Mike Hartner on Being Social, Not Spamming and Book Marketing @MHartnerAuthor #AmWriting #HistFic

How To Network Online to Sell Your Book

First, I must print this disclaimer. I’m not a marketing individual. And I, James, the second book of The Eternity Series which will be released in September 2014, is only the second book that I’ve tried to market. So, everything has been trial and error. But, I will borrow heavily from badredheadmedia.com’s Rachel Thompson, and several others, and the lessons they have taught me.

1. You need an Online Presence. Gmail+, FaceBook, Twitter, Pinterest…. They all have their uses. Personally, I’m on FaceBook, and Twitter.
2. Facebook has my personal page, where my family and friends reside, and then a Corporate page which is where I try to publicize The Eternity Series. And other projects that I have. BcBaldEagles.com also comes to mind. It’s also a separate corporate page. And the three pages share posts from each other.
3. Twitter is my second social media channel. @MHartnerAuthor is my identity, since Rachel once said, it’s better to publicize yourself as an author than to publicize individual books, and keep changing the identity. Son’t confuse people. Publicize yourself as an author.
4. First Rule of Social Media: It’s Social. Don’t Spam. Don’t spill every word saying ‘Buy my book’. Build relationships, show people your interests outside of writing. If you’re interested in Nutella, and Alaskam wilderness cabins, show that. If it’s quilting, crocheting and flowers you’re interested in, show that. Let people meet the REAL you.
5. Pluggio and hootsuite are great tools. Pluggio allows you to ‘drip’ every few hours news topics of your interest. Hootsuite allows you to post on more than one site from a consolidated dashboard. Both are useful.
6. Don’t expect everyone who follows you to remain. But help them by not including expletives in every second post, or every third word. Show them that you can enjoy life as much as it can frustrate you.

Social Networks allow you to reach out to a lot of other people. AS much as you want others to follow you, follow them. Find others with your interest. Other authors, other Nutella aficionados, other quilters, whatever… By following a wide range of others, a wide range of them will follow you.

BLOG, or get blog tours. Blog tours are GREAT exposure for your book. They usually have a wide and diverse cross section of reviewers, who are all interested, to some extent, in your writing.

HELP OTHERS. If you can help others with your lessons, do. If you can Share other’s posts, announcements, etc… chances are they’ll share yours. And your messages will get out to people you never expected.

90/10 Rule. At least 90 percent of your posts and blogs should be focused on things OTHER THAN selling your book. Great reviews are one thing you can announce more often. Share Reviews of books you’ve read. Even better if they’re current books (last five years). Even Better if you’re following the author when you post the review.

ENGAGE your audience. Snippets, comments, and reviews of everyone’s work are great things to post. Top Ten lists about your life, about your hobbies… all of these build audience.

And while you’re building audience, but not screaming BUY MY BOOK, chances are some people will buy it.

And that’s what makes social media so great. Being Social.

James Crofter was ripped from his family at age 11. 
Within a year the prince was a pauper in a foreign land. 
Is nature stronger than nurture? And even if it is, can James find the happiness he so richly desires? 

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Genre - Historical Fiction, Romance

Rating – PG

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Connect with Mike Hartner on Facebook & Twitter

Dance for a Dead Princess by @DeborahHawk3 #Romance #Mystery #ReviewShare

Dance for a Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall rating based on plot, characters and writing
4 stars

Initial thoughts - It started out fast but then it slowed down and I wasn't sure if I was going to like the rest of the book. I was expecting it to be a romance book with little mystery but it turned out to be the other way around.

Pros - I loved this book. It was absolutely packed with adventure, passion, heart-stopping suspense, love! If you are someone who prefers to read literary fiction over any other genres, as I do, all I can say to you is put your prejudices aside and try this book. I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. It truly is the work of an excellent and extremely talented storyteller and writer, all my "book snob" friends will be getting a copy, and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Cons - The dialogue wasn't consistent and at some sections did not seem to fit the setting or the character's traits.

In the end, I say - A good read which was emotionally satisfying and tied up loose ends in a good way.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

View all my reviews

Sunspots by @KarenSueBell - 3.5 STARS - #AmReading #Romance #ReviewShare

Sunspots by Karen S. Bell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall rating based on plot, characters and writing
3.5 stars

Initial thoughts - I was lured by the romance cum magical realism premise of the book. I thought I was getting a woman scorned who was going to react. Not quite.

Pros - The romance - magical realism parts of the book were strong and these were the plot times I enjoyed the most. The back and forth 'memories' that enabled the readers to explore the lead character's relationship with her now dead husband was also a good touch.

Cons - Where do I begin? The lead character was the most irritating lead I have read in a book. She whines. She moans. She's got her priorities all mixed up. God forbid this character was actually based on a real person. Long winded writing and an irritating character. Definitely a book that is not for all readers.

In the end, I say - Good but don't expect anything fantastic.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

View all my reviews

10 Things You Didn't Know About Belinda Garcia Vasquez @MagicProse #Romance #Suspense

1. I am a closet romantic. I write love stories into most of my books. I love to watch romantic movies and read romantic books that make my heart beat fast. I love the famed romantic couples; Rhett and Scarlet; Darcy and Elizabeth, etc.

2. I’m a computer nerd (which is probably why I’m a closet romantic and not a romantic). I worked as a computer programmer and web developer. It’s like a drug, and I now get my fix by working on my website or creating my book covers.

3. I believe in personal power. I once heard that human beings only tap about 4% of their brain. Within everyone lies unimaginable power and strength. Believe in yourself and you can do anything!

4. I love movies. I go nearly every week. I prefer love stories but enjoy action-packed movies that my husband likes. Feel-good movies and funny comedies are the best; but so is a touching movie that stirs the emotions, leaving my cheeks wet with tears.

5. When little, I would stand up on a chair to dry dishes and count the silverware. Thank goodness for DVD players. When I used to watch a tape on a VCR, I would have to cover the numbers with a towel else I’d be adding them up as the movie played down. I think the counting is related to my nerdicitis.

6. I love to dance.

7. I’m a bit too independent. My father abandoned my family when I was 11 and my mother was ill so I would walk to a strip mall to buy my school clothes and supplies, etc. I was sort of on my own. When I was 16, my mother died, I was pretty much on my own.

8. I’m crazy about Zumba, a Latin-dance-exercise. I attend a class 4 or 5 days a week. I spend so much time sitting at my desk that Zumba keeps me limber. For some reason, when my mind is relaxed, my brain likes to start writing. I start hearing dialogue in my head, or narration starts writing. I have to run to my notebook, do some scribbling, and then get back in line to continue the song.

9. I never worry. It’s a total waste of time and doesn’t change anything. Worrying is frustrating and nerve-wracking. My philosophy has always been, don’t worry about the fire until you see the flames!

10. I have great faith in God, though I confess I rarely attend church. From the time I was six until the age of 16, when my brother and I were forced out of our home by the man who owned the mortgage, I used to lie on the roof of our shed and talk to God about my life. He was a great listener and many times helped me and still does in my life. God has literally reached out and touched me, and no one can ever convince me that He doesn’t exist.

The last thing Miranda ever expected was to see her brother’s ghost at the fallen Twin Towers.

It’s bad enough survivor Christopher Michaels scares her with claims that if one dies violently, his ghost will haunt the place that holds his name. And to top it all, one of those thousands of ghosts follows Miranda to her hotel. The only certainty is the ghost grabbing her under the covers is not Jake.

Their parents’ deaths separated Miranda from Jake when they were kids. Michaels insists Jake brought them together and it’s no coincidence that of thousands mourning at Ground Zero, it’s his best friend she bumps into. Some best friend. Michaels is more like a moocher. The cheapskate never has money, just a blood-stained wallet he broods over. Miranda has no choice but to hang out with the weird Michaels in order to unravel her brother’s past.

As Miranda spends time with Michaels, she begins to wonder who he really is. Against her better judgment, Miranda becomes emotionally entangled with Michaels, a bitter alcoholic with a secret linked to her brother and that blood-stained wallet.

I Will Always Love You is part mystery, suspense and romance, a novel that will keep the reader turning the pages!

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Genre – Suspense, Mystery, Romance

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Belinda Vasquez Garcia on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://belindavasquezgarcia.com/

@LisaBelcastro19 Shares A Day in Her Life #AmReading #Christian #Romance

A Day in the Life of Lisa Belcastro.   My day begins at dawn. I am a morning person, without the assistance of coffee or an alarm. During the school year, I’m at my desk reading emails and posting on social media before the school day starts. Once breakfast is done and lunches are made, I print out the previous day’s writing and pack my gym bag. Fortunately for me, school is directly across the street from our “Y”, so I drop off and hit the gym. While I’m running on the treadmill (in the colder months), I edit what I wrote the day before.  After some weight lifting and ab exercises, it’s home to shower and back into my office. In the colder months, I’ll work through the day, breaking for school pick up and various mommy taxi services. In the summer months, I normally steal two or three hours during the day to garden, go to the beach, meet up with friends, or simply sit outside and enjoy the glorious weather. I don’t mind working later hours in the summer if it means afternoons at the beach. My “work” hours are divided between novel writing, magazine or blog articles, and social media. I had no idea how much time social media would require, but I do love connecting with readers and fellow authors, and social media makes those connections a breeze.  By the end of the day, I’m ready to cook, a passion I enjoy year round but more so in the summer and fall when my gardens are overflowing with fresh, organic vegetables. Living on an Island, I’m known to cook dinner, pack everything into a cooler, and bring my family to the beach to watch the sunset while we eat. It’s a blessed life.

Could this all be a bad dream? How was she to know? Rebecca had far more questions than answers. Tisbury, Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard The last thing sixth-grade teacher Rebecca O’Neill wants to do during the final week of her summer break is chaperone twenty-five kids on a six-night, seven-day trip aboard the schooner Shenandoah. But after a desperate phone call from the school principal, she doesn’t have a choice. Worse, the ship is rumored to be ‘haunted.’ 

Five years ago, during the Holmes Hole student cruise, teacher Melissa Smith complained about hearing voices and seeing visions, then disappeared without a trace-from the very same cabin where Rebecca will be staying. Everything seems normal on Sunday as Rebecca boards the impressive Shenandoah. But as she sits in Cabin 8, she hears hushed voices that don’t sound like they’re from this century. Mike, a crewmember, insists he believes the crazy Island story that Melissa time-traveled to Colonial Boston. His eerie interest in constantly tracking Rebecca’s whereabouts rattles her nerves. Her first night onboard, Rebecca drifts off to sleep…and wakes the following morning with memories of a secretive conversation about a battle with Britain. 

Monday night Rebecca crawls into her bunk after an adventurous day of sailing, swimming, and overseeing students. She’s startled awake when a man grabs her and yells, ‘Stowaway!’ Dragged in front of Captain Benjamin Reed, she looks up into the most gorgeous brown eyes she’s ever seen…. 

A Vineyard Romance. Romance, history, adventure. Get swept into the exciting Winds of Change series. Book 1, Winds of Change.

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Genre - Romance, Christian

Rating – G

More details about the author

Connect with Lisa Belcastro through Facebook & Twitter

Website www.lisabelcastro.com

Dream A Little Dream by Lynn Murphy #Excerpt #Romance #Christian

Chapter One

Madison Walker opened the front door of the Newport School For The Deaf to witness a moment of chaos. Three little boys were playing a game of keep away with a little girl’s teddy bear and a number of other children had stopped to watch. Madison watched, a bit amused, a bit uncertain whether or not she ought to intervene. After all, she was here to interview for a job, she didn’t work here yet. As she debated her options, one of the handsomest men she had ever laid eyes on strode out of the front office and caught the teddy bear in mid-flight, handed it back to its rightful owner and spoke in fluent sign language to the game’s participants. He sent them on their way and using a combination of sign and spoken words, told the rest of the crowd that they were about to be late to class and that he expected them to move quickly. When the lobby was clear, the man smiled at Madison and approached her with his hand out.

“Seamus Lansing. How can I help you?”

Madison hoped she didn’t look as surprised as she suddenly felt.

She had pictured the man she was interviewing with to be…less attractive and certainly older. Somehow she hadn’t expected the headmaster to have a beautifully sculpted face, an athletic build and startlingly blue eyes. “Madison Walker,” she replied. “I have an interview.”

“Yes, with me,” he said, smiling at he yet again. “Come in the office. I’ll be right with you. Have a seat.”

A pretty blond woman stood and came around her desk. “I assume you are Madison Walker?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Sheryl. Can I get you some coffee or tea?”

“No, thanks, I’m fine.”

Sheryl sat beside her on the sofa. “So, just to give you a little background information, although I’m sure Seamus will cover this too. We’ve only been open since the first week of August and we have had a much bigger enrollment than we expected. Some of our students are traditional day students and about half of our students board. That allows us to serve children who don’t live in Newport or close enough to drive every day. Parents are welcome anytime for those students and we have rooms available for them. We need a few more teachers, obviously, since we’re doing interviews.”

“It’s a beautiful campus and a beautiful town.”

“It is, and I think you’ll see when I take you on a tour after you talk to Seamus that it is an excellent school for the hearing impaired. Although, I will tell you that Seamus isn’t big on being politically correct, so you won’t hear us using all the educational buzz words here. He’s looking for teachers who are compassionate yet get good results, but not people who baby these children because of their disability.”

“I agree with that philosophy.” Madison liked Sheryl already.

“Then you’ll do fine. After you talk to Seamus I’ll show you around.” She led the way to the office door.

Seamus stood as she entered. She noticed he was holding her resume as she took a seat in front of his desk. Only then did he sit too. Gentlemanly manners, she thought. She couldn’t help but think that most men she knew weren’t as polite, nor would the act seem so natural to them. “So,” he said, “you currently live in Boston and have three years of experience teaching deaf children.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re fluent in sign language.” He looked directly at her.

“I have family members who are deaf.” Madison wondered if it was really necessary to reveal that much information, but for some reason she felt comfortable sharing that with him.

“That would make you more at ease with our students,” Seamus said. “You would be surprised how many people who have degrees and experience in this field really aren’t.”

“If you live with it on a daily basis, you forget everyone isn’t hearing impaired,” Madison admitted. “I probably talk in sign language all the time without realizing it, even when I’m with people who hear perfectly. In fact I know I do. My best friend calls me on it all the time.”

Seamus laughed. “Most of our students use sign exclusively, although we are planning to encourage more lip reading and speech. I prefer teachers who can sign in complete sentences. I hate it when people speak in broken sentences, as if not being able to hear means you don’t have a grasp on the English language.”

“It can certainly make teaching writing more difficult,” Madison agreed.

“Exactly.” He looked at her resume again. “If you don’t mind my asking, why are you looking for another position?”

“They are cutting my position to half time. I read about the school online and I was impressed with what you are doing. And, personally, I need a change of scenery. A fresh start.”

“I appreciate your honesty. I checked your references, and if you like what you see on your tour with Sheryl and you want the job, I’d like to offer you a contract.”

“You can make a decision that quickly?”

“I’m a pretty good judge of character,” he said, leaning back in his chair, but never taking his eyes off her.

“I’m tempted to say yes right now,” Madison admitted.

“I hope you will, but take a look around first.” He stood and called for Sheryl. “Madison is ready for you to show her around. I have a contract here, you’ll go over that with her when you get done, right?”

“Of course. I have a parent on hold, we’ll go as soon as I get off the phone with her.”

Seamus asked, “Any more questions for me?”

“Yes, how is it that you are so fluent in sign language?” She hoped that wasn’t too personal a question.

Seamus laughed again. He really liked this woman, more for her honesty than for her striking beauty, although he certainly found her pretty. “Because, Miss Walker, I haven’t heard a single thing you said.”

Her mouth fell open and he laughed again before she recovered and started to apologize for not realizing he was deaf. “Enjoy the tour,” he said as he moved past her to exit his office. “Ask any questions. Think about the contract once you’ve looked over it. If this is you’re looking for, we’d love to have your join our faculty.”

Madison Walker never planned on falling for her boss when she accepted a teaching position at The Newport School For The Deaf. Seamus Lansing is handsome, wealthy, athletic, charming- and hearing impaired himself. As the only hearing person in her own family, Madison isn't sure she wants a long term relationship with someone who can't hear but she can't deny that she is attracted to Seamus. As their romance develops, Seamus will find himself questioning things he never considered about his disability.

Jim O'Brien has achieved worldwide acclaim for his musical ability. When unexpected circumstances threaten to take away his ability to play the piano how will it affect his recent marriage to Lady Berry Harrington?

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Romance, Christian

Rating – G

More details about the author

Connect with Lynn Murphy through Pinterest

Karolyn James' Has 10 Tips for Becoming a Better #Writer @KarolynWrites #Romance #WriteTip

1. Write a lot. If you don’t practice writing, you can’t get better.
2. Read a lot. If you don’t read, you won’t see how others do it.
3. Don’t get lost in the business side. Focus on your story and what you want to do.
4. Trends come and go, find your own heart. It’s okay to chase a trend here and there, but make sure you have your voice and message within the story.
5. Known your characters.
6. Find your voice.
7. If you find yourself stuck or bored, fix it. Readers will find those same spots too.
8. Stay organized. In every aspect.
9. Don’t procrastinate. Writing is lonely and it’s easy to make excuses not to write. Don’t.
10. Don’t get lost in the future… we all dream of the million dollar advance. How about focusing on the words you’ve written today and feel proud?

~~ NEW RELEASE AND ON SALE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY! ONLY $0.99 NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 16TH~~

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From Karolyn James, the NY Times / USA Today Bestselling author of the Brothers of Rock series...

WELCOME TO FERRY CREEK!

A small town built on family, hope, and a chance to find true love.

A CHANCE AT LOVE (A FERRY CREEK NOVEL)

Coming to Ferry Creek was supposed to be a short trip to settle a past, not begin a future.
~
The day billionaire businessman Sullivan Chasen receives a phone call that his father is dying is the day his world became turned upside down. The problem is that his father has been dead for ten years. The bigger problem is that the person who called keeps calling, insisting that Sullivan's father is going to die soon.

A shocking DNA test suddenly has Sullivan questioning everything he has ever known and has him packing up and driving to the small town of Ferry Creek, North Carolina.

There, he confronts a past he never knew existed, including a half-brother who is living in a small apartment above the family diner, a local staple in Ferry Creek.

What begins as a short trip to settle any necessary needs soon turns into a new life for Sullivan. The longer he stays in Ferry Creek, the more he falls in love with the small town... and a waitress named Jess who works at the diner.

_____

KarolynJames.wordpress.com
@KarolynWrites
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Stay up to date with Karolyn's mailing list!
tinyurl.com/KJSignup

_____

Read the Brothers of Rock series:

Chasing Cross books:
- All Access
- Broken Sound
- Bitter Farewell
- Buried Notes
- Last Song

Falling Tuesday books:

- A Voice to Love
- A Song for Us
- *MORE TO COME!*

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Did you know Karolyn James is the pen name for bestselling western romance author, Claire Charlins?

Don't miss the books now available in the Mail Order Romance series:

-West for Love
-Finding Love west
-A Marriage West
-Hope Found West
-True Love West
-A Romance West
AND MORE!!!

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Romance

Rating – PG-13

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Connect with Karolyn James through Twitter

Selena Cooper's 10 Tips for Becoming a Better #Writer @SelenaCooperBks #WriteTip #Romance

1)      Read, read, read.

Reading within your genre as well as within other genres will make you a better writer. See what works for you as a reader and what doesn’t. Incorporate the good traits and resolve to eliminate any bad habits you observe.

2)      Study writing blogs, books, and sites.

You might feel like you’re an expert once you’ve gotten your book published, but there’s always more that you can learn. Writer’s Digest, other authors’ websites, genre-specific magazines, and writing newsletters can help you understand what mistakes other authors are making and how to avoid those mistakes. For instance, one writing ezine often discusses disreputable publishers and agents, warning other writers to say away.

3)      Watch TV and movies.

Yep, you read that right. Watching television and movies helps you to understand what’s popular and can help you to see issues in ways you might never have considered. Let’s say you watch a detective program. It could give you insight into why your villain behaves as she does. Granted, your villain might not be a murderer, but her long history of abuse could explain her actions.

4)      Subscribe to agents’ and editors’ blogs.

They know the industry like no one else. If you want to know what’s going on in the publishing world, this is an excellent place to start.

5)      Follow Publisher’s Weekly on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pubweekly) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/PublishersWkly).

6)      Learn to proofread.

In order to properly proofread your own work, you might have to read the story backward or in some other order to truly see the words. When we’re proofing our stories, we tend to see what we believe is there.  If our intention was to write, “We took the dog to the groomer,” then we’ll see that even if we’ve actually typed, “We too the dog to the groomer.” The eye skims right over that missing k, and the mistake isn’t highlighted as such by my word processing software.

7)      Learn to self-edit.

Self-editing differs somewhat from proofreading because it is more involved than correcting typos. Self-editing includes fixing flaws. Did your character say something that doesn’t ring true? Have you used the word jump ten times on the same page? Does your character behave in a way that isn’t faithful to her personality for no apparent reason? Once you’ve had your work edited by a professional, you’ll be more aware of what to look for. In the meantime, do a search for some helpful articles.

8)       Listen to how people actually speak.

To do dialogue well, you need to truly listen to people talking. This is another good thing about watching movies. The first time I picked up an Elmore Leonard novel, I thought, “Huh? This guy doesn’t follow the rules.” But his dialogue rings so true! He uses dialogue to create characters that are realistic.

9)      Experiment.

Write outside your comfort zone. If you don’t write poetry, try a poem to see what you can come up with. I took a creative writing class where students had to read a short story in a particular genre and then write a story in that genre. We had to write western, science fiction, romance, horror, mystery, and even how-to instructions. Stretch your limits—you might be surprised at what you can do.

10)   Write.

All the study in the world won’t make you a better writer if you don’t simply put your butt in the chair and write.

Brandy and Luke Fontaine are sexy, fun, rich, and maybe just a little oversexed. They’re newlyweds honeymooning in Hawaii when they find a dead body. Turns out their fellow guest has been murdered, and they set out to solve the case.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Erotic Romance

Rating – X

More details about the author

Connect with Selena Cooper through Facebook & Twitter

Website www.selenacooper.com

10 Things You Didn’t Know About #Author Lauren Linwood @LaurenLinwood #Historical #Romance

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Lauren Linwood

It’s easier to get to know authors now than in the pre-Internet days. Most authors aim to have a media presence, and readers can find out lots about them via these sources. I share random things on my Write Up My Alley blog (http://laurenlinwood.wordpress.com), and I also have an author Facebook page (http://facebook.com/laurenlinwood) and even tweet (http://twitter.com/LaurenLinwood).

But here are some tidbits about me that you may not have seen before:

1. When I was four, I broke my collarbone while climbing a chinaberry tree. I slipped and hit the picnic table beneath the tree, rolled and hit the bench, then finally came to halt when I plopped face down on the ground. I didn’t get to wear a cast with this type of injury, and I was jealous of people who sported arm & leg casts because people could sign these. Looking back, I’m feeling lucky that I never broke either an arm or a leg!
2. My favorite album is Hootie & the Blowfish’s Cracked Rear View. Not a bad song on it.
3. Every Christmas Eve after church, we sit down to a breakfast supper, which includes this crazy-good sausage/egg/cheese/mushroom casserole, and then we open presents and watch a couple of Christmas movies such as Home Alone, Elf, or Love, Actually. And yes, the next morning we find that Santa has come. He’s really gotten into the gift card spirit the last few years, so stocking time is memorable.
4. My birthday is on Halloween, which was terrific as a kid because I got to go trick-or-treating and score tons of candy while dressed up (usually as a vampire).
5. I thought I was going to be a journalist after I was editor-in-chief of my junior high and high school newspapers. Instead, I became a history teacher (pretty convenient since I write historical romance novels and love to research).
6. My mom wanted me to wear her wedding gown when I got married. The only glitch? She was 92 pounds on her wedding day, and the last time I fit into her gown was in 8^th grade! Getting married at 13 just didn’t seem like an option—even if it was a cool dress.
7. My favorite band is The Eagles. I love their harmonies, especially on Seven Bridges Road. And I would end every school year driving out of the teacher parking lot for the summer blaring Already Gone, sing at the top of my lungs.
8. Even though I don’t believe in reincarnation, I felt right at home when I visited London. I’m worse than horrible with directions, yet I seemed to know which way to turn and where things were located, almost as if I’d lived there before. Eerie, I know.
9. I’ve never played Words with Friends. I think I would like it too much to start playing. I can see it taking over my life like that scary-creepy vine from The Ruins.
10. I sing the same song in the shower every time my editor buys a book from me. And I sound fabulous while doing it! Well, definitely not fabulous, but I’m home alone when I do it and enjoy belting it out.

So there you have it—random Lauren Linwood in a nutshell!

Lily Frontiere returns from a costly European trip to find her mother has accumulated large gambling debts. Things grow worse as her mother’s health deteriorates and she can no longer run Lucky Lil’s, the most famous whorehouse in San Francisco. Though Lilian shielded her only child from house life by sending her away to boarding school, Lily takes over and poses as Madam Lil. Her intelligence and astonishing resemblance to her mother help, but she’s entering a world she knows little about. Lily tries to extract the house from impending financial ruin until a handsome stranger turns up with the deed to Lucky Lil’s in hand.

Gambler Jed Stone journeys to California to track down Simon Morgan, the man responsible for his best friend’s death. Arrested for robbery and murder upon arrival, he is shocked to see his face on a wanted poster. Jed escapes before his hanging, unaware that the man guilty of those crimes is the twin brother he never knew existed. In a case of mistaken identity, Jed acquires Lucky Lil’s in a rigged card game his twin is meant to win.

Jed asks Madam Lil to stay on as he learns the business. Lily clashes with the new owner over ways to make the establishment profitable, yet she is attracted to the charming risk taker at the same time. Jed is fooled by Lily’s charade until he stumbles upon the real Madam Lil and learns the truth behind Lily’s deception. His admiration for Lily blossoms into love.

But Simon Morgan seeks both Lily’s hand and ownership of Lucky Lil’s—and he will go to any means to possess both. Will Jed foil his nemesis while bringing his outlaw brother to justice?

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Western Historical Romance

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Lauren Linwood on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.laurenlinwood.com/