It's Sail Away Day for Castaway in the Caribbean...!

I'm excited to announce my new novel is now available worldwide on Amazon for Kindle!

Castaway in the Caribbean

Today is Launch Day - or as I prefer to call it - Sail Away Day!

The first book blogger review is in - you can read it at The Book Maven Book Blog

Loveahappyending.com has a launch feature page here

The Author's Cafe has a special launch feature here

Links:

Browse Castaway in the Caribbean on Amazon UK

Browse Castaway in the Caribbean on Amazon Dotcom

Castaway in the Caribbean

Vacationing on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, Janey Sinclair is persuaded by her magazine editor boss to do a quick island hop in order to supervise an impromptu photo-shoot for the front cover. With no flights immediately available, Janey is directed to the harbour.

Captain Travis Mathews hates tourists, although he’s not above making a bit of money off a prissy and sharp tongued young British girl when she’s desperate to get to the neighbouring island of Tortola.

After striking a deal, they set off together in Travis’s weather-beaten old boat. When the vessel comes to a sudden full stop in the sea, the mismatched pair end up as castaways on an uninhabited island.

In this fast moving romantic adventure about a vacation that turns into a tropical nightmare there’s more fun than you’ll find in any travel brochure.

A message from Janice:

I was incredibly fortunate to spend most of last summer in the Caribbean, writing and researching my latest novel Castaway in the Caribbean. I found it challenging only in the respect of being continually distracted from the manuscript by the tropical sunshine, the white sand beaches, the warm aquamarine sea, rum cocktails, and the fabulous social scene on offer. Many of these distractions are well documented on my website, blog and Facebook page, if you are interested in reading the details and seeing the photos!

For the purposes of proper research for Castaway in the Caribbean, I travelled to and explored many Caribbean islands and, despite my tendency for sea sickness, I also spent a lot of time in boats. I even got to sail around Tortola, the larger of the British Virgin Islands, in a restored schooner that had been used in the filming of the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

The Virgin Islands inspired me with the modern day setting for this romantic adventure novel because, of this chain of around ninety small islands, islets, cays and rocks in the Caribbean Sea, many are uninhabited.

I eventually settled down to write this romantic adventure story on the Caribbean island of Utila, the smaller of the Bay Islands, just off the coast of Honduras. Likened to the Key West of long ago, Utila is a quaint, unspoilt and laid-back little island. Sitting on the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, it is also a paradise for scuba diving, which is exactly what my husband was doing every day while I was busy writing this story. Research is a valuable tool for a writer, so I do hope all the fun and adventure I had in the Caribbean has found its way into the pages of Castaway in the Caribbean.

Janice xx

Book News - Voodoo Romance Boxed Set

BOOK NEWS! By popular demand my three bestselling voodoo romance books are now available as a downloadable boxed set. Get ‘How Do You Voodoo?’ ‘Voodoo Wedding’ and ‘Voodoo Child’ in one go for just $2.99 or £1.82 from Amazon for Kindle!

Love Reading Love Books says: ‘A Five Star Read - there’s a little bit of everything, romance, intrigue, mystery, black magic and fun.’

These voodoo romance stories were such fun to write and were inspired by a real life spat between two Haitian women that I witnessed on a flight from the Caribbean to the UK - when one seemed to put a curse on the other. My imagination went into overdrive and How Do You Voodoo? was born!

Available now from Amazon UK and DotCom and other Amazon sites worldwide

Bestchicklit.com - ‘It's fun, it's entertaining, it's magic!’ 

Shazera Book Blog – ‘How Do You Voodoo? will entertain you and engage you. Perfect for reading on that journey.’ 

The Little Reader Library - ‘Another entertaining, fun modern-day tale from this author with a nice balance of humour, sweet romance, morals and a spooky side!’ 

Kim the Bookworm ‘A wonderful story with a perfect ending.’ 

Brook Cottage Books – ‘Throw into the mix a bit of voodoo, a press invasion, a range of strange relatives… and hey presto you have a Voodoo Wedding!’ 

Books4U -  ‘I love all the quirky characters in the story and just the pure madness and fun of it all.’ 

Jenny in Neverland – ‘You know what you're getting and it works with these books although Janice still manages to shock you with even more crazy voodoo magic. I truly enjoyed every one of them.’ 

Brook Cottage Books – ‘The characters are all interesting and unique and the storyline is fascinating.'

Happy Halloween FREE Book Offer!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

 

This time last year I was launching How Do You Voodoo? - the first book in my voodoo romance series of novellas – for which I had done some intense research in the spookiest graveyard in Scotland – the Necropolis or The City of the Dead – which features in a central scene. Would you like to spend Halloween in a dark and spooky place like this…?!

 

Glasgow central looks grey and spooky in October!

 

 

This Halloween is launch day for Voodoo Child - the third book in my series of voodoo romance novellas.
 

Again, it’s available exclusively from Amazon for Kindle.   

 

Story synopsis: In ‘Voodoo Child’, ex-celebrity UK fashion model Nola and her handsome Haitian husband Louis are expecting their first baby. But as one precious life begins another is about to end. Louis’s beloved old Uncle Sid is dying and has declared his last wish is to see Louis and Nola’s new baby baptised on St John’s Eve – the most important event in the voodoo calendar. The voodoo isn't over yet for Nola or for Louis!

 

Voodoo Child Amazon Links

Amazon UK and Amazon.com

Special Halloween Offer!

You can download the first humorous romance in this series absolutely FREE TODAY – 31^st October!

 

FREE Amazon Links

Amazon UK and Amazon.com

 

Have a great Halloween everyone !

Janice xx

 

 

How Do You Voodoo? - FREE 27th to 31st October!

The third book in my series of voodoo romance novellas

'Voodoo Child' is out this week!

It’s available exclusively from Amazon for Kindle
      

OUT NOW! $1.55 0r £0.99p

 

Story synopsis: In ‘Voodoo Child’, ex-celebrity UK fashion model Nola and her handsome Haitian husband Louis are expecting their first baby. But as one precious life begins another is about to end. Louis’s beloved old Uncle Sid is dying and has declared his last wish is to see Louis and Nola’s new baby baptised on St John’s Eve – the most important event in the voodoo calendar. The voodoo isn't over yet for Nola or for Louis!  

Amazon UK and Amazon.com

 But what if you haven't yet read the first novella
How Do You Voodoo?
 

Or second book in this series
Voodoo Wedding?

Well, from TODAY and for the next FIVE days
(27^th – 31^st October)

I’m offering the first book in this series absolutely FREE

27th - 31st October incl - FREE!

 
 These are the free download links:

 Amazon UK
Amazon.com

Other Amazon sites worldwide are included

 

If you have this book already...?

Feel free to share, tweet, and tell all your friends!

Did you know that How Do You Voodoo? has 25 Amazon UK reviews with an average reader score of 4.6 stars and Love Reading Love Books said How Do You Voodoo? was ‘A Five Star Read’

Voodoo Wedding - Book Two - is also available from Amazon for Kindle alongside Voodoo Child at the fabulous price of just $1.52 or £0.99p so why not treat yourself to a little voodoo romance?

 

 Something old, something new, something borrowed.... something voodoo!

ONLY $1.55 0r £0.99p

Have a great Halloween everyone and don’t forget

that I love to chat and I'll be on Facebook and Twitter over the next few days promoting Voodoo Child. Please RT me!

#voodoochild

 

 

 

Winners of the Party On event!

 

I just want to say how fabulous yesterday was! I laughed and gasped and ooo'd and swooned at all of your fabulous and clever photos and pictures throughout the day and it was so much fun. What lovely party peeps you all are!

 

Well - all the entries have now been collated from all those who took part yesterday and have independently drawn by my two strappingly handsome sons who are home at the moment. I do wish there were prizes for every single one of you who made my day yesterday by taking part in the Party On event.

 

The Winners! 

Without further ado the winners are Linn B Halton for her Animal Party Game entry of 'Mr Tiggs'. Heidi Cosmochicklitan for her Cocktail Party Game entry of 'Cocktail on the Beach' and Angela Simons Barton for her Hollywood Red Carpet Game entry of Johnny Depp. Each win an exclusive How To Party Online Notebook! If you ladies would like to email me at: janice@janicehortonwriter.co.uk with your postal addresses I'll send them straight out to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main prize of a £10 Amazon Voucher for posting a 'Party Photo' of your own goes to Awen Thornber who posted this fabulous photo and is a such a worthy winner that I was delighted when her name was drawn! Please email me Awen and I'll have the gift voucher emailed to you straight away. Thanks again everyone!

 

 

 

I'd LOVE it and appreciate it if you could spread the word to your friends and associates about the How To Party Online ebook for Kindle and if you sign up to my newsletter on my Blog (pretty please!?) them I'll be able to let you know when it's out in paperback too. Thanks again everyone!

 

 

At the moment I’m featuring on Dizzy C’s Little Book blog with a summer fun interview that features reading, writing and holidays. There are photos of my Scottish country cottage and my hens and there is an international giveaway for one of my Kindle books! Click here for the link.

I read an Interesting post on 'Between The Lines' blog this morning on book marketing - and was pleased to see a lovely mention of my How To Party Online book. You might also find it an interesting read. Click here for the link.

I was also delighted to see a new book blogger review for my first novella ‘How Do You Voodoo?’ on Books4U this week. Nikki says: "A superb novella from author Janice Horton. An interesting storyline about a character who thinks she has it all but learns there is something missing." You can read the rest of this review by clicking here.

Haste ye back here next Friday!

 

 

 

The 777 Challenge

I’ve been tagged by my lovely friend Emma Calin in the 777 challenge.

The rules... Go to Page 7, 70, or 170 of a current Work in Progress or recently published work and choose either the first complete paragraph or 7 lines of dialogue to share. Paste to FB and tag 7 other authors to do the same.

Here is a paragraph excerpt from Page 7 of ‘How To Party Online’

You might be under the impression that to be successful online, you have to have an established social network in place, but that’s not strictly true. I started promoting online without a pre-existing social platform and did so successfully. In this book, I aim to show you how you too can produce measurable results from your very first online party and, while you are working towards building up your social network, how to make it fun.

And on Wednesday 31^st July I’m hosting an online party to officially launch ‘How To Party Online’ and love you to join me on the day. Before then do pop over to the party page on Facebook and check it out. I promise fun and prizes!

 

Click HERE to check out the Facebook Party Page

 

 

 

 

How To Party Online has been chosen by Thornberry Publishing as recommended reading for all authors and writers.

Early Reviews on Amazon

“This book explains, step-by-step, how to prepare for a book launch and do it with style!”
“Janice also adds a very nice personal touch. It's like getting help from a friend.”
“I'll be consulting it many times as I plan future online promotional parties.”
“This e-book will quickly become a staple on every author's ereader.”

 

How To Party Online is available exclusively for Kindle on Amazon UK and Amazon.com

Party On!

I pass this challenge onto:

Linn B Halton

Kit Domino

Carol E Wyer

Rosemary Gemmell

Melanie Robertson King

Joan Fleming

Sara Bain

So what’s your very favourite sort of party…?

 

A birthday party, a fancy dress party, a cocktail party, a surprise party, a hen party, a stag party, an office party, a xmas party, a new year party….?

And I bet you have just the photo to prove it …?!!

On Wednesday 31^st July I’m throwing an online party to launch my latest title ‘How To Party Online’.

The event will be hosted on Facebook but will also spill over to the blogosphere, to Twitter, and to Pinterest and everyone is invited!

To take part, dig out a photo of you looking your party best and post it onto the party page on the last day of July to take part in the real fun and virtual games.

Simply comment, like, post, share, tweet (#partyon) to be in the draw to win some fabulous party prizes!

 

Check out the Facebook Party Page

 

 

‘How To Party Online’ has been chosen by Thornberry Publishers as

recommended reading for all authors and writers.

Early Reviews on Amazon

“This book explains, step-by-step, how to prepare for a book launch and do it with style!”

“Janice also adds a very nice personal touch. It's like getting help from a friend”

“I'll be consulting it many times as I plan future online promotional parties.

“This e-book will quickly become a staple on every author's ereader.”

DG Life Magazine says:

“Janice has made it her business to get stuck into the whole self-publishing malarkey. Savvy enough to realise it’s not enough to simply write, she’s studied social media marketing until it could be her specialist subject on Mastermind. She can plan a book launch, maximise publicity, keep the momentum going after the first initial flush, and perhaps most of all, she knows how to make the whole thing fun, which is no mean feat”.

About ‘How To Party Online’

• Online parties are a fun way to launch your book or introduce your product and engage with your target audience.

• Social media applications are perfect forums for parties - the venue capacity is infinite, the guest list is global, and the fun and games can lead to bestselling success!

• This aim of this book is to show you how you can produce measurable results from your very first online party and while you are still working towards building up your social network.

• The purpose of this book is to walk and talk you through each step of the planning and implementation of four very different online promotional parties.

• Together we will look at how much work and effort is involved in implementing each step and we will experience the party format, explore the outcomes, and quantify all the successes.

• I’ll show you how to make it lots of fun!

 

Check out the Facebook Party Page

Post up your own Party Photo on Wednesday 31^st July

Take part in all the real fun & virtual games!

How To Party Online is exclusive to Amazon for Kindle

Amazon UK   Amazon.com

NEW FEATURE – Interesting Plots and Themes - Revenge

To kick off my new blogging feature on interesting plots and themes – I have invited back to the blog Harriet Schultz, American author of the Amazon bestseller Legacy of the Highlands and its just-published sequel, A Legacy of Revenge, to talk to us about her contemporary romantic suspense novels which each have a central theme of revenge, which Harriet cleverly combines with passion, hot men (of course), a love story, intrigue and settings as varied as Scotland, Buenos Aires, Miami and Boston.

Recently, Harriet was invited to write a guest column for USA Today on the theme of revenge in romance novels, for which she interview Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick) for the story. I found this to be fascinating reading. So, in case you missed it, I’ve asked Harriet to pop over to the UK and tell us all about her theme of revenge.

“…if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?”

The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare

When wronged, who hasn’t craved the satisfaction that revenge can bring? The target could be a boyfriend whose betrayal broke your heart, those mean girls who made your life miserable, or the villain who stole something you value — a material object, something more abstract such as honor, or even the life of a loved one. The list of triggers that might set off the need for vengeance is endless.

Revenge is a very human emotion, a dark and powerful one, yet one that’s hard to resist. It’s the rare person who hasn’t yearned to retaliate for a wrong at some point. In real life, however, getting back at someone isn’t always wise or do-able, so as readers and writers we derive vicarious pleasure when fictional characters do the deed for us.

Vengeance is a popular theme in romance novels and crosses all subgenres from historicals to the paranormal, contemporary chick lit and, of course, suspense. A quick Amazon search for “romance” and “revenge” results in more than one thousand titles. (I was happy to find my newest, A Legacy of Revenge, among the first fifteen on this list).  Delve further and Google comes up with more than two million hits for “revenge in romance novels.”

The titles of romance novels with a revenge theme show that payback can take many forms and may be delivered by a disparate group of characters — billionaires, banshees, jocks, vampires, homecoming queens, rock chicks and even one middle-aged woman.  The plots and people who inhabit the pages of these books are as wide-ranging and original as writers’ imaginations can make them, but all feature at least one protagonist with an overwhelming desire to retaliate for a real or perceived wrong.

What is it that makes revenge such a satisfying plot device? It’s certainly not a new one. The Bible is filled with “an eye for and eye” tales of revenge, it was a favorite of Shakespeare’s and there would have been no Count of Monte Cristo without it. Country music’s queen of revenge songs, Miranda Lambert, says people connect with her lyrics because  “these songs make you feel emotion. They are just so passionate.” And we all know that a romance novel without passion is a book that will not be read.

Revenge snakes its way through both of my romantic suspense novels, but it doesn’t pit the hero and heroine against each other. Instead they’re united in a quest to discover why the heroine’s husband — the hero’s best friend — was murdered and to avenge the killing. The smoking hot (of course) former womanizer’s feelings for the heroine run deep and our hero is equally determined to win her heart. They believe that the vendetta is over at the end of book one, but it comes back to haunt them in the sequel. As Daniel Craig (aka James Bond) says, “revenge doesn’t stop.”

Bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz knows something about the appeal of revenge in romance novels. "When I use revenge as a motive for a hero or a heroine it is always all about family and responsibility to others - never personal.  There is nothing noble, heroic or romantic about seeking revenge for yourself.  But to avenge a deep wrong done to someone in your family or to someone you love?  Ah, that is another story - one I can write."

The uncertainty about if, how, and when the revenge will take place, whether it will be successful, and the ultimate happiness of our hero and heroine are what make these romances so deliciously engaging and keep us turning the pages late into the night.

A Legacy of Revenge

When a fourteenth-century Scottish oath leads to murder in present-day Boston, the victim's devastated widow seeks revenge. Determined to find and punish the person who killed her husband Will, Alexandra Cameron joins forces with his best friend, the handsome, wealthy and powerful, Argentine Diego Navarro. A Legacy of Revenge is the sequel to the Amazon bestseller, Legacy of the Highlands.

 

To celebrate the sequel’s publication, the first book in the series, Legacy of the Highlands, is priced at just 73p from May 2^nd -5th. It’s available from most e-booksellers including Amazon Apple, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

 

About the Author: Harriet Schultz is an award-winning journalist whose career began at TIME magazine. She loves to travel and is happy that something she enjoys adds realism to the locations of her books.

Twitter: @HarrietSchultz

Facebook

Blog