Movie Trailer: Hysteria (UK)

Movie trailer for the invention of a woman's best bedroom friend, and it's a romantic comedy to boot. :P

ARe Bestseller - Trapped Lover

Caveat Emptor 2: Trapped Lover arrived at All Romance eBooks on 23 August and it's now on the bestseller list there. I have another start to add to my collection. :D


Caveat Emptor 2: Trapped Lover
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-caveatemptortrappedlover-595555-144.html

Maggie Finalist: Beguiled by Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand

2010 Maggies Single Title Finalist

Beguiled
by Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand

Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0628-3
Genre: Inspirational

In the shadows of Charleston, someone is watching her

Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything.

As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?


BUY NOW:
Bethany House
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
All Romance eBooks



EXCERPT:

Mrs. Davidson stood at the threshold of the front door in a flowing silk caftan. “Maybe you shouldn’t go out there alone, not with these robberies going on. A young woman, all by herself--” She shivered. “I hate to think about what could happen.”

Rylee answered with a broad smile, ruffling the fur at Toro’s neck. “I’ll be all right. Toro here will watch out for me.”

Waving, Rylee skated into the night. The woman’s concern was touching, but even at night, Rylee knew the city, knew its hidden gardens, its alleyways and shortcuts.

Ducking under a low-hanging branch, she cut down a cobbled path, the mastiff surging forward. Now that she knew it had only been Logan and his photographer lurking in the shadows last night, her fears had mostly disappeared.

Then Toro stopped, bringing her up short.

A silhouette of a man at the other end of the alley ducked into the shadows. A streetlamp flickered, the swaying tree canopy baffling its light.

Her heart lurched. Part of her wanted to turn and run, but she had Toro by her side. And she wouldn’t let her fears drive her off the streets she loved. Still, she shook the leash to get Toro moving and made for the golden streetlamps of Meeting Street, away from the secluded gardens tucked into the side alley.

More shuffling over her shoulder. A footstep sliding over the cobbles. She imagined the shadow gaining on her, ghostly hands reaching out.

The thought seemed crazy. But this wasn’t her imagination. She’d seen the silhouette. She’d heard the movement, in spite of his effort to go unnoticed.

She and Toro reached Meeting Street and headed toward Broad, where even at this hour they were bound to encounter a stray tourist, some late-night partygoers, or even a couple out walking the dog.

She glanced behind, and there he was. Just the crescent of a head eclipsing the light of a streetlamp, too far away to make out any features. It could be anyone.

Then he was gone.

BIOS:
Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesCircle.

J. Mark Bertrand has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston. After one hurricane too many, he left Houston and relocated with his wife Laurie to the plains of South Dakota. For more information, visit www.jmarkbertrand.com

Maggie Finalist: Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

2010 Maggies Inspirational Finalist

Maid to Match
by Deeanne Gist

Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0408-1

Falling in Love Could Cost Her Everything

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations ...and their hearts.


BUY NOW:
Bethany House
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
All Romance eBooks


EXCERPT:

Mack Danver stood stiffly beneath the archway in front of Biltmore House as its heavy wooden door creaked open. His chest tightened. It might as well have been the entrance to Central Prison in Raleigh.

A middle-aged man in a dark navy suit stepped onto the landing, his jowls slackening. “Earl! What are you doing out here? And dressed like that?”

“I’m not Earl. I’m his twin brother, Mack. Mrs.Vanderbilt told me to come.”

The man sniffed. “I think I’d know if you had an identical twin, Earl.”

“You must be Mr. Sterling, the butler.” Mack extended his hand. “Earl’s told me about you.”

Sterling slapped his hand away.

Mack didn’t so much as hesitate. Grabbing the butler by the shirtfront, he propelled him backwards. “Listen, mister. When I say I’m Mack Danver, I mean I’m Mack Danver. When I extend a hand in greeting, I expect it to be taken. When it’s not, I take offense.”

“Mr. Sterling? Is everything—” A young maid stepped to the door. “Earl! What’s the matter with you?”

Black hair peeked out from beneath her small white cap. The eastern sun had reduced her pupils to dots, leaving eyes so blue they appeared almost lavender. Rushing out the door, she jumped between them, squaring off with Mack. “Stop it! Stop it right this minute.”

Releasing the man’s collar, Mack took a step back. Did she actually believe he was frightened of her? He felt the tug of a smile on his lips. “I’m not Earl, miss. I’m his brother, Mack.”

The disapproval she’d shown before was nothing compared to the horror that filled her eyes now. She pressed a hand against her stiffly starched apron. “Oh, no. You’re the brother?”

He nodded.

“And you came to the front door? What possessed you to come to the front door?”

“I was just looking.”

Rolling her eyes, she turned to the butler. “He’s a mountain man. He was engaged in fisticuffs when Mrs. Vanderbilt first saw him. I’ll take him round back myself and make sure he doesn’t get into any more trouble.”

Mack tucked his shirt into his trousers. “I can fight my own fights. You needn’t do it for me.”

She seared him with her gaze. “Do not say another word.”

He bristled and opened his mouth to argue.

She lifted her index finger. “Not. Another. Word.” With her finger still in the air, she turned back to the butler. “May I take him round back, sir?”

Tugging the hem of his jacket, Sterling tightened his lips. “Go ahead. I’ll talk with the housekeeper and tell you what we decide to do with him.”

Mack took a step forward.

The maid steepled one hand on his chest. With the other, she pointed toward the gate. “That way, Mr. Danver. The servants’ entrance is that way.”

BIO:
Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesCircle.

HISHE: Harry Potter

How It Should Have Ended: Harry Potter Style





I love these things just because they bring up very valid points. What did happen to that time thingy?

Reading Day #2

12:20AM EST
Today is my second Reading Day. Just wanted to put up this note so people would know why I'm not online. I'll be back later in the day to update this post and tell you all what I read.


UPDATE
11:20PM EST

Here's my reading list:

• 2 Novels:
  
  • Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant
  • Heart's Sentinel by PJ Schnyder
• 4 Novellas:
  
  • Werelock by Dakota Cassidy
  • Wild Ones by Kira Stone
  • Witching Hour by Marteeka Karland
  • Wolf Bound by Sierra Dafoe

I was on a wolf/shifter kick this time around. I had planned to read one more novel but my day ran out.

East Coast Earthquake

If you're on the East Coast of the United States, then you more than likely felt the earthquake that just hit:

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2011/08/23/5-8-earthquake-in-virginia-felt-in-maryland/

I was in my basement (my batcave) when the house started shaking. I booked it up the stairs and stood in the door frame until it stopped. I'm staying upstairs near the front door until I'm sure there will be no aftershocks.

Stats are as follows:
- 5.8 - 6.0 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Mineral, VA (which is NW of Richmond, VA)

- Felt all up and down the East Coast as far North as Ontario and far South as South Carolina.

- Phone lines are down/jammed so I cannot get in touch with family and friends except through internet.

Now at ARe: CE2 - Trapped Lover

Caveat Emptor 2: Trapped Lover is now available at All Romance eBooks!

The price is reduced (only on ARe site) for a limited time to mark the occasion. Don't miss out.

Chat Tonight (23 Aug - 9PM EST)

Join me (as Zenobia Renquist) and the other authors of Changeling Press at Writerspace tonight at 9PM EST for a live chat. There's fun, games, great books, and possibly prizes. Don't miss out!

http://www.writerspace.com/chat/

ARe Rebates - Serenity & Adrienne

All Romance eBooks has Adrienne and Serenity, which are normally $5.50 each, on sale for $3.85 after the rebate.

According to ARe's FAQ:
"Rebates are delivered to your on-line account in the form of eBook Bucks after purchase."

I'm not sure when this started or when it'll end, so don't miss out!

Adrienne:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-adrienne-3363-168.html

Serenity:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-serenity-7896-143.html

ARe Bestsellers - Charmed & Chamomile

Just found out that Café Midnight: Chamomile Nights and Caveat Emptor 1: Charmed Lover are both bestsellers over at All Romance eBooks. I got a star to prove it.

Check it out:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-cafmidnightchamomilenights-577980-144.html

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-caveatemptorcharmedlover-564391-140.html

Movie Review: Fright Night

Fright Night (2011)


Basic Premise
Charley's new neighbor is a vampire. It's up to Charley to keep his mother and girlfriend -- in fact the whole neighborhood -- safe from this new menace.


End of Credits
Nothing there. You can roll out as soon as they start.

Movie Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes


Basic Premise
Dr. Will Rodman wants to help his ailing father by curing his Alzheimer's. When the primate tests get scrubbed due to an accident, Will is let with a single chimpanzee baby and his persistent need to see his father healthy again. But his fervor and disregard for protocol leads to an even bigger issue.


End of Credits
There is a little bit of stuff partially into the credits. It's important for the sequel.

Movie Review: Cowboys & Aliens

Cowboys & Aliens


Basic Premise
Jake Lonergan just woke up in the middle of nowhere with a strange device on his arm and no memory of who he is. Unfortunately, everyone else seems to know who is, and they want him in jail or dead. Jake gets a reprieve when aliens attack and he has the only weapon that can bring them down.




End of Credits
We didn't stay for the end of the credits.

Movie Review: Captain America

Captain America: The First Avenger


Basic Premise
Steve Rogers has the heart of a warrior but his body is severely lacking. He wants to serve his country and a military doctor who is head of an experimental new program to produce super soldiers gives Steve that chance.


End of Credits
Stay until the end of the credits. Duh, it's a Marvel movie. There is stuff there along with a preview for the Avengers movie duh out Summer 2012.

Newsletter Contest Winners #6 (Aug)

A lot delayed but finally done.

Here are the winners of the August Newsletter Roll Call. This time the winners receive gift certificates rather than books. But they can use the gift certificates to get books. :P

Remember, you have to be subscribed to my newsletter in order to play (hint hint).

August 2011 Newsletter

Winners of $6 in Strandbucks

Joan OToole

Anne Muller

Renee Shook

Susan Benedict

Winners of $5.50 coupon code to Samhain

Suzy Roy

Colleen Poor

Darcy Johnson

Pat Bohn

Rachel Morse

Heather Chamblin

Earlene Gillespie

Michelle Bauer

CONGRATS!

Join me next month for more prizes and more giveaways.

You Gotta Read Reviews - CE3: Provoked Lover

Here's the first review for Caveat Emptor 3: Provoked Lover

You Want to Read (3 Stars)

"The author was very good at character development. It had you rooting for the characters in the end. She also created a great background that it made you feel as if you were there in the story."
~ Jodie Pierce

Read the full review:
http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-provoked-lover-by-zenobia.html

Manga Review: That Was Good

That Was Good by CJ Michalski

Publisher: DMP June
Price: $12.95
Genre: Drama, Romance, Yaoi
Themes: Housekeeper, Classmates, High School, Mistaken Identity
Rating: Mature 18+
Volumes: 1 Volume
ISBN: 978-1-56970-202-4


Basic Premise
THAT WAS GOOD!
Hiroto has just been roped into becoming the live-in housekeeper of Suguru -- a playboy pilot -- and his young son Mamoru. Hiroto thinks this is a dream job until his boss starts coming on to him. What's worse, Hiroto isn't turning him away.

I LOVE THAT PART OF YOU
Youhei is hot, charismatic, and beloved by all except for Takumi who is only interested in the hero of his favorite manga. Youhei discovers the lengths he's willing to go to and the hobbies he's willing to adopt to win his first love.

EVEN IF I MUST SACRIFICE MYSELF
Riku's twin sister has plans to elope, but the brother of her intended is getting in the way. When a case of mistaken identity leads the brother to take the wrong twin, Riku uses the opportunity as a distraction... but who exactly is being distracted?

Manga Review: No Touching At All

No Touching At All by Kou Yoneda

Publisher: DMP June / Taiyoh Yosho
Price: $12.95
Genre: Drama, Romance, Yaoi
Themes: Work place romance
Rating: Mature 18+
Volumes: 1 Volume
ISBN: 978-1-56970-185-0


Basic Premise
Shima has just started a new job with a boss who doesn't mind bending, or flat out breaking, the rules of office propriety. It doesn't take long for Shima to get caught up in his boss's pace, and they wind up in bed. Shima has played this scenario before. He is more than willing to run away before he gets hurt, but will his boss let him.

I'm Behind

To all those wondering, no I haven't forgotten about my contest. Yes, I do plan to choose the winners. And yes, I will post them on this blog as well as contact the winners via email.

For the moment, I'm indulging in a little bit of lazy while I figure out what all needs to be done in my house to get it packed out for my eventual move to Hawaii. There's so much to do that it's hard to figure out where to start.

Show Me the Money Project

I just found this blog post by Brenda Hiatt and LOVE it! This is information authors and future authors need to know about the publishers they wish to be with.

This blog (updated as Brenda receives info) lays out advances and earn outs for most of the top publishers.

Check out the information and be amazed:

Show Me the Money!

The Romance Review: Charmed Lover

I'm at Authors After Dark in Philly at the moment. I checked my email and I got a fun surprise from The Romance Review:

4 Stars!

"...I could not put it down... I love the romance between Ryver and Theron and is the main reason why I loved the book (and of course the smoking hot sex)... Really enjoyed it!!!"
~ Mia

Read the Full Review: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2741

Ready or Not...

I've packed my clothes and promo for Authors After Dark in Philly. Stephanie Burke and I leave tomorrow morning. It's about an hour drive.

I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. If you're attending AAD, I'll see you there.

Rainbow Brite Anybody?

Okay this is old news, but I just found out today that astronomers found a diamond planet. You got it -- an entire PLANET made of diamond. Read about it on the BBC News site (article is from February 2004, which is why I said the news is old).

A friend of my hubby told me about this while we were all sitting around eating dinner. The first thing I thought of when he said diamond planet was Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer. Yes, I still remember that movie because I own that movie and absolutely love it. Can't say the same for the show that spawned it, but the movie was decent.

It's too bad the scientists named the planet Lucy because I would have totally voted for Spectra. :P

Random news fact of the day.

Carry on.

Blaaaah

I've been very lax about my blog since the Little Known Facts contest ended. I have three movie reviews I need to post, but I figure I'll schedule those for while I'm at Authors After Dark this weekend.

The problem is that I'm in a very blah mood. It's kind of ambivalent and very annoying. I'm not depressed and I'm not happy and I'm not upset... I'm just blah.

Eh well. The convention will probably snap me out of it.

In later news, my blah mood helped me finish three chainmail chains. I'll post pictures of those some other day. As they are, they can be belts. Or I can cut them in half (as it were) and make hip/wallet chains out of them. Either or.

Newsletter Contest Winners #5 (Jul) + RTC Winners

It's time to announce the winners of my monthly newsletter roll call. For July, I gave away two boxes.

Remember, you have to be subscribed to my newsletter in order to play (hint hint).

July 2011 Newsletter

Box-o-Books A Contest Winner

Mara Brandon (NY)

Box-o-Books B Contest Winner

Carol Thompson (South Africa)

And, because I have joined the authors of Romance Trading Cards, I am also giving away the first set of my RTC cards in my monthly newsletter contests.

RTC Contest Winners

Ashely Loos (WI)

Sue Brandes (WI)

Diane Sallans (NJ)

Lori Ringel (MI)

Annette Taylor (IL)

Heather Chamblin (FL)

Kristi Herbrand (IL)

Ashley Applebee (WI)

Joanne Altieri (MA)

Ellen Blakley (UT)

CONGRATS!

Join me September on my newsletter for another box of books (August was something different), another round of RTC cards giveaway, and more winners.

You Will Be Missed

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of author L.A. Banks (Leslie Esdaile Banks) who passed from our lives this day, 02 August 2011. Leslie was a great lady and she will be missed.

2011 Maggie Finalists

Congratulations go out to all of my fellow finalists in the 2011 Maggies Published division.


Paranormal

D. Renee Bagby, Eris
Kalayna Price, Grave Witch
Helen Scott Taylor, The Phoenix Charm
Patti O’Shea, In the Darkest Night
Robin D. Owens, Heart Journey


Contemporary Series

Kathy Lyons, Under His Spell
Trish Milburn, Elly: Cowgirl Bride
Rita Herron, Unbreakable Bond
Kathy Lyons, Taking Care of Business
Kimberly Lang, What Happens in Vegas


Historical

Margaret Mallory, Knight of Passion
Vanessa Kelly, Sex and the Single Earl
Caroline Fyffe, Montana Dawn


Inspirational

Deeanne Gist, Maid to Match
Anne Greene, Masquerade Marriage
Leanna Ellis, Facelift
Virginia Smith, Third Time’s a Charm
Trish Perry, The Perfect Blend


Single Title

Laura Moore, Remember Me
Lorelle Marinello, Salting Roses
Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand, Beguiled
Wendy Wax, Magnolia Wednesdays
Karen White, On Folly Beach


Young Adult

Maureen Hardegree, Haint Misbehavin’
Tricia Mills, Winter Longing
Traci Hall, Wiccan Cool
Gillian Summers, Shadows of the Redwood
Melanie Dickerson, The Healer’s Apprentice

More LKF

Starving for some more Little Known Facts?

Check out my posts on the Whipped Cream Reviews Guest Blog. I posted some little known facts about my Zenobia Renquist titles as well.

Congrats to LKF Winners

Congrats go out to Mindy (birdsong) and Renee Bennett my two winners in the Little Known Facts Contest. Both ladies each won $10 in Strandbucks.

Thanks all for participating. I hope you enjoyed my little known facts.