Category Archives: Free Read

The Giving Season & Free Christmas Titles!

Books, Carlene Love Flores, Free Read, generosity, ,

Happy Thursday, fishy friends!

Today there are two things I want to share with you and I just can’t decide which topic to blog about. After much deliberation, I’m taking the easy route and going with BOTH!

Firstly, it’s the Giving Season, and there’s this very special lady out there who is one of those people. You know, the kind who give and give and give but never want any attention brought to their generosity. And you try your very hardest to respect their wishes but eventually you just can’t take it any longer! This lady this past year for me has been the incomparable Dianna Love. I don’t even know where to start, to be honest. Do I tell you about her fabulous books? They’re out of this world, crazy good and I am salivating to crack open my copy of Demon Storm, Book 5 of the Belador series. So. Good.

Demon Storm

 

Or how she is hands down one of the most reader friendly authors I’ve ever met? Her thoughtfulness made my cross-country move this summer the bomb-diggity and she’s also one of the most fun people to pose for pictures with.

Dianna and Carlene 2010 Comic Con

Carlene Love’s “Dianna Love squee moment” at San Diego Comic Con 🙂

There’s all the great stuff she’s constantly doing to help fellow writers too. Her notes on how to write a short story continue to be lifesavers to me. For instance, start with a couple who have history together. Easy but poignant. Seriously, it would take several blog posts to properly gush about Dianna. And here’s the real kicker. I’m but one of thousands of fans she manages to touch like this on a daily basis. I’m going to ask you to trust me on all this because deep down, I really do want to respect her wishes to keep the behind-the-scenes things she does for her fans on the down low. Just know that she’s out there doing it and for that giving spirit of hers, I want to simply say, in a very public way, THANK YOU, DIANNA. You are an amazing human being and I wish all of life’s best blessings on you and yours.

And this brings me to the second and equally awesome part of today’s blog post. I’ve just come across a few brand new, free Christmas romance titles from my publisher! These are short, quick and sexy reads and I’ve already downloaded my copies. Hoping you’ll find something you fall in love with too. If you’d like to download, you can click on the book covers.

christmasfantasy__00248.1417643695.432.648From my dear friend who is equally generous and talented, Sandra Bunino, Christmas Fantasy: Dahlia and Tristan…

Take a sexy trip to your next Christmas fantasy…

A late night train ride kick starts Alexis Winters’ holiday spirit when she finds a seat next to a sexy stranger. Will she get off at the next stop or stay aboard and fulfill the fantasy of a lifetime?

 

 

 

 

 

 

illicitactivityFrom sexy contemporary author, J.R. Gray, Illicit Activity…

The Christmas season is fast approaching. Jesse and George try to keep their connection alive with stolen late night dinners and secret meetings, which never seem to be enough.
Zac doesn’t take no for an answer, and has set his sights on George’s slave Elliot as his newest conquest. Determined to see Elliot and bring him some holiday spirit, Zac starts a battle of wits with George. But Will George be able to outsmart Zac, and keep him away from Elliot, for long?

 

 

 

 

 

 

anhcAnd from the lovely and talented Angelique Voisen, A New Haven Christmas…

While the rest of his pack mates are celebrating the holiday season with their newfound mates, Peter Sanders is miserably counting off the minutes until he can head home. Pete knows he’s no one’s ideal mate. He’s mediocre, sells video games for a living, and still lives with his mother. Pete begins to think it’s going to be another miserable Christmas when his dream hunk strikes up a conversation with him.

Fabio Luigi may be new to the New Haven pack, but he isn’t blind to the glances a certain submissive wolf has been giving him all season long. Pete may believe they come from two different worlds for sparks to fly, but Fabio intends to prove Pete wrong.

 

 

 

 

And they’re all FREE! Happy Giving Season, fishy friends! So now I’d like to know, is there anyone special out there who goes the extra mile but perhaps doesn’t take the credit they deserve? Tell us about them!

Fishy Kisses,

Carlene Mermaid

 

 

 

Opening Acts that Rock Your World & a Rock Star Romance Free Read!

Carlene Love Flores, Free Read, , , , , , , , , ,

Eight years ago, I went to a Depeche Mode concert. I know, surprising. And then we all lived happily ever after. The End.

But wait, there’s more. I loved their opening act, a band called She Wants Revenge. Loved them so much that I caught one of their headlining shows, where I had the unforgettable experience of taking in She Wants Revenge’s opening act. A band so unique, I’ll never forget them. They were called Ima Robot. I can still see the words “Ima Robot” written in blood on their t-shirts while they did all kinds of jumpy things I’d never seen done on stage before. Eight years ago! Branded forever in my brain. Check out that energy…

I sit here and I wonder what it would feel like to be a member of an Opening Act? I imagine it’s exciting and takes a special kind of dedication. I imagine you’d be very close with your bandmates. Are you living in the moment or constantly wondering if and when you’ll make it to Headliner? Does that even matter? If you’re sharing your passion with people, whether you’re warming the crowd up or are the main attraction, you are making your dreams happen. I think you are awesome. And thinking about it more, I bet you’re leaving it all out on that stage every night.

I go to a lot of live shows and for the record, I never miss the Opening Act! Are you kidding me, if I did, I’d never had the pleasure of seeing Ima Robot eight years ago! Or Jessica Simpson when she opened up for Ricky Martin. One of my favorite shows ever was when I went to see No Doubt and discovered Paramore who opened for ND and The Sounds who opened for Paramore. All crazy good bands led by dynamite rocker chicks. Check out “Beatbox” by The Sounds, my favorite song from that tour. PS–I secretly wish I could rock it out like Maja Ivarsson…


When I saw Bat for Lashes open up this past fall for Depeche Mode and then Gary Clark, Jr. open for Kings of Leon this February, I fell in love. Two beautiful, heart-touching performances like no others I’ve ever heard. Here’s Bat for Lashes singing Laura…


You know another reason I love the openers? They’re usually super sweethearts and extremely happy to talk to you. Take for example Rayland Baxter who opened up for Bobby Long. He not only packaged his own cd’s in the coolest brown paper bag tied with turquoise string and stamped with a wax R, he took a selfie with me because I was there alone and had no one to hold the camera. Is that the coolest mustache or what?…

Carlene & Rayland Baxter

Carlene & Rayland Baxter

Rayland's Goodies

Rayland’s Goodies

There was also the time Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (opening for Bobby Long at a different show…I love seeing Bobby Long) gave me a bar of soap from his hotel room when I purchased his cd, he said as an additional show of gratitude. Oh, and they’re really cool about posing with your kiddo who you may have kept out way past his bedtime so you could see the show…Kind of like Mason Vixon did the night they opened for Casey James. :)…

Mason Vixon & Kiddo

Mason Vixon & Kiddo

Whether the Opening Acts I remember most were because of the quirky artist and hotel toiletries or because they were a BLEEDING SINGING ROBOT, I can’t imagine missing out on what they bring to the show. And it’s probably why I wrote my latest book about an Opening Act. Their name is Lonerby which stands for the band members’ names–Luke, Oscar, Noah and Erby. They open for Sin Pointe, the other band I made up so I could write books about rock stars! And I have excellent news to share with you…you don’t have to miss this Opening Act because Lonerby’s story, Touch of Sin, just released on Monday and it’s a Free Read! To download your copy, just click HERE. I hope you enjoy it!

Touch of Sin (A Sin Pointe Novel Free Read)

Touch of Sin (A Sin Pointe Novel Free Read)

Touch of Sin Blurb: Lonerby guitarist Luke Willoughby and his band are under tight scrutiny since a press conference was ruined by a band member’s sudden vomiting attack. They’ve been suspended from the Sin Pointe tour and Luke fears they’ve blown it for good. The last thing he expects is the cute management spy sent to observe him.

No-nonsense Sarrie Walker knows exactly what she’s there to do, and makes no secret of it. Luke is impressed—and powerfully attracted to Sarrie’s strong and sexy innocence. When they end up stuck together in close quarters, Sarrie becomes dangerously irresistible—and very much off-limits. Does she hold Luke’s second chance? And if he gives in to her powerful allure, what happens to his heart?

So I’d LOVE to hear about your favorite Opening Acts. Has there been an Ima Robot in your musical viewing past? Maybe a Rayland Baxter? Fishy kisses everyone!

Ghosts in Mermaid Lagoon Book Lovers Giveaway!

Free Read, Giveaway

Beware you’re not alone in the Waterworld Mermaid lagoon.

Strange sightings.

Mysterious events.

Ghostly whispers in the dark.

Good thing we have just the giveaway to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you entertained throughout this All Hallow’s Eve and beyond. Read the Ghosts in Mermaid Lagoon stories here and then enter to win the Waterworld Mermaid trick or treat bag filled with books, candy, swag and a $25 gift certificate.

 Missed one of the great stories? Visit the Waterworld Mermaids Free Read page for a listing of all the stories included in the Ghosts in Mermaid Lagoon free read.

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Just Believe (Part Two) by Kimberly MacCarron

Free Read, Kimberly MacCarron

I expected to see denial in his expression.  Maybe a bit of skepticism.  What I didn’t expect was the excitement and hopeful expression.  And my heart skips in response.

An axe-murderer might be excited to get rid of some clue.  But he wouldn’t have that hopeful look plastered on his rugged, handsome face.   I glance down at the picture of him with his arm around his sister, and I have a moment’s hesitation.  Would a murderer be that protective of a younger sister?

“So, who is it?”  I ask, point-blank. Continue reading →

Just Believe (Part One) by Kimberly MacCarron

Free Read, Kimberly MacCarron

Armoires shouldn’t be used as a mode of transportation for the dead.

That’s what I keep telling myself as I stare at the antique mahogany armoire I purchased for an insane amount of money at the auction house last month.

I’ve spent my life not believing in anything that can’t be seen or touched.  That includes God, the afterlife, soul mates and the Tooth Fairy.  But, lately, I’ve had to reevaluate that belief since a ghost hitched a ride to my condo in an armoire. Continue reading →

The Guardian (Part Three) by Dana Rodgers

Dana Rodgers, Free Read

“Hey gorgeous.” Annabel turned to find Jack leaning against the doorframe, his lips turned up in a perfect curve, dark eyes heating. He reached up between his shoulder blades and tugged his navy blue t-shirt off over his head. “Baby’s down, house is locked up and you’re looking mighty fine in that towel.”

She giggled, pushing the long ropes of wet hair out of her face. God, how did she get so lucky? He was perfect. From his bare feet to the short dark hair that was always deliciously messy from running his hands through it. His t-shirt dangled from his left hand, showing off his sculpted chest and six-pack abs. He was leaner than he had been when he left. Her eyes were automatically drawn to the happy trail of dark hair that disappeared down the front of his low-slung jeans. He popped the top button and slowly sauntered into the room. Continue reading →

The Guardian (Part Two) by Dana Rodgers

Dana Rodgers, Free Read

Annabel stopped at the guard shack and handed over her military ID to the Marine on duty. He examined the ID, then returned it. “Have a nice day,” she said.

“Uh-Rah! You too ma’am.”

Jeremy bounced up and down in his car seat, “Uh-Rah! Uh-Rah! Uh-Rah!”

Annabel laughed. “Settle down back there. I know you like the Uh-Rah people, but you don’t have to burst mommy’s eardrums. Are you going to help mommy put your new big boy bed together when we get home?”

“Yep. Yep. Yep.” Continue reading →

The Guardian (Part One) by Dana Rodgers

Dana Rodgers, Free Read

Spring was beautiful in coastal North Carolina, peaceful. Annabel loved the slower pace of life. Of course, after attending college and working in Washington D.C. almost any place would seem slow-paced, she thought, turning onto Eden Street.

The neighborhood was cute, much better than the cave of an apartment they’d been living in, where the neighbors partied every weekend. She understood Marines’ wanting to blow off a little steam, but it was hard enough raising a baby by herself without doing it in the middle of a frat party. With Jack gone another five months, she was looking forward to the safety and quiet of their new home on base. Continue reading →

The Waiting Room (Part Two) by Denny S. Bryce

Denny S. Bryce, Free Read

She opened her mouth and then clamped it shut. How dare he ask her that? “We don’t talk about those things,” she said. In the waiting room, you didn’t talk about what had happened before. “Once you’re dead, and a ghost, it doesn’t matter how you got here.”

He didn’t flinch. He kept staring at her. Then, back still braced against the wall, he slid down into a squat, comfortable, as if he intended to be there for a while. “If you tell me how you died, maybe you can help me.”

Help him how, why, with what? Ghosts didn’t help ghosts, but oh, that’s right, he wasn’t a ghost. Damn. This wasn’t the way her job worked.

Glaring at him, she chewed her lower lip, chomping on it like it was gum, but it didn’t help. She could feel her anger slipping. His eyes looked sad and beautiful and perfect like the morning sky on a summer day.

Her arms relaxed at her side, but then she folded them across her chest, refusing to let go of her last bit of stubbornness. “Why do you want to know how I died?”

“I said it might help me find the truth, help me believe if I’m a ghost or not,” he said quietly.

Continue reading →

The Waiting Room (Part One) by Denny S. Bryce

Denny S. Bryce, Free Read

Poppy Green hadn’t thought about men in that way since before she was killed, but here she was, thinking about them. Well, not them, just one, and she sure wished it wasn’t true. She remembered how silly and reckless those thoughts used to make her, and she didn’t think she ought to be that way now. After all, being a ghost wasn’t an excuse for being sloppy or forgetful.

Sitting in the waiting room, midnight, the rain pounding against the windows, Poppy shifted in her seat as Henry Taylor walked through the double doors. Heading for the vending machines, he didn’t look her way, as always. He went straight to the section of wall between the machines. It was like his perch, or his piece of the rock.

Sighing, Poppy stared at the tile floor. There was no reason under this moon or any other to want Henry Taylor. Yeah, he was a ghost like her, but also a good-for-nothing-son-of-a-gun. No better than the men she’d known before she’d passed. Back when any fool in a pair of trousers could trick Poppy into bed. Easy.

Continue reading →