Saturday, July 28, 2012

Meet My Favorite Western Authors!

What is it that keeps me from being able to put down a cowboy romance? Great writing? Heart-tugging, sexy stories? All of that.

Everything in Annie Douglas' life has taught her that men can't be trusted. Although Burke is big, strong, and not seemingly gentle, Annie feels drawn to the handsome Texas cowboy. Upon discovering Burke's advertisement for a wife, Annie shyly asks if he might consider her. 
           Burke Dawson wants children; unfortunately, that also includes a wife. His first wife was a citified hellcat who stole half of his ranch. Now Burke's determined to find an honest country girl with no expectations of love.
           Burke is fervently loving at night but indifferent during the day. Annie is heartbroken.Burke's ex-wife arrives with plans to break up the new couple at any price.  Misunderstandings, accidents, and treachery leads to Annie leaving, pregnant, shattered and alone.Upon her return, Burke is shocked to see Annie's burgeoning belly. He's desperate to win her love and trust. He's determined to show her some cowboy loving.   Haven't read this yet as it's a new release. But will buy it from B&N next week because I love her writing. 
 Marissa Richardson rodeo reporter has a secret. Her infatuation with Corey Middleton, calf-roper, is driving her to distraction. He’s a player and players don’t fit into her idea of the man for her. But when Corey turns on the cowboy charm, how can she resist? Corey Middleton loves women. Always has, always will, but he only wants one particular one these days. Unfortunately for his libido, she won’t give him the time of day beyond being friends. He’s decided to pull out all the stops and turn on the irresistible charm in hopes of snagging the elusive Marissa Richardson. Two hearts collide in the ride of their lives. Can one stubborn reporter put aside her insecurities to fall for the cowboy of her dreams?Could NOT put this one down!
JEANINE MCADAM
 Katie Bliss loves her rodeo bulls and is eking out a living as a stock contractor. Cord McCoy is a bull rider whose pleasures include whiskey and buckle bunnies. Except this season, Cord is tired of carousing and finds himself attracted to the bespectacled and blunt bull owner. After riding Katie’s Gunslinger and almost hurting the animal Katie decides to show this cocky cowboy how to wrap a bull rope. An unplanned part of the demonstration includes McCoy’s tongue in her mouth and a roving hand down her pants. Even though she doesn’t want to be another notch in this cowboy’s belt Katie succumbs to Cord’s charms. Except something like that can never happen again, when Katie confronts Cord, he expresses an interest in pursuing a relationship. Katie’s not sure what to do with her new ‘boyfriend’ until McCoy rides her bull again and hurts the animal this time. Now Cord needs to prove his commitment to the young bull owner with more than just sweet sounding words and fancy fingers. Debut novel that knocked my socks off. My eyes were glued to the page.
Delaney Dunn likes working on cars—anything with an engine really, much to the chagrin of some who can't put aside her choice of jobs to realize there is a real woman beneath those coveralls. When ex-boyfriend Jake Monroe comes back to town, Delaney must face the feelings she buried five years ago.
Jake Monroe is back for two reasons, Colby Mason and Delaney Dunn. Needs he's long denied have risen up and are threatening to choke the life out of him if he doesn't come to terms with his feelings for both.
Colby Mason refuses to face the facts. He loves Delaney and he wants Jake. After being the shoulder for Delaney when Jake took off five years ago, their relationship grew into something loving and concrete, but Jake's return shakes the foundation to it's core.
Can three friends become lovers and learn to embrace their true feelings without tearing everything they've worked for apart? I'm reading this one now and was annoyed to put it down to do this blog! I have no idea how it's going to end. Love that!
 KATHLEEN TIGHE BALL

Callie Daniels' mother has one dying wish. She wants neighboring rancher, Garrett O'Neill, to marry her seventeen year old daughter. It's not supposed to be a conventional marriage. Garrett O'Neill would keep Callie's ranch safe and Callie would go away to college.
Four years later, Callie comes home with stars in her eyes and happily ever after in her heart. She plans to make their marriage real until finds the new housekeeper, Sylvie in Garrett's arms.
Heartbroken, Callie takes off to her own house, which they closed up four years ago. She stays there with Old Henry, a longtime friend and ranch hand, until her new horse injures her. Garrett forces Callie to move back in to his house. I was totally captured by this story but needed a box of tissues close by. 

These sweet, loving, romantic, sexy stories are one of a kind. I can't wait to read more. Guess I'm just a cowgirl at heart. If you want them, simply click on the author's name. 

To check out my books, go to my WEBSITE.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

More ‘Spice It Up’ and a Giveaway with Author Jennifer Labelle


More ‘Spice It Up’ and a Giveaway with Author Jennifer Labelle
 Today we meet the lovely Meagan Morales, and Lyric Cooper from Lyrics and Lust (Spice It Up 3).
Jennifer: Good afternoon, you two.
Lyric: Hello, Jennifer. *extends hand to shake*
Meagan: Hi Jennifer, it’s a pleasure to see you again.
Jennifer: Likewise, so tell us Meagan how does it feel to finally have your happily ever after all of this time?
Meagan: Amazing! Lyric has literally saved me from myself, among other things. First with a job when I needed one, an amazing friendship when I had none, and then with…*clears throat* Let’s just say I noticed him instantly, and I haven’t been able to let go ever since.
Lyric: Aw, Meagan, me too. *Lyric reaches over to pull Meagan closer, and wraps an arm around her.” I love you, baby.
Meagan: I love you too!
Jennifer: *grins* I just love a happy ending. Was it the same for you, Lyric? You were literally like her knight in shining armour, as Meagan says, pretty much right from the start.
Lyric: Meagan is an easily lovable woman. I was in instant lust with her, and it didn’t take me very long at all to fall in love. She’s everything I ever hoped for and then some, but it took a little bit of persuading before she opened up to me.
Jennifer: Well, you’re a very charming man. I’m sure it didn’t take long for her to surrender. *giggles* It must have been a big change for you, considering you have women swoon at your feet on almost a nightly basis while you’re on stage.
Meagan: *laughs* oh yes, the groupies. It’s actually comical at times to watch. Sorry, ladies, he’s now spoken for.
Lyric: What do you mean comical? *feigns a wounded look, and then smiles* It was, I guess but completely worth the wait. I love performing, and my music even more, but I’m past the meaningless trysts of my youth, and wanted to settle down for some time. Meagan made that happen for me, and there will never be anyone else.
Jennifer: Do you write your own songs, Lyric? I mean I know the answer to that, but humor me, for those readers out there who have yet to read Lyrics and Lust.
Lyric: I do, but I get the odd request to sing other’s as well, so I’ve done that from time to time.
Meagan: Wait till you hear the one he wrote for me. *smiles* Read the book people, you won’t be disappointed.
Jennifer: *chuckles* It was certainly a pleasure writing it for you. I especially loved re-visiting Nathan, Heidi, Rafe and Zoey. Those four can really heat the pages.
Meagan: Oh gosh, you don’t have to tell me. I had several sleepless nights because of the noise remember? God, love them, it’s hard enough to find one person to spend forever with, and my cousin is blessed with three, but I’m glad I’m not the fifth wheel anymore. I envied them for the longest time, but I’d like to think that my love life is now equal with Lyric.
Lyric: Well, thank you, a man can never tire of hearing he knows how to heat the pages. *winks* Is my woman the best or what?
Jennifer: Meagan had a rough start, and she certainly deserves it. How does it feel to know that all of you are going to be in print soon?
Lyric: Print?
Meagan: Wait, what?
Jennifer: LOL, Nathan, Heidi, Rafe, Zoey, and the two of you are all going into one delicious paperback novel next month. My entire Spice It Up trilogy, and I’m calling it ‘Three Words to Bliss.’ The new cover for it is absolutely delicious, just like your stories.
Meagan: I’m so excited, have you told Nathan and the gang yet?
Jennifer: I called them this morning.
Lyric: Wow, I don’t know what to say… except this is awesome. Thank you, Jennifer.
Jennifer: And, thank you Secret Cravings Publishing for loving the trilogy enough to make print copies available to our readers.
Meagan and Lyric at the same time: Thank you, Secret Cravings.
Jennifer: I’m so happy for the two of you, and would like to thank you both for visiting with me this afternoon. I love updates I can smile about, and it’s been a pleasure to see you both again.
Meagan: Likewise, Jennifer. Don’t be a stranger. *the chair scrapes across the floor as Meagan gets up to give Jennifer a hug*
Lyric: Yes, Jennifer, and drinks are on the house next time you stop by the bar.
Jennifer: Oh, goodie, I’ll be there. Thank you, Lyric and Meagan.
Don’t forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to read Meagan and Lyric’s story. One lucky commenter will win a copy of Lyrics and Lust (Spice It Up 3).
Please enjoy the blurb, and an excerpt below;

BLURB:
Meagan Morales hits a rough patch in life, and in love. Moving to a new city with the help of her cousin, she feels like the fifth wheel once Nathan welcomes her into his home. You see, Nathan not only has a newly-wed wife but two lovers who live there with them, making Meagan worry that she’s intruding.
She gains new friends, employment, and surprises herself when she opens up to the very sexy, Mr. Lyric Cooper, but danger lurks in the shadows and she may need to risk her heart again to survive it.
Lyric Cooper lives for music. He’s got a successful business, his own band, and a regular audience. Lucky in life, but unlucky in love, Meagan suddenly walks into his bar and he knows she’s something special. Now if he can only convince her to think the same about himself...

EXCERPT:
The Rendezvous was a lot larger than she pictured it to be, but once inside it had a cozy feel to it. A pub designed to make you feel at home, and a popular local hang out judging by how busy it was, despite the weekday. After her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting inside she managed to get a better look starting with the floors up.
There were hard wood floors all around except for the dance floor. It was done in a dark ceramic. A long oak bar on the right side had an even longer line up of people waiting for their drink orders. The walls were a neutral white with rock memorabilia hanging against it as far as she could see. There were guitars, posters, T-shirts, and autographed pictures to admire. Tables were on the left, booths were against the walls, and in the middle sat a large stage.
It was then she saw the band. The music distant in the background, a good beat, but it was the person singing that caught her attention. He was hypnotizing, with his blond messy hair, seductive blue eyes, and deep baritone. He was tall, lean, and sculpted. She could tell by just looking, even at a distance. His T-shirt rolled up at the sleeves gave her a great view of large biceps with artwork, his pecs were outlined, and led down to a flat stomach she just knew would be defined by even more muscle. She couldn’t help but admire, and lowered her gaze for a further perusal, and bit her lip. Damn!
His blue jeans clung to him like a second skin outlining a generous bump in the front she tried not to think about and strong thighs. Her cheeks began to heat up making her snap her eyes back up to his face and gasp when her brown eyes met his blue ones. Had he been checking her out too? She instantly shook it off. There are a ton of beautiful women in the bar as if he’d notice you by the entrance.
“Earth to Meagan.” Heidi chuckled and broke the spell between her and the gorgeous band member. Then looped her arm through Meagan’s to drag her with them towards their booth. “Is everything okay?”
Meagan nearly groaned knowing Heidi knew exactly what had her distracted but decided not to dwell on it and pulled her to a stop. “Yeah, but I think I need a drink.” She smiled at her newest cousin-in-law and tried to fight another blush.
“Sure thing, his name is Lyric Cooper by the way. His band is also named Lyric, since he’s their lead, but everyone calls him Coop to avoid confusion, I think.”
Meagan looked around and breathed a sigh of relief seeing Zoey, Nathan, and Rafe were already seated at a booth a few feet away. “And, they’re pretty good but please don’t think I’m interested in anything else.” She gave her a knowing look and continued, “I’m just not relationship material at the moment, nor am I ready for anything naked and sweaty with anyone.”
“I’m sorry I just thought you might be interested. I mean you seemed to be...”
Meagan sighed, looked up to the ceiling momentarily, and then let out a deep breath before interrupting her. “He’s certainly eye catching. Can you blame me?” She smiled brightly then and hugged Heidi tight. “Thank you for caring, I know your intentions are for the best, but I was merely doing what hundreds of other women in this bar are doing at this very moment.” She stepped back and looped her arm around Heidi’s again. “Now come on, I was promised some celebrating and I plan on doing just that. Let’s go to the bar, the first round is on me.”
Heidi chuckled again.
“Coop certainly is that, isn’t he? He’s talented, gorgeous, and such a nice guy to be around. I’m sure you’ll meet him eventually. We’re regulars here so he may say hi later, and I agree he does know how to work the room.” She winked and smiled wider as Meagan’s eyes automatically went back to the stage. “Now let’s celebrate new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings and wonderful family,” Meagan cheered, feeling thankful for the distraction. It disturbed her to know how attracted she was to Mr. Lyric Cooper already and she didn’t want to think about it anymore. Tonight’s about starting over and quality time with your cousin and his loved ones. Just avoid the stage and have a good time.
But, it was easier said than done.

BUY LINKS:
And, don’t forget ‘Three Words to Bliss’: Coming soon…
 It only took three words of advice to inspire them.
Spice It Up,
Heidi Taylor fell in love with a man who’s off limits. He’s her best friend and she’s afraid to tell him how she really feels, that is until Nathan suggests she needs a little spice in her love life, and designates himself as her something spicy.
Finding His Something Spicy,
Rafe Zakas had no intention of settling down until he fell hard for his two closest friends, Nathan and Heidi. Their perfect trio falls apart when Nathan gets a job offer, relocating them, and Rafe realizes he needs his own something spicy to love.
Lyrics and Lust,
Meagan Morales hits a rough patch in life and in love, until she meets successful rocker, Lyric Cooper. Just when she opens up to the idea of a new love, danger lurks in the shadows and she may need to risk her heart again to survive it.

Three loving couples, three incredible stories, and the erotic encounters that heat their sheets…

Best wishes,
Author Jennifer Labelle


Monday, July 16, 2012

Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt - The Magic of Love


  This week's story, "The Magic of Love" is a short piece written to this picture prompt, the magic 
 THE MAGIC OF LOVE
“Don’t drop that!”
Kincade Ransom guarded his magic trunk jealously. Ever since he made it known he kept all his magician’s secrets in that trunk, people had tried to steal it. Kin was hounded for his secrets by would-be magicians everywhere he went. After his nightly shows but before he made his escape to the next town at least one sorry sack cornered him for the key to his levitation act. Some offered money, one even offered his sister. Kin had to laugh at that but turned them all down.

He guarded the chest with his life, because it was his life. There was no secret. On the star he came from, Elysia, everyone could levitate anything they wanted with their minds. Kincade Ransom was a name he conjured up at random from the phone book when he took human form.  Kin was sent here to hunt for a plant with the properties to cure the dread Marinosis, a fatal disease on Elysia.
 Kin traveled from small town to small town, experimenting on plants after every show. After three years he found the one…Queen Anne’s Lace. He’d hunt it in the fields, digging up plants here and there, trying not to be conspicuous, then levitating the delicate weeds right to Elysia at midnight.
   
In each town he drew a larger audience than the one before. He eluded his fans, often adoring women attracted by his good looks and air of mystery. In Willow Falls, he was struck by the quiet beauty of Holly Thomas. Her long honey hair framing light, almost transparent blue eyes drew him. Kin began to sweat. In his three years on Earth, he’d managed to avoid women, preferring to remain Elysian. For once he mates with a human, he then becomes one. One look at Holly made him question his decision.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO TUESDAY TALES
 To find sample chapters and reviews of my books on my website, click HERE.






Monday, July 9, 2012

Beach Photo Caption Contest!

Here's the deal. Leave a caption for one, two or all three of the three pictures here. I'll pick the best captions. Winners get their choice of any one of my three Now and Forever books. 

Don't forget to leave your name, email addy, caption and the number of the pic you're caption is for. Enter up to five times.

Captions can be funny, sexy (no X rated, please), silly or serious.Winners will be selected on Thursday night.



PICTURE #1



PICTURE #2 

PICTURES #3

A bit about the books:
Now and Forever 1, a Love Story 

Can Callie Richards turn her life of tragedy and heartache around on the campus of Kensington State University? Braving the school on her own, Callie meets the handsome dean, Mac Caldwell. As she and Mac draw closer and she makes new friends, a deadly campus drug ring sets their sights on her with heart-breaking results.  An emotional story, this is not a cookie-cutter romance. You’ll laugh and cry as Callie struggles to make a new life, find love and find her satisfying, happy ending.
 Can an Army expert sharp shooter, killer and womanizer create a normal life after the military? Danny retreats to a small town to teach English at the local college. He struggles to overcome his post-traumatic stress syndrome and make a new life. Will his progress be derailed when until his drunken, abusive father is released from prison and seeks him out? Determined to leave his horrific past behind, Danny attempts to forge a new path that includes love, success, friends and having his own family but dark forces coupled with emotional obstacles block his way. The Book of Danny is a poignant story of love, loss and ultimate triumph that will touch your heart.
Can a handsome, charming, womanizing professor win the heart of a temporarily blind ballerina? Love comes to the university as Peter Caldwell, dashing Art History professor and accomplished pianist meets Lara Stewart, ballerina.  Peter can’t seduce with her with his devastating good looks because Lara can’t see. Obsessed with the one woman he can’t have, Peter has to learn how to love.
Sam Caldwell joins Peter, Mac, Callie and his grandchildren. Witty and attractive, Sam isn’t looking for a woman but finds love isn’t only for the young but the young at heart as well.
Small town secrets feed a blackmailer and blackmail on campus is paid with sexual favors. Blind Love is a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. This full length novel is three parts love and passion mixed with one part intrigue, stirred up with a twist of mystery and heated up to three flames. 
Thanks for stopping by!