Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Special Feature: Melissa Mayhue's A Highlander's Destiny


Just Released Today!

A Highlander's Destiny

Book Five

Release Date: December 29, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-
1-4391-4421-3

When the worlds of Mortal and Fae collide, the magic of true love is put to the test.

JESSE CORYELL is a man adrift in life, searching for his destiny. He doesn't trust women; too many have chased him for his money and power.

He's tried to lose himself in his work, taking on the worst mankind has to offer, but as a Guardian and Fae descendent, what he really needs is to find his true love. When he sets out to help a mysterious woman find her sister, what he gets is much more than he bargained for, battling an undeniable attraction to his sexy new client while fighting to save her life and rescue her sister.

DESTINY NOBLE is desperately searching for her missing kid sister. Not even her own attempted abduction will stop her in her quest. Abandoned by everyone she's ever loved, losing Leah is the last straw. Authorities have declared the girl a runaway, but Destiny knows better. Her dreams have shown her the truth. They've also shown her Jesse.

Jesse and Destiny race against time to save an innocent girl from a powerful ancient evil. Will true love be their only weapon or will they each sacrifice their own destiny in the process?


And coming to a bookstore near you this January!

A Highlander's Homecoming

Book Six

Release Date: January 26, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1-4391
-4425-1

SCOTLAND, PRESENT DAY. When Faerie Magic swept Robert MacQuarrie forward in time, modern medicine saved him from a fatal wound. But he also left behind an unfulfilled vow—to protect his friend’s young daughter, Isabella. Haunted by guilt for over a decade, he leaps at the chance to go back and keep that vow. The magic of the Fae works in its own mysterious ways, however.

SCOTLAND, 1292. Isabella MacGahan has reluctantly chosen a lonely existence, scorned for her Faerie blood and uncontrollable power. When she’s caught in a conflict between clans, a pawn in the struggle for power and land, her only option is to trust a handsome stranger. One who swears he was charged with her safety a full twenty years before... although the deluded man seems little older than she is.

No one is safe when Mortal schemes and Faerie magic push Robbie and Isabella to confront their worst fears. Will the magic demand the ultimate price from them both—or will they find their true homecoming in each other’s arms?

Read Melissa's Midnight Brew interview here: Brewed

To learn more about Melissa Mayhue and her books, check out her website at: http://www.melissamayhue.com

Learn how you can meet Melissa in Second Life and attend her author salon, go to: http://www.melissamayhue.com/secondlife.html


..:::CONTEST TIME:::..

New to Melissa's Daughters Of The Glen Series? No problem. Melissa has graciously donated signed copies of her ENTIRE backlist in the series!
Read on to see how you can enter for your chance to win!

Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband
Book One

ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-3286-6

In the misty recesses of time a Faerie Prince loses his true love, prompting a blessing on all his mortal female descendants, bestowing his powers on them that they should be protected and allowed to find their own true loves.

Connor MacKiernan is a 13th century Scottish warrior, a descendent of that Faerie prince, a man who lives only for honor and duty, but he has a huge problem. His experience of betrayal at the hands of women has left him suspicious and distrustful of any woman's motives. He's sworn never to marry, but finds he must do exactly that to save his sister. With the help of his well-meaning aunt, and a little Faerie magic, the search for a bride is on.

Caitlyn Coryell is a 21st century woman who longs to be strong enough to find love without sacrificing who she is. Her experience with an unfaithful fiance who wanted to marry her only for her family's money and influence has left her doubting her desirability and any man's reason for wanting her. Imagine her surprise when she puts on an antique pendant and Connor appears in her bedroom, begging her help to save his sister. He offers a simple adventure: travel to his time, marry him and return home. But nothing's simple when the adventure backfires, trapping Cate in the 13th Century.

An ancient Faerie's blessing reaches across the barriers of time to unite two emotionally wounded people. But it will take more than the magic of the Fae to heal their hearts. It will require the most powerful magic of all - the magic of true love.


Highland Guardian
Book Two

ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-3287-3

Sarah Douglas is a successful thirty-eight year old romance novelist with big problems. She's come to Scotland on a three month working vacation hoping to recapture her muse - who's deserted her - and resolve the issue of her strange 'feelings' - the ones which allow her to sense the emotions of everyone she touches.

From the moment she arrives, however, her problems only intensify. She's being stalked, but by whom? Is he
real or only a fig

ment of her imagination? What about the darkly handsome owner of the cottage she's leasing? How is she ever going to deal with her growing attraction to a man ten years her junior? She knows from bitter experience men - particularly men who look like Ian - aren't interested in women like her.

Ian McCullough is neck-deep in troubles of his own. As a half-mortal descendent of Faeries, he's a Guardian, sworn to protect both the mortals of this world and the Portals leading to the Faerie Realm. After six hundred years, he's confident he knows what to expect in just about every situation and exactly how to handle it. But he never counted on a woman like Sarah showing up in his life; a woman who intrigues and charms him. A woman who turns out to be of Faerie descent herself, although she has no idea of her heritage and no belief in any Otherworld beings.

When he's assigned to protect her, Ian finds the job is tougher than he could possibly have imagined. Oh, he can handle the stalker and the ex-husband and even the renegade Faeries trying to kidnap her for their own purpose. It's falling in love and forsaking his status as Guardian

, a position he swore to honor at his father's deathbed, he's having trouble with.

Both Sarah and Ian struggle to battle the demons of self-doubt and their individual pasts. In the process they learn that healing will take the strongest magic of all, the true love that occurs only between two souls fated to be together.


Soul of a Highlander
Book Three

ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-7258-9

Nine years ago, Faerie Magic saved Mairi MacKiernan at the cost of her dreams of happiness, snatching her from her life in 1272, and depositing her in the twenty-first century.

Now, she must save the last Daughter of the MacKiernan family...who was murdered in 1295. Transported back in time at her request, Mairi finds herself captured by the same evil men as before! Is this the price the Faerie magic requires of her this time?

Ramos Servans has dedicated his dreams to service as a Guardian, but when he discovers the evil unleashed on the Mortal Plain by his father and their people, he swears he will atone by ridding the world of Nuadian deceit. Part of his mission involves rescuing a lovely Highland lassie, and in the passion that grows between them, Ramos and Mairi find a new dream.

But falling in love can be dangerous when Faerie Magic is involved. Dreams may not be the only cost...


A Highlander of Her Own
Book Four

ISBN-13: 978-14165-7259-6

TEXAS, PRESENT DAY. Ellie Denton’s world has spiraled out of control. A strange new birthmark, animals talking to her, and her mother’s ex-husband laying claim to the family ranch have her thinking life can’t get more complicated. But Ellie doesn’t know the birthmark’s connection to her Faerie ancestors. Complicated takes on a whole new meaning with her innocent wish to find her true love.

SCOTLAND, 1304. Caden MacAlister has more trouble than he can handle. With his brother held for ransom
and the laird missing, the last thing he needs is another problem. But the Fae have other plans.

A mysterious woman shows up in his stables, sent by Faerie Magic to find her true love. Fighting his attraction, Caden insists she’s meant for one of his brothers. With his history, he has no desire for a woman in his life—especially a woman sent by the Fae.

Only the magic of the Fae can determine whether Ellie will find a Highlander of her own...


To enter: leave a comment on this post. Contest ends midnight, New Year's Day, January 1, 2010 and will be announced on the blog Saturday, January 2, 2010.

Good Luck!

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law.

We strive to make our prize winners happy! However, as with all our contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize.

Any prizes that go unclaimed for 30 days after the close of a contest will be placed back into the MMC prize vault, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas From All Of Us To All Of You!


Wishing All Our Readers A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! The MMC staff will be back December 29th with a special featurette and a fabulous new contest! Until then, may the time be filled with joy and cheer.

Cora, Tempest, Cassandra, Grace and A.E. and the Midnight Moon Cafe Staff

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Holiday Shopping Blues

Are you feeling the holiday shopping blues?

Have you gotten all your shopping done? Or are you still searching for the perfect gift for someone? Here are some suggestions for the book lover in your life.



1. Bookends - Both stylish and practical, bookends come in a wide variety of choices to fit almost every book lover's personality. Prices range from $22.95 to upwards of $100. Many online stores offer express 1 day shipping.




2. Luxury Book Caddy - The Umbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy.

The book lover can read their favorite novels while relaxing in the tub and never have to blow dry their books again! Price online $36.99 available at Amazon.com




3. Zelco "Itty Bitty" Book Light, Volume 2
  • Lighter and smaller than original Itty Bitty book light
  • New design provides brighter light
  • Conveniently switches on automatically when lamp arm extends
  • Includes compact high-tech light and battery pack
  • 5-1/8 inches when collapsed
  • AC Battery Adapter NOT included
Available at most retail outlets and online for $19.99





4. MyPlace Laptop Table Notebook Workstation. This doubles as a book rest and a laptop table. For both the writer and the reader in your life. Price is $34.99











5.
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)

For the ebook lover in your life, why not get them a Kindle 2? Price is $259.00, available from Amazon.com





6.
Beaded Eye Glasses Holder 26 Inch Chain. Price $9.95 Available at most online and retail bookstores.






7. Books, glorious books!
Don't forget to pick up Cass' latest book!
:winks:

Shifting Tides by Cassandra Curtis.

Available at Amazon.com. $13.50

Erotic Paranormal Romance Collection with interrelated stories. Includes a wayward selkie warrior, a sexy siren princess, mob bosses, pirates, and twin droolworthy shapeshifting brothers.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Wither Winner

The winner of Yolanda Sfetsos' awesome new ebook is....


Mindy!

Congratulations, Mindy! You've won a copy of Wither. Please email corazane @ aol.com and I will put you in contact with Yolanda.

A special thanks to everyone who entered. Keep checking back for more chances to win at the Midnight Moon Cafe. :0)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Yolanda Sfetsos Book Feature :: Wither

The Midnight Moon Cafe is happy to feature...

Wither, by Yolanda Sfetsos

Betrayal. Lust. Secrets. It’s enough to send a space cowboy riding hell-bent for stardust.

Wrangling is in Colt Marshall’s blood. He was known across the galaxy for his skill at roping horses and cattle, but found that the woman he loved wasn’t so easy to tie down. Now a mysterious client has him wrangling a man who may or may not be fully human. Colt doesn’t know and doesn’t care, as long as he gets paid. Until his pursuit of the escaped captive lands him on his former lover’s planet…and her request for help threatens to crack the armor around his heart.

With Colt’s unexpected arrival, Brynn Wright’s problems could be solved…or multiplied a thousandfold. She doesn’t expect him to understand why she left him, but she sure could use his help ridding her planet of the feral creatures terrorizing her town every night. It doesn’t help that he looks just as good as she remembers. Or that even after five years, their mutual lust is very much alive.

Their desire rivals the heat of the planet’s skin-peeling sun, stripping away layers of secrets to expose the truth. And a secret that could be their death sentence…


BUY LINK: http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/wither
You can find out more about the author by visiting http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/ .


::WIN THIS BOOK::

Yolanda has graciously donated an ebook copy of Wither to give away to one lucky reader. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment in this thread between December 19th and midnight CST, December 20th, 2009. One winner will be chosen from all who enter, and their name will be announced on Monday, December 21st, 2009. Good luck, everyone!


Friday, December 18, 2009

Location, Location

Setting is so important in a story. The right setting is a panoramic backdrop for your characters to interact with and explore. As an environment, it can impact character behavior, motivations, and external conflict. If the writing is powerful and crafted carefully, the setting can even become one of the characters!

Real locations can add authenticity to a story or can backfire if you have your facts wrong. But you need not use actual locations found in real life. This is especially true for sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal books.

One of the games I have been playing is with the silly captchas we all do to authenticate our blog posts. Some of the jumble of words make great place names for novels. I've got a notepad filled with some of these funny captcha names.

For example, in one of my current wip, I am using the city of Kownloo as the setting in several scenes. Just the name evokes certain images I can build on and develop.

Xinara is another favorite of mine, as it could work for a character name as well as a city, province, country, or world.

What are some of the fun captchas you've gotten recently?

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Only In Second Life












We wanted to post these cute pictures of MMC moonmaids Cora Zane and Cass Curtis as mermaids in Second Life. Cora is a total showgirl mer. :-) Last night, after a cool 'mer' party the ladies attended, Cass showed off her winning moves practicing for Friday's upcoming Seahorse races. Used to the usual obstacles slowing her down, such as wayward manta-rays and jellyfish, they were surprised to find themselves sharing the canal with a huge black submarine! lol.

Good luck in Friday's race, Cass!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

If Only...

Okay, so they aren't cabana boys, but still it's kinda fun to have four men carrying you around like a queen. If only real life was like this. lol.

Btw, don't forget to leave comments this month on any post December 1-31 for your chance to win the cool Celtic Tapestry 4-CD Boxed Collection! Over 2 hours of wonderful Celtic music—the perfect nudge for your own naughty muse...heehee, ta-ta ya'll. Looks like my guys are slouching....might need to crack that whip! lol.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Shifting Tides Yule Contest!


.:::Contest Time:::.

If you read the blurbs and the excerpts on my website, blog, or that I have posted before on the Midnight Moon Cafe blog
you will probably know the answer to this question.

How is Terri related to Vivilyn?

Please email your answers to cass@cassandracurtis.com
for your chance to win an autographed copy of my paperback book Shifting Tides!

Contest ends midnight December 18, 2009.


A winner will be chosen at random from all entries received and will be
announced at my blog ( http://cassandracurtis.com/blog ).
Good Luck, ya'll. ((hugs))

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of
participants. Contest void where prohibited by law.



Cassandra Curtis
Sensuous Whispers of Mystery and Magick
http://cassandracurtis.com

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter. com/Cass_ Curtis
Check out my profile on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/author_ cassandracurtis

My newsletter: Cassandra's quarterly (low-volume) Newsletter
(cassandra_curtis_ author_newslette r-subscribe@yahoogroups.com)
keeps you up to date on my new releases, excerpts, upcoming author chats and
contests.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Winter Holiday Contest Winner is...

jeanette8042


Congratulations, Jeanette!

Please email us at midnightmooncafe @ gmail. com (no spaces) with your name and a mailing address where you'd like your paperback prize sent! Woohoo!

Thank you to everyone who entered!
More fun on the way, so remember to check back and comment to play!



Thursday, December 10, 2009

Snail Racing You Say...?

Oh yes indeedy, I have raced seahorses, equines, and now...snails! Escargot on the shell, lumbering at a—well—snail's pace. lol. Talk about awkward and intense.

You have to *fly* over hurdles on an obstacle course and your view is obscured by antennae and the other racers. You bascially become the snail.


Sadly, I finished last. I think from now on I'll stick with horses and seahorses, unless there is some place in Second Life with Indy/Formula One cars or NASCAR. Sure be a lot safer in SL than in RL. Buckle me in ya'll, I am ready to race. Vroom, vroom! lol.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Tuesday Special: Let It Snow!

Welcome curious and faithful readers. We have a special surprise today. Since the weather in much of the world is cold and sleeting, we want to know your favorite winter-themed holiday novel or eBook. Leave a comment here in order to enter the contest.

The prize is the book Scorched by Sharon Ashwood.


Former detective Conall Macmillan has a taste for bad girls, but his last lover had really taken the cake--and his humanity. Now a half-demon, Mac's lost his friends, his family, and his job. Then a beguiling vampire asks for his help to find her son.

The winner will be picked at random from among all entries and announced later this week on the blog. Contest ends, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009 at midnight. Good Luck!


Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law.

We strive to make our prize winners happy! However, as with all our contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize.

Any prizes that go unclaimed for 30 days after the close of a contest will be placed back into the MMC prize vault, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

In The Deep Blue Sea

Almost anything is possible in Second Life, including fulfilling a long-time fantasy. Friday, our very own Cassandra *Sharktooth* Curtis competed in her first Seahorse race!

Her mount, a white mohawk punk seahorse she named Johnny Rotten Kibbler, finished a close second to the two time winner and reigning champ, Zohee G., whose bay seahorse held out for the victory win.

For a horse-crazy girl from the bluegrass, the race was a perfect blend of her two favorite passions—horse racing and the sea. Cass plans to compete again throughout the SL racing meet this winter, in between writing and editing her novels. If you go into SL, check out the underwater sports and look up seahorse racing for time and location, then you can help cheer Cass on to the finish line!

Thursday, December 03, 2009

EBook Reader Round-up



If you are new to the electronic publishing world you may not have heard there is a new player in town. The Nook, put out by Barnes and Noble, is giving readers another option in the ever-expanding e-book reader market.

For a break-down comparison between the Nook and it's main competitor, the Kindle 2, check out the chart here.

What do you think? Which will you be buying this holiday season?

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

December Doings


Is it just me, or has this year practically flown by? Wow. Well, it really is December and those of us here at the Midnight Moon Café are clearing through the vault of goodies and making everything shiny and sparkly for the new year.

Lots of odds and ends and nifty little treats for our readers this month, starting with our monthly contest. We have some cool Yule sounds for your ears, a 4CD boxed collection of lovely, lilting Celtic music.



Remember, to win you have to leave at least one comment on our blog during the month of December and the more you comment the better your odds of winning when we pull a name from the witch's hat. This month's contest ends Thursday, December 31 at midnight, and we'll pull a winner and announce it on New Year's Day! What a cool way to start off the New Year, right? So leave a comment on any post this month and you just might be our lucky winner!

Also this month, we have a way cool treat as we welcome time-travel author Melissa Mayhue to the Midnight Moon Cafe's Midnight Brew!

Check out our interview with Melissa on our website: http://midnightmooncafe.com/featured and find out how you could win her entire backlist of time-travel books!



I sure hope you've been *good* this year! :-D

The MMC November Contest Winner is...

Moonsanity!

Congratulations, Moonsanity, you've won the paperback by Amanda Ashley, Sunlight, Moonlight, along with an author bookmarks and more packet of goodies! Woohoo!

Thanks for stopping by and playing in our sandbox. :-)

Everyone - be sure to post comments this month as the MMC monthly contest rolls on. December's prize is the 4-CD music pack - A Celtic Tapestry! Over 2 hours of some of the most lovely and haunting music ever recorded.


Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law.

We strive to make our prize winners happy! However, as with all our contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize.

Any prizes that go unclaimed for 30 days after the close of a contest will be placed back into the MMC prize vault, or an alternate winner will be chosen.