Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 221

Cover Reveal: Beloveds by Jenna Jaxon

I didn’t think it would be this soon, but on Friday,��I revealed the cover for my soon-to-be released medieval short novella, Beloveds. So of course I wanted to share it with all of you!

Isn’t it sexy? :)�� And here’s the blurb and a new excerpt!

BLURB:

Passion never dies.

Lady Alyse Braedon frets over her renewed passion for Sir Geoffrey Longford, her first love. They have pledged their hearts to one another, despite the fact that both are recently widowed. Alyse worries that she has not properly mourned Thomas and cannot think herself as true wife to Geoffrey until she puts her feelings for her first husband to rest.

And then Thomas unaccountably appears in her bedroom. She is stunned and confused. When he begins to make love to her, however, she joyfully surrenders herself to his familiar caresses and expert ministrations…until Geoffrey arrives.

Faced with the dilemma of wanting two lovers, Alyse simply cannot choose–until Thomas suggests she doesn���t have to. Instead he and Geoffrey will share her. The scandalous proposition awakens new hungers within her. Can she allow herself to abandon all she’s been taught a proper woman should resist, and find pleasure with both her beloveds?

This excerpt occurs just after Thomas appears in Alyse’s bedroom.

EXCERPT:

He urged his tongue through her lips to plunder her, and fires kindled in her depths.

She could never get enough of this man.

Opening her mouth wider, she plunged her tongue into him, tasting a delicious sweetness she could scarce bear for the joy it brought. He was honey and sweetmeats combined, a temptation good enough to eat.

They fell onto the soft mattress, his weight a welcomed burden. When he raised his head, his eyes burned with passion. ���I have missed you sorely, love.��� A pause while he simply stared at her, as though he could not drink her in enough. At last, he placed a gentle kiss on each eyelid, dropped down to nuzzle her neck, then slid his tongue around the rim of her ear, his breath raspy and loud in the stillness.

Goose flesh broke out all over her, and she shivered, though from a fever of a different kind. When he sucked on her earlobe, she moaned and clutched him to her. ���I have missed you too, Thomas. I could barely stand the pain when you were gone.���

���Hush. Think not on it, sweet Alyse.��� He sat up suddenly, and pulled his tunic over his head in a sleek gesture that made her want to touch every inch of his beautiful body. Sight of his��smooth chest, muscles rippling with every movement, sent a pang of longing to her core. ���I am here now. And I shall make you burn as never before.��� He tossed the garment to the floor then gathered her to him.

��Beloveds will release in early May 2015.

And next week, unless something comes out of the blue, we’ll go back to the ABCs of Romance, continuing with the letter “L,” for Lovers.

‘Til then, have a great week!

Filed under: Beloveds, Cover Reveal, Jenna Jaxon

Life or Death Writing Prompt and an Upcoming Convention

By Power_of_Words_by_Antonio_Litterio. jpg: Antonio Litterio derivative work: InverseHypercube�� [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to writing and living life, writers are always studying the craft of writing. One of the hardest scenes to write is a convincing moment involving life or death. I was reading recently that the death should be either material (as in the death of a business), psychological (as in being terrorized and the character’s sanity is seriously at risk), or physical death (as in going down with the Titanic, being face-to-face with a gunslinger in a showdown, etc.).�� Each life or death scenario has its own challenges where movement, dialogue, and details are crucial.

For the writers out there and anyone you wants to try it, your challenge is as follows:

Your character walks to the store and after purchasing a few things comes out. Night has fallen as well as a thick fog. He or she starts walking. A gunshot blasts close, so close your character smells the powder.

It’s up to you to fill in the rest. Don’t hold back. Let your imagination run wild. Remember it’s a matter of life and death. Use all your senses. Open yourself up to ideas outside the norm. Have fun with it.�� I welcome those writing the scene to post it in the comment box.

Now for more fun. Pi-Con is a delightful science fiction, fantasy, and horror convention in Connecticut. It starts on Friday, July 31st at 9 a.m. with the Writers Workshops�� (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), which consists of workshops, panels, and fun stuff for writers of all skill levels. After that the convention kicks into high gear with science fiction, fantasy and horror panels, events, and just plain fun. Visit http://pi-con.org/ for more information including registration and hotel information. It’s going to be at the Sheraton at Bradley Airport (Windsor Locks, Connecticut).�� Woo hoo!�� I will be there and I will be teaching in the Writers Workshops as well as participating in other events during the weekend convention.

Now back to writing! What is your life and death scene?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York is available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Characters, Emotions, Helping Other Writers, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, paranormal, paranormal romance, Plot, romance, romance novels, Settings, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Suspense, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Writer Workshops, Writer's Life, Writers Conferences, writing prompt, Writing Topics, writing workshop

Cover Reveal by Stacy Hoff

What makes this���the cover for my third published work���so different than the other two is that this time, the cover was done by a consensus of authors. One of them being me.

The cover design experience is very new to me. For my first two books, my publisher choose both the artist and design concept. (I love what my publisher did, incidentally, but you can see them below to judge for yourself.) This time, however, it was just me and four other writers who worked on the cover design concept, all of us collaborating together.

The reason why the five of us had this freedom���to succeed or fail on our own���is because our anthology is self-published. Although most of the authors in my group have self-published an anthology before (the Amazon best selling “Season of Magic”), this is my first foray into the self-publishing forest. Thankfully, the other authors have been happy to serve as my map and compass in this new land.

We navigated through hundreds of photos, narrowed down the list to those pictures we thought accurately portrayed romance, and then kept voting until the list grew even smaller. Until we got down to just one. Then we hired a designer to do the layout���giving us the the finished work above.

The collaboration among us writers went bizarrely smooth. What? No cat fighting? Screaming? Ganging up? Unnecessary drama? Thank goodness! (I wish I could work so harmoniously with the people in my day-job.)

In fact, collaborating on all the stories for this anthology went seamlessly, too. We all agreed to ��the same theme���weddings and/or engagement. But how we went about creating our stories was up to us individually. And yet the anthology wound up making a cohesive whole.

Hmmmm. Maybe the “Season of Love,” really is the “Season of Magic” after all!

How have your experiences been collaborating with other professionals? And what do you think of the cover we agreed on?

Read below for more teasers on our anthology���to be released May 6, 2015

“Beachcomber Valentine” by Stephanie Queen

Book Blurb:

Flirting with the dangers of romance and Cupid…

Notorious operator Dane Blaise and skittish beauty Shana George team up to find the long lost love of a mystery client.

But of course there’s more to this easy-money case than the rekindling an old flame. Once Dane and Shana find out that the “lost love” is involved with the FBI, their suspicions kick into high gear and they end up with more than a dinner date on Valentines Day.

Book excerpt:

Shana loved Dane���s profile most.

���Valentine���s Day is ridiculous.��� Dane squinted into the winter sun. It glinted off the snow covered sand and cold gray ocean waves. Watching him, as he stood wearing only a sweatshirt, not bothering with the hood, gave Shana a shudder of cold���or so she told herself. She raised her cup of black coffee for a sip and for the warmth of the steam. Dane had told her the south coast of Martha���s Vineyard was colder than the north and she believed him right now in spite of her normal skepticism.

“A Wedding and a Promise”��by Merry Holly

Book Blurb:

After a whirlwind romance, pressure from the groom to marry immediately has Noel questioning her decision. Deep inside her heart she knows Chase is the one, but why rush the wedding?

Chase never intended to get engaged on his trip home for the holidays but chance didn’t give him a choice. Once he laid eyes on Noel his heart was gone forever. But he has a secret. One he���s afraid to tell Noel for fear she’ll leave him forever.

Book excerpt:

Stuck working Saturday, Noelle had time to reflect on a conversation she accidentally overheard while rushing out of the bathroom at Nancy’s house. It kept playing over and over in her head. Just how rich was he? Little bits of information kept being dropped by him and his mother the last day or two. Reign in your imagination, Noelle, it’s not like he’s filthy rich���right? Chase just has an air of confidence about him not a snobbery demeanor. Methinks I’m blowing this out of proportion. Still…

“Have you discussed a prenup with her yet?”

“I’m not going to, Mom.”

“That’s foolish. Right now you’re blinded by love. Think with your head, and love with your heart, Chase.”

“For a woman who’s been married for over forty-five years, you’re pretty cynical.”

“Just practical���please think about it.”

Rampant thoughts raced through her head. I thought Nancy liked me. Only a filthy rich person would need an agreement in Noelle’s opinion. How can I delicately ask him how rich he is, without him thinking I’m a gold-digger? Too rich scared her. Chase never acted like he had money to throw around. He definitely wasn’t a snob. Why was his mother stirring up the pot? She heard a chair scrape the floor, sucked in her breath and rushed back to the bathroom, quietly closing the door.

She wished she had heard the entire of the conversation.

SEASON OF MAGIC http://amzn.to/1OgaSQF

AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS BY STACY HOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Lawfully-Yours-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00U7U2WCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425508177&sr=8-2&keywords=book+-+lawfully+yours

AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES BY STACY HOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

Find Stacy Hoff on Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

��

Filed under: A writer's life, Business, Cover Art, Marian Lanouette, Marketing, publishing, romance, romance novels, Stacy Hoff, Writer's Life

What I’ve Learned: Secret #16: Why Would You Go to Paris?

Yes, I’ve been dreaming of Paris, which means my characters are on there way.�� What does that mean?�� I have to watch what they’re up too.�� Is it sightseeing?�� Shopping?�� The great food?�� Is it about amour or is it more?

By Jgp1723 (talk) (Uploads) (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“By Simon Ackerman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons”

By Cezary Piwowarski (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

By Jawed Karim (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Ever get the feeling that the gargoyles are staring at you? What would you go to Paris?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York is available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Characters, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Romantic Places, Settings, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Viking, Writing Topics, Yule

Dare to be Daring

I seem to be on a movie kick lately. Must be all the access to Netflix, HBO GO, Amazon Prime, etc. It doesn���t really bother me as the truth is I���ve always preferred watching movies to shows (and yes I know there are a lot of great ones out there).

While on this movie kick, I did happen to catch a couple romantic movies. One was a comedy and truth be told I don���t remember the name but I know it had the word ���hitch��� in it. The second was in Spanish but its English title was called I Want You. So why am I bringing these movies up?

They were pretty good. Probably won���t win awards for amazing, life changing films but the chemistry between the protagonists was really strong, especially in the Spanish film. As I lover of romance, I had to ���dissect��� the films to see really what made it so great. Yeah sure the actors were good-looking, but it was more than that. And yeah the acting was decent too, but that���s not what I���m referring to. In my opinion it was the story line and that is something I���m not sure we writers or at times, readers, think about enough. Sounds silly to say that, but in reality, I���m not sure this always happens on purpose.

You think of a premise, it sounds good. You imagine some characters, and they sound awesome in your mind because she is beautiful and strong and he is handsome and vulnerable although he doesn���t know it (I know I���m generalizing), but what happens next. Well, if you are anything like the writers I know and even myself, the characters evolve and start creating their own story. Sometimes we catch up and our able to change the storyline to meet their needs but what really happens is we get sucked in so close to the story that it is hard to take that step back and see if the chemistry is really there, if we are really pushing the limits.

So how do we change this? I���m not sure it is easy unless we take a step back, but I would say that as you think up those plots, think about what might make the situation dicey and then think about how you could still make it a compelling story. In I Want You, the main protagonist has to choose between the love of his life and new love and he makes some choices that really hurt both himself and his potential true love (trying not to spoil this). It���s hard to watch and you���re on the edge of your seat was it goes down but it makes this story so much more impactful. In the other movie I watch, two friends fake an engagement, which always goes wrong but add more people in the mix and it only gets more complicated. Still���it elicits emotions in the viewers. Lastly, have fun with it, dare to be daring!

That���s all folks. Happy writing this week!

 

Filed under: romance, Toni Kelly

Romancing The Capital was Awesome!!! by Mandy Rosko

Okay, so this was my second book convention, and the very first that I’ve ever done anything author related at. I was in the Speed Dating session, where everyone got one minute with an author and was able to collect swag and other goodies :3 It was supposed to be two minutes, but the line up was so big and there were so many people that the clock had to be cut in half! Lol, people were super excited to see everyone! I met lots of nice people too, got some cards, gave away some swag, it was great!

Wish I’d thought to take pictures of that…

Oh well! I got some pics of the book signing. It was so busy that at one point, I could hardly notice Viola (my table mate) sitting next to me. There were so many people that I literally could not see the person next to me, and people were crowding around and so happy and excited to get books. I definitely want to do that again. Signing was fun!

I’m in the red wearing the ridiculous bunny ears :3 I’d forgotten I was wearing them. At least no one pointed it out.

Anyway! I haven’t sent out my April Newsletter yet, and I wanted them to get in on the fun. It doesn’t seem fair that they miss out, so very soon, I’ll be hosting a contest to give away a Kindle to one lucky person on my newsletter or street team :) Along with some other cool swag and physical books, of course ;)

Still working around the details, like how many people can win. I can only have one kindle winner because, well, it’s a kindle, but I’d like to give some books and swag and other cool things to some other people too, just so everyone has a better chance of winning :)

Man, too excited, and my TBR pile has grown immensely. I’ve got more pics up on facebook of that nice mess. It’s the best kind of mess ;)

Anyway, now it’s just about getting caught up on my writing and edits, and other responsibilities now that the end of the month is in sight. After taking a couple of days off for RTC, I think I’m going to end up having a few longer nights ahead of me…

Cheers!

-Mandy

Burns Like Fire (Dangerous Creatures Book One) is Available Now!

The Princess’ Dragon Lord is Now Available at Amazon and B&N

Connect with me online:

Facebook

www.goodreads.com/Mandyrosko

Twitter: @rizzorosko

Mandyrosko.com

Want the latest on hot guys, erotic romance, and sizzling action? Add your super cool name to my Newsletter list and I’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about new releases the day they come out:��http://rizzorosko.com/contact.html
Filed under: romance

A Weird Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Goblins feel frisky this week. Be open to try new things and be surprised.

Taurus:

A dear hobbit needs a hug. Sad things have befallen a friend.

Gemini:

Dragons are show-offs.�� When they love something they love it big from new recipes to new sweeties.

Cancer:

A vampire sends a gift your way. Be open to unexpected news!

Leo:

Orcs are running down your street. Hide. Avoid trouble this week.

Virgo:

Hobbits love getting together with friends and have a dinner party! Yum! Who says good food doesn’t equal happiness!

Libra:

Shapeshifters are planning barbecues and beach parties. Get in on the action. Bring a dessert.

Scorpio:

Dragons deep in their caves have awakened. Flying in the warm wind frees the heart. Awaken to new opportunities.

Sagittarius:

Werewolves are wild dancers. Time to step out and show your moves.

Capricorn:

Tranquility rules the merfolk. They go with the flow. So should you.

Aquarius:

Zombies are a bother this week. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Pisces:

A blast from the past comes into your life again. Beware the vampire that wants too much.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: paranormal, paranormal romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Beloveds

It never rains but it pours! I have another cover reveal coming up shortly for my erotic medieval short story, Beloveds,��in another week or so. In the mean time, I���m showing off the side banner my divine cover designer made for me.�� Look for the real thing soon!

In the meantime, here’s the blurb and an excerpt to whet your appetite.

BLURB:

Passion never dies.

Lady Alyse Braedon frets over her renewed passion for Sir Geoffrey Longford, her first love. They have pledged their hearts to one another, despite the fact that both are recently widowed. Alyse worries that she has not properly mourned Thomas and cannot think herself as true wife to Geoffrey until she puts her feelings for her first husband to rest.

And then Thomas unaccountably appears in her bedroom. She is stunned and confused. When he begins to make love to her, however, she joyfully surrenders herself to his familiar caresses and expert ministrations…until Geoffrey arrives.

Faced with the dilemma of wanting two lovers, Alyse simply cannot choose–until Thomas suggests she doesn���t have to. Instead he and Geoffrey will share her. The scandalous proposition awakens new hungers within her. Can she allow herself to abandon all she’s been taught a proper woman should resist, and find pleasure with both her beloveds?

EXCERPT:

���Alyse.���

The familiar voice tugged at the edges of wakefulness. Had Geoffrey returned so soon? The sound did not have his deep tone. Yet ���twas a voice she knew well, rich and sensual.

���Do not fret, sweet. ���Twill be all right.���

Alyse struggled to open her eyes, though the heavy lids fought against her.

The bed dipped as someone sat beside her. . Good. Thank the Lord. Geoffrey had returned. Although she would swear it had not been he who had spoken.

A soft hand cupped her face, and she pressed her cheek against it, luxuriating in its warmth. She smiled and her eyes fluttered open at last.

The man seated on the bed had shoulder-length honey-blond hair and warm, beguiling brown eyes. He also defied fashion and wore a thin mustache and beard. His eyes brightened when he noticed she was awake and his mouth turned up in the lazy smile she had come to know so very well.

���Thomas.��� The name came out a croak. Holy Father, had she conjured him with her guilt and longing? She shrank back into the pillows.

His smile widened and he caressed her, running one long finger along her jaw. ���Aye, sweet Alyse. ���Tis I. Do you feel better now, my love?���

���Better?��� She must be dying to see such an apparition. Or mayhap she was already dead and in heaven.

���Aye. You do not shiver as you did a moment ago. I hoped that meant you felt warmer.��� He picked up her hand and kissed the knuckles.

Warmth flowed through her, soothing her, making her body tingle with that single touch of his lips.

���Is it really you?��� Strength welled within her and she struggled to sit up.

���As ever I was.��� He smiled, his gaze sweeping down her body. His eyes darkened with the desire she remembered well.

���Oh, Thomas.��� She threw her arms around him, sighing when they embraced the hard-muscled chest she had lain upon so often. ���I thought you dead, my love. Did I but dream?���

���Shhh, my sweet. I am here now.��� He stroked her head then pulled it back to peer into her face. ���I will always be with you, love.��� He sank his mouth onto hers, and she melted at the touch of his insistent lips.

Like coming home.

Beloveds will release in early May.

 

 

 

Filed under: Historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Promotion, Time Enought to Love

Rainy Days are Roll in the Bed Days and Being Grateful for the Good Things by Susan Hanniford Crowley

This is a Rain Relaxation Sound for an hour and comes courtesy of GlobalSuperStorm on YouTube.�� I am very inspired by rain and so are my characters. Today was an intensely romantic day for two newly married vampires. Consequently I wrote up a storm. This is all for my new novel.�� If you’ve read my novel Vampire King of New York, you will recognize many of the characters in the new one when it comes out. It’s in the final stages before it goes to my publisher.

Today I am making my Gratitude List for all the good things that happen in my life.�� Here is a list of what makes me happy.

1. Dogs, cats, pets

2. Romantic sweetie.

3. Family, children

4. Cool rain slowly blowing on my face as I walk through it feeling happy to be alive

5. Walking on warm sand on the beach

6. Cool fresh sheets on the bed

7. Feeling the sunlight on my face as I walk

8. The sound of cat purr

9. The singing of a child

10. My laptop working

I could go on and on but I’m going to let you share.�� What’s on your list?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York is available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Characters, Emotions, Love/Sex Scenes, Max Vander Meer, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, the romance of life, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, What inspires you?, Where do you find inspiration?, Writer's Life

Short Stories Are Like Smart Cars (And I’m Taking A Ride) by Stacy Hoff

Until I learned about the publishing industry, I had no idea that commercial fiction writing had so many rules. I struggled to learn the precise definitions of genre and sub-genre categories, as well as their prescribed word-counts. That was several years ago. Thankfully for me, there are now some publishers that allow both genre blurring and word count flexibility. And of course, self-publishing lets you do anything you want. How do I know? Because I just took a crack at it.

If you are a ���pantser��� like I am (somebody who does not plot out their stories, but writes by the ���seat of their pants���) having full creative freedom is certainly helpful. I���m loath to chase away the Muses. Since I have a heavy-duty, right-brain day job (lawyer) I love letting my creativity loose.

So, as I crank out more books, I am letting my stories write themselves. Some of are full-length, some are mid-length, and I even recently completed a short story. Of them all, the short story will be self published. Why? Because tiny word count is not a problem when the author is in control.

And when I say tiny, I mean just that���my short story is only 11,690 words long (approximately thirty-five pages). How���s that for compact? My short story is the literary equivalent of a Smart car.��And yet, my vehicle got my characters where they needed to go. Yup, they hopped in. Drove off into the sunset together. ��And I got it done.

Of course, when the general public considers whether to buy a book, they often want more for their money than just one fast read. That’s why my short story, LOVE DELIGHTS, will be contained in the anthology, ���SEASON OF LOVE.��� The anthology includes four other writers, all of which are fantastic���Gerri Brousseau, Merry Holly, Stephanie Queen, and Bobbi Lerman. I’m honored to be among them.

A cover reveal for “SEASON OF LOVE” will coming soon. The anthology itself will be released on May 1, 2015. I can hardly wait.

I hope you like what we���ve come up with. It was wonderful for me to have the chance to ���think short.��� For some teasers from the anthology, read on.

And let me know if you ever feel constrained by anything? What do you do about it?

From the Novella “Puppy Love” by Gerri Brousseau

��Book Blurb:

Sparks fly when a chance encounter entangles Lord Robert Nelson with the lovely Claudette Valentine and her dog, Madeline. The attraction is undeniable, but her father’s plan to find her a wealthy husband holds a hidden agenda that Robert can’t abide by. A story of attraction, longing, and if destiny can be changed, a loving marriage, instead of a loveless one.

Book Excerpt:

���Scandalous!��� Robert Nelson shouted. He ran his hand through his already disheveled hair as he paced back and forth in the foyer.

���Lower your voice. What will the staff think?��� the Dowager said. She stood leaning on her ever-present cane in the foyer before a stack of travel trunks.

���What will the staff think, indeed! You worry about what our subordinates will think of me raising my voice, yet you give no consideration to what they may think of you running off to the Scottish Highlands with Angus McClellan. You have only known the man little more than a few days. Mother, your actions are bound to make us the talk of our peers, yet again.���

���Since when do I care what our peers have to say?��� she asked, watching him pace.

���Perhaps you should. We���ve just gotten over the embarrassment of your ridiculous decree that Stuart marry, and now . . . now this.��� He huffed, his voice laced with impatience.

���I don���t know what you���re complaining about, that worked out perfectly.���

���Yes, but that���s completely off the point.���

���And what is your point?���

���Despite the positive turn of events with Stuart and Brianna, we were the object of ridicule for quite a long time.��� Robert���s pacing ceased. He stood before his mother with frustration etched upon his face.

���You need to learn to relax, Robert.���

His frown deepened.

���All this foul temper can���t possibly be good for your digestion.��� The Dowager patted her son���s forearm.

���What do you know of him, this McClellan chap? What if he should hold you for ransom, or worse, what if he should ravish you?���

���Ravish me? At my age my dear, one can only hope.���

From the short story “Love Delights” by Stacy Hoff

Book Blurb:

Two co-workers���former lovers���vie for the same big job promotion in their NYC advertising agency. The agency���s next Creative Director will be the one who pitches the better ad��campaign to a major potential client, ���Love Delights,��� a gourmet chocolatier. Too bad they both need more time, and each other���s help, to come up with the perfect pitch.

Can They win over the client? And each other? Because this Valentine���s Day, the agency���s finances���and their hearts���are on the line.

Book Excerpt:

About to enter Mr. Fein���s office, Deirdre’s biggest rival for the job promotion reached for the exact same door handle. ���Oh!��� she exclaimed upon seeing Trevor Reynolds. Her smile immediately dropped from her face. Confidence plummeted along with it. Stop worrying, Dee! This must be a scheduling screw-up.

���Hello, Deirdre,��� Trevor said in that sexy, sultry voice of his.

Deirdre hated that voice. Specifically because it worked so well on her. Despite all her determination to be immune, immunity from Trevor���s charms was not an easy task to accomplish. His sensuous voice was only half as tantalizing as his mouth-watering good looks.

Even hearing him through the thin drywall that separated his office from Deirdre���s brought embarrassingly steamy memories racing to the forefront of her mind. Memories of their one night stand���no, one night mistake. Ever since then, she tried to keep her meetings with Trevor to a minimum. Since this was Valentine���s Day, she���d tried doubly hard to avoid him all day. She���d been successful until now. Awkward.

���Hello, Trevor.��� She gave him a tight nod. ���It���s nice to see you, but I have an appointment with Mr. Fein now.���

���What a coincidence,��� he said. ���So do I.���

Her brow furrowed. Having Trevor at this meeting would not be good. How could she concentrate on Mr. Fein���s words when Trevor was watching her? Her still-lingering attraction to him was hard to block out. Worse, having Trevor at the meeting would create a professional mess. How would Trevor react when Mr. Fein announced she���d be getting the promotion he���d wanted? Unfortunately, he was just as driven in his career goals as Deirdre. Would Trevor be gracious when Mr. Fein gave the job to her? After all, there was only one Creative Director spot.

Oh no���What if Trevor is the one who���s going to get the promotion? And I���m supposed to report to him now? Suddenly, Dee felt her acid reflux condition make its presence known. Only thirty years old, it was very early in life for Dee to be taking Nexium, but with a high-pressure job like this one, using the purple pill was inevitable. After this meeting, she���d be sure to pop yet another pill in flagrant disregard of the dosing instructions.

From the novella “An Unexpected Match” by Bobbi Lerman

Book Blurb:

Sylvie Ann is certain true love is an impossible fairy tale until fate and Tillie the Matchmaker send an unexpected storm stranding her with Noah and the irresistible possibility of one more chance at happily ever after.

Book Excerpt:

When a bright black and yellow Checker Cab pulled up to the restaurant, Tillie studied the tall, blonde woman who stepped out onto the curb. Sylvie���s hair, sun gold, had been cut short to frame her heart shaped face. Her complexion looked pale, even by the standards of a too-long New England winter. Tillie watched Sylvie approach the entrance and then stop, turning back toward her, hesitating as if trying to decide whether to step over the threshold or bolt and run. Her gaze met and locked with Tillie���s. It took but a few brief seconds of looking into Sylvie���s troubled eyes to see her girl was fighting down a serious bout of self-doubt, anxiety and an even greater dose of fear. Yet, among all those emotions, Tillie could still see the tiniest speck of hope buried deep within those sky-blue eyes, as Sylvie set her game face firmly in place and strode through the door.

Ah, well, my retirement will have to wait just a bit longer, Tillie thought. She adjusted the two indigo blue feathers in her hat. It would take more than Cupid���s bow to melt the cold wall Sylvie Anne had erected around her damaged heart. It would take a miraculous thawing. ���Not to worry,��� Tillie whispered to the blue-feathered pigeon perched on her shoulder. ���Setting hearts free to fly is my specialty.���

��More teasers next week!

AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS BY STACY HOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Lawfully-Yours-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00U7U2WCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425508177&sr=8-2&keywords=book+-+lawfully+yours

AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES BY STACY HOFF: http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

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Photo of Smart car by Stacy Hoff. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.

Filed under: A writer's life, creative writing, Gerri Brousseau, Marian Lanouette, Marketing, Plot, publishing, romance, Stacy Hoff, Writing