~ You Know What You Need? A DOSE OF PASSION! ~

Please help me to welcome back the wonderful Sharon C. Cooper! Sharon, someday I'm going to have to ask you how you do it. I've been fortunate enough to spotlight several of your releases over the past couple of years and you continue to pump out quality reads time and time again. This time we're featuring A DOSE OF PASSION. Read on, my friends!



Blurb ~



A prescription for sweet satisfaction…

Pediatrician Macy Carter has been so busy expanding her practice she’s had no time to build the family she craves. Her late, much-loved surrogate father apparently had some matchmaking in mind when he arranged for a sexy architect to take over his home and company. Too bad Derek is a single dad who’s been there, done that, and intends to remain unattached. Their priorities are totally out of sync. Their chemistry? Unbelievably potent.

Thanks to his former mentor, Derek Logan just inherited an architectural business, a house and the gorgeous client next door. He’s keeping away from forever relationships, but this doctor’s sensual touch is addictive. Helping Macy build her dream medical complex awakens Derek to how much more he now wants out of life. But has he hesitated too long to prove he’s ready for and deserving of her love?

Excerpt ~

“What?” Macy finally found her voice. Derek was sending so many mixed signals she didn’t know what to think.

“I’m leaving for Miami Sunday morning for a meeting. We have a huge project starting there soon and I need to go over some logistics before we start.” He leaned against her kitchen counter and faced her. “I’m taking the company’s jet and there is more than enough room for you. Come with me. We’ll do a little sightseeing Sunday after we land, and then we can have a nice romantic dinner Sunday night. And before you say you have to work, I already know you’re off Monday and Tuesday.”

Macy didn’t know what to say about the unexpected offer. She wanted to say yes, but she wasn’t looking for an affair. She was ready to settle down. Settling for a sexual partner, even with someone like Derek, wasn’t enough.

“I can’t.”

He approached her and wrapped his strong arms around her waist, the scent of his cologne making her weak in the knees.

“Why not?” His voice had dropped an octave and desire glistened in his intense brown eyes. The man was wreaking havoc on her body and probably had no idea just how he affected her.

“I want more than an affair, Derek.” Her hands rested on his solid chest as she fingered the collar of the T-shirt he had hastily slipped into. “I deserve more than just an affair.”

He dropped his forehead to hers and blew out a frustrated breath. “I know you do, baby, but right now—” he lifted his head “—this is all I can give you.”

She pulled out of his arms. “Then whatever this is between us can’t happen.”

Copyright © 2015 by Sharon C. Cooper




Author Bio ~

Award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a sheet metal worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. from Concordia University in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication. Sharon is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

Find Sharon at: 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Mailing List | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Buy A DOSE OF PASSION at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | All Romance Books

Giveaway ~

Sharon is giving away a $5 Amazon e-gift card AND an autographed copy of Sin City Temptation (Harlequin Kimani) to one lucky winner. NOTE: For U.S. entrants only

Sin City Temptation (Kimani Hotties)


Former police officer Trinity Layton will do anything to keep her personal security business afloat—even babysit professional poker player Gunner Brooks. Bizarre incidents have been plaguing the poker tour, and Trinity has been hired to keep Gunner safe. But when the gorgeous playboy convinces her to pose as his girlfriend, she might be the one who needs protecting, as their passionate charade quickly becomes all too real.

A gambler in the game of life, Gunner has made his fortune playing for the greatest prizes. The last thing he needs during this tournament is a bodyguard hanging around, especially one as alluring as Trinity. And being together 24/7 just tripled their odds of falling for one another. Now, as Gunner prepares for the championship of his career, he's playing for the highest stakes of all: Trinity's heart.

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Bewitching Author Maureen Bonatch!

Please help me to welcome author friend Maureen Bonatch to the spotlight today! Isn't she lovely?

So Maureen, being an author can be very demanding. How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

This is an ongoing challenge. I get up earlier each day (around 4:45) and bring my laptop with me everywhere so I can sneak in time during my lunch break or kids activities. I don’t watch much television, but do sit in the living room with the laptop so technically I’m not neglecting my family. ;)


Hmm...sounds familiar. Share with us a little about your family. 

I’ve been married for twenty years and we have twin fourteen-year old girls. We also have a 2-year-old shih tzu, Scruff, and two guinea pigs. (Wow, that’s a lot of 2’s) The guinea pigs accepted Scruff because I believe they think he is a giant guinea pig, lol.

Hey, whatever it takes for them to get along, right? Speaking of animals, if you could be any animal, what animal would you choose, and why?

I would be Scruff for a day. Besides the fact that he is the happiest creature I think I’ve ever seen, and that he sleeps a large portion of the day, I’ve often wondered just what is going on in his little, furry, inquisitive mind. 

Might be shocking! With the Halloween around the corner, give us a little insight into life of the young Maureen. When trick-or-treating as a kid, was there any kind of candy that you didn’t like to get?

Popcorn balls. We didn’t have much candy at home when I was growing up, but we had popcorn. The last thing I wanted was a ball of popcorn as a treat. I was out there for the chocolate, darn it! 

I'm with you there, my friend! Now, modern day Maureen...what one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?

My laptop. Besides it being practically an extension of my arm, my handwriting is terrible. If I had to hand write my stories I would be doomed because I couldn’t even decipher my own notes. 

I know! I go into a completely illogical panic whenever my laptop goes down. I just can't cope! Here's a fun one, what are your three favorite smells?

Is clean a single smell? But you know what I mean, when you walk into a place and it just smells, fresh. A second would be crisp, autumn air- the scent in Scruff’s fur when he comes into the house in the evening. My third would be something cooking in the crockpot- because I know dinner is done and I have more writing time. I feel as if I made this a difficult question, lol. 

Ya know, you are in the spotlight, and I ask the difficult questions. It's my thang. Here's another hard one, name your favorite children’s story.

It’s not quite a children’s story, but the first series I loved was the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Oh, me, too! I always wanted to grow up to be Mary Ingalls! Thanks for joining us today. It was nice getting to know you a little better. Now let's hear about your latest work...

She's a witch hunting a spell. He's hunting witches and falling for her.

Blurb ~

Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.


Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks more than mixing mortals and magic.

Excerpt ~

…once she’d started Carman couldn’t stop,

the book beckoned. Pressing its spine against her palm, begging her to search within the pages to find the answers she’d unconsciously sought her entire life. As she lifted the book, her scalp tingled and her hair elevated like a halo.

“Whoa.” Dylan shielded himself with his hands. “Put it back, slowly, because this is reminding me too much of the incident with the chest. Having my apartment blown up from magic isn’t covered in my rent.”

The plastic evaporated in a puff of smoke in Carman’s hands and the book unsealed with a sigh. She smiled, the welcoming warmth emanating from within its pages against her palms. Why had Mother kept her from this? This is what she’d been waiting for.

As curiosity overtook his common sense, she detected Dylan’s cautious approach. He stood close enough to peer over her shoulder into her book, but far enough away to avoid touching her.

After the shockwave the last time their skin met, he probably worried he’d ruin another pair of pants. Carman closed her eyes, absorbing the power from the book. The delicious feeling evoked a sensation like melting chocolate, sweet and satisfying.

“I remember hearing about her, Esmeralda Wrath. I wonder if this was her book?” Dylan’s warm breath caressed her shoulder.

Carman opened her eyes and examined the page. To stare right at a photo of the most powerful witch of all time…her grandmother.





Fun Facts about Grandma Must Die:



· The inspiration for the church/library and the town in the story are located along a bike path the author frequents.

· A church that now operates as a bar the author has visited inspired the interior of the church/library in the story.

· The heroine, Carman, is obsessed with sexy, stilettos

· No real Grandmas were harmed in the making of this fictional story. In real life everyone loves Grandmas (unless, of course, they’ve been infected with a nasty spell).

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Grandma-Must-Die-Touch-Magic-ebook/dp/B014T4WQ2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441398219&sr=8-1&keywords=grandma+must+die



The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6408

Author Bio ~

Maureen realized later in life everyone didn’t have characters telling stories in their heads, or weren’t envisioning magic and mayhem within the everyday. This, and long walks in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania spawned a love of writing.

Therefore she’s chased other interests, though none-the-less-daring, but closer to the ground, such as belly-dancing, becoming a self-proclaimed tequila connoisseur, fulfilling her role as biker babe to her alpha hubby and surviving motherhood to twins (so far).

Penning stories boasting laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world.



Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Maureen-L.-Bonatch/e/B00KHY1KK8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbonatch

Blog: http://www.maureenbonatch.com/blog/

Website: http://www.maureenbonatch.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/1AV4L

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maureenbonatch/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3103486.Maureen_L_Bonatch

Contact Info: mbonatch@yahoo.com

~ Encore, Encore for A RED, RED ROSE! ~

With us today is friend author Susan Coryell who has recently had her A RED, RED ROSE picked up by Amazon Encore. I'll let her tell you about it...


A RED, RED ROSE was published by The Wild Rose Press in 2013. The cozy mystery/Southern Gothic has been selected by Amazon for its Encore Publishing Division, an imprint devoted to taking successful small press books with decent sales and reviews and improving their exposure. The E-book is available only through Amazon, though the print version may still be purchased via all on-line bookstores.

Blurb ~

When twenty-year-old Ashby Overton travels to Overhome Estate for the summer, she hopes to unearth her ancestral roots and the cause of a mysterious family rift surrounding the horseback riding death of her Grandmother Lenore many years ago.

From the moment she enters her room in the oldest wing, Ashby feels an invisible, enfolding presence. She learns the room belonged to a woman named Rosabelle, but no one is willing to talk about Rosabelle—no one except Luke, the stable boy who captures her heart. As Ashby and Luke become closer, she realizes he can be the confidant she needs to share the terrifying, unfolding secrets.

Ever present is a force Ashby never sees, only feels. Candles light themselves, notes from an old lullaby fall from the ceiling, the radio tunes itself each day. And roses, always meant for Ashby, appear in the unlikeliest places. Are the roses a symbol of love, or do they represent something dark, something deep and evil?

Excerpt ~

So, so quiet. Dark and quiet. Another whiplash of thunder shattered the silence, so startling that I almost dropped the lighted candle. At that moment, the music started. There were no lyrics, but the gentle, mournfully flowing rhythm was tangible enough to reach out and grasp in my fingers. Lilting tones filled the space around me until I was dizzy with the swirling notes.

As suddenly as it began, the music stopped. Bewildered, I held out the candle as though it might illuminate the harmony I had heard so clearly only moments ago. Except for the dying sputter of the storm, all was quiet again. My ears strained, listening. Faintly this time, but distinctly, I heard the melody again, this time in the hall outside my closed bedroom door. Barefoot, holding the candlestick in front of me, I moved slowly to the door, drew the latch, and, without thinking, only feeling the music, I followed the mellow strains, like a child of Hamlin behind the Pied Piper. Descending the steep steps, on the first floor, now, I continued to follow the path of the music, through the dining room, to the old keeping room and out a door I had never used or even noticed before.

I halted, shook my head, trying to clear out the hypnotic tones that crowded out all thought and plugged my senses. Once again, the music abated. It was like a game of musical chairs. Where was I? No longer in the house, I felt the damp night air on my bare arms, and rough floorboards beneath my bare feet. Holding the candle at arm’s length, I crept forward, a step at a time, my other hand grasping at the air in front. I felt like a blind person without a guide dog.

My reaching fingers brushed across a grainy surface, and crumbling powder dusted my fingertips. Instantly, I recognized the metallic smell of old, rusting screens. I knew then I must be on the ancient screened porch tucked between the wings of the house, the crumbling porch with the antique rocking chairs. The old part of the house, reached only by the door in the keeping room. The music had led me here. Again the strains wafted over and around me, holding me captive as I stood, shivering, gazing at the dim light of my flickering candle.

The music stopped as abruptly as it had begun. Struggling to clear the cobwebs of sound spinning in my brain, I took a deep breath and looked around. I sensed, rather than saw a movement in my periphery. When I turned, I became aware of one of the old rocking chairs. Gently, so as to be barely perceptible, the chair rocked itself back and forth as though someone invisible sat in it, enjoying the languorous, rhythmic motion. Rocking, rocking, rocking, without any sound at all.

Not conscious of moving, I found myself standing beside the ancient rocker, now motionless, dusty, the seat sagging within inches of the floor, as though it had not moved in a hundred years. I had not dreamed it. The chair had rocked itself, and someone or something had led me here to witness it. Led me with the music. I had the evidence. On the decaying cane seat lay a single fresh rose just out of bud.

Author Bio ~

A career educator, Susan has taught students from 7th grade through college-level. She earned a BA degree in English from Carson-Newman College and a Masters from George Mason University. She is listed in several different volumes of Who’s Who in Education and Who’s Who in Teaching. Susan belongs to Author’s Guild, Virginia Writers, and Lake Writers. She loves to talk with budding writers at schools, writers’ conferences and workshops. Her young adult anti-bully novel EAGLEBAIT is in its third edition for print and e-book, updated with cyber-bullying. EAGLEBAIT won the NY Public Library's "Books for the Teen Age," and the International Reading Association's "Young Adult Choice."

A RED, RED ROSE, first in a cozy mystery/Southern Gothic series, was nominated for a literary award with the Library of Virginia. BENEATH THE STONES, the sequel, was released in April of 2015.

The author has long been interested in concerns about culture and society in the South, where hard-felt, long-held feelings battle with modern ideas. The ghosts slipped in, to her surprise.

When not writing, Susan enjoys boating, kayaking, golf and yoga. She and her husband, Ned, love to travel, especially when any of their seven grandchildren are involved.



Buy link for A RED, RED ROSE via Amazon Encore:



http://www.amazon.com/Red-Rose-Susan-Coryell/dp/B0145P8K16/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1440421640&sr=8-1&keywords=a+red+red+rose



BENEATH THE STONES is the stand-alone sequel to A RED, RED ROSE. Buy link for BENEATH THE STONES:



http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Stones-Susan-Coryell/dp/1628308524/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440423262&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=beneath+the+stoneas



Links for Susan Coryell:

Website: www.susancoryellauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.coryell.7

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/susan.coryell.7

Blog: www.susancoryellauthor.blogspot.com



Thanks, M. J. for inviting me to share on your awesome blog!

It's been a joy having you!

~ Taking You to the Outer Rim! ~

Today let's welcome back guest blogger Diane Burton with a book from her Outer Rim collection. 



In the world I created, the Outer Rim is an area far from the Central Planets. Think concentric circles. The Central Planets—those that make up the Coalition of Planets—are at the center. Expanding outward are the lesser planets, those that aren’t members of the Coalition but still civilized. Beyond that is an unexplored region. The Outer Rim.



I think of the Rim as similar to America’s Wild West. A frontier where people go to explore or escape. They change their names so the law can’t find them. As if given a second chance, they start their lives over. Some go by choice, others are taken there then abandoned. The latter was the case with Rissa Dix, the main character in THE PROTECTOR.



Rissa had made her own life on the frontier. Where most females work in menial jobs or as pleasure providers, Rissa owns a tavern. She provides food and drink for the rowdy miners who excavate valuable minerals from the mountains near Astron Colony. A fem has to be tough to survive on the Frontier. A tavern owner has to be tougher. Strong enough to hoist kegs of ale and break up fights.



She also has a secret. A secret she never shares so she doesn’t appear vulnerable.



As more people arrive on the Rim, outposts become colonies that become cities. Crime abounds, especially organized crime. Racketeering, trafficking, drugs and illegal weapons. Most people give gangsters a wide berth and a blind eye. Not so Rissa, Celara, and Jileena.



My Outer Rim series is about strong women on the frontier of space. Rissa (THE PROTECTOR) is tall with broad shoulders. One look and you know she is physically strong. The other fems in the series are strong in different ways. Celara (THE PILOT) has a mouth on her that makes sure everyone knows that though she is short, nobody pushes her around. Jileena (THE CHAMELEON) looks like a dainty fluff brain. Under that disguise, she has a strong will, a determination to prove she’s worthy to run the family business. Each story is a standalone book.



To enjoy the latest, THE PROTECTOR, you don’t need to read the previous books (although I hope you will).

Blurb ~

After tavern owner Rissa Dix rescues two girls from a slave ship, she must rally the townsfolk to prevent traffickers from raiding the frontier colony. She’s met with apathy and disbelief. Because she lost her own baby to traffickers, she’s determined that no other mother will suffer the same heartache.

Industrialist heir Dillan Rusteran aids her in rescuing more children. Little do they know they’re about to tangle with a trafficking ring that puts Rissa in danger. Dillan’s loved her for years despite her claim she’s too old for him. As they fight the traffickers, will she finally see him in a new light?

Excerpt —

Dillan woke up to a steady thump-thump-thump. Damn, the sublight engine was acting up again. He rolled over and almost fell out of bed.

Two things hit him at the same time. He wasn’t in the wide, comfortable bed in his quarters aboard ship and the thumping wasn’t his sublight. Thank the stars for that. Still, it had been acting a little wonky lately. He’d have to check it out.

After dressing and taking care of his needs in the small san-fac near the stairs, he ambled down carrying his boots in the event the big Zebori was still asleep. Although how anyone could sleep through all that thumping he had no idea. He followed the noise into the kitchen.

Rissa stood at the island kneading dough. Last night he remembered how much higher than normal the island was. She’d built it to accommodate her height. For a moment, he just watched her as she concentrated on the dough. Several lumps of grayish-brown dough sat on the flour-covered table waiting their turn. Even though he was a few meters away, the yeasty scent hit his nose and brought back memories of the times he’d been there before. And how much he enjoyed her company. Despite her treating him like a kid.

The dark haired teen—Pela?—worked alongside Rissa. She noticed him first. Panic crossed her strong features before she murmured to Rissa.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” She laughed as she turned the dough she’d been punishing into a long, loaf pan. She picked up another lump and went to work on it.

Dillan yawned. “What time is it?”

“Almost Mid-Day.” When she looked up, she did a double take. “Your beard is gone.”

“It itched. When I find the barber, I’ll get my hair cut, too.” He ran his fingers across the top of his head. “It’s Mid-Day? Damn. I wanted to get an early start.”

Without stopping her kneading, she asked, “Early start on what?”

“Going into the mountains.”

“Did you come here to go climbing again?”

Grief hit Dillan the way it had for the past six years any time someone mentioned his former favorite sport. He hadn’t climbed since his best friend died in a freak rock slide. Or so he thought until a year ago.

Rissa’s dark eyes reflected guilt. She stopped working the dough. “I’m sorry, Dillan. I forgot.”

“Apparently, so did Konner.” He didn’t conceal the hurt he’d felt when he learned Konner was not only alive but had a family. “Turns out I was wrong about some things. I’ll, uh, leave you to your work.”

With her forearm, she wiped the sweat off her brow then went back to kneading. “Pela, you did fine. Turn that one into the next pan then get Dillan a cup of sheelonga tea.”

Pela eyed him with uncertainty.

“I can get it.” He sure didn’t want to upset the girl. “Mugs still next to the sink?”

Rissa looked surprised that he remembered. He remembered everything about her. She’d stayed in his mind after every trip from the time he was sixteen. Konner had teased him about being infatuated. Dillan knew it was more than infatuation. Especially after that last visit.

Author Bio ~

I grew up in the Detroit-area and have lived in Portage (MI), Sedalia (MO) as well as a brief stint in Chicago-land. I've been a Parks & Recreation supervisor, an inventory clerk for a flute store, and a long-time volunteer for Girl Scouts. My last job was for an oil and gas exploration company where I discovered the cure for insomnia—reading oil and gas leases. My longest-running gig was as a teacher where I taught elementary kids for over 10 years. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and the Mid-Michigan and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapters of RWA. I met my own hero on a blind date. It was love at first sight--for me. It took him a little longer. We currently reside in West Michigan and have two grown children and three delightful grandchildren.


I’ve been a reader all my life, and I love movies, especially action adventure, mysteries, science fiction, and romantic comedy. Castle, Firefly, and NCIS are my favorite TV shows. So is it any wonder that I write science fiction romance and romantic suspense, both with comedic elements?



You can find Diane at:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

You can buy THE PROTECTOR at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | Smashwords

Giveaway ~

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We're Hanging Out At Maguire's Corner Today ~ Join Us!

Today I've got not one, but two books to share with you. And they are both romantic suspense, my favorite. And check out these covers. They are stunning. I hope you enjoy finding out more about Maguire's Corner Novels.

Blurbs ~

From ALREADY HOME...

Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her. 

Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer.

Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist.

From ONE GOOD CATCH...

Ignoring a recent trauma that affects her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but these situations aren’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more. When her brother’s high school best friend comes back to town, it’s her chance for a ‘no strings attached’ fling with the man who still headlines all her best dreams. 

Rhys MacGrath’s days of one-night-stands are long over. The pro-football player might be side-lined at rehab for a shoulder injury, but that doesn’t mean he can’t admire and desire the all-grown-up, so-damn-hot, version of the tomboy he once knew. His sudden interest in Kate might aggravate his best friend, but it’s her indifference that drives Rhys crazy.

Everything heats up when Kate’s nosy nature puts her in the line of fire of an arsonist forcing Kate and Rhys to deal with more than just the sparks igniting between them.

Excerpt ~

From ONE GOOD CATCH...

Kate crossed her arms. “I’m not complicated.”

“Oh yes, you are. Incredibly complicated. And off limits.”

“Look, it was just a kiss. If you can’t handle a little first base, it’s your problem, not mine.”

Rhys stopped in front of her, shaking his head. “What?”

“I’m not some kid anymore, Rhys. I can kiss whomever I want. And I do. If you want to continue living by my brother’s rules, then I suggest you head back to the bar.”

“I guess I have more respect for Steve than to try and feel up his sister after being back in town for less than a day.”

“That’s fine. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“Fine. I’ll sleep just fine.”

“Then, goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he said.

Rhys reached for her, his fingers tangling in her hair. He pulled her in to kiss her again. Kate enjoyed this kiss even more than the first one. It was full of his exasperation, plus his inevitable surrender, making it incredibly hot. Her victory was intoxicating.

Author Bio ~

Heather M. Gardner's love of books began on the hand-woven rugs of her small town library where her mother worked. There she had a never-ending supply of stories to read at her fingertips. As a teen, her favorite genres to curl up with were romance and mysteries. When she started to create her own stories, they were the perfect fit. 

You can find Heather at: 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

You can buy ALREADY HOME at:-

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | All Romance Books

You can buy ONE GOOD CATCH at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | All Romance Books

Giveaway ~

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This Book Will Really Caw Out To You ~ EAT CROW AND DIE!

Stepping into the spotlight today--Maris Soule! Take it away, Maris!



Thanks for giving me a chance to talk about Eat Crow and Die, my third book in the P.J. Benson Mysteries series. Back in 1999, when I started writing about an almost-30-year-old woman named P.J. Benson who had just inherited her grandfather’s farm and decided to open her home-based accounting business in the rural area of Zenith, Michigan, I had no idea I was writing a series.



It took me several years and several rewrites to pull that book, The Crows, together. (My writing time was interrupted by my son and then daughter deciding to get married, my husband buying a boat, our decision to sell our house near Climax and buy and move into a house in Kalamazoo, and flights back and forth to California to care for my aging father.) I’ll always remember the day I sold The Crows. My father died the same day I received the email saying Five Star Mysteries wanted to publish the book. That was the best news I received that day.



Readers liked The Crows and asked when the next P.J. Benson Mystery would be out. That was when I started working on As the Crow Flies. As soon as I finished that book, I knew I needed at least one more in the series. Consciously or subconsciously, I’d left too many unanswered questions: Was P.J. pregnant, would she and Sheriff’s Detective Wade Kingsley become more than lovers, and would Wade see his son again?



Eat Crow and Die starts the same day As the Crow Flies ends. Wade is on his boat for a final fishing trip with his six-year-old son before Wade’s ex and her new husband move to California. P.J. is at home trying to convince herself she doesn’t have morning sickness. That’s when she learns that Wade’s boat blew up on Lake Michigan, and that Wade and his son were pulled from the water, but not the ex and new husband. What’s more, Wade has a concussion and doesn’t remember anything from the time everyone boarded his boat until he was rescued.



With the ex and new husband dead, Wade becomes the prime suspect, and P.J. knows she must figure out who actually planted the bomb on the boat and why. I believe readers will find ample suspects and motives, and I hope they also enjoy the antics of P.J.’s 8-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback. (I miss my Rhodesian Ridgeback. We were owned by him for twelve and a half years.)

Blurb ~

P.J. Benson knows Sheriff’s Detective Wade Kingsley wouldn’t blow up his own boat to kill his ex-wife and her new husband, Michael Brewster. Sure, Wade wasn’t happy that his ex was taking their six-year-old son, Jason, to live in California, but Wade and Jason were also onboard the boat when it blew up. Wade would never have endangered his son that way. Nevertheless, the investigating detectives consider Wade their prime suspect, and Wade’s ex in-laws loudly accuse him and threaten to file for custody of Jason.

Under the circumstances, P.J. is certain this isn’t the right time to tell Wade she’s pregnant, but bouts of morning sickness give her away. Wade is upset by the news. P.J. wonders if it’s because he’s afraid he’ll be put in prison for a double homicide he didn’t commit, or if he’s afraid the new baby will cause P.J. to become schizophrenic, as was the case with her mother. Even P.J. is worried about that. Although Wade doesn’t want her playing detective, P.J. soon discovers that Michael Brewster wasn’t as great a guy as everyone thought. But did anyone hate the man enough to kill him?

Excerpt ~

As I headed for the room number Ginny had given me, I thought back over the four months I’ve known Wade. The first time I saw him, he reminded me of Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise wrapped up in one man. He certainly didn’t look like a homicide detective. Back then he thought I’d murdered someone. That or I was crazy, like my mother. We've had a couple more misunderstandings since then, but for the most part we’ve gotten along quite well—in bed and out. On the other hand, there are times when he can be stubborn, irritating, and unreasonable. As I neared his room, it sounded like he was being all three.

“I’m fine,” he bellowed. “I do not need to be in bed.”

“Until the doctor releases you,” a feminine voice said, “you need to stay put.”

“Damn the doctor. I told them downstairs I need to get back to South Haven.”

“Are you giving the nurse a bad time?” I asked as I entered the room.

Wade made a grunting sound as he looked my way. “They’re treating me as if I’m sick. I hit my head, that’s all.”

The poor nurse looked at me and shook her head. “He’s supposed to rest.”

“Be a good boy, Wade. Do as she says. Put your legs back up on the bed and rest.”

He glared at me—at both the nurse and me—but he put his legs back up on the mattress and allowed her to pull a sheet up to his waist. He didn’t lay back, so I asked, “Can he have the bed cranked up, so he can be in a seated position?”

“If it will keep him in bed, I guess so.”

She didn’t make a move, and neither did Wade, so I stepped closer and pushed the button that raised the back so Wade could be in a fully seated position. “That better?” I asked.

He grumbled, but gave a slight nod, then winced.

He had a four-inch square bandage on his forehead, and I could see some discoloration along the side of his face, but it wasn’t until he went to lean back against the pillow behind him and grimaced that I knew it wasn’t just his forehead that had been injured.

“If you need anything, press that button,” the nurse said, indicating the red one on the corded remote.

Wade grunted, and she quickly left. I’m sure she was glad to leave him to me. He clearly wasn’t in a good mood.

“You seen Jason?”

“I just left him. He’s with Ginny.”

“He’s okay?”

“He seems fine. They’re waiting for the results on a couple of tests, then, Ginny said, she’ll bring him by your room.”

“That or I’ll pick him up as I leave.”

“I don’t think they want you leaving today.”

Again the glare. “I’m fine. I hit my head, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh. And how many stitches?” I asked, pointing at the bandage on his forehead.

“I don’t know.” He gave me a crooked smile. “Maybe fifteen.”

“And the back of your head?”

“I have a little goose-egg, that’s all.”

I reached behind his head, but I’d barely touched his scalp before he let out a yelp. From what I could feel, his “little goose-egg” was more like an ostrich egg. “How did you hit both the back and the front of your head?”

“I don’t know.” He let out a deep sigh. “I don’t remember anything from the time Linda and that arrogant bastard she married finally arrived at the boat with Jason until I found myself on a stretcher, being lifted into a helicopter.” He narrowed his eyes. “I don’t even remember that very well. It wasn’t until they poked my head with a needle that I really started focusing on what was happening.”

“You don’t remember taking the boat out on Lake Michigan?”

He started to shake his head, but immediately stopped. “Not a thing.”

The pupils of his eyes were dilated, and since Wade doesn’t do drugs, and it was fairly light in the room, I figured the doctors were right, he did have a concussion. I’d heard how people who had concussions often couldn’t remember what happened before or even after the accident. Some lost entire days. Sometimes the memories came back; sometimes they never did.

“I do remember Linda said they didn’t want to fish,” Wade grumbled. “Here she insists she wants to go on this fishing trip with Jason and me, that both she and Brewster want to go along, and then as soon as she arrives—an hour late, at that—she starts making a fuss about going fishing. I’d even brought fishing poles for the two of them.”

“But they did go out on the boat with you? With you and Jason?”

“They must have.” Wade looked out beyond the end of the bed, and I could tell he was trying to remember.

“Do you have any idea where you and Jason were when the boat blew up?”

“No.” Wade looked back at me. “You haven’t heard anything about Linda?”

“Nothing.”

“So they’re not here, not in the hospital?”

“I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think so.”

From his expression, I knew what Wade was thinking. If Linda and her husband were on the boat and had been thrown to safety, Linda would be with Jason now. The woman had become paranoid since telling Wade that she and her new husband were moving to California and taking Jason with them. She was sure Wade was going to do something to stop her.

“If she was on the boat . . .” I started to say, but didn’t finish. The thought of what might have happened to Linda—to both Wade’s ex and her new husband—caused my stomach to lurch.

Author Bio ~

Writer, teacher, artist, wife, mother, dog trainer, horse rider, boater. Maris Soule can list an array of occupations and avocations. Even as a writer her 29 published books span a variety of genres and subgenres, ranging from short stories to romances, romantic suspense, and mystery. A two-time RITA finalist, Soule has placed in and won several writing contests. Born and raised in California, Soule and her husband now spend their summers in Michigan and their winters in Florida.

You can find Maris at:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Page

You can by EAT CROW AND DIE at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Books

Giveaway ~

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~ The Distractions of A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT ~

Guest blogging today ~ the incredible Christine Warner! Welcome back, Christine, and take it away!

The Best Laid Plan

Okay, I so admit it. There are times when I’m on a writing blitz and nothing can pull me away from the laptop. I’m on a roll and the words are flowing and everything falls into place.

I love days like those. I wish I had more.

Then there are the days that I plan to write, have the characters and story circling around in my head with a million and one ideas, but when I sit down with fingers on the keyboard, I keep allowing myself to get dragged away from the screen. I can’t focus no matter how many times I bribe myself with a reward if I just add some words to the word count.

I use silly excuses that either have me jumping up and away from my laptop (only for a minute, I promise I’ll be right back…lol), or ones that keep me in my chair in front of the screen, but surfing social media sites instead of concentrating on my WIP.

Here are my Top 10 excuses. The ones I seem to let myself use when I have time to write, but don’t get anything done.
My Golden Retriever, Libby, keeps tossing her ball on my keyboard, coaxing me to go play ball outside. (Though she loves it, and I love her, she doesn’t need me playing ball with her every hour on the hour)
I wonder if there’s a science project growing in the fridge? Hmm, I better go clean it. (This is a popular excuse on Monday since the house is calm from a busy weekend and I have no clue what the guys used the fridge for…sometimes I find scary things in there…lol)
Laundry, I’m sure I can scrounge up a load and I should really stay on top of it before it gets out of hand.
I think I’ll cook something amazing for dinner…complete with carrot cake made from scratch. Yes, I’m going to do it. I better make out a list and head to the grocery store.
What? I haven’t talked to my sister in almost 12 hours. Time to give her a call.
Wonder what’s happening on facebook?
Am I missing any awesome tweets on Twitter?
I should write my blog for next week and get it out of the way.
Emails might be piling up, I should sort through them and check out any new blog posts, new twitter friends, posts on facebook.
I think I saw a Hershey’s candy bar with almonds in the fridge when I was cleaning it out. I should take a sweet break. (yes, I put them in the fridge, I love em that way:))

Whew…I did manage to get all three books in the Friends First series completed and to my editor. That’s an achievement, even though I did have days that were a little more challenging than others…thanks to some of the things I mentioned above. I’m so excited about A Friendly Engagements release and can’t wait for the other two books in the series to come out. YAY!!



What about you? What are some of the excuses you come up with so you don’t have to get the job at hand completed?

And now, let's learn a little bit more about the book she finally did sit down and write...

Blurb ~ 

What's a little engagement between friends?
Omar Esterly is married to his job. But when Omar sets his sights on a potential, family-oriented client, his confirmed bachelorhood becomes a problem. Fortunately, his friend and employee, Devi Boss, has the perfect plan...

Okay, so it wasn't exactly Devi's plan to become her friend's fake fiancée. Lies aren't her style. However, Omar offers her a big, beautiful raise - enough to track down the missing father she's never known - and Devi reluctantly agrees to the whole engagement hoax...

This was supposed to be a no-strings-attached win-win for both Devi and Omar, but when they cross the line between friendship and...well, something more, Devi realizes she's made a huge mistake that just might cost her both job and friend - falling for her fiancé.

I love how Christine put in the little twist in the end of the blurb! She sent me three excerpts, which were all excellent, but I chose this one for you...

Excerpt ~ 

He checked his watch. “Lunch will be over if you…”

The bathroom door squeaked slightly as it opened, and he turned. His heart galloped, then went into a full-blown stampede.

Devi walked across the room. Although her hair fell down past her chest in two loosely gathered pigtails, they bounced with each step. So shiny, he wanted to reach out and touch the fullness, grab a handful, and smell. Hell, he wanted to slide her hair from the two flower clips and tangle his fingers through the silky-looking waves. She chose that moment to spin in a circle.

“What do you think? Too old school?”

“What?”

“The suit. I bought it on a fifties replica website online. I like the style, but I know most people don’t swim in suits like this. It’s a swimdress actually. Don’t you love the cute black and white polka dots? I adore polka dots. And how it gathers at the waist, and the sweetheart neckline, how cool…”

Her words were lost to him. All his focus centered on the rays of sunlight illuminating her face as her mouth moved, each word forming on glossy red lips but never quite reaching his ears. The way her eyelashes fluttered over her cheeks as she inspected her suit, tugging at the waistline and running her fingers along the edge of material that nestled against the swell of her breasts.

And then there were her legs. Where the hell did she get legs like that? Long, toned, and tanned the perfect shade of light brown. They looked smooth, and his fingers ached to reach out and touch them.

What the hell? He’d seen her legs thousands of times when she wore a dress—the mainstay of her wardrobe— even caught glimpses of her upper thigh from time to time, but to see the entire package…

Holy shit! She spun around again.

“O, I want your opinion.”

Damn. Her legs were incredible, but her ass. That suit did amazing things to her ass. He couldn’t stop staring, and when she turned back around to face him he craned his neck to try to follow the view.

Love it! Now, more about Christine...

Author Bio ~ 


Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, Christine enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, Twitter and her website.

You can find Christine at:


Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter | Street Team | Amazon Author Page


You can buy A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books

Giveaway ~ 


$15 Amazon Gift Card (International Winner) or
Spiderman DVD, Popcorn, Slippers, and Mug (Continental US Winner)

Why Spiderman you ask? Well it has to do with one of the character's fantasies ~ you'll just have to read it to find out!

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