Tuesday, June 23, 2015

INTERVIEW WITH LAUREL WANROW, AUTHOR OF THE UNRAVELING


Happy Tuesday, Everyone! 

Several weeks ago, I posted a book cover reveal for my sweet friend, Laurel Wanrow and her debut novel, The Unraveling. I asked her back today so we can get to know her a little better. 



I’m so thrilled to have you here today, Laurel. To start off this interview, tell us three things about yourself that readers may not know about you.

Laurel...
  • I’ve always loved nature. I’ve never been squeamish about much in the outdoors. Here’s a childhood story: During grade school I lived in California in a little town with the desert pressing in. We kids were warned to watch out for scorpions and Black Widow Spiders—shudder, I still am afraid of finding one—but for fun we caught lizards and horny toads. Once, I caught a tiny, quarter-sized horny toad on the walk to school and wanted to keep it. In those days, the book satchels were open at the top, and little second grader me never dreamed such a small animal would be a climbing maniac. I spent the day leaning out of my desk and scooping up that horny toad and shoving him back to the bottom of my satchel. It’s amazing the teacher didn’t yell at me, or worse, someone didn’t step on my little guy.


  • I collect rocks. I have lava picked up from California roadsides when I was eight, fossil crinoids from my great-grandfather’s farm in Nebraska gathered when I was a teenager, Wrangle garnets from my honeymoon ferry ride to Alaska, all the way to a teeny perfect quartz crystal I found on the beach last year while hunting shark’s teeth. It’s no wonder I married a geologist!


  • I always have been, and always will be, a huge John Denver fan. My favorite song is not Rocky Mountain High, Take Me Home Country Roads, or even Annie’s Song, which was sung at my wedding. It’s an obscure, short song (ballad?) at the end of the Spirit album, entitled The Wings That Fly Us Home. 

I laughed out loud imaging you catching your little friend before your teacher caught you. It sounds like you had a great childhood with your share of adventures. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I didn’t always want to be a writer, but I always had stories going through my head. It sounds cliché, but I didn’t realize people didn’t think in stories. While homeschooling my son, I started writing down one of theses stories during the times when he attended specialty classes. I was hooked, joined RWA and kept writing.
  
I have also had stories living in my head all my life. And like you, I thought that was normal. So here's an interesting question. How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for a writing career?

I started 4-H as a ten year old and continued through graduating from high school. In our area, the county held speech and demonstration competitions. Writing my spiels for these prepared me for my career as a naturalist, the same work my dad did. I went to college at the same university as my dad, got the same degree and worked in the same field. I always wanted to be a naturalist—someone who leads nature programs—and loved sharing my love of nature with people, especially children when I taught at an environmental education camp. Telling people about nature and enticing them to enjoy it involves as much storytelling as writing! I wrote nature walks, campfire talks, history demonstrations and all the other written materials that parks put out, like exhibits, trail brochures and press releases.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least?

I like imagining the setting and figuring out the problems the characters are facing. I am just in the beginning throes of promotions, but I bet that will be my least favorite, because it takes me away from writing, though I do love connecting with people!

What genre(s) do you write in? Why?

Everything I write is fantasy. I’ve always loved magic and mystery. My settings may change—historical to contemporary to futuristic—but the story will always have a thread of magic, something mysterious going on, and a happily ever after, of course!

Wow, I'm so impressed that you can combine historical and fantasy. Tell us about your newest book release, The Unraveling.

It’s fun. It’s fantasy, and not just one kind: magic, psychic abilities, shapeshifters and made-up steam-powered and clockwork machines that work via mechanics and luminated blue threads that only the heroine, Annmar, can see. There’s a mystery to solve as her world unravels, twists and becomes bound up with the European polecat shapeshifter she falls in love with. 

Did I mention it’s an epic fantasy, told across three full-length novels? The complete story, The Luminated Threads, is set in the 1860s England during a simpler time, yet the problems are just as ornery to solve when a determined magnate is set on controlling agriculture—and Annmar. I’ve tried to stay true to the Victorian sensibilities, while still having lots of fun with a culture where the customs evolved to suit the rather unorthodox magic-bearing residents.

Laurel, that sounds fascinating. Tell us a little bit about how you came to write The Unraveling.




I had a dream about being stuck in a confusing maze of storage in an outbuilding on a farm I had once lived. I could hear people talking overhead on the second floor and see lights ahead down the stuffed corridors, but these people couldn’t see or hear me trying to get to them. I woke up trying to figure out what would happen next. That question led me into the story. My original scene has been significantly cut, but it’s when Annmar first arrives at Wellspring. The supposedly prosperous farm is deserted. She knocks and no one hears. She cannot find anyone, and is blocked from entering an outbuilding crammed with farm equipment…until the farm owner arrives, things continue to be just a bit off, and Annmar learns…ah, spoiler!...let’s just say she learns the truth about Blighted Basin. :)

Don't you just love dreams!! Do you believe writers are born to write or learn to write?

I believe storytelling is innate. But one needs to learn the techniques to best present the story.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?

‘Never give up. Never surrender.’ But it’s not original to me! It’s been years since Jo Ann Ferguson used this Galaxy Quest quote in her very motivational keynote speech during the Beau Monde mini-conference in San Francisco. It was my second RWA conference and the advice made such an impression on me I’ve never thought I wouldn’t publish.

What is up next for you?

The Unraveling is Volume 1 of a three-part serialized novel. The Twisting, Volume Two of The Luminated Threads, will release this fall.


The Unraveling will be on SALE for ONLY .99 through June 30th

HERE'S THE LINK:



There’s still a chance to win a print copy through the Goodreads Giveaway program. And the trade paperback, 360 pages, is available at Createspace. 

Thanks for having me on your blog, Nancy! It’s been fun chatting with you!

Laurel, it's been my pleasure. Please come back when you are ready to release the next books in this amazing series. I have my copy and can't wait to read it. 

If you want to learn more about Laurel Warrow and her writing, I've posted all her social media links below. 

Laurel Wanrow - Author Bio

Laurel Wanrow loves misty mornings, the smell of freshly dug earth, petting long-haired guinea pigs and staring at the stars. She sees magic in nature and loves to photograph it.

Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.

When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.

Visit her online at 

Laurel Wanrow - Social Media Links



 (actual link is: http://eepurl.com/17xRH  )







Laurel also left behind a blurb and excerpt. Enjoy! 

The Unraveling, Volume One of The Luminated Threads


In 1868 England, the competition to control agriculture is fierce…
…and nobody says no to Derby’s industrial magnate.

Except Annmar Masterson. The nineteen-year-old rejects his improper advances and instead takes an advertising position on a farm. She discovers the isolated valley is home to gifted species—including animal and plant shifters—who hide their lives from the rest of England. The blue threads only she sees on their clockwork machinery prove her heritage is rooted with theirs, but their world is so different that Annmar doesn't know if she'll ever belong.

Shapeshifter Daeryn Darkcoat blames himself for the death of his mate and swears he won't be responsible for another pack. But when the farm he loves falls victim to an endless run of strange pests eating the crops, he joins the hunt, taking charge of an unruly team of predator shifters. In the midst of the battle, Annmar stirs feelings he can’t resist.

As Annmar becomes entangled in the fight against the pests, and with Daeryn, she discovers her magic might help…if she can learn to use it properly. If not, she’ll be forced to leave the people she has come to care for and become what she fears most: nothing more than another cog in the magnate’s gears.

THE UNRAVELING is a full-length novel, approximately 350 pages, for readers 18+ (new adult and older). Please note: This is volume 1 of a three-part serialized novel. Volume 2 will be published in fall of 2015 and Volume 3 winter of 2016 to complete THE LUMINATED THREADS, a steampunk fantasy romance. 


To be notified of these releases, sign up for Laurel's Newsletter. (http://eepurl.com/17xRH)



Excerpt from The Unraveling by Laurel Wanrow

Annmar and her new employer had just agreed on the size of the advertising label when the door opened again, and in walked the fascinating young man, wiping his palms down heavy brown trousers held by worn leather braces.
He was big. Much bigger than she’d realized from across the platform, he had the firm muscle of a broad, well-defined body. His rolled sleeves revealed fine, dark hair that covered the lovely brown arms he loosely swung. He planted his feet before them.
“This is the artist from the city?” His deep voice nearly purred.
“Yes.” Mistress Gere crossed her arms, but couldn’t keep a smile from curling her lips. “I should have known you’d be in here as fast as you could manage, my boy. Annmar, may I introduce Daeryn Darkcoat, perhaps the most gregarious individual among our farm family. Daeryn, Annmar Masterson, who, as you noted, is a city girl and not at all used to our casual country ways. You will keep to the borders of her territory until she gives you permission to enter.” The tall woman fixed him with an eye-to-eye look.
Annmar blinked at the bizarre introduction, so forthright, and made while he lacked a jacket, or even a waistcoat…never would such an impropriety occur in Derby. Yet she’d been warned and had promised to pardon their atypical customs.
Daeryn, which Mistress Gere pronounced day-rin, seemed to take it in stride. He nodded, a single dip of his chin. “Yes’m.”
He didn’t pause between that acknowledgment and extending his hand. His gaze searched hers curiously, and he smiled, not the grin of before, but almost shyly.
Her stomach flipped. Sweet wasn’t how anyone would normally describe a young male who had so clearly crossed into manhood, but that was her exact thought. She wiped her clammy palm discreetly in her skirt folds before shaking his hand.
“Pleased to meet you,” he said. “Are you finding the Basin to your liking?” His rough-skinned hand clasped hers in neither a strong nor a weak manner, but one that conveyed gentleness for its size.
His warmth felt nice, and her head muddled a bit. “I, uh, I’m happy to have arrived, to be here. Yes. It’s all been…fine,” her mouth murmured.
Then, too quickly, he released her. Somehow, Mistress Gere took over the conversation, discussing an animal problem in the fields and listing several possibilities she wanted Daeryn to look into. His brows came together over narrowed eyes, changing his face into a calculating contemplation that had Annmar glad she wasn’t the source of the problem.
“We’ll delay dinner,” Mistress Gere said. “After I show Annmar to her room, I’ll speak with your team and the growers.” She shook her head, and when she spoke again, her tone was solemn. “The damage isn’t significant at this point, but the rate at which it’s increased bothers me. If the losses continue to rise, the squash harvest will suffer like the tomatoes, and I’m afraid what we’ve seen so far with the turnips means the onions will follow the same track. The last we can’t afford to lose.”
Daeryn patted her arm and, to Annmar’s surprise, gave the older woman a quick hug. “The creatures can’t avoid us long, don’t you worry. We’ll wait in the yard.” He nodded to Annmar. “Be seeing you.” He strode out of the kitchen, leaving the doors to swish closed.
Mistress Gere turned her gaze back to Annmar. “That boy heads my nocturnal guards. I trust him with my property and my life. Having just met you, I hesitate to say this but feel I must. Some of the farm members can be overly friendly, but everyone will be respectful of your person and your territory…er, social needs.”
Social needs better explained what her employer probably meant when warning off Daeryn. He had to be from one of the Basin’s cultural pockets with different customs. Telling him to keep to the borders of her territory must be a country way of describing propriety. Good. Mistress Gere set out the rules more clearly than Mrs. Rennet could have in town.
“I’ll make the rest of the introductions at dinner,” Mistress Gere said. “Please come to me with any questions. Or if you prefer to talk to someone closer to your own age, may I suggest Mary Clare? She has an excellent grasp of the subtle differences in individuals and how to set them straight.”
Annmar did not want to admit that she might just do that.



The Unraveling is on SALE for ONLY .99 through June 30th


~~~

If you have any questions for Laurel Wanrow, she would be happy to answer them. Just leave your question in the comment section before. If for some reason it doesn't post, use my Contact Me icon above and I'll post it for you. Have a wonderful weeks, and as always, be kind to one another.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks

Saturday, June 20, 2015

MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

I ran across this quote this week and thought I would share. 


The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern.  Beautiful people do not just happen.  

~~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross ~~


The first beautiful person that came to mind that fit this quote to a tee was Mother Teresa. I have always loved this dear, spiritual woman.




After giving it a little thought, I realized that I'm surrounded by beautiful people in my daily life. So what do I take away from this quote? 

It reminds me that the overwhelming struggles I have gone through have shaped me into a woman I am. I can only hope it's made me more sensitive, understanding, appreciative of the wonders in my life, more compassionate, and  most of all, more loving to everyone I meet.

My challenge to my blogging buddies is to take note of the people in your life that fit this quote. I promise it will change your perception of the world. 

That's it for today. I hope you have a restful weekend, and as always, be nice to one another.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

SITTING DOWN WITH THE BAD GUYS

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are having a great Tuesday. I've been a little distracted the last few days and forgot to mention that my new release, Shadows and Light: The Complete Series is on sale for only .99 cents. 


Amazon

Barnes and Noble


I remember telling you a year ago when I was in the middle of writing my first series that I wished I could just hand out my novels to whoever wanted read them. That is why I wrote them in the first place, to be read.  So if you haven't had a chance to get to know my wonderful McNeil brothers and the amazing women who altered their world, here is your chance. It will never be at such a wonderful price.

A couple weeks ago, I dropped by my dear friends' blog to share the news about my new suspense bundle release. Toni Picker and Kira Decker write as Toni Decker. [Check out their Shoalman Chronicles Series if you love Fantasy Romance.]

They asked me to bring a couple characters of my choice along with me so they could get to know them better. Instead of bringing Jared or Noah McNeil, I decided to bring a couple of my most interesting villains. I thought you might enjoy reading the interview. I may not be asked back.  

So meet my inspiration for Elías Mendoza: Maurice Benard 



And Hal Lockwood is my perfect Mick Ryan



On to the interview...

Kira ...

And if you think Nancy’s amazing suspense writing is limited to only her good guys, guess again, as I soon found out when Nancy came to visit our blog.
Little did I know she brought guests…

Nancy: Kira, it is such a pleasure to be back on your blog. You have read all five books from Shadows and Light: The Complete Series and have met all the characters.

Kira: I have and love all your books. But I do have a particular soft spot for a certain “Mac”Neil.

Nancy: In your review for In the Shadow of Malice, you wrote, “Nancy’s villains are evil and I do mean evil. They have no redeeming qualities whatsoever, making the flawed but charming heroes even more appealing in contrast.”

Kira: I did. Your villains are enough to make me check under the bed for monsters. *Spider senses tingling – Think Nancy is about to put ME on the blog spot*

Nancy: For this blog visit, I thought it might be fun for you to meet a couple of my villains and see for yourself if you still believe they have no redeeming qualities. I would like to introduce Elías Mendoza from In the Shadow of Evil and In the Shadow of Vengeance and Mick Ryan from In the Shadow of Pride.

[Both men enter the room. Mendoza is dressed in a dark navy suit that screams expensive. Ryan on the other hand wears black jeans with a black t-shirt, the muscles in his torso, shoulders and arms well toned. Mendoza approaches Kira and holds out his hand.]

Elías Mendoza: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kira.

Kira: Oh shi…Well, this is a surprise.” [I shake his hand – Firm. Confident. Arrogant] *Think I’m in trouble*

[Mendoza chooses the wingback chair, sits with his back straight and a knowing grin, charm oozing from every pore. Mick Ryan doesn’t say a thing as he drops into the loveseat. His facial features are hard, cold. Nancy must have dragged him here by the ear.]

Kira: It’s an unexpected pleasure to meet both of you. To start this interview, can each of you tell my readers a little about yourself? Nancy considers you her villains. Do you think of yourselves as bad guys?

Mick Ryan: Hell no! I should be called a hero for what I have done. I’m a soldier who fought for this country.

Elías Mendoza: Now Ryan, let us not attack this beautiful woman. Kira, is simply conducting an interview. You don’t mine me calling you Kira?

Kira: Not at all. What should I call you?

Elías Mendoza: Elías, please. It’s a pleasure to be here. I hope to change your mind about me. To answer your question, my name is Elías Mendoza and I control a multi-national corporation.

Kira: An illegal corporation …

Elías Mendoza: Some, but not all of my businesses are legal. In fact, I deal with some of the most powerful people in the world. Why would they associate with me if I had no redeeming qualities? [He leans back and leers]

Kira: [Why indeed – I mutter under my breath] Elías, can you tell me about your relationship with Jennie McNeil?

Elías Mendoza: Jennie and I have an understanding. She is destined to be with me.

Kira: How could that be possible? You killed her parents and brother.

Elías Mendoza: Careful, Kira. Spoiler Alert.” [He lets out a harsh laugh and glances at Nancy] We are connected by a bond so much stronger than anything that bastard Jared McNeil could provide her. The moment we saved each other, our bond was sealed. [His irises swim in pools of blackness] I never let go of what is mine.

Kira: Jared McNeil might differ in that opinion [Swallow when I realize I might be taunting evil itself and turn to Mick Ryan] So Mr. Ryan, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Mick Ryan: Readers don’t like me very much but I don’t give a fu—I don’t care what they think of me. I was a damn good soldier.

Kira: That isn’t why they don’t like you. There was that business with a drone that raised a few eyes. Can you tell us a little why you went after Lexie Trevena?

Mick Ryan: In war, we use the resources available to meet our mission objectives. I have nothing against Lexie. She was a means to an end.

Kira: But you are no longer a soldier …

Mick Ryan: Once a soldier, always a soldier. The battle didn’t end in the Middle East. It followed us home. But those damn politicians in Austin and DC have their heads up their as—sorry, Nancy said to keep it PG. I’m just protecting my country.

Kira: If you could rewrite one scene in Nancy’s book, what would it be?

[Both men glared at each other]  The ending!

Kira: Fair enough. I get that you don’t care for the ending. Nancy ends her books with happy-ever-afters that tugs at her reader’s heart strings. Don’t you believe in love?

Mick Ryan: I love my country.

Elías Mendoza: It’s an illusion.

Kira: So you’re not in love with Jennie, Elías?

Elías Mendoza: Jennie’s mine. I own her and she owns me. Love doesn’t exist.

Kira: All right, then. [Looks at the doorway – gauging the distance to the exit.] Maybe a couple fun questions. Mr. Ryan, what is your favorite food?”

Mick Ryan: Why the hell do you want to know that? [Nancy clears her throat] Fine! If MREs are good enough for the men I served with, they are good enough for me.

Elías Mendoza: Neanderthal! You have no class. [His eyes rake Kira from head to toe, returning to her breasts.] How about I show you? Have dinner with me.

Kira: [Throat dry, but fakes a smile] I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides being married to a Marine, I like my men a little less … evil.

Mick Ryan: [He stands. His back straight and expression is almost too cold to meet eye to eye.] Nancy said we had to answer a couple questions. This interview is over.

Elías Mendoza: [He reaches for Kira’s hand, kissing her knuckles.] Did we redeem ourselves?

Kira: [Shudder] I think I’ll withhold judgment until my readers have had a chance to experience you through Nancy’s books. This has been an…interesting interview. I appreciate you both taking time to talk to me.  I can’t wait for the readers to get to know you both a little better.

Elías Mendoza: They may realize that Ryan and I aren’t the true villains.

Kira: They could, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

[Elías Mendoza and Mick Ryan leave, closing the door behind them.]

Nancy: I feel I need to apologize.

Kira: Girlfriend, when you write a villain, you go over the top! How did you live in their heads for months?

Nancy: I had the McNeil brothers and my amazing heroines to balance the scales.

Kira: *Envisions a certain Special-Agent-In-Charge McNeil* [Dreamy sigh] Mmm, yeah, that would definitely balance the scales a bit.

Nancy: Thanks so much for inviting me back. I left behind a short blurb of each of the books in Shadows and Light: The Complete Series. I better get those two back where they belong.

Kira: [Letting out a noisy huff] Wherever you plan to hold those two, buy a larger lock.


So did my villains redeem themselves? Not sure? Then pick up Shadows and Light today and judge for yourself.



Have a wonderful week and I hope you find some time to relax and read a good book.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks


Thursday, June 11, 2015

THE HOOKUP HOAX: The Perfect guy. The Perfect girl. The Perfect lie.

Happy Thursday, Everyone,

Today I have a great new book to tell you about. Heather Thurmeier's new release, THE HOOKUP HOAX has a great tagline that makes me want to drop everything and find a quiet place to read.


The perfect guy. The perfect girl. The perfect lie.


And is this a sexy cover or what...






Heather left us a blurb and a excerpt just to give us a little taste for what is behind that sexy cover.

THE HOOKUP HOAX

Blurb

Sawyer Sterling needs a girlfriend. With the family cabin up for grabs, he's desperate to prove that he could be the guy to “pass it on.” Of course, Sawyer also has a tendency to treat relationships like a contagious stomach flu that should be avoided at all costs. Now he needs a girlfriend-for-hire. Someone he can trust. Someone he could never, ever fall for...

Someone like his best friend's sister.

Sawyer's offer is exactly what Olivia Morgan needs. After traveling around the world for the last five years, the promise of a job and free accommodations is heaven. And sure, maybe Sawyer's a super-hot, charming guy with dimples made for kissing, but he’s not willing to be the guy—or relationship—she needs. 

All it takes is one hot hook-up before this little hoax gets blown all to hell... 

Excerpt tease. Enjoy!

Turning her back to Sawyer, she opened the cabinet and reached up to the middle shelf. She never really thought of herself as short until she had to perch on the balls of her feet to reach something, feeling the stretch through her entire body, like a yoga instructor. Just as her hand circled the glass, a cool breeze blew across her right butt cheek.

Her exposed right butt cheek.

Why did I wear a thong today? Couldn’t I take two seconds to put on pants?

Quickly, she lowered her arm. As she did, the soft cotton of her nightshirt slid back over her rear, covering her. She swallowed hard.

Did he see? Please be looking anywhere else...
She turned, gripping her newly acquired glass.

His gaze hit her right around the tops of her thighs then slowly traveled up the length of her body before settling on her eyes. Every nerve ending came to life under his scrutiny. His jaw muscle bulged as if he was clenching his teeth.

Oh, he saw. Everything.

“I...” she said, then closed her eyes while trying to think of something appropriate to say. Sorry I just flashed you my ass? Thongs, huh? Can’t depend on them for coverage!

She bit her lower lip and forced her eyes open. She was a big girl. Surely she could face a minor awkward moment head on. Olivia met his gaze while pulling a quivering breath into her tight lungs.

“I...”

“I’m going to bed,” he said quickly, holding her gaze. His eyes sparkled in the bright kitchen lights, like the sun reflecting off the ocean. “I have an early meeting. Tomorrow, I’ll get everything sorted out for your new job and bring home any paperwork you need to fill out. You can start first thing next week, okay?” He stared at her for a moment before pushing off the counter and walking out of the room with what she thought was a sigh.

Could’ve been a quiet groan.

“Thank you,” she called weakly after him, thrilled for the change in topic, and for his chivalrous behavior concerning her wardrobe malfunction... until she realized that not only had her platonic, fake-boyfriend and roommate just seen her naked ass cheek—so had her new boss.


Here is where you can find  Heather Thurmeier's THE HOOKUP HOAX. 


AMAZON:  

B&N:  

KOBO:  

iTUNES:  



More about Heather Thurmeier:


Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders and a reality TV junkie. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York with her husband and kids where she’s become some kind of odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. When she's not busy taking care of the kids and pets, Heather’s writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after. She loves to hear from readers on social media and her website at heatherthurmeier.com!


Author Email:  hthurmeier@gmail.com
Author Website:  heatherthurmeier.com
Author Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hthurmeier
Author Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HeatherThurmeierAuthor
Newsletter:  https://madmimi.com/signups/91094/join


Well, that is it for today. I hope the rest of your week goes well and you have a chance to curl up to a good book. If you have any questions for Heather, please post them in the comment section [tiny pencil] and she'll be more happy to answer them. 

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks


Friday, June 5, 2015

IT'S FRIDAY! FEET UP, RELAX AND READ SHADOWS AND LIGHT: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Happy Friday, All!

Release week is almost over. As you probably know by now, my publisher, Crimson Romance has released all five of my books into one great, low priced bundle called Shadows and Light: The Complete Series. 

I thought I would post a short excerpt from Chapter One of the first book in the series, In the Shadow of Greed and the my first book trailer. 






Excerpt for In the Shadow of Greed

He thinks I’m dead. Sarah’s coming. Help her!
The voice quivered inside Jason’s head. He pushed away from the pillar and froze. No one was there. His gaze fell back to the woman in the bed. His eyes narrowed and he clenched his jaw, biting down so hard, pain shot up his inner ear.
The next instant, a petite woman with long, straight, raven hair and the most beautiful, hazel eyes he had ever seen charged through the trauma unit. A security officer followed close behind and grabbed her arm, stopping her from moving any farther into the restricted area.
Jason stared at the woman in the bed and back to the woman by the door. He knew, without a doubt, her name was Sarah. His mind raced for an explanation.
“Ma’am, you can’t be back here.” The guard tried to pull Sarah back through the doors.
Sarah yanked out of his hold. The expression on her face was intense, unyielding. “Like hell I can’t. My sister is here. She needs me.”
The charge nurse moved from behind a counter of the nurse’s station and stood next to the security officer. “How can I help you?”
The nurse’s low, gentle voice seemed to have a soothing effect on Sarah. “Hanna Tu.” Her voice shuddered.
Jason couldn’t take his eyes off Hanna’s sister. In an instant, she transformed from a stiletto wearing, ice-dragon on the war path—just the kind of woman he disliked—into a frightened, desperate woman whose vulnerabilities brought out his protective instinct.
As her eyes wildly searched the trauma unit, the nurse reached for Sarah’s arm and guided her toward the doors.
“We’re still assessing your sister’s condition. I’ll have one of the doctors come talk to you in the waiting room as soon as they can. She’s in good hands, I promise you.”
 “I need to see her. I need to know she’s okay. The police wouldn’t allow me into her apartment. No one has told me anything. There was so much blood.” She sucked in a deep breath as tears clouded her eyes. “Please let me see her for a moment.”
Her eyes narrowed on the cubicle surrounded by a curtain. One of the nurses moved the fabric aside and left carrying a tray of vials. Sarah’s gaze fell on her sister. “Oh God! Hanna!”
She took a step toward her sister, but her body began to tremble and her knees buckled. Jason rushed forward and caught her as her body collapsed. With one arm wrapped around her waist, he used his other hand to lift the badge that hung around his neck and flashed it at the nurse. “She’s with me.”
He then found an empty chair away from a direct view of the cubicle and lowered Sarah into it. He knelt, keeping his arm around her. Her body shook violently and she gasped for air. The charge nurse brought over a cup of water and handed it to Jason. He brought it to Sarah’s lips.
“Drink, Sarah, it will help.”
She sipped the water and closed her eyes, taking in several deep breaths. “W-who hurt her? W-why?”
“We don’t know, but we’ll find out. He’ll pay for this.”
Sarah finally glanced up at him and pulled away. “Who are you?”
And the ice-dragon’s back. Jason clenched his jaw to keep a smile from spreading across his face. He couldn’t put his finger on the why, but this woman intrigued him. “Detective Jason McNeil.”
“Why are you here and not out finding the person who hurt my sister?”
Don’t let her push you away. She needs you, we need you.
Jason was taken aback by the weak, small voice in his head. What the hell was going on? Finding his voice, he said, “Someone tried to kill your sister.” He glanced toward Hanna’s cubicle. A crushing anger boiled up from deep within his gut. “The guy who attacked her has killed at least three other times we know about and he didn’t mean to leave Hanna alive. I’m not giving him a chance to finish the job.”
Oh God, he’s here… He’s here! Don’t let him near Sarah!



 


My new 5 book bundle is now selling for only $2.29 on Amazon. 



Available at
and most other ebook retailers.

Hugs,

Nancy C. Weeks

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

MY BEST INSPIRATION COMES FROM PINTEREST!

Happy Tuesday, All!

This morning, I have been playing on Pinterest. Have you all discovered that little time-wasting jewel? It is such a blast. 

So how do I use Pinterest?

I create unique characters for all my books but I'm a very visual person. I use photos to help bring in just the right look I'm trying express in a  scene. I thought I would share a few items I use A LOT while writing my In the Shadow series, now in a wonderful new bundle called, SHADOWS AND LIGHT: THE COMPLETE SERIES. I wish I could post these photos on my blog, but I would be breaking all kinds of copyright laws.

So....here it is. What do think?






My new 5 book bundle is now selling for only $2.29 on Amazon. 



Available at
and most other ebook retailers.

Well, that's all for today. I hope you enjoy my new Pinterest board. Come back and let me know what you think of my inspirations--like my great photos of my McNeil brothers and the women who fought to make them theirs.

Hugs,

Nancy C. Weeks

Monday, June 1, 2015

IT'S FINALLY HERE! RELEASE DAY FOR SHADOWS AND LIGHT: THE COMPLETE SERES

SHADOWS AND LIGHT:THE COMPLETE SERIES HAS ARRIVED! 






IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO READ THE FIVE BOOKS OF MY SERIES, NOW THEY ARE ALL IN ONE BUNDLE AND A GREAT PRICE AT THAT! 



Available at
and most other ebook retailers.

My wonderful McNeil brothers--- Jared, Jason, Adam, Mac and Noah are together with their happy-ever-after-women--Sarah, Jennie, Calista, Lexie and Elizabeth. 

Here is a short blurb of what you can expect:


Meet five Irish brothers, all sworn to protect and serve - and the smart women who help them take down the terrorists gunning for their family. Lock up your heart: when it comes to love, the sexy McNeils know how to walk this beat.

In the Shadow of Greed: Brilliant cryptologist Dr. Sarah Tu races against time to block the most dangerous Internet malware ever created - and it's up to FBI agent Jason McNeil to make sure she stays alive long enough to do it.

In the Shadow of Evil: After ten years with Maryland's Special Crime Unit, very little rattles Jared McNeil. Then his nemesis resurfaces, with his sights set on the woman Jared is honor bound to protect.

In the Shadow of Malice: Adam Blake, ex-CIA operative, has gone to great lengths to keep his identity a secret, but his cover's blown when he ends up on the run with waitress Calista Martin to protect his little girl.

In the Shadow of Pride: When Lexie Trevena's matchmaking friends accidentally place her smack in the path of a terrorist who intends to use her as his pawn, the only person who can help her is Special Agent-in-Charge Luke "Mac" McNeil - the man she holds responsible for her husband's death.

In the Shadow of Vengeance: Elizabeth Merlot can't afford to let handsome Detective Noah McNeil discover her secret past. But when trouble finds her son, Noah may be the only one who can save their lives.



SHADOWS AND LIGHT:THE COMPLETE SERIES was a joy to write and I know you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did. If you have already read the series, please take a moment to leave a short review. I always appreciate hearing what my readers think. Also, if you have any questions about the series or how I got to this point in my writing career, don't be shy. Just leave your question in the comments section [tiny pencil] and I will be more than happy to reply. 

Have a great week and be nice to one another.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks