Guest post: The Sea Archer by Jeny Heckman

Today my guest is Jeny Heckman talking about her book: The Sea Archer

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi Marie, and thank you so much for having me on your fantastic blog today! I’m a relatively new writer up here in the Pacific Northwest (Washington state), that writes a paranormal romance series entitled, Heaven & Earth. It’s a six-part series about the Greek gods and a prophecy, that only their disbelieving, modern-day descendants can thwart.

The first book of the series, The Sea Archer, was picked up by The Wild Rose Press and went on to win, “Best in Category,” for the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards. It was the second book I’d ever written, so felt supreme gratitude for the honor.

What do you like the most and the least about writing?

I love writing period! I love when you sit down after doing you’re outline and research and are about to begin the story. I really love fleshing it out and bringing it to life, like a butterfly! I’m not a huge fan of the re-write process, because it’s like cutting off parts of your proverbial child. I’m also not a fan of all the marketing stuff, simply because I’m not real sure how to do it.

Give us a peek into your latest published work?

Well, I’d hoped to have the second book, The Warrior’s Progeny, published by the time this interview came, but alas, it’s still in re-writes. So, here’s an excerpt from The Sea Archer, to get things kicked off

“Finn, I understand how crazy it sounds, I do. I knew nothing about Greek mythology or who any of these people were until she told them to me.” Dee gestured to the box and took a deep breath. Suddenly she was exhausted.

“And now you think Poseidon... I’m assuming you think I’m some offshoot of Poseidon, right?”

“You have a trident on your back.”

“Because I thought it was cool when I was twenty- years-old.”

“And you’ve never felt anything strange that you can’t explain?”

“And Raven,” he continued, not willing to entertain those thoughts. “Who I just met, is Apollo? You realize, Apollo was a dude, the boy half of the twins, right?”

“God of music.”

 “Jesus!” Finn barked out his frustration. He stood up so quickly, he knocked his chair over. “This is fucking ridiculous.”

“Look,” Raven said, trying to placate, “it’s late. Everything is just confusing and out there. Maybe, let’s just take a step back and let things calm down.”

“What, are you actually giving credence to this bullshit?” he demanded, wheeling on her. Raven furrowed her brow at him, then looked at Dee.

“What I’m suggesting is we sleep on it, take some time to process what everyone has said, then talk tomorrow, okay?” Dee stood up and kissed the young woman on the cheek. She started back into the house, then turned to look at them.

“I don’t want you to be scared, Finn. I was terrified at first. But now—I’m not scared at all anymore. This was real. As real as you and I are right now. I didn’t dream it. I didn’t want to be a part of it, and I’m not crazy.” She turned and walked into the house.

“Well, that makes one of us,” he muttered, looking over at Raven. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”

What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

Well, after, the Warrior’s Progeny, is completed, I begin on book three. Also, the first book I ever wrote entitled, The Catch, a contemporary romance, is something I plan on re-submitting it now that I know more about the writing process. I self-published it and LOVE the story, so want to clean it up a little more and do it justice. I’m also slowly working on a political thriller. In other words, I have a lot of projects, but The Heaven & Earth series is my priority.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

First and foremost, I’m a reader too. I love getting lost in stories. So, I hope you find this series and these books in your hands and can get lost in them as well. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day for a visit. I truly appreciate it! May you always have time for new adventures!

Second, I’m having a drawing on a large fall gift basket. To enter, sign up for my monthly newsletter at https://jenyheckman.com/

Excerpt

The Warrior’s Progeny, and will hopefully be coming out this fall. Here’s a taste from one of Lilly’s dreams.

Lilly walked across a desolate landscape in a wedding dress. It wasn’t the one she wore when she married David, but stark white, and made of several layers of a gauzy, sheer, voile. She padded across red dirt that felt like talcum powder, and it clung to her hem as she took each step. In the distance, a man dressed in a gray flannel suit came into view, walking towards her. As she moved closer, she recognized him as her late husband. Overcome with relief, she started to run to him, but as she took the first few steps, his hand dissolved into the crimson dust.

“David?” she stopped, reaching out one of her own hands. He mirrored the gesture.

As she stepped forward again, his arm dissolved too. Looking puzzled, David glanced down at it, then back to her, before flicking his gaze to something directly behind his wife. When Lilly turned, the man from the beach stood before her at attention, like a soldier in a bronze-age military film. Behind him, stood a thousand warriors, hunched with spears and primed for battle. Lilly looked back to her husband, who once more reached out for her hand. Extending one to him, she took two more steps, but as she did, the dead man turned diaphanous.

“No!” she pleaded. “David, wait! Wait, a minute. Don’t leave yet.”

“He will not prevail.”

She turned to glare at Colt with fear, then loathsome anger. He gazed back at her admittedly, resplendent in his battle armor. The Trojan wore a chest plate of pure gold and its reflection shone like glass. The helm placed on his head had waves of flame cascading down it where otherwise there should have been horse hair.

“You are mine now,” he stated with simplicity. “Come with me mortal and we shall rule in glory.”

“Lilly,” David said, voice weak with fatigue.

She whipped back around and saw he now knelt, head bowed, turning into the red talcum powder of the dirt, settling onto the earth. The remains of hundreds and hundreds of people laid to rest the same way, revealed themselves to her, beneath her feet. Dropping to her knees in her gown, she placed her face in her hands and sobbed. When the first tear hit the dirt, millions of lilies sprouted from the earth, their happy faces tilted in the direction of the sun.

“Come now, weep no more, for I am here,” the warrior said.

When she turned back to face him, Colt held a sword that dripped with watery, red dirt, and the gray flannel suit laid at his feet.

“No!” she screamed.

Lilly woke bolt upright, trying to catch her breath with desperation. Slick with perspiration, she scanned the room for her dead husband. Realizing he wasn’t there, she hiccupped with frustration and tried to slow her breathing.

Buy Links for The Sea Archer:

Amazon          

Barnes & Noble

BookStrand

KOBO

Social media links for Jeny Heckman:

Website:

https://jenyheckman.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/heckman.jeny

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jenyheckman

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jenyheckman/

Newsletter:

https://jenyheckman.com/

Guest Post: Out of Splinters & Ashes by Colleen Donnelly

Welcome my guest today Colleen Donnelly talking about her book: Out of Splinters & Ashes

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a scientist turned author…or the other way around, maybe, since I was a writer from the beginning, but needed to pay the bills so I earned a degree and worked hard in laboratories while stories grew in my mind. I was born and raised in the midwestern states of the US, moved to more urban areas in my young adult years in order to experience other cultures, then returned to the rural quiet of the Midwest. I love the outdoors, reading, writing, interacting with my pug, and coffee. I believe in hobbies and passions, delve into several myself and encourage everyone I know to do the same.

What do like the most and the least about writing?

I relish the birth of a story and the time it spends developing in my soul. When that little spark becomes a flame, it is ready to become words on paper, and at that point I am in my element.

My least favorite part of writing is probably the same thing which vexes most authors – marketing. Writers are rather private in their work and easily lost in their craft. Definitely true of me, so I remind myself we don’t spend years loving and training a child only to boot it out the door when it comes of age, and wave goodbye. Tending still continues, and books as well need some parental ushering into the world.

Give us a peek into your latest published work?

This is from “Out of Splinters and Ashes,” winner of the Crowned Heart Award, and a finalist in the running for this year’s Rone Award in 20th Century historical fiction:

Cate is a runner. She prefers to help her fiancé run his New York senate race, but she finds herself running instead to fix what’s broken between her grandparents before he finds out—her grandmother has moved out of the family home, and her grandfather is accused of a pre-WWII relationship with a woman in Germany.

Dietrich is a German journalist with a spotless reputation. He prefers facts, but he finds himself lost in a world of fiction instead to prove his novelist grandmother couldn’t possibly have been the lover of a US runner in Berlin’s 1936 Olympics—especially when that runner’s granddaughter is Cate, a stubborn obstacle he should but can’t ignore.
Cate runs hard to cover up what Dietrich uncovers, until he shows her how it could have been—and how it could be again—that one can indeed love an enemy.

What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

I have a lighthearted book in edits now, a late 1800s story of a jilted spinster determined to get her man. My next book after that one is in the germination stage. It’s title and premise are set, and I’m letting inspiration leaf out the plot.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

Authors rely on reviews. Please write one if at all possible. We not only depend on having them, we also learn from them, so approach the review as professionally as we approach writing. Dig beyond whether you liked the book or not, and tell why. We need to see our work through others’ eyes who detect what we might have missed and can teach us something.

Except:

     Grandma was impossible to stop. She charged around me, into the room, flipping on a light as she did. “You can go now,” she barked at the soldier still holding the door. “This won’t take long.” 

     He nodded at Grandpa, then shut us in, us and the mirror. 

      I saw Amabile’s story all over again as Grandpa spotted the mirror, the deep-down flicker I’d noticed before, but brighter now. Grandma and I disappeared as time took him backwards, his face transforming from old and haggard to young and alive—then to terrified, and lastly to nothing, except guilt. Grandma didn’t raise the mirror as I expected her to, and shake it in his face. She let it hang in front of her, between them, the charred frame and lone lily all he could see. 

     I stared at the trembling finger that stretched and touched the blackened wood, scars this man probably deserved exposed at the cuff of his sleeve. 

     “I believe this is yours.” Grandma’s voice was low. I’d never seen them this close together before, never seen them face each other. But I’d seen the mirror between them forever without knowing it was there.

Buy Links:

Sonata Contineo   https://amzn.to/2I0zzYi

Mine to Tell    http://amzn.to/1PNJo4S

Asked For     http://amzn.to/1TyflEu

Love on a Train          http://amzn.to/1m9eYCx

The Lady’s Arrangement             http://amzn.to/2qj7DE2

Out of Splinters and Ashes     https://amzn.to/2K0WTHt

Social media links:

Website:          http://www.colleenldonnelly.com/

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/ColleenLDonnell

Facebook:        https://www.facebook.com/ColleenLDonnelly

Goodreads:     http://www.Goodreads.com/colleenldonnelly

Amazon:          https://www.amazon.com/Colleen-L-Donnelly/e/B00ELP1GIA/

Never Give Up on Your Dreams by Marie Tuhart

I signed my first contract 10 years ago today.

Wow, just typing that still amazes me. Here I am 10 years later with:

16 full length novels published
3 full length novels in the process (soon to be published 2019/early 2020)

7 short stories or novellas
4 short stories in the process (soon to be published 2019)

I’ve come a long way in those 10 years. I never thought I’d write that many books in that time. The first 4 years of my publishing career I was still working a full-time job and taking care of my mom.

Once I was able to retire, I’d been at my day job for 30 years and it was time to get out of the corporate world.  With retirement came a move, I moved myself and my mother from California to Washington state.

In my new house, I had my own office, something I wanted for years. While in the next few years, I wrote in fits and starts, because taking care of my mom became the priority. When she passed away, I stopped writing for close to six months.

When I started writing once again, the ideas started flowing and I allowed myself to just write and not worry. It was the best thing I could have done, it allowed my muse freedom to write and helped me get through the grieving process.

I love writing and letting my imagination take me places. Even after ten years there are still things that challenge me like marketing/promotion. It’s a necessary evil as I call it. It has to be done, otherwise people wouldn’t be able to find my books.

Writers are introverts, and I’m no exception, but I’m learning to be a little more outgoing with signings and public events. I still have to work on public speaking or readings, but that will get there. I’m a shy person, so I will say now if you ever see me, come up and say hi and start talking. I love meeting people, it’s just hard for me to make the first move.

I don’t know what the next ten years will bring, but I’m going to keep writing and putting books out there.

I dreamed of being a writer and getting published. Now my dreams are to keep publishing books that readers want to read, and to meet readers. Never give up on your dreams, and keep pushing yourself.

Guest Blog: The Keys Voice of the Turtle by Karen Hulene Bartell

Today let's welcome Karen Hulene Bartell as she talks about her book The Keys: Voice of the Turtle

Tell us a little about yourself: Instead of a bio Karen gave us a fun fact 

Fun fact—The “bright lights of Broadway” recollection of my lead character Keya from THE KEYS: VOICE OF THE TURTLE is a fictionalized account of my own theatrical experience in Manhattan at age eighteen. “Made it to off-Broadway, love. Close, but not quite the same.”

What do like the most and the least about writing?

Most—Writing is better than reading because I choose the action and ending!

Least—Post-publication marketing is the anti-climax of writing. 

Give us a peek into your latest published work?

THE KEYS: VOICE OF THE TURTLE Peek—Finding buried treasure and love, Keya moves forward, but can she save the beach? Can Ruth find Maita’s murderer or help Bart solve his 400-year-old mystery? Join their adventures as they mingle with ghosts and talk with turtles.

What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

Next—I’m in final edits for Wild Rose Pass, a completely new genre for me—Historical Western Romance, plus I’ve begun writing Kyoto: Tale of the Fox, a Mainstream Fantasy.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

Fun Fact—The protagonist of THE KEYS: VOICE OF THE TURTLE is named Keya. In the Lakota Sioux language, Keya means Turtle. The setting of the novel is the Florida Keys, and the premise is protecting sea turtles and their nesting beaches. Finding the name Keya for the main character—who is Native American and a turtle aficionado—was kismet.

Excerpt:

“These nesting grounds are the reason I’ve fought to keep this property intact. If this beach is developed, the impact will destroy it, but fighting the lawsuit is expensive. I’d hate to sell this place to pay court costs.”

“But you said keeping the nesting grounds intact is only part of the reason you stay.” Ruth gave her a sympathetic smile. “What’s the rest?”

“Call it my legacy.” Keya stood up straight. “When I’m gone, I’d like this beach to remain as nature intended it…for the turtles. Since I’ve never had children—”

Earnestine meowed.

Keya grinned. “That is, except for my furry, four-legged kids, I’ve never had children. I have no one to leave it to other than who or what will make the best use of it. Conveying this land to the turtles would be my way of leaving the world a better place.” She turned toward Ruth. “Does that make sense?”

Ruth nodded. Her cousin’s intentions were clear. “But legally, how can you will the property to the turtles?”

“Easy. I leave it to the Turtle Refuge.” Keya chuckled as they meandered along the shore. “And this is where you come in. When you’re writing the brochure, add a few paragraphs about planned giving and charitable bequests…” Keya stared as if in a trance.

“What’s wrong?”

Her hand shaking, Keya pointed to a shady patch of beach half hidden by sand dunes. A lifeless hand lay tangled in seaweed, its fingernails broken and bloodied.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XV2wO1 

Social media links:

Website—http://www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/

Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/KarenHuleneBartell

Twitter—https://twitter.com/KarenHuleneBart

Guest post: Nobody Else But You by Claire Marti

Today my guest is Claire Marti talking about her latest book: Nobody Else But You

Tell us a little about yourself.

Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.

Her award winning debut novel, Second Chance in Laguna, was a Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance in the prestigious Stiletto Contest, won best unpublished contemporary romance in the Heart of the Molly and third place in the Maggie. Book two in the Finding Forever in Laguna series, At Last in Laguna, and Book three, Sunset in Laguna, are available everywhere. Sunset in Laguna was a Golden Quill finalist.

Claire's exciting new Pacific Vista Ranch series set on a horse-breeding ranch in exclusive Rancho Santa Fe, California, launches in September 2019.

When Claire's not writing, she's teaching yoga. You can find her teaching at studios in sunny San Diego or enjoy fifty online classes on the international website www.yogadownload.com. A breast cancer survivor, Claire is a sought-after speaker on the power of yoga and meditation. She's been published in numerous magazines with articles on wellness and is the author of a memoir, Come Ride with Me Along the Big C, on her experience beating breast cancer.

What do like the most and the least about writing?

Writing is definitely a rollercoaster! I love editing my stories once I’ve written the first draft. Reviewing the story and rearranging, tweaking, and intensifying the emotions is incredibly rewarding. I look at the editing process like putting together a puzzle––taking all the pieces and arranging them for maximum impact and order.

The least: writing the first draft. I have a really tough time getting the initial story down on paper because I’m always tempted to polish the words as I write. I’ve learned to let that go and write the first draft as if I’m telling the story to myself and worry about making it pretty prose later. It’s not easy!


Give us a peek into your latest work:

A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them.

She’s avoided Hollywood for years…

When an arrogant Hollywood stuntman struts into Samantha McNeill’s breeding barn, sparks fly. She doesn’t care how mouthwateringly gorgeous he is, not when he assumes Pacific Vista Ranch’s resident horse breeding manager must be a man. Not to mention his job threatens to pull her family back into the paparazzi filled world they escaped from over a decade ago.

Now it’s at her door––wearing faded jeans and a wicked grin.

Holt Ericsson can tell the beautiful redhead hates him on sight and the feeling is becoming mutual. But he will call in a favor and convince Sam’s legendary director father that Pacific Vista Ranch is the only suitable place left in California to film an epic Western. Holt’s invested all his savings in the movie and his entire career is riding on it. No way will he allow one irritating, sexy woman to stand in his way.

Sam intends to fight him at every turn…if only her heart didn’t race when they’re together. Holt does his best to steer clear of her…except all he wants to do is hold her close. The sizzling attraction between them is either going to burn up the sheets or burn down the ranch

What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

I’ve got two more books coming out in the Pacific Vista Ranch series in 2019. The Very Thought of You is the story of Amanda McNeill, Sam’s older sister and releases October 2019. For The Love of You is the story of Dylan McNeill, Sam’s twin sister and releases November 2019.

I’ve also written a standalone novel with a breast cancer heroine that spans the globe from Paris to San Francisco. I’m shopping the story to literary agents and hope to land with a large publisher for this story close to my heart. I’m a nine year breast cancer survivor, so I can share personal insights through my heroine’s story.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

If you like modern, fresh, sexy contemporary romances, check out my books. If you love horses, extended family dynamics, and unique settings, give my new Pacific Vista Ranch series a try. If you like sexy romances set at the beach, check out my Finding Forever in Laguna series.

Excerpt:

Swallowing a flutter of nerves in her throat, she rapped on the door. She was simply going for business. Ranch business. Bringing him dinner was simply being polite, like her father had raised her to be. So why was her heart hammering against her ribcage?

“It’s unlocked.” A muffled voice called. So much for manners. Holt apparently didn’t seem to bother with them.

She hesitated a moment. She smoothed back an errant strand into the ballet bun she hadn’t bothered to unravel. Although she’d changed out of her dance gear into her favorite old pair of jeans and a super-soft t-shirt, she hadn’t been in the mood to mess with her hair. Briefly, she regretted not being more like her twin sister, talented with makeup and hair. But, nope, Dylan had received the lion’s share of feminine genes.

Whatever. She opened the door, and then froze. He was rubbing his hair dry with a white towel slung over one shoulder. The pristine white material emphasized his bronzed skin. Tiny beads of moisture clung to chiseled pecs and the light sprinkling of golden hair on his chest was the only thing preventing him from looking like a marble statue. Barely. Shredded eight-pack abs and sharp V-cuts of muscle converged at the waistband of a pair of jeans as faded as her own. Her mouth suddenly parched, she swallowed. Hard.

“Sorry, I got stuck on the phone.” He grinned and tossed the towel onto a nearby chair.

She jerked her gaze up to his face, which had to be safer, right? Her pulse thrummed in her temple and heat descended to her belly. Damn. His face was definitely not safer than his gorgeous body.
“How’d you get that scar?” She blurted out the words, desperate to distract herself from his pure physical presence. He really needed to put on a shirt. Pronto.

“Scar? Which one?” He laughed, seemingly oblivious to her reaction, thank goodness.

“Forehead. The one across your forehead.” A flaw. Weren’t scars flaws? Why did it make him look just a little dangerous? And it did save him from utter perfection. Didn’t it?

Buy Links:

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2YT4b36

B&N: https://bit.ly/2Tot1GO

KOBO: https://bit.ly/2TpyGg8

IBOOKS: https://apple.co/2YCVcrA

Social media links:

Website:  www.clairemarti.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/clairepmarti

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairepmarti

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/claire-marti

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Claire-Marti/e/B01N9VOWLL

Guest blog: From Denver to Forever by Cadence Vonn

Today my guest is Cadence Vonn talking about her book: From Denver to Forever

Tell us a little about yourself: 

I’ve always been involved in the arts. I love creating things with my hands. I weave, do metal- smithing and occasionally stitch with tiny beads to create intricate bracelets. I took up writing when my mother became ill and I spent more time in the hospital with her then I did back in my studio. After two years of accumulating notes about ideas I sat down and started to write. I discovered I had a lot to learn and took a number of writing classes and attended workshops to hone my skills. And since I like to read books with a happy ending, I gravitated to writing romances.

What do you like most and the least about writing:

I love the journey I take with my characters. They lead the way through twists and turns until they find their HEA. As an introvert, if I could live in my writing cave all the time I’d be happy. But being an author is also about promotion. So meeting new people is always a challenge. 

Give us a peek into your latest published work: 

FROM DENVER TO FOREVER 

Two stranded strangers...No commitment. No rules.

After discovering her boyfriend is into kink—and not with her—Emily Jameson wants to know what all the hype is about. When a blizzard strands her in the Denver airport, she meets a man perfect for satisfying her curiosity—and more than a few desires—in a lovers-only relationship. But after their first toe-curling kiss, she wonders if the no-strings bargain they've made is a mistake.

Mark Blacke always goes after what he wants, and the moment he sees Emily, he wants her. Fulfilling her fantasies will be a pleasure. Why wouldn't it be when she wants hot as sin sex and no fetish is off-limits? Falling for her isn't part of the plan, but if he tells her how he feels, he fears he'll lose the woman of his dreams...

What’s next on the horizon for you:

Book Three of The Blacke Brothers series, Luke’s story, is on my editor’s desk. I’m in the process of working on the final brother, Jonathan. He’s the most laid back of the brothers but gets into the most trouble. 

I’m also editing a novel I completed that will be my first self-published book. It’s a new exciting process. 

Is there anything you want to tell readers:

I’d love to thank all the readers that have read my books. Their support is why I write. 

Book excerpt:

Examining the outfit in the mirror, Emily decided to leave her hair down instead of braiding it. A huge part of her hoped what Mark had bought would add more kink to their lovers’ weekend.

A thrill ran up her spine when he tapped on the door. “Yes?”

“Should I put on these black pants?”

“If you’d like. They go with my outfit.”

“You’re in silk pajamas?” He sounded disappointed. “Sort of.” She swallowed her giggles. She wouldn’t give herself away. “Put on the pants and wait for me on the bed.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She imagined the smirk on his face with that comment, but she didn’t care. Hopefully when she walked out the door, he’d choke on it.

 “Ready!” he yelled.

She took one last look in the mirror. Sultry makeup and her boobs resting in the corset cups ready for his inspection made her look hooker-esque. Yep. She joggled her hands underneath them and adjusted the lacy material. Now to knock the wind out of his sails.

She opened the door and said, “Close your eyes.”

“Done.”

She moved to the middle of the floor. “Okay, open them.”

He raked his gaze over her body and choked. She stood perfectly still in the spotlight created by the fading sunlight streaking across her from the skylight above.

“Merciful mother fuck,” he growled. “Turn slow. I want a view of your luscious ass as well.”

Emily obliged, pivoting and maintaining eye contact over her shoulder as she turned. Her hand rested on her waist like the old pin-up models in vintage posters. His hard swallow turned her blood to lava. Heat coursed through her like fire.

“You look good in those pants.” She gave her bare shoulders a flirty shake. He slipped off the bed, the pants riding on the yummy V where his hips met his abs. All six-foot three-inches of male testosterone moved toward her. She relaxed her hands behind her back so she wouldn’t fidget.

“Perfect pose. Demure, yet sexy as hell with your breasts just waiting for me to taste them. One little flick of the lace, and I’ll be able to torment your beautiful nipples. Would you like that?”

She sucked on her bottom lip and took a deep breath through her nose. Her slight nod was all the invitation he needed. 

Buy Link:

Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com//dp/B07VJHC8BS

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CadenceVonn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015062562531

Website: https://cadencevonn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadencevonn/

Guest Post: Finding Euphoria by C. Becker

Today C. Becker is my guest talking about her new book: Finding Euphoria

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I grew up on a small farm in western Pennsylvania and earned a B.S. degree in Medical Technology. I had six brothers and two sisters, so there was never a dull moment at my house. I loved reading books and have fond memories of pulling a wagon half a mile to my church where the bookmobile stopped every month. I moved to Virginia after I married and focused full-time on my husband and raising four children, gravitating towards music as the kids entered elementary school. When my husband was transferred to West Virginia, I began writing children’s books—which I still write. After my first children’s book, I wanted to write a novel to see how the writing differed. I’ve found that there is quite a difference between the two levels of writing. In my free time, I freelance as a musician. I am also a music director and I substitute teach at public schools where I live. I love chocolate, baking, crafts, yardwork and home improvement projects.

What do like the most and the least about writing?

 I love discussing with my readers about my stories and current projects. I do a lot of school visits for my children’s books. I’m slowly maneuvering my way around the adult audiences with book clubs and library events. Also, I love twisting surprising storylines in a plot. The worse part of writing is taking time to keep up with emails and social media posts. It’s time consuming.

Give us a peek into your latest published work?

Hailey Langley refuses to be a victim and has moved on from her traumatic past. But her marriage problems worsen when a deadly illicit drug threatens to draw her into the life she left behind.

Mark Langley has allowed his job to interfere with his marriage, but he never suspected the secrets in Hailey's past might hold the key to solving both of his current investigations.

Together, they must unravel the mystery of the drug called Euphoria and find a way to save not only their marriage, but countless lives, before it's too late. 

What’s next on the writing horizon for you? 

I’m deep into my second book of the Euphoria series: Losing Euphoria/Trust No one. The story takes place six years after Finding Euphoria. After that book is finished, the third novel, Reclaiming Euphoria, will keep me busy.

Is there anything you want to tell readers? 

I love my fans and I appreciate all the support they offer! Writing is more satisfying when you touch readers’ lives and hearts.

Excerpt:

He turned the bottle around in his hand and set it on the end table. “Don’t put me in this position. You know what would happen. Grace is his mother. She’s the one who needs to stay with him.”

Regret tugged at her heart. “I wouldn’t take any time away from her.”

Parker groaned. “Just you being there would make her feel uncomfortable.”

“Why?”

“You know why.”

“But I’ve stayed away for seventeen years,” she whispered.

“That was the adoption arrangement.”

She bit her lip. “I can’t stay away any longer.”

“You agreed to those terms in the contract. You terminated all parental rights.” Parker stood and paced to the kitchen.

“But it’s not fair!” She put down her water and began wringing her hands.

Straightening his arms, he leaned against the bar. “Hailey, please don’t start. I know how you feel…”

“You couldn’t possibly know how I feel. I need to see him.” She fought to control the bitterness in her voice.

“No.”

She rose, knocking over the water bottle. “He’s my son!”

“Not anymore, he isn’t.”

The rebuke stung. “He’ll always be my son!”

“When you gave him up, you promised to keep your distance.”

“I have.”

“Forever.”

The reminder lanced her heart. “You’re being unfair. He’s dying.”

He slammed his fist on the bar. “Don’t say that. He can’t die.” Parker pushed himself up and stomped near the window, raising his hands to rest on top of his head as he faced the curtain.

A muscle twitched in her hand. Her knees buckled. She sat on the edge of the couch, wringing her hands. “I was young. I couldn’t give Justin the life he deserved. I’m not asking to take him back. I only want to see him.”

Rubbing his jaw, he walked back to the couch and sat. The hard lines on his face softened. “The adoption papers were clear. No contact.” He placed his hands on top of hers and stilled them. “If the decision was mine, I would allow it, but Grace would lose it if she found out you’re Justin’s biological mother.”

Her hands squeezed into tight fists. The urge was unbearable. “I wouldn’t tell her.”

Parker ran a hand through his hair. “Argh! Don’t you understand? She’d take one look at your face and know the truth. Don’t forget, you’re the one who wanted us to protect him.”

She stood. “Well, you did a hell of a fine job, didn’t you? You divorced Grace and deserted him. Parenting takes sacrifice, Parker. You were too busy changing careers, and now he’s messed up with drugs. How did that protect him?”

Standing, he reached for her.

“No. You stay away from me.” She extended her hands and backed up a step. “Justin’s dying! Dying, Parker! And I don’t know him…You won’t let me see my own son.”

He wrapped his arms around her.

She pushed him, pummeling her fists against his chest with all her strength.

He silently took his beating.

Buy links:

The Wild Rose Press Finding Euphoria ebook link

Amazon Finding Euphoria ebook link

Amazon Finding Euphoria paperback

Barnes & Noble Finding Euphoria ebook link

Apple itunes Finding Euphoria ebook

Kobo Finding Euphoria

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