The Kiche Chronicles, book 1
by J.M. LeDuc
by J.M. LeDuc
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
SHARING HAMILTON Now Available for Pre-Order--October 30 Release Date
I'm delighted to announce that my historical romantic thriller, SHARING HAMILTON, co-written with best selling author Brian Porter, can now be pre-ordered. It centers on the nation's first sex scandal in 1791 between Alexander Hamilton and the beautiful Maria Reynolds, whose con artist husband James blackmailed Hamilton. This became tabloid fodder of the time, known as "The Reynolds Affair."
My British author friend Brian Porter writes murder mysteries set in England. I needed him to add his skills on writing about the darker side of life to produce the subplot about a Jack the Ripper-type murderer prowling the nighttime streets of America's first capital, Philadelphia. The challenge was to take my completed manuscript and seamlessly add the subplot as though the whole book was written in one continuous stream.
SHARING HAMILTON will be released on October 30.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
War is coming…in The Du Lac Princess, Book 3 of The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde
My guest Mary Anne Yarde is the Award-Winning author of the International Best Selling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles. Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.
Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury--the fabled Isle of Avalon--was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.
About The Du Lac Princess
War is coming…
The ink has dried on Amandine’s death warrant. Her crime? She is a du Lac.
All that stands in the way of a grisly death on a pyre is the King of Brittany. However, King Philippe is a fickle friend, and if her death is profitable to him, then she has no doubt that he would light the pyre himself.
Alan, the only man Amandine trusts, has a secret and must make an impossible choice, which could have far-reaching consequences — not only for Amandine, but for the whole of Briton.
Excerpt
“This isn’t a laughing matter,” there was censure in the monk’s words.
“If I don’t laugh then I am going to cry. I have been made to feel like a sinner even though I haven’t sinned, not really. I am a woman without hope and without any friends or family. I have lost everyone I ever loved, and now you tell me that life is going to be difficult. How much more difficult can it get?”
“The Pope has condemned you with Bell, Book and Candle,” Brother Daniel stated. “But that is not all. The Abbot made sure that the Pope was all too aware of your crimes. I am sorry, Amandine, but the Pope will never welcome you back into the Church.”
Amandine gasped, her laughter faded and any colour that was left on her face vanished. “What?” her voice was quiet, barely audible. “But I thought…all the penance. I thought… Tell me it isn’t true.”
“You are damned,” Brother Daniel confirmed. “No one will want you, neither man nor Church. You are completely at the mercy of Philippe. But rest assured, I believe he has every intention of protecting you. I will not lie to you, my dear, you will be shunned, even with the King’s support. The chances of you marrying again are very slim.”
“I wasn’t looking for a new husband,” Amandine said as she tried to make sense of Brother Daniel’s words.
“It also means that you will never be able to leave the protection of the castle. The protection of this room.”
Amandine scoffed with realisation. “I am to be Philippe’s prisoner? Why don’t you just say what you mean?”
“You are not his prisoner, think of it as being his special guest. This is for your own protection. Many would see you hang or worse. I have spoken to the King. Alan will be in charge of your safety from now on. Philippe thought you would find no fault in that, as you and Alan appear to be on good terms. Amandine, you must understand there are many who saw what you did the day Merton died. They saw how you were dressed in his clothes. They saw how you threw yourself at him. How you got down on your knees and begged the King for mercy on Merton’s behalf. They saw how Merton reacted when you were threatened. And those who didn’t will have listened when the Abbot condemned you. You are a fallen woman, a threat to their good Christian souls. Our main concern now is keeping you alive. You must never leave this room. Ever.”
“But I thought—”
“That you were doing penance? So you have said. Did you really think that the Abbot was going to pardon you of all your sins? Oh, Amandine, you are not stupid. He was never going to give you absolution.”
Amandine shook her head, and she began to wring her hands together in despair.
“You must be strong,” Brother Daniel reached across and stilled her hands with his. “And brave. Just like our Lord Jesus was in those darkest of days. Remember, he too was condemned for a crime he did not commit.” He smiled at her and squeezed her hands. “I must leave you now. I shall make sure some food is brought up, but it will be tested before you eat it, so do not fear about being poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Amandine gasped, she had not even thought of that.
“You need to rest and regain your strength.” Brother Daniel rose to his feet and smiled down at her. “I will be back tomorrow to listen to your confession.”
“If I am damned, then what need do I have to confess?” Amandine asked, staring defiantly back at the monk. “Besides,” she looked away, “I consort with demons. I am evil. I am a sinner. My soul will burn in Hell. I will be damned forever—”
“Ask for mercy, and you will receive it,” Brother Daniel stated, interrupting her.
“I have,” Amandine challenged back, “and look where that has got me.”
* * * * *
Purchase The Du Lac PrincessAmazon US
Amazon UK
Contact Mary Anne
Blog
FB
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Monday, October 23, 2017
Meet Liza O'Connor and check out her disturbing/dark contemporary romance...with a happy ending, ANGEL OF MERCY
Angel of Mercy
A
Disturbing/Dark Contemporary Romance
With a
Happy Ending
During my years watching football…
A missed catch,
A missed field goal kick,
A missed tackle
Results in someone who is drinking a beer as he watches the game
on TV declaring he could have caught the ball, kicked the ball between the
field goals, or tackled the guy with the ball.
Seriously, guys. If it were so easy, they wouldn’t have to pay so
much for the players. They could just invite TV viewers to stop by and make the
touchdown.
About Liza
Liza
lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day,
rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly
small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in
New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur
bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania.
She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and
graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will
be writing novels.
About Angel of Mercy
Carla
Jones accidentally runs over and paralyzes a policeman. She ignores her
lawyer's advice and pleads guilty to the charges, and accepts the judge’s
ruling ‘that she broke him, now she has to fix him.’ Trying very hard to ignore
his outrageous and frequently hateful behavior, she takes the handsome officer
into her home and dedicates her life to one goal: making him walk again. She
never imagines the twists and turns her life and heart will take the day she
brings him home.
Excerpt
On Saturday, Carla was pleased
to discover Steve had only invited Raymond, Tom, and Lucky to watch the game.
She had grown concerned when Steve filled an entire shopping cart full of junk
food delicacies and bought enough beer and alcohol to host a college keg party.
She had hoped she might be able
to get some work done while Steve watched the game with his friends, but he
insisted she join them and be one of the guys. To her surprise, she had fun.
Lucky’s over dramatization of
every emotion, both joy and despair, was quite comical. Tom’s constant
declaration that he could have caught the ball, thrown the ball, made the
tackle, was so consistent that when the kicker missed a field goal, Carla
sighed. “It’s a shame Tom hadn’t been the kicker.”
Steve and Lucky burst into laughter, while Tom
vociferously declared, “It was a damn shame, because I could have brought those
three points home!”
When the game ended and the
guys left, Steve wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against
his chest. “That was fun. You had fun, didn’t you?”
She tilted her head up and
smiled at him. “I had fun.” He turned her around so she faced him and kissed
her softly on her lips.
“The only thing I don’t like
about treating you like a guy is that I can’t hold you in my arms and kiss you,
’cause I don’t hug and kiss my friends.” He then smiled and edged her towards
the couch. “But I think I’m going to find the wait makes it all the sweeter.”
He kissed her as his hands expertly
began to remove her clothes.
(There’s over 30 now)
Contact Liza
Friday, October 20, 2017
Meet Laura Strickland & Read About STARS IN THE MORNING, her Americana Romance
Landmarks Series
by Laura Strickland
by Laura Strickland
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Check Out Paranormal Romance OF DECEPTION AND DIVINITY by N.D. Jones
Death and Destiny Trilogy, Book 3
by N.D. Jones
by N.D. Jones
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Meet Constance Bretes and Read About JADE'S REDEMPTION
About Constance
I started writing contemporary romance and contemporary romance suspense fifteen years ago, and after multiple rejections, got my first contract for Delayed Justice, released in 2014.
I live in Basin, Montana, where three feline furballs own me and my husband, and a dog that lives next door named Sara, who thinks she also lives with the Bretes family. I love the mountains that surround my home, I love basket weaving, jewelry making, and just visiting all the folks in the small community we live in.
I currently have seven books published, and a number of other ones in various stages of edits. Right now, I’m working on a new book, called Roadside Love. A murder mystery/romance is a small town in Wyoming. I have two other books that are at the end of their editing days and now at critique partners, the books are Elkhorn In The Moonlight and Rocky River Gold. Both are small town romances.
About JADE'S REDEMPTION
He's an overworked police chief, and she's a disgraced cop. Can he rescue her from her own depths of hell without losing his heart to her in the process?
Someone is kidnapping newborn infants and selling them to the highest bidder. Police Chief Patrick Carter has his hands full investigating the case. To complicate matters, he's short on staff.
Jade Harlowe has secrets, ones that she vowed no one would ever know. She used to be a police officer, but when a tragedy occurred—one that everyone held her responsible for—she resigned and moved to another state to start over, accepting a job as a dispatcher for the police, fire, and ambulance departments.
When Patrick discovers Jade's past police experience he offers her a job on the force. He needs help working the kidnapping cases, and Jade previously solved a similar case, so she could be a valuable asset. But will they be able to fight the attraction that's sizzling between them? Something that could be very distracting if they can't control it.
The clock is ticking. They have to find those babies and prevent more from being taken. But a very nosy news reporter may compromise everything if she digs deep enough to uncover Jade's past.
Neither Patrick nor Jade thought they had room for each other in their lives, but working so closely together makes it impossible to deny the chemistry. Can Patrick break through the wall Jade has built up around her, or will her past finally catch up with her and she loses everything once again?
Excerpt
When Jade arrived at the police station that morning, she saw that Patrick’s vehicle was already there. Why was he in the office so early?
She scanned her ID to get into the communication call room. She acknowledged the two dispatchers still on duty, then grabbed her mug and went to the break room. After pouring herself a cup of coffee, she headed back. On her way, she greeted two officers and walked by Patrick’s opened office door.
“Jade, in my office. I need to talk to you,” Patrick said.
“Okay.” She didn’t report to him, so why did he want to see her? She entered his office.
“Close the door,” he commanded, his voice terse.
She closed the door and sat in the chair in front of his desk.
“There was another kidnapping last night. Here’s the file on both kidnappings and files from other known cases to cross-reference. I need you to investigate the cases and try to get these babies back and prevent another one from being taken. I want you to go out into the street, ask questions, get in people’s faces, and help solve this crime.”
“Um, not an officer, Patrick.”
“You are now. If you’ll stand, I’ll swear you in.” He opened the desk drawer to get the book out.
“You can’t make me an officer, just like that.”
“Yes, I can. I know you were an officer in Oklahoma City, and I know your credentials are up-to-date. You are certified and ready to be an officer. All I need to do is swear you in.”
“You checked up on me?” Jade asked, her voice faltering.
“No, at first, I called the Oklahoma City Police to find out about the kidnapping case you mentioned. In the course of my discussion with the chief, I asked if he knew you, which he said he did.”
“Then you know what happened there.”
“No, they couldn’t tell me due to your non-disclosure stipulation.”
“Then you shouldn’t hire me.”
“I’m giving you an opportunity here. This is your chance to prove yourself. You are given full range to investigate the cases. You’ll report back to me every day as part of your training. I will guide you to where and how to solve this crime and many others. Now, are you up to it and ready to start?”
“But…Patrick…um…Chief. This is so sudden. I...” She was speechless, she didn’t want to do an investigation into a possible kidnapping. She didn’t want to handle cases that involved children. How could she get out of this? Did she really want to get out of this?
“Say yes so we can get started.”
“You sure about this?” She wasn’t, but she couldn’t tell him no. This was the kind of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you didn’t turn down. It felt strange though; he never talked this fast, and he wanted her decision now.
“Yes, I’m sure. So, what do you say?”
“Chief, I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“Why not?”
What could she tell him? “I’ve been away from police work a long time, and I’ve never been a detective. I was only in training to be one.”
“Your previous employer said that you were showing signs of being a good detective. Jade, I need a detective. I need fresh eyes, someone quick to analyze the situation and get to the bottom of this. I’m offering you a chance to prove you are the right person to do the job. Anyone else would jump at the opportunity. Why are you hesitating?”
“I…um...” She couldn’t tell him she didn’t want to work baby or children cases. You couldn’t be selective when you were a detective. You took all jobs, no matter how difficult or painful it was.
“Have you talked to the fire chief? Does he know?”
“Yes. I talked to him this morning. He’s going to hire someone to replace you.”
“What about the police commissioners?”
“I’ll deal with them.”
She stared at Patrick and swallowed a big lump in the back of her throat. A detective? Her heart hammered hard in her chest. Could she do it? If he knew her past, why would he even consider her for the job? Talk about a bombshell dropping. Couldn’t she have time to consider it?
But a little glimmer of hope sparked in her heart. So there was a chance for her to redeem herself?
She’d be stupid to turn down the opportunity. “Okay. I’ll do the best I can.”
“Good.” Patrick stood up, pulled out a Bible, and said, “Place your hand on this and repeat after me.”
After she was sworn in, they sat back down and Patrick went over the second kidnapping with her and handed her the files.
“I want you to work with Clyde on this, as he’s been doing the legwork. Between this case, the first case, and a murder case, he’s been pulling double duty trying to handle everything. But before you go out anywhere, you check in with me and let me know what you and Clyde are doing.”
She wished she could say she’d do the murder case. “It looks like this second baby was taken the same way. The two cases are likely related. Did you have any evidence that we can use?”
“So far, no. CSI went to the second scene this morning to gather any trace evidence there, but we won’t know anything for a couple of days. When you investigated the case in Oklahoma City, how did you crack it?”
“I posed as a woman wanting to adopt a baby.”
“How did you know who to connect with?”
“It was a long shot. I started with the kidnapped baby’s mother, then it went to a person who knew a person who knew a person. Then I created an identity of a woman desperate to adopt. I made sure I stayed visible and willing to try anything to get a baby.”
“I see.”
Jade rose, walked to the door, and put her hand on the doorknob, but before opening it, she turned to him. “Are you sure you want me to do this?”
Patrick leaned back in his chair and stared at her as if he was reflecting on something. “Yes, I’m sure. There are a lot of things we need to discuss. But right now I need you to get on board with Clyde, quickly, and start working this case while it’s still hot.”
“Okay. Where do you want me to work?”
“The next room down the hall is the detectives’ squad room.” He gestured with his thumb. “Grab whatever desk and computer you want. Stop by the lock-up room and get Mike to assign you a gun.”
The case was the opportunity of a lifetime for her. It gave her the chance to prove to herself, to Patrick, and the whole world, that she could do the job. Would solving this help make up for the child whose life was taken because of what she did?
She took a deep breath, opened the door, and headed to the lock-up room. She had walked into the station today as a nine-one-one dispatcher, and was now walking out as a detective.
Purchase JADE'S REDEMPTION
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
iTunes
Contact Constance
Website
FB
Twitter
Goodreads
Blog
Email Constance at bretesc@gmail.com
Also
Be sure to visit my webpage, navigate to the News & Things, and enter the monthly rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. Join my newsletter mailing list also at that site, and you will get my newsletter, once a month and only occasionally, anytime the rest of the month, if I suddenly have something that has come up after the newsletter was sent out.
I started writing contemporary romance and contemporary romance suspense fifteen years ago, and after multiple rejections, got my first contract for Delayed Justice, released in 2014.
I live in Basin, Montana, where three feline furballs own me and my husband, and a dog that lives next door named Sara, who thinks she also lives with the Bretes family. I love the mountains that surround my home, I love basket weaving, jewelry making, and just visiting all the folks in the small community we live in.
I currently have seven books published, and a number of other ones in various stages of edits. Right now, I’m working on a new book, called Roadside Love. A murder mystery/romance is a small town in Wyoming. I have two other books that are at the end of their editing days and now at critique partners, the books are Elkhorn In The Moonlight and Rocky River Gold. Both are small town romances.
About JADE'S REDEMPTION
He's an overworked police chief, and she's a disgraced cop. Can he rescue her from her own depths of hell without losing his heart to her in the process?
Someone is kidnapping newborn infants and selling them to the highest bidder. Police Chief Patrick Carter has his hands full investigating the case. To complicate matters, he's short on staff.
Jade Harlowe has secrets, ones that she vowed no one would ever know. She used to be a police officer, but when a tragedy occurred—one that everyone held her responsible for—she resigned and moved to another state to start over, accepting a job as a dispatcher for the police, fire, and ambulance departments.
When Patrick discovers Jade's past police experience he offers her a job on the force. He needs help working the kidnapping cases, and Jade previously solved a similar case, so she could be a valuable asset. But will they be able to fight the attraction that's sizzling between them? Something that could be very distracting if they can't control it.
The clock is ticking. They have to find those babies and prevent more from being taken. But a very nosy news reporter may compromise everything if she digs deep enough to uncover Jade's past.
Neither Patrick nor Jade thought they had room for each other in their lives, but working so closely together makes it impossible to deny the chemistry. Can Patrick break through the wall Jade has built up around her, or will her past finally catch up with her and she loses everything once again?
Excerpt
When Jade arrived at the police station that morning, she saw that Patrick’s vehicle was already there. Why was he in the office so early?
She scanned her ID to get into the communication call room. She acknowledged the two dispatchers still on duty, then grabbed her mug and went to the break room. After pouring herself a cup of coffee, she headed back. On her way, she greeted two officers and walked by Patrick’s opened office door.
“Jade, in my office. I need to talk to you,” Patrick said.
“Okay.” She didn’t report to him, so why did he want to see her? She entered his office.
“Close the door,” he commanded, his voice terse.
She closed the door and sat in the chair in front of his desk.
“There was another kidnapping last night. Here’s the file on both kidnappings and files from other known cases to cross-reference. I need you to investigate the cases and try to get these babies back and prevent another one from being taken. I want you to go out into the street, ask questions, get in people’s faces, and help solve this crime.”
“Um, not an officer, Patrick.”
“You are now. If you’ll stand, I’ll swear you in.” He opened the desk drawer to get the book out.
“You can’t make me an officer, just like that.”
“Yes, I can. I know you were an officer in Oklahoma City, and I know your credentials are up-to-date. You are certified and ready to be an officer. All I need to do is swear you in.”
“You checked up on me?” Jade asked, her voice faltering.
“No, at first, I called the Oklahoma City Police to find out about the kidnapping case you mentioned. In the course of my discussion with the chief, I asked if he knew you, which he said he did.”
“Then you know what happened there.”
“No, they couldn’t tell me due to your non-disclosure stipulation.”
“Then you shouldn’t hire me.”
“I’m giving you an opportunity here. This is your chance to prove yourself. You are given full range to investigate the cases. You’ll report back to me every day as part of your training. I will guide you to where and how to solve this crime and many others. Now, are you up to it and ready to start?”
“But…Patrick…um…Chief. This is so sudden. I...” She was speechless, she didn’t want to do an investigation into a possible kidnapping. She didn’t want to handle cases that involved children. How could she get out of this? Did she really want to get out of this?
“Say yes so we can get started.”
“You sure about this?” She wasn’t, but she couldn’t tell him no. This was the kind of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you didn’t turn down. It felt strange though; he never talked this fast, and he wanted her decision now.
“Yes, I’m sure. So, what do you say?”
“Chief, I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“Why not?”
What could she tell him? “I’ve been away from police work a long time, and I’ve never been a detective. I was only in training to be one.”
“Your previous employer said that you were showing signs of being a good detective. Jade, I need a detective. I need fresh eyes, someone quick to analyze the situation and get to the bottom of this. I’m offering you a chance to prove you are the right person to do the job. Anyone else would jump at the opportunity. Why are you hesitating?”
“I…um...” She couldn’t tell him she didn’t want to work baby or children cases. You couldn’t be selective when you were a detective. You took all jobs, no matter how difficult or painful it was.
“Have you talked to the fire chief? Does he know?”
“Yes. I talked to him this morning. He’s going to hire someone to replace you.”
“What about the police commissioners?”
“I’ll deal with them.”
She stared at Patrick and swallowed a big lump in the back of her throat. A detective? Her heart hammered hard in her chest. Could she do it? If he knew her past, why would he even consider her for the job? Talk about a bombshell dropping. Couldn’t she have time to consider it?
But a little glimmer of hope sparked in her heart. So there was a chance for her to redeem herself?
She’d be stupid to turn down the opportunity. “Okay. I’ll do the best I can.”
“Good.” Patrick stood up, pulled out a Bible, and said, “Place your hand on this and repeat after me.”
After she was sworn in, they sat back down and Patrick went over the second kidnapping with her and handed her the files.
“I want you to work with Clyde on this, as he’s been doing the legwork. Between this case, the first case, and a murder case, he’s been pulling double duty trying to handle everything. But before you go out anywhere, you check in with me and let me know what you and Clyde are doing.”
She wished she could say she’d do the murder case. “It looks like this second baby was taken the same way. The two cases are likely related. Did you have any evidence that we can use?”
“So far, no. CSI went to the second scene this morning to gather any trace evidence there, but we won’t know anything for a couple of days. When you investigated the case in Oklahoma City, how did you crack it?”
“I posed as a woman wanting to adopt a baby.”
“How did you know who to connect with?”
“It was a long shot. I started with the kidnapped baby’s mother, then it went to a person who knew a person who knew a person. Then I created an identity of a woman desperate to adopt. I made sure I stayed visible and willing to try anything to get a baby.”
“I see.”
Jade rose, walked to the door, and put her hand on the doorknob, but before opening it, she turned to him. “Are you sure you want me to do this?”
Patrick leaned back in his chair and stared at her as if he was reflecting on something. “Yes, I’m sure. There are a lot of things we need to discuss. But right now I need you to get on board with Clyde, quickly, and start working this case while it’s still hot.”
“Okay. Where do you want me to work?”
“The next room down the hall is the detectives’ squad room.” He gestured with his thumb. “Grab whatever desk and computer you want. Stop by the lock-up room and get Mike to assign you a gun.”
The case was the opportunity of a lifetime for her. It gave her the chance to prove to herself, to Patrick, and the whole world, that she could do the job. Would solving this help make up for the child whose life was taken because of what she did?
She took a deep breath, opened the door, and headed to the lock-up room. She had walked into the station today as a nine-one-one dispatcher, and was now walking out as a detective.
Purchase JADE'S REDEMPTION
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
iTunes
Contact Constance
Website
FB
Goodreads
Blog
Email Constance at bretesc@gmail.com
Also
Be sure to visit my webpage, navigate to the News & Things, and enter the monthly rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. Join my newsletter mailing list also at that site, and you will get my newsletter, once a month and only occasionally, anytime the rest of the month, if I suddenly have something that has come up after the newsletter was sent out.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Meet Linda Carroll-Bradd and Read About Hearts In Rhythm, a Montana Sky Kindle Worlds Novella, Book 5 of Entertainers of the West Series
About Linda
As a young girl, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about fascinating characters having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, she read and then started writing romances and achieved her first publication--a confession story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, Linda now writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor from her home in the southern California mountains.
About Hearts In Rhythm
Can a recovering ballerina and a horse trainer combine their skills to create an act for Buffalo Bill's Wild West exhibition, or will they chase their goals separately?
Ballerina Savina Lombard recuperates on her cousin's Montana Territory ranch from an injury preventing her from returning to the stage. Now her eye is set on Buffalo Bill's Wild West exhibition. Estefan del Vado arrives at the ranch for his annual visit for breeding and training Appaloosas. Collaborating on an act involving her dance skills and his horses draws them together. Ultimately, they're faced with chasing their separate goals or finding a path they both can walk.
Excerpt
Returning to the settee, she straddled the armrest and braced her hand at the front edge, fingers gripping the indentation marked by a row of domed brass tacks. A backward swing of her legs brought her feet under her, and she balanced in a squat on the ball of one foot and the heel of the injured one. Arms held straight out for balance, she rose to a stand then dipped her knees before kicking out her left leg.
What other moves would be entertaining? A pirouette? Using her left heel as the anchor, she pushed off with her right. The sofa's fabric was nothing like a polished floor, and she only achieved a half turn before tumbling onto the cushions on her back, her skirts above her knees. She giggled at the wonderful sensation of that brief spin and using her training. The second and third attempts were more successful, so she pushed herself harder.
Humming put cadence into her movements. Using her right foot held in demi-pointe, she curved her left leg behind for attitude derriere. The skirt constricted so she slid it a couple inches higher before lifting her arms into graceful arcs—one level in front of heer chest and one pointing upward. Eyes closed, she held the position, counting to five in her head as she assessed her body posture. Stretching her muscles produced a sting, but she relished commanding her limbs into familiar actions.
"Hey, Savina."
The interruption of Trent's call broke her concentration, and her eyes snapped open as she windmilled her arms.
"What the dickens?" Trent called.
Footsteps ran across the rug. "Hold on, I'll catch you."
The deep rasp of the strange voice startled her, and she froze then teetered. A flash of black moved closer. She finally lost her balance and fell sideways away from the couch into a pair of outstretched arms. The first sensation she registered was heat. The dark shirt she grasped retained the morning sunshine and the scent of fresh air tinged with an herb scent. Rosemary? And the earthy smells of leather and horses. Then she glanced upward into the darkest eyes she'd ever seen under twin slashes of thick black eyebrows.
"Uh, Savina, what were you doing standing on the sofa?"
Trent's voice held a confused note. Or was that concern? Of course, he'd wonder at the unusual spectacle she'd created. Her cheeks flushed, and she wiggled to show her desire to be released. In this position, her bare legs were exposed by the splits of her skirt.
An eyebrow quirked, and the side of the stranger's mouth moved upward in a crooked smile.
After wetting her lips, she inhaled against the rapid heartbeat that threatened to keep her from speaking. "P-please, sir."
Grinning, he leaned forward, tipping her upright as he lowered her feet to the floor.
Savina landed on her right foot then gripped the settee's armrest for support.
Trent stepped forward to retrieve her crutch and held it out. "Estefan, this is my cousin, Savina Lombard. And, Savina, here is the horse trainer I told you would be visiting, Estefan del Vado.
The guest pulled the black hat from his head and grinned.
Her senses still reeled from being held in the stranger's arms, and she could only nod. Any further utterance at this moment was past her ability. The introduction gave her permission to glance again at the stranger. He was tall and lean, with straight black hair. Flat silver disks accented his leather belt, as did a large matching buckle. From their brief contact, she knew the body under his shirt was well muscled. Firmer and more rounded than the men who'd been her dance partners.
Purchase HEARTS IN RHYTHM
Contact Linda
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As a young girl, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about fascinating characters having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, she read and then started writing romances and achieved her first publication--a confession story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, Linda now writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor from her home in the southern California mountains.
About Hearts In Rhythm
Can a recovering ballerina and a horse trainer combine their skills to create an act for Buffalo Bill's Wild West exhibition, or will they chase their goals separately?
Ballerina Savina Lombard recuperates on her cousin's Montana Territory ranch from an injury preventing her from returning to the stage. Now her eye is set on Buffalo Bill's Wild West exhibition. Estefan del Vado arrives at the ranch for his annual visit for breeding and training Appaloosas. Collaborating on an act involving her dance skills and his horses draws them together. Ultimately, they're faced with chasing their separate goals or finding a path they both can walk.
Excerpt
Returning to the settee, she straddled the armrest and braced her hand at the front edge, fingers gripping the indentation marked by a row of domed brass tacks. A backward swing of her legs brought her feet under her, and she balanced in a squat on the ball of one foot and the heel of the injured one. Arms held straight out for balance, she rose to a stand then dipped her knees before kicking out her left leg.
What other moves would be entertaining? A pirouette? Using her left heel as the anchor, she pushed off with her right. The sofa's fabric was nothing like a polished floor, and she only achieved a half turn before tumbling onto the cushions on her back, her skirts above her knees. She giggled at the wonderful sensation of that brief spin and using her training. The second and third attempts were more successful, so she pushed herself harder.
Humming put cadence into her movements. Using her right foot held in demi-pointe, she curved her left leg behind for attitude derriere. The skirt constricted so she slid it a couple inches higher before lifting her arms into graceful arcs—one level in front of heer chest and one pointing upward. Eyes closed, she held the position, counting to five in her head as she assessed her body posture. Stretching her muscles produced a sting, but she relished commanding her limbs into familiar actions.
"Hey, Savina."
The interruption of Trent's call broke her concentration, and her eyes snapped open as she windmilled her arms.
"What the dickens?" Trent called.
Footsteps ran across the rug. "Hold on, I'll catch you."
The deep rasp of the strange voice startled her, and she froze then teetered. A flash of black moved closer. She finally lost her balance and fell sideways away from the couch into a pair of outstretched arms. The first sensation she registered was heat. The dark shirt she grasped retained the morning sunshine and the scent of fresh air tinged with an herb scent. Rosemary? And the earthy smells of leather and horses. Then she glanced upward into the darkest eyes she'd ever seen under twin slashes of thick black eyebrows.
"Uh, Savina, what were you doing standing on the sofa?"
Trent's voice held a confused note. Or was that concern? Of course, he'd wonder at the unusual spectacle she'd created. Her cheeks flushed, and she wiggled to show her desire to be released. In this position, her bare legs were exposed by the splits of her skirt.
An eyebrow quirked, and the side of the stranger's mouth moved upward in a crooked smile.
After wetting her lips, she inhaled against the rapid heartbeat that threatened to keep her from speaking. "P-please, sir."
Grinning, he leaned forward, tipping her upright as he lowered her feet to the floor.
Savina landed on her right foot then gripped the settee's armrest for support.
Trent stepped forward to retrieve her crutch and held it out. "Estefan, this is my cousin, Savina Lombard. And, Savina, here is the horse trainer I told you would be visiting, Estefan del Vado.
The guest pulled the black hat from his head and grinned.
Her senses still reeled from being held in the stranger's arms, and she could only nod. Any further utterance at this moment was past her ability. The introduction gave her permission to glance again at the stranger. He was tall and lean, with straight black hair. Flat silver disks accented his leather belt, as did a large matching buckle. From their brief contact, she knew the body under his shirt was well muscled. Firmer and more rounded than the men who'd been her dance partners.
Purchase HEARTS IN RHYTHM
Contact Linda
Website
Blog
Goodreads
Monday, October 16, 2017
Get a Jump Start on the Holiday Season With A CHANCE THIS CHRISTMAS, Book 3 of the Road to Romance Series
Road to Romance series, book 3
by Joanne Rock
by Joanne Rock
Friday, October 13, 2017
: Meet Award-winning Author Pamela S. Thibodeaux and Read About THE INHERITANCE
About Pam
Pam is the
Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles,
Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction,
her writing has been tagged as“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and
reviewed as “steamier and grittier than
the typical Christian novel without
decreasing the message.”
Contact Pam
Twitter @psthib
About THE INHERITANCE
After her husband’s death she discovers a future she
never expected and a family she never imagined.
Widowed at
age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is
overshadowed by grief and loneliness.
Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to
New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending
college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she
has no idea what God has in store for her now.
Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring
meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again?
US Postal
worker Raymond Jacobey has been in love with the little widow since he first
set eyes on her. A wanderer searching
for the ever-illusive soul mate, Ray has never stayed in one place too long.
Raised by self-centered, high-power executives, he’s longed for the idyllic
life of residing in a cozy house in a small town with the love of his life.
Will he gain the heart of the lovely widow or will he lose her to the wine
country of New York?
Excerpt
A picture began to take shape in her mind…an old woman
standing in the doorway of a big house…a young woman of heartbreaking beauty,
thin, fragile, dark hair flying in the wind, sobs shaking her slender frame…
“Look at her and tell me she’s not his!” She pointed to the little girl
clinging to her skirt. Tugging the child from behind her, the young woman
jerked around to face the old one once more. “She looks just like him!” she
insisted, gripping the little girl’s hand.
Rebecca’s hand.
Purchase The Inheritance (2nd edition – newly edited, revised, and updated!)
An Interview with Pam
What inspired this
novel? How did it come about?
The Inheritance is one novel that began with a simple
thought: They say life begins at forty,
but for Rebecca Sinclair that’s far from the truth. Of course, as a nosy
writer I had to find out why Rebecca
felt that way.
What was the hardest
part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing The Inheritance was making sure Rebecca’s feelings and
emotions around her husband’s illegitimate child were authentic and stayed
within her character – not what I would do or think.
How did you come up
with the concept and the setting?
Characters came first then setting for The Inheritance. My
step-children live in Washington and I’ve visited Hammondsport, NY so the
places depicted in the novel are drawn from my memories and impressions of
both.
What is the message you hope to get across in this story?
What is the message you hope to get across in this story?
That, when it comes to love and forgiveness, we are called
to be true imitators of Christ. I hope Rebecca’s handling of her deceased
husband’s illegitimate child will encourage readers to open their hearts and
minds and broaden their perspective on areas of pain, anger and unforgiveness
in their own lives.
What is the one
question you wish an interviewer would ask you?
Q: To what
or whom do you credit your success?
A: Many
people have a love/hate relationship with their muse. My muse is the Holy
Spirit and I accredit every ounce of success to the grace of God because
without HIM I seriously doubt I could write a single word, much less stories
that bring hope and healing to so many.
What is your work
schedule like when you are writing?
Unlike many writers, I'm not strictly disciplined. However,
when I am actively writing, I write—very little editing, or working on other
projects, limited time online, not much networking or blogging, sleep comes
only in snatches, meals are scarce and light, and definitely no playing!
When do you feel like
it all began to come together for you as a writer—was there a particular
moment?
After years as a closet writer, penning stories in 5-subject
notebooks, I'd have to say when I purchased my first, USED word
processor and started typing in all those handwritten manuscripts I really
began to feel like a writer.
Who has influenced you most as a writer and why?
Who has influenced you most as a writer and why?
There is really no one person to whom I can attribute this
to, so many have helped me along the way. I’d have to say that my love of
reading has influenced me the most. Reading opens doors to the imagination, takes
you places you’d never be able to go otherwise and improves your visualization
and vocabulary skills. Now, I’m able to implement all those things into my own
writing.
What are some of the
challenges you face as an author?
The biggest challenge I face is not having my work accepted
by the “Christian” publishers. As one reviewer said, “though undeniably
Christian, it is never dogmatic or insular; offering faith rather than
religion.” (Review of Tempered Dreams by Elizabeth Burton
for Blue Iris Journal) My books deal with issues in a way that is unacceptable
in the traditional CBA market. Now that is not saying that my books are better
than those published through traditional CBA publishers, only different. As
I’ve said many times, everything that gives God glory deserves to be
praised!
What are a few writing tips you could
share with aspiring writers?
The bible exhorts us to “study and show yourself
approved.” Keep studying, keep writing, keep learning, stay open to constructive
critique and NEVER GIVE UP! Writing is both gift and talent given to you
by God. Don’t hide your gift or bury your talent. Whatever you write, write
well. Strive for excellence. Stay teachable, pliable, and flexible. Never
believe that you know it all because knowledge is power and the more you know
the more valuable you become. Above all share what you learn with others and
make someone’s load lighter to bear.
Any marketing tips?
Marketing is an intricate part of the publishing business
and publishers today expect authors to do their fair share. However,
marketing/promotion can be overwhelming as the more you learn, the more there
is to learn. For every thing you accomplish, there are hundreds more you can
do. My motto is: Do something every day and your best then let God do the rest
and remember it takes time to build a career.
What is your goal or mission as a writer?
A committed Christian, I firmly believe in God and His promises. God is very real to me. I believe that people today need and want to hear more of His truths wherever they can glean them and I do my best to encourage readers to develop a personal relationship with Him. The deepest desire of my heart is to glorify God and to get His message of faith, trust, and forgiveness to a hurting world. My hope is that all of my stories will touch the lives of everyone who reads them and - in some way - bring them a truer knowledge of God and urge them into a closer walk with Him.
What is your goal or mission as a writer?
A committed Christian, I firmly believe in God and His promises. God is very real to me. I believe that people today need and want to hear more of His truths wherever they can glean them and I do my best to encourage readers to develop a personal relationship with Him. The deepest desire of my heart is to glorify God and to get His message of faith, trust, and forgiveness to a hurting world. My hope is that all of my stories will touch the lives of everyone who reads them and - in some way - bring them a truer knowledge of God and urge them into a closer walk with Him.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
My New Historical Romantic Thriller SHARING HAMILTON Coming Soon!
I'm delighted to announce that I just signed a contract for my new historical romantic thriller, SHARING HAMILTON, co-written with best selling author Brian Porter. It centers on the nation's first sex scandal in 1791 between Alexander Hamilton and the beautiful Maria Reynolds, whose con artist husband James blackmailed Hamilton. This became tabloid fodder of the time, known as "The Reynolds Affair."
My British author friend Brian Porter writes murder mysteries set in England. I needed him to add his skills on writing about the darker side of life to produce the subplot about a Jack the Ripper-type murderer prowling the nighttime streets of America's first capital, Philadelphia. The challenge was to take my completed manuscript and seamlessly add the subplot as though the whole book was written in one continuous stream.
SHARING HAMILTON is coming soon from Creativia Publishing and I'll post about it here. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
There's Something Strange About "The Mother-in-Law" - Suspense Thriller by Judy Moore
by Judy Moore
Monday, October 9, 2017
Friday, October 6, 2017
Check Out Paranormal Romance FINNGARICK by Victoria Danann
Black Swan D.I.T., book 2
by Victoria Danann
by Victoria Danann
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
My New Historical Thriller SHARING HAMILTON Coming Out Soon
I'm delighted to announce that I just signed a contract for my new historical romantic thriller, SHARING HAMILTON, co-written with best selling author Brian Porter. It centers on the nation's first sex scandal in 1791 between Alexander Hamilton and the beautiful Maria Reynolds, whose con artist husband James blackmailed Hamilton. This became tabloid fodder of the time, known as "The Reynolds Affair."
My British author friend Brian Porter writes murder mysteries set in England. I needed him to add his skills on writing about the darker side of life to produce the subplot about a Jack the Ripper-type murderer prowling the nighttime streets of America's first capital, Philadelphia. The challenge was to take my completed manuscript and seamlessly add the subplot as though the whole book was written in one continuous stream.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
ALL I WANT FOR HALLOWEEN, Contemporary Romance by Marie Harte
by Marie Harte
Monday, October 2, 2017
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