by Sarah | Apr 26, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Contests, Giveaway, Masked Hearts, Writing
Welcome to the Beastly Birthday Blog Hop! Kerrianne Coombes is celebrating the 1st birthday of her demon tales, and a whole lot of us are joining in the fun! There’s more info at the bottom of my post on how to win, and where to go.
For me, true beauty has never been about physical appearance. I mean, sure, we all like to look at the pretty package. The attractive hero with the rock hard abs (say hello to Cole…my hero from [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link]…he’s the one with those abs…~sigh~), the heroine with the flaxen hair, fair eyes.
I like to always go beyond looks. Often in my books you’ll find descriptions of characters sparse. You get Cole and Jane’s hair and eye color (I have a weakness for eyes), you’re told that Jane has a tiny waist, Cole has good musculature and is super tall – but I let most of the rest to your imagination.
I do the same in Masked Hearts – with a small twist.
My heroine is deeply scarred. Physically as well as emotionally.
Right on the cover you see the scars lining her back, set into her flesh in her youth.
When you first meet her, she comes across as harsh, cold. Soon after we get a glimpse to what’s hiding underneath those scars.
Despite her physical appearance, I think Minnie is one of the most beautiful characters I’ve written. Years of pain and protecting herself have built up walls to hide a sense of humor, a deep soul, and a warm heart.
Characters and people often speak for themselves.
Jackson Krenshaw in my Dominion Falls Series ([amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link], mostly), is handsome and wealthy, and one of the ugliest souls you’ll ever meet. One of the only characters that actually sent a shiver of disgust down my spine as I wrote him – and I’ve written some dark stuff.
I like to write all kinds. My characters all have flaws, some of them are deeply flawed and have to grow a lot to win your hearts. Others start out wonderful and reveal darkness within that turn them ugly. I don’t like safe, and I don’t like two dimensional cookie cutter characters. Everyone has layers, even the worst villain, and I hope that I bring you all of those layers.
*~*
Now…I suppose you want to know how to WIN? There are lots of prizes to enter, but first I’ll tell you what mine is!!
Here at Sarah’s Storylines I’m going to give away a copy of Masked Hearts in your chosen format and a $5 GC to your choice of Amazon or B&N!
To win, all you have to do is leave a comment and answer the question: Has a character ever surprised you by not being what they appeared? Which character?
*~*
What about the grand prize? And all of those other prizes at other blogs? Well, that’s simple.
Head on over to Kerrianne Coombes blog. It’s her hop and she is the host. You can learn more about her fabulous prizes, and find links to everyone else.
But WAIT!! Before you go…remember that image over there…——–>
Write it down. Because you”ll need to know it, and the image at every participants blog for a chance to win the grand prize!!
So go on over to Kerrianne‘s and get a move on. There are so many awesome prizes to win!
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 8, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Changing Tracks, Contests, Giveaway, Secret Cravings Publishing, Writing
{WINNER – JL Hammer!!!}
I almost didn’t join this hop, after all my characters don’t inspire any great dessert recipes. There is no scene in Changing Tracks that talks about it, with the exception of one scene where Jane is offered a slice of apple pie.
However, I couldn’t resist showing this ‘outtake’ of sorts – one that Jane may never forgive me for – unless the ending is good enough for her to soften.
Please enjoy – and one lucky commenter will receive a copy of [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link], and a $10 Amazon (or Barnes & Noble, your choice) Gift Card! So leave a comment and then get hopping over to the Secret Cravings blog to find chances to win other great SCP authors books (or don’t, so my chances are better 😉 ).
Dessert Is On Me:
Jane threw the pan and everything on it into the water. The smoke that poured off in the resulting clatter and hiss added to the smoke already filling her house. Another attempt at cooking burst into flames—in rather spectacular fashion.
“I give up.” She sneered at the charred and drowning remains of her attempt at sweet cakes. Not even detailed instructions from Cora had resolved her inability to make what Cora had declared a simple recipe.
A knock at the door interrupted her attempt to glare the pan into cleaning itself. She spun and left the pantry. On her way past the stove she kicked shut the door. The whole way to the door she waved her arms at the smoke in a useless gesture of clearing the air.
When Jane yanked open the door, Cole’s lips were already quirked in a cockeyed smirk. His ice blue eyes twinkled without any restraint of his laughter. “I could see the smoke from half a mile back. Wondered if I oughtta call for help.”
“Hush.” She couldn’t contain her own grin at his amusement. “I wanted to try to cook again. Cora swore the recipe was simple, I think she lied.”
“Or you just can’t cook.” He chuckled and held up the bowl in his hand. “Think Cora ain’t too confident in your cooking neither. Sent ya some custard.”
“Good to know she has such faith in me. Too bad she didn’t send some sweet cakes. I prefer it to custard.”
“She did try. I told her to send the custard.” One long finger dipped into the creamy custard and he held it out to her. “It’s more fun.”
“I didn’t think about that.” Her heart fluttered and her womb clenched when he licked his lips. She licked her lips before leaning in to capture his finger in her mouth. The sweet treat melted smooth on her tongue, and she held still until his low groan.
When he took a step closer she swirled her tongue around his finger, flicking it across the tip. Slowly she pulled back, sucking gently until his finger was free.
She smiled and licked her lips. “I don’t remember custard ever tasting so good.”
“I wanna try.”
Blurb:
There’s nothing simple about forgetting your past.
Cole Mitchell runs the busiest saloon and brothel in Dominion Falls. He keeps his women at a distance, unwilling to relive a past he worked hard to forget.
Until the night Jane Doe falls into his saloon bleeding and near death. She wakes with no memory, only the firm belief someone tried to kill her. In the strange world of amnesia she manages to find solace in Cole’s arms and he finds home in hers.
While they work together to solve the mystery of her appearance, their pasts – her lack of, and his buried – build a barrier between them.
To make matters worse, Jane’s past isn’t willing to let her go. A stranger proves he’ll kill to keep his secrets safe. With those she loves in danger, Jane’s errant memory is all that stands between them and death. Cole can only do so much to protect her, will it be enough?
Buy Links:
Secret Cravings Website
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sadiecass
Follow me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/SarahCass.Author
Don’t forget to go over to the Secret Cravings blog for links to the other participants and their giveaways!!
*~*~*
*Winner will be drawn Monday, March 11th at 9AM. Winner will have choice of Kindle or Nook version (and choice of GC to Amazon or B&N).
by Sarah | Mar 8, 2013 | An Uncivil War, Books, Contests, Giveaway, HerStory - Pagan Writer's Press, Publishing Credits, Writing
In ancient times, women were regarded as sacred. They were thought to hold the mystical power of creation—responsible for the continuation of our species. With the rise of Science and Religion, these myths were dispelled and their plight began.
HerStory: Fiction Honoring Women’s History Month is a collection of Flash Fiction and Short Stories from today’s top authors featuring female characters that exemplify strong strength of mind, body, and character. Some of these tales are based on real people while others are purely fictional. However, all are standing up for themselves and what they believe in.
Grab yourself a glass of wine or favorite hot beverage and get comfortable as you read about the lives of women who will light the fire in your soul.
It’s finally here. HerStory. Available to the masses. And to honor release day, we’re having a party. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win some terrific prizes. *U.S. residents only*
Here’s what’s up for grabs.
GRAND PRIZE
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| First Grand Prize |
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| First Grand Prize |
Because they have the same agenda: empowering girls/women, Keira’s Kollection owner Mr. Wagstaff has graciously agreed to donate a Strong is Beautiful T-shirt. One very lucky woman is not only going to walk away with a paperback copy of HerStory and be empowered through words, but she will also be showing her empowerment right there on her shirt.
And that’s not all, the grand prize winner also gets a pair of earrings from Cathy from Etsy, who runs Yesware. The earrings sparkle one side and have a message on the other side: the greatest story never told.
Only, we’re telling it, the authors of HerStory. We are telling it.
SECOND GRAND PRIZE
Author Laura DeLuca has donated an incense diffuser to go along with some handmade soap from Greenchild Creations.
And we’re throwing an e-book into this mix. Why soap and diffusers? What does that have to do with women’s history?
In HerStory, Mathilda of Ringelheim runs a bath house. It seems appropriate to honor herstory this way.
AND as Mathilda seems to know, every woman needs soap and every woman needs time to relax. So one lucky winner will take a nice long shower with her fantastic handmade soap, set her diffuser on a table, and curl up with HerStory on her kindle. Who says you can’t be relaxed and empowered at the same time? (and smell good)
THIRD GRAND PRIZE
Another donation from Laura DeLuca: an ebook, a Japanese tea set, and an Oriental incense diffuser. How does this tie into HerStory?
In Please Stay, Asuka, a Japanese wife of the 1600s, is preparing the evening meal while awkwardly trying to discuss a matter–somewhat delicate–but of great importance with her husband.
As you get lost in your ebook, in Asuka’s story (penned by Becca Diane), you can pretend you are there. Perhaps you feel your husband’s penetrating stare. But you serve him his tea, straighten your spine, and say what needs to be said…then wait, breath held, for his reply, incense lightening the tension in the air…
FOURTH GRAND PRIZE
One lucky winner will have a chance to make their voice heard on the radio…with a $25 Amazon gift card burning a hole in their pocket!
HerStory goes behind the scenes to locate the stories of women who lived, laughed, and touched the lives of generations…
Now, here is your chance to have your story told to the world….or your mother’s…it’s your chance to talk about the most inspiring woman or women in YOUR life. Shout it out! Tell listeners everywhere about this amazing person. Honor her!
This prize is being donated by Indie Reviews Behind the Scenes.
PRIZE 5, FOUR WINNERS, FOUR TINS OF EMPOWERMINTS
Four of these tins of mints are being donated by the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. That means four lucky winners are going to win a tin of mints to carry around in their pockets and every time they look at the tin, they’ll be empowered!
The tin is also the perfect size to serve as a pillbox once the mints are gone. This is something you can keep for a LONG time.
PRIZE 6, TWO WINNERS, CROSS STITCH WALL HANGINGS
Author and editor Tara Chevrestt has a secret addiction and hobby. It makes her feel like an old lady, so she keeps it under wraps, but now the truth is out…
She likes to cross stitch!!!
Two lucky winners will walk away with these. They are 3.25″ by 6″ and have a hard backing so they may be placed on a wall.
PRIZE 7, ONE WINNER, FLAPPER-STYLE HATDonated from Rakestraw Book Design.
Toni Rakestraw, one of the HerStory contributors, is stitching this hat so one lucky reader can–in her mind–march in a suffragette parade as she reads HerStory. Or perhaps this is something Margaret Sanger would have worn as she leaves the workhouse in The Woman Rebel.
PRIZE 8, ONE WINNER, ONE PAINTING
You’ve heard the term multi-published and many of HerStory’s authors can place that before their name, but how about multi-talented?
Author Morgan Summerfield can not only write as she shoes us in Adella, but she can paint too! She is kindly donating a painting 27″ wide by 11″ high, titled Morning Poppies. The frame is handmade with real wood and she stretches all her own canvases. It is hand-painted-by her!-in multi media.
And last, but certainly not least, we have a lovely Coco Chanel quote pendant donated by the lovely Jewelry Designs by Lula. One winner will win this delightful pendant that says A girl should be things: WHO and WHAT she wants.
I could not have said it better.
Enter for all prizes using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is for three weeks. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond with their snail mail addresses. After 48 hours, new winners will be chosen.
Thank you and enjoy HerStory! Be empowered! Learn something. Believe in yourself and womankind.
Buy links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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 | Jan 28, 2013 | Book Release, Giveaway, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I’m happy to begin welcoming authors more frequently to the blog! I’m thrilled to start this process with fellow SCP author, Carolyn Wren, to announce her book release! Check out the end of the post to learn how YOU can win a PDF copy of The Scientist.
The Protectors
The Scientist is Book 2 in the 7 part Romantic Suspense series, The Protectors.
The books tell the tales of a group of covert agents who form a Protection Agency. Each story is designed to be different, as reflects the personality of the lead characters. We have Jared Knight in Book 1. Quiet, calm, preferring to remain inconspicuous when possible. In Book 2 we have Simon Winters, completely the opposite. Outrageous, cheeky, flamboyant. The other books will all have a different tone, from light and fast paced, to dark and emotional. Hopefully they build into an interesting, entertaining series for my readers.
The Scientist.
A charismatic covert operative known for his love of danger…
Simon Winters has a reputation for undertaking adrenalin filled assignments. But even thrill seekers need some down time. After an arduous desert mission he asks for a more enjoyable assignment. Preferably involving a beautiful woman in peril and a fast car.
Dr. Elizabeth Barrett’s life is quiet and orderly until someone tries to burn down her research laboratory with her inside. Now she has to contend with a handsome flirtatious agent living in her home. With his designer clothing and cheeky attitude, he has an annoying habit of putting her in more perilous situations than he keeps her out of.
Simon is captivated and intrigued by his beautiful scientist with her red hair and hidden fiery temper. But the danger escalates and what begins as a straightforward mission turns deadly when it seems someone wants Beth and her research dead.
Excerpt.
“Time to get ready.”
Beth lifted her head and blinked. “Already?”
“Yes, it’s past five. You don’t want to be late for the ceremony.”
“Do we really have to go?”
“Yes, my little reluctant celebrity, we really have to go. What’s the award for again? Apart from mold?”
“A young achievers award for a scientific research paper on the positive properties of bacteria.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. “See? It’s special. Okay, it’s gross, but special. Go and get ready.”
Beth wandered into the bathroom. Why does his touch always linger so much on my skin?
After putting on her usual light application of makeup, she dubiously held up the turquoise dress in front of herself in the bedroom mirror. Halter neck, the front and back seemed very low. It fell in layers of soft silk and would come to just above her knees. Laying the designer garment on the bed, she picked out two pairs of shoes and surveyed them both. Which ones? Beth had no idea.
Hearing a sound from the hall, she opened the door. “Simon, what do you think…?” The words dried up in her mouth. Broad shoulders and muscular arms filled her vision. The blond curls held droplets of water from his shower. The sprinkling of hair across his chest was also damp, and the towel draped over his hips did little to conceal the divine specimen of gorgeous almost-naked male standing in front of her.
“Sitting?”
Beth yanked her brain back into focus. He was talking to her.“You want me to sit?”
Simon waved the shoes in front of her face, having plucked them from her fingers without her even realizing. “I asked if we would be sitting. Isn’t it a cocktail party? Or are we sitting for dinner?”
“Cocktail party, I think, but why is that important?”
“These,” he held up the high heeled strappy black sandals, “are sitting shoes. These,” he jiggled the mid-heeled silver-gray plainer ones, “are standing shoes. How much do you want your feet to ache?”
“Not at all, preferably.”
“Good choice. Wear the gray. The dress has silver highlights. It will blend.” With that, he handed the two items back to her and continued along the corridor. Beth tried not to notice how the towel sat low across his back, just above muscular buttocks. I need bigger towels.
A discreet cough made her gaze fly upward to meet his amused grin as he peeked over his shoulder. “Are you staring at my backside, Dr. Barrett?”
“No, of course not.” Her denial was too loud, too husky. Feeling yet another stain of heat across her cheeks, she ducked back into her bedroom and wrenched the door closed.
***
Bio
I was born in England. My parents loved to travel as my dad spent many years in the navy. By the time I reached the age of 12 we had traveled pretty much around the world on cruise ships.
This sounds fun and exciting unless like me you can get sea sick sitting in a bathtub. Lets just say boats do not feature highly in my books.
I still love to travel, but I use planes. All of my life I have written stories in my head. I would rewrite and add characters to TV shows, edit and change novels I was reading, invent scenarios and scenes to amuse myself on long journeys. But strangely I never wrote any of them down. About three years ago I woke up with a scene so clear in my head I knew I had to put it down on paper. Now, what should I do with this one page of prose? I know, I will email it to some friends. The friends approved, in fact they asked what book it was from. I shyly admitted it was my own work and the reaction was immediate…please write the next bit! I did and I have not stopped writing since.
Links
Blog: www.carolynwrenauthor.wordpress.com
Website: www.carolynwren.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolynwrenauthor
Book 1: The Diplomat’s Daughter
Book 2: The Scientist
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Carolyn is going to give away a PDF copy of The Scientist to one lucky commenter!! So make sure you say hi, congratulations, or ask any questions you might have! It could win you a copy!
Thanks so much for visiting, Carolyn! Good luck with your release, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
My heroine is deeply scarred. Physically as well as emotionally.
