Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Release Blitz & Giveaway for A Callahan Christmas Miracle by Tina Leonard

Callahan-Christmas-Miracle (2)


Join author Tina Leonard on her Release Blitz for A Callahan Christmas Miracle, presented by Author’s Angels, on October 30, 2013.  Please leave a comment or question for Tina to let her know you stopped by.  You can enter her Tour Wide Giveaway by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.   You can also check out the rest of the stops for the blitz here, the more stops you visit, the better your odds of winning.

A Callahan Christmas Miracle
by Tina Leonard
Callahan Cowboys, Book 13

Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: November 1, 2013

Genre: American Romance/Contemporary
Length: 224 Pages 

Add to Goodreads


Book Description: 

Becoming a husband and family man in the middle of a raging land feud wasn’t the destiny Galen Callahan saw for himself. But once he laid eyes on Rose Carstairs, he knew the bouncy blonde with the warrior heart was his future. Now, with Rancho Diablo under siege, the eldest Callahan sibling will do whatever it takes to protect his new wife and triplets.

Except Rose refuses to be protected! No husband of hers can stop her from fighting his side while keeping their newborn sons out of the line of fire. With Callahan lives and legacy on the line, Galen has a new mission: to vanquish a dangerous enemy and bring his family together in time for Christmas!

Buy Links:  Amazon  
  B&N  



Excerpt

Galen Chacon Callahan looked over Rancho Diablo, where dark smoke filled the sky above the canyons with smudges of black. He put his binoculars to his eyes, studying the smoke as it grew and thickened.

He turned as his sister, Ashlyn, drove up in the jeep. “It’s not a wildfire,” she said.

“No.” Rancho Diablo was safely separated from the fire by the canyons, but if someone was sending up signals near the expansive ranch, it would be a message the Callahans couldn’t ignore. “It’s the land Storm Cash has offered to sell us.”

“I know. I wonder if the elderly farmer who sold that land to Storm still lives there.” She studied Galen’s face. “Think we should ride over and check on him?”

“I’ll call the sheriff. He can alert the proper authorities. I think it’s best if we stay out of it for now.” He was troubled by the fire, and an uneasy feeling was growing in the pit of his stomach. “I’m heading back.”

“I’ll stay here a bit longer.”

“Got your gun?” Galen asked, knowing full well that Ash could take care of herself. He could order her back to the ranch—should order her—but she’d just ignore him. Probably give him a blistering retort to send him on his way as well.

“When do I not have my gun?” Ash didn’t even bother to glance at him. Her eyes were glued to the horizon.

“Don’t go over there.”

“I won’t. Quit fussing. You’re like a mother hen.” Ash finally turned to look him in the eye. “By the way, the new agents are at the house, waiting for you to interview them.”

New agents?”

“The ones to replace Ana and River. Jace lined them up every hour on the hour for interviews. Remember we agreed we needed new agents? Sawyer Cash can’t handle everything on her own. And anyway,” Ash muttered under her breath, though he could plainly hear every word of her complaint, “I’m not exactly sure she’s capable of handling anything.”

He’d listened to all the negative things the Callahan clan said about Sawyer, and he couldn’t say there wasn’t real reason for concern. She was Storm Cash’s niece, after all, and they’d never been certain if they could trust their wily neighbor. He always seemed to be in the wrong place at the right time. “Maybe we’re just being suspicious,” Galen said.

“There’s no such thing as too much caution.”

“I know. I’m heading off. Be careful. Don’t invite trouble.” Even though he knew Ash was more than capable of protecting not just herself, but the ranch, Galen couldn’t help leaving his sister with that warning before riding toward Rancho Diablo’s main house. After last month, when their aunt Fiona blew up Uncle Wolf’s hideout in Montana, he and his brothers had decided that the women in their family had earned their stripes. They could more than take care of themselves. Ash, like the rest of them, had been in the military, a trained operative. She was as tough as any male Callahan. Tougher, maybe. And so he and his five brothers had finally decided that their overprotective attitude toward their baby sister was accomplishing nothing and was detrimental to their family harmony.

Ash had never listened to anyone’s concerns, anyway. Like Fiona, and the women who’d married into the Callahan family, she did what she wanted—which was mostly chase Xav Phillips, a family employee who rode the canyons and kept an eye out for trespassers.

Galen was pretty sure Ash caught him on occasion, too.

He was so busy pondering the smoke in the canyons and his platinum-haired baby sister that he almost missed the rider heading his way. A brunette he didn’t recognize rode up on a gray horse.

“Hi,” she said, smiling, as if it was every day strange women appeared at Rancho Diablo.

“Hello?” He swallowed, peering into the dark green eyes smiling at him from under a white cowgirl hat.

Her smile turned sweeter, somehow sexy. Galen tried to pull his brain back from the alluring abyss into which it was threatening to fall. “My name’s Somer Stevens. I’m here to apply for the agent position.”

“I believe the agents are supposed to be waiting for their interviews up at the house.”

“There are ten candidates over there right now. It’s not every day that an opening comes up for a position at Rancho Diablo.” Somer winked conspiratorially. “I figured I’d better take a look around before I decided whether I belong here or not.”

He frowned. “My brothers were going to show everyone around.”

“Yes, but if I’d waited for the canned tour, I wouldn’t have gotten to speak to you directly.”

Direct. Assertive. These were valuable traits in someone working for the Callahans. Most likely he would’ve done the same thing, if he’d been in her shoes. But he wasn’t, and he was going to let her know that stroking his ego wasn’t going to get her anywhere.

This one wasn’t getting the job. Somer didn’t follow directions, and she made him sweat. She wore dark blue pants and a blue jacket, all very proper for an interview; she had a great horse and a lot of attitude, yet something told him Somer was nothing but trouble.

And he never ignored his instincts.

*

Unusual moment number two of Galen’s day was when he walked into the massive den at Rancho Diablo, looking for Fiona and the others. He wanted to corral his brothers into the upstairs library, where they always held their meetings, so he could set a game plan before they began interviewing. Galen wanted to apprise his brothers of Somer’s tactic, and make certain she didn’t win her way into the job by pulling the same thing on them that she had on him.

He gawked at the woman sitting demurely in the den, recognizing her from one of Fiona’s many Christmas balls in Diablo. She wore a gypsy costume and flashed a big smile he found irresistible. “I believe I know you.”

“I’m Rose Carstairs.” She shook his hand, and it was crazy how much he enjoyed feeling her small hand in his. “You were there the night Dante was raffled off. Will it be your turn this year?”

He found himself transfixed by her costume, which consisted of a flouncy black skirt that fell to her knees, a fluffy white blouse, lots of dangling chains around her neck and huge hoop earrings. She wore many thin bracelets, and her blond hair was swept up in a bouncy ponytail, topped by a red rose. “That’s some outfit you’re wearing.”

“I’m here to apply for the bodyguard position.”

Galen laughed. “You don’t look the type.”

“Isn’t that the point?”

He watched her full lips curve into a smile. Appreciated the sparkle in her blue eyes. “I don’t see how you’d blend into the background, gorgeous.”

“Hello, Galen,” Aunt Fiona said, bustling into the den. “Don’t stand there monopolizing the talent, please. You have interviews waiting.”

“The talent?” He looked at Rose.

“I see you’ve met Rose,” Fiona said. “She’s applying for the nanny position.”

“Ah. The nanny position.” Galen took a second look at her shapely calves, her flat black, practical shoes, and the laughter in Rose’s eyes. “I should have known.”

“Come on, dear,” Fiona said, “before Galen hires you to be his personal bodyguard. Goodness, Galen, get a move on. You need to change, look like a respectable employer.”

Rose grinned at him. “Good luck.”

“Good luck to you. Nice to meet you, Rose.” He went off, forcing himself not to watch her curvy backside as she followed Fiona out of the room. It was clear his aunt was interested in hiring her. He didn’t think his brothers would get a thing done with Rose around. The scenery would be just too tempting.

Then it occurred to him that he and Jace were the only bachelors left at Rancho Diablo. Sawyer was doing her best to monopolize Jace, though Galen wasn’t certain how effective her barrage of attention was on his brother’s single status.

But that left him as the lone available Callahan. The Lone Ranger of Rancho Diablo.

Neither Rose nor Somer might make the cut with his five brothers and headstrong sister. His brothers were dumb as woolly mammoths, and his sister, well, Ash was unpredictable at best. Her mind stayed on Xav Phillips. She could go thumbs-up or thumbs-down on either woman. Plus there were a number of other applicants.

He was thumbs-way-up-high on Rose.

He’d just let the situation develop and hope that Rose and her playful, kid-friendly gypsy costume were voted yes by the family council. There was something so sexy and darling about a woman who came dressed to play.

Jace followed Galen into the upstairs library for the meeting.. “Did you see that woman from the Christmas ball year before last showed up?”

“I did.” Galen ignored his brother while he dug through some paperwork. “Let’s lay out our battle plan. We need a new strategy, or have to improve on the old one. Something has to change.”

“I might ask her out,” Jace said. “You know, she’s from Tempest. Not that far down the road—and we’ve got family and friends there. Our cousins have the Dark Diablo ranch in Tempest. It’s a nice place. And Rose is probably a real nice gal. Looks like it, anyway.” He grinned at his brother.

Galen hesitated, suddenly losing interest in the stack of papers. “Why?”

“She’s hot as an oven, dude.”

Galen swallowed. “Poetic.”

“I know, right?” Jace grinned, pleased with his announcement. “If Fiona hires her, I’m definitely going to think about it.”

“I almost hate to ask, and we do have greater matters to discuss other than your love life, but don’t you and Sawyer have kind of a secret thing going on?”

Jace shrugged. “If it’s a secret, why are you asking? And no, we don’t. Sawyer is a pretty girl. That’s all. I think she flirts with all the guys. She’d probably flirt with you, if you’d unbend.”

Galen decided he didn’t care about Jace’s love life. “Whatever.”

“Why? Do you want to ask Rose out?”

“No, I don’t.” Damn straight I do.

“Because if you want to,” Jace said, like a dog with a juicy bone, “I wouldn’t stand in the way. I wouldn’t want to make you look bad. You’re not getting any younger, old-timer.”

“As if you could make me look bad.” Galen glanced toward the door. “Where’s the rest of the team?”

“I think they saw the other candidates and stopped to chat. I, on the other hand, stick to the assignment.” Jace poured himself a whiskey with a huge grin. “What’s up with your face, bro? Look like you have a stomachache. Need a soother?” He waved the bottle Galen’s way.

“I do not need a soother.” He sat on a sofa, dismissing his brother, and pondered what he should say about Somer. She’d definitely gone after the job, and he felt vaguely uneasy about her aggressiveness. He was the eldest Callahan, a doctor, a man who believed that fate and hard work brought many gifts. Why should Somer bother him so much?

“One of the candidates took off by herself to tour the ranch,” Galen said.

“Oh.” Jace seated himself at the opposite end of the sofa. “The tall, hot brunette? I think I heard Fiona tell her to go let her horse have some exercise. She pointed her in your direction, knowing the two of you would meet up. Fiona would never send a female onto the ranch without protection, but she knew you were on your way back, and that Ash was out there, too.”

Now that made more sense. Aunt Fiona’s fey mind at work, probably culling the tempting beauties from the herd and dangling them in front of the remaining single Callahans. “Why’d she bring her own horse?”

“Probably because she’d be expected to ride here? This is a ranch, you know.”

It all sounded reasonable.

“Gorgeous piece of flesh, if you ask me.” Jace’s grin was so irritating Galen wished he could bean him one across the head as he had when they were children. He’d given up beaning his siblings when they went off to boot camp.

“Are you planning on asking her out or not?” Galen asked.

Jace gave him an annoyed look. “The horse was a gorgeous piece of horseflesh,” he said, emphasizing the word as if Galen were stupid. Then he grinned again. “Galen, my brother, has a woman finally walked into your path that stirs your quiet, hard-to-reach soul?”

“No,” he said, thinking, Yes, that petite blonde with big eyes, but I’m not about to give you anything to crow about.

The rest of their brothers filed in, as well as Ash, whose grin was big as the quarter moon.

“What’s going on with the fire?” Galen asked her.

“Sheriff says he’s got men over there checking it out. We’ll know soon enough.”

He studied his brothers, grateful that he’d been able to keep them on the right path, the path of men committed to the fight. Strong, brave, true. Of course, Grandfather Running Bear had set the path for all of them. When their parents had gone away from the tribe, Galen returned home from his medical studies and raised his brothers and sister. They’d been a headstrong bunch, fierce and courageous. All of them had opted to join the military—and then retired to quiet lives. Then Running Bear had reached out with his astonishing instructions that they come to Rancho Diablo and protect cousins they’d never known they had. Protect a heritage they’d never known was theirs.

That decision had been the turning point that marked them all, and changed their lives.

“Excuse me,” Fiona said. Their aunt poked her head into the library. “I know the family meetings are sacred, but Rose is about to head back to Tempest. Are there any objections to her being hired on here?”

Jace looked at him. “Yes, Galen, are there any objections?”

Galen grimaced. “Why would I care who is hired as a nanny here? I don’t have children.”

“Well, you always seem to have an opinion about everything, relevant or not,” Fiona replied. “And you’ve met Rose before, so I just wanted to make certain there’d be no awkwardness. Awkwardness is bad when we all live as closely as we do.”

His frown deepened. “Why would I feel awkward around Rose? I barely know her.”

The rest of the family was quick to sense that something was in the air.

“Are we roasting Galen about something, Aunt Fiona?” Ash asked.

“No. Just making sure his highness is consulted about the new hires.” Fiona looked pleased with her jibe.

“Ah,” Dante said, “you’re trying not to get on his bad side by hiring Rose.” He nodded wisely, as if he understood the entire situation. Galen felt pretty much in the dark. “So, Galen, what do you think about the new girl?”

Galen cleared his throat, realizing his family had him pinned against the wall. If he let on that he did have a weakness for Rose, there would be incessant teasing and subtle ribbing. “I couldn’t care less who is hired on at Rancho Diablo.” He pondered his words for a moment. “Though I do admit I’m not certain about Somer Stevens,” and everyone said, “Ah!”

He sighed. “I guess I couldn’t convince you that there’s just something about her that puts me off. It’s not personal.” He glared around the room at all the smiling faces. “Never mind. I don’t care who gets hired. Can we get on to planning how to beef up security?”

They moved on with the meeting, shooting him a few knowing looks, sizing up his mood in a way that family does when they know you’ve got something on your mind. His family did know him, very well, but on the matter of his heart, Galen preferred to remain an enigma.

Then he could romance Rose without his family observing every single move he made, the way they had with his brothers when they were courting. Of course, Galen did the same thing to them, which was why he had no desire to have the matchmaking tongs applied to him. Once his family had you in their sights, the well-meaning interference never ended.

If Rose accepted the position, he’d begin to plan a different strategy, called Romancing the Nanny.

He didn’t want to be the Lone Ranger of Rancho Diablo for the rest of his life.

“What are you grinning about, bro?” Tighe asked, and Galen shook himself from his daydream of Rose’s delightful curves and big smile. “Look like you had something sweet on your mind.”

“Just wondering how you dolts ever ended up with women. Proceed.” He waved a hand imperiously. “Let’s hear all your plans for securing this ranch, especially if that fire over there was set by our renegade uncle Wolf. Because if it can happen across the canyons, it most certainly can happen at Rancho Diablo. And I refuse to allow the work of our father and Uncle Jeremiah  to go up in smoke.” 




Tina's Bio

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard writes with humor, sexiness, and fun. With over 2.6 million books sold, she plans to keep writing books readers enjoy. Her writing schedule keeps her very busy with independent heroines and the heroes who love them. You can visit Tina at www.tinaleonard.com, or www.facebook.com/tinaleonardbooks.







a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blitz Participants



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway for The Viscount's Vow by Collette Cameron



Join author Collette Cameron on her Virtual Book Tour for The Viscount’s Vow, presented by Goddess Fish Promotions from October 14 – November8, 2013.  Please leave a questions or comment for Collette as she will be awarding a $25.00 Amazon gift card and an eCopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  Please be sure and leave your email address with your comment in case you are the winner.  You can follow the rest of Collette’s tour here, the more stops you visit, the better your odds of winning.


The Lure of a “Gypsy” as a Heroine
by Collette Cameron

In historical romances there’s something undeniably appealing about a gypsy heroine. That’s why I choose to have a part gypsy heroine in The Viscount’s Vow.

Gypsies, or Roma as they preferred to be called, are perceived as being mystical and exotic, and unfortunately, are often wrongly stereotyped as being dishonest and debauched. A people of strict cultural and moral expectations, the women are vibrant, bold, and fiercely loyal. And yes, it’s true, they seem to frequently have a sixth sense, though the whole fortune telling, palm reading bit is not a depiction of a typical Roma woman.

A gypsy woman does often have an affinity for nature though, along with a knack for healing. Her warmth and unpretentiousness is refreshing when compared to the rather stuffy and often cold denizens of higher classes.  

Romance readers enjoy a strong, independent heroine, and a knife wielding gypsy who can defend herself certainly is that. Uninhibited and proud of their femininity, Roma women exude a sensuality that is often mistaken for promiscuousness. However, in contrast to popular belief, a gypsy is expected to maintain her virginity until she is married.

So, think about it. A beautiful, sensual, confident woman who embraces her sexuality, yet maintains a high moral code—what man can resist that? Especially men who’ve been raised in a more restricted, reserved (repressed) environment. 

They’re doomed.  But it’s a delicious fate.

I thought it would be fascinating to have a heroine who was part Roma and part British aristocracy. Imagine the internal and external conflict! Vangie embraces the things she loves from both her heritages and disregards those she finds too restrictive. It makes her very alluring, and Ian, poor sot, doesn’t stand a chance.   





The Viscount’s Vow
By Collette Cameron
A Regency Romance

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Release Date: September 3, 2013

Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 292 Pages

Add to Goodreads

About the Book:

Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a nobleman and a  gypsy to marry in this Regency Romance.

Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.

When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.

At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.

Buy Link:  Amazon  




Excerpt: Wedding Reception Scene

“You didn't eat much, wife.”

They were alone on the dance floor. Ian deftly twirled Vangie around his aunt's smallish ballroom, mindful of the interested eyes watching them.

Stealing a glance at the smiling and nodding onlookers, he suppressed a frown. He felt like a curiosity on display at Bullock's Museum. He wished others would take to the floor, so he could dispense with the devoted bridegroom facade.

The twelve courses at dinner had been tortuous. His wife hadn’t taken more than a dozen bites nor said as many words. He'd tried to eat the succulent foods Aunt Edith had gone to such efforts to have prepared, but his anger made everything dry as chalk and every bit as tasteless.

“I'd not much appetite, my lord.”

He chuckled. “Don't you think you might address me by my given name, wife?”

“Why?” she asked pertly. “I've known you but four days, certainly not long enough to be so familiar with you.”

He lowered his head, breathing in her ear, very aware every eye in the room was trained on them. He'd give them something to gossip about. “Because I want you to, wife, and you did promise to obey.”

He nipped her ear.

She jumped and a tiny yelp of surprise escaped before she clamped her lips together. Her eyes were shooting sparks again, only this time they were directed at him.

“What's my name, wife?”

“Please, don't call me that. I too have a name, as you well know.”

Drawing her closer, her breasts pressing against the breadth of his chest and cresting the edge of her bodice, he murmured, “Indeed, but Evangeline sounds . . . angelic, and we both know you're no such thing.”

“Pardon?” She stiffened, trying to shove away from him. “I don't under—”

His head descended again. “Say it, or I'll trace your ear with my tongue.”

He grinned as her breath hissed from between clenched teeth. She stumbled, her fingers digging into his shoulder and hand. A very becoming flush swept across her face.

“Will you cease?” Her worried gaze careened around the room. “We're being watched.”

Voice husky, he said, “Say my name, sweeting.” Giving her a gentle squeeze, he started to dip his head, caressing her elegant neck with his hot breath.

“Ian, your name is Ian,” she gasped breathlessly, twisting her head away.





AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc., and a whole slew of other author/writer groups.

Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.

To connect with Collette, please visit

www.collettecameron.com or http://blueroseromance.com/

She can also be found on:

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/colletteauthor/

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/110459897284342875390/auto

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/collette-cameron/60/17a/667


Twitter:  http://twitter.com/Collette_Author



Don't forget to leave a questions or comment for Collette as she will be awarding a $25.00 Amazon gift card and an eCopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  Please be sure and leave your email address with your comment in case you are the winner.  You can follow the rest of Collette’s tour here, the more stops you visit, the better your odds of winning.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Blog Tour & Giveaway for Buried Threads by Kaylin McFarren



Pump Up Your Book is pleased to bring you Kaylin McFarren’s Buried Threads Virtual Book Tour October 7 – December 31! Kaylin’s tour is part of a $100 Amazon Gift Card giveaway. Check out the Rafflecopter form below to enter to win.

How do you maintain tension when writing
Suspense stories? by Kaylin McFarren

After attending dozens of writing workshops and numerous conferences, I compiled a list of rules that I depend on daily when writing romantic suspense. These recommended guidelines are a great tool for creating tension and expectation, which is essential to keeping your readers turning those pages!
  
Remember to show, don't tell! I’ve heard this over and over again and it is the most common mistake among new writers. The fewer blocks of description or passive writing you include, the better. Avoid "info dumps" where you include sections of  research information and background details you might consider important. This will only serve one purpose: bringing your story to a screeching halt and turning it into a boring textbook. Instead, focus on current events or the overall point of your story by including realistic dialogue and fun, action-packed scenes.
  
Make sure to create a “believable” threat or frightening dilemma, such as a kidnapping, unexploded bomb or an impending disaster. You might add a psychological danger such as the loss of a job or dying family member. The trick is to make the threat relevant and potentially devastating to your main characters.
  
When things seem to go wrong, they can only get worse, which is a great plan of attack for keeping your reader’s interest.  Ask yourself, "What would people do in this situation?" Then have your character do the unexpected, open the wrong door or make the wrong choice, leaving them facing the consequences of their actions.

In suspense pacing is by far the most important aspect of your story. A common practice is to increase tension by shortening your phrases and dialogue. While lengthy sentences add a more relaxed mood to your story, short choppy ones read faster and help make scenes more suspenseful. But don’t get carried away and make the mistake of wearing your readers out by keeping action rolling at fever pitch. As in “real” life, characters need to catch their breath after an exhausting action scene.

Determine the timeline for your story, remembering that quick scenes or episodes that occur in a matter of hours or over the course of a day are far more suspenseful than scenes taking place over several days, weeks or months.
  
Lastly, be sure to end each chapter with a great hook or final line to keep readers from putting your book down.  This could be a revelation, unanswered question or sudden discovery that can only be answered or revealed by reading further. The best suspense stories leave readers hungry for knowledge and anxious to know where the story’s ultimately leading.



Title: Buried Threads
Genre: Erotic Romantic Suspense
Author: Kaylin McFarren
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing LLC
Pages: 328
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1492120469

Rachel’s mouth sagged. “You mean you’re really a monk? But how’s that possible? You’re not even wearing a robe, and your hair…”

He simply smiled.

A disturbing prophecy sends a treasure hunting duo on an urgent race to rescue a country in Kaylin McFarren’s heart pounding new novel,  Buried Threads.Full of erotic suspense and wild adventures, this is one trip that readers will never forget!

Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen work together as the successful owners of a treasure hunting company. But a seemingly simply assignment – to track down a priceless gem that is believed to buried in a shipwreck deep within the Sea of Japan – takes a starling, and dangerous, turn.

Faced with a monk’s dark prophecy that a natural disaster will soon strike Japan, killing millions, Rachel and Chase must embark on the mission of a lifetime in order to uncover the three cursed samurai swords that can avert the catastrophe.
Chaos ensues as their adventure takes them from shark infested waters and creepy caves to haunted hidden tombs and a confrontation with Yakuza gang members.

Time is running out as the prophecy’s day of reckoning draws near. Will Rachel and Chase succeed before disaster strikes?

Purchase your copy at AMAZON (coming October 22!)







About the Author:

Kaylin McFarren is a California native who has enjoyed traveling around the world. She previously worked as director for a fine art gallery, where she helped foster the careers of various artists before feeling the urge to satisfy her won creative impulses. 

Since launching her writing career, McFarren has earned more than a dozen literary awards in addition to a finalist spot in the 2008 RWA Golden Heart Contest. A member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers, she also lends her participation and support to various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

McFarren currently lives with her husband in Oregon. They have three children and two grandchildren.
Her latest book is Buried Threads (Book 2 of the Threads series).

Visit her website at www.kaylinmcfarren.com.



Connect & Socialize with Kaylin!

My Review

Full of action and suspense, Buried Threads, the second book in the Threads series by Kaylin McFarren, picks up shortly after the events which occurred in Severed Threads.  Well developed characters, different points of view and a more than fair introduction into the Japanese culture, make this a page turning read.  Adding just the right touch of romance, and plenty of descriptions of the world in which the story takes place, Ms. McFarren’s book captivated me on an almost visual level.

Joining Chase Cohen, her treasure hunting partner and lover, Rachel Lyons can’t wait to get started on their search for a priceless treasure in the Sea of Japan.  Believing they are diving for a “jewel”, Rachel and Chase discover their dive is both more dangerous and more important than they were first led to believe.  Turns out their quest is for a trio of swords, which have an important role in Japan’s continuing future.

Ms. McFarren’s primary characters, Rachel and Chase, are both well developed and Rachel is the true central character of the story.  We get to see Rachel and Chase’s relationship continuing to improve and deepen naturally as they become more of a couple.  Ms. McFarren also does a very good job with the secondary characters in the book, especially Shinzo, their guide and a psychic Buddhist monk, and Yuki, the swordswoman, who joins them on their journey.

Ms. McFarren doesn’t stint on the obstacles in this story or on the story’s pace.  She gives us insight into the world of the Yakuza, and all of the dangers that entails, along with a vivid and picturesque portrayal of the Japanese culture.  I especially liked how she blends the spiritual and the physical in her depictions of their culture.  The story’s pace is also fast and furious and there is a lot of action taking place between the pages.

Will Rachel and Chase locate the treasure before their rivals and be able to save Japan’s future?  Will their romance heat up in more ways than one?  You’ll have to read Buried Threads to find out, I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next installment in this series.  While you can read this on its own, I really recommend reading both books in series order in order to understand the nuances between the characters and enjoy Ms. McFarren’s writing style.   


My Rating:  5 out of 5 Stars


FTC Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a blog tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. 



Pump Up Your Book and Kaylin McFarren are giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card/Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins October 7 and ends December 31.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, January 3, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
  • Only U.S. citizens can win the Kindle Fire.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 7 – First Chapter Reveal at Read My First Chapter
Tuesday, October 8 – Book Feature at Examiner
Wednesday, October 9 – Interview at Blogcritics
Thursday, October 10 – Interview at Black Velvet Seductions
Friday, October 11 – First Chapter Reveal at Pump Up Your Book
—————-
Monday, October 14 – Interview at Bound by Passion
Tuesday, October 15 – Interview at I’m Shelf-ish
Thursday, October 17 – Guest Blogging at Sarah Ballance
Thursday, October 17 – First Chapter Reveal & Book Trailer Reveal atMargay Leah Justice
Friday, October 18 – Interview at The Book Connection
Friday, October 18 – Guest Blogging & Book Trailer Reveal at What’s on the Bookshelf
—————-
Monday, October 21 – Book Review & First Chapter Reveal at Deal Sharing Aunt
Tuesday, October 22 – Release Day Diva Facebook Party!
Tuesday, October 22 – First Chapter Reveal & Book Trailer Reveal atLiterary Winner
Tuesday, October 22 – Book Feature at Jody’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, October 23 – Book Feature at Sweeping Me
Friday, October 25 – Character Guest Post & First Chapter Reveal atLori’s Reading Corner
—————-
Monday, October 28 – Book Review & Guest Blogging at Queen of the Night Reviews
Monday, October 28 – Interview at Authors to Watch
Tuesday, October 29 – Guest Blogging at Ice Fairy’s Treasure Chest
Thursday, October 31 – First Chapter Reveal & Book Trailer Reveal atRead 2 Review
—————-
Monday, November 4 – Guest Blogging at Close Encounters With the Night Kind
Monday, November 4 – Guest Blogging at Confessions of a Reader
Monday, November 4 – Book Trailer Reveal at Escape by Fiction
Tuesday, November 5 – Character Guest Post at Janna Shay’s Fair Play
Wednesday, November 6 – Book Review & Guest Blogging at Must Read Faster
Thursday, November 7 – Guest Blogging at Acting Balanced
Friday, November 8 – Book Trailer of the Week at Pump Up Your Book
—————-
Monday, November 11 – First Chapter Reveal at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, November 12 – Book Review at Not Everyone’s Mama
Tuesday, November 12 – Book Feature at Ashna’s Wanted Readers
Wednesday, November 13 – Interview at PUYB Virtual Book Club
—————-
Monday, November 18 – First Chapter Review at The Dark Phantom
Tuesday, November 19 – Guest Blogging at Book Marketing Buzz
Wednesday, November 20 – Character Guest Post at The Writer’s Life
Thursday, November 21 – Book Review at Sara’s Organized Chaos
—————-
Monday, November 25 – Book Feature at Bibliotica
Tuesday, November 26 – Character Guest Post at Bibliotica
Friday, November 29 – Book Feature at Plug Your Book
—————-
Monday, December 2 – Book Trailer Reveal at If Books Could Talk
Tuesday, December 3 – Character Interview at Beyond the Books
Wednesday, December 4 – Book Feature at Authors & Readers Book Corner
—————-
Monday, December 9 – Guest  Blogging at The Story Behind the Book
Tuesday, December 10 – Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Wednesday, December 11 – Guest  Blogging at The Book Faery Reviews
Thursday, December 12 – Book Feature at A Little Bit of Spice
Friday, December 13 – Book Feature at Butterfly-O-Meter
—————-
Monday, December 16 – Character Guest Post at Love Books! Book Reviews
Tuesday, December 17 – Interview at Straight From the Author’s Mouth
Wednesday, December 18 – Interview at Mia Downing
Thursday, December 19 – Book Feature at Book Girl From South Carolina
Friday, December 20 – Book Review at Offbeat Vagabond
—————-
Monday, December 23 – Book Feature at Literary ETC.
Thursday, December 26 – Interview at BlogHer
Friday, December 27 – Book Feature at Book Reviews by Kathy
—————-
Tuesday, December 31 – Buried Threads Book Tour Highlights at PUYB Virtual Book Club