tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227996212024-03-06T22:27:35.315-08:00My Life in Black and White and Sometimes GrayAll things writing, publishing and romance.Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-5136139217907022262016-12-11T08:54:00.002-08:002016-12-11T08:54:35.303-08:00SELF-PUBLISHING BASIC PRIMER<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the past month
more than one person has come to me and said they are entering the
world of self-publishing.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Now what?</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Caveat: All advice
that follows is simply my opinion. It is not gospel. It’s not the
only way. Your mileage may vary. And honestly I’m not going to
cover everything or even get into deep details.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Let’s begin.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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First and foremost,
you really have to make peace with the fact you are deciding to
become a publisher. That means you will be in charge of content,
covers, editing, marketing, formatting, accounting and holding the
author’s hand when they spaz out.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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This may seem like a
no-brainer, but so many people don’t realize they are now their own
gatekeeper in a sense. Instead of submitting a query, a synopsis and
providing a partial to a publisher, you will now have to decide if
the book you wrote can sell.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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You will now have to
find an editor and hire them. If you’re lucky you can hire a former
editor that you know does awesome work and is affordable. If not,
you’re going to have to hunt some down. Send them sample pages to
see if you fit.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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This is all on you.
Are you ready to take that on?</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Second, find smart
people that you admire and kind of sort of cyber stalk them. Go to
Amazon. How many books have they published? What genre are they in?
Does that match up with the categories their books are in on Amazon.
(And you can find the categories at the bottom of the book’s Amazon
page.) How many reviews do they have? How many are verified
purchases? How many say, I received this book in exchange blah, blah.
Look at their website. How reader friendly is it? If they have a
series, is it listed in order? Do they have a printable backlist you
can download? How are their book pages set up?
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Then head over to
the Facebook and Twitter to see how they interact with readers,
peers, etc.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Mostly importantly,
how do they promote? Non-stop? When a book is about to come out?
Graphic teasers? Facebook fan group? Blogs?</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Why do I suggest
this? Because it’s important to know what other people are doing?
How are they getting their books into readers hands?
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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I caution you
though. Do not compare careers. Don’t do it. This always ends in
tears and wine.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Think of this step
as recon because this isn’t the field of dreams. If you write it,
readers do not magically come to buy your book.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Third, some people
will say if you don’t have Facebook and Twitter get one. Get all
the social media. I would say the only thing you have to have is a
newsletter. This is non-negotiable for me. Not everyone will sign up.
That’s fine. No. You do not need to have constant content in your
newsletter. Do you have a book releasing? That’s all you need to
send to anyone who signs up.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Every fan is not
going to follow you on Twitter or friend you on Facebook. How are you
going to let them know you have a new release? YOU. Not Amazon
sending them an email. Or Goodreads alerting them, but YOU.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Get thee a
newsletter.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Put that sign up on
your website where it cannot be missed.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Put it in your
books. In the front and in the back.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DO THIS.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fourth, decide where
you’re going to publish: Amazon, Nook Press, iTunes, Kobo, etc.
Create publisher accounts.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/" name="KDP">KDP</a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://nookpress.com/" name="Nook Press">Nook
Press</a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://writinglife.kobobooks.com/" name="Kobo">Kobo</a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://draft2digital.com/" name="Draft to Digital">Draft
to Digital</a> (If you don’t have a Mac and want to distribute to
places like iTunes.)</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are benefits
to KU if you’re a new author and even if you’re an old hat. There
are tons of articles out there. Google them.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fifth, and this
advice is the most important. Hire out if you can’t do it and you
can afford it. I’m a stubborn cuss. I do my own covers and
formatting. I use <a href="https://www.gimp.org/downloads/" name="GIMP">GIMP</a>
for the former and it has a steep learning curve. For the latter, I
use a word program (any word processor will do that can save a
.docx), then <a href="https://calibre-ebook.com/download" name="Calibre">Calibre</a>
(This can convert your word doc into .mobi, PDF, .epub, etc.) then
<a href="https://sigil.en.softonic.com/" name="Sigil">Sigil</a>.
(Only click the green download button. AND this only formats the
.epub. I use this to create a table of contents.)</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are tons of
articles where you can find a how to for the above.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
BUT IF YOU CAN
AFFORD TO HIRE OUT, HIRE OUT.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because
self-publishing is hard enough. Do not put anything on your plate
that can be easily delegated.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sixth, find a
community if you don’t already have one. This shit is hard. It
helps if you have peeps in your corner or even if they understand
what you’re going through. These same folks can also point you to
awesome resources. I know what I know because of Romance Divas. I
stay on top of things because I’ve made friends through Facebook
and Twitter. I could not do this publishing thing without my tribe.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Last but not least,
this is a marathon not a sprint. Sure, I’ve had some success, but I
took the long way round. Self-publishing in 2016 is so not
self-publishing in 2012 when I started. Try everything at least once.
Stay the course. Always be on the lookout for something new.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keep writing good
books. Remember that’s why you decided to take on this monster.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you have any
questions, I’ll answer them in the comments.</div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-58685033123437609622016-12-09T13:15:00.000-08:002016-12-09T13:15:41.973-08:00I'm Late! I'm Late! I'm Late!*blows dust off blog*<br />
Hey. You guys still out there?<br />
<br />
It's been a while. A lot of has happened. I dropped BLUEST OF BLUE and went on a hiatus. I would love to say I spent all this time writing on the next Scot or the next Geek, but I kind of got distracted with filth.<br />
<br />
Good news though. I'm writing again and hopefully the next release will be in March. I know that seems eons away, but the original guess was June. Silver lining!<br />
<br />
With that said, I'm gearing up to put DOWN TO ASH and BLUEST OF BLUE in print. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kilt-Tease-Under-4/dp/1535569859/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">KILT TEASE</a> is already in print and SCOT APPEAL is soon to follow.<br />
<br />
The geeks are currently on sale at a discounted price. If you haven't already picked them up, now is the time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2hnF4nS" target="_blank">TO ONE HUNDRED</a> is FREE. Tell all your friends. <a href="http://amzn.to/2hfc3rt" target="_blank">DOWN TO ASH</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2hdxVpG" target="_blank">BLUEST OF BLUE</a> are also discounted, not to free though.<br />
<br />
And last but not least, I come with the gift of an excerpt. Porter's book is up next. Check out the cover!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVktvZorYlWqg5i2_5OCJxbkYkx_jQKYXFqRWtjc-HSJhtbag_0ZhLv8oZo8AmL5CgQkVMWnK6thwewRrxXGU_QwXeUr5xZc992zVIKPBUTbrtkc3A00rDNsDf5uHu4szbop-/s1600/NewThreeLittleWords3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVktvZorYlWqg5i2_5OCJxbkYkx_jQKYXFqRWtjc-HSJhtbag_0ZhLv8oZo8AmL5CgQkVMWnK6thwewRrxXGU_QwXeUr5xZc992zVIKPBUTbrtkc3A00rDNsDf5uHu4szbop-/s320/NewThreeLittleWords3.png" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a sneak peek to what's to come for Porter and his heroine. (FAIR WARNING IT IS UNEDITED.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Chapter One</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>We need to talk.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter made a face at those words on his
cell phone, from a number he didn't even recognize. He tried to
remember the last time someone had said that to him and it had ended
well.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Fucking
never.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Huh?”
Grady asked without dragging his gaze away from the baby bundled in
his arms. The knitted pink blanket laid recklessly over all of the
baby and half of Grady.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter smiled. Grady, usually, the one
who had it all together at all times sat in his living room with only
basketball shorts, one sock and his hair stuck up and slanted to the
left.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">As Grady's brother would say, the end of
the era had begun. The comfortable loveseat had been replaced with a
rocking chair. Well, a Cadillac of rocking chairs. You could rock on
your own, or set a timer so it rocked for you. Could massage
all...massage you and keep beer cold or...a bottle—sure—warm in
the temperature-regulated cup holder.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Is
Izzie asleep?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Fuck,
no.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Which probably explained Grady's hair.
Porter stuffed his phone back in his pocket. Bad news could wait.
“Give her here. Go up with Eva and get some sleep. You look like
you need it.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Tired blue eyes met his. “How old were
you when Ashley was born?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">wo</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">.
First memory. She was ugly. Pinched little face, making all this
noise.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">An even more tired smile breaks across
Grady's face. “Nothing's changed.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter sighs. “She's not ugly anymore.”
One of his best friends definitely think so, which was why on a
Saturday night he was sitting in Grady's house, half-assed playing a
video game. Didn’t hurt to check on a friend after said friend had
a baby.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He needed this touchstone. In the past
year Grady had eloped with Eva before having a baby. His sister and
his best friend had also married three months before. Even his other
friend Wade had become engaged.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Nothing was stable and he needed
something to remain the same. Craved it. Upheaval made him edgy and
that's all he'd known for six months, at the least.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">With a sigh, “Give Izzie over. She'll
be fine.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Grady hunched his shoulders then carried
the baby over. “There's breast milk in the fridge if she gets
hungry. Diapers and shit in the closet. And don't be afraid to come
get me if you can't deal.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Having handed over the torch, Grady
didn't waste a moment to shag ass up the stairs. Porter chuckled and
brought Izzie to his chest. She felt small, fragile in his arm. Her
eyes were wide open and a cross between green and blue.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">You're going to break hearts,” he
murmured.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The sweetest smile he'd ever seen broke
out on her face. He laughed until the toxic gas escaped the cover.
“Jesus Christ, you are father's child.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">His phone buzzed in his pocket again.
Shifting the baby with one hand, he tilted to the side to dig it out.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>In person is best.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter had always assumed people were
being dramatic when they said their stomach dropped to their knees,
their hearts literally stopped or their blood ran cold.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>We need to talk.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>In person.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">A cold sweat prickled over his forehead.
He glanced at the baby and Izzie seemed to look straight into his
soul.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He didn't have to text the person back or
call to know it was a woman. It was indeed bad news.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>It's Iris, btw.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Izzie began to fuss and rub as her eyes.
He rose from the couch to move to the rocking chair. His knees might
have gave out halfway down, but he closed his eyes and rocked.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>We need to talk.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>In person.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>It's Iris.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">It was bad news seeded three months ago
when his sister married his best friend. Three months ago when he had
to stand in church, before God, and hand his baby sister over.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Should
have fucking known,” he murmured to the baby, and she quieted at
the rumble of his voice. “Never could say no to my sister though.
She had asked me to walk her down the aisle and give her away. How
the fuck could I say no to that?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He glanced down. “Don't tell your
parents I'm teaching you cuss words. We can always blame Wade.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Her little fist broke through the
blanket's fold to rest on his chest. He offered his finger for her to
squeeze. His gut continued to churn.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Iris.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Fucking Iris.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He slowed his rock and slouched in the
chair. “But I'm the closest thing to a father for Ashley.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter was the one to soothe any hurts
when she skinned her knees or hurt herself when being fearless.
Porter was the one who guided her, sometimes with an overprotective
hand through life. Those two years between them was a lifetime
because he'd taken care of her when it mattered.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He wasn't father but Big Brother meant
something to him.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Literally placing placing his sister's
hand in his best friend's hand, entrusting Victor with his very
heart—Ashley...Porter might have acted a little irrationally
afterward.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">What was that saying? Chickens coming
home to roost.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>We need to talk.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>In person.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>It's Iris.</i></span></div>
<div class="western" style="break-before: page; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Chapter Two</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Three Months Ago</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">With a long sigh, Iris placed her hand in
Porter's and stepped into his embrace as the music filled the dance
hall. Only a handful of people were on the floor—all from the
wedding party. Ashley and Victor were perched at the head table
watching their friends and family play nice.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>Play nice</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">,
she emphasized as a reminder..</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter’s hand slide down her back and
stopped at her tailbone. She shook off the shiver and glared up at
him.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I
swear, if I see one rendition of that messed up running man, I'm
clocking people with my purse.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Nice
to finally meet the real you, Iris.” His laugh slid into her like
honey as he set them off to a slow rock.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">A flash
came from her left—the photographer had caught the laugh on film.
It would be a good picture. Porter was...handsome. She guessed if she
had to give him any kind of credit. If she didn't kind of hate him,
she might even say Porter was fine as fuck. He had thick lips, brown
skin, sloped cheekbones. A barber must have cleaned up the scruff
along his jaw since it hadn't morphed into a beard but everyone knew
scruff was better anyway.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And it wasn't like she could ignore every
muscled inch of his body since she was plastered against him.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The photographer stepped back. Iris
smiled then was hit with another flash. The moment the woman walked
away, she glared again at Porter.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He was smiling at her. Surprise then
something much warmer settled into her gut. She snorted and swayed
thoughtlessly to the music. “Why are you smiling at me?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">You
clean up nice.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">My
boobs do look good in this dress.” She lifted his chin when like
clockwork he dipped his head down to get a peak.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">How
long is this song?” he asked.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">She swallowed the laugh. “Four minutes
and eight seconds. I helped pick it out. Now this was before I
thought about the fact I'd be partnering with you.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Ashley's
forgiven me but you're going to hold onto a pissed-off torch?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">A corner of his mouth quirked up and then
all she could do was stare. A man shouldn't have the kind of lips
that encouraged obscene thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Yup,” she rasped.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He smiled again then dipped her. She
flailed at the abrupt move but he held her steady as he straightened.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">This
means war,” she murmured.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Yup.
You better hold on.” With his height advantage over her, it was too
easy to bring her arm up. “Twirl, baby, twirl.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">If
you don't give me my arm back...”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He shook his head then walked around her
like they were doing a tango. He brought her hand up to his lips. It
was supposed to be a joke or to piss her off, but her skin tingled
where his mouth had touched. The way he glanced up, his eyes dark
pools of lust pretty much said he'd felt that small punch to his gut,
too.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He scraped his thumb across the back of
her hand before he dropped it.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Porter moved behind her, resting his
hands on her hips. “We can do the <i>Dirty Dancing</i> moves next.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">You
want to run your hands down the sides of my breast...without my
permission? In HR we call that sexual harassment.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">You
invited me to look at your breasts then sucker punched me in the chin
when I tried.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Sucker
punch is a strong word.” But she couldn't deny she'd invited the
stare with every intent to block him from indulging. She'd met most
of the Goon Squad in passing. They were interesting, all five of
them. They were also very, very </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">hetereosexual</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">
men. They didn't leer, but they'd conquered the art of glancing at
boobs and asses when one (or rather a pair) caught their fancy.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Iris should have felt bad over laying an
obvious trap for Porter, but at the least he deserved a soft knock to
his chin for the way he’d treated Ashley in the past.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">She
finally twirled and smiled at him. “Two more long minutes with me.
Isn't this fun?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He laughed and tugged her back into his
embrace. “Could be.” He trailed his hands down until they rested
at her waist. “A lot of fun.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">His timbre had dropped an octave and she
had no doubt they'd stopped playing somehow. He dipped his head
again, his mouth brushing her earlobe. “You're beautiful. I should
have just said that from the beginning.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Her breath hitched. “Is this how you
get forgiveness?”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">This
is how I flirt.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Her stomach turned weightless, but in a
good way. A very good one. “You looked at my boobs. Has that effect
on men.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Nope.
Not why I'm flirting.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Then
wh</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">y</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">?”
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Not
that she cared.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Kind of.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Dammit.</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Your
laugh. The fact you wanted to maim me and would have if I gave you
enough leverage.” He lowered his voice. “These hips.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Never had that line ever worked on
her...until he'd said it, in a voice that was made for dirty talk. He
could have told her she had a fat neck and she'd still probably be as
turned on. And, yeah, her panties were trying to unroll themselves.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Not because he was—okay, he was fine as
fuck even though his brows naturally arched into a frown. His brown
eyes seemed just one laugh away from lighting up. She'd been hellbent
on irritating him and he'd turned the tables on her.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Did she forget to mention he smelled of
spice and leather? It was a testosterone-ladden scent that had
probably felled more than a few women in his past. Simply put, he
smelled like something one should ride, at least once. The latter is
why she wavered for only a moment. From what she knew of him, Porter
wasn't a good guy. Probably wasn't a bad boy either.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He was still waters. Porter was lethal.
One likely either sank or swam with him. Iris was too practical to
flirt with drowning.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The only other thing to save her was the
last strands of the song. She pushed away from him, her face heated.
“Stop flirting with me.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Iris...”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Her shoulders went up and she leaned into
him. Porter once again brushed his lips along her earlobe. “I'd
believe you if you didn't keep looking at my mouth.”</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Had she? Probably. Thoughtlessly. They
were perfect. Not too big. Not too small. She could easily imagine
him closing his mouth on her clit with one long suck. Or feathering
along her neck. Or brushing her torso.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">She spun on her heels, headed straight
for the bar. She needed a cup of ice and a bigger cup of whiskey.
There was no way she'd let Porter use that voice on her again. That
way lay trouble.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">****</span></span></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-29998755026186333752016-02-11T09:02:00.001-08:002016-02-11T09:02:43.704-08:00The One With The Charming Bastard<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C4DugB-JSPaxQpxVf7Wqetu_jyzJLR_PkcrnaRNrfXHoIi6K6xqweQwlWBW-uzXrtP_IlHfY5TX47ASNyoEimTthr3p9iVvAWzarvWbEzVhNzwaFY_MXQoddPGU3ANch5GQ-/s1600/SA_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C4DugB-JSPaxQpxVf7Wqetu_jyzJLR_PkcrnaRNrfXHoIi6K6xqweQwlWBW-uzXrtP_IlHfY5TX47ASNyoEimTthr3p9iVvAWzarvWbEzVhNzwaFY_MXQoddPGU3ANch5GQ-/s320/SA_2.jpg" width="222" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">SCOT APPEAL is live! I hope you pick up and enjoy Marcus and Ivy's story. And, ya know, become #TeamMarcus :)<br /><br />Marcus
Baird has been called a lot of things: Scottish bastard, heartless,
ruthless, but thanks to his new neighbor, he could add ginger buff
guy. The ruthless part is true, at least. His current occupation as a
handyman is a front to fuel a bidding war between his former employer
and the next private equity firm in his sights—an undertaking that
should have all his attention, but Ivy makes him an offer he cannot
refuse.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When
Ivy Stewart imagined losing her virginity, she was at least a decade
younger, a yes away from marriage, and her perfect man would make
sweet, slow love to her. Waiting for that dream to unfold has kept
her watching life from the sidelines. She's done biding her time.
It's foolhardy to choose Marcus. He's a man with secrets and an ugly
past, but he's honest about what their relationship will be, charming
and...he's very good with his hands.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Since
Marcus took Ivy into his bed, he's lived a lie. He could be the man
she needs. He isn't a workaholic and he doesn't really have a heart
of stone. But it's only a matter of time before Ivy finds out the
truth, and once again he's nothing but a Scottish bastard.<br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scot-Appeal-Contemporary-Scottish-Romance-ebook/dp/B018Y7DHT6/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Amazon</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/scot-appeal/id1065466954?mt=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">iTunes</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scot-appeal-melissa-blue/1123117640?ean=2940152507140" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Barnes
and Noble</span></span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/scot-appeal"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Kobo</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-scotappeal-1959047-340.html" target="_blank">ARe</a><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about?id=6ntRCwAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google
Play</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/598139"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Smashwords</span></span></a></span></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-45172549439191106972016-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:002016-01-26T17:58:41.093-08:00The Silent Roar<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Fair
warning: If you are looking for a measured think piece, do not pass
go. Do not collect $200. Click that X box in the corner. This is a
curse-laden rant. It is not nice or understanding.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The
roar, this time at least, started a few months ago. I wholeheartedly
volunteered to be a part of an event that would shine the spotlight
on romance authors who write about or who are WOC, LGBTQ.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Sounds
uplifting, right?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The
whole movement of #weneeddiverseromance is about putting the money
where your mouth is. Don't just say you want to read more books that
features these characters. Buy, read, review and in general be
inclusive. The authors and corresponding article would be featured on
Kirkus.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">FuckYesAwesome,
right?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">But
about two weeks ago, I was informed the corresponding article would
likely make my eye twitch, if not make me lose my shit on the
Internet. I was braced and then I read the article. Let me highlight
one part that I think best explains the trouble we're facing in
romance:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: #383838;">“<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many
of the diverse authors I’ve mentioned in my column, whose books I’d
like to read, don’t have audio versions, so even when a friend
gifts me with credits, I don’t have many diverse options.”</span></span></span></blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Now
let me try and break it down for you in case you read that and go
what's the problem? I don't see the problem. When it comes to
diversity people are always making a mountain out of a molehill.
She's not saying I can't read books with people of color because POC
is so OTHER. She's not even saying diverse books aren't on my radar
and I never read one. She comes across nice, right?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">One: A
person decided to put together an event that would showcase diversity
in romance.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Two:
This event was planned months in advance.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Three:
Everyone is living a busy life, and their time is limited.
So...understandable. BUT...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Four:
And in all those months you couldn't manage to read ONE or listen to
ONE, half a of ONE, a paragraph, a sentence...<br /><br />Five: And in
all the months ahead, you still might not read ONE or listen to ONE,
half of ONE, a paragraph, a sentence....</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Why
should a person reading this article go out of their way to read a
diverse romance when the writer of said article couldn't be bothered
to do it? For an event she put together? Instead of a showcase, what
the article becomes is Reasons Why I Don't Have Time To Read
Diversely But Meybe You Should????<br /><br />What was the purpose of
writing anything about diversity in romance? Other than to get a pat
on the back because it looks good.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><a href="http://www.donotlink.com/framed?840581">This
article</a> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">and
the </span></span><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><a href="http://www.donotlink.com/framed?840581">responding
one</a> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">is
why there's a roar within the romance industry. The roar is silent as fuck, because it seems the only people bothered by things like
this live it every day. Let me explain. If it was some misogynistic
blowhard saying romance is just ladygarden porn, my feed would be
exploding. If it was about rape culture, I wouldn't be able to turn
around without seeing this referenced. These are issues that are
inclusive as horrible as that is. It doesn't matter what color you
are or your sexual preference or if you are physically disabled.<br /><br />But
if it involves diversity it's practically so silent it's deafening.
Or half-hearted hand waving.<br /><br />Let me belabor my point with
another list:<br /><br />It's hard to find books that features diverse
characters.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The
ones I read were...not to my taste.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I like
what I like. Why do I have to go out of my way to read books that
aren't to my taste?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I'm
afraid to write a person of color because I don't want to do it
wrong.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I have
written A person of color or someone from the LGBTQ community or
here's my one story about that vet who lost his leg/arm/eye.<br />Aren't
Interracial Romances about race? I just want a romance.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I
don't think I could identify with the heroine or hero.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I have
plenty of secondary characters that are not white or straight.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">We are
currently looking for more diverse authors and books. (Goes to their
website and there's only one person of color on staff.)</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I love
Kimani Romance or THIS ONE BLACK/ASIAN/LATINO author!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I did
read a book by an author of color and it didn't read authentic.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Being
diverse is so politically correct right now.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I'm
a nice person and I can't be racist.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br />Here's
the thing, no one wants to think they are racist. No one wants to
have that Come To Jesus moment where they see their actions or speech
are actively participating in the systematic oppression of another.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Ask
yourself the hard question, that some (</span></span><a href="http://www.donotlink.com/framed?840581"><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I'm
not naming names</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">)
won't: What are my reasons for not buying, reading or even sometimes
reviewing books of people who don't look like me, sound like me, live
lives that I don't lead?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">If you
start to make excuses for why you don't, you are actively
participating in the systematic oppression of another. You can do
that and be the nicest person. Nice isn't a shield. It is not a
preventive measure for unconscious bias. It's unconscious, you don't
even know you're doing it...Hence the Come To Jesus moment.<br /><br />And
just FYI: If you do not actively participate in oppressive behavior
OR you've recently had your Come To Jesus moment about the serious
lack of diversity in your reading choices, buying habits, hell your
blog header or writing, please do not break off your arm to pat
yourself on the back. This is equally as bad in my eyes. Being a
decent human being is not about brownie points or career trajectory.
But I get it. For some people not being an asshole deserves an award
or a golf clap.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">So...this
post isn't for the clueless. This post is for you. The average every
day you. IF YOU ARE A NICE PERSON, YOU. Even if you have talked to me
personally, and I've let you know I adore you. 'Cause really if you
love shenanigans and dick jokes like me, we can be online BFFs.<br /><br />You
are not shielded.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">You
still might be saying or doing something that is oppressive as fuck.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">EVEN
ME AS A PERSON OF COLOR, I CAN BE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN SOMEONE
ELSE'S OPPRESSION. May not feel like it some days, but I have
privilege. I'm heterosexual. The only people who have come close to
calling me an abomination are folks who dare to knock on my door
Saturday morning (before coffee) with a pamphlet. I can have
unconscious bias about Koreans, Latinos, homosexuals. I'm not sure if
anyone would call me nice, but do you see my point? How can you
demand a seat at the table when on your way there, you are tripping
other people to get to your seat?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">So...reviewers,
bloggers: Take a look at the books you've read and reviewed. No.
Seriously. More times than I can count, I have looked at a review
site, and page after page I don't see one chocolate drop. Or any drop
of anything other than mainstream.<br /><br />Peeps: Take a look at the
books you've bought AND shared on your social media. No, really. Stop
and think. When someone is looking for contemporary romances that
feature diverse characters do you have a long list? Awesome.<br /><br />When
someone asks for contemporary romance recommendations, are you
including those same books? Or leaving them out because “diverse”
wasn't stated?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Take a
longer minute if you need to.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">THIS
POST IS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU.<br /><br />And in case you're getting
defensive, about to type a fuck you Melissa Blue, and you can suck it
hard. Take another minute, and really think do I want to be a part of
the problem? Even in ways that doesn't make me evil but thoughtless?
Why would you want to be thoughtless? Why would you want your peer to
feel like they are working in a hostile environment? Where they have
no voice? Outside of readers, in this industry, you are the greatest
ally.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Lastly,
agents, editors, publishers: If you do a call for diverse romance
novels, you should know people like me might take a look at your
staff. If you believe in diversity in romance, why doesn't your staff
roster show it? Otherwise, I think you're full of shit. And if you
can pass that sniff test, (not likely) and you point me to your
dedicated line to African Americans. Awesome. But when I look at your
marketing campaign, year after year, the only thing you really do say
to sell books...Hey, Black Peoples! Not Secret Baby Romance. Friends
to Lovers Romance. Alphas Who Kidnap Their Heroines.<br /><br />Just
black peoples in romances....<br /><br />THIS POST IS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">So
TL;DR: Romance industry get your shit together. Stop looking to the
people you are oppressing to help you stop oppressing them. Like
Glenda would say, the power was within you the whole fucking time.
(Paraphrased Glenda.) Show some goddamn initiative if you really want
to be inclusive. And if you can, be a great ally in both your words
and actions.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-86402670235647400822016-01-25T08:21:00.000-08:002016-01-25T08:28:29.748-08:00Dirty Scot Starter Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwisuX54hsIYeQ8QORoQ_Qw6z6wWqRwuA6Ke4wvsJNBc_-144yvD28RQtDEkJWILOxvm0HUerApqUeKpDdnjwhpMyhyphenhyphenN2FbhY0p38IO04VT5nev038S8D_gExOZdEWS0WV9yA/s1600/ScotAppeal_ComingSoon2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwisuX54hsIYeQ8QORoQ_Qw6z6wWqRwuA6Ke4wvsJNBc_-144yvD28RQtDEkJWILOxvm0HUerApqUeKpDdnjwhpMyhyphenhyphenN2FbhY0p38IO04VT5nev038S8D_gExOZdEWS0WV9yA/s320/ScotAppeal_ComingSoon2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Either some of you have never heard of
me or you've just finished reading TO ONE HUNDRED. (Or, bless you,
you know my dirty Scots all too well.) The purpose of this missive is
to prepare you for Feb. 11<sup>th</sup>. SCOT APPEAL will be
released and there will be a sudden surge on your social media about
Scotsmen, kilts, dick jokes, random trivia about Scotland and none of
it will likely have anything to do with Outlander. I can only
apologize about the last part, because Jaime...UNF.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, let's do a mini-recap. (And by mini
I mean the write-ups will be shorter than the books.) These books are
much lighter in tone, a shade less angsty and emo, but overall fun,
sexy reads.<br />
<br />
* TLDR: UNDER HIS KILT is free if you need to
catch up. SCOT APPEAL will be out Feb. 11<sup>th</sup>. (Buy links
for the entire series here.
http://www.themelissablue.com/under-the-kilt-series.html)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
UNDER HIS KILT: Ian Baird is the hero.
Born and raised in Scotland but now resides in America (California at
the opening of the book) as a curating consultant. (Say that five
times fast.) He knows his way around dry wit, and better yet, women.
Because of that he has rules about the kind of women he'll sleep
with. No one inexperienced and definitely no one he's working with.
Of course that means his heroine is Jocelyn, a curator he has to work
with. Her thirtieth birthday is right there on the horizon. She has
lived a life that is all about work, rarely any play. She convinces
Ian to teach her how to play, even if it involves anal. Yes, I typed
that with a straight face. (JUST GO WITH IT. I PROMISE IT PAYS OFF.)
There's a dog, angst, a big miscommunication and some backstory
involving mums. Not mothers because hey Scot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Buy Links:</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.31in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Under-His-Kilt-ebook/dp/B00FP8QLTG/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-His-Kilt-ebook/dp/B00FP8QLTG/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon
UK</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-his-kilt-melissa-blue/1117054634?ean=2940148783022&itm=1&usri=2940148783022" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Barnes
and Noble</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-underhiskilt-1313960-178.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ARe</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/362658" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Smashwords</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/under-his-kilt" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Kobo</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/under-his-kilt/id718592849?mt=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">iTunes</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
HER INSATIABLE SCOT: Tristan Baird is
the hero, Ian's older brother. Scotland is his home until his brother
calls in a favor. See, Tristan used to be a con man. He's turned
legit and now works as a carpenter—repenting for past sins and
doing his best to be honest. His brother wants him to get him a house
and that involves a little white lie. I'm-an-married-man lie.
I-can-pass-off-as-my-brother lie. Since he can't do this small con
alone, Keri will be his partner in crime. Keri...a little science
geeky, a <i>lottle</i> (Yes. I'm a writer. I can make up words)
sexually insecure and honest because she can't lie to save her life.
(JUST GO WITH THIS PLOT. I PROMISE IT PAYS OFF.) There's almost a
step-by-step guide on how to con someone, sexual facts like how many
nerve-endings reside in a c...never mind. Just read the book.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
KILTED FOR PLEASURE: Callan Baird is a
grouchy jackass aka the wounded hero of the series. His wife died,
and unlike the other Bairds he's not afraid to love. He just doesn't
wanna. This book takes the reader from California to Scotland, but
don't worry. The plot is totally American i.e. the hero has medical
debt despite the existence of NHS. (JUST GO WITH IT. I PROMISE IT
PAYS OFF.) Victoria is a kick ass heroine who gives the hero a blank
stare for all his emo. Even though he is grouchy, he can be a charming
bastard. And a dirty one. There's a castle, an older Baird who likes
to play matchmaker for his laddies, and this time I switch things up
with a shitty da. Not father because hey Scot.<br />
<br />
KILT TEASE:
Here we have the special edition of UNDER THE KILT series. It's not
as dirty or angsty, but it has Kate, never to be called Kitten. By
the end of the first chapter you will completely understand why I say
this book has Kate and that's all you need to know to buy it. And
there's Quinton, Callan's younger brother, a former rugby player who
is cocky and knows it. He likes his privacy, his money and he's wary
of relationships. BUT he needs a temporary girlfriend for reasons.
(JUST GO WITH IT. I PROMISE IT PAYS OFF.) Lastly, I finally have a
Scotsmen in this series wear a kilt. SPOILER.<br />
<br />
That's the
recap. Consider yourself prepared for Marcus Baird aka the charming
bastard. I'm letting a Baird near a virgin. Mwahahahaha. I had so
much fun writing this book.<br />
<br />
Again, TLDR: UNDER HIS KILT is
free if you need to catch up. SCOT APPEAL will be out Feb. 11<sup>th</sup>.
(Buy links for the entire series here.
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.themelissablue.com/under-the-kilt-series.html">http://www.themelissablue.com/under-the-kilt-series.html</a></u></span></span>)<br />
<br />
Info
about SCOT APPEAL below:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhMj2NuIBmTOPRV3yJWX7ML-WKRj6xiMOprhI838plc3uIgi7EGhaumnWYhRuP0KqC85KJXm4HbOJXNHXU1UJC2zrHOzARtcPAMX7loXcTn2csjXnfaQqOQu3vObXLs_8zx_y/s1600/SA_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhMj2NuIBmTOPRV3yJWX7ML-WKRj6xiMOprhI838plc3uIgi7EGhaumnWYhRuP0KqC85KJXm4HbOJXNHXU1UJC2zrHOzARtcPAMX7loXcTn2csjXnfaQqOQu3vObXLs_8zx_y/s320/SA_2.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Marcus
Baird has been called a lot of things: Scottish bastard, heartless,
ruthless, but thanks to his new neighbor, he could add ginger buff
guy. The ruthless part is true, at least. His current occupation as a
handyman is a front to fuel a bidding war between his former employer
and the next private equity firm in his sights—an undertaking that
should have all his attention, but Ivy makes him an offer he cannot
refuse.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br />When
Ivy Stewart imagined losing her virginity, she was at least a decade
younger, a yes away from marriage, and her perfect man would make
sweet, slow love to her. Waiting for that dream to unfold has kept
her watching life from the sidelines. She's done biding her time.
It's foolhardy to choose Marcus. He's a man with secrets and an ugly
past, but he's honest about what their relationship will be, charming
and...he's very good with his hands.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Since
Marcus took Ivy into his bed, he's lived a lie. He could be the man
she needs. He isn't a workaholic and he doesn't really have a heart
of stone. But it's only a matter of time before Ivy finds out the
truth, and once again he's nothing but a Scottish
bastard.</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scot-Appeal-Contemporary-Scottish-Romance-ebook/dp/B018Y7DHT6/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/scot-appeal/id1065466954?mt=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">iTunes</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scot-appeal-melissa-blue/1123117640?ean=2940152507140" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Barnes
and Noble</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-scotappeal-1959047-340.html" target="_blank">ARe</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about?id=6ntRCwAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google
Play</a></span></span></span></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-9198518886763635232015-11-16T09:27:00.000-08:002015-11-16T09:27:53.248-08:00PSA: Retiring TitlesI published WEEKEND LOVER in 2012. That book was a fluke. As a writer I was stretching my wings and trying out new genres and erotic romance was definitely outside my comfort zone. I wrote sweet-ish romances, I thought. I would write sweet-ish romances until the day I die.<br />
<br />
Then came along UNDER HIS KILT and that changed the course of my writing career. The past three years have been awesome and crazy. But after writing TWICE SHY, I had to admit I no longer write sweet-ish romances. And bless anyone who goes from DOUBLE TROUBLE to UNDER HIS KILT. Or a reader tries out DOUBLE TROUBLE after loving KILTED FOR PLEASURE.<br />
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Though I may be the common factor, these stories don't live in the same genre. When someone looks at my backlist, I don't want any confusion. This will only get worse as I add to my #dirtysexygeek series. So I'm retiring a couple of titles from the Melissa Blue name.<br />
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Don't freak out though. Many of these titles will be re-published under a new author name and I won't keep it a secret--PROMISE. This process will be long, but know that by 2016, you will no longer be able to purchase these titles under the Melissa Blue name.<br />
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Here's a list of titles that will be retired:<br />
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Sugar Plum Kisses<br />
Everything You Need<br />
Everything He Dreamed<br />
Double Dare<br />
Twice Smitten<br />
Double Trouble<br />
See Megan Run<br />
See Lynne Chased<br />
The One I Want<br />
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All right. Any questions don't be afraid to ask me. I don't bite unless you ask.Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-61892261444231811142015-11-11T10:46:00.000-08:002015-11-11T10:46:57.708-08:00New Release: Devil of the Gridiron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H6aazLqzOaLinWBXY02EmY28LxLS2ndBu_gcLj2ag0VMo0hwrdM7eycvf7XCPwD-C7VGsE99JxODpu6Djso85ch0QlekTMfzlHy3RnKroaY3kqwQWRniFxaX_1dhKnQTzss6/s1600/1FinalCopy_DOTG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H6aazLqzOaLinWBXY02EmY28LxLS2ndBu_gcLj2ag0VMo0hwrdM7eycvf7XCPwD-C7VGsE99JxODpu6Djso85ch0QlekTMfzlHy3RnKroaY3kqwQWRniFxaX_1dhKnQTzss6/s320/1FinalCopy_DOTG.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">A few months ago I decided to take a risk and write a story for submission. I wasn't going to have a release until January. I had time to write a short novella, and what could it hurt? Mind you, I haven't wrote to submission guidelines in more years than I can remember. But I heard about Kindle Worlds, in </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">particular</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> <a href="https://kindleworlds.amazon.com/world/GameForLove?ref_=kww_home_ug_GameForLove" target="_blank">Bella Andre's GAME FOR LOVE</a> series. Andre's story features a bad boy football player and a sweet heroine. Also, the book was hotter than fish grease. How could I resist?</span><br />I wrote the story, submitted it and Kindle Worlds accepted DEVIL OF THE GRIDIRON. It's out now! So exciting.<br /><br />Anyway, here's an excerpt and the deets are below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;">***</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Six months was much, much too long to go without if a woman's back could get him revved. Some men weren't made to be monks. Adam sure as shit wasn't. What he wanted to do was cross the room, press his dick into the soft swell of her ass, and maybe nip the skin along her neck, just to claim her as his. Hell, just to taste her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Rule. Number. Two.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">No. Women.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Not even sweet ones, because once he fell off the wagon, he would binge himself into a sexually satisfied coma.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“I like to be a man of my word, so I came early.” He rasped out gruffly, much lower than he'd intended.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The basket dropped as she whirled to face him. The dress fluttered up. A flash of green satin underwear made him want to both groan and chuckle. The tease of seeing that scanty triangle over her mound would haunt his dreams. But now he knew exactly the kind of woman she was. The kind who would make sure her panties matched her dress. Knowledge that made dying seem preferable if this was the kind of torture he had to look forward to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">He strode over to Charlotte since she still stood there, eyes wide while she panted. Her heavy breathing caused her tits to jiggle. Another moment of witnessing the latter and he'd suffer from vertigo.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Sorry if I scared you,” he mumbled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Her hands fluttered up then down and she shook her head. “Yeah.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">He narrowed his eyes. This was not the woman he'd talked to over the phone and in email. That Charlotte had been outspoken, maybe even chatty. He stopped a foot in front of her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Charlotte, are you okay?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Fine,” she squeaked, her eyes shifty. She bent to pick up the fallen vegetables and basket. “I'm fine,” she muttered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">He grasped her shoulders and drew her up so she couldn't hide her face. She lowered her head, bringing down a soft cascade of hair. A shame because he liked her ocean-blue eyes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Is this going to be the next two hours of my life?” he asked. “I say something and you give me a two-word sentence, if I'm lucky?” He really didn't want to touch her any more than he had to— they could go down a bad, bad road if he did—but the action seemed necessary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Adam cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Breath gone. She could look straight through a man and see exactly who he was. He dropped his hand and stepped back, not wanting her to see all his exposed wounds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Let's make a deal,” Adam said.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“What?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Another one-word reply. He smiled. “You treat me like I'm not famous and things should go smoothly.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Oh, no,” she said horrified. “It's not that. It's…” She pushed out a breath, her cheeks coloring. “No. It's exactly that. Your fame blinds me, and I don't know what to do when you're around?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Pleasure warmed his blood. So it was just him that flustered her. “That sounded like a question. Not sure if I'm the one who is supposed to answer or if you are.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">She threw her head back and laughed. Her entire body fell into the simple action, from a slight shake in her shoulders to the wide smile that went along with it. When was the last time he enjoyed the way a woman laughed—hell, wanted to join her because the sound was pure joy? Adam craved to be a part of it. A selfish need, but he'd taken away all other vices for his career. He needed new ones anyway.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Adam reached up and brushed a thumb along her cheek. The laugh, then the smile, faded. It hadn't been that long that he no longer recognized the change in her stance, the way she parted her mouth, and how she looked at him. Attraction buzzed between them in the silence.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Touching her hadn't been the mistake. Deciding to spend time alone with her had been the misstep. Why did he think he had impulse control when all of his adult life was proof that he didn't?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Charlotte,” his voice was tight, tense. “Say something unsexy.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The tip of her tongue feathered over her top lip. “I love Zucchini?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Yeah. He was screwed. Adam tilted her chin up and kissed her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.2in;">***</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">BLURB</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Six months down, six to go...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">After a scandal puts his NFL career on the line, wide receiver Adam Carpenter must behave for a year. No partying. No sarcastic replies to the media. No women. He'll survive the longest year of his life if he can just keep his name out of the tabloids, and his hands off a sweet redhead who needs his help. He owes her a favor. Unlike most women he knows, she only wants him to donate his time to charity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Charlotte West never thought she'd have to ask someone named Devil of the Gridiron for a favor, but her after-school food program is in trouble. She's desperate for donations to keep it going, and a visit from a sports star could create enough social media buzz to save it. But she knows with men like Adam one little favor may be all he'll need to seduce her. Charlotte's instinct is to run from men with wicked smiles and reckless natures, they bring nothing but trouble and heartache.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">She can't seem to run from Adam, and the reformed bad boy stands to lose more than his spot on the team if he beds Charlotte—he could lose his heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.2in;">Buy link:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.2in;"><a href="http://smarturl.it/badboyromance" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-14494775285984362232015-09-28T13:06:00.000-07:002015-09-28T13:06:50.540-07:00"Age of the Geek, Baby"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back when I was in elementary, they rolled out new standards for reading. Every day students had to sit quietly and read for twenty minutes.</div>
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I was the student who already had their book out on their desk. I was the kid who would get in trouble for reading when the teacher lectured. I was that kid who practically skipped into the school library and the library was <i>Cheers</i> because everyone knew my name.</div>
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Hi, my name is Melissa Blue and I'm a word nerd. I know words that I can't pronounce because I've only read them. I can spell obscure words like a champ. I am that geek in the family who is at every family function with a book just in case.</div>
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I also love Harry Potter, and one day I'm totally going to dress up like Bellatrix for Halloween. Bow ties are cool. I don't believe in hiding under your covers when you're scared. I think you should fill a shot gun with rock salt and put a devil's trap underneath your bed. Time can be traversed with a DeLorean. I own a ton of shoes and some carry epic level status that can ward off even the scariest boss. I can kill you with the power of my mind. And if that doesn't work, I have a Scooby Doo gang that can research ways to put you down.</div>
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I am a geek. So it's only natural that I write a series that features geeks. Yet, I told myself I probably shouldn't. Taking on fandoms and the people in them was asking for trouble. What if I got the Batman cannon wrong? Or misquoted something in the Whedonverse? (Come on. Have you seen a mob of angry geeks? They are vicious. Let's ignore the fact that I am sometimes one of them.) What if I talked about leveling an Alliance Druid and got back nothing but blank stares? What if no one bought into the idea that a guy who wears glasses and loves defunct Sci-Fi shows is a hottie who is a dirty, dirty beast in bed?</div>
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Then I remembered the first rule of writing. <i>Write what you know.</i></div>
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And I know what's it's like to feel like I'm on the fringes. I know exactly how it feels to make some obscure joke and lo and behold people laugh. I know exactly how gratifying it is to wave my geek flag and find people who feel the exact same way.</div>
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They were the kid who couldn't wait to read twenty minutes a day in class.</div>
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They read during the teacher's lecture.</div>
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The school librarian knew their name.</div>
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It's the age of the geek, baby.</div>
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So, look out for TO ONE HUNDRED. It'll come out Jan. 7th. The follow up (DOWN TO ASH) will hit in March. 2016 will be the year of the geek. I'm calling it.</div>
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*****</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd6AU5Xkmm0lyvS2U4hy2FL8wvHBs0qe8QOe4uCOOYEovz1yOJFPR3PNQJ_9D64PjUmks3PAnN_PYGloSyxrDH7j7CjVayAFgzREp4Pg6GJKNYCTskTBRZk6vyEVeTToqXSfn/s1600/To100__semifinal1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd6AU5Xkmm0lyvS2U4hy2FL8wvHBs0qe8QOe4uCOOYEovz1yOJFPR3PNQJ_9D64PjUmks3PAnN_PYGloSyxrDH7j7CjVayAFgzREp4Pg6GJKNYCTskTBRZk6vyEVeTToqXSfn/s200/To100__semifinal1.png" width="138" /></a></div>
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When they met online they were equals...Then she walks into his classroom.</div>
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For four months Eva March shared almost every secret with a handsome stranger. It was easy when she didn't have to meet his gaze in real life. The online flirtation was fun. She could be a strong, put-together woman without a sordid past. Most importantly, he'd never know the truth.</div>
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Grady Addison takes his job as a professor seriously. He doesn't sleep with co-eds, much less his students. Eva doesn't even fit his leggy, peppy blonde requirements, but he can't walk away now. He's spent too much time fantasizing about her, her smile and the way her eyes darken when she thinks of her past.</div>
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And her past is a problem. The secrets she hasn't yet told him could end his career and for Eva, her life could just come crashing down...again.</div>
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*****</div>
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You can add this to your GoodReads shelf <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26699435-to-one-hundred" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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You can preorder it at these places:</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/to-one-hundred/id1041030885?mt=11" target="_blank">iTunes</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-one-hundred-melissa-blue/1122669972?ean=2940152360134" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/578115" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
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<b><i>Don't worry. I'll keep you updated as the preorder links go live on other venues.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV1EP_wt316buEajhRUcPsRikp8uw56kJja4VzGzgzhoIsiLa-TsVZdcIJo_yDvEdXLc6vbn2Lw4XsSvI2feubU5SF4U7lGk0tUwevr_CoAEhhK1P6g1JtdP1chhEm5ioOHuC/s1600/To100_promo_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV1EP_wt316buEajhRUcPsRikp8uw56kJja4VzGzgzhoIsiLa-TsVZdcIJo_yDvEdXLc6vbn2Lw4XsSvI2feubU5SF4U7lGk0tUwevr_CoAEhhK1P6g1JtdP1chhEm5ioOHuC/s320/To100_promo_3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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100 days until I wave my geek flag.</div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-83089345717622524372015-07-30T11:21:00.000-07:002015-07-30T11:21:33.704-07:00Read TWICE SHY For Free Before It Hits Stores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1GDgw66AqlIzddJYVpPNdmnvRnOJpHOJE4iNrjxSpJO8mPGsZ49WBABtiRkGNLBlalVbXjzUZN8yYy-upuYedSpqwpuBrpaJ1Zem5gQ8sxuwy2nLMUzMkwyOYIXvFYZWlCxRKg/s1600/newModernFairy_TwiceShy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1GDgw66AqlIzddJYVpPNdmnvRnOJpHOJE4iNrjxSpJO8mPGsZ49WBABtiRkGNLBlalVbXjzUZN8yYy-upuYedSpqwpuBrpaJ1Zem5gQ8sxuwy2nLMUzMkwyOYIXvFYZWlCxRKg/s320/newModernFairy_TwiceShy.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, you totally should. I'll be sending out weekly installments of TWICE SHY from August 8th to Sept. 12th. This will be totally free. All you have to do is sign up. Sept. 18th the book will go live on most retailers.<br />
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Blurb:</div>
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When a handsome man walks into Yvonne Smith's jewelry store, she only meant to make him smile by telling him a silly story. How could she have known Gregory Wood's smile could melt a woman's heart? Unfortunately it's not just his smile that's irresistible.<br />
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All Greg wants is to sell off the engagement ring from a broken relationship. He's not looking for always and forever anymore, but Yvonne's unassuming charm is addictive and Greg can't seem to get enough.<br />
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Just like 1001 Nights, that one story turns into many more and a lot nights spent confessing secret desires. It's foolhardy to believe he could love her so soon after a heartbreak, but as the weeks pass Yvonne starts to suspect Greg just might be The One. He still wants nothing to do with love.<br />
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Her choice becomes clear: ignore her heart or protect it?<br />
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You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/n0RR1<br />
You can read an excerpt on Wattpad now: https://www.wattpad.com/story/46029151-twice-shy-a-modern-fairy-tale-4/Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-90404468937047841312015-07-12T09:00:00.001-07:002015-07-12T09:00:48.994-07:00Out Now: HIS EVERY TOUCH<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Yup. The blog title says it all. HIS EVERY TOUCH is live! Courtney and Lucian were so fun to write. I know, I'm a fan of the forbidden romance trope but these two take the cake. Check it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3TyJ5ASClk6s-kVO-AlD3KdYDEiUxn_zuqthLHDQ2NNoCxT-S0e_Z6-KrMHr22-9Sy4PGaOrECqb37V47gecNcfRyAWmgTeygBx1y9il4BnWDAyR7nhusDqW6vfVIZBY82XU/s1600/HisEveryTouch_Final.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3TyJ5ASClk6s-kVO-AlD3KdYDEiUxn_zuqthLHDQ2NNoCxT-S0e_Z6-KrMHr22-9Sy4PGaOrECqb37V47gecNcfRyAWmgTeygBx1y9il4BnWDAyR7nhusDqW6vfVIZBY82XU/s200/HisEveryTouch_Final.png" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Courtney
Michaels wants to be the best paralegal in the biz, and working under
Lucian Beaudelaire is her ticket. A highly sought-after attorney,
Lucian is ruthless and relentless, in the office as well as the
courtroom. He’s just the man to help Courtney’s career remain on
the rise—if she can keep her less-than-professional thoughts about
him in check.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Lucian
would allow only one thing to interrupt a case—family. When his
uncle is placed in a medically induced coma, Lucian heads home to New
Orleans, with Courtney in tow. He’ll depend on her skills to keep
the casework going while he deals with his dysfunctional family, even
if sharing neighboring hotel rooms with her is Lucien’s personal
idea of torture.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When
familial stress becomes too much to bear, Lucian finds release in
Courtney’s arms. And that’s exactly where he intends to
stay…until they’re back home, and Courtney requests a transfer,
convinced they can no longer work together.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">But
Lucian is a master at arguing his case. It’s time to show his
paralegal exactly how ruthless and relentless he can be. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/His-Every-Touch-Den-Sin-ebook/dp/B00YCJ3MVY/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Amazon</span></a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/His-Every-Touch-Den-Sin-ebook/dp/B00YCJ3MVY/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Amazon
UK</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-every-touch-melissa-blue/1122016596?ean=2940151935562" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Barnes
and Noble</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/his-every-touch/id999077342?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">iTunes</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/his-every-touch" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Kobo</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hiseverytouch-1839834-178.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">ARe</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/545963" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Smashwords</span></a></span></span></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-24541263836016969402015-06-17T04:30:00.001-07:002015-06-17T04:30:42.874-07:00' Cause Kate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoCK83NEuDMPIueKnWMNxhZLh3zyUuQYqmU-22H17F2J4Wk_REoLG9LaaS0sjZZ5bQ1gupBlQYbPauVmmF8ofUDKmp_PIHnYRkLCsXke9oxxU6B9kTU0S_z_jH_VDMBcDNpOS/s1600/favorite+heroines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoCK83NEuDMPIueKnWMNxhZLh3zyUuQYqmU-22H17F2J4Wk_REoLG9LaaS0sjZZ5bQ1gupBlQYbPauVmmF8ofUDKmp_PIHnYRkLCsXke9oxxU6B9kTU0S_z_jH_VDMBcDNpOS/s200/favorite+heroines.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
There's something about every heroine I write that I love. At this point I've written over twenty heroines. All different, though they might share my love of banter.<br />
<br />
Joce from UNDER HIS KILT has this soft vulnerability but a craving for adventure. Keri from HER INSATIABLE SCOT has an awkward, geekiness that's just my soft spot. Victoria from KILTED FOR PLEASURE has a drive that I just admire.<br />
<br />
But Kate...is bubbly, sassy and meddlesome. She's the kind of person that even if you only met her once, you'd never forget her. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt when she first meets, but don't take that to mean she likes everyone she meets. She's not that much of a sweetheart.<br />
<br />
Did I mention sassy?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">She
said, “You pay the bills, so I’ll call you whatever you like.”</span>“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Technically,
Victoria’s paying you.”</span>“<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Then
you’re my—” Saying patient wouldn’t help things. With someone
this stubborn, she had to win him over or the next few weeks would
hurt—the both of them.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Kate
added with care, “I’m your companion. You want to drink, you can
have one. Smoke—light ’em up. Plan to beat the record at the
local eat-and-gab and chow down a sixty-nine-ounce steak, I’ll tip
the waitress. I won’t provide any lectures.”</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">His
brows rose in disbelief. Kate ignored that. She was only halfway
through the speech that won her as many jobs as it lost her. “If
you keel over, I will provide CPR. I will stick your nitrogen tablet
under your tongue. When you’re fine, I will mutter an I-told-you-so
under my breath. CPR takes a lot out of me, and it makes me cranky,
so… I’m not perfect. I just wanted you to know that about me up
front.”</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">His
lips started to twitch in a smile, and Kate knew she had him. She put
out her hand. “Katherine Campbell, but you can call me Kate.”</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He
growled at her. “I’ll call you Kitten and spray you with water
when you get smart.”</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Her
stomach clenched for a moment at the nickname. “I charge extra for
that.”</span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yeah. So, if I had to pick a favorite heroine of mine, Kate would be at the top.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<b>Comment for a chance to win a $10 GC from Amazon. Contest Ends June 24th.</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BLURB</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeH_6tjS5BLDclyzzC5wBoMsIut_qeTDe4txT57pkNYxrLNqlRsb760h5ypnPuJ2JBuGc8yEJYOs9G4lTz1LA2RLw2oL1mX1SZAkAu_44go1kLA2m37PXEpkfeh-GRlUncpbX/s1600/KT_2_BN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeH_6tjS5BLDclyzzC5wBoMsIut_qeTDe4txT57pkNYxrLNqlRsb760h5ypnPuJ2JBuGc8yEJYOs9G4lTz1LA2RLw2oL1mX1SZAkAu_44go1kLA2m37PXEpkfeh-GRlUncpbX/s320/KT_2_BN.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia;">K</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ate
Campbell promised to have an affair with a Parisian, says yes more
than she says no and sin so she can actually have something to repent
on Sunday. As a way to honor her grandmother's wishes, she takes a
job as a traveling nurse so that she can see Europe—a trip they had
once planned on taking together. She never bargained on meeting a
sexy Scot who makes bad look so, so good, and he needs her help.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Quinton
Baird, a retired, high-profile rugby player, has spent over a decade
surrounded by people who all want something from him. From his former
coaches to the groupies. He now has two rules for anyone he deals
with: Don't talk to the press. Don't talk about him to anyone. Ever.
His rules are the only way to protect himself from people wanting him
to be their meal ticket. No matter how much he likes the sweet, sassy
nurse, he can't believe she'll help him while asking for nothing in
return.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
deal between them is simple. All Kate has to do is pose as Quinton’s
girlfriend in public. In exchange for helping him salvage an
important business deal, Kate gets many opportunities to say yes—in
bed and out of it.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then
reality, and the press, threaten their fictional romance. Quinton
will have to trust that Kate's feeling for him are genuine or risk
losing her for good.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kilt-Tease-Under-Book-ebook/dp/B00XD7C5RI/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Amazon</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kilt-tease/id993717138?mt=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">iTunes</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/kilt-tease" target="_blank"><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Kobo</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-kilttease-1801542-178.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ARe</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/541423" target="_blank"><span style="color: #410e2b;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Smashwords</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
***
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be sure to check out the other stops for this <a href="http://theherdhops.blogspot.com/2015/06/favorite-heroines-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">blog hop</a>.</div>
<br />
<br />Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-5846747767402624542015-05-15T09:51:00.001-07:002015-05-15T09:51:31.287-07:00Summer Book Frenzy<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 28.7999992370605px;">I know you guys haven't heard from me in like forever. I've been crazy busy gearing up for back-to-back releases this summer. I didn't plan it that way but that's how it's going to shake out. So here are some deets on the things to come:</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;"><b>COMING JUNE 12th</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 28.7999992370605px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MLCxROC-Nhyx2wBwM01RD-BBOvOnyhn-FzxsCez62f757gO-Ie0G354k0qBDY326Lpe-jqvFZLxQgJrgUT-yIc8Fn0e_9gkCV3uGYKjBZ6fUcRtbmF76SW9iEZIWE6HFy5j9fw/s1600/KT_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MLCxROC-Nhyx2wBwM01RD-BBOvOnyhn-FzxsCez62f757gO-Ie0G354k0qBDY326Lpe-jqvFZLxQgJrgUT-yIc8Fn0e_9gkCV3uGYKjBZ6fUcRtbmF76SW9iEZIWE6HFy5j9fw/s320/KT_2.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">K</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">ate
Campbell promised to have an affair with a Parisian, says yes more
than she says no and sin so she can actually have something to repent
on Sunday. As a way to honor her grandmother's wishes, she takes a
job as a traveling nurse so that she can see Europe—a trip they had
once planned on taking together. She never bargained on meeting a
sexy Scot who makes bad look so, so good, and he needs her help.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Quinton Baird, a retired,
high-profile rugby player, has spent over a decade surrounded by
people who all want something from him. From his former coaches to
the groupies. He now has two rules for anyone he deals with: Don't
talk to the press. Don't talk about him to anyone. Ever. His rules
are the only way to protect himself from people wanting him to be
their meal ticket. No matter how much he likes the sweet, sassy
nurse, he can't believe she'll help him while asking for nothing in
return.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The deal between them is
simple. All Kate has to do is pose as Quinton’s girlfriend in
public. In exchange for helping him salvage an important business
deal, Kate gets many opportunities to say yes—in bed and out of it.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Then reality, and the press,
threaten their fictional romance. Quinton will have to trust that
Kate's feeling for him are genuine or risk losing her for good.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">You can pick up KILT TEASE on preorder now for a buck:</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kilt-Tease-Under-Book-ebook/dp/B00XD7C5RI/" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kilt-tease/id993717138?mt=11" target="_blank">iTunes</a></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/kilt-tease" target="_blank">Kobo</a></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-kilttease-1801542-178.html" target="_blank">ARe</a></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/541423" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 28.7999992370605px;"><b>COMING JULY 12th</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqRBjr-JvlAqQH8vGz4N7UKaph39MKJoV30z4zi3lHFk_z2BgXLWiWl9EtM2wMoTsyQqgULGuPJWMZASuMtB39S8Bg4QXoyl9v304jMz-4mY-oLdcX84tBQGAqdPwLUaagWRppA/s1600/HisEveryTouch_Final.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqRBjr-JvlAqQH8vGz4N7UKaph39MKJoV30z4zi3lHFk_z2BgXLWiWl9EtM2wMoTsyQqgULGuPJWMZASuMtB39S8Bg4QXoyl9v304jMz-4mY-oLdcX84tBQGAqdPwLUaagWRppA/s320/HisEveryTouch_Final.png" width="222" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.3in;">Courtney Michaels wants to be the best
paralegal in the biz, and working under Lucian Beaudelaire is her
ticket. A highly sought-after attorney, Lucian is ruthless and
relentless, in the office as well as the courtroom. He’s just the
man to help Courtney’s career remain on the rise—if she can keep
her less-than-professional thoughts about him in check.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Lucian would allow only one thing to
interrupt a case—family. When his uncle is placed in a medically
induced coma, Lucian heads home to New Orleans, with Courtney in tow.
He’ll depend on her skills to keep the casework going while he
deals with his dysfunctional family, even if sharing neighboring
hotel rooms with her is Lucien’s personal idea of torture.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When familial stress becomes too much to
bear, Lucian finds release in Courtney’s arms. And that’s exactly
where he intends to stay…until they’re back home, and Courtney
requests a transfer, convinced they can no longer work together.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">But Lucian is a master at arguing his
case. It’s time to show his paralegal exactly how ruthless and
relentless he can be.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">For more info on the book and the Den of Sin series <a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/his-every-touch" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Last but not least TWICE SHY will be a short story in an antho I'm writing with some truly amazing authors of color. I'll share more deets the closer to August. Just know it's Greg and Yvonne's story. Yes, Abigail's ex from TWICE SMITTEN.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-38116835571975090452015-03-17T08:07:00.002-07:002015-03-18T20:36:59.088-07:00KILTED FOR PLEASURE SPOTLIGHT TOUR<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.22in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.22in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s232.photobucket.com/user/melissablue13/media/KFP_blogtour.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo KFP_blogtour.jpg" border="0" src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee32/melissablue13/KFP_blogtour.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 20th to March 27th KILTED FOR PLEASURE will be making its way around the net. It's a blog tour, baby! And that means there will be excerpts and prizes. Make sure you drop in on these sites to see how to win:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 20th:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://niaforrester.com/" target="_blank">Nia Forrester</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 21st:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com/2015/03/new-release-and-giveaway-kilted-for.html" target="_blank">Bambi Unbridled</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 22nd:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://deannasworld1.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Deanna's World</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 23rd:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.booksbyambrielle.com/blog/" target="_blank">Ambrielle Kirk</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/" target="_blank">Reading Between the Wines Bookclub</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.swirlromance.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 0.22in; text-indent: 19.2000007629395px;" target="_blank">Musings of an IR Romance Junkie</a><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 24th:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://lvlewis.com/" target="_blank">LV Lewis</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 25th:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/" target="_blank">TBQ Book Palace</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 26th:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://incyblack.weebly.com/blog-into-the-black" target="_blank">Into the Black</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">March 27th:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.covertocoverbookblog.com/" target="_blank">Cover to Cover Book Blog</a></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">***</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This rafflecopter will go live March 20th. So mark your calendars!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="rcwidget_y2tf2p7c"></a><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a06a00c82/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a
Rafflecopter giveaway</span></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.1in; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-17419358346519299662015-03-09T09:38:00.000-07:002015-03-09T10:49:22.137-07:00Kilted Came Early<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">It's out! It's out! And it's out a day early. You can now pick up KILTED FOR PLEASURE. I know it's been a long wait. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Blurb: </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78Ica59-p780kfjKva2kQrlbeABeSgLs0b01-AYuqoviBxQTDyJpsvQcrdbPyWYtfHXljZi7Ahh4w6LghLe1g_TR8fBTP8wygKl_RBX_2oTmGPJMPSKUJff5DSLjxKOUsYO3-/s1600/KFP_BN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78Ica59-p780kfjKva2kQrlbeABeSgLs0b01-AYuqoviBxQTDyJpsvQcrdbPyWYtfHXljZi7Ahh4w6LghLe1g_TR8fBTP8wygKl_RBX_2oTmGPJMPSKUJff5DSLjxKOUsYO3-/s1600/KFP_BN.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Callan
Baird used to laugh more than he frowned, but that was before his
wife died. Now his life is duty, debts and a general apathy for
anything else. And then Victoria Burke burst into his life. She's
everything he wants to corrupt.<br />Victoria has two choices: agree to
a grouchy, sexy Scotsman's extortion or call her boss to explain why
she can't do her job. Since she's spent the last three years
rebuilding her career as antique appraiser, and this one commission
could make or break it, the decision is a no-brainer. Except
everything about Callan is complicated.<br />He sees no problem turning
their work relationship into a sexual one. She refuses to break her
boss' no-fraternization rule. He's the one thing she wants and the
one thing she can't have. He's had his one great love, and doesn't
want a replacement. His heart doesn't agree, because she's everything
he desires.</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />Callan
will have to let go of his past if he wants Victoria to be in his
future.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Buy Links:</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.22in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kilted-Pleasure-Under-Kilt-Book-ebook/dp/B00UF8OV0W/" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Amazon</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kilted-Pleasure-Under-Kilt-Book-ebook/dp/B00UF8OV0W/" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Amazon
UK</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121363624?ean=2940151517232" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><u>Barnes
and Noble</u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kilted-for-pleasure/id969163272?mt=11" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">iTunes</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/kilted-for-pleasure" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><u>Kobo</u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-kiltedforpleasure-1751428-178.html" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><u>ARe</u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520903" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520903" style="line-height: 0.22in;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64b1f;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><u>Smashwords</u></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<br />
<br style="background-color: #431108; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-11472693927846231452015-03-01T21:49:00.000-08:002015-03-01T21:52:45.681-08:00Let's Talk Kink<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love that title because it feels like
I'm about to talk to you in a school-special kind of way. I'm not. I
hope. But let's start with the bottom basics and use the
Merriam-Webster's definition:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>kink</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
6 : unconventional sexual taste or
behavior</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love this definition because it uses
the word unconventional. It's not dating itself. Prior to <i>Fifty
Shades of Grey</i> most folks wouldn't know what a flogger was. Some
folks might even use a flogger now in their bedroom. Some folks still
don't and that's okay, because this definition covers it. Kink is
something that sexually arouses you that you probably wouldn't admit
to in polite circles. That's it. That's kink.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course that's not the end of the
post.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why are we talking about this?
Well...this is like lube before I unleash KILTED FOR PLEASURE out
into the world. I didn't give you any with UNDER HIS KILT and HER
INSATIABLE SCOT. I was totally remiss in that. My Under The Kilt
series, at least when it deals with sex, is all about exploration and
limitations, especially through the heroine's POV. Jocelyn had never
experienced the kind of sex that strips you down to your most basic
and primitive self. She had candles and flowers and soft music kind
of sex. Keri couldn't relax enough to really, really enjoy flesh
meeting flesh. She knew what she wanted but was too shy to ask for
it. Victoria, the newest heroine, is savvy. (Or believes herself to
be but she hasn't met a Baird yet.) She has explored. She isn't
afraid to ask for what she wants. So where does that leave her on the
spectrum I've set up for myself and you readers?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let's backtrack a little bit. One of my dear writing friends
sort of made it a challenge. To not spoil her book, let's just say
the hero had a very interesting sexual background but he liked
vanilla sex. And I said, "Wouldn't it be interesting to show the
heroine that Kink, yes, with a capital K, can be arousing?" Hell, the
heroine probably is kinky in her own little way. My writerly friend
went <i>Nope. Nope. Nope</i>. And that's when my plot bunnies came out
to play.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because here's the thing,
<i>unconventional</i> is such a vague word. Everyone would agree the
missionary position is pretty basic and there's nothing kinky about
it. Now let's take that the position, and place it in a roomful of
people. Yes. You're doing the deed in the missionary position, but
you have a roomful of people watching you. I'm sorry, that's kinky.
Most folks don't invite an audience when they have sex. Most folks
would probably suffer from performance anxiety and/or
OMG-I'm-Naked-In-Front-Of-People. And for some people they would be
incredibly aroused. They would prefer to have sex in a roomful of
people.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And then you would have the sub-set of
folks who would simply be aroused by the idea. Someone is watching
you being pleasured (I know, a huge euphemism) and you <i>really, really</i>
like that idea.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This particular kink has a
name—exhibitionism.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That seems
extreme. But this plot bunny went down a deep, dark hole and I found
other things that would be considered kinks:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Role playing</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having sex in
the tub or shower</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sex with a man
(or woman) who has a beard</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having sex with
more than one person i.e menages</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being tied up</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fellacio (If you don't know what that word means Google it.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Foreplay</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Geeks</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jocks</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Massages</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nipple
stimulation</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having sex with
a man who is well-endowed</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No. Seriously.
The list goes on and on and on. BELIEVE ME. I researched it. These
things can be kinks if you are unconventionally into it in a sexual
way. And who exactly makes the rules of what conventional is? For
some, if you require more than ten minutes of foreplay you're kinky.
But these are all things you can find in an everyday romance novel.
Hell, things we might like in the bedroom.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And they could
very well be a kink.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or, kink-lite as
I call it in KFP. And that became the thing of this book, this
heroine who is savvy and has explored—finding the roots or the
foundation of what is considered conventional and making the logical
kinky connection.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, yeah, this
is the fair warning. You will find clit spanking, erotic
asphyxiation, exhibitionism and voyeurism in KILTED FOR PLEASURE.
It's all very innocent and conventional the way it's written. And
depending on who you ask, it can also be considered a kink.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What do you
think a kink is?</div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-28326796068003719412015-02-24T22:45:00.000-08:002015-02-24T22:45:03.914-08:00If You Ever Wondered What Writers Talk About...<div class="storify">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="no" height="750" src="//storify.com/mel_thegreat/writerly-confession-1/embed?border=false" width="100%"></iframe><script src="//storify.com/mel_thegreat/writerly-confession-1.js?border=false"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/mel_thegreat/writerly-confession-1" target="_blank">View the story "Writerly Confession" on Storify</a>]</noscript></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-39332131289644907442015-02-16T19:36:00.000-08:002015-02-16T19:36:08.963-08:00Kilted For Pleasure Spotlight Tour Sign Up<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V3fiAbOIu4QCbh2gkyAv5zqaQBEEhr_MrhkHl2GhJC0/viewform?embedded=true" width="500">Loading...</iframe>Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-7992727391933296862015-01-30T15:38:00.001-08:002015-01-30T15:38:37.359-08:00eARCs: Kilted For Pleasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFq7D3Z-8k1CQz_rkrxLF_tQ-nlTIl3Ts2CKitRV_p8FtLpU48vnQz9Ulo5IY7mPIgPugng_y55t4KsEKf1wY6zoRmpF25aMYk_pcWgLmNl7BuaPze46fnutceGijs3owbkvJ/s1600/KFP.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFq7D3Z-8k1CQz_rkrxLF_tQ-nlTIl3Ts2CKitRV_p8FtLpU48vnQz9Ulo5IY7mPIgPugng_y55t4KsEKf1wY6zoRmpF25aMYk_pcWgLmNl7BuaPze46fnutceGijs3owbkvJ/s1600/KFP.png" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
D day is in less than two months. Gah. There's so much to do and so little time to do it in. Anyway, if you are interesting in receiving an eARC for KILTED FOR PLEASURE, here's<a href="http://goo.gl/forms/FkajI4upEi" target="_blank"> a link</a> to the sign up form.<br />
<br />
If you know anyone who might be interested please pass this link along. I'm really looking forward to this release!Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-48093695208525156272015-01-16T11:20:00.000-08:002015-01-16T12:56:23.864-08:00Kilted For PleasureI know it's been eons since I released a Kilt book. So good news then. One is on its way. Lookie! It has a release date and everything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCVl6rf4ZnRR_si2QD5TpMC7lyeVfZnvt6sJmebbktD1Tf5wrz0NQwLm_gGg1cfeNExzsh1A-ACYgdb_ZdlLDhfMZuCscfSF117-_QAlIvF9IDs6xdI3j7vz9kosFwahAuEja/s1600/Release_Quote_KFP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCVl6rf4ZnRR_si2QD5TpMC7lyeVfZnvt6sJmebbktD1Tf5wrz0NQwLm_gGg1cfeNExzsh1A-ACYgdb_ZdlLDhfMZuCscfSF117-_QAlIvF9IDs6xdI3j7vz9kosFwahAuEja/s1600/Release_Quote_KFP.png" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BLURB:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;">
Callan Baird
used to laugh more than he frowned, but that was before his wife
died. Now his life is duty, debts and a general apathy for anything
else. And then Victoria Burke burst into his life. She's everything
he wants to corrupt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Victoria has two choices: agree to a
grouchy, sexy Scotsman's extortion or call her boss to explain why
she can't do her job. Since she's spent the last three years
rebuilding her career as antique appraiser, and this one commission
could make or break it, the decision is a no-brainer. Except
everything about Callan is complicated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He sees no problem turning their work
relationship into a sexual one. She refuses to break her boss'
no-fraternization rule. He's the one thing she wants and the one
thing she can't have.<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
He's had his one great love, and doesn't want a replacement. His
heart doesn't agree, because she's everything he desires.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Callan
will have to let go of his past if he wants Victoria to be in his
future.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
I will keep everyone up to date on this book and KILT TEASE. That one is slated for a late summer release.<br />
<br />
You can always sign up for my <a href="http://weebly.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4811f86b89da2804e50340946&id=147fe0f715" target="_blank">newsletter</a> to know the moment a new release hits.<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-60466656179276596252014-12-30T11:35:00.000-08:002014-12-30T11:35:23.629-08:00Celebrating A Year!<div class="pic_wrapper image_wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 22px; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/NewYears-500x333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Year's Eve erotic romance" border="0" class="attachment-large wp-post-image" height="333" src="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/NewYears-500x333.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="500" /></a>This time last year, we put out the first four Den of Sin stories (six, if we count <a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/free-reads" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Free Reads">the free reads</a>). We picked a New Year’s Eve theme because we liked the idea of fresh starts, and every new season feels like one. Even though The Beaudelaire doesn’t change, there are always new guests to meet and new stories to tell. And yes, we’ve got more planned for 2015. If you’ve read <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/three-strikes" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Three Strikes">Three Strikes</a></em>, you might be able to guess who we’ll be seeing more of in the next season.</div>
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Or maybe not. ;) We do like to maintain a little mystery, and since the next batch of stories won’t be out for several months, we have to keep Season 4’s theme under wraps for a little while longer.</div>
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If <a href="http://denofsinseries.com/archives/which-story-should-i-read-first" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="“Which story should I read first?”">you’re catching up</a> on the series, now is a great time to collect the Season 1 stories you might have missed:</div>
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<a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/redeeming-the-amazon" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Redeeming the Amazon interracial erotic romance by LV Lewis" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-125" height="200" src="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/RedeemingTheAmazonLVLewis-200x300.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="133" /></a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Amazon-Den-Sin-Book-ebook/dp/B00HI5WHSI/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank">99¢ through January 2</a></strong></div>
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<a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/forbidden-rendezvous" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Forbidden Rendezvous erotic romance by Mel Blue" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-118" height="200" src="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ForbiddenRendezvousMelBlue-200x300.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="133" /></a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Rendezvous-Den-Sin-Book-ebook/dp/B00H4AG30K/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank">Free at select retailers for a limited time</a></strong></div>
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<a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/wicked-surrender" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Wicked Surrender interracial erotic romance by Ambrielle Kirk" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-123" height="200" src="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/WickedSurrenderAmbrielleKirk-200x300.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="133" /></a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Surrender-Den-Ambrielle-Kirk-ebook/dp/B00HF81MMK/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank">99¢ at select retailers</a></strong></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/B00H9JSP8O" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Menage a Troys IR MMF erotic romance by Holley Trent" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-122" height="200" src="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MenageATroysHolleyTrent-200x300.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="133" /></a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/M%C3%A9nage-Troys-Den-Sin-Book-ebook/dp/B00H9JSP8O/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank">Free at All Romance eBooks through 1/1, 99¢ at other retailers</a></strong></div>
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<img alt="NewYearsEve1" class="alignright size-full wp-image-6513" height="368" src="http://denofsinseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/NewYearsEve1.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; float: right; height: auto; margin: 5px 0px 20px 20px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="268" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Other end-of-year news:</strong></div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 1.25rem 15px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/three-strikes" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Three Strikes">Three Strikes</a></em> is now available as a stand-alone e-book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance eBooks, and Google Play. It’ll be available for iBooks sometime next week. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">It is still available in the limited-time <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Let it Snow</em> anthology</strong> for the time being, as well. (The anthology has six stories = a better deal.)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The novelette <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://denofsinseries.com/the-books/free-reads/as-sweet" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="As Sweet">As Sweet</a></em> will fall off the free reads list on or shortly after 12/31. Download it now for free. It’ll be available for 99¢ after that if you miss the bargain.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Did you know the Den has a new release newsletter? It only goes out when we’ve added a story to the series. <a href="http://eepurl.com/I1g5f" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="subscribe to the Den of Sin series newsletter">Subscribe here</a>and never miss a new installment.The second best way to find out what’s going on at the Den is to fan our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/denofsinseries" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(113, 129, 132) !important; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Den of Sin Facebook">Facebook page</a>. We try to keep it PG-13, but that’s tough given the nature of the series. We do run flash contests and giveaways on the page every so often, so check in and see what’s up for grabs.</li>
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Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-25045457361133691132014-12-18T11:56:00.000-08:002014-12-18T11:56:09.667-08:00UNDER HIS KILT SALE!Well, kind of. UNDER HIS KILT is in the latest Gemstone Collection from Summer Daniels. It's $0.99. So if you were waiting to pick it up on sale now is the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VlvhzUK0n6lRPkhsY6vUzagUKQVwm8e4vXKD462AYWb7R_NMysYGZX8uQCfT-7pru8vTgd4PXzeLt7N2g-3CbeILKUu6KX5yNuUq3tRROTHlAj6fhiuAmQxwF1Bx9EIw7jMyzw/s1600/GemstoneCollection3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VlvhzUK0n6lRPkhsY6vUzagUKQVwm8e4vXKD462AYWb7R_NMysYGZX8uQCfT-7pru8vTgd4PXzeLt7N2g-3CbeILKUu6KX5yNuUq3tRROTHlAj6fhiuAmQxwF1Bx9EIw7jMyzw/s1600/GemstoneCollection3D.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yup. A boxed set of good and dirty books. </div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Kindle US - </span></span></span><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://amzn.to/1sJY0xy</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Kindle UK - </span></span></span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F1BYigyf&h=sAQHuZCDM&enc=AZN7FY-bhia1fQhz46vco1z2RMR-imlMARFMovFwmeVm4o1q6_eZFUmZJX8UYpBCi4EjTQ9pESHk5WTsMLgHJBrZ71Bffk8Ggil5AmaoLg1yOZV0Iv-d-fv030lyl4kdJNnu_dfnv0VGl8_uh8LiaM6L&s=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://amzn.to/1BYigyf</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">iTunes - </span></span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/1BYigyj" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://bit.ly/1BYigyj</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Nook - </span></span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/1BYigyn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://bit.ly/1BYigyn</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Kobo - </span></span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/1xriADZ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://bit.ly/1xriADZ</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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But wait that's not all. <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/eef4ee4b744/" target="_blank">RAFFLECOPTER!</a> Enter to win some pretty sweet prizes from all the authors in this boxed set.</div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-73742482846456178862014-11-20T09:18:00.000-08:002014-11-20T09:18:24.003-08:00Unbidden Desires: Out Now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNoYNpP7_ODU7Jja9zE861H-Fev8wWEYuiqKJfFVN78FSqQ05_YodA0kHIVevUOY2GAxg1UYflw2TB6_2m8i5qUdJLR1T4nKndjecBP7HoL784NEAb3craEadWuTJKJxAF1dy/s1600/Unbidden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNoYNpP7_ODU7Jja9zE861H-Fev8wWEYuiqKJfFVN78FSqQ05_YodA0kHIVevUOY2GAxg1UYflw2TB6_2m8i5qUdJLR1T4nKndjecBP7HoL784NEAb3craEadWuTJKJxAF1dy/s1600/Unbidden.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">My newest addition to the Den of Sin series it out! It's short and spicy and only $1.49. Check it out.</span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When
your greatest enemy becomes your best lover…</span></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Zora
Riley’s intentions were to discover the scandalous story her rival
dug up on The Beaudelaire. If the whispers were true then a five-star
hotel in New Orleans transformed into a Den of Sin. Just the name of
one famous attendant could make the rest of her career, and if
Alastair planned to report the story first then she had to be the one
to scoop him. It was only fair since he’d been taking her stories
for the last six months. But when a heated argument with Alastair
turns into a toe-curling interlude, she’s shaken to her core</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Alastair
Halliday left Great Britain to make a name for himself in America,
but he didn’t come to the Den for a story. Working for years in a
dog-eat-dog environment, with insane hours, has left him needing
something a little less refined and ambitious…something that will
feed his kink. The Den’s winter masquerade ball will allow him to
be anyone, someone whose work won’t get in the way of something
simple and primal. That is until he kisses Zora, his most tempting
rival.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When
the weekend is over and the masks come off, will they go back to
being enemies or will they stay lovers?<br /></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unbidden-Desires-Den-Sin-Book-ebook/dp/B00PUSKR3M/?tag=themelissablue-20" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Amazon</span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unbidden-desires-mel-blue/1120796637?ean=2940150417670" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Barnes
and Noble</span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/494462" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Smashwords</span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-unbiddendesires-1682848-178.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">ARe</span></a></u></span></span></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-48347190610635512402014-11-08T12:19:00.000-08:002014-11-08T12:19:11.618-08:00Free and Coming Soon<span style="color: #353535; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Hey y'all! It's been ages since I chattered on here. I've been on a little writing siesta, but that doesn't mean grass has been growing under my feet. I have a new very short read coming out in the Den of Sin this month.</span><br />
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenE20XpePbOaSaXTxiwyTbQZ3LKjbHR4xTU_Nv14sMVSlDvw3Ydo9r_9CClGp06yRD_Rg9g7oLh28tkEmcrdJhJ7EguBDdfEbmKRRZY0CAeX9k_S434j0T-FkgCbb2heaTc8O/s1600/Unbidden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenE20XpePbOaSaXTxiwyTbQZ3LKjbHR4xTU_Nv14sMVSlDvw3Ydo9r_9CClGp06yRD_Rg9g7oLh28tkEmcrdJhJ7EguBDdfEbmKRRZY0CAeX9k_S434j0T-FkgCbb2heaTc8O/s1600/Unbidden.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">When your greatest enemy becomes your best lover…</em></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
Zora Riley’s intentions were to discover the scandalous story her rival dug up on The Beaudelaire. If the whispers were true then a five-star hotel in New Orleans transformed into a Den of Sin. Just the name of one famous attendant could make the rest of her career, and if Alastair planned to report the story first then she had to be the one to scoop him. It was only fair since he’d been taking her stories for the last six months. But when a heated argument with Alastair turns into a toe-curling interlude, she’s shaken to her core.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
Alastair Halliday left Great Britain to make a name for himself in America, but he didn’t come to the Den for a story. Working for years in a dog-eat-dog environment, with insane hours, has left him needing something a little less refined and ambitious…something that will feed his kink. The Den’s winter masquerade ball will allow him to be anyone, someone whose work won’t get in the way of something simple and primal. That is until he kisses Zora, his most tempting rival.</div>
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When the weekend is over and the masks come off, will they go back to being enemies or will they stay lovers?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qrLjai6uTX7bAb2uqYfNVQ52jB1zFIl9rxbBLx4r5HgIhwaUz7URMfsKkV43hrNKetrEo6JkAPYdgLIcZG6rLXY5-j8sy1hMIvfCFv8w4pfp1_1ka_QrtXhl9Ut0bfBIe5N3/s1600/Melissa_DOS_1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qrLjai6uTX7bAb2uqYfNVQ52jB1zFIl9rxbBLx4r5HgIhwaUz7URMfsKkV43hrNKetrEo6JkAPYdgLIcZG6rLXY5-j8sy1hMIvfCFv8w4pfp1_1ka_QrtXhl9Ut0bfBIe5N3/s1600/Melissa_DOS_1800.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a>*This title will be out on the 18th.</div>
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But while you wait you can pick up most of the <a href="http://denofsinseries.com/" target="_blank">Den of Sin</a> titles half off, if not more. Like Forbidden Rendezvous. Which is currently free at these retailers:</div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Rendezvous-Den-Sin-Book-ebook/dp/B00H4AG30K" target="_blank">Amazon</a>/ </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Forbidden-Rendezvous-Den-Sin-Book-ebook/dp/B00H4AG30K" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>/ <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=-zswBQAAQBAJ" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">Google Play</a>/ <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forbidden-rendezvous/id763908215?mt=11" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">iTunes</a>/ <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/380092" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-32278274551274473142014-09-20T11:26:00.000-07:002014-09-20T11:26:32.979-07:00Flirting With A New ReleaseA new release, baby! Yes. I know it's from another name but I still smell as snarky. Here are the deets.<br />
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All was right in Peyton Tanner's world until trouble walked into her bar, the Grog Monster, and his name was Tate Briggs.<br />
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For the past ten years Peyton's managed to live her life scandal-free. A feat considering her father's the mayor, in a very small town. Staying under the radar is a priority when her every action is reported like the hottest news. And Peyton knows how fast that grapevine can turn on her. So no matter how delicious and forbidden Tate can be, she's not willing to turn her world into gossip central, again, for lust.<br />
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Tate Briggs learned a long time ago to want what you want and not apologize for it, and he wants Peyton. He can understand her trepidation. Small towns are only kind to their local sweethearts when she's agreeable and perfect, but at some point Peyton's got to live for herself. But his patience is tested when she insists their affair must remain a secret. It goes against everything he believes in.<br />
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When their relationship becomes more than a sexual affair, Peyton will have to decide between her beloved small town or the man she loves.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Trouble-Tanner-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B00NQIKG02/?tag=themelissablue-20" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Amazon US</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flirting-with-trouble-sofia-harper/1120372443?ean=2940150517004" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
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<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/flirting-with-trouble-5" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flirtingwithtrouble-1625133-149.html" target="_blank">ARe</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/476550" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
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Promotional price: $1.85</div>
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Coupon Code: VJ54M</div>
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Expires: September 23, 2014</div>
</span>Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18198345807136455808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22799621.post-53492702429987430522014-09-07T13:37:00.000-07:002014-09-07T13:37:19.156-07:00A Decade of SnarkNo one is more shocked than I that I've lasted this long. And to be honest I didn't do this on my own. So I just want to say thank you. To every critique partner, beta reader, writing forum and every author I've met. You have made this an incredible journey I could not have fathomed when I started at 19.<br />
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But most of you are here for a giveaway. Here's a purty graphic to see some of the prizes up for grabs and below it will be the rafflecopter link.<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a06a00c81/" id="rc-a06a00c81" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Melissa Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04575640016746601582noreply@blogger.com1