Selkies and Synchronicity

by JoAnne Kenrick

It’s here! Finally.

Release day for my selkies. Seal the Deal, Isle of Man and Selkie book one.

It seems fitting to share the story of how this story came to be….

I’m a huge believer in fate and synchronicity. My gut instincts are ever present. If I pay attention and listen/watch for the signs, all works out for the best. If not well, you-know-what hits the fan.

I’ve a long history of wishing I’d have listened to my gut. It’s a tough learning curve as to when to act upon these senses versus when it’s fleeting thoughts or my own fears.

Writing Seal the Deal was born because of my gut instincts and a major case of synchronicity.

It all started when I found an old show featuring the actor who plays Doc Martin in the BBC series. He was touring all the different Isles in the British Isles and chatting with the locals. So rustic and isolated, the settings had awakened my plot bunnies and ideas were swelling. I needed to write a story set here. I began studying the map and thinking about which Isle would work best for a fictional piece. I was pondering the question about whether I wanted to write a paranormal romance or a contemporary with this setting when a You Tube video suggestion led me to a documentary on Isle of Man seals. I was sold. I was going to be writing a selkie book set on the Isle of Man. But I needed more to make this work. What sort of a story would it be?

Low and behold. Kate and Val, the senior editors and creators of Decadent Publishing’s 1NS series made comment they’d love to see some British Isles stories. I can’t tell you how much I was grinning when I saw this. I knew then it was meant to be.

A selkie 1NS story set on the Isle of Man.

But it needed something I could integrate into the selkie world building to give it a mystical edge.

A calendar forward search made me remember it is a leap year in 2014. Yes!  I could use this in my selkie legend.

My plot bunnies were busy for a few weeks while I tried to put the pieces together. Something still wasn’t quite right. I needed something extra, a reason why my hero was a selkie and why he might have that chance to be human again.

And that’s when I discovered the Port St. Mary lighthouse story and everything fell into place. So it’s no wonder both heroine and hero are huge believers in fate!

"Another magical read from JoAnne Kenrick. Passion, thrills, and romance, this book has it all. A must read!" ~ USA Today Bestselling Author, Marie Harte.

Find all buy links HERE

After being ditched at the altar, Finn Kneale isolates himself at Port St. Mary’s magnificent lighthouse. A violent storm ravishes the coastline, pitching the maritime tower into the Irish sea and transforming Finn into a seal. Carefree at first, he soon longs to walk as a man again. When leap year arrives, bathing land and sea in magic, Finn temporarily regains his human form. If he can’t find his soul mate in twenty-four hours, he’ll be back to cavorting among the waves.

Anne Ward—resident midwife and newcomer to Port St. Mary, Isle of Man—guards some wild secrets of her own while avoiding entanglements with married doctors. A believer in fate, she seeks out

Madame Eve’s exclusive agency to help find her destined mate. 1Night Stand matches these two lonely souls. But will their extraordinary date allow Finn and Anne to open their hearts to magical possibilities and Seal the Deal?

"JoAnne Kenrick transports her readers to that land between myth and reality where romance is all the magic you need. Don't miss your chance to visit!" ~ Heather Long, bestselling author of the Always a Marine series.

"Ms. Kenrick created a magical, romantic, and sexy world with vivid details that pull you in and make you beg for more. Seal the Deal is a wonderful, steamy addition to the 1Night Stand series and a must read." ~ Bestselling romance author, Lia Davis.

Hot Winter Kiss Blog Crawl & Pub Quiz

 

Hard to believe my 10th book with Decadent Publishing JUST released today. Or that it's only been two years since they accepted my first ever book to be published. What a journey it's been, I just hope Decadent are prepared for another ten books from me hehe and that readers have the sleeved rolled up and their eReaders at the ready. I've caught the writing bug bad, and it's here to stay!

Ready to help me celebrate? Bloody hope so.

First, deets on my 10th Decadent release, which is a may to december holiday romance featuring the very likable Sandra from Bell's Irish Pub! Then scroll down for a rafflecopter contest!  I'm giving away TEN Decadent books via all romance or Kindle. 

HOT WINTER KISS, Irish Kisses book four

Tasty treats await you.

OUT NOW!

www.joannekenrick.com

PARINGS: m/f

FLAME RATING: four

GENRE: contemporary romance

PUBLISHER: www.decadentpublishing.com

PAGE COUNT: 47

CONTENT: May to December / Tinsel Play / Irish Castle / Snowed In / Holiday Romance

BLURB:

Hot winter kisses to warm broken hearts….

Sick of tending to everyone else’s needs around the holidays, divorced barmaid and granny Sandra ferries it from London to Belfast. All she wants for Christmas is some peace with a romance story in front of a roaring fire in a remote Irish castle. What she gets is a most unexpected Christmas present from her friends at Bell’s—A 1Night Stand with a young Irishman.

Can she hack it in the real world of romance, or are life’s complications and treacherous snowstorms best left to the pages of a book?

Newly widowed Ardan Draighean owns Ballygalley castle. Once run as a hotel with his late wife, the stone building now serves as a home for him and his son. After hearing about Madame Eve’s matchmaking skills, he contacts her in search of the perfect match. Although much older than him—by fifteen years—Sandra is his ideal woman. He be damned if he’ll let a good story get in the way of his happy ever after with her.

Hot winter kisses are all this couple needs to stay warm this Christmas, but will the heat stay long after the magical season of mistletoe has finished?

HOT WINTER KISS, Ardan's tree excerpt

Should he have been upfront with Sandra? He had hidden his identity from her both times he’d bumped into her in the castle yesterday. First, in the morning in Laura’s kitchen, and later, in reception, where he had hoped to discreetly drop off her suitcase. She had spotted him and wrapped her arms around him, even kissed him on the cheek. He played along like the guest she seemed to think he was and chatted about pheasants, leaving out the tiny little detail he was Ardan, her date for the evening.

Now what would he say? Should he pretend her date was a no-show because of the snow? No, not a very gallant thing to do. He did not want her to know he was loaded and king of the castle, but he could’ve certainly explained he was her date arranged by 1Night Stand. He could’ve given her that much.

Our kiss in the snow sent me cuckoo. Ah, bugger it.

She was a looker, with her blonde hair and bright blue eyes—those oceanic pools mesmerized him, took him into the very depths of her. And her womanly curves stirred him to the brink of insanity. He’d like to feel her flesh under his touch, to clamp those nipples in his teeth, to hear her squeals of delight, to tie her up in tinsel and....

Focus.

He wrestled with the tree so it stood straight. Next, he trimmed some of the more unruly stems and stood back to study his work. It’d been two years since he’d had a Nordmann Fir in the house. Two years since he’d even considered celebrating Christmas in any form. It’d taken him ages to locate the old box of decorations and lights in the attic. Even found the treetop fairy he made as a child. It had been Amy’s favorite decoration, and she always took such care perching her in such a way so a tree light would sit beneath her skirt and light her up.

AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/lm/R2WFCBFWNDA9ZI

MORE BUY LINKS: http://www.joannekenrick.com/p/hot-winter-kiss.html

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Sweet Irish Kiss, book 1

Shamrocked, book 2

Threesome Sweetness, book 3

Author bio:

Born n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee sea-side town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick! www.joannekenrick.com

Get exclusive sneak peeks at her new and upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here: http://tinyletter.com/joannekenrick

Hot Winter Kiss

Coming Soon from Decadent Publishing!

by JoAnne Kenrick

November is a busy month for Irish Kisses releases - November 9th, Threesome Sweetness released. Hot Winter Kisses, book four, comes out 30th November. Meanwhile, I've been busy rustling up a new 1NS series. It's been a great pleasure to indulge my love for contemporary romance with the Bell's Irish Pub gang, but I'm really enjoying stepping back into paranormal romance with the new stories. I'm hoping to submit the first in the new collection before November ends, but all the festive fun is certainly proving a distraction.

It pays to send gifts out of the country as early as possible, so there has been much 'early' festive seasonal joy from me. Movies, music… and crafts! Lots of crafts.

Each year, I like to find a project I can do with the kids -- I like to believe each Christmas, when the family back in the UK pull out their decorations box and see our previous crafts, they think of us. Thus, we are still apart of their traditions and them apart of ours.

I like to keep the crafts simple (because we have a lot to send out) and this makes it easier for posting. Flat is a bonus. Always!

This year, we stocked up on foam letters and shapes, and came up with christmas card magnets and gingerbread men tree decorations. I do hope the family like them, because we sure did enjoy making them. Even the teenage son gets involved. Unless it's motorbikes or gaming stuff, he typically not interested. So it's a really nice way to pull the family together and spend quality time laughing and getting crafty. There's always a huge mess at the end of it, because someone will have started a throwing match of some sort. This year, I had the backing from the tiny stick on letters everywhere! The cats even joined in…yes, it was as if a Christmas craft bomb had gone off in our kitchen. Fun times.

Talking of Christmas fun times…how about some hot times to warm up those impending frosty nights on the way?

[ 

Coming November 30th 2012

HOT WINTER KISS, book 4

Hot winter kisses are all this couple needs to stay warm this Christmas, but will the heat stay long after the magical season of mistletoe has finished?

A small tease from Hot Winter Kiss

A shiver snaked up Sandra’s legs. Cold and wet, it weaved into her tummy and unsettled her. She tossed. She turned. She kicked her legs and snuggled farther under the blanket. The hard mattress made it near impossible for her to get comfortable, and the thin blanket was inadequate to warm her.

This wasn’t her bed.

She snapped her eyelids open and sat. From the heavy drapes, to the battered old floorboards and murals, her surroundings told her she was at the castle; she recognized them from the photos on Ballygalley’s website. A red tint from a dying fire in the stone surround glowed and flickered around her, casting dancing shadows across the walls and over the bed covered in pretty floral linens.

The scent of roses wafted around her and disappeared, which was odd because she couldn’t see any fresh blooms in the room. She sniffed her way around the bed until she found the source; the blanket draped over her. A faint flowery scent lingered, delicate, pretty. She made note to ask housekeeping which fabric softener they used.

Stretching out her arms, she crossed the room to poke the flames back to life. Her ankle throbbed on her way to the mantel.

She tried to recall how she might have arrived here, and how she’d injured herself. Last she remembered, she was in Stuffy Head’s car. Had he carried her up the stairs? Or was she so tired she’d forgotten stumbling up here herself? Her chest tightened, and her pulse quickened.

ALSO AVAILABLE from the bestselling Irish Kisses 1Night Stand series:

Sweet Irish Kiss, book 1

Shamrocked, book 2

Threesome Sweetness, book 3

Get exclusive sneak peeks at JoAnne Kenrick's new and upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here: http://tinyletter.com/joannekenrick

Discover more about JoAnne's books here: www.joannekenrick.com

A shot of Threesome Sweetness stirs up emotions….

Buy Threesome Sweetness HERE!

by JoAnne Kenrick

A shot of Threesome Sweetness stirs up emotions….

OUT NOW!

Elizabeth, a part-time manager of Bell’s Irish Pub and business student, is newly hitched. Her marriage could use a serious shake up, but she finds shopping a more therapeutic use of her time.

If Todd’s wife is happy, he’s happy. But it seems nothing is putting a sweet smile on her face these days, not even her friends at Bell’s. So he contacts 1NightStand and arranges the one thing he knows she doesn’t necessarily want but definitely needs for her thirtieth birthday; a threesome.

Enter cowboy Cade, who’s in London, England hoping to make a restaurant franchise deal. After weeks of doors slamming shut, he uses the 1Night Stand agency in hopes of sprinkling some fun over his overseas business trip and perhaps to learn what he’s missing out on by being relationship shy.

A harmless night of intimacy is planned.

Is a dash of Threesome Sweetness the remedy each is looking for, or will the date leave a bitter aftertaste each will regret for the rest of their lives?

Madame Eve had her work cut out for her with the two Irish charmers, Shaun (SweetIrish Kiss) and Devlin (Shamrocked). It seems she knows just want her clients need. This time, a husband wants to gift his wife, part-time manger of Bell's Irish Pub-we met her in Shamrocked-something she's always wanted… in her fantasies; a threesome. He hopes it will help them work through some trust issues.

But will one night sharing their passion with a stranger prove too much for the marriage?

EXCERPT:

The doors pinged open. Her husband ushered her inside then pressed the button for the third floor. She’d studied the hotel pamphlet several times over during the lead up to this weekend, so knew that’s where the swimming pool, gym, and spa were located.

“But me swimsuit is in me bag—”

“We’re not going swimming. Trust me, you’ll want for nothing for this activity I’ve got planned.” He swept her hair back and pressed his lips ever so softly against the nape of her neck then moaned. “I forgot how sweet you taste, Beth.” He hadn’t called her Beth in ages. His pet name when he wanted something. Typically sex...or a spot of bookkeeping.

She narrowed her eyes. “Any numbers involved?”

“Maybe.”

“Ugh.”

“Depends if you want to count to three or not.”

"Todd Winters, this whole secretive masterful thing ya got going on.... I like it. Where have ya been hiding this side of ya? I want more, please.”

“As you wish.”

On the third floor, she followed him down a wide hallway decorated with maroon damask wallpaper. An arched entrance loomed ahead, hung with a huge techno sign. MoJo Spa.

“A massage? Nice.”

In the changing room, she stripped, slipped into a thick, fuzzy robe and comfy slippers then bear-hugged her husband.

“In here.” He tugged her into the wood-paneled sauna.

“Ten minutes in here and I’ll need ta strip down ta nothing. Phew.” She wafted her hand over her face, puffing out her cheeks.

“My dear, that is the plan.” Winking, he slipped out of his robe and bundled it

to make a pillow before lounging back.

“We can’t strip in a public sauna.” Peering through the tiny glass window, she

prayed nobody was around to see her husband butt naked.

“Here’s the fun part—the sauna is ours for a whole hour. We can do whatever

we like in here.”

“Really? What if someone happens ta look in?”

“The main door to this area is locked, so we’re safe.”

“In that case....” She untied the belt around her waist and let the material slide over the curve of her hips to the floor. Pulling in a deep breath, she paraded in front of him.

A click. Sounds of the door opening. Her back stiffened, she dared not look behind her. Oh crap.

“Hmm, your photo does not do you justice, Elizabeth.” Someone slid his hand

around her waist then spanked her buttocks.

“How dare ya?” Jerking in response, she spun to face the intruder. He loomed

over her, devilishly handsome...and butt naked! 

__________________

Will she be able to indulge herself? Has her husband found the perfect way to mend the trust issues between them? Is three really a crowd?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUYLINKS:      Decadent Publishing   Amazon     Other Options Here

Coming Soon! Hot Winter Kiss

Join Devlin and Shaun as they give us a bar-tending lesson in drinks and love in the holiday edition of Sizzling Scoop, a FREE digital magazine. Discover ALL FOUR Irish Kisses recipes and a few extra winter warmers ;)

OUT this DECEMBER!

http://sizzlingpr.com/sizzling-scoop/

Watch for Hot Winter Kiss, Irish Kisses book four, set for release in time for the holidays!

Hot winter kisses are all this couple needs to stay warm this Christmas, but will the heat stay long after the magical season of mistletoe has finished?

MORE DETAILS http://www.joannekenrick.com/p/hot-winter-kiss.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born 'n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee seaside town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick! www.joannekenrick.com. Get exclusive sneak peeks at her new and upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here: http://tinyletter.com/joannekenrick

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF HOT WINTER KISS

 by JoAnne Kenrick

Hello, lovelies.

Can you believe it? We're almost through with September already. How did that happen? Last I recall, I had just submitted the forth Irish Kisses book and was taking the week away from writing so I could spend the rest of the summer holidays with my children. Time flies when you're having fun, eh? Since then, I've started a couple of new projects and received the cover for Threesome Sweetness, Irish Kisses book three. So yummy! I'm giving a sneak preview of that via my newsletter on Thursday, so if you want to catch that be sure to sign up: www.tinyletter.com/joannekenrick

I've been getting quite a few messages, comments and emails asking me for status updates on the Irish Kisses series. Well, here it is:

Threesome Sweetness, book three - releasing early-ish winter 2012

Hot Winter Kiss, book four/christmas special -releasing late November-ish 2012

I know that's a long time to wait to get your tasty fix of Irish Kisses...so, exclusively, right here on the 1NS blog, I'm going to share a pre-edited (yeah, pre-edited, so expect some grammar boo-boos) snippet from Hot Winter Kiss, the Christmas Irish Kisses special and (booooo) last in the series. psst, if they're accepted, you may just be reading some more 1NS books from me next year :) Light house keepers, fishermen, sea rescue etc... Oh yes! It'll be yummy all right. Don't worry, I've got you covered!

Without any further chit-chat or non-sense from me...here's a snippet from Hot Winter Kiss (due out later this year). Disclaimer: Content shortened for snippet, and will appear differently in the actual published book. (c) JoAnne Kenrick. This snippet is not to be reposted in full or part without written consent from the owner. All rights reserved.

Digging out the present the staff had bought her for her trip, all wrapped in hot hunks gift paper, she grinned. She’d promised to wait until arriving at the castle before opening her surprise; if not for the ferry delay and the bus strikes, she’d be snug by the fireplace already. By her calculations, present time had come and gone already. She ripped that baby open and found the most well thought out present only good friends would think to buy her.

“An eReader!” she squealed.

They’d included a card, on front of which was a drawing of a very sexy Santa hanging up a fishnet stocking over a cartoon fireplace.

Now you’ll be able to carry those hot hunks around with you wherever you go without your grandkids ever discovering those smutty covers! And to ensure your holiday is romantic, we’ve stocked your reader up with books from your favorite series. One is about an Irish Castle owner. Wink Wink. Oh, and talking of romance, tucked into the cover of the reader is another present to ensure your Christmas is one filled with joy. Happy holidays! Your wee family from Bell’s.

Sandra thumbed around with the cover, and found what looked like an invitation. She opened the envelope and cringed. A 1Night Stand date. Oh hells bells. Had to be Devlin’s idea, the cheeky sod. He was a co-worker at Bells who often shared shifts with her, and always teased her about her reading habits at work. Yup. This trickery had Devlin written all over it. Insensitive bastard.

“Sandra? I’m from Ballygalley, here ta give ya a ride ta the castle. Bloody good job the barman recalled seeing ya, I couldn’t see ya tucked way back here.” Smooth Irish accent from behind jolted her upright, and invoked an image of hotness she had only witnessed in one of her books.

She turned. A man loomed over her, his face shadowed by a knit hat pulled down to his temples and a hint of dark ginger peeking through the wool.

A tightening in her throat stalled her, and her mouth rounded.

“Not got all night.” He pulled out her chair and nearly knocked her flying.

“Let me put my things away, first, eh?” She fisted her hands and puckered. Dude might be one sexy man to look at, but that’s where his romance hero qualities stop. Would make a good cover model, though.

Left you hungry for some Irish Kisses? here's the series to date: Pick up a tasty treat today for just 2.99 each! Available in most major e-book stores.

Sweet Irish Kiss - http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Irish-Night-Series-ebook/dp/B005QQ3OMO

Shamrocked - http://www.amazon.com/Shamrocked-Night-Stand-Series-ebook/dp/B008LMLNGE

Get Shamrocked!

Yes, I'm sure y'all remember Devlin. he's the crass Irish charmer who helped Shaun Bell out on his 1Night Stand by packing him up a few surprises in his overnight bag in the HUGE bestseller SWEET IRISH KISS. Surprises both he and Rachel were grateful for. And now you can have all of him because he's back! With his toy box and a 1Night Stand of his own.

Set in Nottinghill, London and the now infamous Bell's Irish Pub in Soho, London.

Bell's Irish Pub is open for business, and Devlin Kinney is serving up one tasty treat.

BUYLINKS:

AUTHOR SIGNING: 

BLURB:

Devlin Kinney is focused on his Irish Rock band, Shamrocked. Between that and tending bar at Bell’s Irish Pub, he’s rushed off his feet. Still, he’s envious of Shaun who found his perfect woman through Madame Eve’s exclusive agency, 1Night Stand. Pushed for time, he follows his friend’s lead and hopes to be matched with a woman ballsy enough to share in his fetish for things that go buzzzz.
At the event of the year for soap stars, Elizabeth Grant meets Devlin and mistakes him for her soon-to-be The EastEnd co-star. Before she has a chance to confess she’s not his 1Night Stand as he seems to think, the silver-tongued smooth dancer proves irresistible. He seems perfect…for one night of pleasure. She’s ready to play the role of her
life!

Will his Irish charm and toys be enough to hold onto his leading lady, or will his heart be shamrocked into next week?


SOUNDTRACK:

EXCERPT:

   “What does a bloke have ta do ta get a Guinness around here?” Devlin drummed his fingers on the bar of Bell’s Irish Pub and glared at the staff, hoping to guilt them into serving him.

   Tap. Tap. Tap.

   Sandra, the barmaid, had her head buried in a book. Shaun, his boss and longtime best friend, engaged in a hushed conversation with his girlfriend at the end of the bar. Lots of giggles. Close whispering. Kisses on the cheek. Hand on cock. Arse grabbing. That sort of thing. And all in plain view of anyone who might happen to glance in their direction. Devlin might have offered to join in if he’d been in his usual cheeky state of mind, but their cuteness reminded him of his own romantic failings and his reason for leaving Northern Ireland three months before.

   His stomach churned.

   He needed that drink.

   “Erm, hello? Do I have ta serve meself on me night off?”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

   “With you in a minute, treacle.” Sandra, without tearing her glare from her story, waved him to wait. “Just let me finish this page.”

   “Holy show.” He sighed then hoisted himself over the counter with ease, his loose, faded jeans and white shirt giving him plenty of room to maneuver his limber body. Each suave movement. Each intense glance. All choreographed. He’d deny it if anyone pulled him up on it, but he’d put a lot of effort into perfecting his smolder. He’d even taken dance lessons so he had full ammo at hand to whisk any woman off her feet and into his bed. He was equally talented at ditching them at the slighted sniff of commitment…of a second date. Irish charm all the way.

   Devlin eyed his co-worker, lost in a romance novel. To annoy her, he powered up the TV mounted high above the bar and whizzed it up full volume. Channel flicking followed. He stopped on a toothpaste advert to admire a lass with blonde hair down to her ass.

Sandra glanced over her book. “Isn’t she the actress from…oh…what’s that movie called? The Brit chick flick about the famous actress who falls in love with a coffee shop owner?”

   “No idea, but she is a girl I could take home ta meet me ma and pa. What a killer smile.” He put his hand to his forehead and faked a swoon. “Who am I kidding? Could ya see me taking a girl ta meet the folks? I think not. Ta meet me toy box, sure. But not the family. Oh, the things I’d do ta her—”

   “Snap your crass tongue back in, Devlin.”

   “The cockney calling me crass? Ha! Besides, ya can’t beat a guy up for telling it how it is, so you can’t.”

CONTEST

Fill in the rafflecopter below for a chance to win any book from my Decadent Publishing BACKLIST including SWEET IRISH KISS.
Please note: by entering this contest, you will be automatically added to JoAnne Kenrick's quarterly newsletter and be kept up to date with her new releases and up coming news.

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