Krista Ames's Blog, page 99
January 13, 2014
Author, author... The Outcast Highland by R.L. Syme
...read all about it !!!
Today we are pleased to share an interview with our feature author and the hero of her new release, The Outcast Highlander.
* * * * * * * *
The Softer Side of The Outcast Highlander
Hi, there. Rebecca here. I’m the author of The Outcast Highlander, the love story of Broccin Sinclair and Kensey MacLeod (a Scottish medieval romance). Broccin himself is the outcast Highlander—exiled from his family by an insane father.
He’s stopped by today to chat with us and has a few things he wants to say.
R: Hi, Broc. Long time, no see.
B: Well, hello, lass. It’s been awhile, aye.
R: I see you’ve come bearing gifts. (gestures to the plate in his hands)
B: Kensey made you some ginger cakes.
R: I’ll have to get that recipe and put it on my website. Yum. Thanks so much for joining us, Broc. I wonder, what have you been up to since… well, the end of your story?
B: Mostly the business of owning land and caring for people. Young Nualla is growing nicely.
R: Ah, yes. How is Duncan, after all?
B: He’s had his better days, poor lad. But I imagine he’ll be back to work soon. He’s had a bit of a shock, after all
R: Don’t want to give too much away, of course. But I think we have a few questions for you.
B: Ask away. I can’t guarantee answers, but I’ll do my best.
R: What was it that first attracted you to Kensey.
B: It was so long ago, lass. (laughs) But if you must know, she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.
R: Love at first sight, then?
B: A truer statement there never was. She had my heart before she even knew how to steal hearts. And she took a few others in her time, I hear.
R: So, I imagine that now, having been married for awhile, you’ve heard about Albert?
B: Her fiancée? Yes. (gruffly) Not an intelligent man, I’ll say, if he let her go.
R: Does she talk about him much?
B: Occasionally, yes. Her family, of course, is still embroiled with affairs in France. We ourselves plan to go there in due course, when her father recovers completely. Kensey would like to see her grandmother before she dies.
R: Do you imagine you’ll meet Albert?
B: Not if I can help it.
R: And speaking of former loves, how is Elizabeth doing?
B: (Crosses arms) Aye, you would bring her up, wouldn’t you? Vixen.
R: Are you referring to me, or to her?
B: Well, I try never to call a lady a name. And Elizabeth may be right, she may be well, she may be dead. I’ve heard neither hide nor hair of her since the last time I saw her.
R: You mean at Berwick?
B: Of course. I’ve not seen Andrew since, either. Nor heard from him.
R: Elizabeth seems to be the most talked-about character from the entire book besides you. How do you feel about that?
B: People need something to talk about.
R: (laughs) Quite the cynic you’ve become, Broc.
B: Nay, I’m anything but. Kensey helps me to see the good side of life. And we don’t speak of Elizabeth. Not ever. We likely won’t. It helps to keep the positive side of life illuminated when the light is always around.
R: Well, I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well.
B: And now, we should talk about this sequel… I’ve heard tell that I am making a cameo appearance?
R: You may indeed… how would you feel about that?
B: You’re planning to tell the story of Berwick.
R: Yes, and Aeden’s story, as well.
B: Ahhh. Aeden Donne. How is the poor fellow?
R: He’s had his better days, as well. But I don’t want to give away too much. Needless to say, he’s found someone to match his wit.
B: If such a thing can be done.
R: You’ll have to read the book to see.
And so will the rest of you! J Thanks so much for stopping by and meeting Broc. I hope that you enjoy The Outcast Highlander and the subsequent Highland Renegades books. You can enter to win the Paperwhite Kindle many times a day, so stop on by the rest of the tour if you’re interested!
Thanks for having me, Krista!
Rebecca, it was a pleasure having you and your highlander!
* * * * * * *
The Outcast Highlander(The Highland Renegades)byR.L. Syme
Scottish Historical Medieval Sweet Romance254 pages, self-published
He's lost his family, his title, and his honor, but he can't lose her...
Kensey MacLeod returns home after a failed marriage alliance in France to find her world in turmoil: her best friend married to an English sympathizer, her mother at death's door, and her father imprisoned and thought dead. As an English lord descends to claim her father's lands, Kensey escapes north with her mother and brother, and runs straight into the arms of the outcast Highlander.
Driven from home and family by a crazed father, Broccin Sinclair refuses to stand aside while the English invade his beloved Scotland. But who should he champion? The freedom fighter who saved his life, the family who has forgotten him, or the woman who captured his childhood heart?
Buy Links: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Outcast-Highlan... B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-o...
EXCERPT:“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, may I ask why your horse grazes yonder when there are men who chase you?” “Oh, stop, you impertinent fool.” Kensey shook his hand away and searched the area around her for something. “I was knocked off my horse.” “What are you looking for?” She sighed. “I would like to get up and resume my travels.” So she looked for something to pull herself up with, yet ignored his help. How like her. He must be beneath her notice. Or her care. “Let me help you.” He stood and offered both hands. She considered him for a moment and finally touched him again. He couldn’t deny a tiny thrill at having won the fight, or at having her hands in his. But her frustration continued. She furrowed her brow and released his hands. First one step, then another. But on the third step, she began to sway and Broc had to follow quickly to catch her. “You’re in no state to be walking.” He swept her into his arms, despite her protest, and stilled her grasping hands by hooking both of her wrists together in one grip. “Nor riding.” He deposited her atop his horse and jumped up before she could make any more fuss. The Ross men obviously hadn’t followed them, but they would have to proceed carefully from here, knowing they may come back upon them at any time. Broc urged his horse forward into a slow cantor, searching for the least dense path forward. In his lap, Kensey pulled on the dirty folds of her dress, dislodging bits of the forest floor that still clung to the delicate fabric. “What are you doing here?” she demanded. “Let’s get you out of here first, lass.” He glanced back into the thick canopy of stillness for a moment. “Ross’s men may be quick on our heels.” Sitting against him as she was now, she felt tiny and vulnerable. His cloak had opened as he’d climbed onto Gaidel’s back and she was now sitting in the midst of it, against his nearly bare chest. She seemed to suck up all the warmth in his body as she curled against him. Her eyelashes blinked furiously, as though she tried to keep herself awake when sleep called. He reached down and wrapped the warmth of the cloak around her. “You can sleep. It appears we’ve lost our pursuers and it will be slow progress back to the trail, if we even dare to follow it.” “I’m not tired.” She yawned and her weight pressed even more against him. She would no doubt be asleep soon. His body tensed against the desire that tried to consume him. This was his brother’s intended. He was merely delivering her back to him. Not enjoying having her in his arms. Not at all.
* * * * * *
Author bio: R.L. Syme works at a youth theatre, teaching kids performing arts and musical performance classes/camps when she's not writing. Otherwise, she's putting her Seminary degree to good use writing romance novels. Let not all those systematic theology classes go to waste...
Links: http://facebook.com/bighopesbigheroes http://twitter.com/beck_a_tron http://pinterest.com/rlsyme http://rlsyme.com http://goodreads.com/rlsyme http://theoutcasthighlander.com
* * * * *
Giveaway: 2 great prizes !! Grand Prize: R.L. is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite. As a secondary prize, she would like to give away a set of Scottish Historical romances from some of her favorite authors.
Rafflecopter link: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Today we are pleased to share an interview with our feature author and the hero of her new release, The Outcast Highlander.
* * * * * * * *
The Softer Side of The Outcast Highlander
Hi, there. Rebecca here. I’m the author of The Outcast Highlander, the love story of Broccin Sinclair and Kensey MacLeod (a Scottish medieval romance). Broccin himself is the outcast Highlander—exiled from his family by an insane father.
He’s stopped by today to chat with us and has a few things he wants to say.
R: Hi, Broc. Long time, no see.
B: Well, hello, lass. It’s been awhile, aye.
R: I see you’ve come bearing gifts. (gestures to the plate in his hands)
B: Kensey made you some ginger cakes.
R: I’ll have to get that recipe and put it on my website. Yum. Thanks so much for joining us, Broc. I wonder, what have you been up to since… well, the end of your story?
B: Mostly the business of owning land and caring for people. Young Nualla is growing nicely.
R: Ah, yes. How is Duncan, after all?
B: He’s had his better days, poor lad. But I imagine he’ll be back to work soon. He’s had a bit of a shock, after all
R: Don’t want to give too much away, of course. But I think we have a few questions for you.
B: Ask away. I can’t guarantee answers, but I’ll do my best.
R: What was it that first attracted you to Kensey.
B: It was so long ago, lass. (laughs) But if you must know, she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.
R: Love at first sight, then?
B: A truer statement there never was. She had my heart before she even knew how to steal hearts. And she took a few others in her time, I hear.
R: So, I imagine that now, having been married for awhile, you’ve heard about Albert?
B: Her fiancée? Yes. (gruffly) Not an intelligent man, I’ll say, if he let her go.
R: Does she talk about him much?
B: Occasionally, yes. Her family, of course, is still embroiled with affairs in France. We ourselves plan to go there in due course, when her father recovers completely. Kensey would like to see her grandmother before she dies.
R: Do you imagine you’ll meet Albert?
B: Not if I can help it.
R: And speaking of former loves, how is Elizabeth doing?
B: (Crosses arms) Aye, you would bring her up, wouldn’t you? Vixen.
R: Are you referring to me, or to her?
B: Well, I try never to call a lady a name. And Elizabeth may be right, she may be well, she may be dead. I’ve heard neither hide nor hair of her since the last time I saw her.
R: You mean at Berwick?
B: Of course. I’ve not seen Andrew since, either. Nor heard from him.
R: Elizabeth seems to be the most talked-about character from the entire book besides you. How do you feel about that?
B: People need something to talk about.
R: (laughs) Quite the cynic you’ve become, Broc.
B: Nay, I’m anything but. Kensey helps me to see the good side of life. And we don’t speak of Elizabeth. Not ever. We likely won’t. It helps to keep the positive side of life illuminated when the light is always around.
R: Well, I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well.
B: And now, we should talk about this sequel… I’ve heard tell that I am making a cameo appearance?
R: You may indeed… how would you feel about that?
B: You’re planning to tell the story of Berwick.
R: Yes, and Aeden’s story, as well.
B: Ahhh. Aeden Donne. How is the poor fellow?
R: He’s had his better days, as well. But I don’t want to give away too much. Needless to say, he’s found someone to match his wit.
B: If such a thing can be done.
R: You’ll have to read the book to see.
And so will the rest of you! J Thanks so much for stopping by and meeting Broc. I hope that you enjoy The Outcast Highlander and the subsequent Highland Renegades books. You can enter to win the Paperwhite Kindle many times a day, so stop on by the rest of the tour if you’re interested!
Thanks for having me, Krista!
Rebecca, it was a pleasure having you and your highlander!
* * * * * * *
The Outcast Highlander(The Highland Renegades)byR.L. Syme
Scottish Historical Medieval Sweet Romance254 pages, self-published
He's lost his family, his title, and his honor, but he can't lose her...
Kensey MacLeod returns home after a failed marriage alliance in France to find her world in turmoil: her best friend married to an English sympathizer, her mother at death's door, and her father imprisoned and thought dead. As an English lord descends to claim her father's lands, Kensey escapes north with her mother and brother, and runs straight into the arms of the outcast Highlander.
Driven from home and family by a crazed father, Broccin Sinclair refuses to stand aside while the English invade his beloved Scotland. But who should he champion? The freedom fighter who saved his life, the family who has forgotten him, or the woman who captured his childhood heart?
Buy Links: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Outcast-Highlan... B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-o...
EXCERPT:“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, may I ask why your horse grazes yonder when there are men who chase you?” “Oh, stop, you impertinent fool.” Kensey shook his hand away and searched the area around her for something. “I was knocked off my horse.” “What are you looking for?” She sighed. “I would like to get up and resume my travels.” So she looked for something to pull herself up with, yet ignored his help. How like her. He must be beneath her notice. Or her care. “Let me help you.” He stood and offered both hands. She considered him for a moment and finally touched him again. He couldn’t deny a tiny thrill at having won the fight, or at having her hands in his. But her frustration continued. She furrowed her brow and released his hands. First one step, then another. But on the third step, she began to sway and Broc had to follow quickly to catch her. “You’re in no state to be walking.” He swept her into his arms, despite her protest, and stilled her grasping hands by hooking both of her wrists together in one grip. “Nor riding.” He deposited her atop his horse and jumped up before she could make any more fuss. The Ross men obviously hadn’t followed them, but they would have to proceed carefully from here, knowing they may come back upon them at any time. Broc urged his horse forward into a slow cantor, searching for the least dense path forward. In his lap, Kensey pulled on the dirty folds of her dress, dislodging bits of the forest floor that still clung to the delicate fabric. “What are you doing here?” she demanded. “Let’s get you out of here first, lass.” He glanced back into the thick canopy of stillness for a moment. “Ross’s men may be quick on our heels.” Sitting against him as she was now, she felt tiny and vulnerable. His cloak had opened as he’d climbed onto Gaidel’s back and she was now sitting in the midst of it, against his nearly bare chest. She seemed to suck up all the warmth in his body as she curled against him. Her eyelashes blinked furiously, as though she tried to keep herself awake when sleep called. He reached down and wrapped the warmth of the cloak around her. “You can sleep. It appears we’ve lost our pursuers and it will be slow progress back to the trail, if we even dare to follow it.” “I’m not tired.” She yawned and her weight pressed even more against him. She would no doubt be asleep soon. His body tensed against the desire that tried to consume him. This was his brother’s intended. He was merely delivering her back to him. Not enjoying having her in his arms. Not at all.
* * * * * *
Author bio: R.L. Syme works at a youth theatre, teaching kids performing arts and musical performance classes/camps when she's not writing. Otherwise, she's putting her Seminary degree to good use writing romance novels. Let not all those systematic theology classes go to waste...
Links: http://facebook.com/bighopesbigheroes http://twitter.com/beck_a_tron http://pinterest.com/rlsyme http://rlsyme.com http://goodreads.com/rlsyme http://theoutcasthighlander.com
* * * * *
Giveaway: 2 great prizes !! Grand Prize: R.L. is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite. As a secondary prize, she would like to give away a set of Scottish Historical romances from some of her favorite authors.
Rafflecopter link: a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 11, 2014
Author, author... Sidelined Afterlife by @joyafields from @decadentpub
...read all about her book !!
Sidelined AfterlifeHauntings at Inner Harbor Book 3 by Joya Fields
A contemporary romance with a ghostly twist. Communicating with ghosts has only ever brought Veronica Matthews pain and grief. Afraid to love and lose again, Hunter Anderson needs her help, but she resists risking her heart. Can a ghost help them break through a barrier of mistrust and guilt?
Psychic and medium Veronica Matthews hates being able to communicate with the dead and the nearly departed. What good is it if she can’t lead the police to the victims of violent crimes before they die? But when her neighbor comes to her for help, she’s torn—until she understands that the ghost haunting him is more dangerous than any she’s encountered….
After losing his wife in a tragic accident, ER doctor Hunter Anderson’s only solace is his work and a ghost is jeopardizing that. Turning to his neighbor seems like his only choice, but spending time with the passionate woman, and her sassy attitude, might do more than save his life…
She can’t risk her heart. He’s afraid to love and lose again. Can a ghost help these two souls to live again?
Excerpt:
“I am an idiot. The biggest idiot ever. If you want me to pierce something for you, to prove I’m an idiot, I have some sterilized instruments upstairs in my apartment.”
Her tongue poked against her cheek, signaling a laugh that wanted to erupt. Suddenly, he really wanted to be the one who could make her laugh. “Maybe I could do your lower lip?”
Her short laugh erupted. A sweet, melodic sound that filled the small apartment.
His gaze stayed on that full mouth and he lifted his fingers closer, compelled to touch her. She stared at him with wide eyes as he traced the corner of her mouth lightly with his finger.
“I’m a liar. I could never tarnish something as beautiful as this.”
Christ. What a line. Where had those words come from? But he meant it.
Her breath was hot against his finger as he traced the line of her lower lip. Her gaze held his. His stomach growled again, breaking the spell, and she blinked and leaned against the sofa.
“You know what? We never had dessert,” she said.
He had room for dessert. But not the food kind. He swallowed to quell his appetite for her. “Uh…how about I make an ice cream run? Then we’ll get to work.” Enough of this temptation. He needed to get away from her, from this pull she had on his body and emotions.
Purchase links for SIDELINED AFTERLIFE:Amazon Barnes and Noble Decadent Publishing All Romance eBooks
Joya’s Bio:
Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines. Her debut novel, a romantic suspense, was a NJRW GOLDEN LEAF WINNER FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2012 and was nominated for RT Book Reviews 2012 Indie Press/Self-Published Contemporary Romance award. Since then, she’s published four more books with even more on the way.
Connect with Joya
www.joyafields.com Twitter: @joyafields
Facebook Author Page Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Use the Rafflecopter link below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sidelined AfterlifeHauntings at Inner Harbor Book 3 by Joya Fields
A contemporary romance with a ghostly twist. Communicating with ghosts has only ever brought Veronica Matthews pain and grief. Afraid to love and lose again, Hunter Anderson needs her help, but she resists risking her heart. Can a ghost help them break through a barrier of mistrust and guilt?
Psychic and medium Veronica Matthews hates being able to communicate with the dead and the nearly departed. What good is it if she can’t lead the police to the victims of violent crimes before they die? But when her neighbor comes to her for help, she’s torn—until she understands that the ghost haunting him is more dangerous than any she’s encountered….
After losing his wife in a tragic accident, ER doctor Hunter Anderson’s only solace is his work and a ghost is jeopardizing that. Turning to his neighbor seems like his only choice, but spending time with the passionate woman, and her sassy attitude, might do more than save his life…
She can’t risk her heart. He’s afraid to love and lose again. Can a ghost help these two souls to live again?
Excerpt:
“I am an idiot. The biggest idiot ever. If you want me to pierce something for you, to prove I’m an idiot, I have some sterilized instruments upstairs in my apartment.”
Her tongue poked against her cheek, signaling a laugh that wanted to erupt. Suddenly, he really wanted to be the one who could make her laugh. “Maybe I could do your lower lip?”Her short laugh erupted. A sweet, melodic sound that filled the small apartment.
His gaze stayed on that full mouth and he lifted his fingers closer, compelled to touch her. She stared at him with wide eyes as he traced the corner of her mouth lightly with his finger.
“I’m a liar. I could never tarnish something as beautiful as this.”
Christ. What a line. Where had those words come from? But he meant it.
Her breath was hot against his finger as he traced the line of her lower lip. Her gaze held his. His stomach growled again, breaking the spell, and she blinked and leaned against the sofa.
“You know what? We never had dessert,” she said.
He had room for dessert. But not the food kind. He swallowed to quell his appetite for her. “Uh…how about I make an ice cream run? Then we’ll get to work.” Enough of this temptation. He needed to get away from her, from this pull she had on his body and emotions.
Purchase links for SIDELINED AFTERLIFE:Amazon Barnes and Noble Decadent Publishing All Romance eBooks
Joya’s Bio:
Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines. Her debut novel, a romantic suspense, was a NJRW GOLDEN LEAF WINNER FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2012 and was nominated for RT Book Reviews 2012 Indie Press/Self-Published Contemporary Romance award. Since then, she’s published four more books with even more on the way.
Connect with Joya
www.joyafields.com Twitter: @joyafields
Facebook Author Page Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Use the Rafflecopter link below:a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 10, 2014
Author, author... Sweetest Mistake by @CandisTerry
...read all about her !!!
Please welcome a guest post from Author Candis Terry !!
Thank you for having me here today!
Since I’m on a blog about passion, how about we talk about that?
I’m often asked (mostly by people who don’t read romance) what it’s like to write sex scenes. Do I do my own “research?” Aren’t I embarrassed to have people read such . . . smut? Oddly enough, this last question is often asked by men. Really guys? You don’t like sex? Hmmm. So after I pull in my claws and bite my tongue to the point of looking vampirish, I respond calmly and hopefully intellectually. But there are no guarantees.
From page one to “the end”, I don’t write smut, I write passion. I write about the thrill and challenges of meeting someone and falling in love. I write about monogamous relationships, family, and often heartbreak. Yes, I write love scenes. Isn’t that part of a loving relationship? However, when writing a love scene one must remember the most important word there . . . “love.” A love scene is not about body parts or exchanging bodily fluids, it’s about emotion and passion, hopes, dreams, even fears. It’s about thoughts and pillow talk that reveal the characters weaknesses and strengths. Their vulnerability to each other.
Most people know how sex happens, so writing a love scene needs to include more than placing body part A into body part B. To be three-dimensional, a love scene hopefully will include at least three of the senses (smell, taste, touch) along with the emotion.
You don’t necessarily have to say what they taste or exactly what they smell. Sometimes it’s good to give the reader the reins and let their imagination take over. Sometimes the most sexy and passionate moments are subtle, just a suggestion. But they are there all the same. Here’s just a quick example from my newest book Sweetest Mistake . And thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me today!
Both her hands were on his chest now, flattened against his pounding heart. She moved closer, leaned in, and brought her sweet scent with her. His damned foolish heart kicked up another notch.
“Maybe it’s time we really got reacquainted,” she whispered. Kissed his beard-stubbled jaw. And let those magical hands roam over his chest. “No more quick, confusing kisses.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” He managed not to groan when her soft lips trailed kisses down one side of his neck, and her fingertips caressed the other.
“Don’t you?” Sweetest Mistake Sweet Texas Series #2 by Candis Terry Blurb
When friends become lovers . . .
Firefighter and former Marine Jackson Wilder has tough guy down to an art, but he’s learned the hard way that promises were made to be broken. Abigail Morgan was once his best friend, his first kiss, his first love, his first everything. He’d just forgotten to mention all that to her and she blew out of his life. Five years later, she’s back and he’s battling a load of mistrust for her disappearing act. But for some reason he just can’t keep his lips—or his hands—to himself.
It can lead to disaster or . . .
When her stint as a trophy wife abruptly ends, Abby returns home to Sweet, Texas, and comes face-to-face with Jackson—her biggest and sexiest mistake. Time and distance did nothing to squash her love for the act-first-think-later stubborn hunk of a man, and when he suggests they renew their old just-friends vow, Abby realizes she wants more. She’d cut and run once. Could she do it again? Or could she tempt him enough to break his promise? Buy Links: Amazon B&N iTunes Author Info
Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after. Author LinksWebsite:
http://www.candisterry.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/candis.terry
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CandisTerry
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4935263.Candis_Terry
Rafflecopter Giveaway (The Ultimate SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack: Including SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT LOVE, a Sweet TX Mug, Houston TX Firefighters 2014 Calendar, and My It's the ultimate Candis Terry/ SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack! It includes: SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT SWEET, Sweet TX Mug, Houston Fire Fighters 2014 Calendar, and a “My It's the ultimate Candis Terry/ SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack! It includes: SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT SWEET, Sweet TX Mug, Houston Fire Fighters 2014 Calendar, and a “My ) It's the ultimate Candis Terry/ SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack! It includes: SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT SWEET, Sweet TX Mug, Houston Fire Fighters 2014 Calendar, and a “My a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please welcome a guest post from Author Candis Terry !!
Thank you for having me here today!
Since I’m on a blog about passion, how about we talk about that?
I’m often asked (mostly by people who don’t read romance) what it’s like to write sex scenes. Do I do my own “research?” Aren’t I embarrassed to have people read such . . . smut? Oddly enough, this last question is often asked by men. Really guys? You don’t like sex? Hmmm. So after I pull in my claws and bite my tongue to the point of looking vampirish, I respond calmly and hopefully intellectually. But there are no guarantees.
From page one to “the end”, I don’t write smut, I write passion. I write about the thrill and challenges of meeting someone and falling in love. I write about monogamous relationships, family, and often heartbreak. Yes, I write love scenes. Isn’t that part of a loving relationship? However, when writing a love scene one must remember the most important word there . . . “love.” A love scene is not about body parts or exchanging bodily fluids, it’s about emotion and passion, hopes, dreams, even fears. It’s about thoughts and pillow talk that reveal the characters weaknesses and strengths. Their vulnerability to each other.
Most people know how sex happens, so writing a love scene needs to include more than placing body part A into body part B. To be three-dimensional, a love scene hopefully will include at least three of the senses (smell, taste, touch) along with the emotion.
You don’t necessarily have to say what they taste or exactly what they smell. Sometimes it’s good to give the reader the reins and let their imagination take over. Sometimes the most sexy and passionate moments are subtle, just a suggestion. But they are there all the same. Here’s just a quick example from my newest book Sweetest Mistake . And thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me today!
Both her hands were on his chest now, flattened against his pounding heart. She moved closer, leaned in, and brought her sweet scent with her. His damned foolish heart kicked up another notch.
“Maybe it’s time we really got reacquainted,” she whispered. Kissed his beard-stubbled jaw. And let those magical hands roam over his chest. “No more quick, confusing kisses.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” He managed not to groan when her soft lips trailed kisses down one side of his neck, and her fingertips caressed the other.
“Don’t you?” Sweetest Mistake Sweet Texas Series #2 by Candis Terry Blurb
When friends become lovers . . .Firefighter and former Marine Jackson Wilder has tough guy down to an art, but he’s learned the hard way that promises were made to be broken. Abigail Morgan was once his best friend, his first kiss, his first love, his first everything. He’d just forgotten to mention all that to her and she blew out of his life. Five years later, she’s back and he’s battling a load of mistrust for her disappearing act. But for some reason he just can’t keep his lips—or his hands—to himself.
It can lead to disaster or . . .
When her stint as a trophy wife abruptly ends, Abby returns home to Sweet, Texas, and comes face-to-face with Jackson—her biggest and sexiest mistake. Time and distance did nothing to squash her love for the act-first-think-later stubborn hunk of a man, and when he suggests they renew their old just-friends vow, Abby realizes she wants more. She’d cut and run once. Could she do it again? Or could she tempt him enough to break his promise? Buy Links: Amazon B&N iTunes Author Info
Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after. Author LinksWebsite:
http://www.candisterry.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/candis.terry
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CandisTerry
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4935263.Candis_Terry
Rafflecopter Giveaway (The Ultimate SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack: Including SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT LOVE, a Sweet TX Mug, Houston TX Firefighters 2014 Calendar, and My It's the ultimate Candis Terry/ SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack! It includes: SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT SWEET, Sweet TX Mug, Houston Fire Fighters 2014 Calendar, and a “My It's the ultimate Candis Terry/ SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack! It includes: SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT SWEET, Sweet TX Mug, Houston Fire Fighters 2014 Calendar, and a “My ) It's the ultimate Candis Terry/ SWEETEST MISTAKE Prize Pack! It includes: SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, ANYTHING BUT SWEET, Sweet TX Mug, Houston Fire Fighters 2014 Calendar, and a “My a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author, author.... Trust me by K E Osborn
...read all about her !!
The Trust Me? Trilogy K E Osborn
Trust Me? Blurb:
When Jenifer Taylor, a young woman from the big City of Mornington Vale California starts her day, it turns from bad to worse, when on her way to work she’s involved in a chain collision.
Jeni is content with her life, dull and boring as it is, because being absent from the dating[image error] scene, means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men. Her trust issues stem from a controlling and aggressive ex boyfriend, and an absentee father. She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.
Her world changes forever when she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial incorporation. Aiden is an up and coming young businessman, who's ready to take on the Vice Presidency in his father’s incorporation. He's focused on the business, and life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else. Aiden is the good son, and Alistair wants nothing more than for Aiden to succeed and follow in his footsteps, it’s imperative to him.
After the accident Aiden finds Jeni irresistible, and pursues her instantly, and with some coaxing she eventually agrees to a date. It becomes apparent that they are very attracted to one another.
Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue. Trust is a major factor, and the question of when to give it can be asked of us in many different ways. Jeni is asked this question, when she finds out that Aiden is being investigated for a serious crime. Jeni’s trust issues spark, as she goes through a journey of self-discovery.
She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves, when she’s asked the ultimate question: “Do you trust me?”
Trust Me Buy Links:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354821
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-Me-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00F0G6JRW/ref=la_B00F6RK2HS_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388813399&sr=1-2
Excerpt:
I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when
the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.
“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.”
He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.
This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me.
“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile
Love Me? Blurb:
Jenifer Taylor thought she was content with her life, being absent from the dating[image error] scene due to her major trust issues with men. After a controlling and aggressive ex boyfriend, and an absentee father, she was happy being alone. It wasn’t until she met Aiden O’Connell, in a three car pile up, that her world changed for the better. The billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial incorporation, pursued her instantly. Jeni found love, but trusting someone was another issue.
The story continues as Jeni finds herself lost, without the love of her life Aiden, who’s been wrongly accused and incarcerated. She must find the strength within, to help prove that he’s innocent of the embezzlement crime against him. Aiden’s father Alistair still taunts her, making life between Jeni and Aiden more difficult. An unexpected visitor enters their lives, creating havoc, and turning it upside down. Jeni’s trust issues return in a major way, after an incident leaves her fragile and broken. Aiden and Jeni find themselves going through more trials and tribulations than ever before, in this second installment[image error] of the Trust Me? Trilogy. In the end Jeni will be asked the ultimate question:
Do you still love me? Love Me Buy Links:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/377121http://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Trust-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00GMCILB0/ref=la_B00F6RK2HS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388813399&sr=1-1 Excerpt:
My nerves start to get the better of me, I start to feel nauseous; those darn pesky butterflies attack
again. I'm not sure why I'm nervous, whether it's the shoes making me unstable or whether it's the memory of our first date, our first tough, or our first kiss that's making me bashful.
I turn the corner to see him standing there with a bunch of red roses, in the suit that he changed into earlier, this time with a baby pink tie on. Behind him is that gorgeous waterfall cascading down the cliff with the lush greenery surrounding us. As I take a step closer, I hear music playing. "Thank you for Loving Me" by Bon Jovi. It's our song. I feel my eyes welling up as all the emotion and love I feel for this man is becoming too much to bear.
His smile is beaming from ear to ear when I approach. Finally I reach him. He holds out his hand for me to take. I take it, and he pulls me into a tight embrace.
"This is perfect," I whisper.
"Perfection for perfection, my love." He kisses my cheek, and places the bouquet of flowers of flowers on the railing.
.
Authors Bio:
K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn't until she had a vivid dream about a three car pile up that the characters of her first book[image error] came to life.
Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.
Website Twitter Facebook Trust Me Trilogy on Facebook Goodreads Smashwords
The Trust Me? Trilogy K E Osborn
Trust Me? Blurb:
When Jenifer Taylor, a young woman from the big City of Mornington Vale California starts her day, it turns from bad to worse, when on her way to work she’s involved in a chain collision.Jeni is content with her life, dull and boring as it is, because being absent from the dating[image error] scene, means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men. Her trust issues stem from a controlling and aggressive ex boyfriend, and an absentee father. She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.
Her world changes forever when she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial incorporation. Aiden is an up and coming young businessman, who's ready to take on the Vice Presidency in his father’s incorporation. He's focused on the business, and life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else. Aiden is the good son, and Alistair wants nothing more than for Aiden to succeed and follow in his footsteps, it’s imperative to him.
After the accident Aiden finds Jeni irresistible, and pursues her instantly, and with some coaxing she eventually agrees to a date. It becomes apparent that they are very attracted to one another.
Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue. Trust is a major factor, and the question of when to give it can be asked of us in many different ways. Jeni is asked this question, when she finds out that Aiden is being investigated for a serious crime. Jeni’s trust issues spark, as she goes through a journey of self-discovery.
She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves, when she’s asked the ultimate question: “Do you trust me?”
Trust Me Buy Links:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354821
http://www.amazon.com/Trust-Me-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00F0G6JRW/ref=la_B00F6RK2HS_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388813399&sr=1-2
Excerpt:
I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when
the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly. “What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.
“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.”
He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.
This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me.
“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile
Love Me? Blurb:
Jenifer Taylor thought she was content with her life, being absent from the dating[image error] scene due to her major trust issues with men. After a controlling and aggressive ex boyfriend, and an absentee father, she was happy being alone. It wasn’t until she met Aiden O’Connell, in a three car pile up, that her world changed for the better. The billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial incorporation, pursued her instantly. Jeni found love, but trusting someone was another issue.The story continues as Jeni finds herself lost, without the love of her life Aiden, who’s been wrongly accused and incarcerated. She must find the strength within, to help prove that he’s innocent of the embezzlement crime against him. Aiden’s father Alistair still taunts her, making life between Jeni and Aiden more difficult. An unexpected visitor enters their lives, creating havoc, and turning it upside down. Jeni’s trust issues return in a major way, after an incident leaves her fragile and broken. Aiden and Jeni find themselves going through more trials and tribulations than ever before, in this second installment[image error] of the Trust Me? Trilogy. In the end Jeni will be asked the ultimate question:
Do you still love me? Love Me Buy Links:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/377121http://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Trust-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00GMCILB0/ref=la_B00F6RK2HS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388813399&sr=1-1 Excerpt:
My nerves start to get the better of me, I start to feel nauseous; those darn pesky butterflies attack
again. I'm not sure why I'm nervous, whether it's the shoes making me unstable or whether it's the memory of our first date, our first tough, or our first kiss that's making me bashful.I turn the corner to see him standing there with a bunch of red roses, in the suit that he changed into earlier, this time with a baby pink tie on. Behind him is that gorgeous waterfall cascading down the cliff with the lush greenery surrounding us. As I take a step closer, I hear music playing. "Thank you for Loving Me" by Bon Jovi. It's our song. I feel my eyes welling up as all the emotion and love I feel for this man is becoming too much to bear.
His smile is beaming from ear to ear when I approach. Finally I reach him. He holds out his hand for me to take. I take it, and he pulls me into a tight embrace.
"This is perfect," I whisper.
"Perfection for perfection, my love." He kisses my cheek, and places the bouquet of flowers of flowers on the railing.
.
Authors Bio:
K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn't until she had a vivid dream about a three car pile up that the characters of her first book[image error] came to life.Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.
Website Twitter Facebook Trust Me Trilogy on Facebook Goodreads Smashwords
January 7, 2014
Author, author.... Lynn Tyler and THE WOLF'S TIGER
...read all about her !!
The Wolf’s TigerbyLynn Tyler
released Dec. 23, 2013
Male/Male paranormal, shifter, Pack Mates #3
Blurb:
Shannon Cho is a tiger shifter who was banished from his pride for being too powerful. But he doesn’t want to lead. He wants to devote his life to children. Answering an ad for a nanny is the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
But what happens when the two men cross the line between employer and employee? Will love flourish? Or will the secret that’s been kept from the Smooth Rock Falls pack tear everything apart?
Buy Links: Liquid Silver Books Amazon ARe
Excerpt:
Shannon stood on the doorstep and rang the bell for the third time. It was starting to get uncomfortable out here. There were at least three wolves staring at him from various vantage points near
the house, and he was really starting to squirm.
Finally, a very faint come in was yelled from somewhere inside the house. He jiggled the knob, poked his head in and was met with total chaos. A little girl that looked about five years old stood stark naked in the kitchen, sobbing her eyes out. The sound of a flushing toilet floated down the stairs, and a baby was screaming somewhere. A very stressed looking man appeared at the top of the stairs. He was wearing a pair of wrinkled green scrubs, and his brown hair was sticking up everywhere as if he’d been carding his fingers through it. “Shannon?” Shannon nodded and waved a little. The brunette gave him a small smile even as another wail split the air. “Just give me a few minutes,” he called. “I think the baby’s diaper exploded.” With that, he turned around and jogged back the way he came, leaving him alone with a sobbing little girl. “Hey, sweetie,” he said as he knelt down in front of her. “What’s with the tears?” “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” she said between heaving breaths. “Well, my name is Shannon, and I’m here to talk to your uncle about taking care of you,” he responded, holding out his hand so she could shake it. She looked at him through wide, teary eyes but she took his hand. “I’m Honor. I live here.” “I see,” he said seriously. “Do you think you could tell me why you’re so upset?” Her lower lip trembled. “I spilled juice on my dress. Uncle Gray said it was okay, but I needed to put on my pajamas now.” Oh, Shannon could see where this was going. “And you wanted to put on a different dress?” Her little face screwed up again and he rushed to intervene. “Do you have a nightgown?” Honor looked at him with suspicion and nodded. “Well, let’s put that on then. It’s almost like wearing a dress.” She stuck her thumb in her mouth and took his hand again. He stood up and let her tug him along. They mounted the stairs and entered one of the bedrooms. It was clearly meant for little girls. The walls were painted a bubble gum pink, with a lime green border painted about four inches wide from the ceiling down. Two twin beds were pushed up against opposite walls and there was a small white chest at the end of each. Teal and lime butterflies decorated the walls and the window was covered by a blackout shade and gauzy white curtains. Honor started rummaging around in a dresser under the window and extracted a long, pink nightgown. She held it out to him with a hopeful smile. Laughing, Shannon took the nightgown from her and slipped it over her head, helping her to push her arms through the arm holes. “Will you braid my hair?” she asked. “Uncle Gray doesn’t know how and no matter how many times Trina tries to show him, he just can’t get it.” It was a good thing he’d grown up with three sisters. They’d forced him to braid their hair, paint their nails and even sit still while they gave him makeovers. He grabbed a brush from the dresser but paused when the toilet flushed for the fifth time in a row. Either someone was having stomach troubles, or they were trying to flush something they shouldn’t. He could hear Gray cooing to the still crying baby, and he knew there were three kids, so process of elimination could only mean that the other little girl was the one in the bathroom. “Honor, honey? What’s your other sister’s name?” “Hope. She’s in the bathroom.” Ah. “Let’s go check on her, okay?” Shannon said. Honor nodded solemnly and pointed the way. Shannon pushed the bathroom door open a little and had to clap his hand over his mouth to stop the laughter. The toddler was busy sticking a doll in the toilet and giving it a swirly. “Whirlpool!” she shouted gleefully. “Oh, no,” Shannon said dramatically once he’d gotten his laughter under control. “I think your dolly is drowning!” The little girl looked up at him with big brown eyes. “Then we gots to save her,” she answered. Shannon nodded and scooped the naked doll out of the toilet. “I’m not giving her mouth to mouth,” he said as he peered into the toilet. “Did you put anything else down there?” “Just my pees and poops,” Hope said with a shrug. “I’m not a baby like Faith.” Hmm. Maybe this dolly needed to take a field trip to the dump for a couple of hours. Or forever. “Oh, thank you so much,” Gray said as he walked into the bathroom with a still sniffling baby. “Honor, honey, you look beautiful. Hope, remember we talked about putting dollies in the toilet?” Hope flashed him a big smile and batted her long lashes. “Yes Uncle Gray. But my dolly wanted a bath.”Gray sighed and hefted the baby up to his shoulder. “Are we ready for dinner?” The two older girls immediately started jumping around and shrieking. “Hot dogs!” “Again?” Gray asked. The baby started whimpering again and Gray started swaying from side to side. “Okay. Hot dogs it is. Again. Hope, wash your hands please.” Shannon watched as the toddler used a liberal amount of bright purple soap and rinsed her hands off before drying them on a white towel. Of course, faint purple streaks were left behind on the terry. Clearly, these little girls hadn’t lived here long because not many parents would have white towels hanging around. At least, not in the family bathroom. He followed the little family down the stairs and into the kitchen, where he’d first seen Honor in her birthday suit. “Do you mind holding the baby while I get her bottle going?” Before Shannon could respond, he found himself with an armful of baby girl. He didn’t mind though. Gray measured out the powered formula and put the kettle on to warm the water a little. Gray crossed the kitchen, opened a drawer and pulled out a couple of coloring books and two packs of crayons. “Here, girls. Why don’t you do some coloring while we wait for supper?” “But Uncle Gray, I’m hungry,” Hope whined. Gray pulled out a plastic tub of sliced vegetables and put it in the middle of the table. “You can munch on those while I get your hot dogs ready.” Soon, the kitchen was filled with the smells of frying mystery meat. Shannon wrinkled his nose at the food but didn’t say anything. If he got this job, he would be asking to cook an entirely different menu. He was an excellent cook and his last employer often told him that he was a genius at making kid friendly, super nutritious food. Finally, the hot dogs were done and the bottle was ready. The wolf served the two older girls first, handing out cups of water and dispensing small amounts of ketchup before taking the baby back and giving her the bottle. “Hi,” he said with a tired smile. “Sorry about the chaos.” Shannon had seen much worse. “No problem. Nice to meet you, Uncle Gray.” He flashed Gray a smile since the guy’s hands were full of formula-guzzling baby. The wolf laughed, the sound low and rich. Goosebumps rose along his skin. What a gorgeous sound. Shannon wondered what the guy sounded like in bed. He shook his head, trying to free himself of the tempting thought. He really shouldn’t be lusting after his employer. And if he remembered correctly, wolves had a very sensitive sense of smell. If he didn’t get his errant thoughts under control, he would become aroused and Gray would no doubt scent that. Instead, he focused on the man’s lips. Bad idea. Finally, he settled on looking at the baby while he forced himself to listen to the guy’s words. “Actually, it’s Grayson Mitchell. But most people just call me Gray.” “Nice to meet you. I’m Shannon Cho.” Gray nodded at the table and the two of them sat down. “I called your references last night, and they were excellent,” Gray said.Shannon had to suppress a sigh of relief. Thankfully, his last employer hadn’t been forbidden from sabotaging his attempt at getting a new job. “I’m glad. Things didn’t end well with my pride, and I wasn’t sure if my old Alpha would let her give me a good reference or not.” Gray cocked his head even as he placed the now empty bottle on the table. He lifted the baby to his shoulder and patted her back. “Pride? You’re a cat? I know you’re not a wolf, but I can’t place what kind of shifter you are.” He nodded. “Tiger. And I guess you’re wondering why I’m no longer with my pride?” The baby burped and snuggled sleepily into the wolf’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t be doing a good job as the girls’ guardian if I didn’t ask why,” Gray responded. This was it. Steeling himself for a quick thanks but no thanks, Shannon gave him the run down. Gray was silent for a minute before speaking to the girls. “Honor, Hope, I’m going to put Faith to bed. Stay here and color for a few more minutes. Shannon, you wanna come with me?” “Sure.” He pushed back his chair and followed Gray to the baby’s room. Gray laid the baby in the crib and popped a pacifier into her mouth when she started to fuss. “So, you’re a dominant tiger then?” “Well, my cat is exceptionally strong, but I don’t actually have any driving need to lead. My Alpha wasn’t exactly comfortable with the fact that I could beat him in a fight if I needed to. But since I’d never challenged him, he didn’t have a reason to banish me from the pride.” The older girls were still absorbed in their pictures, and Gray paused to kiss each of them on the head. “Uncle Gray and Shannon are going to just go into my office for a few more minutes. Come and get me if you need me, okay?” Honor looked up and nodded. Hope didn’t say anything. She simply stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth while she concentrated on her scribbling. Gray’s office was neat and clearly off limits to the three girls although their photos were displayed prominently. “I was impressed with your references, especially the ones from your child psychology professor. And the girls don’t often take to new people the same way that they took to you, which tells me lots. My Alpha will want to run a background check on you but, given that it comes back clean, I would like to hire you. When can you start? And do you have any questions for me?” “Your Alpha will only find one parking ticket. I can start tomorrow. And, yes, I do have a couple of questions for you…” Shannon trailed off, not sure how to broach the subject. When he was met with nothing but silence, Shannon decided to just come out with it. “It doesn’t seem like the girls have been here very long. How is it you became their guardian?” The scent of grief permeated the air and Shannon had a sudden urge to wrap the wolf up in his arms and hold him close. Gray cleared his throat a few times before he answered. “My sister and her husband were killed in a freak car accident about a month ago. I was actually babysitting the girls for the week. I’ll be honest, the girls don’t seem to even realize what’s going on, and the fact that your degree is in child psychology was very appealing to me.” Shannon didn’t know the wolf well enough to actually hug him, but he did reach out and squeeze his hand. There was one more question he needed answered, and it wasn’t nearly as upsetting as the last one. “What do you do for a living?” Gray took a deep breath, clearly grateful for the change of subject. “I’m an emergency room nurse. I work two weeks days, off for a couple of days and then two weeks nights. Seven to seven, both shifts, assuming someone hasn’t called in sick. We’re often short staffed, so I tend to run a little late most shifts. Quinn, the Alpha’s mate, runs a daycare, and he’s been watching the girls for me.” God, Shannon was needed here. The house wasn’t even child proofed. And he couldn’t help but wonder if it wasn’t just the girls that needed him.
Author's Info:
Find her at lynntylerbooks.com, on Facebook & Twitter
The Wolf’s TigerbyLynn Tyler
released Dec. 23, 2013
Male/Male paranormal, shifter, Pack Mates #3
Blurb:
Shannon Cho is a tiger shifter who was banished from his pride for being too powerful. But he doesn’t want to lead. He wants to devote his life to children. Answering an ad for a nanny is the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
But what happens when the two men cross the line between employer and employee? Will love flourish? Or will the secret that’s been kept from the Smooth Rock Falls pack tear everything apart?
Buy Links: Liquid Silver Books Amazon ARe
Excerpt:
Shannon stood on the doorstep and rang the bell for the third time. It was starting to get uncomfortable out here. There were at least three wolves staring at him from various vantage points near
the house, and he was really starting to squirm. Finally, a very faint come in was yelled from somewhere inside the house. He jiggled the knob, poked his head in and was met with total chaos. A little girl that looked about five years old stood stark naked in the kitchen, sobbing her eyes out. The sound of a flushing toilet floated down the stairs, and a baby was screaming somewhere. A very stressed looking man appeared at the top of the stairs. He was wearing a pair of wrinkled green scrubs, and his brown hair was sticking up everywhere as if he’d been carding his fingers through it. “Shannon?” Shannon nodded and waved a little. The brunette gave him a small smile even as another wail split the air. “Just give me a few minutes,” he called. “I think the baby’s diaper exploded.” With that, he turned around and jogged back the way he came, leaving him alone with a sobbing little girl. “Hey, sweetie,” he said as he knelt down in front of her. “What’s with the tears?” “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” she said between heaving breaths. “Well, my name is Shannon, and I’m here to talk to your uncle about taking care of you,” he responded, holding out his hand so she could shake it. She looked at him through wide, teary eyes but she took his hand. “I’m Honor. I live here.” “I see,” he said seriously. “Do you think you could tell me why you’re so upset?” Her lower lip trembled. “I spilled juice on my dress. Uncle Gray said it was okay, but I needed to put on my pajamas now.” Oh, Shannon could see where this was going. “And you wanted to put on a different dress?” Her little face screwed up again and he rushed to intervene. “Do you have a nightgown?” Honor looked at him with suspicion and nodded. “Well, let’s put that on then. It’s almost like wearing a dress.” She stuck her thumb in her mouth and took his hand again. He stood up and let her tug him along. They mounted the stairs and entered one of the bedrooms. It was clearly meant for little girls. The walls were painted a bubble gum pink, with a lime green border painted about four inches wide from the ceiling down. Two twin beds were pushed up against opposite walls and there was a small white chest at the end of each. Teal and lime butterflies decorated the walls and the window was covered by a blackout shade and gauzy white curtains. Honor started rummaging around in a dresser under the window and extracted a long, pink nightgown. She held it out to him with a hopeful smile. Laughing, Shannon took the nightgown from her and slipped it over her head, helping her to push her arms through the arm holes. “Will you braid my hair?” she asked. “Uncle Gray doesn’t know how and no matter how many times Trina tries to show him, he just can’t get it.” It was a good thing he’d grown up with three sisters. They’d forced him to braid their hair, paint their nails and even sit still while they gave him makeovers. He grabbed a brush from the dresser but paused when the toilet flushed for the fifth time in a row. Either someone was having stomach troubles, or they were trying to flush something they shouldn’t. He could hear Gray cooing to the still crying baby, and he knew there were three kids, so process of elimination could only mean that the other little girl was the one in the bathroom. “Honor, honey? What’s your other sister’s name?” “Hope. She’s in the bathroom.” Ah. “Let’s go check on her, okay?” Shannon said. Honor nodded solemnly and pointed the way. Shannon pushed the bathroom door open a little and had to clap his hand over his mouth to stop the laughter. The toddler was busy sticking a doll in the toilet and giving it a swirly. “Whirlpool!” she shouted gleefully. “Oh, no,” Shannon said dramatically once he’d gotten his laughter under control. “I think your dolly is drowning!” The little girl looked up at him with big brown eyes. “Then we gots to save her,” she answered. Shannon nodded and scooped the naked doll out of the toilet. “I’m not giving her mouth to mouth,” he said as he peered into the toilet. “Did you put anything else down there?” “Just my pees and poops,” Hope said with a shrug. “I’m not a baby like Faith.” Hmm. Maybe this dolly needed to take a field trip to the dump for a couple of hours. Or forever. “Oh, thank you so much,” Gray said as he walked into the bathroom with a still sniffling baby. “Honor, honey, you look beautiful. Hope, remember we talked about putting dollies in the toilet?” Hope flashed him a big smile and batted her long lashes. “Yes Uncle Gray. But my dolly wanted a bath.”Gray sighed and hefted the baby up to his shoulder. “Are we ready for dinner?” The two older girls immediately started jumping around and shrieking. “Hot dogs!” “Again?” Gray asked. The baby started whimpering again and Gray started swaying from side to side. “Okay. Hot dogs it is. Again. Hope, wash your hands please.” Shannon watched as the toddler used a liberal amount of bright purple soap and rinsed her hands off before drying them on a white towel. Of course, faint purple streaks were left behind on the terry. Clearly, these little girls hadn’t lived here long because not many parents would have white towels hanging around. At least, not in the family bathroom. He followed the little family down the stairs and into the kitchen, where he’d first seen Honor in her birthday suit. “Do you mind holding the baby while I get her bottle going?” Before Shannon could respond, he found himself with an armful of baby girl. He didn’t mind though. Gray measured out the powered formula and put the kettle on to warm the water a little. Gray crossed the kitchen, opened a drawer and pulled out a couple of coloring books and two packs of crayons. “Here, girls. Why don’t you do some coloring while we wait for supper?” “But Uncle Gray, I’m hungry,” Hope whined. Gray pulled out a plastic tub of sliced vegetables and put it in the middle of the table. “You can munch on those while I get your hot dogs ready.” Soon, the kitchen was filled with the smells of frying mystery meat. Shannon wrinkled his nose at the food but didn’t say anything. If he got this job, he would be asking to cook an entirely different menu. He was an excellent cook and his last employer often told him that he was a genius at making kid friendly, super nutritious food. Finally, the hot dogs were done and the bottle was ready. The wolf served the two older girls first, handing out cups of water and dispensing small amounts of ketchup before taking the baby back and giving her the bottle. “Hi,” he said with a tired smile. “Sorry about the chaos.” Shannon had seen much worse. “No problem. Nice to meet you, Uncle Gray.” He flashed Gray a smile since the guy’s hands were full of formula-guzzling baby. The wolf laughed, the sound low and rich. Goosebumps rose along his skin. What a gorgeous sound. Shannon wondered what the guy sounded like in bed. He shook his head, trying to free himself of the tempting thought. He really shouldn’t be lusting after his employer. And if he remembered correctly, wolves had a very sensitive sense of smell. If he didn’t get his errant thoughts under control, he would become aroused and Gray would no doubt scent that. Instead, he focused on the man’s lips. Bad idea. Finally, he settled on looking at the baby while he forced himself to listen to the guy’s words. “Actually, it’s Grayson Mitchell. But most people just call me Gray.” “Nice to meet you. I’m Shannon Cho.” Gray nodded at the table and the two of them sat down. “I called your references last night, and they were excellent,” Gray said.
Shannon had to suppress a sigh of relief. Thankfully, his last employer hadn’t been forbidden from sabotaging his attempt at getting a new job. “I’m glad. Things didn’t end well with my pride, and I wasn’t sure if my old Alpha would let her give me a good reference or not.” Gray cocked his head even as he placed the now empty bottle on the table. He lifted the baby to his shoulder and patted her back. “Pride? You’re a cat? I know you’re not a wolf, but I can’t place what kind of shifter you are.” He nodded. “Tiger. And I guess you’re wondering why I’m no longer with my pride?” The baby burped and snuggled sleepily into the wolf’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t be doing a good job as the girls’ guardian if I didn’t ask why,” Gray responded. This was it. Steeling himself for a quick thanks but no thanks, Shannon gave him the run down. Gray was silent for a minute before speaking to the girls. “Honor, Hope, I’m going to put Faith to bed. Stay here and color for a few more minutes. Shannon, you wanna come with me?” “Sure.” He pushed back his chair and followed Gray to the baby’s room. Gray laid the baby in the crib and popped a pacifier into her mouth when she started to fuss. “So, you’re a dominant tiger then?” “Well, my cat is exceptionally strong, but I don’t actually have any driving need to lead. My Alpha wasn’t exactly comfortable with the fact that I could beat him in a fight if I needed to. But since I’d never challenged him, he didn’t have a reason to banish me from the pride.” The older girls were still absorbed in their pictures, and Gray paused to kiss each of them on the head. “Uncle Gray and Shannon are going to just go into my office for a few more minutes. Come and get me if you need me, okay?” Honor looked up and nodded. Hope didn’t say anything. She simply stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth while she concentrated on her scribbling. Gray’s office was neat and clearly off limits to the three girls although their photos were displayed prominently. “I was impressed with your references, especially the ones from your child psychology professor. And the girls don’t often take to new people the same way that they took to you, which tells me lots. My Alpha will want to run a background check on you but, given that it comes back clean, I would like to hire you. When can you start? And do you have any questions for me?” “Your Alpha will only find one parking ticket. I can start tomorrow. And, yes, I do have a couple of questions for you…” Shannon trailed off, not sure how to broach the subject. When he was met with nothing but silence, Shannon decided to just come out with it. “It doesn’t seem like the girls have been here very long. How is it you became their guardian?” The scent of grief permeated the air and Shannon had a sudden urge to wrap the wolf up in his arms and hold him close. Gray cleared his throat a few times before he answered. “My sister and her husband were killed in a freak car accident about a month ago. I was actually babysitting the girls for the week. I’ll be honest, the girls don’t seem to even realize what’s going on, and the fact that your degree is in child psychology was very appealing to me.” Shannon didn’t know the wolf well enough to actually hug him, but he did reach out and squeeze his hand. There was one more question he needed answered, and it wasn’t nearly as upsetting as the last one. “What do you do for a living?” Gray took a deep breath, clearly grateful for the change of subject. “I’m an emergency room nurse. I work two weeks days, off for a couple of days and then two weeks nights. Seven to seven, both shifts, assuming someone hasn’t called in sick. We’re often short staffed, so I tend to run a little late most shifts. Quinn, the Alpha’s mate, runs a daycare, and he’s been watching the girls for me.” God, Shannon was needed here. The house wasn’t even child proofed. And he couldn’t help but wonder if it wasn’t just the girls that needed him. 
Author's Info:Find her at lynntylerbooks.com, on Facebook & Twitter
January 6, 2014
Tuesday Teaser ~ Laura Baumbach
Thanks for visiting A Passion for Romance today. We are starting a new schedule for Tuesdays called Tuesday Teaser. Every Tuesday we'll welcome an author who will share a foodie type post with a recipe or 2 and some book promo! Please help me welcome our very first Tuesday Teaser guest post! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Elegant Dinner or Hearty Family Meals?
By Laura Baumbach Hello. My name is Laura Baumbach. I’m an author and a publisher. I have been writing m/m erotic romance for over 14 years and I have been owner of the successful small publishing house, ManLove Romance Press aka MLR Press for 8 years. I love what I do and I love my life. I’m also a wife, mother, retired nurse and a woman who loves to cook. Keeping up with all the different aspects of my life is challenging, but I know everyone’s life is. We all have commitments and projects and people that keep us on the go. That’s probably why I like cooking so much. It makes me slow down and take my time. I really enjoy creating something for the people I love whether it’s a large meal from scratch or a quick throw together snack. I feel like I’ve given a little of my love for them back—on a plate! I admit to being a little bit addicted to cooking shows. My favorites are BAREFOOT CONTESSA and THE PIONEER WOMAN. Yes, I know their styles and recipes are miles apart. But that fits MY style. Sometimes I like to do an elegant meal for just my husband and I, and sometimes I need to feed a large group of hungry family that includes a good number of children with less developed taste buds for more complex cuisine. Our family (and extended family in the area) includes me, my husband, our 2 sons, my oldest son’s 3 member family, my brother and his wife, along with their 3 grown children with their growing families. Every holiday and birthday in our family is celebrated by a family gathering at the repair shop my brother and son own. We pick a day the shop is closed; pull out the long tables and chairs. We even fire up a grill during the summer. We all bring a dish (or four) to add to the buffet table. The last get together was for Christmas. I volunteered to bring appetizers and the turkey. The turkey was easy, but I decided to try something different with the appetizers. I made four new recipes – tortellini skewers, cream cheese rolls, bacon wrapped crackers and, the recipe I’m going to share with you today, shrimp pineapple skewers. I picked this recipe because it was the biggest (and most unexpected) hit of the day. Usually when the men of the family gather round to eat the food has to be hearty and familiar. There are three mechanics, one commercial farmer, one construction worker and (my husband) a farm boy turned software/hardware development engineer. None of them are big on ‘finger food’ unless it is meat wrapped in a taco shell or burrito wrap let alone one with seafood in it. As a matter of fact, the first thing a nephew said when I offer the skewer was, “Don’t eat shrimp. Don’t like it. Looks funny.” Over the next hour, after his father convinced him to ‘take a chance’; he ate more of them than anyone. LOL! From THE PIONEER WOMAN’s recipes here are SHRIMP-PINEAPPLE SKEWERS: Ingredients
1/2 cup thick teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 dash kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 fresh pineapple
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound bacon, package sliced in half
Directions
Special equipment: about 30 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set a roasting rack in a large baking pan.
To make the marinade, pour the teriyaki sauce in a bowl and then throw in the ginger, sugar, crushed red pepper, salt, garlic, green onions and lemon juice. Stir it around and set it aside.
Next, cut the pineapple into chunks by lopping off the top, slicing off the rind, cutting the pineapple into wedges, slicing off the hard inner core and then cutting the slices into chunks. Store half the chunks in the fridge for snacking.
Place a chunk of pineapple on top of a shrimp and then wrap the whole thing in one of the half-slices of bacon. Stick a skewer through the whole thing so that it holds the pineapple, shrimp and bacon securely, and lay it on the rack in the pan. Continue with the remaining ingredients. Brush each skewer generously with some of the marinade.
Roast the skewers for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and brush with a second coat of marinade. Return the pan to the oven and roast until the bacon is sizzling and the shrimp is cooked, about 15 minutes.
Serve them hot or at room temperature.
I live in a very small agricultural area and large grocery stores with a large variety of cultural foods isn’t available to me so I sometimes have to make do with what I have on hand. I didn’t have all the sauce ingredients, but I did have a bottle of packaged teriyaki marinade. I added the chopped ginger, garlic and green onions to it and it worked beautifully. Try them and I hope you love them as much as we did. Oh, and I didn’t have to worry about the kids liking or even trying them. The guys ate them all before the kids had a chance at them. The entire huge tray. I mentioned before that I am an author and a publisher. Sadly, the day-to-day operations of running a press have limited my writing time. Each year the press becomes more successful, the less time I find to write. But I am currently working on a new romance involving an ex-CIA agent and his world of spies, criminals, intrigue, danger and – of course—true love. As I get more of the story down, I can come back and talk about it as it progresses. In the meantime, I’ll tell you about one of my favorite novels, the first m/m erotic romance I ever wrote and one that is still a favorite with readers – A BIT OF ROUGH.
Here is the synopsis: Architect James Justin impulsively lets himself be picked up in a biker bar by seductive hunk Bram Lord for a one-night-stand that turns into something bigger. The physically impressive, forceful stranger exceeds James' sexual fantasies, but can shy, uncertain James be everything the strongly committed Bram wants? I’ll add a little except here. Remember this is m/m erotic romance but I’ll keep the excerpt PG. James sat down on the nearest bar stool, ignoring the way his jeans refused to slip over the worn vinyl. He swung one foot back and forth over the broken floor tiles making a gritty sound; the thick leather soles of his boots peeling a layer of dirt off with each pass.
He ordered a Bud from the barmaid, noting the way her C-cups strained against the thin fabric of her low cut halter-top. It was impressive and the blatant, inviting look she gave him in return offered a guarantee of a better look after closing time if he wanted it. James gave her his best 'thanks, but no thanks' smile and sipped his beer, rotating on the stool to get a better view of the rest of the room.
The Atlantic Bar was a biker dive, complete with pool tables, rock and roll music, and a small time drug deal going down just outside the back exit. Led Zeppelin blared out a number on the jukebox and both pool tables had games going. The majority of the patrons were members of the leather and chrome set. Tattoos, tight jeans and shirtless black vests dominated the dress code for both sexes.
This wasn't his usual kind of haunt, but he'd decided earlier tonight to do something unexpected, exciting, different. So instead of spending a Friday night at home, James Joseph Justin, architect and former altar boy, was cruising a biker bar for a one-night stand. Anyone with a cup size, even a C-cup like the well-endowed barmaid, need not apply.
At five-foot seven, one hundred forty-two pounds, there was nothing physically intimidating or impressive about James, but he could win over most any problem with his charm and little boy looks. Dark, unruly curls and a pair of wide, sapphire eyes softened even the most resistant during his normal day-to-day interactions. He doubted that would work here if he tried to attract the attention of the wrong guy.
A burst of catcalls and whistles from the far pool table attracted his attention. A deep, soft rumble of laughter cut through the cheers and the background noise to pique James' interest. The sound sent a buzz of arousal through him, making him shift his hips on the stool to ease the sudden tightening of his jeans.
Another murmur of high spirits erupted from the group of men clustered around the end of the table, and James' curious eyes found the source of the low, pleasant voice. Standing between two T-shirted, leather vested, ponytailed bikers was a tall, broad-shouldered, sandy-haired man dressed in denim and cowboy boots. Even from his seat at the bar, James could see the jeans, denim jacket and faded, blue shirt all matched the pale blue of the big man's eyes. James' jeans got a little bit tighter.
The cowboy chalked the end of his cue and moved into place at the end of the table, leaning down to take his shot. Sinking the five-ball in the middle pocket, the man smiled, and glanced up from his conquest, laser blue eyes locking unerringly on James' hungry, unprepared stare. He took his time standing back up, holding James in his sights the entire time, his expression unreadable.
Unable to break away from the mesmerizing stare, James blushed, squirming a little on his stool. Eyes still locked with the stranger's, James watched as the man snagged his beer off the edge of the table and took a drink, arching his neck and swallowing in long, drawn out gulps that made his throat move in an all too-seductive fashion for James' rising libido. After lowering the bottle, the stranger smiled at him, breaking the stare.
James gulped down half his beer and got up to move closer. Taking up a spot by a rough wooden post, he leaned against the support and took another sip of his beer, playing the part of just another interested spectator in the room.
The cowboy rounded the table, studying the lie of the balls, intent on his next move. Picking a tight angle from James' side of the table, the large man bent over to line up his shot, his hip making contact with James as he suddenly pulled back for the shot. James shifted to one side, startled by the unexpected touch. The stranger held the shot, straightened up and stepped in close to him, inhaling deeply.
James' breath turned to soft, little pants at the stranger's abrupt nearness. The man smelt of sweat and leather, a faint, pleasant scent that made James harden against the rough fabric of his jeans. The slight, abrasive rub of the front seam was a relief to the portion of his body seeking more immediate attention.
"Sorry."
James stepped back to give the man room and found himself brought up short against the support beam. The stranger stepped closer, trapping James between himself and the post, a position James wouldn't have minded if they hadn't been in a room full of people. Likely, no one was close enough to overhear any conversation that might take place. The big man was free to flirt or threaten, as the mood struck him. James wasn't sure which, if either, would happen, but he was definitely interested in the tall, hard body currently blocking his view of the room.
James looked up from under his lashes to see an amused, self-assured smile on the man's handsome face. He dropped his gaze, feeling self-conscious and nervous. Did the guy know what he'd been thinking? Could he see the lust in his face, read the willingness in his eyes? Was the smile genuine or just a preamble to punching him out? The same pleasant rumble from earlier drew his eyes back up to the tanned and weathered face in front of him.
"Excuse me. Need a little room to make my move." The cowboy swayed his weight from one foot to the other, his thigh grazing James' hip on the forward motion. He slid the pool cue through his hands, drawing James' eyes down to watch as the cowboy's long fingers stroked over the rod.
James glanced at the few poorly placed balls left on the table. "Doesn't look like you've got much of a shot left."
The big man smiled and glanced over his shoulder at the set up. "Seven ball center pocket." His gaze narrowed, appraising James from head to toe, settling on his clean- face. "After I win, how about I buy you a beer?"
"That's impossible."
Cowboy snorted a dry chuckle. "Which? The shot or buying you a drink?"
James swallowed and huffed out a shaky breath. His nervous habit of biting at his lower lip made the man's eyes flicker down to his mouth. James released his lip and licked over the abused flesh, his mouth suddenly dry.
"The shot. No way you can sink the seven-ball in the center pocket. You can't get the angle right." James shook his head, regretting the fact the man was going to lose the game and he would lose the opening for a drink with him. "I know about angles. It's part of my job."
"I like a challenge." One blue eye winked at him. "Decide what kind of beer you want."
There was something possessive and demanding in the soft, gravel tones that made James shiver. He covered his reaction by shrugging his shoulders and relaxing onto the uneven surface of the post at his back.
He nodded. "Okay. If you want to." The stranger held his gaze for a moment longer before smiling and stepping away.
"Oh, I want to." His voice was pitched low, rich and filled with a seductive promise. "This'll just take a minute."
The cowboy rejoined his opponent at the pool table, calling out the shot. The announcement was met with a grunt and a pleased grin from the biker. Seconds later the grin dissolved into a look of awe.
Cowboy spiked the cue ball, skipping it over a blockade of even numbered balls. It ricocheted off the far end at the perfect angle to clip the seven-ball, sending it straight into the center pocket. True to his word, it took him less than a minute to run the table and win the game. He collected his money, hung up his cue stick, and acknowledged the friendly slaps and grudging compliments of the spectators around the table, then walked back over towards James. He flashed a quick smile, showing rows of even, white teeth and a cleft in the middle of his chin. With a tilt of his head, he gestured toward the bar.
James hesitated a moment, then walked to the only empty seat at the bar. Before he could claim it, the stranger stepped ahead of him and swung his taller frame onto the vinyl. James found himself wedged between the man's knees on the left and a biker covered with chains and tattoos on his right.
The cowboy sprawled on the narrow stool, spreading his legs to create more space. Jostled on the right by an unyielding shoulder, James had no choice but to shift into the opening.
The man swiveled the stool, drawing his legs under the counter and bringing James along with them. He rested a knee against the firm surface of James' backside. Smiling at the startled look on James' face, he nonchalantly swiveled the stool back and forth, rubbing his thigh over the swell of flesh. James pressed back against the cowboy's leg, telling him the attention wasn't unwelcome. He trembled against the man's thigh.
Leaning in to make sure he could be heard over the pounding Bob Seager tune, Cowboy flagged the bartender and ordered two bottles of Budweiser. He threw a ten-dollar bill on the bar, picked up both long necks with one hand and stood up. Offering a bottle to James, he ducked close until their cheeks brushed, his prickly, five o'clock shadow bristling against James' smooth face.
"Let's get some air."
Without waiting for an answer, Cowboy started in the direction of the back exit, taking a swallow from his bottle every few feet. He was halfway across the floor before he realized James hadn't followed him. The younger man was still standing at the bar, an uncertain look on his face. The cowboy stood where he was, his gaze locked on James' face, waiting patiently for him to make up his mind.
James could feel the weight of the man's eyes on him, his raw intensity and the heat of his hungry gaze. It pulled at him from across the room, drawing him to the man's side.
The man's gaze never wavered, taking on a satisfied glint as James came to his side. He kept his eyes riveted on James' face, speaking only loud enough for James to hear.
"Do I have to drag you out?"
James felt a shiver of excitement shoot through to his groin. He could barely get his answer out of his tightening throat.
"No."
The man gave James an appraising glance that traveled from head to toe and back again. "But you'd like me to, wouldn't you?" The nervous way James licked his lips was answer enough. Cowboy turned for the back exit. James followed this time.
Once they reached the cooler air of the alleyway, James was forced to stop for a moment to refuse an offer to join a three-man group sharing a pipe. By the time he looked around, the taller man was nowhere to be seen in the dark, narrow lane.
If you are interested in seeing more check out our website here: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ABOR0001 Thanks for reading and I hope to drop by again. I love to cook and I love romance! Laura Baumbach
1/2 cup thick teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 dash kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 fresh pineapple
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound bacon, package sliced in half
Directions
Special equipment: about 30 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set a roasting rack in a large baking pan.
To make the marinade, pour the teriyaki sauce in a bowl and then throw in the ginger, sugar, crushed red pepper, salt, garlic, green onions and lemon juice. Stir it around and set it aside.
Next, cut the pineapple into chunks by lopping off the top, slicing off the rind, cutting the pineapple into wedges, slicing off the hard inner core and then cutting the slices into chunks. Store half the chunks in the fridge for snacking.
Place a chunk of pineapple on top of a shrimp and then wrap the whole thing in one of the half-slices of bacon. Stick a skewer through the whole thing so that it holds the pineapple, shrimp and bacon securely, and lay it on the rack in the pan. Continue with the remaining ingredients. Brush each skewer generously with some of the marinade.
Roast the skewers for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and brush with a second coat of marinade. Return the pan to the oven and roast until the bacon is sizzling and the shrimp is cooked, about 15 minutes.
Serve them hot or at room temperature.
I live in a very small agricultural area and large grocery stores with a large variety of cultural foods isn’t available to me so I sometimes have to make do with what I have on hand. I didn’t have all the sauce ingredients, but I did have a bottle of packaged teriyaki marinade. I added the chopped ginger, garlic and green onions to it and it worked beautifully. Try them and I hope you love them as much as we did. Oh, and I didn’t have to worry about the kids liking or even trying them. The guys ate them all before the kids had a chance at them. The entire huge tray. I mentioned before that I am an author and a publisher. Sadly, the day-to-day operations of running a press have limited my writing time. Each year the press becomes more successful, the less time I find to write. But I am currently working on a new romance involving an ex-CIA agent and his world of spies, criminals, intrigue, danger and – of course—true love. As I get more of the story down, I can come back and talk about it as it progresses. In the meantime, I’ll tell you about one of my favorite novels, the first m/m erotic romance I ever wrote and one that is still a favorite with readers – A BIT OF ROUGH.
Here is the synopsis: Architect James Justin impulsively lets himself be picked up in a biker bar by seductive hunk Bram Lord for a one-night-stand that turns into something bigger. The physically impressive, forceful stranger exceeds James' sexual fantasies, but can shy, uncertain James be everything the strongly committed Bram wants? I’ll add a little except here. Remember this is m/m erotic romance but I’ll keep the excerpt PG. James sat down on the nearest bar stool, ignoring the way his jeans refused to slip over the worn vinyl. He swung one foot back and forth over the broken floor tiles making a gritty sound; the thick leather soles of his boots peeling a layer of dirt off with each pass. He ordered a Bud from the barmaid, noting the way her C-cups strained against the thin fabric of her low cut halter-top. It was impressive and the blatant, inviting look she gave him in return offered a guarantee of a better look after closing time if he wanted it. James gave her his best 'thanks, but no thanks' smile and sipped his beer, rotating on the stool to get a better view of the rest of the room.
The Atlantic Bar was a biker dive, complete with pool tables, rock and roll music, and a small time drug deal going down just outside the back exit. Led Zeppelin blared out a number on the jukebox and both pool tables had games going. The majority of the patrons were members of the leather and chrome set. Tattoos, tight jeans and shirtless black vests dominated the dress code for both sexes.
This wasn't his usual kind of haunt, but he'd decided earlier tonight to do something unexpected, exciting, different. So instead of spending a Friday night at home, James Joseph Justin, architect and former altar boy, was cruising a biker bar for a one-night stand. Anyone with a cup size, even a C-cup like the well-endowed barmaid, need not apply.
At five-foot seven, one hundred forty-two pounds, there was nothing physically intimidating or impressive about James, but he could win over most any problem with his charm and little boy looks. Dark, unruly curls and a pair of wide, sapphire eyes softened even the most resistant during his normal day-to-day interactions. He doubted that would work here if he tried to attract the attention of the wrong guy.A burst of catcalls and whistles from the far pool table attracted his attention. A deep, soft rumble of laughter cut through the cheers and the background noise to pique James' interest. The sound sent a buzz of arousal through him, making him shift his hips on the stool to ease the sudden tightening of his jeans.
Another murmur of high spirits erupted from the group of men clustered around the end of the table, and James' curious eyes found the source of the low, pleasant voice. Standing between two T-shirted, leather vested, ponytailed bikers was a tall, broad-shouldered, sandy-haired man dressed in denim and cowboy boots. Even from his seat at the bar, James could see the jeans, denim jacket and faded, blue shirt all matched the pale blue of the big man's eyes. James' jeans got a little bit tighter.
The cowboy chalked the end of his cue and moved into place at the end of the table, leaning down to take his shot. Sinking the five-ball in the middle pocket, the man smiled, and glanced up from his conquest, laser blue eyes locking unerringly on James' hungry, unprepared stare. He took his time standing back up, holding James in his sights the entire time, his expression unreadable.
Unable to break away from the mesmerizing stare, James blushed, squirming a little on his stool. Eyes still locked with the stranger's, James watched as the man snagged his beer off the edge of the table and took a drink, arching his neck and swallowing in long, drawn out gulps that made his throat move in an all too-seductive fashion for James' rising libido. After lowering the bottle, the stranger smiled at him, breaking the stare.
James gulped down half his beer and got up to move closer. Taking up a spot by a rough wooden post, he leaned against the support and took another sip of his beer, playing the part of just another interested spectator in the room.The cowboy rounded the table, studying the lie of the balls, intent on his next move. Picking a tight angle from James' side of the table, the large man bent over to line up his shot, his hip making contact with James as he suddenly pulled back for the shot. James shifted to one side, startled by the unexpected touch. The stranger held the shot, straightened up and stepped in close to him, inhaling deeply.
James' breath turned to soft, little pants at the stranger's abrupt nearness. The man smelt of sweat and leather, a faint, pleasant scent that made James harden against the rough fabric of his jeans. The slight, abrasive rub of the front seam was a relief to the portion of his body seeking more immediate attention.
"Sorry."
James stepped back to give the man room and found himself brought up short against the support beam. The stranger stepped closer, trapping James between himself and the post, a position James wouldn't have minded if they hadn't been in a room full of people. Likely, no one was close enough to overhear any conversation that might take place. The big man was free to flirt or threaten, as the mood struck him. James wasn't sure which, if either, would happen, but he was definitely interested in the tall, hard body currently blocking his view of the room.
James looked up from under his lashes to see an amused, self-assured smile on the man's handsome face. He dropped his gaze, feeling self-conscious and nervous. Did the guy know what he'd been thinking? Could he see the lust in his face, read the willingness in his eyes? Was the smile genuine or just a preamble to punching him out? The same pleasant rumble from earlier drew his eyes back up to the tanned and weathered face in front of him.
"Excuse me. Need a little room to make my move." The cowboy swayed his weight from one foot to the other, his thigh grazing James' hip on the forward motion. He slid the pool cue through his hands, drawing James' eyes down to watch as the cowboy's long fingers stroked over the rod.
James glanced at the few poorly placed balls left on the table. "Doesn't look like you've got much of a shot left."
The big man smiled and glanced over his shoulder at the set up. "Seven ball center pocket." His gaze narrowed, appraising James from head to toe, settling on his clean- face. "After I win, how about I buy you a beer?"
"That's impossible."
Cowboy snorted a dry chuckle. "Which? The shot or buying you a drink?"
James swallowed and huffed out a shaky breath. His nervous habit of biting at his lower lip made the man's eyes flicker down to his mouth. James released his lip and licked over the abused flesh, his mouth suddenly dry.
"The shot. No way you can sink the seven-ball in the center pocket. You can't get the angle right." James shook his head, regretting the fact the man was going to lose the game and he would lose the opening for a drink with him. "I know about angles. It's part of my job."
"I like a challenge." One blue eye winked at him. "Decide what kind of beer you want."
There was something possessive and demanding in the soft, gravel tones that made James shiver. He covered his reaction by shrugging his shoulders and relaxing onto the uneven surface of the post at his back. He nodded. "Okay. If you want to." The stranger held his gaze for a moment longer before smiling and stepping away.
"Oh, I want to." His voice was pitched low, rich and filled with a seductive promise. "This'll just take a minute."
The cowboy rejoined his opponent at the pool table, calling out the shot. The announcement was met with a grunt and a pleased grin from the biker. Seconds later the grin dissolved into a look of awe.
Cowboy spiked the cue ball, skipping it over a blockade of even numbered balls. It ricocheted off the far end at the perfect angle to clip the seven-ball, sending it straight into the center pocket. True to his word, it took him less than a minute to run the table and win the game. He collected his money, hung up his cue stick, and acknowledged the friendly slaps and grudging compliments of the spectators around the table, then walked back over towards James. He flashed a quick smile, showing rows of even, white teeth and a cleft in the middle of his chin. With a tilt of his head, he gestured toward the bar.
James hesitated a moment, then walked to the only empty seat at the bar. Before he could claim it, the stranger stepped ahead of him and swung his taller frame onto the vinyl. James found himself wedged between the man's knees on the left and a biker covered with chains and tattoos on his right.
The cowboy sprawled on the narrow stool, spreading his legs to create more space. Jostled on the right by an unyielding shoulder, James had no choice but to shift into the opening.
The man swiveled the stool, drawing his legs under the counter and bringing James along with them. He rested a knee against the firm surface of James' backside. Smiling at the startled look on James' face, he nonchalantly swiveled the stool back and forth, rubbing his thigh over the swell of flesh. James pressed back against the cowboy's leg, telling him the attention wasn't unwelcome. He trembled against the man's thigh.
Leaning in to make sure he could be heard over the pounding Bob Seager tune, Cowboy flagged the bartender and ordered two bottles of Budweiser. He threw a ten-dollar bill on the bar, picked up both long necks with one hand and stood up. Offering a bottle to James, he ducked close until their cheeks brushed, his prickly, five o'clock shadow bristling against James' smooth face.
"Let's get some air."
Without waiting for an answer, Cowboy started in the direction of the back exit, taking a swallow from his bottle every few feet. He was halfway across the floor before he realized James hadn't followed him. The younger man was still standing at the bar, an uncertain look on his face. The cowboy stood where he was, his gaze locked on James' face, waiting patiently for him to make up his mind.
James could feel the weight of the man's eyes on him, his raw intensity and the heat of his hungry gaze. It pulled at him from across the room, drawing him to the man's side.
The man's gaze never wavered, taking on a satisfied glint as James came to his side. He kept his eyes riveted on James' face, speaking only loud enough for James to hear. "Do I have to drag you out?"
James felt a shiver of excitement shoot through to his groin. He could barely get his answer out of his tightening throat.
"No."
The man gave James an appraising glance that traveled from head to toe and back again. "But you'd like me to, wouldn't you?" The nervous way James licked his lips was answer enough. Cowboy turned for the back exit. James followed this time.
Once they reached the cooler air of the alleyway, James was forced to stop for a moment to refuse an offer to join a three-man group sharing a pipe. By the time he looked around, the taller man was nowhere to be seen in the dark, narrow lane.
If you are interested in seeing more check out our website here: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ABOR0001 Thanks for reading and I hope to drop by again. I love to cook and I love romance! Laura Baumbach
January 1, 2014
Cover Reveal: For The Love of Murphy @RoanePublishing
Cover Reveal & Submission Call For The Love of MurphyA Sweet Romance Anthology
Roane Publishing Submission call
... For the Love of Murphy
A Sweet Romance Anthology
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2014
Sometimes it pays to be unlucky.
Theme: We've all heard of "Murphy's Law", well in this anthology, all the stories must be romances with a Murphy's Law twist. Perhaps the heroine is accident prone and stumbles (literally) into the hero at the grocery store. Maybe a series of strange mishaps brings the hero and heroine together. Bring us your tales of bad luck gone romantically right. Submissions can be historical or contemporary.
Submissions must be romances with a HEA/HFN ending for the main characters.Stories must be at least 5K but should not exceed 10K words.New Adult Genre stories will be considered for this anthology.Stories must adhere to the anthology call's theme to be considered.
Please email a brief query letter along with your completed and polished manuscript to submissions@roanepublishing.com and put the anthology name MURPHY in the SUBJECT LINE of your email.
Completed stories should be attached in TXT, RTF, DOC, or DOCX format ONLY and attached to your query email. All other attachment file types will be deleted unopened.
Roane Publishing Submission call
... For the Love of Murphy
A Sweet Romance Anthology
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2014
Sometimes it pays to be unlucky.
Theme: We've all heard of "Murphy's Law", well in this anthology, all the stories must be romances with a Murphy's Law twist. Perhaps the heroine is accident prone and stumbles (literally) into the hero at the grocery store. Maybe a series of strange mishaps brings the hero and heroine together. Bring us your tales of bad luck gone romantically right. Submissions can be historical or contemporary.
Submissions must be romances with a HEA/HFN ending for the main characters.Stories must be at least 5K but should not exceed 10K words.New Adult Genre stories will be considered for this anthology.Stories must adhere to the anthology call's theme to be considered.
Please email a brief query letter along with your completed and polished manuscript to submissions@roanepublishing.com and put the anthology name MURPHY in the SUBJECT LINE of your email.
Completed stories should be attached in TXT, RTF, DOC, or DOCX format ONLY and attached to your query email. All other attachment file types will be deleted unopened.
December 29, 2013
Pierced Love by t. h. snyder
Buy Links: USA http://tinyurl.com/mdskqta UK http://tinyurl.com/kqh72cw Author bio:
t. h. snyder (1979) was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. For six years she worked in the field of higher education while earning her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Management from University of Phoenix. She's a single mother to two children. She became an avid reader in spring of 2012 and since has read over 250 books. Her genre of interest ranges from Romance to thrilling Paranormal. This is more than just a hobby for her, it's a passion to read the words of great authors and bring life to their stories with her reviews and character castings. She started writing her first novel in June of 2013 and is anxious to see where this journey takes her!! Twitter: https://twitter.com/thsnyder4Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorthsnyderWebsite: http://www.thsnyder.com/Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/NeverEndingTBR/Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/t.-h.-snyder/e/B00EV65L0I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Midnight Kiss Giveaway Hop + Harper's Wish Excerpt & Giveaway
http://www.geminigirls.com/hop I love the first kiss in a book and in real life actually. I've had a couple of those myself and they are ones I definitely won't ever forget. I think what I might like even more is that moment right before that first kiss....the anticipation and nervousness of touching your lips to his, wondering if it'll be worth the wait. Will you do it right? Will he do it right? Then once your lips touch, that feel of falling into the unknown bliss...hmmmm.
Well anywho, there's a giveaway for this hop. A main giveaway sponsored by Liquid Silver, a $25 gift voucher for Liquid Silver Books. 
I will also give be giving away a copy of my new release, Harper's Wish in addition to a New Year's goody bag! Make sure you leave a comment below with your email addy :) Check out the Midnight Kiss video... http://youtu.be/m6fHnlbqgTc I'd also like to share an excerpt of the first kiss from Harper's Wish.
Fin peeked through the opening. “Hey, there. I just wanted to make sure you had everything you
needed.”
“Holy crap! You scared me.” She stepped back with a hand over her heart and tried to catch her breath.Fin came inside in all his shirtless cowboy glory and closed the door behind him. “Dang, I’m sorry. Iseem to have a habit of doing that.” Warm palms wrapped around her bare arms. His touch took way the chill, but created a whole different set of emotions instead.
She inhaled the scent of his aftershave and glanced up at him, noticing the ends of his hair, the color of burnished oak, were still damp. A vivid mental picture of him naked in the shower had her heart racing again. Fin’s eyes darkened and grew hungry, as if she were his next meal. Her gaze traveled to his lips, lush and begging to be kissed. The magnetic energy crackled between them, and her body swayed toward Fin’s bare chest. Her palms burned hot at the contact with his flesh. His lips crushed hers, setting her nerve endings on fire. She returned his kiss with eagerness. Fin’s hands roamed over her back, then lower while she moved her fingers over his muscles with a feather-light touch and into his hair. Harper couldn’t fight the attraction a second longer. She sighed as his fingers fisted into the t-shirt she wore, edging it higher to reveal her stomach.“I’m sorry for being so forward, but I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I saw you.”She expelled a soft moan of pleasure to encourage him.Fin had the material around her shoulders when a knock sounded at the door—just before it started to push open.“Hey, are you two oka—”“Kaleb, don’t open the door!” Fin yelled as Harper shrieked and pulled her shirt back into place.She heard Kaleb curse in the hallway, and with a muttered apology, his footsteps padded away, growing quieter the further from the door he got.Fin had wrapped Harper in his embrace to shield her from Kaleb’s view, but pulled away to look down at her. After a moment, he rested his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry about that. Damn. Every time I turn around, I’m apologizing to you. I sure as hell won’t be apologizing for kissing you, though.”“I hope not. I wouldn’t accept it anyway. I wanted that just as much as I think you did.” Her heart still hammered against her ribcage.“Oh, I definitely did. I’m only sorry Kaleb interrupted when he did and ruined the mood.”She placed a sweet kiss on the tip of his nose and pulled away. “Perhaps this time it was for the best. I just met you yesterday, and while I’m sure I’ll be cursing myself in about an hour, maybe it was a sign for us to take things slow.”“You’re right. I don’t know what came over me. Well, I do know, but I need to control it better.” His face reddened a little. “There’s just something about you that makes me nuts, besides your beautiful face. You’re sweet and funny, and your smile lights up the whole room.”Harper thwacked Fin in the shoulder, cheeks burning. “Stop, you’re embarrassing me.” Despite her protest, she couldn’t seem to wipe the silly grin from her face. “One last kiss, then you’re leaving. I need my beauty sleep.” She grabbed him around the neck and planted a doozy on him, then pushed him out and shut the door.“Good night, Harper,” she heard him call from the hallway.Smiling in spite of herself, Harper folded the clothes she’d left lying on the bed, shut off the lamp, and crawled between the cold sheets.“How the heck am I supposed to sleep now?”Buy Links: Amazon Amazon (UK) Barnes and Noble
Kobo Smashwords All Romance eBooks
Follow along with the hop below...
December 28, 2013
Author, author... Top Two's Post with the authors of Winter's Sweet Kiss Anthology !
...read all about it !!
Top Two Christmas Foods from our authors of Winter's Sweet KissMichelle Ziegler, Terri Rochenski, Annabelle Blume, Lily Carlyle & Shaya RoyMichelle Ziegler:Homemade mashed potatoes and ham. In that order too. I love traditional. Terri Rochenski: Candied sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. YUMMMMMMMMMMM
Annabelle Blume: 1. Savory Mashed Potatoes - I don't care what they are on the side of, I love them! 8 medium potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup sour cream 8 oz. cream cheese 1/4 chives, chopped 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. white pepper When potatoes are mashed, mixed in salt, pepper, milk, sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Transfer into baking dish. Top with chives. Cover with tin foil and bake for 20-30 min at 325 deg.2. Cranberry Sauce - It's one of those foods you can lie to yourself about, claiming it's healthy. 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 pkg fresh cranberries Simmer until cranberries burst. Let cool. Chill in ridge overnight. VOILA! Lily Carlyle:Cookies! Despite many years of taste tests (and the resulting pounds), I still haven't found my very favorite! But if anyone has a good recipe for thick, iced sugar cut-out cookies, please share. That's what I'm craving right now!Eggnog. I have to confess, I prefer the pasteurized kind you buy in the dairy section of the grocery store, not the homemade kind. And amazingly (for those who know me), I like it alcohol-free. Shaya Roy:1) Not technically a food, but a drink. Apple cider. It's tangy, sweet and has apples. What's not to love?2) Gingerbread cookies. They're so cute I almost can't bear to eat them. Almost. and now... Winter's Sweet Kiss
BEGINNING OF FOREVER By Terri Rochenski Blurb: When Wayne Edwards moves to town, Lillian Douglas experiences stirrings she thought were long dead. Guilt ridden over betraying her deceased husband and the feelings Wayne inspires, Lillian reluctantly lets him in. Secrets of the past - an old promise emerges, but will it threaten their forever? MELT By Shaya Roy
Blurb: Newlyweds in an arranged marriage, Naina and Dev go to the mountains of Shimla, India in search of snow. Unfortunately, they find fifteen inches more than they expected.
Being snowed in with her husband is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives Naina an excellent excuse to snuggle up to her deep, quiet man, but every time Dev spurns her, a little more of her heart drips away. Melting the ice around her husband’s heart before the snow outside does might take more pride than Naina’s ready to surrender.
ONE IN A MILLION SNOWFLAKES By Michelle Ziegler
Blurb: Angela is in love with someone she can never have--her best friend, Rebecca’s older brother.
Stranded in the bitter cold after a disastrous blind date with yet another company Christmas party looming, a standing offer from the boss’ nephew gets a little more appealing. Desperation. Not a good sign. Surely when Rebecca rescues her from the blinding snow, she can also convince Angela to just go to the party alone. She can always count on her best friend.
That is, as long as she never finds out about Angela’s secret crush.
AN UNEXPECTED WREATH By Annabelle Blume Blurb: Stella's got everything she needs in life: a great job, a beautiful house, and her independence. But on last minute trip to the local Christmas tree lot, she finds something, or rather someone, she desperately wants - Grayson. An emergency trip to Target, an unexpected wreath, and a little Christmas magic make the season much brighter.
SANTA BEBE By Lily Carlyle
Blurb: Disillusioned by men and her belief that they see her only as an object, Bebe is determined to find a man with money. Her geeky, but unfailingly kind, next-door neighbor James tries to convince her of the possibility of real love, even as she reveals to him the troubled childhood that made her so cynical about relationships. When her mother dasher her hopes for a perfect Christmas, Bebe finds herself turning to James once again, and in the process, learning a lot about herself and the promise their relationship holds. Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18844487-winter-s-sweet-kiss Buy Links:
Roane Publishing Amazon (Print) Amazon (Kindle Copy)
Barnes and Noble Createspace (Print Only)
Group Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card & paperback copy of Winter’s Sweet Kiss a Rafflecopter giveaway
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