Hope. Dreams. Life... Love: September 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors: Turnaround Farm

Welcome to Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors, your chance to sample the work of a talented group of authors. When you finish here you can find more excerpts at:

http://www.wewriwa.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/

Turnaround Farm is available at https://wingsepress.com/turnaround-farm/

Blurb:

If up and coming realtor Holly Grant can buy Turnaround Farm for her client, her business will boom. Who says you have to have a man in your life to complete you? She’s fine as she is thank you very much. Her first problem is that Jeb Wakefield doesn’t want to sell his farm, and her second problem is Jeb’s grandson Dan, the finest looking man Holly’s ever seen.

Excerpt: Chapter One

Last week

“Marriage is a trap. Most men expect their wives to help them earn a living, but do they help out around the house in return? No, they don’t. They’re so egotistical they want to reproduce themselves, so their wives have to take care of the kids on top of everything else they do. Well, if you want to fall into that trap, go ahead. I’m not that dumb.”

Loretta sighed and bent her head against the wind while Holly hid a smile. Her assistant had learned not to argue with her when she jumped on her soapbox. The leaden sky smelled of snow. How were they going to get their car out of that ditch? Call a wrecker maybe.

This Week:

Presently, Loretta voiced the same concern. “Dan Wakefield is one of the most unpleasant men I’ve ever met. You’re lucky you weren’t in the office when he dropped by to ream us out about pestering his grandfather.I hope you don’t think he’ll be willing to get the car out of the ditch.”

“Maybe not, but his grandfather Jeb is a true gentleman. At the very least, he’ll let us take shelter from the weather until a tow truck comes.”

Loretta sighed as she tucked her scarf more firmly around her throat. “Okay, I hope you can close this deal. You’re sure working hard enough for it.”

Another gust of wind buffeted the women who picked up their pace in an effort to reach Turnaround Farm before dark.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Saturday Sample: Turnaround Farm

Welcome to Saturday Sample. Today I'm sharing an excerpt from my new release Turnaround Farm. Turnaround Farm is a Kindle Unlimited title available at https://wingsepress.com/turnaround-farm/

Blurb:

Last Week.

There was an awful lot of blood on his shirt. “Take your shirt off, and let me see what you’ve done. You don’t want to get an infection.”

“It’s okay. Don’t make such a fuss about it.”

“I said, take off your shirt.”

Dan scowled and unbuttoned his shirt. “Oh, all right.You won’t let me eat in peace until I do.”

Jeb studied the bloody hole in Dan’s back as intently as any doctor would have done.

This Week: We continue where we left off last week.

“It isn’t too bad. You’ve bled a good bit, so the wound has cleaned itself, and your tetanus shot is up to date.” He removed a first aid kit from the cabinet over the refrigerator and doused a gauze pad with antiseptic. Then he cleaned Dan’s back, applied anantibiotic ointment, and covered the puncture with asterile bandage. “There you go. Good as new. Did you take care of the nail?”

“Yeah, I did.” Dan pulled his flannel shirt back on and washed his hands before sitting down at the kitchen table with his grandfather. “After dinner I’d like you to look at Mr. Ames’ mare for me.

Supernova

Title: Supernova

Author: Anne Leigh

Genre: Sports Romance Standalone

Release Date: September 27, 2018 Cover Design: Pink Ink Designs

If football was a religion, then the stadium would be my church and the ball, my God.

My name is Scott Strauss.

Heisman winner and number one in the NFL draft.

I lived and breathed football until the only girl I’ve ever loved stomped on my heart and replaced me with a rugby star.

They say you don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone.

I realized it, boy did I, but it was too late.

Now she’s living her happily ever after and I’m here busy becoming king of the gridiron.

UNTIL one day, I’m knocked off my feet again.

But this time, I don’t know if I want to stand up.

There’s this woman who’s smart, carefree, and beautiful. Our personalities clash but the fire in her eyes matches mine.

Her name is Bridgette Cordello.

And she’s the only sister of the man my first love left me for.

*This is a standalone sports romance novel*

Anne Leigh is a 30-something-year-old who refuses to let the calendar dictate her age. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Nursing. She likes to write about strong women and equally strong guys who grapple with their emotions when faced with something as intangible as love.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband. With her crazy schedule, she gets frustrated at L.A. traffic and needs an escape to keep her sanity, which her characters provide.

She did not think of publishing her stories and when she finally did, she's truly appreciative of every, single person who found the time to let her characters become parts of their world.

She appreciates all the readers who leave kind comments/reviews on where they purchased the book because without them, all her stories would remain locked up in her computer.

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Friday, September 28, 2018

Sweet Christmas Kisses 5

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Now on sale for .99 at
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Christmas-Kisses-Beate-Boeker-ebook/dp/B07FN4KVWP/ref=sr_1_1

Fill your holiday stocking with love and 9 sweet romance novellas, from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and award-winning authors. Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 brings you heartwarming contemporary romances that celebrate the joy of the season around the world, including in snowy Maine and the sun-kissed skies of Florida, the mountains of Colorado, small-town Illinois and South Carolina, New York to San Francisco, and even the glittering lights of Paris and the old-world charm of Florence. The Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 bundle features all-new, standalone novellas that will make you smile and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit.

*****

Christmas With The Poker Group by Beate Boeker, USA Today Bestselling Author. After losing her beloved grandmother and getting dumped by her boyfriend, Sabrina is left feeling like Scrooge this Christmas. She makes a plan to survive the holidays in Florence, only to realize her grieving grandfather has a plan of his own. One that involves the crazy Mantoni family and the distractingly handsome man she’s determined to avoid. It’s beginning to look a lot like a tricky Christmas.

About the Author: Beate Boeker is a USA Today bestselling author with a passion for books that brim over with mischief & humor. She writes sweet, sophisticated romantic fiction and cozy mysteries, many of them set in beautiful Italy. While “Boeker” means “books” in a German dialect, her first name Beate can be translated as “Happy” . . . and with a name that reads “Happy Books,” what else could she do but write novels with a happy ending?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beate-Boeker-153573758044433/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeateBoeker
Website: http://www.happybooks.de/ Newsletter: http://www.happybooks.de/newsletter

*****

Christmas With The Carmichaels by Christine Bush, USA Today Bestselling Author. Widow and retiree Gabby is ready for a rocking chair. At least according to her daughter. Except maybe she’s not. After getting stranded in a Maine snowstorm with a silver-haired fox, Gabby might find the courage to say “yes” to life once more, and find a Christmas love she never expected.

About the Author: Christine Bush is an award-winning author of many sweet romances, mysteries, and novellas. When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching Psychology at a local college, working as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or (mostly) spending time with her twelve grandchildren.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineabush
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Christine_Bush
Website: http://christinebush.com

*****

The Mistletoe Bachelor Auction by Milou Koenings, USA Today bestselling author. When a supermodel with a string of bad news boyfriends “wins” a volunteer firefighter at a charity bachelor auction, Rose and Ryan might both discover they’ve found their perfect Christmas match. A fun and romantic holiday tale set in the fictional town of Green Pines, Illinois.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Milou Koenings writes heartwarming romance novels because sweet stories with happy endings are like chocolate – they bring joy to the world and so make it a better place. She’s lived all over the world, working as an editor and newspaper columnist, but loves staying home with her family most of all. She's the author of the Green Pines Romance series.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilouKoenings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilouKoenings
Website: https://www.miloukoenings.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/milousnewletter

*****

Sweet Peppermint Kisses by Josie Riviera, USA Today Bestselling Author. Sometimes the best gifts are hiding right under your Christmas tree. His emotions were once trampled flat. Can he throw his heart over the fence toward the ultimate Christmas gift—a future filled with love? A holiday tale about the healing power of love, set in the charming fictional town of Cherish, South Carolina.

About the Author: Author Josie Riviera writes Historical, Inspirational, and Sweet Romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their empty nest with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and an old house forever needing renovations. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Josie.Riviera
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Josieriviera
Website: https://josieriviera.com/

*****

Christmas In Paris by Roxanne Rustand, USA Today Bestselling Author. Kindergarten teacher Heather thought all her dreams were coming true—until she was jilted by her fiancé three months before their Christmas wedding. Since the honeymoon to Paris is already paid for, Heather determines to go sans groom and have a great time, no matter what. Love is not part of her travel plans, but when a handsome young doctor literally runs into her on the street, the magic of Christmas in Paris may cause a change of heart.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Roxanne Rustand is the author of thirty-five traditionally published novels, plus four indie novels. She was a Golden Heart finalist twice, and a Golden Heart winner in 1995. She has won two RT Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and was nominated for an RT Magazine Career Achievement Award. Her earlier books were secular, but she now writes sweet indie romance, and inspirational romance for Love Inspired.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoxanneRustand
Website: http://www.roxannerustand.com
Newsletter: http://roxannerustand.com/newsletter-signup

*****

Second Chance Christmas by Kristin Wallace, USA Today Bestselling Author. Ten years ago, Mia Reynolds and Win Barrington spent one magical Christmas together—until lies and manipulation tore them apart, and left Mia to raise a daughter all on her own. Now, both are back in their hometown of Palm Cove, Florida just in time for the holidays. Once they uncover the truth about what happened, can Mia and Win rediscover love and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?

About the Author: Kristin Wallace is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational, contemporary and women’s fiction filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith.” Her popular series include the Covington Falls Chronicles and Shellwater Key Tales.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/KristinWallaceAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KWallaceAuthor
Website: http://kristinwallaceauthor.com
Newsletter: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/wMWhn

*****

Ghosts From Christmas Past by Mary Alford, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author. She was the love of his life, until a tragic accident on Christmas Eve left Charlotte Swenson in a coma. For eight years, Sheriff Dylan Parker of Bitter Creek, Colorado has held on to the hope that somehow his love will find a way back to him. And when Charlotte opens her eyes, just days before Christmas, Dylan can’t help but believe a holiday miracle may grant his every wish.

About the Author: Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Mary Alford was inspired to become a writer after reading such romantic suspense greats as Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith was a challenge, but 2012 Mary received “the call” to publish her first book — a dream come true. Today, Mary writes Christian romantic suspense, and small-town contemporary romances.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAlfordAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryalford13
Website: http://maryalford.net

*****

Christmas Pizza To The Rescue by Jean C. Gordon. When a freak winter storm strands them alone at the Team Macachek barracks in Central New York, champion motocross racer Royce Evans and out-of-work investigative reporter turned pizza deliverer Samantha Linder strike a bargain that benefits them both. But when it appears Sam has broken the agreement, will the spirit of Christmas be strong enough to save their blossoming holiday love?

About the Author: Award-winning sweet and inspirational author Jean C. Gordon writes what she knows best — small-town, happily-ever-afters set in her native Upstate New York.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JeanCGordon.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanCGordon
Website: https://www.jeancgordon.com/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2wFYzPq

*****

The Love Clause by Liwen. Y. Ho. He needs a fake girlfriend to advance his career. She needs a pretend date to keep her mom off her case during the holidays. The solution to both of their problems? A contractual relationship with one clause: neither of them can fall in love. A Christmas tale set in romantic San Francisco that will cause this reluctant couple to rethink the “no love” clause.

About the Author: Liwen Y. Ho writes sweet and inspirational romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots). She lives in California with her family and blogs about life as a recovering perfectionist.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2square2behip/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2square2behip
Website: http://www.2square2behip.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bt2nEL

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fill your holiday stocking with love and 9 sweet romance novellas, from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and award-winning authors. Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 brings you heartwarming contemporary romances that celebrate the joy of the season around the world, including in snowy Maine and the sun-kissed skies of Florida, the mountains of Colorado, small-town Illinois and South Carolina, New York to San Francisco, and even the glittering lights of Paris and the old-world charm of Florence. The Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 bundle features all-new, standalone novellas that will make you smile and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit.

*****

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Immaterial Defense

Title: Immaterial Defense

Series: Once and Forever Series

Author: Lauren Stewart

Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult

Release Date: September 25, 2018

She’s all alone in the darkness.

He’s lighting up the stage.

But not even the brightest spotlight can reach the shadows of a broken soul.

Declan

Every wanna-be rocker dreams of the day when crazed fans will pack their shows. But the more people worship me as some kind of musical god, the more I realize why singers are called "performers." I'm just a pretender. A fake.

I need something real. Something to break through the revolting glamour that's bled into every part of my life. And for one perfect night, I found that in Sara.

Then she ran.

Sara

No sane woman would’ve ever walked away from Declan Hollis after only one night. But

walking away from him was the safest move for both of us.

I've spent so much time burying my old self in the past, trying to erase the vulnerable person I used to be. I’m smarter now—men are dangerous, and relationships are doubly so.

But the more time I spend away from him, the more I want to go back.

I may end up shattered all over again. Or maybe, just maybe, he'll be the one to help me pick up the pieces.

My bandmates and I grabbed a couple of burritos in the Mission District—cheap, delicious, and as gigantic as Pete claimed his dick was. A fun fact that ruined everybody’s appetite and no one believed. No one was willing to verify Pete’s claim either.

Somehow, our conversation maneuvered to the sad state of my love life. I’m fairly sure Trevor had guided us there, if for no other reason than to give me shit about how pathetic it was.

I sighed and pushed my food away, almost untouched. “If five years ago, anyone had said, ‘Hey, Dec. How would you like it if every woman you met wanted to sleep with you, just so she could tell her friends she’d banged the lead singer of a band?’ My response would’ve been: ‘Did you say something after ‘every woman I met wanted to sleep with me?’ And I wouldn’t have cared what the answer was. Now, knowing women are using me is just depressing.”

“Fuck that,” Trevor said. “I swear to the gods of music, if a woman wants to use me for sex, you sure as hell won’t hear me complaining about it.”

“That’s the difference between you and Declan,” Pete said, already smiling. “You said, ‘if a woman wants to use you.’ And that’s a pretty good-sized ‘if’.”

Everyone other than Trevor laughed. It made sense—he couldn’t see his own expression.

“Shit,” Pete continued. “No shame in it—none of us sees the amount of action Declan could.”

“If he weren’t such a pussy, you mean.”

“Obviously.”

“Hey!” I said it loud enough to know that they’d all heard me. So they were just pretending not to.

There was no way to explain it so they’d understand. Or not think I was insane. I’d guess that would be the natural reaction to a guy talking about how he feels like he’s two separate people—the one he’s always been and the one everyone expects him to be. It’s even sadder when the guy realizes that almost everyone he meets nowadays likes the fake him more than the real one.

Trevor would’ve gone cross-eyed if I told him that, until that night with Sara, sex just wasn’t as good as it had been before anyone knew who we were.

It was a conclusion I didn’t come to without a lot of rigorous testing, by the way. My folks didn’t raise a quitter.

But it became a little unpleasant when every time I fucked someone, I couldn’t get over the idea that it wasn’t really me who was getting laid. It was the guy I played onstage.

We might have looked the same, but every day he seemed more and more foreign to me. We didn’t wear the same clothes, use the same words, share the same values. I felt more like an actor now than a musician. Slipping into a role as I slipped into a costume that had been picked out and prepped by someone who’d barely ever spoken to me.

That was what made my one night with Sara stick with me. Not only was it physically amazing, Sara hadn’t met Declan Hollis, the lead singer of Self Defense who someone else had designed. She’d met Declan Hollis, the man who just wanted to be normal, get a house somewhere quiet where my dog didn’t have to run on concrete and shit on a four-by-four square of fake grass.

And she’d liked that Declan. She’d reminded me that he was enough, that he was attractive and could make someone laugh.

“Wait a sec. Does that shit really bother you?” Trevor asked. “Seriously? Fuck, that’s the only reason I’m here. If women didn’t want to use me to say they’d fucked a rockstar, I’d be sitting in front of a bonfire on the beach somewhere, drinking beer and playing somebody else’s tunes.”

“First of all, you’re not a rockstar.”

“Not yet. And luckily, these girls don’t think that far ahead.”

I grumbled but couldn’t disagree. “Secondly, you’d be playing someone else’s tunes? What the fuck is wrong with our tunes?”

He laughed. “Don’t worry, bro. The writing is flawless. It’s just not really my style.”

Again, I couldn’t disagree, at least with the second part. It wasn’t my style either. I’d stopped writing and doing what I wanted to a while ago.

Lauren Stewart grew up reading Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, James Clavell, Piers Anthony, and Agatha Christie, which explains why she can't seem to stick to one genre at a time.

She got to the more romantic stuff pretty late, but paranormal romance was what changed her from an obsessed reader into an obsessed reader and writer. Her writing style comes from a mash-up of all her early favorites and her new ones, women like JR Ward, Karen Marie Moning, Alice Clayton, Emma Scott, and Janet Evanovich. Wow, how much would you pay to be invited to that dinner party?

Lauren wants to make people think, cry, and giggle, not necessarily all at the same time (although it's great when it happens). In every one of her books, you'll find elements of other genres - fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal, suspense, YA, women's literature, all with a touch of humor.

Because what doesn't kill us should make us laugh.

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