Chicki Brown's Blog, page 15

Sample Sunday

My last sample from I Want You Back was what happened in the bridal salon at Cherilyn and Derrick's wedding. Today's unedited sample follows Nick after he left...

* * * * * * *
She was right, not since they had first met would he consider what they did as dating. The first few times, he’d taken her out to dinner and a movie or they visited one of the popular clubs in Buckhead. What they had was a relationship, one that was more like a marriage than he cared to admit.

His phone rang, and his father’s cell number appeared on the digital dash display.  It was pointless to ignore it, because Victor Stafford Sr. was like a dog with a bone. He groaned and hit the button to answer.
“Hey, Daddy. Can I call you back? I’m driving right now.”
“Don’t BS me, boy. Your car has Bluetooth. I bought it, remember?”
Nick sighed. “Right. What’s up?”
“Where are you right now?”
“On I-20 on my way home.”
“Your mother and I want you to swing by here first.”
“Is it important? I have to get up early tomorrow.”
“What do you mean, is it important?” His voice rose. “We’ll be waiting for you.” The line went dead, and Nick beat his fist on the steering wheel. He’d expected this, but not so soon. The best way to handle it was to just get it over with, so he took the next exit for I-285 and headed for Cascade Road.
And so it begins. I’m being called on the carpet.
His mother and father were sitting in the family room when he arrived at the house and let himself in. “Have a seat, son,” his father said, looking perturbed. “I guess it’s pointless to ask if it’s true, since your mother has already received two phone calls from friends who were at the wedding.
“This is my business, Daddy. It’s between Cher and me. I may be your youngest, but I’m not a damn kid. Why are you calling me on the carpet like I’m sixteen?”
“Nicholas, don’t ever speak to your father like that!” his mother interrupted before his father had a chance to explode. “You and Cherilyn haven’t been together for almost a year. Why would you break up her wedding?”
“Because he doesn’t have a bit of sense,” the elder man sputtered.
“Victor, let him answer.” She turned back to Nick and waited for a response with a shadow of disappointment in her eyes.
“I didn’t break up the wedding. I just went to speak to her before the ceremony.”
“Couldn’t you have come up with a better way? Showing up at the wedding was so crass. We raised you better than that.”  
“Nobody saw me except Cher, her mother and one of the bridesmaids. I’m sorry I’ve embarrassed you, but I never stopped loving Cher. She wouldn’t respond to any effort I made to get in touch with her. I had to get her to see what a big mistake she was making. What else could I do, Mama?”
“You could’ve told me. Cherilyn and I had such a good relationship; I could have talked to her and told her how you were feeling. Why are you so convinced it would’ve been a mistake?”
“She called off the wedding, didn’t she? If she loved him, she would’ve gone through with the wedding as soon as I left.”
They responded with raised eyebrows. “But this doesn’t make sense. You told us that you two broke up because she felt you were getting too serious.”
Nick hung his head and mumbled, “I lied.”
“What?” His father’s voice rose again. “Why?”
“Because I knew you and Mama would think I was a fool for breaking up with her. Cher wanted to get married, and with doing my residency, studying for step three of the boards and…”
“The idea scared you.”
“Yes, ma’am. It scared me to death. I tried to explain that to Cher, but she wasn’t hearing it.”
She leaned in, folded her hands and pinned him with her gaze. “I think there was more to it, Nicholas.”
He chewed on his bottom lip. “There was. She felt that I’d started to take advantage of her.”
“Did you?”
“Mama, it didn’t feel like that to me. I loved being at her apartment and having her cook for me. I’d do my laundry there, because it was just more convenient, since she has her own washer and dryer. The ones in my building work when they feel like it and…” Her questioning gaze stopped him. “Yeah, I did.”
His father was strangely silent as he listened to the discourse between mother and son.
“Now that she’s broken her engagement for you, it’s time for you to step up, as you boys always say.”
Nick snickered. “She told me our relationship has new rules now, and I have to date her like I was supposed to.”
“Good for her. I realize you’re from a different generation, and you have different ideas about things, Nicholas, but we taught you to respect women.”
His father finally spoke. “Cherilyn is a great girl, and it’s clear that she loves you. If you love her, marry her, son. Don’t make her regret what she did to Derrick today.”
“Daddy, you know I don’t have the money for a wedding now.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want a big wedding. Maybe she just wants to be married to you. You need to find out.”
“Since when has one of my brothers gotten married without you giving them a reception that rivaled Barack’s inaugural ball?”
“Greg and Rhani did,” his mother answered.
“And it took you months to get over it.”
“I don’t deny that, but we gave them a fabulous party a few weeks later, and we’d do the same for you and Cherilyn. Isn’t that right, Victor?” She sent him a piercing glance.
“That’s right,” his father answered without hesitation. He knew he’d be in the doghouse for months if he denied Lillian Stafford an opportunity to plan a celebration.
“You’d do that after I’ve caused a scandal?”
She covered his hand with hers. “Don’t be silly. You’re our son, and after Marc married and divorced a Las Vegas showgirl, Charles got himself kidnapped and Greg got arrested for indecent exposure, nothing you boys do can embarrass me anymore.”
* * * * * *
COMING SOON TO KINDLE AND NOOK!

Writing love scenes…

This is Chicki. Chicki loves reading and writing romance. Chicki hates writing love scenes…


For the past three days, I’ve been working on the first love scene in I Want You Back, Book 5 in my Stafford Brothers series. Nick and Cherilyn have been apart for nearly a year. They have recently reunited and Cherilyn has issued an ultimatum – no sex until the honeymoon. Without giving any spoilers, I’ll just say that things are tense between them, so when I finally started writing this scene, it was really difficult. In fact, I think I'm writing this right now to avoid finishing it. To use a well-worn cliche, for me it's like...

                                                     I find it hard to write love scenes that flow to begin with, and usually I have to run them by some of my sisterscribes to see if they sound too clinical, too raunchy, too boring, too rushed, etc, etc., etc.

In the past, I've done all the things that are supposed to help, i.e., using memories, lighting candles and playing sexy music, watching porn (one of the worst ideas ever), and I don't have time for that nonsense. The book is already late...
I think part of my problem is because I’ve read to many fabulous love scenes written by my favorite authors, that I go in feeling defeated (no pun intended). Not a good look for a writer.


Well, yesterday, I finished Cher’s part of the scene in her point of view and sent the chapter to my beta reader. Thankfully, she had no negative comments! The next chapter continues the love scene in Nick’s point of view. That’s what I’m doing today. And tomorrow. And…

What do you romance writers out there do when you write love scenes. Keep it clean, folks. LOL!

Goals and plans...

One of my goals for 2016 as far as my work goes includes blogging more. In the past I've always had this feeling that I needed to have something deep or profound to say, and if I didn't I wouldn't blog.


This year I want to share more about my daily author routine and plans for the future. That being said, right now I'm stuck in the "sagging middle" of I Want You Back. In fact, since most of my books run 90-100,000 words, at 48,000 words it's exactly the middle. If you're a consistent reader of this blog, you know that I go through this kind of aggravation with each book I write. This is what I feel like at the moment...


This is the point where I normally get in touch with my author buddies to do a little brainstorming, and they always help me out of the slump. I Want You Back is a romance with a twist, and I love Nick and Cherilyn. I just need to figure out what direction the story should take from here.


The last book in the Stafford Brothers series will be Jesse's story. He is the boldest and most politically active of the brothers, and his book will be a bit different, because he's already married. From what I know so far, he and his wife will find themselves in serious trouble due to his community activism. 

Another goal for this year was to host an author event, so I was excited when author Chelle Ramsey, who is also lives in the Atlanta area, contacted me and asked if I was interested in putting together an event that will feature a couple of dozen local authors. We want it to be a relaxed event where readers can meet and chat with authors as well as purchase their books. Chelle and I are working on finding a location and choosing a date, and then we'll be announcing it everywhere!

(Okay, it won't be this big, but you get the idea.) 
Stay tuned...

New Release Spotlight

Today I am so happy to have my friend, Chelle Ramsey here to tell us about the new release in her BEJEWELED series.  Chelle and I were members of the same local writers group and have remained friends ever since.

She is an original Georgia Peach, Chelle Ramsey is a fiction author, writing stories to encourage, empower, entertain and strengthen readers. Many of her stories are based in her birthplace of Atlanta or her husband’s hometown of Cincinnati, where readers can relate to local hot spots and events. She wants her readers (women and men) to become empowered to rise above adversity, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.
Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her property management role by day, while she writes her fiction novels by night. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she loves listening to music, and becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, and Nora Roberts. She especially relishes trying to solve the engaging mysteries of James Patterson and Stuart Woods, while eating a bowl of her favorite butter pecan ice cream. Chelle resides in a rural community of Atlanta, GA and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games with her husband.

A short blurb on BEJEWELED: A BEAUTIFUL BLEND
Olivia believes she can have it all.  A successful business and a loving husband. But his ex-wife is not ready to walk away, and continues to threaten any chance he and Olivia might have at happiness. When Olivia discovers she’s being stalked, secrets her mother took to the grave come creeping out. The baby Nikki and Carlos have been planning is finally on the way. One problem…the paternity is at question, and Carlos is in the dark. To protect her secrets, Nikki’s ready to sever ties to both men that hold the key to her heart. But one half of her heart won’t let go, and the other half is willing to fight until the end. The birth of her child may lead to the death of her marriage. One test has the power to determine the truth. One test will change their lives forever. Deception will bring separation, and destiny will mend two broken hearts. And in the end, everyone must work together to create a beautiful blend.
Here's an excerpt:Nikki woke with a throbbing pain in her head and neck. Looking around she noticed she was hooked up to an IV and oxygen. Her eyeYou can puchase the book (and the others in the series) here:AMAZON: C. Michelle Ramsey Amazon or Chelle Ramsey AmazonPAPERBACKS: (HOBJ1) https://www.createspace.com/4706061(HOBJII) https://www.createspace.com/5546573; and (HOBJ111)
And if you'd like to contact Chelle, you can find her at any of these links:BLOG:  www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blogWEBSITE: www.chelleramsey.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChelleRamsey?ref=hlFACEBOOK_NOVEL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-of-BeJeweled-Novels/385049478363422?ref=hlTWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChellesBooksEMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/chelleramseybooks/GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscom_Chelle

New Year's Gratitude

f you visit this blog regularly, I’m sure you’ve noticed that I don’t post on a regular schedule. I’m always so busy trying to finish my current book, post on social media, complete online interviews and other tasks that I often forget about my lonely little blog. It’s hard for me to come up with topics I think will interest readers. After all, I’m a fiction writer. One of the things I’ve tried to do in 2015 was to feature other author who had new releases, and I will continue to do so in 2016. 

Today, as we close out the year, I want to share the great news I woke up to this morning… DON’T STOP TILL YOU GET ENOUGH, Book Three in the Stafford Brothers series, was chosen by one of the USAToday columnists as a “must-read romance of 2015!” I am in the illustrious company of some of my favorite authors, including Dame Beverly Jenkins, and to say I’m humbled and grateful is an understatement. You can read it here: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20... 

First and foremost, I have to thank all of my readers. Without your support, I couldn’t call myself an author. The thought that you put out your hard-earned money for my books still amazes me. You are incredible! Also, I want to thank the Facebook groups/bookclubs, and friends, my Twitter tweeps, my Google+ family and every book blogger who has featured or promoted my work. 

To my author buddies, you ladies (and a few gentlemen), keep me going when I’ve been discouraged. You also make me laugh and remind me of what’s important in this author life. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and an upcoming year full of great things for all of us! 

Getting ready for Christmas...

Getting ready for Christmas like...

Posted by Superfruit on Thursday, December 3, 2015

New Release Showcase!

Today I am honored to be able to share the new release from author Tia Kelly. She is the author of contemporary and women's fiction, and is known for her candid way of capturing life's moments, one character at a time.
To connect with Tia, please visit:
Website|Facebook|Goodreads|Twitter| Instagram| Mailing List
Tia is sharing from LOVE IS , and offering my readers a chance to win a signed copy of the book and a $25 Visa gift card.
It took a once-in-a-lifetime bond to teach her what love is, and a once-in-a-lifetime betrayal to show her what love is not... Love Is. A different kind of love story.
Diane Collins had big plans for her life, and hoops star Warren Scott was not among them. He doesn't want to be the face of the NBA, and she doesn't care that he is. His reluctance to be part of the limelight disarms her and the two embark on an unlikely friendship that becomes an even unlikelier romance.
Soon, his life is her life - filled with VIP treatment, parties and luxuries beyond Diane's wildest imagination. But Warren is harboring a secret, and once it's revealed Diane's decision to stay or go could change the very fabric of who she thought she was.
Excerpt from Love Is:
“Good afternoon, Mr. Scott. Good day, Miss Collins,” the man said as she exited the elevator, and once her bags were removed, she watched Warren slip money into the man’s hand. They both nodded before the doors closed.
“I’ve never been greeted like that before when visiting friends. You know how to leave quite an impression,” Diane said once they were alone. Seeing him unnerved her, and the tension that had mounted between them since the day she left Jamaica faded.
Before she could get a good look at the surroundings, Warren opened his arms and she walked into them. Relieved. Sighing silently as she snuggled into his warm, comforting embrace.
“Thanks for coming,” he murmured.
She lifted her head and caught the worry in his eyes.
He kissed the top of her head and reached for her bag. “How was your flight?”
“A little bumpy. Glad I’m back on the ground now.”
“Says the woman that once couldn’t sit still during a storm in the sky.”
She laughed, keeping her eyes trained on how he moved in his bare feet with athletic grace across the hardwood floors.
“You know I’ll never want to fly coach ever again now. I better get this job just to support the travel upgrades. Limos to and from airports. First-class flights. Exclusive resorts and staying in this building the rest of the week…”
“Should I book you a room at a motel near the airport instead?” he asked, setting her bag down in the middle of his living room.
She paused, taking in her surroundings. Furniture was sparse, but the space didn’t feel bare, just minimalist in a sophisticated way. Creams, beiges and grays against natural white oak floors and dramatic high ceilings made her feel at peace. She recognized the Boston Harbor just outside his penthouse windows. Walking toward the view of the water, she pressed her hands on the side of the steel frames encasing the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking it all in. “This is simply amazing.”
“Ever been to Boston before?”
Diane looked back at him and shook her head. “Never had a reason to visit, but always wanted to check it out. The accent alone always fascinated me.”
“Anyone comment on your Texas drawl?”
“A few,” she said with a smile.
“I made reservations for…” He trailed off when she turned around.
She’d only meant to give him her undivided attention because they still had a few issues to resolve between them, but the heat in his eyes made her breath catch. He took three long steps toward her before pressing her back against the glass, kissing her until they both forgot what they were talking about. Until Diane forgot why she’d wanted to keep herself emotionally distant from him in the first place.
Copyright © 20Available NowAmazon| Barnes & Noble| Google |Kobo


#LOVE IS GIVEAWAY
Tia Kelly is giving away a signed copy of Love Is and a $25 Visa gift card to one lucky winner!
To enter, all you have to do is share what you believe love is. Just visit Rafflecopter for details. Contest ends December 31, 2015. Good luck! Winner will be notified on or around January 1, 2016 via email. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner selected at random.

Sample Sunday

Sharing another unedited excerpt from I  WANT YOU BACK , Nick Stafford's story, Book Five in the Stafford Brothers series.                                                             
Cherilyn broke down as soon as she closed the door. Her bridesmaids rushed to her aid, helped her sit on one of the white ottomans in the middle of the salon. One of them fanned her with a paper plate from the table with the appetizers that had been provided for the bridal party. Her maid of honor poured her a glass of cold water and pushed it into her hand.

Her mother paced around the room ranting about Nick being an ignorant barbarian, and then she asked, “How could he intrude on your special day like that? What is in the box?” She reached for the gift, but Cherilyn snatched it away and clutched it to her breast.

“It’s personal, Mommy,” she sobbed, her professionally-applied makeup beginning to run down her cheeks. Another one of her attendants dabbed her face with a tissue.
“Girl, what is wrong with you? You are getting ready to marry a wonderful man, and you’re letting that…that boy get you all upset. Nick Stafford is your past. Don’t let him ruin your future!”
“Your mother is right,” another one of the bridesmaids agreed, tipping the water glass up to Cherilyn’s lips. “Forget about him. If he’d wanted you, he would’ve married you when he had the chance.”
“That’s the problem,” she blubbered. “I didn’t want to admit it to anyone, but I still love Nick, and he’s realized he still loves me.”
Her mother stopped pacing and stood in front of her daughter with a red-faced scowl. “How can you be sure that’s why he came? Maybe he just resents being beaten out by a better man.”
“Stop!” Cherilyn waved them all away. “I need time to think.”
“Baby, you don’t have time. Derrick is waiting for you at the altar.” Mrs. Vernon pressed a hand to her forehead and grimaced as if she were in pain. “You can’t do this to him.”
“Would you rather I married him knowing I’m still in love with Nick? That would be starting our marriage out with a lie.”
The bridesmaids all stared at each other as though they were at a loss for anything to say.Shamika, her maid of honor, took her hand. “What do you want us to do, Cher?”
“Go get Derrick, please, and everyone leave us alone for a few minutes. I have to tell him this face to face.”
“Tell him what?” her mother asked, looking at her as though she already knew the answer.

She clenched her jaw to kill the sob in her throat. “That I can’t marry him.”
“Oh, Cherilyn,” her mother moaned. “Don’t you know how that will hurt him?”
“It would hurt him more to know I married him but was still in love with Nick.” She dropped her head into her hands and covered her face. “Somebody go get him, please.”
“I’ll do it,” Mika said, standing and smoothing her gown. Ladies, let’s go downstairs to the ballroom, so they can have some privacy.” She stuffed a wad of tissues into Cherilyn’s hand and kissed her cheek. “I’ll stay in the hall in case you need me.”
Girding herself with resolve, Cherilyn imposed an iron control on herself while she waited for Derrick to come upstairs from one of the wine cellar rooms he and the groomsmen had on the lower level. How was she going to say this? 
Several minutes later, Derrick stood in the doorway looking suave and handsome, yet his face was clouded with uneasiness. “What’s going on, Cherilyn?”
She slid the box Nick had given her underneath the ottoman and stared wordlessly at him, her heart pounding and lower lip trembling as she returned his gaze. “I…I can’t…”
“You can’t what?”
“I can’t go through with the wedding.” Her voice was fragile and shaking. So were her hands as she dragged them over her face smearing her makeup.
Derrick moved closer and knelt in front of her. “Oh, sweetheart, it’s just cold feet.” He took her hands, held them between his and gazed into her eyes. “Let me get you a glass of wine. That’ll help calm you down.”
Cherilyn grabbed his hand as he went to stand. “I’m still in love with Nick.”
The tension between them increased with frightening intensity, “And you didn’t know that yesterday or last week or last month?” His voice was absolutely emotionless and it chilled her. “How could you?” He pulled the door open with such intensity it slammed against the wall and he stormed down the hall.
Mika ran in and pulled Cherilyn into her arms. “What happened?”
“When I told him I wanted to call the wedding off, he thought I just had cold feet.” She sniffed and blew her nose into a tissue. “But then I told him how I felt about Nick. Oh, God, Mika, the way he looked at me was so awful! Did I make a horrible mistake?”
“Not if you love Nick,” Mika said with a hint of a smile. “Let me help you out of this dress. Do you want to put on what you wore here?”
“Yes, and could you take me home, please?”
“Sure, honey, but you’re still pretty shaky. Maybe you should sit for a few until you calm down. Stand up for a sec.” She started unbuttoning the first about twenty buttons at the back of the gown but stopped when Cherilyn’s parents entered the room. “I’ll go get you a drink,” she whispered in her ear.
COMING LATE WINTER 2016
Two previous excerpts are posted below on Dec. 13 and Nov. 29.
The Stafford Brothers series is available on Kindle - http://amzn.to/1GeCtE4 Nook - http://bit.ly/1MMUrju Paperback - www.createspace.com UK series link -http://amzn.to/1L17mXT

In case you haven't seen it, here's the video trailer for the series: 
                                    

Cover Reveal!

I just wanted to share the cover for I WANT YOU BACK , Nick Stafford's story created by Cover Me Book Covers. Love it!

Here's an unedited excerpt:
Chapter One

Nick Stafford’s hands trembled as he straightened his tie. He needed to be at The Estate, a well-known Atlanta wedding venue, early before all the guests arrived. His gift for the bride had to be delivered in person. It was a gift with special meaning to her, and he’d spent hours coming up with the two lines he’d written in the card. He wanted to put it into her hand himself, even though he knew he wasn’t supposed to speak to the bride.

Rather than have someone else drive him, he took his own car. The peace and quiet of being alone was necessary for his sanity before the ceremony began. His stomach clenched with anticipation and anxiety, yet he couldn’t wait to get there.
Only a handful of cars were already in the parking lot of the Buckhead venue known for its beautiful weddings when he arrived. Nick parked and entered the eighteenth-century antebellum mansion through the beveled glass double doors and absentmindedly gazed at the artwork lining the walls as he passed through one of the front salons.
“Are you here for the wedding?” a tuxedo-clad man asked when he saw Nick stop and gaze into the ballroom decorated in white and peach, Cherilyn’s favorite color.
“I’m here to deliver a special gift to the bride. Can you tell me what room she’s in, please?”
“Sure. The ladies are in the bridal suite upstairs on the right. You’ll hear them cackling.” He laughed and went on his way.
“Thanks, man.” Nick proceeded up the steps, turned to his right and stopped outside a closed door where he could hear the sound of women’s voices. He swallowed hard and knocked. A woman he didn’t recognize partially opened the door and peeked out.
“May I help you?”
“Yes, I’m here to deliver a gift to Cherilyn Vernon.” He struggled to keep his voice from shaking.
“I’ll take it,” she said with outstretched hands.
“Sorry, I have to give it directly to the bride. You understand, right?”
“I guess.” She turned her back to him. “Cherilyn, there’s a man here who says he has a gift he can only deliver to you.”
“Ooh, really?” The bride’s voice rose in expectation. “Tell him I’ll be right there.”
“She’s coming. I’d ask you in, but there are ladies getting dressed in here.”
Nick held his breath and waited. A few seconds later, a rustling sound preceded the door opening wider. He lost his breath when Cherilyn appeared looking like a vision in a strapless gown with sparkling jewels adorning her ample cleavage. When she saw him, she merely stared, tongue-tied.
“Cher, I know this is inappropriate, but I had to come and bring this to you.” She stared down at the box he held out to her. “Please open it.”
She still hadn’t spoken, but she took the gift from his hand and removed the top. A soft gasp escaped her as she stared down at the elegant white gold pendant of the Eiffel Tower that captured the tower’s distinctive beauty. Round diamonds brought the brilliance of the tower's lights to life. He’d taken three-hundred dollars from his already anemic bank account to buy the necklace.
Tears immediately sprung to her eyes. She stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind her.  “What does this mean, Nick?”
“It means you’re getting ready to make the biggest mistake of your life.” His eyes drank in the sensuality of her full-figure in the form-fitting strapless gown. “It means I still love you, and I don’t believe you love Derrick. He was just your rebound man. If you don’t marry him today, I promise you we’ll go to Paris, and I’ll marry you beneath the Eiffel Tower just the way you’ve always dreamed. Please don’t do this, Cher.”
The door suddenly opened, and Cherilyn’s mother stared at him open-mouthed. “How dare you come here, Nick! Leave now, or I’ll have security escort you off the property.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Vernon, but I had to speak to her before she did this.”
Her nostrils flared. “How dare you!” she repeated with mounting rage. “I’m going to find security.”
Cherilyn held up her hand. “No, Mommy. Please close the door. I need to talk to him for a minute. Her mother glowered at her and turned away muttering under her breath as Cherilyn closed the door again.
“You wouldn’t return my phone calls, Cher. What other choice did I have? I’ve called you every day for the first two months, and you wouldn’t return my calls, so eventually I gave up.”
She blinked as though she were bewildered. “Why are you doing this? It’s been almost a year.”
“Because I can’t let you marry him. I messed up. I know that, baby.” His heart thundered in his chest. “I panicked at the thought of added responsibilities on top of medical school, but I was wrong. If you can look me in my eyes and tell me you don’t love me anymore, I’ll leave.” He knew the answer by the way she averted her gaze from his face.
“I can’t do that to Derrick. He’s a good man.”
“Look at me, Cher. I’m sure he is, but if you still love me, you’re doing an awful thing to Derrick by marrying him. Your marriage would be a lie.”
A tear cascaded over her cheek. “Please go away, Nick.” She shoved the box into his chest. “I can’t. We have two-hundred guests waiting upstairs. I can’t! You need to go, please.” 

He pressed the box into her hand once again. “Wear it until I can replace it with a ring.” 

She swallowed a loud sob then shut the door in his face.
Coming late Winter 2016...

New Release Spotlight

Today is Cyber Monday, and if you're online trolling from gifts for someone else or looking for books for yourself, here's a brand new one from my online buddy, Chantel Rhondeau. Title: Love's Ride (McCallister's Paradise - 4) Author: Chantel RhondeauRelease date: November 24, 2015Genre: Contemporary Romance/Family Saga Romance
Brad McCallister has always felt estranged from his family. He thought taking over as manager of their paradise resort would make him feel more connected but that hasn’t happened. To top it off, his siblings are finding life partners and settling down while Brad’s still single. If only he could stop obsessing over the island's psychologist, Chelsea Taylor.

Chelsea loves working at McCallister's Paradise. She enjoys the large family of employees and feels at home in the sand and sunshine. The only thing missing is the spice of adventure. She longs to explore the island and conquer her longstanding fears.

After Brad’s sister schemes to bring Brad and Chelsea together things go horribly wrong, but Brad refuses to give up without a fight. A two-week island adventure will not only help fulfill Chelsea’s lifelong dream of being a survivalist, it will give them a chance to get to know each other—away from his meddling family.

This couple gets more than they bargained for when survival takes on a new meaning in paradise.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1N0mO7Q
Nook: http://bit.ly/1RpPbR8 
Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1035524163 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RpPfk2 


~~Excerpt~~
She pouted slightly as she thought, her full red lips begging him to suck on them. “I felt like dinner went well the other day, but…” She paused and scarlet flared against her cheekbones.

“Dinner did go well,” he agreed. “I wasn’t sure you thought so, but I had a great time.”

“I was surprised when you left so fast.” Looking down at their hands, she avoided his eyes, seeming unsure and flustered. “I thought you’d want a goodnight kiss.”

She felt insecure because he hadn’t kissed her? Well, hot damn!

Brad chuckled and tugged her hands, pulling her close to his chest. She was enough shorter than him that when her hair swished around her face the silky strands rubbed against his chin, catching slightly in the evening stubble he hadn’t had time to shave.

Pressing his lips against her forehead, Brad released one of her hands to caress her cheek and slide his hand down her neck.

The passion he felt in being so close to her was echoed in the soft trembling of Chelsea’s body against his and the sweet, contented sigh she released.

Wrapping both arms around her, Brad held her close to his heart, enjoying having her so near after spending several days apart. If only work would slow down and he could see her more often. He knew it was too sudden to be sure that he wanted things to work out with Chelsea, but holding her felt right. Since the moment she arrived on the island, Brad hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her, wishing he could call her his lady. Now he might have a chance.

Chelsea’s arms circled him, and she rested her head on his shoulder. The soft puffs of breath coming from her mouth bathed his neck with their warmth, making him wish he were less of a gentleman.

“You smell delicious,” she whispered, sniffing deeply. Her lips brushed his collarbone, setting his heart rate racing. 
If he didn’t stop this soon, the problem twitching to life in his pants could make a family dinner awkward. Kissing her forehead once more, Brad gently gripped her shoulders and pushed her away.

About McCallister's Paradise: 


Fall in love with the strong men and smart women of McCallister's Paradise!
At their tropical island resort, the McCallister family works hard. Life in Paradise should be perfect. After all, the place is great for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately, the five McCallister siblings are still searching for their happily ever afters... and romance always seems just out of reach. 

But determined hearts won't be denied. And when love is on the line, a McCallister doesn't fall halfway!

Series:Happy Endings (Quinn)
Diving Into Love (Parker)
For Love or Charity (Sydney)
Love's Ride (Brad)
Cooking Up Love (Shane - coming soon)


Available at these vendors:Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QVSBwPNook: http://bit.ly/1Mr4VF9Apple: http://apple.co/1WgwPZ8 Kobo: http://bit.ly/1O5Z5td
~~About the Author~~
Bestselling Author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense, she never looked back. Chantel is author of six romantic suspense novels, three Christmas novellas, a sports-themed novella, and the McCallister’s Paradise contemporary romance/family saga series. She lives in the western United States and when she's not writing, she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.
Want to contact Chantel?Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com Mailing list: http://bit.ly/1qKSN0q (FREE copy of Season For Love for new sign ups!)Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChantelRhondeau Twitter: https://twitter.com/chantelrhondeau Google +: https://plus.google.com/107690373644293021555/posts Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/chantelrhondeau/ Join my Facebook Group: http://on.fb.me/1JlKFNC