Wednesday, July 31, 2019

THE HOCKEY PLAYER AND THE ANGEL




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The Hockey Player
and the Angel

      Book One of Calendar Men of King Court
By
Kirsten Paul

Romantic Comedy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date Published: July 22, 2019


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Top chef Katrina Sherrer should have left hockey pro Marc Johansen out in the cold. That's where she’s headed if she can't change his mind. The all-star defenceman is determined to buy the family-owned Acadia Restaurant and Inn and tear it down. But the gods of blizzards and power outages have other ideas—they want to have fun. They strand Marc at the inn and Katrina in his room. Cognac, fireplaces, cold showers, wrong medication, and scones need to work their magic to prove that Marc can be more than Katrina's arch-enemy and business is not all about money.


Katrina added the last log to the fire. The power was still out but she checked the door anyway. If it didn’t come back soon, she wouldn’t have any more logs to keep the room warm.

Her sisters and the guys laughed and talked. Their voices carried all the way from the lobby and over the salsa music they played.

“They’re having a good time,” Marc said, his voice slurring.

He looked groggy. “Are you, all right?”

“I feel. I feel light. Airy.”

“Shouldn’t pain killers make you feel that way?”

“Never before.”

Katrina picked up the orange bottle. “I gave you two as you asked.” She looked closer. “Holy shit. I gave you Tyler’s meds—Tylenol three and he only takes one.”

Marc laughed. “That’s why I’m feeling so—pain free. And happy. But drowsy. One is enough to knock out an elephant. Like Tyler. Tyler the elephant.” He laughed, amused at his own inane joke.

She picked up another orange bottle and saw Marc’s name on it. “Your medication has a tangerine lid. You should have said tangerine, not orange.”

“Too late for oranges and tangerines. You’ve killed me for real, Katrina. Katrina Sherrerrrrrr. Goodbye, my angry angel, my honey, my sweetie…,” he sang.

Katrina dropped the pills and raced to him. “Oh my God. This isn’t good. I didn’t mean it, really. I’ve over drugged you.” She raced to the door and banged on it. “Help!” She banged but the music was so loud, no one heard. She took out her phone, remembered it was drained, and threw it at the door. “I need your phone.”

He put it under his leg, stretched out his arms, and puckered his lips.

Was he for real? Had the painkillers transported him back to teenage-hood?

As much as she wanted to give him a big smooch and more, she had to save him first. Otherwise, the lawsuit would be bigger than before. “Give me the damn phone now.”

“Nope. You’re yelling.”

“I’m yelling because I have to call for help.”

He pushed it higher, almost under his buttocks.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She marched to him and stuck her hand under his seat. Marc threw her onto the bed and tickled her.

“There’s no time for this, Marc.” She rolled off the bed, landing on the carpet but with the prize in her hand.

Marc peered over the side at her. “You’re no fun at all.”

She jumped up. “I need to save you first.” She moved as far away from him as possible and called Eric. He picked up after a very long time. “Eric, it’s Katrina. You have to help me. I gave Marc the wrong medication and double the dose, too. I gave him Tyler’s Tylenol three. Ask Tyler. What the hell am I supposed to do? He’s really—happy.”

Eric spoke to Tyler and they laughed.

“Katrina, it’s Tyler.”

“Help, I’ve over drugged him.”

Tyler couldn’t stop laughing. “Get him into a shower and make him move around.”

“But the shower will be cold.”

“Even better.”

“What about side effects or repercussions?”

“Extreme and utter nirvana.” The phone went dead.


About the Author

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Franca Pelaccia, aka
Kirsten Paul


Under the pseudonym of Kirsten Paul, Franca Pelaccia has written two romantic comedies, The Hockey Player and the Angel and The Detective and the Burglar. She has also written a woman’s adventure entitled Moses & Mac, the first book of the Vatican Archaeological Service series.

Writing as Francesca Pelaccia, Franca self-published The Witch’s Salvation, a  historical paranormal novel that won the Beck Valley Reviewers’ Choice Award for 2013. An avid reader, Franca reviews novels for the Historical Novels Society.





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RABT Book Tours & PR

Monday, July 29, 2019

BITTERSWEET ALLIANCE BY KATHLEEN ROWLAND



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kathleen Rowland will be awarding ten gift bags each containing a shell necklace, chocolates, and a flower pen to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Will a snap decision change their lives forever?

Bizarre kidnappings stun the Big Island of Hawaii, pulling Danker Donahue back into the game and forcing him to partner with Jolene Kualoha, the woman who left him seven years ago when his DNA showed up in paternity lawsuit. The prejudice-motivated hate crimes are the wildest anyone has ever seen. Victims are being poisoned then released once the ransoms are paid, many losing their lives.

In the shadow of Jolene's success as a helicopter pilot, a troubled woman develops a fixation on Jolene and imitates her appearance. Matters turn dark when the copycat is shot dead. Was Jolene the target? Threats mount when she barely survives an accident after her brake cables are severed.


When these crimes threaten her sanity, Jolene is forced to trust the one person she thought she’d lost forever, Danker. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and as much as she wants to rekindle their relationship, she must protect her heart.

An old enemy, Seamus McGinn, breaks out of a maximum-security prison and invites Danker to a meet-up. Surprisingly, the kidnapper joins forces with McGinn along with his sick fans. McGinn trumpets his ‘murders by ice pick’, and it’s up to Danker to stop him. The whole island is on edge with a live feed from the maniac’s website.

In a stolen moment, Jolene shows him hope, and he makes a snap decision that will change their lives forever. Will he make it back to show her?


Read an Excerpt

Older didn’t mean wiser. All this time Jolene had dreaded running into him, sometimes dressing in expectation of it. If she did see him again, she wanted to look good. Today she looked like crap, but what did it matter? Danker’s reason for being on the Big Island had nothing to do with her, not in a personal way. Tomorrow they’d meet at the FBI field office to collaborate on a serial kidnapping case. She’d wear a sleeveless linen dress, open-toed pumps, and bring the accordion file full of notes and newspaper clippings she’d gathered.

The perpetrator targeted wealthy Hawaiians with social capital, the kind of people seen on television or featured in newspapers when they donated money to charities. The latest missing person, Pua Iona, owned Iona Hawaiian Rugs and was an acquaintance of hers. Not that they shared the same social strata, but they’d volunteered together at an artisans’ market to boost Hawaiian crafts. After Pua went missing and fit the criminal’s modus operandi, Mayor Billy Kim, frustrated with police progress, contacted Jolene’s former boss from California, FBI Agent Gary Guhleman, cowboyish in dress but wise in judgement.

Guhleman didn’t need to tell her Hawaiians resisted outside intrusions. “You know everyone,” he’d said. “Witnesses will share what they know.” The agent and his wife had retired, rather semi-retired, here in Kona. Soon after she and Guhleman had spoken, he called in Danker Donahue to consult. “You remember him, right?”

“Gosh, let me think.” She and Danker went hot and heavy after the Long Beach case that ended with the arrest of mobster Seamus McGinn.



About the Author:

Kathleen Rowland, Author
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts. Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.

Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write!

Kathleen is an in-house author at Tirgearr Publishing. Her Irish-American Donahue Cousins series includes Deadly Alliance, Unholy Alliance, and Bittersweet Alliance.


What reviewers say about Kathleen Rowland

Windward Whisperings--Kathleen Rowland spins a creative story with romance, passion and suspense making it an adventure hard to put down. The banter she creates between the two lovers is spine-tingling robust in this keeper of a read. ~ http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/windwardwhisperingsrowland.htm

Deeds of Deceit-- Circled by the bloodthirsty and untrusting, you learn to appreciate the few allies you have. Deeds of Deceit is an excellent addition to any thriller assortment. ~ http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/mar_12.htm

A Key to all that Glitters is a mesmerizing love story that vibrates with love and suspense. ~ http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/key-to-all-that-glitters-by-kathleen.html


Website: http://www.kathleenrowland.com

Blog: http://www.kathleenrowland.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.rowland.50



Buy Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Alliance-Donahue-Cousins-3-ebook/dp/B07S8QYH7F/



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, July 26, 2019

THE SIBLINGS O'RIFCAN SERIES BOX SET


Don't miss the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of the post!


The Siblings O'Rifcan Series
Books 1- 5 Boxed Set
by
Katharine E. Hamilton


Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance 

FIVE sweet romances in ONE box set!



One family. Five incredible stories.



Claron 
Tossing her belongings into a suitcase and escaping heartbreak seemed like
the best idea for Rhea Conners. She’d simply travel across the
ocean to visit her grandfather in Ireland and heal. Then she’d come
back. Simple. But what she doesn’t expect is to find solace and
healing in the form of the O’Rifcan family. One member in
particular: Claron.

Claron enjoyed his life farming the land his grandparents gifted him. He
lived his life quietly and contentedly, until Rhea arrived. He’d
steered clear of relationships and entanglements since his last
heartbreak, but something about Roland’s granddaughter twists him
up inside. Something about Rhea has him rethinking his life of solitude.

Two hearts. One chance. Can Rhea and Claron overcome past hurts to make a
new beginning?

Riley
Charm, beauty, and the promise of a new adventure had Heidi Rustler eagerly
flying across the ocean to visit her best friend, Rhea Conners. Heidi
needed a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a little
excitement, and that is the promise that awaited her in Ireland.
However, Rhea’s stories of the incredible family she’d come to
know intrigued Heidi the most. Particularly the stories of Riley O’Rifcan.

Riley loved his life. He spent his days traveling for work, loving on his
family, and flirting with feminine faces. He never once thought about
settling down. Until Heidi. The bold and beautiful woman from Texas
stampeded into his world and challenged his commitment-free and
easy-going lifestyle.

Two hearts. One chance. Can Heidi and Riley recognize their opportunity
for a new and different kind of adventure? 

Layla
Beautiful, flirtatious, and charming are just a few of the words that describe
Layla O’Rifcan, and she is proud of them. She enjoys the art of
flirting and entangling the hearts of handsome men with her own. But
with her eyes set upon starting her new business, she might just miss
the one man that could change her life for the better.

Delaney Hawkins loves his job. Yes, he may work too much, but he is happy
with the direction his life is headed. All until he meets Layla
O’Rifcan. The spunky O’Rifcan sister who bewitches him from the
start has him trying to balance work with what he hopes to be a
budding relationship.

Two hearts. One chance. Can Layla and Delaney set aside their work and
ambition to take a chance on love? 

Chloe 
Strong, sweet, and beautiful not only describes Chloe O’Rifcan but also the
flowers she works with. As her brother’s wedding approaches, Chloe
finds herself neck deep in wedding planning and projects that require
the help of a dear friend.

Conor McCarthy is one of the closest friends to the O’Rifcan family, but
he’s also a talented carpenter hopping from one project to the
next. But when Chloe asks him to build an archway for a wedding prop,
Conor finds himself working hand in hand with the youngest sister,
and he can’t help but be impressed by Chloe’s skill and her sweet heart.

Two Hearts. One Chance. Can Chloe and Conor progress from family friends
to more? 

Murphy
Grit, determination, and independence had Piper O’Beirne setting her
roots in Galway. The successful manager of one of the hottest pubs in
the city, she never dreamed of moving or starting over. Until Murphy.

Murphy O’Rifcan loved his work. He spent all his time grooming his pub to
be the best in County Clare. However, the hectic demands of the pub
had him looking for help from the one person he knew he could trust,
but the one person he knew did not want to move to Castlebrook. He
found his professional pursuit of Piper twisted along the way and he
wished Piper would accept the job for other reasons. Him.

Two Hearts. One Chance. Can Piper and Murphy learn to work together at
the pub and in love? 

Grab your copy today!


Amazon



Katharine E. Hamilton graduated from Texas A&M University with
a Bachelor of Arts in History and uses her knack for research in all her
stories. She is a Southern Belle with a pinch of sass, and when she
is not writing she can be found chasing around her toddler son,
driving around the ranch, or baking delicacies for local parties and
events. Katharine currently resides on a ranch in South Texas where
the skies and rivers, in all their beauty, rejuvenate the soul.



Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!




Wednesday, July 24, 2019

SCANDAL'S BRIDE


Don't forget the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of the post!

Interview with Pamela Gibson!

Please tell us about growing up.

My parents always told me swallows brought me, not a stork. That’s because I was born and raised in San Juan Capistrano, a Spanish mission town in Southern California, known for the return of the swallows to the old mission. They return on March 19. I was born on March 21. My brother, three years younger, was born in October. Sadly, he died of leukemia at the age of three. My little sister, six years younger, grew up to be my best friend. Growing up in a small town gave me lots of freedom other children might not have because everyone knew everyone else, so I could walk around downtown and the locals looked after me. Because both parents worked, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who loved to hang out in libraries.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
in the town where Pamela grew up


Were you the shy kid or the tomboy?

I think the death of my little brother shaped my personality. I became shy, introspective, and a loner. I spent hours wandering the grounds of the mission—across the street from my grandmother’s house—and began making up stories to keep myself entertained. My love of history was born during that tragic time and I became a reader. The mission really is a spectacular place, even today, if you ever have a chance to visit it.

I got married at 18, my only real rebellious act. I know, I was too young. My parents said it wouldn’t last and they were right. But my two beautiful children were born and I don’t regret anything. I did marry again, many years later, and boy did my life change. My hubs, Capt. Mark, was a sailor and I couldn’t even swim. We had many memorable trips from the west coast to Catalina Island, and south to San Diego. After thirty years of marriage, I’m still a white-knuckle sailor. But I survived.

Their boat, the Sea Bear,
on the Hudson River


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

My grandmother tried to teach me to knit, then crochet, but I never got the hang of it. Then she’d quietly leave the room so I could read. Reading is still my favorite way to relax. My second way to relax is to soak in a warm bubble bath. When I can do both? Paradise. I remember my kids knocking on the bathroom door, assuring me I would look like a prune if I didn’t get out soon. Sadly, the tub in the house I’m in is too shallow, but I still have reading.

I guess my hobby, if you can call it that, was volunteering. I helped at the community center, the senior center, and joined various service clubs. I was once given an award for community service. It was a very proud moment.

How long have you been writing?

The first thing I can remember writing was a poem in iambic pentameter about a trip to a western-themed amusement park. That was in the fourth grade. By high school, I was writing a column in the local newspaper, and they assigned me an occasional teen-related feature story. I worked for newspapers all through my college years (I had experience!) and after graduation journalism was my first career. But I majored in history and decided to write a book about my hometown. One book led to another and I ended up writing eight local history books. I dabbled in fiction, not seriously, until I was ready to take an early retirement. Then I got serious. Scandal’s Bride is my twelfth book.

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

I write on my comfy couch with a laptop. When I remember, I set in on a lap desk my son bought me. I like solitude, but I’ve written in hospital waiting rooms, airports, coffee shops, even a casino. I can shut out the noise and concentrate on the world I’m writing about.

Pamela's writing spot.


Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a dedicated pantser to the chagrin of my spouse who thinks I’d be much happier as a plotter. Nope. I get a vague plot in my head, get a good solid first chapter, and then I begin to write. When the first draft is done, I go back and review it for plot progression and structure. My next draft works on timeline issues, and boy is this a bugaboo for me. I am forever squeezing too much action into too little time. My third look is for words that I tend to overuse or words that have no need to be there: that, pulled, up, so, it and many passive verbs. Word search is so nice. Other things I look for? Tells (instead of shows), and sentences that I really don’t need (even if I love them). In the final read through I look for typos. Then I give it to my husband who finds everything I missed.

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

I write when the sun comes up until about nine in the morning. In winter, the sun is not up when I need it, but my internal clock gets me up about five or five thirty. I fortify myself with black coffee and a hearty snack and I begin. My biggest distraction is social media. I have to turn off wifi sometimes to make sure I do my work. During the day I grab an hour here and there. I have no set goals for the day. I do set goals for the year every January. But my daily routine depends on what else is going on in my life. The early morning hours are usually free, so they’re mine.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

When asked this question I always give the same answer because it’s important. In 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was tiny and it was revealed by my annual mammogram. I underwent surgery and radiation. I did not have chemotherapy. I was lucky because I almost skipped it that year. Do not skip your mammogram, ladies. It is so important. It saved my life.

What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

First, make sure you have trained yourself to write a publishable book. Read craft books, go to conferences, or take on-line courses. Second, finish your book, read it several times, make sure you’ve applied what you’ve learned. Then enter a few contests. Look for ones that give you feedback. A numerical score doesn’t cut it. You will get feedback you may want to ignore. But you do not want to ignore advice that is consistent and seems to follow a pattern. Third, make your changes and submit. Only a few publishers will accept un-agented manuscripts for consideration, but there are some good ones. If you self publish, make sure you’ve hired an indie editor. These people are jewels. I still use one for my contemporaries. Finally, never give up. If you’re looking for an agent, your road might be rougher. Not all agents respond. If you are not going after an agent, you have lots of opportunities to publish, and to improve. I’m a big fan of Romance Writers of America because of the resources available. Join them and use what’s offered.

What has helped you in your writing career?

I was fortunate that my closest RWA chapter was in San Francisco and I joined an amazing group of women (a few men, too) who shared their knowledge, provided good speakers, ran a good contest, and encouraged me every step of the way. But the biggest help is what I’ve learned from reading. I write in two romance genres, but I read others. I love historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, paranormals, you name it. I am a reader and that helps me be a writer. One other crucial element for me has been my husband, who is partially disabled now. He is my cheerleader. He scolds me when I have bad days and I refuse to write. “Get words on the page. Edit them later,” he says. He reads my books. He critiques them. He designs my indie covers and format and uploads the books to the publishing sites. Love that man!

Mark and Pamela at the
wedding of their daughter


What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

When I read a book, I want to escape into a different world. It’s also nice to learn something I didn’t know before. While I can’t always accomplish the second goal, I most certainly try to accomplish the first. I want my readers to become my characters, to feel what they’re feeling, even if it’s only for a few hours. My Regencies are more relational, although my first, Scandal’s Child, did have information about early treatments for the blind. My contemporary books, about a family living in the wine country, do contain information about growing grapes, the job of an event planner, wine-making, and other information not well known. There’s also a heroine who is a cultural archeologist. I did that job briefly. It was fun, but not as much fun as writing.

Tell us about your latest release.

Scandal’s Bride is my second Regency. It’s a marriage of convenience trope about a woman who is desperate to escape the suitor her father has chosen and a man who is in dire need of money. Trusted friends have convinced them they can be each other’s solution. They meet, agree to wed with conditions, and move to Yorkshire. They establish a firm friendship, but when attraction begins to grow, they encounter both personal and external obstacles. It’s a story of faith overcoming doubt and of course, it has a happy ending.



Scandal's Bride

by 

Pamela Gibson



GENRE: Historical (Regency)





Marry in haste…

Lady Gwendolyn Pettigrew longs to be a mother, but refuses to marry the lecherous old fool her father has found for her. When her best friend convinces her to consider her husband’s younger brother as a suitable candidate, Gwen agrees to a marriage of convenience, hoping against hope that her dream of becoming a mother will have a chance.

The Hon. John Montague, a penniless younger son, is handsome, witty, and thrilled that a woman with a dowry has agreed to wed him. Best of all she’s a fiercely independent bluestocking, a woman who won’t want to bother with a family. Because John has a shocking secret. He’s vowed never to bring a child into the world, a child who, like his own mother, might carry the strain of madness.

As secrets unfold, tension grows, threatening the fragile bonds they’ve forged. Worse, someone wants them to abandon their home and leave Yorkshire, and they’ll stop at nothing to make it happen.





He pushed his hair back with his palm and turned his head to look at her. “I am sorry, Gwen. I don’t know what happened. One moment we were playing like children, and the next . . .”

She could only look at him, this beautiful man who had given her a wonderful moment. She’d wanted him to kiss her since the wedding, and finally he had, and it was as splendid as she’d imagined.

Still tingling from the encounter, she rose to a sitting position and put her arms around John’s back, feeling his body tense. “No need to apologize. I believe it is quite appropriate for married couples to share kisses, even though we are not exactly in the most romantic of settings.”

He seemed to relax as he disengaged her arms. “You are an understanding woman, Gwen. I nearly embarrassed you here in a place where workmen are at this moment trudging up the stairs with a piece of furniture.”

“Oh dear.” Her face flamed as she stood, smoothed her skirt, and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear.

John stood as well, leaning down to wipe a smudge from her nose. “It shall not happen again. I promise.”

But I want it to happen again. And more.

She meandered into the sitting room and back to her bedchamber. Pausing in front of the long windows, she gazed at the ruined walls of the abbey, her emotions still in turmoil. This was indeed a dilemma of the first order.


Pamela Gibson, Author


Author of eight books on California history and twelve romance novels, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in the Nevada desert. Having spent the last three years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her gran-cats, gran-dog, and gran-fish. Sadly, the gran-lizard went to his final reward. If you want to learn more about her activities go to https://www.pamelagibsonwrites.com and sign up for her blog and quarterly newsletter. Or follow her in these places:

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/pamela-gibson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamgibsonwrites/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pamgibsonwrites
Website: www.pamelagibsonwrites.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/pamgibsonwrites
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Pamela-Gibson/e/B00MKVB4XE




Pamela Gibson will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Monday, July 22, 2019

BACHELOR IN THE BOONDOCKS


Don't miss the Rafflecopter Giveaway at the end of this post!


Bachelor in the Boondocks
by
River Ames

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance 

Jared Sherman has been coerced into spending six months of his life in the
small Missouri town of Green River. His uncle wants to merge their
businesses, but before the older man will talk business, he’s made
it a pre-condition of the agreement that his nephew move to Green River.



Jared, a big city sophisticate, is having trouble wrapping his mind around
country living. He feels as if he’s traded in his life in the fast
line for a sojourn straight out of a rerun of the “Andy Griffith” show.

Except, Jared doesn’t remember an episode that had Sheriff Andy standing in
the buff with only a flimsy pair of frilly curtains preserving what’s
left of his dignity while being surrounded by the broken glass of his
bedroom window.

Cue Amelia Greene.
Call 911, and I’ll break your arm.”

She can understand him not wanting anyone else to see him in this bizarre
situation, but his tone is unacceptable.

Being the good neighbor that she is, and because it was her younger brother
whose baseball smashed through Jared’s window, Amelia helps Jared
free himself from the shards of glass essentially holding him hostage.

Jared Sherman is a man who’s counting the hours until he can escape the
confines of country living. Another countdown is underway, however.

He’s counting down the next time he can steal another sweet kiss from a
woman who’s so devious he can’t figure out how she manages to be
so darned seductive. Maybe by wearing her flaming hair in a bun,
going about in long-sleeve blouses, and forgoing expensive perfumes,
she’s discovered a sure-fired way to entice even the most
dyed-in-the-wool bachelor.

Who would have ever thought the natural look could inflame a man’s
desires?

Good grief, she was literally the girl next door. But, he was a man who had
no intention of living in the boondocks, minus the docks.



There were moments in a person’s life fraught with undercurrents of hidden emotion. As Amelia sat across the desk from Jared Sherman, she felt the subtle buffeting of those currents. And something else. Something dark and mysterious and... beckoning.

She retreated immediately from the half-thoughts she refused to explore, from the challenging look in his eyes, from the man.

Her gaze drifted from his disturbing stare, down his shirtfront, ultimately settling upon his hands. Dark hair grazed the tanned skin between the first and second knuckles of his lean fingers. His palms lay across the file she had prepared for Angus’s consideration.

Seeing his hands resting upon the proposal over which she had so painstakingly labored caused a frisson of electricity to play along the fine hairs of her nape. The symbolism of seeing the fate of the new library resting literally in Jared Sherman’s strong hands struck her forcibly.

“Let me begin by saying that, when Angus mentioned contributing to the construction of a town library, my first thought was that the good citizens of Green River were taking advantage of him—again.”

Startled, Amelia’s chin jerked up. “That’s not true.”

“After discussing the situation with my uncle, however, I realized I was off base.”

She relaxed against the back of the chair. “Good.”

“It’s apparent that the town couldn’t care less about a library. You’re the one who’s trying to push it through.”

Shell-shocked was the best way to describe her feelings at the moment. And furious! “Look, Mr. Sherman, I don’t know where you got your information, but you’re wrong. A lot of people in Green River want the library rebuilt.”

In an abrupt gesture, he opened the folder and flipped through several pages. “Being caught in that fire must have been a nightmare.”

Amelia blinked. Given his obvious antagonism, it took a moment to register the concern in his voice.

“It was…” She swallowed. She hadn’t yet mastered the art of speaking casually about the stark terror of those last smoke-filled minutes when she’d climbed over broken glass and smoldering wood to get away from the flames.

Knowing she should say something, she met Jared’s steady gaze. It struck her then; she’d spent a good hour this morning standing in broken glass, touching it, hearing it crunch beneath her shoes, and she hadn’t thought once of the fire.

That realization suggested to her that she was recovering from the terrifying event. She also realized it had been several months since she’d had one of her terrifying nightmares.

“It was the worst experience of my life,” she said finally. “But it taught me not to give up, to keep fighting with my last ounce of strength—to... to prevail.”

He smiled at her—a smile that truly touched his eyes. “That’s exactly the attitude you’re going to need to get your library built.”

“Not my library,” she corrected firmly. “It’s going to belong to the citizens of Green River, for the next hundred years, or longer. And my children and my children’s children will discover the magic and importance of reading good books.”

“That’s a worthy dream, Amelia. But, in order for it to come true, you need to deal in reality.”





River Ames spent the first eighteen years of her life in Southern
California. Here is a partial list of some of the cities in which she
lived: Pasadena, South Pasadena, Duarte, El Monte, Arcadia La Puente,
Lomita, West Covina, Pacifica, Santa Monica, Palmdale, and Hacienda
Heights. In some of those cities, she lived at six different
addresses. In the city of La Puente, River's family lived in four
different houses on the same street. The non-glamorous reason for all
the moves was habitual eviction necessitated for non-payment of rent.
It was an interesting way to grow up.

River attended twenty-six different elementary schools, two different
junior high schools and four different high schools. In one
elementary school, she was a student for only three days.

Perhaps, because she was so frequently identified as the "new girl,"
the pattern of River being an observer instead of a participant in the
interactions going on around her seemed a logical fit for her personality.

When she was thirteen, River read "Gone with the Wind." She
skipped three days of school in order to finish the book in one
sitting. Disappointed in Rhett for "not giving a damn,"
River wrote her own sequel--in long hand, on three-hole punch,
notebook paper. The opening line? "Tomorrow dawned bright and
fair." In less than fifty pages, Scarlett had been transformed
into Jane Eyre and Rhett had fallen in love with her all over again.

After Southern California, River has spent the next part of her life living
in the semi-rural town of Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is a graduate of
Idaho State University, majoring in Health Education Sciences and
Addiction Counseling. She's worked the past ten years at a Behavioral
Health Center where she assisted children, teenagers, and adults
committed in a 24/7 secured facility because of mental health
challenges they are experiencing.

River's books celebrate the good-natured humor that lays at the heart of most
of our human predicaments. The conflicts are significant, yet it is
her characters and their quirky (yet somehow universally relatable)
thoughts, words, and choices that reflect a light-hearted peek into a
world we wish was real. The amazing thing is that these worlds are
real to readers for the time they visit there.

Readers have said: "In a River Ames book, one minute I'm laughing out
loud, and the next I have a lump in my throat
."

River is currently readying a historical novel, "Gideon's Justice."
This three-part novel is Book I in a three volume western series set
in the Colorado Territory.




Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!



Friday, July 19, 2019

ORPHAN TRAIN BRIDES #newrelease



Do you have a special friend you met online? Jacquie Rogers and I met online and have since met in person several times. She is a fun person and bright as a new penny. Plus, her husband and mine actually share interests and talk to one another.

Occasionally Jacquie and I have collaborated on projects. We wrote about sisters for Kirsten Osbourne’s American Mail-Order Brides. Jacquie’s was MERCY, BRIDE OF IDAHO, and mine was PATIENCE, BRIDE OF WASHINGTON. We collaborated on a duet featuring sisters, MAIL-ORDER TANGLE, for which I wrote MAIL-ORDER PROMISE and Jacquie wrote MAIL-ORDER RUCKUS. (Trust me, there’s a ruckus wherever Jacquie goes.) We’ve done it again with ORPHAN TRAIN BRIDES.

We don’t mean children from the orphan train are brides. Women who were adopted from the orphan train years ago must become brides.

Here’s the blurb:

Become a bride or lose her children!

Merry and Polly Bird jump at the opportunity when they’re asked to help record who takes which children from the orphan train in their town. Determined to liberate five quirky, ragtag orphans not likely to be adopted by caring people, the sisters vow the children will not end up as they had fourteen years ago. Back then, Merry and Polly and the two boys adopted with them from that orphan train worked as slaves and suffered in ragged clothes, horrible living conditions, and with meager and unappetizing food.

Mary and Polly’s children love their new home and family at the sisters’ Mockingbird boarding house. The rescue idea appears to have been a great success—until the supervisor from the Children’s Protection Society arrives. Single women are not allowed to adopt. Merry and Polly each has five days to find a suitable husband who won’t steal her share of the boarding house.

Two award winning and bestselling authors conspired to bring readers these two heartwarming stories, A FAMILY FOR MERRY by Caroline Clemmons and A FAMILY FOR POLLY by Jacquie Rogers in the sweet duet, ORPHAN TRAIN BRIDES. In addition to this release about sisters, the authors have in their future projects a duet about the two brothers, Bart and Newton Bird.




Here's an excerpt from A FAMILY FOR MERRY. When the sisters and their adoptees meet Blake on the street, Abby invites him to come with them to Bea's sweet shop:

Blake stepped to the counter. “We’ll have sarsaparillas and cupcakes all around.”

Abby clapped her hands. “Did you hear, Tammie? We get sar’prilla and a cupcake.”

Polly protested, “Mr. Woolfe, surely you don’t intend to treat all of us.”

“My pleasure, ladies and gentlemen.” He paid Bea and then gave a slight bow. After he delivered two of the drinks he went back to the counter for more.

Merry sat and pulled Tammie onto her lap. Abigail and Calvin joined her. Polly and her two sat at the next table.

When Bea and Mr. Woolfe had delivered all of the drinks and cupcakes, he sat at the table beside Calvin. “You don’t mind if I sit beside you do you, Calvin? We men have to stick together.”

Calvin sat up a little taller and almost smiled. “Yeah, we men have to stick together ’cause we’re outnumbered.”

Mr. Woolfe saluted Noah with his glass. “Isn’t that right, Noah?”

Noah grinned and raised his drink as Mr. Woolfe had done. Although Noah still hadn’t spoken, seeing him smile was a relief.

The lawyer carried on a conversation with the children but sent her glances that left her puzzled. He was usually gruff yet he was quite kind to the children. 

Merry simply couldn’t figure out Blake Woolfe.


(***The two novellas in ORPHAN TRAIN BRIDES are expanded from previous inclusion in the anthology, UNDER A MULBERRY MOON.)


What else is going on? So glad you asked—you have a chance to win prizes! There are parties to celebrate the release of ORPHAN TRAIN BRIDES.
The first is on my Facebook group, Caroline’s Cuties, all day on the July 19th release day. Prizes will be Amazon gift cards and e-books.

But wait—there’s more!



On Tuesday, July 23, Jacquie and I are each having a party on Facebook. The first hour from 4:00 Pacific, 5:00 Mountain, 6:00 Central, 7:00 Eastern will be at Caroline’s Cuties and the second hour will be from 5:00 Pacific, 6:00 Mountain, 7:00 Central and 8:00 Eastern for one hour at JacquieRogers’ Pickle Barrel Bar and Books.

Come to our parties—you might win.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

TABLOID--ROMANCE WITH A SPLASH OF HUMOR!


Don't miss the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of the post!


TABLOID

By
Jackie Paxson

Romance with a splash of humor

Dirty Laundry Series #1

Date Published: 5/25/19

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1 gossip writer + 1 A-list movie star = 1 fake relationship…or does it?

After breaking a story that rocks Hollywood, Talia is the top gossip writer around. One night will put all of that into question. The writer becomes the story when she gets caught doing the walk of shame from A-lister Zee Jaxon’s home.

To save both of their reputations he suggests a fake relationship. Pretending should be easy. It shouldn’t mean the fake feelings become real. Accepting the real feelings means the lies they’ve told are even harder to hide.

When the truth comes out can their love survive or will everything just fade to black?


Hours later covered in brown, Talia washed up in the first-floor bathroom. She scurried across the hall to the laundry room. A pair of sweats and t-shirt sat folded on top of the dryer. She pulled on the sweats and oversized shirt. Taking a deep breath, she shuffled her way out to the kitchen.

“Alright, Addie. I am ready to help. What can I do to help with dinner?”

Addie looked at Talia. The wince she tried to conceal told Talia all she needed to know about how she looked. “You don’t have to help me, hon.”

“I’m not a freeloader around here. Give me something to do.” Talia felt her reserve dwindling, but she needed to help out.

Reluctantly, Addie gave Talia the rolling pin. “Roll out this dough. When it’s about an inch thick cut out the biscuits and place them on the sheet.”

Talia could do that. How hard could it be to roll out dough and cut it in circles? The answer was near impossible with only a few hours of sleep. Not to mention cleaning the horse stalls all day.

“Oh dear.” Addie stood next to Talia. They looked at the misshapen dough. Most were a ball or oval. They weren’t an inch thick either.

“Sorry, Addie.”

“It’s alright, Tally. Go sit in the living room while I put these in the oven.” Talia nodded and slumped off to the living room.

A bone deep ache spread through her body. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worked that hard. Talia now knew how Zeke got those defined muscles. Those muscles she’d been touching, rubbing and ready to kiss. What the hell was wrong with her?

“What’s wrong with her?” Zeke’s voice came out from the kitchen echoing her thoughts.

“She’s exhausted.” Addie said.

“How long has she been sitting like that staring at the blank tv?”

“About 45 minutes. Poor thing needs a good soak in the tub, dinner then straight to bed.”

Footsteps sounded next to the couch. Zeke squatted in front of her. “Lia, you ok?”

“Yep. Just catching my breath.”

“Uh huh. Come on let’s get you upstairs.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You have two choices. Either you get your butt off the couch and up to your room or I pick you up off the couch and carry you to your room. Easy way or hard way, Lia?”

Talia remained seated on the couch. She was too exhausted to answer.

“Ok. Hard way it is.” Zeke picked her up as if she were light as a pillow.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m taking you to your room, getting a bath ready for you, then bringing you dinner.”

“Ok.” Talia was too tired to argue. She knew she smelled of the manure/mud mixture, but she couldn’t help snuggling into Zeke’s arms. His warmth and strength enveloped her. He smelled like sweat, hay and fresh cut grass. It was like a damn aphrodisiac.


About the Author

Jackie is a single mom of a rambunctious boy and his dog, Cady.  She is an avid reader with a blog under the name of The Book Maven.  Reading has been a passion of hers from the time she could pick up a Sweet Valley High book.  Writing is a new adventure where she gets to curse, be clumsy and fall in love with every page.

Contact Links

Twitter:@bookmaven623


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