Authors/Writers

Welcome Author Alicia Dean!

Good Morning,

I’m in Seaside, Florida enjoying the perfect beach day! The Emerald Coast, as this area of the panhandle is called, is aptly named. The blue-green water is gorgeous and the perfect getaway from the below freezing temps in Nashville, Tn.

Now that you’re all totally jealous, I’d like to welcome my featured guest today! My good friend and fellow author, Alicia Dean!

 
image-hauntingStep back into the days of the classic Gothic Mystery romances like “The Shivering Sands” by Victoria Holt, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier and “Hunter’s Green” by Phyllis A. Whitney. A new series from authors all over the world features novellas in the style of these old-time stories. Check out the “A World of Gothic” series here:
https://www.facebook.com/AWorldofGothicSeries/

Our Gothic series includes authors from, and stories set in, Scotland, Greece, Ireland, Texas, Florida, France, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, which is where mine is set. My contribution to the series is titled “Haunting at Spook Light Inn” and is based on an actual spook light phenomenon that appears in Northeastern Oklahoma, only a few miles from where my sister and brother-in-law live. To help with researching the book, I took a road trip to the area with my friends, Kathy and Krysta. My sister Ruth drove us out to ‘spook light road.’ We didn’t see the light, (Well, Kathy and I thought we saw it, but we’re not sure. And the two naysayers with us claim we didn’t, so I guess I’ll say we didn’t…), but we had a good time, and it was helpful for getting a feel for my story.

NOTE: Many of the stories, including Haunting at Spook Light Inn, are on sale for only 99 cents each!

Blurb:
Amidst a blizzard, paranormal debunker Camille Burditt arrives at Devil’s Promenade in Oklahoma to research a supernatural ‘spook light’ phenomenon for her latest book. There she encounters a ghostly being, which she dismisses as a figment of her imagination. But as the apparition becomes too persistent to deny, Camille realizes the woman’s ghost is quite real—and that her demise was not accidental.

Declan Rush—the inhospitable, reclusive owner of the inn where Camille is staying—is linked to the deceased woman, but he is less than forthcoming. Despite his unfriendliness, Camille is oddly drawn to him, even though she suspects his connection to the spirit might be that of killer to victim.

When another suspicious death occurs, Camille intensifies her investigation. She has precious little time to ferret out the truth. Not only is her book deadline looming—she’s desperate to discover if the man she’s falling for is a murderer.

Excerpt:
Right at ten p.m., I put on my coat, boots, scarf and gloves then pulled open the front door. I went around back and keyed in the code to the garage door. The door slid open, and I climbed into a golf cart. I headed down the drive, appreciative of the thick plastic that somewhat blocked the wind. Even with the protection, I was chilled by the time I reached the road.
I parked on the shoulder and snuggled into my coat. Above me, ice-coated tree limbs drooped heavily. A howl rose in the distance. I looked around but saw nothing. Of course, coyotes and mountain lions were sneaky. They wouldn’t be parading around in plain view. From what I’d read, they kept mostly away from civilization. Even though this area was hardly what I’d call civilized, it wasn’t the wilderness either. I was certain whatever had made that sound was a safe distance away.
A three-quarter moon hung in the sky surrounded by a spattering of stars. Beautiful. I didn’t see stars like that in Miami. I focused my attention back to the end of the road. From my understanding, the best spot to see the light was just to the left of a cell tower. I could see the red lights of the tower. I studied the area left of it.
In my peripheral vision, a brief glow appeared. I whipped my head around. A translucent, but not quite human form, wafted above the ditch on the side of the road.
I gasped, and a tremble shot up my legs. It’s not real, whatever I’m seeing, it’s not real.
The figure floated toward me. I lifted the plastic, keeping my gaze on the glow.
What was it?
Not the light. It wasn’t in the right spot nor was it the right shape.
I blinked. Still there. Oh God…
I screwed my eyes shut tightly. When I opened them, the glow was gone.

To Purchase, Click on the link below! 
Haunting at Spook Light Inn

Bio:
alicia-dean-tin-man-bwAuthor Alicia Dean began writing stories as a child. At age 10, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors
Find Alicia here:
Website: http://aliciadean.com/
Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Dean-559598754221926/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

 

Authors/Writers, giveaway

New Release– End of Lonely Street by Alicia Dean – Plus an Awesome Giveaway!

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome, romance author, Alicia Dean to my blog! As an Elvis fan, I’m so excited about her new release, End of Lonely Street! Welcome Alicia!

I’m excited to share my latest release from The Wild Rose Press on what would have been Elvis’ eightieth birthday. ‘End of Lonely Street’ is a Vintage Romance Short Story set in 1957, in the era when Elvis first burst on the scene. Like my heroine in the story, I am a diehard Elvis fan. (As you probably figured out, I took the title from a line in Heartbreak Hotel, which was Elvis’ first million selling record).

Check out End of Lonely Street and enter to win GREAT prizes…

GIVEAWAY: – Entries accepted from January 8, 2015 through noon on January 22, 2015

Three prizes –

Elvis Gift Basket including DVD, CD, plus more

$25 Amazon Gift Card

$10 Amazon Gift Card

First place winner has first choice, second place winner has second choice, third place winner receives remaining prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

end of lonely street, alicia dean, darcy flynn,

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00QQO3BK0

 

Blurb:

Can she let go of the past, before it destroys her future?

All Toby Lawson wanted was to go to college to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and the painful memories of finding her and the guy Toby loved kissing. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away, helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, and even though she knows her mother initiated the kiss, and that he didn’t kiss her back, she can‘t seem to get past what happened. He soon realizes that the true problem lies in Toby’s belief that she’s not good enough for him and in her fear that she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

 

Excerpt:

 

Chapter One

Mapleton, Tennessee, November, 1957

Toby Lawson closed her eyes and shut out all sounds of the diner, except for Elvis Presley’s voice. He was crooning about how she was the only one for him…no matter where he went or what he did… he’d spend his whole life loving her…

Rough hands landed on her waist and shattered the fantasy. She caught a whiff of hair tonic and too much cologne, and she snapped her eyes open. Wes Markham’s hateful face replaced the image of Elvis’ beautiful, crooked smile and smoldering blue eyes.

“Let me go.” She gritted her teeth, keeping her voice low. If her boss, Mr. Winstead, knew there was trouble on account of her, he’d explode. He’d barely let her have the job in the first place. Everyone in Mapleton knew the Lawson women were trouble.

Toby gripped his right wrist with one hand, tightening her hold on the utensils she held in the other. “I said let me go. Now!”

She shoved against him, but he didn’t budge.

He pulled her tighter. “Your momma’s a whole lot friendlier than you are. They say the apple don’t fall far from the tree, so how’s about you cut the pretense and we go someplace quiet? Winstead won’t miss you for a few minutes.”

Her cheeks heated. She didn’t dare look around. No doubt the customers were watching, listening. Elvis had stopped singing and everyone in the place could hear what he’d said about her mother. It wasn’t like they didn’t all know, though. Constance Lawson hadn’t exactly kept her escapades a secret.

Toby clenched her teeth and brandished the utensils. She spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “Release me this instant, or I swear, you’ll be pulling this steak knife out of your eyeball.”

He held her gaze for a split second, then gave a laugh that was somewhere between nervous and furious. “Sure, sure. Okay.” He released her and stepped back. “I was just foolin’ around anyway. I got better things to do with my time than waste it on a used up chick like you.”

Muffled laughter rose around her. Oh God, she could crawl into a hole.

“How about you apologize to the lady, then beat it?”

Toby whirled at the male voice. Noah Rivers stood behind her, looking handsome and sharp in his police uniform—even with his dark hair in the military buzz cut. Her knees weakened, and tingles swept over her skin. She swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. She’d heard he was back, but hadn’t seen him until now. And what a time to have a reunion.

 

*** 10% of all of Alicia Dean’s net royalties for End of Lonely Street will go to

The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation

*** 10% of all of Alicia Dean’s net royalties for End of Lonely Street will go to

The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation http://www.graceland.com/epcf/ ***

darcy flynn romances, joy dent, alicia deanAlicia Dean lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

Find Alicia here:

Website: http://aliciadean.com/

Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

 

Authors/Writers

Welcome Alicia Dean!

I’d Like to Welcome Contemporary Suspense and Paranormal Author,  Alicia Dean!

I met Alicia online through an author site and I consider her a friend and mentor. I’m proud to say she’s also the editor for my most recent release. Speaking of recent releases, Alicia’s new paranormal, Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost, is on our docket today. But first, let’s meet Alicia!

Welcome, Alicia! I have a few questions for you. 🙂

If you had to name the three biggest differences between you and Emily Tillman, the heroine in Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost, what would they be?

She is young and hot.

She wants marriage

She is trying to resist Reese Caster, no way would I do that. 🙂

I’m about half way through your book and I have to say Reese Caster would definitely be hard to resist!

Okay, next question: If you could have any meal delivered to your door right now, what would it be?

Steak Florentine, sautéed mushrooms, loaded baked potato, dinner rolls, red velvet cheesecake.

Okay, now you’re making me hungry. If you only knew how many years it’s been since I’ve had a loaded baked potato.

Finally, if you could have created any one great work of art (novel, song, etc.) by another artist, what would it be?

Gone with the Wind, for the novel. I’m totally jealous and in awe of the magnificence and beauty of the story, and of the longevity of its popularity. Suspicious Minds by Elvis, it’s one of my favorites of his songs, and it was a huge hit. (I cheated and named two)

Cheating here is perfectly acceptable! And, I agree, it is amazing how Gone with the Wind has stood the test of time in the literary world. Then, there’s the King…enough said.

HERE’S THE BLURB:

darcy flynn, joy dent, alicia dean, caster's unfriendly ghost, darcyflynnromances.comA year after her husband’s death, Emily Tillman is ready to start dating again, and hopefully, find what she’s always wanted—marriage and children. But the man who broke her heart five years ago is back. And he’s anything but the marrying kind.

Confirmed bachelor Reese Caster is perfectly content with his life—and he’s finally over Emily, the one woman who almost made him commit. Now, his world is rocked when her dead husband shows up, demanding that Reese pursue Emily to keep her out of the clutches of her latest suitor—a jerk who is only after her money.

Being around Emily again has made Reese reconsider his bachelor life style. But now that the threat of the other man is gone, the pesky ghost wants Reese to break things off. Can he and Emily find the love they were denied, or will the ghost of her dead husband destroy their chances?

Okay friends, now it’s time to read an excerpt form Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost. Enjoy!

After everyone else had left, Rachel hung behind. She crossed her arms and scowled at Emily.
“You’re doing it again.”
Emily raised her brows. “Doing what?”
“Falling.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Emily focused on gathering the tickets and other items, refusing to meet Rachel’s gaze.
“For Caster. You’re falling in love with him all over again.”
Emily was silent for several moments, and her friend let out an exasperated breath. “Come on, we’ve been friends since we were kids. You’ve never lied to me before. Admit it.”
Emily cleared her throat and let out a long sigh. “I don’t ever think I unfell.”
Rachel raised her brows as if she hadn’t expected her to admit it so quickly. “Oh Lordy, girlfriend, are you in trouble.”
“Most definitely a possibility.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know exactly.”
“Maybe you should take things to the next level with Ken. It will keep you from making a mistake with Caster.”
“I don’t need one man to keep me from making a fool of myself over another.” I hope… “But I do need your help. Trade me roles. I can’t keep doing this with Caster night after night.”
“You want my Lizzie Borden ax? You want me to cozy up to that…monster?”
Emily winced. “Yeah, please? For me?”
Rachel let out a heavy sigh and tugged the wildly frazzled wig from her head. “Fine, then. Anything to keep you out of Satan’s clutches.”
Emily chuckled. “So, don’t hold back. How do you really feel about him?”

BUY LINKS:

KINDLE                NOOK             WILD ROSE PRESS

BIO:

Alicia Dean lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

You Find Alicia here:

Website: http://aliciadean.com/
Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

Authors/Writers

Welcome Romance Author Alicia Dean

Hey Everyone!

Please give a warm welcome to romance author, Alicia Dean, as she shares her latest book releases with us, Cupid’s Beau and Liberty Awakened, Isle of Fangs, Book 1.

On Monday, Alicia will be giving away one of her books to one lucky commenter!

Hello Darcy. Thank you for having me on your blog today. Your website is lovely!

I appreciate the opportunity to talk about my latest releases. Yes, I said ‘releases’ as in plural, as in two. Because I’m some kind of masochist, I have two stories that came out, almost back to back. The two stories are as different as…well…Cupids and Vampires.

Although most of my books are a bit dark and creepy, my Valentine’s story, Cupid’s Beau, is most definitely not. The way the story came about is that I and six other authors were discussing writing short stories for a Valentine’s anthology. Plot ideas began rolling around in my mind, and I came up with an idea for a story where the heroine is a Cupid. The anthology didn’t happen, but the idea was firmly planted in my gray matter, so I had to write it. It didn’t ‘feel’ dark and creepy, so I didn’t write it that way. It was SO much fun. I really enjoyed doing something different and testing my ‘sweet romance’ writing chops.

cupid 200 wideBlurb for Cupid’s Beau:

Ivy Pierce is a Cupid who prides herself on doing her job well. Except when it comes to a certain human male, Grant Crawford. Although she doesn’t understand why, each time she’s supposed to shoot her arrow into his heart, her stomach hurts, her chest hurts, and she feels….sad. Cupids are never sad.

Humans who are not looking for love only get three chances to find it. And after Ivy sabotages Grant’s last chance, her boss, Aphrodite, sends her to earth to right her wrong. She has until Valentine’s Day to help him find his soul mate.

But the more she’s around him, the more she wants him for herself, even though she knows that can never be. A Cupid and a human? Unheard of.

As V-Day draws closer, can she sacrifice her own happiness to help the man she loves find his?

Here are the buy links to Cupid’s Beau.    Barnes & Noble     Amazon

Okay, Alicia, tell us about Liberty Awakened, Isle of Fangs, Book 1.

My other story is Liberty Awakened, Isle of Fangs, Book 1. This one has been in the works for months, and my target date was to have it out in January, so there you have it, two stories in one month.

Just as I thought I would never write a sweet romance, I also thought I would never write a Vampire story, since they’ve been done to…immortality. (I was going to say ‘done to death’ but we are talking about Vampires). I always said if I came up with a Vampire story that was different, I would write it. I feel this concept is a bit different. My story is set on a tropical island, my heroine is a descendant of the vampire hunter, Van Helsing, and I tried to stick more to the original vampire lore (no walking in daylight, they can’t see their reflection, they turn into bats, and they are adversely affected by garlic, holy water, and crosses.)

libertyawakened200Blurb for Liberty Awakened, Isle of Fangs, Book 1:

Evil lurks beneath the surface in the beauty of the tropics…

After graduation from her small, Oklahoma high school, Liberty Delacort is looking forward to a fun-filled summer before college. But when the people she trusts the most betray her, and a letter arrives claiming the father she thought was dead is still alive, she jumps at the chance to travel to an exotic island to meet him.

But her excitement is short-lived. Her father is dying, and he doesn’t want her around. In spite of its outward tranquility, the island is filled with danger and ominous secrets. Before long, the secrets begin to unravel. She learns she is a descendant of Van Helsing, the vampire hunter, and she must fulfill her destiny in order to save humans from a faction of vicious vampires. The only man who can help her learn the skills she needs is a volatile, hostile, vampire who wants her off the island.

Will her inexperience lead to her death—and the death of others—or will she rise to the challenge and realize her full potential as a Hunter?

Thank you for taking the time to stop in. If you pick up either of these, I hope you enjoy.

I am giving away a free copy of Cupid’s Beau and Liberty Awakened for the Kindle or Nook to one commenter. (If you are chosen and would prefer to ‘gift’ one or both to someone else, I can do that. Both stories might not be your cup of tea.)  The name will be drawn randomly and announced on Monday. Please be SURE to include your email address with your comment.

Here are the buy links for Liberty Awakened.  Barnes & Noble   and    Amazon

Find me at:

Twitter: @Alicia_Dean_

Website: www.AliciaDean.com

Email: Aliciamdean@aol.com

Thank you for stopping by, Alicia!