Roxanne D. Howard's Blog, page 14
June 25, 2017
Share #AuthorLove for Kris Bock’s Free #Romance Adventure
I have the lovely Kris Bock on the blog today to talk about her sensational smart romance, The Mad Monk’s Treasure. Enjoy!
The Mad Monk’s Treasure
“Smart romance with an ‘Indiana Jones’ feel.”
“Like Nancy Drew for grownups.”
A legendary treasure hunt in the dramatic – and deadly – New Mexico desert….
The lost Victorio Peak treasure is the greatest of treasure-hunting legends, filled with riches from a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, bandits, and an Apache Chief.
Erin, a shy history professor, uncovers a clue that may pinpoint the lost cave. She’s ready for adventure, but when a hit and run driver nearly kills her, she knows she’s not the only one after the treasure. And is Drew, the handsome helicopter pilot who found her bleeding in a ditch, a hero or an enemy?
Erin heads into the New Mexico wilderness with her brainy best friend Camie and a feisty orange cat, Tiger. The wilderness holds its own dangers, from wild animals to sudden storms. Meanwhile, dangerous men are on Erin’s trail, determined snatch the treasure from her grasp. How far will Erin go to find the treasure and discover what she’s really made of? And will Drew be there to help her in the end?
“The story has it all—action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship….”
“The action never stopped …. It was adventure and romance at its best.”
“I couldn’t put this book down. You’ll love it.”
This book was originally published under the title Rattled.
Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will enjoy these stories of love in the wild, from an award-winning author.
The Mad Monk’s Treasure Excerpt:
Among all the legends, all the fact and fiction, one story stood out. The Victorio Peak legend had it all. A Franciscan priest and a swindler. Torture, murder, a government cover-up. Where was the truth, among all the stories? Erin wanted to find out. Over time, and with Camie’s encouragement, she’d started to take the treasure hunt more seriously. It wasn’t so much for the treasure itself, which would most likely belong to the government or the landowners. But it would make her reputation, open up new job opportunities – change her life in ways she hardly dared dream.
She touched the book gently. The pages were falling out; she didn’t want to risk carrying it around. Instead, Erin snapped a picture of the petroglyphs with her phone. That would be enough to show Camie for now.
The timing was perfect; she just had to turn in grades and field a few tearful last-minute requests for extensions, and she’d be done for the semester. What better way to spend the summer, than hunting for buried treasure?
Erin shook her head. Who would’ve thought that she, the quiet, studious girl who’d spent her entire adult life in academia in one way or another, would be planning such an adventure?
Erin wheeled the bike around the front of her house and mounted. At the corner, she paused and looked both ways. The long frontage road was dangerously narrow, with a cement wall on one side and a ditch on the other. Fortunately, traffic was normally light, and at this time of day the road lay empty. Erin pushed off, still grinning from her find. She rode on the right side, by the ditch, instead of facing traffic, because it was too frightening to ride alongside the wall when a car passed.
She’d gone a block when she heard the hum of a car engine as it pulled out from a side street behind her. She rode along the very edge of the pavement, even though the car would have plenty of room to pass her without oncoming traffic.
Erin glanced over her shoulder. The black SUV twenty feet behind her hadn’t bothered to pull out into the road at all. Jerk. When would drivers learn to share the road with bicyclists? Erin pulled onto the two-foot wide gravel strip between the pavement and the ditch. She couldn’t stop without risking a skid, but she slowed so the SUV could pass.
The engine roared. Erin glanced back again.
Black metal bore down on her. Her heart lurched and the bike wobbled. This guy was crazy! She whipped her gaze forward, rose up in the seat, and pumped the pedals with all her power, skimming along inches from the ditch. He was just trying to scare her. She’d get his license plate and—
She felt the bumper hit her back tire. The bike seemed to leap into the air, and she went flying. The dried mud and weeds of the ditch seemed to rise up to meet her.
She didn’t even have time to scream.
Get the book free at these ebook retailers:
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods.
The Southwest Treasure Hunters novels follow strong characters hunting for long-lost treasures in the dramatic and deadly southwestern desert. Each stands alone.
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. Sign up for Kris Bock newsletter for announcements of new books, sales, and more.
Find, follow, or friend the author:
The post Share #AuthorLove for Kris Bock’s Free #Romance Adventure appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 22, 2017
Tips for Self Editing from my Writing Cave
There is always that bone-chilling moment where you are about to submit your manuscript to an editor, literary agent, or publisher, and you hit Send. But have you done everything you could to get the manuscript ready?
I’d like to share simple, but effective self-editing hacks I’ve learned throughout the years in self-editing. I usually do this before sending it off to a beta reader or editor, to make it as polished as possible. Please feel free to contribute in the comments if you have any tips for aspiring writers who might read this.
When you are finished with the manuscript, run a thorough spell and grammar check. Many people still do not do this, and it’s amazing what writers can miss.
Through “Find and Replace,” change or get rid of as many Adverbs and Gerunds (-ing endings) as you can. Lessening your manuscript in favor of stronger descriptions makes a huge difference and makes it more readable.
Exclamation points and semicolons. Exclamation points should only appear in a manuscript 1-5 times. Semicolons shouldn’t be more than 18 for a novella, times up for bigger books.
Replace dashes with em-dashes when do the interrupting bit for dialogue. (Change –“/–“/”- to —)
Shave down your filter words through “Find and Replace” in Word, to avoid repetition and either replace them with stronger verbs, or get rid of them all together:
To give you an idea, here are my usual filter words:
Actually
Probably
Though.
Really
Smile
Grin/Laugh
Very and every
Thing
All
Was
If you write erotic romance, check your naughty/vulgar words as they can sometimes be overused when a stronger verb can be utilized instead. If overlooked, the overuse of vulgar words can be distracting from the love scene.
On editing filter words:
Check want
Check as
Check that
Check so
Check realized
Check you know
Check like
Check I mean
Check need
Check about
Check it
Check just
Check gasped
to see
to hear
to think
to touch
to wonder
to realize
to watch
to look
to seem
to feel (or feel like)
can
to decide
to sound (or sound like)
Search for your time-based adverbs (i.e., when, then, suddenly, immediately, always, often, already, finally). Time-based adverbs such as suddenly, when, immediately, etc. can distract from action sequences or love scenes. Try removing them from the sentence, read the sentence out loud, and see if it works better without it (e.g., Susan immediately bolted out the door, to Susan bolted out the door). Many times simply removing a time-based adverbs can make the action much more effective.
Sex scenes: The best advice I can give for writing sex scenes is one of the oldest; use the Rule of Three – use at least three of the five senses to make the scene three-dimensional. If you have at least sight, taste, smell, etc., it’s a great mechanism for breaking out of writer’s block. Paint the scene for the reader. For open-door love scenes, while you need the physical elements and who put what where present, remember – great dialogue makes for a great sex scene.
The “Find and Replace” feature (sometimes called “Search and Replace”) is an easy way to get rid of bad writing habits that you might not notice when reading straight through your novel.
Here are some things to search for and eliminate from your book:
Began and Started: Find anything with began/begin(-ing,etc) and start/started/starting and replace them with active verbs. This will strengthen the action and engage the reader.
Adverbs: Find words ending in -ly and either replace them with stronger verbs or cut them out entirely. Many editors and publishers consider adverbs “lazy author’s words.” I stick to the one a page rule, where it’s okay to have one -ly ending a page, that way you can be descriptive without it being tedious in your manuscript.
Gerunds: Like adverbs, gerunds (-ing endings) can distract from the action or point you’re trying to convey in a story. Allow yourself 1-2 gerunds a page, or try to replace them with verbs ending in -ed if it’s preceded by was, is, or were.
The post Tips for Self Editing from my Writing Cave appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 19, 2017
Tina Gayle’s new release, Tainted Rose #authorlove
Today I’m excited to have fellow author Tina Gayle on the blog, talking about her new novel, Tainted Rose. This book looks great! Enjoy.
Vote for Tainted Rose on Kindle Scout and receive free ebook when it is published.
Link – https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/SUFRUEVLX1R9
Blurb for Tainted Rose
Maybelline Beasley enjoys her life in the Silver Leaf 55+ community until her neighbor is murdered. With all eyes point at her as the prime suspect, she struggles with her fear of cops and her attraction to Detective Billy Bob Cooter. Can he save her from the real murderer who’s looking for an escape goat? Or will her second change at love come to an end by a killer’s gun?
Excerpt:
“You have reached the 911 operator for Sitwell. What’s your emergency?” The calm voice appeared pleasant enough, but Maybelline wasn’t sure how long it would stay that way.
“I believe my neighbor is in trouble. She likes to hang out on top of her roof and meditate.” An unmovable lump formed in her throat. Swallowing her emotions, she started again. “But, she’s, uh, not moving and lying slightly off kilter as if something is wrong.”
“Could she have fallen asleep?” The operator suggested.
“No, I tried…” She stopped mid-sentence as she realized the woman might have a point. After all, Rose could be a little deaf. To test the theory, Maybelline searched for a way to make noise. “Wait, a second.”
She leaned into the car, set her hand in the middle of the steering wheel, and laid on her horn. The blast echoed around her, and she turned to glance up at her neighbor.
Rose didn’t move.
The certainty of an adverse outcome resonated through Maybelline’s body. The heaviness of grief robbed her of strength. She sagged against the car’s doorframe for support and lifted her cellphone back to her ear.
“Madam, madam, you don’t need to blow the horn. That might frighten her, and she could fall off the roof.” The operator sounded irritated by the interruption.
“But how else could I tell if she was asleep?” Maybelline didn’t understand the woman’s problem.
“Why don’t I just send someone out to check on your friend?”
“That would be helpful, thanks.” Maybelline lowered the phone knowing the 911 operator would want to keep her on the line, but she had no intentions of doing any such thing. She had gone through the whole rigmarole the last time and had no plans to do it again.
“Miss, I need…”
Maybelline hit the disconnect button and stuffed her cell in the pocket of her jeans.
Read 1st Chapter of all of Tina’s books at www.tinagayle.com
Tina Gayle’s Bio
Her first romantic novel published in 2008, Tina Gayle has written over thirty romantic books under two different pseudonyms. Her novels span several different genres from contemporary to fantasy and sweet to erotic. She enjoys the challenge of drawing a reader into a story and having them travel down the same road as her hero and heroine. Married thirty years, she enjoys spending time with her husband on the golf course. Find out more about Tina on her website – www.tinagayle.net
Blog – www.authortinagayle.blogspot.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle
Goodread – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_Gayle
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle
The post Tina Gayle’s new release, Tainted Rose #authorlove appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 18, 2017
Negotiating Her Release by #BeccaMiles #authorlove #boroughspubgrp
Author Becca Miles is here today to lay down the law with her awesome new novel, Negotiating her Release. You have the right to remain silent, and check this bad boy out!
Blog Tour
Title: Negotiating Her Release
Author: Becca A . Miles
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 2, 2017
The last thing hostage negotiator Ashe MacAvoy expected was to need a rescue herself, but it’s a game-changer when Detective Chase Weber offers his protection—and his bed.
UPPING THE STAKES
Ashe MacAvoy is Wilmington PD’s chief hostage negotiator. Using her infamous grace under fire, and the expertise of Detective Chase Weber, she frees a roomful of innocents from three armed captors. But the guy pulling the strings is still out there, and Ashe’s life is in danger. Chase wants to protect her. Can he also shield her from the broken heart at the end of this adrenaline-filled attraction?
Detective Chase Weber doesn’t mix business with pleasure. Well, not anymore. He’s learned his lesson and is happy with the world back on track. Enter Ashe MacAvoy, whose life he’s saved twice in less than twelve hours. Somehow he’s become her guardian angel—a role that’s giving him a devil of a time. She’s a pain in his ass…and a need in his heart. So maybe having the world upended isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Boroughs| Amazon| Createspace| Smashwords| B&N| Kobo
Chase pulled into Ashe’s driveway and slid out of the car. Crouching, he sniffed the air and then he was running to the front door, pounding on it, calling her name. He slammed against the locked door with his shoulder once. It didn’t budge.
He slammed against it again, worrying with every blow that he might hit a spark that would ignite the air, laden down with the sickly smell of the additive they piped into natural gas.
Adrenaline pumping, Chase gave himself a few steps and ran at the door. The wood frame cracked under the onslaught of his mass, and he fell into the house. Afraid to turn on the light, he blindly fumbled through the hall. The first room he came to was the bathroom. The second room was her guest room. He finally found her room at the end of the hall.
He ran to the bed, not wanting to see if he was too late. She was lying tucked up in the bed, covered in a cocoon that hid her from sight. Chase pulled back the blanket and checked her pulse with his two forefingers. It was there—weak but present.
He gathered her up in his arms and took a step toward the door, then stopped. Her bedroom had a pair of sliding glass doors that opened to the backyard. Carrying her, he slid the door open and stumbled into the yard. His own breathing was labored now, his lungs protesting at the strain of the adrenaline and the contaminated air.
Spots started to appear before his eyes as Chase made it back to the street. He forced his legs to go faster, just a few more steps.
The blast of the shockwave lifted him off his feet and flung him and Ashe several yards through the air before crashing them down to the asphalt. The force of the blow knocked him dizzy, but he stayed conscious. He turned to see Ashe’s house in flames. A scream came from her neighbor’s house and then a woman was running toward him, a cell phone in her hand.
“I’m calling the police,” the woman called as she ran. “Don’t worry, I have a phone.”
Chase shook his head, cradling Ashe in his arms. She moaned, groggy, coming around. He tried to collect his thoughts. His own brain was still hazy and he felt like someone had sucker punched him in the back of the neck. Twice.
“What happened?” Ashe’s voice was shaky, the words slurred. “How did I get here?”
She looked up at Chase, her face shadowed. The fire caught highlights in her hair, now and then sparking glints in her gray eyes.
He couldn’t help himself. He clasped her to him, bending his face toward her, kissing her as deep and hard as he could.
Becca A. Miles is Rachel A. Brune’s nom de plume. Rachel started writing as a military journalist for the U.S. Army. She broke into fiction by writing short stories that have been published in a variety of speculative fiction magazines and anthologies. Under the mentorship of Suze Winegardner, Rachel penned her first foray into romantic suspense.
Rachel continues to write, coach, and blog. Follow her on social media, she loves to hear from readers:
website|facebook|twitter| linkedin
The post Negotiating Her Release by #BeccaMiles #authorlove #boroughspubgrp appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 16, 2017
Sonnet Coupled Official Book Trailer
Hey, folks!
I hope you’re all having an awesome summer. Here is the Official Book Trailer for Sonnet Coupled. Enjoy! The novel has been getting some awesome reviews. Also, stay tuned to my Goodreads feed; I’ll be starting another autographed paperback giveaway soon!
Love,
Roxanne
ALWAYS FAITHFUL
Sheltered and cosseted, Sonnet Mendoza abided by her papi’s wishes her whole life: no boys, studies first and always. Now an ER nurse in a busy Chicago hospital, medical school is so close Sonnet can taste it. Just like her father always wanted. Just like she can taste all the things she wants–like Griffith Parker, the man of her dreams and her new housemate.
Working “graves” in a large hospital as a security guard while attending the police academy during the day doesn’t leave ex-Marine Griffith Parker any personal time, but after meeting the beautiful Sonnet Mendoza, business as usual is anything but. Sassy, smart…and interested in him, too? Except, she’s made an art of keeping her distance, and she’s been clear that her plans don’t include him. But the heart wants what the heart wants. His wants Sonnet. He’ll put it on the line to win her.
Excerpt:
It had grown dark, and the lampposts in the parking lot were lit. She had a little pep in her step as she walked to the ER doors, but she stopped and didn’t go in. He was there, hands on his duty belt as he talked with a patient near the security desk. Griffith emitted shock waves of sex appeal, even from where she stood.
Oh, hell no.
She’d never be able to walk past him after what she’d done the other night. She reddened. Not like he would even know about her stupid fantasies, but she would. She’d half forgotten he would be on graves with her, too wrapped up in the exhilaration of getting into medical school and…other activities.
Evasive maneuvering seemed the best way to go, so she sidestepped and made her way around to the back employee entrance leading into the ER. She smiled to herself over the minor victory, and pushed against the handle to go in, but it didn’t budge.
“You’ve uh, got to pull it.”
She turned around, and there he stood, dangling a black Maglite in his hand. She reigned in the growl that wanted to surface. “I’m sorry?”
“The door. You need to yank the handle toward you, not push it. There’s a sign.”
Sonnet froze, and eyed the PULL sticker she’d been oblivious to, right above said handle.
“Of course,” she murmured. “Figures.” Even though he must think her an imbecile, she raised her chin with defiance and muttered her thanks as she tugged on the door. It didn’t move.
“Use your badge,” he said. “It’s a security measure so no unauthorized personnel get in.” She glanced at him. He crossed his arms, and his lips fought a losing battle to twitch upward.
Sonnet shook her head, flustered, and rooted around her purse for her work badge. “Look, I realize you think I’m a total moron here, but it’s my first night on the floor, my car had trouble starting earlier, and my nerves are all shot to hell. So, I’d appreciate it if you, your ridiculously stacked chest, and all your muscles wouldn’t judge me, okay? I’m nervous enough as it is. We’re not all perfect.” She held her badge to the RFID reader. The second the green light went on, he beat her to the handle and held the door open for her.
She didn’t see a wedding ring on his left hand. Hmm.
He smirked. “Good to know you like my muscles.” He raised his eyebrows as she clipped past him.
“Shut it, Rambo.”
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sonnet-Coupled-Roxanne-D-Howard-ebook/dp/B071RCN2NX/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sonnet-coupled-roxanne-d-howard/1126254545?ean=2940154129517
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sonnet-coupled
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/719258
Boroughs Publishing: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/sonnet-coupled
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34857409-sonnet-coupled
The post Sonnet Coupled Official Book Trailer appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
Sonnet Coupled Teaser Book Trailer
Hey, folks!
I hope you’re all having an awesome summer. I’m working on a professional book trailer for Sonnet Coupled right now, as in one I can put on YouTube and advertise. In the meantime, I made a mock up trailer to give you an idea of what’s coming. Have a gander, and be sure to check out Sonnet Coupled! It’s been getting some awesome reviews. Also, stay tuned to my Goodreads feed; I’ll be starting another autographed paperback giveaway soon!
Love,
Roxanne
ALWAYS FAITHFUL
Sheltered and cosseted, Sonnet Mendoza abided by her papi’s wishes her whole life: no boys, studies first and always. Now an ER nurse in a busy Chicago hospital, medical school is so close Sonnet can taste it. Just like her father always wanted. Just like she can taste all the things she wants–like Griffith Parker, the man of her dreams and her new housemate.
Working “graves” in a large hospital as a security guard while attending the police academy during the day doesn’t leave ex-Marine Griffith Parker any personal time, but after meeting the beautiful Sonnet Mendoza, business as usual is anything but. Sassy, smart…and interested in him, too? Except, she’s made an art of keeping her distance, and she’s been clear that her plans don’t include him. But the heart wants what the heart wants. His wants Sonnet. He’ll put it on the line to win her.
Excerpt:
It had grown dark, and the lampposts in the parking lot were lit. She had a little pep in her step as she walked to the ER doors, but she stopped and didn’t go in. He was there, hands on his duty belt as he talked with a patient near the security desk. Griffith emitted shock waves of sex appeal, even from where she stood.
Oh, hell no.
She’d never be able to walk past him after what she’d done the other night. She reddened. Not like he would even know about her stupid fantasies, but she would. She’d half forgotten he would be on graves with her, too wrapped up in the exhilaration of getting into medical school and…other activities.
Evasive maneuvering seemed the best way to go, so she sidestepped and made her way around to the back employee entrance leading into the ER. She smiled to herself over the minor victory, and pushed against the handle to go in, but it didn’t budge.
“You’ve uh, got to pull it.”
She turned around, and there he stood, dangling a black Maglite in his hand. She reigned in the growl that wanted to surface. “I’m sorry?”
“The door. You need to yank the handle toward you, not push it. There’s a sign.”
Sonnet froze, and eyed the PULL sticker she’d been oblivious to, right above said handle.
“Of course,” she murmured. “Figures.” Even though he must think her an imbecile, she raised her chin with defiance and muttered her thanks as she tugged on the door. It didn’t move.
“Use your badge,” he said. “It’s a security measure so no unauthorized personnel get in.” She glanced at him. He crossed his arms, and his lips fought a losing battle to twitch upward.
Sonnet shook her head, flustered, and rooted around her purse for her work badge. “Look, I realize you think I’m a total moron here, but it’s my first night on the floor, my car had trouble starting earlier, and my nerves are all shot to hell. So, I’d appreciate it if you, your ridiculously stacked chest, and all your muscles wouldn’t judge me, okay? I’m nervous enough as it is. We’re not all perfect.” She held her badge to the RFID reader. The second the green light went on, he beat her to the handle and held the door open for her.
She didn’t see a wedding ring on his left hand. Hmm.
He smirked. “Good to know you like my muscles.” He raised his eyebrows as she clipped past him.
“Shut it, Rambo.”
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sonnet-Coupled-Roxanne-D-Howard-ebook/dp/B071RCN2NX/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sonnet-coupled-roxanne-d-howard/1126254545?ean=2940154129517
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sonnet-coupled
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/719258
Boroughs Publishing: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/sonnet-coupled
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34857409-sonnet-coupled
The post Sonnet Coupled Teaser Book Trailer appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 13, 2017
Indigo by Emily Mims #authorlove #newrelease #boroughspubgrp #emilymims
Aside from the amazing cover art Boroughs produces, one of the really rewarding things about working with them is getting to know the other authors. Today I’m thrilled to introduce you all to Emily Mims. Check out her newest awesome novel, Indigo.
Release Blitz
Title: INDIGO
Series: The Smoky Blues Series
Author: Emily Mims
Release Date: June 13, 2017
AFTER THE FALL
Widow Timberlynn Barstow is pregnant—not by her beloved husband, but by the man she holds responsible for his death. Big, blond, infuriating Sawyer Ellison has returned, demanding to be part of the baby’s life and hers. But he is still consumed by his war on drugs, ruthlessly disregarding anything that gets in the path of his quest, including those around him. Timberlynn’s uncharacteristic surrender to that beautiful stone-carved face and rock-hard body means much less than her child’s safety.
Sawyer Ellison harbors a deep hatred of drugs…and an even deeper secret. He wants to make Timberlynn his, yet his personal crusade is everything. It drove him to decisions he regrets, mistakes that haunt him unto this day. Yet he cannot grieve over being with Timberlynn. The banjo-playing beauty—and now their child—is everything he never dreamed he could have. Now it’s just a matter of paying the piper.
Amazon| Boroughs| Smashwords| B&N| Kobo
Sawyer stood in front of the driver’s side door and nailed her with a glare. “Is that baby mine?”
“Really?” Timberlynn looked up. “It’s fifteen degrees and starting to snow. You want to have this talk here in the parking lot?”
Sawyer yanked her car door open. “Get in.” He waited for her to get in the car and then got into the passenger seat. She turned on the engine and started the heater. Sawyer turned to face her. “Is this better?”
“Much.”
“Then let me repeat the question. Is the baby you’re carrying my child?”
Timberlynn’s mind raced. Could she get away with telling him an outright lie? Or would it be better to try and bluff her way out of this? “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” she said stiffly.
“None of my business? Lady, if that bump belongs to me it damned well is my business.”
Timberlynn looked over at him coolly. “Sawyer, this baby does not belong to you. He has never belonged to you and he never will. This is my child, mine and mine alone.”
“Yours and who else’s?”
“Mine. It doesn’t matter who donated the sperm.”
Sawyer took a deep breath. “Then let me put it this way. Did I donate the sperm for your little project? Did I get you pregnant back in July? And don’t try to lie about it. I can count as well as the next horny idiot.”
He was right. There was no point in lying. “Yes, you donated the sperm for this little project, as you put it,” Timberlynn said tiredly. “We were too drunk to think about birth control. Not that I had any on me, anyway.”
“So when did you plan to tell me I’m going to be a father?”
“I wasn’t.” Timberlynn lifted her chin. “Because you’re not going to be. I’m not involving you in this baby’s life. I’m not even asking you for child support. I just want you to leave me alone to raise my child.”
“How in the hell do you expect me to live with that? How do you expect me to know I have a child out there and not have anything to do with it?” Sawyer’s anger burned over her in the tight confines of the car.
But she was angry, too, and let him know it. “How in the hell do you expect me to do otherwise? Do you honestly think I want my child to have a father like you?”
“What do you mean, like me?” Sawyer’s voice was dangerously quiet. “Maybe you’d better explain that.”
Author of over thirty Romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons, she and her husband Charles split their time between central Texas and eastern Tennessee. For relaxation she plays the piano, organ, and dulcimer, and is trying to be a dab hand at a few other instruments.
She says, “I love to write Romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman – if she’ll just let it.” Emily loves to hear from readers. You can find her here:
Website| Facebook| Twitter
The post Indigo by Emily Mims #authorlove #newrelease #boroughspubgrp #emilymims appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 11, 2017
$50 Gift Card Giveaway Leaf and Liberty Facebook Hop
Hey, Everyone! Romance Writers Behaving Badly is having a huge giveaway from June 30th through July 5th. I’ll be giving away an autographed paperback of Sonnet Coupled, and there’s a $50 gift card and lots of free books to be gained! Be sure to #entertowin and join in the fun!
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'arial';">COME JOIN US ON THE LEAF & LIBERTY FB HOP!</span></b></span></span></div>
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sponsored
by authors from the Romance Writers Behaving Badly blog!</span></span></div>
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You
can enter to win gift cards, eBooks and/or signed paperbacks at every stop!</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'arial';">Start
here to win the GRAND PRIZE of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a bundle of books!:
</span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RomanceWrite... style="font-family: 'arial';">https://www.facebook.com/RomanceWrite... </b></span></div>
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Then stop by the rest of the RWBB authors’ FB pages to win even more gift cards and books:</span></b></span></div>
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Cailin
Briste: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cailinbriste...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Erica
Lynn:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Erica-Lynn-E...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jeanne
St. James: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JeanneStJame...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Vivien
Jackson: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VivienJackso...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Roxanne
Howard: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoxanneDHowa...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Whitley
Cox: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoxWhitley/&...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Christa
Paige: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristaPaige...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bre
Meli: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bremeliautho...
<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Christa
Maurice: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristaMauri...
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Winners
will be chosen at random when the giveaway closes after 12 pm EDT (9 am PST)
on July 5th.</span></span></div>
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<div class="Normal1" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Good
luck and we look forward to seeing you on the hop!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<div id="epoch-width-sniffer"></div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://roxannedhoward.com/50-gift-car... Gift Card Giveaway Leaf and Liberty Facebook Hop</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://roxannedhoward.com">Ro... D. Howard, Author</a>.</p>
June 9, 2017
Showing some #AuthorLove for a Hot Paranormal #Romance, Alpha Lover, by Brenda Sparks
Today I’m thrilled to have fellow author Brenda Sparks on the blog to treat us to her new release, Alpha Lover. Enjoy, and keep a fan handy!
Book Blurb:
Starved for blood, vampire, Nicholai Peterhof is greatly relieved when two tourists, in Russia for the Christmas holiday, decide to grace his restaurant, but one sip from the pretty brunette and his world is forever turned upside down. Juliette Staint-John is everything he could have asked for in a heartmate; pretty, smart, built with curves in all the right places…and totally unavailable.
Juliette doesn’t want anything to do with the handsome, young-looking Nicholai. As if their differences aren’t enough, the acute grief over the loss of loved ones keeps her heart guarded. He may be her fantasy, but that’s all he can ever be.
To get past Juliette’s defenses and in order to keep her safe, Nicholai must prove himself worthy of her love and trust. Unbeknownst to the couple, her personal demons are not the only ones threatening their relationship. Hiding virtually unseen by the vampires, Demon Royalty plots to destroy not only the couple but the entire vampire breed. Luckily, Nicholai will do anything for Juliette—even if it means sacrificing himself.
Black and white photo of young caucasian coupleExcerpt:
Julie’s gaze swept the landscape. The moon’s rays glittered on the snowy bows. The birch trees stood with their trunks painted white to match their limbs. Thick pine branches held fast under the weight of the new fallen snow, making them appear as if they wore white blankets made of virginal cotton about each limb. Sparkling mounds cluttered the ground between the trees, hiding the forest’s treasures beneath.
Save the sound of the hooves pounding on the ground, they journeyed through the silent night to a clearing in the trees. Nicholai clicked to his stallion, and with a flick of the reins, the steed increased into a rolling canter up a steep incline. Julie’s thighs pushed against the sides of the horse as she tried to match the new rhythm.
Nicholai’s breath warmed her ear when he spoke. “Not too much further. It’s right up ahead.”
“What’s up ahead?” Just as the words left Julie’s mouth, they crested over the ridge.
The frozen valley below took her breath away. A glaciate waterfall stood still as a statue against the rocky terrain. The cascading water, stopped as if by magic, reflected the moon’s soft rays and cast tiny prisms on the snow below.
Julie’s breath hitched in her throat. She took in the serene beauty of the land as they cruised at a slow trot. Debris rolled under Kedar’s hoofs. It created a hollow rattle in the night, barely audible to Juliette.
When they reached the valley, Nicholai pulled up the stallion and handed the reins to Julie. She patted the horse’s steaming neck as her lover dismounted with a fluid grace. He turned, grabbed Kedar’s reins, then reached up for Julie. Her thick coat seemed to melt as his strong hands clasped around her waist. She put her hands on his shoulders, and the bulge of muscle under his coat played under her fingers when he helped her down. A thrill went through her body.
Her breath frosted the air in a white plume. The lovers held each other, his hands about her waist, hers resting on his shoulders. Quiet as the moon above, they stared deeply into each other’s eyes. Nicholai captured her lips in a gentle caress that welcomed her to this special place.
Buy the book:
Want Alpha Lover for Only $0.99? Pick up a Kindle copy on Amazon.
Buy the Book On Amazon.
Don’t want a Kindle copy? Don’t mind paying a little more for Alpha Lover? Get a copy at one of these other fine retailers.
Buy the Book on Barnes and Nobel.
Buy the Book from The Wild Rose Press.
Author Bio:
Brenda Sparks has always loved all things spooky and enjoys incorporating paranormal elements in her writing. She refuses to allow pesky human constraints to get in the way of telling the story. Luckily the only thing limiting her stories is her imagination. Her characters are strong, courageous, and she adores spending time with them in their imaginary world.
Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure.
Find the Author on Social Media:
Visit the Facebook Fan Page.
Visit the Twitter Page.
The post Showing some #AuthorLove for a Hot Paranormal #Romance, Alpha Lover, by Brenda Sparks appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
June 5, 2017
Tender is the Night by Christa Maurice – Available for Pre-Order!
Today I’m pleased to have fellow author Christa Maurice on the blog to spotlight her steamy new contemporary romance, Tender is the Night. This novel looks fantastic, you guys, and it comes out on June 13th! It’s currently available for pre-order. Check out the blurb and excerpt below!
Blurb:
Love is a long journey.
Lisa Benedict needed a date for a bar mitzvah, but when the escort she hired arrives he’s not just good looking, he’s also kind, gentle, and protective. He makes her feel sexy again and she wants to keep him around. But she doesn’t know that the terrible abuse Gale suffered at the hands of one of the Hollywood elite keeps him from being able to trust her no matter how much he wants to.
Gale loved being with Lisa and her sons, but when she put a contract in front of him, he thought she wanted to enslave him as another woman had threatened to. He fled. Months later, with some therapy behind him, he wants to try again. Will she be willing to take him back after the way he stormed out?
And if she does, can he trust her to not reject him when she learns the truth?
Excerpt:
“Help me, Gale Wallace. You’re my only hope.”
Gale grinned. “I love that movie.” Too bad they couldn’t stay in tonight and watch it. They could cuddle on the couch, eat popcorn, and repeat their favorite lines. He swallowed. He should not be thinking of his client as a person. It would make the whole date more difficult. But it was impossible not to, especially when she was treating him as an equal.
“Me, too. See, we already have something in common.” She set aside her glass.
“We met at the Starbucks near where you work.”
“Yes, and we ended up chatting.” She patted his knee again.
“About Star Wars.”
She laughed and it was full of joy. “Of course we did. After coffee, we decided to have lunch. My ex had the boys last weekend, so we went to Brandywine on Saturday.”
“And you asked me to come with you this weekend.”
“Perfect. I did kind of invite you last Saturday.” She stroked his arm and then yanked her hand away. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to manhandle you.”
“Actually, to sell it, you will want to.” Not entirely true, but Gale was enjoying being touched by her.
“Oh good.” She rested her hand on his forearm again. “I should probably know what you do. I suppose you want to be an actor. You’re good-looking enough.”
“I tell people that I’m a model, but I do want to get into acting. What do you do?”
“I work for ABN in development picking which shows are green lit for production.”
“That sounds important.”
She shrugged. “I guess it would be if I had any power at all.”
If he leaned in right now to kiss her, what would she do? Kiss back? Slap him? Too soon to tell.
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2q2921k
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tender-is-the-night-christa-maurice/1126276898?ean=9781537897530
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christa_Maurice_Tender_Is_the_Night?id=jia7DgAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tender-is-the-night/id1229909993?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/tender-is-the-night-58
Author Bio:
Christa Maurice spends a lot of time lost in imagination. When not writing, she loves to travel and has spent several years living overseas. She spent four years living in Abu Dhabi where the temperature was always hot, the sunrise and sunset were pretty stable year ‘round and she could go weeks without speaking to a man who wasn’t selling her groceries. You know that happens to a woman living in what amounts to a harem situation? She spends a lot of time talking about shoes and thinking about men. Which brings us right back to being lost in imagination…
Author Links:
Website: christamaurice.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristaMauriceWriter?ref=hl
Twitter: @ChristaMaurice
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/4VZuD
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christa-maurice
The post Tender is the Night by Christa Maurice – Available for Pre-Order! appeared first on Roxanne D. Howard, Author.
