Tina Martin's Blog, page 5

When Compassion Turns Into Passion...

When I Needed You is told almost one-hundred-percent from Ahmalee's perspective. She's the owner of Ivy and Eden Candles. She's also the woman who Cain has had his eyes on. Why?
Well...you'll see. For now, we'll say he likes her. Likes how she runs her store and has her own business. He likes her generosity. Her compassion. It becomes addictive after a while. It's something he's not accustomed to in his world. It's not how he is. It's refreshing to see it in action. How can she be this...this real?
More about Ahmalee:
Cain is a good man...?Fell on hard times...He needs help. He seeks it from Ahmalee. He never expected to be impressed by her. Never knew women like her existed. Never knew he could actually fall...
More about Cain:
When I Needed You is available for preorder on Amazon. Pre-order your copy. Release Date is July 17, 2020.

RSJ Convention - Emma Awards Recipient!

I was scheduled to attend the Romance Slam Jam (RSJ) convention in Norfolk, Virginia in May 2020, but due to Covid-19, the convention was moved online. Still, I had the best time. I was honored to be a guest on two panels - one discussing self-publishing and the other dealing with the romantic suspense genre. Every workshop I attended was informative and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops regarding audiobooks, writing in deep POV and bingo night.

The last night of the convention was an awards ceremony where I won my first Emma Awards:

My novella, Winter Wonder , won an Emma Award for Novella of the Year.My character, Drake Lennox from Winter Wonder, won Hero of the Year.And finally, I won an Emma Award for Author of the Year!
I still can't believe it! I want to thank the organizers for the hard work in putting this conference together. Thank you to the readers who dive deep into these stories and make these characters real. Thank you for your support. I couldn't do this without y'all.

Weekend Fiance - Pre-Release Thoughts and Excerpt!

Jared and KeShana are back. They were first introduced in How to Love Me . Now, they have their own story. Here's what happened...
How To Love Me is a standalone novel and honestly, there weren't supposed to be any additional stories emerging from the book. But KeShana's character - y'all know - she was off the chain. After many email messages from readers, I finally decided to bring her story to life in an InstaLove 100+page romance. I wanted the story to be a lot shorter - like a short story - but it's longer than a short story - more like a novella. 
What to expect?
You'll meet the signature alpha male with Jared Delarosiere who presents KeShana Taylor with a proposition. You'll see KeShana's unfiltered personality on display and how Jared (who is the complete opposite in every way) handles her personality. You'll see two unlikely people fall in love. You'll smile, laugh, you may even shed a tear. (Y'all know me. I like my books emotional.)
The release date is April 3, 2020, but guess what? You can Pre-Order this title now!
Are you on Book+Main? Make sure you follow me so you will be notified when I post new 'Bites' or book excerpts. Today, I posted an exclusive excerpt for Weekend Fiance under the title: Come to the Hamptons with me This Weekend.
I know you'll enjoy this story. Be safe out there, stay inside and cozy up to a good book!

Release Weekend! - How To Love Me

It's new release weekend!!
My first novel of 2020 is here:  How To Love Me , and it's only available on Amazon for Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Preliminary readers have described this book as different - and it is different just slightly. It's different for some because of a strong-minded woman who decided to take a stand in her life. I write so many novels based on alpha males and for this novel, I wanted to showcase a strong-minded woman who took control of her life and got a handle on a bad situation. In this book, you'll be either #TeamIndigo or #TeamMicah.  It's your choice. How To Love Me is a full-length, 70,000+ word novel. It's romance. It's suspense and yes, there is an HEA.
Read the Book Description.
Buy The Book: Kindle | Kindle Unlimited | Paperback
Happy Reading, Fans,
Tina

#TeaserTuesday - Friends With My Ex?

Enjoy this preliminary excerpt of How To Love Me. [Please Note: All preliminary excerpts are subject to a few editing changes.]

Chapter 1
Indigo

How did my soon-to-be ex-husband end up being my friend? That baffles me even now – close to a year after we realized we weren’t working as a couple. Me and Micah have been married for three years – only really together for two of those – and you wanna know what really sucks? Micah is a good man, and he’s quite the looker. He’s got the cliché tall, dark and handsome thing going for him just the way most women like ‘em. He’s fine enough to be a model if he wanted to be and therein lies the root cause for most of our issues – well, issues when we were together, that is. Micah knew how handsome he was and he enjoyed the attention from women a lil’ too much to be a married man. When I would bring up his flirtatious behavior, he’d downplay it and tell me I was – how did he put it?– delusional and insecure. Told me I had nothing to worry about. Said he only had eyes for me. I halfway believed him at first but then he got roses one day and they weren’t from me. I don’t know who they were from. I mean, what kind of desperate jumpoff sends a married man a vase of roses? In a stunning turn of new-age role reversal, was it now acceptable for women to send men flowers? There wasn’t a card with them and he stuttered his way through the argument, still pegging me insecure in the process. Romantically, we were pretty much over after that. If he wanted romance, he could holla at whoever sent him that desperate bouquet of grocery store roses.Two months after Micah moved out of the four-bedroom house we shared, we started talking again. He was the initiator and though I was reluctant at first, reconnecting didn’t seem all that bad since the sixty days that had separated gave us both plenty enough time to sort through our feelings. Of course, our relationship wasn’t the same. Conversing with him wasn’t the same either, but at least we were talking, right? Most married people who’d separated hated each other. We were the anomaly.We set some ground rules – if we were going to continue down this path as ‘friends’, we wouldn’t discuss any other relationships we may have developed along the way. We’d respect each other’s boundaries and keep things on a friendship level. My best friend KeShana thought I was crazy for being friends with him at all. She didn’t like Micah – called him a buster because, well, that’s what your best friend is supposed to call the man who broke her best friend’s heart. That, along with a few other choice words.Did Micah Justus break my heart?Hmm…Let him tell it and the demise of our marriage was all my fault. Men are always looking to shift the blame to someone else, aren’t they? Can’t get ahead in life? Blame the man. Not making enough money? It’s the system. Marriage didn’t work out? It’s the wife. They can’t help it. It all started from the beginning of time and I’m talking Genesis: Adam and Eve. The Almighty asked Adam why he disobeyed and ate the fruit and what was ol’ Adam’s response? It was that woman you gave me…Blame, blame, blame.
* * *
Releasing in February 2020. Exact release date TBD and will be announced soon.Read the Book Description.

This Past Year and What's Happening in 2020!

I put in work all 2019!
It was a whirlwind year for me as an author and I saw many firsts. My first novel of the year, Magnus, was a #1 New Release on Amazon. It's the first time I've reached that status so you can imagine my excitement? I made it! LOL! Magnus is my first book with over 100 reviews on Amazon - never thought I'd have that kind of reach. This year, I felt like readers were finally discovering my work and giving my work a try. Then my novel, Monty, achieved the same #1 New Release status as well as a few other books that came out this year including Winter Wonder!
I met more readers at book signings in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri. I've organized book discussions is my online reading group, something I thoroughly enjoy because my readers are lit and they are really into these stories. [Join my 'fans only' online reading group]
Two of my novels were listed among Keisha Irvin's top 15 book of 2019. [Watch her video HERE and discover other authors as well!] It's exciting for my work to be included on anyone's list!

Way back in the day, I poured my heart and soul into a manuscript and got rejected from a publication house. I was devastated, but I love writing, so I couldn't let that stop me. If I had, I wouldn't have made it to #1 New Release status. I wouldn't have met so many authors and wonderful readers in this great indie author community. My message to you in this new year is: If you've made a goal or resolution in 2020, whatever you're doing or trying to achieve, keep going. Don't give up. Your success is not determined by what other people think of you. If you like it, do it and KEEP doing it.

I never know what I'm going to write to be honest, but I know there are books my readers are eagerly awaiting, like Major St. Claire's story. He'll make an appearance this year. 
But first...to start out the year, I'm going with two standalone novels. These stories are individual standalone novels that are in no way connected and they are not connected to any series books. Oh, and there will not be any additions to these books, no part twos or nothing like that. They are strictly standalones. One will be out in late January/early February. It all depends on my schedule. One is a contemporary romance, the other a romantic suspense/military romance. Look for more information on those on my Facebook page. 
This year will also bring another Champion novel, Blackstone novel, Lennox novella and the end to the Seasons of Love novellas. Who knows, I may even begin a new series! I'm going to leave my options open and enjoy the journey as a writer this year. I want to experiment with new ideas without being glued to my office chair. I plan to travel a bit more. I have two book signings in North Carolina - one in Gastonia and the other in Raleigh. [See the Events page for more details.] I'll also be in Atlanta and maybe a few other locations. 
Most of you know I'm a runner. I sometimes post pics on my IG [Follow me on Instagram] and I always had a goal to run a half marathon so maybe 2020 will be the year. I ran 50+ miles every month in 2019. I find so much inspiraton by keeping busy and staying active.
Lastly, I want to thank my readers for your suppoover the years. There are many of you I can call by name who leave reviews, always active on my social media and I love that. Y'all inspire me to keep going because honestly, some days as a writer, I question myself and whether I'm doing enough and writing well enough (I'm the hardest on myself) then I'll get an email or IG message or Facebook comment out of the blue from a reader saying how much they enjoyed a story. When I tell you that makes my day, I'm not just saying it to be saying it. It really does make my day! 
Thank you! I hope your 2020 is everything you hope it to be!

Who Doesn't Love Some Good Winter Romances?

It's that time of the year!

I'm releasing the last book of the year titled Winter Wedding. Winter Wedding is the follow-up novella to Winter Wonder. Winter Wonder was released November 22, 2019 and is still an Amazon #1 New New Release!


In Winter Wonder, you get Drake Lennox's story along with the woman who's caught his eye, Lavina Nelson. I wasn't sure if I wanted to write a second part to the story, but then I thought, why not? Drake's a good guy, and everyone wanted to see their happily ever after, so...

Winter Wedding was born. And it takes place mostly in New York. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. It's cold. There's snow and a beautiful winter wedding!

 

Enjoy!

#TeaserTuesday - I Wonder...

But who's really under a spell?
In Winter Wonder , you'll meet the latest Lennox to have his own standalone story - Drake Lennox - a cousin of the Lennox men mentioned below. In the story, he's roped into assisting with plans for a party at Smoky Mountain Lodge and let's just say things didn't quite start out pleasant for him. Winter Wonder is a sweet, wholesome, funny story. The release date is Friday, 11/22/19. FYI - It's not required, but if you want the back story on the Lennox Family, it can all be found in the first book I wrote for the series, Claiming You.

Claiming You features Remington Lennox and Emory McNeil's story but also gives insight on their family dynamic. Kenton's story is Before You Say I Do. Giovanni, Making You My Business  and one of the sisters, Jessalyn Wishing That I Was Yours .
   
CLICK HERE FOR SERIES READING ORDER.
In case you were wondering about the prequel to Claiming You titled, Caught in the Storm with a Lennox , I wrote that AFTER Claiming You. Many readers expressed interest in knowing the story of how Remington and Emory initially met. It was during a snowstorm. And there was a knock at the door by a stranger. And...

Pick up a copy of Caught in the Storm with a Lennox to read the winter story. All Lennox books are $3.99 or less!
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#TeaserTuesday - Caught Off Guard

*Excerpt from the upcoming novel, A Champion's Proposal. Please note, this excerpt is preliminary and is subject to editing changes before the official release date.

She looked up at him – one of the few times she’d done so since they’ve been eating together. Why did he have to be looking directly at her with that smirk and that cute dimple sunk deep into his jaw? Why did his eyes look like golden honey with green drizzles sprinkled in them? She could see why he was a ladies’ man. He had every physical attribute it took to rock the title.Jemisha cleared her throat once more. “I, uh—okay, that caught me off guard.”“What did?”“Your comment about a wife and kids. You don’t come across as the settling down type.”“I don’t?” he asked.“No.”“And just how does one come across as the settling down type?”“Okay—I’m not sure if I want to go down this road.”“Nah, you opened the door. Walk through it.”“In my opinion, some men are more on the playful, bachelor side of life. The serious man who doesn’t have time for games works hard to be the man a woman needs and desires while some men are busy playing around settling for being something temporary for whoever comes along because they’re not serious about life. Settling down isn’t something they’re interested in. You come across as thattype—the bachelor type.”He smiled, unfazed by her synopsis. “Why would you think that about me?”“I’ve seen you operate.”
****
A Champion's Proposal | Release Date: October 4, 2019

#TeaserTuesday - I Got My Eyes On You

*Excerpt from the upcoming novel, A Champion's Proposal. Please note, this excerpt is preliminary and is subject to editing changes before the official release date.

Prologue

 “Careful, Miss. That’s my only nephew you’re holding.”Miss.Jemisha knew the source of the deep, yet annoying, voice before she turned around – Mordecai Champion. It was only a matter of time before he said something to her. He was standing opposite of her on the other side of the food-filled island in the home of her Savannah and Harding – Savannah her best friend and Harding, Mordecai’s brother. In fact, he’d been standing there, watching her and sipping on a drink, pretending to be otherwise occupied by his forever ringing and dinging cell phone but that was just a front. He was watching her, and sipping. Her eyes automatically rolled. She refused to pay him any attention. She bounced baby Harley and admired him for the beautiful baby that he was. He looked just like his father – same hazel eyes and all – and he smelled so good. And he was a calm baby – must’ve got that from Harding, too, because Savannah was anything but.“Savannah had better thank her lucky stars you took after your daddy,” she said softly. “Ain’t that right, poochie, poochie?” she said in baby talk.Baby Harley flashed a drooly, gummy smile.“Hellooo?” Mordecai said, seeking to get Jemisha’s attention once more.She looked up at him, her eyes sweeping over his tall frame. Not only was he tall, but he was gorgeous – like the dangerous kind of gorgeous that could get a woman in some serious trouble if she didn’t keep herself in check. He even had the look of a troublemaker – a bad boy. The type to act first and ask questions later. Whenever she saw him, he always had that insidious smirk on his face like he’d been up to something.Probably had. Mordecai was a ladies man. Why wouldn’t he be? With black, slightly curly hair, he stood six-feet-four with an amazing pair of hazel eyes and skin creamy enough to be dessert. He always wore Polos that conformed to the shape of his muscular chest and arms with jeans that rode his hips like a cowboy on a racehorse at the Kentucky Derby. He had a pair of dark, black lashes – the kind most women would either kill for or buy – that curtained his beautiful eyes and a trimmed mustache that brought out the fullness of his, square lips.After she was done smiling at Harley, Jemisha wiped the smile from her face, looked at Mordecai and said blandly, “Hi, Mordecai. How are you?”“I’m me,” he responded.Her eyes narrowed. I’m me. What kind of response was that? And why was he still staring at her, leaned up against the counter watching her like she was the sixty-inch flat screen mounted on the wall in the living room?She decided to find out. “Um…did you want something?”“I would like to spend some time with my nephew. You’ve been hogging him all evening.”Her eyes narrowed to slits. “No, I haven’t. Savannah literally just handed him to me like five minutes ago.”Mordecai grinned. She had, hadn’t she? But he didn’t care. Besides, it was no coincidence he’d visited the family on the same weekend Jemisha was here. He’d been planning a trip to Asheville for the longest, but with a heavy workload, he put off scheduling a definite date. Then his sister Zoya slipped up and asked him if he was coming this particular weekend because in her words, “Jemishawould be here, too” almost as if she’d known he’d taken a liking to Jemisha. She probably had. Zoya was observant like that.So here he was, staring at the woman – Jemisha Rayford – his sister-in-law’s best friend. He’d seen her in passing but never paid much attention to her because honestly, he never paid any considerable amount of attention to any woman. Couldn’t have no broads thinking silly things that weren’t going to happen – like him actually wanting to be in a relationship.Not Mordecai Champion.
Coming October 4, 2019!