Victoria Adams's Blog, page 7

Oh, this just keeps getting worse and worse. Christmas Knight by Victoria Adams #Christmasromance #romance

For the month of December, I am going to post snippets from one of the two Christmas stories of mine in the Exquisite Christmas Anthology.

Christmas Knight is set on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Tamara meets a handsome stranger with the mysterious initials S.C.



Tamara turned towards the sound of the voice. Her gaze met the crystal blue eyes she'd noticed in the audience. Her brain seized. Her vocal cords froze. Aware the man standing before her was waiting for an answer, Tamara managed a weak shrug and a loud sniffle. She lowered her head. Oh, great. I look a mess. All red-eyed and snotty-nosed, and he's standing there looking like a Dolce and Gabbana model. Kill. Me. Now.She swiped at a tear with her fist. He waved a handkerchief before her. She lifted her gaze. A teasing smile crossed his lips, making her heart flutter. His bottom lip was the biteable kind—soft, full and enticing. The kind you want to slide your teeth across.The handkerchief waved again."Uh, no thanks…" She snapped herself out of the fantasy moment and fumbled through her pocket. "I have…uh...this."  Glancing down, her stomach dropped at the sight of the soggy, white lump crumpled on the middle of her palm.With the tips of his thumb and index finger, he lifted the tissue from her hand and laid the immaculate, white linen handkerchief on it.An embarrassed flush flowed from her toes to her nose. Tamara turned towards the sea. Unable to contain her curiosity, she snuck a peek over her shoulder. He was returning from the nearest garbage bin, wiping his hands against each other as if to rid himself of something disgusting.Tamara gritted her teeth. "Oh, this just keeps getting worse and worse."




When romance writers give love stories to the world, we do more than entertain – we share our hope for something better. These imaginative moments of happy-ever-after warm the soul and ripple outward. The world needs more love, and every bit helps.

We hope you enjoy this collection of heartwarming seasonal tales and delicious recipes by twenty-one Bestselling, Award-winning, and Multi-Published Authors from the international Exquisite Quills community: Victoria Adams, Rose Anderson, E. Ayers, Beverley Bateman, Lily Bishop, Barb Caffrey, Helena Fairfax, J.D. Faver, Jennifer Garcia, Romy Gemmell, Vonnie Hughs, Susan Jaymes, Gemma Juliana, Jean Lamb, Lyndi Lamont, Zanna Mackenzie, Janis Susan May, Dee Ann Palmer, Jane Leopold Quinn, Kaye Spencer, and M. S. Spencer.
Happy Holidays!
Amazon - Kindle or Print
Barnes and Noble - Print
iBookstore - Print



What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

Featuring 2 short stories - Lurking Inside a Bottle and Beeps and Bunnies #shortstory

On the 3rd Thursday of the month I've decided to post something different. I belong to a writer's group. Not an online one - one with real humans, meeting in a real room - interacting with each other!  Sometimes I can make the meetings - other times - I'm in belly dance class.Each month there is a challenge, which can be addressed either as fiction or non-fiction and limited to 750 words. I use the challenges, whether I make it to the meeting or not, as a writing exercise. So on the 3rd Thursday of the month, I'll post the literary results of my tackling the challenge. This month I decided to combine the last 2 months - as they happen to make more sense together. I was in a weird mood when I wrote them.
 
Lurking inside a bottle The coolness of the wall leeches through my t-shirt as I press my back against it, trying to become invisible. More invisible.The laughter and music filling the room grates against my psyche.I hate these people. I hate this game. I hate my life.With no worries of being watched, I slip my hand into the front pocket of my jeans. The smoothness of the brown plastic soothes my soul. Relief. Respite. Revenge. Lurks within the bottle.I slip the small green pill into my mouth. Fourth? Or fifth one? It sticks to my throat. I choke it down. Sniffing, I swipe at tears. Unconcerned that anyone noticed. I'm invisible.The music stops, but the noise ramps ups to sickening with shrill giggles as asses race for chairs. Cassie fakes a fall off her seat, squeals and races over to glue her chest and lips against Michael Stanton. I turn away as his hand snakes under her blouse.A chair tossed aside, slams into the one in front of me. I edge further back against the wall.Does anybody even remember I'm here? The game begins again. A child's game played by drunken teenagers.Lydia screeches with triumph. She's the last one seated. She's the victor. Of course she is. She always is. My perfect little sister. Flawless skin. Perfect teeth. With boobs and a butt that grabs every XY chromosome crotch's attention.Why did she drag me to this party? To humiliate me. Again. No one spoke to me. No guy's hand snaked up my shirt. Steven Maitland pushed me off that chair so I was first one out of the game. They all laughed.To the world, I am nothing. Lydia's laugh drowns out all other sounds. A razor blade across my wrist would be more enjoyable.  My little sister. Mom and Dad said I had to look out for her. I'm the big sister. Had to share my toys. My parents. My life.She took them all away. I exist no more. Unloved. Forgotten. It's always Lydia. Lydia. Lydia. Lydia.Look at her. A false smile glued on her face as she humbly confesses amazement that little old hercould have won.There'd be hell to pay if she hadn't.Mommy and Daddy's little princess.The room sways. Steadying myself, my neck muscles protest as I squish the back of my head against the wall.The flick of my fingernail against the stolen prescription bottle gives me comfort. I could slip ten - or so - of the little round contents into her beer. Leave it an hour then, as the magnanimous sister that I am, offer it to her. She'd be too drunk to notice. Then she'd sleep.A long deep sleep.Possibly forever.The thought fills my heart with joy. I squash it back. No joy until no Lydia.She's standing in front of me. Speaking to me. No – speaking at me. Laughing. I hate that laugh. My deepest desire at this exact second is to rip her eyeballs out of her head.Her face blurs.  Movement slows. She drags me back to the circle. We're going to play again.I don't want to. But I'll do it for her. For Lydia. Everyone always does everything for Lydia. Just this one last time. We stand in a circle. Smiles painted on faces. Friends challenge each other. Crowing they'll be the champion this time. I clench my fingers on the chair back, trying not to fall. Music starts. The game begins. I stumble, lose my balance and slam my butt against a chair just as the music stops. Kevin is left standing. My heart sings, "Loser!" I play again. And again.Two people remain. Everyone watches, believing we are loving sisters. But I know hatred lives in both our hearts. I will win this one. I will not let Lydia defeat me again. I can barely hear the music, the pounding in my ears drowns the sound. I float around the sole chair, swaying to my own song.The chair becoming two. Two blurry brown blobs. Which chair leads to victory? To conquer Lydia. To crush her like a cigarette butt.Music stops. Diving forward, I aim for that last chair. My butt settles then blessed blackness swarms me. Not caring about anything, I allow myself to melt into it. What happens will happen. I care – not.
Beeps and Bunnies
After the elation of victory, I blissfully slid into darkness and oozed outward like a skim of oil on a calm sea.Quiet.Peaceful.A total Lydia-free zone.Heaven?
Beep=Beep=Beep
Hmmm?
Beep=Beep=Beep
I thought there were supposed to be choirs of angels and a big pearly gate? Not those annoying beeps.Beep=Beep=Beep
Okay – getting the hint this might actually be hell. Just my stupid luck I'd go the wrong way. But then I got lost in Disney World and spent 5 hrs waiting for my parents to notice and come and collect me.Beep=Beep=Beep
That's getting friggin' annoying, you know.Beep=Beep=Beep
Somebody stop that stupid thing. If Lydia wanted it stopped, it would. In an instant. Can't upset Lydia. Well, I'm her sister – same DNA makeup. So stop it.Beep=Beep=Beep
Even here – wherever here is – no one'll listen to me. I truly suck. It's cold here in the darkness. Somehow I thought it would be hot in hell. You know like – wow – it's hot as hell.Beep=Beep==Beep

Beep===Beep

Silence.Cool.I sever myself from my existence, Orgasmic relief floods me. Never again do I have to deal with people. With them comparing me to Lydia. How she's taller. Smarter. Prettier. Alive.The darkness morphs to brilliance. Is this heaven? You know, a simple sign would be nice. Hello – Welcome to Heaven. No smoking.Something scurries by my foot. A kitten?I glance down. Of course not. Lydia doesn't like kittens. She likes bunnies so obviously heaven would be full of bunnies and there they are, hopping around my feet. I flex my toes, stifling the urge to boot one of the long-eared, furry bundles of hoppiness all the way back to – wherever they came from.  A sneak attack blur kicks me in the chest, you know - ninja style. Ow.Bad Bunny. Probably a Lydia bunny.Another bunny flies at me screeching – Aiyah! And boots me in the chest.Bad bunny.Bad bad bunny.Bad beep.The light fades. Darkness swarms me. I'm back. Trapped back into my pitiful existence.Beep=Beep=Beep
So not impressed.I force my eyelids open. Oh, you have to be kidding. Lydia's hideous face stares down at me. She leans closer. "I won. You lost. You fell off the chair and I sat on it and now you're stuck in that bed until you die. Loser!"Her eyes flash. People say they twinkle, but all I see is malevolent repulsion, and now it's tinged with sadistic triumph.She's beaten me. Mom and Dad will pour their love on to her to comfort her. The world will bend to her will. "Poor Lydia. She suffers so." And they'll give her whatever she wants.And she knows it. I can't let her win. I can't let her rule Mom and Dad. I have to protect them from the hellchild they created.Beep Beep Beep BeepLydia straightens and grins.Beep Beep Beep BeepHer hand moves to my left.Beep beep beeee…….

Silence.Darkness.Peace. Freedom.

Can a gingerbread cookie fix a broken relationship? Gingerbread Dreams on Book Hooks #Christmas romance #romance

Each Wed from now to Christmas I am posting a snippet from one of my 2 stories that appear in the Exquisite Christmas Anthology.

Blurb – Reese Jacobs, talented baker, and owner of Dessert Haven. Brandon Roberts, the world's top celebrity chef and former lover of Reese, travels the world cooking for embassies, 5 star hotels and A–list clients.A nostalgic nudge sends Brandon home and quirk of fate, places the two together to cook for a charity event. Can a gingerbread cookie fix a broken relationship?



Reese loosened her grip on the teacup handle and pasted a smile on her lips. The well-dressed, blonde reporter seated across from her droned on about how she'd always wanted to be a chef. The Foodie life looked so glamourous. And sexy.Glamourous? Sexy? Reese held back a snort.







When romance writers give love stories to the world, we do more than entertain – we share our hope for something better. These imaginative moments of happy-ever-after warm the soul and ripple outward. The world needs more love, and every bit helps.

We hope you enjoy this collection of heartwarming seasonal tales and delicious recipes by twenty-one Bestselling, Award-winning, and Multi-Published Authors from the international Exquisite Quills community: Victoria Adams, Rose Anderson, E. Ayers, Beverley Bateman, Lily Bishop, Barb Caffrey, Helena Fairfax, J.D. Faver, Jennifer Garcia, Romy Gemmell, Vonnie Hughs, Susan Jaymes, Gemma Juliana, Jean Lamb, Lyndi Lamont, Zanna Mackenzie, Janis Susan May, Dee Ann Palmer, Jane Leopold Quinn, Kaye Spencer, and M. S. Spencer.
Happy Holidays!
Amazon - Kindle or Print
Barnes and Noble - Print
iBookstore - Print





What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

Spotlight on Heather Hiestand's historical romance - The Princess Dilemma #historical #romance

THE PRINCESS DILEMMA by Heather HiestandGenre: Historical Romance
England, 1837:  In the game of kings, there can be only one winner, but a second chance at love is worth more than any throne…

As a British army colonel, Edward FitzPrince deals with dangerous secrets every day. When his mother dies and he learns he may have a claim to the British throne, he quickly finds himself out of his depths. The Scottish-born soldier discovers life in London and political maneuvering foreign indeed.

One woman can help him, German Princess Charlotte von Scharnburg, with whom he had a secret romance more than a decade before, his long-lost wife. As the best friend and lady-in-waiting to his half-sister, Queen Victoria, who has just ascended the throne of England, Charlotte is now his natural enemy.

Edward is determined to have his birthright. Charlotte must ensure her family’s survival. They will be each other’s greatest ally, or tear each other apart.

“Colonel?”

Edward glanced over the balustrade to see a woman of such natural beauty as to put the King’s Staircase to shame. All the magnificence of the palace seemed to dim around her. Her shining gold hair contained more than a hint of auburn and her eyes were very dark under reddish brows. Surely lips were not so naturally red past childhood, and he suspected this woman was in her mid-twenties. Still, she had a splendid figure, and was tall for a woman. She would rest her head right against his shoulder if she leaned against him. Who was she?

He nodded his head at her and came slowly down the stairs, conscious of the kingly effect of his gleaming white trousers and shined boots against the black stairs and gold walls. He could see her breasts rise and fall. She was breathing rapidly, as if she had run down a long corridor to reach him.A woman so beautiful must have wed right out of the schoolroom, though she wore no ring on her plump little fingers. Strange to see such hands on such a tall lady.

She stared at him a little strangely, as if he should know her. “I am lady-in-waiting to the queen,” she said. When he didn’t respond, she continued. “Baroness Lehzen sent for me in early spring, when it became obvious the princess would need a larger household soon.”

Her beauty must have made his mouth go dry. He worked his tongue against his teeth before he spoke. “You must be a cousin on the German side, and not related to me.”

She blinked then inclined her head, indicating she knew his relationship to her mistress. “I am a second cousin through Her Majesty’s mother, the Duchess of Kent.”

“I see,” he murmured. That explained the faint Continental accent. “I am very happy to see my sister, Princess Victoria, but my appointment is with Princess Sophia. I will, of course, be happy to pay my respects.” In fact, he could hardly contain his glee at reaching his sister so easily.

“The princess is in the queen’s apartments at present,” the lady said, arching one of her brows as she emphasized his sister’s assumed title. “Will you follow me?”

He had been told many a time that he never smiled, but he could feel the corners of his lips tilting up as he trailed the woman. While her wide skirt hid the curves of her hips, he could see she had a pleasingly tiny waist. Being in mourning for the king, she was dressed all in black, but her sash accented those curves with great proficiency. The wide, ruffled sleeves on her arms were pure silliness, however, a waste of money that could get caught in doors, catch fire, and rip on anything protruding. Women’s fashion had never made sense to him.

Sometimes he wondered what a woman would look like in men’s clothing. He wanted to see this lady-in-waiting in tight buff trousers, all the better to see her backside. A trim linen shirt might display her bosom well. It was hidden from view by a fichu, though the bodice of her dress itself was low-cut enough to display her charms if she dared.

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Heather Hiestand was born in Illinois, but her family migrated west before she started school. Since then she has claimed Washington State as home, except for a few years in California. She wrote her first story at age seven and went on to major in creative writing at the University of Washington. Her first published fiction was a mystery short story, but since then it has been all about the many flavors of romance. Heather’s first published romance short story was set in the Victorian period, and she continues to return to historical fiction as well as other subgenres. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. With her husband and son, she makes her home in a small town and supposedly works out of her tiny office, though she mostly writes in her easy chair in the living room.

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What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance14 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

Romanian author Carmen Stefanescu and her Paranormal Romance with a bit of suspense & mystery - Till Life Do Us Part #paranormal

Till Life Do Us Part
Author:Carmen StefanescuPublisher:Solstice PublishingGenre:  Paranormal RomanceMystery, Suspense, Reincarnation,Release date:9th June 2016
BlurbBarbara Heyer can hear voices of dead people. They whisper of their deaths, seek comfort for those left behind, and occasionally even warn her about future events. But when Barbara’s brother, Colin, is accused of murder, it will take more than her gift to prove his innocence.Becoming smitten with the handsome investigator, Detective Patrick Fischer, is a serious complication given his assignment to her brother’s case. Barbara senses there is something far deeper—and perhaps much older—than the surface attraction between them. Could that be why she’s visited by a mysterious woman named Emma in her dreams? Could past life regression tie all the seemingly unconnected events together?Barbara and Patrick must overcome heartache to find the truth to save Colin, and perhaps themselves.


Author BioCarmen Stefanescuresides in Romania, the native country of the infamous vampire Count Dracula, but where, for about 50 years of communist dictatorship, just speaking about God, faith, reincarnation or paranormal phenomena could have led someone to great trouble - the psychiatric hospital if not to prison.High school teacher of English and German in her native country, and mother of two daughters, Carmen Stefanescu survived the grim years of oppression, by escaping in a parallel world that of the books. Several of her poems were successfully published in a collection of Contemporary English Poems, Muse Whispers vol.1 and Muse Whispers vol.2 by Midnight Edition Publication, in 2001 and 2002. Her first novel, Shadows of the Past, was released in 2012 by Wild Child Publishing, USA.                   Carmen joined the volunteer staff at Marketing For Romance Writers Author blog and is the coordinator of #Thursday13 posts. Other books by Carmen Stefanescu: Shadows of the Past – paranormal/light romance/light historical/light mysteryhttps://www.amazon.com/Shadows-of-the-Past-ebook/dp/B00AK2D9I8/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354874514&sr=1-15&keywords=shadows+of+the+past#nav-subnav
You can stalk the author here:http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.ro/https://twitter.com/Carmen_Bookshttp://www.pinterest.com/carmens007/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Stefanescu-Books/499245716760283http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624397.Carmen_Stefanescuhttps://plus.google.com/117216040843648957646/postshttp://www.amazon.com/Carmen-Stefanescu/e/B00APVDGAA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30115839-till-life-do-us-part
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16249401-shadows-of-the-pastTrailer for Till Life Do Us Part: https://youtu.be/UbuntlWISc0Buy Links:https://www.amazon.com/Till-Life-Do-Us-Part-ebook/dp/B01GGKSQEY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1464868076&sr=1-1&keywords=till+life+do+us+part
 Short URL for Amazon:    https://goo.gl/H0dqkbB&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/till-life-do-us-part-carmen-stefanescu/1123896837?ean=9781625263858

Excerpt Patrick poured the bubbly liquid into the glasses. He offered one to Barbara and raised his.“To the undercover, paranormal investigator, Barbara.” He smiled and touched his glass to hers, looking straight into her eyes.“To you, too, Patrick! I mean, Detective Fischer. If  it hadn’t been for your determination to find out the truth, many families wouldn’t have had the small consolation to see their relatives’ murderers behind bars.” She took a sip of the champagne.“There’s something else I’d like to tell you,” Patrick said. He cleared his throat and took one of her hands in his. “It’s something that I wanted to tell you... to ask you for a while, but it never seemed the right moment.”She heard the tremor in his voice and was sure what was to come. Yet, she didn’t want to make it easier for him. She saw it in his eyes, felt it in the touch of his hands. He was in love with her as she was with him.“So, as I was saying... I want to ask you if—”The telephone rang again, cutting like a steel blade through the thick emotional atmosphere surrounding them.“Oh, not again.” Barbara rolled her eyes upward and headed to the bloody thing. She picked up the receiver and said in a voice that sounded a bit irritated, “Yes. What? Who? Yes, one moment, please.” She turned to Patrick, “It’s for you. An emergency, it seems.”Patrick grabbed the phone, “Yes, Fisher here. What? When? I’m on my way,” he said and put down the receiver.“I’m sorry, Barbara. There’s an emergency, indeed. Bruce has been injured. He’s in the hospital right now.”“Oh, goodness. Is it bad?”“I’ve no idea. They didn’t say. I’m going there. Sorry I spoiled the evening.”“No need for apology, Patrick,” Barbara replied hiding her disappointment. “Duty comes first in your job, I know.”“I’ll call you. Soon. There was something important I wanted to tell... to ask you. Goodnight, Barbara,”  he said and kissed her hand affectionately. He hurried outside.Barbara stood in the middle of the room. It looked empty and cold without him. She took the bottle of champagne, pushed the cork back into it, then went to the kitchen and put it in the fridge.Moments later, she returned to the living room. With a reflexive gesture she picked up the packet of cigarettes Patrick had forgotten on the table. She weighed them in her hand for a moment and smiling, opened a drawer of the bookshelf and placed the cigarettes inside. She took her book from the bookshelf and sat on the couch, enveloped by the faint smell of aftershave left behind by Patrick. Jack stretched, then came to Barbara and curled up in her lap.“Yes, Jack. It is like that. It’s always been like that. Just you and me.” She sighed and opened the book. She failed to notice a faint light hovering outside the window.





What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance13 – author spotlight - Heather Hiestand - The Princess Dilemma
14 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

Three against one odds - possibly not a good thing. Dancing in Circles on Weekend Writing Warriors #8Sunday #NA #romance

Spread the word. Twitter hashtag #8sunday. 
www.wewriwa.com

From my NA contemporary romance - Dancing in Circles

Scene Set - Robert was comforting Julie, after her date with Chris turned ugly. Then he was attacked by her classmates.



Stephan shoved his face to within an inch of Robert's. "Now we'll show you Shore trash how good we Westlanders are." He stepped back then spit on Robert's shirt.Chris pulled himself up off the ground and stood next to Stephan. "Hit the bastard.""Stop it, Steph! You've got it all wrong. He didn't do anything." Julie pulled at his arm. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Stop."



Dancing in Circles. One born into privilege and a charmed life surrounded by love and family. The other born to a life of violence on the streets as the solemn gang leader of the notorious Shoresmen. A young, idealistic co-ed, Julie, meets a jaded, cold gang member, Robert, and cracks his icy shell, allowing the warmth of her love to awaken his soul.
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What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance
12 – author spotlight - Carmen Stefanescu – Till Death Do Us Part 13 – author spotlight - Heather Hiestand - The Princess Dilemma 14 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

But as Gemma lies to Nash and Sawyer, she commits the greatest mistake a spy can make. Smoke Sky by Amy Braun #steampunk

SMOKE SKY is the second prequel novella preceding the adventurous steampunk horror tale CRIMSON SKY and centering around a young thief named Gemma––not yet a member of the Dauntless Wanderer crew––as she was forced to choose between freedom from a twisted family, and forsaking the only people who have ever shown her kindness…




To survive in a horrific world overseen by bloodthirsty monsters, young thief Gemma will do whatever she must to see another day. Even though that means working for a damaged man convinced to make her a permanent member of this thuggish family.
So when her employer tells her that he’ll release her from his clutches, Gemma is obviously skeptical. Especially since the job is easy enough– recruit the two marauders that the gang has been spying on to take her place.
But as Gemma lies to Nash and Sawyer, she commits the greatest mistake a spy can make–– she begins to see them as friends, and perhaps more. Soon, she will have to choose: Sacrifice two strangers to ensure freedom from a brutal future, or risk her life to save them…
Set two years before the events of CRIMSON SKY, this prequel novella tells the story of how Gemma met Nash and Sawyer, and what prompted her to chose their safety over her own. While best enjoyed before reading CRIMSON SKY, this bonus story can be read at any time or enjoyed as a standalone.



Buy it here:
Kindle | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads






SMOKE SKY is set two years before the first novel in the DARK SKY series, CRIMSON SKY, and takes place shortly after Captain Sawyer Kendric and his first mate Nash meet AMBER SKY. The story is told from the perspective of Gemma, the future master gunner and rigger of the Dauntless Wanderer. Before she became a marauder, Gemma was a thief working for a sadistic and morally damaged man named Fletcher, who formed a “family” with three young men named Boyd, Tyler, and Morris. She longs to escape their horrible plans for her future, but to do so, she must take one last job: Trade her life for the lives of two young marauders named Sawyer and Nash to take her place in their family. But when Gemma integrates with them, she realizes they are good men and develops strong feelings for them, especially charming, kind-hearted Nash. Soon she is torn between sacrificing her freedom, and her morals and sanity.
Of all the novellas I’ve written to date, Smoke Sky is one of my favorites. Gemma and Nash have a relationship that I love––they are two characters who could hardly be more opposite, but who fit together so beautifully––and I couldn’t let their story go untold. This is likely the most romantic story in the Dark Sky series and features one of my favorite romance moments, so I hope a lot of readers enjoy it.
Gemma’s past is hinted at in Crimson Sky when Gemma has a conversation with the main series heroine, Claire Abernathy, but at the time, it was something I just threw in there for context. I didn’t really plan anything beyond moving Crimson Sky forward. But when I decided I wanted to do some novellas, I thought it would only make sense to go back to that moment when she was explaining pieces of her past to Claire, and extrapolate from there.
I started Smoke Sky shortly after completing its predecessor, Amber Sky. Because it’s so short, less than 40,000 words, I decided to write it as an ebook only, though it will be included in the Dark Sky Box Set releasing in April 2017. The whole story was a lot of fun to write, but I have to say that my favorite part was building the relationship between Gemma and Nash. Their personalities are so contrasting––she’s brash and fiery, he’s gentler and relaxed––that it was fun just to have them flirt and grow close to each other, while Sawyer grudgingly accepts that he enjoys the challenge of her company, as she’s not afraid to challenge him.
After hard weeks of writing, editing, and gushing over the cover created by Deranged Doctor Design, I worked on setting up my own promotions with Google Forms and contacted book reviewers, bloggers, and bookstagrammers who have helped me with previous releases. They are all fantastic, friendly, wonderful people, and if they’re taking the time to read this, know that I appreciate all your hard work more than I can say.
Though I’m very happy to have the release of Smoke Sky––one of my favorite written novellas to date––out in the world, I’m eager to get back to working on the final novel in the Dark Sky series, Obsidian Sky. I love hearing feedback from everyone I work with (I really couldn’t have done it without you) and everyone I share my books with, and would love to hear thoughts on this novella and upcoming work.

Excerpt
                     Nothing ever happens the way you expect it to. Even the most detailed plans wind up spiraling to oblivion’s bowels if you forget that one, minor, impossible-to-see detail.            Then again, this was the first job I’d actually planned to the letter. I’m more of a wing-it-as-she-runs thief. Hasn’t always worked out for me in the past, and neither had this.Face it, Gemma. You just have terrible luck.“I know you’re here, girl,” the marauder below me growled, silencing my internal voice. “Come out now, and I won’t be too hard on you.” His boots creaked against the wooden floorboards as he stalked through the attic, glancing at the stacks of dusty crates and wondering which I was hidden behind. “Might even have a little party if you play nice.”Since he wasn’t looking up, he couldn’t see that I was perched on the rafters in the corner of the shadowy attic. I rolled my eyes and shook my head, pushing chin-length, sable hair away from my face. The world had fallen apart in the most abysmal way, but pirate men still thought with their cocks. If there was a decent man left alive in Westraven, I doubted I’d ever meet him. I didn’t run with chivalrous folk. Kind of hard to do when half the people in the city were desperate or dead.From outside, thunder growled with agitation. The storm had gotten worse in the short amount of time I’d been in the apartment. This wasn’t going to be a fun escape.“You took something that belongs to me,” the marauder continued, his dark-haired head flicking left and right to scrutinize the crates. “I’m getting it back, and I don’t care if you’re alive or dead when I do it.”While he rambled on about being stiffed, I looked for my exit. He’d spotted me just as I claimed my prize, but I’d managed to dodge him by being fast and tossing furniture in his path until I got into the attic. I’d climbed up the crates to get to the rafters then stuck to the shadows until he stomped up here to gripe. I hadn’t had the chance to look at my surroundings. As much as I wanted to believe he was too stupid to look up, I wasn’t taking chances. The murky, rain-drizzled window I’d used to get inside the building was on my right. I could use it again to slip out, climb up, and run across the roofs of the collapsed apartments, but this building was old and uncared for. The window’s hinges would creak. The marauder would hear me and holler his heart out. He would be the death of me.Not because I thought he would hurt me––I was much too fast––but because other things would hear him.Other, savage, inhuman things.



 Q & A: Amy Braun and Smoke Sky– MINOR SPOILERS BELOW.
  Q: What inspired you to write Smoke Sky and two prequel novellas?
A:Gemma is one of those characters who you know has a story to tell as soon as you meet her in Crimson Sky. What pushed her to become a thief? Why is she so fiercely attached to Nash? Is it just her personality that causes her to clash with Sawyer more often than not? I love Gemma––she’s exactly the kind of heroine I like reading about and after mentioning a snippet of her story in Crimson Sky, I knew I had to find out more about her. As with Nash, I wanted to tell her story and learn more about the world of Westraven and Aon. I just had no idea that there would be so much to tell!
 Q: Why did you choose to tell the story from Gemma’s perspective?
A: For a thief, Gemma is a noticeable character. She’s not quiet and not afraid to speak her mind to anyone challenging her––including her captain. Since I love writing characters who snark and question authority as much as they breathe, it was really a no-brainer to tell the story in her own sarcastic, quick-witted words. Plus, delving into the true depth of the emotions she feels for Nash, feelings she never considered she might have, add another layer to her character and give her an almost vulnerable appeal, something Gemma would never let show if she could avoid it.
Q: Which was more challenging to write: Amber Sky or Smoke Sky?
A: Both of them had their challenges, but if I had to choose, I would say Smoke Sky was harder. There were more settings to construct, a more complex challenge for the characters to overcome, and more world building to do. I also had to answer certain questions about the Dauntless Wanderer and how it was able to be transported to its final location, which was no easy feat. But I also think that because of those challenges the story is stronger. Don’t get me wrong––I loveand am very proud of Amber Sky, but there’s more going on in Smoke Sky and that makes it engaging and exciting.
Q: Gemma’s relationship with Nash and Sawyer are vastly different. Which did you enjoy writing more?
A: While I had a great time pitting Gemma against Sawyer and loved writing their barbs and teasing, I liked writing the moments between Gemma and Nash more. I’m a sucker for sweet romances, and Nash is nothing if not a teddy bear. Considering I wanted to tie in events from Amber Sky with Smoke Sky, I thought their scenes flowed wonderfully. Nash is smitten early on but Gemma is a little more hesitant, and watching her test those barriers between them was amazing. There is one particular scene in the middle of the novella that I’m very proud of and sums up their relationship tenderly and beautifully, so I look forward to hearing feedback from readers and reviewers on it.
Q: What can you tell us about the final novel in the Dark Sky series?
A: Obsidian Sky will be the last of the last in the Dark Sky books. I’m currently editing it, and it will be slated for release on February 7, 2017, with a cover reveal happening January 2. The story is told from both Sawyer and Claire’s perspectives, will be full of action, and will vastly expand the world by going way beyond the borders of Westraven. I have some surprises and a lot of excitement planned for this final book, and couldn’t be more excited to share it. I’ll be doing a lot of promotions around social media and my website, but newsletter subscribers will get first peeks at the cover and notifications on the biggiveaway I’ll be doing. I can’t wait to share it with you all!


Amy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action. She is the recipient of April Moon Books Editor Award for “author voice, world-building and general bad-assery,” and the One Book Two Standout Award in 2015 for her Cursed trilogy. She has been featured on various author blogs and publishing websites, and is an active member of the Writing GIAM and Weekend Writing Warrior communities. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, and struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction.

Her short stories published by independent houses like Mocha Memoirs Press and April Moon Books, and she has independently published a collection of standalone and series novels including Storm Born, Path of the Horseman, and the Cursed and Dark Sky series. Many of her short stories have been featured in anthologies such as Amok!, Avast, Ye Airships!, and That Hoodoo, Voodoo, That You Do, and Stomping Grounds.
More From Amy Braun
CURSED
DEMON’S DAUGHTER | DARK DIVINITY | DAMNATION’S DOOR | TRILOGY BOX SET
DARK SKY
CRIMSON SKY | MIDNIGHT SKY | AMBER SKY | ENGINEERED DECEIT (In GHOSTS GEARS AND GRIMOIRES)
STANDALONE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS
STORM BORN
PATH OF THE HORSEMAN
NEEDFIRE
Social Media Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon





What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance11 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday12 – author spotlight - Carmen Stefanescu – Till Death Do Us Part 13 – author spotlight - Heather Hiestand - The Princess Dilemma 14 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

A belly dancer, a handsome stranger, a cruise ship and the night before Christmas #romance

IF YOU ARE HERE FOR JENNA JAXON - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN For the month of December, I am going to post snippets from one of the two Christmas stories of mine in the Exquisite Christmas Anthology.

Christmas Knight is set on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Tamara meets a handsome stranger with the mysterious initials S.C.




Tears trickled down Tamara’s cheeks as she leaned over the railing to peer at the Caribbean water. One paused at the edge of her chin, wobbled then dropped, mixing into the briny sea. She dug a crumpled tissue out of her pocket, blew her nose, and sighed.A toe-tingling whiff of aftershave wafted past her nose. She recognized the fragrance: wood smoke with a hint of evergreen. The intoxicating aroma belonged to the tall, dark haired, blue-eyed man she'd passed when the passengers boarded the Northern Lights cruise ship. She'd also caught a glimpse of him in the audience when she'd performed her evening's solo dance. His brilliant eyes appeared to have glowed. Though, that could’ve been a trick created by the bright lights.Tam gave her head a shake. Don't be silly. Eyes don't glow.She stuffed her tissue into her pocket and glanced at her cell phone. Her parents' text still filled the screen. Sorry we missed the boarding. Horrible snow storms. Hundreds of flights cancelled. We arrived in time to watch you sail over the edge of the earth. Our first Christmas not being together. Tears are forming. Must go. Love, Mom and Dad.Tam's chin trembled. Her eyes filled with tears again. It wasn't fair. It's Christmas. Everything's supposed to be perfect at Christmas. A sigh filled her lungs and she released it with a hiccup."When it's such a beautiful evening—dark sky, twinkling stars, soft tropical breeze, why would anyone so beautiful be so sad?"




When romance writers give love stories to the world, we do more than entertain – we share our hope for something better. These imaginative moments of happy-ever-after warm the soul and ripple outward. The world needs more love, and every bit helps.

We hope you enjoy this collection of heartwarming seasonal tales and delicious recipes by twenty-one Bestselling, Award-winning, and Multi-Published Authors from the international Exquisite Quills community: Victoria Adams, Rose Anderson, E. Ayers, Beverley Bateman, Lily Bishop, Barb Caffrey, Helena Fairfax, J.D. Faver, Jennifer Garcia, Romy Gemmell, Vonnie Hughs, Susan Jaymes, Gemma Juliana, Jean Lamb, Lyndi Lamont, Zanna Mackenzie, Janis Susan May, Dee Ann Palmer, Jane Leopold Quinn, Kaye Spencer, and M. S. Spencer.
Happy Holidays!
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Jenna Jaxon's Regency Romance - Seduction at the Christmas Court #regency #romance

SEDUCTION AT THE CHRISTMAS COURTTAGLINE: Christmas tidings of comfort, joy, and temptationBLURB:Alyse and Geoffrey, Lord and Lady Longford, have journeyed to the glittering Christmas Court of King Edward III in the year 1349 to wait upon the king and take part in some Yuletide merriment. However, when Geoffrey is suddenly called into the king’s service again, Alyse must remain at court, attending the queen and persuading her rebellious sister to accept an unwanted betrothal. When rumors of Geoffrey’s death arise, Alyse fends off an old suitor who wants to renew their friendship. But how long will he take “No” for an answer?EXCERPT:Alyse stepped back to take in the slight figure. Her sister had ever been more delicate than she.  Her face, pale save for flushed cheeks that attested to her hurried steps to their chamber, made the deep blue of her eyes stand out starkly. The dark hair that framed her face made her pallor more apparent. Too, she seemed thinner, than earlier in the year. These changes filled Alyse with sudden dread. She gripped icy fingers and her worry increased. “You are well, my dear?”“Oh, aye.” She smiled and Alyse’s tension eased. “The queen requires little of me these days. I occupy myself sewing on an altar cloth for her babes.”“Her babes? Then Prince Thomas…” Alyse swallowed hard. Queen Phillipa had been brought to bed with a healthy son last summer, before Alyse and the other courtiers had sailed with Princess Joanna.Pippa nodded. “In September. The pestilence.” Her face grew grim. “Even such innocents were not spared. When the news of Princess Joanna reached their majesties in October, the queen was inconsolable. She cried and prayed for days, then decreed new altar cloths and vestments would be embroidered in memory of Prince William, Prince Thomas, and the princess. I am still working on the cloth for the princess. ‘Twill be ready in the new year and used at the mass on Twelfth Night.”“I will beg the queen to allow me the honor of helping you finish it while we are here. ‘Twill be a final service from me to the princess.” Alyse fought the despair that could overcome her even now when she remembered how the princess’ young life had been cut so tragically short. “But here,” she drew her sister toward the fire, “let us sit a short while at least. You must tell me the news from home, Pippa.”“Lady Pippa,” Geoffrey broke in with a low bow. “Our way was long and I have a mighty thirst. An you will pardon me, I will go in search of a flagon of ale and a companion to share it with.”“Welcome, brother.” Pippa embraced Geoffrey gingerly, as if she feared he might break her. “I would not keep you parched when the ale at Havering runs freely.” Her smile, so rare Alyse always forgot how it transformed her face. “Please seek your pleasure.”“Oh, I do, fair maid. I do.” With a short bark of laughter, Geoffrey went to their chest, opened it, and began to rummage around.Alyse beckoned her sister to the chairs in front of the fire. “Have you heard from Father or Uncle Anthony? I’ve had no word since we left Beaulieu last spring. I pray nightly they are safe.”Pippa held her hands out to the blaze. “They were hearty enough two months ago. I had a letter from father telling me they were well,” Pippa sighed, “and that I am to be married.”“Married? Oh, Pippa, how wonderful! Is it someone here at court?” The thrill of excitement that raced down Alyse’s back reminded her of the one she’d felt when the announcement of her betrothal had been made before the court. She’d prayed to be allowed to marry Lord Braeton, yet her father and apparently the king himself had instead chosen Geoffrey Longford. Mayhap their father would be as canny for Pippa’s marriage.“Nay. He is a courtier, although in France. We have not met since the announcement was made.” A deep sigh and her sister stared intently at the flickering flames in the grate.That sigh spoke to Alyse. Her sister was holding something back.“Do you know him?” For no reason, prickles of fear swept down her arms.Pippa leaned back, her eyes cool and measured. “Aye, Alyse, I do.” Her gaze pierced Alyse’s. “As do you.”“I know him?” Who was left alive that she might know?“Aye, you do. Your old suitor, Guy de Valere.”

AUTHOR BIO:Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical in all time periods because passion is timeless.  She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager.  A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise.  She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She’s a theatre director when she’s not writing and lives in Virginia with her family, including two very vocal cats. Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as Vice-President of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. She has three series currently available: The House of Pleasure, set in Georgian England, Handful of Hearts, set in Regency England, and Time Enough to Love, set in medieval England and France.She currently writes to support her chocolate habit.
Find Jenna Jaxon online:
BLOG:  https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Jaxon/e/B005CHPBD2/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1







What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance9 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets10 – author spotlight -  Amy Braun – Smoky Sky11 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday12 – author spotlight - Carmen Stefanescu – Till Death Do Us Part 13 – author spotlight - Heather Hiestand - The Princess Dilemma 14 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays

5 Years from now - Best Seller List - works for me. This month's post on Insecure Writers Support Group #IWSG

Link Back to IWSG
Insecure Writer's Support Group created by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer's Support Group day. We share our thoughts - talk about our doubts and fears. Or we can offer a word of encouragement to others. 
Co-hosts for this month are:
Jennifer Hawes
Jen Chandler
Nick Wilford
Juneta Key
JH Moncrieff
Diane Burton
MJ Fifield


Question for this month - In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?

Five years from now, I see myself sitting here doing exactly what I'm doing now. I have 2 pen names, this one and --- let's call the other one B. This pen name is a hobby author - I write when I want to and I publish if I feel like it. Proof - been sitting on a book 2 years at least -just can't seem to get the rewrite finished so I can publish.

Pen name B has book at publisher that is going to galleys - soon/now/yesterday. This book is good. If I can get into the hands of the right readers and reviewers - five years from now pen name B might be happy dancing.

Game plan - I asked at one of my writing groups - if you could tell a new author one thing you wished someone had told you when you were starting - what would that be? One author responded with - I wish someone had told me to write the whole series first.

I took that to heart and wrote my trilogy before sending it to the publisher. It is book 1 that's going to galleys. Since book 2 and 3 are done and awaiting their turn that gives me time to finish a book that's been on a back burner since the trilogy pushed its way forward. I can write that book and still have time to write more - so I could have a stream of books published in the next 5 years.

How about you - 5 years from now - Best Seller List??? (works for me)








What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance8 – author spotlight – Jenna Jaxon - Seduction at the Christmas Court9 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets10 – author spotlight -  Amy Braun – Smoky Sky11 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday12 – author spotlight - Carmen Stefanescu – Till Death Do Us Part 13 – author spotlight - Heather Hiestand - The Princess Dilemma 14 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 15 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts16 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets17 – cover reveal – Paradise Prison – Faith Mortimer18 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday19 – author spotlight -  Highway Café author20 – author spotlight - Jacquie Biggar – Love in Times of War21 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 22 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts23 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets24 – Closed for Holidays25 – Closed for Holidays26 – Closed for Holidays27 – author spotlight - Kristy Centeno - Midnight 28 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 29 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts30 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets31 – Closed for Holidays