30 January 2015

The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday ~ Fate Reborn

 The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday  ~ Fate Reborn           

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Fate Reborn by Christina OW
Released Jan 30th 2015
 
Beginning
The sun was at its highest again. It was picturesque as it stood on its lonesome in the
cloudless beautiful blue sky. It rested above the water, shining hard its rays of light bouncing
off the water.
If it had an ego, one would say it was showing off its power, its beauty, and its capability
to make the world look so beautiful. 
 
Page 56

“Doing what?” Miss Don pushed. She was going to make an inquisition out of it.

“It’s personal.” Lee answered directly. She wasn’t going to offer any more information than that.

Miss Don sneered, “More important than what I’m doing?”
Lee didn’t answer. She didn’t see a reason to if she was still going to get punished anyway.

“Since you are too good to answer me, you’ll be teaching next week’s class. Read on the next topic, the male reproductive system,” Miss Don’s lips slightly curved up in a smile,

“Don’t be late for that class.”
 
Website 
Amazon Page 

29 January 2015

Devon's Choice by Catherine Bennet

“Devon’s Choice”
by ~ Catherine Bennett
Back Cover Blurb:
Faith, love and a cup of coffee, can change everything.

Life holds no surprises for Devon Murphy. Her life consists of keeping tabs on her aging Irish father, working part time at a coffee shop, and building her online graphics design business. Devon’s only tricky situation is a shallow relationship with the pampered and affluent Michael Turner, who sees her as just another woman to conquer. 
Following his father’s death, Brandon’s only goal is to expand the family business and live life on his own terms. That is, until he walks into the coffee shop one snowy evening and meets the enchanting, red-haired barista behind the counter. But can Devon and Brandon’s attraction for each other be strong enough to help erase their deepest disappointments and renew their faith in God?
Author Bio:
I grew up in Ohio where I currently live with my husband and our two rescue Labradors. Some of my favorite things include reading, shopping, pepperoni pizza, Hershey bars and hanging out with my two grown sons. I also love dogs; so going to the dog park is cheap entertainment for my husband and I!
Growing up an only child, I had many imaginary friends. I believe this - and a love of books - fueled my desire to write. It was many years later that my dream of becoming a published author came true.
My Romantic Suspense, “The Trouble With Charlie” is published by Astraea Press and available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. Visit my website for buy links and excerpts.
Excerpt: 
     Once they got to the park, Devon unhooked his leash.  The dog ran in the snow and stopping abruptly, he turned, tongue out and ears perked.  Brandon reached down and patted snow into a ball and threw it far beyond Bubby, who took off after it.  After a few more throws, they left the dog to himself and walked along the brick path to a bench.  Brandon brushed the snow off with his gloved hand and they sat down.  Bubby played some more, then lay with his head up and ears alert.
     “I’m curious,” Brandon said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.  “I may be out of line to ask you, but what kind of relationship do you have with this Michael guy?”  He looked sideways to see her worrying her bottom lip and hoped he was going to get a truthful statement.
     “It’s pretty shallow, really.  We’ve never discussed being an exclusive couple. He travels a lot with his company and I figure he probably goes out with other women, and not just for business if you know what I mean.  Once he practically admitted to it.”
     “What kind of job does he have?”    
     Devon, who’d been watching the dog, turned to look at him.  “He’s the Executive Vice President for Turner Construction.  His father owns the company.”    
     Brandon drew himself back.  “Turner Construction!  That’s the largest construction company in the Midwest.”    
     “So, you’ve heard of it?”    
     “Yes, my dad had some experience with them.”       
     “So was it a good experience?”    
     Brandon shrugged.  “I really couldn’t say.”  Then, hoping to refocus her attention, he asked,  “How’d you ever meet him anyway?” 
     “He hit my car in a parking lot.  Not very romantic.”
     Brandon looked over at her neutral expression.  Whatever kind of relationship she had with Michael Turner didn’t seem to be making her happy.  At that moment, all he wanted to do was to make her forget all about the jerk.
     As if sensing him watching her, Devon turned her head enough to make eye contact with him.  The faint, milky glow from the streetlight showed enough of her features for him to see a soft blush warm her cheeks.  Under her dark lashes, he watched her sea green eyes glint invitingly as her soft lips turned up at the corners.  In that moment, his resolve to keep the date on a friendly level came crashing down.
 
Social Media Links:
 
 
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27 January 2015

Jamie Salisbury ~ Author Spotlight

Today's Author Spotlight falls on Jamie Salisbury and her latest book Choice Affairs
Choice Affairs (Book #2-Southern Heat Series)
Bio
Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. Now in 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are both self published and now include several published through Secret Cravings Publishing.
Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.
Contact Links
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury 

 
Choice Affairs - Blurb
Political intrigue, new marriage, dark secrets.
How will Apolo and Caitlyn face the Washington fishbowl?
How far can Apolo push his bride in the sensual arena?
 
 
Choice Affairs  - Excerpt
"Apolo, who are you calling?" I inquired, as though I didn't know.
"Your mother! I've been more than patient with the woman. I've overlooked things she has said or done that ordinarily I wouldn't. She was the entire reason we waited to start preparations. So that she would be safely back in Ireland. Now, less than a week out, she decides to ignore everything we implored upon her not to do. She's selfish, Caitlyn. The woman thinks of no one but herself, and it stops now."
I bit my lip, trying desperately not to smile. That wouldn't be a good thing to do right now. Apolo Choice did not tolerate anyone, not even family, doing as my mother just had.
He caught my amusement anyway. "What?" he bellowed, his eyes dark and menacing.
"Are you done ranting?"
"No! I'm just getting started. She has to be taught a lesson, and I know the perfect way to get her attention. While I'm doing that, I want you to get Izzie and Eloise on the line. The four of us have some meddling-mother-of-the-bride counter attacks to plan out."
"What are you up to, Apolo?" I gazed warily at him as he found my mother's number and let the games begin.
"You'll see."
That's what I was afraid of—Apolo Choice and my mother, Susan Pickett White, having a blow up mere days before our wedding. I sat, grimacing, waiting for her to pick up. Or would she? As savvy as my mother was, she was probably screening her calls, anticipating Apolo's response.
"Susan," he bellowed into the phone. "What in the name of hell were you thinking this morning? Going on some gossip show and telling the world every detail of our wedding. How dare you! Now, I’ve called to tell you that the ceremony is off. Thanks to you, the one day we asked for privacy has been ruined."
He stood, facing me, listening to my mother pleading. He was obviously having great fun toying with her.
"No, you may not speak to Caitlyn. Your daughter is too distraught by your selfishness to talk to anyone at the moment. I merely thought I'd let you know first-hand that the wedding has been cancelled. But you know, come to think of it, perhaps I should have gone on one of those shows you seem to relish and announced it to the entire world. Now, if you'll excuse me."
He hung up on my mother. Not many live to tell about doing that.
 
Buy Links:
(8th Jan '15  -  Pre-order Links)

25 January 2015

Julie A. D’Arcy ~Author Spotlight

Today's Author Spotlight is on
Julie A. D’Arcy and her latest book
Whisper on the Wind
 
Author Bio 
Julie A. D’Arcy - lives in Wangaratta, Australia with her partner Philip and her two cats, Jesse and Abby. Julie has been a writer for nineteen years and has been published almost as long. Her first two novels Time of the Wolf and Silverdawn were first published in 1999 and the year 2002 and Shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the PEARL and Sapphire, with Time of the Wolf winning the 1999 RIO (Reviewers International, Dorothy Parker Award) in the Fantasy category for Women’s Fiction. Both books were also runners up in the prestigious Australian, R*BY Award run by the Australian RWA.

Julie began writing seriously in 1994, and has been published by ImaJinn Books, Mundania Press, Double Dragon Press, Eternal Press, Noble Romance Publishing LLC, Secret Cravings Publishing and Sweet Cravings Publishing.

Watch for Julie’s Fantasy Romance Series, The Tarlisian Sagas. The Dragon and the Rose, and Elven Magick, and the re-release of The Cross of Tarlis, Part One & Two, and her Award Winning Novel, Time of the Wolf.

Her single titles include: Elanessë, Night’s Eternal Promise, Whisper of Yesterday and Novellas, Face of a Stranger and “A Whisper on the Wind.”
Also her first M/M short story was released this year and has earned her two 5 star reviews. Written under the name J.A. Darcy, “The Siam Encounter”
****
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=114

 Amazon Books- http://www.amazon.com.au/Whisper-Wind-Julie-DArcy-ebook/dp/B00JDV8MY8/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1421552806&sr=8-11&keywords=A+whisper+on+the+Wind

Barnes and Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-whisper-on-the-wind-julie-darcy/1119054785?ean=2940045818704

Julie’s hobbies include reading, gardening, oil painting, making fantasy pottery and greeting cards, creating video clips and book covers for other authors. She loves to hear from people who have read her books.
julie.darcy3@bigpond.com

Erotic Romance Novella 

by JULIE A. D'ARCY

ISBN: 978-1-63105-139-5
Cover Artist: Julie D'Arcy
Word Count: 12,229
Formats: LIT, EPUB, MOBI, HTML, PDF 

Published by Secret Cravings Publishing

4 FLAMES

BLURB--
“A WHISPER ON THE WIND” is where Urban Fantasy, Steam Punk Erotica, meets, re-incarnation with a twist of magic and those sexy little bits everyone loves.

Can the impossible really become possible? Or is it all just a whisper in the wind?

Sherry's world falls to pieces when the honeymoon she had planned in Rio with her fiancée turns to tragedy with his death in a plane crash. Can a twist of fate, a wrong turn and a touch of magic find the love and passion she thought she had lost in the arms of another? Or will her love once again be torn apart? 

Can a wish really turn back time?

Excerpt- From Whisper on the Wind.
She stepped back into the bedchamber allowing the canvas flap to drop into place, and then watched as Chardon removed his cloak, sword, and boots and dropped back spread-eagle onto the bed. “Come, woman,” he said softly, rolling onto his elbow and patting the place beside him.

 Sherry remained standing. She allowed her gaze to wander over his wide chest and shoulders, down his flat stomach, to his muscular thighs still encased in brown, leather breeches. He absolutely took her breath away. Never had she seen a man who stirred her blood more. He was her Lachlan, yet not. He was more rugged. Lachlan with the smooth edges removed. A lock of raven hair lay low on his forehead, almost in his eyes—brilliant blue eyes in which she could lose herself and never wish to return. His masculinity was raw, sensual, calling to her. She took a step forward, then another.

 

“Take my hand,” he whispered, “I would never hurt you. If it was not for your abduction, we would be wed already, and tomorrow we will be. What difference is one night? With what you have been through, I think you need my arms around you.”

One night Sherry thought. Just one night. One night to say goodbye to Lachlan. One night with this warm beautiful man. Then she would start her search for a way home.

Just one night of love.

Another step took her to the edge of the bed, but as she stepped a great weight seemed to drag her down. Her hand went to the pocket of her cloak and closed around the idol she had taken from the High Priest’s throne. She drew the statue out and sat it on a table beside the bed, then unclipped her cloak and dropped it at her feet.

“You may be a great warrior,” she said, with a soft smile. “But no man to my knowledge can make love with his pants on.”

Chardon eyed her solemnly and rolled from the bed, his hands going to his belt. “Anything that makes my lady happy.”

* * * *
Heat coiled in her abdomen and spread lower, creating an ache she'd lived with since losing Lachlan. Chardon’s broad shoulders and narrow hips drew her like a hapless moth to a flame, and yet guilt consumed her. The love of her life had not yet gone cold in his grave, and all she could think about was having sex with this Greek god…or this god from whatever country or planet.

Sherry fought against the surge of lust igniting in her. She wanted this man, whoever he was. She wanted him bad. She felt the heat in her cheeks too, and he had noticed the rosy hue if one went by his smirk.
 
“Come now, love, it is too late for regrets.”

Now in this confined space with this stranger, a replica of her Lachlan, every cell in her body screamed for release.

She walked toward him unable to help herself, and sat down beside him. He stroked her arm in a calm, steady motion. His callused fingers stoked the flames of her desire until it became a veritable fiery blaze. She ached to be filled by him, she wanted him to drive deep inside her and quench her unrestrained hunger.

Her breasts ached for his touch, and her nipples peaked. What was happening to her? Had she become such a wanton in so little time? ..... to be continued….

You will find Julie A. D’Arcy’s website with excerpts and reviews from all her novels at: http://www.julieadarcy.com/

23 January 2015

The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday - IF I LOVED YOU

The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday             

Anyone can participate in Book Beginnings on Friday and The Friday 56.
Click HERE to connect to other Book Beginnings posts (sponsored by Rose City Reader)
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My choice this week is from prolific writer Jean Joachim and her book IF I LOVED YOU
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Beginnings
Megan could hardly breathe. Her mouth, suddenly dry as desert sand, managed a smile as her eyes connected with his. Instantly, she understood Chaz Duncan’s enormous film success. His presence filled the room the second he entered it.
Chaz stood about five foot eleven, with a slender build and shoulders that stretched from New York to California. His expertly trimmed, rakishly long, dark brown hair threatened to fall into his eyes at any moment. His eyes were the darkest brown, fringed by long black lashes. His nose was straight and just long enough. His lips were perfect, with a slightly fuller lower lip that looked completely kissable.
   
Page 56
“Not this one. Honestly. Meg has no idea how hot she is. She wears these low cut sweaters to work and then bends over the desk in front of me—and not on purpose, like she forgot what she’s wearing. Great rack. She doesn’t even know she’s flashing me.”
“A hot babe who doesn’t know it? How do you find these women, Chaz?”
“Dumb luck.”
“Does she have a friend?”
“What happened to Selena?”
“Didn’t work out.”
“Sorry. She was hot…a stick of fire.”
“Stick of dynamite is more like it. What a pain in the ass. She was demanding and always needing attention…constantly. Geez.” He shook his head.
“Meg’s independent. Maybe too independent.”
 
Blurb
Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. A successful financial advisor, Meg was shocked when she was selected to launch a celebrity division for her investment firm.
Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.
 

16 January 2015

The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday ~ Time

The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday             

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This week I'm sharing the beginning, and page 56, from Samantha Darling's 2nd book, Time
 

Book Beginning
Through the darkest day and the coldest night, keep
faith, for tomorrow has to come.
I read somewhere that grief apparently never ends. Instead it changes and becomes
like a passage, not a place to stay. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, it’s
ultimately the price we have to pay for love.
 
“Mr. Smith…I’m very sorry. It’s terminal.”

The Friday 56 (from pg 56)
 
“The blood test has revealed your husband’s kidney function is extremely poor and this needs to be cared for in hospital.”
My brain doesn’t seem to be processing what this man…Dr Khan is telling me.
I’m still half asleep. It’s an awful feeling when you are woken up…I feel cold and shivery and shaky…and now this. I remember the phlebotomist coming to the house this morning to take the bloods and never even dreamed it would result in a midnight call.
 
Synopsis:
“Babe, it’s okay. Let the doctor finish.”
With those words, Isobel Smith had no idea of the months ahead. Not long married, pregnant and a wonderful future promised with her husband, Jason, her hopes and dreams die in that one simple sentence.
Follow her in her harrowing journey as Isobel learns the resilience of the female spirit, and gradually puts her life back together for the sake of their child.

James, her husband’s best friend, is the rock that keeps her together.

But will James’ own battle with his grief end up tearing them apart?

Harrowing and gritty, you must not miss this emotional read from debut author, Samantha Darling, as she takes you on a heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting journey.
 
 

 

12 January 2015

Samantha Darling ~ Author Spotlight - Time

Please welcome Samantha Darling and of her second novel Time
 
AUTHOR BIO
I live in Essex, not to far from London, with my identical twin boys and our two Bedlington Terriers. We're crammed into our rather cosy two up-two down terrace and we can barely swing a cat, but hey, we love it. I work part time as a nurse but when I'm off duty, you will find me either chasing the toddlers around like a headless chicken, head buried in a book or tapping away at my stories.

I have always loved to read and romance and women's fiction are by far my favourite genres! 

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

BLURB

“Babe, it’s okay. Let the doctor finish.” 

With those words, Isobel Smith had no idea of the months ahead. Not long married, pregnant and a wonderful future promised with her husband, Jason, her hopes and dreams die in that one simple sentence.

Follow her in her harrowing journey as Isobel learns the resilience of the female spirit, and gradually puts her life back together for the sake of their child. 

James, her husband’s best friend, is the rock that keeps her together. 

But will James’ own battle with his grief end up tearing them apart? 

Harrowing and gritty, you must not miss this emotional read from debut author, Samantha Darling, as she takes you on a heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting journey.

YOU CAN FIND ME HERE….
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samantha.darling.9828
Facebook author page - https://www.facebook.com/samanthadarlingauthor?ref=hl
Twitter - https://twitter.com/samanthav1986
Tsu - https://www.tsu.co/samanthadarling1986
Website - http://www.samanthadarlingromance.com/

9 January 2015

The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday ~ Silver Valley Witch

Silver Valley Witch ~ The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday             

Anyone can participate in Book Beginnings on Friday and The Friday 56.
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Silver Valley Witch by Annie Seaton
 

Take Cupid, his mother Venus, Wesley the Warlock, and Lizzy Sweet the Witch of Silver Valley plus a variety of supporting characters, including a ghost, all orchestrated by author Annie Seaton, and what do  you get?
 
A rocking good fun story which offers up more surprises than you should expect from a novella. But Ms. Seaton manages it.
 
Synopsis:
Cupid shoots his arrow, and the first man that librarian Lizzy Sweet sees is Josh Deegan, a burnt out country and western singer who has come to Silver Valley to rediscover his muse. He has inherited an old farmhouse that holds some surprises. Local warlock, Wesley Gordon, who has been hitting on Lizzy to no avail for over one hundred years, is definitely not impressed. The quirky old folk of Silver Valley watch fondly as the battle between love and lust plays out. Leaden and golden arrows zing around, spells are magicked, potions stirred, and ghosts hunted. Who will fall in love and who will let the other go forever? (A re-release of Blind Lust)


 
 
 

Book Beginning
"A wager for you, my son." Venus leaned back, closing her eyes as she slipped a deep purple grape into her mouth. "I have found a woman you cannot entice to love."
Cupid leaned back in the soft cloud and snickered. "You have purple juice on your breast, mother."
"Damnation," Venus leaned forward, dangling bare legs in the azure blue of the soft air, scrubbing at the damp spot on her white flowing gown.
 
 
 
The Friday 56 (from pg 56)
The sweet tones of her grandmother’s youthful voice tinkled down the phone line.
"Hello, my dearest, I was waiting for you to call before I went to golf."
Lizzy’s heart skipped a beat. "Is Wesley down there with you?"
"Now, why would you think that, you haven’t been fighting with our darling boy, have you?"
"No, Gran." Lizzy glared across the foyer, watching the dust mites drift through the sunshine. Darling boy, indeed.
 
Amazon