Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 45

Meet Kalista Bristow from Finding Love Under a Rock

I’m pleased to introduce you to Kalista Bristow from Finding Love Under a Rock by Allee Mae (i.e. Davee Jones). A sweet New Adult story of love amidst some crazy adventures.

*~*

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

I wanted to know more about the latest reality show crazes involving swamps, alligators, catfish noodling, Bigfoot, well…you name it. I’m a city girl trying to learn all I can about my new adopted home state of Oklahoma. I knew if anyone would enlighten me and put me in these hair-raising situations, it would be Allee Mae. J I’m a college student in the nursing program at East Central University, studying science and nature just comes naturally—pardon the pun.

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

Up to now, the greatest love of my life has been platonic—my best friend, Leandra Lehigh. She and I have grown up together and are close enough to be sisters. We are two peas in a pod, but, she is a little more adventurous than I am. I tend to be cautious, so, we balance each other out to avoid any major catastrophes. So far…But, as Leandra told me just recently, “…Life is sometimes one great big creepy forest, and as much as I love you, we are both getting to the age where each other just isn’t enough.” I think this is where Caleb comes in. (starts to blush)

3.  What’s your greatest fear?

The evil in our world.

4.  What’s your motto in life?

You’ll never know until you try.

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

I think they want to protect me, but, they do encourage me to stretch out of my comfort zone. It’s awesome to have such supporting and loving friends. With their help, I just might get there.

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

It’s my strict policy to stay away from gossip. I create an exciting life based on positive experiences, not like these cowards on the sideline who only hope to destroy someone to get their kicks.

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

My joy in life and all the new experiences Leandra and I are having in Oklahoma with two of the best adventure guides in the world- Caleb and Owen.

8.  What was your happiest moment?

It’s coming up in the next book, wink. (But, Caleb finally kisses me, I just couldn’t keep it a secret!)

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

Bitterness, because most of the time it’s the person’s own fault they feel angry, yet, they want to blame everyone else.

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

I would be orange, because although overlooked very often for something like blue or purple, it normally turns out to be the brightest, most exciting color in the world.

*~*

| Amazon | SCP | B&N |

Blurb:

Kalista Bristow and Leandra Lehigh moved to Oklahoma not just to attend nursing school, but, to find some adventure. When Leandra reads about the sport of “noodling”, she is literally “hooked’, and reserves top-notch guides, Caleb Chandler and Owen Guthrie, to give them a true southern experience.

Wading through the murky river, Kalista finds herself drawn to the handsome Caleb and his red-dirt good looks. He manages a few shy glances in her direction, intrigued by her tenacity. Could this cute city girl bring him out of his awkward insecurity when it comes to dating? However, thoughts of blossoming love move to the wayside as the girls find more than they bargained for under the surface of that shadowy river. They must rely on Caleb and Owen to keep them safe, all the while beginning to believe the mysterious legends the guys have been telling them are probably all true.

Excerpt:

Kalista’s stomach churned nervously as her eyes darted around. Sunlight danced off the ripples in the water that their movements created. Is that us making those waves, or something just below the surface? “Crap, should I watch where I step?”

“That’s sort of a problem. You can’t watch anywhere you move. So, you just better hope you make the right step.” Caleb said solemnly.

“How far out do we have to go? The water is getting colder the further out we get. Besides, how can we get to the bank to get out if we do get into trouble?” Panic teemed in Kalista’s voice. “I don’t like water I can’t see into.”

“Hey, roomie, calm down. Good grief, we haven’t even started yet.” Leandra finally sounded exasperated with Kalista’s irrational fear. “Would you just enjoy yourself and get over being a baby already? Not everything has to be a swimming pool with pristine water to be safe.”

“Girls, girls, focus. You are both right in your own way. This is more than a simple excursion—it’s time we start paying attention to our surroundings.”

“Okay, so, we need to be one with the fish?” Leandra asked seriously as she peered down toward the water.

Kalista rolled her eyes. “Sheesh Lea, as if you could see anything through this brown tinged river water.” She looked more closely, realizing how intent Leandra appeared. “You really are getting in tune with your aquatic side, aren’t you?”

“We paid for this expedition so you’re darn right I’m getting in touch with my inner Ictalurus punctatus.”

Owen furrowed his brow toward Leandra. “What the heck is an ictaluruhhh…icta…icta-walruses or whatever you just said?”

“Owen, let me apologize for Leandra, leave it to the bookworm to use the scientific name for a channel catfish.” Kalista replied with amusement in her tone.

“You knew what I meant when I said it. What’s that say about you?” Leandra shot back triumphantly.

Caleb interjected into the banter. “Girls, we are actually not looking for Ictalurus punctatus. We are searching for Pylodictis olivari, a flathead catfish.”

*~*

About the Author:

For her sweet side as Allee Mae- with my 13 y/o daughter, we combine to create fictional worlds with something for everyone. Whether exploring urban legends, the eerie paranormal, first loves, sweet romance, scary dreams, we take you away from the everyday.

She has more adult content available as: Davee Jones began a career in the counseling field with her M.Ed. She then diversified and began work for the federal government. The dryness of the day to day assignments fostered the desire for her to do something more creative. Because writing was always a passion, she used every opportunity to journal and create fictional worlds with her words. She began writing short fiction and books, inspired by the events around her.

Now avidly writing, in the little spare time she has, she has several other books in progress. She has books that draw from eroticism, romance, suspense, drama, and sometimes comedy. A few of her books garner only one flame, but, others will secure all five flames in the heat index.

She lives with her husband and children, who inspire her every day to live life to the fullest, with no regrets. She thanks her mother and grandmother for such strong, independent, loving examples of the kind of woman she wants to be. Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Family and Love in the Time of Decline by Mike Arsuaga

| Muse It Up Publishing – Pre-Order (Release 4/26/13) | Mike Arsuaga on Amazon |

Jess Moore’s life careens toward mortal danger—can a beautiful lycan, a beloved mentor, and a piece of paper save her?

BLURB:

A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY

Jess Moore grew up in a time of decline, the result of poor economic, fiscal, and environmental choices, topped off by a worldwide pandemic. The collapse of society as she knew it left intrusive government in the name of security as the price of maintaining a threadbare prosperity. Despite a lost love and a failed marriage, Jess counts herself lucky to have the strength and support of a loving family. To escape the oppression, her mother and grandmother move to Greece, leaving her behind to settle matters and follow. When the emigration laws change, Jess finds herself trapped stateside.

A LOVER RETURNS

With the help of Patti Redman, her mentor, Jess starts a career with Homeland Security. On an undercover background investigation for Patti, Jess discovers written evidence of a black ops group at the highest levels of the department. When Tom Redman, Jess’ lost love, returns, he lands in the middle of a growing web of conspiracy and danger as the evidence she uncovered nears public disclosure.

One by one, witnesses are systematically eliminated. The next bullet is aimed at Jess. The only solution is flight to the safety of her loving family in Greece, but have the lovers waited too long to plan their escape?

*~*

Excerpt:

Tom repossessed my hand and we all walked through the gate. I told Roger to go on ahead while I spoke with Tom.

“Roger seems like a decent fellow.”

I looked up at him trying to get a read on how he’d changed in ten years. His flirtation with longer hair styles hadn’t lasted. The tow-headed Marine regulation haircut returned. The wide-shouldered, athletic build had added substance. The sharp angles of his face weren’t so boyishly cut anymore. The glow of youth may not have radiated from him as in years past, but when he looked at me I realized time and life had made the frosty blue eyes wiser in some subtle way.

“Tom, I have to tell you something. Patti loves you very much and needs you now more than ever. Even if you don’t love her, try to put your feelings aside for her sake.”

I waited for a reaction. Tom shifted the weight of the sea bag to another part of his shoulder and continued processing what I’d said.

I gave him a minute more and launched into my pitch. Walking next to him in the motionless chill of the gathering night, I told him all I knew there was to tell on the subject of the diminutive woman with the soulful eyes and pleasant V-shaped smile. “Your mom dedicated herself to excellence and took the time to give me my life back.” Remembering what Dante said about making amends, forgiveness and reconciliation, I spoke from my heart. “No matter what happened in the past between the both of you, the future offers a chance to make things right.”

After a long silence, he said, “I believe you’re correct, Jess. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come back.”

We didn’t speak anymore. In the darkness, I walked beside Tom toward my house, the winter air, cold and dry all around us, listening to the sound of our breathing and footsteps in the silence.

*~*

Bio:

Born and raised raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mike completed careers in the United States Navy Submarine Force and the Transportation Security Administration. Although his careers have taken him all over the world, he now lives in Orlando, Florida with wife and Editor in Chief Cynthia, daughter Jennifer, granddaughter Larrna and partner in crime Thumper, a Yorkshire terrier.

Mike’s extensive travels took him throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East which provide accurate and vivid settings for all his stories. Although Mars figures prominently in at least one installment of The Progeny of Evolution series, he hasn’t been there yet. The trip is prominent on his “bucket” list.

The Progeny of Evolution series, presently seven books published by Muse It Up Publishing, tell of the deep love between two special beings as they shepherd lycans and vampires, The Others, in their ascent from Creation’s vilest expression toward becoming the noblest. A pilot script for a TV series based on the books is under consideration by Amazon studios. A paranormal romantic thriller short story, from Boroughs Publishing Group, titled Of Jasmine and Pomegranate has been well received.

Mike and Cynthia have co-written two books published by Secret Cravings Publishing. Top Dog and Love and Death in the Big Easy chronicle the story of a special shape shifter. Instead of transforming into a large fierce animal, he becomes an eight pound Yorkshire terrier. While not much good in a scrap, he can go places the big guys can’t and he’s irresistible to women. Currently, they are in the process of adapting the first book into a screenplay for motion pictures or a television series.

Mike’s website is http://mikearsuaga.weebly.com. Other social media sites are Twitter.com/Leondegranz, www.facebook.com/mike.arsuaga1 .

Hump Day Hook 24 – Masked Hearts #Giveaway {Giveaway Closed}

GIVEAWAY CLOSED – WINNER is MANDY EARLES

Another Hump Day Hook!

It released on Monday, so I’m doing another week of Masked Hearts for you.  Minnie and Roy are sweet, and that makes it tougher to find paragraphs that are as snappy as Jane and Cole’s sometimes. They aren’t as much with the biting dialogue, but still, I adore them. So let’s see if I can’t entice you with a sweet snippet. I beg your indulgence as it’s really 2 paragraphs instead of my customary one…but it is release week.

And to ease the sting of 2 paragraphs over 1…I’m going to giveaway a PDF copy to one lucky commenter!!

Hope you enjoy:

“I think you just pestered me too long. I grew weary of yelling all the time. All the other white men gave up much sooner.” This time he caught her whisper of a smile. “Even a strong woman grows weary of a man’s begging.”

“Begging?” He snatched her hands the moment she started to move again. The laughter of her reply bolstered his own. “All right, fair enough. I begged. Now that you have talked to me do you still think of me as an annoyance?”

“Only a little.”

 

*~*~*

Blurb:

Minnie Woodward lives a lie. After barely surviving the Bear River Massacre she’s lived in the white world of her guardian Mister Rawlins, her life debt keeping her tied there. The last thing she needs is Roy’s attempts to gain her favor. Her fate’s sealed. She’s never believed in hope, and not even Roy can make her start.

Roy Ornum saves Minnie every night in the traveling Wild West show. The job he took to break his gambling habit brought him a new addiction – her. He knows she doesn’t want to be rescued, but maybe he does. She’s the key to a past he lost, one he wants to find again.

As the two grow closer old wounds are reopened and their burgeoning trust is shattered. When lives hang in the balance of their choices they’ll need to work together. Otherwise everything will be lost before hope can be found. 

Buy Links:

Sweet Cravings Website

*~*

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:

Hump Day Hook 24 – Masked Hearts #Giveaway

Another Hump Day Hook!

It released on Monday, so I’m doing another week of Masked Hearts for you.  Minnie and Roy are sweet, and that makes it tougher to find paragraphs that are as snappy as Jane and Cole’s sometimes. They aren’t as much with the biting dialogue, but still, I adore them. So let’s see if I can’t entice you with a sweet snippet. I beg your indulgence as it’s really 2 paragraphs instead of my customary one…but it is release week.

And to ease the sting of 2 paragraphs over 1…I’m going to giveaway a PDF copy to one lucky commenter!!

Hope you enjoy:

“I think you just pestered me too long. I grew weary of yelling all the time. All the other white men gave up much sooner.” This time he caught her whisper of a smile. “Even a strong woman grows weary of a man’s begging.”

“Begging?” He snatched her hands the moment she started to move again. The laughter of her reply bolstered his own. “All right, fair enough. I begged. Now that you have talked to me do you still think of me as an annoyance?”

“Only a little.”

 

*~*~*

Blurb:

Minnie Woodward lives a lie. After barely surviving the Bear River Massacre she’s lived in the white world of her guardian Mister Rawlins, her life debt keeping her tied there. The last thing she needs is Roy’s attempts to gain her favor. Her fate’s sealed. She’s never believed in hope, and not even Roy can make her start.

Roy Ornum saves Minnie every night in the traveling Wild West show. The job he took to break his gambling habit brought him a new addiction – her. He knows she doesn’t want to be rescued, but maybe he does. She’s the key to a past he lost, one he wants to find again.

As the two grow closer old wounds are reopened and their burgeoning trust is shattered. When lives hang in the balance of their choices they’ll need to work together. Otherwise everything will be lost before hope can be found. 

Buy Links:

Sweet Cravings Website

*~*

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:

New Release – Masked Hearts

A little over a year ago I thought I’d never write anything again after Changing Tracks and the Dominion Falls Series. It was everything, I was exhausted and had almost given up hope of ever being published.  Trying to come up with a new world and new characters seemed an impossible dream.

Then I met this great group of people through a random act of Dumb F***ing Luck…and a crit group was born.  After a couple of weeks of being around these amazing, inspiring women I started to get story ideas.

One of them started out small. A traveling Wild West show.  Perhaps a Native American in that show, a young woman.

But not just any young woman.

I knew I wanted her to be a survivor. Quiet strength and power underneath years of another life. After some research, and some more research, Masked Hearts was born.

Now, it’s finally available!!

So pick up a copy and get to know Minnie and Roy. The first characters to dare show up after Jane and Cole had taken over my brain.  I really came to love them a lot – and I hope you do too.

*~*

Oh, and my Big Announcement:

Masked Hearts was originally going to be ebook only.  BUT, after edits, and author notes, etc…it has made the cut and will go to print in six months!!

| Sweet Cravings Publishing |

Blurb:

Minnie Woodward lives a lie. After barely surviving the Bear River Massacre she’s lived in the white world of her guardian Mister Rawlins, her life debt keeping her tied there. The last thing she needs is Roy’s attempts to gain her favor. Her fate’s sealed. She’s never believed in hope, and not even Roy can make her start.

Roy Ornum saves Minnie every night in the traveling Wild West show. The job he took to break his gambling habit brought him a new addiction – her. He knows she doesn’t want to be rescued, but maybe he does. She’s the key to a past he lost, one he wants to find again.

As the two grow closer old wounds are reopened and their burgeoning trust is shattered. When lives hang in the balance of their choices they’ll need to work together. Otherwise everything will be lost before hope can be found.

Excerpt:

Carl flipped the tomahawk one more time. He balanced the handle in his hand before a grin lit up his face. Before anyone could stop him he let out a yell and threw the tomahawk right toward Minnie.

“Minnie.” Roy couldn’t stop the call of warning. His heart stopped short and fell into his stomach. The moment the thump and metallic ring of impact hit his ears a relieved sigh brought him to his knees.

The tomahawk stuck firm in the side of the wagon, inches behind her head. His relief lasted only moments before he realized her wrath focused on him alone. The two braves had disappeared.

Minnie braced her hand against the wagon and yanked out the tomahawk. With it clutched in her hand she stormed toward him. “You think this is funny? This is why you asked those two to teach you?”

“No!” Roy scrambled to his feet. He might have protested more, but she had the top of the blade pressed against his chin.

“I don’t like stupid pranks.”

“Neither do I. I didn’t throw it. Promise.” He clasped his hand over hers. Surprisingly it only took a small bit of pressure to lower it. “They run off.”

“Max didn’t.” She yanked the blade free to point at the old Indian lying against the wagon wheel.

“Max is trying to sleep,” Max’s gravelly voice grunted. After he lifted his hat to glare at them he rolled to the side.

Her finger jabbed into his chest, bringing his attention right back to her flashing brown eyes. The fire she directed at him might have cowed another man. For him it brought back memories of sunshine. It also lit a blaze under her touch that spread like wildfire. “You leave me alone.”

“No.” Roy grinned at how fast her anger melted across her features. It would be suicide to yank her close and kiss her, though at the moment he wasn’t sure if he cared. He leaned closer. “I have been trying to get you to talk to me every day for the past year. I think you’re running out of excuses not to.”

“Don’t bet on it.”

“I don’t bet anymore.” He caught her finger when she jabbed at him again. The moment her hand opened to pull free he flattened it to his chest.

She tugged against his hold. “I do well not speaking to anyone. You’re the only one that seems to have an issue with it. Even the Mister prefers me silent.”

“You don’t want me talking to the braves. You won’t talk to me. I suppose you just want me to be silent too?” He held onto her hand a moment longer before setting it free. “Why do you hate them so much?”

“They’re weak.”

“That so?”

“They stay.” Her chin lifted. Like a lifeline she held the tomahawk in a white-knuckled grip. “They say they owe the Mister more, but they don’t. They choose this. Weak little men.”

“How does that make them weak?” Roy furrowed his brow.

“They prefer this disgusting display to life on the reservation. They are afraid to live on a reservation. They are afraid to try to escape and go be free out on the land that was once ours—because there are so many of you white men to catch or kill them.”

“You stay.”

“I have no choice.” Her jaw worked. A glimmer of a tear shimmered at the corner of her eye before a rapid blink carried it away.

“And Max?”

“There’s a price on his head, and he’s old. He has no choice.”

“And me?”

“You don’t matter.” She tossed aside the tomahawk, and then turned to leave. “You’re one of them.”

Tuesday Tales – Travel {Hybrid}

The prompt this week was Travel.

Nothing like making it last minute. This is hot off the press as I took the weekend off from writing. Ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies…some days I have no idea where this stuff comes from.

Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!

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

I dropped onto the parapet easily. Rather than mess with trying to brush out my hair from my travels, I let the fire course along it and smooth it out. When my father dropped down beside me, his own blue fire crept along his silver scales until he stood tall and regal in human form again.

“There are a few curious questions being thrown my direction.” A sly smile teased the corner of my father’s mouth.  “They are wondering how my phoenix grew so large in just a short time.”

My laughter bounced off the stone walls as we began our descent down the stairwell. A screech followed my laughter and the very bird most any dragon that had seen me thought I’d been landed on my father’s shoulder. “Hello, Pyre.”

Pyre bowed his head in my direction and offered another shriek of hello. I wouldn’t swear to it, but I thought the phoenix got sick pleasure from making my human eardrums tingle in distress at his calls.

No one knew the reason Pyre was so close to my father. No one, of course, but myself. It was an unknown fact to the wyvern world that my mother hadn’t been as human as she seemed. Somewhere along the line her family had dabbled in magic enough to acquire phoenix blood. The rare genetic quirk that had spent unknown generations hidden until the added touch of my father’s dragon and gryphon blood brought it to life.

That meant I was related to the nasty bugger on his shoulder, not that we held any great love for each other. It probably didn’t help that as a youngling I’d attempted to see how many ways you could accelerate a phoenix’s combustion to ash.

Surprisingly, there were quite a few.

A smile I should have hidden tugged at my lips.

“I know that look. What wicked deeds are you up to child?” Diane, my human stepmother (the fiftieth one my father had taken) wagged her finger. “I heard talk of your father’s phoenix growing exponentially, but based on your appearance I’d say rumors are false. Hello, dear.”

Jdyne bent to kiss his wife and chuckled. “Apparently Jyoti has decided the time for lies and secrets has passed. I wasn’t aware she’d become so skilled at spreading her fire-wings. You should see her, Diane.”

Rumored descendant of the Goddess Diana herself, Diane had been one of the first humans my father had become enamored with to take his true self in stride. Unlike all others but my mother, she’d insisted on coming to his home. It endeared me to the woman that reminded me much of my own mother. “I can see her now. That’s quite a gown, Jy. I’d be envious if it wouldn’t leave me with ugly scars.  Our greetings can wait until you’ve returned from the Assembly and put on human clothes again.”

“The fire would never touch you, D.” I laughed and reached out to squeeze her hand.

“I fear there isn’t much time. It’s unclear how long Alatus will be in the Other World, and Jyoti should report to the Assembly.” Jdyne lifted Pyre from his shoulder and sent the bird into the rafters with the other phoenix gathered above.

All of them eyed me, until the lone female gracefully hopped from her perch and floated down onto my shoulder. Unlike Pyre, Sparkle didn’t shriek, but cooed akin to a dove.  I could sense her flames merging with those in my dress.

“Thank you, Sparkle. I’d appreciate the company.” I glanced at my father. His brief nod answered my unasked question. He expected me to help us travel to the next plane to meet with the Assembly. “Shall we, Father?”

“We shall. Diane, we will return for supper. Jyoti will join us.” His tone broached no argument, but Diane cackled.

“Shouldn’t you ask her that?” Diane shook her head. “Jy, my dear. Would you join us for supper? I’ll have Nash make your favorites.”

“I will. Father has assured me my human family won’t notice my absence, so I’d be happy to spend some time before my return.” I set my hand on father’s arm and closed my eyes.

It was time to travel on the power of the phoenix.

The Assembly would certainly be shocked to hell by our entrance.

*~*

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

*~*

 

 

Sweet Saturday Sample 2 – Hex Ranch

[image error]Another Saturday, another sample.

Sweet Saturday Samples are samples of any story, published, unpublished, whatever you like.  Any genre is welcome of any heat level – but the samples themselves are all rated PG-13, so yes, all samples are safe for innocent (or not) eyes.

I’m going back to something that’s sitting in my files waiting for my return.  A Historical Western Paranormal Romance. How’s that for a tongue twister?  Anyway, I call it Hex Ranch. It’s definitely a WIP, and very little is written, but I love the characters. I hope you enjoy it.  And don’t forget to check out Sweet Saturday Samples for more samples!

“So are you really a witch?”

Thea let one corner of her lips lift to betray her amusement.  “I don’t think that’s an appropriate question Sheriff.”

His brow quirked up, drawing her attention back to the stunning azure of his eyes. Just like the skies in her dreams since she was a girl.  “The town is sure you are. After the way your cowhand died, you could be at risk.”

“Oh I doubt that.” She allowed the smile to unfurl to its fullest at the idea he might actually worry for her safety.  “They are frightened of the magic they think I got. Like I might turn them all into toads or something.”

“Can you do that?” Seth’s voice dropped to a secretive and excited tone. “Just for curiosities sake.”

“That’s against the laws of nature,” she laughed. “How could you turn a man into something so small? Why try? Why waste magic on such dark things if it’s real?”

“Is it real?”

“Do you believe in God?”

He straightened with a blink and a small shake of his head.  Dark brows furrowed together in an adorable twist of confusion.  She really could eat the man up if he let her, but for now he was too focused on magic.  He opened his mouth, then shut it before he set his hands on his hips. “What’s that got to do with anything?”

“Everything, Sheriff.”

“Not sure I follow.”

She sighed and pulled the hat off her head, twirling it through her fingers with a frown.  After a moment she tossed it to the porch and held out her hand, “Come with me.  Come on, I promise I ain’t gonna bite unless you want me to.”

After a brief hesitation he set his hand on hers, but before she could pull him away he yanked her close. His face hovered close to hers, sending warm tingles right between her legs at the thought he might kiss her.  It had been years since she’d had a man, a good one.

“You’ll behave? Wouldn’t want to arrest you for kidnapping the Sheriff.”

Goddess, she really wanted him to take her right now.

 

Cover Reveal – Plotting to Win by Tara Chevrestt

Coming June 1st from Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd, is Plotting to Win, a new reality TV show romance by Tara Chevrestt.

In New York City, seven writers compete for a hundred thousand dollars, a publishing contract with Bright House, and the title of the next bestseller. One is Felicity James. One is Victor Guzman.

Drama, plagiarism, and trash talk play out to enthralled audiences across the country as all seven contestants compete against each other in a range of heated challenges, with tensions reaching breaking point. As Felicity and Victor start up a show‐mance, their relationship burns up the ratings.

Will this sizzling fling escalate into a vicious battle for money and fame, or will these two authors manage to write their own happy ending?

Mark Plotting to Win to read on Goodreads.

What writing challenges do you think they will face?

 

Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Her theme is Strong is Sexy. She shares a blog with her naughty pen name http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/ and they have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877.

Book Spotlight: Because You Are Mine by Lena Hart

First, thanks Sarah for allowing me to showcase my latest release, Because You Are Mine, which is essentially a story about broken bonds and betrayal…

| Amazon | B&N | SCP | ARe |

BLURB:

Betrayal cuts deep, especially when it comes from someone you trust. And no one understands this better than Cara Sinclair’s old love, now new boss, Drake Ross. Growing up, these two shared an undeniable bond until they found themselves in a fight for their lives. Twelve years later, fate conspires to bring them back together. Yet, while Cara is torn between chasing a lost love, or pursuing another, Drake is left more uncertain of the truth and his feelings for the girl he believed betrayed him. But the love that binds them proves impenetrable. And when light is finally shed on the secrets that haunt them, Cara and Drake will soon discover that danger still lurks… and betrayal cuts deeper than they could have ever imagined.

 

I’m excited about Cara and Drake’s story and I hope you are too! Below is a sneak peak so enjoy! J

~~~

EXCERPT:

Drake was in a bad mood.

The monthly alignment meeting had proved to be a complete waste of time. He had more important things to do then sit around and re-discuss irrelevant material. He didn’t care who they selected to redesign the company’s website. He wanted to know how they planned to improve their network security and inefficient infrastructure.

He strode back to his office, irritated by the lost time.

As soon as he entered his office, he froze.

Resting on his sofa was Cara’s small feminine figure. For a moment he just stood there, transfixed. Then, without thinking, he quietly closed the office door and walk up to where she slept.

Her curly hair was pushed back but a few dark tendrils managed to escape and sprawled across her face. Her head rested on the sofa arm and the position exposed the tiny mole on her slender neck. A flaw he always found endearing.

He couldn’t take his eyes away. The peacefulness of that moment left him mesmerized. In that short moment, his mood shifted. His irritation melted away and was replaced by a pleasant calm.

He crouched down in front of her, fighting the urge to lean down and kiss her smooth, graceful neck. She was a natural beauty, and in sleep she was achingly so.

But the peaceful moment came to an abrupt end.

With a loud gasp, she jolted awake and stared right at him. Her eyes widened and she stifled another gasp when she found him hovering only inches away. He could practically feel the panic building inside her.

He was fascinated at how she could be sound asleep one minute then wide awake the next. She ran her hands through her mane of curls and he was drawn in by the feminine gesture. The uncomfortable strain forming in his pants was his cue to move away.

He ignored it.

“Hello there,” he greeted, his tone devoid of emotion. “How was your nap?”

~~~

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Lena Hart is an author of sensual, interracial romances. Her second novella, BECAUSE YOU ARE MINE, was recently released by Secret Cravings Publishing and is currently available wherever e-books are sold. To learn more about Lena and her work, visit www.LenaHartSite.com or find her rambling at scatblogging.blogspot.com    

An Interview with Lindsay Downs

I’m happy to have Lindsay Downs by today to talk about his upcoming release, Ice Queen. He was good enough to sit down and answer a few questions for me, and talk a little about his books.

*~*

1.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I think the best way for me to answer this question is to let you read my bio-

What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.

In 2008 when I got 2 books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.

More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rule, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.

Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.

After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other she dies unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.

For me, as a multipublished author it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.

2.  Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m a panster but with a new series I’m thinking about I might have to be a plotter, we’ll see.

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

First, trying to learn to write a compelling book which a publisher wanted. After that searching out the right one for the book. The whole thing is never to give up. If one rejects you learn, if needed correct then find the perfect publisher to go with.

4.  What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

It’s really hard to point out one chapter out of them all to single out as my favorite. Each one, in their own way, was a favorite.

5.  Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?

The only character I really didn’t like was Brandie Endicott. To find out why you’ll have to wait until June when the book releases and read it. Even the main bad guy I liked writing.

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Never give up on your dream. Develop your voice and stay true to it. Don’t be afraid to be different. Write. Write. Then write some more while taking workshops to learn the craft.

7.  Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it?  (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)

Not only in my A Jessica Sales Novel series but also in all my regency books the one thing you’ll find which stands out above all the the leading character. The best way I can answer the question is to go back to 1972 and the Helen Reddy song “I Am Woman”. In short I empower my heroines.

8. Which character speaks the loudest to you?

The one I’m writing at the time, even the villain.

9.  Do you have another book coming out soon?

In July I have my debut, with SCP, regency Spy Catcher releasing. This is romantic suspense. To put it simple between June and December of this year I’ve got a book releasing every month, except for November.

10. (For series authors) How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?

Right now I have 6 books in The Jessica Sales series scheduled for release between June 2013 through September 2014. I do have ideas for four more books in the Jessica Sales series.

*~*~*~*

Blurb for Ice Queen-

Betrayed by her lover, Jessica Sale has to decide who to trust. Not sure, she goes with her intuition. The problem, is her instinct correct or leading her down the proverbial garden path. Only time will tell, except she doesn’t have the luxury. Lives lie in the balance and depend on her split second decisions.

As the truth slowly unfolds, Jessica wonders if she’s made the right decision. No thanks to her Control who withholds crucial facts about a separate but equally important mission which parallels hers everything could be put in jeopardy. Time is the one thing Jessica doesn’t have, if she’s to prevent military grade weapons from being made available to terrorists.

Will she finally get all the information to stop Justin Grey or will she end up like so many of his supposed friends, partners and family-dead?

Will she finally get all the information to stop Justin Grey from selling weapons to terrorists or will she end up like so many of his supposed friends, partners and family-dead.

*~*

I’m so glad that Lindsay stopped by, I can’t go without pimping at least one of his books. So, of course, I’m going with Love and War. 

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BLURB:

Rescued – Injured Ensign Steve Henry awakens from severe wounds to the tender care of Lieutenant Suzanne Cunningham. Attraction explodes between them but will war tear them apart in the end?

Simone – Returning to Occupied France in advance of the allied invasion leaves no time for love between Sergeant Brian Deveneau and Simone. War tears apart lives and love. Will they survive?

Angel in Green – Never expecting to find love, 1st Lieutenant Elena Roberts must put aside her feelings for 2nd Lieutenant Steve Johnson. When her hospital is overrun by North Vietnamese soldier’s, she must guard not only her heart from the handsome solider, but keep him alive as well.