Christmas Blues

Love Holiday Series Book 2

by K.T. Bishop

What happens when your dream doesn’t look like it will ever come true? Deron “Mudcat” Williams was working in a dead-end job…a job that his father and grandfather worked at and retired from. Yet Mudcat wanted to become a well-known Blues musician. His dream was dying before he even had a chance to take a shot at a recording label. Until Peggy Sue walked into the club that one night.

What happens when you’re close to losing the one thing you worked hard to keep? Peggy Sue Cashion is in jeopardy of losing her record business unless she can find a hot new singer to sign. The label is all she has left after her husband left her and she’s determined to make it successful.

A chance meeting starts the beautiful friendship between Peggy Sue and Mudcat. Each of them has fears but they form a business relationship and friendship first that allows things to blossom into something more.

K.T. Bishop writes stories that are sure to entertain. The detailed description of Mudcat’s decision about his job was heartwarming and very real to me. I grew up in a town where everyone worked at the same company for generations. My grandfather and father both worked for US. Steel and when a strike put my father’s job on the line, I remember how apprehensive he was to go anywhere else. Pick up this book and see for yourself how K.T. keeps readers engaged and asking for more.

Getting married is pretty stressful! If it isn't the million people who want a say in your life, it's the finances! I can only imagine how it would be for Amber and Kevin as they are trying to start their lives. Check out this wonderful book and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!

The Beginning of Forever by Vallory Vance

Amber Grayson, a conservative executive, found true love with fiancé, Kevin Miller. He infused her life with a sense of adventure and challenged her thoughts about appropriate bedroom behavior. After such a steamy affair, Amber was expecting nothing less during their engagement.

Even with the rushed timetable for the wedding combined with the stress of merging their households and finances, Amber is excited to begin a family with the man of her dreams. However, the beginning of forever is more difficult than either of them thought.

Locked in a battle of wills, Amber and Kevin find their commitment to each other and their future tested. Is this the beginning of their lives together or the end?

Excerpt 

“I got a few hours before the pictures, right?” Kevin hopped into the truck, spinning off along another gravel road toward a grove of towering trees.

“I’m going to cancel. It’s too nasty out.” She leaned her head against the window, gazing out at the brown tangle of limbs bowing over the truck, threatening to snap at any second.

“Tomorrow, then.”

With so little time before the wedding, this would be the only opportunity for photographs to be taken. If the photographer could be rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon or perhaps over the weekend, then it would be fine. If not in the next few days, then engagement photos, like the engagement party, would have to be scrapped

Kevin squeezed along her thigh, loosening the muscles that were starting to knot. “Amber…”

“It’s okay.”

She pulled out her phone and called the photographer, her heart dropping into her stomach as the woman explained that she couldn’t possibly reschedule until sometime after the next two weeks. “I’ll give you a call back once I move some things around.”

There’d be no moving of things. No engagement photos. She sighed in tune with the patter of rain starting to cover the windshield again.

“Just call somebody else.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“It’s not that hard.” Kevin slowed the truck to a stop and unsnapped her seat belt.

“Uh…” Between the zip of the fabric across her chest and the unexpected crush of his lips on hers, she was spinning, bumping against the door in a mental tizzy. Her mouth opened further, accepting the fierce entrance of his tongue with a soft moan. She gripped his large shoulders, holding steady against the force of his hand tangling in her hair as the moan in her throat deepened. Photographs? What photographs?

“This isn’t going to ruin the next few days, is it?” His gruff whisper fanned heat against her ear.

“No…” She waited for his mouth to find hers again but he was buckling her back into place.

“Good.”

Buy Links:    Amazon      Barnes & Noble 

 



About the Author:

Vallory Vance is a color inside the lines, Human Resources professional living in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex by day. After her family consisting of a husband of almost twenty years, three kids and two dogs have filled her evenings with laughter, she sits down to her laptop to write tales of the first moments of falling in love when nothing else seems to matter.

As a fortieth birthday present to herself, she decided to share her stories of romances that range from sweet to spicy with use of an occasional prop.

Author Links:    Site        Twitter 

 


Giveaway:

Vallory Vance is giving away 10 e-copies of In the Moment, the novella that started Amber and Kevin's story.

For a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

Here's the recipe for those of you who want to try it! 


Perfectly Proper Scones

Makes 8 scones

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar, plus a teaspoon for sprinkling

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (one stick) cold unsalted butter

½ cup dried currants (I use cherries or blueberries)

½ cup white chocolate morsels (I don’t measure and just throw them in)

½ cup plain yogurt

1 large egg

Frosting Topping:

powdered sugar

milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut up the butter into small pieces and work into the flour mixture with your fingers (mixture should resemble wet sand). Stir in currants and chocolate.

In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and egg until blended.

Using a fork, stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (Warning: this will get sticky!)

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and pat into about an 8 inch circle. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp sugar. Use a sharp knife (I use a butter knife) and cut the dough into 8 parts (like you’d cut a pizza). Place the scones on a baking sheet (lightly greased or lined with parchment paper), about one inch apart. Bake unil tops are just golden, about 20 minutes. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes or so.

Mix the powered sugar and milk in a small cup until it resembles a thick liquid. Pour over the scones. Let dry and then enjoy!

Enchanted Waves by Ciara Lake

Tabitha Lock's mundane life changes when her future walks out of the sea into her arms.

Attorney Tabitha Lock has put her career before everything, including her love life. Exhausted from too many late nights, early mornings, and endless days spent in court, Tabitha is at the end of her rope. Add to that the sensual dreams and voices that haunt her sleep, and she's driven to the edge of her sanity.

Jax Aquila, Mer prince and son of Poseidon, is ordered to locate a mortal female in the twenty-first century. Although this woman is unaware of it, she has vampire heritage, but her immortality was forsaken to her due to the sins of her ancestor. Old hatred and prejudice toward vampires push Jax toward pursing his own agenda and avoiding his assigned task.

When Jax meets Tabitha, he has no idea this enticing woman is the one he was sent to find. The magic of their attraction drives him to pursue the beautiful woman. When he discovers the truth, can he accept Tabitha for what she is? And can Tabitha accept herself? As they struggle with the issues at hand, an ancient evil stirs, waiting in the darkness to reclaim their lost position among the immortals. When the evil ones make their move and Tabitha's life hangs in the balance can Jax find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?

Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence




Excerpt: 

A wisp of air blew Tabitha's curls around her face. The urge to scream boiled up within her. "Leave me alone. Don't talk to me while I'm wide awake too. Give it a rest." She gritted her teeth. "This is only my imagination." She watched her lips say the words.

Unexpectedly, a buzzing rang out, and she jumped, her heart fluttering.

"I'm going to faint from fright." She leaned against the counter top, breathing heavily. She pointed at herself in the mirror. "Get a hold of yourself. The buzz is only my cellphone alarm." Tabitha shook her head, tossing her hair all over her head. "I look like a mad woman. Oh yeah, I am one." She laughed almost hysterically.

Going back to her nightstand, she checked the time on her cellphone.

"Oh no, it's after eight AM already. Damn, I didn't hear the first alarm." I'm going to be late, again.

She tossed the phone toward the bed. It bounced off. She moved to catch it, but missed. It nearly hit the floor then without her touching it, it stopped, moved midair, and landed on the bed.

Tabitha stared at it for several seconds. "No way. That didn't happen. I prayed for these crazy things to end." She buried her face in her hands and sat on the edge of the bed.

I've got to get to work. Pulling her nightgown over her head, she tossed it to the floor. Her energy drained, she plopped back down on the bed.

"I've gotta focus on work. I must be strong." She stared at a painting on the wall. "Not again. I won't go through this stuff again." She allowed her mind to relax, and as she studied the beautiful colors of the painting, her eyes shut.

A cool breeze blew across her heated skin. "My child, all is not forsaken to you."

"Shut up! Do you hear me?" Tabitha put her hands over her ears and shook her head wildly. "Just shut up." The thunder rumbled again as if to emphasis her words.

I have to get up now, I'm late. Tabitha rushed to the shower. The glass door slammed behind her. She turned the water on then leaned against the tile wall and closed her eyes.

The hot water and steam was soothing—it felt wonderful. As the water washed over her, she thought of the reoccurring voice and the dreams which felt too real. The voice had spoken to her on and off all throughout her life, but for the last three years, it had been silent. The dreams, however, had continued throughout the years, and as of late they'd been more intense, more sensual. The dreams were far more disquieting than the voice.

Suddenly, her shower stopped, and her world went into a spin. She was falling, hurtling to the ground. She reached out, desperate to grab hold of something to stop her. There was nothing to catch onto before she hit bottom.

Complete darkness made her blind. The smell of the damp earth surrounded her, filling her lungs. No longer was she in her bathroom. "Help me, let me out of here. Help me, dear God help me," Tabitha screamed. She pushed at the ground above her, the walls next to her. "No, this can't be happening."

She hit the hard, damp ground. It hurt her hands but she continued to slam against the hard earth. I hate dark, cold places. Her fingers bled, the coppery smell filling her prison. This place could be her grave. Am I dead?

Then an overpowering smell of salt water mixed with her blood took over her senses, making her gag. "What's happening?" In a flash, she was back in her shower, on the floor with the hot water running over her. Stunned, she got up and sat on the shower's bench. Her legs were wobbly. "God help me." She moaned, rocking back and forth to soothe herself.

Reluctantly, she stood to rinse herself off. Shaking, she stepped out of the shower as if in a trance. What am I going to do? I can't tell anyone this is happening to me. I'd be committed. She picked up a towel and dried herself. Again, her world went dark, and she fell, hitting the tile floor. Her head slammed into something hard.

Silky sheets entwined between her legs. A fire crackled nearby. Warm, strong arms embraced her, pulling her tight. Wake up, I've got to wake up. Her mind grasped for reality.

"What troubles you, my love?" A man kissed her shoulder. "I need you, my mate, you make me whole." The man whispered soothing words to her. His voice, his words, made her tingle to her very core. Her womb ached with the need to have him fill her. He spoke to her with such love it made her yearn for more of him.

Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press



                                                                               ~~~~~~~~




About the Author:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.


Author Links:     Site      Facebook

The woman on the cover looks like a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. I wish I could be more like the woman on the cover but I'm a mouse when it comes to asking for what I want. How about you??

Black Baroness by R.B. Michaels

Kelli has a fantasy, to see how many men she can tease and send down in flames in one night. Then she meets her match- a retired hockey player who takes her to his penalty box for her misconduct.

Excerpt:

Kelli she stepped into the ladies room off the lobby, checking herself one last time in the large mirror. She dabbed on a touch more lip gloss then ran her fingers through her shoulder length curly, blond hair, teasing it just a bit more. Her eye shadow, Sapphire Seduction, made her blue eyes bluer. She smacked her lips together blending the gloss as she tugged the top of her skintight black satin dress, making sure plenty of her full, round breasts peered over the top. Kelli stepped back, examining her petite, shapely body from head to toe. Turning slightly, she checked the seams of her black silk stockings, each ran in a straight line from the top of her four inch stiletto heels, up the back of her legs, disappearing under her short skin tight dress. “Damn, you look good girl!  This is gonna be fun.”  She smiled at herself in the mirror then walked out of the ladies room, heading toward the bar.

Kelli was pleased to see a large crowd as she stepped into the hotel The room was abuzz with laughter and conversations. Men and women clustered together, enjoying themselves and dressed to impress.

At one end of the bar, a man sat by himself. He decidedly did not fit in with the rest of the crowd, dressed in jeans, and a jersey with Oilers emblazoned across the front.  He looked about as out of places in this Manhattan bar, as a hooker in a convent.

 Buy at Crimson Frost Books                  Cover Designed by Gilded Heart Designs





Giveaway:

R.B. Michaels is giving away an eCopy of Black Baroness.

For a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

Romancing the Stars Anthology


Fantasies that will make you see stars

Sexy stars abound in this collection of five, naughty stories that take you from red carpet premieres to time off from the screen and the auditioning, filming, and parties in between.

Featuring young love rekindled, old lovers reunited, multicultural and interracial red carpet hook ups with the potential for more, and a BDSM couple with unexpected proclivities, there's something to curl everyone's toes and leave them fans craving more.

Stories in the anthology:

A Sunday Kind of Love by Kacey Hammell

For Sunday Reardon, once an A-list actress, leaving the spotlight, hectic schedules and tabloid gossips behind for the quiet tranquility of her hometown was the best decision she ever made. She’s surrounded by her family, her gardens and has everything she needs. Except the love of her life, a past co-star who offered so many promises years ago, only to break them all.

When she’s nominated for an Academy Award, Sunday’s world shifts into confusion and what-might-have-beens as she comes face to face with the one man who broke her heart…and still sets her body on fire.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 
Red Carpet Release by Emma Lai

Kalea Janssen is happy with her life behind the camera, but when the on-screen talent gets sick, she does what any good producer would, she covers the red carpet affair. The only problem is wardrobe. She has to squeeze her size 14 top into a size 10.

When seams fly at the worst possible moment, enigmatic movie star Eric Flynt, with some prodding, offers his jacket and escorts her from the scene to a private room where she can repair the damage.

Once alone, will both be more interested in seeing Kalea fully released from her clothing?

Special Guest Appearances by Stephen Raymond and Rachel Harrington from First Take
 
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Private Screening by Sandra Sookoo

J.D. Perkins is living the dream. He’s Hollywood’s hottest black movie star with the world at his feet—until he meets a curvy redhead at a private screening. She has no idea who he is and isn’t dialed into his fame, but the rush of desire he feels for her is all too real.

Meghan Darling is attending the glitzy affair as a favor, but she’d rather be at home reading or writing children’s stories. Mixing with Hollywood’s A-list makes her as uncomfortable as the stilettos she’s wearing, yet there’s something about J.D. she can’t ignore.

A spur of the moment decision on J.D.’s part ushers in an evening of incognito antics—no names, no jobs, nothing except fantasy… except Hollywood is a more sticky web than either of them counted on. It’ll take determination and star power to bridge the worlds separating these two.


<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Silver Screen Dom by Marie Tuhart

Michael Levin is a rising Hollywood star up for a career-making role. The pressure is intense, but thankfully the leading lady in his life, Kelsey Pierce, knows just how to wield the whip and ease his tension. However, when his potential co-star schemes to take Kelsey’s place in his off-screen life, Michael has to switch to Master mode, a role he’s more than comfortable with, and assume command.

Can Michael and Kelsey’s relationship withstand the strain, or will they survive the games and find long-lasting love?

Special Guest Appearance by Nicki Masters from Movie Magic

<<<<<<<<<<<<
Take Two by Lacey Wolfe

Years ago, Chloe Flowers lost her virginity to Sean Cooper, before he was a hot shot Hollywood star. When he left Bradberry, she stayed behind and built a life that included regular visits to help his grandmother, the same woman who has a secret plan to re-unite the two lovers.

Claiming she is sick, Ms. Cooper lures Sean home.  Then she asks Chloe to come by and take her to the grocery store. Only when Chloe shows, Ms. Cooper has gone gambling with a friend, leaving Sean all alone in the house.

Should Chloe take advantage of the set-up and have a weekend she'll never forget or leave before old feelings resurface?





Buy Links:     Amazon    All Romance eBooks   Smashwords

What would you do to protect the people you care about? This book-Revenge in Rio asks that question! Samantha Darling is sharing about how to juggle it all in her busy life. Check it out and enter the giveaway!


Juggling the kids, the day job and the writing.

Works finished. The dinners cooked, check. The kids are bathed and in bed, check. I’ve spent some time with my hubby (making sure he doesn’t feel left out), check. I’ve washed the dishes and done the laundry, check. We all know how the list goes….on and on and on and on with the end never in sight. So, when do I write amongst all of these day-to-day regular things that take up so much of our time?

Good question!

Usually once the top four things are done, I’ll sit in the lounge with the laptop balancing on my knees and start to tap away. By this time it’s around 9pm so I know I have about an hour – hour and half’s worth of stamina left in me.

First and foremost I’m a mummy to my gorgeous identical twin boys and a wife to my gorgeous (I have to say that so he doesn’t feel neglected, right?) husband.

Then secondly, I’m a part time mental health nurse. It’s not my dream job (we all know what that is – being a full time writer of course :)) but it pays the bills and the shifts suit around the family at the moment. I kind of ‘fell’ into nursing as my mum is also a nurse, my step dad was and so is my husband. I was ‘keeping it in the family’ I suppose you could say.

Then thirdly comes my writing. Just because it ranks at number three, doesn’t mean that it means less to me. It just means I have to prioritize and sadly that’s where its sits at the moment. BUT one day I’m hoping that it will rest very comfortably at number two instead of nursing :)

It’s a bit of job juggling work, family and making time for my passion, writing but I wouldn’t change it for the moment. It keeps me on my toes and besides; the nursing career has given me some great food for thought over the years that I can incorporate into my stories!

Revenge in Rio by Samantha Darling

Calculated revenge, unexpected passion…

Business magnate Luca Venancio is returning to Rio to pay his respects to his late brother, and to seduce his once fiancée, Daniella, back into his bed. Five years ago she left him without so much as a word, shunning him and the rich life he could offer in exchange for his younger, reckless brother. Now Luca wants revenge—seduce her and dump her, that's all he intends to do.

Blackmailed into a violent farce of a marriage, Daniella had no choice but to comply to protect Luca's life, even though it meant never being able to see him again. Years later, a twist of fate reunites them, throwing her plans of fleeing Rio out of the window and the love of her life straight back in.

Luca's flawless plan soon becomes complicated when he discovers Daniella is expecting his brother's child. It becomes even more complicated when old passions return. Can he actually go through with seducing her, bedding her, and then discarding her?

Excerpt:

"I will get out here," Daniella said, reaching for the door handle.

"No, keep driving," Luca ordered, glaring at the chauffeur and pressing the central lock button.

Although he hadn't been back to the house, he clearly remembered where his brother had lived. It had been his parents' home and he'd grown up there. He would never forget the decrepit building that had desperately needed restoring. Paint had chipped and flaked off of the dreary walls, and the rooms were so small they felt claustrophobic. He'd spent many nights sitting on the roof listening to faint arguments between his parents, whilst he dreamed of a better life.

"You don't think I at least deserve an explanation? Some minor clarification as to why you just left me in the dark?" Luca stared at her intently, and she opened and then quickly closed her mouth again, biting down on her bottom lip until it darkened to a deeper tone of pink.

He kept his eyes on her, not even blinking, as he looked her up and down. She was a shadow of the vibrant girl he remembered; the Daniella he had known five years ago. Sitting beside him now she was scared, the fear was wild in her eyes, and she was clearly malnourished, evident from the black sack of a dress, which hung off her delicate frame.

"When did you last eat something?" It was more of a demand than a question.

"Excuse me?" He finally had her attention.

"You heard me. When did you last eat something?"

"That's none of your business." She pulled the cardigan tighter around her midriff and turned away from him.

"I'm concerned. You look ill."

"Well, I'm not. I'm…I'm…" He watched as she stumbled for her words. "I'm just grieving, okay?"

Fair enough, she may have been grieving for the last twenty-four hours. It was bound to have been a grueling short space of time for her to comprehend Miguel's death and have the customary quick funeral. But what about before Miguel's death? The circles under her eyes and fading blue marks across her jaw were old; her skin and hair were dull and lifeless and told a story.

They sat in silence as the chauffeur strategically maneuvered the Bentley through the favela's never-ending maze of winding roads, passing makeshift house upon house, small street markets, and gangs on each corner. Luca's eyes fixed on the house in front of them when the car eased to a halt a few meters away from their destination, and he recognized it instantly as his childhood home.

Reaching for the door, Daniella pulled on it a couple of times before he pressed the central locking release.

She looked over her shoulder and whispered, "You really have to go now."

He had given in far too easily years ago, this time he was a different man; a man who always got what he wanted, however cruel and ruthless he had to be. He had to remember that. Love had left him weak and feeble. It had taken time to gather himself and learn to never let emotions take over. Work was his haven, a place for him to focus and throw himself and his energy into. He would prove to Daniella that she had made the wrong choice.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Luca's fingers brushed against her dark curls and the nape of her neck. "I'm not going anywhere this time." He leaned closer, his gaze fixed on her mouth. "I've come for something and I intend to get it."

About the Author:

I live in Essex, not too far from London, with my very understanding husband, our identical twin boys, and two Bedlington Terriers. We're crammed into our rather cozy two-up two-down terrace and we can barely swing a cat, but hey, we love it. I work part-time as a nurse, but when I'm off duty, you will find me either chasing the toddlers around like a headless chicken, head buried in a book, or tapping away at my stories.

I have always loved to read and romance is by far my favorite genre! You can easily escape into such promising worlds, where sexy Alpha males lead the way and strong heroines often can't help but fall head over heels in love. I adore a Happy Ever After, as I'm sure we all do if we're honest, right?

Reading and writing go hand in hand, and from the day I could read, I enjoyed writing. To put pen to paper and conjure up weird and wonderful little stories was what I thrived on! English was my favorite class at school right throughout to secondary, and I will always be thankful for the teachers who gave me the opportunities to develop and be creative! If I remember rightly, one of my first stories was called The Turkey Who Could Talk…but I'll tell you more about that some other day.

Author Links:     Site    Twitter    Facebook 

Giveaway:

Samantha is giving away a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card during her tour. 

For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

Don't you love this cover? The leaves are beautiful! I can't wait to share this book with you because you are going to love the sexy sweet romance.

Falling by Tara Mills

Brilliant leaves and crisp clean air aren't the only things to blow into Meredith McCoy's quiet neighborhood. But when her tranquil autumn morning is shattered by the noise and belching exhaust of a small engine, she and her sexy new neighbor clash. It looks like the old adage, fences make better neighbors, is actually true. Or is it? 

Perhaps there's some common leaf-strewn ground to be found for these two after all.

Excerpt: 

Tearing the top of the bag apart, Meredith hugged it to her chest then proceeded to pace around the kitchen, eating one pretzel after another as she rounded her little butcher block in the middle of the room.  She was eating salty snacks and doing laps in her kitchen—and slowing every time she passed the window above the sink so she could watch Garrett as he cleaned up his mess outside.

He must think she’s insane.  He’d moved in two months ago and she hadn’t spoken one word to him—until today. Then she came off as completely hostile. Meredith groaned. Bet he thinks she’s got a major case of PMS. No way could she come right out and deny it!

Another loop, another brooding sigh, another pretzel munched as she watched the muscles in his arms bulge, his firm buttocks flex, his dark hair stir in the nippy wind. He had a great profile. The little jag in his nose hinted at a bad boy past. There were so many questions she wanted to ask. So many details to be pried out of him but she’d blown her opportunity by blowing her top.

The kettle exploded with a shrill whistle and Meredith jumped, scattering pretzels all over the floor around her. She ran to shut off the burner, tossing what was left in the bag onto the counter on the way.

Pouring out the hot water, she started thinking perhaps she should offer Garrett something. To drink, she clarified impatiently. She had coffee, tea, cocoa, diet soda. It was the neighborly thing to do. Call it an olive branch, if you will.

Join Tara Mills October 26th at 8PM EST on Facebook to talk about her newest release. 


                  Buy at Crimson Frost Books             Cover Made by Nekkid Designs





About the Author:

I write stories I like to read--contemporary romances with identifiable characters and themes.  Life is hard.  Love makes it bearable. If you enjoy stories with heat and humor, I have a title for you.

I'm a pampered wife, lucky mom to three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law, and I recently became a very young grandma. I should probably underline the word very.  Oh heck, why not the word young too?  Nah, you get the picture.  I'm also the daily monitor of one naughty dog with attitude.

Author Links:  Site    Facebook      Twitter





Giveaway:

Tara is giving away an eBook copy of Falling. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win.

Sexcation by Elise Whyles

Tony Richards has it all— or at least that's what his friends say. With money, prestige and women falling all over him, something is still missing. When his best friend Shelly tells him about a unique resort, Tony is both thrilled and apprehensive.

 Bad boy Chet Monroe has spent the last two years working hard to afford a week long trip to Aphrodite's Island resort. He's not looking for anything special, just a chance to relax. Until he arrives and meets the man of his dreams.

 When Tony sees Chet, he's instantly smitten with the handsome, if somewhat rugged man with the tattoos and attitude, but it’s his chance to have his ultimate fantasy. Can the rancher and the bartender find forever when their week is up?

Excerpt: 

“You need to get laid.” Shelly’s annoying voice echoed in his ear as the gentle swell of the sea rocked the private yacht currently easing into dock. Tony stared out over the blue-green sea with a detached sort of fascination. A narrow strip of beach followed the sea line as far as he could see. Lush green trees reached for the sky. He sure as hell wasn’t in Wyoming anymore. The crackle of a microphone drew his attention to the tall woman at the helm.

A peach colored bikini barely covered her breasts, her long hair was pulled back in a thick braid and designer sunglasses covered her eyes. “Good morning everyone. I hope your flight was pleasant. Before we disembark, I have a couple of things to go over with you.”

Tony fidgeted in his seat, fighting the nervousness in his belly. He wasn’t so sure this was a good idea, not that he’d been all fired up about it when Shelly had handed him the ticket and told him to go. He adjusted the brim of his Stetson, his eyes looking out over the tropical island. Nope, it had to be one of Shelly’s worst ideas ever.

“This is Aphrodite’s Island, a specialty resort. We cater to a select group, dealing in sexual fantasies. To ensure everyone is safe and happy with their stay, we do have rules.” She held up a fist with her index finger extended. “One—if the person you are involved with says no, they mean no. It’s not a maybe, or I’ll think about it, unless its a fantasy you’ve already discussed and have agreed to the circumstance before hand. Disregarding this will ensure you are penalized to the fullest extent of the law.”

She lifted a second finger and inhaled. “Two—we ask that when you step into your fantasy you come up with a safe word to ensure your partner doesn’t take things too far beyond your comfort level. Our intent is to provide the best experience of your life, but in a way that respects everyone’s desires.”

Tony leaned forward on the plush leather chair at the hard note in the woman’s voice. “For health and safety reason, we do supply condoms in every room. We do not encourage unprotected sex. Are there any questions?”

“Yes ma’am,” a deep, smoky drawl from behind Tony sent a shiver of pleasure up his spine.

“Of course.”

“Is there any way off the island if we don’t want to continue?”

Tony turned in his seat to stare at the speaker. Thick black hair curled over the man’s shoulders. A large black and white tattoo of a wolf covered one shoulder and arm. Several others peaked from beneath the tank-top he wore. A pair of worn, faded jeans encased his legs, covering the tops of a pair of heavy boots as he lounged against the wall.

Tony felt the kick of attraction in his gut. Hot and tight, it twisted him into a knot of want. Turning, he face forward.  As sexy as he was, the ladies would be falling all over themselves to get into his bed. What a waste of man.

“We book the stays in a seven day rotation. Unless it’s an emergency or something very pressing, we do not have a routine ferry. Unfortunately, this means you do have to remain on the island for the duration. However, if you chose to step away from your fantasy, we do offer a non-sexual holiday.”

Yeah, non-sexual my ass. I’d love to have him riding me. Tony sighed, his mind racing as the woman continued on with details about transportation. He heard a couple of the other passengers ask questions but paid them little mind.



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About the Author:

 

Born in a small community, Elise Whyles lives in Canada with her son and husband. She’s currently working on the next book in the Canadian Heros Trilogy as well as the next book in the paranormal romance series Forsaken. Elise writes in multiple genres, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, m/m. To learn more about her or to drop her a note please stop by her website.

Author Links:        Site     Twitter    Facebook

I'm happy to share this book with you. Tamaria is a wonderful writer who will draw you into the characters' lives but this book has an important message...one you must read!

The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn't have her no one would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding relationship with Brock Maxwell. 

While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few years just the calm before the storm? 


Excerpt:

Erica picked it up and smiled when she saw it was Joann calling.

“Hey, Joann.”

“Hi, Erica. You busy?”

“No, not at all. I was just reading the paper.”

“Did you hear the news about Sawyer?”

Erica stood up.  Chills ran down her spine at the mention of his name. “What news?” she replied, just above a whisper.

“He’s getting married.”

The words stunned her.

“Erica, are you still there?” Joann asked.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm down so she could respond.

“How do you know?” she managed to stammer. So many feelings were flowing through her body as she paced the floor. They ranged from fear to relief. Was he truly moving on?

“Tim ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said they’re getting married in a few months.”

“Wow.” Erica breathed out.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. This is good news. He’s moved on. Maybe I can stop looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?”

“No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a business trip and Sawyer’s  cousin mentioned  that she’s much younger.”

“The poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He’s sexy and charming in the beginning and you’re so over the top in love with him.  You marry him and get so caught up in the fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he truly is. A monster,” Erica stoically stated.

“Erica, I know you went through hell with him, but it’s been two years. You have a terrific man in your life. I think it’s time you let go of the past and live again.”

Erica sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a freight train.  “I have a lot to think about. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Let’s get together soon.”

“Sounds great.”

“Erica, relax. The nightmare is finally over.” Her friend reassured her.

“Bye, Joann.” Erica ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free from that man once and for all?



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From the Author: 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse. This cause is very near to my heart.


Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics


§  Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.

§  Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

§  Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

§  Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

Those facts alone make you want stand up and do something. One thing you can do ifyou're in an abusive relationship or know someone that is please get help by calling the hotline.

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224


Things you can do to make a difference...

Donate to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence NCADV Site Support your local woman’s shelter by donating money, clothes, and basic toiletries.


End the Silence on Domestic Violence Dr Phil’s Site View Dr Phil’s Campaign 

About the Author:
Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.  
She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.  Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.


Author Links:    Site     Facebook Author Page     Twitter 



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