Friday Finds: After The Lovin'

The month of romance may almost be over, but I've still got some great finds for you under a buck. But you better act fast to grab these ebooks before the sales prices run out.

Vengeful In Love
by Nadia Lee

Genre: Contemporary Romance

FREE through 2/28/14

REVENGE IS SWEET...

Self-made billionaire Alex Damon wants his pound of flesh from the people who ripped his family apart. When he discovers his enemies' daughter is working at his company -- and most likely spying for them -- he decides to start his revenge by seducing her.
Natalie Hall is stunned at the personal interest from the CEO of her company. Vulnerable, with an already bruised heart, she wants to avoid any involvement -- but she can't deny the desire he arouses in her.

...BUT LOVE IS SWEETER...

What should've been a straightforward eye-for-an-eye starts to unravel as Natalie's unflinching loyalty and kindness begin to thaw Alex's cold intent. But caring for her is unthinkable...since he plans to use everything in his power to ruin her family and everyone else she holds dear.

Note: Previously published as CARNAL SECRETS.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vengeful-Love-Hearts-Line-Nadia-ebook/dp/B004OA5ZTS
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vengeful-in-love-nadia-lee/1117540711


What Once Was Perfect

by Zoe York

Genre: Contemporary Romance

FREE through 2/28/14

 

This is Book 1 in a series; there is a prequel novella (Between Then and Now) which you might want to read first, but each story can be read on its own. Book 2, Where Their Hearts Collide, is now available!

She shuttered her heart and walked away...

Heading home always stirs up mixed emotions for Laney Calhoun. Twelve years ago she left for graduate school, broken-hearted. She's found professional success, but positive personal relationships have proved elusive. Running into her ex-boyfriend fans flames she thought long extinguished, renews her interest in love. Not with Kyle, of course. Never again. But as sparks fly and items of clothing disappear, she scrambles to lock down her heart.

...Now he has a second chance to get it right.

Kyle Nixon let Laney slip away once. Their chemistry together is undeniable, but a few days of steamy sex over the Christmas holidays won't be enough to convince her to let him back into her heart. Even if she did trust him again, her life as Dr. Calhoun is a day's drive away from the hometown that he loves--the world he once chose over her.

A modern, sexy, small town love story about second chances and leaps of faith. *NEW SERIES*

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-Once-Perfect-Wardham-Series-ebook/dp/B00DE33TGC

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-once-was-perfect-zoe-york/1115649965

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/395673

Second Chance Cowboy
by Rhonda Lee Carver

Book 1 in the Second Chance Series

Genre: Contemporary Romance | Western

FREE (on Amazon.com)
Only .99¢ (at B&N)

After the loss of a child tears her marriage apart, Carly vows she’ll never speak to her soon-to-be ex-husband Chance again. On the eve of their divorce, however, Carly takes a stroll down memory lane and calls Chance.

A passionate one night stand between the two is shattered by cruel light of morning. With reality having set back in, Carly admits to Chance she made a mistake, forcing him to come to grips that there is no hope left for their marriage. 

Fate has other plans for them. Carly’s fall down some stairs leaves her with amnesia…but that’s only the start of it. 



Can deception bring a second chance at love or will it forever destroy an already broken marriage?

Find your copy today at these online retailers:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Cowboy-Rhonda-Carver-ebook/dp/B00H1B6ADC
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chance-cowboy-rhonda-lee-carver/1027753211

Other books in Rhonda Lee Carver's Second Chance Series:

Second Ride Cowboy (Book 2)
http://www.amazon.com/Second-Ride-Cowboy-Chance-Series-ebook/dp/B00DLC46AE/

Second Round Cowboy (Book 3)
http://www.amazon.com/Second-Round-Cowboy-Chance-Series-ebook/dp/B00I1OMGQ8

Friday Finds: eBook Mix Tape

This Friday's Finds are a sort of ebook mix tape with a bit of this and that, contemporary romance with suspense elements, paranormal erotic heat, and even a deadly mystery thrown in for good measure, so get comfy and prepare to read some wicked and wonderful tales.

Finding Pride
by Jill Sanders

Book One in the Pride Series

Genre: Contemporary Romance

FREE until 2/28/14!

Megan Kimble has finally freed herself from years of abuse at the hands of her ex. Now she can finally start a new life and figure out just who she really is. When her brother Matt dies suddenly, she takes a big risk and moves cross country to live in his house and take over his new business. This could be the chance she’s needed. There’s only one problem now. She can’t seem to escape the irresistible charm of her departed brother’s best friend.
Todd Jordan just lost his best friend and business partner. Watching Matt’s sister move into town, his attraction to her is instant. Can he prove to her that all men are not the same, and resist his own desires as she learns to trust again? Overcoming the odds is just part of their journey. The two must first survive a fateful visit from Megan’s ex to have any chance at happiness.
Finding Pride is book one of the Pride Series Romance Novels, a sexy contemporary romance series by Jill Sanders.

FREE until 2/28/14

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Pride-Series-Romance-Novels-ebook/dp/B009LQKHIO
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-pride-jill-sanders/1113471777
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248043
 

Take Me
by T.A. Grey

The Untouchables Series, Book One

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

FREE for a limited time!

She makes his blood burn

Dominic Blackmoore meets the woman who captures his mind and body with a look and he’s instantly taken with her. When he was ordered to take another mate quickly after separating from his ex, he loathed the idea. However, after catching sight of his bruid he quickly changes his mind. He finds her utterly captivating, sensually erotic, and yearns to learn everything about her.

But she’s not his bruid.

The woman he’s mistaken as his bruid is none other than the event planner, Felicity Shaw, for his mating ceremony. Now Dominic will do everything it takes, even lie to the woman he craves, to keep her at his side. He needs to mate with his bruid in order to win his political campaign but he finds himself falling in love with Felicity Shaw. In the end he must choose between work or love. He may make the right decision, but is it too late to save his lies from hurting Felicity?

He takes her breath away

Felicity Shaw wants more in life. She’ll even lie to get it, which is exactly how she lands a job with the illustrious Blackmoore family. However, it’s the head of the vampire household, Dominic Blackmoore, that has her heart racing and breath catching. The man consumes her unlike anyone ever has before. She can’t resist him though she tries. As she’s forced to work with Dominic she tries to keep away from him but he doesn’t make things easy.

She may want him with a passion she’s never experienced before, but she will not be with him when he’s mating to another woman. It’s either her or no one. But one terrible lies seals their fates together in ways neither of them imagined, threatening their love and the very fabric of their relationship.

FREE until 2/28/14

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Take-Me-Untouchables-paranormal-romance-ebook/dp/B00BMISFZQ
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/take-me-t-a-grey/1114720603
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/290471

The Mystery Box
by Eva Pohler

Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Women's Fiction

FREE through March 2014

Soccer mom Yvette Palmer lives an ordinary suburban life in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and three children when a box is delivered to her by mistake, and in taking it to its rightful owner—a crotchety neighbor named Mona who shares her back fence—is drawn into a strange and haunting tale.

Mona’s ratty robe, mood swings, and secretive behavior all raise red flags, and Yvette is sure someone else is living there despite Mona’s claim to live alone, but Yvette is unable to break away as she listens to how Mona transformed from a young college woman about to be married to the odd, reclusive, ghost of a woman she is now.

As Yvette listens to this strange woman's story, she discovers a shocking connection, but doesn't know whether Mona has come to help or to harm her and her family.

FREE! Grab your copy before the sale ends!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Box-Book-Collection-ebook/dp/B008YQJEFY
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/57311

Mega B-Day Party Recap

I promised to share a recap for everyone who won door prizes, so here you are:

Cassandra's Mega Birthday Celebration Winners List:
(check to see if your name is on here and then go to yesterday's post to see what you won and the preferred method of contact. Thanks.)

Door Prize 1: Crystal A.
Door Prize 2: Tessa
Door Prize 3: Ginger R.
Door Prize 4: Teresa K.
Door Prize 5: Tina Green
Door Prize 6: Hotcha.
Door Prize 7: Judy Zartelle A
Door Prize 8: Mary K.
Door Prize 9: Jodi H.
Door Prize 10: Silma Pagan J.
Door Prize 11: Tira Brown
Door Prize 12: Fedora
Door Prize 13: Sally P.
Door Prize 14: Susan
Door Prize 15: Pamela J.

A big congrats to all my winners, and a huge hug to everyone who dropped by to listen to the music, dance, order virtual drinks, and help me celebrate my birthday. Ya'll made turning another year older fun.

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail.

Cassandra's Mega Birthday Party

Welcome to Cassandra's mega birthday party, ya'll!

Hi yas! Glad to see you arrived and are here to help me celebrate! As day turns into night, my friends and I will be updating this post with new information, adding pictures, and winner announcements for the various door prizes. Also, a little later in the party, we'll draw the two winners from my Valentine's Day contest entries. Each update to this original post will start with the words UPDATE in red and include a time stamp, so you can catch the new stuff as well as zip past old updates as you scroll. I hope this makes things easier than a ton of same day posts that are confusing. There can only be one...(post, that is), hmm...I remember that phrase from somewhere...? lol
The comments section is where you'll want to leave your open bar drink orders, song requests, birthday wishes for me, etc. My goal is to get over 100 comments today, just to see if we can. Yeah, I'm goofy that way. :) The more you comment, the more your name is entered into the kitty for the various door prizes. There are fifteen door prizes in all, so you'll be seeing that red update a lot in this post. But I think you'll enjoy dropping in and seeing what I'm doing next. :D  ~ Cass
::birthday bad girl::

Let's get this party started!

  
Birthday Wishes and Stardust Dreams...

If you could give Cassandra anything in the world, what would you wish for her? Be creative, no holds barred. Leave a comment with your birthday wish for Cassandra and you'll be entered for the first door prize of the day, a $10 Subway gift card, the perfect treat for lunch.

UPDATE! 12:15pm >> The winner of the 1st door prize is: CRYSTAL ATKINS!
Congratulations, Crystal! Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail address, so we can get your prize out to you asap! :)

Check back and see if your name is listed HERE! :)

The *live* band will be here later this afternoon, 
but until then, help yourself to free virtual drinks at the open bar.

OPEN BAR
Order your drinks here and click on the video to learn how to make five of the best party cocktails ever.

Remember to watch for door prize announcements to be added throughout the day and don't forget to leave a comment to enter to win after each update. Scroll up (or down) for more door prizes and fun. Unless stated differently, all door prizes will be drawn and the winner announced during the birthday celebration 
(party til midnight, February 16, 2014).


The second door prize will be drawn when at least ten people have checked in by leaving a comment with their drink order and letting us know they're here.  Want to see the second door prize?

Faceted amethyst gemstone and silver pendant.

UPDATE! 7pm>>> The winner of the 2nd door prize is: TESSA
Congratulations, Tessa! Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail address so we can get your prize out to you, asap!  

The *live* band has arrived, I hope you enjoy the awesome tunes. 

UPDATE! 7:22pm >> Door Prize#3
Item: Silver and Amethyst pear drop natural amethyst earrings and 3 strand genuine amethyst bracelet.

The winner of the 3rd door prize is: Ginger R.!
Congratulations, Ginger! Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail address so we can get your prize out to you, asap! 

 What is one of your favorite singers or rock bands? 
Leave a comment and let me know.  

UPDATE! 7:45pm >> Door Prize #4
The winner is: Tigger! Congratulations, Tigger! 
Please email me directly so we can set up a time to do your reading. 
Item: This door prize includes a 45 minute tarot reading with interpretation and consultation.

I'll be drawing for the Valentine's Day Contest winners in a few minutes...in the meanwhile—
Do you have any requests for the band?

UPDATE! 7:50pm>>Drawing for The Month of Romance Valentine's Day Contest!
Date:  2-14-14 Two winners of amethyst earrings & ebooks on Valentine’s Day.
Garnet silver heart earrings & Natasha Moore ebook, Her Royal Masquerade
Prize Winner is:  Michelle A.

Amethyst silver heart earrings & Cassandra Curtis ebook, Song of The Sea
Prize Winner is:  Night Diva!

Congratulations to both Michelle and Night Diva! Please contact me directly via FB or email to receive your prizes!

UPDATED! 8:45pm>>Want to see Door Prize #5?

Item: ROSE QUARTZ+RAINBOW MOONSTONE+AMETHYST earrings & NATURAL 7 3/4" AMETHYST Bracelet
The winner is Tina Green!
Congratulations, Tina. Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail address. Thanks!


Door Prize #6 is a Papa John's $10 Gift Card!

UPDATE! 9:15pm >> The winner of the Papa John's gift card is... HOTCHA! Congrats, Hotcha. Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail addy so we can send your door prize. Enjoy!

Want to see Door Prize #7? Here you go:

UPDATE! 10pm >> The Winner is... Judy Z.  
Congrats, Judy. Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail info so we can send your door prize to you asap!
Item: BLACK ONYX & RED MADAGASCAR AGATE GEMSTONE 20 1/4" NECKLACE. This is a totally heavy, gorgeous beaded necklace, a true statement necklace that will go great with shirt and jeans or a slinky dress.

Time for a game!
You may know the birthstone for February is amethyst, but do you know the zodiac sign associated with amethyst?

UPDATE! 11PM >> Door Prize #8
The winner is...Mary Kirkland! Congratulations, Mary.
Please contact Marie Wyatt on FB to receive your gift certificate and order your chosen gifts.
Item: $15 Paparazzi Gift Certificate good for jewelry at Papparazzi



UPDATE! 11:36pm >> Door Prize #9

The winner is...Jodi Henley! Congratulations, Jodi!  
Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail info so we can get your door prize in the mail, asap. :)
Item: Silver and Amethyst dangle earrings

UPDATE! 11:50pm>>Door Prize #10

The winner is: Silma!
Congratulations, Silma!
Please email and contact me directly to claim your prize.
Item: Mystery ebook lovers Gift Basket from authors
Jennifer Frishetto and Artemis Greenleaf

 

Update! 11:55pm>> Door Prize #11
The winner is...Tira!
Congratulations, Tira.
Please email me directly for your door prize. cass [at] cassandra curtis [dot] com (no spaces)
Item: Natal Birthchart Astrology


Update! 12midnight! Door Prize #12
The winner is Fedora!

Congratulations, Fedora. Please email assistant@cassandracurtis.com with your snail mail info.
Item: Silver, Druzy, Garnet, and Amethyst pendant

Update! 12midnight! Door Prize #13

The winner is Sally! Congrats, Sally!
Item: pewter manatee thumb ring sz. 8, and russet jade dragon necklace with magnetic clasp.


Update! 12midnight! Door Prize #14

The winner is... Susan! Congratulations, Susan!
Item: Honey Topaz and Ammonite fossil earrings

...and the final door prize of the night—Door Prize #15
Update! 12midnight! Item: $15 Amazon egift card 
 

The winner is...Pamela!  
Congratulations, Pamela. Please Email me directly.

Thanks all ya'll for spending your Sunday with me 
and helping me celebrate my birthday. 
May your wishes come true and my best wishes to you! Cass.

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail.

    

Happy Valentine's Day Special Friday Finds

Happy St. Valentine's Day 

and welcome to a special edition of Friday Finds!
 

Leave a comment on this post and you could be one
of two winners picked for prizes!*

ebook & jewelry prize #1

One reader will win a copy of Natasha Moore's erotic romance ebook, Her Royal Masquerade, plus a pair of red garnet and silver heart earrings!



 

Read more about Natasha's book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Royal-Masquerade-Romance-ebook/dp/B00FW2C6ZI/?tag=natamoor-20

ebook & jewelry prize #2 

 

One reader will win a copy of the Cassandra Curtis' erotic romance ebook, Shifting Tides: Song of The Sea, plus a pair of amethyst and silver heart earrings!

Read more about Cassandra's book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shifting-Tides-Song-Sea-ebook/dp/B001QBPM1E

 Contests ends midnight, Saturday, February 15, 2014 and winners will be announced here on my blog during my birthday party. Good Luck!

*If you win prize #2 but already have my ebook Song of The Sea, let me know and I'll substitute your choice of an ebook from my backlist.

**Please note that images appear larger to show details. The actual earrings are approx. a half inch wide.

 

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail. 

Website news and Valentine's Stuff

Hi loyal readers of When Midnight Comes! If anyone has tried to go to the website and are seeing weird error messages or domain name problems, you are not alone. I noticed the other day when I went to update my website that it was taking a long time to pull up and would eventually time out. I managed to figure out the why, but it's still offline until the domain "thingie" propagates. Apparently my webhosting service decided, without notifying its customers in advance, to rename their name servers...? Not sure why they'd do that, but hey, I often change the name of my equipment. I mean, my all in one printer was Bessie for the longest time, then one day got in an odd mood and renamed her Claudette.

The thing is, when they did that, my domain no longer pointed to the server where my website resides, so I had to call up my domain registrar and get help fixing it. Once it finishes propagating (is that a euphemism for computer on computer sex?) then all "should" be right in my little blue world. I am hopeful this means that by this evening or sooner, my website will be up and running as usual. ::sigh::

There are many times I've been advised to switch to a WP blog and I stick with Blogger, because for a techno-idjit like me, Blogger is pretty easy. I need easy. Easy like Sunday morning. And since I use Blogger for my blog, this whole mess with my website won't impact my Valentine's Day or Sunday morning when my birthday party celebration gets underway.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I made a mix tape list of a few of my favorite love songs and thought to share.

What's Your Valentine's Day Mix Tape O' Love?

Here's mine:
In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel,
Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston,
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston,
Can't Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis Presley,
I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner,
To Sir With Love by LuLu
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen,
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers,
What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? by Dusty Springfield

As you can tell, I have truly divergent tastes in music.  lol

Lore of Amethyst Contest Winner

Hope ya'll enjoyed my article about the folklore and legend surrounding the pretty purple stone amethyst. Time to pick a winner for these truly neat earring bling bling.

::grabs Bear to pick a number:: Oops, I should have let him get a cup of coffee first. lol


The winner (counts down number of comments, which was kinda quick since he said the number 1) is Angel!

Hey! Congrats, Angel. You've won these super pair of gemstone and silver earrings! Please email assistant [at] cassandracurtis [dot] com with your snail mail info, so we can get your prize out to you.

Remember, if we don't hear from you within 30 days of today's date, then those lovely earrings will go into a second chance drawing, so don't forget or delay.

For those who didn't win, check back again, because this Friday is a very special Friday Finds, with a special ebook giveaway you'll enjoy, and two bling bling giveaways! Get Lucky With Cass. Enter to win. ;)

Friday Finds: February Filled With eBook Love

On this week's Friday Finds, I'm thawing the snow and ice with some sizzling erotic romances for under a dollar. Check out these sexy reads....

Anastasia's Style
by N.J. Walters

Genre: Erotic Romance | Valentines Day story

Only .99¢ for a limited time! Grab your copy today!

Anastasia Style, owner of Hassle-free Holidays, is having anything but a hassle-free Valentine's Day. Her normally reliable car has a flat and she has a delivery to make for a last minute, lucrative client. And if that wasn't enough to make a woman crazy, she still has to make it to her lawyer's office in time to sign her divorce papers.She just has to set the stage for her client's romantic evening and then she's off to her lawyer's office to officially end her marriage to Mason Style. Except her client has other ideas about how Anastasia will be spending her evening, and he has no intention of ever letting her go.



Only .99¢ for a limited time! Grab your copy today!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Anastasias-Style-N-J-Walters-ebook/dp/B00305CY5G

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anastasias-style-nj-walters/1019740428?ean=9781419909443

Danu, The Return
by Sally Painter

Genre: Erotic Romance | Paranormal

FREE!

Part of The Hussies series.Danu has one weakness—hot, sexy dragon-hunter Ragna. As leader of the Hussy Warrior Hunters, she reaped eternity with him in the Netherworld—until now.Destiny calls Danu back to Earth—alone. Torn between her sacred duty and her lover, Danu agonizes over losing Ragna forever. Strong, fearless Ragna makes her mindless with desire, and each time he touches her, Danu melts. Ragna is powerless to stop her from being ripped from his arms. His last words ring in her ears… He’ll find a way to return to her.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Danu-The-Return-Sally-Painter-ebook/dp/B003SX0Y8E

Love Me Tonight - Four Erotic Romance Stories for Valentine's Day 

by authors Cassia Leo, Catou Martine, Kandi Kayne, and Mimi Strong.

Genre: Erotic Romance | Boxed Set

Only .99¢ for a limited time! Grab your copy today!

Enjoy these four delicious, sensual Valentine's Day stories by Orly Press authors. These stories were written exclusively for this collection, and are being published for the first time.

In addition to Valentine's Day and romance, another common thread unites all four very diverse tales: sexy red shoes.

EROTIC ROMANCE WARNING - These erotic stories contain explicit sex scenes, and are intended for an adult audience.

Story #1 - Hunting Luke - Cassia Leo
Luke and Brina are looking forward to their first entire day alone together since becoming parents. For Valentine's Day, Luke sends his wife Brina on a sexy scavenger hunt. The surprises keep getting better, but Brina wonders if parental guilt will spoil her hunt for Luke. (This story takes place after the events of Cassia Leo's erotic romance series, LUKE.)

Story #2 - Green-Eyed Angel in Paris - Catou Martine
Laine, an art museum director, takes her broken heart to Paris. She's looking for Mona Lisa, but finds an angel. His name is Colin, and he's a green-eyed Englishman who seems to know exactly what Laine truly wants.

Story #3 - The Red Shoe Affair - Kandi Kayne
A girl can dream! She can save up all her money for a trip to Paris, and allow herself one night at the Georges Cinq, in a room fit for a princess. And when that girl locks herself out of her room by accident, she can meet the mysterious, handsome man across the hall.

Story #4 - Falling Away - Mimi Strong
Tessa, a widow, visits a new hair salon, where she meets a handsome man whose touch transforms her.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Tonight-Romance-Valentines-ebook/dp/B00BEJD0ZI

The Magical Lore of Amethyst

February's birthstone amethyst has been a prized gem for centuries. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs, to the British crown jewels, amethyst's lovely and varying shades of purple were associated with royalty. Some of the earliest  legends speak of the stone with the Roman god Bacchus.

In Norse mythology and folklore, the stone was believed to be favored by Thor. Many believed if you wore the stone on Thursdays, you were granted protection and luck by the great Norse god. 

The gemstone was believed to help mental acuity, to increase intellect, meditation and contemplation, help its bearer with bravery, and aid in healing. It was even said that if you carved the image of a bear on a hunk of amethyst, it would send daemons running away and toward the nearest portal. That's a pretty tall order for a simple purple stone.

The gem also came to represent the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the middle ages, amethyst became a symbol of purity and devotion, making it popular with Cardinals and Bishops, and wound up adorning a lot of silver crosses. 

Historically, amethyst was also used by pagans who practiced the art of the wise, who believed it aided in prophecy and healing magic. Those who practice green earth magic often use a geode of amethyst to bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense. If there is a corner of your house that your cat or dog will not go, try smudging the area with sage, and place five small amethyst points forming a pentagram in the area, leaving it overnight. In the morning, pick up the stones and see if you notice a difference in your dog's or cat's behavior. I bet you will. :)

Associated with the tarot card Temperance, the gemstone also represents balance and harmony, and according to legend, is a wonderful stone to use in helping stop addictive behaviors.

In the Chinese practice of Feng Shui, amethyst enhances material wealth, both giving and receiving. Basically, to those who give, more is given. Also, the gemstone is associated with the crown chakra at the top of the head where the divine essence of life enters us.

Leave a comment and enter to win!

 

 

Amethyst is also an awesome talisman for us creative types. In some circles it's called Cerridwen's Stone, since Cerridwen is the Celtic goddess of inspiration and the arts. Amethyst crystals can be scattered or arranged in the room where you write, paint, design, dream, quilt, or knit, to focus and intensify the divine energy used in creative endeavors.

How would you like to win the lovely pair of amethyst earrings pictured above? 

Leave a comment on this post and tell me the answer to this question:

What uses does a green earth witch have for amethyst? (the answer is in the article)

 

 

Contest ends midnight, Monday, February 10, 2014. Good Luck!

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. 

Not responsible for lost/stolen mail. 

Month of Romance: The First Contest Winner

Thanks to everyone who left a comment and told me one of their ideal romantic setting. Don't be surprised if it ends up in a future book. ;) On to the drawing. The winner of my first contest in the Month of Romance is...

::drumroll please::

Mindy!

Congratulations, Mindy!

Please email assistant [at] cassandracurtis [dot] com  (no spaces) with your snail mail information, so we can get your lovely new amethyst and white topaz earrings out to you soon as possible. Thanks!

Reminder, a new contest starts today, so scroll up and remember to tell your friends.

Happy February!

February: The Month of Romance

Leave a Comment to Enter!

February is often called the month of romance. When I'm developing a story, I think of what's romantic and one of the things I look at is the setting.

Where and when does the story take place?

Many of my stories are set in the south (USA), but I've also set books in fictional towns and villages, even a fictional city state in Central America. As for when, I've even written a futuristic colony world on the far edge of the galaxy (Open Season).

Thinking of romantic settings, what would you consider a romantic place and/or time?

Contest ends midnight, Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Good Luck.

February bling— Amethyst earrings!

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail. 

Welcome to February Celebrations!

Hi ya'll! Happy early Candlemas!

So much going on this month, you'll want to drop back by from time to time and see what I'm up to, 'cause it's sure to be fun. 

First off, I'm determined for this February to be 100% better than last year's. For those of you who are regulars to this blog, you'll remember Feb. 2013 was hell in a hand basket for yours truly. Car problems, house problems, and then I did an #EPIC fail, or should I say fall? Whew. Not my best moment. Had to deal with the fall-out (pun intended) for months afterward, and even now, a year later, my nose still gets weird tingles if something brushes against it due to the nerve damage. ::sigh::

Second, February is my birth month and to celebrate I'm giving little love valentines, (like many of us did when we were in school), on special blog posts throughout the month. Do you love jewelry? Is your favorite color purple? Were you born in the month of February?

A winner will be drawn from each of these special valentine posts. So watch my blog in February and you could win some bling from me.

**actual prizes may differ slightly from pictures, also other types of jewelry are included in various contests this month.**

Third, my friends are helping me plan a virtual birthday party on the 16th, with music, games, and prizes. I hope you'll be able to attend.

Fourth, the fates willing, I hope to have all the edits done on a couple of my older ebooks and hope to rerelease them this month, as well as other material. *fingers crossed* 

Sending all ya'll love and light. Keep warm, merry, and bright.

Cass

>> oh, p.s. for those of ya'll who are wondering about Candlemas and St. Brigid's Day, I posted a couple of articles a few years back, check it out:  http://cassandracurtis.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-imbolc.html and http://cassandracurtis.blogspot.com/2009/02/imbolc-and-la-fheill-brighde.html