Té Russ's Blog, page 14

Book Spotlight: Live A Little by Rhonda McKnight

A grieving woman, an injured soldier and an abandoned dream...can they find hope for tomorrow in each other?

Raine Still has never had much of an identity outside of being the daughter of the old hippie couple that own Hope House, a transitional housing facility in the worse part of Charlotte, North Carolina, and that had been okay with her until her parents died and left her alone in world.
Gage Jordan is a decorated solider discharged from the army after fourteen years due to a physical injury, but the emotional scars are far worse than anything he’s rehabbed from. He has a great job lined up and a mass of support from his family, but something is missing and he’s starting to feel like it’s Raine.
Gage thought his wounded heart had issues, but Raine’s pain is much deeper. If something doesn’t give soon they will never have a chance at love. Can he convince her to see that “hope” and faith are the balm she needs to heal her hurting soul?



About the Author



Even as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her Atlanta home with black tea, Lays potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed toy dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda and www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight and www.blackchristianreads.com where she has joined with nine other Christian fiction authors to introduce her stories to the world.


Excerpt
They rode in silence to her house. The sugar Gage ingested seemed to have dulled his chattiness. The trip wasn’t long and traffic was nonexistent. His navigation brought them right to her door. He cut the engine.  Gage looked through the window past Raine. “This is a nice house. Nice neighborhood. You were looking the last time we talked.” She had been house-hunting that spring. She’d found this one the very week he’d left. She inspected the shrubs that needed pruning and the trim that would definitely get a fresh coat of paint in the spring and replied. “Thank you.” “How long have you been here?” “Six years. It was a foreclosure during the early run of foreclosures. I’d finished my master’s degree and gotten a promotion at work, so I thought, it was time.” “I remember you’d just finished your masters. You mentioned it that day.” His memory was impeccable. Raine’s stomach flipped. That day. That day she’d shared a table with him in the mall food court because all the others were full. That day lunch turned into a trip to the movie theatre, dinner and a stroll through a bookstore. “No waiting for a husband to buy a house with, huh?” he asked, but then he didn’t wait for an answer. “I like that. The women in my family are very independent too.”Gage smiled. It sucked the wind out of her. Not because he was so good looking, or even because he had flashed his movie star, picture ready white teeth, it was the disposition behind the smile. Lazy, relaxed…Raine didn’t exactly know the word she was looking for. He seemed interested in her, again. He wasn’t making small talk to fill up the time, because they were here at her house. All he had to do was open the door and then open hers and walk her to the door of her house, if he was so inclined to do that. In seconds, he could be done with Raine Still for tonight and forever. But Gage wasn’t moving. He wasn’t trying to leave. The only man that had ever been interested in her was her father. He’d hung on to every word she’d said from the time she could talk until he took his last breath. But this attention from Gage was different. She didn’t know how to take it. She’d been here with him before and then he disappeared without a trace.   “Can I ask you a question?” His tone was tentative. “What happened to your date tonight?” Raine had no idea what he would ask, but this question surprised her. “I didn’t have a date.” Gage’s expression posed the follow-up question before he did.  “You said you were waiting for someone.” She shrugged. “I lied. I wanted to be alone and I thought it was easier to say I was waiting on someone than be rude to all of you.” He cocked an eyebrow. “That’s honest.” “I don’t like to lie and I don’t have any reason to lie to you now.” “Why did you have so many tickets if you weren’t expecting anyone?” Raine couldn’t keep the amusement out of her voice. “Are you questioning if I’m lying about lying?”  A beautiful crooked smile filled half his face, revealing one of his dimples. “I’m not questioning if you’re lying. I guess I’m just curious, nosy.” Raine explained how she came to have the extra tickets. Gage nodded. “That was God. You were supposed to help us out.” Raine didn’t think that made any sense. “Why wouldn’t God just make it so I had one ticket and your mother had the ones she needed?” Silence again and then, “Because if God made it happen that way then I wouldn’t have run into you.” She swallowed now. Hard. He was staring at her. Looking from her face to her lips. He leaned closer and put a hand behind her neck. Then he brought his face closer so that it hovered just inches from hers. Raine could smell his breathe, the mint he’d popped into his mouth after eating the ice cream. She could also smell his cologne, a strong, sexy masculine scent that rose from his pores to torment her.  But then just as quickly as he’d pulled her close, Gage let her go and reached for his ignition key. “It’s late. I need to get you inside.” Get her inside. She didn’t have a curfew. Raine was disappointed. But more than disappointed, she was embarrassed. She wanted that kiss. “I can see myself to my door,” she replied, icily. She released her seat belt and grabbed the door handle.  His hand was on hers. “Raine, let me explain.” She turned toward him and frowned. “Explain what?” “Why I stopped.”Raine thought she would die. No he was not going to explain why he was rejecting her. She sighed heavily. “I don’t want to be disrespectful.” The conversation was awkward, but he’d started it, so she questioned, “A kiss is disrespectful?” He didn’t remove his hand from hers, but he didn’t respond either.  Oh my God, she thought. He has a girlfriend or maybe even a wife. Of course he did. How could she be so naïve?  He didn’t want to disrespect his marriage. She dropped her eyes to their intertwined fingers. So why was he still holding her hand?He finally spoke. “I’m careful about what I start.” That only confused her more. “What does that mean?” she whispered. And then she thought, I don’t want to know. “Never mind. You don’t have to explain.” She grabbed the door handle again, but Gage squeezed the hand he held. She froze. “I do, because I don’t want you to think I didn’t want to kiss you. My stopping has nothing to do with you.”Raine didn’t look at him. If she could have jumped out of the car and run in the house without seeming rude she would have. She wanted to escape the pounding rush in her veins. The agony over the fact that the only man she’d ever wanted was taken. “Of course, I understand. You have to respect your wife or your girlfriend.”“Wife or girlfriend?” She could hear a frown in his voice. “You’ve been a real gentleman, Gage. I appreciate the ride.”“Wait,” he insisted. “I don’t have a wife or a girlfriend.” Raine knew she should not let the next question come out of her mouth because it was embarrassing and it would sound like begging, but she would drive herself crazy if she didn’t know. Since she knew she’d never see him again, she went ahead asked, “Then why did you stop?” The expression on his face was so serious it nearly looked pained. “It’s late,” he said releasing her hand. “I’ll be back in the morning.”“In the morning?”  “I told you I was picking you up so we could see about getting your car towed.”She shook her head. “It is really kind of you to offer, but you don’t have to do that.” His words came swift and impulsively. “What if I want to do it?”Her stomach flipped again. “Why would you want to do it? We’re not neighbors.”“For the same reason I didn’t kiss you. I finish what I start. Once I commit to a thing, I have to see it all the way through.”He smiled and opened his door. Once she got out they fell into step up her long walkway. She said good night to her prince, pushed the door closed and peeked out to watch him disappear. Raine kicked off her shoes and realized the irony of having both shoes. She hadn’t left one behind, so the prince didn’t have one. Gage didn’t have a reason to come looking for her. He didn’t even have anything to look with, because he hadn’t even asked for her phone number to call to make arrangements for tomorrow. Her Cinderella story was a bust.  


Buy Links
Amazon http://alturl.com/h7pb8
Barnes and Noble http://alturl.com/h3bcr
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/518282
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/live-a-little/id966415831?mt=11

Cupid's Error Book Blast & Giveaway

 Contest Giveaway: Author is offering one winner a Cupid’s Error Goodie Package. Enter contest below Author: Joy Avery Publication Date: January 19, 2015 Genre: Contemporary Romance Paperback: 96 pages ISBN-10: 1507679599 ISBN-13: 978-1507679593 Age Group For Your Book 18+



 



Joy Avery is the author of the novels Smoke in the Citi, His Until Sunrise: an Indigo Falls romance, and Cupid’s Error: a novella. She is a North Carolina native with a passion for penning contemporary romances. When not crafting love stories, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, and spending time with her family—which includes a husband, a child, and two dogs. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.


 

Staffing agency owner Danica James is determined not to spend another Valentine’s Day alone. But purchasing a man for the evening? Out of the question. Then her best friend intervenes—gifting her a night of dinner and dancing with a Cupid’s Arrow escort. What could be the harm? Though Cupid’s Arrow is known for matches made in heaven, she’s not looking for a love connection. Then she meets her Cupid’s Fellow and everything changes. Business mogul Weston Henshaw doesn’t need Cupid’s Arrow to get a Valentine’s Day companion, but Cupid’s Arrow needs him. Seems his sister’s charity event has done far better than anticipated. Only problem…a shortage of eligible bachelors to pamper all of the lonely hearts. When he agrees to be bait for an evening, he never imagines meeting the one woman who makes him wish the night would never end. An error by Cupid’s places Danica and Weston on a road to destiny, but will they maintain the course?

 

  Website              Facebook       Follow Joy on Amazon         Twitter





Amazon Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

a Rafflecopter giveaway Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Joy Avery and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com

Home by Adrienne Thompson Cover Reveal

About the book:
Home by Adrienne Thompson
Genre: African American Fiction/Edgy Inspirational Fiction
Release Date: 3/2/15
Now available for pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TNPEAOA

Blurb:
For the ladies’ man Ivan Spencer, there really is no place like HOME.
A family emergency brings former rapper and current real estate mogul, Ivan Spencer, back to his long-abandoned hometown. While there, he must deal with his confused mother, his elderly, philandering father, his flaky sister, an unreliable aunt, and a face from the past who makes him question some of his earlier decisions. All he wants to do is to get things squared away and return to his life, but as it turns out, he must deal with his own issues first.

Tagline: “There really is no place like HOME.”

Excerpt:
I had just sat down to drink my coffee when Daddy walked into the kitchen wearing a dingy white t-shirt and faded, striped boxers. One look at my daddy and anyone could see why he was so popular with the women. Even at seventy-something, he still had the same smooth, ruddy skin, gray eyes, wavy black hair, and bone structure that made most women swoon. The story had always been that my daddy’s daddy’s daddy was a full-blooded Quapaw Indian. My grandfather could never confirm this fact, because he never knew his father. But looking at my daddy and the features I’d inherited from him, I believed the story was pretty close to the truth.
Daddy sat down at the table with a grunt and a sigh.
“Where you been, Daddy?” I asked.
He looked at me for a second. “Here and there.”
“Mama’s sick. She’s in the hospital.”
“Yeah, I figured something like that was going on when I saw her bed empty. Plus, you here. You don’t come around no more lessin’ it’s something going on.”
I nodded.
I sat there and looked at him and waited for him to show an ounce of concern for the woman who’d borne him two children and been his wife for the past forty-some-odd years. I waited for him to ask about her or something. But he just sat there, grinding his teeth and scratching his head. “Any more hot water? I think I’ma make me some coffee,” he finally said.
He didn’t wait for me to answer. He stood from his chair with another grunt and checked the pot for himself. Then he pulled a coffee mug from the cabinet and started noisily making himself a cup of coffee, huffing and puffing and grunting the whole time. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. My face was heating up, but I was determined to keep my composure. Daddy wasn’t going to make me lose my cool. Not this time.
“She got a hold of a bottle of laxatives and took all of them,” I said.
“Umph,” he grunted. “She always gettin’ into something.”
I took another deep breath. “Yeah, um, the doctor’s talking about sending her home this afternoon.”
“Umph.”
He sat back down across from me and loudly slurped his coffee. So we sat there in silence except for his slurps.
Slurp…
Slurp…
Slurp…
Finally, I stood from the table. “I’ma go take a shower so I can head on up to the hospital to check on Mama. You wanna ride with me?”
Slurp. “Naw, you go ‘head on. I’ll see her when she come home.” Slurp…
I sighed. “All right, then, Daddy.”

About the Author:
Adrienne Thompson has worn many titles in her lifetime–from teenage mother to teenage wife to divorcee to registered nurse to author. This mother of two young adults and one teenager currently resides in Arkansas with her daughter where she writes and publishes her stories full time.

You can connect with her at:
Website: http://adriennethompsonwrites.webs.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrienneThompsonWrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_H_Thompson
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ahthompsn/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5051327.Adrienne_Thompson
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ahthompsn/
Tumblr: http://authoradriennethompson.tumblr.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/muusikluvver

Sample Sunday: From Love After War

He scanned the lobby and saw her immediately standing at the reception desk. He’d intended on sneaking up on her, but the receptionist recognized him and lit up.“Welcome back Mr. McAllister!”He saw Connie’s shoulders tense up. He nodded at the receptionist. “Orara, how are you and how is your family?”She answered well to both and he nodded again saying, “I need to take Miss Johnson away from you for a moment.”Orara waved her hand and said, “We were just finishing up! Feel free to take her!”He cupped her elbow. “Can I speak to you for a moment Miss Johnson? In private.” As he turned and led her toward the conference rooms, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Nice try Barb. Did you really think you could just slink out of the house and I of all people wouldn’t notice?”Instead of answering his question, she said, “I’m surprised any of the staff even knows that you’re a McAllister.”“Of course they know who I am,” he shot back.He knew she was seething, but that was just fine with him, because he was just as ticked off.They entered the conference room and she immediately jerked her arm away from him.“How dare you?” she said through clenched teeth. “You have the nerve to show up here, while I’m working, for what? Why are you here Andrew?”“I think you know why I’m here Constance.” He crossed his arms. “I never would have figured you to be someone to run scared.”“I’m not running from anything.”“You’re running from what happened last night. You wouldn’t even let me apologize.”“Look, don’t waste your breath on an apology Andrew. It was just a kiss. It happened, it was a mistake. Let’s just forget it.”Sometimes he wanted to shake the woman. Instead he just said, “Fine, consider it forgotten.”“Fine.”“Fine!”He turned to leave then looked back at her. “Have you eaten?”She stood there, looking confused by his seemingly random question.“What?” she asked.“You were in such a hurry to get away this morning, I imagine you didn’t have time to eat.”She shook her head. “Why do you care Andrew?”“I’d rather not have you passing out while you’re here. Pops would never let me hear the end of it.”At the mention of his grandfather, he noticed an odd expression flash across her face, then she seemed to relent. “No, I haven’t eaten yet.”“I’ll be back around noon to pick you up for lunch.”“Just like that? You don’t ask? You just come in here barking orders like some Neanderthal.”He blew out a frustrated breath. “Constance, I’ll be back here around noon. Would you please allow me to pick you up and take you to get some food?”“Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?”“Constance?” She was pushing his buttons again.“Fine. Yes Andrew, I’ll be ready. Don’t worry, you won’t need to club me over the head and drag me off to lunch.”He shook his head and turned to leave. “See you later.”

Love After War is live on Amazon and on sale for one more day!

Share the Love Blog Hop!

Hi guys!!!

Today I'm sharing the love! I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite authors and some of their work. Be sure to check out all of their work and send them all some love as well! All of these ladies are not only amazing authors but they are also wonderful women as well! I have previously left reviews for some of their books or featured them on my blog and I will make sure to direct you to those posts :-)
Also, don't forget to check out the contest at the bottom! I will be giving away one of my books. But first let's take a look at all of these great writers! Click on their names to view their official websites and find so many more goodies!
1. Chelle Ramsey

Chelle is amazing writer and blogger. I love her book Is The Grass Really Greener and I left a review of it. She has a knack for taking several different characters and telling their separate stories and then weaving them all together to form one intricate tale! Some of her other books are Reflections of Promises and Real Secrets.
You can find her books on amazon here. Here books under the name C. Michelle Ramsey can be found here.
2. Phyllis Bourne


"Miss Phyllis", as I fondly call her is one of the sweetest ladies I know. Her books are guaranteed to keep you laughing, especially Every Road to You, which I reviewed here on my blog as well as on amazon. Her books will also leave you fanning yourself, like Falling Into Forever, another one of her books I reviewed on amazon. Her books Taste for Tempation (Another book of hers I reviewed on here and amazon) and Sweeter Tempation are part of the Kimani Hotties series, by Harlequin.
Check out the rest of her books here!
3. Chicki Brown


I think y'all know how excited I get about Chicki! I've reviewed her book A Woman's Worth on both here and amazon; I've also featured her book Till You Come Back to Me in my Book Spotlight and I go completely fan girl with her books. It's no secret that I love to read and write novels that revolve around families and so far Chicki's Stafford Brothers Series has not disappointed. Her latest book Don't Stop Till You Get Enough was released on January 28, and by the time this blog comes out, I know I will have read it and loved it! I've been waiting for this story! I will be spotlighting that book on February 25, so make sure you come back and check it out!
Chicki has plenty more novels for you to enjoy and you can find them all here!
4. Sharon C. Cooper



Another one of my favorites types of romance is when there is suspense. If you're looking for some action (both dangerous and sensous wink wink) Sharon C. Cooper is your go to girl! Her Reunited Series is full of intrigue that will keep you up all night turning the pages (or swiping your tablet)!
Sharon also has several books in the Kimani Hotties series (including Legal Seducation, which was a Book Spotlight feature here on my blog) and many more books that can be found here.
5. Christina C. Jones



Not only do I consider Mrs. Jones a great up and coming author, but she has become a very good friend of mine. Every story she writes gets better and better. Her Serendipitous Love Series is one of my favorite series I've read. It includes A Crazy Little Thing called Love, (which I reviewed on amazon) Didn't Mean to Love You and Fall in Love Again ( My review for this one was recently spotlighted on my blog and is on amazon. All of these books are currently killing it on the bestseller charts on amazon!Another one of her many great read is Catch Me If You Can, which has that suspense that I love in romances (check out my review on amazon). 
I could go on and on about her many great books, (like her Friends and Lovers and Strictly Professional series) but instead why don't you them all for yourself here!
And there you have it! These women all have some great reads and I can't wait to see what else they all have in store. Their works are not only great entertainment, but they always inspire me in my own work!
Don't fogert to checkout the giveawy below!

Make sure you also check out all of the other great authors/bloggers participating in the Share the Love Blog Hop, brought to you by The Herd Hops!

As always...Happy Reading,

Té

a Rafflecopter giveaway ');

Cover Reveal: Love Surfaced by Michelle Lynn

Love Surfaced Synopsis:
The equations are simple.
Piper Ashby + Brad Ashby = Twin SiblingsBrad Ashby + Tanner McCain = Best FriendsPiper Ashby + Tanner McCain = Off limits
Tanner and I abided by the rules. We stayed on our designated sides of the relationship circle.
Ignoring swarming butterflies.Brushing off skipped heartbeats.Settling on lingering stares.
Here’s the secret … a hand extended over that invisible line once, exponentially changing the equation. I was convinced we could make our relationship work until Tanner broke the trust he embedded in me from the age of seven.
One deceit of mega proportions and the relationship we built for that short month vanished. I swore never to speak to him again and it’s worked. Until now—two years later, when my brother’s wedding places me face-to-face with the best man—Tanner McCain.
Leaving one equation to be solved. Can love surface twice?







AUTHOR BIO:
Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.  She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write.   With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends.  But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lynnauthor?fref=ts
Twitter: @michellelynnbks
Website: http://www.michellelynnbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7065829.Michelle_Lynn?from_search=true


 Hosted by:

Undressed Launch Day Blitz

About UNDRESSED




She knows the rules of the game . . . but she can't resist his moves
Publicist Abby Fields's career is on the rise. And with failed romances in her past, she has no time for men. When a job opportunity opens up with a sports team in Florida, Abby eagerly packs up and heads south. Yet after a work event in Mirabelle, Florida, Abby finds herself in the arms of a hockey player whose heartstopping smile leads her to the steamiest night of her life . . . Logan James is hot on and off the ice. With his team on an epic winning streak, life couldn't get better . . . until he meets Abby, the fiery redhead assigned to protect his team's image. Now Logan's finding it difficult to concentrate on anything other than getting Abby undressed. But after a secret is leaked to the press, the taste of betrayal opens old wounds. If they can't learn to trust each other, they may risk losing more than their hearts.
Excerpt
“You already want me out of here?” he asked as he walked up next to her, leaning against the railing of the porch and looking out at the view. The Rigels’s house was built on stilts by a river, the dark waters rushing behind it. “I just figured you’d want to get home and back to normal.”“You have no idea what I want, Red.”Her entire body tensed up more, something that he didn’t even know was possible. If she got any more rigid, her spine would probably snap. It was such a contrast, this moment compared to how pliant she’d been the night before. What he wanted was more of that. Her beneath him…or on top. He wasn’t all that picky. He turned to her, and she automatically moved in response, looking up at him. He reached out slowly, running his fingers down the side of her face and to her chin where he lightly pushed up.When she didn’t pull away he lowered his mouth to hers, just a soft kiss to her lips. Her mouth opened on a sigh and her entire body seemed to relax into his. He took that as his cue and his other hand came up, sliding around her hip and to her lower back. He pulled her fully into his body as he slipped his tongue passed her lips. “I’ve been craving that since I woke up this morning,” he whispered against her mouth before he dove back in.This time her hands came up and were in his hair, her fingers trailing down the back of his neck. Holy hell she made him hard in an instant. As she was flush up against him, he was pretty sure she was fully aware of it, too. He pulled away from her just enough to where he could look down into her face. Her eyes opened slowly, those startling blues more than a little bit dazed.“I take it back,” he said as he ran his thumb across her lips. “I do want to know why last night can’t happen again.”Within a matter of seconds, Abby managed to get ahold of herself. His words bringing her back to reality. She dropped her hands from the back of his neck and reached for his wrists, pulling his hand from her face and the other from her lower back. “We work together.” She took a step away from him, and despite her best efforts at composure, her breathing was still erratic. “All right, I promise to be just as uncooperative as I was before. No one will suspect a thing.”
About Shannon Richard

Shannon Richard grew up in the Florida Panhandle as the baby sister of two overly protective but loving brothers. She was raised by a more than somewhat eccentric mother, a self-proclaimed vocabularist who showed her how to get lost in a book and a father who passed on his love for coffee and really loud music. She graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English Literature and still lives in Tallahassee where she battles everyday life with writing, reading, and a rant every once in a while. Okay, so the rants might happen on a regular basis. She's still waiting for her Southern, scruffy, Mr. Darcy, and in the meantime writes love stories to indulge her overactive imagination. Oh, and she's a pretty big fan of the whimsy.
Shannon’s SM @shan_richardhttp://shannonrichard.net/ http://facebook.com/ShannonNRichard https://www.goodreads.com/ShanRichard 
Buy Links B&N - http://bit.ly/15Ql1nDKobo - http://bit.ly/1znXPHNiTunes - http://bit.ly/1CIAqmRAmazon - http://amzn.to/1646WCTGooglePlay - http://bit.ly/1Ls4ZRD

Sample Sunday: From A Spring Affair-"The First Kiss"

"Did you two save room for dessert?"They both looked at the waiter, then back to each other. Xavier raised an eyebrow up in question. Maya nodded and they looked over the dessert tray and picked one to share. As they dug into the sweet confection, Xavier looked at Maya and said, "This is by far the best second date I've ever been on."Maya's hand froze, the spoon hovering close to her mouth. "Second date?" she said. "How can this be a second date when we've never gone a first.""Oh but we did."Maya thought for a minute, then laughed saying, "I know you're not counting your wine tour as a first date!""Why not?" he asked, smiling. "Because you were there for a tour.""Yes, but look at how the tour ended," he said, pointing his spoon in her direction. "We ended up sitting in a romantic setting, enjoying food and wine. Just like we are doing now. So, I'd say that makes a first date."She wanted to remind him that the food was meant for him...and Darby, but she didn't want to bring that woman up anymore. Especially after Xavier's revelation of her infidelity.Maya cracked a small smile as she dug into the dessert. "I see this is something we are just going to have to agree to disagree on."They spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company, laughing and talking, while the train continued to whisk them away.
Several hours later, the train finally returned to it's station.Xavier escorted Maya to her car to make sure she arrived safely. When they got to her car, she reached into her purse and pulled out her car keys.She unlocked her car, opened the door then turned to face Xavier."I really enjoyed myself tonight," Maya said, looking up at him."So did I," Xavier said, taking a step closer to her. "I enjoyed myself so much in fact, I can't wait to ask you on a third date.""Second," she corrected, with a grin on her face. She took a step closer to him as well. "And I'm ready when you are.""Next week?""You're getting a lot of mileage, making all of these weekend trips to Napa," she teased."It's definitely worth it," he replied."How about I do the traveling next weekend?" Maya suggested. Xavier smiled and closed the distance between them. "You mean you come to Sacramento?""Sure, I go there all of the time. My sister lives there."He thought about it for a moment then, nodded. "Next weekend at Wined & Dined?""Sounds perfect."They stood there for a few minutes in silence. The crisp night air, along with Xavier's heated stare, caused Maya to tremble. "Are you cold?" Xavier asked, reaching out to gently rub her arms. "Just had a little chill.""Well, you should get in your car and warm up."Maya nodded, but neither of them made a move. She continued to stand there and he continued slowly running his hands up and down her bare arms. Then she found his hands moving up from her arms to cup the back of her head. She tilted her face up and their lips touched in a sweet kiss that ended much too soon for either of their liking. "Shoot me a text when you make it home?" It wasn't a command, just a gentle urging."Okay, and you do the same.""You got it."He released her and took a step back so she could get in the car. He held on to the car door, looking down at her for another moment. He ran his thumb over his bottom lip, gave her a sexy grin as he shook his head as if in amazement, then stood."Goodnight Maya.""Goodnight." 

Book Review: Fall In Love Again by Christina C. Jones

Today I'm featuring a review for Fall In Love Again by my good friend and fellow author, Christina C. Jones.




Fall In Love Again is the third book in her Serendipitous Love series (All of which I have read and LOVED!). It is her tenth book release! Congrats lady!
Here is my Amazon review:
Could NOT Put This Book Down
I think this may be my favorite in this series, if not my favorite out of all of the books I've read by Mrs. Jones!

I loved Charlie and Nix.

Charlie and Nix were in a long relationship that went south. After several more years of being away, Charlie returns home and she and Nixon seem to pick right back up where they left off, with some reservations by Charlie. But Nix is determined to make the most of his second chance with Charlie, redeem himself and prove that things can be better a second time around.

This story will make you laugh and cry, and the heat level is so off the charts. I loved Nix and that mouth of his!

I started this book this morning and finished it this evening. I was so engrossed in the story that I was reading it while I was in the kitchen kneading bread dough!

I can't wait to read more, and I hope to see some more stories from some of the other interesting characters in this series :-)

I have to reieterate how much I LOVED this couple! Miss Jones has a true knack for reeling you into her books and keeping you captivated!

About the book:


Everybody knows you don’t marry the rebound guy.

And yet, that’s exactly what Charlie does. But once the husband is out of picture — kinda — she’s ready to leap forward with her life. She returns to the neighborhood she left, the business she missed, and into arm’s reach of Nixon — the reason she needed a rebound guy in the first place.

Other than rebuilding her life, Charlie has one main goal now that she’s back in the place she considers home: Stay as far away from Nixon as she can. But their long history, his magnetic charm, and a certain sense of unfinished business makes that much, much harder than Charlie thought.

Nixon is willing to own up to his part in their break up, but for Charlie, finding a place of forgiveness is going to take much more than that. She’s willing to take a chance on friendship — something they’ve had since they were kids — but falling in love again? That’s a whole different story.
Fall In Love Again, as well as all other nine releases, can be found on amazon.
Find Christina on Facebook and her website, being Mrs. Jones.

Sample Sunday: from A Spring Affair

Good morning all!

Hope all is well! I have started writing A Spring Affair and it's coming along rather nicely I think :-)
So today I'm sharing from my work in progress that is set to come out March 20, 2015 (the first day of Spring!)
*This is unedited*
Maya stood there in the wine cave staring at Xavier."'We'," she said. "As in...you and me?"She watched at the corner of his mouth quirked up slightly, before he released a deep chuckle."Yeah," he said. "That's the idea, unless there is some rule that says you can't drink right now?""My boss doesn't mind if we taste the wines along with our tourist, as long as we use the spittoon. But it is after hours and everyone has left for the day.""So what do you say?" he asked with a smile. "All these years we've talked on the phone and emailed each other, it would be nice to sit down and finally get to know more about you."She wanted to get to know him better as well.Then why are you hesitating? her mind screamed.She looked over her shoulder at the exit, then back at the table."I'm sorry," he said when she still didn't answer. He looked at his watch. "I suppose now I'm being presumptuous. Here I am asking you to sit down and share this wine and food with me and technically you're suppose to be off the clock already. I didn't think that maybe you already had plans with your husband."Maya grinned at Xavier's tone.It was more than a little obvious that he was fishing for her relationship status. Grinning, she held up her hand to reveal her bare hand. "I'm not married.""Boyfriend?" he corrected.She shook her head, and she felt her grin widen. "I'm single.""Then I'm not stealing you from anyone important.""It doesn't appear that way." Finally Maya smiled and said, "Sure I would love to sit with you."They moved over to the table and Xavier held a chair out for Maya. As he pushed her chair in after she sat, she felt his finger inadvertently brush against her shoulder. It amazed her that even the lightest touch from this man made her body come alive. She expected him to go around and sit on the other side of the table, but was surprised when he pulled out the chair right next to hers and sat down. "So, what do we have here?" Xavier asked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.Trying to ignore their knees touching under the table, Maya pointed to a white wine. "This is a chardonnay, much like the one you tasted from the barrel. Of course this one is ready for consumption," she said with a smile. They both reached for the bottle at the same time and she stopped as Xavier's large hand grabbed it first. "Do you mind?" he asked."By all means." She held up her glass so he could pour some, then he filled his own glass."I assume we're pairing this with the brie cheese over there?" he guessed as he sat the bottle back down."You're absolutely right. It's actually from a local cheesemonger not too far from here." She cut them both a small slice of cheese. "You know your pairings.""I would hope so, otherwise business would be terrible at my café.""What made you decide to open a wine café?" Maya asked. She had always been curious. "Why not just open a wine shop?""Because there is a wine shop every few blocks. Not to mention you can get wine from just about any store. With the wine café, people who want to learn more not just wine, but which foods go best with particular wines can come in and have a great learning experience." She loved his answer. And it was obvious that he was a true wine lover. As they went through their flight of wines, tasting several varieties, she watched as he described each one in great detail, as well as how each item of food was enhanced by the wines.As they finished up their tasting, Xavier wiped his mouth and sat his napkin down on the plate in front of him. "That was amazing. I can't thank you enough again for doing all of this.""Even though it was meant for you and someone else?" she asked sheepishly."If it was meant for me to be here with someone else, I would have been here with someone else," he said with a self-assured tone.There was something in his voice and the look in his eyes that made Maya's heart race.She broke their eye contact and stood, gathering up the dishes. "I still feel terrible. Setting up this whole romantic scene must have brought up some strange feelings considering–""Maya," Xavier said, gently grabbing her arm, stopping her from her task of cleaning. "The only thing I've feel tonight is joy at spending time with you. In fact..." he removed his hand from her arm and hooked his thumbs into the loops of his jeans. "...I was wondering since the winery is closed tomorrow, do you have any plans tomorrow?""Uh, no. I don't have any plans tomorrow. You're not going to visit anymore wineries?""I visited all of the ones on my list yesterday and today. This was the final stop for me. I wanted to save the best for last," he said, and she felt like he was referring to more than just the winery."I know this may seem fast, and forward. And I'm kind of out of practice with all of this, but...I've enjoyed our time together today and I want to see you again. So I was wondering if you would have lunch with me tomorrow, before I have to head back to Sacramento."Oh. My. God.After years of fantasizing about this man she'd never before met, he was better than anything she could have imagined. And for all of those years, there was a road block in her dreams by the name of Darby. Now Darby was out of the picture and Xavier was showing interest in her. It was the stuff romance novels were made of.She remembered what her sister had said about jumping at the opportunity if it presented itself with Xavier. Well...she'd been a little more cruder, but still...her overall advice was on point. And Maya wasn't going to let a chance she'd secretly been wishing for, for several years now, pass her by."Lunch with you tomorrow would be great."

                           
In case you've missed the trailer for the entire Four Seasons of Love Trailer, watch it below!View on YouTubeAlso don't forget, Love After War is coming February 13, 2015. I know a lot of you can't wait for Connie and Drew's story and I can't wait to share it with you all!
Happy Reading!
Té