What a title! Right? I bet you did a double-take, like I did. I bet you’re already intrigued, like I was! So sit back and grab a cuppa while you take in the tantalising blurb for Suzy Turner’s next novel, and take a look at the awesome cover. Oh, and tell us what you think! Don’t forget! Ready?
Aphrodite’s Closet
Agatha Trout didn’t even know she had a Great Aunt Petunia, so imagine her surprise when she finds Petunia left her a corner shop in her will. But it’s not just any old corner shop—it’s a corner shop that needs something unique, something the town of Frambleberry has never seen before. Influenced by her confident best friend, Coco, Agatha is soon convinced that there’s only one way to go: an adults-only sex shop.
While some of the townspeople are clutching their pearls in horror, others are open to the new experiences this shop offers. But not everyone in Frambleberry is convinced. Will the women soldier on in the face of violent threats or will their fears get the best of them—and their new venture—before it even gets off the ground?
Born in England and raised in Portugal, Suzy lives with her childhood sweetheart Michael, two crazy dogs and a cat.
Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy worked as a trainee journalist for a local newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she took the job of assistant editor for the region’s largest English language publisher before becoming editor of a monthly lifestyle magazine. Early in 2010 however, Suzy became a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan’s Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo, We Stand Against Evil (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless, And Then There Was You, Stormy Summer and her latest, Aphrodite’s Closet.
In 2015 she launched her popular 40+ lifestyle blog which continues to go from strength to strength, while just over a year later, she trained to become a yoga instructor. Suzy continues to write, blog and teach yoga in one of Portugal’s loveliest settings – the Algarve.
It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome the amazing Emma Calin on my blog today as she announces the release of the third novel in her ‘Passion Patrol’ series: ‘LOVE BLEEDS BLUE’.
Firmly in the ‘suspense romance’ genre, this story features another sassy female hero-cop who is as passionate about her job as she is about the love in her life. Each Passion Patrol novel can be read as a stand-alone story although characters from previous stories make cameo appearances across the series.
Book Title:
LOVE BLEEDS BLUE by Emma Calin. A stand-alone fast-moving action adventure with a love story at its core. The third novel in the Passion Patrol Series, featuring hot cops, hot crime and hot romance.
Blurb:
A London girl cop, a violent political crisis, an instant decision. One moment of courage to catch the destiny of history.
When single mother Sergeant Sophia Castellana stumbles into a terrorist shooting, things are not as they seem. Global forces beyond her grasp sweep her up into an audacious scheme to re-unite a world in chaos. The love of a far younger man, the infatuation of a charismatic woman leader seduce her into a blur of inappropriate love and infinite danger. Power and celebrity beckon, betrayal and violence threaten every move as events unfold in the city of Paris. Her brute courage and loving woman’s heart confront ruthless enemies who offer no second chances. She knows the streets, she knows her power as a lover. Can she, dare she seize the prizes before her? Will a world offer her the choice?
Love Bleeds Blue, another stand-alone novel in the #1 Kindle Bestseller, Passion Patrol suspense romance series . Steamy Emma Calin holds nothing back to bring you her juicy mix of cops crime and passion.
EARLY REVIEWS FOR LOVE BLEEDS BLUE:
“Politics – Philosophy – Terrorism – Romance – Coup D’ Etats – Assassinations – World Reordering – Steamy Hot Sex! An intriguing love story.” Charles Smith, USA.
“Between the criminal plots, assassination attempts, and cases of almost innocent subterfuge, Ms. Calin weaves in passionate sex scenes that threaten to set the pages on fire.” Anneli Purchase, Canada.
“Staggering!! Wonderfully descriptive coupled with an outstanding story line makes this book a must read! The underlying satire provides some essential humor through out the book.” Evonne Hutton, South Africa.
Launch Details:
LOVE BLEEDS BLUE is out, worldwide, on Amazon for Kindle and digital e-readers, on the 3rd April 2017. The print edition will be available by May 2017.
The launch price is 99c/99p and FREE on Amazon Kindle Unlimited but will go up to $2.99/£2.50 after the 17th April.
For the two weeks following the launch there is a Rafflecopter sweepstake link in the back of the book, to win a brand-new Kindle Fire 7″ Tablet worth $50 (gift card equivalent alternative in countries where product not available).
Social media is a wonderful thing. It’s a place to hang out and make friends, and to meet new authors and their books. It’s my great honour to showcase today the wonderful Julie Ryan with her third release in her Greek Island mystery series. Give it up for Pandora’s Prophecy!
Pandora’s Prophecy
‘Pandora’s Prophecy’ is the third in the Greek Island mystery series but can be read as a standalone, although some characters from the previous books do make an appearance.
Lisa and Mark are going through a rough patch, Vicky is seventeen and has just discovered that the man she thought was her father really isn’t, Ruth is getting over her husband’s betrayal after nearly twenty-five years of marriage. On the surface they have nothing in common except that they are all staying in the same hotel on a Greek Island. As they each come into contact with the mysterious Pandora, their lives will change forever. Bodies begin to pile up as a serial killer is on the loose who might just be targeting the hotel. The Island’s Police Chief, Christos Pavlides, tries to solve the puzzle but he has problems of his own to resolve. It seems that the local celebrity author is the one who holds the key.
About Julie
Julie Ryan was born and brought up in a mining village near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. She graduated with a BA (hons) in French Language and Literature from Hull University. Since then she has lived and worked as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in France, Greece, Poland and Thailand. She now lives in rural Gloucestershire with her husband, son and two cats, a rescue cat and a dippy cat with half a tail. She is so passionate about books that her collection is now threatening to outgrow her house, much to her husband’s annoyance, as she can’t bear to get rid of any! They have been attempting to renovate their home for the last ten years.
She is the author of three novels set in Greece, “Jenna’s Journey”, “Sophia’s Secret” and ‘Pandora’s Prophecy.” She considers Greece to be her spiritual home and visits as often as she can. This series was inspired by her desire to return to Crete although there is a strong pull to revisit the Cyclades too.
Welcome to CentreStage with a very special guest indeed! I am delighted to welcome the amazing Meredith Schorr. Now Meredith lives on the other side of the Atlantic, but yet I feel we’re great friends. We’ve been hanging out on Facebook together since forever and, earlier in the year, Meredith took it upon herself to mentor and advise me on the geographic realities of her hometown of New York City. As if that weren’t enough, she then also read the whole first draft of my manuscript for local colour and accuracy. Peeps~Meredith seriously rocks on the talent, love and generosity front. I am honoured to introduce her today!
The one, the only: Meredith Schorr!
There are two things you should know about me for the purposes of this post. The first is that I’m Jewish—not a religious Jew—I don’t go to temple, and I don’t keep a kosher diet. In fact, I can’t eat a hamburger unless it’s a cheeseburger, and I’m a sucker for shellfish-both decidedly non-kosher. Nonetheless, I was raised in a Jewish home and my family does not celebrate Christmas. We never had a Christmas tree or stockings hung by the chimney with care—probably because we were pretty certain Santa and his reindeers would skip our house regardless of whether we were naughty or nice.
One might think someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas would opt out of watching Christmas movies in favor of something… well…something less Christmassy.
Secondly—I’m currently romantically unattached. My last relationship ended more than a year ago and, although I’ve dated a bit since then, nothing has stuck. I’m typically an optimistic and hopeful individual, but it’s become increasingly more difficult over the past few months to maintain my positive outlook and certainty that my love life will turn around.
It stands to reason that someone who is fearful that her own romantic happiness is out of reach would avoid romantic and mushy chick flicks in favor of something less sappy, for instance horror movies or legal thrillers.
Logic suggests that someone like me would avoid Christmas-themed romantic comedy movies like a criminal evades the police, yet I am addicted to them with a capital A. My favorite activity this season is curling up on my couch with my eyes glued to the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas movie series. For those not in the know, the Hallmark Channel is a television network known for its broadcast of sappy movies. From late October through Christmas, the channel features 24/7 holiday programming, including twelve new and original Christmas movies that I cannot get enough of. As the weather outside turns frightful, the movies play on a continuous loop and I watch them with the same frequency. The flicks, usually starring former child actors like Candace Cameron Bure and Lacey Chabert (of Full House and Party of Five fame), combine timeless love stories with modern sensibilities. They are sappy yet sassy and feature a bevy of male eye candy for folks like myself who are sorely lacking it in their “real” lives. They also provide a guaranteed happily-ever-after that leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Even though I’m acutely aware that these movies are a grand departure from reality, when the closing credits role, I find myself filled with renewed hope that there is someone out there for me and that I will meet him in time. The Christmas aspect also serves to remind me that this time of year is about more than crowded stores filled with frantic shoppers, but about counting our blessings and being happy—whether or not you have a significant other or a Christmas tree.
Awww Meredith! I am a fellow addict with you. One of my all-time faves is The Holiday: the ultimate hope movie, right? Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts, I love it. Now let’s hear it for your latest masterpiece!
BLURB FOR HOW DO YOU KNOW?
What if you were approaching the end of your thirties and all of the life milestones you took for granted in your youth suddenly seemed out of reach? On the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday, Maggie Piper doesn’t look, act, or feel much different than she did at twenty-nine, but with her fortieth birthday speeding toward her like a freight train, she wonders if she should. The fear of a slowing metabolism, wrinkling of her skin, and the ticking of her biological clock leaves Maggie torn between a desire to settle down like most of her similarly aged peers and concern that all is not perfect in her existing relationship. When a spontaneous request for a temporary “break” from her live-in boyfriend results in a “break-up,” Maggie finds herself single once again and only twelve months from the big 4.0. In the profound yet bumpy year that follows, Maggie will learn, sometimes painfully, that life doesn’t always happen on a schedule, there are no deadlines in love, and age really is just a number. Meredith Schorr, best-selling author of chick lit, digs deep in her newest novel and raises the age old issue of the ‘proverbial clock’ that haunts many women, in a way that is refreshing and sassy no matter your age or relationship status.
About Meredith Schorr
A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related emails way more than she was probably supposed to. After trying her hand penning children’s stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing chick lit and contemporary women’s fiction. She secures much inspiration from her day job as a hard-working trademark paralegal and her still single (but looking) status. Meredith is also the co-founder of BookBuzz, a live author/reader event held annually. She is a loyal New York Yankees fan and an avid runner. How Do You Know? is her fourth novel. To learn more, visit her at www.meredithschorr.com.
It’s my great pleasure to welcome to CentreStage today the lovely Anneli Purchase all the way from Vancouver. Anneli is introducing her novel, Julia’s Violinist. And between you and me, I can thoroughly recommend it! So give it up for Annli and Julia…
Introducing: Anneli Purchase
The losers in a war are always deemed to have been wrong, evil aggressors, not worthy of a sympathetic ear. My mother was on the losing side during WWII. She told me many stories of her life in Saaz, now a part of the Czech Republic. She lost her home, her husband, and her way of life in the aftermath of war. Hearing the stories as a child, I didn’t realize the enormity of the losses she suffered nor how widespread the atrocities were. Much later it became clear to me that these injustices were experienced by thousands of others like her, many of whom were not so fortunate, losing not only their homes, but also their families and their own lives. I wanted to tell a story that could easily have happened to any of my mother’s fellow Sudetenlanders, a story of love, courage, and survival under the direst of circumstances.
When people of differing cultures are at war, they are capable of committing the most inhumane atrocities. This story does not attempt to take sides, to say that one was more vicious than the other. While there are many stories telling of the misdeeds of the German government and of Germans in general, this tells the story from the other side. I have tried to write it without prejudice.
***
When the war ended, I thought things would get better I was wrong. The worst was yet to come. The Czechs took our homes away and expelled us from our homeland. We survived those terrible years after the war, one day at a time.
Now, twenty years later—a letter from Michael. He wants me to come to Canada. Ah, Michael, my love. It’s too late. I’m married again. Too late… isn’t it?
***
Find, Follow and Love Anneli
Anneli Purchase lives on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, where she writes novels and articles, and works as a freelance copy-editor. Anneli writes about people and their relationships and dilemmas. Often the settings are in unusual locations. Julia’s Violinist is her third novel. You can find out more about Anneli Purchase by following these links:
Welcome to CentreStage! Today, I’m welcoming the fabulously talented Elke Feuer as she celebrates the pre-order release of Deadly Race, a romantic suspense. Elke brings with her today the blurb, some information about herself and a stunning excerpt. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. 🙂
Deadly Race
Race car driver Remy Borden likes fast things: bikes, cars, and men. Her plans to become the first woman from the Cayman Islands to race internationally gets sidetracked when she’s injured and pulled from the final race because of a fiery confrontation with another driver.
Life goes from bad to worse when the racetrack owner is killed and she’s suspect number one because his death puts her back in the race. But racing again proves difficult when Dr. Jackson Wilson insists she stop racing until she heals, making her wonder if his ‘doctor’s orders’ don’t have ulterior motives-the racetrack owner was his friend.
She and Jackson search for the truth behind the murder when accidents start happening at the racetrack, and an adoring fan gets too close. Soon the simmering attraction between her and Jackson boils over, forcing her to admit Jackson makes her think of a life beyond racing.
Meet Elke
Elke was born and raised on Grand Cayman and lives there with her husband and two kids who keep her on her toes.
She’s a coffeeholic, checklist fanatic, and future space explorer. She has a sarcastic/quirky sense of humor and loves meeting new people. When not writing, she’s helping other writers in Cayman through her organization CayWriters.
Elke is the author of For the Love of Jazz and Deadly Bloodlines, book one in her Deadly Series. She stumbled into writing romantic suspense because of her fascination with serial killers, but writes other genres because characters keep telling her their stories and she’s a sucker for a crazy story.
MNI INTERVIEW!! Given her most fabulous location, I asked Elke what she gets up to when she’s not writing. Here’s what she said:
While I spend a lot of time either writing or helping writers where I live in the Cayman Islands through my company CayWriters, when do I take a break, I love hanging out with my kids and carving out alone time with my husband. Their jokes, cuddles, kisses and laughter keep me balanced and remind me why I work so hard.
Now then… let’s have an Excerpt of Deadly Bloodlines!
“I didn’t really have a relationship with her. She was someone I wanted, but she didn’t know how I felt until an hour ago.” Would she decide to kick him out of her apartment for either leading her on or being a complete ass?
She gripped the couch tightly and it collapsed beneath her hands. Her eyes narrowed to slits and her mouth twisted in anger. Here comes her emotional eruption. He braced himself.
“You put me through all of that for nothing?” She said it with so much control he wondered where she got it.
“It wasn’t nothing to me,” he reasoned.
“Wasn’t nothing? Do you know how many times I felt guilty because you had a girlfriend, or know how many nights I lay awake imagining I’d go to hell for the dirty thoughts I had about you in this apartment, inside and outside your car, even the examination table in your office?” She paced before him.
Jackson was speechless, and turned on, as he thought about everything she’d just mentioned. He remembered the night she kissed him in the car and wondered what would’ve happened if they hadn’t been interrupted, or if they’d been in a secluded area instead of outside her apartment.
“Hey!” she shouted, pulling him from his erotic thoughts of her spread out over the roof of his car.
“Stop that! You don’t get to have a fantasy in the middle of my rant. Got it?” Her index finger pointed at him.
He wanted to smile, but knew she’d probably knock his lights out if he did. “Please continue,” he said as politely and seriously as he could.
“Why couldn’t you be honest with me?” She ran a hand through her hair.
Honest about that? She couldn’t be serious? “Honest about wanting someone I hadn’t even told how I felt? I hardly knew you, Remy, and you wanted me to share something I’d kept secret for nearly two years?”
“Two years?” Her voice echoed in disbelief.
It sounded ridiculous to hear it out loud.
She must’ve thought so, too, because she laughed. It started as a light chuckle, but then escalated to full, out loud, boisterous laughter until it was so extreme she fell to the floor behind the couch.
He walked over to where she lay. “It’s not that funny,” he insisted.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and laughed harder.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying this at my expense.” He extended a hand to help her up, but she waved it away as another fit of laughter overtook her. “You might not believe this, but I’m incredibly shy.”
She roared louder and gestured with her hand for him to stop talking.
He couldn’t blame her for laughing. He’d been anything but shy around her. She had a knack for bringing out emotions in him that were less than passive, with her audaciousness and that unfiltered mouth of hers.
Thank you for visiting, Elke! It’s great to have you here today, and best of luck with your release!
Disclaimer: This feature is not part of a professionally organised or paid-for book promotion tour. It is posted here entirely at my discretion because I like to support fellow authors. Thank you.
Welcome to CentreStage! Featuring today: Dan O’Brien.
When an email from the highly talented Dan O’Brien pinged into my inbox, I opened it with some considerable excitement. It announced Dan O’Brien’s latest project: Mobsters, Monsters & Nazis, which is a collaboration between Dan O’Brien and Steve Ferchaud. Steve, of course, illustrated Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Dan is in the process of publishing something rather different…something visual, beautifully illustrated, with an intriguing storyline and an attention-grabbing title.
How could I not take part in the promo blitz for this new project? So I give you today:
Mobsters, Monsters & Nazis
Author Dan O’Brien has teamed up with artist Steve Ferchaud for a one-of-a-kind reading experience that will span six short books. Blending noir, hardboiled detective stories, and pulp comics, “Mobsters, Monsters & Nazis” follows private investigator Derrick Diamond as he searches for an elusive object: a strange device that the Nazis need for their nefarious experiments. Aided by Ava Harpy, a lounge singer at the Yellow Monarch, they dive deep into the underbelly of the city, uncovering a sordid plot that is much larger than they could have possibly imagined.
Now, it might not be a time travel highlander romance, but it is the first in a series of kindle ebooks that might have a time traveler in them (or maybe not). Dan can promise it’s a modern pulp story with the usual suspects of pulp heroes and villains. It also manages to satisfy all those readers who enjoy a little cthulhu mythos in the mix.
If you love illustrated works, pulp comics, and a little bit of Lovecraft in your stories, then what are you waiting for?
A Sneak Peek…
Today I’m taking part in the reveal of the sketches for some of the interior illustrations (which will be black and white) of the first issue. It will be released as six issues (eBooks) starting on Halloween. It is influenced by film noir, pulp comics, and an abiding love of Lovecraft. And! *Newsflash* It is already available for pre-order, and Dan will be promoting it heavily starting in the month of October. He would love to hear what you think of it so far! (And so would I!)
It’s my extraordinary pleasure today to welcome back to my blog the one and only Sheryl Browne. As you’re about to see, Sheryl’s a fantastic (and prolific!) author. And she’s also a wonderful friend and roomie unbelievably tolerant of other people’s (read: my) insomniac and slightly inebriated foibles. She’s a fabulous listener, a great cheerer-onner, and an all-round wonderful person. So when I discovered that all of her book covers had a bit of a stunning makeover, I invited Sheryl to come over here and do a bit of shouting. She’s too modest, you see, Sheryl is. She doesn’t like shouting about herself. But I got her, and here she is… give up for
Sheryl Browne!
Hi Nicky! Thank you for inviting me onto your beautiful, rocking blog and huge CONGRATULATIONS on the release of your delicious new book, Fallen for Rock! I tell you what, looking at that gorgeous cover, I could.
Talking of covers, Nicky has kindly allowed me to take up blog space and show off my very own re-vamped covers from Safkhet Publishing. Without further ado then, here we go … ta-dah!
So, what am I all about? I think the recently released Birmingham City University Anthology, I am therefore I Write (in which I’m proud to say a first scene from my play, Life Class, was published), sums me up. I think Nicky would concur that the writer’s life is a frenetic one, juggling many humungous balls. Occasionally, we drop one and get squished. But we always come back fighting, because to an author, writing is simply as important as breathing. It might not buy us a holiday home in the Bahamas, or even Bognor, but it’s our life blood. We simply wouldn’t know how to be without it. A little bit madder, possibly, which brings me to one of my books, A Little Bit of Madness, from which my stage-play, Life Class, was written. The first scenes, excitingly, have already been work-shopped on stage at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and, I have to say, I was rather gobsmacked when I realised my leading man was Dan Hagley, who plays Darrell Makepeace in BBC Radio 4’s, The Archers. My claim to fame! He was fabulous. I can’t thank him enough for his inspirational performance.
Generally, my aim is to bring readers poignant modern fiction. Taking a slight detour from my usual humorous, stories, my latest release is a thriller, which, quoting a fabulous review from Crime Fiction Lover “is well on the romantic spectrum of crime fiction”. No, I haven’t changed genres. My attempt is still to write edgy, humorous, heart-wrenching fiction for people’s enjoyment. I’m more exploring – as ever – the fragility of love, life and relationships. My books will always tend to turn around the family unit, looking at family dynamics and the tenuous bonds that hold people together, usually having a strong, but flawed, male lead. I think The Edge of Sanity, having at its heart a family torn apart by tragedy, does fall into that category.
And that’s enough about me! I leave you with my taglines, which might give you a flavour of the content behind the covers and also (because I couldn’t resist) a little peek at my heroes from Learning to Love and Warrant for Love. A girl has to dream.
Keep safe.
Lots of love,
Sheryl
Sheryl’s Books
(…and they’re hilarious, heart-warming, thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. Well worth a read. Sorry, couldn’t resist throwing that in! I’ll shut up now! ~Nicky)
Recipes for Disaster – Sexilicious Romantic Comedy combined with Fab, Fun Recipes.
Somebody to Love –Sigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love – Three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly.
A Little Bit of Madness – White Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.
Learning to Love – Exploring the Fragility of Love, Life and Relationships.
The Edge of Sanity – How far would YOU go to protect your family?
Aren’t they gorgeous? Well worth a closer look, my friends! Go on. Don’t be shy!
Heartache, humour, love, loss & betrayal, a little Ohhhh la la! and thrills! Sheryl Browne brings you poignant, witty modern romance. A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and shortlisted for Innovation in Romantic Fiction, Sheryl now has six books published with Safkhet Publishing.
You know me. I love my rock stars. I love my romance. So much so that I spend my life dreaming up stories about rock stars and, you know, ordinary girls (like me, for example) and then writing books about it. Turns out I’m not alone with my particular affliction!
Not too long ago, I was minding my business on Twitter, as one does (actually, more like sticking my nose in everybody else’s business, but that’s what Twitter is for, right?) when I started chatting with Lisa. Lisa loves rock. Lisa loves romance. Lisa writes rock star romance. OMG! It was like meeting a sister that I didn’t know I had on the other side of the Atlantic!
So we started looking out for each other and chatting some more (it’s not as dodgy as it sounds, this is a strictly rock ‘n’ roll kind of relationship! Well, exactly!) and it turns out that Lisa is releasing an almighty rock romance box set this summer. In fact, it’s out now! So I’ve invited Lisa to tell you some more about it. Give it up for Lisa Gillis!
ABOUT THE D-STRING SET
Last summer (says Lisa) I debuted my new series Six Silver Strings.
The G-Strings Set starring Jack Storm, rock star, and single mom Marissa Dupleux won you over with a sinfully sexy yet moody musician, and a slightly star-struck heroine. Throw in a couple of dogs, a precocious toddler, sizzling chemistry between Jack and Marissa, and this cast is not easy to leave behind.
This summer I bring you the D-String Set and a whole different decade for your rock star reading addiction.
Matt Loren and Jules Breaux grew up on opposite coasts. However, the first steamy meeting between the two makes it more than obvious that six states wouldn’t have kept these star-crossed lovers apart forever.
Jules, daughter of two jet-setting parents, is a rebel, and a borderline alcoholic in the opening chapters. Matt, who turns up in Los Angeles to meet his estranged father, is responsible in every way. The two are drawn together by their love for music, and talent for composing it. In the creation of a band, they become fast friends-and just as quickly become more. They hide their steamy affair for the sake of the band. At least, that’s their excuse to each other and themselves. As the chapters move along, each have their own reasons for embracing a noncommittal relationship as tightly as they embrace one another when no one is looking.
This hot love affair, and the tension that comes with it, spans almost a decade during a time when saying “I’m sorry” wasn’t as easy as having a cell phone at the fingertips and time when keeping tabs on an ex wasn’t a social network page away.
The series is released as a box set, which means hours of uninterrupted summer reading ahead.
EXCERPT
“How many times can I apologize?”
With the chair in her hand, and magazine in other, she couldn’t fend him off when he retaliated by pulling her back against his wet length, and by grabbing her. He couldn’t seem to get enough of the little bit of weight gain covered at the moment by her bikini top.
“Can I help it if I like your apologies?”
Jules tried to glare at him, but she couldn’t. The memory he’d just alluded to was only a few weeks old. They had been alone in his bedroom, and she couldn’t even remember what she had been sorry for. It had been something silly… just an excuse to goof off… to fool around… to go down.
The blush heating her face had to be visible even in the hot sun. Thankfully, both Candi and Marc were somewhere on a wave far behind them as Matt was just coming in from an attempted ride on the board. Several people were scattered on the beach, but seemed to be paying no mind to them. It was a good thing. Because Matt must have remembered the aforementioned apology in detail as soon as he said it.
“You have only yourself to blame.” Jules told him when she felt his plight.
“That’s just not true. I blame you. Surfing in your little bikini. Sitting here in your little bikini…”
His hands had dropped to her waist. Maybe in self-defense to remind her she was a human shield. Water dripped from his hair as he bent his head, speaking his seductive words right next to her ear. Seducing her in front of at least a dozen people, ankle deep in high tide, at high noon.
Lisa Gillis resides in Texas and often references this state in her books. Writing is a recent passion, and she strives in her books to blend a perfect mixture of fantasy and reality. Her love for music, bands, and concerts inspired her Strings Series. When she is not writing those little voices out of her head while listening to music, she is making her own noise on drums or guitar. You can visit her at http://www.rockstarreads.com/
In fact, welcome to the last CentreStage of 2013! It’s only fitting, therefore, that it should be a very special edition indeed. One that combines music with winter romance. I have the wonderful Jennifer M. Eaton here today to talk about her latest release. Take it away, Jen!
Paper Wishes
Merry Christmas! I love this time of year, don’t you? Except for the snow. I can really do without the white stuff. Unless I can stay home. I just don’t like to drive in it.
Did you catch that rambling? That was me beating around the bush because Nicky asked me to come up with a song for my Christmas romance Paper Wishes. Shoot that was hard!
I think I found the perfect song though… but then I had to find a video of someone who didn’t butcher the heartfelt lyrics! This is very unlike me, but I’m going for a classic voice to go along with my contemporary novel.
In Paper Wishes, we start off with Jack pining for his best friend Jill. But when Jack gets his Christmas wish… a date with the office she-devil, Jill suddenly realizes how alone she would be without him.
So, what’s the song? Here you go:
Take a listen while you enjoy the first chapter of Paper Wishes.
And if you are feeling Christmasy, Paper Wishes is available now for only $.99! Give your Ereader a stocking stuffer. 🙂 Click here to buy it now…
Paper Wishes: The Blurb…
Jill has no idea what she wants for Christmas, but when it looks like her best friend Jack is going to get exactly what he asks for, Jill makes a Christmas wish that will change both of their lives forever.
…and the Excerpt
I scrolled the words Dear Santa across the page. For crying out loud, how stupid is this?
“Come on, Mom,” Nicole said, placing a long fold in her letter. “It’s not that hard.”
I dropped my pen on the table. “It’s hard if you’re a grown-up.”
“Just write down what you want.” She bent and tucked the folds together, molding her letter into a perfect origami star.
“But I don’t want anything.”
Nicole held up her creation, scratching a freckled cheek. “Everyone wants something.” She fastened a paperclip to her star and hung it on the Christmas tree. The matte paper stood out from the bright glass ornaments.
I ran my fingers across my bare neckline. I’d love to have back the ornate silver and gold necklace that Nicole broke a few months ago, but I couldn’t write that. It would hurt her feelings.
“I’m too old to be writing to Santa,” I announced.
“Then write to God. He listens too.”
I narrowed my eyes. Stinker. “Okay…” I placed my pen on the sheet and crossed out Dear Santa. “Okay. Dear God.” I sighed. “It’s not helping. I still don’t know what to ask for.”
I threw my long, dark ponytail over my shoulder and tapped my pen across the sheet, leaving a wavy line of dots marring the clean, white-lined paper.
Nicole shook her head, jostling her auburn locks. “Come on, Mom. Just write something. It’s God. He already knows what you want.”
“Then can He tell me?” The rumble of the school bus granted me a temporary respite. “Grab your lunch.”
“Got it.” She tossed the brown bag into her backpack and grabbed her jacket off the back of the chair. “See you later, Mom.” The screen door slammed behind her, rattling the knickknacks on the shelf beside the door. The frigid December air swirled through the kitchen, pushing the paper across the table.
I tossed my pen to the side and poured myself another cup of coffee. Liquid heaven rolled down my throat. Well, day-old reheated liquid heaven. I tossed the rest down the sink. Coffee Stop drive-through here I come. I popped the last bit of toast into my mouth and grabbed my car keys.
The nearly empty sheet of paper shifted across the tabletop as I passed by. The words Dear God taunted me.
Writing the letter didn’t seem like a game anymore.
Dear God… it doesn’t get more serious than that.
What do I want? I hadn’t thought of it much since Bill took off on us. The pressure of being both Mommy and Daddy left little time for thinking about me. What I wanted was for Nicky to be happy. Nothing else seemed to matter.
I eased back down into my chair, picked up the pen, and began tapping it on the paper again. Another line of scrolling black dots appeared across the sheet. What do I want… really? My wrist flicked, and I wrote the word please.
I stared at the letters, and before I knew it a sentence had formed. Fifteen little words stared up at me, the blue ink solid and demanding on the white ruled page.
Permanent, but ridiculous.
It’s not even what I want. I crumpled the letter into a ball and tossed it over the counter. It scooted across the beige surface before slipping off and falling into the trashcan.
Done.
I’m too old for Christmas wishes anyway.
###
Paper Wishes is on sale now for just $.99! Snuggle up with a great Christmas Romance today! Click here to buy it now!
About Jennifer M. Eaton
Jennifer M. Eaton is a contemporary blender of Science Fiction, Dystopian, and Romance. Her work ranges from the sweet contemporary romances of Paper Wishes, to the dystopian society of Last Winter Red and Optimal Red, with a dusting of young adult paranormal just for fun in The First Day of the New Tomorrow.
While not off visiting other worlds, Jennifer calls the East Coast of the USA home, where she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband, three energetic boys, and a pepped up poodle.
Full time team leader, full time mom, and full time novelist… what more can you ask for? Writing help did you say? Well, sure! Jennifer hosts an informational blog aimed at helping all writers be the best they can be. Stop on by and chat. She loves to hear from fans! http://www.jennifermeaton.com/
Paper Wishes: Jill has no idea what she wants for Christmas, but when it looks like her best friend Jack is going to get exactly what he asks for, Jill makes a Christmas wish that will change both of their lives forever.
Last Winter Red: In search of a husband, Emily leaves the safety of the city and risks her life stepping into the outside world. What she finds there will question the foundations of everything she believes in. Available as part of the Make Believe anthology.
The First Day of the New Tomorrow: Maya dreams of having everything she wants, but when she gets it, she can’t give it back fast enough. (Coming in September, 2013 from Muse It Up)
Woohoo! Congratulations on your latest release, Jennifer, and wishing you a fabulous Christmas! May all your (paper) wishes come true… Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Such a lovely title! XX Rock on… 🙂
Photos and images used on this blog stem from one of two sources. Either they are Nicky Wells' own images or photos, or photos and images supplied by, and used with permission of, the author(s) featured in a given post. Logos and blog award images are used with permission of the originating organisation(s). Occasionally, the blog will feature images used under a Creative Commons license, which will be clearly indicated and credited. Copying, sharing or distribution of these photos and images is not authorized unless prior written permission is given.
Copyright by Nicky Wells
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Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy worked as a trainee journalist for a local newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she took the job of assistant editor for the region’s largest English language publisher before becoming editor of a monthly lifestyle magazine. Early in 2010 however, Suzy became a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan’s Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo, We Stand Against Evil (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless, And Then There Was You, Stormy Summer and her latest, Aphrodite’s Closet.
Nicky Wells: Love & Thrills 