by Sarah | Aug 3, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
| [amazon_link id=”B00CWKHKTU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Bookstrand | SCP | ARe |
Blurb:
Being badly injured in a plane crash and feeling responsible for losing his fiancé keep Jordan Cooper from getting involved with another woman, but his best friend Caleb talks him into going on a blind date. He’s surprised that in a short time his feelings for Raina Abbott runs deep. Jordan wants more than just one night with her, but he has to convince her first.
Leaving an abusive ex and ending an unhealthy relationship with food still aren’t enough to help Raina Abbott overcome her feelings of insecurity, but her best friend Jayce convinces her that going on a blind date is the first step to boosting her self-confidence and feeling good about herself again. Jordan Cooper shows her that she’s beautiful, both inside and out, but can a date and one night of passion assure her that he’s really into her?
Excerpt:
“May I ask you a question, Raina?
“Sure.”
“I just wondered why you’re here with me.”
“Because you invited me to your room, remember?”
It was obvious she evaded his question. It was the first time Jordan noticed Raina wasn’t altogether comfortable. So why in the world is she here?
“You know what I mean. Why are you on this date?
“Why shouldn’t I?”
“You’re beautiful, charming and intelligent. I would think you’d have men lining up just to be with you.”
Raina laughed without humor. “The trouble is, the guys I know either don’t want to be romantically involved with a full figured woman or just pretend they do.”
“You’re telling me you’ve never been seriously involved with anyone? Never been in love?”
“What’s love anyway?” she asked mockingly, and then shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe it’s just the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”
“You think quoting Robert Frost is a satisfactory answer?” Jordan shook his head. “Be honest with me.”
Raina stopped swaying to the music and looked at him seriously. “Okay, you want to hear the truth? The truth is, I met a man who threw kindness my way, flowers, late night phone calls, the works. Within three months I moved in with him, much to the angst of my family. It didn’t dawn on me that he never took me anywhere, never invited his family or friends to our apartment, until I had invested so much time and effort in the relationship, I felt I shouldn’t leave him. He treated me like crap, insulted me, nothing I said or did met his approval. I became a chicken-shit, afraid of him, afraid of my freaking shadow, for god’s sake. I felt like such an idiot, because I didn’t even realize what I had become. Everyone noticed but me.”
*~*
Author Bio:
Roxy Wilson is a self-professed junkie whose excessive consumption of traditional and electronic books is legendary.
As a graduate with a degree in Education, she writes blogs which help readers to think critically about and appreciate poetry. In July, 2012, however, she decided to delve into the world of writing romance stories.
When she is not reading or writing, she spends her time cooking, listening to music and visiting the various islands of the Caribbean.
Follow me on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/roxy.wilson.737
Twitter – https://twitter.com/roxywilson17
My website/blog – https://roxywilson.wordpress.com/
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7094458.Roxy_Wilson
by Sarah | Jul 25, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
| [amazon_link id=”B00DC9V258″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | ARe | Smashwords |
Alek Kairis is a man on a mission to keep those around him safe from the dangers of a lurking dirty cop. But, before he can protect everyone, Alek learns of a deep secret that could not just change his life, but change his ability to protect those around him.
Tess Michaels only wanted her brother’s safety; she did not realize that she too would be placed in danger. Yet, the danger that is following her is not the only threat she faces. When she learns the truth of who her son’s father is, not only will her life change, but so will her child’s.
Once the truth comes out, there is no going back for Alek or Tess. What’s worse is that their ever-growing attraction is a distraction that neither of them need. Can Tess and Alek work together, or will danger and secrets tear them apart forever?
by Sarah | Jul 22, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I’m the lady’s maid to Lady Aleece Taylor, the only daughter to the Duke of Carlisle. We attended a house party and I went as her companion. Little did I know this one event would change my life forever, in a good way.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Lord William Gerrard. Many think of him as a rakehell but when he’s with me he behaves like a perfect gentleman. After we first meet he rarely leaves my side, except at night. The first time I saw him he was studying me through a window at the Whitchurch estate. Interestingly, when I glanced up toward him he hid behind a curtain. There seemed to be an almost immediate attraction between us even though he was aware of my true employment which I didn’t know at the time.
What’s your greatest fear?
At first it was being discovered that I was of low birth by members of the ton which could ruin Lady Aleece. Later, I feared people would try to kidnap me and force me into a marriage with a horrible man.
What’s your motto in life?
I really don’t have a motto.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
Much to my astonishment everyone, even the Duchess of Carlisle, saw me as who I really was. Unfortunately I can’t tell you that, so you’ll have to read the book to find out. Trust me, you’ll be as surprised as I was when I found out.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. Gossip hurts people. I’d rather spend my time helping people.
What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m not afraid of anything, even the attempts to (sorry but if I continue I’ll spoil the book)
What was your happiest moment?
There are several in the book, beating Lady Aleece and Mr. Thomas in a fishing contest and when I’m with my Lord Gerrard.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Lying except when it protects someone, like me.
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Blue. It’s the color of the sky and with my blonde hair suits me perfectly
*~*~*~*
Blurb-
While acting as chaperone to Lady Aleece at a house party, little does lady’s maid Debbi realize how her life will change.
Not prepared to fall in love nor see a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her, Debbi’s world begins to turn upside down.
After several attempts on her life, and a run-in with yet another look-alike, she uncovers her true heritage, as the unknown daughter of a countess. Having been raised and trained as a lady’s maid, but educated alongside her employer, Debbi begins to wonder in which world she truly belongs.
Only when her new love’s life is threatened does Debbie claim her rightful place and do what’s necessary to save him.
Excerpt:
After breaking her fast Debbi slipped into an old, well-worn grey gown she always wore when fishing. With her custom-made flies in their protective container she and Lady Aleece, who was dressed similarly, descended the stairs to the main floor, there to be met by Lord Gerrard and Mr. Thomas.
As she stepped onto the marble flooring Debbi couldn’t help but notice how her partner, Lord Gerrard not to mention Mr. Thomas were dressed.
Instead of the immaculately turned out gentleman of breeding she notice he was in more versatile attire. He’d chosen a dark brown bandana tied loosely around his neck. His shirt, of a fawn color, was open at the collar showing a hint of tan matching the hue of his face. With the morning already warming he’d eschewed a jacket in favor of a multi-pocketed vest. She could only guess they were for the necessary accessories required when fishing. Covering his legs a pair of heavy, dark brown britches and well-worn boots on his feet.
“Why, Lord Gerrard, if I didn’t know better you look like you’re ready for a day of fishing.”
“Why thank you and I must say your gown is interesting, to say the least,” he responded.
“Before my father took to his sick bed he had been nearly fanatical about fishing and I seem to have caught the same enthusiasm.”
“Then let us be off,” he said with a smile, offering his arm.
Once on the terrace they collected their fly rods and creels from the footman and joined Aleece and Mr. Thomas on the lawn awaiting the earl to announce the start of the contest.
Glancing around at the other guests, in search of one in particular, Debbi wondered how the others save for Susan and Jeff would survive the rigors of this activity. When she spied the man, Debbi moved in such a way that Lord Gerrard was between her and Thompson. This way she could scrutinize him without appearing obvious. After a minute of studying him she turned to Aleece.
“Yes, you’re correct. If I didn’t know better we could almost be brother and sister. Not that I’d want to be related to him in any way.”
When queried by not only Lord Gerrard but also Mr. Thomas she promised to explain at the first opportunity when they were in private.
Author Page:
Secret Cravings Publishing-http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=175
by Sarah | Jul 18, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
| [amazon_link id=”B00C2T097G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N |
Blurb:
It has been thirty years since England was plagued by zombies. Humans fear for their lives while the dead kill the living.
By the cover of night, a man known only as Aeron hunts these creatures. On one foggy evening he finds Lucille Knight’s life in jeopardy and Aeron’s interest is instantly peaked when he saves the young lady.
But Aeron will have competition when Lucy meets Lord Garrett Ashdown, son of the Inventor, Earl Thomas.
Lucy is drawn to the masked man and equally mysterious Lord. With one concealing his true identity and the other hiding a ghastly secret, she does not know which one is less dangerous.
Will she be able to be with the man she chooses when she learns the awful truth?
Excerpt:
Zombies limped toward me, bloody and disfigured, a chaste moon slinging shadows against their lurching fingers. Their crimson-splattered mouths were hungry for my flesh. A few pulled the lower half of their bodies with their ashen, supple hands.
Some moved faster than others; they must have fed recently. How I had been stupid enough to head home from a friend’s house at such a late hour baffled me now. Thirty years since the zombie apocalypse and sixteen years since my birth meant I had grown up knowing what should and should not be done. Yet here I was. Fear caused me to think as clear as a drunkard bent over a garbage pail.
Even though Queen Victoria had commanded a good majority of her soldiers into the streets of England to protect her people, it still remained a bloody mess. Some of us still lived with a false sense of security though.
I screamed, the sound echoing off the brick buildings. The streets were empty. Smart people were safe at home. The others were in taverns dancing and drinking. I wondered if anyone heard me or if everyone was ignoring me, as I had done so many times before.
Puddles of water splashed against me as I ran. My boots kept my feet warm, breath heavy against the cold. My hand caught my fall as I skidded to the left, the back of my leather skirt ripping against a wooden box I raced past. The whistle of a train broke through the sound of death following close behind. I ran into a chain-linked fence, and my rubber soles scraped against the stone road as I came to a halt. I had misjudged my aim. I had meant to go down Lily Road, toward my house. Instead I went down Dead End Road…literally.
With my back against the fence, I stared through my strands of shoddy raspberry-colored hair and into the dead faces before me. Ten of them. Slow and stupid, but large in numbers. The queen tried to keep these diseased creatures under wraps. Over the last few months, they began multiplying and soon became too much for our countries troops.
Again, I let out a petrified scream, but no soldier came. I imagined my neighbors shutting their windows and locking their doors. Another attack wasn’t anything new, and everyone depended on the Queen’s men to help.
Here I was, at the mercy of these demons, my black-and-white thigh-high stockings slithering down from my ruffled petticoat. Even with gloves covering my hands, the coolness of the steel gate behind me seeped through.
Crusty dried blood covered the mouth of the zombie closest to me, and I shut my eyes when his mouth showed teeth stained with yellow.
“You can’t see me, you can’t see me.” I mumbled a childish thought, one would have when only a tot.
The static tenor of a thunderous grinding reverberated in my ears. I opened my eyes. What sounded like the ringing of metal slicing through brittle rock was a sword splitting the flesh and bone of the zombie in front of me. I tried to back into the chain-linked fence, hoping to meld into it and be free from the havoc before me. Blood doused my chest; my eyebrows creased my forehead, my mouth deepening with a frown.
Another zombie with haggard brown pieces of hair staggered up to me. Her hand crept toward my face. My muscles clenched, matching my corset-tightened waist. I pressed the side of my face against the steel to the point I knew it would leave an impression. Peeking through the corner of my eye, I witnessed a blade strike her temple. The blood of the monster squirted against me and I flinched.
A gloved hand grabbed my shoulder, and an arm came under me before I experienced cool air sweeping against my sweaty face. The ground became distant as I was lifted over the fence and to the open road on the other side. My blood pumped with fright while I pounded the body holding me, afraid I had been captured by another type of monster. Arms grasped me closer as if I was Hade’s captor, Persephone, and we were crossing through to the underworld.
“Stop that or I’ll toss you back to be food.” He had an acute amorous voice.
One calloused hand was around my thigh and his other held my waist. The rapid wind assaulted me as he took us both away from the zombies now obscured in my rear view.
I was being rescued by some pale stranger with long black hair hiding behind a mask. Thoughts turned into a jumbled mess as I wondered if I should scream for rescue or hold on tighter. How could I know if he was truly here to help me or saved me only to murder me himself?
It was hard to see through it all, but I knew his eyes were boring into me. My breath caught as I feared what we might run into with his vision diverted.
by Sarah | Jul 15, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
My name is Jesse Colter, 36, former SEAL, now Chief of Police of the town I grew up in, Marshall’s Creek, Virginia. My childhood sucked—my father was a drunk and a bully who liked nothing more than to take out his frustrations on me. My mother disappeared when I was a kid. He always claimed she ran away with another man, but I’ve always suspected he killed her. I came to my author’s attention the day I rescued Sarah Marshall from falling out of a tree.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Sarah Marshall is the only woman I have ever loved, the only woman I ever will love. I met her the summer she was 13, dangling upside down from a broken tree limb 40 feet above the ground. I was nineteen, but she intrigued me. She was an arresting combination of child and adult. She grew up rich, but her childhood sucked as much as mine did, just in different ways. Her father had no time for her, so she was raised by tutors and nannies. She was the first person to really listen to me. To value my opinion. To actually seek it out. She bullied me into reading all her favorite books just so she could get my opinion on them. She turned me into an inveterate reader, for which I’ll always be grateful. My life was a throwaway until I met Sarah. But I knew if I claimed her, I would ruin her life, and so I left, a decision that would nearly destroy both of us. A decision I will spend the rest of my life making up to her. Because I can’t imagine my life without her.
What’s your greatest fear?
I’m a dominant—so is my best friend Adam, who also happens to be in love with Sarah. We want to introduce her to the D/s way of life, but we’re afraid that the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-fiance will not let her submit to us. I can’t change what I am, but if it comes down to having to choose between BDSM or Sarah, I’ll choose Sarah, even at the risk of losing part of myself.
What’s your motto in life?
Honesty
How do the other characters in your book view you?
My best friend and brother, Adam Sinclair, knows me as a dom, a fellow SEAL, and a man of principle. We love and admire each other.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Since I believe that honesty is the only way to build trust, I want nothing to do with gossip.
What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m sexy (lol). I love fiercely and forever, and will fight to the death to protect those I cherish. I abhor bullies and abusers of women—any women. Women are to be loved, revered, protected and treasured. With a little spanking thrown in just to spice things up.
What was your happiest moment?
When Sarah told me she loved me.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
I deplore dishonesty.
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
I would be deep purple, because that is the color of passion.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00ATSUJBI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | Siren-Bookstrand | Kobo | Sony | Google Play |
Eight years ago Jesse Colter fled his small town, leaving behind eighteen-year-old Sarah Marshall. Now a retired Navy SEAL, he’s back and he wants only one thing—Sarah Marshall—preferably bound, naked and kneeling before him.
Sarah has never forgotten Jesse. He’s been the object of all her sexual fantasies since she was fifteen, as well as the star of nightly dreams that have become increasingly erotic over the years. So when he suddenly reappears in her life, she warily agrees to let him introduce her to his world—the world of BDSM. When he also introduces her to his best friend, Adam Sinclair, Sarah faces the challenge of submitting to two powerful, Dominant men.
But Sarah has an even bigger problem. A stalker. Someone from her past who is determined to destroy any chance she has at happiness. Can Adam and Jesse love and protect her? Or will her world explode in betrayal and violence that will destroy them all?
*~*
EXCERPT
Uh-oh. She was in trouble now. A quick glance in her rear view mirror confirmed the
strobing red and blue lights of the unmarked police cruiser behind her, a black, Humvee H3 Alpha, powerful and forbidding, with a slight air of menace. Just like its occupant.
Jesse Colter.
Sarah’s throat thickened and she suddenly couldn’t breathe. She shut her eyes, trying to calm herself, but her nerves felt like stinging nettles burning her skin. Why hadn’t anyone told her that the newly-hired Chief of Police she was scheduled to meet with today was Jesse Colter? She’d left work the moment she heard his name, desperate to avoid this very encounter. I’m not ready, she thought, pushing against the panic that threatened to overwhelm her. I’ll never be ready!
Blowing out her breath, she wiped her sweating hands on her skirt. Her belly clenched as hot juice gathered in her feminine folds. How could he still affect her like this? She hadn’t seen him for eight years. Not since he’d abruptly disappeared the day of her eighteenth birthday.
At least, she hadn’t seen him in person.
But she had seen him nearly every night of those eight years. In her dreams. She’d seen him and tasted him and felt him as if he’d been real. As if he’d been there. She’d seen him rising over her, preparing to enter her. Tasted his full, moist lips and thrusting tongue. Felt his massive cock stretching her, filling her until she was sobbing and screaming out his name—only to wake up on the edge of an explosive orgasm that melted away even as he melted away, like a chalk painting in the rain. Her dreams of Jesse were just that. Dreams.
Eyes riveted to the side mirror, she watched, dry-mouthed as he unfolded himself from the interior of the Hummer and rose to his full height of six feet three inches. He stood without moving, just staring in her direction, his eyes hidden behind the mirrored lenses of his aviator sunglasses.
God, he was even more gorgeous than she remembered. Gypsy-dark, panther-lean, his magnificent body was taut with the unyielding ripple of tempered steel. Her eyes roamed over his beloved face, with its strong, square jaw, hawk’s beak of a nose and full, sensuous lips. And those killer cheekbones—Lord have mercy. To Sarah’s eyes, there had always been something raw and untamed about him.
There still was.
*~*
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Julie has always loved stories, both reading and writing them, ever since she was old enough to hold a book in her hands. One of her favorite childhood activities was smuggling books under the covers to read by flashlight after she was supposed to be asleep.
A career as a children’s librarian eventually led to her dream career as a freelance storyteller and puppeteer, a business she operated successfully for twenty-five years. During that time she created and wrote all the original material for a monthly language arts newsletter full of poems, songs, puppet and flannel-board stories, fingerplays, and other resource material for early childhood educators. For that endeavor she won the prestigious EDPRESS Award for the best educational newsletter of 1982. She has also written other resource materials for preschool and early elementary teachers.
After moving more than two dozen times in her life, Julie lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Now widowed and retired, she once again has time to devote to her two favorite things—reading and writing—especially her new love, erotic romances
MY LINKS:
www.facebook.com/Juliesheltonauthor
www.juliesheltonauthor.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16162502-loving-sarah
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?trk=tab_pro&id=241889558
www.amazon.com/author/julieshelton
by Sarah | Jul 10, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
I’m happy to welcome Dana Mason today. She’s talking about her series, and sharing a little about each book. Please welcome her and check out the books!!
The Embrace Series is a romantic suspense series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important. My characters learn the hard way what happens when you take your loved ones for granted. All three books are based on life’s second chances. Dangerous Embrace is the first in the series.
Dangerous Embrace‘s second chance theme is home. Sarah’s lived a bit of a nomad lifestyle. She’s not sure what to do when Mark is thrust upon her, offering her a world she never thought she could have.
Here is more about Dangerous Embrace:
Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life–alone. Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. When she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well. Eight years later, she’s settled back in her hometown and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Until one night and one brutal act of violence changes everything.
Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.
Mark was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man. Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it. This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, once he convinces her she loves him.
When Sarah agrees to let Mark help, she doesn’t anticipate just how important of a role he’ll play in her future or how the violence in her past will come back to threaten them both.
To celebrate the release of book two, we’re offering Dangerous Embrace FREE on Amazon from July 11th – July 14th
Dangerous Embrace Links:
Goodreads
[amazon_link id=”1938404238″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon.com[/amazon_link]
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
*~*
The second book in the Embrace Series is Precious Embrace. The theme in this book is still based on second chances, but it also circles around family. Johnny was raised by his aunt and uncle after losing his parents at a young age. Ali also lost her dad when she was only eight years old. When Ali’s son is kidnapped, they both have to fight the overwhelming despair of another loss while also trying to make sense out of their new relationship.
I hope you’ll love reading about Johnny and Ali as much as I enjoyed writing about them.
Here is more about Precious Embrace:
A second divorce and a new baby wasn’t the vision Alison Hayes had for her future. Now a single mother with two young boys, she wants to focus on her kids and what’s left of her stagnate career. When Detective Johnny Rhay Bennett breezes into her life with his country-boy accent, she wants to run. She doesn’t need another man in her life, or another reason to make people talk. But when her worst nightmare becomes a reality, Johnny is the only person who can pull Ali out of her despair, forcing her to stay strong and not give up hope of finding her missing child.
Who falls in love after a one-night stand? Johnny Rhay doesn’t believe it’s possible until it happens to him. With Nashville in his rear-view mirror, he’s determined to convince Alison she loves him too, even if it means moving to the West Coast. Ali’s not easy, and she’s living on just this side of bitter after her divorce, but Johnny doesn’t care. He’s up for the challenge. At least, he believes he’s up for it until baby Micah is stolen right out from under his nose. Now Johnny has to keep it together and get that sweet little boy home safe before his dreams of having a family vanish too.
Precious Embrace Links:
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble Nook
[amazon_link id=”B00DUEKIGO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon US Kindle[/amazon_link]
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
*~*
Book Three, Broken Embrace, is Brian and Melissa’s story. The second chance theme for Broken Embrace is love. This story is currently being edited and I’m hoping to have it available in Spring 2014.
*~*
Dana Mason Bio:
Dana Mason starting writing to prove to her computer geek husband and her math & science geek kids that she actually has a brain; it’s just a right functioning brain instead of a left. She’s lived all over the country and uses that experience in her writing and character studies. Her debut novel, Dangerous Embrace is the first in a contemporary romance series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn just how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important.
When not writing, Dana specializes in professional development and training. She’s also a board member on the local Art’s Council and does what she can to support the art community.
Author Links:
Website: http://danamasonromance.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/danamasonromance
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danamason06
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dana-Mason/e/B009MDSGH0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Publisher Author Page: http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/danamason
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440793.Dana_Mason
| [amazon_link id=”B00CWKHKTU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Bookstrand | SCP | ARe |
