What do you think of when you hear the word Mistletoe? Most people think of the holidays and kissing. I looked up the custom and found it described in Wikipedia....

~According to an old Christmas custom, a man and a woman who meet under a hanging of mistletoe were obliged to kiss. The custom was described in 1820 by American author, Washington Irving in his writing, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.: 

The mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses and kitchens at Christmas, and the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases.

Growing up in Amherst, Ohio, I remember the small town holidays. The city streets were lit with large ornaments and ribbon. Mother liked to have parties at the house for her friends. Children were not invited, so we'd hide at the top of the stairs and sneak peeks. I clearly recall the homemade mistletoe that hung from the light fixture just inside the entryway. 

My mother made her own mistletoe. However, hers was made with candy. Using a styrofoam sphere, she wrapped a red velvet ribbon around the sphere. The ribbon could be used to also hang the mistletoe. Next, she'd use toothpicks inserted into small candy kisses to decorate the styrofoam.  When the holidays were over, we'd have  feast of chocolate. But now knowing the rules about picking the berries, I wonder if mom would have guests pick a piece of chocolate after stealing a kiss under the mistletoe.

What are your memories of Mistletoe? Were you ever caught kissing underneath it? Or in my case...did you steal a "kiss"?  In honor of the holidays, I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky person who leaves a comment below along with their email address between today and Dec. 23rd (midnight) . Don't forget to follow the hop to the next stop to win another fabulous prize! Just follow the link at the bottom of the page!

A Christmas Accident, an award winning holiday book! Only $0.99!

Blurb:
Expecting her first child, Sherri Wilder Davison wants nothing more than to spend time with her father over the holidays, but fate has a way of changing her best-laid plans.

Adam Davison is willing to do anything to make his pregnant wife happy. He will face hell to have her home for the holidays.

For Sherri and Adam, the holidays are a time of celebration and love, but this Christmas will be unlike any they have ever faced.

When a horrible blizzard causes an automobile accident that puts the lives of those Sherri loves on the line, can a Christmas miracle save them?


Excerpt:
Looking over at Adam, I’m amazed that such a handsome man could love me. Stubble showed on Adam’s rugged face. I liked the way the short growth of beard rubbed on my face when he nibbled on my ears. Adam’s dark brown hair was cut short, emphasizing his deep blue eyes and strong nose. The small dimple on his chin made him seem more approachable and much less serious. His tall stature and muscular body always made me feel precious yet delicate, like a porcelain doll, but Adam never treated me like anything other than a desirable woman.

“How are the roads? Do you think we can stop so I can use the bathroom? Your son is pushing on my bladder.” Wiggling in my seat, I tried to alleviate the uneasy pressure.

Adam looked over at me with a dreamy expression on his face. His gaze settled on my stomach as it undulated. “Sure, I could use some coffee. How are you feeling? Little Pea looks active tonight.”

“I’m okay except for the kicks to the bladder. I swear he’s practicing his temper tantrums so he has them right when he comes out. Oh Ricky, we are in so much trouble,” I replied with a silly high pitched whiney Lucille Ball-type voice, then smiled.

I am thankfully in the third trimester of my pregnancy. I’d passed the dangerous stage where many women miscarry as well as the dreaded morning sickness phase that sucks the very life out of a body. Now I had abundant energy and looked forward to finally getting ready to meet our son. We still had two more months to go but I already felt like a beached whale, not to mention the walking with a waddle. Adam loved talking to my stomach, he’d even been reading storybooks to our peanut each night.

Adam and I had eloped to Hawaii five years ago during our Christmas vacation. We’d kept our wedding private, only us. Today we are closer than most married couples, enjoying the same things, especially our cottage home on the Huron River, old movies, television shows, and snuggling up with a blanket on those cold Michigan nights.

While we both loved our families, neither one of us enjoyed traveling which became the basis for the fight. I’d won the the argument after the announcement of my father’s recent diagnosis. I’d spent hours on the phone with my sister, then on the internet gathering information on Alzheimer's. The dementia had already begun to kick in when Dad accidentally set fire to his home. Luckily, Syndie had already moved in with Dad and got him out of the house in time. My need for family had only become stronger since I’d learned about my pregnancy and the arrival of the first grandson.. I didn’t want my baby to miss out on his remaining grandparent.

Fear about my father never getting to meet or know my little peanut became a constant in my mind. Adam and I had distanced ourselves from our families over the years. We were always so happy spending time with just each other, we’d just never considered what those choices did to others. Having a baby changes things. My sister’s wedding invitation plus my dad’s diagnosis, well, both convinced me that we needed to get back to Ohio. Christmas seemed like a perfect excuse.

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This is one of my favorite stories. I love the idea of a marriage being saved not lost! And you can get it for free! Just check out the blurb and pick up a copy for yourself.

Vows by Tamaria Soana

Addison Klein’s marriage is falling apart. She’s contemplating whether she should fight to keep her family together or walk away. After the sudden death of her best friend, Peyton, and a vicious fight with her husband, Tyler, Addison knows she needs to decide what the future holds.

Just when Addison feels she's alone in making this life altering decision, she gets a little guidance from her guardian angel and rediscovers herself.  After some soul searching she realizes the vows she said on her wedding day meant something to her... for as long as we both shall live. 

With a new outlook on life Addison sets a plan in motion to seduce her husband.

Warning: adult language

Smashwords Buy Link

Watch the Trailer:   Youtube link

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

Natalie-Nicole's cover is mesmerizing. Each time I look at it, I see something more. Her book sounds like an engaging read that is sure to draw you in. Check out her blurb and excerpt to see for yourself. 

SEE ME by Natalie-Nicole Bates

Carly Anders  is hearing voices in her head. Another one of her kind is trying to contact her. She knows of the malevolent freaks—others who are eternal like her and seek out the weak to inflict pain upon. For years, Carly has held up huge protective walls to keep herself and her secrets safe. Now, physically and mentally exhausted, Carly needs protection and rest.

She accepts the invitation to visit an internet friend who needs help appraising a collection of antique photographs.  The situation is not ideal, but Carly hopes a male presence in her life will deter the determined suitor who haunts her thoughts and dreams.

Daniel Tremont is not what Carly is expecting.

The former funeral director has a secret of his own. Not only is he eternal like Carly, he is her creation from all those years before—her abomination she thought she killed.

Daniel has been searching for Carly for years. He knows she is the piece of his life that he has been missing for so long. Now that he has found her, he has no intentions of letting her go. 

Excerpt:

     He waved a hand in front of her face, but she didn’t blink. The lights are on, but no one’s home.

     “Carly, my angel,” he whispered and cupped her cheek into his palm. He revealed in the silkiness and warmth of her skin. Still, she didn’t react. She was almost…a zombie.

     His own body jerked in reaction to the fear she was emanating. She was clearly sleepwalking and in the throes of one hell of a nightmare, yet she didn’t cry out any longer. It was all now playing out inside her mind.

     “Charlotte, see me,” he implored.

     Her lips twitched at the mention of her real name.

     “See me,” he repeated.

     Suddenly, her body gave way and she collapsed. Catching her, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. As he laid her down, her breathing became ragged. He placed a hand over her heart as it raced, and passed healing calmness through his hand, feeling the energy pulsate against her skin. Beneath his hand, he would feel her heartbeat slow to a normal rhythm.

     “Daniel?” Her voice was mere caress.

     “I’m here, my angel. You’re having a nightmare. You’re frightened. It’s okay now, I’m here, and I will never leave you,” he promised.

     “Everyone leaves, Daniel. You can’t understand, you can’t…” Her body started to tremble.

     He climbed onto the bed and straddled her body. Leaning close to her face, he said, “Carly, let go of your fear. I can take it. Let go and see me,” he commanded.

     Her breath came out in a whoosh, and a wall of fear and resistance hit him like a blow from above. It wasn’t exactly painful, more startling than anything else.

     His vision flip-flopped, and he could see an image from inside her mind of two souls forever entwined as the result of one act. It made perfect sense. She was reliving the day their souls became one. The day of the fire.

     He then saw black, suffocating water. She was reliving her own death, as well.

     As the visions left him, he was consumed with the mishmash of fear, loneliness, and resistance within her.

     He had to make her understand that it was over. “I will never leave you, Carly. That is my promise to you,” he insisted.

     A flicker of life ignited in her eyes. Her hands came up to his face, and to Daniel’s surprise, tears bubbled from his own eyes. He was releasing the pain and fear he had absorbed from his beloved.

     “I’m so sorry, Daniel, so sorry,” she murmured.

     “There’s nothing to be sorry for, my love. It’s over. It’s time to move forward now.”

     “You don’t understand what I am, Daniel.”

     “I do understand, Carly. I am what you are. See me for what I am.”

     In his mind, he could see the moving clockwork gears of her thoughts once again as she tried to process what he was telling her to be true.

     “Just accept it, and let’s move forward.”

     She drew his face to hers and her lips parted beneath his. Time blurred and he drank in the essence of his Carly. Her soft, barely covered curves molded themselves against his the hard planes of his body. Her hands were under his t-shirt, her fingers stroking him.

     If he pressed on, he knew she wouldn’t refuse him. But in her vulnerable state, he wouldn’t let anything progress further that night. Carly needed time to process everything that happened. There was plenty of time to pursue a physical relationship. They weren’t going any where…he hoped.

Buy Links:   Leap of Faith Publishing     Amazon      Barnes & Noble 

About The Author:

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.

Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.

 Author links:    Site      Facebook        Twitter 

ABOUT THE AUTHORLike many writers, it’s hard to determine exactly when my fiction writing career began. I remember composing a short story in grade school (I have no idea about what) which was chosen for publication in an all school anthology. A journalism class taken in junior high school led to a job on the school newspaper and a weekly column.

I always loved reading. I loved writing too. Someday, I thought, maybe when I grew up and received the right training, I could actually write a book. After all, I was often told, laughingly most times, I had an extremely vivid imagination.

Through the years, the desire to write was always there. I had so many ideas and characters roaming around in my head, so many stories. But the business of living—going to college, getting married then raising a family—took precedence over something as frivolous as writing a book.

Then one day out of the blue I was downsized—effective immediately—from a job I’d held for over thirty years. What seemed so unfair at the time, I now recognize the tremendous gift I was given that day. As I’m now able to spend more and more time doing what I love—writing romantic fiction—I find I really do have an abundance of stories to share.

• Margo’s Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+

I love to use Shades of Rose for my blog tours as well as their cover design service. You must check them out if you are looking for a wonderful group of people who help promote your books! They are giving away two gift cards so make sure you enter below!! 

Shades of Rose Marketing Social Media Event

Dates December 13th – 15th

The owners of Shades of Rose Marketing are giving away two $5.00 Amazon Gift Cards. 

To enter for a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter below!

Lacey Wolfe's Hot Bods Series

Fool Me Once

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he'd wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn't heard from him since.

The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn't have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn't stay away any longer.

Skylar's determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he's just as determined to win her back. Although it won't be easy, he's up to the challenge, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal.

Fool Me Once is on Sale for $.99 in the month of December!

Buy Links:   Beachwalk Press    Amazon      Barnes & Noble         All Romance eBooks

More Than Useful



Can she settle for just a little fun?

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning Adam stops by Amy's bakery for one of her delicious muffins…and a little flirting. When he finally asks her out, Amy is thrilled.

Adam informs her from the beginning that he isn't looking for anything serious. Just a little fun. Amy agrees, even though she isn't entirely sure that's what she wants.

She does her best to play it cool, but Adam is sending so many mixed signals he's confusing her, which she finds incredibly frustrating.

Adam is terrified by the feelings he's developing for Amy. It would be so much easier if he just backed away from her. Then there's his sister, who is insisting that Amy is not the right girl for him.

Will Adam be able to figure out what his heart desires before it's too late and he loses his chance at true happiness?

Content Warning: explicit sex

Buy Links:   Beachwalk Press    Amazon      Barnes & Noble         All Romance eBooks

Accidental Love

Has Jane accidentally fallen for the decoy?

Sometimes there is only one thing to do when you get dumped—make the ex jealous with someone new. Which is exactly what Jane plans to do with Ben, an older, handsome man who has agreed to act as her new love interest.

When Ben meets Toby, Jane's unruly dog, he offers to help her train him. But as Ben helps Jane gain control of her dog, he realizes he's lost control of his feelings, and he's beginning to fall for the much younger woman.

Suddenly, Jane can't seem to remember what she ever saw in her ex. All she can focus on is the way Ben makes her feel each time he kisses her. But now the ex has decided he wants her back, and he's willing to play dirty to make it happen.

Content Warning: Explicit sex

Buy Links:   Beachwalk Press    Amazon      Barnes & Noble         All Romance eBooks

Opposites Attract

Francesca thought she knew what she wanted in life until one stormy night when she got a blast from the past.

When Randy receives a call at his auto shop one night from a woman whose car has broken down and needs a tow, he never imagined he'd be coming face-to-face with his high school sweetheart. Randy has never loved a woman the way he loved Francesca, but she broke his heart, claiming he could never provide the life she was determined to have. That was years ago, but he's still bitter about the way she tossed him aside.

Seeing Randy again, Francesca realizes what a mistake it was to breakup with him. She'd like to try to rekindle the old flame, and she can tell he's still attracted to her too, but every time they're together, all they do is argue. Can she convince Randy she isn't the girl he remembers and that she can settle for love even if it comes without money?

Content Warning: explicit sex

Buy Links:   Beachwalk Press    Amazon      Barnes & Noble         All Romance eBooks





Watch the Trailer:  YouTube  Link

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

Holiday books are a perfect read for a winter night! This book bundle is a wonderful group with something for everyone! The authors will be awarding a $25 GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/11/book-blast-love-for-holidays-by-noelle.html

Love for the Holidays

by Noelle Adams, Samantha Chase, Rachel Curtis and Zoe York

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

From fake relationships to secret affairs to best friends falling in love, everything changes at Christmas.

This holiday bundle includes five stories, from steamy to sweet, including two new, exclusive stories from New York Times bestselling authors.

HOLIDAY HEAT by Noelle Adams - After being hit with heartbreaking tragedy, Carrie has thrown herself into a hot, secret relationship with Matt. With Christmas approaching, she realizes she might want even more from her sexy, damaged artist, but the boundaries around their relationship make anything deeper than sex impossible. A new, steamy romance.

MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS by Samantha Chase - Lily and Cam have been friends all their lives, and their relationship has never been romantic. But when they pretend to be dating so they can spend the holiday with their families in peace, they realize their fake romance might actually be real. A new, sweet romance.

THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE by Samantha Chase - Spending the night trapped by a blizzard in a romantic Christmas cottage with the man she's loved for years has Lacey wondering if fairy tales really do come true. A sweet romance.

EIGHT CHRISTMAS EVES by Rachel Curtis - One Christmas Eve, Cyrus Owen, the over-indulged teenage son of a wealthy businessman, finds ten-year-old Helen on the side of the road. Eleven years later, he is desperately in love with her. This is how it happens... A mostly sweet romance.

WHAT ONCE WAS PERFECT by Zoe York - For Laney, the worst part of returning to her hometown for Christmas is confronting Kyle, the man who broke her heart twelve years ago. When they rediscover their perfect chemistry, Kyle has to convince Laney to let him back into her heart. A steamy romance.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt from Mistletoe Between Friends by Samantha Chase

“Focus, Lily!” he snapped and then immediately apologized for his tone.  “The holidays are here, my friend.  That means that there will be a steady stream of parties and get-togethers that we are going to be forced to go to and will have potential spouses thrown at us from every angle.”

“Personally I’m waiting for them to just position us at the foot of the driveway with mistletoe over our heads and signs taped to our chests that say ‘Please marry us’.”  The thought sent a shiver down her spine because she was really only partially kidding.  Lately her mother had really seemed to kick up the campaign to marry Lily off.  Not a day went by where Lily wasn’t asked if she’d met anyone decent or what her plans were for the future.

Dealing with her mother was an exhaustive full-time job within itself.

“I think it’s safe to say,” Cam began, breaking into her train of thought, “that neither of us is looking forward to another holiday season spent ducking and weaving through get-togethers to avoid the match-making patrol.  Agreed?”

“Agreed.  But what choice do we have?  Other than packing our bags right now and both of us moving overseas to get away from the insanity?”

“I’m being serious here.”

“You’re always serious, Cam.  I’m trying to get you to break that habit.”  When she got no response from him she sighed with annoyance.  “Okay, what do you have in mind?”

“We take ourselves off of the market.  If we’re involved with other people, they can’t spend their time trying to marry us off.”

“But we’re not involved with other people; that’s the problem.  Isn’t that what we’ve been talking about for the last hour?  I’m so confused…”

“You’re not confused, Lily, and don’t play the ditzy card with me,” he said patiently.  “I’m saying that we pretend that we are involved.  We.  You and me.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Noelle Adams, Samantha Chase, Rachel Curtis, and Zoe York are four bestselling authors of fun, smart, and contemporary romance, from sweet to sexy, who are collaborating on this holiday anthology.

Author websites:

http://noelle-adams.com/

http://www.chasing-romance.com/

http://rachelcurtisauthor.com

http://zoeyork.com/

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Holidays-Christmas-bundle-ebook/dp/B00GH2TTR0/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-for-the-holidays-noelle-adams/1117334641

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lovefortheholidaysfivebookchristmasbundle-1338079-166.html



Beginning on December 11, Love for the Holidays will be on sale for just $.99!

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/UNVyuN88VEQ 

Elizabeth Morgan has stopped by to share her thoughts on Fairy Tales and Prince Charming. I love what she says as I've often thought of this as well.  Don't forget to check out her excerpt and giveaway below. Take it away Elizabeth....


Is the idea of Prince Charming still relevant in this day and age?

This was a delicious question asked by a friend of mine when I asked for topic suggestions for guest posts, and frankly, I found I had to reply.

Firstly, let us look at the idea of Prince Charming. Fairytales, and often movies, make him out to be a perfect male; he swoops in and rescues the damsel whenever she needs him too. He is strong in all ways, handsome, passionate, caring, responsible, understanding, charming . . . the man is just sheer perfection, and quite frankly, so cheesy and fake it's ridiculous.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say that men are incapable of any of the above, and heck, I'm pretty sure they would have a handful of those characteristics, but no man or woman is that perfect. We all have faults, and our flaws and faults can be just as fabulous as all of the good stuff.

 The problem is Prince Charming, too some degree, has been typecast. He is believed to be all of those wonderful things and more so that when we do mention him we all sigh and think, "if only he was real."

Well, you know what ladies he is; I just think that Prince Charming is different for all of us. He isn't one man. He is whoever you want him to be, because let's face it; we all have a list of what we would like to find in a partner. Maybe we don't want him so clean-cut. Maybe we want him to be a little rough 'n' ready; a motorbike instead of a horse. Maybe we want him to be quite and sweet.

My fave book hero is Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre. Why you ask? Because the man is miserable, cynical, and angry; yes, I love that he has lived life and has been crushed by it. He has had experiences. He has a wicked sense of humour, and likes to tease Jane. He is smart, open-minded, doesn't judge of discriminate, and my god the man is passionate. He is a character who has equal flaws and strengths.  He doesn't ride in on a white horse and save Jane, but he does show her kindness and befriends her, and in turn she gives him hope. He doesn't overshadow her and take over. She isn't weak. He doesn't become the strength she needs, or anything so Tarzan. They help one another; they are equals, which brings me to the next point and indeed the actual answer to the question posed:

Is the idea of Prince Charming still important in the modern age?

Yes and no, and this is where it's going to get confusing.

I love romance, of course I do, I write it. I read it. I watch it. I listen to soppy songs. And deep down in my heart I am hoping that one day I will meet the man I have always dreamed about; the one who will win over my cynical side, who will steal my breath, my heart, and decide that he is crazy enough to actually want to spend the rest of his life with me.

But I do have a cynical side. The main reason for this is due to being brought up by a single parent and having to watch this parents relationships go down the drain; one after the other, after the other, and believe me there were a few. I had to hear the arguments. Watch the hurt. Wipe away the tears while constantly promising that things would be okay, and I have found myself from the age of, gosh ten, hoping that I never end up like that.

Naturally, break-ups happen, we all get hurt. Live, learn, grow, but I decided at sixteen that my career came first, that I had a life and a purpose, and that no matter what happened in my romance life, the only person I ever need is me.

Perhaps that sounds sad. Perhaps it is sad, but my cynical side says women don't need men, and men don't need women. No one needs anyone. We are all strong, unique individuals who can do anything we put our minds too. Our lives shouldn't revolve around relationships.

Years ago women were house wives and mothers. Heroines were weaker, completely depending on men to save them and make them feel like they were worth something. The world isn't like that anymore. Women have careers, and can juggle being a wife and a mother. Heroines can now kick ass all by themselves and every woman finds her own worth and place in life.

Women can stand their own ground. Men are not needed . . . but they are wanted, because let's face it, deep down each woman is in love with the idea of a perfect partner; a soul-mate; a twin-flame, and why not? Who isn't in love with the idea of love; of romance and passion, and finding their other half; that person who will complete them, who they can spend their life with?

The one who will prove that hoping was never a dumb idea, because they've been looking for you too. Men won't admit it, but deep down they want a Happily Ever After, it's just not necessarily as detailed as a woman's. We weren't programmed to be alone.

My cynical side stays put because I have watched too many people I care about get hurt. I don't need Prince Charming. I can fight my own battles. Make my own choices. Stand my ground. But if he is out there, and my romantic, hopeful side believes he is, well, as long as he understands that I'm an independent woman with dreams of my own, well, I wouldn't turn him down.

Razel Dazzel by Elizabeth Morgan

A modern twist on a long haired tale....

Will she let down her hair for the man of her fantasies?

Famous for her long, golden hair and beaming smile, Razel D’Punz is the hottest model in the industry. But although most women would kill to get ahead in this profession, Razel lives an isolated life; one she has learnt to accept...until she meets Matthew Prince, a new photographer in the business.

Refusing to let her mother/agent’s strict rules stop her from spending time with the man of her fantasies, Razel quickly discovers that one night with Matthew isn’t enough....

And neither is the life she is chained to. Something will have to change if she is ever to get her very own Happily Ever After.


Excerpt:

They were two beautiful people. Both strong and healthy, exactly what she was looking for.

The male was at least six foot, slender, but his body was firm. His light brown hair was slicked back, making his jaw-line and chiseled cheekbones more defined. His eyes were firmly fixed on his partner as they attempted the triple spin.

The female—such a petite thing with snow-white skin and a dazzling set of white teeth. Her blue eyes shone as she gazed up at him from a slanted dip. Her golden hair was tied up with stray curls hanging around her face.

Such a beautiful couple. They will do perfectly. She waited for the show to end.

*****

Gabriella stood in front of the dressing room door. The small copper star resting against the worn wood had lost its gleam; the scratched metal had seen better days. She moved her attention to the two sheets of paper pinned below it, one reading: Robert Burton; the other: Nina Hewson. The dancing couple from Arizona. A couple whose lives were about to change.

She knocked sharply upon the door, which opened immediately, bringing her eye to eye with the polite, green-blue gaze of Robert.

“May I help you?”

“You may indeed.” She walked past him into the small room.

The dressing room, like the rest of the broken-down theater, wasn’t anything special. The general necessities were there; a mirror, vanity table, railing for costumes, and two chairs that looked like they had been stolen from a high school classroom. And from what she could guess, the hideous, moth-eaten red fabric hanging from the wall toward the end of the small space was the door to the restroom. The faded floral wallpaper peeled in many places, and the room stank of sweat and cheap perfume. Her nose wriggled almost uncontrollably as the rancid smell swamped her. At the sound of the door shutting, she turned and focused her attention on Nina, who was standing and pulling her faded, pink silk robe shut.

She drank their beauty in almost hungrily, reminding herself why she was in the hellhole of a theatre in the first place. Robert moved and stood beside Nina, who had folded her arms across her chest.

Happy with her choice, Gabriella dusted one of the chairs and sat, making herself as comfortable as possible. This was the last place in the world she would ever choose to be, but for her plan to work, she would need working class people. Individuals hungry enough for fame and fortune that they would sell their souls to the devil himself just for a taste. Who could be more famished than a struggling performer; or in this case, a couple of performers?

So she’d had to drag herself downtown, forced to sit for two hours in the dump that somebody had a nerve to call a theater. No one in their right mind who cared about their career or their bodies would even consider what she was about to propose, but the information she had found on these two loved-up dreamers was enough to assure her that her money would be welcomed, even if it took quite a bit of persuading. And she was, after all, very good at persuading.

She placed her red purse on her knee and folded her hands. “May I just begin by saying that you are both simply marvelous dancers?” Her fake and flattering smile slid into place, and satisfaction stirred inside her as the compliment sank in.

Nina blushed as Robert nodded.

“Why, thank you.” His broad smile fluttered across his lips. “What can we do for you, miss?”

“I was wondering if you would like to make some extra money.”

They glanced at each other.

“I was thinking along the lines of ten thousand. How does that suit you?”

Excitement sparked in their eyes. She could see the slight twitches running through their bodies at the offer, and she imagined they either wanted to embrace each other in sheer delight or fall at her feet and kiss her Prada shoes.

Nina beamed. “We would be very interested.”

“Yes,” Robert agreed, although hesitation quivered in his words. “But firstly, who are you?”

“My name is Gabriella D’Punz. I am—”

“Gabriella D’Punz, the founder of Ivory Tower Modeling Agency?” Nina dropped her arms to her side and took a step forward.

Gabriella cleared her throat and purged the surge of irritation that pulsed through her at the girl’s interruption. “That is right, my dear.”

“We accept.”

She fought the slight urge to smile at Nina’s conclusion. “You do not even know what I am proposing.”

Naturally, the girl would presume they were being offered a contract for modeling; why else would a modeling agent come to see them?

“But surely there is only one reason you would want to see us—”

“I’m afraid you have mistaken me, my dear.” Nina’s brow creased under her words. “Or should I say you jumped to conclusions. I am Gabriella D’Punz, founder and agent of Ivory Tower, but I have not come here to offer either of you a modeling contract.”

“But—”

“Although you are both beautiful—I openly admit it—and you are at a reasonable modeling quality, well, you are such wonderful dancers. That is where your hearts are, and I wouldn’t dare drag you away from that passion.”

“Then what do you want?” Nina asked, slumping down in the chair facing Gabriella.

“I want a child.” She paused as their eyebrows dipped in uncertainty to where this conversation was heading. “You see, my husband is growing old, and I am unable to have children….”

“I…I’m sorry to hear that, but what has this got to do with us?” Robert asked.

“Well, I was wondering if you could help me.”

Nina lifted her shoulders, her eyes widened a fraction. “How exactly?”

Gabriella’s focus shifted to Robert; a small smile curled her lips as realization blossomed over his face.

“Haven’t you heard of adoption?”

“Yes. But I want a surrogate mother and in all honesty, I have had my eyes on you,”—she rested her gaze on Nina—“my dear, for quite some time.”

Nina shifted in her seat. “What do you mean?”

“I want you to be my surrogate.”

“What? No.” She shook her head. “No, I won’t do that.”

Robert stepped forward. “Why her? What do you mean; you’ve had your eyes on her?”

“I saw a show of yours a year ago. I became interested in you. You’re both beautiful and in good health. From what I have learned of your education, you are both decently smart. All the qualities I need in a child. I have considered adoption for years, but I never found a child I liked.”

Nina’s eyes grew bigger. “What, you…you’ve been spying on us?”

“No, not spying. I just have an interest. I also have an interest in your career. You’re not making very much money. You have no home. You’re living out of Motels, travelling up and down the country—”

“How dare you!” Robert thundered. “How dare you come in here and…and poke your nose in to our business, to ask—”

“There’s no need to get hysterical.”

“No need? I...I...Get out! I want you out!”

Gabriella sighed. “I see you are going to make this difficult. So, let’s just get down to it, shall we? How much money do you want?”

“What? This isn’t about money,” Robert snapped.

“Nonsense, everything is about money.” She reached into her purse and pulled out her silver cigarette pouch. “Everyone has a price. So name it.”

“No. This isn’t about money. This is about a complete stranger waltzing into our dressing room demanding a baby from us!”

“I have not demanded anything from you. Please keep calm.” She placed a cigarette in her mouth and put the pouch back in her purse.

“I will not! You have no right! No right to ask this! No right to go digging around in our private business!”

“I was not digging, and more to the point, I am offering you fifteen thousand dollars to have a child for me; for a woman who is unable to have children.” Gabriella pulled her lighter from her purse and lit the end of her cigarette.

“And that’s our problem?”

“I do not see what the problem is.”

“You wouldn’t, would you? You strut in here with your expensive clothes thinking you can buy people. Thinking you can buy a baby?” Robert's face grew redder with each word.

“Why did you choose us?” Nina’s voice was soft, tentative.

Removing the cigarette from between her lips, she blew out a cloud of smoke. “Because with your looks,—” Gabriella’s lips twisted into a smile “—you would give birth to a supermodel.”

“You’re disgusting,” Robert replied through clenched teeth. “Get out!”

“You’re making a big deal out of nothing. I get a child, and you get money.” She slipped the lighter back into her purse. “Money that you are both in need of.”

“Get out.” Nina stood up. Her hands balled into the material of her robe. “Please, get out.”

“Are you sure you want to turn this offer down?” She kept her attention on Nina as she stood. “Twenty thousand can really come in useful.”

Robert walked to the door and opened it. “Your money isn’t welcome here.”

She laughed, and glanced in his direction. “My money is welcome everywhere.”

“Get out.”

“Why are you so insulted?” She tucked her purse under her arm. “I am offering you twenty thousand dollars to have sex and get pregnant. Once you are pregnant, you will stay in my home as guests. My doctor will see you, take care of you, and then when it is time, he will deliver the baby. As soon as you are well, you may leave. You may leave twenty thousand dollars richer than you are at this very moment. You can get on with your lives, fulfill your dreams. Tell me what is so disagreeable?”

“You want me to get pregnant and sell my baby to you for twenty thousand dollars?” Lines creased Nina’s forehead.

“Yes.”

“No! It’s wrong.”

Gabriella shrugged. “Who said it is wrong?”

Nina shook her head. “I won’t do that.”

“Not even for twenty-five thousand dollars?” Gabriella quirked her right eyebrow. “How much do you want?”

“Get out!” Robert demanded once more.

“Fine.” She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a small ivory card, which she placed on the vanity table beside Nina. “Call me when you realize this is the best offer you will receive in your lifetime.” She walked past Robert and out the door, turning right toward the fire exit.

Gabriella heard the door slam shut as she took another drag of her cigarette. Then the shouting began. She pushed the fire exit open as her smile spread to her ears.

Buy Links:   Barnes & Noble 



About the Author:

Elizabeth started life wanting to be an actress because she loved entertaining people. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh and to help distract them from reality for a few hours.

She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with story ideas, so she began writing plays. Slowly, over the following three years, she wrote more and more, channeling every ounce of her imagination into the written word.

And now, here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit in her little cottage in Cheshire, England, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.

Author Links:  Site   Blog    Twitter    Facebook 

 
Giveaway:

Elizabeth is giving away five ebook - copies of the Razel Dazzle and ten swag packs during her tour.
For a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

After being mugged, Robin Sorenson is left shaken and her spirit in humanity is broken. Worse, she's not sure how to deal with the new anxieties or who to confide in, since she's always preached to pick oneself up and move on. Yeah, she's been the go to girl when anyone's had problems. Christmas is coming, and her belief in magic and miracles has faded.

Then Jonas comes back.

Jonas Aimes made a mistake when he walked away from Robin a year earlier. A big one. He'd loved her, always had and still does, but his desire to please his aging and strict parents took precedence. Back from the overseas internship they'd struggled to get him in, he plans on winning Robin back. What he didn't count on was discovering the shell of the vivacious woman he'd loved. 

Broken.

Remembering her love of Christmas, Jonas pulls the holiday heartstrings. What? All is fair and love and war, right?

Twelve days, Twelve Dates.

Robin is speechless when Jonas not only refuses to leave her alone, but dares her to accept his cheesy holiday-themed challenge. Twelve dates to give him a chance to prove that he loves her and is never leaving her again.

But in the season known for miracles, can Robin find the magic needed to open her heart and faith once more ... or will she forever wonder about the ghost of the Christmas past that could have been?


Excerpt:

"You hit Eric's car?" Oh boy, no wonder Jonas sounded so frustrated. Eric wasn't going to let this go easily, especially since they'd seen him with another woman. No wonder Cheyenne and Jacob worried so much! No doubt he had to have made some sort of comment to one of them.

"Yeah. I swear I checked when I backed out! He really came out of nowhere." Jonas sounded defensive.

"Hey, I believe you," Robin said softly, hoping he'd calm down.

"Sorry. I'm just rattled I guess. He gives me the creeps and I never get that way about someone without good reason. I've met him twice and his vibes are never good. You're there alone with the kids? You have the door locked, right?"

"Yes Mom," she joked, but she knew he just had her best interest at heart. "Sorry. I know you're only looking out for me. Of course I locked the doors. Right after Cheyenne and Jacob left."

"That's good. Hey-"

They both were startled by a loud banging sound.

"What was that noise?" Jonas asked. Robin heard the alarm in his voice.

Her heart raced faster as she went to inspect. It sounded like someone was at the front door. "I'm not sure." The pounding got louder. She froze in the living room, the memories flooding back of a few months ago. The same sound, the same fear returned. Her hands shook and she dropped the phone. Still numb, she managed to pick it up and put it back to her ear. Jonas's voice on the other end kept repeating the same question.

"Robin? Talk to me! What's going on?" She heard him swear under his breath.

"I-" She choked on her words. "I think I'm having an anxiety attack. It reminds me of-"

"It's okay. I'm on my way. I'm not too far from you. Just stay as calm as possible and don't answer the door. Stay on the phone with me. I'll be there right away and then we'll call Cheyenne and Jacob. Just keep talking to me, okay? Do you know who's at the door?"

"No. I just- the pounding, the eerie feeling. It reminds me-" she stuttered. God, she was so cold all of a sudden. Words formed in her throat, but she couldn't get them out.

The knocking continued. Then yelling. Damn it, that sounded like Eric. "Jonas? I think it's Eric."

Then the knocking began at the window. The shades were drawn, the curtains closed, but he had to have seen the light.

"I know someone's in there! Don't ignore me!" He sounded pissed and slightly drunk. When would it ever end? Why did he have to keep hounding everyone? It wasn't like he had his son's best interest at heart. He had another child with Petra and he still had to come over here to stir up trouble. Stupid bastard!

"Damn it. Okay, I'm hurrying. Almost there, baby."

"Don't get into an accident, Jonas." She sat huddled on the floor. Her entire body tensed and she was shaking.

"When I get close, I'm going to hang up with you. You call Cheyenne or Jacob. Let them know what's going on and if I have to, I'll call the cops. I don't know what this guy is up to, but I can't imagine it being good."

Whatever Eric wanted, he must have decided to give up. That was very unlike him. The knocking stopped, then Robin heard the sound of an engine. Either Jonas had arrived, or Eric had left. "Did you pull up?" Her voice came out in a quiet squeak. Her leg muscles relaxed first, and she felt the tension leave her body just slightly.

"No, I'm not there yet. Turning down the street now. Oh crap! Someone just peeled out like an idiot. Whoa."

"I think he left. He gave up," Robin whispered. Why she felt the need to talk so quietly, she didn't know.

"I'm pulling up now. I don't see him. I bet that was him that left. I'm coming to the door. Let me in, please. I need to make sure you're okay, because you don't sound like it. If you want to call Cheyenne and Jacob still, we will, or I can stay with you until they come home."

Robin didn't want to ruin their evening, but she knew Cheyenne would freak if she tried to call and heard Robin's distress. She tried to make her legs work to get to the door, but they were weak and almost gave out on her. Fumbling with the lock and the handle, Robin forced her shaky hand to get the door open. Her mouth went dry and she nearly choked on air, but the sight of Jonas on the other side of the wrought iron door gave her a sense of peace. She unlocked that door as well and he immediately rushed in and reached for her. She collapsed in his embrace.


Buy Links:

Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/On-The-12th-Date-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00GK9N67O

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/On-The-12th-Date-Christmas/dp/1493742507

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-the-12th-date-of-christmas-nikki-lynn-barrett/1117357655?ean=2940148920656

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18483703-on-the-12th-date-of-christmas

 

On the 12th Date of Christmas is a standalone book, but there is another story that's connected, just by the same characters. The book that started it all. The Secret Santa Wishing Well tells the story of Jacob and Cheyenne, and Robin plays a big role in that story.

The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall, hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn't seem to work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special wish...
Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter's existence and doesn't provide for the son he does. This Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben's kind actions lead a stranger to them.
Ah, but it's Christmas time and the magic has begun.
When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger and stronger.
With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.
Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true- for everyone after all.



Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18308875-the-secret-santa-wishing-well

Amazon Ebook:  http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Santa-Wishing-Well-ebook/dp/B00A9FIHOC

Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Santa-Wishing-Well/dp/148406089X

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-santa-wishing-well-nichole-barrett/1113827418

About the author:

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade.

Website: www.nikkilynnbarrett.com

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

Follow me on Twitter: @Stormgoddess925

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