V.L. Locey's Blog, page 62
July 23, 2015
Throwback Thursday Tune
Boy howdy, was Del Shannon dreamy! I bet the girls were all sorts of googly-eyed over him back when he was singing and strumming away. Sadly another talent lost too soon.
July 20, 2015
Tuesday Tales - Tiger
Hello! It`s time for Tuesday Tales.
Today we have another chapter for Wind in White Birch and our word prompt is "Tiger".
Don`t forget to visit the other talented Tuesday Tales authors. Thanks for stopping by!
“I`m rather good with kids,” I tacked on, figuring that since I had a son that might sweeten the deal. I was willing to offer up the pink slip on my car if I could avoid the battle that was going to break out. “Fine,” Julia finally said. “Get your fishing stuff from the car. Jonah, I`ll meet you around back.” Jonah and I watched Julia exit. He looked down at me as the boys roared out the kitchen door, leaving it wide open. “Coward,” Jonah mumbled before dropping down into a crouch beside me. I nodded in total agreement of the sharp character analysis of my flaws. “I will get this settled today, Dana, okay?” “Jonah, you can`t force her to like me. She`ll come around. She just has to see that I won`t hurt you,” I cupped his cheek. He turned his head to place a kiss to my palm. “Maybe I can`t force her, but I can damn sure tell her to back the . . .” His nephew`s coming back in with poles and a bucket of worms cut short the rather crude statement my lover was about to make. Within ten minutes, the four of us were bundled up and headed along the path that led to the magical trout lake. It didn`t take me long to get the three Windtalker boys names down. Peter was the eldest at twelve, Drew was the middle son at ten, and Archie was the youngest at seven. The boys talked amongst themselves, voices filled with excitement, poles over their shoulders as we walked. The air was crisp but held a touch of spring. The buds on the trees and the song of robins and red-winged blackbirds only added to the ‘spring-is-coming’ concerto. When we arrived at the lake in under ten minutes I`ll admit I was more than shocked. It was a huge chunk of iced-over water, four times bigger than Mud Puppy Lake where I had met Jonah. “Are you boys sure about this?” I asked, padding up to the edge of the freshwater lake. “I bet it`s really cold out there.” “We`re not going out to the middle of the ice this time of year,” Pete told me with a definite ‘DUH’ tone. “We`ll just knock a few holes near the edge." He swirled the small hatchet their uncle had given them back at the lodge. I was dubious about the whole thing, but who was I to say? Peter and Drew made a hole about a foot wide for Archie then ran off. The youngest Windtalker looked up at me with his empty hook dangling in the breeze. I was not ready for this. “Let me guess, your Uncle Jonah baits your hook, right, Tiger?” I asked. Archie nodded then shoved the rod into my chest. With a dramatic sigh, I somehow managed to skewer the fat, wriggly worm onto the hook. I looked at my work and decided that it was crappy. So, with Archie telling me what to do, I finally got the worm hooked through in three places. Just as Archie and I were exchanging pleased smiles, someone shouted my name. I handed Archie his pole, turned around, and saw Drew trying to slide out onto the ice on his belly. I screamed at him to stop, and it was then I saw his older brother trying valiantly to scrabble out of the frigid water where he had fallen through. I`m not sure exactly how I got down to Drew as fast as I did. I am no sprinter, but the screams of a terrified child does amazing things to your system. I bulled past Drew, who was frantically screaming at his brother. “Take Archie and go get Jonah!” I yelled at the middle Windtalker boy. He blinked tears away, ran down the shore, grabbed Arch who was frozen in fear, and then pulled his sibling into the woods. I put one foot on the ice and it cracked ominously. Peter was crying and clawing in a panicked state. I wanted to ask him what the hell he had been thinking but the sound of his teeth chattering pushed that question aside for later. I eyed the ice, trying to think of something to do. Drew`s shouts for Jonah had dwindled. Now it was just the wind sloughing through the trees. “Dana, get me out!” the lad screamed. It shook me from my stupor. I dropped to my hands and knees, locked onto Peter`s light blue lips and wide brown eyes and began moving slowly across the frozen lake. Praying that the ice would support me if my weight were spread out, I slid closer and closer to Julia`s son. A sound like a starter’s gun filled my ears. I froze and glanced over my shoulder to see a jagged crack forming at the shore and racing towards me. It then began to spread outward in a thousand different directions. I did the only thing I could do. I inhaled deeply, threw myself forward, latched onto Peter`s trembling cold hands, and then plummeted into the spring fed lake.
Copyright 2013 ©by V.L. Locey
*~*~*
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Tuesday Tales
See you next week!
July 19, 2015
Monday Author/Book Spotlight - Vikki Vaught's Lady Overton's Perilous Journey
Please welcome Vikki to our little nook of the internet! Today she's here to share some info on her wonderful sounding book, Lady Overton`s Perilous Journey.
*~*
I want to thank Vicki for having me on her blog today. I’m very exciting about my new release, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey . This is the first book in my Honorable Rogue series. This series is set in early 19th century England & America. I’d like to introduce you to my hero: Captain Alex Hawks:Height: 6’2”Hair color: Dark ChestnutEye color: Dark brown, almost blackAge: 28Alex sails the high seas on his ship, Renegade, traveling from America to ports across the Atlantic. His company, Hawks Shipping is homed based in Baltimore. He is driven to succeed in a career he did not choose. Alex graduated from Harvard with a law degree, but when his father died, he stepped in and took over Hawks Shipping and has never looked back. When Alex meets the Marchioness of Overton and her young son, the marquess, he suspects his life will be turned upside down. While he finds Anissa beautiful, the last thing he wants is an entanglement with an aristocratic lady, but when he learns of her plight, honor demands he help her. Alex Hawks has many layers to his personality and life has not dealt him the best cards, but he refuses to allow anything to keep him from doing his duty. One personal hurt has made him cynical toward women with good cause. Whether he wants it or not, he has met his match in Anissa.I hope you’ll enjoy the romance between Alex and Anissa as much as I enjoyed writing their love story. Happy reading!
Anissa, Marchioness of OvertonCharming WidowHeight: 5’2”Hair color: Golden blondeEye color: BlueAge: 26Anissa has been a widow for seven months, deeply mourning her late husband. She learns that her son’s great-uncle has evil plans for her and Harry. Her only goal now, is to keep her son safe, no matter the cost, even if it means leaving her home and her country to do it. That is why she travels to America on Alex Hawks’ ship. The last thing she needs is the distraction of the annoying, yet vastly attractive captain, but she has been so lonely, and seeking shelter in his warm embrace is very tempting. Her desire for Alex wages war with her conscious and her guilt. Anissa was not raised in an aristocratic household, but she learned how to navigate the ton when she married her first husband and has adopted the aloof manners of an aristocrat. When she arrives in America, she is surprised at the easy camaraderie between Alex and his servants. She finds Americans so much friendlier and open than English society. If not for Harry, she could see herself being quite happy living in this bright new world.
Tagline: While Lady Overton’s high-spirited son, the little marquess, may distract Captain Hawks’ cabin-boy and crew, he suspects the lovely lady may threaten his well-protected heart. Book Blurb:When her son’s life is threatened, Anissa, Marchioness of Overton, seeks refuge by sailing to America. Before the ship reaches the high seas, sparks fly between her and Captain Alex Hawks. Although the young widow may be lonely, and afraid, she cannot risk the diversion a romantic entanglement could bring, no matter how much she wants to lose herself in the captain’s embrace. The Captain vows to protect the young Lord Overton, but can offer no assurance that the marchioness will leave his ship with her virtue intact. Alex is drawn to Anissa’s beauty and courage, as a hummingbird is to the nectar of a flower. How long can he fight a losing battle before he surrenders and makes her his own? Will Alex be able to keep this remarkable woman and her child safe? Will his passion for Anissa be enough or will their differences keep them apart?
Author Bio:Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Over the last few years, she has written more than a half dozen historical romances and is presently working on her next. Her new release, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey, published by Secret Cravings Publishing is the first book in her Honorable Rogue series.
Vikki loves a "Happily Ever After", and she writes them in her stories. While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes some significant historical event or place in all her novels.
While all her books are love stories, she has also written short contemporary sweet romances as Vikki McCombie and erotic romances using the pen name of V.L. Edwards.
For the last decade, Vikki has lived in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her beloved husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she is not writing or working her day job, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side.
Metadata tags: Historical, Romance, Romantic suspense, Sea captain, Regency, England, AmericaTweets:What’s more than important: Love or duty @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Suspense Lady Overton’s Perilous JourneyHonorable Rogues: Got to love them @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Suspense Lady Overton’s Perilous JourneyWill Alex Hawks save the day or lose it all? @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Suspense Lady Overton’s Perilous JourneyFor the love of a child: Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Romanticsuspense Romance on the high seas: Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Romanticsuspense Release Date: July 11, 2015 for Lady Overton’s Journey @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #SuspenseContest verbage: Vikki will award aLong Excerpt 1:The heavy brass statue dropped from her hand, and Anissa, the Marchioness of Overton, touched her lips with a shaking hand. She glanced down at Lord Howard and stifled a gasp. Blood poured from the wound on his head as he lay sprawled out on the Aubusson carpet. The smell of fresh blood assailed her nostrils, causing her stomach to roll.Oh no, what have I done?Anissa remained frozen, as stiff and unyielding as the statue she had dropped on the carpet. Finally pulling herself out of her moment of terror, she knelt beside him and gingerly touched the side of his neck with trembling fingers. She felt a weak pulse. At least she had not killed him.Never in a million years had she expected him to attack her in such a horrid way. Shock waves of fear raced through her heart, and she pulled the remnants of her bodice together as images of the struggle flashed through her mind. Thank goodness, she had grabbed the statue before he could ravish her.Of course, he had tried to corner her countless times. She had always managed to evade him before. If she had known he had arrived home, she would never have chanced coming down for a book. A good thing she had, or she would never have overheard him talking to his son. Without this knowledge, she would have been dead the next day, and then there would have been no one to keep him from carrying out his diabolical plan.The fright she had experienced when Lord Howard caught her still had her heart jumping in her chest. If his son had caught her, she could have been able to convince Bernard she had come from the kitchen after having a glass of warm milk. The poor young man was a bit slow-witted. With the die cast, she could not stop the turn of events her actions had started. She would have to get away before someone found Lord Howard and raised the alarm.Anissa stood, went over to Lord Howard’s desk, and rummaged through the drawers, looking for the money pouch he kept hidden there. As she felt around the bottom drawer, her fingers closed around the purse. Pulling it out, she dropped it on the desk, then reached inside and pulled out a wad of bank notes.Anissa counted the money and found well over two hundred pounds, plus dozens of guineas, and a fistful of other coins. She slipped the notes back into the pouch, along with the rest of the money, and then slipped it into the pocket of her gown. Looking back at Lord Howard, she tiptoed across the room. She opened the library door and peeked out to the darkened hall, making sure the coast was clear before she left the room.All the servants should be in bed, although she was not sure where Bernard had gone. She prayed he had gone upstairs to his room. The last thing she needed was to run into the boy. His father had him under his thumb, scared to death of going against him in any way. After all, the lad was barely seventeen. She truly could not blame him. As silent as a crouching cat ready to spring on an unsuspecting mouse, Anissa climbed the stairs to her bedchamber as the hall clock’s soft chime of the eleven o’clock hour followed her. After reaching her room, she sagged against the door, her fear-soaked clothing clinging to her clammy skin.Anissa rushed over to the wardrobe and threw it open, pulled out her valise, and stuffed several black gowns, undergarments, and her nightclothes into it. She unearthed the breeches she wore when riding by herself. Thank God she had kept them all these years. After donning the boy’s clothing, she grabbed her black cloak to hide her masculine attire.She went over to her dressing table and dumped the contents of her jewelry box into her valise. Her emerald necklace, a gift from her late husband, landed on top. Tears gathered in her eyes as she remembered Kendall fastening it around her neck for the first time, and something squeezed her heart like a vise.Gathering her wits and dismissing the distracting thoughts from her mind, she could not give into her emotions now, not when the life of her son was held in the balance. She opened up the hidden compartment in the bottom of her jewelry box and pulled out some letters tied together with a pink satin ribbon. These letters were more precious than gold to her. Kendall had written them to her whenever they had been apart. Some might think her silly to save them. However, she gained comfort from reading them late at night when she missed him most.Oh, why did Kendall have to die?Anissa forced these thoughts from her mind. She could not afford to think of these things now. She needed to get to her son. She had to protect Harry and get him safely away. After she added the letters to the valise, she took one last look at the room she had lived in for seven years. Despair threatened to consume her, but she refused to give in to her terror and hurried out the door.
Short excerpt:The heavy brass statue dropped from her hand, and Anissa, the Marchioness of Overton, touched her lips with a shaking hand. She glanced down at Lord Howard and stifled a gasp. Blood poured from the wound on his head as he lay sprawled out on the Aubusson carpet. The fresh smell of blood assailed her nostrils, causing her stomach to roll.Oh no, what have I done?
Buy Links:Secret Cravings: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=1101Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Overtons-Perilous-Journey-Vikki-Vaught-ebook/dp/B010XYA2AK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1436709244&sr=1-1&keywords=lady+overton%27s+perilous+journey&pebp=1436709248848&perid=07296QWQ6ZJFPHMBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-overtons-perilous-journey-vikki-vaught/1122242217?ean=2940150791749All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ladyoverton039sperilousjourney-1844301-148.html
Author Links:Website: http://www.vikkivaught.com/home.htmlEmail: mailto:vvaught512@aol.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VikkiVaught?ref=bookmarksTwitter: https://twitter.com/vvaught512Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+VikkiMcCombie/postsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaughtmccombie/Amazon Author Page: http://smile.amazon.com/Vikki-Vaught/e/B008EE7TG2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433778387&sr=1-2-entGoodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5208041.Vikki_Vaught
This has been such an exciting journey for me, and many friends have helped me along the way, from contest judges to my fellow authors of the Beau Monde Chapter of RWA. This is a fantastic group of Regency authors. Whenever I have a historical question, they always have the answer. I want to personally thank my critique partner, KaLyn Cooper. Her help with the suspense scenes was invaluable. My wonderful friend and freelance editor Tammy Souch, her advice and suggestions made this book so much better. I also want to thank my friend and co-worker, Anissa Cook, for the use of her beautiful name for my heroine. Thanks to readers everywhere, for your willingness to give a new author a chance. Last, but by no means least, my incredible husband for putting up with me when I’m lost in my world of books. The man truly has the patience of a saint.
*~*
I want to thank Vicki for having me on her blog today. I’m very exciting about my new release, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey . This is the first book in my Honorable Rogue series. This series is set in early 19th century England & America. I’d like to introduce you to my hero: Captain Alex Hawks:Height: 6’2”Hair color: Dark ChestnutEye color: Dark brown, almost blackAge: 28Alex sails the high seas on his ship, Renegade, traveling from America to ports across the Atlantic. His company, Hawks Shipping is homed based in Baltimore. He is driven to succeed in a career he did not choose. Alex graduated from Harvard with a law degree, but when his father died, he stepped in and took over Hawks Shipping and has never looked back. When Alex meets the Marchioness of Overton and her young son, the marquess, he suspects his life will be turned upside down. While he finds Anissa beautiful, the last thing he wants is an entanglement with an aristocratic lady, but when he learns of her plight, honor demands he help her. Alex Hawks has many layers to his personality and life has not dealt him the best cards, but he refuses to allow anything to keep him from doing his duty. One personal hurt has made him cynical toward women with good cause. Whether he wants it or not, he has met his match in Anissa.I hope you’ll enjoy the romance between Alex and Anissa as much as I enjoyed writing their love story. Happy reading!
Anissa, Marchioness of OvertonCharming WidowHeight: 5’2”Hair color: Golden blondeEye color: BlueAge: 26Anissa has been a widow for seven months, deeply mourning her late husband. She learns that her son’s great-uncle has evil plans for her and Harry. Her only goal now, is to keep her son safe, no matter the cost, even if it means leaving her home and her country to do it. That is why she travels to America on Alex Hawks’ ship. The last thing she needs is the distraction of the annoying, yet vastly attractive captain, but she has been so lonely, and seeking shelter in his warm embrace is very tempting. Her desire for Alex wages war with her conscious and her guilt. Anissa was not raised in an aristocratic household, but she learned how to navigate the ton when she married her first husband and has adopted the aloof manners of an aristocrat. When she arrives in America, she is surprised at the easy camaraderie between Alex and his servants. She finds Americans so much friendlier and open than English society. If not for Harry, she could see herself being quite happy living in this bright new world.
Tagline: While Lady Overton’s high-spirited son, the little marquess, may distract Captain Hawks’ cabin-boy and crew, he suspects the lovely lady may threaten his well-protected heart. Book Blurb:When her son’s life is threatened, Anissa, Marchioness of Overton, seeks refuge by sailing to America. Before the ship reaches the high seas, sparks fly between her and Captain Alex Hawks. Although the young widow may be lonely, and afraid, she cannot risk the diversion a romantic entanglement could bring, no matter how much she wants to lose herself in the captain’s embrace. The Captain vows to protect the young Lord Overton, but can offer no assurance that the marchioness will leave his ship with her virtue intact. Alex is drawn to Anissa’s beauty and courage, as a hummingbird is to the nectar of a flower. How long can he fight a losing battle before he surrenders and makes her his own? Will Alex be able to keep this remarkable woman and her child safe? Will his passion for Anissa be enough or will their differences keep them apart?
Author Bio:Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Over the last few years, she has written more than a half dozen historical romances and is presently working on her next. Her new release, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey, published by Secret Cravings Publishing is the first book in her Honorable Rogue series.
Vikki loves a "Happily Ever After", and she writes them in her stories. While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes some significant historical event or place in all her novels.
While all her books are love stories, she has also written short contemporary sweet romances as Vikki McCombie and erotic romances using the pen name of V.L. Edwards.
For the last decade, Vikki has lived in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her beloved husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she is not writing or working her day job, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side.
Metadata tags: Historical, Romance, Romantic suspense, Sea captain, Regency, England, AmericaTweets:What’s more than important: Love or duty @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Suspense Lady Overton’s Perilous JourneyHonorable Rogues: Got to love them @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Suspense Lady Overton’s Perilous JourneyWill Alex Hawks save the day or lose it all? @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Suspense Lady Overton’s Perilous JourneyFor the love of a child: Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Romanticsuspense Romance on the high seas: Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #Romanticsuspense Release Date: July 11, 2015 for Lady Overton’s Journey @vvaught512 #Historical #Romance #SuspenseContest verbage: Vikki will award aLong Excerpt 1:The heavy brass statue dropped from her hand, and Anissa, the Marchioness of Overton, touched her lips with a shaking hand. She glanced down at Lord Howard and stifled a gasp. Blood poured from the wound on his head as he lay sprawled out on the Aubusson carpet. The smell of fresh blood assailed her nostrils, causing her stomach to roll.Oh no, what have I done?Anissa remained frozen, as stiff and unyielding as the statue she had dropped on the carpet. Finally pulling herself out of her moment of terror, she knelt beside him and gingerly touched the side of his neck with trembling fingers. She felt a weak pulse. At least she had not killed him.Never in a million years had she expected him to attack her in such a horrid way. Shock waves of fear raced through her heart, and she pulled the remnants of her bodice together as images of the struggle flashed through her mind. Thank goodness, she had grabbed the statue before he could ravish her.Of course, he had tried to corner her countless times. She had always managed to evade him before. If she had known he had arrived home, she would never have chanced coming down for a book. A good thing she had, or she would never have overheard him talking to his son. Without this knowledge, she would have been dead the next day, and then there would have been no one to keep him from carrying out his diabolical plan.The fright she had experienced when Lord Howard caught her still had her heart jumping in her chest. If his son had caught her, she could have been able to convince Bernard she had come from the kitchen after having a glass of warm milk. The poor young man was a bit slow-witted. With the die cast, she could not stop the turn of events her actions had started. She would have to get away before someone found Lord Howard and raised the alarm.Anissa stood, went over to Lord Howard’s desk, and rummaged through the drawers, looking for the money pouch he kept hidden there. As she felt around the bottom drawer, her fingers closed around the purse. Pulling it out, she dropped it on the desk, then reached inside and pulled out a wad of bank notes.Anissa counted the money and found well over two hundred pounds, plus dozens of guineas, and a fistful of other coins. She slipped the notes back into the pouch, along with the rest of the money, and then slipped it into the pocket of her gown. Looking back at Lord Howard, she tiptoed across the room. She opened the library door and peeked out to the darkened hall, making sure the coast was clear before she left the room.All the servants should be in bed, although she was not sure where Bernard had gone. She prayed he had gone upstairs to his room. The last thing she needed was to run into the boy. His father had him under his thumb, scared to death of going against him in any way. After all, the lad was barely seventeen. She truly could not blame him. As silent as a crouching cat ready to spring on an unsuspecting mouse, Anissa climbed the stairs to her bedchamber as the hall clock’s soft chime of the eleven o’clock hour followed her. After reaching her room, she sagged against the door, her fear-soaked clothing clinging to her clammy skin.Anissa rushed over to the wardrobe and threw it open, pulled out her valise, and stuffed several black gowns, undergarments, and her nightclothes into it. She unearthed the breeches she wore when riding by herself. Thank God she had kept them all these years. After donning the boy’s clothing, she grabbed her black cloak to hide her masculine attire.She went over to her dressing table and dumped the contents of her jewelry box into her valise. Her emerald necklace, a gift from her late husband, landed on top. Tears gathered in her eyes as she remembered Kendall fastening it around her neck for the first time, and something squeezed her heart like a vise.Gathering her wits and dismissing the distracting thoughts from her mind, she could not give into her emotions now, not when the life of her son was held in the balance. She opened up the hidden compartment in the bottom of her jewelry box and pulled out some letters tied together with a pink satin ribbon. These letters were more precious than gold to her. Kendall had written them to her whenever they had been apart. Some might think her silly to save them. However, she gained comfort from reading them late at night when she missed him most.Oh, why did Kendall have to die?Anissa forced these thoughts from her mind. She could not afford to think of these things now. She needed to get to her son. She had to protect Harry and get him safely away. After she added the letters to the valise, she took one last look at the room she had lived in for seven years. Despair threatened to consume her, but she refused to give in to her terror and hurried out the door.
Short excerpt:The heavy brass statue dropped from her hand, and Anissa, the Marchioness of Overton, touched her lips with a shaking hand. She glanced down at Lord Howard and stifled a gasp. Blood poured from the wound on his head as he lay sprawled out on the Aubusson carpet. The fresh smell of blood assailed her nostrils, causing her stomach to roll.Oh no, what have I done?
Buy Links:Secret Cravings: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=1101Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Overtons-Perilous-Journey-Vikki-Vaught-ebook/dp/B010XYA2AK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1436709244&sr=1-1&keywords=lady+overton%27s+perilous+journey&pebp=1436709248848&perid=07296QWQ6ZJFPHMBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-overtons-perilous-journey-vikki-vaught/1122242217?ean=2940150791749All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ladyoverton039sperilousjourney-1844301-148.html
Author Links:Website: http://www.vikkivaught.com/home.htmlEmail: mailto:vvaught512@aol.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VikkiVaught?ref=bookmarksTwitter: https://twitter.com/vvaught512Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+VikkiMcCombie/postsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaughtmccombie/Amazon Author Page: http://smile.amazon.com/Vikki-Vaught/e/B008EE7TG2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433778387&sr=1-2-entGoodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5208041.Vikki_Vaught
This has been such an exciting journey for me, and many friends have helped me along the way, from contest judges to my fellow authors of the Beau Monde Chapter of RWA. This is a fantastic group of Regency authors. Whenever I have a historical question, they always have the answer. I want to personally thank my critique partner, KaLyn Cooper. Her help with the suspense scenes was invaluable. My wonderful friend and freelance editor Tammy Souch, her advice and suggestions made this book so much better. I also want to thank my friend and co-worker, Anissa Cook, for the use of her beautiful name for my heroine. Thanks to readers everywhere, for your willingness to give a new author a chance. Last, but by no means least, my incredible husband for putting up with me when I’m lost in my world of books. The man truly has the patience of a saint.
Sunday Ramblings - Why Women`s Hockey?
I imagine a lot of readers may be wondering why I decided to write my next M/F hockey series about a women`s pro ice hockey team. That`s a good question and one that I'd love to touch on today!
When I was about halfway through the To Love a Wildcat series I had to make a decision. End the series and move onto another team in another city, or continue in Philadelphia with more Wildcats books. I felt that I had laid out all the books that I wished for the 'Cats but gosh darn it, I wanted to be able to stay in Philly as well as have the Wildcat gang make some cameos. What should I do? I couldn't really bring in another men's pro team but I could bring in a women's . . .
As soon as the idea popped up, I loved it. Why not a women`s team?! Women play sports. Many women play sports! As much as we all love our male players as romance heroes, I felt some light should be shed on women hockey players. Writing about female players would also give me more freedom to show the sport from the inside, instead of just having the leading lady watching the games. In the Venom books the women are on the ice smack dab in the middle of all the action!
Women`s hockey is growing by leaps and bounds. Look at how wildly successful Team USA was. America fell in love with those amazing women. We also have the NWHL, a new league for professional women`s hockey. I've been following the growth of the NWHL on Facebook and am super excited about it!
NWHL Facebook Page
The time was right for a fictional women`s team to skate onto the ice at the Houseman. Once I had that decision made the rest fell into line. I'm thrilled to be able to write the stories of these incredible women who play the roughest, and most amazing, sport in the world. I hope you grow to love each of the Venom players and coaches, as well as their romantic interests. This is going to be one heck of a ride! Hang onto your helmets hockey romance fans. The Venom will be hitting the ice August 17!
***
Blurb:
Fiery, flame-haired Jane Bratkowski is catapulted from a small college town to Philadelphia to become head coach of a new women’s hockey team, The Venom. It’s a life-changing opportunity, a dream come true until – in a cruel twist of fate that could turn into a nightmare – she comes face to face with her ex-husband Tore Ahlberg, the Wildcats' head of European Scouting.
Suddenly, Jane’s faced with more challenges than she bargained for: Will she let him distract her -- and derail her big chance to coach pro hockey? Can she build a team of relatively inexperienced, irrepressible young women into champions? Can she and Tore triumph over the gut-wrenching tragedy that ripped them apart -- or will the shocking truth of their passionate past threaten to destroy them once again?
July 16, 2015
Throwback Thursday Tune
Oh yeah, now we're back in my heyday where the tunes were groovy and the clothes even groovier! If you don`t get up and boogie to this classic Foghat song then you must turn in your platform shoes pronto!
July 13, 2015
Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt
Hello! It`s time for Tuesday Tales.
Today we have another snippet from Wind in White Birch. It`s our picture prompt and the excerpt must reflect the image and be under 300 words. Don`t forget to visit the other talented Tuesday Tales authors. Thanks for stopping by!
Sometimes you have to be thankful for rowdy boys. Julia`s three sons came charging into the kitchen ahead of their mother, effectively cutting off any disparaging comments she might have had brewing. Was she happy to see me here, eating her brothers food after obviously spending the night in his bed? Not at all. Her eyes glazed over like ice-hewn obsidian as she barked at her sons to settle down. Jonah, being the youngest of his brood and a first-class instigator, opened the day’s festivities.
“Sorry you missed all the coffee, Jules. It was hard to get moving this morning,” he said with a wink. I sipped my coffee, peeking over the rim of the mug.
“Did you and Dana work hard last night?” one of Julia`s boys asked while sneaking a flapjack from the platter.
“You could say that,” Jonah said, eyeing his sister`s stiff back. Julia, to her credit, simply continued making a fresh pot of coffee. When she turned around my eyes widened and I slurped without meaning to.
“So I guess me coming out to help you with the log treatment isn`t necessary now?” She leaned against the counter and proceeded to nail her brother to his seat with a glare.
“Well, no,” he said, pushing his chair out and rising slowly. “We had other business to attend to last night.”
“You said we could go to the lake." A young man with brilliant brown eyes and uncombed hair poked Jonah soundly in the ribs. I lowered my mug and cleared my throat. Five heads swiveled in my direction.
“I`d be happy to take the boys to the lake,” I offered with my most cheery voice, imagining what it would look like in the summer instead of still covered with ice as it probably was now.
A very long, tense moment dragged by.
Copyright 2013 ©by V.L. Locey
*~*~*
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Tuesday Tales
See you next week!
Monday Author/Book Spotlight - Heather Sheldon`s No Words Required
Please welcome Heather to our tiny literary corner of the internet! She`s here to give us some information about her Secret Cravings book, No Words Required. Look at this lovely cover!!
Blurb:Bethany Miller needs to overcome her low self-esteem and mute the looped recording of her mother’s insults playing in the background of her soul. When out dancing with her best friend, she meets a handsome new man. But he has a secret.Dylan Jamison, born deaf, is an avid lip reader. After Bethany receives a phone call delivering the news of her mother’s near fatal accident, Dylan stays by her side. Against his protests, Bethany pulls the plug to end her mother’s life and their relationship seems destined to be over before it started.Will the universal language of love prevail?Excerpt one:
Beth glanced at her newly named Mystery Man. Dylan. She liked the name. It suited hisstrong lean form, and dark steamy gaze. Heat rose in her cheeks. He shrugged palms upquestioning if she wanted to head back out to dance or stay put. A glimpse of the kissing couplebeside her set her feet in motion to the dance floor.The music slowed and the space emptied for the first time all night. Only a dozen couplesremained. Dylan looked at her and raised his expressive eyebrows.She grinned and placed a hand on his shoulder. He clasped her other hand, bringing it to hischest. Air could still circulate between them, but when his other hand settled on her lower back,sparks of sexual energy raced through her body like sprinters at the Olympics.She didn’t dare look at his face. If he tried to kiss her, she would dissolve into a puddle, orpass out, or drop dead from desire.Slowly grooving to the music, she leaned in to smell him. The scents of sexy cologne, cleanlaundry, a man and love filled her sinuses. She wished she could bottle it and take a whiffwhenever she felt un-pretty.By the second chorus, she relaxed and placed her cheek against his chest. He dropped herhand and wrapped his arms around her waist. His movements were slow and easy to follow. Hisarms were muscular and made her feel protected. She wanted to stay the way they were all nightand sway. But the song ended and the DJ announced last call.They walked hand-in-hand off the dance floor. At the bar, Cody passed around glasses toolarge for shots. They toasted a silent cheer while Blurred Lines played and the dance floorrefilled.Ashley choked on the sparkling water they each gulped.Cody laughed and made the motion of holding a steering wheel to drive. Ashley leaned intoher ear and yelled something she totally couldn’t understand.She nodded, anyway and watched Cody. He didn’t seem drunk and it was nice to know hissobriety extended to looking out for Ashley. Usually that job fell to Beth.Tonight had been the best Friday night ever.They had fun.They danced.They met handsome men with potential.She couldn’t ask for anything more. Except maybe Dylan’s phone number.
Excerpt two:The handsome pair stood ten feet away and third deep in a drink line. The blond lookedBethany’s way and gave her a sexy, bad-boy smile. Butterflies stretched their wings in herstomach.Ashley slid off the seat and waved at the two hotties. The men exchanged glances. After amutual head nod passed between them, they walked over.The dark haired man’s intense gaze moved over Beth. She froze under the caress of hisstare. A sensuality she’d never encountered swirled through the air around him. Her heart racedfaster than when she’d been in full-on cardio-dance mode.From the makeshift megaphone of Ashley’s cupped hands, “I get the blond,” cut through themusic.The chiseled features of Mr. Blond model dipped to block Bethany’s view of the tall, darkmystery man. More muscular than his slimmer and taller brunette friend, Mr. B’s handsome facecame straight off an Abercrombie bag. He flashed a white-toothed provocative grin and one ofhis killer bright blue eyes winked. What was it with blonds? She was not about to hope forpotential from another player.She glanced at his dark-haired friend. The taller man with smoldering brown eyes staredback. His lips rolled in to moisten. She could not keep her eyes off his mouth. Her mind leaptinto unexpected, naughty scenarios involving his lips. Things she never considered until the thirddate.Her cheeks heated and she inhaled, forcing her gaze on the floor. Wow. This guy’s faceappealed to her on so many levels. His features weren’t as perfect as the blond’s, but he intriguedher past rational thought.She sipped her drink and peeked at him over the glass’s rim. His intense gaze met hers andseemed to offer a silent promise of interesting things to come. He tilted his head, ever so slightlyto his right and studied her, looking past her limp unimpressive hair and borrowed outfit. Hiswide pupils penetrated into her very essence.“You are a fool,” her mother’s voice spat. She pushed aside her doubt, lowered her drinkand raised her head to stare into the dark eyes of her next dance partner. She was here for fun andnasty memories of her mother’s ridicule would not be allowed to ruin things.The handsome stranger raised one eyebrow in question. His kissable mouth tweaked up inone corner. Those warm and spicy brown eyes peered into her soul. Did he have Superman’s x-rayvision? Was he studying her lace bra and panties? Darn, why hadn’t she taken the time tofind a matched set?A giggle caught in her chest.Her hot mystery man’s mouth pulled wider.Had he sensed her nervous reaction? The bar’s noise level wouldn’t let a jet engine cutthrough it. She hadn’t opened her mouth or bent over with mirth. Yet she could tell heunderstood her anxiety.His wide-mouthed, one-sided grin opened to reveal straight white teeth. What wouldexploring that mouth feel like?His smile broadened.Dear God, he was hearing her thoughts.
Buy LinksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Words-Required-Weekend-Getaways-Book-ebook/dp/B00QW3TS3YSweet Cravings Publishing: http://store.sweetcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=254&zenid=ngtind19k932e6s66e8ugi37q7
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/no-words-requiredAll Romance E-Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nowordsrequired-1698030-149.htmlBarnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-words-required-heather-sheldon/1120923336?ean=2940046458909
Bio:Heather Sheldon has loved books from as far back as she remembers. An avid diary keeper and letter writer, her desire to pursue story telling on a broader scale didn’t emerge until forty. Now she writes and edits most every day while enjoying the expansive blue skies of California. Recently relocated from the Midwest, she does miss the change of seasons, but not the snow. Her three daughters, husband and a handful of pets keep her busy when not at the keyboard or out to a movie.
Please connect with me:FB: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherSheld...
Twitter: @heather_sheldon
Blurb:Bethany Miller needs to overcome her low self-esteem and mute the looped recording of her mother’s insults playing in the background of her soul. When out dancing with her best friend, she meets a handsome new man. But he has a secret.Dylan Jamison, born deaf, is an avid lip reader. After Bethany receives a phone call delivering the news of her mother’s near fatal accident, Dylan stays by her side. Against his protests, Bethany pulls the plug to end her mother’s life and their relationship seems destined to be over before it started.Will the universal language of love prevail?Excerpt one:
Beth glanced at her newly named Mystery Man. Dylan. She liked the name. It suited hisstrong lean form, and dark steamy gaze. Heat rose in her cheeks. He shrugged palms upquestioning if she wanted to head back out to dance or stay put. A glimpse of the kissing couplebeside her set her feet in motion to the dance floor.The music slowed and the space emptied for the first time all night. Only a dozen couplesremained. Dylan looked at her and raised his expressive eyebrows.She grinned and placed a hand on his shoulder. He clasped her other hand, bringing it to hischest. Air could still circulate between them, but when his other hand settled on her lower back,sparks of sexual energy raced through her body like sprinters at the Olympics.She didn’t dare look at his face. If he tried to kiss her, she would dissolve into a puddle, orpass out, or drop dead from desire.Slowly grooving to the music, she leaned in to smell him. The scents of sexy cologne, cleanlaundry, a man and love filled her sinuses. She wished she could bottle it and take a whiffwhenever she felt un-pretty.By the second chorus, she relaxed and placed her cheek against his chest. He dropped herhand and wrapped his arms around her waist. His movements were slow and easy to follow. Hisarms were muscular and made her feel protected. She wanted to stay the way they were all nightand sway. But the song ended and the DJ announced last call.They walked hand-in-hand off the dance floor. At the bar, Cody passed around glasses toolarge for shots. They toasted a silent cheer while Blurred Lines played and the dance floorrefilled.Ashley choked on the sparkling water they each gulped.Cody laughed and made the motion of holding a steering wheel to drive. Ashley leaned intoher ear and yelled something she totally couldn’t understand.She nodded, anyway and watched Cody. He didn’t seem drunk and it was nice to know hissobriety extended to looking out for Ashley. Usually that job fell to Beth.Tonight had been the best Friday night ever.They had fun.They danced.They met handsome men with potential.She couldn’t ask for anything more. Except maybe Dylan’s phone number.
Excerpt two:The handsome pair stood ten feet away and third deep in a drink line. The blond lookedBethany’s way and gave her a sexy, bad-boy smile. Butterflies stretched their wings in herstomach.Ashley slid off the seat and waved at the two hotties. The men exchanged glances. After amutual head nod passed between them, they walked over.The dark haired man’s intense gaze moved over Beth. She froze under the caress of hisstare. A sensuality she’d never encountered swirled through the air around him. Her heart racedfaster than when she’d been in full-on cardio-dance mode.From the makeshift megaphone of Ashley’s cupped hands, “I get the blond,” cut through themusic.The chiseled features of Mr. Blond model dipped to block Bethany’s view of the tall, darkmystery man. More muscular than his slimmer and taller brunette friend, Mr. B’s handsome facecame straight off an Abercrombie bag. He flashed a white-toothed provocative grin and one ofhis killer bright blue eyes winked. What was it with blonds? She was not about to hope forpotential from another player.She glanced at his dark-haired friend. The taller man with smoldering brown eyes staredback. His lips rolled in to moisten. She could not keep her eyes off his mouth. Her mind leaptinto unexpected, naughty scenarios involving his lips. Things she never considered until the thirddate.Her cheeks heated and she inhaled, forcing her gaze on the floor. Wow. This guy’s faceappealed to her on so many levels. His features weren’t as perfect as the blond’s, but he intriguedher past rational thought.She sipped her drink and peeked at him over the glass’s rim. His intense gaze met hers andseemed to offer a silent promise of interesting things to come. He tilted his head, ever so slightlyto his right and studied her, looking past her limp unimpressive hair and borrowed outfit. Hiswide pupils penetrated into her very essence.“You are a fool,” her mother’s voice spat. She pushed aside her doubt, lowered her drinkand raised her head to stare into the dark eyes of her next dance partner. She was here for fun andnasty memories of her mother’s ridicule would not be allowed to ruin things.The handsome stranger raised one eyebrow in question. His kissable mouth tweaked up inone corner. Those warm and spicy brown eyes peered into her soul. Did he have Superman’s x-rayvision? Was he studying her lace bra and panties? Darn, why hadn’t she taken the time tofind a matched set?A giggle caught in her chest.Her hot mystery man’s mouth pulled wider.Had he sensed her nervous reaction? The bar’s noise level wouldn’t let a jet engine cutthrough it. She hadn’t opened her mouth or bent over with mirth. Yet she could tell heunderstood her anxiety.His wide-mouthed, one-sided grin opened to reveal straight white teeth. What wouldexploring that mouth feel like?His smile broadened.Dear God, he was hearing her thoughts.
Buy LinksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Words-Required-Weekend-Getaways-Book-ebook/dp/B00QW3TS3YSweet Cravings Publishing: http://store.sweetcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=254&zenid=ngtind19k932e6s66e8ugi37q7
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/no-words-requiredAll Romance E-Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nowordsrequired-1698030-149.htmlBarnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-words-required-heather-sheldon/1120923336?ean=2940046458909
Bio:Heather Sheldon has loved books from as far back as she remembers. An avid diary keeper and letter writer, her desire to pursue story telling on a broader scale didn’t emerge until forty. Now she writes and edits most every day while enjoying the expansive blue skies of California. Recently relocated from the Midwest, she does miss the change of seasons, but not the snow. Her three daughters, husband and a handful of pets keep her busy when not at the keyboard or out to a movie.
Please connect with me:FB: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherSheld...
Twitter: @heather_sheldon
July 12, 2015
Sunday Ramblings - It Was Time
Funny how we simply seem to know when it`s time for a new member of the family. It`s as if our heart has finally healed and we can once more dare to fill it back up.
That`s how it was for me at least. It took some real soul-searching and a ton of talking with the family to get me to the place I needed to be. Losing our two labs within a year of each other hit me incredibly hard. With Poe we knew her time was drawing near. She had been suffering with bad hips for quite some time. She was 12 and when hubby had to begin carrying her up and down the front steps so she could go potty we knew it was time to end her suffering.
With my black lab Trinity, the end came suddenly. One day she was fine and in good health, just 9 years old. Two weeks later we had to have her put to sleep. She had somehow damaged her neck and could not lift her head to eat or drink.
Losing her just about did me in. I swore from that day onward that there would be no more dogs. We still had Tinker, my father`s beagle. I vowed that he would be the last. And my heart was fully on-board with that dictate. It just seemed so much easier not to love an animal like that again. My heart simply could not take losing another dog. Yep, I hid behind the fear.
As time passed, my family began asking about getting another dog. I refused. I battled. I railed. I got angry. I was not ready. I can see that now. Grief had me firmly in its grip. Time was the only thing that would help.
Lo and behold, it did. Finding one of Trinity`s toys under the bed a year after she left us made me see how much I missed having a dog. Yes, we had Tinker, but he was my father's dog. We did not go out and pick him. I hope that makes sense to others. We like Tinker a great deal, he`s a good dog, but he has never felt like he was our dog.
So I talked with Mister and Miss. We decided not to get another Lab. We could never replace Poe and Trinity and I feared it would be hard not to make comparisons. Mister has been wanting a coonhound for some time, so we agreed to try to find one. As luck would have it, about two months after I realized how much I wanted that new pup, a litter of Treeing Walker/Australian Shepherd puppies came to my attention.
Now we have Maisy. She`s four months old and she keeps us all on our toes! Yes she chews, nips, and occasionally has to take a time out in her crate for roughhousing with the cats. She also has filled that gaping hole in my heart that losing Trinity hollowed out. While I may wonder what I was thinking from time to time I have not felt this good in ages. Amazing what the love of a puppy can do.
Yeah, it was time.
July 11, 2015
Clean Sweep Cover Reveal!
I am so excited to be able to share the amazing cover for Clean Sweep with my fans! It seems like a lifetime ago that we met the new coach for the Philadelphia Venom, Jane Bratkowski. Who could have guessed that our tough-as-nails, outspoken fiery-haired coach had at one time been Mrs. Tore Ahlberg? What the heck happened to break up their marriage? And can Jane and Tore, now reunited after so many years, move past the pain of the past to find a new joy in each other arms?
Feast your eyes upon this stunning cover crafted by Dawne Dominique--
While Clean Sweep has some dark, sad moments, at its core it is a book about growth, overcoming loss, and being brave enough to take a chance on love one more time. I cannot wait for release day to come so you can enjoy the first of nine planned Venom novels! Keep an eye peeled for an exclusive excerpt coming soon as well as other cool Venom stuff as we skate closer to the August 17th release date! How about a blurb to help hone your skates for more?
Blurb:
Fiery, flame-haired Jane Bratkowski is catapulted from a small college town to Philadelphia to become head coach of a new women’s hockey team, The Venom. It’s a life-changing opportunity, a dream come true until – in a cruel twist of fate that could turn into a nightmare – she comes face to face with her ex-husband Tore Ahlberg, the Wildcats' head of European Scouting.
Suddenly, Jane’s faced with more challenges than she bargained for: Will she let him distract her -- and derail her big chance to coach pro hockey? Can she build a team of relatively inexperienced, irrepressible young women into champions? Can she and Tore triumph over the gut-wrenching tragedy that ripped them apart -- or will the shocking truth of their passionate past threaten to destroy them once again?
Thank you for all your support
Skate hard and love deeply,
V.L.
July 9, 2015
Throwback ThursdayTunes
Such a snappy song! Bet you sing it all morning now. I know I'll be humming it until lunch!
