More News...

Another update for readers, this one more detailed…. Now that I’m back from vacation! First of all, let me say that as much as I love the family lakehouse, it’s good to be home and back to relative normalcy.

These next two weeks, I’ll be guest blogging. On Friday, June 10th, I’ll be at Icy Snow Blackstone’s blog discussing how legends influence writing. Next Wednesday, June 15th, I’m bringing western romance to Jennifer Jakes’ blog. Stay tuned – I’ll be posting links here as they come.

Thank you to new subscribers to my newsletter! You’ve made my week already!

If you haven’t been to visit The Wild Rose Press’s website, there are some changes being made. Until updates are fully available tomorrow or Wednesday, the site is accessible through http://www.wildrosepress.us. Also – buy links for my TWRP books may be changing. If links from my website to TWRP aren’t working, I’ll be updating those as soon as possible. And if you notice something on my website that isn’t working, feel free to email me at my contact addy: amber@amberleighwilliams.com .

Some good news from The Wild Rose Press – all my TWRP titles will also soon be available in Kindle. As it stands, only two of the four ebooks are currently available for Kindle readers through Amazon.com. Soon Blackest Heart and Bluest Heart should appear on my Amazon Author Central page for Kindle! As soon as they are available, I’ll be sure to make the announcement here!

In this month’s newsletter, subscribers will find out how to send Facebook friends a free audio book gift through my audible publisher AudioLark! If you aren’t a member of my exclusive mailing list, click the pink button on the right sidebar to subscribe. It only takes a few seconds.

Thank you to author Debra Kahn for including my Sweethearts of the West post, “Setting the Scene: The Black Hills” in this weekend’s Debra Kahn Daily.

BET IT ON MY HEART Audio Debut!

It's here! The final addition to the Wayback Ridge audio collection, Bet It On My Heart! Get it today at AudioLark for just $2.49 before it goes back to its regular $7.99 listing tomorrow....

ANTE UP! Keefe Ridge’s bronc-busting days are nearly over. Despite that and the fact that he is slowly making his dream business venture a reality, Wayback’s wildest cowboy doesn’t see any reason to settle down. He is even willing to bet that marriage isn’t in the cards at all for him.

Agent Calli Morlani came to Wayback on a mission: to bring Stella Ridge back to Hollywood. When Stella refuses, she dares Calli to take in some local color and see what Wayback has to offer. Whether that includes Stella’s devastatingly charming brother becomes irrevelant once Calli finds herself in bed with him – in more ways than one…

Will it take a tough city girl to make the Wayback playboy finally fall long and hard? Or will Keefe give Calli a reason to stay? Place your bet!

To hear an excerpt read by narrator Betsy Navilier, click here....

What People Are Saying About Bet It On My Heart...

Night Owl Romance: Keefe and Calli are two people definitely so opposite from each yet the same in so many ways. They may see from different sides of the world but Wayback has a way of bringing to soul mates together. Amber Leigh did a beautiful job in bringing other characters to life like Stella and Keefe’s brothers. This was definitely a great story and can’t wait for more from this talented author.

Long & Short Reviews: Fantastic writing, sizzling dialogue, and an unforgettable story make Bet It On My Heart a must read. Be sure to pencil this title onto your TBR list for some quality time in the reading chair. I can’t wait for more in this series, as well as anything from the library of Ms. Williams, who has become one of my must read authors. She wrings every single emotion possible from your heart, only to put the pieces back together again with a shiny red bow. It’s an emotional journey that leaves one heck of an impression, which is what every fantastic romance should strive for.

Fallen Angel Reviews: Tempers flare but hearts win out in Bet It on My Heart. Amber Leigh Williams does a fantastic job mixing former characters into this current storyline. They are all loveable and frustrating just like real family members. I enjoyed the chemistry and sexual tension between Calli and Keefe. This is an HEA read you can bet on.

Visit AudioLark to purchase the complete Ridge family saga in audio today, starting with 1st Place Novella Blackest Heart and its antipicated sequel, Bluest Heart!

And if you missed yesterday's exclusive excerpt from Bet It On My Heart at Chatting with Anna Kathryn, be sure to click on over...

The Latest News...

I just wanted to pop in and announce that the audio release date for Bet It On My Heart (Book III in the Wayback Ridge Trilogy) has been pushed back to September 28. I'm still finalizing my notes on the audible version of the book and a cover is forthcoming.

September 2010 has so far been pretty intense with three audio book launches - my first! Thank you to The Wild Rose Press for choosing the Ridge family saga to be published in audio. What an unexpected and thrilling honor! I mentioned this time last year that I had no idea the Ridges would go so far as to be published in paperback. It really blows my mind that they're now charging their way into the audio-verse. After what AudioLark's art department has delivered with the first two books in the trilogy, I really can't wait to see what they give me for Keefe and Calli's cover!

Just a little bit of a head's up on what else I'm up to this month. An ill-advised file transfer bit a good chunk out of my Regency WIP. Speaking now from experience, if you're going to transfer your manuscript files, please do so on a good night's rest. Rewriting is a five-letter word that ryhmes with "itch...." Thankfully, my notes on the lost material are still intact so it shouldn't be too much of a set-back. I also have been brainstorming for my fourth paranormal and came up with a nice story-arc that will lead nicely into book five of the series. I've gone around and around on where to start this story and finally found the perfect opening. I'm excited to write the scene but some organziation is in order so I can get all my scattered plot points in a row. I'm thinking Halloween would be the best time to tackle the beginning of book four! *cue wolfish howling*

When I'm not picking my way through the audio versions of the Ridge trilogy or pre-plotting my vampire's upcoming storyline, I'm reading like a maniac to keep up with my September TBR. I'm not complaining, though. I'm especially looking forward to reading Larissa Ione's final Demonica installment, Sin Undone. With October coming up fast, that should really put me in the spirit! Next month, I'll be lining up my third quarter recommended reads. Until then, look for my historical reviews at The Season where owner Beverley Kendall has set up pages for her reviewers. And for the latest reviews and chances to win titles - from romances of just about every sub-genre to mystery - be sure to check out The Season Blog. And speaking of Halloween 2010, I think I've found my costume, courtesy of NAL and Bertrice Small's latest. ALW meets The Border Vixen.... Yeah, I think it could work. Now to talk the hub into a kilt. The sword should cheer him up :)

On the subject of my Monday postings at The Roses of Prose, the blog is going through a revamp. No final decision has been made on when our new format will go live, but while there will be no Monday postings from me, Saturday Spotlights are unchanged. In fact, stop by this weekend to win a free paperback romance from fellow TWRP author Cate Masters!

BLUEST HEART Audio Debut

Woot! Today the Ridges of Wayback, TX march further into the audio book universe with the debut of Book II, Bluest Heart, at AudioLark....

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn’t stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie’s Treasures doesn’t believe in commitment much less marriage.

Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey’s charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.

Hear an excerpt read by narrator Paige Holt here...

What People Are Saying About Bluest Heart...

Bluest Heart is a romance that inspires feel-good tingles in all the right places. Author Amber Leigh Williams has created a story with characters readers are bound to adore and remember. What a fantastic story! Ms. Williams managed to snare my heart and wretch every bit of emotion possible from it. tightly written and hits the emotions like a freight train. Cowboy fans will love Bluest Heart, and if they are anything like me, will make a direct trip to The Wild Rose Press to purchase the preceding story, Blackest Heart. Don’t miss out on this one, folks. You get romance, heartache, and a whole lot of making up for lost time. —Long & Short Reviews

I recently read Amber Leigh Williams's Bluest Heart and highly recommend it along with her previous novella in the Wayback series, Blackest Heart. - Crystal-Rain Love, author of Guardian Cowboy and Blood Curse

Good news - today only, Bluest Heart is available from AudioLark for just $2.49 as part of their Debut Tuesday special! After that, it'll return to its $7.99 cover price. Click here to take advantage of this offer at AudiLark or to purchase Book II in the Wayback Ridge Trilogy, Blackest Heart (1st Place Novella)!

(And stay tuned for Book III in the Ridge family saga, Bet It On My Heart, which launches in audio at AudioLark next week!)

Launch News...

Tomorrow Bluest Heart follows prequel Blackest Heart into audio book at AudioLark! To celebrate, I'll be at GCC pal Casey Crow's new site breaking down small gestures that mean big in romance. Join the discussion!

And as far as cover goodness goes, I think this takes the cake! Thank you, AudioLark, for making my day!

BLACKEST HEART Audio Debut

Today at AudioLark the first book in the Wayback Ridge Trilogy, Blackest Heart (1st Place More Than Magic Novella) debuts in audio book....

America’s Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family’s ranch.

The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again. She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood.

Hear an excerpt read by narrator Paige Holt here...

What People Are Saying About Blackest Heart....

This story is absolute perfection! From the beautiful setting to the well thought out plot to one of the sexiest heroes I've had the pleasure to read in a long time. I loved everything about this story. My only complaint is that it was too short...I wanted it to go on and on! And I'll never be able to hear that silly phrase "I tapped that" without laughing myself sick. Sexy, funny, and wonderfully heartwarming, Blackest Heart is a definite keeper. And the best part? There's two more stories in this incredible series featuring Stella's yummy brothers!! - Donna Marie Rogers, author of Meant To Be and Golden Opportunity

I’m not a great Western/ cowboy fan myself but this story went a long way towards converting me. Ms Williams has a good writing style; polished and confident, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Definitely recommended. —Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction

In this touching contemporary story, when a young actress returns home following a car accident that has left her scarred she finds healing and love in the arms of a quiet cowboy… Blackest Heart is a wonderful story with characters that will touch the heart and I for one am glad I got the chance to read it. —Long and Short Reviews

The tensions and conflicts with others made the couple seem even more real. The sensuality was super charged and dynamic. I could not put this book down. It was mesmerizing to read. I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to everyone. —The Romance Studio

Stella Ridge discovers that home sweet home and the arms of a strong, quiet cowboy are just what she needs to get her life and heart going again in Amber Leigh Williams’s fantastic Wayback tale- Blackest Heart. With a wonderful cast of supporting characters, including Stella’s adorable brothers, Stella and Judd will warm your heart and make you believe in the wonder of sweet homecomings. —Marguerite Arotin, author of One Enchanted Summer and Return of the Prodigal Daughter

At AudioLark, forget about paying over $20 for an audio book. Blackest Heart is available for just $7.99! Get your copy here!

Audio Countdown & New Cover Alert

The countdown to Blackest Heart's audio book release has begun at AudioLark and here at Cozy! On September 7, the first book in the Wayback Ridge trilogy and 1st Place More Than Magic Novella will launch and for 24 hours only be on sale for just $2.49.

Plus, I'm sharing some new cover goodness! I had no idea Blackest Heart would be getting a new face for its audible version, but here it is, folks, as well as the blurb from AudioLark....

America’s Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family’s ranch.

The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again. She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood.

I spoke about Blackest Heart and other stories in my Wayback, TX trilogy over at Aileen Harkwood's blog yesterday, where you can still enter to win a prize basket from the Wild Roses Blog Tour. And don't forget that a paperback edition of The Way Back Home anthology featuring Blackest Heart along with Abbey MacInnis's Delighting Miss Daisy and Marguerite Arotin's Return of the Prodigal Daughter is still up for grabs at Alternative Read!