Guest blogger Randi Alexander

New Release and Book Giveaway!

I want to thank Mari for having me here today. The excerpt below is a scene I wrote from a memory of being in the hospital when I was very young. I had something going on with my foot, and had surgery, and had to ride around in this tiny little wheelchair.

I don't remember much about it, but when I picture it in my mind, I know it was a traumatic time. I'd never been away from home, and sleeping in a hospital all alone was scary. Actually, everything was scary. The needles, the doctors, the nurses. But I remember the day when all of us sick kids were brought down to the playroom where a volunteer was setting up to entertain us.

He was a young man, probably college age, and he had an old record player and a stack of 45s (those are small, single-song records, for those of you born post-8-track era. He played the records, and we all got to sing along to our favorite tunes, like Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and Mary Had a Little Lamb. It was so much fun, and such a nice change from sitting in my room watching TV.

I was released from the hospital just before my birthday, and I asked my parents for a little record player and some records. Because when I got bigger, I wanted to be able to go to hospitals and make other sick kids happy.

While my record player didn't last long enough for me to lead sing-a-longs, I do volunteer at my local children's hospital, playing with kids, reading to them, taking them for wheelchair rides, or just sitting with them in their rooms and talking. It's rewarding, and I always leave the hospital feeling that I've helped bring a tiny little bit of happiness into those children's day.

I hope you enjoy the excerpt.

My first book, Chase and Seduction was released May 27 from The Wild Rose Press' Cowboy Kink line.

Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything–and he's never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.

Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase's arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.

Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?

EXCERPT: Over 18 only

Chase played for an hour and a half. A few parents stood in the back of the room, the mobile kids danced, the ones in wheelchairs wiggled and clapped, and everyone sang along. A few called out their favorite songs and Chase was hard-pressed to remember the words to some of them, but he'd gotten good at making them up.

Reno sat smack in the middle of the kids on a tiny chair, her knees nearly up to her chin. But she sang along, clapped, and talked with the children. His heart filled with emotion each time he looked at her.

Then a nurse popped her head into the room. "Bedtime, everyone. Say thank you to Mr. Tanner, and start heading back to your rooms."

"Aw!"

"Already?"

Chase stood and set his guitar in its case. "I'll be back in a few days."

One little girl with IV lines into her stomach started crying, and her mother picked her up and brought her to Chase. She asked, "Can she give you a hug?"

His throat choked shut, and all he could do was nod.

"Cassie, thank Mr. Tanner for singing for you."

Cassie released her mother's neck and grabbed a hold of his. Her little body felt like a warm, soap-scented bird in his arms. "Tank you for singing." Then she kissed him full on the mouth.

A sweet-hot burn grew behind his eyes, and he whispered, "You're welcome, Cassie."

She stared at him, her tiny arms were light as feathers against his neck. She whispered, "I love you."

"I…love you, too." Chase blinked back a swell of tears as he handed her to her mother. They walked away, then he caught Reno's gaze.

Tears ran from her eyes down her cheeks.

He watched her, unmoving, unable to breathe for fear the tears would leak from his eyes. In his side vision, he saw the princess castle, the toy trucks, and the pretend kitchen. He'd love to have a kid. Maybe two. A boy and a girl. When he imagined his own little girl, she looked a lot like Reno.

To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I'm giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we'll choose a winner tomorrow. *Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.

I'm also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this contest, please go to my website, RandiAlexander.com And while you're there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.