Bullets and Dandelions by Gail Koger

 

 

It’s 1990, women snipers are unheard of & Tess Reynold’s mission In the Middle East just got complicated. She has a rogue CIA agent on her trail, and her life depends on trusting a hot, but infuriating Force Recon Marine.

Bullets and Dandelions

A Deputy Gemma Stone Prequel

by Gail Koger

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance 

My name is Tess Reynolds, and I’ll admit few people would think I’m a badass Army sniper called the Scorpion. Afterall, women snipers were unheard of in 1990. People look at me and see a petite blonde who is cute as a button. My father calls it my natural camouflage.

My time in the Middle East has been full of unforeseen complications. I have a rogue CIA agent trying to kill me and I caught the attention of a Force Recon Marine by the name of Alexander Stone. Wowzer! He’s hot but he’s also the biggest jackass I have ever met. To make things even more interesting, I need the Jackass’s help to stay alive.

This novella is the prequel to the Gemma Stone series. How it all began.

 

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Pain and the need to pee woke me up. I sat up and looked around groggily. Where was I? 

“What do you need?” 

  I stared up at Sergeant Stone. “Bathroom.” 

 Stone held out his hand. “I’ll show you the way.” 

  “Okay.” I took his hand and blinked in confusion. All I was wearing was a baggy green tee shirt. “Where are my pants?” 

“They were covered in blood.”  He led me across a hallway and opened a door. 

 “Oh.” I frowned and pointed. “That’s a urinal.” 

“Yes, it is.” 

  “Why are we in the men’s restrooms? I’m a girl.” 

  “That you are.” Grinning, Stone guided me over to a stall and opened the door. “In you go.” 

“No peeking.” I shut the door. 

“No, ma’am.” 

I sat on the toilet and did my business. “Are you laughing at me?” 

“No, ma’am.” 

“Why are you ma’aming me?” 

“Because you’re high on morphine and too damn cute.” 

Was he being nice to me? No way. I pulled off some toilet paper and stared at it for a moment. “Well, stop it.” 

 “Are you done, soldier?” 

I wiped myself. “Yes.” I stood, flushed the toilet and pulled up my panties. Wait a minute. These weren’t my panties. 

“Open the door, Tess.” 

I did as he asked. “These aren’t my panties.” I yanked up my tee shirt. “See?”   

His grin got bigger. “We got you fresh underwear.” 

“Why?” 

  “Because your clothes were covered in blood.” 

  “Oh.” I sat on the floor. “Tired.” I laid down. 

  “No, you don’t.” Stone scooped me up. “You need to take your pills.” 

“Don’t wanna.” I laid my head against his shoulder. “Promise you won’t let him kill me.” 

“I promise.” Stone sat me on a bed. “Open your mouth.” 

“What if I have bad breath?” 

“You don’t.” 

“You sure about that?” 

  “I am. Now take your pills.”   

 I opened my mouth. 

Stone dropped two pills on my tongue and handed me a bottle of water. “Swallow them and you can have some chocolate.” 

“Okay.” I washed the pills down. “Where’s my chocolate?” 

“In my backpack. I’ll get it.” 

  A wave of weariness rolled over me. The minute my head hit the pillow I fell asleep. 

 

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Howdy. My name is Gail Koger and once upon a time I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. I took up writing science fiction romance to keep from killing people. So far, it has worked.

 

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Stilettos and Gunpowder by Gail Kroger

 

 

 Buckle up, it’s gonna be a wild ride full of spicy romance and hijinks-fueled action that will have you laughing uncontrollably!

Stilettos and Gunpowder

Deputy Gemma Stone Book 3

by Gail Koger

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance 

 My name is Gemma Stone. I’m a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy and not only must I deal with the sweat-soaked misery of the Arizona desert, I get to respond to a bunch of crazy 9-1-1 calls all day long. Like a parakeet up a tree, or a car accident where a tractor trailer full of fireworks is hit and the 4th of July comes a bit early.

But some days crime takes a deadly turn. Police cars are suddenly blowing up. Detective Sergeant Dante Delgado, the love of my life, was assigned to track down and stop the bomber. Am I worried? You betcha. There’s a madman on the loose and he is very, very good at making bombs.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Feds think I’m in cahoots with an Iraqi warlord who deals in stolen antiquities. Ichabod, my murderous ex-dance partner, escapes from prison and I’m suddenly in everyone’s crosshairs.

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I leaned over and gave Dante a long voracious kiss. “Have I told you how much I love you?” 

“What do you want?” Dante asked suspiciously. 

I gave him my best lovesick expression. “Nothing. Can’t I be affectionate?” I stroked his rock-hard abs. 

Julie snickered behind her book. 

“I know the way your mind works, Gemma.” His hand covered mine. 

I shrugged. “I just think it’s time you met Grandpa Reynolds.” 

“The chicken wrangler?” 

“That’s him. He owns Reynold’s Egg Ranch out by Buckeye. He has a hundred thousand cage-free hens and I’ll get him to give you the grand tour.” 

Dante stared at me like I had lost my mind. “What makes you think I want to see a bunch of smelly chickens?” 

“To make me happy.” 

“Uh huh.” 

“Okay, I’m going stir crazy and it’s been a while since I’ve visited Grandpa.” 

Julie leaped out of the recliner. “I’m with Gemma. We’ve been stuck in this house for over a week and the only excitement we’ve had is when the taskforce sends their goons to interrogate us. Plus, I always wanted to drive a 1968 Camaro.” 

“Not a chance.” Dante stood up and pulled me to my feet. “Put your shoes on and we’ll go visit your grandpa.” 

I planted a hot one on his mouth. “Thank you. Thank you. You won’t be sorry.” 

“You’re planning something, aren’t you?” 

“And if I was?” 

Dante rubbed a hand over his face and sighed. “Is it legal?” 

“Define legal.” 

“Your dad is going to kick my ass. You can give me the details on the drive out to see the chickens,” Dante said. 

**Don’t miss the other books in the series!**

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Howdy. My name is Gail Koger and once upon a time I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. I took up writing science fiction romance to keep from killing people. So far, it has worked.

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ebook of Stilettos and Sniper Rifles,

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THE TROUBLE WITH TIGERS!

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The Trouble With Tigers 

Shenanigans Book 2 

by
Gail Koger 

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Comedy, Action

Lions and tigers and skunks, oh my! Kandi Cain’s a psychic pet detective. Her cases range from wrangling baby goats, to finding lost critters. Her current case is rescuing a lion from a Nigerian warlord. Kandi knew dressing up as a demonic clown and walking a lion down a city street would freak people out. But, wow! She didn’t expect Armageddon.

The hot as hell Detective Dutch Callaghan’s on her trail again and showing more than a professional interest. Kandi’s talents have attracted the attention of a CIA black ops agent who wants her to steal twelve endangered white tigers from a Pakistani warlord. The mission’s crucial to prevent a terrorist attack.

Wait! What? Terrorists? What had she gotten herself into? Kandi wasn’t a superhero. She couldn’t bend steel with her bare hands, and she wasn’t faster than a speeding bullet. She’s Doctor Doolittle. She talks to the animals and occasionally the dead. 

EXCERPT FROM THE TROUBLE WITH TIGERS –

“Let me get this straight. You want me to dress up like a clown and help you steal a lion from Kuti, a Nigerian warlord?”

Out of sheer desperation, I called Jana. I knew she had a memorial service at a nearby church. Looking both ways, Grumpy and I dashed across the roadway.

“Hey girl. What’s up?”

“Have I ever told you how much our friendship means to me?”

There was a long pause before Jana asked, “Are the cops chasing you again?”

“Not yet, but I do have an itty-bitty problem,” I said.

“Oh shit! That means you have a category five.”

“Kinda.”

A Hispanic man driving a battered Mercury glanced over at me. His head whipped back around as he did a double take. Crash! He rear-ended a truck stopped for the red light.

I winced. That’s gotta hurt.

Grumpy roared.

Jana demanded, “Is that a lion?”

“Yeah, but he’s really friendly.”

“Oh hell, no,” Jana cried.

“I had to rescue him. They were going to kill him,” I countered and noticed an old guy in a white Toyota gaping at me. “Look out mister!”

The Toyota veered across two lanes of traffic before slamming into a parked Honda. Smoke poured from the engine.

Jana inquired, “What’s going on Kandi? It sounds like you’re in the middle of a demolition derby.”

“Seriously, you wouldn’t think a demonic clown walking a lion down the street would freak everyone out.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m at the corner of Seventh Street and McDowell.” I watched the old guy bail out of his now burning car.

Red and blue lights flashed off the windows of the surrounding businesses.

I glanced over my shoulder.

A patrol car raced toward me.

“The police have arrived,” I told Jana.

“Meet me in the parking lot of the United Methodist church on Eighth Street.”

“Will do.” I disconnected and gasped as flames engulfed both the Toyota and the Honda. Kaboom! The cars exploded into a massive fireball. A burning tire sailed down the street and smashed into the patrol car’s windshield. The officer lost control, swerved wildly and struck a fire hydrant. A geyser of water shot high into the air.

A smoldering fender hit the pavement in front of us. Grumpy took off.

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Shenanigans 

Shenanigans Book 1

Kandi Cain inherited her Dr. Doolittle abilities from her grandmother and became a psychic pet detective. To her dismay, she just acquired the power to communicate with the spirit world, but dead people give her the willies. 

Just when Kandi thought her life couldn’t get more complicated, the neighbor from hell moved in next door. The nasty guy’s name is Dutch Callaghan. How can someone so gorgeous be such a dick? Kandi could chalk some of it up to his job. Dutch is a Phoenix PD homicide cop. 

Kandi’s current case is rescuing a Yorkie from a brutal dog fighting ring. Little does she know her dog napping suspect is involved in a series of brutal murders. Disguised as an elderly nun, Kandi rescues the Yorkie and, in the process, blows the hell out of Dutch’s undercover operation.

Kandi now finds herself a person of interest in her client’s murder and her sexy-as-hell, pain-in-the-butt neighbor is in hot pursuit of the Ninja Nun. Is Dutch about to slap the cuffs on?
Only time will tell. 

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Gail Koger, Author

How do I come up with my stories? Being psychotic helps. I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for way too long. All those years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. Don’t get me wrong. Working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher can be very rewarding. BUT - some days I felt like the entire world was nuts. I mean, c’mon, who in their right mind calls 9-1-1 for the winning lottery numbers? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone, I took up writing. 

I made the Night Owl's Awesome Paranormal Romance Authors List. 

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$25 Amazon gift card and a Coletti Dagger aka a nail file with a fired glass handle and an ebook copy of Shenanigans - the first in the series 

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COMEDY/VACATION/ADVENTURE -- VACATION TO GRACELAND

Vacation to Graceland

by Phillip Cornell

GENRE:  Vacation/Comedy/Adventure

Phillip Cornell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

VACATION TO GRACELAND Blurb:

A man, his mother, his sister, his granny, his niece, and his nephew make a trip to Memphis Tennessee for a family reunion. During the course of the trip, the family encounter a series of circumstances that mold the trip into an unforgettable experience. Through the arguing and internal bickering within the group, they come together and strengthen the blood bond they share with each other. Reflecting on each and every situation encountered, the man realizes the trip is an overall social, emotional, and educational journey.

VACATION TO GRACELAND Excerpt:

The idea of a family trip started, when my mom devised a plan to take my granny on a weekend trip. This was difficult because my granny was on a weekly dialysis schedule, so my mom had to come up with a way to keep her schedule and transport her from one city to the next without any problems. My grandma had been on dialysis for the past 2 ½ years, and with her increasing age and decreasing health, she needed more attention from care givers and family members.

The living arrangement in my mom’s house was setup like this. My mom, my sister Brandi, and my granny all lived there constantly. My other sister Crissy and her children did not live there, but they would visit often. I myself would visit quite often also. My job was 2 miles from my mom’s house, so it was nothing for me to visit on my lunch break or when I got off work. My granny anticipated me coming over many times. She would cook a meal for me, and place my name on the plate. It was not the perfect living arrangement, but it definitely had a strong family feel tied into it.

My granny kept close tabs on what my mom and sister were always doing, because that is just who she was. She still liked to get out the house ever once in a while. Her favorite pastime was people watching. If there was one thing that she enjoyed, it was talking about other people. This is a trait that has been handed down from generation to generation, and I myself am guilty of doing it also. Discussing people in a humorous light, that downgrades their physical appearance or personality, is second nature to me now. I can easily do it without any effort or stress. The thoughts just come to my head, and I let the mild form of slander flow. I have never been embarrassed of this, and like me, my granny has never been either.

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https://www.amazon.com/Vacation-Graceland-Phillip-Cornell/dp/1457537389/

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http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vacation-to-graceland-phillip-cornell/1121950219

Phillip Cornell

Phillip Cornell is a college graduate. He gained his degree in Biological Sciences, and currently works at a local pharmacy.  He is the only son of Harron and Connie Cornell, and the youngest of 3 children. In 2006 his father passed away due to colon cancer, and his mom became an inspiration to him and his family in the way she supported everyone. He has a passion for all types of competitive activity, with sports being the favorite. Overall he lives for different experiences to stimulate the mind, and firmly believes that life is something that has to be lived, read about, and dissected. His biggest weakness is beautiful women, and the thought of being a failure. Firmly believing everyone deserves their moment no matter how long or short it is, Phillip listens to anyone who has something to say. The more he writes. The more he realizes what he creates, is something that needs to be shared with someone other than himself. 

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SnapChat:  Phillipthedeal2

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A GOOD LOOKIN' MAN TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

Tour Schedule

A GOOD LOOKIN' MAN Excerpt:

However, in an instant—in less than a breath or the bat of an eyelid—the elusive pepper spray hiding somewhere in her purse was all but forgotten. For standing before her—right there before her, not three feet away—was the best-looking, most gorgeous, handsomest man she had ever seen in all her life!

“No, seriously,” she thought out loud with lingering bewilderment at how perfectly stunning the man standing before her was, wearing a worn pair of Levi’s, dusty cowboy boots, and a short-sleeved, plaid-print, snap-up shirt that hung open, revealing a bronzed, perfectly sculpted torso that was simply a mass of muscles. She was so unsettled by the man’s appearance that she wasn’t sure whether she was whispering aloud to herself or her car.

Either way, the man asked, “Beg your pardon, ma’am?”

“Oh…oh, nothing,” Fairlee said as she began rummaging in her purse again. But the man’s presence and appearance had entirely rattled her. As her awe-inspired brain obviously quit sending out instructions to the rest of her body, Fairlee felt her purse slip from her hands—watched in humiliated dismay as its contents tumbled out and scattered over the shoulder of the road.


 

A GOOD LOOKIN' MAN by Marcia Lynn McClure

                         

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Marcia Lynn McClure

Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”

Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

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RACHAEL RENEE ANDERSON INTERVIEW

Please help me welcome a romantic comedy author, Rachael Renee Anderson. Rachael is the author of five books, and today she will be sharing details about herself and her latest release, THE RELUCTANT BACHELORETTE.

Caroline: Readers (and I) would enjoy learning more about you.

Rachael: I grew up in Utah, along with six sisters and one poor, outnumbered brother. But he always got his own room so don't feel too bad for him. I loved to read, played tennis, and my favorite subject was math. I graduated from Brigham Young University, moved to Arizona for a job, and met my husband there. We recently celebrated our 12th anniversary and now have four beautiful, incorrigible kids who make me both happy and crazy.

Caroline: Children do change your life for the better, don’t they? Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Rachael: I pretty much like all genres, although romances are my favorite. I'm a fan of Jane Austen, of course, C.S. Lewis, Shannon Hale, and Sarah Addison Allen (who keeps her books pretty clean).

Caroline: Sarah Addison Allen books are keepers on my shelf as are a couple of the others you mentioned.  What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Rachael: Vacationing in a tropical location where I can hang out on the beach and read to my heart's content. But since that's usually not an option, I try to find a quiet place at home to read. I also love to hike, go boating, bike, garden, sew, and pretend that I like to cook, which I don't.

Caroline: Got that...I hate cooking now, although I used to enjoy it. Fortunately, Hero cooks so I have more time to write. You see why I call him Hero, right?  Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Rachael: Yes, although I have no idea who said or wrote it:

"You may have the faith to move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel."

Author Rachael Renee Anderson

Caroline: What a clever quote. Reminds me of “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” which my mom used to say. How long have you been writing?

Rachael: If you count the six years it took me to complete that first book, almost a decade now.

Caroline: With four kids, no wonder. Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Rachael:  I need quiet. But unless I'm up super early or late, I rarely get that. And I either type at my computer or curl up on our couch with my netbook, which is what I'm doing now.

Caroline: Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Rachael:  I used to be a panzer, but after spending WAY too much time on rewrites, I've since learned to be a plotter. Now my writing process is much less frustrating.

Caroline: I learned to plot for the same reason. Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Rachael: Occasionally, but not super often. In THE RELUCTANT BACHELORETTE, the character named Greg was based off of one of my husband's best friends, but only because he asked for it. He wanted to be cast as the tall, dark hero of a book, so I wrote him in as a quirky bachelor. (We'll see if he ever asks me to do that again. ☺

Caroline: Do you set daily writing goals? Do you get a chance to write every day?

Rachael: Unless I'm under some sort of deadline, no, no, no, and no, although I do try to write most every day. I've found that if I set too many writing goals, I get way too frustrated and cranky when something comes up and I can't meet them. I prefer to write because I want to, not because I have to.

Caroline: Me, too. I set vague goals, such as for the month I need to write X number of pages.  What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Rachael: A smile and an escape.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

Rachael:  I plan to be a NYT best-seller and land movie deals right an left. Just kidding. Honestly, I have no idea what will become of my writing career. I'd like to get to a point where I get paid a little more than I do--okay so a lot more--but I never want this to become all-consuming. I can honestly say that I have no desire to do book signings or go on book tours or speak at conferences or have never-ending deadlines. I'd rather spend the time with my family.

Caroline: I’m so there with you. That’s why I like self-publishing. I can take care of everything in my home office. Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Rachael: A Christmas novella for a compilation book called ALL I WANT that should be coming out soon. It's a fun project and I'm excited to work with both Kaylee Baldwin and Jolene Perry, two talented authors.

Caroline: I love Christmas stories. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Rachael: If you're writing because you love it, keep at it. If you're doing it with the hope of becoming rich, quit and find something you like to do better.

Caroline: True. There aren’t many around like Nora Roberts, etc. The rest of us write because we love what we do. Having people read our work is just a wonderful side-benefit, although I'm not against making money for our hard work. A fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

Rachael: That I have the most awful--and I mean Ramona and Beezus with that thorn crown AWFUL--elementary school pictures out there. My mother had 7 girls and couldn't keep up with our hair, so I did it myself.

Caroline: And it seems the school photos were always on our windiest days just after recess. Something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

Rachael: That I pretended to be a statue once so that a man in a van--who I was sure was a kidnapper--wouldn't think that I was a real child. Seriously. I was five at the time and petrified of kidnappers, so I came up with that brilliant plan all on my own.

Caroline: Thank goodness he wasn’t a real kidnapper. How about giving the blurb for  THE RELUCTANT BACHELORETTE?

Rachael: Here it is:

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

Caroline: Intriguing blurb. How about an excerpt to tempt us more?

Rachael: Here you go:

He swallowed as he stared into her hazel eyes that were as expressive as they were beautiful. He smoothed her brown hair away and ran his fingers down her neck. He didn’t think he could take watching her date or kiss one more guy. He wanted to be the only one in her life. The only one she touched. The only one she looked at the way she looked at him now. He didn’t want to share that look. He didn’t want to share her.

     “What’s happening?” Taycee whispered.

     “I don’t know, but I like it.”

     Taycee scooted over and snuggled into him, laying her head against his chest. “Me too.”

     He held her close, locking her against him as if it would keep her from ever slipping away, from going out with Jake or Miles or the scumbag Alec ever again. But the reality was he couldn’t.

Caroline: Where can we buy THE RELUCTANT BACHELORETTE?

Rachael: It's available in e-download for $2.99
Amazon at  http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Bachelorette-Romantic-Comedy-ebook/dp/B0096T6IQQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347846545&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Reluctant++Bachelorette

Caroline: Where can readers learn more about you and your other books?

Rachael: At my blog  http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3229576.Rachael_Renee_Anderson

Thanks for visiting with us today, Rachel, and continued success with your books.Hope you make that NYT list.

Readers, thanks for stopping by!

READING NEW GENRES OR STICKING WITH ONE?

Do you consistently read the same genre books? Do you stretch yourself a little and try something new?
I have to admit that I read very narrowly until many years ago when Sharon Rowe, a member of my Romance Writers of America chapter, assigned a book each month for us to read and discuss prior to next month’s meetings. Bless Sharon! She led me to discover some new authors who became favorites.

Currently, I’m a member of a book club, Book Divas. Each month’s hostess chooses the book and the place we’ll meet. Originally we met in the hostess’ home, but that became burdensome because it involved food. Now we meet at a restaurant, and this arrangement has worked much better for everyone. The only problem now is finding a site where we can hear one another as we discuss the book and what’s happened in our lives since we last met. We tend to laugh a lot, and take a long time to eat while we talk.

Because we are a diverse group, book club’s reading choice selections are diverse. One member always chooses the latest Mary Higgins Clark release. Another always chooses an artsy literary book and I’ve hated some of her choice--especially the one in which everyone died. Ugh. I read for pleasure and escape, not to be depressed! However, I’ve discovered some wonderful books and authors through this group. Books I loved that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise read are SAVING CEE CEE HONEYCUTT, THE HOUSE ON TRADD, and THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES. The book for this month is HUNGER GAMES. Yes, I'm the last person in America to read HUNGER GAMES. No, I won't see the movie. Extremely well-written and engaging book, but I wouldn't want to see all the gore on a big screen.

Another source of new genres is Darling Daughter 2. As an elementary school librarian and avid bookworm, she reads diversely and loans me books she thinks I’ll love. She is usually correct. Through her I’ve discovered many cozy mystery series as well as authors like Sara Addison Allen’s books. beginning with GARDEN SPELLS. Darling Daughter 2 also encouraged me to read PILLARS OF THE EARTH. I love Ken Follett, but his books are not quick reads, are they? Darling Daughter 1 also recommended PILLARS OF THE EARTH, but the book's thickness and small type font was daunting. With urging from both daughters, I felt compelled to read the book, and loved it. Sorry, I couldn’t stay with WORLD WITHOUT END because of changes to families I’d loved in the first book. Note to self: Keep hero's families heroic throughout a series.

One thing about authors is that we have so many friends who write and, of course, we want to read books by all our friends. If I weren't a writer, I'd read even more--probably most of the time. I was a voracious reader before I started penning my own books. Well, not penning. Computer keyboarding my books would be more factual. As it is, I keep a book and/or Kindle with me at all times. You'd be surprised how many books I've finished while reading ten minutes here and fifteen there. I've even read books during the TV commercials while watching shows with my husband.

When I choose books on my own, I go either for romantic comedies or western romance. I can’t write comedy, and I admire so much those who can--like Jacquie Rogers in MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS, and authors like Christie Craig, Jennifer Crusie, Rachel Gibson, and others. Of course, Jacquie is a favorite because she is a truly nice person who combines humor with western romance. Now what could be better?

Mostly, I read what I love writing, and that is western romance, especially historical settings. I’m working on the Men of Stone Mountain, Book 3, BLUEBONNET BRIDE. In fact, I’d better get back to my writing now.

Thanks for stopping by!

MYSTERY HAPPENS WITH BOBBYE TERRY

Bobbye Terry, Author

I'm so pleased to have my friend Bobbye Terry as a guest today. Bobbye is a genuine Southern belle, transplanted to the dry cotton fields of West Texas. I used to live near those fields--talk about culture shock for Bobbye!  But she is doing quite well, thank you very much, and turning out so many good books you'd think she had three arms and two keyboards. Nope, just one very determined author who has the discipline to work hard. Please help me welcome Bobbye.

Caroline: How did you get into writing as a career?

West Texas Cotton Field

Bobbye: A fluke or series of them. Maybe it was fate. They could be the same thing. The first time I was consulting in a feast or famine situation when I thought about writing a novel and realized I didn’t know how to write anything but nonfiction. Then I found VRW, Virginia Romance Writers, an RWA chapter. The rest is history.


Caroline: It must have been fate. No one could write as well or as fast as you unless you were destined to become a writer. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Bobbye: Fun, imagination, lively upbeat characters, good development, realistic dialogue and a sound plot. I want readers to remember me.

Caroline: Your characters are fun and I think all your readers will remember you. In what genres do you write? Why more than one?

Bobbye: I love to read many different kinds of writing and so I write them as well ( not just fiction but nonfiction, many types, and poetry). I started in romantic comedy writing with a cowriter as Terry Campbell. To this day, I find it difficult to write anything without humor. I also write fantasy and sci-fi as Daryn Cross and suspense and women’s fiction under my real name, Bobbye Terry.

 Caroline: You do have a gift for comedy, even in your fantasy and sci-fi. Who are your favorite authors?

Bobbye: Too many to name, I do have a lot of Caroline Clemmons books. I love Dean Koontz and grew up with many of the icons of sci fi. In mystery/thriller, how about James Patterson? Love cozies, so add Nancy Cohen’s Bad Hair Day Mysteries. I adore Cindy Sample’s DYING FOR A DATE. On a different mystery note, before I forget, watch out for Tina Whittle. She has a touch of genius with her first release, THE DANGEROUS EDGE OF THINGS. I haven’t even touched the surface regarding authors.

Caroline: Thanks very much for the promo! I have you to thank for telling me about Cindy Sample's DYING FOR A DATE, which I loved. I was already a fan of Nancy Cohen's books. Now I'll have to check out Tina Whittle's book.  Oops, back to the interview. Describe yourself in three words.

Bobbye: Determined, loyal and genuine. Like me or not, I am what I am, so are my friends—and if you don’t like it, too bad. I’ll prove to you I can do whatever I set out to do and take my buddies with me.


Caroline: Yes, those words describe you perfectly! Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Bobbye: I am a pantzer (panzer, whatever) with moderate plotting interruptions. In other words, I can’t know how I’m going to get there because it ruins it, just like knowing the ending of a book I read; but, I think I know where I’ll end up—though sometimes that changes. How do you like that for a circuitous answer?


Caroline: The truth is always a good answer. You’re a prolific writer. Do you have a writing schedule?



Bobbye Terry's photo of a Texas sunrise

 Bobbye: Absolutely—sun up to sun down.  Okay, I usually start at 7:30-8:00 a.m. and stop at 6 or so in the evening for dinner with frequent interruptions and errands. But I have written until ten or beyond. It just depends on the muse and the deadline, the latter usually self-imposed.


Caroline: Oh, yes, when the muse is with us, we don't dare stop writing, do we? Are you attending any conferences this year or scheduled as a speaker? Blog tours or other promotions?


Bobbye: No conferences right now but I am always blogging, do a regular stint twice a month for Writers Fun Zone and The Mojito Literary Society. I even have folks asking me to blog which is a great honor. I promote in a variety of ways from promos on websites to contests. Just check me out at Mystery Happens, http://bobbyeterry.blogspot.com/

Caroline: Any guilty pleasures or vices you’d care to share?

Bobbye: Red wine, dark chocolate and a great cup of coffee. Can I add handsome men? That used to work great, but frankly, they don’t work half as well as good books do anymore. Now if the right one came along in a few years…maybe.


Caroline: I hope the right one for you comes along. When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax?


Bobbye: Gee, not sure I know how to completely relax. My mind works 24/7 Now here’s a surprising one: I read, EVERYTHING. I even read the tabloids in the grocery line, the backs of boxes, candy wrappers, anything I can get my hands on. Nothing to read? I’ve been known to write out points for a plot on a scrap of paper from my purse.


Caroline: That sounds like my husband and me. We HAVE to read something. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?


Bobbye: BICHOK—Butt in chair, hands on keyboard. It’s the only thing that works when you’re trying to get published. The more you write the better you get at it. Of course, you have to read about the right way to craft a novel, all the fine nuances. Learn from those who walked that way before.


Caroline: BICHOK works! Tell us about your latest release, BURIED IN BRINY BAY. I read it and really enjoyed it. Your surprise near the end caught me off guard.


Available Now!





Bobbye: Here's the blurb:

Roxie Turner finds herself up to her neck in trouble when her lifelong nemesis, Georgia Collins, is discovered buried in the town’s landfill. To make matters worse, with her characteristic Southern sass, Roxie has been saying she’d kill Georgia for more than twenty years. In fact, she listed the ways to do the woman in, constantly reminding prominent citizens of her intent. It was all a joke, or so she thought. But the joke turns on her as, suddenly, other dead bodies begin to pile up, all murdered with a technique from Roxie’s list.

Enlisting the assistance of handsome hunk, PI Greg Norris, Roxie’s sister, Trixie Frye, comes to her aid, bent on uncovering the killer and the truth. Can they find out both before Roxie goes to the big house?

Caroline: The sisters, Roxie and Trixie, are fun characters and I liked Greg a lot, too. Can you give us an excerpt?


Bobbye: Certainly. Here’s an excerpt:

Trixie groaned as she flopped on her living room sofa. “I’d never have guessed our town’s detectives could be so downright unpleasant.”


“Make that shitty.” Roxie sat in a side chair and crossed her arms. “I can’t believe our own brother took us in. And you were just about as bad. Thanks for getting us dragged in for two hours.”


“Look.” Trixie waved her finger in the air. “I was dragged in with you. It’s no fun being related to a cold-blooded killer.”


“I am not a killer.” Roxie voice quivered on the last word.


“Sorry.” Trixie kicked off her shoes. “I told you the detectives surprised me with how good they are—at the end, they even had me convinced.”


Roxie sagged against the chair back. “Sure I’ve thought of ways to kill Georgia for nigh on twenty years, but I could have done a lot better than dumping her in the landfill. Even throwing her in the Pamlico Sound like I suggested once. That would have been better. There’ve been a lot of bodies they’ve never found out there. It’s just a matter of watching the tide and the moon phase. Then there’s that area, you know the one off the point with all the sharp jutting rocks and the deep drop-off…”


“Roxie, too much information. Remember, Georgia’s dead with a capital ‘D.’” Trixie rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Who else would the police think did it? You had cause, that’s for sure, and you’ve even told the mayor how you planned to kill her. Everyone thought you were joshing, but now that someone’s actually murdered her, well, thinking you did it is a natural conclusion.”


“So how do we convince them otherwise, Trix? I don’t look good in yellow or stripes.”

Caroline: Such a fun pair. Where can readers find your books?

Bobbye: Just about everywhere: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance Ebooks, Smashwords, Koby, Sony, Apple. Look, you’ll probably find them.

Caroline: And there are a lot of books to find if you include the Terry Campbell books. How can readers learn more about you?

Bobbye: I already told you about one of my blogs. I’m also at http://daryncross-fantasy.blogspotcom/ and on my websites at http://www.bobbyeterry-mysteryhappens.com/ and www.DarynCross.com

Caroline: Thanks for being a guest, Bobbye. Best wishes for lots of sales of your books.

Bobbye: Thanks for having me.