Victoria Adams's Blog, page 9

Showcasing - Christmas on the Strand by Loretta Wheeler #cozy #paranornal #romance

CHRISTMAS ON THE STRANDpart of the Southern Breezes series by Loretta WheelerGenre: Cozy Paranormal Romance
Winter on Galveston Island is a bevy of all types of weather imaginable. From gusty winds, Savanna Burke refers to as Male Gales, to a mixture of sleet, ice and once in a great while, snow. This winter, Savanna’s found the island winds are bringing change, for her, and for Terence Whittaker, Galveston Island’s well-known clairvoyant.

Come visit Galveston Island with Savanna during Christmas and find the wonder of Christmas on the Strand.

Christmas on the Strand is the prequel to a series of cozy stories titled Southern Breezes. All the stories are set on Galveston Island, sharing the lives of a group of people who visited the island when they were young and have returned to claim it as their permanent home.


Savanna was only half-listening to the couple in front of her and Roth. She was trying to find a polite way to excuse herself. She wanted to find Terence before the ladies dressed in red took the floor. She definitely didn’t want to dance with anyone but him when the song played.

An unnerving feeling washed across her and a slow tingle slid its way down her spine. She felt as though someone was watching her—intently. Turning around slowly, Savanna felt as though she was being pulled by a magnet, everything inside her quivering in response.

When she faced the opposite direction, she breathed out a soft laugh and her lips parted in the beginning of a smile.

Terence was walking toward her, smiling at her in return. His smile broadened and he did a little Samba move at her.

Savanna laughed, loving that he wanted to play, tease her. She stepped forward, her hips swaying, matching Terence’s moves.

Terence held out his hand as he reached her, capturing hers in his own. Slowly, he raised her hand to his lips, kissing the backside, then turning it over, he kissed the inside of her palm, his mouth lingering.

Savanna’s heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat. Terence drew her close, his body molding against hers, the Samba moves slowing. Whispering against the shell of her ear, his breath teased at her. “Savanna, I presume?”

She nodded. Her breath so tight she couldn’t speak.

“Then, may I have the next dance, when the pale white circling the floor gives way to the passion of red?”

Savanna leaned back and looked up at him. Where on the face of God’s earth had this man come from? What man spoke this way and looked like Gable? This only happened in the movies. And Gable, only happened once in a lifetime.

Terence lowered his arm to her waist, his fingers resting at the base of her spine, stroking her in a light up and down movement. He brushed his lips across hers and murmured in between the caress of his mouth. “Follow me...we’re going to the center of the ballroom to dance. We’re going to give the photographer his heart’s desire, something that’ll light up tomorrow morning’s papers.”

As Terence took her hand, he leaned around her, signaling behind her. Roth, Savanna thought. She’d forgotten all about Roth. She glanced back and saw a wide grin on Roth’s face and knew everything was fine.

She wasn’t allowed to linger as Terence guided her through the throng of people. Some spoke to him as they passed, quickly giving her the once over. She took a deep breath, knowing everyone was wondering who she was. And for the first time since she’d arrived on the island, she was aware of how many eyes were going to be on her.

The necklace tickled at her back, as she twined through the crowd, reminding her of how striking the dress was. Relieved, she hoped the dress would work the magic Terence and she were looking for.

They rounded the balcony staircase and Terence slowed, releasing her hand and slipping his arm around her, once again placing his hand against her bare back, his thumb caressing her. He smiled down at her. “White Christmas” is ending, so whatever they’re playing for those in red will begin soon.”

Couples waltzed past them, reminding Savanna of scenes from movies. It was the South, in full splendor, carrying forward the tradition of balls and galas. She closed her eyes and shook her head lightly. It was like a dream, something out of a postcard.

A tall blonde danced by in the arms of a handsome man. She smiled in their direction, blew Terence a kiss and waggled her fingers at Savanna.

“That’s Dusty. She’s dancing with Boone, Roth’s brother.”

“Oh...I thought he looked liked Roth. Roth told me about his brother.” She smiled up at Terence. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a movie, it’s all so perfect. Everyone knows each other and they’re all so gorgeous, it’s like they were cast for the parts they’re playing, especially Dusty.”

Terence laughed. “Funny you should say that, Dusty owns a decorating business, but she frequently performs in plays at The Grand. She’ll be delighted to know you think she looks like an actress.”

The orchestra’s strains lowered, signaling the end of “White Christmas” and the dancers slowed, winding down, drifting to the perimeter of the dance floor.

The emcee’s voice carried above the dulcet tones of the music as he announced the changing of the colors.

“Ladies and gentlemen...will those who wear the warmth of Christmas, please take the floor.”

Terence still had his arm around her waist and he smiled down at her as the music began. The harp led first, the sweeping sound of the strings like something from heaven as it called to the dancers.

“The Lady in Red” had never been played with such a haunting quality.

Terence stepped forward, his hand leaving Savanna’s back as he turned, facing her, leading her onto the floor. He kept just enough distance between them to allow everyone to see her, as he slid into a slower version of the Samba he’d danced with her earlier.

Savanna looked at this man, guiding her, enticing her, smiling at her as if only she was in the room. Her lips parted in delight once more as she watched the dance of seduction Terence was tempting her with, and suddenly, she decided to meet the challenge, give the man an answer.

Matching his rhythm, Savanna’s hips moved provocatively, and she felt the necklace at her back swaying with the movement. Terence’s eyes lit behind his mask and he drew her closer, one step at a time, their hips moving in sync until the distance between them closed. Completely.

Savanna could feel Terence’s hips against hers, his thighs so tight against her own, it was as though there was no fabric between them. And they danced, around and around, in their own version of a Samba, as they circled the floor. With a change in rhythm, Terence eased her from the Samba moves into a slow waltz, his hand finding its familiar place on her lower back.

And the cameras flashed. Again and again.

Other dancers slid past them, but Savanna barely noticed, there was only Terence and the feel of his hand on her back. And the flashes of light.

Terence placed his mouth against her ear once more, murmuring the words to the song, sending a new thrill down her back.

“The Lady in Red”—is dancing with me...”

Savanna curled her arm around his neck, whispering a reply—“Always...”

Terence kissed her ear. “And the Lady in Red”—will be leaving with me?”

Savanna stroked his neck with her fingertips, and closed her eyes—

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Loretta Wheeler lives in the south along with her Australian husband, their cat Lil’ Dickens, and their dog, Jack. Both pets are rescued fur-persons who are very much loved.

Most of Loretta’s writing is set in southern locales, whether in the thriller or romance genre. She says she writes of southern things because most of her stories speak to her in a southern accent. Something she recognizes easily since her own is so strong.

If you’d like to hear Loretta’s accent, you can find examples of her voice over work here: Voiceovers

To follow her on Facebook: Click Here

Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website ✯ Google+ MoB Promotions

What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance 27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

This week's Friday Snippets features cold hands and warm lips - Victoria Adams' Circles Divided #FridaySnippets #NA

Just putting this out there - ONE MONTH TILL CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Let the mayhem begin :-)

This week's snippet is from my NA contemporary dancer romance - Circles Divided. Book 2 of Circles Trilogy.

Scene set - Robert picks Julie up after her ballet class.


Robert dismounted his bike, scooted up behind her and spun her to face him. "I was talkin' to you. And I don't like bein' ignored."Julie rolled her eyes and yawned."Too good to talk to me, eh?" He grinned and said, "Maybe I should check to see if your mouth is broken." He slid his hands into her coat, around her waist and under her blouse. As his lips touched hers, Robert placed his icy fingers on her warm bare back.She jumped and squealed, "Your hands are freezing.""Yeah, but my lips are warm."









Is the love of a girl from wealthy Westland and a street punk from the slums of the Shore strong enough to surpass all that life will throw at them and forge a life together? Is Julie willing to sacrifice her childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer for the man she loves? Is Robert willing to lay down his ties to the gang in order to hold onto his new found love?
Sacrifices must be made, but will they be enough?
 Amazon



What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

Yes, life has moments that truly suck #Mythoughts

On Thursdays I open my blog - to myself. My thoughts. My ramblings. My whatever.
On the final Thursday of the month I am going to post a motivational saying. Some words to rumble in the back of your mind.


activatingthoughts.blogspot.com
What I've noticed is people love drama."Oh, my life is so bad, because - blah - blah - blah."Forget the drama.Yes, life has moments that truly suck.Instead of dwelling on the bad, find the little things that make your life better.Little things - like twinkling stars.Our sun is only 1 entity.The twinkling stars are billions upon billions of entities.Which would you rather focus on?     

Quirky contemporary romance - Red Tulip by Victoria Adams on this week's Book Hooks #MFRWAuthor #MFRWhooks

From my quirky contemporary romance with a bit of mystery - Red Tulip.
Scene set - Darcy, a junior gardener, has just had a brief conversation with a mysterious but handsome man.

note - there was a bit of creative editing to make it fit the # of sentences :-)



Smiling, I scurried down the path leading away from the park bench and towards the gardener's shed. With Jacobs being sick today, I had to hurry to get the last of the flower beds cleaned and prepared for spring plantings. The past winter had been bitter. It seemed tree branches and mouse damage wreaked havoc on every one of the one hundred and sixteen different flowerbeds.I slipped my key into the lock, opened the shed door, stepped inside and shut it behind me. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself a moment to indulge in the beauty of his eyes - emerald green. As brilliant as the gems locked among the diamonds at Tiffany's. Not that I shop there as I couldn't possibly afford anything on a junior gardener's salary, but I do fantasize when wandering the aisles.






Blurb - Darcy O'Calahann, a junior gardener from a small mid-western town, is trying to make her way in the big city.Shamus McTavis is a wealthy bachelor with a mysterious family past.Are Darcy's eyes playing tricks on her? Is she losing her mind? Or is there really a Red Tulip tying her and Shamus together?
Amazon - US Amazon - Canada 









What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance 24 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts
25 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

Poppies for Christmas - A YA Romance by Stacy Renee Keywell #YA #Romance #ChristmasStory

POPPIES FOR CHRISTMASby Stacy Renée KeywellGenre: YA Romance
A celebration of love without labels. It’s easy to be brave with you by my side!

Popular DJ Dexx finds himself positively smitten by the precociously pristine Poppy Paris. Too bad she’s already taken by an older boy, Declan Davies, a beautiful model with a thriving career, and a perfect family. By a dreamful stroke of chance, Dexx finds himself invited to spend Christmas at the Davies home by a gorgeous girl, granting him the opportunity to pursue the precious Poppy. But in his quest to win her over, he unlocks a world of imperfection and insecurity, where people are picked on for their disabilities, speech, appearance, and eccentricities. For Poppy and her friends, love trumps labels, and everyone deserves a brave friend to stand by their side. What gifts will Dexx discover this Christmas? Will he ultimately find true love, or will he discover something even greater?

You are invited to read a powerful story about living with autism, but not letting it define you, about being bullied, but carrying on with determination and grit, and about having dreams, but not giving up in the face of adversity. Come celebrate something beautiful with Poppies for Christmas.

The Science of Baking

I read somewhere once that cooking is an art. It takes imagination and flare. But baking? Baking is a science. It takes exactitude and precision. It requires patience. It requires dedication. It requires love. A whole lot of love. And well…that’s what I’ve got…love…love for a girl, a special one, one who deserves dedication. So what do I choose to prove my love? I choose baking.

Chapter One

Lenn

Deep inside my tote, my hand grazed against my faithful sketchbook before I removed it. The metal spirals comforted my fingers as I dragged them across the row of sharp-edged rings. Firmly gripping the book, I flipped it open to a blank page near the middle. I smoothed out the slightly texturized, eggshell white page. I bent down and buried my nose in the crease, inhaling the faint lead pencil scent. It calmed me, readying me to add another chapter to my visual saga.

Spreading my tools around me, hard and soft pencils, a ruler, several firm erasers, and a small metal sharpener, I steadied my hand and cleared my mind, inviting in only the most blissful images of my fantasy. With a soft lead pencil, I constructed an oval blank for the face. Art classes definitely assisted in perfecting the technique, but dedication and talent trumped instruction.

I used the ruler to estimate the proper dimensions. I added eyes, a nose, some crazy-hot lips, all his beautiful features. I gave him expressive brows. I sketched his glossy dark brown hair, shaggy bangs flopping over to the side, covering his ear, exposing that sarcastic, twisted grin on his lips, the same way he looked when he joked around with his friends in the corner of the library during study hall.

A trusty eraser mopped up all of the stray, miscellaneous marks. I blew away a couple gummy shreds before I shaded in his taut jawline. I wiped up the last scattered pieces left behind on the page before I started on adding myself to the portrait. Duplicating the process, I gave myself a hipper, manga-esque look, allowing for a more whimsical likeness of myself.

Poppy and Kit sat at the same long, wooden table, on the opposite side of me. Kit swiped through the pages on her tablet, desperately trying to find the right page number, since she had neglected to tap the bookmark before closing out her chapter the previous night. Nervous oohs and aahs escaped her lips. Poppy, sitting with her legs crossed, jiggled her feet beneath her chair, shaking the table, creating a rattling earthquake under my artwork.

I shot a glare in her direction. “Would you please stop? The both of you! You are driving me crazy, and ruining my picture.”

Poppy and Kit stopped suddenly. They looked at each other, wide-eyed and innocent, two does in the midst of a meadow. Unaware! Clueless! Oblivious!

“I can’t think when you moan that way,” I snapped, addressing Kit. She squirmed underneath her oversized flannel shirt and baggy jeans.

“And, you,” I turned to Poppy. “You are going to smudge my drawing with all of that wild motion going on underneath the table. Can it!”

Their jaws dropped. They both stared at me, wordless.

“Please.” I hugged my journal protectively. Softening my voice, I turned to Poppy and asked her again. “Please?”

“Sorry,” they announced in simulcast, sighing, shrugging their shoulders, lost together in the great woods of their minds.

They looked back down at their own musings. I continued to draw.

In this picture, the two of us relaxed together on a chaise lounge, him with his large, bulbous headphones, and me with my skull and crossbones ear buds. Our eyes drifted in the opposite direction, lids almost closed, in a sleepy trance. My arm draped across his chest until our fingers entwined, intimately. We zoned out to his simpatico beats.



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Born with the passion for storytelling, Stacy Renée Keywell spends time stargazing, daydreaming, and creating adventures for her family to conquer. Being an educator for over twenty years, Stacy enjoys studying and sharing her knowledge of culture, philosophy, language, and the humanities. She loves the human spirit, appreciates profound humor, and dreams about the mysteries of the spiritual unknown. Besides following her whimsical dreams, Stacy’s hobbies include singing off tune, dancing oddly yet awesomely, reading as much as possible, and traveling around the globe with gusto. Stacy lives a life of fabulous clichés. Stacy works hard at telling bad joke, and making up amazing new words in hopes that they will one day find their way into the dictionary. She strives to love without labels with her nonprofit movement Project Love Without Labels, which tackles social stigmas and takes on bullying. She vows to bravely stand by the sides of those who need her, especially her two daughters. Stacy, her husband, and her children, live in Michigan in a quaint house in the woods.

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What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance 23 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks  24 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 25 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

How can she forgive him for what he didn't do? Rachel Brimble's Saved by the Firefighter #romance

When your characters do something you weren’t expecting… by Rachel BrimbleThe reaction of non-authors is often priceless when you tell them that a character in your current work in progress has done something you didn’t expect, like or simply find downright annoying. Why? Because it is more than likely they’ll look at you as though you are lacking more than a few grey cells than that of a certain fictional detective.As authors, shouldn’t we be in control of our characters? Know exactly what they are going to do, or say, and type those words and actions onto the page in a perfectly planned way? Hmm, it would be nice, wouldn’t it?I have just started to write my twenty-first novel and, as a rule, I am much more of a plotter than a ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ type of writer. I start each book with character sketches for my hero, heroine and villain (if I have one), then I write a chapter plan which consists of a short paragraph for each chapter and, finally, I write a 3-4 page synopsis.So, you’d think, there is very little chance of my characters going off on their own little journey when I have made pretty clear to them who is in charge. Pah, no such luck! At some point during the writing of each and every book, something will happen that I hadn’t planned for. The easy things to deal with are when the characters reveal something about themselves that can be used to heightened inner conflict. This is good. The more internal conflict, the better. Not so good, is when a character decides to drop a bombshell at somewhere around the two-thirds mark of the novel and you realise it is so vital, you have to go all the way back to the beginning of the book to ensure this revelation makes absolutely sense and is entirely plausible to the reader.Or, my absolute favourite, is when a brand new character walks on and tries to take over the entire story, practically nudging the hero and heroine off the page. That particular scenario happens to me far more often than it should. The good thing is, I’ve learned these characters are merely telling me they have something important to say and do… a voila… I have a new hero or heroine for a future book.As awkward as these characters can be, it is them, rather than the author, who are in charge. I truly believe that an author ignores these unexpected circumstances at their peril. Trust your characters. Let them tell you where you went wrong, or what their real issue is and work with it. After all, the characters are so certain that what they have to say and do is right, they’ve purposefully knocked your original thoughts out the way and made you write the real story.Authors can’t afford to be precious about their work…and they certainly can’t ignore their characters! Happy writing :-)

copy of the book!


Genre: Contemporary romance
Release Date: Nov 1st
How can she forgive him for what he didn't do? 
Photographer Izzy Cooper feels as frozen as her pictures. Trent Palmer might be the hottest firefighter in Templeton Cove, but she can never face him again. Not after he failed to save her brother. But when they're forced together by a calendar shoot, the sparks between them are undeniable. 
Izzy knows it's not fair to blame Trent for the tragedy, but opening herself up to loss again isn't something she's prepared to do, no matter how determined Trent is to show her that pain is part of life and that love—their love—can make any suffering bearable.
EXTRACT The security alarm chimed. Someone had stepped inside the studio. Exhaling a heavy breath, Izzy pulled back her shoulders, lifted her head and forced a smile.“Hi, how can I…” Her heart stopped. Trent Palmer stood just inside the door. “Why are you here?”His dark green gaze bored relentlessly into hers, his strong jaw set as he reached behind him and shut the door. “I came by to see how you’re doing.”Traitorous attraction skittered over the surface of her skin before Izzy turned and strode toward the corner she used for staging portrait shots. The fluffy bunnies, huge furry dice and toys she’d used to relax a toddler earlier now felt macabre.She spun around, clutching a teddy bear. “The same as I was doing yesterday and the day before. I told you I don’t want to see you. I don’t everwant to see you. Why do you keep coming back?”He came closer, his gaze locked on hers. “You have to talk to me. I was Robbie’s friend. There was nothing—”“You could do. Fine. I get it, but why do you feel the need to keep coming in here and checking up on me? What do you want me to do? Dance in the street? Kick up my heels at the fairground? God, just leave me alone.”“There’s a beach party tonight. I want you to come with me.”She stared. Why him? Why would a man she really liked—a damn firefighter­­—have to pursue her like she was someone worth pursuing? “No.”He looked at the equipment covering the desk alongside him. He lifted and replaced a camera, the hunch of his wide shoulders indicating his discomfort. Izzy hated that she drew no satisfaction from that…only sadness.
BUY LINKS AMAZON UK AMAZON US B & N
ABOUT RACHEL BRIMBLE


Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had six books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and recently signed a contract for two more. She also has four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical Press.Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!Facebook:FacebookFacebook Street Team - Rachel's ReadersTwitter:TwitterGoodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1806411.Rachel_Brimble Blog:BlogWebsite:Website
GIVEAWAY!
A tote bag plus a signed copy of the book! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  











What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance22 – author spotlight -  Stacy Keywell - Poppies For Christmas23 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks  24 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 25 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic  29 – author spotlight – 30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

I’m Claire Gem, and I write about strong women, starting over – redefining romance. Hearts Unloched by Claire Gem #paranormal #romance

Thrilled to be a guest on Victoria Adams Pages of Romance Today! I’m Claire Gem, and I write about strong women, starting over – redefining romance. I’m excited to tell you that my 2016 New York Book Festival Winner, Hearts Unloched, will be FREE on Amazon for one day only – this Tuesday, November 22. I hope you’ll take advantage of this incredible offer, and that you will check out my other books at my Amazon Author Page.


Oh, and by the way, the haunting cover of Hearts Unloched, designed by Terri DelNegro, was a finalist in the Authorsdb Cover Contest, as well as on InDTale Magazine. With a solid 4.9 overall rating on Amazon, I have high hopes that Hearts Unloched will make you fall in love with my writing.
Here’s the Blurb:
A PARANORMAL GHOST ROMANCE
A psychic interior designer reluctantly agrees to renovate a sexy investor's abandoned hotel on Loch Sheldrake, a lake rumored to have once been the mob's body dumping ground.
Interior designer Kate Bardach loves her single girl's lifestyle, living in Manhattan and spending weekends at her lake house. She's passionate about her career, too--reinventing old buildings. But there are some projects she can't take on because of the spirits trapped inside. Kate is psychic--she sees dead people.
Marco Lareci is one of Wall Street's most successful investment brokers who's achieved all of his life's goals--except for finding his soulmate. His latest project, an abandoned resort on Loch Sheldrake, needs a savvy designer to transform the crumbling complex into a boutique hotel. When Marco meets Kate, he can't believe his luck. She's the perfect match for his business and his heart.
Marco's body excites Kate even more than does his renovation project. But he wants more than a casual relationship, and she's not willing to give up her freedom. Plus, the haunting at Marco's resort, a bonafide poltergeist, affects her on an intensely personal level. Kate's aunt disappeared from the place fifty years ago.
Will the spirit doom Kate and Marco's love, or drive them closer together?~~~
You can watch the book trailer HERE.
Buy Link (remember, the Kindle version is FREE for one day only this Tuesday, Nov. 22)


Media Links:
WebsiteFacebookTwitter        GoodreadsAmazon Author PagePinterest
Author Bio: Claire Gem
Strong Women, Starting Over   ~Redefining Romance~
Claire is a multi-published, award winning author of emotional romance—contemporary, paranormal, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. She writes about strong, resilient women who won’t give up their quest for a happy-ever-after—and the men lucky enough to earn their love. No helpless, hapless heroines here. These spunky ladies redefine romance, on their terms.
Her paranormal/romantic suspense, Hearts Unloched, won the 2016 New York Book Festival. Her latest release, The Phoenix Syndrome, won the women’s fiction division in FCRWA’s The Beacon Contest.
A New York native, Claire has lived in five of the United States and held a variety of jobs, from waitress to bridal designer to research technician—but loves being an author best. She and her happily-ever-after hero, her husband of 38 years, now live in central Massachusetts.
Buy Links:
The Phoenix Syndrome (Winner 2014 FCRWA The Beacon Contest)Trailer: http://bit.ly/2bpRSqGAmazon: http://amzn.to/2bIMkHJ
A Taming Season: A Love at Lake George NovelTrailer: http://bit.ly/1RCcQeU Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UwbK9d Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2a2CSda
Hearts Unloched (Winner 2016 New York Book Festival)Trailer: http://bit.ly/1T8Vzzz Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TkE8fv Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2ag8oHG
Phantom TracesTrailer: http://bit.ly/1EIj4IY Amazon: http://amzn.to/19OUERc



What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance21 – author spotlight - Rachel Brimble – Saved By the Firefighter
22 – author spotlight -  Stacy Keywell - Poppies For Christmas23 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks  24 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 25 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

What made you come home? 7 paragraphs from the quirky romance- Red Tulip on My Sexy Saturday #MySexySaturday #MSS166

Welcome to the 168th week of My Sexy SaturdayThis week’s theme: My Sexy Holidays

This week's 7 paragraphs is from my quirky contemporary romance - Red Tulip.

Scene Set - Darcy goes home for a visit.



Curiosity is an annoying thing. There really is no turning it off. I grabbed my cell and checked for messages. There were three voice mails and four texts from Shamus, but then nothing more. He'd stopped trying to contact me about two hours after I went to the airport.A thought struck me like a knife in the heart. That would have been about supper time. He probably had a date. I buried my face in my pillow, debating whether to scream or cry.Knock. Knock.Mom peered around the door. "Can I come in?"I scooted up on the bed, leaned on the headboard and patted the mattress. My mom still looked as beautiful as I remembered. Sure there were a few laugh lines and some grey hairs, but she's my mom and that makes her the most beautiful woman in the world.She settled on the bed next to me. "So, what's up, honey? What made you come home?"I come from a large family, mostly made up of testosterone – five brothers, a father then me and my mom. We became friends, once I got over being a teenager. I knew I could pour out my soul to her. And I did. I explained about the tulips and Shamus and the woman.






Blurb - Darcy O'Calahann, a junior gardener from a small mid-western town, is trying to make her way in the big city.
Shamus McTavis is a wealthy bachelor with a mysterious family past.Are Darcy's eyes playing tricks on her? Is she losing her mind? Or is there really a Red Tulip tying her and Shamus together?
Amazon - US Amazon - Canada 






What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance
20 – author spotlight – Claire Gem – Heart Unlocked
21 – author spotlight - Rachel Brimble – Saved By the Firefighter
22 – author spotlight -  Stacy Keywell - Poppies For Christmas23 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks  24 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 25 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

A tense moment in a prep school lockdown. Victoria Adams's Circles Divided on Friday Snippets #FridaySnippets

This week's snippet is from my NA contemporary dancer romance - Circles Divided. Book 2 of Circles Trilogy.

Scene set -A tense moment at a prep school lockdown.



In room 317, desks were strewn about, a window was smashed and splashes of blood covered the floor but no Robert or Mike. Cautiously wandering the halls, Julie listened for the noise of two men fighting, but only the sound of an eerie silence pervaded the building.Footsteps approached. Ducking into a doorway, Julie hid."What the hell?" Franklin's brow darkened. Julie half-grinned. He held her wrist and led her back to the main entrance. At the bottom of the stairs they froze. Two armed officers approached with guns pointed at Franklin. He raised his hands. "I'm not Mike. I'm not armed. My name is Franklin. Wallet's in my back pocket." He put his hands on his head. One officer pulled out his identification while the other held his gun at point-blank. "It's okay." The first officer waved the ID. "He's telling the truth."Franklin heaved a sigh. "First time in my life I've ever told the truth to a cop.""I'm Julie Anderson." She stepped forward."You're the missing Westland student. Let's get the two of you outside." The officer held the door open. Franklin protested but the officers herded him out of the school.After the confusion of police statements and press questions, Julie stood next to Tricia, squeezing her hand and willing Robert to exit the building.









Is the love of a girl from wealthy Westland and a street punk from the slums of the Shore strong enough to surpass all that life will throw at them and forge a life together? Is Julie willing to sacrifice her childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer for the man she loves? Is Robert willing to lay down his ties to the gang in order to hold onto his new found love?
Sacrifices must be made, but will they be enough?
 Amazon



What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance
19 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday20 – author spotlight – Claire Gem – Heart Unlocked 21 – author spotlight - Rachel Brimble – Saved By the Firefighter 22 – author spotlight -  Stacy Keywell - Poppies For Christmas23 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks  24 - Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 25 - Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets26 – author spotlight - Loretta Wheeler - Christmas on the Strand27 – author spotlight – Anita Philmar – The Warrior in Me28 – cover reveal - Terri Nixon - Penhaligon's Attic29 – author spotlight – Diane Rinella -Pretty Things30 – Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks

Victoria's Pages of Romance is featuring Otherwords this week. #otherwords

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. 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. The challenge for this essay was - a continuation of last month's musical chairs game.



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.