Stacey Joy Netzel's Blog, page 14
February 26, 2012
Sunday Share: Perpetual Emotions, by Jamie Salsbury
Hello to Jamie Salsbury today, visiting with
Perpetual Emotions
, her second book in the Albert and Anne Series. This is a continuing series, so here's the blurb for the first book
.
Perpetual Emotions, by Jamie Salisbury
Genre: Historical western romance
Heat Level: sweet to sensual
The continuing story of Albert and Anne, Perpetual Emotions picks up with the couple settling into their new life as husband and wife. Both headstrong, their love and determination lead them on the road of life as they attempt to establish their roles within their marriage.
The book is filled with twists and turns, both good and bad.
Anne's father reappears; this time determined to get his hands on the money she's inherited. By any means. . .
EXCERPT:
"That'sgood," the doctor began, "you need to rest. Now let's take a look at you andsee how you're doing."
Peter had her slip her dress off and beganhis examination. When he finished, he began, "Your face is looking much better,in a few days the discoloration will be completely gone. Your head is healingwell, and the bruises on your arms are much better. I see your wrists are stillchaffed; keep using the cream I left for you. Otherwise, you are doingextremely well; you do not have to stay in bed anymore. You may move around thehouse as long as you don't overdo. No riding for a while, other than in acarriage, and slowly you can resume your normal routine."
"Thank you, Peter, I am feeling muchbetter," she said.
"But remember, any headaches or dizziness,come and see me immediately," the doctor cautioned.
"She will," Albert promised.
"Well, I'm finished here, I've sick peopleto see," the doctor said, smiling.
"I'll walk you out," Albert told him.
Once outside Peter asked, "Has she recalledanything?"
"No, she hasn't mentioned a thing. Ithought that was why she was so restless last night, possibly recalling thatday, but she didn't mention it when she woke up."
"Gradually it will come back and hopefullyit won't be too traumatic for her. I can tell she is more relaxed today thanshe was yesterday. She feels safe and secure here with you and that is what sheneeds. Let her begin to return to her normal activities, just do not let heroverdo, she is still weak. It's also time you got back to your routine, Albert.Anne is going to be fine. I feel she is well enough that I don't need to stopby anymore. However, I'd like to see her in my office in two weeks," the doctortold him.
When Albert returned to their room, Annewas all ready up, opening windows, and straightening the room.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" heasked.
"Straightening up in here a bit, Peter saidI could resume my normal routine," she answered.
"He said you could begin doingthings, he didn't mean to jump out of bed and start tearing through the house,"he cautioned.
Putting her arms around Albert's neck shetold him, "I am not tearing through the house. Now calm down, you heardPeter, I'm doing fine."
"Yes, my dear, I heard him say that youcould gradually return to your normal routine. When I walked Peter out,I took the liberty of telling Mary she could go back to Sky Valley. I'm sure myfamily would like to see her and I can see to our needs," he said, adding,"We'll be alone tonight."
"Mmmm," she murmured, nibbling on his ear,"yes, we must do as Peter said and get back to our normal routine."
"But for now, I want you to lie back down,Peter interrupted your nap," Albert told her.
"I'm not tired, Albert," she replied.
"You need to get your strength back and theonly way that is going to happen is if you rest. You don't have to sleep."
"Alright, I will, if you will join me, youneed to sleep more than I, you're exhausted. I wouldn't be able to rest knowingyou weren't," she countered.
"Alright, you win, I'll lie down with youfor a while," he said, slipping off his boots before joining her on the bed.
Thirty minutes later, Anne lay therewide-awake, staring at the ceiling. Albert however, was sound asleep, his armaround her, his head on her shoulder. It had taken him all of five minutes tofall asleep.
I would love a cup of tea, she thought, lying there. I could slip downstairsand have a cup before Albert wakes. He'll never even know I was gone.
Deciding upon a course of action, sheslowly slipped from his grasp, gently laying his head upon her pillow. Takingher time descending the stairs, she barely made it to the kitchen before abellowing voice resounded throughout the house, "Anne, damnit!" followed by footsteps coming down the stairs…fast.
Anne braced herself for the scolding sheknew was inevitable. Meeting him at the kitchen door, she rushed to explain,"Albert, I was thirsty…I wanted some tea. You were sleeping well for the firsttime and I didn't want…"
"Enough! You promised you'd rest and thesecond my back is turned…"he said, his face dark with anger.
"Your back wasn't turned, she explained,trying to assuage his anger, "you were sleeping …I didn't want to disturb youfor something I could get for myself, I'm sorry I worried you."
"Damn it Anne! For once couldn't you justdo as I ask?"
"There is no need to shout and curse,Albert. I admit I should have…" she began.
"I don't seem to get your attention unlessI raise my voice," he roared, interrupting her.
"Now that is enough Albert! There isno need for you to rant and rave like this. I was only thinking of you."
"You weren't thinking of me, if you wereyou would have done as I asked," he pointed out. "Can't you understand that youare still very weak? What if you had gotten on the stairs, become light-headed,and fell? You could have been hurt…"
"But, I didn't," she said calmly.
"Damn it! Don't you hear what I am saying?"he raged.
"Yes dear, I can hear you and there is agood chance everyone for miles around can hear you also. I said I was sorry, Idid not want to bother you when for the first time in days, and you wereactually relaxed and sleeping soundly. Now you've made your point and we shouldmove on," she replied.
"Anne, when are you going to learn thatthere are times, and this is one of them, that you must do as I say, whetheryou like it or not."
"You best stop right there, Albert Stuart,"she warned, her temper rising. "You do not tell me what to do, just as Iwould never dream of telling you what to do. I didn't fall down the steps, Ihave no headaches, no dizziness, and I am fine! But if you don't stop yourbellowing, I am going to develop a headache!"
"You are just too independent for your owngood," he said, muttering under his breath.
"Excuse me? I don't believe I heard youcorrectly," she replied.
"I said you were too damn independent foryour own good!"
"You once told me you loved myindependence. That you found it refreshing for a woman to be so…" she remindedhim.
"I know what I said," he interrupted, "thatwas then, this is now. You are now my wife and I will make the decisionsregarding your well-being. It's time you started listening to me and doing as Isay."
"I will not be dictated to by you oranyone else! I love you with everything in me, but I must tell you Albert, youare being unreasonable. You are making a big deal out of something verytrivial…"
"Trivial?"he said, raising his voice again. "It is not trivial that my wiferefuses to listen to me regarding her well-being."
Knowing if this went any further, theywould have a full-blown argument; Anne decided to take a different path withhim. Moving closer, she slipped her arms around his waist, looking up at himshe began, "Albert, I do listen to you and value your advice. It is silly forboth of us to get so upset over something so insignificant."
As he started to reply, she placed herfingers over his lips telling him, "I'm sorry, you're right, I shouldn't havecome down here alone this soon. I'm sorry that I upset you so, I didn't meanto."
Albert stood staring at her in silence. Shehad left him nothing else to say, he knew that she was trying to defuse thesituation and his temper soon cooled. As he held her he said, "No more littleescapades Anne. I want you well and that can't happen if you are reckless."
~*~
About Jamie: "I have always written,it was something that came naturally. Fortunately later on in life, it servedwell in my professional careers. I was raised primarily in the PacificNorthwest, but also lived in South America growing up. Now as an adult, Icurrently reside in North Georgia. I love to travel, hike, cycle, anythingequestrian and photography."
Author web site: http://jamiesalisbury.webs.com/
Author Blog site: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com
Where to get your copy of Perpetual Emotions :
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Emotions-Albert-Anne-ebook/dp/B0072II3PC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328115571&sr=8-1
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perpetual-emotions-jamie-salisbury/1108453578?ean=2940014061940&itm=1&usri=perpetual+emotions+by+jamie+salisbury
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/121611
Thanks again for being here today Jamie! Best of luck with your newest release and wishing you much success. :)
Have a great week, everyone!
Stacey Joy Netzel
Perpetual Love: A 1860s historical romance. Based in the territory of Nevada, Anne is a guest with her father at Albert Stuart's family ranch. Albert dreads having to entertain yet another of his father's friends' daughters. However, he is blown away with Anne for when the two meet it is as though two worlds collided. They become inseperable. Anne's father however, has his own agenda and is determined that neither of the young lovers will ruin it for him.
Perpetual Emotions, by Jamie SalisburyGenre: Historical western romance
Heat Level: sweet to sensual
The continuing story of Albert and Anne, Perpetual Emotions picks up with the couple settling into their new life as husband and wife. Both headstrong, their love and determination lead them on the road of life as they attempt to establish their roles within their marriage.
The book is filled with twists and turns, both good and bad.
Anne's father reappears; this time determined to get his hands on the money she's inherited. By any means. . .
EXCERPT:
"That'sgood," the doctor began, "you need to rest. Now let's take a look at you andsee how you're doing."
Peter had her slip her dress off and beganhis examination. When he finished, he began, "Your face is looking much better,in a few days the discoloration will be completely gone. Your head is healingwell, and the bruises on your arms are much better. I see your wrists are stillchaffed; keep using the cream I left for you. Otherwise, you are doingextremely well; you do not have to stay in bed anymore. You may move around thehouse as long as you don't overdo. No riding for a while, other than in acarriage, and slowly you can resume your normal routine."
"Thank you, Peter, I am feeling muchbetter," she said.
"But remember, any headaches or dizziness,come and see me immediately," the doctor cautioned.
"She will," Albert promised.
"Well, I'm finished here, I've sick peopleto see," the doctor said, smiling.
"I'll walk you out," Albert told him.
Once outside Peter asked, "Has she recalledanything?"
"No, she hasn't mentioned a thing. Ithought that was why she was so restless last night, possibly recalling thatday, but she didn't mention it when she woke up."
"Gradually it will come back and hopefullyit won't be too traumatic for her. I can tell she is more relaxed today thanshe was yesterday. She feels safe and secure here with you and that is what sheneeds. Let her begin to return to her normal activities, just do not let heroverdo, she is still weak. It's also time you got back to your routine, Albert.Anne is going to be fine. I feel she is well enough that I don't need to stopby anymore. However, I'd like to see her in my office in two weeks," the doctortold him.
When Albert returned to their room, Annewas all ready up, opening windows, and straightening the room.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" heasked.
"Straightening up in here a bit, Peter saidI could resume my normal routine," she answered.
"He said you could begin doingthings, he didn't mean to jump out of bed and start tearing through the house,"he cautioned.
Putting her arms around Albert's neck shetold him, "I am not tearing through the house. Now calm down, you heardPeter, I'm doing fine."
"Yes, my dear, I heard him say that youcould gradually return to your normal routine. When I walked Peter out,I took the liberty of telling Mary she could go back to Sky Valley. I'm sure myfamily would like to see her and I can see to our needs," he said, adding,"We'll be alone tonight."
"Mmmm," she murmured, nibbling on his ear,"yes, we must do as Peter said and get back to our normal routine."
"But for now, I want you to lie back down,Peter interrupted your nap," Albert told her.
"I'm not tired, Albert," she replied.
"You need to get your strength back and theonly way that is going to happen is if you rest. You don't have to sleep."
"Alright, I will, if you will join me, youneed to sleep more than I, you're exhausted. I wouldn't be able to rest knowingyou weren't," she countered.
"Alright, you win, I'll lie down with youfor a while," he said, slipping off his boots before joining her on the bed.
Thirty minutes later, Anne lay therewide-awake, staring at the ceiling. Albert however, was sound asleep, his armaround her, his head on her shoulder. It had taken him all of five minutes tofall asleep.
I would love a cup of tea, she thought, lying there. I could slip downstairsand have a cup before Albert wakes. He'll never even know I was gone.
Deciding upon a course of action, sheslowly slipped from his grasp, gently laying his head upon her pillow. Takingher time descending the stairs, she barely made it to the kitchen before abellowing voice resounded throughout the house, "Anne, damnit!" followed by footsteps coming down the stairs…fast.
Anne braced herself for the scolding sheknew was inevitable. Meeting him at the kitchen door, she rushed to explain,"Albert, I was thirsty…I wanted some tea. You were sleeping well for the firsttime and I didn't want…"
"Enough! You promised you'd rest and thesecond my back is turned…"he said, his face dark with anger.
"Your back wasn't turned, she explained,trying to assuage his anger, "you were sleeping …I didn't want to disturb youfor something I could get for myself, I'm sorry I worried you."
"Damn it Anne! For once couldn't you justdo as I ask?"
"There is no need to shout and curse,Albert. I admit I should have…" she began.
"I don't seem to get your attention unlessI raise my voice," he roared, interrupting her.
"Now that is enough Albert! There isno need for you to rant and rave like this. I was only thinking of you."
"You weren't thinking of me, if you wereyou would have done as I asked," he pointed out. "Can't you understand that youare still very weak? What if you had gotten on the stairs, become light-headed,and fell? You could have been hurt…"
"But, I didn't," she said calmly.
"Damn it! Don't you hear what I am saying?"he raged.
"Yes dear, I can hear you and there is agood chance everyone for miles around can hear you also. I said I was sorry, Idid not want to bother you when for the first time in days, and you wereactually relaxed and sleeping soundly. Now you've made your point and we shouldmove on," she replied.
"Anne, when are you going to learn thatthere are times, and this is one of them, that you must do as I say, whetheryou like it or not."
"You best stop right there, Albert Stuart,"she warned, her temper rising. "You do not tell me what to do, just as Iwould never dream of telling you what to do. I didn't fall down the steps, Ihave no headaches, no dizziness, and I am fine! But if you don't stop yourbellowing, I am going to develop a headache!"
"You are just too independent for your owngood," he said, muttering under his breath.
"Excuse me? I don't believe I heard youcorrectly," she replied.
"I said you were too damn independent foryour own good!"
"You once told me you loved myindependence. That you found it refreshing for a woman to be so…" she remindedhim.
"I know what I said," he interrupted, "thatwas then, this is now. You are now my wife and I will make the decisionsregarding your well-being. It's time you started listening to me and doing as Isay."
"I will not be dictated to by you oranyone else! I love you with everything in me, but I must tell you Albert, youare being unreasonable. You are making a big deal out of something verytrivial…"
"Trivial?"he said, raising his voice again. "It is not trivial that my wiferefuses to listen to me regarding her well-being."
Knowing if this went any further, theywould have a full-blown argument; Anne decided to take a different path withhim. Moving closer, she slipped her arms around his waist, looking up at himshe began, "Albert, I do listen to you and value your advice. It is silly forboth of us to get so upset over something so insignificant."
As he started to reply, she placed herfingers over his lips telling him, "I'm sorry, you're right, I shouldn't havecome down here alone this soon. I'm sorry that I upset you so, I didn't meanto."
Albert stood staring at her in silence. Shehad left him nothing else to say, he knew that she was trying to defuse thesituation and his temper soon cooled. As he held her he said, "No more littleescapades Anne. I want you well and that can't happen if you are reckless."
~*~
About Jamie: "I have always written,it was something that came naturally. Fortunately later on in life, it servedwell in my professional careers. I was raised primarily in the PacificNorthwest, but also lived in South America growing up. Now as an adult, Icurrently reside in North Georgia. I love to travel, hike, cycle, anythingequestrian and photography."
Author web site: http://jamiesalisbury.webs.com/
Author Blog site: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com
Where to get your copy of Perpetual Emotions :
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Emotions-Albert-Anne-ebook/dp/B0072II3PC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328115571&sr=8-1
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perpetual-emotions-jamie-salisbury/1108453578?ean=2940014061940&itm=1&usri=perpetual+emotions+by+jamie+salisbury
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/121611
Thanks again for being here today Jamie! Best of luck with your newest release and wishing you much success. :)
Have a great week, everyone!
Stacey Joy Netzel
February 19, 2012
Sunday Share: Deadly Obsession, by Kristine Cayne + Giveaway
Welcome Kristine Cayne! Thank you for being here and sharing an excerpt and giveaway of
Deadly Obsession
.
DEADLY OBSESSION, by Kristine Cayne
Genre: Romantic SuspenseHeat Level: Spicy Whenan Oscar-winning movie star meets a department-store photographer… Moviestar Nic Lamoureux appears to have a playboy's perfect life. But it's a part heplays, an act designed to conceal a dark secret he carries on his shoulders.His empty days and nights are a meaningless blur until he meets the woman whofulfills all his dreams. She and her son are the family he's always wanted—ifshe can forgive a horrible mistake from his past. AHollywood dream… LaurenJames, a widowed single mother, earns barely enough money to support herselfand her son. When she wins a photography contest and meets Nic, the man whostars in all her fantasies, her dreams, both professional and personal, are onthe verge of becoming real. The attraction between Lauren and Nic isinstant—and mutual. Their chemistry burns out of control during a photo shootthat could put Lauren on the fast track to a lucrative career. Becomesa Hollywood nightmare Butan ill-advised kiss makes front-page news, and the lurid headlines threateneverything Nic and Lauren have hoped for. Before they know what's happening,their relationship is further rocked by an obsessed and cunning stalker who'llstop at nothing—not even murder—to have Nic to herself. When Nic falls forLauren, the stalker zeroes in on her as the competition. Andthe competition must be eliminated.
EXCERPT:
"Lift your outside knee and anchor your leg with your foot."Lauren checked the scene through the camera lens. Then she adjusted theposition of his raised knee, angling it toward the edge of the bed.
Although her touch was light, Nic's skin burned where herhand wrapped around his knee. He wanted her to slide her fingers higher ….
Rein it in, lover boy. With the stalker breathing down hisneck, jealous of the women around him, the timing couldn't be worse. He wantedto get to know Lauren, not get her killed.
Oblivious to her effect on him, Lauren backed away."Perfect. Now raise your right arm and grab the headboard." She reached intoone of her cargo pockets. "I'm going to hand you a knife. Hold it in your lefthand and place the blade flat on your left thigh."
"Lorna dear, is that really necessary?" Vivian asked, hervoice coated with high-fructose corn syrup.
Lauren made a face. "The shot won't work without theknife."
Nic glanced at Vivian and frowned. "Lauren knows what she'sdoing. She's a professional."
Vivian flashed him a broad smile, then turned to Lauren."Of course she is, darling." Sarcasm dripped from her voice like venom from aviper's fangs.
"Viv, play nice." She wanted the best for him, but if shedidn't tone it down, she'd ruin the shoot.
Lauren unsheathed a long silver bayonet and handed it tohim. As he followed her instructions, she checked the composition of the shot.A frown marred her forehead.
"I'm not getting this right, am I?" he asked.
"Almost. But the knife needs to be higher." As she leanedover his shoulder, she very slowly slid her hand along his leg, pulling hishand higher until the blade lay diagonally along his upper thigh, pointing tohis groin. He sucked in a breath. His muscles quivered under the warmth of herhand, so close to where he wanted it to be. "I won't hurt you," she said in herlow sexy voice.
"Too late for that, machère." He groaned at the thought of her hand on him.
Her face coloring, she snatched her hand back and returnedto her camera. "Perfect," she said, taking shots from different angles. Out ofnowhere, a wave of exhaustion crashed over him. He yawned widely and hiseyelids drooped. "Hey, Nic. You okay?"
"Just tired. Vivian, could you get me some more coffee?"
"Whatever you need, darling," Vivian said as she refilledhis cup. "How much longer will this take, Lorna?
Rolling her eyes, Lauren turned to Nic. "Just a few moreshots, then we're done." She walked around the bed. "Lie on your side, please."
Grinning, he grabbed the pillow and placed it under hishead as if settling down for the night. Now that was an idea. He was so damntired.
"Maybe you could rest your elbow on the pillow and holdyour head up?"
Trying to get some more hands-on action, he placed his handbehind his neck, crooking his head back at an awkward angle. When she shook herhead, Nic swallowed a laugh. She set her camera on the nightstand and tugged onhis shoulder to pull it forward. He resisted and, when she let go, rolled ontohis back. Eyes closed, he lay there, waiting.
Lauren shook his shoulder. "Nic."
He opened his eyes and met her concerned gaze. What thehell was wrong with him? He'd spent most of the night watching TV, but still…
He'd never fallenasleep on the job.
A loud commotion in the hallway startled him. Heartpounding, he jack-knifed in the bed. The door flew open and slammed against thewall. Without waiting to see who it was, he jumped up and pulled Lauren back.With the bed between her and the door, he pushed her to the floor. If theassailant had a gun, she'd be safe. Feet apart, fists clenched, he turned toface the intruder.
Relief crashed over Nic when he recognized several membersof the paparazzi squeezing into the room. He helped Lauren to her feet. Hereyes were glazed with confusion. Coming here without a bodyguard had been morethan stupid; it had been irresponsible. The reporters would wonder why he'dreacted so aggressively, and he absolutely didn't want them to catch wind ofhis troubles with the stalker. He owed it to Vivian to turn this near fiascointo a photo op.
There was only one solution. With a resigned sigh, hepulled Lauren close, crushing her breasts against his chest.
"Oh no, you don't," she hissed. "I'm not one of yourPaparazzi Girls."
She wasn't happy, but what could he do? Nic The Lover always found a Paparazzi Girl whencameras were around. His gaze darted between her and the photographers. Hearched a brow.
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Do it."
He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. For thefirst few seconds, she didn't kiss him back, but she didn't push him away,either. Then, on a sigh, she leaned into him and her arms locked around hisneck. His tongue darted out to taste her bottom lip. Mmm… cherry—his newfavorite flavor. When her mouth opened, he didn't hesitate.
He dove in. And drowned.
He'd meant this to be a quick kiss, only he
A loud noise pierced the fog of his lust. He raised hishead from where he'd been nuzzling Lauren's apple-scented neck to tell whoeverit was to f*** off, but as the sexual haze cleared, he swallowed the words. Thepaparazzi had gathered around, applauding and calling out crude encouragements.Some snapped photos while others rolled film. Shit. He'd pay for this f***-up and so would she.
(Excerpt from DeadlyObsession copyright © 2012 Kristine Cayne)
~*~ Kristine Cayne is fascinated by themysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs,out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains,and you have a story worth writing, and reading.
The heroes and heroines of her DeadlyVices series, beginning with Deadly Obsession, are pitted againsteach other by their radically opposing life experiences. By overcoming theirdifferences and finding common ground, they triumph over their enemies and findtrue happiness in each other's arms.
Today she lives in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on themix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When she's not writing,she's people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sortsof danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross her path.
Deadly Obsession is available in print and/or e-book format at the following retailers:
Amazonebook (http://amzn.com/B006SP32Q0)
Amazonprint (http://amzn.com/0984903402)
AmazonUK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006SP32Q0)
Barnesand Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-obsession-kristine-cayne/1108117594?ean=2940013699441&itm=1&usri=deadly+obsession+cayne)
Smashwords(http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119155)
AllRomance eBooks (http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deadlyobsession-668769-149.html)
Kobo(http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Deadly-Obsession/book-NknqJYU8LECdKUfPmCdabA/page1.html)
iTunesUSA: USA: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9780984903412
Where to find Kristine Cayne:New Releases List: (http://site.kristinecayne.com/Newsletter.html) or (https://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor?sk=app_100265896690345)
Website/blog at (htttp://www.kristinecayne.com)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/KristineCayne)
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428452.Kristine_Cayne)
Awesome excerpt, Kristen! Thank you very much for being here! Readers don't forget to comment and leave your email contact for your chance to win a copy of Deadly Obsession . Kristen will pick a winner on Wednesday.
Have a wonderful week!
Stacey Joy Netzel
DEADLY OBSESSION, by Kristine CayneGenre: Romantic SuspenseHeat Level: Spicy Whenan Oscar-winning movie star meets a department-store photographer… Moviestar Nic Lamoureux appears to have a playboy's perfect life. But it's a part heplays, an act designed to conceal a dark secret he carries on his shoulders.His empty days and nights are a meaningless blur until he meets the woman whofulfills all his dreams. She and her son are the family he's always wanted—ifshe can forgive a horrible mistake from his past. AHollywood dream… LaurenJames, a widowed single mother, earns barely enough money to support herselfand her son. When she wins a photography contest and meets Nic, the man whostars in all her fantasies, her dreams, both professional and personal, are onthe verge of becoming real. The attraction between Lauren and Nic isinstant—and mutual. Their chemistry burns out of control during a photo shootthat could put Lauren on the fast track to a lucrative career. Becomesa Hollywood nightmare Butan ill-advised kiss makes front-page news, and the lurid headlines threateneverything Nic and Lauren have hoped for. Before they know what's happening,their relationship is further rocked by an obsessed and cunning stalker who'llstop at nothing—not even murder—to have Nic to herself. When Nic falls forLauren, the stalker zeroes in on her as the competition. Andthe competition must be eliminated.
EXCERPT:
"Lift your outside knee and anchor your leg with your foot."Lauren checked the scene through the camera lens. Then she adjusted theposition of his raised knee, angling it toward the edge of the bed.
Although her touch was light, Nic's skin burned where herhand wrapped around his knee. He wanted her to slide her fingers higher ….
Rein it in, lover boy. With the stalker breathing down hisneck, jealous of the women around him, the timing couldn't be worse. He wantedto get to know Lauren, not get her killed.
Oblivious to her effect on him, Lauren backed away."Perfect. Now raise your right arm and grab the headboard." She reached intoone of her cargo pockets. "I'm going to hand you a knife. Hold it in your lefthand and place the blade flat on your left thigh."
"Lorna dear, is that really necessary?" Vivian asked, hervoice coated with high-fructose corn syrup.
Lauren made a face. "The shot won't work without theknife."
Nic glanced at Vivian and frowned. "Lauren knows what she'sdoing. She's a professional."
Vivian flashed him a broad smile, then turned to Lauren."Of course she is, darling." Sarcasm dripped from her voice like venom from aviper's fangs.
"Viv, play nice." She wanted the best for him, but if shedidn't tone it down, she'd ruin the shoot.
Lauren unsheathed a long silver bayonet and handed it tohim. As he followed her instructions, she checked the composition of the shot.A frown marred her forehead.
"I'm not getting this right, am I?" he asked.
"Almost. But the knife needs to be higher." As she leanedover his shoulder, she very slowly slid her hand along his leg, pulling hishand higher until the blade lay diagonally along his upper thigh, pointing tohis groin. He sucked in a breath. His muscles quivered under the warmth of herhand, so close to where he wanted it to be. "I won't hurt you," she said in herlow sexy voice.
"Too late for that, machère." He groaned at the thought of her hand on him.
Her face coloring, she snatched her hand back and returnedto her camera. "Perfect," she said, taking shots from different angles. Out ofnowhere, a wave of exhaustion crashed over him. He yawned widely and hiseyelids drooped. "Hey, Nic. You okay?"
"Just tired. Vivian, could you get me some more coffee?"
"Whatever you need, darling," Vivian said as she refilledhis cup. "How much longer will this take, Lorna?
Rolling her eyes, Lauren turned to Nic. "Just a few moreshots, then we're done." She walked around the bed. "Lie on your side, please."
Grinning, he grabbed the pillow and placed it under hishead as if settling down for the night. Now that was an idea. He was so damntired.
"Maybe you could rest your elbow on the pillow and holdyour head up?"
Trying to get some more hands-on action, he placed his handbehind his neck, crooking his head back at an awkward angle. When she shook herhead, Nic swallowed a laugh. She set her camera on the nightstand and tugged onhis shoulder to pull it forward. He resisted and, when she let go, rolled ontohis back. Eyes closed, he lay there, waiting.
Lauren shook his shoulder. "Nic."
He opened his eyes and met her concerned gaze. What thehell was wrong with him? He'd spent most of the night watching TV, but still…
He'd never fallenasleep on the job.
A loud commotion in the hallway startled him. Heartpounding, he jack-knifed in the bed. The door flew open and slammed against thewall. Without waiting to see who it was, he jumped up and pulled Lauren back.With the bed between her and the door, he pushed her to the floor. If theassailant had a gun, she'd be safe. Feet apart, fists clenched, he turned toface the intruder.
Relief crashed over Nic when he recognized several membersof the paparazzi squeezing into the room. He helped Lauren to her feet. Hereyes were glazed with confusion. Coming here without a bodyguard had been morethan stupid; it had been irresponsible. The reporters would wonder why he'dreacted so aggressively, and he absolutely didn't want them to catch wind ofhis troubles with the stalker. He owed it to Vivian to turn this near fiascointo a photo op.
There was only one solution. With a resigned sigh, hepulled Lauren close, crushing her breasts against his chest.
"Oh no, you don't," she hissed. "I'm not one of yourPaparazzi Girls."
She wasn't happy, but what could he do? Nic The Lover always found a Paparazzi Girl whencameras were around. His gaze darted between her and the photographers. Hearched a brow.
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Do it."
He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. For thefirst few seconds, she didn't kiss him back, but she didn't push him away,either. Then, on a sigh, she leaned into him and her arms locked around hisneck. His tongue darted out to taste her bottom lip. Mmm… cherry—his newfavorite flavor. When her mouth opened, he didn't hesitate.
He dove in. And drowned.
He'd meant this to be a quick kiss, only he
A loud noise pierced the fog of his lust. He raised hishead from where he'd been nuzzling Lauren's apple-scented neck to tell whoeverit was to f*** off, but as the sexual haze cleared, he swallowed the words. Thepaparazzi had gathered around, applauding and calling out crude encouragements.Some snapped photos while others rolled film. Shit. He'd pay for this f***-up and so would she.
(Excerpt from DeadlyObsession copyright © 2012 Kristine Cayne)
~*~ Kristine Cayne is fascinated by themysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs,out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains,and you have a story worth writing, and reading.
The heroes and heroines of her DeadlyVices series, beginning with Deadly Obsession, are pitted againsteach other by their radically opposing life experiences. By overcoming theirdifferences and finding common ground, they triumph over their enemies and findtrue happiness in each other's arms.
Today she lives in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on themix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When she's not writing,she's people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sortsof danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross her path.
Deadly Obsession is available in print and/or e-book format at the following retailers:
Amazonebook (http://amzn.com/B006SP32Q0)
Amazonprint (http://amzn.com/0984903402)
AmazonUK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006SP32Q0)
Barnesand Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-obsession-kristine-cayne/1108117594?ean=2940013699441&itm=1&usri=deadly+obsession+cayne)
Smashwords(http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119155)
AllRomance eBooks (http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deadlyobsession-668769-149.html)
Kobo(http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Deadly-Obsession/book-NknqJYU8LECdKUfPmCdabA/page1.html)
iTunesUSA: USA: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9780984903412
Where to find Kristine Cayne:New Releases List: (http://site.kristinecayne.com/Newsletter.html) or (https://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor?sk=app_100265896690345)
Website/blog at (htttp://www.kristinecayne.com)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/KristineCayne)
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428452.Kristine_Cayne)
Awesome excerpt, Kristen! Thank you very much for being here! Readers don't forget to comment and leave your email contact for your chance to win a copy of Deadly Obsession . Kristen will pick a winner on Wednesday.
Have a wonderful week!
Stacey Joy Netzel
February 12, 2012
Sunday Share: The Knight and Maggie's Baby, by Lisa Mondello
Today Lisa Mondello is sharing an excerpt of
The Knight and Maggie's Baby
plus she's giving away a copy to one commenter. Read the excerpt and you'lldefinitely want to get in on a chance for a copy of this book! (Or better yet,buy a copy right away and start reading.)
The Knight and Maggie's Baby, by Lisa Mondello
Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat level: sensual
Amazon , BN , KOBO
Sometimes fateneeds a little help…
Jonah Wallace knows what it's like to grow up without love. Despite having moremoney than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew upin boarding schools. He's dedicated his life to helping homeless and displacedchildren find the love and support they need by creating the Haven HouseFoundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.
Now that he's living in America, his work is going along just fine…until hisgrandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he caninherit.
Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby's dad has goneAWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when JonahWallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up onhis offer, even if it's only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby aname and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfectarraignment strictly business…or will fate's helping hand bring them love atlast?
EXCERPT:
"Jonah?" Maggie'svoice was just a breath above a whisper, sheer music to his ears.
"Yes, Maggie, it's me."
Her hands flew to her eyes and she rubbed them with theheels of her palms before looking up at him again. "For a minute I thought I was dreaming."
Jonah couldn't help but smile, and wondered what kind ofdreams she was having to make her look so peaceful and angelic when he'd firstcome into the room. Was she dreaming ofhim? Of the baby? Of the life she'd have once she and the babyhad left him?
A fire began to brew deep in his gut. He wanted to think she'd been dreaming abouthim. Just as he'd spent all his timedoing lately.
"I'm sorry I woke you," he said, absorbing the spacebetween the closet and the bed.
He was by her side in an instant, sitting beside her on thebed. He wasn't quite sure how he'dgotten from point A to B, but there he was, reaching out to her because hecouldn't help himself. He needed totouch her. Now that she was awake, itwas like an invitation. One he couldn'trefuse.
"No, don't apologize. I..." She buried her face in herhands.
On impulse, he saddled up beside her in the middle of thebig bed, gently pulling her hands away from her face.
"Maggie? What isit?"
She shook her head. "I shouldn't be here."
She was trembling. When Jonah tilted her chin up to look at her, tears streamed down hercheeks, and his heart nearly shattered. Oh, God, he never should have gone to England and left her alone.
Frantically brushing her hair away from her face, he said,"What's happened? Why are you crying?"
She sniffed, taking in big gulps of air in an effort tocontrol herself, but she lost the battle and wailed, "I'm fa-a-a-a-ttt!"
"Wha, what are you talking about?"
"I came...in...to...your room tonight." Maggie sniffed a few more times and hiccuppedsome sobs back before going on. "Ididn't have anything...comfortable to wear...anymore and I thought..."
Jonah glanced down at her clothes and for the first timerealized that Maggie was wearing one of his white dress shirts. She was naked beneath his shirt! Even as pregnant as she was the shirt leftroom to spare and hung dangerously low off her bare shoulders. The sleeves were cuffed a few times andbagged on her arms.
Jonah's insides jumped into overdrive, making his groingrow hard. He couldn't believe just howimpossibly sexy Maggie could be eight months pregnant wearing a plain whitecotton shirt. He longed to run his handover her thighs like he'd dreamed of doing so many times when he'd lain awakeat night in this very room without her. And now she was here, in his bed and naked beneath his shirt. Oh, Lord, have mercy!
Trying to ignore his aching arousal, he stated theobvious. "Of course you're going to getbigger. You're pregnant."
She threw him a cynical look and sniffed, wiping her nosewith the back of her hand. "Nokidding. It's kind of hard for me toforget."
He couldn't help but laugh, but stopped the instant hersobs erupted again. He scooped her intohis arms.
She wailed against his bare shoulder. "I came in here tonight because I...nothingfit me and I thought...I'd be able to fit into one of your shirts."
"That's okay. Youlook..." Oh, Lord, he was introuble. What could he possibly tell herthat would help? Hey, Maggie, you're thesexiest creature I've ever seen and you're driving me insane right now? My whole body is tight and aching because Iwant to make love to you? Rightnow. I want to be inside you right thisdamned minute!
Somehow he didn't think telling her the truth was going tohelp.
"Huge! That's what Ilook like," she finally said. "I'm bigand fat and-"
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Look at me. I'm asbig as a house!" she sobbed, throwing her hands down the front of her to revealher ample belly.
Jonah pulled her back into a tight embrace, reveling in thefeeling of her body so close to his, feeling the swells of her full breastspress against his bare chest, knowing that nothing lay between them now but thethin cotton of his dress shirt. It wasdriving him insane. And right now, hedecided sanity was way over rated.
With her head tucked under his chin, he chuckled at thelunacy of it. She didn't have a cluewhat she did to him.
"Maggie, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes."
"Believe me, I do. I'm getting so wide I'm filling up the mirror."
"Don't be like that."
"How can I not? Howcan you possibly look at me and not be completely turned off?"
A wry grin tugged at his mouth. "Were you hoping I would be turned on?"
Pulling away, she averted her gaze. Even in the darkness, he could tell she wasblushing. And he wondered just how muchof her body was blushing. Oh, how he wantedto know.
She sniffed back another sob and flipped a lock of hairbehind her ear. But it was no use, withher head bent down it fell back into her face.
Jonah tipped her chin up, then brushed his fingers alongher jaw. "Because if that's the case,then you got your wish."
~*~Dear Readers:
Most of the time we read romances where the love scenes arebetween a man and a woman and the woman is NOT pregnant. I don't knowmany woman who feel their sexy best when they're 8 months pregnant, and theheroine in The Knight and Maggie's Baby is no different. I recall beingpregnant and not being able to see my feet. This is where Maggie's at inthis scene. And the way Sir Jonah Wallace handles it is...oh, sosweet. Makes me fall in love with him all over again! Here is avery touching and loving scene from The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
The Knight and Maggie's Baby is Book 3 in my Fate with a HelpingHands series, also available as a BOX SET.
The Knight and Maggie's Baby Book 3 (Fate with a Helping Hand)
The Marriage Contract Book 2 (Fate with a Helping Hand)
All I Want for Christmas is You Book 1 (Fate with a Helping Hand) .99cent
Where to find Lisa: http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com
Leave a comment or question (and contact email, please) for Lisaand you could win a copy of THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY! She will pick awinner on Wednesday.
Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Lisa. Have a great week!
StaceyJoy Netzel
The Knight and Maggie's Baby, by Lisa MondelloGenre: Contemporary Romance Heat level: sensual
Amazon , BN , KOBO
Sometimes fateneeds a little help…
Jonah Wallace knows what it's like to grow up without love. Despite having moremoney than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew upin boarding schools. He's dedicated his life to helping homeless and displacedchildren find the love and support they need by creating the Haven HouseFoundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.
Now that he's living in America, his work is going along just fine…until hisgrandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he caninherit.
Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby's dad has goneAWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when JonahWallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up onhis offer, even if it's only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby aname and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfectarraignment strictly business…or will fate's helping hand bring them love atlast?
EXCERPT:
"Jonah?" Maggie'svoice was just a breath above a whisper, sheer music to his ears.
"Yes, Maggie, it's me."
Her hands flew to her eyes and she rubbed them with theheels of her palms before looking up at him again. "For a minute I thought I was dreaming."
Jonah couldn't help but smile, and wondered what kind ofdreams she was having to make her look so peaceful and angelic when he'd firstcome into the room. Was she dreaming ofhim? Of the baby? Of the life she'd have once she and the babyhad left him?
A fire began to brew deep in his gut. He wanted to think she'd been dreaming abouthim. Just as he'd spent all his timedoing lately.
"I'm sorry I woke you," he said, absorbing the spacebetween the closet and the bed.
He was by her side in an instant, sitting beside her on thebed. He wasn't quite sure how he'dgotten from point A to B, but there he was, reaching out to her because hecouldn't help himself. He needed totouch her. Now that she was awake, itwas like an invitation. One he couldn'trefuse.
"No, don't apologize. I..." She buried her face in herhands.
On impulse, he saddled up beside her in the middle of thebig bed, gently pulling her hands away from her face.
"Maggie? What isit?"
She shook her head. "I shouldn't be here."
She was trembling. When Jonah tilted her chin up to look at her, tears streamed down hercheeks, and his heart nearly shattered. Oh, God, he never should have gone to England and left her alone.
Frantically brushing her hair away from her face, he said,"What's happened? Why are you crying?"
She sniffed, taking in big gulps of air in an effort tocontrol herself, but she lost the battle and wailed, "I'm fa-a-a-a-ttt!"
"Wha, what are you talking about?"
"I came...in...to...your room tonight." Maggie sniffed a few more times and hiccuppedsome sobs back before going on. "Ididn't have anything...comfortable to wear...anymore and I thought..."
Jonah glanced down at her clothes and for the first timerealized that Maggie was wearing one of his white dress shirts. She was naked beneath his shirt! Even as pregnant as she was the shirt leftroom to spare and hung dangerously low off her bare shoulders. The sleeves were cuffed a few times andbagged on her arms.
Jonah's insides jumped into overdrive, making his groingrow hard. He couldn't believe just howimpossibly sexy Maggie could be eight months pregnant wearing a plain whitecotton shirt. He longed to run his handover her thighs like he'd dreamed of doing so many times when he'd lain awakeat night in this very room without her. And now she was here, in his bed and naked beneath his shirt. Oh, Lord, have mercy!
Trying to ignore his aching arousal, he stated theobvious. "Of course you're going to getbigger. You're pregnant."
She threw him a cynical look and sniffed, wiping her nosewith the back of her hand. "Nokidding. It's kind of hard for me toforget."
He couldn't help but laugh, but stopped the instant hersobs erupted again. He scooped her intohis arms.
She wailed against his bare shoulder. "I came in here tonight because I...nothingfit me and I thought...I'd be able to fit into one of your shirts."
"That's okay. Youlook..." Oh, Lord, he was introuble. What could he possibly tell herthat would help? Hey, Maggie, you're thesexiest creature I've ever seen and you're driving me insane right now? My whole body is tight and aching because Iwant to make love to you? Rightnow. I want to be inside you right thisdamned minute!
Somehow he didn't think telling her the truth was going tohelp.
"Huge! That's what Ilook like," she finally said. "I'm bigand fat and-"
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Look at me. I'm asbig as a house!" she sobbed, throwing her hands down the front of her to revealher ample belly.
Jonah pulled her back into a tight embrace, reveling in thefeeling of her body so close to his, feeling the swells of her full breastspress against his bare chest, knowing that nothing lay between them now but thethin cotton of his dress shirt. It wasdriving him insane. And right now, hedecided sanity was way over rated.
With her head tucked under his chin, he chuckled at thelunacy of it. She didn't have a cluewhat she did to him.
"Maggie, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes."
"Believe me, I do. I'm getting so wide I'm filling up the mirror."
"Don't be like that."
"How can I not? Howcan you possibly look at me and not be completely turned off?"
A wry grin tugged at his mouth. "Were you hoping I would be turned on?"
Pulling away, she averted her gaze. Even in the darkness, he could tell she wasblushing. And he wondered just how muchof her body was blushing. Oh, how he wantedto know.
She sniffed back another sob and flipped a lock of hairbehind her ear. But it was no use, withher head bent down it fell back into her face.
Jonah tipped her chin up, then brushed his fingers alongher jaw. "Because if that's the case,then you got your wish."
~*~Dear Readers:
Most of the time we read romances where the love scenes arebetween a man and a woman and the woman is NOT pregnant. I don't knowmany woman who feel their sexy best when they're 8 months pregnant, and theheroine in The Knight and Maggie's Baby is no different. I recall beingpregnant and not being able to see my feet. This is where Maggie's at inthis scene. And the way Sir Jonah Wallace handles it is...oh, sosweet. Makes me fall in love with him all over again! Here is avery touching and loving scene from The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
The Knight and Maggie's Baby is Book 3 in my Fate with a HelpingHands series, also available as a BOX SET.
The Knight and Maggie's Baby Book 3 (Fate with a Helping Hand)
The Marriage Contract Book 2 (Fate with a Helping Hand)
All I Want for Christmas is You Book 1 (Fate with a Helping Hand) .99cent
Where to find Lisa: http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com
Leave a comment or question (and contact email, please) for Lisaand you could win a copy of THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY! She will pick awinner on Wednesday.
Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Lisa. Have a great week!
StaceyJoy Netzel
February 5, 2012
Sunday Share: The Rodeo Man's Daughter, by Barbara White Daille + giveaway
Award-winning Harlequin author Barbara White Daille is with ustoday. Welcome, Barbara! I have to say, after reading this excerpt, redemptionstories are right up my alley and I'm going to have to get a copy on my Nook. You pretty much hooked me with the first two lines and it just got better from there.
Ihope you have a great blog tour and am happy to be hosting you here!
Without further ado, here's The Rodeo Man's Daughter, by Barbara White Daille.
Genre: Short ContemporaryRomanceHeat level: Sweet
Buy links: Harlequin , Amazon , Barnes & Noble
After growing up dirt-poor and lookeddown upon by folks in town, Caleb Cantrell took off while he was still a teen, headedfor fame and fortune. A near-fatal injury destroys his rodeodreams, and he returns to his hometown with the goal of settling scores withthe folks who'd done him wrong and then leaving them all behind for good. Despitehis rocky reunion with his high-school sweetheart, he finds his interest in herstill going strong. All of a sudden, he's got a hankering to hang around.
~~~
The Rodeo Man's Daughter excerpt:Along memory made for bad company when a man had too much time on his hands.Especially when those hands held a sizable number of grudges.
CalebCantrell eased up on the gas pedal of the pickup truck he'd rented earlier thatmorning at the airport. He cut the engine and stepped down from the cab, hisworn boots hitting the ground and raising a cloud of dust. First time in tenyears he'd set foot in Flagman's Folly, New Mexico, and the layer of dirt thatnow marked him made it seem as if he'd never left.
Yethe'd come a hell of a long way since then.
Hereon the outskirts of town, he stood and stared across the unpaved road at theplace he'd once had to call home. After he'd left there, he'd slept in no-tellmotels, lived out of tour buses and trucks and, eventually, spent time inluxury hotels. Didn't matter where you went, you could always tell the folkswho took pride in ownership from the ones who didn't give a damn.
Evenhere, you could spot the evidence. Not a ritzy neighborhood, not a smallcommunity, just a collection of ramshackle houses and tarpaper shacks. A fewhad shiny windows and spindly flowers in terra-cotta pots. Some had no windowpanesat all. Here and there, he noted a metal-sided prefab home with too many coatsof paint on it and weeds poking through the cinder blocks holding it up.
Andsomewhere, beyond all that, he knew he'd find a handful of sun-bleachedtrailers, their only decoration the cheap curtains hanging inside. The fabricblocked the view into the units through the rusty holes eaten into their sides.
Sometimes,the curtains blocked sights no kid should see, of mamas doing things no mamashould do.
Swallowinghard, he retreated a pace, as if he'd felt the pull of one rust-corroded hulkin particular. It wouldn't still be there. It couldn't. But he had no intentionof going over there to make sure.
Acrossthe way, a gang of kids hung out near a sagging wire fence and a pile ofcast-off truck tires. Still quiet, but soon their laughter and loudconversations would start, followed by the shouts from inside the houses. Someof the houses, anyway.
Therough edges of his ignition key bit into his palm.
Inall the years he'd been gone from this town and with all the miles he'd logged,he should have shoved away everything that bothered him about this place.
Hehadn't forgotten a single one of them.
Thegang of kids had moved out of sight behind one of the shacks. A lone boy, eightor nine years old, stayed behind and stood watching him. Dark hair, a dirtyface. Torn T-shirt and skinned knees. Could have been Caleb, twenty years ago.
Thekid made his way across the road. "Hey," he said, "whatchadoing?"
"Justlooking around."
"What'swrong with your leg?"
Theboy must have noticed his awkward gait, the stiffness that always hit him afterhe sat in one position for a while. "I hurt my knee. Getting off abull."
"Thoughtyou were supposed to stay on 'em."
Heshrugged. "That one had other ideas." Not too bad—in those threequick sentences, he'd managed to bypass two years' worth of rehab and pain.
Thekid looked away and then quickly back again, shuffled his feet and jerked hischin up high. Caleb recognized the mix of pride and false bravado.
"Hey,mister…got a dollar?"
"Sure."How many times had he asked that question himself? How many times had he swornhe'd never ask it again? He reached into his pocket for his wallet, thumbed itopen and plucked out a bill without looking at it. "Here you go."
"Wow.Gee, thanks. Thanks a lot."
Calebgrinned. The boy's grubby fingers clutched a hundred-dollar bill. He turned andraced across the road as if fearing Caleb would change his mind. He wouldn't.He had plenty of money now.
Folksin town would sure be surprised to see him again, especially when he startedspending that cash. When he started showing them just how far he'd come. Maybethen they'd look at him differently than they had years ago.
Hisgrin fading, he shoved the wallet into his pocket and nodded.
Yeah.He'd show them, all right.
~*~
Barbara's note to readers:
Hi! I hope you enjoyed the excerpt of A RODEO MAN'SDAUGHTER. I'm currently on a blog tour to celebrate the release of thebook. You can find full details at my website. Meanwhile, pleaseleave a comment or question for me here at Sunday Share, and your namewill be entered in a drawing for an autographed copy of A RANCHER'SPRIDE, the first book set in Flagman's Folly.
Website: www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Who is Barbara?
Originally from the East Coast,award-winning author Barbara White Daille now lives with her husband in thewarm, sunny Southwest, where they love the lizards in the front yard but coulddo without the scorpions in the bathroom.
From the time she was a toddler,Barbara found herself fascinated by those things her mom called"books." Once she learned thewords between the covers held the magic of storytelling, she wanted to see herwords in print so she could weave that spell for others.
Barbara hopes you will enjoy readingher stories and will find your own storytelling magic in them!
~*~
Leave acomment or question (and contact email, please) for Barbara and you could winan autographed copy of A RANCHER'S PRIDE. She will pick a winner on Wednesday.
Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Barbara. Have a great week everyone!
StaceyJoy Netzel
February 1, 2012
Launch Day at RG2E!
It's launch day at the brand new Reader's Guide to Epublishing!
Click here to visit
From their site:
Head on over for fabulous ebook features and bargains in up to ten different genres every day!(Includes Anthologies, Boxed Sets, Historical Fiction, Romance, Nonfiction, Humor, Mysteries/Thrillers, Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Poetry and Young Adult)
Plus, they have daily ebook giveaways (up to 50 per day) and monthly ereader contests.You definitely want to check this site out!
(Side note: I'm featured in the section Story Behind the Stories if you want to haven't yet heard how I got the idea for LOST IN ITALY .)
Enjoy filling your ereaders!
Stacey Joy Netzel
Click here to visit
From their site:The Reader's Guide to Epublishing!
Here at The RG2E it's all about bringing you the Best in Ereading!
We'll feature the Best Ebooks, the Best Indie Epub Authors, and the Best News, Technology and Giveaways regarding all-things Ereading.
And for those of you who are both Readers and Writers, check out our sister site The WG2E – The Writer's Guide to Epublishing – your destination site for all-things Indie Epublishing.
Head on over for fabulous ebook features and bargains in up to ten different genres every day!(Includes Anthologies, Boxed Sets, Historical Fiction, Romance, Nonfiction, Humor, Mysteries/Thrillers, Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Poetry and Young Adult)
Plus, they have daily ebook giveaways (up to 50 per day) and monthly ereader contests.You definitely want to check this site out!
(Side note: I'm featured in the section Story Behind the Stories if you want to haven't yet heard how I got the idea for LOST IN ITALY .)
Enjoy filling your ereaders!
Stacey Joy Netzel
January 27, 2012
What Did I Read in 2011?
This is a list of some of the books I read in 2011. The first are ones I posted reviews for on Amazon and BN that I read in the latter half of the year. Time writing and with family got in the way of me keeping up the list that makes up the rest of the books mentioned, but I wanted to put them all into one post and hope to try to figure out a better way to do this each year.
Now you go ahead and recommend some books to me!
Driving Me Nuts, PJ Jones Unexpected Surprise
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book otherthan I knew it wasn't going to be a parody like the author's other works. Asthe plot unfolded, taking strange and twisted turns in a 'borrowed' Mustangconvertible, I was drawn in by the quirky yet sympathetic characters until Iwas rooting for Ruckus and Apple with every page. Gotta love Fred, too, butGarth made me laugh out loud. The ending was so touching it brought tears to myeyes.
Fireweed byCasey Clifford Great follow up toBlack Ribbon Affair
This second in Clifford's Affair Series is anotherwinner! (Black Ribbon Affair won a Virginia Romance Writers' HOLT MedallionAward honoring outstanding literary talent.) We meet up with Caitlin and Mike on a corporate retreat/fishing trip toAlaska that ends up ANYTHING but relaxing. The scenery is breathtaking and theis action non-stop—even explosive. It was fun seeing how this couple'srelationship progressed with their marriage, and I sincerely hope there aremore adventures planned for these two. They make a great team!
Splintered Energy by Arlene Webb Amazing imagination
We all know you shouldn't judge a book by it'scover. Yet, that's exactly why I bought this book—the cover completelycaptivated and intrigued me. Then I started reading and Arlene Webb's amazingimagination and way cool characters took over. The moment I was done, Iimmediately downloaded the sequel, The R Word, and stared reading.
The R Word by Arlene Webb Second in The Color Series as good as thefirst!
This book picked right up from Splintered Energyand kept me reading more than one evening way into the night. This continuingstoryline is so unique, with equally exceptional characters that are layeredand complex, I look forward to the next books in this series so I can spendmore time with them and see if they can return 'home.' Funny thing is, though Ireally want them to, the thought makes me sad and I'm not quite sure what tohope for. Guess I'd better keep readingas long as Webb's still writing! Book 3 House Of Seven is on my Nook.
Smilodon by Alan Nayes WOW!
I am a total sucker for a great cover. This onedug its fangs in, the blurb sunk them deeper, and the writing locked Smilodon'sjaws to hold my attention until I reached the high-octane ending. Again, WOW! Cougarsare one of my favorite animals, and big cats in general are just plain awesome,but the thought of the big cat in this book loose in wilderness is downrightchilling. Nayes' descriptions brought the scenes alive in my head and raisedthe hair on the nape of my neck at times. Lastly, I'd like to request:Hollywood, make this a movie, please!
Atlantis, by Lisa Graves Loved the book!
I started this book with an open mind since I don't read much YA. I'm really glad I did give it a try--I loved the paranormal idea behind the book and Graves does a great job putting the reader in Lilly's shoes. She has a way with her words and the first person point of view really works well. There was only one thing I wasn't too sure about at the end, but I found out the author is planning two more books in the series and sincerely hope my question is answered. Great job Lisa Graves! Book two in the series, Stonehenge is also waiting on my Nook.
July 2011
Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, by Jane Graves. Fun twist on the marriage of convenience, or 'got drunk and married in Vegas' story. Very heartwarming, funny read.
June 2011
Meddling With a Millionaire, by Cat Schield. Cat's debut book was a winner for me. Now I have to go to her website to download her free prequel novella, Her Secret Millionaire.
Golden North, by Ilona Fridl. Cute follow up to Silver Screen Heroes, set in Alaska in the 20's. Looking forward to book 3, Bronze Skies.
May 2011
Ghost Ship, by PJ Alderman. Follow up to Haunting Jordan that's just as good of a mystery and Alderman left me wanting the third book in the series just to get more Jase. Darn you, PJ, write faster!
Fool Me Twice, by Sandra Mrshall and Sandra Sooko.Two stories with an April Fool's theme. Marshall's is fun and cute, Sookoo's has a more serious tone but still gets the fun in. The two make for an enjoyable collaboration.
Mountain Ranger Recon, by Carol Ericson. Book 2 in the Brothers in Arms series and just as good as the first. I highly recommend this series. Did I mention I can't wait for Jack's book?
Navy Seal Security, by Carol Ericson. Great start to Carol's new Brothers in Arms series. Great hero & heroine, and she's got me totally intrigued by Jack, who'll be the hero of Book 4.
April 2011
Not Without You, by Jean Barrett. I've been a fan of Jean's since joining WisRWA—he writes great Harlequin Intrigues with lots of action. This book delivers on action—it should what with spanning three wars—and gives the reader a wealth of emotion. I kept waiting for Kate and Efrem to get together, only to be kept guessing until the end. Great book that shows the enduring power of love.
Those Baby Blues, by Sheridon Smythe. This book was a "Treet" from start to finish! I may be a little partial to movie star heroes after writing my own in Lost in Italy (not published), but that doesn't take away from this fun, sexy, heart-warming book. Give it a try.
Montana Belle, by Linda Morris. I really enjoyed this western historical novella. Good to read in one evening, curled up with a warm cup of tea!
March 2011
Not Looking For Trouble, by Delia Deleest. Delia writes the 20's as if she lived them. (I know her personally and she's much younger than that!) She's paired up a sweet but strong heroine with a strong yet vulnerable man for a great romance—once they've worked through some issues.
Tempting Adam, by Jill James. Jill's debut novel is a fun, sexy read with a feisty heroine who reveals a heartwarming vulnerability at the end. And Adam is, among other things, hot! I'm really looking forward to Jill's next book.
Curses, by Cindy Spencer Pape. I bought this one awhile ago and am slowly working through the ebooks on my Nook. Cindy captured me right away with the paranormal element and kept me reading with her wonderful characters. A witch who thinks she's destined to be alone, and a werewolf who doesn't want to pass his paranormal genes on…they're the perfect pair to break the Curses in their lives.
February 2011
Haunting Jordan, by PJ Alderman. I loved PJ's A Killing Tide, and her new series is just as good! Fun and quirky, yet lots of mystery and suspense. I'll be picking up her next book in the Port Chatham series real soon.
Sparring Partners, by Leigh Morgan. I'm about half way in and so far so good! Leigh's got a way with words that makes it hard to put down my Nook. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. March: Finished the book and enjoyed it all the way to the end. Great job, Leigh!
January 2011
Cattitude, by Edie Ramer…quite a twist on the 'body-switch' plot. I really enjoyed this fun read!
Beauty & the Geek, by Roni Adams…LOVED this book. Read it in one sitting. Louie's the hottest geek I've ever read about!
Stacey Joy Netzel
Now you go ahead and recommend some books to me!
Driving Me Nuts, PJ Jones Unexpected Surprise
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book otherthan I knew it wasn't going to be a parody like the author's other works. Asthe plot unfolded, taking strange and twisted turns in a 'borrowed' Mustangconvertible, I was drawn in by the quirky yet sympathetic characters until Iwas rooting for Ruckus and Apple with every page. Gotta love Fred, too, butGarth made me laugh out loud. The ending was so touching it brought tears to myeyes.
Fireweed byCasey Clifford Great follow up toBlack Ribbon Affair
This second in Clifford's Affair Series is anotherwinner! (Black Ribbon Affair won a Virginia Romance Writers' HOLT MedallionAward honoring outstanding literary talent.) We meet up with Caitlin and Mike on a corporate retreat/fishing trip toAlaska that ends up ANYTHING but relaxing. The scenery is breathtaking and theis action non-stop—even explosive. It was fun seeing how this couple'srelationship progressed with their marriage, and I sincerely hope there aremore adventures planned for these two. They make a great team!
Splintered Energy by Arlene Webb Amazing imagination
We all know you shouldn't judge a book by it'scover. Yet, that's exactly why I bought this book—the cover completelycaptivated and intrigued me. Then I started reading and Arlene Webb's amazingimagination and way cool characters took over. The moment I was done, Iimmediately downloaded the sequel, The R Word, and stared reading.
The R Word by Arlene Webb Second in The Color Series as good as thefirst!
This book picked right up from Splintered Energyand kept me reading more than one evening way into the night. This continuingstoryline is so unique, with equally exceptional characters that are layeredand complex, I look forward to the next books in this series so I can spendmore time with them and see if they can return 'home.' Funny thing is, though Ireally want them to, the thought makes me sad and I'm not quite sure what tohope for. Guess I'd better keep readingas long as Webb's still writing! Book 3 House Of Seven is on my Nook.
Smilodon by Alan Nayes WOW!
I am a total sucker for a great cover. This onedug its fangs in, the blurb sunk them deeper, and the writing locked Smilodon'sjaws to hold my attention until I reached the high-octane ending. Again, WOW! Cougarsare one of my favorite animals, and big cats in general are just plain awesome,but the thought of the big cat in this book loose in wilderness is downrightchilling. Nayes' descriptions brought the scenes alive in my head and raisedthe hair on the nape of my neck at times. Lastly, I'd like to request:Hollywood, make this a movie, please!
Atlantis, by Lisa Graves Loved the book!
I started this book with an open mind since I don't read much YA. I'm really glad I did give it a try--I loved the paranormal idea behind the book and Graves does a great job putting the reader in Lilly's shoes. She has a way with her words and the first person point of view really works well. There was only one thing I wasn't too sure about at the end, but I found out the author is planning two more books in the series and sincerely hope my question is answered. Great job Lisa Graves! Book two in the series, Stonehenge is also waiting on my Nook.
July 2011
Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, by Jane Graves. Fun twist on the marriage of convenience, or 'got drunk and married in Vegas' story. Very heartwarming, funny read.
June 2011
Meddling With a Millionaire, by Cat Schield. Cat's debut book was a winner for me. Now I have to go to her website to download her free prequel novella, Her Secret Millionaire.
Golden North, by Ilona Fridl. Cute follow up to Silver Screen Heroes, set in Alaska in the 20's. Looking forward to book 3, Bronze Skies.
May 2011
Ghost Ship, by PJ Alderman. Follow up to Haunting Jordan that's just as good of a mystery and Alderman left me wanting the third book in the series just to get more Jase. Darn you, PJ, write faster!
Fool Me Twice, by Sandra Mrshall and Sandra Sooko.Two stories with an April Fool's theme. Marshall's is fun and cute, Sookoo's has a more serious tone but still gets the fun in. The two make for an enjoyable collaboration.
Mountain Ranger Recon, by Carol Ericson. Book 2 in the Brothers in Arms series and just as good as the first. I highly recommend this series. Did I mention I can't wait for Jack's book?
Navy Seal Security, by Carol Ericson. Great start to Carol's new Brothers in Arms series. Great hero & heroine, and she's got me totally intrigued by Jack, who'll be the hero of Book 4.
April 2011
Not Without You, by Jean Barrett. I've been a fan of Jean's since joining WisRWA—he writes great Harlequin Intrigues with lots of action. This book delivers on action—it should what with spanning three wars—and gives the reader a wealth of emotion. I kept waiting for Kate and Efrem to get together, only to be kept guessing until the end. Great book that shows the enduring power of love.
Those Baby Blues, by Sheridon Smythe. This book was a "Treet" from start to finish! I may be a little partial to movie star heroes after writing my own in Lost in Italy (not published), but that doesn't take away from this fun, sexy, heart-warming book. Give it a try.
Montana Belle, by Linda Morris. I really enjoyed this western historical novella. Good to read in one evening, curled up with a warm cup of tea!
March 2011
Not Looking For Trouble, by Delia Deleest. Delia writes the 20's as if she lived them. (I know her personally and she's much younger than that!) She's paired up a sweet but strong heroine with a strong yet vulnerable man for a great romance—once they've worked through some issues.
Tempting Adam, by Jill James. Jill's debut novel is a fun, sexy read with a feisty heroine who reveals a heartwarming vulnerability at the end. And Adam is, among other things, hot! I'm really looking forward to Jill's next book.
Curses, by Cindy Spencer Pape. I bought this one awhile ago and am slowly working through the ebooks on my Nook. Cindy captured me right away with the paranormal element and kept me reading with her wonderful characters. A witch who thinks she's destined to be alone, and a werewolf who doesn't want to pass his paranormal genes on…they're the perfect pair to break the Curses in their lives.
February 2011
Haunting Jordan, by PJ Alderman. I loved PJ's A Killing Tide, and her new series is just as good! Fun and quirky, yet lots of mystery and suspense. I'll be picking up her next book in the Port Chatham series real soon.
Sparring Partners, by Leigh Morgan. I'm about half way in and so far so good! Leigh's got a way with words that makes it hard to put down my Nook. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. March: Finished the book and enjoyed it all the way to the end. Great job, Leigh!
January 2011
Cattitude, by Edie Ramer…quite a twist on the 'body-switch' plot. I really enjoyed this fun read!
Beauty & the Geek, by Roni Adams…LOVED this book. Read it in one sitting. Louie's the hottest geek I've ever read about!
Stacey Joy Netzel
January 26, 2012
Love Romantic Suspense?
Just recently on Twitter (@StaceyJoyNetzel if you want to follow) I met up with @JustRomanticSuspense. Seeing as I have a couple of books available in that genere (Lost In Italy, Trust In The Lawe, Shattered Trust, Shawdowed Trust), I had to check out the website:
www.JustRomanticSuspense.com
Very Cool! There are A LOT of RS authors out there and some very well know names!
Allison Brennan, Angi Morgan, Barbara Freethy, Brenda Novak, Carla Neggers, Lori Foster, Debra Webb, Heather Graham, Rebecca York...and the list goes on. There are also a number of not-so-well-known RS authors, but hopefully you'll browse and get to know us, too.
The site features guest blogs and giveaways by authors, new release information, Fun stuff, Book of the Day, and more.
Check it out! And while you're at it, meet the website's creator, Maureen A Miller with a short bio from the website.
Maureen A. Miller Maureen is known for writing blustery romantic suspense novels, but even she needs to warm up after awhile. ENDLESS NIGHT will take you to Maine's rugged coast in the middle of a nor'easter, while JUNGLE OF DECEIT will have you sweating in the rain forests of Guatemala. Whatever your geographical preference, chances are that Maureen will weave you a tale of romance and danger in one of them.
You can find all of Maureen's books at her Amazon Author Page .
I can see already I'm going to be adding to my TBR list on my Nook! Thank you Maureen for setting up this great site!
Happy Reading and check back to see what's up for Sunday Share.
Stacey Joy Netzel
www.JustRomanticSuspense.com
Very Cool! There are A LOT of RS authors out there and some very well know names!
Allison Brennan, Angi Morgan, Barbara Freethy, Brenda Novak, Carla Neggers, Lori Foster, Debra Webb, Heather Graham, Rebecca York...and the list goes on. There are also a number of not-so-well-known RS authors, but hopefully you'll browse and get to know us, too.
The site features guest blogs and giveaways by authors, new release information, Fun stuff, Book of the Day, and more.
Check it out! And while you're at it, meet the website's creator, Maureen A Miller with a short bio from the website.
Maureen A. Miller Maureen is known for writing blustery romantic suspense novels, but even she needs to warm up after awhile. ENDLESS NIGHT will take you to Maine's rugged coast in the middle of a nor'easter, while JUNGLE OF DECEIT will have you sweating in the rain forests of Guatemala. Whatever your geographical preference, chances are that Maureen will weave you a tale of romance and danger in one of them.
You can find all of Maureen's books at her Amazon Author Page .
I can see already I'm going to be adding to my TBR list on my Nook! Thank you Maureen for setting up this great site!
Happy Reading and check back to see what's up for Sunday Share.
Stacey Joy Netzel
January 18, 2012
How Internet-dependent are you?
New Year's Day. 9:09AM
We welcomed 2012 with a little bit of winter weather and some wind. Not sure the cause, but suddenly the bathroom lights go out. I make my way into the kitchen and flick the light...nothing. I say, "Power's out." Downstairs, my 8yr old son says, "So that's what it was. That scared me. There was a pop and a flash down here." Me: "You mean outside?" Son: "No, behind the computer." Me: Yikes!
Since the power was out, there was nothing I could do at the moment, and I was honestly more concerned about heat if the outage lasted too long. Everything came back on about 1015AM, with some beeps here and there, the stove clock flashing 9:09, and that sudden loud humming of appliances that we never notice until a complete absense of power is suddenly restored.
So I head down to the computer and everything turns on just fine (Thank God!) except...
The DSL modem.
Crap. I have no internet. No lights at all on the modem.
A call to tech support confirmed somehow the modem was fried during the power outage despite being plugged into a surge protecter and everything else on that outlet being fine. Apparently, the surge came from the dedicated DSL line, not the electrical cord. That's when I found out that you can purchase surge protectors for the not only the electrical outlets, but the DSL line as well. (It's on my list now!)
Long story shortend a little bit, due to the holiday and a phone company goof up on the order, my new modem didn't arrive until Jan. 5th. That was 5 whole days without internet. At first I was silently panicking... What will I do until Thursday without internet??!!
No email. No checking my sales at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. No book promo. No Facebook.
I took a deep breath and applied the advice I always give my hubby that frustrates him: "There's nothing you can do about it, freaking out won't get the internet working any sooner, so just deal with it."
So I started writing. And every ten or fifteen minutes that first day I'd hear this muted little "ding" as if I'd received a new email. And I'd click down on my InBox to see who sent a message only to remember I had no internet! Then about ten minutes later, I'd click to go on Amazon to check my book stats. Crap. No internet!
The second day, I didn't open any other applications other than my WIP (work in progress) and I was no longer hearing those phantom dings. I didn't worry about sales, or promo...I just wrote like crazy. It was quite freeing. By the time Thursday rolled around, I had written over 7000 words, which equals about 21 double-spaced pages. In a normal week--the full 7 days--I get about 5000 words done. By the end of that first week of January I finished 11,500 words.
Ironically, that 5 days of no internet was just what I needed to show me what I can do when I'm not distracted. It's also a good lesson to turn off the internet when I'm working on deadline and need to get the words on the page.
Also, as initially traumatic as it was to consider the better part of a week disconnected, I quickly realized it wasn't worth putting on make-up to take my hubby's laptop into town for free wi-fi. As long as I know it's not indefinite, I'm now comfortable knowing I can survive without the internet. And, I suppose it wasn't complete cut off--I did borrow my son's 3G phone each night to check my sales numbers. :)
So how internet-dependent are you? If you were cut-off, how would you deal with it?
Stacey Joy Netzel
We welcomed 2012 with a little bit of winter weather and some wind. Not sure the cause, but suddenly the bathroom lights go out. I make my way into the kitchen and flick the light...nothing. I say, "Power's out." Downstairs, my 8yr old son says, "So that's what it was. That scared me. There was a pop and a flash down here." Me: "You mean outside?" Son: "No, behind the computer." Me: Yikes!
Since the power was out, there was nothing I could do at the moment, and I was honestly more concerned about heat if the outage lasted too long. Everything came back on about 1015AM, with some beeps here and there, the stove clock flashing 9:09, and that sudden loud humming of appliances that we never notice until a complete absense of power is suddenly restored.
So I head down to the computer and everything turns on just fine (Thank God!) except...
The DSL modem.
Crap. I have no internet. No lights at all on the modem.
A call to tech support confirmed somehow the modem was fried during the power outage despite being plugged into a surge protecter and everything else on that outlet being fine. Apparently, the surge came from the dedicated DSL line, not the electrical cord. That's when I found out that you can purchase surge protectors for the not only the electrical outlets, but the DSL line as well. (It's on my list now!)
Long story shortend a little bit, due to the holiday and a phone company goof up on the order, my new modem didn't arrive until Jan. 5th. That was 5 whole days without internet. At first I was silently panicking... What will I do until Thursday without internet??!!
No email. No checking my sales at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. No book promo. No Facebook.
I took a deep breath and applied the advice I always give my hubby that frustrates him: "There's nothing you can do about it, freaking out won't get the internet working any sooner, so just deal with it."
So I started writing. And every ten or fifteen minutes that first day I'd hear this muted little "ding" as if I'd received a new email. And I'd click down on my InBox to see who sent a message only to remember I had no internet! Then about ten minutes later, I'd click to go on Amazon to check my book stats. Crap. No internet!
The second day, I didn't open any other applications other than my WIP (work in progress) and I was no longer hearing those phantom dings. I didn't worry about sales, or promo...I just wrote like crazy. It was quite freeing. By the time Thursday rolled around, I had written over 7000 words, which equals about 21 double-spaced pages. In a normal week--the full 7 days--I get about 5000 words done. By the end of that first week of January I finished 11,500 words.
Ironically, that 5 days of no internet was just what I needed to show me what I can do when I'm not distracted. It's also a good lesson to turn off the internet when I'm working on deadline and need to get the words on the page.
Also, as initially traumatic as it was to consider the better part of a week disconnected, I quickly realized it wasn't worth putting on make-up to take my hubby's laptop into town for free wi-fi. As long as I know it's not indefinite, I'm now comfortable knowing I can survive without the internet. And, I suppose it wasn't complete cut off--I did borrow my son's 3G phone each night to check my sales numbers. :)
So how internet-dependent are you? If you were cut-off, how would you deal with it?
Stacey Joy Netzel
January 15, 2012
Sunday Share: Fireweed by Casey Clifford + Giveaway
Today I'm thrilled to have Casey Clifford sharing an excerpt from
FIREWEED
and she's giving away a free ebook to one commentor!
The first book in Casey's Affair series-- Black Ribbon Affair --was so good it kept me up till the early hours of the morning. I'm about 3/4ths of the way through Fireweed and it's just as good. I can't wait to see how it ends!
Here's a short note from Casey and then she was kind enough to answer a couple of my questions. Take it away, Casey!
This opportunity toshare my recent book today came up a bit unexpectedly. But life is really allabout being spontaneous and rolling with the opportunities, right? Anyway, I'mvery excited to share a bit about the second book in what I call the AffairSeries, a romantic mystery/suspense with continuing characters. I've envisionedthis to be a lot like the old TB series Hart to Hart, if you can remember that.
For those of you whoread the first book, Black Ribbon Affair , Fireweed has the main charactersCaitlin and Mike now married and on a fishing trip in Alaska. In this book youget a chance to see them deal with a tough situation but in a setting they aretotally unfamiliar with.
Ilove this series because it depicts a romantic married couple who are dealingwith life and problems and it usually will have a secondary love plot inaddition to the mystery/suspense. I'll be checking in if you have anyquestions or comments.
What is it about the continuing characters that drew you towrite another book in this series?
First of all, myhubby fell in love with Caitlin and suggested I had to do another book. Thenonce Black Ribbon came out and I heard from readers, most of them wanted toknow more about Caitlin and Mike. Since I really loved Hart to Hart, and I alsolove Eve and Roake as married couples in mystery suspense, I decided I'dcontinue on for at least one more book. I'm playing with ideas for the suspenseplot for #3. And because readers also asked me about Rachel who's Caitlin'sassistant in Black Ribbon, I'm playing around with doing a novella for herbackstory with Caitlin in it for sure because I really liked Rachel.
You have a lot going on in Fireweed…how did youhandle the details of the BioSynergy corporate world?
Research. Plus Ihappened to know a person in the field that provide some insights.
I swear, as I'm reading I feel like I'm the one wading intothe river to catch the fish, or flying in the plane through the pass, orwatching the mama bear and her cubs…or cringing at the bullet that wings by myear! How did you research the Alaska aspect of the book?
As Imention in my dedication page, I owe that to my oldest son who has madeAlaska his home. He's a guide and outfitter up there and hooked me up withseveral lodge managers to talk with. Since he's also a pilot with a small planesuch as I mention in the book, he took me up on flights few would get a chanceto do. Believe me, so much of that comes from him as I listened to his storiesof his adventures. The mom part of me could have gotten worried but the writerpart of me rubbed her hands together and said, "Oh, this is gooood!"
Lucky you! Alaska is a dream vacation for me and the hubby someday. So, you're considering a third book for Mike and Caitlin...any hints of where that will take them?
I'm playing around with maybe someplace in Europeright now.
Good choice! I know you're busy at the computer these days…what else doyou have planned for the next couple months.
I want to get my nextWoman's Fiction book up as a digital book. It's called Better Than Dessert andis book 1 for what I refer to as my Double Ds' books. It's a group of womenfriends who've been best friends forever. Each book will have the main plotcenter around a crisis in one of the women's lives and how they handle it aswell as how this changes them and their friendship. I hope to have it availablein early February. I've got book 2 finished in rough draft and then I'll beworking on revising and editing that. And of course, Mike and Caitlin willdemand some times too. I also blog every Sunday. So these jobs will keep mebusy. Looking forward to the new books and I have to say, I love your blog! Very inspiring.
Without further ado, here's...
FIREWEED, by Casey Clifford
Genre: Romantic suspense/mystery
Heat: Sensual
From the tingling prickles nippingat her calves, Caitlin figured she had been jogging far beyond her usual sixmiles. During her early run, she encountered no problems. Not from the terrain.Not from any carnivorous animals. Her body was a different story. Succumbing toa severe muscle spasm, she slowed her pace, glanced at her watch, and promisedherself a fifteen minute rest when she reached that far clump of willows andcottonwoods. As a small reward, she might even nosh on a power bar. She wasn't hungry,but an energy boost would only help her next miles. She glanced around her andbehind her.
By her calculations, she had to bewell past the half-way point.
Still no sign of Matt or Gus. Oranything else except the vast expanse of the lake, the brooding mountainsencircling her and the lake, the chirps of shore birds, the squee of huntingeagles. The air contained no distinctive odors. Was this really what fresh airsmelled like?
Her aloneness awed her. Humbledher. She could disappear in this land and probably never be found. Like Justin?
That wouldn't happen. Somethingdeep inside her affirmed her trust in this land. It would give back Justin. Itwould somehow recognize the good man he had been. He deserved to be returned tohis loved ones. This land and the spirits that roamed it would make thathappen.
As tiny and powerless as she feltnow in this huge land engulfing her, she didn't fear it. It understood therightness of her mission, the love in her heart. She would succeed and bringhelp for those back at the lodge.
Five minutes later she reached thesheltering willows. She pulled a red bandana from her fanny pack and dipped itin the cold water of the stream running through the willows and emptying intothe lake. The sound of silence encompassed her as she buried her face in thedripping rag and hummed off key Simon and Garfunkel's anthem.
Draping the moist bandana aroundher neck, she sat on a fallen log and slowly massaged her calves. First oneaching muscle. Then the other. While she kneaded and rubbed, she watched a busythreesome of black and white magpies make a fluttering, two-footed landing notfar from her. Their birdy chattiness shattered the stillness and eased hersense of aloneness.
She munched on her power bar; itscalories would energize her for this last lap. Based on her pace and the time,she estimated she had completed a good two thirds of the distance to the cabin.She looked at the opaque blue sky above her. Daylight seemed duller.
She chewed on the last bit of herbar. What was Mike doing now? Were he and the others safe? Was he worried abouther? And Beth? What was happening with her and Brian?
Mike was such a dear worrywart.Almost as bad as she was. She laughed out loud, sending the magpies flappingoff toward the trees.
She glanced at her watch. Five morerestful minutes, then back to pounding the trail. Oh, the stories she and Mikewould tell her their families about their adventures on this trip. UnlikeJustin who might not return at all–ever.
Then a vision of Beth floated behindher eyelids. The young teen, so destitute of mothering. Could Caitlin providethe structure and guidance Beth might need? From all Caitlin knew about teenagegirls, they could be a handful with raging hormones, heightened emotions andchanging their personalities faster than an Oscar hostess changed costumes.Could they mesh their needs, make this new family circle work, especially withher new responsibilities at BioSynergy?
But first things first. She neededto get help.
~*~
You can find Casey Clifford, her awesome blog, and the books in the Affair Series here:
Author website: http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com
Pick up your copy of Fireweed today! Amazon: http://amzn.to/uPWCi0 B & N: http://bit.ly/zazuZZ
And if you want to check out
BlackRibbon Affair
first: Amazon: http://amzn.to/pCRWKE B & N: http://bit.ly/wikxrP
Who is Mary Jo Scheibl writing as Casey Clifford?
A short summary of my life mightbe as follows: "She's been there, done that, and is still trying…"
She's not perfect and wouldn'twant to be. She was determined to finishcollege and graduate school to teach college level classes. She accomplishedthis while working and single-parenting 3 sons. She taught for 27 years andretired to pursue what she dreamed of doing since she was a child—write thestories that had been tumbling about in her head.
Today she writes women's fictionand romantic suspense as Casey Clifford. Her first novel received the HoltMedallion for Literary Achievement for Best First Book of 2009. She also wonthe Write Touch Readers' Award for the same book in the romantic suspense category.She blogs every Sunday and dabbles in photography.
She strives daily to be a wisewoman and believes all her heroines have already gotten there.
Thank you so much for being here and sharing about your books, Casey! Don't forget to leave a comment with your contact email and Casey will draw a name and post the winner on Wednesday.
Good luck!
Stacey Joy Netzel
The first book in Casey's Affair series-- Black Ribbon Affair --was so good it kept me up till the early hours of the morning. I'm about 3/4ths of the way through Fireweed and it's just as good. I can't wait to see how it ends!
Here's a short note from Casey and then she was kind enough to answer a couple of my questions. Take it away, Casey!
This opportunity toshare my recent book today came up a bit unexpectedly. But life is really allabout being spontaneous and rolling with the opportunities, right? Anyway, I'mvery excited to share a bit about the second book in what I call the AffairSeries, a romantic mystery/suspense with continuing characters. I've envisionedthis to be a lot like the old TB series Hart to Hart, if you can remember that.For those of you whoread the first book, Black Ribbon Affair , Fireweed has the main charactersCaitlin and Mike now married and on a fishing trip in Alaska. In this book youget a chance to see them deal with a tough situation but in a setting they aretotally unfamiliar with.
Ilove this series because it depicts a romantic married couple who are dealingwith life and problems and it usually will have a secondary love plot inaddition to the mystery/suspense. I'll be checking in if you have anyquestions or comments.
What is it about the continuing characters that drew you towrite another book in this series?
First of all, myhubby fell in love with Caitlin and suggested I had to do another book. Thenonce Black Ribbon came out and I heard from readers, most of them wanted toknow more about Caitlin and Mike. Since I really loved Hart to Hart, and I alsolove Eve and Roake as married couples in mystery suspense, I decided I'dcontinue on for at least one more book. I'm playing with ideas for the suspenseplot for #3. And because readers also asked me about Rachel who's Caitlin'sassistant in Black Ribbon, I'm playing around with doing a novella for herbackstory with Caitlin in it for sure because I really liked Rachel.
You have a lot going on in Fireweed…how did youhandle the details of the BioSynergy corporate world?
Research. Plus Ihappened to know a person in the field that provide some insights.
I swear, as I'm reading I feel like I'm the one wading intothe river to catch the fish, or flying in the plane through the pass, orwatching the mama bear and her cubs…or cringing at the bullet that wings by myear! How did you research the Alaska aspect of the book?
As Imention in my dedication page, I owe that to my oldest son who has madeAlaska his home. He's a guide and outfitter up there and hooked me up withseveral lodge managers to talk with. Since he's also a pilot with a small planesuch as I mention in the book, he took me up on flights few would get a chanceto do. Believe me, so much of that comes from him as I listened to his storiesof his adventures. The mom part of me could have gotten worried but the writerpart of me rubbed her hands together and said, "Oh, this is gooood!"
Lucky you! Alaska is a dream vacation for me and the hubby someday. So, you're considering a third book for Mike and Caitlin...any hints of where that will take them?
I'm playing around with maybe someplace in Europeright now.
Good choice! I know you're busy at the computer these days…what else doyou have planned for the next couple months.
I want to get my nextWoman's Fiction book up as a digital book. It's called Better Than Dessert andis book 1 for what I refer to as my Double Ds' books. It's a group of womenfriends who've been best friends forever. Each book will have the main plotcenter around a crisis in one of the women's lives and how they handle it aswell as how this changes them and their friendship. I hope to have it availablein early February. I've got book 2 finished in rough draft and then I'll beworking on revising and editing that. And of course, Mike and Caitlin willdemand some times too. I also blog every Sunday. So these jobs will keep mebusy. Looking forward to the new books and I have to say, I love your blog! Very inspiring.
Without further ado, here's...
FIREWEED, by Casey Clifford
Genre: Romantic suspense/mystery
Heat: Sensual
From the tingling prickles nippingat her calves, Caitlin figured she had been jogging far beyond her usual sixmiles. During her early run, she encountered no problems. Not from the terrain.Not from any carnivorous animals. Her body was a different story. Succumbing toa severe muscle spasm, she slowed her pace, glanced at her watch, and promisedherself a fifteen minute rest when she reached that far clump of willows andcottonwoods. As a small reward, she might even nosh on a power bar. She wasn't hungry,but an energy boost would only help her next miles. She glanced around her andbehind her.
By her calculations, she had to bewell past the half-way point.
Still no sign of Matt or Gus. Oranything else except the vast expanse of the lake, the brooding mountainsencircling her and the lake, the chirps of shore birds, the squee of huntingeagles. The air contained no distinctive odors. Was this really what fresh airsmelled like?
Her aloneness awed her. Humbledher. She could disappear in this land and probably never be found. Like Justin?
That wouldn't happen. Somethingdeep inside her affirmed her trust in this land. It would give back Justin. Itwould somehow recognize the good man he had been. He deserved to be returned tohis loved ones. This land and the spirits that roamed it would make thathappen.
As tiny and powerless as she feltnow in this huge land engulfing her, she didn't fear it. It understood therightness of her mission, the love in her heart. She would succeed and bringhelp for those back at the lodge.
Five minutes later she reached thesheltering willows. She pulled a red bandana from her fanny pack and dipped itin the cold water of the stream running through the willows and emptying intothe lake. The sound of silence encompassed her as she buried her face in thedripping rag and hummed off key Simon and Garfunkel's anthem.
Draping the moist bandana aroundher neck, she sat on a fallen log and slowly massaged her calves. First oneaching muscle. Then the other. While she kneaded and rubbed, she watched a busythreesome of black and white magpies make a fluttering, two-footed landing notfar from her. Their birdy chattiness shattered the stillness and eased hersense of aloneness.
She munched on her power bar; itscalories would energize her for this last lap. Based on her pace and the time,she estimated she had completed a good two thirds of the distance to the cabin.She looked at the opaque blue sky above her. Daylight seemed duller.
She chewed on the last bit of herbar. What was Mike doing now? Were he and the others safe? Was he worried abouther? And Beth? What was happening with her and Brian?
Mike was such a dear worrywart.Almost as bad as she was. She laughed out loud, sending the magpies flappingoff toward the trees.
She glanced at her watch. Five morerestful minutes, then back to pounding the trail. Oh, the stories she and Mikewould tell her their families about their adventures on this trip. UnlikeJustin who might not return at all–ever.
Then a vision of Beth floated behindher eyelids. The young teen, so destitute of mothering. Could Caitlin providethe structure and guidance Beth might need? From all Caitlin knew about teenagegirls, they could be a handful with raging hormones, heightened emotions andchanging their personalities faster than an Oscar hostess changed costumes.Could they mesh their needs, make this new family circle work, especially withher new responsibilities at BioSynergy?
But first things first. She neededto get help.
~*~
You can find Casey Clifford, her awesome blog, and the books in the Affair Series here:
Author website: http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com
Pick up your copy of Fireweed today! Amazon: http://amzn.to/uPWCi0 B & N: http://bit.ly/zazuZZ
And if you want to check out
BlackRibbon Affair
first: Amazon: http://amzn.to/pCRWKE B & N: http://bit.ly/wikxrPWho is Mary Jo Scheibl writing as Casey Clifford?
A short summary of my life mightbe as follows: "She's been there, done that, and is still trying…"
She's not perfect and wouldn'twant to be. She was determined to finishcollege and graduate school to teach college level classes. She accomplishedthis while working and single-parenting 3 sons. She taught for 27 years andretired to pursue what she dreamed of doing since she was a child—write thestories that had been tumbling about in her head.
Today she writes women's fictionand romantic suspense as Casey Clifford. Her first novel received the HoltMedallion for Literary Achievement for Best First Book of 2009. She also wonthe Write Touch Readers' Award for the same book in the romantic suspense category.She blogs every Sunday and dabbles in photography.
She strives daily to be a wisewoman and believes all her heroines have already gotten there.
Thank you so much for being here and sharing about your books, Casey! Don't forget to leave a comment with your contact email and Casey will draw a name and post the winner on Wednesday.
Good luck!
Stacey Joy Netzel
January 7, 2012
Lyme Disease and Final sales numbers for Dragonfly Dreams in Dec 2011
Anyone who follows my blog knows that all my author profits for the month of December 2011 for my Christmas novella Dragonfly Dreams were donated to the White Family, who due to late diagnosis of Lyme Disease have some very hefty and on-going medical bills.
Here are the final sales numbers:
Amazon: 41
Barnes and Noble: 8
Smashwords: 1
Amazon UK: 1
All Romance eBooks: 1
That gives us a total of 52 books, for $104.00. I also had a few people contact me saying they didn't get their purchase in before the Dec. 31st cut off, so I'm going to up the donation for a few more books.
I appreciate (as do they!) all the support offered during the sale and would like to thank everyone who bought a copy. Think about the gift you gave as you read the book.
Also, if you'd like to learn more about Lyme Disease for yourself, family, or friends who may be affected or know someone affected by this disease, here's a link to a very good movie called Under Our Skin . I watched it to find out more of what my friends are going through, but in the end I'm very glad to have the extra knowledge for myself and my family since we're out in the northwoods of WI all the time. Knowledge is power and that's a good thing to have when it comes to your loved ones.
Wishing you a wonderful 2012 full of Dragonfly Dreams!
Stacey Joy Netzel
Here are the final sales numbers:
Amazon: 41
Barnes and Noble: 8
Smashwords: 1
Amazon UK: 1
All Romance eBooks: 1
That gives us a total of 52 books, for $104.00. I also had a few people contact me saying they didn't get their purchase in before the Dec. 31st cut off, so I'm going to up the donation for a few more books.
I appreciate (as do they!) all the support offered during the sale and would like to thank everyone who bought a copy. Think about the gift you gave as you read the book.
Also, if you'd like to learn more about Lyme Disease for yourself, family, or friends who may be affected or know someone affected by this disease, here's a link to a very good movie called Under Our Skin . I watched it to find out more of what my friends are going through, but in the end I'm very glad to have the extra knowledge for myself and my family since we're out in the northwoods of WI all the time. Knowledge is power and that's a good thing to have when it comes to your loved ones.
Wishing you a wonderful 2012 full of Dragonfly Dreams!
Stacey Joy Netzel
