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.
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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.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RICWBC8
Contact info: http://ammandamccabe.com
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.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RICWBC8
Contact info: http://ammandamccabe.com
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.”
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RICLM2I
http://aliciadean.com
http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487
https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
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.”
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RICLM2I
http://aliciadean.com
http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487
https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
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.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RICW0G0
Contact info: kathy@klwheeler.com
http://kathylwheeler.com
http://kathylwheeler.blogspot.com
http://facebook.com/kathylwheeler
http://twitter.com/kathylwheeler
http://pinterest.com/kathylwheeler
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.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RICW0G0
Contact info: kathy@klwheeler.com
http://kathylwheeler.com
http://kathylwheeler.blogspot.com
http://facebook.com/kathylwheeler
http://twitter.com/kathylwheeler
http://pinterest.com/kathylwheeler
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Runaway ~
Martini Club 4 Series – The 1920s
Krysta Scott
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.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00RIFHGPC
Love the excerpts, ladies, and the covers! Thanks for joining us!
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