Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 61

“Three’s a Crowd” with Ella Jade

Make it a foursome! Click image for your 99c copy of THREE’S A CROWD.

Today my friend Ella Jade returns with her new release, THREE’S A CROWD. This one sizzles so hot she had to censor some of her answers, so let’s just say if you want to add some heat to your day, you are in the right place and in *very* good company. I, for one, can’t wait to learn more about this one!

Great to have you here, Ella! Congratulations on the release of the very sexy THREE’S A CROWD. Can you introduce us to the story?

Thanks for having me, Sarah! Three’s A Crowd is a short, highly erotic tale of a fun, sexy couple. If I’m a “new to you author”, this novella is a great way to get to know me. The book is an Amazon exclusive published through Ruby Lioness Press. It’s a quick, steamy read priced at $0.99 and free to Prime Members. It is a fun pool or beach read.

Okay, so I’ll take the pool, the beach, AND the book, LOL!  What inspired you to write a three-way romance, or is it really a romance made for two?

Three’s A Crowd is not a ménage. You’ll have to read to see what I mean;) I do this writing exercise where I search for images (usually of the erotic kind) and write scenes for them. Sometimes the drabbles are no more than 1,000 words. I do this when I need to work out a sexy scene or get in the right frame of mind to write in the male POV. I saw this particular image and Three’s A Crowd was born. I thought the idea made for a perfect little steamy read.

Anyone else hooked by that explanation? Yeah, me too! LOL.  What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of THREE’S A CROWD?

There’s a twist that occurs in the story that brings us in a completely different direction than you may think we are headed. I can’t say too much, but the lead characters are totally into one another.

Looking at the cover, I believe it! *grin* What’s your favorite line in the book?

It is a very simple line, but it speaks volumes in this story.

“You know you’re all I’ll ever need, right,” Conner whispered against her mouth.

Oh, that is so incredibly romantic. *sigh* How about an excerpt … three sentences long.

She giggled just as she had in his dream. He loved the sound of her laughter. When she was happy, he was doing something right.

He’s got it bad, and that is *so* very good. Who wouldn’t want to be loved that like that? *grin* Which scene of THREE’S A CROWD was most difficult for you to write? Why?

Because this is such a short story (a little over 3k) I had a fun time writing it. I wrote it in an afternoon, so I didn’t run into any problems. It is a light and fluffy story.

I’m amazed you wrote the entire story in an afternoon. *jaw on floor* Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

This story is written from Connor’s POV, so I’d like to experience a few of the steamy scenes from Sierra’s head. I’d love to know what she’s thinking;)

Yeah, I bet! Especially the way he sweet talks her. Talk about melting! What inspired the book’s title?

The story starts out with three characters, but as I said, it isn’t a ménage. The title seemed to fit.

It does! Start with three and end with two … perfect title! Before we take a closer look at the story, can you tell us what you’re currently working on?

This July, my BDSM romance Make Me Stay releases. There was a secondary character named Martin in that novella who begged me to tell his story. Lol So, I’m working on his book now. It’s called Surrender to Me.

Here is the blurb for Make Me Stay (Available July 16, 2012 with Beachwalk Press)

Can the sub teach the Dom to play?

Natural submissive Gracie Miller thought she had found her other half in Cade Jameson. Not only did he help her through a difficult time in her life, in the bedroom he brought her more pleasure than she could have ever imagined. They seemed perfect for each other.

Cade knew what he wanted in the bedroom. Gracie brought out his domineering side and ignited his passion. But he feared he was too dominant for this beautiful, naïve girl, who was so young and impressionable, so he ended their relationship.

Two and a half years later, Gracie returns to town a new woman. She had moved to the city and found a “Master” who showed her what she was truly capable of. Now she’s back and wants to show Cade exactly what kind of submissive she could be for him.

But after hearing all that she’s experienced, Cade now wonders if he’s dominant enough to satisfy her. Can he be the man Gracie needs him to be?

http://beachwalkpress.com/make-me-stay/

Congratulations, Ella! You are smokin‘! Here’s a look at today’s featured title.

THREE’S A CROWD | blurb

Connor Hughes is a lucky man. Janine and Sierra, the two sexy women who live downstairs from him have invited him to watch their intimate time in the bedroom. Connor is a willing spectator, but can’t believe it when Janine asks him to join in on the fun. Connor is drawn to Sierra in ways he’d never imagined. There is something very familiar about the dark-haired beauty that has him wondering why she calls to him.

When fantasy mixes with reality, Connor gives into temptation in more ways than one. Will he figure out who Sierra is to him? Can the feeling last all night?

Published by Ruby Lioness Press and available exclusively on Amazon: CLICK HERE

ELLA JADE | bio & links

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialog have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she’s not chasing after her kids, she’s busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope’s you’ll get lost in her words.

Linkage: Blog | Ruby Lioness Press | Facebook |Twitter – @ellajade1

There you go, readers! A quickie for only 99 cents (free to Amazon Prime members), and if you don’t have a Kindle don’t let that deter you—Amazon Kindle for PC is an absolutely free download that will give you access to the entire Kindle library right on your computer. (No, I’m not paid to say that, LOL). Ella, it’s been amazing and I’m so grateful you and our readers joined us today. Have a fantastic early start to the weekend, everyone!

 

Indie Author Blog Hop June 13-19 (International Print G!veaway)

Click image for nearly 200 other indie and small press book giveaways!

International print copy giveaway! Easy entry!

Welcome back to another fabulous giveaway hop hosted by the wonderful I Am A Reader Not A Writer and co-hosted by Krazy Book Lady. The theme here is indie and small press authors, so today I am offering a print copy of A VERY SOUTHERN AFFAIR, a romantic comedy from my very good friend Elaina Lee. AVSA is published by For the Muse Publishing, a self-publishing imprint Elaina and I share.

HOW TO ENTER

As always, entering is easy! Simply comment with your email address for a chance to win the book. I will ship internationally, but I do reserve the right to substitute your prize with the ebook version if shipping will be over $15. (I have never done this, but I need the disclaimer just in case, LOL.)

If, at the time of the drawing, the winning email address is also an **email** subscriber to my blog (which I will determine before announcing the prize by checking all confirmed **email** subscriptions), I will also throw in a $5 gift card to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). You must confirm your subscription or you are not eligible. You do NOT have to be a subscriber to win, but you must be a subscriber at the time of the drawing to receive the gift card.

AVSA is a hilarious story that had me laughing out loud more than once. I know you’re going to love it! Good luck to you all, and thanks so much for your interest. Here’s the blurb:

A VERY SOUTHERN AFFAIR | Elaina Lee

Worlds collide when South meets North and two lives will never be the same….

Convinced everyone she falls in love with will end up six feet under, Hollee isn’t looking for a relationship when Mr. Kaiden Thorne shows up in front of her bridal agency.  She’s just looking for a way to save her small southern town from going bankrupt, and he’s the only person who can make sure that happens.  Hollee is in for more than she bargains as her attraction to Kaiden takes over and the city begins to show just how far they’ll go to make sure big changes don’t come to their small town.

Kaiden agreed to come to the tiny community for one reason: To salvage what’s left of his career.  Mistakes begin repeating themselves the second he lays eyes on Hollee, however.  If  he can’t make the project work and keep his hands off her, his second chance will be gone forever.  He learns quickly though, he’ll need patience in more ways than one when it comes to Belleville, Alabama.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GREAT INDIE & SMALL PRESS GIVEAWAYS!

“Guy’s Angel” by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy (G!veaway)

To learn more about this sensual 1920′s historical romance, please click image.

Today we’re joined by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy, who is here to tell us about her new 1920s historical romance GUY’S ANGEL. She even brought a copy for one lucky reader, so stay tuned to find out how you can take it home. I hope you all will enjoy getting to know Lee Ann as much as I have. Let’s meet her, shall we?

Congratulations on the release of GUY’S ANGEL, Lee Ann. The cover is gorgeous! Can you introduce us to the story?

I think the blurb does that very well so I’ll share it.

When a young woman really believes the sky is the limit, amazing things can happen….

Lorraine Ryan wants to fly airplanes so she heads for the local airstrip in 1925 to make her dream come true.  Most of the flyboys think she’s cute but a woman’s place is in the home, not the cockpit.   When Guy Richter steps up and offers to teach her to fly, she’s captivated with both Guy and flight.  He nicknames her “Angel” and takes her up into that wild blue yonder.  Before long, they’re deep in love.

Love, however, isn’t always enough……

Guy, a former World War I flying ace, is haunted by his past. His demons include his war service, the death of his only brother in an accident the previous year, and the Valkyries that he evaded in France who trail him in the hopes that they can complete his destiny.  But his dreams lie with Angel and as they grow closer and closer, he soon realizes that if anyone can save him, it’s his Angel.

Aw, what a great plot, and certainly original. What draws you to the historical romance genre? 

I’ve always loved history.

I grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri which is an old river town where history is everywhere.  St. Joe was one of the major starting points for a lot of wagon trains heading west, it’s where the Pony Express began, and where outlaw Jesse James met his end.  I was the kid who listened to the elders tell stories about the past and in college, I ended up with a dual major in English and in History.

What a great pair of majors for an author — especially one of historical works! I, too, live in an area rich in history. I think I sometimes take it for granted, but it really is so fascinating, as is your story. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of GUY’S ANGEL?

Angel’s just eighteen and to our 21st century minds, it’s very young but in 1925, she’s a woman.

That’s a great point. Let’s have some fun with GUY’S ANGEL. What’s the first sentence?

The brown leather jacket swallowed up her thin figure and the boots dwarfed her small feet so she looked like a little girl playing dress-up in clothing purloined from her father’s closet.

What a fantastic visual! What’s your favorite line in the book?

“I love you so much, more than I ever thought a gal could love a fella.  Now ain’t that a sockdollanger, ace?”

LOL! That’s utterly charming. *grin* How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

“He’s a flyer, an ace from the war, he ain’t no Johnny Law.” Angel said.  “I can go get him if you want to give me trouble.  St. Michael’s the patron of soldiers and warriors, too, you saps.”

Oooh, she’s a tough one! Which scene was most difficult for you to write? Why?

I think the climax scene when the Valkyries attack.  It was very emotional and turbulent.

I bet — it certainly sounds that way. Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

I love flying and so I’d choose Angel’s first flight with Guy, from her POV

Great choice! I bet that’s a memorable moment, indeed. *grin* What inspired the book’s title?

Well, early in the first draft Guy nicknames her “Angel” and then there’s also a strong connection with St. Michael the Archangel so it just seemed to fit, “Guy’s Angel”.

It does. It sounds perfect! Before we take another look at the story, can you tell us what’s next for you?

After “Guy’s Angel” I have about a two month break between releases, nice change.  My next up will be a contemporary romance, “Heart of the Ozarks” set on Lake Taneycomo in my native state of Missouri and then in September, another historical, “Dustbowl Dreams” set in 1930’s Oklahoma.

I’m currently working on a very tough to write contemporary about a Iraqi war veteran who’s on the wild side and the old fashioned young woman he meets.  She’s going to help tame him and ease some of his fears while he’s going to teach her how to live a little more.  No official title yet but working title is “Devlin’s Grace”.

It all sounds absolutely amazing. I, for one, will stay tuned! As for today’s title, let’s take a look.

GUY’S ANGEL | blurb

When a young woman really believes the sky is the limit, amazing things can happen…

Lorraine Ryan wants to fly airplanes so she heads for the local airstrip in 1925 to make her dream come true.  Most of the flyboys think she’s cute but a woman’s place is in the home, not the cockpit.   When Guy Richter steps up and offers to teach her to fly, she’s captivated with both Guy and flight.  He nicknames her “Angel” and takes her up into that wild blue yonder.  Before long, they’re deep in love.

Love, however, isn’t always enough……

Guy, a former World War I flying ace, is haunted by his past. His demons include his war service, the death of his only brother in an accident the previous year, and the Valkyries that he evaded in France who trail him in the hopes that they can complete his destiny.  But his dreams lie with Angel and as they grow closer and closer, he soon realizes that if anyone can save him, it’s his Angel.

LEE ANN SONTHEIMER MURPHY | bio

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy is a full-time romance author.  A native of the old historic city of St. Joseph, Missouri, one time home to both Jesse James and the Pony Express, she now lives and writes in the beautiful Missouri Ozark region.  Her romance novels include Love Never Fails, Witness Protection Program, Sing We Now of Christmas, A Patient Heart, In Love’s Own Time, Miss Good Samaritan, In The Shadow of War, Guy’s Angel,  and Heart of the Ozarks, all from Rebel Ink Press.  She also has six other novels and several novellas available. Her work also appears in more than twenty anthologies and she has multiple short story/non-fiction credits.

She is a member of RWA, Missouri Writers Guild, EPIC, and the Ozarks Writers League.

Her work also appears in multiple anthologies. She earned a BA degree in both English and History from Missouri Southern State University as well as an AA Degree in Journalism from Crowder College.  She worked in broadcast media for a decade and also has a background in education.  Her weekly column “Hindsight” appears each week in the Neosho Daily News.

She is married to Roy W. Murphy and the couple has three children, Emily, Megan, and Patrick Murphy.

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | ARE | BOOKSTRAND | BARNES & NOBLE

A PAGE IN THE LIFE | REBEL WRITER | SEANACHIE STORIES

**GIVEAWAY**

Lee Ann has generously offered to give away an ecopy of GUY’S ANGEL to one commenter, who will be chosen randomly. To qualify, please comment with your email address and tell Lee Ann why you’d love to read her book. Good luck to you all, and thanks so much for being here today. Lee Ann, it’s an honor to have you and I wish you all the best with this incredible story.

 

“Moving On – A Prairie Romance” by Annette Bower (Tour-Wide $25 GC G!veaway)

Want more of MOVING ON? Click image!

Today’s guest is Annette Bower, who is here to talk about her book MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE. You guys are in luck, because not only will you get to know Annette and her book, but if you comment you are also eligible to win a $25 gift card to All Romance eBooks. The more of her tour stops you visit the greater your chance to win, but the tour ends today so get comfy and read the way through to find out how you can increase your odds. (BTW, the host with the most comments also gets a prize, so, well, you know … LOL). Okay, enough of my blabbering. Let’s meet Annette!

Welcome, Annette! I always like to dig a little into each author’s bio so readers can get to know them a little better. While snooping in yours, I was impressed to see you’ve finished a couple of 5k walks (and you didn’t come in last, as you pointed out, LOL!). What sparked your interest in training?

Good morning Sarah. Thank you for “snooping.”  I have walked a great many km/miles in my life. I am a walker. In 2011, the universe, serendipity, coincidence brought the Royal Road Race into my life. I picked up the poster for my son. I assumed it was a bicycle race. He informed me that it was a sanctioned run/walk race. He and my daughter-in-law signed up. I thought why not? Sort of like I do many things in my life. Why not experience a race event? I knew I could complete the race and hoped not to come in last. After that we all signed up for another event. But they have gone on to do more physically challenging events, while I’m pleased to participate again in the same two races as last year.  I train in two ways. My preference is with my friend and she and I walk around Wascana Lake. We leave our homes and walk and talk to and around the lake and back. It is approximately 4 miles or 6.43 km. The other is walking with my pace music, but I get distracted and stop to take pictures or read a plaque or look in a storefront.

I always feel fantastic and so much more inspired to write after I exercise. You must come home from those treks absolutely bursting with ideas. Indeed, you’ve written a lot of shorter pieces. What prompted you to write a novel?

Writing novels has always been my goal. Writing short stories was my way to learn the craft and it gave me the opportunity to receive validation of my writing progress through various publications.  However, I have learned to enjoy the challenge of distillation in writing of various lengths.

I think it’s *so* much harder to write short — that must have been a fantastic training ground! In MOVING ON (A Prairie Romance) your main characters have each experienced great personal tragedies. How were you able to dig into those emotions so you could bring them to your readers into such an authentic way?

During my first year of nursing education, I was put on probation because my empathy scores were too high to become a professional who could distance herself. I learned to damp down my empathy during professional involvement but in writing I can explore all of the feelings I’ve shared with others.

I can honestly say I’ve never heard of such a thing. It makes sense, but *wow* what a reason to put someone on notice! LOL. And what a great outlet writing must be for you. What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of Moving On-A Prairie Romance?

Even though I lived at Regina Beach for years, many readers who have read this book do not recognize any of my characters because they truly are fictitious.

I wonder what it would be like to read a story, wondering if you or someone you know might be in those pages? LOL. Let’s have some fun with Moving On-A Prairie Romance. What’s the first sentence?

“Anna Jenkins pushed her foot on the brake as her hatchback picked up speed on the hill.”

Right in the action! *grin* What’s your favorite line in the book?

“Will you consider being a part of this adventure, my Rock Queen?”

LOL! There’s a line if I’ve ever heard one. How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

“Herman, put your teeth in! We have company.”

The newspaper rose. A slight hand reached for a glass on the side table. When it lowered again, a gleaming white smile flashed.

OMGosh, the “put your teeth in” made me LOL! What a great excerpt! Which scene of Moving On-A Prairie Romance was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The most difficult scene was between Nick and his father, when Nick’s father discovered that Nick wanted to return to active duty.  No parent wants to see their child in harm’s way.

Oh, gosh. My kids are still little and I can imagine how hard it would be to hear. Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself?

I’d like to be in the dance scene and have Nick lead me in the steps.  I enjoy dancing but my husband and I tried ballroom dancing lessons and failed the introduction level. I’d like to be able to follow an experienced dancer and not step on his toes.

LOL! I didn’t know a person could fail, but I can assure you I’d be right there on the sidelines with the dunce cap on. *grin* What inspired the title of MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE?

The manuscript went through many different working titles. When XoXo Publishing ™ was to the point of developing the cover, we brainstormed a title. Moving On became obvious but the Prairie Romance came from a writer in my writing group. She always referred to it as a Prairie Romance. I thought it would make a good subtitle. However, as often as I enter it in the keyboard, I think the next title will be short.

LOL! You have such a great sense of humor, Annette. What are  currently working on?

I will have another novel published late in 2012 through Soul Mate Publishing. It will be a blend of genres, women’s fiction and series length novel romance.

I won an opportunity to enter into a contest through the 2012 Brenda Novak auction. I think I’ll try a mystery.

Oh, I love mysteries! I hope you get to enter, and best of luck if you do! Let’s dig in a little with your featured title.

MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE | blurb

Anna is a mysterious woman that has just moved to Regina Beach. The residents of the small town know everyone’s business and they are very interested in discovering Anna’s secrets. Nick was a Sergeant in the Canadian Army, doing active duty until a horrific accident sent him home to recover. He helps Anna feel safe and comfortable in her new environment, just as he has always done for his men in strange, dangerous places. Meanwhile, he focuses on preparing for his future physical endurance test to prove that he is capable of returning to active duty.

Anna doesn’t talk about her past, and Nick doesn’t talk about his future therefore she is shocked to discover that his greatest wish is to return to active duty. She won’t love a man who may die on the job again. Intellectually, she knows that all life cycles end, but emotionally, she doesn’t know if she has the strength to support Nick.

XoXo Publisher ™ | Amazon | ARE | Bookstrand

ANNETTE BOWER | bio

Annette Bower lives and writes in Regina, SK Canada. She is an author of many short stories published in anthologies and magazines in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. She explores women in families, women in communities and women at the beginning and end of love and their quest for love. She pursues the writing craft in workshops, conferences, Writing with Style, Banff Centre for the Arts, Victoria School of Writing, Sage Hill Writing Experience, the Surrey International Writing Conferences and the Romance Writing of America Conferences.

When she isn’t writing she walks or bikes around the streets and parks in her neighborhood imagining complex worlds behind seemingly ordinary events.

Her first contemporary romance, Moving On A Prairie Romance is published by XoXo Publishing™ a division of Ninni Group Inc.

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK

MOVING ON — A PRAIRIE ROMANCE | excerpt

[Nick] hopped out, hurried around to her door, opened it, grasped her hand, and pulled her to her feet. He gently pushed against the small of her spine, propelling her forward. His breath fanned the tight fluff on the back of her neck as they reached the steel double doors. He reached around her and opened the door to music. Country music.

He pulled her onto the dance floor into a fast waltz. Her feet automatically followed his measured steps. He felt the tension ease out of her body. She looked around. She even leaned her head back in response to a spin, exposing a wonderful slender white neck. He quelled an urge to lean forward and kiss the column down to her seductively exposed collar bones. He felt himself react, again. Maybe he was the beast that she spoke of. Keeping track of his left lower limb became a non-issue while he focused on another part of his anatomy or he’d embarrass himself in front of his neighbors. The music ended. He kept his hand firmly around her waist as he propelled her to the makeshift bar.

“Beer?”

“Yes.” She hesitated as if she was searching the jargon of a memory. “Draft?”

He handed her the dew-covered glass which she pushed into her lips. He clung to his bottle and tipped it evenly, watching her through half-closed eyes. She was an enigma. Pain and party. Her face had shown shadows of solemnity and joy of life.

He wanted to know her, but at the same time, not know her. Her pain both called to and repelled him.

**GIVEAWAY**

Annette is offering a generous tour-wide giveaway of a $25 gift card to All Romance eBooks, and the tour ends today so you won’t even have to wait a long time to find out if you’ve won! *grin* The winner will be randomly chosen from among all comments, so be sure to say hello to Annette here, then zip over to for more chances to enter to win. I’d like to thank you all very much for being here. I hope you’ve enjoyed the visit with Annette as much as I have, and wish you all a wonderful start to your week!

06.10.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Thrilling new romantic suspense! Click image for several electronic formats, including PDF and Kindle/Nook files.

TIDE OF LIES is *now available* from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Noble Romance! And for the scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the lies, check out FAMILIAR LIGHT, on sale for $1.50.

In this six, Holden has entered the beach house but Julia is nowhere to be seen. He’s got his gun trained on the killer, but Holden’s demands as to her whereabouts have gone unanswered.

(BLEEP) shrugged, a haphazard, lazy grin sprawled on his face. “All this time wasted while we’ve chatted, and for what? What do you know now you didn’t know before? Better find her fast, Whitlow.”

Holden’s hand shook with the urge to pull the trigger, but he refused to play the game. Refused to permanently silence his only link to Julia.

Only two more weeks with TIDE OF LIES! Stay tuned to find out how it ends … or not. *grin*

Click here to add TIDE OF LIES on Goodreads!

Find it @ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Noble Romance

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

06.09.2012 #SweetSat Samples: Unforgiven

Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her … and this time he’s got a gun. UNFORGIVEN … click image.

Congratulations to acade29, this week’s gift card winner! If you’d like to be eligible for my weekly giveaways of a $10 gift card to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice), simply subscribe by email using the box to your left. You’ll be automatically entered every week for as long as you remain a subscriber.

Gage and Riley were once lovers, but a deadly twist of fate tore them apart. Now, one year later, they’re thrown together by a murder in which Gage was the intended victim and Riley is wanted for the crime.

In this sample, Riley has just returned home after a heartbreaking confession from Gage, only to discover a killer waited there for her.

A flash of movement dragged her from her thoughts. Sickness crawled through her veins as she realized the object in question was her daddy’s rifle, and it was pointed at her.

*Spoiler* closed one eye in a sadistic wink as he stared down the barrel, then lowered the weapon he’d pulled from beside the chair and cradled it like it was a child.

Still, she didn’t breathe. “What are you going to do?”

He gave a chilling laugh. “Not sure. I guess you could say my plans went awry. I figured I’d kill Gage, let you sit in jail for his murder, and I’d walk away from the whole lot of you. Time for plan B. How about you give lover boy a call and see if he wants to join the party?” *Spoiler* picked up a bottle from beside the chair; only then did Riley notice empties strewn on the floor.

“You killed Dawson.” It wasn’t a question.

Note: Dawson was Riley’s friend and the sheriff, who was shot dead on Riley’s doorstep at the beginning of the book.

ADD IT ON GOODREADS!

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

For more Sweet Saturday clean excerpts, click here.

UNFORGIVEN

Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he’s got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage’s former lover, Riley. He and she didn’t part ways on good terms, and he’s not planning to rekindle anything now–not when he’s got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options:  trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Hildie McQueen’s “Desperate Surrender” (Gift Card G!veaway)

Friday already? (Okay, who threw that? The week went fast, mkay?) Today it’s my pleasure to welcome back Hildie McQueen, who is here to tell you about her new release. Hildie, take it away!

The second in the Protector Novels is available for sale today!

I began to write Desperate Surrender, but stopped because Kieran, the hero was silent. I could not figure him out and got so frustrated I wanted to kick the Scot back to Scotland! Then I did what I always do when wanting to hear from a character, I went on a long drive, an eight-hour drive to be exact. There is a scene in the book that I had to get directly from Kieran in order to write.  And boy did I. When I finally broke through it became so emotional that I pulled over and cried for him.

When you read the scene in which Kieran finally decides what he must do, I hope that I conveyed the emotions in a manner that will make you desperately want this hero to have his happily ever after.

I am proud to announce Desperate Surrender, Kieran Fraser and Wendy O’Sullivan’s story…

Buy Desperate Surrender on Amazon (Kindle)

Buy Desperate Surrender at Barnes and Noble (Nook)

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Bio: Hildie has lived all over while serving in the army or later as a government contractor.  Now she makes her home in beautiful Georgia with her husband and two spoiled Chihuahuas, Pancho and Pepito.  Her favorite pastimes are traveling, photography and of course writing.

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Becky Moore: Musical Arrangements and Romantic Tropes

Discover THE GREAT OUTDOORS! Click image for more information.

Musical Arrangements and Romantic Tropes, by Becky Moore

The recent passing of Doc Watson has sparked lots of memories for my husband and I. When our son was just about four months old, we saw Doc Watson and David Grisman perform at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Country music is NOT my thing, but I do enjoy bluegrass on a hot summer night. And when they played All About You, I knew I had found my morning lullaby. For years we sang it to, and then with, our son.

Another favorite Doc Watson song is his arrangement of Summertime. What an extraordinarily awesome song. In all the different arrangements and styles, Summertime is good anyway it’s played. Here are some of performances:

Mahalia Jackson
The Zombies
Miles Davis
Nora Jones
Billie Holiday
Janis Joplin

It got me to thinking about other places where creative ideas are repeated or arranged. In the romance genre we call them tropes; Webster’s Dictionary defines a trope as “a common or overused theme or device: cliché.”

I love the Plain Jane trope, where a rather unremarkable heroine is transformed into an irresistible siren through a makeover. Linda Howard’s Open Season is one of my absolute favorites! Daisy Minor decides to make over her whole life on the morning of her 34th birthday … another birthday that begins with a special breakfast with her mom and her aunt. What healthy, intelligent, compelling librarian wouldn’t want that routine? Only, she begins to catch the attention of the town’s new police chief, Jack Russo, pre-makeover. Her decision has been made to make the change, but he saunters into the library on her day of reckoning, before she can swing by the salon on her way home. Jack’s a great hero, because he loves to irritate the hell out of her for no other reason than it’s just plain ol’ fun. Or so he thinks. Knowing that Daisy has declared open season for hunting a mate, he just wants her to exercise her new sense of romantic adventure on him while she’s looking. But since this is romance we’re talking about, you know he’s not going to stand for her picking anyone else but him. It’s nice to see Daisy’s confidence blossom throughout the story, knowing that it’s a combination of her own decision to take control of her fate and the reluctantly budding romance with the chief.

Another good one is the little sister—big brother’s friend trope. Having been an only child for my nearly four decades of life, I’m drawn like a magnet to these stories. Perhaps it’s because my teenage self was smitten with my best friend’s  brother. I had all kinds of silly scenarios that played through my head. One story that comes to mind is Lora Leigh’s Dangerous Games. That book runs hot and cold for me, because I really like the story of Morganna Chavez loving her older brother’s best friend, Navy SEAL Clint “Iceman” McIntire, but I’m not a fan of the BDSM stuff. Seriously, if my husband tried to spank me or tie me to the wall, he’s walk away missing a testicle or two. So aside from the over-the-top “code” of the clubs, I find Clint to be a totally sexy, strong hero and Morganna to be strong, competent heroine. Clint’s controlling spills outside of the clubs, though, and Morganna has to keep him in check. It’s a good play on that balance of power.

How about the love triangle trope? My favorite: Charlayne Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series. Those vampires and shifters down in Bon Temps, Louisiana are certainly not boring. Some of the books are better than the others, and the books and installments of HBO’s True Blood series waffle back and forth to me, but the story as a whole is really good. In All Together Dead, Sookie and vampire Bill have parted ways, and she’s torn between him and Viking vampire Eric (my top choice because … hello … he’s a Viking), and newcomer shifter Quinn. Sigh, to be in the center of that love triangle might not be so terrible, huh?

And then there’s my favorite, learning to love and trust again with the help of a new, irresistible partner. That’s part of the basis for my 1 Night Stand story, The Great Outdoors. Tallulah Murphy was dragged through the mud professionally by her ex-boyfriend, who decided to malign her once she got the promotion they were both up for; and Mitchell Weaver’s ex-wife was a tramp who cheated on him with every law enforcement officer drawing breath in the next county over. They’ve both been alone for a while, both very busy, and both signed up by friends for Madame Eve’s exclusive online dating service. It’s time, so it seems, for both to move on. Luckily, both Tallulah and Mitchell agree, and take a chance on happiness once again.

What’s your favorite romance trope, and where can we find it?

THE GREAT OUTDOORS | blurb

Tallulah Murphy is a busy woman. As the newly appointed Director of Education for the Atlanta Art Museum, she has a thousand and one things to do on any given day. Dating is not high on that list; in fact, it’s not even on the radar. Three hundred miles away in Charleston, South Carolina, Lieutenant Mitchell Weaver is gearing up for his promotion to be the youngest police chief in the city’s history. And unfortunately, as a prominent city official with all eyes watching his every move, a quality date seems untenable. But when good friends and good fortune set Tallulah and Mitch on a fateful adventure with Madame Evangeline’s high-end dating service, 1 Night Stand, they may just find that a little matchmaking magic can reset their spirits of adventure, and open their hearts and minds to the possibility of love.

BECKY MOORE | bio & links

Becky Moore is tall and buxom, highly educated and culturally savvy…well, three outta four ain’t bad.

She’s a world traveler, problem solver, and crusader. Thankful for the love of reading she inherited from her mom, mother to a superbly cool kid, wife to the world’s most handsome man. A mental-marathon runner, freelance photographer, faithful companion to Magnolia May the beagle, and a prolific reader and writer.

She’s an active member of her local Romance Writers of America chapter, the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

In her down time, and in the real world, Becky loves to spend time with her husband and son. They live in the urban wilds of central North Carolina. Becky is an avid gardener, biker, kayaker, bicyclist, knitter, and community volunteer. She spent over a dozen years working as a writer, graphic artist, photographer and PR whiz in the pharmaceutical advertising, hi-tech, performing arts, and HIV/AIDS (grantwriting) fields before venturing into her current status of full-time author. And like her favorite characters, when you close her books, Becky will be just be a fond memory.

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D.V. Berkom’s “Serial Date” (G!veaway)

Make a date with the latest exciting romantic thriller from D.V. Berkom!

Prepare to occupy the edge of your seats, ladies and gents! Today’s guest, D.V. Berkom, has a chilling suspense with her name on it, and one lucky reader will get to claim it. Want to know how? Hang out until the end of the interview for the details. For now, let’s kick things off … on a sailboat? Almost! (Trust me … this is a good story. Keep reading!)

Hi, DV, and welcome! I like to stalk bios, and I was a little giddy when I saw you used to live on a sailboat. We have a cabin cruiser with living quarters so the idea isn’t foreign to me, but I’ve never been inside a sailboat. I have observed, however, they seem to tilt easily, LOL. What prompted your move to the water, and what was it like to live there?

Hi Sarah! It’s great to be here. Yep, sailboats tilt—a LOT. LOL you really have to trust the captain when you’re under way! I learned early on to respect the ocean –it has so much power and can destroy you or your boat in an instant. Pretty awesome, really J

After graduating college, I was invited to live aboard a 44-foot ketch in Mexico by some good friends. In return, I learned to crew and did beer and grocery runs in the dinghy. It was a dream come true in many respects, and I met so many interesting people while there. Living on the water draws a particular type of person (usually quite unconventional) and I found I got along well with most everyone I met. Not to mention the weather and food was fabulous! I’d do it again in a heartbeat—though I’d probably go with a cabin cruiser this time. Sailboats are fairly confining to live on, although the experience can’t be beat when you’re under sail J

That sounds *amazing* … although the tipping still scares me. I watched a couple of people climb off one at the marina and the darn thing laid over sideways. (My husband would surely throw me overboard *on purpose* with all the screeching I’d end up doing, LOL.) Changing the tide a bit (*grin*), does your degree in political science ever directly influence your writing or your stories?

Interesting question. I suppose it does, directly and indirectly. When I was in college I was intensely interested in the political process (not just in the US) and how people came to power, what they did with that power, etc. What I learned contributed to my current cynicism about politics, which inevitably informs my writing. One of the characters in Serial Date is a man named Senator ‘Buzz’ Runyon. I had a lot of fun writing his scenes. Apparently, I’m not that fond of politicians. J

LMAO! Okay, I’m hooked. And on that note, since we’re here to talk about SERIAL DATE, can you introduce our readers to the story?

Sure! Serial Date is an entirely new take on reality TV, where beautiful young women are set-up with ex-cons pretending to be ‘serial killers’. But what happens when a bonafide serial killer gets thrown into the mix? Cue Leine Basso, an ex assassin brought in to provide some no-nonsense extra security.  Unfortunately for her this serial killer is looking to play a deadly game…

Oooh, I love it! What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of SERIAL DATE?

A twisted dream woke me up in the middle of the night and spawned the idea for the book. It wouldn’t let me go until I wrote the darned thing. I love it when that happens J

I love a story demanding to be written. (They must not love me so much. I need more of those moments, LOL.) Let’s have some fun with SERIAL DATE. What’s the first sentence?

Peter Bronkowski peeled himself away from the prop closet.

Makes me wonder what might have been in there, LOL! What’s your favorite line in the book?

Years in the profession left its mark. Not everybody noticed. Just the ones who bought the ticket and took the ride.

That’s fantastic! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

She didn’t see it coming. The sharp wire snaked around her throat, taking her by surprise. He must have moved while her attention was on the cat.

Wow. This is totally my kind of story – I love the suspense. Which scene of SERIAL DATE was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The first time I had to write from Azazel’s point of view turned out to be the most difficult. I hadn’t really thought about putting myself in the mind of a serial killer and the research freaked me out. I avoided that puppy like I avoid housework.

Ouch … good point. Those aren’t the best characters for author bonding, LOL! Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

Dinner with Santiago at Il Buon Alimento. Definitely in Leine’s POV (with apologies to my sweetheart, Mark J)

Sounds like it must be *some* dinner! LOL. What inspired the title of SERIAL DATE?

As I was writing the book, the working title was completely different than SERIAL DATE. A good writer friend and I were having dinner one night, talking about book covers and marketing and she suggested using the name of the reality show instead of what I’d been using. It made sense and I had to laugh because it was right under my nose!

LOL. Don’t you love that? *Grin* What are you currently working on? 

Currently, I’m writing another novel with Leine Basso and Santiago Jensen of SERIAL DATE. It’s so new, I don’t even have a working title yet. It was such a great feeling to write their characters again. I really missed them! With any luck, it should be available sometime in late fall. I also have plans to write another novel in the best-selling Kate Jones thriller series, and have that available in time for the holidays.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Sarah!

Thank *you!* I think you’re going to stay busy (and successful!) and I’m so glad you had a moment to join us here today. Before we scoop the giveaway, let’s check out the blurb and a short excerpt from your book.

SERIAL DATE | blurb & links

A retired assassin. A serial killer with a social agenda.

A politician with a fondness for free-range livestock.

Determined to leave her old life behind, retired assassin Leine Basso accepts a job working security at one of television’s most popular reality shows, Serial Date. When a contestant is found dead in the prop closet, it appears the killer is one of the ‘bachelors’ on the show- an ex-con billed as a serial killer- but the detective in charge of the case isn’t so sure.

When Leine’s estranged daughter is abducted by a man claiming to be the real killer, she’s forced to rely on old skills to find her, and must come to terms with who she really is. She soon realizes the murderer may be a grisly remnant from her past and she’ll need to use all of her cunning to stop him, and rescue her daughter.

More Info & Buy @ Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

D.V. BERKOM | about the author

DV Berkom grew up in the Midwest, received her BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, and promptly moved to Mexico to live on a sailboat.

Several years and at least a dozen moves later, she now lives outside of Seattle, Washington with her sweetheart Mark, an ex-chef-turned-contractor, and writes whenever she gets a chance. You’re welcome to email her at dvb (at) dvberkom (dot) com or chat with her on Facebook or Twitter- she loves to hear from readers as well as other writers.

Website | Smashwords Author Page | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Shelfari

SERIAL DATE | excerpt

He didn’t have long to wait. Her green sedan pulled to the curb fifteen minutes later. He watched as she opened the door and climbed out, then shut and locked the car behind her. When she reached the walkway leading to the front door of the house, Jensen got out of his car and crossed the street.

“Leine.”

She stopped but didn’t turn.

“You need to go.” Her voice rippled through the still evening air.

He covered the distance between them and placed his hand on her arm. She turned and he could see by the light of the street lamp she’d been crying. Surprised, he let go.

She turned and walked the rest of the way to her door, fumbling in her purse. Jensen followed slowly, not wanting to spook her.

“Listen, Leine. If there’s something wrong, I can help. Just tell me.” All of his senses were heightened, being so close to her. He could feel her body heat and smell her hair, her perfume. Something by Chanel, she’d told him the other morning.

“No. You have to leave. Don’t ask me to explain.” She found her key and slid it into the lock, but didn’t open the door.

Jensen edged closer and placed his hand on the small of her back. She didn’t move. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent and encircled her waist with his other hand, bringing her closer to him. The feel of her body against his left him unhinged and he bent his head to devour her neck, acting like a man who’d found water after days without. Her breath caught; she offered no resistance.

Her body began to relax into him and a soft moan escaped her. He continued to nuzzle her earlobe and neck, his heartbeat matching his excitement. All sense of time and space vanished. Nothing mattered except Leine.

Without warning she stiffened and pushed him away. Confused, he drew back.

“I can’t see you anymore,” she said, as she unlocked the door. Before he could protest, she slipped inside and closed it, sliding the deadbolt into place.

**Giveaway**

If you’d like to win a free e-copy of SERIAL DATE (to be awarded via a Smashwords code), simply comment with your email address and you’ll be entered in the random drawing. And for fun (not required), answer this question: which reality show are you most like to be on, and why? (Use a real one or make one up – have fun with it!) D.V., thanks again for hanging out here today. Readers, thank you for spending some time with us. Say hello before you leave, and have a wonderful day!

W. Lynn Chantale’s “Decadent Seconds” (Gift Card G!veaway)

For a taste of DECADENT SECONDS, click image above.

W. Lynn Chantale is back and she brought with her an utterly delicious new release. She also brought a great giveaway, so if you’d like some author swag and a $5 gift card for Amazon, stay glued to your seat. This is exactly where you need to be!

Welcome back, and congratulations on the release of DECADENT SECONDS! Can you introduce readers to the story?

Well Decadent Seconds is about two equally strong people who have a hard time coming to terms with their differences. And since I don’t do baby mama drama, seen too much of that in the real world, I wanted a couple who had some sense and put the welfare of their child before themselves.

That’s a great consideration, and I love they have a child. It’s not a plot point I see often. What drew you to the catering aspect of the plot? Do you have experience in the food industry?

I love food and the way it brings people together or can alter a mood. At one time I wanted to be a pastry chef. The closest I came to that dream was being a caterer and a cake decorator. For a while I worked as a line cook at Rainforest Cafe and a tortilla cook at Don Pablos.

Oh, cool! I decorate cakes myself, and I’m totally going to get with you later on the tortillas. (I dig food, lol.) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of DECADENT SECONDS?

The conversation and observation between the nurses in the recovery area regarding one not having text messaging on her phone actually occurred.

Wow, that’s a great behind the scenes tidbit! Let’s have some fun with the book. What’s the first sentence?

Drunken laughter floated just above the thrumming bass line of Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Way, competing with the steady buzz of conversation.

I *love* the idea of the laughter floating above the bass. What’s your favorite line in the story?

Oh to be one of those wings, to have his lips sliding against her skin, the tiny nibbles…she bit back a sigh.

I think I just did, too, LOL. How about an excerpt … three sentences long!

He shifted his gaze farther upwards and sighed, just the way she stood or maybe because her curve-hugging dress was so short. Either way he had an unobstructed view beneath her dress.

How he loved her dark, hidden place.

Wow, this is one sexy book! *grin* Which scene of DECADENT SECONDS was most difficult for you to write? Why?

The ending was the most difficult. I had a hard time getting just the right note of finality to the scene.

Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

That’s hard, because a lot of the scenes I have experienced on some level. I’d like to experience the scene from Darryl’s POV, maybe the sense of helpless he felt when Darling walked out.

A powerful moment, indeed. What inspired the title of DECADENT SECONDS?

I wanted a book that included the title or partial title of my blog.

First time I’ve heard that, LOL! And you sure ended up with a great title. *grin* What are you currently working on?

I have a couple of erotic romances I’m working on both had suspense elements in them. The Pick-Up Wife is my most recent release and will be in a print anthology in a couple months. Also I just signed a contract with Evernight for Lust & Bound and two inspirationals which will be out later this year.

Wow, congratulations! I hope those all do well for you. ;c) Let’s take a closer look at your featured title.

DECADENT SECONDS | blurb & links

As a caterer, Darling gets to witness some of life’s happiest moments, but yearns for a marriage proposal of her own. After years of waiting on her beloved to pop the question, she gives up on ever having a happy ending of her own and severs the relationship. When she learns she’s pregnant, she has no choice but to face her child’s father on a daily basis as well as the love and attraction she has for him.

Darryl Manning always believed Darling would be his forever. After all he didn’t need a piece of paper to show her how much he loved her, but when she leaves him to pursue her dream of owning a catering company and raising his son, he may have to rethink his views on marriage. That is if he wants a second chance at family.

MORE INFO & BUY @ Whispers |Amazon |Barnes & Noble |ARe

W. LYNN CHANTALE | bio and links

W. Lynn Chantale resides in southeastern Michigan. Married to her high school sweetheart, they’ve been together for the last twenty years, and have three children. She has a mad affinity for milk chocolate, preferably Dove chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled squares (Godiva is acceptable), and plays the bass guitar when the Muse begs for a bit of distraction.

She’s also a member of Romance Writers of America as well Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America, Passionate Ink and Kiss of Death groups. She has one release, Seducing His Wife and a short story, Decadent Seconds under contract with Whispers Publishing. Also look for Breaking Delia’s Rules, from Breathless Press.

LEARN MORE @ WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

**GIVEAWAY**

Want more of W. Lynn Chantale? Of course you do! If you’d like a chance to win author swag and a $5 Amazon gift card, leave a comment with your email address. And just for fun (not required), dish on your favorite food. Is there anything you simply can’t resist? (I’m totally thinking about Mexican after mention of tortillas, LOL.)

I’d like to thank you all for visiting. I’m so glad to have W. Lynn here again, and I’m thrilled you are here to see what she has to offer. I hope you’ll take a moment to say hello, and have a fantastic day, everyone!