UK Author Tricia Jones Talks Bull

Isn't that a great title author S G Rogers gave my guest post over at her blog? I'm talking about Bull at the Gate, in case you're wondering :)

Great Offer on Books for Writers

Six great books available for FREE. Check it out:

http://dailycheapreads.com/2011/11/06/free-now-six-books-on-writing-from-writer%e2%80%99s-digest-books/

Great Amazon Review for Bull at the Gate

A new Amazon 5 Star Review for Bull at the Gate from fellow author Linn B Halton. Here's what Linn had to say:

"To quote author Tricia Jones "I write contemporary romance with strong, sexy heroes who like their own way and heroines who give as good as they get". I can tell you that Bull at the Gate will not disappoint!

Alex `Bull' McKinley is a businessman first and foremost. Dee Ashman is trying to protect something known as the Fairy Gate, which many believe has afforded the village of Bower Magna a mystical protection over the years. Alex is ruled by his head and business; his plans to develop a large swathe of land, including that upon which the Fairy Gate stands, are being slowed down and Dee is proving to be a stubborn opponent. Even when others in the village begin to see the financial benefits that will arise from the development, Dee just digs her heels in even deeper.

But it seems love and hate go hand in hand for Alex and Dee, as neither can deny the passion that builds between them. Can a cold hearted business man with an eye on making a profit, ever understand the emotional pull of the Fairy Gate and the way it is inextricably a part of Dee's and the village's heritage?

A great read that will keep you turning the pages and keep your heart fluttering! When two beautiful people are drawn together by sexual chemistry, will their differences be strong enough to keep them apart? I know the answer but I'm not telling - I wouldn't want to rob you of the fun of finding out for yourself and enjoying this wonderfully romantic and passionate story. "

Thank you, Linn.

Release Day!

Today sees the release of Bull at the Gate, a contemporary romance with a hint of paranormal. Authors talk about the book of their heart and this is probably mine. The idea for the book simmered in my mind for years and I love the characters of Alex and Dee. Plus, Dee's relationship with her grandmother is so close to mine with my own beloved Nan, that I wrote those scenes with a lump in my throat.

Bull at the Gate has already received a lovely review from Linn Halton of Love a Happy Ending. Linn says it's "a great read that will keep you turning the pages and keep your heart fluttering".

Here's the blurb:

Alexander “Bull” McKinley’s reputation as a hard-nosed businessman is tested when an old Fairy Gate and local superstition stand in the way of a lucrative development contract. Alex has his hands full trying to convince the villagers to play ball, without the unexpected—and definitely unwanted—attraction to the feisty redhead leading the revolt.

Dee Ashman detests those who put profit before people, and she’s damned if an arrogant, insensitive and, okay, wildly attractive capitalist is going to destroy the symbolic heart of the village and break her beloved grandmother’s heart.

But they cannot deny the desire that burns between them nor the unleashed passion neither can resist.

Daddy's Boy

Oh, yes. Zorro is indeed a daddy's boy. He waits patiently at the bottom of the stairs for AJ, at the front door when he washes the car or mows the lawn. Follows him around like, well, a puppy dog.

Sometimes he has a little cry if hubby's away longer and looks at me as if it's all my fault. Of course, I try not to spoil him, but it's virtually impossible when he aims those big puppy eyes at me.


He's been with us just over three weeks and we are totally in love. He's an absolute joy and such a good boy - mostly :)

Zorro!

Blogging about our new arrival at Over the Backyard Fence. Zorro, our first guide dog foster puppy. Isn't he adorable?

Love a Happy Ending Launch Day Giveaway

A new an innovative website launches today. Love a Happy Ending highlights new authors and includes featured reviewers and associate readers. I'm proud to be a featured author.

To celebrate launch day, I'm offering the chance to win a free copy of Play Me. There are other great freebies on offer from my fellow authors, some of which are detailed below. For the chance to win, visit the Love a Happy Ending site between 29 June 2011 and 3 July 2011. The Launch Day Giveaway list includes copies of:-

‘Bagpipes and Bullshot’ by Janice Horton (6 x digitial copies)

‘Once Upon A Tooth … A Fairy’s Tale’ by Vickie Adair (2 x print copies)

‘Sonnet of a Housewife’ by Vickie Adair (2 x print copies)

’1923: A Memoir’ by Harry Leslie Smith (1 x print, 3 digital copies)

The set of the complete ‘Blues Eyes Trilogy’ by Joanna Lambert (3 x print copies)

‘Working It Out’ by Nicola May (2 x print – signed author copies)

‘Touched By The Light’ by Linn Halton (3 x print – signed author copies)

... and much more!

Over the Backyard Fence

Blogging today at Over the Backyard Fence. Stop by and tell me what you think about our happily anticipated new arrival.

Love a Happy Ending

Love a Happy Ending, a new interactive author/reader website launches on 29 June with some exciting giveaways. Check it out.

Dead Man's Party at The Romance Studio

The Romance Studio are having a theme party from June 24th to June 26th. It's a Dead Man's Party and all undead characters, their arch enemies, and others who inhabit their world (and their authors) are invited! TRS are giving away a NOOK and there are loads of other prizes from participating authors.

Enjoy!

CCLL - Making a Difference

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. The Chernobyl Children’s Life Line was founded in 1991 to support the children horribly affected by the disaster. My mum is a great supporter of the Portsmouth and Hayling Island Link pictured. Every June families and supporters host a visit from children from Belarus for a four week recuperative break, away from contaminated food, water and air which boosts their immune systems and makes a real difference to their health and lives. I was told that it can add up to two years to their anticipated life span.

This year the children, from the Mogilev Region, near Minsk, arrive on 1 June and during their stay will take part in a whole range of activities organised by the charity and supported by Portsmouth City Council and local businesses. These activities include visits to the circus, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Dockyard, the Royal Marines Museum, Portsmouth Football Club, Butlins holiday camp, etc. The children have the opportunity to try kayaking, crazy golf, ride on a hovercraft, go sailing and swimming at nearby beaches. My mum has helped organise a clothing day where the host families help children to select from donated clothes. There are parties, Christmas in June as well as dental and optician appointments.

CCLL was conceived in 1991 by Victor Mizzi, MBE, with the following aim:

“To relieve the need and sickness of children affected by radiation following the explosion at the Chernoby nuclear reactor on the 26th April 1986.”

It’s important not to forget the heartbreaking consequences of this event and to keep it alive in the public domain.

All donations to the charity are used solely for the children and no administration fees are deducted from the funds.

Chelsea Flower Show

Blogging about The Chelsea Flower Show at Over the Backyard Fence. What flower would you like named after you?

Great Review for Play Me

Play Me has received a lovely review from artist/writer, Kit Domino. Click here to read the review.

While you're there, take the opportunity to look around Kit's blog and website. Her gallery of paintings is not to be missed. Beautiful landscapes and bluebells so realistic you can almost smell them.

New Cover!

Here's my gorgeous new cover for forthcoming release from The Wild Rose Press. Cover artist Kim Mendoza did a simply fabulous job. Just waiting on a release date. Exciting.

Here's the blurb:

Alexander “Bull” McKinley’s reputation as a hard-nosed businessman is tested when an old Fairy Gate and local superstition stand in the way of a lucrative development contract. Alex has his hands full trying to convince the villagers to play ball, without the unexpected—and definitely unwanted—attraction to the feisty redhead leading the revolt.

Dee Ashman detests those who put profit before people, and she’s damned if an arrogant, insensitive and, okay, wildly attractive capitalist is going to destroy the symbolic heart of the village and break her beloved grandmother’s heart.

But they cannot deny the desire that burns between them nor the unleashed passion neither can resist.

Wild Rose is Five!

The Wild Rose Press are celebrating their five year anniversary with more than $500.00 worth of prizes.

Pop over to the Yahoo loop to join in the fun.

Delights of Dartmouth

Today I'm blogging about our recent break in Dartmouth, Devon at Over the Backyard Fence. One of the highlights was a visit to Agatha Christie's house at Greenway and reading insights from her scrapbook about her writing process. So good to know that even the awesome, prolific and genius writers have their moments when it just won't come together :))

Stop ePiracy!

Fabulous letter from Nora Roberts supporting Copyright Infringement Legislation. Great to have the big guns on board.

Goodbye to a Genius

How sad. John Barry has died at the age of 77. He is surely one of the greatest modern composers and his Out of Africa soundtrack is one of my all time faves. His music is so distinctive, enigmatic and simply beautiful. What an amazing talent and how lucky we were to have him in the world.

Rest easy, John, knowing you left the world a better place for your music.