Mimi Barbour's Blog: Believe!, page 59

Book Cover Lovers - a great site!

Today I want to welcome a new friend, Shiela Stewart, who so graciously allowed me to put my book cover on her site within a few days of me asking. Knowing how often we have to wait to be treated to any kind of promotional exposure, I was delighted. So please call on Shiela to blog about your covers also. She's a wonder who should be thanked and supported. 





Mimi has graciously offered her blog to me today so I can tell you about my blog Book Cover Lovers. Thank you Mimi!
For those who don’t know me, my name is Shiela Stewart and I’m a multi-published paranormal romance author.  My favourite is Vampires and Ghosts. There’s nothing like a sexy bad-boy vamp to stir your juices and get your blood pumping. And nothing as terrifying as a ghost out for revenge.  Hmmm, maybe in my next story I’ll have a vampire ghost tormented by the fact that he can no longer suck blood. But I digress.
Book Cover Lovers is one of my babies. I started it in 2008 right after my first book, Kidnapped was released. Being a new author I was blown away with how much an author has to do to promote their work and themselves. At times I felt as if I were being sucked down into a deep dark pit with no way to get out.  Between the interviews, guest blogs, chatting on Yahoo groups and running contests I was expected to come up with the next great novel. Who has the time? I didn’t and I thought there has to be something out there for an author to promote their work that didn’t involve a lot of effort or time. I was doing my umpteenth interview, dragging my butt about getting it done, tired of all the same questions when it hit me. What if I were to just send my book cover, blurb and place to buy and have someone put it up for me and that was it. No comments, no interviews, no fuss no muss. And so Book Cover Lovers was born.
Since opening the metaphorical doors in 2008 I’ve had a steady flow of authors asking to have their book placed on my site. I’ve received plenty of compliments, won a best blog award and have repeat costumers coming back with their new releases. And plenty have suggested Book Cover Lovers to other authors. It certainly keeps me hopping and I couldn’t be happier. Every time an author sends me a request I’m thrilled that they’ve trusted my site to promote their book. Plus, I get to ogle plenty of wonderful covers.
Book Cover Lovers is open to all genres, every heat level, adult, young adult, fiction and non-fiction.  If you have a book to promote, I’ll take it.  One thing I get from most authors is how easy it is to promote their book. All they have to do is fill out a form with their book info, place to purchase, website for author and publisher, genre, rating, cover artist and a short blurb. Then all they have to do is send the form back with your cover and I put it on my site. Voila, instant promotion with little work. Once the book goes live I send out promo to several places including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google and so forth. Simple as pie.
Recently I decided to change the design to represent more of the book aspect. But aside from that, little has changed since I opened the doors in 2008. Though there are rarely any comments, the blog gets plenty of views.  If you have a book placed on Book Cover Lovers, and you advertise it on your blog or website and people go to check it out, they’ll see a vast amount of other books. So not only will they check out your cover, but others as well. Every book that is put up on BCL stays up permanently. At this time, having a book cover on Book Cover Lovers is free, though I’ve been asked why I don’t charge. As an author I know how hard it is to find a place to promote a book on a budget. Free is easy on the pocket book. Who doesn’t love that?
So now you know all about Book Cover Lovers. If you’re interested in having your book placed on my blog, contact me at shielas@shaw.ca for the form and I’ll be more than happy to put it up for you.
Check out the site and see if it fits your needs. http://bookcoverlovers.blogspot.ca/
Thank you again, Mimi, for having me on your blog.

If women were meant to be doormats, we wouldn't have bumps!

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Today I want to welcome Vonnie Davis to my blog. She's a sister author with Wild Rose Press and has been one the supporting angels who've made me glad I sent in a submission that was accepted. Being one of the roses in their vast garden has been a great experience.



IF WOMEN WERE MEANT TO BE DOORMATS, WE WOULDN’T HAVE BUMPS


Usually my posts are more light-heated, full of humor and more reflective of my personality. But today I’m on my soapbox with something to share.


At some point in history, we women were sold a flawed bill of goods. We were told to be a good wife, we had to be subservient to our husbands and silently put up with his male moods. To be a good Mother, we had to “do” for our children. And to be a good employee, neighbor, or committee member, we had to silently handle whatever was heaped onto our plates.


In short, we had to be a doormat.


One doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with the other.


Granted, I thoroughly enjoy spoiling my husband, but I expect the same in return. If I am to respect him, then by golly, he better respect me. Things like tenderness, willingness to do little things for the other, respect, emotional support and all the kindnesses that grease the wheel of marriage should flow both ways.



I’ll be no man’s doormat—although I have been in the past. And may an elephant caress my ex-husband with his toes.


To be a good Mother does not mean we enter into maternal slavery. We do our children no favors by doing everything for them. Our daughters and sons need to know how to fix a meal, sew a seam and scrub a toilet. My two sons know how to stuff a turkey and clean an oven. My daughter can pound a nail and change oil in her car. As I taught them to take care of themselves, I also served as Room Mother, chaperone, taxi-driver and football and wrestling mom.


Motherhood does not lower us to doormat status; it elevates us to the role of teacher and mentor.


When I was working, I took great pride in handling my job to the best of my abilities. But don’t expect me to do Martha’s work, too, especially if Martha is too busy flirting or gossiping or surfing the net to do her work. Don’t think I’m going to work myself into the ground so your life will be easier. Ain’t happenin’.


Because if women were meant to be doormats, we wouldn’t have bumps.


Women aren’t less than.

We are more than.


Yet, somewhere along the way, a number of men adopted the philosophy that it’s ok to abuse women—physically, sexually, verbally and emotionally. Some statistics state 1 in 3 women suffer an aspect of domestic abuse or violence. These men, who inflict abuse, are either emotionally ill or conditioned by the society in which they live or their religion that they have a right to “control” their wives by any means necessary. In their minds, their wife is their doormat.


While it’s easy to say, “I’d never live with a man like that,” it’s also easier to slip into that pattern of action and reaction than one might think.


In my debut book, Storm’s Interlude, I deal with my heroine’s past domestic violence at the hand of Phillip, her ex-fiancé. Rachel is a home care nurse and Sunny is her patient. They are outside, walking around the house…


“Tell me more about you and Phillip.”


Rachel looked away for a beat, tamping down the pain of the memories. “Once we were engaged, the putdowns started. When I’d object, he’d say I was paranoid or neurotic.”


Sunny sat up straight and stared at Rachel for a beat. “Paranoid? Neurotic? Girlfriend, you have got to be kidding me! You’re so not any of those things.”


She swiped at a tear. “No, but I was in such an emotional state over losing Daddy...the suddenness of his death.” She looked down at her clasped hands. “Some teen texting and driving hit him head on. Daddy and I were so close.” She cleared her throat, trying to regain control. “Initially, when Phillip’s insults started, they didn’t register. Guess I was in a kind of emotional fog. Every time I didn’t see things his way, he accused me of being paranoid or neurotic.”


Sunny took Rachel’s hand and squeezed it. “That’s so cruel. The manipulating bastard.”


She squeezed Sunny’s hand in return, their emotional bond strengthening. “That’s how the abuse started. With his undermining my mental stability, I actually started to doubt myself. Can you believe it? Long story short: he wore me down emotionally so the remaining steps of the abuse seemed normal.” She shrugged again. “Like I deserved it or something. The temper rages started. He beat me several times, broke my wrist. I got scared and ended the engagement. Took me a while, but I finally came to my senses.”


“Smart girl.” She pointed her finger at Rachel. “Now I understand. That’s why you reacted the way you did earlier when Storm was rough with you, isn’t it? Oh, honey, if Storm knew…”


“There’s no reason for him to know. He has Pilar to think of, not me. You ready to go the rest of the way?” Sunny nodded and stood. They started walking again, arms linked.


Sunny patted Rachel’s hand. “Honey, I think the two of you are kidding yourselves about the way you feel. If you could only see how you look at each other, hear the sound of your voice when you address one another…” She wiggled her fingertips in the air. “…see the sparks between you two, then you’d know what I know.”


Rachel shrugged. “I’ve accepted how I feel. I’ve also accepted the man I care for is engaged to another woman. I refuse to bemoan how much it hurts, ’cause frankly, it hurts like hell.”


“What am I going to do with you two?” Sunny stopped and looked at Rachel, who crossed her arms and regarded her with one eyebrow cocked in defiance. “Okay, okay, I can see you don’t want to talk about it. So, tell me what your ex-fiancé did when you broke off the engagement.”


They started walking again. “He slashed my tires.”


“Bastard.”


“I replaced them. He slashed them again.”


“Oh, a determined bastard.”


She looked away. “Yes. Next he smashed a window in my SUV and slashed the seats. When that didn’t make me come crawling back to him, he broke in my house and cut up all my clothes.”


“Oh, see, now we’re gonna have to kill him. A man doesn’t mess with a woman’s wardrobe and live to tell about it.” Sunny smiled wryly.


“Of course, there were harassing phone calls and e-mails. Terrible texts.”


“Did you go to the police?”


She nodded. “Oh, yeah. Repeatedly. Got a restraining order against him after he beat me and broke my wrist, making it illegal for him to come within five hundred feet of me or my house. He wasn’t allowed to contact me by phone or text or e-mail.”


“I gather that didn’t stop him.”


“No. He broke in one night.” She bent to smell one of Noella’s peach roses, giving Sunny a second or two to rest. Their walk around the house was tiring her.


Sunny plucked a yellow rose and ran it over her cheek. “What happened?”


“At the time, I was taking care of a patient in a little town about thirty miles from Yazoo City, where I lived. So I commuted every day. Got home after dark every night. One night he was waiting on me, sitting in my living room, big as you please. Said he wasn’t leaving. Claimed we were getting married within the month.”


Sunny took her arm, and they started walking again. “Oh, that gives me the chills. What a sick creep. What did you do?”


“I surprised him. I pulled a gun out of my purse and ordered him out of my house.”


Sunny stopped and looked at her with a shocked expression, one tinged with respect. “Really? You had a gun?”


“Yes, I had a permit for it and everything.” They’d finished their trek around the house, and Rachel held the door open for Sunny. “He left, but not before threatening to kill me. Said I had two options: marry him and live, or die without him.”


They stepped inside to the coolness of the mudroom and then entered the cleaned kitchen, where the hushed noise of the dishwasher created a humming background. Sunny collapsed in a chair, her breathing labored again. “And?”


“And I figured I had another option. I hid from him. A coward’s way out, I suppose. He didn’t know where I was working.”


“He never followed you?”


“No, I made sure of that. Once my patient was in remission, I went to Colorado for a few weeks to relax and decide what I was going to do about Phillip. That’s where I was when you contacted me. Since I came straight here, he has no idea where I am. I got a new cell phone number and e-mail address. No one in Yazoo City has it except Lynda. She’s the only one who knows how to get in touch with me other than my mom. For the first time in months, I feel safe.”


Ah, but was she safe?


For one lucky commenter today, I’m giving away a free copy of Storm’s Interlude, nominated 2011 Book of the Year at Long and Short Reviews. Please leave your email address so I can notify you should you win. And remember, God didn’t create you to be a doormat.



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Join a Critique Group? Yes or No?

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I posted this blog as a guest on another site a while ago, and since this went out, I've actually been to the first meeting with the group (see below).  

I’ve just joined a critique group! After six years of being in the business, I’ve decided why not. I’m a bit leery about the time squander though. Because if there’s one thing I’ve discovered, there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything on my to-do lists done. And those darn days go by way too fast.
But I’ve also learned that a writer can become too isolated, existing in a world of her/his own imagination, living in a little room with the computer as his/her only companion. Mind you, an author’s life today is quite different from what I can only imagine it would have been like years ago, and not that many either.
Having the responsibilities of promoting our work nowadays, we’re forced to interact over the Internet. These last years, I’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful people who have helped me tremendously. But that isn’t like being in a room with other living, breathing souls and sharing ideas, laughing and just being noticed.
Networking with other people who love the same pastime, that’s what I’m looking forward to.  Sharing ideas and helping each other. Giving and receiving confidence to try something new. 
Of course it does help that the other three girls I’ve been invited to join are fantastic, funny, hard workers, task driven and with the same ambition of being multi-published as myself. It outta be a hoot…one I’m looking forward to immensely.  

 My Take on the day...
We held the meeting at the home of one of the girls, and included a lovely pot-luck luncheon just to make the day more special. Chatter flowed and everyone caught up on each other's news while we enjoyed the food, but soon after, we got down to work.
Ahead of time, we'd sent out pages each of us wanted critiqued and everyone came to the table prepared with editing suggestions and a clearer view of the work. Personally, this helped me see what I'd written through fresh eyes.  
The day flowed beautifully, each one of us willing and open to take the praise and the critiques given with the best of intentions. It was uplifting and so very helpful. I do believe that four was the perfect number. It took a little over an hour to discuss four projects and that seemed to be just right.
Now that I've taken the plunge, I wonder what took me so long? Guess I needed to find just the right friends.
So, if any of you are on the cusp—not sure if you're prepared for others to see your first draft, take it from me. As long as you're open to suggestions and are willing to share your time as well have take others', it can be a tremendous benefit to everyone.
Are you in a critique group? Has it been a positive experience or do you feel as if you’re not getting anything out of it at all? That it’s a time drain?
Please leave your comments and your e-mail address so I can choose a winner for a free e-book copy of “She’s Me”. I’d love to add you to my newsletter list also. (Sent out only when I have news…I promise!).


  This a new cover for the old story...love to know what you think??

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Time-travel author Katy Walters

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Today, I want to welcome my very good friendKaty Walters. She's a British lady who has been a sweetheart about helping mewith some facts I needed to know in order to write my Vicarage Bench Seriesthat's set in Bury. Isn't it strange how in today's world of internetrelationships that you can meet someone you've never seen, yet feel so close tothat person. To know that they'd help you out as much as they could becausethat's how you feel also. When I hear people talk about how the computer hasdisconnected folks from each other, I have to smile. My experience iscompletely the opposite.



Ihave based the novel in the Regency period, as it is a time in history that isfascinating to so many. It is the beginning of women's emancipation, ofexciting scientific discovery, forward thinking in the arts, and the formationof the modern novel with Jane Austen. It is also a time o f romance, discovery and adventure.

 I do like myheroes to be passionate, sensitive and yet strong of character, part of thegroup of women fighting for equality. In addition, the Regency is also a periodwhere Mesmerism was popular; a subject that would later lead to hypnosis,spiritualism and parapsychology; the latter subjects fascinate so may. I havean active interest in parapsychology and base my writing around that. I havetried to write a straight romance but the supernatural always creeps in. I also draw on my work as a psychotherapist,where for many years I treated people for neurosis, phobias and obsessivebehaviour. Some therapists, who studied Transpersonal Psychology, use pastlives ( reincarnation) as it is so often a symbol covering deeply buriedtrauma. Once a person uncovers the past life –true or not –their particular neurosis or phobia usually clears. This subject has alsofascinated people from time immemorial in its classic form of reincarnation.Again, there are overtones on past lives in Return to Rhonan. I do hope the readers enjoythe book and if they have any queries regarding these fascinating subjects theycan contact me on my blog or website.

 



A tempestuous love story of two couplesthat stretches across the centuries, from the Scottish Clearances of 1810 tothe present day. Muriall Mondell and Lord Duncan heir tothe Earl of Rhonan's vast estates in the Scottish Highlands are lovers. Yettheir love is damned as Muriall is the penniless ward of the aging Earl; toreveal their love would incur the Earl's wrath, disinheritance, and the scornof society. They plan to start a new life on Duncan's huge estates in Jamaica,bequeathed to him by his grandfather. Merciless Landlords begin clearing theirvast estates ready for sheep grazing, seizing the land from the tenant farmers,their cottages burned down over their heads, starvation and death follows.Muriall and Duncan know they have no choice, but to remain and fight for thelives of the victims.In the present day, a young Canadian, Dr Jessica Marshall, ownerof a chain of hotels stretching across Canada, visits Rhonan Manor Hotel. Shemeets the present Earl of Rhonan, the brooding Lord Douglas Mavebury,recognizing him as the man in her recurring dreams. Deeplyattracted to each other, their love is threatened by demonic forces hauntingRhonan Manor. To save the Manor, they know they must unravel the disappearanceof the doomed lovers of 1810, little realizing Jessica's life is in dire peril.
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.ca/2012/04/hoppy-easter-international-giveaway.html
For this Happy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop, I will be happy to present the lucky winner with a $10 Amazon Gift certificate. All you need to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address.

I'll be adding your names to my newsletter list, so I hope you won't mind getting a periodic letter from me telling of new releases and special news!


***I've just re-published my very first novella called "She's Me" with a new cover and under my own name, and it desperately needs reviews. So if anyone is willing to read the story and do an honest review, please just leave me a message in your comment, and I'll be ecstatic to send you a copy.  (see more info about this story on The Vicarage Bench page. ) ~~****~

Step #7 of author Mimi Barbour's thirteen promotional steps

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7. Goodreads – Again, I have to admit to takingon Goodreadswitha lot of enthusiasm, which did wane after a while. It's time consuming for anauthor - but well worthwhile. Because as a reader, and I admit to being areading freak, it's a wonderful place to find others who like the same kind ofbooks as you. I've met some of my favorite people here, people who I nowconsider friends, and therefore I try and spend as much time as I can inkeeping in touch with them.
Even though I've covered the best of Goodreadsin my original blurb, I must delve into the benefits a bit more. For everyauthor who is trying to make her way in the social media maze, she/he needs tofind readers. The best part about Goodreads is that everyone involved is abooklover, which is what has brought them there in the first place.
This is a site that works something liketwitter. The more active you are, the more people see you and want to befriends. The more friends you have, the more people see you….
If you're a writer, once your friends becomefamiliar with your name - because in our industry a lot depends on namerecognition - they have more of a tendency to choose your book over others.It's a well-known fact that this works in an author's favor. Add to that akiller book cover and a great story, and the next step is those same friendstaking the time to write you a review.

And reviews make such adifference to not only the fortunate author, but to many readers. They're usedas a guide in helping them make choices. Myself, I like to see that others haveenjoyed the book that interests me.

Friends get to trustthe references from others who enjoy the same genres, especially if their likesand dislikes are similar. It can lead to interaction between each other and acloser link is formed. And that's what it's all about. Linking with each otherover a subject of interest to us all. Books!!

 




Charity Hopping Around the World!



For this Charity Hopping Around the World BlogHop I will be happy to present the lucky winner with a $10 Amazon Giftcertificate. All you need to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address.

I'll be adding yournames to my newsletter list, so I hope you won't mind getting a periodic letterfrom me telling of new releases and special news!


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Meet another new friend!

***
I want to welcome Babette to my blog today and say Thank You to her again for being such a supportive soul who stepped forward and helped a stranger when she reached out. I'm astonished and delighted at how many times other authors have shown that not only do they have wonderful imaginations, but also, good hearts


Bio: Babette James writes contemporary and fantasy romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. A teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it's time for their spelling test! She lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and three extremely spoiled cats.


Thankyou, Mimi, for letting me visit here and share a little about Clear As Day, my spicycontemporary romance coming from The Wild Rose Press on April 4, 2012. It'sbeen exciting preparing for the upcoming release of my debut, and I wasdelighted to learn last week Clear As Day received a 4 ½ stars and scorcherreview from the Romantic Times Book Reviews. Between that and being able tohold my first book in my hands, I'm still happy dancing.



Clear As Day started life years ago as that little "story underthe bed you love but can't do anything with." I had originallywritten it as a short story back when I was in college, as an exercisefeaturing the desert setting of Lake Mohave, which is a stretch of the ColoradoRiver below the Hoover Dam, and the little story was born that would eventuallygrow into Clear As Day. Inever found a place for it in its short story form. Too sexy, not sexyenough. Too long, not long enough. I'd take it outevery now and ponder what to do with it, only to file it back away. There weremany times I felt like giving up, but I kept on writing new stories andimproving my craft and, now I can finally share this story and the characters Ilove.


In January of 2010, I took the storyout once more, thinking to expand it into a small novella for a publisher'scall. Thatdid not work out, but taking that step pushed meforward to really write Nate and Kay's story, and the once short story bloomedinto a sweet and sexy novel and even germinated several ideas for sequels. Iloved writing Clear As Day and I enjoyed exploring how Kay was the oneresistant to commitment and how sweet and certain Nate was in his love for her. It was a delight to see their love story evolve. I adoreNate, his loyalty and his humor, and had so much fun writing him. I love Kayand all her caution and uptight habits she uses to hide her vulnerability andthat she's never chosen the expected routes in her life but made her own. Andthe fun part is I don't have to say goodbye to them just yet. I'm currentlyworking hard to finish and submit the next story featuring a couple from Nateand Kay's circle of friends, tentatively titled Love Burns. I love this couple,and I've enjoyed seeing their story come to life as they work through theirpersonal trials and find their own happily ever after together.


Blurb:
What'sa girl to do when her summer lover wants forever?


Hauntedby dark memories of her parents' volatile marriage, artist Kay Browning keepsher heart locked behind a free-spirit facade and contents herself with thecomfortable affair she has every summer with easygoing photographer Nate Quinn.


Theonly trouble with her plan? This summer Nate's come to Lake Mohave to claim thelover he can't let go. He's done with the endless traveling and settling fortemporary homes and temporary loves. Kay's always been more than just avacation fling, and now he must convince this woman, who sees love as a courseto certain heartbreak, to take that leap of faith and learn how safe love withthe right man can be.


Excerpt:
Shetrailed her fingers over his collection of pebbles on the table, polished bysand, wind and water. Be happy. Be happy. How could she feel so happy andterrified at the same time? You'd think one would cancel out the other.


Shewould be happy. They would talk. She would sort out her mind.


Don't worry, be happy.


Sheslipped on her leather sandals and picked up her sunhat, sunglasses and beachbag. "All set."


AsKay and Olivia arrived at Spider Camp, Nate was talking and taking casual shotsof Dave sitting on his boat. Dave waved. Nate stopped talking the moment shecame into sight, his attention fixed on her in a way that rushed heat throughher and kicked a happy tumble in her heart.


Hewaved. "Hey, babe!" He raked his gaze over her. "Stop right there." He raisedhis camera and made swift adjustments. "Okay, move." Rapid shutter clicksfollowed his order. "Oh, yeah. Beautiful. Slower. Perfect."


Hemet her halfway and kissed her hot and hard. "I was about to track you down.You look great."


"Andyou look happy."


"Lifeis good." He gave her another quick kiss. "I took some awesome shots today."


Behappy. Kay smiled. She just needed to practice. Starting now. "Want a beer thento celebrate?"


"Soundsgreat." Nate slid an arm around her waist and whispered in her ear, "Damn, Ilove this suit on you. Why does it always make me want to peel you out of it?"He caressed his hand down over her bottom, holding her close. He softly nippedher earlobe. "Between this one and that yellow-dot one, I am one happy man."


Desiretwisted and heated through her. Wanting him was so easy. That, at least, shenever doubted.


"Let'sgo swimming, so I can play. Hmm?" he murmured, with more little nips. "Please?"
Go on, practice beinghappy. Go swimming. Play. Relax. Enjoy. Love.


Whatwas so hard about all that?


Nothing.


Kaytugged the knot of her pareu free and tucked the wrap into his hand. "Okay."She pulled away from him and strolled off, slipping off her shirt and tossingit, her sunglasses and hat on a chair as she passed, kicking off her sandals asshe reached the damp sand.


Runningfeet pounded up behind her, and Nate scooped her up in his strong arms. Hecharged laughing with her into the water and threw them both in, the coolshocking splash against her sun-heated skin driving a giggling shriek from her.


Laughterand friendly catcalls rang behind them from their friends.


Natetugged her to her feet, his body hard and warm against hers. He shook the waterfrom his hair. A big smile, alive with affection and delight, lighted his face.Mischief danced in his eyes. "Come on, follow me." He swam with lazy strokestoward the moored boats and flipped around, floating on his back, waiting. Whenshe followed, he kicked farther on, putting Lloyd's and Dave's boats between himand the shore. She caught up with him. The water here was breast deep. Hesnagged her wrist and drew her close.





Links:
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Buyat The Wild Rose Press:

Buyon Amazon

***Note from Mimi - Babette's story gotme thinking. My career happened very similar to hers. How many of you startedin the same way as we did...with a story half written, a dream put on holduntil the time was right? ***

Angels - the lot of you! Thanks...

My post today is to thank the wonderful, supportive friends and evenstrangers (but now friends) who stepped forward during the Free Par-tay inMarch and offered to have me as a guest on their blog. I'm sure all thatcoverage helped me and many of the other authors involved in the promotion andled to a lot of people downloading our free books.



I'm continually astounded by the community of great people in this business andtheir willingness to be supportive in any situation, to answer any question ordirect you to someone who can answer and to give encouragement in both the goodtimes and the bad days.



So my angels…from every corner of my heart…thank you.



Toby Neal - Blood Orchids


Shelly Bell - Shelly Bell Author


Lorhainne Eckhart - Illusions

Cathie Dunn - Cathie Dun Writes


Mac Crowne - Warm days, Cool Nights and Hot Guys…

Julie Lindsey - Musings from the Slush Pile


Rob Guthrie - Rob on Writing


Cindy Carroll - Scripts, Novels and Short Stories


Krystal Wade - Just a girl with a voice who'd like to beheard.


Rhonda Booker - My Daily Thoughts on Life -


Jennifer Madden - Contemporary, Everyday Splendor -


Katy Walters - Book Reviews and News from Author KatyWalters -


Amber Meadows - Like a Bump on a Blog


Kirkus MacGowan - Diapers, Bookmarks and Pipedreams


Wodke Hawkinson - Find a Good Book to Read

Vonnie Davis - Vintage Vonnie


Marian Lanouette - Marian Writes


Jo-Ann Carson - Love in Danger

Christine Ashworth - Wicked…with a Side of Saucy


Greta Vander Rol - Action-packed SF with a dollop of romance


Mary Keith - Keith Publications

Lilly Gale - Author of Historical and Paranormal Romance


Babette James - Love is…perhaps magic!


Alana Lorens - Homepage of Author Alana Lorens


Carlyle La Buschagne - Carlyle on the Broken Series


Rue Allyn - Author Rue Allyn

Meet my new friend!

 I want to welcomea new friend to my blog today, Rue Allyn. Not long ago, I reached out to someof the different loops I'm on and asked if anyone would have space on their blogsfor me to guest with them - to help with a new promotion. Rue stepped forwardand graciously offered to have me visit with her. I so appreciated her kindgesture and support, and so I wanted you to meet her and hear about her work. .
I wrote my first story around the age of five and read my first romance at the age of eight. I've been in love with being in love ever since. I'm happily married to my sweetheart of many, many years. We share the home of two cats, who condescend to allow me to feed them and clean their litter box. They occasionally permit me to pet them but demand my love and attention as their right. I am in awe of their feline ability to dominate with half a glance or a mere twitch of tail. I am insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler. I love to hear from readers about your favorite books and real life adventures. I also love my work. Seriously, what could be more fun than sharing love and adventure with all your friends. That's what I do when I write and publish a story. I'm delighted you are here to join Mimi and me in the love of reading and writing.
I want to thank Mimi for having me as her guest here at 'Believe.' Just a few days of interaction with Mimi's special brand of hope born in romantic disaster has me changing how I see heaven.Too bad I can't say the same for the characters in my April 1, 2012 erotic romance Off Limits .Senior Chief Gunner's Mate Hank 'The Wall'O'Mara is as stubborn and single-minded as his nickname implies until he meets Lt. Bethany Morton and love's irresistible force.From the start Hank and Beth are all wrong for each other, and they both know it. He's from the working class; she's from the elite. He loves the sea more than any woman; she loves her job more than any man—or so they think.When these opposites collide over home plate during a command baseball game the attraction is magnetic and will change their lives in ways that neither can imagine at the time

I loved writing this story, not onlybecause I got to base some scenes on my own naval experiences but also becauseHank and Beth won my heart the minute I met them.  They are both characters used to givingorders and definitely attempted to railroad my story.  In the end we all compromised, and I believethe story is better for the sacrifices made, just as our country is better offfor the sacrifices our service men, women and families make on a daily basis.  While I really want you to purchase a copy of OffLimits (here's the link to my publisher's informationabout the story if you're interested), it's more important that you help aservice member or a veteran.  Manyorganizations exist that channel help for our military and their families.  My personal favorite has always been the USO. Wherever and however you choose to help. Do it now.  Don't wait to hearthat a friend, neighbor or relative has sacrificed everything.  Last, pleaseleave a comment and share your thoughts on this post or anything that's onyour mind.  One lucky commenter willreceive a free download of my current release, The Widow's Revenge.


A short excerpt from Chapter One of OffLimits
That's not a batter; that's a walking wet-dream.  Through the grid of his catcher's mask, Senior ChiefGunner's Mate Hank—The Wall—O'Mara watched the opposing team's last minuteaddition to the roster approach the plate.  Usually, he liked his women onthe long, lean side.  Small women made him feel awkward in his solid 6' 4"frame.
For this woman,he'd put up with feeling awkward.  She had all the right pieces in all theright places—curves, bumps, satin-skin, ocean deep green eyes and dewy, pink,kiss-me-naked lips.  He licked his own lips at the thought and gave a low,soundless whistle.  
Down boy.  Hecrouched, holding his mitt at half-mast.  The last inning of the commandfast-pitch softball championship is no time to get distracted.  From thelook of the batter, we've got no worries.  So calm down andconcentrate.  You can put your moves on her after she strikes out.  
As she settled inat the plate, Hank couldn't help but appreciate the compact lines of thewoman.  He ran his eyes boldly up her trim ankles and sleek calves, pastslender thighs, and round hips to a tiny waist.  All encased inskin-hugging denim.  Above that waist, the gentle swell of her breastsarrested his inventory.  Bigger than a mouthful, smaller than a handful,they gave a pleasant distortion to the hot pink letters, L-T.-S-L-U-G-G-E-R,scrawled across her black T-shirt.  Resisting the urge to discover theexact color, shape, texture and taste of those twin mounds caused Hank no smallamount of pain. 
Uh oh.  Themeaning of that lushly stretched phrase finally registered.  Lt.Slugger.  Why did the wet dream have to be an officer wet dream?  
Off duty, offbase, he didn't mind an occasional outing with a female sailor, even one withbars on her collar, but he drew the line at climbing into bed with one. Sleeping with officers was just plain stupid, and Hank wasn't stupid. What a shame that God created Lt. Slugger with beds in mind.  
She shifted, andher breasts swayed.  Mesmerized, Hank licked his lips again. Somebody coughed.  Still Hank stared.  I bet she's soft.  Realsoft.
Another cough, louder this time, followed by, "Hey Wall.  Play ball, willya."
Hank shook his head and raised his mitt.  "Uh, yeah, sure thingUmp."  As he lifted his gaze, he caught speculation in the Lieutenant'smisty green eyes.  He looked away and focused on flashing signals to thepitcher.   
Hank motioned fora straight pitch.  With a batter this small, the worst they'd have tosweat about was a line drive.  Even the rookie right fielder could handlethat, especially with the rocket he had for an arm.  
But Hank figuredhe didn't have to fret on the rookie.  The Lieutenant couldn't possiblyhave much power in her slim shoulders.  Even if she hit the ball, thoseshapely legs weren't long enough to carry her very far, very fast.  She'dbe out before she got to first base.
He balanced on the balls of his feet and nodded to the pitcher.  The guywound up and let go with a straight slow ball that crossed the middle of thezone.  The Lt. swung and fanned air.  The ball smacked into Hank'smitt.  
He grinned andraised his gaze to hers.  Her eyes filled with a sea of coolassessment.  He lofted the ball toward the pitcher and cocked aneyebrow.  "Too fast, Ma'am?"  
She blinked,quirked one corner of her mouth and settled into position again, giving a sexylittle wiggle to her hips.  Hank felt his jaw go slack.  She turnedher head back to him.  The action rubbed pale, silky curls across hernape, just where Hank imagined placing a tiny bite.
Not me,Chief?  How about you?"  
"Uh, noMa'am."  His grin broadened, and he aimed a quick glance at herhips.  "You've got a nice swing, real smooth and easy."  
She smiled andonce more blinked spiky black lashes at him.  Her voice came at him lowand inside.  "Why thank you, Chief."
His heart skipped. 
The ump shouted,"Play ball!"  
The Lieutenantturned away and resettled her stance.  
Hank signaled foranother strike.  
She tipped itback.  
The ball ploppedgently into his mitt once more.  Damn, this is too easy.  "With alldue respect, Ma'am, that's our best pitcher out there.  He can't throw 'emmuch slower."  
Shegave Hank an easy grin.  "I like mine hard and fast, sailor."  Hersmoke and whiskey voice licked at his ears then bit down hard. … (read the restof this excerpt at http://eredsage.com/store/Off_Limits.html).

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Excerpt:Shedid a little quick step, swinging her hips in a sexy swaying motion. His mouthgaped, and he blinked double-time.      She closed in.     He backed up.      "I guess. I didn't know you could dance.In fact you told me you couldn't. Okay, I get it. Who are you? And what haveyou done with my pal Annie?" It was a corny old line, but one that made herlaugh.     When he smiled back in his distinctiveway, another tide of flutters began in her chest and made breathing all butimpossible. Her breathy giggle, totally unlike her, had his eyes narrowing."You wouldn't believe me if I told you."     "Try me."     She inhaled and slowly released the air.When her pink lips formed a kissing kind of contortion, she watched his gazezeroed in on her mouth.      " Lipstick?" The word slipped out,and she wondered if he was even aware of saying it.              She looked down. Her hands angled out infront as if holding an open book. "I've decided my life needs a total overhaul.I haven't talked about it much, but I've been unhappy with myself for years."     "Uhh, honey, you talk about itfrequently."     "Do I? Sorry." A frown formed. She bitdown on her bottom lip, a childhood habit she couldn't seem to break.  She swallowed, and brought her eyes back tohis face where only concern registered.      "No problem. Go on." His one-sider mocked her.      "You have to agree, it's more than timefor me to make some life changes. This morning I made up my mind." She gulpedand leapt, no turning back. "I'm quitting the day-care. And if the HumanResource Manager's position is still available with Lou Montaro's company, thenI'm going to take it. Remember how I told you he's been after me for weeks?I've thought it through very carefully, went over all my options, and I'vedecided. I want it. Running his Personnel Department is an upper managementposition. If his bribes are anything to go by, the wages will be generous."     Tyler sank down on the nearest red barstool, and stared at her. He shook his head as if to clear it. "You're doingwhat?" The loudness of his voice hinted at his confusion. "You never took hisoffer seriously? You love your job, and you care about those kids. How can youleave them?"     For a split second she wrung her handsand chewed at her lip gloss. When a mystical strengthening in her back remindedher of her earlier pledge, she stopped that nonsense and squared her shoulders.     "Tyler I have to do this. I'mtwenty-nine, and I've lived like a nun. I have no close friends except for you,my computer, and my TV. I never go anywhere other than to visit the folks twicea year, and that's about as stimulating as—as my job's been lately." Shestarted to pace.     "Hold it. We go out together lots. Whatabout our dinners, and movie nights, and all the fun mornings we've spentgarage-sale-ing." The last reference was a dig at her love of bargains to fixup her place. He grabbed her arms to hold her in front of him. His hurt,reproachful look squeezed Annie's soft heart, but she wouldn't soften. "We'verenovated our apartments together...." She made her eyes harden, and the totallack of expression on her face probably stopped him from continuing.      "Good times, yes, but not too exciting."     "Oh, Annie, I—"      "Tyler!" Her hand shot out and pushed inhis direction. "Listen, don't talk, or I'll never be able to explain."     "I'm listening." His voice lowered,sounding like a groan.     "I want to get out more and have somefun—go to parties, and have occasionally dates, maybe even find a boyfriendwho'll...."     The look on Tyler's face made herreconsider this line and try another.     "Okay, look! Other than my job, ourfriendship, and periodically helping you out with the runaways, my life isempty. I need to grow up and do something different. I want to meet new people,have new experiences. I want…more."          Wailing the final word, Annie plunkeddown on the red-cushioned barstool next to Tyler's.     He stared at her, his expression grim,but other than shaking his head back and forth, he said nothing. She sensed thatwords trembled on his lips, but he bit them back, and she relaxed. If he triedto talk her out of her plans, she didn't know if she had the strength to fighthim.     "Tell me you understand. Please, Tyler, Ineed for you to help me do this." Grabbing his hand in both of hers, she heldon tight. Concentrating all her energy, she willed him to see her newneeds.       He shot up. All six feet two inches ofbuff maleness paced up and down the small space. Jeans, worn snug and low,showed off his lankiness, his great buns, and his muscular legs. He moved witha hip-swaying motion that was eye-catching, sexy, and very much Tyler. A blackgolf shirt clung to his well-stocked upper frame, and set off his tan. Herhungry eyes trailed his movements, never shifting. The light caught the tinydiamond stud in his ear that some of the teens had gotten together to buy forhis last birthday. Being Tyler, he hadn't the heart to refuse to wear it, andit had taken him months to get used to the trinket. She loved it, because sheknew the kids bought it to represent their admiration for a man who'd supportthem through anything.     His hands fiddled with the jean pockets ashe slid them in and out. Finally, he hovered in front of her and leaned in.

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