THE HUSBAND MAKER BY KAREY WHITE and Western Roundup Continues

The Husband Maker Blog Tour Schedule

Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she’s dated since high school has become his next girlfriend’s husband. Not hers. Not three girlfriends down the road. The next.

Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed?

When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

Get your copy of The Husband Maker for just $3.99!

Amazon * Kobo * iTunes * Barnes & Noble

THE HUSBAND MAKER Excerpt:

Mrs. Shelton’s words bounced around in my head. They call her the husband maker.

“That’s quite a frown you’ve got going there.”

“Sorry.”

Angus dipped his head, forcing me to make eye contact with him.

“Don’t be sorry. Just talk to me.”

“Have you heard anyone call me the husband maker?”

Angus leaned back in the booth and shook his head. His dark, worried eyes watched me. “Who told you about that?”

“So you have?” When he didn’t immediately speak, I knew the answer. I sighed and leaned back against my seat as well.

There we sat, both of us slouching against our seats, looking at each other.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered.

“Now why would I do that? Why would I purposely tell you something that would hurt your feelings?”

I should have appreciated his desire to spare me, but at the moment, I wasn’t sure what to think. “Wouldn’t a real friend be honest with me?”

“I was honest. If you’d ever asked me, I’d have told you. I wouldn’t have lied to you. But I don’t think a real friend would jump at the chance to share something hurtful. Wouldn’t a real friend be protective?”

I shrugged.

“Who told you?”

“No one.”

“Then how—?”

“I overheard Hannah Shelton’s mom in the restroom. She was telling some other woman that everyone calls me the husband maker.”

“Not everyone, Chuck.”

“You know what I mean. And why shouldn’t they? There I was at Harrison’s wedding. I guess I just made him a husband. I guess I made Skyler a husband. And CJ and Jerry and . . . I can keep going if you want me to.” I would have kept going to illustrate my point, but my voice was starting to quiver, and in a minute, I’d only have two options—cry or yell at Angus. As upset as I was that he’d never told me, I knew he didn’t deserve to be yelled at. He was here for therapy, after all.

“Charlotte.”

His voice was full of concern, and he used my given name, so I knew he wasn’t kidding around.

“What?” My voice cracked.

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about what people say. You’ve had bad luck. That’s all. It isn’t your fault.”

The waitress brought out our food. “Can I get you anything else?”

“This is great, thanks.” Angus wasted no time piling food on his plate. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said after she left.

“I can’t believe we’re eating this much food at almost ten.”

“If the food doesn’t take your mind off all this junk, the heartburn will.”

I laughed.

Angus’s voice turned serious again. “If you wish I’d have told you, I’m sorry I didn’t.”

I nodded. I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer, but I had to ask. “Have you ever called me that?”

“Of course not.”

AUTHOR KAREY WHITE

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Coming Fall 2014 - Charlotte's Story continues in The Match Maker

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway


$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash


Ends 8/15/14


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Thanks for stopping by! To participate in the WESTERN ROUNDUP GIVEAWAY HOP, please scroll down to the previous post and leave your comment there. Come back on Friday for another addition to the WESTERN ROUNDUP GIVEAWAY HOP! 

WESTERN ROUNDUP CONTINUES WITH KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN

Continuing with the Western Roundup Giveaway Hop, today I'm featuring a book by Carra Copelin, one of my critique partners. Carra is the author of the Code series, which is contemporary. However, she has planned a historical introduction to the families in her contemporary series. The first of these is a short novella titled KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN. I love this story and want to share part of it with you. In addition to the copies of my books I'm giving away on August 1st, I'll give away two copies of KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN.

Here is the information about Carra's book: 

KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN Blurb:

Dermot McTiernan is determined to move on with his life after losing his one and only love to another man. He decides to try his hand at ranching in North Central Texas with his friend, Ian Benning. He figures if that doesn't work out, there are many other opportunities in the booming post-war state. When the luscious red-head from County Cork, Ireland shows up in Dallas, can he retain the courage of his convictions and move on without her?

Kathleen O'Donnell made a monumental mistake marrying, Kelsey Gilhooley. Her decision for entering the union, no matter how honorable, had made her life a living hell. Even though still married, she holds out hope for finding the man of her dreams. When she comes across her tall, dark-eyed Irishman in Dallas, Texas, will she be able to abandon happiness and walk away a second time?

Isn't this a gorgeous cover?

         KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN Excerpt:

Dermot looked around the room and its many patrons. Most were men dressed in black business suits. He noticed two women serving food and drinks, one a tall brunette, the other had red hair worn in a long single braid down the center of her back. He sincerely hoped the brunette served them because he wanted nothing else to remind him of Katie O'Donnell What-ever-her-married-name-was.

He closed his eyes to the memory and swore he caught a whiff of her scent. His imagination was playing a cruel trick. He thought to get up and leave, but before he could tell Ian he'd changed his mind about eating, a female voice whispered in a familiar brogue. "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph."

Kathleen O'Donnell Gilhooley almost swallowed her tongue. The very moment she'd prayed for since the day she'd left Ireland a year ago had materialized, yet she wanted to run as far and as fast as she could. She'd hoped to meet Dermot McTiernan dressed in her best, but obviously the saints had other plans.

Hands shaking, she smoothed the humidity-laden curls back from around her face, and blotted the perspiration from her forehead with the hem of her apron. Trying her best to hide her nervousness, she stepped forward, shoulders squared. "Dermot, is it really you?"

"It would appear so, wouldn't it?" He stared past her to the window apparently fascinated by the activity on the street.

There was no way she could've known how he'd react to seeing her for the first time in almost ten years, but his tone took her aback none-the-less.  She wondered if he'd gotten her letter explaining the circumstances surrounding her union with Kelsey Gilhooley.  From his reaction this morning, she guessed he hadn't. Either that or it hadn't made a difference.

Well, that was okay. They were here now and, hopefully, with time on her side, she could make him understand. "How many eggs for ye?"

Dermot's friend and the taller of the two by a couple of inches, spoke up first. "I'll have four, please."

Kathleen waited patiently for Dermot to speak. He took so long, she wondered if he'd gone mute in the last minute and a half.

Finally, he lifted his head, looked her straight in the eye but spoke to his companion, "Ian Benning, this is Katie O'Donnell."

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am." The man stood, offered his hand in greeting.

She shook his hand, correcting her name, "Kathleen Gilhooley, 'tis my pleasure." She directed her attention back to Dermot. "Will ye be havin' four eggs, as well?"

"Sure."

After turning in the order, she checked on the pan of biscuits she'd left cooking in the oven. She'd placed them in to bake just before going out to help Sarah take orders. Normally she liked to help out in the dining room instead of being cooped up in the over-heated kitchen. This morning, however, turned out to be a different story.

Following what just happened in the dining room, she certainly questioned her decision to leave her homeland. She might've expected anger when they met, discomfort to be sure. What he'd exhibited had been much different. He'd been distant and sullen. That scared her more than any outburst.

She put two biscuits on each plate and took them to the table. The man introduced to her as Ian, thanked her. Dermot said nothing until she grabbed the pot and poured each of them a cup of coffee. The hurt and betrayal in his eyes wounded her far more than any physical injury she'd endured in her marriage to that drunken monster Gilhooley.

As she turned to walk away, he grabbed her hand demanding, "What're ye doin' here?"

His tone set her off and, while she knew it wasn't rational, that he was trying to defend himself by making the first strike. But she'd learned to protect herself, too, and rose to the bait. "'Tis a free country and I can be here if I want." She backed away in an effort to pull her hand from his grasp, but he only tightened his grip.

"I want to know why you're here," he demanded through clenched jaws. "How could ye've done such a thing to me?"

Ian stood. "McTiernan, calm down and let her go."

"I'll let her go when she gives me a good answer."

Kathleen looked about the large room in a panic. Every one of the café's patrons watched the scene with interest including the owner, Mr. Browder, who was walking in their direction. She feared what Dermot might say and she needed this job to keep her room above the establishment.

"Can we talk outside?" she pleaded. With one last great tug, she wrenched her hand loose but the motion sent her reeling backwards into the table behind her where she sat in a plate of fried eggs and a bowl of strawberry jam. A couple of gentlemen, their mouths agape, helped her stand, after which they returned to their seats. Her face heated with humiliation, she straightened to face her boss.

"Mrs. Gilhooley, please return to the kitchen. I'll handle the situation from here." He turned to Dermot and Ian. "I apologize for the interruption to your meal. Let Sarah or me know if there's anything else you require."

Kathleen entered through the kitchen door, as Mr. Browder aided the diner who'd lost his eggs to her backside. The whole incident had been embarrassing enough without having to sashay through the dining room with bright yellow yolks streaming down her green skirts.

Mrs. Browder waited for her with a wet soapy rag. "What in the world caused all that commotion?"

"A reunion with an old friend that didn't go as well as I'd hoped."

"I see."

Sarah came into the kitchen carrying the customer's empty plate. Her look was one of wary amusement. "Mr. Browder said to replace Mr. Smith's breakfast right away."

Kathleen took the egg soaked rag from Mrs. Browder and, while the older woman fussed over cooking the gentleman's eggs, she found she didn't care if her dress could be saved. She really didn't even care if she lost her job.

The only thing that mattered to her more than her livelihood or a place to lay her head at night was Dermot. She had to talk to him and make him understand she'd married to ensure a good future for her parents. After that, well, she didn't know yet but, being the optimist she was, something was bound to turn up. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN, The McTiernans, ia available on Amazon in ebook and print.    http://tinyurl.com/qg8wssx

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

About the author

Carra Copelin

Carra was born in Dallas, Texas and raised a few miles to the west just a stone's throw from where the Dallas Cowboys now call home. Unlike other authors, she didn't write from childhood or read long into the night beneath the covers, but discovered romance novels as an adult. Little by little, as she read her way through hundreds of books, she discovered there were many people residing in her head. With all of them demanding their stories be told, she decided to give writing a try. From that day she was hooked, and, even though life took over for a while, she's busy bringing her characters to life. 

She is a member of Romance Writers of America and President of the Yellow Rose Romance Writers. When she's not writing she loves creating and plotting with her fabulous critique partners [ta da! one of whom is moi], watching NCIS and NASCAR, and visiting with her three beautiful grandchildren. She and her husband reside in Arlington.

You can find her on the web at http://carracopelin.com and at her blog, Under Texas Skies, at http://CarraCopelin.blogspot.com 

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

 

Don't forget to stop by the other blogs in this Western Roundup Giveaway Hop!

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1. Books and Benches (Int)	2. My Devotional Thoughts (WW)	3. MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT)
4. LOVE. WITHOUT YOU	5. Romancing The West with Jacquie Rogers	6. Bookworm Lisa (Int)
7. Susan Heim on Writing (US)	8. Batch of Books (Int)	9. Deal Sharing Aunt (USA)
10. 3 Partners in Shopping (USA)	11. Rockin Book Reviews	12. Dare to Dream
13. Diane Estrella @ Thats What Im Here For. . . (US)	14. I Love to Read and Review Books : ) (INT)	15. Elisabeth Grace Foley - The Second Sentence
16. Shanna Hatfield	17. BookHounds	18. A Writer's Life

Thanks for stopping by!

CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH KATIE WORTHINGTON, HEROINE OF GABE KINCAID

Prizes from each participating blog!

I'll be giving away three ebook copies of THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP and three ebook copies of GABE KINCAID on August 1st. To enter, simply leave a comment between now and midnight July 31st telling me why you like western romance.

Even though I have a variety of posts scheduled for this time period, the contest will continue each day.

The complete list of participating blogs for this Blog Hop:

---

1. Books and Benches (Int)	2. My Devotional Thoughts (WW)	3. MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT)
4. LOVE. WITHOUT YOU	5. Romancing The West with Jacquie Rogers	6. Bookworm Lisa (Int)
7. Susan Heim on Writing (US)	8. Batch of Books (Int)	9. Deal Sharing Aunt (USA)
10. 3 Partners in Shopping (USA)	11. Rockin Book Reviews	12. Dare to Dream
13. Diane Estrella @ Thats What Im Here For. . . (US)	14. I Love to Read and Review Books : ) (INT)	15. Elisabeth Grace Foley - The Second Sentence
16. Shanna Hatfield	17. BookHounds	18. A Writer's Life

And now for today's post:

Dear Readers, today my guest is the heroine from my latest release, Kathryn Elizabeth Worthington, from GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaid series. I thought you might like to learn more about her, so I’m happy she’s agreed to an interview. She arrives dressed in a dress of gorgeous blue foulard trimmed with white lace. Down the front are ribbon revers forming bretelles that edge a vest made of rows of the lace laid outside the foulard. Sleeves are half-long with a little jabot of lace and a small bow of ribbon set inside the arm. A rosette of matching blue ribbon is in her auburn hair.

Caroline: Ms Worthington, please tell us something about growing up.

Kathryn sits and adjusts her skirts. When she smiles, her green eyes twinkle: Please, call me Katie. I grew up in Savannah, Georgia. My father and mother were both only children, and we lived with my Worthington grandparents. My grandmother died when I was ten, and then my parents died when I was twelve. After that, my grandfather and I were left with only one another. I’m afraid he spoiled me, but I’ve tried not to become self-centered. How I loved our life. We had many friends and traveled up and down the eastern seacoast.

Caroline: What changed that?

Katie smoothes a hand self-consciously down her skirt: When my grandfather died, I witnessed the men responsible. I had to escape them without endangering any of my friends. You see, one of the men was a trusted friend who knew everything about me.

Caroline: That must have been frightening. What did you do?

Katie: I’d never been so scared in my life. In spite of my sorrow over losing my grandfather, I escaped by joining the circus as Dorothy Duncan.

Caroline: That was clever. Do you think your friends believed you’d died?

Katie: Not my best friend, Mary Lou Chitwood. The men who killed my grandfather made it look as if I killed him and fled. I corresponded with Mary Lou. (Katie smiles) She told her parents I was a friend from school traveling the country with her parents. That way she could write to me when I let her know the circus’ scheduled stops.

Caroline:  What did you do with the circus?

Katie: At first I washed dishes in the employee dining room behind the circus tent. That was dreary. Then I mended costumes and made new ones, which I enjoyed. My favorite job was as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. That crazy name was the circus owner’s idea and so was the ridiculous turban he had me wear. To make myself look the part, I dyed my hair black. I made a cute costume based on a picture in a book I’d found at a library of a town we stayed in. The book was about India, and showed this lovely garment called a sari.

Caroline: Why was that fun? Can you really tell fortunes?

Katie: Why, yes, I can. You see, when we were at school, Mary Lou and I found a book about reading palms and what all the lines mean. I studied the book and amused my classmates by telling their fortunes. So, when I became the circus fortuneteller, I was able to use that knowledge on the people who bought tickets. Sometimes they were so happy they’d give me a tip, and I got to keep that for myself.

Caroline: Did you enjoy living with the circus?

Katie ponders the question: Not really, even though there were some things I did like. For instance, seeing different parts of the country was interesting. But I missed my home and friends. I liked my roommate, but I hated our cramped quarters. I was afraid the men after me might find me, so I was never really comfortable unless I wore my costume.

Caroline: What happened to end your time with the circus?

Katie smiles mysteriously: You’ll have to read the book to find out. I will tell you that the answer involves a wonderful man named Gabe Kincaid.

Caroline: Why, I do believe you’re blushing. Folks, here’s where you can buy GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaids:

Amazon      Nook       Kobo     GooglePlay  and also at Apple iBooks and iTunes.

And if you buy and read GABE KINCAID, please leave a review at Amazon or wherever you bought the book. I'll truly appreciate your effort. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

MICHELLE SHARP SHARES DREAM HUNTRESS

Dream Huntress

by Michelle Sharp

**Michelle will be awarding $30 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

BLURB:

Detective Jordan Delany has a gift. Through her dreams, she connects with dead victims of violent crimes. Her isolated life as a drug cop is perfect for hiding the freakish visions, until her newest investigation has her posing as a cocktail waitress in a down-and-dirty strip club. When she’s saved from a drunken customer by a handsome stranger, the heated chemistry is exactly why she intends to keep Mr. Arrogant at bay. But learning he’s the new bouncer for the corrupt club she intends to bust just might be the one reason why she can’t.

Tyler McGee suspects a drug ring operating out of the local club is flooding the streets of his hometown with heroin. Determined to get answers, he plays the part of a fallen cop and lands the job of head bouncer. What he discovers is that the club owner isn’t the only deadly obstacle he’s facing. His attraction to an intriguing cocktail waitress with a penchant for danger just might kill him first.

Entangled Publishing: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/dream-huntress/

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dream-huntress-michelle-sharp/1119641083?ean=9781622667413

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Huntress-Dreamseeker-Novel-Michelle/dp/1622667409/ref=la_B00KPNFH0U_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403706194&sr=1-1

DREAM HUNTRESS Excerpt:

“I’m Tyler McGee. Everyone calls me Ty. And as far as the nurses are concerned, I’m your big brother.”

“I don’t have a brother.”

He shrugged and smiled. “You do now.”

She eyed him from top to bottom and back up again, deciding it was most likely the killer smile, rather than the lie, that had gained him access to her room.

His grin grew wider. He looked amused at her thorough inspection.

Why had she studied him as though he was the main course at dinner? Her cheeks flushed hot. “Well, Ty, thanks for everything, but I can manage from here.”

Leaning against a countertop, he folded his arms. “Yeah, you’re in great shape. You plan on jogging home with your head injury or just taking it slow and hitchhiking?”

Ah, yes. Now she remembered. He was truly as handsome as the devil but also as cocky. He’d probably only said about ten sentences before she passed out, but if her memory was coming back accurately, most of them were condescending.

“I’ll call a cab,” she snapped.

He chuckled. “In Titus? Sweetheart, where are you from? It sure isn’t around here.”

He strode to the bed then leaned in close as though he was letting her in on a dangerous secret. “In case you haven’t noticed, Titus isn’t exactly a thriving metropolis. We don’t have taxi service or buses. The closest thing to public transportation is Dan the Scooter Man. He makes a fortune driving people home from the bars. You want his number?”

Michelle Sharp, Author

Michelle Sharp is a romantic suspense author from the Midwest. Although she has a degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University, she finds weaving tales of danger, deception, and love much preferable to reporting the cold, hard facts. Her goal in life? To team resilient, kick-ass heroines with the sexy alpha’s who love them. As most writers probably are, she is an avid reader. Her husband and kids would call it obsessive—but whatever. Her first choice is usually a story with a thrilling combination of danger and love, but any book with a great voice and intriguing story will keep her turning pages well past any reasonable bed-time. Her debut novel will be published with Entangled Ignite in summer of 2014. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Missouri Romance Writers.

 Links:

Website:  http://www.michellesharpbooks.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Sharp/609022162479401

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSharpBooks

Entangled Publishing: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/dream-huntress/

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dream-huntress-michelle-sharp/1119641083?ean=9781622667413

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Huntress-Dreamseeker-Novel-Michelle/dp/1622667409/ref=la_B00KPNFH0U_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403706194&sr=1-1

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 Thanks for stopping by!

PENNY ESTELLE SHARES REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY

Readers, please welcome Penny Estelle to the blob today. Penny's latest release is REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY, written as P. A. Estelle, and this book sounds too good to miss. In the meantime, Penny has consented to an interview, so I’ll get right to grilling her.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Penny: I have always liked the “oldies”.  Rosemary Rogers, Katherine Woodwiss, Joanna Lindsey, but my all time favorite (for now) is Janet Evanovich.  I like romances – contemporary and historical!

Caroline: You chose authors who changed the way romances are viewed and furthered their acceptance. When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Penny: I love to go four-wheeling to explore.  I also like to hit the casinos!  I have five children and seven grandchildren.  Family is extremely important to me.  I live about three hours from my kids, sisters, and mom.  I love going to visit!

Caroline: At least you’re within easy driving distance. And when we lived in a rural area, I wished I had a four wheeler. Describe yourself in three or four words.

Penny: “A Good Old Gal”

Caroline: What a fun description. How long have you been writing?

Penny: Writing seriously – about seven years.  The story I’m talking about today was written when I was in my early 20’s (a hundred years ago) I figured I can write these stories.  It took me five years.  When I was done I sent to query letters out and promptly received rejections.  I packed it up and put it in my closet and it has lived there ever since, until I decided to take a look at it forty years later.  It was pathetic writing. LOL! I fixed it up and was thrilled when Rooster and Pig Publishing sent me a contract.

Caroline: Oh, I had one of those stories. Did I ever have to revise that baby when I pulled the manuscript out of the bottom drawer of my hard drive! :-D Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude?

Penny: I usually grab a pad of paper and get comfy on the couch.  TV, music or anything else can be going and if I’m on a writing binge, it doesn’t matter.

Caroline: Paper? Wow, I would never get finished, but I know some famous authors use that method. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Penny: I’m definitely a plotter – though many times my plot falls by the wayside and takes a whole different turn!

Caroline: Well, the plot is just a guideline. We aren’t married to it, are we? Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

Penny: Always, always, always – as I go along!

Caroline: Things always pop up, don’t they? Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

Penny: What is a schedule? LOL   I give myself a pep talk all the time about sticking to a schedule, but it never happens.  I don’t write daily, but I would if I had any discipline!

Caroline: Do you write full time or do you have a day job?

Penny: I’m retired, so I have no excuses about not writing everyday! (Sad Face)

Caroline: I can see I need to nag you each morning. LOL Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

Penny: I live in the middle of nowhere, very rural on wind and solar.  It gets pitch black at night and I am afraid of the dark.

Caroline: Nothing is as dark as a rural area at night, but at least you can see stars. What is something unusual you learned while researching and writing this book?

Penny: My story, REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY, starts out in New York, but ends up in Texas.  I had to do a lot of research on historical ports in Texas and the towns that are mentioned in the story.  Geography and I were never friends in school, so I needed to research a lot of things!

Caroline: I had trouble with geography, too. I’d never been to any part of Texas but West Texas where my family lived and didn’t comprehend the piney woods, seashore, etc. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Penny: I have written a series called The Wickware Sagas about seventh graders who do a little time travel and go back in time to meet historical heroes and legends – For those stories I would hope, kids would learn a little history.  For my other stories for kids and adults, I hope they get some enjoyment and they make them smile.

Caroline: Your YA series sounds like a winner for middle school readers. What a great idea. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Penny: There are the lucky authors out there that hit it big right away. (Dang it – I wish I was one of them)  But some of us have to pay our dues, so my advice is enjoy writing.  If it doesn’t give you pleasure – find another line of work or hobby.

Caroline: The best advice evcr, Penny! Tell us about your latest release.

REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY

Blurb

When Brian Thornton is taken by surprise at gunpoint, while in the bed of a beautiful, wealthy woman, he swears his revenge.  But when he learns his humiliation was at the hands of a young woman and a boy, his vengeance knows no bounds.

Joanna Simmons finds herself snatched out of her home and taken to Thornton's ship.  Against her will, she travels to Texas, and then by wagon train to Bastrop, Brian's home town.  Joanna finds acceptance and genuine friendship with the people of the town, down to Brian's sister, but the emotional war that wages between Brian and Joanna, keeps any kind of happiness at bay.

REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY, is the story of hate, love and revenge.  The question is whose revenge is it?

Teaser for REVENGE, THE COWBOY WAY       

He put his hands on both sides of her head, trapping her and leaning in close, his face inches from hers. “Listen carefully. I don’t give a damn about what you demand. You made the biggest mistake of your life when you chose to rob me, and now you will suffer the consequences of that choice. Now, unless you have other ideas on how to entertain me, you will high-tail it over to that bed and get in it so I can get some sleep.”

His voice was like steel, and Joanna wasted no time doing exactly what she was told. She hadn’t taken two steps before Brian grabbed her arm. “Take that bulky robe off first.” Defiance filled her face, but before she could respond, Brian continued. “Don’t test me. It’s been a long night.”

Hate glittering in her eyes, she untied the sash and took the robe off, throwing it on the floor, leaving a pink-flowered flannel nightgown as her only barrier. She got in the small bed and hugged the wall. The bed was barely big enough for Brian, let alone both of them.

Blowing out the lantern, Brian lay down, reaching for her. She struggled as he scooped her next to him, his arm snug around her waist. Tears of frustration gathered in her eyes as she tried to escape his hold.

“All this squirming around is giving me ideas, Jo.”

Caroline: This story sounds too good to miss. Where can readers find your books?

Penny: Rooster and Pig Publishing    http://www.roosterandpigpublishing.com/new-releases

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Cowboy-Way-P-Estelle-ebook/dp/B00JPK70QS

B&N  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revenge-the-cowboy-way-p-a-estelle/1119235016

Video: http://animoto.com/play/ZBbPWcCUkv9LGle1xtdcVw

Caroline: How can readers learn more about you?

Penny: Here:

www.pennystales.com

www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY

https://twitter.com/Pennystales

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estelle

http://www.facebook.com/pennystales

http://www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

Thank you, Penny, for sharing with readers today. Please come back to visit with us again.

Readers, thanks for stopping by! 

REBECCA HEFLIN DREAMS OF PERFECTION

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rebecca will be awarding an author-graphed ebook to two randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter. Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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What if perfection isn’t truly perfect?

Best-selling romance writer, Darcy Butler, is holding out for perfection in the form of her own carefully-crafted heroes. Once blissfully engaged to be married, Darcy’s post-traumatic commitment phobia is depriving her of the very thing she wants most: her very own happily-ever-after. Now, here she is just six months shy of her thirtieth birthday, and not a Prince Charming in sight.

Successful lawyer, Josh Ryan, is the boy-next-door with a soft spot for the less fortunate, and Darcy’s best friend without benefits. Darcy often comes to him lamenting her love-life, or the lack thereof, whereupon Josh patiently doles out his sage advice. Problem is Josh is in love with Darcy.

But when Darcy finds herself looking into the handsome face of the man who graces the cover of her soon-to-be-released novel, she’s convinced her dreams of perfection have come true. Or have they?

About the Author:

Rebecca Heflin is an award-winning author who has dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was fifteen and her older sister snuck a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss' Shanna to her and told her to read it. Rebecca writes women's fiction and contemporary romance. When not passionately pursuing her dream, Rebecca is busy with her day-job as a practicing attorney.

Rebecca is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Florida Romance Writers, RWA Contemporary Romance, and Florida Writers Association. She and her mountain-climbing husband live at sea level in sunny Florida.

Awards:

2013 Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award Finalist (Rescuing Lacey)

2013 Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence Winner (Rescuing Lacey)

2013 Virginia Romance Writers Holt Medallion Award of Merit (Rescuing Lacey)

2013 Georgia Romance Writers Published Maggie Finalist (Rescuing Lacey)

2013 Shooting Star Award (Rescuing Lacey)

2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist (Rescuing Lacey)

2013 Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers' Awards Finalist (The Promise of Change)

2011 Royal Palm Literary Awards Finalist (The Promise of Change)



Website: http://www.rebeccaheflin.com/wordpress/

Blog: http://www.rebeccaheflin.com/wordpress/blog/

Twitter: @RebeccaHeflin

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



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CHARMAINE ROSS SHARES FOUR-LEAF CLOVER

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Charmaine will be awarding a copy of the book to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 A sexy, sugar-laden David vs Goliath story about a local bakery, a national chain, and what really matters.

Clover Loveday has worked hard to get her café Four-Leaf Clover up and running, her ticket out of an increasingly alarming financial situation and her dream come true. When she literally falls off her ladder into the arms of national bakery chain Upper Crust owner, sexy-as-sin Liam Sinclair, who owns the new bakery being built just across the road, she decides that no matter how nauseated she is about the idea, it is best keep your enemy close, rather than leave things to fate.

Liam has never put too much thought into the competition when he opens a new outlet, other than taking their customers and strengthening the Upper Crust brand. But here in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Clover Loveday’s cafe is a little too close for comfort, and Clover Loveday a little too good-looking. So Liam asks his PA to put together a Fact Sheet about his new competition. He has a business to run, a father to please, and hundreds of people to keep in jobs. Surely information can keep an unwanted strong sexual pull at bay…

A sexy, caffeinated, satisfying story about unexpected temptations, forgiveness, and putting love before money.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Clover was tired. More tired than usual. Lack of sleep often did that to her, compounding the effects of a physical day. She’d been unable to go to sleep because of a kiss she hadn’t wanted or asked for and still couldn’t seem to push from her mind. Clover checked the bread in the covered bowl she’d set aside that morning. She always liked the smell of raising bread in the morning. Made it more earthy.

It had been a nice kiss, well, a great kiss. She rolled the risen dough onto the floured surface and started kneading. Hell, it had knocked her socks off. Left fist. Exactly what she hadn’t wanted. Right fist. Clover blew a strand of hair from her face. Making dough usually let off steam, but this morning it didn’t have the desired effect.

She rolled the soft dough into a long sausage. The dough would make great lunch rolls. She’d add them to today’s menu. Take the rest to the shelter at finish time. She knew exactly what she wanted to do and where she wanted to be. No diversions.

She’d never got so caught up before. Now the sausage was too thick, so she had to start again. This time less force. She just didn’t need a man in her life, no matter how good he was at kissing. She certainly didn’t need to feel so damn good because of it. She picked up a broad-bladed knife and chopped the sausage into sections. Chop. Chop. Chop. The blade made a satisfactory thump on the cutting board. What was it about Liam that had her all confused about her simple life’s rules?

‘Man trouble?’

‘Huh? Clover looked up to see Holly lounging on the doorframe. Holly looked from the knife in Clover’s hand to the small blobs of dough scattered over the bench. ‘Are you planning to make rolls for dwarves?’

Clover kept in the sound of frustration as she gathered the bits of dough and started kneading. Again.

‘I’m okay. Just couldn’t sleep last night,’ Clover said.

Holly locked her arms over her chest and rested a hip on the bench. ‘Ah-huh. Any reason you want to particularly share?’

‘No reason.’ The kiss wasn’t the problem. It was the fact she’d let him do it. Just stood there, waiting for him to plant his mouth on hers. She hadn’t the will power or the inclination to stop him. And it had been so nice to let him do it to her. So nice to feel desired, wanted. Nice to give in to what she craved. Just for a moment. A nano-second of bliss.

Then reality had stepped in. Knew where a kiss could lead and that she couldn’t let it pull her into its sweet embrace. The nagging weight of responsibility pushed on her shoulders and she had listened, like she always did. Responded by letting him walk back out her door, angry that she had let it happen in the first instance. Besides, she’d be getting into bed with the enemy. She just couldn’t do that.


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About the Author:

Charmaine Ross

I live in Upwey, a very leafy suburb of outer Melbourne. I can hear most Melbournians say, ‘Where?’ Think Puffing Billy, the hills and inexcusably steep driveways and you're there. We have a house with room for the kids to play in the backyard, the cat to sleep wherever and the husband to lounge on a bean-bag in front of the telly. I love romance because it adds so much to the story. Everyone needs a little love to take them away.


Facebook Learn more about Charmaine Ross at www.CharmaineRoss.com.


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