Tina Gayle's Blog, page 45

#JeepTour by Gail Ward Olmsted Joins the #RockingSummerRomance List

BLURBJackie Sullivan was drawn to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona after a failed marriage and an out-of-the-blue job loss. But did she move cross country to chase a dream or a dreamy tour guide?


She had it all – the husband, the house, the job…but that’s in the past. A chance encounter with Rick, a sexy tour guide, gets her dreaming of a new life in Sedona.  Jackie’s efforts to re-invent herself in the tight-knit desert community are, well … complicated.  Sedona is terrific, but as the locals note, ‘it’s not for everyone.’ Does Rick want a relationship or just a friend with benefits? And in the case of her ex-husband, absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder!  Is it her imagination, or is Rob more amazing than ever?


With her 40th birthday looming, Jackie challenges herself to navigate a new path fueled by an unflagging sense of humor and lots of caffeine.  Jackie has already had her happy; now she wants her ever after!








JEEP TOUR: EXCERPT
Over the next hour or so, Rick showed us the sights. We traveled up steep inclines and down narrow trails. We bounced over an old wagon road that used to be a cattle trail. I loved how enthusiastic he was about everything, how he seemed to delight in all the beauty and unique qualities of the desert. Also he was very knowledgeable- he really knew what he was talking about. Rick identified the unofficial state flower- the prickly pear cactus.
“It’s edible and is used in so many different things. You should try the prickly pear jelly. We can barely keep it in stock in the gift shop” he assured us.
“Hmmm. Sounds nummy” Linda purred. Honestly!
At one point, we got out to stretch our legs, and Linda and Kate hurried off to take more pictures. Actually Kate was taking the pictures that Linda was telling her to take, but whatever their dynamic, it allowed me to get to know Rick a little more.  Just a little bit. Rick was a better listener than a talker, so I ended up doing most of the talking. They say nature abhors a vacuum? Well, so do I! At even a hint of a potentially awkward silence, you can count on me to jump in to save the day.  I told him about how I was up for tenure and that the decision would be announced any day now. I may have flirted a bit in my rather awkward yet endearing manner. I may have hinted that as a college professor, I had summers off.  I may have even suggested that I had access to a boatload of frequent flyer miles. I was trying to subtly communicate my potential availability without being too forward. Hey, use what you’ve got, right? To be truthful, those miles had been racked up by my jet-setting ex, but I’m pretty certain that I had some coming to me as part of last year’s divorce settlement. So I talked and Rick smiled and looked thoughtful and said things like ‘Is that right?” at all the appropriate moments.
A little while later, we left the mesa somewhat reluctantly as the views were stunning for miles, but Rick assured us that there was plenty more to see. I was becoming more comfortable around him and hopefully more appealing as the afternoon wore on. He was receptive to my chatter and we really seemed to hit it off. Linda and Kate had already clambered back into the Jeep and I saw that Linda had relinquished her seat up front to me. I was thrilled to be that much closer to our engaging tour guide. And the amazing vistas. And the tour guide.
“C’mon Jackie, we’ve got places to go and rocks to see” Rick called out.
“OK, Rick. I’m coming.” I responded with probably a bit too much enthusiasm. I could get used to agreeing with him, if you know what I mean.
Quick Questions for the Gail -


Iced Tea or Lemonade?       Iced Coffee, but in a pinch I'll do 1/2 - 1/2 iced tea  lemonade!


Lake or ocean? Sit by the ocean, sail & swim in a lake
Sandals or Flip flops?  FlipFlops - is owning more than a dozen pair a sign of anything??
Sit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch? Sit on a back porch


Ball cap or floppy hat?
Floppy hat









 
BIOGail Ward Olmsted is a professor in the School of Business & Information Technology at Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, MA.  She was the recipient of the Deliso Endowed Chair Award and was recently recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Department of Higher Education as one of “29 Who Shine”.
Olmsted’s first visit to Sedona, AZ prompted her to start writing JEEP TOUR, her first novel. A few years later, her second visit provided the incentive to complete it. A return trip is being planned! A hopeless romantic, she is married to the love of her life, is mom to two young adults, and enjoys reading, music and travel.  Linkshttps://www.facebook.com/JEEPTOURnovel?ref=hlhttps://twitter.com/gwolmsted#JEEPTOUR

Have a #RockingSummerRomance with Shadows of the Past

A few quickie questions first from Carmen Stefanescu.


Ice Tea or Lemonade?
Lemonade. I love the tartness of lemons.
Lake or ocean?
I prefer the lake. Shores are easier to reach in case of storm or any kind of incovenience.
Sandals or Flip flops?
Flip flops as they are typically worn in casual situations, such as outside or at the beach. Implying carefree time, holiday.
Sit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch?
The shadow of a tree. I imagine myself reading a book under the crown of the tree, listening to the rustle of the wind in the branches and birds’s chirping. Simply, relaxation.
Ball cap or floppy hat? 
Floppy hat. It reminds me of DYLAN SCOTT’s song "Ball Cap": Baby got a ball cap on, sure knows how to pull it off, Sun out of them hazel eyes, looking so good...Carmen Stefanescu was born in Romania, the native country of the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal phenomena could have led someone to great trouble - the psychiatric hospital if not to prison.
            Teacher of English and German in her native country and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years of oppression, by escaping in a parallel world, that of the books.             She has dreamed all her life to become a writer, but many of the things she wrote during those years remained just drawer projects. The fall of the Ceausescu’s regime in 1989 and the opening of the country to the world meant a new beginning for her. She started publishing. Poems first, and then prose. Both in English.
Author Links
 Carmen Stefanescu's Site:
 http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.ro/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Stefanescu-Books/499245716760283Twitter  @Carmen_Bookshttp://www.pinterest.com/carmens007/                      Shadows of the Past


Publish date: 4th December 2012Publisher: Wild Child PublishingGenre: paranormal/light romance/light horror.                       BlurbAnne's relationship with her boyfriend Neil has disintegrated. After a two-year separation, they pack for a week vacation in hopes of reconciling. But fate has other plans for them. The discovery of a bejeweled cross and ancient human bones opens a door to a new and frightening world--one where the ghost of a medieval nun named Genevieve will not let Anne rest. This new world threatens not only to ruin Anne and Neil's vacation but to end all hopes of reconciliation as Anne feels compelled to help free Genevieve's soul from its torment. Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve find her eternal rest? A touching, compelling story of tragedy, loss and the power of endless love and good magic.The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.
                           Excerpt
"Come, we should leave at once," she said and glanced nervously over her shoulder. "Something terrible happened after you left for town. I think the Abbess found out about us. Our meeting in Uncle Ryan's cabin is no longer a secret. We have been overheard. For all I know someone spies on us even as we speak. I think the Abbess, or one of her 'friends,' is hovering somewhere nearby and listening to every word."
Andrew pulled Genevieve to his chest. "Do you regret you've come with me?"
Passion smothered Genevieve's doubt and guilt. "Never," she answered, aware of her body's response to his touch, and she succumbed to his embrace.
With her eyes closed and their bodies touching she became, for the very first time, simply a woman. She melted in his embrace in spite of the invisible vicious threat breathing around them. Aware they might never be alone again, she fought hard to silence the voice of conscience berating her. "Oh, God. Please forgive me," Andrew muttered under his breath when he bowed his head to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate first kiss. Genevieve's spirits fell and her heart skipped a beat when, a couple of seconds later, she opened her eyes and her gaze fell on a knot strangers.                             … . . .            Tears welled in Anne's eyes, blurring her vision. She couldn’t explain them, or the sudden sadness seeping into her heart. This should’ve been a moment of happiness or, at least, contentment. She was with Neil again, and the outcome of their trip together should, very likely, bring their reconciliation. Why then did she seem detached from where she stood? Anne shivered. Why the deep feeling of having seen this place, this forest before? And why the eerie sensation of being present here only in the body, while her mind was far away? Away from the forest. Away from Neil, the man who'd betrayed her trust and her love.            An onrush of sensations unfamiliar to her followed. Dizziness and a malevolent feeling of unreality suffocated her.Anne edged cautiously closer to the rim of the bare cliff. Her foot tapped the edge. It seemed solid. She stared into the darkness of the abyss at her feet. It echoed the shadows in her heart.  An unusual curiosity took hold of her. Should she step ahead? What was down there? Other human bones? Another mystery? The presence of evil, creeping up and enveloping her, became almost palpable. The vines of fog folded around her, dragging her to the depth. Her throat turned dry, and she gasped for air.Megan's face contorted, the voice no longer pleasant. A hoarse gurgle, spluttering distorted words, "Yes, come... I'm waiting... I've been waiting for you for such a long time..."
Buy Link: Wild Child Publishinghttp://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84&products_id=410http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84&products_id=410Buy Link: Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Shadows-of-the-Past-ebook/dp/B00AK2D9I8/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354874514&sr=1-15&keywords=shadows+of+the+pastBuy Link: Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-of-the-past-carmen-stefanescu/1113910162?ean=2940015715026https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadowsofthepast-1013184-140.htmlTrailer: Shadows of the Past http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LmY-9yDl5s


Thank you for Carmen, for sharing and have a great summer,


Tina

A Quickie for #RockingSummerRomance "Cooking Up a Storm" by Ashley Ladd #MFRWauthor

Ice Tea or Lemonade? Neither, but I love Diet Pepsi
Lake or ocean?  Ocean - I live about 5 miles from the Atlantic
Sandals or Flip flops?  Sandals
Sit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch? Sit in the shadow of a tree
Ball cap or floppy hat? Ball cap
 
Blurb:
Brooks and Rique desperately want to win a coveted chef’s job offered by an eccentric millionaire in paradise. Even more, Rique desperately wants to stay alive.
Brooks and Rique desperately want to win the head chef’s position offered by an eccentric millionaire Jonah Verleun on his beautiful, private but peculiar island that includes a zoo full of exotic animals, an amusement park and a monster shark tank beneath Jonah’s bedroom floor. While Brooks wants the job to escape his heartache and the lover who thwarted him, Rique is hiding from the mob, hoping to live long enough to pay them off with the prize winnings. Fierce competitors, they cook up a storm in a series of cooking challenges while trying to turn down the heat on their intense attraction. When a hurricane strikes the island, the storm Rique has been cooking up explodes, and no heart—or body—is safe.
 
Excerpt:
They ran, hunched over, zigging and zagging as bullets flew around them. Rique damned himself for putting Brooks in this mess. He wondered if the mob held the others prisoner and that’s why they didn’t answer the door.
He turned the first corner they came upon and then the next. He stopped dead and the air left his lungs. A moment later Brooks ran into his back almost knocking him over. He swayed dangerously but managed to stay upright and spread his arms wide to keep Brooks from stumbling forward.
He couldn’t believe his eyes. One of Jonah’s tigers lay in their path crouching low, baring his teeth, and eying them as if they were dinner.
He tried to quell the jitters attacking his stomach so the animal wouldn’t smell his fear then whispered to Brooks through clenched teeth, “What do we do now? Freeze or run?”
“Run. But where?” Brooks whispered back, a frown trembling on his lips.
“To the closest protection.” He prayed their hunters had lost them, that they wouldn’t run back into a barrage of bullets. As Rique bunched his muscles to run, already feeling the animal’s fangs ripping into him, he noted how the tiger’s thick muscles corded in his shoulders, and how saliva ran down his snarling lips.
“Dear God, we’re going to die.” Panic laced Brooks’ voice. “If we get out of here alive, let’s both turn down the job and move in together.”
Swallowing hard, Rique couldn’t reply so he nodded. Besides, as much as he wanted to live with Brooks, he couldn’t do it as long as he was indebted to the mob. However, the point was moot. He couldn’t see a scenario in which one of them didn’t die in the next five minutes.
Feeling responsible, Rique couldn’t let anything happen to Brooks as long as he was alive. He would take on the tiger giving Brooks time to reach safety. “On the count of three, run!”
As Rique whispered, “One,” hisses, then a blood-curdling growl wrenched the air. It was a different sound than the tiger was making. Then a crocodile bellowed and jumped out of the bushes and snatched the tiger by its belly.
 
Bio:
Ashley Ladd lives in South Florida with her husband, five children, and beloved pets. She loves the water, animals (especially cats), and playing on the computer.
 
She's been told she has a wicked sense of humour and often incorporates humour and adventure into her books. She also adores very spicy romance, which she weaves into her stories.


 https://www.facebook.com/AshleyLaddAuthorhttps://twitter.com/ashleyladdhttps://www.goodreads.com/AshleyLadd https://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing Ashley,
Tina
 

Five Quickies from #MFRWAuthor Sierra Avalon for a #RockingSummerRomance

Questions -


Ice Tea or Lemonade? Lemonade (spiked if possible!)
Lake or ocean? Ocean
Sandals or Flip flops? Sandals
Sit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch? Back porch
Ball cap or floppy hat? Floppy hat




 Always Rayneby Sierra Avalon





Blurb:

Would you spend ten days traveling the country with someone you despised if he promised to pay off your student loans?

Recent college graduate, Harper Leigh, can barely make ends meet working as the books editor for a new online entertainment magazine, Chatter. With $85,000 of student loan debt about to go into repayment, she has no idea how she'll get by.





Just when she thinks things couldn't get worse, Harper's boss decides to embed her in the North American tour for the hot rock band, Always Rayne. Ten days on the road with the band for her to get an exclusive story. But Harper's a homebody and the last thing she wants to do is go on the road with a rock band. And she definitely doesn't want to spend ten days with the notorious bad boy and band front man, Nic Rayne.



When Nic proves to be too much for Harper to handle and she threatens to quit the assignment, Nic decides to sweeten the pot. If she stays with the tour for all ten days, he'll pay off all of her student loan debt....but there's one small catch.



Harper also has to sleep in his bed every night.




Excerpt:

“What’s up?” Nic says.
I’ve seen him in movies so I knew he was tall and muscular. I guess it never occurred to me how tall and muscular he really is. The guy is towering over me and I’m not that short. I’m five feet six inches. Nic has got to be at least six inches taller than me.
“Did you see where my friend went?”
He nods but doesn’t say anything else.
“Okay. Would you mind telling me where she went?”
“With Leo.”
I assume he means Leo Donovan, his cousin and the guitar player in Always Rayne.
“Hey, Rayne.” Xander Donovan, Nic’s other cousin, and the band’s drummer, places a hand on Nic’s shoulder. “Pick the girl you want and let’s go. We’re all headed over to Troy.”
Troy is the trendiest club in the city. I’ve heard a lot about it but haven’t been able to afford the stiff cover charge and the fifteen dollar drinks.
“Come on,” Nic says and turns to leave as if I’m supposed to follow him.
He takes a few steps before he realizes that I’m not following him. Then he turns back around and gives me an odd look. “Aren’t you coming?”
I shake my head.
“Why not?” He actually looks puzzled.
“Do you want a list?”
His eyes narrow and then he walks back over to me. He gets so close I can smell his masculine scent and what’s left of his spicy cologne. “What’s the list?”
I gulp. I wasn’t actually expecting him to ask for the list. I thought he’d just get disgusted and find some other girl to go with him.
“Well, you’re not my type. I don’t find you remotely attractive. Or particularly interesting. I don’t like your music at all. And you don’t seem very smart. And I don’t sleep with guys I don’t know. So, maybe you should just find some other girl to take to Troy.”
He’s doing his best to bite back a grin. The smug asshole actually finds what I’ve said funny. I didn’t think I could dislike him more but he’s really pushing my buttons.
“I’m not your type, huh?” He leans in even closer. So close, I can feel his breath on my neck. “I’m everybody’s type.”
I try to swallow but I feel like there’s a golf ball stuck in my throat.
“You don’t find me attractive, huh? Then why are you sweating?” He places his hand right over my heart. “And your heart is beating a mile a minute. Maybe you should listen to what your body wants instead of what your brain is telling you.”
I take a step back and try to collect myself. I wipe my brow and realize I really am sweating. And he’s right, my heart is racing. What the hell is going on?
“I’m not some groupie who’s going to do whatever you want because you snapped your fingers.”
He looks me up and down. “I can see that.”
I place my hands on my hips. “What is that supposed to mean?”
He actually has the audacity to laugh. “No one would ever mistake you for a groupie that’s for sure.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Your clothes are like some crazy mash-up between a hippie and a school librarian.”
I glance down at my flowered skirt and strappy sandals. He has a point. I’m not exactly a fashion whore like my roommate. Not that I have the money to update my wardrobe even if I wanted to.
He steps closer again. He’s got a habit of getting right into my personal space and it makes me uncomfortable every time he does it. When I look into his deep brown eyes, I have the feeling that he’s doing it just to get a rise out of me.
“What are you doing here?” he asks. For the first time since we’ve met, he actually sounds sincere.
“I came with my roommate. She won tickets from the radio station. She wanted to see you. And your cousins.”
“I asked what you’re doing here.”
“I guess I’m here for moral support,” I stammer. And I have a press pass.”
I’m not sure why I tell him that. I guess I feel like I need some kind of excuse to be here because I’m definitely not here for the music.
“Why am I not surprised? You look like a writer. Or a librarian.”
I dig around in my purse and pull out my press pass. To my surprise, he grabs it from my hand. “Chatter. Never heard of it.”
“It’s an online magazine. A start up.”
He nods then hands me back my credentials.
“Do you like it?”
“Like what?” I’m surprised by the question.
“Writing. Working for a magazine.”
I shrug. “I’ve never thought about doing anything else. My parents named me Harper Leigh. I was kind of destined to be a writer.”
He’s looking at me with a blank stare. Maybe he really is as brainless as I think. And for some strange reason that disappoints me.
“Harper Leigh,” I repeat. “I spell my name differently but she was a writer.”
He’s still looking at me with a blank expression.
“She won the Pulitzer Prize.”
Then he smiles. “I know who Harper Lee is. To Kill a Mocking Bird. Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. She was also good friends with Truman Capote. She helped him with the research for In Cold Blood.”
I can feel my jaw drop.
“I guess I’m smarter than you think.” He leans in close again. “And I’m also a great actor apparently because I had you fooled.”
I want to say something in response but no words come out of my mouth.
“Rayne.” It’s Xander again. “Come on. We’ve got to bounce.”
“Does everyone call you Rayne?”
“Always.”





Buy links: http://www.amazon.com/Always-Rayne-ALWAYS-SOMETIMES-Romance-ebook/dp/B00KY0YZAC/





More about

SIERRA AVALON writes contemporary romance novels with a little sass and lots of spice. She lives in a small town outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and their bloodhounds.



Blog: http://karenmuellerbryson.tumblr.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KarenMuellerBrysonAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenmbryson









Thanks for sharing your book with us,


Tina

#RockingSummerRomance - The Dream Series by J.J. Dibenedetto's #MFRWauthor

Five Quickie Questions for J.J. Dibenedetto
Ice Tea or Lemonade? Iced Tea (lots of sugar!)me too. me too.Lake or ocean? OceanSandals or Flip flops? Flip-flipsSit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch? PorchBall cap or floppy hat? Floppy Hat

Now, for more about J.J.



J.J. (James) Dibenedetto's fans would swear he's got a sixth sense when it comes to seeing into the minds of others and often wonder if his stories could possibly be fiction. He enjoys suspending disbelief with suspenseful paranormal tales that are a perfect blend of reality meets fantasy.
His popular Dream Series continues to delight readers with each and every exciting installment.
Born in Yonkers, New York, he currently resides in Arlington Virginia with his beautiful wife and a cat he is sure has taken full advantage of its nine lives. When it comes to the cat, he often wonders, but then again it might just be his imagination.


Social links are:http://www.writingdreams.nethttps://twitter.com/jjdibenedettohttps://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dream-Series/107699179403603

 





 

Buy Links:
http://getBook.at/WakingDream
http://viewAuthor.at/JJDiBenedetto
 
 
About the Dream Series
What if you could see everyone else’s dreams?  That’s the question Sara has to wrestle with in the Dream Series.  We first meet her as a shy, bookish college student who doesn’t think there’s anything extraordinary about herself.  And then the dreams start…
Over the course of the series, Sara learns to live with these supernatural dreams and all the trouble they plunge her into.  At the same time, she grows from a student to a practicing doctor; and from a single girl to a wife and mother.  But every time she thinks she’s got everything figured out, life – and her extraordinary dreams – teach her that she’s always got more to learn…
 
Blurb for Waking Dream (book 5 of the series, and probably my favorite of them)
 
“Oh, God! We can hurt each other. Whatever we do to each other in the dream, we’ll do it to ourselves for real…” 

When her own dreams are visited by a mysterious woman in a red dress, Sara realizes she has something she never expected: a counterpart, someone outside her family who shares her talent to see other people’s dreams. 

When the woman in red keeps showing up in other dreams as well, leaving ruined lives in her wake, Sara knows she has something she never imagined: a nemesis. 

Now, Sara must track the woman in red down in the waking world, before she’s forced to fight for her life in her dreams… 

“Waking Dream” is the exciting fifth novel in the “Dreams” series.
 
Excerpt:
 
Where’d she go?  There was someone, I wanted – needed – to know who she was, where she was going.
It was a dream.  Brian’s dream.  And there was a woman, a woman in a red dress.  He was dreaming about a woman.  A woman who isn’t me…
No, that’s not right.  That’s insane.  Brian has never, ever given me the slightest reason to be jealous, and he never will.  Except – I was there, in his dream, and he had to hide her from me.  Right?  I was watching him give his presentation, everyone in the room was completely focused on it, they were all sitting there, mesmerized.
And then the door to the meeting room opened.  Someone inside the room opened it.  That woman, with her red? – yes, definitely a red dress.  And red shoes, with at least two-inch heels.  Not Brian’s type at all – nobody is his type, except me. 
But she wasn’t sitting at the table.  There were a bunch of his co-workers, all men, all wearing suits.  And there were a bunch of Air Force officers, and they were all wearing their uniforms.  Nobody in a dress at all.
Until there was.  And nobody else seemed to notice her.  Nobody even looked up for a second to see who was opening the door.
“Brian?”  I grab his shoulder, shake him awake.  It’s three-thirty in the morning, but I have to know. 
“Wha?”
“You were dreaming.  Just now.”
“Let’s take a quick break,” he mutters.  He’s still mostly there.
“Brian!”
He turns to me, his eyes slowly focusing.  “Quick break,” he murmurs again, then he finally realizes he’s not at work.  “Sara?”  Fear suddenly spreads across his face.  “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say, too quickly.  Now he looks terrified.  “Just – you were dreaming.  Can you remember?”
He rolls over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling.  “I was – uh, in a room, a big glass room.  Giving – I was doing my presentation.  You know, the one I’ve been working on.”
“I know.  I was there.”  Now the fear vanishes, and it’s replaced by puzzlement.  “Do you remember who was there?”
“Didn’t you see?  Sara, what’s going on?”
“Humor me,” I say softly, running a hand through his hair, trying to calm him – and myself.
“Uh – just my team.  Rick and Alex and Joe and Dave.  And there were four – no, five people from the Air Force.  General Kelley was there, and the rest of them were his aides.”  He sits up, and so do I.  He’s staring hard at me.  “Sara, I don’t understand.”
Neither do I – except that I think I do, and I’m afraid to say it.  It’s impossible – but it’s impossible for me, too, and I can still do it.  “There wasn’t anybody else?”
“No.  That was it, just who I said.”
I’m staring hard right back at him, holding his eyes.  “You’re sure?  Nobody else?  Not a woman in a dress, a red dress?”
He has no idea what I’m talking about; I can see it all in his eyes.  “No.  Why would you think…?”  His jaw drops.  “No.  You don’t mean what I think you mean?”
“I saw her, but you didn’t.  Nobody else in the room did, either.  The same way that you didn’t see me, and neither did anybody else.  The way nobody ever notices me.” 
We’re both silent for a moment, then we speak the same words, exactly in unison: “Oh, my God…”

 

 Thanks James for sharing,
Tina

 
 

@AnitaPhilmar Doing the #RockingSummerRomance with Banished

a hot excerpt from my book - Banished (Three Erotic Stories)







Banished Hero - 1

Blurb: 

With no memory of her past, Faye Lynn Berton clings to a father who curses her ability to shape-shift, then uses her special skill to scam local villagers. The only freedom she knows comes as she soars through the sky in falcon form. A chance meeting with another changling turns her world upside down. Beyond satisfying the powerful sexual cravings that follow transformation, he reveals a surprising dimension of sex between their kind…one to unlock the secrets of her soul. 

Havyn Westmore has questions…Faye Lynn holds the answers. Determined to unravel her secrets, he must strives to gain her freedom and trust. Teaching her the finer techniques of transformation keeps her close while sex strengthens their bond. But on the trail of discovery, Havyn must confront his own past. Accused of a heinous crime, he was banned from his homeland. Now, he must choose between returning to face certain execution—or robbing Faye Lynn of her birthright and a life in Paradise. 

To read excerpts and reviews for Banished Hero 

Banished Scoundrel

Second book in the shapeshifter series
Blurb: 

Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr. 

Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live. 

Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love. 

To read excerpts and reviews for Banished Scoundrel 
Banished Witch 

Last book in the shapeshifter series


Blurb: 

Once a princess of Ardenia, Danella, left her homeland to warn her childhood sweetheart only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Learning the dark magic from her keeper, she grew to accept her role as a witch to protect her family and track down the traitor to the crown. But when Omar Mandel, the love from her past, arrives to bring her home, she realizes she can never go home. That doesn't mean she can't use his assistance in her plan for revenge and, in the meantime, live out a few unfulfilled fantasies. 

The queen wants her daughter to come home and Omar’s job is to see that it happens. However, Danella isn’t the same sweet girl he remembers. In her place is a sexy woman who excites his lust and claims his heart. He must teach her to trust in his love and face the sins of the past if they are to have a future together. 

To read excerpt and reviews for Banished Witch 

- See more at: http://www.anitaphilmar.com/banishedbookpg.html


Excerpt from- Banished Hero
The fragrance of sweet herbs and rich male skin teased Faye Lynn’s senses. She opened her eyes, amazed and confused for a moment as to her location.In a bed?Yes.But not like any bed—or room for that matter—she’d ever been in before. Both were huge. Her gaze followed the gray stone walls to a beast-sized fireplace that lit the whole area with a soft, misty glow.A thick arm draped across her chest, preventing her from rising. She slipped her shoulder out from under the weight, and a large hand skimmed over her stomach to her thigh. Her gaze fell on the man sleeping beside her. His eyes were closed. Thick lashes brushed his high cheekbones.Her hands itched to stroke the dark hair from his brow and trace the beard covering his jaw. She remembered the incredible sensation of his rough chin against her delicate skin. Heat flooded her face.What compelled her to make love to such a man?When she’d first seen him by the lake, he looked wild, capable of tearing her apart if she defied his orders. Now in sleep, he appeared to be a harmless giant with no intention of hurting anyone.Her gaze feasted on his broad chest covered with an inky black fur. Of their own accord, her hands tugged on the blanket to reveal the line of hair running over his stomach. A horde of locks circled his groin and dotted the length of his thick thighs.Faye Lynn noticed the pouch nestled between his legs. Round and full, like a bag of stones, they evoked fascinating ideas. She imagined herself as a man, the weight of the balls rocking against her legs when she walked or ran.No wondered a man was easily excited. The built-in equipment could be aroused with the slightest movement.She longed to play with his testicles, hold them in her hand and judge their weight.Tempted, she surveyed his face. His eyes were still closed so she edged closer. Her hand slipped between his legs. A tentative finger poked his sack, rolling the small round ball inside against his thigh.He sighed.She jerked away, but his hand on her leg flew so quickly, he caught her wrist before she could react.“What are you doing?” His dark gaze nailed her.“Nothing, I, uh...” She glanced at the fireplace glowing with red embers, then from the tall oak door to the stone walls and finally the large window. The world through the glass appeared dark and empty. Her mind mirrored the scene outside, and she struggled for something to say. Heat radiated over her face.“Faye Lynn.” He pulled her to his chest. “You’re blushing.”

“Uh.” A thought suddenly occurred to her. “What’s your name?”

Find at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo |
All Romance 



Blurbs for Banished Hero, Scoundrel,
and Witch


Thanks Anita,


Tina

Hooked on a Book with #MFRWauthor, Who Has a #RockingSummerRomance

I'm enjoying playing golf this summer when I'm not writing or reading a great book.






I love the trees which remind me of my book - Summer's Growth. I chose the cover because of the beautiful tree and how it represents the deep family roots of the Winston family.


With family spirits guiding her, Amber has to make some tough choses.


Blurb -


In the spirit-haunted Winston estate in Ohio, rooted in time and occupied by the lingering ghosts of a great family, the torch is about to pass...

Mattie Winston, sober, sensible, and steady, has served as Keeper to the family for decades. Amber Harrison, hovering on the edge of flunking out of college, unsure what she wants out of life, has barely even heard of the Winston estate. The family, however, has decided that it's time for the changing of the guard. These two exceptional women soon find themselves dealing with violence, murder attempts, and old family mysteries while each finding the love of her life. Two romances and a growing friendship, all twined around a brooding family tragedy, make for an outstanding paranormal offering depth and charm beyond the commonplace. The growing love of Amber and Carter and of Mattie and Quincy offer readers a tender and engaging first novel in a winning new paranormal series.




Read the first chapter at

http://www.tinagayle.net/SGchapter.html



Excerpt:

Standing by the bay window in the front room, Mattie watched the car approach. Her new recruit’s arrival had goose bumps popping out on Mattie’s skin, adding to her anxieties.

She wanted to run, but instead glanced at the kindhearted spirit of Opal, her distant grandmother. Dressed in her best early American gown, the many layers of her petticoat swished with a soft hiss when she moved.

“There’s no reason to be nervous. Once you meet Amber, you’ll see she caps the climax,” Opal voiced in a soothing tone. “Your Aunt Rachel is absolutely thrilled to have a descendant from her branch of the family as keeper.”

Looking beyond her at the rest of the room, Mattie searched for the other members of the family council. They always offered her their support when she faced a big decision. Yet, today they were conspicuously absent.

“Don’t worry. The whole family is behind you. We just thought it better if we didn’t all hover.”      

Shifting from foot to foot, she wrung her hands together. A simple process of a changing of the guard for them, Amber’s arrival marked the end of the life Mattie loved.

The beautiful spirits around her didn’t understand how cruel humans could be to each other. What if she screwed up and the girl left? Or the girl hated living with a house full of spirits?

Unease pricked at Mattie’s mind. She had no experience in dealing with strangers. All her business associates understood her likes and didn’t force her to attend any social events.

A quick glance out the window, and a car rounded the fountain. She wasn’t prepared to entertain Amber. How could she be? She never invited guests to the estate.

“Now, Pumpkin, there’s no need to worry. It’s time another branch of the family realize what a pain it is to be keeper.” Opal smiled, offering her special form of reassurance. “We’re all here to help with the transition.”

The high notes of Beethoven’s Fifth sprang from the piano. Mattie jumped in surprise at the sudden noise. She whipped around to see Uncle Samuel, the artist of the family, standing next to the piano.

“The game is afoot.” He arched his eyebrows and grinned, then disappeared.

“I’d better leave.” Her aunt patted Mattie’s shoulder. “Just remember, the girl is uneasy too.”

Opal disappeared.

With a deep breath, Mattie turned and gripped the cold metal knob in her hand.

Soon her home would belong to a stranger, and then what would she do?








Purchase ebook at:
More Links coming soon. www.smashwords.com
www.amazon.com
www.BN.com
www.kobo.com
www.itunes.apple.com



Purchase paperback at www.createspace.com
or www.amazon.com  Hope you have an awesome summer,


Tina

Tina's Tidings - Deep Sea Fishing Adventure - A Sad Fish Story

This past week, my husband and I decide to go deep sea fishing.






For me it was a test, to see if I could be on a boat all day and not get sea sick.


Everyone claimed that if you take ginger tablet that you would not get sick...Well, I can say that is a 100% true.  Because about half way through the trip I was ready to hurl. Luckily, I had a very kind gentleman offer me a Dramamine, which did the trick.


I also had a great time. I love to fish. We caught some red fish with spikes. Told that they are very taste. I, now have fillets in my freezer.






The worst part about the trip was that you can't keep anything over a certain size. Not a problem unless you have a greedy pelican nearby.


Here, I caught a cute, little fish, "Albert." I told him I was going to let him go and he could go back and play with his friends.


When I threw him back in the ocean. "Pete," the greedy pelican, dove in and grabbed him, downed poor Albert in one gulp.


Yelling at the Pete did nothing.


So there's my fish story.






Over all, though I had a wonderful time with my shipmates and my husband.


Read more about my adventure on my website www.tinagayle.net


Hope you are having fun this summer too,


Tina

#RockingSummerRomance with @Lyndi Lamont a #MFRWauthor

A quickie Interview by Linda McLaughlin

Ice Tea or Lemonade? Iced coffee
Lake or ocean? Ocean
Sandals or Flipflops? Sandals

Sit in the shadow of a tree or on the front/back porch? Tree since we don’t have many porches in southern California


Ball cap or floppy hat? Floppy hat










Bio


 

Linda McLaughlin grew up with a love of books and history, so it's only natural she prefers writing historical romance. She loves transporting her readers into the past where her characters learn that, in the journey of life, love is the sweetest reward. Linda also writes steamy to erotic romance under the name Lyndi Lamont, and is one half of the writing team of Lyn O'Farrell.

 

You can find her online at http://lindalyndi.com

Blog: http://lindalyndi.com/reading-room-blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaMcLaughlinAuthor

Twitter: @Lyndi Lamont https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont

 

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)


Buy links : Amazon, All Romance eBooks,Barnes & Noble, iBooks,Kobo and Smashwords.




Excerpt:


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."


Thanks Linda, for sharing,


Tina

#MFRWAuthor Hopping Into A Fabulous Summer

[image error]
Welcome to the MFRW Summer Vacation blog hop! If you got here another way, and want to know more, click the butterfly button to join in the fun. Our interactive ribbon will take you to all the sites. You don’t have to do anything except read and enjoy the ride!






I started off the summer with a trip to Tennessee, Georgia and Florida in May.




Fun on the coast of Georgia. This is from the boat on our trip to Cumberland Island.







This picture makes me think of my book "Fallen Leaves."


Can you imagine the color in fall?


I love being outside and enjoying nature.  I post all the pictures I take on my wordpress blog. Stop over if you'd like to see them. http://tinagayle.wordpress.com/


Now for Fallen Leaves.






Fallen Leaves Blurb -
 
As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.
 
 
 
This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.


Excerpt:
 
“How long before you install the new cabinets?”
 
He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.
 
“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.
 
“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.
 
“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”
 
“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”
 
“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.
 
He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”
 
With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”
 
Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”
 
After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
 
She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task of convincing her great grandmother’s ghost to cross over?
 

Purchase ebook at: Smashwords | Amazon |
B&N | All Romance | 
 
Or read the first chapter at: http://www.tinagayle.net/FLchapter.html

Hope you have an awesome summer and stop back by, all summer I'm host romance authors on my site.


Here's to a #RockingSummerRomance,


Tina