Happy New Year! Happy Reading in 2015!

I don’t know about you but 2015 came on so quickly I’m hustling to get everything in order. But that’s what is so exciting about the New Year. It’s time to stop reflecting and to take action, and most especially, time to try something new. And in that spirit, I’d love it if you would consider giving my award-winning and bestselling women’s fiction novels a try. And right now, for a few more days, the novels are just 99 cents for your eReader and my short story is FREE! How’s that for an enticing deal? Let me tell you a little about each story. Here, Home, Hope – my very first novel – is a story of reinvention perfect for the New Year. Kelly Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors’ seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly’s own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan and a clever Things to Change list. Maybe you’ll want to create one along with her? (Here, Home, Hope has 132 Amazon reviews and an average of 4.2 stars, won the Indie Excellence Award and The Writer’s Digest International Award for mainstream fiction.)

My other novel on special for the New Year is In the Mirror the story of Jennifer Benson, a woman who seems to have it all. Diagnosed with cancer, she enters an experimental treatment facility to tackle her disease the same way she tackled her life - head on. But while she's busy fighting for a cure, running her business, planning a party, staying connected with her kids, and trying to keep her sanity, she ignores her own intuition and warnings from others and reignites an old relationship best left behind. The novel asks the poignant question: What choices would you make if you knew you may die soon? (In the Mirror also won the Indie Excellence Award and the Reader’s Choice Award, and has 53 Amazon reviews and an average of 4.4 stars.)

And finally, for those of you who love short stories, and especially, FREE short stories, I’d love it if you’d read mine. A Mother’s Day is a story that tackles the big issues of life and death with candor and hope in this tribute to motherhood. A tragic event reawakens each woman to her own special gifts, and her love for family and friends is reborn. Three mothers. Three sons. Six lives that will be changed forever.

Hopefully, you’ll have a chance to give one or all three of these books a try. And if you’re a romance fan, please consider my contemporary romance series set on a South Carolina Sea Island. The Indigo Island Series includes: Weekend with the Tycoon, Lines in the Sand and The Trouble with Christmas. More books in the series will be out this year!

Last year was my first time ever writing romance and I loved it. (Pun intended.) This year, I plan to write more romance, more women’s fiction and continue to try new things. I hope you keep trying new things, too. I have this Eleanor Roosevelt quote in my office: Do one thing every day that scares you.

Happy 2015!

Christmas is the time for book deals!

If you peruse the bookshelves -- online or in person -- you'll notice this holiday season, especially online, books are being discounted like crazy! And it's not just indie or hybrid authors' books. Nope, it's everybody's. As a reader, I'm certain this is the most wonderful time of year. As an author, it's scary because I just don't know how new readers will discover my work in the sea of discounts and ever-expanding online bookshelves.

But I believe. I have to. Because I know I work hard, and I know my stories resonate with the readers who discover them. And, so I keep writing and, my publisher is trying a Kindle countdown! The Trouble with Christmas, my latest contemporary romance, is just 99 cents for the next four days. I'd love it if you'd download the story of Lily and Cole, two people who are both starting over. Will the joy of the holiday season bring them together or will the troubles with Christmas push them apart?

I think you'll like the story. Santa did!

;-)

Were you ever a baby?

I was a baby. I'm assuming you were, too. If you were lucky enough, your parents could afford to go out to dinner every once in awhile to get a break from, well, you and if not that, they would take you along. And there you'd sit, squeaking, squawcking, being a baby (or toddler) and doing what people like you did at that age. Sometimes, if you were particularly feisty or bored, you might even let out a screech or a cry.

A baby did that at a restaurant last night. We were there. Two of my four kids, my husband and I. We thought the little guy was adorable.

Not bad, not good, just, well, a baby.

Let me give you the setting. We were dining at our favorite Indian Restaurant, a place called Tamarind of London. A very important name as it is an amazing restaurant. The only five-star Michelin chef in Orange County. Anyway, we were dining, catching up with our college-aged daughter and our senior high school son, enjoying the baby sounds from a few booths over when I started feeling cold negative air drift our way from the booth next to ours.

I'm not kidding. And so, being a writer and a mom, and well, a person, one of my ears drifted over to listen to what this awful couple was saying. And Mr. and Mrs. Awful were complaining to each other about everything, including the baby and about how we were dressed. They did not think we were dressed formally enough for the restaurant. And they thought the couple with the baby should leave.

They went on to criticize the drink my husband ordered with his meal, my son's shirt, the overall clientele of the restaurant and more. My ear would drift to them and then I'd pull it back, and listen to my happy family and share in the laughter. Our food arrived, it was so good as usual, but Mr. and Mrs. Awful had to ruin that, too. At least to my ear. (I know, I should tune them out but by now, I'd shared my hearings with the rest of my family and they were all listening, too.) The Awful Couple demanded the manager and he arrived -- a man we've spoken to on the many trips we've made to the restaurant, and who is, very nice -- and we watched as the poor man listened to how important they were, how Mrs. Awful was a chef, how Mr. Awful just couldn't believe the 'riff raff" -- yes he said that -- they allowed in the establishment and so much more. It was incredible. Incredibly AWFUL.

I did not know what to do. My son said we should say something. And he did, when they finally left. As they passed by us, he said, "I hope you enjoyed your meal."

Mrs. Awful says, "The food was wonderful. I'm a chef." 

Oh, yes, Mrs. Awful, we heard you say that so many times as you ranted and complained, first to your husband and then to the manager. Perhaps, you should start your own restaurant? At your place you could ban babies, toddlers, teenagers and college students. I'm sure you've never been one. Oh, and also, you should ban people who order drinks who don't pair well with what they order, people who don't dress how you'd like them to and well, just anyone who doesn't fit into your image of who should dine at a restaurant where you dine.

Enjoy yourself at your restaurant, Mrs. Awful. A table for two, I presume? That would make us all so happy. And although you will never open your restaurant, you can rest on your "chef" laurels. And to Mr. Awful. Your passive aggressive smiles while Mrs. Awful chatters on are actually more damning on you than anything you could utter. Smile on, you pompous man.

After they left, the manager hurried over to apologize, as did our server, their server, and well, you get the drift. My daughter, a meditator, positive thinker and all around better person than me kept trying to give me the Frozen "Let it Go" talk. My son wanted to deck Mr. Awful. Me, I just have to write about it. That's what I've always done to work things through.

I feel better. I was a baby once. Maybe I'm being one again. But I know I'm not awful, and I saw it in action. That's a lot worse than "riff raff" could ever be.

Focused on September? I'm thinking about Christmas!

It's funny! I've never written a Christmas story before so when Tule Publishing asked me if Indigo Island could be festive for the holidays, I said of course! You of course have read book 1 -  Weekend with the Tycoon and book 2 - Lines in the Sand and are anxiously awaiting book 3! Right? (Thank you if you said yes!) In addition to MY Christmas story, The Trouble with Christmas, Southern Born Books will release three other Carolina-set novellas! I'm so excited to be a part of all the holiday festivities and I hope you will be, too! Here's the spectacular cover!

So enjoy the rush of back-to-school, the fun of fall and stay tuned for more about Christmas! The Trouble with Christmas releases November 10th! Indigo Island is wonderfully romantic during the holiday season, at least if you're Cole and Lily! Here's a teaser about their story!

LINES IN THE SAND - out August 18th!

Welcome back to Indigo Island!

This time, you'll arrive on this beautiful South Carolina Sea Island by ferry accompanied by twenty-six-year-old Dorsey Pittman who is excited to have a fresh start, far from the heartbreak and tragedy of her childhood. She's happy to sign the no romance clause in her contract because she's determined to focus on her career. The only problem is every time the resort's tall, handsome, and sexy lifeguard is close, sparks fly.

Twenty-seven year old Jack Means is only lifeguarding this summer to ensure his advancement at Top Corp's Melrose Plantation, where he's in line for a dream job. But it's hard to remember the no romance clause in his contract when Dorsey arrives on the island. She's beautiful, adventurous, and hard to ignore. But dating her could get him fired, jeopardizing everything. Can Jack keep it casual and walk away when Dorsey may be the one woman who can hold and heal his heart?

Join them, and find out! And if you haven't read the first Indigo Island novel, WEEKEND WITH THE TYCOON, hurry and get your copy now! You'll be all caught up with the Putnam Family by the time Dorsey arrives.  Just $2.99 for your Kindle!

InkHeart Celebrates Box Set Releases with a HUGE Giveaway!

To celebrate today's gigantic box set releases, the InkHeart authors are hosting an amazing Rafflecopter. Click and enter and good luck! And if you just can't wait to start reading, grab yourself a copy of each set and enjoy a Sexy, Sweet, Steamy & Sizzzling Fourth of July!!   

And good luck with your contest entry!

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Summer time and the reading is wonderful!

Sexy and Sweet Summer Reads Your favorite InkHeart Authors have joined together to bring you two Summer Boxed sets, available July 1st! My NEW Indigo Island Romance, Weekend with the Tycoon, is in there! And you can pre-order today!

Here's a rundown of all the great stories in the Sweet & Sexy Box!

Falling Into Forever by Elena Aitken Secrets cause Kari to run, Rhys is determined to catch her, can she find the courage to trust again?

A Daughter’s Place by CJ Carmichael For the sake of her child, a single mother must face the father who disowned her, the ex-boyfriend who hurt her and the neighbor she's always loved in...

Tempt Me Cowboy by Megan Crane Chelsea Collier is a good girl schoolteacher who’s never done a bad thing in her life, but bad boy newcomer Jasper Flint is definitely a bad thing worth doing…

His for the Weekend by Janelle Denison After nine years apart, one forbidden kiss between past lovers leads to one hot weekend, but when their time together is over, will Rachel walk away from Luke again, or can he convince her to stay and be his forever?

Unspoken by Lauren Hawkeye Once, Ellie Kendrick was the only thing that Dominic Gabriel wanted... now she’s back and her version of what happened between them so long ago makes him question everything he knows about himself as a man...

Weekend with the Tycoon by Kaira Rouda When wealthy tycoon Blake Putnam invites employee Samantha Jones to a family wedding on Indigo island with no strings attached he knows it’s risky business, but neither of them expects what happens next.

Sweet Reunion by Melanie Shawn Sometimes first love deserves a second chance.

The Start of Something Good by Renee Vincent writing as Gracie Lee Rose Who knew Mr. Right lived right next door?

Where Their Hearts Collide by Zoe York When the girl next door meets the man of her dreams...at exactly the wrong time.

For your Steamy and Sizzling Summer Reads, InkHeart Presents:

Wicked All The Way by Shayla Black When a gruff military man with a desire to control seduces a skittish divorcee bent on finding her independence, will she give in to more than their sizzling chemistry?

The Dom Who Loved Me by Lexi Blake Sent to steal her secrets, he soon craved her submission.

The Male Stripper by Opal Carew Her ultimate sexual fantasy brought to life....not one, but two sexy male strippers for one night of torrid passion she'll never forget.

Elemental Pleasure by Mari Carr and Lila Dubois There is passion and power in three.

Grif by Bianca D’Arc Grif is far from home when he meets a sexy, magical woman in desperate need of his help.

Web of Desire by Cathryn Fox When the captive suddenly becomes the captor, Ally finds herself tangled in a web of desire—of her own making.

Allure by Nina Lane In Book Two of the sexy Spiral of Bliss trilogy, Liv and Dean West's passionate romance is put to the test as they struggle with an unexpected family crisis.

One Hot Fall Term by Sharon Page College freshman Mia fights to make a long distance relationship work with her gorgeous hometown boyfriend Ryan--but billionaire's son Jonathon plans to seduce her away.

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips When a man who requires dominance falls for a woman who needs independence, can they survive the fallout?

The Great Escape by Suzanne Rock Gianni loves dominating Sienna during her sessions at the Ecstasy Spa, but when his ex-lover returns and wants in on the action, all three of them uncover a bond that forces them change their views about love.

Through My Window by Jayne Rylon What happens when a sex worker fall in love with a client but doesn't plan to quit her job?

Rocked by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott Love definitely wasn't on the setlist.

At just $2.99 each, you're probably going to want to grab both boxes! Enjoy!!!

Who inspired In the Mirror, you ask

Perhaps the most often-asked question so far on my book tour is: Who inspired the story? In the Mirror is the story of young mom Jennifer Benson – a woman who has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband, two kids, and abundant friendships. The only problem is she may be dying.

Unfortunately, I've known too many women who faced this same challenging diagnosis. In particular, In the Mirror was inspired by a beautiful, intelligent, giving, perfect young mother I had the pleasure to know. Our kids are the same age. We lived near each other, and did all the same things moms with young kids do. We were on the same circuit. And then, one day, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to become the champion for finding a cure in our city, to have the disease associated with her as she went public and raised millions of dollars during her almost decade long battle with the disease. Her story appeared in People magazine as her professional football husband retired to be by her side. Theirs is a love story for the ages.

Of course, In the Mirror is a work of fiction. What my friend’s journey inspired in me was a list of questions usually ignored by those of us mired down in the daily tasks of life: of getting kids from here to there, changing diapers, scheduling play dates and doctor’s appointments, checking homework, of working and trying to keep a marriage afloat. While her heroism continues to inspire me, her story, her situation, her diagnosis, inspired questions.

If you knew you might die soon, how would you choose to live and what choices would you make?

Jennifer, the protagonist of In the Mirror, decides to host a party to reconnect with all the people she cares about in her life, but what she doesn’t anticipate is having her marriage threatened by the sudden return of her high school sweetheart. In the Mirror is a story about sexuality, womanhood, and marriage in the face of serious illness that unfolds with humor and poignancy.

The reviews have been amazing and I'm gratified this story is resonating with many of you. Thank you all for your support! (Oh, and please post a review if you liked the book! It really helps other folks find it!) And, by the way, the novel just won a 2014 Indie Excellence Finalist Award! Yippeee!!

InkHeart Authors Present a .99 cent book sale!

InkHeart Authors Present a .99 cent Book Sale!

All books and boxed sets below are only .99 cents, for a

limited time only! Sale runs from Friday, May 23rd to

Sunday May 25th.

Contemporary Erotic Romance

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Boxed Set of 4 Stories

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In the Mirror launch giveaway!

To celebrate the release of In the Mirror, we're giving you a chance to win an amazing prize! For US readers:

Curl up with this cozy throw, wonderfully scented candle, a cup of hot tea and your very own copy of In the Mirror!

For readers outside the US:

Curl up with a copy of each of my novels: Here, Home, Hope, All the Difference, and In the Mirror!

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Exciting News over here at Kaira Rouda Books!

 

Rob Lowe loves IN THE MIRROR! Just kidding! Well, it could happen I suppose, we were neighbors in Malibu. But actually, we're excited because Kirkus Reviews chose to run the lovely review of IN THE MIRROR in the April 15th edition of their magazine.  Here is the full review. It's lovely!

And speaking of wonderful reviews, Darlene at Peeking Between the Pages calls protagonist, Jennifer, "a tough cookie" and writes: I thought this novel was quite good and it hit me emotionally.  I’m sure the story will stay with me for a while."

If you'd like the latest news about IN THE MIRROR and a myriad of other inspiring things, please become a fan of Kaira Rouda Books on Facebook! More to come!

Real You: A new way to promote almost anything!

Most writers I know, including yours truly, are a creative yet shy bunch. (Yes, I'm shy!) One of the biggest hurdles in publishing today is getting noticed above the fray, with literally 1,000 of books flooding the market each day. So when I heard of a new approach to spread the story about the upcoming release of IN THE MIRROR (pre-order now, out May 1st ), I thought I'd give it a try. The platform is called Thunderclap, and it harnesses the power of your network's social media to make an announcement about a product or cause simultaneously, same day, same time. Check out my "See yourself IN THE MIRROR" Thunderclap! And join it, if you can! And authors, you may want to give it a try! BOOM!