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Kissing Kelli FREE on Kindle 12/28-12/29!

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Wednesday, December 28, 2011 on 3:00 AM
Just in time for the new year, both KISSING KELLI and STUCK ON YOU have brand new cover designs. I'm very pleased with how they turned out :)

To celebrate, for today and tomorrow only, I'm giving away KISSING KELLI on Amazon Kindle. If you haven't snagged a copy yet, now is your chance!
Here's the link.




What do you think of the new covers? I think it gives the Texas Legacy Romantic Comedy series a more consistent look. Will you miss the cartoon covers?

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Your Magic Touch has a new cover!

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Friday, November 25, 2011 on 10:55 AM


I'm absolutely thrilled with the never cover for my romantic-comedy novella, YOUR MAGIC TOUCH. What do you think of the new cover?

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and I had a particularly memorable one. Because my oldest son works in law enforcement, he only rarely is able to join us on the actual date of a holiday. But this year he was off work and got to come home. My youngest son (who's a creative writing major!), came home from college. Having a full house this year made me so very happy :) My oldest son even convinced me to try Angry Birds on my Roku. I agreed only if he would play it with me. We had tremendous fun -- so of course I'm now the newest addict of this delightful game.

This week my Christmas-themed romantic comedy ANGEL BE GOOD hit the #1 spot on the Amazon Movers and Shakers Kindle list AND hit the Kindle Top 100 Bestsellers list AND the Top 10 Romance list. There was a whole lot of deep breathing going in my house, and it was from pure amazement and excitement.


I have much to be tremendously grateful for this year, and that especially includes you, my dear friends and readers. Thank you so much for helping make this a Thanksgiving I will never forget!

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Guest Author: Marilee Brothers

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Monday, November 21, 2011 on 5:00 AM

I'm so pleased that award-winning author Marilee Brothers has joined us today with a hilarious guest post. She has a new book out now, SHADOW MOON. It's the fourth book in her young adult paranormal series, Unbidden Magic.




Renegades, Rebels, Rabble Rousers and Rogues


Most writers listen to music when they write. I’m no exception. However, it took a while to find my groove. I have satellite radio in my office with dozens of stations. What to choose? Semi-highbrow Classical Pops seemed appropriate. Surely, it would inspire me to create pages and pages of beautiful prose. Not so. After fifteen minutes, my eyelids began to droop. Time out for a nap. Jazz made me twitchy. Under the influence of New Age, I fought the urge to rip off my clothes, drape my body with diaphanous sheer curtains and twirl around the living room.


Then I found Outlaw Country. Warning: if your idea of country music is Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney, Outlaw Country is not for you. No, I’m talkin’ Waylon and Willie. Johnny and June. Hank 3 and Shooter Jennings. I’m talkin’ cringe-worthy grammar like ain’t got none and she don’t love me no more, along with some truly creative cuss words. I’m talkin’ real life, podnah. So, grab hold of that saddle horn and hang on tight.


It’s all there. All of life’s challenges. Religion. Relationships. Break-ups. Drinkin.’ Lots of drinkin’ songs like You Ain’t Much Fun Since I Quit Drinkin’. Why, you may ask, would an author of young adult urban fantasy pick such an inappropriate and occasionally degenerate genre of music for inspiration? Killer question, indeed. Even though I write from the viewpoint of a teenage girl, I am the product of many years of living. Hopefully, my life experiences will help create a richer, more three-dimensional character. Oh, who am I kidding? I like to laugh and Outlaw Country makes me laugh.


Searching for a spiritual facelift? Here are a couple of songs for you: Drop Kick Me, Jesus, Through the Goalposts of Life. I’ve Been Roped and Thrown By Jesus in the Holy Ghost Corral. Heaven’s Just a Sin Away.


Relationships are always tough, especially when the object of your affection is flawed—Her Teeth Were Stained, But Her Heart Was Pureor a teenage romance, Billy Broke My Heart at Walgreens and I Cried All the Way to Sears. Can a man be too impressed with himself? I Wish I Were a Woman So I Could Go Out With a Guy Like Me. Who could forget the following heartfelt ditty, There Ain’t Enough Room in my Fruit of the Looms to Hold All My Lovin’ For You.


But, when love goes wrong, as it inevitably does on Outlaw Country, there’s a song for that. It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night that Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long. You’re the Hangnail in my Life and I Can’t Bite You Off. If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Ain’t You Dead Yet? Your Negligee Has Turned Into a Flannel Nightgown.


Family Values? You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly. Mama, Get the Hammer/There’s a Fly on Papa’s Head.


Feel a little naughty? These songs are for you: There’s a Party in my Pants and You’re Invited. How Can I Get Over You if You Won’t Get Out From Under Me? Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed.


Okay, I confess I’ve listed the most outrageous song titles I could find for this post. Most of the time, O.C. plays solidly good, old school, down-home country music that reflects America’s roots. And, they also feature wonderful new singers/song writers like Elizabeth Cook, Lucinda Williams, Jace Everett (he sings the True Blood theme, Bad Things), Elliot Randal and Kacey Jones whose song, 222nd Wind is featured on my website. So, give it a whirl. You might be pleasantly surprised.


What inspires you? 80’s rock? Blue grass? Heavy metal? Inquiring minds want to know.




About Marilee Brothers

A former teacher and school counselor, Marilee lives in Washington State and writes full time. Her books include Castle Ladyslipper, a medieval romance, The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam, winner of the 2010 Booksellers Best award for romantic suspense, Moonstone, Moon Rise, Moon Spun and Shadow Moon, the first four books in the young adult paranormal Unbidden Magic series. Marilee is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Pacific Northwest Writers Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Visit her website, her blog and follow her on Twitter and Face Book.


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FREE ebook for a limited time -- ANGEL BE GOOD

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Wednesday, November 16, 2011 on 10:30 AM



My Christmas-themed romantic comedy ANGEL BE GOOD is free for a limited time on Kindle, Sony and iTunes. I'm also pleased to say it just came out in trade paperback, too :)

Red Adept Reviews gave it five stars and it was one of the winners of the Red Adept Indie Awards :)

Here's a little about it:

Romantic Comedy
Sensuality Level: Warm

Miracles still happen in modern day New York when "Scrooge" (Nathaniel Danvers) meets "Heaven Can Wait" (Daphne), who has been sent to give him one last chance at redemption. ANGEL BE GOOD captures the essence of the classic Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and offers a touch of humor and romance. A perfect holiday feel-good read.

"ANGEL BE GOOD is another heartwarming and funny tale from romance's latest and ever-so-talented romantic comedy author. Kathy Carmichael makes you laugh and makes you cry and always leaves you satisfied."
--Trish Jensen, bestselling author of Stuck With You

"This is without a doubt one of the sweetest renditions of "A Christmas Carol" I've ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every page. "
--Kathy Boswell, Managing Editor, The Best Reviews

"...ANGEL BE GOOD is a read to fill your heart with warmth, and is filled with emotional scenes that have you laughing as well as bring tears to your eyes. Don't miss the inspirational message hidden between the lines of this romantic comedy."
--Carol Carter, Reviewer, Romance Reviews Today

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Angel Be Good now in paperback :)

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Monday, November 14, 2011 on 2:57 PM

Just in time for the holidays, Angel Be Good should be available in paperback at most retailers very shortly. I'm so pleased with the way it turned out :) It's already available on Amazon.

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New Spooktacular Novella!! Your Magic Touch

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Saturday, October 1, 2011 on 2:46 PM

I'm really excited because my new Halloween-themed novella, YOUR MAGIC TOUCH, is now available exclusively on Kindle.

Here's the link to Your Magic Touch on Kindle.

I had so much fun writing this riff on gothic romance and I'm hoping you'll enjoy it, too.

A haunted mansion. Secret passages. Ghosts. A catacomb-like basement.

In this gothic spoof novella, three elderly wizards must make a successful love match or they will be sent to the Olde Majiks Home. Their last attempt at matchmaking failed miserably and their magic is rusty. Are they supposed to forward a match between tabloid reporter Frannie Fielding and the mysterious Sinclair Haliday? Or is Frannie to be matched up with Sinclair's wealthy cousin, Harrison Haliday? If the wizards get it wrong, their dreaded fate will be sealed as will Frannie's.

COMEDY SHORTS

Novella -- Approximately 106 print pages

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Autumn is in the air

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Saturday, September 24, 2011 on 10:08 AM
I just finished a new novella, YOUR MAGIC TOUCH, which will be out soon and I'm celebrating the advent of Autumn with some special pricing on my ebooks!


On Amazon Kindle:

Kissing Kelli (Texas Legacy #1)
FREE

Stuck on You (Texas Legacy #2) only $.99

Angel Be Good $.99

Diary of a Confessions Queen $3.99

Hot Flash $3.99

Across most other platforms:

Kissing Kelli (Texas Legacy #1)
FREE

Diary of a Confessions Queen -- $4.99

Hot Flash -- $4.99

This special pricing won't last long, so snag ASAP :)

I'll post more about YOUR MAGIC TOUCH soon. If you're curious about the cover, click here to see it.

I'm sending good wishes for each of you to have a fantastic autumn!


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Kimberly Llewellyn's new Urban Fantasy: Siren Call

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Friday, September 16, 2011 on 9:33 PM


I was extremely fortunate in that award-winning author, Kimberly Llewellyn, asked me to read
Siren Call, the first book in her new Mermaid Catcher series, for an advance quote. What a fabulous read.

Here's my Amazon review of Siren Call:

Sexy and Fun!

Kimberly Llewellyn has done it again with this witty first book in her new Mermaid Catcher series. Siren Call showcases Llewellyn's in-your-face cheeky humor and the wonderful characters she's famous for. I kid you not, the book is worth the price simply for the wildly original and scorching hot "dimple scene." Highly recommended.

Click here to find it on Amazon.

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Unveiling new cover for ANGEL BE GOOD

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Tuesday, August 23, 2011 on 3:26 AM

I'm very excited about the new cover for Angel Be Good. What do you think?


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Very exciting day!

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Wednesday, August 17, 2011 on 5:06 PM

Hot Flash has been doing fabulously on the Amazon Kindle site and even made #2 on the Movers and Shakers List this morning! I am filled with gratitude for the friends and readers who helped make this possible.

I really loved writing Hot Flash and do hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it!

I posted a number of Jill's recipes on one of my blogs, but thought readers might especially enjoy this one: Rib Roast recipe from Hot Flash


My thanks again to everyone!


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2 Books, 2 Blogs, 2 5-Star Reviews!

Posted by Kathy Carmichael Friday, July 29, 2011 on 3:36 PM
I’ve been so immersed in writing commentaries for a writing contest, that I’ve been remiss in announcing these! And believe me, I am THRILLED!

2 books, 2 Blogs, 2 Five-Star Reviews!

KISSING KELLI

*5 Stars* “This is another sweet and funny offering from author Kathy Carmichael, so if you’re looking for another beach read, I think you can’t go wrong with this one.” ~ Julianne Draper, Tampa Books Examiner

STUCK ON YOU

*5 Stars* "This is a must read for every hopeless romantic who likes a bit of humor with their romance. Funny, smart, sexy and disastrous. What more could a person need?" ~ Aimee, Coffee Table Reviews



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Guest Author: Kevin Wallis

Posted by Kathy Carmichael on 3:00 AM in

I'm pleased to welcome guest author, Kevin Wallis!

A homeless man trapped in a hell of his own making finds a reason to hope in "Redemption Song."

A camping trip turns into a race for survival after the discovery of a bizarre artifact in "The Taking of Michael McConnolly."

A man begins to question his sanity as patrons at a cafe begin to vanish one by one in "Charlie's Lunch."

Over two dozen exceptional tales of terror from one of the emerging voices in the genre.

"The Taking of Michael McConnolly" was named an Honorable Mention by Ellen Datlow's Best Horror of the Year.

"An impressive, often unnerving, and always gutsy collection, Beneath the Surface of Things easily marks Kevin Wallis as a writer to Beware of with such stories as Redemption Song and No Monsters Came That Night. Every story showcases Wallis' determination to break through the so-called boundaries of dark fiction and explore disturbing and sometimes even eye-opening new worlds, some without, but most within. You owe it to yourself to look Beneath the Surface of Things."

Gary A. Braunbeck
Bram Stoker and World Horror Guild Award winning author

Author website: www.bardsandsages.com/kevinwallis

The following excerpt is from the short story The Taking of Michael McConnolly.

~~~~~~~~~

As a kid, Michael McConnolly once rode an elephant at the circus. That may seem trite in the midst of a tale such as this, but as Brent and Mark rattled the earth with ear-shattering snores beside me—I wouldn’t be surprised if they had placed a bet on who could disrupt my sleep the most—I found myself thinking of this. He first told me of his elephant adventure as he and Mark lay sprawled across my college apartment’s floor after a Pearl Jam concert many years ago. The story had struck us just as the night’s beer consumption reached that critical point when perfectly timed gas and the lamest of jokes can double you over. And his elephant story—I even got a certificate!—damn near killed us. With the remnants of our cigarettes’ smoky trails hovering above us, we laughed until the alcohol clubbed us into the sleep of the drunk.

I tried to hear that laugh again—Mike’s natural, easygoing chortle. But my mind couldn’t find the tears of mirth that coated his face that night. All I heard was that other laugh, the one he had taken to his tent. My brain turned off the sound—protecting me, I guess, from what was to come—and I finally drifted into a restless sleep convinced he had been sobbing instead.

Sometime later—seconds, minutes at the most—I awoke to Zeke’s voice. “Mike’s gone.”

I first thought he said “Light’s on,” like some drill sergeant who’d lost the stomach for any stereotypical Hollywood screaming.

“He’s gone, man. Get up.” Zeke walked out.

Hearing him that time, I rubbed sleep from my eyes and kicked my sleeping brothers. Their snores morphed into angry, lionish growls, but they sat up with a few more well-aimed shots of my foot.

“How you guys ever got laid, much less married, with noises like that, I’ll never know.” Blank looks met my quip, so I said, “Mike’s gone. Zeke sounds worried. We better see what’s up.”

Five minutes later, with coats and boots clumsily donned and bladders hurriedly emptied, the six of us—my brothers and I, Zeke, Brody and Dan—stood by Mike’s empty tent. Zeke handed me the note he’d found taped to the outside of his own tent when he’d come outside to take a leak a few minutes before waking up the rest of us.

Something saw us take the amulet and it’s pissed.

You don’t piss off things like this.

It was written almost illegibly, a vast contrast from Mike’s usual neat, almost girlish script. A few inches down, he had scribbled some more, repeating his lunatic message from the campfire.

We’re not the ones. It doesn’t belong to us.

“Amulet?” Dan asked after I read the note aloud. “He probably doesn’t even know what an amulet is.”

“So where’d he go?” Brent asked. More than anyone, he seemed annoyed at the interruption of his beauty sleep.

The cry of the ivory horn answered him. It howled through the trees from the east side of the woods like a grief-stricken mourner. Our heads whipped towards the sound, then to the branch from which we’d hung it earlier. The branch was empty.

“Why’d he take the horn?” Brody asked.

“To call us for help,” Mark said. “He knows something we don’t.”

“Listen to it.” I silenced my friends with my hands and traced the direction of the horn call. “It’s coming from the direction of the Geocache box. Maybe Mike’s putting the necklace back.”

We snatched flashlights, donned headlamps. Mark grabbed his GPS-equipped phone, and we took off through the forest. The beams spasmed ahead of us like strobe lights. I remember thinking that I was glad none of us had epilepsy, lest we start seizing from the light show. If I had known of the bloodshed to come, I would’ve saved my thoughts for something other than whimsical wandering.

We reached the clearing where we had first found the Geocache in what seemed like seconds, although the hike earlier that day dictated that we must have been running for at least ten minutes. Except for the small-as-a-jockey but strong-as-a-racehorse Dan, none of us were exactly Olympians anymore—weekend warriors and beer-league softballers at best—so several more moments passed before we caught our wind enough to look around. Our breath fired into the cold air in visible puffs of exhaustion.

Zeke spoke first. “Blood.”

Even in the darkness, I saw that he was right. It spattered the ground at our feet, dotting dead leaves, streaking fallen tree trunks. Our lights illuminated crimson until it glowed against the backdrop of the woods. Under the raised tree root where we had first uncovered the Geocache, the wooden box lay smashed into countless shards that looked like teeth floating in a puddle of bloody rainwater. The necklace was nowhere to be seen.

Mark put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed until I had to bite my lip to stifle a grunt of pain. “What the fuck, Mike?” he said, more to himself than to me. “What the fuck?”

I shone a light upon my little brother’s face, an act that would’ve earned me a blindside backhand under normal circumstances, but the pale shock I saw there assured me his thoughts were miles from my flashlight beam. I followed his gaze.

The carnage wasn’t confined to the area near the Geocache box. No, a war had erupted in the forest. Our lights shone off trees shattered mid-trunk, great furrows ripped into the earth, and blood painting it all like a living fungus.

“Something tore this place apart,” Brent said.

My eyes refused to stray from the unfathomable amounts of blood splashed across the land before me. “Goddamn, Mike, I hope you at least held your own,” I whispered.

A scream ripped my attention from the battle site. It came from above, from the left, the right. It suffused me, burrowed into my skin and brain and fear until I knew but two simple facts. The scream was Mike’s, and it rattled with pain.

Someone spoke. It could’ve been any of them. “Guns.”

We rushed back to camp. Glock .40 cals and Ruger 9mm’s and Springfield Armory XD subcompacts—I understood none of their high-tech babble, but the clack of a fully loaded magazine slamming home, well, that I understood. I picked up a hatchet from the stack of firewood and tried to look like I belonged in this army.

Mike’s wail pounded the air again, panicked, wrought with agony. He was a tough man, old Irish tough; I’d witnessed him come out on top in more than a few bar fights. But this shriek had stripped away all the bravado and reduced his voice to that of a child facing the monster under his bed for the first time.

“Where the fuck is he?” I asked.

Brent slid a cartridge into his Glock’s handle and said, “Do we stick together or split up?” His face was steel.

“I think we’re armed enough to split up,” Brody said. He pointed to me and my brothers. “You three take that way, we’ll go this way.” He dictated directions.

I turned to gauge my brothers’ opinions, but Mark was already sprinting back into the woods, his pistol swinging at his side. It looked natural, organic, an extension of his flesh and bone. Brent and I followed him, our headlamps keeping him in sight, leaving Brody, Zeke and Dan behind.

We plunged into the woods. The sounds of nature at midnight vanished beneath our gasping breath, the furious crunching of our boots over dead leaves and branches. It was like hurtling through a vacuum, a tunnel devoid of any sensation not linked to adrenaline and fear. Even the beams from our lights were flat, illuminating so little that our faces slammed into the ground more than once as conniving roots grabbed at our ankles. Only when my hand wiped blood from my eyes did I realize that branches had been whipping across my face.

I stopped in a clearing, bent over gasping, and cursed the pack of American Spirits I’d inhaled the previous night. “Hold up, guys,” I said. “Let’s figure out where we . . .”

I was alone.


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