Review for Angels, Sinners and Madmen

Long and Short Reviews said: "The intriguing title and the well-known author drew me to this book. With a mix of romance, tragedy and heroes, you have a recipe for a fine romance.
Angels, Sinners and Madmen is fraught with death-defying scenes.
The setting was finely described: Florida in the 1850's was a very different place to how it is now and it suited the plot.
I recommend this book for the sheer originality of the tale, and for those who like HEA, they’re going to be kept guessing right to the last page."
Read the full review here.

In the Author Spotlight: Kit Wylde

Cate: Please welcome Kit Wylde. Kit, will you please share a short bio with us?
Kit: Absolutely. Kit Wylde is a pseudonym of Marci Baun. In this guise, I write paranormal and romance stories. Some stories have a combination of both, while others are just one or the other.

Cate: Tell us about Hieroglyphs and where it's available.
Kit: Hieroglyphs, published by Wild Child Publishing, was a story I wrote back in 2001. Like most of my stories, I was in the middle of a conversation and the idea for the story emerged as I was talking. A paranormal with some romantic elements, Hieroglyphs is one of my favorite stories. It combines Egyptian history with the paranormal and reincarnation. With just a dash of romance and a lot of action, it’s fun. However, this story was a little freaky because, as I started to do the research, I discovered that this fictional story I was writing was more truth than fiction. (At least the Egyptian history in it.)

Cate: Sounds fascinating. Cool cover too. Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Kit: Ah, well, I think I’ll give you the blurb then:
When a new hieroglyphic alphabet is discovered on an ancient Egyptian scroll, expert archaeologist Joslyn Wetherly is called in to decipher it. Joslyn is obsessed with the scroll, and that obsession threatens her marriage.
But soon her life is threatened as the secrets of the scroll prove dangerous. Before Joslyn realizes what is happening, she is embroiled in a rivalry between two long-dead pharaohs, their Egyptian gods, and past life karmas.
Will Joslyn survive the secrets revealed in the scroll? Or will she be the next victim of the ancient feud?

Cate: Can you tell us why we're going to love your hero?
Kit: In this case, it’s a heroine. (g) She is married, so some romance is involved, but this is more the story of Joslyn, an imperfect woman who must battle some pretty big odds to survive. Does she? Ah, you’ll have to read it to find out. :)

Cate: Very cool. Tease us with one little thing about your fictional world that makes it different from others.
Kit: Hm… That’s tough. I would just say my style of writing.

Cate: What's next for you?
Kit: I’m not sure. The other day I had the beginnings of an idea for a story with a Valkyrie heroine. It would be an urban fantasy, but when I’ll have the time to do the research and write it, well, that’s another story. I suppose what I should do is finish my chapter book series The Whispering House first. LOL The problem is that I wrote myself into a corner and now have to figure out to get myself out of that stupid corner. It’s a spooky paranormal with romance and some steamy scenes. LOL

Cate: That sounds very cool too! What inspired you to draft your first story?
Kit: My first story was Last Chance. It was originally published by Wild Child when a magazine back in 1999. We had just started the magazine and needed some stories. I had never really considered myself a writer (and still don’t, really. I enjoy writing and would like to do more, but time is a big, big challenge for me.) However, the response to that story was amazing. I had readers write to tell me that they’d read it several times because they loved it so much. Balm for my ego, I must say. LOL

Cate: Now I have comment envy. :) Do you have a writing routine?
Kit: Nope. No time for it. I’d probably write more if I did, but then if I did, I’d get a lot less editing, promoting, etc., done, and I don’t think the authors would be too happy with that. (g)

Cate: I know I'm grateful for all your hard work at Freya's and Wild Child! Where can readers find you on the web?
Kit: You can find me at: http://kitwylde.blogspot.com/ . Where am I at most of the time? Facebook: http://facebook.com/wildchildpublishing. Er, working. Yeah, working. (g)

Cate: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Kit: What compels you to take a second look at a book? Is it the cover? The blurb? The excerpt? A combination?

Cate: Readers, Kit is giving away a book to a random commenter... so start commenting. She'll pick a winner and post the name here, so be sure to check back.
Thanks for being my guest, Kit! Best of luck to you, in both guises!

5 Divas for Wilderness Girl!

What a great weekend! A new release and a great new review!

Dark Diva Reviews rated Wilderness Girl 5 Delightful Divas!

Shelly, the reviewer, said, in part: Wilderness Girl is an adorable contemporary romance with a really cute beginning that will make you laugh out loud!

There are multiple funny moments as Hank teaches Dana how to be a wilderness girl. I only wish I had this much fun when I went camping (lol)!
This storyline was a nice change of pace from what I've been reading lately and it was quite enjoyable. Hank and Dana had quite a bit of fun, which made it fun for me. This is my first book by Cate Masters, but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading more from her and I'm thinking you'll feel the same way too!

Thanks so much Shelly! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading Wilderness Girl as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hope you get to find your own Hank and go camping soon. :)



Here's the excerpt:
Dana scanned the stacks of camping gear piled on the shelves. People must be crazy to pay full price for this junk. But planning this trip had been the first time Sean had paid attention to her like he used to. He’d been so distracted these last two months. Working late, even going missing a couple of nights, leaving her waiting for calls that never came. When she asked later, explanations stumbled out in a short, stammered rush that left many of her questions unanswered. If going camping helped him focus on their relationship, well, she’d do whatever was needed.
A deep voice behind her reached inside her thoughts. “Can I help you with anything?”
She grinned. Sean must have circled back around. He liked it from behind, and lately doggy-style was their only position. She backed the cart up until she felt his heat–it seemed more intense than usual. Maybe tonight he would relax a little. He’d been so tense lately.
“Um, yeah, I might need a little help.” She reached behind and ran her hand up his thigh. Maybe she’d give him a taste of what, in particular, she had in mind. He kept pestering her to be more sexually adventurous. She slid her fingers to his crotch. Clicking each tooth of the zipper open, his sharp intake of breath made her smile.
The sight of Sean walking between aisles, looking in the opposite direction, made her freeze.
“Oh my God.” Her breath strangled in her throat and she whirled around.
Six feet of tanned muscle, wrapped in a faded black T-shirt and jean shorts loose on his hips. Eyes like wildfire burning in a sun-kissed face. Grinning like a fox.
“Well, don’t stop there. You have my full attention.”

Release day for Angels Sinners and Madmen!

Today, Freya's Bower releases Angels Sinners and Madmen, my historical novel set in 1856 Key West, Florida. I like to refer to it as a historical adventure romance, because this story has so many great elements (which I will explore later in the new Story Elements series).

Tomorrow's debut of a new post series called Casting Call will give you a peek at who starred in the version playing inside my mind as I was writing Angels Sinners and Madmen.

Today's a day of celebration! *throws confetti and blows noisemaker* I've mentioned this many times, but Angels Sinners and Madmen burst to life in my head during a visit to Key West, particularly during a visit to the wrecker's museum. The incredible history of the wreckers intrigued me, and I wanted to bring their story to life. Because of the extensive research, the task seemed overwhelming, but I set my mind to writing the first draft during NaNoWriMo a few years ago. I'm really happy with the final result. I hope you will be too!

Here's the blurb:
What happens in Key West, stays in Key West. Especially in 1856, when men outnumber women by ten to one. Wrecker Sam Langhorne came to Key West eight years earlier to forget his ruined engagement. When he rescues Livvie Collins from a watery grave, he’s swept away by her beauty and spirit. He’s sworn off love, but is soon captivated by Livvie’s wit–and her determination to remain single.
The death of Livvie’s father leaves her no other option than to sail to New Orleans to live with her brother Wendell. Though she hopes to support herself by writing novels, she’s sure Wendell will try to soon marry her off, and is determined to experience life to its fullest before reaching New Orleans.
Sam is handsome and attentive, constantly surprising her with his intelligence and his interest in current literature and happenings. She gives herself to him in a night of passion so she can know the true emotion at least once in her life. But can she save herself after she arrives in New Orleans?



Here's an excerpt:

Acutely aware of his presence beside her, she suspected he had the same effect on other females. “It sounds like your days are very full, Mr. Langhorne.”
He halted, his gaze intense. “Will you never call me Sam? I may be older than you, but not so old to warrant such formality.”
His sudden seriousness took her by surprise. Using his name implied an informality—a familiarity–she wasn’t quite ready to allow. Then again, he’d brought her up from the depths, his strong arms leaving an indelible impression on her skin, one she felt even now. How much more familiar could one get? “Sam.”
He continued walking. “Thank you, Livvie.”
He said it naturally, as though he’d called her that all her life.
She glanced behind them, then ahead. “This is not a quicker route. In fact, I believe it will lengthen our walk.” These streets were new to her. The houses appeared larger, maintained better than those on Duval Street, at least at the end where the Crowells’ boarding house stood.
His brows furrowed as he pressed his lips together. “Hmm. Is that a fact?”
The stern look she tried to affect gave way to a smile. “So. Tell me about Philadelphia.”
“It’s a bustling metropolis where small-minded people live.” His tone had a sharper edge, and he avoided her gaze.
“City life doesn’t suit you?” Livvie’s curiosity got the better of her, one of her father’s chief complaints.
“Not when I could be here instead. The choice between spending my days there, devising means to outwit others, or here, in the glorious sunshine, my life mine to live as I see fit–well, it was the easiest choice I’ve ever made.”
“What do you mean, outwitting others? Were you a thief?”
He laughed. “In a manner of speaking.”
So willing to share certain parts of himself, so reticent to share others. What secrets, she wondered, did Samuel Langhorne hide?
She scrutinized him. “You are a puzzle.” More likely a Pandora’s box, and the temptation to open it grew.

I hope you'll come by tomorrow for Casting Call!

Giveaway!
Leave a comment on this post before August 1 to be in the running to win an ecopy of Angels Sinners and Madmen!

The tour continues!

In support of my upcoming release, Angels Sinners and Madmen, I'm visiting a few blogs to spread the word. Hope to see you at a few! You'll be able to read an excerpt, view the trailer, and get an inside peek at this historical adventure romance novel. I'm very excited for its July 27th release!

Today the wonderful authors of Nights of Passion blog interviewed me.

BK Walker Books also interviewed me.

Yesterday's booksigning was a blast! Thanks to all who came out to support me - I'm very grateful. I'll post pics later this week.

Weaving details into setting

The wonderful authors at MuseTracks are graciously opening their blog to me today. I'm talking about weaving interesting details into stories. Hope you'll join me and leave a comment!

Tomorrow I'll have a special guest here you won't want to miss, and I will be at Immortality and Beyond, continuing on my virtual tour. I hope to see some friendly faces along the way. :)

A release date for Angels Sinners and Madmen!

Yay! I'm so excited! My historical adventure novel, Angels Sinners and Madmen, will release on July 27th!

I put the finishing touches on the trailer this morning. What do you think?




Here's an excerpt:
Her intense scrutiny made him uneasy.
“Did someone hurt you? So much you distrust every other who shares her gender?”
Her face, illuminated by the setting sun, appeared so innocent, so youthful. She could not possibly know of the terrible danger inherent in offering oneself to another. The intricacies of a relationship.
“Yes.” The lone word revealed more than he had ever shared with anyone else. He stood rigid, unwilling to display himself further through any action or language.
“Then I am truly sorry, Sam. To close yourself off in such a way you can never know happiness again. It makes me sad for you.”
His laugh was hollow. “You needn’t pity me.”
Her face hardened, her beautiful lips retreating to a thin, disapproving line. “No. You’re right. To choose such a life willingly is your own doing. You deserve no pity.”
This was the kind of woman he was used to. Whose tender caresses turned to merciless clawing, so deep his very heart was at peril. “Such harsh words from one who would have me believe—”
“I will not be so pathetic as to cling to false hope. To wait for you to sort out your feelings could take years.” She bowed her head. “I hold you to nothing, Sam. Forget yesterday, if you must.” She lifted her head to hold his gaze for a moment, perhaps waiting for him to open himself to her. In resignation, she turned and walked out.
Stunned, Sam stood there, looking at the closed door.
She knew him. She knew him completely, her sweet touch had divined his true self, had breathed into his mouth and captured the essence of his soul. Her openness, her honesty, entranced him more than her beauty.
Yet he still could not move, could not will himself to go after her, confess his feelings.
The sensation of being in Livvie’s arms could not be more opposite to his time with Helen. When Livvie looked at him, she exposed herself completely. Nothing else existed in the world. Her giving nature resulted from her feelings, and what she did not feel, she would not give. He knew it to be true.
If Livvie left Key West, he would likely never meet another near her qualities. Her inquisitive nature inspired him to share his thoughts, his world. He trusted her reaction to be true, not a response designed to please him. Her skills of comprehension and analysis exceeded those of many educated men. Were it not for the constraints of society, Livvie could have risen to great power, if she’d aspired to.
He had never encountered another girl like her. That was perhaps what frightened him most. Yet he still felt rooted where he stood, even as he saw, in his mind’s eye, her figure grow smaller and disappear altogether. One thought repeated in his head: I will never forget.

Upcoming blog tour!

Next month, I begin an 18-stop blog tour through Authors Promoting Authors. Running from May 22 through July 26, this tour will be in support of my two spring releases: Fever Dreams on May 7 from Eternal Press. Initially, Fever Dreams will be an ebook. About a month later, print copies will be available through Amazon.

Still in the planning stages for giveaways, but I'm starting the tour off with an...

Early Giveaway!

I'll kick off the release day celebration on Monday! Visit the Popculturedivas blog and leave a comment there anytime before May 7. I'll announce the winner here on release day.

Freya's Bower will release Angels, Sinners and Madmen as an ebook (release date still TBD, but I'm hoping for no later than the end of May. Finishing up edits right now.). If enough digital copies sell, it may release in print at a later date.

Here's the schedule:

FEVER DREAMS
May 22 - Guest Blogging at Nights of Passion
May 28 - Author Interviewed at Conscious Discussions
June 7 - Guest Blogging with Lauren Harvey
June 11 - Author Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc
June 14 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services
June 16 - Guest Blogging at Magician of Oz
June 22 - Author Interviewed at Authors By Authors
June 24 - Guest Blogging at BK's Live Journal
June 29 - Guest Blogging with Louise Wise


ANGELS SINNERS AND MADMEN
July 1 - Author Interviewed at Literary Magic
July 5 - Author Interviewed on Blog Talk Radio with BK
July 7 - Author Interviewed by Lisa Jackson
July 8 - Guest Blogging with Alissa Grosso
July 13 - Author Interviewed at Immortyl Revolution
July 15 - SpotLight Feature at BK Walker Books
July 20 - Guest Blogging at Sierra Rose Books
July 22 - Author Interviewed at Paula Zone
July 26 - Author Interviewed by Margaret West

I'm excited, as this is my first official "tour." I'll make a few other blog visits interspersed with these as well, which are listed on my web site.

I'll also be hosting a number of others through Authors Promoting Authors, so I hope you'll visit them on their stop here.

Do you know the history of the wreckers?

Today I'm over at Paty Jager’s blog talking about the inspiration for my upcoming historical novel, Angels Sinners and Madmen, set in 1856 Key West, Florida. I hope you'll join me at Paty's to learn more about these fascinating people.

I'm also over at Rachel Brimble's blog, discussing the importance of researching stories of any genre.

New review for Wilderness Girl!

Night Owl Reviews rated Wilderness Girl four stars!

The reviewer said, in part: "Wilderness Girl is a sweet erotic romance. I felt as I knew Dana and Hank and I was rooting for their happiness. I liked the different set up (with camping as a backdrop). I felt [t]he author portrayed a new love relationship, with its obsession and insecurities well. The story worked through their issues rather than glossing over them."

You Gotta Read Reviews gave it its top rating too!

Visit the Spicier Side with me...

...at Emma Lai Visits the Spicier Side blog. Yesterday, Wilderness Girl was featured. Today, read how you can boost cognitive function with an erotic romance. :)
Wilderness Girl happens to be an erotic romance with humorous elements. You Gotta Read Reviews gave it its top rating too!

Great review for The Lure of the Vine!

Seriously Reviewed gave The Lure of the Vine a top rating!

Here's what the reviewer said: Do you like a little mythology in your books? Then here is a good one for you. A nice SPICY read that is titillating, sexy and an ending that makes the journey worth the trip :)
What a wonderful little read that is not the typical Harry met Sally, I enjoyed the drama, the lust and the issues right until the bitter end.
This is not the first book of Ms Masters that I have been fortunate enough to read and let me just say that it won't be the last :)

Thank you so much, Seriously Reviewed! You have made my month!

Here's the story trailer:

Blogging and interviews and contests!

Come to Night Owl Romance's blog to learn what intrigued me so much about wreckers, I had to write Angels, Sinners and Madmen (soon to be released by Freya's Bower). If you sign up to be a fan on Facebook and leave a comment on the Night Owl Romance blog, you can win your choice of my current releases!

I'm also over at Women Writers Underground, where Lynn Romaine interviewed me. Pop over for a visit!

NaNoWriMo - Week 1

Whew! One week into November... and so into NaNoWriMo. With my eye on that 50k goal, I'm now at a dismal 10,629 words. I'd planned to reach 16k, at minimum, by today. But the day is young, and I have catching up to do.
I hadn't expected to be able to keep up, being knee-deep in first edits for Angels, Sinners and Madmen. But so far I'm juggling both. I hope to get the edits back soon to Freya's Bower.
I also wondered whether I had it in me. I just finished an 83k contemporary over the summer, and am still working on revising another historical novella. In fact, I have gone back to that a few times this week and it's been tough to get back to the new WIP. My 50k may stretch over three stories!
Here's something that caught my attention: Ravenous Romance, an epublisher, is encouraging writers to submit their NaNoWriMo novels to a special contest. That in itself is very cool, but what really surprised me was the prize: they'll select three novels for publication, and give a $200 ADVANCE. Wow. Has anyone ever heard of an epublisher giving advances? Maybe the tide is turning, finally. In any case, I was very encouraged.
Ravenous Romance, however, only publishes erotic romance, and mine won't qualify. But if you want to submit, here are their guidelines.
Apropos of NaNoWriMo, I came across a great quote from Augusten Burroughs, author of Running with Scissors: The secret to being a writer is that you have to write. It's not enough to think about writing or to study literature or plan a future life as an author. You really have to lock yourself away, alone, and get to work.
Pertinent advice, Augusten. I'm off to do just that.

Almost NaNoWriMo time again

Well I missed National Writing Day on October 22, probably due to a lack of national advertising on its part. Had I known the Senate would pass S.R. 310, I would have put pen to paper that day come Hell or high water (and lately, it's been Hell, but that's another story).
Hell notwithstanding, I've signed up for NaNoWriMo again. Yep, I enlisted in the ranks of those who'll write fast and furious starting November 1, aiming for that golden 50,000-word bar. I may not make it this year, but I'll at least try. I've had a contemporary gelling in my head for awhile, clamoring to get out.
Last year, I finally wrote the historical novel I had in my head since visiting Key West in 2003. Freya's Bower will release Angels, Sinners and Madmen. I'm currently in first edits, so have no date yet, but likely it will release in early 2010.

Weekend giveaway

Get away this weekend, if only virtually! Come visit with me and Jen at Book Talk with J&J. You won't even need an alibi!
I’m giving away a PDF of Wilderness Girl, my sweet, funny erotic romance novella. If you haven't heard, You Gotta Read Reviews gave Wilderness Girl its top rating! Here's what the review said:
I loved this story for one main reason- it's why I love romances. The story was so fun. It was also filled with hot and steamy sex scenes, and the figuring out how this relationship will work stuff. I giggled over the start of the book when Dana bumps into Hank in the camping section. It still makes me laugh and blush when I think about it. The characters have their moments of making the relationship work, but that just leads to great making up in so many ways. I had almost hoped Dana would run into her ex somewhere in the story with Hank with her. I always think I like longer books, but the length on this one was just right. Enough to read in one sitting, but filled with everything I needed or wanted to know. Ms. Masters can write a story filled with all the ingredients for a good erotic, romance in my book.

What are you waiting for? C'mon, click that link!

Here's the trailer again:

Wilderness Girl garners top rating in first review!

Wow! You Gotta Read Reviews gave Wilderness Girl a rating of You Gotta Read, its highest!

Here's what Jennifer, the reviewer, had to say:
"I loved this story for one main reason- it's why I love romances. The story was so fun. It was also filled with hot and steamy sex scenes, and the figuring out how this relationship will work stuff. I giggled over the start of the book when Dana bumps into Hank in the camping section. It still makes me laugh and blush when I think about it. The characters have their moments of making the relationship work, but that just leads to great making up in so many ways. I had almost hoped Dana would run into her ex somewhere in the story with Hank with her. I always think I like longer books, but the length on this one was just right. Enough to read in one sitting, but filled with everything I needed or wanted to know. Ms. Masters can write a story filled with all the ingredients for a good erotic, romance in my book."

I'm especially grateful because this was my first attempt at an erotic romance, but it's always great when someone loves reading my story as much as I loved writing it.
Thanks Jennifer!

Friday sign-off at Whipped Cream

Read today's essay at Whipped Cream to learn why romance is more relevant now than ever.
Respond to today’s question for a chance to win a PDF of Wilderness Girl!

Thursday Essay: Busting Writer's Block

Don't let writer's block paralyze you! Read today's essay at Whipped Cream to learn why it's an important tool for writers.
Respond to today’s question for a chance to win a PDF of Wilderness Girl!

Day 3 Essay: Making Characters Come Alive

Pop on over to Whipped Cream Reviews to read about the tricks I use to tame unruly characters. Respond to today’s question for a chance to win a PDF of Wilderness Girl!