Kindle & DigiBooksCafe

Today something exciting is going on at one of The Wild Rose Press's ebook distributors! By buying any title(s) from Digi Books Cafe, you'll be entered in the Summer Hunt for a Kindle. That's right - every purchase at Digi Books enters you for a chance to win a Kindle! There's tons of great titles up for grabs at Digi Books, including Bluest Heart ($3.75) and Bet it on my Heart ($4.00) - as well as some of my personal favorite TWRP authors like Wendi Darlin, Stacey Joy Netzel, and any Wayback, TX series installment.

And speaking of The Wild Rose Press, the web store is up and running again online and, thankfully, none of the buy links have changed. The BOOKS page on my website has now been updated to include Kindle buy links for Blackest Heart and Bluest Heart, which were the only ebooks on my backlist not available in this format until now! Blackest Heart, the first book in the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy and 1st Place More Than Magic Novella, is available now from Kindle for just $3.00 while the second and bestselling book in the trilogy, Bluest Heart, is $3.75! Not bad, huh? I'm so glad Kindle readers get to enjoy the trilogy in its entirety. (See the third and final book in the trilogy, Bet it on my Heart, in Kindle here!)

On another happy note, the first two books in the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy are now available in audio through Amazon, too! If you prefer audio books to ebooks or paperbacks, buy Blackest Heart and Bluest Heart in audible for just $4.89 at Amazon (both are regularly $7.99). Readers who really love audio books can get one of these titles free at Amazon with an Audible.com 30-day free trial membership....

For a peek into Blackest Heart, the book has been featured by author Jennifer Jakes at Warm Days, Cool Nights and Hot Guys....

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.

May Newsletter

My exclusive May reader newsletter released today to mailing list subscribers. It includes a character interview from the heroine of award-winning western romance Blackest Heart as well as important new links to my new review page, tornado relief and royal wedding recaps. If you aren't a member of my mailing list, see it here for a limited time only.

As mentioned, the character Q&A section will repeat every month with a different hero or heroine from my backlist. Next week I'll introduce one of my favorite heroes. If you haven't subscribed to my newsletter, you can do so with the pink button on the sidebar of this blog. It won't take but a few seconds of your time. And down the road if you wish to unsubscribe, doing so is quick and easy.

New Character Q&A Feature!

While browsing through some old writing notes for my contemporary romance series, I discovered something interesting - character Q&A! To get to know the series' heroines better, I compiled a list of fun questions for each to answer that would give me more insight into their characters, something I could look back on while crafting their stories. Some great brain-clouds should be recycled so I took the exact same Q&A and applied it to the characters of my western romance trilogy, the Ridges of Wayback, TX - and boy, did it turn into a party!

The best part of all this is that if you are a member of my exclusive mailing list, you will get a front-row seat to the shenanigans! Starting next month, I'll be including one character Q&A session in each of my monthly reader newsletters. First up is the heroine of Blackest Heart, Stella Ridge! If you're a fan of western romance, the Ridges of Wayback, TX, or character interviews and you haven't yet subscribed to my mailing list, now's your chance! Click on the pink button on the sidebar here at Cozy! Sign-up only takes a few seconds....

This summer I'm thinking about heating things up at The Cozy Page by hosting a character competition. Authors will be able submit their own character's Q&A from their published or soon-to-be published titles to be voted on by the readers. The winning character will be featured in my newsletter and the author will receive an extra special prize! Check back in around mid-May for more contest details....

This month, I'm still planning to celebrate the royal wedding with a round of royalty-inspired articles on romance as well as a recap of the tiara tea party and Disney princess marathon my sister and I will be hosting on the big day! And while I'm on the subject, the awesome baby sis served as a Cozy correspondent at the rodeo last weekend and has agreed to do a recap for all of us, complete with pictures from the event. Stay tuned for that within the next week or so. In the meantime, I'm trying to think of a good correspondent alias for her.... Hm....

I've been a bit quiet on the blog lately. I apologize for that. The hub helped my mother move into her new house on the water in my hometown, which is where my contemporary series takes place. The spot on the water where she now resides is very near to where I imagined the heroine of the first book's bed-and-breakfast would be. Now as I go about recharging the muse for another round of contemporary rewrites for book two, I have the perfect place to go for inspiration! My writing sessions will now include gorgeous pics from the shore. I promise to post them here for everyone to see. (I'm also considering doing a similar inspiration feature for this year's anniversary trip to the family lakehouse in northern Alabama.)

The hub and I recently added a new sleigh bed to our home. Thanks to some redecorating, the office shelves he built for our anniversary last year will have a new home in my office. I know what you're thinking; this calls for a new office vidblog tour. The last one I did, I think, was in 2008 so I owe everyone an update....

All these exciting new features and more are coming your way soon! Stay up-to-date on everything here at Cozy, checking my website for updates, and by subscribing to my newsletter!

Fool for Romance Contest

FOOL FOR ROMANCE CONTEST: To enter the Fool for Romance Contest for a Kindle, a $15 Starbucks Gift Card and other awesome prizes, read carefully the rules at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

I'm a fool for romance! That's why I thought becoming a participant of this year's Fool for Romance Contest was appropriate. And since I added a coffee-related prize to the contest, I thought I would include this coffee-related excerpt from 1st Place Novella Blackest Heart....

Stella snuck into the kitchen early the next morning, hoping no one was up and about yet. She still didn’t know if she could face her father or Casey. After pulling a mug off the cabinet shelf, she poured steaming, fragrant black coffee from the fresh pot.

Taking the first sip, she closed her eyes on a blissful sigh. Starbucks was nothing compared to Nuala.

She went to the bay window overlooking the Range. The light of dawn was so fragile this time of morning. The sky was just beginning to turn from that dreamy blue hue to delicate pink. She usually didn’t wake up so early, but she hadn’t been able to shake the nightmares on her second night home.

The sound of a truck engine reached her ears moments before a pickup came into view, pulling a small horse trailer. She pursed her lips, curious, when she didn’t see the Range logo on either and waited while the driver backed into a spot near the stable entrance.

Her heart stuttered when Judd Black got out of the driver’s door. A stunned breath filled her lungs, surprising her. She watched him open the trailer doors and guide that big, black stallion out. Something inside her warmed when he lifted a hand to the diamond between its eyes and caressed, standing close in that sweet, predawn light.

She tore her gaze away from them, feeling like a giggly teeny-bopper spying on her first crush. With a shake of her head, she remembered how she’d lain in bed for hours the night before trying to get his mysterious eyes and the feel of his hands on her face out of her mind.

No more, she vowed.

Alas, I'm not able to offer a trip out west to Nuala's kitchen at Ridge Range, but I am offering the next best thing to the winner's prize package: a $15 Starbucks Gift Card!

***In order to qualify for a Kindle and tons of other awesome prizes listed here, readers must do at least one of the following...

1. Comment to this post

2. Friend me on Facebook OR tweet #foolforromance and a link to this page to @ALeighWilliams (Be sure to mention @ALeighWilliams or I won't see the tweet!)

3. If you do not have a Facebook or Twitter account, send an email to amber@amberleighwilliams.com. I will count that as an entry!

4. When commenting to this post, be sure to let me know that you have either friended me, tweeted me, or send me an email. If you have any questions, include them here in the comment section. I should answer quickly!

Update on the Muse (or "Where Art Thou, Tinkerbell?")

So it's a new year and I'm determined to tackle at least two of my unfinished WIPs this month. As many of you know, I'm in the midst of a Regency romance I began writing last spring. I'm also working on my fourth paranormal romance. The holiday season was busier than expected so I didn't reach my goal of a completed contemporary revision but I'm so close it hurts! I'm confident I will have the latter at least done by January 31! *fingers crossed*

As much as I don't believe on waiting for the muse to be present before beginning a writing session, it does help and that fickle little lady in the green dress has been absent for some time. She came back briefly last week to toy with another contemporary premise and to do some light edits on the Regency WIP but hasn't really been seen since. I'm convinced she's gone off with Captain Jack to some desserted tropical island in the Carribean and refuses to come back until the rum has gone. In fact, I heavily suspect her sitting on the other side of the table in the latest POTC: On Stranger Tides trailer. Judge for yourself....



So that's the skinny for those of you who were wondering where I am on the writing front. If any of you pass by a tropical island and happen to see her green-slippered self, be sure to give me a holler. In other news, I have signed on to be a part of fellow TWRP author Sky Purington's Celts and More Blog Event in March. I love Sky's work and Celtic heroes so I'm thrilled to be a part of this. Event dates and more info coming your way soon via the ol' Cozy blog....

Also on the radar is the LoveRomance Cafe "Best of..." Awards! Readers have until January 16th to nominate their favorite titles. If you'd like to vote for Bluest Heart or Bet It on my Heart for "Best Contemporary," visit Dawn's Reading Nook for more details! I also highly encourage you to vote The Wild Rose Press for "Best e-Publisher." I know I will!

This week the winner of the 50 States from 50 Authors guest post will be announced. If you commented, be sure to check back there to see if you won a free audio book version of Blackest Heart!

One Day Sale: Audio Books!

Don't have your copy of the Wayback Ridge Trilogy! No problem! Today is the perfect opportunity to get the entire collection. For one day only, you can get Blackest Heart (1st Place Novella), Bluest Heart, and Bet It On My Heart (LASR Book of the Week) for just $3.49 at AudioLark!

And this week at The Roses of Prose, vote for our new Friday Rose!

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!

Paperback Up for Grabs at Alternative Read

Today the Ridges of Wayback, Texas are featured at Alternative Read in celebration of their upcoming audio-book debut. Read three steamy excerpts and enter to win a trade paperback edition of The Way Back Home anthology - which includes Book I in the Wayback Ridge Trilogy and 1st Place More Than Magic Novella, Blackest Heart.

The Ridges Go Audible

The latest news off The Wild Rose Press news reel is that the Wayback Ridge Trilogy will be published as audio books by Audio Lark! On September 7, Blackest Heart (1st Place More Than Magic Novella) will debut as an audible, followed by Bluest Heart on September 14, and Bet It On My Heart on September 21.

I love audio books and can't wait until September! In fact, this feels like a good excuse to bring out my fun interview with the Ridges, originally posted over at The Roses of Prose. Enjoy!

ALW: Hi readers! We’re super-excited to be conducting our first character interview from my most recent release, Bet It On My Heart, here this week. Right, Keefe?

Keefe: *props booted feet on tabletop and crosses arms over chest, making himself cozy* You bet. It’s nice to sit down with pretty ladies after a hard day’s work on the ranch. *winks*

Calli: Ahem!

Keefe: *jerks, straightens* Hey, baby! When did you get here?

Calli: *sweeps his boots off the table* Just stopped by to remind you to behave yourself, cowpoke. *leans down to kiss him, fighting a smile* Sorry, I can’t stay, readers. I did bring reinforcements, though.

Casey: *cracks open a beer, sits next to Keefe* Hey, big brother!

Keefe: Ah, hell.

Stella: *smirks, takes off her Stetson* We so weren’t gonna miss this. It’s not everyday the playboy of Wayback gets a good grillin’

Keefe: *looks beseechingly to Calli* Where are you going? Can I come?

Calli: *laughs* I’ll be back later. If you’re good, I’ll give you a treat.

Casey: *cough, cough*

Stella: TMI!

Keefe: *grins* Carry on.

ALW: Alrighty then. Your story is the third in the Ridge family trilogy, which some found surprising, considering that you are the oldest of the bunch.

Stella: Mine and Judd’s story came first because we all know I’m the most mature.

Keefe & Casey: Yeah, right!

Casey: I would’ve settled down first if Josie hadn’t dug in her heels.

Josie: *from another room* I HEARD THAT!

Casey: YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU, BABY!

Keefe: *cough* Whipped! *cough, cough*

Stella: *intervenes as Casey makes a swipe for Keefe* Thank you for proving my point, boys.

ALW: Ahem. Anyway. In Stella and Casey’s stories, you made it clear, Keefe, that you weren’t the marrying kind of man. What changed?

Casey: A Yankee.

Keefe: *glares at his brother* Hey, I think her accent’s sexy as hell.

ALW: Stella, Calli is a longtime friend of yours. What do you think attracted Keefe to her?

Stella: I’d just like to say, for the record, I knew all along that these two were going to end up together.

Keefe & Casey: Yeah, right!

Stella: *rolls her eyes* It’s like two parrots. And I was the one who dared Calli to stay in Wayback for two weeks. She and Keefe hit it off right away.

Keefe: You said it: two weeks. It wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a temporary fling.

Calli: *from another room* Hey, cowpoke, I haven’t left yet!

Keefe: *cringes* I LOVE YOU!

Casey: *makes whipping motion* WHA-POW!

ALW: *raises her hands before Keefe and Casey have a chance to throw down* All right, already! I think we saw enough brawling in Stella’s story.

Casey: I had nothing to do with that.

Keefe: Because Judd and I are the only ones man enough to take a fist in the face.

Stella: If by man you mean caveman, then for once you’d be right.

ALW: Here’s a thought: how ‘bout I ask questions and you answer them like civilized adults.

Keefe, Casey, Stella: *look dubiously at one another* Nah.

ALW: *sighs* See what I have to deal with, readers? Stella, would it be too much for you to succinctly answer my previous question?

Stella: *flips long, blonde hair over her shoulder* Well, for starters, Calli’s a real ball-buster.

Keefe: *chokes on a swallow of beer*

Calli: *laughs uproariously from the other room* Thanks, Stell!

Keefe: *frowns* Seriously, when is she leaving?

Stella: Notice he doesn’t deny it.

Casey: *nods* Keefe was all about brainless bombshells before Calli knocked him on his ass. He’d never come across a woman of substance before.

Calli: Aw, Case! I could kiss you!

Casey: Anytime, honey.

Keefe: *glares* [CENSORED]

ALW: I apologize, ladies. I am now considering killing him off in an unforeseen sequel.

Keefe: *sets down his beer* Ah, come on, sweetheart. You know you love me.

ALW: No comment.

Casey: Hey, by the way, which one of us is your favorite?

Stella: *leans forward* It’s me, right? I was first.

Casey: Nah, it’s me. She told all those interviewers I was the charming one.

Keefe: *winks* And she told them I’m…what was it? “The quintessential cowboy?” And she loves her cowboys.

ALW: I will NOT answer that question.

Judd: *enters, grins at ALW* Hey. Sorry I’m late.

ALW: *blushes red, simpers* Glad you could join us!

Keefe & Casey: *faces falling* HIM?

Judd: *loops thumbs in belt loops, leans back against the wall, looks smug*

Casey: Don’t you love me anymore?

ALW: I love all of you!

Keefe: What’s so great about Judd?

ALW: *shrugs* Perhaps because he doesn’t talk back or interrupt. And everybody loves a silent cowboy. *flutters her lashes*

Keefe & Casey: *groan, mutter*

Stella: *meets Judd’s smoldering gaze, props her chin in hand and smiles* I’m the one who gets to take him home.

Casey: Er, ew.

Keefe: Now wait a minute. Judd may not know how to dish it out—

Judd: Hey, cowpoke. Eat me.

Stella: Oh, I love it when you talk dirty.

ALW: Yes. Please keep going.

Casey: This must be what an embolism feels like.

Keefe: Ahem. As I was saying, all the ladies might think Judd’s the cute, cuddly one—

Judd: 1st Place More Than Magic Novella.

Keefe: Best Book of the Week at LASR. Voted by the readers, my man.

ALW: Get to the point.

Keefe: Yeah, Judd, aren’t you supposed to be silent?

Casey: I don’t think he has a point.

Keefe: I’m getting to it. Judd may be loveable and Casey may be the charming do-gooder boy or whatever, but I’m the only hero who made the big, sweeping, romantic gesture. I got down on my knees and begged.

Stella: And you think that’s good for your image?

Keefe: It makes me more a hero than either of them.

Calli: He has a point!

ALW: Yes, surprisingly, he does.

Judd & Casey: Hey!

ALW: *gulps* I think we’ve taken up enough of the readers' time. Thanks again for having us. And so sorry about the expletives.

Keefe: *smirks* I’ll make sure Calli gives me a good whippin’.

Calli: *cackles* Yeah, you bet, readers!

Casey: Oh, for crying out loud!

ALW: *raises voice to cut them off* If you’d like to find out more about the Ridge family saga, visit them on the web! You can purchase all three novellas now at The Wild Rose Press: Blackest Heart (Stella & Judd’s story) for $3.00; Bluest Heart (Casey & Josie’s story) for $3.75; and Bet It On My Heart (Keefe & Calli’s story) for $4.00! You can get the whole trilogy for just $10.75! And you can also now own Blackest Heart in paperback in the Wayback anthology The Way Back Home!

Upcoming Appearances

Hi Cozies! Just wanted to let everyone know where to find me over the next few weeks.

First off, August marks Long & Short Reviews 3rd Anniversary Party! Beginning August 2, by entering the LASR scavenger hunt before August 29, you can win one of three Nook eBook Readers that each include a $50 B&N.com gift certificate AND dozens of pre-loaded romance and YA ebooks from participating authors - including moi! I've donated a digital editon of my historical romance, Forever Amore, since it was nominated by LASR for Best Book of 2009! Don't miss this opportunity to win tons of awesome goodies and have a whole lot of fun doing it!

This Saturday, July 31st I'll be an honorary chick at Prairie Chicks Write Romance talking writing axioms that work. August 1st, I have the pleasure of guesting at Kelly L. Stone's new website celebrating the launch of her latest book on writing, Living Write. Next Saturday, August 7th, I'll be chatting with Sassy Britt over at Alternative Read and giving away a trade paperback editon of The Way Back Home western romance anthology, which includes the 1st Place More Than Magic Novella Blackest Heart. On Friday the 13th, I'll be partying with the Southern Sizzlers for their one-year blog anniversary! On August 17, look for me at Nana Malone's blog where I'll be guesting.

So that's my rundown for the next few weeks! If you're an author and you'd like to guest here at The Cozy Page, email me at amber@amberleighwilliams.com. And readers, don't forget that this is the last week The Way Back Home anthology in trade paperback is on sale at The Wild Rose Press for 40% off!

Time's Running Out....

Time's running out! Only 11 more days to get your copy of The Way Back Home anthology in trade paperback from The Wild Rose Press! Don't miss out on this great deal. The book includes three novellas from TWRP favorite series - Wayback, Texas: "Where a Cowboy Falls in Love Every Eight Seconds!" That's three cowboys in one....

Delighting Miss Daisy by Abbey MacInnis

Smooth-talking Sam Howard comes to Wayback to advertise, while bakery entrepreneur Daisy Porter vows to throw both him and his beer flyers out of town. Can Sam help Daisy regain her confidence and break through the barriers that guard her heart?

Return of the Prodigal Daughter by Marguerite Arotin

Tragedy brings supermodel Sherrie Porter home to Wayback, but she wants to avoid her ex, Jake Serranno. Jake thought he did the right thing by leaving Sherrie in California, but neither can deny the old flames. Can they rekindle old passions or will pride keep them apart?

Blackest Heart by Amber Leigh Williams

Actress Stella Ridge comes home to Texas to heal. The last place she expects to find solace is in the arms of Wayback's silent cowboy, Judd Black. (1st Place More Than Magic Novella)

Blackest Heart is Book I in the Wayback Ridge trilogy, featuring sexy, silent cowboy Judd Black. Book II and III are also on sale for 20% off at Digi Books Cafe. Take advantage of these limited time offers now!

Read a fun interview with the Wayback Ridges here! Learn more about the trilogy at Joyfully Reviewed!

THE WAY BACK HOME 40% discount for July!

Now is the time to purchase The Way Back Home if you haven't already! This Wayback, Texas anthology featuring novellas from the The Wild Rose Press fan-favorite series - Delighting Miss Daisy by Abbey MacInnis, Return of the Prodigal Daughter by Marguerite Arotin, and Blackest Heart by Amber Leigh Williams - available only in paperback is 40% off through the month of July at TWRP!

Blackest Heart, the final novella in The Way Back Home anthology and the first story in the Wayback Ridge trilogy, placed 1st in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest and stars sexy, silent cowboy Judd Black. Here's what people are saying about Judd and 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

Purchase The Way Back Home and enjoy three hot cowboys in one book for 40% off before August 1st or buy Blackest Heart for just $3.00 at The Wild Rose Press. Book II, Bluest Heart, in the Wayback Ridge trilogy is available now for $3.75 and Book III, Bet It On My Heart, is on sale for $4.00 at The Wild Rose Press!

To read a fun character interview featuring Judd and heros from Book II and III, click here!

ALW Titles 20% at Digi Books Cafe!

If you haven't bought your copy of Bluest Heart or Bet It On My Heart, here's your chance! At Digi Books Cafe, all TWRP titles are on sale. Books II and III of the Wayback Ridge trilogy are available from this new ebook distributor. Buy Bluest Heart for just $3.00 and Bet It On My Heart for $3.20! Be sure to take advantage of this 20% off offer now because it won't last forever. Click here to visit Digi Books. (Pst! If you create an account, you'll get an additional 20% coupon!)

Blackest Heart, Book I of the Wayback Ridge trilogy, is available at The Wild Rose Press, for $3.00. This novella (with the help of its sexy, silent cowboy hero, Judd Black) placed 1st in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest's Novella category. Bet It On My Heart was voted Best Book of the Week by readers at Long & Short Reviews.

To read a hysterical character interview based on this series, click here! For a hot excerpt mashup from all three book, click here!

Thank you, Readers!

A huge thank you to everyone who voted for Bet It On My Heart! It is LASR's Best Book of the Week! If you'd like to read the review, you can find it here.

I also wanted to share a review for Blackest Heart from contemporary author Donna Marie Rogers:

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, as a fan of your books, There's Only Been You and Meant To Be, this means the world to me! Paranormal author J.A. Saare has given Blackest Heart five stars at Goodreads! Thank you, J.A.! A special thanks also goes out to those who participated in the Southern Sizzlers giveaway for the complete Wayback Ridge trilogy. Winners will be announced sometime this week. Entrants keep checking back in...

Kudos to the Gulf Coast Chapter of RWA whose Silken Sands Conference on the Beach this past weekend was a hit! Get the behind-the-scenes scoop from industry professional Barbara Vey at her Publisher's Weekly Beyond Her Book blog.

Launch Day Dive: BET IT ON MY HEART

Title: Bet It On My Heart
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Will Be Available In: Ebook


Series: Wayback, TX - Book III in the Ridge family trilogy

Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry


Blurb:

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!

Concept: For this final edition in the Ridge saga, I wanted to mix thing up. First of all, it was going to take a very wise and take-charge woman to tame the wild Ridge beast in the oldest Ridge brother, Keefe. In both Book I (Blackest Heart) and Book II (Bluest Heart), the hero is a cowboy and the heroine is a cowgirl. For Bet It On My Heart, however, I decided to bring in an outsider. Not just to knock Keefe off his pedestal - I wanted to show western life through the eyes of an urban character. You can't get anymore city than Calli Morlani. Born and raised in the heart of NYC, the daughter of an Italian chef and a Jewish barber, Calli moved to Hollywood to get into the talent business. When we first meet her in Bet It On My Heart, she's a successful agent and is coming down to Texas to talk former client and friend, Stella Ridge (heroine of Blackest Heart), into coming back to LA. Those who read Blackest Heart may recognize her ambiguous role in the opening scene of Book I:

"Stella, I understand you need some TLC. No one’s going blame you for one second. But let’s be serious here, sweetie. Texas?"

Stella Ridge rolled her eyes as she strolled through the bustling airport toward the nearest exit, suitcase rolling noisily behind her. She’d known how her agent would react to the news of her impulsive departure. "It’s home, Cal. Just because I abandoned it doesn’t mean it’s fallen off the map."

"Is it really even on a map?"

Stella bit back a retort, exasperation edging her words. "Sure it is. It’s not that far outside Abilene."

"Who’s Abilene?"

She sighed. "I’m going to have to let you go. I’ve got to rent a car."

"Listen to reason, sweetie." Cal’s voice sounded urgent over Stella’s phone. "If you walk out of that airport, you’ll be making a huge mistake."

"This is something I need to do. Please understand."

"I have a fantastic idea! Why not hop on the next flight out to Fiji? You can spend a month at that resort you love so much."

"I don’t want Fiji. I want home. I want family."

"There are plenty of resorts back here in LA. You haven’t seen that dusty town in almost two decades. This is your home. Your family’s here. What about me? I’m your family, Stella."

"Be careful, Cal," she said in the sultry voice that had sold millions at the box office. "You’re very nearly whining."

"Remember that script you love? They want you for the part."

"You’re bluffing," she said, spying the car rental sign up ahead. "Hanging up now."

Cal huffed out a frustrated breath. "You’re taking the coward’s way out. What’s so great about Wayback, Texas?"

"It’s normal." She ended the call before Cal could reply.

Little did I know, this conversation would echo through Book III....
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Hero: Keefe Ridge

Hero Occupation: Ridge Range ranch hand/cattle driver, heir to Ridge Range, retiring bronc rider

Hero Description:

The cowboy told the host about his ride, hands planted on his hips, feet spread in a confident stance. The smile on his face was sly and smooth, the lines of it fit to charm any filly of his picking. He had a great face, a marketable build and body. Too bad he’d chosen the dusty arena over fame and fortune.

Hero Stunt Double: Timothy Olyphant

Hero's Greatest Strength: His protective instincts surrounding his family, home, and business. (Blackest Heart fans might remember how well his rival Judd's relationship with Stella went down with big brother Keefe. For those who don't know, fists were thrown and noses were broken.) He also has a surprising streak of decency, which introduces itself in a scene with Calli in Bet It On My Heart.

Hero's Greatest Weakness: His long string of casual relationships has made his already independent streak a mile wider. When his relationship with Calli takes a more serious turn, he turns broody.

Hero's Astrological Sign: Aries (This sign is: Aries likes to be first in everything! A natural-born leader, the fearless Ram is able to get things going in an instant and is willing to try anything, although this sign sometimes takes on more than can be accomplished.... Dynamic and energetic, and they have to constantly keep busy. They are also a very charismatic sign, with the ability to easily attract others with their personal magnetism.)

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Heroine: Calli Morlani

Heroine Occupation: talent agent (One of my favorite aspects of writing Bet It On My Heart was watching Calli not just fall in love with Wayback but find her niche in the dusty, podunk town. Calli's not the type of woman to settle into the housewife role. It was fun rolling that into a fitting conclusion for both her and a returning secondary character.)

Hero Description:

She looked so out of place in the rustic setting, she might’ve wandered out of an alternate universe. Her toothpick heels sunk into the sod. He raked his eyes over shapely calves left bare by a knee-length skirt. She carried a matching jacket and had already sweated through the thin, almost translucent tank underneath. Perspiration shined on her face, arms, and shoulders. Her eyes were dark, deep and irritable. He was instantly intrigued.

Heroine Stunt Double: Marissa Tomei - Calli was inspired by this actress's role as Ashley Judd's friend in Someone Like You. You might even recognize a few turns of phrase. ("Mazol tov!")

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Calli's strength is just that: her strength! She's a strong, working woman who's paved her own way and can go toe-to-toe with any man in the business world. What's interesting about matching her up with a man as strong-willed as our cowboy, Keefe, is seeing how she goes toe-to-toe with one in a fiery relationship.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: Her preconceptions about simple country life. She almost has an elitest view of Wayback. I loved how all those stereotypical views were slowly broken down as her feelings for Keefe progress.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Gemini (This sign is: Mentally gifted and very intellectually inclined. Very well informed; they always try to gather as much information as they can, which in turn helps them to more easily adapt to any situation. Quick-witted and very smart, quickly become the center of attention in any gathering. At the same time, Gemini can be very moody.)

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What Sets This Book Apart: The cityslicker comes down to Texas and fumbles her way through two weeks of western life. Also the playboy meets his match and ends up falling long and hard!

Favorite Scene: There are so many moments that were entertaining to write. I think my favorite, though, is Calli's first trip to the Blue Bug Saloon. (Read a clip below in yesterday's post.)

Familiar Cameos:
Judd Black
Stella Ridge Black
Casey Ridge
Josie Brusky Ridge
Leland Ridge
Nuala
Jake Serrano
Sherrie Porter Serrano
Teensy Belle Griffin
Sam Howard
Daisy Porter Howard
Katherine Holloway
Max Porter

Be the first to read Keefe and Calli's story today at The Wild Rose Press! See the launch of the book trailer below....

Book Dive #4: BLUEST HEART

Title: Bluest Heart
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: January 2010
Available In: Ebook



Series Note: This is another addition to TWRP's Wayback, TX continuation series. It is also Book II in the Wayback Ridge trilogy. More than a year after Blackest Heart's release, anticipated sequel Bluest Heart was launched. (Thankfully, readers won't have to wait as long for Book III!)

Heat Rating: This is the first time my published titles shifted from "spicy" to "hot." Probably because of some early "action" between the h/h. Book III, Bet It On My Heart, also received a "hot" label. (On TWRP's rating scale, stories that are more than "hot" are sold on their erotica site, The WILDER Rose Press.)



Original Title: I wanted to continue the "Heart" theme. The funny thing I discovered about these titles is that although the trilogy is centered around the Ridge family, Blackest Heart is named for hero, Judd Black, instead of Ridge daughter, heroine Stella. In turn, Bluest Heart is named for heroine Josie Brusky instead of hero Casey Ridge, one of Stella's lovable brothers. Originally, I wanted this book to be called "Heart of Stone" because of Josie's tough shell. But this title was already taken. I bounced ideas off of writing friends and approached my editor with "Heart So Blue." She came back with Bluest Heart. It's as fitting as Judd's Blackest Heart because though it may seem Josie as a "Heart of Stone", it's because of her rough past and her inability to put her trust in anyone's hands, even cowboy sweetheart Casey.


Why A Sequel? I didn't plan telling Casey and Keefe's stories. In truth, I didn't know if western romance was a genre I would want to explore. But I loved writing Blackest Heart and after a helpful push from a CP, who wanted secondary character Casey at least to find love, I took the trilogy plunge. Although the Wayback line is ending and there are no more Ridge family stories to tell, I know for certain that I will be venturing west again for another family saga. (I actually have two trilogies in the works - one contemporary, one paranormal - as well as a single-title historical western, a tie-in to stories written by some familiar faces around here: Marguerite Arotin and Abbey MacInnis.)



Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry



Awards: Nominated "Best Book of the Week" by LASR
_________________________________



Hero: Casey Ridge



Hero Occupation: Ridge Range ranch hand/cattle driver (second in line to inherit) and prize-winning rodeo calf-roper



Hero Description:

She smelled beer on him, too, but it didn’t overwhelm the scent of his subtle aftershave. The low-key aroma drove her crazy. Like a dog sniffing another in heat, she was immediately aroused. Worse, he was grinning at her. The dimple in his chin deepened and the laugh lines dipped into his cheeks. Her heart pattered eagerly. He’d let his hair grow out, like he used to. Needle straight, the hay-colored strands fingered his eyelids. His face and torso were the same tan hue. Honey-toned, she’d thought so long ago when she’d gotten a gander under his button-up shirt and faded Levi’s.

This Ridge boy’s single purpose was to drive her into lusty insanity. She could look all she wanted but to break down and touch him again…there would be no turning back from that.

Hero's Stunt Double: Gabriel Macht. A while back, there was a movie called American Outlaws, based on Jesse James' posse. Gabriel played James' (Colin Farrell) brother, Frank. It isn't hard to imagine this cutie as a cowboy hero after watching this western. Gabriel also has a "nice guy" quality that has followed him through his movie roles. (Anybody remember his turn as Mandy Moore's hero, Johnny, in Because I Said So? It's also not difficult to measure Gabriel up to Casey's working man physicality after seeing him masquerade as a superhero in The Spirit.)



Hero's Greatest Strength: Casey's a "good boy" but - like sister Stella - when it comes to wanting something, he works until he gets it. He's been waiting for Josie for a decade so needless to say he doesn't give up on anything. And he always gives one-hundred percent, no matter how long it takes.



Hero's Greatest Weakness: This one was hard. Casey isn't perfect, but he's so noble and lovable, it's hard to find a fault in him. Most of all, I think Josie is his weakness. She stretches his patience (and no wonder, after ten years of convincing). When it comes to family dynamics, he craves peace, which is why he usually winds up mediating between more drama-oriented siblings, Keefe and Stella.



Hero's Astrological Sign: Libra (This sign is: Charming with a great love of beauty and harmony.... Know how to appreciate the various pleasures of life, and they are naturally kind. Because they are even-tempered, they can be very social and diplomatic, and they are the most empathetic of all the signs... Everlasting search for balance... Loathe the conflicts in life... The ultimate team players, always functioning better when they are paired up.)
________________________

Heroine Name: Josie Brusky

Heroine Occupation: Honky-tonk singer, owner of Josie's Treasures - Wayback's gift shop, barrel racing rodeo competitor

Heroine Description:

Her curly, red hair spilled out of the back of the hat. He could just make out the flash of her whiskey-colored, bedroom eyes and the trademark mole at the base of her left cheek. The crowd loved her. So did the spotlight. She might not have had the strongest voice, but it was pretty enough. The song choice was perfect, plenty of attitude. That was Josie, all right.

Heroine Stunt Double: Rachel McAdams. Plenty of attitude as well as vulnerability, which fits Josie to a T.

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Her ability to adapt. Josie's led a hard life and yet she's managed to jump hurtle after hurtle. The thing I admire most about her is that she rises above rumors of her "bad girl" behavior. Small town gossips are the harshest and though it may hinder some aspects of her life, she's not afraid to be who she is. One of my favorite aspects of her relationship with Casey is that he is the one man she refuses to go to be with. She refuses to lead him on because he's the only one she cares deeply about. It's her acknowledgment that he deserves better.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: Repels weakness. To her, Casey Ridge is a weakness because she has trouble resisting him. Though she has no doubt he's the one man she can trust with her heart, she's lived with barriers so long she doesn't know how to open herself to him completely. Although she rises above those who spurn her past life, she doubts her own worth, which is another reason she steers clear of Casey. To her, he's everything that is good while she is the opposite. Feels as if the only way she can be strong is by striving for independence.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Pisces (This sign is: Able to adapt emotionally to any environment. Their symbol is a pair of fishes, one swimming above the other in the opposite direction. Likewise, they possess some duality in their personalities. On the one hand, they can be kind, compassionate, sensitive, and very understanding, but like to keep their true emotions under wraps, placing great focus on their inner journey. Pisceans are very easy-going and would rather wait for their problems to sort themselves out than face them.)

____________________________

What Sets This Book Apart: It's the good boy versus the bad girl, which offers entertainment for readers. The thing I didn't expect was the healing arc, the same from its prequel, Blackest Heart. It's also the inner journey of Josie discovering her own worth and breaking through her own armor to accept an honorable man in her life.

Favorite Scene: The first time Casey tells Josie he loves her. The scene is the third act dark moment of the plot and it is simultaneously heartbreaking and inevitable. When picking favorites, I'm all for the light-hearted moments (and when Casey turns on the charm, there are plenty of them) and usually steer clear of the sadder parts of the story. But something about both Casey and Josie in this scene latched onto my heart.

Blurb:

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.
Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback's bluest heart?

What People Are Saying:

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.
- Author Crystal-Rain Love