Monday, January 30, 2017

HISTORICAL ROMANCE DUO

   

The Lady Who Drew Me In
by Thomasine Rappold

&

 To Tempt an Heiress
by Susanna Craig

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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Blurbs:

THE LADY WHO DREW ME IN:

Daisy Lansing's ability to transfer images from people's thoughts onto paper was a novelty she used to trot out to amuse her friends. But when her “entranced drawing” begins to cause serious trouble for her guardians, she is banished to the country and forced to marry a man twice her age. After the joyless wedding, Daisy is determined to bury forever the strange skill that upended her life. However, she soon finds herself a widow and in dire financial straits. Suddenly, her curse may be her one chance at true independence.

Jackson Gallway's reputation as a rogue has far surpassed his success as a lawyer. In the wake of yet another scandal, he decides to head west. But before he can escape Misty Lake, Jax makes a promise to find an elusive killer. When he encounters a lovely young artist with an unusual talent that could help him in his search, what he finds is something neither of them can escape . . .


TO TEMPT AN HEIRESS:

After her beloved father dies, Tempest Holderin wants nothing more than to fulfill his wish to free the slaves on their Antiguan sugar plantation. But the now wealthy woman finds herself pursued by a pack of unsavory suitors with other plans for her inheritance. To keep her from danger, her dearest friend arranges a most unconventional solution: have Tempest kidnapped and taken to safety.

Captain Andrew Corrvan has an unseemly reputation as a ruthless, money-hungry blackguard—but those on his ship know differently. He is driven by only one thing: the quest to avenge his father's death on the high seas. Until he agrees to abduct a headstrong heiress…

If traveling for weeks—without a chaperone—isn't enough to ruin Tempest, the desire she feels for her dark and dangerously attractive captor will do the rest. The storm brewing between them will only gather strength when they reach England, where past and present perils threaten to tear them apart—even more so than their own stubborn hearts…




THE LADY WHO DREW ME IN Excerpt:

The man was controlling her from six feet under. Daisy Lansing stared up at the portrait of her late husband, so angered by his betrayal she could scream. Monthly allowance, my foot.

She checked the hour on the gold watch around her neck. Her appointment with William Markelson was at three o’clock, so she had only minutes to brace herself for more bad news. Rubbing her temples, she soothed the budding throb of a headache. At the sound of a woman’s laughter outside, Daisy glanced to the window. Felice Pettington.

Daisy shot to her feet. “It’s about time,” she mumbled, scooting around the desk for a closer view. Misty Lake’s most celebrated summer guest strolled up the walkway, blond spit curls bobbing beneath her stylish bonnet as she slathered her charms on the tall man at her side.

And who do we have here?

Daisy craned her neck toward the window. The pretty heiress nestled against her handsome escort, her gloved hands like twin boa constrictors coiled around his arm. Curious as to whom the woman had snared to join her on the impromptu visit, Daisy hurried out to the porch. Felice’s sweeping yellow skirts brushed the blooming shrubs flanking the stone walk, stirring petals and the scent of rhododendrons through the air. Her mousy maid followed in the flurry.

“Yoo-hoo!” Felice unfurled her grip on the man just enough to wave her gloved fingers. “This is Mr. Gallway.” She leaned toward the man’s impressive shoulder, batting her lashes as they stepped up to the porch. “Mr. Gallway is from Troy.”

Daisy’s heart lurched, as it always did, at the mention of Troy. Even after all this time, the painful memories of her past in the city hadn’t faded a whit. Felice smiled smugly. “He’s an attorney.”

Daisy took a deep breath. Of all the lawyers Felice might have cajoled to browbeat Daisy on her behalf, the woman had enlisted a relative of Daisy’s closest friend. Tessa Gallway had gushed that her rakish brother-in-law was handsome, but the simple description hardly did him justice. Daisy gave a slow nod, her aversion to lawyers suffering a brief lapse as she studied him closer. Layers of wavy black hair matched his thick brows and the sideburns that led to his jaw. His sapphire eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

And his mouth. Good Heavens, his mouth. Daisy swallowed hard, awed by her response to the man. He was nothing like she’d imagined, yet everything portrayed in the gossip. A notorious rogue intent on skirting marriage and sowing a silo’s worth of oats in the process.

His smile widened, as though he’d heard Daisy’s unspoken assessment and expected no less. More likely he was simply too arrogant to care.

“You can wait for me here, Myrtle.” Felice waved her maid toward one of the rocking chairs on the porch.

Daisy ushered them inside, and then led them down the hall to the library. After all this time, the scent of Lawry’s final cigar still clung to the paneled walls. The familiar smell she’d relished so fondly after his death affected her differently now. How could he do this to her?

Blinking back tears, she returned her focus to her guests. Felice batted her lashes, then proceeded with a formal introduction. Extending an arm toward Daisy, she said, “Mr. Jackson Gallway, I present the Widow Lansing.”




TO TEMPT AN HEIRESS Excerpt:

Captain Andrew Corrvan would never claim to have always acted on the right side of the law, but there were crimes even he would not stoop to commit.

Kidnapping was one of them.

This conversation ought to have been taking place in some dark dockside alley, not in the sun-dappled sitting room of the little stone house occupied by the plantation manager at Harper’s Hill. Andrew had never met the man before today, although he knew him by reputation. Throughout Antigua, Edward Cary was talked of by those who knew him, and by many more who didn’t, as a fool. As best Andrew had been able to work out, he had earned the epithet for being sober, honest, and humane—a string of adjectives rarely, if ever, applied to overseers on West Indian sugar plantations.

As the afternoon’s exchange suggested, however, even a paragon of virtue could be corrupted by a villainous place. Why else would Cary be attempting to arrange the abduction of a wealthy young woman?

“So, the talk of valuable cargo was just a ruse to lure me here?” Andrew asked.

“Not at all,” Cary insisted with a shake of his head. “Between her father’s private fortune, which she has already inherited, and Harper’s Hill”—he swept his arm in a gesture that took in the plantation around them—“which she will inherit on her grandfather’s death, Miss Holderin is worth in excess of one hundred thousand pounds.”

Despite himself, Andrew let a low whistle escape between his teeth. The chit would be valuable cargo indeed. “And how do you benefit from sending her four thousand miles away?”

“I don’t,” Cary said, and behind that rough-voiced admission and the mournful expression that accompanied it, lay a wealth of meaning. So the man had taken a fancy to his employer’s granddaughter, had he? “She has always been like a younger sister to me,” he insisted; somehow Andrew managed to contain his scoff. “When Thomas Holderin was on his deathbed, I gave him my solemn oath I would do all in my power to look after his daughter.”

“And now you wish to be rid of the obligation.”

“I wish—” he began heatedly. But apparently deciding his own wishes were beside the point, he changed course and said instead, “I believe she will be safer in England.”

“Then book her passage on the next packet to London.” Andrew thumped his battered tricorn against his palm, preparatory to placing it on his head and taking his leave. At his feet, his shaggy gray dog rose and gave an eager wag of his tail, bored with all the talk and ready to be on his way.

“If I could, I would. I have tried many times to reason with her. But Miss Holderin is . . . reluctant to leave Antigua. She believes she is more than a match for the dangers the island presents.” Cary turned toward the window. “She is wrong.”

Andrew followed the other man’s gaze. Fertile fields, lush forest, and just a glimpse of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea where they touched a cerulean sky. It would have been difficult to imagine a less threatening landscape, but Andrew knew well that appearances could deceive. The dangers here were legion.

“Why me?” Andrew asked after a moment, folding his arms across his chest and fixing the other man with a hard stare. “Do you know the sort of man I am?”

Unexpectedly, Cary met Andrew’s gaze with an adamant one of his own. “I do. You are said to be a ruthless, money-hungry blackguard.” Andrew tipped his chin in satisfied agreement. He had spent ten years cultivating that reputation.

“But of course, the sort of man you are said to be might not be entirely accurate, I suppose,” Cary continued, steepling his fingers and tilting his head to the side. “Your crew tells a slightly different story, Captain.”





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AUTHOR Bios and Links:

Thomasine Rappold, Author

A three-time RWA Golden Heart nominee, Thomasine Rappold writes historical romance and historical romance with paranormal elements. She lives with her husband in a small town in upstate New York that inspired her current series. When she’s not spinning tales of passion and angst, she enjoys spending time with her family, fishing on one of the nearby lakes, and basking on the beach in Cape Cod. Thomasine is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Capital Region Romance Writers.


Buy links:

Susanna Craig, Author

A love affair with historical romances led Susanna Craig to a degree (okay, three degrees) in literature and a career as an English professor. When she’s not teaching or writing academic essays about Jane Austen and her contemporaries, she enjoys putting her fascination with words and knowledge of the period to better use: writing Regency-era romances she hopes readers will find both smart and sexy. She makes her home among the rolling hills of Kentucky horse country, along with her historian husband, their unstoppable little girl, and a genuinely grumpy cat.

Buy links:


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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

The authors will be awarding digital copies of both books on tour to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday, January 27, 2017

A WIFE LEARNS SECRETS TO SEDUCE HER HUSBAND!


Dear Readers, I’m pleased to introduce an author whose work I enjoy, Callie Hutton. She’s also a very nice person, which increases my enjoyment of her well-written books. 

Callie will be giving away a print copy U.S. or an e-book International to one person who comments on this blog.

Hi everyone. My name is Callie Hutton, and I live in the southwest part of the USA. I am married to my soulmate for too many years to count. We have a son and daughter. Son is married to a wonderful young woman and they have adorable 2-1/2 year old twin boys (I call them the twinadoes). My daughter is a detention officer at the county jail. She holds a degree in Police Science and is spending time at this job in preparation for applying to the police academy sometime this year.

I love to cook (just not every day, please), read, and visit with the twinadoes. I write both western historical and regency romance books. I love a good love story, and have published over twenty-five books.

Callie Hutton, Author

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

My favorite genre is historical. I was a history major in college, and love all things from the past. Several authors got me hooked on this genre, namely Stephanie Laurens, Jude Devereaux, Tessa Dare, Julia Quinn, Madeline Hunter, and so, so many more.

When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

No hobbies. I read a lot – probably about 200 or so books a year. I do like to cook, especially when it’s a new recipe, or if I’m trying something I saw on the Food Network

I’m a voracious reader also. How long have you been writing?

Since high school, but I wrote mainly for magazines, corporate newsletters, and newspapers until about six years ago when I wrote my first book

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

I have an office in my house. I work on a laptop. No special needs as far as writing. Sometimes quiet, sometimes watching a cooking show while I write, music, people in and out.

I work in my office, but I don’t like distractions. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Started off as a panster, switched to plotter, now I’m a little of both. I have to send a synopsis to my publisher to contract a book, and I use that outline to write the book, plotting each chapter as I finish one.

Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

Both. Sometimes I won’t know what I’ll need until I get to that part of the book. I have a library full of research books and eleven binders full of things I printed from the internet.

Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

My goals are so many chapters a week. I’m trying to step up my releases this year, so I’ve gone from three chapters a week to four. If I don’t finish by Friday night, then I have to work the weekend.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

I once interviewed Peter Lawford for a woman’s magazine, I was an extra in the movie “Jinxed” with Bette Midler. I gave my college graduation speech at the ripe old age of 57.

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Escape, fun, laughter, satisfaction. I once had a reader write to me that my Oklahoma Lovers series got her through chemotherapy. Nothing beats that.

That is a compliment indeed. I loved that series as well. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Write, write, write and read, read, read. Read not only craft books but books in your genre. You will see what works, what doesn’t work, and how an author puts together a story. If you are planning on self publishing from the get-go, make sure you hire a good editor and cover artist. Professionalism in a book is vital, since your name goes on the cover.

Tell us about your latest release.

Title: SEDUCING THE MARQUESS, 1st book in my Lords and Ladies in Love series.

Blurb:
Richard, Marquess of Devon, and his wife, Eugenia, have been married five months. They have the perfect ton marriage. Respect and affection, with no messy entanglement such as love. Soon after Devon’s mistress dies, Eugenia stumbles onto a naughty book in a bookstore. A book that explains all the things proper ladies of the ton are unaware of, and would never consent to do with their husbands.
 Once Eugenia acquires the book—scandalously—she begins a campaign to make sure her husband has no reason to replace his mistress.
 Although Devon has continued to visit his paramour since his marriage, all they’ve done is play cards. Devon’s rigid upbringing impressed upon him that gentlemen slake their baser needs on a mistress, not their gently bred wives. However, once married, he was no longer comfortable bedding a woman other than Eugenia.
 As bored matrons and eager widows toss him veiled invitations while he wrestles with this dilemma, his wife has begun to change. No longer the prim and proper woman he courted and married, her behavior leads him to an alarming conclusion. . .



Excerpt of SEDUCING THE MARQUESS:
Devon stared down at his wife. His flustered wife. Something he’d never seen in six months of courting and five months of marriage. She was panting heavily, there was a light film of perspiration on her upper lip, and her face was as red as the apples being sold from the fruit cart across the street.
She regarded him, her mouth agape. Something else he’d never seen before. The poor woman was obviously in a bit of distress. “Eugenia? Is something amiss?”
Eugenia shook her head, almost as if to clear it. “No. No, nothing at all, my lord. I am fine. Just taking a stroll.” She cast him a grin that would give a small child nightmares.
“I don’t wish to contradict you, my dear, but you are flushed and seem out of sorts, and galloping along, rather than strolling. Perhaps I might escort you to Gunter’s for an ice?”
She glanced at the reticule that dangled from her wrist, and her red face paled. What the devil was going on with his usually unflappable wife? “Yes, my lord. That would be quite pleasant.”
Devon extended his elbow, which she gripped, glancing over her shoulder as if expecting to be snatched away. Very strange.
Due to the temperature of the day there was a considerable crowd outside the store. He escorted Eugenia to a small table under a tree where the air was cooler. That might help to calm her. He shook his head. Never had he experienced a need to calm Eugenia. She was…well, he had never liked the moniker the ton had bestowed on her. The Ice Queen.
She appeared a bit more composed when he joined her with the ice. She fanned herself and smiled brightly at him as he placed the ice in front of her. “Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. Much.” Why did he think she was lying? She kept glancing at her reticule as if she expected it to jump up and bite her. When she took a taste of her ice, a small piece stayed on the corner of her mouth. Distracted, she didn’t seem to even notice. He motioned with his finger to his mouth.
“What?”
“Your mouth.”
“What about my mouth?”
“You have a piece of ice stuck there.”
Instead of reaching for the handkerchief she always kept in her reticule, she simply moved her tongue out and scooped up the piece of ice.
All his blood rushed to his groin.

I thoroughly enjoyed SEDUCING THE MARQUESS and recommend it to anyone who enjoys good Regency romance. How can readers learn more about you?


Remember to comment to be eligible for Callie Hutton's giveaway!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

RIDING HIGH BY STACY FINZ



GENRE: Contemporary Romance



RIDING HIGH Blurb:

When it's time to get back in the saddle again, there's no better place than the picturesque mountain town of Nugget, California . . .

A financial whiz with her own advice show, Gia Treadwell is passionate about helping people maximize their potential. But when her boyfriend--make that ex-boyfriend--steals millions with an epic Ponzi scheme, Gia is promptly run out of town. It's the perfect opportunity to revisit an old dream--one that apparently involves naked cowboys . . .

Flynn Barlow didn't expect anyone to walk in on him showering at the empty ranch where his family's cattle have always grazed. Even more surprising, the new ranch owner plans to turn it into a residential training program for women who need a hand up. A smart, gorgeous woman with a worthy cause? In Flynn's experience, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Sharing the ranch doesn't mean Flynn and Gia have to get along, but riding together isn't the problem. It's the scorching chemistry they can't ignore. And if they figure out a way to add trust to the mix, they'll soon be sharing more than just a ranch . . .



RIDING HIGH Excerpt:

Unconcerned that she had a firearm aimed at his center mass, he gave her a brazen once-over. Then he motioned his head at the gun. “I don’t think it’s loaded, but you should never point a weapon at someone unless you mean to shoot him.”

“I’ll shoot you.” It was a bluff. If push came to shove, Gia didn’t think she could pull the trigger.

Again, he eyed the rifle with indifference. “Yeah, I don’t think so. Otherwise you would’ve removed the safety.”

“Give me your pistol,” she said. He looked confused. “The one in the bathroom.”

“I don’t have it.” He held out both his hands. “Feel free to pat me down.”

She wasn’t getting anywhere near him. “Back up real slow.”

He glanced behind his shoulder. “Where we going?”

“Into the bedroom.”

“Yeah? Sounds good.” He flicked his gaze over her, eyeing her from head to toe. The guy thought he was a real comedian. “Why don’t you let me—”

“Not now.” She needed to concentrate and was reevaluating the bedroom idea. But that was where her cell phone was. Gia hadn’t seen a landline since she’d gotten here. She lifted the rifle so that the muzzle was pointed directly at his chest.

He rolled his eyes but mercifully kept quiet. They made it to the master suite without incident and with one hand Gia held the rifle against her shoulder, using the other one to search her purse for the phone.

Eureka! She punched 9-1-1 with her index finger, put the phone on speaker, and dropped it on the bed so she could resume holding the rifle with both hands.

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”

Gia would’ve sworn she saw her captive snicker. She promptly ignored him and told the operator her situation. The cavalry was on its way, thank goodness.

“You think I could put my shirt on before the cops get here?”

Stacy Finz, Author

Stacy Finz is an award-winning reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.

http://www.stacyfinz.com/
https://twitter.com/sfinz
https://www.facebook.com/stacy.finz

Buy links:
Buying options at: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/34056




GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Stacy will be awarding a digital copy of Riding High to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Monday, January 23, 2017

MIST BY EMILY MIMS BRINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE!



MIST
by Emily Mims

GENRE: Romance/romantic suspense


MIST Blurb:

The widow of a lying drug dealer, dulcimer-player Kylie Barstow Richards finds herself struggling to see through the mist of the Smoky Mountains to the truth-about her life, about the nightclub where she works, and about the bluegrass-playing musician who has arrived to steal her heart.



MIST Excerpt:

Kylie looked Ren in the eye. “How much of that is the truth and how much of it was bullshit?”

Ren’s lips firmed. “It’s the truth, every damned bit of it. And that’s also why I did what I did. The DEA honestly thought you were guilty. A drug dealer took out one of my best friends, Kylie. I’ve missed Jerry every day for the last two years.”

“And that justifies what you did to me? Sorry, Ren. Not buying it. And I don’t care what your reasons for lying were, a liar is a liar. And I can’t stand liars.”

“I get that, Kylie. Look, obviously we blew it, and I’m just as sorry as I can be that I hurt you.”

“If you can be believed, which I seriously doubt.”

“I do mean it. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

“I am, too, Ren. I was just beginning to have a little bit of faith and trust again and you very effectively managed to take that away from me. Congratulations. I will probably never trust another man as long as I live.”

“Aw, Kylie, no.” Ren leaned forward. “Look, I know there is no way I can take back the lies I’ve already told. But I can promise you this. I will never, ever lie to you again about anything.”

Kylie shrugged. “And now I’m supposed to believe that? Ren, I’m sorry. The damage is done. The trust is broken. Kind of like Humpty Dumpty.”

“I understand. But Kylie, I’m going to tell you the truth from now on whether you believe me or not.”

“Knock yourself out.”

Emily Mims, Author

Author of twenty six romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons and grandmother of three, she and her husband Charles live in central Texas but frequently visit grandchildren in eastern Tennessee and Georgia. She plays the piano, organ, dulcimer, and ukulele and belongs to two performing bands. She says, “I love to write romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman-if she’ll just let it.”

Website:
http://www.emilymims.com

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

Twitter
@EmilyMimsAuthor

https://www.amazon.com/Mist-Smokey-Blues-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01LZBLPWO/

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Emily Mims will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Friday, January 20, 2017

STEAM! ROMANCE AND RAILS, SERIES COLLECTION, NOW ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

Please welcome E. E. Burke, who shares part of her writing process and her releases.

E.E. Burke, Author
Weave together passionate romance and rich historical detail, add a dash of suspense, and you have books by bestselling author E.E. Burke. Her chosen settings are the American West, and her latest series, The Bride Train, features a cast of unusual characters thrown together through a misguided bride lottery.

Other series include Steam! Romance and Rails, which follows the lives of dangerous men and daring women caught up in a cutthroat railroad competition. Her novella, Victoria, Bride of Kansas, part of the unprecedented American Mail-Order Brides series, is a Kindle Top 100 Bestseller and a semifinalist in the 2016 Kindle Best Book Awards.

E.E., also known as Elisabeth, has earned accolades in regional and national contests, including the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart®. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream--writing stories readers can get lost in.


In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release?



Steam! Romance and Rails, The Series Collection

Passion and ambition collide in this collection of four steamy, suspenseful historical romances from award-winning author E.E. Burke.

HER BODYGUARD: A woman embroiled in intrigue employs a bodyguard to protect her from a killer, unaware that he’s an outlaw hired by her enemies to put a stop to her plans.
KATE'S OUTLAW: After a railroad heiress is abducted, one of her Indian captors inexplicably becomes her protector. On the run from danger, with enemies on both sides, they discover a love as powerful as it is forbidden.

A DANGEROUS PASSION: An inquisitive author sets out to expose a corrupt railroad baron and becomes ensnared in a deadly mystery and a dangerous passion.
FUGITIVE HEARTS: When a newly made widow tries to cover up the truth behind her husband’s violent death, her plan backfires, sending her fleeing from a hardened lawman determined to bring her to justice.
This special collection available for a limited time and is being offered this week at the super low price of $1.99. The set contains four full-length novels and each book costs $3.99 if purchased separately. This is a great deal, but it’s only good for a week.



 What story are you working on next, and what inspired it?

Seducing Susannah, Book 4 in The Bride Train series, which is inspired by true events. I’m spinning off a new Contemporary Romance series that will feature five brothers who are descendants of one of my historical romance characters in The Bride Train series.

My first book in this new contemporary Western series will come out as part of a multi-author project called Magnolias & Moonshine. These short novellas set in Atlanta, where the 2017 RT Conference is being held this year, will be released in April.

I’m also in the early stages of researching and outlining my first full-length Contemporary Romance, which will kick off the Texas Hearts series. When I first decided to try my hand at Contemporary Romance, I thought the best setting would be one I’m already familiar with, Western. Although I’ve been writing Western Historical Romance for almost ten years (and three series), I’ve never written a book about a cowboy! I thought, why not modern day cowboys? And what if those cowboys have to turn their family’s working ranch into a love nest in order to save their lands? Just thinking about all the things they would face made me laugh. I visited a dude ranch near Dallas to do some research and realized I have a LOT more research I need to do. But I’ve had fun learning about modern day ranching and also looking at how a real ranch could be converted into a wedding venue and honeymoon retreat.


What is your favorite scene from one of your books?

In Her Bodyguard, the two main characters, Buck and Amy, are at a dinner party and the hostess announces they will be playing a popular Victorian game, Marriage. Participants pick names of literary or famous characters from a hat, and in those roles the men “woo” the women with the goal of being matched with a suitable mate. The losers pay forfeits, in this case, a kiss.

Amy has just become betrothed to Fletcher, a polished gentleman. But she’s fighting a fierce attraction to her rough-around-the-edges bodyguard, Buck. Although Buck is in love with Amy, he’s secretly committed to sabotage and knows she will hate him as soon as she figures out his intentions. That doesn’t stop him from wanting to prove to her that she’s engaged to the wrong man. Watch what happens when he ends up as her partner in the game.

Amy closed her eyes and reached into the hat.
Lord, make it Juliet.
Her fingers closed on a folded bit of paper. A shivering sensation danced across her skin. This had to be the one. Excited, she unfolded it, and then stared in horror at what was written.
Venus.
There was no question where this had come from. Buck. The scoundrel.
Amy closed her eyes, listening to gasps and laughter as the other women made their selections. Romeo could make a good case for marriage to Venus—if Fletcher had drawn that character.
“Line up ladies, the gentlemen have already arranged themselves.”
Lizzie pushed Amy to the front. “As our honored guest, you must be first.”
Relief swept through her when she saw Fletcher move to the front.
Grinning beneath a walrus mustache, Charlie Goodlander caught his arm. “Let’s not make this game too predictable. It takes all the fun out of it.”
“True enough,” Lizzie retorted, with a sharp look at her husband as he took first place in line. “Amy, why don’t you come back here behind me?”
As everyone rearranged, Amy heaved a sigh. This was going to be a long night. If a woman turned down a man, she went to the next and the next until she had selected the most appropriate mate for her character. The remaining men were shuffled back through.
The game wore on, women and men pairing off until only four remained. Amy curled her fingers into fists to contain her nervousness. Maggie faced Fletcher. Her friend would turn him down, of course, and move on to Buck. Dear Maggie would take Buck even if he were Hades. This would leave Fletcher the last man standing, and Amy could easily accept his suit and not forfeit the game. It couldn’t be more perfect.
Maggie clasped her hands together and spoke in a voice so soft Amy had to strain to hear. “I am Juliet. Who comes to ask for my hand in marriage?”
Fletcher stepped forward, the muscles in his face tightening. “I am Romeo.”
Giggles went up from the women who were seated around the room with their respective mates. Amy bit her lip to hold back a groan. Dear Lord, how had this happened? Could Juliet refuse Romeo? She had to, because the alternative was unthinkable.
“What do you have to offer, sir?” Maggie asked softly.
“My heart and my life.” Fletcher intoned.
Romeo didn’t sound convinced. Perhaps Juliet would turn him down solely on the basis of his being so obviously disinterested.
“Come on, Romeo, you’re not putting forth much effort for the hand of the fair Juliet.” Charlie chided. Other guests around the room chimed in, insisting Fletcher play his part.
Fletcher’s face reddened. “I would die for you, my sweet Juliet,” he blurted.
Amy held her breath, staring at her friend’s stiff back. What was she waiting for?
“I can’t think of any man who would do so much,” Maggie whispered. “I accept.”
“What?” Amy clapped her hand over her mouth a second too late.
All eyes shifted in her direction. Some glinted with amusement, others with surprise, a few reflected sympathy. Her skin felt hot and dry, as if she’d suddenly come down with a fever.
Maggie stepped forward to share a chaste kiss with Fletcher, whose face looked like Amy’s felt. His mouth froze into a tight smile as the happy couple took their seats.
She blinked in hurt disbelief. How could her friend have done such a thing? Maggie must’ve been flustered by Charlie’s goading. That was the only explanation.
Amy steeled her nerves. Best to have this over with as quickly as possible. “I’m Venus,” she snapped. “Who seeks to marry me?”
With a sly smile, Buck took her hand. He brushed the back of her gloveless fingers with his lips. Desire crackled through her, as if he were lightening and she the rod. Still holding her hand, he raised his eyes. Within the silvery depths flickered wry amusement.
Damn him. He was enjoying her discomfiture.
“Casanova, the world’s greatest lover, seeks the hand of Venus, goddess of love.” His gravelly drawl caressed the name.
Heat suffused her face. The cad. She was not a love deity and he was no Casanova, however he might fancy himself to be. By jingo, she would strip away that civilized veneer he’d put on with those clothes and reveal him as a fraud. “What can a mere mortal offer?” she replied in her most arrogant goddess voice.
Buck’s amused smile didn’t waver, but surprise flared in his eyes. What had he thought? That she would turn tail and run?
“Pleasure,” he murmured. He swept his thumb across the backs of her fingers, triggering another sizzling bolt.
She yanked her hand away. If she were to defeat him, she couldn’t let him touch her. The uncontrollable reactions were too distracting. “I already have pleasures aplenty.”
He arched a sandy brow. “Not the sort you’ll find with me. I’ve spent a lifetime cultivating knowledge of a sensual nature, learning all there is to know about pleasing a woman. With me every day will bring new delights you can open, like a present.”
Gasps went up from the ladies, along with the low chuckles of men.
She blushed to her toes. Where had Buck learned about Casanova? For that matter, where had he picked up that educated elocution? He’d surprised her—again.
Against her will, her gaze moved from his broad shoulders and chest, down to narrow hips and long legs, taking a return trip north to linger on his lips. Temptation whispered sordid suggestions in her ear. What would it be like to throw propriety to the wind and lay with a man like this? To explore things she’d thought of in the dark, but wouldn’t admit to in the light. Shivering, she shook off the sensual reverie. She had no desire to do that with Buck.
Liar.
With a shaky breath, she put a hand to her stomach to still the fluttering army of insects that had taken up residence inside. “Perhaps you’ve learned a few pleasures I might find interesting, but you see, I’m already married. I can’t have two husbands.”
Buck crossed his arms over his chest, holding her gaze prisoner. “You gods don’t live by the same rules as we mere mortals. At least, the legends reveal you’re not too particular. But if you prefer, we can have a marriage of the heart without all those messy vows of faithfulness.”
Amy’s head jerked around at a loud guffaw. Lizzie smacked her husband’s arm. This conversation wasn’t going in the right direction. If Buck won, he earned a kiss. If he lost, he had to pay a forfeit. And she dearly wanted to see him pay.
“I have an eternal lover, Mars, God of war. He can satisfy my needs more than a feeble man like you.”
Buck’s lips twitched. “I may be feeble compared to your war god, but I would treat you more tenderly than that nasty-tempered fellow.”
He dropped to one knee. This brought him even with her chest. At the smoldering heat in his eyes, she feared her breasts had tumbled out of the low-cut gown.
She struggled to breathe.
He captured her hand once again. “Only a man who is expert at making love—not war—can truly appreciate your gifts and the essence of who you are.”
“Heavens, he would have had me at Casanova,” Lizzie quipped. “I think you’ve met your perfect mate, Venus.”
Shaken, Amy stepped back, taking her hand with her. She shook her head. None of this had the slightest basis in truth, no matter the seductive promise in his eyes. Buck was toying with her. Playing his part to the hilt.
“You’re a rogue, a lover of women who can’t be satisfied with just one. I’m a jealous goddess and I won’t abide your unfaithfulness, even if I’m not held to the same standard.”
He remained on one knee, but held out his hands like a supplicant. “That might’ve been true in the past, that I couldn’t be satisfied with just one woman, but you are not one woman. You are the epitome of every man’s fantasy, all women rolled into one. You would satisfy even the largest appetite.”
His tongue swept his lips, and she nearly came out of her skin. “Accept my proposal. Take me, for as long as you like. Then cast me aside if you tire of me later.”
Her legs trembled. Dear Lord, if she didn’t do something quick, everyone would realize the effect he was having on her. She had to end this game. Now. “I’m not just looking for pleasure. I want love. You’ve not said you love me.”
Casanova’s lips twisted in a sneer. “Any man who’s quick to proclaim words of love is a liar and a fool.”
A thrill shot through her. For some reason, Casanova didn’t want to tell Venus he loved her. This was it. Her ace. “But without words, my dear Casanova, the pleasure of love is diminished. Every woman, especially one who represents all women, must be assured by words, heartfelt and true. That is the only way you will win me.”
He narrowed his eyes. Amy struggled to control her excitement. She had him on the run.
“It’s not words that should assure you, it’s what a man does that shows his true feelings.” The urgency in his voice didn’t match his mocking smile, and his eyes blazed with an intensity that made it seem as though his world tilted on her axis, his existence determined by her whim.
Her breath lodged somewhere between her chest and her throat. This wasn’t real. Buck was acting. Even if he was putting on the best show she’d ever seen.
“Give me the words, Casanova,” she whispered, caught up in the fantasy. “For even a goddess longs to hear them.”
Her request hung in the air. Breathing was suspended. The tick of a clock on the mantel was the only sound disturbing the silence…that, and the pounding of her heart.
His smile fell away. “Venus,” he started, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “Don’t you know you own my heart?”
Cheers erupted. Amy’s head swam. Voices faded as the room grew small and hot.
Buck’s concerned expression wavered in and out of focus.
Almighty. This blasted corset was too tight. Amy blinked furiously to erase the black spots clouding her vision, but they wouldn’t retreat, and her lungs wouldn’t expand. Her knees wobbled…right before the curtain dropped.



What is the hardest thing about writing?

Digging deep to discover the gems, bringing them to the surface and polishing until the story shines.


What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Embarking on the challenge of writing my first Contemporary romance. I’ve only written Historical Romance up until this year. Talk about fear! I was scared spitless that I wouldn’t have the right “voice” for Contemporary. But I’d committed to a project and the book had to be Contemporary, so I was forced to spread my wings and leave my comfortable nest. I’m glad I did. I’ve learned that I really like writing contemporary as well as historical, and based on early feedback, I’ve made a good start.


What is the easiest thing about writing?

Coming up with ideas and getting “lost” in the story. I love the first draft stage when you just write and write and you think you’ve written the most amazing words ever penned. This happy delusion lasts until the editing process.




Wednesday, January 18, 2017

INTERVIEW WITH TERRA KELLY!

Hi there! I’m so excited to be here. Thank you, Caroline, for the opportunity. This is a perfect distraction in between my writing time. I’m currently working on the fourth book in my Winters Family Series. Plus, I’m preparing to rebrand the first three books in that series. Lots happening. 2017 is off to a perfect start!  

Please tell us about growing up.

I grew up in a very small town in Michigan. The town is called Freeland and it only has one stop light. When I lived there we had minimal restaurants, and McDonald’s was the highlight for us all. I haven’t lived there in over 20 years, and the town has grown so much … lots more restaurants now, too. My family and I were pretty close, especially my sister. My Sister and I always did something together, she even let me hang out with her friends in high school. The highlight of my adolescence is all the family trips we took in our motorhome. We traveled all over the U.S, and had many laughs.

Terra and her husband


I’ve been married for 19 years, been with my best friend for 22 years. We met when I was just 19, crazy how time flies when you’re having fun. We lived in Tucson, Arizona for 15 years, and now currently Charlotte, North Carolina. We have three furry babies that make our life complete (one dog and two cats).





I've never seen a photo of a more contented cat than the tiger one above. Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

That is tricky. I love too many. My favorite genre is contemporary romance and mystery/thriller, but lately I’m a huge fan of some non-fiction books, too.
Favorite authors: Susan Mallory, Jill Shalvis, Bella Andre, Clive Cussler, Steve Barry, Joanna Penn, Tim Grahl, Jeff Goins, Nick Stephenson, and many more!

I met you on Nick Stephenson's Facebook group. When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

Relaxing with my hubby is the best, we love watching movies, sports, and TV series. I’m also a food blogger (www.cafeterrablog.com) and love creating new recipes. My husband and I even create recipes together which is awesome. I also love yoga to recharge after sitting and writing, or walking my dog to get some story ideas happening.  

How long have you been writing?

My story is unique and long, you can read about it here and here. I definitely didn’t start out with the intent to have a writing career. At 13 while vacationing in New York City, I decided I wanted to be a disc jockey on the radio in New York. I had that plan all the way up until I met my future husband. I did get to work as a disc jockey in Michigan, and still have fond memories of that experience. BUT New York never happened, instead we trekked all the way to the opposite side of the country. I’m a believer that life takes you on paths for a reason. Mine led me to this career, and when I hit publish in November 2014 that changed everything for me. I wouldn’t change anything about my past, I loved all the adventures. Since November 2014 I have published six books and have grown so much as an author. I love everything about this career.

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

I have a super long list of issues with my back, so sitting at a desk is no fun. I have a lazy boy and TV tray that is my writing space (it’s not pretty, but definitely keeps my back happier). I have a MacBook Air and it’s loaded with so much love. I have my iPad and iPhone synced up to the drives, so I can access my writing anywhere. Thank goodness for technology. I actually write better in silence. If my husband is home, I take my hearing aids out for silence … so he can still watch TV. Having a TV on is not distracting for me, because when in the zone I don’t even register it’s on.  

Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Answer: Definitely a panzer. I will write down my thoughts for a story idea in Evernote. Then just start writing and let it create itself.

Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

For my last book I did some research before, and then as I went along. It was a mobster book, and I wanted to try to keep it as realistic as possible. For my steamy contemporary, no research is really needed, except for the recipes I create for each book.

Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

That’s funny you ask that. So, just this month I am officially able to say, I’m a full-time author entrepreneur. In the past I would write tons to get a book complete, then just write here and there. I didn’t have any daily writing habits. Now, this month I’m working on changing my habits by participating in a 31-day writing challenge. It really is only for me to get a better habit set in place. My goal is to write daily and to get at least 1.5k to 3k completed for each session. For goals, I didn’t have any. Now, I have created a production plan through March 2018, and have already got myself set to achieve everything on the list. I plan to publish three books and one short story in 2017. I would love to up that number in 2018, but remember, I didn’t have a writing background, so I want to make sure I produce solid content and keep growing. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon after all.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

I have a severe hearing impairment. Something that started when I was born and gradually got worse. I was always nervous to get hearing aids and how people treat me (in school I was teased for not being able to hear things). Well, in October 2016 I was given the gift of hearing, thanks to my parents. I love my hearing aids and love listening to all the beautiful sounds most people take for granted. For 41 years I managed through life by reading lips, that’s how bad my hearing was. Most didn’t even know I had an impairment, because I could read lips that good. My parents taught me when I was born to read their lips when learning to talk.

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Happiness. Excitement. Hunger (since I put recipes in my books). I write from the heart, which I think most authors do. I share stories that include things about me, just snippets. So I hope readers will be able to relate, and find peace and happiness when they finish a book.

My feelings, too. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Well, if you read the blog post I shared up above about my writing past- I would say, don’t ever listen to bullshit. Seriously. I let someone tell me I was a poor writer and should find a different career … AND I believed them for a long time. Overcoming that was a long road, but now the shining light is reading messages from readers who tell me they adore my books. The messages I receive from readers warms my heart every day. If you have a story to tell, tell it. If you’re nervous to publish, STOP, and just publish the damn thing. Someone out there wants to read your story, trust me. Oh, and make sure to start building your email list from the very start, that is the holy grail for authors and building our audience.

Tell us about your latest release.

My latest release was December 6th- It was the second book in my romantic suspense series, Torn Pieces. I started writing contemporary romance that was more on the steamy side. I know I kind of played it safe and definitely felt too nervous to jump out of my comfort zone. Then my author friend challenged me to try suspense, so I did. Now, I find my readers like my suspense maybe more than my other books. I have also fallen in love with writing suspense, and made TAKE THIS PAIN AWAY more suspenseful and less on the romance. Now that I ventured out of my comfort zone, there is a serial killer suspense/thriller series in the works. It does pay to expand your wings and fly.




TAKE THIS PAIN AWAY (Torn Pieces: Book Two) Synopsis: Finley Scott devotes his life to the Emergency Task Force, Toronto, and it's what he loves. So when being asked to go undercover to protect a woman from the biggest mob boss Toronto has ever experienced, he doesn't hesitate. Giano Nesta stops at nothing to get what belongs to him and yet, Finley is ready to be the savior Letizia will need.

Letizia Magrino lives in St. Cloud, MN, has her own bakery, and nothing to worry about but a cupcake bake-off she wants to win. That is, until her life comes crumbling down when a mob boss starts hunting her. With nowhere to hide at home, she starts running with the help of Finley and his crew. But too many lies made her distrustful of people around her, so how can she believe that Finley will protect her no matter what?

With her life turned upside down, can Letizia and Finley find a way to escape all the horrors-and find the happy ending they desperately seek?

How can readers learn more about you?

I’m a marketing nerd, hence why I run three blogs, ha! You can catch me on social, email, website, wherever you choose.

Terra Kelly, Author
Terra loves walking her dog, snuggling with her two cats, and relaxing with her amazing hubby. A steamy romance book is never far from her grasp, and 2:00 a.m. seems to be the sweet spot to finally put a book down and sleep. She laughs loudly, smiles often, is a bit of a klutz, and tries to always find the positive in everything.

Writing was not on the list of must-do’s for her career, but she always had stories swirling around her mind. Now, today she couldn't imagine her life without writing. She enjoys writing when the mood strikes, and will stay up late to get all her thoughts out.

When she's not writing, she’s creating recipes, and learning all about bourbon and wine. Terra has had a food blog for over six years, at www.cafeterrablog.com. That’s why you will find serious food love in each of her books. She considers herself a bourbon and wine lover. Each book will express her love for both types of alcohol, along with beer thrown in the mix. 

She loves hearing from her readers, please stop by one of her social sites and say hello!


One more thing: Something to look out for in March 2018, I will be publishing my first cookbook/romance book. The story takes place at a family wine vineyard, so the recipes will be infused with wine love.


Thank you so much for letting me share a little about myself today!