Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Remember When (In Death) by Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb

 


Stephanie Smith writing for Caroline Clemmons

Nora Roberts writes wonderful romance stories.  Under the pen name J.D. Robb, she writes a romantic suspense series set in the future in New York called In Death.  I really prefer the In Death series, but Caroline Clemmons tells me they are a bit too detailed on the manner of death for her.  In 2003, Nora Roberts published a double book called REMEMBER WHEN.  The first book was written by Ms. Roberts in her normal romance style.  The second book was written by J.D. Robb in her normal style.  I loved both books.

The Blurb:

After putting her life as the daughter of a con man behind her, Laine Tavish, proprietor of an antiques emporium in Maryland, finds her past coming back to haunt her after the death of her uncle and a dangerous hidden fortune and joins forces with sexy Max Gannon to uncover the truth about a case that will not be solved for years, until NYPD Lieutenant Eve Dallas gets on the case.

Apparently, I was not the only one who loved both books.  Caroline tells me she was at the Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference the year the books were entered in the RWA contest for best romance.  Each book was a finalist.  When the IN DEATH book by J.D. Robb won, Nora Roberts stood up to give her acceptance speech and became J.D. Robb.  Her acceptance speech was very sassy and funny.  She put down Nora Roberts for thinking she could compete against her, J.D. Robb.  Caroline says it was very enjoyable.  

Monday, March 29, 2021

Cruel Candy (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 1) by Mildred Abbott


Stephanie Smith writing for Caroline Clemmons

Cruel Candy is the first of 22 and counting Cozy Corgi mysteries.  They star Winifred "Fred" Page and her Corgi Watson, who have moved home to Estes Park, Colorado to fulfill her dream of opening a bookshop.  Fred expects to deal with her mom and hippy stepfather, but not murder.  Her stepfather has been charged with murder and she must clear his name while dealing with the town's characters of all sorts.

I love this series.  I have read every one of the books and really enjoyed them.  Ms. Abbott has a corgi and she really breathes life into the character of Watson.  He becomes the bookstore's mascot and is really the co-star of the series.  He is a grumbly curmudgeon who loves only a few and tolerates the rest of the population of Estes only as much as he has to.

Fred is a well-drawn character that grows through the series, yet always remains true to herself.  Her major problem is that she keeps stumbling across corpses.  She feels compelled to find out what caused their deaths.  This despite the danger to herself, her dog, and her loved ones.  Soon she becomes known for her sleuthing or snooping as some call it.  The town starts expecting her to solve these mysteries and the culprits try to prevent her from doing so.  Don't worry, each story ends happily.

While each book can be read as a stand-alone cozy, it is best to read them in order.  You get so much more out of the books if you do so.  Start with Cruel Candy and get ready to get lost in these books.

The Blurb:

Estes Park, Colorado: picturesque mountains, charming shops, delightful bakeries, a cozy bookstore… and murder. 
Winifred Page and her corgi, Watson, move to Estes Park to hit the Reset button on life. Fred is about to open her dream bookshop, and the only challenges she anticipates are adjusting to small-town life, tourists, and living close to her loveable mother, Phyllis, and hippy stepfather, Barry.
When Fred steps into her soon-to-be-bookshop for the first time, she expects dust bunnies and spiders… not the dead body in the upstairs kitchen. The local police have an easy suspect—Barry.
Determined to prove quirky Barry innocent of murder, Fred puts on her detective hat, and with Watson by her side, she explores her new town and gets acquainted with her fellow shopkeepers. Could one of her friendly neighbors be the real culprit? And what would be the motive for killing the owner of the Sinful Bites candy store? The secrets Fred discover put her at odds with the local police sergeant and threaten her cozy future in Estes.  
With snow falling outside, all Fred wants to do is curl up by the fire with a good book and Watson snuggled at her feet. But before she can begin her new life and put her plans for her bookshop into action, Fred and Watson have a mystery to solve…

(This culinary cozy mystery includes a recipe for delectable lemon bars.)


Friday, March 26, 2021

BRAZOS BRIDE

 By Caroline Clemmons

After my husband and I married, he introduced me to, well, many things, but one of them was Louis L’Amour books. I fell in love with the Sacketts, and that was before I saw Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott play them in movies! I love the movies made from Louis L'Amour's books as much as I love the books.

I have read each of L’Amour’s novels except those set in the Pacific. (Hero has read those, too.) In fact, we have each of the books plus a few short stories and LAST OF THE BREED in our bookcase. He was a gifted storyteller, and I re-read some of my favorites of his books each year. FALLON, HONDO, and CROSSFIRE TRAIL are those for which I reach first. I’ve read FALLON so many times I almost don’t need the actual book, but I love L’Amour’s words. I've only read one I didn't like and it wasn't the book. It was the fact the heroine dies. I wept so much you'd think I knew her personally.

For years I believed that westerns were written mainly for a male audience. Then I discovered Lorraine Heath’s westerns. I was home! From Lorraine’s books, I learned of other writers who wrote similar stories. Two of my favorites are Julie Garwood’s PRINCE CHARMING (yes, I know it starts out in England) and FOR THE ROSES (yes, it begins in New York City).  Maggie Osborne’s PROMISE OF JENNY JONES is another keeper as are Jodi Thomas' Texans series. And have you ever read a cleverer book than MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS by Jacquie Rogers?

I could go on, but now I have to conduct a little business. You knew I’d get around to it, didn’t you?



My western historical, BRAZOS BRIDE, is both a mystery and a romance. I love mysteries, you see, and just can’t help myself when it comes to murder, kidnapping, poison, and other nasty incidents. I am a sweet and gentle soul in person (yeah, right), but I am mean to my characters when I write. After all, survival in the Old West was difficult. Authors have to present obstacles for the hero and heroine to overcome. Otherwise, a book would be about a page long and boring.




In BRAZOS BRIDE, Hope Montoya, the heroine, knows she’s being poisoned but has no idea who wants her dead. Weakened, she knows she can’t fight alone, and she enlists Micah Stone to assist her. How? Through a marriage of convenience, which gives her control of her estate that’s held in trust by her guardian. That doesn’t stop the killer, who relentlessly persists in trying to eliminate both Hope and adds Micah as a target. I love a determined villain, don’t you? I mean, of course, that I love to hate the villain.

Besides being close to Hope, for marrying her Micah receives land on the Brazos River and cash, and both are needed badly. The time is August 1870 and there’s a severe drought that has dried up springs, creeks, and waterholes on Micah’s land. Without access to the river, his cattle are dying of thirst. His two brothers are on hand to help him haul water from Zach’s place to the west. Even with their best efforts, they’re losing the battle.

 

 


She looked at her hands. Perhaps she was unreasonable. Or maybe insane for sympathizing with a man who'd had to work harder because of her family.

"I know it is an odd situation. If—if you wear your shirt and britches, I guess it would be all right if you slept on top of the cover here." She patted the bed beside her.

He froze. Not a muscle moved, and he only stared at her. Had she misunderstood? Did he think her offer too forward?

She babbled, "That is, if you want to. You said I should trust you. Well, maybe you would be more comfortable where you are." Why didn't he say something? Would he prefer sleeping in a chair to sharing the bed?

From the street below, she heard raucous laughter and someone called to a man named Ben. Music from a piano, she supposed in the saloon, drifted in through the open windows. A gust of breeze moved the curtains and slid across her skin. In this room, though, there was no sound.

Slowly, he rose and extinguished the lamp as he moved across the room. She slid one of the pillows beside hers then scooted down. What had possessed her to offer him half her bed? Would he think she invited more?

Too late to take it back now, for the mattress dipped as he stretched out. Quaking inside at the thought of him so near, she turned her back to him. She heard his weary sigh, as if he relaxed for the first time in a long while.

"Good night," she offered, and hoped he understood the finality of the phrase.

"Yep. Good night, Mrs. Stone." The mattress shook as he turned his back to her. She felt the soles of his feet press against her ankles. He must be several inches too long for the bed and she guessed he had to bend his legs to fit. She didn't dare turn to see firsthand.

She lay perfectly still, afraid to take a deep breath. Soon his breathing changed and she knew he slept. Outside the open window the town quieted and the distant tinkling of the piano was the only sound. Light from the full moon illuminated the room and slanted across the bed. A soft breeze drifted across her, lulling her in its caress.

With a sigh, she fought to relax, but abdominal pain kept her awake no matter how her body cried for rest. Perhaps if she planned, she’d forget the pain and chills that racked her frame.

Plan, yes. She needed a plan for food preparation when she returned to her home. No, Micah said he had a plan. Oh, dear, once more he took charge when it was her life, her home.

Maybe Aunt Sofia and Uncle Jorge would have left by then and things would be fine. Already she felt more secure. She sensed her eyelids drifting closed and the sleep’s blessed relief approaching.

A gunshot ripped apart the night.

The blast startled her and she screamed as something thudded near her head, showering her hair and face with splinters. Panic immobilized her. What had happened?

Micah dragged her onto the floor as a bullet ripped into the mattress.

 


Here's the buy link for BRAZOS BRIDE: https://www.amzn.com/B007HS10SY

Did that excerpt entice you to buy the book?

I hope so because everyone in my family needs an operation. Okay, no one actually needs surgery, but I will appreciate your buying the book. Then, IF YOU LIKED IT, would you be so kind as to leave a review on Amazon? Most readers don’t realize what a gift a good review is to a writer. You could also click on Follow for this author. I know, writers! Give us an inch and...you know the rest.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

DESTINY FALLS MYSTERY AND MAGIC!


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



Falling Into Magic
Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 1
by 
Elizabeth Pantley
Genre: Magical Cozy Mystery


When Hayden was a child, she lost her cat. Adults told her the cat ran away, but she knew the truth. The mirror had taken her.

She knew because the mirror had given her a glimpse of an alternate world and had nearly pulled her in, so she was certain the cat had suffered that fate.

Twenty years later Hayden discovers the secret of the mirror when she is thrust into it. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had.

But danger brought her here, and it followed her. Now, Hayden is on a mission to remove the threat, so that she can begin her magical, meaningful new life in this enchanted world.




"A magical, delightful tale that held my attention with a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue, a pleasantly appealing universe, and an intriguing plotline that I could not put down. I can’t wait to see where we go with Hayden’s next adventure." — Dru Ann, MWA Raven Award winner, www.drusbookmusing.com

What a captivating read! . . . I couldn't put it down. A great story, full of interesting people and places to get to know, with surprises around every corner.” — Linda C. Goodreads reviewer

The world-building and magic system is fascinating. Destiny Falls is a wondrous place that seems to cater to citizens’ wants and needs. I love that it is almost a character in its own right, and I was intrigued by the constantly changing world. Vivid imagery paints a clear picture of Destiny falls and its inhabitants. Falling into Magic is a dynamic introduction to the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series.” — Julie Petitbon www.onebookmore.com/

Finally! An author who manages to pin the Disney/Hallmark magic down on paper.” 
- Mareli & Elza, https://elzareads.blogspot.com/

This is no run-of-the-mill paranormal book! Unique ideas. You will be glad this is a series!”
 – Susan G., Amazon reviewer


**Only .99 cents until Mar 22nd!!**





The Disappearance of Emily
Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 2

Hayden fell through a mirror and was thrust into an alternate, magical place. Destiny Falls is not on any map and is home to a family she never knew she had. The town is enchanted and charming, but something is amiss. She gets an ominous warning, and the promise of a package. Once it arrives, someone turns up dead and there are too many other suspicious episodes to call them coincidences. All signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother - way back when Hayden was just two days old. Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away?




"A magical, delightful tale that held my attention." ~ Dru Ann, Dru's Book Musings

"A captivating read! I couldn't put it down." ~ Linda C., Goodreads

"I felt transported to Destiny Falls...now that I've finished, I miss it already." ~ Julie, One Book More

"A mix of unique characters, romance, mystery and magic." ~ Charlene Q. Goodreads

"I had a fun time reading this one." ~ Lola, Lola's Reviews

"Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, BAM, a twist." ~ Leslie, Storeybook Reviews

"Really stretched my imagination!" ~ Betty, Reading is my Passion

"Funny, fluffy, far-fetched, and fabulous!" ~ Elza Reads

"Generously seasoned with sass, class, and a dose of spunk. Delish!" ~ Pages & Paws





 

The mountain trail was tricky. I was moving slowly through the deep snow. I knew the lake had to be nearby. It was important to find it, but I could barely see ten feet in front of me. It was steep and slippery, and I was making my way using trekking poles to assess where I should step next. My hands and feet were cold. I heard Latifa calling out to me. Where was she? What was she saying? 

“Good morning, Sunshine!” Her lilting voice woke me from my dream. “Happy one-month-a-versary!” It’s amazing how accustomed I’d grown to my cat’s telepathic voice in my head.

I squinted at my fluffy Himalayan sidekick. She was sitting beside me on the bed. I stretched out my arms and gave an extra-loud yawn in her direction, hoping she’d get the hint that she had woken me up.

“Message received. Woke you up. So sorry. Got it.” She squinted at me and whispered, “Not sorry.”

I yawned at her again.

“Bet you forgot today is one month from the earth-shattering day we arrived in Destiny Falls.” Her big baby blues were focused on me, and her whiskers were twitching. “I have appointed myself Keeper of Your Calendar. You can be so forgetful about celebratory dates.” She shook her furry head as if it were impossible to believe.

I gave another exaggerated stretch and reached over to the bedside table. With a flourish, I presented her with a small, gift-wrapped package.

“Squeeee! You remembered!” She head-butted my face and spun a little circle on the bed, then turned to tear open the package. There was more squealing as she discovered her new, feathered cat toy.

I patted my sidekick’s head and tossed my legs over the side of the bed. A glance at my phone confirmed that Latifa-the-alarm-clock was right on time. I needed to get changed and meet Axel downstairs for a morning jog into town. He was often too busy with work to join me in the morning, so it was a wonderful treat to have some extra time with my newfound brother.

My brother. How I loved the sound of that. After a lifetime as an only child in a tiny three-person family, finding out that I had siblings and a large hidden family was monumental. Add to that a mysterious, magical new world, and I was floating on cloud nine.

The only dark spot was missing my family and my best friend, Luna. I was still trying to figure out how to tell them about Destiny Falls. I’d have to sort this out soon, since my cover story of a working trip to Denmark was nearing its expiration. A month overseas was feasible, but as the timeline continued, I’d need to address my disappearance.

My Nana and Granana would be happy that I was happy. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders my entire life. They always said my happiness mattered most to them. Both my parents disappeared the week I was born, so my grandmother and great-grandmother jumped into raising me. They were dedicated to the job, with an enthusiasm that was a complete contrast to their tiny, delicate appearances. Luna and I referred to them as the Mighty Minis, which was an apt description. 

Figuring out how to explain that I wasn’t really in Denmark, but in a magical, hidden town in an unknown location was a whole new ball of wax. Especially since the town was finicky about who it revealed itself to. Any e-mails or texts I attempted to send, explaining my location, disappeared into the ether in a wisp of bounces— undeliverable, message not sent, connection lost. Even phone calls suddenly lost the signal. Maybe Axel, my brother (deep sigh of joy), could help me solve this problem.

I turned on the movie channel for Latifa, my furry little movie buff, tucked my ponytail through the back of my baseball cap, and headed out. I strolled slowly down the hallway, so I could absorb the beauty of this amazing home.

Hmm. That was odd. Where was the window seat? It was usually somewhere in my hallway, but it was oddly absent. There was a glorious swatch of sunlight, which is where it normally would be lounging. I snickered. Imagine that. A window seat that can lounge in the sun. Magic touched the Caldwell Crest home in the most interesting ways.

Caldwell Crest is a masterpiece of design. It could be described as a cozy, mansion-sized mountain cabin. I felt embraced by the sweeping staircase made of polished wood. I loved the plank wood floors and ceilings and the gorgeous but understated chandeliers. I adored the stone fireplaces that soared all the way up to the tall ceilings. The earthy colors of the décor were soothing. Even after a month, I was still adjusting to the fact that it was now where I lived.

The home was enchanting. I could almost believe the rumors that it was originally built as a castle back in the 1800s and magically remodeled many times. It’s difficult to understand Caldwell Crest and the mysterious place that was Destiny Falls, especially since the definition seemed to always be changing.

It had been a wild ride of a month since I’d been thrown through a portal and landed here.

Destiny Falls is different from any place I’ve ever known before. I had to let go of my preconceived notions of what defines a town. I still can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that the town isn’t on any map and isn’t accessible by normal means.

You must be called here by either the home or the town. Then you whoosh through time and space, to the accompaniment of a flash of brilliant light, as you tumble through a mirror. It’s a one-way trip. Once you’re here, you are, well . . . “trapped” is a harsh word for such a lovely place. However, it’s accurate. I cannot choose to leave. Destiny Falls controls the comings and goings.

I feel a bit like Alice falling through the mirror into wonderland. Albeit a much nicer wonderland than Alice had to deal with.

I’ve figured out that’s it’s easier if I just go with the flow and don’t try to understand all the nuances of this place. 



Elizabeth Pantley, Author


Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents, published in over twenty languages. The Disappearance of Emily is the second book in her well-received fiction series. Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest and is the mother of four and Nana to one. Visit her at nocrysolution.com






Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!



Kitty Swag Pack (US only) , 

$10 Amazon + ebook of Falling Into Magic (WW) 

– 1 winner each! 


 

Monday, March 22, 2021

WAIT FOR ME!

by Rue Allyn

Caroline, thank you for the opportunity to introduce to your followers the heroine from Wait for Me.


My heroine, Esmeralda Crobbin grew up as the adopted daughter of a pirate. She learned the trade from him and took over as captain of the Erie Mist when Danny Crobbin, aka Irish Red, passed away. However, she made her father a deathbed promise to find out who she really is. She is on that quest when we meet her in Wait for Me, my contribution to the newest Bluestocking Belles boxset, Storm & Shelter. Let’s start the interview with Esme herself.*

 


It's late, you are bored. What do you do?

Oh that’s easy. I’m never bored. When I’m at sea, captaining the Erie Mist takes all my attention. When I’m on land—which I do as little as possible—I’m always in pursuit of some goal, be it information, an object or an encounter. I’m not certain I’d know what to do with boredom if it happened to me.

What kind of food would you buy on impulse if you were hungry?

Probably a fish cake. If fish were not easily available, I’d try a Shepherd’s pie. 

Do you know how to fix things?

Of course. Every sailor must know how to repair sail, line and brass (or other metal) work. If something on ship is in bad repair, you can’t always wait for someone else to fix it. 

What are you like first thing in the morning?

I think I’m a very nice person in the morning, especially at sea. On land a few people (well, perhaps more than a few) have mentioned that I’m a bit grouchy in the morning.

How do you handle things when in a "proper" social situation?

I do fairly well. My father insisted I attend a convent school in Jamaica for three years. He’d never had schooling and he wanted better for me. I hated the time away from the sea, but I did learn how to behave politely. Not all situations were covered in my schooling, so sometimes I take a social mis-step. However, I can usually recover. I tend to think quickly on my feet. 

Is there anything you would like our audience to know that has not been mentioned thus far?

One thing I want everyone to know is that I am not a pirate, despite what the British government and royal navy imagine. I have letters of marque from the United States’ government, which means I am a privateer. As such I do not ‘plunder’ any ships or kill any sailors from ships under flags that are neutral or allied with the United States. Even when I attach British ships, I never murder the crew or passengers. I do put them ashore at well supplied islands and retain possession of their ship and any goods aboard. My crew thinks I’m daft for allowing enemy sailors to live, but I cannot see killing men who have surrendered to a superior force. Since I’m the captain, that’s the way things are.


 

Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with us, Miss Crobbin. I hope you may visit again soon. Now I’d like to share some information about your story along with a short excerpt and some information about your author.

She landed with the expected splat but unexpectedly not in the mud. Whatever she’d tripped over had broken her fall and kept her breathing. The object was large, seemed to be covered in cloth, and as she pushed up into a seated position, she discovered it was rather lumpy. It also groaned. A very human sounding groan.

Good lord. I’ve landed on a man. Aware of where she sat, she scrambled off, to lean over him, her knees sinking into the muck. She bent closer and peered through the soggy light, feeling with her hands to locate his head and check for injuries. She found only a shallow bump on the back of his crown. Thank heaven he lay on his back. The rain had kept his face clear of sludge, and beneath her palms his chest rose and fell. He was alive for now. But how long had he been here, and what caused him to be lying in the mud?

On that thought, his eyes opened. They were blue, though she couldn’t see the exact color in the rainy dawn. They might have been gray.

The rain resumed, and he blinked rapidly. She fished in a pocket for her handkerchief. Damp as it was, it would clear his vision. With the kerchief, she swiped water from his eyes and face. She bent to place the cloth in her pocket, and when she lifted her head, his glare struck her. A very familiar glare. A glare that had haunted her for the past three years. Now I know fate is laughing at me. Before her lay the one man who hated her most in the world.

“Am I hallucinating? Lieutenant Gilroy?”

“Irish Red! What are you doing here? Why am I lying in this muck with you atop me like a doxy? And my rank is now Captain.”

Wasn’t that just like him to consider rank and rules more important than a storm. Captain or not, she wasn’t atop him, but accuracy seemed irrelevant at present. To put him in his place she stood. “I might ask the same of you. I found you lying here unconscious.” He doesn’t need to know I tripped over him.

 


About Storm & Shelter: When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen's Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, the lonely--lords, ladies, and simple folk' spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel. One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.

Storm & Shelter is available for pre-order now at a reduced price. The book will be released at its regular price on April 13, 2021.

 

About Wait for Me: Fate trumps nature, and these enemies became good friends then casual lovers. Only doubt and family secrets can keep them from sealing their love with marriage.

Esmeralda Crobbin, aka the pirate Irish Red, and Captain, Lord Brandon Gilroy were enemies by nature who first met during a battle at sea. But fate trumps nature when a fierce storm creates a chance encounter and forced proximity. Brandon learns the pirate is a woman of serious honor and responsibility. Esmeralda discovers the captain is more than a uniform stuffed with rules and regulations. Both love the sea with boundless passion, but can they love each other?



Rue Allyn, Author

Award winning author, Rue Allyn, learned story telling at her grandfather’s knee. (Well it was really more like on his knee—I was two.) She’s been weaving her own tales ever since. She has worked as an instructor, mother, sailor, clerk, sales associate, and painter, along with a variety of other types of employment. She has lived and traveled in places all over the globe from Keflavik Iceland (I did not care much for the long nights of winter.) and Fairbanks Alaska to Panama City and the streets of London, England to a large number of places in between. Now that her two sons have left the nest, Rue and her husband of more than four decades (Try living with the same person for more than forty years—that’s a true adventure.) have retired and moved south.  When not writing, enjoying the nearby beach or working jigsaw puzzles, Rue travels the world and surfs the internet in search of background material and inspiration for her next heart melting romance. 

She loves to hear from readers, and you may contact her at Rue@RueAllyn,com. She can't wait to hear from you.

Find Rue Allyn Online:

Website~~ https://RueAllyn.com   

Blog~~  https://www.rueallyn.com/blog/

Facebook~~ https://www.facebook.com/RueAllynAuthor

Twitter~~ https://twitter.com/RueAllyn

Amazon~~ https://www.amazon.com/Rue-Allyn/e/B00AUBF3NI/

Goodreads~~ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

Pinterest~~ https://www.pinterest.com/RueAllyn/

Keep up with all the news about Rue Allyn and deals for her books, Sign up for Rue’s News quarterly newsletter here, and receive a free download.

 

*This interview format was adapted from one created by Kayelle Allyn of the Romance Lives Forever Blog. 

Friday, March 19, 2021

99 CENT SALE FOR YOU!

 

Through midnight March 22,

THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE

is on sale for 99 cents!

https://www.amzn.com/B008V1UG54

 




Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed the handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the Irish Traveler bully, Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom.
   

Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s wagon to be tended.  He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife has a silly superstition for everything, but passion-filled nights with her make up for everything—even when her wild, eccentric family drives him crazy.

 

Warning: Lately all my books have been sweet. This one has sex, but it’s between a husband and wife.


Her rose scent filled him, and he thought he would never tire of it. She fumbled with his shirt buttons then pushed it from his shoulders.

“Yours is a very broad chest.”

Her fingers skimmed across him, and his need for her magnified. When she traced the whorls of his nipple, he thought his knees might give way. He stilled her hand.

“There’s something I want from you, have wanted since we met.”

Fear sprang into her widened emerald eyes and she paled. Dang, he cursed himself for frightening her and her for not trusting him.

Her voice trembled. “Wh—What would you be asking?”

“Dance for me.” He knew it sounded crazy, but he’d imagined this for days.

She looked askance. “Here? But ‘tis your bedroom, and not a note ‘o music playing.”

“This is our bedroom, and you can sing or hear the music in your head to keep time.”

“But—”

“Please? Not for coins or where others can see, but only for me.”

A slow smile spread across her face, and she cocked her head to one side. “Aye, I see now. If ‘tis for your pleasure, then ‘twill be mine.”

After she took off her shoes and stockings, she spun away. But not in the regimented dance he’d seen when other women accompanied her. This time she took the red scarf from her waist and used it as an instrument meant to entice a man.

Her man.

Him.

She twirled as if to a measured rhythm only she heard. Her green skirt and white petticoats billowed out to reveal long, perfect legs. Legs he wanted around him. She slid the scarf in imitation of a caress along her slender arms. Then she moved the red silk along her body.

Dang, he was hot as a gunslinger’s pistol and just as hard. His manhood strained against his britches until he thought he’d pop through the fabric. He loosened the buttons and stepped from his clothes, never taking his gaze from her. Reaching behind him, he turned back the bedding and sat on the sheet.

Before his heat warmed the cool fabric, she pulled him to the middle of the room and circled around him. He pivoted, naked as a newborn, and watched her every move. Dipping, fluttering, and arching her lithe frame, she lured him with each sinuous flow of her body.

Flush with the throbbing pulsating through him, he pictured himself plunging into her again and again as she wound around him. Her erotic gyrations set his already heated blood at a boil, but he stood mesmerized by her and the dance.

Her flaming hair streamed around her in a fiery cloud. She looped the scarf over his head, and the red silk left a tingling trail across his shoulders and down his right arm. Then she threaded it around her own shoulders and sawed it while she shrugged first one shoulder up and then the other one. Fabric of her blouse pulled taut against her full breasts and pushed the peaked nipples into view.

Dang, he couldn’t take much more of this, or he’d explode like fireworks on the Fourth of July. On and on she whirled and kicked, first coming near to brush against him, then moving back with a captivating smile. Teasing him with the piece of silk as she pulled it across his body, she seared him with her touch and made him part of her beguiling ritual.

When he could stand it no longer, he said, “Come here, let’s dance together in bed.” To his ears, his voice rasped hoarse with the need that burned inside him.

She approached slowly, seductively, with fluid grace. As she moved, she drew off her remaining clothes. Twining the scarf around his wrists, she pulled his arms high until she slid under them, imprisoning him and herself in their circle.

“Now we are truly bound together,” she said, her voice breathy from her exotic dance.

“Am I your prisoner, then?” he asked, amused at her tempting play even as her touch fueled his need.

“Yes, and I am yours.” She met his gaze, but her jewel eyes held uncertainty. “Did I please you then, or was I too forward with meself?”

“You are beautiful and graceful, and your dance was even more special than I’d hoped.”

She breathed a big sigh. “Then you approve and will be taking me to bed now?”

“I suppose I must do as you say, since I’m your prisoner.” He nibbled at her neck, and she released the scarf binding him. The silk fell from his skin as her arms slid around his shoulders.


If you haven’t read this book, I hope you’ll take advantage of the sale. I admit I love THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE. Of course I love Cenora and Dallas, but I also love the O’Neill family—even grumbly Mac.

 

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

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


EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Starting Over Series, Book 2
By
Shirley Goldberg

Romantic Women's Fiction / Romcom / ChickLit

Date Published: March 17, 2021

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press



When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad. Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire is Dana’s staunchest ally. So what’s with the smooching after hours? And why won’t this grown man make up his mind?

Actor turned teacher Alex Bethany craves a family of his own. Newly hotified, he’s now got the confidence to try online dating. Meanwhile he’s sending Dana mixed messages in the kissing department. After a surprising event rocks his world, Alex panics, certain he’s blown his chances with his special person.

Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex’s story will have you rooting for them all the way to dessert.




About the Author

Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting over. Her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at living single and dating in mid life. Eat Your Heart Out is the second book in the series Starting Over. Middle Ageish, the first, is available now and Shirley’s friends like to guess which stories in the book are true. Her characters believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and Shirley agrees.


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