by Sarah | Apr 26, 2014 | Books, Holiday, WeWriWa, Writing
Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!
Continuing directly from last week. Tag has suggested that he have Michaela check him thoroughly for more oil.
(Once again, this will be continued directly next week):
She managed a laugh to cover the choking lump in her throat and heat the idea sent right to her core. “Cute, real cute. What were you doing, grease monkey?”
“I was at Cal’s working on my Nova.”
This time she did choke on her own laughter, and she blinked a few times. “I’m sorry, did you say a Nova? As in a No-Go?”
Owen stopped examining his arms and his gaze snapped to meet hers, “What did you say?”
*Tiniest bit of creative editing in place, just a wee bit to fit it into the 8
*~*
| Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |
Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway. Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago.
Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to.
Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything.
Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love.
*~*
Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!
by Sarah | Apr 22, 2014 | Guest Authors, Top Ten Tuesday, Writing
Top 10 Favorite Television Shows:
- Dallas—J.R. Ewing made for the best villain. Love him or hate him, Larry Hagman’s portrayal of the rich oil barren was the reason millions tuned in every week. And Bobby Ewing made for a hot, hunky cowboy. Plus, I love a good family saga. The brotherly bond between J.R. and Bobby was best displayed by the occasional tender-hearted emotions reflected in J.R.’s eyes when he thought no one was watching.
- The Soprano’s—A mobster isn’t hero material, but James Gandolfini portrayed Tony Soprano with a perfect blend of warmth and ruthlessness. Silence reigned in my house every Sunday night so as not one word was missed.
- Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman—I know, the show was corny at times, but I loved the characters and the costumes.
- Deadwood—As a fan of all things western, this show was spot-on in scenery, history, costumes, dialogue, and casting. Entertaining, gritty, sometimes disgusting; I enjoyed this series immensely and was thoroughly angry at HBO for canceling it without a good reason.
- Everybody Loves Raymond—I love to laugh, and most episodes were laugh-out-loud funny. For nearly 10 years, we got to know the Barone family and what made them tick. One of the main reasons I liked this show is Frank and Marie reminded me of folks I actually knew
- NCIS, L.A.—I enjoy NCIS, but I love NCIS, L.A. The chemistry between all of the actors and the characters they portray is riveting and funny. The rapid exchange between Sam and Callen or Deeks and Kensi is some of the best writing in television today, and the action is fantastic. Hetty is the type of boss everyone should have. If I’m ever in need of help, I’m hoping Sam and Callen come to my rescue.
- Castle—Good story lines with plenty of plot twists, the best thing about this show is the chemistry between Castle and Beckett. They are so cute together.
- The Cosby Show—This was one of the best family comedy shows. The parental advice Bill Cosby dolled out each week kept me in stitches, and back then, I didn’t have children.
- Laverne and Shirley—Okay, I’m showing my age, but honestly, as a kid, I loved these two wacky women. And Lenny and Squiggy (who will forever remain Lenny and Squiggy to me regardless of other characters they portray). And I liked to watch Eddie Mekka dance; he was so talented.
- Knots Landing—A spin-off from Dallas, this was also another well-written nighttime soap/family saga. Abby made for a great female villain, and her clothes, hair and makeup were perfect.
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Blurb:
Notorious outlaw Buck Grayson is set to hang for the one murder he didn’t commit, until a last minute pardon sets him free. But there’s a condition to the pardon. He’s to cease outlawing and bring law and order to Revolving Point, Texas, the border town along the Rio Grande, with a reputation worse than his. Zanna is there and still in danger from the fancy-pants attorney seeking revenge against her. Buck will do anything for Zanna–even pin the tin star to his chest to keep her safe–except say the words she longs to hear.
Former soiled dove Suzanna Reynolds wants respectability, a home and children, and she wants them with Buck. Trouble is, Buck isn’t the settling type and has never openly acknowledged she’s his woman. Convinced Buck only took the sheriff’s job to settle a score and not to please her, Suzanna demands he court her to prove his love. Or leave town for good.
*~*
Excerpt:
Buck stepped inside, closed the door and didn’t make a move toward her. “That woman downstairs is worse than Emma.”
“Did you come up here to complain?” She folded her arms beneath her breasts.
“I came to tell you I took this damn job for you.” Plus, it made it easier to flush out Hanson’s hired guns before they harmed her. But she didn’t need to know that. She’d want to help and would do so behind his back if he didn’t let her. “Not because I want a tumble between the sheets, but because you’re my woman. That used to mean something to you.”
“It still would if you’d tell me you love me.”
“Dammit, Zanna. You know I do.”
“Then say it,” she challenged. “And don’t give me the same old line about words being hard for you.”
“They are.” At least, those words were. The last time he’d said them his family had been murdered. With enemies lurking in the shadows, the same could happen to her. Pissing her off was one thing. He could tolerate her icy glare. Losing her forever was a whole different matter. “That doesn’t mean I don’t feel them.”
She sighed irritably and looked away.
“Doesn’t my coming here count for something when I swore I wouldn’t?”
“If you can’t say the words,” she returned her gaze to him, “then I want you to prove you love me and intend to stay.”
“How?”
“By courting me.”
“What the hell do you think the last three years have been?”
“I thought I knew, but now I’m not so sure.” She glared at him. “You say I’m your woman. Prove it.”
“Sonofabitch, Zanna. Couldn’t you just beat me with your fry pan?”
“No,” she said in that same snotty tone that had beaten him many times in the past.
by Sarah | Apr 20, 2014 | Books, Changing Tracks, Tuesday Tales, Writing
Welcome back to Tuesday Tales! This weeks prompt is this picture.
Stalled Independence which I featured the past two weeks is complete and ready for my lovely editor. Plus, this picture lends itself better to another story. So this week I return to Independent Brake the prequel to my Dominion Falls series featuring Katherine Daugherty.
In this excerpt she is returning to her hometown after five years away. Her parents are long gone, living in Denver…and the first person she sees again has more impact on her story than she’s yet to realize:
“You grew up here?” Lottie, the young woman closest to Kat’s own age spoke up. Her nose wrinkled as she peeked out of the curtain. “How…quaint.”
“It was better then, not so many buildings.” Kat felt frisky enough to rile Lottie. The woman acted so prim and proper, but Kat knew her to be a hypocrite. At least Kat was honest about her dislike of some of what the league did. Lottie just drank and made time with men in every town they went to right behind the other women’s back.
“Well, I guess it explains some things.” Lottie eyed Kat’s pantaloons in disdain.
“Oh, please. I only started wearing these a year ago. Growing up here had little to do with my fashion choice.” Kat smirked. “I’m not ashamed of what I am, certainly not of where I came from. I liked growing up here. It was wilder, freer, and dangerous at times.”
Lottie’s reply was cut off with a sharp jolt of the carriage when the stagecoach stopped suddenly.
Kat didn’t wait for Lottie’s retort, or the driver. Instead, she reached out of the window and opened the door. She leaped out into the street, not surprised by the constant bustle of activity around her. All around most people kept up with their business, others were drawn to the carriage like bees to honey. She pulled away from the carriage to take in most of the town.
Straight down the main street she sill had a clear view of snow capped mountains in the distance. Then acres of fields gave way to the dirty, chaotic town. Behind her she could hear the mines working just a few miles off.
Her smile brightened as she turned, taking in the sights, and smells, of the town. The unease and tension slipped away and her shoulders dropped. She was home.
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
*~*
by Sarah | Apr 19, 2014 | Books, Holiday, WeWriWa, Writing
Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!
After Tag caught her sleeping at her desk last week, Michaela’s usual perusal of his strong arms (she really does admire them often) leads to a discovery
(Due to length of scene, this will be continued next week):
“So what were you up to this morning? You’re filthy.” She’d returned her gaze to his arms; that’s how she’d noticed the dark smudges near his elbow and wrist, “Grease?”
“Oil-I thought I got it all.” He lifted his arm, his forehead puckering into an adorable hint of a frown. “Damn, don’t worry. I’ll get good and cleaned up before I touch food-maybe I should have you check me thoroughly.”
A task she sure wouldn’t mind for a minute.
*Tiniest bit of creative editing in place, just a wee bit to fit it into the 8
*~*
| Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |
Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway. Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago.
Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to.
Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything.
Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love.
*~*
Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!
by Sarah | Apr 15, 2014 | Book Release, Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Reviews, Writing
*I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine*
I’ll be honest, I don’t do many reviews here because I’m flat out lazy. However, when I saw this anthology coming available and the request for reviews? I couldn’t wait to review it!! I signed up quick as the sign-ups were open.
The anthology was packed with some amazing stories that centered around my absolute favorite sport – Hockey. With a good mix of romance from sweet to burn your eyeballs spicy!!
Overall I gave the entire anthology 4 stars. As expected some authors just didn’t write in a style I liked, or the story didn’t grab me. I admittedly skimmed one or two, but those that grabbed me were powerful and well-written enough that I gave the whole shebang 4 stars.
So let me go over the standouts:
Hooking Hannah by Cassandra Carr & Cindy Carr – This story knocked it out of the park for me. It is my absolute favorite in the story. The romance was smoking, the hero (Scott) so amazing, and the heroine (Hannah) funny and strong. Their story was sweet and believable and they burned up the sheets – but what took this story over the edge to amazing for me was the scenes on the ice. The way the authors Carr wrote the hockey scenes was detailed and exact and I felt like I was back in my hometown of Buffalo listening to Rick Jeanneret call the play by play! It totally put me in the game and kept me there. Stunning writing.
Crashing the Boards by Jami Davenport – Most of this story takes place at a party on a boat and some naughty, kinky events. I was unfamiliar with Jami going into the story, but some of the sassy lines had me laughing and looking her up for more of her books. The interplay between the party crasher – Izzy, and the hockey player who thinks he’s onto her – Cooper, is excellent. Best part is when the truth is revealed and things blow up, the resolution isn’t perfect and immediate, but the way it’s handled is spot on and I love the potential.
Taking a Shot by Catherine Gayle – A sweet romance that touches on the cause behind the anthology – cancer. I loved the inclusion of a sweeter story and Katie’s crush-turned-romance was perfect. The best part for me was Jamie’s doubts that had nothing to do with Katie, but his own role in her future. It was superbly realistic and touching.
Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey – Honestly, I don’t usually read much M/M, but I’m glad I did in this case. V.L. has quite a way with telling a story. It was real easy to get inside the character’s heads. Cam, the living legend who was faltering in his game in more ways than one, and Jacobi – Cam’s new back-up goalie and long-time fan. The mix of May/December romance with a bit of the struggle with admitting who you really are was beautifully handled in this short story.
With these great stories, and the good cause, this is an excellent buy!!
*~*
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Blurb ~
It’s time to drop the gloves and fight! Support the Fight against cancer that is. This anthology of 8 brand new novellas is hot enough to melt the ice these players skate on. Featuring stories from popular New York Times & USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors, including Toni Aleo, Cassandra Carr, Cindy Carr, Jami Davenport, Catherine Gayle, Jaymee Jacobs, V.L. Locey, Bianca Sommerland, and Nikki Worrell.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author – Toni Aleo TANGLED IN THE LACES
In Tangled in the Laces, Karson King is on the fast track to the pros and Lacey Martin is coming back from a hard fight against cancer and is terrified of him but their love is too much to ignore. Will Karson prove that he will protect her heart at all costs, or will he leave Lacey to pick up the pieces of her life once again?
Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr HOOKING HANNAH
When Hannah attends an all-star game, she doesn’t expect a hockey player of all people to turn her world upside down. Her sister is married to a player and Hannah never wanted that life. But Scott could change everything. For Scott’s part, he has to know the woman who stirred his blood with just a look, and once he does, he realizes he wants Hannah to be his forever. Now to convince her…
Jami Davenport CRASHING THE BOARDS (Seattle Sockeyes 1.5)
Professional party crasher, Izzy Maxwell, needs the cooperation of reluctant party guest Cooper Black, the team captain of Seattle’s new hockey team, but Cooper can’t get past his anger over the team’s relocation to Seattle. Can Izzy melt Cooper’s frozen heart or will this party crash along with her fledgling business?
Catherine Gayle TAKING A SHOT (Portland Storm 2.5)
Katie Weber has had a crush on Jamie Babcock for almost two years, since he joined her father’s hockey team, the Portland Storm as an eighteen-year-old rookie. When cancer takes her health, her hair, and even her friends, she can’t bear to go to senior prom…until Jamie intervenes.
Jaymee Jacobs A VALUABLE TRADE
Bryan’s life gets turned upside down when he gets traded to the Dallas Comets, and things get even messier when he meets Georgiana, the Director of Team Services. He’s got a lot of work to do to prove his worth to his new team, but Georgiana’s sure he’ll prove to be a valuable trade.
V.L. Locey HEIR APPARENT
Superstar Cam Evans is fighting to climb out of a slump that`s growing worse with each day of living in denial. Fresh from the minors, Jacobi Neal is hungry for this chance to play back-up for the legendary goalie. Can two men battle each other, their inner demons, and the sizzling attraction building between them?
Bianca Sommerland BLIND PASS (The Dartmouth Cobras 0.5)
Nothing could stop Tim Rowe, the assistant coach of the Dartmouth Cobras, from falling in love with Madeline, but love alone can’t satisfy every need. Sometimes, to reach the goal, you have to take the chance with a . . . Blind Pass.
Nikki Worrell – CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN (Prequel to Scorpions Series)
Keith Lambert is the captain of the Flyers—until he’s not. To everyone’s shock, he’s traded to the San Diego Scorpions. As if that’s not bad enough, Phoebe, his girlfriend of two years, decides she doesn’t love him enough to follow.
All alone in a new town, Keith is drawn to Kelly, his take out delivery girl. When she shows up at ice girl tryouts, he’s lost. She’s all he can see. Can he convince her to forget her past and take a chance on him or is he destined to be alone in a new town a little bit longer?
**Proud Supporters of Hockey Fights Cancer.
*~*
Excerpts (see attached document)
-from Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey
I padded along beside him with no reply for his comment. He was right. Everyone knew his face in “The Burgh.” The longer we walked, the more I accepted that I would freeze to death. We made two complete laps in total silence. Cam stopped to drop his empty coffee cup into a trash can. We stood under a streetlight, our breath twin clouds of steam hovering in front of us.
“You have to understand that this…I don’t know how to go about…shit.” He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his parka. Again, we started walking.
“Look, man, if I knew for sure what we were dealing with, maybe I could help a little better,” I said. A biracial couple hurried past us. I burrowed into my flimsy coat until all that stuck out of the collar were my eyes.
“I have a daughter. She’s a senior in high school.”
“Awesome,” I mumbled into my coat. My forehead was extremely cold. Like ice cream eaten too fast cold. We kept walking that block.
“She is awesome.” I peeked over at him. I wished he would drop that fucking hood so I could see his face. “And not aware of how things were with her mother and me.”
“How things were, or how you were pretending they were?” I chanced it. What the hell? He would either slug me, call me a motherfucker, or stalk off. Whatever happened it had to be better than roaming around this fucking city block when the temperature was a balmy four degrees. “I mean, that is what you’re dancing around, right? That you’re so far back in the closet you just discovered Narnia? Why not just admit that much to yourself before we both succumb to fucking hypothermia.”
I should have known that Cameron Evans was a man of action. I mean, I followed his career all though my school years. He was fast. My back was against the wall under that old clock before I could register the shove. Cam then got all sorts of in my face. I did not raise my hands. His angry exhalation was flavored with vanilla.
“Are you calling me a queer?” I shrugged one shoulder.
“I call them as I see them. Now, you can either step off or you can kiss me.” I threw the challenge out without a second thought. I stared into the shelter of his hood, finding his dark eyes in the shadows. They flickered down to my blue lips. “Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. I’m cold, tired, and hungry.”
He did. He captured my mouth with a kiss so aggressive my teeth ground into my lips. Yeah. This was it. This was what I had been pushing him to do…hoping he would do.
*~*
Links
Website: http://www.seducedbythegame.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21399240-seduced-by-the-game?from_search=true
*~*
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