I've been sharing with you sinful snippets from my most recent Secret Cravings book- Forever Love.


TJ and Syn were childhood sweethearts. But TJ let his hormones get in the way of his heart and Syn moves to Chicago after graduation. When Syn's father develops dementia, she returns to her hometown to care for him and meets up with TJ on the beach one day. This time TJ is determined to win back the girl of his heart.


Over the last few weeks, I've shared small scenes from the story of Syn and TJ's romance. Today Syn has something special planned. Come along for the ride!!
~~~~~Seducing a man was outside my range of experience. I’d had only a few simple lovers feeling that my virginity was more of a hindrance than a blessing. After arranging for Dad to have dinner with T.J.’s mom, I ran to the local grocery for the ingredients to my famous chicken piccata. Packing my picnic basket with everything we might need from food to beer, I hoped tonight would be perfect even while I deliberated if I’d be able to go through with my plan.


With the basket in my hands and a smile on my face, I jumped into T.J.’s truck when he arrived after dusk.


“Where to pretty lady?”


“Let’s go back to where it started. Let’s go to the beach.”

~~~~~

Last week, Syn and TJ were at the local VFW hall with her dad and TJ's mom. The double date was TJ's idea and a way of getting Syn out of the house after taking care of her father.

In Amherst, Ohio, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) hall is a local hang out for the over thirty crowd. Many of the gentlemen from town enjoy going there to have a beer or dinner. They sit around a room which has former war memorabilia or symbols of National pride on the walls.  The hall also hosts BINGO night and local events.  Many of the wives enjoy a night of dancing or an afternoon at the quilting club meetings.  


The VFW hall was even a part of my own growing up. I had my sweet sixteen party at one of the local halls and my wedding reception at another. These places were important to the small town as it brought the community together and gave them a place to hang out, visit and socialize. 


They weren't much to look at--just a simple brick building with a drop ceiling, linoleum floor, a kitchen and bar. Some had baseball fields out back or a volleyball court.  And while they were a very popular place to belong to, not everyone was welcome in the VFW. I remember when my mom had applied for our membership. She had to show proof that my great-grandfather served in one of the many wars.  Grandpa Mori was decorated for his actions in World War 1 and our membership was approved. Today some of his and my uncle's memorabilia sit on the shelves and honor their service. I haven't been back to the hall in over twenty years, yet my own father still goes at least once a week.


While you were growing up, what was an important place for you to spend time or an important part of your community? Did the club accept everyone? What things took place there? Leave a comment for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.  On Sunday evening, I will draw a name from the people who leave a comment.  You have to comment to enter!


Don't forget to check out the rest of the blog hop participants! You could win so much more! http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/.

THE DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

By Barbara Longley

BLURB:  

Ryan Malloy has lost it all. After his fiancée dies in a tragic accident, he enlists in the army, only to lose his best friend in a roadside bombing. Wracked with guilt and grief, Ryan finds life unbearable—until a job offer from his former commander gives him a glimmer of hope. And in the tiny town of Perfect, Indiana, the man who thought he had nothing left to live for meets the only woman who can tempt him into risking his battered heart one last time...

Paige Langford has it all: wealth, beauty, and ambition. But when her boyfriend’s betrayal leads to the loss of her job and her reputation, she retreats to her brother’s rural Indiana home to regroup. There she meets Ryan Malloy, a gruff, hard-drinking loner whose surly temper can’t hide the haunted misery in his eyes. He is everything Paige never wanted, yet he may be exactly what she needs—if only they can overcome their personal demons to forge a love strong enough to save them both.


EXCERPT:

Throwing her shoulders back, Paige knocked on Mr. Weil’s door.

“Come in,” he barked from inside.

Smoothing her face into a professional mien, she opened the door and strode in. One look at his expression, and she faltered. He looked serious. Seriously unhappy. What the hell?

“Have a seat, Langford.” He moved a pile of folders aside.

She took one of the chairs in front of his huge, imposing desk. “You wanted to see me?”

“Hmmm.” He scowled her way. “Meyer Construction needed our bid five business days ago. They never got it. They’ve gone with another supplier.”

An adrenaline shock hit her system, and her heart leaped to her throat. She gripped the arms of the chair. “That’s impossible! I sent that bid with a same-day courier two days before it was due.”

“Like I said—they never got it.” He leaned back in his expensive leather chair and fixed her with a baleful scowl. “I’ve also had two other accounts you handled complain that their bids were late, holding them up and delaying their contractors. If it weren’t for Anthony Rutger’s intervention, we would’ve lost those accounts as well.”

“Anthony’s…intervention?” Her mind spun with the implications. Anthony?

Her mind flew back to the day the courier had come to the lobby for the Meyer bid. She’d been in the middle of a phone call, and Anthony had offered to take the envelope down to the lobby for her. At the time, she’d thought it was sweet. Come to think of it, he’d also offered to put a few of her bids into the office’s outgoing mail bin for her. No, he wouldn’t purposefully sabotage her. Would he? They were a couple.

Heat filled her face. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“Damn straight it won’t. You’re fired.”

“Oh, no. There’s been a mistake. I had somebody else put the bids in the mail for me. They must’ve forgotten, or…” Shit. Shit. Shit. She glanced around the office as the reality of Anthony’s betrayal sank in. “I won’t let it happen again, Mr. Weil. I’ll get the Meyer account back somehow.” She sucked in a breath. “From now on, I will personally put things in the out bin myself, and—”

“Miss Langford, you’re done here.”

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

As a child, Barbara Longley moved frequently, learning early on how to entertain herself with stories. Adulthood didn’t tame her peripatetic ways: she has lived on an Appalachian commune, taught on an Indian reservation, and traveled the country from coast to coast. After having children of her own, she decided to try staying put, choosing Minnesota as her home. By day, she puts her master’s degree in special education to use teaching elementary school. By night, she explores all things mythical, paranormal, and newsworthy, channeling what she learns into her writing.

LINKS:

http://www.barbaralongley.com

It’s the one year anniversary of The Low Notes and I am so happy to be sharing the book all over again! Here is a little bit about the New Adult Romance all about forbidden love.

When a chance meeting between high school teacher Kevin Reed and singer Nina Jordan ignites an instant spark, they must decide if it's more important to follow your heart or follow the rules.

After caring for his dying father, Kevin Reed, returns to his hometown of Wexley Falls, bereaved, unemployed and exhausted at the thought of starting a new life. After a failed blind date, Kevin meets young singer Nina Jordan who takes his breath away with the sound of her voice. The connection is instantaneous and mutual on their first date, but both are crestfallen when they discover days later, to their horror, Nina is Kevin's student at the local high school.

Deciphering between notions of love and lust, fate and coincidence, Kevin and Nina find themselves unable to turn their backs on what they can't deny is a once in a lifetime feeling. Told from both perspectives, The Low Notes explores a love that feels right even though it seems wrong.

****

Excerpt:

It was his job as her teacher to fix the issue of her skipping class but it was his guilt as a man that made him wary of approaching her. He hadn't seen her since she walked out of his room, silently crushed. He looked for her in the halls and even scanned the lunchroom a few times to try to get a glimpse of her. He wondered if she was skipping all of her classes. He wondered if something happened to her, if she wasn’t coming back. The thought made his stomach twist miserably.

He flipped off the lights and closed the door behind him and headed towards the exit. The sky was still crystal clear and the breeze smelled of sweet summer scents just as it had the evening he and Nina spent together. The teacher’s lot was adjacent to the senior parking lot. It was a special privilege for twelfth graders to park closest to the school and avoid the trek underclassmen were forced to make every day from the far parking lot to the school.

Kevin dug in his bag for his keys as he leaned against his car door, his impatience taking over as he slammed the bag on the hood of his trunk to get another angle for his search. Finally he saw the glint of silver inside the black abyss. He grabbed the keys and looked up just in time to see her walking out of the building. She was alone. She was beautiful. Nina.

His breath caught in his chest seeing her stroll to her car. He noticed a thin white wire coming down around her slender neck. She was oblivious to her surroundings as she listened to a song Kevin could only imagine. He absently took a few brisk steps across the pavement in her direction. Nina glanced up from her purse and Kevin was in front of her in an instant. He watched as she pulled her earphones out and stared at him blankly.

Kevin drew in a deep breath before he spoke. “Hello Nina.” It was all he could manage to think of at the moment. Just seeing her face made him dizzy. He cursed himself for still wanting her. He should be the one with the grimace, not her. He noticed Nina shut her eyes for a moment, maybe in effort to make him disappear.

Buy Links:

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/The-Low-Notes-ebook/dp/B0083V285S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337209488&sr=1-1)

Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1110896148?ean=2940014427814)

Bookstrand (http://www.bookstrand.com/the-low-notes)

Are (http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thelownotes-792581-148.html) 

Author Links:

www.katerothwrites.com

www.facebook.com/authorkateroth

www.twitter.com/katerothwrites



Author Bio:

For most of her youth Kate Roth spent hours thinking up stories about love and relationships. Her passion for writing was sparked in big way in 2008 when she took a chance and signed up for a class to try and hone some of her former ideas into something more. What started as a novel writing course turned into Kate's dream come true of becoming a published author.

Kate Roth's debut novel, THE LOW NOTES, was released by Rebel Ink Press in 2012. She is currently working on a supernatural romance, RECKLESS RADIANCE, with hopes to publish in 2013.

She is inspired by music, film, art and of course other authors as well as the wealth of stories she has heard through her years as a professional hairstylist.

She lives in Indiana with her artist husband and rescue dog.

Demon by Laura DeLuca


Demon, Book Two in the Dark Musicals Trilogy, inspired by Sweeney Todd is available now in both PRINT and eBook!


When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren’t in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn.

It doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus.

Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd—both on and off the stage.

Excerpt: 

Rebecca unwound the silver ribbon. When she lifted the lid, she found two matching pendants, each laced to a long hemp chain. They were shaped sort of like seashells, with an endless spiral pattern that looped out from the center as the chambers grew larger. They were dark brown in color with a few hints of tan along the edges. The stones had been polished and smoothed on both sides, but when she lifted them, she could see that the two pieces fit together perfectly. She swore the halves fought to snap together, like magnets in her hand. There was an energy pulsing and vibrating within the stones that even a novice witch like Rebecca could feel.

“They’re beautiful,” Rebecca whispered as she ran her hand along the intricate grooves.

“It’s an ammonite.” Justyn lifted one of the pendants, brushed her hair to the side, and hooked the clasp around her neck. His breath tickled her skin as his hands moved with graceful dexterity, giving her goose bumps despite the humid August night. “They’re actually fossils that are millions of years old, named after Ammon, an ancient Egyptian deity. When they’re divided in half, they’re perfect mirrors of one another. Some cultures believe that if the two halves are given to lovers, it will bind them together forever. When made into necklaces, they’re often called soul mate pendants.”

“Wo-wow,” Rebecca stuttered. As usual, the sentiment behind Justyn’s gift was even more beautiful than the gift itself. It left her a little flustered. “That’s amazing. How do you know all this stuff?”

“You don’t spend eighteen years living with Darlene without learning a thing or two.”

Rebecca laughed. Justyn’s mother Darlene was definitely something special. EMT, exotic belly dancer, and Wiccan High Priestess were only a few of the titles she claimed. Rebecca knew she was a fountain of earth-based knowledge after years of studying the Craft. As Darlene’s new apprentice, Rebecca greedily dipped into that knowledge herself as often as possible.

“It’s beautiful,” Rebecca repeated, too overcome with emotion to think of anything more eloquent to say. “You certainly know how to make things interesting.”

“Like I told you on our first date, I try not to be boring.” He winked at her. “So … are you going to put mine on for me?”

“Oh yeah … sorry.”

Rebecca giggled as she lifted the hemp chain. She wasn’t nearly as graceful as Justyn. She almost dropped the necklace in the sand three times before she managed to get the clasp locked. When she finally had it secured, he placed his hand over her heart, where the ammonite lay. He did the same with her hands, lifting them to his chest. His dark eyes had lost all glimmer of humor. He met her gaze with a stare filled with genuine emotion. Beneath her fingers, she could feel the gentle, steady rhythm of his heart beating in perfect tune with her own.

“Our love will span both space and time. In this life and the next, you shall be mine. All eternity I will be by your side. For a love so strong cannot be denied. Spirit and flesh merged into one. So mote it be, for all days to come.”

When he was done with the recitation, he kissed her. Not just a gentle brush, but a deep, passionate embrace that left her throat tight and her heart pounding with a familiar  yearning.

“I’ve never heard that poem before,” she said once she’d caught her breath. “Who are you quoting?”

Even in the moonlight, she could see him blush. “I guess I was quoting myself. It was really more of an incantation than a poem though. These necklaces are meant to be a symbol of our love, and it seemed a little spell work could only add to the power of the stones. There is power in words, Becca. Just like there is power in nature.”

“You mean, you wrote that?”

He nodded, but his eyes twinkled, and the playfulness was back in his voice. “Well, actually, I just made it up as I went along.”

“Wow. Actor, singer, and now an improv poet slash chant writer. Is there anything you can’t do, Lord Justyn?”

He smiled and tilted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I can’t stop loving you.”

Demon Buy Links: Amazon    Smashwords   Barnes & Noble 

 You can also add Demon to your shelf on goodreads. 

Phantom, Dark Musicals Book #1

If you haven't read the first book in the series, now is a great time to get your copy. To celebrate the release of Demon, Phantom is now on sale for only $1.99 exclusively on Amazon!

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.


Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Buy Links: Amazon    Smashwords     Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player, and Demon.

Author Links:  Website      Facebook      Twitter     GoodReads      Pinterest 


                                     ~~~~

Giveaway:

Laura is giving away a Demon prize pack includes which includes a signed copy of Phantom, gothic key chain, incense gift set, mini Buddha figurine, lavender purification bath salts, geode, crystal point, natural stone pendant, and sage smudge stick with abalone shell.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only.

Still at the VFW hall, TJ and Syn are enjoying the music and the sight of her father and his mother dancing. But like any hot-blooded man, TJ can't keep his hands to himself. Better yet, TJ has a sense of humor that is very sexy! :)

                                                    ~~~~~~
“You had me convinced many years ago, but then you blew it. Now you’ll have to really impress me with your dance skills. Do you remember that high school dance we went to when we were dating? I can’t believe we slow danced to Stairway to Heaven! What a bad choice.”

“Hey, it wasn’t a bad choice as long as I got to hold you tight. But I’ll warn you, I have learned a few things about dancing—and other things—since then, and I can’t wait to show you,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Check out more of an excerpt on my website :)

Lacey is one of my favorite authors. Her Brookfield Series is dynamic and features a wonderful group of characters who will be sure to capture your imagination and heart. Take a break from ordinary and read a Lacey Wolfe book today!

Bed, Breakfast, and You by Lacey Wolfe

The Brookfield Series Prequel


Claire holds the keys to her future, in more than one way.

As if the recent death of Claire Stevens’ parents isn’t enough, someone wants to steal Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast right out from under her. But Claire isn’t about to roll over and let them. She’s prepared to fight.

Jace Brown is Brookfield’s main attorney, and after delivering the bad news to Claire about her property, he knows all about being on her bad side. 

As Claire gets to the bottom of this scandal, she’s surprised to have Jace by her side, fighting along with her. The attraction is instant, but can it last after the dust settles?

Excerpt:

Claire walked around the inside of Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast and made notes on things she wanted to do before the grand reopening. She’d planned on opening it almost right away, but with this tax crap, she knew she needed to wait. Which meant she had no money coming into her pocket. 


She remembered Jace needed a receptionist. Maybe she could temporarily work for him—the enemy. Then she’d be on the inside and she’d have access to files. She was brilliant. Why hadn’t she thought of this before? 
But would Jace hire her?


The chances were pretty slim, but it never hurt to ask.


She headed back to her cabin to find the card he’d given her with his info on it. She’d much rather be shot down for the job over the phone than in person. The papers were now in her bedroom on her nightstand. She sifted through them until she found the small rectangular business card. 


She pulled her cell phone from her back pocket and dialed the number.
“Jace Brown speaking,” he answered.


“Jace, it’s Claire.”


“What can I do for you?”


She smiled, now wishing she could see his face. “I’m calling about the assistant job. Do you still need someone?”


“Yeah, but—”


“With this mess going on, I could temporarily fill that position. I have no money coming in since I can’t reopen Honeycreek at the moment. And it would be a win-win for us both,” she explained.


“Yeah, but—”


“I just can’t see how it would be bad. You have someone to answer your phones and I’ll be able to make some money. And if I’m being honest, it might help me find the bad guy. Unless you’re the bad guy.”


“Can I speak now?” he asked.


She giggled. “Sure.”


“I’d love to hire you, but that would look odd, wouldn’t it?”


“What’s so odd about it? I need a job and you’re desperate to hire.”


“I’m not—”


“Yes, you are. So how about it? I’ll be there in the morning at eight sharp,” Claire said.
He sighed. “I’m not going to get a word in, am I?”


“The sooner you give me what I want, the sooner I’ll be out of your hair. And I have a feeling you’d like my case to get solved quickly. So, if you let me help, we can solve this together.”


“What about the sheriff? Isn’t he working on it?”


“He is. But I’ve never been one to sit around and wait. I like to take control.” She grinned. “If you know what I mean,” she added the last part for the laugh. She was sure Jace’s eyes were wide at the moment. 


“I’m only agreeing to this because I do need the help. I have no idea how this is going to work. But I guess I’ll see you at eight tomorrow.”


“Great. See you then.” She ended the call. 


That had worked out better than she’d expected. Then again, she hadn’t even given the poor man a chance to speak. She plopped down on her bed. Tomorrow she was going to begin getting to the bottom of this.


Buy Links: Amazon     Nook     All Romance    Kobo


Shades of Rose Tour:
http://sormarketing.blogspot.com/2013/04/bed-breakfast-and-you-by-lacey-wolfe.html

                                         ~~~~

Watch the Trailer:

Youtube Link

Other books available in the Brookfield Series:

Finding Home

Bare Necessities

Not Just Friends

~~~~

About the Author:

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.

Author Links:    Her Site      Twitter    Facebook