HAPPY RELEASE DAY KILLER THRILLERS: 5 EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT-ROMANCES

Hello, Everyone, 

I have a new bundle release hitting the virtual book world tomorrow, Monday, February 29th called, Killer Thrillers: 5 Edge-of-Your-Seat Romances. I'm thrilled that In the Shadow of Pride was selected to stand alongside four outstanding romantic suspense writers, Winter Austin, Susanne Matthews, Glenys O’Connell, and Ellen Parker.

It's hard not to pick favorite characters when writing a book series, but Lexie Trevena is hands down my most surprising female lead. She came out of nowhere and knocked my socks off. I wish I had just an ounce of her bravery, and as a single mother, she's amazing. And Mac was just hot, incredible hero material. In the Shadow of Pride  was such a fun book to write because I got a chance to take a couple who disliked each other immensely, and couldn't trust each other further than they could toss them, and bring them to a wonderful happy-ever-after. Of course, exploring drone technology, touring Austin and virtual waking the foothill of The Big Bend Natural Park was a blast research trip. I hope you enjoy Pride as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

So...here is the cover---my sexiest yet.

If you have read In the Shadow of Pride, take this opportunity to get to know four new romantic suspense writers for a wonderful price.

AMAZON US    AMAZON UK     AMAZON CA   AMAZON AU

Here is the blurb for Killer Thrillers: 5 Edge-of-Your-Seat Romances to wet your whistle. Enjoy!

Killer Thrillers: 5 Edge-of-Your-Seat Romances

Love saves the day in this quintet of thrilling romantic suspense novels you won’t be able to put down. Indulge in the sheltering embraces of a few good men (and women!) with these taut and compelling tales of intrigue:

Atonement by Winter Austin: 
A rash of unexplained suicides in the sleepy town of Eider, Iowa, draws McIntire County deputy Nicolette Rivers into a devious killer’s twisted plot. A former marine sniper suffering from PTSD, she hides her own deadly secrets from everyone but detective Con O’Hanlon, who is more than willing to help cover up the fallout. But is he too late to prevent Nic’s dark, downward spiral? Or is Con the one man stronger than her demons?

The White Carnation by Susanne Matthews:
The last person disgraced reporter Faye Lewis wants back in her life is Detective Rob Halliday, the man she blames for ruining her career and breaking her heart. But when she finds an old friend murdered, he’s assigned the case. Can they set their troubled past aside and work together, or will the Harvester serial killer and his cult followers reap another prize?

In the Shadow of Pride by Nancy C. Weeks: 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.

Saving Maggie by Glenys O’Connell: Reporter Maggie’s psychic gift incites a serial killer to play games with her, and this madman seeks her death to bind them together forever. Only detective Joshua Tyler has the power break this bond in time—that is, if she can make him believe her.

Hiding Places by Ellen Parker:
Mona Smith is on the run to avoid getting mixed up in some dirty business with a drug kingpin. Will she find escape or more trouble in unexpected savior Linc Dray’s arms?
Romantic Suspense bundle
Sensuality Level: Sensual

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That's it for today. On Tuesday, I will have a wonderful poet, Leslie Garcia stopping for a very heartwarming interview. Until then, have a great week, and as always, be kind to one another. 

Hugs to all,
Nancy C. Weeks

AT SIT DOWN WITH LYNN CRANDALL. HAPPY RELEASE DAY FOR UNSTOPPABLE!

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Today, I'm delighted to have  friend and fellow Crimson Romance author, Lynn Crandall on my blog. Lynn's new novel, Unstoppable releases today. I thought it would be great for all of us to learn more about Unstoppable and get to know Lynn a little better. She has been so gracious to answer my nosy, but hopefully fun questions.  

I’m so thrilled to have you here today. To start off this interview, tell us a little about yourself so my reader to get to know the person behind the writer. 

I’m excited to be here on your lovely blog, Nancy. Thank you for having me. Now, to answer the question…It sounds strange to say, but I’m a redhead and being a redhead shaped me. It made me stand out as a kid— you know, redheads make up only one percent of the population. But anyway, along with red hair color comes high sensitivity to many things. So me the writer and the person enjoys solitude, quiet, and observation. Life in general and people in particular, fascinate me. Everything exists in layers and complexity. All around every day is opportunity to learn and grow. Being highly sensitive, also a minority, so to speak, that includes twenty percent of the population, means I pick up a lot from my environment. It can be overwhelming and at the same time enriching. The sensitivity also influences my writing and I enjoy exploring the variety of ways people present in the world and deal or don’t deal with inner stuff.

Before I forget, HAPPY HAPPY RELEASE DAY !!!! It takes a lot dedication and hard work to get to this day and I wish you the very best release day ever! And can I say, your cover is so dang sexy. I think it's the hottest cover I've had on my blog. 

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How did you come to write Unstoppable?

Unstoppable is the final book in my Fierce Hearts series, which follows the lives of were-lynxes who are members of a colony. The stories for all five books and the characters began in my romantic suspense books, Dancing with Detective Danger and Always and Forever Love. 

I had planned to continue with those stories and highlight minor characters as hero and heroine, but as I started to plot and flesh out those characters, a question popped up: What if the hero was a were-lynx? I Googled lynx images and fell in love with them. They’re beautiful.

I loved that concept because for me it was twist on exploring feeling different, being in family in an untraditional way, and a sort of twist on racial situations, status differences, and individual power, things that are pertinent to all of us.

I love each book, but Unstoppable characters really touched my heart. Lara, the heroine, has resigned herself to never having her true love, and Booker, her hero, has been suffering from loss. Though they’ve been colony mates and close friends for years, their time for love has passed them by. I like the concept of waiting for a second chance.

I think everyone can identify with stories about second chances. What makes me pick up a book like Unstoppable without a second thought is knowing that there is going to be a happy-ever-after this time around. 

Completing a book is an enormous challenge. What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it? In other words, what do you think drove you to complete this enormous project? 

It was enormous because this series was my first. I work freelance as a writer and editor, so those responsibilities ate up a lot of my time. Between work and family situations, it was challenging to remain in a productive frame of mind. But the stories compelled me. I love writing, but when I’ve started a book, the story doesn’t let up until the first draft is done. So, the answer is, I love writing, and sinking into a day of writing is a relief from the pressure inside. Now that the series is complete, I miss regular interaction with the were-lynxes. But sometimes I pause and say to myself, “I did it!”

Those loud, loving characters never leave me alone either. They want their story told and now. I think you should be very proud of your accomplishment. 

So when did you realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I have always written. My first stories were impromptu bedtime stories I made up for my sister when we were supposed to be sleeping.

Do you believe writers are born or made? 

Great question! Writing resonates with me. I’ve talked with friends who have given up writing who said they no longer needed to define themselves as a writer. I think about this idea, whether I’ll continue writing when I get a less than happy review, or when sales are low, but I continue to feel solidly inside me a love for writing. So, I guess I’d say born, but also made, because there is a lot to learn.

What is your ideal writing space? 

I would love to write in a space that has direct access to a beautiful, private nature space. It would have windows all around so that I could feel connected to nature even in winter and rain. My inside space would be lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves. And my cat would be lying nearby, as she always has been for years.

What a lovely room. I too need a combination of open space and nature. Fresh air just clears out the cobwebs in my brain. So what moment in this journey are you most proud? 

I’ve been proud completing every book and seeing them published. Writing the series really pushed me to be able to build a cohesive world in which were-lynxes could exist and exert a positive impact on their community.

Now for a few giggles. 

There is someone you will never meet but whom you desperately need for them to know who you are. The only way to communicate with them is to send them a box with three items. What would those three ideas be? 

Hmm…I love this question. A copy of one of my books. The love sonnets book written by Pablo Neruda. The book by Antoine de Saint Exupery, The Little Prince. I could go on and include a favorite rock (I love all kinds), sand in a bottle from Lake Michigan, and a T-shirt with the phrase, “No, I can’t. I have plans with my cat.” But that would be more than three. J

I love your answer. Since you did so well with that question, here is another one. 

You’re going into battle. What are you writing, who are you fighting and what is your weapon? 

Interesting. I would be writing an article for a newspaper. I would be fighting a company that is denigrating the environment. My weapon would be my zeal, or my laptop.

I would fight right by your side. The beauty in this world is there to restore our souls and it needs to be protected. 

Write a love story in eight words. 

How about twenty-four from Unstoppable. Her tears splashed down on his cheeks. His eyes closed of their own volition. In his head the unspoken promise reminded him. Don’t die.

Wow, that is beautiful. You can have your extra words.

Last question and the most important. Where can readers find out more about your book and yourself? 

To learn more about me and my writing visit www.lynn-crandall.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lynn.crandall.3 , Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6198966.Lynn_Crandall ) and Amazon http://amzn.com/B01BNSUS2C . I am also on Twitter, https://twitter.com/lcrandall246

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Lynn, thank you for dropping by for a visit on your release day. This has been so much fun. I wish you all the very best of sales with Unstoppable. If anyone one has a question for Lynn Crandall or me, please don't be shy. We love getting to know our readers. You can leave a comment by clinking on the tiny pencil below. 

I hope everyone has a great week and finds time to read a great book. Until next time, take care and be kind to one another.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks

WELCOME BACK STEPHANIE CAGE

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Today, I have my wonderful friend and bundle buddy, Stephanie Cage back on my blog. It's been way to long since she dropped in for a visit. 

Stephanie has an exciting new novella called Djinn and Tonic that will release tomorrow. I thought she could introduce herself to our new readers and tell us a little about how she came about writing Djinn and Tonic. I think the cover is just stunning and I can't wait to read it.

As fashion photographer Sally Purdew sets up her studio for a special shoot, she wishes for the perfect male model, and he appears. Sal just wants to win at the Alternative Fashion Awards, but her model, Ashtad, is a djinn with the power to grant her wishes and turn her into anything she wants to be. From the pretty English town of Whitby to a tropical beach, Ash whisks Sal away on a magical trip neither of them can forget. When Sal finds herself falling for Ash, she has to decide: do they have a future together, or will his magic always come between them?

AMAZON US    AMAZON UK



Stephanie, I’m so thrilled to have you here today. To start off this interview, tell us a little about yourself for my readers to get to know the person behind the writer.

I was born in the south of England, but now live in the northern county of Yorkshire with my husband.  I love to dance and we’re both huge fans of musical theater.  As well as writing I read a lot, both on my Kindle and in print form, but I don’t really have a favorite author as I’m a fan of lots of different genres, including romance, science fiction and fantasy.  I mostly write romance fiction but last year I had a quirky sci-fi story published in an anthology called Stories from the World of Tomorrow and also wrote a ‘twisted’ version of Goldilocks for Crimson Romance’s Modern Magic anthology.  It was such a pleasure to have my story included in that collection alongside your very creative take on Aladdin – and of course Jennifer deCuir and Andrea Cooper’s brilliant modern fairy tales. 
  
I was so thrilled to be part of Modern Magic too. Tell us a little bit about how you came to write Djinn and Tonic?

I’ve always been fascinated by genies.  Aladdin is one of my favorite films – of course I love the romantic ballad, ‘A Whole New World’ but I’m also very fond of Robin Williams’ brilliant genie, and the comic song ‘A Friend Like Me’.  I was intrigued by the idea of someone having her wishes granted, but in classic fairytale style, things not turning out quite how she expected.

  

I wanted a setting that felt both realistic and magical, and I found it in Whitby, the beautiful seaside town on England’s Yorkshire coast.  Having featured in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby has a long tradition of being used in gothic and paranormal fiction, and I was proud to add my piece to the tradition.  Here’s a photo of the wonderfully atmospheric Abbey ruins.

Wow! Whitby Abbey is just breathtaking. I can almost feel the magic.

Completing a book is an enormous challenge. What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it? In other words, what do you think drove you to complete this enormous project?

Djinn and Tonic isn’t quite such an enormous project as it’s only a novella.  It’s taken me years, but only because I wrote a draft, showed it to a few friends, and then put it away for a long time because it was a bit unconventional and I couldn’t decide which publisher it would suit.  Once I took it out again, the edits flowed and I submitted the revised version to Wild Rose Press, and was delighted when they accepted it for publication and gave it such a beautiful cover. 

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was tiny.  I used to write a lot of poetry as a child, and also make up Enid Blyton style adventure stories, although I’m not sure I wrote any of those down. My parents used to let me stay up late to watch the Booker Prize, a book awards dinner which used to be televised in the UK, and I always thought that winning it would be the most incredible experience ever.  It’s now the Man Booker prize, and it’s usually won by very literary writing, not commercial fiction, so I’ve pretty much given up on that dream now, but it was a big part of my childhood. 

Do you believe writers are born or made?

A bit of both, I guess.  I’ve wanted to write ever since I can remember, so if I was made into a writer, it must have been very early!  But my parents were always reading, my Mum is very artistic, my Dad is quite a storyteller, and I had an aunt who was an English teacher, so for all I know it could have been in the genes, or in my early experiences.  

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for a writing career?

I read a lot when I was very young – often books which most people considered far too old for me – and I went on to study English Literature at Oxford University, which was a brilliant experience.  Then I didn’t write much for a while because I’d got too much into the habit of dissecting books, but once I started again, I found the wide reading I’d done as a student enormously helpful. 

What is your ideal writing space? 

I love to write in a conservatory overlooking the sea. There’s something so inspirational about watching waves. I actually live almost two hours’ drive from the coast, so it’s something I only get to do when I go on holiday.  This is a picture of the view from one of my favourite cafes, where I’d love to be able to sit and write all day. 




Stephanie, I can definitely see myself writing with that view right outside the window. What moment in this journey are you most proud of?

My proudest writing moment was winning the Woman’s Own Short Story competition with a short story which the judges described as ‘written movingly from the point of view of a child.’  I won a holiday to Sicily for two, and had an amazing time, and that was when I began to believe I might actually make it as a writer.   

What a fantastic prize and a wonderful achievement. I would like to have a little fun with our next couple of questions. There is someone you will never meet but whom you desperately need for them to know who you are. The only way to communicate with them is to send them a box with three items. What would those three items be? 

The first item would be my mini laptop because I do most of my writing on it, and they could use it to access my facebook account, which would tell them pretty much everything about me!  
Number two would be my wedding photo because although my wedding day wasn’t exactly the best day of my life – we’ve had loads of equally amazing days since – my husband and marriage are definitely at the centre of my life. 
And thirdly I’d pop in a copy of Perfect Partners because it’s currently my only full-length print book, and it’s in many ways the book of my heart, being based around ballroom dancing, which has long been a passion of mine.  

Ahhh...my favorite is your photo of your wedding day. I would love to hear that story one day. But for today, write a love story in eight words.

Seeking a storyline, I found a happy ending. 

OH, I love that! So what is up next for you?

I’m working on edits for my next release from The Wild Rose Press, a light holiday novella with the working title Paris Proposal.  

I look forward to sharing the news about Paris Proposal when the time comes. Where can readers find out more about your book and yourself?

Website: http://www.stephaniecage.co.uk
Facebook page: http://facebook.com/stephaniecagewriter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/stephaniewriter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2352533.Stephani_Cage
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-age/e/B00AP616GG/

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This has been such fun. Thank you Stephanie for coming by for a visit. I wish you all the very best of sales with Djinn and Tonic. Who doesn't love a good fairy tale. If anyone one has any questions for Stephanie or me, please don't be shy. You can leave a comment by clinking on the tiny pencil below. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend and finds time to read a great book. Until next time, take care and be kind to one another.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks

THE DAY TO LOVE AND BE LOVED. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Hi Everyone!

My all time favorite gift to receive on Valentine's Day is a great romance story, a bit of chocolate and my sweet hubby sitting next to me while we both read. There is nothing wrong with a day devoted to love. 

I'm so very blessed because I have people in my life that love me and I know how to love them in return. Loving and knowing how to accept love from others shouldn't be a difficult thing to do. It should be programmed in our DNA. 

Learning to love and accepting love is a learn behavior. The only way to get good at it is practice. And yes, that means sometimes we'll open our hearts to others, and that love is rejected. We're hurt---again. But don't shut your heart off for good. Try again and then again. 

Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever.

Audre Lorde

As a romance writer, I'm always trying to find ways to bring people together. In fact, even though I know from the first sentence that my hero and heroine are going to fall in love and find their happy-ever-after, I'm still brought to tears when I actually get that scene down on paper. It amazes me every time that it can happen. 

Love is what makes this crazy world so wonderful. With that in mind, I'm going to share a little of my special love stories by giving away any Kindle copy of my back list to anyone who signs up for my newsletter between February 14th and February 18th 2016. [NANCY'S NEWSLETTER] I only send out about 6 newsletters a year and I will never share your personal information with anyone--so please feel free to share this offer with family and friends.

I wish you all great love and happiness on this day of love.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks

SWEET SAVINGS ON ROMANCE

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all having a great week. I have a little news to share. My publisher, Crimson Romance has again placed a huge number of e-books on sale in honor of Valentine's Day for the entire month of February. This is the time to stock up your E-reader to get you through the last few weeks of winter as well as those lazy summer reading days.

All my e-books are on sale for $1.99 or less on AMAZON only. 

I'm thrilled that all my individual books are on sale, but I'm most excited that for the first time MODERN MAGIC IS ONLY $1.99. 

Here is what the San Diego Book Review had to say about HIS ONE WISH:

"The fourth and final story in the collection entices the reader with a genie wish as its fairy tale theme. Aiden Cooper is a wounded war vet with a prosthetic arm from a war injury that got him discharged and sent back to the states. Listless without a purpose or career and feeling like less of a man because of his injuries and PTSD, he accepts a procurement job of a businessman who claims that an employee stole a very valuable piece of technology from the company and they want Aiden to get it back, and for a very handsome fee. However, Aiden quickly realizes that this simple job is much more than it seems and the people he is beginning to trust may not be worthy of his trust after all. 

Jazlin is right in the middle of the missing technology mystery as the daughter of the owner of the company, niece of the man who hired Aiden and friend of the supposed thief. Aiden is not sure if he can trust her and just how deeply she is involved in this mess he finds himself thrown into the middle of.

The story has great suspense and keeps you guessing at each person’s role in the mystery and where their loyalties lie. It is also a story of renewal as Aiden finds peace in his circumstances and a renewed sense of purpose. Essentially, he finds life again."

HIS ONE WISH was such a fun book to write and I hope you will fall as deeply in love with Aiden and Jazlin as I did. OH...a little spoiler. It could be that one of my hunky McNeil men may drop in for a visit.

Enjoy the rest of your week. I hope you can find time to put your feet up and read a great book.  Until we meet again, take care and be nice to one another.

Hugs to all,

Nancy C. Weeks