Who is Lillith? Find out in KISSES FROM LILLITH by @Adele_Downs

Short fiction is fun to write and a good way for authors to experiment with romance subgenres. Though my published stories are typically contemporary romances, I like to write the occasional paranormal, also set in the contemporary world. In Her Immortal Viking, a warrior cast into eternal servitude by an angry god returns to earth in the modern world to help a woman in need. Lip Service features an overprotective ghostly aunt who stands in the way of true love. My new release Kisses 

From Lillith is a steamy vampire story and my third paranormal romance.

Though much of the action in Kisses From Lillith takes place inside a cave as old as the earth, what happens there is…well, you’ll have to read the story to find out. And I hope you will! For only 99 cents and an hour of your time, you can immerse yourself in paranormal entertainment with a twist. Find out why Readers’ Favorite reviews gave the book 5 Stars and said: “Adele Downs has presented something fresh and new.”

KISSES FROM LILLITH by Adele Downs

A sizzling short story with bite.

When Hunter receives an invitation for a group tour of an ancient cave to celebrate his cousin’s birthday, he and his girlfriend Rosa unwittingly attend a party…with unusual refreshments.

Summary:

Hunter’s relationship with his girlfriend Rosa is on the rocks, and though his love for her hasn’t wavered, she has never said she loves him in return. When they accept an odd invitation for a group tour of an ancient cave to celebrate his cousin’s birthday, Hunter and Rosa’s fragile bond is tested to its limits when the powers of love and trust become their only weapons against the dark forces waiting inside.

 “Wow! For a short story, this was a long, thrilling ride.” 5 Stars! ~Will Work For Books

Buy The Book for .99!

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Lillith-Adele-Downs-ebook/dp/B06XWZV69D/

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kisses-from-lillith

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1222150135

Nook, Tolino, Page Foundary, Scribd, 24 Symbols https://www.books2read.com/u/b5OEak

Bio:

Adele Downs is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 20 romance titles, including those written under another pen name, and a former journalist with hundreds of articles to her credit. When not writing in her home office in rural Pennsylvania, she can be found reading a book on the nearest beach, taking photographs, or riding in her convertible.

Find books by Adele Downs on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60

Visit Adele Downs on her website http://adeledowns.com

Subscribe to Adele’s blog https://adeledowns.wordpress.com

Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns

Follow @Adele_Downs on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs

Find Adele Downs on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/httpwwwgoodreadscomAdeleDowns

Sign up for Adele Downs’ Newsletter http://www.adeledowns.com/newsletter.html

Real Love... Beyond Price with @Adele_Downs #Contemporary #Romance #RB4U

I’ve always been attracted to blond, blue-eyed, muscular men with sun-streaked hair and golden tans. Whether he’s on the beach in a lifeguard stand, wearing low slung cutoffs and work boots on a construction site, or dressed for business in a suit and tie, a blue-eyed blond will make my heart beat faster, every time.

I like blonds so much, I married one, and many of the heroes in my books have blue eyes like my husband and our son. The hero of my new release Luxury Model Wife, Steve Carlson, is the embodiment of the rugged, blue-eyed blond archetype who wears jeans, a t-shirt and work boots, and could be a model for a home improvement store. He’s also an Afghanistan war hero and a successful businessman who owns an upscale antiques shop catering to the country club set. When he meets the beautiful dark-haired, brown-eyed young widow of his best customer, Steve begins the most challenging journey of his life…on the road to happily ever after.

LUXURY MODEL WIFE by Adele Downs

Antiques expert Steve Carlson must face the mistakes of his past to discover a treasure he never imagined: the heart of a vulnerable yet determined widow.

TRUE RICHES

Twenty-eight-year-old Victoria Van Orr just lost everything. With the death of her billionaire husband went his mature patience and warm encouragement; and the veneer of acceptance from everyone else. His friends and colleagues now ignore Victoria, and if his son succeeds she just might be forced back to the streets upon which she was raised. But money was never her goal. All she wants is love. Real love.

Antiques expert Steve Carlson knows the value of everything. Pain and betrayal? Those he gave away--and now they're coming back. His worst mistakes were all with one man: an old friend, the son of a father figure, now the stepchild of a beautiful young widow who wants Steve to help her auction off the family estate. To help Victoria, Steve must face his past and become a better man. To find true love, he will discover her surprisingly pure heart, vulnerable yet determined. And beyond price.

Adele Downs is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 20 romance titles, including those written under another pen name, and a former journalist with hundreds of articles to her credit. When not writing in her home office in rural Pennsylvania, she can be found reading a book on the nearest beach, taking photographs, or riding in her convertible.

Find books by Adele Downs on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60

Buy direct from Boroughs Publishing Group: http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/luxury-model-wife

Visit Adele Downs on her website http://adeledowns.com

Subscribe to Adele’s blog https://adeledowns.wordpress.com

Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns

Follow @Adele_Downs on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs

Find Adele Downs on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/httpwwwgoodreadscomAdeleDowns

Firemen are HOT!

This week, my latest story, Where there’s Smoke, opened for pre-orders at most major e-tailers, as part of the boxed set, Into the Flames. With seven stories about smoking-hot firemen, by seven incredible authors, (well, six plus me.) it’s already climbing the lists at Amazon and All Romance e-Books.

• Slow Burner by Sam Cheever
• FireBrew by Liz Crowe
• Hook Me Up by Adele Downs
• Flashpoint by Desiree Holt
• Where There's Smoke by Cindy Spencer Pape
•  Uncontrolled Burn: by Nina Pierce
• Rescue Me by N.J. Walters 

 

Here's some Fun Facts about the 1920s and Where there's Smoke

1. Where there’s Smoke was Cindy Spencer Pape’s first book set in the 1920s, but it won’t be the last!
2. The town of Carstairs, Michigan, in Where there’s Smoke, is fictional, but it is based on numerous beach towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
3. The Michigan side of the Lake Michigan coast has beautiful beaches and has long been a popular location of summer homes for Chicago’s wealthy.
4. In the 1920’s only the major cities had paid fire departments. That’s why Eli, in Where there’s Smoke, is a volunteer fireman, rather than a professional.
5. Not every girl in the 1920’s bobbed her hair. It was considered a little racy. Since Nettie is an old-fashioned girl in many ways, she’s chosen to keep hers long, which means she still wears it up every day.
6. Nettie wasn’t an uncommon name for a young woman in 1926. I chose it because both my mother and my father, who lived in two different countries, each had an aunt named Nettie, (one short for Arnetta, one for Annetta) both of whom came of age in the 20s.
7. During Prohibition it was quite common to have a doctor prescribe alcohol for medicinal purposes. An unethical physician and an unethical pharmacist in cahoots with a supplier, could easily keep the local drunks lubricated.
8. Much of today’s firefighting equipment has its origins in the 20s. The pump and ladder truck was a new innovation, as were heavy leather helmets and the concept of chemical extinguishers. Fire hydrants weren’t around yet, except in the largest cities, so chemicals were used unless a large water supply was at hand.
9. This was the first time since the Georgian era, where women can openly wear makeup. Lipstick and mascara and eyeliner headed the list. Max Factor and Elizabeth Arden were among the first major brands. Deodorant had been invented but wasn’t available in the stores yet, so ladies used scented dusting powder to absorb any “glow”.
10. Big cities had newsstands where people picked up any newspaper that wasn’t delivered to their doorstep, particularly those from out of town. In smaller communities, the local bookstore often did double-duty. Eli chooses not to get his local paper delivered because it gives him an excuse to see Nettie every day.

You can order your copy at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B014V84EUI
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/into-the-flames/id1036986607?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/into-the-flames-3
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-intotheflamesboxedset-1881916-166.html

 

Guest Blog: Adele Downs: ACCIDENTAL LOVE STORY

While surfing the Web one day I had a happy accident. During research for an article I was working on, I stumbled across unrelated information about the gods, demi-gods, and Light Elves of Norse mythology. The lore drew me in, and I wanted to learn more.

I’d never heard of Light Elves—the angel-like beings whose sole purpose was to serve the gods and humanity. These celestial creatures lived in Alfheim (Elf Land) “the place between heaven and earth” in “the west beyond the seas” and could communicate with both deities and mortals.

The Light Elves were described as tall, blond celibate males so handsome they were “fairer to look upon than the sun.” In the middle of the night they would come to earth surreptitiously to complete the chores of deserving individuals. My creative mind went into overdrive when I pictured a handsome immortal cleaning house!

What would happen, I wondered, if a Light Elf got caught? And what if the woman who found him was beautiful? Would he risk the wrath of his god and put his tasks aside after centuries of celibacy to make love to her? If they fell in love, how would he commit to her and reconcile the distance between heaven and earth? My questions formed a story idea that became a manuscript.

In my new release, HER IMMORTAL VIKING, Gunnar of Alfheim is a warrior unjustly cast into eternal servitude and made a Light Elf by an angry god. When he falls in love with Penelope, a modern day mortal, he must find a way to link heaven and earth and cross the divide of a thousand years to clear his name and claim her.

BLURB:
An original contemporary fairy tale inspired by Norse mythology

Penny pleads for divine intervention from overwork and mountainous debt one desperate, lonely night. She sings songs of praise, chants like a yogi, and rubs her belly like Buddha until the crystal charm on her navel shimmers, hoping to draw the attention of someone up there.

From the place between heaven and earth, in the west beyond the seas, an immortal hears Penny’s cries. Once a fearless Viking warrior, Gunnar has been cast into eternal servitude by an angry god and made a Light Elf. While Penny sleeps, he comes to earth from Alfheim for a single night to complete her tasks. When she awakens and confronts him, the handsome immortal kisses her, sparking a night of forbidden passion. By dawn, the couple has fallen in love.

Dark forces target Penny, seeking revenge for Gunnar’s earthly misdeeds. To protect his mortal lover, Gunnar takes up his sword to defend her. Though his strength and courage are unmatched, it might be the power of Gunnar and Penny’s love that saves them both.

BIO:
Adele Downs writes best-selling contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as a past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report) and has presented workshops for writers.

When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Find Adele Downs’ Books on Amazon!
Visit Adele Downs at http://adeledowns.wordpress.com/
Like Adele Downs on Facebook!
Follow Adele Downs on Twitter! https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs
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Guest Blog: Adele Downs Surviving Those Dreaded Deadlines!

One of the benefits of writing for digital and small presses is the flexibility to write books of varying lengths and submit them as they’re finished. Want to write a novel? Great. A novella or short story? Go for it. Unless a contract states otherwise, there are no fixed deadlines for submissions, allowing us more freedom than ever before to foster our creativity.

With more than twenty titles to my credit over seven years, under duel pen names, I’ve written and submitted my work under deadlines of my own making. Without fixed completion dates, I was able to take vacations in the summer and time off during the holidays without worry. That all changed in July when my current editor asked me to write HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY, a Christmas short story, for publication in November 2014. Deadline, five weeks. Weeks!

Since I’d never written fiction with a deadline, my first thought after telling my editor, “Of course, I will! I’d love to!” was Can I do it? Can I write under pressure? I tried not to panic, remembering the editing deadlines I’d met when my books were in production. With only days to come up with a story idea and plot it out, I got down to basics. Whose story would I write? What would be their GMC? Which theme would I use? Stress is the mortal enemy of creativity, so I knew I had to relax and let the ideas flow or I’d be in trouble.

I do my best plotting and plot-fixing in the shower, or right before I’m fully awake in the morning, when my body is relaxed and I’m not distracted by the outside world. Once I have the germ of an idea, I develop the rest of the story in my office. I write a rough outline and then let the plot twists and turns occur organically during the first draft. By sticking to my comfortable way of doing things, I discovered I can write under deadline, and I did! I finished writing, self-editing, and polishing HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY with time to spare. As it turned out, my editor liked the story so much she asked me to write another in the series—with a deadline. Who knew I’d need practice?

The experience taught me not to be afraid of new challenges. Meeting challenges increases our confidence by decreasing our fears. The absence of fear fuels creativity. By writing to deadline, I learned to focus under pressure. I guess it’s time to head to the shower with my favorite soap and a fluffy towel and start my next plotting session before heading to my office to work on the manuscript.

BLURB:
(“You can’t go wrong with Adele Downs.” ~Will Work for Books
A .99 Lunchbox Romance short story from Boroughs Publishing Group)

Daisy Phillips has a choice to make: return to Pennsylvania and the Christmases she once knew, or stay in Texas and find a new way to celebrate the holiday--with the handsome cowboy who brought joy back to her life.

The heartwarming sequel to the Amazon-bestselling Lunchbox Romance, Kissing Her Cowboy!

Buy The Book on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCF0ORW/

BIO:
Adele Downs writes best-selling contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as a past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report) and has presented workshops for writers.

When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Books by Adele Downs on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60

Visit Adele Downs at http://adeledowns.wordpress.com/

Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns

Follow Adele Downs on Twitter! https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs

Join Adele Downs’ Convertible Crew Street Team!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1431874030384864/

Guest Blog: Adele Downs: A Cowboy Heart is True

The iconic American cowboy has made a huge comeback in books, on the big screen, and on television. Hunks like Anson Mount from Hell on Wheels; Robert Taylor, Bailey Chase and Lou Diamond Phillips from Longmire; and Tim Oliphant from Justified offer their unique spin on the western hero in each outstanding episode.

I love to watch these alpha males solve problems and restore order in the name of justice after mayhem strikes. They are fallible and often difficult and aloof, but they never falter in the belief system that defines them. Men fear them, women want them, and everyone admires them. A cowboy can be hard to love, but once he gives his heart away, he’s forever true.

In the spirit of the iconic American cowboy, I created Treymont Woods, my first western hero. KISSING HER COWBOY is a Lunchbox Romance from Boroughs Publishing and my new release. I hope you enjoy this .99 short story.

KISSING HER COWBOY by Adele Downs

A Lunchbox Romance Short Story

Only .99 from Boroughs Publishing!

A cowboy with a fractured back and a cop with a broken spirit heal on a Texas ranch with the help of a stallion named Big Blue.

BLURB:

Treymont Woods is forced to take light duty work around Breezy Meadows Ranch after a rodeo accident. While Trey’s body heals, he offers riding lessons to Houston locals on the greatest horse that ever lived, Big Blue. When police officer Daisy Phillips arrives for her first session, sparks fly. But her invisible wounds run deep, making it hard for her to form connections. KISSING HER COWBOY is the story of two broken people who heal on the road to their happily ever after.

Buy Link: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/kissing-her-cowboy

BIO:

Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers. When she isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Visit Adele Downs at http://adeledowns.wordpress.com

Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns

Buy Link: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/kissing-her-cowboy

Interview of Author Adele Downs

Today I'd like to present an interview of romance author Adele Downs.

Latest Book: SANTA TO THE RESCUE
Buy Links: Only $.99!
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook


BIO:

Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers. When she isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: I love my heroine, Heather Longhurst, but Jamey Tucker, the firefighter hero of SANTA TO THE RESCUE, is my idea of the perfect man. He’s strong, big-hearted, and honorable. Writing his character was pure pleasure. I hope readers love him as much as I do.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: I drink a cup of decaffeinated coffee at my desk in the morning; otherwise I’d be wired so tight by caffeine I’d be unable to work. I try not to eat while I’m working, either, because certain foods make me sluggish. It’s best for me to keep food out of my office. At meal times, I take a break and go to my kitchen.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: I read every day. When I’m not reading, I watch TV or movies. I like to walk the trails near my home for exercise.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: My readers say my stories are filled with emotion. I appreciate hearing that.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: Thrillers keep me turning the pages. When I’m not reading or writing romance, I read novels of suspense. I’d like to write a thriller or suspense novel one day. Right now, though, I’m busy writing romance.

Q: Facebook, Pinterest, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I love Facebook and my blog, but I also like Twitter and make occasional pins to Pinterest. Please do join me on social media! Let’s connect.

Visit Adele Downs on her blog at http://adeledowns.wordpress.com/
Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns
Follow Adele Downs on Twitter! @Adele_Downs

BLURB: A sweet firefighter contemporary romance novella - New Release! From Entangled Publishing

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn't go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn't a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don't offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can't keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather's favorite song to prove he's got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.


EXCERPT:

She laughed out loud this time, and the sound of her voice rang through the air, pure and clear. He could listen to that voice for hours. “These are for my kids at the hospital. I’m an R.N. at County. We’re decorating the pediatric ward. And spoiling the children too, a bit. I’m baking cookies for our holiday party on Saturday.”

She held out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Heather Longhurst.”

Jamey introduced himself and took her hand. He told her what he did and where he worked. Her skin felt soft against his palm, though her grasp conveyed confidence and strength.

He cocked his chin. “What kind of cookies?”

“Chocolate chip, of course. Is there any other kind?”

Jamey shook his head. He could almost taste melted dark chocolate and smell the aromas of fresh baked flour, eggs and sugar filling her kitchen. His mouth watered. He hoped she couldn’t hear his stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten in over fourteen hours. “No ma’am.”

Heather returned a lopsided grin. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

“Southern Indiana, born and raised.”

She moved out of the way of an elderly couple trying to pass with their half-filled shopping cart. Jamey moved too and they strolled together toward the exit. “I’ll make a plate of cookies for you, if you stop by the hospital to pick it up.” She said.

Jamey smiled at her, his heart lifting at the turnaround in his day. “That’s the best offer I’ve had since I moved to Appleton.”

“You’re new in town?”

“Been here almost three months.”

“Glad to meet you, Jamey Tucker. See you about one o’clock?”

“I’ll be there. Count on it.”

“I will.” She smiled back and their gazes locked. His mood soared with the realization she was flirting with him. The day had definitely taken a turn for the better.