Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 42

The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride by Ana E Ross *Steamy Excerpt*

*The excerpt below is steamy. NSFW & 18 or older only warnings apply. 

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Blurb:

Following the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Kaya Brehna is awarded custody of their three children, and to avoid financial ruin, she must move them to Palm Beach where her successful career in interior decorating can provide financial security.  Her plans are, however, thwarted by New Hampshire business mogul, Bryce Fontaine, who is determined to keep his godchildren in Granite Falls at all costs—even emotional blackmail.

Ever since he lost his own family five years earlier, Bryce Fontaine has been a tormented soul.  His godchildren are the closest thing to family he has, and he’ll be damned before he let some corporate ladder-climbing stranger take them away from him.

When a second will surfaces that changes both their plans, Bryce talks Kaya into a loveless marriage of convenience.  One delectable nibble of Kaya’s sweet lips, and Bryce is yearning for more of his sexy little bride.  He gently entices her into his bed.  But as she quickly learns to quench his physical desires, Kaya wonders if she has the power to free her husband’s heart from the nightmares that plague it.

Excerpt:

Bryce opened the door of his dimly lit penthouse to the sensual sounds of soft music floating from the surround sound built-in stereo, and the earthy aroma from the pillars of burning candles wafting through the air.

He stepped inside and his breath caught in his throat at the sight of his wife leaning against the back of the sofa—one black stiletto clad foot, slightly bend, one hand resting seductively on her thigh, and the other holding a juicy red strawberry, dipped in whipped cream, close to her half-opened mouth.  Her brown curly hair fell like a mystical curtain down the sides of her beautiful face, bounced off her gentle shoulders, and disappeared down the curve of her back.  Her eyes were wide and luminous, and full of enchantment and expectation.

“Don’t move,” he ordered when she made an attempt to straighten up.  “And don’t talk,” he added when she opened her mouth to speak.

She settled down obediently, but not before she brought the strawberry to her mouth and closed her succulent lips around half of it, a wicked smile flashing in her eyes as she rested her hand quite seductively on her voluptuous cleavage spilling over the top of the pink lacy bodice of her outfit.  She was glowing.

Bryce swore he would have come in his pants if he hadn’t recently taken a cold shower.  He’d been anticipating this moment; he’d left orders for her to follow, and she’d obeyed.  Good girl.  But God, he didn’t expect her to look this freaking tempting and irresistible like a centerfold lingerie model straight out of the latest issue of Victoria’s Secrets.  Bryce didn’t know Kaya was the first thing he would see when he came home, much less find her standing in such a provocative pose.  She must have asked the front desk to let her know when he arrived.  His little recently deflowered bride was staging for him.  He loved it!

She made an erotic picture as she stood there, clad in the flimsy lingerie he’d left on the bed for her to wear—innocent and sinful all at the same time, he thought, admiring the soft curves of her brown body through the black silky mesh that made up the lower half of the garment.  The shapely beauty of her near-nakedness taunted him, and he couldn’t wait to slip her thongs off her hips and down her shapely legs to her ankles.  He knew well the full weight of her firm young breasts in the palms of his hands, and the sleek sensation of her moist heat opening for him like a dewy flower opens its petals to the magic of the morning sun.  Knowing his wife’s copious reservoir of love juices, Bryce could bet that the crotch of that thong was already soaked.  Oh yeah, he was keeping those.

 

Author Bio:

Ana began indulging in romance novels at a very early age.  By the time she was sixteen, she’d read every Mills & Boon, Regency, and Historical Romance novel in the library on her small island of Nevis in the West Indies.  Her love for everything romance has grown stronger over the years.

Just recently Ana resigned from teaching 11th-grade Writing and English Literature to devote her life and time to writing, and she is loving every minute of it.  She has self-published The Doctor’s Secret Bride – Book One, and The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride – Book Two of theBillionaire Brides of Granite Falls Series.  She is currently at work on The Playboy’s Fugitive Bride – Book Three, which she hopes to release in October, 2013.  The Tycoon’s Temporary Bride – Book Four, will be released in early 2014.

When she’s not writing, Ana enjoys reading, cooking, dancing, and spending time with her daughter.

Read more about Ana via her website: www.anaeross.com

 

Interview with Jennifer Garcia *aka Forbes Arnone

Today I welcome Jennifer Garcia (Aka Forbes Arnone). She stopped by for an interview and to talk about her upcoming release,  In my Mother’s Footsteps.

*~*

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks so much for having me.

I grew up in Boston and moved to Los Angeles when I was sixteen and that was twenty-six years ago. My husband of eleven years is an amazing man and deserves an award for putting up with me and picking up all the slack since I’ve taken up writing on top of all my other responsibilities. My two sons and two dogs keep my house full and myself very busy.

I’m a businesswoman in the Scrap and Recycling Industry. I also attend college full-time for the first time. I received my AA in Communications last year and am working toward a BA in English Literature. I have been writing for a few years now and last October submitted my first manuscript to a wonderful publishing company, Renaissance Romance Publishing, which was accepted.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I would say I’m a pantser because I’m not a plotter in the sense that I outline formally. I usually write the story in my mind and then write. Most of the time, I have the basic plot, the ending, and I let the rest come as I’m writing. So, I suppose, yes, I’m a pantser.

Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?

I think I got really lucky. I wrote a novella for an Open Call with a publishing company I wanted to work with. I put it all together, sent it in, and closed my eyes waiting for a response. Unfortunately, they did not accept my story for the Open Call, which was a holiday compilation, but they did want me to expand my novella into a novel. So, the challenge was filling in all of the blanks one leaves open when writing such a short story. However, the biggest challenge was trying to get that all done while working full-time, going to college full-time, starting a whole new story during NaNoWriMo, and writing another novella, In My Mother’s Footsteps in one month. It was a challenge, but I did it.

Which character speaks the loudest to you?

The heroine, Anela, her thoughts and feelings were the loudest to me. She had this longing for a father and lived a very lonely life. Anela’s mother was everything to her but she also betrayed Anela. So, when being so used to losing everything, she felt skittish at first gaining something/someone and then held on for dear life. Her life turns around and comes together but there are things she can’t get back.

Her emotions were so strong and I hope I did them justice.

In My Mother’s Foosteps will be for sale on July 2nd. Follow my blog for updated info and buy links.

11.  Do you have another book coming out soon?

I do! My Mr. Manny, my first novel will be coming out August 26th.  I love both of my books, but this is my baby.

[image error]*~*~*~*

In My Mother’s Footsteps by Forbes Arnone

Blurb:

Anela Alborn’s life is a lie. After growing up without the love of a father, her mother reveals his identity. Tragedy strikes and she sets off on an adventure that leads to more than she could ever imagine. Bumping into Christian Sivers distracts her from the real man of her dreams, her father. Will he live up to her dreams? And does she follow in her mother’s footsteps?

*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*

[image error]Author Bio:

Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.

Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.

Find Jennifer on:

Facebook

Goodreads–Forbes Arnone

Goodreads–Jennifer Garcia

Twitter

Blog

About.me

Authorsdb

Interview with Lissa Vincent Hunter of Three’s a Crowd

Melissa Keir was good enough to loan out Lissa Vincent Hunter of her book Three’s a Crowd for an interview, and Alex was good enough to join her.  It’s a lovely interview, please enjoy.

*~*

1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?

(Lissa) Hello. *waves* You don’t mind if Alex sits in with me, do you? I came to Melissa’s attention when she wrote my first book, Second Time’s the Charm. That’s the story where I met Alex and fell in love. Melissa and I met at a counseling session. I work as a nurse at a local pediatrician’s office with Alex’s ex-wife, Chloe, who is also my best friend. She helped me through my horrible divorce. We used to sit around and talk about our ex’s. It was so nice to have someone who understood.

(Alex) I was just waiting for the perfect time to charm Lissa and prove I wasn’t all bad. *smirks*

2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?

(Lissa) Other than my two little boys, Alex Hunter is the love of my life. *blushes* Who would have thought that my best friend’s ex-husband could have been the love of my life. While I had my reservations about Alex, especially since Chloe spoke so badly about him, he proved my fears wrong. When you see a man with his child, you can see into his soul.

(Alex bends and kisses Lissa on the lips)

(Lissa) The first thing that drew me to Alex was the twinkle in his eyes. He appeared to have a private joke and was always so positive. After a bitter divorce with a man who hurt me emotionally, Alex’s positive outlook drew me to him.

3. What’s your greatest fear?

(Lissa) I have two boys. Having anything happen to them is my greatest fear. I saw firsthand how scary it was when Alex’s son was in the emergency room with meningitis. Thinking about my own little guys, I couldn’t live if anything happened to them. Now that Alex is in my life, I worry about him as well. He’s made me a stronger person.

(Alex) I agree with Lissa. It’s horrible to think about anything happening to your child. Parents are supposed to protect them. There are times when I’m not with my son, Joe and it is frustrating that I can’t fix all his problems.

4. What’s your motto in life?

(Lissa) Live, Love, Laugh

(Alex) Always kiss and make up!

5. How do the other characters in your book view you?

(Alex) I think my ex-wife was finally happy but she began to see me as the answer to the problems in her marriage. She started causing problems with Lissa. Frankly, I don’t care what she thinks of me, only Lissa matters. If Lissa hadn’t taken matters into her own hands, I’d have done something to really tick Chloe off.

(Lissa) *pulls Alex closer* You’re mine and I’m not sharing. *laugh*

6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?

(Alex) I’d prefer to be a creator of gossip fodder. In fact, come here Lissa…let’s get started on some more gossip.

Lissa laughs* See he’s hard to resist.

7.  What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?

(Lissa) I’m a lot like you. I’m a mom, who wants the best for my children. I’ve faced challenges but didn’t let them keep me down. I’ve kept searching for love and happiness for my children and myself. Even with all that, I’m more the girl next door next to Chloe who is Angelina Jolie. And, who doesn’t love to cheer for the underdog!

8.  What was your happiest moment?

(Lissa) My happiest moment was when Alex and I had our wedding in Las Vegas. We wanted to combine our families in a ceremony that was very different from our previous ceremonies.

(Alex) The honeymoon was pretty nice.

9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?

People who cheat make me crazy. My ex-husband, Steve, cheated and used to tell me that it was my fault. I wasn’t a good enough wife or woman. But I’ve learned that he was wrong.

10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

I would be the color blue like the color of Alex’s eyes. He has the most beautiful eyes, which I can’t help falling into. That blue reminds me of the sky on an amazing summer day.

*~*~*~*

| Amazon | B&N | ARe |

Blurb:

For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

 

Excerpt:

Facing Chloe at work the next day was tough. Every time I saw her, I thought of her comment about Alex. Just because she’s having problems at home doesn’t mean she can lash out at me. What would Alex think of what she said? Was he still interested in her? They had a past and shared a child. Could he love her again? My stomach pulsed with pain as I worried about work, Chloe and my own marriage.

Hiding out at my desk, I avoided talking to Chloe as much as I could. Facing her was hard. Putting on my game face, I did my job and kept my mind on work. My hands shook anytime she came near me. Was she going to bring it up again?

A text message popped up on my phone. Love you and miss you, xoxo. It was from Alex. My heart tightened with emotion. It was nice he was thinking of me. I texted back love you more! It was a nice validation of our love to hear from Alex just when I was feeling bad.

****

“Hi, honey. I’m home.” I called as I entered the house. The boys were spending the night with their father but I could see Alex was on the phone and he quickly waved me toward him. Sitting down next to him on the couch, I listened patiently, curious as to what was going on.

“Yes, I suppose we can switch days for Joe to come over. I’m sorry things are that way at your house. Joe’s always welcome here. Just let me know what I can do to help.” Chloe. Frowning, I listened for more. “Mike seems like a great guy. If you two are having issues, maybe you can talk to a counselor or something. Let me know what I can do to help. I’m always willing to listen. Bye.”

“What’s going on? Your conversation seemed pretty edgy.”

“She and Mike are having issues. She thinks he might be having an affair. She wants us to get Joe early and maybe keep him a few days extra so she can spend some time with Mike and try to talk things through. She doesn’t want to put Joe in the middle. You know how he feels about Mike.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. She mentioned the stress to me at lunch yesterday but nothing about an affair. I didn’t want to bring it up to you or share things I shouldn’t. The boys love spending time with him and it’ll be good for Joe to spend more time with you.”

Alex put his arm around me and kissed me softly. “You’re wonderful, Lissa. I know this will take more work on your part, but I really appreciate how you’re willing to do anything for my son.”

“I love Joe, you know that. But honestly, I’m worried about something. Chloe seems to want to rely on you for support. I don’t want you to get caught in the middle of their issues. The other day at lunch, she told me how much she still cares for you and warned me away from you. It was uncomfortable.”

“Lissa, I love you. Not Chloe. You have nothing to worry about.”

 

Author Bio:

Melissa Keir has always wanted to be an author when she wasn’t hoping for a career as a race car driver.  Her love of books was instilled by her mother and grandparents who were avid readers. She’d often sneak books away from them so that she could fantasize about those strong alpha males and plucky heroines.  In middle school and high school, Melissa wrote sappy love poems and shared them with her friends.  She still has those poems today! In college, her writing changed to sarcastic musings on life as well as poems with a modern twist on fairy tales and won awards for her writing. You can find many of these musings along with her latest releases on her website and blog.

As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing.  She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America, Mid-Michigan RWA and EPIC.  Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars.  She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time.  She’s always keeping busy.  Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

 

Melissa loves hearing from readers!

www.melissakeir.com

http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)

www.twitter/melissa_keir

Tuesday Tales – Train

The prompt this week was Train.

I’m heading back to Lake Point again.  I’m going to return to Eve’s New Year.  Last week you all felt such sympathy for Jake, this week I’m going from Eve’s POV. This event is before last week’s prompt…I like Eve a lot…she’s just struggling to deal with this life-long crush she thinks is un-returned…(what would you think if all your crush did was call you his BFF and give you chaste kisses and hugs).

As always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :

“Who the hell does he think he is?”

“I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s Thomas Strayer, an antiquities dealer—and he’d be right.” Eve inched past Jake’s red-faced bluster to step into her office.

“That isn’t what I mean.” Jake snarled. “I mean he was checking out your ass.”

She wasn’t sure what to make of that statement, or his clear displeasure about it. Rather than stammer or fret as she would have done years ago, she snorted. “I sincerely doubt that.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I know when a guy is checking out my ass. On the rare occasions it does happen, I can always hear them mumbling that they like big butts and they can’t lie.” She sat at her desk. The miniature train she’d been holding got set to the side while Jake continued to somehow manage to stare with a combination of anger and shock. “What?”

“I don’t like that.”

“What? Aren’t you the one that always told me not to let them get to me? I’ve learned that the best defense is a good offense. You should know that after all your years of hockey.”

He shook his head. “I don’t like anyone talking about you like that, not even you.”

With a sigh, she leaned her head back against her chair. “The point is, what difference does it make either way? He’s not interested, and if he was, what does it matter to you?”

“He is interested. The guy wasn’t listening to you talk about that stupid train. He asked you to get it down so he could ogle you.”

Eve had to forcibly hold back her snort at the suggestion. No man had gone to lengths like that just to do anything akin to ogling. Most of them managed well enough just with her chest. It was the best thing about her big-boned body, the girls got her lots of attention when she wore her favorite low-cut tops.

“Eve?”

“Hm? Oh, right. Well, I think you’re imagining things.”

“What were you two whispering about?”

She sighed in exasperation. This interrogation was pointless. He was acting like a guard dog, but she was a grown woman. After a lifetime of him giving her the big-brother act, she was just about at the end of her rope. Not once had he bothered to ogle her, what did he care if anyone else did? “We weren’t whispering. We were making plans for dinner, actually.”

“What?”

“Oh, don’t get your panties in a twist. It’s a business dinner.”

“Business.” Jake scoffed. “Right.”

“In case you’ve forgotten. I am trying to establish a relationship with the auction house so we can sell your excess inventory. That is what dinner is about.”

“I don’t want him taking advantage of you.”

Eve groaned and dropped her head into her hands. “Did you ever think that maybe I need a little bit of advantage taken?”

“No.”

She sighed and rose. “I’m not getting any younger, Jake. Unlike you, I haven’t had much of a chance to dive into the dating pool all my life. For the first time ever I’m starting to like myself and I’m damn well going to enjoy myself if I want to.”

“But…”

“I’m a big girl.” She leaned forward. “I can handle myself.”

“You’re my—”

“Best friend. I know.” She knew all too well. It’s all she’d ever been to him, and it was all she’d ever be.  Her friend Ivy was right, it was time to piss or get off the pot. Eve’s fantasy life where she and Jake had a happy ever after was never going to happen. “As my best friend, you should want me to be happy. You’re the one that’s always telling me I need to stop playing it safe.”

“I do want you happy.” He sighed and leaned against the doorframe. A smile curved his adorable lips. Damn it, maybe she wasn’t quite done with the fantasy. “I just get a bad vibe from this guy.”

“You’re being silly.” After all, Thomas was gay, but she wasn’t about to tell Jake that. In Eve’s fantasy’s later Jake’s freak-out would be because he was jealous, not because he was once again riding in on his white horse to protect her from some big bad.

“Call it an old habit.”

“Old habits are hard to break.” Eve sat back down and eyed the train engine she’d set in front of her computer. Thomas did want a business dinner, but not over the auction. It involved a job—in Albany. Far enough away from Lake Point, her life-long crush, and her boring life. She’d never been outside of Lake Point for anything, her whole life was nothing but habit and pipe dreams. “But sometimes it’s what you have to do.”

“What if you don’t want to?”

“You never want to, that’s why it’s a habit.”

*~*

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

*~*

 

 

Meet Chloe from To Hiss or to Kiss

Today we have Chloe, the heroine from Katya Armock’s To Hiss or to Kiss. Please welcome her!

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1.  Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?

I’m Chloe. I’m in my late 20s, introverted and a tad misanthropic. I’d much rather spend my days with animals, and I devote much of my free time to working with shelter pets. I can telepathically communicate with animals, and I’ve found I’ve become an animal shrink of sorts. My day job is as an office assistant.

I got Katya’s attention because she took a class with an animal communicator and became interested in the subject. She’s an animal lover too, so when I started sharing my thoughts with her, she listened up.

2.  What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?

Jorge. I’ll admit I’m not the easiest person to get to know. I don’t trust easily and I hate being vulnerable. Jorge kept battering at my walls. The fact he was the first human I could ever telepathically communicate with initially drew me to him, and the fact that I felt the chemistry between us instantly certainly helped a lot. A healthy libido can trump a good deal of fear.

3.  What’s your greatest fear?

Being hurt by someone I care for. Not that I believe all my problems can be blamed on my parents, but it’s safe to say my mother leaving my father and I when I was ten left some scars. My father withdrew a lot after she left, and our relationship has never been the same. With a little courage, I’d like to try to become closer with him.

4.  What’s your motto in life?

The more I get to know people, the more I like dogs. OK, that’s probably not an appropriate motto. Maybe something more along the lines of humor keeps one sane.

5.  How do the other characters in your book view you?

Hmm. My best friend Naomi has seen the worst in me already and she’s still my friend. Although I’m sure she’d like to give me a shove sometimes to take some risks with my heart. Until Jorge, I never even gave love the good ol’ college try. Everyone knows I have a big heart for animals, but I struggle with people and often keep myself fairly isolated.

6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?

I guess the creator of gossip fodder, since I don’t really socialize enough to be an effective gossip. And there’s really not much to gossip about with animals. I’m sure if everyone knew about my ability I’d be creating a lot more gossip.

7.  What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?

I put my life on the line to save animals. I hope that readers see that underneath my bravado, I have a good heart. Sarcasm just gets me through the rough times.

8.  What was your happiest moment?

The day I knew for sure that Jorge loved me back.

9.  What trait in others do you find most deplorable?

Lying.

10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Silver. I can be a tad bit pessimistic, but I’d like to think I’m learning to see the silver lining.

*~*

| Amazon | BN | ARe |

BLURB:

Chloe can “talk” to animals…so why can she hear the thoughts of this hot, green-eyed man?

Abandoned by her mother and raised by a father who’d given up on life, Chloe doesn’t let anyone get close. Lucky for her, she can communicate with animals—telepathically. Animals are the only people she needs. When a suspected dogfighting ring comes to her attention, Chloe decides to do a little spying. In her rush to win the dogs’ trust, she almost gets caught.

Until a sexy stranger intervenes, and she finds she can overhear his thoughts. She’s never been able to hear people, and this man’s about as sexy as she’s ever seen. It’s more than intellectual curiosity that drives her to discover his secret: he’s a jaguar shape-shifter, and the presence of this cat among the dogs might be a bit too much to handle. But the animal attraction is just too hot to resist, and the passion between them makes both the sparks—and the fur—fly…

EXCERPT:

Jorge and I are fast asleep after our antics in bed, when I feel a wetness on my hand and I hear Ringo calling out to me.

“Chloe, wake up. I really, really, really need to pee.”

I moan and sink deeper into Jorge’s arms, pulling my hand back.

“Chloe, wake up. I’m dying here. I have to pee.”

Ugh, why won’t that voice go away? I crack my eyes open and see Ringo by the bed, prancing around, doing the doggy version of a potty dance.

Ringo starts hotfooting toward the bedroom door. “Thank goodness. I’ve got to go.”

With a sigh, I extricate myself from Jorge, which causes him to groan in his sleep. I get out of bed and throw on one of his T-shirts.

His voice is groggy. “Where are you going?”

“Ringo’s got to pee.”

He nods and closes his eyes.

Gee, thanks for the assistance. I roll my eyes as I head to the front door.

The other dogs all crowd around the door. Guess Ringo was just the messenger. They fly out when I open the door. I send out a telepathic reminder to stay close to the house.

Headlights flip on, and a van pulls into the end of the driveway. Ringo, who is closest, starts to bark and lunges toward the van.

“Ringo, no, come back!” I yell at him aloud, but he keeps on going. I mentally tap him, but he is in the zone and doesn’t respond.

I watch in horror as the van door slides open and a man catches Ringo with a rabies pole and then hauls him into the back. I scream as the door shuts and the van tears out of the driveway. It peels away, dust flying in its wake.

The van is still in sight when Jorge rushes up behind me. His hair is mussed, and he’s wearing only a pair of jeans. “What happened?”

“Ringo just got pulled into the van, and they sped off.” I don’t know if I’m more pissed off or worried.

Amazon.uk
Amazon.de
Amazon.fr

*~*

Bio:

I like books that are funny and fun to read (and hot!) but also make me think or look at the world in a new way. I am influenced by magic realism, comparative mythology, and esoteric spiritual practices from around the world.

I spent too many years chasing someone else’s definition of success. My life simplified, I returned to my first love of writing.

These days you’ll find me writing, pet sitting, juggling a number of freelance gigs, and reigning as my home’s domestic goddess. I live in the Midwestern U.S. with my husband, dog and cats. Alas, I have, as of yet, been unable to teach my husband how to purr.

Website: http://katyaarmock.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katyaarmock

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyaArmock

Hump Day Hook 29 – Changing Tracks

Another Hump Day Hook!

Next week I’m having the BIG HUGE cover reveal for book 2 in my Dominion Falls Series, Derailed.  So, for a nice lead in this week, I’m going back to my beloved Changing Tracks (Which received 2 new 5* reviews this week on Amazon!!)

Jane and Cole are having the first of many verbal sparring sessions:

“Well, you are a woman.” He eyed her appreciatively. “And women should keep their mouths shut. They don’t get opinions.”

“Just because you own the women you bother to keep company with and they must do as you say doesn’t mean they lack opinions. Just means you lack the fortitude to listen to them.”

“If you’re trying to curry favor, you ain’t on the right path.”

 

*~*

Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published.  Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library!  To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:

Tuesday Tales – Library

The prompt this week was Library.

I’m heading back to Lake Point again this week.  This time I’m giving you a sample of Eve’s New Year.

As always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :

“What were you thinking?” Eve’s bright smile faded. She opened the next box, and then another.  The boxes laid out throughout her office were each filled with books. “There’s enough here to fill a library.”

“A private one, maybe.” Jake tried not to let his disappointment show. He thought she’d be excited by his purchase.

“No one in this town has a need to stock an entire library. Who’s going to catalog these anyway? I told you, Jake. My last day is in one week. I have enough to do without adding in cataloging a library full of books.”

“You don’t understand.” He took the box lid she held in her hands and slid it back in place on the box.  “These aren’t for the shop.”

“Then what are they doing in my office?”

“I got them for you.”

Her bright blue eyes got wide and the flush of anger faded away. “What?”

“You always gush over the book listings.” He heaved the box off her desk and set it on top of a nearby stack. This was not going the way he’d planned at all. “I know you like old books, I’ve heard you talk about how you dreamed of having a library full.”

“You heard me?”

“Of course I heard you. You’re my best friend.”

“Right.” Her voice cracked again. It had been doing that a lot lately. “Best friend.”

“I hate that you’re leaving. I just wanted to do something for you.”

“God you’re such an ass.”

“What?” He spun around, but she wasn’t facing him. “I was trying to be nice.”

“Well I don’t need you to try so hard anymore.” She kept her back to him. “I don’t need to be your charity case in the name of friendship any longer.”

“Charity case?” Jake couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “What the hell?”

“My gallant defender, forcing his good buddies not to pick on the fat girl, the four eyes, the nerd that just happened to live next door to you. I’m a big girl now.” The words remained strong even if her voice was still weak. “And I’m not interested in feeding your need to be a savior.”

“Eve.”

“Just get out. I have work to do if I’m going to be out of here in a week.”

Pain ripped through his heart. “So you aren’t just quitting this job, are you?”

“No. I’m quitting you.”

*~*

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

*~*

 

 

Lapses of Memory by M.S. Spencer

I’d like to tell you about my new romance, Lapses of Memory, a novel in which two romances intertwine as a mother recounts her life-long love affair while her daughter juggles two lovers.  Sydney Bellek’s love for Elian Davies is reignited each time they meet, but in the long years following each encounter she forgets him. For his part, Elian knows from the age of seven that they are meant for each other, but when she finally understands, he has lost his memory—literally.  Can she make him remember her? Will their new love be enough to replace the old one?

Meanwhile,  her daughter Olivia chronicles the ups and downs of her parents’ romance, making it difficult to concentrate on her own dilemma—how to choose between the rich and dashing Rémy de Beaumec, who wants to take her around the world, and the strong, silent, American-to-the-core, Benjamin Knox, who only wants to make her happy.

 

As journalists, Sydney and Elian fly a lot. Since in the story they only meet every few years, the date of their meeting on a plane coincided strangely and wonderfully with new aircraft designs coming on line. Research on the development of flight technology led me to learn a couple of interesting facts. First, the early commercial airlines were designed for comfort rather than speed. The Boeing Stratocruiser that Sydney takes when she is five had sleeping berths and a lounge, and meals were served on china plates with fine wines in etched crystal goblets. As with most advances, luxury was soon sacrificed to speed, and by the 1970s we had the SST Concorde, which made the flight from New York to London in three hours. Second, I was blown away by the amazing growth in customers. In the 1950s air travel was limited to a few adventurous souls and planes carried 100 passengers. The total number of passengers went from 17 million in 1950 to an estimated 2.75 billion by 2011. That’s only sixty years!

 

I hope you enjoy the excerpt. One lucky reader will win a pdf of one of my last four romantic suspense novels—your choice. Be sure to leave your email address in your comment.

Lapses of Memory, by M. S. Spencer

Secret Cravings Publishing (May 10, 2013)

eBook, 70,000 words

Romance, Action/Adventure, M/F, 3 flames

Buy Link: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=595

EXCERPT (PG): The Lady Doesn’t Remember

Several beers later they wobbled out to the lobby holding hands. Sydney had learned enough to know this Elian was a complex person and really, really cute. When they reached her room he backed her against the door. She could feel his penis throbbing through his jeans and took a minute to revel in the desire the friction ignited before pushing him away. He set his arms on either side of her, and regarded her with serious eyes. “You still don’t remember me, do you?”

She shook her head. She didn’t really want to recognize him. Placing him in some other context could only be deflating. She liked him now, a tall, thin, russet-haired man with a pulsing member and inviting mouth, currently blowing a tidal wave of pheromones in her direction.

He continued to stand there, making none of the moves she wished he’d make. Finally she took a step toward him and held out her lips. Leaning in, he took them with his. The link pulled the rest of their bodies together. Arms went around waist and neck, bellies ground against each other, thighs intertwined. Sydney fell into a long, dark, winding tunnel that squeezed her, taking her breath away. She no longer felt corporeal, but more like a soft piece of quivering tissue, the bones dissolving, reduced finally to a pool of liquid heat.

He broke away, panting. “Now do you remember me?”

Her arms empty, she tried blinking to drag herself back to the present. Elian swam into view. His azure eyes shot signals, signals that she couldn’t decipher. What does he want of me? Why can’t we live for the moment? Just be in the here and now? For an instant she thought of lying, but somehow she knew he would see through it, that it would only push him farther away. “I’m sorry.”

He lifted his arms, and dropped them in frustration. He gazed at her, pleading. She couldn’t help him. Bits of him seemed familiar—as though those features belonged to someone else she’d known a long time ago. Other bits, like his deep, gruff voice and his air of insolence, were strange and new. A fleeting sense of abandonment passed through her. Whoever he reminded her of had left her once before. She didn’t want that loneliness again. She turned from him and put the key in the door. He caught her arm. “We’ll meet again, Sydney.”

She tried to match the hope in his voice. “Perhaps we will.” She ran inside and threw herself on the bed. After a good cry and a call for room service, she paced the room, trying to get a grip on her emotions. Something deep in Elian’s eyes drew her. She didn’t recognize his face, but she felt a linkage, a bond with him. An affinity shared, but long ago. She understood him, knew him. A face rose before her, but all jumbled as though she looked at it through a kaleidoscope. Eyes, chin, nose, cheeks, all split up into triangles and rhomboids, making the face as inscrutable as a Picasso painting. She gave up.

Halfway through the chicken cordon bleu she stopped, fork stalled two inches from her mouth. Why does he care whether I recognize him? What is this rapport I sense? Is there some deep, dark secret I should know? Oh my God, is he my long lost brother?

Biography

Although I’ve lived or traveled in every continent except Antarctica and Australia (bucket list), the last 30 years have been spent mostly in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, birdwatcher, kayaker, policy wonk, non-profit director and parent. I’m about to heave the entire ho to Florida, leaving behind the cherry blossoms, the monuments, and the political hacks.

Contacts:

Blog: http://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msspencertalespinner

Twitter: www.twitter.com/msspencerauthor

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/msspencerauthor/

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/M.S.-Spencer/e/B002ZOEUC8/?tag=redefiperfec-20

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/msspencer

Hump Day Hook 28 – Eve’s New Year

Another Hump Day Hook!

Just yesterday I signed a contract for my Christmas story – Santa, Maybe.  Secret Cravings is going to publish it in December in time for the holidays.

Something about that wonderful little story set in the idealistic small town has me itching to turn it into a series of shorties each set around a holiday.  This week I’m bringing you a snip of the New Years story that I’ve titled Eve’s New Year.

Dunc (not the hero, at least not in this story ) is a 21 year old that does odd jobs around town, including helping out at the antique shop Eve manages. Earlier in the chapter, Eve refers to him as ‘eye candy’…and so he is  Right now, he’s on his way out the door and Eve expresses some frustration:

Too soon Dunc disappeared into the front room and she was left in the store room with no more warmth than the light bulb he’d just screwed in. “Maybe I should have screwed that bulb in. It’s the only screwing I’ll ever get.”

Her inner voice cackled at the horrible joke before she blew a raspberry at no one but herself. Such a loser.

 

*~*

Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published.  Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library!  To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:

Princess Morgane of The Enchanted by Elaine Cantrell

Elaine Cantrell’s character Princess Morgane of her novel The Enchanted agreed to an interview today. The Prince Alan joined in the conversation for a bit of a fun time.

*~*

1.  Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?

“I am the Princess Morgane, daughter of King Maccus, wife of Prince Alan who is heir to his father King Bowdyn. The entire kingdom celebrated my marriage to Prince Alan, so I suppose that is how she heard of me. My occupation? I am a princess.”

A tall, blonde warrior enters the chamber where the interview is taking place. He hears the last thing Princess Morgane says. “Do not forget, my princess, that I have seen you washing dishes. Mayhap you would enjoy that occupation.”

The princess laughs, her eyes gleam. “My husband jests, though I did indeed wash the dishes when we fought the terrible evil in King Osric’s realm.”

“Fought and prevailed in large part to you, my dear.”

The princess nods to the interviewer. “As you can see, Madame, my husband is a practiced flirt!”

2.  What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?

Princess Morgane reaches for Prince Alan’s hand. “Our love story did not begin in the the way that most do. Our fathers arranged a marriage for the two of us even though we had never met. I did not expect to even like him, but love grew almost immediately. How could I not love him? He is everything a man should be. He is kind, generous, clever, protective, …”

“Nay, my love. These are qualities that should apply to you. If I possess any virtue at all, it comes out of my love for you.”

The princess blushes and turns back to the interviewer.

3.  What’s your greatest fear?

Princess Morgane bites her lip. “I fear that one day I might lose the prince. We live in a dangerous world.”

Prince Alan scowls at the interviewer. “Think no more upon it, my princess. I will take very good care of myself.”

4.  What’s your motto in life?

“Aut viam inveniam aut faciam – I will either find a way or make one.”

The prince beams at her. “Well said. After our experiences I do not believe in the word impossible.”

5.  How do the other characters in your book view you?

Princess Morgane considers the question. “With no false modesty, I can say that I have found favor with my husband and his family. To this day I possess the red banner given to me by King Bowdyn in appreciation of my service to the kingdom.” Her eyes twinkle. “Perhaps I do not look like a warrior, but I am held in high regard by the army as well.”

Prince Alan laughs. “Indeed. Madame Interviewer, you should hear the warrior Renweard speak of her bravery when she confronted the false princess. Even now he brags of how she killed an enemy to save me. In truth she saved me twice, once in Pygeria, and once when the false princess held sway over the castle.”

6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?

“Well, if one must choose, I suppose I would rather be the creator of gossip fodder. It is much more entertaining that way.”

7.  What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?

Prince Alan clears his throat. “I will answer that one for you. She has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she is warm, nurturing, and loving toward all whom she meets.”

“Thank you, my prince.”

8.  What was your happiest moment?

She laughs. “Oh, that is easy. My happiest moment was when Prince Alan broke the evil spell upon Pygeria, thereby giving us the chance for a future together.”

 9.  What trait in others do you find most deplorable?

“I abhor greediness which leads to all manner of deceit and unkindness.”

 10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

“Yellow. To me, yellow is a joyous, happy color full of hope and sunshine. I have suffered much in my life, but thanks to my adventures with the prince, my days are now filled with sunshine.” She stands. “Come. Let me show you the lovely painting the prince did for me. It too is filled with the sunshine.”

*~*

| Amazon | B&N | Astrea Press |

BLURB:

Blurb:

Forced by his father into a marriage he didn’t want, Prince Alan soon finds that his bride isn’t the sweet, submissive creature he expected. Morgane has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she isn’t thrilled about the marriage either. When black treachery threatens the kingdom, Morgane and Alan embark on a perilous journey that has an excellent chance of ending in failure and death for them and all of their people.Replace this text w/ your blurb, excerpt, author bio & buy links.

Excerpt: In this excerpt, the hero meets his bride for the first time.

The sound of a trumpet interrupted Alan. Meryn entered the room behind the trumpeters and called in a ringing voice, ʺHis majesty, King Maccus, and his daughter, the Princess Morgane, wife of Prince Alan, heir to the throne of his father, King Bowdyn.ʺ

Everyone at the table rose to their feet and bowed as Maccus and Morgane paused at the door. Alan could not stop staring at the princess. He had not expected her to be so beautiful. Her red‑gold hair cascaded across her shoulders in swirling waves he ached to touch. Even from this distance he could see that her eyes were the color of the sea on a cloudy, stormy day. Her white, beribboned gown made their unique color stand out. She had a willowy, lithe figure.

Every inch the king, Bowdyn crossed the room and took Princess Morgane’s hand. ʺCome. I will introduce you to your husband, Prince Alan.”

She did not limp, but she stepped very quickly as if she did not want her feet to touch the floor any longer than necessary. Still, she held her head up high as she made her way across the hall, her heavy, stiff skirts rustling on the stone floor. ʺMy son, this is your wife, Princess Morgane. Morgane, this is your husband, Prince Alan.”

Bowdyn placed Morgane’s hand into Alan’s. Her fingers were icy cold. He bowed to her and kissed her hand. “It is my honor to meet you. Will you be seated beside me?ʺ

Morgane seated herself beside him as he held out her chair. Her skin looked as smooth as satin and as creamy as the finest milk, but no one could miss the horrible red scar that marred her face. She turned her head and caught him staring. Her face flushed red, causing the scar to look that much worse. Turning away from him, she fastened her eyes on the wall in front of her.

BIO:

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina where she obtained a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University.  She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators, Romance Writers of America, and EPIC authors.  Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest.  When she’s not writing or teaching, she enjoys movies, quilting, reading, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments.