by Sarah | Apr 3, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to have J.L. Hammer back on the blog with her latest release, [amazon_link id=”B00BLPYO3M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Blue Horizon[/amazon_link]. Today she introduced me to her hero Beckham Connors, and allowed me to interview him. He wasn’t exactly thrilled with the prospect…he’s usually on the other end of the questions, but still he obliged and I thank him heartily for that.
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
My name is Beckham Connors. I’m a freelance mercenary. I take care of problems the government doesn’t want you to know about.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
(He shifts in his seat.) This is a girlie question. I’m a guy. Okay, Elena gets my blood pumping. She’s special—we understand each other. And yeah, I love her.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
This interview. I’m usually the one asking the questions.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Always have a plan A, plan B, plan C, and the Shit Happens Plan—which means when the shit hits the fan, run—and hope you’re quicker, smarter, and bulletproof.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
At first, Elena stared at me like I was hell incarnate. After a while she let her guard down. And when I kissed her, she melted in my hands.
6. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
Blue Horizon is all about danger and secrets. It revolves around a government project that could cause mass destruction and terrorists who will do anything to get their hands on it. I have orders to rescue Elena from her captors, or if necessary—kill her. Whatever happens, she cannot be left alive on Iranian soil. This is the most difficult decision of my life.
8. What was your happiest moment?
(He smirks.) Any moment I’m not riddled with bullets and I can inhale a breath.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Black. I’ll be a shadow and you won’t know what hit you until it’s over.
*~*~*~*
[amazon_link id=”B00BLPYO3M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Barnes & Noble
Book Blurb
Part of a secret government project, Elena Davidson’s life is in serious jeopardy when she is kidnapped by terrorists. Safeguarding ‘Blue Horizon’ isn’t just a mission to Elena. She knows that if its purpose is revealed and if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous for the entire world.
Beckham Connors has a simple mission: the retrieval of Elena Davidson, no matter what the cost. He has orders to rescue Elena from her captors and to send her home to America, or if necessary—kill her. Whatever happens, she cannot be left alive on Iranian soil.
Forced into a whirlwind adventure, she can depend on no one. Elena must decide if she can trust the ruggedly handsome Beckham—or if he poses a greater danger than the terrorists.
Excerpt
She watched him as he secured the new bandage. Until that moment, Elena hadn’t realized how close he sat next to her on the bed. His thigh brushed against hers. Elena lifted her head, and their gazes locked. She found herself becoming lost in his brown eyes. This hard man fought to be unfeeling, but she knew he wasn’t. Beckham had needs, just like her—to be touched, loved, and wanted.
His hand reached out to her cheek, and the roughness of his fingers met the softness of her skin. Elena’s breathing quickened as his fingers lowered to the curve of her neck. Her flesh tingled. Shivers of warmth bolted through her body. The same desire she felt reflected in his heated gaze. His chest rose with the rapid intake of his breaths. It felt as if the pull of a magnet drew them together as time slipped away. Elena braced herself for the kiss that was sure to come. She should have been afraid; Beckham could overpower her and she wouldn’t stand a chance, but fear was the last thing on her mind.
His fingers encircled the back of her neck, and he tugged her lips to his. Sparks ignited, lighting the backs of her closed eyelids. Without hesitation, their tongues explored. Her body demanded more of the sensual, intoxicating kiss. Elena’s heart raced. Grasping his broad shoulders, she felt his solid weight above her, pressing her firmly against the bed. Her breasts molded against his muscular chest. Beckham smelled so good, like earth and man.
“You’re so beautiful…so damn soft and sweet.” The heat from his husky words sent a shiver of excitement across her skin. She willed him to devour her. Elena had been so lost and alone that being held securely in his arms felt good and right. She could tell Beckham needed her just as much as she needed him.
The whiskers from his strong jaw rubbed against her skin, sending a ripple of painful pleasure through her. She moaned. With one hand she tugged at his shirt so she could touch his bare skin. Beckham caressed her breast. Even through the cloth she could feel the heat from his touch. She bit her lower lip to stop the cry from escaping. Scattered thoughts raced through her mind. She should be stopping this. She should be outraged that he dare touch her. The voice of reason pleaded with her to remember who she was and what he was, but she told it to shut up. She threaded her fingers through the length of his brown hair, bringing him even closer, needing to feel his lips once again on hers.
The sudden pounding on the door echoed throughout the room. Before the noise even registered in her mind, Beckham had leaped to his feet and was standing beside the bed. He took a second to slow his breathing and then cracked open the door. Mumbled words were exchanged. Elena strained to make them out. Apparently Beckham understood, since he opened the door a bit farther.
“Okay, be right there.” He glanced back at her. His wrinkled shirt was half unbuttoned, his hair disheveled. Beckham looked as if he’d almost been devoured. Had she done that to him?
His heated gaze raked over Elena as she lay sprawled on the bed. “Damn—I’m going to kill him.” After uttering those words, he smashed the turban back on his head, went out, and shut the door behind him.
About the Author
J.L. Hammer resides in California and enjoys the relaxed pace of small-town life with her husband and two children. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. Visit her website at www.JL-Hammer.com
by Sarah | Apr 1, 2013 | Book Release, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m so excited to have Jennifer Simpkins stop by again! Today is release day for the second book in her series, Loving Patience. I just started book 1 (Forgiving Patience), and already have Loving Patience on my list for ‘must buys’ when I stock up again next month.
*~*
Blurb for Loving Patience, Book 2 in the Patience Series:
Liza Dyer has spent her career counseling and guiding her patients towards a more fulfilling life, so it’s a shock when she can’t stop her own life from falling apart. After a cheating ex she decides to escape to Patience, Tennessee. Instead of confiding in her long-time friend, she finds herself revealing her painful secrets to sexy, ladies’ man Tex Avery.
Tex is a confirmed bachelor every woman in Patience is trying to catch. He is the last thing Liza needs, but once again she can’t help herself—especially when he shows up at her hotel door looking depleted and leaving her breathless. It’s in her nature to want to help with the emotional pain Tex is going through, but her counseling is not welcomed. Liza is determined to not give up on him…but will their connection be enough to convince her to once again put her heart on the line.
Excerpt:
It was over way too quickly. Tex took a step back while she gulped oxygen and tried not to fumble her next words. While his kissing was pretty hot, much like the rest of him, she couldn’t let him off too easy. She had a reputation to uphold and no man—hunk or otherwise—got by with planting one on her without permission.
“What was that?” Okay, maybe that came out a little breathy and not all tough like she wanted.
“Don’t tell me a woman like you has to ask that question.”
“Don’t be smart. I mean, why did you do it? Why did you kiss me?”
Yay—relieved that she actually sounded fairly composed and not someone who would be considered drunk by any law enforcement.
“Besides you being the best damn thing I’ve seen in Patience in a long time, I did it because you looked like you needed me up close and personal to know I’m not drunk. So while I would love to stand out here and argue with you, I have someplace I need to be.”
It was none of her business where he was headed this late at night. Even though he’d just invaded her mouth, he didn’t owe her an explanation of who he was going to see or why he was going to see them. “Well, since I didn’t bite your tongue when I had good reason to, you can tell me a little bit more about yourself.”
He crossed his arms and didn’t try to hide that he found her more amusing than annoying, which was the complete opposite expression she got from most people she met. She was a very capable woman, and while most men found her attractive, they didn’t find her cute and amusing by any means. Most men expected her to look pretty and say all the right things, but where was the fun in that? She did things her way and maybe that was why she was still single.
“Okay, Liza, here’s the rundown. I run my own business, I drive a Ford because…well my first truck was a Ford, and once you start with a Ford you can never go back. It just goes against everything southern. I love my mama and I’m single, so don’t go thinking you’re going to have some crazy wife or girlfriend stalking you because we kissed or because I gave you a ride to the hotel.”
“Why is it I think you just described every other man in Patience? What’s your last name?”
“My last name is Avery, why?”
“Because that is something personal, not so generic, and I have a feeling you are the only Tex Avery in town.”
“So does that mean you trust me?”
“That means you can drive me to the hotel. Don’t confuse that with trust. I just think you can probably get me there a lot safer than I can. Men are very untrustworthy.”
“Says who?”
“History, that’s who. Brad cheated on Jen, Bill did it to Hillary, and Leroy Anderson kissed my ex-best friend when I was in sixth grade.”
“I’m surprised a boy named Leroy could get even one girl, let alone two,” he laughed. He pulled his keys out of his front jean pocket and twirled them around his finger.
Tex guided her to none other than a soft gray, 4-door Ford truck. “I thought when I heard my granddaddy talk like it was a sin because another man drove a different make of vehicle it was just that…talk. But you are serious?”
“Absolutely. People around here take that kind of offense seriously. Believe me, you don’t ever want caught even thinking of switching sides,” he commented, opening her door and waiting for her to climb in.
Because she wasn’t completely drunk, she climbed inside with minimal help from Tex. He touched the small of her back to make sure she didn’t slip, and a hum shot all the way to her core. She didn’t even want to think of the ways her body would respond if he touched bare skin. After he closed her inside, she took a steady breath. The more air she inhaled, the more her body reacted to him and the scent his cologne left lingering inside the truck.
He slid in behind the steering wheel and brought his truck to life. It was loud and big—and very sexy. It was a real man’s vehicle, not like the compact car Greg poked around in.
“So why are you here…in Patience, I mean?”
“To be honest…a cheating asshole and a best friend.”
* * * *
Connect with Jennifer:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest
by Sarah | Mar 28, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
L.B. Shire is here today with a look at herself, and a glimpse into her new Historical Western Romance, The Damned. So sit back, relax and get to know her a little…
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
First off, Iʹd like to thank Sarah Cass for having me at her blog today! Thank You Sarah 🙂 Ok, a little about me. My name is L.B. Shire and Iʹm a writer of western historical romance. I love to write stories set in the wild west that have feisty women, horses, and cowboys (or outlaws) to die for! To date, I have four western romances out: Devil Wears Lace, Game of Hearts, Stealing the Sheriffʹs Heart, and my newest release, The Damned.
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I started out as a panster, but with experience I find it easier to plot. I keep a spiral notebook full of character backgrounds and story lines.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
Mine was self esteem. Is this manuscript good enough? Am I crazy to think someone would want to publish this? Finally, one day I closed my eyes and hit the send button. My first novelette, Devil Wears Lace was published by Breathless Press February of 2012!
4. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
I loved all my characters when I wrote The Damned. There was an occasional moment when Iʹd want my hero to be a certain way, and heʹd surprise me by doing something totally different. Youʹd think you could make them behave with the stroke of your keyboard…Not true 🙂
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write, write, and write lots more! Itʹs the best way to learn your craft. With each book you write, youʹll notice how far youʹve come!
6. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
If you love a little adventure set in the old west, with outlaws, a sexy hero and a woman worth fighting for, then The Damned is for you!
7. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
Well aside from writing, I love taking pictures of horses. My horses tend to be my victims quite often 🙂
8. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I submitted another western romance novelette this month, and Iʹm anxiously awaiting an answer from the publisher. (bites nails)
*~*~*~*
Buy: [amazon_link id=”B00AZYTSIG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Breathless Press
Blurb:
Sometimes, what a man needs is a little hope…
Travel worn, and weary, Shane Gregor rides into Hell’s Hollow for a drink and answers. On the run for a crime he didn’t commit his days are numbered unless he can find proof. What he discovers instead is a green eyed enchantress and a sheriff who’s out for blood. When the law catches up to him, can he put his hopes in a woman he’s only just met?
A widow who has fallen on hard times, Josie Talbert became a soiled dove for the sake of survival. Her life changes in the course of a night, when a dark and dangerous cowboy steps through the doors of the Dead Horse Saloon, a death sentence looming over his head. Can his words of innocence be trusted? Can a lone woman change the course of fate?
Excerpt:
Tension gnawed at Shane’s soul. The door to the holding cell slammed shut behind him. This must be what a caged animal feels like. He glanced around the room. All ready the walls were moving in on him.
“I’ll talk with you later, Gregor,” the sheriff told him before leaving him alone with only his thoughts in the darkness. Shane didn’t respond, but listened in silence while the sheriff’s boots clicked across the wooden floor. With a heavy sigh he laid on the cot. He knew he was in a heap of trouble.
Shane needed to convince the sheriff of his innocence or he’d be a dead man by the end of the week, so they’d told him. He couldn’t let Mort win so easily. The man had managed to ruin his life in one fail swoop and at present it didn’t look like there was a damn thing he could do about it.
The night dragged on in insufferable silence. His thoughts flitted to earlier in the evening. When he had entered the saloon—when he’d first laid eyes on Josie… His mind wandered as he recalled how her curls bounced about her shoulders when she moved, and those eyes—she was a brazen one. Her hands on his skin when she washed him—stop, his mind screamed. The memories were pure torture.
Josie, he had to admit, intrigued him. He hadn’t given any woman a second thought for some time. He shook his head to clear it off the woman. It would do him no good to dream of her, he was a dead man.
Shane wondered if morning would ever come. The cell had no windows to let him know the time of day. But when the sheriff came through the front door, a hot cup of coffee in his pudgy hand, he knew he’d survived.
“I’ve sent word to the judge up in the next county. Said he should be here by the end of the week. Then there’ll be one less lousy gunfighter roaming the territory.”
“Will I have a chance to plead my case?” Shane asked. He gripped the bars of the cell until his fingers turned white. He gathered his answer by the unsympathetic smile on the sheriff’s lips.
“No trial is needed, son.” The man snorted, his chubby chin wiggling. “They start construction on the gallows today.” The sheriff took a sip of his coffee and stared at him with a look of contempt over the rim of his cup.
“The judge coming out here is to make it all official. He’ll sign the documents and so forth,” he said, matter of fact.
Shane stepped back from the bars. So it was over for him.
“So this is how it ends,” he murmured under his breath. He would need to send word to his brother and let him know what had happened to his sorry ass. Without another word he returned to the cot placed in the corner of the cell and sat down.
He rubbed his temples, wariness of the situation made his head throb.
“I’ll get you a bite to eat after a bit,” the sheriff called over his shoulder. “I’ve got stacks of paperwork to sift through on my desk first.” His voice echoed down the empty hall.
No longer hungry, Shane laid his head in his hands. A sense of despair that he couldn’t shake off overwhelmed him. Giving into his fatigue, he lay back on the cot and closed his eyes. It would be a long week.
Author Bio:
L.B. Shire has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. A lover of most all genres, her favorites include: Western Romance, YA, Paranormal and Shifter stories, to name a few!
When not writing or researching, L.B. enjoys spending time with family, riding one of her horses, and, of course, reading anything that is set before her! She currently resides on the West Coast in a sleepy little mountain town. There, in the midst of all that beauty, she plans her characters’ next adventures.
For more information on L.B. Shire, please visit her blog @http://www.lbshire.com/ or visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/authorlbshire?ref=hl
I love visitors and comments, so please stop by and say hi!
http://www.lbshire.com/
by Sarah | Mar 28, 2013 | Guest Authors, Guest Post
I’m doing things a little different today with this post. I normally post my Guest Author posts over on Sarah’s Storylines – but due to the nature of the subject and the approach the wonderful Paloma took with it, it’s very relevant to Redefining Perfect, and I’m beyond honored to have Paloma here speaking on this subject in honor or her novel, Hold My Hand.
Thanks to Sarah for having me on Redefining Perfect today. This is the perfect place to share about my heroine’s past and talk about how she learned to redefine herself… with a little help from a deliciously alpha man.
Hold My Hand is about Aubrey, young woman coping with the remnants of being an emotionally abused child. Aubrey begins the steps of moving forward with a little help from a man who teaches her to redefine her idea of perfection. In his own unorthodox way, through an alternative lifestyle, he gives her a new chance to live the life she dreams of.
Sadly enough, far too many young girls are emotionally abused by their fathers. Because their fathers never acknowledge their responsibility, and most of their relatives often never believe such abuse was even possible, the girls go invalidated. The abuse affects them for the remainder of their lives in deeply seeded ways and the then-grown women are left to cope on their own.
Psychological, or emotional, abuse is defined as “deliberately making someone feel afraid, demeaned, degraded, subservient, or humiliated.” Emotional abuse tends to occur far more frequently and with more lasting negative effects than violent physical abuse. Most often, emotional abuse of daughters is preceded by the emotional abuse of their mothers.
The abuse typically happens with the intention of controlling, dominating, isolating, or intimidating and escalates as the daughter becomes more independent, seen to have a mind of her own her father is less able to control. Her father will use insults though they aren’t necessarily directly related to her behavior. The difficulty multiplies then because there’s no way for the daughter to predict what would set him off and avoid the abuse.
For Aubrey, like with so many real-life daughters, her father would yell at her, accuse her of not being bright enough, pretty enough and of not treating him right. One of the people meant to build her up would put her down and make her feel she could do no right. She was made to feel worthless and emotionally exhausted.
The most confusing part is the father’s poor treatment then followed by exhibits of love and tenderness, sometimes going so far as to spoil his daughter. This extreme behavior confuses the daughter. Then if there is an apology at all, the apology is softened with self-righteous justification such as “You pushed my buttons,” or “It’s hard to be nice to you,” or “Stop being so sensitive.” Never is there validation for how the daughter’s feelings.
I hope, by including this topic in Hold My Hand, to increase awareness of the emotional abuse of daughters. This is just the beginning of Aubrey’s healing. Book two – Heal My Soul – will be the continuation of her journey as she confronts her family.
BLURB
A story about Aubrey & William. Aubrey has been hurt in the past, discouraged by her family and degraded by a heartless father. Still, William sees something in her that won’t allow him to walk away. Instantly drawn to her but intuitive enough to take it slowly, he courts her. Then he bargains, persuades and seduces until his commanding nature ensnares her. Despite the fight she puts up in accepting William’s lifestyle, the bonds he places on Aubrey give her a freedom she desperately needs. Together, they heal old wounds and find their perfect love.
HOLD MY HAND is a contemporary BDSM-lite Romance with consensual Spanking Elements. Enjoy at your own risk.
EXCERPT ©Paloma Beck, 2013
“Aubrey.” William’s voice wafted through the line, the warm sound sliding down my tummy. “I’m held up in a meeting. Baylor will deliver you to my home and I’ll be there shortly.” I could hear voices in the background, hushed but present. I made a note to ask William soon what type of business he was in.
“Ok. That’s fine.” I wasn’t sure about being delivered; the term made me feel like a package. Perhaps I’ll try to think of myself as a special delivery. I shook my head at the absurdity of the thought. When had I ever been something special? Sometimes you’re just a waste of space, Aubrey.
“Good. I’ll see you soon. Baylor will attend to you, whatever you need.”
“Thank you.”
I thought he’d simply click the phone off then but he cleared his throat, “And Aubrey,” he paused, “I-I am sorry. I didn’t want us to begin this way.” I was still processing his apology when the call ended. I returned the phone to Baylor, grabbed up my coat and purse and followed him to the car waiting outside the door.
William’s voice – his apology had been so sincere. I couldn’t imagine it mattering that much to him. I wasn’t important enough for someone to worry over. No one had ever been concerned for me like that before. It unnerved me to consider William might actually like me enough to worry. Would he care for me eventually? I couldn’t dare believe it.
The car pulled up outside a large brick and stone home. It was big enough for a full family. The ride had been about twenty minutes so we must’ve been in one of the smaller suburbs framing Boston. As Baylor opened my door and offered his hand, I unfolded my body from the car and stood beside him, certain my mouth was hanging open.
“This was William’s home?” The quiver in my voice certainly gave away my uncertainty, my complete disbelief that this man I’ve met and have now agreed to date –if in fact, that’s what I’ve agreed to– lived in this home more suited for a full family of eleven.
“Yes ma’am.”
“He lives here?” I still couldn’t believe what I was seeing though it was right in front of my eyes. The house where I’d been raised could sit well inside this massive structure, which left me feeling small, tiny and insignificant. If nothing had yet to do it, this was the moment where my inadequacies smacked me square in the face. You’ll never be anything, Aubrey.
Baylor seemed to sense my unease, shuffling his feet next to me and waiting. He cleared his throat. “He also has an apartment in the city for times he can’t get away. This was more his weekend residence.”
“Oh,” I answered, took a deep breath and gave myself a moment to absorb this. It was so far from my reality. I could hardly make sense of it.
Hold My Hand is currently only available through Smashwords, but will release at all other major ebook retailers on April 1, 2013. You can check out Aubrey’s Pinterest Board and mark the book as WANT TO READ on Goodreads today!
About Paloma
Paloma Beck is a Romance Author living a life of contradiction… she’s a happily married carpooling mom writing erotic romance. It’s almost naughty! Paloma writes in both the Contemporary and Paranormal realms, journaling the stories her characters tell her, and they are anything but PG. She dabbles in vampires, witches, ménage, spanking and bdsm – all in her books, of course. Paloma believes a daily dose of espresso and a good book make any day better.
She is currently working on a contemporary romance series about three brothers. Finding Home, book two, will be released sometime in 2013 with Secret Cravings Publishing. She also has a paranormal romance series, The Seven Sin Sisters, contracted with Secret Cravings Publishing, which will be released sequentially between August 2012 and August 2013.
Connect with Paloma
WEBSITE http://palomabeck.weebly.com
TUMBLR http://palomabeck.tumblr.com/
BLOG http://RomanceBeckons.blogspot.com
TWITTER https://twitter.com/PalomaBeck
FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/PalomaBeckAuthor
PINTEREST http://www.pinterest.com/PalomaBeck
GOODREADS http://www.goodreads.com/PalomaBeck
AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Paloma-Beck
Recommended Read
For more information on this topic, [amazon_link id=”1440504636″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize It and to Respond[/amazon_link], Patricia Evans is a useful guide. I encourage anyone living with any form of abuse seek professional help.
by Sarah | Mar 27, 2013 | Character Interview, Giveaway, Guest Authors, Writing
Every comment on the post is an entry to win a PDF copy of Trouble With a Cowboy. Drawing will happen on 3/29 about 9AM!! So leave your comment today for a chance to win a copy!!
I’m very pleased to have the hero of Sandy Sullivan’s latest book,[amazon_link id=”B00BL9QCU6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] Trouble With A Cowboy[/amazon_link] stop by today. Tucker Marshall had me enraptured by his Wranglers…I mean, um…ah, hell. Just read up.
Hi Sarah. It’s nice to be here on your blog.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Let’s see. I own a large ranch outside of Amarillo Texas and I raise Bucking Bulls for the PBR and several rodeos all over the country. I do a lot of traveling but I got stuck in a little town in Oklahoma with one of my bulls on the way to National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
The greatest love of my life is raising bulls and Jacie. What drew me to raising bulls was the thrill of watching them compete in professional bullriding just like the riders do. They get points and compete with the other bulls on the circuit for Bull of the Year. My bull Lightning Strike is up this year with a 98% bulloff rate.
Jacie is the most important life in my life these days.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Losing my ranch. I grew up kind of poor and there wasn’t a lot to eat some days. I wouldn’t know what to do if I didn’t have my ranch.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Live life to the fullest.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
The guys don’t like me because I’m with Jacie now. Several have the hots for her or are protective of her and they think I’m going to hurt her. I wouldn’t hurt her for the world. She means everything to me.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I don’t do gossip. If I hear something I try to ignore it and move on. Gossip isn’t good and usually leads to someone getting hurt.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
*evil grin* I look good in a pair of Wranglers?
8. What was your happiest moment?
Probably the day I paid off my parents’ house at least so far.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Lying. I hate liars.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Definitely blue. I try to never lose my temper and be cool, calm and collected mostly of the time. Of course, Jacie gets my pretty fired up sometimes.
*~*~*~*
18 wheels had her heart until one hard-up cowboy found her kickin’ up her heels and propositions her to take his bull to Vegas.
Jacie Hawkins drives big wheelers for a livin’. Something not a lot of women do. Littleton Oklahoma is just a dry stopover for a few hours of rest and relaxation at the nearest bar. Jacie needs to find a hot cowboy to release some of her pent up frustrations on for the night, but wannabe’s aren’t her style.
Tucker Marshall needs a big-rig driver to haul his prize bull to National Finals Rodeo and he needs one fast. Who would have thought he’d find one shootin’ pool at the local bar dressed to kill and takin’ numbers?
Can some slashed tires and an ornery bull bring two hard-headed people together for some fun in the sun and a little more?
Buy link
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=533
Excerpt
Lean hips and a bull rider belt buckle blocked her view of the multitude of cowboy boots standing nearby. Her gaze crawled up a flat, chiseled abdomen, across sculpted muscles, over a firm jaw to meet sexy brown eyes.
“What’s the frown for, pretty lady?”
She tipped the bottle to her lips to take a long drink, keeping her eyes on the gorgeous man in front of her.
Once she’d swallowed, she said, “Contemplation.”
“Huh?”
Great. Probably barely made his way through high school.
“I was trying to figure out how many of them,” she nodded to the crowd twirling on the dance floor, “are real.”
“Real?”
“Real cowboys or just wannabes.”
Brown eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled as he hooked his fingers behind his belt buckle and tilted the shiny metal up. “Mine’s real, sweet thing.”
“Is it? Where did you win it?”
“National Finals Rodeo last year. Bull ridin’.”
“Is that right?” She took another sip of her beer.
“Yeah.” The cowboy pulled his shoulders back proudly.
“You know, that’s funny. I rode last year. I sure don’t remember you. What did you say your name was?”
The man frowned as a trickle of sweat appeared over his lip. “Kyle Fredrick.”
“Kyle…” She tipped the bottle to her lips again. “Mmm…nope. I sure don’t remember you. You know what else?”
His eyes narrowed as he shifted from foot to foot. “What.”
“I have an official belt buckle in barrel racing.” She tapped the buckle at her waist with her fingernail, and then pointed toward his. “That’s about the worst fake I’ve ever seen. The real one, honey, is gold with World Champion Bull Rider on the bottom and your name engraved just above that.” She stood in front of him so they stood toe-to-toe. “That trinket might work on one of those rhinestone babes out there, but it won’t work on me. I know the real thing when I see it.”
When the music changed, bathing the bar in silence for a moment, she heard a soft chuckle to her left. Tipping her head, she locked gazes with the guy two stools down. He lifted an eyebrow and tipped his hat as a crooked, half-smile graced his mouth, showing off pearly-white teeth with a dimple in his left cheek. Before she got a good look at the color of his eyes, the cowboy in front of her pulled her attention back to him.
“You’re a bitch.”
“I’ve been called that before. You’ll have to come up with something more original…Kyle.”
With a pissed-off growl, Kyle spun on his heel, disappearing into the crowd farther down the bar. Jacie took her seat again, propping her boot heels on the rung of the chair and tipped the bottle to her lips. Beer slid down her throat in a cool wash of satisfaction.
Moments later, two-stools down cowboy moved one stool closer when the man next to her headed for the door.
Elbows balanced on the bar behind her as the bottle dangled from her fingers, she glanced sideways and her gaze met the prettiest baby blues she’d ever seen. One sweep from the top of his black Stetson and dark hair, over his broad chest and down his yummy torso, told her a lot. A working man. Dusty cowboy boots peeked out from the hem of his jeans.
“Hi,” he offered.
“Hi, yourself.”
“Name’s Tucker.” He held out his hand.
She stared at his palm. Calluses. Working hands. Short nails. Clean.
Grasping his hand in hers, she wasn’t prepared for the zing of electricity pricking her skin where they touched.
“Jacie.”
“Nice to meet you, Jacie.”
“You, too Tucker.”
“Sorry about that guy.”
“Why? Is he a friend of yours?”
A short snort left his mouth. “Not in this lifetime. I’m only hopin’ you don’t judge the whole lot by him.”
“Nah.” She smiled and lifted the bottle to her lips again, draining the remaining beer. “He’s nothing new. I’m used to his type.”
“What type is that?”
“The lay ’em and leave ’em kind. Once he gets between a woman’s thighs, he’s gone.”
The chuckle returned. “Probably right on the money.”
“Occasionally, that’s not a bad thing, but tonight…not necessarily what I’m looking for.”
He leaned closer as the music started again. The spicy, almost citrusy scent of his cologne and virile male mixed with…cattle, reached her nose. Interesting.
“Can I buy you another beer?” he asked, his breath rushing over the shell of her ear.
One shoulder lifted in a shrug. “Sure.”
Signaling for the bartender, he stood to pull some money from his front pocket, bringing his chest into close proximity with her shoulder. The heat radiating off his skin sent shivers skittering across her arm, and she fought the urge to rub the flesh to calm the goose bumps.
His tanned hand held a bottle out in front of her.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He sipped from his beer, but when he lowered the bottle his eyes found hers again. “What are you doing in Littleton, Oklahoma?”
“Hanging out with you.”
“Yeah, right. A babe like you doesn’t hang out in small town honky-tonks.”
She flinched at his comment as she dropped her gaze to the front of his shirt. “Just passin’ through.”
“I see. Mysterious. Works for me.” He set his beer on the bar behind her. “Care to dance?”
Do I really want those hands on me? Hell yeah!
“Sure.” She set her bottle next to his before they headed for the dance floor.
The song changed to a slow ballad causing her to cringe. Slow dancing with this gorgeous, rugged cowboy could send her right between the sheets with him in a heartbeat. Good or bad, she wasn’t sure he would be the type to easily walk away from. When she turned, she sucked in a ragged breath before she slipped her hands up around his neck. He settled his palms on her hips. Her heartbeat hitched up a notch and her fingertips itched to run along the solid ridges of his pecs—ridges that came from hard work, not a gym.
*~*
Sandy Sullivan is a romance author, who, when not writing, spends her time with her
husband Shaun on their farm in middle Tennessee. She loves to ride her horses, play
with their dogs and relax on the porch, enjoying the rolling hills of her home south of
Nashville. Country music is a passion of hers and she loves to listen to it while she writes.
She is an avid reader of romance novels and enjoys reading Nora Roberts, Jude Deveraux
and Susan Wiggs. Finding new authors and delving into something different helps feed
the need for literature. A registered nurse by education, she loves to help people and
spread the enjoyment of romance to those around her with her novels. She loves cowboys
so you’ll find many of her novels have sexy men in tight jeans and cowboy boots.
by Sarah | Mar 17, 2013 | Book Release, Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
Very happy to have Tara here today to talk about her newest release, Afterburn. Tara was my editor for both Changing Tracks and the HerStory Anthology (which she also created and headed up). So give her a warm welcome, and go buy her book already!
Blurb:
Crystal is an enlisted mechanic with a tragic past. Grant is an officer and a pilot with a broken heart. When faced with a difficult decision, will Crystal choose wisely or lose the best thing that ever happened to her?
The love between them burns hot, but their relationship won’t stay fueled if they can’t beat the obstacles in their way. Besides breaking the fraternization rules, Grant and Crystal have the difference of race between them…but can they prove to the rest of the world, and to each other, that love is color blind?
Afterburn is about overcoming one’s past, not judging others, learning to forgive, and what it’s like to be a woman in a “man’s world”.
***
The book is novella length and has some language and sexual content, but the story far outweighs the sex. This is not erotica.
Below is an excerpt, a brief look into the troubles Crystal is facing and how Grant is helping her through.
“You called about a leak?” Crystal wasn’t surprised to find Grant, looking immaculate in his flight uniform, leaning against the fuselage of his Falcon. She peered up at him from under her cap, trying to look coy, but knowing she failed miserably. She was still shaking from her encounter with Swenson. She heard her tools rattling in her tool bag.
The smile on Grant’s face that had greeted her faded. “What’s wrong?” He reached out a hand and touched her shoulder. His casual stance tensed, his body looking ready to battle any and all of her demons.
Crystal took a deep breath. “I’m okay. Just those problems at work I didn’t want to talk about.” She turned away from him, not wanting him to see the tears that filled her eyes. “Where’s that leak? Which wing?” She dropped her bag onto the tarmac, lowered herself to her knees, and began removing fasteners of different sizes. “What size is it?” She kept her head down, avoiding his probing eyes.
“The only leak is in my heart. It doesn’t need a fastener, only for you to smile.” Grant’s soft voice rolled over her as he crouched down beside her. The smell of his cologne tickled her nostrils, bringing to mind memories of their wonderful weekend together. His kindness was her undoing. Much to her embarrassment, she began to cry. Tears fell into her canvas bag, wetting the tools of her trade.
Grant was on his knees beside her now, and he kept a lookout as he put his arms around her and let her sob, offering her shelter and comfort. He made soothing sounds, held her tight, and waited.
Feeling safer and reeling from all her conflicting emotions, Crystal finally began to talk. In a tearful voice wracked by an occasional sob, she told Grant about that morning, about the declined promotions, about how she dreaded walking into her shop every day. It felt as though a leak was fixed in her own heart, no fastener or sealing required, just the love and strength of a caring man. If only all of her problems could be solved like this…
When she had told him everything, she sat back on her heels and waited, wary at the clouds of anger on Grant’s face. He stared at her intently. “You need to go to EEO.” He reached out and brushed a tear off of Crystal’s face. “No one, no woman or man, is supposed to put up with discrimination or harassment over what they are. The military has a zero-tolerance policy. I’ve been there, Crystal, and I know you can fight it. We all deserve to be treated equally.”
“I’m afraid,” Crystal whispered. “Who will believe me?”
“I believe you.” Footsteps sounded behind him, and Grant straightened and stood next to the jet wing, blocking Crystal’s tear-stained face from view. She heard him quietly conversing with someone. When she saw the military boots walk away, she waited for Grant’s face to appear below the jet again. He held out a hand to her.
“I have to do a practice CAP.” He pulled her to her feet, grabbing her bag with his other hand.
She nodded, stood on shaky legs, and brushed off her coveralls. “Are you sure there isn’t a leak I need to fix before you go? Combat Air Patrol maneuvers are no light thing. Was that really a fake call? Is your jet fueled?” Her words came out in a rush of nervousness. Her fiasco from the morning was forgotten in light of her sudden, new concern. She didn’t want to watch him fly. Her feelings for him were growing too strong. A picture of her dad came to her mind. “I think I’ll be going now. I can’t watch you fly now that I…that I…” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t dare say it. Didn’t dare say the “L” word or that she cared for him deeply. It was too soon.
Grant placed his hands on her shoulders, preventing her from leaving. His voice was deep and serious. “Fake call. I just wanted to see you. Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze. “With me at the controls and you as its mechanic, this jet will perform wonders in the sky. We make a good team—in more ways than one.”
Mark Afterburn TO-READ on Goodreads.
Get your copy on [amazon_link id=”B00BUPUORI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link].
***
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.
Her theme is Strong is Sexy. She shares a website with her naughty pen name: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/index.html and they have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877.
About the Author
