Honored and Happy

Hi all!

I spent this past weekend in Dallas, TX celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Romance Slam Jam (RSJ). For those of you who are not familiar with RSJ it’s an organization that brings African-American authors and readers together. RSJ has created an opportunity for readers to meet and get to know some of their favorite authors.

It was super exciting to meet readers who have sent me wonderful emails and who I communicate with on social media platforms. I’m telling you, some of these readers know my characters better than I do! I really enjoyed discussing the stories with them!

Though I attended as an author, I have to admit I did have my fangirl moments when I saw some of my favorite authors (Beverly Jenkins, Farrah Rochon, Sienna Mynx, Zuri Day, and the list goes on). And what TOTALLY blew me away is that they knew my name (and it’s not because I stalk them either)!! WAY COOL!

The conference consisted of workshops, interactive games, a book signing and an awards ceremony. RSJ is known for its Emma awards. Each year books/titles and individuals are nominated in twelve categories.

A few months ago, I was notified that two of my books had finaled. ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED – Interracial Romance of the Year (this was a new category) and TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES – Suspense of the Year. I was super excited by the news!

Well, I’m thrilled to inform you that I won both categories/awards! YAY! To say I was shocked when the announcer called my name, would be an understatement. I was happy to be nominated, but I have read books by some of the authors who had also finaled and knew the competition was steep. So to hear my name called not once, but twice was beyond exciting! I’m so glad I was surrounded by some of my author friends. Otherwise I probably would have really been a nervous wreck! I was a little nervous even with them there…okay, maybe a lot nervous prior to the awards ceremony! But having them there to share the moment was absolutely priceless! 

My writing career has exceeded my expectations. When I published my first book almost three years ago, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was just hoping to at least sell a book to someone who wasn’t family! Lol. I owe so much to my author friends who were wonderful in answering my fifty-million questions and sharing information regarding self-publishing & publishing. And I will be forever indebted to them! Even years later they are still supportive and encouraging.

Actually, I think this is the perfect time to say THANK YOU to all of them (published & unpublished)! You guys are truly the wind beneath my wings. And to the readers – OMG! You all ROCK! The wonderful feedback that you give me about my work makes me want to keep writing! THANK YOU!

Stay tuned, I’m going to have some giveaways in the very near future to celebrate!

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Here it is – Tempting the Artist

I’m happy to announce the early release of my latest novel, TEMPTING THE ARTIST, book 3 of the Jenkins Family Series! Christina (CJ) Jenkins was first introduced in the “FREE” short story, BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB and had a larger role in Jada’s story, ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED, book 2 of the Jenkins Family Series. You remember her right? CJ was the word-a-day cousin who drove everyone crazy using words no one knew the meaning of and often disappeared for weekends at a time.

Here’s a snippet from TEMPTING THE ARTIST.

Blurb:

Christina “CJ” Jenkins, a free-spirited painter by trade is juggling her obligation to the family construction business, with the demands of her secret passion. A secret life she has successfully hidden until recently. When sexy, bad-boy attorney, Luke Hayden, enters the picture, he steals her heart. But the truth of Christina’s double life buried under lies, threatens to destroy them both.

Luke is leaving New York to escape the drama, which is his life. Starting over in Cincinnati with Christina appeals to him more than he will admit. Although her secret jeopardizes their steamy affair, it’s not until someone threatens to destroy the Jenkins family empire, and uses Luke to carry out their plan, that their relationship is truly tested. Luke will do what he can to help the Jenkins family, but he will stop at nothing to tempt the woman who has captured his heart.

Excerpt:

“Wha … what are you doing up?” she finally asked.

“I don’t sleep well without you in my bed.” His slumber-filled voice was deep and intoxicating. She had no doubt that he meant what he said. When she wasn’t in New York visiting him, he rarely slept in the bed, preferring the sofa in his home office. He’d often stay at work until nine or ten at night, only to arrive home and work for another few hours. She had no idea how he functioned with only three or four hours of sleep each night.

Luke moved across the room with the stealth of a lion, closing in on its prey. With a lean body, his sculpted chest and muscular biceps stood out. That quiet control swimming in his eyes, with a twinge of fearlessness, rooted her in place and had her heart pounding double-time. She was sure that look played well into him being one of the top defense attorneys at his New York law firm.

“What’s wrong? You’ve been distracted since we returned from the art show.” The richness of his baritone voice washed over her like a smooth, satiny caress. And he smelled so good. The fresh scent of soap permeated the air as if he had just stepped out of the shower. His voice, his scent, and all that made him the man he was, weakened her defenses and sent her senses spiraling out of control.

He pulled her effortlessly against his hard body and her arms slid easily around his neck. What she felt for him was unlike anything she had ever experienced. There was just something about him. Something about the way his welcoming embrace evoked a sense of peace that settled over her like a goose down jacket all snuggly and warm. And there was something about the way his self-assuredness gave her the desire to experience the world through his eyes, making her want to try new things and live life on the edge.

Christina moaned as his body molded against hers, chest to chest and thigh to thigh. He felt too good. It wasn’t helping that the feathery kisses he placed along the length of her neck were reigniting the smoldering heat from hours earlier. She couldn’t think straight. Couldn’t think straight when he looked at her, or when he kissed her, or when he touched her. An experienced lover, his caress had her body bending to his will.

“Maybe you should come back to bed so that I can make you forget your troubles.”

“Or maybe you can make me forget my troubles right here … right now.”

Copyright © March 2015 by Sharon C. Cooper

Get your copy today!  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Smashwords

Deadly Curses by Donna Shields and Giveaway

Hi All! Join me in welcoming author Donna Shields to my blog! She’s on tour and my blog spot is one of her stops today!  Check out her new release, DEADLY CURSES, a romantic suspense!

 

About the book:

Deadly Curses (Magnolia Valley Series)

Dr. Trent Moore’s life is complete – a no-strings relationship, financial security, and great health – until he is summoned to his father’s grave and discovers a grave robber stole one of his father’s bones … a finger bone. From there, Trent’s seemly perfect world spirals out of control. Strange occurrences happen, and the sexy lead detective informs him a grief stricken mother has placed a curse upon him. As his near death experiences ramp up, and he finds himself falling in love, he’s beginning to believe there may be some truth to it all. But, will he run out of time before he can tell her he loves her?

When Detective Ciarra Pacelli is assigned to a prominent judge’s suspicious death, she doesn’t know her little world is about to be turned upside down. She discovers other possible victims of a deadly Voodoo curse, one being the gorgeous and stubborn doctor. As she becomes wrapped up in protecting him at all costs, she finds she’s fighting against her developing feelings for him. Once she realizes she can’t, she gives her all in finding a cure against the curse that promises to take him away from her for good.

Excerpt:

Ciarra straddled the chair close to Trent’s bed resting her head on her hands. His cheeks lacked color. His eyes appeared sunk in. It seemed as if he’d aged within the last two hours.

Gregory came in from the hospital, which was where Trent was attempting to point out through the window just before he passed out, and said Trent probably had a touch of the flu as it was going around, and he was dehydrated.

Flu her ass. More like a damn curse. Ciarra called Tiesha back in. He wasn’t protected. Ciarra looked for the amulet he’d received last night, but never found it.

Trent’s sister in law, Sammy, prepared chicken noodle soup downstairs.

“Oh wow,” Tiesha said upon entering the room. “He doesn’t look very good. About as bad as the other one. I must say your partner’s unbelievable. He’s over there wearing gloves and a mask. I tried to explain to him he couldn’t catch it. But, he won’t listen to a crazy ape like me.”

Ciarra rolled her eyes. High time to give Rick some eye opening life lessons. “What do you think?”

“You should try a shaman or a Vodun priestess. You need to break the curse.” She placed the back of her hand against his cheek. “No fever. If anything, he feels cold and clammy.”

Ciarra eyed her best friend. “So, you know a Vodun priestess I suppose?”

“And a shaman. Which do you prefer? You don’t have a lot of time left.” She pulled out an amulet and handed to Ciarra. “Here is a new one. Place it under his pillow.”

“Thanks for the reminder . . . and the amulet. I guess the best bet would be Voodoo.” Ciarra reached out and ran her hand across the top of his head. She swore she wasn’t going to fall for this man. Yet, she teetered on the edge of a very high cliff with Trent. If only she could just let go and fall.

Jack, oh Jack. What do I do?

Her heart ached, being torn between the dead and the living. How had it happened? Trent lived like a playboy.

But, she could see a side of him he didn’t let out too often. One he wouldn’t really show. But then did a couple of times without knowing, he had.

Ciarra and he were like night and day. They could never last. But, the same could be said for Princess and Brutus. Yet, there the two misfits lay. Brutus the big baby on the rug and precious Princess curled up near his head, as if they had been the best of friends forever. Animals could teach humans a thing or two.

“Hello, Ciarra?” Tiesha waved her hands in front of Ciarra’s face. “Where were you just now?”

Ciarra shook off her thoughts. “Nowhere promising.”

“Oh boy.”

Ciarra raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Oh this isn’t good. You have fallen flat on your face, huh?”

Ciarra turned away and back to Trent.

Then, it hit her. The whole Florence Nightingale syndrome thing. She only cared for him as a human being. “Nope. There will never be another Jack.” Silly little liar.

“Go ahead and lie to yourself. But Ciarra Pacelli, you are not, and I mean not, fooling me. I know you.”

Ciarra crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s only because I have to protect him.” Finally, something to cling to besides love. Maybe, she wouldn’t be tumbling off the cliff after all. She was lying to herself, but it was the only way to protect her from Trent.

“Again, go ahead and twist it any way you want. You have fallen for him.”

*

Get your copy today! Amazon

About the giveaway:  Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

I’m Donna Shields, author of paranormal romance and romantic suspense – published with Soul Mate Publishing, mom of six, gramma of four precious cuties and wife to an imperfect, yet amazing husband of fifteen years and counting (He’ll say a hundred, roll his eyes, and smile). Psss…I’m imperfect too, but don’t tell him that….

We call the beautiful state of South Carolina our home where there isn’t much hustling and bustling going on, where people are friendly (for the most part-it’s called that Southern Hospitality), strangers wave and say hello with a smile. And it doesn’t hurt being centrally located where the ocean is a mere three hour drive and the mountains no more than an hour and a half away.

I’ve been writing for five years steadily, but have always dabbled with writing short stories here and there. I’m a sucker (no pun intended) for all sorts of paranormal. And when suspense and adventure is thrown in the mix, I’m a truly happy girl. I enjoy writing both genres and at times the lines between the two blur, combining to make paranormal romantic suspense. My heroines are strong, even if quiet. They are independent, yet scarred and in need of a true love. A real hero, one who understands they need their space, but will love them fiercely. The hero may have a hard exterior, but inside he’s a mush ball. And the hero needs that woman who can tame him down a little and love with all her heart and soul.

Donna’s Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon

Ask and You Shall Receive

I love, love, love receiving emails and inbox messages (Facebook) from readers! Almost three years ago, I published my first book and I never imagined how rewarding it would be to receive messages from readers … my fans! It’s an AWESOME feeling and I absolutely love them (the readers and the messages)!

Lately, I have been receiving some of the same questions from different readers. So I figured, I’d answer these questions on a larger platform. Not only are some of the questions answered below, but I’ve added some book covers that you might not have seen yet.

So here we go:

Book: SIN CITY TEMPTATION

Question: “Is Maxwell, Trinity’s brother, going to get his own story?”

Answer: As of right now, I don’t have anything planned for Maxwell. BUT I’ve learned to never say never.

Question(s): “Do you know how to play poker?” “Have you ever attended the WSOP?” “How did you come up with the idea of having a professional poker player in the story?”

Answer: Good questions!

1. My husband taught me how to play Five-card Draw years ago. While researching the book, I had to be re-taught – which was fun. He also taught me the basics of Texas Holdem. There are a couple of scenes in the book where Gunner is playing Texas Holdem because in real life, Texas Holdem is the game of choice in professional poker tournaments.
2. In regards to whether I have attended WSOP (World Series of Poker), I have not – but I would love to! I just happened to be writing the story during the WPT (World Poker Tour) and watched some of the tournaments on television. Fascinating!
3. Oh, and my husband is the one who tossed out the idea about writing about a professional poker player. Hmm…looks like he played a hand in getting this story done.

Book & Series: TEMPTING THE ARTIST (Jenkins Family Series)

Question: “When can we expect CJ’s story?”

Answer: MANY have asked and the official release date for Christina “CJ” Jenkins’ story is March 27, 2015. Tempting the Artist is book 3 of the Jenkins Family Series.

Question: “Will MJ and PJ get their own story?”

Answer: Yes, Martina “MJ” Jenkins and Peyton “PJ” Jenkins will get their own stories. As of now, I’m not sure of the exact release dates, but stay tuned to my blog or website for updates.

The Reunited Series

Question(s): “Are there more books coming in the Reunited Series?”, “Is Wiz going to get a story?”, “Is Stan & Layla getting their own story?”

Answer: First, let me apologize for the delay re: the Reunited Series. I had initially planned to release book 4 of the Reunited Series at the end of 2014. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. But to answer some of the questions:

1. As of right now, there are a total of 5 books in the Reunited Series.
2. Wiz is definitely getting his own story! The title of his book: OPERATION MIDNIGHT, book 4 of the Reunited Series. As of right now, Wiz’s story is scheduled to be released this summer (2015).
3. Stan & Layla – As of right now, I don’t have a story for Stan & Layla. But as I mentioned earlier, I won’t say never. Oh and a HUGE shout out to the reader who gave me some ideas for Stan & Layla’s story. Lol! (Loved them!)
4. Book 5 of the Reunited Series is Hunter’s story (Malik’s brother -pro basketball player). I’ll reveal that book cover at a later date.

Book: A DOSE OF PASSION

Question: “Will Iris’s sisters get their own book?”

Answer: The first time I received this question (like the day after LEGAL SEDUCTION was released), I didn’t have a story (or any plans) for Macy Carter (the pediatrician) or Janna Morgan (the supermodel). Since then, I have received this question numerous times. I’m glad I didn’t say “No” they would never get a book because they are both getting their own story!

1. Macy’s story – A DOSE OF PASSION, will be released October 1, 2015 AND for you Jenkins Family fans (and fans of their friends), Macy’s love interest is Derek Logan. Remember him? Craig’s brother who has the cute little son name Jason? At any rate, they’re hooking up! More on that story in the coming months.
2. Janna’s story is in the works and will be released early in 2016.

To those of you who shoot me emails or messages telling me how much you enjoy my work, or ask questions regarding what’s coming next – THANK YOU! The emails and the wonderful questions/comments make me want to keep writing! Keep the messages coming!

Here it is – Sin City Temptation!

It’s official – release day for SIN CITY TEMPTATION! Allow me to introduce you to: Trinity Layton and Gunner Brooks!

Blurb:

Is love in the cards? 

Former police officer Trinity Layton will do anything to keep her personal security business afloat—even babysit professional poker player Gunner Brooks. Bizarre incidents have been plaguing the poker tour, and Trinity has been hired to keep Gunner safe. But when the gorgeous playboy convinces her to pose as his girlfriend, she might be the one who needs protecting, as their passionate charade quickly becomes all too real.

A gambler in the game of life, Gunner has made his fortune playing for the greatest prizes. The last thing he needs during this tournament is a bodyguard hanging around, especially one as alluring as Trinity. And being together 24/7 just tripled their odds of falling for one another. Now, as Gunner prepares for the championship of his career, he’s playing for the highest stakes of all: Trinity’s heart.

Excerpt:

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” she said.

The thought of a woman telling him that she was going to protect him didn’t sit right with Gunner. Sure, he had wanted a female bodyguard, but that part of his idea had stemmed from wanting him and Trinity to get reacquainted.

“Thanks,” he mumbled and walked away.

“Before you go.” He stopped again and faced her. “I’d like to teach you a few self-defense moves, just in case you’re in a tough situation and need to protect yourself.”

A bark of laughter erupted from him. “You’re going to show me some moves?” When she put her hands on her hips and shifted her weight to one leg, scowling, he stopped laughing. His mouth dropped open. “You’re serious?”

“I’m dead serious.” She removed the lightweight jacket and revealed the sexy black blouse that had almost cost him a loss tonight. Tossing her jacket to one of the kitchen chairs, she moved into the family room and kicked off her killer high heels. “Gunner, this is part of my job. This is what I do.” She glanced back at him, still standing in the kitchen, dumbfounded.

He analyzed her for a moment. The way his body ached for her, it would be best for him to head to his home gym as originally planned. But there was a stronger force pushing him toward her and he was powerless to resist.

“So what do you say? Are you going to let me teach you some moves?”

He set his bottle of water on the kitchen counter and went to her. “Sweetheart, I have moves that you haven’t seen or experienced before.”

Before she could respond, his mouth covered hers with a hunger that had built up since the first day she’d stepped into his dorm room all those years ago. It’d taken everything within him not to seize what he wanted back then, but now he couldn’t help himself. He kissed her deeply and thoroughly, drinking in the sweetness of her lips, succumbing to the power she had over him.

His hands scaled down the sides of her hips and pulled her curvy body close. He had no doubt that she felt the length of his desire pressing against her pelvis. The lower part of his body moved of its own accord as he ground against her. His heart pounded so loud within his chest, he was sure she could hear it. None of his fantasies of having her in his arms matched the reality of this moment. He heard himself moan and then her body went rigid, as if suddenly coming to her senses.

“Oh, my God,” she whispered and pushed him away. “What are you doing?” Her hand hovered near her mouth, her eyes wild and accusing.

“If you don’t know, apparently I wasn’t doing it right.”

“Don’t get cute! You know what I’m talking about.” She ran her hands through her shoulder-length hair and paced around the room. She stopped and glared at him. “I don’t know what possessed you to kiss me, but you’d better make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“I’m attracted to you and, based on that kiss, I’d say the feelings are mutual. So I did what I’ve longed to do for years. And I must say, it was even more amazing than I imagined it would be.”

“Like I said, it can’t happen again,” she huffed. “Otherwise, I’m going to have to put someone else on this assignment.”

Now she had his attention. With two long strides, he stood before her and gently grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“We have an agreement.” He leaned in close, but stopped just before his lips touched hers. “And if I wanted someone else to guard me, I would have hired someone else. I want you. Besides, sweetheart, we signed a contract. You’re mine for two months.”

*

Get your copy today!

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