Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 39

SHARON COOPER_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Love is a game of chance, a game that sometimes causes us to lose everything including our shirts when the stakes are high. But when there's passion, desire, and love coming into play, one man will risk all to gamble for the heart of a woman hired to protect him. When the professional lines are crossed, desire and romance can become blurred.

Sharon Cooper shares an excerpt from her novel, Sin City Temptation, on today's 20 Days of Romance post. Will the stakes be high enough for Trinity Layton to risk everything for? You'll have to read on to find out...



Blurb: Is love in the cards? Former police officer Trinity Layton will do anything to keep her personal security business afloat even—babysit professional poker player Gunner Brooks. Bizarre incidents have been plaguing the poker tour, and Trinity has been hired to keep Gunner safe. But when the gorgeous playboy convinces her to pose as his girlfriend, she might be the one who needs protecting, as their passionate charade quickly becomes all too real.  Excerpt:Gunner blew out an exaggerated breath. “Listen,” he drew closer and grabbed her hand, pulling her up from the chair, “I’m sorry for overreacting and if I embarrassed you, I’m sorry. I know you’re more than capable of handling assholes like the guy downstairs, but the thought of him putting his hands on you…” He backed away and adjusted the baseball cap on his head. He eventually turned back to her. “I didn’t like it.”
Trinity only stared. “I don’t know what to say. Except for ‘thank you.’” She slowly approached him. “In my line of work, guys that I date just assume that I can take care of myself. So coming to my rescue or shutting down advancements from other guys never happened. Your chivalry made me feel…special.”
Gunner pulled her into his arms. “You are special. Very special.”
He lowered his head until his lips covered hers. His tongue dueled with hers and Trinity knew she should push him away, but she couldn’t. She wanted him so badly. The more time she spent with him, the weaker her defenses became. Desire and need swam through her as the battle in her head continued. It wasn’t until Gunner gripped her butt that common sense kicked in.
“We should stop,” she said and tried to push him away, but he tightened his grip.
“I don’t think so. That kiss and the one from earlier clearly show that we are attracted to each other.”
Trinity met his gaze and took a nervous swallow. Saying that she was attracted to him was an understatement. Lately he was all she thought about, whether she was awake or dreaming.
“You’re right. I am attracted to you, but we can’t do this. Whatever this is.”
With his arms still wrapped around her, he placed feathery kisses on her cheek and worked his way down her neck.
“I disagree,” he said, his voice muffled against her neck. Trinity’s eyes drifted shut as she leaned into him, totally wrapped up in how good his mouth felt against her heated skin. “I think we should explore whatever this is between us and see where it goes.”
Trinity opened her eyes and sighed. She had to stop this and she had to stop it now.
“Gunner.” She pushed against his shoulder, this time freeing herself from his grip. “I can’t do this. You’re my client and I’m so sorry if I’ve led you on. I honestly didn’t mean to. I…I…I’m sorry, we just can’t do this.”
Gunner leaned against the back of the chair. His gaze trained on her. “So what you’re saying…” He rubbed his chin. “…is that we can’t see where this will lead because I’m your client.”
She nodded. “Yeah. I have already behaved unprofessionally, and for that, I’m sorry. The kisses, neither of them, should have happened.”
“Well.” He stood and moved over to the small mini bar, pulling a bottled water from the refrigerator. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I guess there’s only one thing to do.”
Trinity tilted her head. “And what’s that?”
“You’re fired.”
© 2015 by Sharon C. Cooper
Buy Links for SIN CITY TEMPTATION:
Amazon  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo
 
AUTHOR BIO:
Award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a metal sheet worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. from Concordia University in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication. Sharon is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just... WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY
 

MICHELLE STIMPSON_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

In the ordinary business of daily living, women can stop feeling sexy, no longer receive the romance from their husband, or take time to appreciate the wonderful things about their husband. This is especially true for new mothers. Sometimes, we lose our way in marriage and forget to cherish one another with the small acts we committed in the beginning of the relationship.
When your husband remembers just how sexy you are, and takes the time to make you feel as special as you did when you first became involved, it can lead to a very sensual encounter.

In today's 20 Days of Romance post, Michelle Stimpson shares the appreciation of a good man towards his woman, in an excerpt from her novel, No Weapon Formed.




EXCERPT:

The start of a romantic scene between LaShondra and Stelson Brown in No Weapon Formed.
 
Stelson led me into his office. The green trees and clear sky peeking through the vertical blinds gave me an appreciation for God’s handiwork. If only I’d had this landscape to gaze upon every now and then, my job would have been easier to bear.
The spacious room housed his desk, a full couch, a conference table for eight, and a wall full of plaques and certificates attesting to the company’s excellence.
Stelson shut the door behind us. “What’s up?”
I twirled to face him. “I did it.”
“Did what?”
“Took a leave of absence.”
The residue of anxiety drained from his countenance, replaced by a full grin as the corners of his eyes softened and lifted. He snatched me into an embrace and kissed my forehead. My cheeks. Finally, my lips. “Thank you.”
I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about the Zoe incident. Frankly, I was too embarrassed. I wished I hadn’t told Jerry, either.
“You’re welcome, baby.”
He tilted my chin up with an index finger, kissing me more deeply than before. A surge of fire ran from my head to my feet and back up again. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d kissed. Reallykissed.
“I’ve got a present for you.” His warm breath swept my nose.
“A present? How’d you know I was going to quit my job today?”
He walked to the office door and pressed a gold button to lock it. “I didn’t. I just knew that whenever, wherever my prayer was answered, I’d have a special thank you ready.”
I squinted. “A thank-you gift?”
He twisted the plastic rod that closed the blinds. “Yep.”
I whispered, “Stelson, what are you doing?” though I already knew the answer. Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of becoming a new mom, I’d forgotten how marvelously spontaneous my husband could be.

BUY THE BOOK:

AMAZON



ABOUT MICHELLE STIMPSON:

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994.  She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002.  She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking.  Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace.  She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.

Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship,in Dallas, TX. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations, and she has taught writing classes at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.

   I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...  
WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY   
 

LA QUETTE_ 20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

There's nothing like the love of a good man. And there's nothing more passionate and heated, when that man is sexy, confident, and makes you know that you're his.

La Quette shares that kind of love, passion, and desire in today's 20 Days of Romance blog post. Check out an excerpt from her new release, Divided Heart: Queens of Kings Book 2.






OVERVIEW:

She broke his heart...to rebuild his soul.


The last two years of Heart MacKenzie Searlington's life have been a constant forward motion of change. She's been promoted to NYPD captain of the seventy-fourth precinct in Brooklyn, a job she never wanted, but is slowly finding her way through with the help of a dedicated second in command and a house full of exemplary officers.


Married to the sexy and powerful mogul, Kenneth Searlington, Heart is living all of the dreams she never knew to ask for before she fell in love with the man that stole her heart. Although Kenneth bathes her in his love and devotion, insecurities from the past still haunt her and cast a dark veil over their union.


Kenneth Searlington knows only one thing, he worships his wife. He has a singular purpose: to love her as hard as he can for the rest of their lives and to neutralize any threat that dares to come up against them. But how does he protect them when that threat comes from the woman he loves?


Thrown by a devastating loss, Heart allows pain and despair to drive a wedge so large between them they may never be able to recover. Pushed beyond his limits, excluded and taken for granted, Kenneth has to decide whether to allow darker urges to control him, or to use his rage to fight for the one thing he adores, Heart.


Can they mend the rift, or will a divided heart end their legendary love?


**This book is part of a series and should be read in the order it was written.**
EXCERPT:He was a tall man with alabaster skin and midnight locks that fell beyond his shoulders and down his back. He was dressed in a crisp grey business suit that made his crystal blue eyes sparkle. He wore a knowing smile that said, “I know you know that I’m the ish.” He was a cocky bastard, true, but she had firsthand knowledge of just how amazing he really was. She also had firsthand knowledge that everything that self-assured smile promised, he was more than capable of delivering. He sat on her desk with his long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. Easy, calm, confident, and sexy as all hell.
“You know you’re risking life and limb by sitting on my desk like you own it, right?” she asked as she closed the door behind her. She looked around to make certain the blinds on her office windows and doors were in a closed position, this was a moment that was meant solely for the two of them.

“I may not own the desk, but I own the woman that it belongs to…so I kinda do own it if you think about it,” he said as the silky sureness of his voice traveled across the room and pulled her to him.Before she could say just how it happened, she was standing in front of him between spread legs, falling into the broad expanse of his chest. “You own me do you?” Her voice hitched as she felt his fingers skate from her fingers to her arms causing her skin to sizzle.

“I thought that’s what these rings we wear meant? I own you, you own me? Was I wrong?” He leaned in and placed a light kiss on her cheek, and just like any other time his skin met hers, a sensual burn began to singe the area where his lips had rested for only a brief second.“Mmmm,” she moaned. “You bet your pretty ass we belong to each other.” She wrapped her hand in his long tresses and pulled him to her, letting her body sink into his and searching for the connection only his kiss could bring. She found his warm, soft lips and mewled into the decadence of the pleasure they ignited inside her.

 “God I wish we were home instead of in my office.”ABOUT LA QUETTE:
A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaQuette spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator. Writing--her escape from everyday madness--has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Amazon, and her Facebook group, LaQuette's Lounge.BUY THE BOOK:Smarturl.it/DividedHeartI hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY

CHRISTINA JONES_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Emotional creatures, women sometimes experience difficulty in expressing their feelings to the man of their dreams. Whether it stems from fear of rejection, or some other deep place within, we can sometimes have a misguided way of showing the one we love that we want him ohhh so bad!

Author Christina Jones shares that type of love in her 20 Days of Romance blog post as she shares an excerpt from Catch Me If You Can.


OVERVIEW:

Diligence. Focus. Agility.

For Naomi Prescott, it’s not just a cute little saying. It’s a critical mantra, words to live by if she wants to retain her freedom, and more importantly, her life. Impeccable planning is the only way to ensure she sets off the small flutters that will trigger the big ripple she needs to pull off the score of a lifetime — no matter the stakes.

FBI Agent Marcus Calloway is a straight-shooter… if you overlook his sometimes unconventional, law-skirting, expensive ways of solving a case. A big arrest would do wonders to restore his reputation, and he has one woman in mind: Jolie Voleuse

Unforeseen circumstances force them into a closer proximity than either — especially Naomi — would like to be. Sparks fly, and as surely as fire ignites,eventually their undeniable chemistry combusts into a passion that neither expected as they join forces in the dangerous pursuit of a common bounty.


EXCERPT:


 “I’m not going anywhere,” Marcus chuckled. “Do you know what time it is?  I’m about to shower, then go to sleep.  You should do the same.”
Naomi licked her teeth, trying hard to think of something a little more articulate than “I’m grown. I’ll do what I wanna.”  When nothing came to mind, she simply opened the door, but before she could make it out, Marcus was right there, slamming it shut as he pulled her away.
“Naomi, I’m not kidding. It’s late.  I’ll take you tomorrow, but we’re in for the night.  I didn’t go to the beach earlier when you didn’t wanna go, because we’re supposed to be sticking together.  You can stay in.”
“Let. Me. Go.” Naomi hissed through clenched teeth, trying to pull her arm from Marcus’s grasp.
“Are you gonna stay in?”
“No.”
“Then no.”
At that, every other emotion Naomi felt turned into anger. Marcus didn’t want to let her go dance it off? Fine.  She had another way to disperse her anger, and since no punching bag was available… he would do just fine.
She aimed for his jaw, sending a swift punch that he barely dodged, but he let her go.
“What the hell, Naomi?”
“I told you to let me go,” she snapped, ending her statement with a smirk as she turned for the door.
“And I said we’re staying in.”
This time, he grabbed both arms, to keep her from swinging, but Naomi was prepared for that. She jerked her head back as hard as she could, and tried to ram him, then grinned in satisfaction when he shoved her away to avoid the blow to the face.
She turned around, hiked her dress up around her thighs and got into a boxing position, heels and all. “We’re dancing or we’re boxing, Marcus.  Your call.”
He sucked his teeth. “I’m not afraid of you, Naomi, I’m trying not to kick your ass.”
“Yeah… how about you try not to get your ass kicked instead?”
And… she attacked.  At first, Marcus easily dodged the lazy blows she aimed at him, but Naomi could tell he had to work a little harder the fiercer she got.  She handed out body punches, crosses, jabs, hooks, and uppercuts until finally she landed a body shot to his stomach.
“Goddammit, Naomi, will you cut this out?” He asked, slapping her fist away as she tried to catch him with another jab to the jaw.
“No. I’m sick of your face!”
She screamed, shocked when he caught her wrist with the next blow, pulling her close to try to grab the other.
“I’m gonna handcuff you to the toilet if you don’t stop.”
“You’d have to catch me first, jerk!” She slammed her heel down over his bare foot, but had the modicum of mercy it took not to grind it in as he let her go.  She scrambled across the bed, determined to go, but Marcus caught her ankle and pulled her back.
The impact of her body against the mattress took her breath away, giving him the necessary time to flip her over, climb on top and pin her to the bed.
“Will you stop? Please?”
Chest heaving, Naomi pulled the last of her energy into a head-butt attempt, making Marcus swear as he reared back. “Naomi!”
“Shove it! I’m sick of looking at you, sick of hearing you, sick of hearing about you, sick of smelling your cologne, sick of being around you!”
What she didn’tmention was the illness she’d started developing over the days he didn’t come by the gym, the times he didn’t touch her when he flirted with her in front of the parents, and she didn’t admit she was positively unwell over the feeling of his lips on her forehead that day at the gym, wishing he would kiss her lips instead.
Instead, she hardened her expression into a fierce scowl, wishing her eyes could set his hair on fire as he hovered over her, keeping her immobile. In the meanest, most scornful tone she could muster, she asked, “Why won’t you just go awa—“
Marcus must have heard something else in her voice. Before she could finish her statement, his mouth was on hers, swallowing those harsh words as teeth clicked and tongues wrestled in a passionate kiss that Naomi wouldn’t have stopped if she could.  He dominated her mouth, teasing, and tasting and dipping and sucking until moisture began to pool between her thighs.
 
 
BIO: Christina Jones is a budding author on a mission to show the beautiful — but not always pretty — journey of love in all stages, with a focus on people of color. When she’s not immersed in writing it, Christina is an avid reader of her favorite genre, African American romance.
Her first published work was released in November 2013, and since then, she has released ten titles:
Love and Other Things, Strictly Professional, Unfinished Business, The Trouble With Love, Finding Forever, Chasing Commitment, A Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Didn’t Mean To Love You, Catch Me If You Can, & Fall In Love Again
 Christina resides in Arkansas, with her husband and daughters.
 Author page on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christina-C-Jones/e/B00H5FYEDC
Read her blog: www.BeingMrsJones.com
Follow her on Twitter: @BeingMrsJones


I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY 

ADRIENNE THOMPSON_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Love can be passionate, love can be tempting, love can be blinding, and sometimes love can make you oh so crazy...or do some of the craziest things.

But none of that matters when you're spending time with the one you love. Today's 20 Days of Blog post comes from Adrienne Thompson's novel, Your Love Is King (A 2015 Emma Award Finalist).








 EXCERPT
When Raheem DeVaughn’s “You” began to play, he opened the door, stood next to the car, and reached for my hand. “Dance with me.”
“Out here? On the parking lot?”
He nodded. “Yes, right here, right now.”
I shrugged, thinking to myself that he was crazy and that anyone who saw us would think we were both crazy. I took his hand and let him pull me into his arms. With his phone sitting on the roof of his car providing the music, we danced beneath the stars on the hospital parking lot. I closed my eyes and thought to myself that I loved the way his arms felt around me. Just like he said, I was a perfect fit—we were a perfect fit for each other.
I opened my eyes and looked up at his face. His eyes were closed as he mouthed the words to the song, and he looked so handsome. I reached up and gently caressed his cheek, letting my fingers fall to graze his neck. I wanted to kiss him so badly. I always wanted to kiss him.  I couldn’t get enough of him or his kisses or the feeling of his arms around me. Was I in love with him? If I wasn’t, I definitely wanted to be, and the feeling of wanting to be in love was strange, almost foreign to me. I’d spent most of my adult life running away from that feeling.
He opened his eyes and grasped my hand as it traveled to his chest. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it softly. Then he leaned forward and kissed my lips again. When we finally parted, it was well past the time for me to return to work. Chris walked me to the employee entrance and I glided into the ER with a smile on my face. Throughout the remainder of my shift, my thoughts were of Chris and his kisses. I couldn’t wait to see him again.
Your Love Is King is currently on sale for $2.99!! GET YOUR COPY:
Kindle: http://ow.ly/qL0Pd 
Nook: http://ow.ly/qL0Xd 
Kobo: http://ow.ly/qL1v5 
Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/qL1C3
Link to book trailer: http://youtu.be/V6HGpPogtho

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.


CONNECT WITH ADRIENNE:

Website: http://adriennethompsonwrites.webs.com/

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I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY

KIRU TAYE_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

When people play the game of deception and manipulation, someone may just lose everything. Especially as the stakes climb higher and the only prize at stake is someone's heart. Kiru Taye shares an excerpt on 20 Days of Romance from her novel, Riding Rebel, the third book in the Essien series.


BLURB:

Seen as the rebel Essien, Tony has always felt like an outsider. With a daredevil lifestyle, he’s more at home in leathers than in a suit, and more likely to be seen gracing the red carpets at a movie premiere with a starlet draped on his arms than in a boardroom. Still, he’s determined to prove himself to his family and build a successful movie business. Spotting Rita Dike at an event, he sees the potential star of his new movie and his next pleasure conquest.
Rita is a journalist looking for her big break. When she inherits the journal of her late best friend who claims Tony is not an Essien, she spots the perfect scoop. Her acting classes come in handy when she has to pose as an actress to get closer to Tony. Succumbing to the charms of dark and brooding Tony might just be the only way to get through the close ranks of the Essien family.
But as she gets closer to the truth, Rita risks losing the riding rebel who’s raided her heart. Can love heal hearts or will deceit break them?

EXCERPT:


His grip on her arm tightened and he increased his pace as they headed across the polished marbled floor of the lobby to the lifts. She stumbled. He swivelled, grasped her shoulder, and pulled her into him to save her from falling over. He'd forgotten she was tottering on sky-high-heeled shoes. He really shouldn’t be such a bastard no matter how pissed off he was at the situation.
His panting breath mingled with hers, their faces only an inch apart. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she whispered in a breathy voice, surprisingly subdued.
The urge to kiss her rose, watering his mouth. They stood in the middle of a busy lobby with prying eyes and mobile phone cameras. Tomorrow, their pictures would be splashed all over the Internet. It never bothered him when that happened. However Rita's artless demeanour indicated she wasn't used to the limelight. Something in him wanted to shield her from the exposure.
So he tamped down his desire and tilted her head up so she had to look into his eyes. Her soft, smooth skin felt warm and beautiful brown irises met his hesitantly. "I'm going to call the lift and go up to my room. It's your choice if you want to come up or not."
"What..." She sucked in a breath as if gathering strength to say what she needed. "What do you want from me?"
"I want to fuck you," he said in low voice meant for her ears only.
Her lips parted, her breath hitched. The pulse on her neck thundered and her throat rippled as she swallowed. But she didn't back away and her saucer-wide eyes turned molten brown with lust.
There. He had his answer. She wanted him. Would she let him fuck her? Because that's what it would be. In his world, sex was about fucking. Wild, animalistic, unrestrained rutting. He would see to her pleasure again and again. Still, it wouldn’t be sweet and it wouldn’t be loving.
A lift opened and a man stepped out. Tony released her and walked into the lift.
Turning, he faced her. Enough game playing. She had to come to him of her own volition.
She stood there looking sexy as sin as she bit her bottom lip and her forehead puckered in a frown as if she wondered why he'd left her in the lobby.
"I'm not going to drag you into the lift, if that’s what you were expecting." His fingers itched to do it, though. He didn't want to contemplate that she would turn around and walk away. Yet he had to give her the opportunity. "You have to walk into this lift yourself if you want me."
She glanced behind her and took a hesitant step backward.
His heart thundered. She was going to run. He held his breath and counted to ten to stop from stepping out and grabbing her arm. Instead, he jammed his finger into the door hold button and waited. Seconds ticked by that felt like hours. Sweat beaded his forehead.
She looked up and met his gaze. "Can you make the pain go away?"BUY THE BOOK:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJ16QDW/hubp0a34-20Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SJ16QDW/hubp0a34-20Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/riding-rebel-kiru-taye/1121100886?ean=2940046525588iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/riding-rebel-essien-trilogy/id961035636?mt=11All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ridingrebel-1732740-178.htmlSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/512264Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Riding-Rebel-Essien-Trilogy-Volume/dp/1505822122/ref=tmm_pap_title_0Paperback UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Riding-Rebel-Volume-Essien-Trilogy/dp/1505822122/ref=tmm_pap_title_0ABOUT KIRU:A lover of books, as a teenager Kiru Taye used to read novels under the blanket during lights-outs in boarding school. These days, with a young family to take care of, she's still sacrificing sleep for the pleasures of a good book. After over ten successful years in the corporate rat race, she has chosen a different kind of creative challenge—transforming her wildly vivid imagination into sensual, atmospheric romance stories with passionate characters. When she’s not writing or reading, she's hanging out with family and friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UK with husband and children.CONNECT WITH KIRU:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKiruTayeTwitter: https://twitter.com/KiruTaye  or @KiruTayePinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kirutaye/Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Kirutaye/postsGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5242699.Kiru_TayeBlog: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.co.uk/Website: http://kirutaye.com/I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY

AUDREY FORD_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

The sweet love of forgiveness is incomparable. In life we become overwhelmed by the joys and sorrows that life brings. Oftentimes, those closest to us feel the hurt and the weight of daily burdens that we carry. And when this occurs, we forget to treasure and cherish the one closest to us.

Sometimes after years of marriage, couples can begin to take one another for granted. But there's no romance like discovering your true love, and why you fell in love in the first place. Today, Audrey Ford, shares such a love as this, in her novel, The Sweet Taste of Love, on 20 Days of Romance...



Ron reached for his hand and walked over to the leather couch and stepped up on the couch still holding Gregory’s hand. “What are you doing?” Gregory asked, looking at her standing on the cushions of the couch. “I’m going to kiss my husband,” Ron said, smiling and putting her arms around his neck. This is how she used to kiss him when they first started dating.  Because he was so tall, she would complain of a neck ache. Ron kissed him softly at first and then he parted his lips to receive her tongue. Gregory savored the taste of her, putting his arms around her waist. Ron could feel his arousal against her stomach, she leaned into him and he felt her breasts on his chest. It had been too long since they desired each other this way.
Ron came up for air first, placing small kisses on his mouth. She hugged Gregory to her. “What was that for?” Gregory asked in her ear. “I love you and I’m sorry that I led you to believe that I didn’t. I have always loved you and I love you for what you did for my aunt. Thank you, Gregory,” Ron said with her arms still around him. Gregory pulled back to look in Ron’s face. “You’re welcome and I love you too, baby,” Gregory said, kissing her on her neck.
Ron held on to him, loving the feel of Gregory in her arms. How could she have been so stupid? This was the only man she had ever loved and she had almost lost him. If Gregory was leaving on the next train going to hell, then her bags would be packed and she would be going, too. Get your copy of The Sweet Taste of Love on: AMAZON: Paperback OR Kindle
BARNES AND NOBLE:

Paperback


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Audrey Ford grew up an army brat, living in Germany for most of her young life. It was during this time that she developed a love for books and discovered her passion for writing. At a young age, she was reading books that were suited for adults because children’s books didn’t challenge her.
Audrey is the acquisitions editor for Artistic Words Publishing. This position gives her the opportunity to do what she loves the most, read books! Audrey has over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry. She started in the insurance industry as a licensed Insurance Agent and then went on to become a multi-licensed Claims Representative. While in that position, she honed her people skills, being able to understand what people need before they ask for it.
She has a passion for books and people, and possesses an eye for great talent. Audrey is also the self-published author of The Sweet Taste of Love and A Touch of Love. She currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her partner Rick Harper. Audrey is also working on her third novel.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...
WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY

CHICKI BROWN_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

What happens when love comes knocking unexpectedly at your door? Sometimes we find ourselves attracted to some of the unlikeliest people, or meeting them in some of the unlikeliest forums. Rhani Drake seems to have found herself in just that situation. Today, Chicki Brown is sharing an excerpt from her hot new novel, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, on 20 Days of Romance.


BOOK BLURB:

New York City on-air television personality Greg Stafford is different from his brothers. He has a secret that none of the family knows about until he is arrested and the story hits the media. A scandal ensues, and he is suspended from his job for breaking the morality clause in his contract. In order to keep his position, he is ordered to submit to therapy. Little does he know that the woman who will become his counselor will become the most important person in the world to him.
EXCERPT:
 “Something definitely out of the ordinary happened to me today. I can’t give you the details, but I had a client this afternoon that made me really uncomfortable.”“For real?” Katandra asked with wide, rounded eyes. “You, the sex therapist? I didn’t think anything could shock you.”“I didn’t say I was shocked. The uneasiness didn’t come from what he said. It was him.”“Why? What did he do?”“He didn’t have to do anything. His mere presence caused the apprehension.”“What was wrong with the guy? Or can’t you tell us?”“Obviously he came to me because he has issues, but I found it difficult to concentrate on his words because of his…aura, for lack of a better word. When he walked into my office, the air changed.”Katandra snickered. “He must’ve been seriously funky.”“Kat!” Rhani glared at her. “I mean the atmospherechanged, and it wasn’t just because he’s make-you-drool fine. He had sex coming out of his pores. There are some men who don’t have to say a word. All they have to do is stand there.” She groaned. “I’ve had some male clients who thought they were raw sex on a stick, but this one really is. Nothing like this has ever happened to me on the job or off.”Joie studied her for a moment. “Uh oh. This guy really had an effect on you. You’re wondering whether you should counsel him, aren’t you?”She sighed again. “Yes, I’ve never been so attracted to a man in my life, and this one came to me for help. It’s so…unethical.”One corner of Katandra’s mouth rose along with one eyebrow. “So, what’s his problem?”“Typical stuff. Multiple partners, dangerous behavior, etc. Knowing all that, how could I be attracted to him to begin with? What does it say about me?”“It says you’ve been without a man for a loooong time, and you just ran into the one who shakes your tree. What are you going to do?”“I’m not sure. He’s scheduled to come twice a week for the next three months. If I’m going to do anything, I need to do it now.”The friends were silent for several minutes before their meals arrived. The moment the server left the table, Rhani continued. “The strange thing is he wasn’t the least bit friendly. In fact, he seemed a bit hostile.”“What reason does he have to be hostile? Oh, wait,” Joie folded her hands under her chin and met Rhani’s gaze. “He’s not seeing you of his own free will, is he? Somebody else is making him get counseling. Am I getting warm?”Rhani dropped her gaze. “Look, I’ve already said too much. What I need to do is consult with a colleague for advice on how to handle the situation. Let’s eat and talk about something else, please.”   I have my copy, don't forget to get yours... BUY THE BOOK:  Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SRZUGTK Nook – http://bit.ly/1JIsdkS  CONTACT CHICKI:Blog: http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com  Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Chicki663  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chicki663/ Amazon Central Author Page: http://amzn.to/l2kjXQ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/qcsiMD


I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY 

CATHY JO_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Sometimes romance and love comes in the sweetest form. But you know that it's real when it's built on pure respect, and not physical attraction alone. Cathy Jo shares that type of love today, from her novel, No More Expectations, on our 20 Days of Romance post.

There's something to be said for a man who really respects a woman, heart, mind and soul. Especially when she makes a stand for what she believes in, and he has her back through it all.

BLURB:

Two hundred six pounds lighter, Brianya Johnson is ready to get back into the dating scene. One glitch, she's celibate and the three men that she finds herself dating really need to respect that.


EXCERPT:

“Can I ask you something, Ed?” Brianya said as they walked toward her car.
“That depends,” Ed said.
Brianya looked amused. “On what?”
“On whether or not you mind if I choose not to answer.”
Brianya laughed, remembering that’s exactly what she had said to Ed the other night.
“Seriously, I don’t mind.”
Without further preamble she blurted out, “Why me?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’re a good looking man. You’re educated and smart. You’ve got a good job. Got all your hair and your own teeth.” Ed burst out laughing. “You don’t live in your parents’ basement. And you could have any beautiful non-celibate woman out here. So, why me?” Brianya’s heart beat fast. She didn’t mean to be so forward, but the question was out in the universe now.
Ed appeared to choose his words carefully. “Funny you should ask that, because as we were sitting in the coffee shop and I was telling you about my career choice, I asked myself the same thing. It’s weird how you can be talking about one thing and thinking about another,” he said offhandedly.
To the long list of perfect qualities, Brianya added ‘intellectually stimulating.’ They could have a completely separate conversation on that subject alone, since she had minored in psychology.
“Here’s what I came up with,” Ed continued, “the heart wants what the heart wants. Simple as that. I know that’s oversimplifying the answer, but that’s it in a nutshell.”
They reached Brianya’s car. She asked, “Can you be more precise?”
“You’re not cutting me any slack are you? All right, Miss Johnson, here it is, precisely. When I see you as you are today and I remember you as you were a few years back, I’m in awe of you. Back then, you were a woman who obviously had some issues with food but you still carried yourself with dignity. You always had yourself together; your appearance was impeccable. I’d heard the rumors about how your boyfriend treated you; he made jokes to your face about your weight, that he got some woman pregnant, and he left you for her.” As Ed talked, his eyes never left Brianya’s.
Brianya looked away, old hurts resurfacing.
Ed turned her face back toward him and continued talking. “When I saw the weight start to come off, and I heard the rumors about why and how you were losing it, I knew that none of it was true. A body like yours doesn’t happen over night; that’s something that you had to work at. I was proud of you and I silently rooted for you. As more and more of the weight came off, I noticed how much more confident your stride was when you walked to the elevator every morning. Most women who had been through what you had would’ve given up and given in. But not you. You fought back and you won. I don’t know if you knew how long and hard that road was gonna be, but you stuck it out.”
Brianya smiled a little, thinking about all the times she wanted to give up and how Lonnie wouldn’t let her. At the thought of Lonnie, her expression changed.
Ed looked at her puzzled. “I’m serious, Brianya. Everything I’ve said to you is true. When my wife served me with divorce papers and I knew my marriage was over, I made up my mind that when everything was final, I would approach you. I knew that I wanted a woman like you—a woman with fortitude and determination—in my life.” The words had come out rapid-fire, as if he didn’t get it all out in 30 seconds or less a timer would go off and Brianya wouldn’t believe another word. “Then you tell me that you’re celibate and that ratchets up the respect meter for you a few more notches and it makes you that much more desirable. Now, I’m getting to know your mind and I like what I’m learning. So if you tell me you’re saving yourself for your husband, I can’t do anything except respect that. It makes me want to get to know even more about you.” Ed removed his hand from Brianya’s face and let it drop to his side.
“Wow! Ask and you shall receive,” Brianya said, quoting a familiar scripture. “Thank you for your praise and that beautiful compliment, Ed.”
Ed smiled in reply. He took Brianya’s hands in his and moved in close. “I’ve wanted to do this all night. May I kiss you?”
Brianya stepped back. She shook her head. “No,” she whispered.
“I understand,” Ed’s tone was flat. “How about a hug, then?”
“I think I can handle that.” Her nervousness showed in the quavers in her voice. The embrace was light, but Ed’s arms felt like a fortress. Brianya had thought the hug would be safer than a kiss, but she was wrong. She quickly pulled herself from Ed’s embrace and mashed the unlock button on her key fob.
“Can we get together for lunch next week?” Ed asked, as Brianya got into her car.
“Sounds doable. Just let me know when.” She fastened her seatbelt and looked shyly at Ed. “Thanks for the tea and cheese.”
Ed nodded. “Drive safely.” Brianya watched through the rearview mirror as Ed watched her drive out of sight, and let out a huge sigh. Oh my goodness! What just happened?BUY THE  BOOK:To read the rest of the story, please visit my Web site, Twisted Word Publishing and click on any of the links to purchase the book in hard copy. You may also purchase the book in e format from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords, which carries all e formats. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cathy Jo started out as an orator at the age of 11 and gradually moved to the written word. Some of her fondest memories are of going to the neighborhood library on some Saturdays and perusing the shelves for books with stories that were very different from her life. When not reading, she would often write in the little orange diary that her mother had given her. Among her early writings are plays, songs, poems, and short stories.
With a desire to share her writings with others, Cathy Jo published her first book, Transitions: short stories for a rainy day, in May 2011. When she isn’t writing, she’s busy reading, studying, or ministering to those who want to learn about God and Jesus. Her favorite reading material is first and foremost spiritual—the Bible being right there at the top. Among her favorite fiction genres to read are mystery, women’s fiction, chick lit, and suspense. Other activities Cathy Jo enjoys include traveling, listening to music (all kinds), going to the movies, the theater, and Hulu (online TV). Cathy Jo hails from Cleveland, Ohio, where she’s lived all her life.CONNECT WITH CATHY JO:FACEBOOKTWITTERBLOG: http://www.twistedwordpublishing.comWEBSITE: http://www.twistedwordpublishing.comEMAIL: cathyjo@twistedwordpublishing.comI hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY

TE` RUSS_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Hello, hello, hello!!! It's another Fab Friday, here on Writing My Dreams. And today, my girl Te` Russ is stopping by for a little hot romance on 20 Days of Romance post. She always has the most temperamental divas as her female characters, and hottest, sexiest heroes coming to put their women in check! Today she's sharing an excerpt from her novel, Love After War, and heating up the pages of this blog.



About the book:
Connie and Drew have been butting heads since they were teenagers. With Connie refusing to talk about anything from their past, Drew has never figured out what made them go from friends to enemies.
Drew decides to finally get to the root of their lifelong feud when Connie ends up in Texas for a remodeling project. When the truth comes out, it just might bring out some feelings both of them have been refusing to acknowledge for over a decade.
 
 
 
 

 
Excerpt:
 He took her chin in between his thumb and finger and turned her face to look her in the eyes.
“Carter Ray was nothing!” he said with conviction. “Nothing but a selfish bastard who didn’t appreciate the gift that was you.”
She watched his jaw tense and felt him tighten his arms around her body. “The man never loved you like you should have been loved. The way I would have loved you. You have no idea how much it killed me over the years to think of you with him. Having him... touch you…I can almost guarantee that to this day, the man never truly knew your body. Not the way I do.”
She turned in his lap so that she could look him more fully in the face. “But we only made love for the first time last night.”
“And he still never knew you or your body, the way I do.”
He reached up and ran his hand through her hair and pushed her bangs aside to reveal a scar on her forehead. “I bet he doesn’t know that you got this scar when you were seven years old, learning how to ride a bike and you fell off.”
He then slowly slid his hand up her leg, pushing her skirt up and caressed her knee. “Or when you were ten and you were climbing a tree with us boys and fell out and broke your leg. You were in that cast for six weeks.”
“And you took care of me even then,” she said, in a whisper filled with emotion.
Because I loved you even then, he thought. Instead, he continued his trip down memory lane on her body, inching her skirt up even more to grip her thigh, before moving his hand to her shirt. He pulled it up and over her head letting it fall to the floor and skimmed his finger across her stomach. Her belly quivered at his touch.
“Of course, there was the time when you were twelve and you slid home while we were playing kick ball in that terrible field, left this scar on your stomach.”
“You were trying to make sure I got out, since you were covering home base,” she whispered, smiling.
“Yes. You were always trying to hang with the guys and we know how competitive you are.”
His hand slid up her stomach, and left a heated trail across her breasts. He pulled her close and ran his hands up and down her back.
“When you were fourteen, you got poison ivy all over your back…”
“And you stayed with me the whole time when I couldn’t hang out with everyone.”
Finally his trip ended at the tiny scar under her bottom lip. “You were fifteen when you got this,” he said quietly, brushing his thumb softly across her lip. “You tried to do a flip off the diving board. It didn’t end well.”
“I also chipped my tooth when that happened.” She had no idea how she could even think straight at this point, with him touching her the way he was. Her body was so aroused, she could feel it humming with passion.
“You were so upset, you told me no boy would ever want to kiss you after that.”
“You assured me that wasn’t true.”
“I wanted to show you how much it wasn’t true. Of course, it was near the end of the summer when that happened, so I never got the chance. You hadn’t fully healed by the time we had to leave Galveston. And the next summer, things didn’t end so well between us….”
She shook her head. “You were always there for me Drew. Always. Even after we weren’t friends anymore, you were there whenever I needed you most.”
He cupped the back of her neck and pulled her close enough so that their lips were inches apart.
“Like I said earlier, that’s all in the past. Let’s just focus on the future, and even more, let’s focus on the present. And right now, I’m very focused on you and what you’re doing to me.”

GET YOUR COPY OF LOVE AFTER WAR!

    About the Author:
 Growing up an introvert, Té Russ found solace in literary arts at an early age. She found reading to be a vehicle to broader horizons and writing a form of self-expression. She began writing love stories in her adolescent years as a way to expel her youthful thoughts of love into words. Since then she has gone from writing stories and thoughts of love in journals to attending college for journalism and falling in love, which has allowed those youthful words of love to blossom into a series of stories in her romance novels. Though she has an immense appreciation for the sheer smell that books collectively exert, she also has found balance to her introverted nature with adrenaline inducing activities. So if she does not have her nose pressed deeply into a book or her pen ticking through a pad, you may also find this mother of three baking some tasty treats, jumping out of airplanes, cheering her husband on at the top of her lungs at MMA fights, buzzing down the interstate on the back of motorcycles, or kayaking. Connect with Te`Russ: 
Facebook Page 
Facebook Profile
Twitter
Blog
Email: terussnovels@gmail.com
Books available on Amazon  
 I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY