Tera Shanley's Blog, page 7
February 2, 2014
...Sneak Peek Sunday...
Hello hello and welcome to this week's edition of Sneak Peek Sunday, hosted by Sara Walter Elwood. I've got a treat for you guys this week. Love at the End of Days, Book II to the Dead Rapture series is finished and sent off to my lovely agent for review, but oh I couldn't wait to share a little six paragraph snippet with you guys!!In this scene, Vanessa was tricked by her senior officer, Finn, into braining her first Dead before an important mission. Finn hadn't given her much instruction when he'd taken her outside of colony gates in the middle of the night, and they ran into a surprising amount of...trouble ;) And to get back into the safety of colony gates, they have to strip down for a bite search. This is their reaction to surviving a surprise middle of the night Dead battle.
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Finn leveled her a look of impatience and snarled, “There are a whole lot of Deads headed our way. Can you not hear them? If you don’t want to be zombie chow, I’d suggest you take your friggin’ clothes off.”
Good enough for her. She stripped faster than a lady-of-the-night named Cinnamon. She didn’t even care about the smirk from the guard and definitely didn’t bother to dress herself before she went sprinting for the opening gates. Finn at least had his pants back on before he pulled the four-wheeler through and the gates thudded closed. After hobbling into her clothes she collapsed onto the trail and stared at the twinkling stars as she waited for her breathing to slow. She was different now. Down to her bones, she was a different person than the one who’d left these gates an hour before. Her arm hurt like hellfire and she may very well never catch her breath again, but the slow smile of a barely survivor crooked her lips. The stout guard stood over her. “Did you kill your first Dead out there, little lady?” “No,” Finn said. “She killed her first thirty.” The guard just stared at him, like he was waiting for the punch line as Finn pulled her to her feet. His chuckle matched hers. She was downright giddy under the drunken adrenaline crash that left her woozier than the bathtub wine she’d chugged the night before. He pulled her into a rough hug and slapped her on the back so hard she nearly lost her breath all over again, but she didn’t mind. They’d lived.
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I hope you enjoyed this snippet of Love at the End of Days. Love in the Time of the Dead, the highly rated first book in the Dead Rapture series is available now on Amazon.
Kindle Nook Paperback
Thanks for stopping by! To hop along to the other authors offering sneak peeks this fine Sunday, click here.
January 15, 2014
...Winter Wonder Man Blog Hop...
Happy Winter Wonder Man Blog Hop Day! Why is it so happy? Because there is a poop ton (that's a lot) of swag and prizes up for grabs from every author participating. On this blog, a signed paperback of the highly rated zombie romance, Love in the Time of the Dead is up for grabs. Yaaaay, scream, confetti, brainz!
All you have to do is enter as many fields in the rafflecopter near the bottom of this post as you want. The more you enter, the more chances to win! For a chance at that grand prize, comment and include your email address at the bottom, so we can get in touch with you if you win!
What IS it about those schmexy heroes in books and movies that are so delicious they make your toes curl? I'm going to break it down into three yummy parts.
One
Undying, unwavering love for the heroine.
Because lets face it, if we ever encountered a man with devotion like Aragorn harbors for Arwen, we'd latch onto that man like a leech on a frog.
Two
Bad Boys With Hearts of Gold
Oh we like our heroes with a healthy side of morality, but we like to know they'd do anything, any-thing, to protect their loved ones. Michael Corvin from Underworld comes to mind.
Three
Schmexy Face, Schmexy Body
Wish out loud that movies included more men who looked like bucktoothed marshmallows with harry nipples and your pants would be at serious risk of catching on fire. We like 'em fit and tall with smoldering eyes and easy smiles. We like deep voices dripping with confidence that turn tender in the heroines presence. Movie heroes have to have mastered the look to be authentic. You know the one I'm talking about. The 'I'd do anything to keep you safe' look that melts hearts and brings insta-swoons. And Raleigh Becket from Pacific Rim? Well he's got it all.
Thanks for hopping by and don't forget to enter the rafflecopter below for a chance at that signed copy of Love in the Time of the Dead, Book I in the Dead Rapture series.
For a gabajillion chances to win some awesome books and swag, click the authors below to hop along :) Good luck, happy reading, and go getchu some!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
...Coming to Reason Cover Reveal...
Today is the cover release for
COMING TO REASONBook Three: A Long Road to LoveHumorous Contemporary Disaster Romance
Blurb
Carrie has committed to an inter-species marriage with Trent, her billionaire boss. Only, she requested a long engagement to improve his stats. Presently, he is eighty percent dreamboat and twenty percent nightmare. When he fires her so they can be a ‘normal couple,’ everything heads south. Providing her a stark contrast, her new boss is everything a woman could want in a man. But for Carrie, her heart is taken and thus, her path to reason remains long and arduous.
Liza O'Conner writes books that speak to my soul. Carrie is a character you will not soon forget.--Rebecca Royce, author of The Warrior series.
I only have one thing to say about Liza O'Connor's A Long Road to Love series: Read them. They're funny. You won't regret it! --Maria Hammarblad, author of Kidnapped.
Excerpt
He shook his head. “I’m still growing up from the petulant child I’ve been all my life.” He exhaled and met her gaze. “To continue my progress, I need your assistance.” She marveled at his newly acquired ability to admit weaknesses. “Anything,” she promised. Leaning in, he kissed her forehead. “My therapist believes your desire to be the world’s best EA and my girlfriend is hampering my attempts to grow up. You take care of all my problems. He says I need to handle matters for myself.” Fear spread from her chest out to her fingertips, making her numb, slowing her brain. “Are you saying you want to break up with me?” “Never!” He covered her face with kisses. She pushed him away. “Then what?” “It’s time to do what we talked about months ago. You need to quit Lancaster Chairs and get another job.” Was he insane? He couldn’t survive two hours without her. “We should do this slowly, so you can wean off.” He smiled. “Michael disagrees.” She’d always liked his therapist, until now. “Maybe I should talk to him.” “No! You’ll only prove to him I’ve made no progress at all.” He gripped her hands. “I need to stand on my own two feet. You have to let me grow up and take responsibility for myself.” “All right.” Her stomach roiled with doubt. He’d be calling her back in a week to help save his company again. Still, growing up meant he’d make mistakes along the way. She had to let him take the reins, even if doing so had disaster written all over it. “I’ll start looking on my lunch hour.” “No. We need a clean cut. As of now, you no longer work at Lancaster Chairs.” “Trent! We have to have a transition. We’ll need to find a new EA. I’ll need to train the person in.” He pressed his fingers to her lips. “I completed the interviews and I’m going in to train my EA. I’ve got it all under control.” His assurance stunned her. He must have planned this for weeks, perhaps months, but never said a word, which hurt her feelings. Still, she sucked it up and tried to focus on the positive. Trent wanted to grow up and take responsibility. “I should still come in and show the person…guy or girl?” The question made him choke. “Are you kidding? After Grant? No way in hell I’d hire another male.”
Links
A Long Road to LoveBook OneWorst Week EverAmazon “Love this book and couldn't stop laughing from beginning to end.” 5 stars – Alves - Amazon61 reviews: 4.3 stars
Book TwoOh Stupid Heart Amazon“Oh Stupid Heart has in-depth characters, excellent story line, and is delightfully funny - LLB – Amazon8 reviews: 4.8 stars
Book ThreeComing to ReasonTo be released: Feb 3, 2014
Other Books by Liza O’ConnorSaving Casey Ghost Lover
Great news! This blog is participating in the 3rd Craziest Blog Tour
Liza O’ConnorAbout the Author Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIZA O'CONNOR & UPCOMING BOOKS:
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook TwitterBe sure to leave your email and tell me you want an ebook in order to enter the prize at each blog contest site.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
COMING TO REASONBook Three: A Long Road to LoveHumorous Contemporary Disaster Romance
Blurb
Carrie has committed to an inter-species marriage with Trent, her billionaire boss. Only, she requested a long engagement to improve his stats. Presently, he is eighty percent dreamboat and twenty percent nightmare. When he fires her so they can be a ‘normal couple,’ everything heads south. Providing her a stark contrast, her new boss is everything a woman could want in a man. But for Carrie, her heart is taken and thus, her path to reason remains long and arduous.
Liza O'Conner writes books that speak to my soul. Carrie is a character you will not soon forget.--Rebecca Royce, author of The Warrior series.
I only have one thing to say about Liza O'Connor's A Long Road to Love series: Read them. They're funny. You won't regret it! --Maria Hammarblad, author of Kidnapped.
Excerpt
He shook his head. “I’m still growing up from the petulant child I’ve been all my life.” He exhaled and met her gaze. “To continue my progress, I need your assistance.” She marveled at his newly acquired ability to admit weaknesses. “Anything,” she promised. Leaning in, he kissed her forehead. “My therapist believes your desire to be the world’s best EA and my girlfriend is hampering my attempts to grow up. You take care of all my problems. He says I need to handle matters for myself.” Fear spread from her chest out to her fingertips, making her numb, slowing her brain. “Are you saying you want to break up with me?” “Never!” He covered her face with kisses. She pushed him away. “Then what?” “It’s time to do what we talked about months ago. You need to quit Lancaster Chairs and get another job.” Was he insane? He couldn’t survive two hours without her. “We should do this slowly, so you can wean off.” He smiled. “Michael disagrees.” She’d always liked his therapist, until now. “Maybe I should talk to him.” “No! You’ll only prove to him I’ve made no progress at all.” He gripped her hands. “I need to stand on my own two feet. You have to let me grow up and take responsibility for myself.” “All right.” Her stomach roiled with doubt. He’d be calling her back in a week to help save his company again. Still, growing up meant he’d make mistakes along the way. She had to let him take the reins, even if doing so had disaster written all over it. “I’ll start looking on my lunch hour.” “No. We need a clean cut. As of now, you no longer work at Lancaster Chairs.” “Trent! We have to have a transition. We’ll need to find a new EA. I’ll need to train the person in.” He pressed his fingers to her lips. “I completed the interviews and I’m going in to train my EA. I’ve got it all under control.” His assurance stunned her. He must have planned this for weeks, perhaps months, but never said a word, which hurt her feelings. Still, she sucked it up and tried to focus on the positive. Trent wanted to grow up and take responsibility. “I should still come in and show the person…guy or girl?” The question made him choke. “Are you kidding? After Grant? No way in hell I’d hire another male.”
Links
A Long Road to LoveBook OneWorst Week EverAmazon “Love this book and couldn't stop laughing from beginning to end.” 5 stars – Alves - Amazon61 reviews: 4.3 stars
Book TwoOh Stupid Heart Amazon“Oh Stupid Heart has in-depth characters, excellent story line, and is delightfully funny - LLB – Amazon8 reviews: 4.8 stars
Book ThreeComing to ReasonTo be released: Feb 3, 2014
Other Books by Liza O’ConnorSaving Casey Ghost Lover
Great news! This blog is participating in the 3rd Craziest Blog Tour
Liza O’ConnorAbout the Author Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIZA O'CONNOR & UPCOMING BOOKS:
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook TwitterBe sure to leave your email and tell me you want an ebook in order to enter the prize at each blog contest site.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 13, 2014
...Best Nut 2013 Award...
Woke up this morning to a lovely email from the talented CD Brennan, author of Watershed, to discover I'd been voted Best Nut 2013 :D Weeeeeeeeee!! My inappropriateness has finally paid off!! Weeeeee again!!To see the interview that won me the crown, click here. (Read: Virginity, Floozyville, Picture of half-naked but fully delicious Charlie Hunnam, and deep discussion on favorite Tom Petty songs.)
A special thanks to CD Brennan for hosting me and the other lovely nuts, and to the awesome ladies who voted!
January 5, 2014
...Sneak Peek Sunday...
Hello, hello and welcome to another edition of Sneak Peek Sunday!! The amazingly talented Sara Walter Ellwood has put this together as a way for authors to share six paragraph snippets of current works in progress and upcoming releases. It's also a way for readers to discover new authors.
This week, I'm sharing a peek of Book II in the Dead Rapture series, Love at the End of Days, in honor of Love in the Time of the Dead's 2 month book birthday.
In this snippet, Vanessa and Sean are coming off of a near death experience in a Dead compromised building while on a supply run.
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She fought like some wild thing, trained and desperate for survival. Like a wounded lion cornered and killing for its life. The Deads closest to her hadn’t stood a chance in the world at continuance against the unhesitating fierceness in her weapon-filled hands. No sight had ever been more beautiful, more graceful, than that of her dropping her Glock and pulling her blades only to taunt the coming droves. She was fearless. Chills had rippled up the back of his neck as he raised his rifle to protect her. Enraged, he hadn’t missed a one. He couldn’t. Not when they were so close to something so precious. He knew the importance of his continued distance from her but there, in that moment, he couldn’t have pulled away from the temptation to touch her warm skin if he tried with all of his might. To physically reassure himself that she was still breathing; still with him. She’d been ready to die. The churning fury in the blue focus of her eyes screamed it, but he wasn’t equipped for the loss. He’d go back to distancing himself in the truck, but for this last minute, he clutched onto her hand like it was a lifeline and he’d been drowning. He’d felt like that over the last days of denial, after all. He spun just as autumn sunlight warmed his face out front of the store. “Before we get back in the truck, I have to know. Why did you call for me?” The tide pool blue of her eyes was bottomless as she bore her soul through them. “Because I knew you’d come. And if you didn’t—.” Her delicate neck worked as she swallowed. “If you couldn’t, it still felt nice to say your name at the end.” His breath shook as he studied every beautiful facet of her face. Her perfectly arched eyebrows drew up like she wondered what he thought of her. Her full lips, the color of spring tulips, pursed in question, and he fought with everything in him not to reach out and brush his fingertip across the smooth, silken skin of her cheek. Even the laugh lines around her mouth felt like home.
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My girl is fierce! I hope you've enjoyed this week's Sneak Peek Sunday :) To hop along and see what other authors are writing, click here. Have a lovely week!
December 31, 2013
...Cover Reveal for Jenna Jaxon's upcoming release, Betrayal...
Oh I'm excited to have the talented Jenna Jaxon on here to reveal the cover to her upcoming release, Betrayal. She's such a talent and writes in such fun genres! Plus this cover? Ahh! Stunning :D And the blurb gives me chills in the best way.
Without further ado, I'll hand the reins over to Ms. Jaxon herself. Take it away, Jenna!
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Thanks, Tera. I am giving away two copies of Betrothal to commenters on each blog hosting the reveal.
Betrayal is set to release on January 31, 2014.
After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.
A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?
Excerpt #1
. “Thank you, Thomas. You are more than kind to have carried these messages from my lord. Pray God he may bring the next such word himself.”Thomas lifted her hand to his lips. “Indeed, lady, I will pray your reunion needs wait but a little while. Until then, I am, as always, yours to command.” He kissed it, barely skimming the surface of her flesh. It tickled, and she suppressed a giggle. “Will you take your rest now? You must be tired after such a long journey in so short a space of time.”Thomas stretched, the lines on his face making his weariness even more apparent. “Nay. I am off to attend the king. His Majesty will desire my report on how Sir Roland fares.” He smiled kindly. “However, should you have need of me, lady, you have but to summon me. I am at your service until Geoffrey’s return.” With a dashing bow, Thomas spun on his heel, his cloak swirling ’round him.Alyse watched him go, savoring the words from her betrothed as she once again lifted the sprig of lavender to her nose. A token from her beloved she would cherish until his return. With a sigh for that day to come quickly, she pushed the door to the princess’s chamber open.She tried to slip in quietly, hoping to be unobserved. Of course, everyone turned their gaze to the door the moment she entered. Alyse sped inside and crossed to the princess, immediately sinking into a low curtsy. She waited, fearing the displeasure of the young woman who had only ever shown her kindness.Princess Joanna paused before bidding her to rise. “Well, Lady Alyse, you were overlong at your prayers this morning, were you not?” Alyse stood and nodded, unease sweeping through her. The princess gave Alyse an eager look. “Are you doing penance for some...indiscretion?” Her heart leaped into her throat. Guilt over her tryst with Geoffrey on the night of the tournament made her drop her gaze to her hands.Lord, did the princess know? Did everyone? Alyse fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. She opened her mouth to deny the allegation—what else could she do with her reputation at stake?—when Anne spoke up. “Aye, Your Highness, she should have been on her knees all morning.” Shivers of dread coursed through her. Anne had seen her that night. She knew. Alyse gaped at her chamber mate, her mouth bone dry. How much would she tell? The disagreeable girl continued to stare at her, arching her neck, a triumphant smirk on her face. Eyes wide, Princess Joanna looked from Anne to her before leaning forward. “Is this true, Lady Alyse? What dire transgression have you committed?”
Excerpt #2
Alyse’s heart lurched at the sight of Thomas. She rose, trembling, and murmured, “Your Highness,” but looked expectantly at Lord Braeton. His eyes met hers, distant and cool. Puzzled, she turned her attention to the princess, who was herding her other women toward the door to her bedchamber.“Lady Maurya, Lady Anne, Margaret,” the princess beckoned them. “Lord Braeton would have a moment with Lady Alyse. Would you attend me, please?” Princess Joanna passed Alyse, caressing her arm as she led the confused women through the door. At the touch, Alyse sought the princess’s eyes. Fear gripped her heart at the pity she saw there.“Thomas.” Alyse curtsied quickly then blurted out the fear she had fought almost since Geoffrey had left. “Is my lord well? Have you news for me?” Thanks to Anne and Margaret’s thoughtless comments, she had become convinced Geoffrey had fallen ill with Sir Robert’s ailment and now himself hovered between life and death.Avoiding her eyes, Thomas answered briefly. “Aye, my lady. When I left him, Geoffrey was well enough.”While relieved at his words, a shadow still lay on her heart. If Geoffrey was not ill, why had Thomas’s manner changed? What had summoned this aloof stranger? He was withholding something from her. “And Sir Roland?”He hesitated, searching her eyes then looking away. He fisted his hands. “Sir Roland is…has…”Alyse could stand it no longer. She crossed to stand directly before Thomas, laid a cold hand upon his arm, and gripped it. “Tell me.”The fact that there was something he could not bring himself to tell her filled her with terror. He said Geoffrey was well enough when he left. What about now? Before she could question him further, he drew out a folded piece of parchment, sealed with blue wax and stamped with a signet ring bearing Geoffrey’s family crest. She stared at it. “Geoffrey bade me place this in your hand and no other, my lady.” Thomas thrust the missive toward her.Alyse compelled herself to hold her hand out . He sighed. “He also bade me be at your service, lady, had you need of anything.” He gave the parchment into her hand. As he did so, she looked into his eyes and recognized the same pity she had seen in Princess Joanna’s.Panic made her arms weak and her fingers numb. She forced her shaking hands to break the seal. Alyse unfolded the letter and slowly read the scratched and blurry words.* * * *In her bedchamber, Princess Joanna waited with Maurya, Anne, and Margaret. The women’s faces had changed from puzzlement to fear. Joanna looked from one maid to another, trying to hide her despondency. So many prayers had not been answered today.Anne finally summoned the courage to ask, “Your Highness, what has happened?” She choked back tears. “I meant no harm, earlier. Indeed,” she crossed herself, “I wish Sir Roland and Sir Geoffrey long life.” She turned stricken eyes toward Joanna and whispered, “Is Sir Geoffrey—” She got no further before a wrenching wail of anguish shattered the hushed room, as though the very walls echoed the sound. The four women stood rooted to the floor at the almost inhuman shriek of grief. The sound cut off abruptly, and in the eerie silence that followed, they heard the soft thud of a body hitting the floor.
Excerpt #3
With the sigh of a martyr at the stake, Alyse nodded and Anne leaped forth and stripped the linen shift from her. She fought the impulse to shield her breasts and womanhood; apparently brides were expected to be appraised as if a horse at market. The only stare that sent a shiver up her back, however, was Lady Carlyle’s. The woman’s lips twisted into a sneer as her gaze swept Alyse from head to toe. A look of triumph she did not understand lit the lady’s face and Alyse turned her back, quite willing to allow Anne to drop the silk chemise over her head.When she turned back to the company, loud “ahs’ and whispers of “indecent” ran through the women. Alyse looked down at herself. As she feared, the sheer material revealed every swell of her breasts. As the fabric moved across them, her nipples hardened, poking the garment out to sharp points. Maurya stepped behind her and began to brush her hair again. “Pay them no mind, Alyse,” she whispered. “You are more beautiful than any of them. And I warrant Lord Braeton will have no qualms about you whatsoever in that shift.” Before Alyse could reply, the door burst open and the laughing, swearing, drinking chorus of male courtiers who attended Thomas strode in. And stopped. The sudden silence intensified the tension in the small room. Their eyes rested on Alyse, who stared back at them and prayed she would not faint again.As suddenly as the silence descended it broke, and a babble of laughter, praise and ribald jests issued forth from the appreciative gentlemen. To her utter humiliation, Alyse recognized Patrick Sullivan, Roger Delaney, and Robert Spencer among the courtiers. All stared at her still, Patrick leaning over to comment to Sir Roger, who laughed and nodded in agreement. She blinked back tears of rage, but stood quietly lest they make even more sport of her. From the corner of her eye, she caught movement in the doorway, and several men and ladies moved to make way for the final actor in this terrible play. Thomas strode grandly into the chamber, smiling as though he walked in a decorous procession. Attired in a splendid robe of green wool, adorned with velvet down the center edges and fur at collar and cuffs, he swept her a low bow. He laughed as he arose, but the sound died on his lips when at last he registered her figure in the blue chemise. The stunned look in his eyes was swiftly replaced by a hot hunger that made her gasp. Any hope she had of him honoring his promise died with that look.“Lady Braeton.” He held out his hand, and Alyse had no choice but to take it. He raised it to his lips, searing her flesh with their warm touch. “You are a vision I scarce would credit this side of heaven.” She peered into his darkened eyes, seeking mercy. At the almost imperceptible nod of his head, she could breathe again.He released her and stepped back. “The wedding is done.” Thomas nodded to his attendants, who stepped forward. “Let the bedding be done as well.” Stretching forth his arms, he waited as the men stripped the robe from him, revealing his perfectly nude body beneath.
About the Author
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She is currently working to release Betrayal at the end of January and finishing revisions to her fifth full length novel, To Woo A Wicked Widow, set in Regency England and the first book in her five part series, The Widow’s Club.
Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginiawith her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
Links:BlogFacebookTwitter: @Jenna_Jaxon
Betrothal at Amazon
Without further ado, I'll hand the reins over to Ms. Jaxon herself. Take it away, Jenna!
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Thanks, Tera. I am giving away two copies of Betrothal to commenters on each blog hosting the reveal.
Betrayal is set to release on January 31, 2014.
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After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.
A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth. Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?
Excerpt #1
. “Thank you, Thomas. You are more than kind to have carried these messages from my lord. Pray God he may bring the next such word himself.”Thomas lifted her hand to his lips. “Indeed, lady, I will pray your reunion needs wait but a little while. Until then, I am, as always, yours to command.” He kissed it, barely skimming the surface of her flesh. It tickled, and she suppressed a giggle. “Will you take your rest now? You must be tired after such a long journey in so short a space of time.”Thomas stretched, the lines on his face making his weariness even more apparent. “Nay. I am off to attend the king. His Majesty will desire my report on how Sir Roland fares.” He smiled kindly. “However, should you have need of me, lady, you have but to summon me. I am at your service until Geoffrey’s return.” With a dashing bow, Thomas spun on his heel, his cloak swirling ’round him.Alyse watched him go, savoring the words from her betrothed as she once again lifted the sprig of lavender to her nose. A token from her beloved she would cherish until his return. With a sigh for that day to come quickly, she pushed the door to the princess’s chamber open.She tried to slip in quietly, hoping to be unobserved. Of course, everyone turned their gaze to the door the moment she entered. Alyse sped inside and crossed to the princess, immediately sinking into a low curtsy. She waited, fearing the displeasure of the young woman who had only ever shown her kindness.Princess Joanna paused before bidding her to rise. “Well, Lady Alyse, you were overlong at your prayers this morning, were you not?” Alyse stood and nodded, unease sweeping through her. The princess gave Alyse an eager look. “Are you doing penance for some...indiscretion?” Her heart leaped into her throat. Guilt over her tryst with Geoffrey on the night of the tournament made her drop her gaze to her hands.Lord, did the princess know? Did everyone? Alyse fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. She opened her mouth to deny the allegation—what else could she do with her reputation at stake?—when Anne spoke up. “Aye, Your Highness, she should have been on her knees all morning.” Shivers of dread coursed through her. Anne had seen her that night. She knew. Alyse gaped at her chamber mate, her mouth bone dry. How much would she tell? The disagreeable girl continued to stare at her, arching her neck, a triumphant smirk on her face. Eyes wide, Princess Joanna looked from Anne to her before leaning forward. “Is this true, Lady Alyse? What dire transgression have you committed?”
Excerpt #2
Alyse’s heart lurched at the sight of Thomas. She rose, trembling, and murmured, “Your Highness,” but looked expectantly at Lord Braeton. His eyes met hers, distant and cool. Puzzled, she turned her attention to the princess, who was herding her other women toward the door to her bedchamber.“Lady Maurya, Lady Anne, Margaret,” the princess beckoned them. “Lord Braeton would have a moment with Lady Alyse. Would you attend me, please?” Princess Joanna passed Alyse, caressing her arm as she led the confused women through the door. At the touch, Alyse sought the princess’s eyes. Fear gripped her heart at the pity she saw there.“Thomas.” Alyse curtsied quickly then blurted out the fear she had fought almost since Geoffrey had left. “Is my lord well? Have you news for me?” Thanks to Anne and Margaret’s thoughtless comments, she had become convinced Geoffrey had fallen ill with Sir Robert’s ailment and now himself hovered between life and death.Avoiding her eyes, Thomas answered briefly. “Aye, my lady. When I left him, Geoffrey was well enough.”While relieved at his words, a shadow still lay on her heart. If Geoffrey was not ill, why had Thomas’s manner changed? What had summoned this aloof stranger? He was withholding something from her. “And Sir Roland?”He hesitated, searching her eyes then looking away. He fisted his hands. “Sir Roland is…has…”Alyse could stand it no longer. She crossed to stand directly before Thomas, laid a cold hand upon his arm, and gripped it. “Tell me.”The fact that there was something he could not bring himself to tell her filled her with terror. He said Geoffrey was well enough when he left. What about now? Before she could question him further, he drew out a folded piece of parchment, sealed with blue wax and stamped with a signet ring bearing Geoffrey’s family crest. She stared at it. “Geoffrey bade me place this in your hand and no other, my lady.” Thomas thrust the missive toward her.Alyse compelled herself to hold her hand out . He sighed. “He also bade me be at your service, lady, had you need of anything.” He gave the parchment into her hand. As he did so, she looked into his eyes and recognized the same pity she had seen in Princess Joanna’s.Panic made her arms weak and her fingers numb. She forced her shaking hands to break the seal. Alyse unfolded the letter and slowly read the scratched and blurry words.* * * *In her bedchamber, Princess Joanna waited with Maurya, Anne, and Margaret. The women’s faces had changed from puzzlement to fear. Joanna looked from one maid to another, trying to hide her despondency. So many prayers had not been answered today.Anne finally summoned the courage to ask, “Your Highness, what has happened?” She choked back tears. “I meant no harm, earlier. Indeed,” she crossed herself, “I wish Sir Roland and Sir Geoffrey long life.” She turned stricken eyes toward Joanna and whispered, “Is Sir Geoffrey—” She got no further before a wrenching wail of anguish shattered the hushed room, as though the very walls echoed the sound. The four women stood rooted to the floor at the almost inhuman shriek of grief. The sound cut off abruptly, and in the eerie silence that followed, they heard the soft thud of a body hitting the floor.
Excerpt #3
With the sigh of a martyr at the stake, Alyse nodded and Anne leaped forth and stripped the linen shift from her. She fought the impulse to shield her breasts and womanhood; apparently brides were expected to be appraised as if a horse at market. The only stare that sent a shiver up her back, however, was Lady Carlyle’s. The woman’s lips twisted into a sneer as her gaze swept Alyse from head to toe. A look of triumph she did not understand lit the lady’s face and Alyse turned her back, quite willing to allow Anne to drop the silk chemise over her head.When she turned back to the company, loud “ahs’ and whispers of “indecent” ran through the women. Alyse looked down at herself. As she feared, the sheer material revealed every swell of her breasts. As the fabric moved across them, her nipples hardened, poking the garment out to sharp points. Maurya stepped behind her and began to brush her hair again. “Pay them no mind, Alyse,” she whispered. “You are more beautiful than any of them. And I warrant Lord Braeton will have no qualms about you whatsoever in that shift.” Before Alyse could reply, the door burst open and the laughing, swearing, drinking chorus of male courtiers who attended Thomas strode in. And stopped. The sudden silence intensified the tension in the small room. Their eyes rested on Alyse, who stared back at them and prayed she would not faint again.As suddenly as the silence descended it broke, and a babble of laughter, praise and ribald jests issued forth from the appreciative gentlemen. To her utter humiliation, Alyse recognized Patrick Sullivan, Roger Delaney, and Robert Spencer among the courtiers. All stared at her still, Patrick leaning over to comment to Sir Roger, who laughed and nodded in agreement. She blinked back tears of rage, but stood quietly lest they make even more sport of her. From the corner of her eye, she caught movement in the doorway, and several men and ladies moved to make way for the final actor in this terrible play. Thomas strode grandly into the chamber, smiling as though he walked in a decorous procession. Attired in a splendid robe of green wool, adorned with velvet down the center edges and fur at collar and cuffs, he swept her a low bow. He laughed as he arose, but the sound died on his lips when at last he registered her figure in the blue chemise. The stunned look in his eyes was swiftly replaced by a hot hunger that made her gasp. Any hope she had of him honoring his promise died with that look.“Lady Braeton.” He held out his hand, and Alyse had no choice but to take it. He raised it to his lips, searing her flesh with their warm touch. “You are a vision I scarce would credit this side of heaven.” She peered into his darkened eyes, seeking mercy. At the almost imperceptible nod of his head, she could breathe again.He released her and stepped back. “The wedding is done.” Thomas nodded to his attendants, who stepped forward. “Let the bedding be done as well.” Stretching forth his arms, he waited as the men stripped the robe from him, revealing his perfectly nude body beneath.
About the Author
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She is currently working to release Betrayal at the end of January and finishing revisions to her fifth full length novel, To Woo A Wicked Widow, set in Regency England and the first book in her five part series, The Widow’s Club.
Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginiawith her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
Links:BlogFacebookTwitter: @Jenna_Jaxon
Betrothal at Amazon
December 24, 2013
...Christmas Cookies, Edits, and a Surprise Move...
Hello hello hello! First off, Happy Holidays from me. I hope you all are enjoying lots of time with your family and friends, eating copious amounts of candy canes, and chugging eggnog!
I can't believe it's already Christmas. I'm an elf. I mean, I love the season so much, the sheer level of my excitement should be illegal. Usually I have my Christmas cards in the mail by the end of November. We do all of the traditions, cutting down the tree, trimming it while eating warm cookies and cider, filling the table with holiday foods, parties, Christmas lights, holiday movie marathons, the works. But this year, I've done none of it!!
If you are following me on facebook, you know we've been going through a surprise move this past week. We didn't plan on moving during the holidays so it's been a huge chore that neither me or my husband were mentally prepared for. December has been a blur and I can't wait to finally have everything unpacked and in order. All I want for Christmas is for my house to be unpacked!!
I'm still opening each box with the hopes that our stockings will be in there, because my children are very concerned about Santa not having anything to stuff. I have a good feeling though. Today is going to be the day we find them!
In other news, Love in the Time of the Dead is doing awesome :) I'm a debut author and didn't have a clue what to expect, but two months after release, it is still staying high in the amazon rankings and has spent a straight month on an amazon best sellers list. Go zombie go!!
The last round of copy edits are completed and sent in for An Unwilling Husband, and is in line edits right now. We're getting so close to having an ARC of it for review, and in just a little over 2 tiny months, it'll be released!!! Already getting mentally geared up to promote it. Oh, you guys are going to love Maggie's story :D I can't wait to share it with you.
Edits on The Dawson Brides are complete and my lovely agent, Elizabeth, is in the process of shopping the trilogy. Also, my awesome beta reader, Amy, sent in notes for the second book to Love in the Time of the Dead, so as soon as I get settled into the house and get through the holidays, I'll be working on the next draft of Love at the End of Days.
Been busy busy around here, but it's not a bad problem to have ;)
I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year :)
I can't believe it's already Christmas. I'm an elf. I mean, I love the season so much, the sheer level of my excitement should be illegal. Usually I have my Christmas cards in the mail by the end of November. We do all of the traditions, cutting down the tree, trimming it while eating warm cookies and cider, filling the table with holiday foods, parties, Christmas lights, holiday movie marathons, the works. But this year, I've done none of it!!
If you are following me on facebook, you know we've been going through a surprise move this past week. We didn't plan on moving during the holidays so it's been a huge chore that neither me or my husband were mentally prepared for. December has been a blur and I can't wait to finally have everything unpacked and in order. All I want for Christmas is for my house to be unpacked!!
I'm still opening each box with the hopes that our stockings will be in there, because my children are very concerned about Santa not having anything to stuff. I have a good feeling though. Today is going to be the day we find them!
In other news, Love in the Time of the Dead is doing awesome :) I'm a debut author and didn't have a clue what to expect, but two months after release, it is still staying high in the amazon rankings and has spent a straight month on an amazon best sellers list. Go zombie go!!
The last round of copy edits are completed and sent in for An Unwilling Husband, and is in line edits right now. We're getting so close to having an ARC of it for review, and in just a little over 2 tiny months, it'll be released!!! Already getting mentally geared up to promote it. Oh, you guys are going to love Maggie's story :D I can't wait to share it with you.
Edits on The Dawson Brides are complete and my lovely agent, Elizabeth, is in the process of shopping the trilogy. Also, my awesome beta reader, Amy, sent in notes for the second book to Love in the Time of the Dead, so as soon as I get settled into the house and get through the holidays, I'll be working on the next draft of Love at the End of Days.
Been busy busy around here, but it's not a bad problem to have ;)
I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year :)
December 16, 2013
...Love, Lust, and Christmas Kisses...
I'm ecstatic to announce my upcoming participation in Love Lust and Christmas Kisses Facebook Party on December 22nd. I mean, the swag prizes are epic. In addition to a $50 gift card grand prize (who couldn't use that around the holidays?!), twenty-four awesome authors are offering smoochtastic prizes as well. A signed paperback of Love in the Time of the Dead will be up for grabs! Lots of fun and games and a chance to discover new books and authors.
Hope to see you there!
Love Lust and Lipstick Kisses Multi-author Event
Love, Lust and Lipstick Stains is pleased to announce we're hosting an amazing multi-author Facebook event. On the 22nd December from 1pm-5pm EST 24 authors will joining together to spread some Christmas cheer and give away some amazing prizes, including a grand prize of a $50 gift card plus tons of swag, ebooks, paperbacks and more.
So if you would like a break from the stresses of Christmas and fancy the chance to play games and chat with some of the hottest authors around, stop on by on Facebook.
Join the event HERE.
Hope to see you there!
Love Lust and Lipstick Kisses Multi-author Event
Love, Lust and Lipstick Stains is pleased to announce we're hosting an amazing multi-author Facebook event. On the 22nd December from 1pm-5pm EST 24 authors will joining together to spread some Christmas cheer and give away some amazing prizes, including a grand prize of a $50 gift card plus tons of swag, ebooks, paperbacks and more.
So if you would like a break from the stresses of Christmas and fancy the chance to play games and chat with some of the hottest authors around, stop on by on Facebook.
Join the event HERE.
November 29, 2013
...Ghost Lover (A Rehabilitated Darling)...
I am ecstatic to welcome Liza O'Connor to the blog to talk about her upcoming Lyrical Press release (just a few more days!), Ghost Lover. An awesomely supportive author with talent up to her eyeballs, it's always a pleasure to have Liza visit.
A Rehabilitated Darling
Originally, I began this book at the crisis that caused Senna to sell all her belongings, agree to marry Brendon, and head to England. However starting at that point resulted in two serious problems.1) Despite all the funny dialogue, my readers got very upset with Brendon for stealing Senna’s money. No doubt due to the fact she becomes very upset over the matter.2) Readers did not like the planned marriage between Senna and the thief at all.Thus, I had written the perfect beginning to ensure no reader would read beyond chapter two.
Personally, I have a great tolerance for bad behavior, but clearly, I had let my characters go over the line.
It broke my heart, but I had to cut chapters one and two from my book, so people would read on. But I refused to kill these lovely fellows. Instead, I sent them to marketing. My hope is that in little pieces with explanations justifying the terrible acts, you’ll laugh rather than get mad at Brendon. I promise you, everything works out perfectly for all my main characters, just not as originally planned. Life is like that you know. Doors close, windows open, skylights leak.So let me introduce you to Senna
She seems a little down, don’t you think?That’s because Brendon has decided the time has come to make a huge change for the better in Senna’s life. But to do that, he has to send her into a financial crisis, so she’ll accept his better plan.
Financially, Senna lives on the edge, so to create her downfall, he only has to steal the last $400 in her bank account, causing her rent check to bounce and the landlord to evict her.
Here’s the original beginning of my book after she discovers what he has done (but not why he has done it).***“I have a proposal for you.” Brendon forced his expensive polished loafer in the crack of the door so Senna couldn’t slam it shut.Seething with anger, she rammed her body against the door. “Whatever it is, the answer is no.” Unable to dislodge her unwanted roommate’s foot, she kicked at his shoe. “You’re lucky I haven’t called the police.”“Oh Senna, don’t be that way.” His vowels resonated with sensual eloquence that almost mesmerized her. The moment she ceased pushing against the door, he eased it open a foot and leaned against the doorframe. “I have a plan that will more than pay you back.”She’d once admitted she loved the British accent, and ever since, whenever Brendon wanted something, his voice became so rich and eloquent that Richard Burton would have been envious. It wasn’t going to work this time. He had gone too far. She was on the verge of forgetting all her anger management lessons. Even now, he didn’t look sorry. He merely grinned. She grabbed him by his tailored silk shirt—a shirt he either shoplifted or bought with her money. “Give me back my four hundred dollars, and then I’ll listen to your plan.” He caressed her angry, white knuckles. “I’m sorry I borrowed your bank card. I’ll give the card back if you want.” “If I want?” Blood pounded within her head. She shoved herself away before she gave into the temptation to pummel him to death. “Don’t do me any favors. Keep the damn thing! I had it cancelled the second the bank called and told me I was overdrawn. You’re just damn lucky I realized it was you who swiped my card. Otherwise, you’d be wanted by the police.” A faint smile tugged at his lips.Realizing her words had put him at ease, she slammed her hands against his chest, hoping to knock him into the hall so she could lock her door.All she achieved was getting tangled in his arms. His baby blues sparkled with delight. “How ‘bout I let you slap me around a bit.” She struggled to escape his embrace. “You’d no doubt like that. Frickin little pervert that you are…”Senna retreated into her one room ‘hovel’ as Brendon frequently called it. Her foot caught on the edge of the wooden crate she used as a coffee table, causing her purse to fall to the floor. “Shoot!” She knelt to gather up the contents before Brendon could steal something else. Upon securing her anger management book, she sighed. All her hard earned self-control of her emotions—he seemed to have stolen that as well. Brendon closed the apartment door and joined her, helping her collect her purse’s contents. “That’s why we’re so good for each other.” She shoved the anger management book into her purse. “We are not good for each other. You are the equivalent of a plague of locusts that has infested and ruined my life since the day you broke my window pane and crawled in!” He handed her two pencils and thick blue rubber band. “Well, you have to admit, I stopped doing so once you gave me a key.” She stared at the pencils, tempted to stab him. Taking a deep breath, she glared instead. “I couldn’t afford to keep buying new glass for the pane. Had I realized when you said you’d be staying ‘just a week’ that you were speaking in biblical terms, I would have bought a gun and shot you instead!”Brendon laughed as he gathered up several packets of ketchup. These he tossed at the wastebasket in the kitchenette, missing his target by several inches. “Senna, you can’t even hurt a spider. You carry them to the window and let them out. How could you shoot a handsome charmer like me?”
How indeed? Truth is, despite her infamous temper, when Brendon is not actively ruining her life, he’s right, she does like some things about him.
While every other woman on the planet seemed to find Brendon physically irresistible, she, at least, was saved from that insidious nightmare. Her feelings toward Brendon were more like she felt for a stray dog. Even if it had the mange, she’d let the poor creature in and give it her last drop of milk and crackers. She frowned. Maybe she could switch Brendon out for a mangy mute. The dog would be much easier to live with.
Neither spoke for a long time. It was one of the odd compatibilities between them. They both liked silence. So when Senna wasn’t yelling at him, they could sit for hours in total, peaceful silence.
See, in little pieces he’s not so bad…Or I hope he’s not.If you still hate him, I suggest you focus on the older brother, Gar.
And after a rough introduction, he falls for Senna as well.Two brothers, who don’t like each other, fighting for the same girl? That could be a problem.Which causes the ancestral ghost Lassier to get involved in the matter…
That’s what Lassier looks like when he’s floating the halls. It’s why Gar won’t have parties or people over. It doesn’t take long for Lassier to fall in love with her too.Lassier’s ghost cat (ocelot) wants me to let you know he loves Senna as well. Here’s a painting Lassier did of Mr. Finch when alive:
Mr. Finch has never learned how to become visible, but oddly, he does have sufficient weight to make his presence known.So we should all thank Brendon for Senna’s money and convincing her to come to England, where she’ll live a life of luxury instead of becoming homeless.Senna thrives and blooms in her new environment or would if I didn’t keep throwing alligators into the mix. (theoretical not actual ones.)
Ghost LoverBy Liza O’Connor
Contemporary Romance with a touch of paranormal
Blurb
Two sexy English brothers. One irresistible ghost. Who would you choose as your lover?Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let him marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him--beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.
CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.
Excerpt
Brendon moved to the window and stared out. “I don’t think you realized how bad things became for me when Nan died. I’d lost the onlyperson who cared for me. I had no one left. The million dollars I lost on a roulette wheel wasn’t done just to get rid of the cook. I did it to get your attention. While you didn’t give a shit about me, you’ve always loved money. And it worked. You finally noticed me.”“And sent you away,” Gar said with remorse.“Yeah.” Brendon turned and gave him a faint smile. “Not exactly the response I’d hoped for, but it turned out all right. I met Senna and since then life keeps getting easier with each day. Now I find I even like you most of the time.”“Well, the feeling is mutual. You’re still eccentric, but you’ve a good heart and good intent, and I’m proud you’re my brother.”Suddenly the door opened and Senna walked in looking at both men with concern. “Are you two having a fight?”“Not at all.” Brendon smiled. “In fact, Gar told me he’s proud I’m his brother.”Senna’s eyes filled with appreciation as she grinned at Gar.Her smile almost broke Gar’s heart. God help him, but Brendon had nailed the truth. He did love Senna, and more than anything, he wanted her to be his wife.
About Liza O'Connor
Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog, Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIZA O'CONNOR &GHOST LOVER:
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter
To Be Released December 2, 2013
Click Here for More Information
FREEBIE!!!!
To One Lucky Commenter, I’ll give away one copy of Worst Week Ever
What do you get when you put a hardworking, can-do middle-class young woman together with an egoistical, outrageous, billionaire boss, then throw in the worst week of disasters imaginable?A humorous disaster romance of epic proportions.
* Just leave an email address in your comment *
A Rehabilitated Darling
Originally, I began this book at the crisis that caused Senna to sell all her belongings, agree to marry Brendon, and head to England. However starting at that point resulted in two serious problems.1) Despite all the funny dialogue, my readers got very upset with Brendon for stealing Senna’s money. No doubt due to the fact she becomes very upset over the matter.2) Readers did not like the planned marriage between Senna and the thief at all.Thus, I had written the perfect beginning to ensure no reader would read beyond chapter two.
Personally, I have a great tolerance for bad behavior, but clearly, I had let my characters go over the line.
It broke my heart, but I had to cut chapters one and two from my book, so people would read on. But I refused to kill these lovely fellows. Instead, I sent them to marketing. My hope is that in little pieces with explanations justifying the terrible acts, you’ll laugh rather than get mad at Brendon. I promise you, everything works out perfectly for all my main characters, just not as originally planned. Life is like that you know. Doors close, windows open, skylights leak.So let me introduce you to Senna
She seems a little down, don’t you think?That’s because Brendon has decided the time has come to make a huge change for the better in Senna’s life. But to do that, he has to send her into a financial crisis, so she’ll accept his better plan.
Financially, Senna lives on the edge, so to create her downfall, he only has to steal the last $400 in her bank account, causing her rent check to bounce and the landlord to evict her.
Here’s the original beginning of my book after she discovers what he has done (but not why he has done it).***“I have a proposal for you.” Brendon forced his expensive polished loafer in the crack of the door so Senna couldn’t slam it shut.Seething with anger, she rammed her body against the door. “Whatever it is, the answer is no.” Unable to dislodge her unwanted roommate’s foot, she kicked at his shoe. “You’re lucky I haven’t called the police.”“Oh Senna, don’t be that way.” His vowels resonated with sensual eloquence that almost mesmerized her. The moment she ceased pushing against the door, he eased it open a foot and leaned against the doorframe. “I have a plan that will more than pay you back.”She’d once admitted she loved the British accent, and ever since, whenever Brendon wanted something, his voice became so rich and eloquent that Richard Burton would have been envious. It wasn’t going to work this time. He had gone too far. She was on the verge of forgetting all her anger management lessons. Even now, he didn’t look sorry. He merely grinned. She grabbed him by his tailored silk shirt—a shirt he either shoplifted or bought with her money. “Give me back my four hundred dollars, and then I’ll listen to your plan.” He caressed her angry, white knuckles. “I’m sorry I borrowed your bank card. I’ll give the card back if you want.” “If I want?” Blood pounded within her head. She shoved herself away before she gave into the temptation to pummel him to death. “Don’t do me any favors. Keep the damn thing! I had it cancelled the second the bank called and told me I was overdrawn. You’re just damn lucky I realized it was you who swiped my card. Otherwise, you’d be wanted by the police.” A faint smile tugged at his lips.Realizing her words had put him at ease, she slammed her hands against his chest, hoping to knock him into the hall so she could lock her door.All she achieved was getting tangled in his arms. His baby blues sparkled with delight. “How ‘bout I let you slap me around a bit.” She struggled to escape his embrace. “You’d no doubt like that. Frickin little pervert that you are…”Senna retreated into her one room ‘hovel’ as Brendon frequently called it. Her foot caught on the edge of the wooden crate she used as a coffee table, causing her purse to fall to the floor. “Shoot!” She knelt to gather up the contents before Brendon could steal something else. Upon securing her anger management book, she sighed. All her hard earned self-control of her emotions—he seemed to have stolen that as well. Brendon closed the apartment door and joined her, helping her collect her purse’s contents. “That’s why we’re so good for each other.” She shoved the anger management book into her purse. “We are not good for each other. You are the equivalent of a plague of locusts that has infested and ruined my life since the day you broke my window pane and crawled in!” He handed her two pencils and thick blue rubber band. “Well, you have to admit, I stopped doing so once you gave me a key.” She stared at the pencils, tempted to stab him. Taking a deep breath, she glared instead. “I couldn’t afford to keep buying new glass for the pane. Had I realized when you said you’d be staying ‘just a week’ that you were speaking in biblical terms, I would have bought a gun and shot you instead!”Brendon laughed as he gathered up several packets of ketchup. These he tossed at the wastebasket in the kitchenette, missing his target by several inches. “Senna, you can’t even hurt a spider. You carry them to the window and let them out. How could you shoot a handsome charmer like me?”
How indeed? Truth is, despite her infamous temper, when Brendon is not actively ruining her life, he’s right, she does like some things about him.
While every other woman on the planet seemed to find Brendon physically irresistible, she, at least, was saved from that insidious nightmare. Her feelings toward Brendon were more like she felt for a stray dog. Even if it had the mange, she’d let the poor creature in and give it her last drop of milk and crackers. She frowned. Maybe she could switch Brendon out for a mangy mute. The dog would be much easier to live with.
Neither spoke for a long time. It was one of the odd compatibilities between them. They both liked silence. So when Senna wasn’t yelling at him, they could sit for hours in total, peaceful silence.
See, in little pieces he’s not so bad…Or I hope he’s not.If you still hate him, I suggest you focus on the older brother, Gar.
And after a rough introduction, he falls for Senna as well.Two brothers, who don’t like each other, fighting for the same girl? That could be a problem.Which causes the ancestral ghost Lassier to get involved in the matter…
That’s what Lassier looks like when he’s floating the halls. It’s why Gar won’t have parties or people over. It doesn’t take long for Lassier to fall in love with her too.Lassier’s ghost cat (ocelot) wants me to let you know he loves Senna as well. Here’s a painting Lassier did of Mr. Finch when alive:
Mr. Finch has never learned how to become visible, but oddly, he does have sufficient weight to make his presence known.So we should all thank Brendon for Senna’s money and convincing her to come to England, where she’ll live a life of luxury instead of becoming homeless.Senna thrives and blooms in her new environment or would if I didn’t keep throwing alligators into the mix. (theoretical not actual ones.)
Ghost LoverBy Liza O’Connor
Contemporary Romance with a touch of paranormal
Blurb
Two sexy English brothers. One irresistible ghost. Who would you choose as your lover?Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let him marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him--beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.
CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.
Excerpt
Brendon moved to the window and stared out. “I don’t think you realized how bad things became for me when Nan died. I’d lost the onlyperson who cared for me. I had no one left. The million dollars I lost on a roulette wheel wasn’t done just to get rid of the cook. I did it to get your attention. While you didn’t give a shit about me, you’ve always loved money. And it worked. You finally noticed me.”“And sent you away,” Gar said with remorse.“Yeah.” Brendon turned and gave him a faint smile. “Not exactly the response I’d hoped for, but it turned out all right. I met Senna and since then life keeps getting easier with each day. Now I find I even like you most of the time.”“Well, the feeling is mutual. You’re still eccentric, but you’ve a good heart and good intent, and I’m proud you’re my brother.”Suddenly the door opened and Senna walked in looking at both men with concern. “Are you two having a fight?”“Not at all.” Brendon smiled. “In fact, Gar told me he’s proud I’m his brother.”Senna’s eyes filled with appreciation as she grinned at Gar.Her smile almost broke Gar’s heart. God help him, but Brendon had nailed the truth. He did love Senna, and more than anything, he wanted her to be his wife.
About Liza O'Connor
Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog, Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIZA O'CONNOR &GHOST LOVER:
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter
To Be Released December 2, 2013
Click Here for More Information
FREEBIE!!!!
To One Lucky Commenter, I’ll give away one copy of Worst Week Ever
What do you get when you put a hardworking, can-do middle-class young woman together with an egoistical, outrageous, billionaire boss, then throw in the worst week of disasters imaginable?A humorous disaster romance of epic proportions.
* Just leave an email address in your comment *
November 16, 2013
...First Frost is Now Available for FREE...
Hello Sexy Survivalists!
I have good news for you - Lyrical Press' anthology of autumn themed short stories is now available FREE for e-readers. It's the perfect book to snuggle up by the fire and read and it has something for everyone. With stories ranging from sweet to sizzling, you're sure to find stories that hit on all the right notes for you. Nine Lyrical authors came together and created short stories just for this anthology as a humongous THANK YOU to our readers.
My paranormal romance short story, Slip the Skin, is included in the First Frost anthology and promises a fun adventure with a woman on her last legs and the harley-riding werewolf determined to save her.
First Frost quickly climbed the Amazon charts and is wiggling it's way into our readers hearts. Come check out what the buzz is about!
Kindle
Slip the Skin
Excerpt
Graham Hayes had destroyed the human mold and slid right into demigod territory. His dark brown hair was cropped short and his chiseled jaw housed two perfect dimples under radiant sky blue eyes. Even the slight lines etched into his perfectly masculine face said he smiled a lot, and the way his muscles worked against his suit revealed he was every bit as fit as his V-shaped jacket suggested. And he was tall. Not lanky but built like an unwavering redwood. Though he’d been self-deprecating about his occupation, she’d watched The Bodyguard so many times, she’d finally given in and bought the danged movie a few years back. He was exactly her type. If she weren’t dying.
I have good news for you - Lyrical Press' anthology of autumn themed short stories is now available FREE for e-readers. It's the perfect book to snuggle up by the fire and read and it has something for everyone. With stories ranging from sweet to sizzling, you're sure to find stories that hit on all the right notes for you. Nine Lyrical authors came together and created short stories just for this anthology as a humongous THANK YOU to our readers.My paranormal romance short story, Slip the Skin, is included in the First Frost anthology and promises a fun adventure with a woman on her last legs and the harley-riding werewolf determined to save her.
First Frost quickly climbed the Amazon charts and is wiggling it's way into our readers hearts. Come check out what the buzz is about!
Kindle
Slip the Skin
Excerpt
Graham Hayes had destroyed the human mold and slid right into demigod territory. His dark brown hair was cropped short and his chiseled jaw housed two perfect dimples under radiant sky blue eyes. Even the slight lines etched into his perfectly masculine face said he smiled a lot, and the way his muscles worked against his suit revealed he was every bit as fit as his V-shaped jacket suggested. And he was tall. Not lanky but built like an unwavering redwood. Though he’d been self-deprecating about his occupation, she’d watched The Bodyguard so many times, she’d finally given in and bought the danged movie a few years back. He was exactly her type. If she weren’t dying.
