Tory Richards's Blog, page 172

Hot Spot excerpt

“I’m not afraid of you, John.” Sammy knew it seemed silly to say, considering she’d been clinging to him and kissing him a second ago.

“I don’t want you to be afraid of me,” he said gruffly. His nostrils were flaring. His sensual mouth turned hard. “I want you to stop running from me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Using all of the strength she could muster, she jerked out of his arms. “You were a little too wild and unpredictable for me. I wasn’t running from you, I just ran toward something better.”

His laugh wasn’t what she expected. “Safe, predictable Pat.”

She’d married the good brother when she’d really wanted the other. But even as young as she’d been at the time, something had warned her that a life with John wouldn’t have amounted to much. He’d lived on the edge.

Since John was between her and the door, Sammy backed farther into the tiny room, afraid of the determination in his eyes. Afraid of the desire coursing through her blood, almost rendering her incapable of breathing. She didn’t want him touching her again, yet she’d never wanted anything so bad either. Much more of his particular brand of foreplay and she’d be begging him to fuck her.

He moved closer. Sammy took another step back. “Yes,” she agreed. “He never ended up in jail.”

The briefest flicker in his gaze was his only reaction to her comment. He reached forward, touching a loose curl resting against her temple. Sammy’s heart skipped a beat. 

She tried to swallow but her mouth was too dry. The heat of his knuckles against her skin scorched her. She had to get away from him soon, before she said the hell with it and went for it. Maybe that’s what he wants. To see if I’m still susceptible to him. Is this all a game to him?

“As soft as I remember.”

Available at:  Amazon Liquid Silver Books Store Liquid Silver Books

Please welcome author p.m. terrell

Good morning folks! I'm hosting a Goddess Fish Tour today for an author who's new to me. From reading her book blurb and excerpts though, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman sounds thrilling and suspenseful! I asked p.m. terrell a few questions and below are her responses.

What does p.m. terrell do to get ready for a day of writing?
I write six days a week and often seven. I know what I’m going to write before I sit down at the computer and I usually have as many as five to seven chapters in my head beforehand. When I am not writing, I am thinking—about the plot, the characters, the twists and turns. I usually write several hours a day; the rest of my workday is spent in research and marketing efforts.

What are your pet peeves?
I cannot handle abuse of any kind. When I see or hear of an animal or child being hurt, abused or neglected, it bothers me tremendously. If I am reading a book and abuse is part of the theme, I can’t continue reading it. I truly think we need parenting classes in school because so many simply do not understand how to raise children without physically assaulting them.

I also started a New Leash on Life program in a local prison; we took dogs destined for euthanasia from a local pound and paired them with inmates, who had to obedience train with only positive reinforcement. It made them think differently about the way they had been raising their own children and caring for their own pets. I like to think the program has made a difference in many lives.
What do you do to celebrate a new contract?
I get busy writing and researching and planning for the next books.
What kind of genre would you like to try writing that you haven't yet?
I love the worlds created by those who write fantasy. I love books with mythical creatures, strange lands, and different worlds.Who is your hero?
The hero in Secrets of a Dangerous Woman is Dylan Maguire. Dylan first made his appearance in Vicki’s Key when he moved from his native Ireland to North Carolina to care for an aging aunt who had suffered a stroke. He is handsome, charming, humorous and extroverted—everything that Vicki Boyd, the heroine, is not. And they fell madly in love. He is also capable of defending himself (he was previously a kickboxing champion) and Vicki—but in Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, they become separated and each must defend themselves against some formidable enemies.

It was important to the storyline in Vicki’s Key that Vicki fall for Dylan immediately and deeply. So I researched the men that women love the most—right down to their nationalities, physical characteristics and personality traits. I found that the Number One most fantasized-about accent was Scottish, followed by Irish and then Australian. In reviewing the characteristics of the Scottish versus the Irish, I went with the Irish hands-down. They are a happy culture; regardless of the past and even their present circumstances, they have an amazing ability to remain optimistic. Yet they are also capable of fiercely defending what is theirs.

Who is your heroine?
Vicki Boyd is the heroine. When she was 12 years old, she foresaw her parents’ death in a plane accident. After their funerals, Vicki was sent into a foster home and separated from her three siblings. The CIA learned through newspaper accounts of her uncanny ability to foretell of her parents’ death, right down to the problem with the airplane, and one of the agents adopted her—then promptly placed her into their psychic spy program.

She was trained as a remote viewer, which is based on the real psychic spy programs in use by the CIA and other Intelligence. She can travel the world in her mind, sit in on cabinet meetings, observe and draw details from nuclear facilities, obtain information on weapons and enemies, and perform other Intelligence gathering that a person on the ground could not possibly have access to.Vicki is introverted and shy; she’s been sheltered by the CIA and never had a normal childhood. She is neither physical nor athletic. But when she and Dylan become separated in Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, she must rise to the occasion and rely on herself to escape from trained killers.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Romance novels. I love them. And when I really want to be sinful, I eat chocolate while reading them.

If I couldn't be a writer, I would be a teacher. I love giving information to people and seeing what they can accomplish.
My favorite animal is?
I love dogs. I currently own four rescue dogs: a foxhound rescued from a hunting lodge in South Carolina, a collie who was nearly dead from horrible abuse and neglect, a Jack Russell who had been shot in the leg and a Jack Russell-Basset Hound mix that nearly died from parvo. One of my fantasies is to be able someday to help fund organizations that rescue animals, as well as educate people on the humane treatment of animals. I think it’s every human being’s responsibility to help those less fortunate. My idol is Sam Simon, who took his fortune earned from The Simpsons and funds a large and impressive animal rescue league.
What's next for p.m. terrell?
I am working on two series at the present time. One is Black Swamp Mysteries, which includes Secrets of a Dangerous Woman. In the next book, Dylan’s Song, Vicki and Dylan go to Ireland on a joint CIA mission. Vicki must locate a missing CIA operative and Dylan must extract him and get him to a safe house. While in Ireland, Vicki discovers the real reason Dylan left his native country for a life in America—while harboring a secret of her own.

I am also working on a separate series involving an Irish detective working in a North Carolina Police Department. It has a touch of the paranormal and what I like to refer to as Robert B. Parker’s mysteries coupled with Nicholas Sparks’ romance.


SECRETS OF A DANGEROUS WOMANBypm terrell
BLURB: In Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, Dylan Maguire is back in his first assignment with the CIA: to interrogate recently captured Brenda Carnegie. But when she escapes again, it's obvious she's had help from within the CIA's own ranks. With Vicki Boyd's assistance, Brenda is back in Dylan's custody. And now he must  find out why some in the highest levels of our government want her dead while others are willing to risk everything to help her. And when he discovers Brenda's real identity, his mission has just become very personal. 
Excerpt:

Brenda was taller than her sister. His chest touched her back as he leaned on the door, her hair brushing against his face and flowing downward nearly to the top of his jeans. She smelled of Vicki’s shampoo and Vicki’s perfume.
“Where the bloody hell do you think you’re goin’?” Dylan said.
She didn’t answer but continued facing the door.
“Put the gun down, Red,” he said calmly.
“Since you remember me,” she said, still with her back against him, “you know I didn’t have a gun.”
“I know that you’ve got me gun in your right hand. And I know as soon as you turn around, that gun is goin’ to be pointed at me chest.”
“Let me go, Irish. Don’t make me shoot you.”
“There are two things I won’t be allowin’ to happen. First, you’re not gonna shoot me with me own gun. And second, they won’t be catchin’ you with me gun on you. They won’t be tracin’ you back to me.”
She remained motionless and he could almost hear her mind racing. 
“I’m bad news, Irish. You and I both know it. It’s better this way.”
“It’s better that you stay here. You’re safe here.”
“What are you saying?”
“I think I just said it.”
“I’m turning around,” she said after a moment’s hesitation. “And I’m handing you the gun.”
He moved slightly away from the door, dropping his arms from around her head as she turned around. He took the gun from her hand and set it on the kitchen table beside them.
“I wish I’d met you before she did. We would have been good together.”
His eyes followed her jawline, her full lips, a slightly wide, upturned nose, her high cheekbones, and a mountain of copper hair a man could get lost in. Then his eyes moved to her perfect brows, one raised slightly, coquettishly, before stopping to peer into her mesmerizing amber eyes. “We would have been dangerous together.”

A little about the author:

p.m.terrell is the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 16 books, including Vicki's Key, a 2012 International Book Awards finalist, and River Passage, 2010 Best Fiction &  Drama winner. She is the co-founder of The Book 'Em Foundation whose slogan is "Buy a Book and Stop a Crook" and the co-chair of Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference & Book Fair. For more information, visit http:// www.pmterrell.com .

LINKS:
http:// www.pmterrell.com
http://www.pmterrell.blogspot.com
Twitter: @pmterrell
Facebook: Patricia M. Terrell
THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY - a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter so follow the tour and comment; the more you do the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/07/virtual-book-tour-secrets-of-dangerous.html.

It's the 31 Days of Halloween on Syfy this month! Woohoo!...

It's the 31 Days of Halloween on Syfy this month! Woohoo! I've already seen a couple movies I hadn't seen before. Shutter Island was on Sunday night. Had an unexpected twist and toward the end I had a hard time figuring out what the truth was. Boy, if someone wants to mess with your mind, that movie shows you how scary it could be.

Off the subject. Saw on the news yesterday that a woman got 5 years prison time for beating her neighbor's 14-year old dog to death with a baseball bat. Boy did that make me feel good! 

Witch Cookie Hats...yum!

Upside down Keebler fudge stripe cookies, orange frosting and a Hershey's kiss = Witch Hat cookies for Halloween

Excerpt Up in Flames

“What are you doing Mr. White?” she whispered. 

“Helping you, I thought.” There was amusement swimming in his eyes. 

“By undressing me?” If this were under normal circumstances, she would be thrilled. And if she wasn’t still stressed over her current situation. 

“You can relax, Miss Masters. Your virtue is safe with me.” 

“I’m not a virgin.” Why had she said that? Rachel wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. 


His soft laughter filled the elevator. “Well in that case, maybe you’re not safe with me.” He nudged her hands away and continued what he was doing. 

His gaze followed his hands while he unbuttoned her blouse, and when he was done, he raised his eyes to hers. She detected a slight difference in his breathing, and his features hardened with what she wanted to believe were growing desire. He took his time opening her blouse all the way. She held her breath when he stared lazily at her sexy, black stretch mesh corset. 

Rachel loved wearing sexy under garments. She did most of her shopping at a little place called Just for Him in the mall by where she lived. The little number she had on today fit her body like a glove, showcasing her slightly full curves to full advantage. The mesh bodice shaped her breasts softly, revealing glimpses of skin meant to tease a man into wanting to discover more. Into wanting to do more. 

James sucked in his breath. “Well, this is a nice surprise. Not exactly what I was expecting.” He flicked the little satin bow between her breasts. 

Then wait until he sees my matching G-string. She couldn’t breathe for another reason now. The lust fire in his eyes fueled her desire to a feverish pitch. If he kept this up, she would forget where they were. Which was the point, wasn’t it? Maybe that had been his plan all along. 

“What were you expecting?” Rachel closed her eyes again, so she wouldn’t have to see the four walls closing in on them. “You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.” 

His husky chuckle sounded sexy as hell. “I wonder what else you’re hiding beneath this conservative suit.” It wasn’t a question but more of a curious statement. “You’re still tight. At least you are breathing a little easier. Feeling better?” 

She nodded. “As long as I can keep my mind off where I am I’ll be okay,” she admitted.

“What more can I do to help?”
Available on Amazon Kindle...free to prime members!

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Interested in winning a copy of Hot Spot ? I'm a guest at Cerise DeLand's blog today and offering up a copy. Check it out and leave a comment. Thanks!

Our little Halloweeners! They went to Disney's Not so Sca...

Our little Halloweeners! They went to Disney's Not so Scary Halloween tonight. Hope it doesn't rain.

I had to laugh...

I have some old Elvis and Frank Sinatra records and decided to list them on eBay. So I asked my granddaughter, Alivia, to hold them up so I could take pictures of them. Course Alivia had never seen vinyl records before and had questions. I explained that all the records I have, the people who sang the songs have died. 

So, you know how kids are. She got a little rough with old Frankie putting him back into the case next to Elvis and I said, honey, be careful, those records are fragile. And her response was priceless. She said, "Why? They're all dead." 

Anyway, I have a few Jim Croce albums I'm going to try and unload, too. Anyone remember who he was?

SPAGHETTI...cute!

From this day forward you will laugh every time you eat spaghetti!!! For several years, a man was having an affair with an Italian woman. One night, she confided in him that she was pregnant. Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, he paid her a large sum of money if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child. If she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also provide child support until the child turned 18. She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born. To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and write 'Spaghetti' on the back. He would then arrange for the child support payments to begin.
One day, about 9 months later, he came home to his confused wife. 'Honey, 'she said, 'you received a very strange post card today. Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it later'. The wife watched as her husband read the card, turned white, and fainted. On the card was written: 'Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Three, with meatballs, two without. Send extra sauce !!

5-STAR Reviews!

Woohoo! I just saw a reader review at Goodreads for Hot Spot. And she gave it a rating of 5-STARS! You can check it out here:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...


Hi Tory... i just LOVE the books that i have read of yours... i'm off to buy MORE of your books now!! I LOVE your style of writing, so thank YOU for being an awesome writer!!



AND...

Up in Flames has also been rated 5-STARS from another reader at Goodreads! Up in Flames is only offered at Amazon and is my first self-published ebook. Keep your fingers crossed it does well. For anyone who is a prime member you can read it for free, and it's only $1.99 for everyone else. You can check it out here:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...