by Sarah | Feb 18, 2013 | Excerpt, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m pleased to have Lacie Nation here today to spotlight her wonderful book, Silent Tears. I’ve enjoyed reading her snippets during Hump Day Hook and am thrilled to have a copy in my inbox having won it last week. I can’t wait to dive in very soon. For now, enjoy this wonderful excerpt and then head on out and buy it yourself!
Excerpt:
She bowed her head in a slow nod as he moved past her and left them alone. His office was nearly soundproof, so the pounding music from the club below was nothing but a low thump.
“What can I do for you, Ms. DeLuca?” Brax walked around the desk and leaned back against it crossing his feet at the ankles.
“Don’t you think Ms. DeLuca is a little formal considering we are to be married in a few months?”
“Perhaps it is, but that would depend on what you’re doing here.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“I thought since we are, in fact, going to be husband and wife, maybe we could get to know each other.”
“I can promise you, you don’t want to marry me.”
“You’re absolutely right, but since neither of us have a choice in the matter, why not learn all we can about each other. Many things have changed in the twelve years since we’ve seen each other.” She took a step closer to him and her eyes traveled from his face all the way down to his wing tipped shoes.
Brax stood up to his full six feet four inches. With two long, powerful strides, he closed the distance between them and circled around her like a vulture. The curls from earlier were gone and her hair was straight and glossy. Her legs were bare instead of covered in panty hose and her skin looked silky smooth.
“You don’t want to know me, Camellia.”
“Why is that, Braxton?” Her voice sounded a little breathy as she spoke.
“Because, I’m a very bad man.” He pulled out his .45 and ran the barrel from her temple to her collarbone. Cam shivered, but never showed any sign of being threatened as her eyes followed his every move. “I do things that would make you shudder.”
“Show me.”
“Show you what?” He stepped closer, so close that her breasts were pressed against his chest.
Having her body so close to his made him want her in a way he had never wanted another woman. Brax had a hard time figuring out what emotion was stronger. Figuring out what she was hiding, or taking her to his bed.
“Show me how bad you can be.” Her gaze never left his. He pushed her hair away from her face with the end of the gun.
As the words left her mouth, Brax saw a brief flash of confusion cross her face. As if she couldn’t believe she had said what she had. Before he could think anymore about it, she recovered and was back to being the sexy, sassy woman she’d been when she walked in his office.
He leaned in even closer. “I don’t think you’re ready for that, bambina.”
“Trust me, Mr. Godfry, I’m no baby.” Before Brax even realized she’d moved, there was a knife at his throat.
Their eyes met, neither of them backing down an inch. A woman who could hold her own was incredibly sexy. Her gaze was sharp and cunning, but as he looked her right in the eyes, he knew for a fact she had secrets. Even if he hadn’t seen her in years, he had known her better than anyone else before she left. A person could change over time, but there were still little mannerisms that were ingrained to deep to disappear completely. The way she flexed her jaw as she looked at him told him was her tell.
“Tell me your secrets, Camellia.”
“I have no secrets,” she hissed and pressed the knife harder against his neck. The cold steel of the blade nicked his skin.
“Careful there, Cam. A little tighter and you will have the entire Godfry family on your ass.” He pressed his gun to the side of her head because at the moment she wasn’t a beautiful woman, but an enemy who posed a threat. She backed off, but he did not, and as she moved away from him, his arm extended out straight, keeping his aim on her. “Try that shit again, and woman or not, I will put a bullet through you.”
“Noted, now that we’re clear on that, how about a drink?” A slow, sexy little smile graced her lips.
Brax flipped the safety on and holstered his weapon. “We’ll be lucky if both of us make it out of this marriage alive.”
Blurb: Braxton Godfry thought he had it all. He’s filthy rich, women lined up just to be with him, and his family was the most powerful mafia family in the world. Everything changes in the blink of an eye when his father announces Braxton is to be married to the daughter of his father best friend and ally. Braxton realizes his wife to be, Camellia DeLuca, is the only girl he had ever loved. Camellia isn’t the same carefree girl Braxton knew when they were young. She is a trained killer and a savvy business woman who has secrets that could end Braxton. When a mafia war erupts and threatens to rip Braxton Godfry’s family apart, he will know the pain of silent tears. Blood will flow like a river and vengeance will be had as Braxton fights for the life of his love and his family.
Buy Links:
[amazon_link id=”B00BHKYV7A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]
Barnes & Noble
Sweet Cravings Publishing
All Romance Ebooks
by Sarah | Feb 14, 2013 | Book Release, Giveaway, Guest Authors, Writing
By Flossie Benton Rogers
Celebration time for two reasons! First, Wytchfae – Runes is now available in print as well as eBook. Later this week I’ll be able to hold a copy of the printed book in my hands. If you have ever worked in a library or browsed among the book shelves in a library or bookstore, you’ll know why that is important to me. Readers who don’t have Kindles, Nooks, or other devices, and those who prefer traditionally printed books, can now get their copies. Second, I signed a contract with Secret Cravings Publishing for six more paranormal fantasy romances in the Wytchfae Series, starring fairies, witches, demons, angels, goddesses, dark guardians, ghosts, and other magical beings. My novella Guardian of the Deep (Wytchfae 2) is due out in June 2013 and features the romance of a Succubus and an undersea lord. I love the story of Layla and Samael and can’t wait to share it with you.
CONTEST ALERT! To celebrate, I will give away an eBook copy of Wytchfae – Runes to one lucky person who comments on this post in answer to the question: What are you most drawn to or do you most appreciate about Ireland, such as Irish culture, food, music, scenery, Celtic mythology, or whatever? The winner will be randomly selected. I look forward to seeing your choices!
I pose the question because this week my blog focuses on Ireland (see link at the end of this post). A few months ago friends of mine took a trip to Ireland and shared some wonderful pictures with me. The posts are about their trip and my favorite poet William Butler Yeats. They even blew him a kiss for me! Also, the bloodline of the faery witch Kelly in Wytchfae – Runes is Irish. The Excerpts below show Kelly and Ingvar’s encounter with the Ghuillie Dhu, a prominent theme in Celtic lore.
Blurb: Combine one faery witch and one hot Viking ghost and what do you get? Supernova attraction. Can they evade their enemies long enough to fan the flame?
Opening Line: In a star’s blink, a claw like hand gripped Ingvar’s throat and crushed him against the wall.
One Line Teaser: Kelly had seen Ingvar transform from insubstantial apparition to hot red blooded male.
Excerpt:
Kelly peered out into the mire where she had first seen the gnomes. No more shuffled toward them, but a mass of the creatures hovered off to one side. Their bodies seemed to pulsate with the low grunts they emitted. The noise sounded like agitated bull alligators. Spotting something else in the shadows, she squinted. In the midst of the cypress gnomes stood a massive figure. Her blood froze. Although she had never seen him in person, she knew in her gut this was Ghuillie Dhu, the Dark Man borne on the bowels of the swamp. Kelly rubbed her wrist on Ingvar’s forearm to direct his attention. His head turned toward the spot she indicated, and she felt his body clench. “I see it,” he whispered. “What is it?” Kelly put her lips against his ear. “Dark Man of the Swamp. Dangerous son of a bitch.”
Before she could blink the Dark Man stood just in front of them. She had not even seen him move. Her gaze traveled upward toward eyes that burned like red hot coals. Although he stood off the path at the edge of the water, his height still exceeded that of the giant Viking beside her by at least six inches, and he was wider by far. His appearance had manlike qualities, but such that had never been seen on earth in daylight. The smell that overpowered her senses was one of rancid swamp decay. Acid gurgled in her throat, giving her the dry heaves. She tried again to swallow. The Dark Man reminded her of an ancient rotting tree, with swamp juice in its veins, that had somehow grown sentient.
Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/WthYLc
Author Bio:
Flossie Benton Rogers is a former teacher and library director. She began writing fairy tales at an early age and is grateful for the opportunity to again pursue her passion for mythology. A fifth generation Floridian, Flossie enjoys seeing new places and spending time with family, including two Snickerdoodles ages 5 and 3. She loves “conjuring the magic.” Her inner scribe is always on the lookout for romantic, adventurous stories to share with readers. She lives with her husband Mr. R and her writing buddy, 14-year old basset hound Daisy Josette.
Wytchfae – Runes available at:
Secret Cravings Publishing
[amazon_link id=”B009V7FIMS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]
Barnes and Noble
All Romance Books
Bookstrand
Trade Paperback
Connect with Flossie:
http://flossiebentonrogers.com
http://facebook.com/FlossieBentonRogersAuthor
http://twitter.com/FrostFyre
http://pinterest.com/Wytchfae
Irish blog post at: http://wp.me/p2ts5R-lT
by Sarah | Feb 13, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m very pleased to have Elizabeth Morgan here today to interview one of her characters from Creak. The story sounds both hot…and like a good, creepy mystery all at once. It’s definitely at the top of my list. So let’s meet Kacey Howard from Creak…I have a feeling once you read it, you’ll want to read this book as much as I do…just for this guy.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I just strut in and gave her a smile. Like all females she fell for me. What can I say, I’m good looking.
Not much to tell. My parents and I moved to Wichita when I was eleven. I’m originally from California, another reason Elizabeth loves me so much. Sun-kissed skin. Great body. I like to walk around with my top off a lot. Hey, if you can’t it flaunt it, right?
I’ve been friends with Tyler and Nicole since I moved onto their street. So that’s like, shit, fifteen years. Man, that’s crazy. I like sports. I like food. I love sex, hey, who doesn’t?
I went straight into work from High School and
Good with my hand and I don’t mind doing dirty work. What do you think my occupation is? *grins* I’m a mechanic. Hey, what can I say, there is something about getting under the hood of a car and making that baby purr.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
My campervan. My uncle got an orange campervan when I was a kid and I swear it was the coolest vehicle I had ever seen. I get that all these men think women dig sports cars and all these sleek cars and shit, but what could be hotter than a van that you can throw a mattress in the back of and just basically kick back and have a little fun anywhere you please. Beach, fields, the side of the road if you’re feeling adventurous. . .
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Impotence. It’s not happen to me yet, but the idea that such a thing can happen is just f***king disgusting. It’s wrong, man. So wrong.
4. What’s your motto in life?
I’m afraid it’s old school, but “Life’s a bitch and then you die, so fuck the world and lets get high.”
Death is inevitable, and too much shit happens in this world. So have sex, party, and enjoy the hell out of yourself.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think the following will sum that answer up. I like Nikki’s view the most. She’s so damn feisty.
Jayne: “Speak of the devil, and his sexy ass will most definitely appear.”
Nicole: It really didn’t help that Kacey looked one hell of a tempting package, the type of guy that you wanted to do nasty things to in exchange for finding out what that wicked glint in his eyes was all about.
“My drink’s gone and Kay’s being a dick.”
“You’re a dick, and I hope you genuinely know that . . . ”
“I hate you sometimes. I hate the way you treat women and that you can’t keep your dick in your pants or your damn mouth shut—”
Tyler: “Kacey’s a tool . . . .”
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. I don’t waste my time with such petty shit. Then again, I’m usually the subject of most gossip going around.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m irresistible. You will hate to love me, and want to think that I am a jackass, but even if you do, you will still want me like crazy.
8. What was your happiest moment?
Finally being able to buy my own campervan. I had saved like crazy for it since I was a kid – something which is damn hard to do when you’re a teenager and have a social life as crazy as mine – and I have to say it was orgasmic to finally get behind the wheel and take my baby for a spin.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Shyness. At first it can be fun when you come across a sweet and somewhat innocent girl; there is always something sexy about tainting a good girl, but honestly, it’s boring. There is so much fun to be had in the world people just need to kick back, embrace it, and f***ing enjoy themselves, you know?
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Red. I know it seems like a total chick color, because it represents confidence and passion. But the way I see it, red is used for sin and sinners, and that basically sums up one hell of a dirty night with me.
*~*~*~*
Creak
(An Erotic Thriller)
By Elizabeth Morgan
BLURB:
“What happens in Silver Creek, stays in Silver Creek.”
After spending the summer as a recluse due to a bad break-up, Nicole Saunders agrees to go to The Heat Wave Festival with her best friends, Kacey and Tyler.
Along with three other friends they plan to take a shortcut through the small town of Silver Creek; the last thing any of them expected was to become lost and end up pulling in to a motel for the night.
The Creek Motel is isolated and the last place Nicole wants to be, especially after meeting the glacial owner, but her discomfort is soon forgot as she finally gives in to her feelings and asks Kacey and Tyler to spend the night with her.
A decision she quickly regrets when she discovers that their friend has mysteriously disappeared from her locked room in the middle of the night. Worried, Nicole presumes the worst, but quickly discovers that Jayne’s disappearance is more disturbing than any of them could have guessed.
BUY LINK:
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=514
~ * ~
EXCERPT:
He stared down at me. Uncertainty flickered across his features. “You’re drunk?”
“My head’s a little fuzzy, but I’m sober enough to know what I’m talking about.”
“Nikki, I don’t want you doing something you’re going to regret just because you’re upset over James.”
“This has nothing to do with him.” I leant up and kissed him. It was gentle, hardly exciting, but at least my stomach didn’t turn.
He didn’t kiss me back.
I pulled away and looked him dead in the eyes. “You’ve waited seven years. If it doesn’t feel right kissing me, then you know keeping quiet was the right thing, and I know that we just had a crazy moment earlier. One kiss and we can stop being curious and just move on.”
A small smile appeared as he arched an eyebrow at me. “You’ve been curious?”
Warmth blossomed in my cheeks. “Maybe.”
Kacey chuckled. “I so fucking knew it.”
I scowled at him. “Look, we’re adults, all right? I don’t want us all falling out over this.”
“What if it does feel right?”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.”
I took a deep breath as Tyler cupped my face. My eyes fluttered shut as his mouth caught mine without hesitation. His tongue slipped against the seam of my lips and a small pop of heat hit the walls of my stomach. I pressed my hands to his chest, my nails sliding against the material of his T-shirt as I opened up to him.
His tongue slid slowly against my own and the agonizing pace and tease of his gentleness caused my heart to skip. I slid my hands up to his shoulder and neck. I ran my fingers through his black hair as my body melted against him.
He trailed his fingers down my throat and each tip sent a different pulse of electricity straight to my stomach. His hands fell to my hips and as the pressure of his fingers began to increase with the pace of his demanding lips, my slowly sobering mind began to twist with familiar and forbidden fantasies.
And I wanted to give in to them all.
Why the hell had I ever thought that this would be weird?
We shared everything with one another, so why couldn’t we share ourselves? I would never dream of hurting him and I knew Tyler would never hurt me. I trusted him more than I trusted myself and the idea of being locked in his arms while he rocked languidly into me had my entire body thrumming with need.
“Right, I can’t watch this shit.” Kacey grunted as he got up. “It’s one thing getting a hard-on over you, baby girl. The fact that Tyler happens to be in the picture…I’m freaking slightly.”
I pulled away from Tyler, my breath somewhat shallow as I angled my head so I could glance at Kacey. “I don’t want you to go.”
Tyler didn’t shift his focus from me and I watched as realization slowly slipped across his features. “You weren’t just referring to me, were you?”
I shook my head and the smallest dose of guilt began to stab at me. “I think I could kinda love you both in my own way. I have—sometimes I have—God why is this so hard?” I took a deep breath. “There have been times when I’ve wondered what—across the years I’ve sometimes wondered—sometimes I have considered risking our friendship.” I looked over at Kacey. “Do you understand what I am saying to you?”
“You’re usually naked when I imagine you saying you want me, but yeah.”
My jaw tensed. “I hate you sometimes. I hate the way you treat women and that you can’t keep your dick in your pants or your damn mouth shut—”
“But you still want me, right?” He moved closer to me. “When are you going to get it in your head that you’re not just some girl, Nikki? You’re our girl.”
“I want you both.” I said quietly, not caring that my cheeks had grown warmer. “I have for a while.”
“If we try this—” Tyler took a deep breath. “And it doesn’t feel right—”
“We’ll stop.” Kacey promised as he slid his hand beneath my halter neck and began caressing my skin. “You say it baby, and we’ll stop and forget all about it.”
My stomach flipped at the feel of his fingers circling my navel. “And if I don’t want to stop?”
An unreadable look crossed Tyler’s face and my heart skipped as Kacey moved behind me. The warmth of his body seeped into my back, while his fingers painted trails of heat across my abdomen and along my ribs.
“Then what happens in Silver Creek, stays in Silver Creek. Unless you decide otherwise.” Kacey pressed his lips to my ear. A shiver ran down my neck and spine. “Does that sound fair?”
I closed my eyes and tilted my head to the side as his lips brushed against my jawbone and down the side of my throat. A groan escaped me as his hand closed over my bare breast and he squeezed eagerly. Tyler’s hands fell from my hips and I felt Kacey’s right hand splaying on my stomach as he pulled me closer and ground his growing erection in to my lower back.
“Yes or no, Nikki?” he asked raggedly. “Tyler ain’t the only one whose been fantasizing about this baby, and I hate to remind you, but I’m not exactly patient.”
I opened my eyes and looked at Tyler, watching as he pulled his T-shirt off and revealed the lean muscles of his abdomen and arms. I reached up and cupped his jaw, idly running my thumb along his bottom lip while I lifted my left arm and wound it around the back of Kacey’s head. I slid my fingers in to his mass of curls and pulled playfully. “Yes.”
~ * ~
BIO:
Elizabeth lives in a small country village in Cheshire, England, with two cats. You will always find her on the computer, blasting music and writing away. She started life wanting to be an actress because she loved performing. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh, to distract them from reality for a few hours. She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with ideas for scripts and she began writing plays. Slowly over the following three years, she was writing more and more, channeling her imagination into more detailed manuscripts…
Here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.
Where to find Elizabeth Online:
Website: www.e-morgan.com
Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com
Twitter: @EMorgan2010
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.morgan.944
Blog: (Shared with Dianna Hardy): http://notjustastiffupperlip.blogspot.co.uk/
Cobblestone Publishing: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/author/elizabethmorgan.htm
Noble Romance Publishing: https://www.nobleromance.com/Authors/184/Elizabeth-Morgan
Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=201&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=191 Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/ElizabethMorgan/
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_al1?_encoding=UTF8&refinementId=368165031&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0ZHQ1BAH0E7X2S7KTJ9M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1351550906&sr=1-2-ent
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/elizabeth-morgan
by Sarah | Feb 11, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m very pleased to have Tamara Hoffa here today to interview one of her characters from Heart of a Soldier. The story and characters sound so wonderful I’ve set it up at the top of my TBR pile. I hope you enjoy learning about her heroine Charlotte (Charlie) MacKenzie as much as I did. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a copy of this heartwarming story!!
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Wow, well you know an author’s mind is a complicated and crowded place, right? Tamara is (cough) a mature lady, and she wanted me to be closer to her age, so that was part one. She has two best friends, Bev and Alice. They have been friends since high school, both of these ladies have sons who entered the military. Tamara thought, hmm, how would that feel? Especially if you had already lost someone important in your life. Tamara lost her sister in a car wreck (my Phillips’s death is based on that accident). So she added all that up and came up with me. Charlie.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
That’s a hard question. I have been lucky enough to have more than one true love in my life. I adore my son, Evan, of course. He is the light of my life, and I don’t think there is any relationship more special than the one between a mother and a son.
But, I have also been blessed with two wonderful men in my life. Phillip was my first love. We met in high school, and married soon after. We were soul mates. When he died I truly didn’t think I would ever find that kind of love again. But, I did.
Jameson came into my life at a very intense time. Evan wanted to join the Army, and I really wasn’t comfortable with that decision. Jamison was his recruiting officer. So, you can imagine it wasn’t the most auspicious meeting. But, Jamie was such a good man. Strong and brave and honorable, he just wormed his way into my heart.
I’m one lucky lady.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
I survived my greatest fear, losing my husband. But, that fear still haunts me, I worry about Evan and Jamie all the time. Life is a gift, that’s why they call it the “present” so I just try to live each day as if it could be my last.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Live, Laugh, Love
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
Well, I don’t think we can ever truly know how others see us, but I hope when they look at me, they see; a survivor, a good mother, a good friend.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I don’t like gossip of any kind. If I have something to say, I’ll say it to your face, not behind your back. So I hope I’m not involved in either spreading or creating gossip.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I hope a lot of readers can relate to me. I am just like them. A mother, a friend, a wife, a lover. I think I have a good sense of humor. I love kids and animals. I love to cook. I work hard and live life.
8. What was your happiest moment?
I think every mother will agree, the birth of my son was the single “best” moment in my life.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Deceit. I can forgive almost anything, but I can’t abide a liar.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Ha Ha, I hate these mind bender questions. I’d like to say green, because I am serene etc. But that would be a lie. I guess maybe purple. Bright, loud, crazy, yeah that’s more me.
*~*~*
Blurb:
Soldier Jameson Hunter faces the battle of his life, winning the heart of Charlotte Mackenzie, widowed mother of a young recruit.
Buy links:
[amazon_link id=”B009FBK5WS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]
Barnes & Noble
Boroughs Publishing Group
All Romance Ebooks
Kobo
*~*~*
Excerpt:
Charlie stared at his face, was he asking her on a date or was this business? Charlie really didn’t know what to think. While Jameson Hunter was an attractive man, Charlie hadn’t been on a date in…well, truthfully since she was dating Phillip in high school. Charlie surveyed Jameson’s face, trying to read his expression. He was smiling, causing the skin beside his eyes to crinkle, eyes that held a slightly wicked gleam. It had been a while, but Charlie was pretty sure she could still read the signals and the signals she was receiving from CWO Jameson Hunter were shouting, “Hey baby, I wanna see you naked,” or maybe that was her and she was reading her own desires in his eyes. Charlie hesitated. But, her concern for Evan was genuine and she really did want to discuss it, so she acquiesced.
“I would like that,” Charlie replied.
“What night are you free? I know a great little Italian place just downtown. Family owned, everything made from scratch, meatballs to die for.”
“Oh you really know how to hit a girl where she lives,” said Charlie. “I love Italian. That sounds marvelous. I have appointments most of the week, but I should finish up early on Thursday if that works for you?”
“Shall I pick you up at seven?” Jameson asked.
“I’ll probably come straight from work, so how about I meet you there?” Charlie may not have dated in a while, but one rule she knew from all her single friends, always have your own transportation, just in case.
Jameson scratched an address onto a slip of paper on his desk and handed it to her, along with his business card. “This has my office and cellphone numbers, in case you need to get in touch with me before Thursday.” Jamie pressed the card into her hand and a frisson of heat crept up her arm. Reaching into the outside pocket of her purse Charlie extracted a business card of her own. Clarksville Physical Therapy, Charlotte Mackenzie PT, Jameson raised his eyebrows.
“You’re a physical therapist?”
“Yes, why?”
Jameson laughed.
“What a coincidence. I’m stuck here, stateside, rehabbing a rotator cuff tear. I had surgery about six weeks ago. Just got out of my sling. I think physical therapy would be a lot more enjoyable with a beautiful lady like you for scenery rather than corporal Jennings at the base gym.” Jameson’s grimace made Charlie smile.
*~*~*
Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.
*~*~*
Enter the Giveaway!
Leave a comment telling us your favorite thing you learned about Charlie. Winner will be drawn Friday, February 15th!
by Sarah | Feb 7, 2013 | Excerpt, Guest Authors, Writing
Delighted to have Jennifer Simpkins (fellow Secret Cravings Author) join me today. And for the record, I do remember that first email exchange, Jennifer 😉
Before anything, I have to thank Sarah for hosting me today. She probably doesn’t remember this, but after I signed my first contract with Secret Cravings Publishing she came to my rescue a time or two when I was trying to set up my Facebook page. Now we both participate in Hump Day Hook. It’s been fun getting to know her through her writing.
I noticed that besides on my publisher’s website, I have not posted a story excerpt for Forgiving Patience. I hope you don’t mind if I do that today. Here is a blurb, followed by an excerpt:
Anna Kelly had no intention of returning to her hometown of Patience, Tennessee. At eighteen, feeling powerless from an abusive childhood and heartbroken from her high school sweetheart, she needed to put distance between her and the small town. Now, eleven years later she’s invited to her best friend’s wedding and has no other choice but to return. Though she feels much stronger the second time around, nothing can prepare her for when she sees her ex again.
After a baseball injury, Jake limped back into Patience, damaged and angry. Throwing himself into remodeling Anna’s childhood home has given him purpose again. He is just getting his life back together. He can’t risk sending it all back to hell again, but the woman who broke his heart has whipped back into town…and she wants her house back. In hopes of reminding Anna of what she ran away from all those years ago he makes her an offer she can’t refuse—three dates, that have Anna rethinking Patience…and the life she was supposed to have with Jake.
I love scenes that involve a jealous man. To me there is so much raw emotion shown to the reader. In this particular scene Jake is jealous because he has been watching Anna from across the bar while she is having a good time with another guy. When he finally approaches her he has only one thing on his mind. I hope you enjoy!
Excerpt
“I see your pansy team won again. You must feel pretty damn good.”
Anna recognized the male voice coming from behind her without having to even turn around. She could feel his breath on her neck and smell the cologne that had become familiar to her. Just the sound of his deep, manly voice sent a chill through her entire body, making her stomach do a freefall. And she wondered if it would land anytime soon. She didn’t want to turn around to look into those deep blue eyes—most likely shaded with a ball cap—and wonder what he had just done with Carly.
Quit feeling sorry for yourself and turn your ass around.
“You can’t call them a pansy team when they have the best record in baseball right now.”
Between the dim lighting and low cap, his eyes were unreadable. But she could feel something coming off him. Electricity or something crazy. She couldn’t move. The only thing she could do was stand there and torture herself by looking at a man she would never have.
“You have a good night?” he asked, pointing to the straw hat that still sat on her head.
He said it in a way that told her several things—one, he’d been watching her for some time, and two, it was a slim chance that he’d spent any time with Carly. If he had, he wasn’t as good as everyone said…and she highly doubted that. The thoughts made her feel giddy, or maybe that was because of the two drinks she had consumed earlier in the night. He must have seen Tex with her. Hmmmm…now that explains why he just up and left, but not without laying a kiss on me…right in front of Jake. Interesting.
“Actually, I did. You just missed Tex. It was fun to have someone to watch the game with.”
With a clenched jaw, he said, “Yeah. I saw him. You know he was only interested in getting down your pants? He could care less about your precious ballteam.”
“Jealous, Jake?” She gave her head a playful tilt.
“I’m not jealous of that asshole,” he retorted with little conviction. “I just wouldn’t let any woman who had been drinking walk out the door with him.”
“I wasn’t leaving with him. I was simply watching a baseball game with the guy. Plus, I thought you two were friends?”
“We are. How do you think I know all this?”
Both fists were clinched at his sides. He looked like he could take down a Mack truck. What was the deal? She hadn’t expected this—after all, he was the one who had left with some Barbie doll tonight. He was the one who accused her of wanting his brother. And he was the one who had smashed a plate against the kitchen wall. When she took a minute to let all three of those things sink in, she was mad all over again.
“Well, thanks for….whatever, but I’m going home now.” She did a half wave and grabbed her purse, making her way past him, but not before brushing up against him. Everything in her body became aware of the feelings she’d been having for the past week. There was tingling in places he hadn’t even touched, and the feeling only intensified when he reached out and grabbed her arm before she could step away.
She was forced to look up at his face. Their bodies were pushed against each other’s, and he wasn’t letting go. She wasn’t sure how long she looked into his eyes, trying to read what he was thinking.
“Listen, Anna, the guy is a jerk when it comes to women. I was only looking out for you. Why can’t you understand that?” His voice was more tender, but stern. He eased his grip just a bit, but not enough that she could pull her arm out. She wasn’t even sure if she wanted him to let her go.
With a shaky voice, she replied, “I do understand that, but I’m a big girl. I know when a guy is only interested in what’s under my panties.”
His gaze fell to said panties. Well, actually, he could only see her jeans, but the intensity in his stare made her aware of what he was actually envisioning. She kept her eyes on his face, because she wanted to appear strong and not rattled by their closeness. With his hands on her, she couldn’t think logically.
“Will you let me drive you home?” His voice was low, just above a whisper that blew through her ear. It was sexy and intoxicating. She could have melted in a puddle right there at his feet.
Stuttering, she asked, “W-why?” Did he really have plans to take her home and see what was under her panties? Did she want him to?
“You’ve been drinking. It’s been made clear you can’t handle your liquor.”
He did have a point. She’d proven that at the bachelorette party. However, she didn’t want to put herself in the same position as that night. While she knew he wouldn’t hurt her, it still brought up memories she was desperately trying to forget. She wasn’t drunk now and didn’t need rescuing.
“I’m not drunk, Jake.”
He pulled her closer, causing her to let out a startled cry, and letting her feel every part of him, even the bulge pushed against his zipper. She couldn’t help but look down and notice she was all but rubbing up against him. It was the only natural thing to do.
Oh…God…what was happening here…in a public place no less?
She could barely croak out, “Ja-ke.”
“You feel that?” he asked. “Answer me, damn it. Do you feel what you do to me?” he demanded when she didn’t answer.
And if her brain hadn’t been made of mush she might’ve jerked out of his hold, demanding he never speak to her that way again. But because she was having trouble thinking and speaking at the same time, she let him get a pass. And because, after all, this was her Jake, a man she’d loved so much at one time that he’d had the ability to hurt her badly. She knew he was thinking with one part of his anatomy and not thinking about his tone.
All she could muster up was a slight head shake. This was too much for her.
He was too much for her.
“This is what you do to me every time I think of you, whether you’re in the room or not. So can I please drive you home?”
“Yes.”
* * * *
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by Sarah | Feb 4, 2013 | Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
I’m sitting here this morning looking out the window…and what do I see? Snow. Cold, wet, white, icy snow. Yes, it can be beautiful to gaze upon, especially when the sun is shining, making the snow glisten and glitter. But, it’s not often I have a chance to simply gaze upon the snow. Regardless of the weather, life goes on, which means appointments, jobs, grocery shopping, and other errands. It means bundling up with boots, mittens, hats, scarves, and heavy winter coats — and still freezing.
No doubt, by now, you’ve figured out that I don’t care for snow. Or winter. Oh, the holidays are nice, but I could just as easily celebrate Christmas in July, and I like to be thankful every day of the year, so setting aside a day in November really isn’t necessary. And our recently-celebrated Groundhog’s Day? It’s always been one of my favorites, but I could do without it if it meant getting rid of winter.
Someday, I should move to a warm, sunny clime. Of course, unless I could convince all of my friends and family to move along with me, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it.
As I’ve been staring at the snow — looking out the window, you see, is a lovely distraction from writing — I’m been thinking about weather and how it’s often used in novels to reflect a character’s mood.
Happily Ever After, my latest historical romance, opens on a lovely summer’s day. Anne Hopkins is on her way to her first meeting with Henrietta Mather, in hopes that she’ll be hired as the woman’s companion. After being fired from her previous position, Anne wants to put the past behind her. The beautiful weather appears to be a harbinger of good things to come:
Blue skies and golden sunlight promised a bright future.
Indeed, Mrs. Mather does offer Anne a job, but it’s not the job she expected. Rather than a widow’s companion, she’s to be the caretaker for Henrietta’s grand-daughter, a troubled nine-year-old still grieving over her mother’s death.
Although Anne is able to make a strong emotional connection with Rowena, she can’t prevent the terrifying nightmares the child experiences. When Rowena confides the secret that her father “isn’t a very nice man”, Anne’s suspicions are aroused. Could George Mather be the dragon haunting his daughter’s dreams?
Again, the weather plays a part in setting the mood:
Anne sat alone on the porch for a time staring off into the distance where a summer storm brewed on the horizon. Soon, thick, gray clouds rolled in, turning the skies dark and gloomy, a fitting counterpart to her turbulent emotions.
The wind picked up, bringing a sudden chill to the air. As a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, Anne hurried inside, her thoughts still unsettled. Thunder shook the house and moments later, the rain came.
She didn’t want to see George yet. She needed time to get her thoughts together and come to terms with the new knowledge she’d gained. Using Henrietta’s old ploy, she feigned a headache and went to her room.
* * * *
“Are you coming down for dinner, Anne?”
She opened her eyes, surprised that several hours had passed. Although she’d ignored the knocking at her door, she could not ignore the voice. His voice. So gentle, so warm, so inviting.
“No, I’m not feeling well.” She closed her eyes again.
“Do you want me to bring a tray upstairs?”
“That’s not necessary. I don’t have much of an appetite.”
“Is there anything I can get for you? Anything I can do?”
She clamped her hands over her ears.
Just go away. Stop acting so good and kind.
“No, George. I’m sure I’ll be all right by morning. I just need a little rest.”
She squeezed her eyes shut as the footsteps retreated from her door. She must not think of George’s enticing kisses. She must remember, instead, Rowena’s secrets and tearful pleas. Her words had been a cry for help.
The rain beat down incessantly throughout the long night. Anne lay awake listening to fierce gusts of wind and the drops pelting against the window pane. She listened, too, for the piercing cry from Rowena’s room…when the dragons came again.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
$5.99
Available at:
Sweet Cravings Publishing
Amazon
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I hope you enjoyed the excerpt from the story. Happily Ever After (currently ranked in the top ten at Sweet Cravings Publishing) is available from the publisher and other online booksellers.
OR… Feeling lucky?
You can enter my giveaway for a chance to win a copy of “Happily Ever After”. All you need to do is comment on this post. Tell me what the weather is like where you are, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. Please be sure to include an email address so I can contact you if you’re the winner.
The contest will be open until 9:00 AM (that’s cold, mid-western Central Standard Time) on Wednesday, February 6. Winner will be selected through Random.org, and will be notified immediately afterward. Winner will have the choice of Kindle, Nook, or other e-book format.
*~*~*
About Christina:
Christina Cole fell in love with words at a very young age. She’ll always be grateful for her grandfather and his patience as he taught her the joys of reading. Throughout her childhood she loved telling tales. She begged and pleaded for her mother to type them, but soon — with her grandfather’s guidance — learned to type for herself on his old Underwood.
Things have changed now. Her grandfather is gone, and so is the old typewriter, but Christina’s love for story-telling has remained strong. She now does her typing on a computer in a cozy little writing room filled with books, treasures, and a much-cherished photograph of her grandfather.
She is married, lives in the midwest, loves history, hates winter, and is happily at work on her next historical romance.
Blurb: Braxton Godfry thought he had it all. He’s filthy rich, women lined up just to be with him, and his family was the most powerful mafia family in the world. Everything changes in the blink of an eye when his father announces Braxton is to be married to the daughter of his father best friend and ally. Braxton realizes his wife to be, Camellia DeLuca, is the only girl he had ever loved. Camellia isn’t the same carefree girl Braxton knew when they were young. She is a trained killer and a savvy business woman who has secrets that could end Braxton. When a mafia war erupts and threatens to rip Braxton Godfry’s family apart, he will know the pain of silent tears. Blood will flow like a river and vengeance will be had as Braxton fights for the life of his love and his family.
