Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday! Remember to read lots of books.
My sweet contemporary romance, WHITE-HOT HOLIDAY, is just 99 cents.
Nice is about to meet Naughty…
When Aussie Naomi Spencer hears her uncle's American friend is coming Down Under for a short visit, she can't wait to be rid of him. Aaron's “Bah Humbug” attitude drives her crazy...and so does his incredibly sexy smile, and the way he pitches in to help her get ready for all her relatives. Okay, so maybe he's not a total Grinch. But when Naomi’s uncle warns her to stay away from his playboy friend, Naomi’s simple holiday gets even more complicated.
When a volcano grounds all flights back to the States, Aaron Cade finds himself stranded in Oz. For Aaron, family holidays are to be endured, not celebrated. Only Naomi brings magic to the simplest things: shopping for gifts, finding the perfect decorations, and making him feel at home in the bizarrely tropical December heat. His sudden, overwhelming attraction to Naomi will turn his idea of home upside-down…but can he change everything for one white-hot love?
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The first book in my Real Men series, REAL MEN DON'T BREAK HEARTS, is only 99 cents for a short time only (for US residents only, I'm afraid). I have a soft spot for this book. Ally and Nate are one of my favourite couples!
What reviewers have said:
"REAL MEN DON'T BREAK HEARTS was a delightful read. Funny and at times emotional as well." MsRomanticReads
"REAL MEN DON'T BREAK HEARTS is a wonderful contemporary romance." The Book Girl
"Real Men Don't Break Hearts by Coleen Kwan is a fast read and a cute read. Fans of romance of any type will just eat this one up!" The Book Cellar
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My book is just one of Entangled Publishing's Black Friday specials. Load up your ereader with lots of great books at bargain prices. Click on the image below to see the full list of books on sale.
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My Carina titles as well as my self-published titles are now available on Scribd. If you're a Scribd subscriber, here are my available titles:
Carina Press:
Self-published:
WHEN THE CEO CALLS is my latest release! It's a contemporary romance novella and a prequel to Undercover in the CEO's Bed (which was released in May 2014).
A late night call out, a handsome, sexy CEO, and a brother who needs protection…Jacinta Greene knows she’s courting trouble when she assists Lex Rochester while disguising her true identity. When he pursues her, she knows she should turn him down and walk away, but this man is too irresistible for her own good.
Just 99 cents!
A late night call out, a handsome, sexy CEO, and a brother who needs protection…Jacinta Greene knows she’s courting trouble when she assists Lex Rochester while disguising her true identity. When he pursues her, she knows she should turn him down and walk away, but this man is too irresistible for her own good.
Just 99 cents!
Recently I’ve hit a purple patch in my choice of reading. Lots of wonderful books have fallen my way or caught my fancy on my e-reader. I love it when that happens, or maybe I was just in the mood for a lot of reading. Either way, here are some of the books I’ve enjoyed over the past month or so:
One Hundred Proposals by Holly Martin
Initially I’d heard good things about Martin’s first book The Guestbook, but after reading the preview, I didn’t think that was for me (the entire story is told through the entries of a guestbook at a holiday cottage), so I picked up her latest book, One Hundred Proposals.
This was such a fun, sweet, funny British romance. Best friends Suzie and Harry run a business creating unique, romantic proposals. They’re secretly in love with each other but of course can’t seem to get those important words out. I was surprised to find myself tearing up at a certain moment in the book, which had nothing to do with the romance.
The Hidden Blade by Sherry Thomas
In imperial China Ying-ying is the illegitimate half-English daughter of a concubine. She lives a sheltered life until her mother dies and she’s forced to live with her mother’s former protector. Her amah, who turns out to be a martial arts warrior and member of a secret society, decides to make Ying-ying her disciple. Meanwhile, across the world in England, Leighton leads an idyllic life until his family is torn apart and he becomes a virtual prisoner to an evil relative.
The book follows Ying-ying and Leighton as they struggle for survival in an unfriendly world. I have to admit I found Leighton’s story more compelling, perhaps because he is the more proactive character and I could pretty much guess what was going to happen to Ying-ying.
This book is a prequel to Thomas’s My Beautiful Enemy, but it’s still a full-length book. I spent the entire first half waiting for Ying-ying and Leighton to meet, but by three-quarters I knew that wasn’t going to happen. There’s plenty of action and tears in the final quarter, and also a preview of the first chapter of the next book, but for me I wanted to know what happened in the intervening four years (because that’s really where Ying-ying’ story becomes interesting after she's forced to leave Peking). Still, a great historical adventure story and a great setup to the next book.
For One Night Only by Phillipa Fioretti
I’m a big fan of Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense stories, and this book strongly reminded me of Stewart’s writing. In For One Night Only, Ornella, an Australian actress of Sicilian background, is holidaying in Sicily when she meets Hugh, a British archaeologist working on the excavation of an ancient mosaic. There’s instant attraction between these two, but just as the romance is heating up, Hugh vanishes, and Ornella’s idyllic holiday quickly turns into a nightmare.
I really enjoyed this book. Fast-paced action, beautiful scenery, great hero, and a spunky heroine who never gives up.
One Hundred Proposals by Holly Martin
Initially I’d heard good things about Martin’s first book The Guestbook, but after reading the preview, I didn’t think that was for me (the entire story is told through the entries of a guestbook at a holiday cottage), so I picked up her latest book, One Hundred Proposals.This was such a fun, sweet, funny British romance. Best friends Suzie and Harry run a business creating unique, romantic proposals. They’re secretly in love with each other but of course can’t seem to get those important words out. I was surprised to find myself tearing up at a certain moment in the book, which had nothing to do with the romance.
The Hidden Blade by Sherry Thomas
In imperial China Ying-ying is the illegitimate half-English daughter of a concubine. She lives a sheltered life until her mother dies and she’s forced to live with her mother’s former protector. Her amah, who turns out to be a martial arts warrior and member of a secret society, decides to make Ying-ying her disciple. Meanwhile, across the world in England, Leighton leads an idyllic life until his family is torn apart and he becomes a virtual prisoner to an evil relative.The book follows Ying-ying and Leighton as they struggle for survival in an unfriendly world. I have to admit I found Leighton’s story more compelling, perhaps because he is the more proactive character and I could pretty much guess what was going to happen to Ying-ying.
This book is a prequel to Thomas’s My Beautiful Enemy, but it’s still a full-length book. I spent the entire first half waiting for Ying-ying and Leighton to meet, but by three-quarters I knew that wasn’t going to happen. There’s plenty of action and tears in the final quarter, and also a preview of the first chapter of the next book, but for me I wanted to know what happened in the intervening four years (because that’s really where Ying-ying’ story becomes interesting after she's forced to leave Peking). Still, a great historical adventure story and a great setup to the next book.
For One Night Only by Phillipa Fioretti
I’m a big fan of Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense stories, and this book strongly reminded me of Stewart’s writing. In For One Night Only, Ornella, an Australian actress of Sicilian background, is holidaying in Sicily when she meets Hugh, a British archaeologist working on the excavation of an ancient mosaic. There’s instant attraction between these two, but just as the romance is heating up, Hugh vanishes, and Ornella’s idyllic holiday quickly turns into a nightmare.I really enjoyed this book. Fast-paced action, beautiful scenery, great hero, and a spunky heroine who never gives up.
I picked this up when it was free on Amazon. I’d previously read Laura Florand’s Snow-Kissed, which I hadn’t found as marvellous as some others had, so I doubt I would have read The Chocolate Rose if it hadn’t been free. And I’m glad I did, because The Chocolate Rose was a delight to read.
Jolie Manon is a food writer and the daughter of famous chef Pierre Manon, with whom she has co-written a cook book. Her father is still recovering from a stroke, which has plunged him into depression and apathy, when Jolie receives notice that her father’s former chef patissier, Gabriel Delange, is suing them for appropriating twelve of his recipes in the cookbook, including the famous chocolate rose depicted on the cover. Jolie had a teenage crush on Gabriel when he worked for her father but hasn’t seen him in years. Anxious to spare her father from further stress, she hastens from Paris to the Cote d’Azur, where Delange now runs his own world-famous restaurant.
Needless to say, sparks fly when these two characters meet. Gabriel and Jolie argue, flirt, lose their temper, sulk, laugh, make love, fight and make up. The setting of the three-star restaurant and its high pressure kitchen set in an ancient, charming French provincial town is wonderfully depicted in lush detail. Jolie’s torn loyalties between her father and Gabriel are touching and real. I got a real insight into the pressures of running a world-class restaurant, and how it completely dominates a chef’s life. Thank God I’ve never had any inclination in that direction.
The only quibbles I had were the ending, which was a touch saccharine, and the fact that Jolie never truly confronts her father over his plagiarism. I would have liked to have heard his reasons or justifications why he ‘stole’ Gabriel’s recipes, but the story never really goes there satisfactorily. But these were minor niggles and didn’t stop me from enjoying this sweet and satisfying romance.
This week I have two book releases.
The first is White-Hot Holiday, a Christmas novella previously released as part of the Stranded With a Hero anthology. White-Hot Holiday is now available for individual sale.
Nice is about to meet Naughty…
When Aussie Naomi Spencer hears her uncle's American friend is coming Down Under for a short visit, she can't wait to be rid of him. Aaron's “Bah Humbug” attitude drives her crazy...and so does his incredibly sexy smile, and the way he pitches in to help her get ready for all her relatives. Okay, so maybe he's not a total Grinch. But when Naomi’s uncle warns her to stay away from his playboy friend, Naomi’s simple holiday gets even more complicated.
When a volcano grounds all flights back to the States, Aaron Cade finds himself stranded in Oz. For Aaron, family holidays are to be endured, not celebrated. Only Naomi brings magic to the simplest things: shopping for gifts, finding the perfect decorations, and making him feel at home in the bizarrely tropical December heat. His sudden, overwhelming attraction to Naomi will turn his idea of home upside-down…but can he change everything for one white-hot love?
My second release is Timeless Encounters: An Anthology of Romantic Novellas.
Three time-travel novellas from Jennifer Brassel, Shannon Curtis, and me.
The Tipping Point: Returning to Ashwood House, the accursed money pit that destroyed her marriage, catapults Bella and estranged husband Reuben into a past where both have the opportunity to make different choices. If they dare.
The Black Gordon: In pursuit of a serial killer, Brenda is held captive by The Black Gordon, a handsome warrior intent on stealing more than just her freedom.
The Photograph: Whilst crossing the threshold into her doppelganger’s enigmatic past, archivist Erin discovers the key to her own future, answers to her past, and heals the heart of a man wounded by tragedy.
The first is White-Hot Holiday, a Christmas novella previously released as part of the Stranded With a Hero anthology. White-Hot Holiday is now available for individual sale.
Nice is about to meet Naughty…
When Aussie Naomi Spencer hears her uncle's American friend is coming Down Under for a short visit, she can't wait to be rid of him. Aaron's “Bah Humbug” attitude drives her crazy...and so does his incredibly sexy smile, and the way he pitches in to help her get ready for all her relatives. Okay, so maybe he's not a total Grinch. But when Naomi’s uncle warns her to stay away from his playboy friend, Naomi’s simple holiday gets even more complicated.
When a volcano grounds all flights back to the States, Aaron Cade finds himself stranded in Oz. For Aaron, family holidays are to be endured, not celebrated. Only Naomi brings magic to the simplest things: shopping for gifts, finding the perfect decorations, and making him feel at home in the bizarrely tropical December heat. His sudden, overwhelming attraction to Naomi will turn his idea of home upside-down…but can he change everything for one white-hot love?
My second release is Timeless Encounters: An Anthology of Romantic Novellas.
Three time-travel novellas from Jennifer Brassel, Shannon Curtis, and me.
The Tipping Point: Returning to Ashwood House, the accursed money pit that destroyed her marriage, catapults Bella and estranged husband Reuben into a past where both have the opportunity to make different choices. If they dare.
The Black Gordon: In pursuit of a serial killer, Brenda is held captive by The Black Gordon, a handsome warrior intent on stealing more than just her freedom.
The Photograph: Whilst crossing the threshold into her doppelganger’s enigmatic past, archivist Erin discovers the key to her own future, answers to her past, and heals the heart of a man wounded by tragedy.
Ebook available at:
Previously released as part of the Stranded with a Hero anthology, White-Hot Holiday will be available for individual sale on July 28.
Nice is about to meet Naughty…
When Aussie Naomi Spencer hears her uncle's American friend is coming Down Under for a short visit, she can't wait to be rid of him. Aaron's “Bah Humbug” attitude drives her crazy...and so does his incredibly sexy smile, and the way he pitches in to help her get ready for all her relatives. Okay, so maybe he's not a total Grinch. But when Naomi’s uncle warns her to stay away from his playboy friend, Naomi’s simple holiday gets even more complicated.
When a volcano grounds all flights back to the States, Aaron Cade finds himself stranded in Oz. For Aaron, family holidays are to be endured, not celebrated. Only Naomi brings magic to the simplest things: shopping for gifts, finding the perfect decorations, and making him feel at home in the bizarrely tropical December heat. His sudden, overwhelming attraction to Naomi will turn his idea of home upside-down…but can he change everything for one white-hot love?
Reviews:
"ANOTHER WINNER ..... yippeeeeeeeeeeee Now I cannot wait to read all the Real Men series!!!
the story flowed beautifully and was captivating!
the chemistry between Aaron and Naomi burned~~they had the perfect balance of flirting, romance and touching heartfelt moments *****swoooooon*****
AWESOME NOVELLA!"
"This was a sweet and romantic book. The characters were really likeable. I really enjoyed watching the sparks fly with Naomi and Aaron."
"Very sweet, light romance novel. A breath of fresh air..."
"Coleen Kwan gives us some holiday joy Australian style...no snow here. Just a hot guy, a volcano and lots of sparks between Aaron & Naomi. Great story with wonderful characters"
Buy
A new music video from my musician partner:
It's a cold and blustery day today, and I'm making winter soup. Which reminds me of my Short Soup story. So what is short soup anyway? Some people know it as wonton soup. Basically it’s a Chinese dish of dumplings filled with pork mince and tasty seasonings served in a clear broth. It's delicious comfort food, and it seemed like an apt title to my story about two Australian-born characters whose parents jointly own a Chinese restaurant.
Toni Lau and Dion Chan have been lifelong friends growing up together in a small seaside town. Toni moved away, first to study and then, after her marriage, moved abroad to work. Dion, on the other hand, stayed behind, seemingly unambitious. Now, after a five year absence, Toni is newly divorced and back in her home town for a little R&R. But things have changed while she’s been away. Dion is taking over their parents’ restaurant and he seems to have definite plans for change. More disturbingly, Dion himself has changed, and Toni begins to find herself inconveniently attracted to this new Dion.
Here's a short excerpt:
“Welcome back, Toni.” A husky note lurked in his voice. An awkward pause developed before he moved forward and wrapped his arms loosely around her. “It’s good to see you again.”
As their bodies met, she found herself tensing. Over the years she’d received hundreds of hugs from Dion. But this one felt different. Now she was hyper-conscious of his physicality. His biceps were rock-hard, his chin rough stubbled, the mound of his shoulder disturbingly smooth. He smelt of sea and masculinity. Unfamiliar. This wasn’t the Dion she used to know. She pulled away, perplexed.
“Sorry.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I probably need a shower.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s just–” She broke off, unable to explain why she felt so off kilter. “I’m not exactly myself today. That’s why I stopped here for a breather when I arrived.”
He nodded in sympathy. “Not ready to show up at your folks’ place, huh?”
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing them so much, but now I kind of have to gather my thoughts first.”
He pushed sand around with his foot. “Your mum’s been worried about you. Your dad too, though he doesn’t say as much.” He pressed his sole down on the sand hill he’d created. “I know I’ve told you before, but I’m sorry about you and Nick.”
The words sounded flat, rehearsed. She couldn’t decide whether he meant it or not. Dion barely knew her ex-husband. She’d met Nick at Sydney University where they’d both been studying commerce. Nick’s busy social calendar meant he’d only accompanied her to Piper Bay a handful of fleeting occasions. Soon after graduation, she and Nick had married and migrated to London, both of them landing jobs at the same investment bank. They were going to work and travel all over the world, forging their careers, then when they tired of globetrotting they would return to Sydney, buy a house together and start a family. So much for their dreams.
Toni drew in a deep breath. “Thanks,” she replied. “So am I.”
“You’re better off without him.”
“That’s what I keep telling myself.” But it didn’t always help.
He shot her a sharp glance, his eyes not soft any more. He looked like he was about to say something, but at the last moment he changed his mind and shook his head. What? she wanted to challenge him. What were you going to say about Nick and me? I need to know. But he turned away to pick up his beach towel, leaving her to stare after him in disappointment.
Toni Lau and Dion Chan have been lifelong friends growing up together in a small seaside town. Toni moved away, first to study and then, after her marriage, moved abroad to work. Dion, on the other hand, stayed behind, seemingly unambitious. Now, after a five year absence, Toni is newly divorced and back in her home town for a little R&R. But things have changed while she’s been away. Dion is taking over their parents’ restaurant and he seems to have definite plans for change. More disturbingly, Dion himself has changed, and Toni begins to find herself inconveniently attracted to this new Dion.
Here's a short excerpt:
~*~
“Welcome back, Toni.” A husky note lurked in his voice. An awkward pause developed before he moved forward and wrapped his arms loosely around her. “It’s good to see you again.”
As their bodies met, she found herself tensing. Over the years she’d received hundreds of hugs from Dion. But this one felt different. Now she was hyper-conscious of his physicality. His biceps were rock-hard, his chin rough stubbled, the mound of his shoulder disturbingly smooth. He smelt of sea and masculinity. Unfamiliar. This wasn’t the Dion she used to know. She pulled away, perplexed.
“Sorry.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I probably need a shower.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s just–” She broke off, unable to explain why she felt so off kilter. “I’m not exactly myself today. That’s why I stopped here for a breather when I arrived.”
He nodded in sympathy. “Not ready to show up at your folks’ place, huh?”
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing them so much, but now I kind of have to gather my thoughts first.”
He pushed sand around with his foot. “Your mum’s been worried about you. Your dad too, though he doesn’t say as much.” He pressed his sole down on the sand hill he’d created. “I know I’ve told you before, but I’m sorry about you and Nick.”
The words sounded flat, rehearsed. She couldn’t decide whether he meant it or not. Dion barely knew her ex-husband. She’d met Nick at Sydney University where they’d both been studying commerce. Nick’s busy social calendar meant he’d only accompanied her to Piper Bay a handful of fleeting occasions. Soon after graduation, she and Nick had married and migrated to London, both of them landing jobs at the same investment bank. They were going to work and travel all over the world, forging their careers, then when they tired of globetrotting they would return to Sydney, buy a house together and start a family. So much for their dreams.
Toni drew in a deep breath. “Thanks,” she replied. “So am I.”
“You’re better off without him.”
“That’s what I keep telling myself.” But it didn’t always help.
He shot her a sharp glance, his eyes not soft any more. He looked like he was about to say something, but at the last moment he changed his mind and shook his head. What? she wanted to challenge him. What were you going to say about Nick and me? I need to know. But he turned away to pick up his beach towel, leaving her to stare after him in disappointment.
~*~
I thought I'd post a teaser from my historical/supernatural romance, Darke London, today:
He smiled at her. “Miss Barchester? You look quite fierce now that you’re armed. I should hate to accost you in a dark alley.”
She blushed faintly and smiled back at him. “‘Miss Barchester’ is so stuffy and formal. Please call me Nellie.”
His grin widened. “As long as you’re happy I’m not taking liberties. And of course you must call me Julian.”
“Thank you, Julian.” She flicked the blades up one last time. “From here on, no one will be taking liberties with me.”
~*~
He smiled at her. “Miss Barchester? You look quite fierce now that you’re armed. I should hate to accost you in a dark alley.”
She blushed faintly and smiled back at him. “‘Miss Barchester’ is so stuffy and formal. Please call me Nellie.”
His grin widened. “As long as you’re happy I’m not taking liberties. And of course you must call me Julian.”
“Thank you, Julian.” She flicked the blades up one last time. “From here on, no one will be taking liberties with me.”
~*~
In this excerpt from Undercover in the CEO’s Bed, Jacinta and Lex are discussing the nuts and bolts of making others believe that, after a nasty breakup and months of silence, they have reconciled.
“Why not?” He shrugged his wide shoulders. “We’ll go to a few public engagements, some big, high-profile parties. We’ll be seen together as a couple, and people will assume we’ve reconciled. It’s not unusual.”
“Yeah but we’ll have to...you know, play a role.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “You don’t have to sleep with me...” His cool eyes glinted. “...if you don’t want.”
Her chest grew hot. “I wasn’t even considering that.”
Liar, his eyes flashed.
“You weren’t?”
Forcing herself to hold his gaze, she caught the amusement and heat mingling in his blue depths. Her breath shortened. Just one loaded stare from him was enough to send her into meltdown. The packet tore between her fingers and sugar spilled out.
“Don’t get any ideas, buster. I have standards. I could never sleep with a man I despised.” Yeah, keep telling yourself that and maybe it’ll hold true.
“Keep your panties on,” he drawled. “All you’ll have to do is suffer a few kisses and hugs from me in public. Think you can put up with that?”
A few kisses and hugs from Lex? Heavenly torture. But what if she wanted more after that? She busied herself sweeping up the spilled sugar and depositing the debris into her saucer. “I guess.”
“And no heavy petting without prior arrangement.” The glint in his eyes lingered.
“No heavy petting, period.”
“Why make such strict rules? You might enjoy it. I’m not a bad kisser, you have to admit.”
He was a fantastic kisser, the best she’d ever had, but pigs would fly before she’d admit that. “When do you want to start?”
“Tonight. There’s a big party I’m supposed to attend. I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear something slinky. You know the kind of thing I like.”
For a moment she spluttered. How dare he talk to her like that?
Amazon |
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***
“Are you sure it’ll be so easy to fool people into thinking we’re back together?” she asked.“Why not?” He shrugged his wide shoulders. “We’ll go to a few public engagements, some big, high-profile parties. We’ll be seen together as a couple, and people will assume we’ve reconciled. It’s not unusual.”
“Yeah but we’ll have to...you know, play a role.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “You don’t have to sleep with me...” His cool eyes glinted. “...if you don’t want.”
Her chest grew hot. “I wasn’t even considering that.”
Liar, his eyes flashed.
“You weren’t?”
Forcing herself to hold his gaze, she caught the amusement and heat mingling in his blue depths. Her breath shortened. Just one loaded stare from him was enough to send her into meltdown. The packet tore between her fingers and sugar spilled out.
“Don’t get any ideas, buster. I have standards. I could never sleep with a man I despised.” Yeah, keep telling yourself that and maybe it’ll hold true.
“Keep your panties on,” he drawled. “All you’ll have to do is suffer a few kisses and hugs from me in public. Think you can put up with that?”
A few kisses and hugs from Lex? Heavenly torture. But what if she wanted more after that? She busied herself sweeping up the spilled sugar and depositing the debris into her saucer. “I guess.”
“And no heavy petting without prior arrangement.” The glint in his eyes lingered.
“No heavy petting, period.”
“Why make such strict rules? You might enjoy it. I’m not a bad kisser, you have to admit.”
He was a fantastic kisser, the best she’d ever had, but pigs would fly before she’d admit that. “When do you want to start?”
“Tonight. There’s a big party I’m supposed to attend. I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear something slinky. You know the kind of thing I like.”
For a moment she spluttered. How dare he talk to her like that?
***
Woo-hoo, it's release day for Undercover in the CEO's Bed!
Release day always makes me nervous. Have I written the best book possible? Will readers like it or not? I've come to realise that I can't control everything or please everyone, but it's still an anxious time when the fruits of my labour are finally delivered.
Anyway, here's the blurb:
Billionaire Lex Rochester has a problem. Someone is trying to sabotage the family company, but the investigation needs to be highly discreet because Lex suspects it’s one of his own relatives. His solution—hire IT security specialist Jacinta Greene, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. With Jacinta posing as his newly reconciled girlfriend, the other Rochesters won’t suspect they’re being monitored.
The last thing Jacinta wants is to see Lex again. Their breakup still tortures her, but she’ll do just about anything to help her kid brother, even pretend to reunite with Lex. But the more time she spends with Lex, the more she realizes she’s never gotten over him. Which is bad news, because she and Lex are fatally incompatible.
The fire that still burns between them is as hot and irresistible as ever. Can Jacinta remember what’s real and what’s fake, or will she be hurt by Lex all over again?
For a limited time only it's only 99c at selected retailers. Note: sale pricing cannot be guaranteed.
Amazon | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Barnes&Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Google Books
Entangled Publishing is celebrating the new look for Indulgence by running a giveaway (US only).
Entangled’s very first imprint, Indulgence, brings us the romance we want. And the fantasy men we can’t get enough of! Their new covers show off those rough and ready cowboys, CEOs, and alpha tycoons we crave. Join us in celebrating the brand new look of Indulgence!
.jpg)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Release day always makes me nervous. Have I written the best book possible? Will readers like it or not? I've come to realise that I can't control everything or please everyone, but it's still an anxious time when the fruits of my labour are finally delivered.
Anyway, here's the blurb:
Billionaire Lex Rochester has a problem. Someone is trying to sabotage the family company, but the investigation needs to be highly discreet because Lex suspects it’s one of his own relatives. His solution—hire IT security specialist Jacinta Greene, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. With Jacinta posing as his newly reconciled girlfriend, the other Rochesters won’t suspect they’re being monitored.
The last thing Jacinta wants is to see Lex again. Their breakup still tortures her, but she’ll do just about anything to help her kid brother, even pretend to reunite with Lex. But the more time she spends with Lex, the more she realizes she’s never gotten over him. Which is bad news, because she and Lex are fatally incompatible.
The fire that still burns between them is as hot and irresistible as ever. Can Jacinta remember what’s real and what’s fake, or will she be hurt by Lex all over again?
For a limited time only it's only 99c at selected retailers. Note: sale pricing cannot be guaranteed.
Amazon | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Barnes&Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Google Books
Entangled Publishing is celebrating the new look for Indulgence by running a giveaway (US only).
Entangled’s very first imprint, Indulgence, brings us the romance we want. And the fantasy men we can’t get enough of! Their new covers show off those rough and ready cowboys, CEOs, and alpha tycoons we crave. Join us in celebrating the brand new look of Indulgence!
My latest book, Undercover in the CEO's Bed, releases next week May 27!
I'm in love with my cover:
I'm in love with my cover:
Billionaire Lex Rochester has a problem. Someone is trying to sabotage the family company, but the investigation needs to be highly discreet because Lex suspects it’s one of his own relatives. His solution—hire IT security specialist Jacinta Greene, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. With Jacinta posing as his newly reconciled girlfriend, the other Rochesters won’t suspect they’re being monitored.
The last thing Jacinta wants is to see Lex again. Their breakup still tortures her, but she’ll do just about anything to help her kid brother, even pretend to reunite with Lex. But the more time she spends with Lex, the more she realizes she’s never gotten over him. Which is bad news, because she and Lex are fatally incompatible.
The fire that still burns between them is as hot and irresistible as ever. Can Jacinta remember what’s real and what’s fake, or will she be hurt by Lex all over again?
Read exclusive excerpts of Bittersweet Rescue and enter my giveaway to win a $10 Amazon gift card (open internationally).
April
14: JM Stewart
April 15: Laurie's Thoughtsand Reviews
April 16: Books to LightYour Fire
April 16: Rose and Beps Blog
April 17: Room With Books
April 18: Queen of theNight Reviews
April 21: Booklover Sue
April 22: Susana's Morning Room
April 22: Straight from the Library
April 23: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
April 24: Long and Short Reviews
April 25: It's Raining Books
April 15: Laurie's Thoughtsand Reviews
April 16: Books to LightYour Fire
April 16: Rose and Beps Blog
April 17: Room With Books
April 18: Queen of theNight Reviews
April 21: Booklover Sue
April 22: Susana's Morning Room
April 22: Straight from the Library
April 23: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
April 24: Long and Short Reviews
April 25: It's Raining Books
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~ BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser comes from A Duchess to Remember, a wonderful Regency romance by Christina Brooke. I loved this book and read it in one sitting (or lying, as I was in bed). Here are the two great opening lines:
"Lady Cecily Westruther was not often at a loss for words. In fact, it was said by her family that she had far too many of them at her disposal and was all too ready to use them at every opportunity."
Page 1, A Duchess to Remember by Christina Brooke
~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~ BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser comes from A Duchess to Remember, a wonderful Regency romance by Christina Brooke. I loved this book and read it in one sitting (or lying, as I was in bed). Here are the two great opening lines:
"Lady Cecily Westruther was not often at a loss for words. In fact, it was said by her family that she had far too many of them at her disposal and was all too ready to use them at every opportunity."
Page 1, A Duchess to Remember by Christina Brooke
Another short short. This one's 112 words.
Mum used to say ‘Train your man before you marry him’. I always felt sorry for Dad, but as I face last night’s dirty dishes, I’m beginning to think she has a point. Jake promised he’d get to them, but he’s bone idle. He’s never even mentioned marriage once. I fume as I do his chores. I don’t have to put up with him. I could do better.
“Hey, babe.” Jake strolls in, towel around his waist. “Seen my jeans?”
I grab his jeans from the floor, ready to hurl them, but feel something hard and square in the pocket. A box. A diamond ring. Jake smiles nervously. I burst into tears.
Dirty Jeans
Mum used to say ‘Train your man before you marry him’. I always felt sorry for Dad, but as I face last night’s dirty dishes, I’m beginning to think she has a point. Jake promised he’d get to them, but he’s bone idle. He’s never even mentioned marriage once. I fume as I do his chores. I don’t have to put up with him. I could do better.
“Hey, babe.” Jake strolls in, towel around his waist. “Seen my jeans?”
I grab his jeans from the floor, ready to hurl them, but feel something hard and square in the pocket. A box. A diamond ring. Jake smiles nervously. I burst into tears.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~ BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This teaser comes from "Red: My Uncensored Like in Rock" by Sammy Hagar. Sammy Hagar rose to fame in the 70s with the band Montrose before becoming Van Halen's frontman (after David Lee Roth left). In his autobiography he details his childhood with great candour:
"We never owned a house, and we were always leaving my dad because he was a terrible alcoholic, who beat up my mom. When my dad would come home drunk, we'd sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and go sleep in the orange groves."
Page 5, Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar
~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~ BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This teaser comes from "Red: My Uncensored Like in Rock" by Sammy Hagar. Sammy Hagar rose to fame in the 70s with the band Montrose before becoming Van Halen's frontman (after David Lee Roth left). In his autobiography he details his childhood with great candour:
"We never owned a house, and we were always leaving my dad because he was a terrible alcoholic, who beat up my mom. When my dad would come home drunk, we'd sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and go sleep in the orange groves."
Page 5, Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar
I was tagged by my writing friend Jennifer Brassel for this blog hop. Jen is a history buff whose reincarnation story The Curse will be released later this year. Thanks Jen!
As you can guess, this blog hop is all about an author's writing process. Here are the questions and my answers:
Question 1: What am I working on?
Answer: I have just finished the first draft of a category-length contemporary romance, and I'm letting the manuscript marinade a bit before embarking on the second draft.
Question 2: How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Answer: Hmm, that's a question I don't dwell on much. My work is constantly evolving, but I like to think I write emotional, character-driven romances.
Question 3: Why do I write what I do?
Answer: Because that's what I like to read, and those are the story ideas that pop into my head. Seems I don't have much control over that.
Question 4: How does your writing process work?
Answer: I don't follow any hard and fast rules. I tend to plan out my book with short chapter summaries outlining the major plot points. Then I write a fast first draft which inevitably throws up lots of plot holes and deviations which need to be resolved in the second draft. The third draft is more to do with polishing and copy-editing.
My latest release:
Bittersweet Rescue
She rescued him, and saved herself.
When Ellie Sherwood rescues her boss from drowning, she never anticipates the consequences. For three years she’s existed in an emotional limbo after a catastrophic family tragedy, but now she’s awake and ready to seize life with both hands. And that includes the sexy boss she’s been secretly infatuated with for some time.
Drake Crawford is about to achieve his lifelong goal when a car accident plays havoc with his life. Not only is his plan for revenge delayed, but his once demure personal assistant is now shockingly, irresistibly forward. Drake is against office affairs, and Ellie is vital to his success, but he can’t get her out of his mind, and besides, he does owe her...
His solution—a two-week break with Ellie at his wilderness hideout. They’ll indulge in a scorching, private affair, and when it’s over they’ll return to their normal lives. But as Drake discovers more about Ellie, he realises her quiet exterior hides a backbone of steel. When she asks him to walk away from his ultimate goal, he knows it’s time to let her go.
As you can guess, this blog hop is all about an author's writing process. Here are the questions and my answers:
Question 1: What am I working on?
Answer: I have just finished the first draft of a category-length contemporary romance, and I'm letting the manuscript marinade a bit before embarking on the second draft.
Question 2: How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Answer: Hmm, that's a question I don't dwell on much. My work is constantly evolving, but I like to think I write emotional, character-driven romances.
Question 3: Why do I write what I do?
Answer: Because that's what I like to read, and those are the story ideas that pop into my head. Seems I don't have much control over that.
Question 4: How does your writing process work?
Answer: I don't follow any hard and fast rules. I tend to plan out my book with short chapter summaries outlining the major plot points. Then I write a fast first draft which inevitably throws up lots of plot holes and deviations which need to be resolved in the second draft. The third draft is more to do with polishing and copy-editing.
My latest release:
Bittersweet Rescue
When Ellie Sherwood rescues her boss from drowning, she never anticipates the consequences. For three years she’s existed in an emotional limbo after a catastrophic family tragedy, but now she’s awake and ready to seize life with both hands. And that includes the sexy boss she’s been secretly infatuated with for some time.
Drake Crawford is about to achieve his lifelong goal when a car accident plays havoc with his life. Not only is his plan for revenge delayed, but his once demure personal assistant is now shockingly, irresistibly forward. Drake is against office affairs, and Ellie is vital to his success, but he can’t get her out of his mind, and besides, he does owe her...
His solution—a two-week break with Ellie at his wilderness hideout. They’ll indulge in a scorching, private affair, and when it’s over they’ll return to their normal lives. But as Drake discovers more about Ellie, he realises her quiet exterior hides a backbone of steel. When she asks him to walk away from his ultimate goal, he knows it’s time to let her go.
This week is Read an EBook Week, an annual international celebration of ebooks, and Smashwords is celebrating the week by offering hundreds (possibly thousands) of titles at reduced prices (25% to 100% off).
BITTERSWEET RESCUE is on sale at half-price for only $1.50 for this week only. Go here and be sure to use the coupon code REW50 at check-out.
Bittersweet Rescue, my new contemporary romance, is now available! This is an angsty romance between two people who believe love is not for them.
Bittersweet Rescue
She rescued him, and saved herself.
When Ellie Sherwood rescues her boss from drowning, she never anticipates the consequences. For three years she’s existed in an emotional limbo after a catastrophic family tragedy, but now she’s awake and ready to seize life with both hands. And that includes the sexy boss she’s been secretly infatuated with for some time.
Drake Crawford is about to achieve his lifelong goal when a car accident plays havoc with his life. Not only is his plan for revenge delayed, but his once demure personal assistant is now shockingly, irresistibly forward. Drake is against office affairs, and Ellie is vital to his success, but he can’t get her out of his mind, and besides, he does owe her...
His solution—a two-week break with Ellie at his wilderness hideout. They’ll indulge in a scorching, private affair, and when it’s over they’ll return to their normal lives. But as Drake discovers more about Ellie, he realises her quiet exterior hides a backbone of steel. When she asks him to walk away from his ultimate goal, he knows it’s time to let her go.
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iTunes | Smashwords | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
Giveaway on LibraryThing
Giveaway on LibraryThing
I have a giveaway of Bittersweet Rescue posted on LibraryThing. (To get to the giveaway, from LibraryThing's Home page click the 'More' tab, and then 'Get Free Books', and click on the link to see current member giveaways. Then scroll down to find Bittersweet Rescue) If anyone would like a free copy for review, please enter your request before 16 March.
Excerpt
“The speed limit’s forty,” Ellie said, clutching her seat.
Reluctantly he eased off on the accelerator. A drizzle had set in, turning the wintery evening even gloomier. He flicked on the wipers as the black tarmac glistened like oil in his headlights. Usually the road snaking through the reserve would have a few joggers at this time of day, but the cold and the rain appeared to have kept them away. He tamped on the brakes as they approached a tight bend.
Ellie’s briefcase slipped off her seat. She bent to retrieve it, lifting one leg slightly. As her skirt pulled up, out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of her inner thigh and couldn’t help staring. In the dimness her tender skin gleamed like the petal of an ice-berg rose.
She tugged at her skirt, and his gaze lifted to her face—cheeks pink, confusion in her eyes—goddamnit, she’d caught him checking her out. She ducked her chin down, her hair fanning over her face.
“Ellie—”
Three seconds can change a man’s life. A second to look up at the road ahead. A second to recognise the danger. A second to react.
Three seconds. That’s all it took to change his life.
In the glare of his headlights metal flashed. The eyes of a ghost stared back at him.
His hands moved of their own accord, jerking the steering wheel to the left. Tyres juddered and brakes screeched as they hurtled over rough ground. A low, stone wall loomed in the headlights. The car slammed the wall at an angle and flipped over it.
Airbags exploded. They plunged through space, upside down.
A sickening crunch as they smashed into the water. The roof of the car crumpled like foil. At the same time, his head seemed to explode with pain that ripped through him like a grenade.
Through the shudders of agony, he heard someone screaming. Ellie.
He’d never heard anyone scream like that, so filled with blind terror it made his blood run cold. He turned to her, but the axe cleaved through his skull once more, and it was almost a relief to find himself tumbling into black oblivion.
Entangled Bliss has something special for readers this February. Download the Bliss Sampler which is absolutely free and contains sample chapters from every single Bliss title.
PLUS...
Take a peak inside two of the upcoming March Bliss releases, Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier and Stealing the Groom by Sonya Weiss.
Also included are never-before-seen deleted scenes from Robin Bielman, Cindi Madsen, Tracy March and Roxanne Snopek!
Pick up your free copy of the Bliss Sampler and fall in love one small town hero at a time.
I haven't been blogging much, so in an attempt to make this blog of more interest to readers, I'm hoping to post a few of my shorter works.
How many words do you need to tell a story? According to Ernest Hemingway you only need six words. This is his six word story: For Sale. Baby shoes, never worn. I don't have a six word story, but I have attempted to write a complete story in under fifty words (not including the title):
BARBED WIRE
I ring him at home again, but again his wife answers, so I put down the phone. He calls, furious. You know the rules. Don’t ever call me at home. Don’t ever call me, period. So I put the pregnancy stick in an envelope and mail it to his wife.
~~~
Copyright © 2014 Coleen Kwan
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by the MFRW Authors blog. It's a chance to hook readers with a few choice sentences from a WIP or published book.
This week, my Book Hooks excerpt comes from BAITING THE BOSS, my latest release from Entangled Indulgence.
“On the other hand…” His eyes sparkled even brighter. “The eels in this pool have been known to nibble.”
“Eels!” She grabbed onto him with both hands, casting a jittery look at the still waters around them.
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Just kidding. They don’t bite.”
“But there are eels?”
“Small ones only, and they’re shy.”
She couldn’t suppress a shudder. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not.”
“Would I lie to you?”
“Probably. You’re a man, aren’t you?”
For years Grace Owens harbored a secret crush on her boss, Jack Macintyre, the heir to the Macintyre Corporation. But Jack relocates to a remote tropical island after tragedy upends his life, cutting off all contact. Now Grace’s new boss issues an ultimatum: return Jack to the family fold or pack her briefcase and move on.
When she turns up at Jack's bungalow, he can’t deny his attraction to the fiery woman determined to lure him out of his tropical paradise. Little does she know that returning is the last thing he wants—he’s nobody’s boss, and he likes it that way.
If he stays, she'll lose her job. If he goes, she'll lose her heart.
Check out other MFRW authors taking part in Book Hooks:
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~ BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
The book I've chosen All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard. This is the fifth volume in the Cazalet Chronicles, a series I absolutely love. Sadly, it's also Ms Howard's last book as she recently passed away. But what an amazing author and what an inspiration to be still writing and publishing at the age of ninety!
Here's my teaser:
'I kept wondering if they'd fall out. Like that woman dining at the Berkeley - a waiter popping them back, and the head waiter reproving him, "Here we use a slightly warmed tablespoon."'
Page 268, All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard.
~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~ BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
The book I've chosen All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard. This is the fifth volume in the Cazalet Chronicles, a series I absolutely love. Sadly, it's also Ms Howard's last book as she recently passed away. But what an amazing author and what an inspiration to be still writing and publishing at the age of ninety!
Here's my teaser:
'I kept wondering if they'd fall out. Like that woman dining at the Berkeley - a waiter popping them back, and the head waiter reproving him, "Here we use a slightly warmed tablespoon."'
Page 268, All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard.
Goodreads
BookBub
