February 2018

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Sunday, February 25, 2018

WeWriWa: A Game of Hearts/A War of Wills


I’ve just ordered paper copies of my soon to be re-released Regency-set historical, SWEET TEMPEST. Something about the weighty feel of words between two covers brings them to life in a different way than seeing them on a back lit reader screen. I love the heft and smell of a book, the sound of the pages turning, the sight of them lining my shelves . . . the permanence of a dream captured and tangible. Sigh . . .

I’m sharing from my first published novel, written under the pen name Lauren Giddings (back when publishers wanted you to use a name they could own the rights to!). This scene is a bit further into the book as my desperate hero bargains for the use of our feisty heroine in a deception to win back his inheritance, unaware of how dangerous that ruse will become.

Though she tried to deny it, Tempest had hoped he'd come to lure her back, and she wasn't sure she'd have put up much of a struggle, but here he sat, practically ignoring her, talking about her as a tool to be discarded when its usefulness had ended, boldly courting her father's vanity with silken half-truths to fire his desperate greed. How sure he was, dangling his wealth as Will Swift sat back in a daze, considering the perfect solution to all his troubles, until her father's answer came as a surprise. 

"You are being most generous, sir, but I cannot accept. It be up to Tempest as it's her help you need and I but benefit from it." 

Connor's gaze shifted to her, knowing he'd found her price—her family’s welfare. 

Tempest regarded him in silence, basking with a cold, unhappy enjoyment in the beauty of his face. Her pride demanded she throw his offer back at him, her intuition warning her to stay far away, that he would hurt her terribly, but her loyalty insisted she think of her family, of easing her father's fears, and of keeping Eddie from any more daring mid­night raids. More subtly, her emotions whispered, Go with him . . . . he might be made to love you.

In a firm, determined voice, she answered, "I will play the game, but I want to be free to go, once all are convinced I am who I pretend to be." 

"Done," he agreed too quickly to suit her.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave . . . especially when we don’t think we’ll get caught up in it!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pre-Order Now!

A Fetching Robber, An Unscrupulous Rogue and A Daring Risk . . . to Die For 

SWEET TEMPEST 

By Nancy Gideon w/a Lauren Giddings 

A crafty scheme that doesn't exactly go as planned . . . 

A Thief of hearts . . . 

A female of Tempest Swift's brains and beauty should be fending off suitors, not hiding in the shadows boldly robbing coaches. But lean times leave her with a family to provide for . . . until shot from her horse while making her escape. Waking as the pampered prisoner of a sinfully handsome gentleman has her pulse pounding for all the wrong reasons. His suggestion she be his mistress is shocking enough, but he has more on his clever mind . . .

A Desperate noble . . . 
Cut from a longed for inheritance due to hell-bent living, a foiled robbery provides Connor Amberson with an daring solution, passing off a ragamuffin thief as his long-lost cousin to win back his grandfather's favor. But producing the supposed sole survivor of a tragic accident stirs dangerous troubles, both from those hungry to inherit and within Connor's jaded heart, as his true reward becomes something he never expected . . . until about to lose it.

Nancy Gideon's debut romance, written as Lauren Giddings 

SWEET TEMPEST 

Sassy, Sexy and Sinister, and finally back in print! 

Watch for the return of Bartered Bride, available soon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What a month! I’ve gone from shoveling 6-8 inches of snow off my car to surfing through that many of water on the roads, huddling under blankets to grilling on the patio! And it’s not even March yet! Fickle February is usually my favorite winter month because it’s short but this one, I’ll be ready to see end!

How’s winter treating the rest of my Weekend Writing Warriors?



Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.


Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

WeWriWa: Sweet! Re-Issued Regency Romance Ready to Pre-Order!


When my first published book, SWEET TEMPEST, written under the pseudonym Lauren Giddings, became unavailable after going into a second printing with Kensington Books back in the '80s, I never thought it would get back into readers' hands again. Thanks to Tell-Tale Publishing, my historical debut will return to print and e-book on February 28!

When I last posted a teaser excerpt, my aristocratic hero had shot a highway "man" attempting to rob his coach. Discovering the robber was a woman, he's taken her home to help heal her wound . . . and steal a kiss. Intrigued by the mystery she presents and by her quick wit, he offers to make her his mistress.


"Tempest, I could make things better for you so you'd never have to take those risks or hold yourself cheap." 

"One man or a hundred, t'would make no difference since I do not love you, sir." 

Of the objections she could give to his proposed arrangement, that one astonished, leaving him at a loss for a long moment, until he blurted out, "I should think not when you don't even know me. What has love to do with anything?" 

"Everything," she concluded, watching primly as he frowned and glowered in search of an argument to her claim, "when you ask me to be intimate with you, and give you, a stranger, the only thing I have of any value when I do not know you, nor do you care about me." 

Annoyance wiped away with a small smile, he vowed, "But I like you, very much, and that is more than I can own for most of my relation­ships with women . . . and I want you." 

"I do not want you." 

He considered this, then a slow smile spread across his handsome visage, making Tempest clutch the sheet to her chin warily as he drawled, "And if you did, would you relent?" 

"That will not happen," she assured him, meeting his heated stare with all the cool indifference she could command. 

"A wager I will enjoy."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pre-Order Now!

A Fetching Robber, An Unscrupulous Rogue and A Daring Risk . . . to Die For 

SWEET TEMPEST 

By Nancy Gideon w/a Lauren Giddings 

A crafty scheme that doesn't exactly go as planned . . . 

A Thief of hearts . . .

A female of Tempest Swift's brains and beauty should be fending off suitors, not hiding in the shadows boldly robbing coaches. But lean times leave her with a family to provide for . . . until shot from her horse while making her escape. Waking as the pampered prisoner of a sinfully handsome gentleman has her pulse pounding for all the wrong reasons. His suggestion she be his mistress is shocking enough, but he has more on his clever mind . . .

A Desperate noble . . .
Cut from a longed for inheritance due to hell-bent living, a foiled robbery provides Connor Amberson with an daring solution, passing off a ragamuffin thief as his long-lost cousin to win back his grandfather's favor. But producing the supposed sole survivor of a tragic accident stirs dangerous troubles, both from those hungry to inherit and within Connor's jaded heart, as his true reward becomes something he never expected . . . until about to lose it.

Nancy Gideon's debut romance, written as Lauren Giddings 

SWEET TEMPEST 

Sassy, Sexy and Sinister, and finally back in print! 

Watch for the return of Bartered Bride, available soon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I missed visiting with everyone last week. Hope the holiday was sweet and the page count high!

Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.


Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.

Wednesday, February 07, 2018

IWSG: Sink Your Teeth into Some Genre Love

This month's Insecure Writers Support Group question is easy for me: What do you love about the genre you write in most often? I'm a paranormal author. What's NOT to love? 


In the past 30 years, I've written in almost every genre from historical and contemporary romance to series contemporary suspense, and even horror! But it wasn't until one of my editors back in the early '90s asked, "Have you ever thought about writing a vampire romance?" that I found the one genre that could contain all the above: A love story, a mystery along with history, dark other worldly elements that pushed the envelope. I began a vampire romance series that started in Regency England, moved to post-Revolution France, turn-of-the-century New York on up to modern day Las Vegas and superstition-steeped Peru following a vampiric family being pursued by a blood-feud. I had star-crossed lovers, vicious villains, tumultuous world events, a serial killer, bio-weapon studies and jump-scares galore in my 8-book "Touched by Midnight" series that was re-released by BelleBooks/Bell Bridge Books. And I loved writing every page!

From books with bite, I went to my "By Moonlight" shapeshifter series and started tearing things up from New Orleans to Lake Tahoe (my favorite places to research!) as warring clans were forced to band together against a deadly outside threat. More fun, limited only by my imagination. That's the best part of paranormals. Anything is possible once the reader steps into your world, and what a great time I had creating it with its pack-like behaviors and rivalries, dark, deadly Alpha males and the clever females who tame them . . . but never domesticate them. All this going on beneath the radar of unsuspecting cities, without the knowledge of, or sometimes in tandem with their human residents. I'm currently finishing the final book in the spin-off "House of Terriot" series which will lead me back to the big dog who started it all, Max Savoie.

One thing I can say for the paranormal realm . . . it's never boring or predictable!


For a taste of these dark, forbidden romances, here's a February treat: From the 1st until the 15th, MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT, only $.99 (!), pulls you into the seductive world of the vampire - my favorite vampire - the sleek and sinfully wicked Gerardo Pascale, the naughty villain from the first three books. Take a bite . . . you'll like it!


Hunt or be hunted . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A deal with the devil. . . 

After a 400 year existence as a vampire, Gerard Pasquale wants only to be left alone to shadow the midnight streets of turn of the century New Orleans . . . until blackmail binds him to a mortal bride who throws his dark world into an upheaval. Certain he can escape the unwanted bargain through the treacherous terms he makes, Gerard discovers his new wife may not be as helpless to resist his will as he at first believes.

. . . that might save them both!

Haunted by a whispered past of witchcraft and voodoo, Laure Cristobel became a bride out of necessity to protect herself and the unborn child she carries. Though alarmed to find herself wed to a monster, she's dangerously close to falling in love with the man he once was-the man she hopes she can make him once again . . . .

"This story is 'rich, dark, verdant with abundant life, decay and inevitable death.' The very aura of horror permeates every aspect."-Old Book Barn Gazette.

"An extraordinary, suspenseful tale. Ms. Gideon once again displays her awesome talents. A definite keeper!"-The New-Age Bookshelf.


I can't wait to find out what your favorite genre is!!


Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the February 7th posting of the IWSG will be Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia, Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

Sunday, February 04, 2018

WeWriWa: A Future Foretold In the Cards


Ophelia Brady is sure that that someday her prince will come has finally arrived. A chance meeting is followed with a rescue by the handsome young man foretold of in her cards. Their connection is undeniable as they share a drink and teasing conversation in a French Quarter restaurant. It's an evening she doesn't want to end as he walks her back to her truck and takes her into his arms for a fairytale (or Valentine's!) kiss . . .


The first urgent shock of pressure brought her hands up to frame his face, fingertips tracing the sharp ledge of his cheekbones as the intensity eased into a lusciously warm caress that had her body melting against surprisingly solid terrain. By the time he lifted away, she sagged, all liquid and breathlessly. 

His quiet, “Thank you,” had her eyes popping wide open, blinking quickly, as she stammered, “I’m supposed to be thanking you . . . for the rescue." 

“For the fortune,” he returned with a slow, devastating smile, adding, “and the phone number." 

She climbed up onto the worn seat before he could offer an assist, and started the engine as Kip closed her inside, hands lingering on the window frame. 

“Good night, Christopher.” 

He stepped back with another flash of his grin. 

As Phe pulled away, she couldn’t resist a glance in the crooked side mirror, framing him as he stood just within the reach of the gaslight, diamonds winking in his ears, his eyes a glitter of gold. 

Startled, Ophelia almost bumped the side of the building, because that sight woke another more frightening memory she’d assumed was a trick of a nearly concussed mind. 

Of the shadowy figure leaping into the bed of her truck, hunching there for a brief instant, eyes flaring, brilliant twin flames, glowing gold then red, like hot coals . . . and of the flash of very, very sharp pointed teeth.

Wow! Not the ending she was expecting, either! Who is this gorgeous guy who shows up out of nowhere? Could her potential dream come true be some kind of wolf in knight's clothing? Obviously, Kip Terriot is more than what he seems, but does she have the courage to discover what that might be? We'll just have to wait and see.


Speaking of Valentine's Day treats, sink your teeth into this goodie! MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT from my "Touched by Midnight" vampire series, is on SALE for only $.99 through February 15! I'll be sharing from this dark and dangerous romance next week. Here's a taste . . .


Hunt or be hunted . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A deal with the devil. . .

After a 400 year existence as a vampire, Gerard Pasquale wants only to be left alone to shadow the midnight streets of turn of the century New Orleans . . . until blackmail binds him to a mortal bride who throws his dark world into an upheaval. Certain he can escape the unwanted bargain through the treacherous terms he makes, Gerard discovers his new wife may not be as helpless to resist his will as he at first believes.

. . . that might save them both!

Haunted by a whispered past of witchcraft and voodoo, Laure Cristobel became a bride out of necessity to protect herself and the unborn child she carries. Though alarmed to find herself wed to a monster, she's dangerously close to falling in love with the man he once was-the man she hopes she can make him once again . . . .

"This story is 'rich, dark, verdant with abundant life, decay and inevitable death.' The very aura of horror permeates every aspect."-Old Book Barn Gazette.

"An extraordinary, suspenseful tale. Ms. Gideon once again displays her awesome talents. A definite keeper!"-The New-Age Bookshelf.




Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.


Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.