Confusing week for me

I thought I had my path clearly spelled out. My plan was to plot out my latest romance novel, a science fiction romance, and have it all finished, so I could start writing in June as part of a summer book challenge.

But now, I've got a rejection for my latest historical, with a request to revise and resubmit. I know if I follow my editor's suggestions, she'll likely contract this manuscript, while I have no idea yet who I'll submit the sci-fi to whenever I manage to get that one finished.

So, I'm doing the turnabout once again. The historical romance goes to the top of my to-do pile, while the sci-fi gets put on the back burner again.

Although I do like to switch back and forth with multiple projects, it's hard to stay focused on two major projects. So, my plan now is to complete the revision on the historical, resubmit, then resume plotting. I have the opening chapters of the new book plotted out anyway, so can at least start writing in June, plotting further along as I go.

So, that's my plan for now, unless something else crops up.

The life of a freelance writer, I guess.

Confederate Rose takes 2nd place!!

I am so thrilled that my Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, has taken 2nd place in the historical category of the 2010 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Contest.

This story is not your typical Civil War romance, since the heroine, Katie Rose O'Reilly, is a soldier in the Confederate army. Her story is loosely based on real women who fought for both North and South at the time of the Civil War. A time when women weren't considered capable of serving the army in any fashion.

Since Civil War romance isn't a popular choice for editors with the big NY publishers, I was gratified that my editor, Allison Byers, and publisher, The Wild Rose Press, would even consider publishing this story and even more gratified that readers love it! But without TWRP, Katie's story wouldn't be available for readers to find at all.

Just one of those days

Had way too much to do this morning and book promotion ate into my normal writing hours. I posted excerpts from all my stories on my email loops, then remembered I was supposed to post over at Slip Into Something Victorian. So, if you'd like to stop over there, I'm posting about what I do to promote my books and myself.

A rejection on a dark, rainy day

Just got a rejection for my latest manuscript, Cassidy's War. But you know, it's not all that bad. The editor had a lot of great things to say about the submission and only had one problem, but gave me a lot of ideas on how to fix it. And although fixing that problem will require a whole lot of rewriting, I've decided I'm going to do it.

The suggestions will make the manuscript better, so why not put a little more work into an already good manuscript to make it great!

For now, I'll put it aside until I finish up some other projects, then I'll tackle it head on. If you're serious about writing you have to learn to write and revise, revise, revise.

It's a beautiful day!

Finally, after months of bone-chilling, buried in snow, or drowning in buckets of rain weather, we're experiencing our first real touch of spring. The temps are supposed to rise to 72 degrees here.

And it's making it all that much harder to stick at my desk and work. But I put in more than a solid hour of plotting out my science fiction romance story. For now, I'm calling it Jason's Honor, although that might change. I have the general plot worked out and for now, am working on a scene by scene outline. Although I have a lot of blank pages right now, the beginning and end of the story are really starting to jell. Just have to work on that darned middle.

I've also been working on an idea for a short comtemporary romance and ideas were flashing through my head early this morning, while I was busy with my workout and household things. Just have to sit my butt in the chair with my pad and write them down. That little story is starting to come alive too. It always seems the ideas come when I'm doing non-writing related things.

Feeling a bit off today

I just can't seem to get into the swing of things. Guess I can blame it on the switch to daylight savings time or the cloudy, dreary day we're having.

Although I got up at my usual time and have been on the go all day, I don't feel like I'm accomplishing much.

I should have already put in an hour on the plot for my science fiction romance, but just can't seem to psych myself up to open the file. So, what have I been doing?

A lot of promo. I've joined the TWRP authors over at Rites of Romance Chatters to showcase excerpts from all my TWRP books. So, I guess I have accomplished something. If I could only get myself to open that plot file, maybe I could actually have a very good day--writing wise.

Confederate Rose is a finalist in the Reader's Choice Bean Pot Contest!!

Here's the full list.

2010 New England Reader’s Choice Bean Pot Award
Announcing Finalists

Finalists are listed in alphabetical order.
***NEC Member

Short Contemporary Finalists
Colorado Christmas – CC Coburn
Healing the Boss’s Heart – Valerie Hansen
Meant To Be – Donna Marie Rogers

Long Contemporary Finalists
Hope Street – Judith Arnold***
Hot Flash – Kathy Carmichael
Spinning Forward – Terri DuLong

Historical Finalists
If He’s Sinful – Hannah Howell***
Confederate Rose – Susan Macatee
Wickedly Ever After – Michelle Marcos

Romantic Suspense Finalists
Operation Sheba – Misty Evans
No Alibi – Valerie Hansen
More Than Great Riches – Jan Washburn

Erotica Finalists – (this category had a tie in one of placements – hence the four finalists)
Illegal Moves – Dalton Diaz***/Samantha Cayto***
Adored – Tina Donahue
Do You Trust Me – Desiree Holt
Past Lies – Shayla Kerstan

Future/Fantasy/Time Travel/Paranormal Finalists
A Highlander of Her Own – Melissa Mayhue
Desire Untamed – Pamela Palmer
Ghost of A Chance – Judi Phillips***

Blogging about past lives

I'm blogging today about past lives over at Slip Into Something Victorian.

Care to share your stories?

Reviews and excerpt for Confederate Rose

Of my Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, reviewer Suzie Housley of Romance Junkies said, "Blended with a well developed romance, this historical is one that will grab hold of your heart and tear at your emotions. I highly recommend this charming historical..."

And 4.5 stars from The Romance Studio.

Reviewer Brenda Talley said, "This book is action-packed romance...even I was suprised how good it was..."

Read full reviews at www.susanmacatee.com/Reviews.html

Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.Katie falls in love with the caring gentlemen stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is it possible to put aside her quest for revenge to save the man she loves?

Excerpt:

"What? Are you telling me you were kissing him?" His blood heated at the thought of her moving on to another man.

"I was tryin' to escape."

"By kissing him?"

"Aye." Anger flashed in her eyes. "And it was working until you came along and hit the poor lad."

He grasped her forearm and pulled her from the guardhouse. They couldn't stay here debating. "Come on, we've got to get out of camp. I fear I've compromised my cover."

"But what about Nate?" she protested. "You may have killed him."

Sighing, Alex knelt and felt for a pulse. The lad's breathing was regular, his pulse steady. "Reckon he'll be out for awhile, but aside from a nasty headache and some bruising, he should be all right." He rose and glanced into the guardhouse. "They’ll reckon you clobbered him when he came for your dinner plate." He caught her worried gaze. "Now, let's skedaddle."

She nodded, but eyed him again. "Why are you dressed as a priest?"

"It's a disguise. I'm ministering to the Rebel soldiers." His eyes roved to the white vee of her bosom. "Button your shirt before we go. We don't want to attract any more attention."

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/confederate-rose-p-3672.html?zenid=d466a16ae737375a08cc9653a27a78e8

Read the opening chapters at www.susanmacatee.com/confederateroseone.html

Blogging about Abraham Lincoln's prophetic dream...

...over at Slip Into Something Victorian today.

What reviewers are saying about Erin's Rebel

4. 5 hearts from Night Owl Reviews!!

"I love historical romances and Susan Macatee did a beautiful job with this one. I loved that Erin is definitely a 21st century woman yet yearns for that all consuming love that she cannot find right now. William is all she has been searching for in a man, but he is in another century. Erin will do anything she can to find out what her part in his life is even it if means her own life."

4 books at Long and Short Reviews!!

"Reading Erin's Rebel was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that any fan of historical romance won't want to miss."

Fantastic, Stays on Shelf from Between the Lines, WRDF Reviews!

"I loved the author's gentle hand with detail, her convincing touch with romance, and the twists and turns that she creates before a thoroughly satisfying ending... This book's well worth keeping on my shelf..."

"Beautifully Done Historical Romance" at ParaNormal Romance!

"Recommended read for paranormal and historical romance readers or if you simply enjoy a good love story!"

4 lips at TwoLips Reviews!!

"Erin's Rebel is rich in history and mystery. Every time I thought I had the book figured out, Ms. Macatee came up with a new twist and another piece of the puzzle. I was delighted to find a time travel with a real reason for going back in time. Anyone who loves history, time travel and stories with unexpected twists will definitely enjoy this awesome book."

To read full reviews, visit my website at www.susanmacatee.com/Reviews.html

Blurb and excerpt:

Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry and up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past change those plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp. Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her. Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt:

The sound of her name on his lips made her skin tingle. She tore the paper off the package. At the sight of the brooch, her breath caught.

"Do you like it?" he asked anxiously. "I had it made just for you."

Eyeing him, she had a hard time finding her voice. This was Erin O'Connell's brooch, the very one that had sent her back in time. It shone in her hands, new and unworn from time and wear.

What did this mean? She must be following Erin O'Connell’s footsteps. As far as she knew her being here hadn’t changed anything. Will was still destined to die this year.

"I didn’t mean to upset you, Erin. If you don't want the brooch--"

"No." She clasped the pin against her chest as the meaning of his gift sank in. "It just means so much to me."

His look of concern softened into a lopsided grin. "I'm happy you feel that way."

"Thank you, Will." She slipped the brooch into the pocket of her wrapper, then stood on her toes, lifting her arms to circle his neck. She kissed his cheek, inhaling his musky scent.

His mouth was on hers, hot and urgent. The softness of his moustache and chin beard tickled her lips. She opened to him, her tongue slipping inside to taste him thoroughly. He groaned, pressing the length of his body against her.

Erin's Rebel, available from The Wild Rose Press

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=6341de937e309efa1f2fec4b82e414d4

Read opening chapters www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel.html

Sent off my latest project today

It took about a year from first planning to final proofread, but I finally finished up my post Civil War historical romance, Cassidy's War.

After sending my query and the synopsis, I got the request for the full. So, it's sent off and I can take a much needed breather.

But I'm already thinking ahead to my newest project. A science fiction romance that I've been struggling with for over a year. I've decided I really like the characters in this new story, but want to make some major changes to the plot.

It's really exciting to finish off one project and dive right into a new one.

But I also need to work on some things I've neglected as of late, like blogging and book promotion for the books I've already had published.

Have to work a bit of time in for everything, I guess.

And since I'm snowed in yet again, I've got time to reflect on what direction I want to go next.

Trying to get back in the swing of things

The recent holiday season put me behind as well as other non-writing activities I've had to deal with and those distracting reviews that seem to come in all at one time, but I'm almost finished the edits on my newest work in progress, Cassidy's War.

If you haven't already read it on my website, here's the blurb:

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy's War is just beginning.Cassidy Stuart has longed to be a doctor for as long as she can remember. Growing up watching her physician father attend patients and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to attend medical school and start a practice of her own. But in 1870, prejudice against female physicians still abounds. And things grow more complicated by the return of the man who'd left her at the altar five years before, the rakish ex-soldier turned professional gambler, George Masters.

George has been on the run, settling in New York City to live the life of a gambler, while trying to forget hellish memories of the death of his best friend, Cassidy's brother, at Gettysburg, as well as his time in a Confederate prison camp. But his biggest regret was deserting Cassidy two days before their wedding. She deserved a better man, or so he'd thought at the time. Will he now have a second chance to win a place in her heart?

Just have about 20 pages left to edit, then after I check a few notes I'd made during my edits, I'll start on the dreaded synopsis.

Hope to have the query and synopsis in my editor's inbox by mid February.

Wish me luck!

Feeling overwhelmed...

... but in a good way!

While trying to complete edits on my post Civil War work-in-progress and keeping up with posts for a workshop that's helping me with my next wip, I learned my latest anthology, An American Rose Christmas, won book of the week at Long and Short Reviews!

Check it out!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

Giving away copy of Erin's Rebel

If you liked the latest review for my time travel, Erin's Rebel, you'll have a chance to win a pdf copy over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. I'm talkin about how Civil War reenacting was the main influence in creating this story.

Another great review for Erin's Rebel!!

I just received a four lips review from TwoLips Reviews for my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

This is what reviewer, Sal, had to say, "Erin's Rebel is rich in history and mystery. Every time I thought I had the book figured out, Ms. Macatee came up with a new twist and another piece of the puzzle. I was delighted to find a time travel with a real reason for going back in time. Anyone who loves history, time travel and stories with unexpected twists will definitely enjoy this awesome book."

To read the full review, follow this link http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4613&Itemid=36

To purchase Erin's Rebel http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=5784c42012f239710ffbeb581360a420

Wow!!!!

Just found out that besides getting another great review on Christmas Day, Erin's Rebel has received a nomination in the romance book category of the Preditors and Editors Poll.

If you feel inclined, I'd appreciate your vote. Polls close on January 14th.

And you can also vote for Northern Roses and Southern Belles in the anthology section.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/

Found a Christmas present I'd missed!

A great new review for Erin's Rebel posted on Christmas Day at ParaNormalRomance! Reviewer Karen Michelle Nutt called Erin's Rebel, "Beautifully Done Historical Romance."

She also said, "Recommended Read for paranormal and historical romance readers or it you simply enjoy and good love story!"

Read full review at ParaNormalRomance.org

Winner of An American Rose Christmas download!

Joan K. Maze is the winner of the drawing for a pdf download of An American Rose Christmas at Slip Into Something Victorian!

Congratulations, Joan! Enjoy!

And a big thanks to all who entered!

Still time to leave a comment...

...over at Slip Into Something Victorian for the chance to win a pdf copy of An American Rose Christmas anthology.

My Civil War romance story The Christmas Ball is included. Read excerpt in post below.

Winner of box of romance books!!

The winner of the box of romance books is Karen Michelle Nutter!

Congratulations, Karen!! And a big thanks to everyone who stopped to read my excerpts this week.

Final day to enter to win box of books!

Today is the final day of my excerpt posts and also the last day to leave a comment to be entered in the box of books drawing! Scroll all the way down for the details.

This excerpt is from my December 11th upcoming release in the anthology An American Rose Christmas from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb for my story, The Christmas Ball.

While pretending to be a male soldier, farm girl Sara Brewster falls for a handsome Union army surgeon. When her secret is revealed, will a lavish Christmas Eve ball work in her favor--or will her heart be broken?

Excerpt from The Christmas Ball

She rose, rubbing her hands over her arms. "You won't tell on me, will you? My parents depend on the money I send home."

He sighed. "Not if you don't want me to, but I don't think this is a wise idea. You could serve just as well as a civilian nurse."

She shook her head. "I wouldn't make near enough money, and I like being a soldier."

He rose and settled his hand on her shoulder. "I won't betray your trust, Sara...er, Miss Brewster. I promise."

Her sharp intake of breath sent his gaze to her face. Her full lips parted and a blush colored her cheeks. He ran his hand down her arm and took her hand. It was work-roughened, the nails broken, but small, making her seem vulnerable and frail. She'd had a hard life by her reckoning. He wanted to do something for her, to help lighten her workload.

To his surprise, she lifted his hand to her face and kissed the back of it. The softness of her lips on his knuckles sent a shiver through him."Miss Brewster," he said. "This isn't a good idea."

She drew in a deep breath. "Doc Ellison, I've longed to do this ever since I first set eyes on you."

Although the e-book isn't available until December 11th, the print version is already out at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/American-Rose-Christmas-Lori-Anne/dp/1601547293/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260018791&sr=1-1and Barnes and Noble.com, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=an+american+rose+christmas&box=an%20american%20&pos=1 as well as The Wild Rose Press as part of the Christmas bundles http://www.thewildrosepress.com/bundles-c-193.html.

And be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win the box of books! Winner to be announced on Monday, December 7th.

Vampire E-book excerpt

My historical vampire romance, Sweet Redemption, is now available from The Wild Rose Press. Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for the box of romance books. Scroll all the way down for details.

Reviewer, Fern, of Long and Short Reviews said, "I love books that snag your attention from the start and maintain it throughout, and Sweet Redemption didn't disappoint. The writing is wonderful, the pace is nice and brisk, and the romance between Jon and Maddie is set at a believable simmer...But sure to put this book on your TBR list..."

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She's alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family's farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. "Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?" he said, under his breath.

"What?" Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. "Please, tell me what’s going on?"

Jon sighed. "When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied." He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. "What or who attacked you?"

"I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria." Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf's blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon’s throat. "He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me."

Mrs. Emery gasped. "You're not saying this man--"

"He bit me on the throat." Jon pushed his hand through his hair. "I don't know exactly what he is, but he's not human."

"That's who you believe was at the door?"

Jon nodded. "I don't know how, but I now have a connection to him." He fingered the bumps on his throat. "I know things about him I shouldn't possibly know."

Purchase Sweet Redemption at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sweet-redemption-p-3750.html?zenid=73ef5f5aba10c9b0be659aae8baa5723

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the box of books drawing.

Excerpt from Civil War romance, Confederate Rose

In the latest review from You Gotta Read Reviews, reviewer Martha said, "The writing flowed smoothy. I liked the way the romance developed between Katie and Alex. The conflicting emotions they each face make this an engaging story. If you like a romance wrapped in the conflicts of the Civil War you will definitely enjoy this book!"

And remember to leave a comment on this or any of the previous posts to be entered in the box of books contest. Scroll down to see list of books.

Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant Katie Rose O'Reilly vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. When she falls and almost drowns in a swollen stream, Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever, keeping his identity secret from the feisty and beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himseld falling in love with her. Can Katie reconcile her loyalties with her love?

Excerpt:

"I'm hating to have to say it, since I'd accused you of being a thief, but I stole something from you." She looked away.

"What could you...?" He racked his mind trying to figure out what she could have taken.

"I went through yer pack."

"In Patrick's tent?"

"No, weeks ago back at the cabin. I went through it to try to learn more about you when you were in the stable. I found a letter and took it but didn't have time to read it until now."

Alex swallowed.

"It was a Federal dispatch. Yer a Yankee."

His chest tightened. No wonder he'd been unable to find the dispatch. She'd had it all along. "What do you intend to do?" He hoped she wouldn't discover his real motive. He could never harm her.

"You lied to me the whole time," she said, disbelief marring her delicate features.

He exhaled the breath he'd held. "I had no choice."

"If I'd known you to be a Yankee, I'd have shot you the first chance I got." Her eyes glittered in the light of the fire. "You touched me...pretended to care fer me. And all the while, you lied to me."

The raw hurt on her face broke his heart. He'd deceived her. He couldn't deny it. "What do you intend to do?" he asked again.

She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, Alex, but 'tis me duty to turn you in."

To purchase Confederate Rose http://www.thewildrosepress.com/confederate-rose-p-3672.html?zenid=fe79a522823b0fc76fbc5070e6f44e13

Read opening chapters at www.susanmacatee.com/confederateroseone.html

And be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win the box of books!

Excerpt from Civil War romance anthology story

Leave a comment on this post or any other this week and you'll be entered in the drawing for the box of romance books. Scroll down for details.

TwoLips Reviews gave the anthology Northern Roses and Southern Belles 41/2 lips!

About my story, Angel of My Dreams, "Ms. Macatee's tale was a bittersweet morsel of a dream and a hope that Kyle and Josie will find on another in time. Angel of My Dreams stole my heart and Ms. Macatee made this story all the more real by using her knowledge of history and creating characters with deep emotions that break your heart."

When Civil War reenactor, Kyle Dalton, keeps seeing a beautiful woman on the battlefield tending to soldiers, he thinks she's another reenactor. But when she disappears into thin air, he starts to believe he's seen a ghost. Did he have a past life with this woman?

Excerpt:

A chill ran down Kyle's spine. Josie, that's the name Derek said he'd been calling out last night. "What reenactment group you with?"

She bit her lip. "I'm afraid I don't understand your question, sir."

"You're not with a group? How about one of the civilian groups?"

"Oh, no. I'm here on my own. I want to help in whatever way I can."

Kyle decided to take a different track. "Do you live near Philadelphia?"

"I live in the city, on Chestnut Street."

He glanced at her ring finger. Empty. "Most ladies in my group come with their husbands or boyfriends."

"No. As I said, I'm here on my own."

"Well, can I walk you back to camp? Or are you staying off-site?"

She frowned again. "I stay with the other nurses."

"Great. Lead on, and I'll walk you back."

She smiled, and he reached for her arm. His hand closed on air. "What the hell?"

She gazed at him. "I can't stay."

She dissolved before his eyes.

Angel of My Dreams, part of Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles, available now from The Wild Rose Press.

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/northern-roses-and-southern-belles-p-3578.html?zenid=3943ba6b984b80b8d69470519c93ba99

Scroll down to see the list of books I'm giving away. Leave a comment to enter the drawing.

Erin's Rebel excerpt

I'll be posting an excerpt a day from all my new releases, starting with my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. All comments this week will be entered in the box of books giveaway. Scroll down for details.

Night Owl Romance reviewer Melinda says, "Susan Macatee did a great job in showing the full details about the Civil War and lovers reuniting. This is definitely a book worth reading for it brings the war into real focus. Betrayal and a romance that spans all time are brought to life."

Blurb:

Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the change those plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp. Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her. Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt:

"Ma'am," someone called, startling her. "I'm mighty pleased to see you're up."

She turned in the direction of the deep voice. Am I dreaming? She licked her dry lips as she stared into the dark eyes that had haunted her dreams.

"Ma'am? You look a might peaked."

As he moved closer, her knees turned to jelly. Strong, hard-muscled arms embraced her, offering support. Her head spun. She lifted a hand to stop the motion and encountered wool, a double row of metal buttons and a rock-hard chest. The enticing aroma of sandalwood mixed with a musky, masculine scent, plus a tinge of wood smoke invaded her senses. Had she hit her head harder than she'd thought?

She gazed at his lightly tanned face. Firm lips tilted upward slightly at the corners surrounded by a thin chocolate-colored mustache curving into a neatly-trimmed beard covering only his chin. Thick, dark hair brushed his collar and curled from beneath a broad-brimmed black hat. Her pulse raced as she leaned against his long, solid frame. Night after night in her dreams she'd run her hands through those curls.

"How can you be here?" she murmured.

"Pardon me, ma'am?"

"I don't understand." She tried to wrench from his grasp, but he gathered her close, lifting her into his arms. "What are you doing?"

"Taking you back where you belong?" He carried her back to the tent entrance where Doc peered out.

Erin's Rebel, available at The Wild Rose Press.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=6392197bd8e43ed12cbcdf3cacc949c7

And remember to leave a comment to be entered in the box of books drawing. See list of books in post below.

Book Giveaway!

I’m cleaning out my bookshelves to make room for more and am giving away a box of 12 romance titles! These are older copyright dates and are gently used. List is below.

If they spike your interest, just leave a comment on any post from November 30th through December 5th and you’ll be entered in the drawing to win the box of books. Contest limited to U.S. residents.

Book titles and authors

The Grail King by Joy Nash

Heart of Honor by Kat Martin

Cold Ridge by Carla Neggers

Lover’s Bite by Maggie Shayne

Morning Light by Catherine Anderson

The Gift by Nora Roberts

Redemption by Carolyn Davidson

Temptation of a Proper Governess by Cathy Maxwell

Lady Anne’s Dangerous Man by Jeane Westin

Hawk’s Pursuit by Constance O’Banyon

Portrait of a Man by Tracy Fobes

Out of the Night by Robin T. Popp

If you leave a comment, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you, if you're the winner.

New review for Sweet Redemption

I just got a great review for my short Civil War vampire romance, Sweet Redemption! LASR gave it 4 books!

Reviewer, Fern, said, "I love books that snag your attention from the start and maintain it throughout, and Sweet Redemption didn't disappoint. The writing is wonderful, the pace is nice and brisk, and the romance between Jon and Maddie is set at a believable simmer."

Full review at:

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/sweet-redemption-by-susan-macatee.html

Christmas story available in print!

My latest release, The Christmas Ball, part of the anthology, An American Rose Christmas, is already available in print as an early bird special at The Wild Rose Press!

Includes novellas by Beth Trissel, Carol A. Spradling, Donna Dalton, Lauri Robinson, Tori Anne and myself.

Reclaimed by his wealthy uncle, former Shawnee captive Corwin Whitfield finds life with his adopted people at an end and reluctantly enters the social world of 1764. His one aim is to run back to the colonial frontier at his first opportunity--until he meets Uncle Randolph's ward, Dimity Scott.

Tory captain Dr. Nicolas Clayton discovers stolen military secrets on a severely injured female spy. When her wounds heal, Holly Masters must decide if she can kill the man who saved her life.

While pretending to be a male soldier, farm girl Sara Brewster falls for a handsome Union army surgeon. When her secret is revealed, will a lavish Christmas Eve ball work in her favor--or will her heart be broken?

Southern belle Marybeth Dawson discovers Santa Claus can't cross the Mason Dixon line--but handsome Union soldier, Trevor Sulton can.When a strong willed upper class New York girl falls for a dashing, compassionate stable boy, it will take a Christmas miracle to bring them together. Thankfully, true love is on their side.

All reformed prostitute Eva Baird wants for Christmas is to have her daughter back in her arms. But gun-toting outlaws, spiteful in-laws, and a sweet-talking stranger with arresting gray eyes threaten to turn her dream into a lump of coal.

Excerpt from my story, The Christmas Ball

She rose, rubbing her hands over her arms. "You won't tell on me, will you? My parents depend on the money I send home."

He sighed. "Not if you don't want me to, but I don't think this is a wise idea. You could serve just as well as a civilian nurse."

She shook her head. "I wouldn't make near enough money, and I like being a soldier."

He rose and settled his hand on her shoulder. "I won't betray your trust, Sara...er, Miss Brewster. I promise."

Her sharp intake of breath sent his gaze to her face. Her full lips parted and a blush colored her cheeks. He ran his hand down her arm and took her hand. It was work-roughened, the nails broken, but small, making her seem vulnerable and frail. She'd had a hard life by her reckoning. He wanted to do something for her, to help lighten her workload.

To his surprise, she lifted his hand to her face and kissed the back of it. The softness of her lips on his knuckles sent a shiver through him."Miss Brewster," he said. "This isn't a good idea."

She drew in a deep breath. "Doc Ellison, I've longed to do this ever since I first set eyes on you."

Blogging about vampires and Civil War battles

Blogging today at Slip Into Something Victorian about how the real-life Civil War battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia plays a big part in my newly released vampire novella, Sweet Redemption.

The Winner!

The winner of the pdf download of Sweet Redemption on Dariel Raye's blog is... Patsy!

Contact me at susanmacatee@aol.com so I can send your prize.

Release Day for Sweet Redemption

My latest release, Sweet Redemption is available today at The Wild Rose Press.

And Dariel Raye is interviewing my hero, Jonathan Hackett, on her blog today. If you leave a comment on the interview post, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a pdf copy of the anthology.

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She's alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family's farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. "Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?" he said, under his breath.

"What?" Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. "Please, tell me what’s going on?"

Jon sighed. "When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied." He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. "What or who attacked you?"

"I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria." Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf's blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon’s throat. "He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me."

Mrs. Emery gasped. "You're not saying this man--"

"He bit me on the throat." Jon pushed his hand through his hair. "I don't know exactly what he is, but he's not human."

"That's who you believe was at the door?"Jon nodded. "I don't know how, but I now have a connection to him." He fingered the bumps on his throat. "I know things about him I shouldn't possibly know."

New Review for Civil War Anthology

We just received a new review for the Civil War anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles. TwoLips Reviews gave it a 4.5 lip review.

Here's what reviewer, Sal, said about my story:

"Ms. Macatee's tale was a bittersweet morsel of a dream and a hope that Kyle and Josie will find one another in time. Angel of My Dreams stole my heart and Ms. Macatee made this story all the more real by using her knowledge of history and creating characters with deep emotions that break your heart."

Read the full review and those for the other stories at TwoLips Reviews. http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4490&Itemid=36

And the winner is...

Winner of the pdf copy of the Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf anthology is Skhye!

Congratulations!!

Interview with hero from Shadow State

I'm such a lucky romance author! Today I get to interview another were hero from the anthology Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf.


So, sit back and and enjoy a visit with the Christoph of the novella, Shadow State.


1. First, let’s dispense with the formalities. What is your full name?
Christoph von Berangar Alpha of Clan the Arminius. I have many other formalities, the list is long and ancient, but you, my dear Susan, may call me Christoph.


2. Where are you from?
A small estate in Osnabrück Lower Saxony Germany. It’s in the Teutoburg Forest. We’ve lived there for centuries, the Arminius Clan, keeping to ourselves as much as possible though we love our country.


3. Shape shifting – that must be frightening. How did it happen?
How? I do not know. I suppose our Clan founder, Gaius Julius Arminius (also known as Herman the German the great Germanic warrior, chieftain of the Cherusci who defeated the Roman armies the 17th, 18th and 19th legions as well as three cavalry detachments and six cohorts of auxiliaries and totalling around 20,000 men commanded by Varus in 9 AD) was bitten by a wolf. We never wrote it down, you understand. We’ve always been able to shift. It’s who we are, part of our ancestry. Shifting is as natural as breathing.


4. I’m curious… how does it feel for you when you shift into wolf form? Is it painful? Exhilarating? Does it happen on a regular basis?
I’m not sure I can describe it. As I said, it’s as natural as breathing for us. It’s a part of us, we are wölfes. If I had to use one word to describe it, I’d say it’s elegant. It’s not painful, it’s not done against our will. We shift when we wish. How as well, we have complete control over our wölfes and can transform all or a part of our human bodies into our wölfe form.


5. How can you make a life with Elsa when you spend part of your life in the form of a wolf?
*laughs* Oh, that’s easy. There are rules in our clan, rules as to who we can and cannot mate with. Lucky for me, my Elsa is a part of the clan, a member of the Von Skyler Pack, an ancient and revered Berlin Pack. She’s as fierce a wölfe as she is a doctor.


6. If you could change your destiny and become fully human, would you want to?
I’ve given this considerable thought since reading your question, my dear Susan. No. Being a wölfe is part of who I am. It’s not something I can change or trade or not be, even if given the chance. Shifting is part of it, there’s a freedom to it that I can not explain unless you can experience it. But there’s more to it than being a wölfe. I am Alpha. I lead my people…we do, Elsa and I. We care for them when they are sick or hungry. We coexist because of what we are, but we are a Clan because of who we are. I’d never change that.


7. How do you hope your conflict will be resolved?
I’m afraid the only way this conflict will be resolved is with the end to the Nazi Party. The Arminius Clan, as I’ve said, has been part of the elite Prussians for centuries. We are Germans. The Nazi’s are…poison. When my father, and Elsa’s father, fought in The Great War, we fought as Germans. Today, this madness that grips our country is not a war. It is a sickness.My dear Susan, I’d like to thank you for hosting me on your blog today. I speak for my entire Clan when I say that. We are a proud people, with a long history, and I seldom have time to share that history with outsiders. I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to Isabel’s blog. I understand you have a new…vampire?...story? Vampires, messy creatures, but alas.


I hope you all enjoyed this visit with my guest. I sure did! And don't forget to leave a comment today to be entered in the drawing to win pdf copy of the anthology, Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf.

Meet Another Got Wolf? Author: Isabel Roman

The werewolves are coming...on my blog. I'm pleased to have another author from the Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf anthology as a guest on my blog today.

Isabel Roman is author of the novella, Shadow State, a story set in Nazi Germany.

Shadow State by Isabel Roman

Fighting to prevent the Nazi's from gaining wehrwolfe army, Christoph and Elsa tread a serpentine path between an amibitious party man and their primal need for each other.


An excerpt from the Shadow State:

“Hitler,” Christoph said disgusted, “now has complete authority. This insignificant man from nowhere walked into The Reichstag, castrated them, and crowned himself like Napoleon.”

“We must take precautions, Christoph.” Hans said over his shoulder and paced to the large antique map of Germany on the far wall. Dark markers indicated the location of the Clan’s twenty Packs.

Christoph didn’t need to look at the markers. He knew where every Pack was located and where every family lived. No one moved without first informing him. During the past several years of turmoil and hardships, more members relocated to their Clan center in Lower Saxony, but thousands still lived as they had for generations.

Peter joined Hans by the map, but Christoph’s attention was drawn to the missive.

“Stories of the Chancellor’s—of the Führer’s—interest in the unusual, the occult, are surfacing,” Hans reminded. “Should just one of us be discovered--?”

Christoph looked up at his advisors, his closest friends. “We already have been.”

Isabel will be giving away a pdf copy of the anthology Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf. All you have to do is leave a comment today on this post or tomorrow when I'll be posting my interview with her were hero, Christoph.

So, be sure to stop back to see what he has to say for himself.

Another great review for Erin's Rebel!

Erin's Rebel is a "Fantastic: Stays on Shelf" pick at Between the Lines, the review site at Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction.

Reviewer Sheila Deeth said, "I loved the author's gentle hand with detail, her convincing touch with romance, and the twists and turns that she creates before a thoroughly satisfying ending...This book's well worth keeping on my shelf..."

Read full review at Between the Lines.

Congratulations, Mary Ricksen!

Mary Ricksen has won the $10.00 TWRP gift certificate on my Halloween blog!

Contact me at susanmacatee@aol.com so I can send your prize.

Interview with a werewolf

For a Halloween treat, I'd like to welcome the hero of Dariel Raye's novella, Raven's Shelter, from the anthology Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf.

1. First, let’s dispense with the formalities. What is your full name?
Raven Anthony Adler

2. Where are you from?
I’m not sure where I was born, but I grew up in the Alaskan Mountains.

3. Shape shifting – that must be frightening. How did it happen?
Well, I’m not human or were. I was born with the ability to shift at will, and one form is as natural to me as the other. I’m a sentinel – born to protect the weres in my pack. Shifting is only frightening to me when I can’t control it.

4. So your shifts aren’t controlled by the moon?
No. I’m only affected by the moon because the weres in my pack are controlled by it.

5. What are you going to do?
Sighs. First, I’m going to find my sister.

6. What’s happened to your twin sister that you have to search for her?
Syreena and I have always had the ability to communicate telepathically, but I haven’t been able to sense her lately.

7. How can you make a life with Karen Marshall when you spend part of your life in the form of a wolf?
Well, let’s just say if there’s a way, she makes me want to find it.

8. Do you think you can be what she deserves?
Loyal? Protective? Intelligent? I was born to be all those things. The real question is whether she can love me despite our differences. That would be a first in my life.

9. If you could change your destiny and become fully human, would you want to?
Frowns. That’s like asking a dog if he’d like to become a cat. I am who and what I am. I make my destiny, and it has nothing to do with becoming human.

10. How do you hope your conflict will be resolved?
I find my sister happy and healthy, and Karen really loves animals as much as she says she does. Smiles, showing a glimpse of white, yet pointed incisors.

Well, there you have it! Raven, I've enjoyed having you as a guest on my blog today.

Be sure to catch Raven's adventures in the novella Raven's Shelter in the Got Wolf? taming of the Wolf anthology available at The Wild Rose Press.

And anyone who leaves a comment today on this post will be entered in a drawing for a $10.00 TWRP gift certificate! Happy Halloween!!

Special Guest, Dariel Raye!

Author Dariel Raye is guest blogging with me today with a blurb and excerpt from her new novella in the Got Wolf? Volume 2 anthology, taming of the Wolf!

Don't you just love that cover? And the stories sound extremely delicious and just in time for Halloween!

And if you come back tomorrow, I have the privelege of interving the shape shifter hero from her story, Raven's Shelter.

“Raven’s Shelter” by Dariel Raye

Local “no-kill” expert, Dr. Karen Marshall, has spent her life learning about animals. When she rescues an extremely large wolf from an untimely death at the animal shelter, she has no idea what she has unleashed...

Hi. I’m Dariel Raye – one of the seven authors in the Got Wolf? anthologies. ”Raven’s Shelter” is a paranormal interracial romance about a veterinarian and a wolf shifter. What? You think this is a match made in heaven, too? Well, let’s just say it doesn’t start out that way. Here’s a peek at “Raven’s Shelter.”

Raven, a sentinel wolf shifter, is captured and locked in his wolf form until Karen, a veterinarian, tries to tame him and unleashes a 6'5" baby blue-eyed surprise.Dr. Karen Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…

Raven’s search for his twin sister leads him to Karen. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Karen’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.

Here’s an excerpt…

Karen rubbed her patient’s head and removed her surgical gloves. Surgery had gone well and the freshly neutered dog was doing fine. Fia approached her as soon as she stepped into the hallway. Boss, there’s this gorgeous guy here to see you. He says he’s a vet, too. He was asking Auriel if he could look around the clinic.”

“Look around? Dammit, Ron must have sent him.” She stepped into another room, removed her scrubs, and washed her hands. “Where is he? Waiting room?”

“Yep. I must say all the female clients are enjoying the view.”

Karen frowned, genuinely puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

“The view! You know – good looking man – enjoying the view? Even the pets stopped whatever they were doing and looked at this guy when he walked in here.”

Karen shook her head. “Well, view or no view, he’d better not be one of Ron’s minions coming in here to piss me off or he’s gonna get cussed out today.”

“And that would make today different how?”

Karen gave Fia a no you didn’t look. “I don’t cuss every day.”

Fia laughed. “Ahem. Okay. You’re the boss, but I’ve never met another woman who can cry real tears over a dog or cat getting hurt or lost and turn around a minute later and cuss every human around her like a sailor. I’m just sayin’.”

Karen rolled her eyes and started walking back to the waiting area. “Where’s my guest?”

“Dr. Adler?” Fia called Raven to the front counter to meet Karen.

Karen stared as a tall man with wide shoulders and wavy black hair approached the counter. She knew her lips were parted, but couldn’t seem to force her jaw closed as she watched him in awe. He moved with the grace of a predator – slow, sensual movements as if his muscles rolled when he walked.

“Hi doctor.”

A few moments passed before Karen realized that Dr. Adler still held his hand out for her to shake. All suspicions about him working for Ron flew from her mind as her lower abdomen lit up like a furnace and her lower limbs melted from the heat. “Oh, hi doctor. You are from?” She tried to cover, something she seldom had to do. She was not a woman who spent much time thinking about men, let alone falling all over one. She was not accustomed to having to control her reactions.

“I’m from Washington State. I do apologize for keeping you from your patients, but I only…”

Karen found herself staring again, his words dropping to a low hum. His eyes were like water - liquid pools of baby blue in an olive-colored complexion framed by the blackest hair she had ever seen on a white man. He had high cheekbones, full lips, a straight nose, and as he spoke, she could see just a hint of pearl-white pointed incisors. The imperfection made his features perfect.

“Doctor Marshall? Are you alright?”

Karen noticed his entire expression becoming one of concern as the baby blue pools narrowed. She blinked slowly, realizing that he was awaiting a reply from her. She covered again. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t get much sleep last night. You were saying?”

“If I could bother you for just a few minutes longer in private.” He smiled.

Bother? His smile gave her an even better view of his imperfect yet perfect white teeth, and she felt as if a light switch had been turned on, causing the fire inside her to flare. “Oh, no bother.” She looked around the waiting room. “Five minutes?”

That smile again. “Five minutes.”

Visit Dariel Raye at http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com/

For your copy of Taming of the Wolf, click here. http://www.thewildrosepress.com/taming-of-the-wolf-volume-2-p-3708.html?zenid=4eff7eca79bb8ce8e23e15492f6af076 Also available in print format.

Thanks for stopping by, Dariel! I'm looking forward to that interview tomorrow with the hot Dr. Adler.

And the winner of the TWRP $5.oo gift certificate is Melinda!

Contact me at susanmacatee@aol.com so I can send your prize.

Blurb and excerpt for new vampire romance

For a pre-Halloween treat, I'm posting the cover, blurb and excerpt for my newest vampire romance, Sweet Redemption. This novella will be available as an e-book from The Wild Rose Press on November 11th.

And all those who leave a comment on this post today, will be entered in a drawing to win a $5.00 TWRP gift certificate.

Judy is yesteday's winner of the pdf copy of my short story, Eternity Waits. Congratulations, Judy! Send an email to susanmacatee@aol.com so I can send out your prize.

Sweet Redemption

Vampire romance

Coming November 11, 2009 to The Wild Rose Press

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She’s alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family’s farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. "Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?" he said, under his breath.

"What?" Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. "Please, tell me what’s going on?"

Jon sighed. "When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied." He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. "What or who attacked you?"

"I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria." Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf's blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon's throat. "He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me."

Mrs. Emery gasped. "You're not saying this man--"

"He bit me on the throat." Jon pushed his hand through his hair. "I don’t know exactly what he is, but he's not human."

"That's who you believe was at the door?"

Jon nodded. "I don’t know how, but I now have a connection to him." He fingered the bumps on his throat. "I know things about him I shouldn’t possibly know."

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. And come back tomorrow when I'll be posting a blurb and excerpt from Dariel Raye's novella from the Got Wolf? Volume 2 anthology, Raven's Shelter.

Win a copy of Eternity Waits!

For the first day of my spook spectacular, I'm posting the opening of my short story from The Wild Rose Press, Eternity Waits.

Anyone who leaves a comment will be entered in a drawing to win a pdf copy of the story.

North of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 1, 1863

Caleb Weathers tensed at a rustle behind him. He swung his Enfield rifle in the general direction. A hoot, followed by the flutter of wings left him staring into the wide-eyed gaze of a Barn owl. When the bird took flight, he breathed a sigh of relief. The scents of pine and fetid soil calmed him a bit.

The thickness of the forest made him all too aware of how vulnerable he was to attack despite the weight of his weapon. Caleb sensed a presence behind him. He broke into a sweat and the hairs on the nape of his neck rose. He whirled and aimed the barrel at the form that appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you?" he asked. "Where'd ya come from?"

The woman smiled. Blood-red lips and luminous blue eyes captured his gaze. Her raven hair glinted in the moonlight."I am Alexandra." Her low, throaty voice held a guttural accent.

What is a beautiful woman doing in camp alone in the dead of night? She couldn’t be up to any good. And yet, as he watched her, a thrill of anticipation raced through him. Something about her seemed familiar. A memory he couldn't quite reach.

He swallowed. "You'd best skedaddle, ma'am. You can't come through camp without a pass."

"I came for you, my darling." With one fluid motion, she moved closer.

He cocked his rifle. "Stop right there."

Her exquisite lips drew into a pout. "I would never harm you, Dimitri."

At the sound of the name an eerie sensation swept over him."Who the hell is Dimitri?" he asked. "My name's Caleb."

To purchase Eternity Waits http://www.thewildrosepress.com/eternity-waits-p-787.html?zenid=1fa6e5a796c6160a1807c7ef3501c9f6

Come back tomorrow for the blurb and an excerpt from my upcoming Civil War vampire novella, Sweet Redemption.

Halloween Spooktacular!

Join me as we close in on Halloween! I'll be posting excerpts from my upcoming release, a new vampire story from The Wild Rose Press, called Sweet Redemption.

I'll also be hosting guest blogger, Dariel Raye, author of Raven's Shelter, one of the novella's in the newly released TWRP anthology, Got Wolf? Volume 2, taming of the Wolf.

She'll be here on Friday with a blurb an excerpt from her story. And I'll be interviewing her hot shape shifter hero right here on Halloween.

So, check back all this week to see what supernatural happenings I have going on. I have a few prizes I'll be giving away to those who comment on certain posts as well.

New review for Erin's Rebel

My time travel romance, Erin's Rebel, just got a 4 book review from Long and Short Reviews!

To qoute reviewer, Poinsettia, "Lonely reporter, Erin Branigan, discovers that the key to her happiness lies in the past...

Not only are the characters in Erin's Rebel interesting, but the opening line hooked me right away...

Reading Erin's Rebel was a throughly enjoyable experience that any fan of historical fiction romance won't want to miss."

Read the full review at Long and Short Reviews.

The reviews just keep on coming!

This time the review is for the Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles. Our anthology got 4.5 books from Long and Short Romance Reviews.

To quote the reviewer, "I think all of the authors did a great job with this anthology and so did the editors. I felt like I was involved in every story, I felt like I could smell the flowers and taste the crisp air. I felt the emotions the characters were feeling. It's a great anthology that any historical fan will love."

Read the full review at Long and Short Romance Reviews.

Another fantastic review for Confederate Rose!

After griping that my books weren't getting any reviews, I have yet another new one for Confederate Rose. A rating of 4.5 stars from The Romance Studio.

Reviewer Brenda Talley said, "This book is action-packed romance. I love Civil War romances, so I felt I would like it from the start. However, even I was surprised how good it was. The two main characters were so believable. They had so many conflicts and so much controversy that it seemed their bad luck was going to overwhelm them... I highly recommend this book..."

Read the full review at The Romance Studio.

Found a great review in my inbox today!

Romance Junkies gave my historical romance, Confederate Rose, 4 ribbons!

To quote reviewer, Suzie Housley, "... Blended with a well developed romance, this historical is one that will grab hold of your heart and tear at your emotions. I highly recommend this charming historical..."

Read full review at Romance Junkies.

Revisioning

With so many new releases out in a short space of time, I've been spending a great deal of my writing time on book promotion.

But I need to take some time to actually work on writing, otherwise, I'll have nothing new to promote in the future.

I did recently submit a short story to a magazine, but now have to wait to see if they're interested. I also wrote two full-length manuscripts that I have to revise.

The first one is my first science fiction romance that I'm calling Moons of Cynara. Don't know if that title will stick, but for now, I'm going with it. I recently reread that manuscript and I do have to add at least 7000 words to get it up to my planned minumum word count of 80,000 words. So, I'm trying to see what I can add to flesh out the story. I may also change some of the basic story to enhance the original plot. I actually feel this part of the process is just as creative as writing the first draft.

I'm hoping I can complete this revision in the next couple of months, so I can get started on revising the first draft of my post Civil War romance. I haven't looked at it since I finished the draft in early September.

With two full-lengths to revise, I realize I've got my work cut out for me. For all you writers out there, what is your favorite part of working on a story? Is it the first draft, the revision or the final edit? And what part to you hate the most?

For me, I think the revision stage is my favorite, because I feel like I'm improving and enhancing my basic story.

More Excerpts!!

Thought I'd post an excerpt from my July 2009 time travel release from The Wild Rose Press, Erin's Rebel.

Reviewer Top Pick at Night Owl Romance!!

Excerpt:

"I've come from a distant place."

"Yes, I know you came from Ireland."

"No. That's not it...the place I've come from doesn't yet exist." She rose from the bed and pulled on her wrapper. After pacing back and forth, she turned to face him. "I've come from the future."

He frowned. "The future? What future?"

"The twenty-first century." His eyes widened. She was crazy to have thought he'd ever believe her.

"Until the accident when I was told I fell off a horse, I'd been living more than one-hundred and forty years in the future."

His dark eyes hardened. Why had she said anything?

Now that she’d gone this far, she had to tell him all of it. "I had a life there and a fiancé. We broke it off because I couldn't stop dreaming about you."

"This is utter nonsense." He raked his hand through his hair.

She held up her hand, desperately needing him to understand. "It didn't make sense to me at first, either."

"If what you say is true, how and why are you here now?"

"I'm not sure how, but I do know why." She reached her hand out to him. "I've come back in time for you, Will."

Erin's Rebel available at The Wild Rose Press.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=b9e88b16a22f5ce7729aafe5a2923ae6

Read opening chapters at my website: www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel

Blogging Today At...

I'm blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian and American Civil War: Beyond Scarlett and Rhett about real life heroine, Sarah Emma Edmonds.

Join me at either or both to learn more about the life of this fascinating Civil War woman soldier.

It's Haunting Month Again

It's October and that means all paranormal books and stories at The Wild Rose Press will be discounted the whole month. And that includes my Civil War vampire story, Eternity Waits. If you haven't already read this story, here's the opening scene.

North of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 1, 1863

Caleb Weathers tensed at a rustle behind him. He swung his Enfield rifle in the general direction. A hoot, followed by the flutter of wings left him staring into the wide-eyed gaze of a Barn owl. When the bird took flight, he breathed a sigh of relief. The scents of pine and fetid soil calmed him a bit.

The thickness of the forest made him all too aware of how vulnerable he was to attack despite the weight of his weapon. Caleb sensed a presence behind him. He broke into a sweat and the hairs on the nape of his neck rose. He whirled and aimed the barrel at the form that appeared out of nowhere.

“Who are you?” he asked. “Where’d ya come from?”

The woman smiled. Blood-red lips and luminous blue eyes captured his gaze. Her raven hair glinted in the moonlight.

“I am Alexandra.” Her low, throaty voice held a guttural accent.

What is a beautiful woman doing in camp alone in the dead of night? She couldn’t be up to any good. And yet, as he watched her, a thrill of anticipation raced through him. Something about her seemed familiar. A memory he couldn’t quite reach.

He swallowed. “You’d best skedaddle, ma’am. You can’t come through camp without a pass.”

“I came for you, my darling.” With one fluid motion, she moved closer.

He cocked his rifle. “Stop right there.”

Her exquisite lips drew into a pout. “I would never harm you, Dimitri.”

At the sound of the name an eerie sensation swept over him.

“Who the hell is Dimitri?” he asked. “My name’s Caleb.”

To purchase Eternity Waits http://www.thewildrosepress.com/eternity-waits-p-787.html?zenid=fd903545fb154c53e67d78904e642cb4

And to learn more about my upcoming Civil War vampire story, Sweet Redemption, here's the link to my website page http://susanmacatee.com/myvampireromances.html

I'm interviewed today on Cate Masters blog

Join me for my latest interview with Cate Masters as I answer questions about my writing and newest release Confederate Rose.

Some of my answers may surprise you.