by Sarah | Jul 12, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Changing Tracks, Dark Territory, Derailed, Masked Hearts, Writing
Oh goody, a blog hop just for the cowboys. ~sigh~
I could wax poetic for hours about what I love about a cowboy.
Because there’s plenty.
But I’m short on time this weekend, as I’m working on a series with the cowboy’s “opposite” in culture…Indians. 😉
So I’m going to make this real easy on you folks.
My Dominion Falls series has a bad-boy that can handle horses (Cole) – he’s the go-to horse trainer in town, even over Archie, who owns the livery.
It also has a good boy cowboy-turned miner (David). He’s so good he’ll make your teeth hurt with his sweetness.
In order to win an ebook copy of both books (so far) in my Dominion Falls series* you just need to answer a simple question…
Which side of the coin do you prefer? The good ol’ boy, David – or the bad-boy Cole?
It’s that easy!
(Giveaway ends Sunday night, the 14th @11:30PM EST Winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond or I’ll pick another winner)
For more giveaways on the hop, head on over to the Secret Cravings Publishing blog to find them! (or just click on that picture up there, it’ll take you to SCP too)
*~*
*Disclaimer: Winner will receive one ebook copy of Changing Tracks and Derailed. If winner has one or both books, we can discuss alternate options from gift cards to advance copy of book 3, Dark Territory or a copy of Masked Hearts.
by Sarah | Jul 10, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
I’m happy to welcome Dana Mason today. She’s talking about her series, and sharing a little about each book. Please welcome her and check out the books!!
The Embrace Series is a romantic suspense series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important. My characters learn the hard way what happens when you take your loved ones for granted. All three books are based on life’s second chances. Dangerous Embrace is the first in the series.
Dangerous Embrace‘s second chance theme is home. Sarah’s lived a bit of a nomad lifestyle. She’s not sure what to do when Mark is thrust upon her, offering her a world she never thought she could have.
Here is more about Dangerous Embrace:
Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life–alone. Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. When she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well. Eight years later, she’s settled back in her hometown and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Until one night and one brutal act of violence changes everything.
Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.
Mark was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man. Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it. This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, once he convinces her she loves him.
When Sarah agrees to let Mark help, she doesn’t anticipate just how important of a role he’ll play in her future or how the violence in her past will come back to threaten them both.
To celebrate the release of book two, we’re offering Dangerous Embrace FREE on Amazon from July 11th – July 14th
Dangerous Embrace Links:
Goodreads
[amazon_link id=”1938404238″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon.com[/amazon_link]
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
*~*
The second book in the Embrace Series is Precious Embrace. The theme in this book is still based on second chances, but it also circles around family. Johnny was raised by his aunt and uncle after losing his parents at a young age. Ali also lost her dad when she was only eight years old. When Ali’s son is kidnapped, they both have to fight the overwhelming despair of another loss while also trying to make sense out of their new relationship.
I hope you’ll love reading about Johnny and Ali as much as I enjoyed writing about them.
Here is more about Precious Embrace:
A second divorce and a new baby wasn’t the vision Alison Hayes had for her future. Now a single mother with two young boys, she wants to focus on her kids and what’s left of her stagnate career. When Detective Johnny Rhay Bennett breezes into her life with his country-boy accent, she wants to run. She doesn’t need another man in her life, or another reason to make people talk. But when her worst nightmare becomes a reality, Johnny is the only person who can pull Ali out of her despair, forcing her to stay strong and not give up hope of finding her missing child.
Who falls in love after a one-night stand? Johnny Rhay doesn’t believe it’s possible until it happens to him. With Nashville in his rear-view mirror, he’s determined to convince Alison she loves him too, even if it means moving to the West Coast. Ali’s not easy, and she’s living on just this side of bitter after her divorce, but Johnny doesn’t care. He’s up for the challenge. At least, he believes he’s up for it until baby Micah is stolen right out from under his nose. Now Johnny has to keep it together and get that sweet little boy home safe before his dreams of having a family vanish too.
Precious Embrace Links:
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble Nook
[amazon_link id=”B00DUEKIGO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon US Kindle[/amazon_link]
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
*~*
Book Three, Broken Embrace, is Brian and Melissa’s story. The second chance theme for Broken Embrace is love. This story is currently being edited and I’m hoping to have it available in Spring 2014.
*~*
Dana Mason Bio:
Dana Mason starting writing to prove to her computer geek husband and her math & science geek kids that she actually has a brain; it’s just a right functioning brain instead of a left. She’s lived all over the country and uses that experience in her writing and character studies. Her debut novel, Dangerous Embrace is the first in a contemporary romance series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn just how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important.
When not writing, Dana specializes in professional development and training. She’s also a board member on the local Art’s Council and does what she can to support the art community.
Author Links:
Website: http://danamasonromance.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/danamasonromance
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danamason06
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dana-Mason/e/B009MDSGH0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Publisher Author Page: http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/danamason
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440793.Dana_Mason
by Sarah | Jul 9, 2013 | Books, Hump Day Hook, The Tribe, Writing
Another Hump Day Hook!
The Tribe has actually been written in first draft for about two years now. Last year I started to rewrite it, but hit a road block a year ago and haven’t touched it since. This past week I got re-energized to pick it back up.
<–That over there is Kane…yummy, no? He’s my MMC, and Nirvelli is my FMC. They are fab, although Velli is by far my most damaged character ever (and that’s saying something, you know?).
Velli does not trust easily and has just finally gotten up the guts to trust Kane, but he’s ordered away, leaving her when she’s at a vulnerable time:
“Vels.” He stepped back and hooked a finger under her chin. When he lifted her gaze to his, he took a shaky breath. “Tell me you trust me. I need you to trust me now.”
“Promise.”
“I promise. I’ll be back for you. I’ll take you away before I let them hurt you.”
*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | Jul 8, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome Jennifer Garcia to the blog today. She’s talking a bit about her, and introducing us to her novel, My Mr. Manny.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me.
I grew up in Boston and moved to Los Angeles when I was sixteen and that was twenty-six years ago. My husband of eleven years is an amazing man and deserves an award for putting up with me and picking up all the slack since I’ve taken up writing on top of all my other responsibilities. My two sons and two dogs keep my house full and myself very busy.
I’m a businesswoman in the Scrap and Recycling Industry. I also attend college full-time for the first time. I received my AA in Communications last year and am working toward a BA in English Literature. I have been writing for a few years now and last October submitted my first manuscript to a wonderful publishing company, Renaissance Romance Publishing, which was accepted.
What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
In my novel, My Mr. Manny, the ninth chapter was the most fun to write. The main character, Mia meets her love interest, the manny (male nanny) during his interview. She was anything but professional at first, a complete spaz. It was, to me, an awkward and funny meeting. Mia was shocked at the reaction she had in seeing this man. She had never had such a strong feeling about someone before and ended up making a huge fool of herself. I actually felt bad for her, but she was able to pull herself together and conduct the interview.
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?
They were pretty easy for me. I think picturing them all as my friends made it easier, and I did, I felt as if I knew them all. Not to mention some of these characters were loosely based off people I know. The main character, Mia, had similar experiences as I did growing up, but our personalities differ greatly. Mia is a lot nicer than I am and much more patient. I admire that about her.
Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
In my opinion, it is a sweet romance, with real life issues and we get to see the Heroine, Mia grow throughout the story. Her manny, Dominic helps her find her true self and rediscover happiness in the truest form. Plus, it has the most adorable little girl, Lucia and her interactions with Dominic are swoon worthy. It will give you a serious case of the feels.
Thank you so much for hosting me again.
*~*~*~*
Blurb:
Mia Balducci misses her childhood days and yearns for the big, Italian family that she left behind in small town Massachusetts. At the tender age of sixteen, Mia moves with her bachelor father to Los Angeles, but no matter how many years pass, it never becomes home to her. The years spent living with her father aren’t easy, especially since she can’t stop thinking about what she once had. Her enrollment in the University of Southern California promises to bring exciting changes to her life, but Mia winds up with big problems instead. When she runs into an old friend from her old hometown of Winthrop, she gets swept up in nostalgia, and she soon loses herself in a quickly-progressing romance. When the fantasy falls apart, she is left to raise her precious little girl, Lucia, on her own. The demands of Mia’s work schedule and Lucia’s needs increase, and their lives become increasingly hectic. It is soon clear to Mia that she needs help. Luckily, her life-saving cousin saves the day and brings the mother and daughter a male nanny – their new “manny.”
After losing his high-pressure job on Wall Street, Dominic Roberts wants to follow his dreams to have a family. He’s already one fiancée down, and there are no likely prospects for another. In order to find the family he so desperately wants, he finds himself getting into the manny business. Since he is fully qualified to provide child care and is eager to leave New York City behind, his sister-in-law is able to land him a job in California working for his first client – the beautiful and intriguing Mia Balducci.
Will Lucia like the new man in her mother’s life? Will Mia? And will this new trio discover the happily ever after they all so desperately seek?
Bio:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
Find Jennifer on:
Facebook
Goodreads–Forbes Arnone
Goodreads–Jennifer Garcia
Twitter
Blog
About.me
Authorsdb
Amazon
by Sarah | Jul 7, 2013 | Books, The Tribe, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week is Long.
This week I’m starting rewrites on a story I originally wrote years ago called The Tribe. It’s a very dark paranormal romance that really doesn’t have much of a HEA–actually, it doesn’t have a HEA, it barely scrapes out a hint of a HFN. As it was originally written as the backstory for a series set to start several years after this one…well, the HEA/HFN isn’t something that’s easily found.
Nirvelli is by far my most damaged character yet, which makes her amazing to write…especially once Kane (see him? YUM) comes into her life and challenges her to start being better until…well, you’ll have to wait and see.
As always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors:
Before either of the two women could express doubt a whoop rang through the trees outside. Not a war cry, but a call of warning followed by another of greeting.
Velli leaned out the window, following the rustle of trees toward the parking lot three houses away. “Someone is here!”
“I believe Silver Fox said we were expecting a Tribe member home. Perhaps that is him. Don’t you worry, your Chief will greet him.” Elu chuckled, “My husband is looking forward to meeting this Tribe member.”
“Is that the Healer?” The butterflies that had been absent sprang to life. Something new, something different. Now that she could get excited about. “The one that has been in the States in their military? Isn’t he the oldest living Shifter? Like over two hundred years old or something?”
“Yes. I believe that’s him. Kane was his original name, I’m not sure if he’ll be using that. He and his mate wished to return to a Tribal home.” Snowbird kept her curiosity restrained, but her head did pop out the window to look toward the parking lot.
“His mate. Melik said she was a descendant of the extinct Asian Tribe. That’s something totally unique – alongside the uniqueness of a Healer? I have to see that!”
“Nirvelli.” Snowbird might have been shaking her head, but her smile belied the amusement she contained. “You have a party downstairs. For your wedding.”
“I’ve never been into that girly stuff, Mother. Please?” Velli clasped her hand, “Nothing new or exciting ever happens here. I just want to see what a two hundred year old man and a descendant of the Asian Tribe look like. I won’t be long. Please.”
“Oh let her go,” Elu’s soft laughter filled the moment of hesitation. “If we were her age we’d be doing the same thing. We’ve just learned patience in our old age.”
The moment Snowbird nodded Velli leapt out the window. After an instinctive dip into her water magic a pillow of condensed water appeared to carry her to the ground.
The lands of the Tribe held only one modernized entrance, well secluded and hidden that allowed cars to enter. Only those invited or that held magic could find it and enter without any difficulty.
The Tribe had a burning need to keep their true numbers secretive for the world not to know that Shifters were real and sheltered right here. Still they relied on the modern world for minor conveniences, such as food when theirs was low. It was the only reason the entrance existed. Otherwise the Elders would be happy to seal off the lands to outsiders completely.
By the time Velli had reached the last house between her home and the parking lot, she’d already spotted the cluster of Warriors around the arrivals. Even though she couldn’t be called shy, something made her hold back. Lingering behind the house, she decided to observe the pair rather than seek interaction.
After all they were already surrounded and being peppered with conversation from Chief Silver Fox and her own father, Black Feather. As the Warriors started to retreat she caught her first real glimpse of the new arrivals.
Before she could truly appreciate any appearances, the Wolf that was her companion Spirit rushed forward. Eager yipping entered her mind so fast she had to close her eyes to force back the attempt to Shift forms.
She didn’t understand her Wolf’s eagerness, even if the man was a sight to see for one supposed to be over two hundred years old. Once the Wolf eased up, she decided to get a better look.
After mentally telling her Wolf to stay back she opened her eyes. Hoping to keep her companion Spirit at bay for a while longer she started with Kane’s feet.
Heavy black boots, she had no doubt they were steel toe. Black jeans crept up along his calves to hug tight to well-defined thighs. The black leather belt was just a speed bump on the way to his abs.
Even through his black shirt she could see the carved lines of his abs. His arms were folded across his chest, bare and just as well muscled as the rest of him.
Perfect.
Not so extreme that you could see veins and he looked disgusting. No, each muscle was carefully sculpted to perfection. His chest, rock hard. Shoulders so broad.
A rough growl reached her ears, and she realized it had come from her own lips. She cleared her throat and tried to push back her Wolf again. Never had her Wolf cared about her obsession with men.
Velli skipped right over his face to his head, studying the thick head of black hair cut short in the style of the military. No, two hundred years hadn’t even thinned one hair on his head.
His strong jawline was dirty with just a bit of stubble – a rarity among the Tribe – facial hair and body hair were all but non existent. Her fingers twitched with an unexpected urge to feel the rough stubble.
Then his eyes consumed her. Strong amber-brown intensity meeting hers with unabashed fire. He’d seen her studying him. Yet it didn’t appear to slow him down. Small movements of his body, the words formed in conversation drawing her attention to the smooth movements of his sensual lips.
The urge to Shift pressed at the back of her eyes until she had to look away. To gather herself. She need a distraction. His companion, his mate. The descendant of the Asian Tribe. That would have to do. To remember that he had a mate. To see what she looked like.
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
*~*
by Sarah | Jul 4, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I suppose I should tell you that I am the daughter of the Guardian Leader, Essen, who is respected and admired. My mother is an Asuriya demon so you could say I am of mixed heritage. My mother and father are from opposite side – enemies really. Any way being the first born has been dull and frustrating. Everyone has all these great expectations of me and I just want to be me, discover who I am without the need to be what other’s expect me to be.
I introduced myself to Michaela at the end of the first book she wrote in this series called Guardian Awakening which was about my mom and dad. I am the kind of person who gets under your skin and I did just that until Micky wrote my book.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
The love of my life has to be Zachriel. He came into my life to kidnap me and take me away to the realm of the Dark Master. Along the way we just connected – you know- he was struggling to find a real place to be just him. So we had lots in common. It took a while to realize this though. We had an instant connection that was too strong to deny.
What’s your motto in life?
Know who you are – push to be you.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think I frustrate the leaders. They want more and more of me but they do not get it that I don’t want to prove who I am or the skills I have. My parents love me unconditionally, I never see disappointment in their eyes. My brother, Oryan, loves me too. I am sure he wishes I would just do as I’m told. He often acts like the responsible one – looking out for me. We have this strong link that others don’t always understand.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
My life has given enough fodder for others to pick and gossip over. I don’t have head space to think about what others are doing or not doing. Sorry, that’s just the way I am!
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Being two-faced, lazy and smug. I just want to grab them and ….okay I better stop!
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Purple – I love the depth and richness of the color!
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00DP0DBVW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | ARe | Breathless Press |
Blurb for Guardian Possession.
Royanne longs to be free of everyone’s expectations. Meeting a mysterious stranger who she is drawn to confuses her. He feeds her longing to be free and ignites a fire inside of her. She is aroused by this tortured soul. When he kidnaps her and reveals his plan, she is torn between loathing him and wanting him.
Zachriel is under orders from the Dark Master—kidnap Guardian demon Royanne. Only hiding away until the coast is clear draws him closer to her, especially as she seems to see the real man in him.
Rescued at last, Royanne feels uncertain what to do. For Zachriel his past is revealed and he must face the truth. This truth cuts to his very soul and questions who he really is. Now he must come to terms with the lie that has been his life. Royanne fights her feelings for Zachriel. She begins to see him as a kindred spirit. There is only one thing to do reveal her love for him. Can she convince him her feelings are real and he is worth loving?
Excerpt
He could read strands of desire in her mind. He planted more, he planted himself. This little Guardian was proving easier to manipulate than he had first thought. But what did they know of strength? All their kind was good for was the torture of the young and weak. He was no longer young or weak. The Dark Master had ensured they took care of him, nurtured, and trained to be a warrior of worth. Zach reached out and touched her bare arm lightly. With feather-like fingers, he stroked her skin. Royanne’s gaze drifted to his fingers playing on her skin. She had not recoiled, which was good. He became bolder as he moved his hands to her shoulder. Her skin was warm and smooth. Zach maintained eye contact, knowing it would strengthen his bond with her. He caressed her cheek, and he slid his other hand lower to hold her curved hip and then her rounded ass. He massaged her ass cheek, and when no resistance was apparent, he lowered his lips to her pinky full lips, that called to him to kiss and claim. She seemed frozen to the spot. Yes, just as he liked them, under his control, helpless. He had her mind. Fire met ice. She kissed him back with equal force, which surprised him. Does this Guardian actually want me?
*~*
Here is a little more about me.
Michaela Rhua always dreamed of writing but this never happened until she met the lovely group of ladies known as UCW. Their passion for writing and encouragement inspired her to see if she could do it too. Now she is multi published and loves writing!
She has teenage children and a husband, who also keep her busy. However, it is whilst travelling into work that she has time to create her characters and imagine other places in which they exist as her world skims by the window. Conversations overheard often lead to the birth of new ideas that she scribbles down in her trusty notebook.
I usually hang about here:
Website: http://michaelarhuaauthor.weebly.com/
Blog: http://www.michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelaRhua
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michaelarhua/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelaRhua
