BOOK SPOTLIGHT: What A Rich Woman Wants @barbmeyers #MFRWauthor @ajtillock

WHAT A RICH WOMAN WANTS
#4 Braddock Brotherhood
by Barbara Meyers
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Samhain Publishing

Right about the time Lesley Robinson’s father’s stroke left her in charge of his Fortune 500 company, she adopted her housekeeper’s sick baby and divorced her philandering husband.

She’s built an impenetrable wall around her emotions. But when a hunk of a sheriff’s deputy turns up at her office to apply for a grant, her distrust of men and relationships takes a direct hit.

Niko Morales clawed his way out of gang life to build a new one grounded in law enforcement and a passion to help disadvantaged youth. So, Lesley needs a companion for an upcoming social occasion? For his community center, and maybe for her, he’ll wear the monkey suit.

Niko sneaks under Lesley’s cool façade, but when their relationship is threatened they’ll both have to step up—and out of their comfort zones. Or they’ll lose the one thing they want most: each other.

He knows she’s out of his reach. Until she reaches out to him.

Buy Link!

REVIEW
“This is an unexpected gem… the two of them are well suited to face it all together, which was the enjoyable thing about this book… keeping the romance on a slow burn throughout… it’s highly satisfying…”
- http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/what-rich-woman-wants

ABOUT Barbara Meyers
When not writing fiction, Dr. Seuss-like poetry or song lyrics, I disguise myself behind a green apron and supply caffeine-laced substances to addicted consumers for a world-wide coffee company.

Under the pen name, AJ Tillock, I venture into off-the-wall comedic fantasy with The Forbidden Bean, the first in the GRINDING REALITY series.

I am still married to my first husband, have two fantastic children and one almost perfect dog.  I’m originally from Southwest Missouri, and now reside in Central Florida.

Visit me at www.barbarameyers.com
Follow my infrequent posts on Twitter @barbmeyers and @ajtillock
Read my blog at http://barbmeyers.wordpress.com/blog/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraMeyersAuthorPage
Buy links to my books are on my web site:  http://www.barbarameyers.com

Gabriel's Rule BOOK SPOTLIGHT @Sloane_Kennedy #MFRWauthor

Gabriel's Rule

Sloane Kennedy
Erotic Contemporary
BUY LINK

After nearly ten years of moonlighting as a professional escort, Gabriel Maddox is good at giving women the forbidden pleasures they crave. They don’t need to know that something inside of him dies a little each time he does it or that his desperate need for cash is the only reason he can’t walk away. They just need to know that to get what they want, they have to play by his rules.

Riley Sinclair is starting over. She’s left dry, dusty Texas and her ultra conservative, fanatically religious parents and cheating fiancé behind for a new life in Seattle. But one look at her stunningly gorgeous new neighbor Gabe brings back all the insecurities she’s trying to escape.

Gabe can only offer Riley pleasure, but when she discovers that his perfect outside hides something terribly broken on the inside, will she risk her heart to give him what he needs?

"Words can't express how much this book got to me! Oh wow! I did not expect such a deeply emotional, troubling and touching story."  - MTE, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

ABOUT Sloane Kennedy
When Sloane Kennedy is not doing her "grown-up" job you can find her writing about strong, passionate and slightly damaged men and women who are looking for love, even though they don't always know it. She lives in Wisconsin (where it is usually either too cold or too hot for her!) with 2 dogs and 3 (incredibly spoiled) cats.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009132831061

#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Leave Yesterday Behind @LaurenLinwood

Leave Yesterday Behind
by Lauren Linwood
Romantic Suspense
Soul Mate Publishing

After a stalker attacks her, New York actress Callie Chennault returns to her childhood home to heal physically and mentally. She finds love with former baseball pitcher turned mystery writer Nick La Chappelle. The soul mates find their love tested when they both become the target of a serial killer. New lovers are targeted by a serial killer

AMAZON Buy Link!

EXCERPT
Callie stiffened. “I don’t drink. Period. Daddy turned mean when he did it. I got slapped around enough times because of it, so I’ve never touched a drop.” 

She slammed the refrigerator and crossed her arms protectively in 
front of her.

Now why did she go blurt all that out? 

She rarely mentioned her father, much less the abuse she endured. She kept opening up to this man at the oddest moments. For the life of her, she couldn’t understand why.

Nick’s brow creased. If Callie didn’t know better, she might have thought it was in anger.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

She recognized true sympathy on his features. Her heart did a back flip that would have made an Olympic gymnast proud.

“I’m not,” she continued, her voice calming. “When he died, I came to Noble Oaks. I never felt as safe as I did that first night. I got more than enough to eat, and I was always starving back then. Aunt C herself scrubbed me from head to toe that night, and she read me a story from a fairy tale book. I fell asleep lying in a big bed with clean sheets and frilly curtains hanging around the windows. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.”

“Noble Oaks has that effect on people.” He acted as if he wanted to share a confidence, but he turned away, taking out several koozies and slipping the canned beers into them.

“What would you like to drink?” she asked, her anger evaporating.

“Tea would be great.” He hesitated. “I had drinking problem myself at one point. Mom marched into her big league son’s life and straightened me out.” He smiled. “I don’t even like to take aspirin nowadays.”

He gathered the beers in his arms and took them outside. Callie watched out the window as he distributed them. She poured two tall glasses of iced tea for herself and Nick as she reflected at his surprising candor.

As she reached the door, Nick came back. “Thanks.” He took the glass from her and gulped a big swig. He turned and headed over to the grill, and he and Eric good-naturedly started teasing about who was the best grill master.

Callie sat on a picnic bench.

There was a lot more to Nick La Chappelle than she’d first thought.

ABOUT Lauren Linwood
Lauren Linwood’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.
A native Texan, Lauren is an avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan who manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

http://www.laurenlinwood.com
https://laurenlinwood.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/laurenlinwood
http://twitter.com/LaurenLinwood
https://plus.google.com/+LaurenLinwood/about
http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Linwood/e/B00CSSG8BC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1406670019&sr=8-1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091840.Lauren_Linwood?from_search=true

Meet #MFRWauthor @BritaAddams

MEET Brita Addams
Born in a small town in upstate New York, Brita Addams has made her home in the sultry south for many years. In the Frog Capital of the World, Brita shares her home with her real-life hero—her husband, and a fat cat named Stormee. All their children are grown.

Given her love of history, Brita writes both het and gay historical romance. Many of her historicals have appeared on category bestseller lists at various online retailers.

Story ideas come from every direction. Maybe a research book she read, something someone says, or strictly from her own imagination. Love scenes happen naturally and not for titillation or because there hasn't been one in fifty pages. They should further the story, showing an advance in the couple's relationship. The depth and graphic details should also fit the story and should be up to the author to determine.

Tarnished Gold, the first in her gay romance Tarnished series for Dreamspinner Press, was a winner in the 2013 Rainbow Awards, Historical Romance category. The book also received nominations for Best Historical and Best Book of 2013 from the readers of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group.

Along with the re-release of the books she had with Musa, including the Sapphire Club titles, Dreamspinner Press will publish Beloved Unmasked in October. The story begins in Storyville in New Orleans just before World War One and is about the son of one of the Storyville prostitutes. A great deal of life happens to him and the circumstances of his birth alone presents problems for the future he so desperately wants.

A bit of trivia—Brita pronounces her name, Bree-ta, and not Brit-a, like the famous water filter. Brita Addams is a mash-up of her real middle name and her husband's middle name, with an additional d and s.

Check out Brita's newest book...
Lucien & Serenity
Brita Addams
Historical Erotica
Fireborn Publishing

Fulfill your wicked fantasies at the Sapphire Club... USA Today Recommended Read

Serenity Damrill has returned to her husband, Lucien, after a ten-year absence. She carries with her a secret that could destroy her life and possibly all that Lucien has built. She needs Lucien's protection, and she is determined to repair her marriage.

Quite happy running the Sapphire Club, where his clients live out their wildest fantasies, Lucien has no need for the frigid wife who deserted him the day after they were married. Though he still desires her, he doubts she'll consent to the type of intimate relationship he craves.

But in the Sapphire Club, where rules don't exist, anything is possible...

BUY LINK!

CONNECT with Brita...
Website/Blog  http://britaaddams.net
Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/britaaddams
Fan page  https://www.facebook.com/BritaAddamsEroticRomance
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Monthly column at The Novel Approach http://thenovelapproachreviews.com
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The Rebel's Redemption on #Thursday13 #MFRWauthor@Jacquie Biggar

MFRW Author  Jacquie Biggar  is the guest in today's Thursday13 post.
Jacquie Biggar lives in paradise along the west coast of Canada with her her husband, daughter, and grandson. Loves reading, writing, and flower gardening. Spoils her German shepherd, Annie and calico cat, Harley.
And can't function without coffee.

 The Rebel's Redemption- Book #2 in Wounded Hearts series
contemporary, romantic suspense
 

Annie Campbell has made a good life for her and her young son in the mountain town of Tidal Falls. She’s dating the sheriff, owns a successful business, and has the support of the community.

So why isn’t it quite enough?

Jared Martin left Tidal Falls a hotheaded youth, and now, after eight years in the military, he returns a bitter, disillusioned man.
Then he finds out he’s a father.

When an old enemy follows and causes mayhem in the small town, can Jared overcome the odds to protect the woman he’s always loved and the child he never knew, or will it be too late? 

 Buy link http://bit.ly/14PHxfM

Here are the 13 quotes Jacquie shares from her book

The slam of a trunk across the street drew his gaze. There. He caught a glint of chrome when a car door opened in a tree-lined driveway. A shadowy figure climbed behind the wheel. Jared dropped the phone and ran.
The engine screamed to life and the car roared onto the road with no lights, narrowly missing him as he jumped out of its path. It took off down the street and Jared gave chase until long after it disappeared from view. He stumbled to a halt and stood breathing harsh, hands braced on his knees and head hanging low, gaze focused on the inky darkness descending like a shroud of doom.
When he could no longer hear the fading rumble of the motor, he turned and made his way back to the tinny roar of Frank’s voice coming through his phone.
“Talk to me, Martin. So help me God, if you don’t answer…”
“They’re gone, Chief.” Jared hated even putting voice to the words. “That dirty mother-fucker took them and I couldn’t stop him.” 

Fans can find Jacquie here:
http://jacquiebiggar.com
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#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: West African Project @adammannauthor @ButterflyBooks9

West African Project
Adam Mann
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Butterfly Books

If you’ve ever fancied working in remote parts of the world, you must read this:

Ivan wins a contract to work in the Hadejia River Valley, as agricultural advisor.  He finds the Project Director easy to work with and his widowed daughter lovely to look at and to look after him!  This book is based on a true story in West Africa, not in the steamy coastal area but in the dry semi-desert plains in the north.  Ivan learns to speak the local language and finds that the farmer families in the villages good to work with.  He has the support of the project director, Mustapha, and finds his widowed daughter attracted to him.  The project has many twists and turns over the twenty year period, but manages to survive through wholesale fraud, corruption and contradictory government legislation, and manages to improve the incomes of the farmer families.

BUY LINK!

EXCERPT
One of Mustapha’s daughters was about the same age as his youngest wife, and I often noticed the two chatting, or working together.  Her name was Aisha and she was a widow, I was told, and amazingly she spoke a little English.
After her husband had died she had returned to her father’s house.  She did not have any children, which made her sad, and she just took her place in the family.  I had no idea where she slept, or indeed where any of the ladies or servants slept.
Mustapha had his own room, and I can only presume he was joined by one of his wives from time to time!  I had never been in his room until he grew weak and eventually died.
I was given a small but very comfortable guest room, not so far from Mustapha’s room, which had a wide trestle bed and a small cupboard, and a table with a wash hand basin, and a small mirror on the wall.  There was a room to bathe in at the back of the house, but no running water.
But my room was always nice and cool.
I left every morning to go to work, and when I came back in the evening my room was all clean and tidy, and my laundry washed and folded on top of the cupboard, and clean water in a jug.
Aisha had appointed herself my caretaker, I found out later.
The building work on my house was progressing but only slowly, although steadily and I would often stop to check on dimensions.  I had decided to build a house with some local aspects.

ABOUT Adam Mann
Adam Mann has lived and worked in Africa and Asia for many years.  He has always been fascinated by personal relationships, and in real life is now enjoying his fourth marriage, after being widowed, divorced, had one marriage annulled as this ‘wife’ had forgotten to get divorced. As a result he has extensive experience of social and sexual activities, which he brings into all his books in explicit detail.  Underlying all these activities is a quest for a loving and ongoing relationship with his partner.

Two novels have been based in Africa.  Adam now lives in Vietnam, and has written eight romance books, all based in Asia, and his last two based in Europe and Canada.

CONNECT with Adam Mann

#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A Journey Home by Angela Scavone @busterwhyte

A Journey Home
Angela Scavone
Soulmate Publishing

Stephanie Tyler’s sole job is to fly overseas to war torn areas of the world to retrieve and escort the bodies of fallen soldiers back home to the United States. It is a tough and emotional job but she is honored for the privilege. Her duty also helps her to escape her past and her failed marriage.
But those flights have become increasingly more dangerous and she is forced to have a partner accompany her. Much to Stephanie’s surprise and dismay, she is partnered up with her ex-husband, Captain “D.A.” Douglas Aston.

From the moment Captain D.A. enters the scene, he irritates her. It could have something to do with the fact he slept with her best friend while they were married.

Then, Stephanie’s cheating, husband stealing, ex-best friend is killed in Afghanistan and Stephanie and D.A. must escort her body home. While executing this difficult duty, a myriad of conflicting emotions makes Stephanie ponder how short life really is . . . and to question her own ability to forgive.

Buy Link

ABOUT Angela Scavone
Angela lives in Ontario, Canada sharing her home with her father and much-loved trio of pups (and one evil cat).  She currently works for the Board of Education behind the scenes supporting and analyzing student data, however, in her spare time, apart from her avid love of story telling, she likes to read and spend time with family and friends.

Website: http://angelascavone.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.scavone.52?ref=bookmark
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/busterwhyte
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/busterwhyte/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6683076-angela-scavone

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A Marquis For All Seasons by #MFRWauthor Renee Reynolds @eenayray

A Marquis For All Seasons
Book 2 in The Lords of Oxford series
by Renée Reynolds
Rock Creek Publishing

Lady Miranda Leighton and the Marquis of Stafford, Roman de Courtenay, have a similar problem: their families want them to find a spouse.  Together they hatch the perfect scheme: they will pretend an attachment and trick their families in their pursuit of one last season of unencumbered entertainment.  Yet, in each other's constant company, they find their ruse giving rise to some surprisingly very real feelings.  What happens when you set out to fool society, but only end up fooling yourselves? Lady Miranda Leighton and the Marquis of Stafford, Roman de Courtenay, have a similar problem: their families want them to find a spouse.  Together they decide to pretend an attachment to trick their families while they enjoy one last Season.  In each other's constant company, pretense blurs with reality, and they learn love doesn't play games.

Buy Link

EXCERPT

The Marquis of Stafford laughed and the mirth returned to his eyes.  “I will likely regret this decision, but I have an idea.  Forces beyond our apparent control have decreed that you need a husband, and that I need a wife.  It seems we are perfectly suited to be the answer to each other's problem.”
Lady Miranda's eyes widened, her mouth gaping in shock.  This was not a topic she would have ever guessed for discussion between the two people most disinclined toward matrimony.  For certain, she misheard his words.  “Am I mistaken, or did you just make me an offer?” she rushed out in a gust of breath.  By the immediate look of surprise and dread mingling across his face, she knew she had indeed misunderstood.
“Good God, no!” he shouted before catching himself, looking around the room to see if he had been overheard.  He pushed her toward the door, and they exited into the dim sunshine of the partly cloudy day.  “I meant only that we could work together to help each other avoid marriage, since we are both desperate to do so.”
Miranda took in a deep breath, relieved, but also a little perturbed.  She would be a fine catch for any gentleman, and should not inspire such a look of utter affright.  “So . . . your actual proposal is thus: to avoid marriage, we must pretend an interest in each other.  It would be remiss of me, however, if I failed to point out, since we have shown no such inclinations previously, that hurdle will be difficult to overcome.”
“Perhaps with those who have been in our company of late, but not those who have been absent, such as a brother and sister recently returned from one month's rustication in Kent.”
Miranda's mind began to churn with thoughts and ideas of bringing this new plan into action.  She had to admit – but only to herself – it really was terribly well-conceived, and she did love to trick her brother whenever possible.  But it would take a deft touch to keep other friends and family from being suspicious.  She did so love a challenge!
“We must tread carefully, to prevent others from thinking our interests developed too soon, and also to prevent charges of caprice against ourselves when we eventually fall out of favor with each other.  We must 'kill two dogs with one stone.'”

ABOUT Renée Reynolds
Author Renée Reynolds grew up all over the world in a family whose motto is you can never learn too much, travel too much, or talk too much.  She owns an impressive stack of degrees that she ignores to instead write about what she cannot do: go back in time to dance at balls and flirt with lords and scoundrels.

Renée found her HEA in Texas, where she resides with the hubs, the kiddos, and a menagerie of pets. They've added to the family motto: you can never read too much, too often, or too late at night.

Website: https://obstinateheadstronggirl.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reneereynoldsauthor
Google+: https://plus.google.com/112824395033256812686/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eenayray/
Amazon: amazon.com/author/reneereynolds
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7348689.Renee_Reynolds

BOOK SPOTLIGHT @InesWrites: The Loyal Steed by Ines Johnson #MFRWauthor

The Loyal Steed
Ines Johnson
Heartpsell Media, LLC

Jaspir has been in love with Lady Merlyn since they were children, but she has always been out of his reach. Trained as a Pleasure Hound and now surviving by selling his body to rich women, his heart has always remained loyal to his true love.

Liam was promised to Merlyn in their youth, but he’s always known that he's not the man in her heart. With their betrothal approaching, Liam seeks out Jaspir for help. Eager to ensure the happiness of the woman they both love, Jaspir agrees to train Liam in the pleasure arts.

What starts as rivals in an uneasy truce, soon turns carnal when Merlyn learns of their secret lessons. In a society where men are second class citizens, Merlyn is torn between the attentions of two men who would do anything to rule her heart.

BUY LINK

EXCERPT

""Our time is up, Merlyn.""
""Should I buy more?""
Jaspir hesitated. He closed his eyes, resting his forehead against hers. She had his heart, but he would never be allowed to possess hers. He set her back on her chair.
""No,"" he whispered. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. ""No,"" he said more firmly.
Another hour, another day would change nothing. It had taken years to get over her. Who was he kidding? He'd never gotten over her. He never would.
""My time is up because you have another lover coming?"" she asked.
Jaspir pulled away from her, staring into her golden brown eyes. ""No. There is no one else.""
She cocked her head to the side, the birdlike motion signaling that she was investigating his words. Just as Merlyn only spoke facts, she had a knack for sensing when someone told half-truths.
""I have no other lovers coming today."" Something compelled him to go on, to assure her of her place in his heart. ""You own my heart, Merlyn. I have loved you, and only you, every day since the first day I met you. I will continue to love you every day of my life.""
She searched his eyes, her head cocking the opposite way as she considered every angle of his new statement. ""Why is it that I believe you? There is no possible way to prove your declaration. Love isn't a tangible thing that you can point to. It isn't measurable.""
Jaspir took her hand and placed it on his heart. ""Do you feel that? What reason does a heart have for racing?""
""It’s a fight or flight response from the autonomic nervous system.""
""Do you think I'm preparing to flee due to fear of you? Or that I'm preparing to harm you?""
Merlyn shook her head.
""Look at me, Merlyn. What do you see?""
""I see that your pupils are dilated."" Her eyes dipped lower. ""Your nostrils are flaring, and you are panting.""
""I can tell you that my stomach aches when I think of you. My palms sweat and I feel light headed. Not to mention what happens in my sex organs. That's nearly every system of the human body engaged at the very thought of you.""
""These symptoms happen every time you think of me?""
""Without fail.""
""Fascinating,"" she breathed, eyes bright.
Jaspir grinned at the curious creature before him. She pressed one hand to his heart. The other she ran over his forehead. Her fingers came away with beads of sweat. Her thumb returned and traced his lower eyelid.
""I'd like to study this phenomenon some more."" She looked into his eyes. Her own pupils were large, her nostrils flared, her breath came in small pants. ""May I return to make more observations?""

ABOUT Ines Johnson
Ines writes books for strong women who suck at love. If you rocked out to the twisted triangle of Jem, Jericha, and Rio as a girl; if you were slayed by vampires with souls alongside Buffy; if you need your scandalous fix from Olivia Pope each week, then you’ll love her books!

Aside from being a writer, professional reader, and teacher, Ines is a very bad Buddhist. She sits in sangha each week, and while others are meditating and getting their zen on, she’s contemplating how to use the teachings to strengthen her plots and character motivations.

Ines lives outside Washington, DC with her two little sidekicks who are growing up way too fast.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ineswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ineswrites
Website: https://inesjohnson.wordpress.com/

The Roads Lead Back to #Thursday13 with #MFRWauthor @Marci Boudreaux

MFRW Author Marci Boudreaux  hosts this week's Thursday13.
As a teen, Marci Boudreaux skipped over young adult books and jumped right into the world of romance novels. She's never left. She lives with her husband, two kiddos, and their numerous pets. She recently hung up her journalism hat to focus on editing for several publishing houses, as well as writing. Romance is her preferred reading and writing genre because nothing feels better than falling in love with someone new and her husband doesn't like when she does that in real life.



The Roads Lead Back

Kara Martinson and Harry Canton weren’t exactly high school sweethearts, but they did share one night neither will ever forget. Twenty-seven years later, Harry runs into Kara and discovers he left her with more than just memories when he went away to college. Desperate to connect with the family he never knew existed, Harry convinces his son to move to Stonehill—and pleads with Kara to come, too.

Kara hasn’t stepped foot in their hometown since the day she was sent away to a home for unwed mothers. As they put together the pieces of their parents’ betrayal, old heartaches start to feel anew. She wants to be near her family, but returning to Iowa means facing some things…and some people…she isn’t quite ready to.

Can Harry convince her to forgive those who betrayed her so they can embrace the future they were robbed of so long ago.

Marci's 13 favorite quotes from The Road Leads Back:

1. “Congratulations, Harry. It’s a boy.”

2. “Honey, I was doing tequila shots before your daddy dropped his pants and made you.”

3. “For the better part of my life I thought you were Janis Joplin reincarnate, lately you look more like…Maya Devi.”

4. “Wow, Harry. Did you get this house from a How to Fit In with Society kit?”

5. “I know it was a long time ago, Harry, but finding out your parents sent me away to be rid of me instead of help me has churned up an awful lot of the hurt I felt back then. I came to terms with what my parents did, with how they didn’t want me. But your mother led me to believe she was taking care of me and, even if it was foolish, I believed her. I thought she wanted me, in her own way at least. Finding out she only wanted me to go away…it hurts.”

6. “Just pretend it’s made from organic, all natural, non-chemically enhanced, free-range chicken milk."

7. “That’s where my mom grew up? It’s so…normal.”

8. "Next weekend is my parent’s wedding anniversary. I’ve taken Mom out to dinner every year since Dad died. What am I supposed to do now? Take her out and act like everything is fine? ‘Hey, let’s just forget about that time you lied to me about being a father for twenty-seven years.’ I can’t do that.”

9. "You didn’t embarrass me. This one time, the day after high school graduation, I tried to sneak out of this girl’s house without everyone realizing I’d been dumped by this guy I’d just had sex with. That was embarrassing.”

10.“I know trusting doesn’t come easy to you. I know you’ve had a lifetime of feeling betrayed, but please, please trust in me. Believe in me. Let us have our life, Kara. The life we should have had.”

11. “I made a mistake. I was too scared to try to fix it. Being a parent means making mistakes; being scared that you’re going to lose the one thing that means the world to you. But those mistakes are made in the name of protecting your son.”

12. “Out of the blue, he’d talk about how you defended his Mount Rushmore project, or how you were a great artist. He’d see a painting and say something like, ‘Remember Kara Martinson—the girl I went to school with—I sure hope she’s still painting.’”

“Yeah, well, sometimes I’d see a man with his kid and think something like, ‘Remember Harry Canton—the boy who knocked me up and disappeared without a word—I sure hope he contracted an STD and his balls rotted off.’”

13. "Without you, I’m just another man getting through life without any spark, any color. You are my color. You always have been."

Buy link: Amazon

Marci Boudreaux can be found here:
www.marciboudreaux.com 
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#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: McKellan's Run by Nicole Hurley-Moore @NHurleyMoore

McKellan's Run
Nicole Hurley-Moore

Violet Beckett once made the mistake of falling for the wrong McKellan brother. Now, eight years later, fate has brought Violet back to her home town with her daughter, Holly.

As soon as Violet runs into Charlie ‘Mac’ McKellan, she wonders if she should run all the way back to the city. But something about him makes her want to linger. Can she trust him, can she trust herself or will she be burned again?

Charlie McKellan has had a soft spot for Violet Beckett for longer than he can remember. It almost killed him to watch his brother woo her, use her and finally lose her. From his very first encounter with Violet he’s hooked. But how can he convince her that not all McKellans are the same?

Buy Link

EXCERPT

‘I think we got a bit carried away.’
‘That’s okay. We can slow things down, whatever you want, I’ll do it,’ Mac said his arms still wound around her.
‘I’m not sure if this is such a good idea, Mac, I mean with our history…’
‘What history? Violet what the hell are you talking about?’
‘Okay fine, the history I have with your family, with your brother.’
‘I don’t give a damn about the past, Violet. Screw the history – I just want a future, with you,’ he said as he released her.
Violet felt bereft without his touch. Here she was trying to do the right thing, the noble thing and not let him sacrifice himself. Mac deserved so much more.
‘You don’t mean that Mac. You’re just trying to fix things like you always do. You want to protect me and Holly and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. No one has ever wanted to do that before. But I can’t let you; it wouldn’t be fair.’ She reached out to him.
Mac snatched his arm away. ‘Is that what you think?’ he asked. ‘After what just happened? You think I’m with you out of some sort of misguided duty?’
‘You’re a good man but I’ve said it before, I’m not your mistake or your problem.’
He pushed away from the fence and walked away without a look or a word.
‘Mac! Mac, please don’t leave like this. Please don’t just walk away.’
He whirled around and faced her crossing his arms in front of his chest as if he was putting a barrier between them.
‘Is that the way you want to play it? Damned if I know if you’re stubborn or just plain blind. Either way, I can’t talk to you right now.’
‘Mac.’
‘Just leave it, Violet. Before something is said that can’t be taken back,’ he said turning again and walking away his anger palpable and the air almost crackling with tension. The look in his eyes made it clear she’d hurt him. She’d never meant that to happen.
‘Mac!’
He didn’t answer or stop, he just kept walking, his back stiff and unyielding.

ABOUT Nicole Hurley-Moore
Nicole lives with her family in an Australian rural town in the Victorian Central Highlands. She's a full-time writer and a fan of happily-ever-afters.

www.nicolehurley-moore.com
http://nicolehurley-moore.blogspot.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/nicole.hurleymoore.author
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112124717603317230246/posts
https://www.pinterest.com/hurleymoore/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5336013.Nicole_Hurley_Moore
https://twitter.com/nhurleymoore

Meet the Futuristic #MFRWauthor of The Turn of the Card @VickyBurkholder

Meet Vicky Burkholder.
Vicky Burkholder lives in a three-generation home with spouse, kids, grandkids and cats. Fortunately, two of the other adults are writers so she is surrounded by creativity in the midst of chaos. She has worked for magazines, newspapers, government organizations, e-publishers, and private clients. At various times in her life, she has been a teacher, a secretary, a short-order cook, a computer specialist, a DJ, and a librarian.

http://www.vickyburkholder.com  |  http://www.facebook.com/victoriaburkholder

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing? My dad was the first one to influence me. He taught me my love of the written word and that books can lead to whole new worlds.

How long does it take you to write a book? It really depends on the book - how long it's going to be, how much research is involved, and all that boring stuff. But generally, if I have all the backwork done, just a couple of months.

How do you come up with your ideas? From everywhere. From something on TV, a snippet in the news, something I see on the street... ideas are everywhere. You just have to be aware of them and run with them.

Tell us about your latest book.
The Turn of the Card was a ""what if"" sort of idea. What if... you got bet in a game of cards, and lost? What if... the man who bet you was your father? What if... he sold you off to pay off his debts? What if... and so on. And outer space? Whole new worlds to explore. It's a little science fiction, a little adventure, a little mystery, and a lot of romance.

The Turn of the Card
Liquid Silver

Jessica Windemere loses her freedom when her father bets her in a poker game. But she isn’t willing to accept her fate without a fight. To have her revenge, she first must survive an unknown world while contracted as some stranger’s wife. She wants nothing more to do with men until a huge, dark god rides into her camp. Can she risk losing her new love on the turn of a card?

Kiernan Randall is on his way home from a trading mission. The group of abandoned women he finds were definitely not expected, especially their feisty red-haired leader. She is contracted to his enemy, but gives herself to him and firmly entwines his heart. Can he trust her enough to let her wager their future together on her skill with cards?

Buy Link

EXCERPT

“Did you see how big they were?”
“I saw the big bulge in the leader’s pants.”
“I’d love to get some of that.”
“Me too.”
Jess strode into the sleeping area and shut the door. Her body temperature rose from warm to hot as she remembered the way his eyes had traveled over her. Her nipples tingled and tightened into hard nubs. Lower down, the heat built in intensity and she fought to control her libido. “He’s a man. Nothing more.”
But oh, what a man.
She went into the bathing room and ran water over her head, attempting to cool her overheated body.
“Jess?” Cammy called. “The food is ready and the men are here.”
“Fine. I’ll be right out.” Jess leaned against the sink and stared at her reflection in the grainy mirror. “Just a man. Nothing more.”
She stopped at her bunk and pulled her PDA out of her bag so he could see the contract. If these men weren’t their mates, then who were they? She felt for the knife in her pocket. No matter who they were, she wouldn’t take any chances.
She went out to find the men sitting at the long table in the center of the room. The women stood around them, glaring at each other.
“What’s wrong now?” Jess asked.
Cammy came to her. “They can’t decide who gets to sit with the men and who has to sit at the other tables.”
Jess snorted. “Oh for star’s sake.” She went back to her room and retrieved the deck of cards. Maybe her father had been good for something after all. He’d taught her how to handle cards well over the years. She returned to the group, shuffling the deck as she went.
“Everybody draws a card. High cards sit at the main table. Low cards sit elsewhere. In the case of a draw, hearts are high, followed by spades, diamonds, clubs.” She spread the deck face down on the table. “Don’t show your card until all have drawn. Cam, you start.”
“You will not draw,” the leader of the men said to Jess. “You sit by me, or we leave.”

What can we expect from you in the future? More futuristics - this one is just the first of a series (but they're all stand alone books so no cliffhanger endings!) and more paranormals and shapeshifters. Why stick with the plain when you can create new life and new civilizations? :)

Do you have a favorite author? Too many to list, but some of my favorites include Anne McCaffrey, Neil Gaiman, Misty Simon, Laura Bradford... and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

TALK TO Vicky...

Who are your favorite authors?

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Lord Love a Duke by #MFRWauthor Renee Reynolds @eenayray

Lord Love a Duke

Book 1 in The Lords of Oxford series
by Renée Reynolds
Rock Creek Publishing

Jonas Leighton, Duke of Dorset, needs to find a husband for his spirited sister, Lady Miranda, before she drives him insane. His hastily organized house party causes her enlist the help of her best friend, Lady Juliet Quinn, to enact a series of pranks meant to distract the Duke . . . if only he would cooperate and be the victim.

Most complicating of all is the Duke's secret admiration for Lady Juliet, who is off limits in many ways; not only a friend to Miranda, she is also the sister of his close friend, Charles, Earl of Bristol. It doesn't help that Lady Juliet herself has vowed to avoid marriage, wanting no part of something based on convenience, money, or titles.

Everyone at the party seems to have their own plots and schemes, and the final prank yields the biggest surprise of all. Whatever is a duke to do?

Buy Link

EXCERPT
"Zounds!  Lady Juliet was stunning, thought Jonas as he climbed into the carriage to escape the hot summer sun.  She lay across the plush, navy velvet seat with one leg dropped to the floor, her tall, curvy form stretched out as much as possible in the close confines of the carriage.  Her hair was the color of rich, dark chocolate, piled high on her head with several tendrils escaping as she rested.  Long lashes lay against smooth cheeks that had pinkened slightly from the warmth of the day, their color matching her full pink lips.  He unconsciously stretched a hand toward her face to see if her skin was as soft as it seemed when she suddenly spoke.

""I know you are here.  I can hear you breathing.  Perchance do you have any treats to share?"" she asked drowsily without opening her eyes, the corner of her mouth quirked up in a half smile.  She raised and opened the fan that had been sitting across her stomach.  ""We picked the hottest day to travel, did we not?"" He watched as she delicately pulled her bodice away from her warm body to fan air down the top of her gown.  His mouth went dry and he suddenly felt it was much warmer in the carriage than without.  He struggled to swallow past a throat that was too dry.

""Indeed, Lady Juliet, it is rather warm for May, but we shall soon feel a cooling breeze off the Channel, I should think.""

Juliet's eyes flew open at the sound of his rich baritone voice and she scrambled to right herself in the seat, dropping her fan and shaking the carriage in her haste.  ""Saints and sinners, Your Grace, I thought you were Miranda.  You nearly scared me to death!""  He smiled and watched as she blushed furiously.

""Forgive me, my lady, but I sought the shade offered by the carriage while the horses were watered and rested.  Mama and Miranda are yet inside.""

""Yes, your sister had thought to find some lemonade or cider.  I think Her Grace was also anxious to stretch her legs.""  Juliet felt as if she were prattling but was too shaken to stop herself.  His stare was unnerving her, his blue eyes the color of the sea they would soon be near.  She felt her blush deepen as he continued to watch her.  It seemed the carriage had gotten smaller with the presence of his tall, muscular, and broad-shouldered frame taking up both space and air.

""Tell me, Lady Juliet, when did you grow up?” he could not prevent himself from asking.  “It seems the last I noticed you were a tomboy in pigtails, chasing frogs and causing mischief with my sister.""

She fluttered her lashes down in embarrassment, not realizing the alluring nature of her action.  Her lips turned up with a slight grimace.  ""You have been occupied with affairs of more import than your sister's friend as I have not worn pigtails nor chased frogs for some years now, Your Grace.  Miranda and I are of an age, which you well know, having been tormented by basically having two younger sisters each summer for the past fifteen years.""

""I think my true torment may have yet to begin,"" he murmured to himself."

ABOUT Renée Reynolds
Author Renée Reynolds grew up all over the world in a family whose motto is you can never learn too much, travel too much, or talk too much.  She owns an impressive stack of degrees that she ignores to instead write about what she cannot do: go back in time to dance at balls and flirt with lords and scoundrels.

Renée found her HEA in Texas, where she resides with the hubs, the kiddos, and a menagerie of pets. They've added to the family motto: you can never read too much, too often, or too late at night.

Website: https://obstinateheadstronggirl.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reneereynoldsauthor
Google+: https://plus.google.com/112824395033256812686/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eenayray/
Amazon: amazon.com/author/reneereynolds
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7348689.Renee_Reynolds

#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Her Ladyship's Ring @PJMacLayne

Her Ladyship's Ring
Book 2 of the Oak Grove Mysteries
P.J. MacLayne

Harmony Duprie is back, and so is trouble in Oak Grove.

When a man is murdered in the back yard of the old Victorian house she is remodeling, Harmony is determined to locate his next-of-kin so he can be put to rest properly. But with her ex-boyfriend Jake out of prison, back in town and one of the suspects in the murder, she takes on the challenge of solving the crime.

With Eli, her current love interest, in Florida and Jake close by, old emotions come back to haunt her. Can Harmony clear Jake's name and solve the mystery of her own heart?

BUY LINK

EXCERPT

We tromped up the steps and I headed to my kitchen to start another pot of coffee, my cut-back-on-caffeine resolution forgotten.  Then I took my place on the loveseat next to Eli. “Have you figured out who shot the window yet?” I asked.
“No, but we determined that the blast that broke the window was from a shotgun.”
“Pellets?” Eli asked.
Freddie nodded. “Explains why the glass shattered so badly. A bullet from a rifle likely would have punched a solitary hole in the window, but left it otherwise intact. That means it was from a different gun than the one used to kill the victim. We don't have the results back on its make, but we can rule out a shotgun based on the wound.”
“So are you back to your theory about a dumb kid testing out the gun he got for Christmas?” I asked.
“Yes. Still trying to track down the lead we got yesterday.”
The coffeemaker beeped and I jumped up to bring out the pot and the cups. “How long until I can get back to work?”
“Don’t rush it. We’ve got the back yard marked off as a crime scene. Someone from the department will let you know when we’ve finished processing the area.”
I felt bad that I couldn’t go back right away. At least people would be nearby to keep the house company.
“Why are you in such a hurry to get back to the house?” Eli asked after Freddie had left. I was washing the dirty dishes; he was drying them and putting them back in the cupboard.
“I have a connection to it, and don't want it to be lonely,” I confessed. “Alone all these years, and it has such potential. Can’t you imagine what it will be like all fixed up? And hopefully a young couple will buy it and fill it up with kids and cats and dogs.”
Eli grinned as he put down the towel and wrapped his arms around me. “You know how they make kids, right?”
“Maybe you should show me,” I answered, my voice a breathy whisper.

ABOUT P.J. MacLayne
Born and raised among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, P.J. MacLayne still finds inspiration for her books in that landscapes. She is a computer geek by day and a writer by night who currently lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When she's not in front of a computer screen, she might be found exploring the back roads of the nearby national forests and parks.

Facebook https://facebook.com/pjmaclayne
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Amazon http://www.amazon.com/P.J.-MacLayne/e/B00HVE8WZI
My Blog http://pjmaclayne.blogspot.com/

Seeking Love on #Thursday13 with #MFRWauthor JM Maurer @JMMaurer1

Our guest at Thursday13 is lovely MFRW Author J M Maurer. She started working as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She loved transporting critically ill children from outlying hospitals, caring for them and their families, and picking up overtime hours treating patients of all ages while inside a hyperbaric chamber. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, she loves to write about strong characters and their struggles in life. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, consuming chocolate from around the world, and engaging in most any sport. She resides in Chicago and is the author of the Emerging From Darkness trilogy.

She gives us 13 reasons why she loves Halloween:

13) White Chocolate12) Ghost towns11) Jack-O-Lanterns10) Milk Chocolate9) Ghoulish decorations8) Candy corn7) Dark Chocolate6) Costumes!5) Haunted houses4) Chocolate liquor3) Jello shots to adults2) Corn mazes1) It's a month-long fall festival of spooky good times. And did I mention CHOCOLATE? 

           Seeking Love by J.M. Maurer
                   Erotic Contemporary Romance
Blurb

Every day, Jessica Winters does what she does best—bury herself in patient care within the walls of the neuro intensive care unit, keeping herself busy to escape the dark sadness that controls her life. But the day she sees Matthew Moi, the intriguing man seated at her new patient’s bedside, her shattered heart begins to frantically beat once again.

As Matthew pins his mesmerizing gaze upon her, trying to distract her with his humorous and playful banter, she does her best to ignore him. Somehow he already knows a great deal about her, breaking down Jessica’s barriers and awakening her soul, drawing her out of the darkness and into his arms.

When her painful past resurfaces, revealing truths that threaten her future, Jessica struggles through her issues and fights to stay on a healing path . . . seeking love.
Buy link  Amazon US: bit.ly/SeekingLove  

 Excerpt
One thing I knew: I wasn’t that woman anymore. I wouldn’t be her anymore.

My heart was racing at the thought of being separated from Matthew by only the door, and I watched as it opened, knowing he stood mere feet away. I drew in a deep breath to calm my frantic nerves and steady my racing heart. It was the moment my eyes would see him again, and the same moment I knew all involuntary muscle movements would cease.

As Matthew stepped in and around the door, his alluring eyes captured me. The feeling was nothing new. I’d been imprisoned by his gaze before. And locked in it again, I watched as he drifted to me, the indisputable chemistry between us palpable and absolute. His mesmerizing eyes had hypnotized my burning soul, completely bewitching me.

“Hello, Jessica,” he murmured, pointing to an open area of the bed. “Mind if I sit?”

I gave a slight shake of my head, having difficulty forming the simple word “no,” and watched as he made himself comfortable facing me. His crisp charcoal-colored trousers bunched as he scooted on the bed. My sight roamed along his classic plum-colored dress shirt and stopped searching once I focused on his face. 

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