Sunday, December 14, 2014

Three Years of Self-Publishing and Still Going Strong!


 
Hi all,

Three years ago today, I self-published my first novel, Widow, Virgin, Whore. Although I had been writing novels for years, I had never had a platform to sell them on.  After numerous rejection slips from agents and publishers, I'd pretty much given up. And then I heard about self-publishing on Amazon, and that opened up a whole new world for me.

When I self-published my first novel, I really had no expectations. That first month, I sold two books. I was thrilled. At least two people would read my book. Later that month, I published my middle- grade novel Outlaw Heroes, and then in March of 2012 I published Memories.  Sales grew, and so did the income. At the time, I'd read that authors who self-published were lucky if they earned $500 a year from their books. In only three months, I'd already surpassed that amount. I ignored the naysayers and continued self-publishing.

Three years later, I've published nine books and I'm already working on my tenth. I've sold approximately 150,000 books over that three year span and that's just the ebooks. Sure, there are many authors earning a lot more than I am, but I'm happy that I've been able to do something I love and share it with readers. I've met so many nice people, including readers, reviewers, bloggers, and of course, all my author friends. It's been such a rewarding experience.

And the best news of all – This past month I was approached by a publisher who purchased Maggie's Turn and will be republishing it in the Summer of 2015. We will be working to polish Maggie up and get her ready for her big reveal. I'm so excited to start this new phase of my writing career. And of course, I'll still be writing and self-publishing other novels.

In 2015, I hope to self-publish at least three novels – maybe four if I make myself sit down and write! I know authors who write a book a month, but I can't even imagine that. Writing four books this year was enough for me – I need to have a life as well. J

My three years of self-publishing has been amazing and I look forward to many, many more. Thank you all for your support throughout my writing journey. I couldn't have done this without all the kind words from readers, my blogger friends, and my author friends. You are all amazing!

 
Cheers,

Deanna

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Happy Holiday Reader Appreciation Giveaway!

Happy Holidays!




I LOVE all my friends and readers! You have all been so wonderful and supportive of me over the past few years. 2014 has been an amazing year for me and I can't think of a better way to thank all of you than by giving away prizes. So, I'm giving away one $50 Amazon Gift Card and one $25 Amazon Gift Card.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Be safe and enjoy family and friends! And I hope 2015 brings only good things to you all.


Enter to win with the Rafflecopter below. The contest will be open 12/10/14 to 12/20/14. The contest is open to US, Canadian, and UK citizens ONLY. (Sorry to all my friends in other countries.) The value of the gift cards are in US currency.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also - Be sure to check out the two Goodreads' Giveaways on the sidebar - I'm giving away paperback copies of Kiss a Cowboy and Sara's Promise.

And don't forget to buy your copy of A KISS FOR COLT, the second book in the Kiss a Cowboy Series. It's NEW and available on Amazon Kindle and B&N Nook for only $1.99 for a limited time. Grab it before it goes back to full price!

Cheers,
Deanna

Friday, November 14, 2014

First Chapter Reveal: A Kiss for Colt

Hi all,


My latest novel, A Kiss for Colt (Kiss a Cowboy Series Book Two) is getting closer to publication so I'd like to share with you the first chapter. If all goes well, it will be published in early December, so if you haven't read the first book, Kiss a Cowboy, be sure to grab a copy.  Here is the book description and the first chapter reveal!

A Kiss for Colt (Kiss a Cowboy Series Book Two)
Deanna Lynn Sletten


Book Description:

"Colt isn't going to know what hit him," Luke Brennan teased when Colt first met Carly. That was the understatement of the year.

Sometimes a kiss is just a kiss…

Colt Brennan is a sweet, shy cowboy who has spent his life working the family ranch in Montana. He's never given a thought to doing anything different, until the vivacious Carly Stevens comes along and steals his heart. Everyone warned him that Carly gets bored with her men easily, but Colt doesn't believe it's true. Once their relationship goes beyond a few stolen kisses, he's sure that Carly and he are meant to be together. On Carly's invitation, Colt leaves everything behind to move to Seattle and live with her. But sometimes a kiss is just a kiss, and although he wants much more with Carly, he finds her slowly pulling away, leaving him confused.

And then there's Beth. Colt feels an instant connection with Carly's roommate, Beth Owens, and is intrigued by her quiet kindness and inner strength. Beth is the one to bring a smile to his face and warm his heart when all his life plans goes awry. As time goes by, Colt finds himself caught between the woman he thinks he loves, and the woman he feels a deep connection to. Who will be the woman who steals Colt away with just one kiss?


Buy Now:

Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/2nuy9dt


Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2P1xDAc





First Chapter Reveal:

Chapter One

Colt Brennan paced the waiting area in the Missoula International Airport, unable to contain his excitement at the arrival of Carly Stevens, Andi's sister. It was only two days before Christmas, and Carly was flying in from Seattle to celebrate the holidays with the Brennan family and her sister, as well as attend the special event planned for New Year's Eve—Andi and Luke's wedding. Colt hadn't seen Carly since they'd first met back in August when she'd driven to the ranch and stayed a few days. Andi's car had broken down and she was staying with the Brennan's while it was being repaired, and Carly had come out to bring some of Andi's prints to sell at the county fair.

The first time Colt had laid eyes on Carly, his heart skipped a beat. She was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Her long blond hair and captivating blue eyes had knocked him for a loop. And the fact that she'd found him, a simple cowboy, attractive and worthy of flirting with, had both surprised and humbled him.

Growing warm, Colt discarded his sheepskin jacket onto the empty seat beside Andi and began pacing again. He lifted his cowboy hat from his head and ran his hand through his short, sandy blond hair, then paced once more. Several women in the airport watched Colt with interest as he walked back and forth, but he paid them no mind. With his tall, muscular frame, long legs, square jaw, high cheekbones, and deep set blue eyes, he garnered attention from women wherever he went. But being the shy young man that he was, he rarely noticed when women looked his way.

"Colt, if you don't stop pacing, you'll wear a groove in the floor," Andi said with a grin.

Colt stopped short and stared sheepishly at Andi. "Sorry." He dropped into a chair beside her. "I'm just excited to see Carly again. We've been emailing each other for months now, and I'm finally going to see her."

Andi patted Colt's arm and smiled at him. "I know. But pacing isn't going to make the flight arrive any quicker."

Colt nodded, trying hard to sit still. At twenty-five years old, he was only three years younger than Andi, but since she was soon to marry his older brother, he felt like she was his older sister as well. Colt was different from most twenty-first century men. He'd grown up working on the family ranch and attended a small-town school. Unlike Luke, who'd left at eighteen to attend college in northern California before moving back to the ranch, Colt had never had any desire to leave. He was a strong, competent man when it came to working the ranch and he could break a wild horse like no one else for miles around, but when it came to women, he was shy and uneasy. Except with Carly, it had been different. Carly was confident and outgoing and knew exactly how to pull Colt out of his shell, and he'd fallen for her immediately. But now, as he waited for her plane to arrive, he worried if she'd still find him interesting or think he was an awkward, hayseed cowboy.

The twelve forty-five p.m. flight from Seattle was announced over the loud speaker as having arrived and Colt jumped up from his seat to stare out the window and try to catch a glimpse of it.

"Why don't we head over to the baggage carrousels and wait for her there?" Andi suggested as she stood and picked up Colt's coat.

Colt nodded and began walking quickly ahead of Andi with long strides. He stopped half-way there and waited for her to catch up.

"Sorry," he told her, taking his heavy coat from her. "I'm not being very polite, am I?"

Andi laughed as she looked up at him with twinkling, green eyes. "It's okay. It's hard being in love, isn't it?"

Colt felt his face heat up as he stared at Andi. When Andi had first been stranded at their ranch, Colt had a huge crush on her. Her long, wavy red hair, big green eyes, and soft curves had been hard to ignore. But very soon it became obvious that Andi was more like a sister to him. He felt comfortable around her and she teased him good naturedly. Then, when Carly showed up and immediately started flirting with him, he was like putty in her hands. But he adored Andi and was happy she and Luke were getting married. After knowing her for less than five months, he already felt like she was a part of their family.

"I'm not sure I'd call it love," he said, trying to sound convincing. "But I sure do like her." Deep down inside, he knew he was already madly in love with the vivacious Carly, he just didn't want to admit it and sound like a crazy, lovesick idiot.

"Colt! Andi! Over here," a sweet voice rang out over the noise from the small crowd of people who had formed near the baggage carrousels. Both Andi and Colt looked up to see a woman dressed all in white making her way through the crowd, waving at them.

Carly stood out from the crowd in a formfitting white, North Face jacket with faux fur trim on the hood and sleeves, a long, fuzzy sweater, a pair of white leggings, and mid-calf length white snow boots with fur trim on top. Her light blond hair swirled around her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkled as she pulled a small, brown Louis Vuitton bag behind her with a matching handbag attached to the handle. She looked like a snow bunny that had missed her flight to Vail or Tahoe. But on the lively, spirited Carly, the outfit seemed just right.

Colt's eyes lit up at the sight of her and Andi shook her head and grinned as Carly came flying into Colt's arms and placed a big hello kiss on his lips.
***
"My handsome cowboy," Carly exclaimed as she threw her arms around Colt and kissed him quickly on the lips, leaving a smudge of red lipstick behind. Carly pulled back and giggled before she ran her thumb across his lips to wipe the red away. Colt's face turned bright red to match the lipstick, which only made Carly giggle harder. "I really missed you, Colt."

The one and a half hour flight from Seattle to Missoula was short, but for Carly, it had felt like hours. She couldn't wait to see her big sister or her hot cowboy. Ever since meeting Colt months before, Carly had thought about him often. Even though she'd dated a few men during that time, Colt stayed on her mind. He was unlike the men she usually dated, and she liked that. Where they were usually sophisticated and worldly, Colt was sweet and unaffected by possessions and status. He treated her like a true lady. The fact that he was dreamily handsome and a great kisser helped a lot, too.

"What about me?" Andi asked. "Didn't you miss me at all?"

Carly turned, smiled wide at Andi, and pulled her into a hug. "Of course, I did, silly. But who would you hug first? Your sister, or your cute cowboy?"

Andi laughed. "Definitely, my cute cowboy." She looked her sister up and down. "That's quite some outfit you're wearing."

Carly stepped back and pursed her lips into a pout. "Don't you like it? You said to dress warm, and there's no reason not to look stylish and be warm, is there?"

"I'm just teasing you," Andi said. "You look adorable, as usual. You'd look stunning in a paper sack."
Carly grinned. "Goodness. Never a paper sack. Unless it's a designer one."

Andi laughed and Carly gave her another hug. "Show me your ring," Carly said excitedly. "I've been waiting months to see it."

Andi lifted her left hand and Carly held it, inspecting the white gold band with a solitaire brilliant cut diamond sparkling on it.

"It's gorgeous!" Carly exclaimed. "Not too gaudy and not too small. Luke did a good job."

"I'm glad you approve," Andi said, chuckling. "The minute I said I'd marry him, Luke insisted we go shopping for a ring. He wanted the world to know we were engaged."

"Smart man," Carly said. She looked up at Andi wistfully. "I'm so happy you're marrying Luke instead of Mr. You-Know-Who."

"Me, too," Andi whispered conspiratorially. Carly was referring to Derek Hensley, the man Andi had been engaged to when she started her drive across country. Carly had never really liked Derek, and had told Andi to fall in love with Luke, instead, because he was much cuter and nicer than Derek. In the end, Andi had to agree. Falling in love with Luke was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

"Do you have any more luggage?" Colt piped up.

Both women looked up at Colt, startled. They'd been so busy talking, they'd forgotten where they were.

"Oh, yes. I do," Carly said. "Would you be a sweetie and grab it for me, Colt? It's awfully heavy. It looks just like my small bag here."

"Sure," Colt said, sounding happy to please her. He strode over to the carrousel and watched it intently.

"Louis Vuitton, huh?" Andi asked. "Did you win the lottery or something?"

Carly gave her sister a sideways glance. "Don't be such a spoilsport. I work. I should be allowed to splurge on nice things once in a while."

"Outlet mall?"

"Yes," Carly whispered. "But don't tell anyone, okay?"

Andi laughed and put her arm around her sister, pulling her close. "Oh, Carly. I sure have missed you."

"Me, too," Carly said.

Colt found Carly's bag and they walked out into the crisp winter air through the parking lot to Colt's truck. Once inside, Colt cranked up the heat and they headed west out of town for the hour long trip back to the ranch.

Carly had scooted into the middle of the seat so she could sit next to Colt and Andi sat by the door. Her luggage was tucked safely in the back seat of the truck.

"When you said it was cold here, you weren't kidding," Carly said. "I thought Seattle was cold in the winter, but this is ridiculous. Look at all the snow."

Andi nodded. "It takes some getting used to, but I don't mind it too much. I stay inside most of the time anyway, either painting or helping Ginny with meals."

"I can't wait to see everyone," Carly said. "And to see your wedding dress. It's so romantic that you two are getting married on New Year's Eve and by the fireplace in the house just like all the Brennans before you."

"Every Brennan since the 1860s when the house was first built," Colt said proudly. "It's a family tradition."

Carly smiled over at Colt and put her hand on his thigh. "Even you, Colt? Will you get married there?"

Colt glanced shyly at Carly. "I suppose, if anyone ever wants to marry me."

Carly's blue eyes twinkled. "I'm sure it won't be too difficult to find someone."

"Sheesh. You guys are too much," Andi said. "I hope Luke and I didn't sound so sickeningly sweet a few months ago."

Carly giggled. "No, you two were too busy pretending you weren't in love with each other to sound cute."

Colt chuckled. "Sorry, Andi. I have to agree with that."

Andi shook her head and turned to look out the window. When Andi's car broke down last summer and she stayed with the Brennans, she'd had every intention of leaving the moment her car was repaired. Her relationship with her fiancé had been strained already, and over the course of the three weeks she'd stayed at the ranch, it grew even more distant. But despite its rocky start, the relationship between her and Luke had grown, to the point where they could no longer deny their feelings for each other. Andi did try to leave, but couldn't. She'd fallen in love with the handsome Luke, and he'd begged her to stay. She did, and they'd been happily together every day since.

"Don't be mad, Andi," Carly said. "I think you and Luke's love story is beautiful. And I can't wait until the wedding. Wait until you see the dress I bought to wear as your Maid of Honor. Colt and I are going to look so cute together in the pictures, him in his tux and me in my dress."

Andi smiled. "Carly, you two would look great in pictures no matter what you wore. But I can't wait to see your dress."

Carly and Andi chatted about the wedding and what had gone on in their lives since they'd last seen each other until Colt pulled into the long driveway up to the main ranch house. Colt and his mother, Ginny, lived at the main house and Luke and Andi lived in a cozy cabin just down the road. Everyone, including Randy Olson, a longtime family friend and their ranch hand, ate meals together at the main house.

Carly's eyes lit up with delight. "Everything looks so different here with snow everywhere. It's beautiful."

Snow covered the rolling fields and cattle dotted the pasture. The red horse barn had a blanket of snow on the roof as did the house. There'd been a smattering of fresh snow the night before, and today it glittered in the sun.

"It's magical," Carly exclaimed in awe.

"Yeah, until you have to shovel it," Andi said, bursting Carly's bubble.

Carly rolled her eyes. "Spoilsport."

Colt chuckled.

They pulled up near the house and got out of the warm truck into the twenty-five degree day. Carly pulled her coat closer around her as Colt lifted her bags out of the back seat. Just as they walked to the back door, it opened, and there stood Colt's mother, Ginny, smiling wide.

"Carly! You're here," Ginny said. She scrambled down the steps wearing only her jeans and sweater and her winter boots. Her dark blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her hazel eyes sparkled. Even with a few strands of gray streaking through her hair, Ginny looked too young to have two grown sons.
She pulled Carly into a warm embrace and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "My, but aren't you beautiful all dressed up in white. You look like a snow princess."

Carly beamed at Ginny. "Thanks." It was hard not to feel happy around Ginny. She was always so warm and loving, even to strangers.

Bree, their black and white Australian Shepherd, came bounding out the door to greet Carly, too.

"Bree," Carly cried, bending down to pet her. "I missed you too, girl."

"Well, come in out of the cold," Ginny said, leading the way. "There's warm chocolate chip cookies waiting and hot chocolate, too."

The group stepped into the mudroom and discarded their wet boots and jackets before heading into the kitchen. Bree followed them in and went to lie on her pillow over by the back staircase. To Carly, the cozy kitchen smelled like home should smell, with fresh cookies just out of the oven and hot chocolate warming on the stove. She picked up a cookie from the plate on the kitchen table and took a bite.

"Ah. Heaven," she said with a sigh.

Everyone laughed.

"Colt, dear. Take Carly's bags up to her room and then come back down and join us. I have no idea where Luke and Randy are right now, but maybe they'll smell the cookies and come running," Ginny said.

Carly sighed as she sat at the large kitchen table, sipped her hot chocolate, and nibbled on another cookie while watching everyone bustle around her. She and Andi had been raised by wonderful parents in a beautiful modern home and had been allowed to try everything that interested them. Andi's interest had been painting, and she was very talented at it. Carly's was managing and selling, and she did that well at the art gallery where she worked. She'd lived in Seattle her entire life and enjoyed the eclectic feel of it. But, even with everything she'd been able to experience throughout her life, this sweet, country kitchen at this ranch in the mountains of Montana felt more like home to her than anywhere else ever had. Maybe it was because of Ginny's kindness, or the fact that her parents had died when she was only fourteen and Andi was eighteen. Or maybe it was because everyone here was so real and down to earth. Carly didn't know why. She was just happy to be here with her sister and among the people she considered her family, especially her handsome cowboy, Colt.

###
I hope you enjoyed this first chapter of A Kiss for Colt. Look for it in December 2014 on Kindle, Nook, and in paperback.
Cheers,
Deanna

Sunday, November 9, 2014

New Site Offers Free Promotional Opportunities for Authors, Editors, Designers, and More!


Hi all,

If you have been looking for an easy way to promote your latest novel, deal, editorial services, designer services, or any other form of literary service, then you should consider checking into Author Exchange.  This is a new site which offers free promotional opportunities. Here's the rundown.

What is Author Exchange?

It is a new website which also has a companion Facebook Page and Twitter account where you can promote your novels, deals, and services for free. There is no membership requirement, no fee to use it, and you can log in with one of your existing accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, etc. Simple.

What Can I Do On Author Exchange

Author Exchange is a new start up, so it is beginning to offer its services in two useful and very effective ways.

 

1.      Tweet Squads – With Tweet Squads, you can enter up to two tweets about your book or literary service in the forum for that day. Fifteen tweeters are allowed to enter on one Squad. You tweet the other fourteen tweets during the day and they all tweet you. It's a wonderful way to cross promote and reach a bigger audience. This service is completely FREE to use and you can use it as much or as little as you wish. Just be sure to read the RULES first. It's that simple.

 

2.      Facebook Promotion – You can post your book deals or service deals on the Author Exchange Facebook Page.  All you have to do is LIKE the page first, then post your promo. It's Free. Check the Facebook Page for guidelines on what you are allowed to post.

 

Who Can Use These Services?

Anyone who is promoting the literary industry can use these services. This includes:

Writers

Authors

Book bloggers

Small presses

Large presses

Cover designers

Cover artists

Illustrators

Editors

Book reviewers (Please, no book reviewers who charge fees.)

Are you having a sale on your novel? Promote it on the Facebook Page and by using the Tweet Squads. Are you a book reviewer wanting to share your latest book review? Promote it! A Cover Designer wanting to share your services? Use the Tweet Squads to reach new clients. It is open to everyone in the literary industry.

In the future, Author Exchange may expand their services by adding more promo opportunities. Until then, try their free services and help it grow.

This is a new site, so it will take time to get up off the ground. But the more people who participate, the more you will gain from it. So, what are you waiting for? Join a Tweet Squad and promote your book or services. And tell your friends, too!

Be sure to also follow Author Exchange on:



 
Cheers,

Deanna

Monday, November 3, 2014

Cover Reveal: A Kiss for Colt (Kiss a Cowboy Series Book Two) by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Hi all,

I am so excited to share with you the beautiful cover of my upcoming novel, A KISS FOR COLT, the second book in the Kiss a Cowboy Series. It's Colt's turn to fall in love, but does he fall fast and hard for the wrong woman? Coming December 2014.



A Kiss for Colt
Cover by Tugboat Design

(Kiss a Cowboy Series Book Two)
Deanna Lynn Sletten


Book Description:

"Colt isn't going to know what hit him," Luke Brennan teased when Colt first met Carly. That was the understatement of the year.

 A kiss is just a kiss…

Colt Brennan is a sweet, shy cowboy who has spent his life working the family ranch in Montana. He's never given a thought to doing anything different, until the vivacious Carly Stevens comes along and steals his heart. Everyone warned him that Carly gets bored with her men easily, but Colt doesn't believe it's true. Once their relationship goes beyond a few stolen kisses, he's sure that Carly and he are meant to be together. On Carly's invitation, Colt leaves everything behind to move to Seattle and live with her. But sometimes a kiss is just a kiss, and although he wants much more with Carly, he finds her slowly pulling away, leaving him confused.

And then there's Beth. Colt feels an instant connection with Carly's roommate, Beth Owens, and is intrigued by her quiet kindness and inner strength. Beth is the one to bring a smile to his face and warm his heart when all his life plans goes awry. As time goes by, Colt finds himself caught between the woman he thinks he loves and the woman he feels a deep connection to. Who will be the woman who steals Colt away with just one kiss?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Coming soon to:

Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
Paperback

Be sure to Add A Kiss for Colt to your To-Read list on Goodreads!

A big thank you to Deborah at Tugboat Design for Colt's beautiful cover as well as for all my book covers!


If you haven't read book one, KISS A COWBOY, then be sure to grab a copy now. You don't want to miss out on Luke and Andi's story! While each book in the series could be read as a stand alone novel, it's more fun when you start at the beginning.

Buy KISS A COWBOY on:

Amazon Kindle

B&N Nook

Kobo

Paperback 





Cheers,

Deanna

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Book Review: Flawless by Jan Moran

Hi all,

I want to share with you this novel by the talented Jan Moran. Flawless is the first book in the series titled The Hostile Beauty Series, and I enjoyed it very much. Below is more about the book and my review.

Flawless (A Hostile Beauty Series Novel Book One)


Jan Moran


Book Description:

Verena Valent is at the helm of her family's legendary Swiss skincare company, which caters to a glamorous clientele in the heart of Beverly Hills. After her parents are killed in an automobile accident, she becomes the sole provider for her younger twin sisters and her grandmother. Instead of attending college with her friends as planned, she rises to the challenge to guide and expand her family's business. She is in the midst of a critical international expansion into Asia when her carefully organized life begins to unravel.

Verena is shaken to discover that her fiancé, Derrick, might be behind a scheme to take over her growing company. While she struggles to save the business that means everything to her, she meets Lance, an executive chef at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She encounters this intriguing man again while on a business trip to Paris, and soon gains a new perspective on love, romance, and relationships.

When the unthinkable occurs and Verena's world collapses, her friends rally around her, among them Scarlett Sandoval, a top intellectual property attorney; Dahlia DuBois, a perfumer from an esteemed line of French perfumers; and Fianna Fitzgerald, a fashion designer with her own trendy boutique.

Ultimately, Verena learns that truth, family, friendship, and love are the unshakable pillars of life. But will she get a second chance in business, or in love?

Flawless is the first book in the Hostile Beauty Series. Follow a group of smart, stylish, entrepreneurial friends as they navigate the turbulences of modern life in the business of beauty. Set in Beverly Hills with action flung across the globe, this engaging series features gutsy, determined best friends, and how they manage to live the lives of their dreams.

Buy Flawless on:




Beauty Mark (A Hostile Beauty Series Novel Book Two) by Jan Moran – Book two in the series - is now available for Pre-Sale on:




My 5 Star Review:

Verena Valent is a woman with enormous responsibility on her shoulders. She not only runs the family's high end skincare business in prestigious Beverly Hills, but she's been responsible for raising her younger twin sisters since the death of her parents. Her Grandmother Mia's health also weighs heavily upon her. To complicate things further, the sagging economy forces Verena to seek funds for her business from an unscrupulous source, placing her under even more stress. Can Verena trust her fiancé who works for the funding company to watch out for her interests, or is he the enemy, too?

Flawless is a fast-paced, beautifully written novel about money, power, greed, family, and friendship. Verena and her group of powerful girlfriends are strong, independent women who are a strong support system for each other. With the glamorous backdrop of Beverly Hills where the beautiful people play and often backstab their friends, Flawless has many layers that will pique your interest and keep you reading. If you love novels with interesting characters and a powerful storyline, and with a little love story on the side, you will enjoy Flawless.
(I received a complimentary copy of Flawless from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

About the Author:

Jan Moran is a Rizzoli bestselling and award winning author. She writes historical women's fiction for St. Martin's Press, contemporary women's fiction, and nonfiction books. Her stories are smart and stylish, and written with emotional depth. Jan often draws on her international travel and business experiences, infusing her books with realistic details. The Midwest Book Review and Kirkus have recommended her books, calling her heroines strong, complex, and resourceful. She blogs for ProjectEve and at www.janmoran.com.

Jan has been featured in numerous publications and on television and radio, including CNN, Women's Wear Daily, Allure, InStyle, and O Magazine. As an editor and writer, she has covered fragrance, beauty, and spa travel for a variety of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, Costco Connection, and Porthole Cruise.

As a serial entrepreneur, Jan is the founder and creator of Scentsa, a touch-screen software program for retailers and brands. The fragrance and skincare programs are at Sephora stores in the US, Canada, and international locations. Scentsa was recently sold to Sephora. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Jan's latest venture is Rich Ideas, a community for authors, consultants, and entrepreneurs, where she shares her knowledge of writing and business.

Connect with Jan:



Cheers,

Deanna

Friday, October 3, 2014

Maggie's Turn Hits the Top 100 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

Hi all,

I am so excited to share with you that my novel MAGGIE'S TURN hit the top 100 lists on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble in September and stayed there for two days. It's very exciting to see your book up that high on those sites. The best part is I hope it allows more readers the chance to see and enjoy my novels.

I want to thank all the readers who purchased Maggie's Turn and made the promotion such a big success. You are all amazing!

Here's what happened!

On 9/26/14, Maggie's Turn made it up to #29 on the top 100 bestseller's list on Amazon. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a screenshot of it, but I did get one of it at #30.


That same day, it hit #7 on Barnes & Nobles top 100 bestseller's list. You can bet I was excited!


I also ranked in the Top 100 Authors on Amazon, which is always a thrill. Look what great company I'm in!


Thanks again to everyone who purchased a copy of Maggie's Turn. I hope you enjoy reading Maggie's story. I loved writing Maggie's Turn, and the fact that I get to share it with so many people is heartwarming.

Cheers,
Deanna

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Book Review: Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History


Hi all,

Are you a fan of movies and stories about celebrities old and new? Can't get enough of those often told stories of celebrities misbehaving? Then you are going to love this new book by Mark Bailey, Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History. It was the title that drew me in (can't ignore an old Bogart line), and the stories kept me reading. I received this novel from NetGalley and Algonquin Books in return for my honest review. So here it is, more about this book full of hilarious stores and my review.

 

Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History
Mark Bailey

 
Book Description:

True tales of celebrity hijinks are served up with an equal measure of Hollywood history, movie-star mayhem, and a frothy mix of forty cocktail recipes.

Humphrey Bogart got himself arrested for protecting his drinking buddies, who happened to be a pair of stuffed pandas. Ava Gardner would water-ski to the set of Night of the Iguana holding a towline in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Barely legal Natalie Wood would let Dennis Hopper seduce her if he provided a bathtub full of champagne. Bing Crosby’s ill-mannered antics earned him the nickname “Binge Crosby.” And sweet Mary Pickford stashed liquor in hydrogen peroxide bottles during Prohibition. From the frontier days of silent film up to the wild auteur period of the 1970s, Mark Bailey has pillaged the vaults of Hollywood history and lore to dig up the true—and often surprising—stories of seventy of our most beloved actors, directors, and screenwriters at their most soused.

Bite-size biographies are followed by ribald anecdotes and memorable quotes. If a star had a favorite cocktail, the recipe is included. Films with the most outrageous booze-soaked stories, like Apocalypse Now, From Here to Eternity, and The Misfits, are featured, along with the legendary watering holes of the day (and the recipes for their signature drinks). Edward Hemingway’s portraits complete this spirited look at America’s most iconic silver-screen legends.

Buy:



 
My Five Star Review:

Hang on lovers of old and new Hollywood, it's going to be a bumpy ride! As well as some stumbling, passing out, and even law-breaking. But mostly, you are going to laugh out loud at the crazy antics of your favorite Hollywood icons. Love them or hate them, the Hollywood bunch sure know how to have fun, and in Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History, you get to hear about some of their most memorable drunken times. Bogie and his pandas, Sinatra and his toupee, how directors loved to drive their actors crazy and how actors loved driving the studios insane. It's all here. Stories of the stars and their favorite beverages as well as their hangouts.

As a lover of old Hollywood, I couldn't wait to dive into this book telling stories of celebrities from the silent era on up. Some stories I had heard before from reading biographies of celebrities, and others I had not. Many made me laugh out loud. From its inception and throughout the 40s, 50s and even 60s, Hollywood was a wild place, (still is) and the stars seemed like children no one could tame. Drunk children. But you can't help but laugh at some of the stunts they pulled. The author also tells stores from the sets of top movies as well as all the famous hangouts, old and new. And to top it off, recipes of some of the celebrities favorite drinks are included.

I really enjoyed this book. It was amusing and entertaining. I'd recommend it to anyone who has a passion for fun stories from Hollywood.

(I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Algonquin Books in exchange for my honest review.)

 
Cheers,
Deanna

Friday, September 19, 2014

Giveaway! Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!

October Giveaway!

Yes! Another one! Be sure to enter to win!


229 giveaway


It’s time for the next $229 Kindle Giveaway Hosted by I Am A Reader.
We are giving away 2 great prizes both valued at $229.
Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!

The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below.
The 2nd is available only to those share this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX 7", Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only)

The price of this Kindle recently dropped to $199. The winner will still receive a prize valued at $229.


Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
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Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only), $229 Amazon.com Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 10/27/14

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Sunday, September 7, 2014

Book Review: Once Haunted, Twice Shy (Peyton Clark #2) by H.P. Mallory


Hi all,

I received an advance copy of this latest novel by H.P. Mallory from NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for my honest review. I came into this novel without having read book one of the series, but that didn't seem to make a difference. It was fairly easy to catch up with what was going on in the story. I have read other books by H.P. Mallory, so I knew what her writing style was like and I was looking forward to an entertaining read. So…on to the book and the review.

 
*Check Below for the link to one of H.P. Mallory's books for FREE on Amazon Kindle (Deal may expire so check price before buying.)*

 
Once Haunted, Twice Shy
Peyton Clark Book Two
H.P. Mallory

 
Book Description:

After agreeing to let the spirit of Drake Montague inhabit her body, Peyton soon discovers that the twentieth-century French policeman may be dead but his lothario longings sure aren’t. Now she has to find a way to explain to her sweet, sexy boyfriend, Ryan Kelly, that a spirit has taken up residence in her head, whispering French words of affection day and night.

While Peyton is torn between her love for a living man and her growing affection for one deceased, supernatural activity in New Orleans spikes—and something wicked this way comes. With the help of her friends (and a little voodoo), Peyton learns that the demonic spirit of the Axeman may still dwell in her home. To stop bloody history from repeating itself, Peyton will have to travel back a century to confront the Axeman at his roots, with the help of a certain handsome—and suddenly flesh and blood—police officer in the Big Easy.

 
Coming September 16, 2014 to:



 

My Review:

Peyton Clark has a problem—she is currently possessed by Drake Montague, a twentieth-century French policeman who happens to also be quite sexy. Peyton hasn't yet been able to tell the new man in her life, Ryan Kelly, about the man who inhabits her body because she knows he won't be very happy about it. On top of that, spirit activity is going crazy in New Orleans, and Peyton finds it is up to her and Drake to figure out what is responsible and stop it. All in a day's work, right?

Once Haunted, Twice Shy has all the right elements for those who love a good paranormal romance story and adore New Orleans. Peyton is a strong character who is trying hard to deal with, not only having a stranger occupying her body, but managing that along with her budding romantic relationship. Strong description brings you into the scenes of the story. Voodoo, demons, and spirits abound in this fast-paced novel with an ending that will have you wanting for more. And luckily, there will be more!

 

About H.P. Mallory:

I started my writing career as a self-published author and was lucky enough to hit both the Amazon and the Barnes and Noble bestseller’s lists with my two series, the Jolie Wilkins series and the Dulcie O’Neil series. Most recently I hit the New York Times and the USA Today lists with books in the Jolie series.

I signed with Random House (Bantam imprint) to write three books in the Jolie Wilkins series (Witchful Thinking, The Witch is Back and Something Witchy This Way Comes). Now I love the fact that I’m both a traditionally published author as well as a self-published one (with my Dulcie O’Neil series).

I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Follow her on:


Twitter: @HPMallory



*Try one of H.P Mallory's books for FREE – To Kill A Warlock (Book One Dulcie O'Neil Series) is FREE on Amazon Kindle as of this posting. I can't guarantee it will be for long, so grab it now! Click Here

Enjoy!

Deanna