Monday Mayhem – Here we go again!

I feel compelled to warn you, I’m going to be bugging the bejesus out of you again. You see, I’ve found out that I will have two more books included in boxed sets this year. Yay!

First up, and coming very soon: Love Finds A Way – featuring Contentment!

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Then later this fall, Paramour will be included in a set of romances with a paranormal bent. Whoo hoo!

Though it’s been a rough year for new writing projects, it’s shaping up to be a very busy year for my existing works. Thanks to the Unforgettable Heroes boxed set, Long Distance Love will reach thousands of readers who have never read one of my books before. I’m hoping Contentment and Paramour will reach new readers as well.

So this boxed set trend is a big thing now. What do you think about them? Good? Bad? Are you indifferent? Have you discovered any new-to-you authors you love?

 

Cover reveal!

You know, you can consider your day = made when something this pretty lands in your inbox.

Here’s the cover for my upcoming Harlequin-E Contemporary release,

The Last First Date!

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The Last First Date will be included in the June Contemporary Romance boxed set along with stories from: Rebecca Avery ~ Nicole Helm ~ Kristina Knight

It will also release as a single title in September 2014!

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Monday Mayhem – Hopping along

It’s bunny season, so it seems only right that I participate in a blog hop, right?

The fabulous Karen Stivali tagged me for the hop. Be sure to check her answers as well! Here goes:

1) What are you working on? At the moment, I’m writing a battle of the sexes type romance between a college football coach and the women’s basketball coach. At the moment I’m calling it Full Court Press. It’ll probably end up in Maggie’s wheelhouse. Seems like everything does these days. 🙂


2) How does your work differ from others in the genre? I think the biggest difference is that I’m not afraid to feature heroes and heroines who are a little more…seasoned than most. Yes, age does leave your characters at the mercy of gravity, but I think age adds depth to the character’s motivations. And to the steamy scenes as well.


3) Why do you write what you write? I guess this is where I fall back on the old ‘write what you know’ bit. Living inside the head of a nubile, young virgin would be a bit of a stretch for me at this point in my life.


4) How does your writing process work? Ha! I don’t really have much of a process. I am a pantser by nature, but have learned to use a loose sort of outline to keep my works on track. Other than that, all I require would be some background music and the occasional box of Cheez-Its.

Now I’m tagging Linda Rettstat, Bobbye Terry, and Evelyn Jules. Watch their blogs for their take on the same questions!

Happy Monday, my friends!

Monday Mayhem – It’s been mayhem

I was home only 14 of 31 days in the month of March. Yes, I counted, and yes, I’m using that as an excuse. I’m sorry I missed you last week, but my life actually was mayhem last Monday. But I’m here now and I have a fast five for you. Let’s catch up, shall we?

What I’ve been working on: This is the last day to grab Unforgettable Heroes for $.99, so I’m working on promo today. I’d appreciate it if you’d help me spread the word. The response to this boxed set offering has been phenomenal. I hope to be able to participate in more sets to come! The price will be going up to $6.99 as of April 1. Still a great deal for 8 books!

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What’s running around in the back of my mind: A crazy plot bunny that hopped into my head last night. Poor little baby bunny. It’s so far down on the list of potential projects it’s going to have emerge fully-formed and write itself to bump its predecessors out of the way.

What I’ve accomplished: Hey, I wrote this blog post, didn’t I?

What new goal I’m chasing: I hope to spend many hours in my chair writing.

What I saw: My mommy.

Renee Vincent wants you to come and get it!

My pal, Renee Vincent has a new boxed set!

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EMERALD ISLE TRILOGY

Boxed Set

By Renee Vincent

 

One man risks his life to save her.

Another risks his heart to love her.

Who will be the victor?

 

Three of Renee Vincent’s bestselling and critically acclaimed historical Viking romance novels are now available in one spellbinding bundle—yours for only 99¢ (limited time offer)

 

Full of fast-paced adventure, unforeseen plot twists, and courageous, to-die-for heroes like you’ve never read before, this extraordinary boxed set is sure to satisfy every readers’ craving for the ultimate in historical Viking romance.

 

Available at:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | KOBO | Smashwords | ARe | Turquoise Morning Press

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Ræliksen, Book 1

Mara, the daughter of an Irish clansman, was raised to believe the men of the North are heathens – murderous pagans without a moral bone in their bodies. Despite warnings of the Northmen’s raids, and the growing threat of another incursion, Mara is continually drawn to her favorite place – the River Shannon.

Dægan Ræliksen, a wealthy chieftain from Norway’s frozen fjords, secretly discovers Mara at the water’s edge. He is charmed by her beauty and sensuous grace. As the days pass, his contentment with simply watching her grows thin. He can no longer deny his unabated desire for the young maiden. His search for a wife has ended.

However, Mara and Dægan come face-to-face in a time when Ireland is in turmoil – when every Irishman is being called up to fight against the Nordic foreigners. In these times of upheaval, how can Dægan make peace with Mara’s father and acquire the woman he treasures? Furthermore, can Mara move past her fears and find the noble man within the savage?

Teaser Quote:

“You are correct in saying that desires often come from things we cannot easily gain—mine, being that of your love. By all accounts, I do wish I could steal it. But I am not that sort of man. I will wait. Forever and a day…I will wait.”

Reviews:

“This is my first read by Renee Vincent and she has undoubtedly earned a place on my auto-buy author’s list. This book and author earn my highest recommendations and I feel privileged to have read one of the best.”

~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews

“…a fast-paced, action-packed historical romance, which Ms. Vincent brings to life right before your eyes; a story you will remember long after the last page is read.”

~ 5 Blue Ribbons! ~ Romance Junkies 

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Mac Liam, Book 2

A tortured soul…

Breandán Mac Liam, the strapping young hunter from Ireland’s lush forests, is in love with Mara, an ineligible beautiful princess. For seven long years, he has been vividly haunted by her memory, taunted by the throes of his heartache. And not even the thought of her marriage to a Northman can extinguish the fierce, burning desire running rampant through his heart and soul.

An innocent heart…

Mara, the spirited Connacht princess, has no idea she is the object of the Irishman’s longing. She is living out her days on Inis Mór, raising a troubled son and trying to endure the cruel loneliness that afflicts her.

A deadly secret…

Ordered by the king on his deathbed, Breandán must return to Mara and bring her through the perilous lands of Connacht to fulfill her father’s last dying wish. But as their worlds collide, Breandán not only finds himself wrapped in the arms of Mara’s embrace, but thrown into a struggle to defend his honor.

With Mara caught between the family she loves and the father she knows, can Breandán uncover the mystery of her past and still protect her from a secret that threatens them all?

Teaser Quote:

“Mara, you are my next breath. You are the reason I breathe at all.”

Reviews:

“This is one fantastic historical…a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical romance and I cannot wait to read the final book of the trilogy as this story has stayed with me days after I read the last word.”
~ 5 Hearts “5 Heart Sweetheart Award” ~ The Romance Studio 

 

“Ms. Vincent surpassed all of my expectations with her impressive writing abilities, while offering more incites and revelations that will keep readers coming back for more. Readers should be warned of the emotional turmoil they will face once again while reading this incredible story. I eagerly anticipate the next story in this trilogy, yet already mourn the finality.”

~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews

 

 

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The Fall of Rain, Book 3

Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Teaser Quote:

“What Lorraine has told you is the honest truth. There’s no denying who you are. But until you go in that house and dig up the evidence for yourself, you’ll never know who you used to be. Oh, I know you’ll realize it one day. By then, I fear it’ll be too late. So, don’t be a fool and let the only woman you’ve ever loved slip through your grasp. Three days, Leif.”

Reviews:

“I didn’t believe it was possible to take Daegan and Mara’s incredible love story to another level, but I am extremely pleased to be wrong. Every word seemed to have a purpose in helping create a beautiful and poetic ending to an unforgettable trilogy. If you’ve never heard of the name Renee Vincent then you’re missing out on quality reading that’s worth every second of your undivided attention. It’s an escapists dream and I will most certainly be back for more.”

~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews

“An ingenious ending to an amazing trilogy! This series has become my all-time favorite.”

~ 5 Blue Ribbons ~ Romance Junkies

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Author Bio:

RENEE VINCENT is a bestselling Contemporary & Historical Romance Author. From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you’ll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

She also writes lighthearted, fancy-free Chick Lit Romance as GRACIE LEE ROSE. For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories (with a smidgen of spunk) that your mother, sisters, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

Author Links:

http://www.reneevincent.com/

http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com/

http://www.twitter.com/ReneeVincent

http://www.facebook.com/reneevincentauthor

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

 

 

Monday Mayhem – Top o the mornin’ to ya!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Shannon proved to have the luck of the Irish on her side when she commented on last week’s post. She was the winner of the $10 Amazon gift card!

So I thought I’d give you a 5 St. Patrick’s Day themed bits about me today.

1) I was raised listening to The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, and was able to see them in concert several times. Great fun!

2) My mother taught me to dance a jig. I only do it when she makes me.

3) I can recite most of The Quiet Man.

4) I do not eat corned beef, cabbage, fish or lamb, so I would probably starve if I ever actually went to Ireland. I do, however, drink beer.

5) I have a kind of a…partiality toward men of Irish extraction. Sean or Tom Sullivan, anyone? Oh, and if they have a bit of the brogue! *fans self* I could listen to Liam Neeson talk all day. I wouldn’t mind hearing him talk all night, too…nudge-nudge, wink-wink, so no more!

Tell me, are you a wee bit Irish? Do you celebrate with the wearing o’ the green?

 

Monday Mayhem – I have something to say

And that something is THANK YOU!

Thanks to YOU, I am officially an Amazon bestselling author! Squeeee!

You all have been so awesome about helping to spread the word about UNFORGETTABLE HEROES and my fellow authors and I truly appreciate your support. So much so that I have a little something for you.

A $10 Amazon gift card!

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Just comment below and tell me what you’ve been reading lately. It’s that simple. I’ll draw the name of one winner on Sunday, March 16, 2014.

Calling all art lovers!

Free days for THE ART LOVER have come and gone, but you can still grab this smoking hot short story for only $0.99!

195 Maggie Wells copy

And visit these fabulous blogs for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Art Lover tour banner

THE ART LOVER IS FREE IN THE KINDLE STORE!

195 Maggie Wells copy

THE ART LOVER IS FREE IN THE KINDLE STORE!

Blurb

Starving artist Kelsey Tecato takes being The Templeton Museum’s artist in residence a little too literally. By day, she puts on a show of painting for the crowds that shuffle through the galleries, but at night, her muse runs wild.

Mitch Jameson is a guy’s guy. A cop moonlighting as a security guard, he has little use for the artsy-fartsy stuff, but the mysterious Ms. Tecato’s sexy portraits call to him.

So does an interior alarm.

When Officer Jameson goes to investigate, he finds a paint-splattered goddess working on a self-portrait–in the nude.

A couple tubes of paint and a roll in the drop cloths later, free-spirited Kelsey helps Officer Jameson discover his passion for art.

Excerpt

His gaze traveled over the discreet placard affixed to the wall, but he’d already memorized the pertinent facts. The paintings were created by someone named Kelsey Tecato, the museum’s ‘Artist in Residence’.

Coming on shift as the museum closed for the day, he’d searched the faces of museum patrons and employees as they straggled past the security station, but he’d yet to spot the one that matched the headshot of a studious-looking brunette featured in the museum brochure. When he oh-so-casually posed the question to Bert, he learned that meant Ms. Tecato’s art was being subsidized in exchange for her participation in demonstrations and exhibitions sponsored by the museum board. The knowing twinkle in the older man’s eyes when he clarified that the ‘in residence’ part didn’t refer to the artist’s living situation was enough to make him drop the subject. Bert was too damn nosy for a guy who never managed to pass the detective’s exam.

Forcing himself to put one foot in front of the other, he left the provocative portraits behind and turned toward the west end of the building. The Templeton rambled for nearly a city block but most of the space went unused. Exhibits occupied the open center space of the two-story building joined by a pair of sweeping marble staircases. The east side had been converted to classroom space decades before, but the warren of tiny rooms on the west end were primarily administrative offices and storage.

His heart started to pound when he picked up the murmur of a deep voice. Shifting the flashlight to his left hand, Mitch reached for his sidearm and came up empty. He was a guard tonight, not a cop. His service weapon was locked up safe in his apartment. At the end of the corridor he pulled up short, pressing his back against the wall and tightening his grip on the flashlight. He wore a panic button clipped to his belt but his instincts told him he wasn’t at the panic stage yet. Breathing soft and slow, he closed his eyes and focused his energy on catching a few words. Perhaps he could figure out what the intruders were after before making his presence known.

Thirty seconds passed. His eyes popped open then rolled heavenward as the droning voice segued into a bouncy pop song. The radio. Someone had left a radio playing in one of the offices. Shaking off the rush of adrenaline, Mitch pushed away from the wall and rounded the corner, only to come to a dead stop when he saw the fan of light spilling from the office at the very end of the hall.

Two things he knew for certain: the radio hadn’t been playing when he’d made his post-closing rounds, and that door on the end of the corridor hadn’t been open. He let the barrel of the flashlight slip through his fingers until he gripped the lamp. Wielding his only weapon like a club, he crept toward the door as silently as a guy who clocked in at six-four and two-ten could. Just outside the office, he caught a flash of movement inside the room and quickly pressed his back to the wall.

“About time you showed up.”

A woman. The intruder was a woman and she’d been expecting him. Irked by the presumptuous amusement in her tone, he stepped into the open doorway, prepared to let her have it, and almost swallowed his tongue.

Screw the flashing red lights. Alarm bells clamored in his head the moment recognition clicked. Kelsey Tecato. Artist in Residence. Painter of hard-on-inducing nudes. Live and in person, standing in the Templeton Museum after hours.

And naked as the day she was born.

Buy Link

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Lover-Maggie-Wells-ebook/dp/B00HM9SDO2/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_d_10

Retail Price: $0.99                        Promotional Price: FREE    March 3-7, 2014

 Tour Banner - The Art Lover

Author Info

Multi-published author, Maggie Wells, is a deep-down dirty girl with a weakness for hot heroes and happy endings. By day she is buried in spreadsheets, but at night she pens tales of people tangling up the sheets. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, this mild-mannered married lady has a naughty streak a mile wide.

Fueled by supertankers of Diet Coke, Maggie juggles fictional romance and the real deal by keeping her slow-talking Southern gentleman constantly amused and their two children mildly embarrassed. They are the food purveyors to three dogs, a passel of fish, and one impertinent house rabbit she claims is the love of her life. Shh. Don’t tell her husband.

Twitter @maggiewells1, or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaggieWells