Tracey Cramer-Kelly's Blog, page 8

An Unorthodox Proposal (Teaser from TEACHING TREY)

“Send me a bill,” Amber said. “I’ll pay you whatever you’ve put into this so far.”

“Hang on a minute,” Trey said. “I may have a way for you to get what you need for the business.”

Surprise and hope vied inside her. “Really?”

“Teach me to ride a motorcycle,” he said. “In return, I’ll float you a low-interest loan for repairs and handle the legal and landlord issues for you at no charge — if you are willing to sell, at which time I’ll take the usual broker commission.”

She stared at him; was he joking? He didn’t appear to be. “But you could take the motorcycle safety course any time you want.”

“Maybe I’d rather have a more personal experience.”

“I’m no motorcycle instructor,” she said. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“You already did when you took me for a ride the other day,” he said. “Just do what you’ve been doing for—how long?”

“Six years,” she answered absentmindedly.

He smiled. “Besides, I need a little extra help I couldn’t get from a motorcycle safety course.”

“What kind of help?” she asked.

He leaned forward. “Bike shopping.”

“What?”

“And clothes,” he continued. “I need biker clothes.”

“You can’t be serious!”

“Come on,” he said. “It could be fun. And you have to admit, it’s a pretty sweet deal.”

“But…”

“Look, it’s not like I’m making you an indecent proposal.” His eyes glittered with something that looked suspiciously like mischief. “It’s an honest barter. My services for yours.”

More about TEACHING TREY: http://www.traceycramerkelly.com/teaching-trey/

Purchase TEACHING TREY: https://www.books2read.com/teachingtrey

Harley Shirt, Patches, Gift Card Winners Announced!

The WINNERS of the Biketoberfest Giveaway have been chosen!

Grand Prize Winner (Milwaukee Rally Anniversary Shirt; Patch; Throttle Control; PLUS $40 gift card): Terri R

Runnerup Winner (Starbucks gift card + Nightfire Reflective Patch): Rita K

Special thanks to my lovely assistant (and daughter). And special thanks to everyone who beta read and/or posted a review! You ROCK!!

Forget Resolutions

Forget Resolutions. If you’re anything like me, you’ll break them before the week is out.

Instead, let’s talk about GOALS.

What is your Top Goal for 2018? I’ve got some big ones, but that’s because I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my life. Your goals don’t have to be big, they just have to be meaningful to YOU (and achievable with effort).

I would be honored if you would share them with me.

Here are a few of mine:

Find a new Church. A place where my spiritual gifts will be valued and appreciated, and where I can go deeper in relationship with God and others.
Find a new job. Although I still love Leader Motorcycle, I’ve already lost a third of my income and if things don’t change, that trend will continue.
Publish RANGER’S TRIUMPH. Publish BIKER’S KISS #2. Maybe even publish my first small-town romance.
Spend time with my daughter (a budding writer in her own right) and with my son (refereeing or just goofing around).
Make time for Dates. A marriage needs time and nurturing, and we’re not always good about this, especially those of us with not-yet-grown kids.
Make New Friends. People come in and out of our lives for reasons we don’t always comprehend. Sometimes you have to let them go to make room for deeper, more fulfilling ones.
Ride my Spyder. I lost the joy of riding for a couple years, and I’m so thankful to have regained it. It’s time to join a riding club again!
Have faith that God will show me ‘what’s next’ in a way that allows me to be present for my family and make a difference in other peoples’ lives.

Goodbye, 2017.

(Deep breath.)

Hello Year of Changes.

I Don’t Date Military Men (Teaser from RANGER’S DESTINY)

She leaned over and kissed him. Just once—and carefully at that—but it sparked something deep inside her. It was all she could do not to run her hand over the rough stubble of his five o’clock shadow.

She saw her surprise mirrored in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she gasped. “I didn’t mean to… to suggest anything…”

Her face burned with embarrassment and she turned away.

Oh my God, how could I have…?

“I didn’t mind it,” he said softly.

Her gaze jerked in his direction. Despite how woozy he must be, there was something else in his eyes.

Desire.

She backpedaled herself off the bed. “I don’t know why I did that,” she said. “I don’t even date military men.”

Sometimes a Girl Just Needs to Know (Teaser from RANGER’S SACRIFICE)

Flora harrumphed. But she seemed at a loss for words, and when Chase tipped Ella’s chin and took her lips in his, Flora stomped off.

“Don’t ever doubt that you’re enough,” Chase whispered. “You’re everything.”

As Ella buried her face in his shoulder, he winked at his sister. Thank you, he mouthed.

Lori shrugged. “Sometimes a girl just needs to know her man is willing to fight for her.”

Read More.

Purchase RANGER’S SACRIFICE

Character Interviews: True Surrender Military Romance

Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Bricewick, Army officer

Can you tell us what happened to you in Afghanistan?

If you’ve read the book blurb, you know I was abducted and held by terrorists. The details aren’t for polite conversation. It took me a long time to tell even Holly (around page 154, I think); I’m still not comfortable telling the whole world.

But they broke your legs?

That’s true. The doctors were not able to save the left, so I have a below-the-knee amputation.

I understand that was the start of some problems for you.

I prefer to call them challenges.

Can you elaborate?

Let’s just say that I experienced some physical setbacks as well as some significant doubt and…you know…there was a lot of emotional stuff going on. And my career was very important to me, and suddenly that was in question.

What was the hardest part of your recovery?

I think the hardest part was being in a situation – for the first time in my life – where I really had no control. And I’ll admit: I hated it. There were times I didn’t handle that very well. Like the way I treated Holly after my amputation…

How would you say your career plans have changed?

I had planned on working my way up as far as I could go. Serving my country. I had no intention of trying to be a husband or father. But after everything that happened, I found a new calling.

Can you talk about the friends you’ve lost?

[deep breath] That’s a difficult topic…there were two deaths in particular that had a profound impact on me. And when you are betrayed by your best friend (as I was), it’s a sort of death as well.

When did you realize you were in love with Holly?

I would have to say that it was the morning after I got into that bar fight. She turned me down then. And it wasn’t until I was sicker than a dog, trying to kick my pain pills, that I realized why.

Why?

Ah, you’ll have to read the book to find that out. But I will say this: she did change her mind. A few times!

What is the significance of Surrender?

This concept of Surrender came up repeatedly in my journey. At first it was a whisper. Then it was modeled by the people in my life. I still didn’t get it because I was trying so hard to keep control that it made me sick. And when I finally let go and handed it over … it freed me.

Read  More about True Surrender Here.

Holly Rossiter, Prosthetist and Widowed Mom

So we understand there was some history between you and Aaron?

Aaron and I were college sweethearts. I was crazy about him, but he broke my heart.

What did you think when you saw him after all these years?

He was in pretty bad shape, and he lost his leg shortly thereafter. I couldn’t help feeling something for him – but I was determined to be just friends. I figured I would just help him through a tough time.

But that changed?

Aaron is a very proud person. Respect from others is of paramount importance to him. He doesn’t like to ask for help, and he does not want to be perceived as weak. But what happened to him … it’s very humanizing.

Can you elaborate on that?

The more Aaron tried to keep it together, the harder it got. Yet he wouldn’t admit that to himself or others. It was hard to watch him unravel, you know? Then there’s the night he finally cracked…it was bad…and it was good.

When did you finally give in to his romantic overtures?

When he told me what happened to him in Afghanistan… when he let himself be himself instead of the straight-laced, black-and-white Army officer…I couldn’t resist anymore.

But it wasn’t happily-ever-after?

No, it wasn’t. It was only two-thirds of the way through the book! He got orders to report to Washington. I was hurt and I lashed out at him.

We understand you eventually reunited.

It took three months and this recurring nightmare for me to realize I hadn’t given our relationship the chance it deserved – to admit I loved him but I was scared. When I found him, he was in even worse shape. I had abandoned him at the worst time. There was still so much he had to work through…and more trials we couldn’t have foreseen.

Can you give us some idea of these trials?

Nope. You’ll have to get the book.

So how does it end?

I would say that, where we were at the end of the book is a place that neither of us expected to find ourselves.

Read  More about True Surrender Here.

My First-Ever Holiday Discount Book Sale

Generally speaking, I don’t keep a lot of print copies of my books on hand, because I don’t do a lot of in-person signings and events (and therefore I don’t sell a lot of print copies).

BUT, author-signed books are such a great holiday gift (get one for an aunt, a co-worker, as a thank you for a postal worker or custodian or bus driver… you get the idea!)

SO… ta-da, I’m doing my first ever (maybe annual?) “Hard Copy” sale!

When you buy directly from me, not only will the books be cheaper (Amazon print prices are $10-$15) – they’ll also be author signed. I can even put a special message in the front of the book if you want!

RANGER’S DESTINY – Reg $9.99 / Sale $8

RANGER’S SACRIFICE – Reg $10.99 / Sale $9

DIRECTING ZAC – Reg $11.99 / Sale $9

TEACHING TREY – Reg $11.99 / Sale $9

TRUE SURRENDER – Reg $14.99 / Sale $10

LAST CHANCE RESCUE – Reg $13.99 / Sale $9

(Free Shipping for 3+ books!)

I’ve made ordering as easy as possible – just fill out this Google Form, then send the money via Paypal (you can use a credit card), and that’s it!

Please place your order by November 30, to ensure I have enough time to order copies, receive them, sign them, and have them in your hands no later than December 23. (Note: if you need them before December 23, let me know – I do have a few copies of most books.)

Write a Review, Win a Shirt or Gift Card!

I need your help.

I need reviews from ‘verified purchasers’ on all my books, especially on Amazon. I wrote an article on why reviews are so important to authors if you want a ‘longer’ explanation (if not, just take my word for it!).

I know you’re busy, but if you’ve read ANY of my books and enjoyed them, could you please take five minutes to share your thoughts with others? It doesn’t have to be fancy or long, just heartfelt (see tips for writing a review)! Use these links to jump directly to my books:

Amazon Author Page (access to all my books)

Kobo

Nook

Apple

As a Bonus…

When you leave a review for ANY of my books, take a screen shot and send it to me. I’ll enter your name into my Biketoberfest drawing at the end of December!

 

WHAT YOU COULD WIN

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE: Milwaukee Rally Anniversary Shirt (where ‘hogs’ became a legend) size Large; Patch; Throttle Control; PLUS $40 gift card (you chose: e-tailer (such as Amazon), Starbucks or Caribou)

RUNNER-UP PACKAGES: Starbucks gift card + Nightfire Reflective Patch

 

HOW TO QUALIFY

Amazon and other e-tailers don’t tell us when a new review is written (and honestly, I don’t check very often). So here’s how to get your name in the “Heart Vase”!

Write a review of TEACHING TREY on any platform you use (or multiple ones!)
Take a screen shot of the review and send it to: tracey@traceycramerkelly.com
Your name will be entered in the “Heart Vase” for EACH review you do (so if you do Goodreads, Amazon AND Apple, for example, you have THREE more chances to win)!
My daughter will draw the winning names from the vase no later than December 31, 2017

 

Writing Inspiration: Wounded Veteran and Dancing with the Stars Contestant Noah Galloway

Since I’d rather read or write than watch TV, I’ve never been a big TV watcher. But if I did arrange my schedule around network television, I would watch Dancing with the Stars because I love the artistry in dance. (I once took a ballroom dance class with my husband; it didn’t go well!)

And if I’d known I’d see Noah Galloway on season 20 (in 2015), I would definitely have watched.

You may have heard of Noah. He was an Army infantry soldier injured in a bomb blast in Iraq. He lost his left leg and arm.

As Noah says several times in his book, LIVING WITH NO EXCUSES, his life is no Hollywood movie. And though there were times I wanted more from Noah—a deeper exploration of what he was going through each step of the way—I have to hand it to him for telling it like it was.

He did things that weren’t the smartest: snuck out of Walter Reed on the weekends, signed papers that weren’t accurate, drove drunk, ignored the consequences of driving drunk (for which he spent 10 days in the county jail). At one point he was told he has ADD but he refused to address it.

Along the way, he became a father for the 2nd and 3rd time (his first, born premature, nearly died). He lost his way and sank into alcohol and depression. He struggled in his marriage (and his subsequent relationship with his girlfriend, Jamie).

In his book he also talks about fatherhood. In the early parts of the book, I think he believed it was his most important job, but he didn’t always act like it. I can relate; it took me some time to really embrace motherhood. But we both figured it out; he now makes all his decisions with his children in mind.

Luckily he had people who believed in him. And eventually he started respecting himself again too. He got fit and started running marathons. That lead to an opportunity to be on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. And that’s when Dancing with the Stars took notice.

He struck me as confident in himself (how could he not be to go on national television?) but not ostentatious. When he says yes to something, he’s all in (sometimes to the detriment of his relationships). He has a powerful drive to inspire others, and he has said that the reason he went on DWTS was for exposure. (He almost turned it down.)

For my part, I’m thinking: how can you NOT be inspired to see someone missing limbs, who claims he couldn’t dance even when he was fully bodied, go all the way to #3 on Dancing with the Stars?

Credit should also be given to his dance partner, Sharna Burgess, for great choreography that took advantage of Noah’s strengths. It wasn’t just his dance moves, though. Or the fact that he was an amputee. I’m convinced it was his genuine smile and his approachable attitude. Each dance, he looked like he was enjoying himself (although in his book he admits that he “was hurting” physically). You can see a video of all his DWTS dances below.

I’m not sure if Noah ever considered that his inspirational story could also inspire a fiction romance writer… but it does. And I’ll be watching to see what he does next.

All of Noah’s dances on Dancing with the Stars:

Free Excerpt: Teaching Trey: a Wreck of a Building and a Sleezy Manager

TEACHING TREY: A biker chick. A real estate mogul. And a desperate gambler … (read more)

Amber was starting to wonder if they should knock again when the door swung open. “Well, if it isn’t Miss Morell.” Doug was wearing cutoff jeans and a tank top that had probably been yellow at one time. He leaned heavily on the door jamb. “You could have let me know you were coming. I’d have cleaned the place up.”

He laughed, a dry, humorless bark that made Amber grimace. “After all, I practically begged you to come sooner. Strongly suggested—”

“Mister Olson,” Trey interrupted. “I’m Trey Jordan. I’m here to help Miss Morell figure out what the property needs.”

What it needs is to be condemned!

“Well, isn’t that nice?” Doug was still looking at Amber. “The little lady needs some help. I would have given her all the help she needed if she’d bothered to ask me!”

Little lady?!

Amber was working up her nerve to fire off a comment when Trey said, “I’m sure she will need your help for the foreseeable future.” He put an emphasis on foreseeable. “For now, she would like the key to the garages and storage area.”

Doug switched his attention to Trey, so Amber knew that had caught his interest. “We were partners, you know,” he said. “Her dad and I.”

“It’ll all get straightened out,” Trey said smoothly. “But first, we must start with the keys.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”

Ready to Order? Click here.

© 2017 (chapter 4, TEACHING TREY)