Tracey Cramer-Kelly's Blog, page 6

He Would Give the Insurgents a Personal Escort to Hell (free excerpt from Ranger’s Sacrifice)

RANGER’S SACRIFICE: Series info / Purchase / Free Sampler

Chase stood silently, his M4 rifle hanging by his side, watching the Marines load their teammate into the helicopter.

They’d been assigned to back up the Marines, clearing buildings in Kandahar. IEDs were taking their toll on this unit and they just needed more men; Chase had learned that this was the sixth soldier they’d had to put on a chopper.

The man had lost both legs and an arm; he’d lost a lot of blood even with the tourniquets his squadmates applied. When they’d loaded him into the chopper, the guy was unconscious and had no pulse.

He probably isn’t going to make it.

Chase shook his head, refusing to entertain that thought any further.

He heard small-arms fire behind him and knew they’d have to move out soon.

“Take a knee.” The Marines’ squad leader said quietly.

Chase knelt alongside the Marines as the squad leader said a quick prayer for the fallen soldier. He wanted to add his prayers but, as often happened on a deployment, the prayer felt strained. Like he was farther from God when he picked up his weapon. And there was the constant struggle to accept that bad things happened to good people, without giving in to that bitter seed that still wanted to sprout every time it happened.

God had commanded: Thou Shalt Not Kill.

Yeah, unless they try to kill me or my friends first.

Surely God didn’t mean for them to stand by and let evil take over this country. He’d give the insurgents a personal escort to hell if he could. Today alone he’d taken two lives for sure, maybe more. He had no trouble reconciling that part of his life to God’s command.

RANGER’S SACRIFICE: Series info / Purchase / Free Sampler

Signed Collectible Print Copies Now Available on Amazon

If you like the weight and feel (and let’s face it, that unique scent!) of a print book in your hands…

Or if you’re looking for a unique gift item for a friend, co-worker, associate, or your great aunt…

You can now get signed (collectible) print copies at Amazon!

Look for the seller name “Leader Motorcycle Accessories” – that’s our family business and that’s how I was able to load these books into Amazon. (In other words, when you order from Leader, you order from me.)

It’s a win/win:

YOU get signed collectible copies for less than a new UN-signed copy, and
buying confidence from knowing Amazon stands behind you.

Here are direct links for each of my books:

Ranger’s Destiny

Ranger’s Sacrifice

Ranger’s Honor

Directing Zac (note: has different cover than e-version)

Teaching Trey (note: has different cover than e-version)

True Surrender

Last Chance Rescue

Independence Day Release: Complete Army Ranger Collection

All 3 books of addictive military romance in the ARMY RANGER TRILOGY in one convenient, discounted bundle!

PURCHASE HERE!

Here’s a “Fourth of July” teaser, from a scene when Maddy and Cory are watching (and, um, making) fireworks!

Maddy’s patio had a tall ‘privacy wall’ on each side; but, in a stroke of dumb luck, the patio faced south toward the park where, any minute now, the local fire department would treat her to a display. She positioned her chaise lounge between the walls and placed her iced tea on the ground beside her.

She stretched out on the chaise, wishing Cory could enjoy this with her. She knew that wasn’t going to happen; even if he ever agreed to watch, it would never be enjoyable for him. She felt a stab of guilt that she wasn’t with him indoors. He had the television on but she wasn’t convinced he was actually watching it; he didn’t have to tell her the volume was cranked to mask the sounds of fireworks. He was occupied/distracted—and not out getting drunk—and that was what mattered.

The first burst of lights made her forget her guilt and smile like a little kid. She really did love the Fourth of July fireworks; she’d only missed them once in her life, and that had been early in her residency. They were farther away than she’d hoped, though; by the time the sound reached her it was a muffled thump.

Some time had passed when she heard the hiss of her sliding glass door. She looked up as Cory hovered over her, then sank to his knees beside her.

Something was wrong, for him to come out here during the fireworks. She sat up. “What is it?”

“I’m sorry.” His voice was husky.

She laid back, touching his face lightly. He looked serious, but no more so than usual. How could she not forgive him when he looked at her like that?

He ran a hand up her leg. “You enjoying the fireworks?”

Cory ran his hand up her other leg, being sure to bring it suggestively close to her girly parts.

“Umm hmm…”

He ran both his hands up her sides, under her shirt until he was cupping her breasts. He leaned forward and nipped at one tip through her shirt and bra.

Her nipple responded immediately. He dipped his head, and she ran her fingers over his hair. His hands moved to the bottom of her shirt. He lifted it and kissed her stomach.

She tucked one arm behind her head as a spiderweb of color burst across the sky. Cory rolled the shirt a little higher, until it was bunched under her breasts. He ran his tongue from her belly button up the center.

Oh, she knew where he was going with this, and her pulse quickened. She shifted as he pulled the shirt above her breasts, leaving it bunched there. His breath quickened as he released the front clasp of her bra.

He brought his mouth to hers then, surprising her with the level of passion. He plunged his tongue into her mouth, demanding a response, as one hand cupped a breast roughly.

Then, just as abruptly, he ended the kiss, leaving her breathless.

He squeezed her breast, forcing the nipple to stand at attention. He blew lightly on it, then licked it. When he grazed his teeth across it she sucked in her breath sharply.

His mouth closed around her breast. She had never known a man who could get so much suction with just his mouth. The constant pull this way, then that, seemed to have a direct effect on her lower parts.

He switched breasts and gave the other his full attention, even as he snaked one hand down her belly and into her panties. Oh yes…

She shifted again to give him better access.

Good God, they were on the patio!

But that thought fled the moment his fingers found her sex. “Cory…” she breathed.

He caressed her there, and she gripped his hair as he took her higher, spiraling up, up. And all the time the lights and the sound bounced in the sky, like some benign drug trip, and she was aware of Cory’s anxiety, the tensing in his body when the thumps were louder…

He slipped a finger inside her, then two, reaching for that spot, that magical spot that would—

Her body constricted. “Ah!” She arched off the chaise as her climax hit her.

Then he was above her, yanking her panties down and off. He pushed into her in one quick thrust, then went still, his head tipped to her breast. Instinctively she clutched him to her. He began to move, above her and into her. She watched in wonder as the lights exploded behind him, making it look as if he were wearing a halo.

His pace was hard and fast, as if he were running a marathon (and maybe he was). It didn’t take long. He growled low in his throat, then gasped her name as he went rigid with his release.

He collapsed onto her, panting, his body sticky with sweat.

She ran her hands down his back side to cup his ass, and he shivered. The sky was dark now, the silence broken only by their own ragged breaths.

You’re safe here, she wanted to say.

But instead she just held him close.

PURCHASE HERE!

Every Warrior Was Once a Boy

It’s summer, which means my 15yo son is home during the day (and sometimes my 11yo daughter, who is considerably more distracting!). As a result, I’ve shifted my Leader  Motorcycle work to morning, and often spend the afternoons working on my laptop in the family room or sunroom.

This week, my son’s been watching the FIFA World Cup (soccer). I think soccer is an incredibly complex and demanding game. As a “soccer wife” (first), then a “soccer mom” (11+ years), and more recently, a soccer referee, I’ve found myself watching soccer… instead of writing!

So this morning I went to a local coffee shop to try to complete the prologue of my current WIP (Work-in-Progress).

I was moderately successful, I’m happy to say, and while there I was reminded of this photo, which I took earlier this year in that same coffee shop. These two young men look like what I imagine Cory (dark-haired) and Chase (blonde) looked like when they were younger. The other side is, of course, their bad-ass Ranger look!

Do These Covers Say “Sassy Biker Chick” to YOU?

I hope summer has started off right for you and that you have plans to do all the fun things you think about during the winter! For me, summer means three things: soccer, the lake, and motorcycles.

It was such a long, cold spring here in Minnesota that it feels pretty sweet to get out and ride my motorcycle (often with my daughter).

Being back in the saddle also put me in the perfect frame of mind to revisit my LADY BIKERS. The result? New covers!

There wasn’t anything wrong with the old covers. I just didn’t feel like they said “sassy biker-chick heroine” strongly enough! I think the new covers reflect the story better. What do you think?

DIRECTING ZAC: Hollywood director Gina Devereux just wants to get her film shot so she can go home to her two teenage daughters and ride her Harley. But when her leading man is poisoned by a stalker, life takes a strange turn. Will the media frenzy destroy any chance for her and Zac? READ MORE / PURCHASE

TEACHING TREY: Amber’s just inherited four ramshackle apartment buildings, and the only person she can turn to is her brother’s friend and real estate mogul Trey Jordan. But Trey wants something a bit… unorthodox… in return. That is, until he realizes Amber is in danger—and that there’s more between them than the freedom of the open road. READ MORE / PURCHASE

Upcoming Signing: Royal Readers @ Rosedale

If you live in Minnesota, come see me in person (along with a bunch of other authors!) on Saturday, June 30!

What makes this Author Event extra-fun is that readers will also get to meet many of the models who grace our book covers (including Chase, who appears as the character of Vince on my novella WHAT HAPPENS IN STURGIS)!

I will have copies of my books available at way-better-than-Amazon sale pricing (and that includes author signature!) as well as a chance to WIN a gift card to Starbucks or Caribou.

When: Saturday June 30 from 10-6

Where: Rosedale Mall, Roseville, MN

Interested in who else is attending? Check out this video!

Directing Zac Sneak Peek: On the Set

What happens when Hollywood’s newest heartthrob is poisoned on the set, and his Harley-riding (older) director takes him in? (find out here!)

 

Zac Davies peered at his co-star through a haze of dancing spots that reminded him of times as a kid when his parents’ old TV went to static. He still managed his lines, but they were flat, even to his own ears. He took a step toward Lydia and stumbled.

“Cut!” The director called.

Damn it.

Zac ducked his head, raking his hand through his hair. The Vicodin had held the headache at bay—so far—but these dizzy spells were another matter…

He looked up in time to see Gina reach his side. “Zac, I want to see you in my trailer,” she said in her usual no-nonsense demeanor. “Everyone else, take five.”

Great.

Being summoned to the director’s trailer was like being sent to the principal’s office. Yet in the three-plus weeks they’d been shooting, Gina Devereaux had shown herself true to her reputation: tough but fair. Not to mention damn good at what she did; with her guidance, he’d done some of his best work yet.

This is what it’s like in the big leagues.

At twenty-nine, the golden window of opportunity was closing fast. This was his big break. He couldn’t afford to blow it. He owed it to his parents.

He felt sweat trickle down his back.

“Take a seat, Zac.” Gina pointed to a cot set up to the side of the trailer. She went straight to a cooler at the back and pulled out two water bottles. She handed one to Zac and he opened it gratefully.

She pulled a chair and sat so that she faced him.

“Are you okay?”

It was not what he’d expected to hear, and he hesitated. Should he tell her? “Um…the heat has been getting to me,” he said. “Maybe I’m just dehydrated.”

Her eyes narrowed and he braced himself for anger or frustration.

“You’ve been really solid up until the last couple days,” she said. “Have you been partying with the crew at night? Drinking a lot of alcohol?”

“No.”

“Taking drugs?”

“Of course not!” Zac said. “I don’t do drugs.”

“Well, then, what’s your explanation?” Irritation was creeping into her voice. She was under as much pressure as he was. Maybe more. “Because you don’t go from giving above-the-cut performance to what I’m getting from you now.”

“I know,” he said. “I’m sorry. Maybe I’m just coming down with something. A flu bug. I’ll take some cold medicine. I’ve got some in my bag.”

She leaned back in her chair, studying him doubtfully.

“Gina!” The voice outside the trailer was unmistakeable.

“Shit,” she muttered. “Sylvester.” The film’s producer was a crotchety industry veteran who had a penchant for hanging around the set and scowling at everything they did.

“I’ll be out in a moment,” she called.

“I’ll be fine,” Zac said, even as the beginning of what promised to become another ferocious headache snaked across his temples.

I have to get to the Vicodin before this turns into stomach cramps.

“I think you need to rest,” she said, still watching him in an unnerving way.

“Just let me get my bag…”

She stood. “You stay here. Lay down and close your eyes for a few minutes. I’ll send someone with your bag.”

It was only a matter of minutes before a production assistant showed up with his bag. Zac rummaged at the bottom, found the Vicodin and popped two of them.

Does Vicodin count as a drug? Nah. Not the kind of drugs she was asking about…

He tried to relax but he was overly warm even here with the rudimentary air conditioning. He ran a hand across his forehead; it was sweaty too.

When Gina came back, she looked none too happy. “I’ve been overruled,” she said. “I need you back on the set in five.”

He nodded.

“I’ll send Suzie in here to touch up your makeup.”

 

*************

 

Gina stood behind Camera Two, squinting at the actors. She had serious doubts they’d get any usable footage this day, and it was becoming harder to keep her frustration in check. She needed this film to be successful. But if they didn’t get it this time, she was calling it a day regardless of Sylvester’s opinion. “Action!” she called for the fifth time.

Had she been wrong about Zac’s ability? Wrong in thinking that she’d be able to bring out the best in him? Maybe those first weeks were just too good to be true?

She watched him closely. She may have been the only one to notice the slight slur on his first lines. Then he sharpened. He took his co-star, Lydia Grant, by the hand as he spun off his lines.

Damn, we just might get this.

Lydia took over with her lines as they moved between the trees as scripted. The cameras followed, and so did Gina.

The script called for Lydia to stumble and Zac to catch her, but it didn’t go as planned.

Instead, Zac got dragged down with Lydia.

Gina didn’t call a stop to the action; rather, she waited to see what they would do. She knew her camera people would follow her lead, and so would the actors. If it wasn’t good, they wouldn’t use it; that’s what post-production was for. But experience had taught her that every now and then, while deep in character, the camera could catch something in the actors’ performance that just…worked. Better than the script.

Zac stayed down as Lydia got to her knees. She produced a demure chuckle and offered him her hand. Gina was focused on the small movements of the hand, the face, the eye as Zac got to his feet. So she was probably the first to notice Zac’s face go pale.

Then, as if in slow motion, his eyes rolled back into his head and his body crumpled to the ground.

Oh no!

For a moment there was silence, as if everyone was waiting to see what the actors would do. But Zac didn’t move, and Lydia’s face held a stunned look.

“Cut!” Gina rushed forward and dropped to her knees. “Zac!”

Lydia was beside her on her knees now too. “Did he hit his head?”

Gina placed one hand behind Zac’s neck. “Zac, can you hear me?” She heard Dale, her assistant director and close friend, on the radio requesting the set medic.

She placed her other hand flat against Zac’s chest. To her relief, his breathing was regular and his heartbeat strong. She brought her hand up to his forehead; she couldn’t tell if he was running a fever or just overly warm from the sun and exertion. “Zac, if you can hear me, I need you to open your eyes.”

No response.

“Oh man…” Lydia sounded freaked out. She took one of Zac’s hands in her own.

Now Dale was asking the camera operators to review the footage they’d just shot. It was a good idea; perhaps one of the camera angles would show if he’d hit his head.

The medic knelt next to Gina. “What happened?” she said.

“I think he fainted,” Gina said. “But he may have also hit his head.”

The medic performed an assessment, taking extra time to feel around on Zac’s head. She flashed a small light in his eyes. “Pupils look good,” she said. “No head trauma.”

“He was obviously out last night partying too hard.” Sylvester’s voice cut over the murmurs of the crew. When Gina looked up she was surprised to find that the producer stood less than ten feet away.

“I don’t know about that,” Gina said. Of course, Sylvester didn’t know what Zac had told her. “I think we should have him checked out.”

“Gina, he fainted.” Sylvester glared at her. “A hospital visit would bring the tabloids on us like flies on shit.”

“Then bring a doctor in to look at him,” she said.

“The medic can keep an eye on him, and you can work on a scene that doesn’t require him,” Sylvester said.

Gina looked at the medic; she just shrugged.

Sylvester narrowed his eyes at the cast and crew. “And not a word of this to anyone outside the set.”

“No.” Gina stood, hands on her hips. “I let you push me into pushing him. If you want him looked after here, I’m going to personally make sure he’s all right.” She addressed the crew and cast in a firm voice: “That’s a wrap for today, folks.”

She turned to Dale and the medic. “Can you help get him to my trailer?”

Dale nodded and motioned to one of the production assistants.

“Gina—” Sylvester started.

“Damn it, Syl,” She cut him off with a murderous glare. “Get off my set.”

Read more about Directing Zac (Lady Biker Series #1) here.

 

New Short Story in “Kiss or Kill Under the Northern Lights”

A couple months ago I asked Tracey’s Team Readers to complete a short survey to help me with a title for the second story in the DREAM MACHINES series. At the time, I thought all the stories in the DREAM MACHINES series would start with “What Happens…” (the first story is What Happens in Sturgis).

Well, thanks to their feedback I got over that idea! Each story should have the title that best suits it, and so… that story became MERCURY FALLING (read the blurb here)!

MERCURY FALLING is exclusively available (for a limited time) in “Kiss or Kill Under the Northern Lights,” a collection of eight stories featuring Minnesota authors, all of whom are members of The Northern Lights Writers (a chapter of Romance Writers of America).

From bootleggers to sexy bikers (yeah, that’s mine!), there’s something for everyone in this collection. Short enough you can read each story in one sitting. In our busy world, sometimes a small escape is all we need!

Here’s the best part.

You can get “Kiss or Kill Under the Northern Lights” on pre-order for just $2.99 until May 30 (after that the price goes to $4.99).

Click here to Order!

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE STORIES:

Take it Easy by Susan Johnson

They had nothing in common but trauma and raw memories until love slipped in through the cracks, captured their hearts and made life worth living.

Mercury Falling by Tracey Cramer-Kelly

Kerry “Mercury” Dawson’s life has never been easy, but things start to look up when he gets a job at Dream Machines – until he crashes a motorcycle he wasn’t supposed to be riding and wakes up in Lucy’s emergency room.

Robbery at the Lilliput Bar by Edna Curry

The Lilliput Bar reports money missing, but there’s no evidence of a break-in. Detective Chance suspects an inside job, but the owner insists he trusts all his employees and no one could have broken in because his alarm system didn’t go off. So, what’s really going on?

My Time with Pearl by Patricia M. Jackson

Is rebellion rejecting society’s view of who they want you to be or showing society who you actually are? Gladys has always known who she was and has never given a lick what others think of her. It’s a hard choice to say if she is more rebellious or just determined. Now she’s an old, and sometimes bitter, woman clinging to memories of better times, her journey into adulthood in the Roaring Twenties and an improbable love she never thought she would find and will never forget.

The Bent Fork Café by Diane Pearson

The will to succeed is strong for Jaymie, a recovering alcoholic who works as a bartender and delivers newspapers for extra money, but when Henry dies before she can help him finish a special project, her support system is destroyed. And worse, the blind date her friend Brook has arranged is the detective in charge of the homicide investigation.

Second Chances by Lauren Ashwood

When Lindsey Harper gets stranded at the family cabin during a blizzard with her brother’s best friend, will their unexpected encounter give them a second chance at love?

How to Catch a Tomcat in Seven Days by Angie Speed

Megan knows exactly what she wants out of life – her gorgeous best friend TJ. When a summer job means moving, she’s forced to come clean. The result: a sizzling week of attempted seduction.

Courting the Nanny by Nancy Pirri

Helen Jameson turned away from the man she loved when rumors were spread that he had betrayed her with another woman. Years have passed, and Helen finds herself having to serve the man she once and still loves as a nanny to his twin boys, as a way to pay off her brother’s gambling debts to him.

Elliot Falconer has wanted to marry Helen for as long as he can remember. He forgave her for not trusting him and believing a lie. Now that he has her in his home he hopes to rekindle the romance and make his long-time dream come true.

Ranger’s Honor Release: “Left Me Speechless and in Awe”

“RANGER’S HONOR left me speechless and in awe.”

This is what one reader after she finished reading RANGER’S HONOR, and you know what? It made my day.I’ve even had people tell me that they cried while reading the Ranger Trilogy. Which – believe it or not – is very high praise to an author (and makes me feel like all the hours were worth it)!

I’m so excited that RANGER’S HONOR is officially released!

I’ve lived with these characters for almost two years, sharing their hopes, dreams, sorrows and nightmares. I love them like they were real people (occupational hazard!) and I hope you do too!

If you haven’t already ordered, you can get RANGER’S HONOR right now by clicking below!

Kindle

Nook

Apple

Kobo

A quick note… Although RANGER’S HONOR can be read on its own, you may enjoy it more if you read the entire Trilogy. To make that more manageable, the first book (RANGER’S DESTINY) is just 99 cents! Click here to buy!

From Victim to Strength: ELLA’s Journey

For the past few weeks, I’ve shared a scene from each character in RANGER’S HONOR.

Now it’s Ella’s turn.

In some ways, Ella’s journey is just as long (and just as challenging) as Cory’s or Chase’s.

She comes a long way from her naïve ‘victim’ status in RANGER’S DESTINY (book #1), becoming a source of support and strength to Chase, Cory and even Maddy. I had a wonderful time developing her into a strong, capable, self-assured young woman—one who can hold a candle to her Army Ranger brother and fiancé any day of the week.

Ella’s biggest transformation comes near the end of the book, but since I don’t want to spoil the climax, I chose the scene below—a scene that shows that sometimes, you have to fight for those you love.

Read More Here

Pre-order Here

RANGER’S HONOR: ELLA

As soon as Ella heard about Jack, she knew what she had to do.

She was going to fight for her man—like Chase did when Flora threw their past relationship in Ella’s face.

She was glad she’d kept his family address in her phone. The drive took longer than she’d expected and it was past seven when she knocked on the Richards’ door.

It was opened almost immediately.

“Ella!” Virginia exclaimed. “My goodness!”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was coming,” Ella said. “I was afraid you’d tell me not to.”

“Come in, child.” Virginia waved her hands. “Come in.”

Ella stepped into the Richards’ foyer and found herself enveloped in Virginia’s embrace. She blinked back tears. This was to be her family. A loving mother. A father who was encouraging and kind. Nothing like her own parents.

She loved Chase, but she loved this family already, too. She wasn’t giving it up without a fight.

Virginia backed up and took both Ella’s hands in her own. “I’m glad you came.”

“You are?”

“Chase is…” Virginia hesitated. “Ever since he heard about Jack…” She sighed. “I don’t know how to reach him. Maybe you can.”

“Where is he?”

“In his room,” she said. “He’s been in there all day.”

Ella climbed the stairs and stood in front of Chase’s door. Memories of the last time she was in Chase’s childhood room swamped her. She’d broken through to him then—when he’d told her about the young girl he’d lost in Iraq. Could she do it again?

She knocked on the door, and when there was no response, she turned the knob.

She pushed it open slowly; it was best not to startle a Ranger.

The shades were drawn, but the sun’s last rays illuminated the fact that he wasn’t wearing his prosthesis. She was surprised to see that his beard was gone and his hair was smartly cut.

“What do you want?” Chase grumbled.

“I want you,” she said.

His head snapped up. “Ella?” He looked as if he didn’t quite believe what he saw. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard about Jack.” He hadn’t reacted with ‘go away’ so she brought her body all the way into the room and pulled the door shut behind her.

His head dropped back. “Please tell me you’re not here to talk about Jack.”

“It depends,” she said.

“On what?”

She took a step toward him. “On you. We’ll talk about whatever you want to talk about.”

“What if I don’t want to talk at all?” His words slurred slightly.

“Then we’ll just be.”

Slowly she sank onto the bed next to him. He shifted away slightly, but he didn’t say anything. At this close proximity, she could smell the alcohol on this breath.

After a few moments, she reached out and tentatively touched his arm.

He flinched. “Ella… don’t.”

“You’re hurting, Chase. I’m not going to stop touching you.” She stroked her fingers up and brought them around his arm.

“Ella…” His fingers twitched and she knew he wanted to touch her back.

But he looked away. “You should leave.”

“No,” she said. “I won’t leave. You need me, Chase. And I need you. We’re a team. You wouldn’t leave your fellow Rangers hanging, would you?”

He snorted as he lifted a bottle to his lips. “Low blow, Ella.”

“Maybe it’s what you need to hear,” she said. “What would Brett think about how you’re pushing me away? And Jack?”