Monday, March 25, 2013

Carley Bauer's Links

Carley Bauer's Links
Carley Bauer enjoys life on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. with her husband and their blue eyed feline, Noelle. After 30 years as a state contractor in a self employed capacity, she decided to try her hand at her first love, writing.
She loves being an empty nester, free to travel with her husband. Still involved with her children and grandchildren, Carley loves big family dinners. Some of her other hobbies are fashion, the occasional bite of the Big Apple where the excitement feeds her natural love of city life and home decor, which boasts a collection of Fenton Glassware. 










Where to purchase No Gentleman Is He,
the first of four books to be released in 
The Sons of Liberty series!




































Saturday, March 23, 2013

What Reviewers Are Saying



“Can't wait till the next one. ”Roin  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
“This was such a terrific story with strong characters and an accurate story line. ”Dana  |  2 reviewers made a similar statement
“I especially loved the tension / romance build up between Colton and Cassandra their characters were amazing!, sad to see it end can't wait for the second !!! ”Courtney  |  2 reviewers made a similar statement
I just finished this book and really enjoyed it! I haven't read a historical romance in a very long time but I am so glad that I read this. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I normally only have time to read at night, but found myself looking for opportunities to squeeze in a few chapters during the day. The story was well written and the attention to history made me feel like I was living in that time period. Cassandra overcame many hardships to live in a new land and succeed in a man's world. She quickly earned the respect of everyone at Varina Farms and proved to be the best thing to ever come into Colton Rolfe's life. I look forward to the next book in the Sons of Liberty series to find out what comes next for these characters and their family and friends. Carley Bauer and Lynette Willows did a fantastic job with this book! I am definitely a fan of historical romance again!...Diane


I am not a big reader and read very little actually but I decided to read this book and I am so glad I did! I loved everything about it, the year it took place, the way the writers described the scenery and every character, I could picture it clearly ! I especially loved the tension / romance build up between Colton and Cassandra their characters were amazing!, sad to see it end can't wait for the second !!! I'm hooked :)...Courtney

The best book I have read in a long time.The characters were very strong. Cassandra was spirited and intelligent. Colton was a dark haired man full of passion and strength. They're love story drew me in. I felt as I were living it, though I have to admit some parts made me blush (I felt I was peeking).
It's hard to believe it was written by two people instead of one. I couldn't tell where one ended and the other started. I am curious if one of them grew up on a horse farm, it seemed very spot on. Can't wait till the next one....Rion


I just finished reading "No Gentleman Is He", it really is a must read. I was wary when my wife suggested I read it. I looked at the cover. Was it a love story or was it based in historical fact? She assured me the book had enough of both to please any reader. Let me say, I wasn't disappointed. It has a cast of characters, both main and secondary, whose personalities are so well defined and consistent from beginning to end that I found myself feeling at times, I was eavesdropping on the action from somewhere in the scene. Voyeurism comes to mind as I think of the love scenes. The story takes you on an emotional journey that leaves you wanting and waiting for the next adventure....Cole

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. This is a great, historical romance. Colton is a bit of a Rhett Butler, he's dark and misunderstood by society. Cassandra, on the other hand, is no Scarlett and I mean that in a good way. She is a strong, smart, independent woman who is not afraid to take care of herself. I admire the way she refuses to run to a man to save her. Colton's respect and admiration for her strength add depth to his character. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Cassandra's parents at the end of the novel. Perhaps there could be a prequel down the road about their relationship?...Barbara

I absolutely loved this book. I don't usually read revolutionary era books. But it looked intriguing so I read it. This was such a terrific story with strong characters and an accurate story line. I felt as if I was there living in those exciting, yet hard times, when this country began its journey to independence. It really retells the american history. It had everything you want and more. A beautiful love story and an exciting book, you really feel for these people in those times. I can't wait to read the next one!!...Dana

I must say this was reminiscent of the early days of fine, historical romance stories. I found myself immediately captured by Casey and Colton's personalities. Throughout the story there was a bevy of strong characters who entertained and lived in a period of time weaved around historical events of the American Revolution.

From the opening scene of a struggling mare needing help in delivery, to the end scene of kidnapping, I found my interest captured. The only thing that jarred me from an engrossing read were a few transition bumps in scenes.

The time period came alive with great descriptions of life on a working horse farm. Being an avid horseman, I found the descriptions of the day to day operations and animal behavior true to life.

I highly recommend this read to any discerning romance buff. My thanks to the writers who presented an extremely well researched, professional, and edited story...Rgabel

Needless to say, Lynette and I are thrilled with the reviews we've received!

Where can you download "No Gentleman Is He"? 

smashwords

Amazon Kindle
Tirgearr Publishing

EBook Eros

Download and read. We'd love to hear from you! 




Carley and Lynette 

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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Latest in the Carley and Lynette saga!

A few links to share with everyone. Lynette and I are thrilled No Gentleman Is He has been released by Tirgearr Publishing. Our first press release! Whew, big stuff! 

Oh, if you haven't 'liked' the Lynette Willows and Carley Bauer page on facebook, now would be the perfect time! 


In the meantime we've delved full-force into our WIP, the second book in the Sons of Liberty series. If Jackson piqued your interest in No Gentleman Is He, you'll be blown away when he steps into hero status in Book Two. (We've received lots of email on Jackson!)  Just who is his lady love interest? I'm not giving that one away ;)

By the end of March, No Gentleman Is He will also be available on iTunes, Nook, Kobo, Bookstrand and OmniLit! In the meantime we're available on on both Kindle and Smashwords! 



Carley Bauer and Lynette Willows 


No Gentleman Is He 




Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Chapter Two excerpt from No Gentleman Is He


No Gentleman Is He, the first book in the Sons of Liberty series by Carley Bauer and Lynette Willows was released by TirgearrPublishing on March 7. 

Monday I posted an excerpt from Chapter 1. Today I am posting an excerpt from Chapter 2.
Cover Blurb: 

Young, adventurous and widowed in a new land, Cassandra Courtney Brooks finds her dream of raising a superior breed of saddle horse slipping away with the death of her husband. Left with four horses, living in a tavern attic, and her scant savings depleting, she resolves to see her vision through to fruition by accepting the scandalous position of steward at Varina Farms.   Born in the image of his native ancestry, Colton Rolfe’s savage blood runs through his veins. Scorned by his father, Colt grew into a man of ill temperament whose only interest is the wild equine beasts on his plantation. His desire to breed his horses with the superior Thoroughbreds of the newly widowed Cassandra Brooks leads him to abandon societal rules. Colt’s growing resentment toward the Crown and his assistance to Sons of Liberty missions is complicated by the discovery that Cassandra’s father is a titled English nobleman.
Cassandra is soon forced to question the wisdom of her decision when she finds herself enamored with her employer. As fiery passion grows between them, Cassandra realizes her own spirit of independence, love of the land, and the savage man who is so much a part of it.   As the threat of war comes ever closer, wills are tested through gunfire, treachery, danger, and kidnapping. Does Colt dare trust Cassandra with Sons of Liberty secrets? More importantly, can he trust her with his heart? And will Colt ever trust Cassandra enough to love her as she longs to be loved?

Bauer, Carley; Willows, Lynette (2013-03-05). No Gentleman Is He (Sons of Liberty) (Kindle Locations 10-15). Tirgearr Publishing. Kindle Edition.


Excerpt from Chapter 2.

Colton entered the stables, his eyes quickly adjusting to the dark. He followed the lamp light and soft voice soothing the distressed mare. His gaze settled on the young woman kneeling in the small stall, her skirts littered with sopping straw, the mare’s waters having broken. His attention moved to the straining mare. “Get out of the way, woman,” he ordered, grabbing her shoulders in his hands and pulling her away from the mare.
“Sir!” Cassandra objected, not only to his rough handling but the manner in which he took control. His push, while not cruel, landed her on her tender behind. She opened her mouth to object further and then promptly closed it.
Despite his gruff manner, he took expert charge, kneeling by the prone mare. His head bowed, he concentrated on the mare’s contractions, oblivious to soiling his fine clothing. Under his experienced hand, the mare quieted. From the corner of his eye, the woman glanced up, relief in her eyes to see Jackson enter the stall. Colton knew he could be intimidating but Jackson obviously calmed the woman.
“Jackson,” she breathed, welcoming the familiar man walking toward her.
She fussed with her skirts while Jackson patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Your mare is in excellent hands, Cassandra.” Jackson grinned and winked. “No one in Virginia is any more capable.” She nodded, apparently taking some comfort in his words.
Colton shifted his position to the back of the horse, took one look and said brusquely, “Get the box stall ready!”
“Sir, Dom will not approve of us using…” she started.
“Now!” he barked, cutting her off then turning to snatch the halter from a nail on the stall wall.
 Jackson chuckled and extended his hand, assisting Cassandra to her feet. “What my friend Colton so eloquently means is he doubts Dom will object to us using of the box stall. I believe you mentioned once to me he has a financial interest in this foal?”
 “Yes, he does,” she said, ineffectually brushing off her skirts.
“We need room to move around if you want live offspring,” Colton snapped, fitting the halter on the mare. “Dom’s objections be damned.” While flabbergasted by his abrupt manner, Cassandra obeyed his order by rushing to the larger box stall to lay fresh straw and ready it for the mare.
 “Jackson, make yourself useful by standing at her rear,” Colton instructed Jackson. “C’mon, old girl, get up.” His voice was still firm but held soothing encouragement. He gently patted the mare’s chest to rouse her. When Colton looked up, Cassandra stood in the doorway, observing the mare struggle to her feet. Ignoring the way the woman looked at him, he continued patting the mare’s chest while he tugged the halter. He waited when the mare started to quiver with contractions. “What do you see back there?” he asked Jackson.
Jackson peered under the mare’s tail. “Feet,” he said somberly, confirming his earlier suspicions. “Damn,” Colton cursed. He turned the mare, pulling on the halter once the contraction subsided. “C’mon, ol’ girl, we are moving you to roomier quarters.” He led her from the stall, past a worried Cassandra with barely a glance in her direction.

Tune in on Friday when I will post an excerpt from Chapter 3!

What people are saying about No Gentleman Is He:

I absolutely loved this book. I don't usually read revolutionary era books. But it looked intriguing so I read it. This was such a terrific story with strong characters and an accurate story line. I felt as if I was there living in those exciting, yet hard times, when this country began its journey to independence. It really retells the american history. It had everything you want and more. A beautiful love story and an exciting book, you really feel for these people in those times. I can't wait to read the next one!!...Dana

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. This is a great, historical romance. Colton is a bit of a Rhett Butler, he's dark and misunderstood by society. Cassandra, on the other hand, is no Scarlett and I mean that in a good way. She is a strong, smart, independent woman who is not afraid to take care of herself. I admire the way she refuses to run to a man to save her. Colton's respect and admiration for her strength add depth to his character. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Cassandra's parents at the end of the novel. Perhaps there could be a prequel down the road about their relationship?...Barb

I just finished reading "No Gentleman Is He", it really is a must read. I was wary when my wife suggested I read it. I looked at the cover. Was it a love story or was it based in historical fact? She assured me the book had enough of both to please any reader. Let me say, I wasn't disappointed. It has a cast of characters, both main and secondary, whose personalities are so well defined and consistent from beginning to end that I found myself feeling at times, I was eavesdropping on the action from somewhere in the scene. Voyeurism comes to mind as I think of the love scenes. The story takes you on an emotional journey that leaves you wanting and waiting for the next adventure....Cole


Get your copy of No Gentleman Is He from Kindle or SmashWords today! Available soon through iTunes, Kobo, Nook, Bookstrand and OmniLit. 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Chapter One Excerpt of No Gentleman Is He





No Gentleman Is He by Carley Bauer and Lynette Willow
Released on Kindle and SmashWords on March 7.
Look for it soon on iTunes, Nook, OmniLit, Sony and Bookstrand!



Young, adventurous and widowed in a new land, Cassandra Courtney Brooks finds her dream of raising a superior breed of saddle horse slipping away with the death of her husband. Left with four horses, living in a tavern attic, and her scant savings depleting, she resolves to see her vision through to fruition by accepting the scandalous position of steward at Varina Farms.

Born in the image of his native ancestry, Colton Rolfe’s savage blood runs through his veins. Scorned by his father, Colt grew into a man of ill temperament whose only interest is the wild equine beasts on his plantation. His desire to breed his horses with the superior Thoroughbreds of the newly widowed Cassandra Brooks leads him to abandon societal rules. Colt’s growing resentment toward the Crown and his assistance to Sons of Liberty missions is complicated by the discovery that Cassandra’s father is a titled English nobleman.

Cassandra is soon forced to question the wisdom of her decision when she finds herself enamored with her employer. As fiery passion grows between them, Cassandra realizes her own spirit of independence, love of the land, and the savage man who is so much a part of it.

As the threat of war comes ever closer, wills are tested through gunfire, treachery, danger, and kidnapping. Does Colt dare trust Cassandra with Sons of Liberty secrets? More importantly, can he trust her with his heart? And will Colt ever trust Cassandra enough to love her as she longs to be loved?

I'm thrilled to share the first Amazon review of No Gentleman Is He by Carley Bauer and Lynette Willows with everyone!

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. This is a great, historical romance. Colton is a bit of a Rhett Butler, he's dark and misunderstood by society. Cassandra, on the other hand, is no Scarlett and I mean that in a good way. She is a strong, smart, independent woman who is not afraid to take care of herself. I admire the way she refuses to run to a man to save her. Colton's respect and admiration for her strength add depth to his character. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Cassandra's parents at the end of the novel. Perhaps there could be a prequel down the road about their relationship?
Barbara

I absolutely loved this book. I don't usually read revolutionary era books. But it looked intriguing so I read it. This was such a terrific story with strong characters and an accurate story line. I felt as if I was there living in those exciting, yet hard times, when this country began its journey to independence. It really retells the american history. It had everything you want and more. A beautiful love story and an exciting book, you really feel for these people in those times. I can't wait to read the next one!!
Dana

Excerpt from Chapter 1

Cassandra rolled up her sleeves and tied the skirts of her workday dress high on her thighs before stepping into the chilly spring waters. She mulled over her options while she washed. It was far more than an arranged marriage to Thaddeus that kept her from turning tail and running back to England. Despite the lavish, comfortable lifestyle her father’s title offered, it lacked the challenge or freedom she tasted and had grown to love in the colonies. A place where tradesmen were respected, women worked as hard as men, and King George’s rule was cast aside in indignation. With or without Seth, Virginia was home.

Determined to survive and keep her horses, Cassandra bit her lip, going over the figures in her head. The unexpected expense of Seth’s burial had depleted most of her savings. She might be able to make the feed last until the new foal was old enough to be sold. Then she could pay Dom Clements his percentage for allowing her to use his land. One bright spot that might help her pull through was the extra hours she put in during the secret meetings held in a back room. When she brought ale and food to the Sons of Liberty, she earned extra wages. Trusted by the men who gathered, they compensated her well to keep to herself what she overheard.

Bauer, Carley; Willows, Lynette (2013-03-05). No Gentleman Is He (Sons of Liberty) (Kindle Locations 92-97). Tirgearr Publishing. Kindle Edition.

To purchase No Gentleman Is He through Amazon Kindle:


Sunday, August 26, 2012

When Dreams Come True or Being Published


When the hunger to grow in your chosen field coincides with ability, great potential lies ahead. Just how did I come to this philosophic conclusion? Somewhere between 6th grade when the teacher's college-age daughter visited our class to see 'who wrote that story' and August 24 many years later when my co-author, Lynette Willows  and I learned our first attempt at writing a book would be published.

Did I say our first attempt? Technically, yes. You would have to peel back the layers of a decade though to get to the core of our 'interactive writing'. We met in a writing group (hers) and quickly recognized each other as the competition. I have been convinced for years that females and competition is a tricky situation. Males learn from boyhood to compete in athletics. It comes naturally to them to clash in a good sport sort of fashion. Given time, Lynette and I learned to make our competitive natures work in our favor.  I am at a loss as to how to explain us. Outside of our love of writing, we have little in common. She is more likely be found in the remote wilderness fly fishing while I would as easily be found traipsing the streets of New York City. Yet she is the peas to my carrots. It just looks prettier on the plate together. What, you ask, is the result of our unlikely union? Our first book in the 'Sons of Liberty' series, "No Gentleman Is He" will be published by Tirgearr Publishing before the end of 2012!

Am I excited? Stunned would be a better description! Years of practice has paid off. I believed in 'No Gentleman Is He', in our characters and in the Sons of Liberty series as a whole. Still Margaret Mitchell believed in GWTW and it took her how long...Okay, I suppose I shouldn't compare us to the classic...yet. 
Lynette Willows and I are both aware how fortunate we are to be published by Tirgearr. Kemberlee Shortland and her staff have been incredibly helpful as this process unfolds. Being given direction by top notch authors and editors is a dream come true to two women who decided a little over a year ago to write a series of books! One day I am editing a manuscript and the next (or so it feels) I am making decisions on cover art.

Look for much more in the coming weeks! I will update on the progress and release date of 'No Gentleman Is He". (Pssst... the second book in the Sons of Liberty series is underway, so look to hear more about it as well!)

Thanks for dropping by,
Carley Bauer


Saturday, May 12, 2012

On Ethics and Hypocrisy


The economy we live in today is unlike any other. Not only are we held in financial captivity by Wall Street, but by the ignorance of our own people. I am floored by the hypocrisy of those who sit in judgment of the ones suffering; even more aghast that they are blinded by blatant political maneuvering. The sanctimonious rhetoric regarding those who need help from our government screams out at me from my television and news outlets daily.  Today, my words are for those who forget from whence they came.

Being in my mid fifties, my husband and I were fortunate enough to raise our family during a booming, thriving economy. Our family decisions were based on how to raise the children, rules, schooling and the like. There was never a question of enough food on the table or money to pay the bills. Sure, some years were tight; we worked hard and make choices. Still, we were raising our family in the land of plenty. My children's generation must scrape by in ways we were never forced to.

Mockery can often be found if you scratch the surface of those who loudly proclaim self sufficiency. Take Max* (not his real name) as a prime example. Max frequently posts disgruntled, disparaging remarks on facebook pertaining to social safety nets and those lazy sots receiving help. Max's children, one son and two daughters, are grown. The state raised them from infancy because he was too busy snorting coke, running women and facing trouble with the law. Now Max trolls churches for financial help to pay his bills. The children he left now help Max.

Tess in Oklahoma has found the Lord. She is reunited with the husband she left because he sexually abused their son. They receive free medical care due their children's 'issues'. She touts her love for the Lord, adamantly refuses to believe anyone but her family is entitled to benefits (the country can NOT afford it!) and parrots the hate speech of her pastor who has informed her that President Obama is evil.

Maybe I missed the ethics class. When did these people become beacons of their community? Where is the outrage when a man who broadcasts a successful radio program refers to the former president's daughter as "the Whitehouse dog" and then proceeds to call a woman testifying on birth control "a slut"? The silence of the moral right is deafening. The demographics of Rush Limbaugh's listeners speaks volumes, folks. His listeners live and breathe his hatred without a clue as to what it is doing to our country. When is the last time you heard anyone on the right fringe lament on Limbaugh's drug use and numerous marriages? Maybe it's me. I tend to look at those idiosyncrasies before holding someone's opinion close to my heart.  

The most corrupt in our country wear the church as a cloak. They are not beacons of light. They are hate mongers breeding their seeds of destruction in uneducated minds. Make no mistake, the less educated our people, the less informed, the more susceptible they are to the ignorance spewed on our airwaves and into our homes.

Open your eyes! Fiends ravaging the church's good will for money, while gamble theirs away, is not the example to be followed. There is no true morality in masquerading behind thoughtless words posted on a social network. Look beneath the surface and you will find it is often the poor, the needy, and poverty stricken who uphold the ethics of our country.