Sunday, June 29, 2014

Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors

Welcome to my blog. Do you know about Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors? A group of authors get together each week to share snippets from their work. You can find more snippets at:
http://www.wewriwa.com and at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/

My snippet takes place right where I ended up last week. My hero has told my heroine that he had an affair and now has a child with the woman, a child he intends to bring into their home. I used some creative punctuation and added a dialogue tag in the last sentence to use more text. In the real version I don't have those semicolons. This is unedited so if you see something give a yell.

Nodding, she stumbled on her way to the door. “Wait,” he begged; he wasn’t a man who begged, but he’d do it now and be happy for the chance. “I’m sorry; so sorry. I’ve never done a thing like that before or since, and if there was any way to undo it I would. I love you more than my own life, and I betrayed you. That hurts me almost as much as it’s hurt you. You’re my whole world, and I’ve torn your heart out.” He drew a deep breath and said, “But even for you I can’t give him up.”

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Saturday Sample

Welcome to Saturday Sample. Before I share today's excerpt, I'd like to let you read a new 5 star review I got on Amazon this week. Here goes.

We start in 2048 and meet the Lovinggood family, a strong political family that has suffered a tragedy that affected the entire country in 2018. We are into a futuristic time and advancements in the sciences and technology. Can a horrendous event be changed? Can time travel really work. Is Dr. Kathryn Sinclair really the best quantum physicist? This story weaved a wonderful tale from the future to change a course of history. It is also a love story on several different levels. The story holds your attention and is a page turner. I loved the characters and solving the mystery and charting a course to change the events of 30 years prior. by RedRobbin

Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-52-Elaine-Cantrell-ebook/product-reviews/B00H1MHC24/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Excerpt:
“You might as well give up, Henry,” Elaine said as she and the senator got ready for bed that night.

“Give up what?”

“Your plan to find a wife for Hank. Richard wouldn’t let you marry him off to Sheila Ridges, and Hank won’t take Lisa Black either. In fact, if you ask me, the only woman he’s interested in is Kathryn Sinclair.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Well? Did you investigate her?” Elaine laid down her hairbrush and climbed into bed.

“Yes.”

“So?”

“She comes from a nice, middle class family. She’s brilliant, well-educated, and has a good job. Her morals are okay too.”

Elaine pulled the covers over her legs. “If only she wasn’t such a kook.”

The senator grabbed Elaine’s hand. “What if she was right about time travel? Would you try to change the past?”

Elaine thought of the thirty lost years since Richard and Elizabeth had died. “Yes, I would. I would give a great deal to change the past, but I wouldn’t risk Hank to try it.”


“And that’s exactly what’s wrong with Dr. Sinclair.Work with me, Elaine. We don’t want him anywhere near Kathryn Sinclair.”

Elaine laughed at him. “Haven’t you learned anything about love? You’re ninety-eight years old, and you still thought you could get Hank interested in Lisa Black. What a joke! If Hank wants Dr. Sinclair and she wants him back, you probably can’t do a thing about it. Remember how Richard acted about Sheila Ridges.”

“Of course I remember, but Kathryn admitted her project could be dangerous; I refuse to risk Hank’s life. I’ve lost almost my entire family, and I can’t survive another loss. If I lose Hank, they might as well dig my grave too.”

Blurb:

"First Lady Kills President Lovinggood"
December 29, 2018



Thirty years later Hank Lovinggood embarks on a quest to prove his mother's innocence and punish the killers who took his family from him.  Together Hank and lovely physicist Kathryn Sinclair confront an implacable, twisted, merciless enemy who'll do whatever it takes to hide the truth forever. 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Ten Brides for Ten Heroes

If you came for Fashionista Friday, scroll on down. I'm doing a giveaway today.


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to TWO randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter during the tour. Please click the banner to see the other stops on this tour.



Ten Brides for Ten Heroes spans the gamut of the ever-popular wedding romance genre—from heartwarming laughter to thrilling adventure, from sweet to steamy. This 10-book bundle features novels by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. So get ready to toss the bouquet and say, "I do!" as ten brides risk it all to find their happy ever after.



About the stories:

Wedding Fever by Patrice Wilton 
- The romantic comedy series, Serendipity Falls.

Mila O’Reilley owns Wedding Fever, a bridal boutique in Serendipity Falls Mall. She sells more than dresses, she sells dreams along with the belief in happily-ever-after – a sentiment she personally doesn’t share. Can a jaded bridal consultant and a cynical news reporter uncover the true mystery of Serendipity Falls without being swept away in the madness?

Find Patrice at: http://www.patricewilton.com

The Army Doctor's Wedding by Helen Scott Taylor 
- The Army Doctor's Series

Major Cameron Knight throws himself into the danger of front-line, battlefield medicine to keep the demons from his past away. When he rescues an injured charity worker who's saved a tiny newborn baby, he marries her so they can take the orphan back home for surgery. With this brave woman he finally has the chance to redeem himself and find love.

Find Helen at: http://www.helenscotttaylor.co.uk/

Wedding Surprise by Mona Risk 
– The Holiday Babies Series

Claire and David faced many challenges over the years. Finally, Claire's dream of a wonderful white wedding to the man she loves is about to come true. Two weeks before the wedding, Adriana, the high-school classmate who’s tried to snatch David several times, makes an announcement that threatens to destroy the couple's happiness. Is Claire and David’s love for each other strong enough to turn the worst wedding surprise into the best?

Find Mona at: http://www.monarisk.com

Tomboy Bride by Alicia Street 
– The Dance 'n' Luv Series

Kendra returns home for her brother’s wedding determined to get her age-old crush to finally see her as more than a tomboy. But will her game of making him jealous with a hot and handsome faux-beau make him fall for her—or backfire and leave her in ashes?

Find Alicia at: http://aliciastreet-roystreet.com

Destination Wedding, by Rebecca York 
– The Decorah Security Series

From the moment Nick Cassidy signed on as one one of Camille Norland’s bodyguards, sexual sparks flew between them. Although determined to keep his emotional distance from her, Nick is forced to admit his real feelings when she’s kidnapped by a ruthless Russian mobster with matrimony in mind. Can Nick rescue her before the wedding night? Can they escape from Victor Zanov’s tropical island death trap? And can they come to terms with their complicated relationship?

Find Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccayork.com

Summer of Love by Annie Jones

Brides, Beehives and Barbecue! Can mother daughter mayhem be far behind? Bless her heart, it's 1967 and a determined southern bride isn't sure love is really all she needs.

Find Annie at: http://theanniejones.com/

Return of the Runaway Bride by Donna Fasano

Savanna returns to her hometown to explain why she fled on her wedding day, but she never imagined how her escape all those years ago changed Daniel. Can she make him understand—and forgive?

Find Donna at: http://www.DonnaFasano.com

Single and Searching by Rita Herron

A woman looking for love... A reporter looking for a story... A mad rush to find a criminal... When the truth comes out and danger strikes, will they succumb to the passion burning between them?

Find Rita at: http://www.ritaherron.com

Here Comes the Bride by Theresa Ragan

Samantha Johnston, a reporter for the LA Beat, attends the wedding of one of America’s hottest actors in hopes of learning the identity of his mystery bride, and ends up saying, “I do.”

Find Theresa at: http://www.theresaragan.com

Love Me Tender by Mimi Barbour 
– The “Elvis” Series

After her year in Texas as an exchange student, Annie leaves pregnant and heartbroken. Nine years later she returns to introduce her eight-year-old son to his American family. And to the man who still haunts her dreams – the handsome, embittered rancher who never knew he’d fathered a son.

Find Mimi at: http://www.mimibarbour.com

LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenbrides

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Brides-Heroes-Theresa-Ragan-ebook/dp/B00KXFTOJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402588246&sr=8-1&keywords=ten+brides+for+ten+heroes

Apple Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ten-brides-for-ten-heroes/id888146286?mt=11&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Fashionista Friday

Welcome to Fashionista Friday. Did you know that I have a new book coming out soon? The name of it is Rest Thy Head. Rest Thy Head is an inn located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. My heroine has decided to give a garden party for their guests. Which dress do you think she should wear? Leave a comment and I'll pick some people to get a free copy of the book when it comes out.  Wish I had a cover to show you, but I don't have one yet. The book is published by Astraea Press. Personally, I'm picking the yellow.






Summer Dresses


Dolce Gabbana yellow floral print dress
$1,035 - nathalieschuterman.com


R95th polka dot dress
$240 - zalando.co.uk


Shift dress
$170 - psyche.co.uk


Joules cotton dress
$90 - vanmildert.com


Mango red dress
$42 - johnlewis.com

Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying

My guest today has written a book on a timely subject: bullying. Let's see what she has to say.


1.Why did you choose to write a book on this subject?

My daughter, a school counselor, suggested I write a book about bullying because she sees it all to often in her dealings with high school students. As a lifelong educator, I’ve also seen first-hand how deeply bullying affects children. I believed that writing books on the topic would help kids and their parents learn how to cope with the problem. Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies, my first book about bully prevention published by the American Psychological Association, gives children practical tips on what to do if a bully bothers them.

 

Since that time, I’ve written Real Life Bully Prevention for Real Kids, a book for teachers to use in bully prevention programs. Who Says Bullies Rule? offers parents concrete advice on how to help their kids deal with bullying issues. My latest book, Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying, chronicles the story of a high school freshman bullied by his peers. It’s set in an urban high school and features a protagonist who lives with his father and grandmother in an apartment atop the family business, a funeral home. Elliot’s parents are divorced and his mother, a would-be commercial actress, lives on the west coast. When I wrote this book, I tried to put in something for all age groups: kids, parents, and grandparents. Along these lines, it includes a sub-plot about Elliot’s grandmother finding love late in life. Out of all the books I’ve written on the topic, I feel the deepest connection to this one.



2.Do you know anyone who has been bullied?

I‘ve known many friends who’ve been bullied, and I once experienced a bullying episode in school. I think at one time or another everyone has dealt with bullying. Even as we grow older, bullying pops up in our lives. There’s evidence of bullying in the workplace and in retirement communities. The question is “How can we effectively start to stamp out bullying?” My books address this question and offer some user-friendly ideas for kids, parents, and teachers to help kids cope with this major societal problem.

 

 3.Do you think it's possible to ever stop bullying?

I seriously wonder if it’s possible to eradicate it completely. However, we have to start somewhere. I think the best place to begin is the home. Parents need to point out the dangers of bullying others, and they need to keep the lines of communication open with their children. It’s also important for the extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.,) to let kids know that they can come to them any time with a problem. It’s also vital for parents to be constantly aware of their children’s cell phone and Internet usage to help inform them if their kids are being bullied or bullying others. It’s not spying; it’s just common sense to know what’s going on in your child’s life.

 

4.How do you think schools and parents can help with this problem?

Parents and schools need to work together to prevent and stop bullying. If they cooperate with one another in helping bullied children, they will find answers. The school staff needs to learn how to identify these kids and how to help remedy situations as they arise. Most important, parents need to know how to navigate the school system to get results when their children face bullying. I explain exactly how to do this in Who Says Bullies Rule. The most important thing to remember is that no one can fight bullying alone. It must be a team effort.
 
 

Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book about Bullying

by Catherine DePino

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

   

The kids at Ralph Bunche Middle School love to pick on Elliot Kravitz-Carnucci. He struggles with his weight, looks like a geek, makes top honors, and lives above the Carnucci Home for Funerals in South Philadelphia with his distant, workaholic father and Nonna, his quirky, overbearing grandmother.

   

Since his parents divorced, he splits spending his time with his funeral director father and his mother Rayna, who dreams of becoming the queen of commercials on the west coast.

   

At the hands of his peers, Elliot experiences a series of bullying episodes that escalate from entrapment in a school supply closet to a brutal “swirly” (head dunk in the toilet) that lands him in the hospital emergency room.

   

Elliot has a small circle of loyal friends and a mentor named Duke, an aging school custodian, who root for him to overcome his bullying issues so that he can enjoy his life as a teenager and a budding singer/performer. Can Elliot win his fight against the nasty bullies, or is he doomed forever? Read this funny, sad, and crazy book to find out.

 
EXCERPT:
 

“Help–I can’t breathe–let me out. Somebody help...”

 

I pounded the inside of the musty supply closet until my knuckles turned blue. Did anybody even have the key?

           

What if they don’t come? What if I’m trapped here all night?

           

I could hear loud voices and laughing, so I knew Kyle Canfield and one of his friends from the basketball team were there, waiting to see if I would cave in and plead for mercy.

           

The bell blared. Classes changed. Kids stampeded through the halls. Then, silence.

 

Finally I heard someone shout, “I’ve got the key, Doc.” 

          

“Thanks, Duke,” Doc Greely, the assistant principal, said to Mr. Boardly, the man who’d sprung me loose.

 

Mr. Boardly, the head custodian, better known as Duke, offered me his arm, and I stumbled out of the closet. He was as thin as his mop handle, but all muscle–no flab like me. A scruffy white beard covered half his face.

           

He slammed the closet door shut and bolted the lock. “One of the hall guards reported noise coming from this area. We came as soon as we heard.”

           

Duke patted my shoulder. “Let me know if I can help, Elliot.” I could hear his keys clanging as he walked down the hall humming “Duke of Earl,” that old sixties song he loved. That’s where he got his nickname.

 

“Up to their old tricks again, Elliot?” Doc asked on the way to his office.
 
 
Author Information
 
 
 
Catherine DePino has sold thirteen books for parents, teachers, and children to mainstream publishers. She self-published her fourteenth book, Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying because she wanted to give it a wider forum. Her background includes a BS in English and Spanish education, a Master’s in English education, and a doctorate in Curriculum Theory and Development and Educational Administration from Temple University. The author worked for many years as an English teacher, department head of English and world languages, disciplinarian, and curriculum writer in the Philadelphia School District. After this, she worked at Temple as an adjunct assistant professor and student teaching supervisor.
 
Catherine has also written articles for national magazines, including The Christian Science Monitor and The Writer.
 
For many years she served on the board of The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference.  She holds membership in the Association of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
 
Her new self-help book, 101 Easy Ways for Women to De-Stress, Reinvent, and Fire Up Your Life in Retirement,appeared on the market in March, 2014.
 
Visit her website at www.catherinedepino.com
 
Links
 
Website: www.catherinedepino.com
 
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/C.Spinelli.DePino
 
Fire Up Your Life: 101 Ways for Women to Reinvent Themselves
 
http://www.paragonhouse.com/product.php?productid=508&cat=0&page=&featured=Y
 
Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying
 
http://www.amazon.com/Elliot-Carnucci-Big-Fat-Loser-ebook/dp/B00G3IUEDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393457610&sr=8-1&keywords=elliot+k+carnucci+is+a+big+fat+loser
 
Excuse Me, Your Participle’s Dangling: How to Use Grammar to Make Your Writing Powers Soar
 
http://www.amazon.com/Excuse-Me-Your-Participles-Dangling/dp/1475802773/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393457870&sr=8-1&keywords=excuse+me+your+participle%27s+dangling
 
Who Says Bullies Rule?: Common Sense Tips to Help Your Child Cope
 
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Says-Bullies-Rule-Common/dp/161048469X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393457997&sr=8-1&keywords=who+says+bullies+rule
 
Hi, God, It’s Me: e-prayers for teenage girls
 
http://www.amazon.com/God-Its--prayers-teenage-girls-ebook/dp/B0062F6FVK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393458157&sr=8-3&keywords=hi+god+it%27s+me+e-prayers+for+teenage+girls
 
Real Life Bully Prevention for Real Kids
 
http://www.amazon.com/Real-Life-Bully-Prevention-Kids/dp/157886965X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393458248&sr=8-1&keywords=real+life+bully+prevention+for+real+kids
 
In Your Face, Pizza Face: A Girl’s Bully-Busting Book
 
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Face-Pizza-Girls-Bully-Busting/dp/1878076930/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393458385&sr=8-1&keywords=in+your+face+pizza+face                                                                                                                          
 
101 Ways to Help Preschoolers Excel in Reading, Writing, and Speaking
 
http://www.amazon.com/Preschoolers-Excel-Reading-Writing-Speaking/dp/1578865751/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393516967&sr=8-1&keywords=101+ways+to+help+preschoolers+excel+in+reading
 
Quick and Easy Grammar Games to Boost Writing Power
 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=quick%20and%20easy%20grammar%20games%20to%20boost%20writing%20power
 
Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies
 
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Cheese-Breath-Stinky-Feet/dp/1591471125
 
Hi, God, It’s Me: e-prayers for Teenage Boys
 
http://www.amazon.com/Hi-God-Its-Me-E-Prayers/dp/1585952117/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393518362&sr=8-1&keywords=hi+God+it%27s+me+e-prayers+for+teenage+boys
 
Ready, Get Set, Go, Grammar!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Get-Set-Go-Grammar/dp/1931334188/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393518500&sr=8-1&keywords=ready+get+set+go+grammar
 
Grammar Workout: Twenty-Eight Lessons, Exercises, and Activities to Jumpstart Your Writing
 
http://www.amazon.com/Grammar-Workout-Exercises-Activities-Jump-start/dp/0825142717/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393518818&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=grawmmar+workout+twenty+eight
 
 Catherine will be awarding a $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  You can find her schedule at http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/04/virtual-book-tour-elliot-k-carnucci-is.html
 
 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

If You Only Knew

If You Only Knew
Special offer – The ebook of If You Only Knew is on sale for 99p/99c/99c+tax between 20-27 June.

Faith owns The Coffee Pot in the outdoor adventure sports mecca of Derbyshire’s Peak District. She hasn’t had a man in her life for a while, as she’s been too busy serving cakes to weary rock climbers and mountain bikers to find time for the complications of a relationship with the male of the species.
At least, that’s what she tells herself. The truth is that since she got her heart broken she’s had problems trusting men.

When she meets Zane, one of the new owners at the Carrdale Extreme Sports Centre, Faith finds herself enjoying his company even though part of her can’t help wondering why he’s so reluctant to talk about himself.

Then the past comes back to haunt her in the shape of Zane’s business partner Matt, who just happens to be the guy who broke Faith’s heart all those years ago.

With Matt out to cause trouble and Zane keeping secrets Faith’s life is about to get very complicated indeed…

Grab a copy of If You Only Knew whilst it’s on sale for 99p/99c/99+tax
*Amazon UK
*Amazon USA


Book extract:
“I guess that’s the man you’ve been waiting for.”

Sophie nudged Faith, almost knocking the fresh-from-the-oven apple pie from her hands, and pointed towards the door.

Faith chose to ignore the double meaning behind her friend’s words. She wasn’t waiting for any man, not in the romantic sense anyway, and certainly not a guy who reminded her of Aaron. Her café, which she had created from scratch six years ago, was hosting the meeting of the local Tourism Association. And the guy currently making his way towards her was Zane Ferguson, one half of the new ownership team of the Carrdale Outdoor Activity & Extreme Sports Centre. She’d reluctantly phoned him a few days ago when he’d arrived in the UK and invited him to the meeting to give everyone an update on the Centre.

“Faith, right?” he said, extending his hand and hopping onto one of the stools in front of the café’s counter. The hand was firm, slightly rough to the touch and warm. It was strangely comforting. “I’m Zane. Good to get to put a face to your name at last.”

Faith nodded, even though she was anything but pleased to put a face to the name of Zane Ferguson. What kind of a name was Zane anyway? It sounded all-American, as though he should be something like a baseball player, a superhero, or a cowboy – certainly not an English extreme sports instructor. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Sophie giving Zane the once-over. Sophie knew all about Aaron, knew every detail of what had happened…


Author bio:

Zanna Mackenzie lives in the UK on the Derbyshire/Leicestershire border with her husband, 4 dogs, a vegetable patch that’s home to far too many weeds and an ever expanding library of books waiting to be read.

Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
If You Only Knew is Zanna’s third novel; her previous books The Love Programme, and How Do You Spell Love? were both published in 2013.

Find out more about Zanna on her blog www.zannamackenzie.blogspot.co.uk, on Twitter via @ZannaMacKenzie or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/zanna.mackenzie
                            
Follow Links:
Find out more about Zanna at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zanna.mackenzie

Cover Reveal Diviner's Fate







Designed by: Nadica Boskovska 
Series: The Diviner's Trilogy #3
Genre: Epic/Historical Fantasy

The man Maea loved is gone. Johai has been possessed both body and soul by the specter. The newly possessed Johai has not wasted time as Maea discovers through the link they seem to share. Johai is plotting with the Biski to start war against the kingdoms. In order to prevent the coming war, Maea goes south to the wilds where the Biski tribes reign in order to search out the Oracle, the only person who seems to know how to help Maea perfect her powers.

The prophecy has awoken and the prophesized day is fast approaching. Everything Maea has learned in her journey will guide her to the final meeting between Johai and herself. The age old battle between the diviners and the specter will end with her. Only one may live. Is Maea ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for love?


Other books in the series designed by Nadica Boskovska

   

Diviner's Prophecy, Book One, is FREE on Amazon and B&N!




Nicolette Andrews lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband and two daughters. She is the author of the Diviner's Trilogy and other works of fantasy. She's been know to often escape into world of fantasy and has happily been playing make-believe her entire life. When she is not writing, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. 


Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest








Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Beyond the Book: The Enchanted

Hello. I am Prince Alan, hero of Madame Cantrell's marvelous novel The Enchanted. It is well known in the kingdom that the royal family holds Madame in high regard, so it pleases me to announce a new review for the book. I am posting the review below for your consideration. Attention, please.


I loved this book. It is a fairytale with many twists. Time travel, romance, battles and enchantment all in one book. The characters were so moral and strong. Alan and Morgane had me rooting for them from the beginning. I never lost interest at all, the book had me page turning all night, with anticipation in what would happen. The author actually makes you feel you are there with them. Well worth a read, you won't be disappointed. Miriam Davison


I have also posted a video that Madame made. I am sure that you will enjoy it. Afterward, if you like, you may purchase the book at http://www.amazon.com/The-Enchanted-Elaine-Cantrell-ebook/product-reviews/B00CRUD242/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending


Monday, June 23, 2014

Last of the Red Hot Cowboys

Last of the Red Hot Cowboys
by Tina Leonard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:
A sexy cowgirl gives a rugged Texas loner the ride of his life in USA Today bestselling author Tina Leonard’s seductive new series.

Ava Buchanan dreams of a career on the rodeo circuit. Winning a spot on a one-of-a-kind team would be her ticket to the life she’s always wanted. Ava won’t let anyone stand in her way—not even a stubborn cowboy whose slow-molasses smile and red-hot swagger set her senses aflame . . . and whose talents as a trainer could make her a star. Rodeo might be a man’s game, but Ava knows the right woman’s touch can tame the wildest heart.


Trace Carter believes his mayor’s plan to raise the town’s profile has disaster written all over it, and he won’t allow the Hell’s Outlaws Training Center to be dragged into the fiasco. Yet watching Ava’s delectable body on horseback proves too much of a temptation, and his fantasies stray to her riding skills outside the arena. Soon Trace is fighting like hell to rein in his unbridled desire for the petite brunette before it becomes a passion hotter than the Texas sun.

EXCERPT:

“It doesn’t matter,” Trace said, glancing over at Ava.  “Don’t let the Horsemen guilt you.  They’re working an angle, and it’s always a crooked one.”
   
 “That makes no sense.”  Ava gave him a look of disgust, which he intercepted with good humor.  He was just happy to have her in his truck.  Frankly, she’d come with him more easily than he’d thought she would.  Especially after he’d overheard Fallon ask her out.
    
That alone had caused Trace to shift his gears.  He hadn’t really planned on dragging Ava off.  The plan had been to talk rationally to her, help her put her horse in the barn.  Hell, he hadn’t had a plan.
    
Until he’d heard Fallon make his boneheaded offer—and split-second, Trace had known that just couldn’t stand.
    
“It makes sense to me.  You don’t want to hang out with them, Ava.  Trust me.”
    
“I don’t know if I trust you at all.  You seem shadier than they do.”
   
He shook his head.  “Just some friendly advice.  You don’t know the pitfalls of Hell.  Friends help each other out.”
   
“Do they?”
    
He felt her glare and grinned.  Such a sweet, sexy body, so much sass.  “Last I checked, yes.”
   
“You need to sell your idea to Judy.  Not me.”
   
“You let me handle Judy.”
   
“Fine.”  She waved her hand dismissively.
    
“You don’t really like me much, do you?”
    
Ava looked at him, her dark-green eyes gazing at him curiously.  “You’re arrogant and short-tempered.  You didn’t want to give us a shot in the first place, and this is the second time you’ve put me in your truck to twist my arm.  Did I miss what I’m supposed to like?”
    
“Now that you put it like that, I realize I haven’t given you much to be impressed with at all.  Let me fix this snag.”
    
“Go right ahead.”
    
He turned his truck toward his barns to put her horse away.  “If I train you, you’ll be a helluva rider.”
    
“I’m a helluva rider now.”
   
“Yeah, but when I get done with you, you’ll be a badass helluva rider.”
   
“Why?  Why are you suddenly so motivated?”
    
He laughed, parked the truck.  “Maybe I hate to see a nice girl getting taken advantage of by the Horsemen.”
   
“I’m not being taken advantage of.”
    
“I meant Judy.”  He grinned, enjoying himself.
    
“It doesn’t matter.  You’re not that kind of guy.”
    
“Unselfish?  Sure I am.”  He went around to open her door.
    
She slid out of the truck.  “Considerate.  You’re not considerate enough to try to help us out.  Your ego may be involved because you’re competitive.  But not considerate or unselfish.”
    
He grabbed her hand, turned her to face him.  She’d been sassing him with those pink lips for a few days now, and a man could only take so much.
    
He kissed her, long and slow and sweet, taking his time since she didn’t protest.  She felt better than he remembered, even in his wildest fantasies, which he’d had plenty of concerning her.  He was dying to move his hands to her waist, circle it, palm her sexy fanny.  Told himself it was too fast, and too fast never got a man anywhere.
    
Her lips moved under his, returning his kiss, surprising him.  Had she just moved a fraction closer?  She seemed to melt against him, surrendering, and Trace’s world spun at all the magical wonder suddenly opening to him.
    
Somewhere a truck door slammed.  Ava gasped, moved away from him.  Stared at him, blinking, then silently went to unload her horse.
    
He followed, helping her unlock the trailer.  She unloaded Mack, walking him to the barn.
    
“Go away,” she told Trace.
    
That was it?  He’d given her a kiss to melt the hardest heart, and she was telling him to drop dead?  “Hey,” he said, “don’t freak out.”
    
“Do I look freaked out?”  She walked her horse inside the barn, checked that Mack had fresh, cool water and plenty of fresh hay.  “This is the face of annoyed.”
    
That wasn’t a woman’s typical response to his kissing.  “I’m sorry.  I jumped the gun.”
    
“You jumped more than the gun, buster.”  She put her horse into a stall, checked the hay, filled the water, brushed past him.
    
He followed her as she sashayed toward her own beat-up blue truck she’d driven from Virginia.  “Ava.”
    
“What?”  She moved a mountain of paper and horse stuff from the front seat to the back.
    
“Can you forget that happened?”
    
“Easily.”  She got in her truck, switched the engine on, rolled down the window.  “I already have.”
    
He jumped back as she peeled away, shredding his gravel drive.  Trace grinned.
    
She might try to forget, but that kiss was going to last him a while.
    
It had to.  He wasn’t touching the lady again—she was going to have to make the next move.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard has sold over 2.6 million copies of her titles. She has made the USA Today Bestseller, Waldenbooks, Bookscan, and Ingrambook lists, and has written and contracted seventy-one books and special projects. Her work has been published by Harlequin, Samhain Publishing, Robinson Scarlet, and most recently Random House Loveswept contracted for a single title trilogy project, Hell’s Outlaws. Leonard was chosen to be among the first authors published for Robinson’s Scarlet line, writing four single title novels for that imprint. Not long after, she sold on proposal to Harlequin American, where she has since written several popular series, most notably the Cowboys By The Dozen, Morgan Men, and Callahan Cowboys series. Her newest single title project, HOTTER THAN TEXAS, was published in March 2013. Leonard is known for her fun sense of humor, endearing communities, snappy dialogue, and memorable characters.

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