COME FOR A VISIT WITH ME

Usually, I feature books by other authors, but I have decided to feature my books occasionally. This time I’m revisiting a fun duet Jacquie Rogers and I wrote titled MAIL ORDER TANGLE. These two stories are tangles created around mail order brides. The first is mine, MAIL ORDER PROMISE, which is set in Texas. No surprise there, right? The second is Jacquie’s, MAIL ORDER RUCKUS, and it’s set in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory near where her Hearts of Owyhee novels take place. Once again, no surprise.

Jacquie is a ton of fun, as you know if you are part of her Facebook group The Pickle Barrel Books and Bar. We had long phone conversations and lots of emails while we plotted these two linked stories. I'm pleased with the way both books have been received.

Here’s what happens.

Mail-Order Promise

by Caroline Clemmons

Ellie Dickerson and her sister are in desperate straits when she contracts to become a mail-order bride to a Texas rancher on the condition she can bring her sister. After her arduous trip from Virginia, she learns her fiancé has died. His brother is handsome. And single. And he doesn’t want her. But he has sworn to take care of her and see she has a home. Somewhere, but where? What will happen to her and her sister?

Kage Johannsen, co-owner of a ranch in Idaho with his cousin Matt, is forced to take over his family’s Central Texas ranch on the death of his older brother. Kage is in no hurry to get married, and when his brother’s bride shows up, she’s everything he doesn’t want in a wife—except she’s stunningly beautiful.  Despite his deathbed promise to his brother and his attraction to Ellie, he’s convinced she doesn’t have the grit to be a rancher’s wife.

When a greedy, sadistic villain attempts to take over the ranch and kill Kage, can Ellie save her true love?  What will it take to prove that she’s the only woman for Kage?

Mail-Order Ruckus

by Jacquie Rogers

Matt Johannsen returned to the ranch he and his cousin Kage started in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory, not knowing he took Laura Dickerson's heart with him.  Now that her sister no longer needs her, Laura wants a home of her own and a family to put in it.  No other man would fill the bill as well as Matt, but he’s not interested.  Not wanting to live as a spinster aunt the rest of her life, Laura signs a contract with a marriage broker, choosing to go to Silver City, near Matt’s ranch, in hopes that he might come around.  But he’s not on the roster of eligible grooms!

When Matt sees Laura among the brides on display on the balcony of the Idaho Hotel, he feels gutshot. He’s in no position to take a wife, not with a ranch eating up every spare moment and dollar. But if he doesn't step forward, the one woman he wants will be wed at the end of the week—and not to him.

Will Matt walk away from the woman who stole his heart or let go of everything he's worked so hard to build in exchange for love?

Jacquie and I are still excited about this duet! You can order at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Tangle-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B00MZ6ZRXC/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1408824167&sr=1-11&keywords=caroline+clemmons

In 2017, Jacquie and I have planned a new duet involving Johannsen cousins. Once again, two sisters are the mail-order brides, but the grooms are in for major surprises. I’ll let you know when that duet is published.

BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER BY LENA HART AND GIVEAWAY

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BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER 

by Lena Hart.

QUICK FACTS:

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 2013

Formats: all ebook formats

The book is classified by the publisher as 3 flames: Sensual, mild sexual scenes

Believing in “Happy Ever After”

Guest Post By Lena Hart

When I signed on to write a third book for my publisher, I honestly didn’t know where it would begin. I knew who the characters where but nothing else beyond that. Then one day I had the misfortune—or fortune—to encounter someone who scoffed when I told them that I still believed in “happily ever after”.  I couldn’t believe his arrogance in the way he rejected and mocked my “naive” admission. But I defended my beliefs and it wasn’t long before I realized he was simple clueless to the true meaning of “happy ever after.”

Many, who aren’t familiar with romance, believe it’s just fairytales filled with sunshine and rainbows—and maybe an occasional singing bird or two. What they fail to realize is that the “happy ever after” doesn’t come without some heartache and pain. It’s takes a lot for anyone to make themselves vulnerable and to put themselves through that kind of turmoil. But in the end, they find that it’s all worth it with the right person by their side.

In BECAIUSE THIS IS FOREVER, I introduce two characters, Mia and Nate, who endured a lot emotionally before they got to their “happy”. Nate was the man who broke her heart, who crushed her dreams, and he would be responsible for fixing it. I put together a dreamer and a cynic and it was truly an experience to their journey to understanding what it means to be in love.

“We’re gonna argue,” he whispered into her hair, his tone soft and low but adamant. “It can’t be helped. This isn’t our first and it won’t be our last. But before we get into that bed, we have to promise to leave the bullshit outside this room.”

-Nate, BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER

I also bring back characters from my earlier novellas, to share snippet of their lives five years later. Their endings hadn’t been without some grief and it was important that I share a little of their story to show that even the character we grow to love aren’t immune to life’s pain and sorrow. Only they didn’t let their pain and grief destroy their love. 

I don’t know if I got through the close-hearted soul I encountered, but I hope I got that message across in Because This Is Forever. Life happens. Sorrow doesn’t discriminate. And I hope the skeptics and the cynics understand that when we speak of “happily ever after”, we don’t simply mean the joys and laughter. Hurt and heartache doesn’t stop when we reach “The End” and us “hopeless romantics” understand that “happy ever after” isn’t a fairytale—it’s a state of being.♥

Lena Hart writes sensual romances with a hint of mystery and suspense. Her bestselling debut novel, BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER, was released October 2013.  To learn more about Lena and her work, visit www.LenaHartSite.com or find her musing out loud at www.scatblogging.blogspot.com.

Find BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Because-This-Forever-Lena-Hart-ebook/dp/B00FW5V962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383739130&sr=8-1&keywords=lena+hart

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/because-this-is-forever-lena-hart/1117138073?ean=2940148815983

Are: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-becausethisisforever-1318662-149.html

BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER Synopsis

The decision that tore them apart...

Former hopeless romantic, Mia Trent, is crushed when the love of her life, Nate McArthur, reveals that he doesn’t want to get married—or have children. But it’s too late. Mia is already pregnant and her dream of “happily ever after” is sharply put to an end when she decides to keep her pregnancy a secret, refusing to force him into a life he doesn’t want.

The compromise that made them a family...

Five years later, Mia must reach out to Nate for help or risk losing her home and shelter for their son. Stunned and outraged by the sudden news of his child, Nate proposes a compromise: give him the summer to get to know his son and he’ll save her home. Yet with Mia back in his life, Nate isn't willing to lose her—or their son—again. What starts off as a temporary arrangement soon becomes a chance at rediscovery and becoming a family. Only Nate must convince his jaded dreamer that his love for her is true…and will last now and forever.

PURCHASE:

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BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER Excerpt:

As she rinsed the last dish, Mia jumped when strong arms suddenly wrapped around her middle.

“Sorry,” Nate whispered into her ear. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you heard me.”

She turned off the running water and leaned against him. “No, I was lost in my head. What did you say?”

Nate leaned down and kissed her on the back of her neck. Mia shivered. No matter where or how many, his kiss always left her lightheaded.

“I asked what’s for dessert,” he repeated, kissing her again.

Mia turned in his arms, laughing. “That’s so cliché, you know.”

“What do you mean?” he asked with mock disbelief.

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. You say ‘what’s for dessert’ then I say something ordinary and then you say something cheesy like wanting me for dessert.”

He looked down at her, thoughtful. “Hmm, that does sound like something I’d say. But this hungry man could actually still eat.”

“Oh,” Mia said, a little embarrassed by her rash assumption. He was serious. Nate wasn’t a small guy and could honestly still be hungry. “Well…” she began lamely, “I don’t have anything else to feed you.”

Nate’s eyes sparkled. “Yeah, you do,” he whispered. He placed his hands on the counter to either side of her, trapping her between his solid frame and the sink. “I said I could still eat.”

Mia paused, confused. Then she laughed, recognizing the heated suggestion in his eyes. “You’re bad,” she murmured, shoving at his hard chest.

He leaned in closer, his lips only a breath away from hers. “And you like it.”

TRAILER:

ABOUT AUTHOR LENA HART:

Lena Hart writes sensual romances with a hint of mystery and suspense. Together, her alpha heroes and smart, sexy heroines tell a story of incredible love with unforgettable passion. A Florida-native, Lena currently lives in New York City with her two calico kitties, Duchess and Daisy. When she's not writing stories of happily ever after, she's reading, researching, or conferring with her muse. 

Find out more about Lena at: 

SITE

BLOG

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Scavenger Hunt and Secret Giveaways

Scavenger Hunt Prize: the winner will get a “Forever Care Package” valued at over $100 (US entrants only), which will include a $25 Visa gift card, favorite items from the characters, and exclusive author swag. 

If the winner is international he/she will receive a $50 Amazon gift card in place of the care package.

Secret Giveaways: Also, five secret prizes will be offered throughout the tour in five different blog stops. If you want to participate just follow the tour stops and find the secret giveaways! 

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TOUR SCHEDULE:

November 15: Lindsey Gray Author & Reviewer: Review

                         A Writer's Life: Guest Post 

November 16: Ambrielle Kirk: Spotlight

November 18: Fandom Fanatic: Spotlight

November 19: My Devotional Thoughts: Top Ten List

November 20: Clean Romance Reviews: Interview

November 21: Cheryl's Book Nook: Spotlight

                         The Stuff of Success: Guest Post

                         Coffee Time Romance: Top 13 List

November 22: Deal Sharing Aunt: Interview

November 24: Books, Books the Magical Fruit: Interview

November 25: Romance Book 4 Us: Guest Post

November 26: Romance novels in Color: guest Post

November 27: Kwana Writes: Guest Post

November 28: I know that Book: Review

November 29: Scattered Thoughts, Random Musings: Blog Post

November 30: Black Lion Tours: Top Ten List

Thanks for stopping by!

WELCOME CYNTHIA WOOLF AND HER LATEST RELEASE

Proud to welcome one-more-time author Cynthia Woolf and the third installment of the Matchmaker and Co series.

FIERY BRIDE

by Cynthia Woolf

This is a stand alone book which is part of a great series.

Quick Facts                                        

                                 

Expected Released Date: July 5th, 2013                                 

Genre: Western Historical Romance                                               

Formats to buy: All ebook formats and paperback

*The book is sensual (has a sex scene or two) but is not erotic by any stretch of the imagination*

Book Synopsis

After a disastrous marriage, Matchmaker Maggie vowed never to marry again.  She will never give another man the power of life and death over her body and soul. Unfortunately, that doesn't keep her lonely heart from fantasizing about her newest client, Caleb Black. She made the mistake of starting a flirtatious correspondence with the clever devil, believing they would never meet. But when his new bride abandons her mid-way to Colorado to elope with another man, Maggie is forced to face the devastatingly handsome Caleb and explain.  Now she'll have to stay long enough to make things right and find him a new wife.  But Maggie better hang on to her vow with both hands, because Caleb has other plans for the fiery matchmaker...and a very seductive kiss.

Purchase:

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Excerpt:

“What do you mean, you quit?  Mr. Sinclair, you just can’t quit.”  Margaret “Maggie” Selby put her pen down on the desk.  She would not raise her voice.  She would not lose control.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Selby, but I got no choice.  There’s an opening at the sanitarium in Albany and my Mary, she needs to go right now.  The doctors there might be able to help her.  We leave on the morning train.”

Maggie took a deep breath and nodded.  She understood.  She really did, but it didn’t change the fact that she was now in a difficult situation.  “Of course, you must go.  I know how poor Mary’s health is and any help that can be obtained for her, must be.”

“I wish I could give you some notice, but we just received the letter in yesterday’s post.”

“It’s fine, Mr. Sinclair.  I’ll manage.”

He handed her an envelope.  “Here are the train tickets.”

“Yes, well, I’ve wanted to see the frontier I’ve been sending my these girls to.  I’m simply going to see it sooner than I anticipated.”

“I’m truly sorry, Mrs. Selby.”

Maggie got up, came around the desk and held her hand out to him.  “You just take care of Mary.  That’s your job now.”

He shook her hand, nodded.  Mr. Sinclair put on his hat and wiped his brow with his kerchief before venturing back out into the already hot and sunny morning.

She went to her desk, grabbed Caleb Black’s file, put the closed sign on the door and then went upstairs to her apartment to pack.  Her bride, Jenny Talbot would be by in an hour or so to pick up her tickets.  Maggie would tell her then that she’d be accompanying her, not Mr. Sinclair.  It was just as well.  Jenny was nervous as a kitten and Maggie worried about the union, but both Mr. Black and Jenny had been adamant that it take place.  If truth be told, Maggie herself was a better match for Mr. Black than Jenny.  But she was here to find matches for others, not for herself.

Jenny’s reasoning she understood.  Jenny was the oldest of the seven Talbot children.  At twenty-two years old, felt she was a burden on her parents even though she worked and helped out with the bills. She hated her job and wanted to get married.  Her chances were growing slim.  Most men of marriageable age were either already married, old or widowers with hellions for children.

Jenny was a tall, slim girl with pale blue eyes and dark blond hair.  Her lips were full, her nose long and straight.  Just a plain young woman from a struggling family who wanted a better life.  One that the wild frontier might be able to offer.

Mr. Black’s reasoning was less clear.  He was successful and wanted children.  Maggie had presented him with several other possible candidates, some more attractive, some younger, some older, all of whom he’d rejected.  The reasons he gave were weak.  Brown hair.  Too short.  Too fat. Too thin.  Too young.  Too old.  There seemed to be a reason for rejecting every one she sent him.

Finally, he’d settled on Jenny with the proviso that Maggie herself accompanied the girl.  She’d agreed, but stated only that Jenny would be accompanied.  With her full intention having been to send Mr. Sinclair in her place.  Maggie’s time was much more well spent here in New York.  Finding clients, assigning candidates that is where her mind, body and commitment lay.  Yes, running her business is where she belonged more than on a trip to the wild West.  She didn’t feel bad about her decision.  Really she didn’t, she told herself over and over.  But she was lying.  If she were honest, deep down she was afraid to meet Mr. Black.  Afraid her image of him would be wrong, but even more afraid it would be right and he really was the man he depicted in his letters.

She shouldn’t have allowed it, the private correspondence, but it had been innocent enough.  In the beginning.  A simple flirtation with someone she’d never meet.  But now, the thought of actually meeting him terrified and thrilled her at the same time. Now she had to go.  Maggie released a rather breathless sigh.  She blinked repeatedly against the harsh sunlight.  So Mr. Black was getting what he’d asked for after all.  Much to her dismay.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent

her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.

Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.

Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.

In 2001, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she'd attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter's table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn't looked back.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she's made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

Find more about her at: www.cynthiawoolf.com

or at her FACEBOOK.

OTHER BOOKS  IN THE SERIES:

(Click on the Cover to go to goodreads book page or check the excerpts and all HERE)

Matchmaker and Co. Series:

Blast Giveaway

International. Blast wide giveaway. You have until August 8th to participate!

Prize: $25 gift card

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And don't miss the soon to start tour with Top Ten Lists, Guest Posts, Interviews, Reviews and an even more amazing giveaway! 

Thanks for stopping by!