Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 38
May 26, 2017
RAFFLES TO RATTLES by Stacy Eaton
RAFFLES TO RATTLES
The Celebration Township, book 8
by Stacy Eaton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When Sophia Thayer realized that she’d squandered her savings, she decided to take on a second job. She didn’t particularly want to dust off her four-inch dancing shoes and get back into that line of work, but she knew the money would be good, especially if she got the job at Pleasure Your Fantasies.
Scott Allen has had a thing for Sophia since he’d met her, and it wasn’t until she won him at the Valentine’s Day Bachelor Auction that he realized the feeling might be mutual. Although a relationship didn’t initially work out, Scott didn’t give up on a future with her—not until he saw her dancing on stage at a gentlemen’s club and noticed that the owner was staking a claim on her.
When Sophia realizes she’s pregnant with Scott’s child, can the two of them figure out how to move forward and raise the child together—or will her past and present career choices keep Scott from her side?
The house lights darkened and the curtain parted as the music ramped up. Sparkling silver heels and bright red toenails commanded my attention. My eyes rose to shapely legs, and I found myself, strangely enough, licking my lips.
“No way,” Nolan said just as Jason choked on his drink, spraying it all over me.
I glanced at him as I swiped at my face and saw he was staring at the stage, mouth gaping. For some reason, instead of looking at the stage, I glanced at Nolan, who sat stick-straight in his chair, his brows hiked so high on his forehead that they almost disappeared into his hairline.
I snapped my attention to the stage. The woman was halfway down the runway, in the middle of a spin around the pole, her head back, her hair flowing in ribbons of silky brown locks as she went ’round and ’round. When she slid down the pole, she landed in a crouch and stared straight at Quinn Monroe with a look that made me think she wanted to devour him.
“Is that—” I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth.
“What the hell is Sophia doing on that stage?” Nolan whispered over the table without tearing his eyes off of her.
“The hell if I know. She didn’t tell me she was doing this.” I punched Jason, who shifted in his chair, “Did she tell you?”
He whipped his head my way and then back to the stage, “No, Sassy didn’t tell me.”
“Sassy?” Nolan said.
“That’s her stage name, Sassy Pants.”
I was dumbstruck as I watched her move. I had thought she was beautiful before, but this woman in front of me was like my wildest desire unleashed. Seduction oozed off of her. Her long light brown hair had been darkened to a deep brown, and her sexy heart-shaped face was expertly made up to enhance her cheekbones, her seductive eyes, and her pouty lips.
“Damn, she’s good,” Jason said softly, “really good.”
I wanted to punch him in the head and tell him to stop ogling her. In fact, as that thought crossed my mind, I glanced around to see every man in the room, and there were a lot of them, watching every move she made.
I resumed my scrutiny of her, and, for the next several minutes, I was breathless as she took control not only of the stage, but of the crowd, too. The shimmering silver booty shorts she wore looked like a second skin, and the matching silver bra barely concealed the nipple area of her breasts. I forced myself to stay calm, while not trying to picture what I knew was under those tiny strips of cloth.
When her time was up, a man approached Quinn and bent down. The man nodded, and then he turned and walked toward the back. Quinn rose from his chair and headed in the opposite direction as he buttoned his suit jacket.
Reba’s voice startled me as she spoke to us, and her words were like a knife to my chest, “Looks like she gets to dance privately for the boss, lucky girl.”
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Welcome to Celebration Township.
Casey Lowe is new in town and hiding from her past. Her next-door neighbor, Thad Wagner, is a sexy police officer, who is good with his hands, and his lips, but Casey refuses to get involved with a married man, and Thad can't seem to understand why she keeps pushing him away. No matter how they try to stay apart, something keeps drawing them together. When an unexpected visitor shows up at Casey's house the week before Christmas, her future is on the line. Will Thad figure it out in time to save her, or will Casey become a conspirator to a murderer?
Tangled in Tinsel is the first book in the thirteen-story novella series that takes place in quaint Celebration Township, Pennsylvania. The rest of the series will begin to release in the fall of 2016.
Linda Maxim is a woman who learned early on how to work hard and succeed. Her only regret is that the man she loved disappeared just days after she got pregnant at the tender age of sixteen.
Fourteen years later, Ian Dugan needs a break from life and ends up crashing his vehicle and waking up in the hospital to find Linda watching over him.
Can Linda forgive Ian for leaving her alone as a pregnant teen? Will Ian be able to forgive Linda and himself when he learns of the daughter he never knew about? Find out on New Year’s Eve if Ian can erase the tears and find something to cheer about.
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Jason Hayes loves working as a nurse and living in Celebration Township—or he did until Riayn Simmers showed up in town, and a secret from his past is threatened to be exposed.
Riayn Simmers is shocked to find her college love-and the man she had called a heathen-residing in the same town as her aunt. Now Riayn needs to decide if she can handle sticking around to run her aunt’s bakery, My Baked Buns.
Somehow Riayn and Jason must find a way to coexist in the small town, but what happens when Jason’s secret is exposed and he’s up to be auctioned off at the Valentine’s Day Party? Will the town believe, as Riayn once did, that Jason truly is a heathen, or will he finally win over her heart for good?
Dabby Finnegan got roped into being auctioned off for the annual Valentine’s Party, and nothing could have prepared him to face the vibrant and determined Paige Brogan. From the moment she jumps into his arms to collect her prize, his life will change.
Paige Brogan has had a crush on Dabby for a long time, and this auction is exactly what she’s been waiting for to finally catch his eye. When Paige wins a date with Dabby, the only thing she wants to do is spend the day with him working at his tavern.
As Paige and Dabby get to know one another, Dabby has a hard time understanding why this incredible woman would be interested in him. It’s when the rainbows are overhead, and green beer is flowing that Dabby finally realizes what he has and vows to never lose it.
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Missy Moresco might be Celebration Police Department’s police dispatcher, but she’s also got her thumb on the pulse of the township. When FBI Agent Casper Princeton shows up in town on a case, Missy and Casper go undercover to protect the real reason he’s there by pretending they are a couple.
With Missy’s snarky comments and Casper’s quick comebacks, these two find it hard to keep a professional distance. When Casper needs to rush home to a family emergency, Missy is torn on whether it’s a good thing or a bad one. Just when she decides it doesn’t matter, Casper shows up on her doorstep with his five-year-old daughter.
Can Missy and Casper keep the fake relationship going while they wait for his case to come to a head, or will his daughter and his job come between them before Easter arrives?
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Corrine Wagner is determined to make a good life for herself and her son while hunting for the perfect man to complete her family. Unfortunately, with her crazy schedule of school and work, her patience begins to run thin with her constantly-in-trouble, five-year-old son, Tommy.
Nolan Tigues has lived across the street from Corrine his whole life—and carried a torch for her almost as long. When Nolan tries to help Corrine with Tommy, she takes it all the wrong way. She can’t believe Nolan thinks she’s a bad mom.
Can Nolan find a way to prove to Corrine that he cares about her—and about Tommy—as more than just a friend, or will Corrine push away the man who could give her everything she’s dreamed of her whole life?
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Harper Reed has run her family owned Bed & Breakfast for three years, and recently turned it into a place for couples to spice up their relationships. Harper has a dream for her business and her future, but recent events might upend those romantic dreams.
When Mason Tidewater arrives at her Inn, Harper believes its fate that has brought them together. While Mason doesn’t believe in fate, things start to happen in Celebration Township that could change his mind. Unfortunately, the reason he’s here in the first place, might destroy any chance he has with Harper.
During the Memorial Day celebration Mason must decide if he’s ready for sparklers or spankings, or perhaps if fate is good, he could have both.
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Brandy Nottingham has known Casey Lowe since high school and can’t wait to see firsthand how wonderful Casey’s life is with Thad Wagner in Celebration Township. As Brandy is introduced to some of Casey’s friends, she literally collides with a man from her past.
It’s been fourteen years since Chase Stevens held Brandy in his arms, and while the two of them clean the tray of paint they spilled on themselves, Chase is painfully reminded of how he’d been left on the pier all alone all those years ago.
As Chase and Brandy try to find a way to deal with the painful and embarrassing past, Brandy needs to decide what her future is going to be. If she were to stay in Celebration, she could lose everything she’s ever known—including her family and their money.
Could Chase be enough for her, or will he realize that he could never offer her the life to which she is accustomed?
Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter who is working toward her second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and on the choral and cheerleading squads at school. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.
Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.
Be sure to visit her website for updates and more information on her books.
Sign up for all the latest information on Stacy’s Newsletter!
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Romance Between The Pages presents...
Ever wondered about the personalities behind your favorite books? Victoria Danann's new podcast with Riley J. Ford has an incredible lineup of authors booked through the spring. No question is out of bounds. Check it out!
THIS WEEK'S BEST SELLING AUTHOR...
KATY REGNERY!
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013.
Twenty-five books later, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled, New York Times and USA Today Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other standalone novels and novellas.
Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1-4, became a New York Times E-book bestseller.
In 2016, Katy signed a print-only agreement with Spencerhill Press. As a result, her Blueberry Lane paperback books will now be distributed to brick and mortar bookstores all over the United States.
Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.
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DARK LORD OF THE NIGHT by S.K. Ryder
DARK LORD OF THE NIGHT
Dark Destinies, book 2
by S.K. Ryder
Genre: Paranormal Romance
The only thing standing between a new vampire and eternal darkness is the fragile mortal woman who claims his heart.
Youngling vampire Dominic Marchant struggles to master his deadly instincts as he hunts the urban jungles of South Florida. He keeps his hunger confined to the blood of the guilty with help from Cassidy Chandler, a human woman who can literally touch his soul. Their love is his last remaining tether to humanity, which is tested beyond endurance when powerful forces from his past introduce him to terrifying new appetites he could never have imagined.
His efforts to protect Cassidy from the depravity overtaking him push their relationship to the brink of shattering. Refusing to give up on the man who is her heart, she takes an unthinkable gamble to save him. But is she fulfilling an ominous prophecy that ensnares them both? Or has she become just another pawn in a cunning game played by the five-thousand-year-old vampire who claims Dominic as his own?
Desperate to rescue her from a fate worse than death, Dominic strikes a perilous bargain with his greatest enemies only to face an impossible choice--embrace his darkest self…or destroy the woman he cannot live without.
Eddie marched across the bed and head-butted Cassidy’s scrunched-up face. Then he gave Dominic’s nose a thorough sniff. Any other night he would have been elated at this sign of trust and acceptance from his little predator brother. All he felt now was an inexplicable anger. With the tips of his fangs showing, he snarled at the cat.
Saucer-eyed and flat-eared, Eddie bolted backward as though blown by a wind. He thumped off the foot of the bed with an uncharacteristic lack of grace and hustled out the door.
Cassidy sat up. “Okay, that’s it. What is going on with you? What the hell happened out there?”
Dominic studied the ceiling. “I’m not sure.”
“What do you mean you’re not sure? Did you kill anyone I know?”
“Non. Nobody you know.” Though that would have been so much simpler to explain.
A small fold creased the skin above her freckled nose. “But someone did die?”
He told her in French.
“I get the bastard part but not the rest,” she said, her words clipped with agitation. Her lack of comprehension of his first language was yet another sign that their minds were currently far from one.
“He died before I ever touched him,” he clarified. “Apparently I scared him to death.”
She stared at him. The corner of her mouth twitched before she gave a small cough that sounded suspiciously like a stifled giggle. “Oh. Really. I can’t imagine how that might have happened.”
He shot her a sour look.
“Your alter ego must have been terribly disappointed, poor baby.”
“Beside himself,” he muttered. He couldn’t meet her eyes anymore.
After a brief silence, she said, “But that’s not what you don’t want to show me, is it?” The disappointment in her tone scratched at his heart, but he remained still. “You know better than that. I know you do.” She cupped his face in one hand. “I’m here for you, my love. Always. No matter what. We’re a team.”
A well-spring of uncertainty opened within him. His whole body ached with his need for her. How could he exist without being part of her? How could he exist without her love?
How could he exist with her knowing what he had almost done?
He gathered her close. Emotion squeezed his words into a harsh whisper. “I made you a solemn promise that I will be by your side as long as you will have me. On my eternal life, this is an oath I will not betray.” And he would do nothing to motivate her not to have him. Nothing at all. “But I need time. Just a little time. To think about some things. On my own.”
“Vampire things?” she wondered against his chest.
He loosened his hold far enough to meet her eyes, making no effort to hide his hunger for her, nor his love, or his gratitude. “Oui.”
“Don’t I know all about those by now?”
“Perhaps too much,” he admitted. How she stayed sane knowing all she did about his hellish world mystified him.
Her eyes glistened, but her voice remained steady. “I see.” She inclined her head in a tiny surrender. “All right. Maybe I should think about some human things. For a change.”
He kissed her, tasting all the resignation and disappointment she felt—and feeling all the hope in her tender response. Always hope. “J’taime, mon amour,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers. “I am yours. No matter what, I am yours. Never forget that.”
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His future is already written...in her blood.
Rookie journalist Cassidy Chandler wakes to an ugly bruise on her neck, a hole in her memory, and a fiancé who seems to know more about what happened than he's telling. It's enough to make Cassidy call off the engagement and move out, even if that means trading a posh South Florida mansion for a dilapidated beach house. Unfortunately, she also trades one devious man for another questionable character in her unexpected new roommate: the darkly enigmatic and exasperatingly French Dominic Marchant.
For Dominic Marchant secrecy is a matter of survival. As a newborn vampire with dangerous enemies, he's sure the headstrong young woman invading his lair with an unknown vampire's mark on her throat is about to get him killed. But the charming Cassidy resists his every effort to make her leave and even embroils him in her own tumultuous life. Before he knows it, she has stolen his heart and helps him rediscover his lost humanity. Now he's fighting to protect her not only from the ancient vampires hunting him, but also from his own deadly desire for her.
But her secretive ex isn't done with her yet, and neither is the dark prophecy Cassidy and Dominic's unlikely relationship has set in motion. Together they are swept up in a battle where nothing is as it seems, love and deception are the weapons of choice, and the only way to survive is to risk everything--for each other.
S.K. Ryder is a software developer by day, a scribe by night and answers to Susan any time. She writes the type of stories she loves to read: heart-pounding adventures full of supernatural mysteries and relationships between strong, compelling characters. Though she calls South Florida home, she has also lived in Germany and Canada and has traveled widely, usually in the hot pursuit of wild and scenic nature. When not debugging code, complicating her characters' lives or plotting her next rafting adventure down the Grand Canyon, she can be found beach combing, scuba diving, sailing or just hanging out with a good book. When push comes to shove, she can also bake a halfway decent cake and stand on her head, though not at the same time.
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PROMO TOUR FOR ANGELA SCAVONE
PROMO TOUR FOR ANGELA SCAVONE
Love by the Book & A Journey Home
LOVE BY THE BOOK
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Fairytales don’t always work out the way you plan.
Jenn Taylor has been with her husband, Jack, since they were in college. They had a fairytale life plan. They were going to finish college, get married and have three, perfect, children all two and a half years apart.
What happens is, the three perfect children become the four, not so perfect, children. Jenn and Jack are so busy keeping a handle on work and children that they don’t have the time, or energy, to keep the spark in their marriage. Jenn has noticed, lately, that the romance in her marriage is fading therefore she reads romance novels to ensconce herself in a world of romance.
Jenn complains to her friends about the lack of romance in her marriage, her friends suggest that to help spark up the marriage to recreate some of the scenes from her much-loved romance novels and surprise her husband.
Several attempts at recreating scenes from different novels are made, each one becoming increasingly complex and each one failing in a hilarious fashion. All the while she is trying to contend with three boys who do not know how to stay out of trouble, and a, environmentally and socially conscience, daughter who is trying to obtain her goal of becoming a vegan.
Is her marriage doomed to stay in a rut forever? Will she finally succeed in bringing the romance back? Or will she end up permanently injuring her husband with all the romantic scene mishaps?
Jack came in the door and he seemed startled to see me standing there. I gave him a glass of wine.
“What’s all this?” he asked. I told him that the children were at my parents and we were going to have a romantic evening.
We sat on the blanket on the floor, in front of the fireplace, drinking wine and talking about our day.
Suddenly he said, “Honey, I can’t take this heat anymore. Can we please douse the fire?”
“Oh, but it’s so beautiful,” I said, a little sad, and then I turned and looked at him.
He was seriously sweating. I mean pouring down his face, shirt soaked kind of sweating.
“Oh my God! Are you okay?” I asked, concerned.
“No, I’m super hot. I understand this is really beautiful and really nice, but Jen it’s ninety-five degrees outside and almost one hundred and twenty degrees in here. Can we please lose the fire?”
Jack got up and put his hand out to help me up. His hand was so sweaty that when I put my full weight on him to stand, my hand slipped out of his, and I fell forward, toward the coffee table.
I had put about ten candles on the coffee table to ‘enhance the mood.’ When I fell, I hit about five of them, and they knocked into the other five. All ten candles hit the floor in different spots. We dove to grab them all before the carpet caught fire and the house burned down. When we had them all out and back on the table, we stared at the carpet, our newly-installed white carpet, and the ten little burn marks where all the candles had hit the floor.
“Oh, well,” Jack said with a hint of a smile around his lips. “The kids were going to ruin it anyway.”
We sat in silence, on the couch, for a little while, my head on Jack’s shoulder, enjoying each other’s company. I kept thinking this was it, this is when The Millionaire’s Mistress scene is going to start. This was going to put Tuesday nights to shame. I raised my head up to give him a steamy kiss, to basically let him know ‘it was on,’ and he was asleep. Yes, you read that correctly.
He was sleeping. S.l.e.e.p.i.n.g.
I smacked him on the top of the head.
“What did you do that for?” He woke up with a shocked expression on his face.
“Why are you sleeping?” I was on my feet by this point.
“Because I just worked a sixty-hour work week, and I’m exhausted. It’s after eleven. Do you know that?”
“Yes, I know that! I thought we were having a nice night, and we were going to make mad, passionate love, all night long, right here in the living room!”
He looked up at me, all confused, and said, “But it’s not Tuesday.”
A JOURNEY HOME
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
Stephanie Tyler’s sole job is to fly overseas to war torn areas of the world to retrieve and escort the bodies of fallen soldiers back home to the United States. It is a tough and emotional job but she is honored for the privilege. Her duty also helps her to escape her past and her failed marriage.
But those flights have become increasingly more dangerous and she is forced to have a partner accompany her. Much to Stephanie’s surprise and dismay, she is partnered up with her ex-husband, Captain “D.A.” Douglas Aston.
From the moment Captain D.A. enters the scene, he irritates her. It could have something to do with the fact he slept with her best friend while they were married. As they go on several missions together, Stephanie is forced to be courteous and professional with D.A. even though the very sight of him irritates her beyond comprehension.
Then, Stephanie’s cheating, husband stealing, ex-best friend is killed in Afghanistan and Stephanie and D.A. must escort her body home. While executing this difficult duty, a myriad of conflicting emotions makes Stephanie ponder how short life really is . . . and to question her own ability to forgive.
The phone intercom buzzed and Pam came over the speaker. “Sorry to interrupt, Colonel, but you wanted me to let you know when Captain Aston was here.”
I stared at the Colonel wide-eyed.
He merely smiled and said, “Thanks, Pam. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“He’s here now?” I asked, incredulously.
“Didn’t I mention that?” He rose from his chair and walked to the door as I stood and straightened my uniform.
The Colonel stood with his hand on the doorknob, watching me fuss. “You look tremendous, Captain.”
“What? Oh I don’t care what I look like for him,” I immediately protested, waving my hand in the air.
“Of course.” He was still smiling as he opened the door. “Captain Aston, please come in.”
I heard his voice first. “Thank you, Colonel.”
I glanced down at my uniform to make sure everything was in place before he came into the room. When I looked back up, Captain Aston was walking through the door.
To the female eye, he was a very attractive man. He stood at six-four and was well built, but not so much that muscles and tendons were popping out everywhere. He had a strong jaw and black hair just long enough to run your fingers through. Dressed in full uniform, his handsome features were even more prominent.
Not that I noticed.
“Please come in and we can discuss your new role.”
“Yes, Sir.” Captain DA put out his hand for me to shake, flashing his killer smile that started in his bright blue eyes and ended in a set of mouth-framing dimples. “Good to see you again, Captain.”
I returned his smile and handshake, determined to be professional in front of the Colonel even if it killed me.
Colonel Madison resumed his place behind his desk. “Please sit. This is a quick, informal meeting to get reacquainted with each other.”
I remained on my feet which kept both men standing. “Sir, with all due respect,” I began, facing the Colonel, “I cannot work with Captain Aston.” Apparently, my mouth wasn’t on board with being professional.
“Why not?” DA asked, sounding offended.
I ignored his question and kept my attention on the Colonel, who looked as if he were about to laugh. “We used to be married.”
“I know that.” He smiled.
“Our marriage did not end on a positive note,” I continued, “and I don’t think I can work with him on a day to day basis. In fact, I left Virginia to get away from him.”
“You know, I’m standing right here,” DA chimed in.
“Captain Tyler, are you telling me you can’t put your differences aside to work together as a team? Even though I asked you as a personal favor?” The Colonel’s smile had vanished and there was now a warning in his tone.
“No, Sir.” I heard the warning and decided it was time to back off the fight. “I’ll try putting our differences aside to work together, but I can’t promise I won’t kill him in the process.”
The Colonel coughed out a chuckle. “That’s all I can ask for. Now, you—hopefully—have some time off before another call comes in. Why don’t you show Captain DA around?”
The Colonel spoke as I reached for the door handle. “I’m curious, off the record, of course. How did your marriage not continue on a positive note? I remember the wedding. You two seemed so compatible and so in love. What happened?”
DA and I looked at each other for the first time since his arrival.
“He cheated on me with a friend of mine,” I replied baldly.
“I did not cheat on you! How many times do I have to say it before you believe me?” he retorted, all vestiges of professionalism gone.
“Oh, here we go again!” I shouted back. “I came home early, I walked into the kitchen and there was Alex on top of you on the kitchen floor.”
“I told you it wasn’t what it looked like. I have said over and over again that I did not sleep with Alex!” His tone increased until he was shouting, too.
“You’re telling me that you two never slept together?” I demanded an answer.
“Well . . .” He looked away from me. “Not while we were married.”
“I knew it!”
“It was after we were separated and you had moved here! What did you want me to do? Never sleep with anyone again?”
“You can sleep with whomever or whatever you want for all I care—”
“Ahem.” The Colonel cut in. I jerked back, startled; in the heat of arguing with my frustrating ex, I had forgotten my boss was there.
“Sorry, Sir. Do you see why I can’t work with him?”
The Colonel regarded us both. “Alex?” he questioned DA.
“Alexandra Keating, Sir. She was Stephanie’s best friend.”
“Best friend, my left toe! She’s a traitorous, backstabbing, two-faced, lying, husband stealing bitch.”
“Wow, that’s quite descriptive, Captain. Why don’t you tell us your true feelings about her?” Both of the Colonel’s eyebrows rose in shock.
“I’m only speaking the truth, Sir.” I addressed the Colonel but glared at DA.
“Well.” He clapped his hands together to signal the end of our bickering. “I know you two can be respectful when escorting a fallen soldier home and I know you will be professional during the dignified transfer ceremonies. However, please try and be professional at other times as well or at least civil to each other.” He waved us toward the door.
DA and I both nodded and exited the office. Before we could leave the reception area, the Colonel poked his head out of his office door.
“And, Captain Tyler-”
“Sir?”
“Try not to kill him, please. He just arrived at our base and it wouldn’t look good in the press.”
Knowing the Colonel had a wicked sense of humor, I still couldn’t find my own jocularity. “No promises, Sir, But I’ll give it my best shot.”
“That’s all I ask.”
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Angela lives in Ontario, Canada sharing her home with her father and her two much-loved pups. She currently works for the Board of Education behind the scenes supporting and analyzing student data, however, in her spare time, apart from her avid love of storytelling, she likes to read, spend time with family and friends and concoct dairy free recipes from scratch. Sometimes she wins some, and sometimes she loses some – tofu, banana and peanut butter pudding we are looking at you.
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May 23, 2017
WORKING WITH IT by Cass Alexander
WORKING WITH IT
The Persimmon Series, Book 3
by Cass Alexander
Genre: New Adult, Romantic Comedy
Morgan Pottinger is counting the days until graduation. Her plans are to leave small town Kentucky and never look back. As she starts her senior year at Persimmon College, she finds herself the object of Nate Stevenson’s affections. Despite her spaz-like tendencies, Nate makes it clear he wants her. Morgan cannot resist the sexy, intelligent guy that keeps her on her toes and ties her up in knots.
There’s just one problem. Morgan needs to break up with her hometown boyfriend before pursuing anything with Nate. A series of catastrophes back home continuously interfere with her attempts to end the relationship. At this rate, she’ll be married to the loser by March and Nate will be just another casualty in the disaster that is her life. Lucky for Morgan, Nate’s much smarter than she is.
“How was your summer?”
I decide to go with the polite response and say, “Good, thanks.”
It’s not like I can say I spent the summer pretending to like my boyfriend, refusing to touch his man parts, and debating daily if I could order a vibrator online and sneak it past my parents once it landed on the front porch.
I turn to see if Nate’s through the doorway and catch him eying my ass. Well, that’s different.
“Uh, Morgan?”
“Yes?”
“The, uh, the back of your dress …”
Why is he having trouble spitting out words? He’s acting like me, for crissakes. I turn my neck and try to look, but my giant backpack is all I can see.
I take my hand to wipe at the fabric, thinking there must be an insect on it. I hit air, then skin, and then the edge of my underwear. Oh. My. God.
“Shit!” I whisper-yell, frantically pulling at my dress to get it down over my ass.
No wonder my cheeks weren’t sweaty in this humidity. They were getting aired-out.
My brain does a mental checklist of which underwear I have on. Red bikini with the word ‘Monday’ written across the butt. They’re cute, but maybe a little immature. And definitely not for display. Kind of like me.
I chance a look at Nate and I’m shocked at his expression. Nate’s giving me the most heated stare I’ve ever had the pleasure of receiving.
What I wouldn’t give to be on the receiving end of that look for an extended period of time. His girlfriend is so lucky. The bitch.
I try to smother my laugh at my brain’s catty ability to focus on Nate’s girlfriend instead of the mortification I’m currently experiencing, but the snicker comes out anyway.
The corner of his mouth turns up. He must think I’m laughing about the indecent exposure. Good. Run with it, Morgan. It’s not like I don’t know I’m a walking calamity.
“Well, I guess I should thank you for saying something. So, thank you.”
I bow my head and dip a little too low. I look down and can clearly see my cleavage. Which means he can, as well. I straighten quickly and see his eyes on my chest. I’m a damn train wreck today.
“I should probably run away now. Far, far away, before a giant bird of prey swoops down and rips off my dress. Because that seems to be today’s trajectory. Sooo, yeah, I guess I’ll see ya around, Nate.”
I raise my hand and wave, even though he’s five feet from me. I kind of feel like punching myself in the face. Unfortunately, I can’t hit hard enough to knock myself out.
Nate laughs. “You’re funny, Morgan. I like that.”
“Oh, let’s not forget awkward.” I’m not trying to be funny. Awkward shit is just part of my daily life.
“At least you got the right day of the week.”
“Yes, I’m good at calendars.”
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Cass Alexander is the pen name of a Southern born and bred public school teacher. Her brother, who insists she address him as, The Prince of Darkness, gave her the nom de plume after warning her that her book’s content may scar her sons for life.
She’s a connoisseur of fine humor, hilarious insults, and all things chocolate, preferably dark (like her humor). Oh, and wine. Let’s not forget the wine. Cass also enjoys running. It’s become crucial to her survival, due to her consumption of wine and chocolate.
Cass’s mission in life is to spread the love and the laughter, goodness knows it’s needed. It’s why she wrote The Persimmon Series.
She and her family now reside in the Midwest, where hardly anyone other than Cass says the words, y’all and holler.
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May 20, 2017
May We Fill Your Kindle giveaway
Let us pack your e-readers with some great reads for those long summer days that are just around the corner. No matter what you prefer to read, you’re sure to find some below.
Please note, that by downloading any of the books below you are agreeing to be added to that authors newsletter. We promise not to spam you and we’ll never sell your email address. In most cases once you’re added you’ll receive a welcome email which might possibly contain additional free books, so be sure to check your email.
Paranormal & Fantasy Romance
A Question of Faith by Nicole Zoltack
Alaskan Tigers Box Set Volume One by Marissa Dobson
Alpha Wolf Defender by Emilia Hartley
Assassin’s Honor by Monica Burns
Bear Enchantment by Cecilia Lane
Beyond the Sun by Sandra Bischoff
Billionaire Bear’s Bride by Candace Ayers
Borrowed & Blue by Lynda Haviland
Darkness Rising by Lisa Carlisle
Faerie Princess: Violet Chaser by Erica Reeder
Healer’s Magic by Teagan Kearney
No Ordinary Fairy by Claire Davon
Primal Honeymoon by Olivia Harp
Sorcha’s Heart by Debbie Mumford
Taken for the Alien Prince by Ruth Anne Scott
To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson
The Dragon’s Passion by K.T Stryker
The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood
Traces of Poppy by Decadent Kane
Velicious part one by Shelique lize
Contemporary Romance
Any Blooming Thing by Marisa Logan
Before the Leap by Liz Isaacson
Billionaire’s Protest by Kira Blakely
Crazy Beautiful by Jessica Serra Huizenga
Ellie’s Encounter by Caitlyn Lynch
Her Fake Fiancé Billionaire Boss by Piper Sullivan
Hope for Her (Hope Series Book #1) by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Lexi’s Chance by Constance Phillips
Life’s Second Chances by Anne Stone
Perilous Passions by Ashlee Price
Playing With Fire by Suzie Nelson
Returning for Valentine’s by Victoria Pinder
Showing Him Who’s Boss (Complete Box Set) by Sharon Cummin
Summer Ever After by M.C. Cerny
Taken by the Baller by River Laurent
Tapping The Bad Boy by Lauren Wood
The Filthy Billionaire by Samantha Andrews
Winter Arrives by Roz Marshall
Erotic Romance
Bad Things Happen by Celia Fay
Not Quite Juliet by Katherine Rhodes
Somebody’s Lover by Jasmine Haynes
Historical Romance
A Love That Never Tires by Allyson Jeleyne
Love’s Portrait by Monica Burns
New Adult Romance
Chosen: Part One by Josie Litton
First Kiss by Ann Marie Frohoff
Momentous Kisses by Jessica Gray
Romantic Suspense
Beachcomber Investigations by Stephanie Queen
Being Nobody- book 1 in The Witness Series by H. D’Agostino
Flawless Mistake by Rachel Wood
Secrets & Lies by Elleby Harper
THE MOMMY DETECTIVES AND THE BINGO HALL MYSTERY by Alathia Paris Morgan
THE MOMMY DETECTIVES AND THE BINGO HALL MYSTERY
The Mommy Detectives series, book 1
by Alathia Paris Morgan
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Sunni Wilson, child-wrangler extraordinaire, thought raising twin preschoolers and a teenager was the hardest thing she’d ever do, but that was before she joined the local moms’ group and plunged headfirst into life-threatening hijinks.
A shady character, suspicious packages, and a kidnapped aunt are only the beginning when the moms decide to take the law into their own hands to stop the drug dealers infiltrating their town.
Join Sunni and her friends through the joys of motherhood, kooky neighbors, and hair-raising adventures to find the ones threatening all the group holds dear…their families.
“Wasn’t your niece supposed to pick us up?”
“She was and she’s never late. I wonder what happened.” Before Aunt Marie could call Sunni, Kristi pulled up to the sidewalk with a screech in her SUV.
“Hop in. Did the guy already leave that we’re supposed to follow?” Kristi asked through the open window.
“He’s over there, but it looks like he’s about to leave.” Carolina pointed to Zach as he got in a Monte Carlo from the ‘90s that was a goldish color.
Aunt Marie got in next to Kristi’s two daughters while Carolina took the front seat.
“Do you really think we should follow him?” Aunt Marie asked uncertain since he'd been so nice to her.
“I’ve never followed someone before, but we don’t want to lose him if that is the plan.” Kristi responded pulling in directly behind him at the stop sign.
“Come on, that was the plan we had before, but no more fast driving or he’ll know you’re following him.” Carolina urged motioning toward the disappearing vehicle.
“All right, but where’s Sunni?” Aunt Marie gave in with many reservations.
“Flynn actually managed to get a rock stuck in his ear so they are at the emergency room having it removed. She called me, but I had to pick up the girls from school and race over here. I barely made it on time.” Kristi glanced over her shoulder at Aunt Marie, “Didn’t she call you?”
“Aw crap. I had the phone on silent during bingo.” She started digging through her purse for the silent phone.
A sudden stop, caused her to grab hold of the seat in front of her for support.
“Blast it.” Kristi muttered as the gold car made it through the red light and several cars got in between them.
“Hey, Kristi it’s okay. We should let a few cars be around him so he won’t know we are following him. Don’t change lanes when he does unless he’s turning somewhere.” Aunt Marie cautioned.
“I watched some videos last night on the art of surveillance and how not to be spotted by your prey. Since he’s seen us and kind of knows who we are then we have to be extra careful.” The buzzing of her phone interrupted Aunt Marie’s lesson.
“Sunni, is Flynn okay?” She placed her finger in her ear to block out the noise from the two women arguing how far back they should stay now that they were in a residential area.
“He’s fine except for the rock stuck in his ear. We’re just waiting for the nurse to call us back so they can it taken out safely. I’ll call you back once we’ve seen the doctor to find out how the surveillance is going.”
Aunt Marie didn’t have a chance to ask anything else because Sunni had stopped listening to the phone and was trying to keep Flynn from kicking the soda machine to make a free soda come out. Aunt Marie hung up to concentrate on the drama in the car.
“He’s stopping at that house on the left. Drive by and we will circle the block to find a place to park.”
“Duck everyone.” Carolina cried out as they started to pass where Zach parked.
“Carolina! We’ve talked about this before. No yelling in the car unless someone is actively shooting at us.” Kristi admonished taking the corner on two wheels as she began to hurry so they wouldn’t miss anything that Zach did.
Kristi expertly parked between two vehicles so that she was facing the street with what they assumed was Zach’s house. It was just two house to the left of the street they were on and they had a full view of everything that went on in the yard. Hopefully he wouldn’t notice her vehicle just around the corner because, Carolina could get really loud at times.
“Girls, I feel bad spying on him. He really helped me out with my panic attack today. He was a gentleman.” Aunt Marie protested now that they were parked and she had a chance to regain her equilibrium from their crazy three mile chase.
“That is what this whole exercise is about. We will find out if he is selling drugs and if the sweet old woman in his clutches needs to be rescued we can help her.”
Carolina was just getting started on her theories so it was looked like they were in for a long afternoon.
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Join the release party takeover of The Bingo Hall Mystery.
Alathia is celebrating the arrival of her fourth book and the first in this series.
Check out the schedule of attending authors over the 3 day event.
May 25th
Thurs 6 pm CST Alathia Paris Morgan
7 pm CST Bre Meli
8 pm CST Jessica Gomez
9 pm CST Shaan Ranae
10 pm CST Jade Royal
11 pm CST Bella Emy
Friday May 26th
6 pm CST Lilly Rayman
7 pm CST Emmy Gatrell
8 pm CST Annie Bluff
9 pm CST Rebecca Norman
Saturday May 27th
6 pm CST Amy Allen Hallmark
7 pm CST Ardent Rose
8 pm CST Emery LeeAnn
10 pm CST YM Zachary
11 pm CST Alathia Paris Morgan to close it out the party.
Alathia is known to those around her for having an a long time love affair/obsession with Dr. Pepper, she has asked to be buried with a can so that it never runs out in the after life. Always bossy, she uses her mothering instincts to help others and share awareness of abuse in child and domestic situations.
A B.S. in History and English gave wings to her vivid imagination in book form. A supportive and loving husband has given her the chance to make her dreams a reality. Their three daughters and three dogs keep her busy while writing is a great way for her to wind down and destress.
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LINDA GETS HER GROOVE THING by JD Frettier
LINDA GETS HER GROOVE THING
The Green Room Chronicles, book 2
by JD Frettier
Genre: Spicy Romantic Comedy
Linda White is on a mission to sic Karma on her cheating, ex-husband Grey in this laugh out loud second installment of the erotically incorrect Green Room Chronicles.
After being blindsided with infidelity and financial devastation, recently widowed Linda has sworn off men forever. Nearing middle age, her dream of retiring early from the airlines is no longer within reach, so, she retreats into the world of battery operated boyfriends to deal with the stress. When the one purchase Linda counts on for a long haul flight to Paris backfires, she passes away suddenly… from a conniption fit, of all things!
Linda lands in the infamous Green Room where she’s met by veteran Green Roomers, Dee Smeltzer and Bonnie Hampton. Always up for stirring the pot and having a good time, they introduce Linda to the finer aspects of the Green Room and Edwina Starr, the renowned sorceress who has a few Karmatic spells up her sleeve. Let’s just say, ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’
Join Linda, Dee, Bonnie, and a few familiar Green Room faces—old and new—for a frolicking green time that will leave you in stitches as Karma comes full circle.
It’s Halloween and I’m packing for Paris. Before getting all excited for me, let me explain. Yes, it is Paris, but I’m a flight attendant and this is my job. The trip is not for pleasure, but the contents in the package I’m waiting for will insure my trip is full of pleasure anyway. The kind of pleasure that doesn’t cheat on you, doesn’t break your heart, and doesn’t leave you wallowing in debt. More about that later…
The grandfather clock in the den rings its familiar Big Ben chime. It’s straight up twelve noon. At the same time, the ding dong of the doorbell sounds and I rush to answer it. Left eye closed, I squint and peer through the peephole. My heart skips a beat at the sight of the younger-than-me UPS dude on the other side of the door. Tanned and muscular, he looks damn hot in those dark brown shorts. Tucked under his arm is a little brown package. He’s writing on his clipboard while I watch with excitement. When I don’t open the door, he grabs the knocker and gives it three loud repetitive raps which startle me into action. He’s pleasant when I answer.
“Afternoon, ma’am. I have a package for a…” he glances at his board, “…Linda White. It needs a signature.”
My cheeks splitting from my huge smile, I gush, “I’m Linda White.”
He extends the clipboard and smiles back. “All righty, then. Sign on the dotted line, Ms. White, and this baby is all yours.”
In a flash my signature is scribbled on the document. Heart beating in anticipation now that this little beauty is in my possession, my foot closes the door while I’m thinking, Honey, you have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this. Back braced against the door, I take a deep breath. Ordered weeks ago, I am dying to meet my new travel companion, BOB.
After dashing to the kitchen, I slice open the top of the package with a paring knife. My G-Spot stimulator is calling to me! I’ve timed this purchase, and was assured delivery would be made before five p.m. today. I’d even been tracking the package online all week in my anticipation. This was going to be a long haul flight, and I wasn’t looking forward to tackling it without some kind of relief.
The small box packed inside bubble wrap has the item color checked as ‘black’. I’d ordered hot pink, so I grab my glasses to read the label closer. My blood pressure rises when I see that what I’ve received is not my G-spot stimulator, “guaranteed to make you squirt with pleasure,” but, rather, a butt plug.
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FREE MAY 23 & 24
DESPERATELY SEEKING SIXTY-NINE
The year is 1969. Though there is war and unrest in the world, on August 15th, on a farm in upstate New York, a little concert will go down in history as the most famous music festival of our time: Woodstock.
It also happens to be the day Bonnie McMillan and Peter Hampton meet and begin their free-spirited love-filled journey with each other. What happens at Woodstock stays at Woodstock, right? Nope!
Fast forward forty-seven years. Bonnie unexpectedly passes after a night of hot sex and is whisked up to Purgatory, ‘The Green Room’ as they call it. Bonnie’s best friend meets her at the pearly green gates and the fun begins, from body sculpting to channeling.
Follow Bonnie on her erotically incorrect quest to re-connect with the love of her life. Or at the very least, make sure the sex toys are hidden before the kids start sorting through her things!
JD Frettier is the nom de plume of USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Theriot. Being a child of the 1960s and Woodstock era, she was elated when a quirky couple spoke to her, requesting their love story be told. It was an offer she couldn’t refuse, so she decided to venture into the world of paranormal via 'channeling' with her debut novella, Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine. JD’s laptop and mind are now open to new characters. She’s already interviewed and selected one for the next installment of her Green Room Chronicles....so stay tuned!
May 17, 2017
Romance Between The Pages presents...
Ever wondered about the personalities behind your favorite books? Victoria Danann's new podcast with Riley J. Ford has an incredible lineup of authors booked through the spring. No question is out of bounds. Check it out!
THIS WEEK'S BEST SELLING AUTHOR...
MELANIE HARLOW!
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.
Melanie is the author of AFTER WE FALL, MAN CANDY, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
She is represented by Rebecca Friedman of Friedman Literary.
Listen on Itunes (Subscribe so you never miss an episode! It’s FREE!)
May 16, 2017
FOOD & ROMANCE GO TOGETHER VOL 1: AN ANTHOLOGY
FOOD & ROMANCE GO TOGETHER
VOL 1: AN ANTHOLOGY
Genre: Romance, short stories
6 short, sweet stories perfectly pairing food and romance. Each include a yummy recipe.
Pumpkin Blossoms by Sue Stewart Ade
Jillian yearns for love and falls for a dog and her sister’s former boyfriend. But the dog bolts and the boyfriend seems to still have feelings for her sister. Can she find love with a man who can’t see who she really is?
Coffee Cake Chaos by Ryan Jo Summers
Avianna Goodman needs cash. That's why she agreed to cater her ex-boyfriend's engagement party. Seeing Sawyer again confirms Avianna still isn't over him. The biggest mistake Sawyer Steele ever did was walk away from the one girl he was crazy about. Now Avianna's back in his life--and he can't have her.
Apple Pie Delight by Sonja Gunter
Lost loves reunite after forty years of deceptions. Can a Sun-Kissed Apple Pie bring Toril Swanson and Erik Sutton together again?
Peanut Butter Kisses by Jody Vitek
Beth Canton attends her ten-year class reunion to catch a glimpse of her long-time, school-girl crush, Hank McGrath, but doesn’t hope or even dream of anything more. She leaves with more than a glimpse, while Hank can’t get enough of her peanut butter kisses.
Boston Crème Breakdown by Randi Perrin
Kestin just wants to return to life as normal after returning home from the war, but there's no way his life will be the same again. Looking for easy money to make bills, he stumbles over an ad to teach perpetually-single Erica to cook, and can’t resist answering it. He never expected to actually get the job—or to be attracted to her.
The Chocolate Queen by April & Holly Marcom
In a world sprinkled with superheroes, you never know when the person beside you is one of these few elite. When Clarissa begins to fall for a guy who harbors a super secret, it feels like she’s not good enough. But he may just help her discover a super sweet secret of her own.
From “Coffeecake Chaos” by Ryan Jo Summers
Sawyer blinked, drawing back. “What makes you think you didn’t get the catering job?”
“Isn’t that what you came here to tell me? Why you went to such extremes to find me to deliver your mother’s decision in person? She gave the job to another caterer.” She knew her voice was rising but she didn’t care. “I wasn’t good enough back then to date you and I’m not good enough now to cater your party.” She crossed her arms over her chest, ending with a sigh.
Sawyer held out his hands to her. “Wait a minute. Back up a second, Aviana.”
“Why did you come here?” Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would ever ask such a question of him, like this, but her pride demanded it.
He lowered his hands. “To tell you that you’re hired. You have the catering job.”
She blinked. “I do?”
“Yes, you can get that roof for your aunt and uncle now.”
“Your mother picked me to cater your event?”
He nodded. “With some heavy prompting from me. It’s my celebration after all. I think the coffee cake was a strong convincer.”
Aviana could only imagine how that conversation had gone between them. She had the job? “At my asking price?”
“Of course.”
“So why didn’t she just call me with her decision? Like she said she would?”
Sawyer leaned back, head tilted to one side. “Aren’t you glad to see me? Or did the light dancing in your eyes when we met yesterday lie?”
Her eyes danced?
“Even now, upset with me as you are, your face tells me you still yearn for me .Does your face lie to me?”
“No, but what does it matter? How can you want me and still pledge yourself to another? It isn’t fair to any of us.”
He scrubbed his face and then pulled her to him. “Aviana, I need to know. Do you love me?”
“Yes, I do.” The admission tumbled out before she could reconsider.
He exhaled a heavy sigh. “Good.” He wrapped his hand behind her neck and drew her close, kissing her.
He tasted of fresh mint and cinnamon. He felt solid and warm. Her fingers reached out to explore, lifting his sweater and going under it to find the matured, toned muscles.
His fingers twined in her hair. Bolts of white heat rippled over her and a moan escaped her. Her eyes slid closed as his fingertips moved to slowly drag along her back.
Pulling breathlessly apart, she gasped for air. “Wow.” She ran her tongue over her lips. He’d grown into a great kisser.
“You taste like chocolate.”
She smiled. “Guilty pleasure.” She was pleased he was just as winded as her. It felt just like when they had made out years ago.
Then that contemplative, serious look returned to his eyes, sobering her. “Do you trust me? Completely?”
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RYAN JO SUMMERS I was born in Michigan and grew up surrounded by books, pretty much all piled and stacked in my room. I had bookshelves to hold them since I could remember. Christmas and birthdays were easy, just buy me books.
My tastes in subject matter and genres grew as I matured.
It seemed only natural to write as well as read. The first book I wrote was at age ten and was about a twelve page story that I also illustrated and stapled together into book format. I was so proud! If only I still had that about somewhere.
Since then, I never stopped writing. Some articles made it into magazines, some stories made honorable mention in contests, my journal has grown thicker. Writing poetry also serves as therapy to life's hurts, a trait apparently inherited from my dad's aunt. Writers, poets and songwriters run through my lineage. I guess you could say I come from a line of wordsmiths.
In 2012, selling "Whispers in her Heart" for publication has been not only a dream come true of becoming a novelist, but also a pinnacle of thirty odd years of writing. With each new story, novel or novella that comes out, I grow as a writer and take another step on this incredible journey called life.
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SUE STEWART-ADE lives in Pana, Illinois, with her husband, Larry. When Sue was growing up, she lived right across the street from one of the greenhouses which made Pana famous as the City of Roses. Her grandfather worked in the coal mines. Some of her memories are as beautiful as Pana's prized roses; others are as dark as the coal mined beneath the town. She chose to include her maiden name "Stewart" because she never wanted to forget where she came from and the people who helped her.
For thirty years Sue taught English in Pana and presently teaches for Lake Land College.
Her favorite part of teaching has always been creative writing. She loves words, their passion and their healing power.
In her writing, Sue explores mother/daughter relationship and has worked with Hope Edelman author of MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS.
Her book FRIENDS FOREVER is a suspenseful read about friendships and mothers. How far will a mother and friend go to protect a child?
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Born and raised in Minnesota, JODY VITEK has remained close to home. She has traveled throughout the United States and to the Bahamas. Although her family never moved during her childhood, she attended six different schools and made many friends over the years.
Growing up, Jody enjoyed reading V.C. Andrews' the Dollanganger series, starting with Flowers in the Attic, S.E. Hinton, and Stephen King to name a few. As an adult her author's list and choice in genres has broadened. You could say Nora Roberts has been her favorite romance author. Jody has shelves of books read, yet to be read, and those she plans to keep.
After graduating high school, unsure of what she wanted to do, Jody decided against going to college and became a nanny. During her two years of caring for the two children, Jody was fortunate enough to travel with the family across country to Montana to a guest ranch and another vacation to Cancun, Mexico.
Jody met her future husband before she was to leave the state for another job. Unable to move away, she contacted and informed the employer of her decision. Three months later Jody was engaged. A year later she became Mrs. Jody Vitek. They have survived over twenty years of marriage and plan on spending many more together.
Jody and her real-life law enforcement hero have been lucky enough to travel to the Bahamas, Florida, and drove through many states on their way to Quantico, Virgina. Most recently they took their three children on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas.
If there is one thing Jody has learned during her lifetime - there is a higher power and the higher power has plans for us we don't even know about.
As a full-time administrative assistant, mother of one (two if you want to include her hero) and another child on the way, Jody never dreamed she would be a writer. She was going back to work after the birth of their second child. She returned for only six months before leaving to become a stay at home mother.
Jody began writing her first manuscript, which is now filed away in a box, and has started others only to be shelved for another writing project. Jody wouldn't have the opportunity to write if she were still a working mother (the higher power).
After being home for four years, Jody and her family were blessed with a higher power miracle. Another child was on the way. A four-year post-vasectomy baby! Imagine their surprise.
Writing was postponed for a year and was slow to pick back up. Now back in the chair with fingers tapping on the keyboard, Jody is moving full steam ahead in her writing career.
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RANDI PERRIN has spent her entire life writing in one form or another. In fact, if she wasn't writing, she'd likely go completely and utterly insane. Her husband has learned to recognize when the voices are talking in her head and she needs some quality time with an empty Word file (the key to a successful marriage with a writer).
A pop-culture junkie, she has been known to have entire conversations in movie quotes and/or song lyrics. (You'll see this come up in her writing as well.)
She is the author of Virtue of Death, Promises of Virtue, Wreck You, and a story included in the anthology Unintentional.
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SONJA GUNTER Born and raised in the cold and beautiful Minnesota, she escaped to Illinois for seventeen years to raise two boys, and now calls Florida home. She and her husband, whose always her hero, have a new family to worry about; Cookie, an Assui-Po dog, Oreo, a black and white cat who thinks he is a dog, and Chip, a ragdoll cat, who their sons compare to Eeyore.
She loves to travel, read, and bowl. You can catch her writing her next novel at the lanes.
Sonja encourages you to check out her web site, sonjagunter.com, for more into and don’t be surprised if she lets her Norwegian heritage come through in her stories. You betcha!
During the day, APRIL MARCOM works as a substitute teacher for grades K-12. But in the evening, the alluring world of romance takes over as she pours it out on paper. Her favorite thing to do, though, is to spend time with her sports-car-loving husband and three incredibly energetic children. She also loves chocolate, her five very rowdy dogs, and livin’ the simple life out in the country. April grew up a southern bell in Mississippi, but is now a proud Oklahoman.
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