Johnny Ray's Blog, page 43
September 22, 2013
THE SALSA CONNECTION -- EXCERPT
THE SALSA CONNECTIONAN INTERNATIONAL ROMANTIC THRILLERWINNER OF THE ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARD
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EXCERPT CHAPTER 1
Present day, St. Petersburg, Russia“Oh my God, he’s alive,” Sveta gasped, as she failed to contain the words rushing past her trembling lips. Oh papa, is this really from you? In the solitude of her tiny kitchen she quickly felt vulnerable, knowing the torture she’d be subjected to if discovered. She couldn’t believe the invitation she was grasping in her trembling hands. She had prayed for this sign of her Papa being alive ever since he had disappeared twenty-five years ago. Papa, my papa!With the rush of joy swelling in her chest and presenting her with such newfound hope, she had to stay focused to fight the deep shock attempting to overtake her. As her body quivered, and her eyes filled with the tears of joy, a gripping fear suddenly flooded her thoughts. Had anyone else read the coded message? Sveta studied the signs of wear and tear on the tattered envelope from America. The stamps made absolutely no sense at all, but looked official. If the invitation had been tampered with, any intrusion would be hard to prove, but yet she knew how interceptions of mail were so common in Russia. She analyzed every part of the envelope to determine if any clues existed at all. While she imagined many possibilities, she saw nothing conclusive.The invitation inside the envelope was in much better condition, but still showed the weary signs of battered and wrinkled edges from the long trip. The invitation described how several salsa clubs in New York were sponsoring an international competition to determine the best salsa dancers in the world. She studied the rounds of eliminations extending over several weeks to determine the finalists. Since the long list of rules written in English didn’t make complete sense to her, she would have to translate them better later. Although she had learned English in school since the fourth grade, she still needed help with some documents such as this one.It was, however, the note scribbled at the bottom of the invitation that made her think her heart would stop beating. The note written in English read, “Come to the competition and enter, my little lady.” Only her papa had ever called her my little lady, and he had disappeared while attending an international ballet competition in New York City years ago. She remembered how the Americans had contended that he had been murdered, and also how the Russian government had always insisted that he had defected. In any case, he had never returned. Memories of how a large number of priceless paintings stolen a few weeks before her papa had vanished returned to haunt her. While he had always been accused of being involved, no one had ever presented any solid proof tying him to the crime. As the shock paralyzed Sveta, she waited on her mom, Mariya Panova, to arrive soon. Perhaps she could make more sense of this invitation. After the door rattled with the sound of keys turning the locks, her mom quickly opened the massive door to their flat. Sveta, however, didn’t move when her mom entered the room. She could only imagine the many long hours ahead of them trying to understand the meaning of this note. While it would take some time for each of them to recover from the initial shock, she had no doubt in her mind—her papa was alive.Mariya had been a great mom and her best friend ever since her papa’s disappearance. With tears still falling from her eyes, Sveta watched her mom rush to her to ask, “Sveta, what is it?”“Mom, I received this invitation in today’s mail. I think it’s from Papa.” Mariya reached for the letter. “An invitation to what?” She quickly scanned the letter, but looked confused at the English.“It’s an invitation from America to enter a Latin dance competition, but here, look at the bottom of the invitation. Please, tell me . . . oh god . . . please tell me what you think.”Much as Sveta had earlier, she watched her mom slide into one of the chairs at the table. Tears quickly flooded her mom’s eyes and ran down her face, as she appeared to recognize the handwriting. “Sveta, either he’s alive, or someone is playing the worst trick on us we can ever, ever imagine.”Sveta fought back a smile. Could this be true? Is he alive?“Have you shown this letter to anyone?” Her mom leaned forward as her body trembled. While Sveta watched her mom attempting to stay poised and in control, she realized even the most elegant and proper women of the world would have problems coping with the news she had just received. “No, I just received the invitation a few hours ago. Here . . . look at the envelope. Do you think anyone has tampered with it?”Mariya started turning the envelope over, examining it. “For some reason, I don’t think it’s been inspected. If someone had examined the invitation, I don’t think we would have received it, but who knows for sure.”“Mom, we need to hide it. You know how dangerous it would be if they find this invitation.” “Don’t worry. I know the perfect place to hide the invitation—in the garden.” She continued to study the invitation by turning it over and over. Sveta knew her mom knew very little English. An additional wave of excitement swept into Sveta’s voice. “What do you think this means?”“I think it’s obvious he wants to make contact with you, but why . . . after all these years…I don’t know. I’ve hoped for a long time that he would contact me, just to let me know that he was all right. He was . . . and still is . . . the love of my life. I’ll never forget him.” She leaned over the table, dabbing at her tears.The idea of going to New York City felt totally impossible to Sveta. Such a trip represented a fairytale that was too great to imagine, and in reality, she had to admit the trip would never happen. Her job as a sales clerk in an art gallery would never pay enough to make such a trip to America. After all, it required everything her mom and she could earn to make ends meet. “There’s no way we can afford an expensive trip like this! Papa has to know we have no money.”Mariya raised her head. “I know, but I think more information must be coming later. I just don’t know what to think.”“I understand we’ve discussed his disappearance many times before, but Mom, I need to know if you remember anything else I should be aware of concerning Papa. Can you think of anything at all you haven’t told me? I’m a big girl now.”“Don’t remind me you’re twenty-eight years old. I still can’t believe you haven’t married, like most of your friends your age. All the good men are already married, and the other men may think you have something wrong with you.”“Mom—”
WITH THE PRICE REDUCED TO 99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME GRAB YOUR COPY NOW
EXCERPT CHAPTER 1
Present day, St. Petersburg, Russia“Oh my God, he’s alive,” Sveta gasped, as she failed to contain the words rushing past her trembling lips. Oh papa, is this really from you? In the solitude of her tiny kitchen she quickly felt vulnerable, knowing the torture she’d be subjected to if discovered. She couldn’t believe the invitation she was grasping in her trembling hands. She had prayed for this sign of her Papa being alive ever since he had disappeared twenty-five years ago. Papa, my papa!With the rush of joy swelling in her chest and presenting her with such newfound hope, she had to stay focused to fight the deep shock attempting to overtake her. As her body quivered, and her eyes filled with the tears of joy, a gripping fear suddenly flooded her thoughts. Had anyone else read the coded message? Sveta studied the signs of wear and tear on the tattered envelope from America. The stamps made absolutely no sense at all, but looked official. If the invitation had been tampered with, any intrusion would be hard to prove, but yet she knew how interceptions of mail were so common in Russia. She analyzed every part of the envelope to determine if any clues existed at all. While she imagined many possibilities, she saw nothing conclusive.The invitation inside the envelope was in much better condition, but still showed the weary signs of battered and wrinkled edges from the long trip. The invitation described how several salsa clubs in New York were sponsoring an international competition to determine the best salsa dancers in the world. She studied the rounds of eliminations extending over several weeks to determine the finalists. Since the long list of rules written in English didn’t make complete sense to her, she would have to translate them better later. Although she had learned English in school since the fourth grade, she still needed help with some documents such as this one.It was, however, the note scribbled at the bottom of the invitation that made her think her heart would stop beating. The note written in English read, “Come to the competition and enter, my little lady.” Only her papa had ever called her my little lady, and he had disappeared while attending an international ballet competition in New York City years ago. She remembered how the Americans had contended that he had been murdered, and also how the Russian government had always insisted that he had defected. In any case, he had never returned. Memories of how a large number of priceless paintings stolen a few weeks before her papa had vanished returned to haunt her. While he had always been accused of being involved, no one had ever presented any solid proof tying him to the crime. As the shock paralyzed Sveta, she waited on her mom, Mariya Panova, to arrive soon. Perhaps she could make more sense of this invitation. After the door rattled with the sound of keys turning the locks, her mom quickly opened the massive door to their flat. Sveta, however, didn’t move when her mom entered the room. She could only imagine the many long hours ahead of them trying to understand the meaning of this note. While it would take some time for each of them to recover from the initial shock, she had no doubt in her mind—her papa was alive.Mariya had been a great mom and her best friend ever since her papa’s disappearance. With tears still falling from her eyes, Sveta watched her mom rush to her to ask, “Sveta, what is it?”“Mom, I received this invitation in today’s mail. I think it’s from Papa.” Mariya reached for the letter. “An invitation to what?” She quickly scanned the letter, but looked confused at the English.“It’s an invitation from America to enter a Latin dance competition, but here, look at the bottom of the invitation. Please, tell me . . . oh god . . . please tell me what you think.”Much as Sveta had earlier, she watched her mom slide into one of the chairs at the table. Tears quickly flooded her mom’s eyes and ran down her face, as she appeared to recognize the handwriting. “Sveta, either he’s alive, or someone is playing the worst trick on us we can ever, ever imagine.”Sveta fought back a smile. Could this be true? Is he alive?“Have you shown this letter to anyone?” Her mom leaned forward as her body trembled. While Sveta watched her mom attempting to stay poised and in control, she realized even the most elegant and proper women of the world would have problems coping with the news she had just received. “No, I just received the invitation a few hours ago. Here . . . look at the envelope. Do you think anyone has tampered with it?”Mariya started turning the envelope over, examining it. “For some reason, I don’t think it’s been inspected. If someone had examined the invitation, I don’t think we would have received it, but who knows for sure.”“Mom, we need to hide it. You know how dangerous it would be if they find this invitation.” “Don’t worry. I know the perfect place to hide the invitation—in the garden.” She continued to study the invitation by turning it over and over. Sveta knew her mom knew very little English. An additional wave of excitement swept into Sveta’s voice. “What do you think this means?”“I think it’s obvious he wants to make contact with you, but why . . . after all these years…I don’t know. I’ve hoped for a long time that he would contact me, just to let me know that he was all right. He was . . . and still is . . . the love of my life. I’ll never forget him.” She leaned over the table, dabbing at her tears.The idea of going to New York City felt totally impossible to Sveta. Such a trip represented a fairytale that was too great to imagine, and in reality, she had to admit the trip would never happen. Her job as a sales clerk in an art gallery would never pay enough to make such a trip to America. After all, it required everything her mom and she could earn to make ends meet. “There’s no way we can afford an expensive trip like this! Papa has to know we have no money.”Mariya raised her head. “I know, but I think more information must be coming later. I just don’t know what to think.”“I understand we’ve discussed his disappearance many times before, but Mom, I need to know if you remember anything else I should be aware of concerning Papa. Can you think of anything at all you haven’t told me? I’m a big girl now.”“Don’t remind me you’re twenty-eight years old. I still can’t believe you haven’t married, like most of your friends your age. All the good men are already married, and the other men may think you have something wrong with you.”“Mom—”
September 21, 2013
THE JOURNEY TO WHITESTONE -- EXCERPT
THE JOURNEY TO WHITESTONE
A PARANORMAL ROMANCE
EXCERPT
This is another novel I have reduced to 99 cents for a limited time
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Jacquelyn soon dreamed of a place she had visited several times before. It felt like she had actually lived there earlier with the scenery along the oceanfront appearing so familiar to her. The deep-blue sea radiated so vibrantly beautiful, as the white beach she walked on extended for miles and miles with no ending in sight. She felt a warm breeze blowing in her face, offering her a fresh but slightly salty sensation. A man slowly materialized as he walked toward her. While he had the sun behind him and she couldn’t see his face, she knew that she was deeply in love with him. The feeling resonated so strong that she couldn’t deny it. “Good morning, love,” she heard him say as he finally stopped in front of her. “Good morning to you too,” she answered back as she wrapped her arms around him. She tossed her head to one side to try to see his face, but she was unable to do so because of the intensely bright sun. He looked muscular and tall, and most importantly, he made her feel extremely secure. His cheek next to her own felt moist and warm and sent an intimate sensation of heat throughout her body. As he pulled her closer, their bodies grafted seamlessly together. “I’ve been looking for you,” he finally whispered in her ear. “I know,” she responded. His hands softly cupped her face as he worked his fingers to the back of her neck. He kept his thumbs under her chin as he tenderly lifted her face upward. With his lips so close, she could hear him softly breathing. She waited for him to touch his lips to hers, but he continued to wait patiently while massaging her neck. His first kiss felt soft and warm and with only a slight hint of heat infused behind it. The second kiss felt much warmer as she tasted the moisture in his lips kissing hers. Soon the intimacy of his kisses and the exploration of his tongue into every part of her mouth without hesitation sent waves of hot, tingling sensations throughout her body. She wanted him with all of the strength within her as the attraction produced a feeling much stronger than she could ever describe in mere words. As he ravished her lips and caressed her skin, creating a deep, passionate heat that made even breathing hard to accomplish, his kisses intensified, showing no intention of slowing. His tongue tasted so sweet, and like a delicate flower, she felt it blossoming inside her and consuming her soul. As if to catch a breath of air, he slowly removed his tongue before kissing her softly on the lips. He then rested for only a moment before he whispered, “We need to talk.” “I know we do. The doctors have told me what to expect.” Tears flowed down her face. It was not only her tears, but his as well that flowed as he continued. “What are we going to do? I love you and want to be with you forever.” “I don’t know. If there’s anything that can be done, you know I would. I don’t want to lose you.” She sobbed as her heart ached with a new level of pain. “They say I might only have a week to live. That’s not enough time. We’re supposed to live together forever.” He was not supposed to die. As tears soaked her face, images around her glowing from the brightness of the sun on the white beach quickly overpowered her. “We’ve loved this beach and the ocean. Please remember this one promise—I’ll always love you. One day we’ll be together again. We both always wanted to live in the mountains. I wanted to take you there, and I will if I ever receive the chance,” he whispered, as she felt the hand of a man holding her own who was supposed to be strong enough to lead her and protect her for eternity. But why is this happening. He can’t just die and leave me. She knew that he was her true love; a love with no restraints or limitations of any kind. The sun faded as Jacquelyn woke from her dream. As she stretched she remembered the events in the dream as if they had just happened to her in real life. All the details remained so vivid—so clear. Even if it represented only a dream of a perfect life, the memories helped Jacquelyn feel much better and ready to face another day of the problems facing her. Still, the thoughts of a lover dying also left her sad to some extent. Would we meet again in the future? She soon drifted offto sleep again, where she rested peacefully for the rest of the night.
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Jacquelyn soon dreamed of a place she had visited several times before. It felt like she had actually lived there earlier with the scenery along the oceanfront appearing so familiar to her. The deep-blue sea radiated so vibrantly beautiful, as the white beach she walked on extended for miles and miles with no ending in sight. She felt a warm breeze blowing in her face, offering her a fresh but slightly salty sensation. A man slowly materialized as he walked toward her. While he had the sun behind him and she couldn’t see his face, she knew that she was deeply in love with him. The feeling resonated so strong that she couldn’t deny it. “Good morning, love,” she heard him say as he finally stopped in front of her. “Good morning to you too,” she answered back as she wrapped her arms around him. She tossed her head to one side to try to see his face, but she was unable to do so because of the intensely bright sun. He looked muscular and tall, and most importantly, he made her feel extremely secure. His cheek next to her own felt moist and warm and sent an intimate sensation of heat throughout her body. As he pulled her closer, their bodies grafted seamlessly together. “I’ve been looking for you,” he finally whispered in her ear. “I know,” she responded. His hands softly cupped her face as he worked his fingers to the back of her neck. He kept his thumbs under her chin as he tenderly lifted her face upward. With his lips so close, she could hear him softly breathing. She waited for him to touch his lips to hers, but he continued to wait patiently while massaging her neck. His first kiss felt soft and warm and with only a slight hint of heat infused behind it. The second kiss felt much warmer as she tasted the moisture in his lips kissing hers. Soon the intimacy of his kisses and the exploration of his tongue into every part of her mouth without hesitation sent waves of hot, tingling sensations throughout her body. She wanted him with all of the strength within her as the attraction produced a feeling much stronger than she could ever describe in mere words. As he ravished her lips and caressed her skin, creating a deep, passionate heat that made even breathing hard to accomplish, his kisses intensified, showing no intention of slowing. His tongue tasted so sweet, and like a delicate flower, she felt it blossoming inside her and consuming her soul. As if to catch a breath of air, he slowly removed his tongue before kissing her softly on the lips. He then rested for only a moment before he whispered, “We need to talk.” “I know we do. The doctors have told me what to expect.” Tears flowed down her face. It was not only her tears, but his as well that flowed as he continued. “What are we going to do? I love you and want to be with you forever.” “I don’t know. If there’s anything that can be done, you know I would. I don’t want to lose you.” She sobbed as her heart ached with a new level of pain. “They say I might only have a week to live. That’s not enough time. We’re supposed to live together forever.” He was not supposed to die. As tears soaked her face, images around her glowing from the brightness of the sun on the white beach quickly overpowered her. “We’ve loved this beach and the ocean. Please remember this one promise—I’ll always love you. One day we’ll be together again. We both always wanted to live in the mountains. I wanted to take you there, and I will if I ever receive the chance,” he whispered, as she felt the hand of a man holding her own who was supposed to be strong enough to lead her and protect her for eternity. But why is this happening. He can’t just die and leave me. She knew that he was her true love; a love with no restraints or limitations of any kind. The sun faded as Jacquelyn woke from her dream. As she stretched she remembered the events in the dream as if they had just happened to her in real life. All the details remained so vivid—so clear. Even if it represented only a dream of a perfect life, the memories helped Jacquelyn feel much better and ready to face another day of the problems facing her. Still, the thoughts of a lover dying also left her sad to some extent. Would we meet again in the future? She soon drifted offto sleep again, where she rested peacefully for the rest of the night.
September 20, 2013
STALKING LOVE -- EXCERPT
STALKING LOVE
It is always that point in time when the heroine really notices the hero in a book that many people remember.
I hope you like this short look inside my novel
STALKING LOVE
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EXCERPT
Rachel rolled her eyes and walked over to Jody. “Perhaps I need to join her in whatever she’s drinking.” She gave a quick wink that was followed by a small laugh. “Uh huh. You’ll be over here soon, you’ll see.” She reached out into the air in front of her and acted like she was pinching one of the guy’s butt. Rachel turned to Jody. “I think you need to make my drink a double.” Jody laughed. “If the drinks will double the number of guys down on the beach, then hey, go for it.” Margaret, a woman in her mid-forties and the oldest one in the group, walked over to the small bar and retrieved the shaker. “I think we’re going to need to make some more.” “Help yourself to whatever you want to make,” Jody said as she walked over toward the telescope. “This is the first time I ever noticed this group playing here. I hope this becomes a regular gathering. I can get used to this.” Margaret started pouring vodka into the shaker as she brushed her long dark brown hair behind her back. “I promise . . . if my last husband owned anything like that kind of body, I’d found some way to make the damn marriage work.” Gloria added some ice to the shaker and smiled. “I thought you said he dumped you.” “Yeah, he did, but if he looked like him, I would have tried harder to make him happy. You must admit, there’s a huge difference.” Margaret stretched out her hands to suggest the size of her ex-husband’s beer belly. Rachel walked back out on the patio as Jody motioned for her to take a look. “Okay, let’s see what all the excitement is about.” She placed her eye against the telescope, allowing time to adjust her vision on several guys playing volleyball. Their movements happened too fast for her to stay focused on them. Yes, with their shirts off she saw a lot of muscles. “What do you think?” Jody asked impatiently. “I see several guys playing.” She tried to focus in on one guy to obtain better details. “Yes, there are several nice guys there, but we all have one guy we really like. Keep looking and you’ll see what we mean.” Rachel scanned the area again. Their dark tans made them look like locals as the game continued in a fast and furious pace, indicating they had played many times before. Then, she saw the one they must have been talking about. One tall guy with jet-black hair and a well-toned body moved to the server position. Even while wearing baggy swimming trunks she managed to study his muscular legs and oh so firm butt. She concentrated on him until he pitched the ball in the air preparing to serve. As his rapid movements quickly evaded her focus, she struggled to find him. “Do you see him yet?” Jody stood behind her, waiting for a response. “I think so.” When Rachel saw him returning to serve again she recognized a face she had thought about a lot lately. “Ohmigod!” Oops, she didn’t mean to say that out loud, but knew it was too late now. “What is it?” Jody asked. Rachel looked away from the telescope. “I think I know this guy.” She turned to study all of the girls standing behind her open their mouths wide. Gloria spoke first. “Tell girl, and I do mean tell all.” Rachel glanced first at Gloria and then at Jody. “This guy came by to see me a few days ago.” Gloria eyes stretched wide open as she leaned forward. “And . . . .” Rachel glanced at each girl descending in on her like a pack of rats chasing a single piece of cheese. “Okay, okay, his name is Carlos and he’s in the mortgage business. He came by to see if I could refer some of my clients to him.” Jody leaned over to the telescope again and focused in on him. “Let me say . . . if you don’t send him some . . . well, you know, if you don’t want him, let me know. I’m sure I can send him some . . . business.” Rachel laughed. “He acted professionally when he came to see me.” She glanced over the edge of the condo at the guys on the beach. “I’ll admit that he looks very nice up close.” Jody continued to study him through the telescope. “How old is he?” Rachel studied the guys playing. She wasn’t sure, but knew he looked young. She turned to raise her glass toward the other girls. “I’m not sure, but I’m willing to drink to young men and lustful nights.” She followed up the proposed toast with a loud hearty laugh. Everyone lifted their glasses together and joined in the laughter. Several eyed the telescope, waiting on their turn. After pointing toward many of the empty or close to being empty glasses, Jody motioned toward the shaker. “I think we might need a full time bartender here tonight.” Gloria glanced over at the guys. “Now, if you can find us a boy toy like one of these, I’ll even help cover the cost.” “I’m sure you would.” Rachel loved the laughing and teasing of these friends, but stopped for a moment to watch the guys playing hard, and who had no idea they had become the topic of discussion among her friends. These guys were enjoying life and having a great time. She suddenly thought about how sad it was that the only thing the girls around her could do was simply enjoy the entertainment the guys put on for them rather than being a part of the fun. Gloria nudged next to her. “Can’t take your eyes off of him, huh?” Rachel laughed. “I was thinking of how fascinating it would be to discover how he really lives his life, you know, from day to day.” “Uh huh. I think I see some wheels turning here.” Rachel decided to turn from the balcony before she really started some rumors; the one thing she definitely didn’t need to start. Gossip wouldn’t be good for business since she worked for many conservative clients. However, she knew the best way out of this situation required her to play along as if the idea was a joke. “Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?” Gloria saw through her laughter and pushed on. “I know you too well, you’re not a dreamer. You didn’t get where you are by being such. You’re a doer.” Rachel kept thinking and laughing. She had really wanted to give this guy some business, but if this continued it would be impossible to do so. There was too much danger in feeding the rumor mill. “We both know a guy like him probably has all of the girls he could ever want, and at anytime he wanted them. And . . . if I did catch him, a stud like him would kill me.”
EXCERPT
Rachel rolled her eyes and walked over to Jody. “Perhaps I need to join her in whatever she’s drinking.” She gave a quick wink that was followed by a small laugh. “Uh huh. You’ll be over here soon, you’ll see.” She reached out into the air in front of her and acted like she was pinching one of the guy’s butt. Rachel turned to Jody. “I think you need to make my drink a double.” Jody laughed. “If the drinks will double the number of guys down on the beach, then hey, go for it.” Margaret, a woman in her mid-forties and the oldest one in the group, walked over to the small bar and retrieved the shaker. “I think we’re going to need to make some more.” “Help yourself to whatever you want to make,” Jody said as she walked over toward the telescope. “This is the first time I ever noticed this group playing here. I hope this becomes a regular gathering. I can get used to this.” Margaret started pouring vodka into the shaker as she brushed her long dark brown hair behind her back. “I promise . . . if my last husband owned anything like that kind of body, I’d found some way to make the damn marriage work.” Gloria added some ice to the shaker and smiled. “I thought you said he dumped you.” “Yeah, he did, but if he looked like him, I would have tried harder to make him happy. You must admit, there’s a huge difference.” Margaret stretched out her hands to suggest the size of her ex-husband’s beer belly. Rachel walked back out on the patio as Jody motioned for her to take a look. “Okay, let’s see what all the excitement is about.” She placed her eye against the telescope, allowing time to adjust her vision on several guys playing volleyball. Their movements happened too fast for her to stay focused on them. Yes, with their shirts off she saw a lot of muscles. “What do you think?” Jody asked impatiently. “I see several guys playing.” She tried to focus in on one guy to obtain better details. “Yes, there are several nice guys there, but we all have one guy we really like. Keep looking and you’ll see what we mean.” Rachel scanned the area again. Their dark tans made them look like locals as the game continued in a fast and furious pace, indicating they had played many times before. Then, she saw the one they must have been talking about. One tall guy with jet-black hair and a well-toned body moved to the server position. Even while wearing baggy swimming trunks she managed to study his muscular legs and oh so firm butt. She concentrated on him until he pitched the ball in the air preparing to serve. As his rapid movements quickly evaded her focus, she struggled to find him. “Do you see him yet?” Jody stood behind her, waiting for a response. “I think so.” When Rachel saw him returning to serve again she recognized a face she had thought about a lot lately. “Ohmigod!” Oops, she didn’t mean to say that out loud, but knew it was too late now. “What is it?” Jody asked. Rachel looked away from the telescope. “I think I know this guy.” She turned to study all of the girls standing behind her open their mouths wide. Gloria spoke first. “Tell girl, and I do mean tell all.” Rachel glanced first at Gloria and then at Jody. “This guy came by to see me a few days ago.” Gloria eyes stretched wide open as she leaned forward. “And . . . .” Rachel glanced at each girl descending in on her like a pack of rats chasing a single piece of cheese. “Okay, okay, his name is Carlos and he’s in the mortgage business. He came by to see if I could refer some of my clients to him.” Jody leaned over to the telescope again and focused in on him. “Let me say . . . if you don’t send him some . . . well, you know, if you don’t want him, let me know. I’m sure I can send him some . . . business.” Rachel laughed. “He acted professionally when he came to see me.” She glanced over the edge of the condo at the guys on the beach. “I’ll admit that he looks very nice up close.” Jody continued to study him through the telescope. “How old is he?” Rachel studied the guys playing. She wasn’t sure, but knew he looked young. She turned to raise her glass toward the other girls. “I’m not sure, but I’m willing to drink to young men and lustful nights.” She followed up the proposed toast with a loud hearty laugh. Everyone lifted their glasses together and joined in the laughter. Several eyed the telescope, waiting on their turn. After pointing toward many of the empty or close to being empty glasses, Jody motioned toward the shaker. “I think we might need a full time bartender here tonight.” Gloria glanced over at the guys. “Now, if you can find us a boy toy like one of these, I’ll even help cover the cost.” “I’m sure you would.” Rachel loved the laughing and teasing of these friends, but stopped for a moment to watch the guys playing hard, and who had no idea they had become the topic of discussion among her friends. These guys were enjoying life and having a great time. She suddenly thought about how sad it was that the only thing the girls around her could do was simply enjoy the entertainment the guys put on for them rather than being a part of the fun. Gloria nudged next to her. “Can’t take your eyes off of him, huh?” Rachel laughed. “I was thinking of how fascinating it would be to discover how he really lives his life, you know, from day to day.” “Uh huh. I think I see some wheels turning here.” Rachel decided to turn from the balcony before she really started some rumors; the one thing she definitely didn’t need to start. Gossip wouldn’t be good for business since she worked for many conservative clients. However, she knew the best way out of this situation required her to play along as if the idea was a joke. “Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?” Gloria saw through her laughter and pushed on. “I know you too well, you’re not a dreamer. You didn’t get where you are by being such. You’re a doer.” Rachel kept thinking and laughing. She had really wanted to give this guy some business, but if this continued it would be impossible to do so. There was too much danger in feeding the rumor mill. “We both know a guy like him probably has all of the girls he could ever want, and at anytime he wanted them. And . . . if I did catch him, a stud like him would kill me.”
September 19, 2013
A WAR HERO RETURNS EXCERPT
A WAR HERO RETURNS
EXCERPT
THE FIRST LOOK INTO WHO MATT IS
Chapter 2 Matt glanced at his two guards as Suzan roared away. “I think this is a little ridiculous, don’t you? Why do I need you? You can’t even keep one little girl out of here!” Phil Ector, the man on Matt’s side who hadn’t spoken yet, pointed toward the exiting car. “She was a hell of a fireball, and this could escalate into a problem. I don’t think it would have been good for us to have her assaulted on your grounds.” Matt slapped Phil on the shoulder. “Well old buddy, public relations is what your job is. How do you suggest we handle her?” “Don’t worry, I’ll start working on it now. She looked very determined, and shall I say, mad as hell.” Phil ran his hand through his silver hair as his mouth tightened. Matt glanced at the guards nursing their injuries. “It appears they teach the woman to fight in the Army much better than I had realized. She definitely knew how to handle herself.” Matt turned toward the door. “See if you can make sure these guards say nothing about this. Make sure their injuries are looked at by a doctor before you fire them, and hire me some real guards.” The three men walked back inside the house, where the large foyer stretched three floors high. The display of art work decorating the walls made Matt proud of what he had accomplished. His fortress in the heart of where some of the wealthiest people in the world lived had been an excellent investment. To build his empire he needed funds and lots of investors, since he found many investment opportunities on a daily basis. In fact, in this market, banks begged him to take properties off their hands, while often providing additional funds to the deals to make improvements. The parties he threw here attracted the right people he needed for his future plans. Matt turned toward Dan as they walked through one room after another to the back of the house. “You told me all was in order when we closed this deal.” “Don’t worry. The sale was completely legal. Her mother had a power of attorney we verified, and we obtained a title binder to protect us.” Dan carried a small attaché with him, a trademark he appeared to be stuck with for life. Dan’s dark black hair, a gift of his French-born parents, grew almost down to his shoulders, but he combed it straight back and tied in a small ponytail. Matt always wondered how Dan managed to act as the peacekeeper in the group. “It appears Suzan was never told about the sale. Shouldn’t we have contacted her?” “We attempted to do so. She was off in Afghanistan fighting a war. I think it would be good to do some more research on her now since she has surfaced.” “Good, I can tell you and Phil need to compare some notes. I’m curious to see what you find out. This Suzan is much different than any woman I think I’ve ever met. Did you see how she handled the guards outside?” Dan rushed ahead to open the door exiting to the pool. “You know, it was hard to see beyond the military uniform, but I think she might be a beautiful woman under all of the fury we saw.” Matt turned to grin at Dan. “Fury is a good word, but I think passionate is a better choice. And you know, you might be right.” “Whatever, she definitely isn’t my type.” Dan walked fast to stay next to Matt. Matt retrieved a set of sunglasses and adjusted them as he surveyed the pool area. The Olympic size water garden attracted many guests who lounged around the edges. With the waterfalls creating a slight cooling mist for those soaking up a little too much sun, the afternoon party looked successful. “I think I might enjoy some sun today. I assume we’ve accomplished all we can for a while.” Matt watched Phil analyze the crowd as he pointed to some of the guests for Matt. “I think it would be good to take some photos of you mingling with the people here today.” He waived toward Big John Townsley, one of his main associates he had attending. “Yes, it’s good to see him enjoying himself. With some good photos of us circulating, it will make it hard for him to say no to us when we need some more funds.” Matt allowed his eyes to search for Chelsea, Big John’s daughter. Dan stepped forward and whispered. “In case they’re needed, I prepared several agreements for Big John to sign. Let me know which one you want to hit him with.” “Patience, my boy. We have lots of time to close this one. For right now, I want you to double check on this Mercer case.” “Like I said, I don't foresee any problem.” Dan looked flustered at being doubted in his legal ability to handle Matt’s affairs. “However, I’ll check more into it.” “Good.” Matt continued to study his guests, as he was glad to see that none of them had noticed the confrontation in front of his estate. Suzan had really made an impression on him as his interest in learning more about her grew. But for now, where was Chelsea? If only Big John knew how little Matt actually liked his daughter. Matt knew Big John hoped the two would unite, but Matt knew such a union would never happen. Dan motioned toward the inside of the house. “I think Ronald and Tony are waiting for you in your office to discuss a few details. They’re planning to fly back to New York soon.” “Yes, they have some details we need to discuss, however I want them to stay until after the party tonight. I purchased some special Cuban cigars I want to share with everyone.” Dan grinned at the mention of a good old boy’s time they would enjoy later. “I’ll let the pilot know to expect a late night flight.” “I also want Gail to stay behind with me. I might need her to arrange a few meetings.” He always needed Gail, his secretary, to handle some changes to his calendar. “When do you think you’ll return to New York?” Dan asked. “In a day or two. The timing depends on how long Big John wants to stay. I think he might like a fishing trip.” Matt glanced at Big John one more time before turning to go inside, as he realized how much Big John loved the pool side women–women Matt had hired for the occasion. Although he appeared to be enjoying the view, Matt knew him as a happily married man in many respects and harmless.
Suddenly, Matt noticedChelsea walking around the side of the pool. She stood at close to six feettall, with long legs and inflated breasts. The bikini she wore revealed a sexbomb shell that could excite any guy. Well any guy but him. Women like her wereso easy to obtain, and nothing like the fireball he had seen earlier on hisfront steps.
Chapter 2 Matt glanced at his two guards as Suzan roared away. “I think this is a little ridiculous, don’t you? Why do I need you? You can’t even keep one little girl out of here!” Phil Ector, the man on Matt’s side who hadn’t spoken yet, pointed toward the exiting car. “She was a hell of a fireball, and this could escalate into a problem. I don’t think it would have been good for us to have her assaulted on your grounds.” Matt slapped Phil on the shoulder. “Well old buddy, public relations is what your job is. How do you suggest we handle her?” “Don’t worry, I’ll start working on it now. She looked very determined, and shall I say, mad as hell.” Phil ran his hand through his silver hair as his mouth tightened. Matt glanced at the guards nursing their injuries. “It appears they teach the woman to fight in the Army much better than I had realized. She definitely knew how to handle herself.” Matt turned toward the door. “See if you can make sure these guards say nothing about this. Make sure their injuries are looked at by a doctor before you fire them, and hire me some real guards.” The three men walked back inside the house, where the large foyer stretched three floors high. The display of art work decorating the walls made Matt proud of what he had accomplished. His fortress in the heart of where some of the wealthiest people in the world lived had been an excellent investment. To build his empire he needed funds and lots of investors, since he found many investment opportunities on a daily basis. In fact, in this market, banks begged him to take properties off their hands, while often providing additional funds to the deals to make improvements. The parties he threw here attracted the right people he needed for his future plans. Matt turned toward Dan as they walked through one room after another to the back of the house. “You told me all was in order when we closed this deal.” “Don’t worry. The sale was completely legal. Her mother had a power of attorney we verified, and we obtained a title binder to protect us.” Dan carried a small attaché with him, a trademark he appeared to be stuck with for life. Dan’s dark black hair, a gift of his French-born parents, grew almost down to his shoulders, but he combed it straight back and tied in a small ponytail. Matt always wondered how Dan managed to act as the peacekeeper in the group. “It appears Suzan was never told about the sale. Shouldn’t we have contacted her?” “We attempted to do so. She was off in Afghanistan fighting a war. I think it would be good to do some more research on her now since she has surfaced.” “Good, I can tell you and Phil need to compare some notes. I’m curious to see what you find out. This Suzan is much different than any woman I think I’ve ever met. Did you see how she handled the guards outside?” Dan rushed ahead to open the door exiting to the pool. “You know, it was hard to see beyond the military uniform, but I think she might be a beautiful woman under all of the fury we saw.” Matt turned to grin at Dan. “Fury is a good word, but I think passionate is a better choice. And you know, you might be right.” “Whatever, she definitely isn’t my type.” Dan walked fast to stay next to Matt. Matt retrieved a set of sunglasses and adjusted them as he surveyed the pool area. The Olympic size water garden attracted many guests who lounged around the edges. With the waterfalls creating a slight cooling mist for those soaking up a little too much sun, the afternoon party looked successful. “I think I might enjoy some sun today. I assume we’ve accomplished all we can for a while.” Matt watched Phil analyze the crowd as he pointed to some of the guests for Matt. “I think it would be good to take some photos of you mingling with the people here today.” He waived toward Big John Townsley, one of his main associates he had attending. “Yes, it’s good to see him enjoying himself. With some good photos of us circulating, it will make it hard for him to say no to us when we need some more funds.” Matt allowed his eyes to search for Chelsea, Big John’s daughter. Dan stepped forward and whispered. “In case they’re needed, I prepared several agreements for Big John to sign. Let me know which one you want to hit him with.” “Patience, my boy. We have lots of time to close this one. For right now, I want you to double check on this Mercer case.” “Like I said, I don't foresee any problem.” Dan looked flustered at being doubted in his legal ability to handle Matt’s affairs. “However, I’ll check more into it.” “Good.” Matt continued to study his guests, as he was glad to see that none of them had noticed the confrontation in front of his estate. Suzan had really made an impression on him as his interest in learning more about her grew. But for now, where was Chelsea? If only Big John knew how little Matt actually liked his daughter. Matt knew Big John hoped the two would unite, but Matt knew such a union would never happen. Dan motioned toward the inside of the house. “I think Ronald and Tony are waiting for you in your office to discuss a few details. They’re planning to fly back to New York soon.” “Yes, they have some details we need to discuss, however I want them to stay until after the party tonight. I purchased some special Cuban cigars I want to share with everyone.” Dan grinned at the mention of a good old boy’s time they would enjoy later. “I’ll let the pilot know to expect a late night flight.” “I also want Gail to stay behind with me. I might need her to arrange a few meetings.” He always needed Gail, his secretary, to handle some changes to his calendar. “When do you think you’ll return to New York?” Dan asked. “In a day or two. The timing depends on how long Big John wants to stay. I think he might like a fishing trip.” Matt glanced at Big John one more time before turning to go inside, as he realized how much Big John loved the pool side women–women Matt had hired for the occasion. Although he appeared to be enjoying the view, Matt knew him as a happily married man in many respects and harmless.
Suddenly, Matt noticedChelsea walking around the side of the pool. She stood at close to six feettall, with long legs and inflated breasts. The bikini she wore revealed a sexbomb shell that could excite any guy. Well any guy but him. Women like her wereso easy to obtain, and nothing like the fireball he had seen earlier on hisfront steps.
September 12, 2013
Price reduction
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO OTHER AUTHORS
I have reduced my novel MODELS AND LOVERS to 99 cents until October 1st. If you are an author and purchase my novel during this time period, I will return the favor and buy one of yours, as long as your novel is also 99 cents.
There are no requirements on my part or your part to read or review, just to explore each other’s book as friends would do.
After buying my novel, MODELS AND LOVERS, simply leave me a note where I can find yours
August 20, 2013
BOOK NOTESVS BOOK REVIEWSome people love to write reviews...
BOOK NOTESVS BOOK REVIEW
Some people love to write reviews while others simply like to read and move on to the next. Writing a review can take time and effort, but does not need to be that hard.
Even if you don’t write a review, keeping notes of your reading experience can be very useful. I hope this short exercise will help you. The notes can be kept on your computer in a separate file you establish.
On the first line write the name of the title, including any subtitles.
On the second line add the name of the author. If you see a brief bio on line, consider adding it.
Third line is for a three word description, which can be anything from wow, loved it to I hated it.
Fourth line is more detailed. This is where you need to add the main characters and discuss who they are. It does not have to be fancy, but give enough details so that you can recall the character later. This really helps if you plan to read a series by the author.
The final part is the general theme of the novel. You want enough to remind you what the story was about. By detailing the good and the bad you will be objective in reminding you what the story was about, and if you really liked it or not.
That is it! And really that is all that is needed in writing a good review, be it for posting or for saving in your own private file.
August 11, 2013
August 2, 2013
FOREIGN LANGUAGE QUESTIONI AM CONSIDERING SELLING MY FORE...
FOREIGN LANGUAGE QUESTION
I AM CONSIDERING SELLING MY FOREIGN LANGUAGE RIGHTS SOON SO, WHICH LANGUAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MY NOVELS TRANSLATED INTO. SINCE MANY PUBLISHERS WILL SEE THIS, BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT AND HAVE YOUR FRIENDS DO THE SAME. IN THE MEAN TIME, STOP BY AND SAY HELLO IF YOU SEE ME UP AND DOWN THE BEACH WHERE I WRITE EVERYDAY
I AM CONSIDERING SELLING MY FOREIGN LANGUAGE RIGHTS SOON SO, WHICH LANGUAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MY NOVELS TRANSLATED INTO. SINCE MANY PUBLISHERS WILL SEE THIS, BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT AND HAVE YOUR FRIENDS DO THE SAME. IN THE MEAN TIME, STOP BY AND SAY HELLO IF YOU SEE ME UP AND DOWN THE BEACH WHERE I WRITE EVERYDAY
