Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 20

Sunday Snippets 33 – Deep Fried Sweethearts

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors! Went MIA for a couple of weeks, sorry about that. First I went out of town to work, and then took a week to recover from the madness. A couple weeks back, last time I posted…Michaela went and called Owen’s car a “No-Go”.). You all worried about what would happen after she ragged on his car…but you might be surprised. I had to skip a little ahead to show you the cause of her reaction. Michaela speaks first: “Okay, this isn’t the best picture-I have several much better ones at home.” Owen rose and turned his chair around to edge closer. Once they were shoulder to shoulder, she showed him the picture. He gasped and snatched the picture from her fingers, “Holy crap.” “That’s my dad and me, and my baby-I call her Betty.” “I have never seen her, where do you hide her?” He ran his index finger along the lines of the black Nova in the picture. “New York winters are assholes to cars, especially beauties like Betty.” *Tiniest bit of creative editing in place, just a wee bit to fit it into the 8 *~* | Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |  Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway.  Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago. Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to. Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything. Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love. *~* Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!

Tuesday Tales – Mother – Independent Brake

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Mother. After a week off, I’m back with Kat’s story, Independent Brake. Kat has decided she might just stay in Dominion Falls a while, and sets about reacquainting herself with more than just the sexy and fun Cole Mitchell–who is little more than a fun romp. She’s already invited the town doctor to lunch, and has another destination in mind, but an unwelcome person is in her path: Down the street, Kat’s sister stood on the porch of the boarding house beating a rug over the hitching post. Kat debated taking another route and avoiding her sister as she had all week, but she supposed the time to be childish was over. If she stayed in Dominion Falls for any length of time, she’d have to see Martha now and then. With her shoulders squared, she kept going down the boardwalk. Not surprisingly, when Martha turned her way, she ceased beating the rug and set her hands on her hips. Martha’s graying hair was breaking free of her bun from the exertion of her working, and her once thin waist had expanded some inches. Kat almost felt bad for the change her sister had undergone. Almost. “Katherine.” Martha touched her arm. “Wait.” “For what?” Kat turned toward her sister, ready for a fight. “You to tell me what a horrible person I am? Or perhaps tell Mother and drag her here?” “I just don’t believe you’re thinking. To take up with a man like Cole Mitchell is a grievous mistake.” “Don’t be so dramatic. I’ve not ‘taken up’ with anyone. I am enjoying Cole’s company, that is all. Men do it all the time, why shouldn’t a woman when she wants?” “It’s not right, or decent.” “Right? Decent? You’re a fine one to talk.” Kat bowed to her sister. “To Martha, the most hypocritical person in Dominion Falls.” “I beg your pardon?” Martha’s nostrils flared in indignation. “I’m not a hypocrite.” “But you are. You, who took up with an Indian while engaged. You, who were with a good man like Daniel—and got pregnant by another man. You are a fine one to talk about what is right and decent in the world.” “You wouldn’t have the faintest idea what I went through during that time.” Martha gripped her rug beater. “You were a child.” “Exactly. Was. I nearly had to bear the consequences of your actions. However, I’m an adult now and can make my own choices.” Kat stepped closer. “You’ve tried to become this perfect person to make up for what you did. Problem is, people hate you more now than they did then. Maybe they’d have gotten over the whole Starbird thing if you hadn’t become the epitome of mother at her most uptight.” “I had to make it right,” Martha whispered. “Some things, you never can.” Kat turned on her heel and strode away. “You’ve never been in love, Kat!” Martha called after her, “When you are, you’ll understand then.” Kat brushed off the words as desperation and rushed along the muddy street quick as she could. There were no further impediments to her arrival at the telegraph office. Inside Norman sorted mail into boxes, his back to the door. “Be right there,” he said in an acerbic tone, like he was annoyed anyone dared interrupt him from his work for a different sort of work. She covered her mouth to hide her giggle. For some reason she found the grumpy gentleman endearing. In the week since she’d been home they’d had a few run-ins, usually right in his office. She’d become convinced his admonishments were little more than him trying to give her advice, it just happened to come in the form of scolding. “No hurry, Norman,” Kat said when she managed to stop her quiet laughter. If anything, she wanted to be nice to him. She thought maybe he was lonely after his wife had passed some years ago. An older gentleman often had few prospects once his wife was gone, and as they’d never had children, he had no one else to pester. “Oh, it’s you.” He kept his back to her, slipping envelopes into boxes until the small stack was depleted. “What’re you after?” “Quite a bit, actually.” She leaned on the counter with a bright grin. “Life, laughter, happiness, fun.” He grumbled and moved to his desk. “Got a wire for ya.” “Oh, good. Is it from Patrick?” “In St. Louis, yeah.” Norman set it on the counter. “What else?” She read the wire quickly. Bess was doing well, and he was pleased she’d managed to have fun. She grinned. “First, I’d like to reply. Then, I have another request.” Norman got his pad out and wrote almost as fast as she spoke. He ticked off the words with his pencil and nodded. “That’ll be two bits.” “Of course.” Kat handed him the money, then set her hand on his arm. “Would you join me for supper this evening?” He narrowed his eyes at her hand, then lifted his gaze to meet hers. “’Scuse me?” “You aren’t going deaf. You heard me.” “What’re you doin’? Makin’ a spectacle of yourself like ya are, and now this?” “I’m not making a spectacle. Others are making one for me. I tried to be discreet, but people had other ideas.” She pulled her hand back. “I thought I would like the company, and I thought you might as well. Forgive me, for I see I was wrong.” He shook his head. “Why Cole?” “Well, why not? I have no delusions of love, not with him. I have yet to find a man that would make me feel that way.” “Then you are the one that needs company, not me. I had that once.” “She’s been gone nine years. You must get lonely.” “No man is lonely in this town ‘less he wants to be.” “Whores aren’t company. They’re sexual release.” “Woman like you shouldn’t be talking like that.” “And yet, here I am.” Kat grinned and leaned on the counter. “That’s what Cole is for me, and I for him. Perhaps we’ll be friends, but that has yet to happen. Please, Norman. I would love if you’d join me for supper.” “No.” He turned and went back to his work. The click of the telegraph filled the office in his silence. “If you change your mind, I’ll be at Turner’s. Good afternoon, Norman.” *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!! *~*

Tuesday Tales – Flying – Independent Brake

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Flying. I’m back with Kat’s story, Independent Brake. In this scene Kat has had enough with her travel buddies from the last year. Now that she’s home, she’s got some gumption up to speak her piece: The leader of the Temperance group, Helen Bertrand, paced back and forth. By now Kat was familiar with the routine. Helen would get herself keyed up so that she might get the others keyed up to agree to the next step. She’d already loudly denounced Cole’s saloon as the worst of the bunch, which would make him a prime target. At first Kat would argue until she was hoarse, but time had softened her arguments. Often instead, she’d merely protested, and then gone to the saloon Helen chose as prime target and attempt to warn the owner. Unfortunately she wasn’t always successful, many of the saloon owners dismissed her as an annoying, histrionic woman. Because of that, many saloons had been left with hefty damages in the wake of the women in this room. Kat saw no promise in destroying a person’s livelihood. For where you destroy one, often two more would spring up in its place. In the past few months she’d begun to believe with all honesty that Helen enjoyed reaching the point of violence. There was no sign of change now as, true to form, Helen quoted irrelevant scripture once again to boost her cause. “As it says in first Samuel, chapter fifteen, verse eighteen: ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners…and fight against them until they are exterminated’.” Kat bit her tongue to hide her sigh and one of her standard retorts of scripture. No amount of ‘judge not’ or ‘let he who is without sin’ ever made a lick of difference. She toyed with the teacup on her saucer for a few minutes before she realized every eye was on her. She frowned and straightened. “Yes?” “No protest this time?” Lottie’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “That is your standard approach, is it not?” “As women who are beaten by their husband would tell you, you can only take so much berating before you cave to it. No matter what I say, you’ll do as you please.” Kat rose to her feet. “And so I’m leaving. I came along in hopes of helping some men learn temperance, not to destroy the livelihood of dozens of men who have no other trade.” “We have changed lives.” Helen held her bible close to her chest. “Sometimes it takes a strong hand to enforce such a thing.” “No. What you have done is bullied and pressured. You’ve interrupted men while in the sauce and tried to speak reason to their drunken minds. Perhaps on purpose because you knew then they wouldn’t listen and you’d have an excuse to take up your hatchet.” Kat brushed past Helen. “I want no part of such destruction. I never did. This call to arms is not what I signed up for.” “Quiet women don’t change the world,” Helen objected. “You don’t have to take up a hatchet to be heard,” Kat countered. “I am plenty loud without it. Plus, as I am, many men have listened to me. Perhaps I’ll be far more effective without the saddle of your infractions weighing my voice down.” Kat turned her back on their gasps and murmurs and strode from the boarding house. Part of her wanted to just go flying across the street to the saloon to warn Cole, but if she did so the women would see and change their plan. Instead, she turned and walked calmly back to the hotel. Once the world was quiet, she would go to warn Cole. For once, perhaps they might listen. Then maybe she’d feel her debt repaid, and could enjoy her pleasures without feeling like a whore. Without a word to anyone, she passed through the casino and climbed the stairs to her room. She had the good fortune of a front room with access to the balcony, so she wouldn’t have to pass through again on her way out. Three days she’d stayed at the Silver Saddle, and every day she hated it more. The proprietor was not only over-attentive in his consideration of her well-being; she’d learned in her time staying there he was also business partners with Jackson Krenshaw. Kat shuddered at the thought of seeing the man that had bought her parents house. From all she’d heard, he was as loathsome as a snake. He was all pseudo-cunning and cruel actions, not to mention his bold display of his wealth. She managed to slip into her room quick enough to avoid being seen by Guy, and locked the door behind her. In just a few hours when the town was quiet, she’d make her move. In the interim, she’d get her things gathered into her trunk, and then read. Sometime the next day she hoped to find somewhere else to stay. Cora had been kind enough to offer a small room at the general store and restaurant she ran with her husband Kelly. Kat seriously considered the prospect, since she had few others on the horizon. Considering she had no idea how long she’d stay, it was premature to search for a permanent residence. For all she knew, she might just pack up and head to St. Louis before the month was out.  Once the Temperance group was gone, she wasn’t sure just what she’d do with herself. Packing took longer than expected, and by the time she was done the town had already grown quieter. She gathered her book and sat near the door to keep an eye on the saloon across the way. Two hours and three chapters later Graham was tossing men out on their drunken rear ends. She frowned, unwilling to cross paths with the man Cole had apparently taken on as a business partner without explanation. Rumors had swirled about a young whore Cole had taken in for two years before shuffling her off just as quiet as her arrival; especially since at the same time of her arrival he asked Graham to join in running the saloon. Fiercely independent as Cole was, everyone was surprised he’d let in a partner of any kind—business or pleasure. They’d thought maybe with the new partner he’d turn the saloon into a hotel, or add in a casino, but none of that happened. The saloon remained unchanged, Cole’s mood had soured supposedly, though Kat saw little sign of it in their interactions, and now Graham’s drunken benders were facilitated by his ownership, and gave him a certain power to use his anger to beat up more men under the guise of order in the saloon. Kat set her book down and rose, closing the door behind her. Into the quiet of the night, she slipped down the stairs. By the time she reached the boardwalk, Cole was outside bidding farewell to Graham. She lingered until Graham was well down the street and only the flare up of Cole’s cigar when he dragged on it remained. With a careful step she slipped between two vendor carts into the muddy street. One benefit to changing to pantaloons was not having to keep her skirts elevated to avoid the muck of small town roads, and as always she was grateful for that small benefit. When she landed on the boards across the street, the light of the cigar turned her way. Inwardly she was both grateful they had yet to install street lamps, and upset by it. She’d appreciate seeing his face when she approached, but was glad the dark hid her from any prying eyes. Either way, by the time she got close, Cole’s chuckle reached her ear. When he himself reached for her, she side-stepped him to the porch. “Easy there, Cole. I didn’t come for fun, no matter how powerful you think your charms are.” “I don’t think—I know.” “I don’t think you know, either.” *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!! *~*

Sunday Snippets 32 – Deep Fried Sweethearts

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors! Continuing directly from last week. Tag has suggested that he have Michaela check him thoroughly for more oil.   (Once again, this will be continued directly next week): She managed a laugh to cover the choking lump in her throat and heat the idea sent right to her core. “Cute, real cute. What were you doing, grease monkey?” “I was at Cal’s working on my Nova.” This time she did choke on her own laughter, and she blinked a few times. “I’m sorry, did you say a Nova? As in a No-Go?” Owen stopped examining his arms and his gaze snapped to meet hers, “What did you say?” *Tiniest bit of creative editing in place, just a wee bit to fit it into the 8 *~* | Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |  Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway.  Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago. Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to. Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything. Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love. *~* Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!

Top Ten Tuesday – Julie Lence’s Favorite Shows

Top 10 Favorite Television Shows:   Dallas—J.R. Ewing made for the best villain. Love him or hate him, Larry Hagman’s portrayal of the rich oil barren was the reason millions tuned in every week. And Bobby Ewing made for a hot, hunky cowboy. Plus, I love a good family saga. The brotherly bond between J.R. and Bobby was best displayed by the occasional tender-hearted emotions reflected in J.R.’s eyes when he thought no one was watching.   The Soprano’s—A mobster isn’t hero material, but James Gandolfini portrayed Tony Soprano with a perfect blend of warmth and ruthlessness. Silence reigned in my house every Sunday night so as not one word was missed.   Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman—I know, the show was corny at times, but I loved the characters and the costumes.   Deadwood—As a fan of all things western, this show was spot-on in scenery, history, costumes, dialogue, and casting. Entertaining, gritty, sometimes disgusting; I enjoyed this series immensely and was thoroughly angry at HBO for canceling it without a good reason.   Everybody Loves Raymond—I love to laugh, and most episodes were laugh-out-loud funny. For nearly 10 years, we got to know the Barone family and what made them tick. One of the main reasons I liked this show is Frank and Marie reminded me of folks I actually knew   NCIS, L.A.—I enjoy NCIS, but I love NCIS, L.A. The chemistry between all of the actors and the characters they portray is riveting and funny. The rapid exchange between Sam and Callen or Deeks and Kensi is some of the best writing in television today, and the action is fantastic. Hetty is the type of boss everyone should have. If I’m ever in need of help, I’m hoping Sam and Callen come to my rescue.   Castle—Good story lines with plenty of plot twists, the best thing about this show is the chemistry between Castle and Beckett. They are so cute together.    The Cosby Show—This was one of the best family comedy shows. The parental advice Bill Cosby dolled out each week kept me in stitches, and back then, I didn’t have children.     Laverne and Shirley—Okay, I’m showing my age, but honestly, as a kid, I loved these two wacky women. And Lenny and Squiggy (who will forever remain Lenny and Squiggy to me regardless of other characters they portray). And I liked to watch Eddie Mekka dance; he was so talented.   Knots Landing—A spin-off from Dallas, this was also another well-written nighttime soap/family saga. Abby made for a great female villain, and her clothes, hair and makeup were perfect.    |  | Blurb: Notorious outlaw Buck Grayson is set to hang for the one murder he didn’t commit, until a last minute pardon sets him free. But there’s a condition to the pardon. He’s to cease outlawing and bring law and order to Revolving Point, Texas, the border town along the Rio Grande, with a reputation worse than his. Zanna is there and still in danger from the fancy-pants attorney seeking revenge against her. Buck will do anything for Zanna–even pin the tin star to his chest to keep her safe–except say the words she longs to hear. Former soiled dove Suzanna Reynolds wants respectability, a home and children, and she wants them with Buck. Trouble is, Buck isn’t the settling type and has never openly acknowledged she’s his woman. Convinced Buck only took the sheriff’s job to settle a score and not to please her, Suzanna demands he court her to prove his love. Or leave town for good. *~* Excerpt: Buck stepped inside, closed the door and didn’t make a move toward her. “That woman downstairs is worse than Emma.” “Did you come up here to complain?” She folded her arms beneath her breasts. “I came to tell you I took this damn job for you.” Plus, it made it easier to flush out Hanson’s hired guns before they harmed her. But she didn’t need to know that. She’d want to help and would do so behind his back if he didn’t let her. “Not because I want a tumble between the sheets, but because you’re my woman. That used to mean something to you.” “It still would if you’d tell me you love me.” “Dammit, Zanna. You know I do.” “Then say it,” she challenged. “And don’t give me the same old line about words being hard for you.” “They are.” At least, those words were. The last time he’d said them his family had been murdered. With enemies lurking in the shadows, the same could happen to her. Pissing her off was one thing. He could tolerate her icy glare. Losing her forever was a whole different matter. “That doesn’t mean I don’t feel them.” She sighed irritably and looked away. “Doesn’t my coming here count for something when I swore I wouldn’t?” “If you can’t say the words,” she returned her gaze to him, “then I want you to prove you love me and intend to stay.” “How?” “By courting me.” “What the hell do you think the last three years have been?” “I thought I knew, but now I’m not so sure.” She glared at him. “You say I’m your woman. Prove it.” “Sonofabitch, Zanna. Couldn’t you just beat me with your fry pan?” “No,” she said in that same snotty tone that had beaten him many times in the past.        

Tuesday Tales – Picture Prompt – Independent Brake

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is this picture. Stalled Independence which I featured the past two weeks is complete and ready for my lovely editor.  Plus, this picture lends itself better to another story. So this week I return to Independent Brake the prequel to my Dominion Falls series featuring Katherine Daugherty.  In this excerpt she is returning to her hometown after five years away. Her parents are long gone, living in Denver…and the first person she sees again has more impact on her story than she’s yet to realize: Kat leaned her head out the window of the stagecoach to get as much fresh air as she could. After a year she should be used to riding in a stagecoach with these women, but this time around her nerves made everything intolerable. Not even the beauty of the snowcapped mountains in the distance eased her distress. Eugenia had passed the night before the plan to remove Bess from the hospital. In the end, Kat was sure that had worked in her favor, for she didn’t have to put on a dress and hat and try to hide from a doctor once Bess was safe. Patrick had promised to send a telegram to Dominion Falls once he and Bess were safe in St. Louis, and to keep her informed of Bess’s progress. Kat was relieved she’d been able to help the woman escape a fate like Delphie’s, but couldn’t fully enjoy it. Not with her old home town looming in the distance. Shockingly, there were buildings everywhere now.  As they’d paused on the mountain pass, Kat had been able to get a good look.  The settlement north of town was now filled with homes, and the richer homes on the hill had grown from just their old house to several homes. The town itself now had buildings lining the T-shaped roads. Tents still surrounded the main portion of town, and on their current approach she saw the first sign of carts lining the street. Anxiety twisted her stomach tighter and she pulled her head back in the carriage. After she’d slid the curtain closed, she fiddled with her handkerchief. She hadn’t yet told the women this would be her last stop with them, and she would once again do her best to make sure they didn’t take things too far. “You grew up here?” Lottie, the young woman closest to Kat’s own age spoke up. Her nose wrinkled as she peeked out of the curtain. “How…quaint.” “It was better then, not so many buildings.” Kat felt frisky enough to rile Lottie. The woman acted so prim and proper, but Kat knew her to be a hypocrite. At least Kat was honest about her dislike of some of what the league did. Lottie just drank and made time with men in every town they went to right behind the other women’s back. “Well, I guess it explains some things.” Lottie eyed Kat’s pantaloons in disdain. “Oh, please. I only started wearing these a year ago. Growing up here had little to do with my fashion choice.” Kat smirked. “I’m not ashamed of what I am, certainly not of where I came from. I liked growing up here. It was wilder, freer, and dangerous at times.” Lottie’s reply was cut off with a sharp jolt of the carriage when the stagecoach stopped suddenly. Kat didn’t wait for Lottie’s retort, or the driver. Instead, she reached out of the window and opened the door. She leaped out into the street, not surprised by the constant bustle of activity around her. Her smile brightened as she turned, taking in the sights, and smells, of the town. The unease and tension slipped away and her shoulders dropped. She was home. The other women exited the stagecoach once the driver brought about the steps, and began to congregate to discuss where they’d stay. “Well, Katherine?” Lottie’s nasally tone interrupted Kat’s enjoyment of the crowded street. “This is your town? Where do we stay?” “I haven’t been here in five years. I haven’t the faintest idea. Half of these buildings didn’t even exist then.” Kat glared at Lottie. “If it’s still there, my sister had a boarding house down the street that way across from the saloon. I wouldn’t know if there’s a proper hotel now or not. Go ask someone.” Lottie harrumphed and spun, leading the ladies to the general store. Kat shook off her annoyance and began to wonder where she herself would stay. If the ladies chose her sister’s boarding house she certainly wouldn’t be joining them. “Just give me that mail bag.” A familiar voice called behind her. A gentleman with careworn features, twenty years her senior glared at the driver. Norman Woodward, who had run the telegraph office when she’d lived here, still did if his call for the mail was any indicator. “Took ya long enough to get here. Supply wagon was here three days ago.” “We crossed paths with them coming over the mountain,” Kat interjected before the driver could respond. If nothing else, it would be interesting to see if he remembered her. “Our driver was kind enough to help them fix their broken wheel. That’s why we’re late.” “Well, that’s just…” Norman’s words trailed off and he studied her. “I know you.” “Are you sure?” Kat grinned and set her hand on her hip. Unsurprisingly, the man scanned her from top to bottom, his nose wrinkling at her pantaloons. “Or did you once and not any longer?” “Katherine Daugherty. What have you done to yourself?” “Well, Norman.” She chuckled when he grumbled about her using his proper name. “I went off and grew up. That is allowed, isn’t it?” “See you’re as brash and unseemly as ever.” “Oh no, I’m far worse now.” “Your parents had a right fit when you disappeared. Tore the town up looking for ya.” Norman almost smiled. “Funniest damn thing I ever seen when your Ma crawled along looking under porches for you.” “A sight I wish I could have seen myself, but I’m glad I was far away for.” Kat pointed to her trunk for the driver. “Tell me, Norman. Is there a proper hotel these days, or just my sister’s place still?” “There’s a hotel, just opened. Called the Silver Saddle. Two doors down from your sister, but they got gambling and whores.” “Sounds perfect. Cole Mitchell never turned his into a hotel, then? Even large as it is? What a pity.” “Nope. His place is still best for whoring, though.” “And you would know this how?” *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!! *~*

Sunday Snippets 31 – Deep Fried Sweethearts

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors! After Tag caught her sleeping at her desk last week, Michaela’s usual perusal of his strong arms (she really does admire them often) leads to a discovery (Due to length of scene, this will be continued next week): “So what were you up to this morning? You’re filthy.” She’d returned her gaze to his arms; that’s how she’d noticed the dark smudges near his elbow and wrist, “Grease?” “Oil-I thought I got it all.” He lifted his arm, his forehead puckering into an adorable hint of a frown. “Damn, don’t worry. I’ll get good and cleaned up before I touch food-maybe I should have you check me thoroughly.” A task she sure wouldn’t mind for a minute. *Tiniest bit of creative editing in place, just a wee bit to fit it into the 8 *~* | Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |  Michaela O’Keefe is in over her head with her restaurant, The Midway.  Her ad for an assistant manager brings Owen “Tag” Montague to her doorstep. With an impeccable resume and dozens of letters of recommendation, she has little choice but to give him a chance. Ten years her junior, Tag sets her long-dead libido humming, but she gave up on love and her instincts on men years ago. Tag has had a crush on his new boss since his youth, but he’s determined to prove he can do the job. Still, he can’t resist the urge to make her blush down to her toes as often as possible. He knows her rough past in life and love makes it hard to trust, and he’s wary of crossing the line he so desperately wants to. Just when they manage to figure out how to work and play together, Michaela’s ex does all he can to destroy their budding love. When push comes to shove Michaela’s inability to give Tag the benefit of the doubt might destroy everything. Learning to trust herself again is the hardest lesson Michaela will ever have to learn – and by the time she does, it may be too late for love. *~* Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!

Seduced by the Game – An Anthology for Hockey Fights Cancer

*I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine* I’ll be honest, I don’t do many reviews here because I’m flat out lazy. However, when I saw this anthology coming available and the request for reviews? I couldn’t wait to review it!! I signed up quick as the sign-ups were open. The anthology was packed with some amazing stories that centered around my absolute favorite sport – Hockey.  With a good mix of romance from sweet to burn your eyeballs spicy!! Overall I gave the entire anthology 4 stars. As expected some authors just didn’t write in a style I liked, or the story didn’t grab me. I admittedly skimmed one or two, but those that grabbed me were powerful and well-written enough that I gave the whole shebang 4 stars. So let me go over the standouts: Hooking Hannah by Cassandra Carr & Cindy Carr – This story knocked it out of the park for me. It is my absolute favorite in the story. The romance was smoking, the hero (Scott) so amazing, and the heroine (Hannah) funny and strong. Their story was sweet and believable and they burned up the sheets – but what took this story over the edge to amazing for me was the scenes on the ice. The way the authors Carr wrote the hockey scenes was detailed and exact and I felt like I was back in my hometown of Buffalo listening to Rick Jeanneret call the play by play! It totally put me in the game and kept me there. Stunning writing. Crashing the Boards by Jami Davenport - Most of this story takes place at a party on a boat and some naughty, kinky events. I was unfamiliar with Jami going into the story, but some of the sassy lines had me laughing and looking her up for more of her books. The interplay between the party crasher – Izzy, and the hockey player who thinks he’s onto her – Cooper, is excellent. Best part is when the truth is revealed and things blow up, the resolution isn’t perfect and immediate, but the way it’s handled is spot on and I love the potential. Taking a Shot by Catherine Gayle - A sweet romance that touches on the cause behind the anthology – cancer. I loved the inclusion of a sweeter story and Katie’s crush-turned-romance was perfect.  The best part for me was Jamie’s doubts that had nothing to do with Katie, but his own role in her future. It was superbly realistic and touching. Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey - Honestly, I don’t usually read much M/M, but I’m glad I did in this case. V.L. has quite a way with telling a story. It was real easy to get inside the character’s heads. Cam, the living legend who was faltering in his game in more ways than one, and Jacobi – Cam’s new back-up goalie and long-time fan. The mix of May/December romance with a bit of the struggle with admitting who you really are was beautifully handled in this short story. With these great stories, and the good cause, this is an excellent buy!! *~* |  | BN | ARe | Blurb ~ It’s time to drop the gloves and fight! Support the Fight against cancer that is.  This anthology of 8 brand new novellas is hot enough to melt the ice these players skate on. Featuring stories from popular New York Times & USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors, including Toni Aleo, Cassandra Carr, Cindy Carr, Jami Davenport, Catherine Gayle, Jaymee Jacobs, V.L. Locey, Bianca Sommerland, and Nikki Worrell. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author – Toni Aleo TANGLED IN THE LACES In Tangled in the Laces, Karson King is on the fast track to the pros and Lacey Martin is coming back from a hard fight against cancer and is terrified of him but their love is too much to ignore. Will Karson prove that he will protect her heart at all costs, or will he leave Lacey to pick up the pieces of her life once again? Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr HOOKING HANNAH When Hannah attends an all-star game, she doesn’t expect a hockey player of all people to turn her world upside down. Her sister is married to a player and Hannah never wanted that life. But Scott could change everything. For Scott’s part, he has to know the woman who stirred his blood with just a look, and once he does, he realizes he wants Hannah to be his forever. Now to convince her… Jami Davenport CRASHING THE BOARDS (Seattle Sockeyes 1.5) Professional party crasher, Izzy Maxwell, needs the cooperation of reluctant party guest Cooper Black, the team captain of Seattle’s new hockey team, but Cooper can’t get past his anger over the team’s relocation to Seattle. Can Izzy melt Cooper’s frozen heart or will this party crash along with her fledgling business? Catherine Gayle TAKING A SHOT (Portland Storm 2.5) Katie Weber has had a crush on Jamie Babcock for almost two years, since he joined her father’s hockey team, the Portland Storm as an eighteen-year-old rookie. When cancer takes her health, her hair, and even her friends, she can’t bear to go to senior prom…until Jamie intervenes. Jaymee Jacobs A VALUABLE TRADE  Bryan’s life gets turned upside down when he gets traded to the Dallas Comets, and things get even messier when he meets Georgiana, the Director of Team Services. He’s got a lot of work to do to prove his worth to his new team, but Georgiana’s sure he’ll prove to be a valuable trade. V.L. Locey HEIR APPARENT Superstar Cam Evans is fighting to climb out of a slump that`s growing worse with each day of living in denial. Fresh from the minors, Jacobi Neal is hungry for this chance to play back-up for the legendary goalie. Can two men battle each other, their inner demons, and the sizzling attraction building between them? Bianca Sommerland BLIND PASS (The Dartmouth Cobras 0.5) Nothing could stop Tim Rowe, the assistant coach of the Dartmouth Cobras, from falling in love with Madeline, but love alone can’t satisfy every need. Sometimes, to reach the goal, you have to take the chance with a . . . Blind Pass. Nikki Worrell - CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN (Prequel to Scorpions Series) Keith Lambert is the captain of the Flyers—until he’s not. To everyone’s shock, he’s traded to the San Diego Scorpions. As if that’s not bad enough, Phoebe, his girlfriend of two years, decides she doesn’t love him enough to follow. All alone in a new town, Keith is drawn to Kelly, his take out delivery girl. When she shows up at ice girl tryouts, he’s lost. She’s all he can see. Can he convince her to forget her past and take a chance on him or is he destined to be alone in a new town a little bit longer? **Proud Supporters of Hockey Fights Cancer. *~*  Excerpts (see attached document)  -from Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey             I padded along beside him with no reply for his comment. He was right. Everyone knew his face in “The Burgh.” The longer we walked, the more I accepted that I would freeze to death. We made two complete laps in total silence. Cam stopped to drop his empty coffee cup into a trash can. We stood under a streetlight, our breath twin clouds of steam hovering in front of us. “You have to understand that this…I don’t know how to go about…shit.” He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his parka. Again, we started walking. “Look, man, if I knew for sure what we were dealing with, maybe I could help a little better,” I said. A biracial couple hurried past us. I burrowed into my flimsy coat until all that stuck out of the collar were my eyes. “I have a daughter. She’s a senior in high school.” “Awesome,” I mumbled into my coat. My forehead was extremely cold. Like ice cream eaten too fast cold. We kept walking that block. “She is awesome.” I peeked over at him. I wished he would drop that fucking hood so I could see his face. “And not aware of how things were with her mother and me.” “How things were, or how you were pretending they were?” I chanced it. What the hell? He would either slug me, call me a motherfucker, or stalk off. Whatever happened it had to be better than roaming around this fucking city block when the temperature was a balmy four degrees. “I mean, that is what you’re dancing around, right? That you’re so far back in the closet you just discovered Narnia? Why not just admit that much to yourself before we both succumb to fucking hypothermia.” I should have known that Cameron Evans was a man of action. I mean, I followed his career all though my school years. He was fast. My back was against the wall under that old clock before I could register the shove. Cam then got all sorts of in my face. I did not raise my hands. His angry exhalation was flavored with vanilla. “Are you calling me a queer?” I shrugged one shoulder. “I call them as I see them. Now, you can either step off or you can kiss me.” I threw the challenge out without a second thought. I stared into the shelter of his hood, finding his dark eyes in the shadows. They flickered down to my blue lips. “Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. I’m cold, tired, and hungry.” He did. He captured my mouth with a kiss so aggressive my teeth ground into my lips. Yeah. This was it. This was what I had been pushing him to do…hoping he would do.  *~* Links Website:  http://www.seducedbythegame.com Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... *~* Giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Seduced by the Game – And Anthology for Hockey Fights Cancer

*I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine* I’ll be honest, I don’t do many reviews here because I’m flat out lazy. However, when I saw this anthology coming available and the request for reviews? I couldn’t wait to review it!! I signed up quick as the sign-ups were open. The anthology was packed with some amazing stories that centered around my absolute favorite sport – Hockey.  With a good mix of romance from sweet to burn your eyeballs spicy!! Overall I gave the entire anthology 4 stars. As expected some authors just didn’t write in a style I liked, or the story didn’t grab me. I admittedly skimmed one or two, but those that grabbed me were powerful and well-written enough that I gave the whole shebang 4 stars. So let me go over the standouts: Hooking Hannah by Cassandra Carr & Cindy Carr – This story knocked it out of the park for me. It is my absolute favorite in the story. The romance was smoking, the hero (Scott) so amazing, and the heroine (Hannah) funny and strong. Their story was sweet and believable and they burned up the sheets – but what took this story over the edge to amazing for me was the scenes on the ice. The way the authors Carr wrote the hockey scenes was detailed and exact and I felt like I was back in my hometown of Buffalo listening to Rick Jeanneret call the play by play! It totally put me in the game and kept me there. Stunning writing. Crashing the Boards by Jami Davenport - Most of this story takes place at a party on a boat and some naughty, kinky events. I was unfamiliar with Jami going into the story, but some of the sassy lines had me laughing and looking her up for more of her books. The interplay between the party crasher – Izzy, and the hockey player who thinks he’s onto her – Cooper, is excellent. Best part is when the truth is revealed and things blow up, the resolution isn’t perfect and immediate, but the way it’s handled is spot on and I love the potential. Taking a Shot by Catherine Gayle - A sweet romance that touches on the cause behind the anthology – cancer. I loved the inclusion of a sweeter story and Katie’s crush-turned-romance was perfect.  The best part for me was Jamie’s doubts that had nothing to do with Katie, but his own role in her future. It was superbly realistic and touching. Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey - Honestly, I don’t usually read much M/M, but I’m glad I did in this case. V.L. has quite a way with telling a story. It was real easy to get inside the character’s heads. Cam, the living legend who was faltering in his game in more ways than one, and Jacobi – Cam’s new back-up goalie and long-time fan. The mix of May/December romance with a bit of the struggle with admitting who you really are was beautifully handled in this short story. With these great stories, and the good cause, this is an excellent buy!! *~* |  | BN | ARe | Blurb ~ It’s time to drop the gloves and fight! Support the Fight against cancer that is.  This anthology of 8 brand new novellas is hot enough to melt the ice these players skate on. Featuring stories from popular New York Times & USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors, including Toni Aleo, Cassandra Carr, Cindy Carr, Jami Davenport, Catherine Gayle, Jaymee Jacobs, V.L. Locey, Bianca Sommerland, and Nikki Worrell. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author – Toni Aleo TANGLED IN THE LACES In Tangled in the Laces, Karson King is on the fast track to the pros and Lacey Martin is coming back from a hard fight against cancer and is terrified of him but their love is too much to ignore. Will Karson prove that he will protect her heart at all costs, or will he leave Lacey to pick up the pieces of her life once again? Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr HOOKING HANNAH When Hannah attends an all-star game, she doesn’t expect a hockey player of all people to turn her world upside down. Her sister is married to a player and Hannah never wanted that life. But Scott could change everything. For Scott’s part, he has to know the woman who stirred his blood with just a look, and once he does, he realizes he wants Hannah to be his forever. Now to convince her… Jami Davenport CRASHING THE BOARDS (Seattle Sockeyes 1.5) Professional party crasher, Izzy Maxwell, needs the cooperation of reluctant party guest Cooper Black, the team captain of Seattle’s new hockey team, but Cooper can’t get past his anger over the team’s relocation to Seattle. Can Izzy melt Cooper’s frozen heart or will this party crash along with her fledgling business? Catherine Gayle TAKING A SHOT (Portland Storm 2.5) Katie Weber has had a crush on Jamie Babcock for almost two years, since he joined her father’s hockey team, the Portland Storm as an eighteen-year-old rookie. When cancer takes her health, her hair, and even her friends, she can’t bear to go to senior prom…until Jamie intervenes. Jaymee Jacobs A VALUABLE TRADE  Bryan’s life gets turned upside down when he gets traded to the Dallas Comets, and things get even messier when he meets Georgiana, the Director of Team Services. He’s got a lot of work to do to prove his worth to his new team, but Georgiana’s sure he’ll prove to be a valuable trade. V.L. Locey HEIR APPARENT Superstar Cam Evans is fighting to climb out of a slump that`s growing worse with each day of living in denial. Fresh from the minors, Jacobi Neal is hungry for this chance to play back-up for the legendary goalie. Can two men battle each other, their inner demons, and the sizzling attraction building between them? Bianca Sommerland BLIND PASS (The Dartmouth Cobras 0.5) Nothing could stop Tim Rowe, the assistant coach of the Dartmouth Cobras, from falling in love with Madeline, but love alone can’t satisfy every need. Sometimes, to reach the goal, you have to take the chance with a . . . Blind Pass. Nikki Worrell - CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN (Prequel to Scorpions Series) Keith Lambert is the captain of the Flyers—until he’s not. To everyone’s shock, he’s traded to the San Diego Scorpions. As if that’s not bad enough, Phoebe, his girlfriend of two years, decides she doesn’t love him enough to follow. All alone in a new town, Keith is drawn to Kelly, his take out delivery girl. When she shows up at ice girl tryouts, he’s lost. She’s all he can see. Can he convince her to forget her past and take a chance on him or is he destined to be alone in a new town a little bit longer? **Proud Supporters of Hockey Fights Cancer. *~*  Excerpts (see attached document)  -from Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey             I padded along beside him with no reply for his comment. He was right. Everyone knew his face in “The Burgh.” The longer we walked, the more I accepted that I would freeze to death. We made two complete laps in total silence. Cam stopped to drop his empty coffee cup into a trash can. We stood under a streetlight, our breath twin clouds of steam hovering in front of us. “You have to understand that this…I don’t know how to go about…shit.” He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his parka. Again, we started walking. “Look, man, if I knew for sure what we were dealing with, maybe I could help a little better,” I said. A biracial couple hurried past us. I burrowed into my flimsy coat until all that stuck out of the collar were my eyes. “I have a daughter. She’s a senior in high school.” “Awesome,” I mumbled into my coat. My forehead was extremely cold. Like ice cream eaten too fast cold. We kept walking that block. “She is awesome.” I peeked over at him. I wished he would drop that fucking hood so I could see his face. “And not aware of how things were with her mother and me.” “How things were, or how you were pretending they were?” I chanced it. What the hell? He would either slug me, call me a motherfucker, or stalk off. Whatever happened it had to be better than roaming around this fucking city block when the temperature was a balmy four degrees. “I mean, that is what you’re dancing around, right? That you’re so far back in the closet you just discovered Narnia? Why not just admit that much to yourself before we both succumb to fucking hypothermia.” I should have known that Cameron Evans was a man of action. I mean, I followed his career all though my school years. He was fast. My back was against the wall under that old clock before I could register the shove. Cam then got all sorts of in my face. I did not raise my hands. His angry exhalation was flavored with vanilla. “Are you calling me a queer?” I shrugged one shoulder. “I call them as I see them. Now, you can either step off or you can kiss me.” I threw the challenge out without a second thought. I stared into the shelter of his hood, finding his dark eyes in the shadows. They flickered down to my blue lips. “Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. I’m cold, tired, and hungry.” He did. He captured my mouth with a kiss so aggressive my teeth ground into my lips. Yeah. This was it. This was what I had been pushing him to do…hoping he would do.  *~* Links Website:  http://www.seducedbythegame.com Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... *~* Giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday – Travel Destinations by Laura Strickland

As a writer of historical fiction, I feel as if I’m constantly hopping back through time to visit the settings of my books (lately I’ve been spending a lot of my time in Sherwood Forest).  So it seems natural that when I sat down to write a “Top Ten Tuesday” post, era-hopping came to mind. Many of us have our favorite time periods.  Mine might surprise you.  Let’s journey back … back … back to … London, England, during the blitz: sure, I know it was dangerous and noisy with those bombs crashing down all over the place.  But you have to admire the spirit of determined defiance.  And just think of the camaraderie found sitting in a bleak basement with the neighbors while the sky – and your life – falls around your ears, singing songs about Dover and longing for a cuppa … Victorian England:  A time of plenty – for the privileged classes.  The rest of us keep company with the orphans and match-sellers starving in the streets.  Then again, these are the people who more or less invented our concept of Christmas festivities.  And it’s the birthplace of London Steampunk, no?  Can’t be all bad … Concord, Massachusetts during the nineteenth century:  Oh, to breathe that rarified air and share a conversation with the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott!  Perhaps I’ll be fortunate enough to cadge a walk in the woods at Walden Pond with Henry David Thoreau.  Sheer bliss, but it’s obvious I’ll need a moniker made up of three names before I can fit in.  Laura Rose Strickland, maybe … St. John’s, Newfoundland during the eighteenth century:  A cold, rocky coast, an abundance of fish and the cleanest air in the world.  It may be a hard life, but it holds the priceless promise of starting anew. I have all I need in the strength of my back and the skill of my hands, with which to build a home.  Heck, my ancestors took root here and so can I … Tudor, England:  No, I’m not attracted to the scandal or the treachery.  And it seems horribly easy to get tossed into the Tower of London or earn a date with the headsman.  As for Elizabeth the First with her white pancake makeup and her bald head – frankly the woman terrifies me.  But oh, the music!  I’ll go just for that … Medieval Europe during the plague:  I know, I know, there were rats.  And fleas.  And that pesky Bubonic thing.  But just think: all of us who are descended from Europeans can take pride in the fact that our ancestors survived the dreaded epidemic.  If they hadn’t, we wouldn’t be here … Sherwood Forest during the thirteenth/fourteenth century:  This is familiar ground for me.  I’ve already written three novels and a short story set here and I think I know the territory pretty well.  How can I resist actually setting foot on that blessed soil and walking for a while beneath those magical trees?  I just might meet the descendants of Robin Hood … Ireland during the Viking age:  Not everyone knows the Vikings settled some of the great cities in Ireland including Dublin, Waterford and Wexford.  There, the fierce invaders elbowed aside the Celtic residents, intermarried and eventually settled peaceably enough to beget a strain of flaxen-haired, blue-eyed Irishmen and women.  Hmm, I wonder what it would really be like to give those horned warriors a warm welcome … Iron Age Britain:  I think my heart is here first and foremost.  Give me a round-house on the Scottish coast overlooking the wild, western sea.  People in this place weave enchantment into their music and magic is a fact of life.  The gods are alive in every tree and rock, and Christianity has not yet appeared over the eastern horizon … Stonehenge:  Need I say more?  Just the name evokes a sacred atmosphere and a mystical way of life.  It’s sunrise on the summer solstice.  The world holds its breath as knowledge meets belief and light cleaves stone.  Here, I want to stand … Well, we’ve journeyed our way back some distance to where the last remnants of the ice age breathe cold vapor over the land and the clean air makes it impossible to imagine pollution.  Hope the time machine works for us on the way back.  Then again, maybe not … *~*  |  | The Wild Rose Press | Champion of Sherwood – blurb:   When Gareth de Vavasour, nephew of the Sheriff of Nottingham, is captured by the outlaws of Sherwood Forest and held for ransom, he knows he will be fortunate to escape with his life.  Amid the magic and danger that surround him, he soon realizes his true peril lies in the beautiful dark eyes of Linnet, the Saxon healer sent to tend his wounds. Granddaughter of Robin Hood, Linnet has always known she is destined to become a guardian of Sherwood Forest, along with her sister and a close childhood companion.  She believes her life well settled until the arrival of Gareth. Then all her loyalties are tested even as her heart is forced to choose between love and the ties of duty, while Sherwood declares its own champion. Author web page: www.laurastricklandbooks.com *~* Champion of Sherwood excerpt: “Champion.” He spun once more. A man stood behind him, wreathed in white mist pure as the moonlight. Gareth reached for a weapon he no longer wore. “Peace,” the man said. “Who are you? How come you here?” “I am the spirit of this place. Some call me the Green Man. Others call me Robin Hood.” “Robin Hood is long dead.” Gareth had heard the tales. Who had not? “Aye, long dead,” the man agreed, “as are many who dwell here. This is our bastion, our refuge, a place of faith and strength.” “What do you want with me?” Surely, and surely, he was back asleep on his tether, and dreaming. “Nay, lad, you are not dreaming.” “Can you hear my thoughts?” What madness was this? “I ask of you, young man, only one thing, one boon, one favor if you would survive this night.” “Of course I will survive. This is but darkness, and trees, and moonlight.” The man waved one of his hands. A creature appeared beside him, a pure white wolf with its hackles raised. Another subtle movement and he stood flanked on the other side by a great, white hart, its sides streaming mist. The trees overhead tossed their branches and Gareth felt the power gather, sharp and vital, around this being who faced him. Fear such as he had never known — not even when awaiting the arrival of his father with the strap — engulfed him. He said, “What do you seek of me? What boon, what bidding?” “I ask of you but one promise, that you should follow what is in your heart.” The man smiled again. “Does not a true champion, always follow his heart?” *~*