8/12/2014

Liz's Big Birthday Pre-Order Bash!




I have a first world problem, and I need help! I have moved from having two books out 1 ½ years apart to having two books coming out one month apart. This should be thrilling—instead it’s terrifying.

I’ve written before about what it’s like to be a “good” Norwegian Minnesotan. In a nutshell:  we don’t bang our drums for ourselves easily. I’ve done promo on two books—and that was excruciating. Now, I have to shout from the rooftops for two books in a row.

Holy Die of Embarrassment, Ole.

So—I come to you, my GLIAS extended family for safe haven and help. Both books are up for pre-order right now, it’s only three weeks until the September 2nd release date for the first of them “Beauty and the Brit,” and, gosh, it’s my birthday this Wednesday August 13th.  And I’m wandering around in the “have to promote” wilderness without a map. Don’t you feel sorry for me? Don’t you think a poor old Minnesota girl deserves some love?
If so (or even if not) I do have a Birthday Bash offering in exchange for your love and support. (Translation from Minnesotan:  Beware--shameless begging about to commence.)  I’m going to share two excerpts here today, one from each of the new books. If they whet your appetite even a little, I’d love you to check out the pre-orders on B&N, iTunes, Indiebound and Amazon etc. and mark your calendars for the releases. Or pre-order if you like to do that sort of thing. And, if over the next six weeks or so you could tell one friend? I will come to your house and hug you.

Well maybe not.

But! I do have a Birthday present basket I’d love to give to a commenter. The basket includes virtual and physical prezzies: first of all,  e-book copies of both my current books, “The Rancher and the Rock Star”  and “Rescued by a Stranger,” plus a set of all four bookmarks from the Kennison Falls series, plus the first chapter excerpts from the two new books, “Beauty and the Brit” and “Good Guys Wear Black,” plus some Minnesota goodies (since that’s where the books are set) and maybe another surprise or two.

In fact—anyone who leaves comment … if you leave your e-mail as well I’ll contact you and send you a set of bookmarks. They’re pretty and fun and have cool little synopses on the backsides that are exclusive to the bookmarks. A bargain for the price of a comment :-D

And, so, here you go. A two-book excerpt party. See what you think!



BEAUTY AND THE BRIT

Release Date: September 2, 2014

                              AMAZON     BARNES&NOBLE     iBOOKS

EXCERPT:
“They’re actually quite pretty, aren’t they?” A curious smoky veil faded out the blue of David’s eyes.
Rio stared back. “If I knew what you were talking about I could agree or disagree.”
“The tattoos.”
“Oh!”
She stared down to where the delicate white, blue, and lavender-shaded feather along the inside of her right breast swooped up from beneath the rounded neckline of her tank top.
“I’m sorry. “He hesitated, measuring his words. “I was unkind yesterday.”
“It’s fine. You don’t have to like tattoos.”
“In the army I saw plenty of, how should I say it kindly? Unfortunate ones. It wasn’t fair to judge by those standards.”
“I was picky about mine. I knew I wanted beautiful art. They represent a lot of savings and, some would say, wastefulness.”
“How many do you have?”
She hesitated. “I have six.”
His eyebrows twitched a fraction higher, but he nodded and scratched his nose self-consciously. He looked positively cute in his awkwardness.
“Are they showable?”
She smiled and couldn’t help arching her own brow. “Not all of them.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed. Warmth flooded her cheeks.
“I expect that was a rude question considering my actions last night. I never apologized.”
She looked instinctively down the barn aisle.
“It’s all right,” he assured her. “I sent Bonnie back to the house to get something to drink. I wanted to say I’m sorry.”
“We’re adults. I didn’t exactly run screaming, David.”
“No. And I was glad you didn’t. Although tell me nothing happened during that kiss and I’ll feel a lot better.”
Over the two days they’d known each other the only thing she’d grown slightly self-confident about was teasing him, and suddenly she couldn’t even do that. So much had happened during the kiss she didn’t dare open her mouth.
He nodded. “That’s what I thought.”



GOOD GUYS WEAR BLACK

Release Date:  October 14, 2014



                  AMAZON    BARNES & NOBLE    iBOOKS   


EXCERPT: 

Rose stood. “Time for dessert. You have birthday cupcakes from The Bread Basket,” she said. “I totally wimped out on making you a cake. There just wasn’t time after work. But next year, I promise it’ll be homemade.”
“Oh? So you’re promising me next year, too?” Dewey’s eyebrows cocked in anticipation.
“Unless I get fired. In which case, I may not live here so you’d be on your own.”
“Get fired.” He mocked her. “Wouldn’t worry.”
“Then I’m sure in a year I’ll at least still know where you work.”
Two cupcakes each, a rousing game of Wii bowling, and a hair tousle before sending Jesse off to bed later, Dewey stood at the door with Rose, his new hat cocked sexily back on his head ala Brett Maverick. She played with his bangs, straightening them beneath the brim.
“Tomorrow night,” he whispered, “can’t come soon enough.”
“I don’t know. You seem a little dangerous now in that black hat. Kind of villainous. Maybe I should stay away.”
“Oh, no you don’t. And you’d best not leave town before I get a chance to tie you to the railroad tracks.”
“But isn’t there always a guy in a white hat that comes along then and gets the girl back?”
“Hey, you picked the black, sweetheart.”
“I didn’t. Jesse did. There was no talking him out of it.”
“So you wish it was white, then.”
She rested the four fingers of each hand on his cheeks and stroked his mustache with her thumbs. She’d grown so used to it she rarely really looked at the thick, well-groomed hair above his lip anymore. She liked it. It was as much a part of him as his nose. But she still wondered what he’d looked like without it.
“No. You’re such a goody guy in real life—I guess I like me a little black hat action.”
“Goody-guy?” His nose wrinkled at her again, this time in disgust. “Might as well just call me a girl.”
“Trust me, buddy, you ain’t no girl.”
They kissed, and it filled her with bubbling longing from her lips to her heated core.
“See you tomorrow at six-thirty,” he said against her mouth.

Hope that gave you a little taste of what to expect from David and Rio as well as Rose and Dewey. My question for you is this:  Dewey’s black hat was a special birthday present from Rose’s son, Jesse. My question for you is this:  Dewey’s black hat was a special birthday present from Rose’s son, Jesse. What’s the most special birthday present you’ve ever received?

Seriously, thanks for stopping by and for taking a few minutes to hear about my coming releases.  Remember:  leave a comment for a chance to win a Birthday Present goody basket. And leave your e-mail and I’ll contact you about sending a set of bookmarks!



38 comments:

  1. Lizbeth you know I loved both of your current books! I can't wait for the two new ones!!!
    Judi Borgers

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    1. Heya Judy! Aw, thanks. I'm so happy you did enjoy the first ones and I hope the next two are equally fun. Thanks for coming by and for the support you always give! Hugs!

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  2. Bang away on those drums - I'm listening!!

    The most precious birthday gift would have to be the pearls my parents gave to me for my 21st birthday. Full of beautiful memories.

    Last birthday my mother bought me a fence, or at least part of one. Such a great gift, because it was what I wanted & needed.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Hi Mary! What great gifts, both of them. Those special things we get when we're young don't necessarily resonate until we're a little older and the memories you talk about surround us every time we use the items. And, it's also fun to get to the point where the practical things we want are just as much fun to get as the pretty things. I love the fence idea! I'm asking for a deck chair--how's that for not-sexy? LOL. Thanks for being here today, Mary!

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  3. Love reading those excerpts!! So happy to hear so many of your great books are coming out so soon so I won't have to wait too long! :)

    My favorite birthday gift was ring my parents gave me for my birthday with our birthstones set in hearts.

    Happy birthday, Lizbeth!!
    thebigbluewall77 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh, Anita, thank you so much! It'll be fun/interesting/intimidating to have two come out back to back, but I'm looking forward to them. Hope they "live up" to great! I'm proud of them for sure.

      Love the birthstone ring idea--I'll bet that ring is still special to you, too! Thanks for coming by and for the sweet compliment!

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  4. Hey, happy birthday!! You've had a busy week.

    When was the cover reveal for Rose and Dewey's book? I missed it somehow. Love it, in any case. You had good luck with the heroes on both these covers.

    Don't need to send me anything, but my favorite birthday gift was the kitten I got when I was 7. She was my very best (and sometimes only) friend for 14 years.

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    1. Awww, I hadn't heard the kitten story before. What a cool present for a kid! As for the cover reveal--it's never been officially official--I just trickle it out now and then. I'll do a full-fledged something after BEAUTY comes out--but, for now, it's just part of the teasers. So--you didn't miss anything :-P. Thanks for stopping by my dear friend!!

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  5. Happy early birthday! My birthday is in September as well as mine daughters. I love to read, I seem to always have a book in my hands, and thankfully both of children do the same.

    jenniferalbert1982@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Jennifer! Sounds like you're raising those kids up absolutely right! A child with a book in his or her hands is one of my favorite sights in the world. My granddaughter is just 4 months old and we all read to her already--it's the best! Happy September birthdays to you all!

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  6. Congrats on your new books!

    My best gifts were kisses and hugs from my two babies.

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    1. Love the excerpt BTW! Sounds great!

      Maybe31 at yahoo.com

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    2. Okay, now how could anyone beat kisses from your kids? That's just plain the best! And thanks--glad the excerpts were fun. Hope the books stand the test :-) Thanks for coming by, May!

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  7. Happy birthday! Sweater

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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    1. Hi BN100--you know what? You can NEVER go wrong with sweaters! Thanks for being your faithful self and stopping by!

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  8. The best birthday present is the one I received from my two little grandsons. They gave me a book that they picked out, a coffee mug and a lovely photo of them. They also made me a birthday card. I had tears in my eyes because it was given to me with love. It was priceless.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. That is so cool, Rita. My first grandchild is just 4 mos. and I get to spend my official birthday (tomorrow) babysitting her! To me that's a fabulous gift! I can just imagine what those little-boy gifts meant to you! Thanks so much for sharing the story!

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  9. Oh my gosh what a wonderful prize. momtr3@yahoo.com

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    1. Glad you think so, Bonnie! Good luck with the drawing and I'll contact you about sending bookmarks regardless! Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. They sound so good. Best present I ever gave anyone was a son on my husband's birthday. kronqueen@aol.com

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    1. Thanks Laura! How super-cool that your son and hubby share a birthday (I assume that's what you meant :-) ) Do you have awesome double celebrations??

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  11. Can't wait to read them both! Hope your day is amazing. tjones4317@charter.net

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    1. Hey Tabitha--thanks so, so much--that's so sweet of you. Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. Jennifer SchultheisAugust 12, 2014 at 2:15 PM

    Hope your birthday is awesome and I can't wait to read both these books. The covers are great! My mother died before 23rd birthday and the best present I received was a framed photo of us together...My email is schultheis319@aol.com

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    1. Aw, Jennifer, I'm so sorry about your mom--it's hard to lose a parent no matter what but especially hard when you're as young as you were. Glad you have the precious picture. I have one like that of my father-in-law and me--still gives me warm fuzzies and tears after 20 years. Hugs to you--and thanks so much for sharing the story of the gift!

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  13. Happy Birthday! As you know I love your books. Congrats on your two upcoming books, looking forward to reading. sbart79@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Shari!! Waving furiously to you in KS!!! So great of you to come by, my friend. Hope all is well. Hope you enjoy the stories as well!

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  14. They both sound great. Congrats!!

    My best was my first kitten. I had wanted one forever.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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    1. Thanks, Donna--it's so nice of you to come by and comment. And a kitten! I had animals growing up but never got one for a present. I think that would make it extra-special, and you'd know your pet was 100% yours! Glad you got your kitty!!

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  15. Happy Birthday! My favorite birthday gift was necklace and earring set from my daughter. I am looking forward to reading BEAUTY AND THE BRIT and GOOD GUYS WEAR BLACK.

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    1. Hi Emma! And, I'll bet you still have that necklace and the earrings! Gifts from our kids are the absolute best, aren't they? I hope you enjoy the new books when they come out. I'm excited for them--hope my friends and new readers are too! Thanks for being here today!

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  16. Both books sound great! You had me at Norwegian Minnesotan. My much loved and missed Mother-in-law was also proud to claim these roots!
    My best birthday gift was the birth of a daughter the day after I turned 20. A Valentine that won't be forgotten!
    I would love to accept and share your bookmarks.
    Bampaw6@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Wow, Ellen, such a great story all the way around. So, because of your mother-in-law, your daughter has a little Norski in her, right? A little is good enough, as we say. :-D And--she'll always have a young mom, too! Where are you living now? Any ties still in Minnesota? Thanks so much for offering to share bookmarks--I'll be sure you get some, you betcha!!

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  17. Happy birthday (tomorrow) Liz! You should be like my sister.... she declares September her birthday month. She doesn't like to limit it to one day. :)

    While I'm looking forward to Beauty and the Brit, I can't fair to get my grubby paws on Dewy's story!

    I've had so many wonderful birthday gifts that it is hard to pick one. When I was 6 (a very long time ago) my neighbor boy was at my party. He handed me a card and I was disappointed that he didn't get me a present. I opened the card and a birthstone ring was in it. That moment he became my first love.

    Bang that drum Sistah!
    Your maxi me
    Julie
    blameitonabook at gmail dot com

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  18. Hi Lizbeth :)
    First of all I want to wish you a very happy and special birthday tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day.

    I am really loving the sneak peeks of the new books. I cant wait to pick them up and dive into reading them. Just in time for my bday too. What a great present that will be.

    The most special thing I have ever gotten for my birthday would have to be a couple pieces of jewelry that my late grandmother gave to me. Especially my pearl ring. It never leaves my finger and I always wear it proudly. Miss her so much.

    Texasaggie159@gmail.com

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  19. Happy birthday, Lizbeth! You're a very busy lady which only means good things for us readers!! Hope you have a spectacular day celebrating before sharing more of your wonderful books with us. :)

    For me, any time someone gives me books or something related to hockey, it becomes my favorite birthday gift and luckily, my family and friends are really good indulging me with those gifts!

    ahui89 at hotmail dot com

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  20. Happy Belated B-day ! ! ! Looking forward to both books. Got myself a nook several years ago and with my love of books and Ty beanie babies B & N gift cards work for both.
    sajmazar@yahoo.com

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  21. Happy Belated Birthday, Lizbeth! As my gift to you...I preordered Beauty and the Brit on Amazon. ;)

    My lovely MIL always gives me a large giftcard from a bookstore for my birthday. I lucked out in the in-law department.

    Marcy Shuler
    bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com

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