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A visit with Candy Hearts author Angela Hayes

Today I get to talk to one of my favorite people and authors, my Candy Hearts sistah, Angela Hayes. Her CHR selection GOT LOVE? drops tomorrow, and it’s a goodie! Stick around until the end for an excerpt and you can read my review of this fun Valentine’s Day novella. Here’s Angela:

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1. What was the inspiration – aside from the candy hearts candies(!) for your book?

The idea for Got Love? actually grew from an idea for another short story I was trying to puzzle out, that features my main character, Flora’s, best friend Fia. From the beginning I wanted there to be a secret community of fae living among humans and with the Valentine’s theme, it seemed only natural to write about a cupid. Add in a florist and you’ve got the stereotypical Valentine’s bases covered.

Knowing Fia’s story wouldn’t work for the Candy Hearts series I put it on the back burner to write Flora’s and in the process have set up not only Fia’s story, but one for Flora’s other friend, Runa as well.

2. Love the title : GOT LOVE.  Is there a story behind your choice of that one?

When the call went out for Candy Hearts and we were told our titles needed to be found on one of the actual pieces of candy, I hit the net to find a list of choices. Boy, where there a bunch. Keeping in mind that I wanted to use a cupid, when I came across, Got Love?, I thought, what better title could there be! And when I kept visualizing him in a red-tshirt, with Got Love? written in white across his chest, I knew I had a keeper. Sadly, it’s too cold for my cupid, Tharin, to wear a t-shirt, but maybe in the next book.

3. Since the CH series are all novellas, was it harder to write this length than a full length novel? I ask because sometimes it’s hard to fit everything you want to say to serve the story in a certain lower word count.

Working a full-time job and raising tweens makes it hard for me to get any type of writing done lately. But with a rather quick deadline, trying my hand at a novella was right up my alley. Keeping the word count low actually worked in my favor, since I was able to write Got Love? in less than a year!

4. What special things/events/or presents do you give your Valentine(s) every year?

The hubby, kids, and I always celebrate with food. We either head out to eat, or fire up the grill.

5. Best Valentine’s gift (given to you) ever?

I’m going to say this year’s book release will the best gift ever. That’ll be hard to top!

GOT LOVE?

BLURB

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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, gorse fairy, Flora Hawthorne is up to her neck in flowers, chocolate, and all things romance. She has no time for love, until she comes face to face with her own personal Cupid and the sparks fly!

Looking to settle down, Cupid Tharin Terize wants fairy Flora Hawthorne to be his valentine, not just for one night, but for the rest of time. Now, all he has to do is convince her.

EXCERPT

Tucking a few extra napkins in her coat pocket, Flora picked up her coffee, only to spin around and smash right into a cashmere-clad brick wall.

Aw, snapdragons!” She exclaimed over a chorus of stunned gasps and excited squeals, the contents of her cup now soaking the shirt in front of her. Thinking quickly she dropped the near empty cup, pulled her scarf from around her neck, and used it to blot at the spreading coffee stain. “Sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s my fault, I was too close.”

Flora looked up. All rational thought fled her mind. This was no elf, fairy, or nymph in front of her. Oh, no, this was a cupid! Gorgeous beyond description with tempting chocolate eyes a fae-kin could get lost in for days, he had a neatly-trimmed beard that framed a perfect white smile and dark shoulder-length hair that accented a face obviously carved by The Mother, Cailleach Bheur herself.

“Wow, you are ripped under there, aren’t you?” She admired without thinking, only to blush when she realized what she’d said. The man was in possession of a clearly well-muscled chest and the requisite washboard abs that went with it. “Not that I’m trying to cop a feel or anything,” she confessed. “But that’s nice. Kudos on the hard work by the way.” Shaking her head, Flora mentally chided herself. This was not going well.

Buy Links

Amazon       Wild Rose Press

My Review of GOT LOVE?

 

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Filed under Author, Candy Hearts, love, Romance, Romance Books, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

Week 5 of the Candy Hearts Romances

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Today I get to introduce you to  Debra Druzy, Heidi Kneale, J.C.McKenzie, and Annette Miller and their Candy Hearts Romances DARE ME, MARRY MEBE MY LOVE, and WWW.CUPID. And remember: there’s a RAFFLECOPTER CONTEST from the WILD ROSE PRESS to win a KINDLE FIRE. Details are below.

DARE ME ( Debra Druzy)

Blurb:

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For wedding stylist Misty Morningside, mixing business with pleasure is a professional no-no. That is, until she runs into wedding photographer Adam Wright at a Valentine’s Day event. Dare they set aside business for one night of pleasure?

Excerpt:

“A girl could get used to this kind of TLC. Don’t spoil me or you’ll never get rid of me.” Misty licked the marinade from her lips.

“I have every intention of keeping you, Misty Morningside. Now that I have you, I’m not letting you go. Ever.” Hunger radiated from his gaze as if she were the next course.

Heat crept into her cheeks at his soulful secret that stole her breath. She dodged the last bite on the fork and swooped in for a first kiss but he stealthily avoided it.

“One more bite.” Adam fed Misty final morsel then dabbed her mouth with a white linen napkin.

He might be playing the role of a perfect alpha-gentleman, but beneath that proper tuxedo was the scrappy teenager notorious for cutting class to sneak onto the football field, under the bleachers with the flavor-of-the-week. She’d studied those smooth moves, watching bird’s-eye from the second story window of Scenic View High School, wishing she could be one of his many conquests. Now was her chance.

He held a fresh flute of champagne to her lips, but the mischievous twinkle in his whiskey eyes had her craving something else—something harder between her thighs.

“Ready for dessert?”

More than ready. She clenched her lips to keep from saying something that would come back to bite her in the end and nodded instead.

God, what am I thinking? Where’s my mantra? Drowning in champagne, so it seemed.

It was only fair to warn him her career came before everything, but she didn’t want to ruin the mood talking about work. Just because they were single, consenting adults didn’t mean this filly should break the stallion and make him her stud—not when her commitment to the family business left so little room for monkey business.

Then again…

If there ever was a perfect time to be fooling around, Valentine’s Day was it. Only a couple of hours remained, and by God, her libido deserved to go out with a bang. A great big mind-blowing she-bang. As much as she wanted to get her hands on the bridal boutique in the near future, she wanted Adam now.

Forget the mantra for one night. She’d be sure to screw on her head properly tomorrow.

Buy Links:

Amazon    WIld Rose Press

About the Author:

Debra Druzy by KMPNY-11Debra Druzy is a married, stay-at-home mom, writing romance in between running errands and doing household chores.

Find Debra here: Debra Druzy’s Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | TWRP | Amazon | Newsletter

 

MARRY ME by Heidi Kneale

Blurb:

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In 1905 New York City, affluent Millie Moore wants to be outspoken like the suffragettes she admires. She also wants to rid herself of an annoying and controlling suitor. For a well-brought up young lady whose mother fears her impending spinsterhood, speaking her mind is an uphill battle.

When Raymond Wilson sees Millie at a rally, it’s love at first sight. Not wanting his stutter to ruin his chances, he enchants a little candy heart to do his talking for him.

For Millie, Raymond is a breath of fresh air. And maybe, just maybe, someone she could love. But for her social-climbing suitor Guy Wilson, he’s a threat to his plans. And Raymond isn’t the only one who knows something about magic. Now the ante has been upped and Millie is the prize…

Excerpt:

A giggle rose up inside Millie. “Do you always carry around candy?”

“A g-g-ood uncle is a-a-a-always p-prepared.”

Raymond patted down his pockets. His hand rested over his heart for a moment. A coy little smile played his lips. Then he reached into another pocket and brought out a rumpled white bag from Smith’s. He pulled out a heart.

“I—I been s-s-aving th-th-these in c-c-ase I f-found you ag-g-gain.” From the inside of his jacket he produced a pencil. He wrote a tiny message on the heart before he gave it to her.

“Eat me!” it squeaked.

How adorable.

Her laughter bubbled up unrestrained. “Is it safe?”

He nodded.

She looked at the heart, hesitated, and then held it up to his lips. “You first.”

He opened his mouth and accepted the heart from her delicate fingers. He sucked on it and closed his eyes in delight. “Mmmm…” He leaned back against the iron railing and gave himself over to the joys of a little conversation heart.

Millie let out a breath. “Are you teasing me?”

He lifted a single eyelid. “Yep.”

Extracting another heart, he wrote, “Sweet Lips.”

He held it up for her. “Y-your t-turn.”

Buy Links:
Wild Rose Press    Amazon

About the Author:

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Heidi Kneale is an Australian author of moderate repute best known for her escapist fiction–especially Fantasy and Romance. She lives in Western Australia, near the ocean. Like most humans, she’s got a family. She also associates with the World’s Most Boring Cat. When not writing novels, she composes music and stares at the stars.

You can find Heidi here:

WebsiteBlogFacebook/  Twitter/

Goodreads/ Amazon/

 

BE MY LOVE, by J.C. McKenzie

Blurb:

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Broken-hearted and bitter, Brenna Jones plans to spend Valentine’s weekend at her parents’ cabin, reading romance novels and devouring heart-shaped candy. When her truck hits a snowdrift and plows into a bank—during a storm, no less—her plans take a drastic detour. Eric Buchanan, the playboy jerk from her past, comes to her aid. He’s her only option for reaching safety.

Eric can’t wait to escape his parents’ latest attempt to set him up. He’s given up on happiness, knowing he blew his chance at love a decade ago. When his snowmobile ride turns into a harrying escape from a blizzard, he discovers Brenna stranded in the storm. After he ensures her safety, he plans to explain the misunderstanding that tore them apart. Can a secluded cabin help Eric convince Brenna to be his love?

Excerpt:

Candlelight probably wasn’t a great idea. It wouldn’t exactly dampen the growing tension in the cabin, but at least it would distract her from the near-naked man a few feet away.

After searching a few drawers, she found the matches. She milled around, lighting candles and placing them in the kitchen and living room. The soft light flooded the room, adding shadows and the soft fragrance of vanilla. She didn’t use all of them. The candles and flashlight batteries needed to last. They might be holed up here for days.

Days.

Alone with Eric Buchanan in a candle-lit, secluded cabin.

Another deep breath.

She switched off the flashlight and turned to Eric. He sat in front of the fire, leaning back and supporting himself with his arms. The light from the roaring fire licked his chest and highlighted his well-defined abs.

As if he sensed the weight of her attention, he turned and his green gaze locked with hers. Images overtook her mind—their naked bodies entangled in the dancing light of the fire, his hard body pressed against hers, Eric leaning back wearing the same content expression he wore now as she straddled him.

A little devil popped up on her shoulder. You could have that.

Buy Links:

Amazon         The Wild Rose Press

About the Author:

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Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

Find J.C. Here:

J.C. McKenzie’s Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | TWRP | Amazon | Newsletter

 

 

 

 

WWW.CUPID by Annette Miller

Blurb:

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Allison McCall, supervisor in the Romance and Proposal Department of Cupid Corp., firmly believes rules are meant to be followed, yet her own love life is unfulfilling.

Preston Carlyle, Allison’s former boyfriend and one of her more creative agents, believes rules should be broken occasionally to give true love a chance. Only, he’s having a hard time convincing Allison and Cupid his techniques are working.

From the disastrous paperwork and the frequency of Allison’s visits to Cupid’s office on Preston’s behalf, she fears her position and his job are in jeopardy.
But when she finds out he’s requested a transfer to the Holiday Security Agency, Allison decides to prove she cares for him…even if it means breaking a few rules.

Excerpt:

“Come in, Preston, and shut the door.”

“Uh oh,” he said and the door closed with a quiet click. “Not even a please. What did I do this time?”

“This time?” Flinging open his file, she snatched the top paper off and shook it at him. “How about your recent trip to a major theme park? You were supposed to get the young man to propose during the fireworks show, but did you?”

Preston grinned. “Any rookie could have pulled that off. My idea was much better.”

Allison jumped to her feet and slammed her hands on her desk. “Your ‘much better idea’ just landed me in hot water with Cupid! I’m sick of being called on the carpet because you can’t follow the rules and do your job within the parameters of the file you’re given.”

“Come on, Allie. The fact he proposed while she was throwing up after getting off the roller coaster and she accepted, ought to count for something. Think of the great stories they’ll have to tell their kids.”

She narrowed her eyes. The fact he still insisted on calling her by her college nickname told her he’d never live up to become the agent she, and Cupid, she quickly added, wanted him to be.

“Their future relationship is not our department. Shape up or I swear I’ll ship you back down to Flowers and Poetry. As much as you complained about being there, do you really want to go back?”

He stared at her. “No, ma’am. But you wouldn’t do that to me, would you?”

“Yes, I would, in a heartbeat. We have to watch what we do and say these days. Cupid Corporation is merging with Aphrodite Enterprises. Any hiccup now could hinder the merger going through on time. You know how skittish Aphrodite can be. She’s already unsure she should go through with it. Now get your report written and in to me by the end of today. I’m still waiting for the ones from yesterday, too. And my name is Allison, not Allie. Please remember that next time.”

“Fine.” He gazed at her for a few moments. “You’ve changed, Allie, and I’m not sure it’s good for you.”

“I could say the same about you,” she said quietly.

Allison watched Preston leave, then sat, laid her head on her desk, and thumped her fist lightly against the stack of paperwork next to her. Why couldn’t he be the way he was in college? Why did he always have to do things his way? Why was the man so infuriating? She lifted her head before sitting back and smiled. And why did he have to look so adorable while he did it? If only he would follow the rules.

Sarah poked her head into Allison’s office. “So, not good?”

“No. We still on for lunch?”

“Of course.”

Buy Links:

Wild Rose Press      Amazon

About Annette:

I graduated from Mercy High in Baltimore, MD in 1981 and got married to an Air Force man in 1982. We have two amazing boys who have grown into amazing young men. We spent sixteen years in southern New Jersey, four of them at McGuire AFB and the rest in Hammonton. We currently live in Memphis, TN where science fiction, wrestling, and hockey take up what time the cat doesn’t.

Friend Annette Here:  Facebook

 

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I don’t just write, you know…

Recently, on my blog, I shared a conversation I had in the nail salon where a fringe acquaintance asked me, “Is writing all you do?” Yes, she did leave the salon upright – my nails were wet and I didn’t want to damage them – but it wasn’t the first time I’ve been asked that question since I retired and started writing full time. It’s made me mad a few times, chuckle some others, and left me befuddled a lot. A. Lot.

Why do people ask a question like that? To me, it’s as insulting as saying to a stay-at-home-Mom, “Oh, you stay home. You don’t work.” Hello? Have you ever seen a stay-at-home-mom? She may not be going outside the home to earn a paycheck, but she works 24/7/365, she’s always on-call for emergencies and the first line of defense with everything child, spouse, and home related.

The reasons I get crazed when someone says things like, “Oh, you write. Must be nice to be home all day just lounging around,” or, “You’ve got it made, never having to work at a real job,” are varied, but uppermost, they’re downright insulting. The implication of being a writer is that you don’t do anything during the day. You sit around eating Milano cookies and watching TLC. Do people actually believe that? Are they that stupid? Where do they think the books that are written come from? The minds of computers? Monkeys with keyboards? Do they think there are little fairies sitting in cupboards trolling them out? Where?

I spend 6-10 hours, 5 days a week writing, and 3-5 hours daily on the weekends. That includes not only writing my novels, but I also manage 2 blogs, pay blog visits to other sites at least 5 times per month, and am in charge of my marketing/promotion for my books. No time for cookies and reality tv, folks.

During the times I am not writing, I run the house which includes cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, bill-paying, exercising, etc. I don’t have a cleaning lady. I don’t have an assistant. I don’t have an intern. I do it. All of it. When my husband comes home from work we eat a made-from-scratch dinner cooked by…you got it: me.

And when all of those things are said and done, I also read for pleasure (other authors!), I love to cook new dishes and recipes from the 100+ cookbooks I have, and I paint.

No, dear nail salon bimbo, writing isn’t all I do. I have a life; a damn good one, too.

So, there.

….and here’s an example of what I’ve been writing. On 2/8/16 3 WISHES (A Candy Hearts Romance) is released. You can preorder now, here:

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And here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ to whet your reading appetite:

It was Dr. Dreamy.

The man had been a hunk-a-doodle when he’d been in my shop. Right now he looked like sex on a candy stick. Tall, lithe, wide-shouldered and narrow-hipped in his scrubs, he was every fantasy I’d ever had about what my man would look like. He stood in the doorway of the waiting room and stared at me.

And I stared right back.

“I assume she’s your mother,” he said, hooking his thumb in the general direction behind him.

I nodded. He grinned, and my toes curled up at the tips. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
I winced and replied, “She means well.”
Even to my ears it sounded more like a weak question than a declaration.
His grin spread, and I swear my girlie parts quivered. Quivered.

When he came toward me, eating up the floor with his long stride, a hot bead of awareness burst from somewhere deep, deep down inside me.

When he was within smelling distance—and have I mentioned how amazing he smelled—he stopped, his gaze lasered on my face.

Dear Reader: want more? You know what to do, LOL!

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Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Life challenges, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

The Art of BALANCE

Can you juggle? I don’t mean balls or plates or brightly colored juggling clubs. Can you juggle your writing life, your personal life, your career/job life and your life in general and not drop the balls – literally – at every turn?

If you answered yes, please know I hate you. (Not really!)

If you answered no, please know you and I are simpatico; twins separated at birth.

After the New Year I was asked to come back to the job I retired from last summer to help out in a “crisis situation.” My first thought and reaction was that knee-jerk NO I’ve been trying to get away from this year and that I mentioned in a previous blog.

The crisis at work was real, and I knew the staff I loved like they were my own children were suffering, so I agreed to go back on a per diem basis with an expiration date stamped on my forehead and the ability to do some of the work from my home desktop.

To say they were ecstatic isn’t even close to their gratification. But I digress…

For the past few months I’ve been learning how to balance my life with the added plus of being able to write to my heart’s content all day. No longer have I had to plan my writing around family time, chore time, or work-outside-the-house time. I’ve been pretty successful at the balance. Food gets cooked, clothes are clean and put away in a timely fashion, and the house looks presentable. Plus, I’ve written two more books and edited three. Nice.

But I’ve been back to work for 2 weeks and that balance is starting to shift again to where it was before I retired. The house looks like it belongs in tornado-alley, I have several piles of laundry just waiting to get done, and last night we had leftovers for dinner – and I loathe leftovers!

My writing has suffered, too. I haven’t been able to do marathon sessions anymore, something I love because I hate to stop when the flow gets, well, flowing. I have two releases coming out in the next two months and the publicity and marketing stuff for those are taking up a huge chunk of my free time, so the time to create new stuff is getting overtaken.

One thing I am grateful for is the Candy Hearts releases this past month, because I got most of those blogs ready in December before the proverbial s**t hit the fan, so I can just upload them on the days they are scheduled for and not worry about a blog piece…like this one.

Last year was a lifetime away for me, so I’m at my wit’s end to try and figure out this life juggle balance act. I would greatly – IMMENSELY! – appreciate any and all tips on how to do this balance dance from those of you who have more to juggle than I do – like children still at home, and full time jobs  (not the per diem I have).

So, let’s discuss…..what works for you, what helps you balance writing with your life, and, sometimes more importantly, what doesn’t?

 

Coming 2/8/16  3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance)

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 Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

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New Candy Hearts Releases

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Today, I’m introducing you t0 3 more Candy Hearts authors, Tanya Henson, Erin Bevan, and Anita Kidesu and their Candy Hearts stories:   PICK ME, TEXT ME and SURPRISE ME. And don’t forget to enter THE WILD ROSE PRESS RAFFLECOPTER for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE. Details below.

PICK ME (Tanya Hanson)

Blurb:

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Volunteering at a horse rescue has helped heal schoolteacher Kelsey Hunter after her celebrity ex’s betrayal. Life in the rural California community suits her better than the bling of Hollywood. When she seeks help for a classroom project, she’s thrown into the sphere of a down-to-earth organic farmer and horseman who could really steal her heart…

Landry Mills, successful mega-spokesmodel for a famed Westernwear line, returns to his hometown to regroup and reconsider signing the next contract. Meeting Kelsey explodes feelings in him he wants to make real. But finding out a fancy director’s son recently crushed her spirit has him take things slow. What will Kelsey do when she finds out he’s a celebrity in his own right? He might not be able to bear it…

Excerpt:

Landry stalked to the house and banged the screen door behind him. His furrowed brow stared back at him from his sister’s hallway mirror. A long, long time since any woman had said no to being with him. He didn’t much like the feeling.

Truth was, most times he did the refusing. Holding off pop stars seeking Americana photo-ops, keeping at bay minor European royalty in pursuit of a Wild West cowboy. Or the current divorced/separated/estranged Housewife of Somewhere Stupid wanting to appear wholesome.

He grumbled. And coffee wasn’t even a date.

On his way to the kitchen, he passed a credenza crowded with framed pictures. All the right family ones, but far too many of him.

From inside Amy’s fridge, he grabbed a bottle of cold water, held it against his hot face, then slammed the appliance door. Grunted, wondered at his pique. Maybe because he had decided to come home. To stay this time. Maybe try to find what Amy and Declan had had. Something real.

Even though it hadn’t lasted long enough for his sister. Iraq…There was something different about Kelsey Hunter. Something real about a hard-working woman in tight jeans helping out critters. He took a long swig, remembered. Stretchy pink tank top damp in the right places. Righteous dirt underneath her fingernails. Cinnamon freckles sprinkled across her nose, bright eyes, and brunette hair just a tad lighter than dark-roast coffee mixed with cream. All delicious.

Coffee!

“My goodness, big brother, what’s the deal?” Amy interrupted, trudging in from the living room. She reached for her car keys from a basket on the granite counter. Joy flitted across her face even now. The old house’s kitchen renovation had been his gift to her two Christmases ago. Sometimes his shoulder still felt the damp tears of her gratitude.

For a flash, he glanced out the window up into the hills. He couldn’t see the construction site from here, but he knew exactly where it was. Winsome Hill, the eco-friendly house he was building for himself. Amy had great taste all her own. Her choices for the place had been spot on. Just the right touch of woman for a bachelor pad.

And not so much to threaten another woman.

“You look like you’ve gone and lost your best friend,” she said.

Landry grumbled. He hadn’t had any real friends for far too long. Just hangers-on. Sycophants. An “entourage” of butt-kissers eager for handouts.

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press   Amazon

Author Bio

tanya

A native Californian, I call the central coast my happy home where I live with my firefighter husband.  Traveling to gorgeous places like Hawaii and the Canadian Rockies, volunteering at the local horse rescue, and cuddling up with my two little grandsons are pretty much the chapters of my life.
I’m a high school English teacher by profession, but romance writing is tons different than the classroom. Thanks to the Romance Writers of America and Los Angeles Romance Authors, I learned how to do it right.
Find Tanya here:   Website /Twitter

 

TEXT ME (Erin Bevan)

Blurb:text me

When Erika’s ex becomes her boss less than a year after dumping her by text, she gets desperate to find a date to the corporate Valentine’s dance so he doesn’t suspect she still has feelings for him. Though not a fan of texting for the obvious reason, she doesn’t have much choice but to tap the keypad in order to gain the attention of the only viable candidate from the classified ads.

Grayson made the mistake of listening to his brother a year ago and has regretted what he did to Erika ever since. But his brother’s next suggestion just might be his salvation when he takes out an ad for a Valentine’s date…and Erika answers.

Using a pseudo name and keeping contact to text messages only, Grayson’s plans to make Erika fall back in love with him appears to be working…until the date of the dance draws near, and she pushes a meeting—face to face.

Excerpt:

Valentine’s Day.

She sank deeper into the couch. What was she going to do? She couldn’t show up alone to the company dance. Not with the chance of Grayson being there. No way.

“Maybe go to another speed dating session?” She grabbed a tissue off the coffee table and wiped the excess slime from her fingers.

“My hairdresser’s single. You want me to ask him?”

“Your hairdresser’s gay. I don’t think he’d be interested in me.”

“Really?” Megan gave her a funny stare.

“Really.” Erika snorted. “Have you not seen the picture of him and his ex-partner at his station?”

“That was his partner?” Her friend’s mouth gapped open. “I thought it was his brother.”

She shook her head. Her friend was one of the smartest people she knew, but common sense eluded the girl.

Megan popped more hearts in her mouth. “That explains so much now,” she mumbled around the candy. “No wonder my hair always looks good.”

“Yes, it does.” Erika sipped her wine.

Her friend swallowed. “Well, I’m sorry, honey. I don’t know any single guys. If I did, I’d try to date them myself.”

“That’s okay.” She sighed and slumped back onto the sofa.

“Is Grayson single?”

“I don’t know. Why are you asking?” She narrowed her gaze. “You want to date him?”

“No.” Her friend said “no” as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. “I’m thinking about you. You wouldn’t go back out with Grayson again, would you? Please say no.” Megan’s shoulders sagged.

Go back out with Grayson. She never thought she’d be given another chance. Would she go back out with him after the way he treated her? Of course not. She deserved better, despite how wonderful he had been.

“I don’t think so. He really hurt me. I can’t give him that privilege again.”

“Good for you.” Her roommate perked up and patted her on the back. “Stay strong. You’ll find someone.”

“You’re right. I’m going to have a date for that corporate Valentine’s dance, even if I have to search the classifieds.”

“Surely, it won’t come to that.” Megan held up her glass for a toast.

Erika clinked hers with her friend’s. “Yeah, surely.”

Her roommate sat her glass down on the table and reached for more hearts.

“Here, give me one of those.”

“I love reading the little sayings.” Megan passed her a heart and tossed her dark hair behind her shoulder. “What’s yours say?”

She flipped over the candy to see the phrase. Bright pink letters stared back at her. Oh, you can’t be serious. “‘Text me’. Seriously?”

Megan burst out laughing.

“You would find that funny.” Erika popped the heart in her mouth and obliterated the little saying she had grown to hate so much.

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press         Amazon 

About Erin Bevan

Erin8

 

Erin Bevan is a wife and mother of three. An avid reader, one day she decided to try her luck in writing stories of her own, and the idea paid off. She spends her days deep in the heart of Texas, fighting mosquitoes, cleaning dirty faces, and writing when the kids nap. If it’s a really good day, she even finds time to brush her hair.

Find Erin here: Facebook   Website   Twitter

 

 

Surprise Me ( Anita Kidesu)

Blurb:

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Josie and Carson Sandberg are on the cusp of being empty-nesters. With a cross-country move and Carson’s busy work schedule, there hasn’t been much time to connect. When gifted with a romantic getaway and challenge that says “Surprise Me,” the two embark on a trip that reveals secret desires and more. But sometimes a fantasy is better left undiscovered.

Excerpt:

“Follow you home?” he asked, calculating in his mind how long it would take before he could get her in bed.

“I have a better idea.”

“What?”

“I can’t wait to go home to make love. Let’s go parking.”

Carson swallowed around the lump in his throat. “Parking? That’s for kids. We haven’t gone parking since…”

She chucked him under his chin. “I know. Since high school. But, surprise, I want to go parking.” She tugged on his earlobe. “Fumble in the dark. Sex in the back seat. Steam up the windows.”

Grabbing her hand, he headed for the parking lot. His cock pulsed to the beat of his pounding heart. If this was her idea of how to begin their Surprise Me week, then they were off to a good start. “Whose vehicle?”

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press       Amazon:

About Anita:

My picture resized (2)

From the time she was a teenager, Anita would sneak her mother’s romances and read them until all hours of the night. She never thought about creating one herself, but fell into it with a few friends. On an over-long road trip, they started talking about their favorite authors and why they like their books. To kill time, they started making up their own characters and plot.

From that point on, Anita had story ideas and characters filling her head. Finally, to shut them up, (or so she thought), she started writing them down, surprised at how erotic her characters turned out to be.

Now, in between being a pharmacist, taking care of her two cats, and spending time with her family and friends, she writes. Her stories are about love and romance on the edge.

Her first book, South Seas Seduction, an erotica with The Wild Rose Press, was released in March of this year.

Contact Information:

Website/blog:    Facebook:    Twitter: Pinterest:   Amazon:

 

 

Enter the  WILD ROSE PRESS RAFFLECOPTER for a KINDLE FIRE. CLick on the http:// link

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Reviews – a Necessary Evil?

I’ve talked many times about how important reviews of your writing work have become to the present day author. The old sayings a review can make or break you and you are only as good as your next book seem to still be true. I heard a few days ago that Amazon uploads approximately 100,000 new books/novels/novellas/short stories per day, and even if that is remotely true, your ability to get your work “seen” by people who will buy it is crucial. And several excellent reviews can help you attain that goal.

But what about that bad review? A whole sea of 4’s and 5’s, with excellent comments and praise is sitting alongside that 3 –or even worse – 2 star evaluation. What happens then? Do people even consider it, since all the other reviews are glowing? Does a potential reader’s eyes glaze over it, not recognizing it? These are valid questions, but the one that always leaps to my mind is Why, if they didn’t like the book and had nothing – nothing – good to say about it, did they even bother to write a review?

I grew up in a time (in a galaxy far, far away it appears!) where I was taught “If you can’t say something nice or positive, keep your mouth closed.” It’s a practice I struggle with daily, but somehow manage to achieve. Most other people? Not so much.

You see rude comments everywhere these days: television commentators, political analysts, tweets, Facebook comments, music. Even reality tv shows that get the highest ratings are all about how the “housewives” or other cast members bash one another verbally. What the heck has happened to considering the other person’s feelings? When did treat others as you would wish to be treated fly out the window to fall to its civil death?

The internet has made anonymity and the ability to say any old mean thing that pops into your head a normal occurrence. There are no repercussions for rude comments; no responsibility for hurtful and just plain mean words; and no thoughts that you may damaging another person’s reputation – personally AND professionally.

Is it because the person writing and posting the poor reviews or comments feels powerful? Or are they so narcissistic they need to see their name plastered across the internet whether their comment is vile or not? And again, if you truly did not like the book, why waste your time reviewing it? Move on to another book you can like and say good things about. I have started and/or read hundreds – HUNDREDS – of books that I simply did not care for. Some I tossed down after the first few pages, forgotten, while I picked up another. Some I’ve slushed through only to find I shouldn’t have wasted my time. Those books never got a review or rating from me because (a) it would have been a waste of time for me to do, (b) even though I didn’t like it, someone must have because it made it to print, and ( c) as an author I know negative words can hurt, maim, depress, and cause physical pain and I would never want to be the cause of someone else’s feeling of grief or agony.

Am I the only one who feels this way? I’d love to hear from other writers – and even reviewers – about this. Do you post a negative review? If so, why? From authors, have negative reviews hurt you professionally?

And most importantly – how do you recover from, or steel yourself against – those horrible reviews.

Let’s discuss……

Coming 2/8/16 but avialable for PREORDER NOW:: 3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance) 

 Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

Buy Links for 3 WISHES : On Amazon     From The Wild Rose Press

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Week 4 of Candy Hearts

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Today, meet Candy Hearts Authors Misty Simon, Ursula Whistler and Candace Sams and their additions to the series, ONE KISS, JE T’AIME, and EVER AFTER. And don’t forget to enter THE WILD ROSE PRESS RAFFLECOPTER for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE. Details are below.

                                                   One Kiss  ( Misty Simon)

Blurb:perf5.000x8.000.indd

The last place Lorena Weber wants to be on Valentine’s Day is a singles party thrown by her newlywed best friend. But how can she say no? She’ll give it an hour—two, tops—and then she’s heading back to her normal life. But she didn’t plan on seeing the one man who had turned her world on its side New Year’s Eve with one kiss that opened doors she had firmly locked.

Caleb Manning got coerced into attending this ridiculous party by a co-worker. He’ll stay for an hour at most and then he’ll head home. That was the plan until he recognized Lorena across the room and had to see if that kiss was only New Year’s Eve magic or something more.

Excerpt:

By thirty-three he was on the verge of a divorce. The heart attack never came to pass, but the divorce had finalized just before New Year’s Eve, in time for the taxes to be screwed up.

But at least it was over. And he had celebrated New Year’s by going downtown to a local celebration where his new town actually dropped an eight-foot wrench from a crane in celebration of the New Year. The absurdity of the eight-foot wrench had distracted him from his loneliness for the moment. But then he’d been alone while everyone else was hugging and kissing at the stroke of midnight. He’d turned and seen the woman next to him was alone, too. They’d both laughed, shrugged, and then hugged. He hadn’t meant to kiss her, but she’d looked up at him with her mismatched eyes, and he couldn’t resist. Something had flared between them, something impossible to deny. Hell, he hadn’t even tried. It had been short, as kisses went, but it had packed a wallop. He hadn’t been able to get her name, and that was his only regret.

“Caleb!”

He hadn’t moved fast enough into the room for the ball of energy that was Melanie. She must have thought he wasn’t doing enough to immerse himself in her party. “Hey, Mel.”

“Did Dillon get your coat?”

“Yep.” He tucked his hands into his pockets and hunched a little. He felt gargantuan next to her.

“Well, come in and get something to drink. Mingle. The games are going to start in a few minutes, and I want you hydrated.” She smiled, and he blew out a soft breath. He’d had no idea what to expect, and the prospect of games did not exactly inspire confidence in him. But he could always step outside into the frigid February air if he had to. At least she’d calmed down on the exclamation points that had infused her voice for the last ten days. She was like one of the perpetually happy people he wanted to throttle except they were just too cute for him to actually do anything like that.

“Are you sure I can’t help you with anything?” He wasn’t above offering himself to kitchen duty to get out of playing games with a roomful of single people. Knowing Melanie, it would probably be something like Spin the Bottle.

“No, you can’t.” She grabbed his elbow, and he let her lead him out into the living room. “Mingle. And I can find you if you try to sneak away, so don’t.”

With that, she walked away in her four-inch heels like a drill sergeant on a mission, to greet more people coming through the door.

He made no eye contact as he headed for the buffet set up in the spacious dining room. He’d promised Melanie he’d come to her party to get her off his back about finding someone, but he had not agreed to participate in party games. An hour tops and he was leaving.

A woman laughed at the front of the line with a bunch of other women. The husky sound shot like one of Cupid’s arrows down his spine and landed in his gut. Where had he heard that laugh before?

He didn’t place it for a moment. But it all zinged into place when she turned toward him and he caught a full-faced glimpse of her mismatched eyes.

Buy Links

Amazon    Wild Rose Press

Author Bio: Laughter and Love are two main components of any story I write. Laughter really is the best medicine and my heroines always figure that out at some point, though perhaps some later than others. I live in Central Pennsylvania with my family and two rambunctious dogs in a house that is about to celebrate its two hundredth birthday.mistysimon

Website    Facebook     Twitter

 

 

 

Je T’aime ( Ursula Whistler)

Blurb:

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Looking for inspiration, designer Genevieve Hoffman agrees to an apartment swap and heads to the south of France. But when the apartment owner’s brother returns from deployment, she finds herself with a man who inspires fantasies rather than fashion.

Etienne Gagnon barely made it out of Syria alive during his last special forces assignment. All he wants is a little R&R in the apartment he shares with his sister. But the woman making breakfast in his kitchen isn’t his sister. He might not understand a word coming out of her mouth but he has no problem reading body language and likes what she’s saying just fine.

 

Excerpt:

With no more delays, he strode out the door and smiled at her dancing as she cooked in the small kitchen. Her back was to him. Her long black ponytail swung back and forth, opposite her hips. She’d lost some weight, too. Her bare legs had more tone than he remembered from last summer when she’d joined him at the gym. She was singing with such volume she didn’t hear him.

He took advantage of her distraction and grabbed her around the waist as he announced in French, “Surprise! I’m home!”

She snapped her head back, whacking the back of her head into his nose. Sharp pain made him grab his face, letting go of her. Her well-placed elbow cracked against his rib cage. An oof escaped his lips as he absorbed the blow. He backed away just in time to avoid a round kick to his knee. He let go of his side and put both hands in front of his chest in self-defense mode. She’d not land any more hits. “Brigitte! Why? It’s me! Stop this!”

This wasn’t his stepsister. This woman resembled her greatly, except she had larger breasts, better legs, and excellent self-defense tactics. She yelled in English. What she said was a mystery, but her face and body language told him everything he needed to know. She was fully prepared to kick his ass.


 

Buy Links:

Wild Rose Press  Amazon

About the Author:

Ursula Whistler

A few years ago, Ursula Whistler got annoyed at a misunderstanding that happened with a group blog. That anger spurred her to write an erotic romance, which after many rounds of editing, became her first published story. Through some more writing and plenty of support from her colleagues in the Southern Louisiana Romance Writers group, she kept writing contemporary erotic romances mostly set in New Orleans.

Now that she’s moved to Florida, she’s writing and publishing with The Wild Rose Press as she adjusts to beach life and caring for her ailing mother. You won’t hear much about her mother unless you follow her on Facebook or Twitter, but at her website, she writes the stories behind the stories and other snapshots of her life.

 

You can find Ursula here:

Website:     Facebook:    Twitter:      Google+:

                                   Ever After (Candace Sams)

ever after

Blurb:

Dillon Greenleaf is a member of Mythreal royalty and head of his planet’s security. Debutantes have been chasing him his entire adult life in order to wed a man of power, and he’s totally off women in general. But when he meets Keira Foley, an Earth officer, who he suspects is a pirate spy, he finds he quite likes the Plain Jane female.
 
Keira has been pegged brilliant and unattractive by her fellow officers, something she doesn’t mind until she meets the hot, royal stud-muffin who believes she is capable of treason against her own world. When they meet again at the Earth Embassy’s Valentine’s Day ball, Keira however blows Dillon’s mind.
 
Yet, in the midst of trying to find the real traitor, Dillon’s match-making grandmother, and a night made for love, Keira and Dillon must decide if they can put aside their differences in time to find a love that will be ever after.

Excerpt:

What the hell was he thinking?

After raiding Earth’s greenhouses for a way to get his undivided attention, she’d traveled to the remote local in the woodlands, two hours away from any civilization. Aside from this being what she’d romantically referred to as her spot, she’d picked the location because it’d be free of any surveillance devices.

When the sound of a very fast, powerful shuttle sounded in the distance, she stood in the middle of the lovely glen. The time it’d taken him to arrive hadn’t diminished her anger one bit.

As he came closer, slowed the shuttle to a stop and hopped out of it, she didn’t miss the sidearm strapped to his side. Her own was handy on her left hip, being left-handed as she was.

If things went south, there was going to be an investigation that’d rock the whole planet to its core. She prayed he’d listen. But his treacherous act—his obvious sense of being above any laws—led her to believe he wouldn’t.

As he approached, with narrowed eyes and a warrior’s wary stance, she held onto the remaining threads of her temper. How dare he stare at her as though she was the one to be suspected? Where does he get off?

Finally he stopped five feet away. Since she’d called this meeting, she meant to go first.

“I believe this is yours?” she remarked as she held up the small, silver burnt casing of his bugging device between her right thumb and index finger, leaving her gun hand ready. What was left of the device after being remotely fried—in such a way that it wouldn’t even produce a small puff of smoke or any odor—wasn’t much. But the casing had stayed attached to the underside of the embassy desk. No bugging device could be completely eliminated from a remote local, though she was sure he’d counted on her ignorance in even knowing what the remnants of the little round case were.

“The device you used was so highly advanced it heavily scrambled our security camera’s recorded images,” she claimed, “but I managed to piece enough of the video together to see who you were and the date. There was no mistaking a megalithic Mythrealian planting something beneath the general’s desk. All I had to do was check the damned guest list for the last time you were in our compound. The date you were there matched what was on the image!” She slowly shook her head. “Did you honestly think nobody would ever run a security scan? Do you think we’re that backward?”

He lifted his chin and came clean. “I’ll say this for you…your technical skills are beyond good. You managed to reveal my actions so let’s not tarry. Let’s get straight to the point.” He took a deep breath. “Yes…I’ve done exactly as you claim. I bugged your embassy. The act was mine and mine alone. I had no orders to execute this plan.”

She slowly shook her head. “Why? Why, in the name of God, would you do such a thing?”

“Because of you!”

Buy Links:

The WIld Rose Press   Amazon

Amazon Author Bio:

candace sams

CANDACE SAMS (also writing as C. S. Chatterly) graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in agriculture. She worked as a police officer with the State of Texas, the San Diego Police Department, and in a teaching capacity for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Candace is the senior woman on the US Kung Fu Team (three black belts), and has been awarded the Medal of Putien and the Statue of Tao by the Chinese Martial Arts Confederation in Quanzhou, China. She holds international martial arts titles, and is an award-winning fiction author. Contact her through her website at http://www.candacesams.com.

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A visit with Misty Simon, Candy Hearts Author

Today I get to interview MISTY SIMON, author of the Candy Hearts romance  ONE KISS which releases tomorrow! Getting to know Misty I realize we share a lot in common: our love for Stephanie Plum, our need for tunnelvision when working, and the fact we both think a bare wrist can be a turn on! Here’s Misty:

mistysimon

Misty,  The Writer 

  1. What drives you to write? I have so many stories running around through my head and things I’d like to share.
  1. What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why? I write contemporary and romance with mystery because I love happy endings!
  1. What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why? I read historical because they are the one genre I’ll never write so I get to just enjoy them for what the are. Plus, who doesn’t love when a bare wrist can turn a guy on?
  1. What’s your writing schedule? Do you write everyday? I write every day and try to hit at least 1500 words around my day job and family.
  1. Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table? I have a huge desk that’s actually supposed to a breakfast bar. LOL. It’s in the library surrounded by shelves of books.
  1. Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds of the day and use your tunnelvision? Tunnelvision, baby! There are too many things going on with three dogs a teenager and a husband to find total quiet, but I do love my iPod with earbuds.
  1. Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not? And that answered this question, partially  I listen to everything and anything that strikes my fancy at the moment from the 20’s to current plus a ton of classical.
  1. How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP? Because it’s the next book in my Kissinger Kisses story the couple was already there, I just had to come up with their obstacles. I think one very serious woman and one fun-loving guy can create their own shenanigans.
  1. Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why? Character for romance but plot is super important for the mysteries.
  1. What 3 words describes you, the writer? Romance, Mystery, Sass

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Misty – The Person 

  1. Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing! I was classically trained to sing opera
  2. Who was your first love and what age were you? Wil Wheaton and I was twelve ( Awww! Love that! PJ)
  3. If you could relive one day, which one would it be? Think GROUNDHOG DAY, the movie for this one – you’ll have to live it over and over and…. The day I signed my first contract.
  4. Do you like a guy in boxers, briefs, or commando? Well, not that depends…but I really like boxers.
  5. If you had to give up one necessary-can’t-live-without-it beauty item, what would it be? Lip gloss
  6. What three words describes you, the person? Fun, outgoing, dependable
  7. If you could sing a song with Jimmy Fallon, what would it be? I Want You Now by Depeche Mode
  8. If you could hang out with any literary character from any book penned at any time line, who would it by, why, and what would you do together? Stephanie Plum who I would teach to shot and help her remember to get her gun out of her cookie jar

Bonus round

I love the Actor’s Studio show on Bravo, so this is my version of it:

  1. Favorite sound – rain on a tin roof
  2. Least favorite sound – nails on the chalkboard
  3. Best song every written – Somebody
  4. Worst song ever written – That one about the shoes at Christmas
  5. Favorite actor and actress – Harrison Ford and Sandra Bullock
  6. Who would you want to be for 1 day and why? ( It can be anyone living or dead) A duchess in the 1700s just to see what it was like
  7. What turns you on? Intelligence and laughter
  8. What turns you off? Arrogance
  9. Give me the worst 5 words ever heard on a first date ( here’s mine: “Is that your real hair?”) You can’t put that way…
  10. What’s your version of a perfect day? Reading, writing, talking, napping and snuggling.

ONE KISS

Blurb:

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The last place Lorena Weber wants to be on Valentine’s Day is a singles party thrown by her newlywed best friend. But how can she say no? She’ll give it an hour—two, tops—and then she’s heading back to her normal life. But she didn’t plan on seeing the one man who had turned her world on its side New Year’s Eve with one kiss that opened doors she had firmly locked.

Caleb Manning got coerced into attending this ridiculous party by a co-worker. He’ll stay for an hour at most and then he’ll head home. That was the plan until he recognized Lorena across the room and had to see if that kiss was only New Year’s Eve magic or something more.

Excerpt:

By thirty-three he was on the verge of a divorce. The heart attack never came to pass, but the divorce had finalized just before New Year’s Eve, in time for the taxes to be screwed up.

But at least it was over. And he had celebrated New Year’s by going downtown to a local celebration where his new town actually dropped an eight-foot wrench from a crane in celebration of the New Year. The absurdity of the eight-foot wrench had distracted him from his loneliness for the moment. But then he’d been alone while everyone else was hugging and kissing at the stroke of midnight. He’d turned and seen the woman next to him was alone, too. They’d both laughed, shrugged, and then hugged. He hadn’t meant to kiss her, but she’d looked up at him with her mismatched eyes, and he couldn’t resist. Something had flared between them, something impossible to deny. Hell, he hadn’t even tried. It had been short, as kisses went, but it had packed a wallop. He hadn’t been able to get her name, and that was his only regret.

“Caleb!”

He hadn’t moved fast enough into the room for the ball of energy that was Melanie. She must have thought he wasn’t doing enough to immerse himself in her party. “Hey, Mel.”

“Did Dillon get your coat?”

“Yep.” He tucked his hands into his pockets and hunched a little. He felt gargantuan next to her.

“Well, come in and get something to drink. Mingle. The games are going to start in a few minutes, and I want you hydrated.” She smiled, and he blew out a soft breath. He’d had no idea what to expect, and the prospect of games did not exactly inspire confidence in him. But he could always step outside into the frigid February air if he had to. At least she’d calmed down on the exclamation points that had infused her voice for the last ten days. She was like one of the perpetually happy people he wanted to throttle except they were just too cute for him to actually do anything like that.

“Are you sure I can’t help you with anything?” He wasn’t above offering himself to kitchen duty to get out of playing games with a roomful of single people. Knowing Melanie, it would probably be something like Spin the Bottle.

“No, you can’t.” She grabbed his elbow, and he let her lead him out into the living room. “Mingle. And I can find you if you try to sneak away, so don’t.”

With that, she walked away in her four-inch heels like a drill sergeant on a mission, to greet more people coming through the door.

He made no eye contact as he headed for the buffet set up in the spacious dining room. He’d promised Melanie he’d come to her party to get her off his back about finding someone, but he had not agreed to participate in party games. An hour tops and he was leaving.

A woman laughed at the front of the line with a bunch of other women. The husky sound shot like one of Cupid’s arrows down his spine and landed in his gut. Where had he heard that laugh before?

He didn’t place it for a moment. But it all zinged into place when she turned toward him and he caught a full-faced glimpse of her mismatched eyes.

About Misty

Laughter and Love are two main components of any story I write. Laughter really is the best medicine and my heroines always figure that out at some point, though perhaps some later than others. I live in Central Pennsylvania with my family and two rambunctious dogs in a house that is about to celebrate its two hundredth birthday.

Buy Links for One Kiss:

Amazon    Wild Rose Press

Find Misty here:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon Author Page

Here’s a review for One Kiss from a happy reader

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Not bad for a debut novel!

Votes are in and I am proudly putting this on my site for my 3rd place finish!

top10novelr

 

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Filed under Author, Contemporary Romance, MacQuire Women, Romance, Skater's Waltz, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

Today’s Candy Heart releases…

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Meet our next Candy Heart Authors Brenda Gayle, Darcy Lundeen, and Marie  Tuhart and their additions to the growing series, ME+YOU and ADORE ME and MELT MY HEARTAnd don’t forget to click on the link below for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE.

                             Me + You  (Brenda Gayle)

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Blurb

Teacher Lori Tait has always wanted a family, but now she’s 40, she’s pretty much decided all the good men are taken. Instead, she devotes herself to her students, particularly one little girl whose struggle with math seems inconsistent with an otherwise brilliant and artistic mind.

Mark Wilder hadn’t planned to become a father, but when a fling resulted in his daughter, Grace, he whole-heartedly embraced the role. Raised in a family of boys, what does he know about women and girls? Once he learns of Grace’s inability to comprehend basic math, he welcomes the role of tutor as a way to connect with his daughter; the opportunity to spend time with her sexy teacher is an added bonus.

When Lori cracks the mystery of Grace’s problem Mark’s world is thrown into turmoil; he’s the last person who can help his daughter. He pushes everyone away, confirming Lori’s theory about men. Grace, however, has other plans. Using her new-found understanding of math, she sets out to prove to her father and teacher that, together, they add up to the perfect match.

Excerpt

“The bottom line is I want to have a child and if I wait much longer I will be too old to be accepted into an IVF program.”

“I could give you one of my kids on a rotating basis.” Sharon grinned. “You could take a different one every week. Heck, I’d even throw in Tom for a week, he’s almost as bad as the young ones.”

“I’m serious!”

“I know.” Sharon sobered. “But raising a child isn’t easy, especially if you have to do it on your own. For all I rag on Tom about being a big kid, I couldn’t manage without him.”

“Lots of women do it,” Lori said stubbornly.

“True,” Sharon conceded. She took a sip of her drink and then seriously observed Lori over the rim of her cup. “Okay.” She put the cup down on the table and sat up straighter. “But if you’re determined to have a child, don’t do in vitro. Find some sexy hot stud and, at least, have the fun of doing it the old-fashioned way.”

Lori gagged on a mouthful of mochaccino, trying not to spit it out with laughter. “And where do you think I will find such a specimen?” she asked when she managed to compose herself.

Sharon shrugged. “What about Mr. Tall, Dark, and Yummy?” She pointed over Lori’s shoulder.

Lori swiveled in her chair and found herself staring at the crotch of a poster-sized Mark Wilder exiting one of his famous purple Jeeps. She quickly raised her gaze to the familiar stubbled chin and deep brown eyes, but not before she felt the crimson rush of embarrassment flood her face. He was the only man she’d met recently that looked better than his picture. Take a Trip to the Wild Side with Sedona’s Wilder Jeep Tours, the poster proclaimed.

Yessiree, if she was picking a partner on looks alone, she’d definitely take a trip to the wild side with him.

Buy Links:
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Author Bio

brendagaile

I’ve been a writer all my life but returned to my love of fiction after more than 20 years in the world of corporate communications—although some might argue there is plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. I have a Master’s degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in psychology. A fan of many genres, I am drawn to contemporary romance and enjoy creating deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense.

I live in eastern Ontario with my wonderful husband, two fabulous children, a rescued cat, two Siberian Huskies, and assorted aquatic wildlife.

Find Brenda Here:

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                       Adore Me (Darcy Lundeen)

Blurb:adote me

A hacker is targeting Meredith Crismis’s struggling new dessert company. But when the tech firm she depends on sends hunky computer expert Vlad Wiznitsky to fix the problem, things begin improving for Meredith, both personally and professionally.

First, her relationship with Vlad heats up to the sizzling point, then Meredith’s given the chance to snag a wealthy customer who could put her company’s bottom line permanently into the black. It seems like a dream come true, until the persistent hacker turns her “Divine Desserts” website into an X-rated marketplace, the wealthy customer demands a discontinued decorative item or else no sale, and her relationship with Vlad begins to unravel under the pressure of her obsession with professional success.

For a woman who deals with creating intricate wedding cakes and luscious muffins, life has suddenly become the ultimate recipe for disaster.

Excerpt:

“Do you know how long it’s been this way?” he asked.

“After all the trouble I’ve had with my office computer, I decided to check my company site several times a day. As of four-thirty this afternoon, everything was fine, so it hasn’t been long.” Meredith sighed. Just long enough to turn her business into an X-rated paradise for horny consumers.

“Message just came in for you,” Vlad said, and she stopped pacing and went back to the desk, silently praying it wasn’t like the twenty-seven other messages she’d received in the past fifty-two minutes.

As she leaned over his shoulder, she tapped the message tab, stared at the screen, and couldn’t restrain herself when she read the thing. Angry, frustrated, and seriously at the end of her rope, she gave a growl and stabbed her finger at the message.

“I just got another order, this one for two sets of edible underwear in chocolate mint and two sets in blueberry. That’s twenty-eight orders in less than an hour. I never did this good selling desserts.”

She swung away from the computer and went back to her pacing. “I can’t deal with any more of this today. I’ll contact those people in the morning and return their money.”

“Okay, did it,” Vlad said, pushing his chair away from the desk and turning to her. “You no longer sell X-rated sex toys.”

Meredith sank into a chair. “Thank God. If my parents ever saw that, they’d disown me.”

“Actually, I’m a little sorry to see that site go. Some of those toys looked sort of interesting. I mean what’s not to like about frosted condoms?”

She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to look forbidding even though she was feeling much too relieved to be angry. With Vlad on her side, her sense of helplessness was gone and she could even appreciate the crazy, if sick, humor of the situation.

“Interesting?” she said as she took a handful of rubber bands from a bowl on the desk and tossed them at him. “Now you’re really in for it, buddy.”

Vlad ducked and pushed to his feet, coming at her in a crouch. “I’m in for it? Think again, and then tell me who’s in for it.”

Laughing, Meredith sprang from her chair and ran, but he caught her at the door and swung her into his arms.

“Think you’re going to get what you want, eh?” she said, pushing at his chest.

She kicked her feet, and her shoes went flying. But they both knew her resistance was a sham.

He bounced her a little in his arms to get a firmer hold and began walking.

“I think we’re both going to get what I want,” he said, flashing a victorious grin. “And from the feel of things what you want too.”

Buy Links:

Wild Rose Press    Amazon

About Darcy:

Darcy Lundeen

I was born in a big city and grew up amid pavements, pigeons, and the near-constant clamor of bumper-to-bumper traffic and testy pedestrians. In acknowledging my brick-and-asphalt background, my college roommate, who hailed from a small town filled with lush greenery, once actually said, “When did you see your first real tree and did you know what you were looking at?” She later insisted it was a joke, but since she seemed dead serious at the time, I still have my doubts.

A writer and researcher, who has dealt with subjects as diverse as international organizations, multiple sclerosis, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, and the Soviet Union (when there still was a Soviet Union), I enjoy taking long walks, visiting the Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Etruscan and dinosaur exhibits in museums, doing sudoku (but only the easy ones) and concocting stories about everyday people who laugh a lot, cry a little and ultimately find the happily-ever-after they deserve.

At the moment, I still live in a big city, but now thanks to the diligence of the local Parks Department, I can always recognize a real tree when I see one.

Find Darcy here: Facebook/  Facebook Author Page/  Twitter/  Website/

 

MELT MY HEART (Marie Tuhart)

Blurb:

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Veterinarian Lexi Mallory wants to submit to the sexy new Dom from the club, but trauma from her past keeps getting in the way. It’s a good thing Gabriel Huntington has a special way with difficult subs and sees the gorgeous Lexi as a delicious challenge. Unfortunately, Lexi fears her inability to relinquish control that will finally test Garbriel’s patience and he’ll end their contract. Can Lexi lower her barriers and allow Gabriel’s touch to melt her heart?

Excerpt:

Gabriel stood. “I’m not going to walk away, Lexi.” He stepped over to her. “I’m in it for the long run.” He gathered her into his arms.

Lexi gazed up at his handsome features. Then he lowered his head. His lips were firm, but gentle. Oh, they’d kissed before, but something was different about this one. His tongue traced her lips before she parted them and his tongue dived in.

Her arms went around his neck, her fingers tangled in his soft hair. He tasted like tea, and she sighed into his mouth. One hand grasped the back of her neck, holding her still as he plundered her mouth, his tongue dueling with hers. He took complete and total control, and it didn’t bother her like she thought it would.

When he broke the kiss, she was hot and her panties moist.

Gabriel gazed down at her with passion in his eyes. “That was just a taste of what I can give you, if you allow it.” He withdrew his arms from around her waist.

“Oh shit,” she whispered, before forcing her hands from his hair. She picked up her purse and fled. Did she just let the tiger out? Or did she willingly walk into the tiger’s cage?

Buy Links:

The Wild Rose Press   Amazon

About Marie Tuhart:

Erotic novel

Erotic novel

Marie  can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a book in her hands. When she isn’t reading or writing, Marie loves to spend time in bookstores and traveling. Marie’s muse is her toy poodle, Penny, who lets Marie know when she’s been working too long.

Fun Facts: Marie has a key chain collection from all the places she’s visited, both US and around the world. Only two have been given to her.

You can find Marie here:

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