author's Spotlight

T. D. Griggs

Author Genre: Psychological Crime Novels

Website: Tim Griggs - Writer
Twitter: @TDGRIGGS1
E-Mail: timdgriggs@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


Next books: follow-up to DISTANT THUNDER, and that will trace the fortunes of Frank Gray and Grace Dearborn through the later 1890s, and will focus on the Boer War AND My contemporary crime novel THE END OF WINTER, which was a big hit in mainland Europe…

Book signings and interviews: I certainly do all of the above. Unlike quite a lot of authors I really enjoy it. I speak a good deal at reading groups, which are pretty common here.

Book covers: Generally the covers come from the publisher’s art department - different publishers for different language groups, so there are many more covers than you’ll see on my site. The Italians, Germans, French, Polish and Dutch all used different designs for the same books.

Writer support groups: local writers’ group in Oxford and Society of Authors in London plus others…

Ebooks: It’s making a big difference. It’s a revolution, in fact. As you know, my first book, the million-selling crime drama REDEMPTION BLUES, has just been re-edited and re-issued as an e-book for the first time, which puts it within reach of a whole new audience

Managing plots: I have always worked out the plot in advance (naturally) but I must admit it doesn’t always stay worked out. Generally it forms and re-forms several times, often many times…

Author's Book List
Distant Thunder
The Warning Bell
Redemption Blues

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For the rest of the story...View T. D. Griggs - HBS Author's Spotlight

John W. Huffman

Author Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

Website: John W. Huffman
Twitter: @johnwhuffman
E-Mail: jhuffman46@aol.com
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New Book: Eyes of the Blind is in the final stages of completion, and hopefully will be out in April or May of this year. It is a sequel to America's Diplomats, The Road To Attleboro, and continues the story of Jay Sharpe…

Social media: It is very important to all of my books. I have found it to be a fast, accurate, and cost effective way to promote and communicate with readers.

Book signing: I constantly attend book signings, give interviews, speak and make personal appearances.

Book covers: Designing my covers is a fun project that I look forward to with each publication. I use a graphic designer, Whitney Brock, out of California, and basically give her a theme I would like to see on the cover.

Ebooks: In my opinion, is the best thing that has happened to book publishing in the last hundred years.

Book giveaways: I have participated in very few book giveaways, with the exception of charities, and can't say that I've had a lot of success with them. Mostly, I just grind out the promotion process in conventional channels.

Author's Book List
Searching For Leah
America's Diplomats, The Road to Attleboro
Cold Hearts Burning
Above All
The Baron of Clayhill
Tiger Woman
A Wayward Wind

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For the rest of the story...View John W. Huffman - HBS Author's Spotlight

Lisa Kessler

Author Genre: Romance, Short Stories, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Author's Blog: Lisa Lair - DARK, PASSIONATE. PARANORMAL
Website: Lisa Kessler
Twitter: @LdyDisney
E-Mail: LdyDisney@aol.com
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New Book: Night Demon. This book picks up about 3 weeks after Night Walker ends and Calisto & Kate from Night Walker and Kane & Rita from Night Thief are all back for Night Demon!

Social media: I love social media and I've made some super friends in the publishing business as well as amazing readers through internet connections on twitter and facebook.

Book trailers: I made the trailers for Across the Veil and for Night Walker. I had fun with the process and I think they definitely help with making readers aware of your books. My Night Thief trailer has gotten lots of attention…

Support groups: RWA or Romance Writers of America is a super organization. They offer lots of classes for newer writers, as well as watch out for the interests of published authors.

Ebooks: I sell many more eBooks than print books and my 4 new release this year are all coming out in Digital first format. It seems to be a plus for everyone.

Giveaways: When Night Thief came out I ran a special and put Across the Veil up for free. It screamed up the Amazon bestseller charts into the top 100 kindle free books and in a few days I gave away over 7,000 copies

Book tours: Book bloggers are amazing people and nothing spreads the word about your new release like a blog tour! I've done one for every new release.

Short flash fiction classes: I teach flash fiction classes online and in person and the magic of them is in sharing the stories. I can give writer's feedback and with a shorter story it's easier for them to pinpoint their story arc and determine where they could twist the conflict just a notch to make the story so much better.

Author's Book List
Night Demon
Night Thief
Night Walker
Forgotten Treasures: 25 Short Fiction Tales
Across the Veil

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For the rest of the story...View Lisa Kessler - HBS Author's Spotlight

Susanne Lakin

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Author's Blog: C. S. Lakin - a novel life
Website: C. S. Lakin - a novel life
Twitter: @CSLakin
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New book: The Crystal Scepter is book five in a seven-book series. The next book, The Sands of Ethryn, will be out next January…

Social media: I do see a lot of response on Twitter as regards readers discovering my novels and buying and tweeting about them, and that’s so appreciated. I certainly noticed a big increase in chatter and sales as my Twitter followers increased.

Book covers: I chose my artist, Gary Lippincott, years ago because of his beautiful watercolor covers for writers like Ursula LeGuin. Rarely do you see covers done in watercolor…

Book trailers: I am not fond of book trailers. I’ve never seen one I liked. I think they are usually cheesy and tacky and maybe they help sell books, but I don’t know. What sells a book is to write a terrific book and have readers praise it and spread the word…

Schedule: I do have a schedule, but I wish I had time to write my novels. My big problem is I just work too much. It’s so hard to turn down all these writers that want me to edit and critique for them…

Ebooks: The eBook explosion hasn’t changed the way I write, since I don’t write for the market… I have always been driven to write intense stories, and in unusual styles and ways, pushing the envelope and being creative.

Non-Fiction technical books: I just finished writing my second nonfiction writing craft book, Shoot Your Novel, which is the year-long course I am teaching on my blog this year. Last year I did Writing the Heart of Your Story, and made that into a book.

Blog: As I mentioned, I love helping writers. My husband thinks it’s hilarious that I get to “criticize” people for a living. I’m not allowed to criticize him, so I guess that’s why it’s funny, right? Just kidding. I am really a great cheerleader for all my clients.

Author's Book List
The Crystal Scepter
Conundrum
Innocent Little Crimes
The Unraveling of Wentwater
A Thin Film Of Lies
Intended for Harm
The Land of Darkness
Time Sniffers (Shadow World)
The Map Across Time
Someone to Blame: A Novel
The Wolf of Tebron (Book1) in The Gates of Heaven Series

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For the rest of the story...View Susanne Lakin - HBS Author's Spotlight

Joseph Lallo

Author Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy - Epic

Website: The Book of Deacon Series
Twitter: @jrlallo
E-Mail: jrlallo (at) bookofdeacon (dot) com
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


Next book: Lain Origin, which is the working title, seems to be following the standard release timeline for my fantasy novels. That is to say, it is taking far longer than I'd anticipated.

Social media: The relationships have been crucial. I can attribute a lot of my early success to being picked up on a few discount book blogs.

Giveaways: Digitally, giving away books has been possibly the most important thing I've done to get my book career rolling. I typically write in series form, so giving away the first book in the series and hopefully capturing the attention of the readers enough to inspire them to pick up the rest has been my business model for years.

Author's Book List
The Battle of Verril
The Book of Deacon
Unstable Prototypes
Bypass Gemini
Jade
The Great Convergence
Interviews with Indie Authors

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For the rest of the story...View Joseph Lallo - HBS Author's Spotlight

Jordyn Redwood

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Religion & Spirituality, Romance

Author's Blog: Redwood's Medical Edge
Website: Jordyn Redwood - Spine Tingling Suspense
Twitter: @JordynRedwood
E-Mail: jredwood1@gmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New book: Peril is the third and final novel in the Bloodline Trilogy and should release October 2013…

Social media: I think social media relationships are very important. The internet affords people a lot of networking opportunities and I’ve found endorsers for my novels and lots of guest bloggers on Facebook and Twitter.

Book covers: I think the publisher has done a great job with them. My publisher (Kregel) sends me mock-ups for the covers. For Proof, I told them I didn’t want it to look medical. I wanted it to look dark/suspenseful.

Book trailers: Honestly, I don’t know how much impact a book trailer has. Creating a book trailer, in my case, was a joint effort. They are professionally done which is a true blessing.

Support groups: I belong to the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Blog: Redwood’s Medical Edge is designed to help authors write medically accurate fiction so my primary goal is education.

Author's Book List
Poison: A Novel
Proof: A Novel

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For the rest of the story...View Jordyn Redwood - HBS Author's Spotlight

Betty Webb

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Webb's Blog
Website: Betty Webb - The Lena Jones mysteries
Twitter: @bettywebb
E-Mail: webbscottsdale@aol.com
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


New book: Redwood’s Medical Edge is designed to help authors write medically accurate fiction so my primary goal is education.

Next book: DESERT REGRET, the 8th book of my Lena Jones series.

Social Media: It's hard to understand why not everyone is taking advantage of social media, including the various "lists" other authors and readers are on.

Book covers: On the Gunn Zoo books, a wonderful, witty artist named Nicholas Greenwood is responsible for those. But I design the covers of the Lena Jones books.

Poison Pen Publishers based in Scottsdale: they have since become the second largest publishers of mystery novels in the U.S. They treat their authors wonderfully well. If it weren't for Poisoned Pen Press, I wouldn't have the career that I love.

Conduct writing workshops: I believe in giving back to my community, and to the new writers which are emerging from it.

Author's Book List
The Llama of Death
Desert Wind
Desert Noir
Desert Wives
Desert Lost
Anteater of Death
The Koala of Death
Desert Cut
Desert Run

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For the rest of the story...View Betty Webb - HBS Author's Spotlight



Authors Recommended by: HBSystems Publications
They also sponsor: eBook Author’s Corner and HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the product or services discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this post. It is not a group, subscription or forum. Some links maybe affiliate links.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2013

Denise A. Agnew - HBS Author's Spotlight

Today our blog puts the Spotlight on award-winning bestselling Author Denise A. Agnew. She won the EPPIE Award for her historical romance LOVE FROM THE ASHES.

Author Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Historical Fiction

Website: Denise A. Agnew
Author's Blog: Denise A. Agnew Blog
Blog: Google +
Twitter: @DeniseAAgnew
E-Mail: denise10@deniseagnew.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest


Author Description:
Denise A. Agnew is the author of over fifty-seven novels, novella's and short stories. Denise pens romantic suspense, erotic, historical, fantasy, contemporary and paranormal romance. Romantic Times Book Review Magazine gave her novel PRIMORDIAL the coveted TOP PICK. She's received the EPPIE Award for her historical romance LOVE FROM THE ASHES as well as finaled in and won a Passionate Plume Award. Her interest in archaeology and archery sometimes find their way into her books. Denise has recently become a paranormal investigator. She lives with her husband and a Mini Schnauzer.


SPOTLIGHT Questions and Answers with the Author

What do you have on the drawing board next? Can you tell us the timeline for its release and give us a little tease? Are you going to add another novel to one of your series or you going to start on something new?

I just finished a follow up story Redemption Ridge but I don't know when the sequel will be released. I'm currently working on a World War 2 romance called One London Night, but that is a long work in progress because of the research I've had to do and things have kind of conspired lately to keep this story moving slower than I would like. So I don't have a timeline on when that story will be out and available. I always keep readers posted, though, through Facebook, Twitter and my blog. The World War 2 story isn't in a series. It is definitely stand alone.

You have a good following on twitter. How important have your social media relationships been? How much has it changed your book launch process?

Social media is important for me, because as time goes on some of the other old standbys to let readers know about my books have fallen away. Some of the Yahoo groups I belong to don't seem to reach the readers quite as easily as they did before. So I keep my two Facebook pages going and try to talk to people daily on Twitter and Facebook. When I launch a book now I just do my best to let people know across social media without being obnoxious about it. To me the author who is in your face every day on social media only talking about their books starts to turn off the reader. Yes, readers want to know about an author's books, but I think they also want to understand the author. What makes you tick and what you like and maybe don't like. There is, of course, the "too much information" problem that writers can indulge in and I definitely try to keep away from that.

Do you do a lot of book signings, interviews, speaking and personal appearances? If so, when and where is the next place where your readers can see you? Where can they keep up with your personal contacts online?

Most of my books sales are electronic, and I haven't done any book signings in years. Most book signings these days aren't that productive unless you're at a conference like Romantic Times where there is a larger audience. I live in a small town and our only book store left town about three or four years ago. :) I do quite a few interviews but very few personal appearances. Best place to find me is on Facebook, Twitter and my website. On my website readers can sign up for my monthly newsletter.

You have very unique covers. They carry a theme of novels to your readers. How does your book cover creation process work? Do you hand over the basic theme or do you have more of a hands-on approach? Do you get your readers involved in its development?

My publishers have been good about asking me what I think is important in a cover, but at the end of the day they make the final decision. I think I've got some wonderful covers. Some stand outs I think are FOR A ROMAN'S HEART, BEFORE THE DAWN, DARK, DEADLY LOVE and a few others. As for the self-published books, I have two cover artists and they work with me very closely to get the feel of the books. I don't ask for reader input on covers. :)

I have seen one of your book trailers. (See Asylum Trilogy Trailer below.) Do you know how much impact it had on your book’s success? Tell us about the process that you used to create your trailers? Do you plan on doing more?

All of my trailers were done by my wonderful webmaster at Nimbleforce Creations. I think trailers aren't making that big of an impact on most book sales. I'm not sure that I'll be doing many more in the future.

What kinds of writer support groups do you belong too? Do they help with the writing, marketing and the publishing process?

At the current moment I belong to two groups. Novelists, Inc. is one of the most amazing novelists groups out there. They are all published authors but in every genre there is. I like the fact they are in every genre because the perspectives are wider. Plus, Novelists, Inc. is one of the most progressive groups out there. They got on the bandwagon with accepting self-published authors much earlier than most organizations. They are a great support. International Thriller Writers is the other organization, and they do a lot towards promoting their authors.

Between your book writing, blogging, marketing, family and all the other things that can get in your way, how do you manage your time? Do you have a set schedule or do your sort of play it by ear?

I'm really not that great a time manager when it comes to my writing. I play it by ear.

Has the advent of ebooks changed anything in your writing, your marketing and the relationship with your readers and fans? What kind of adjustments did you have to make moving from the traditional paper world to the digital one?

I was never in the traditional publishing world, so my adjustments are probably significantly less than someone who was used to the traditional platform. I haven't made that many adjustments that are drastic. But I've always known that the publishing world is a crazy place, and I just roll with the changes and punches as they come. I've always been in epublishing (since the very beginning of epublishing), so that is an advantage for me.

What has been your experience in giving your books away free? Have you been involved in any other type of giveaways and how did that work out? What was your main goal in doing this? Did you run into any obstacles?

I do giveaways for contests (sometimes paperback, sometimes ebook). For the last several months I've been involved with Goodreads Giveaways. I've found those contests get more attention than anything else I've done in relation to contests. My main goal has been to expose more readers to my work and hopefully after they've taken a chance with a free book they'll want to read more. A couple of years ago one of my books was given away for free by the publisher and that spurred major sales of other books in that series and beyond. I've never run into obstacles with giving away free books.

Your blog does a great job keeping your readers informed, marketing your books and providing useful information to other writers. What is your primary goal? And where in the world do you find the time to create great novels, take care of the social media and maintain your blog?

I've slowed down a lot with the blog since the beginning of the year. I'm a bit in a blog slump. I hope to revitalize sometime next month with more author guest spots. Also, I remember that writing books is my top priority, not writing blogs or being on social media. If I keep that in mind, the books eventually get written.

Do you publish your books in other languages? How is your audience abroad?

One of my publishers, Ellora's Cave, puts some of my books into other languages such as Spanish and Japanese. I have readers from a wide variety of countries, including some that I converse with sometimes from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Germany.

Denise, you have so many titles. Where is the best place for readers to find out about all your books and, of course, buy them?

As for buying my books, since I have a ton of books, I think it would just make sense to have my webpage as the reader's source for purchasing them. They can follow this link: Denise A. Agnew Books.



Author's Book List
Redemption Ridge
Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).

When Cecelia’s ex crashes into her life, intent on killing her, she has no choice but to save herself. There are no heroes left in her world. Battle-scarred soldier Jake sees her at the mercy of a brutal foe, and has to be the hero she needs. With everything at stake, there’s no time for pretense or lies. Unvarnished truth leaves them gasping for breath, and finding one last hope to make everything all right.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Daryk Craving
Daryk World, Book Three Her fever for him has always burned high... Daryk One Aknada Tyrus helped destroy Admiral Aramus' slave trading ship, but now she must resurrect her shattered life and discover if love can repair three years of deceit. Aknada is a warrior, her unique ability to fight men on equal footing a talent few women can boast. Three years ago she lost faith in herself after surviving a horrible attack. Now she cannot abide a man's touch, even the tenderness of Marc Gampia, the man she's craved forever. She returns to Marc's compound to restore her inner peace and hopefully turn her fears away. His craving for her has never died... Marc hides his own mangled heart. When he learns Aknada is alive, the fire in him burns hotter and more fiercely than it did before. He will do anything to have her as his wife. Desire forces her to reach for him, to discover his body one touch at a time. One stroke and there is no going back.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Shadows Fall
Book Three in the Asylum Trilogy

Evil is spreading beyond previous boundaries, beyond the horrors of the past. Only one man and one woman can stop it.

Melissa Allan realizes something is wrong one windy, violent day. People are getting their just deserts. Karma is piling on the punishment, even for small offenses or misunderstandings hardly worth a blink. Melissa, owner of the only new age store in Simple, realizes that the air is disturbed, and that the former asylum on the mountain has something to do with strange happenings around town. Sensitive to the paranormal, she helps those in Simple who feel the need for advice beyond the conventional. Forces in town who want things to stay the same are against her, and she knows it.

Ex-marine Roarke O’Bannion hasn’t seen a freak out like this since he was in war. A search for his missing mother brings him to Tranquil View Condominiums for answers. He’s not interested in the paranormal and thinks people who believe in it just need more medication. He thinks Melissa fed his mother’s belief in ghosts, and he plans on giving her a piece of his mind. Instead he finds a woman who challenges everything he’s believed in, and makes him burn with desire.

When Melissa is in danger, he discovers he’ll do anything to save her, and together they’ll battle the unseen until midnight comes or the evil seething inside Tranquil View consumes them all.
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Book Trailer: Shadows Fall
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - Smashwords
Daryk Rogue
Daryk World, Book Two Ruled by treacherous desires to mate... He would kill and die for her. When Xandra Shorenus' husband murders her family in retaliation for her defiance she escapes, but a huge wave wrecks her ship. Rogue Daryk One Rayder Tyrus saves her but commands her allegiance with one kiss. She is his now, in and out of bed. Rayder has infiltrated a dangerous faction, his need for redemption and retribution absolute. Desire to protect Xandra mixes with powerful carnal needs that demand he show her pleasures she never could have imagined in her sheltered life. They discover a fiery connection forged between hot kisses, adventurous touches and mind-melting unions. They must learn to survive the wrath of the breeder-slaver who hates Rayder, the elements of jungle and desert that rule the land, and a war about to erupt that could separate them forever.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Daryk Warrior - Daryk World, Book Four
Book four of the Daryk World series.Mia is having one of the worst days of her life. After surviving a shipwreck during an attempt to escape her oppressive homeland, she finds herself lost, washed ashore on a foreign beach. One misstep almost costs her everything but she’s saved by the strong arms of a lethal Dragonian warrior. Mia, unused to men and desire, finds herself facing an all new challenge in the intensely sexual Daryk One and the undeniable feelings he ignites in her body and her heart.Eryk is uncertain whether he can trust Mia but is becoming increasingly convinced that the pretty Scribe is more than just a woman who knows how to fuel passion. His burning need to claim and protect her are signs she might be his mate!In a land on the brink of war, with their very survival on the line, Mia and Eryk find themselves torn between their urgent need for one another and the goals they’ve each sworn to that could so easily tear them apart.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Before the Dawn
A fallen woman must decide to stay down, or rise and fight…

Elijah McKinnon has been found innocent of a heinous murder, but it doesn’t erase the hellish years in prison he endured. He boards the train to Pittsburgh a changed man, certain he will never feel free until he’s wreaked revenged on the brother that ruined his life.

The passenger who catches his eye is intriguing, but he’s seen her kind before. The kind who puts on airs—and looks down on Irishmen. Still, he can’t seem to stop himself from stepping between her and a pack of ruthless cads.

Mary Jane Lawson is grateful for the handsome stranger’s help, but her journey has a higher purpose: to rise above her shattered reputation and declare her independence, come flood or famine. Propriety says she should refuse Elijah’s suggestion they pose as husband and wife—for her own protection, of course. Her practical side says it won’t hurt to pretend, just this once.

Come nightfall, though, their little charade must be carried all the way to shared sleeping quarters, where their vulnerabilities become painfully clear. And when danger past and present threatens, trusting each other becomes a matter of life and death.

Warning: A hot Irish accent mixed with high adventure may cause combustion. Beware of falling for this hunk. The heroine says he’s hers.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Dangerous Intentions
A woman searching for the perfect man… Wealthy magazine editor Kiley Chapman lives with the frightening memory of her kidnapping ten years ago. When she advertises for a man for a hero profile article, she soon discovers sinfully sexy bodyguard Scott Danger lives up to his name. Charismatic and confident, he erodes her resolve to stay cool and uninvolved. A man in serious peril of losing his heart… Security specialist and ex-Special Forces soldier Scott Danger prides himself on having impeccable restraint—a man who disciplines both mind and body. It's questionable how long he can resist his powerful and heated attraction to Kiley—and all bets are off when he must protect her from a deadly stalker bent on destroying all they hold dear. Two wounded souls meet their match… The wildfire sexual attraction between them guarantees sparks they may not want to acknowledge but can't ignore. So while Scott guards her body, and Kiley guards her heart, neither one can fight the sensual and emotional hunger that swirls between them, consuming them.
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Daryk Hunter
When Magonian archaeologist Ketera Aldrancos’ father is imprisoned, she’s determined to save him. Before she can do so, her ship is wrecked. Water laps at her, a man’s strong arms surround her. His husky voice soothes her. Then she realizes she’s on a foreign beach in the arms of a dreaded Dragonian. A man who looks nothing like the men she’s known. His closeness, his touch sends waves of need through Ketera’s core and shame runs through her. After all, passions are sinful. Dane Charger, a Dragonian Daryk One, cradles the woman in his arms. He aches to introduce her to the headiest lovemaking imaginable. But his eyes flame red and a growl vibrates his throat when he realizes he’ll need to protect her from marauding slave traders led by a vicious rogue—who just happens to also be his half brother. Two people whose supercontinents are separated by ocean and two thousand years of prejudice and fear. Two people who may be the secret to saving a race from extinction.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Author Recommended by: HBSystems Publications
Publisher of ebooks, writing industry blogger and the sponsor of the following blogs:
eBook Author’s Corner and
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Christine Warner - HBS Author's Spotlight is on Two Timing the Boss

Today our blog puts the Spotlight on Author Christine Warner. She is a Contemporary Romance author and a co-host of the Buy The Book Tour.

This blog is sponsored by the Buy The Book Tour.

Tour: April 1 to April 4, 2013

Today's Featured Book is

Two-Timing the Boss

Author: Christine Warner


AVAILABLE
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Farah Smith is on a mission: secure the funds for her twin sister’s surgery. She’ll do whatever it takes to succeed. Even if that means putting her values aside to work for a man she finds morally bankrupt. But when the real Farah meets her new boss, she wonders if she’ll be able to resist his sexy advances long enough to help her sister.

From the blonde wig, to the stilettos strapped around her ankles, Farah’s a clone of Keller Donovan’s harem of past assistants. She can’t believe she’s let herself be talked into the disguise, let alone working for the man planning to demolish the hospital her sister so desperately needs, but the salary he offers is the only way she’ll be able to afford her sister’s surgery. The moment Farah meets Keller she realizes her most daunting task isn’t typing, spreadsheets or organizing travel arrangements, but fighting the growing attraction toward a man whose ruthlessness is legendary in the boardroom as well as the bedroom.

Determined not to end up in a disastrous marriage like his divorced parents, Keller believes all relationships should have a shelf life of sixth months or less. But when he meets Farah, all bets are off. He not only wants her to continue as his personal assistant, but his own private bed warmer. Unfortunately, his offer of an affair doesn’t sit well with her fairytale dreams or the strangled hold gripping his heart.

Excerpt:
These damn shoes would be the death of her. She could read the headlines now: Penniless P.A. Falls to her Death while on Job Interview.

Almost to her destination, with no more mishaps, her confidence surfaced. Okay, maybe mastering this heel thing wouldn’t be such a big deal. Her steps became light, almost bouncy. Although she sensed Keller Donovan behind her, she didn’t let it deter her feeling of success. She stepped onto the large black and red area rug, less than ten feet from her target. The leather chairs.

“Oh!” Farah’s spiky heel caught on the edge of the expensive rug. Her legs shook and she shot her arms out from her sides, circling them like a bird about to take flight. She fought to regain balance inside the ridiculous stilts strapped to her feet. A brawl to the death. Over when she looked down to see the rug coming up to kiss her face. She threw out her hands, sucked in a breath and closed her eyes, scrunching her face as she prepared for impact.

But nothing happened. There were stars all right, and a blazing jolt of electricity shot from her toes, up her legs, through her body and exited with the small gasp which escaped her lips. Somehow Keller Donovan had grabbed her around the waist before she met the floor.

Heat burned her cheeks. He may have saved her body from bruises, but her ego, and whatever confidence she’d walked in with had shattered.

“Let’s not have an accident before your health benefits kick in.” His breath tickled her ear from behind. Chills hugged her backbone.

His touch released an unsettling flutter in her abdomen. She sucked in her stomach from the pressure of his strong arms wrapped around her middle, afraid to breathe.

Author Genre: Contemporary Romance

Website: Christine's Words
Twitter: @ChristinesWords
E-Mail: Christine.warner@yahoo.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
LinkedIn: Check Out LinkedIn
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


Author Description: Christine Warner is living her dream in rural Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines. A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website at christine-warner.com.

SHOWCASE Questions and Answers with the Author

Rumor has it that you have another book on the horizon called Bachelor’s Special. Can you tell us the timeline for its release and give us a little tease?

Thanks for asking about Bachelor’s Special. This is a contemporary romance that will release with the Indulgence line at Entangled Publishing in June of this year. I can’t share the official blurb, but I can give you an idea of what the book is about.

Jill Adgate is an unemployed chef who wants four things out of life: a successful catering business, the devoted love of an exceptional man, and a family. Oh, and the ability to control her nervous stomach.

Chet Castle is a prosperous businessman who has it all, except the ability to trust. Burned by a money-hungry fiancée ten years ago, he refuses to get involved in any relationship with a shelf life longer than a head of lettuce.

I had a great time writing this book and working with Entangled Publishing and can’t wait for June J.

You have a good following of twitter. How important have your social media relationships been? Do you see a carry over to your writing success?

I’ve made some wonderful friends on Twitter, as well as Goodreads and Facebook.

The wonderful thing about all the social media sites is that everyone is supportive of one another—authors and readers alike—and I know without their encouragement and retweets and shares I wouldn’t have been able to get word of my books out there to everyone. I’m definitely thankful that I’m an author in a time where there are so many options for writers to share their work.

Do you do book signing, interviews, speaking and personal appearances? If so, when and where is the next place where your readers can see you? Where can they keep up with your personal contacts online?

At the moment I haven’t done any book signings or personal appearances, but I hope to work on that this coming year. It’s all coming along with baby steps. I’m an avid blogger and love to have authors on my personal blog as well as appear on others. To keep up on where I am and what I’m doing—and to have a little fun—please feel free to like my Facebook page
this is first place I’ll post an appearance J. Hope to see you there!

You have great covers. How does your book cover creation process work? Do you hand over the basic theme or do you have more of a hands-on approach? Do you get your readers involved in its development?

I wish I had more to do with my covers than I have. I’m anxiously awaiting the cover for Bachelor’s Special and am sure I’ll love it because Entangled releases some amazing ones J As for Two-Timing the Boss and Some Like it in Handcuffs, both covers were provided by my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. As an author there they have you fill out a cover art form with things you’d like to see on your cover as well as things you’d like left off. They do take that into consideration when the cover artist is developing your cover. So it’s always a nail biting moment when you get that email with your cover art attached.

Have you created a book trailer for any of your books to promote them online?

I haven’t yet, but would like to give it a try in the future. The reason I haven’t is because I’d like to attempt making one on my own and at the moment time issues haven’t allowed me to do that.

What kinds of writer support groups do you belong too? Do they help with the writing, marketing and the publishing process?

I belong to a several groups on Facebook that allow authors to post excerpts and buy links to their books, as well as promote a new release or when they appear on a blog. I also have a wonderful one on one critique partner, a small critique group, and some wonderful yahoo groups who support each other with advice and more. Writers are a very supportive and giving group.

Between your book writing, blogging, marketing and the Buy The Book Tour and all the other things that can get in your way, how do you manage your time? Do you have a set schedule or do your sort of play it by ear?

Life can certainly get busy and I wish I could say I had a set schedule, but at this point I go by my list and priorities. There are some things I have to take care of daily, a few that can be pushed to a couple times a week, and some that have set hours that they need to be done. It’s all a juggling act…lol. There are days I look back and wonder how I did it all, and then there are days that I haven’t managed my time quite so well and missed the mark on a few things. But, you can’t stress over them. You move forward and try and get it all done the next day J.

Has the advent of ebooks changed anything in your writing, your marketing and the relationship with your readers and fans?

Since I’m a fairly new author, I’ve never known a time when there wasn’t ebooks. So, I’d have to say nothing has changed in the way I market or my writing. I do believe one of the biggest advantages to being an author now is that there are more opportunities to become published. I also like the fact that with all the social media sites out there I’ve been able to interact with a lot of my readers, and I love that.

What has been your experience in giving your books away free? Have you been involved in any other type of giveaways and how did that work out? What was your main goal in doing this? Did you run into any obstacles?

I’ve given away an ebook copy of each of my books on some blogs that I’ve appeared on and I’ve received a couple of reviews in return and that’s been wonderful. I’ve also given away some gift cards and have been involved with group blog hops where each author has offered a gift of their choosing. Those are fun for readers and authors alike. I mainly look at offering a gift as another way of getting your name out there. You never know who might win your book and enjoy it and then return to buy another title. And as for running into obstacles, so far I can’t think of anything…it’s all been good J.

I think the Buy The Book Tour is a great opportunity for authors to get exposure. Do you see any carryover to your own book success? Do you see an uptick in your social media traffic because of the tour?

Buy the Book Tours is an awesome partner in helping an author promote their works.

You just can’t go wrong if you are being exposed to blogs and other websites who have readers you might not otherwise connect with. Whenever I’ve participated in a blog tour I’ve always noticed an uptick in social media traffic and sales. Booking a blog tour with one of the many tour companies out there is a great way—and only one of many ways—to help build up your readers. But remember, as an author, there are many book tour companies and you need to do your research and find the one who offers a package that works best for your needs and budget.

Thanks so much for featuring me today, I had a wonderful time!



Author's Book List
Some Like It in Handcuffs
Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case. Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner. But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, Sunny and Judd soon realize their feelings for each other cannot be denied.
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Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Check Christine's Media Page.

Author Recommended by: Buy The Book Tours
This blog is sponsored by the Buy The Book Tours created by Christine Warner and Florence Price. They specialize in tours for a varied mix of genres with packages and prices just right for any author's budget.