Nikki Lynn Barrett's Blog, page 3

Cover Reveal: The Melody In My Head: Love and Music In Texas, Book 2

I am really excited today! It's like Christmas! Okay....not really, but I am so happy to be revealing the cover to my next release, coming hopefully late July, THE MELODY IN MY HEAD!
For those of you that have read Baby Stetson, this is Jameson's story. 





 Blurb: Welcome back to Harmony's Echo, Texas.....

Melody Roland is on the run from the one person she trusted completely. One who hid a dark past she could never have imagined. When a pregnant woman on the bus she's fleeing on goes into labor, Melody rushes to her aide. Now she finds herself stranded in a tiny remote town just off the highway, with no way to her original destination. 

She's alone, on edge, and unsure who to trust. Her instincts scream to get far away and fast. But how and where?

Jameson Grant struggles through the roughest year of his life. Suffering from the loss of his father, one grief stricken night, he made a mistake. One which cost him the only woman he's ever loved. Each lonely day he's faced with the constant reminders of how quick things can change. Throwing himself into the one thing he has left, his music, helps dull the pain he fights to keep hidden. His last salvation begins to crumble as things spiral out of control and he has no choice but to face the 'music' of his past. 

The last thing he needs or wants in his life is a woman with more trouble on her heels than the best of country music lyrics. But Melody sings a sirens call within him that can't be ignored.

Jameson and Melody bond in ways stronger than either could have imagined, but one dangerous person from her past may threaten it all...

If she doesn't flee before he can convince her to stay, and that some love songs last an eternity.


Excerpts: 
The door shut softly behind them. Jameson grabbed the lantern from the porch and held it out to Melody. “Here. Hold this. We'll need a little bit of light.” She took it hesitantly from his hand. Jameson turned away and smiled. Carefully holding the guitar case, Jameson climbed the ladder resting on the ride of the house. He should take it down, but until now, he'd forgotten about it. He set the guitar case at the edge of the roof, then glanced down at Melody. “Okay, hand me the blankets and the light.” He called to her. Stepping down a few rungs, he reached for the requested items. Once on the roof, he peered back at her again. “Come on up!” “Jameson, what are we doing?” But she was laughing. When her head appeared at the top, he held out a hand to her, helping to ease her up onto the roof. He'd already set one blanket down for them to sit on. The other he brought for her in case she got cold. “Getting a great view of the stars.” Jameson pointed. One of the things he loved about living in a small town was being able to see the sky at night. One of the best views ever. Melody settled next to him on the blanket, staring at the same direction. “It's beautiful. I can't remember the last time I just stared at the stars.” It had been awhile for him, too. But he knew when the last time he'd been up here. Jameson set the lantern at the edge of the blanket and turned on the light. It was bright enough for them to see, but not too bright to ruin the view of the stars. “Are you cold? If you are, I have an extra blanket.” He pointed to it, next to the guitar case. “The only thing I forgot to grab was something to drink.” Melody laughed. “I'll forgive you, you thought of everything else.” He enjoyed the sound of her laugh. Jameson shook that thought away and reached for his guitar. “Do you do this often? Come up on the roof late at night with your guitar?” “Not in some time.” Jameson held the guitar, pulling a pick out of the case and strummed a few chords. “Sometimes, I need a different environment other than the garage, you know? Nice thing is, there aren't a lot of neighbors nearby, so I'm not disturbing anyone. “ “It is nice.” Melody mused, lying on her back. She crossed her arms behind her head. Jameson started to play the chorus to a popular Taylor Swift song. He even sang along, raising his voice a few octaves to mimic the sound. Melody turned her head and laughed. “I'm not sure that song fits your voice,” she teased. She rested her head on her elbow, now interested in watching him. Jameson stopped mid-play. “No? Damn. Here I thought I was being all cool.” That got another giggle out of her. “You are cool! Just...sing a different song.” “All right, all right. I'll find another song, since my Taylor impersonation isn't appreciated.” Jameson pretended to pout, which made Melody laugh again. He was on a roll, and his plan worked. The mood had been lightened. “Okay, how about this?” He started to play and sing an older Shania Twain song. Melody sat up, covering her mouth with her hand. He could see her body shaking as she tried to hold in her laughter. “You know, Jameson, that don't impress me much, either.” Pretending to be hurt, he put the guitar down. “What am I doing wrong? Is my singing that bad? That's a first. Usually, I win them all with these songs.” “Oh Jameson. You're so funny.” “Okay, one last time, and hopefully third time will be the charm. Are you ready?” Reaching for his guitar again, Jameson watched her as he started a new tune. This time, he played the tune to the song he'd been working on with her. Even in the dim light, he noticed her face light up as he sang the first few lines from her song. “You win, the third time is the charm. Now that fits your voice. Brava!” She clapped her hands. “How about you sing it with me?” “Oh, no. I don't think so.” “Oh come on. Let's serenade the stars. Maybe we'll catch one falling.” He pleaded. “It's your lyrics. I'd love to hear from coming from your lips.” As he started over on the guitar, he shot her what he hoped was his best pout. “You're relentless!” Melody exclaimed, raising her hands in defeat. She still smiled, though. When Jameson got to the chorus, Melody chimed in. He had to force himself to keep going as he listened to her voice. She was pretty good! She had this soft, gentle ease about her voice. It didn't ring out with a lot of power backing her up, but she had a sweet sound that radiated into his mind. He lowered his voice a little bit to let her shine. He couldn't keep his eyes off her as he watched her lips move, and heard the words. When they stopped, it was his turn to applaud. “You have a great voice. You sounded really good, Melody.” He wasn't sure, but he thought she was blushing. Melody turned away from him for a second. “Thank you, Jameson. I'm not one for the spot light, but that was really neat to sing my own lyrics.” “You know, we're still looking for a song or two to add to our demo. I like this one a lot. What would you think about putting the finishing touches on it and playing it for the band?” As shy as she was about these things, would she even go for that? The words really were great, and he liked the melody he'd put to her words. “I- are you serious?” She sounded caught off guard. Jameson nodded, setting his guitar down once again. “I am. I like the way it's progressing. And when you sang with me just now, I liked the idea of having a back up on it. It would be a great addition.”


http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head


Fun Facts about The Melody in My Head, and the Love and Music in Texas Book series.Jameson's character wasn't originally going to be a good guy. (I know, I know...what was I thinking?) As I wrote Baby Stetson, he surprised me and grew on me. I loved him so much, I had to give him his own story and HEA. 2.Melody's character actually had a part in another book. I had her backstory and plot figured out a long time ago, I just had no idea I'd pair her with Jameson and send her to Harmony's Echo, Texas. But it worked out so well! Love it when I can combine story ideas!
I used Keith Urban's intense guitar playing for inspiration when I pictured Jameson playing the guitar. Yes, it's no secret I have a huge celeb crush on Keith, but it's more than that. He's a talented guitar player and he puts his all in when he plays, and that's why I used his image for Jameson.....Honest








Here are some lovely blogs I want to give a special shout out to for helping me unveil Jameson and Melody's cover!  There may be some other fun facts on these blogs that I don't have on mine. :)   (I'm still adding to this blog list, and there will be a few others on Friday as well) 
Racing to Read
Book Addict Mumma

mjdresselbooks.

Diane Burton's Blog

Kary Rader's Blog

D'Ann Lindun's Blog

Harlie's Books

Hesperia Loves Books

Under The Covers Book Blog

Melissa Keir's Blog

A Passion for Romance



From now until the end of July, Baby Stetson, the first in the Love and Music in Texas series, is discounted to just $.99. You'll meet Jameson in this book, and then you can get his story when The Melody in My Head comes out.
Baby Stetson Blurb:
In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town.

Some strangers come with secrets and lies

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know.

Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.
Add this book to your goodreads list!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stetson-Mu...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-...
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Baby-S...

Other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett
The Secret Santa Wishing Well
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBar...
@Stormgoddess925 on Twitter

My Sexy Saturday: June 15th

Welcome! This is my first time participating in My Sexy Saturday. I'm really enjoying these themed little hops to where we can share excerpts.

Here is a sexy snippet from my contemporary romance, Baby Stetson. This book is filled with plenty of chemistry, as my hero and heroine have a strong attraction to one another, even though at first they do their best to deny how they feel.



BLURB: In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she’s never lacked for love ... only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works at the inn, but by night ... Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good ... stable, until new guests blew into town.

Some strangers come with secrets and lies.

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn’t matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony’s Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery’s ignited within, he’s intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn’t want Avery to know.

Each time they’re near the other, things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.




My Sexy Saturday Excerpt:


       Avery lifted her eyebrows.  “What, you thought I’d come to your room in the middle of the night, a raging lunatic and demand to know why you kissed me and ran off?”  The image caught her off guard, and a giggle escaped her throat. 

The corners of Lucas’s lips lifted, then he looked down, chuckling.  “Well, if you’d have done that, we could have finished what we started.” 

Zing!  Heat brewed in her belly, sending her into a fit of odd sensations. 

“I’ll have to keep that in mind.”  

“Oh?  Is that a threat, or a promise?”  Lucas grinned, leaning closer. 

“You know, you probably shouldn’t be flirting with an innkeeper’s daughter.  Because if you mess with me a little too much, I may have to clog your toilet or something,” Avery teased.  She loved it, but if anyone walked in right now and saw this... 

Lucas reached out and clamped her hand in his.  “Bring it on, and you’ll see if you won’t end up in my bed, suffering my wrath.  Or enjoying it, whichever comes first.”  His eyes bore into hers, an intensity so strong it gave Avery goosebumps.  Lucas noticed this, took advantage and trailed a finger up her arm, only agitating the goosebumps and making them grow bigger.  Avery pulled her arm away and backed up, still watching Lucas.  He licked his lips, his tongue darting out as if he was trying to tease her.  Oh, good gracious this man was like the devil! 


I hope you enjoyed the snippet! There's many more sizzling tension between these two in the book. 




Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!



Be sure to check out some of the other My Sexy Saturday Snippets! Grab a fan and prepare yourself for some full steam ahead! 

Sneak Peek Sunday: June 2

Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun weekly hop that allows readers to get a chance to view snippets from authors work. This could be a work in progress, a completed but unpublished story, or a published work.  There's usually a little something for everyone, so hop along and maybe you'll find something new to read!


Now, I'm switching things up a little. I've been posting snippets from Baby Stetson the past few months, but today, I'm going to be sharing an unedited snippet from The Melody In My Head, which is book 2 in the Love and Music in Texas series. This book features Jameson Grant, Avery's ex and the lead guitarist for the band Baby Stetson. This is a snippet between Jameson and Melody. I hope you enjoy!



     Jameson set the bag on the table and followed the sound. Not only was she playing the guitar, but she was singing, too. She sat on the stool in the middle of the garage, wearing a white half sleeved shirt that showed enough skin to drive him crazy. She had her legs crossed and her hands gracefully strummed the strings.    

She was beautiful. She seemed at ease, her eyelids half shut as she played her heart  out with the song. Jameson made sure to stay out of sight. She hadn't caught on that he was there yet, and if he made her aware of his presence, she might stop. He wanted to hear more.  Good God, her hands on his guitar, he wanted those hands back on him.

She finished the song. Jameson had to catch his breath before popping in, clapping and grinning. She practically jumped from the stool and she put that guitar down quick.  “That was beautiful. I didn't realize you played!” 

“Oh! Jameson, you startled me. I'm sorry, I had no idea you were home already. I couldn't help but pick up the guitar..I just, I felt compelled.” She was blabbering and apologizing for nothing. Jameson crossed the room, closing the distance between them and gathered her in his arms. 

“Melody, why would you apologize? You keep doing that, and I can't understand why.” Jameson kissed her forehead, then threaded his fingers through her hair. She looked up at him with wide eyes.  “I'm not mad at you, angel. I loved what you were playing.” He dipped his head and took her lips again, nibbling on the bottom one. When he pulled away, he smiled. “ Not to mention how hot it was to watch your hands move on my guitar. It made me think of a not to distant morning when your hands were doing something else.” 

That got her to laugh as she leaned against him. “You crack me up, you know. Thank you for the beautiful flowers and the card.”


There you have it!  I'll be working on revisions for The Melody in my head, and I can't wait to shine it up and release it to the world. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

You can add this book to your Goodreads TBR!
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17928959-the-melody-in-my-head

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Trust your story, taking risks, and trials & Tribulations of writing a series

Yep, It's me again....the thinker, the babbler. Are you ready for my latest? :)


So yesterday, I shared the news that THE MELODY IN MY HEAD, Love and Music in Texas Book 2 was done! Well, the first draft anyway. There's still much work to be done to whip this baby into shape!

Which brings me to my first point. Trusting your story AND risk taking.

I've never written a romance series before. I've mentioned this in prior guest blog posts, but the idea of a series used to not appeal to me. I know, I know...quit looking at me like that, and please put down that rotten tomato. I've cleaned up enough messes today! :)

Anyway, the Love and Music in Texas series, at least the first part of it, is going to revolve around Harmony's Echo, Texas, and the band Baby Stetson. Of course we know Book 1 started off with Avery, and Jameson, her ex, and the lead guitarist for the band managed to warm his way into my heart and get his own story. I created some good conflict for Jameson, starting in the first book, and so he's got a lot to deal with in his story. He made a mistake that changed things for him and Avery. Book two introduces readers to Melody Roland, a woman on the run who ends up stranded in Harmony's Echo, and Jameson is there to help. He connects with her over music, and also because she's there when things happen in his life. He comes face to face with part of his past.  Of course, Avery and Lucas have their appearances, and I've introduced a sub plot that involves the two of them so there are a few scenes that are in either Avery or Luke's point of view.

There is a big incident that happens to Lucas, which forces Melody to realize that she can't run from her own past. My editor read through the draft and isn't sure about a few things.  I try to change up things in my stories and didn't want everything to be the same, so one of the biggest plot points doesn't happen to Melody and Jameson, but it forces the pair to figure out what they want and need. Maybe it's a risk to write it that way, but I don't feel that the subplot takes away from Jameson or Melody.  I've learned that everyone is going to have various opinions, I found that out reading all the different reviews on Baby Stetson. Something that worked for one was definitely NOT the case for another. You can't please everyone, but does that include the person that edits your story and wants to help make it the best it can be?  I know there are some things that need work on the story, I don't deny that- it's a rough draft and I am a panster. But I felt like what I did with Lucas helps his character.



That brings me to the ups and downs of writing a series. I've been huge on authors that have integrated older characters that had their own HEA in a previous story. Readers get to catch up with them. that works for some, and doesn't for others. One of my favorite examples is Marie Force's Gansett Island series.  It's like the best sense of community I've ever read with a series! Now, I'll admit, as the books goes on, it does get a little overwhelming with all the catching up and new characters, but I still enjoy reading about them after their happily ever after. Why? It gives more depth. It's like a version of real life, because you get to find out what happens after they fall in love, get married and live their lives. I love Harmony's Echo so much, I want that kind of sense of community. Lucas and Avery are the couple that won't leave my mind.  Also, another thing my editor brought up was that in a series, it's hard to make things stand alone. I get that. There are things talked about in book 2 that happened in book 1, but how do you avoid that?  It's just not easy to make it a stand alone in that sense, because it's a small town and the characters are so connected.


So that's my rambling. What are your thoughts, as a series writer? A series reader?

And if anyone has read Baby Stetson, and if you're willing, would you want to read through The Melody in My Head as a very early beta to tell me what you think of how I worked the ending? I'm already coming up with an alternative one to see which works better.

I want to hear from you! Thanks again, for reading my crazy writer ramblings. Hopefully they made sense.....

Sneak Peek Sunday: May 26

Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little weekly hop where authors post six paragraphs from a work in progress or a completed book. There's usually a little something for everyone, so I hope you'll check all the great stops out. You never know what you may find.

I apologize for the mishap on my blog...I posted the link to my author blog on my website, but we're  still working out the kinks in my admin panel and there were some things that came out messed up, and  so I had to take out the content, but couldn't delete the post itself.  More practice for me, more work for my husband to fix the problem hehe.


Anyway, my sneak peek today is from Baby Stetson, my March release. As you may know, Baby Stetson is book one of the Love and Music in Texas series, and as I am coming up on the finish line to book two, The Melody in  My Head, I wanted to share a few scenes in Baby Stetson of Jameson, the hero for book two. Jameson is the lead guitarist for the band, and Avery's ex. They struggle to find their way back to friends, as the pair have grown up together, and had been dating for years until one mistake changed everything.

When I wrote Jameson, he wasn't supposed to be one of the good guys, but this man grew on me and I knew then i had to keep him around as one of the good ones. I love it when characters do that, and Jameson definitely stole my heart. So, without further ado, here is today's sneak peek



     Jameson had been so great about everything.  Avery missed spending time with the man she’d grown up with.  Still fearful about losing their friendship, Avery hadn’t done her best to help things go back to normal.  Yet here he was, still by her side, being a good friend.  Avery hugged him. Jameson stiffened at first, then hugged her back. 


“What’s that all about?” Jameson asked when she let him go. 


     “Just me being all emotional again.  That was for being such a great friend ... especially after everything.  I’m just in awe at how times and things change.  I hate that we didn’t work out, but I’m so thankful for our friendship.”  Avery wiped a tear away. 


“I  hate  it  too.  I  haven’t  forgiven  myself.  It seems like you’re happy with Lucas.  I see you two eyeing each other all the time.” 


“Oh Jameson.  I-”  Avery’s heart sank.  She hadn’t even thought of him seeing them, and she knew Jameson took their breakup hard. 


He waved a hand in dismissal.  “No, it’s okay, Avery.  I know you have to move on.  I understand you don’t feel the same.  You were my friend first, my best friend, and I don’t want that to go away.  I know that things have changed, and we can’t get back fully to what we used to be, but I do want you to be happy.  That’s important to me.” 





And there you have it! Today's Sneak Peek. I'll be posting a few more scenes from Baby Stetson with him in it, and then soon, I'll switch over and show you more of him with The Melody in My Head. I hope you enjoyed today's snippet!



Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!


1.Nancy Gideon . . . Romance by Any Other Name2.Penny Alley3.Tory Richards4.Kristina Knight, Romance Author5.Kathryn R. Blake6.Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes7.Juli D. Revezzo, PNR and Supernatural fiction8.R. Lee Smith9.Jayne Kingston10.Christine Murphy - Author of Sphinx Resurrected11.Karen Michelle Nutt12.Lynn Crain's XtraOrdinary Romance13.Rose Anderson's blog - Calliope'sWritingTablet14.Lyndi Lamont's blog: Lyndi's Love Notes15.Blue Tulips and Purple Giraffes16.Melisse Aires17.The Ruthin Trilogy18.Dani Wade19.Alexa Bourne20.Rochelle Weber Author21.Susan Macatee Romance Writer22.Nikki Lynn Barrett23.Stephanie Cage: Desperate Measures24.The Wolf Within - Circle 2 - Vampire Paranormal25.Delynn Royer - Search for Camelot26.ShapeShifter Seductions Savanna Kougar

Sneak Peek Sunday: May 12

Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This a fun little weekly event where authors participate in posting six paragraphs from a work in progress, or a completed work, published or unpublished. There's always a variety, so be sure to check out what authors have to offer!


I thought, since it's Mother's Day, that I would share a scene from Baby Stetson between Avery and her adoptive mother. They are very close, and Avery has a lot of changes in her life, but her mom is being supportive and wonderful.  Here's the snippet!




“I see you’re getting a head start,” Mom said, sitting on the bed beside the open bag. 

“I couldn’t sleep.  Each dream I had was worse then the one prior,” Avery admitted, folding up the last of the skirts she’d chosen and placed them on top of the pile. 

Mom reached for Avery’s hand and pulled her to stand right in front of her.  “Avery.  You’re going to be just fine, whatever happens.  I want you to remember that Dad and I love you, and we have been so blessed and lucky to have you come into our lives.  You already know I was devastated after Paula ran off.  Having you around was wonderful.  When I first saw you, bundled up in that beat up Stetson hat, I believed it to be a sign.  I knew then we had to do whatever it took to keep you safe.  When your parents couldn’t be found, I told your father, no questions asked, that we
 were going to fight for you.  I haven’t regretted a day of it since.” 

“Mom, you’re going to make me cry again,” Avery sniffed, but she couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across her face.  “I love you too.  I’ve always wanted to know where I came from.  I’ve loved being here with you and Dad in Harmony’s Echo.  I’ve thought about what you said about following my dreams, and as hard as it will be to leave you, I realize that music is something I want to pursue.  I want to thank you for the encouragement and neverending support you always give me.”  Avery hugged her mother tight. 

“I’ve always been a little fearful- okay, well that’s under exaggerated.  I’ve been very fearful of the day you may find your birth parents, but I know now that you would never forget us.  That’s the reason you stayed around even when you had the chance to spread your wings and fly.  No matter the distance between us, you are still my beautiful, talented wonderful daughter.”  Tears cascaded down her mother’s cheeks, which started Avery with her own waterworks. 

“Thank you so much.”  Avery cried into Mom’s shoulder.  “Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do.  I would not be the woman I am today without you.  You’re the best.” 




And there you have it! Today's scene!




Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!



Check out some other authors snippets!  And thanks for coming by! 


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Sneak Peek Sunday May 5

Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is the chance that you get to read various snippets of authors work. There's usually a bit of something for everyone, and there's a variety.  We post six paragraphs of a work in progress or a published book.  It's fun and a neat way to find new authors and books.

I've been posting snippets from my latest release, Baby Stetson, and today is no exception.

This snippet is Lucas and Avery getting to know each other, and Lucas startles himself by finding a deeper connection to Avery, more than just a physical attraction, and that's where the demons within begin their battle.






Hell yeah. Where to start? The more time
Lucas spent with her, the more he wanted to know.
He didn’t understand how she could have the same
reserved attitude he had. While they both had been
left by the people that were supposed to love, take
care, and keep them safe, Avery found a home. Lucas
sensed she wanted more, and yet, didn’t jump to find
out more.

She hid herself in a shell. Lucas wished she’d
come out of it.

Why did he suddenly have the drive and
inclination to uncover all of her feelings? Lucas had
never wanted to know so much about someone before,
not like this.

She’s a lot like me.

If Lucas had to be honest with himself, that
scared him. He’d never connected on such a level with
a woman before. Only physically. While he found
Avery attractive, suddenly there was much more to his
interest in her.


Stop thinking about her. You’re not here to
connect with her.


There you have it! Today's snippet!


Right now, part of the Book Lover's Buffet, I've reduced Baby Stetson down to $.99.




Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!

Check out some of the other participants in the Sneak Peek Sunday!  You never know what you'll find!
http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-may-5.html

Sneak Peek Sunday: April 28

Welcome back to another edition of Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little weekly hop that you can get a chance to read snippets of authors' works. They are from published books, or works in progress. What I love is that there's a little something for everyone.

I've been playing Sneak Peek Sunday for awhile, and have been sharing snippets of my latest release, Baby Stetson. Today is no exception.


Here's the set up for today's peek. Lucas has come to town for reasons unknown to Avery, but she's very drawn to him and he feels the same way. Lucas has been doing his best to fight the attraction, but he can't help the way Avery has brought out feelings within him that he hasn't felt in a very long time.

He wants so badly to give in, and the demons within are messing with his mind.  So they are having a conversation about it Here's the sneak peek!



     “I know that, Avery.  Call it a sign of weakness.  You’re killing me here.  And I don’t know which way I want to go about it,” Lucas said, his voice strained. 

Avery moved to his side in a second.  “I can help you decide, then,” she whispered. 

Now or never.  She’d never been this bold.  But life was all about taking chances.  Right now, she wanted a chance with Lucas.  Even for a night.  No reason to worry about regrets.  That would come later.  She’d deal with the aftermath then.  But at this point, the lust took over.  Avery reached for Lucas, needing to touch his face.  His stubble scratched her hand, but she inched her lips closer to his anyway.  His lips parted, waiting for her. 

“You don’t know what you’re doing, Avery.”  Lucas tried to protest, but she silenced him with her kiss.  “You and I, we-”  

“Shut up and kiss me, you fool,” she muttered against his lips.  “I want to help you feel.” 

I want to feel, too.  I want to feel you. 



There you have it! So what do you think?

Please check out some of the other stops today! There are some great stories to be found!

You can go here to see who else is participating!



Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!

Sneak Peek Sunday April 21

Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little hop where readers can visit authors' blogs and read short snippets of various books. Some are works in progress, some are published.  Regardless there's pretty much something for everyone.

Today's Sneak Peek is another from my latest release, Baby Stetson. You may or may not remember, last week, things got interesting for Avery and Lucas when Avery impulsively answered  Lucas's phone. Let's just say Avery learns a few things about Lucas that she never expected.....

  Today's snippet fast forwards to later that evening. Lucas is sitting with Avery after he helps someone bring her drunk sister back to the house.  Lucas wants more than anything to make things right and so he tires to talk to Avery.  Of course, Avery is pretty weary about letting herself get lost in Lucas's touch again after what she found out, but she can't help her feelings. Here's the snippet!




“If I let you hold me, I-”  I lose control.  I want you all over again.  I abandon all of my senses and have so many dangerous thoughts when it comes to you. 


“Talk to me, Avery.”  Lucas prodded gently, pulling her to him.  Avery gave in, resting her head against his chest.  His arms closed around her, providing a cocoon.  How is it she felt so good right then, when just before she couldn’t decide how she felt?  He ran his hand up and down her back in soft, tender motions.  Avery shuddered, and a snake of chills traveled down her spine.


“Avery, what you said awhile ago.  You’re right.  Why should you trust me?  I’m a jerk, okay?  I admit that.  But you make me want to make everything right.  Before you, if I lost someone’s trust, I wouldn’t care.  People lose my trust all the time, and I’ve leaned not to trust in return.  So I can’t expect you to.  But you’re different.  I care way too much what you think, what you feel.”


Avery stayed silent, letting the words sink in.  He sounded sincere enough.


“Avery.  Look at me for a minute,” Lucas pleaded.


She complied, staring up at his face.  The emotion in his eyes made her heart beat faster.


And there you have it!

Please be sure to check some of the other great participants in Sneak Peek Sunday! You can find the links to their blogs here





Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!

Sneak Peek Sunday April 14

Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a great and fun way to read snippets of authors' works! Some of them are going to be available right now, and some are absolute teases! LOL.  There's always something for everyone, so be sure to check out the link and maybe you'll find your next read!

So today, for my sneak peek...have you ever done something completely impulsive..maybe you're not fully coherent yet and make a rash decision even though you know you shouldn't do it?

Yeah, that's Avery's dilemma today. She and Lucas have just given into their attraction to the other, and the next morning, she's not quite thinking...and she may learn a few things about Lucas that could change things....





        Avery woke to the sound of a phone ringing.  She cracked an eyelid open.  Slivers of sunlight broke through the blinds from the window.  What time was it now?  Yawning, she reached for the phone.  Lucas lay sprawled across the bed, still asleep. 

When she attempted to answer her phone and heard it still ring, reality struck.  It wasn’t her phone going off.  It must be Lucas’s.  It laid in plain sight on top of Lucas’s pants on the floor by the bed.  Avery squinted to see the caller ID, but the number was blocked.  The ringing and blocked number only made her more  curious and  before  she  could  think  things through, Avery reached for his phone and hit the answer button.  Then she freaked, not sure what to do.  She couldn’t even muster up the nerve to say hello, but the person on the other end of the phone started talking frantically.  It was a woman.  Not a young one.  She sounded older. 

“Lucas, are you there?  Hello?  Look, I know you’re mad at me, but I wanted to explain things.  I know I’ve put you in a horrible position.  Come on, Lucas-” 

Then the phone was snatched from her hands.  Avery gasped, startled.  She turned to face Lucas, who put the phone up to his ear and snapped, “I’ll call you back.”  After he ended the call and tossed the phone to the bed, he shot Avery an angry look.  His eyes narrowed, his lips set into a thin line.  Shit.  He was mad. 

“I-.  I don’t know what came over me.  At first, I thought it was my phone.  Then I just, I wasn’t thinking.  I’m sorry, Lucas.” 

The woman’s voice on the other end of that call echoed in Avery’s mind.  Who was she?  Why was Lucas mad at her?  Oh, she should have never done that.  Now it only confused Avery even more. 


And there you have it!  Thanks for stopping by to read my Sneak Peek Sunday snippet!

Check out all the other great participants here





Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!