Guest Post +Release Day: Many Strange Women by Parker J. Cole

So the last few days have been dedicated to Contemporary Romance. Today we're switching gears to welcome Parker J. Cole and her inspirational romance Many Strange Women. Before we talk shop, Parker has a few words on her 'rise from the slushpile'. 

Take it away Parker !

I think the word 'slush' isn't the right word I want to use in this journey on the road to publishing. The word is 'remains'. The remains of a poor helpless animal bitten by numerous bears that nipped at my flesh and left my carcass lying there in a heap in the middle of the forest floor.

Yeah, ‘remains' is a good word. 

That is exactly how it felt on this road to publishing. There I was-a lithe, agile deer with my dreams of publishing my book a simple, seemingly attainable idea. All I would do is present my work to the first publisher and I would get recognized in an instant. With my trusty rabbit--er, um agent, who's a smooth talker and faster than I with negotiating the trail, we set off. The first publisher we came across bit gently into my hind leg. It hurt but she didn't draw blood and I still had my pride. We continued forward on the trail. Some publishers never responded. Others swatted at us like nuisance flies. Still others roared at me like I was a lunatic. Each rejection that came cut at me in some way. Pretty soon, I was a dragging myself along the trail, head down, self-confidence somewhere behind me on the forest floor.

Yet, through this journey, my agent never stopped believing in me. My family knew it would happen and told me to be patient. My mate pushed me back up with his antlers and told me quit tripping out. The mate's never been good at soft encouraging words. I remember one rejection was particularly cutting to the point where I looked down at myself and wondered, "What in the world was I thinking!" When it finally happened, when a publisher offered me a contract, I was not the whole, lithe agile deer I had started out. In fact, my body was riddled with holes from the bears that scratched at my pride and belief. In fact, by the time it happened, when my turn for yes finally came, I did not believe it.

I learned some important things on the journey:
--Each rejection that tore into me created a wound. But let me tell you, wounds heal.
--The writer's journey does not have to be a lonely one. Always bring your friends and family with you.
--Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Ain't that the truth?
--Do not give up. Ever.

Those are excellent pieces of advice for the journey. My favorite would be number three. Something I live by every day. Now for more about Many Strange Women:

Solomon Greene made a deal with God--If He'd send him an unattractive woman, he'd marry her on sight and do what was spiritually right by God. After all, he needed an ugly wife to help him escape from his past.

Celeste Martin made a deal with Solomon. She'd be his ugly wife. All she wanted in return was his name. She was in love with her sister's fiancé and he would be the only man she'd ever love.

Solomon had no idea that he'd find his wife fascinating. Celeste didn't know that one taste from her husband's lips would have her wanting more. Yet many strange women were between them. 

Could Solomon ever escape from his past? Could Celeste ever love her husband? 

Purchase a copy at: eLectiopublishing

Author Bio:
Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and their beloved dog, Sarah. Visit her website at www.parkerjcole.com.

Guest Post +Release Day: Truth or Dare by Elizabeth Morgan

I so excited to be hosting fellow Decadent Publishing Author Elizabeth Morgan. She's discussing how she got started in writing, and the rise from the ever dreaded slush pile. Not to mention find out about her latest release: Truth or Dare

Although, I have been writing on and off since childhood, it wasn’t until I was studying Musical Theatre in college that I really started to get into it on a serious note. We often got assignments that involved us writing scripts as a group. Having to do this for college, I started to play about with my own ideas and produce my own work.

After reading one of my plays a friend suggested to me that I try writing a book as I could add as much detail as I wanted in to it. (She mainly suggested this, because I had gone and wrote a huge amount of background for both the world and the characters, and naturally to some degree, it wouldn’t be needed for a play.)

A year – and tons of other stuff later – I decided I would give it ago and sat down and started planning a book. It took me nine months to complete, and then after letting a few friends read it I ripped it to shreds and began re-writing it again. (That book was Cranberry Blood. My Urban Fantasy which I am re-releasing this summer along with its prequel She-Wolf.)

I think I got about roughly 60 rejections for the first three stories I wrote before being offered my first contract. Sadly the company shut down, and I found myself back at square one, but what can I say? I was determined that someone would like my stories, and I was right, February 2011 I got a contract offer for my modern fairy-tale re-telling of Rapunzel, Razel Dazzle, which was published in May 2011. (Razel Dazzle has since be self-published and re-released, and is available to buy from most online retailers.)

Since then I’ve had seven books published – I’ve had the rights to the three mentioned above, along with two others reverted back to me, either by request, or due to one of my publishing companies shutting down. All books have been, or will be re-submitted or self-published – and today: book number eight has released.

Truth or Dare? Is a naughty little erotic romance story that I whipped up after being inspired by a scene from the Big Bang Theory. (The scene where Lenard and Penny are drinking tequila? Yeah, that’s the scene. ;-P)

Ooh, now I've never watched the Big Bang Theory, but if it's that inspirational then maybe I should give it a shot, after I read this book.

Do you dare tell the truth?

A tequila fuelled game of Truth or Dare is not Dani’s idea of fun, but when Cameron, the jerk who rejected her a year ago is the one provoking her into playing, how can she say no? Not that he’s giving her the option in the first place.

Bravado compels her forward, but when the dares get physical and their friends leave them alone, Cameron’s questions turn to her feelings for him, and unfortunately, lying is not part of the game.

Will a dare give Dani the courage she needs to tell Cameron the truth?

Get your copy at:
Decadent
Amazon
Amazon UK
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Author Info:

Elizabeth started life wanting to be an actress because she loved entertaining people. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh and to help distract them from reality for a few hours.

She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with story ideas, so she began writing plays. Slowly, over the following three years, she was writing more and more, channelling every ounce of her imagination into the written word.

Now here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit in her little cottage in Cheshire, England, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.

Author Links:
Website 
Blog 
Twitter 
Goodreads 
Facebook

Cover Reveal: Complete Me by Cate Peace

Check out this amazing cover from my buddy and fellow 1Night Stand author Cate Peace. This cover was made by another Decadent author Mina Carter. Tell us what you think.

Out of the dating game for five years, best-selling romance author Claire Ergleston is convinced that writing out the romances she’s always wanted is a lot safer than trying in real life. Then she receives the news that she’s been signed up for a 1Night Stand date “to give her something to talk about in interviews.” Nothing worse than a romance author with no romance to pick apart.

Former rock star Ty Krause has let his past rule him for almost a decade. Unable to let the former love of his life go for good, he spends his days writing passable songs for a British boy band and his nights wishing he had the balls to say goodbye. In a last ditch effort, he signs up for 1Night Stand, thinking that a night of no-strings-attached sex will help him cut the other strings holding him back.

When the two meet, their instant attraction and connection muddy the waters a little too much. Will past hurts hold them back from each other, or will they be able to move forward and live out their dreams together?

I can't wait to read this one and it should be out in the near future. :) 

UPCOMING RELEASE: R is For Rebel by Megan Mulry

Yes, those are caps in the header and damn right I'm excited. R is For Rebel releases on February 4th, 2014 -- 14 days from today.

Megan is my secret light of power. I was lucky enough to meet her at the RT Convention Giant Book Fair in May of 2013. She got up out of her chair and hugged me! ME! She. Hugged. Me. Then I was gifted the privileged of being a part of her inner circle for a couple of hours of amazing. She is one of the most approachable author's I've met and amazeballs.

I'd read her debut release and hailed it marvelous. The lovely tale, A Royal Pain, featured a heroine that cussed as much as I do. No, I don't cuss on the blog because I'm protecting my public image, but in the bosom of my close friends and family the fuck's fly. I'm painfully aware this may make me less palatable in some eyes, but I digress.

Back to MEGAN! Because this post is all about her and not me. Since the debut of A Royal Pain, and the ever delicious mix of American Sassy-Cussy-Pants Bronte and the smokin' hawt Max, I've been addicted. While, I haven't had the time to review her subsequent releases, I've gobbled them up. Each one another testament to her witty prose, cutting dialogue, and re-awakening the desire in me for a modern day fairy-tale.She's an author who gives you sensory details. Details that will make you SEE, FEEL, TASTE, SMELL, and, by damn or thong panties, WANT all the things.

That being said if there's one book you need to order (besides all of them) go out and pre-order R is for Rebel .

Required Blurb:

Abigail Heyworth is a rebel heiress, bucking the confines of her royal family every chance she gets. After breaking up with her long-term girlfriend, she is inexplicably drawn to the sophisticated American, Eliot Cranbrook. Despite all their differences - he's a self-made businessman; she's a royal hippy - they fall hard for each other. When the intensity of the relationship escalates and Abigail is forced to look at the nature of her rebellion, she has to decide if she has an entirely different kind of courage. 

This book is for: 
- Women who love Historical and Contemporary Romance. Megan brings you the best of both worlds.
- Anyone who's been a rebel. I was a goth girl in high school. Chained wallets, fishnet shirts, black eye liner, Doc Martens, and plenty of hardcore/metal rock meant to cause your eardrum to shrivel up and die. I want to know Abigail based on the Rebel principle alone.
- Those who love strong heroines who still need to face their fears and downright sexy, unbelievably pervy heroes (there's nothing better in my opinion).

New Release: The Trouble With Memories by Eva Lafoy

Helium toads!

That’s just one of the new creatures you’ll find in Eva Lefoy’s The Trouble With Memories. What are helium toads, you ask? Well, they’re toads that exist in a helium environment. You’ll find them scattered all over the universe, wherever helium pockets exist.

If you watch closely, you’ll also see a redhead with her phase-pistol ready and an over-abundance of attitude go zooming by. That’s Lucy Borasco and right now, she’s on a mission to get her ex-boyfriend back. She’s smart, she’s sassy and she rarely takes “no” for an answer. And if you serve her canned fish, look out!

Right behind her will be Captain California Sykes, an ace pilot who’s lost his memories and needs them back – fast - before forgetting Lucy proves dangerous to his health. She’s harder to handle than the Martians, who seem to have forgotten they’re extinct. And she looks sexy in green. What man could resist?

Join Lucy and Cal as they try to save the universe – and each other – in this colorful romp through space infested with helium toads, frozen comet tails and other sorts of fragging fun!

The universe just got a lot more colorful.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Lt. Borasco—”

“Lucy. It’s Lucy, remember?”

“Unfortunately, no. I don’t.” He shook his head, but no cobwebs loosened.

She scowled and huffed like a frustrated brat and put her hands on her hips. “I don’t believe you.”

“Well, Lucy, it’s true.” He licked his lips and his throat went dry, the taste of her name sucking the air right out of him. Good or bad sign? Proceed, or caution? “To be honest, I don’t remember anything before Mars. In fact, I don’t even remember most of the mission.”

“What? How can that be?” She frowned, her eyebrows dipping low. “Wait. From before you left? You mean you don’t remember being with me?” She pointed at her chest.

He shrugged, knowing admitting he’d forgotten her was a dumb move. If he was her, he’d be throwing a dark star of a fit. But at the same time his gaze couldn’t help lingering on her chest. He liked what he saw. Maybe he could talk her into a quickie. Down boy, down.

“I don’t fragging believe this.” She ran her hand through her shortish red hair and slapped the data pad against her shapely thigh while she walked an arc around the room, ending by the windows.

The windows flexed and the floor rumbled as the jets did another close fly-by. He ignored them in favor of intently ogling the rounded globes of Lucy’s ass. When she spun to face him, he nearly lost his balance.

Three steps later, she was in his face. He braced himself for her wrath.

Her fingers curled around his collar nice and tight. When she gave him a light shake, his head whipped back and forth. Maybe she was trying to rattle some sense back into his malfunctioning brain.. “Comet tails, Cal. If this is some game you’re playing to make me miss you, I swear I’ll fill your ass with helium and shoot you out one of those planes!”

He loved how the fire in her eyes matched her hair and the way she jutted out her chin at the end of her pronouncement. But he’d told her the truth. This was no game. His memories of her were completely gone. “How can I prove to you I’m not lying?”

Her lips curled up in a smirk. “Kiss me.”

With a confident toss of her head she laid claim to him, answering his questions about how he’d known her. Hell, he hadn’t known her, apparently he’d known her. The news made his dick swell with pride. His mouth quirked into a cocky smile.

“Come on, Cal. Today’s Valentine’s Day after all.” Her hands caressed his neck, working their way up his jaw. “One little goodbye kiss won’t hurt.”

Her touch confused him. Familiar yet foreign. New sensations and ghostly memories rose toward the surface of his mind but were squashed before they reached the light. He shook his head but the cobwebs didn’t clear. Why couldn’t he remember? Everything but those fragging ships seemed vague.

A twinge in his right shoulder shot up his neck, and he couldn’t help thinking the pain was a warning. He braced for more, but none immediately came. He wanted out of this box, wanted answers. But he wouldn’t endanger anyone else to get them.

“Lucy.” His voice sounded hoarse, as if he’d sucked sand into his windpipe. “Don’t.” 

The Trouble With Memories is available now at:

Decadent  l  Amazon  l  Amazon.UK  l  AReCafe  l 

Bio:

Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

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Writing = Leading

As writers we're constantly developing imaginary characters, worlds, decisions, and ultimately different takes on fake or current social norms we've experience in our past or present. Writing is a way to express, maybe not our personal feelings on a politically charged topic but, how we believe it would effect different people and their make-believe personalities.

Fictional accounts from the Historical perspective give us ideas on how things came to be in our future and how maybe one person could have influenced change in the past. Dystopian novels take political, religious, and ethical ideas to extremes to show possible futures. Horror stories let us hypothesis scenarios of science going too far or how making out casts of different individuals may affect an environment in a negative manner. Romance novels also attack taboos, characters overcoming personal obstacles to find true love, and a myriad of other troubles.

No matter what you write, the power of your words has the ability to lead. By leading, I mean to create change in a person's mind about a topic or to influence them in ways they never thought possible.

I'll leave you this Friday with a brief TED Talk called: Leading with Lollipops.