Dani Jace's Blog, page 15
March 24, 2015
Romance Writers Weekly – Work in Progress
This week on Romance Writers Weekly, Raine Balkera wants to know what our authors are writing at the moment. Our group encompasses a variety of romance genres, so this weeks posts should be very interesting. Hopefully, you arrived here via Betty Bolte author of Samantha’s Secret which is releasing on April 21st.
Drifting Desires is my tagline for beachy romances and my brand. I’m currently working on a contemporary romance set on the Outer Banks for NC. A former military K9 handler with post traumatic stress is remodeling a beach house while searching through military bureaucracy for his dog. While jogging on the beach, Josh meets a woman who’s training a puppy to be a service dog.
The next morning she shows up at his door begging him to look after Sky after her pup sitter had pooped out. Instant puppy love ensues and the woman even starts to grow on him. Here’s my favorite scene thus far.
He put on some coffee and headed down stairs. Inside the large marble shower with the both rain and massaging shower heads, he steamed away his nightmare and the cold ocean breeze from the recent run, until a rapping at the door. He wasn’t expecting a delivery today and no contractor would be delivering this early.
Josh stuck his head under the beating water attempting to ignore the hammering. Finally, the pounding stopped. He cut the water, opened the door and snagged a towel off the rack. As he returned to his bedroom the knocking commenced again, at the second floor entry. “Damn it.”
He raced up the stairs and flung open the door. After blinking twice at a women in a business suit with a bag of puppy chow in her arms, a shrill bark directed his attention to her feet.
Sky. The Labrador he’d met on the beach yesterday with her owner.
“I’m sorry to bother you.” The woman shifted nervously in her high heels.
***
Tori had lost her mind, but she was out of options. The sight of his glistening bare chest froze her mouth before she could explain her presence.
He picked up Sky and leaned on the door jamb with only a terry towel wrapped around his lean hips. “It’s okay.”
“I know you don’t know me, and we only met on the beach 
yesterday, but can I pay you to watch her today?” She sounded desperate and she was. Over a year she’d been trying to get her divorce finalized. “I have to be in court in Virginia. I may be gone all day and my friend got called into work and…”
“She’ll be fine.” He raised a brow over mischievous gray eyes, took the food with his free hand and set it inside the door. Sky licked his cheek.
Lucky dog. “Thanks, I’m Tori.”
“Josh. How’d you know I was staying here?” He stepped back gesturing for her to come in out of the cold.
Her cheeks were surely pink now and not from the winter wind. “Ahh, I live across the street. Saw you coming and going in your pick-up. Plus the deliveries. Then yesterday on the beach.”
“Guess you figure I’m a push over for a furry face.” He glanced at the black bundle that seemed content against his muscular shoulder.
Damned lucky dog. “Umm yeah.” She checked her watch. “Can I get your number?” she asked while digging her phone from her bag. He spieled out his digits as she tapped on the display. “Can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“You get a discount at the home improvement store where you said you work?” He rubbed his chin that was still covered in light brown sexy scruff. Her fingers itched to touch.
God, the man didn’t even care he was half-naked in front of her as he bartered payment. He knew he had her at a disadvantaged no matter who showed more skin. “Twenty percent.”
“That’ll work. I need a new reciprocating saw.” He winked.
Jeez, why did he have to be such a good-looking dog lover? “Done.” She extended her hand. “I should be back around five.” Warm fingers clasped around hers. His solid grip felt secure. Something her marriage had sorely lacked. That nightmare that would end today. “Thanks.”
Hope you enjoyed my snippet. Any title suggestions would be appreciated. Now on to P.J. Fiala’s hot excerpt!
March 15, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors – Won’t Let Go
Today’s Weekend Writing Warriors #8Sunday post is entitled Won’t Let Go. I’m sharing eight sentenced from my untitled work in progress about a former military K9 handler in search of his dog. Last week Josh and his K9 partner, Luc, had returned from patrol when their encampment was hit by an RPG.
The explosion shook the dusty ground, vibrating through their bodies. In that millisecond, he prayed for his dog and his brothers in arms.
Hot shrapnel seared his leg and back. Still huddled over Luc, he crawled toward cover. Another soldier was already on the fifty hammering the hillside.
A medic pried Josh from around Luc mouthiing something. He didn’t give a shit about his injuries. As long as hell rained on them, Luc remained his responsibility.
Now it time to check out the other amazing authors at Weekend Writing Warriors.
March 8, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors 8 Sentence Sunday
Today on Weekend Writing Warriors #8Sunday, I’m sharing from my untitled work in progress about a former military K9 handler in search of his dog. Last week the story opened with Josh and his K9 partner, Luc, on patrol in Afghanistan searching for explosives.
A few steps further, Luc stopped again. Nose to the ground, his tail went up. Then he sat.
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Brian Zamiska, with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provides security with an Air Force military working dog during a patrol with members of the Afghan Border Police in the Tera Zeyi district, Afghanistan, Jan. 6, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Alex Kirk Amen, U.S. Army/Released)“Good boy.” Josh fished a florescent glow stick from his pocket, marked the sight, then he gave Luc his rubber chew toy in reward. They still had a few hundred yards before they’d make it back behind the wire. Even though Luc’s signal of an explosive device warned the platoon, Josh couldn’t know if it was set to blow by a pressure plate or remote. The unit of soldiers behind them waited and followed Josh and Luc a safe distance around the marked sight.
The sun beat low on the makeshift walls surrounding their unit’s temporary base. Once inside the gate, soldiers gave Luc their “atta boy” comments as they dispersed to their assigned duties.
Luck cocked his ears and growled. Josh hit the deck, covering his dog as pieces of rock rained down.
Now it time to check out the other amazing authors at Weekend Writing Warriors.
March 6, 2015
Pages to Publication Writers’ Conference
On March 14 the Pages to Publication, multi-genre writers’ conference, is being held at the Williamsburg Regional Library in Williamsburg, Virginia. For a mere $40 you’ll hear two speakers, Mary Behre and Meredith Bond. You’ll also have opportunity to pitch to editors, Dominique Eastwick, Valerie Mann, both from Decadent Publishing and/or Francis Sevilla from The Wild Rose Press.
Mary Behre‘s session is on “Writing Contests–How to get The Most 
Bang for Your Buck”
Mary discusses her secrets to going from contest winner to published author. Included in her talk, what agents and editors are looking for, how to find the right contest to fit your needs, classic mistakes to avoid, matching writing goals with contest goals, and the difference between being a contest winner and a contest queen. A multi-published author of paranormal romantic suspense novels, Mary used her experience as a contestant and a coordinator to turn a winning contest entry into a two-book deal with Berkley
Jumping Into Self-Publishing is Meredith Bond‘s workshop.
Are you thinking about jumping into the indie/self-publishing pool? Come on in, the water is cool and refreshing, although it does take a little while to get used to it. Meredith has self-published five books and will teach you all the strokes you need to know before you jump into the deep end. She’ll go over editing, covers, distributors (including, but not limited to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and CreateSpace) and formatting. Come prepared with questions and she’ll be ready with answers.
Hosted by Chesapeake Romance Writers, Pages to 
Publication is open to all authors, published and unpublished. They will also be announcing winners of their Finish the Damn Book writing contest. The conference is from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register and pay at Chesapeake Romance Writers. Hope to see you there. Now, I’m off to practice my pitch for my military, romance, Trident Valor, which won in the erotic category.
March 3, 2015
A Writers Space – Romance Writers Weekly
A writer’s space is the subject of the Romance Writers Weekly blog group this week. Elizabeth Jennette is asking about our muse’s haven and I hope you’ve been to her site as I’m following her on the hop this week.
Most times, I sit on the sofa with my laptop to write. I can’t stand the idea of being isolated in a room. That’s too much like the day job. Tuning out the TV is not that difficult, except when there’s a squealing goat commercial. LOL. What’s up with all that anyway?
When doing final edits, I’m more stringent and sit at the dining
room table. For me, the ultimate writing haven would be a house on the oceanfront with a wrap-around-porch. I’d also be cool with living in a celebrity type motor home and writing while traveling the country. That will never happen with my homelubber hubby, but one can always dream.
I enjoy burning candles when pouring out the muse. During this time of year, I’m particularly fond of Winter by Bath and Body. Anyone have an recommendations for a good spring candle?
Tech wise, I’d like to upgrade to a larger monitor. The laptop screen is too small when doing heavy edits. Plus it’d be nice to give my peepers some pampering now and then.
Now let’s see Raine Balkera writing den. Hope you’ll check out her book, Sing to Me.
Singer Liv Beckman thought she had left the horrors of her childhood behind, taking comfort in the safety of her reclusive existence. But, she thought wrong. When her first kiss walks into the recording studio, those memories and that kiss resurface to send Liv into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Regrets compete with anger while a smoldering desire to reconnect struggles to crack the protective wall she’s built around her heart.
Liv’s reluctance to let it all go won’t make it easy for her very determined first crush to gain more than just her signature.
March 1, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors 8 Sentence Sunday
Today on Weekend Writing Warriors #8Sunday, I’m sharing from my current work in progress about a former military K9 handler in search of his dog.
Another hot as shit day making tracks on the moon dust of Afghanistan, Josh Daniels held the leash slack as Luc stared ahead, pointed ears tracking forward. The dog’s military grade flack vest only made the heat worse.
Luc continued sniffing the trail ahead, alert for any movement, or aberration indicative of an IED. Josh allowed his buddy do his job in the utmost efficiency he’d come to respect as Luc’s way. He was ready to go home, but not to leave his K9 brother in arms.
With Josh’s tour finishing in a couple of months, it didn’t seem to be soon enough for Tina. She’d already started e-mailing photos of platinum engagement rings. How in the hell, he’d ever maintain her style of living without taking the proffered job at Big Daddy’s company, he didn’t know.
Now it time to check out the other amazing authors at Weekend Writing Warriors.
February 28, 2015
14 Local Secrets Every New OBX Traveler Should Know
As a life long vacationer to OBX, the place is like my second home and these secrets are true! Great post by Twiddy & Co!
Originally posted on Twiddy & Company Outer Banks Blog:
Don’t buy your seafood at the supermarket. The beaches never close. Deflate your tires if you’re going to drive on the 4×4 beaches.
Some of these things may seem like no-brainers, but for a newbie to the Outer Banks, they could be game changers. Here are 14 excellent tips from folks that have lived here on the OBX for long enough to tell the tale:
14. Don’t buy your seafood at the supermarket:
Our Seafood markets get their fish right here on the OBX from Wanchese, the third largest seafood distribution center in the nation. It’s fresher, safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally-friendly than buying from the supermarket. Definitely don’t miss out the crabs, oysters, mahi, and tuna!
13. It’s 100% legal to have beer and wine on the beach:
Just remember we have family friendly beaches here so avoid glass, be nice, and clean up after yourself! Don’t forget to pack some water in your cooler so you don’t…
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February 22, 2015
Hot as Blazes Cover Reveal
Today I’m excited to reveal my cover for Hot as Blazes
When the Heat Gets Started
JoAnn Mercer was on the verge of surfer stardom when her career took a nosedive thanks to a backstabbing ex. Now she’s back home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, staying clear of men, desperately in need of a job. Joining the local firefighting squad seems like the perfect solution, until she realizes one of her coworkers is an old crush…
It Will Never Stop
Ray Andrews never runs away from a fight. He served his country in Iraq, and he’s battled more fires than he can count. But what he can’t fight is the desire burning between him and JoAnn Mercer. He’s wanted Jo for as long as he can remember, but a promise made years ago has kept them apart. Finally free of obligations, Ray is ready to prove he’s the only man for Jo. But after the trauma of her past, can he convince her to love again?
Excerpt:
His all-terrain tires hummed against the pavement as Ray navigated the beach road on autopilot, his brain playing catch-up. The mad tattoo in his chest subsided as he replayed the last few minutes. She was home.
Lost in eyes the shade of his favorite scotch, he’d used all his strength to turn and leave. Her loose ringlets of light chestnut felt like silk. He’d fallen in love with her years ago. She never had a clue, but with her talent for surfing, she was bound for bigger things than him.
He wound the Hummer into Station Twenty-One’s lot at the south end of the beach, a newer facility than his home station. He’d worked a few swing shifts with each of their rotating crews. Beyond the high-adrenaline nature of the job, the brotherhood and camaraderie filled a void in his life. Ray swung through the kitchen door where the crew had gathered for lunch.
“That’s quite a grin you’re sporting,” the captain said. “You rarely see a happy expression on anyone coming in on his day off.”
“Must’ve got laid,” another firefighter teased. “Looks like he just showered.”
He let the banter slide and eased onto an empty chair. He tossed some bills on the table for the grocery fund. They’d be feeding him dinner too.
“So?” The captain raised a bushy brow.
“Surfing. The sets were perfect.” He smiled. A sub sandwich slid in front of him.
Seeing Jo after five years was better than sex. Unless the sex happened to be with her. But that would be making love. Something he’d only imagined―a million times.
Hot as Blazes is available for pre-order at major e-book sellers and will release by Kensington/Lyrical on June 9, 2015.
February 21, 2015
Cookie Cutter by Jo Richardson
Iris Alden and Carter Blackwood couldn’t be more different. Change-averse Iris likes her life neat and organized, while Carter’s itchy feet mean he doesn’t plan to stay in the same place for long.When Carter moves into the house across the street from Iris, to renovate it, she fights the disruption it causes in her life. Before long, though, it’s not simply the house Carter’s rebuilding, but Iris’s heart, too.
Teaser:
“What are you doing here?”
It’s Carter freaking Blackwood. Of course.
He smiles that ridiculously bright, white smile of his and lets out a soft snicker. “I’m fixing a floor for a friend, what are you doing here?”
It’s completely obvious what I’m doing here, seeing as I’m carrying two huge trays of sugar cookies in my arms.
“A friend? You just moved in. How do you have friends already?” I say it a bit harsher than I probably should but honestly, how does he have friends already? James and I were here a good six months before people started really talking to me. It was a year before I could call any of them friends. The edges of Carter’s mouth turn down and his head dips to one side as his shoulders hunch then settle.
“People like me, I guess.”
The smug look on his face is enough to make me want to slap it. Or kiss it.
Wait. Not kiss it. I didn’t mean kiss it. Why am I staring at his lips?
“People who don’t want to kill me that is. Are you okay?”
I blink, and search my brain, but I’m still not quite sure what to say to him, so I extend my arms. “I brought cookies.” As soon as I say the words, I hear them. I sound ridiculous and Carter’s bright eyes crinkle with amusement.
He closes his lids and he breathes the baked goods in. Then hums. The sound of his voice sends a vibration through me and I shiver. I am eternally grateful that he doesn’t see it happen.
His eyes open slowly. When they reach mine, I’m glued to his stare like a deer in headlights.
“Those cookies smell really fucking good, Iris.”
The bedroom eyes catch me off guard and my mouth falls open so I snap it shut. I’m a buffoon with no ability to speak.
“Can I have one?” He reaches out and I balance the platter with one hand, then slap his fingers with the other while I find words. A word that is.
“No.”
“Ow.” He pulls his hand away, like a child getting reprimanded, only when we make eye contact again, he doesn’t seem child like to me.
I wouldn’t say he’s angry. He doesn’t exactly laugh, either. And his eyes gleam as he stares at me. I hate his eyes almost as much as I hate his teeth. Maybe more. Dammit, I’m staring, again.
“They’re for Ally’s class,” I tell him. “Fundraiser, I mean bake sale.” I fumble my words. He’s so frustrating.
A contemporary romcom
Release date: March 23, 2015
Publisher: Little Bird Publishing
Other works by Jo:
Cursed be the Wicked, a paranormal mystery romance, released March 2014 through Soul Mate Publishing
Lost in Christmas, a short story included in Soul Mate Publishing’s 2013 Christmas anthology
About Jo:
A movie fanatic, a writer of stories, a lover of life.
Jo grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity – but it was too cold up North for this thin blooded girl. So today, she lives in Florida with her two girls and a husband that shares her same sense of humor and basic take on life as we know it.
Life is too short to put dreams on the back burner.
Jo tells contemporary stories with romance, humor, the supernatural, the paranormal, suspense, mystery, action and anything else she can think up.
In 2012, she wrote Cursed be the Wicked, a character driven, paranormal mystery romance that was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing and released in March of 2014. Since then, Jo has also written a couple of short stories and her recently contracted contemporary romantic comedy, entitled Cookie Cutter, is set to release on March 23, 2015 through Little Bird Publishing.
Social Media:
WEBSITE: http://jrrichardsonfics.weebly.com
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/author/jrrichardsonfics
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JRRichardsonAuthor
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jofictionfreak
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/JRRichardson
February 19, 2015
Destination by A S Fenichel
This is A.S. Fenichel’s lovely cover for her newest release, Deception. From her series The Demon Hunters, Deception is book two and releases in July.
When Demons threaten Regency London, only a Lady can stop them.
Lillian Dellacourt is beautiful, refined and absolutely lethal. She’s also the most feared and merciless demon hunter in The Company. She’s come a long way from the penniless seamstress’s daughter sold to the highest bidder, and it wasn’t by trusting a man, let alone an exiled Marquis with more on his mind than slaying the hellspawn . . .
For Dorian Lambert, Marquis de Montalembert, being sent to keep track of Lillian is no mean task. He’s wanted the fiery vixen since he first heard of her five years ago. But wooing the lady while fighting the demon uprising is no easy feat, especially when the lady’s tongue is as sharp as the Japanese sai blades she favors for eviscerating the spawn of hell.
These two will have to learn to trust each other fast, because the demon master is back, and he’s planning to turn Edinburgh into a living hell…
A S’ novel is a paranormal historical romance published by Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing and will be released on July 7, 2015
Deception is available for Pre-order at the following sellers: Amazon
Check our her give-a-way
a Rafflecopter giveaway " target="_blank">Gift Card Raffle of $25 at Rafflecopter
You can find A.S. Fenichel at:
