Forbes Arnone's Blog, page 9

December 7, 2014

A Holiday Anthology (Volume Two) A Collection of Winter Holiday Tales

b4555-sneakpeeksunday


A Holiday Anthology (Volume Two)
A Collection of Winter Holiday Tales

EQCover




3ee39-synopsis

 


Please join us in reading this fantastically diverse FREE collection of stories to warm

your heart while you wait for the kids, the oven to buzz, on a

15-minute break from work, or when you just need to hide for ten minutes

from everyone! Every story is PG,but a few have a hint of zing.


The calendar on the wall says 2014 but the holidays are a magical time where anything is possible when it comes to romance. Prepare to travel through snow or to a tropical setting with a little dash of fantasy sprinkled in to make your holiday reading enjoyable. This heart-warming collection of all new, very short stories is our way of saying happy holidays to you.


172b0-a034cb721ae8fd640b8fc0b97a1cec38


 Frankie’s Wish by Jennifer Garcia


“Every night, as my daddy taught me, I kneeled by my bed and said my prayers. But tonight, I wanted to ask for something.

“Now I lay me down to sleep… I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Oh, please bring me a mommy. Amen”



a89e8-meettheauthor


&

121c9-sociallinks


THE GIFT OF TIME by Rose Anderson


“Rose is a multi-published, award-winning author and dilettante who loves great conversation and discovering interesting things to weave into stories. She lives with her family and small menagerie amid oak groves and prairie in the rolling glacial hills of the upper Midwest.

Possessing an active imagination, she writes everything from children’s stories to historical non-fiction.”


FRANKIE’S WISH by Jennifer Garcia


Jennifer believes in writing love stories that connect families and touch hearts. Her first novel, My Mr. Manny, was released August 2013 and her first novella, In My Mother’s Footsteps, was released July 2013.


A KISS AT MIDNIGHT by Lily Bishop


Lily Bishop lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense, and has published two books in the City Lights series, No Strings Attached and Under His Protection. She is working on the third book now.


A NIGHT TO REMEMBER by Dee Ann Palmer


In every age the heart loves, and Dee Ann Palmer’s romances reflect those eras in fantasy, historic, contemporary and futuristic tales. The award winning Palmer is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and belongs to the Los Angeles chapter of Sisters in Crime.


MARJA’S VICTORY By Barb Caffrey


Barb Caffrey is a writer, editor, book reviewer and musician from the Midwest. She is the author of the humorous urban fantasy/romance AN ELFY ON THE LOOSE, and is the co-author of the Adventures of Joey Maverick series (with late husband Michael B. Caffrey).


CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS by Beverley Bateman


Beverley Bateman is a Canadian author of several books who loves traveling, good wine and a mystery. She lives with her husband and two Shiba Inu dogs among vineyards and orchards set in lake country and surrounded by mountains – beaches, swimming and skiing.


GINGERBREAD DREAMS by Victoria Adams


Victoria Adams is a romance writer, dividing her writing between contemporary romance and New Adult contemporary romance. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and kitten, Licorice. She likes to study Raqs Sharqi (Egyptian belly dance), garden, and bake.


CHE GELIDA MANINA by M. S. Spencer


Although she has lived or traveled in every continent except Antarctica and Australia (bucket list), M. S. Spencer has spent the last thirty years mostly in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, birdwatcher, kayaker, policy wonk, non-profit director and parent. She has two fabulous grown children, and currently divides her time between the Gulf coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine. Ms. Spencer has published nine romantic suspense novels.


ROMANCE VALLEY by Kaye Spencer


Native Coloradoan Kaye Spencer writes romances from her basement hovel in a small, rural town in the far southeastern corner of Colorado—no mountains in sight—just prairie dogs, buffalo grass, and glorious prairie sunsets. While drawn to cowboys and the Old West, all genres are within her story-crafting realm. Retired from a long career in public education that included teaching through a community college outreach program, Kaye is enjoying being a full-time writer and spoiler of grandchildren. Kaye is also afflicted with ACD—Accumulative Cat Disorder—with no cure in sight.


THE CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT by Janis Susan May


Janis Susan May is a seventh-generation Texan and a third-generation wordsmith who writes mysteries as Janis Patterson, romances and other things as Janis Susan May, children’s books as Janis Susan Patterson and scholarly works and non-fiction as J.S.M. Patterson.

Janis and her husband live in Texas with an assortment of rescued furbabies.


TROPICAL CHRISTMAS by Gemma Juliana


GEMMA JULIANA is a multi-published author who lives in an enchanted cottage in north Texas with her handsome hero, teen son and a comical dog. She loves making new friends and hearing from readers. Exotic coffee and chocolate fuel her creativity.


A KISS AND A PROMISE by Lyndi Lamont


Lyndi Lamont is the racy alter ego of author Linda McLaughlin, who writes historical and Regency Romance. Since becoming Lyndi Lamont, she has discovered that writing sexy romance is a license to be naughty, at least between the pages of a book.


A COWBOY’S HOLIDAY by E. Ayers


E. Ayers is a multi-published and best-selling author of western and contemporary romances. Her books are never too sweet or too hot. She writes down the middle.


570ff-purchase


It is available for FREE at smashwords-icon1


will be available at Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo.


eeba1-addtogoodreads


Last year’s anthology is also available at


smashwords-icon1


 and


6b0c2-b2526n


Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 07, 2014 05:00

November 30, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Surreal (The Divine Trilogy) by R.E. Hargrave



A note from R.E. Hargrave regarding The Divine Trilogy:
 

 

The Divine Trilogy is an account of a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be a fake, an abuser, and her subsequent recovery and re-entry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dom: Jayden Masterson. **This series is meant for adults due to the erotic content.**

When I began penning this tale, I wanted to give a different view of the BDSM world; one that would hopefully enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can’t be ignored. And that that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. It was also important to me to offer readers a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. You have everything from your hardcore pain sluts to your docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this lifestyle.

Readers may also find that this is not your typical romance. In fact, when you first meet the main characters, they are not looking for love at all.

Come with me, and I’ll  take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, the ‘bad’ stuff that has happened to our young lass is recounted through journal entries and therapy sessions, so its ‘distanced.’ You don’t have to go through the experiences first hand with the Catherine, but you get to be there and see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.

Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put these books down . . . even when they don’t usually read this genre. And now, after a long wait,
the final installment will be released on December 15, 2014.

Pre-order SURREAL today for $3.99!
Price will be going up on release day, so take advantage of the discount and reserve your copy.



Cover design by J.C. Clarke with Grafix Momma

Please support the Surreal Thunderclap campaign by clicking HERE to help me spread the word on release day.



If you’d like to read the first chapter of Surreal on Wattpad, please CLICK HERE.
Be aware that the content is meant for MATURE READERS ONLY.


Available on Amazon, regularly $3.49 each
To Serve is Divine I A Divine Life

(FREE to KindleUnlimited members)



***December 1st-8th, To Serve is Divine 

will be ON SALE for just $1.99***



 
~Praise for The Divine Trilogy~
 
To Serve is Divine
 
“This was a love story but so MUCH more”

“If you are looking for a titillating read that will leave you wanting.. read this book!”

“Strong characters who are well written, complex and truthful to the BDSM lifestyle.”

A Divine Life
 
“A Divine Life is very descriptive and extremely well written.”

“. . . a story of power and strength to over come the baggage that you carry. . .”

 “I was truly speechless when I finished reading. The book follows the development of Jayden and Erin’s relationship as he lavishes her with surprises and treats to celebrate their first year together as Dom and sub, but for both of them, it’s evolved into much more than that.”

Surreal
 
“RE Hargrave put her heart and soul into this book!”

“I have been waiting for what seems like forever for surreal, for more of Catherine and Jayden. I managed to read this is one day, and that’s impressive considering the size of the book! That’s how much I enjoyed it. Written to perfection as always from RE Hargrave. Catherine and Jayden’s story continues in The Divine Trilogy. It has its love, drama and emotions. This one had a considerable amount of emotional moments to the point I nearly cried…so keep them tissues handy ;) I can’t express how amazing this book is, how amazing the whole trilogy is and am planning to read them all again in the future!”
 
“The perfect ending for this wonderful trilogy.”






Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 30, 2014 05:00

November 23, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Once Upon a December by Sydney Logan


Christmas is in the air, and best-selling author Sydney Logan is gifting readers with a short story collection, just in time for the holidays. Once Upon a December features Sydney’s latest story, “What Child Is This,” along with her previously published holiday stories in one complete collection. Available for the first time in both paperback and ebook, these heartwarming and romantic tales are sure to bring you joy this holiday season.




/* Style Definitions */

table.MsoNormalTable

{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;

mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;

mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;

mso-style-noshow:yes;

mso-style-priority:99;

mso-style-parent:””;

mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

mso-para-margin:0in;

mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;

text-indent:.5in;

line-height:200%;

mso-pagination:widow-orphan;

font-size:11.0pt;

font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;

mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;

mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;

mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;

mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}


 

Estranged from his family and the love of his life, Thomas Fisher finds himself stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve. Imagine his surprise when a young boy takes him by the hand and shows him the way home.







/* Style Definitions */

table.MsoNormalTable

{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;

mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;

mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;

mso-style-noshow:yes;

mso-style-priority:99;

mso-style-parent:””;

mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

mso-para-margin:0in;

mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;

text-indent:.5in;

line-height:200%;

mso-pagination:widow-orphan;

font-size:11.0pt;

font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;

mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;

mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;

mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;

mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}


Melanie Taylor is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Something special. Something expensive. Something that will save her marriage. Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?

 







It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy. It’s amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.




/* Style Definitions */

table.MsoNormalTable

{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;

mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;

mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;

mso-style-noshow:yes;

mso-style-priority:99;

mso-style-parent:””;

mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

mso-para-margin:0in;

mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;

text-indent:.5in;

line-height:200%;

mso-pagination:widow-orphan;

font-size:11.0pt;

font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;

mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;

mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;

mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;

mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}



Available in both paperback and ebook on November 28 (Black Friday) for just $0.99!









Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 23, 2014 05:00

November 16, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Surreal (The Divine Trilogy) by R.E. Hargrave



A note from R.E. Hargrave regarding The Divine Trilogy:
 

 

The Divine Trilogy is an account of a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be a fake, an abuser, and her subsequent recovery and re-entry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dom: Jayden Masterson. **This series is meant for adults due to the erotic content.**

When I began penning this tale, I wanted to give a different view of the BDSM world; one that would hopefully enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can’t be ignored. And that that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. It was also important to me to offer readers a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. You have everything from your hardcore pain sluts to your docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this lifestyle.

Readers may also find that this is not your typical romance. In fact, when you first meet the main characters, they are not looking for love at all.

Come with me, and I’ll  take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, the ‘bad’ stuff that has happened to our young lass is recounted through journal entries and therapy sessions, so its ‘distanced.’ You don’t have to go through the experiences first hand with the Catherine, but you get to be there and see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies.

Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put these books down . . . even when they don’t usually read this genre. And now, after a long wait,
the final installment will be released on December 15, 2014.

Pre-order SURREAL today for $3.99!
Price will be going up on release day, so take advantage of the discount and reserve your copy.



Cover design by J.C. Clarke with Grafix Momma

Please support the Surreal Thunderclap campaign by clicking HERE to help me spread the word on release day.



If you’d like to read the first chapter of Surreal on Wattpad, please CLICK HERE.
Be aware that the content is meant for MATURE READERS ONLY.


Available on Amazon, regularly $3.49 each
To Serve is Divine I A Divine Life

(FREE to KindleUnlimited members)





***December 1st-8th, To Serve is Divine 


will be ON SALE for just $1.99***
 
~Praise for The Divine Trilogy~
 
To Serve is Divine
 
“This was a love story but so MUCH more”

“If you are looking for a titillating read that will leave you wanting.. read this book!”

“Strong characters who are well written, complex and truthful to the BDSM lifestyle.”

A Divine Life
 
“A Divine Life is very descriptive and extremely well written.”

“. . . a story of power and strength to over come the baggage that you carry. . .”

 “I was truly speechless when I finished reading. The book follows the development of Jayden and Erin’s relationship as he lavishes her with surprises and treats to celebrate their first year together as Dom and sub, but for both of them, it’s evolved into much more than that.”

Surreal
 
“RE Hargrave put her heart and soul into this book!”

“I have been waiting for what seems like forever for surreal, for more of Catherine and Jayden. I managed to read this is one day, and that’s impressive considering the size of the book! That’s how much I enjoyed it. Written to perfection as always from RE Hargrave. Catherine and Jayden’s story continues in The Divine Trilogy. It has its love, drama and emotions. This one had a considerable amount of emotional moments to the point I nearly cried…so keep them tissues handy ;) I can’t express how amazing this book is, how amazing the whole trilogy is and am planning to read them all again in the future!”
 
“The perfect ending for this wonderful trilogy.”








Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 16, 2014 05:00

November 9, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Forbidden Awakenings (Book One in the Awakenings Series) By Lisa Bilbrey



Forbidden Awakenings
Book One in the Awakenings Series 
 
By Lisa Bilbrey
  Summary:

Elle

Reid and Sadie Williams are best friends, turned lovers. Always

considering themselves to be friends with benefits, they opt to let

loose and celebrate after landing a high-profile project with the best

architecture firm in San Francisco.Callum Davis and Derek Flores

have been the best friends since they met freshman year. While they’ve

admitted their attraction to each other, neither have the courage to act

on their feelings, both fearful of losing their friendship. At least,

not until they meet Elle and Sadie at Club Venom.

Elle, Sadie,

Callum, and Derek embark on a life-changing journey that defies what

society tells them is normal. But when you find yourselves in love with

multiple partners, how do you choose? And what will happen when their

families find out about their unconventional relationship? Is their

forbidden awakening worth unraveling the secrets they’ve been keeping?







 Excerpt:
“It’s okay to be scared. Hell so am I.”
“You are?” she asked, and Sadie nodded. “What are you

afraid of?”
Sadie brought her hand up to Elle’s cheek. “Of losing

you again.”
“You never lost me in the first place,” she whispered,

leaning in and pressing her lips against Sadie’s.
“Jesus Christ, we can never leave them alone.” At the

sound of Derek’s husky voice, they pulled apart, smiling as they turned to the

men standing in the entry way of the living room. “Seriously. If you wait until

we leave the room to start kissing, we’ll never get to watch.”
“Is watching all you want to do?” Sadie asked,

standing up and walking over to him. She placed her hand on his chest, let it

slide down to the front of his pants, and gripped his noticeable bulge. “Seems

like you want to do more than just watch.”
“Oh, baby, you have no idea what I want to do to you,”

he groaned, just before he kissed her.
“Oy, not yet!” Callum laughed, pulling them apart.

“Food first, sex second.”
“Assuming there is sex later.” Elle smirked as she

stood up. The wounded expressions on Derek and Callum’s faces had her chortling.

“Wow, you two are so cute when you’re bubble has been busted.”
“I didn’t mean to just assume that we’d be having

sex,” Callum said, sounding flustered.
Elle walked over to him, placed her hand on his chest,

and leaned up on her toes so that her lips were just outside of his ear. “Never

said there wouldn’t be any, either,” Elle cooed, causing him take a deep

breath. “But I’m starving. So no food, no sex.”
“Then we’d better eat,” he moaned, almost dragging her

into the dining room with Derek and Sadie following.


Normal

0


false

false

false


EN-US

X-NONE

X-NONE




/* Style Definitions */

table.MsoNormalTable

{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;

mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;

mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;

mso-style-noshow:yes;

mso-style-priority:99;

mso-style-parent:””;

mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

mso-para-margin-top:0in;

mso-para-margin-right:0in;

mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;

mso-para-margin-left:0in;

text-align:justify;

text-indent:.5in;

line-height:115%;

mso-pagination:widow-orphan;

font-size:11.0pt;

font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;

mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;

mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;

mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;

mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}


Obsessive, compulsive, slightly

crazed, but enough about her personality. First and foremost, Lisa Bilbrey is a

mom to three and a wife to one. She loves to write, and spends the majority of

everyday writing. It’s who she is, and what she’s meant to be doing. Words are

her life, the air she breathes, and the nutrients of her soul. Finding a love

in the written word, Lisa Bilbrey started writing as a way to express herself

and let her voice be heard. From the first word she wrote, she’d found her

heart and soul.

Always willing to learn, she’s

spends much of her time trying to improve as a storyteller.

Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
 
Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 09, 2014 09:57

November 2, 2014

Blog Post – Sunday Sneak Peek – Sandi Layne’s Éire’s Devil King

 


The final book of Sandi Layne’s Éire’s Viking Trilogy will be out in the spring!

EDK-Coming-Soon copy


Éire’s Devil King

Summary:


An ambitious man, Tuirgeis Erlingrson has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership on Éire. Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong.


Agnarr and Aislinn—though she is heavy with child—sail with Cowan and Charis to join Tuirgeis as he battles one final summer to seek the High Kingship. Charis finds that her Otherworldly gifts are needed by a man she considers her enemy.


In addition, Tuirgeis wants to establish his father-line. He has one son; he wants another to be born of Éire. Will the woman he desires accept him?


Tuirgeis knows his time is limited; the Danes are coming in greater numbers than before. If he wants to be the High King, he’s going to have to prove that he is more than a Viking.


Excerpt:


Though still leery of bodies of water, Charis never forgot that they bore life and that was precious to her. The water crept gently up the slope with careful fingers, as if knowing she was hesitant to approach such a large amount of it. When there was a stiff wind the waves furled whitely, rows upon rows of them; just then, however, there was peace and calm.


She stared out over the lough, about to bend down to dig the roots from the rushes there, when a stirring within her kept her upright. There, to the northwest, something moved above the water. A small flock of grebes were nearby, their stuttering caws high pitched and active before they splashed out of the water. Scowling at them, she focused again on the distant object and, with a sudden start, she realized she knew exactly what it was.


“Cowan . . .” Her whisper traveled no farther than her own ear. They shouldn’t be coming this way. The Northmen came by sea, not through a lake. Of course, there would be tributaries, but surely . . . “Ide? We have to go. Right now. Back to the rath.”


The younger woman ran to her, her feet slipping on the muddy grass near the water. “What is it, Charis?”


Pointing, Charis didn’t have to say a word. Ide knew. “Northmen. From the Danes? King, King Horik?” The names were familiar now, after seasons of stories and preparations. All color drained from her face, leaving freckles to stand in sharp relief.


“I don’t know,” Charis said, backing away while keeping an eye on the longship that was growing closer every few moments. “But the men must ready themselves. As I must.” She wondered, as they hurried back to the safety of the village, if the one safety tunnel was yet deep enough to hide all the children of Tuaim Rithe.


Praise for the Éire’s Viking Trilogy:

Compelling, three-dimensional characters who are interesting, imperfect, and very intriguing make the story pop and grab the reader’s interest as they each journey through their own adversities towards their ultimate destinies. – Great Historicals


…a wonderfully written story of war, love, loss and dealing with emotions and learning forgiveness. – Fire & Ice


Prepare for the invasion and read the rest of the trilogy:


ECM-3D-Paperback-eReaderFind Éire’s Captive Moon at any of the links from Sandi’s website here.


EV-3D-Paperback-eReaderFind Éire’s Viking here and read the first chapter of this romance on her site here.


Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 02, 2014 05:00

October 12, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan



On October 17, Amazon best selling author Sydney Logan is relaunching her debut novel with a brand new cover! She’s celebrating by offering a giveaway filled with signed paperbacks and Lessons Learned swag!








English teacher Sarah Bray never thought she’d return to Sycamore Falls, but a traumatic event at her inner-city school leaves her desperate for the sanctuary of home. By returning to her roots, an older and wiser Sarah hopes to deal with the demons of her present and confront the ghosts of her past. 

She discovers a kindred spirit in Lucas Miller, a teacher from New York with demons of his own. As the newest faculty members at Sycamore High School, they quickly become friends – bonding through Lucas’s culture shock and their mutual desire to build new lives. When they open their wounded hearts to each other, their friendship effortlessly evolves into romance. 

Their love is put to the test when Matt, the quarterback of the football team, shares his deepest secret with Sarah. When the conservative community finds out, Sarah and Lucas – along with the town of Sycamore Falls – are schooled in the lessons of acceptance, tolerance, and love.




  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23295924-lessons-learned


























a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


Amazon best selling author Sydney Logan holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is the author of three novels – Lessons Learned, Mountain Charm, and Soldier On. Sydney has also penned four short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. Visit her website at http://www.sydneylogan.com.



 


WebsiteFacebook - TwitterAmazon

 



 



Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 12, 2014 09:08

September 28, 2014

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Out of the Dark by April Emerson


Coming December 4th from The Writer’s Coffee Shop….




 
Out of the Dark by April Emerson

You can view the book trailer here.

Excerpt:

He pulls a grape from the bunch, and his gaze is glued to mine. “Come here.” I walk toward him. My will to do anything else is nonexistent. I stand just a breath away. “Close your eyes,” he says. My heart rate increases and beads of sweat begin to drip down my back—possibly from the sun, but most likely from Stefan—as I obey. “Open your mouth.” He commands me, and with my eyes closed, his voice sounds so haunting, so suave. Again, I do as he says. The flesh of the fruit is pressed against my lips, and he runs it around my mouth but doesn’t place it inside. Then, he removes it. “Lick your lips.” I do as he says. The flavor is sharp and tart, but there’s a lingering sweetness. I say nothing, but with eyes closed, I await further instructions and am not disappointed. This time his voice is even closer, and I feel his hand on my hip. “Open again.” I part my lips, and the small fruit is placed inside. I let it roll around my tongue before puncturing its flesh, and the sweet, tart flavor overwhelms my taste buds. It’s heaven. As I chew and swallow the fruit, I’m aware of his hand on my body, and though my eyes are closed, I can feel his gaze all over me. His grip tightens momentarily, and he slides his hands up my back and into my hair. “Open your eyes.” As soon as I do, he tugs my head back and touches his lips to mine, sharing in the sweet flavor of the grape. His kiss is slow at first, then our tongues touch, and I taste only him. I slide my arms around his shoulders and pull him into me. I want him to know that I want this. I want him. My neck sways to the side as he forces my mouth open further, and he lets out a moan. It’s a guttural sound filled with desire. His hand slides down my back, over the curve of my ass . . . He stops. “Please,” I beg, but he shakes his head. “I’m finding it very difficult to remain a gentleman around you.” I raise my eyebrow. “So, don’t.”

Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on September 28, 2014 11:02

September 1, 2014

Music, Writing, and a Giveaway

 


Hey, all. It’s been a while, I know. Sorry. It’s been a busy summer.


So, I was thinking about music and how a lot of my writing friends tell me they really connect with music while they write. It never really happened to me, but you know when you find the perfect song that goes along with a work in progress you’re trying to write and it all just clicks? Well that did happen to me about a year ago when I got this idea for story and remembered a song I heard that explained one of the character’s story. It was pretty cool to find that connection. Even before I started writing that story, I had been obsessed with the musician, Paolo Nutini. He’s quite amazing and eclectic. And, well, it doesn’t hurt that he’s absolutely adorable. I’ve been to three of his concerts so far this year and am going to another Sept. 27th at the Wiltern. Cannot wait! I love that one of his older songs connects with my story and a few from his new release, Caustic Love. Gah, his new album is just as amazing, if not more so, than his older work. If you’ve never heard of him, I suggest you look him up on Youtube. He’ll blow you away.


Here are some pictures from two of his concerts I’ve attended this year.


IMG_2513.JPG

This was at a Private Listener’s Concert in San Diego. See me there up front. Photo taken by my dear friend, Cecilia Mohney.

IMG_2469.JPG

Private Listener’s Concert in San Diego

IMG_2449.JPG

Concert at the Troubadour where I was also up front and center.


The work in progress, that I haven’t been working on lately because I’ve been so darn busy with my last year of college, but I have been writing it out in my head constantly, will be called Just Rewind. I’ve posted about it once before. You can see that post here. Paolo’s song, Rewind describes Harlie’s (the love interest in Just Rewind) feelings so well. So, when I want to get into her head, I listen to that song on repeat. It really helps a lot. I’m hoping to get into the swing of things with this new school year, and get that book finished. It’s an extremely emotional story and one that I want to get absolutely right, so I think that’s part of my reluctance to work on it.


But some exciting news. Paolo released a new album earlier this year in the UK, but it doesn’t release here in the US until September 16th. I thought it would be cool to give away his album from iTunes to a random winner that enters through the Rafflecopter below. I’ll run the giveaway from 9/1/14 to 9/10/14 and preorder the album from iTunes so the winner will receive it on the 16th when it releases.



Click below to enter.


291af-giveaway


 


Good luck everyone!


PNGiveaway


Filed under: Writing
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on September 01, 2014 05:00

August 25, 2014

50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills

Jennifer Garcia - itlnbrt:

What a great resource for writers posted on Just English and written by Vitaly Friedman. We can all afford to improve our writing skills. :)


Originally posted on Just English:


 



By Vitaly Friedman



Effective writing skills are to a writer what petrol is to a car. Like the petrol and car relationship, without solid skills writers cannot move ahead. These skills don’t come overnight, and they require patience and determination. You have to work smart and hard to acquire them. Only with experience, you can enter the realm of effective, always-in-demand writers.



Of course, effective writing requires a good command of the language in which you write or want to write. Once you have that command, you need to learn some tips and tricks so that you can have an edge over others in this hard-to-succeed world of writers. There are some gifted writers, granted. But gifted writers also need to polish their skills frequently in order to stay ahead of competition and earn their livelihood.



We collected over 50 useful and practical tools and resources that will help…


View original 2,181 more words


Filed under: Writing
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 25, 2014 20:37