You Won't Need To Gamble on #RomanceGems Author Marcia King-Gamble! #FeatureFriday ~ THIS WAY HOME

Welcome, once again, to Feature Friday where I am joined by fellow Romance Gem writer Marcia King-Gamble. Marcia is sharing her romance THIS WAY HOME. But let's meet Marcia first...

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

Writing is a business. As authors we need to mind our business. Writing and publication isn’t just about getting the stories in our heads out to our reading audience. It’s about marketing, distribution, and a host of other things. Dollars and Sense really.

Sadly, this is true. I'd love to spend all my time writing, but that's not how it goes. How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

Funny you should ask. Give a busy person more to do and she’ll get it done. I’m always scheduled pretty tightly, but I’ve always made time for an active social life. When I first started writing, I released as many as five books a year, and this was working for a traditional publisher, and having a stressful and very visible high-pressured job. I am a lot less productive now that I don’t have a 9-5, six day a week job. I’m most productive in the mornings and I am an early riser. Life balance is important. Every writer needs it. Too much computer time doesn’t make for a good writer.

Yes, as we all discovered in The Shining. Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I started out as a reader for Harlequin/ Silhouette. I read manuscripts from their slush pile (unsolicited manuscripts- no agent involved.) I did this for seven years and got really lucky. I met an editor who at the time was acquiring historicals (books I don’t write). Then the multicultural market opened up and she was the acquiring editor. My second submission was accepted, and I was offered a two-book contract.

That's awesome! Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

For most of my life, I’ve always had a day job and a demanding one at that. I’ve been a manager in the travel industry and on a plane more often than I care to remember. It was beaten into my head by several authors, all far better known than me, “Keep your day job.” That proved to be exceptionally good advice. So few writers make enough money to live a luxurious life. Plus, the added expenses of health insurance, and having to create your own 401K. One misstep, one emergency, can clean you out.

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

I’ve been fortunate to live in five states. Born in the Caribbean, grew up in New York. I’ve also lived in Hawaii, Seattle twice, New Jersey and now Florida. Overall, the Pacific Northwest still has my heart. San Diego is definitely on the non-bucket list, if only I could afford it.

Name your favorite children's story.

Cinderella, of course. I’ve always rooted for the underdog and fantasized about being swept off my feet by a handsome, dapper prince. No wonder I write romance novels.

What was your nickname growing up or now?

A little embarrassing, and I’m not sure how it got started. Miss Moosie is certainly not how I would like to be known. Goofy is another one. I was all arms and legs as a child. I still am.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

This one is easy. People who have no manners irritate the heck out of me. How difficult is to say “excuse me” when you sidle by in a grocery store? How about a simple “thank you” if I’ve taken the time to send you a gift? I shouldn’t have to call.

Good points! Let's find out more about THIS WAY HOME...

Blurb ~

Liza Hamilton left her upstate New York hometown to chase her dreams in New York City. But her success as a supermodel was short-lived when she was mugged in Central Park and her face slashed. The once-perfect face that made her a fortune now does not exist.

Determined to put this traumatic event behind her, Liza returns to her hometown and opens a vintage shop. Peace and quiet evade her when her long lost stepbrother also puts down roots there. Complicating things is an irresistible attraction between them, and a home Erik inherited that Liza thinks should be her mother's.

Strange things happen in their respective homes that turn out to be stops used by escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. Although Liza does not trust Erik, the couple join together to find out what is happening to them.

Believing that Erik stole the home that rightfully belonged to her sister and mother, she continues to keep him at arms length. But a shared past, and homes with a history continue to throw them together. Can they trust each other? Will love prevail? Will their ghostly ancestors intervene?

Purchase THIS WAY HOME here:

Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/This-Way-Home-Updated-version-ebook/dp/B08XP1D525

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-way-home-marcia-king-gamble/1005839137

Bio~

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards. Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.


Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

Instagram * Amazon * Website * Facebook * Twitter

Thank you, Marcia, for joining us today and sharing your work! Best wishes for THIS WAY HOME!

Come Meet MY SEXY VETERINARIAN! ~ Okay, Not Mine Exactly...

Please help me welcome Bonnie Phelps to the blog!  And she brought a friend, MY SEXY VETERINARIAN! Yowza! Let's find out more...

BLURB ~

Nate Kincaid, wants to get out of debt and get his family off his back about his relationship status. The second means he needs a serious girlfriend, but after the death of his fiancé, he isn’t ready. No one knows about his nightmares—the ones that chase him into the dark places of grief. Dealing with debt means his fledgling veterinary practice must be successful—business before anything else. Always. Maybe a pretend relationship would solve his second problem so he can concentrate on the first.

Full-time psychologist and part-time model, Lauren Royall, has the perfect life. As a therapist she helps people. As a model, her free spirit reigns. When Nate suggests she pose as his girlfriend, she accepts on a lark. Lauren senses his pain and wants to help. She hadn’t counted on falling for the guy or the painful memories from her past his situation evokes.


EXCERPT ~

He pulled up in front of her house and came around his truck to let her out. Hand-in-hand they walked to her front door. Nate slid his hands under her jacket, trailing them down her ribcage before settling on her lower back. Pulling her tight, he wondered how one woman could set all his nerve endings on fire simply by being in his arms. He didn’t know, and at the moment didn’t care.

Their lips touched. He meant to keep it sweet, but his traitorous body had other ideas. Slowly he used the tip of his tongue to map the softness of her lips. When her lips parted to give him access to taste the essence that was Lauren, his resistance unraveled completely. Even while his heart raced, teasing her tongue, tasting her, she quieted him like the fading colors of the sunrise, heralding a promise of new beginnings. Were new beginnings even possible for him?

Her hands traced the contours of his chest, gliding across his hard planes, leaving streams of molten lava in their wake as they eased their way to his shoulders. Her arms circled his neck pressing her lush breasts tightly against him, tantalizing him with the thought of what they would feel like filling his hands.

Being wrapped in her arms was like being caught in a vivid dream, one he didn’t want to wake from, but the gray fog of past nightmares swirled into the frame anyway. Shapeless and disquieting the fear lodged in his chest. The need to scurry into his protective shell took over.

He gentled the kiss, pulling back slowly, until their lips parted and he cupped her beautiful face in his large, calloused hands. Slipping apart, he felt his soul follow her breath into her body. Scared. Him. Shitless. He could lose everything—again, have to climb out of the abyss—again, if he stayed in her arms.

“I’ll call you.” He hoped his statement would be true. He wanted it to be true, but he heard the hollowness of his words. He felt her smile brush his lips and the heat it sparked as she melted against him. He was lost.

She sighed, her breath skimming along his neck, but when she looked up mischief sparkled in her eyes. “After a kiss like that, you’ve ruined me for other men,” she whispered, her lips pursed at the laugh he suspected bubbled beneath the surface. “No other man can hold a candle to that kiss. That is a kiss for the ages. If you don’t call, I’ll probably die an old maid.”

He choked back a laugh at her bantering. She always seemed to know what to do or say to lift the cloud of anxiety followed him like a beast of prey. “While I can’t imagine you as an old maid, I certainly wouldn’t want your spinsterhood on my conscience. I’ll call. I promise.”

Nate waited while she unlocked her door and stepped inside. When he heard the deadbolt slide in to place, he turned and walked back to his truck still shaking his head, but with a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

AUTHOR BIO ~

Rumor has it that Bonnie began telling stories at a very early age. Photos exist of the author toddling around the corner of the house covered in mud babbling about magic rabbits leading her through the garden. Her parents were amused – until they discovered she had also walked across the newly poured cement patio – which only added fuel to the fire of her passion for writing. From then on, her active imagination continued to churn out plots and character sketches always wondering how different people would behave in similar situations. People are endlessly fascinating and stories are everywhere.

Bonnie used her writing skills throughout her professional life as a fundraiser and marketer for several nonprofits. She enjoyed the chance to tell and share the story of worthy organizations. In the late 1980s, Bonnie authored a syndicated column in several California newspapers in which she shared the experiences and misadventures of life as a wife and mother. The jury is out on whether or not her children appreciated her candor. Because Bonnie has romance in her soul, she also worked as a Wedding Planner for several years. Absolutely loved it!! She craves anything sweet, revels in any chance to travel, and is addicted to Ancestry.com. A native Californian, the author lives in Northern California with her husband.


You can find Bonnie here: 


Website: https://www.bonniephelpsauthor.com (for additional information)

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35484981-my-sexy-veterinarian

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7238451.Bonnie_Phelps

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00MSCAR8I

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bonniephelps15

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bonniephelps15/

Blog: https://bonniephelpsauthor.blogspot.com/




You can buy MY SEXY VETERINARIAN here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072VVDMB7

CreateSpace: NA

Smashwords: NA until October 1, 2017

iBooks: NA until October 1, 2017

Barnes & Noble: NA until October 1, 2017

Kobo: NA until October 1, 2017

Make Your Reservations For A PARTY FOR TWO!

I feel very honored to have romantic comedy author Monique DeVere in the spotlight today! I asked her a few questions so that we could get to know her better.

When did your love for writing start?

From childhood I always loved writing and making up stories, but I would have to say I realized I had a talent worth pursuing at age 15.

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

Hands down the best thing was when I discovered scenes and sequels. It changed everything!

What is something you struggle with when you write?

Trying not to let past rejections and negative criticism get in my head.

Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

After years of single-mindedly targeting Mills & Boon without success, one day my hubby said: why don’t you just try another publisher? To which I replied: I don’t want another publisher! My dream was to be published by Mills & Boon and anything else amounted to failure. So, to prove my wonderful beloved wrong, I submitted a story to The Wild Rose Press and they accepted it without any revisions! I was thrilled. The book was later shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon award. 



Now that we know a little bit more about you the writer, let's find out about you in general.
Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I live in the UK, but I have a dream to live in California. Who knows, maybe one day.

Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I’ve been married to my beloved for 25years—we just celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary this month. We have four children (two girls, two boys), three are grown and the last entered her teens this year. And we have three beautiful granddaughters. After years of vowing we’d never own a dog, hubby and I found ourselves taking over ownership of #1 son’s Akita Shepherd. She’s a beautiful dog—nuts!— but beautiful.

Now, just for fun- If you could be any animal, what animal would you choose, and why?

I’d be a bird…oh, the freedom! I’m naturally impulsive…and flighty. Two personality traits I spend a lot of time curtailing. Being a bird would be right up my street :D 

What is your concept of a fruitful day?

To me, a fruitful day is when I get everything on my daily To Do list done and also get 3K words written. Usually it’s one or the other, but I live in hope of one day morphing into superwoman—wife—mother—author—me. I’ll let you know if I ever manage it J.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who see my name written down then promptly call me Monica or Dominique. Really?? Is Monique such a difficult name to remember or spell? This is definitely my biggest pet peeve. 

What are your three favorite smells?

The scent of babies, my husband, and the scent of the sea on a hot summer’s day.

Interesting. I don't think we've had that combination before. But then, there are so many great smells. 

Well, thank you for letting us get to know you a little better, Monique. Now let's find out about your latest release...

BLURB ~

Her sexy weekend fling.

Ex-lawyer turned pregnancy model Danielle Hampton has one simple rule; never date an attorney, even if he’s so deliciously hot she’s nicknamed him His Hotness Esquire. When her father asks her to strap on her silicone bump and pretend to be Casey Lowe’s pregnant fiancée in order to pull her family’s law firm out of trouble, her first answer is a resounding no! But she owes Casey for wrecking his pool.

Civil Rights Attorney Casey Lowe lives by a code of practice: never date his boss’s daughter, but he’ll do just about anything to make partner at the top law firm—even if it means violating his personal code. He hasn’t bargained on the fierce desire that burns hotter than the Mojave Desert and combusts every time he gets his boss’s daughter alone. She may drive him to distraction and melt in his arms, but will this party girl hang around long enough for him to convince her that all the best parties… are for two?

EXCERPT ~

“Answer the question, Lowe. Did you or did you not say—”



It should have wiped the smile off his face but if anything it brightened his grin. “Yes, I said it, but—”



“Just the facts, Lowe.”



He chuckled. “Why the hell did you ever give up law?” His mouth landed on hers and she hadn’t even seen it coming.



Dani refused to let her eyes drift shut. Refused to let the sweet sensation of Casey’s lips on hers seduce her. She should pull back. Push him away. She got as far as planting her palms on his chest—his hard chest with the solid muscles that flexed beneath her fingers. Then, as if they operated independently of her brain, her hands bunched in his shirt front, tugged him closer. Her lids became too heavy and fluttered closed. The tip of his tongue caressed the seam of her lips. They softened, parted of their own accord. He accepted the invitation, slid his tongue in slow bewitching strokes inside her mouth. A shudder skittered through her, coaxing a sigh from her.

She was going to push him away… in a minute… any minute now… just one more second…



He made a half growl kind of sound deep in his throat then broke the kiss. “How’s that for a fact?”



Dani blinked. She couldn’t think. Every muscle in her body had jellified. She’d never been kissed stupid before. 

AUTHOR BIO~

Monique DeVere is a full-time author of Sweet 'n' Spicy Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Romance. She also writes Christian Supernatural Suspense movie scripts. She was born on the beautiful island of Barbados, where she grew up on a large plantation with enough wide-open space to let the imagination run free. She moved to the UK as a teen and shortly after met and fell instantly, and irrevocably, in love with her very own strong-silent-type hero. When Monique isn’t writing or spending quality time with her family, she likes to armchair travel to distant and exciting parts of the world and considers herself to have the best job on earth.

You can visit her at moniquedevere.com where she invites you to join her exclusive Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Readers Club packed full of goodies for her members. Monique loves to hear from her readers, do contact her at monique@moniquedevere.com. 

You can find Monique at:

Website: http://moniquedevere.com/

Blog: http://moniquedevere.blogspot.co.uk/

Mailing List: http://moniquedevere.us1.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=b5781e716daf2603188836a1e&id=dd6328f52c

Amazon Author Page: http://hyperurl.co/moniquedevereamazon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoniqueDeVere

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3213844.Monique_DeVere

Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/moniquedevere

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-devere-4b996a18

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/MoniqueDeVere

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authormoniquede/

You can buy PARTY FOR TWO at:

http://buff.ly/1OHUHRf

Thanks for stopping in, Monique. It's been great having you!

~ IN WITH FLYNN! ~

Today I am pleased to be able to share Darcy Flynn's newest release HAWKE'S NEST! Isn't this cover beautiful?

Now let's hear a little bit about what's between the covers...

Blurb ~

Running away is nothing new for Annie Dell, aka high-fashion model Anna Delany. With the paparazzi hot on her trail, an out of town wedding couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. What better place to hide out than the quaint Florida beach town Liddy’s told her so much about. But a delayed flight, the mix up with the car rental, then a speeding ticket from the local Sheriff of Nottingham, her getaway is looking anything but relaxing.


Franklin County Sheriff, Levi Hawke, is tired of the spoiled, out-of-control students on fall break, who think they can speed through his county without consequence. After giving a ticket to a beautiful young woman he assumes is just another daddy’s girl looking for some fun in the sun, he discovers she’s his weekend date at his best friend’s wedding.


Through gritted teeth, masked by a half-hearted truce, they survive the weekend, only to find themselves stranded alone in the middle of a hurricane. You can discover a lot about a person while spending thirty-six hours without the comforts of electricity and modern conveniences. When circumstances further extend her stay in town, Levi pries deeper to find out what Annie’s running from. He knows when someone is haunted by their past. As the saying goes ... it takes one to know one.

Excerpt ~


Annie took a sip of Sauvignon Blanc and glanced at Levi. He had shoved his chair back from the table and sat holding his wine glass in his right hand while perusing her with his keen baby blues.

Blatantly.

Openly.

Audaciously.

Fine, she could handle his rude stares. She’d been ogled by far worse than him. She tilted her head to one side and smiled. The smile photographer Dave Mandel of Glamour Magazine claimed was irresistible. Well, no time like the present to put that ridiculous statement to the test.

“So, Sheriff.” She scooted her chair closer to his and the sudden alarm that entered his eyes was delicious. She lifted her glass in the air. “I propose we call a truce. After all, we’re here to celebrate the wedding of your best friend and my best friend. And since we’ve been paired for the weekend, by the matchmaking bride, we may as well make the most of it.”

She gave him her most candid, but coy expression, daring him to disagree. “What do you say?” she coaxed softly.

“How could I deny such an earnest and sincere request?”

Something about the way he said it churned her insides, but she gave nothing away as she smiled brightly at him. Tilting his head in salute, he raised his glass and touched it to hers, the sound of crystal sealing the deal.

Author Bio ~

Darcy Flynn is known for her heartwarming, sweet

contemporary romances. Her refreshing storylines, irritatingly handsome heroes and feisty heroines will delight and entertain you from the first page to the last. Miss Flynn’s heroes and heroines have a tangible chemistry that is entertaining, humorous and competitive.


Darcy lives with her husband, son, two English

Setters and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She raises rare breed chickens, stargazes on warm summer nights and indulges daily in afternoon tea.


You can find Darcy at:

Website/Blog: Twitter: Facebook: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads: Pinterest: Google+

You can buy HAWKE'S NEST at:

http://amzn.com/B00L3WPFZE

Giveaway ~

Darcy has been kind enough to offer one free e-copy! All you need to do is go to her website and follow her newsletter. Then leave a comment here telling us you have, and you're entered to win!