Good Morning! Let's Start A New Day With SUNSHINE'S WELCOME! From Kara O'Neal

 

I've got one of my absolute favs on today, gang! My Romance Gem buddy, Kara O'Neal! Kara created this charming little town called Pike's Run, Texas full of colorful characters and wonderful stories. SUNSHINE'S WELCOME is one of the last books in the series, which kind of freaked me out until I found out that Kara has started a Gamblers and Gunslingers Series, shoo!  So, without further ado, here's Kara to tell you about her latest release!

SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is on the shelves. Delilah’s story is done. And I’m awed.

 

I started writing the TEXAS BRIDES OF PIKE’S RUN series in 2000. The first book, WELCOME HOME, was published in 2013.

 

My Texas Brides series is almost done. Only one book left. I can’t fathom this.

 

And while SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is not the last story in the collection, it is the last that will take place in the past. We’re going to say goodbye to the characters that started Pike’s Run and the Swinging A.

 

My heart can’t take it.

 

While Delilah’s story is hers, it’s also everyone else’s. We go on a journey that recalls what came before her, those who shaped her, and made her Little-Bit, Dynamite, and now…Sunshine.

 

If you’ve been with us through the whole series, I hope you find SUNSHINE’S WELCOME as the proper goodbye to the past. You might want to read it with some tissues. (I sure needed to.)

 

 

Blurb ~

 

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1891

Delilah Davis has all she could want—a loving family and freedom to do as she pleases. Nothing has ever disrupted her world. That is, not until a tall, dark and stand-offish wrangler is hired to work on her family’s ranch. Killian Blake irritates Delilah’s sunshine life, and she’s determined to show him that she’s more than capable of handling herself.

 

Detective Killian Blake of the Pinkerton Agency must go undercover on the Swinging A ranch to solve a thirteen-year-old murder. Once hired, he expected to be dealing with cowboys. He hadn’t counted on investigating a family with bonds thicker than frozen molasses. And to make matters worse, there’s a beautiful, wild and headstrong female dogging his steps, and cracking the ice around his heart. The closer he gets to Delilah Davis, the more he wants to keep the family secrets. But fate has other ideas…

  

 

Excerpt ~

Killian Blake trotted down Main Street early Tuesday morning, looking straight ahead, senses alert and aware of his surroundings. A variety of shops stood on either side of the road, along with the Royal Hotel that rose two stories and had an upper balcony. The shingle for the sheriff’s office swung in the chill breeze. Not many people strolled the walks, the colder temperature keeping them inside where fires burned, as evidenced by the smoke wisping out of chimneys.

A quiet place. A small town. Not even on his map. But here he was, on assignment. Who knew for how long, but hopefully the stint allowed him to rest for a few weeks. After chasing Sasha Parker, The Debonair Kid, and his gang of train robbers across five states for six months, Killian was ready for a breather. Even if that reprieve put him back in the corral.

But he’d handle it. After eight years, it might be good to work with horses again. Of course, he still had to get the job with the Swinging A ranch. If he didn’t, Detective Irwin wouldn’t be happy.

It didn’t take long for Killian to reach the end of the line of stores, and he continued on, heading to the cattle ranch located two miles outside of town that was run by the Davis and Lonnigan families. Killian was on the hunt for a position as a wrangler.

The solitary ride out to the ranch allowed him the chance to survey his surroundings even more. He went past pasture and forests of pine before a homestead came into view on his left. A sign proclaiming “J. Lonnigan, Veterinarian” stood at the gate. A one-story cabin about fifty feet in length sat on a gentle rise, while a variety of stables, paddocks, pens and corrals were on the side and behind the dwelling. Someone worked with a mule in one of the paddocks, and children darted around, some carrying out chores while others played.

Though the last name was the same as the owners of the ranch, Killian didn’t stop. He had the advertisement for the needed wrangler folded in his shirt pocket. It indicated that more information could be found at Callahan’s in Pike’s Run, Texas. The bartender at the saloon had told Killian to whom he should apply— J.T. Davis, Kyle Lonnigan or Deacon Tolbert—and that their spread was two miles south of town on the right. It shouldn’t be much farther and once he arrived, he just had to be hired.

When the gate to the Swinging A appeared, black iron against a chill, blue sky, he turned his horse down a path with deep wagon ruts going under the arched entrance. To his right rose a three-story, grand Victorian home, while a dog-run cabin stood to his left. About two hundred yards of freshly plowed land separated the dwellings. Probably for cotton, he surmised.

He trotted toward the cabin as the bartender had directed him to do, but when he knocked on the kitchen door, no one answered. Frowning, Killian headed out of the dog-run and scanned the field. A barn had been a little behind the cabin. Perhaps the owner of the home was inside. Leaving his horse tethered to the hitching post outside the house, Killian walked toward the larger structure.

As he did so, movement in a tall oak grabbed his attention. He slowed his steps as bits of yellow peeked through the branches that, despite the season, still held leaves. Someone was up in the tree.

He moved closer, ducking down to try to get a better view of who sat on one of the higher branches. Petticoats peeked out beneath a yellow linen dress. Struck, Killian barked, “What the hell?”

A feminine squeak and gasp accompanied a crash.

The bright yellow bundle tumbled down, and Killian’s heart flew up into his throat. He shot forward, stretching out his arms, and caught her just in time. He stumbled under the blow but kept his feet, jostling her close against his chest.

Breathing heavily, his pulse beating wildly, he gazed into the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Auburn hair framed an angelic face that blinked in astonishment. Her full lips parted as she clutched the front of his shirt with one hand and held tight to his shoulders with the other arm.

Oh…what the hell…

He’d just caught a beauty.

 

 

 Isn't she awesome! Now, here's where to run get your copy of SUNSHINE'S WELCOME, and then I'll tell you a bit more about Kara and where you can find her.

 

 

Book Purchase Link:  https://books2read.com/u/49ka68

 

 

 

Bio~

Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children. She writes stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.

 

Where to Find Kara

Website –  www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub –  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon –  http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest –  https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues

 

You Should Choose A BRIDE FOR SHANE by #RomanceGems Kathleen Lawless

Hello! I'm writing this post on Monday of this week and there is snow forecasted for tomorrow! It's April showers bring May flowers, not snowflakes! Oh, well. It gives us an excuse to curl up with a good read. And speaking of which...



I have another Gem of a writer on this week. Please welcome Kathleen Lawless who is giving us a look at her romance A BRIDE FOR SHANE. But let's learn a little bit more about Kathleen first...




When did your love for writing start? 

I remember being quite young and walking home from school and all these people and their stories were in my head, I just had to start writing them down. Writing was the one thing that made sense in my world, and the only career I ever saw outside of motherhood.

What is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business? 

Writing for a living is like the weather, constantly changing, but good story telling will never go out of fashion.

Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication. 

Got an hour? I’m self-taught, so it was a long bumpy road to finally getting ‘the call’ from my agent, years before on-line was a ‘thing’. 20 years of rejections, revisions, conferences, networking, contests, and I can not tell you how much invested in postage to finally being a published author. In hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t get published before my work was ready to go out in the world on its own and I’ve never looked back. I see too many new writers rushing out their very first attempt when it really should stay under the bed to marinate and improve with age. It’s a rare first book that is born ready for publication. My first published books were a far cry from my earliest efforts and they are really flawed.

Where do you live? Where would you love to live? 

There is nowhere else in Canada I would rather live than my little cottage near the beach here on the west coast, but I do long for a second home someplace tropical to escape our cold, wet winters.

I get that, as shown in my earlier statement about April showers! Share with us a little about your family. 

After 15 years on my own doing a lot of (wink, wink) research, I was lucky enough to meet my soul mate. I wish everyone could know the kind of Happy Ever After I have with him. He’s so romantic, it makes it easy to write about love that lasts a lifetime.

What was one of the best Mother’s Day presents you ever received? 

As a divorced single mom, I had to work as well as write to support us and I was away from home on business trips a fair amount when the kids were growing up. I came home one Mother’s Day to find they had cleared out a weed-choked patch of garden where I had always wanted to grow roses. They had planted 3 rose bushes (one from each of them) and made a plaque for each with the title from my first three published novels. I still tear up at the memory of all that love and support.


Aww! What a great gift! 

My Proxy Bride romance A BRIDE FOR SHANE RELEASES ON MAY 18TH.

Blurb ~

Her brother’s bad-boy best friend needs a wife!

American heiress and champion horse breeder, Lacey has always been in love with her brother’s rough-and-tumble, bad boy best friend. She doesn’t care if Shane is a pauper and a convicted thief, so when she learns he is sentenced to death, his only reprieve hinging on a proxy marriage, she doesn’t hesitate to sign the papers, ship her horses, and head West.

Proud and fiercely independent, Shane hates being beholden to anyone almost as much as he hated being in prison. Years ago, his best friend’s twin sister threw herself at him, a temptation that drove him West to seek his fortune. Now it seems someone wants to take that fortune away from him. Why else was he tried and found guilty for a crime he didn’t commit?

Aware he owes Lacey his life, Shane guards his secrets, determined to find out who framed him so he can prove his innocence and annul the marriage. Then a dead body shows up on their ranch, making it obvious that Shane’s goals clash with whoever wants him out of the picture permanently.

Lacey has no intention of accepting an annulment, and schemes to make their marriage binding in every way. A move Shane finds impossible to resist, even though it means putting them both in harm’s way, and possibly landing him back in jail. Lacey’s move to solidify their union pits the couple against the villain and reveals the secret Shane is hiding. Why has he deceived her? What else is he keeping from her? And how will it affect their future?



Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WRNS4P7

Excerpt ~

“I’m not afraid of dying,” Shane told Jones, the smartly-dressed lawyer who had been a frequent visitor to his jail cell lately.

“Only a foolish man would die for something he didn’t do,” Jones said. “And I don’t consider you a foolish man.”

“Just unlucky,” Shane muttered.

“Whoever stole those horses deserves to be the one staring down the hangman’s noose, not you. The true thief will keep right on thieving, and get away with it because you took the fall.”

“I don’t need to be rehabilitated,” Shane said stubbornly. “I’ve got no truck with a bunch of stuffy church ladies going all preachy on me and minding my business.”

“Taking on a wife will help prove to society that you’ve reformed,” the lawyer said.

Shane half-snorted, half-laughed. “Who’d marry me?”

“Apparently, Lacey Collins has agreed to that honor,” Jones said drily.

Shane straightened. “Lacey Collins! Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”

“So, you agree?”

“Heck, no.” He tamped down the image of Lacey that drifted into the recesses of his memory. A cascade of wavy dark auburn hair and a temper to match. Beautiful, willful, and used to getting what she wanted. As his best friend’s twin sister, Lacey was out of his league and completely off limits!

“She’s agreed to save your sorry hide, allowing me time to find the real perpetrator and get you pardoned,” Jones continued. “As long as the union isn’t consummated, it can be annulled later.” The man gave him a closer look. “Judging by your reaction, that doesn’t seem like it should be an issue.”

Shane eyed him straight back. Clearly, the lawyer had never met Lacey.

He doubted she still had a schoolgirl crush on him, but all these years and miles between them hadn’t lessened his feelings for her. Or the dead set knowledge that he wasn’t worthy of her and never would be.

Bio ~

Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.

Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero. Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.

Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Newsletter to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers. http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

AMAZON | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |

Thanks for joining us today, Kathleen! I hope you'll return to share your next release with us!

Have a nice day, everyone! Thanks for reading.

You Just Need To Read About This MURDER UNREHEARSED!

Good morning! Please help me welcome author Roxanne Dunn to the blog today with her debut novel, MURDER UNREHEARSED! When I read through the information she sent me about the book, I was sold, and I think you will be, too. Roxanne brought along with her the hero of the story, hottie lawman, Matt McCrae, and her heroine, actress Heather Shelton. But before we meet them, let's hear a little bit about MURDER UNREHEARSED...

Blurb ~

 

When aspiring young actress Heather Shelton jumps in the car with her dog, Bear, and flees to her family’s mountain cabin to escape an untidy romance, all she wants is peace and time to study for auditions. What she gets is murder. The only witness of a savage killing – and squarely in the crosshairs of a ruthless assassin – she is injured and left for dead.

Heather knows handsome men are bad news, but hottie lawman Matt McCrae’s smile gets her every time, until he leaves her hanging out as bait to trap the killer. McCrae promises to protect her, but fails, and she faces killer alone, with only Bear to help.

Now check out this killer cover... (pun intended!)

We'll let Matt go first. Welcome, Matt! So our readers can get to know you better, could you please share with us your occupation?

I work for the government. I’m not going to explain what I do. Not yet. No one, not even my mother knows who signs my paychecks, and it’s better that way.

How did you meet Heather?

We met over a dead body, sort of. The body wasn’t actually present. It was at the bottom of the lake. Heather was the only one who knew it was there, and she wasn’t thrilled about it. In fact, she was pissed because it had the audacity to get killed in her secluded little cove.

What was your first impression of her?

My first impression of Heather came long before I met her. I live in Seattle’s funky Fremont neighborhood. Among other great things, Fremont is home to a little repertory theater where Heather volunteers and I have season tickets. She also performs, and although she’s never had a leading role, I always want to jump up and shout “brava!” when she’s there because she upstages everybody. I don’t know how she does that, but I find it irresistible. Several times, I made up my mind to invite her out for a glass of wine, but chickened out. I couldn’t get up the nerve to go backstage and find her.

          

What do you like about Heather?

I’d have to say what I like most is her spunk. She’s had some tough challenges, but she sticks to her principles, and fights her way through with everything she’s got. Secondly, I never have to wonder where I stand with her. She tells me right up front when she thinks I’m being a butt.

If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

Bake. First thing in the morning I’d start some yeast breads, maybe enough for a couple of baguettes and then a nice, round pumpernickel loaf. I’d keep them cool so they rise slowly all day. That helps develop the flavor. While they proof, I’d get going on my famous chocolate-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, maybe a pie or two – peach pie in the summer – and a rich, moist chocolate cake with raspberry cream filling, frosted with ganache.

               

And now for Heather's turn...

What was your first impression of Matt and did it change over time?

The first time I met him, I thought he was a professional scuba diver. He looked totally athletic, and I embarrassed myself by staring at his muscles. I probably drooled, too. The next time I saw him, he looked so different I didn’t recognize him. I was confused, and he wouldn’t explain, so I didn’t know if I could trust him. After all, he could have been one of the killers.

Is there anything about your hero that you would consider a flaw?

Yeah. He lies, for a good cause, he says. But he lies and he does dangerous things. I’d be a lot happier if he did something normal for a living. I worry that he might not come back some day.

Has life handed you any major disappointments?

My little sister died when I was eight, and my mom blamed me. So, I developed a habit of running away from situations that felt unpleasant or scary. Grandma Garnet used to warn me that if I kept running away from my fears, I would run into something worse. She was right. I ran away from a handsome man and right into a scene set for murder.

Yes, you did! Why don't we share an excerpt from MURDER UNREHEARSED...

Excerpt ~

Matt stopped. His mouth hung open for a few beats. “What are you doing here?”

The darkest parts of me, those that I kept stuffed way down inside surged to the surface. My face burned with indignation. I was Kate the Shrew at her best. “How dare you! You and your pretty little Disneyland fable. You kiss me and tell me you liked it. You say you are my biggest fan. You pretend to bare your soul. You think I can’t figure out what’s going on? All you want is for me to believe that you’re a good guy, so you can leave me hanging out for a pack of wolves. So I can end up as dead as Mariella. Well, damn you all to hell!”

Slick as spit, Matt reached out and took my hands. “It’s not like that.”

I wrenched away. “Keep away from me, you – you Judas!” 

Author Bio ~

I have studied writing in Paris and Seattle, and I write the galley column for Pacific Yachting magazine. Murder Unrehearsed is my debut novel.

I am a physical therapist, a foodie, a fanatic about good chocolate, and a private pilot. I lived aboard an old wood motor yacht for seventeen years, and in my dreams, I’m a pianist of renown, an acceptable water color artist, and a globe-trotting yogini. Please visit me at www.roxannedunn.com or www.facebook.com/roxanne.dunn.127.

 

I love your picture! Thanks for joining us today and giving us the down low on MURDER UNREHEARSED! Come back any time!

Buy Murder Unrehearsed here ~

Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHJ6TG7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-unrehearsed-roxanne-dunn/1137387167?ean=2940162985846

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-unrehearsed

https://seaportbooks.com/

https://www.thewildrosepress.com/books/murder-unrehearsed 

and via my website: www.roxannedunn.com

Find Roxanne here ~

 
www.roxannedunn.com

https://www.facebook.com/roxanne.dunn.127

https://twitter.com/roxanne_dunn

               

Thanks for joining us today, Roxanne. And best wishes on all your writing endeavors!

~ This Book Will Be BETTER Than Your Last! ~

Please welcome guest blogger author Melanie Jaynes!

WHILE I STOOD BY

By Melanie Jayne

Many years ago, I met my friend at a reader’s con. We were both there to meet one of the authors and became immediate friends. I thought she was full of life and so bubbly. I swore that I could hear a giggle in her voice whenever she spoke. We continued our connection after the con, sharing life’s ups and downs.

I noticed over time that she didn’t seem as bubbly and her sunny outlook had become greyer. I hoped that she would confide in me what was troubling her, if something was troubling her. This past spring I received a text saying that her husband was leaving her and their two children for another woman. He didn’t love her anymore.

I was worried, and she was devastated. I knew that many times couples separate and get back together so I was very careful about my comments. If the couple reconciled then I didn’t want to be the friend who said terrible things about him. I spent hours listening and hurting for my friend. I held countless conversations with my husband about whether or not I should book a flight to see her.

I listened as she went through the various phases of grief. Being a confidant as she began to examine how her life had been in the recent past, how she had given up so much of herself in order to appease her husband’s needs. She became the smoother, if she could keep things the way he liked it then their life ran better. If he became upset, then everybody paid.

I cannot begin to fathom how difficult that life must have been. I was a part of her life, I considered myself her friend and yet, I had no idea how badly things were going, how trapped she must have felt, if she had the spare moment to feel. It physically hurt to know that I had been clueless.

Throughout the summer, she shared more and more about what their marriage had been. How mental illness and addiction had stolen the man she had fallen in love with. The worst part was that she still loved that man, but she was starting to accept that he was no more.

Slowly there were little signs that my old friend was returning. One Friday night she sent me a text. She was enraged over a Facebook post, and I knew that she was hurting, but I was happy to hear her anger. No more hoping for his return, no thoughts on how she could change things so that their love could be rekindled. She then started to slowly make plans for her future. Changes small and large were itemized and she decided that their marriage was over.

I’m proud to say that as I stood by, I watched my friend be torn down, broken, and then build herself up. She is not only responsible for her life, but that of her two teens. She is the epitome of the Mama Lion, a protector and proud. Today the divorce papers were served upon him. I hope that she gets everything that she deserves, especially happiness and self-worth, because she is truly a phoenix.

Blurb~

I should have known better. Women like me, average and unseen, don't have our dreams come true. And the one chance I had for my dreams, I watched die in our doorway while I hid on the stairs.

Now I spend my days terrified for my life and my nights resigned to the fact that I'll be dead soon.

He can protect me. Forde has the reputation for handling cases that blur the line between right and wrong. Yes, he can help me, but he's asking for too much from me – my trust, my body and for the chance to make my dreams come true.

If I could… everything would be Better.

Goodreads:

(Link forthcoming)Links ~ 

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2dwWgSD

Author Bio ~ 

I live on a grain farm southeast of Indianapolis, Indiana with my very patient husband of twenty-five years and our two English Mastiffs, Buster Brown and Ginger. I graduated from Indiana University when it was the #1 party school in the country and I took great pride in helping the school achieve that ranking.

I haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I change careers every decade. I have worked in retail, a federal courtroom, travelled across the state closing loans, and behind the scenes in a casino.

I've always had an active imagination so when a good friend suggested that I try writing a book, I thought why not, it should be fun. It has, but I have had to work very hard to learn how to do it. I am so lucky for the outpouring of advice and education from so many in the industry, plus the hand-holding and cheerleading from My Gurls. I also have an incredible Ad-man-istrative Assistant, who tries to keep me under control. He rolls his eyes so much that I worry about a permanent condition.

When I ‘m not working or writing type stuff, I sleep, watch courtroom TV shows, and sports. I was a competitive pro-am ballroom dancer for ten years and I read as many books as I can.

I love to attend Author-Reader Conventions and look forward to meeting you.



Website: http://www.readmelaniejayne.com/

Newsletter: http://www.readmelaniejayne.com/contact-us.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13547924.Melanie_Jayne

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dqlOU5

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mjsmut




Previous/Other books in the A Change Series




A Change For the GoodBlurb ~ 

Two people starting over, making much needed changes in their lives.




Zoe Crawford has moved to a new city after being humiliated by her ex-husband. She is going to put her wants and needs first.




Tony Alessi has returned to his hometown to rehab his body and his soul, leaving his ATF career behind.




When Tony meets Zoe, he likes what he sees. Zoe is flattered but doesn’t want to pursue a cougar challenge. As she grows to trust Tony, she tells him some odd happenings about cars following her, call hang-ups, and a break-in.




When Zoe’s life is threatened, the couple hides in Tony’s cabin. They soon grow closer as they learn who they are and who they hope to be.




Will Zoe’s past ruin her chance to change her life for the good?

Goodreads:


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25671007-a-change-for-the-goodLinks ~ 



Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2dsNMLs

Welcome to the Martini Club! ~ 1920s Romance That'll Have You Ruined, Rebellious, Reckless, and Possibly Make You a Runaway!

I’d like to present Alicia Dean and friends, sharing a fun new series.

Before they introduce their stories, each of the four ladies have a question for readers.

Amanda McCabe: What TV show are you addicted to? (I never miss Downton Abbey or Sleepy Hollow, even though both have been letting me down lately. Death to Katrina, please!)

Alicia Dean: Which do you prefer, reading or watching television/movies?

Kathy L Wheeler: Do you have the desire to write a book?

Krysta Scott: Is there a book that you read over and over? If so, which one and why?

Martini Club 4 ~ 

The 1920s

A few years ago, myself and three of my writer friends—Amanda McCabe, Kathy L Wheeler, and Krysta Scott—began meeting each Friday evening (unless something extremely important kept one of us away, and trust me, it had to be IMPORTANT) for Martinis and various other libations, at the Martini Lounge in Edmond, Oklahoma. In time, we came to dub our gathering the ‘Martini Club.’ We unwind, vent, chat about writing, laugh, and strengthen an already strong bond of friendship. It’s not only fun, it’s beneficial. As all writers know, no other friend besides a writer friend truly understands us. (We also have an honorary MC member, Cindy Sorenson. Although she is a writer, she declined to write one of the stories, but she has been invaluable as far as brainstorming and beta reading. So, what else could we do…we named a character after her in the series!)


During one of these gatherings, one of us, and I can’t remember who, made an offhand remark about writing stories centered around the Martini Club. The idea blossomed from there, and the ‘Martini Club 4’ series was born. We thought it would be fun to set our first MC4 stories in the 1920’s, but we intend to write more in other decades in the future. During the planning, plotting, and writing, we have had a few weekend retreats that were loads of fun, and some were even productive. J What a joy to do something that I love so much—writing—with a group of ladies that I love so much!

Left to Right: Krysta Scott, Amanda McCabe, Kathy L Wheeler, Alicia Dean


Before we dive into their stories, the four ladies want to share a fun fact:


Amanda McCabe: Weirdly, since I love history, I am not much into my own genealogy, but a cousin is, and found out we are somehow related to Catherine the Great of Russia. I found that fascinating (since I love 18th century history). Who are some of your famous relatives??

Alicia Dean: I am a huge, lifelong Elvis Presley fan, and I blog about him every Friday. Who is your celebrity crush?

Kathy L Wheeler: I am a show hog. And a karaoke freak!

Krysta Scott: I watch too much tv. At least that’s what my friends tell me. But there’s just so much that captures my attention. Some of my personal favorites include Vampire Diaries, Sherlock, Haven, and The Lottery (which got cancelled. Sigh!)


*** Release date is February 26, 2015 and the price at that time will be $2.99 each. If you pre-order, they are only 99 cents each! ***

Please check out and ‘like’ our Facebook page:

http://facebook.com/martiniclub4

The entire series can be found at this link on Amazon:


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=series_rw_dp_labf?_encoding=UTF8&field-keywords=Martini%20Club%204%20Series%20-%20The%201920s&url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text

Without further ado, I’d like to present the four novellas in our Martini Club – The 1920’s series.

Rebellious ~

Martini Club 4 Series – The 1920s

Amanda McCabe

Blurb ~ Can an aristocratic lady melt the cold heart of a Russian gangster?

Lady Jessica Hatton fled her high-society London debutante life for one of investigative journalism in New York—only to be relegated to the fashion pages. Searching for a juicy story leads her to Club 501, the city's most glamorous speakeasy—and its handsome, mysterious owner, Frank Markov. But his past of war and revolution puts their hearts—and their lives—in danger...

Excerpt ~

I'm glad you're going with me tonight, Jess,” Meggie said in the back of the taxi, as they sped through the nighttime city on their way back to Club 501. She squeezed Jessica's hand and gave a grin, but Jessica could see the shadow at the back of her friend's eyes. The grim news of the girl in the alleyway had even affected stout-hearted Meggie.

Jessica smiled back. She knew Meggie would never want anyone to see her fright. Jessica didn't want anyone to see her own. “I have to get my handbag back, don't I?” And make sure no one read that notebook.

“How did you lose it, anyway?” Meggie asked. “You didn't say.”

“It must have fallen off my arm while I was dancing there,” Jessica answered lightly. “Wickedly careless of me, I know. At least there wasn't much money in it.”

The taxi let them off at the end of the alley, and Jessica and Meggie made their way down the walkway, talking and laughing loudly all the way. Luckily, they weren't the only ones there. Even though it was relatively early in the evening, there was already a short line at the underground stairs, elegantly dressed couples and a group of tiddly young men in silk hats and expensive jackets.

It seemed a murder wasn't going to slow down business. In fact, it increased it.


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Ruined ~

Martini Club 4 Series – The 1920s

Alicia Dean

Blurb ~ She vowed she’d be no man’s doxy, but fate had other plans... 

After the Earl of Goodwin attempts to force himself on her, housemaid Eliza Gilbert flees England for New York, hoping to build a better life. But the land of opportunity proves as harsh as the London docks, and she finds herself in a situation more dreadful than the one she escaped.

Former boxer, Vince “The Fist” Taggart dreams of marrying, having a family, and living a quiet, peaceful life. But when a girl he's known since childhood disappears, he heads to New York in search of her and meets Eliza, a woman with a less than honorable reputation. Inexplicably captivated, Vince can’t force himself to stay away, especially when he learns Eliza is the key to finding his missing friend.

Excerpt ~

Oscar let out a belly laugh. “I recommend you pick out one of these pretty girls and have yourself a real good time. It’ll cost you, but trust me, worth every penny. Just pick one out. Your choice.”

The whole idea sickened him, but he tried to appear interested and impressed. He scanned the room. His heart gave a little bump when he spotted Eliza from Club 501. He tilted his glass toward her. “What about that one?” He hoped his voice sounded more casual than he felt. The idea of spending a night of passion with a dame like her… Nah, he needed to waylay those kinds of thoughts. He wasn’t the type of Joe to buy a prostitute. And he was here for one reason only.

Oscar followed the direction he’d pointed. “Oh yes, good choice. Eliza is a quite a prize. And quite a looker. She’s new, but she’s a sweet one.”

An odd sense of protectiveness rose. At the club, he’d sensed something vulnerable and innocent. Even though he’d been told she was one of Oscar’s girls. She just didn’t seem the type. When their gazes met, he thought some kind of current—some kind of connection had passed between them. But apparently, she was just another hooker.

Vince nodded. “I’ll take her.”


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Reckless ~

Martini Club 4 Series – The 1920s

Kathy L Wheeler


Blurb ~ Lady Margaret turned Lady Bootlegger…

Singer Margaret (Meggie) Montley needs money…fast. Her friend is in a dire situation with nowhere to turn. While Meggie is on the brink of stardom, it’s not soon enough to save her friend.

Harry Dempsey is out to avenge the deaths of his father and brother at the hands of a ruthless gangster. But trouble spirals out of control when Meggie Montley shows up the night he meets his nemesis to settle the score. Saving the impetuous woman from a crime lord might be easier than saving her from her own reckless behavior.

Excerpt ~

Jessie grabbed the paper and read. “A rising new star is on the horizon. Lady Margaret will make your heart weep with those husky, sultry tones of hers. Small appearances in the Broadway productions of The School of Scandal and Betty, Be Good, have not deterred this deliciously attractive young lady from singing gigs around Greater Manhattan. No. These bit-parts Lady Margaret is accruing seem to be serving her needs well. Mark my words, ladies and gents, you would do wise in catching this rising star—if you can.”

“Let me see that.” Meggie's breath caught and she snatched it back.

“And that’s not all,” Jessie said smugly. “Paul Whiteman was at Club 501 last night with some new composer. Gershwin something or other.”

“Paul Whiteman?” she squeaked.

“Do you know of him?”

“Know him? Know him! They refer to him as the King of Jazz. Dear God. He heard me? The man played at Aeolian Hall last year. I heard tell he’s receiving five thousand dollars for a single broadcast.” She felt faint and fanned herself with the paper. The one small broadcast with Bernie and Edison at WHN had netted her nothing. Of course, she hadn’t cared. She was on the radio. But now...she needed money, fast.


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Runaway ~

 Martini Club 4 Series – The 1920s

Krysta Scott

Blurb ~ Can she prove her innocence before more than her dreams are destroyed?

After escaping an arranged marriage, Lady Charlotte Leighton lands on a new shore, determined to realize her dream of opening her own bakery. But her plans are shattered when her former fiancé follows her to New York. Now, she finds herself in a fight for her freedom.

Haunted by a string of failures, Detective Felix Noble is determined to solve his latest case. But his efforts to find a murderer are jeopardized by a forbidden attraction to his number one suspect. While he’s certain Charlotte Leighton is keeping secrets, instinct tells him she’s not the murderess he first believed.

Excerpt ~

Reality seeped in similar to a dissipating fog. She bit her lip and pulled away, but with his hold, could only manage two steps back. “I’m sorry, I-I’m not much of a dancer.”

“Please.” he said.

Her eyes darted to the table. The sumptuous desserts no longer held her enthralled. A rush of heat flooded her cheeks as he guided her perfectly through the steps. His stride was strong, his hand confident as it led her this way and that. She spun through the steps, never feeling off balance. “You dance very well, Detective.”

“Surprised?” He arched an eyebrow.

“A little.” She averted her gaze, aware her comment could be construed as an insult. It wasn’t her intent to offend him. Being this close to him was unnerving. Breaking the silence with words, any words, was better than acknowledging the heat radiating through her, or the way his intense blue gaze heightened her senses enveloping her in a gauzy nest of pleasure. Surprised to hear him laugh, she lifted her face to stare up at him. His eyes shone with merriment. He wasn’t offended at all.


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Love the excerpts, ladies, and the covers! Thanks for joining us!