Lily Graison's Blog, page 13
April 1, 2015
Giveaway Winner – A Day With The Authors
I have a winner in the “A Day With The Authors” conference and luncheon! Congratulations to Charlotte Somerville! Charlotte has until April 3rd to respond. If she doesn’t I’ll pick an alternate winner.
Thanks to everyone who entered. I do hope to see you at the event. Visit the Facebook Event Page as I think there may be a few tickets still lingering around.
If you’ve already registered, are a VIP ticket holder, and would like to sit at my table, head over to the Request Form to select your table. Regular ticket holders will be able to select seats at the event, after the VIP ticket holders have been seated.
See you there!
Lily
The post Giveaway Winner – A Day With The Authors appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
March 8, 2015
The Willow Creek Series – Story Update
Hey y’all…..I’m getting lots of emails and messages asking about the book 7 in the Willow Creek series and I’m happy to say, “I’m working on it!”
There are a few reasons the book isn’t finished yet. After publishing book 6, A Willow Creek Christmas, my intention was to tell the new doctor, Evan Reid’s, story next. I wrote half of Wanton Angel before I hit a roadblock. The book stalled, I rearranged the plot, I took it down several different roads but regardless of what I did, I still kept hitting the same snag in the story. After months of aggrevation, I realized it just wasn’t happening. “Something” about this story was wrong and I didn’t know what it was, so I had no way to fix it. I even blogged about it here.
I’d like to say some cosmic force prevented me from churning out Wild Horses once I switched and started writing it but long story short — there were personal issues that prevented me from working on it like I wanted to. I’ll not go into all that but I am writing, the story is flowing, the pieces are falling into place and I have a ‘new’ deadline of March 31st. IF that happens and I can get the book in front of my editor and find cover art, we’ll have a release sometime in May.
So…there you have it. I do apologize you’ve had to wait so long. Just know that I am writing the story as quickly as I can.
If you would like to be notified via email when Wild Horses is available for purchase, you can join my mailing list here. Or stay up to date by following my on Facebook.
The post The Willow Creek Series – Story Update appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
March 2, 2015
Be My Guest…
Many of you have seen me post about this event over on my Facebook page and with the date quickly approaching, I wanted to guarantee one reader a seat at my table for the luncheon with a special giveaway. I have one (1) ticket available for this event, which is Friday April 24th and Saturday April 25th. There will be author panels, parties, giveaways, food, games, signing cowboys and of course a book signing.
This ticket will get you into all these events. All you have to do is get yourself to Nashville! I’ll post below the event schedule so you can look at everything that will be happening. If you would like to get your name into the draw for this special giveaway, enter below. Good luck!
*Disclaimer – Winner is responsible for transportation to the event (in Nashville, Tennessee) and for their lodging (if needed). All this giveaway is offering is the two-day pass into the event.
Event Schedule
Friday, April 24th
Breakfast – 10 – 11
Speed dating 11 – 1230
Lunch – On your own
Author panels – 2 – 4
Dinner – On your own
Party – DJ, dancing, cash bar, meet and greet your favorite authors
Saturday, April 25th
Breakfast – On your own
Keynote Speech – Sharon Hamilton 10 – 11
Book Phrase Bingo – 11 – 12
Lunch – 12 – 115 (provided – guaranteed seat at my table)
Games – 130 – 3
Book signing – 3 – 6
Entertainment during the book signing will be cover model and singer Steffen Hughes, cover model and singer Jackson Young, and cover model Daniel Hosse.
Attending Authors (check the main event page as more are added daily)
Sandy Lea Sullivan
Lia Davis
Michel Prince
Lily Graison
Anna Kristell
Randi Alexander
Sidda Lee Rain
Shannon West
Betty Bolte
Author Missy Lyons
Sharon Hamilton
Jean Joachim
Kathleen Ball
Deanndra Hall
Donna Michaels
K.D. Woods
Debra Parmley
Ruth Zavitsanos
JC Wardon
Maddie James
Bella Masters
Tamara Hoffa
Miranda Lynn
Gwen Williams
Lori Ryan
Darcy Flynn
Kate McKeever/Eve Simon
J.L. Mitchell
Leanne Tyler
Cooper McKenzie
KaLyn Cooper
In order to give those able to travel to this event a fair shot, please only enter if you will be able to use the free ticket.
Additional tickets to this event can be purchased HERE.
The hosting hotel will be:
Nashville Airport Marriott
600 Marriott Dr
Nashville, TN 37214
Rooms will be $129.00 per night Friday and Saturday. For reservations (800) 228-9290 or (615)889-9300. Use the link below to reserve online and tell them you are with Secret Cravings Publishing luncheon.
I hope to see you there!!!
The post Be My Guest… appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
February 26, 2015
Friday First Kiss #64 :: Bella’s Band by Alina K. Field (Historical-Regency Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Bella’s Band by Alina K. Field
She stood and went to the fireplace. Then walked back and loomed over him. “We have stirred the fire and taken our tea and cake. Let us dispense with further polite dancing, Lord Hackwell.” She set her hands to her hips. “Why are you here? Why all the questions? What do you want with my boys?”
He leaned back in the chair to enjoy the way her hands defined her curves, and the rise and fall of her breasts. He was sorely tempted to pull her into his lap. She was close enough.
She flung out a hand. “You followed us down the street two days ago. I interrupted your interlude at the brothel yesterday, and yes, I was lurking and listening. I heard Miss Townsend tell you that Miss Miller lived at Harley Street with a babe named Robert.”
He rose suddenly and took her hands, too close, he knew, for her comfort. The fragrance of sugar lingered on her breath, and he longed to taste her. She tried to step back, but he moved his hands to her shoulders and edged closer.
“You were spying on me, Miss Harris? I might ask why you were there.”
“Why I was there? Miss Townsend and I are acquainted. She has on occasion sent me a child in need.”
Her breath came in great gulps, and his own heart was racing with a mad desire he had not felt in some time. Yes, yes, they could dispense with the other dance and try something completely different.
“Or she has taken in a poor woman like Trish for you?”
Her lips formed a prim line he longed to dislodge with a proper kiss. “Yes. Why were you there?” There was a challenge in her gaze, meant to provoke him. And it did.
He slid his hands to her back. “I went to that house for information, not for the company. What a happy surprise that I met an interesting woman.”
Her chin lifted. Her eyes pinned him. Her lips parted. “You—”
He stopped the words with a press of his lips to hers, gentling the kiss at the sound of the soft sigh that formed from what undoubtedly had started as a scold. Her lips had already been open, and after a slight gasp that spoke of her innocence, she learned the kiss quickly. His arm wrapped her waist, and he felt her hands moving up to his shoulders and then further until her fingers slid through the hair at the back of his head.
He cinched her closer, and when she moaned, kissed a trail from the corner of her lips down to her neck, eyeing the sofa. One sweep of the toy soldiers there would clear out the army for peacemaking.
As if she’d read his mind, she started to disengage. Her hands slid to his chest and offered a gentle resistance.
She leaned away. “We must stop,” she whispered.
Only then did he hear the knocking out in the hall.
Bella’s Band by Alina K. Field
Bullets, blades, and incendiary bombs—Major Steven Beauverde, the latest Earl of Hackwell, belongs in that world, and is determined to get back to it. His brother’s murder has forced Steven into a new and completely unwanted role, and worse, he has no idea how to salvage his family’s depleted estate. A rumor that his brother had a son by a woman who may be a) the murderer, and b) his brother’s secret wife, sets Steven on a mission to find her, the boy, and—Steven ardently hopes—the proof of a marriage that will set him free.
Confirmed spinster Annabelle Harris is a country heiress with a penchant for taking in orphans and helping the downtrodden. Her philanthropy hides her desperate search for her disgraced sister, the mistress to the Earl of Hackwell. When the Earl is murdered, her sister thrusts her child into Annabelle’s care and disappears. Now, with suspicion pointing at the sister, Annabelle has begun a new quest, to find the woman, and clear her name.
When their paths converge, the reluctant Earl and the independent spinster find themselves rethinking their goals, and battling the real murderer together.
This Book is on sale at a special price of .99cent! Get your copy at the following eBook retailer.
About Alina K. Field
Award winning author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but she found her true interest in reading and writing romance. Though her roots are in the Midwest, after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California and hasn’t looked back. She shares a midcentury home with her husband and a blue-eyed cat who conned his way in for dinner one day and decided the food was too good to leave.
She is the author of the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner in the novella category, Rosalyn’s Ring, a Regency novella; and the novel-length sequel Bella’s Band, both Soul Mate Publishing releases.
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The post Friday First Kiss #64 :: Bella’s Band by Alina K. Field (Historical-Regency Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
February 19, 2015
Friday First Kiss #63 :: Norah (The McKades of Texas, Book 2) by Kimberly Lewis (Contemporary Western Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Norah (The McKades of Texas, Book 2) by Kimberly Lewis
“Thank you for dinner, Ms. McKade,” Chase said. “Everything was delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked it,” Linda replied, then took a sip of tea from her glass. “You’ll have to join us again sometime.”
Chase glanced out the corner of his eye to Norah before he turned his attention back to Linda. “I’d like that. Thank you, ma’am.”
Zane cleared his throat and stood, resting his napkin on the table as he held his hand out for Andi. “Well, Mom, we hate to rush off, but I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”
Goodbyes were said, and in a few short moments, Chase was sharing only the company of Norah and her mother.
Linda began to clean off the table, but Norah stopped her by resting a hand on her shoulder.
“Why don’t you go rest, Mom, and I’ll take care of cleaning up?” Norah suggested.
“Oh, sweetie,” Linda said as she gathered the plates and began to walk them over to the sink. “I’m not going to have you clean all this up by yourself.”
“I can help,” Chase offered.
Both women stopped to look at him, and for a moment, he thought he’d said the wrong thing.
“That’s not necessary, Chase,” Linda said.
“But it’s the least I can do to repay you for the meal,” Chase said to Linda before turning to Norah. “That is, as long as you don’t mind me sticking around to help.”
Norah’s lips curved slightly. “I don’t mind.”
Linda looked from Chase to Norah and hid a knowing smile. “Well, I’m not gonna pass up on good help,” she said. “I think I’ll go take a bubble bath and then head off to bed and read for a bit.” She walked over to Norah and gave her a gentle hug. “Thank you, sweetie, and don’t forget to lock up on your way out.”
“I will,” Norah replied.
“Goodnight, Chase,” Linda said.
“You too, ma’am.” He was all set to shake Linda’s hand and was a little surprised when she instead reached up and gave him a gentle, motherly hug. Although it was unexpected, he returned the gesture. He then turned to Norah as Linda exited the room and asked, “What would you like me to do?”
Norah placed the dishes in the sink. “How about you start washing these while I put the leftovers away?”
“All right,” Chase said and sauntered over to the sink. As it filled up with warm, sudsy water, Chase stole glances at Norah while she moved about the kitchen. She looked beautiful; that was nothing new, though, because he always thought that whenever he saw her.
He watched as she took the tupperware filled with the leftovers over to the fridge. His eyes roamed over her from head to toe, and he felt his heart rate quicken. Opening the refrigerator door, Norah bent over and began to move items around in order to make the containers fit. But Chase wasn’t paying too much attention to that. He was more interested in the way the denim of her jeans stretched perfectly across her derriere—which was just as perfect. It was equally as pleasurable as it was agonizing to watch her. After a few moments, Norah stood upright and closed the door. Chase turned his head quickly as to not get caught and realized that he was still washing the same dish.
“Wow, O’Donnell,” Norah teased as she stood next to him. “You’re probably the slowest dishwasher in the whole county.”
He chuckled.
“I’ll rinse and dry,” she said and took the clean plate from his hands.
They worked side by side in silence, the moment feeling strangely intimate for two people who weren’t in an intimate relationship.
“Your family is very nice,” Chase said just as Norah said, “I hope I didn’t ruin your plans by offering to clean up.”
They laughed.
“You didn’t ruin my plans,” Chase said, handing her another dish. “My plans were to be with you. And here I am. With you.” The corner of his mouth lifted as he watched her smile. His eyes zeroed in on her mouth, and before he knew it, he found himself leaning towards her.
****
As Norah held onto Chase’s gaze, she could see the want pooling in his green eyes. She recognized it so well because—hell—she felt the same. So when Chase’s gaze fell to her mouth she didn’t hesitate. He leaned in towards her, and when Norah parted her lips, she was rewarded with one of the tenderest kisses she’d ever experienced. His mouth brushed against hers with fleeting, feather light motions. Her body, stiff from the anticipation of the kiss, softened beneath the gentle caress of his lips.
Eyes closed, Norah heard a dish plop into the sink water and then felt Chase’s body shift towards her. She dropped the towel and mimicked Chase’s movement, bringing her hands up to rest on his shoulder and neck. A tiny gasp escaped from her as she felt Chase’s wet hands against the back of her shirt, resting on the small of her back. But they didn’t stop there.
As Chase deepened the kiss, Norah felt his hands slide into the back pockets of her jeans as he pulled her to him and pressed his pelvis into the cradle of her hips.
Oh my.
Everything about him was solid; his arms, his chest, his abs, his…
Her heart was racing. Her breathing kicked up a notch. Her head was spinning and she couldn’t think straight. The only thing present in her mind was that she wanted more—more of his lips, more of his hands, more of…him. But when one of Chase’s hands left the back pocket of her jeans and slowly snaked up to her ribcage, she quickly remembered where they were and knew this couldn’t go any further. She moved her hand from the back of his neck to his chest and gently pushed away from him.
“Chase,” she breathed.
“Hmm?” he replied, feathering kisses along her jaw and gently brushing her hair behind her shoulder so he could continue his way down her neck.
A tiny moan escaped from her lips.
“Chase,” she breathed again. “Stop.”
He did just that and looked at her. “Did I do something wrong?”
Norah let out a soft, brief laugh. “No,” she told him. “You were doing all the right things.”
He grinned.
“But we can’t do this here.”
Chase slid his hand down to Norah’s hip and gently stroked his thumb back and forth against her jeans. He casually glanced around the room before he returned his gaze to Norah. “I kind of forgot where we were,” he said with a chuckle and rested his forehead against hers.
The backdoor swung open then and Norah jumped at the sudden noise and quickly stepped away from Chase.
“Forgot my cell phone,” Luke said as he jogged past them to the counter and grabbed it.
When Luke turned around to Norah and Chase, she could see it on his face that he knew exactly what had been happening between them right before he barged in.
Crap.
“What’s going on here?” Luke asked, waving a finger between Norah and Chase.
“We’re doing the dishes,” Norah answered him.
Luke stared her down. It was the oldest trick in the book, the one that he and Zane always used against her when they wanted to get information out of her. And she hated it.
“What are you looking at?” Norah asked him with a miffed tone.
Luke lifted his hands in a silent defeat. “Nothing,” he told her and attempted to hide an amused grin in the process. He pocketed his phone then grabbed up the dish towel Norah had dropped on the counter. “Don’t let me keep you from washing the dishes,” Luke said and handed her the towel.
As Luke walked away and towards the back door, Norah let out a soft sigh of relief and shot Chase a smile.
“Oh, hey,” Luke said. He stopped in the open doorway and turned to look at them.
Oh God. What now?
Norah turned her attention to her brother.
“You might wanna use that towel to wipe away those soap bubbles from your butt.”
Her mouth dropped in shock as she turned awkwardly to check the back of her jeans. Sure enough there were soap bubbles hanging from her back pockets along with a wet handprint on her shirt right beneath her breast.
Luke grinned and tipped his hat. “Night, y’all.”
Norah covered her face with her hands as the door shut behind Luke. “That was so embarrassing.” She pulled her hands down to cover her mouth as she let out a laugh.
Chase joined in on her laughter for a moment. He then leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest as he let out a sigh.
“That killed the mood,” Norah said to Chase in a teasing tone as she proceeded to wipe away the soap bubbles from her jeans.
“Temporarily,” Chase said with a grin and reached for her, pulling her into his arms.
It felt so nice being held by him. His masculine arms made her feel secure, cherished, and protected, like he would never let anything bad happen to her.
“Why don’t we finish up here and head back to my place?” Chase suggested and brushed his fingertips against her forehead and down to her jaw.
Norah (The McKades of Texas, Book 2) by Kimberly Lewis
He may not be a cowboy… But that won’t stop him from wrangling her heart.
Chase O’Donnell is the proud new owner of the Caldwell Ranch—or maybe he’s not so proud. Annoyed would be more like it. After receiving the news of his inheritance, Chase’s first thought is to sell the ranch and be done with it—until one night with a beautiful blonde at a local honky-tonk has him changing his tune…
Norah McKade is surprised by her instant attraction to the handsome new stranger, and even more surprised when she finds out he’s her new neighbor. But with Chase only being in town for a short amount of time, Norah determines getting tangled up with him a bad idea and promptly places Chase in the friend zone.
Although a bit reluctant, Chase agrees to Norah’s terms—but he’s not about to deny or ignore the fact that there’s more between them than just sexual attraction. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to get her to change her mind and prove to her that it wouldn’t be such a bad thing for her to fall in love with him.
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About Kimberly Lewis
In November 2011 author Kimberly Lewis stepped into the writing world with her first contemporary Western romance, When the Heart Falls.
Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, this country girl caught the creative bug at an early age, doing everything from drawing to writing short stories.
After rediscovering her love of romance novels, Kimberly found the inspiration to pick up a pen—or in this case a laptop—and began writing her first novel. Since then she continues to write and credits her husband and her wonderfully crazy family and friends, who with their love and joking demeanor provide her with the ideas that inspire her novels.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her amazing family.
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The post Friday First Kiss #63 :: Norah (The McKades of Texas, Book 2) by Kimberly Lewis (Contemporary Western Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
February 12, 2015
Friday First Kiss #62 :: Dangerous by Sylvia McDaniel (Historical Western)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Dangerous (Book 3 in the Lipstick and Lead Series) by Sylvia McDaniel
“How can one woman get into so much trouble and yet look so innocent and beautiful? How can you be so tempting and sweet and luscious one moment and the next I’m ready to kill you? And how can I go another minute, looking at those full lips without tasting them? Damn it, I don’t want to do this, but I’ve got to,” he said his voice husky, sending shivers of anticipation through her.
He was going to kiss her. She watched as his mouth lowered to hers and she realized, she wanted his kiss.
His mouth moved over hers, tempting and teasing and tasting of her like she’d never been kissed before. And she never had.
This was her first kiss and whatever expectations she’d had were quickly dispelled. It was much better than she’d imagined. His hands gripped her face, holding her hostage to his lips, holding her immobile as he took her lips between his own. Savagely, he slanted his mouth over hers as his tongue persuaded her to open. He tasted her thoroughly, completely and so convincingly her heart was ready to explode in her chest.
Hot, heavy, hunger filled her as his mouth took her like the storm that raged outside. Wild, consuming and awakening feelings she’d never experienced before. She arched her back, needing more, wanting more of the passion that this man had awakened inside her.
Her flesh felt like it was on fire with the need for this man. She wanted to remove the barriers that were between them. Running her fingers down his silken muscled shoulders, she wanted to touch him everywhere, feel his skin, taste him.
God, she didn’t know what it was she wanted, but she wanted this to continue.
She didn’t want this to stop. She wanted…
A shot rang out in the night, not far from their cave.
Beau bolted upright. He jumped up and ran to the entrance and peered into the darkness. Another shot sounded and he grabbed his wet shirt and ran outside in the rain, with his guns drawn, leaving Annabelle alone, panting in a bat cave.
Dangerous (Book 3 in the Lipstick and Lead Series) by Sylvia McDaniel
Annabelle McKenzie stays at home and takes care of the farm and the bookkeeping for their family bounty hunting business while her two sisters take all the risks. Except that she’s grown bored and longs for adventure. The chance to show her sisters that she’s just as capable of bringing a man to justice and collecting a bounty as they are. When opportunity bumps into her at the bank, she recklessly follows her prey out of town. Only she soon realizes she’s chosen the wrong man to hunt.
Beau Samuels has a dark secret that goes beyond the price on his head. And now there’s a wanted poster with his face plastered in every small Texas sheriff’s office. As if things couldn’t get worse, now he has a novice in a skirt brandishing a gun and determined to collect his reward. Could he get away from the blonde spitfire with his heart intact?
When Annabelle unlocks the secrets to his heart and reveals the true man behind the wanted poster, can she lay aside her scruples and allow herself to love an outlaw?
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About Sylvia McDaniel
Sylvia McDaniel is a best-selling, award-winning author of western historical romance and contemporary romance novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides a historical western series, The Cuvier Widows, a Louisiana historical series, Lipstick and Lead, a western historical series and several short contemporary romances.
Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for twenty years to her best friend, they have two dachshunds. One that reigns Queen Supreme over the house and the other a puppy that terrorizes the Queen and a good-looking, grown son who thinks there’s no place like home. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
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The post Friday First Kiss #62 :: Dangerous by Sylvia McDaniel (Historical Western) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
February 5, 2015
Friday First Kiss #61 :: Justice Comes To Salina by Penny Estelle (Historical Western)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Justice Comes To Salina by Penny Estelle
No matter how much Emma and Jim had pleaded, argued, or demanded, Victoria refused to sleep at the boarding house. “Nobody is going to bother me out there. I promise I will keep the door locked. Jim rode with her back to her house and made sure Lucy was fed and bedded down and nobody was in the house. This time when he left, the kiss he gave her was more than a light peck. He pulled her into his arms, slowly, giving her plenty of time to object, but she remained quiet.
His hands cupped her face, lowering his lips to hers. They were gentle as he tasted and explored. She leaned in just a whisper and the kiss deepened. His tongue lightly touched hers and Victoria felt her stomach drop. She inhaled sharply and her eyes flew open, backing up a fraction.
He looked at her and his lips curled into a grin. “Have you never been kissed, Vicky?”
She had been kissed. Several times – but never like this. They were boys. “I thought I had.”
Jim dropped his forehead to hers. “I don’t like the idea of you out here alone with Logan out there somewhere.”
“I’ll be fine. I promise I’ll lock up. You know I’m no stranger to a gun.”
He nodded. “Keep it handy, hear?”
Sleep was hard to come by that night. What was she doing? She was here for a reason. This town and its people were getting under her skin. She enjoyed her job and teaching these children. And then there was the sheriff. She stood right there and let him kiss her. Was she getting feelings for him? Her hand touched her lips. With a growl she punched her pillow and tuned on one side, then the other. You need to stop this and do what you came here to do! In the limited light of the room she saw her gun on the side table and a decision was made. After the social I will take care of things and then my life can get back to normal. I will be done with this town, its people and their children…and its sheriff. Sleep was further away than ever.
Justice Comes To Salina by Penny Estelle
Black smoke billows and a whistle blares, as the steam engine pulls into Salina, Kansas, delivering the town’s new school teacher, Victoria Stone.
The people of Salina are caring and do all they can to make Victoria feel welcome and her students are finding their way into her heart. Then there’s the town’s sheriff, Jim Timmons, who is getting under her skin and turning every emotion she has inside out.
But the truth is, Salina didn’t pick Victoria – She picked the town of Salina. And in her bag, Victoria isn’t toting books and school supplies. There is a score to settle in Salina, Kansas, and nothing or nobody is going to deter her from putting things right.
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About Penny Estelle
Hi everybody! My name is Penny Estelle. I was a school secretary for 21 years and retired in 2009. We moved to our retirement home in Kingman, AZ and we live on 54 acres in a very rural area. Actually we live “off the grid” on solar and wind. A real adjustment for a city girl. I must say – I love it. Nothing like walking out your front door and hear coyotes howling in the distance and seeing a sky bursting with stars. It is breathtaking!
My writing career started with stories for the tween kiddos. I have advanced to a few romances, family drama, two historical western romances, and even a non-fiction shorty about my life living off the grid!
I have a newsletter that goes out for new releases or sales. If you would like to be notified please sign up @ http://eepurl.com/388Xr
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The post Friday First Kiss #61 :: Justice Comes To Salina by Penny Estelle (Historical Western) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
February 1, 2015
Friday First Kiss #60 :: Dream Lover by Nancy Fraser (Vintage Historical 1959)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Dream Lover by Nancy Fraser
She stopped short of where he stood. A gasp escaped her red-tinged lips, drawing his attention to her mouth, to her full lower lip and the way it quivered under his scrutiny.
“I didn’t realize you were still awake.”
“I just finished a bit of reading.” Given the sudden pounding of his heart, he preferred the small white lie to admitting he’d been waiting up for her return.
“I was going to grab a book to take back to my room.”
“Here,” he said, approaching her, snatching up a book from the desk top on his way. “Try this.” Haley took the leather-bound volume from his hand. Their fingers brushed, and Eric felt as if he’d stuck his entire hand in a light socket.
“Thank you.”
“How was your evening? I trust Stephen kept you entertained.”
“I never realized there could be so many colorful establishments in a four block radius.”
He chuckled, her description far more generous than his opinion of the Paris bars. “So, you enjoyed yourself?”
“Your brother is a lot of fun.”
Eric took another step forward until they stood toe-to-toe, so close he heard the swift catch in her breathing. Against every ounce of better judgment he usually possessed, Eric reached out and lifted Haley’s chin with the gentle pressure of his fingertips. “How much fun?”
She pulled back a fraction of an inch, yet didn’t pull away. “I’m not sure what you’re asking. Or, why.”
“Did you dance with him?” He could see the movement in her shoulders when she drew a breath. She nodded slightly and blinked, as if fighting back tears, or embarrassment. His fingertips slipped, the infinitesimal movement sending sparks through his hand. He swallowed, pushing aside the sudden dryness in his throat. “Did he kiss you goodnight?”
“I…I…” she began, her eyes widening, the doe-like expression making his heart nearly stop in his chest.
“Did he kiss you goodnight?” A warning bell went off in his head. Did he really want to know the answer?
“Why does it matter? After all, I was on my own time.”
Her response ratcheted up his pulse rate yet another notch, added a new level of dryness to his throat. “It matters. My brother is somewhat of a cad. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I won’t get hurt,” she assured him.
“So, he did kiss you good night.”
Haley reached up and took hold of his fingertips, pulling them away from her chin. He could see she was fighting back some sort of emotion, yet he couldn’t tell if it was anger or hurt.
Suddenly, he felt like the cad he’d likened Stephen to for causing her such pain. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I had no right to pry.”
“You’re right, you didn’t.”
“It’s just that…” he stalled, at an unusual loss for words.
“It’s just what, Eric?”
Her use of his given name set a wild beating in his chest. Rather than lift her chin as he had before, he slid his hand through her long, blonde hair and cupped the back of her head, drawing her close.
“I wanted to be the one to kiss you beneath the Paris lights.”
He pressed his mouth to hers and felt her tremble. She laid her hands on his chest as if she were going to push him away, but instead of doing so, she wrapped her fingers around the soft material of his shirt and pulled him closer.
The kiss went on forever, yet ended far too soon.
Eric raised his head and met her glassy gaze. “We’d better get some sleep.”
“Excuse me?” Her eyes grew wide with surprise. A smile spread quickly across his face, the fact that she could so easily misunderstand him reminding him of her innocence.
“Separately of course. My children will no doubt be up at the crack of dawn wanting to go to the Evil Tower.”
Haley stepped back, laughing at his impression of Brian’s mispronunciation. “Don’t forget the arch de tridump. Brian’s convinced it’s where Humpty Dumpty fell and broke his shell.”
When she took a step backward, he stopped her with the gentle pressure of his hand against her shoulder. “I’m sorry I badgered you about Stephen.”
She smiled and reached up to lay her hand against his cheek. “Just for the record, there was no goodnight kiss.”
Eric’s shoulders rose and fell on his sigh of relief. “Goodnight, Haley,” he said, stepping away from her warm caress.
“Goodnight, Eric. I’ll see you at breakfast.”
Dream Lover by Nancy Fraser
Haley Parker lost her academic scholarship when she quit school to care for her dying mother. Now, eager to return to her studies, she must find the perfect job that will allow her the freedom to attend evening classes.
Her best friend Chloe teaches at one of Boston’s finest private schools, a job Haley had once hoped would be hers. When Chloe snags Haley a referral for a position as nanny to high-powered attorney, Eric Garrison’s, two young children, Haley looks forward to taking on the task.
Eric finds himself drawn to the intelligent and loving young woman who has bewitched his children. It’s not long before he’s re-thinking his plan to avoid romantic entanglements. On a family vacation to Paris, he finds it impossible to resist the lovely, yet innocent Haley.
Haley willingly gives up her innocence for a chance to make love with Eric, even though she realizes it will change their professional relationship forever.
*A note from Nancy about this series: Dream Lover is the fifth book (out of ten) in my Golden Decade of Rock and Roll series. The complete vintage historical series spans the decade from 1955 through 1964 and each book is based on a number one hit from its respective year. All five novellas are currently on sale for 99 cents through both Amazon and Barnes and Noble from now until February 10th.
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About Nancy Fraser
Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.
When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people. She invites you to visit her website, her blog, and follow her on Twitter. Or, more importantly, just enjoy what she writes.
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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The post Friday First Kiss #60 :: Dream Lover by Nancy Fraser (Vintage Historical 1959) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
January 8, 2015
Friday First Kiss #59 :: Honey Kisses by Verna Clay (Contemporary Western Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Honey Kisses by Verna Clay
“Hon, what’s the problem? She’s just the housekeeper.”
Jackson turned a frustrated look on Pritzy. “Get dressed and go home! This was a stupid idea, anyway!”
Pritzy opened her mouth in shock, but he was already running toward the back door. “Go home!” he shouted over his shoulder.
The sky had opened and was pouring buckets when he stepped outside. He saw Annie, slipping and sliding in the pasture. She fell and righted herself. He yelled her name, but the sound was lost in a thunder clap. He ran through the gate and into the field. She fell again, this time flat on her stomach. He watched her push to her knees and then freeze in that position.
He slopped through the mud, rain stinging his nakedness, and circled Annie, going down on his knees in front of her. She was staring at the ground. He yelled her name above the storm and she slowly looked up. The heartbreak in her eyes twisted his gut. Rain plastered their hair to their faces and washed the mud from their bodies. Jackson said above the sound of the rain, “Nothing happened, Annie. I sent her home.”
She looked blankly into his eyes and blinked against the water dripping from her lashes.
He leaned down and cupped her face in his hands. “Annie, why do we keep fighting our desire for each other?”
Suddenly, a cry escaped her throat and she threw her arms around his neck, plastering her lips to his. Jackson moaned and kissed her with unrestrained emotion. On their knees in the mud, they finally gave in to years of frustration and suppressed longings. His tongue found hers in a mating dance and then he strung kisses from her mouth to her eyes, her cheeks, her nose, her ears, and back to her mouth.
Lightning flashed, closer now, and he stood, pulling her up with him and reaching under her legs, lifting her into the shelter of his arms. Still kissing her, he walked as quickly as he could through the slop to her cottage.
Shoving the front door open, he strode to the bathroom and turned on the shower. While the water heated, he kissed her fiercely and removed her clothes. He released the zipper of his own pants and stepped out of them. Entering the steaming shower he brought Annie with him. Lifting her legs around his waist, he backed her against the shower stall. She locked her eyes with his and placed her small hands on either side of his face, staring into his soul.
“Kiss me, Annie,” he begged.
Slowly, she brought her lips to his in a kiss sweeter than honey. She lifted her mouth a fraction and said, “I love you, Jackson.”
Her words sent him over the edge and he covered her mouth with his, lost in a desire that drove him beyond reason. She belonged to him and no one else.
Honey Kisses by Verna Clay
Ann Hackstetter first met Jackson Martinez while vacationing at Lazy M Dude Ranch with her husband and teenage son. Part of the Dude Ranch Package was a night of fun at Boot Bustin’ Barn. Ann suspected that Sage Tanner, owner of Lazy M, bribed Jackson to ask her to dance as a way of making her inattentive husband jealous. On a whim, she danced with him. Little did she realize he would awaken emotions long suppressed. Of course, she ignored those emotions. Now, five years later, she’s a widow–a destitute widow. Over the years, her son’s friendship with Sage’s daughter, Julie, blossomed, and now they’re getting married. Wedding responsibilities have temporarily taken Ann’s mind off of her desperate situation. At the reception, Jackson asks her to dance, again awakening those emotions. He makes her feel twenty-one, instead of forty-one.
Jackson Martinez has an easy way with women. However, timid Annie sets his blood to boiling. She’s older, has a grown son, and probably has an aversion to men after being married to a jerk. When Sage reveals Annie’s sad state of economic affairs and says she’s looking for a job, Jackson knows his heart is in trouble when he offers her a position running his household. Little does he realize, or anyone else for that matter, that Annie has a secret.
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About Verna Clay
My perfect day: Laptop; WiFi availability; Java Mocha; characters demanding their stories be told; a plot that comes together; and hours to live in an alternate reality. Afterward, I return home to wash dishes and vacuum.
Seriously, I have always loved reading, and now I love writing. As a preteen, I devoured Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mysteries. When I reached my teen years, the romance genre became my favorite and that has never changed. A few years ago, I decided to try my hand at writing and I’ve been doing so with a passion ever since. I have written around twenty novels and novellas in the genres of contemporary romance, contemporary western romance, historical western romance, and fantasy romance. Because I hate saying goodbye to characters who have lived with me for months, I usually create a series so they can be revisited from book to book.
*Authors, want to see your book featured here on Friday First Kiss? Go HERE to find out how.*
The post Friday First Kiss #59 :: Honey Kisses by Verna Clay (Contemporary Western Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
December 18, 2014
Friday First Kiss #58 :: Night Train To Manchester – Street and Lost, Book 1 by Alexandra Marell (Contemporary New Adult)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Night Train To Manchester – Street and Lost, Book 1 by Alexandra Marell
I said a prayer on the run home, guitar on my back, thanking God and Jesus and every saint I knew for letting me find Lost that night. I’d take all the worry she brought if it meant having her here with me.
Stopping outside the hotel, I tilted my head to the dimly-lit attic window, knowing she was up there. Safe, in a place no one could touch her. For now. Waiting for me to come home so we could have our usual argument about who took the bed and who got the sleeping bag on the living room floor. So far I’d won every round.
I was in danger of standing there all night, a goofy smile on my face, which all too quickly turned into a feeling of dread squeezing my heart. Along with caring came the worrying. Seemed you couldn’t have one without the other. I should know that by now. Hadn’t I worried my own mother half to death with my climbing antics?
Sometimes she’d hugged me so hard it hurt, while at the same time crying and ranting at me and making me feel like the worst son on earth.
Rattling my keys to let Lost know someone was coming up, I slid the guitar case from my back and went over my cover story. No Lost standing at the top of the stairs like she usually did. I found her in the living room, legs tucked underneath her on the couch, a book in her hand. She took way too long to notice me.
“Good day?” She looked up at last, watching me throw off my jacket.
“So, so.” The yawn was genuine. I rubbed my tired eyes, rolled my shoulders and moved to the kitchen area to fix myself a hot drink. “Sorry I didn’t get back this afternoon. Boss wanted me to help him run a few errands. Pays me cash in hand, so I couldn’t refuse. Drove him back to the pub, then I went straight in to work.”
“You don’t have to account for every moment,” she said, returning to her book. “I’m fine here by myself.”
Guilt makes you hear more than usual. Was I imagining the clipped tone, the intense interest she was taking in that book? I should tell her where I’d been.
“You will be careful, won’t you?” She spoke without lifting her eyes from the page, hair curtaining her face so I couldn’t see her expression. A good thing since I was on the verge of giving her a sleepless night by blurting out where I’d spent the day.
“Yeah, I’ll be careful.” It was mostly the truth. Something told me there’d come a time I might not have a choice in the matter of whether to run or whether to stand and fight. I made her a hot chocolate, mixing it with boiling water and a splash of milk, just how she liked it. I shouldn’t leave her alone all day. Too long for her to be cooped up here listening for the door and wondering every time the latch clicked, who was going to come through.
“You want to come out with me one day this week? I could take you to the Museum of Science and Industry. Show you the site of the world’s first railway station.”
“What about the busking? Won’t you lose your pitch if you stop going in?”
I got the full-on stare, then from those gorgeous, pale eyes of hers. I took a gulp of tea before answering. The air grew thick with unasked questions. Hell, she was one difficult woman to lie to.
“Couple of days away won’t hurt.”
“All right then. You have a date.”
A date? I liked the sound of that. I paused, distracted by the sound of raised voices on the pavement outside the hotel. A man and a woman arguing, the yelling cutting through the quiet of the night. A car door slammed and roared away. Preacher wouldn’t be home for another couple of hours. Parties at the banqueting suite always went on into the early hours. Until then, it was just the two of us, alone.
My thoughts shifted, like they always did with her this close and I remembered the feel of Lost clutching at my coat, pressing into me. How she’d felt in my arms and how her skin had tasted when I’d kissed her hand. Propping myself on the arm of the sofa, my blood rushed south, my jeans tightened.
If I kissed her now, made a move, would she kiss me back? Let me take her into the bedroom and show her how good it would be between us?
Had that Creep tried to kiss her that night when he’d gone at her in the music room? Thinking of him dampened down the lustful thoughts. Closing my eyes, I got myself under control, glad I’d made the journey down to London. Seen where he lived. It made him a little more real, gave me something to work with.
My jacket hung over the arm of the sofa. Near enough for me to slide a hand into the pocket where I’d stuffed the used train ticket. I pulled it out and handed it silently over to Lost. Too many secrets complicated things. And things were complicated enough.
Took her a few seconds to realise what I’d given her. She had every right to yell at me. I braced for impact, but she looked more forlorn than angry.
“You weren’t at your pitch today, in the Arndale Centre. I guessed where you’d gone. Did you see him?”
“You went out alone?” My heart beat a swift tattoo. Out in public, all alone while I’d been miles away, unable to help her if she needed it.
“Well covered up. I needed a walk. Did you see him?”
“No, but if he comes near you again, he’s a dead man.” I bit my tongue the moment the words were out. Christ, stupid thing to say. Lost was out of her seat, her face in mine, both hands holding my cheeks. Making me look at her and so close her chocolate-scented breath fanned my skin.
“Tell me you didn’t mean that. Tell me.”
Covering one of her hands with mine, I shook my head. “Hell no, I didn’t mean it. Only went down to look.”
“Stay away from him. From all of them.” Her grip tightened, squeezing, nails digging into my cheeks. She took in a deep breath, loosening her grip as she let it out. I could smell her shampoo, something fruity and sharp along with the clean, honest smell of the cheap soap we used.
Without thinking, I used my spare hand to pull her closer and the two of us back into the sofa, threading my fingers into her fine hair. Another moment of breathing and deciding and then, thank God she moved, she lowered her lips, touching them lightly to mine, while I trembled with the effort of keeping still. Letting her set the pace. Didn’t have to be a mind reader to know she needed that.
It lasted all of two blissful seconds before she was pulling away and resting her baby-fine cheek against mine, rough and unshaven.
“You scare me like that again and I won’t be responsible for my actions. I’ve been through hell today worrying about you and what you might be doing down there.” She whispered so close, a delicious shiver rippled my skin.
“Not used to anyone worrying about me.” Long time since anyone worried about me like she did.
“Well get used to it. I wish we hadn’t met. Hell, I’m glad we met, but…” She let go and stood, panting lightly. “I’m furious with you. I thought we promised to be honest with each other.”
I hauled myself back to sitting, aching and hard. Mind fogged with the thought she’d kissed me and that was the start of something too important to mess up. A reason to go on.
“Well, that kind of works both ways.”
Her face fell a little. I cut her some slack. Whatever the downsides of her life, inside, she was still that privileged rich girl who expected the world to fall at her feet. For everyone to bend to her will.
I bit my cheeks to stop the totally inappropriate grin spreading over my face while we were in the middle of one of the most important conversations of our lives. I’d never been one for taking orders.
She had the grace to look contrite, for a few seconds anyway. Crossing the room to the kitchen area to put distance between us, she rounded on me. “It’s nothing to grin about. This is serious.”
“I know. If you wanted a serious conversation, you shouldn’t have kissed me.”
She lifted her chin. “I did not kiss you.”
“You damned well did.” Our eyes met in challenge, like that first time. I’d never forget that moment.
I stayed sitting. Dad always used his height and bulk to intimidate and I never wanted Lost to be afraid of me. This wasn’t a power play. More a shaking out of things that needed saying. And honestly? She could rant at me all she liked if she’d kiss me again.
She flicked back her hair, like a model in a shampoo ad. Bet she’d been told more than once she should be strutting a catwalk somewhere.
“Well I didn’t mean to.”
“You couldn’t help it. Girls generally can’t. I get that.”
I don’t know how I managed to keep my face straight. Folding my arms, I willed her to lighten up and play with me for a while. She brought out the devil in me, for sure.
Another argument started up on the pavement outside. A heavy door slammed. One of the prostitutes who used the hotel arguing with a client or the pimp. They’d have to sort it out themselves tonight. I had better things to do.
“Couldn’t help it?” Hands on hips, Lost faced me down, cheeks tinged an endearing shade of pink. “So what was your pick-up line, fairground boy? A free ride? Is that what you offered those silly screaming girls while you showed off jumping around all those spinning cars?”
That hit close. My lips twitched. “Got them every time.” I didn’t ask about hers. Who needed a pick-line when your dad had a Ferrari or two parked in the yard? Between her face and wealth, she’d have had guys falling over themselves to get to her.
“Her eyebrows raised a fraction. Believe me,” she said. “When I kiss you, we’ll both know it.”
“Might have to ask you to prove that.” Outside, the din intensified. Two women shrieking. A man yelling back. One of the women screamed. Couldn’t ignore it for much longer. Lost followed my gaze to the window.
“Do you think she’s all right?”
Heaving out a sigh, I stood, pulling off my sweatshirt, annoyed they’d spoiled our moment with their bickering. Bickering that could turn into something more serious in the blink of an eye.
“I’ll go take a look. A client who doesn’t want to pay, I guess. Or a prostitute short changing her pimp.” The first one – easy to sort out with a bit of muscle and a few well-chosen threats. The second? I wouldn’t stand by and see a woman hurt, but those relationships were complicated. More than once I’d pitched in only to have the woman beat up on me for interfering in her private business.
Damn, and Lost had been about to kiss me again, too.
“Take care.” Lost cast another anxious glance at the attic window where the world seemed determined to intrude on our moment. “Stay safe, Street.”
All that needed saying, really. I needed one thing more from her before going down to sort out the din.
“Got every reason to, haven’t I?”
Only a small hesitation before she whispered, “Yes you have. Now go down and help that woman.”
This is a new adult contemporary series set in Manchester UK. The story starts in 1993 when Ryan DeMarco (alias Street) meets Chelsea Lander (alias Lost) at an illegal bare knuckle fight. Aged 17, he’s a fairground kid who’s been travelling all his life with a father who’s an ex-cage fighter and anxious for his son to follow in his footsteps. When he helps his dad with security at an the fight, Street meets 16 year old rich-girl, Chelsea the fight-fixer’s daughter. Sparks fly, but circumstances and life drives them apart. He calls her Lost, a name she adopts when they meet in Manchester, two years later.
Two years’ later, Street has escaped his destiny in the cage and with his friend Preacher, made a new life in Manchester. The plan is to start a band, get rich and become so powerful their past has no hold over them. Then one day they run into Lost, desperate and scared and the last person they expected to see. On the run herself, Lost accepts the offer of a place to stay and for the first time in her life feels she may also have a chance at escaping her past and starting a new life with Street.
But the past is never far behind and Street and Lost soon realise they’ll have to make difficult choices to protect those they love.
Read More about this book HERE
About Alexandra Marell
Alexandra Marell also writes as C A Nicks and lives within sight of the Lancashire moors with her family, cats and vast collection of musical instruments. She’s worked as a teacher and publisher and now writes full time in a variety of romance genres, but always with the same tight focus on the characters and their emotional journey. She’s a great believer in love at first sight.
When not writing, you’ll find her in some spooky mansion or castle indulging her hobby as a paranormal investigator or haunting piano stores plotting how to sneak a fifth piano past her very patient husband. She considers her Bosendorfer grand piano a member of the family
*Authors, want to see your book featured here on Friday First Kiss? Go HERE to find out how.*
The post Friday First Kiss #58 :: Night Train To Manchester – Street and Lost, Book 1 by Alexandra Marell (Contemporary New Adult) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
