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Fabulous Beta Readers – thank you!

By Bronwen Evans · Comments (11)
Monday, June 27th, 2011
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Hawke's Bay in New ZealandI’ve been away for a long weekend. It’s mid winter in New Zealand and while we don’t get snow (except on the mountains) in the North Island, it’s been grey, wet and cold. I desperately needed a break.

I drove up to the sunny Hawke’s Bay, to a little village called Havelock North, with my twin sister, Leigh – left the kids at home. It’s situated in a wine growing region and we did the normal things of shopping and eating and drinking. I even managed to read a fabulous Kresley Cole book.Elephant Hill Winery and Cape Kidnappers Cliffs Now I’m so relaxed I’m struggling to get moving again.

 On the Saturday morning of my weekend away, I got an email from Megan Records with book two, INVITATION TO SCANDAL (due out May 2012), revisions. Luckily they are not extensive, and I’ve plenty of time to get them back. However, I have some work to do on the ending …

 Because, I now have a new tool in my writing arsenal – BETA readers.

 When I submitted my first book, INVITATION TO RUIN, to Megan, I didn’t even know what a Beta reader was.  It wasn’t until my first sale, when I was let into the secret world of the published author loops, that the word Beta reader came up.  I was pretty quick to realize the value of READERS feeding back on my work BEFORE it’s published. 

My lovely Beta readers Diane and Danielle (I’m looking for two more if anyone out there wants to Beta read for me – must love Regency historical) have given me fabulous feedback and have indicated that they’d like more details of Anthony and Melissa, my heroine and hero from  INVITATION TO RUIN in the epilogue of Invitation to Scandal.

 Here’s some of the fabulous detail I got from my Beta Readers on INVITATION TO SCANDAL:

Did you find the ending satisfying? Again, I would have LOVED!! LOVED!! LOVED to have read that Anthony and Melissa were at the wedding and are living happily ever after that she is expecting or has had a baby or two and that Melissa and Rhea are just as good friends as Rufus and Anthony. I’m a hopeless romantic.  Made me wonder if Samuel and Maggie will have a story? Will they????? Something like Anthony and Melissa?  What about Stephen? Will he have a story? What about Alex? Will his story be coming? What about Stephen? Daniel too? OMG!!!! I CANT wait for this book to come out. I am crossing all my fingers that Alex and Stephen will have books coming out. Do you have any ideas when this Rufus’ book will be released? Is there any chance the other characters will have books. I’m very sorry to pester you. 

If that isn’t the best pep talk I’ve ever received I don’t know what is!

 Did you find anything confusing about the story?  No, I understood the plot and the storyline.  Two people trying to prove themselves in this world.  One to become independent and the other to redeem his family name. And the both of them would do whatever it took to do to make it happened. My only problem with this book was the number of times that Rhea moaned about her parents’ marriage and that she wasn’t going to be dependent on any man and Rufus being betrayed and how he will never love again and that he would never trust a woman. 

The last comment was a flashing red ALERT – things need to be tightened. So I have tightened them and it’s made the book much better.

For anyone who’d like a taste of Rufus Kight, Viscount Strathmore’s story here’s a snipet of when he finds out the identity of the heroine, Miss Rheda Kerrick.

   …His forceful gaze swept over her trying to ascertain their identities. A shiver of fear sliced her insides. Damn the moon. She prayed it was dark enough, and her disguise good enough, that he would not know who she was. Perhaps he would think her one of Lord Hale’s stable boys.

    She ground her teeth in resignation. What was the worst that could happen? He was too late; the deed had been done, with one horse anyway.
 
Eyes sharp as flint slashed in her direction, and she took a step back.
 
    Ignoring her, Lord Strathmore bent to study his horse. “Have you been having an enjoyable evening, Caesar? I hope you have not let the Strathmore name down, and you have performed appropriately.”
 
    In a voice she hoped mirrored a young boy’s she said, “Actually we were debating if he had enough stamina to service the second filly.” Since Lord Strathmore appeared to be buying her story, she might as well push her luck.
 
    “I think you will find Strathmore males are perfectly capable of pleasuring more than one female in one night.”
   
A chuckle escaped from his companion while Jamieson gave a discreet cough.
 
    Rheda, thankful for what little darkness the moon provided simply blushed, his insinuation not lost on her.
 
    Lord Strathmore approached until he towered over her, menace pouring from every pore. Rheda thought the effect was somewhat spoilt because he looked thoroughly enticing in his formal dinner wear. “We shall have to discuss how you are going to repay me for Caesar’s services – Miss Kerrich, Miss Rheda Kerrich – Rhe.”

 Needless to say, I’ve found the experience of Beta readers invaluable, and I really thank them for offering their services. My two Beta readers take their job very seriously, and really, really think about the book and the series. I can’t thank them enough!

 If you want to be added to my Beta reader list, please email me on

 romance  at bronwenevans.com

 I’ve got thick skin (as most writers do in this business) and I’m open to any constructive feedback that helps me make my books better.

So, thank you to the readers. For not only spending their money to buy and read our books, but also for selfishly helping us make them even better. Way better…

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Invitation to Ruin is on the book shelf…

By Bronwen Evans · Comments (22)
Monday, February 28th, 2011
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Tomorrow, 1 March, 2011 is the official release day of my debut Regency historical, Invitation to Ruin.

(Booklover1335 has won the copy of Invitaiton to Ruin – I have emailed you. Or contact me romance at bronwenevans dot com.)

I know I won’t sleep tonight as I’m so excited. What really irks me is that I can’t jump in my car and rush down to my nearest book store to view my ‘little baby’ on the shelf, as it is only released in-store in the USA, and I live in New Zealand. It would turn into a very expensive trip to the book store and a 30 hour round trip.

Instead, I ordered a copy online last week, and it arrived in my letterbox yesterday. Silly I know as I have the story on my PC and I have loads of copies to give away (yip – post a comment and be in the draw to win a signed copy – the copy I ordered online), but if I couldn’t see my book on a shelf in the book store, then opening a parcel and seeing it was second best!

Speaking of seeing my book on a shelf in a book store, if anyone feels like snapping a photo of my book on the shelf, in a book store, and emailing it to me at romance at bronwenevans dot com I’d be thrilled to receive it.

For you e-book readers, it has been released in e-book format on the 1 March as well.

Here’s snippet of Anthony’s and Melissa’s story to whet your appetite:-

Anthony leaned nearer, the tantalizing scent of expensive cologne mixed with raw maleness made her dizzy, and as he placed his large hand at her back, guiding her towards a chaise upon which Lady Millington sat, Melissa wondered if tonight would be the night she’d finally swoon.

“Remember my warning. I trust you will conduct yourself appropriately. You are to be my wife.”

The sudden bolt of awareness flashing down her side – the side he’d touched – had nothing to do with the anger his harsh warning provoked. She could sense him, hard, strong, and very male, a potent living force beside her.

His nearness was pure pleasure. She glanced at his face, but he’d already turned to see to Cassandra.

He must have felt her gaze though, because his eyes swung back to her. He saw her studying him intently and his gaze grew direct; his eyes searched hers.

Her lungs seized.

The introduction for the first waltz cut through the hypnotic moment. She heard Cassandra stir. Please do not disgrace me by dancing the first dance with Cassandra.

His eyes still held hers and perhaps he read the desperation there. His fingers closed about her hand and he lifted it fleetingly to his lips. He then elegantly bowed, his eyes never leaving hers. “My dance, I believe?”

She let out a huge breath, gratitude beaming from within her smile. At that precise moment he truly was the most wonderful man in the world, her knight in shining armor. She inclined her head, and let him draw her to the floor.

There are further snippet’s and the first chapter on my website www.bronwenevans.com

So what AM I going to do to celebrate? I’m going to have a glass of champers and my favorite meal. I have a launch luncheon planned for Sunday with friends and family.

Before I go, I must thank Megan Records who has held my hand through this process and made my first book release easy. Then there is Melissa Jeglinski my lovely agent who kindly came to NZ last year and allowed me to pitch to her. I’ve been very lucky having these two lovely ladies (my M&M’s as I call them both) help make my debut a real joy.

Lastly, the kind readers who have already bought the book and read it. Thank you so much.

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The Writer’s Dream…

By Bronwen Evans · Comments (18)
Monday, February 21st, 2011
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It’s been a dream twelve months for me, and now someone else’s dream might come true – with your help. I have great pleasure in shouting from the roof tops that Meredith Simmons, my mentee, in Brava and RT Writing With the Stars contest has finaled with her story, Indentured Hearts.

I have two things to celebrate this week, as Invitation to Ruin, my debut Regency historical is available from online stores and in e-Book on 22 Febraury, 2011. Official release date 1 March, 2011. What makes this so fabulous, is that my book got some great reviews.

RT Book Review
INVITATION TO RUIN
by Bronwen Evans

Genre: England, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HHHHH HOT
Setting: 1808 London

Here’s a fast-paced story filled with snappy dialogue, action and a tortured hero that will delight the reader as much as he delights the heroine. A strong heroine, some wonderful secondary characters and a villain who is truly evil help move the story forward. Readers will laugh and cry as they and the protagonists learn that your past does not necessarily dictate your future and that love heals all wounds.
Anthony Craven, the Earl of Wickham, aka The Lord of Wicked, is about to pursue his favorite pastimes, sin and vice. On his way to his assignation he winds up in the wrong room, that of Miss Melissa Goodly, a 21-year-old virgin. When they’re caught, Anthony has no choice but to marry Melissa. Many hope that this is just what Anthony needs to turn him from his current pathof self-destruction. Anthony leaves Melissa on their wedding night. Each time they are in the same room Anthony’s attraction for his wife grows, but he has vowed to never father a child in order to end what he believes is the evil in the family bloodline. The only thing Melissa hopes for out of this marriage is a child. She is determined to break through Anthony’s icy reserve. When a dark shadow from Anthony’s past kidnaps Melissa, he might lose her before he has a chance to tell her that he has fallen in love with her. (BRAVA, Mar., 336 pp. $14.00)

Reviewed By: Jill Brager

and

Publishers Weekly

Invitation to Ruin
Bronwen Evans, Kensington/Brava, $14 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-0-7582-5919-6

Evans’s debut Regencyis filled withsizzling romance. Anthony Craven, the fifth earl of Wickham, wants Lady Cassandra Sudbury as his next mistress. Then his brother’s deception results in him bedding Cassie’s innocent cousin, Melissa Goodly, whom he is then forced to wed. Melissa tries to seduce her husband and eventually win his love, but Anthony’s cruel father has made him believe that he is unlovable and left him unwilling to have children. Melissa is an anachronistically but appealingly independent and stubborn lady who isn’t afraid to complain that women of her era are often treated little better than slaves, and a subplot involving England’s 19th-century abolitionist movement adds depthto this enticing read. Strong characterizations, smooth plotting, and plenty of explicit sex will appeal to fans of modern Regencies. (Mar.)

Read more on my website www.bronwenevans.com

As for Meredith, what a thrill to be in with a chance to win a book deal. I loved Merry’s, Indentured Hearts, the minute I started reading it.

Merry -tell us a little about you, and what finagling means to you, and what winning would mean.

Thanks Bronwen, I can’t tell you how excited I am.

 About the story –  I’m fascinated by what happens to competent people when they’re put in a position of incompetence.  Both the hero and heroine in Indentured Hearts face this situation. 

Convicted for stealing a watch as a boy, Jason Anders is transported from the stews of London to the Virginia Colony.  He endures degradation and beatings as an indentured convict, but he rises above his humble beginnings to become the owner of a prosperous iron works.  He now wishes to take his place in the planter aristocracy, but realizes he lacks the necessary social skills.

Lady Cassandra Spathe flees the drawing rooms of England believing she’s killed a nobleman who attempted to rape her.  She’s shocked to discover she’s inadvertently indentured herself in return for her passage and is forced to fit into the life of a servant, a roll for which she’s completely unprepared.

The immediate, passionate connection these two people feel is bolstered by each holding the qualities that will complete the other.  Cassy can give Jason the style and manners of a gentleman and Jason offers Cassy lessons in pragmatic optimism that will allow her to flourish in this unlikely environment. 

Then external factors try to tear them apart.  Jason is stalked by his former owner who seeks to destroy all Jason has built.  Cassy’s true identity is discovered and a former suitor arrives to “save” her and return her to her former life.  But will either be truly happy without the other part of themselves?

About me & the contest – I’ve always been an avid reader and storyteller. I majored in English in college to get my fill of words, words, words.  I’ve long loved historical romance and after a while, it just seemed logical to make up my own plot and characters and write a novel.  Talk about being placed in a position of incompetence!

But I persisted.  I joined the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.  I took scores of classes and workshops.  I complete two novels that weren’t “quite” right.  And finally, I wrote Indentured Hearts in what, for me, was blinding speed, so I could finish it in time to make the deadline for the Writing with the Stars Contest.

Imagine my shock and delight when Megan Records called to say Indentured Heartshad been chosen as one of the ten manuscripts to be in the contest.  My feet didn’t touch the floor for about a week – and then reality set in.  There were five “challenges” to be dealt with!   Fortunately, I’d been given Bronwen Evans as a mentor.  Bron pushed, prodded, and cajoled me into producing entries of which I’m very proud.  I owe a lot to Bron and her kind and helpful advice.

Then came the nerve-racking “rounds.”  Sleep was elusive.  How was the voting going?  Was there anyone left I could ask to vote?  Was the anything more I could do?  And then the euphoria of finding out I’m made it though round one.  The tension and uncertainty of the next round.  Yea!  I’d made it into the next.  And so it went until I’m unbelievably one of the three finalists in the fifth round.  One of us will become a Kensington Bravaauthor!  Sleep is no long elusive.  It’s become impossible.

What would it mean if I won?– How about Everything?  Being published by Kensington Brava would be the fulfillment of a dream! But regardless of what happens on April 7th, this has been one amazing ride and I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.

If you’d like to help make Merry’s dream come true visit RT Writing with the Stars and Vote for the best Love Scene before 27th February, 2011.

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Win a signed copy of FATED!

By Rebecca Zanetti · Comments (58)
Friday, February 4th, 2011
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UPDATE:  Congratulations to Brinda B for winning the copy of FATED.  I’ll send it right out!

My debut book releases this month. :)   Well, technically FATED releases on March 1st, but it will be available on February 22nd.  My magnificent editor, Megan Records, sent me some promo copies…and I’d love to give one away today.

Here’s the back cover blurb: 

MARRY ME

Cara Paulsen does not give up easily.  A scientist and a single mother, she’s used to doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter.  But “Whatever it takes” has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous stranger with an attitude problem…

OR ELSE

Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he’s there to protect Cara and her daughter.  He also says that he’s a three-hundred-year-old vampire.  Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he’s had that long to practice…

The interaction between these two very stubborn people makes for some steamy situations.  Here’s an excerpt of FATED: 

Slowly, Talen pushed to his feet and strolled across the conference room.

Cara took a step back, her breath hitching.

Smiling, he leaned against the closed door. 

She’d need to go through him to get out.  God, he was huge.  Even if she had known how to fight, she doubted she’d stand a chance when faced with such size and obvious strength.  A feminine fear and a flutter she refused to identify whispered through her, and her spine straightened with a sharp snap.

“I won’t hurt you.” His voice lowered, deepening to a tone that increased her flutter.  He relaxed his stance against the door, his muscled arms crossing.  “I won’t let anyone harm either of you.  Ever.”

Okay.  Fine.  He was too big for her to fight, but she did have a brain.  “Listen, Talen,” she kept her voice soft, soothing.  “It’s great your dating pool just opened up and all, but I’m not looking for—”

A dimple winked in his cheek, stopping her words.  She fought to keep her tone mild.  “Am I amusing you?”  Her chin lifted.

“Yes.” 

“Why?”  She could even feel his amusement in the air, damn it.

“Your people.  I’ve never understood why you ignore fate.  She has her own plans.”

“Fate?”  He was throwing destiny at her?  Come on.

He nodded. “Fate.” 

“Wow.  That’s poetic, Talen.”  Sarcasm replaced the softness.  “But there’s no way fate is involved here.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Prove it.”

“Okay.”  He lifted his right hand, palm out.  A crest, an intricate one, spread across his calloused skin.  Thick and black, a webbing of arcs together formed a knot with what might be an elaborate ‘K’ in the middle.

“A tattoo?” She quirked an eyebrow, wondered if he had other tats on that magnificent body.

“No.  A brand of sorts.  It appeared earlier after I took your arm.”

“A brand?”  She snorted.  “Bullshit.”

Talen shrugged.  “It’s true, Cara.  The Mark usually doesn’t appear until the mating act, but there are exceptions.”  Golden eyes pinned her.  “Our bond must be strong.”

“No.”

Talen lifted a shoulder.

Her mind rebelled at the physical evidence before her eyes.  “I said, no.  I choose to ignore your fate.”  How could the mark have appeared?  Conviction sat easily upon his face and her stomach rolled at the question of how far he’d go to follow his fate. 

“That is your choice,” he agreed.

“Damn straight.”  She searched his face for a trick, determination tightening her own jaw.  A raised eyebrow met her glare.  “But you don’t know anything about me.  I could be married.”

“You’re not.”

“How do you know?”

He shrugged.  “My brother Dage shot your file to my smart phone.”

Smart phone?  Vampires used smart phones?  Come on.  “Where were you?”  Damn her curiosity.

“In a meeting with my other brother, Conn.”

Geez.  Sounded like a family oriented creature of the night.  Or day.  Or whatever.  She tried another tack.  “Besides, I have a date tonight.”

She wasn’t sure what her goal was, but she didn’t reach it.  A genuine smile played across his lips, and he uncrossed his arms.  “You’re not going to make it.”

I’d love to give away a copy of FATED to one commenter.  I’ll draw a name in a few days.  So, do you believe in fate?

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It’s all about the Characters…

By Rebecca Zanetti · Comments (0)
Friday, August 6th, 2010
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The RWA conference in Orlando was truly wonderful, notwithstanding the Florida humidity that surprised this gal from the non-humid Pacific Northwest.  Kensington had a get together one night and I was able to meet several of the folks not just from Kensington but many of its authors.  What a terrific group of people!

We hear all of these stories about a publisher’s limited budget, competition and so on.  I can tell you, the Kensington authors are a very friendly group more than willing to give advice, share tips, introduce a newbie to networking opportunities and so on.  There was a general feeling that it’s all about the writing and we all love strong characters and a good story. 

Kensington gave us green “Kensington author” ribbons to wear on our name tags and this was cool for a couple of reasons.  First, well – it’s such an honor to be part of this group.  And second – the ribbons were excellent conversation starters.  I don’t know how many writers saw the ribbon and asked about the company, submissions, my editor and so on.  Many of us writers are fairly shy, and having an ice breaker like that really helps us.

In the elevator I met one lady who was a first timer at the conference and we sat down to chat for a bit in between workshops.  I asked her about her book and she told me about the plot and talked about her characters with fondness as if they were real people living down the street.  This caught my attention when later I somehow found myself sitting next to a well known award-winning author at a luncheon, and she talked about her new book and her characters with definite fondness, much like they were…real people living down the street.  The parallel between this experienced author and the writer just starting out struck me.  It’s all about the characters and a good story. 

I think this is why there’s such a strong camaraderie amongst writers and why it is so reassuring for us to get together once in awhile.  It’s okay that make-believe people seem real to us.  We may be shy, we may be odd, and some of us think vampires might really exist.  But we’re not alone.

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For Jo Leigh

By Sylvia Day · Comments (1)
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
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Author Jo Leigh lost her husband this year to cancer. Theirs was a story of reunited lovers worthy of a romance novel. The loss of her husband hit her hard, both emotionally and financially. (authors are self-employed, so often have no medical insurance.)

In an effort to raise money to help her pay off those medical debts, the romance community has once again banded together to support one of their own and an auction is being held. This is a wonderful way to purchase gifts for yourself or a loved one. :)

Check out all the wonderful items here: http://www.forjoleigh.com

I’ve donated:

* two Marked series coffee mugs, a Tor Books keychain that lights up when squeezed, an autographed ARC of EVE OF DARKNESS (April 28, 2009), and some surprises

* a tote bag with an autographed coverflat and ARC of IN THE FLESH (June 2, 2009).

Please spread the word about the auction to any loops, forums, etc. that you might be on.

Hugs,
Sylvia

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