Tina Martin's Blog, page 2

Teaser Tuesday - Nobody Cares

 

Order Accidental Deception on Amazon.

To fall in love with your brother's ex-fiance or let her go? That's the question Carter Williams has to ask himself regarding Shayla Kline.
It's almost time for some secrets, lies and deception. Accidental Deception will be here on Friday, September 1, 2023! This was the first series I wrote that really got me into writing romantic suspense. Yes, it is a continuation trilogy - the first book flows into the second, etc. The first three books are followed by a spinoff story and it will keep you guessing about what will happen next. This is a re-release, so some of you have already read it. If you have, leave a review. If you've read it before, read it again. You never know if I'll write an update story on Carter and Shayla. This title is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited only. It's also available in paperback. As for tropes, we have plenty of them: rich vs poor, brother's ex, secret identity, forbidden love and damsel in distress. I'm sure there are some I left out! Read an excerpt below.

Excerpt:

Carter sat on the bednext to her, staring into her eyes, feeling a strong urge to stroke her hair,but if she couldn’t tolerate his gentle touch to her forearm, she certainlywouldn’t be comfortable with hair strokes. So feeling disconnected, Carter usedwords to relay his genuineness. “So I can take care of you.”

“I don’t need you…to…totake care…of me,” she said between coughs. “I’m in a hospital. There are plentyof doctors and nurses here to take care of me. What are you doing here…anyway?”

Carter frowned. “What doyou mean? I’m here because I care.”

“You care?” She huffed.“Nobody cares. People pretend to…to care about people like me onlybecause…because they feel like they’re doing the universe a favor. I mean,don’t put yourself out.”

“Believe me, if I didn’twant to be here, I wouldn’t be. I’m here because I do care…thought you were going to die in my arms this morning.”

“Well, unfortunately, I’mnot dead, so…”

“What’d you say?” Carterglared at her. He couldn’t have heard her correctly. How could this delicate,little woman be so unappreciative of her life?

“Just go,” she told him.“Run off and save somebody who wants to be saved. I’ll be…fine here, andeven if I’m not, that’s…that’s okay too.”

“Wow,” Carter said besidehimself. “Why are you so ungrateful? I could’ve left you lying on thesidewalk…”

“Then why didn’t you?”

“Because I cared enoughto stop and help you,” he said, raising his voice. “I had a very importantmeeting to attend today, but instead, I’m stuck here with you.”

“You’re not stuck.I don’t see any chains on you. Go…I don’t need you here. Go to your—” Shecoughed, then continued, “—meeting.”

“You know what,” Cartersaid, lowering his tone, trying not to let his feelings get in the way of whathe wanted to accomplish with her. “I’m just gonna step out of the room. Whydon’t you rest and sleep off your anger?”

“Why don’t you go home?”she said so softly, Carter couldn’t completely make out what she’d said.

She closed her eyes aftershe watched Carter leave the room. Finally, peace and quiet. That, coupled witha soft bed and warm blankets were enough to put her to sleep, but she laidthere instead, remembering the last moments with her fiancé’, Jacob, eightmonths ago:

“Hey babe,” she told him as he stepped into the kitchen,briefcase in hand. She hadn’t been home too long, but was there long enough toget started on dinner. She had just slid a meatloaf in the oven. The blendedaromas of onions, green peppers ground beef and spices filled the kitchen. “Howwas job hunting? Find anything?”

Jacob was perplexed about something. That much she could tellfrom the worried expression on his face. She studied him closer, looking him upand down, noticing his smoke-gray suit, the crisp shirt and loosened necktie.He might not have had a job, but he was still dressed to the nines while helooked for one.

Jacob walked up to her and tasted her lips while holding herhead firmly between his strong hands. “You know I love you, more than anythingin this world. You know that don’t you, Shayla?”

Her face glowed as she stared into his eyes. “Yes,” shereplied. “I know. That’s why I’m marrying you.”

He kissed her lips again, but this time it was more potent.More needful. She couldn’t recall an instance when he kissed her so vigorously.Her hands found the back of his head. He mumbled how much he loved her whilethey smooched. Said he would always love her, even if something bad were tohappen to him…

* * *

Order Accidental Deception on Amazon today.

Sample Sunday - Just Make it Through the Night

   Pushing back from the table, I stand and say, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

I straighten the black gown I have on and glide across the ballroom floor toward the exit into the lobby, all the while pretending my feet don’t hurt. There, I find the nearest bathroom, push the door open and lean on the counter, taking multiple deep breaths. What have I gotten myself into? I never dreamed my marriage would be like this. Everything about our marriage is the opposite of what I envisioned it would be. It used to be more like a marriage in the beginning. Caspian had time for me, but soon after, Caspian’s father had him believing he had to be this looked-up-to public figure. It’s a sad day when my husband’s father has more pull with him than I do. Why is it so hard for him to see that? Or does he see it and not care?
I take another calming breath, check my makeup and say, “Okay, Nia—just get through the night. You can do this. You’ve done it many times before. What’s one more time? You got this.”
I take another breath.
Okay, so the situation is not ideal, but at least I’m out with Caspian. In some odd way, that should be considered a halfway win. But in my mind, I know what he told me. This was supposed to be us on a date – not us with a bunch of uppity banquet people. Call me selfish, but I want all of his time when it’s my time to have it. I don’t want to share my husband with everything and everyone else, and that includes the Mr. Black Organization.
I step out of the bathroom in full pretense mode until I see Caspian standing in the lobby. He looks up from his cell, sees me, and comes sauntering over, all suave and sexy. My oh my, he’s a sight for sore eyes. Some days, I have a hard time believing this intelligent man who graduated top of his class, is mine. He’s a man who influences so many decisions in the black community. A man who is a champion for inclusion and equality. A man of morals and values. Of integrity. I hate being upset with him after all the good he’s done, but does it make me a bad person for wanting to have some alone time with my husband? I don’t think so.
Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable is coming June 17, 2023. Pre-Order here. Also, check out all books in the Baes of Juneteenth Series.

#TeaserTuesday - It's a New Champion Book...Say What?!

What's up reader friends! How y'all doing? I know you guys have been waiting on Amira Champion's story, and I'm happy announce that it's finally on pre-order. The title is The Convenient Husband. 
So, what took so long? First, let me apologize for the delay. There's been a lot going on in the last few years and, well, here's the real deal - some people have been living in my mind. They're the St. Claires. Perhaps you know them. (LOL) I write stories how they come to me. First come, first served, so if the story isn't with me yet, I won't write it because I just can't force myself to write to fulfill a deadline. It has to come naturally. I had moved on from The Champion series - not completely, just moved on because other books were coming to me a lot faster than this series. But you'll finally get Amira Champion's story. Who's excited?
While this title is currently available for pre-order, the release date is July 7, 2023! Why this date? Well, for one, I have a book releasing in June: Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable, that's currently available for pre-order. Also, I have a child graduating high school, so I'm busy with that. I'm taking my first international flight in June so I'm busy with that. My daughter has end-of-grade tests and...sigh...I'm busy, y'all! So, books are being written, just at a slower pace than what I usually write. Just hang in there with me. I try not to release books quickly even though they may be completely finished. I need to make sure I'm putting out the best content possible.
Questions:
1. When will The Convenient Husband be released? July 7, 20232. Is this the last book in The Champion Brothers Series? No3. Do I need to read the preceding seven books before reading The Convenient Husband? No. All Champion titles are standalone books. you can read them in any order you want.4. What is the first book in the series? The first book is His Paradise Wife. BTW, the last Champion book to be released was A Champion's Proposal in 2019.5. Will this title be available on Kindle Unlimited? Yes, but that also means it will NOT be available at any other ebook retailers.6. Where can I find a list of The Champion Brothers Series listed in release order? Visit The Champion Brothers Series Page. 
If you have any other questions, feel free to send me an email or contact me through social media.

Teaser Tuesday - It's a New Champion Book...Say What?!

What's up reader friends! How y'all doing? I know you guys have been waiting on Amira Champion's story, and I'm happy announce that it's finally on pre-order. The title is The Convenient Husband. 
So, what took so long? First, let me apologize for the delay. There's been a lot going on in the last few years and, well, here's the real deal - some people have been living in my mind. They're the St. Claires. Perhaps you know them. (LOL) I write stories how they come to me. First come, first served, so if the story isn't with me yet, I won't write it because I just can't force myself to write to fulfill a deadline. It has to come naturally. I had moved on from The Champion series - not completely, just moved on because other books were coming to me a lot faster than this series. But you'll finally get Amira Champion's story. Who's excited?
While this title is currently available for pre-order, the release date is July 7, 2023! Why this date? Well, for one, I have a book releasing in June: Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable, that's currently available for pre-order. Also, I have a child graduating high school, so I'm busy with that. I'm taking my first international flight in June so I'm busy with that. My daughter has end-of-grade tests and...sigh...I'm busy, y'all! So, books are being written, just at a slower pace than what I usually write. Just hang in there with me. I try not to release books quickly even though they may be completely finished. I need to make sure I'm putting out the best content possible.
Questions:
1. When will The Convenient Husband be released? July 7, 20232. Is this the last book in The Champion Brothers Series? No3. Do I need to read the preceding seven books before reading The Convenient Husband? No. All Champion titles are standalone books. you can read them in any order you want.4. What is the first book in the series? The first book is His Paradise Wife. BTW, the last Champion book to be released was A Champion's Proposal in 2019.5. Will this title be available on Kindle Unlimited? Yes, but that also means it will NOT be available at any other ebook retailers.6. Where can I find a list of The Champion Brothers Series listed in release order? Visit The Champion Brothers Series Page. 
If you have any other questions, feel free to send me an email or contact me through social media.

2023 Charlotte BOB Award Winner!

The May 2023 issue of Charlotte Magazine is in stores. It's the issue where they announce the winners for their annual BOB Awards - The Best of the Best Awards for creatives and businesses in Charlotte. I am happy to announce that I won the BOB Award for Best Charlotte Author!

I'm excited to have received this honor in my city. Y'all know I work hard and I rep Charlotte to the fullest in my stories (this is the home of The St. Claires, my most popular series) so I love, love, love this. Thank you to all my day-ones who voted for me, the people of Charlotte who voted for me, and who are loving these stories. Sometimes, it gets lonely and boring sitting behind this desk writing all day. Okay, I couldn't even say that with a straight face. LOL! It's not boring. I'm an introvert - I live for this! I love being in my office with candles burning as I plan my next adventure via storytelling...ahh...the life!

Okay, back on topic...THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH! You make this writing journey so worthwhile and while I don't claim to be the best, I can honestly say I always put my best effort into my work.
With that being said, I have a book on pre-order. It's based in Charlotte. The title: Tall, Dark & Unavailable. Go get it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C39KP9FW
Meet me in the lobby for champagne and autographs. *wink*
Sincerely,
Your Charlotte AuthorTina Martin

It's St. Claire Day - Zavier is in the Building!

It's release day! Zavier St. Claire is here. It took four months for me to complete this book. Why? Because it's just that detailed and complex. Zavier has a lot to say and so does Nykendy and her sweet little son, Kaden. I think this is one of those stories you'll want to read again and again as a lot of you said you do already with the rest of the St. Claire novels. 

But, be warned. Zavier is special. He's so pure and innocent. He loves his life, he loves his routines (which you find out in chapter one) and he loves his family. How can a man like that be single? Easy. He's focused on his life and his work. He's a pediatrician. (Oh, did I mention he loves children?) He doesn't have time for much else, but when he meets Nykendy - well let's just say the heart knows what it wants.

Zavier is only available on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited. You can purchase a copy here. I will have autographed paperbacks at my online store, soon, but you can order a regular paperback directly from Amazon here.

Here is the soundtrack for Zavier in case you missed it.

Order your copy today and don't forget to leave a review/rating on Amazon! Visit the Book Description page for a synopsis of Zavier.

Teaser Tuesday - Is Everything Okay?

 

Chapter One.

 

Family.

It’s what the St. Claires were. What they stood for. What they believed in. Mason and Bernadette were the parents who raised four handsome, intelligent sons and instilled in them the value and preciousness of family. No doubt this is why they all made good husbands and fathers.

Gemma pondered this while they all sat around the dinner table at Ramsey and Gianna’s home – a change of pace from having Sunday dinner at Mason and Bernadette’s. Soft jazz music played through the home’s sound system. The white pillar candles that sat in the center of the table served as a mood setter, enhancing the ambiance in the dining room. She discreetly looked around the table at everyone who were having a good time talking and enjoying their meals. Ramsey was holding his daughter Rianne while at the same time whispering something in Gianna’s ear, prompting Gianna to blush. Siderra softly bounced Egan. The little boy looked just like his father, Romulus. Felicity and Regal had their daughter, Rayne, sitting between them and Royal was holding their son, who was also named Ace.

All the brothers had children except Royal. Royal had made the comment that he didn’t mind being the uncle who’d babysit whenever the family needed him to and Gemma felt the same way. She’d be Aunt Gemma especially since she couldn’t have children of her own and since Royal never wanted kids, their relationship was ideal. But Gemma couldn’t get over how he interacted with his nieces and nephews. He was so good with them that it fueled her doubts that maybe he wasn’t so cool with the idea of not having any children of his own. He would be the ideal father – so patient, kind and loving – the same way he was with her. Why wouldn’t he want children?

Ace stirred in his lap. Royal said, “Uh oh. I’ve seen this before. Felicity, where’s his bottle?”

Felicity dug around in the diaper bag on the floor next to her chair until she found it then handed it to Royal.

Royal took the bottle and said, “Alright, lil’ man. Here’s your food.”

Ace latched on to the bottle like he was starving.

Royal chuckled. “Whoa. This boy has an appetite like his daddy.”

“Yes, he does,” Felicity agreed.

Gemma aimlessly stirred green beans around on her plate looking to her right to see Royal talking to his nephew. He was good with children – so good that she often wondered why he never wanted any of his own. Or, perhaps he wanted them but since she couldn’t have them, what was the point of changing his mind?

Blinking away from him, Gemma forced herself to eat. She wasn’t in the mood for a family dinner, especially after watching this and feeling left out. It was all her – she knew that but it still didn’t negate her feelings. The truth of the matter was, she felt left out at their family dinners. She took a sip of lemonade and glanced around the table again, seeing everyone happy and being social like families were supposed to be. In doing so, she caught the eye of someone who wasn’t talking but rather staring right back at her – her mother-in-law, Bernadette. That’s when she knew she had to excuse herself to take a breather.

She pushed her chair back. The slightest movement and Royal was looking at her.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Royal asked, placing a hand on her thigh before she got up.

“Just to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” she said mustering a fake smile while avoiding eye contact because she already knew he’d see the truth hidden in them. “I’m fine. I’ll be right back.”

Gemma stood up.

Royal said, “Come here for a minute.”

“What?”

“Come here.”

She leaned down close to him to which he whispered, “You know I want those lips. Stop playing with me,” and then took a small kiss. “Hurry back.”

“I will.”

But she was in no hurry. Gemma took her time walking to the bathroom and when she reached it, she closed the door and just stood there, trying to process her thoughts. Maybe she was overthinking this thing as usual. She’d been known to overthink things – like when she realized Royal was in love with her. She thought about all the reasons why he’d be better off with someone else. She even tried to understand his thought process by determining why a man as gorgeous and successful as him would want to be with a woman who had some serious health issues like she had the right to question that.

********************
Gemma is now available for pre-order at Amazon! Here are the links:
Amazon US
International: Amazon CAAmazon UKAmazon AU

Paperbacks will not be available for sale on Amazon. You can only order from my website. To pre-order a paperback, visit my online bookstore here.

IMPORTANT:

*Gemma is best enjoyed AFTER you’ve read Royal (A St. Claire Novel). Royal is currently available for $0.99 and is on Kindle Unlimited! You can also order a paperback from my online store. They are on sale for a limited time for $5.00 plus shipping. Visit Tina Martin Book Shop.

*For the BEST reading experience, read the series where Gemma first appeared to gain some background on her: The Boardwalk Bakery Romance Series that consists of three Books, Baked With Love, Baked With Love 2 and Baked With Love 3.

Rude Boss is here, and you've been warned...

Happy release day to me!

I had so much fun writing this book. I think I say that about all my books, but that's how enjoyable writing is to me. This particular story is of interest because of something significant happening in the world - the great resignation they call it. There's a certain freedom in walking away from something that no longer serves your soul, and I think these jobs are sucking the life out of people. They aren't finding real satisfaction with being told what to do every second of the day, being stuck in traffic and being yelled at by a boss who expects you to bow down to him/her.

You get the picture.

Anyway, my Rude Boss's name is Essex DePaul. He's a man who has changed and evolved into this powerhouse of a man and adopted the entitled attitude to go along with it. YOU CAN'T TELL HIM NOTHING. He's mean. He's authoritative. He's unpleasant to be around. Did I mention he's mean? But this man - when I tell y'all there's a sweet soul beneath all that exterior nonsense, you wouldn't believe me. I know. You have to read the book to find out why he's the way he is and how Quintessa Bailey is the right woman to bring out the better side of him. In typical Tina Martin fashion, there are secrets, but the story is written in first person from both main character's perspectives, so you (the reader) learn these secrets early on. See how much I love y'all. I didn't keep you in the dark this time. LOL!

This is a two-book series. Rude Boss is book 1. There will be a Rude Boss 2 being released in July.  

To find out where to purchase, visit the Rude Boss main book page here.

Enjoy readers!

#Teaser Tuesday - Be Quiet

 

Excerpt from Rude Boss 

(Content may be slightly changed before official publication)

The full-figured black woman, who’s wearing a black skirt suit and high heels, swings the hair of her long, blonde wig, says, “You were supposed to be upstairs a half-hour ago.”

“What? That’s not what I was told. The receptionist told me to wait here. I got here early, and I’ve just been sitting here, wasting away, waiting to be called for an interview.”

“Yeah, well, let’s hope that’s a good enough explanation for Mr. DePaul. He doesn’t tolerate tardiness from anyone, so don’t get offended if he dismisses the interview altogether. That’s just the way it is.”

I almost choke. None of this is my fault. And why is she implying that Mr. DePaul, himself, is the person doing the interviewing? Or maybe I didn’t hear her correctly.

I say, “Just for clarification, did you say, Mr. DePaul, as in the Mr. DePaul?”

“Yep.”

“I’m not interviewing with the CEO, am I?” I ask, stepping on the elevator with her. She presses the button for the twelfth floor.

“You are.”

“I can’t be!” I say, in full panic mode. “What in the…is this standard practice around here?”

“No, it’s not, but Mr. DePaul specifically requested to interview you. Surprised me, too. He hasn’t interviewed anyone in years.”

“But, but—look at my blouse. What kind of first impression is this going to make?”

The woman grins. “Oh, please. If I were you, I’d be more concerned that I was late than with what’s on my blouse.”

We exit the elevator. I say, “But I wasn’t late. I told you that.”

I find it a struggle to keep up with her in these five-inch heels. I haven’t worn heels in years. My toes are squished together, my blouse is messed up and now, I’m supposedly late at no fault of my own. Could this morning get any worse?

“By the way, I’m Shanice Davison, Mr. DePaul’s executive assistant.” She taps on a glass door. It’s a conference room. I can see Mr. DePaul sitting at the end of a long conference room table. She throws up a hand, and he waves her – us – inside. Shanice instructs me to sit at the opposite end of the table. There must be at least twenty chairs – ten on each side – putting distance between us, which is fine by me. From this far away, there’s a good chance he won’t see my stained shirt.

Shanice says, “Mr. DePaul, this is Ms. Quintessa Bailey. She’s interviewing for the…um…accounting associate position.”

Shanice sounds nervous, and she knows the man. If she’s this nervous, what am I to expect?

Mr. DePaul rolls up the sleeves of his white shirt, looking at a watch that probably costs more than my whole life. And my mama’s life. And my mama’s, mama’s life.

“Thank you, Ms. Davison,” he says in an abyss-deep tone that has me trembling slightly, as if caught off guard by a rumble of thunder on a day with no forecasted storms.

He has manners. That’s a shocker.

Before now, I’d never met Mr. DePaul, but I’ve heard things. Women like him because he’s smart, wealthy and handsome. Dresses well, like he has a personal tailor. He probably does. He’s your typical I-made-it-to-the-top-now-bow-down-to-me CEO who wants everything done his way. He’s aggressive. Dismissive. A formidable, autocratic leader. His wealth makes him clueless about the plight of common people like myself.

“You’re welcome, sir,” Shanice says. She flashes a wry smile before she leaves the room. When the door closes, I’m more unnerved than I was when I first learned it would be Mr. DePaul doing the interviewing. It’s just me and him. Shanice has left me alone with the wolf – the pack leader – the black man in charge of this impressive accounting firm.

In his presence, I feel like I felt the first day my parents dropped me off for kindergarten – abandoned and clueless. I didn’t know how it was going to go. I just knew I was some place strange. That’s where I am now – a place that’s foreign to me – a place my gut tells me I don’t want to be.

But a sista needs a job. What choice do I have? And, everything I’ve learned about him is hearsay. The rumors may not be true.

Mr. DePaul doesn’t say a word. He glances up at me and carries his dark eyes back to his laptop screen.

O-kay…this is awkward…

What am I to do? Just sit here? Mr. DePaul ain’t paying me no attention. It’s like I’m not even here. Was there some kind of mix-up and he thinks I’m here for something else other than a job interview? That can’t be the case. Shanice just told him I was here for the accounting associate position, so this has to be legit. I just wonder why he’s avoiding me.

“Hello,” I say to break through the barrier of coldness in the room that has us icebergs apart – his fault.

His brows furrow at my greeting, but he’s still more attentive to what he’s doing on the computer, like he didn’t hear me at all. It has me questioning whether I said anything. Did I say hello aloud? I thought I did.

I’m completely losing it.

That’s the power this man wields. I knew that already – I just never expected I’d be so close to him to be influenced by the overwhelming potency of his demeanor.

 I say, “Um, excuse me, Mr. DePaul, I’m here for the—”

“Be quiet,” he says evenly, his fingers moving across the keyboard like a skilled typist.

I snap my head back. “Excuse me?”

Who is he to tell me to be quiet? He’s the CEO and all, but my own daddy doesn’t tell me to be quiet. He’s got the game twisted.

He glares at me from across the table – eyes focused on me like lasers, regarding me with cruel disparagement, like I ate the last donut or something. He clears his voice and reiterates, “I said be quiet.”

________
Pre-Order your copy of Rude Boss now at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.Add to your Goodreads bookshelf!
Release Date: June 24, 2022

Zander and Alyssa are Back!

 

Zander and Alyssa are back in Keep That Same Energy! I haven't written a St. Claire update story in a while, but here it is, readers! If you thought Alyssa was in love with Zander before, (while reading Just Being Us and Zander) wait until you read this book!

Going forward, I want to do update stories on all of the St. Claire couples, but the reason I did this one right now is that the story is still fresh in my mind. Anyway, I can't wait for you to read it. The chemistry between Zander and Alyssa is fire. Please note, if you're new to the St. Claire Series, each book tells the individual story of one of the brothers, half brothers or cousins. You can read them in any order you choose, but for the reading order by release date, visit the St. Claire Series Page.

If you would like to read Keep That Same Energy, you MUST read Just Being Us: The Prequel to Zander and Zander (A St. Claire Novel) first. Here's a short excerpt of Keep That Same Energy.

<<<Excerpt (Lizzie's Perspective)>>>

To get his attention, I say, “I must be seeing things.”

He turns around, smiles, and I swear my legs immediately go weak. Every nerve ending in my body tingles, flickers and burns with awareness. I know I should be used to this – with him being my best friend and all for over a decade – but I’m not. Zander, who is now my husband, is the culmination of everything I desire. He’s the answer to all I’ve ever wanted in a man. It’s always been him and only him.

“Welcome home, baby.”

My temperature rises. Maybe it’s the stove. Maybe it’s him.

Most likely, it’s him.

He says, “And no, you’re not seeing things. I’m cooking for my wife. I know you’ve had a long day and I’m here to make it better. Now, come over here and give your man some love, girl.”

My man. I like the sound of that.

I walk over to him. He handles the rest, circling his sinewy arms around me and squeezing so hard, I think I may need an oxygen tank. It’s worth not breathing to feel this good. This loved.

He releases me, then takes a kiss. It’s not one of those kisses in passing. He goes for a deep one – one that has me tasting the food he’s been sampling while he cooked. The taste of brown gravy lingers on my tongue, and it sure is good. For a second, I think about taking a bite of him.- - - - - - 

Order Keep That Same Energy now on Amazon here.