Tina Gayle's Blog, page 11
April 28, 2016
The Gordonston Ladies - Dog Walking Club by @DuncanWhitehead #ASMSG #Mystery
Amazon
Little is what it seems to be in a leafy Savannah neighborhood as members of an afternoon cocktail and dog walking club mourn a neighbor’s death. Jealousies surface when friends vie for the widower running for mayor. An old woman with an infamous uncle plots to avenge a wrong. Memories haunt a once successful children’s writer. And a model has won the trip of a lifetime.
But a killer lurks and secrets unfold, as does a web of deceit. Is anyone really who he or she seems to be? A mysterious South American, a young Italian count, and a charitable nephew add suspicion and intrigue, as do an enigmatic organization linked to organized crime, a handsome firefighter, and three widows with hidden agendas. What’s a retired accountant’s secret, and why did a former showgirl really have plastic surgery?
The plot thickens, the Georgia temperature rises, and someone is destined for an early unmarked grave. The truth contorts to a climax that leaves readers breathless.
ReviewWinner of the 2013 Reader's Favorite International Book Award and Gold Medalist
"A real page turner that is perfect for anyone who enjoys a story filled with secrets, mystery and devious characters. Even though I loved the ending I can only hope that Mr. Whitehead will continue this story with a sequel; after all there are three more jobs to be completed! On a scale of one to five I would give this book a six because it is just that good!" —Readers Favorite
"Doggone it, whodunnit? Readers of The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club will just have to read to the end of the novel to find out. The thriller was written by Duncan Whitehead, who seems to have more in common with Ian Fleming than his idol, Agatha Christie. —The Savannah Morning News
BIO
Award Winning Writer, Duncan Whitehead, was born in England and is the author of the best-selling and award-winning GORDONSTON LADIES DOG WALKING CLUB Trilogy. The series, inspired by the quirky characters and eeriness in the real life Savannah neighborhood in which he once lived is a humorous mystery, which boasts an assortment of characters and plot twists.
He has also written over 2,000 spoof and comedy news articles, under various aliases, for a variety of websites both in the US and the UK.
He has written further novels; a comedy set in Manhattan, THE RELUCTANT JESUS, published in April 2014 and republished in July 2015 & three short stories.
Duncan is well known for his charity work, kindness to animals, children and old people; and, of course, his short-lived bullfighting career and his hideous hunchback.
In February 2045, he invented time travel and now spends much of his time in either the future (where he has won the lottery an astonishing 117 times) and the present day.
Social Links
https://twitter.com/DuncanWhitehead/
https://www.facebook.com/duncan.whitehead.9
https://www.instagram.com/duncanwriter/
http://duncanwhiteheadauthor.com
The Reluctant Jesus
Murder At The Fourth
The Best Man
An Actor's Life
Home For The Weekend
You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato, She Says Murder
Thanks Duncan for sharing your series with us. Stay tune for the next book in the series tomorrow.
Tina
April 19, 2016
Giving Love Another Chance - Youthful Temptations by @authortinagayle #ASMSG
Single again, Linda Clayton is ready to let loose and have some fun. Jilted at a party, she met a younger man, Vaughn Reagan. He has an active imagination and allures her into his life by tempting her with seductive games. Vaughn is thrilled to find a woman who doesn’t want children. He offers Linda a job so he can spend his days with her. Now, if he could only convince her to forget their age difference and enjoy the nights in his arms.
Excerpt:
“But did you meet anyone?” His father drilled the question at him like a staff sergeant. Ex-military, his voice struck the right chord to demand answers.
“Yes, but I’m . . .” he started, but his father interrupted.
“Then tell us all about her.”
“No.” Vaughn sprang from the couch and marched to the fireplace. Anger rumbled in his stomach, and a sour taste hit the back of his throat. He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at the blue flame rising from the blackened wood.
Every time he met someone new, his father pushed and prodded until he wormed every detail about his relationship out into the open. To shake his dad off his back, he usually complied. But not this time. His attraction to Linda was special.
Why? The question raced through his head.
He shook his head and refused the temptation to use their encounter as a temporary diversion to soothe his father’s doubts about his sexuality.
“And why not? Is she married or something?” his dad inquired.
Vaughn clenched his hands into fists. His dad hated being in the dark about any subject related to his children.
“Wait, Big John, Vaughn will tell us when he’s ready.” His mother’s voice offered a token of peace in a discussion that could quickly erupt.
“Well, I’m ready now. So spill the beans, boy. I want to know who this girl is.”
Vaughn whipped around to glare at his father. The concern marking his father’s brow eased, and a grin spread across his face. A strong emotion punched Vaughn in the chest. His dad might be a pain in the ass, but he’d been there in every major event in Vaughn’s life. At the hospital, while he’d been fighting his bout with cancer, his dad pestered all the doctors with his demands for a cure. Now, the same determination called for Vaughn to find a wife and settle.
A prior conversation sparked in Vaughn’s memory. “Are you sure it’s a woman?”
“What?” his mom squealed.
His father shook his head. “Good try, but we’ve already had that talk.”
“When did you . . .” His mother stood and tugged her hand free of her husband’s. “I can’t believe you’d ask him such a thing.”
Vaughn recognized the trouble he’d laid at his father’s door. His mom could impale a man with her wrath. “It was a while ago, Mom.”
“And I had to ask.” His dad hammered a few more nails in his coffin.
“Why?” Her hands flew in the air and finally landed on her hips. The high-pitched tone of her voice echoed off the high ceiling. “I can’t believe you, Big John. The boy has a right to a private life. But no, you have to meddle where you don’t belong.”
“Come on, April. He might be a tough guy, but he’s also my son. I want to know what’s happening in his life.”
“No, you don’t. You’re trying to run his life.”
“But he should settle down and find a good woman like I have.” He leaned forward and grabbed his wife’s wrist. “It’ll give him a passion for living.”
“You don’t know that. Not everyone is guaranteed happiness simply because they’re married.” She tugged on her hand and took a few steps backwards.
His dad grinned, rose quickly, and caught her in a bear hug. “They would be if they married a woman as lovely as you.”
“John,” his mom yelped, her feet dangling in the air, before his dad dove for a kiss.
Vaughn laughed. His father could always soothe his mom’s ruffled feathers. He wondered if he’d ever find the special bond they shared with someone. A strand of auburn hair on his sleeve caught his attention, and a picture of Linda flashed through his head.
Could she be the one?
His father glanced at him and released his tight hold on his mom. “So, son, why don’t you tell your busybody mother about your new girlfriend?”
Now on Sale find ebook at: www.smashwords.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.kobobooks.comitunes.apple.com At Amazon
Review
Youthful Temptations is about a couple finding love and overcoming stereotypes. We see that we all have baggage, it’s a part of us, and those that love us don’t mind the load we carry. Awesome story, I really enjoyed Youthful Temptations.
Reviewed by Raine at Joyfully Reviewed.
Hope you enjoy,
Tina Gayle
April 14, 2016
Old Folk Song from My Past #folksongs
Lord Thomas and Fair Ellender
Growing up, I was graced with a family that carried down a love of music. My grandmother and her daughters would sing different songs to us whenever the family got together.
One of the ones that always seem to be sung was what we always referred to as Fair Ellender.
Talk about a heartbreak of a song, this sad ballad had love, betrayal and death.
All in a short story form, which was sung to all that was present.
My favorite line was - "And he threw against the wall."
In the version I found on YouTube - he kicks it against the wall.
I chose this one, because it was closest to the song I remember with all the graphic details. Remember I was a child when I listened to the singing of this song.
Take a listen to Lord Thomas and Fair Ellendar and step back in time to an age where men married for money and the lady on the side met death.
https://youtu.be/66-u5A0K4oU
I have to say it was fun to hear this song. It reminded me of good times and my mother. Strange how your mind can go back in time.
Have a great day,
Tina
Growing up, I was graced with a family that carried down a love of music. My grandmother and her daughters would sing different songs to us whenever the family got together.
One of the ones that always seem to be sung was what we always referred to as Fair Ellender.
Talk about a heartbreak of a song, this sad ballad had love, betrayal and death.
All in a short story form, which was sung to all that was present.
My favorite line was - "And he threw against the wall."
In the version I found on YouTube - he kicks it against the wall.
I chose this one, because it was closest to the song I remember with all the graphic details. Remember I was a child when I listened to the singing of this song.
Take a listen to Lord Thomas and Fair Ellendar and step back in time to an age where men married for money and the lady on the side met death.
https://youtu.be/66-u5A0K4oU
I have to say it was fun to hear this song. It reminded me of good times and my mother. Strange how your mind can go back in time.
Have a great day,
Tina
April 12, 2016
#MFRWauthor Tweet Fest - Joining the Fun with Executive Wive's Club series
Once a month Marketing for Romance Authors promote each other on twitter.
It's a great way for the author to help friends and get the word out about the group.
This month, I want to share excerpts from my Executive Wives' Club Series
CFO's Affair - 3rd book in the Executive Wives' Club series
(strong women fiction elements)
Excerpt:
“I'm fine. I merely had a strange encounter after I left work.” Sylvia strolled to the sofa across from Marianne and sank onto the plush cushion. The large windows lining the opposite wall behind the other couch offered an appealing view of a bright harvest moon. The empty cornfield, which sat behind Brie's house, displayed row after row of shredded corn stalks. The depressing sight foretold of the snow that would fall continuously in a couple of months.
“Why don't you tell us about it?” Jen, the willowy, young, brunette of the group, laid a hand on Sylvia's thigh, and perched on the edge of the sofa near her. “Did Vince do something to upset you?”
“I warned you he was a Casanova.” Brie dropped into her favorite recliner, her lion slippers bobbing on her feet.
“No, he has no interest in me. After the first day, I haven't seen much of him. He probably only walked me into the building because Knox didn't want me to bolt.” Sylvia recalled the man's handsome profile and the alluring scent of his cologne. He could walk down the hallway ahead of her and she'd find herself tempted to follow.
Shoving thoughts of him aside, she focused on a theory she’d devised during dinner and gripped Jen's hand. “I think I might be able to find out who Bob was having an affair with.”
She looked into Jen’s concern face. She’d been the first to learn of Bob's request for a divorce. He dropped the bomb hours before leaving on a company business trip to Seattle, the ill-fated trip where none of the executive team had come back alive.
“Please, Sylvia, let it go.” Marianne leaned forward and held out her hands in a pleading gesture. “Bob is dead and you're only hurting yourself by worrying about this.”
“I can't. I've tried.” Sylvia closed her eyes and released Jen's hand. “I have to know why he decided to leave me.”
“Do you have any ideas?” Jen shifted closer. Her warmth reminded Sylvia that she didn’t have to go through this heartache alone. The other three ladies in the room had lost their husbands too. Even though Jen and Brie had both remarried, they knew the pain of losing a spouse. They simply didn't comprehend how much it hurt to have one ask for a divorce right before that loss.
“No. I think Wyoming Tetterman might help me learn who he was seeing.” Sylvia couldn’t fathom any other reason for Wyoming's refusal to talk. Did she know something she didn't want to share?
“Why?” Brie rose, shuffled over to Sylvia, and squatted down in front of her. “Did she tell you Bob had a lover?”
“No, but for some reason she doesn't want to talk to me either.” Sylvia stared into Brie's sweet face, gained a little perspective on how this might affect her friends and glanced up at Marianne. “I could be wrong, but why else would she feel the need to avoid me?”
Marianne shook her head and shifted forward. “Honey, you're setting yourself up to get hurt. What happens when you find out the name of the person Bob slept with? Are you planning to confront them? Because they won’t have any sympathy for you. In their eyes you got it all.”
“Ouch, that's brutal. However, she's right Sylvia. I still have people look at me as if I kill Eric so I could get the insurance money from the wreck.” Brie grabbed Sylvia's hand and held it between both of hers.
“I know; I get those looks too.”
“Then imagine how much worse it'll be if they find out he wanted to divorce.” Marianne rose and stepped behind Brie. “Please let it go. If working at Mama Turner's is causing the problem, tell Knox to take a flying leap off a high bridge.”
Purchase ebook at:
Read First Chapter of "CFO's Affair"
Purchase ebook at:
Smashwords | Amazon | B&N | Kobo |
IT's Exec's Baby - 2nd Book in Executives' Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)
With the warmth of the sun beating down on her head and the sound of her children’s laughter ringing in her ears, Brie spread her arms and spun in a circle.
She raised her voice and called to her kids as she walked to the railing of the upper deck. “You better find a good hiding place because ready or not here I come.”
With Isabella down for a nap, Brie drew in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air and the freedom from being stuck inside the house. The kids had convinced her to play with them outside. She loved the easy game of hide-and-go-seek. Glancing over the rail, she scanned the backyard, searching for Ethan’s and Allison’s young forms.
A giggle sounded from below the deck.
Brie stepped down a few stairs to search the patio below. Still unable to catch a glimpse of her children, she continued down the staircase, listening for sounds that might give her a clue to their whereabouts.
Not seeing either one of them, she hugged the back wall and silently slipped to the corner of the house that had concrete steps, which led to the front yard.
Determined to catch one of her kids heading for home-base, Brie refrained from peeking around the corner. The squeak of a tennis shoe alerted her to someone’s arrival.
Ready to grab them the minute they rounded the corner, Brie stayed out of sight. A shadow fell across the patio, and Allison’s young form raced past.
Jumping out to grab her, Brie touched her daughter’s shoulder.
Allison’s wail of surprise vibrated off the bottom of the deck and pierced through Brie’s brain. Undeterred by the noise, she caught her daughter’s arm and spun her around.
“I got you.”
“No,” Allison screamed again.
Footsteps thundered across the deck above. “Brie, Allison, where are you?”
The concern in Jason’s voice threw Brie. He hadn’t stopped by since their date. What was he doing here now?
Allison groaned and wrapped her hands around Brie’s waist. “Ethan must have led him through the house.”
“Mom, where are you?” Ethan’s short legs appeared at the top of the stairs leading down to the patio. He leaned over the banister, a wide smile on his face. “Coach just stopped by.”
Allison whirled around and pointed a finger at her brother. “And you cheated. You’re not supposed to go through the house.”
“But...” Ethan walked down a few steps. A pair of jean-covered legs appeared and Jason stepped into view.
“That was my fault. I thought it would be the quickest way out here.” Jason added, taking the blame off her son.
Brie raked her gaze over his lean form encased in a blue t-shirt and faded jeans. The wind had tossed his dark hair in disarray. He appeared as if he had all the time in the world.
“But you’re not even playing the game with us.” Allison shuffled backwards, grumbling to her mother, “I shouldn't have to be it because they’re not playing fair.”
Brie laid her hands on her daughter’s shoulders and offered her a conspirator’s wink. With the excitement of seeing him again singing through her blood, she forced herself to remain calm. “You’re right. I say we make Jason it.”
“Hey, I didn't even know we were playing hide-and-seek,” Jason argued and lightly tapped Ethan’s arm with his fist. “You didn’t tell me, sport.”
“Tough, that’s the cost of showing up late.” Brie sidestepped her daughter, but before she could take more than a few steps her daughter caught her hand.
Read First Chapter of "IT's Exec's Baby"
Purchase ebook at:
Smashwords | B&N | Kobo | Apple | At Amazon (worldwide link)
Marketing Exec's Widow 1st Book in Executives' Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)
Friday night, sitting at a booth in a nice, romantic restaurant, Jen silently wished she could enjoy the subdued atmosphere, and order a rib eye steak. Instead, her hands shook and her stomach churned with doubt. The survival skills she’d learned after becoming a real estate agent demanded a calm, composed front, but she couldn’t pull it off.
Hell, who was she fooling?
After ten years without a date, what made her believe she could do this again? She stared at the menu. Could she even swallow a bite of beef? And if not, what should she order?
She lifted her gaze to the drop-dead gorgeous man on the other side of the table. Hagan Cheney, a Greek god incarnated, had strawberry blond hair glowing like gold around his head. Wide shoulders and strong arms were encased in a hunter-green cashmere sweater. Apollo himself wouldn’t look any better.
Why in heaven’s name did he ask her on a date?
And why did she care?
She had no plans other than a casual dinner for two.
He glanced up and a pretty-boy grin crossed his lips. The twinkle in his hazel eyes softened the square line of his jaw. “So have you decided what you want?”
Heat simmered low in her belly. Oh, yeah, answering that question the wrong way could get her into a world of trouble.
Tempted by wicked ideas, Jen blinked and stared at the menu. She’d do better if he didn’t know the wild directions of her brainwaves. “I’m not sure I can eat. I haven’t been this nervous since my first date with Craig.”
Ah, shit, I wasn’t supposed to mention him. Fire burned her cheeks and her gaze popped onto Hagan’s befuddled expression.
“Craig?” Hagan lowered his menu.
“My...uh...husband. He died several months ago.” Jen’s grip tightened on the plastic folder and her heart raced into overdrive. Great, just what she needed to say to start the evening off on the right note. Mention your dead husband and kill the mood.
“Want to call the evening a bust?” she blurted out, angry at herself for failing so miserably at the dating game.
Hagan leaned forward and folded his hands above his menu. “No. I already knew.”
“What? How?” She clenched her hands together under the table. He said he moved here from Texas, having arrived a few months ago to set up his practice and to be near his dad. How could he have found out? Did someone tell him? But who?
“My dad told me. He read about your husband’s accident in the paper.”
“God, you must think I’m awful.”
“Not even in the ballpark as to what I think about you. Because I know you would never have said yes to a night out with me if you’d been happy in your marriage.”
His words hit her like a fist to the face and her head snapped backward, striking the wooden partition between the booths. Wow, how could he have guessed the truth when so many people who knew her hadn’t?
She closed her eyes and searched for an answer. For so long, she’d kept her emotions bottled inside, not allowing anyone to see the loneliness or heartache her unhappy marriage had caused. What now? Lie, or admit the truth?
Read First Chapter of "Marketing Exec's Widow" and Reviews
Purchase ebook at Smashwords | B&N | Kobo | APPLE | At Amazon (worldwide link)
Hope you enjoy,
Tina
It's a great way for the author to help friends and get the word out about the group.
This month, I want to share excerpts from my Executive Wives' Club Series
CFO's Affair - 3rd book in the Executive Wives' Club series
(strong women fiction elements)
Excerpt:
“I'm fine. I merely had a strange encounter after I left work.” Sylvia strolled to the sofa across from Marianne and sank onto the plush cushion. The large windows lining the opposite wall behind the other couch offered an appealing view of a bright harvest moon. The empty cornfield, which sat behind Brie's house, displayed row after row of shredded corn stalks. The depressing sight foretold of the snow that would fall continuously in a couple of months.
“Why don't you tell us about it?” Jen, the willowy, young, brunette of the group, laid a hand on Sylvia's thigh, and perched on the edge of the sofa near her. “Did Vince do something to upset you?”
“I warned you he was a Casanova.” Brie dropped into her favorite recliner, her lion slippers bobbing on her feet.
“No, he has no interest in me. After the first day, I haven't seen much of him. He probably only walked me into the building because Knox didn't want me to bolt.” Sylvia recalled the man's handsome profile and the alluring scent of his cologne. He could walk down the hallway ahead of her and she'd find herself tempted to follow.
Shoving thoughts of him aside, she focused on a theory she’d devised during dinner and gripped Jen's hand. “I think I might be able to find out who Bob was having an affair with.”
She looked into Jen’s concern face. She’d been the first to learn of Bob's request for a divorce. He dropped the bomb hours before leaving on a company business trip to Seattle, the ill-fated trip where none of the executive team had come back alive.
“Please, Sylvia, let it go.” Marianne leaned forward and held out her hands in a pleading gesture. “Bob is dead and you're only hurting yourself by worrying about this.”
“I can't. I've tried.” Sylvia closed her eyes and released Jen's hand. “I have to know why he decided to leave me.”
“Do you have any ideas?” Jen shifted closer. Her warmth reminded Sylvia that she didn’t have to go through this heartache alone. The other three ladies in the room had lost their husbands too. Even though Jen and Brie had both remarried, they knew the pain of losing a spouse. They simply didn't comprehend how much it hurt to have one ask for a divorce right before that loss.
“No. I think Wyoming Tetterman might help me learn who he was seeing.” Sylvia couldn’t fathom any other reason for Wyoming's refusal to talk. Did she know something she didn't want to share?
“Why?” Brie rose, shuffled over to Sylvia, and squatted down in front of her. “Did she tell you Bob had a lover?”
“No, but for some reason she doesn't want to talk to me either.” Sylvia stared into Brie's sweet face, gained a little perspective on how this might affect her friends and glanced up at Marianne. “I could be wrong, but why else would she feel the need to avoid me?”
Marianne shook her head and shifted forward. “Honey, you're setting yourself up to get hurt. What happens when you find out the name of the person Bob slept with? Are you planning to confront them? Because they won’t have any sympathy for you. In their eyes you got it all.”
“Ouch, that's brutal. However, she's right Sylvia. I still have people look at me as if I kill Eric so I could get the insurance money from the wreck.” Brie grabbed Sylvia's hand and held it between both of hers.
“I know; I get those looks too.”
“Then imagine how much worse it'll be if they find out he wanted to divorce.” Marianne rose and stepped behind Brie. “Please let it go. If working at Mama Turner's is causing the problem, tell Knox to take a flying leap off a high bridge.”
Purchase ebook at:
Read First Chapter of "CFO's Affair"
Purchase ebook at:
Smashwords | Amazon | B&N | Kobo |
IT's Exec's Baby - 2nd Book in Executives' Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)
With the warmth of the sun beating down on her head and the sound of her children’s laughter ringing in her ears, Brie spread her arms and spun in a circle.
She raised her voice and called to her kids as she walked to the railing of the upper deck. “You better find a good hiding place because ready or not here I come.”
With Isabella down for a nap, Brie drew in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air and the freedom from being stuck inside the house. The kids had convinced her to play with them outside. She loved the easy game of hide-and-go-seek. Glancing over the rail, she scanned the backyard, searching for Ethan’s and Allison’s young forms.
A giggle sounded from below the deck.
Brie stepped down a few stairs to search the patio below. Still unable to catch a glimpse of her children, she continued down the staircase, listening for sounds that might give her a clue to their whereabouts.
Not seeing either one of them, she hugged the back wall and silently slipped to the corner of the house that had concrete steps, which led to the front yard.
Determined to catch one of her kids heading for home-base, Brie refrained from peeking around the corner. The squeak of a tennis shoe alerted her to someone’s arrival.
Ready to grab them the minute they rounded the corner, Brie stayed out of sight. A shadow fell across the patio, and Allison’s young form raced past.
Jumping out to grab her, Brie touched her daughter’s shoulder.
Allison’s wail of surprise vibrated off the bottom of the deck and pierced through Brie’s brain. Undeterred by the noise, she caught her daughter’s arm and spun her around.
“I got you.”
“No,” Allison screamed again.
Footsteps thundered across the deck above. “Brie, Allison, where are you?”
The concern in Jason’s voice threw Brie. He hadn’t stopped by since their date. What was he doing here now?
Allison groaned and wrapped her hands around Brie’s waist. “Ethan must have led him through the house.”
“Mom, where are you?” Ethan’s short legs appeared at the top of the stairs leading down to the patio. He leaned over the banister, a wide smile on his face. “Coach just stopped by.”
Allison whirled around and pointed a finger at her brother. “And you cheated. You’re not supposed to go through the house.”
“But...” Ethan walked down a few steps. A pair of jean-covered legs appeared and Jason stepped into view.
“That was my fault. I thought it would be the quickest way out here.” Jason added, taking the blame off her son.
Brie raked her gaze over his lean form encased in a blue t-shirt and faded jeans. The wind had tossed his dark hair in disarray. He appeared as if he had all the time in the world.
“But you’re not even playing the game with us.” Allison shuffled backwards, grumbling to her mother, “I shouldn't have to be it because they’re not playing fair.”
Brie laid her hands on her daughter’s shoulders and offered her a conspirator’s wink. With the excitement of seeing him again singing through her blood, she forced herself to remain calm. “You’re right. I say we make Jason it.”
“Hey, I didn't even know we were playing hide-and-seek,” Jason argued and lightly tapped Ethan’s arm with his fist. “You didn’t tell me, sport.”
“Tough, that’s the cost of showing up late.” Brie sidestepped her daughter, but before she could take more than a few steps her daughter caught her hand.
Read First Chapter of "IT's Exec's Baby"
Purchase ebook at:
Smashwords | B&N | Kobo | Apple | At Amazon (worldwide link)
Marketing Exec's Widow 1st Book in Executives' Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)
Friday night, sitting at a booth in a nice, romantic restaurant, Jen silently wished she could enjoy the subdued atmosphere, and order a rib eye steak. Instead, her hands shook and her stomach churned with doubt. The survival skills she’d learned after becoming a real estate agent demanded a calm, composed front, but she couldn’t pull it off.
Hell, who was she fooling?
After ten years without a date, what made her believe she could do this again? She stared at the menu. Could she even swallow a bite of beef? And if not, what should she order?
She lifted her gaze to the drop-dead gorgeous man on the other side of the table. Hagan Cheney, a Greek god incarnated, had strawberry blond hair glowing like gold around his head. Wide shoulders and strong arms were encased in a hunter-green cashmere sweater. Apollo himself wouldn’t look any better.
Why in heaven’s name did he ask her on a date?
And why did she care?
She had no plans other than a casual dinner for two.
He glanced up and a pretty-boy grin crossed his lips. The twinkle in his hazel eyes softened the square line of his jaw. “So have you decided what you want?”
Heat simmered low in her belly. Oh, yeah, answering that question the wrong way could get her into a world of trouble.
Tempted by wicked ideas, Jen blinked and stared at the menu. She’d do better if he didn’t know the wild directions of her brainwaves. “I’m not sure I can eat. I haven’t been this nervous since my first date with Craig.”
Ah, shit, I wasn’t supposed to mention him. Fire burned her cheeks and her gaze popped onto Hagan’s befuddled expression.
“Craig?” Hagan lowered his menu.
“My...uh...husband. He died several months ago.” Jen’s grip tightened on the plastic folder and her heart raced into overdrive. Great, just what she needed to say to start the evening off on the right note. Mention your dead husband and kill the mood.
“Want to call the evening a bust?” she blurted out, angry at herself for failing so miserably at the dating game.
Hagan leaned forward and folded his hands above his menu. “No. I already knew.”
“What? How?” She clenched her hands together under the table. He said he moved here from Texas, having arrived a few months ago to set up his practice and to be near his dad. How could he have found out? Did someone tell him? But who?
“My dad told me. He read about your husband’s accident in the paper.”
“God, you must think I’m awful.”
“Not even in the ballpark as to what I think about you. Because I know you would never have said yes to a night out with me if you’d been happy in your marriage.”
His words hit her like a fist to the face and her head snapped backward, striking the wooden partition between the booths. Wow, how could he have guessed the truth when so many people who knew her hadn’t?
She closed her eyes and searched for an answer. For so long, she’d kept her emotions bottled inside, not allowing anyone to see the loneliness or heartache her unhappy marriage had caused. What now? Lie, or admit the truth?
Read First Chapter of "Marketing Exec's Widow" and Reviews
Purchase ebook at Smashwords | B&N | Kobo | APPLE | At Amazon (worldwide link)
Hope you enjoy,
Tina
April 11, 2016
Black Dragon by @AnitaPhilmar - A Box Set to Spice Up the Night #MFRWauthor
Spotlight for the box set "Black Dragon"
Get all three for one low price.
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/wildcatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=34
Here's the blurb for each
Black Dragon’s Blood Amanda Spencer has spent years searching for clues to her first husband's murder. Now, she is close, too close to let William VanHorn get in the way. He wants to claim her as his wife, but she doesn’t have time to satisfy the man's needs. She wants answers not sex.Set on fire by Amanda, William won’t let the lady escape. If she wants answers, he'll get them. As head of the Dragon Center, he has connections and nothing will stop him from capturing her heart.
Black Dragon’s Moon Dragon Center agent, Dee Butterfield, finally has the job she's always longed for. On her first assignment, her job is to protect sculptor, Scott VanHorn. His rich dragon blood tempts her into an affair that could not only jeopardize her career but possibly her life.Determined to find out who killed his best friend, Scott poses as a struggling artist to help the Dragon Center investigate a corrupt art dealer. He has ulterior motives for requesting Dee as his protector, getting her in his bed not the least of them. However, Scott soon realizes his mistake.When the mission becomes more dangerous than either of them anticipate, Scott's black dragon blood stirs to protect Dee while hers calls for retribution.
Black Dragon’s Heart Devoted chemist, Sarah VanHorn, lives for her research but fantasizes about loving Jake Ramsey. Her two worlds collide when the dragon center agent arrives to rescue her from the company suspected of producing chemicals dangerous to those with dragon blood.Sarah's not the only one with fantasies. Jake wants Sarah as his mate and he's waited years to claim her. Now, under his protective custody—not to mention the influence of Syndetic's sexual stimulant scenting the air—he can't resist the fiery temptation to finally make her his.But when tragedy strikes and their dreams are threatened, will Sarah sacrifice her career, Jake, and possibly her life to discover the answers? And will Jake let her?
Read the beginning of each book at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bookpg.html
Purchase at
Wild Rose Press
B&N | Kobo |
All Romance
Thanks Anita for sharing,
Tina
Get all three for one low price.
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/wildcatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=34Here's the blurb for each
Black Dragon’s Blood Amanda Spencer has spent years searching for clues to her first husband's murder. Now, she is close, too close to let William VanHorn get in the way. He wants to claim her as his wife, but she doesn’t have time to satisfy the man's needs. She wants answers not sex.Set on fire by Amanda, William won’t let the lady escape. If she wants answers, he'll get them. As head of the Dragon Center, he has connections and nothing will stop him from capturing her heart.
Black Dragon’s Moon Dragon Center agent, Dee Butterfield, finally has the job she's always longed for. On her first assignment, her job is to protect sculptor, Scott VanHorn. His rich dragon blood tempts her into an affair that could not only jeopardize her career but possibly her life.Determined to find out who killed his best friend, Scott poses as a struggling artist to help the Dragon Center investigate a corrupt art dealer. He has ulterior motives for requesting Dee as his protector, getting her in his bed not the least of them. However, Scott soon realizes his mistake.When the mission becomes more dangerous than either of them anticipate, Scott's black dragon blood stirs to protect Dee while hers calls for retribution.
Black Dragon’s Heart Devoted chemist, Sarah VanHorn, lives for her research but fantasizes about loving Jake Ramsey. Her two worlds collide when the dragon center agent arrives to rescue her from the company suspected of producing chemicals dangerous to those with dragon blood.Sarah's not the only one with fantasies. Jake wants Sarah as his mate and he's waited years to claim her. Now, under his protective custody—not to mention the influence of Syndetic's sexual stimulant scenting the air—he can't resist the fiery temptation to finally make her his.But when tragedy strikes and their dreams are threatened, will Sarah sacrifice her career, Jake, and possibly her life to discover the answers? And will Jake let her?
Read the beginning of each book at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/bookpg.html
Purchase at
Wild Rose Press
B&N | Kobo |
All Romance
Thanks Anita for sharing,
Tina
April 8, 2016
Love Those Babies in Romance #WomenHelpingWomen #ASMSG
One of the most popular sub-genres of romance happens to be stories written about women with children or women who are pregnant.
Why?
The struggles of bring a child into the world is one of things that connect women. The nine months of carrying the baby, child birth, trying to deal with nightly feedings, diapers, change in hormones, etc. Every woman who has gone through it has a story and those that haven’t want to know what to expect.
Yes, but why put it in a romance?
The natural progression of a loving relationship is to create a new life. That is not to say that people who don’t want kids aren’t in a loving relationship.
In my first book, “Pregnancy Plan,” my heroine wants children. Yet, she isn’t married and not involved with anyone. She is will to go to any extremes to conceive a child.
I believe other women know this pain. When I was single, I wanted a child too. I gave myself a deadline of thirty. If I hadn’t met someone and gotten married, I planned to look into other options for bringing my child into the world.
In my case, I was married and had two children by the time I was thirty. However, women who want a child have a choice. They can have a child on their own and raise it themselves.
A romance novel is as much about the relationship with a man as it is about the challenges that face women. In my book “Baby Decision,” my heroine has to choose between having a baby and college. While in “Summer’s Growth,” my heroine is just trying to find where she belongs. In some ways, every romance also addresses women issues. It connects women readers to the story and creates a deep story in which to enjoy.
For this reason, I believe babies in romance novel draws the reader into the story and create a great read.
Visit my website and read the 1st chapter of any of my books
http://www.tinagayle.net//mybookpg.html
Purchase at
Author Pages on:
Amazon | Smashwords
B&N
Kobo | Apple
All Romance |
Coffee Time Romance
Have a great day,
Tina
Why?
The struggles of bring a child into the world is one of things that connect women. The nine months of carrying the baby, child birth, trying to deal with nightly feedings, diapers, change in hormones, etc. Every woman who has gone through it has a story and those that haven’t want to know what to expect.
Yes, but why put it in a romance?
The natural progression of a loving relationship is to create a new life. That is not to say that people who don’t want kids aren’t in a loving relationship.
In my first book, “Pregnancy Plan,” my heroine wants children. Yet, she isn’t married and not involved with anyone. She is will to go to any extremes to conceive a child.
I believe other women know this pain. When I was single, I wanted a child too. I gave myself a deadline of thirty. If I hadn’t met someone and gotten married, I planned to look into other options for bringing my child into the world.
In my case, I was married and had two children by the time I was thirty. However, women who want a child have a choice. They can have a child on their own and raise it themselves.
A romance novel is as much about the relationship with a man as it is about the challenges that face women. In my book “Baby Decision,” my heroine has to choose between having a baby and college. While in “Summer’s Growth,” my heroine is just trying to find where she belongs. In some ways, every romance also addresses women issues. It connects women readers to the story and creates a deep story in which to enjoy.
For this reason, I believe babies in romance novel draws the reader into the story and create a great read.
Visit my website and read the 1st chapter of any of my books
http://www.tinagayle.net//mybookpg.html
Purchase at
Author Pages on:
Amazon | Smashwords
B&N
Kobo | Apple
All Romance |
Coffee Time Romance
Have a great day,
Tina
April 6, 2016
Mission Date Night - How to Use Romance Novels to Spark Romance @janelledalex
Hi everyone,
I had the pleasure of being on Mission Date Night with Drs. Rob + Janelle Alex, Ph.D. are the co-founders of Mission Date Night and Sexy Challenges.
Our conversation revolted about How Romance Novels can be use to add Spark to your life.
Here is the link to listen to the interview.
Here is the direct link: http://missiondatenight.com/how-does-reading-romance-novels-help-your-relationship/
You can also find it here: http://missiondatenight.podbean.com/e/how-does-reading-romance-novels-help-your-relationship/
Also, here are a few tips.
1. Duplicate a romantic scene - characters enjoying a walk on the beach, do the same thing.
2. Study how characters treat each other - try to do the same. Remember to give your lover a kiss before he/she leaves every morning.
3. Enjoying how the characters are enjoying each other's touch -- think about how you enjoy being with your lover. Replay a love scene from your memory, how can you make it better.
4. Borrow romantic ideas - add rose to your bed, take a bubbly bath together, lit candles.
5. Read a romantic scene to your lover.
I enjoy my time on Mission Date Night and I hope you will check out Drs. Rob and Janelle Alex's book.
Sexy Challenges 33 Adventures:How to Create Powerful Energy with Passion, Purpose and Love
“Sacred sexuality practice is an important part of my life and I really like the way Janelle and Rob write about it.” – Jillian S.“Any couple that genuinely attempts a few of these challenges – as long as they can bring a healthy sense of humour and some open-mindedness to the table, which is vital for any successful partnership anyway – should find their relationship and sex life strengthened and have a lot of fun in the bargain (at the very least). If you have a sense that there’s more to sex than you were taught in sex ed; if you’d like to see if shagging can *really* blow your mind, or if you’re already interested in working with sexual energy and want some interesting variations and pointers, give this book a try.” – Robin Sweet writing for CliteratiGet it on Amazon – Click Here.Get it on iTunes in the iBook store – Click Here.
Author Information from their website.
Together they have authored over 125 books including the brand new Mission Date Night Adventures, Sexy Challenges series, the Intimate Adventures series, Collaborate with Your Soul, Inspiring Couples In Business + In Love, and more. Their programs and workshops include Intimate Wealth™, Inner Money Secrets, Sacred + Sexy Power Animals™, Shape of Your Relationship and Transcendent Lovemaking™.
Dr. Janelle uses a blend of movement, spiritual connection, conscious awareness, archetypes, power animals and business tools she has spent the past 25 years helping others connect to their creative energy – their life force energy. She shows women and couples how to implement unique, yet practical, spiritual tools to make empowered decisions quicker and easier and how to direct their sexual energy (creative energy) so that they can deepen their relationships, generate more money and fulfill their life’s dreams.
Dr. Rob is known as the Guru of Getting It On or “Mr. Frisky” as Janelle calls him. In 2009, he started writing Sexy Challenges, which are sacred and sensual scenarios for lovers. After his spiritual awakening in 2010, which happened due to transcendent lovemaking experiences he brought more spiritual perspectives into his work. He teaches men and couples how to use ancient wisdom to deepen their intimacy, create more sexual energy and direct that sexual energy to develop amazing relationships, manifest more income and live the life of their dreams.
Learn more at MissionDateNight.com.
Follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janelledalex
Hope this adds a spark to your relationship,
Tina
I had the pleasure of being on Mission Date Night with Drs. Rob + Janelle Alex, Ph.D. are the co-founders of Mission Date Night and Sexy Challenges.
Our conversation revolted about How Romance Novels can be use to add Spark to your life.
Here is the link to listen to the interview.
Here is the direct link: http://missiondatenight.com/how-does-reading-romance-novels-help-your-relationship/
You can also find it here: http://missiondatenight.podbean.com/e/how-does-reading-romance-novels-help-your-relationship/
Also, here are a few tips.
1. Duplicate a romantic scene - characters enjoying a walk on the beach, do the same thing.
2. Study how characters treat each other - try to do the same. Remember to give your lover a kiss before he/she leaves every morning.
3. Enjoying how the characters are enjoying each other's touch -- think about how you enjoy being with your lover. Replay a love scene from your memory, how can you make it better.
4. Borrow romantic ideas - add rose to your bed, take a bubbly bath together, lit candles.
5. Read a romantic scene to your lover.
I enjoy my time on Mission Date Night and I hope you will check out Drs. Rob and Janelle Alex's book.
Sexy Challenges 33 Adventures:How to Create Powerful Energy with Passion, Purpose and Love
“Sacred sexuality practice is an important part of my life and I really like the way Janelle and Rob write about it.” – Jillian S.“Any couple that genuinely attempts a few of these challenges – as long as they can bring a healthy sense of humour and some open-mindedness to the table, which is vital for any successful partnership anyway – should find their relationship and sex life strengthened and have a lot of fun in the bargain (at the very least). If you have a sense that there’s more to sex than you were taught in sex ed; if you’d like to see if shagging can *really* blow your mind, or if you’re already interested in working with sexual energy and want some interesting variations and pointers, give this book a try.” – Robin Sweet writing for CliteratiGet it on Amazon – Click Here.Get it on iTunes in the iBook store – Click Here.
Author Information from their website.
Together they have authored over 125 books including the brand new Mission Date Night Adventures, Sexy Challenges series, the Intimate Adventures series, Collaborate with Your Soul, Inspiring Couples In Business + In Love, and more. Their programs and workshops include Intimate Wealth™, Inner Money Secrets, Sacred + Sexy Power Animals™, Shape of Your Relationship and Transcendent Lovemaking™.
Dr. Janelle uses a blend of movement, spiritual connection, conscious awareness, archetypes, power animals and business tools she has spent the past 25 years helping others connect to their creative energy – their life force energy. She shows women and couples how to implement unique, yet practical, spiritual tools to make empowered decisions quicker and easier and how to direct their sexual energy (creative energy) so that they can deepen their relationships, generate more money and fulfill their life’s dreams.
Dr. Rob is known as the Guru of Getting It On or “Mr. Frisky” as Janelle calls him. In 2009, he started writing Sexy Challenges, which are sacred and sensual scenarios for lovers. After his spiritual awakening in 2010, which happened due to transcendent lovemaking experiences he brought more spiritual perspectives into his work. He teaches men and couples how to use ancient wisdom to deepen their intimacy, create more sexual energy and direct that sexual energy to develop amazing relationships, manifest more income and live the life of their dreams.
Learn more at MissionDateNight.com.
Follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janelledalex
Hope this adds a spark to your relationship,
Tina
March 30, 2016
In Too Deep @anitaphilmar - Swim in the #EggcerptExchange
This is a great way for authors to promote their books on each other blogs.
Here's my contribution to the fun.
Blurb for In Too Deep
On the banks of the Trinity River, Sadie Pepperman is looking for a chance to escape the demands of her in-laws. With her husband’s dead, they want her to marry her brother-in-law so they can take control of her farm.
Suddenly, the peace of the day is shattered when her best friend steps too far into the river. Rushing to save her, Sadie meets a handsome stranger that ignites her dormant lust. She sees her friend rescued by a steamship and backs away from Logan Jansen, only to turn her ankle.
The agonizing pain leaves Sadie with the inability to walk. Needing help, she offers Logan a place to stay if he’ll help with the chores on her farm. With his agreement, Sadie adds another problem to her list. Now, not only does she have to worry about how to bring her crops in from the field and run her farm alone but she also has to fight her attraction to Logan.
Can Sadie end her in-laws’ interference in her life,
run her farm alone,
and give love another chance?
Now for the Excerpt:“Are you a friend of the woman who is drowning?”Unable to certain what to say to the stranger, she nodded and worked to clear the lump in her throat. How did this man know about Carolyn?“Move over. I’ll drive. If we hurry I should be able to save her and my friend.” He placed a foot on the side step of the wagon and crowded onto the bench.She quickly scooted along the wooden plank, allowing him room to settle beside her. Long fingers closed over the reins and he tugged the leather from her grip.He didn’t wait for an answer. Lifting the reins, he released the brake.A loud whistle sounded from the river, followed almost immediately by the slapping of paddles against the water.The man clicked his tongue to encourage Beauty to get moving. He drove the wagon closer to the edge of the river, creating a rough new trail.Bouncing on the seat like a rag doll, Sadie tried to keep her distance from the man, even though the task was next to impossible with the constant swaying of the wagon. She continually brushed against his arm, shoulder and thigh. A particularly hard bump almost landed in his lap.“I’m sorry, but you need to slow down,” she complained and straightened.He drew back on the reins; the wagon rolled to a stop. His head turned in the other direction. He shifted away from her and jumped down from the wagon before she repositioned herself on the bench. “Damn that steamship. They’re rescuing them.”A little stunned by everything that had happened, Sadie lifted a hand to her throat. Her gaze stayed locked on Logan until his comment finally registered. She glanced at the water and noticed a steamboat cruising down-river. A line hung from the side with two people hanging from the end.She scrambled off the wagon to keep the boat in sight as it moved farther away. “Oh, no, where will it take them?”“Probably to the next port, maybe Liberty or on into Galveston.” When the steamboat rounded a bend and drifted out of sight, the stranger turned. His gaze grew in intensity as he scanned the length of her body. “I’m Logan by the way.”
Burned by his steady regard, Sadie glanced down at her attire. Heat stained her cheeks. The ribbon on her camisole had worked its way loose and the swell of her breasts lay exposed to his view. She’d been about to redress when Carolyn fell into the river. Lifting her hands automatically to cover herself, she bowed her head.What should she do now?
Purchase In Too Deep at Smashword - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/412197
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMQLOMC
Thanks for sharing,
Anita
Website: http//www.anitaphilmar.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/anita.philmarMy blog: http://anitaphilmar.blogspot.com
Twitter: @anitaphilmar
March 28, 2016
#EggcerptExchange from Rogue's Hostage by @LyndiLamont #romance
Rogue's Hostage
By Linda McLaughlin
Historical Romance
4 ½ stars and a Top Pick from Romantic Times!
Romantic Times Nominee—Best Small Press Romance of 2003!
2nd Place - Lorie Awards - Best Historical Romance!
His hostage...
In 1758 the Pennsylvania frontier is wild, primitive and dangerous, where safety often lies at the end of a gun. Mara Dupré's life crumbles when a French and Indian war party attacks her cabin, kills her husband, and takes her captive. Marching through the wilderness strengthens her resolve to flee, but she doesn't count on her captor teaching her the meaning of courage and the tempting call of desire.
Her destiny...
French lieutenant Jacques Corbeau's desire for his captive threatens what little honor he has left. But when Mara desperately offers herself to him in exchange for her freedom, he finds the strength to refuse and reclaims his lost self-respect. As the shadows of his past catch up to him, Jacques realizes that Mara, despite the odds, is the one true key to reclaiming his soul and banishing his past misdeeds forever.
(Previously published by Amber Quill Press)
Excerpt from Rogue’s Hostage:
Holding the towel to his shoulder, he walked over and stood by the bed to check on the woman, who was still in a faint. Despite her pallor, he noted that her skin was fine, her nose straight and thin. She had a lower lip just full enough to entice a man to taste it, and a stubborn chin that dared him to try. Under different circumstances…
She was perhaps not as lovely as he’d thought when he first saw her standing in the clearing—her hair, the color of corn silk, shining in the sunlight. Still, she was tall and fair, with slender curves and shapely ankles visible beneath the short skirts of a farm wife.
And now she was a widow. He stared down at the woman and silently vowed to see that no more innocents died today.
The woman gave a soft moan and opened her eyes. When she spotted him, she shrank back against the wall, arms folded defensively across her breast. His gut tightened. He didn’t enjoy terrifying women, but fear should make her easier to control. She had already proven unpredictable.
Terror, stark and vivid, glittered in her eyes. "Who are you?"
"My name is Jacques Corbeau, lieutenant in the army of France. And you are my captive."
* * *
Mara inhaled sharply, panic building inside her. This couldn’t be real. It was all a bad dream. She would wake up soon and tell Emile about it, and they would laugh. And laugh and laugh and…. She swallowed the hysteria engulfing her.
"Madame, are you listening to me?"
The Frenchman’s voice, sharp and insistent, demanded her attention. "There is not much time. My companions are not patient men. We must leave soon, but first I want you to bind my shoulder. Where do you keep bandages?"
Her mouth and throat were dry when she swallowed, but she choked out an answer. "The trunk. Under the bed."
He squatted beside the bed, pulled out the trunk and rummaged through it. She watched his every move, unable to take her eyes off him, alarmed by the physical threat he represented.
He was a tall man who dominated the cabin as Emile never had, and his state of undress revealed nearly every inch of his lean and powerful form. Not only was he bare to the waist, but his breechclout and leggings failed to completely cover his thighs and buttocks. He had a wide-shouldered, rangy body and long, sinewy legs. He looked strong, virile, and infinitely dangerous.
A cold knot formed in Mara’s stomach. The French had killed her father and now her husband. What would they do to her?
She wrapped her arms around her waist. Her grandfather would say whatever happened was God’s will, but she rejected that idea. What kind of God allowed such awful things to happen?
Fearfully, she watched as the Frenchman shoved the trunk back under the bed and stood. He held out the bandages, and she froze. She couldn’t touch him, she just couldn’t.
The man’s heavy black brows drew together in a fierce frown, but his voice was without emotion. "Madame, I am all that stands between you and the men who killed your husband. I can be persuaded to act as your protector. It is to your advantage to do what I command."
He dropped the bandages beside her on the bed, then reached out to touch her hair. "Must I remind you, in my companion’s eyes, scalps are more valuable than live captives?"
Horror sliced through her fear. "Emile!" She shot off the bed and bolted for the door. The Frenchman caught her around the waist before she could reach it.
"It is too late, madame," he said in a hushed voice. "It is done."
"No," she moaned, as she fought to banish the image of a bloody scalp, raw flesh.
The Frenchman turned her toward him, holding her by the shoulders, and spoke in an insistent voice. "Listen to me and be sensible. You must be strong now. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Dazed, she stared at him. "A journey? To where?"
"Fort Duquesne."
Mara gasped. The dreaded enemy stronghold deep in the wilderness. She struggled to get free, clawing at his powerful arms.
He gripped her tighter, grimacing as he did. "Stop it! What chance do you think you have against three men? Do as I say and you will live. Refuse and…" He let the implication hang in the air between them.
Live. Yes, that was what she must do. She must bide her time and stay alive. Her brother would find her and exact revenge. But for now, she was on her own.
She straightened her spine and stared into the Frenchman’s eyes. "How do I know I can trust you, monsieur?"
He met her gaze, but a shadow darkened his eyes. "You have my word of honor."
Bitterness filled her. "The word of a Frenchman? What is that worth?"
"For the moment, madame, your life."
Rogue's Hostage is now available as an electronic download. For more information, go to http://www.lindamclaughlin.com/rogueshostage.html
This is the next to last stop of my Rogue's Hostage Blog Tour. Leave a comment here with your email address to be entered for a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, etc. Contest ends March 3.
My thanks to Tina for hosting me today. Hope you are enjoying the Egg-cerpt Exchange.
Linda
Linda McLaughlin grew up with a love of history fostered by her paternal grandmother and an incurable case of wanderlust inherited from her father. She has traveled extensively within the United States and has visited Mexico, Canada, & Australia. A lifelong dream came true with a trip to England where she was able to combine sightseeing and theater with research for her novels. A native of Pittsburgh, she now lives in Southern California with her husband.
Her first book was Worth The Risk by Lyn O'Farrell. Now Linda writes historical and Regency romance. She loves transporting her readers into the past where her characters learn that, in the journey of life, love is the sweetest reward.
She also writes sexy to erotic romance under the name Lyndi Lamont.
Website: http://www.lindamclaughlin.com/
Blog: http://flightsafancy.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont
Buy links
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00BJO26OY
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1005663623
March 25, 2016
#EggcerptExchange Pregnancy Plan - "A Lady with a Plan" @AuthorTinaGayle
Pregnant shopkeeper Jillian Wilson prepares for single parenthood until high-risk security specialist Derrick Harris, the baby’s father, is caught in an explosion that changes everything. Confused, Derrick returns to the States with amnesia. Jillian believes she has it all a husband, a baby, a perfect life, to bad that her dreams hang on Derrick’s faulty memory and a lie. Excerpt“What’s the matter with you?” she asked, setting down their coffees on the counter. “You look flustered. What’s going on?”
Jillian twisted her hands in front of her, trying to hold herself together. “Jason called me this morning. Derek has been hurt.”
The explanation made her think of the pain he must be suffering. “A car exploded, and he was hit by flying debris. He has a concussion. He’s in a hospital in Germany.”
“Wait a second, how did Jason know to call you?” Karen Ann eyed her suspiciously.
“That’s the strange part. Derek is claiming we’re married.” Jillian studied her friend. Could she pull off another lie?
“Married? That’s not what you told me the other night. You said that he left before you got married.”
She couldn’t do it. “I know, but with the blow to the head, his memory is foggy. He can’t remember anything about his last assignment.”
Karen Ann grabbed Jillian’s arm. “What have you done?”
“I told Jason we were married,” she confided tearfully.
“Why?”
She wiped at her tears. “What other choice did I have? He remembers marrying me. He wanted to marry me, he would have married me. I’m the one that got cold feet. I can’t let him down.” She begged for understanding. “You can’t tell anyone the truth.”
Karen Ann picked up her coffee. Jillian waited, uncertain as to how her friend would handle this news. “You know you’re asking for trouble.” She sipped her coffee then set it back down. “But you’re my best friend, so, yes, I'll keep your secret.”
She sighed with relief and hugged her friend. “You’re the best.”
“I know.” Karen Ann grinned. “So when is your husband due back?”
Jillian drew in a deep breath. “Saturday. I called Michael this morning and told him about Derek. He’s coming down Friday so he can drive me to Dallas the next day. We’ll close the store early on Saturday.”
“Does Michael know about the baby?” Karen Ann leaned against the counter.
“No, I wanted to save some news for when Derek gets home.” Jillian shook her head. “Jason already wants his brother to stay in Dallas to keep us apart. But I know he'll never go for it.”
Karen Ann’s eyes widened. “Then you want him to come live here with you?”
“Yes. Where else would he live? After all, we’re married,” Jillian reminded her friend, and tried to drill it into her own head.
Read First Chapter of "Pregnancy Plan" and Reviews Purchase at www.smashwords.com www.kobobooks.com itunes.apple.com At Amazon
www.barnesandnoble.com Hope you have a great holiday,
Tina
