Jerrie Alexander's Blog, page 5
March 3, 2014
Blog tour with Cold Day in Hell
Marcus, Diablo, and I are hanging out with some old friends and meeting new ones today! I hope you’ll stop by one of these blogs and say hello!
Romantic Reads and Such, Deal Sharing Aunt, A Passion for Romance Vampires, Werewolves and Fairies Oh My, A Little Bit of R&R, Sizzling Hot Books, You Gotta Read Reviews, In Shadows, Becky on Books, Lusty Penguin Reviews, Snifferwalk, Must Read Faster, My Erotic Notions, and Inner Goddess Forum!
March 1, 2014
Debut of Hurricane Crimes by Chrys Fey
Title: Hurricane Crimes
Author: Chrys Fey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: eBook
Page Count: 51 (short story)
Official Release Date: March 5th 2014
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Book Links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B00GVK921G
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GVK921G
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00GVK921G/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18757793-hurricane-crimes
Blurb:
*Hurricane Crimes is a short story.*
After her car breaks down, Beth Kennedy is forced to stay in Florida, the target of Hurricane Sabrina. She stocks up supplies, boards up windows, and hunkers down to wait out the storm, but her plan unravels when she witnesses a car accident. Risking her life, she braves the winds to save the driver. Just when she believes they are safe, she finds out the man she saved could possibly be more dangerous than the severe weather.
Donovan Goldwyn only wanted to hide from the police, but the hurricane shoved his car into a tree. Now he’s trapped with a beautiful woman while the evidence that can prove his innocence to a brutal crime is out there for anyone to find.
As Hurricane Sabrina wreaks havoc, Beth has no other choice but to trust Donovan to stay alive. But will she survive, or will she become another hurricane crime?
Excerpt:
On the television set, which was fighting to stay alive, was breaking news. She caught bits and pieces of it as she emptied the bowl of blood-tainted water and threw out the cloth. It was about a high-speed chase that had occurred about a half-hour ago. Beth shook her head. Apparently, Donovan wasn’t the only idiot driving around during a hurricane.
She went back into the living room and began replacing all the medical supplies into the first-aid kit. Behind her, a reporter was explaining that the driver of the car was believed to be a murder suspect.
“The name of the—”
The lights flashed, prompting Beth to snatch up her flashlight.
“Donovan Goldwyn.”
Her fingers went cold around the plastic tube as ice frosted her veins. She straightened her spine and turned stiffly to the television, her heart wasn’t beating in her chest. On the screen was the picture of the man who was right now changing in her bedroom. Above it was a caption in bold letters that read—SUSPECT.
She gripped the flashlight in her frozen fingers. Her heart thudded fearfully. She stared into the immobilized violet eyes through the glass.
“Oh my god,” she gasped.
She had brought a murderer into her home!
Bio:
Chrys Fey’s debut, Hurricane Crimes, was published by The Wild Rose Press. Mid 2014, she will be coming out with her second romantic-suspense eBook, 30 Seconds. She created the blog Write with Fey to offer aspiring writers advice and inspiration. She lives in Florida where she is ready to battle the next hurricane that comes her way.
Author Links:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysfey
Blog: www.writewithfey.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ChrysFey
Google +: www.google.com/+ChrysFey
February 20, 2014
Cover Reveal – Taking Nicole by Krystal Shannan
TAKING NICOLE
Vegas Mates, Book 4
By
Krystal Shannan
The last thing Nicole Demakis remembers was getting in the car with Sarah’s kidnapper and driving away. Now she faces the cold hard truth. The kidnapper, an agent of the Council, is her mate. But he refuses to claim her, and the Council may take everything away before she even has a chance to convince him to trust her.
Aaron Katsaros was ordered to deliver Nicole to her grandparents, the Antipas royal wolves. It should’ve been an easy task. Clean. No hiccups. But this infuriating woman, this wolf, his mate…is one hiccup after another and she’s arousing him to the point of pain. With his sister’s life hanging in the balance, he refuses to allow his passion to cost him the only family he has left.
Can he find a way to save his mate, or will he be forced to watch another claim the woman he loves?
RELEASES MARCH 13th
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Krystal Shannan goes to sleep every night dreaming of mythical realms with werewolves, vampires, fae, and dragons. Occasional a fabulous, completely human story slips into the mix, but powers and abilities usually crop up without fail, twisting reality into whatever her mind can conceive.
As a child, her parents encouraged her interests in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and all things historical and magickal. As an adult, the interests only grew. She is a child of Neverland and refuses to ever stop believing in fairies. She is guilty of indulging in and being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer groupie as well as an Angel fan. For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Joss Whedon, you are missing out!
She also makes sure to watch as many action and adventure movies as possible. The more exciting the better. Yippee-Ki-Yay… If you don’t know the end of that phrase, then you probably don’t like the same movies.
She enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. Her favorite book is ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon. But really, if it has a ‘Happily Ever After’, she’s on board!
Krystal writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and heart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely-paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. However, for those looking for a magickal ride, filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home.
Krystal Shannan
Putting Magick in Romance one Soul Mate at a Time.
___________________________________
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February 8, 2014
A Rose for Lancaster – Kindle Countdown Deals from 8th Feb to 14th for 0.99 cents
A Rose for Lancaster
by Christine Elaine Black
BLURB:
A York woman and a Lancaster man are forced into a marriage contract to
please King Henry VII.
Blanche Langley is swept into Henry’s ambitious maneuvers to secure the
throne. Tensions flare as a plot to overthrow the king is discovered. As
the York forces gather to make one last effort to win the throne will
Blanche betray her king and her husband?
EXCERPT:
~ Blanche ~ July 1486
I had never before rejoiced upon hearing of a man’s death but I prayed for the Lord’s forgiveness. Baron Somerset was taken from this earth by the will of God, and my good fortune merely caused by happenstance and not my fervent wishing. My betrothed died a valiant death—so they said—fighting the pox.
As I twirled aimlessly around my chamber the door opened and my maid entered. A sour look on her face rebuked my unseemly behavior.
“Lady Blanche, a woman in your position wears mourning clothes and reflects upon her loss,” Gerda muttered.
“I shall not! Baron Somerset was a complete and utter stranger to me. Worse, he belonged to the house of Lancaster and I will not mourn for their side.” I squared my shoulders. “I wish to savor my release from an unbearable match to a lowly nobleman.”
Gerda wisely ignored me.
Word of Somerset’s death reached my ears this day, but King Henry would have long known of his distant kinsman’s demise and my fate rested in the hands of this new king. One I considered a pretender to the throne.
“I choose to enjoy this unexpected freedom and hope the king is occupied with his queen, in expectation of a male heir for England. Mayhap, I will wish fervently for his success,” I laughed, the irony lost on Gerda.
“The country will know in a few months whether or not we have a new prince.” Gerda’s face brightened upon mention of the royal baby.
“I hear the king plans to name the child Arthur, and speaks of Camelot reborn.” I smiled at my luck, escaping marriage to an old Lancastrian lord, who may well be descended from Edward the third as I myself descended from the same glorious monarch, but he was the last of the available Somerset men and I envisioned Henry’s difficulty at finding a suitable replacement.
Camelot! He imagined himself the father of another legendary monarch, to be celebrated for a thousand years, I scoffed silently. This new king of England had grand ideas of himself and his court. Did the York queen, Elizabeth, approve her husband’s schemes of marriage amongst the warring cousins? The house of Lancaster had won the battle for now but I intended to discreetly wage war on behalf of my York cousins.
“Fetch my yellow dress for tonight. I wish to be merry in honor of my father and brother—God rest their souls.” They died last year fighting for Richard’s cause, doomed to failure from the beginning.
I prayed for a man to appear, a York, to marry me and give my family male heirs. That would take a miracle as every eligible York languished in prison or hid overseas, waiting for the right moment to raise their swords in opposition to Henry Tudor. Only traitorous cousins remained, wheedling their way into the new court.
At dinner a musician played a tune on a small pipe and the feast of salted fish, cheese, and hard bread came into the great hall on a large platter duly presented to me before my household. I’d given instructions for the best ale to flow freely and gazed over those seated at the tables, all loyal retainers of my father. They smiled and chatted with one another, occasionally throwing a glance in my direction, content with the change in my fortunes. Even though I bordered on the grand age of twenty-five, my kinsmen preferred to see me a maid for life than wedded to a rival English faction.
George Cooper, a local man, stood up and raised his mug. “To ‘er ladyship’s good ‘ealth.”
A cheer went up, laughter ensued followed by a few ribald jokes. I cared not to worry over their amusing comments of my three failed betrothals. I carried a reputation of ill luck. A man betrothed to me had less than a year to live. Somerset wasn’t the only man to die thus named. I had buried three potential husbands, though to be fair the first two were killed nobly in the services of Edward and Richard. Mayhap, our dear Lord and Savior planned a lonely, childless life for me. The thought of taking the vows of a nun appealed to me the older I grew. If I wrote to Elizabeth and begged her to allow my retirement to a convent I might delay further talk of wedlock and wait out Henry’s reign in religious contemplation.
My thoughts traveled along this path until I heard a commotion at the far end of the hall as my household men jostled a group of strangers dressed in traveling clothes stained with mud. My immediate thought was to rush out of the hall to my rooms but as head of the house at Langley Manor I must deal with the arrival of newcomers. The steward talked with hasty gestures designed to delay the men, but they pushed past him and strode to the front of the hall.
I rose off my chair, regretting my choice of attire. The men looked roughened by hard riding and I had no wish to attract attention. They paused in a semi circle and shuffled their feet.
“What’s the meaning of this intrusion?”
A young man broke through the line of ruffians, boldly staring at my person. The sight of his proud stance, even though his dress left much to be desired, irritated me.
“We seek the mistress of the house.”
I flinched. He wore the livery of Lancaster and carried a missive bearing an official seal sending a shudder through my bones.
“You carry a message for Lady Langley?”
The young man held the parchment tightly. “It must be delivered in person.”
I dreaded the content of the letter. King Henry may use his power to remove me from my home and pass ownership to another noble, driving me into destitution.
“Follow me, if you will.” We moved through the passageway leading to my father’s private room, used for dealing in estate matters. My steward discouraged the others from following and I faced my unwelcome guest with impatience.
“I am Lady Langley.”
My hand reached for the letter but he eyed me dubiously and refused to hand over the message.
“I seek the mistress of Langley. The elder woman betrothed to Baron Somerset.” The strength and timbre of the voice belied his years, and cloaked in confidence his bearing held effortless grace. Steel gray eyes met mine without a shred of humility.
“Give me the message.” His hesitation irritated me into sharp speech, a thing I did when vexed by servants. “Now, damn you!” I tore open the missive and read it twice before laughing in contempt.
“Somerset is reported dead. I can no more marry him than I can marry Richard of England.”
“You are Lady Langley?” The cheeky lout stared at me with a curious quirk on his lips.
“I am Blanche Langley, mistress of this house.”
“Indeed,” he mused.
“The king orders me to marry Somerset within the month. Does he not know the man died?” I shrugged in confusion.
“I am Giles Beaufort, heir to Somerset.”
AUTHOR BIO & LINKS
Christine, born in Scotland, currently resides in Ontario, Canada.
Her favourite stories to write are romantic fiction, especially with an ancient Roman or Tudor theme, filled with heart-stopping heroes and page-turning situations.
Blog: http://christineelaineblack.blogspot.ca/
Amazon bio page: http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Elaine-Black/e/B00AERZKPO/
A Rose for Lancaster: http://amzn.com/B00DQ25WDE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Elaine-Black/152028991606916
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@Elaine20Black
February 3, 2014
Rancher Rescue by Barb Han
Blurb
When a little boy goes missing, rancher Caleb Snow steps in to help…and winds up falling for the child’s beautiful—but mysterious—aunt in Barb Han’s Rancher Rescue
Getting tangled up with another woman in crisis is the last thing rancher Caleb Snow needs. The handsome cowboy has been badly burned too many times. But this one feels different—Katherine Harper is injured and reeling after an ambush in which her nephew was kidnapped. Caleb wants nothing more than to protect the beautiful, headstrong woman and help her find the missing child. If only he could ignore the feelings she stirs in him.
But as they search together, it’s clear someone wants Katherine dead. Soon the two are running for their lives, dodging bullets, not knowing who to trust…or if they’ll survive long enough to bring a little boy home.
Excerpt:
Desperation had the muscles in her face rigid as she stood in front of him, moving closer. A red heat climbed up her neck.
“I can’t let you lie.” He smiled. “Besides, you’re no good at it. And the evidence will clear us.”
Defiance shot from her glare. Her stubborn streak reared its head again. “You don’t get to decide.”
Her gaze was fiery hot. Her body vibrated with intensity as she stalked toward him.
He readied himself for the argument that was sure to come, but she pressed a kiss to his lips instead, shocking the hell out of him.
“There’s been enough fighting for one day. I need something else from you.”
He locked onto her gaze. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“No. Not at all. But I need to do it anyway.”
Author bio
Barb Han lives in N. Texas with her husband, three beautiful children, a spunky Golden Retriever/Poodle mix, and too many books to count. When not writing, she spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She’s passionate about travel. Many of the places she visits end up in her books.
January 27, 2014
High-Heeled Wonder Release Party Today!
High-Heeled Wonder Release Party Today!
Put on your favorite shoes (high heels not required) and join Avery and her friends on Facebook today for the High-Heeled Wonder release party today (Jan. 27)! They’ll be plenty of fun and giveaways. You don’t want to miss out: https://www.facebook.com/events/283878541766544/
“When a fashionista and her body guard get tangled up together, watch out for sizzling sex and surprising plot twists.” – New York Times best selling author Rebecca York
“High-Heeled Wonder is an engaging, sexy read that’s more fun than wearing your favorite boots.” – USA Today best selling author Adrienne Giordano
“Flynn delivers again in High-Heeled Wonder. Packed with danger, suspense, sizzling sex, and her laser sharp wit, she kept me up all night reading!” – Author Jerrie Alexander
Blurb -
Sylvie Bissette may be one of Harbor City’s youngest glitterati, but only her best friends know her most closely guarded secret. She’s the woman behind The High-Heeled Wonder, the newest must-read blog for fashionistas everywhere. Gossip, fashion advice, exposés. Too bad some people can’t take a little criticism. When an internet troll discovers her secret identity, Sylvie turns to security expert Tony Falcon for help. The investigator from the other side of the tracks is the olive oil to her Evian water, but it’s not just her temper he’s inciting…
Tony Falcon wouldn’t know a kitten heel from a tabby cat, but since most of the bad guys he tracks down aren’t wearing stilettos, it’s never been a problem…until he meets Sylvie. The feisty fashionista may be his best chance at catching the criminals responsible for his best friend’s murder. But solving that case means going after the people Sylvie cares about, and soon the attraction—and the danger—has him wondering if solving the case is worth hurting the woman he can’t stop fantasizing about …
When Sylvie’s stalker escalates from sending nasty e-mails to trying to run her over in broad daylight, Tony goes undercover as Sylvie’s boyfriend to infiltrate the close-knit fashion community. In a world full of overblown egos and cut-throat ambition, Tony and Sylvie must work together to find her revenge-obsessed stalker before Sylvie ends up with a literal knife in the back.
Don’t miss the party! Tons of author’s will be there giving away goodies. Including me! I’ve read this book and believe me…it ROCKS!
December 23, 2013
Behind the Curtain with Pictures from Christmas Past
As we head into the holidays and I put the blog on hiatus, I wanted to share a few pictures of my family from past Christmas’s. You’ll see the love of my life, our granddaughter, our daughter, and son-in law. Oh, and Buddy. At our house, even the dog gets a gift.
No doubt, I’m going to be in the dog house for sharing the last one. I call it The Clean Up Crew. My dear husband and our beautiful daughter were cleaning up wrapping paper and bows when I snapped the picture. 
There’s not many of us and I often tell people…We’re a small crew but we love big!
My other big news, besides having my family here on Christmas? Electronic versions of The Green-Eyed Doll, The Last Execution, and Someone to Watch Over Me will go on sale for .99 starting December 26!
For each of you, I wish health, love, and joy in 2014.
December 16, 2013
Behind the Curtain with Kimberly Quinton
Good morning! I have a special treat for you today. Kimberly Quinton, a fellow RWA and North Texas member is here with her brand new debut novel! Kimberly is an absolute doll and I think you’ll enjoy getting to know her. She’s giving away one ecopy for your Kindle. So read carefully, choose which of her three statements is untrue, and tell us in the comment section!
About the Author:
Whether she’s writing contemporary or paranormal romance, Kimberly Quinton is a romantic at heart who strives to tell stories about the power of true love.
Since a teen, she’s loved romances and believes we can all live our happily-ever-after. Always a people watcher, it wasn’t until Kimberly shucked her Accounting major for Anthropology that her interest in people and cultures was nurtured. Kimberly has combined her natural curiosity (nosiness) with her love of romance for the sake of bringing the movies in her head to life on the page.
A wife and mother of two, Kimberly spends her days chasing chores, wrangling active kids, and writing. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, great wine and sharing a laugh with friends and family.
You can usually find her on Facebook or Twitter. Stop by for a chat.
You’re having a Halloween party. What costume did you choose? Why?
I was thinking of a costume labeled “The Listener” for next year. Regular clothes, but a piece of duck tape that goes over my mouth with “I’m listening” written on it. It’s both cheesy and kind of creepy, but everyone wants someone to listen to them.
Tell us, what is one of your weird quirks?
I’m not sure if this is uncommon among writers, but I talk to myself all the time. My husband- bless him- learned early on to ignore me when I’m not saying anything but making hand movements and shaking my head like I’m in the middle of a conversation. Because I am, it’s just with imaginary people. Yep, now my oldest son is doing the same. Glassy eyed stare, mumbling and gestures like he’s deep in convo… Sorry kid, you get it from your mama! Hopefully my books will sell well enough to cover therapy. 
If you could date any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Hugh Jackman! Didn’t have to think about that one! He just seems so incredibly kind, generous, fun and so, so HOT. But, I’m not single and don’t want to be. Sorry, Hugh… You’ll just have to stay with your lovely wife and family.
What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
I don’t think I had a favorite. For a long time, since this was the late seventies and eighties, my brothers and I watched what our parents watched except for Saturday morning cartoons. So I can remember shows like Family Ties, The Cosby Show, Hill Street Blues, The A-Team, Days of our Lives, LA Law…. And of course, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. I finally got my own TV. in High School, but with only a couple channels, I watched whatever was popular on the major networks. It wasn’t until later when I really waited for shows to come on and didn’t miss them. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one I remember not wanting to miss. I did go through a stage of being obsessed with MTV. But it was new and exciting and actually played music videos!
What is the first thing you notice about a man?
Eyes and then mouth. I like to look people in the eye and it’s always been the first thing I notice. I think the eyes are where the majority of flirting happens. There’s just something about a clear, bright-eyed wink and a genuine smile. Especially from a handsome cowboy. (I am in Texas, after all) The mouth is next because it tells you so much about a person. Are they smiling or frowning, chewing gum or smoking, tense, relaxed, embarrassed? Are their lips dry, cracked, pale, or do they lick them a lot or chew on them.
What turns you off faster than being wet down by a fire hose?
Making fun of people. I’m at a point in my life where I don’t have time or energy to spend on pointing and laughing because of something someone else can’t help. Whether by ignorance or choice, they’re living their life and who am I to laugh at it. Opinions are one thing (and should probably be kept to yourself most of the time), but derogatory comments and just plain meanness turns me off right away.
If you were in the “Miss America” talent competition, what would your talent be?
I have no talents worthy of such a competition. Unless it involves something like how fast can you put on a pound or eat a batch of brownies!
Okay! A couple of quickies:
Tennis shoes or sandals? If flip-flops are sandals, then sandals.
Football or baseball? Football
Color of fingernail polish? Purple if I’m taking care of them, clear and chewed when I’m not.
Morning person or nite-owl? Neither… Middle of the dayer. J
Now…tell me two truths and one lie about yourself. Remember to tell us which one you thing Kim might not be totally honest about! Tomorrow, I’ll use Random.org and select a winner from the correct guessers.
1. While in London, I jumped into a taxi and told the driver “Follow that cab!”, pointing to the one that had just pulled away in front of us. And he did!
2. I went skydiving on a dare and my pride wouldn’t let me even think about backing out even after seeing the amount of duck tape keeping parts of the plane together.
3. On my first trip to New York City with my high school drama club, my roommates and I snuck out and got lost somewhere around Broadway and wandered around most of the night. We finally made it back to the hotel just before breakfast.
Now let’s take a look at Kimberly’s hot of the presses new release! You’re going to want your own copy of HER WISH BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Holiday Hearts
Her Wish Before Christmas
by Kimberly Quinton
Her heart never forgot him…
Genny Ridgeway left Laurel Cove with a broken heart. Returning awakens old feelings, old longings, and the desire for long kisses beneath the mistletoe with the man who broke her heart.
The only thing missing is her…
Connor O’Rourke and his son finally have the home they’ve always wanted. Now, he’ll do anything for a second chance at love with the woman he let get away.
It’s Christmas time in Laurel Cove….
Surrounded by the spirit of the season and with a little posthumous help from her gypsy grandmother, can Connor prove he is the man Genny has always wanted to grant her wish before Christmas?
Her Wish Before Christmas
Holiday Hearts
Release Date: November 12, 2013
All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookstrand | Decadent Publishing
Contact Details:
Website: http://kimberlyquinton.com/about-kimb...
Email: kim@kimberlyquinton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyQuin...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimquinton
Enjoy the following excerpt for Her Wish Before Christmas:
“Are you the one leaving bloody footprints in the store? Your grandmother’s going to have a heart attack.” The man stared down at her, holding the door open with one arm, the lamp base in the other. He rested the plastic appendage against the doorframe and took a step closer, his face clear in the light of the workroom.
“Connor?”
“Let me have a look.” He knelt and grabbed her foot and held on tight when she tried to tug it back.
“Ouch.” She pulled her foot away from his prodding.
“Sorry. Cut’s not too deep. A Band-Aid and some Neosporin is all you need.”
Connor O’Rourke? The Connor O’Rourke? Twelve years hadn’t changed him much. Except he turned into a man. And one fine man at that.
Jesus, did he grow after college? His arms and chest sure had.
Heat blazed a fire across her cheeks when her roaming gaze met his. Same cocky grin. Embarrassment couldn’t stop her from comparing this Connor with the then Connor. His hair was cut shorter, but the rich chestnut color hadn’t dulled. No hint of gray at the temples, no balding either. So that night of drunken cursing for him to grow fat and ugly didn’t take. Figures. What’s the use of gypsy blood if my curses don’t work?
“I didn’t know you were in town,” she asked, proud she had kept the hysterical out of her voice.
“I wasn’t until this week. I’m setting up a practice at the new clinic down the street.” He stood and helped her up from the floor.
Connor F’ing O’Rourke back in town and looking too delicious by half. She licked her lips and swallowed at the sudden dryness in her mouth. The hurt and anger returned with a swift jab to her heart rivaling the sting of glass in her foot. The feelings so fresh, like she was eighteen again and waiting for the proposal that never came. Don’t go there. You’re over him.
December 9, 2013
Behind the Curtain with Emelle Gamble
Good morning and welcome to Behind the Curtain with Emelle Gamble. I love finding new and interesting authors who write great romantic suspense. Emelle has brought along three books for three people who read her three statements and figure out which one isn’t the truth. Be sure you leave your guess and email address!
Bio:
I’ve been writing fiction my whole life…first story at five was about a lost bunny asking all his fellow creatures if they could tell him what kind of animal he was… “Am I a deer, Mrs. Bambi…Am I a cat, Mrs. Kitten?”
From there it was bad teen poetry, stab-in-the-dark attempts at ‘real’ literature (which I very rightly shredded) and then college, marriage, blessed motherhood, several moves around this great country of ours while I wrote, studied and submitted. I was first published by Harlequin Intrigue’s line of romantic suspense as ‘M. L. Gamble’ and wrote seven books for them.
After a five year hiatus due to something called LIFE, I started sitting at the computer again and Secret Sister was born.
My books are always relationship stories about women and the men they love and the friends they hold dearest, but they’ve also always had a little touch of something else, a mystery here, a ghost there, something extraordinary that gave the folks in my imagined world a little extra to deal with.
I am an unabashed romantic…which is why I jumped at the chance to introduce Cruz Morales, Molly Harper and Ben Delmonico to my readers. Their story, Duets, appears in the November, 2013 novella collection Once and Forever. This original anthology centers on that one true love that is often too early, too complicated, but always too true to forget.
Their story will continue in Molly Harper, coming soon. Enjoy! And let me hear from you at www.EmelleGamble.com any time.
You won the lottery! But there’s a catch. You can only keep half and must give the rest a charity. Which one will you choose? How do you spend your half?
Red Cross gets half. They truly are the first responders in this world of catastrophe. Other half gets split a bazillion ways with family and friends and a few scholarships to help kids with their education. I’m a true believer in the ‘teach them to fish’ lesson of giving.
You’re having a Halloween party. What costume did you choose? Why?
I’m wearing Harry Potter’s cloak of invisibility so I can watch everyone else be goofy. People watching is many writer’s #1 favorite pastime, so what could be better while I’m grabbing all the candy corn and settling in for a night of inspiration.
If you could be one of the heroine’s from any of the books you’ve reviewed, who would you be? Why?
I don’t review many books, but if I could be one of the heroine’s from one of the books I’ve read, I’d choose Scarlett O’Hara. I mean, my gosh, she’s a train wreck and thick as a board, but she actually learns in my opinion. She survives because of what was good about her despite what was bad about her. And for my money, when it was all said and done, I think she finally did find her happy ever after. Not sure it was Rhett Butler, but I’m betting it was someone yummy.
Is there something in your jewelry box of sentimental value?
Half of what’s there is gifts, so yes, I’m a real fool for tokens from loved ones. Favorite is my string of pearls hubby ‘Phil-the-fist’ gave me on our third married Christmas. He’s terrible at keeping secrets, so I knew I was getting them when he asked me on December 23rd, while we were watching one of the uber-romantic jewelry chain commercials, “Do you think those pearls are 24” or opera length?” I laughed for an hour and my former marine, Mr. Macho hero kept saying, “What? What did I say?”
What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
I loved, loved, loved Mission Impossible. Nothing was out of reach…these guys changed appearances, countries, faked wars and looked fabulous doing it. Heaven.
What is the first thing you notice about a man?
Interesting question. I think I’d have to answer ‘demeanor’. Those smart, friendly vibes that come from a good man’s heart right thru his eyes always perk up my interest.
What turns you off faster than being wet down by a fire hose?
Mean or bigoted jokes. Was attracted to a guy once, having drinks and getting to know him when he told a racially insensitive joke and laughed heartily. I went cold. I didn’t feel superior, just incredibly disappointed that a handsome and intelligent guy like that thought any woman would think he was funny.
If you were in the “Miss America” talent competition, what would your talent be?
HAR. I have no talents that can be showcased on a stage in a skimpy outfit. Unless I could sit at my computer and have my words projected above me (I can hear the snoring now-double HAR), I would bring nothing to that little sideshow.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Holding a grandchild in my arms. Can’t wait for that day.
Okay! A couple of quickies:
Tennis shoes or sandals? Surely you jest. I’m a California girl and don’t give up my sandals until Christmas Eve even though I know live on the east coast.
Football or baseball? Baseball. I want an athlete who can speak a whole sentence when he retires.
Color of fingernail polish? “Jamaican Me Crazy” purply red delight.
Morning person or nite-owl? If morning is 11 a.m. I’m there. But 11 p.m.-2 a.m. is my most fun and alive zone.
Now for the fun part! Tell us two truths about you and one lie. I will use Random.org to select the winners!
1. I have seven orange cats. The vet named me ‘Cat lover of the year’ which means ‘Cat lover who sent me to Cancun this year’.
2. I was adopted at age 5 by my mother’s second husband. He and my mother never told the sister and brother they had together about this fact until we were all in our 30s. Can you say ‘Let’s pretend something is true even when it isn’t?’ I’m sure this is a large part of why I am a writer. And for the record, despite this, they were great parents.
3. Clint Eastwood sent me a desk full of flowers and a personally autographed poster with his thanks for having a phone booth moved while he was shooting a movie in San Francisco.
BLURB ABOUT SECRET SISTER:
Nick&Cathy. Cathy and Roxanne. Two best friends. One husband.
It’s not what you think….
To their friends, Nick and Cathy Chance have the perfect marriage. High school sweethearts who’ve been together for ten years, they’ve weathered challenges and are as committed as they were when they first fell in love. Cathy trusts Nick, Nick’s world revolves around his wife, and the future looks golden.
To everyone who knows them, Cathy Chance and Roxanne Ruiz have a perfect friendship. They connected in grade school and since then have been each other’s confident and trusted advisor. Cathy loves the gorgeous Roxanne like a sister, Roxanne has fun-loving Cathy’s back in every situation, though lately there’s been tension between these two best friends . . .
And then, on a sunny summer morning, the unthinkable occurs, throwing into doubt the truth of what each of these people really know about themselves and one another.
Will Roxanne’s sacrifice be too little, and too late? Should Nick’s love for his wife be strong enough to risk trusting his heart more than logic? Can Cathy’s devotion to Nick give her enough strength to convince him to see her for who she really is?
SECRET SISTER proves how strong, how stubborn, and how trustworthy love can be as Nick and Cathy and Roxanne are challenged to overcome the secrets, the lies . . . and one extraordinary twist of fate that turns their lives upside down.
EXCERPT FROM SECRET SISTER:
When I ‘woke up,’ strange words to use after being unconscious for what was surely days, not hours, I felt remarkably lucid.
Which is to say, I opened my eyes and saw and understood that I was in a hospital bed, there were nurses working in the area outside my glassed-in room, and I was hooked to an I.V. and some other kind of machine.
I didn’t know the story of how I got here, but assumed it was bad. I remembered hearing, somewhere, that I had been in a terrible car accident, but I was blank to any other details.
For instance, I didn’t know my name.
I examined the contents of my brain and started a list of unknown things. Where was I? No clue. What day was it? I looked outside and saw blue sky. Zero. I was blank to the most basic of information.
My chest tightened and a roar began in my head. Don’t panic. I gulped air, blinked; fought to stay awake.
“Roxanne. Roxanne Ruiz. Do you know where you are?”
I didn’t recognize that name. In my brain I saw a face. A kind face, smiling. A great looking guy with strong arms and blue eyes.
But I had no idea who he was either …
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Email: EmelleGamble@aol.com
My Blog: emellegamble.blogspot.com
Facebook: Emelle on Facebook
Twitter: Emelle on Twitter
My Goodreads Page: Emelle on Goodreads
Follow the Secret Sister Blog Tour: Goddess Fish Promotions
BUY LINKS:
Buy Secret Sister exclusively at Amazon books:
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Sister-ebook/dp/B00DUL4LQA
New! Read Emelle Gamble’s new novella, Duets, in the Once and Forever anthology
http://www.amazon.com/Once-and-Foreve...
December 2, 2013
Behind the Curtain with Alexa Bourne
Good morning, all! I have a treat for you today. Alexa Bourne has joined us, and she’s brought a surprise gift from the United Kingdom with her. After you’ve read her answers, be sure you take a look at her three statements. See if you can tell which one is untrue, then put your guess and email address in the comment section. I’ll run all the correct answers through Random.org, and tomorrow one winner will be announced.
![9cd72b66ef7b498031442bd2f57aa805[1]](http://www.jerriealexander.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/9cd72b66ef7b498031442bd2f57aa8051.jpg)
Author Bio:
Alexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romantic suspense writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She is thrilled to be writing for Decadent Publishing and to have the chance to share her love of Great Britain with readers everywhere.
When she’s not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV and thinking about exercising. She loves to interact with readers, so visit her web page, hang out at her blog, follow her on Twitter or drop her a note at Alexa@alexabourne.com!
First let’s get to know Alexa a little better!
You won the lottery! But there’s a catch. You can only keep half and must give the rest a charity. Which one will you choose? How do you spend your half?
I would give ½ the money to an agency that works with veterans. I am so thankful for the men and women in the military (and their families) for protecting our freedoms. As for my 1/2, I’d probably spend it on books, upgrades in my technology and probably some traveling.
Is there something in your jewelry box of sentimental value?
There are lots of things. I have a ring that my father gave to my mother. They got divorced when I was 5 and my father passed away when I was 25, so it’s really special to me.
What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
The A-Team. That show set me on my path as a writer. J I used to write fan fiction for it. I was 12.
What is the first thing you notice about a man?
His arms and hands. I’m a HUGE arm and hand girl. I love to see the sculpted muscles and big hands being gentle.
If you were in the “Miss America” talent competition, what would your talent be?
Singing. I have a pretty good voice!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
Flying by helicopter around the Na Pali Coast of Hawaii. I went to Hawaii several years ago, but it rained 8 out of the 10 days I was there, they had huge flooding and I couldn’t take the trip.
Okay! A couple of quickies:
Tennis shoes or sandals? Both. Depends on the time of year.
Football or baseball? Both! I’m a sports fan. Although, I do watch more football than baseball.
Color of fingernail polish? Usually clear.
Morning person or nite-owl? Night-owl. I love staying up until 1 or 2 and sleeping in.
Now…tell me two truths and one lie about yourself. (Okay, folks! Here’s a chance to win a surprise from Alexa!)
1.) I played basketball in high school
2.) I’ve lived in 5 states.
3.) I used to spend Veterans’ Day at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. when I was in college.
Alexa, tell us about your book!
Book Blurb:
Take-charge bodyguard Colin Munro believes working for the International Protective Network will be the perfect occupation for him. Unfortunately, his trial assignment is protecting a woman who has no intention of blindly following orders. Aye, he’ll bring the bonnie lass in line because there’s no way he’ll allow her to ruin his chance of securing his dream job.
Physically and emotionally scarred during her stint as a U.S. soldier, Joanna Grainger wants nothing more than to enjoy life. New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh marks the beginning of her transformation. But when she witnesses a crime no one believes occurred, her plans come to a screeching halt. To make matters worse, her sexy but headstrong bodyguard has no compassion for her or the victim.
As danger hunts them during one of the busiest times of the year, Joanna must convince Colin she’s a worthy partner. But first, can she convince herself?
Excerpt:
Joanna bolted upright. Darkness wrapped her in its hideous embrace. And silence reigned. Her heart raced. She flattened her hands on the mattress beneath her.
Mattress. Bed. Colin’s hotel room.
Rustling sounds came from the floor. The bedside lamp flickered on. Colin propped himself up, one knee bent and an arm dangling over it. He squinted against the brightness. “Are you all right?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” She brushed her fingers under her eyes.
“Don’t be daft, lass.”
“I had a bad dream.” She smoothed her hair back off her face. Moisture beaded at her temples.
“Here we call it a nightmare.” He smiled, and at once she relaxed her shoulders.
“Americans do, too.” After another deep breath, she said, “I’ll be all right.” Once her heart rate slowed to normal. With her forearm, she wiped perspiration from her forehead.
He stood, padded into the bathroom, and ran the faucet. When he returned, he sat beside her, tucked his finger under her chin, and pressed the cloth to her cheek. The cool moisture soothed her burning skin.
She reached up and covered his hand with hers. “I can do that.”
“I know.” He brushed her fingers away. “But you’ll not.”
After a few seconds, he moved the wet towel across her forehead and to her other cheek.
When he reached her neck, she sighed and closed her eyes for a few valuable seconds.
“Thank you.”
His gentle caress reminded her how much she’d missed simple comfort…from anyone.
“You’re welcome.” The cloth soon disappeared. “Now, will you tell me what you dreamed about?”
“Mark Rawlings. I dreamed I was back in the train car and he was bleeding out on the floor. The guy with him faded into the background, but I could see the man’s hands and lips moving. I couldn’t hear anything, though. Then somebody jabbed me with something, and my blood drained out of my body, but there was nothing I could do. The guy standing stayed in front of me. There was another voice, but the words were garbled.”
“Did you see anyone else?”
“No, but at the end I wasn’t paying attention. I was losing consciousness.” She tilted her head to one side and into her palm. “Colin, what am I going to do if we don’t find the professor’s attacker soon?”
“We’ll take it one day at a time.” Strong, confident, able to leap tall buildings and all…even in the middle of the night.
Website: www.alexabourne.com
Blog: http://alexabourne.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaBourne
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaBourne
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5818611.Alexa_Bourne
Buy Links:
Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=695&osCsid=c4f503tisneu0ck64d4qbfspb7
All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-simpletreasures-1031942-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/simple-treasures-alexa-bourne/1045488229?ean=2940016157382
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268279
