Sharon Struth's Blog, page 6
December 19, 2014
Twas the Week Before Christmas…
‘Twas the week before Christmas
And Bill comes home from work,
Not as quiet as usual,
Because he has brought home a perk.
Every year, in the ten days or so preceding Christmas, my husband returns home with holiday gifts from some of his associates.
The usual excitement when he arrives home escalates this time of year. *clears throat* Well … it’s the excitement he wishes his family would show upon his arrival each night. But during the holiday season, though, when that garage door opens, we all come running to greet him when we hear the thud of a large package being placed on the kitchen floor.
Cases of wine. Harry & David gift boxes. Themed baskets; chocolate, wine & cheese, crackers and cheese, cookies. On a healthier note, he’s received fruit displays, so large that even Carmen Miranda could hold it on her head.
This year we got beautiful desserts from a well known bakery in Manhattan, slated to be used as part of our Christmas meal.
We enjoy these baskets, often sharing with our neighbors, friends and even donating appropriate things to the local food kitchen.
In truth, what we receive is excessive (although appreciated). Yet like everything about the holiday season, I wish there was a way to spread all this good cheer out—not have it dumped on me in one fell swoop from Thanksgiving to New Years.
As I get older, I often long for a simpler way to celebrate Christmas…
A handmade gift.
A relaxing meal with family.
A fun night with good friends.
And at the same time, it’s hard not to get caught up in the exhilaration of it all. Every single year, I find myself torn between my adult logic and the anticipation of a child.
Do you embrace this time of year with joy, reluctance, or somewhere in between?
Seasons greetings to all and to all a good night!
December 7, 2014
I’ll take “Easy Questions” for $200, Alex.
My family loves to watch Jeopardy. Three out of the four of us get the occasional answer…nothing that would prompt us to try out for the trivia program.
The only one who can claim true success is my husband, Bill. At times, when I’ve barely understood the question, Bill’s shouting out an answer. He’s often able to keep up with some contestants. Yup, he’s that good.
Occasionally I outwit him during a show, but the category is usually something like “1960’s Sitcoms” or “Name that Cookie” or “Meg Ryan Movies.” I’ll rattle off answers while he looks on…probably wondering why he married me in the first place.
Once I was folding laundry in our bedroom, watching a version of Jeopardy that aired on a nearby NY station. When finished, I’d wandered downstairs. Bill sat on the sofa watching the program I’d just seen, now airing later on a Connecticut station. At final Jeopardy, he yelled out his answer.
I passed him on my way to the kitchen. “Hmmm. I don’t think so.”
“No?” He looked away from the TV. “Then what?”
I gave him the response I’d heard twenty-five minutes earlier, one clearly out of the realm of possibility as something I might know.
He raised a skeptical brow and turned back to the program. “We’ll see.”
I crossed my arms and watched with him. “Yes. We’ll see.”
When Alex Trebek announced the answer–same as mine–Bill’s eyes nearly popped out of his head, but he recovered nicely and smiled. “Nice job, sweetie.”
I confessed within seconds and we shared a good laugh about the look on his face when I first answered. Everyone I know says I should’ve clung to that victory a little longer. But more than being right, I love a good laugh.
This week,”Kids Jeopardy” aired on our local station. Not the college program, but elementary school students. Easy, right? I rubbed my hands together and prepared to be a champion.
Sadly, while I had some moments I’d call achievements, more than one question left me stumped. Mostly science related–never my strong suit. At one point, I shut it off. Some kid–who was about one-third my body weight–outwitted me on a cloud related question.
From now on, I’ll stick to adult jeopardy. I end up feeling far less humiliated.
Re: the above category image of “colors that end in ‘urple'”… it’s from a Saturday Night Live Jeopardy skit. If you’ve never seen their take off, you’re missing a good chuckle. Here’s a clip. They’re priceless…many episodes have been done, most with “Sean Connery.” http://www.wannafork.com/humor_video_play.php?ID=600
Jeopardy…love or leave it? What do you think?
December 5, 2014
3 Reasons Why You Should Read Sweet Deceptions – By Angel Nicholas
I’m thrilled to welcome fellow Blue Ridge Literary Agency author Angel Nicholas with her debut release, Sweet Deception. Congratulations, Angel!
So, here she is with a quick blurb and then her 3 reasons:
Her boring existence seems perfect until a charming detective threatens Ally’s heart and lethal contract killers jeopardize her happily ever after.
Ally Thompson’s life is perfect. Calm, quiet, some might even say boring. The sole survivor of a tragic accident, she’s not the adventurous type—something she’s decided to change.
One roller-coaster ride…
A murder and a detective in disguise shatter Ally’s first attempt at “fun.” Detective Greg Marsing is everything Ally knows better than to want. The gun-totting, tattooed scumbags trying to kill her are almost a welcome distraction from her pointless attraction.
Blows her world wide open…
A contract on Ally has every lowlife for miles gunning for her. Sparks fly while she and her unlikely hero scramble to unravel clues. As the deadly game escalates, Greg has to decide if self-preservation rates higher than a love worth dying for.
The 3 reasons you should read Sweet Deception are:
1. Ally Thompson leads a quiet life, hiding from the world and hobbled by fear of anything that even appears adventurous. Reaching number one on the city’s hit list may not be the ideal way to break out of your rut, but it certainly does the trick for Ally! She discovers the remarkable woman within throughout the course of multiple attempts on her life.
2. She doesn’t think Detective Greg Marsing could possibly be interested in her less than perfect, rather chubby self. In fact, the charming Detective is immensely interested in Ally. The difficulty lies in his fear of getting too close to anyone other than his sister, thanks to a traumatic event in his past.
3. Ally has more than her fair share of dangerous criminals after her. She’s threatened, attacked, held at gunpoint, kidnapped, and more. Little does she know the danger lies much closer to home than she ever imagined.
Excerpt
Oh, God! He was shooting at her. Actually shooting. In broad daylight. In her neighbor’s backyard. Didn’t they have rules about that sort of stuff?
Nerves shredded, Ally gritted her teeth. Three more feet. Two. Another crunch. She swore the heat of the bullet singed her shoulder. Arms extended, she jumped for all she was worth. Up, braced her arms and pushed off. She landed with an oomph on the other side, followed by another crunch and a hole in the wood fence.
For a split-second, she crouched panting, staring in disbelief at the fence towering over her head. Had she really done that?
Cursing from the other side got her up and moving again. Squealing tires and a revving engine brought her head around. A car tore into the alley and raced toward her. More bad guys? Had he called in reinforcements?
Ally froze.
Did I do something horrible in a past life to deserve this?
Truly, I’ll help the poor. Serve food at the soup kitchen. Go to church every Sunday. Donate money to the shelter. I’ll even babysit my friend’s bratty kids Just please, please, please get me out of this alive.
The shiny black Camaro careened to a stop with the driver’s side door facing her. Heavily tinted windows revealed nothing. In a last desperate bid for freedom, she darted past the door. Strong arms encircled her waist and dragged her back toward the idling car.
“No!” Ally screamed like a banshee, flinging out her arms and legs, scrabbling for purchase. Hard hands sent her flying across the front seat.
“Ally.”
“Let me go!” She dove for the door handle.
“Ally!” He grabbed her elbow and pulled her back, away from the passenger door. “Damn woman, you are way more trouble than you’re worth.”
Almost blind with panic, she twisted around and crouched on the seat, prepared to draw blood.
Shocked hazel clashed with furious aqua. Her mouth fell open. Muttering under his breath, Detective Marsing threw the car into gear and spun out of the alleyway. She whipped her head around in time to see a blocky head pop up over the privacy fence as they disappeared around the corner. She’d done it. Escaped. Stayed alive. Like an atomic bomb, the events of the past hours and the emotions she’d worked so hard to control mushroomed up, exploding inside. Tears stung.
“Can’t you stay out of trouble for five minutes?”
BUY LINKS: Amazon Barnes & Nobles Google play Kobo iTunes
Author Bio
The only girl in the midst of four brothers, Angel Nicholas spent her childhood hiding behind romance novels. Now the mother of four overly-energetic children, a Whimsy kitty and slobber-flinging Great Dane, fiction is still her refuge. Excessive caffeine fuels her typing, stiletto heels maintain her sass, and the splendors of Idaho alongside its gregarious people inspire her muse.
Find Angel on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and on her website! You can also favorite her Amazon Author Page to receive emails when new books are available!
December 1, 2014
3 Reasons Why You Should Read Exposed to Passion by Gemma Brocato
Take it away Gemma…
Hi Sharon. Thanks for inviting me over today to list three reasons why readers should pick up Exposed To Passion. I love this concept and decided to break it up over three key events in the book.
First, here’s a blurb:
They walked through the shadows individually. Will they emerge into the light together?
Leading a vagabond life as a curator for a traveling photography exhibit translates to a lot of bad days for Rikki Salerno. But her trouble doubles when a careless high school student shoves her into a marsh. Being rescued by teacher Sam Kerrigan should have made things better, but Rikki’s inability to confess her true identity casts a shadow over their budding affair.
When Sam refuses an overly aggressive parent’s marriage proposal, she’s determined to ruin him. Not only does she doctor photos to make it look like Sam’s behaved inappropriately in front of students, she hacks the foundation website to reveal Rikki’s true identity. Faster than the blink of a shutter, Rikki’s focus changes from pursuing her full-color future to the black and white necessity of clearing Sam’s name.
This first reason is an excerpt from when Rikki Salerno meets Sam Kerrigan for the first time. She’s gone to the small section of land that launched her grandfather’s photographic career, hoping to effect a similar change in her life. She wasn’t expecting to met a man who was more fascinating than the image in the clouds. She had to fight to stay focused on capturing the picture she meant to take, not the one she wanted to take.
My next example is their first kiss. It was completely unexpected by Rikki, but the sparks had already ignited Sam’s passion. He knew what he was about when he gave into the desire to capture her lips, like he’d capture a photo, suspending the act in time and making it last.
And this last reason is from a major turning point in their relationship. Sam is revealing how much he hates being lied to, based on an incident from his past. He’s just had to deal with an ugly incident of bullying, which Rikki had helped him through. But the bullies lied about their involvement. And he is mad. Unfortunately, Rikki has kept the truth from him about her real identity. And she worries, rightly so, that once he finds out the truth, it might be the end of their relationship.
So there you have it. Secrets, lies and love affairs. All great reasons to pick up any book, wouldn’t you agree?
Excerpt:
Rikki quietly set down the coffee cups onto the dresser and snatched up her camera. She liked the funny, considerate, responsible Sam, who interacted so well with the teens he taught. She loved the sexy, demanding, but giving partner he turned into behind closed doors. The sight of him, lying in her bed, completely relaxed, demanded she catch the image on film. It was a picture she could pull out again and again while she traveled, whenever she needed a reminder of this man she was in danger of losing her heart to.
Adjusting the F-stop for the natural lighting, she clicked off several shots, changing the angle of the camera and her position in the room. Zooming in on his face, she fired the shutter three times before she realized his lips had curved up in a decadent smile.
“I hear a camera whirring,” he said, his voice rough from sleep. Or the lack of it. They’d gotten very little last night, putting a big dent in the supply of condoms Rikki had picked up yesterday afternoon.
The sheet fell partially away when he lowered his arm and shifted to his side, coming to rest on his hip. The fire in his eyes heated her where she stood at the foot of the bed. There were those dimples again, and the muscular cuts on his sides. She needed to research spontaneous combustion, because she was pretty sure that’s what was happening right now.
“But I also smell coffee, which might make me forgive you for taking pictures while I was asleep.” Grabbing the sheet, he stared her down, as if daring her to snap more photos.
Smiling impishly, she put the camera on the dresser and picked up the cups. Walking over to the bed, she said, “Sorry, the artist in me had to capture the perfection. Christ, Sam, even your butt cheeks have dimples.”
He chuckled, scooting up in the bed until he reclined against the headboard, the sheet draped modestly across his lap. “There’s something you don’t hear in everyday conversation.” Accepting a cup from her, he grinned, humor and sunlight warming his eyes.
Settling cross-legged on the bed next to him, Rikki sipped her coffee, savoring the strong, crisp taste, the delicious smell of roasted hazelnuts wafting in her face. She smiled at him over the rim. “Did you want to run this morning?”
“What time is it?” He leaned forward to look at the old-style analog alarm clock on the nightstand. He scrubbed a hand over his mouth, stifling a yawn. “Is that thing right? Is it really eight already? I’m sorry, I can’t. I’m supposed to meet Avery in two hours to start work on the exhibit panels.”
“Oh,” she said, unable to hide the disappointment in her tone.
Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Passion-Senses-Gemma-Brocato-ebook/dp/B00MMMGY18
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exposed-to-passion-gemma-brocato/1120138660?ean=9781616506162
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/exposed-to-passion/id908402553?mt=11&uo=4
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/exposed-to-passion
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30951?category=313085
About the Author:
Gemma’s favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a ’round tuit,’ and a slip of paper from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she’d write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss, even the rejections addressed to ‘Dear Author’ were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/gemma.brocato
https://twitter.com/GemmaBrocato
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7229886.Gemma_Brocato
http://www.wattpad.com/user/GemmaBrocato
https://plus.google.com/+GemmaBrocato/posts
Also By Gemma Brocato:
Cooking Up Love
Hearts In Harmony
November 14, 2014
Author Visit – Noelle Clark with Honor’s Debt
I am thrilled to welcome back to Musings Noelle Clark, who visits us from Australia with her upcoming release, Honor’s Debt. Here’s a little peek at what’s in store, with a short excerpt.
Three men – one promise.
Honor Quirk arrives in Ireland excited—and a bit anxious—about meeting up with the estranged family of her late great-grandmother. The welcome from the residents of Robinhill Farm, Dermot and Bryan, is confusing and far from comforting. One is warm, the other aggressive. The outwardly antagonistic Bryan makes it very clear he doesn’t want her there, branding her a gold digger.
Dermot, on the other hand, is delighted to meet her.
But Honor is no pushover and stands up to Bryan, letting him know that his bad attitude and trail of baggage have nothing to do with her. Despite their confrontational and hostile relationship, an undeniable attraction to each other creeps insidiously into the house on Robinhill Farm. They both desperately try to stifle the sparks, but living under the same roof makes it impossible. Unable to cope with the turmoil of living with Bryan, Honor runs away, straight into the arms of a charming newfound friend, Sean, who offers her a home—and love.
Shattered, Bryan finally takes control of his irrational belief that all women are evil, and fights to bring back the woman he loves. But is it too late?
EXCERPT:
“Em, Honor.” He cleared his throat. “My guess is you’re wonderin’ why it is that I’ve turned up here.”
Her hand, holding a spoonful of porridge, was midway from the bowl to her mouth. “Course I am. Surely it’s not just a coincidence.” She hadn’t meant her words to come out all snarky, but they did. She’d grown accustomed to the verbal battles with Bryan, and now it was second nature for her to be ready with a barbed retort even when, on rare occasions such as this, there was no need. “Sorry…I didn’t sleep well.”
She felt foolish and lowered her eyes.
“Ah, I don’t blame ye for hatin’ me. I’ve been a total jerk.” He reached out and placed his hand on hers. “I’ve come here to…apologize. I’m truly sorry for the way I’ve behaved.”
She felt her eyes widen as she looked at him, and something about the tone in his voice made her heart melt—just a fraction—well, maybe just soften slightly. Here he was, her nemesis, her enemy, her cousin who was always so…angry. And he was apologizing? For some ludicrous reason, a surge of affection for this grizzly, difficult man, washed through her.
“Bryan, I…”
“No!” He squeezed her hand. “I’ve been bullish and horrible, and here you are still mourning the recent loss of your Nan. I’ve been a right bastard, Honor, and I’m very sorry.”
That was it. Suddenly her eyes misted over, and she blinked, hoping he hadn’t noticed her unbidden show of emotion. The flame of embarrassment heated up her cheeks. For a moment she thought this man before her must be an imposter. It didn’t even sound like Bryan. This man’s voice was warm and—dare she say—kind.
A laugh, one that sounded like a mixture of a blub and a laugh, burst out from her. Shocked, she didn’t know what to say. “OK, whoever you are. What have you done with the real Bryan?”
His face transformed into that of a handsome man, and the smile that lit up his eyes adorned his mouth as he tilted his head slightly to one side. “Indeed, it is I, your ladyship, humbly begging your forgiveness.”
BUY AT:
Secret Cravings Publishing http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=978
About Noelle Clark
Noelle Clark is an Australian author of contemporary romance and historical novels. Her books weave romance, intrigue, and adventure into colourful and often exotic locations around the world. Widely travelled, Noelle uses real life experience of places, culture, and people, as a backdrop to her stories, giving the reader an authentic taste of the location. Her novels feature strong, mature, heroines and heroes, who—often without knowing it—are ready for new beginnings.
She lives close to the sea and shares her home with two cats and two dogs. She has two grown up children, and five very small grandchildren. When Noelle’s not writing and travelling, she plays guitar, tends her vegetable garden, enjoys the company of family and friends, and—of course—reading.
Contact Links
Website noelleclark.net
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NoelleClark.Author
Twitter @noelle_clark
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Noelle-Clark/e/B00CENUDLC
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7046284.Noelle_Clark
November 3, 2014
Three Reasons Why You Should Read “Awakened by the Minotaur” by Erin Moore
Today I welcome fellow Etopia Press author Erin Moore! Erin writes paranormal romance; stories that feature characters from exotic shifters (minotaurs, anyone?) to werewolves to Native Americans. All heroes and heroines with real emotional depth.
She’s here to talk about her latest release “Awakened by the Minotaur,” so first, a quick look at the blurb and then we’ll see three reasons why you should read this book!
When man becomes minotaur, dark passion takes hold.
Lara Castille always plays it safe in both love and life. But when she arrives on vacation in Crete, she is determined to enjoy herself. Old habits die hard, though. Drawn to her tour guide, the enigmatic and sexy Teo Lambros, she cannot let down her guard—until she takes part in the ancient and sensual rites at the ruins of Knossos. She dreams of the minotaur who takes her upon the altar, and wonders if it could be Teo who brought her to ecstasy.
A gray haze clouds Teo’s memory of the rites; he knows only that the bull has chosen him for his own. He fears that the land will once again need a sacrifice, as it did when it claimed his fiancée the year before. Though he cannot deny his need for Lara, he knows that protecting her from his desire is the only way to keep her safe.
As the island’s magic demands everything they have, Lara and Teo must discover what’s real and what’s imagined if they’re to survive the passionate sexuality that draws them together…
Ta-da…Here are Erin’s three reasons…
#1: Lara Castille always plays things safe. But when she goes on vacation to Crete,
and then gets lost on her fist night there, she stumbles upon an ancient rite… and finds more than she ever imagined. A man with the head of a bull, a minotaur, has called her to a large stone altar. She succumbs to pleasure with him and knows that things will never be the same.
#2: Teo Lambros lives with some dark secrets. Not the least of which is, he might have killed his fiancée the year before when the cloak of the minotaur made his mind hazy and dark. So when he realizes he’s let himself go too far emotionally with Lara – and that it might endanger her – he tells her that he must go back to being her tour guide, and only her guide.
#3: Lara tries to convince herself that she can accept Teo for who he is, even when she suspects that he was the bull that took her upon the altar. But when he becomes the minotaur one night, and she feels the darkness around him, she is forced to confront what she is truly scared of. In the ensuing argument, Teo tells Lara to leave, and that she will never be able to be a part of the island.
Excerpt:
She imagined that the stones beneath her feet hummed with intensity, preparing her for something. The nearness of Teo, the scent of him filling her nose, reminded her of the taste of his kiss, and she felt more alive than she had in months.
“Do you feel it?” His breath was warm and minty on her face and she realized he was standing directly before her,
She nodded and then opened her eyes to put her palm to the side of his face. “I feel it,” she whispered. His green eyes stared into hers.
“Lara,” he said simply and brushed the back of his hand against her mouth. It sent tremors through her body, evoking warmth between her legs. She reached out and twined her fingers in his silky hair and pulled him toward her. Enough. The night with the bull had changed her.
With an intensity that she matched, his mouth found hers and took her measure with his tongue, his lips, finding her again and again ready, open. Exploring, teasing, he tasted her, taking her bottom lip between his own. He suckled, making her lips throb and a small mew escape her throat. The skin at the nape of his neck was covered in soft, silky hair, and she tugged at it, wanting more of him, finding the tendons there tensed and throbbing beneath her fingers.
She shifted her body, pressing against him. As if in understanding, he pulled her roughly to him with one hand, cupping her bottom. He pried apart her legs with his own so she could feel the hard evidence of his arousal against her. He lifted her before sitting with her astride him on the bench behind them.
Atop him, his erection pressed against the fabric of her panties, and the heat between them matched the summer’s warmth. This was what she wanted. Fevered, hot, she explored his mouth with hers, delighting in the intensity and urgency of his kiss. Trailing kisses over his neck, his collarbone, the deep brown of his skin hot beneath her tongue. His skin tasted like his scent—cloves and dark earth. She bit his neck as if she could devour him.
Her skin tingled and her body and mind were open. Primal, hot, sexy, her body was enflamed, like the night of the rites. The rites. Her eyes flew open, and she knew. Oh, God, how had she not known, not recognized it immediately? As understanding flooded her she knew now that she would recognize his body anywhere, even if her eyes were closed and they were in a dark room. Because she had seen him, had tasted him, had taken him into her mouth. He may have been the bull that night, but she still knew him.
Author Bio:
Erin’s writes sensual paranormal romances that challenge the conventional “shifter” tropes. She lives in Atlanta with her two little paranormal beings and one unruly husband. Find her on Twitter and Facebook.
Her free novella, To Love a Shaman, is available on her website. She’s also giving away a critique of a first chapter with a subscription to her newsletter!
http://www.AuthorErinMoore.com
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/awakened-by-the-minotaur-erin-moore/1119688750?ean=2940149416295
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/awakened-by-the-minotaur
October 28, 2014
Paying Heed to the Peter Principle
A few days ago I watched a formation of honking geese flying overhead while I walked my dog. They maintained a perfect ‘V,’ with the exception of one lone goose who flew to the far left, almost separate from the group. When the others veered to the right, the loner drifted further to the left for a few seconds before sensing the error and making a correction.
I related to the wayward goose, for despite all the modern tools provided these days to keep my life on course, lately things aren’t going perfectly.
In fact, I believe I’ve fallen victim to the Peter Principle.
The Peter Principle is a management theory in which the selection of a candidate for a position is based on the person’s performance in his or her current role, NOT their abilities relevant to the intended role. So eventually, most people will rise to their level of incompetence.
Where I’ve petered out, is in the area of technology. And before you assume I’m a technophobe (noun, a person who fears, dislikes, or avoids new technology), I am not. I’ve adored personal computers from the first time I laid eyes on them and played pong until my fingers could no longer twist the knob to move the virtual paddle.
So why is my head spinning lately? Could it be because automation is invading every single area of my life…even when the “old” way worked just fine?
This notion came to full light with a recent new car purchase. For over thirty-five years, I’ve backed up by throwing the car into reverse, taking a quick peek in the rearview mirror, and looking back over each shoulder. Throw in one rear-back up camera and my world as I know it has derailed. For some unexplained reason, each time I’d go to back up, I’d fumble. Should I do it the old way? The new way? Some combination of the two? (no blond jokes, please) Within two weeks, I’d backed into a telephone pole in a parking lot. Now I ignore the camera.
And what about the GPS? Like the loner goose, I should be able to navigate effortlessly. The woman with the lovely voice is leading the pack, right? No, not right. Years ago I’d have looked at a map before going someplace new. Now I’m at the mercy of a “mechanical” flock to lead me someplace. Sometimes want to go right when she says left, but have no idea where I am. Like my goose friend, I always veer in the direction I’m told, though.
Even a simple thing like the outside temperature was a small issue in my house. When our outside thermometer broke in a storm, my husband wanted one of those indoor/outdoor temperature gadgets. A device kept outside picks up the air temps, reporting them to the pretty digital thing sitting on our kitchen counter. Well, rain, dead batteries and a host of other problems would often distort the outside temperatures and I longed for the problem-free old-fashioned kind. Guess what’s now mounted back outside my window? Chalk up one for good old-fashioned innovation.
How do you find the ever-changing world of technology? Love it or hate it?
October 20, 2014
Three Reasons Why You Should Read “Rock Solid” by Lisa A. Olech
The always funny and charismatic Lisa Olech joins me today, a fellow member of the Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Check out Lisa’s website. She’s a spectacular painter and makes stunning stained glass pieces too. But today she’s here to tell us about her latest book, ROCK SOLID, second in the Stoddard Art School Series.
First, a quick blurb, then on to Lisa’s 3 short, sweet and very good reasons to read “Rock Solid” as well as an excerpt.
BLURB:
MAXIMO VEGA is a “rock” star! The media proclaimed him ‘The Sculptor for the New Generation,’ but he’s a reclusive artist ensnared by fame. Driven and intense, his isolation only adds to his mystique. Couple that with his smoldering good looks and rich Italian accent… Fans sigh his name.
EMILY BASKINS is a gifted graduate student at the Stoddard School of Art. To land an internship at the Vega Studio is her golden ticket. All she has to do is follow the rules. And stay out of trouble. Two things Emily has never been able to do.
As Max becomes trapped in the glare of the limelight, he discovers his greatest muse. He teaches Emily to breathe passion into clay and give marble a soul. But is their fiery relationship as rock solid as they believe? Or will a lie shatter the illusion?
OKAY…TAKE IT AWAY, LISA…
Sharon, you’re such a doll to host me on your blog! What a fun subject line! Here are my three reasons why you should all read my new novel, ROCK SOLID:
Wanna hear me say “I love you” in Italian?
#3. You’ll find out what looks like twenty raccoons fighting in a gym bag!
#2. You’ll learn how to say “I love you.” in Italian. (And really who doesn’t want to know how to whisper that to their significant other!)
And the #1 reason why you should read Rock Solid… The clay scene. Yes, I said clay. Do you remember the famous pottery wheel scene with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the movie Ghost? Well, this scene in Rock Solid between Maximo Vega and Emily Baskins makes Patrick and Demi look like two kids playing in a mud puddle!
I had such fun writing this story. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. Enjoy!!
EXCERPT:
Maximo Vega gathered his composure. He wore a black T-shirt, gray across the shoulders with dust, worn jeans, and heavy boots under a thick leather apron that reached to his knees. Hanging his head and bracing his hands on his hips, he was a study in frustration. The sleeves of his shirt hugged defined muscles of steely arms. And his hands…they were artist’s hands. Sculptor’s hands. Beaten by stone and scarred by tools. They spoke of years of rugged, blistering work.
He was tall. His shadowed jaw, rigid with anger, cut sharply against the tanned column of his neck. Maximo slapped the chisel on his leathered thigh. “I pay you. You find me good hands! Not idiota!”
“I’m sorry, Maximo. He’s gone. You’ll never have to work with him again.”
“Good.”
The great artist’s gaze slid over Emily. His eyes stopped at the white-knuckled hold she had on the large black portfolio.
He waved a hand toward her. “What are you?”
Emily’s throat slammed shut.
“A new intern possibly,” offered Dante. “She’s here from the Stoddard School of Art.”
Deep brown eyes the color of rich coffee, no cream, speared her beneath frowning brows. He flipped his hand toward the portfolio. “Come. Show me.”
Emily shot a look to Dante. He gave her a tiny nudge, like a parent pushing a frightened child toward Santa’s lap.
“Come, come, come.” He snatched the portfolio from her numb fingers, unzipped it and laid it open across a crowded worktable. He used the rag in his hand to wipe the sweat from his lip as he flipped through photos and sketches of her latest works.
“Nice. Hmm. No.” A nod for this one. A shake of the head for another. “Yes. This one is good. Good.”
He looked away from her sketches and gave her a hard stare before looking down the full length of her and back again in a slow appraisal. Emily released the breath she was holding.
“Let me see your hands.”
She held them out and he grasped her wrists and examined first her palms before turning them over. “Cold,” he said just loud enough for her to hear.
The smell of the heat of his body and the spice of soap drifted past her.
“Nervous.”
He lifted a quick eyebrow. “Good.”
**********
BUY LINKS:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rock-solid-lisa-a-olech/1120421890?ean=2940150744653
BIO:
Lisa A. Olech is an artist/writer living in her dream house nestled among the lakes in New England. She loves getting lost in a steamy book, finding the perfect pair of sexy shoes, and hearing the laughter of her men. Being an estrogen island in a sea of testosterone makes her queen. She believes in ghosts, silver linings, the power of a man in a tuxedo, and happy endings.
You can find her at: www.lisaolech.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lisa.A.Olech.Writer, Twitter: www.twitter.com/LisaOlech
October 13, 2014
Three Reasons Why You Should Read “Ascension” by A.S. Fenichel
Welcome to fellow Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Press author A.S. Fenichel. When I read what her book is about, my ears perked up…Demon hunters? I’m a huge fan of Supernatural, so plan on adding this one to my to-be-read pile!
After peek at the book’s bulb, I’ll let A.S. take it away with 3 great reasons to read her book…
Ascension – The Demon Hunters, #1
When demons threaten London, Lady Belinda answers the call.
Lord Gabriel Thurston returns home from war to find his fiancée is not the sweet young girl he left behind. She’s grown into a mysterious woman who guards her dark secrets well. When he sees her sneaking away from a ball, he’s convinced it’s for a lover’s rendezvous. Following her to London’s slums, Gabriel watches in horror as his fiancée ruthlessly slays a man.
Lady Belinda Carlisle’s only concern was her dress for the next ball—until demons nearly killed her and changed everything. A lady by day, and a demon hunter by night, she knows where her duty lies. Ending her betrothal is the best way to protect Gabriel from death by a demon’s hand.
Gabriel soon realizes, like him, Belinda has been fighting for her country. He joins in the fight, determined to show her that their love can endure, stronger than ever.
Thanks so much for having me here today. I’m excited to pick three scenes from ASCENSION that are excellent reasons why you should run right out and pick up your copy.
In the first chapter there is a scene where Lord Gabriel has climbed into Lady Belinda’s bedroom. He’s convinced that she’s been unfaithful while he was away fighting in France. I love this scene because his emotions are so raw. He’s angry, hurt and miserable and all that misery pulses around the room. And in spite of what he thinks he knows, he loves her.
When Gabriel finds out the truth, that demons have invaded London, that his sweet financée is a demon hunter and a rather spectacular one at that, he is shocked to say the least. Still in the midst of a battle that he doesn’t understand, he manages to trust Belinda.
So you’ve probably guessed by now, Belinda is a kick a$$ heroine. She can certainly take care of herself and anyone else that comes along. Yet she also shows Gabriel her vulnerability. The scars she’s accumulated over the last four years and even those from before she was captured and nearly killed by demons. She most definitely has abandonment issues, which makes her determination to end their engagement even more interesting.
So there you have it. I managed it without too many spoilers. Three of many reason why you will absolutely love Ascension. Thanks to Sharon for having me here. This is such fun!
Excerpt:
Lady Belinda Clayton grappled with the creaking iron gate, which led to the back garden of her family’s London townhouse. It was not the first time she had used the unconventional route to make her way back home in the predawn hours. Nor was it the first time her dress had been ruined or her hair tousled in her rush to make her way through the streets without becoming a number on the death toll in the city’s records.
Pushing the gate closed, the rough, cold metal scratched her gloved palm. Once the latch was secured she ran her finger along the jagged tear in her left glove. “Too bad,” she said. She shook her head at the ruined garment. “I really did like this pair.”
“What pair is that, Lady Belinda?” Gabriel’s deep, seductive voice cut through the still night.
His blue eyes were the color of the sea just before a storm and their depths burned into her.
Her stomach did a flip before she had time to control herself. She was sure she looked flustered and she could have kicked herself for not steeling her nerves before facing Lord Gabriel Thurston, the Earl of Tullering.
She was pleased with the sound of cold detachment in her voice. “Tullering, what on earth are you doing in my garden in the middle of the night?”
“One might ask you the same question, Lady Belinda.” He ran his hand through
his dark hair, loosening it from the ribbon. His cravat had come loose and his evening clothes were crushed. There was something dangerous about an unkempt Gabriel. The gesture was a sign of frustration from the earl. She’d seen it many times.
Her heart raced and she swallowed the panic welling in her gut. “This is my
home, my lord. You do not live here. If I am not mistaken you have a home in London where you should be at this late hour.”
“You are my fiancée.” Even in the moonlight, his face and neck burned red.
“There is no need to remind me.”
He stepped from the terrace onto the cobbled path where she stood. He loomed
over her and filled the air with a mixture of soap, spice and something else male and formidable. The scent was intrinsically Gabriel and entirely delicious.
She was tempted to back away, but forced herself to hold her ground. Her
stubbornness did not stop her heart from racing or her skin from tingling at his nearness.
“Oh, but I think there is a need.” He circled behind her, his mouth inches from her ear.
Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Ascension-Demon-Hunters-S-Fenichel-ebook/dp/B00MMMGY2M/ref
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ascension-as-fenichel/1120138658?ean=9781616505592
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ascension/id908402463?mt=11
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/ascension-42
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/3094
About the Author:
A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.
A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
Multi-published in erotic paranormal, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. is the author of the Mayan Destiny series, Christmas Bliss and many more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be bringing you her brand of romance for many years to come.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
where to find me:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5154640.A_S_Fenichel
https://twitter.com/asfenichel
https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel
https://plus.google.com/113195747154467378107/posts
http://pinterest.com/asfenichel/boards/
September 29, 2014
Three Reasons Why You Should Read THE GIRL HE KNOWS by Kristi Rose
I welcome today my Kensington/Lyrical sister Kristi Rose with her new release “The Girl He Knows.” First a blurb then we’ll move on the three reasons:
Book Blurb:
She wants one night, he wants forever.
Waking up naked next to a good looking man is not a bad way to start the day. Especially since Paisley missed all those opportunities in college, when she was too busy supporting her no good, thankfully now, ex-husband. The problem? This hottie is Hank, her best friend’s older brother, a guy she’s known her entire life.
Stopping after one night is the right thing to do. Being with him clearly breaks the best friend code, and from his career as a Naval officer to his Boy Scout reputation, everything about him screams monogamy and commitment. Two things Paisley has had enough of.
When Hank presents a “no strings attached” offer, it’s too good to be true. She can enjoy him while still embracing being single. But, poor choices force her to confront old fears of love and loss, and Paisley has to decide if Hank is worth the risk. The alternative is never experiencing the real deal. Or far worse, settling for less.
Now, take it away Kristi…
Hi Sharon. I’m very excited to be here. Thanks for having me. I love the idea of highlighting three reasons because I think, sometimes, certain things can get lost in a story. Or maybe overlooked is the better word.
Therefore, here are my 3 reasons why you should read THE GIRL HE KNOWS:
Because my story is told in first person and from the main character, Paisley’s, perspective, the story has chick lit elements. So it just as much a story about her finding her way as it is a romance (alliteration unintended).
Friendship- This story contains a strong element of friendship in various stages. New friends, life long friends, friendship that might become a romance, and how full life is and can be when a person is surrounded by people they love and trust. Hank, the hero of the book, has known Paisley since they were in diapers and the girl he sees before him is not the girl he’s always known. He’s enough of a friend to say the hard things she needs to hear so that she might be able to get her life on the right track.
Fear- Paisley’s life has thrown her several curve balls, as life tends to do. Her father died while she was in high school and that loss and how it affected her mother and their family actually plays a large part in the decisions Paisley makes as a young adult. Decision such as marrying the wrong guy because she wasn’t expected to give all of her heart over to him.
Freedom- Paisley’s path is about learning how to be herself, trust her instincts, and to stand up for herself. Once she’s able to do that she’ll be set free from her fears, her past, and can overcome any obstacles life might throw her in the future. Oh, and on a different note- Hank is a Naval Officer so if you like Hot Men in Uniforms, I got one for you right here.
Excerpt:
“Wanna get together again next weekend?” he asks.
I swivel my head to look at him. “Are you serious? No, I don’t want to get together next weekend. This”—I gesture in the space between us—“cannot happen again.”
“Why not?” He grins and wags his eyebrows.
“It’s a disaster in the making.”
“What do you mean?”
“Jeez, where do I start? This whole thing is wrong. My friendship with Gigi, our friendship. It could all go up in smoke. Is it worth it?” How does he not see this?
“I’m just talking about going out together.”
“Sure, you make it sound harmless. But the last time we got together it led to sex. When I get around you, my judgment gets out of whack and I might do something stupid.” OK, perhaps I should say I might continue to do something stupid. Stupid has already come and gone.
“As I see it, if you’re gonna do something stupid, who better with than your old pal Hank? I can think of a thousand stupid things to do together.” Does he really think it’s that simple? He turns toward me, rests his hand on the top of my seat, and gives me a toothy grin.
I want to laugh or shove his shoulder because he’s being flippant but he needs to know where I’m coming from, that I was once broken.
*******
Buy Links:
Amazon book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Knows-Kristi-Rose-ebook/dp/B00KYUNEHM
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?field-keywords=978-1-61650-560-8
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=the+girl+he+knows+kristi+rose
Apple: http://www.apple.com/itunes/
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30515
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/978-1-61650-560-8?keyword=978-1-61650-560-8&store=allproducts
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-he-knows-kristi-rose/1119847721?ean=9781616505608
Social Media:
Website/Blog: http://kristirose.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristi-Rose/364071883695814?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Krosewrites
