Woohoo! Celebration Time!

APRIL 9, 2013



What a perfect day. Spring has finally sprung in northeast USA and I'm loving it. Shot me some baskets today and worked up a nice sweat. I can't wait to plant flowers in the beds beside the crocus, daffodils and tulips.

Wow. This year has zoomed by and it’s hard to believe I’m celebrating my first anniversary as an indie author. That’s right! It was one year ago that HIS WITNESS TO EVIL was released as an indie novel. In this year, I released two new books, SEIZED BY DARKNESS and PERFECT, and I also released my steamy, contemporary western, OBSESSED BY WILDFIRE, as an indie. I love being an indie author.

Becoming an indie author is not for everyone, however, and certainly not the faint of heart. You assume the responsibility of wearing many hats besides that of author. With that said, I will say this year has been a learning experience for me. I’ve made mistakes and in doing so, I’ve learned a lot.

My readers have been totally awesome, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for buying my books, posting honest reviews, and recommending my works to friends. Thank you. Thank you. And those of you who've joined my newsletter definitely rock!

Now to celebrate my anniversary, I'm passing out cyber-bubbly here, so help yourself,

and now until the end of April 2013, I'm offering SEIZED BY DARKNESS, the first in my C.U.F.F. series, for $2.99 at Amazon and B&N. So grab your copy today, and tell your friends.

One more thing, if you're around, stop by Storyfinds on Thursday April 11, where SEIZED BY DARKNESS is being featured as part of their romantic suspense week.

Have a wonderful weekend. AJ

Happy Easter

Have a wonderful holiday!

Welcome Author Chris Redding

Wednesday March 27.

Today, I welcome Chris Redding who'd like to share a little of her new release. Enjoy!

Thanks, Autumn.

What if your past comes back to haunt you?

Chelsea James, captain of the Biggin Hill First Aid Squad, has had ten years to mend a broken heart and forget about the man who'd left her hurt and bewildered. Ten years to get her life on track. But fate has other plans.

Fire Inspector Jake Campbell, back in town after a decade, investigates a string of arsons, only to discover they are connected to the same arsons he'd been accused of long ago. Now his past has come back to haunt him, and Chelsea is part of that past.

Together, Chelsea and Jake must join forces to defeat their mutual enemy. Only then can they hope to rekindle the flames of passion. But before they can do that, Chelsea must learn to trust again. Their lives could depend on it.




Excerpt 4 Incendiary
Jake always thought bad things happened in threes. If so, he wondered what would round out the trio.
The arson counted as number one. Tim Hagerty on his doorstep might be number two. They’d parted as friends when he left, but a lot of years passed since then. Jake had spoken to him for the first time three weeks prior to his return to Biggin Hill. In fact, he wouldn’t be back except for Tim’s offer.
“Tim, come in.”
“Just wanted to see how you’re settling in.”
Jake led Tim back to his kitchen. He didn’t know what to expect of this visit. Or what to think about it. “Beer?”
“Sure.”
He opened two imports and handed one to his old friend. Silence ensued as Jake took a swig.
“So, you glad to be back?”
Jake frowned. “Not sure yet”
Tim sat on a metal chair and placed his beer on the table. “I know it’s only been a few weeks.”
“Not much has changed.”
“Not much does in a small town. A few more houses built. That’s about it.”
Jake sipped his beer. “It feels right to be back here.”
“Does that have anything to do with Chelsea?”
The sound of her name kicked his heart’s beat off rhythm. “I haven’t really talked to her.”
Tim’s eyebrows shot up. “No? I would have thought she’d be your first stop. Then maybe Brad’s reaction to your relationship with her might stop you.”
Jake rubbed the back of his neck. He ignored the comment about Brad. The two old friend’s hadn’t parted on the best of terms. “I’m not sure I’m on her A-list.”
“True, considering how you left.”
A stab to the heart. Was Tim after Chelsea? His hand found his chest. “Ouch.”
Tim shrugged then lifted his beer. “Truth hurts.”
His friend had never been the most tactful person. “So what’s your interest in her?”
A grin broke out on his face, or a leer. “What any red-blooded American male would want.”
“Really?” His heart hurt. “Does she return the interest?”
Tim retained some unrequited love for Chelsea when they’d been younger. So the torch still burned.
“I think she plays it close to the vest.”
Jake couldn’t deny that when it came to men, Chelsea didn’t broadcast her feelings. At least she hadn’t to him. Maybe she hadn’t felt anything for him.

Incendiary is free today at Amazon.

PERFECT BLEND of ROMANCE & SUSPENSE

SEIZED BY DARKNESS
by Autumn Jordon


Kidnap victim Nicole Carson carefully lays plans to escape from an eight year imprisonment. When her captor brings home another hostage to replace her, she acts fast, escaping with her son and the young girl. She leaves her captor for dead—only to learn later the mafia lord survived her attack and is offering a million dollar reward for her return. The only way to save herself and her son and family from the mafia’s wrath is to disappear forever.

U.S. Marshal William Haus and his C.U.F.F. team are tasked with nailing a Russian mafia lord and closing down his child trafficking operation. Moments before their sting is to occur, C.U.F.F.’s inside man calls the operation off and the mafia lord slips through their fingers. When the latest victim is found, they’re relieved and stunned the mafia boss’ mistress is with her.

Will is determined to gain Nicole’s help in bringing down the mafia ring, but staying close to the beautiful woman resurrects long buried desires. Nicole recognizes she is in love with the handsome lawman and realizes she wants to live forever in his arms. Will goes on the hunt, knowing the only way to achieve his dream of a family with the woman he loves is to find the mafia lord before Nicole is tracked down.


Excerpt: (All material is copyrighted and can not be copied without permission from the author.)

The old air conditioner, which did little more than act as a fan pushing warm air into the room, rattled in the window, pulling Nicole from a fretful sleep. Under her long hair, sweat beaded the nape of her neck. She stretched and peeled away from the damp sheet under her. Through heavy lashes, she noticed a boot tapping the air at the base of the single-sized bed and her heart shot into her throat. Clutching the sheet to her bare breasts, she rolled and scrambled to the opposite side of the bed, only to be pinned, faced-down onto the mattress by the intruder.

“Let me go.” She thrashed and kicked back, striking air. Her breasts squished into the mattress springs. She ignored the pain, reached behind her, and grabbed fists filled with the assailant’s long hair. With all her might, she yanked hard.

“Owww.”

She winced, her ear ringing with the attacker’s cry.

He dropped his weight from his elbows, forcing the air from her lungs. His fingers locked around her wrists and tried breaking her hold on him. “Damn, Katrina. Stop pulling. You’re ripping my hair out.”

Every muscle of her body went stark still, except for her eyes-they widened. “Will?” Over her shoulder, she peeked through her auburn strands and caught a glimpse of Will’s cheek plastered against her bare shoulder.

“Yeah. It’s me. Christ. Now let go.” His hot breath caressed her sensitive skin, sending tingles down her spine.

Nicole became aware of the softness of his hair between her fingers, his musty scent bombarding her nostrils on the cusp of each sharp breath she inhaled, and every inch of his hard body pressing against her backside. Warmth pooled between her legs and she closed her eyes against her body’s reaction to him. “You first.”

He let go of her wrists.

Nicole slid her arms close to her body and pushed against the mattress, trying to topple his weight from her, so she could roll over, but he kept her pinned in place.

The discounted, thin sheets she’d bought at the local Dollar-Mart and his clothing were the only barrier between his hot flesh meeting hers. The knowledge caused the room to grow warmer. “I let go. Now get off of me.” She bucked against him. A mistake. She laid still.

“Not until you tell me what were you reaching for?”

“What?” She glanced at him and then scanned the nightstand next to the bed. “Nothing. I don’t have a gun if that is what you’re thinking. I was just trying to get away.”

“Not until you promise me you won’t try to run.” Will arched up and bore his weight on his elbows. His strong thighs held her legs in place while his hard ridge pressed against her backside.

She fisted the sheet below her, trapped her lip between her teeth, and wrestled with the fire mounting low in her belly. Not to go dizzy with want, Nicole remained still. “I’ll scream if you don’t. My landlord has great hearing, and, he has a huge shot gun.”

“You don’t want to do that.”

She struggled to push up on her elbows again. “Why not?”

“I’ll have no choice but to flash my badge and haul your ass out of here, sheet optional.”
AMAZON NOOK

Romance. Is it or is it not?

Recently, a friend and I had a conversation concerning movies that featured a growing relationship between a man and a woman and what really makes them a true romance. There are many films that have a love story up front and center but still they’re not considered a romance. Examples that jump to mind are, Speed, Romancing The Stone, and The Mummy. Don’t believe me? Google them. They're considered action and adventure or thriller.

So what makes one story an epic romance and the other an action story? Let’s compare these two examples; Casablanca and Pearl Harbor.

Casablanca is considered a classic love story, it has been for decades. In fact, if you Google best romance movies of all time, it’s #1 with Gone with the Wind as #2.

I know Casablanca is one of my favorites. I swoon every time I watch Humphrey Bogart, who plays bar owner and freedom fighter, Rick Blaine, clink champagne flutes with Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, and says, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
The film has a love triangle, so there is lots of conflict.
Later in the film, Rick and Ilsa confess their love and then Rick convinces Ingrid to get on a plane with the 'other man' and leaves him behind to take on the Nazi regime. Not a happy ending, and we all know in today’s romance industry, a HEA is a requirement.

Now, let’s look at Pearl Harbor. While the blurb for the movie reads, Pearl Harbor follows the story of two best friends, Rafe and Danny, and their love lives as they go off to join the war, it’s not considered a romance. With heroes as yummy as Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett, why not?

Like Casablanca, the story centers around a love triangle and both are back dropped by war, the same war. Pearl Harbor even has a tainted HEA. So why is Pearl Harbor not a romance?

IMO, I think it has to do with how much focus is on the romance. There are more action scenes, and certainly they’re more vivid, in Pearl Harbor than there are in Casablanca.

What do you think?

Welcome Brenda Margriet

FRIDAY 2/22/13

Today, Brenda Margriet is visiting all the way from British Columbia, which is approximately 2415 miles from NE PA. Brenda is a debute author for the The Wild Rose Press. YEA! Please read on and learn more about Brenda, her new release 'Mountain Fire', and the contest she is offering. Also, thank you for stopping by.

***
It's February. Here in Northern British Columbia, that means I've reached the point in the winter when I start to believe the. Snow. Will. Never. Melt. Sunshiny, clear blue skies are welcome, but they are a cruel tease. Because they don't mean Spring is around the corner. They are just a tantalizing taste of a too short summer to come.

If I close my eyes I can feel soft, springy new grass under my bare feet. I can hear the neighbour's lawn mower and smell the perfect, fresh cut scent. I can feel the freckles pop out on my face as I lift it to the warmth of the sun, and hear the popping of a cold, fizzy drink.

However, there is something extra special about opening a book (or turning on an ereader) and slipping away to another land when the one outside is frozen solid, a blanket of white stealing all the colour from the world. In the last week I've danced with danger and fallen in love with an assassin (Moonrise, Anne Stuart), watched Spenser struggle with his code of honour while trying to save a family (Mortal Stakes, Robert B. Parker), and now I'm going to take a sexy, long distance bike ride (Ride With Me, Ruthie Knox). It makes the blowing snow and chill wind so much easier to bear!

Here's to good books that help us escape...and to Spring, which cannot come too soon!

I am thrilled to announce my debut romantic suspense, MOUNTAIN FIRE, was released January 9, 2013 by The Wild Rose Press!

Blurb:

A mountaintop mystery leads two conservationists to dangerous obsessions and violent passions.

Natural resources student June Brandt climbs Longworth Mountain for some alone time. But when Conservation Officer Alex Weaver arrives to look into the death of a grizzly bear, June is caught up in the investigation--and fascinated by Alex.

Alex is attracted by June's competence and coolness under fire--as well as her lithe body and honey-blonde hair. Although their mutual interest in protecting the natural wonders of the area brings them together, they soon realize they view love from very different angles. He offers passion and pleasure, but June wants more.

When one of Alex's colleagues is murdered, June and Alex must work together to find the poacher before other lives are lost. And Alex must look deep inside to discover if he can give June what she deserves.

For an excerpt and to find out where to purchase MOUNTAIN FIRE in digital or print formats, visit www.brendamargriet.com. And if you want to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, just click the links on the upper right hand side of my website.

Giveaway:

Tell me what you like best about romantic suspense and you could win an e-book (Kindle or Epub) copy of MOUNTAIN FIRE! Just leave a comment here – be sure to include your email address in the body of the message. Deadline to enter is 12:00am PST Sunday, Feb. 24. Winner will be picked by random draw and will be announced on my blog (www.brendamargriet.com/blog) no later than Wednesday, February 26.

It is so lovely to be here visiting with Autumn. We met through The Wild Rose Press and Autumn is just one of the many authors I have kept in regular contact with over the last six years. There is nothing more fantastic that getting to know other authors personally and watch their careers grow and flourish. Since I ‘met’ Autumn, I’ve written eleven books and two novellas, all of which are either published or contracted – Autumn and all the other wonderful writers I’ve met have played a massive part in my success!

So when she offered me a guest blog spot, I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about. Friendship and support in the writing world.

Knowing there are people out there to support you in your dreams means everything for a feeling of inner strength and belief. It’s human nature to doubt what you are thinking or doing, and worrying people will laugh or put you down. When you meet people who cheer you on, love and admire your work, and most of all, share your struggles, it gives an incredible sense of excitement and optimism.

Writers are often introverts and happy in their own company, which all too often provides far too much surrounding silence allowing that horrible voice in your head to shout loud and clear, “give up!” “You’re not good enough!” “This story is your worst yet!”

My advice? Fill your head with your stories, not your ‘internal editor’. Keep writing. Never EVER give up and believe in your dreams, ALWAYS! Just short six years ago, I was first published and then 2011 brought me an agent, 2012 contracts with Harlequin Superromance AND Kensington. Yes, I am living a dream than I never, ever thought would happen. Am I still shy? Yes. Am I still a teeny bit scared my ongoing success will mean I’ll have to stand up in public one day, YES!!! Terrified, would probably be a better description of how I feel about public speaking, LOL!

I am happy. I’m loving my work, but more than anything, I am LOVING my writer friends so, so much. Mix up your social circle, reach out through social mediums such as Twitter and Facebook and surround yourself with optimistic, supportive and fun people. You will be amazed how quickly you realize your fears are echoed and conquered throughout your writing peers every day.

Stand tall and know you are no better or worse than the successful writers out there. Let yourself grow and shine until you feel as though your star is in reach – because it is!

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Rachel’s current release is “Finding Justice” available now from Harlequin Superromance. Here’s the blurb and buy links:

Blurb:

Old friends, new secrets

Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett-a man from her past-is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case—solving it is top priority. But as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Book Depository UK
Rachel’s upcoming release is a Victorian Romance – “The Seduction of Emily” is available for pre-order from E-Kensington right now. Here’s the blurb & buy links:
Blurb:

Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's captivating new novel. .

Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.

Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancée, Will's plan changes.

Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .

Amazon US
Barnes & Noble
Amazon UK

Rachel can be found here:
Website
Blog
Twitter

Facebook

Not Sure You'd Like A Romantic Suspense (99 Cents)

When I began to write romantic suspense, I tossed out several reams of paper. Why? Because no matter how I tried I couldn’t keep my villain hidden. He kept voicing his POV and writing his own chapters. I nearly ripped my hair out by the roots fighting with him to stay silent. Then I read a wonderful book, How To Write Killer Fiction by Carolyn Wheat. Ms.Wheat set me straight and confirmed what my villain was telling me all along.

Is there a Who-dun-it in suspense? Of course there is. It’s when the villain will be revealed that makes the two different, among a few other elements. In a mystery, an act of violence begins the story, but most times the action is set off stage. The reader is invited into the dilemma and introduced to an already seasoned hero who solves the crime logically and through scientific methods. There is a small circle of suspects, clues and red herrings. Information is withheld from the reader and the said reader is kept in the dark two steps behind. The hero grows very little during the story. The story is all about who killed X? The villain is not exposed until the last scene and the end result for the reader is an intellectual satisfaction.

A suspense novel starts on even keel, showing the everyday life our hero or heroine. Then BAM a nightmare occurs. The hero and/or heroine are not necessarily seasoned investigators. This is where your character arc comes in to play. The hero and/or heroine will grow throughout the story and eventually Good triumphs over Evil.

My first romantic suspense, a Golden Leaf Winner for 'Best First Book', His Witness To evil is on sale for 99 cents through the end of February at both Amazon
and B&N. Grap your copy today and tell your friends!



Excerpt from His Witness To Evil:
Stephanie masked her sigh of exertion while lifting the Coleman cooler she’d borrowed for their trip. She lugged the container to her old SUV. She knew how her son felt. She wished she had the money to take them away on exciting excursions like their friends had this summer. To places like Disney World, but she couldn’t even afford a day trip to Hershey Park, America’s chocolate capital. Em’s special diet, because of her allergies, took up a third of her take-home pay. After paying the mortgage, utilities, car insurance and miscellaneous expenses, she was lucky to save a few dollars a week.

She chewed on her bottom lip. Hopefully, next week Bobby and his friends would be off on new adventures, their summer vacations a distant memory.
The howl of a diesel engine jerked Stephanie from her musing. The squeal of brakes, crushing metal and shattering glass made her spin around.

Other basics of a suspense: All action is on stage. The protagonists’ world expansions. There are surprises. The villain can be revealed to the reader immediately and he or she can have a POV.
Yeah! This made my villain happy.
Information is given to the reader but withheld from the heroes. In other words, we know what could happen if the wrong path is taken by our hero or heroine. The reader sits on the edge of her seat, screaming at the heroine and hero not to go there.

Excerpt from His Witness To Evil:

“I don’t want to kill no kids, Victor.” Mac danced in place ready to dodge Victor’s wrath.
“You will do as I say,” Victor snapped.
She looked at the dead driver. His lifeless stare pleaded to her for justice.
“Don’t trust her,” Sheriff Morse ordered, turning his gun on her.
Stephanie refused to flinch under Morse’s scrutiny.
Gene moved in front of her. “Frank, what the hell are you doing? You’ve known
Stephanie all her life.”
“There is too much at stake, Gene. She saw me kill that guy. I’m not going to jail.” Morse’s tongue skimmed his lips. “Why the hell are you trying to protect her anyway? You two have been fightin’ like junkyard dogs for years. You complain every day she’s milking you dry. This is your chance to be rid of your mistakes.”
“Steph was never a mistake to me,” Gene’s voice rose in response. Then it softened. “I was hers.”
Tears threatened to blur her vision and she blinked them away. She squeezed Gene’s arm and glanced at her ex-husband’s profile. He remained focused.
“Touching,” Victor said. “But, sorry, no. They must die here.”
The suspense story is all about the hero or heroine prevailing. Emotional satisfaction is what the reader gets from a suspense novel. And since I write romantic suspense, ever lasting love must also be found.
Excerpt from Evil’s Witness:
After a week, her touch was familiar. His heart melted. He grabbed her hand, holding her in place as he turned and smiled down on her. Her nipples pushed against her white T-shirt. He gently brushed a knuckle across one peak. “No. It was hell without you.”
“Mmmm. Same here.” She pulled back and lifted his arm around her, curling into him. Looking out over the lake, she sighed. “I could stay here forever, if you’d let me.”
“I wish we could.” He gathered her closer and kissed the top of her head. “But eventually Bobby and Em would have to go to school.”
“I could home school.” Her chuckle was strained.
He felt her pain. He smiled while his heart wrenched. He would like nothing more than to forget about the world and stay here with her and the kids. But they couldn’t. “Sooner or later Ben will call. We’ll have to go back.”
“I know.”
Steph moved away. A cold void took her place.
She drifted to the other porch column. Leaning against it, she folded her arms across her chest. Her lips pressed together as if she was forming the right words behind them. “I know I said that our time together here was going to be enough to last me a lifetime, but—” Tears brimmed her lids. “I was wrong. A lifetime won’t be enough.”
John stepped toward her. “I don’t know what—”
“I know, you don’t know how we can be together. So, Ben will call. We’ll go back, and I’ll identify Victor. You’ll toss him in jail and throw away the key. You’ll drive off in pursuit of the next bad guy and me…Well, I’ll go home and wonder where you are. Wonder if what I felt was love.”
The woman knew how to make a guy feel like a heel.
John pulled her into his arms. She buried her head in his chest and cried softly against him. He kissed her head and smoothed her hair. “Steph, I didn’t think I’d ever love again,” he whispered softly, cupping her chin and tilting her face up until she looked at him. “Like a bomb, you dropped into my life. Every defense I’d put up to protect myself from ever being hurt again came tumbling down. You opened up my heart. As much as you don’t want to live without me, I don’t want to live without you. I love you.”
He kissed her gently. Her arms wrapped around him and held on. “Somehow, we’ll figure this out. I promise.”


Visit www.autumnjordon.com for more info on His Witness To Evil and my other books.

ENJOY!