Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 24

2014 So Far…

A few weeks back I wrote a post about the 2014 forecast for me and my writing. I figured now would be a good time for a “where I am now” on those goals and lists.  I’ll admit that February didn’t come out quite as I’d hoped, but I still have gotten a bit done in the weeks since I wrote the forecast–and I’ve added some new items, because apparently I didn’t think I’d overwhelmed myself enough.

So first, the overall goals I’d set – with where I am now.

I’ve challenged myself to write 600,000 words in 2014. (140,975 WC as of 3/2/14 4:40PM)
I will finish books 4 & 5 of the Dominion Falls series and submit by February 8th  - I didn’t get this done by Feb. 8th, but I did get it done. Submission went in February 17th.
I will fine-tune and perfect Leap (Hidden Senses #.5) for publication.  I’m doing one more round of edits, then sending it to the proof-reader.
I will build my audience and work harder at promotion. I am not doing enough with this. Need to get out more.
I will find focus (see below), and figure out how to USE it. I had GREAT focus in January, too much in some ways. February, not so much. Hoping March will find me that happy medium.

And for my list of projects. Items in RED are done. Items in ORANGE are in progress (or progress notes). Items in BLUE are new. Some of the new items are in blue with the progress I’ve made in orange.

Runaway Train (Dominion Falls 5) – 113k
Stalled Independence (Lake Point #3) – 30k (6348 done)
Katherine’s Story (Dominion Falls Prequel) – 25k (5329 Done)
Into a Mirror Darkly (Morgana Chronicles 1) – 100k (~10k done)
Witch Way (Lake Point #4) – 30k
A Thorough Thanksgiving (Lake Point #5) – 30k
The Wolf (The Tribe #1) – 100k
Natural Selection – 40k (6621 done)
Hybrid – unknown…going to do as “Chapters” not full length novel.
The Dead Past (Dominion Falls 6-temporary name) – 100k
The Chief (The Tribe #2) – 100k
The Raven (The Tribe #4) – 100k
Escaping Humanity (Co-authoring w/ Mary Terrani) – 100k (9,002 done)

Surprisingly so far I’ve only added the one story, although I have ideas for more rambling around in my head.  I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done so far. I love that I’m already at 140k for the year, but hope to get even further this month, and to finish both Stalled Independence and Katherine’s (as yet unnamed) story. 

Overall, my progress is good, but I’d like it to be better. I’d really like to work on building my audience, and I’m hoping my plans for the next few months help me do that.

Tuesday Tales – Pale – Natural Selection

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Pale.

Leilyn got the shock of her life when Dell’s mere presence made her Were come out to play. Plus, she had Byron hint that Dell might be her mate.

This week Dell confronts his mate with some truths…and throws her world on its head:

Leilyn shifted too fast for Dell to have a chance to explain further. When he managed to change back to human, she already had her clothes back on. Her features were pale, drawn, and she’d refused to say a word to Olive or Byron, although she did accept Byron’s comforting hug.

Dell did his best not to growl his displeasure at the action. Considering Leilyn only knew half the truth, and Byron wasn’t showing any possession or protective instincts, Dell managed to keep his frustration under wraps.

He threw on the trousers Olive had thrown his way. Before Byron could ask the question he’d opened his mouth for, Dell cut him off. “Get out. Both of you. Out.” He put the full force of Alpha magic behind the command, something he rarely, if ever, did to Olive. This was too important.

Leilyn sank to the bed when Byron obeyed immediately. She rubbed her hands along her thighs, and Dell’s own hands twitched under his urge to go comfort her.

The moment the room was clear, Leilyn whispered, “I don’t understand.”

Dell grabbed a chair and spun it around. He straddled the seat and leaned on the back. “Have you been able to disobey a command?”

“Always. It wasn’t easy, but if I really set my mind to it, yes. Even my uncle, and he’s Alpha.”

“He’s not your Alpha. He’s not your uncle, either.”

“Yes. My parents were killed in the war, my mom…she was his sister.”

Dell gritted his teeth against the lie. “What year?”

“Sixty three.”

“Where are you from, Leilyn?” Dell rose when she shook her head. This time he wouldn’t let her skirt around the question. He stepped closer, putting force behind his words when he asked again, “Where are you from?”

Her nose wrinkled like she might get sick, and she stretched her neck against what he knew was an intense need to answer him. She fought the order hard, but in the end fairly vomited the words, “West Virginia.”

“The pack, they are weak, yes? They’re becoming more wolf than man, mongrel, their fur is patchy, their shifts painful.”

Even though her eyes fluttered shut, she wasn’t able to stop the tear that slipped along her cheek. “Not all of them.”

“They are the pack that attacked ours in sixty-three. They killed many Were’s and human’s alike. They took a young girl.” He sat beside her when she shook her head vehemently. With a gentle touch, he set his hand on hers. “Until my father reminded me, I’d forgotten. Pushed it out of my head because it was traumatic for me as well. We’d thought they’d killed you.”

“Not me.”

“Yes. You. We called you Megan. Your mother was pack, your father an Indian human.” He lifted her hand and pulled it close. “I saw you fall. When your body went missing my father assumed it was wildlife.”

“Not me, not me, not me.” Her hand shook before she grasped his.

“They stole you from us, from me.”

“I was treated well. Like a princess. They sent me to town in all sort of weather to be sure I was learned.” Her eyes fluttered open and she turned toward him. “I’m so confused. Why? Why would he do this?”

“Because their pack has bred together too much, they needed fresh blood.”

“He won’t let me go. I tried to reduce my risk by swimming to lessen how much scent I left behind, but he will come for me. I need to go. I have to.”

“No. You must stay.”

“Dell.” She trembled and leaned closer, her lashes curtained over her intense green eyes. “Don’t do that.”

“I’m not doing anything.” His heart rate picked up when she set her hand on his chest to physically push away from him. She didn’t get far since he still held her hand.

She stared at their clasped hands. “What did you mean, when you said he took me—from you?”

“Not now.” No matter how much he wanted to claim her, he could sense her growing distress. In one day she’d gone from runaway to learning her whole life was a lie. That was a lot of surprises for one day, one more might tip her over the edge. “You need time to adjust.”

“What if I already know?”

“Then you can tell me tomorrow.”

*~*

Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!

Sunday Snippets 24 – Deep-Fried Sweethearts

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!

While I’m sad to leave behind Changing Tracks for my Sunday 8′s…I’m happy to be bringing you bits of another story. This is from my contemporary Holiday’s in Lake Point series.  This book is, clearly, my Valentine’s Day story.

Michaela, 31, runs a fair-themed restaurant called The Midway. In over her head, she’s put out an ad for an assistant manager. Who shows up to apply for the position is not who she expected:

Another knock disrupted her train of thought. A familiar, “Excuse me, Miss O’Keefe?” came from the doorway. Of course, if her business thoughts had to be disrupted there could be no better way than with Owen Montague, better known simply as Tag. Ten years her junior, he’d grown up into quite a looker.

She could remember joking with her friend, Eve, five years ago about Tag being jail bait for women like them. Now he was lethally legal at the age of twenty-one, and even better looking with azure eyes, mussed blond hair, and a crooked smile that she bet had melted the panties off of many girls in his class. Just when she realized she’d been staring at him and jolted out of her reverie, he rewarded her with that signature grin, and she swore her heart skipped a beat.

*~*

| 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!

Pink Pucks & Power Plays by V.L. Locey

Thank you Sarah for having me here!

There are few things more enjoyable than sitting down with friends. I got to do just that recently with the stars of my erotic sports romance, Pink Pucks & Power Plays, the first book in the To Love a Wildcat series. Given that Alain has a rather severe dislike of the press and/or interviews, I wasn`t sure he would agree, but my gal Viv finagled the handsome young D-man into meeting me.

We arranged for the interview to take place at The Black Boar Bar & Grill, a popular eatery and sports bar a few blocks from The Houseman Arena where the Philadelphia Wildcats play. Alain is one of several `Cats who own a share of the trendy meeting place. I picked the table by the small stage in the large dining area. Rumor has it Philly sports stars perform here on occasion, but I`ve yet to see it. Maybe someday I`ll catch a performance by a Wildcat or two.

The hot spot was rather quiet, as it was after the lunch crush. There were televisions filling every available inch of wall space that wasn`t covered with sports memorabilia. As a friendly young waiter dressed as a referee delivered my decaf, I saw the couple arriving.

“Alain!” the few lingering patrons shouted as if we were at Cheers. Lessard smiled at his fans, slapping backs as well as shaking hands as he followed Viviana to the table. I smiled at the woman. She was, as she always is, vibrant. Her clothes were sexy, colorful and playful, accenting her legs and her breasts, for she knows how much her lover admires them. Viv and I bussed cheeks. We`re the same height and possess the same curvy form so seem to feel an affinity for each other. Alain enveloped me in a brotherly hug. My eyes grew wide. I peeked at Viviana. She smiled. Alain released me to pull the chair out for his lady love.

“Thank you for doing this, Alain,” I said as he hurried to push my chair in for me.

“It is my pleasure,” the Quebecer said as he dropped his well made frame into his seat. I could easily see what Viv saw in Alain. Six foot two, one hundred and ninety pounds, black curly hair, hazel eyes, athletic build, and a mouth that begs to be kissed. I`d be drawn like a moth to a flame as well! “This is not like a regular interview.”

“See, not all interviews are bad,” the sassy brunette said as she ran her eyes over the menu. Alain rolled those pretty hazel eyes playfully. His hand rested on the back of Viviana`s chair possessively. “Let`s get a fish dinner then split it.” Viviana looked at me with eyes the color of white grapes. Her eyes always amaze me. I nodded at the suggestion. After the order was placed and Viv and Alain`s drinks were brought out, we started chatting.

“So, how does it feel to be the stars of your own book?” I asked the couple.

“I`m tickled to be the first of the Wildcats women`s story that you told,” Viviana said then sipped at her raspberry flavored water.

“It is very nice,” Alain answered tactfully.

“He`s not always so tight-fisted with his words,” Viviana pointed out as our appetizers arrived.

“Oh, I`m well aware of how he can talk once he`s comfortable,” I replied with a wink for the hockey star. His mouth curled into a shy smile. “Although you do seem to have the lion`s share of the dialog in the book, Viv.”

“Yes, see, chaton, I don`t talk much because you are doing all the talking for us both,” Alain joked. “I cannot fit the words in edge like.”

“Oh pooh on both of you.” Viviana dipped a mozzarella stick into some red sauce then offered the first bite to Alain, her left hand cupped under the dripping stick. “It`s hot,” she warned. Probably so he didn`t burn those lips of his she is so keen on kissing.

“Speaking of sex,” I said as I dipped my own stick. Both my characters eyes widened with surprise. “Were you two pleased with the amount of it in your book?”

“Is there such a thing as too much sex?” Viviana asked with a impish gleam in her eye.

“It was very nice,” Alain responded. I suspected that was his stock reply whenever he felt the matter was too personal to discuss. It was better than being told it was none of my business.

“The sex was wonderful,” Viv interjected as she fed Alain the rest of the cheese stick. “I do love a juicy read, and this story certainly is that!”

“But there was more than the sex, no?” Alain said after dabbing sauce off his mouth with his napkin.”The sex, it was great, but the lesson my Viviana learned, that was big importance too, was it not?”

I looked pointedly at the woman trying to decide which mozzarella stick to chose for herself. “Was it, Viviana?” I asked directly. Her eyes flicked to me then returned to the basket holding our appetizers. The patrons hooted at an old replay of a Stanley Cup game on one of the TV sets.

“Can we talk about the sex instead?” Viv inquired.

“No, we are talking about all the book, not just the steamy sex scenes,” Alain hurried to say. I leaned back into my seat, nibbling the scalding hot stick carefully, my napkin held under my chin. “So, did you learn a lesson, Viviana?”

“Yes, I learned a lesson! Does that make you both happy?! For goodness sake, one would think I was Dr. Doom or something!” she huffed as she made a grab for a stick in the bright red plastic basket. Alain grabbed her hand, raised it to his lips and then laid it on the table beside Viviana`s plate. Then he chose a stick to feed her. I shifted around in my chair, suddenly quite uncomfortable. It felt as if I were watching the lovers in their bedroom. I smiled at a man eating his lunch behind us.

“What did you learn?” I asked when the sensual stick feeding was over with. “And for the record, we all adore you Viviana,” I added, for it was the truth. Sure, Viv could be rather brusque at times, but her heart was most generally in the right place.

“I learned that we should talk about one of the other ladies in the series. Let`s chat about the rest of the books! I`m sure your readers would like to know a bit about those instead of hearing more about the poor choices silly old me has made.”

I let her have that victory. She was far too clever to wrangle into such a private confession. She had been a reporter after all. Viviana Land had lots of pride, and chutzpah. I didn`t wish to push either her or Alain too far.

“Alright, let me see. The next book will be A Most Unlikely Countess.”

“Look at that dreamy look,” Alain teased. I felt the heat creeping into my face. “Ah poor V. L., she does so love goalies.”

“Okay, yes, I do have a thing for goalies. Everyone knows that.” I hurried to grab my coffee to hide behind. Viviana patted my arm while laughing at my discomfort.

“It`s fine, ” Viv assured me. “A woman would have to be dead and buried not to be swept off her feet by Veikko Aho. He is perhaps one of the most classically handsome men I have ever laid eyes on.”

“Ahem!” We both looked at Alain with his arms now folded over a tee that read ‘Old Time Hockey’ and featured the Hanson Brothers from the movie, Slapshot.

“Aside from you of course, darling.” Viviana patted his muscular bicep.

I hurried to carry on lest more male ego was trampled. “After A Most Unlikely Countess will be O Captain! My Captain!, Reality Check, and Language of Love. I`m also toying with a few ideas for other Wildcat books, but we`ll see how things hatch with the planned five before I count chickens.”

“I for one hope they do well. If women knew just how sexy hockey players are, they`d flock to grab those books.” Viviana leaned back to give the server room to place her half a fish dinner. My mouth watered when my plate of flaky flounder, thick steak fries, and a side of coleslaw was set in front of me. Alain was eating rare steak with a fat baked potato that was topped with sour cream and chives. I guess the players get tired of chicken.

“I can`t argue that point,” I said then waggled an eyebrow. Alain smiled self-consciously.

“He does humble well,” Viviana whispered as she passed the ketchup bottle to me. The meal progressed pleasantly. We chatted about small things. Alain seemed to relax completely by the time dessert was brought out. We each had a small dish of ice cream. Mine was vanilla, Alain`s fudge ripple, and Viviana`s black raspberry.

“So, can I ask a question?” Alain said as we enjoyed our frozen treats. I nodded. “How do the Wildcats do in our quest for Lord Stanley`s cup?”

“Oh no you don`t!” I shook my spoon at the charmer, “You`re not wheedling that information out of me. No way and no how!”

“I could send a certain goalie over to persuade that information out of you,” he teased, his hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. I stared at him over the table. Viviana slapped his arm.

“Would you stop tormenting the poor woman so! If you wish to know if the `Cats win it all, or if any of our friends find love, buy the books.”

“But Viviana, how do I find time to read when I am working to keep you happy?” Alain asked with utmost sincerity.

“Oh, he`s good,” I muttered under my breath.

“Yes he is,” Viviana purred, leaning over to steal a kiss from her Wildcat. It didn`t take the couple long to finish their ice cream, snap up the check, and wave goodbye. I sat back with a contented smile. One Wildcat happy ever after, four more to go!

*~*~*

 | Amazon | SCP | BN | ARe |

Blurb:

Viviana Land just can`t seem to say no to her younger sister. Somehow, the curvaceous society page reporter gets lassoed into serving as her niece`s Busy Bee scout leader. One overheated engine later, Viviana and her girls find themselves in the Green Hills Ice Rink. Enter Alain Lessard, the charmingly handsome defenseman for the Philadelphia Wildcats, who is donating his summer to coaching the youth league.

When our intrepid reporter is given the opportunity to write the break-out story of her career, Viviana leaps at the chance. Thinking it would be easy to flirt and tease some juicy tidbits out of Alain, Viviana soon finds herself falling for the sensual, younger, kind-hearted man. Will she put aside her virtual pen for a chance to stay at her new paramour`s side? Or will Viviana finally get away from those mundane bakery opening articles by using the man she may possibly be in love with?

*~*

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, belly laughs, anything romantic, Greek mythology, New York Rangers hockey,  comic books and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a steer named after a famous N.H.L. goalie, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.

V.L. is a self-published and conventionally published author. She is a proud Torquere Press and Secret Cravings Publishing author. When not writing romantic tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand, writing, or cheering on her beloved New York Rangers. She can also be found online on Facebook, Twitter, and GoodReads.

 

I love to meet new friends and fans! You can find me at-

 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/VL-Locey/124405447678452

Twitter- https://twitter.com/vllocey

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807700.V_L_Locey

My blog- http://thoughtsfromayodelinggoatherder.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday Tell All – Heather McNeill of A Gift for Murder

What is your story?

Not terribly different or exciting really – I’m the product of a middle-class upbringing in Richmond, Virginia, have a college degree, and now I work for the Washington, D.C. Commerce and Market Center as assistant to the director. Sounds ordinary and even rather boring, right?  Except it’s not.

Trade shows are a strange hybrid of circus, renaissance fair, and the local shopping mall, with a lot of ego and seriously high financial stakes thrown into the blender. With that much intensity in play, there are plenty of arguments to mediate, ruffled feathers to soothe, egos to placate, and problems to solve.

That’s my job: troubleshooting during the shows and exhibitions here at the Market Center and, believe me, it’s always something while they’re going on! Malfunctioning popcorn machines. Missing shipments of merchandise. Displays of angel wings gone horribly wrong.  A game machine that blows out the electricity to five aisles of exhibitors.  And that was just one show.  I’ve also dealt with feuding cake bakers at a bridal show, trying to get gigantic farm machinery through doors that just barely accommodate them, electronic interference at a tech show, crowd control when a celebrity shows up, and security for high level political conferences. Nope, it’s never dull around here.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

She lets me tell my stories in my own words, so, yes, pretty accurate.

Do you have any special strengths?

I’m a good listener and I seem to make people comfortable talking to me. My boss tells me I have a remarkable level of patience and tolerance with difficult people, to the point of possible masochism.  I’m pretty good at figuring out solutions to problems, too.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

Of course. I can be a pushover for the right people. Some of the people around me think I work too hard at helping others and solving their problems, although I’m not sure I see why that’s an issue.

What makes you happy?

Really great pens!  Companies are always giving away pens as come-ons, and they’re all over trade show exhibit halls. Of course most of them are cheap, boring sticks.  But some of them go for really unique and different ones.  I collect those.

And… I don’t get to do it very much anymore, but I used to work summers as a guide at resort in the mountains.  I led kayak trips along rivers and into odd corners of lakes.  It was great. When things get hard at work, I dream about those kayak trips and it helps relax me. Of course, that was only in summer and they didn’t pay squat. But still..  When I have the free time I like to travel outside the city and take long walks through the countryside.

Otherwise, fixing problems makes me happy. Dates with Scott and meetings with friends make me happy.

What are you afraid of?

Shhh…Don’t tell anyone because I’d get teased unmercifully if anyone knew. Spiders.  Spiders.  Scare. The. Crap.  Out.  Of.  Me.

Who is your true love?

Not sure yet.  It may be Scott Brandon, the new security guy we hired a few months back.  We’ve been dating for a couple of months now and well… Wowza. But I don’t know. Scott’s got secrets. He was once a D.C. cop and he doesn’t like talking about why he isn’t anymore. And he’s a great guy, kind, caring, helpful, and all, but he can sometimes go really cold and scary.  I think it’s the part of him that’s still a police officer coming out at times.

Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.

Okay, let me see what’s in my purse…  Wallet, keys, phone, tissues, breath mints – gee. that’s all exciting. Metro card and receipt from my last stop at the grocery store. But wait, there’s more! I have a lipstick and compact, comb, little spray bottle of perfume, notepad and… holy smoke – there are four, five, six pens in here. A couple are really nice ones, too.  A sleek chrome Cross pen, and one that has gel stuff in the top and lights up when you press on it to write with. There’s more down there, but I’m not digging any deeper right now.

How do you envision your future?

Maybe I’ll get married and have a couple of kids. I hope so. I hope I’ll be working here at the Center as the director’s assistant for the next few years. Then maybe I can move up into Show Management and maybe even beome the Center’s director some day.

What is your most prized mundane possession? Why do you value it so much?

I have a diamond necklace and earring set that my grandmother left to me in her will. I only wear them on special occasions, but when I do, I feel like she’s there with me. Granny was really important to me when I was growing up. She kept urging me to try things and whenever I met a challenge, she was all, “Go for it!”

What is something you had to learn that you hated?

Math!  Calculus my senior year in high school almost killed me.

Is an ounce of prevention really worth a pound of cure? Which is more valuable? Why do you feel this way?

Prevention is better.  I’ve seen the results when prevention didn’t work and believe me, it’s not pretty.

How private of a person are you? Why?

Oh, I’m not really private at all. Can’t afford to be in my job since I spend most of my days talking to people, a lot of them strangers.

*~*~*~*

| Amazon | BN |

A Gift for Murder

Blurb: For fifty-one weeks of the year, Heather McNeil loves her job as assistant to the director of the Washington, D.C. Commerce & Market Show Center. But the Gifts and Home Decorations trade show, the biggest show of the year at the center, is a week-long nightmare. This year’s version is being worse than usual. Misplaced shipments, feuding exhibitors, and malfunctioning popcorn machines are all in a day’s work. Finding the body of a murdered executive dumped in a trash bin during the show isn’t. The discovery tips throws Heather’s life—personal and professional—into havoc.

The police suspect the victim’s wife killed him, but Heather doesn’t believe it. She’s gottenglimmers of an entirely different scenario and possible motive. Questioning exhibitors about the crime doesn’t make her popular with them or with her employers, but if she doesn’t identify the murderer before the show ends, the culprit will remain free to kill again.

Her only help comes from an exhibitor with ulterior motives and the Market Center’s attractive new security officer, Scott Brandon. Despite opposition from some of the exhibitors, her employers, and the police, Heather seeks to expose the killer before the show ends. To solve the mystery, she will havehas to risk what’s most important to her and be prepared to fight for answers, her job, and possibly her life.

*~*

Excerpt:

Chapter One

If I’d known how bad Wednesday would get, I would’ve—what? Stayed in bed? Not likely. The show must go on and all that. But I would’ve at least asked for another shot of espresso during my morning stop at Starbucks. Maybe two.

My work day went from peaceful beginning to chaos within half an hour. This wasn’t just another day at the office. The start of the annual Washington, D.C. Gifts and Decorations Show, our biggest show of the year at the Commerce & Market Show Center, was always the worst day of the year for the staff who organized it.

By nine-thirty, blizzards of paper covered my desk, my cell phone hadn’t quit buzzing, and the land-line phone rang continuously. The computer constantly chimed the arrival of new email messages. A strange man stopped at the office door and stood there watching me.

The triple-shot latte was already struggling to keep my sanity in place.

I recognized the number on the cell phone display and reached for it first.

“Heather?” Janelle, the Show Center’s director and my boss, sounded disturbed. Unflappable Janelle sounding disturbed was worse than most people shouting or having hysterics.

“Problem?” I asked, trying not to stare at the stranger, who lingered near the doorway. A quick glance said he was worth a look.

Until Janelle said, “Find Mark and tell him aisles three to five don’t have power. He’s not answering his pager. Then call Truffant Shipping and ask them to fax copies of the manifests for their deliveries to Brent-Cooper. A couple of their boxes are missing. Once you’ve done that, can you get down here? Lots of ruffled feathers over the power. Oh, and Grantwood & Bethel is missing one of their key people. They think he may be lost somewhere in the city. And Sue Savotsky of Trimstates doesn’t like her location—the carpet’s not clean, and the people across the way are playing loud music.”

“Her again?”

“ ’Fraid so. But she likes you, so if you wouldn’t mind—What’s that?” The last two words were directed at someone else. “Gotta go. Need you ASAP.” Janelle ended the call.

I reached for the latte getting cold on a corner of my desk.

Someone else yelled, “Heather!”

Jo startled me so badly I almost splashed coffee on my white silk blouse. That would make a really good impression on the clients down on the showroom floor. Or the hunk in the doorway.

I turned toward her office. “What?”

“I can’t find the latest press accreditations list.”

“I put a copy in your inbox this morning. Did you look there?”

“Yes. It’s not . . . oh, wait, here it is.”

How did our marketing director manage to get her shoes on the right feet in the morning? I rolled my eyes, momentarily forgetting I wasn’t alone.

A warm, masculine chuckle reminded me. “You must be the person who runs the place.” The voice was deep and rich, sexy as a Milky Way bar—the kind with dark chocolate.

I turned to face the stranger, who’d taken a couple of steps toward my desk. Tall, lean, around thirty, blond hair cut short, light eyes of indeterminate color.

“I’m Heather McNeil, the director’s assistant,” I answered. “I do my part. May I help you?”

The right side of his mouth curled into the beginnings of a smile. For a moment there was a delightfully predatory gleam in his eye, but then the light went out, as if he’d shut it off. Damn!

“Scott Brandon. I had an appointment to apply for the security officer’s position you’re advertising,” he said.

“You need to see Craig Vincelli, down the hall. He’s the security chief.”

“He wasn’t in his office. Someone directed me up here. There wasn’t anyone at the receptionist’s desk, either.”

Jo came out of her office, shuffling an armload of papers. “Gotta take these down to the press room. Back shortly.” She paused to admire the newcomer, then raced down the hall when she heard the elevator bell ping.

“God knows where Tina is,” I said, as much to myself as to the man standing there. “Craig’s probably out running down the missing boxes. Or the missing executive. Just a minute.” I picked up the phone and dialed Craig’s cell number.

He answered on the third ring, breathless and in a hurry. “Yeah?”

When I explained, he said, “Crap, I forgot. I’ll be there in ten minutes. “Give Brandon the paperwork.”

I said I would and hung up.

“You’ve mislaid boxes and an executive?” Scott Brandon asked. “The boxes I can understand, but aren’t executives kind of hard to lose?”

“Not in D.C. They manage to lose themselves all the time. In traffic, in museums, in the Metro, in the halls of power . . .”

He frowned. “You’re too young to be so cynical.”

“There’s an age limit? No one told me.”

“Real cynicism takes bitter experience.”

“And you’re so ancient?”

Something flashed in his eyes, something dark and dangerous. “I’ve walked the walk and—”

“Turned the talk into a lecture. Come with me.” I stopped at Tina’s desk to get the application forms and led him to the small conference room. “Sit in here and fill these out. Bring them back to me when you’re done.”

*~*

Author Bio:

Karen McCullough is a web designer by profession, and the author of a dozen published novels and novellas in the mystery, romantic suspense, and fantasy genres as well. She has won numerous awards, including an Eppie Award for fantasy, and has also been a four-time Eppie finalist, and a finalist in the Prism, Dream Realm, Rising Star, Lories, Scarlett Letter, and Vixen Awards contests. Her short fiction has appeared in several anthologies and numerous small press publications in the mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and romance genres. She has three children, four grandchildren and lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband of many years. Her most recent release is the ebook version of A Gift for Murder, originally published in hardcover by Five Star/Cengage and mass market paperback by Harlequin Worldwide Mysteries.

Website: http://www.kmccullough.com

Blog: http://www.kmccullough/kblog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMcCullo...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kgmccullough

 

RELEASE DAY SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: THE CHASE by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHASE!

 

 

THE CHASE by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Bantam – Random House

On sale: February 25, 2014

978-0-345-54308-0

THE CHASE at your favorite retailers  

Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, New York Times bestselling authors of The Heist, return in this action-packed, exciting adventure featuring master con artist Nicolas Fox and die-hard FBI agent Kate O’Hare. And this time around, things go from hot to nuclear when government secrets are on the line.

Internationally renowned thief and con artist Nicolas Fox is famous for running elaborate and daring scams. His greatest con of all: convincing the FBI to team him up with the only person who has ever caught him, and the only woman to ever capture his attention, Special Agent Kate O’Hare. Together they’ll go undercover to swindle and catch the world’s most wanted—and untouchable—criminals.

Their newest target is Carter Grove, a former White House chief of staff and the ruthless leader of a private security agency. Grove has stolen a rare Chinese artifact from the Smithsonian, a crime that will torpedo U.S. relations with China if it ever becomes public. Nick and Kate must work under the radar—and against the clock—to devise a plan to steal the piece back. Confronting Grove’s elite assassins, Nick and Kate rely on the skills of their ragtag crew, including a flamboyant actor, a Geek Squad techie, and a band of AARP-card-carrying mercenaries led by none other than Kate’s dad.

A daring heist and a deadly chase lead Nick and Kate from Washington, D.C., to Shanghai, from the highlands of Scotland to the underbelly of Montreal. But it’ll take more than death threats, trained henchmen, sleepless nights, and the fate of a dynasty’s priceless heirloom to outsmart Fox and O’Hare. 

WATCH THE CHASE COMMERCIAL

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ABOUT JANET EVANOVICH

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O’Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.

Connect with Janet  

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Google + |  Fancorps

ABOUT LEE GOLDBERG  

Lee Goldberg is a screenwriter, TV producer, and the author of several books, including King City, The Walk, and the bestselling Monk series of mysteries. He has earned two Edgar Award nominations and was the 2012 recipient of the Poirot Award from Malice Domestic.

  Connect with Lee

  Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  | Google +

Tuesday Tales Picture Prompt – Witch Way

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is this picture.

As much as I love my Historical Paranormal, I couldn’t fit it in with this picture prompt…so I’ve written a partial scene from my Halloween Lake Point story (due to release in October), Witch Way.  As a reminder, my characters are Felicity and Craig, you met them one months ago on another picture prompt (where I forgot the word count limit ~ahem~).  So here we are just a few days after they “met”…and fell in lust at first sight…which is fine with Felicity…:

Felicity smiled when she was handed the key. “Thanks, Katie.”

When the librarian snuck back into the office to play on the internet, Felicity grabbed her laptop bag. She strolled through the opening between the cases under the elegant clock.

On the other side, Craig leaned against a shelf waiting. At her wink, he slipped into step behind her. “Where are we going?” Even his hushed voice seemed loud in the empty, quiet library.

“Shhh.” She led him through the stacks. She turned right and headed to the room under one of the high domed windows. There were four such rooms in the library, but this was her favorite.

Craig bumped into her when she stopped to unlock the door. “Oh, sorry.”

“No problem. Why are you looking around like you’re in awe? The library hasn’t changed at all since we were kids, except there are computers now.”

“I’ve never actually been inside.”

She held the door open and stared at him. “Excuse me?”

“Wasn’t much of a reader.”

“Right. You were more of a doer. Now get in here quick.” She dragged him inside and shut the door, locking it behind her. “Will you shut the blinds?”

The room was a square with windows into and out of the library. She loved this room for the nice view of the town, but today the view didn’t matter.

As he shut the blinds, she set her bag in the corner and pulled off her jacket. She hopped onto the table and grinned when he turned. “This room’s soundproof, did I mention that?”

“You’re serious? Here?”

“You bet your sweet ass I’m serious. I’ve wanted you since I saw you save that dog the other night. What about you?”

He gripped her thighs and yanked her close, his lips crashing against hers with intense passion.

*~*

Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!

Sunday Snippets 23 – Changing Tracks

Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!

This is the last week I’ll be posting excerpts from Changing Tracks!  I’m at the end of the story and this is the last I can do without revealing the end…and I’d love to leave you hooked

So hopefully I’ll leave you all intrigued with the beginning of the series Changing Tracks (The Dominion Falls Series book 1). You know, my amnesiac with the eidetic memory, Jane Doe…and the brothel-owner, anti-hero…Cole Mitchell.

This snippet is actually just before the one I posted last week. Mike is about to reveal the wanted poster to Jane…and yes, for those that guessed, it did have a likeness similar to Jane on it:

“Syrus says ‘the remedy for wrongs is to forget them’. Well, I’ve forgotten them – too bad no one else has.”

Michael chuckled, “Yes, the forgetting is supposed to be done by those that were wronged. Not the other way around.”

She wiped at an errant tear and focused on the passing scenery. “I’m not getting out of this, am I?”

“Probably not with your neck the length it is now.”

The corner of her lip twitched, “What a pleasant way to put it.”

*Creative punctuation was used. Wish it wasn’t, but there it is.

*~*

Did you like this sample, too?  You can pick up the whole series now!!

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*~*

*~*

Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!

Saturday Spotlight – Viking Fire by Andrea Cooper

| Amazon | Crimson Romance | BN | iTunes |

Viking Fire Blurb: In 856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.

Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?

Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe—Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?

With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.

*~*~*

Viking Fire Excerpt

Chapter One Ireland 856 CE  

“I renounce Father for this.” Kaireen threw the elderberry gown. Dressed only in her

leine, she glared at the new gown on the stone floor.

“Shame on you and your children for speaking such.” Her handmaid, Elva, gathered the damask and then dusted off the rushes. “It’s a wonder one of the clim has not scolded you from your hearth for such talk.” She wore her white hair twisted in a chignon, underneath a linen head cloth. Strands of white hair poked out the sides of her covering.

“No, curse Father for a fool.” She plopped on her bed and a goose feather floated away. With a huff, she leaned against the oak headboard. Red curtains puffed like a robin’s chest around oak poles supporting her wooden canopy.

Her bare feet brushed against the stone floor. Why was she not born plain like her two older sisters? Already they had married and expected their second bairns by spring. Well, at least so far she had enjoyed twenty years of freedom. Neither of her sisters had had matrimonial dreams of love matches. Both were arranged marriages.

“You know your da arranged a marriage within a season.” Elva smirked.

Kaireen shook her head. “To another land holder,” and waved a hand in disgust, “not t-this heathen. Twice they raided our land in the last month alone. Many a raid has come from them. Now father wants me as wife to one of them?” She clenched her fists. “No, I will not marry this Viking.”

Elva smiled, reminding Kaireen of the rumors of her handmaid’s uncanny foresight.

Whispers of Elva making strange things happen and often blamed as the cause of Kaireen’s stubborn refusal to behave as a laird’s daughter should.

“You’ve not seen him yet.” Elva wiggled her brows.

“So?” Kaireen shrugged. “I would like to never see him.”

“Well then, would you not like to know if you have a handsome husband or not?” She waited for her response, but Kaireen scowled at her. Elva chuckled. “I would rather get a good look at him now than the morning after.”

Kaireen’s ears heated. “I am not marrying.” She shook her head for emphasis. “So there will be no morning, nor night, nor wedding.”

“If he is handsome, I may fight you for him.” Elva smiled, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.

“Welcome to him either way.” Kaireen laughed.

*~*

 

Andrea’s Bio: Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Viking Fire Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/m1bPZ3nUyzs  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author

Twitter: @AndreaRCooper

Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper

Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/

 

Meet Mercedes Kingsley of Rescued from the Dark

My name is Lynda Kaye Frazier and I write Suspense Romances.I am interviewing Mercedes Kingsley. She is an FBI intern waiting on a response from her application to the Academy. She is struggling with her need to be an agent and her attraction to  Jason Michaels, while hiding a secret that will destroy everything she has worked so hard to build.

*~*

Lynda:  “Welcome Ms. Kingsley. I have asked you here to go over a few items in your application for the Academy.  I’ve reviewed your paperwork and would like you to tell me about the incidents that led to your father’s retirement 10 years ago.”

Mercy;   Mercy swallowed hard and rubbed her sweaty palms together. “ It was a botched kidnapping which had a devastating ending to my father’s career. “  They just don’t need to know what else ended that night.

Lynda; “Could I have details please, I need it for the application. You failed to give information that we will need for the review board.”

Mercy:  “My father was an Agent but also owned a software firm. There were threats made to the company and I was kidnapped because of them. My Father, and his partner  Ron Daily, found out where I was being held. My Dad did not follow protocol and  came in without back-up. His actions saved me that night but his career died, and so did my dream to be an agent. I could not apply for the Academy as long as my dad struggled to get his life back.  But, as you have read, it’s been 10 years and I realized that being an agent was the only thing I wanted to do. So I pursued the internship and applied to the Academy.”  Mercy’s heart pounded in her ears as she fought to stay in control.

Lynda:  “Are your parents fine with your decision? You know your father will be interviewed, and he is highly respected. His opinion will be taken into account.”

Mercy:  “I know how this will affect my parents but they’ll back my decision.  I didn’t want to tell them until I had my acceptance letter.”  I didn’t want to tell them until I was in the Academy. Ron said they weren’t going to talk to my dad. What changed?

Lynda:  “ I see that you had counseling after the kidnapping and treatment for anxiety, and you suffer from claustrophobia.  Those are issues that need to be resolved before the board review. It will affect your ability to be an agent.”

Mercy:  How did they find out? Ron said no one would know and I would have time to figure out a way around it. What else can go wrong? “My counseling was complete and I was released. I attached my past medical records in my application. My issue with claustrophobia is in the past. That should also be stated in my medical papers.”

Lynda: “It is. I just wanted to hear you say it, and make me believe it.  During the Academy you will be working closely with Ron Daily and his team. Will that be a problem for you? I see you have a close relationship with them and a personal one with Jason Michaels. Have you read the rules Mercy? We have guidelines and if this is an issue I want to know now.”

Mercy; Mercy’s chest squeezed and her hands shook. She had to stop the panic attack before it starts. It will kill her application quicker than his kiss. The memory of that kiss still warmed her lips but she knew the rules and the pain she saw in his eyes as she walked away will always haunt her.  “It will not be an issue. Agent Daily and his team have helped me during my internship, and that’s all. We have a close business relationship only. Mr. Michaels and I do not have any kind of relationship, nor do we plan on having one. We both are aware of the rules and what is at stake if any are broken.”

Lynda: “Ok as long as you are aware that they will also be interviewed”

Mercy: Mercy took a deep breath as the phone rang.

Lynda: “I need to take this. I believe I have everything I need. I will contact you when the board reviews your application. Make sure you discuss this with your family. We will be contacting them soon”

Mercy quickly left the room as her heart pounded in her ears. She had to find her parents and talk to them, but she had to see Jason first, if he’ll see her.  Mercy swallowed past the fear in her throat. She had told so many lies to hide the truth,  and hid a few secrets she’s not ready for anyone to know, and it’s all closing in on her, fast.

*~*

| Amazon | BN | Smashwords | KOBO | ARe | Black Opal Books |

BLURB:

She has no memory of their love…

Kidnapped by terrorists and sent into a drug-induced coma, FBI intern Mercedes Kingsley awakes with no memory of her ordeal—or the intimate interlude that left her pregnant. Convinced her child was fathered by her ex-fiancé, she walks away from the only man she has ever loved, determined to make things work with her ex, a man the FBI suspects is implicated in her abduction.

He knows the truth, but no one will listen…

FBI undercover agent Jason Michaels remembers what Mercy can’t and those memories are breaking his heart. Forced to keep his distance from his lover and their unborn child, Jason risks his life to protect Mercy from a cell of international terrorists who have vowed to get the secrets locked in her memory, no matter the cost. Can Jason convince Mercy to trust him until she remembers their past, or will he lose her to a man who will trap her in a nightmare world of darkness from which there is no escape?

*~*

Excerpt:

 

An explosion ricocheted behind Jason Michael’s eyes as the pressure mounted in his head. The rush of panic consumed him. He struggled to move, tried to swallow, but nothing. His throat burned as the flames engulfed his lungs. He needed to breathe but couldn’t. Shit. He strained to make out the muffled voice, but the pounding in his ears erased all hope. His head started to spin and he succumbed to the realization, this was it, the end. He won. The flames dampened and his heartbeat slowed as the drums subsided, then the voice became clear.

“Give it to him now you son of a bitch. What were you thinking? We still need him.”

In a split second, Jason sucked in a breath, causing stabbing pains to shoot through his chest. Every muscle fiber burned as the cold blast of air shot through his lungs releasing the oxygen his body craved. He arched his back, raising his chest up to pull in more air when his head snapped to the side and the crack from his neck echoed in his ears. The pain ripped through his jaw, racing across his cheekbone. Before he could gather his senses, intense burning set his face on fire. What the hell?

The slap against his cheek stung, and his eyes snapped open. He wrenched upright, hitting his head on the roof of the SUV. His gaze darted back and forth looking for something familiar until he locked onto the ice-cold stare of the devil himself, Shaun Flanagan.

Damn, that was close. Jason could not blow his cover, even if it meant he would die as David Logan and not Jason Michaels.

“You’re finally awake, my boy. We almost lost you,” Shaun cold, emotionless laugh caused Jason’s blood to boil. “You stopped breathing, I think. It’s hard to tell with this new stuff. I hope you’re not too injured. We’ve got work to do.”

Jason’s vision blurred, but his other senses were sharp. Shaun had known exactly what the drug would do and the burn in Jason’s throat was a harsh reminder. Shaun’s sarcastic tone spoke volumes to him. He was evil and did not play by anyone’s rules but his own. Jason had spent the last two months undercover, playing their games and doing their dirty work to buddy up tight to this family. He’d earned his spot with Thomas Flanagan, but his son Shaun had issues trusting anyone, even his own father.

Jason’s anger burned inside of him, but he couldn’t afford to make mistakes, not now. He was too close. It’s time to step it up, but first the drugs had to stop. He rubbed his aching jaw with one hand, clenching his other into a fist to hide his visible shaking. He had to get control of this game before he lost everything.

*~*

BIO: 

I’m an avid reader of romantic suspense and started writing after a vivid dream. I know, sounds cliché, but that’s how it started.  I work full time at a Cardiology clinic, then at night you will find me in front of my computer. I grew up in Pennsylvania, but now live in Arkansas, surrounded by the Ozark mountains where I get to enjoy the four seasons without a long, cold winter. Other than spending time with my wonderful family, my favorite things to do are writing, reading and listening to music, but my most favorite is going to the beach. Surf, sand and a good book, my stress relief. ted his spot with Thomas Flanagan, but his

 

Lynda Kaye Frazier

http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com

www.lyndakayefrazier.com

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-K...

Twitter- lynda_kaye 

Amazon Author page:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009L7TK04?tag=redefiperfec-20

Writing is my passion, Reading is my Love.

He searches for information to tie the two together when he finds out they have kidnapped a fellow agent