Blog Posts

Mother's Day Magic- featuring Daisy Banks

3/16/2016

I am tickled to introduce my British author friend, Daisy Banks to my blog today. Daisy is participating in a boxed set called Mother's Day Magic. The set features Daisy and 12 other authors with stories of love that will touch your heart. The coolest thing about this collection is that 10% of all the proceeds go to a charity the authors have a personal connection to... Multiple Sclerosis.

My thanks to you for showcasing the Mother’s Day Magic Boxed Set collection.
I hope your blog readers enjoy the story tasters from this collection of stories.
Best wishes
Daisy Banks

A message from Allyson R. Abbott.
READING TO HELP A CHARITY
I love to buy books as presents. I wanted to find a book that would let my mom know how much I appreciate her. As an author, I decided to write the story to say how much I love her. I told my friend what I had planned to do. Grace, also an author, wanted to do the same. We set out to write our two stories, but Grace suffers with MS and it became so bad she had to stop writing. I sent out an appeal to authors worldwide to write stories for Mother's Day, and to donate 10% of every book sold to MS. My call was answered by 13 special authors and our Mother's Day Magic box set was born. Read these beautiful stories and help stop a crippling disease––MS!

About the Book
Title Mother’s Day Magic
Genre Romance, Fiction
Authors Angela Ford, Cornelia Amiri, Tamara Ferguson, Daisy Banks, Anna Celeste Burke, Mary Crawford, Allyson R. Abbott, Tamara Philip, Neva Squires-Rodriguez, Adrienne Ruvalcaba, Q. D. Purdu, Cary Allen Stone with Tyler Hosea.
Book heat level (based on movie ratings G, PG, PG13, R): G

Every mother's heart holds a bit of magic...her children's love. Enchantment awaits in 12 new, previously unpublished-stories, by #1 bestselling and/or multi-award winning authors from across the globe. Captivating tales of romance or fiction fashioned from loving memories, these poignant stories are sure to touch your heart.
Buy This Book
Publisher
Amazon USA http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AVHGNJI
Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AVHGNJI
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mothers-day-magic-angela-ford/1123291706
Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/mother-s-day-magic
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/mothers-day-magic/id1077026791?mt=11

#NewRelease - The Long Way Home by Jessica Cale

3/10/2016

I am happy dancing for my friend and fellow Romance Writers Weekly author, Jessica Cale. Her book, The Long Way Home, was released February 29. This is the third book in her Southwark Saga. Here's a bit of what people are saying about this novel: The Long Way Home, Book 3 in The Southwark Saga by historical romance author, Jessica Cale is a magical, adult fairy tale that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Find out what happens when a paranoid king, a poison plot, and hideous shoes prove…it’s not easy being Cinderella!

The Long Way Home
(The Southwark Saga, Book 3)
By Jessica Cale
Release Date: February 29th, 2016
Genre: Historical Romance, Adult Fairytale, Romantic Comedy, Action/Adventure

A paranoid king, a poison plot, and hideous shoes…it’s not easy being Cinderella.

After saving the life of the glamorous Marquise de Harfleur, painfully shy barmaid Alice Henshawe is employed as the lady’s companion and whisked away to Versailles. There, she catches King Louis’ eye and quickly becomes a court favorite as the muse for Charles Perrault’s Cinderella. The palace appears to be heaven itself, but there is danger hidden beneath the façade and Alice soon finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue, murder, and Satanism at the heart of the French court.

Having left his apprenticeship to serve King Charles as a spy, Jack Sharpe is given a mission that may just kill him. In the midst of the Franco-Dutch war, he is to investigate rumors of a poison plot by posing as a courtier, but he has a mission of his own. His childhood friend Alice Henshawe is missing and he will stop at nothing to see her safe. When he finds her in the company of the very people he is meant to be investigating, Jack begins to wonder if the sweet girl he grew up with has a dark side.

When a careless lie finds them accidentally married, Alice and Jack must rely on one another to survive the intrigues of the court. As old affection gives way to new passion, suspicion lingers. Can they trust each other, or is the real danger closer than they suspect?

Add to Goodreads

Buy links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | Liquid Silver

Find the rest of the series here

Jessica is running a Rafflecopter through March 14 and here's your chance to enter to win her fabulous prize of a 7" Kindle.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt
“Do you have a sweetheart?”
Alice’s spine went rigid at the question. Why would he care?
“That is to say, a man. A person, rather. A lover?” Jack cleared his throat. “That’s none of my concern, really. I apologize. Forget I asked.”
How could she answer that? She couldn’t very well tell the strange man Jack had grown into that she’d dreamed of him to the exclusion of all others for eight years. If her freakish memory didn’t frighten him off, her obsession definitely would.
She turned, very slowly, and forgot what she was thinking when she saw him. Jack was reclining on his elbows, looking at the stars. The odd posture only really drew attention to the span of his chest, the slight rise and fall of his breath. He’d dressed in a hurry and his collar had come undone, revealing an inch of collarbone and hinting at the lean muscle beneath. His dented chin was pointed heavenward, lengthening his bare neck. If Alice stared any harder, she’d be able to see the blood flowing within.
She thought about putting her lips on his throat and the fluttering she usually felt in her heart moved decidedly lower.
That was new.
“Just you.” She sighed and then cringed as she realized she’d said it aloud. “Married, remember?”
Jack turned and gave her a boyish smile that made her toes go numb. “I suppose we are. What do you make of that?”
Alice blinked. It was everything she’d ever wanted, but Jack...he was young, handsome, kind, wonderful, and everything that was right in the world. He could have any woman he wanted. Or could have, before she ruined that for him. She wiped away another tear. “I’m sorry, Jack.”
He shrugged. “Whatever for?”
“You deserve a wife of your own choosing,” she said, feeling brave.
He lay on the roof, stretching his arms behind his head with a smile. “Don’t shed any tears for me. I got the prettiest Henshawe girl. The boys back home will be sick with envy.”
Alice’s laugh came out as a snort. She held her nose in embarrassment. “Don’t jest.”
“Who’s jesting?”
Alice curled up on her side facing him, reasonably certain she was dreaming. The cool tile beneath her cheek was real enough. She contracted her nails against the rough surface, wondering if she imagined the vibration in her fingertips. Any moment now, she would wake up.
“I don’t expect you to keep me, of course. That would be something, wouldn’t it? You stuck with someone like me?” He laughed.
Alice didn’t.
“This will be good, though, truly. I can protect you, and we can spend some time together, like the old days.”
Alice sighed. Yes, like the old days, but I’m talking to you now, and making a mess of it, and you’re all grown and gorgeous while I’m more awkward than ever.
Jack smiled, his teeth bright in the night. “It’ll be great fun to pretend to be married.”
Alice fell onto her back with a disappointed grimace. “Fun.”

About The Author
Jessica Cale is the award-winning author of the historical romance series, The Southwark Saga. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Wales for several years where she earned a BA in History and an MFA in Creative Writing while climbing castles and photographing mines for history magazines. She kidnapped (“married”) her very own British prince (close enough) and is enjoying her happily ever after with him in North Carolina.

Website: http://www.authorjessicacale.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicacale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaCale @JessicaCale
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rainbowcarnage
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Cale/e/B00PVDV9EW
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9819997.Jessica_Cale
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/bMas0P

A Peek at Tyranny on What I Wrote Wednesday

3/9/2016

Today on What I Wrote Wednesday, I decided I'd tie in to the #1lineWed theme of Smile from @RWAKissOfDeath twitter feature. On Twitter, I only get 140 characters to post a line from my current work in progress. Here, you'll get a broader peek at my work in progress - Tyranny.

In this snippet, Clio is meeting Jax, a new history professor at the Delphi City University for the first time.

His smile carved dimples into his cheeks like an ancient sculptor etched lines into a block of marble. Pleasure fluttered to life in her belly. He was flirting. Her finger twitched with the need to trace the lines around his mouth.

“I’m here during normal business hours.”

Jax leaned over the counter and lowered his voice. “What if I need a research assistant? You know your history. Are you available after hours?”

Did that seem like he’d asked her on a date? Or was it just wishful thinking? She tipped her head to the side, like she’d be able to see into his head from this angle. “I’m always happy to help.”

He flicked his rich brown eyes to her lips, then back up. “I’ll remember that.”

He straightened and dragged the strap of his bag back up his shoulder. Once it was situated, he pocketed his ID. The motion caused his damp shirt to stretch against his broad chest. He folded the guide sheet she’d given him into thirds, then thirds again and slipped it into back pocket of his jeans. He sauntered away from her with one last grinning glance over his shoulder. God, his smile was killer.

So there you have it. A peek at my work base on the #1lineWed theme. If you want to see more great tweets from authors, search twitter for the hashtag. There's some really great writing out there.

What I Wrote Wednesday - A Snippet from Risking The Vine

3/2/2016

I haven't offered an installment for What I Wrote Wednesday. So here's a peek at from Risking The Vine, the first book in my new series from Soul Mate Publishing.

The set-up: Jacqui Bishop has been sent to Team Building Camp to learn how to lead a team. Once she completes the course, she's been promised a promotion within the company she works for. And she's about to meet her new teammate for the week-long course.

Enjoy!

Jules slid a form across the desk and handed her a pen. “This is the registration form. Sign there, at the bottom.”

She scrawled her signature atop the bold black line. Straightening, she looked at Jules as she nudged the paper back to the other woman. “Now what?”

“Now I give you the itinerary for the week.” Jules’s lips turned down as she studied the forms in her hand. “Typically, a company sends several attendees to the program, but it looks like you’ll be the only one here from MedServices.”

“Is that a problem?”

Jules leaned her weight onto one leg, her hip jutting out. “Not really. We have another singleton, so we’ll pair the two of you. He’s from Medford, too. Luca Rossi. From St. Simeon Medical Center. Do you know him?”

“In fact, I do. I’ve met him socially a few times.”

Actually, her best friend Bella Robins worked in Human Resources at the hospital worked with him. She’d been enamored with the chief operating officer for the medical center since he’d joined them six months ago. She claimed he could eat crackers in her bed anytime. Too bad about Bella’s pesky live-in boyfriend.

A smile tugged Jac’s lips. But he was delicious, as Jac had seen when she’d accepted Bella’s invitation to a happy hour gathering of her co-workers. Jac had been instantly attracted to the man, but so had at least a half-dozen other women present. Luke had bought her a drink, but another woman had dragged him away before they were able to get better acquainted.

Check back soon for more snippets of Luke and Jac's story.

M.Q. Barber's New Release - Finding Their Balance

3/1/2016

Please help me welcome USA Today Best Selling Author, M.Q. Barber. We are celebrating the newest release in her Neighborly Affections series, Finding Their Balance. M.Q. has been a friend since I began my career in publishing and I have learned a lot from her. Take a peak at her newest release.

Three’s the naughtiest kind of crowd.

Getting to the one-year mark is hard enough in a relationship between two lovers. For three, just getting through the day can be half the battle.

Between Alice’s headstrong insistence on pushing her sexual limits and Jay’s need to confront an abusive former lover, Henry has his hands full keeping both of his partners safe and happy.

But despite all the challenges — and unexpected dangers that lurk in their hedonistic world — the three have formed a union that brings each of them to the edge of something new. Something they may not be able to hold on to…

Short excerpt from Finding Their Balance:

Alice abandoned work at noon Wednesday for tea at a fetish club. Her coworkers wished her luck at the dentist’s office.

When she arrived home, Henry stood surveying a freshly showered Jay seated on the end of the bed. Dark hair damp, body nude, he enticed more than the promise of a dainty meal.

Hip hugging the doorframe, she fiddled with her blouse’s top button. “Are we stripping down and skipping tea?”

Henry beckoned. Obedience earned her a commanding kiss and flushed her with heat.
Jay’s eager whimper swirled around them.

“Don’t tempt me.” Caressing her throat, Henry slipped her first button free. “But do remove your clothes. The lovely summer dress is yours.”

The dress hung over the closet door. Deep cream with green spiraling up the left side. Ivy? Knee-length, sleeveless, a slight A-line drape with a high neckline. Modest. Dark brown pants and a cream-colored shirt bracketed Jay on the bed. If his outfit included a tie, five bucks said he’d match her green ivy.

“Hey, stud.” Working her blouse open, she bent and kissed Jay’s cheek. “You leaving room in the waistline for all the tea-party snacks we’ll be eating?”

“Fancy little cakes?” With a sly grin, Jay coaxed out her giggle.

“Absolutely.” She shrugged off her top. “Do little cakes come in other kinds?”

Loosing a mocking growl, Henry tossed boxers into Jay’s lap. “Behave, my dears, or you’ll not eat any treats at tea.”

Sock-footed, Jay stood and flowed into the shorts. Pants next, open and clinging to his hips while he swung the shirt around and slipped his arms in. God, fucking with that hasty, half-dressed thrill--

“Distracted?” Clasping her waist, Henry jolted her from open appreciation. “You’ve forgotten to undress.” Fingers dangerous and nimble, he unhooked the hidden fastener and lowered the zipper. “Or perhaps you wanted me to take charge of you?” Pushed past her hips, her pants slumped to the floor.

What NetGalley readers are saying:

Barber has a lyrical quality to her writing. Each detail perfectly executed to create a world in which the reader can get lost. Every step of the way you feel the forward motion of the characters. — Mommy’s a Book Whore

This book is 5th in a series but you absolutely do NOT need to have read the other books to thoroughly enjoy this. … I felt like this story was pretty unique. Henry, the Dom, was an odd duck to me, but a gorgeous, sexy, smart and talented duck. I loved Jay, he is adorable, sexy, quirky, funny and so much more. — Amy, Goodreads

Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

About the Author
M.Q. Barber likes to get lost in thought. She writes things down so she can find herself again.

Often found staring off into space or frantically scratching words on sticky notes, M.Q. lives with one very tolerant, easily amused husband and one very tolerant, easily amused puppy.

She has a soft spot for romances that explore the inner workings of the heart and mind alongside all that steamy physical exertion. She loves memorable characters, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion in any genre.

Her advice? Get a solid grounding in how language works, and then just write. Write every idea that comes along, even if it’s just a single line. You never know which line is the start of a thread that leads to a novel.

The former Midwestern gal is the author of the Neighborly Affection contemporary romance series. Pick a safeword, grab a partner or two, and jump in.

Signing up for the author’s newsletter at www.mqbarber.com will deliver free stories in the companion series TUESDAYS WITH JAY to your inbox each month.

Visit M.Q. Barber at www.mqbarber.com or facebook.com/mqbarber.

Breaking Out Of My Comfort Zone - #TakeAMomentMonday

2/15/2016

Thanks to BillyCox.com for this lovely graphic.

I began my career writing contemporary romance, a genre I love. The stories of love between two people, set in modern times. Even though I loved historical romance to read, I chose contemporary because, frankly, I was just too lazy to do all the research to write in that genre.
But lately, I've broken free of the contemporary genre and committed to writing paranormal and urban fiction stories. I have loved planning out an aggressive nine book series, and building a world my heroines live and love in. It wasn't in my comfort zone, but it fit a dream I've had since I picked up my first Anne Rice novel a gazillion years ago.
I thought I'd give you a peek into the first book I've written in the series. My plan right now is to begin releasing the stories in late 2016. Stay tuned!

Tyranny
Book 1 - Goddesses of Delphi
Please forgive any grammatical or spelling errors. This is unedited copy

His eyes widened briefly, but then narrowed again. Shaking his head, he let his shoulders slump. “Then what is it?”

“You’re not going to believe what I’m about to tell you.” Why would he? Gods and goddesses were merely myths in the eyes of the pragmatic world. They didn’t exist. She didn’t exist. She gestured to the sofa. “Take a seat. Can I get you a drink? Beer? Whiskey?” Giving him something strong to drink might make him more comfortable and willing to embrace what she had to tell him. She could use a stiff drink herself.

“Sure.” Jax took a seat on the edge of the couch cushion and bent forward, propping his elbows on his knees.

Clio went to the small cupboard opposite the fireplace. Crystal glasses were arranged on top, and she dragged two toward her. A decanter that matched the pattern of the tumblers sat on a silver tray on top of the cabinet. The amber-colored liquor was almost an exact match for the shade of Jax’s eyes as he’d moved within her a short while ago. Several drops of whiskey spilled out when her hand shook as she poured three fingers of the spirit in each glass.

Drinks in hand, she moved back to the sofa. After giving one to Jax, she took a seat next to him on the sofa. She took a healthy swig from her glass. The whiskey burned a path straight to her belly. Cold practicality iced a spot in her chest right next to burning uncertainty. This would the first time she’d ever revealed herself as a Muse to a mortal. Humanity had called on Muses throughout the ages, but never had either she or her sisters done a damn thing to confirm their actual existence.

Risking a glance at Jax, she found his gaze locked on her face. He nodded, his eyes wide and encouraging. “Clio, just spit it out.”

She set the glass aside and twisted to face him. She tucked one foot under the opposite leg and tucked the robe under her knee. Pressing a hand on his thigh, she took the plunge. “Jax, have you ever heard of the Muses?”

“You mean like the band?”

She snorted. Terri was to blame for the techno-rocker’s name. Clio remembered how her sister had laughed like a demented loon once that band had crashed onto the music scene.
Focus, dammit! She shook away the memory. “No, like the beings who serve to inspire people to achieve greatness in art, or writing, or science.”

Jax’s smile creased dimples into his cheeks. “Ah, you’re talking about mythology.”

Grasping his hand, she pulled it to her face and cupped it around her cheek. “Do I feel like a myth to you?”

“Huh?”

“Jax, I’m Clio, the Muse of history. Oh, and guitar.” She tipped her chin up. “I’ve been nudging generals, statesmen and inventors for thousands of years, inspiring them to achieve their destinies. And then I record their triumphs and defeats.”

He drew his brows together and leaned away. She’d try to pretend his withdrawal didn’t sting like a poisonous spider bite. Mouth opening and closing, it looked as though he was trying to understand a completely foreign language.

A smile broke out on his face, but it never reached his eyes. His laugh came out a skeptical, scoffing grunt. “Good one, Clio. You had me going there.”

So there you have. The first time I've shared these words with anyone beyond my critique partners. Just another way I've broken out of my comfort zone.

Want to break free of yours? The KickAss Chicks are hosting an online seminar directed toward writers at every stage of their careers. The four-hour seminar on March 2, 2016 will be led by Penny Barber, and Editor with Lyrical Press. She'll walk us through how to write an opening scene guaranteed to make readers pick up their books. You can find more information here.
I do hope you will join us.

Falling Stars - A New Release From Xio Axelrod

2/11/2016

I am thrilled to tell you about a new release from the incomparable Xio Axelrod. I've know Xio for a while and have gotten better acquainted with her while working together on the Send A Little Love campaign. In the midst of all of that craziness, Xio released a brand new book. This book has great reviews already, and I can't wait to read it. Here's the blurb and an excerpt for your reading pleasure today. But be sure to read to the very end to enter Xio's Rafflecopter giveaway.

What if you met the right person at the absolute wrong time?

Val Saunders and Sam Newman are two Hollywood actors at opposite ends of their careers. Hers is skyrocketing while his, well, never really took off. Fate brings them together when they’re cast as lovers on a steamy new television series. The on-screen chemistry between them is off the charts and when it spills over into a real life attraction, they find themselves in a situation.

Sam is an honorable man. He has been faithful to a toxic, Hollywood marriage for nearly half his life. He’s never strayed and isn’t about to start now, despite the fact that he is falling head over heels for his co-star.

Val’s worked hard to get her career on the path to the A-list and the last thing she wants, or needs, is a scandal. If only her heart and her brain were working with the same script.

Romance is an ideal. This is a love story. It explores the possibility of second chances and asks hard questions about duty, fidelity, life in the public eye, and the cost of being happy. Falling Stars is the beginning of a sexy, sensual, and emotional roller-coaster ride that reminds us that love, while not often easy, is always worth it.

#BuyNow
Amazon US:http://amzn.to/1JWD7be
Amazon UK:http://amzn.to/1PQnM80
Amazon CA:http://amzn.to/1QaOXLs
B&N:http://bit.ly/1NOQHbo
Kobo:http://bit.ly/1VJ4XIs
iTunes:http://apple.co/23HUHWN
ARe:http://bit.ly/1NOQMvL
Add the book to Goodreads ➜http://bit.ly/1X1z9jd

Excerpt
Sam hadn’t been on the lot in days. Not since that day. Had he been avoiding her, or was she just being paranoid? She’d gotten used to everyone being on set, hanging around like it was one, giant clubhouse. When he didn’t come back after they filmed episode six, a whisper of panic shot through her. The little voice in her head told her that he’d known how attracted she was to him – a married man – and it had made him uncomfortable. She needed to talk to him. To apologize, to explain, just to say…something.
“Ugh, don’t be stupid, Val. He’s got a life outside of work.” She gathered her purse and the sack of freshly-baked pepperoni bread that she’d brought for the viewing. And opened the door just as Sam appeared at the bottom of the hill.
He stopped when he saw her.
“Here we go.” Val got out of the car and closed the door, leaning on it for a beat longer than needed. She took a steadying breath before turning around.
“Hi.” He slowed to a stop a few feet away from her.
“Hi.” She smiled, her pulse suddenly off to the races.
They stood there for a moment, saying nothing. Just staring. Sam ran a hand through his hair. He had a sexy, sorta Robert Redford thing going on, white button-down shirt, crisp jeans and tennis shoes. It was like seeing yet another side of the man. A more relaxed version. It suited him.
“Haven’t seen you for a couple of days, everything okay?” The sun framed his body, giving him an unearthly aura. Val shielded her eyes.
“Yeah…yeah.” He dismissed her concern, moving slightly to block the glare. “Just been busy. Had some stuff to do. Things to take care of. Karen, the usual.” Sam shoved his hands into his pockets and the gesture suddenly made him seem, at once, very young and very male. Val blushed. He knew.
“Sam, I-“
“Please, Valerie, don’t. You don’t have to…I mean, I know what you’re going to say and I’m-“
“Sorry.” They spoke at the same time.
“Wait, what?” Confused, Val walked toward him. Sam took a half step back. He looked like a man that wanted to melt into the asphalt and disappear. “What are you apologizing for?” He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. A pained expression flashed across his face.
“Last week, at the shoot, we…I-”
“I hear they loved it.” She cut him off. Things were awkward. Val didn’t like awkward. She gave him her best, talk show smile. He smiled back and seemed to relax a little. “If one more person tells me how hot it was.” Val rolled her eyes. Just go with it, Sam. Please.
“Yeah, well, it was pretty believable. I think.” Sam’s laugh faded. Her skin began to itch under his gaze.
“Oh yeah, totally.” She rushed to agree. “I mean, I’m sure it looked that way.”
Val had to look away. This was excruciating. She pretended to find something interesting up in the trees. Their co-stars had gone on and on about how, together, they’d made the scene sizzle. Carla and the network execs were convinced that the ratings would go through the roof once America got a glimpse of TV’s hottest new couple.
All Val could think about was going into Carla’s house to watch herself fall in lust with Sam onscreen, in a room full of people. As much as she dreaded it, another part of her wanted to relive that day. See if it was as amazing as her memories.
“Acting,” Sam said, snapping her back to reality. “Genius!” He grinned, pointing one finger at the sky in exaggeration.
“Wow, I haven’t heard that one in a long time. My dad loves those old SNL sketches.” She laughed, some of the tension melting out of her body. She was almost convinced that Sam hadn’t shared in her insane, lust-crazed delusions. It was merely acting. Really superb acting. And, of course, his natural, physical response to stimuli. That’s all. Lucky him.
***
Somewhere along the way, Sam had begun to study her. Memorizing the way she twirled her hair when she laughed, the curve of her neck, the way her silver jewelry looked against her copper skin. He gazed at her for a moment longer than was proper. She practically glowed in her off-white sundress. He loved her in those. Her arms were bare. The contrast between the color of the fabric and the tone of her skin brought back memories of the last time he’d seen her. The lace of her intimates sliding across his fingertips, her flesh soft against his lips.
She was absolutely gorgeous. So full of easy confidence and in the prime of her life. Plum. Succulent. He smothered the sudden impulse to kiss her.
In the quiet of Carla’s tree-lined street, Valerie was studying him too. He couldn’t interpret the expression on her face but something moved behind her eyes that made his heart pound loudly in his chest. He needed to stop this fantasy. It was getting dangerous and could threaten his career. Valerie had been nothing but a professional, but he was behaving like a schoolboy. He briefly closed his eyes and bit the inside of his cheek. Penance for his betrayal of their innocent relationship. Valerie stepped closer, a concerned look on her face.
“Hey. What’s going on?” She placed her hand on his shoulder and he had to fight not to jump out of his skin. Determined to stamp his budding infatuation down as far as he could get it, he swallowed before speaking.
“I’m alright. Really.” He smiled tightly. “You?” He licked his lips and she inhaled quickly.
He felt himself drifting in. Her hand tightened on his shoulder. That spark, that fire, it roared to life. How was he supposed to go inside and watch himself fall all over her on screen? Watch as she kissed him, caressed him. The others would know, if they didn’t already, how far down the rabbit hole he had tumbled. He’d be a joke. A laughing stock. Deservedly so. But it wasn’t like he could walk away now. Valerie tilted her head as if she had read his mind.
“Sam-“
“Shall we?” Too loud, man. Unsure of what she was about to say, he’d panicked. Valerie stopped mid-breath. Sam gestured toward the door and she nodded slowly. Giving his arm one last squeeze, she let go and walked past him. “Here, let me.”
He took the parcel of bread from her, offering to carry it while she opened the door and they stepped inside. Into the lion’s den.

To enter Xio's Rafflecopter giveaway, click here

Meet The Author

Xio Axelrod is an award-winning author of love stories, contemporary romance and (what she likes to call) strange, twisted tales. She also writes erotica and women’s fiction. Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, not-so-secret name of course). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and one part-time cat.

#SocialLinks
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Send A Little Love

2/1/2016

I'm super excited about a really great Valentine's program I'm involved in with several amazing authors. I've teamed with Kristi Rose, Sarah Hegger, Xio Axelrod, and Tracey Gee to put together a way to give back to readers who might need a little extra love this Valentine's Day. Our program, Send A Little Love is our way of helping to combat negativity and share some love with readers who need it.

We're giving away over 300 books, from over 20 well known authors.
Have a friend that needs a little love? Send them a complimentary book with a personalized message from you. Be their valentine.

We have set up a website Romance Has A Heart where anyone can go and choose a book to send to a person they know who needs a little extra love this Valentine’s Day. There is no cost to send the book. The person receiving the Valentine will get a message with words to the effect of:

“Someone is thinking of you this Valentine’s Day and sending you a little extra love.”

Nobody is making any money out of this, it’s purely altruistic, with the only aim being to send a smile and a touch of romance to anyone who needs it this Valentine’s Day. This promotion is limited to one Valentine per sender.

Send A Little Love allows you to choose a format (print or digital), heat level and genre for the book you'd like to send to someone FREE of charge. We'll handle the rest.
But hurry and select yours. Supplies are limited and I'm afraid they won't last long.
And while you're on the website, sign up with your email address to receive updates when we roll out our next promotion.

Send A Little Love

Where Inspiration Comes From -Romance Writers Weekly

1/19/2016

Welcome to this week's Romance Writers Blog Hop. This week J.J. Devine asked us to talk about what inspires us. Where do we get our ideas. If you've hopped over from Kathryn Renard's page, welcome. If you haven't seen her post yet, but sure to visit her site. She writes romance for the modern woman.

I'm about to reveal my dark and dirty secret - are you ready? Okay, deep, deep breath:
I'm addicted to reality TV shows.
The Housewives, the Bad Girls, the Teen Mom's, the Top Chef's and even the dude who is Flipping Out. The fights, the snippy remarks, the witty comeback are all fodder for my imagination and material I can twist to fit my characters. I can't watch even one episode without reaching for my phone to transcribe a note about the action, the comments, the snark.

Oh, how I wish I could say I get inspiration from nature, or beautiful music, or from the love I see between couples, young and old, or families I come across. I guess I'm little shallow. But that's okay, because the inspiration I do find works its way into my novels.

I hope you will continue to hop along to Fiona Riplee's page to find out what inspires her. Thanks for stopping by. And feel free to talk Housewives to me any time you want.

#Work #Life Balance

1/4/2016

Since the clock ticked over to 12:01 AM on January 1, I've been mulling over the past year. What I've accomplished (personally and professionally), what I've failed at. What I did a great job of, and most importantly, what I could do better in the new year.

2016 will be a great year. I won't have it any other way. Sure, it will be a long road, and probably mostly uphill. I'm just going to consider this steep climb as exercise. (A goal for 2016 but we'll get to that in a bit.)

I'm going to work on balancing life with work in 2016. I work from my home, so it's tough some days to separate the two. And as a writer, many times my real life family takes a back seat to my fictional character family. To find this balance, I'm going to TRY to stop working by 4:30 in the afternoon. No WIP, no social media, no promotional work. I will schedule my days as if I left my house each morning, and then returned eight hours later. Office hours will be a priority for me.

I'm going to commit time to exercising every day. Even though I know I look like the picture on the right. I'm not going to let that bother me.

And I will add more balance by making time for friends. It's true, time spent with girlfriends, and friends who are couples is great therapy. So when the world drags me off-center, expect to be invited to a big party. Friends, fun, food and music will be a great cure.