Monday, May 31, 2021

A Cover To Be Proud Of ~ A PRIDE OF BROTHERS:AIDEN by Peggy Jaeger #RomanceGem

 


Good morning, all! I'm very happy to have Romance Gem author Peggy Jaeger on today with her cover reveal for A PRIDE OF BROTHERS:AIDEN, and it's a beauty! But first, let's get a look at the cover that precedes it in the series.







I absolutely love these covers. I think they're sharp. I love the title, series, and tagline placement. I love the back to back pose.... Just to tease you a bit further, let me give you the blurb for Aiden's book...



Blurb ~

 



Lexi Buckley wants answers about her younger sister's death. The police have labeled it a suicide, but Lexi doesn't believe it. Stymied in her investigation, she doesn't know where to turn next. After a chance encounter with a private investigator, she thinks her prayers have been answered.

Aiden Keane has never been an answer to a prayer before, but he agrees to help Lexi. A quirky combo of brains and beauty, the pixie blonde makes him feel things no professional ever should for a client.



When their investigation puts Lexi's life in jeopardy, her safety becomes his number one priority. The hard part is not falling for her.





And here it is!






A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: AIDEN

Book 2 in the series

Romantic suspense

Coming soon!


Doesn't that sound good? And now, to entice you further--because I'm like that--here's an...



Excerpt ~

 


Were you close with your sister?” Aiden asked.


Not the way we should have been. Not at the end.


“We had a sizable age difference between us. Almost ten years. I was the big sis. The oldest.” Her lips trembled when she pulled them into a sad line. Rolling her eyes she added, “The bossy one, according to her. She was the baby and took full advantage of her status from the moment she realized it.”


“And rightly so.” The corners of his eyes crinkled. “I’m the youngest of my brothers and I’ll can tell you with one hundred percent honesty, my oldest brother is the bossiest one of us. I think it comes with birth order. Although he takes his so called right uber-seriously. Especially at work.”


This time her grin was steadier.  “What kind of business do you all own together?”


“We a run a private security company.”


“Security?”


“Personal bodyguards, if a client needs protection from something. Background checks for employers. Mostly we do investigations.”


“What, like private eyes? Like on television?”


He laughed. “Nothing so glamorous. The fast cars and hot babes are all fantasy. It’s a lot of boring research, computer work, and surveillance, but yeah, you could say I’m a private eye.”


Lexi’s entire mood turned on his words. The sorrow flew, the hurt dissolved. Even her nervous trivia-speak went dormant. She sat bolt upright, her knees bumping against the tabletop when she shifted. Excitement shot from her system as she turned her body, placed a hand across his forearm and declared, “Oh, my God. You’re the answer to my prayers.”

 

A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK is available now across all digital media and in print: https://books2read.com/u/38RV7O

 

 And now, once again, in all its glory...


 I love the muted colors! Well, what are you still doing here? Hop on over and snatch this up! ...and then come back and comment. (Bossy, much? ;) )

Thanks for reading and have a fabulous Tuesday!



Thursday, May 27, 2021

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!








Thursday, May 13, 2021

I'm Holding Out for a MR. PIERCE'S HERO! from #RomanceGems Author Kara O'Neal


Please welcome back one of my favorite authors, Kara O'Neal, with her newest release, MR. PIERCE'S HERO. She's brought along with her Mr. Pierce himself! Let's get to know him...


Tell me about yourself.

I’m a lawyer, which caused tension in my family. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, and I attended a medical college at fifteen, but I had reasons to quit that I’d rather not reveal as it’s too painful. I needed a law degree. At seventeen, I left the Medical School at the College of Philadelphia to attend Harvard. My father was furious, but I had plans to save my brother and no one was going to stop me.

 

What was your family like, and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My parents desired nothing more than power and status. We lived in Philadelphia and were quite wealthy. They had high expectations for me and made demands I eventually rebelled against. They were not kind parents, but because of my brother’s difficulties, I managed to learn compassion, which has made me the man I am. Hopefully, a good one, but I’m not always sure.

 

How did you meet Corinne?

I first saw her sitting on a platform next to the mayor as he made a speech to dedicate the new library. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I saw in her what I felt inside myself. The sense of being trapped, caged. I was immediately drawn to her. I didn’t get to meet her until she interrupted a gathering at a friend’s house. She ended up needing my advice at how to protect a secret she’d harbored for eleven years.

 

What do you like about Corinne?

Her bravery. She fights her foe with a firm grace that astounds me. She does what I was never able to do, and I’m amazed by her.

 

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

I’d have a friendly spar in a boxing ring with my brother-in-law, then help Corinne in her garden.

 

 






Blurb ~


Pike’s Run, Texas, 1882


Corinne Taylor has a secret. And it must be protected. If her mother discovers what Corinne has been hiding, Hell will not describe the place in which she will find herself. Beulah, Corinne’s mother, has proclaimed herself “queen” of Pike’s Run, and no one crosses her, especially not her daughter.



And while Corinne does what she can to guard her secret, her best efforts aren’t enough. War comes to Pike’s Run and the Taylor household when Beulah learns of her daughter’s betrayal. The battle that ensues forces Corinne to seek help from a new arrival.



Jonathan Pierce, a successful lawyer, has come to Pike’s Run looking to find solace from his past. When Corinne asks for his support, her innocence and bravery call to the needs within his broken spirit, and he can’t turn her down. She is capturing his heart, but if she ever learns of his cowardice, she will reject him, killing any hope he has left of finding love.





Excerpt ~



Once Jonathan had crossed the bridge over the stream, he caught sight of a figure walking down the road, heading toward him and away from town. His senses came alive when he recognized Miss Taylor. He gritted his teeth and tried to foster indifference to her appearance.

She faltered in her steps when she saw him, but then picked up the pace. “Mr. Pierce,” she hailed.

Hadn’t he given her permission to call him Jonathan? He stopped in the road near a copse of maple and sprawling live oak and waited for her to reach him. Perhaps she didn’t remember that he’d asked her to use his given name. Until she did, he wouldn’t use hers. It was too intimate, and by the way his body reacted to her swaying hips and smooth complexion, he needed distance. “Afternoon, Miss Taylor.”

She halted five feet from him. Her gaze searched his face, scanned the area around them.

She looked confused. Or uncertain.

“Is something wrong?”

He saw her swallow, and the need to shield her and knock the teeth out of the person who dared upset her came over him. How anyone could torture this lovely creature escaped his reason. He took a deep breath and tried to rein in his fury on her behalf. Her fight was not his.

“My m-mother intends to use my garden tomorrow.” Her eyes went wide with fear.

Her gaze pleaded with him, but what did she want him to say? He’d already advised her on what to do. “I’m sorry.” He didn’t know how else to respond.

“I have to tell her she has no right to,” she rasped.

He inclined his head once, easily detecting the tremble in her, and he wanted to slay her dragon for her. He would have no problem telling the woman any interference would be considered trespassing, but…this was not his war.

Miss Taylor’s shoulders slumped, and she pressed two fingers into each temple. “I can do it. I can stand up to her.”

The words sounded like a litany she repeated to herself. They weren’t an assurance for him. “Of course, you can,” he offered, but he really had no idea of the stuff of which she was made.

She let out a slow breath then drew in another deeply. After a few moments, she lowered her arms to her sides and lifted her chin. “Would you like to see it?”

“Your roses?”

She nodded.

“Of course.”

Aware she gave him an opportunity only a handful of others had experienced, he didn’t dare turn down her offer. He should, though. In fact, he should be going on his way, putting distance between himself and a woman who tugged at his basic needs and protective side.

But instead of heeding good sense, he followed her. She headed into the lush trees to his right, and he lifted his brow in surprise. He’d stopped near the path that hid her handiwork? He hadn’t even realized it. Stunned with how well disguised the trail was, he checked his surroundings in case he needed to get his bearings on the walk back.

He had to duck under sprawling branches, and if he hadn’t had the owner leading him, he would have missed the footpath buried under fern and ivy. They wound among the trees, the forest thick enough that they had to walk single file.

When hedgerows appeared, she unlatched a gate and let him in. He hadn’t gone two steps before amazement struck him. He stopped in his tracks and stared at the beauty.

Was it acceptable to even breathe amidst this labor of love? The blooms were open to the five o’clock sun streaming in. The bright orange light danced off of shades of purple, pink and red. Yellow dazzled the eye, along with peach and white.

He felt a nudge at his elbow. He looked down, and the smile directed up at him put the flowers to shame.

“You can walk around. You won’t hurt them.”

The teasing glint in her eyes made his mouth tip up at the corners. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing at the luscious curve of her lips. Warmth spread through him, but he turned away, avoiding the lust curling inside. Instead of a reply, he went down the stone walk, allowing the glory of her handiwork to delight his eye.

He paused at different varieties, noting the shape of the petals or how they lay against each other. Their fragrance wafted around him, making him want to sit and soak up their loveliness. Which was odd.

When he reached the center, he turned and found her several paces behind him. She hadn’t said a word as he’d explored. He could only describe the expression on her face as one of pleasure. She seemed glad she’d shared her haven with him.

“You did all this?”

She nodded, a blush staining her cheeks.

Even standing amidst the evidence of her talent, modesty enveloped her. He couldn’t help the slight smile that formed. “It’s magnificent.”



Book Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/md7qay



Bio ~

Born and raised in Texas, I had to make the state the setting for my first series. From the food to the fun, like floating the rivers, it is the fire in my blood that inspires me. My family and friends take center stage in my books. My sisters and best friends are my heroines, and my husband created my favorite hero. Love and family are the point of my stories, and I seek to entertain, relieve stress, and inspire people. Books can take one on a journey that one can relive over and over. I am extremely grateful to those authors who did that very thing for me. I learned and I fell in love with their words and characters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

FIND KARA HERE:

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




Thank you, Kara, and Mr. Pierce, for joining us today and sharing your stories!



Thursday, May 6, 2021

DEATH RACE, It'll Get Your Heart Beating In More Than One Way ~ Kari Lemor #RomanceGem Author


Happy Feature Friday, all! Today I have Romance Gem author Kari Lemor with me and she's brought along her hero and heroine from her new release coming to us this Saturday, DEATH RACE, Book Five in her LOVE ON THE LINE series. Meet my friend Kari and Keith Cho and Samantha Bates. 

Let's start with Keith...

Tell me about yourself? What is your occupation? Why? What are your strengths & weaknesses?


I’m Officer Keith Cho, Boston Police Department. I bring criminals to justice. I don’t think it’s a good idea to publicize any weaknesses. Not in my job.


How did you and Samantha meet? What was your first impression of her?

I met Samantha when her brother, Paul and I became partners in the Boston PD. She was still a teenager at the time. I always enjoyed the time all three of us spent together, though she was far too young for me to think of in any romantic way. I still shouldn’t because Paul made me promise to take care of her. I don’t go back on my word.


What do you like about the Samantha?

There’s lots to like about Sammi. But I’d have to say her best quality is she doesn’t play games. What you see is what you get. She’s truthful no matter what. Even if it hurts your feelings.


Has life handed you any major disappointments?

Sure, everyone has disappointments. My biggest is not being able to save Paul when a scum thief killed him.


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

Due to this bullet wound in my shoulder, I’ve got about a month of free days. I’d planned on taking a cross country trip to visit my family. Now that Sammi’s with me, I guess the trip won’t be so boring.





Now it's Samantha's turn...

Tell me about yourself? What is your occupation? Strengths, weaknesses?


I’m Samantha Ann Bates. Sammi to my family. Well, it was. They’re all gone now. I’m a mechanic. I’m good at fixing cars. And saying things maybe I shouldn’t. It doesn’t always go over too well. So I guess that makes it a weakness.


Describe Keith. What was your first impression of him and did it change over time?

Keith Cho has this façade that he presents to the world. Cold, emotionless, business-like. I was kind of intimidated by him when we first met. Thought he was super cute, too. But Paul told me to forget any crush on Keith. But my brother insisted Keith has a sense of humor in there somewhere. Now that we’re on this cross-country trip together, guess I’ll have time to look for it.


Is there anything about Keith that you would consider a flaw?

Sure. The fact he’s a cop. Don’t get me wrong, being a police officer is a noble and courageous career. I have the utmost respect for what they do. Unfortunately, both my father and brother died in the line of duty. I can’t lose someone else that way.


What is it that you want out of life?

See this black eye and these bruises? Yeah, how about not getting punched in the face or kicked by your supposed boyfriend. Cause that really sucks. Is that too much to ask, to be treated well?

I would think not! Has life handed you any major disappointments?

Well, the punching boyfriend was definitely a major disappointment. But before that absolutely. My dad died in the line of duty when I was fourteen. My mom died last year from cancer. Then a month after Mom died, my brother Paul was killed in the line of duty. Not sure I could handle anything bigger than that.


What CD is in your CD player right now?

Well, since I hightailed it out of town so the jerk boyfriend wouldn’t come after me, I don’t have my car or the CD player. But Keith’s nice big truck has all the latest gadgets. Unfortunately, he prefers classic rock. Don’t get me wrong, rock is great, but I need some twanging country boys telling me all their woes so mine don’t seem quite so bad.

Hmm. Not a bad idea.

Now here's more about DEATH RACE...






Blurb ~

The road to happiness is paved with danger...

Recovering from a gunshot wound is the easy part. Boston cop, Keith Cho, discovers coming to grips with his partner’s death requires a different sort of medicine. He’ll start a cross country road trip with seeing his partner’s sister, Samantha Bates.

Sam can’t hide the injuries or the backpack she’s hauling as she hikes away from town. Fleeing from her abusive ex-boyfriend is key. When she and Keith reconnect on a back country road, he insists she come with him.

Keith is good company but needs to stay firmly in the friend category. Being with a cop can only lead to heartache, something Sam can’t handle again. As they travel, frequent accidents seem far too convenient. Are these incidents connected to them or a mystery someone wants silenced? It’s a race against death and someone’s going to lose.


HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN BUY DEATH RACE:


Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B091NDNYBV/

Amazon Au https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B091NDNYBV/

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B091NDNYBV/

Amazon DE https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B091NDNYBV/

Amazon IN https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B091NDNYBV/

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-race-kari-lemor/1139173843?ean=2940162252054

iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/death-race-love-on-the-line-book-5/id1561506890

Google https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kari_Lemor_Death_Race_Love_on_the_Line_book_5?id=qKcKEAAAQBAJ&hl=en&gl=US

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/death-race-love-on-the-line-book-5

Books2Read https://books2read.com/u/31lKAn



Thanks for being my guests today, Kari, Keith, and Samantha!