Aimee Duffy's Blog, page 17
October 22, 2012
Author spotlight, Vaquero by D'Ann Lindun
Looking for something sizzling to heat up this drab, chilly Monday? Look no further!
Vaquero by D'Ann Lindun
When Cordero Ybarra and Aspen O’Hare meet, there is an immediate attraction. But he holds his secrets close, refusing to open up about the night racial prejudice almost killed him. Aspen refuses to trust Cord—or any man. She’s been abandoned one too many times. When another woman lies and says Cord wouldn’t take responsibility for a child they created together, Aspen believes Cord is a deadbeat just like her father. It is only after she uncovers the truth that Aspen realizes Cord is nothing like the men who’ve deserted her before.
When an immigrant worker is hanged by the same two crazies who branded him, Cord sees the truth. The shame he’s carried about being the victim of a hate crime is going to cost him the woman he loves if he can’t let go of his past.
Excerpt:
She abruptly pulled out of his embrace and fastened her dress back together. “I need to get back. Daddy will be looking for me.”
Swallowing his disappointment, Cord said, “I’ll walk you back, chica.”
Her eyes were hard, or maybe it was just the moonlight playing tricks on him. “Chica? Don’t call me that. And you can’t tell anyone what happened between us. This was a mistake. I’ll see you around.” Before he could react, she vanished out the door.
“I’ll see you around.”Had she really just said that? He found his shirt on the floor and, after jerking it on, left the bunkhouse, slamming the door behind him. She teased him, got him hard as hell, then vanished? What the fuck had just happened here?
Just a few feet into the dark, someone stepped in front of him. In no mood to talk, Cord started to push by when the other man grabbed his arm. “You too good to talk to me, Mex?”
Buford LaDelle. Cord sighed. What was the guy’s problem with him? “No, just tired.”
“Worn out from work, or something else?”
Cord jerked his arm away from the bigger man’s grip. “Not that I feel like sharing my business with you, but yeah, I’m beat from roping all day.”
Another man moved out of the shadows. Buford grinned at him. “I think he’s worn out from that little joyride he just gave Shayla. How ’bout you, Spike? Think that’s it?”
“Yeah, I think that’s it,” Spike agreed.
Buford got so close Cord could smell the alcohol on the other man’s breath. “That it, Mex?”
“Get lost.” Cord moved to step around Buford, and the bigger man slugged him. Hard. In the stomach. Not expecting it, he doubled over, fighting to catch his breath. Before he could suck in enough air, one of the men slipped a lariat over his head, pulling it tight against his neck. The other one grabbed his wrists and bound them with a slick leather strap, a rein maybe.
What the hell? It was one thing to have a fistfight over a girl—all guys did it—but he’d never been attacked in the dark and roped like a wild steer before. Cord struggled, and the rope around his neck tightened until he feared passing out. Stars danced in front of his eyes, and his ears felt like they had cotton stuffed in them. He tried to speak, and his voice came out in a hoarse growl. “Let me go.”
Buford chuckled. “Not until you learn your lesson, son. I don’t know how things are done back where you come from, but around here, illegals don’t fuck our women.”
“I didn’t—” The rope dug into his neck, cutting off his words. He was as American as they were, the crazy bastards.
Like a prisoner being dragged to the gallows, Cord was hauled toward the corrals. Every time he tried to speak, one of them jerked the rope around his neck, making it impossible for him to call for help. At the branding pens, Buford yanked Cord up tight against one of the corral posts, securing him like a trussed hog. His nose pressed against the rough cedar pole. He turned his face so his cheek rubbed it instead. Spike pulled Cord’s hands around the pole and tied them, rendering him helpless.
“What now?” Spike asked.
Buford held up something that flashed in the dim moonlight. A knife. “I say we geld him. Cut off his nuts and feed them to him.”
The buddy chuckled. “Good plan. That’ll teach him not to go between the legs of decent white women.”
Cord struggled against the rope binding him until it cut into his neck. Warmth trickled down his neck, and he knew it had to be blood. They were only trying to scare him. No one in his right mind would do something so crazy.
Buford crowded up behind Cord, pinning him even tighter to the fence, and reached around and unbuckled his jeans. They slid down over his hips and thighs. He stood tied, half naked, his jeans and shorts pooling around the tops of his boots, as they discussed what to do next.
“We’re gonna need another couple of ropes to hold his legs apart,” the buddy said helpfully. “I’ll go get ’em. But you’re gonna have to do the cuttin’ ’cause I ain’t touchin’ no other man’s dick or balls.”
Buford considered that, turning the knife in his hands. “Yeah, you got a point about that. I ain’t no queer. But we gotta do something to teach this boy a lesson.”
Cord twisted his hands, desperate to get free, but the tie they’d used tightened with every move. He couldn’t catch a deep breath. Sweat beaded on his forehead and ran down his back. The joke had gone far enough. “Turn me loose and I won’t kick your ass,” he demanded in a harsh whisper.
“Oh my God.” A woman’s voice. Shayla. Out of the corner of his eye, Cord saw her take in the scene. Horror filled her voice. “What are you doing? This isn’t Deliverance. Let him go right now.”
A rough laugh rumbled out of Buford. “Not a chance. Your daddy told us to take care of the problem, and we have it handled.”
“I never agreed to this,” she said stubbornly. “Pull up his pants and turn him loose.”
“We’re just scaring him a little.” Buford’s tone changed to vicious, and he stepped toward her with his fist closed. “Now get on out of here.”
She turned and fled. Buy Links: BookStrand
About the Author:
Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, eight ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!
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Vaquero by D'Ann Lindun
When Cordero Ybarra and Aspen O’Hare meet, there is an immediate attraction. But he holds his secrets close, refusing to open up about the night racial prejudice almost killed him. Aspen refuses to trust Cord—or any man. She’s been abandoned one too many times. When another woman lies and says Cord wouldn’t take responsibility for a child they created together, Aspen believes Cord is a deadbeat just like her father. It is only after she uncovers the truth that Aspen realizes Cord is nothing like the men who’ve deserted her before.When an immigrant worker is hanged by the same two crazies who branded him, Cord sees the truth. The shame he’s carried about being the victim of a hate crime is going to cost him the woman he loves if he can’t let go of his past.
Excerpt:
She abruptly pulled out of his embrace and fastened her dress back together. “I need to get back. Daddy will be looking for me.”
Swallowing his disappointment, Cord said, “I’ll walk you back, chica.”
Her eyes were hard, or maybe it was just the moonlight playing tricks on him. “Chica? Don’t call me that. And you can’t tell anyone what happened between us. This was a mistake. I’ll see you around.” Before he could react, she vanished out the door.
“I’ll see you around.”Had she really just said that? He found his shirt on the floor and, after jerking it on, left the bunkhouse, slamming the door behind him. She teased him, got him hard as hell, then vanished? What the fuck had just happened here?
Just a few feet into the dark, someone stepped in front of him. In no mood to talk, Cord started to push by when the other man grabbed his arm. “You too good to talk to me, Mex?”
Buford LaDelle. Cord sighed. What was the guy’s problem with him? “No, just tired.”
“Worn out from work, or something else?”
Cord jerked his arm away from the bigger man’s grip. “Not that I feel like sharing my business with you, but yeah, I’m beat from roping all day.”
Another man moved out of the shadows. Buford grinned at him. “I think he’s worn out from that little joyride he just gave Shayla. How ’bout you, Spike? Think that’s it?”
“Yeah, I think that’s it,” Spike agreed.
Buford got so close Cord could smell the alcohol on the other man’s breath. “That it, Mex?”
“Get lost.” Cord moved to step around Buford, and the bigger man slugged him. Hard. In the stomach. Not expecting it, he doubled over, fighting to catch his breath. Before he could suck in enough air, one of the men slipped a lariat over his head, pulling it tight against his neck. The other one grabbed his wrists and bound them with a slick leather strap, a rein maybe.
What the hell? It was one thing to have a fistfight over a girl—all guys did it—but he’d never been attacked in the dark and roped like a wild steer before. Cord struggled, and the rope around his neck tightened until he feared passing out. Stars danced in front of his eyes, and his ears felt like they had cotton stuffed in them. He tried to speak, and his voice came out in a hoarse growl. “Let me go.”
Buford chuckled. “Not until you learn your lesson, son. I don’t know how things are done back where you come from, but around here, illegals don’t fuck our women.”
“I didn’t—” The rope dug into his neck, cutting off his words. He was as American as they were, the crazy bastards.
Like a prisoner being dragged to the gallows, Cord was hauled toward the corrals. Every time he tried to speak, one of them jerked the rope around his neck, making it impossible for him to call for help. At the branding pens, Buford yanked Cord up tight against one of the corral posts, securing him like a trussed hog. His nose pressed against the rough cedar pole. He turned his face so his cheek rubbed it instead. Spike pulled Cord’s hands around the pole and tied them, rendering him helpless.
“What now?” Spike asked.
Buford held up something that flashed in the dim moonlight. A knife. “I say we geld him. Cut off his nuts and feed them to him.”
The buddy chuckled. “Good plan. That’ll teach him not to go between the legs of decent white women.”
Cord struggled against the rope binding him until it cut into his neck. Warmth trickled down his neck, and he knew it had to be blood. They were only trying to scare him. No one in his right mind would do something so crazy.
Buford crowded up behind Cord, pinning him even tighter to the fence, and reached around and unbuckled his jeans. They slid down over his hips and thighs. He stood tied, half naked, his jeans and shorts pooling around the tops of his boots, as they discussed what to do next.
“We’re gonna need another couple of ropes to hold his legs apart,” the buddy said helpfully. “I’ll go get ’em. But you’re gonna have to do the cuttin’ ’cause I ain’t touchin’ no other man’s dick or balls.”
Buford considered that, turning the knife in his hands. “Yeah, you got a point about that. I ain’t no queer. But we gotta do something to teach this boy a lesson.”
Cord twisted his hands, desperate to get free, but the tie they’d used tightened with every move. He couldn’t catch a deep breath. Sweat beaded on his forehead and ran down his back. The joke had gone far enough. “Turn me loose and I won’t kick your ass,” he demanded in a harsh whisper.
“Oh my God.” A woman’s voice. Shayla. Out of the corner of his eye, Cord saw her take in the scene. Horror filled her voice. “What are you doing? This isn’t Deliverance. Let him go right now.”
A rough laugh rumbled out of Buford. “Not a chance. Your daddy told us to take care of the problem, and we have it handled.”
“I never agreed to this,” she said stubbornly. “Pull up his pants and turn him loose.”
“We’re just scaring him a little.” Buford’s tone changed to vicious, and he stepped toward her with his fist closed. “Now get on out of here.”
She turned and fled. Buy Links: BookStrand
About the Author:
Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, eight ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!
Site Facebook Goodreads
October 21, 2012
Hot Picks
I spend sooo much time searching the web and always come across some really cool stuff. I decided to start sharing the things I’m lusting after (or have bought already), two Sundays a month. I’ll call these posts Hot Picks :)
Halloween’s coming…
I’m not a fan of dressing up. As a kid I was awful at it. I did enjoy the trick or treating though, but that’s probably because the lovely folks of my hometown supplied us with lots of sweets! Still, I like to look at all the fabulous costumes and during one of my searches, I found this! Pumpkin Glitter nail polish!
I absolutely adore this. The picture comes from Vampy Varnish’s blog and you can find out more here. The polish came from Rite Aid (I think it’s in the US) and I’m gutted I can’t grab myself a jar. More searching this week to find a UK store that has it is a must.
Era of the musician…
It’s no secret that music is one of my loves, as are sexy musicians. Whether it be a rocker, Bono springs to mind (for the voice, people!), a solo-artist (Paolo Nutini *swoons*) or a band, (The Vaccines—the lead rocks white slacks), I just can’t get enough!
So it made sense that I’d fall hard for the hero in Private Love In a Public Place. But I didn’t expect how utterly addicted I’d get to this book. Mags, the heroine, is Jules…well…everything. At the start of the book she’s married to a complete asshole and spends all her time on tour with Jules, away from the horrid hubby. They separate fairly quickly, and it’s easy to see Mags unable to resist Jules’ magnetism. Truth is, he is hard work, a little bit wild, but he steps up and takes control after something happens to threaten the tour and I could see from early on that he cared about Mags. He wants to take care of her.
This book is fast paced, touching and as addictive as the drugs some members of the crew take. Private Love In a Public place gives an in depth behind the scenes look at rockers on tour and there’s so much going on I didn’t want to stop reading! If you fancy grabbing yourself a copy, you can find it here:- Amazon US: http://amzn.to/RSnWmE
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/RSo7yt
Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/8f7koed
I want that dress…
Last week Tulisa rocked a white dress on the XFactor. I don’t know who the designer was, but can take a guess that its way out of my price range. I’ve hunted and searched the interweb for something similar since the party season’s coming up and this is what I’ve found.
This little Adrienne Dress by Jones and Jones is half price in Top Shop just now (UK) and at £30 it’s a steal! If you live outside the UK ASOS has lots of gorgeous alternatives. Happy shopping :) xoxo
Halloween’s coming…
I’m not a fan of dressing up. As a kid I was awful at it. I did enjoy the trick or treating though, but that’s probably because the lovely folks of my hometown supplied us with lots of sweets! Still, I like to look at all the fabulous costumes and during one of my searches, I found this! Pumpkin Glitter nail polish! I absolutely adore this. The picture comes from Vampy Varnish’s blog and you can find out more here. The polish came from Rite Aid (I think it’s in the US) and I’m gutted I can’t grab myself a jar. More searching this week to find a UK store that has it is a must.
Era of the musician…
It’s no secret that music is one of my loves, as are sexy musicians. Whether it be a rocker, Bono springs to mind (for the voice, people!), a solo-artist (Paolo Nutini *swoons*) or a band, (The Vaccines—the lead rocks white slacks), I just can’t get enough!
So it made sense that I’d fall hard for the hero in Private Love In a Public Place. But I didn’t expect how utterly addicted I’d get to this book. Mags, the heroine, is Jules…well…everything. At the start of the book she’s married to a complete asshole and spends all her time on tour with Jules, away from the horrid hubby. They separate fairly quickly, and it’s easy to see Mags unable to resist Jules’ magnetism. Truth is, he is hard work, a little bit wild, but he steps up and takes control after something happens to threaten the tour and I could see from early on that he cared about Mags. He wants to take care of her. This book is fast paced, touching and as addictive as the drugs some members of the crew take. Private Love In a Public place gives an in depth behind the scenes look at rockers on tour and there’s so much going on I didn’t want to stop reading! If you fancy grabbing yourself a copy, you can find it here:- Amazon US: http://amzn.to/RSnWmE
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/RSo7yt
Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/8f7koed
I want that dress…
Last week Tulisa rocked a white dress on the XFactor. I don’t know who the designer was, but can take a guess that its way out of my price range. I’ve hunted and searched the interweb for something similar since the party season’s coming up and this is what I’ve found.
This little Adrienne Dress by Jones and Jones is half price in Top Shop just now (UK) and at £30 it’s a steal! If you live outside the UK ASOS has lots of gorgeous alternatives. Happy shopping :) xoxo
October 20, 2012
Telma Cortez #spotlight
Biz Jet JumpSeat by Telma Cortez
Aerosexual series
Blurp:A blistering turnaround for JanaAfter a risqué stunt gets her fired from her flight attendant job, Jana finds an even better position, as crew for Dominatrix Productions.
Excerpt:
The next morning, Jana checked out early, ready for her first flight with Dominatrix Productions. Cynthia had sent her a text message letting her know that she could wear anything she wanted, but the more skin she showed the better. Jana was taken aback by the message, but relieved she no longer had to parade around in khakis and polo shirts. She chose a thin, flowing tank top. The sparkles along the dark red fabric perfectly matched the hem of her black skirt that stopped short a few inches above her knee and revealed the murals painted into the sides of Jana's legs. Starting at her feet, the depiction of a beautiful vine wove around her ankle and up her leg, blossoming into bursts of flowers on her thighs before disappearing beneath her clothing. Jana felt sexy and capable when she looked herself up and down in the mirror. She went down to the lobby for the complimentary breakfast as she waited for her ride. Not too long after she finished breakfast, her cell phone rang and she could see a limo pulling in front of the hotel. It was Cynthia, letting her know they were outside. As she stepped through the hotel doors onto the street, Cynthia emerged from the limo. She wore a tight blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Cynthia smiled at Jana as she approached, nodding in approval at her appearance. During the short drive, Cynthia ran through what Jana could expect on the job. It was typical work as Cynthia explained. She would mostly be responsible for beverages and food. Cynthia smiled. "The plane is stocked with small amounts of almost anything imaginable, so satiating the needs of executives shouldn't be too far out of your capability." There was a hint too, of something in Cynthia's voice that Jana couldn't quite put a finger on. It was something that Cynthia hoped Jana would understand without needing it spelled out for her. But, Jana wasn't scared. She was eager to experience something different, and confidant that she could handle whatever they threw at her.
They arrived at the airport and went through security. Cynthia already had an employee badge made up for Jana, and they got through pretty quickly. They turned from the main terminal and exited the building down a flight of stairs. The jet was parked on the tarmac, not too far away. Cynthia ushered Jana on board and she felt an odd sense of pride when she looked up towards the terminal windows of the airport, wondering how many pairs of eyes were on her at that moment. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the aircraft cabin. There was a table situated in front of a curved couch, six full-length lounge chairs with fold over desks, and an amazing amount of open space in place of rows and rows of cramped seating. The décor was a modern mutation of seventies hues and angles. In the back of the plane in one of the plush lounge chairs sat Jana's new boss. Over dinner he had introduced himself as Thomas, but said he preferred to be called by his middle name, Anton, instead. He waved to the women and motioned for them to come over. Jana wore a look of amazement as she walked down the aisle. He reached into a cabinet built into the wall of the plane and pulled out a box with the company's insignia on it. Anton handed it to Jana with a smile and welcomed her on-board. On the ride to the airport she learned the company was the front for an adult entertainment empire. Anton had started the company out of college and built it to expand over websites, social media clubs, movie production and distribution; along with a slew of other small niche ventures. Cynthia had joined with him early and earned a generous salary to be his personal assistant. As the company was continuing to rapidly grow, Cynthia was finding she might be better off working during the flights instead of playing the role of his personal flight attendant. Cynthia had said to Jana during the ride that she was being trained to take Cynthia's place with Anton in the skies. "And believe me," she said, "you'll be flying way up there in the skies… if you catch my wind." Jana had only smiled in return, but was beginning to get the hint.
She opened the box in her hands and all of her suspicions were confirmed. Against a tiny, beautiful, black satin pillow sat a sterling pair of diamond nipple clamps. Jana looked down at them. She was shocked, but enticed. Instead of being nervous, Jana took the opportunity to make an impression and establish herself as part of her new crew. She looked Anton in the eye, feeling Cynthia drink in every moment. She took one of the nipple clamps from the box and attached it to her pinkie, admiring the glimmer of the diamonds in the light of the plane. "Is this the entire uniform, or can I add a few bracelets to the mix?"
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The Trailer:
About the Author:
Write what you know, they say. Telma Cortez is an author and a flight attendant. She’s unzipping the sex lives of those working in the theater in the sky. ‘The Aerosexual Series’ is currently short erotic novels based on the sexual experiences of the aviation world from pilots to flight attendants, passengers to buziness jet owners. It might be hard to imagine, but the airline business is small. Word gets around from crew room to aircraft galley, overnight bar and hotel crew rooms where only airline crew are allowed to socialize. This is where she gets all of her juicy gossip and full on descriptions of crew antics for her stories If you’ve read and liked 50 shades of Grey then you’re bound to like Telma and ‘The Aerosexual series’. The mile high club is for pilot cadets, Telma’s stories are stratospheric…
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October 19, 2012
Sharing!
It’s Friday. It didn’t rain…much. Almost a week has passed since The Monster of Fame went live. I’m in a great mood! I want to share some of my good cheer with you and so today I’m posting the first chapter of Anna and Miles’ story! Hope you all have a great weekend!
Chapter 1The Audition
Annabelle MacIntosh’s heart thundered in her chest and nerves turned her brain to mush.“Anna, stop worrying. You’ll do great,” Jessica Hartley reassured her.Anna looked back at her friend. Sweat beaded Jess’s ivory skin at her forehead and her dark eyes were wild with worry.Just then, the door to the judging room was thrown open. A dark-haired girl burst from the room, stumbling in her haste, tears streaming down her cheeks. She ran into an older woman’s arms sobbing, “It isn’t fair! Miles Oliver is so mean.”Anna had watched Do You Have What It Takes? for years. Miles Oliver, owner of Oliver Records and manager of some of the biggest names in show business, was the show’s most straight talking judge. He didn’t mince words, nor did he hold back his opinion. If a contestant couldn’t sing, he’d tell them—each time in a creatively insulting way. It was his opinion Anna dreaded the most.“What if they don’t want anyone from Scotland?” Anna murmured to Jess. “What if they’re only looking for English singers?” Everyone she’d seen leaving the room today had faces contorted with various degrees of despair.The show made people famous and more often than not, the finalists all received record deals. The winner of the show not only got a multi-million pound deal, but would have training and support from the biggest names in the industry along the way.“That’s the most rubbish I’ve heard all day. If they weren’t looking for singers from Scotland, why hold auditions here at all?” Jess asked.Anna reluctantly nodded her agreement.The sobbing girl made her way out of the SECC where thousands had lined up at silly o’clock this morning to be heard. All with the hopes they would be noticed for their talent and put through to the next round. Anna was one of those people, although she wasn’t here for the same reason the others were.“Number two thousand and eight to the audition room,” a base voice rumbled over the loud speaker. Anna’s heart raced faster and her palms were now so damp that they would leave wet handprints on her skinny jeans if she were to touch them.She was number two thousand and ten. It wouldn’t be long before she too stood in front of the judges, singing her heart out and hoping they put her through to the next round. Only for the panic and frantic rehearsing to begin all over again.“What if I’ve not got what they’re looking for? What will I do then?” Anna whispered so none of the other hundreds of waiting hopefuls could hear.Jess was staring at a group of girls practicing in the far corner beside the soda machine. As she turned her attention back to Anna with wide eyes, she said, “It’ll be fine, Anna. Your mum said she can take on more shifts. Plus, Mrs. Donald said you could have extra shifts at the shop—”Anna groaned, cutting Jess off.More work.It wasn’t like they both didn’t work hard enough already. Her mum worked two jobs while looking after Anna’s gran from her sorry excuse of a dad’s side.Damn her dad for leaving them with so much debt.“If I win this record deal, Mum wouldn’t have to work and I’d be able to get someone to help care for Granny Menzies,” she explained for the billionth time. If only wanting something got it. Anna learned a long time ago that wasn’t always the case.“I know, Anna. Don’t worry, you’re working yourself into a tizzy over nothing. You can sing, girl, like an angel. Everyone says so.”Everyone did. What if they were just being nice though? Before she decided to audition she’d done the math and figured out the odds—a skill she’d inherited from her gambling dad. Her odds on getting through were so much better than winning the lottery, but not so great that it was a sure thing. She knew it would take hard work and determination. If only she had the confidence that half the people in the room seemed to, she wouldn’t be such a nervous wreck.“Check her out,” Jess whispered, nodding over to the far right hand corner of the room. A blonde-haired girl stood amongst a thrall of men, towering above most of them. A tiny skirt barely concealed the willowy figure beneath, showcasing drainpipe legs. Her top was cut so low it might be more appropriate for an audition at the Seventh Heaven Lap Dancing Club than a reality television show.Anna frowned down at her boring skinny jeans and cotton stretch pullover, feeling a little deflated. Tall wasn’t something she’d describe herself as, neither was thin in any definition of the word. She was just a Plain Jane from Limekilns with drab mousey curls and pale skin. Although others often commented on her intensely blue eyes, there was absolutely nothing extraordinary about her.“How can women think it’s okay to dress like that?” Jess went on, irritation evident in her harsh tone.“Each to their own I suppose. If I had a figure like hers, I’d want to show it off too,” Anna replied wistfully.“You have a lovely figure. Nice and curvy, like Beyonce’s or J-Lo’s. Size zero has been banned from almost every catwalk. No one wants skinny girls anymore.” Jess always said the right thing to make her feel good. Anna relaxed back into her chair, feeling a teensy bit better about herself.“Thanks, Jess. There’s no way I could have done this without you here.”“Of course you couldn’t. Who else would kick your nervous butt into that room when the time comes?” Jess’s grin spread wide across her face and Anna felt hers do the same.“Not too hard now, I have to work the check-out later. Can’t sit at a till with a sore bum.”Jess laughed and Anna joined in, forgetting for a moment where they were.The doors flew open again and a boy, probably around sixteen years old, came out of the room punching the air. “Woohoo. Guess who’s through to eliminations?” A group of girls swarmed him like bees around honey, all of similar age and all keen to pass on their congratulations.“See, I told you they’d put people through from Scotland. We’re an adorable nation, why wouldn’t they?” Jess smiled angelically while fluttering her lashes. She flicked her thick auburn curls over her shoulder and chuckled, as did Anna.“You’re right.” Her pulse returned to normal. Not long now and this would be over. All she needed to do was win over two of the judges and get the majority vote. She just hoped like crazy Miles didn’t think she was terrible, she didn’t think she could stand his unedited opinion.“And think, soon you’ll get to see Sander Chase in all his muscled-up glory,” Jess swooned, her dark brown eyes going all distant and dazed.Anna wrinkled her nose. The older man seemed to draw every woman’s eye except hers.Even seeing him on the television, she felt he was too huge and bulky, like an angel-faced grizzly bear. So not her type. Although, not having dated much—ever—in her twenty-four years, Anna supposed she didn’t have a ‘type’. Her dad made darn sure of that before he left.“Do you think you could get me an autograph?” Jess asked hopefully.“Maybe if I get through. I don’t want to ask if they tell me I’m awful and demand I never darken their doors again. They’d probably end up having security cart me out.”Anna and Jess giggled.“Then there’s Miles. He’s hot too, in an indie, bad boy kind of way.”Blood boiled in Anna’s cheeks and she turned away to hide her blush from Jess. If Anna was honest, Miles had been her secret crush since he started the show three years earlier. He wasn’t gorgeous in an obvious kind of way, but his tall, lean physique and messy dark hair that always seemed to need a good brush was quite alluring—on him anyway.The only problem was the man had ‘control freak’ written all over him. It was clear from the shows his decision on who got through and who didn’t was most listened to. He was obviously used to getting his own way.Not that she’d ever have a chance with him romantically, but even if she did there was no way she’d fall into the arms of a man even remotely like her dad. Gorgeous or not.Another girl burst from the room, tears streamed down her face and she ran straight into an older woman’s arms, sobbing, “It’s not fair.”Anna swallowed. Would that be her? Would she fall to pieces like the girl in front of all these people? Her heart raced.“Number two thousand and ten to the audition room,” the voice broke out of the speaker. Anna could barely hear it through the sound of the blood pounding in her ears.“You’re up, Anna. Knock ’em dead, girl,” Jess said and hauled her up from the chair.Anna allowed herself to be dragged across the carpet to the doors, not really feeling her body anymore. She was sure her palms must be sweating buckets by now and her face felt unusually cold, like all the blood had drained out of it.“C’mon, Anna,” Jess said as they reached the door. Anna turned to Jess whose eyes were frantic with worry. “You can do this, for yourself, for your mum.”“Right.” That was why she was here. Giving herself a mental slap, she pushed open the door to the audition room and marched through, leaving Jess behind.* * * *Miles Oliver had to make a concerted effort to keep his face from showing his internal torture. This young girl—Lucy, he believed her name was—genuinely believed she could sing, but, alas, she was awful. His eardrums were almost bleeding with the battering they were taking from her piercing rendition of Beautiful.Finally, Sander raised his hand to signal for the girl to stop. Usually it was his job to cut people off and make a rude comment, but this audition wasn’t being filmed. The cameraman shut off the equipment the moment the girl started singing. Viewers wanted entertainment, not shattered eardrums.“I’m sorry, Lucy, it’s a no from me,” Miles said. Tears welled in her eyes and he felt like a jerk. It was worse when they filmed the auditions. His contract stated that he had to appear rude for entertainment purposes. It was a tiring job at times.“It’s a no from me too, Lucy,” Sander chimed in. Miles sighed in relief as the girl turned to flee from the room, not even waiting for their fellow judge, Safri Cantrell’s vote. Not that it mattered. Majority ruled.“Who’s next?” Safri asked in her thick Brazilian accent.Miles raked through the papers in front of him and pulled out the sheet for number two thousand and ten. There was a photo attached of a woman, young with bright blue eyes. She looked completely average. They were looking for original individuals, not Plain Janes.“Annabelle MacIntosh.” Safri read the sheet aloud. “Twenty-four years old, from Limekilns in Fife. There’s a note from Dave here saying that she has an interesting story we can work with.”Dave Campbell was the show’s director and Miles’s sometimes friend. Not so much during the months of Do You Have What It Takes?, but the rest of the year he was. If Dave wanted the girl through, there would be no stopping him—unless she couldn’t sing, in which case it was madness.“Let’s get on with this, there’s still hundreds to see today,” Sander complained, raking a beefy hand through his cropped blond hair. Safri signaled to the cameramen and a member of the crew called the girl’s number over the loud speaker.“Be nice, you two,” Safri whispered. “You’ve both acted like bears with sore heads all day.” Miles rolled his eyes before fixing them on the doors leading to the waiting room. Safri was right. He was in a foul mood. They’d been there all day, and the auditions had gone from bad to worse. So far, they’d only put one young man through, and his voice wasn’t anything spectacular. Miles doubted the boy would make it past eliminations.The doors opened and Annabelle walked through. His eyes widened as he took in her curvy frame covered by very stylish skinny jeans and a well-fitted, yet understated, floaty pullover. Her mousey hair was styled into elaborate curls and the barest traces of makeup made her bright blue eyes sparkle from her china-white skin. Miles could hardly believe it was the same girl in the photograph.Annabelle walked right over to the star in the middle of the floor, her high heels clicking on the wood, and turned to face them. She held her hands clasped in front of her and he noted they were trembling profoundly. In fact, on second glance, she was trembling all over. Her shoulders were hunched defensively, eyes were fixed on a point on the floor. Stage fright, or something else?Unease coiled in his stomach and his shoulders tensed. The show, the judges, the makeup artists, the personal trainer, the army of people hired to make sure Annabelle shone like a star would change her. More than physically.And what happened to those cloned people? The pressure to look thin made anorexia a fashion statement. Mental breakdowns and cocaine habits were assumed as part and parcel of the industry. The transformation made those who’d undergone it obsessed with beauty and fame. Paranoia and a way to escape reality came shortly thereafter.Miles had seen it reflected in his clients. Those young stars he’d mentored over the years. And, before that, his wife, Cassie. Never again would he give someone who wasn’t strong enough the chance to make it big.The last time resulted in his wife’s death.“Annabelle, is it?” Safri asked.Annabelle merely nodded and flicked her wary gaze to Safri. The lights reflecting off Annabelle’s skin illuminated a fine sheen of sweat coating her temples. Again, Miles wondered if it was just stage fright. Is that really a chance you’re willing to take? He had enough guilt to contend with. There was no room for any more.“What are you going to sing for us today?” Sander asked curtly. It irritated Miles that he was using that tone with her. Couldn’t he see the girl was terrified?“Somewhere by Streisand,” Annabelle answered.Shock jolted him causing his eyes to widen again. The song was a hard one to get right, but it was easy to murder. One thing was certain, he was definitely intrigued. Why would a young girl in her twenties sing an old song such as this?“Please, go on,” Miles urged.Her eyes darted to his for the first time and he curved his lips reassuringly. Rose tinted her cheekbones as she dragged her gaze away from him. A flare of heat reverberated through his body. He frowned at the reaction and decided to ignore it. Six years had passed since he’d felt any kind of attraction to another woman. Six years since Cassie died.Before the grief of his memories could assail him, Annabelle started singing. At first, her voice stuttered. After missing several notes, she squeezed her eyes shut. Annabelle took a deep breath, then began again, her eyes still firmly closed.This time, the first spellbinding note that left her lips snared his full attention like nothing else ever had. Her voice was a musical symphony in itself and she hit every advanced note to perfection.At the chorus, her passion made her voice stronger, more powerful. He was vaguely aware Safri had leaned closer to him and was whispering in his ear, but he couldn’t hear her and didn’t particularly care what she was saying. Annabelle and her angelic, yet powerful voice were all that mattered at that moment.No one interrupted her, not even Sander. They let her sing the song all the way through to the end where her voice hit all the high notes with a steadily increasing power, knocking the breath right out of him. She pulled off every one with intense emotion.But could she survive the pressure of fame? Her terrified reaction to them when she first entered had to be more than just nerves. He’d seen the same reactions from Cassie before her first concert and every time thereafter.Between the media and the pressure to ‘look’ the part, fame had destroyed his wife, making her turn to drugs and alcohol for weight loss and confidence. Both had killed her in the end. Miles couldn’t cope with the guilt if Annabelle fell into the same murky pit of despair. He was barely struggling with the blame for Cassie.Panic clawed its way up his throat as the song neared its end. There was no doubt in his mind Safri and Sander would put her through to the next round. He would have to get in first and persuade them not to vote her through. After all, they usually listened to him.The song finished and Annabelle’s gaze went straight to the floor as she stood there trembling, waiting on their verdict. A quick glance at his colleagues confirmed his suspicions; both sat there—wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Safri even had tears in her eyes, which was surprising in itself. Safri never, ever cried.“Thank you, Annabelle,” Miles said, aware that this audition was being filmed. “I have to say you have a beautiful voice. It flows smoothly and you are able to hold a tune spectacularly well.”The smile which spread across her pale face lit up her shiny eyes. She was dazzling. For a moment he forgot what he was trying to do.Clearing his throat, he got to the hard part. “However, this contest is not just about singing. It’s also about finding stars and selling albums. Do I think you can sing? Yes. Very well. Do I think you can make it as a star?” He paused as her smile faltered and her eyes filled with moisture.Just looking into those eyes made him want to promise her the world. An image flashed in his mind of his wife’s pale, lifeless face the evening he returned from work and found her dead. The guilt lay so thick in his stomach he thought he might throw up.There was no way he would do that to Annabelle. “I’m sorry, but I don’t. Where your voice is amazing, you don’t have star quality nor confidence. You were only able to sing once you’d closed your eyes, which is unprofessional. It’s a no from me.”His voice came out harsher than he intended with the painful memories of guilt and heart-wrenching anguish resurrected. He was aware of his fellow judges’ gazes on him, although he couldn’t drag his attention from Annabelle. Her face crumpled in an expression which he could only describe as agony. The pain in her eyes mirrored that and a single tear rolled down her cheek.He felt like the biggest arse in the history of the world. If only he could take the words back and see her smile her bright, breath-taking smile again.But if he did, how long would that smile last?
And if you want to see what happens next, you can find the book at these retailers:- Amazon UK Amazon US Barnes & Noble Beachwalk Press All Romance Ebooks BookstrandKobo
Happy reading! xoxo
October 16, 2012
Holiday Kisses #freeread
For the next five weeks, the Beachwalk Babes and I will be posting five instalments of our short holiday stories. Mine’s is entitled Believe in Me. It’s a short, sexy New Year’s Eve Friends to Lovers story and you can pop back here on the 22ndOctober for the 1st instalment. The complete anology will be released 3rd December for free so if you miss any, you can pick it up then :) Here’s the schedule:-
Pepper Anthony - title is Positively Holly - posting on Mondays (Initial post October 22nd)
Tara Mills - title is Drawn To You - posting on Mondays (Initial post October 22nd)
Sidda Lee Tate - title is Katrina’s Christmas - posting on Tuesdays (Initial post October 23rd)
Patricia Bates - title is Hometown Miracles - posting on Tuesdays (Initial post October 23rd)
Elise Whyles - title is Merry Christmas, Mrs. Todd- posting on Wednesdays (Initial post October 24th)
Aimee Duffy - title is Believe in Me - posting on Wednesdays (Initial post (October 24th)
Kaylie Newell - title is Winter Break - posting on Thursdays (Initial post October 25th)
Lacey Wolfe - title is The Gift Beneath the Tree - posting on Thursdays (Initial post October 25th)
Ashlynn Monroe - title is Reunion - posting on Fridays (Initial post October 26th)
Hazel Gower - title is His Holiday Lifesaver - posting on Saturdays (Initial post October 27th)
Tamaria Soana - title is Mistletoe & Holly - posting on Sundays (Initial post October 28th)
Happy reading!
xoxo
October 15, 2012
It’s Official!!!
Today is the official release day of The Monster of Fame. It’s been up on Amazon & Barnes & Noble since Saturday, but now it’s available all over the shop.
Amazon UK Amazon US Barnes & Noble Beachwalk Press All Romance EbooksBookstrand and Kobo
Some lovely people have already read The Monster of Fame and reviewed it! Here are what some have said:-Amazon:“For anyone who loves romance, women's fiction or shows like Xfactor, this is the book for you.”“This book was a refreshing change. Yes, it did all the things a romance does, but I especially liked the way it got to the heart of both leads.”Goodreads:“The Monster of Fame is entertaining, sexy, heartwarming, and a must read in my book!”
Unwrapping Romance:
“MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy is a delightfully sweet romance with a very up-to-date feel with its reality show environment. If you're a fan of such shows as American Idol, you will definitely enjoy the background, the tension, and the nervous energy as well as some of the jealousies and back-stabbing that come into play but best of all is the falling in love that happens between Annabelle and Miles. Also, Aimée writes one of the best happily-ever-after endings and so, I will say that this romance is a successful debut novel for a talented new author who I expect to see good things from in the future.”
And if you missed the party yesterday, I’ll leave you with a little teaser :o)
“It’s a no from me.”The words rang again and again in Anna’s head, each time cutting her a little deeper. She straightened her spine and locked her knees to avoid falling to the floor and tried very hard to hold back the sobs bubbling up in her chest.Anna tore her gaze away from Miles’s penetrating emerald eyes and returned her attention to an irregular floorboard in front of the judges’ table.“Miles!” the female judge, Safri, chided. “You can’t be serious?” The incredulous note in Safri’s thick accent was obvious.Anna looked up at Safri. Hope sparked anew. All she needed was two votes to go through. Maybe there was still a chance…“I’m dead serious. She doesn’t have what it takes,” his deep voice rumbled.Pain slashed across her like the lash of a whip. What did he mean? Wasn’t she pretty enough? He said she could sing!“I disagree,” Safri said, turning to face Anna and squaring her broad, tanned shoulders. “I think you do and only an idiot would not take you through to the next round. I think you have winning potential and the star quality we’re looking for. It’s a yes from me.”Anna managed to pull her lips into what she hoped was a grateful smile. Words still beyond her, she dragged in deep breaths through her nose to stop the tears from spilling over. From the corner of her eye she saw Miles’s brows pull down and his lips twist into a scowl as he glared at Safri. What on earth had she done to goad such a response from him?
Amazon UK Amazon US Barnes & Noble Beachwalk Press All Romance EbooksBookstrand and Kobo
Some lovely people have already read The Monster of Fame and reviewed it! Here are what some have said:-Amazon:“For anyone who loves romance, women's fiction or shows like Xfactor, this is the book for you.”“This book was a refreshing change. Yes, it did all the things a romance does, but I especially liked the way it got to the heart of both leads.”Goodreads:“The Monster of Fame is entertaining, sexy, heartwarming, and a must read in my book!”
Unwrapping Romance:
“MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy is a delightfully sweet romance with a very up-to-date feel with its reality show environment. If you're a fan of such shows as American Idol, you will definitely enjoy the background, the tension, and the nervous energy as well as some of the jealousies and back-stabbing that come into play but best of all is the falling in love that happens between Annabelle and Miles. Also, Aimée writes one of the best happily-ever-after endings and so, I will say that this romance is a successful debut novel for a talented new author who I expect to see good things from in the future.”
And if you missed the party yesterday, I’ll leave you with a little teaser :o)
“It’s a no from me.”The words rang again and again in Anna’s head, each time cutting her a little deeper. She straightened her spine and locked her knees to avoid falling to the floor and tried very hard to hold back the sobs bubbling up in her chest.Anna tore her gaze away from Miles’s penetrating emerald eyes and returned her attention to an irregular floorboard in front of the judges’ table.“Miles!” the female judge, Safri, chided. “You can’t be serious?” The incredulous note in Safri’s thick accent was obvious.Anna looked up at Safri. Hope sparked anew. All she needed was two votes to go through. Maybe there was still a chance…“I’m dead serious. She doesn’t have what it takes,” his deep voice rumbled.Pain slashed across her like the lash of a whip. What did he mean? Wasn’t she pretty enough? He said she could sing!“I disagree,” Safri said, turning to face Anna and squaring her broad, tanned shoulders. “I think you do and only an idiot would not take you through to the next round. I think you have winning potential and the star quality we’re looking for. It’s a yes from me.”Anna managed to pull her lips into what she hoped was a grateful smile. Words still beyond her, she dragged in deep breaths through her nose to stop the tears from spilling over. From the corner of her eye she saw Miles’s brows pull down and his lips twist into a scowl as he glared at Safri. What on earth had she done to goad such a response from him?
October 13, 2012
A Lovely Distraction
As you all probably know, I entered the global writing contest So You Think You Can Write this month. Voting’s over, and now it’s bite-your-nails-pull-your-hair-out time for everyone waiting on the results. I’ve been doing plenty of both!
I found out today that my debut book, The Monster of Fame, is live on Amazon UK & US, a whole two days early! I’m so excited that I haven't even chowed down on my nails once today! Maybe it will give them a chance to grow back ;o)
If you fancy a getting your hands on The Monster of Fame early, here are the links:-
AmazonUK Amazon US
Right, I’m off to celebrate! xoxo
I found out today that my debut book, The Monster of Fame, is live on Amazon UK & US, a whole two days early! I’m so excited that I haven't even chowed down on my nails once today! Maybe it will give them a chance to grow back ;o)
If you fancy a getting your hands on The Monster of Fame early, here are the links:-
AmazonUK Amazon US
Right, I’m off to celebrate! xoxo
October 12, 2012
Ella Jade's in the Spotlight!
And here’s another fab book by Ella I can’t wait to get my hands on! Passion’s Pain by Ella Jade
One woman…two men. Who will she choose? The father or the son?Lilli Daniels has been down on her luck for quite some time. She's been homeless, hungry and alone for far too long. When an intriguing, older stranger enters the strip club where she's waitressing her life takes on a new direction.
Successful attorney Jackson Avis maintains complete control of every aspect in his life. When he lays eyes on the beautiful, young Lilli he's captivated and has to have her. He tempts her with a life of privilege and security. He introduces her to a world she never knew existed. Complications arise when Jackson's son and aspiring doctor Cameron expresses an interest in his father's girlfriend. Lilli fights the attraction, but Cameron wants to give into his heart's desire. He's the complete opposite of his controlling, manipulative father and will stop at nothing to protect the woman he's falling in love with. Sometimes life leads you down one path only to bring you to your true destiny. Can Lilli come to terms and figure out exactly who her heart belongs to?
Excerpt
Lilli glanced down at the floor for a few seconds before looking up and giving Jack a small smile. Her long black hair fell down the center of her back and curled slightly at the ends. Her eyes were a most alluring color. Jack couldn’t tell for sure in the dim lighting, but they almost appeared violet. He’d never encountered such a unique woman before. He knew right away a girl like her didn’t belong in a shit-hole like this.
“What would you like?” She looked down at the pad she held and waited for his order.
“For you to have a seat.” He got up, pulled the chair out, and then motioned for her to sit.
“What? No, I can’t. I’m working.”
Jack looked around and noted it wasn’t that busy.
“I think you can sit for a few minutes.” He smiled. “Pat said you should give me what I want.”
“I-I don’t do that.” She shook her head. "Some of the other girls here do, but not me."
“I’m only asking you to sit and I rarely ask twice.” He felt a sense of relief knowing she didn't prostitute herself to the customers in this disgusting place. “Please.”
“Just for a few minutes.” She looked around the bar and then quickly took a seat.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lilli,” he said. “Do you have a last name?”
“I do.” She was too busy looking into his eyes that he thought maybe she forgot to finish answering.
Jack smiled and cleared his throat when he realized she was staring at him.
“Oh, it’s Daniels.”
“I see. What do you do besides work here, Lilli Daniels?”
“I work at the bookstore over at the community college,” she said. “I’m hoping to save enough money to take a few classes there in the fall.”
“It’s only January,” Jack said. “Why wait so long?”
“Classes are expensive.” She nervously fidgeted with the cocktail napkin sitting on the table. “So, what do you do?”
“I’m an attorney. I have my own practice in the city.”
“Oh, that sounds interesting. I’d like to study law someday, too.”
“A pretty ambitious goal.” He teased. “How old are you?”
“Twenty-two.”
Well, at least she's legal.But, for a girl working in a strip club trying to save money for school, she seemed awfully naïve. He briefly wondered if it was an act to get men to feel sorry for her. Maybe she knew exactly how to get a bigger tip out of her customers.
“Getting a bit of a late start with school, aren’t you?” Jack asked. “My son is about your age and he's in medical school.”
“My father’s not an attorney.” She ran her fingers through her hair and Jack immediately recognized she was uncomfortable when she mentioned her father. The lawyer in him needed to investigate a little further.
“What does your father do?”
“Are you ready to order?” she said. “I should be getting back to work.”
“Not just yet.” He wondered why she changed the subject so quickly. “I’m curious as to what a girl like you is doing in a place like this.”
“Me, too.” She looked around the dark room. “I fell on some hard times and I’m just trying to get my life back together. It’s honest work.”
“What kind of hard times?” He was trying not to interrogate her, but he wanted to know more about her.
“I can tell you’re a lawyer.” Her full pink lips curved into a smile. Jackson wondered what it would feel like to have her mouth against his. She was probably soft and warm.
“It’s in my nature to ask questions.” He wanted to know more about this beauty.
“Do you always get your answers?”
“I always get everything I want.” He let his eyes wander down her body. She was flawless, but he shouldn't have been entertaining any possibilities at all. But then again, when did he ever let anything stop him from getting what he wanted?
Jack reached into his pocket, pulled out his business card, and handed it to her. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “I have to get back to the office now, but I’ve rather enjoyed your company. If Pat gives you a hard time, please give me a call. I’ll set him straight.” He knew he should leave her alone. He wasn't sure he’d be interested in getting involved with a girl in her situation, but he wasn’t ready to walk away. Not yet.
She glanced down at the card. “I went to high school with a Cameron Avis.”
“Did you date?” That would be far too amusing.
“Oh, God no.” She laughed. “He was a year older than me, popular, and would never give a girl like me a second glance. I was from the wrong side of the tracks.” She rolled her eyes.
“Hmm.” Jack began to get a clearer picture of who Lilli was.
“I was shy and kept to myself,” she said. “He was gorgeous, smart, and came from money. Definitely not my type."
“Really?” Jack grinned as he got up from the table. “It seems to me I’ll have to have a talk with my son about not recognizing a good thing when he sees it.”
“Oh.”
Secret Cravings Buy Link
About Ella…
Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words. Site Facebook Author Page Twitter
October 11, 2012
Help Raise Awareness - The Calm Before the Storm
It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the lovely Tamaria Soana will be donating all her royalties this month for The Calm Before the Storm to a women’s shelter. The book’s under a pound, and for an excellent cause. Read on to find out more.
The Calm Before the Storm by Tamaria Soana
The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn't have her no one would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath. The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding relationship with Brock Maxwell. While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few years just the calm before the storm?
Excerpt:
Erica picked it up and smiled when she saw it was Joann calling.
“Hey, Joann.”
“Hi, Erica. You busy?”
“No, not at all. I was just reading the paper.”
“Did you hear the news about Sawyer?”
Erica stood up. Chills ran down her spine at the mention of his name. “What news?” she replied, just above a whisper.
“He’s getting married.”
The words stunned her.
“Erica, are you still there?” Joann asked.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm down so she could respond.
“How do you know?” she managed to stammer. So many feelings were flowing through her body as she paced the floor. They ranged from fear to relief. Was he truly moving on?
“Tim ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said they’re getting married in a few months.”
“Wow.” Erica breathed out.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. This is good news. He’s moved on. Maybe I can stop looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?”
“No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a business trip and Sawyer’s cousin mentioned that she’s much younger.”
“The poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He’s sexy and charming in the beginning and you’re so over the top in love with him. You marry him and get so caught up in the fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he truly is. A monster,” Erica stoically stated.
“Erica, I know you went through hell with him, but it’s been two years. You have a terrific man in your life. I think it’s time you let go of the past and live again.”
Erica sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a freight train. “I have a lot to think about. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Let’s get together soon.”
“Sounds great.”
“Erica, relax. The nightmare is finally over.” Her friend reassured her.
“Bye, Joann.” Erica ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free from that man once and for all?
Amazon Buy Link
Note from the Author:
To say it’s surreal to have my short story come light is an understatement. The vision for this story came to me months ago. I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse. This cause is very near to my heart. I also wanted to find away to use my story to raise money for the cause. After a few phone calls I decided I needed to look no further than my own back yard. I live near Buffalo, New York and we have a wonderful woman’s shelter that has helped countess woman and children get back on their feet. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will donate 100% of the proceeds from The Calm Before the Stormin October to my local woman's shelter, and 50% for the life of the book.
Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics
§ Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
§ Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
§ Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.
§ Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
Those facts alone make you want stand up and do something. One thing you can do if you're in an abusive relationship or know someone that is please get help by calling the hotline.
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224
Author Bio:
Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.
She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.
Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.
Author Links: Site Weebly Facebook Author Page Twitter
The Calm Before the Storm by Tamaria Soana
The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn't have her no one would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath. The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding relationship with Brock Maxwell. While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few years just the calm before the storm? Excerpt:
Erica picked it up and smiled when she saw it was Joann calling.
“Hey, Joann.”
“Hi, Erica. You busy?”
“No, not at all. I was just reading the paper.”
“Did you hear the news about Sawyer?”
Erica stood up. Chills ran down her spine at the mention of his name. “What news?” she replied, just above a whisper.
“He’s getting married.”
The words stunned her.
“Erica, are you still there?” Joann asked.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm down so she could respond.
“How do you know?” she managed to stammer. So many feelings were flowing through her body as she paced the floor. They ranged from fear to relief. Was he truly moving on?
“Tim ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said they’re getting married in a few months.”
“Wow.” Erica breathed out.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. This is good news. He’s moved on. Maybe I can stop looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?”
“No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a business trip and Sawyer’s cousin mentioned that she’s much younger.”
“The poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He’s sexy and charming in the beginning and you’re so over the top in love with him. You marry him and get so caught up in the fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he truly is. A monster,” Erica stoically stated.
“Erica, I know you went through hell with him, but it’s been two years. You have a terrific man in your life. I think it’s time you let go of the past and live again.”
Erica sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a freight train. “I have a lot to think about. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Let’s get together soon.”
“Sounds great.”
“Erica, relax. The nightmare is finally over.” Her friend reassured her.
“Bye, Joann.” Erica ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free from that man once and for all?
Amazon Buy Link
Note from the Author:
To say it’s surreal to have my short story come light is an understatement. The vision for this story came to me months ago. I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse. This cause is very near to my heart. I also wanted to find away to use my story to raise money for the cause. After a few phone calls I decided I needed to look no further than my own back yard. I live near Buffalo, New York and we have a wonderful woman’s shelter that has helped countess woman and children get back on their feet. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will donate 100% of the proceeds from The Calm Before the Stormin October to my local woman's shelter, and 50% for the life of the book.
Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics
§ Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
§ Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
§ Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.
§ Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
Those facts alone make you want stand up and do something. One thing you can do if you're in an abusive relationship or know someone that is please get help by calling the hotline.
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224
Author Bio:
Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.
She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.
Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.
Author Links: Site Weebly Facebook Author Page Twitter
October 9, 2012
Spotlight - Lauren Clark
Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark is out now!
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired. With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage. Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?
Buy Links: Kindle / Paperback / Nook / Apple
About the Author:
The Deep South is the perfect setting for Lauren Clark’s novels; contemporary fiction sprinkled with secrets, sunshine, and surprises. Her heroines are real women with real obstacles in their lives; challenges that require strength, sacrifice, and personal growth. And while it’s convenient to have a prince charming on standby, Lauren’s heroines are capable of creating their own happily-ever afters–with brains, not beauty, saving the day.
A former TV anchor, Lauren is a reformed news junkie, non-reformed coffee drinker, and certified library geek. She loves the color pink, her Electra Townie bike, and any place she can see the ocean and stick her toes in the sand. Lauren adores her family, paying it forward, eight hours of sleep a night, homemade macaroni and cheese, and true-blue friends.
Website / GoodReads / Twitter / Facebook
Excerpt 1:I’m a travel writer at Getaways magazine. Paid for the glorious task of gathering up fascinating snippets of culture and piecing them into quirky little stories. Jet-setting to the Riviera, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, basking on Bermuda beaches. It’s as glamorous and exhilarating as I imagined.
Okay, it is a tad lonely, from time to time.
And quite exhausting.
Which is precisely why I have to get organized.
Today.
I sink into my chair and try to concentrate. What to tackle first? Think, think.
“Julia Sullivan!” Third reminder. Uh-oh.
Marietta rolls her eyes and jerks a thumb toward the inevitable. “Guess you better walk the plank,” she teases. “New guy’s waiting. Haven’t met him yet, but I’ve heard he’s the ‘take no prisoners’ sort. Hope you come back alive.”
I grope for something witty and casual to say, but all of a sudden, my head feels light and hollow. I’ve been dying to find out about the new editor.
Every last gory detail.
Until now.
“I’m still in another time zone,” I offer up to Marietta with a weak smile. My insides toss from side to side as I slide out of my chair.Marietta tosses me a wry look. “Nice try. Get going already, sport.”
I tilt my head toward the hallway and pretend to pout. When I look back, Marietta’s already disappeared. Smart girl.
“Fine, fine.” I tug a piece of rebellious auburn hair into place, smooth my wool suit, and begin to march toward the inevitable.
Our new editor.
My neck prickles.
I’m not going to worry. Not much anyway.
My pulse thuds.
Not going to worry about change. Or re-organization. Or pink slips.
Focus, Julia.
Excerpt 2:
“But, I have plans. Every night next week. Tickets to the Met, a fundraiser, a gallery opening, and I have book club on Monday.” I don’t mention the Filene’s trip I’d planned. Or the romantic date I’ve been promising Andrew, my neglected boyfriend of four years.
David waves a hand to dismiss it all. “Marietta can handle the magazine-related responsibilities.” From the top drawer of his desk he produces an airline ticket and a manila folder with my name on it. He sets them on the edge of his desk. Something I can’t decipher plays on his lips.
I keep my voice even. “What about Bali?” I had planned to leave for the South Pacific a week from Friday. “It’s on my calendar. It’s been on there…”
David shakes his head. “Not anymore.”
The words wound me like a thousand bee stings.
“Alabama,” David repeats.
My face grows hot. He’s plucked me off a plum assignment without a thought to my ability and my schedule. My new boss is sending me to God knows where and he looks perfectly content.
“If that’s my next assignment,” I sputter, “I’d rather…I’d rather dance naked!”
The announcement comes out much louder than I intend and reverberates through the room. Dolores probably has her ear pressed to the door, but the phrase bounces off my boss like a cotton ball.
David smothers a chuckle. “Suit yourself.”
Excerpt 3:
The Best Butts in Alabama, the huge billboard above my head brags. A robust pink pig, dressed in blue overalls and a cowboy hat, winks down at me. Next to the hog’s turned up nose, royal blue letters read ‘Phil’s Bar-B-Q.’ Phil certainly knows how to make a first impression. As does Mother Nature.The sunshine beats down on my shoulder through the window. Is it always this muggy in December? I swipe at my forehead with the back of my hand and do quick surveillance.
Where is the historic, elegant city I was promised in the letter? There is a normal-looking church across the street, a run-of-the-mill real estate business to my right, and a tiny hole-in-the-wall place called The Donut King, which seems to be doing ten times more business than the Winn-Dixie grocery store I just passed.
So far, all I see of Eufaula, Alabama is more in-your-face commercial than traveler chic. Of course, I’m not in the best frame of mind to become one with my surroundings.
After a lousy Thursday morning of sulking and a rushed packing job, I sent an RSVP with regrets for the fundraiser, gave away my tickets to the Met, left a voice mail for Andrew, and changed my ticket to an earlier departure.
Hours later, after fighting through JFK security, surviving the cramped flight to Atlanta, I spent the night in Buckhead, Georgia, picked up my enormous rented SUV this morning (it was either that or a red minivan), and began driving the three-and-a-half hours to reach my pinhole-on-a-map destination.
All to save my job.
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired. With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage. Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage? Buy Links: Kindle / Paperback / Nook / Apple
About the Author:
The Deep South is the perfect setting for Lauren Clark’s novels; contemporary fiction sprinkled with secrets, sunshine, and surprises. Her heroines are real women with real obstacles in their lives; challenges that require strength, sacrifice, and personal growth. And while it’s convenient to have a prince charming on standby, Lauren’s heroines are capable of creating their own happily-ever afters–with brains, not beauty, saving the day.
A former TV anchor, Lauren is a reformed news junkie, non-reformed coffee drinker, and certified library geek. She loves the color pink, her Electra Townie bike, and any place she can see the ocean and stick her toes in the sand. Lauren adores her family, paying it forward, eight hours of sleep a night, homemade macaroni and cheese, and true-blue friends.
Website / GoodReads / Twitter / Facebook
Excerpt 1:I’m a travel writer at Getaways magazine. Paid for the glorious task of gathering up fascinating snippets of culture and piecing them into quirky little stories. Jet-setting to the Riviera, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, basking on Bermuda beaches. It’s as glamorous and exhilarating as I imagined.
Okay, it is a tad lonely, from time to time.
And quite exhausting.
Which is precisely why I have to get organized.
Today.
I sink into my chair and try to concentrate. What to tackle first? Think, think.
“Julia Sullivan!” Third reminder. Uh-oh.
Marietta rolls her eyes and jerks a thumb toward the inevitable. “Guess you better walk the plank,” she teases. “New guy’s waiting. Haven’t met him yet, but I’ve heard he’s the ‘take no prisoners’ sort. Hope you come back alive.”
I grope for something witty and casual to say, but all of a sudden, my head feels light and hollow. I’ve been dying to find out about the new editor.
Every last gory detail.
Until now.
“I’m still in another time zone,” I offer up to Marietta with a weak smile. My insides toss from side to side as I slide out of my chair.Marietta tosses me a wry look. “Nice try. Get going already, sport.”
I tilt my head toward the hallway and pretend to pout. When I look back, Marietta’s already disappeared. Smart girl.
“Fine, fine.” I tug a piece of rebellious auburn hair into place, smooth my wool suit, and begin to march toward the inevitable.
Our new editor.
My neck prickles.
I’m not going to worry. Not much anyway.
My pulse thuds.
Not going to worry about change. Or re-organization. Or pink slips.
Focus, Julia.
Excerpt 2:
“But, I have plans. Every night next week. Tickets to the Met, a fundraiser, a gallery opening, and I have book club on Monday.” I don’t mention the Filene’s trip I’d planned. Or the romantic date I’ve been promising Andrew, my neglected boyfriend of four years.
David waves a hand to dismiss it all. “Marietta can handle the magazine-related responsibilities.” From the top drawer of his desk he produces an airline ticket and a manila folder with my name on it. He sets them on the edge of his desk. Something I can’t decipher plays on his lips.
I keep my voice even. “What about Bali?” I had planned to leave for the South Pacific a week from Friday. “It’s on my calendar. It’s been on there…”
David shakes his head. “Not anymore.”
The words wound me like a thousand bee stings.
“Alabama,” David repeats.
My face grows hot. He’s plucked me off a plum assignment without a thought to my ability and my schedule. My new boss is sending me to God knows where and he looks perfectly content.
“If that’s my next assignment,” I sputter, “I’d rather…I’d rather dance naked!”
The announcement comes out much louder than I intend and reverberates through the room. Dolores probably has her ear pressed to the door, but the phrase bounces off my boss like a cotton ball.
David smothers a chuckle. “Suit yourself.”
Excerpt 3:
The Best Butts in Alabama, the huge billboard above my head brags. A robust pink pig, dressed in blue overalls and a cowboy hat, winks down at me. Next to the hog’s turned up nose, royal blue letters read ‘Phil’s Bar-B-Q.’ Phil certainly knows how to make a first impression. As does Mother Nature.The sunshine beats down on my shoulder through the window. Is it always this muggy in December? I swipe at my forehead with the back of my hand and do quick surveillance.
Where is the historic, elegant city I was promised in the letter? There is a normal-looking church across the street, a run-of-the-mill real estate business to my right, and a tiny hole-in-the-wall place called The Donut King, which seems to be doing ten times more business than the Winn-Dixie grocery store I just passed.
So far, all I see of Eufaula, Alabama is more in-your-face commercial than traveler chic. Of course, I’m not in the best frame of mind to become one with my surroundings.
After a lousy Thursday morning of sulking and a rushed packing job, I sent an RSVP with regrets for the fundraiser, gave away my tickets to the Met, left a voice mail for Andrew, and changed my ticket to an earlier departure.
Hours later, after fighting through JFK security, surviving the cramped flight to Atlanta, I spent the night in Buckhead, Georgia, picked up my enormous rented SUV this morning (it was either that or a red minivan), and began driving the three-and-a-half hours to reach my pinhole-on-a-map destination.
All to save my job.
