Sunday, December 28, 2014

El Color de la Venganza #GRATIS #FREE #Kindle las leyendas del rey Arturo

Gratis en Kindle 29 a 31 diciembre
Free on Kindle December 29-31
Hoy en El Laberinto, introduzco "El Color de la Venganza," una historia independiente corto extraído de Morning's Journey, libro 2 en Las Crónicas de Paloma del Dragón.

Today on The Maze, I introduce the Spanish-language version of "The Color of Vengeance," a stand-alone short story excerpted from Morning's Journey, book 2 in The Dragon's Dove Chronicles.




La sinopsis/Synopsis:


La venganza era el único regalo entierro podía otorgar.

Cuando los ladrones de ganado Angli matan a su esposa e hijo, Dwras hijo de Gwyn jura vengarse de sus asesinos. Pero, ¿cómo puede un simple granjero prevalecer contra entrenados guerreros despiadados? Dwras no debe mirar a su espada para la respuesta, sino más bien, dentro de su corazón.Vengeance was the only burial gift he could bestow.

Vengeance was the only burial gift he could bestow.

When Angli cattle thieves slaughter his wife and son, Dwras son of Gwyn vows revenge upon their murderers. But how can a mere farmer prevail against ruthless, trained warriors? For the answer Dwras must look not to his sword, but within his heart.


Gratis en Kindle 29 a 31 diciembre
Free on Kindle December 29-31
US | ES | MX | AU | BR | CA | DE | FR | IN | IT | JP | NL | UK


Edición Inglés audiolibro/English edition audiobook:
Amazon.com | iTunes | Audible.com

Friday, December 26, 2014

LIBERTY Launch and #BookReviews ancient Rome historical romance #MFRWAuthor

Welcome to the launch of LIBERTY by your friendly Mazemaster (a.k.a. Kim Headlee)! :D


This is the revised edition of the 2006 HQN Books work of the same title, written under the pseudonym "Kimberly Iverson." It tells the heart-wrenching story of a young woman who is sold into slavery to pay a Roman tax debt, whose master puts her into the arena to make her fight for her life, for the entertainment of the masses. There she attracts the attention of a wealthy Roman nobleman... and the sparks begin to fly!

Book Trailer

 

Synopsis

They hailed her "Liberty," but she was free only to obey—or die.

Betrayed by her father and sold as payment of a Roman tax debt to fight in Londinium's arena, gladiatrix-slave Rhyddes feels like a wild beast in a gilded cage. Celtic warrior blood flows in her veins, but Roman masters own her body. She clings to her vow that no man shall claim her soul, though Marcus Calpurnius Aquila, son of the Roman governor, makes her yearn for a love she believes impossible.

Groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps and trapped in a politically advantageous betrothal, Aquila prefers the purity of combat on the amphitheater sands to the sinister intrigues of imperial politics, and the raw power and athletic grace of the flame-haired Libertas to the adoring deference of Rome's noblewomen.

When a plot to overthrow Caesar ensnares them as pawns in the dark design, Aquila must choose between the Celtic slave who has won his heart and the empire to which they both owe allegiance. Knowing the opposite of obedience is death, the only liberty offered to any slave, Rhyddes must embrace her arena name—and the love of a man willing to sacrifice everything to forge a future with her.

Review

This book completely took me by surprise. I had read the synopsis, and was intrigued to check it out. I am very glad that I went ahead and read this book. It is epic. That is the only word for the journey that the main character goes on. The scope of her struggle is nothing short of amazing. I was so engrossed in the book, I read it in one sitting. It is an incredible story of one woman’s struggle under Roman rule. She is an incredible character. 

Rhyddes ferch Rudd is a young woman about 18 years old. She is Celtic, part of the Votadini tribe. They had been conquered by the Romans. She has always felt like a slave, her father beats her, never showing an ounce of love for her. Her name means freedom, and this reason becomes clear in the story. When the Picts attack her village, she fights with her brothers
—and finds herself fighting a female warrior. This became the beginning to her life as a warrior.

Marcus Calpurnius Aquila is the son of the Governor of Britannia province, Sextus Calpurnius Agricola. Marcus’ relationship with his father is strained at best. He likes to fight as a gladiator, whereas his father wants him to work toward politics, not associating with the lower class. He has his life decided for him when his father decides he is to marry Senator Falco’s daughter, Lady Messiena.
 

The story is set about 160 A.D. The Romans' rule is far reaching, having conquered most everywhere in what is now Europe and Great Britain. Rhyddes has no love for the Romans. They take and tax everyone to support Rome. Her father decides to sell her into slavery to get rid of her and pay his tax debt. Although her virginity had to be maintained, that did not keep the Roman guards from brutally assaulting her. This was the pattern her life would seem to be taking, everyone hurting her. She was sold to a lanista, Jamil of Tanis, who outbid Marcus. Marcus fell in love at the sight of her, but let Jamil buy her. They were friends, so he was not completely out of luck. Rhyddes's struggle with becoming a gladiatrix and her feelings for Marcus are the focus of the story. There is also a very sinister plot brewing against the Emperors, and she will become a huge part of it. This book has so many things happening, and I do not want to spoil it. She must come to terms with her growing feelings for a Roman when all the empire has done for her is cause her pain. And Marcus has his own journey while figuring out what is important to him and what he will do to achieve his goals. At every turn, their lives go in unexpected directions, pulling them apart because of chance or duty.

The way the author uses facts and fiction, woven together so seamlessly, makes you feel as though this story is truth, and it makes for an incredible experience. The pain and suffering of the heroine is so tangible, you can almost feel the heat and dust of the streets. I cannot say enough good things about this book. The peril and the intrigue will keep you turning the pages, hoping against hope that things will get better for Rhyddes. One can hope that the fates might smile upon the feisty Celt who has done nothing to deserve her station in life. And from his own gilded cage, I was rooting for Marcus for the same reason. It is a fabulous read, and if you liked Spartacus, you may find this is a perfect next Roman tale to sink your teeth into.



Heidi of Drue's Random Chatter gives Liberty




Buy Links
AMAZON KINDLE: USUKCAAU
NOOKINKTERAITUNESKOBOSCRIBDSMASHWORDS


What other reviewers are saying about Liberty


For the rest of the month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas from The Maze


Today I hope you are taking time to be with your loved ones rather than reading this page. This is precisely what I am doing, since I scheduled the post well in advance. :)

 I wish you all the brightest, warmest blessings of the season.

~Kim Headlee
Stories make us greater.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

#HolidayRecipe for Easy Chocolate Pie and spotlight on To Save a Lady by @pat_preston

Looking for a last-minute dessert idea? 
Look no farther than
Easy Chocolate Pie
contributed by To Save a Lady author 
Patricia Preston!


#Holiday Recipe: Easy Chocolate Pie

You need a baked pie crust. (For me, that definitely means store-bought.)

You mix together:  3 tablespoons self-rising flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 cup sugar

Separate 3 eggs.  Mix the egg yolks with 1 ½ cups of milk and tsp of vanilla.

Add to the dry ingredients, add a dash of salt. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in saucepan, add mixture and cook until thick, stirring constantly.

Pour into baked pie crust. Then make meringue using the three egg whites and 2 tablespoons sugar. Use mixer on high to beat egg whites until fluffy, add sugar, and continue mixing until peaks are formed.

Spread meringue on top of pie and bake at 350 until lightly browned.


To Save a Lady by Patricia Preston

A DARING MASQUERADE
A move from Paris to New Orleans brings disaster to Elise Plaisance’s predictable life as a lady’s maid. The son of her grief-stricken mistress disappears, and Elise becomes involved in a web of deceit when she turns to a cunning gentleman for help finding the missing boy.

A CAPTAIN BEWITCHED
Captain Jesse Cross has journeyed to New Orleans with General Jackson’s army, but his biggest battle is one of the heart when he falls for a French girl cloaked in mystery.
With the city on the brink of war, their romance is born in the darkness of a moonlit courtyard and never meant to last forever.

A FUTURE IMPERILED
Deceived by an adversary and haunted by her tragic past, Elise must risk everything to rescue her mistress’s son before all is lost, and Jesse knows he has to stop her even if it means sacrificing his life to save a lady.

Read Chapter 1French Quarter Brides

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1tz2HIq 


Christmas Special!  December 24th and 25th pick up a copy of To Save a Lady, an Amazon Countdown Deal at $0.99 and/or get a copy of my humorous short story, The Yard Sale, for free! http://amzn.to/Jmog8Z

Patricia Preston is a Southern author who writes historical and contemporary romance as well as humorous Southern fiction. Her publishers include New Love Stories, True Romance, Affaire de Coeur, Cloverdale Press, The Blue and Gray Magazine, Sea Oats Review, and Carina Press. She won a William Faulkner Award for Short Fiction, the Lone Star Writing Competition for Historical Romance, and the Harlequin’s World’s Best Romances Short Story Competition.

Her current titles include a historical romance, To Save a Lady, two humorous short stories, “The Yard Sale” and “Laid to Rest” available on Amazon, and a historical novella, Almost an Outlaw.

For info on new releases and contests, sign up for her newsletter

Visit her Webpage

Follow her Twitter (
@pat_preston)

Like her page Facebook



As always on The Maze, you are invited to...
— Add Kim as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join her Street Team,  Kim's All-Stars
— Follow Kim on Twitter
— Add Kim to Google+
— Subscribe to Kim's YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Friday, December 19, 2014

#MistletoeHop, #Giveaways, and Holiday Answering Machine Messages! #MFRWAuthor #ASMSG

Christmas is coming, and The Maze has
decked its halls with the Mistletoe Hop!

Every author on this list is doing a giveaway,
and mine has several facets!

I'm rather famous in these parts for having a singing answering-machine message just about year-round, and my annual Christmas selection that I've used for more than a decade, Dashing to the Mall, is my favorite. However, just to liven things up—and because I was in a festive mood while driving home from the faculty party this evening—I've added a few more to my repertoire. Feel free to use these for yourself; no crediting necessary!

I won't bother to identify the tunes; you'll get the gist soon enough, I'm sure. :D
Leave a comment about your favorite message on my list, suggest improvements or ideas, or even contribute a new one. I'll draw one winner at random from the comments for an e-copy of any of my novels!

Outgoing Message #1: I'm Dreaming of a Solicitation-free Christmas
I'm dreaming of a solicitation-free Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the message light glistens,
And children listen
To hear grandparents who love them so.
I'm dreaming of a solicitation-free Christmas
With every Christmas card I see!
Leave your name and number for me,
And may all your messages be scam-free.
Mood: Wistful

Outgoing Message #2: Hark, the Herald Voice-mail Sings!
Hark, the herald voice-mail sings!
How do I work this newfangled thing?
Where's the booklet that I filed?
God, where is my genius child?
He's the one who set this up!
I'll be lucky if I stop
It, to hear your message repeat;
Hopefully I won't press delete.
Leave your name & phone, and pray
That I will call you back today!
Mood: Frustrated but determined

Outgoing Message #3: Deck the Halls Now
Deck the halls now; don't be lazy!
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Leave your message; don't be hazy!
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Your fine words will give me pleasure,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la!
And I'll call you at my leisure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Mood: Festive

Outgoing Message #4: God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlefolk
God rest ye, merry gentlefolk,
And be ye full of cheer!
Remember I will be back soon,
Your message for to hear!
Be brief, be kind, be informational in what you say,
And I will call you back someday,
Perhaps today,
And perhaps I will return your call today.
Mood: Encouraging

Outgoing Message #5: I Hear the Phone A-jingling
I hear the phone a-jingling,
Ring-ting-tingling too!
You know I might be screening a call
I'm receiving from you.
So leave your name and number
While I decide what to do,
Because it's lovely weather
To play this phone-tag with you!
Mood: Snarky but honest

Outgoing Message #6: Dashing to the Mall
Dashing to the mall in my beat-up Chevrolet
Made me miss the call you placed to me today.
I went out for a ride, some presents for to buy,
But when I got outside I found the traffic inching by.
Oh! I'm not home, please don't groan, I will be right back!
Leave your phone at the tone so your message I won't lack!
Mood: Breathless


In celebration of this month's e-book release of Liberty, I am giving away:


And for more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!





And for more #MistletoeHop fun:

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE where all of the #MistletoeHop authors are advertising our books and posts; please invite your friends!
https://www.facebook.com/events/944231948923747/

Grand Prize Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


#MistletoeHop Participants




Thursday, December 18, 2014

ABOUT WRITING by @SuzdeMello @ReadThis4fun #writing #creativewriting #MFRWOrg

Last month on The Maze we met Suz deMello, erotica author of Plotting and Planning. This month I'm pleased to invite Suz back to feature her book for writers and readers, About Writing.


Both of Suz deMello’s famed writing manuals, now in one handy paperback. A perfect gift for any writer!

Here’s what folks said about Plotting and Planning:

Sue has written a concise manual that is valuable for both beginning and seasoned writers. Going to write a book? Read this first!
Bestselling suspense author Kylie Brant

Suz deMello's Plotting and Planning is a concise, informative, and entertaining look at writing a novel.
Paranormal author Silver James

Not only did Write This, Not That! reach #2 on Amazon’s writing reference list, but it also garnered many five star reviews:

Five stars...good advice and fun to read.
Jo Frye

Five stars... Kudos to the author for a well-written manual!
Book CraZ

Five stars from me... This short guide covers the essentials and is
useful for both new and experienced writers.
Author Catherine Cavendish

BUY ABOUT WRITING HERE:
http://tinyurl.com/deMelloAboutWriting


About Suz deMello:

Best-selling, award-winning author Suz deMello, a.k.a Sue Swift, has written seventeen romance novels in several subgenres, including erotica, comedy, historical, paranormal, mystery and suspense, plus a number of short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. A freelance editor, she’s held the positions of managing editor and senior editor, working for such firms as Totally Bound and Ai Press. She also takes private clients.

Her books have been favorably reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist, won a contest or two, attained the finals of the RITA and hit several bestseller lists.

A former trial attorney, her passion is world travel. She’s left the US over a dozen times, including lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning her next trip.

Stalk Suzie online:

Find her books at http://www.suzdemello.com
For editing services, email her at suzdemello@gmail.com
Befriend her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suzdemello
She tweets @Suzdemello
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzdemello/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SuzATGoodreads   
Her current blog is http://www.TheVelvetLair.com

Thanks for sharing, Suz!

Everyone, don't forget to enter this great Rafflecopter giveaway!



For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A Hunk for the Holidays from #ABloodyGoodCruise by @DianaLRubino #cruises #vampires #sexynovels

Today on The Maze I am pleased to welcome back author Diana Rubino, who talks about the yummy actor who is a drop-dead ringer for the hero Fausto in A Bloody Good Cruise! You're welcome. :D

Diana says...

A Bloody Good Cruise is a fun-filled blend of the vampire world and luxury cruises, starring romance author Mona Rossi and Fausto Silvius, a full-blooded vampire. The popularity of cruises and vampires make it a unique blend, but a very fun setting.

My stories are romances set against a backdrop of political upheaval, court intrigue, poverty, general drama of the surroundings, and at times a splash of the paranormal. What I’m trying to get across in my stories is that love can prevail no matter what the conflicts and obstacles, earthly or not.

Coffeetime Romance says in its review, “A Bloody Good Cruise is a high seas adventure with twists and turns around every corner. The lively cast spins non-stop excitement with thrills and enough snags to keep the pages turning.”

Actor Vincent Irizarry
A Bloody Good Fausto

I wanted to combine Italian vampires, comedy and cruising in one package, so I hopped on my imaginary ship The Romanza to get my characters in all kinds of trouble. I envisioned the hero, Fausto, as actor Vincent Irizarry (Dr. Hayward on All My Children). That made my job so much easier. He is THE perfect vampire. Italian vampires and hunters (the Vampire Ball Busters) leave the field wide open for comic relief, and I had plenty of chances in this story. Since I'm hooked on cruising and I'm Italian, I didn't need to do that much research. The name Fausto came from an Italian woman I met in the 1980s, Fausta. I knew I had to use some version of that name in one of my books. I finally got the chance with the hero Fausto, close enough!

My husband and I are hooked on cruising, and my very first cruise was on the Eastern Mediterranean, beginning in Rome and ending in Istanbul. The ports of call included Rhodes, Cyprus, Santorini, and Egypt. Because I love Italy and cruising, I wanted to combine those passions with a humorous story about vampires and how they face prejudice in the human world.

Excerpt:

Mona forced a dose of cheer through her jangly nerves. Vampire hunters wouldn’t have the balls to attack Fausto and his friends on this ship. Security was tight. “Well, you’re here, so does that mean you’ve been going out, and aren’t confined to your house any more?”

Fausto shrugged. “Almost. I couldn’t wallow in self-pity forever. And I knew seeing you would make it worthwhile.”

She smiled and gave him a genuine Italian cheek pinch. “I’ll cheer you up, faccia bella, you can count on that. You must feel safe.” She gestured at the tacky duds. “I mean, relatively speaking.”   

“Don’t let this scare you, but –” He glanced around over the rims of his shades. Uh-oh. Whenever he said “don’t let this scare you,” it scared her. “I got an ominous message at the doctor’s office earlier.”

“What—” She swallowed a lump. “What kind of ominous message?”

He looked away, shaking his head. “Nothing to get alarmed about. The hunters just want me to know they’re here. After the initial jolt wore off, I said, ‘okay, I’m being stalked again.’ But I’m used to it. It doesn’t make me constantly look over my shoulder like in the old days. My family’s murder gave me a reality check. If they want me, they’ll get me. I can’t let it interfere with my work, or what little leisure time I have here. And you shouldn’t either.” He gazed at her adoringly and cupped her cheek. His hand was surprisingly warm. “But you’re still scared. All the blood’s drained out of your face, and not in a good way.”

Thank you for sharing a member of your Dream Cast, Diana.

As a bonus, here is an interview of Fausto himself!

How did you meet Mona?
We met through a mutual friend, the first violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic, who’s also a SF author. Mona knows him through her network. Since I’m a violinist, the three of us got on great, then he went back home, left me and Mona alone, and…here we are.

If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?
Two hours in a row is rare for me, being on call all the time as the ship’s doctor. But occasionally everybody stays healthy, so I crash in front of the TV and watch Roma,  my soccer team.

You own the team???
No [laughs] – I wish. But I know a few of the players. We met when I worked on a chartered yacht. They visit me when I’m at home in Rome, and we kick a ball around just for fun…then we play chess, where I can beat them!
 

What do you care about, live by?
Being a good citizen, but I want to stay close with my own kind. That’s why I became a doctor, a lot of us are doctors. I love to travel, so I took the job on the cruise line.

Why?
I’m proud of my heritage, yet ashamed on some level. I want to have a noble profession.

How do you behave in a crisis?
I want to work it out in gentlemanly manner. I abhor violence, because of my distant past.

What are your hobbies?
I play violin, piano, flute, I read all of Mona’s novels, and I sing opera arias in the shower.

What kind of books do you love to read? Why?  

I like medical thrillers by authors like Robin Cook, mainly to see how accurate they are, but to enjoy them, too. Another author I like is also a doctor, Larry Gold, M.D. I also like nonfiction books about Ancient Rome, where I came from. I mean, I’m not that ancient, but…I do like reading about the good old days. And, being an opera buff, I love biographies of opera stars, and I enjoy reading a libretto once in a while, although I know most of the storylines, having seen so many operas. To me, that’s light reading.
 

What is your stress buster?
I love to run when the weather’s good, around my home near Rome. My sister lives nearby and has three Great Danes. I enjoy taking them for a run. When I’m on the ship, I jog around the promenade deck with my iPod playing rock 'n roll music. I dance when I’m all alone, too. That’s a great stress buster. It transports me into another world. But you know what helps me forget my problems? Making love with Mona. Now that’s a stress buster.

What is your favorite food? What food do you seek when you’re sad, sort of a comfort food?
When I’m sad, I get my cook to whip up a chocolate Italian cream cake. One day, he was off, and I made it myself, with no recipe—just how I remembered my Nonna makes it. It came out more like pudding. But I devoured it, and it sure lifted my spirits.

Then if not cake, I reach for good old fashioned Italian anisette cookies. Brings me right back to my childhood.


Describe yourself in one word.  
Hopeful.
 

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?  
Marrying Lucrezia Borgia. I knew it was dangerous, but I was in love with her, and as a young—well, relatively young—guy, of course I thought it would last forever. I should’ve done more asking around—after all, references on her were easy enough to get. 

What makes you happy/sad/disappointed/frustrated/hopeful/angry? (Pick one)
Let’s keep it positive. What makes me happy is seeing people board the ship, especially those who’ve never cruised before. Their excitement is contagious. They buzz with pent-up energy. I try to keep that energy level going by inviting the best bands I can get on board and the funniest comedians. It isn’t always easy—sometimes I have to do some serious bribing.
 

What are your wildest dreams/fantasies/kinks/quirks?
My wildest dream is to visit outer space. Not live on another planet, just get a ride up there, orbit Earth and the moon, and head back again. And take some great pictures.


What do you most want out of life, and what’s its opposite? 
I most want people to accept us for who we are, and realize we’re not all Dracula. We’re getting there…I try to get a live TV show broadcast from the ship every Christmas, and we televise the Vampires Ball, our famous costume party. Now they hold those balls on land…so it’s catching on.

What would you never say, do or think?
I’d never give destructive criticism. All my criticism is to be helpful...and only when I’m asked. I’d never do a strip on stage again. Even to make the point that we’re like everybody else. I’d never think I’m superior to anyone just because I have this unusual gene in my DNA.

What are some of your faults?
I bottle up all my emotions, which is very un-Italian and unhealthy. But Mona has done a good job of bringing me out of my shell. She forced me to blow my top when the Vampire Ball Busters tried to torch my home…I did call the police and they got arrested, but I kept all my anger inside, until she urged me to yell and scream and throw things. I admit, it made me feel good for a while. So now when I get really aggravated or sad or even ecstatic about something, I let it all hang out. Even if I have to go into my private den and close all the doors and windows to have a good scream-fest. 

What’s your background, your history?  

I’m a vampire, born in Rome, from long line of vampires, dating back to ancient Rome. I inherited it, it’s genetic. I had no choice. I can trace my ancestry to ancient Rome. So, I’m undead. I was born during the Middle Ages in Rome. Rome was too hot for me, so I moved to England during Mary Tudor’s time.

Over the centuries, our family tried to hide it--we were good Christians, etc., but we had to drink blood. But we never want to bite anyone to get it. We don’t attack strangers, or drink from them directly. We just need the blood of whoever our soulmate is. So if we do bite their neck, it’s part of the sex act.

I’m proud of my ancestors, but know most people wouldn’t understand. I love the sea because of my ancestor Cherubino, who had the sea in his blood. I also revere Columbus; he’s my hero.

There are a lot of descendents from that bloodline. They keep in touch and some are very good friends. Some even intermarried. That makes it easy, they already know what they have to do.  


Thank you for sharing with us today, Fausto!

Diana Rubino is a longtime a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society, and the Aaron Burr Association.

Please visit Diana at
www.dianarubino.com
www.facebook.com/dianarubinoauthorwww.dianarubino.author.blogspot.com

and on Twitter @DianaLRubino.

A Bloody Good Cruise is available in:
Kindle Version: www.amzn.com/B00ILXYAI6
Paperback: bit.ly/1k8Vlrs 



Don't forget to enter this great Rafflecopter giveaway!



For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Monday, December 15, 2014

#HolidayRecipe Creme Eggnog and Fallen Leaves by @TinaGayle #MFRWAuthor #Giveaway

Author Tina Gayle shares on The Maze her recipe for a cup of Christmas cheer along with her latest release, Fallen Leaves!

FESTIVE CREME EGGNOG
1 c. milk
1 (7 oz.) jar Kraft Marshmallow Creme
6 eggs
1/4 c. rum
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (8 oz.) container (3 cups)
Cool Whip non-dairy
whipped topping, thawed
Ground nutmeg

Gradually add milk to marshmallow creme, mixing with electric mixer or wire whisk until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in rum and vanilla; fold in whipped topping. Chill. Mix well. Top with additional whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired. Approximately 10 (1/2 cup) servings. Preparation time: 15 minutes plus chilling. Variation: Substitute 1 teaspoon rum extract for rum.

As Captain Jack Sparrow would say, "Why is all the rum gone?"
Now we know why -- thanks for sharing this yummy recipe, Tina!


Fallen Leaves Synopsis:

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.


Excerpt:
“How long before you install the new cabinets?”

He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.

“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.

“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.

“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”

“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”

“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.

He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”

With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”

Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”

After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task of convincing her great grandmother’s ghost to cross over?

Purchase links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JOTY270
Smashwords  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/428955
allromanceebooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fallenleaves-1479048-140.html

About Tina Gayle:
Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books.

After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing and hope to incorporate the joy of being a mother into her books.

Currently working on a series about four executive wives, she is excited about combining elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. The first three books have been released and the last one is coming out in 2014.
She’s  also started a paranormal romantic mystery series called the Family Tree series. With a family of spirits guiding the lives of their keeper, Amber has a number of tasks to accomplished like solving a two hundred year old mystery.

Married twenty-five years, she and her husband love to travel and play golf.  She can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do more of both.
Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.

Find Tina  everywhere:

Home - www.tinagayle.net
Blog - www.tinagayle.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_GayleFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle
Google + - https://plus.google.com
Linkin - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759

And don't forget to enter this great giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

#HolidayRecipe for Super Easy Fudge and Deputy's Bride by @anitaphilmar #Giveaway

Today on The Maze I offer two temptations—well, three, counting the giveaways, LOL—
Super Easy Fudge, and the sexy Western novel Deputy's Bride by Anita Philmar!

#HolidayRecipe for Super Easy Fudge

1 (8 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate bits
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand milk
1 tsp. of instant coffee
Dash of salt
1/2 to 1 c. nuts
1  tsp. vanilla

Melt bits in milk over low heat, remove from heat and instant coffee, nuts and vanilla. Spread in lightly buttered 9 inch pan; chill until firm, cut.
Remove from pan. Store at room temperature.
Better after 24 hours.

 
Synopsis:
Deputy’s Bride is an erotic, historical western that is a stand-alone story with a satisfying HEA. Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady, one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two.

Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling. Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears its ugly head.

Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making it to the altar?

Excerpt: 
“God, when is he going to get here,” Sarah muttered and strolled to the freestanding, oval mirror in the corner.

Critically, she examined her silk dressing gown’s high collar. Unable to breathe with every button running down the front of garment secured, she’d only connected a few at her waist. The dark red robe highlighted her creamy complexion and light blonde hair.

Through the open at the top, she viewed the curve of her breasts and the tight fit of her corset. The cream color almost matched her skin, creating the illusion that she was nude underneath. Tugging aside her wide skirt, she examined the long line of her legs. She’d opted to omit her bloomers. One, because with the fire raging in the fireplace, she was hot. Two, because she thought Mr. Kildare should get a glimpse of what he’d receive if he decided to make her his wife.

Granted from what Madeline had told Sarah, the man wanted more than a dutiful wife. He sounded as if he were more like her deceased husband. Micah enjoyed playing extreme bedroom games.

She frowned, thinking how much she’d missed sex in the last year. Not because she hadn’t had the chance to indulge. More because she hadn’t wanted to fall victim to the same power hungry crowd that Micah had belonged. She’d done enough for those bastards and she had no intentions of doing... 

Knuckles hammered against her door.

Brushing a nervous hand over her hair, she offered up a silent prayer that everything would work out before she rushed back to the doorway. After a quick breathe, she asked, “Who is it?”

“Bo Kildare, I was sent by Madeline Cowden.”

A masculine tone rang from the other side.

His voice alone sent shivers racing over her skin. She flipped back the lock and inched open the door. “Yes, she said you might be stopping by.”

Anita Philmar likes to create stories that push the limit. A writer by day and a dreamer by night, she wants her readers to see the world in a new way. Influenced by sci-fi programs, she likes to develop places where anything can happen and where erotic moments come to life in a great read. Naughty or Nice? Read her books and decide.

Website:  http://www.anitaphilmar.com/
Email: anitaphilmar@yahoo.com
Blog: http://www.anitaphilmar.blogspot.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/anita.philmar
GR: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1329767.Anita_Philmar
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitaphilmar
Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/anitaphilmar
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Anita-Philmar/e/B002BMBE8C


And don't forget to enter this giveaway for Liberty!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team,  Kim's All-Stars
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Friday, December 12, 2014

#HolidayRecipe Chocolate Crack and Her Best Man by Jana Richards #Giveaway

Rest easy, Mazeites, I'm not corrupting anyone's morals today by sharing this recipe for Chocolate Crack, contributed by 
Her Best Man author Jana Richards!

Chocolate Crack
Ingredients
Approximately 200-250 grams whole graham wafer (about ½ of a small box)
250 ml. (1 cup) salted butter
250 ml. (1 cup) brown sugar
500 ml. (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F). Line a 25 x 38 cm. (10 x 15 inch) jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray or grease well with butter or margarine. Line the pan completely with a single layer of graham wafers, breaking wafers up, if necessary, to make them fit. Set aside.

Combine the butter and brown in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for exactly 5 minutes, stirring constantly. You might need to adjust the heat; if the mixture sputters too much, reduce the heat. If it stops boiling increase the heat; a bull boil will have breaking bubbles all over the surface.

Pour the mixture over the graham wafers as evenly as you can. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let the chips melt for a minute or two and then spread them as evenly as you can with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. Let cool to room temperature and then place pan in the fridge to chill. When the pan is chilled, peel the foil from the wafers and break the slab into random pieces.

Baker’s note: The name of this cookie comes from the fact that you “crack” the final slab into irregular chunks, but the taste is almost as addictive as the other stuff! The boiling time and stirring is important for the success of this cookie, so pay attention. For variation you can sprinkle the warm chocolate with nuts, marshmallows or crushed candy canes.


Her Best Man
by Jana Richards

Synopsis:
Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. How is she supposed to share a tiny cabin with a man she barely knows? How is she supposed to pretend that she and Will are on their honeymoon? Even worse, how can she keep from falling in love with him? Sarah discovers the best man for her really is the best man.

Excerpt:
“You have a beautiful engagement ring,” Josie commented.

Sarah felt her positive resolve slip a little.  She stared at the ring, uncertain why she still wore it.  Did she miss Brad that much, or was it the idea of being married she missed?

“Thank you,” she said simply, hoping Josie would drop the subject.  Apparently, that was too much to hope for.

“Why is it you and Will don’t wear wedding bands?”

“Josie, that’s really none of our business,” Ted rebuked gently.  He took his bride’s hand and planted a tender kiss on each of her fingers.  “We talked about this, sweetie.  Boundaries, remember?”

Ted’s love for Josie shone in his eyes, despite her lack of tact.  He knew all her foibles, weaknesses and plain old stupidities and he still loved her.  Sarah wondered why someone couldn’t love her like that.  She stared at her engagement ring and thought of the day Brad had given it to her.  She’d been so happy and so hopeful of a wonderful future.  But now all her plans and dreams were gone, her hopes of having a family of her own dashed.  How could he have done that to her?

The sob seemed to come from the pit of her stomach, working its way up her body until it just burst uncontrollably out of her mouth.  She covered her mouth with her hand, shocked by the emotion as well as by the tears flooding out of her eyes.  To her surprise she found herself being drawn into Will’s embrace.  She sniffled against his shirt, embarrassing herself further by getting his shoulder wet.

“It’s okay, Sarah,” he whispered.  In a louder voice she heard him speak to the rest of the group who had stopped in mid-chew to stare at her.

“Sarah’s had a very difficult couple of weeks,” he began.  This was it, she thought.  This was where she got outed as a fake bride.  She sucked in a breath.  If he told the truth would he go to jail?  Would she?

“We don’t have any rings because a few days before the wedding the jewelry store where we purchased our rings burned to the ground.  Our rings were lost and Sarah was devastated.  As you can see, she’s still emotional about it.”

Sarah sniffed against Will’s shoulder.  What?

“Oh Sarah, how awful for you!” Josie said.

“But that’s not everything,” Will continued, his voice taking on a serious note.  Sarah stopped sniveling to listen to what he’d say next.  “The wedding dress she’d ordered was lost in transit.  She had to wear a dress off the rack.”

Josie took in a sharp breath.  “No!”

“But the last straw came when a pipe broke at the hall where our reception was going to be held and the place was flooded.  We had to cancel.”

Again, more ohhs and ahhs sounded around the table.  Where did he come up with these crazy stories?

Beatrice chuckled. “I’ve heard some wedding disaster stories, but yours take the cake. Don’t worry, Sarah. Someday you’ll look back and laugh, I promise.”

Gladys raised her glass. “Here’s to Sarah and Will. May their marriage be luckier than their wedding.”

“Hear, Hear.”

Everyone raised his or her glass in a toast. As Sarah wiped her eyes, Will made a toast of his own. “To Sarah. Nothing but blue skies from now on.” He took a drink from his glass, his blue eyes full of compassion, with a hint of humor twinkling under the surface.

Sarah picked up her wineglass. How had he done that? She knew Will’s stories were more about saving his butt than protecting her from humiliation, but still, she’d rather be thought of as the girl whose wedding blew up then the girl who got dumped at the altar. For that she was grateful.

And how had he made her feel so safe and comforted in his arms? She shivered a little, remembering the gentle touch of his hand sliding up and down her back. For that she was less grateful. She was confused enough already about her feelings.

Sarah reluctantly tipped her glass to Will. “To blue skies.”

Buy Her Best Man at:
Uncial Press | All Romance Ebooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Untreed Reads | iBooks | Books a Million

Follow Jana here:
Web site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Newsletter signup | Goodreads | Google+


In celebration of this month's release of Liberty, I'm giving away:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my street team, Kim's All-Stars
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Announcing... #KASIWC paranormal time travel romance #MFRWOrg

Greetings, Mazeites! Are you ready for December to be over yet? Of course you are; don't be ridiculous! (JK—I love this time of year in spite of all the craziness. It's so full of promise and hope and kindness and joy. :)

Speaking of joy, please take a moment to join me in congratulating the winners (already notified) of last month's contests for e-book copies of my paranormal time travel romance, King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court (#KASIWC):

Dorothy W., Lynn C., Raeline P., Lisa M., Becca, Sarah M., Tammy R., Pat W., Mary P., Victoria Z., and Katherine R.

The above (watermarked) image, created by Jennifer "The Royal Portraitist" Doneske, is but a sample of the gorgeous illustrations included in KASIWC that augment this futuristic time travel romp, featuring Queen Morgan le Fay as the fish out of very strange and wonderful (in the original sense of the word!) waters in the late 21st century.

I have another blog tour with giveaway scheduled for KASIWC January 12-23, and I would be ever grateful if you are a blogger and wish to sign up!   
The link is here.
 
And I have an active Rafflecopter running until December 22nd for my latest release!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty. Please enter often, and good luck!