Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion, page 54

The Arch - 300-word Story to Go with This Pic

                                      "The Arch"Taken from my current work-in-progress, "If I Loved You".   “Do you know the stone arch in the ramble in Central Park?”“I try to stay out of the ramble, I always get lost there,” Megan confessed.“Don’t worry, I know my way around. The arch is my lucky place.”“Lucky place?” She raised her eyebrows and picked up her pace to match his long stride.“I have visited the arch before every lucky break I’ve had.”“And you’re going there for luck with your Broadway audition?”Chaz laughed.“Why else?” She asked, glancing at him as they slowed down.“My secret.” He leaned over and planted a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.When they reached Eighty-First Street, Chaz steered them to the left and they ducked into the park, passing the silent, empty Diana Ross playground, wending their way deeper and deeper into the shadowed parkland, dotted with benches and spring flowers in bloom.She moved closer to him and he draped his arm around her shoulders. They wound around the maze of park paths with Chaz in the lead. “You do know you way around here, don’t you? “Told you.” He steered her to the left.“Take many girls to the Arch?” Megan peered at him in the fading light.“You’re the first.”She slipped her arm around his waist and moved up against his side. He stopped suddenly and pointed. Megan raised her gaze. “How do the stones stay together like that?” She stepped nearer, staring at the structure.He shrugged.“No idea.”“It’s a work of art.”“One kiss in the arch, then let’s go.”They got up, joined hands and walked under the arch. Chaz eased her close to him, his  lips found hers in a demanding kiss. They were so close together even a piece of paper wouldn’t slide between them.
For information on my books and my free read go to my website.
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First Chapter Firday - Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny

This week, the first chapter is from Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny.
 First a few snippets of what readers are saying about this book:

Lindsay: "This is a heartwarming story of a soldier as he reintegrates back into society after suffering PTSD, not only from his brother's death but service in Iraq. Her ability to portray the horrors of what Captain Danny Maine goes through while he struggles to lead a normal life as a professor and fall in love are remarkable."
 Kathleen: "Now and Forever 2 The book of Danny wowed me."
 Jennifer:  "It's well written and unique plot captured me right from the start, had me emotional during the middle, and ended with a surprising, yet pleasing twist at the end."  
Sundee: "All in all, it was a wonderful read that tore me up in the middle, but left me satisfied in the end."  

                           CLICK HERE FOR THE FIRST CHAPTER

 Bit about the book

Can the newest professor at Kensington State escape his previous life as a killer? Leaving the Army didn't mean the war left him so Capt. Danny Maine, now teaching English, must find a way to lead a normal life. Finding love and rekindling an old friendship are not enough to defeat old demons. Danny Maine fights to free himself from war memories and dangerous men, hoping that a new love and a new Glock will bring him peace.  Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny is a heartfelt story of love, loss and ultimate triumph that will touch your heart.  "Danny" is available in ebook and PAPERBACK:

SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHINGAMAZONBARNES & NOBLEALL ROMANCE EBOOKSBOOKSTRANDPAPERBACK

Interview with Syndie Winters, Heroine of "Forever Love"

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Syndie Winters.  My story “Forever Love” is told in the Love, Again Anthology. Thank you for having me stop by.  I hope that everyone enjoys my story of finding love with my hunky firefighter, T.J.   Are you upset your name is not in the title? Not really.  This book has more than my story in it, so I wouldn’t expect that my name would be in the title.  I’m just happy that my story came first. Is your love interest the way you pictured him or her? Or would you have preferred someone with a different hair color. The cover featured a beautiful picture of me and my honey.  Doesn’t he look hot?  I love that short military haircut and muscular body.  Someone must have taken a photo when we weren’t looking. Do you have any annoying habits your author did not share with us in your book? Unfortunately I chew my nails.  It is my way of handling stress.  Just imagine always having to be aware of what is going on with your father.  I feel like I have to sleep with one eye open, especially after the oven and clothes incident.   Do you have siblings? Are you close to them? I have four sisters.  We are close but each of us have gone our own ways.  None of us wanted to live in small-town Amherst, Ohio.  But now that I’m back, I am trying to get them to move back home too.  My sister, Stacey just called me the other day for some big sister advice.  I love telling them what to do.Are you planning to make an appearance in a sequel? If not are you unhappy about that? I’d love to make an appearance in the sequel.  Melissa Keir (the author) is working on two stories right now that tell about my sisters’ search for true love.  I’m sure they plan on me being in the story.  Did you author handle your “love” scenes the way you like or was she too explicit or not explicit enough? Wow.  What a personal question. It isn’t nice to kiss and tell. I guess I was glad that Melissa didn’t point it all out for everyone else.  I’m glad that I am the only one who really knows what T.J. looks like down there.  Are you happy with the setting? Did you want a bigger house or car? At first, I was disappointed to be back in Amherst.  While it was my hometown, it had some sad memories for me, T.J. dumping me, my mom’s death, the whole grunge look during high school.  You get the idea.  But once I really started being honest with myself, Amherst wasn’t a bad place.  I’m glad that T.J. and I will raise our children here.  Although I am worried about how to do this in my Dad’s house.  We are going to live with him since he has Alzheimer’s and a move would unsettle him.
  Who was your favorite supporting character? My favorite supporting character was my Dad.  He was my first hero and the guy that I measure all my boyfriends against.  He taught me how to have a strong work ethic and be optimistic in the face of tough situations. Did your story end too soon? Well my story isn’t done yet.  Just the part in Forever Love.  Hopefully Melissa will get those stories written and published so that everyone can learn more about my family and attend my wedding.  But only if you all bring a gift!  We are registered at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Thank you for having me visit Jean.  I appreciate getting to share my side of the story with readers.  If readers would like to read my story, they can purchase the e-book at: Amazon  B&N  or a print copy at Ruby LionessPress . Readers can also find out what is going on with my sisters’ stories by checking out Melissa’s page ( www.melissakeir.com ). Stacey’s story “Beach Desires” will be released in June from Secret Cravings Publishing.  I hope that everyone is able to find their own “Forever Love” as I did.  COMING IN JUNE!

Can a summer fling last a lifetime? Stacey Wilder escapes to the beach for a much needed vacation and meets a woman who tempts her passion. But Stacey hid her desires growing up because small town Catholic girls don’t fall
in love with other women.
Mandy Kenzie is a Southern girl who also dealt with discrimination growing up over her choice of lovers. When she meets Stacey, sparks fly and passion ignites. But will their beach fling become a forever match or just a vacation affair?Can Stacey and Mandy make their long distance relationship work? Or will they let the prejudices of their upbringing ruin their chance at happiness?

TUESDAY TALE - PROMPT "FINGER"

Thanks for stopping by. Today's short piece is from my WIP, "If I Loved You." Financial advisor, Megan Davis, meets Chaz Duncan, movie star and her client in person for the first time...  Megan refreshed her lipstick and straightened her skirt. When she looked up, there he was standing in her doorway. She jumped slightly then smothered a small gasp..Chaz Duncan stood about five foot eleven, with a slender build and shoulders from New York to California. He had expertly trimmed rakishly long dark brown hair threatening to fall over his forehead into his eyes at any moment. His eyes were the darkest brown, intense and fringed by long black lashes. His nose was straight and just long enough. His lips were perfect with a slightly fuller lower lip, completely kissable.He wore chocolate brown pants tailored to his body and a white fitted silk shirt, open slightly at the neck revealing a hint of chest hair. The scruff on his face was the right length,  not too long to look sloppy but enough to look sexy as hell. A burnt-orange and red narrow striped tie dangled down below the unbuttoned top  button of his shirt. He was studiously casual with the brown jacket to his suit slung over his shoulder, hooked on the finger of one hand. He took a step forward and extended his hand.Meg could hardly breathe. Her mouth, suddenly dry as desert sand, managed a smile as her eyes connected with his. Instantly she understood his enormous film success as his presence filled the room the second he entered it. She took a breath and stepped forward, clasping his warm dry hand in a firm grip. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Duncan. Won’t you please sit down.”“Chaz, please.”Megan returned to her seat.“Coffee?” She directed her gaze at her visitor.“Love it. Black.”“Andy, coffee black and water for me.”About a gallon. A pint to drink and pour the rest over me before I burst into flame.
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Free Chapter Friday - Now and Forever 1, a Love Story

Saturday, Now and Forever, Callie's Story goes free for three days on Amazon! 
Before you read that prequel, read the first chapter of Now and Forever 1, a Love Story. It will be here for free this weekend. 


              CLICK HERE TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER FREE!


Welcome to Willow Falls, home of Kensington State University. 


Drop in on a class. 








 
Visit the library where Callie is doing research for a paper for her Master's Degree. 







   
 Poke your head in the dean's office and meet Mac Caldwell, our hero and Eliza Baines, heroine of Now and Forever 2, the Book of Danny. But, hey, her day is coming.
















Oops, got a parking ticket! Must be some mistake. Clear it up at here at the police station. Ask for Dave Williams, the police chief. He's a friend of mine.




Grab a bite in any of the snack bars or cafes in the Student Union












Now and Forever 1, a Love Story is available in ebook AND paperback!
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My website
 

Interview with Lucy Felthouse's character, Damien!

 Join us with Lucy Felthouse   and meet  DAMIEN, FROM OFF THE SHELF1.    Are you upset your name is not in the title?No, not at all. The title is there to sum up the story, not me!2.     Is your love interest the way you pictured him or her? Or would you have preferred someone with a different hair color.Well, considering that Annalise came along when I least expected it, I didn't have anything to picture. She took me utterly by surprise and now I can't imagine life without her.3.    Do you have any annoying habits your author did not share with us in your book?Oh yes, lots. I don't think Off the Shelf had too much background on me as it basically just tells the story of how Annalise and I met and finally got it together. Though I don't think it would have been very romantic to divulge how I leave the toilet seat up, would it? ;)4.    Do you have siblings? Are you close to them?I do. I have a sister and a brother. They're both older than me, and yes, we’re fairly close. Of course we all live our own lives and don't see each other as often as we should, but we're always there for one another when we need it.5.    Any hobbies we might be interested in knowing about?Some of my interests were divulged in Off the Shelf, for example my love of books and travel. However, I also adore the outdoors and photography, though I was actually a professional photographer, so it's a little more than a hobby!6.     Are you happy with the profession your author chose for you or would you rather be working at something totally different and why?What, working in a book shop?! Are you kidding? I love books. I have to confess though, the job itself can be pretty dull at times, but I'm just lucky that when we're quiet I can go grab a book off the shelf and lose myself in it for a little while. Honestly, though, I’d love to go back to professional photography at some point, but it's tough in the current economic climate.7.     Would you like to be taller, blonder, thinner or smarter than you have been portrayed?I'd like to be taller and more muscular, I guess. But it would seem that Annalise likes me just as I am, so I'm certainly not complaining. I'm a lucky man!8.     Are you planning to make an appearance in a sequel? If not are you unhappy about that?When it comes to Lucy, never say never. She often writes stories and thinks that's the end of it, but then the characters decide they'd like more of their story to be told and nag her until she writes them. There's definitely potential for more of mine and Annalise's story to be told, so watch this space.   9.     Now for a personal question. Is there enough sex in the book for you? Would you have liked more? I would, but I can see why there wasn't tons of sex. The story is about how Annalise and I met, started dating and finally got together. Given we met in a very public place – an airport –  we weren't in a position to jump on one another straight away. Plus I'm just not that kind of guy. I wasn't sure for ages if Annalise even liked me as more than a friend. So it took us a little while to get to that stage, but she was definitely worth the wait!10.  Did you author handle your “love” scenes the way you like or was she too explicit or not explicit enough?I think she was about as explicit as it gets, to be honest! I'm just glad she was so flattering in her descriptions of me – phew!11.  Is your hero/heroine a good kisser?Annalise is an amazing kisser. When we kissed for the first time it was incredible because we'd been pussy-footing around one another for so long. But I'm happy to report that it's been just as awesome every time we've kissed since!12.  Are you happy with the setting? Did you want a bigger house or car?Who doesn't want a bigger house or better car? But it's how we live, so Lucy wrote it realistically. Who knows, maybe when I get back into photography I can start earning a decent living and can trade up!13.  How many re-writes did you have to live through?I didn’t. There were sections of the story that Lucy re-wrote, but they weren't the parts with me in them. She obviously liked me just as I was. *blushes*14.  Did your author listen to you when you tried to redirect her/him?Oh, I wouldn't do that. I'm a shy guy, and without Lucy I wouldn't even exist, so I'm not about to tell her what to do, am I?15.  Did your story end too soon?Yes and no. It had the perfect ending for what it was – a novella length piece of work. But as I said before, there's lots more to say about myself and Annalise, so I'm hoping we'll be allowed another outing at some point!16.  Did you get enough time in the story or do you feel shortchanged?Since the story is told from Annalise's perspective, I wasn't in it all the way through, except perhaps in her thoughts. But I don't feel shortchanged – it was Annalise's story, and I'm just the guy who was lucky enough to be in it with her!17.  Who was your favorite supporting character?I don't think there is one, really. Annalise and I are the main characters in our story, except for the guy that was flirting with her in Portugal. I couldn't believe it when I found out she turned him down because she liked me!18.  Do you want your story to become a series with you as a recurring character?Who wouldn’t? Maybe if Annalise and I went on a series of adventures, Lucy could write about them. But other than that, I'm just an ordinary guy with an ordinary life, so I'm not sure I'd warrant an entire series of books. 19.  Were you happy with your wardrobe?Absolutely. I'm no fashion victim, though admittedly I do dress better now Annalise has been telling me what she thinks I look nice in, and what I don't.20.  Did you fight much with your author or did you two see eye-to-eye?As I said earlier, I'm a pretty shy guy, and I'm laid back, so I let Lucy get on with it and do her thing. I'm very happy with how things turned out, though. I got the girl, didn't I?!                                                 *****
At 35, travel writer Annalise is fed up with insensitive comments about being left on the shelf. It’s not as if she doesn’t want a man, but her busy career doesn’t leave her much time for relationships. Sexy liaisons with passing acquaintances give Annalise physical satisfaction, but she needs more than that. She wants a man who will satisfy her mind as well as her body. But where will she find someone like that? It seems Annalise may be in luck when a new member of staff starts working in the bookshop at the airport she regularly travels through. Damien appears to tick all the boxes; he’s gorgeous, funny and intelligent, and he shares Annalise’s love of books and travel. The trouble is, Damien’s shy and Annalise is terrified of rejection. Can they overcome their fears and admit their feelings, or are they doomed to remain on the shelf?More info, excerpt and buy links click HERE                                             *****Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, House of Erotica, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Summerhouse Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour and Seducing the Myth. Find out more at Lucy's WEBSITE. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

Tuesday Tales - Flowers

Welcome and thank you for visiting. Tuesday Tales - word prompt is flowers of your choice.  I chose lilacs. This is a snippet from my WIP called, "If I Loved You". Megan had her first business dinner with devastatingly handsome movie star, Chas Duncan.
Tuesday night, Megan kept Andy, they worked until nine o’clock to get the plan perfect for Chaz the next day. She dragged herself home, exhausted. After tossing her keys in the silver bowl, Megan toed off her shoes, removed her jacket and padded into the kitchen for a glass of wine. She carried the wine back to the living room as she checked her cell phone. Five messages from Penny. She dialed her sister-in-law.
Add caption“What’s up?” Megan plopped down on the sofa, stifling a yawn.“Tomorrow is your second date with Chaz. Figured we needed to talk about what you’re wearing.”“It’s business, Penny. I’ll be wearing one of the new suits we bought together. Remember those?”“And what top? Which earrings? Are you wearing a scarf? Don’t forget the new perfume.”“Lilacs? I know. I bought a small bottle to keep in my desk.”“Good girl! You’re getting it. You never told me how your date…er, your first dinner with Chaz went. Mark is watching game footage so I have time.”Megan put her feet up on the coffee table.“Nothing to tell. I closed the business, that’s all.”“Yeah, right, dinner with Chaz Duncan is nothing. Whenever you’ve clammed up about a guy before, I always knew it was because you liked him…a lot. So give.”“There’s nothing to tell. Just dinner, business talk and then he dropped me home.”“Baloney.”“Honestly…” Megan sat back on the sofa.“Not even a kiss goodnight?”There was silence.“I thought so. Come on…it’s me, Penny, here.”“Okay, okay, one kiss. When he said we had the business…” “One kiss?”“Maybe…two. Two…that’s all.” Megan closed her eyes.“Hmm. Two kisses? More than ‘thank you’ going on there.”Penny dissolved into giggles on the other end of the phone.“Oh and a screen kiss. But that doesn’t count because it’s not like a kiss at all.”“Really? Does it involve touching lips? Then it’s a kiss and it counts. Three. We’re up to three and counting.”“That's absolutely everything.”
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FIRST CHAPTER FRIDAY! SUNNY DAYS, MOONLIT NIGHTS

Welcome to my new venture, First Chapter Friday. Each Friday, I'll be featuring the first chapter of one of my books or the first chapter of a guest's book. 
Let's begin at the beginning, my 1st book: Sunny Days, Moonlit Nights

A bit about the book
Do you have someone in your past you would like to reconnect with?  Caroline Davis White wasn't looking for Mickey, now Mike Foster, her childhood crush, she was fleeing her philandering husband, seeking peace and quiet, time to reflect on changing her life. But there was Mike, saving her from a mishap...again, bigger than life and even more handsome. 

A well-known artist, Sunny thought she could escape, disappear back to the cabin where she spent her summers as a child. But she was wrong. Her husband refused to let her go. There hadn't been a divorce in Brad White's family...ever! And he wasn't about to start breaking that tradition now.  Could Caroline shake him loose and what about Mike? Where did he fit into her life?

Heat level: Sweet
            CLICK HERE FOR THE FIRST CHAPTER

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Tuesday Tales - Prompt "Car"

Here is a snippet of my WIP, "If I Loved You". Chaz Duncan, a well-known movie star and Megan Davis, his financial advisor are leaving a posh French restaurant after a business dinner.  She saw color creep up his neck for the first time and it made her smile. Suddenly, he didn’t seem to be Chaz Duncan, movie star, just an embarrassed, lonely guy looking for a woman, a woman he could trust. That’s me. Trustworthy as hell…. “I’m trustworthy,” she blurted out.What am I saying?“Are you applying for the position?”  She saw the gleam of humor mix with a hint of desire in his eyes.“Oh no…no, I didn’t mean to imply…no, absolutely not. No sirree…nope.”“You don’t have to be insulting about it. I’m told being my bedmate isn’t at all bad.”“I didn’t mean to imply…” Megan stopped speaking when she realized she was only digging herself in deeper.“Open mouth, insert foot?”She nodded and smiled.  “Could you get the check, please?”“Of course.”Jean Pierre appeared two minutes later and Chaz requested the check. Megan fumbled in her purse, looking for her American Express card but Chaz had his ready.“This is business. Let Dillon and Weed treat you to dinner.”“I never let a woman pay.” Chas placed his card on the table.“I’m not a woman. Think of me as Harvey Dillon.”“You have many assets old Harvey doesn’t. I insist.”“I’ll get in trouble with Mr. Dillon if you pay.” Satisfied she finally outsmarted him, she smiled and sat back.Chaz sat thinking for a moment.“In that case…must I call you Harvey?” He put his American Express card back in his wallet. Megan laughed out loud. Before he put it away, she peeked at the wallet, looking for the telltale ring, the outline of a condom, but didn’t see one. Maybe he was telling the truth…he doesn’t sleep with groupies. As they put on their coats, Megan could see Chaz’s shoulders rise a tad, his body stiffen slightly as they prepared to go out into the world again. The price of fame. Loss of privacy. Seven million bucks doesn’t come without some consequence.He picked up his cell phone and pressed a button.“Ready.” He slipped his phone into his back pocket and took her elbow, guiding her to the front door.“The car will pick us up in a minute and I’ll drop you home. Where do you live?” BACK TO TUESDAY TALES!









NEW RELEASE TODAY!!   NOW AND FOREVER 3, BLIND LOVE

Available at: Secret Cravings Publishing

Interview with Willa Edwards!

INTERVIEW WITH WILLA EDWARDS!
[image error] How old were you when you knew you wanted to become a writer?I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was four years old, way before I realized what it really meant. Though I have had different periods where I didn’t write as much, I’ve never stopped writing entirely. Writing and stories have always been a part of my lifeWhat genre do you write?I write romance. I started out with contemporaries, and I love them dearly, but I’m starting to move into a few other directions this year. I have one historical release, Serving Madame, and another one about to be subbed to publishers, Wandering Off the Path, and I have my first paranormal currently in drafting stages that I’m hoping to have done some time this year. I think trying new things and continuing to grow is very important for a writer. I don’t ever want to get stale or stagnate in one genre. I like to read every genre, it stands to reason I’d like to write several too.Are you a plotter or a pantser?Pantser all the way. I tried doing outlines when I was a younger writer and every time I got bored. I want to be surprised and enraptured by the story while I’m writing it, as much as the readers will be. I often think of myself as the first reader of the story, who desperately wants to see how it all works out.Do your characters ever take over when you’re writing?My characters definitely take over when I’m writing, all too varying degrees. Sometimes it’s just in small ways but other times it’s in large ways. With my newest release, Serving Madame, the whole story I was trying to steer it another way, to a short faster story, but Madame wasn’t having it. I can’t say I’m upset with her, after how it turned out, but it definitely isn’t what I planned when I sat down at the computer. But what Madame wants, Madame gets. Have you ever gotten a story idea from a news story?I tend to watch a lot of news, but I did have one story, Snow Day, inspired by the October snowstorm we had here in the Northeast, which was definitely news worthy. I usually get inspired by human interest stories, by people’s dedication and heart, rather than straight news.Would you like to be any of your heroines? I’d like to be most of my heroines. After all they get the guy, and sometimes more than one. I’m still looking for my own prince charming. And they usually are more coordinated then me, that is, except for Amy from Foolish Desire, who’s just as awkward and bumbling and shy as I am. That’s one of the reason I love her so much. I think everyone can relate to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time like she does, or tripping and falling in front of the cute guy. Would you marry any of your heroes?I’d marry all of them. I write really good guys, and while I’m writing I always fall in love with them a little bit. If I didn’t, I’d never be able to understand how the heroine could fall in love with them. Probably the one I’m most in love with is Wolf, from a completed work I’m currently shopping around for a publisher entitled Wandering off the path. He’s dark, dominate and had a really caring heart underneath. He’s the ultimate alpha, and isn’t afraid to take what he wants. That’s really sexy in a guy.Do you do a lot of editing before you submit a manuscript?I do tons of editing, it’s definitely not my strong suit. I go through my manuscript at least three times before I send it to a critique partner and then I usually go through it twice more after I get it back from them. I want it to be as good as possible before it goes to the publisher, that way they can work on the important stuff, instead of little details like the wrong name or incorrect words. But that’s not to say that I don’t have plenty of editing to do after the publisher picks it up. The editing never ends for me until it’s published. [image error]
Now some personal questions Chocolate or vanilla?Vanilla, it’s so adaptable, you can add sprinkles, fudge, maple syrup or root beer (man I’m getting hungry). But I’ve never turned down some chocolate either.Do you listen to music when you write? What do you listen to?I watch a lot of television while I write. I like the sound of people talking and interacting over music while I write. But music is good too. Favorite color?PurpleBlack, white or gray?Gray. Favorite ice cream flavor?I was raised in Vermont, so I’m all about Ben and Jerry’s. I really like peanut butter cup, and phish food. I also love coffee ice cream. Favorite line of description from one of your books.This section comes from my first historical and lesbian romance, Serving Madame. It describes Ada helping to undress her mistress. But of course, this is only the beginning…Madame’s soft, never-seen-the-sun skin rippled beneath the weight of her corset. Each breath pushed her amble breasts up against the low neck. Fingers, only a shade darker than the white petticoats covering her curves, pulled at the ties keeping on the heavy embroidered gown. The lacy cuff hanging down from a three quarter sleeve brushed her bosom. Ada’s heart fluttered at the sight.Favorite dialogue from one of your books.This section comes from Heart’s Ultimatum but features Mallory, Gabe and Lincoln from Midnight Mirage that are trying to help Krista out with a problem. I’ve always loved the dynamic in this section.“I’ll beat you senseless if you say anything to upset her.” Krista’s heart lightened a fraction at the stern, protective tone of Mal’s voice.“Don’t threaten us, sweetheart.” Another husky, deep voice sounded farther away from the phone, so commanding and powerful that Krista could tell instantly it was Lincoln beside Mal. “We all know the only one who’s getting their ass paddled around here is you.”Dog or cat?I have cats now, two little babies that I love dearly, but I like dogs too. I guess I come down on the side of cats, since you don’t have to stop writing to take them outside.Country or city?Definitely Country. The city is fun to visit but I like having space and lots of green.Beach or mountains?Mountains. Never been a big fan of that ocean smell.Skirts or pants?Pants. I always pick comfort.Early morning or late night?I’m a night owl through and through.Cruise in the Caribbean or camping in Yellowstone National Park?Definitely camping (though I’d prefer a nice hotel). I did take a cruise on the Caribbean once with my family and it was miserable, my frail Irish skin couldn’t take it and I spent most of the time inside and burnt to a crisp. Not my idea of a fun vacation. Now if Orlando Bloom promised to show up, I’d risk the burn.Here’s a little taste of one of my new releases, Snow Day. I hope you enjoy it.BlurbMichaela is thrilled to get home after the tense drive from work on the snow covered highway. And she may be just a little bitter that her boyfriend and teacher, Ben, spent all day in bed, on a snow day from school. But she's relieved to be let out of work at least a few hours early. That is until she hears noises from her bedroom, that in no way resemble monster trucks or football announcements, and sound way too close another woman's moan. Michaela can't help but investigate. She never could have guessed what she finds in her bedroom would be just as stimulating to her as it is for Ben. With a little bit of sexy help, Michaela plans to show Ben exactly who he belongs too, and make him wish every day could be a snow day.ExcerptMichaela dropped her purse on the small cherry entranceway table. Slamming the door shut behind her to keep out the fierce chilly winds, she let out an exasperated sigh, enveloped by the warm heat.

“God, it’s good to be home,” she whispered into the empty mudroom.

She shucked off her jacket and scarf, thick with the moisture of melted snow. Her nerves still jangled from the slow, slick drive home from the plant. Everyone moved at a crawl, each one increasingly afraid of what could be under the thick, fluffy, white layer. Could it be black ice? Or slush? Anything could send their cars careening off the side of the road into the imposing bank. It was enough to set anyone on edge.

The whole ride she’d been petrified of the same thing, sliding off the road, getting stuck in any of the number of ditches and sloped banks beside the twenty-three miles of highway she drove each day home from work. Most days, the long stretch of highway appeared benign, lulling her into a hypnotic state till she reached her door, but today it had been ugly, angry, hungry, and malcontent.
Lucky Ben got to stay home today. He didn’t have to brave the roads at all, or worry about the possible risk of property, life, or limb. She should’ve listened to her mother and become a teacher. She could’ve been a good math teacher, found a school where Ben and she could both work, and spend their snow days at home, together.
They could have stood by the radio this morning, like kids, anxiously awaiting the name of their school to be called. Instead, she’d quickly slurped down her coffee, with no solid food to accompany it, and ran out the door, already late. They could’ve returned to bed together, as Ben no doubt had done after she left, instead of racing down the slick roads to arrive at her desk, before her boss noticed she’d appeared twenty minutes late.
“Ben, I’m home,” she called up the stairs, only to be met by silence. [image error] Buy Link:
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