Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 12

20 Days of Love, LaToya...

Today's 20 Days of Love showcases the stirrings of a love so sweet because it has its foundations in Christ. It's the beginning of a relationship that holds out promise. LaToya Martin shares her novel, Pain's Purpose. Read on...
About Pain's Purpose...
With life growing inside of her, Talia Williams finally understood that love could no longer hold her abusive marriage together. To prevent losing another baby, she seeks refuge with her parents, but with Khalil hot on her trail, she is forced to move in with her sorority sister, Alanna Davis. Living under one roof gives the women an opportunity to reconcile past differences and together deal with love, pain, and life’s transitions. 

Realizing that the search for his wife is in vain, Khalil retreats. He comes to accept the consequences of his actions and attempts to reconstruct his life, but an unexpected visitor from his past may destroy all that he has worked to rebuild. 

Eventually, futile efforts to handle life on her own push Talia into the arms of Christ and give her the hope that she needs to believe that her marriage can be healed. Just when all seems well, she is blindsided by tragedy, causing her faith and relationships to be stretched to the limit.
Pain’s Purpose is the first in a series that tells the story of reconciliation, forgiveness, and discovery of unconditional love.

As they strolled the beach for a while, enjoying each other’s company and the sunset’s array of colors painting the sky, he tenderly brushed his fingers against hers, bidding her to take his hand. Fear
gripped her momentarily, causing her to halt what seemed so natural.

But God immediately brought a scripture to her remembrance: There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. And though she wasn’t in love with him yet, she knew she could easily discern her relenting heart, finally allowing the walls she had built up over time to come crashing down. She was already smitten by his every move and the smoothness of his baritone voice. From their phone conversations, she could easily see that he was a man after God’s own heart, attracting her all the more.

Bryan sensed her hesitation but was glad she let go of her inhibitions when he felt the softness of her hand, accepting his invitation. Alanna swore he could hear the cadence of her heart pounding by the waggish grin he gave when their hands intertwined, but she no longer cared. If there was any possibility of a relationship, transparency had to be the driving force.

Walking along the beach’s shore proved to be better than Alanna expected. It didn’t matter that her stilettos now hung from her manicured fingers instead of cradling her feet. Or that her hair, now
slightly tousled, had become subject to the breeze flowing off the ocean’s cool waters. All that mattered was the inward warmth she felt radiating over her entire body as their hands remained locked. Every time he smiled at her sent chills down her spine. And she concluded that chivalry was far from dead when Bryan, seeing the goose bumps surfacing down her bare arms from the slight chill in the air, eagerly slipped out of his sports coat and wrapped it around her shoulders, providing her with the heat she needed. His gentlemanly gesture only caused more goose bumps to emerge, and she wished it was his arms wrapped around her instead of his coat. Seriously, this is too good to be true. Download Now...
Website:
http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=pains-purpose 

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Pains-Purpose-Latoya-C-Martin/dp/1635752558/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1513313382&sr=8-3&keywords=pain%27s+purpose
About LaToya...
The first-time novelist LaToya C. Martin has loved writing since childhood. LaToya hails from San Antonio but has resided in the Houston for almost a decade, where she raises a precocious daughter and teaches students with hearing loss, all the while remaining an active member of her church and community.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LaToya-Martin-Author-1926289957599566/ 
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16542019.Latoya_C_Martin Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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20 Days of Love, Paulette...

Happy Valentine's Day and don't we have a treat in store for you! Paulette is bringing a challenge to 20 Days of Love. When a man loves a woman, he can be all the way in. When a man loves a woman, he won't accept her excuses or play her games. When a man loves a woman, he's willing to do what it takes to make her his own. Paulette is sharing Tame Breeze and she's doing a giveaway to some lucky reader today as a Valentine's treat. Simply leave her a comment below and you might be the lucky winner. Read on...
“So, you want to explain why you're dipping out on me yet again like you got a man or something. Or is there something you want to tell me.” Q picked up and took a quick glance at his phone clearly looking at what time it was and how long they’d been together.

“You seriously have to stop saying stuff like that to me.”

“Am I not speaking truth to you? You are jumping back into those tight ass jeans of yours as we speak in attempts to make your exit am I wrong.” Of, course his comment made Bre stop her actual jumping process of squeezing into her jeans. He had a way of knowing exactly what to say to make her stop in her tracks.

“I have an entire business to run I don’t have time for any of those types of games.”

“That’s your favorite phrase it seems...those types of games like you’re trying to say that’s something happening without actually saying the words.” Normally at this point in the conversation, Quincey would be out of bed himself with at least his boxers and jeans on but today he stayed put half shielded by his navy duvet that went along with the silver and white accents of his room and leaning back against his headboard. He had something more in mind for this conversation than just letting Bree off the hook with a few cute remarks.

“Seriously Q what is up with you? Every time I come over here lately we end up on this very same page.”

“Do we now?”

“Ugh…. like I said I have to go remember source of income waiting for me to open its doors so I guess we will talk another time.”

“Right and that will be when exactly?” Intrigue into Bree’s discomfort of the topic must have kicked in because he sat forward on the bed.

“Quincey seriously what is it if you have something to say then say it we are not kids, so.”

Sure, he was right Bree never let anyone get close especially men no matter how much time they’d spent together. The current game with Quincey had been going on for nine months now and it was clear he had reached the point of wanting more than just the random meetups at his or her place they’d fallen into. Outside of the physical which was beyond what either of them expected each time nothing else progressed between them. Even though they’d known of each other well over five years they hadn’t approached one another in a romantic way until about a year ago when Bree found herself on another one of her self-doubt kicks in the middle of central park.

Running into Q was pure accident she’d gone down to get a pretzel and enjoy the day since that was one of the things she and Angel always did during the summer, but her best friend was on the other side of the country and now happily married which was still bothering her on a level she hadn’t fully tapped into. She was seeking out her favorite lunch when Q bumped into her on his way to a pickup game. If life wasn’t full of any and every form of crap designed to make it as hard as possible Bree more than likely would have been happy to have that kind of attention. Quincey the six foot three physically fit, dark caramel adolescent psychiatrist with his full beard and unruly spiky afro was the exact man every woman dreamed of. Educated full of promise and not sitting back looking for life to hand him anything just his confidence in himself attracted her like lightning bugs on a late summer afternoon. But at the current moment, he was looking more and more pissed and not able to contain it.

“I just have a lot on my plate Q I thought you understood that you have just as much going on with trying to get the center back up and running.” Since no matter how much pulling and tugging she did would change the fact that she couldn’t get the jeans any higher she gave up and sat on the edge of the bed near him. He’s a good man Bree. Reminding herself of that was a consistent process.

“I completely understand; however, I also am not a fan of these roll around for a few hours sharing body fluids then act as if we don’t know each of till one of us is horny again.”
“So are you say….” Q put his finger to her lips before she could finish because it was clear Bree was about to hit panic mode and back out completely.

“I’m saying let’s see a movie…. have a drink…. shit if all that is too much take a walk with me in the park but let’s stop the teenage shit.”

“Teenagers roll around sharing body fluids for hours?” The smirk on her face couldn’t be helped and at least she got him to smile his million-megawatt smile at her.

“Woman stop picking the little shit and just let me show you better.” Q moved the finger from her lips and slid it under her chin lifting her lips to his. “Just think about it ok. I’m not going to hold you up I know how important your work is to you. But think about it, Bree. Deal?”

The ability to just agree and let things happen wasn’t one that Bree possessed, people were great at letting you down once they knew they had you in their corner that was the lesson life had already branded on her. But Q hadn’t done that he was patient and somehow found a large amount of understanding to keep them going. The man knew exactly how to handle every single part of her being and then flip it over and do even more. So, Q deserved the chance. Baby steps Bree you can do baby steps.

“Deal.” She leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips and jumped from the bed.

“Bree don’t play games if we doing this we are both all in completely.”

“I agreed Q, I don’t go back on my word so don’t hound me.”

“So, we having dinner tonight then?” The cute as hell boyish grin on his face was just enough to make her insides tighten.

“I will not be out of the shop till late so you have to bring it to me. I prefer samosa and tamarind sauce with jasmine rice.”

“Is this some language you have decided to pick on me with?”

“If I wanted to pick on you…. main aapako sabhee ko pareshaan kar doonga aur aapako bina kisee die bina chhod dega. -I would get you all bothered and leave you here without giving you any. -”

“WHAT?!?!”

“Samosa and tamarind sauce with jasmine rice, and maybe some tandoori chicken, place on 7th next to the store has the best….be at the shop by like eight I have some boxes you can help me with.” Because she had slid over and had her hands headed up the covers toward his semi-erect manhood she quickly pulled them away and grabbed her shirt and jacket then headed for the door.

“So, I’ve gone from servicing you to manual labor now.”

“Hey, I believe I just provided plenty service sir and I will be there the entire time.”

“Yea yea…. I hope not in those tight as jeans you can’t even get into.”

“They are not that tight Q.”

  “Bullshit squat.” Of course, that was not an option bending over was out of the question for the most part so an actual squat was not happening. It made Bree roll her eyes. He knows I can't-do a damn squat.

“Stop worrying about my jeans and get dressed don’t you have work to do?”
About Paulette...
The me I am is the me I was born to be. It's my thing it's also how I live if I wasn't born to be this person then I wouldn't be here. My personal specifics are simple really, graduated high school, got my degree, found a job and started figuring out life. The realization that thirty-five was knocking on my door led me to sit down with my laptop and get out all the thoughts running through my head. For years like many others I'm sure I found every reason not to write and now I can't seem to find a reason to stop. I'm a positive mind even when life isn't headed down a positive road anyone that knows me would agree with that. I genuinely love escaping into the world of words.

May they be the ones of a new or favorite author or my very own I love the entire process. I’m the one people would roll their eyes at for sure I love everything from Harry Potter to Fifty Shades. Maya Angelou made me read, but Authors and writers like Terry McMillian, Rochelle Alers and Brenda Barrett made me love the art of putting a story together. I’m pretty sure it’s been said but there is a beautiful art behind the written word in all forms and it captured me around ten years old and hasn’t let go yet. No matter what is going on in my life a good book can make everything better and that for sure is why I love to read, even more why I love creating with the hope that my words can be an escape for someone.

Instagram: @authorpaulettejones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordsbyladyp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjjones618
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Paulette-Jones/e/B00TH2TPY4
Website: www.wordsbyladyp.weebly.com


Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please leave a comment below for your chance to win in the giveaway. I would love to hear from you!
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20 Days of Love, Victoria...

Today's 20 days of love takes a deep look at what love is and isn't from a male's perspective. He gets to the heart of the matter in Victoria Kennedy's, Sometimes Love! Check it out...
About Sometimes Love...
Zoë Browne is on top of the world. She is her own boss, has a business partner who doubles as her best friend, and enjoys the security of a loving, supportive family. All that's missing is her Prince Charming--someone to save her from her happy but loveless life, just like in the pages of her beloved romance novels. When a knock on the door brings her face to face with her would-be hero, Humphrey Pearson, an arrogant but attractive curator with a chip on his shoulder, Zoë soon learns that love isn’t always meant to save the day; sometimes love is meant to change your life.
“I don’t want you to pull me back into your illusion of love and as soon as it starts looking a little different from your imagination, you walk away. The reality is that sometimes love will make you cry, it will make you feel ten feet tall, invincible even. It will make you wonder if you ever really knew it at all. Most of the time, love will make you crazy. Anyone in his right mind would never choose love. It chooses us.”

     My king had abdicated his throne for a soapbox and I became frustrated while listening to, what I realized were, words of fear. He was afraid to take another chance and I didn’t like to see him fear anything. But I was not going to be the fall guy. He’d been complicit in a fishing expedition that delivered me right into his hands.

     “In the beginning,” I said. “We were both learning our way and you have to admit it all started with a big lie …and a strong physical attraction. You went looking for the person who hurt Madonna and you found me. And I needed to be found. We didn’t have a manual to tell us what to do. Somewhere along the way, we fell out of infatuation and into love…out of make-believe and into reality. It helped us grow, Humphrey. This is real.”
Download Now...
About Victoria... Victoria Kennedy is the author of the collection, Where Loves Goes, which includes the short story, The Uninvited Guest, adapted into an eponymous stage production. She is also a contributing author in The Dating Game anthology. Victoria holds an MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts and resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently working on her second novel.

You can connect with Victoria @ victoriaadamskennedy.com.
Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
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Loving Without Reserve...

It's another Motivational Monday Moment and author Nia Forrester is joining us to share her favorite Scripture. She encourages us with Ruth 1:16-17 to love others unconditionally. You don't want to miss this, it will bless your soul...
Ruth 1:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)
 
16 But Ruth said:
 
“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
 
17
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”
 
I think that may be my favorite Bible verse of all time. It’s certainly in the top three. Not just because it is as beautiful as poetry, but because of the expression of love that I aspire to give, and to receive.
 
I went to a very strict, Catholic girls’ school when I was a kid. We prayed in the morning before lessons began; we had Religion class each day, and we prayed before and after lunch, and again before going home. And on Friday, we had an extra hour of prayer when we attended Mass.
 
But in spite of that, I never really connected very much with Scripture. The language was classical language, and required interpretation and analysis by the priests and the nuns. We were taught that they, and the Pope were the conduit to God, and so He was far removed from the average person.
 
And then, I heard these verses. Naomi, concerned for the future of her daughters-in-law, after they have lost their husbands (and Naomi her own husband, as well as her sons) to famine, tells Ruth and her other daughter-in-law Orpah to return to their people where they will find new husbands. Orpah leaves, but Ruth refuses, speaking the words in Ruth 1:16-17.
 
Of all the Bible verses I had ever heard, that one stayed with me. It spoke of a love and devotion that was unwavering, even in the face of coming hardship. It spoke of selflessness, companionship, duty, and courage. It was the first time I saw, in the remote Bible verses I was taught, the humanity of the people I was learning about. The emotions expressed, the stories told, and the journeys of many in the Old Testament were illustrative of many human failings—greed, envy, anger, vengeance. This one was different. It expressed the possibility of human beings being their best selves. Ruth’s love for Naomi is obviously not romantic, but it also made it clear that love, in it’s purest form is not classified in one manner or another. It’s just love. Reading those verses made me want to love and be loved as selflessly and unwaveringly as Ruth loved her mother-in-law, no matter to whom I gave that love, or who gave love to me. It set a standard that even today, I return to, time and time again.
 
Nia Thanks for joining us for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
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20 Days of Love, Barbara Joe...

It's day 9 of 20 Days of Love and Barbara Joe is sharing a snippet from her novelette. We're going to learn what happens when a woman makes life changes, causing her to lose out on something special...
“How does this look?” I asked the perky sales lady. I was standing in the dressing room at Macy’s, modeling a low-cut, slinky, red dress. I had plans to attend a New Year’s Eve party later in the evening. That number would be perfect to help me bring in the new year in my new body.

“It looks great on you,” she replied. “Red is really your color, and you’re the perfect size for it. That’s the only ten that we have left.”

“Okay, I’ll take it,” I replied, smiling at my brown skin in the mirror.

I handed her my platinum Visa card and returned to the dressing room to change back into my jeans and a long gray sweater.

As I approached the checkout counter, she glanced down at my card, then looked up at me. “Okay, Mrs. Annette Green, are you ready to check out?”

“Yes, ma’am, I sure am.”

After she rang me up and placed plastic over the $200 dress, she handed it back to me, and said, “Have fun at the party. Your husband is going to love you in this.”

I returned her full smile with a half-smile. All I could muster was a soft, “Thank you.” I looked down at the wedding band on my finger and thought about it for a second. If only she’d known what I was going through, that comment would have never crossed her lips.

John, my estranged husband, moved out about two weeks ago. Said he couldn’t stand to live with me anymore after being married for six years. Apparently, he wasn’t pleased with my recent weight loss or my new outlook on life. And he had the nerve to say, “I’m not attracted to skinny ass women; especially ones with bad attitudes.”

So, I told him, “You can take your big, overweight ass and get out of my house, because I’m not attracted to you anymore, either.” He looked hurt, but I didn’t give a damn, because he’d hurt my feelings, too. I’d damn near starved myself to death all year long and almost went into cardiac arrest on more than one occasion while working out, and he had the nerve to call me names. Oh, no, I wasn’t having it.

We didn’t argue about it anymore after that night. However, a couple of days later when I returned home from work, he was gone. I mean every trace of him was moved out. He even took the dog that I didn’t care about, but it belonged to us. He didn’t leave a note or anything saying that he’d stop by later to check on me, or how we were going to manage paying the bills around the house. It was like he’d never even lived in the building.

I knew I was going to miss my fluffy man during the cold winter season, but he wasn’t worth gaining back all those pounds I’d worked so hard to lose. I was sure he’d eventually come around and appreciate my skinniness.

I’d been overweight all my life. I was always the chubby girl being teased, and the last one picked in P.E. when we had to pick teams. Everyone was mean to me, until I got smart in the fifth grade. That’s when I started spending my allowance on candy and bringing it to school to share with them. I had to bribe my fake friends with candy, but at least it got me some attention.

I made a New Year’s resolution to lose sixty pounds, and as of today, I’d lost a total of sixty-one pounds, thank you very much! It’s just sad to say that I’d also lost the love of my husband. He was the love of my life. The one whom I thought would love me forever and ever. The one who didn’t care about my weight and loved me in spite of my flaws.
Barbara Joe Williams is a bestselling author, publisher, speaker, editor, proofreader, and publishing consultant living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Navy veteran, a graduate of Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A & M University. She is the owner of Amani Publishing, LLC, and the co-founder of the Tallahassee Authors Network (TAN). Her Facebook group is titled: Barbara Joe Reads & Writes!
 
She has published over fifty authors and the following titles for herself:  A Night to Remember (novelette), Holiday Hotel 3, Love Never Felt So Good, A-Z Basic Editing Tips, A-Z Writing Tips, Holiday Hotel 2, A-Z Marketing Tips, A Cup of Barbara Joe, Holiday Hotel 1,, Forgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) featured in USA Today, First Class Love, You Don't Even Know My Name (novella), A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing (Volume 2), Double Proposal, Losing My Soul, A Man of My Own, The 21 Lives of Lisette Donavan (Anthology),  Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh, How I Met My Sweetheart (Anthology),  Courtney's Collage, Falling for Lies, Dancing with Temptation, and Forgive Us This Day.

Barbara has also published a four-book, Young Adult series titled, Bell Bottom High, under the pen name of B.J. Williams.
 
Forgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) is a rewritten version of the original title released in November 2004. She added more background on the main character and more drama for your reading pleasure in 2014.
 
Barbara was also featured in the January/February 2016 edition of Tallahassee Magazine as one of the Top 5 graduates of Tallahassee Community College.
 
All of her books are available on Amazon, BN, Kindle, and Nook.

A Night to Remember: http://amzn.to/2qL3IUM
Amazon page: http://goo.gl/hCOkBb
Email:  amanipublishing@aol.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/barbara.williams.31105674
Instagram: Barbara.joe.williams
Twitter:  @Barbarajoe22
Website:  www.Barbarajoe.webs.com
Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
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20 Days of Love, Lisa...

It's day 8 of 20 Days of Love and today's featured author is none other than national bestselling author, Lisa Watson. Today's feature, Interview With Danger, is heated and danger is lurking around the corner. Could it be that heroine, Sasha Lambert has created a situation too big for her to handle? Read on...
When Sasha Lambert’s debut novel, The Passport Diaries, hits the bookstores it quickly becomes a bestseller. Her ex-boyfriend, and Greek tycoon, Milo Georgopoulos, believes one of the characters in the book sheds a not-so-positive light on his own extracurricular activities.  He gives Sasha an ultimatum: Ditch the book or else.
     
Retired football player, Pierce Deveraux thinks he too has been placed between the pages of The Passport Diaries.  Determined to make Sasha pay for putting a ding in his knight-in-shining-armor image, Pierce contemplates how best to even the score.

Suddenly strange things start happening wherever Sasha goes. Even her twin sister, Dr. Sienna Lambert-Deveraux worries for her safety.  With an adoring assistant, an ambitious publicist, and jealous ex-lover vying for her attention, Sasha soon finds herself at the center of dangerous tug-of-war.  
 
Available in EBook and Tradeback:
Amazon:http://ow.ly/G0Kc30i8GJU
Sasha shut the door. By the time she turned around, he was standing right behind her. His face was a mask of impatience, and his hands were fisted at his sides. 

Sasha moved backward until her back connected with the front door.

“Pierce, what’s going on?”

“That’s exactly what I’d like to know,” he growled. “Have you lost your mind, Sasha? Do you know what you’ve done?”

She stared at him blankly. “I don’t understand. Will you stop beating around the bush and tell me the problem?”

“You are the problem,” he threw back. “You and your stupid book have ruined my life, Sasha…and you’d better believe you’re going to fix it.”

Her mouth dropped open. “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”

“Jacob Toliver.”

Sasha waited, but Pierce didn’t say anything else. Instead, he moved closer until he was crowding her. He folded his arms across his chest and stared at her. Finally, she threw her hands up. “What, are we playing twenty questions?”

“Jacob Toliver,” he repeated.

Sasha pinched the bridge of her nose. “I know who he is. I wrote the book, remember? I’m just wondering what my character has to do with this.”

“He’s me.”

Sasha’s eyebrows rose. “You…you think Jacob…is you?” She started to laugh, then pushed past him to go into the lounge. “He isn’t you, Pierce.”

He was right on her heels.

“Well, there are some people that disagree with you. In fact, the executives at the sporting goods store that just dropped me as an endorser would beg to differ…and the men’s apparel ad I was going to do and—”

“I don’t understand.”

“Apparently, a few of them read your book and thought your midnight Casanova was me. You just cost me three quarters of a million dollars,” Pierce said between clenched teeth.

Her smile faded. “What?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said. Apparently, they didn’t want a womanizing, strung-out playboy representing their brands. Considering these are family businesses, I can understand why,” he snapped.

She eyed him from head to toe. “Well, are you?”

His expression turned indignant. “Certainly not.”

“Then there you go.” Sasha threw up her hands in frustration. “Pierce, this is absurd. You could throw a stick and hit thousands of men that fit that same description.” 

“You know, your sister tried to say that, too. Obviously, the list is a lot smaller than either of you think,” he said dryly.

“Your claim is ridiculous. Why would anyone think it’s you?” The corners of her mouth elevated slightly.

He glowered at her. “You think this is funny?”

“No,” she answered, instantly contrite. “I’m sorry. It’s just that your accusations are outrageous.”

“Outrageous? My image has been damaged, and it’s your fault, Sasha. Do you know how hard I’ve worked to get back to where I was and just like that—”

“Wait, what do you mean back?”

“In less than three hundred pages,” he continued, ignoring her question, “of some smutty book it’s gone.”

Anger propelled her forward until she was in his face, her finger pointing at his chest. “Now wait a minute. Have you read it?”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Then you shouldn’t comment on things you know nothing about,” she shot back. “My book is not smutty. It has real merit, and it’s now a USA Today bestseller.”

“Really? Well, I hope it’s worth six figures, sweetheart, because I’ve got a mind to sue you for slander.”
About Lisa...
National bestselling author, Lisa Watson, is a native of Washington D.C., and writes in the Multicultural & Interracial, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, and Sweet Romance genres.  Having her debut novel nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction, sparked Lisa’s desire to continue creating engaging storylines, strong characters with universal appeal, and a keen sense of humor. They are drawn together by love, respect, and a strong family ties.

Lisa loves traveling, so weaving beautiful destinations into the pages of her novels as lush backdrops, or the heritage of her characters is not uncommon.

Her novels for the Harlequin's Kimani line, The Match Broker series: Love Contract, Her Heart's Desire, and Love By Design, introduced readers to matchmaking guru, Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker. Her Heart’s Desire, was listed as one of 2014’s Top 25 Books of the Summer, and Top 50 Best Reads. Book three, Love by Design was also one of the top contemporary romance Must-Read lists. Two hit the #1 and one the #3 spots on Amazon's Bestseller List.

Lisa’s novella, A Summer of Stars, is featured in the summer compilation, Summer Hearts: 6 Summer Tales of Sweet Romance. Her holiday-themed Sweet Romances, A Heart for Christmas, Two Hearts for Christmas, and A Fiancé for Christmas, are warm your heart love stories that center on family, and are great reads no matter what time of the year.

Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, is the co-publicist for RT BookReview Magazine's annual RT Booklovers Conventions, and former host for Reader’s Entertainment Radio show, and In Faith Network Radio show.

Married for twenty-one years, with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley, Lisa lives in Raleigh, NC, and is avidly working on a new Romantic Suspense for her Love and Danger series.

Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter(@LisaYWatson), Goodreads, Pinterest, Instagram, and www.lisawatson.com
Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
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20 Days Of Love, Chelle...

A heart so desperate for attention, yearning to be loved can be dangerous. When a woman finds herself in a precarious situation, she just may step beyond the vows. It's another 20 Days of Love and a writer Wednesday, and I'm today's featured author for . Read on...
The waiter came by to check on us and refresh our drinks. We thanked him.

“How long have you been married?”

“Five years.”

“So, what are you doing on those nights he’s gone away from home? Do you go out with your female friends?” Nick was sitting back in his chair running his fingers down his beard.

“No, they’re usually busy with their own lives. I’ve no one to hang with or talk to. I watch TV or go to sleep early when I’m not working on my business. My consulting hours are usually between four and seven. Afterwards, I just work on different ideas and marketing my business online. But there are many nights when it’s just me and my pillow,” I confided. I had no clue why I was telling him all of this. I knew I shouldn’t, but a part of me couldn’t help it.

His smoldering eyes were narrowed and heavy. I could only imagine the thoughts going through his head. A part of me was ashamed, because although I wasn’t looking to have an affair on my husband, I was looking to be desired by a man. I wanted someone to look at me the way Nick was looking at me now. It made me feel beautiful, sexy, desired, and womanly.

“Why don’t you pick up the phone and call me?”

“I thought you said you kept long hours, too?”

“I do. But I promise I’ll make time for you whenever you need it.” He reached out and grabbed my hand across the table.

I held my head down and looked at our hands clasped together on the table. This was something more than friends, yet not quite lovers. I felt the heat emanating from the two of us. I tried to ignore the look he was now pinning me down with, and I couldn’t. After a few awkward beats, I removed my hand from his.

“I’m sorry, Ambiance. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” he apologized.

“No, it’s okay. I guess I just needed to get that off my chest. And for some strange reason, I feel so comfortable talking to you. I almost feel as if I can tell you anything.”

He gave me a crooked half-smile.

“Look, baby girl, you can. You can trust me with anything, and I won’t let you down. Whatever you need, simply ask, and I’ve got your back. I think I’ve told you that before.”

“Yes, you have, and you’re so sweet for being so attentive to my needs. Whew! How did we get on me, anyway? I thought we were talking about you and your need to date.”

“We were. I wanted to talk about you. And hey,” he said, reaching out to grab my chin and lift my head up. He drew closer to me across the table, “I meant what I said. Call me on those nights. That’s what friends are for.” His mouth was saying friends, but his eyes were saying something else entirely.

I had lost my breath and my words. His eyes had me quaking on the inside.

20 Days of Love, Piper...

We're kicking off a new week of 20 Days of Love, and today's featured author is Piper Huguley. Her novel, Swan, showcases the town of Noelle and a bit of drama that's about to occur with the arrival of Avis Smith. Read on...
A beautiful woman with secrets comes to Noelle to confront a powerful person with the truth...and only six days left to save the town.

Avis Smith is willing to go to Noelle to marry a man she doesn’t know in order to avenge a fourteen year wrong--her abandonment to a life of misery and abuse when she was just six years old. In order to get to Noelle, she has to lie about who she is, but her thirst for vengeance is so strong, she transforms herself into the pious, beautiful bride that JD Jones wants. Still, she never expected to be abandoned at the altar. 

His work as an abolitionist and fighter for justice will not allow storekeeper Liam Fulton to turn his back on the beautiful woman his archenemy is willing to leave at the altar. He figures a way to help Avis out of her predicament, offers to showcase her in his store so that other potential grooms in Noelle will see her and might want to marry the young woman with the long and elegant neck. 

When swans mate, they mate for life. When Liam offers to help Avis, he never expects that in working with her to find a resolution to her problem, he discovers a fierce need to protect her. Avis doesn’t know that she might find something better than what she was looking for--a new way to a family and bonds of a strong and life-long lasting love.

Liam usually closed Cobb's Penn when it suited him. Avis's company meant the store stayed open, so he was surprised when he looked at his pocket watch and noticed it was nearly 10:30 at night. "My goodness. I guess we have been talking long enough. Let me show you how to close out for the day."

He pulled out his accounting books and showed her how to make note of barter and money. He noted her swiftness in adding long columns of figures. Her mind was sharp. She figured out the day's deposit ahead of him. Yes, God had certainly blessed him with a gift on Christmas Day when he hired Avis Smith. When everything had been put away, he made ready to walk her back to the house.

"You don't have to do that, Mr. Fulton."

"I most certainly do, Avis. And, I intend to keep doing it, no matter how long you are here. You've had quite a day." He didn't want to add that JD Jones could be lurking close by. It was best this way.

He helped her put on her long winter cloak and noticed how carefully she donned her mitts. "You like to keep your hands warm?"

"Yes," she said, and the look on her face changed to one of thoughtfulness. Liam closed the door to his shop and invited her to put her hand into the crook of his arm.

"Your fingertips should stay warm too, Miss Smith."

"Thank you." She said quietly and did as he suggested. He noticed the careful way she kept her gaze lowered as they walked together. It was cold, as any December day should be, but Liam wasn't noticing it with the gentle press of Avis's hand on his arm. Her touch felt good and right. He hadn't really given much thought to how alone he had been since the cruel death of his fiancée back in Pennsylvania during the war.

They took small careful steps. He didn't want to rush her, given how much had happened to her. Something in him warmed at being in her company, and he was reluctant to rush dropping her off.

"Here we are." Avis announced all too soon as he waited in front of the door of La Maison.

"Yes, I will be here for you at 8:30 in the morning to walk you to work."

Her pretty lips opened just a fraction, in protest, he supposed. He laid his finger on them. The warmth of her moist lips made contact with his finger, and the heat of her breath passed through him like a ripple on a lake. "No protesting, Miss Smith."

"Yes, Mr. Fulton. Thank you." The door opened, and a chattering gaggle of females pulled Avis inside and shut the door. Well, she would be well taken care of without him.

He turned from the door and started the walk back to Cobb's Penn. As he crossed the street, he saw a window shining with light from the abandoned saloon across the way. The lamp was extinguished when he looked up at it. Who was watching him? Was that person more concerned with him or with Avis? It did not matter. He would protect her regardless.
About Piper...
Piper G Huguley, named 2015 Debut Author of the Year by Romance Slam Jam and Breakout Author of the Year by AAMBC, is a two-time Golden Heart ®finalist and is the author of “Migrations of the Heart,” a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20th century featuring African American characters. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015, received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine, and won an Emma Award for best historical romance in 2017.

Her new series “Born to Win Men” starts with A Champion’s Heart as Book #1. A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.

She blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.
Connect with Piper... Blog: http://piperhuguley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piper.huguley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/piperhuguley

Sales: Amazon only: 
https://www.amazon.com/Swan-Seventh-Christmas-Order-Brides-ebook/dp/B077S6FKKQ

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He Knows the End From the Beginning...

Today's passage of Scripture is an encouraging one in times of turmoil and tribulation. See how our guest author grew in the midst of trials with help from Romans 8:28.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

The first time I heard this scripture in a sermon about the promises of God, I remember that my heart was filled with joy and peace,  and the verse was embedded in my soul. In the years since, I still react the same to Romans 8:28 because it has repeatedly been proven true in my life. One perfect example involved my retirement.  I had always planned to work until I was sixty-five, but harsh and unjust actions by my principal forced me to realize that at sixty-two, I had given my all and it was time to retire. As it turned out,  on the first day of the next school year,  my mother was rushed to the hospital ER. Had I still been working,  I would have missed the first four days of school! Sitting in the hospital,  I realized that for those who love God and seek his will, in the end, things will always work out in their best interest. 

Edwina Putney
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20 Days of Love, Tesa...

This Saturday we're celebrating day 3 of 20 Days of Love! We're preparing you for a month full of love, romance, and spice! We promise to warm up your hearts all month long, and today is no exception. Tesa Erven is here to share her latest novel from the Loose Ends series. You don't want to miss today's excerpt. Read on...
About What Could've Been...
In the fourth installment of The Loose End series, readers revisit Renee and Bradsen’s complex relationship. Will Bradsen be left holding the short end of the stick as Renee struggles with the idea of surrendering to love?

Desperation drives Renee to seek a professional ear, but has she waited too late to reclaim Bradsen’s heart? Will she be able to overcome her feelings of doubt before a mystery woman helps Bradsen reconnect with his past, or will she become one of the loose ends?
Renee hadn’t been on Bradsen’s luxury yacht since he’d broken the news to her about Kayron still being alive. An uneasy feeling came over her as they stood on the sun deck of the yacht. This was all so déjà vu for her.

“Bradsen, what are we doing here?”

“I brought you here so we could talk. Plus, I also have something for you,” Bradsen said, handing her an envelope.

Renee’s mind flashed back to the last time Bradsen said he had something for her on this deck. It wasn’t good news. She took a deep breath, not wanting to relive the old memories. What could it be this time? she thought. She hesitated to take the envelope from him, but Bradsen urged her on. She pulled out the contents and read them silently.

Renee raised her hand to her mouth and her eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious? Really? You really want to do this?”

“Yes.” He pulled her hand down and held it. “I love you, Renee. I think it’s about time for us to take the next step in our relationship.”

She continued to stare at the papers in disbelief until Bradsen got down on bended knee and asked, “Renee Lawson, will you go away with me?”

“Bradsen Myers, you are too funny. Of course, I’ll go to Italy with you.”

He stood to kiss her, leaving little doubt of his serious intent. “One day I’ll be back down on my knee. But only when you’re really ready.”

“Okay, when do we leave?” Renee asked, trying hard to be still and contain her excitement. She had never been to Italy before.

“How about now? We’ll dock at the nearest port and leave from there.”

“Now?” Looking confused by his response, she began to ramble. “But what about our clothes…our families...my business…your clients…?”

“Relax, baby. Everything has been taken care of,” he said as they set sail, leaving Renee to her thoughts.
SALES LINKS / CONTACT INFO:
www.tesaerven.com
www.amazon.com/author/tesaerven
Tesa Erven rocks the pen when it comes to writing contemporary romance fiction. Bursting onto the publishing scene in 2015, she has already captured a large reading audience with her four-book "The Loose End" series. Tesa's hectic life as a wife and mother of two children, while holding down a full-time job, is the steam that pushes her to create a private world of her own. This realm of unique, real and dramatic love stories is filled with suspense and riddled with plot twists. Escape into the world of this New Jersey romantic that will keep you intrigued and pondering what the next page will bring. You can visit her website at www.tesaerven.com or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authortesaerven
Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
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