Book Spotlight: Should’ve Known Better and a Gift Card Giveaway

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Cassandra Carr, author of Should’ve Known Better, to my blog today! Not only is she sharing information about herself and her book, Should’ve Known Better, but she is also giving away a $10 gift card! I’ll tell you more about that shortly, but first, let’s get to know Mrs. Carr better.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a multi-award-winning, bestselling author of contemporary erotic and non-erotic romance. I’m published with Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id, Sybarite Seductions/Twenty or Less Press, Siren Publishing, and Decadent Publishing. When not writing I enjoy gardening, watching movies, going out, and hanging with my husband and four-year-old daughter. I’m a hockey fanatic, and many of my stories revolve around hockey in some way.

What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

I’m pretty much a pantser, though sometimes I have a couple of paragraphs of an outline. I’ve tried plotting before, but it didn’t work for me. The story felt flat and lifeless.

What genre do you write in the most, and what is it about the genre that attracts you?

Most often I write erotic romance. It appeals to me for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that I think it’s more realistic. After all, in today’s world who waits until the tenth date to even kiss? Also, I’ve been told I’m pretty good at writing sex scenes, and I enjoy the aspect of the story where the hero and heroine fall in love at least partially through sex.

Do you have a favorite hero/heroine you’ve written? What makes them special?

My favorite hero is Sebastian from Should’ve Known Better. He was the very first hero I’d ever written and I took all the things I love in heroes and put them all in Sebastian’s character.

I don’t think I have a favorite heroine. I tend to like my heroes more than my heroines.

I liked Sebastian too! He was a real sweetheart! So Mrs. Carr, since you normally write erotic romance, do you think there is a such thing as too much sex in a romance novel? 

*snort* Well, you’d think I’d answer “no way!” to this question, but not so. There can be too much sex in a story if it’s there just to be there. The sex has to lead to something. Even in erotic romances with a half-dozen sex scenes scattered throughout there should be a reason for each encounter to be there.

What do you do for fun?

Watch hockey, though my Sabres just about killed me this season. I also like to go out – the Buffalo NY area is home to 1500 bars and restaurants. There are some really great restaurants around here and I love discovering new places.

Tell us a little about Should’ve Known Better.

Should’ve Known Better is a contemporary non-erotic hockey romance. It’s over seventy thousand words, so it’s considered a full-length novel. Here’s the blurb:

Sarah Jenkins, a math geek and hockey fanatic, is thrilled when the NHL hires her as an advisor for the Buffalo Storm. She gets to marry her two loves in this perfect job.

Sebastian St. Amant is a young hockey player looking to make the jump from the minors to the big leagues. His lifelong dream is within reach, but he needs to convince the Storm’s management and coaches he’s ready.

When Sarah and Sebastian meet, sparks immediately fly. Both want to succeed, but neither can ignore the growing attraction and a relationship is out of the question—Sarah’s an influential staff member and Sebastian’s a player, not to mention over ten years her junior.

But the impossible becomes the necessary when they can no longer fight their attraction. As everything crashes around them, the strength of their relationship is tested. Will it weather the storm, or should they have known better?

What makes your characters unique? 

Sebastian is a great combination of sexy and vulnerable, sensual and intense. He sees what he wants and goes for it with single-minded purpose.

Sarah is a woman who’s trying to build a new life and has been given the chance of a lifetime. She feels a strong attraction to Sebastian but is deathly afraid to act on it.

I think the situation Sebastian and Sarah are in make them unique. Sebastian is twelve years younger than Sarah and Sarah works for the hockey team he plays for.

If you were going to cast the characters of your book, what actors would get the part?

Oh wow. I originally modeled Sebastian after Sidney Crosby. Here’s a pic http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2010/galleries/olympichotties/sidney-crosby-1.jpg . He’s a hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, not an actor. The wonderful cover model Scott Nova is on the cover. I really have no idea who I’d cast. I never know the answer to this question when I’m asked, lol.

For Sarah I really have no idea. She’s in her mid-thirties and has crazy, out of control auburn hair. I have a picture of her in my mind but it doesn’t correspond to any actress I’m familiar with.

Mrs. Carr, thanks for answering a few questions and letting the readers get to know you better!

Here’s an excerpt from Should’ve Known Better:

Sarah Jenkins scooted to the edge of the seat in her SUV as she stared at the hulking building in front of her. The August sunshine was only partially to blame for the bead of sweat running down the side of her neck. She couldn’t afford to screw this up. After wiping her damp palms on her skirt, she slid out of the car and hit the alarm remote. Turning, she bounced off a hard object and stumbled backward from the force of the impact, letting out an involuntary grunt. The immoveable object was a man, and what a man he was. He had a body like granite, with chiseled features, and was casually attired in shorts and a T-shirt clinging for dear life to his arms and chest. The guy could’ve been a sculpture.

Yum.

“Are you all right?”

Her heart pounded in her ears due to the fight or flight reaction from their collision, paired with the pure, inexplicable rush of lust he evoked.

“I’m, um…” Sarah cleared her throat. Talk, you idiot. “I’m fine.”

Her cheeks flamed as she ducked her head. Was this what scientists meant when they said women were attracted to males they sensed had the strongest DNA? Between his killer body, light green eyes, and sexily tousled head of hair, he looked like he’d just jumped out a cologne ad in GQ. As far as she could see, his DNA was damn near perfect.

It was hard to miss the long, thorough once-over he gave her, leaving her hot and feverish—a reaction she couldn’t attribute purely to the blazing heat or her frazzled nerves.

Their gazes collided and he stared at her with a glimmer of male interest. She wasn’t sure why he’d be interested in her. He was gorgeous, and she was, well, a nerd, for want of a better word. Her eyes were drawn to full lips that would’ve looked feminine on other men, but there was nothing feminine or soft about him. Hard, sinewy muscles stretched over his arms, legs, and torso, but despite his size and musculature he managed to look lean rather than bulky. He reminded her of a panther readying to strike, and her breathing kicked up another notch. Sarah shook her head to clear it. She had a new job to focus on right now and that was the only thing that was important. It had to be. She couldn’t afford to screw this chance up.

“After you,” he said, moving back a step and motioning for her to pass. His voice had a hint of an accent. French-Canadian, perhaps? It rolled over her like a gentle breeze.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry about running into you.”

“I’m not.” He gave her a one-sided, incredibly hot smile.

She needed to get into the building before she did something stupid like offer herself to him as a human buffet.

*

Get your copy! Here are the buy links:

• All Romance E-books
• Amazon
• Smashwords
• Amazon UK
• Barnes & Noble

As mentioned above, Mrs. Carr is doing a giveaway! Here’s the Info:
Prize is $10 gift card to winner’s choice of eBook retailer. Contest is tour-wide and ends May 15th. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Enter for your chance to win!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f92c86243/

Here’s a link to her blog tour schedule that way you can enter at every stop:
http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/04/vbt-shouldve-known-better-by-cassandra.html

Mrs. Carr, how can readers connect with you? 

Email: AuthorCassandraCarr@gmail.com

Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cassandra_carr
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/booksbycasscarr/

About the Author

Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning erotic romance writer with Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing, Sybarite Seductions, Decadent Publishing, and Loose Id. She lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra is the co-founder of two successful group blogs, Romancing the Jock and Dirty Birdies, and participates in several others as a contributor. Recently she was re-elected president of Western New York Romance Writers.

Review:

In agreeing to spotlight Should’ve Known Better, I also agreed to give an honest review.

Should’ve Known Better by Cassandra Carr

Contemporary Romance

Element(s): May-December, Sports-Themed

Publisher: Twenty or Less Press

Release Date: April 2, 2013

Heat Level: Steamy

Word Count: 67,000

I was excited to read this book not only because I love sports romances, but also because the title was very catchy. If you enjoy hockey, statistical analysis of sports, and a nice dose of romance, you’re going to enjoy Should’ve Known Better. Mrs. Carr’s writing style is clear, concise and the story is cute.

Prior to reading this story, I didn’t know much about hockey, but I feel the author did a nice job of weaving the sports theme into the overall story. Actually, it was a huge part of the story. I found the statistical part of Sarah’s (main character) job with the Buffalo Storm’s hockey team fascinating.

As for the two main characters – they were seriously attracted to each other at first sight  and I was really pulling for them throughout the story. Due to Sarah’s new role as an analysis consultant for NHL’s Buffalo Storm (she was one of the bosses), and because Sebastian (main character) was one of the hockey players, Sarah wasn’t willing to risk her job to be with him, despite their mutual attraction for each other.

The story kept my attention in the beginning. However, I was a little disappointed with the ongoing cat and mouse game between Sarah and Sebastian. He wanted to be with her, she wanted to be with him, but she kept putting on the brakes (for much of the story). With that said though, a little more than three-quarters into the book, the story picked up with a GREAT plot twist. I won’t spoil it by telling you, but it spurred me to read on – to the point of not being able to put the book down! But then, I got to the epilogue and the story came to a screeching halt. For a moment, I thought I had missed something and actually went back a few pages to reread.

Despite those couple of items, the story was a good read and had good supporting characters – especially Rob. I REALLY liked him. He added a nice dynamic to the story as a whole.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I would definitely consider reading more of her work.

Overall Rating = 4  Stars

Book Cover = 4 Stars

Book Blurb = 4 Stars

Writer’s Voice /Style = 5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3 Stars

Recommendable = 4 Stars

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What a Year!

I was just thinking…a year ago, April 24, 2012, I published my first novel, Something New. As I look back over the past twelve months, I find it hard to believe it’s been a year…and what a year it’s been! Here is just a taste of what I’ve been up to this past year:

April 24, 2012

Release day of my debut novel: Something New, an “edgy” sweet romance.

April 25, 2012

First short story published, Best Woman for the Job, a contemporary romance. Best Woman for the Job was FREE for the first few days of it’s release.

May 2012

Best Woman for the Job – an All Romance ebook bestseller.

June 2012

• In knowing that the sky is the limit and believing that I’d be publishing books for many, many more years to come, I formed a LLC publishing company. Figured it would also be a good move come tax time. NOTE: Amaris Publishing LLC is currently only publishing books by Sharon C. Cooper.
• Something New, made Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list in African American Romance and Multi-cultural Romance.
• Best Woman for the Job, made Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list in Multi-cultural Romance.

July 2012

• My second novel was released, Blue Roses (Book 1 of the Reunited Series), a romantic suspense.
• Something New made Amazon’s top 50 Best Sellers list in Multi-cultural Romance and the top 100 in both Religious Romance and African American Literature.

August 2012

• Something New and Blue Roses are now in paperback!
• Blue Roses made Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list in African American and Multi-Cultural Romance.
• I mapped out my next book series – the Jenkins Family Series. Best Woman for the Job is the prequel for this five-book series. Stay tuned – more information about this series is coming.

September 2012

• Blue Roses is still on Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list in African American and Multi-Cultural Romance.
• Outlined two new titles (contemporary romances). More information to come -summer 2013.

October 2012

• Released my second short story, Secret Rendezvous a romantic suspense and the prequel to, Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series.  Secret Rendezvous is a “FREE” read – visit my website to find out how to get your copy. www.sharoncooper.net
• Something New has been on Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list in Multi-cultural Romance for five months!

November -December 2012

Slowed things down for the holiday and did some traveling. NOTE: still wrote daily

January 2013

Rewrites/edited – Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series

February 2013

Released Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series. Rendezvous with Danger made it to Amazon’s top 10 Best Sellers list in African American Romance and Multi-cultural Romance. It also made Amazon’s top 30 Best Sellers list in African American Literature.

March 2013

• Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series is on Amazon’s top 20 Best Sellers list in African American Romance and Multi-cultural Romance. Also on Amazon’s top 50 Best Sellers list in African American Literature.
• Working on two contemporary novels (to be named) due out Spring and Fall of 2014

April 2013

• Secret Rendezvous has been on Amazon’s top 10 Best Sellers (FREE books) list in African American Romance for the past six months.
• Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series is on Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list in African American Romance and Multi-cultural Romance.
• Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series is now in paperback.

2013 is promising to be just as busy with a new series, the Jenkins Family Series, coming this summer and book three of the Reunited Series due out this Fall! More details coming over the next few weeks.

****

As I reflect on the past year, I’m reminded that I didn’t get here alone. I am so thankful to my mentors, critique partners, family, friends and readers. Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement! It’s been a wonderful ride and I’m looking forward to another amazing year!

Stay tuned…

Book Spotlight: Fourteen Pages by James Fant

It is with great pleasure that I have James Fant, the author of An Ode for Orchids, visiting my blog today! He’s sharing an excerpt from his latest release, 14-Pages. Check it out!

Blurb:

A nasty divorce is about to destroy Marco and Venice Goldsmith. Bitter arguments, and slammed doors have plagued their three-month long marriage. And when Venice proclaimed her hatred for Marco divorce seemed inevitable.

Then a marriage expert named Garfield Moody offers the Goldsmiths a solution to save their marriage: a 14-page contract that includes step by step marriage instructions. Their contract even includes safeguards for noncompliance like “Chill Therapy” and “The Tip-Out Clause.” Everyone thinks the idea is crazy. However, Marco and Venice think it’s just crazy enough to work. Will 14-Pages be enough to save their marriage? Or will they cause one of them to lose their life?

Excerpt:

Silence commanded the entire drive home from the benefit dinner.  Thirty minutes after Venice crashed down into her passenger seat and slammed her car door, Marco pulled into their driveway.  Venice was the first out of the car.  She sped into the house as Marco lagged behind.  Just as he was about to walk through the front door, she slammed it in his face.

Marco busted in the door and screamed, “Woman! Are you crazy?!”

“I’m tired of you walking out on me, Marco.  You act so childish sometimes.”

“So now I’m a child?”

“No. I said you act childish. Stop putting words in my mouth.”

“I’m not putting words in your mouth.  You have a small opinion of me.”

Venice spun around, quite amazed at what he said.

“Where in the world did you get that from?”

“You’re ashamed of me.  You can’t leave me alone with your geeky friends for too long because you’re afraid that I’ll embarrass you with my culinary school education.”

“Marco.  For the last time!  I AM NOT ASHAMED OF YOU!”

“Then why did you tell McHenry that I was opening up all these stores. ‘Oh yes.  He’s opening up restaurants all up and down the eastern seaboard.  He’s going to be a household name,’” he mocked.  “But Venice, the reality is I only have ONE restaurant; it’s a restaurant that I built up from the ground.  And that ONE restaurant is doing very well.”

Venice threw her hands up and walked into the kitchen.  A bottle of water was just what she needed to cool her jets.  If only Marco would have given the moment time to breathe.  It is amazing how an argument, if allowed, takes on a life of its own.

“And just where do you come off speaking my name to this Garrett Anderson guy?” Marco asked as he followed Venice into the kitchen.

“Garrett is very successful at turning small companies into larger enterprises, especially if he sees potential,” Venice replied, now quite annoyed.  “He saw your potential right away.”

“You’re undermining me, Venice.”

“Undermining you?”

“Yes.  You don’t like the way I run my business, so once again, since you are a know it all, you’re gonna take it upon yourself to manage it.  Because you are a genius, right?”

“Marco—Watch it.”

“But you weren’t so smart when your broker was rear ending you with no Vaseline. That’s right, I said it.  You were losing money until you met me.  You barely knew what a stock was.”

“And I’m sure Benjamin knows all about finance, doesn’t he?” Venice snarled as she rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Marco asked.

They stared at each other for a moment. The tension in the air allowed the extremely vicious comments to now surface.

“Alright, Venice.   Leave Benjamin out of this!”

“You started with the low blows first, Marco.  You know what?  Just—nothing.  Forget about it.”

Venice walked into the family room because she knew where the argument was going.

Marco again followed her and barked, “What?  You don’t think that my restaurant is successful?”

Venice spun around to face her husband.

“Marco Goldsmith.  You are a fabulous chef.  Your business idea is incredible.”

“There’s a but coming.”

“But you need a real business manager.”

“See, I knew you were going to go there.”

“I mean for Pete’s sake, Marco.  Benjamin as your business manager?”

“Leave my brother out of this Venice.  PLEASE!”

“Marco, come on!  You have this big extravagant office for him. And for what?”

“DROP IT, VENICE!  LEAVE MY BROTHER OUT OF THIS!”

Venice paused to allow the tension to ease.

“Marco I’m tired.  I’m going to bed.”

Venice walked to their bedroom with Marco close behind her.  Unfortunately the argument followed them as well.  Sooner or later, all of their arguments led to their bedroom.

“I’m just saying, Marco.  I want to be solid financially when we have kids.”

“Kids!  Kids!  Kids!  That’s all I hear from you, Venice!”

“Well we’re married.  Children are a part of marriage.  Family.  I want lots of kids.  You knew that before we were married.”

“It’s not that I don’t want children.”

“What’s it about, then?”

“Your mother suffered from preeclampsia.  Your aunts suffered from preeclampsia.  One of your cousins died because of it.”

“Marco, you don’t have to give me a history lesson about my family’s struggle with blood pressure.  I know about all of the risks.  I have managed to avoid taking blood pressure medication by controlling my diet and exercising regularly.”

“Okay then.  If blood pressure problems aren’t enough, Venice, we argue non-stop about absolutely nothing.  I just don’t think that we should bring children into this.”

“No!  This isn’t about blood pressure or arguments.  You’re just being mean as always. I expressed that I wanted a large family before we got married, Marco!”

“Yeah you expressed a lot of things before we got married.  Funny how expressions change after the ring goes on.”

That was it. Marco had hit the magic button and heavy breathing was the only sound heard in their bedroom.  According to Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 4, the marriage bed is undefiled.  Marco always interpreted that scripture to mean that anything was permissible in the bedroom of a married couple.  If a wife wanted her hands to be chained to the bedposts while her husband spanked her bare bottom with a small leather whip, that was permissible.  If the husband wanted to coat his wife’s body with chocolate syrup and slowly remove the chocolate from her flesh until she screamed for mercy, that was permissible.  But Marco wondered if the arguments that he and Venice had in their bedroom was permissible; he wonder if hateful words had defiled their bed?

Venice softly asked, “What did you say?”

“Nothing, Venice.  It’s nothing.”

“No.  You said something.  Be a man and tell me what you said.”

“You want me to be a man?”

“Yes!  Be a freaking man!  What did you say?”

Marco got in Venice’ face and screamed, “When we were dating, you were awesome in bed!  But now, you’re lackluster at best!  You talk about what you expressed before marriage?  Well you fooled me.  Gave me just enough to make me think our sex life would be great and then you yanked the rug from under my feet!”

Venice saw red.  It didn’t upset her that Marco insulted her skills in bed so much that it upset her that he brought up their pre-marital sex; she had previously asked him never to do that.  Venice, like Marco, was very spiritual.  Even though Marco was her first, she was not proud that she made love to him before they were married.  Marco knew that.  It was amazing that they both knew exactly what buttons to push.

Venice brushed past him and walked back into the living room.  Marco remained in their bedroom for a second, wondering what possessed him to go there with her. Perhaps it was the Be a Man statement.  That always cut him deep and made the gloves come off.  He knew that he would hurt her when he said it and yet he said it anyway.  He wanted to apologize but they were now at a point where neither of them apologized for anything, even if they knew that they were wrong.  So he did what he always did after a good argument with Venice; he talked softly to her like they had not just been screaming at each at the top of their lungs.

Marco walked up behind Venice and whispered, “Are we okay?”

But he wasn’t prepared for the words that he would hear next.

“I HATE YOU, MARCO!”

“What did you say?”

“I SAID I HATE YOU!  I CAN’T STAND YOU!  I HATE YOUR GUTS!”

Marco lunged at Venice and then jabbed two holes into the wall.  They had argued countless times during their short marriage, but now they were in uncharted territory.

Want to find out what happens next? Get your copy today!

Amazon      Barnes and Noble 

***

About the Author:

James Fant is a Kingdom businessman, husband, father and friend.  James is passionate about helping people to improve their personal relationships through the power of inspirational fiction. One could call him a champion for the “mended fence,” which incidentally is the title of the first story that he ever published.  James is a huge fan of romance, action, and suspense, and that shows in his writing. However, James avoids the use of lewd language and racy sexual scenes when he writes.

You can contact James at:

Website: http://www.jamesfantbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesFantBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesfantjr

Blog: http://jamesfantbooks.wordpress.com

The Best Moment Award

Awarding the people who live in the moment,

The noble who write and capture the best in life,

the bold who reminded us what really mattered –

Savoring the experience of quality time.

I am pleased to announce that I have been nominated for the Best Moment Award. As part of the nomination, I am asked to give a brief acceptance speech.

My acceptance speech:

I would like to thank fellow blogger, Yawatta Hosby, for nominating me for the Best Moment Award. She nominated me after reading my blog post Talent, Passion and Discipline.  I’m flattered that she and others enjoyed the post. Though I don’t blog as often as I’d like, when I do it usually stems from some random thought, something I’ve experienced, or something I’ve read. The initial post for Talent, Passion and Discipline stemmed from a book (pls. refer to original post) that one of my critique partners recommended.

There are times as a writer you want to slack off or even give up, but that passion that drives you to write and rewrite that first sentence, paragraph, scene and chapter won’t let you. There is nothing like having an initial idea for a book pop into your head and then months later (years for some), you have a finished product and can finally write, The End.

I’ll admit, it’s an amazing feeling and is achieved by not only having talent and passion, but also discipline. My wish to aspiring authors is that you one day experience the elation that comes from stringing thousands of words together to create sentences, paragraphs, scenes, chapters to ultimately produce – a finished book.

Thank you again, Yawatta, for the nomination. I’d also like to give a special thanks to all of my blog followers. Without your support (and comments), blogging wouldn’t be as much fun. Thanks to this award and your continued support, I’m inspired to blog more often.

What’s next:

From what I understand, I’m supposed to pick 15 blog posts that I’ve enjoyed and nominate them (and their authors) for the Best Moment Award. Though I follow some great bloggers, there were a couple of posts that popped into my head during my brief acceptance speech. Note: those who I nominate for this award shouldn’t feel pressured to continue the chain if they choose not to.

The nominees are:

Cassandra Baker Durham – Finding a Balance

Jamie David – Tequila Day

Jordanna East – Jerks & Irks XXX: Free is, as Free Does

The Write Time Write Place – Eliminate the Laundry List by Yolanda Barber

M.J. Kane – M.J. on Writing: Helpful Advice for Aspiring Authors 

Nia Forrester – Inspiration

Writers in the Storm Blog –Why We (and our characters) Fall in Love: Part 1 by Fae Rowen

Night Stars and Mourning Doves – FREE

For all of you contemporary romance lovers out there, Night Stars and Mourning Doves (Dearly Beloved Series) by Margo Hoornstra is *FREE* exclusively on Amazon April 9 thru 13, 2013!

Elyse Monroe may be her sister’s maid of honor, but that doesn’t mean she has to follow the bride’s example and fall in love. Battle-scarred and weary from previous relationships, she has no desire to take a chance on another–no matter how many hints her little sister drops about the best man.

Devastating life events have taken a toll on Eric Matthews. After losing his wife and unborn daughter, he’s come home to heal. Serving as best man at his kid brother’s wedding is the only relationship he cares to contemplate–no matter how attractive the maid of honor.

Thrown together again and again by wedding duties, Elyse and Eric reluctantly agree to explore a possible relationship–only to have their casual date turn into a glorious night of passion. Can two hearts, convinced a happily ever after will never happen, recognize love when it finds them?

 

Excerpt

“Remodeling your home to accommodate Jay and me. Isn’t that a little extreme?”

Lips pursed, he shook his head. “Your mother and I have talked about adding on for years. Anyway, whatever we put into this house should increase its value eventually.” Setting aside the paper once and for all, his expression mellowed as he regarded his son. “Helping you out is helping us out.”

“It’s nice to hear you say that. And I want you to know I do appreciate what you’re doing for us. Especially Jay.”

“Losing your mother at any age is tough,” he replied as he stood. “It’s gotta be especially devastating when you’re as young as my grandson. He still needs someone to care for him like a mother, and Iris is more than up to the task.”

“She is that,” Eric began, then made himself quit talking.

Hard to admit, but he wanted someone to care for him, or at least listen when he needed them to. It wasn’t easy to look for a woman when you’re mortally injured and still require time to heal. Right now, it seemed all the time in the world would never make him whole again.

*

You can find out what happens next by getting your copy of Night Stars and Mourning Doves  -FREE – Exclusively on Amazon April 9 thru 13, 2013!

About the Author

My personal history in a nutshell is pretty simple. I’m a wife to one; mother to four—seven if you count in-law children which I do—and grandmother to four so far.

My work experience includes public relations specialist, magazine editor, television producer, and script and speech writer. I’m also a founding member of Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America.

Here’s how you can reach Margo:  Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Some LiKe it in Handcuffs

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Christine Wagner, author of Some Like it in Handcuffs, to my blog! Today Christine will tell us a little about herself and share her latest release. Let’s get started:

Christine, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Michigan with my husband, 3 kids (only 2 live at home), 2 dogs and 2 cats. We live in the country and I love it. I work a couple of days a week at a large hospital, but hope to give that up to write full time in the future. I love to cook, read, spend time with family, and write, write, write.

What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

Each book I write is a different process. I always start out with a quickie outline which goes over my basic plot points and character quirks, looks, etc. Sometimes I will outline by chapter as well. I like to have an outline to keep me on track, but a majority of the time I don’t stick to it. Another idea will pop into my head and steer me in an entirely different direction.

I know you’re not supposed to show favoritism but who’s been your favorite character to write?

That’s like asking a mother who is her favorite child. They each have characteristics and traits that I love. I really couldn’t name just one. I think that usually the characters I’m writing are my favorites because they are the ones I’m closest to at the moment. But if I put them away and work on another story, or read parts of a story I’ve already written…my opinion changes. lol

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

I have a critique partner and have had a few beta readers in the past.

What do you do for fun?

I love to travel when time and money permits. But I’m also a huge fan of cooking. I love to try new things and mix things up and see what I end up with. Of course I enjoy reading, especially when I can enjoy it on the front porch when the weather is nice and I’m a huge fan of board games or card games if I can talk someone into playing. Lol  I’ve also started doing a girls night out once a month with a few friends where we will go out and try something new. Be it either an event or a food…we’re having a lot of fun with it.

Wow, that does sound like fun, and as for the board games, you wouldn’t have to talk me into playing. I too love them! So Christine, tell us about Some Like it in Handcuffs.

Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case.

Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner.

But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, Sunny and Jud soon realize their feelings for each other cannot be denied.

I’m looking forward to reading Some Like it in Handcuffs! What was your inspiration behind this book?

This might sound a little odd, but I actually came up with the title first. Those five words popped into my head and from there characters were formed, plots tweaked and my storyline was born. I’ve found since then that I love to have a title before writing begins, even if I end up changing it J

 If you were going to cast the characters of your book for the movie version of Some Like it in Handcuffs, what actors would get the part?

That’s a tough one. I didn’t use an actor or actress when I pictured my characters and described them in the book. I’m going to take the easy way out here…lol…whoever auditions for the role and gets it will be fine. As long as the hero is tall, dark, humorous and sexy and the heroine is sassy, blonde, and full of spunk.

Excerpt from Some Like it in Handcuffs:

“This isn’t how I wanted it between us.”  Judson grabbed the neckline of her sweater, dragging her body to meet his with a solid thump.  Sunny licked her lips in answer to the question in his eyes.  He lowered his head to move his mouth over hers.

Sunny closed her eyes, a small whimper escaping her lips.  She didn’t want it like this either, but that wasn’t possible.  Unable to resist her attraction she accepted it wasn’t an affair, or a long distance romance she craved, but for him to love her back.  It was all or nothing for her.  Her heart sank.  She accepted this as their goodbye kiss.

With no thought to what was happening upstairs, Sunny rose up on her toes demanding more.  Her lips pulsated against Judson’s.  When his hand trembled against her cheek in a soft caress she lost touch with reality.

“Judson.” Sunny’s weakened body drifted farther into Judson’s as his fingers glided down her arms, pulling them to her sides where their fingers intertwined.  He forced them behind her before his tongue thrust into her mouth.

Their bodies molded together, she heard her own heartbeat and his as well when he curved his fingers around her rear and squeezed.

That’s when the click of the handcuffs against her wrist connected her to the handle of the locked cupboard.

“What the hell…Judson?”  She looked up at him, her knees shook, her body still inflamed with fever.

“Like I was saying, you wait here and I’ll go upstairs to check it out.  Backup’s already been called, so you’re safe until your brothers arrive.”  Judson winked before walking toward the steps to the third level.  Once he reached them he turned toward her and smiled.  “Gotcha,” he whispered with his notorious grin.

Want to read more? Some Like it in Handcuffs is available in print and digital format at:

Wildrose Press

Barnes and Noble

Amazon 

Genre: Light-hearted romantic suspense with humor

About the author:

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines. A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, Twitter and her Website.

Christine, I know you said you love hearing from readers and other authors, how can they connect with you?

My blog/website:  http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to keep up on what I have happening next: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763713.Christine_Warner

Book Spotlight – Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Today’s Book Spotlight: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge by Donna Shields

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Blurb

Hunting down a dangerous mob boss has brought FBI agent Mitchell Donovan home, reawakening an old flame, resurrecting a dead best friend, and discovering fatherhood. As if those aren’t enough, his new case will push everything else aside: finding the kidnappers who took the daughter he never knew he had.

Katherine Delaney never forgot the heartbreak Mitchell had caused with his abrupt departure all those years ago. With her dead ex-husband accused of murder and her daughter kidnapped, she will place her trust in the one man who could trample her heart again if she gets too close. But, will the resurrection of Katherine’s ex-husband and Mitchell’s chase for a killer destroy their second chance at love and happiness?

Excerpt

They followed the paramedic toward the ambulance while Gladys and the other woman continued to talk.

He’d had a nightmare in the early hours before Gladys’ call had awakened him. The Camaro from his dream sat in the same exact spot. Aidan pointed out the car and told Mitchell he had to save ‘her’, whoever that might be. He figured he was about to find out. If, in fact, he wasn’t losing his marbles.

As they rounded the corner to the back of the ambulance, Gladys stopped short causing Mitchell to nearly colliding into her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” he croaked, and then cleared his raw throat. “What’s the victim’s name?”

The paramedic shook her head, blonde ponytail swishing. “We don’t know. Haven’t found any ID yet, and she’s a little confused. Has a nasty bump to the head.”

He let Gladys climb aboard. Her upward movement stopped in midair, one leg dangling a little too close to Mitchell’s jewels. He jumped back as she whipped around, almost losing her balance. In a barely audible tone, she said, “I know her.”

“You know practically the entire town.” Mitchell gestured toward the victim. “Say something. Who is she?”

Her gaze stared off in the distance above his head. “It’s just so weird. It’s the widow whose husband drove off that bridge.” She pointed toward Jenkins Bridge, the old wooden-covered overpass in the distance.

An icy chill ran up his spine. Gladys moved aside, giving him full view of Katherine Delaney. She may be battered and bloody, but Mitchell could never forget her face, her high cheekbones, or the tiny, turned up nose. Shit.

Their eyes met, and his chest instantly tightened, his throat constricting. Something was wrong. She seemed to stare through him. Surely, she recognized him. He hadn’t changed that much. He managed to find his voice. “Hello.”

Katherine closed her dazzling emerald eyes. “What happened?”

He put his trembling hands behind his back interlocking them. “You were in an accident. What’s your name?”

She shook her head, the confusion apparent..

“It’s all right. This is Detective Freeman and I’m Detective Donovan.” Would the name register?

If it did, she didn’t react. She closed her eyes and turned her head away from them.

The paramedic announced, “Gonna have to finish this at the hospital after the doctor examines her.”

Mitchell reluctantly backed away allowing Gladys to jump down. Once the ambulance left, Mitchell said, “She didn’t recognize me.” Hundreds of miles apart and fifteen years later, and none of that mattered anymore. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and protect her. What was her life like now? Did she still live on the ranch with Aidan’s mother? Or did she have another whole life somewhere else?

Would she be okay? What if something happened to her? He couldn’t think like that. He wouldn’t.

“You know her?”

Of course he had. When he left Addison, he had been running from the hurt they’d caused one another. And his mother’s death. And his own demons.. “You keep forgetting. I grew up in this town.”

“What’s your connection?”

He didn’t want to get into his and Katherine’s complicated past at the moment. “We went to school together. Her husband, Aidan, and I were best friends.”

Gladys’ milk chocolate eyes grew large. “Oh wow. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. That was a long time ago.” Life goes on.

Want to read more? Here are the buy links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Soul Mate Publishing

About the Author

I live in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina with my husband, our children, and some great haunts. Besides being a busy bee with my writing, I’m a Mom, a Grandmom, a co-owner of a motorcycle shop and an avid reader. And we love traveling to Mexico and Jamaica when life and finances allow us to go.

I have two books published with Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders, a paranormal romantic suspense, and Secrets of Jenkins Bridge, a romantic suspense. I like writing about things that go bump in the night and finding a new twist to include in my stories.

I can usually be found on Facebook and Twitter (@Donna_Shields), and on my blog.

Here are a few other places you can find Donna:

Donna’s Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Soul Mate Publishing

In Paperback – Rendezvous with Danger

Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series is now in paperback! Get your copy!

Alandra Pargas, ex-CIA counter-intelligence officer, plans to wreak vengeance on the people who tried to kill her. A little rendezvous with danger is not what scares her, though. It’s seeing the tall, dark, and dangerously sexy man she vowed to love forever that has her running for cover.

 

Former U.S. Special Operative, Quinn Hamilton, left the world of covert operations after the love of his life died in his arms during a black op. Three years later, he still loses sleep wondering if maybe he could have done something more to save her – until Alandra shows up on his doorstep. With her lies and betrayal, he wants nothing to do with her, yet, his heart won’t cooperate. It’s not until unknown enemies come after her that he must decide if he can leave the past behind and protect the woman he’ll always love. Will they survive this last mission and rekindle the love and passion they once shared?

Read an excerpt

 

Purchase your e-copy today!  Amazon

 

In paperback –  Amazon   Createspace

 

Available at all other ebook online retailers – May 27, 2013