Ravyn Rayne's Blog, page 30
June 12, 2015
Madman Across the Water by Caroline Angel
Madman Across the Water
By- Caroline Angel
Genre- Horror
For generations one family has been haunted by something… something that stalks. It sees and listens, it watches and follows. In the shadows and mist it waits, to take you, to hurt you, perhaps to kill you. And if it doesn’t kill you, you’ll wish it did.
A creepy, suspenseful saga of family, horror, and mystery, this is one story sure to leave you frightened of the woods at night, fog, and all things tall and slender.
Top 5 Favorite Bands to Write to
Led Zeppelin
Metallica
Seether
AC/DC
Creed
About the Author-
Caroline wants to live in a world where it’s always acceptable to bring your dog with you, wherever you go.
As an author she’s had the most read stories on several sites, won competitions and challenges with her short stories and web based novels.
When she’s not selling cable TV, you can find her riding one of her horses, walking her dogs, or sitting in the local café drinking copious amounts of hot beverages and writing up a storm.
Her first book, a creepy horror novel titled “Madman Across The Water” hits shelves May 2015.
Links-
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ucat42?fref=ts
Twitter- https://twitter.com/ucat42
Blog- https://www.fictionpress.com/u/873990/ucat42
If it’s a Pain in the Ass, You’re Doing it Wrong by JC Clarke
Genre: Humor/ Contemporary Romance
Warnings: Adult content (not Erotic)
His Princess was a little bit eclectic, a lot of eccentric, and a big time potty mouth. She was outgoing and loud, but held her friends and family close to her heart. She ranted about everything wrong in the world and her wild passion made him fall hard and fast. His life gave him the middle finger when she opened his eyes to the beauty around him – or right in front of him.
Her ‘Prick-a-Doodle-Do’ was uptight businessman through and through. He never saw the fun in anything and she knew right from the start that she could have fun with this man and get him to open his eyes. He made her see that she didn’t have to always be alone, even when surrounded by people. His knack of bringing out the best in her was what made her fall for him, even if she didn’t want to admit it to herself.
Both of them were raised in ‘high society’, but where one was guided by the rules, one had fun going against them. He was her new boss and she didn’t give two hoots about it, so when she was given an opportunity to express her views about a certain subject, she readily agreed.
It was now her personal mission to make the life of her boss a little harder, while experiencing a little fun along the way.
J.C. Clarke lives in the heart of the New Forest in England with her husband and four children. Never a dull moment, her full house provides no shortage of inspiration which fuels her writing. She loves reading and writing a variety of genres in addition to dabbling with graphic art to create book covers, swag and more.
COVER WAS DESIGNED BY THE GREAT JC CLARKE HERSELF.
COMING JUNE 26, 2015
June 11, 2015
The Only One for Her by Carlie Sexton
When is a heart too broken to fix?
Just days before his wedding, handsome, successful entrepreneur, Trace Michaels, finds out his love wasn’t enough. With a broken heart, Trace lands in Maui, hoping to find solace in the beautiful island.
What he finds is beauty, but in the form of an alluring, grieving woman. One he feels an instant and inescapable attraction to.
Young widow, Lindy Bernard, had her heart broken when her husband died. In Maui to reluctantly close a chapter in her life, she suddenly finds herself in the arms of a drop-dead, gorgeous Adonis. After his relentless pursuit, Lindy and Trace begin to find healing…only to have that endangered by a secret threatening to tear them apart.
All is not what it seems in Trace’s company, and it seems one woman has set out to ruin him. Can he juggle the odious plots against him while chasing the woman of his heart? Will she wait or are some hearts too broken to be fixed?
I couldn’t get the image of Lindy out of my mind—her long, golden hair waving in the breeze. The black halter dress, which showed off her gorgeous form. When I grabbed her to stop her from falling in, the feel of her body against mine had begun something to me. I felt the need to protect her. A desire to know her. It was the strangest thing that had ever happened to me. I hadn’t felt overpowered with emotion like this before. It wasn’t just physical attraction. Something about Lindy just called to me. My heart had gone out to her and when she walked away, she somehow took my heart with her., I wanted to know everything about her, but I’d only gotten her name.
** PRE-ORDER LINKS **
RELEASING JUNE 19, 2015
I have always had a passion for reading my entire life. I love it so that I dedicated my life to educating children. As a teacher, I have had the profound pleasure of teaching children to read and explore their imaginations through a good book. Just recently I decided to write a story that had been on my mind. Now I have several that I want to turn into additional books. Writing has become a passion that I dearly love.
I live with my handsome husband in Southern California. We enjoy the relaxed lifestyle that California provides. We have two beautiful dogs, but on children.
The Fire Dancer by Kristen Strassel
At Le Cirque Macabre, Holly Octane bursts into flames five nights a week. The stage is where Holly feels most alive. When she’s there no one can touch her, and everyone adores her.
Brought to Las Vegas as vampire bait, Holly’s connection to the immortals is a mystery. She’s one of a kind– traveling through time and igniting when her emotions get too hot to handle. The only people who understand her are an aunt with a hidden agenda and her fortune teller girlfriend, Rainey, who doesn’t see a future with Holly in it.
Cash Logan needs Holly, but she’s not the reason he came to Vegas. The enigmatic magician seeks Blade Bennett, a vampire that has a power that he shouldn’t have–fire. A power that could determine the future of all of vampire kind. Holly’s the only one who can help Blade control his fire, but their feelings for each other are too fiery to ignore.
Immortals rule the Vegas night, and not one of them trusts Cash or Blade. If Holly lets them draw her in to this world designed to destroy her, she’ll lose everything—the only family she’s ever known, and everyone who adores her.
Las Vegas is her stage, and Holly is determined to set the city on fire.
“How long have you been like this?” His gaze ran the length of my robe, and he didn’t have to clarify what he meant.
As far as everyone knew, I was twenty-four. “Decades. I think.” The concept of time simply made me dizzy.
Cash nodded; my answer didn’t surprise him. “You were born north of London in 1781, in a village called Moorfields.” My knees buckled, and if I didn’t clutch the table, I would have fallen. Even though I knew the answer wasn’t going to be something nice and neat like twenty-five years ago in Memphis, actually having the answer blew my mind.
“I remember things that happened before that.” I couldn’t face him. “And I think I remember you.”
“Do you?” Cash ran his fingers lightly along my hair, never touching my body. At first, I was terrified we’d burst into flames. We’d fireproofed my dressing room, but Cash wouldn’t survive. This information was just the tip of the iceberg. I needed him to stay alive. “What do you remember?”
Images jumbled in my brain as if someone spun a wheel. I saw Cash, bound, bloody, and burned, surrounded by laughing onlookers. His hair was shorter, and it was a different time, but I knew him. His eyes. No matter what humiliation was bestowed upon him, they remained proud. “Chaos.”
His silky laugh almost convinced me I’d been wrong. No one could actually survive the state I pictured Cash in, his skin purple from abuse, weak from starvation, and still have a sense of humor. But those eyes. “That’s about right.” He moved closer to me, my robe pressed against my skin.
I couldn’t let him distract me. “But why do I remember things that happened before that? Like I was there. Is that even possible?”
“If you experienced it, then you made it possible, Holly.” His words were soft, and like time, they made me dizzy. “You’re a Bleed.”
My eyes snapped open. “A what?”
“You’re a Bleed. You age much more slowly than mortals, and your immortality extends in all directions. Forward, backward, and sideways if it’s possible.”
I had to turn and face him. Rainey would knock on the door any time now, and I needed to wrap this up before she came. She’d warned me stay away from Cash. We’d been fighting too much lately already. I hated it. “How many of us are there?”
“You mean how many of you are there.” Someone knocked on the door softly. I forced my eyes away from Cash, and he stepped back. The knock repeated, more forceful this time. Rainey would be able to sense I wasn’t alone, even if she couldn’t see Cash. “You might be the only one.”
“Then how do you know so much about it?” I kept waiting for the heat to rise in my body, but it didn’t. All the triggers, fear and frustration, were there, but no flames. The knocking became frantic.
“Because I do.” Cash placed my hat back on my head before he headed to the door. His hand was on the doorknob when he turned back to me. “You’ve been patient this long, Holly. I want you to need me.”
** AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED **
Kristen Strassel writes books about rock stars and vampires. After all, they tell you to write what you know. She is a passionate music fan who also loves football games and diner food. Kristen works as a makeup artist on film and TV shows when she’s not writing, and loves being behind the scenes. A former resident of Las Vegas, Kristen now lives in the Boston area.
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Passionate Pen Conference – August 26 – 30th in Arlington, Virginia
This comprehensive weekend event is open
to any unpublished, aspiring writer, blogger, jotter, dotter
and published authors in any genre.
Blushing Books and Lazy Day Publishing are hosting a writer’s conference in the nation’s capital this summer. Come mingle at the Marriott Gateway for four(ish) days of social events and workshop sessions that will surely add something to your arsenal.
Workshop sessions are being developed with your response in mind and will guarantee to be led by one third Blushing Books staff, one third experienced authors, and one third outside professionals.
Registering is easy! Individual registration forms are required from every writer, author, staff, fans, friends, family or otherwise implied interested party for any and all parts of the conference.
Head over to the Passionate Pen website for the itinerary, lodging or other information.
Contact Bella for questions you still have after perusing the site.
http://www.blushingconference.com/
The conference is not only for the authors.
COME ONE, COME ALL
You’ve been reading them for months, maybe even years.
The Passionate Pen is offering readers and fans the opportunity to meet Blushing Books and Lazy Day authors!
You may also book your room at the Marriott Gateway (if you aren’t their slumber party buddy) and stay the whole weekend at the same rate as the authors, with access to the events below.
THURSDAY, WELCOME RECEPTION @ 7:00 PM
Be part of the conference opening and welcome reception.
Tickets are $40 and include nibbles and a drink. Registration is required.
SUNDAY, BREAKFAST WITH THE AUTHORS @ 9:00 AM
Sit at a table and eat breakfast with your favourite author, or visit a few tables. Either way, you can be up close and personal. They’ll have some pretty lovely bits of swag, too.
Ticket are $40 and includes buffet breakfast. Registration required.
Sweet Talk, Sweet Dreams, and Sweet Seduction #SALE
Welcome to the sale promotion for the books: Sweet Talk, Sweet Dreams and Sweet Seduction by Brenda Novak and other best selling authors. All proceeds from the sale of these three boxed sets will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research. The discount is applicable from June 1 to June 30, 2015.
In 2014, the boxed set curated by Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research (titled A SWEET LIFE), raised almost $100,000 net to the charity in only one month. This year we’re back for a second helping, and you can indulge, too!
About Sweet Talk:
Authors: Brenda Novak, Melody Anne, Violet Duke, Melissa Foster, Gina L Maxwell, Linda Lael Miller, Sherryl Woods, Steena Holmes, Rosalind James, Molly O’Keefe, Nancy Naigle, & Robyn Carr
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Discounted Price: $2.99
This heart-warming, limited edition collection features ten BRAND NEW contemporary romances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors…
You can make a difference while you read! All proceeds from the sale of SWEET TALK will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research.
Featuring a foreword by #1 NYT Bestselling Author Robyn Carr and a bonus story, the Brenda Novak classic, WHEN WE TOUCH, which kicks off her popular small-town contemporary Whiskey Creek series.
In this new tale, ONCE UPON A DREAM, from NYT bestselling author Melody Anne, Whitney Steele loses her sister in the blink of an eye and is caring for her niece and nephew, not knowing how she is going to get through the loss of the most important person in her life. Liam Felton loses his brother and never gets to say goodbye. Can these two people come together and mend what’s been broken? Or will fate take them down a different road altogether?
When behind-the-scenes sports analyst Jackson Gray is assigned the task of teaching the ins and outs of college and pro football to the network’s newest on-camera beauty, sideline reporter Leila Hart, the last thing he expects is to become the one getting schooled—in lessons in love, that is—from a woman who clearly knows way more about sports than she lets on. JACKSON by NYT bestselling author Violet Duke.
From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes a new, sweet and sexy wedding romance, PROMISE MY LOVE, the follow-up novella to DESTINED FOR LOVE (The Bradens).
From NYT bestselling author Gina L. Maxwell comes a story, ASK ME AGAIN, about a woman who returns to her hometown after her devastating breakup and finds herself drawn to an old friend who’s never stopped hoping for more.
From NYT bestselling author Linda Lael Miller we have a heart-pounding tale of unrequited love come to fruition in INTERLUDE, the story of a woman holding out for the man she’s never forgotten–the sexy cowboy she’s always loved.
#1 NYT bestselling author Sherryl Woods takes readers back to her beloved Chesapeake Shores for the story of a woman stuck in a dead-end job who discovers it’s never too late for a whole new dream.
In the latest romance from NYT bestselling author Steena Holmes, Charlie Peters knew running away wasn’t the right thing to do, especially from her fiancé, but with her sister in the hospital, now seemed like the perfect time. And it wasn’t just him she was running away from, but the promise of the life they could have together. She wasn’t meant for happily-ever-afters, even though Marcus was her Prince Charming.
Rosalind James’s JUST IN TIME (ESCAPE TO NEW ZEALAND) brings you one bad boy of New Zealand rugby, one erotic modeling contract that doesn’t stay in Vegas, and one good woman to pick up the pieces.
Rita Award winning author Molly O’Keefe writes a heart-warming story of two friends who find love where they least expect it in A DATE FOR A CHRISTMAS WEDDING.
Join USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle in SAND DOLLAR COVE, where a determined shop owner faces the loss of her family’s business, and has the mayor making tough choices between what’s best for the town and what might win the heart of the woman he’s secretly loved from afar.
Don’t forget to check out SWEET DREAMS and SWEET SEDUCTION, two more limited edition collections from Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research, as well as LOVE THAT!, Brenda Novak’s new cookbook with Jan Coad, and SAFE HAVEN, a special edition novel from Lauren Hawkeye… read and help the fight against diabetes!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo
About Sweet Dreams:
Authors: Brenda Novak, Allison Brennan, Cynthia Eden, JT Ellison, Heather Graham, Liliana Hart, Alex Kava, CJ Lyons, Carla Neggers, Theresa Ragan, Erica Spindler, Jo Robertson, Tiffany Snow, Lee Child
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Discounted Price: $2.99
In this fascinating limited edition collection features thirteen BRAND NEW thrillers by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors…
Make a difference while you read! All proceeds from the sale of Sweet Dreams will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research.
Featuring a foreword by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lee Child.
When disgraced former cop Alex Morgan is shot saving the life of California’s Lieutenant Governor, she doesn’t expect to be caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy, an FBI sting, an old rivalry … and cold-blooded murder. AIM TO KILL by NYT bestselling author Allison Brennan.
NYT bestselling author Cynthia Eden invites readers to enter a world of darkness and obsession in her new romantic suspense tale, UNTIL DEATH.
From NYT bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes the long awaited prequel to her Taylor Jackson series. CROSSED, the story of a madman trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse, introduces Lieutenant Taylor Jackson to the young, troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin.
In TOYS IN THE ATTIC from NYT bestselling author Heather Graham, Michael Quinn is accustomed to dealing with the deadly, the dangerous, and the extreme—but a haunted spinning wheel? And on the even of his wedding? He’ll have to risk his life, limb and soul for love to save Danni Cafferty from the cursed creation if he’s ever to get them both to the church on time—and live.
J.J. Graves and Jack Lawson investigate a ritualistic murder while on their honeymoon in DIRTY DEEDS by NYT bestselling author Liliana Hart.
From NYT bestselling author Alex Kava comes the prequel readers have been waiting for, and the case that destined Special Agent Maggie O’Dell to a career of chasing killers.
From NYT bestselling author CJ Lyons: When workaholic FBI Agent Lucy Guardino takes her daughter on vacation, the last thing she expects is to become embroiled in a murder—or for her teenaged daughter to play amateur sleuth with disastrous consequences.
When her twin sister disappears, Ellen Galway enlists the help of a Texas Ranger in SECRET HIDEAWAY, a story of love, danger and revenge from NYT bestselling author Carla Neggers.
HANOVER HOUSE, from NYT bestselling author Brenda Novak, features Evelyn Talbott, a psychiatrist who studies serial killers at a revolutionary new medical health center in remote Hilltop, Alaska. Evelyn’s determined to unlock the mysteries of the anti-social mind, even if it kills her—and being surrounded by men who feel no remorse means it just might…
NYT bestselling author Theresa Ragan’s newest suspense, DEAD MAN RUNNING, is set in motion when an accused murderer escapes prison in a body bag and sets out to prove his innocence.
From NYT bestselling author Erica Spindler comes the prequel to her exciting new series starring reformed southern belle turned kick ass cop, Michaela Dee Dare. In RANDOM ACTS, Micki must uncover the link between a series of bizarre and seemingly random murders in New Orleans.
Someone is killing homeless people in Jo Robertson’s latest suspense-thriller, WITHOUT MALICE. It’s personal to Parole Officer Santiago Cruz because the targets are his parolees. With no motive or murder weapon, but with help from prison doctor Frankie Jones, he traces the brutal deaths back to their tragic origin.
Before Kathleen, there were just two brothers: Blane and Kade. One bonding trip to Vegas later and Sin City will never be the same in TURN THE TABLES, prequel to the Kathleen Turner Series by Bestselling Author Tiffany Snow.
Don’t forget to check out the other limited edition sets available for a limited time only… read and help find a cure for diabetes!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo
About Sweet Seduction:
Authors: Lexi Blake, Mari Carr, JS Cooper, Nicole Edwards, Karen Erickson, Megan Hart, J Kenner, Julia Kent, Elisabeth Grace, Lauren Hawkeye, Nina Lane, Roni Loren, Avery Aster, Lisa Renee Jones
Genre: Erotic Romance
Discounted Price: $2.99
This stunning limited edition collection features thirteen BRAND NEW contemporary romances by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors…
You can make a difference while you read!
All proceeds from the sale of Sweet Seduction will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research.
Featuring a foreword and a bonus book by New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Renee Jones.
From New York Times bestselling Author Lexi Blake comes LUSCIOUS, a novella set in her Masters and Mercenaries world.
When Macon Miles meets sweet waitress Alison Jones, he knows she’s trouble, but he can’t imagine how her secrets will rock his world.
Sparks fly in Texas when a soldier comes home to the girl he left behind in New York Times bestselling author Mari Carr’s WAITING FOR YOU.
Sex. Lies. Romance. Love. My life has it all. I do what I want, when I want and no one can stop me. This isn’t a story of how I found my prince. Or my how my prince found me. This is my life. My diary. This is the true diary of ‘that girl’. CONFESSIONS OF A SEXAHOLIC by New York Times bestselling author JS Cooper.
New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards revisits Tag and McKenna, a power couple who have gone from infatuation to adoration in ADORED (Club Destiny #7.5).
New York Times bestselling author Karen Erickson presents a brand new, very sexy contemporary romance about finding love in the most unexpected places…
When love is determined, it will always find a way. From New York Times bestselling author Megan Hart comes PERFECTLY RECKLESS, a new novel about love, lust, loss and rediscovery between two people who should never have fallen in love…or out of it.
Spend some time with Nikki and Damien Stark in this sexy and sensual bonus story in J. Kenner’s STARK EVER AFTER series of novellas.
When Random Acts of Crazy’s bass player, Joe Ross, gets injured in an unfortunate sex act that gains nationwide coverage, it’s tatted-up Tyler (aka “Frown”) to the rescue for their first big concert. THE RANDOM TOUR: LOS ANGELES by New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent.
With INDECISION, Elisabeth Grace brings you another hot story with heart that follows a small town’s wild child and the police officer who tries to tame her–he has no idea what he’s in for.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Hawkeye comes THE BILLIONAIRE YOU KNOW, where a bad boy billionaire decides he’s waited long enough for the woman he wants…
In STICKY by New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane, a plate of sugar cookies sparks an edgy, red-hot affair between married PTO president Madeline Collins and the hot, new school principal, who teaches her a very dirty lesson.
From New York Times bestselling author Roni Loren comes WANDERLUST, the story of a magazine writer who needs to land the big story and the bad boy rockstar who’s determined to protect his band’s secrets. His plan? Get her off her game by getting her into his bed.
For fans of such films as Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Wild Things comes a ménage romance posing the question, can two men share the same woman forever? UNCONVENTIONAL (The Manhattanites) by Avery Aster.
Don’t forget to check out SWEET TALK and SWEET DREAMS, two more limited edition collections from Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research, as well as LOVE THAT!, Brenda Novak’s new cookbook with Jan Coad, and SAFE HAVEN, a special edition novel from Lauren Hawkeye… read and help the fight against diabetes!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo
Giveaway:
Four (4) $25 Amazon Gift Cards (INT)
Ends June 29th
Prizing provided by the authors
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
June 10, 2015
A Forever Masterpiece by Nikki Lynn Barrett
A FOREVER MASTERPIECE
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Official genre of book: Contemporary romantic suspense
Becca and Hunter plan a future without knowing their past…
Few people know the entire truth about Becca and Hunter’s connection. Even fewer are living. One is in hiding, and another is closer than they think. They’re still no closer to knowing everything. Hunter gets a piece of his old life back while Becca still longs for all the answers.
One terrifying night brings consequences….
Someone doesn’t want them to find the answers and will go to dire lengths to keep the past hidden. The question is, who? With so many people involved, which one of them would go to the extreme to make sure they never know?
The hunter becomes the hunted…..
With the one person hiding who started the whole thing, everyone is desperate to find her and gain the truth or keep her silent forever. It’s only a matter of time….
The final installment of the Masterpiece Trilogy is full of triumph, mystery, romance and so much more. Prepare for the twists and turns as Becca and Hunter make their way to forever.
Becca walked inside the art gallery, took one look, and wondered why in the world Brock wanted her to be here. Just from a simple glimpse at the paintings and photographs on the wall, she wondered how she’d fit in here. Hunter must have sensed her second guessing, because he gently moved to hold her hand, easing her closer to him. He leaned over and pointed. “I see an empty spot right there. That wall screams ‘Rebecca Lange’.”
God, she loved his enthusiasm. Becca laughed and whispered back, “No it doesn’t.”
Hunter was about to protest when she kissed his cheek. “It screams ‘Rebecca Beckman’.”
Hunter’s eyes lit up. “Now that’s the way to think.” His lips grazed her check gently, like a butterfly’s wings.
“This place is beautiful. Intimidating, though.” She gestured at the walls with various paintings and photographs.
“Well hello! This is a surprise!” Brock ambled out of a room from the back, eagerly approaching them. “What brings you by?”
“My fiancé’s spontaneous streak strikes again. We had a little time before friends come in for Thanksgiving, so he surprised me with a trip over here. Your gallery is amazing,” Becca gushed.
“Thank you. It’s one of my pride and joys. And,” he pointed at the blank wall, “I agree with you. The wall is begging for your work. Since this is spur of the moment, you wouldn’t happen to have anything with you then?”
“No,” Becca replied, still taking this all in.
“Didn’t think so, and that’s okay. I’ve seen plenty of your stuff. What I’m thinking is an art show. I’ll help you through this every step of the way.” Brock gestured toward a black leather couch on the far end of the room. “Why don’t we sit and chat about this for a bit?”
Nodding, she and Hunter followed him, Becca still in awe of this whole thing. Brock folded his hands and leaned forward, setting his intense gaze on her when they were all comfortable.
“I want to get an art show in for you as soon as possible. But that’s going to depend on so many things. There’s the holidays, and then there’s personal things on both ends, as I know you two have stuff going on. Obviously I do as well, which is how we met. So for the meantime, I’d like to at least showcase two or three pieces to start off with. Is everything one of a kind?”
Becca nodded. “It is.” Could she ever recreate a piece the same way as the original? She’d never tried it. She was a mood painter, obviously.
Brock’s gaze moved to Hunter. “How attached are you to some of the pieces you’ve displayed in the Lange Center?”
Hunter laughed. “Hard to say. Anything from Becca, I’m attached to. If you’re asking what I think you are, I’ll part with the ones from the center, because the paintings I have the most sentimental attachment to are at home and will stay there. She’s been filling my walls with paintings for years.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek, smiling affectionately.
Her heart skipped a few beats. This was happening. Brock meant business! He wanted her work. She knew she had nothing to worry about. Brock wasn’t going to be like the teacher from her past. This could happen!
“Yes, I was thinking of a few from the center to display and sell here. Give me a second and I’ll pull out some papers- including a projected contract, that you two can look over.” Brock shot to his feet and moved away to another room.
“Is this really happening?” Becca whispered, completely in awe.
“My favorite artist is about to become famous? Yep. You know I’m going to play the I told you so game for a while.” Hunter smirked playfully, then hugged her. His eyes sparkled with love. “Seriously though, I’m so excited! An art show! Good things are coming, Bec. We just have to get through some of the hard stuff, too.” Hunter jiggled a dance in his seat. “I’m marrying someone famous. I’m marrying someone famous,” he chanted in a sing-song voice.
Laughter escaped Becca’s lips when Hunter continued to dance and sing as Brock came back into the room. The sound of his laughter stopped Hunter short. Becca couldn’t quit giggling! Hunter didn’t embarrass easily, but for some reason he was today.
“Love the enthusiasm.” Brock winked as he slid some papers across the table. “When’s the wedding? I’ll do my best to make her famous before you get married.”
Becca snorted when Hunter’s face turned red. “That’s what you get for pulling the ‘I told you so’ on me.” She nudged him, then turned to Brock. “We’re getting married in March.”
“Oh good! We have some time then.” His smile was genuine.
Becca picked up the papers and studied them. When her gaze landed on a number with way too many zeros behind them, she gasped. “I think there might be a mistake there,” she pointed.
“Oh no. Well, the numbers will vary depending on the piece, but that’s what I’m thinking for the few I’ve seen. Is it too low?”
“Low?” Becca sputtered. He had to be kidding, but he sure looked serious. “No! It’s high! I can’t imagine someone spending that kind of money on a painting!” Let alone hers!
“Let me see,” Hunter gently eased the papers from her hands. “Holy-” So the numbers even surprised him. She wasn’t the only one then. Good.
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I’m an avid lover of books. I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first “book” by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I’ll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.
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June 7, 2015
F is for Featured. . . Spanking Blogging Challenge #SpankA2Z
F is for featured! On Ravyn Rayne I now have a section for books that are worth featuring. They’re from awesome authors (that have supported my writing in one way or another – a lot have featured me on their awesome blogs, shared my content on facebook, tweeted for me) or novels I’ve read and reviewed. I’ll be updating the list regularly as I add more worthy titles to the list.
I’ll still be participating in blog tours, book blitzes, and cover reveals. However, those extra special books will stay on Ravyn Rayne under the Featured section, with a link to their post. Most include an excerpt. Some also include an author or character interview!
North Star and True North by M.E. Montgomery
AUTHOR: M.E. Montgomery
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
EDITOR: BJS Editing
COVER DESIGN: Cover to Cover Design
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Content and Violence
NORTH STAR
Is our fate in the stars…or in our hands?
Everyone who knew her wanted Mikayla Matthews as their friend. But in her love life, she never seemed to be good enough. After one betrayal too many, she packed up her shattered heart and moved across the state to start over. Losing herself in a new job, she is convinced no man will ever truly want her, not that she was willing to trust another to find out anyway.
Alex North found himself in the one role he never wanted – guardian of his nephew after his sister and best friend are killed. On unfamiliar territory as a dad, Alex gave up his bachelor lifestyle and worked to create a nurturing environment for five year old Aiden. Attempting to hold his new life together, he masked his pain and threw himself into being the rock for his family.
Brought together by fate on several occasions, Alex decides Mikayla is the key to heal not only Aiden, but himself. He recognizes that only she can offer him the kind of love he never thought he would find. Mikayla discovers she has the strength to give love a second chance as well as the courage to fight for it. Together they heal each other and begin to create a future together.
But not everyone supports them, and outside forces threaten to destroy all the happiness they have worked for. Will Alex and Mikayla be strong enough to hold together the fledgling family they are building?
Or will the past and the present work together to rip them apart?
TRUE NORTH
Alex and Kayla have found in each other what they need to move moved beyond the tragedies of their pasts and are ready to embrace their future together. But the problem with the past is it doesn’t always agree to be left behind, and sometimes it follows, unwilling to let go.
Now everything they thought they knew to be true is suddenly turned up on end. Collisions between the past and the present challenge their happiness, and hiding in the shadows lurk more obstacles that threaten their future.
Alex and Kayla are determined not to let these twists and turns destroy their happiness. But is love enough? What happens when lies, uncertainty, and deception entangle with their plans? Will determination be enough when faced with disaster?
Plotting a course is easy; finding your True North and staying the course presents a greater challenge.
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NORTH STAR
“Sylvia was right. You are not the type of woman I have usually dated.” I started to turn away again, but he wouldn’t let me.
“Yes, they were beautiful,” he continued, “but only on the outside. They were shallow, selfish, and greedy. Their biggest interests were acquiring more clothes and jewelry and finding ways to get me to buy it for them. They wouldn’t dare dirty themselves playing with children or cooking or cleaning up messes. And they sure as hell couldn’t have thrown darts without breaking a nail.” He smirked at his last comment.
He pushed my hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear. “You, on the other hand, are the most stunning woman I have ever known. I love to run my hands through your thick, silky hair. I love to hold your soft, sweet curves against my body.” He paused and brushed a finger across my lips. “Your smile is pure sunshine and your beautiful eyes hold me captive and seem to see into my soul, seeing the real me and not just what I have to offer. You amaze me at how kind you are to other people and how much you enjoy giving of yourself.”
He leaned his forehead against mine and continued in a soft, gruff voice. “So, you see, Mikayla, Sylvia was right. You are not the type of woman I usually date, and it’s really more that I am not worthy of you.” I was unable to look away from the adoration I saw as he looked back at me. My heart pounded so hard I was surprised my shirt didn’t pulse outward with each beat.
“I can’t even begin to imagine why you haven’t been snapped up by some other lucky bastard, but I thank God you weren’t. I want you, Mikayla. So I don’t ever, ever want to hear you put yourself down again and wonder why I want to be with you.”
TRUE NORTH
The woman finished placing her order and waited patiently at the bar, casting her long lashes down as if she were uncomfortable with all the people surrounding her, especially the drunken idiots sitting at the bar next to her. The guy closest to the end leaned backward as he laughed hard at something his buddy said. I watched in disgust as he lost his balance and began to fall sideways off his stool. In the process, he slammed into the beauty standing next to him, causing her to lose her balance. She reached out to try to grab onto something, but her flailing arms found nothing but air.
Instinctively, I reached out and caught her around the waist and pulled her toward me and away from him. She was such a light little thing I inadvertently lifted her onto my lap. She landed on my thighs with a little ‘umph’ as she grabbed my waist for balance. Unable to help myself, I inhaled her sweet scent – almost like vanilla with a touch of cinnamon; not like that strong, sense-clogging perfume used by so many of the women I knew.
“Whoa, you okay there?” I asked her.
“Oh, my gosh! I’m so sorry…” She stopped talking as our eyes met for the first time. Or at least I didn’t hear anything else. Her voice was almost like honey, soothing and quiet, calming my tired soul like a comfortable blanket. My mind went blank when I looked into her beautiful hazel eyes. There was no hidden agenda in the green and gold specks that broke up a warm brown, just a genuine look of gratitude alongside a certain wariness. Wearing a dark blue pair of jeans and a white button down shirt, she was much more modestly dressed than the blonde I’d sized up of a few moments ago. A sparkly pink scarf decorated her neck hinting that beneath the conservative exterior there was a spark of playfulness. To me, she was much more attractive for leaving something to the imagination, although pressed against me as she was, I didn’t need to imagine the full curves underneath those clothes.
Her eyes darted across my face and she appeared to be appraising me as well. She focused on my eyes as though she could see into me if she looked hard enough. Her look drew me in. I wanted to pull her closer and go ahead and let her see inside, feeling as if she could soothe all the pain and anger I tried to keep locked up. At the same time, I wanted to hold and protect her from whatever caused that look of caution, almost fear, that abounded in her eyes.
What the hell just happened to me? I had never had these thoughts before. She noticed my intense gaze and her cheeks began to turn the cutest shade of pink. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen a woman blush; usually they were so forward I was the one who was embarrassed for them.
“Thank you for catching me,” she said. “That might have ended badly otherwise.”
My mind snapped back to attention when she began to push off of me. I doubt she noticed, but her second hand had settled on my crotch when she landed in my lap, and the gentle pressure she was asserting had it starting to rise and twitch in anticipation of more.
I grabbed her wrist gently. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you not to push too hard there.”
She tilted her head sideways, not immediately understanding my words until I gestured with my eyes at our hands. I knew the instant she figured it out because her pink cheeks turned bright red and she jerked her hand away.
“Oh,” she gasped. “I…I’m so, so sorry!” she said as she carefully crawled off me.
“Trust me, it was my pleasure,” I teased, glancing at my lap.
NORTH STAR
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TRUE NORTH
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M.E. Montgomery has been an avid reader her entire life, and her Amazon account will attest to that fact! Recently, several voices began telling their own stories in her head. After being assured she wasn’t crazy and this was the sign of an emerging novel, she decided to put her fingers to work and started typing, and with lots of encouragement, decided to share Alex, Kayla, and Aiden’s dramatic and heartwarming tale.
Her family considers her adept in most subjects, to include science, history, reading, spelling, and all mathematical studies, which loosely means she is the homework queen to her four school aged children. Fortunately, her biology and elementary school teaching background help her to keep up the expert façade, at least for now.
Although born and raised in the Washington DC metro area, she has considered many places to be called home since she left to attend college in North Carolina. She is a proud Navy wife, setting up hearth and home wherever in the world the Navy sends her husband. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves to go camping with her family, drinking wine on the deck, and romantic getaways when her husband’s work permits.
COMING SUMMER 2015
BOOK 3 OF THE POLARIS SERIES
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Love and Light by Michele Shriver
Kori Walsh knows plenty about the darkness in the world. After watching her mother succumb to illness, Kori sunk into a deep depression that she can’t seem to snap out of, no matter who tries to help her.
As the star pitcher on his college baseball team, Landon Grayson is enjoying life as a big man on campus, and all of the perks that come with it. He has plenty of girls vying for his attention, so why is he drawn to the moody, sullen girl who claims not to be interested but still keeps showing up to watch practice every day?
As he gets to know Kori, Landon is struck by how much they have in common and he sets out to cheer her up. Can Landon show Kori that there is light after darkness, and if he does, will love blossom?
Chapter One
~Landon~
Practice ends, and she’s sitting there on the bleachers, alone, watching. The girl with the reddish-blond hair. I’ve seen her before. She’s in my Psychology class, but I’ve never talked to her. She always sits in the back of the room and is one of the first people to leave when class is over. She keeps to herself and walks with her head down, as if she doesn’t want to bother with anyone else.
That’s why it intrigues me to see her watching baseball practice. I first noticed her two days ago, when the last of the snow finally melted and we moved out of the field house. Even though the weather’s improving and we’re using our regular field now, we don’t draw a crowd to our practices, so it’s kind of surprising she’s here again.
Instead of heading straight to the locker room to shower and change, I decide to stop by the bleachers. “Hi there,” I say.
She glances up, and I notice her eyes are green, a nice complement to the red of her hair and I wonder if she’s of Irish descent. “Hi.” She doesn’t smile.
“Are you a baseball fan?” I ask her, something that automatically earns anyone points with me.
She gives a shrug of her shoulders. “Not really. Why?”
“Just curious. I saw you watching practice the last few days, so I thought maybe you were a fan.” I give her a sheepish smile. “It’s nice to see someone out here. We don’t exactly get a lot of people to practice, as you might have noticed.” I gesture at the empty bleachers. “Especially since we just moved outside.” The snow may be gone, but it’s still not very warm, and I’m not sure a lot of people on campus even realize that we’re practicing at Panther Park now.
“I’m here because it’s something to do,” she says, “and my doctor tells me fresh air is good for me. He says it will make me feel better.” She laughs a little, and it’s a laugh that makes me think she doesn’t believe her doctor’s claim.
“Are you sick?” I ask.
“Not physically.”
The answer catches me off guard and all I manage to say is, “Oh.”
For the first time, her lips twitch in the slightest hint of a smile. “Have I scared you away now?”
“Do you see me running?” I counter. It will take more than that to scare me off. I happen to know a thing or two about depression, and not just because my stepmom is a shrink.
“Maybe you should,” she says.
“Maybe.” I shrug, unconvinced. The thing is, she’s just intrigued me even more. “I hope you keep coming to practice,” I tell her. “Or maybe a game sometime. We’re off to a good start this season.” I set my gym bag down on the ground and extend my hand. “My name’s Landon, by the way. I’m a pitcher.”
She makes no move to shake my hand. “I don’t recall asking.”
And, just like that, I’m shot down. I may be pretty good at baseball, but it doesn’t mean I’m smooth with women. “No, I guess you didn’t.” I pick up my bag and sling it over my shoulder. “Maybe I’ll see you around,” I add before I turn and walk away.
I’ve gone about ten feet when I hear her call something out to me.
I turn back around. “Excuse me?”
“My name,” she says. “It’s Korinne, but most people call me Kori.”
“Kori,” I repeat, liking the way it sounds on my lips. “Thank you. Hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow, Kori.” I give a little fist pump as I run to the locker room.
~Kori~
I watch him jog away, and I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he happy he scored my name from our conversation, or does he think I’m a freak? I’m not sure why I gave it to him, other than it seemed like the polite thing to do. He’s cute and all, but I don’t want to send the wrong message. I don’t date jocks. I don’t want to date anyone right now.
Dr. Morris will be happy. I talked to someone. I had a conversation. He thinks it’s an important step for me in enjoying life again. That, along with the fresh air. I think it’s all bullshit and I’m not sure I want to enjoy life, anyway. Some days I’m not even sure I want to live.
I can’t try to end it, though. I won’t. It would be selfish and cowardly, especially after watching my mother fight for every last day on this earth. Even when she was in so much pain she could barely stand it, or was so weak she couldn’t get out of bed, she never gave up the fight. For that reason, I won’t give up either, even though it’s hard for me to enjoy anything since she’s been gone.
Maybe someday I will find enjoyment again. Maybe it will even be watching baseball.
I look around the empty bleachers, picturing them full of spectators on game day, cheering the players on. Landon said I should go to a game, but that seems like too much, too soon. Crowds? Cheering? People having fun? Definitely not my thing.
Practice, though, I think I can handle, and maybe I’ll have a friend in this guy, Landon. Maybe this is where it will start. The healing.
It’s hard to actually believe that, but I’ll be back again tomorrow anyway.
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After Ten ~ Aggravated Circumstances ~ Finding Forever
Leap of Faith ~ The Art of Love ~ Starting Over
Tears and Laughter ~ Playing For Keeps
Heroes To Swoon For ~ Spring Into Love
Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.
October 22-25, 2015 I will be in Minneapolis, MN at the Midwestern Book Lovers Unite. I will also be doing 3 panels at the event. Going to be a great time.
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