Today I decided to try something new and share with you something that sparks my muse. I ran across this photo months ago. I don't recall where I found it - probably Pinterest - but every time I see this I want to write about his kiss. It's just so...SEXY. This is a kiss that will definitely make its way into one of my books. Which book depends on the day of the week you ask me and what I happen to be working on at the time.
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Title: Risking It All Author: JM Stewart Publisher: Penguin Intermix Date published: Sept 16, 2014 Genre: Contemporary Romance Word count: 80, 000 AISN: B00FFFSZB6 ISBN: 9780698147980 Originally published in a shorter form as Staking His Claim Blurb: She’s everything he wants… For years, Kyle Morgan has hidden his true feelings from the gorgeous girl next door that he grew up loving and protecting. But when she shows up at his apartment in the middle of the night, desperately needing comfort and support, his iron will begins to waver… …and the only thing he can’t bear to lose. Kyle was always the big brother Cecelia Anton never had, but suddenly her goofy best friend has become a sexy man she can’t keep her thoughts—or hands—off of. As their deep connection melts into uncontrollable desire, Ceci is willing to put it all on the line for a shot at true love. Only Kyle is keeping a terrible secret about Ceci’s past that could destroy not only their lifelong friendship but their happily-ever-after… JM writes passionate, heartfelt contemporary romance. She’s a wife, a mother, a spiritualist, and lover of puppies, and happily addicted to coffee and chocolate. She lives in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily-ever-after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession. You can find out more about JM or her books here: Website /Blog /Twitter /Facebook Happy June 1oth! Happy Release Day toBlame it on Texasa contemporary romance by Amie Louellen Every first love deserves a second chance.© 2014 Amie Louellen Shelby Patterson has come back to Texas for one reason and one reason only—to get her husband to sign divorce papers. She’s worked hard to build her California bakery, where clients clamor for her one-of-a-kind creations. Seven years after her disastrous marriage, she’ll finally have everything in perfect order—just as soon as Ritter McCoy signs the dotted line. Ritt is still pissed that Shelby walked out all those years ago without giving their marriage a chance. Sure, they were young and had just lost the baby that had rushed them to the altar, but they’d loved each other beyond reason. Ritt gave up his college baseball scholarship, only to have Shelby and her mom take his parents’ bribe money and run. If Shelby wants those papers signed, she’ll just have to wait until he’s good and ready. Or maybe, before she flies the coop again, he can convince her the love they had between them is still there—and still hot enough to melt their hearts back into one. Warning: This book contains a sexy Texas boy determined to recapture his first love. May also produce feelings of nostalgia and longing for slow kisses and sweet tea. Enjoy the following excerpt for Blame it on Texas:She should have known she’d find him like this. Shelby looked down at the oil-stained driveway to the denim-clad legs protruding from underneath the ancient Ford. The hem of the jeans was frayed, the worn cowboy boots dusty and with a few stains of their own. She propped her hands on her hips, doing her best not to tap her foot in irritation. It would do no good. If there was one thing she’d learned in her time as Ritt McCoy’s wife, he had his own timetable and to hell with anyone else’s. “I said, I need to talk to you.” “And I said, just a minute,” his muffled voice returned. Shelby bit back a growl and used the thick packet of papers to fan herself. That was one thing she didn’t miss about Texas—the heat. But with any luck and the good Lord’s grace, she’d only be here another few minutes, an hour at the most, and then she’d be on her way back to California. A trickle of sweat ran down between her shoulder blades and into the small of her back. Shelby fanned harder and checked her watch. She’d been waiting twenty minutes for Ritt to finish whatever it was he was doing to the truck and sign on the dotted line. That was nineteen more than she cared to wait. “Ritt.” “Shelby.” “I need you to sign these.” “In a minute.” “Now. I have a plane to catch.” She jumped back, nearly snapping the heel off one peep-toe pump. They had been a special purchase for this trip along with the form-fitting black dress that hugged her like a second skin. Scrambling to get out of the way, she managed to maintain her balance as Ritt pushed the creeper from under the truck. And there he was, the boy who stole her heart, took her virginity and married her all in one summer. Well, he’d had her heart for years before that. And he wasn’t a boy any longer; though the years, she grudgingly admitted, had been very kind to him. “What?” he asked. Even lying down, he looked taller, broader, more. She was glad to have the advantage, standing over him like she was. “I’m in a hurry.” “Not my problem.” He disappeared in a quick swoosh back under the truck. But he left his image behind. Dark blond hair curling from under a ratty Longhorns baseball hat. Dirt smeared T-shirt covering a chest she didn’t remember as having quite so many muscles. Long legs, firm lips, square jaw. “I’ve flown over a thousand miles to get you to sign these. The least you could do is get out from under there and do it.” Her voice rose in pitch, the whine she’d been tamping down rising to the surface. Couldn’t he see how they needed this? That it was time to move forward? There was a loud clunk, which sounded like head versus oil pan, then a muffled curse. He rolled out again, and before she knew what had happened he was towering over her. She took a couple of steps back for good measure, unable to meet his blue-gold gaze as he studied her face. “What is it, Shelby? What is so important that you flew all the way out here to grace me with your presence?” She was wrong. The years had been more than kind to him, they had outright adopted him. Had he always been this tall? This broad? This…masculine? He had, she decided. But after seven years away, she had forgotten what a man her Texas boy had been. She licked her lips, the sight of him bringing back more memories than she cared to delve through. Prom night, at the lake after the baseball games, Saturday afternoon in the canyon… Check out Blame it on Texas on AMAZON and B&N.comWRITING PARANORMAL When it comes to fiction writing, almost anything goes. That is why I love writing paranormal stories. The author can go completely over the edge and make something unbelievable seem believable. When it comes to ghost stories, I get a lot of my inspiration from real life experiences. Not necessarily my own either. I watch television programs that partake of the supernatural and paranormal flare. Programs from ordinary people who claim they experienced either an afterlife experience, or a haunting. Some of the stories from my anthology, Wicked Intentions, are based on actual hauntings. In The Legend of Lake Manor, I placed my young psychic, Cassandra Lopez, in a haunted mansion I fashioned on my knowledge of a three-story mansion in my hometown and information from television about a restaurant/bar in Ohio, supposedly ruled by demons so violent that the local police are constantly closing it down. A television documentary about a young mother plagued by ghost sightings since childhood, inspired The Haunting of Barb Marie and her gift/curse. And The Apartment, in which my newlyweds, Bill and Gayle, are plagued by sightings of evil ghosts that threaten their marriage and theirs lives, originated from a real apartment haunted by the ghosts of two homosexual lovers who died violently. The legend says no tenant is able to stay there until the spirits are chased off by a paranormal investigation team. On the Discovery Channel, is where I got the idea for Summer Wind. I learned of the colonial explorer Jonathon Carver who lived during the 1700s and whose ghost is believed to be haunting the Summerwind estate, built in the early 20th century. Carver’s ghost is, supposedly, searching the house’s foundations for deeds to a vast tract of land (10,000 square miles) given to him by Sioux Indian chiefs as a reward for the peace treaty he created between two warring tribes. In my Summer Wind, 29 year-old Ginger is mysteriously drawn to the old mansion, and like the many owners of the real mansion, the haunting had a negative and profound effect on Ginger and her family. Another investigative program concerned one sister’s psychic premonitions about her twin’s murder. This led to my story, Blood Ties, and my heroine, Audra Roper’s dark, disturbing visions of her sister’s disappearance and the roller coaster of risks, heartbreak, and intrigue that followed. Dark Visions came from reading a newspaper story while sitting in a diner. A young woman began having visions of her father's disappearance that was actually his murder from years earlier. So, my Carrie Reynolds starts having nightmares on her twenty-sixth birthday and believes these ‘dark visions’ can solve the twenty year disappearance of her father. I set my murder mystery, The Truth Behind the Lies, on Norfolk Island after following a three year long murder investigation on that island from 2003. In my story, Federal Police Inspector Ian Christian faces attacks, more murders and ghostly occurrences, and the killer is closer than anyone realizes. So, the next time you get Writer’s Block, or need a new idea, try switching on the television, open a newspaper, delve into history or simply look and listen. You will find something to stimulate your muse. Author Bio: JoAnne has been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. Besides having several novels under her belt, JoAnne canvas paints. When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, JoAnne spends time with relatives, her dog Jasmine, and volunteers her time within the community. JoAnne is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. JoAnne believes in family values and following your dreams. JoAnne’s original canvas paintings, can be found at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com Other books by JoAnne: Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery Loves, Myths, and Monsters-a fantasy anthology The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between Upcoming Releases: Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology available June Flagitious-a detective/mystery novella anthology available Summer 2014 Website: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com Blog: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com/page2 Buy links for “Wicked Intentions” 7 bone chilling paranormal/mystery tales http://www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/WickedIntentions.html Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?keyWords=wicked+intentions&categoryId=100501 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Intentions-JoAnne-Myers-ebook/dp/B00GNRUF40/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384531716&sr=1-1&keywords=wicked+intentions+myers The Hunter's Realm Kelly Jackson has spent four years running and hiding. Her prince turned out to be an abusive bastard who tried to take her son. Moving into a nice quiet neighborhood the last thing she wants is to be drawn to her McHottie neighbor. No matter that her children think he belongs to the family. Elliot Hensworth, one of the Realm’s mightiest warriors, was sent to the other side to guard the weakening wall between the Realms. The last thing he needs is a petite sexy neighbor with her inquisitive children to find out that he isn't what he seems. The Hunter’s Realm is a story of strength, love and courage, face your worst fears and survive, to put your faith and trust in another person and the joy that comes when you do About the Author: A little about me is I am a person who loves life and living in the moment. I have found a deep passion in my life in writing romance and erotica novels as much as I enjoy reading them too. I started writing as a hobby and since have been inspired to publish what I have. My heroines are always strong women that can stand up for themselves. My favorite genre to write is Paranormal, but I am delving into other genres as well. My passion is to express how I feel and see romance, sex, and creatures of the unknown come alive on the pages of my books. Immortal highlanders, witches, vampires, Lycans, warlocks and many more, some of my work is inspired by my interest in role-playing and daydreaming , but mostly by a wild imagination. My first book was published on May 7, 2012, ever since Blood Ties (Wicked Blood Series #1) hit the shelves it has been great and a dream come true. Taking the characters that are in my head and bringing life to them is accelerating. I am staying very busy these days as I am working on three more books for this year. One is another in the Wicked Blood Series and another from my Marshal’s Series and a final one with my Co-Author J.L.Raven. I could not have gotten this far without the Lord's help and several friends and family. Stalker links: Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479217.Brianna_Hughes Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBriannaHughesPNR Twitter @hughesbrianna69 Tumblr http://authorbriannahughes.tumblr.com/ Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/bhughes69/pins/ Website: http://hughesbrianna69.wix.com/authorbriannahughes Blogsite http://brianna-hughes.blogspot.com/ Remembering those who have fallen. Honoring those who serve. Thank you to all the men and women who protect our Freedom. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day. This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Marta will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Some secrets can’t stay hidden, especially when they involve murder… Enjoy this excerpt: The older attorney looked at his colleague before placing a comforting hand over Kate’s. “We apologize for upsetting you … both of you. My colleague and I cannot even begin to imagine what you’ve gone through, and although we wish there was some way to avoid having this meeting, there isn’t.” Kate blinked several times, forcing herself to remain stoic. “I understand. Please continue, Mr. Ludlow.” .” He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “After your—Karl Bauer died, he left the bulk of his estate to his son, Leo. It appears that Mrs. Sanborn and Leo had had a falling out a number of years ago, and as a result, she left her family fortune to her older son, Irving. However, the bulk of her personal estate, valued well in excess of a quarter billion dollars, she has left to Maria Weaver.” .” Liz’s head shot up. “But my mother’s dead!” she cried harshly. .” Nigel Hawthorne held up his hands. “Yes, we are, of course, well aware of that. According to California succession laws, since the named heir to Mrs. Sanborn’s estate is deceased, the estate then automatically reverts to Maria Weaver’s children … in this case you, Ms. Farrell.” .” At a loss for words, Liz stared at him blankly. .” Nigel Hawthorne glanced at Kate, but she sat there holding her granddaughter’s hand, saying nothing so he forged ahead. “And your father, Ms. Farrell—”.” “Please don’t call Leo Bauer my father!” The words were torn from Liz as tears spilled unwittingly down her cheeks. .” The attorney reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief, which he held out to Liz. “We’re again very sorry to have upset you both.” .” “It’s not your fault, Mr. Hawthorne,” Kate told him firmly. “My granddaughter and I realized coming into this meeting that it would probably bring up some very painful issues. Please continue.” .” He nodded. “Ms. Farrell’s father, Leo Bauer, also left his entire estate to Maria Weaver.” .” Liz jumped up. “Is this some kind of a sick joke?” she cried. “First, he kills my mother, and then he leaves her everything?” .” “Leo Bauer’s will was executed back in the late seventies and was never updated,” he explained. “And again, because your mother is deceased,” he paused delicately, “you are your mother’s heir by succession.” .” Liz shook her head. “I don’t want it … any of it.” About the Author: By the time Marta Tandori reached fifth grade, she was an avid reader and writer with a stack of short stories collecting dust in a box under her bed but it wasn’t until she began studying acting in her early twenties at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York that Marta realized acting wasn’t really her passion – writing fiction was. What followed was years of writing workshops as well as correspondence courses in writing for children through the Institute of Children’s Literature in Connecticut. She credits the award winning author, Troon Harrison, as the instructor who helped her find her literary voice. Marta’s first work of middle-grade fiction, BEING SAM, NO MATTER WHAT was published in 2005, followed by EVERY WHICH WAY BUT KUKU! in 2006. With her more recent endeavors, Marta has shifted her writing focus to mysteries and suspense having “strong female protagonists with closets full of nasty skeletons and the odd murder or two to complicate their already complicated lives”. To learn more about Marta, please visit her website at http://martatandori.com, her Facebook Author Page at www.facebook.com/MartaTandoriAuthor, or her Twitter page @MartaTandori . For as long as I can remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting, sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not take her advise and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and family of my own. I put my love for writing and painting on hold for years. I unfortunately married a man who like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first love-art. I got a late start, but always encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors. I now have six books under contract with two publishing houses. So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from enjoying your natural talents. You might need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up. Blurbs for “Loves, Myths and Monsters” 11 tales of fantasy, intrigue, and mystery, entwined within the human world Welcome To Anna Little does 17 year old Zoe, realize, but the Chupracabra followed her to Ohio from South America. What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and unsuspecting friendships and love. The Hunter's Bride When all game warden Daren Abram, had to worry about was which lucky lady to woo, he comes to the realization that his town is being stalked by the reincarnation of the town's legend. Moon People For teenage mermaid Constance, coming to the quaint seaside town of Willowick, is heavenly, until she falls for mortal boy Drake. For the town to survive, Constance is forced to choose between her kind and the boy and town she loves. The Pack When young Lycan Sonny Red Blanket, a Shawnee Indian falls for mortal girl Drenda Way, he must save her from his fellow Lycan's and stop a werewolf uprising. The Bidding Apiologist 34-year-old Duncan McPherson goes to Circleville, Ohio, to investigate a series of mysterious bee attacks. What is uncovered proves to be more dark and sinister then anyone imaged. The Agreement Incarcerated in the abandoned Roseville jail, is the last thing rich college student and speeder Brice Conrad, needs. With an "agreement" between the town and a permanent demonic "guest", only the unfortunate ones know the truth, but do not live to tell. For The Love Of Ginnie Handsome bachelor and Scientist Alex Anderson from the thirtieth century, returns to the Civil War with time serum to save his beloved Ginnie Wade from a snipers bullet, while finding a roller coaster ride of joy and perils. Is It Only A Myth? When 32-year-old Vinton County Sheriff, James "Jim" Connors, discovers he has a Mothman hunting in his county, he stops at nothing to save his citizens. The Proposition The rough and ready cowboy John Queenie gets the shock of his life, when the ad to break a "wild filly" turns out to be a fiery Quaker girl named Tess. This is a story proving love conquers all. The House On Shady Lane A seemingly loving family turns out to be serial killers in 1873. Love's Curse When an Egypt love curse scroll is stolen from a Dean's office, persons begin dying in bizarre and grisly ways, with the college's mascot a Viking King statue jokingly blamed for it. EXCERPT: For the Love of Ginnie I don’t know why I wanted to save the life of a person I never met. Maybe it was because I was tired of bachelorhood. Maybe it was because I was a chemist and the unusual, and unexplained, fascinated me. Or, maybe, it was because I was obsessed with this twenty-year-old, dark-haired beauty named Mary Virginia “Ginnie” Wade I had read about. These questions filtered through my mind as I drove to the bar to meet my best friend Will. Will’s favorite hangout was “The Bling,” originally an old truck stop on State Route 93, in Nelsonville, Ohio. The place became a restaurant/lounge/dance hall and brothel when semis no longer became a necessity for long distance hauling. The invention of the transporter also replaced many other primitive jobs such as mail delivery and travel. “The Bling” was best known for the large flashing lights suggesting scantily clad women in seductive positions above the front entrance, and its “bulldogs,” monster-sized bouncers in Armani suits who patrolled its two-block perimeter, inside and out. “The Bling,” just another joint with a sleazy atmosphere, like all alcohol-serving establishments, differed only in that it catered exclusively to class “A” clientele. Politely—or maybe not so politely—everyone called it the “Whorehouse for the rich and bored.” Its reputation grew. Its income grew even faster. I pulled up in front and exited my vintage DeLorian, tossing the keys to the baby-faced valet, by-passed the doorman with no questions asked. Just an exchange of large smiles between us. Will was also part-owner. As I entered the twenty-four carat gold, electronic doors, Will immediately spotted me and motioned me toward the bar with his diamond embellished hand. I loved sitting at the bar. It was the perfect place to see the shows. “Two double scotches and water,” Will said, as we shook hands, and I slid into my seat beside him, just as the tall, leggy waitress produced the drinks in an instant. I immediately recognized the “girl” as one of the latest “do-everything-like-a-wife” robotics. Robot manufacturing had become a booming business since the last war destroyed the immune and reproductive systems in most humans, especially females. “I don’t know why you waste your time flirting with non-humans,” I said, cautiously sipping my drink. The immense emptiness of not being able to acquire a wife and soul mate, I felt at this age in my life, almost drove me to alcoholism, but my boss and mentor, Doctor Obar Gabry, intervened, saving my life and promising career. “Because, dear friend,” Will began, “beggars can’t be choosey, and ladies are in scarce supply. Beside, these ‘girls’ are all pink inside.” “Ugh!” I said, gulping down a large swallow of alcohol as if it could wash away my friend’s vile mental picture from my mind. “Come on, Alex, loosen up. Live a little.” Will motioned to the waitress for another round of drinks. “You’re alive, so act like it. Don’t let your beautiful mind go to waste. This world needs people like you. People started treating me like a god once I became an entrepreneur, and I love it.” I had to laugh. Maybe my self-pity stage had outlived its use. Only I can find a wife for myself. I certainly won’t ask Will to hook me up. His sense of values are as artificial as the women he beds. The pain and loneliness I felt at times from yearning for a life-long partner and family wasn’t easy to accomplish. Scientific and Medical technology still could not reverse the sterilization effects on the female species. Sure there were some human women to date. But most were either sterile, too old, too young, or there was just no chemistry between the two of us. I wanted that spark that unites between two people madly in love...like my parents. I never met any couple happier with one another then my beloved parents. That’s the kind of love I want…never ending. The emptiness and frustration of not finding companionship at times made me want to die. But that was the loneliness talking. I know that now. I love life. I want to live, and I know who I want for a wife. It’s just that meeting her would be a little tricky. Abruptly, I asked, “What do you think about time travel?” “Are you serious?” Will asked. “Scientists have tried to conquer time travel for hundreds of years, and failed.” “Maybe they failed because they weren’t Doctor Gabry and me.” Will looked at me in awe. “Oh, my god, you’re serious!” “We discovered something today in the lab,” I said, giving him an arrogant smile. “We believe this is the answer.” “So who is to be the Guinea pig?” “Me.” Silence came from Will, then a gasp. “That could be suicide.” “Or the biggest discovery of the thirtieth century.” Author Bio: JoAnne has been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. Besides having several novels under her belt, JoAnne canvas paints. When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, JoAnne spends time with relatives, her dog Jasmine, and volunteers her time within the community. JoAnne is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. JoAnne believes in family values and following your dreams. JoAnne’s original canvas paintings, can be found at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com Buy Links: MELANGE IN PRINT AND EBOOK: http://www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/LMM.html LULU in print http://www.lulu.com/shop/joanne-myers/loves-myths-and-monsters/paperback/product-21546632.html AMAZON KINDLE STORE http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Myths-Monsters-Collection-Urban-ebook/dp/B00JL3J4P4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397151617&sr=1-1&keywords=Loves%2C+Myths+and+Monsters Other books by JoAnne: Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery Wicked Intentions-7 bone chilling paranormal tales The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between Upcoming Releases: Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology available May 10 Flagitious-a detective/mystery novella anthology available Summer 2014 Contact JoAnne: joannetucker98@yahoo.com http://www.facebook.com/joanne.myers.927 http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1990 I've been working with my husband at the family business for a few weeks solid now, so unfortunately no new words on the page. That doesn't mean my mind isn't thinking about writing - or conversing with heroes nearly non-stop. The problem is, the hero who should be with me even when I'm away from my computer has been silent and another has taken his place. So because I can't stop thinking and plotting and holding imaginary conversations with the bearded hero of my upcoming book The Key, I thought I'd share with you one of my many bearded man pics I have for inspiration. Does he inspire you, too?
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