Let's Get To Know GHOST MOUNTAIN RANCH: DARBY ~ by #RomanceGems Author Jan Scarbrough

Welcome to Feature Friday where we have Jan Scarbrough in the spotlight with her book GHOST MOUNTAIN RANCH: DARBY. Let's talk to Jan about it...

DARBY is the second book in The Ghost Mountain Ranch series. Tell us about this series. What ties the books together?

Several years ago, I decided to give a story to Hank, the head wranglers at the Six Buckles Ranch in Montana. The story didn’t have such a happy ending, but it was a way for me to have Hank leave the Dawson family and go to Ghost Mountain Ranch where I knew he would meet his high school sweetheart Darby York.

The three books that I wrote after HANK tell the story of Darby and her two children Slade (named after her first love) and Kelsey. Darby is estranged from her father but comes home to the ranch at the urging of Hank and Kelsey. There she uncovers clues about her mother’s past. The next two stories in the series are complete romance, but they also reveal the mystery about what happened to Darby’s mother.


What's your inspiration for this series?

My husband and I visited a Montana dude ranch in 2016, so the Ghost Mountain Ranch is sort of a combination among several ranches. When I wanted to add a mystery to my new western series, my editor suggested doing something about the anti-war movement in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I read a few history books on the subject and came up with a complicated back story for Darby, her mother, and Darby’s family.


Tell us more about your heroine, Darby York. What in her past influenced her to be the woman we meet in the story?

Darby was very close to her mother. When her mother commits suicide, Darby feels guilty and thinks she’s somehow responsible. She flees the Montana dude ranch where she grew up and ends up working at a Kentucky horse farm where she meets and marries the wealthy owner. I wanted her life in Kentucky to be happy. She has children and a doting husband who indulges her passion for art. When the story starts, I wanted Darby to resist returning to Montana because of the guilt she’s never resolved.

What about Hank Slade, wrangler at Ghost Mountain Ranch? What's a wrangler? What kind of man is he?

A wrangler is someone who looks after horses or other animals on a ranch. On a dude ranch, a wrangler will get the horses ready and lead trail rides for the guests. Hank Slade is a loner. He’s been a wrangler at the Dawson’s ranch for years. Hank is unlucky in love. He had two loves—Darby and Liz Dawson, the wife of the ranch owner who has recently remarried. Taking the head job at Ghost Mountain Ranch gives Hank a new purpose in life. He doesn’t count on Darby coming back into it.


What inspired you to write about older protagonists?

I understand older protagonists better because I am older myself. I also like to give characters a second or third chance in life. We don’t get our lives right from the beginning. As Hank says, we learn from our mistakes.


Which character in the series is your favorite to write? Why?

I enjoyed writing about Darby and having her come to terms with her past. She runs away from her fears until she must confront the truth and her feelings.


Which character in the series is the hardest to write? Why?

I think Slade was the hardest to write. He’s unsure of himself but becomes a man working at the ranch. I hope I made his growth in self-confidence realistic.

Blurbs ~

HANK:

On Christmas Eve, Hank accepts the job of ranch foreman over the mountains in the Gallatin Canyon, Montana. But something dark is happening at the Ghost Mountain Ranch, where the past is reaching out in dangerous ways to haunt the living.


DARBY:

Thirty years ago, Darby Heston fled her family’s Montana dude ranch. Now she must return to help her father. Would the boyfriend she’d abandoned still be there? Hank Slade has never stopped loving Darby, but is he willing to risk his heart again? Secrets tore them apart once. Given a second chance at love, will more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?


SLADE:

Slade Heston is spending the summer as a hired hand at his grandfather’s dude ranch, trying to figure out life, not fall in love. Laurie Chastain is supposed to write promotions for the ranch, but she has a secret goal. What did a 1970s radical resistance group have to do with her grandfather? Laurie’s only clue leads her to Ghost Mountain Ranch. Will their growing attraction be enough to protect Slade and Laurie from the ghosts of the past?


KELSEY:

Kelsey Heston’s using the skills learned at her family’s Kentucky horse farm to improve tourism at her grandfather’s dude ranch. But what is her old college sweetheart doing here? Max Lee has come to Ghost Mountain Ranch searching for a missing woman. Instead, he finds Kelsey. But old secrets are stirring, secrets someone might be willing to kill to keep. Can they finally lay the old ghosts to rest, or will the echoes of a decades-old murder destroy their second chance at love?

Bio ~

Whether it is the Bluegrass of Kentucky, the mountains of Montana, or Medieval England, Jan Scarbrough brings you home with romances from the heart.

The author of two popular Bluegrass series, Jan writes heartwarming contemporary romances about home and family, single moms, and children, and if the plot allows, about another passion—horses. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town, Southern charm to her books and the excitement of a Bluegrass horse race or a competitive horse show.

Jan leaves her contemporary voice behind with two paranormal gothic romances, Timeless and Tangled Memories, a Romance Writers of America (RWA) Golden Heart finalist. Her historical romance, My Lord Raven, is a medieval story of honor and betrayal.

A member of Novelist, Inc., Jan self-publishes her books with her husband’s help.

YOU CAN BUY THE GHOST MOUNTAIN STORIES HERE:

https://books2read.com/HankGhostMountain

https://books2read.com/Darby

https://books2read.com/SladeGhostMountain

https://books2read.com/Kelsey


YOU CAN FIND JAN HERE:

Website http://janscarbrough.com/

Blog http://janscarbrough.com/blog/

Newsletter http://janscarbrough.com/contact/

Amazon Author URL https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Scarbrough/e/B001K8768A

Bookbub Author URL https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-scarbrough

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/romancerider

AllAuthor https://allauthor.com/profile/romancerider/

Thank you, Jan, for joining us today and for sharing your Ghost Mountain Ranch series with us!

SECONDHAND HEARTS Will Make Your Pulse Race!

Happy Friday! Today we're featuring Kathryn Hills and her Last Chance Beach novella, SECONDHAND HEARTS! Let's hear more about it...

Blurb ~

Life takes you down many winding paths. Will theirs lead to love on Last Chance Beach?

Tasked with convincing her beloved grandmother to move back to the mainland, Kat Worthington returns to Last Chance Beach. This vacation island paradise is filled with cherished memories, and the thought of relocating her loved one weighs heavy on Kat’s heart. Is the alternative to uproot her life, stay on the island, and help run Gran’s charming B&B and antique shop?

Handsome neighbor, Ben Hadley, sure hopes it is. He and his playful pup are doing their best to upend Kat’s plans. Will their efforts convince her to stay?

Or will it require some of Gran’s special island magic?

Excerpt ~

“Look at that… Didn’t even break the pot.” Gran gave her a sassy little wink. “You’ve always been one for divine timing, Kitty.”

“Pot?”

“Yup, I knew I had a matching teapot to the set that came in yesterday.” Gran stood a little straighter and squared her chin. “Besides, I’m not alone. Ben is here.”

“Who the heck is Ben?”

“That’d be me.” A deep, male voice came from behind, startling Kat. Spinning with a gasp, her eyes widened when connecting with six feet plus of drop-dead gorgeous, dark-haired man. He met her stare full-on without so much as a hint of humility, and he nodded a curt greeting.

“Haddie Marshall, are you up to your old tricks again?” Ben brushed past Kat. “I told you to wait and I’d look with you.”

“Well, I didn’t want you fussing. I know you’re busy.”

“Excuse me,” Kat interrupted, not bothering to disguise the irritation in her voice. “Who are you, and why would you allow my seventy-seven-year-old grandmother to climb to the scorching top of a barn and up a ladder for a teapot?”

The man stared at her in silence. One dark brow cocked in obvious annoyance.

“Ben Hadley…meet my first grandbaby, Kitty Worthington,” Gran announced with a proud smile.

“It’s Kat, Gran. Or Katrina,” she grumbled. “No one has called me Kitty since the fifth grade.”

“Oh, shush, child. You’ll always be Kitty to me and Grandpa Mike.” The elderly woman’s smile fell away. She took a wobbly step forward to hand Ben the box. “Be a love and take this down for me. I think I’d better hang on extra tight to the railing after all this excitement.”

“I’ll take the box,” Kat snapped. “You help my grandmother back to the house, where we can turn on some air conditioning.”

Bio ~

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories involve time travel. And ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband and daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Find Kathryn Hills Online

Website * Facebook

Twitter * Amazon Author Page * BookBub

Now I'm going to give you a bonus peek at Kathryn's next book in the series...

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

Coming September 2021!

Thanks for visiting with us, Kathryn!

I Enjoyed Reading Nancy Fraser's Novella So Much, I'd DO It AGAIN!

Hey, all! Have I got a treat for you! Romance Gems author Nancy Fraser has joined us today with her new release I DO...AGAIN, a Return to Last Chance Beach novella. I had the good fortune to read this one and Nancy gives you smart writing that pulls you in and flows so smoothly it just carries you on to the end. Truly a pleasure to read! She was nice enough to answer a few questions for me...

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

That a writer needs to develop a thick skin. And, while you should take your craft seriously, the opinion of others only matter if they control your career (e.g., editor, publisher, agent). If you learn how to handle both criticism and rejection early, it will make your writing journey much easier.


I may or may not still be working on that... ;) That's something that transfers over to everyday life, too. What is something you struggle with when you write?

It may seem trite ... but the writing. I always wonder if my current book will be my last. Will I run out of ideas? Let’s face it, romance follows a formula. There are not that many tropes that haven’t been done to death. As well, if you write in one particular genre, how do you keep from repeating yourself over and over again? That’s probably why I genre jump. It helps me from getting stale and – hopefully – there will be at least one more book in there somewhere.


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

I live in Atlantic Canada, in New Brunswick, along the beautiful St. John River. If I were going to move, I wouldn’t go far. Just one province over to Nova Scotia, specifically Cape Breton Island. Or ... if I had the money, Las Vegas. Something tells me I’d be broke quickly.


Yes. Always that possibility in Vegas. Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am divorced and, as of this past September, divorced as long as I was married. I’ve been blessed with two wonderful sons who were both smart enough to marry equally wonderful women. Between them, they’ve given me five grandchildren. And, given we live within twenty minutes from the farthest points, we’re very close. As for pets, I have grandpets. One rescue husky, two cats, and four guinea pigs.


Grandpets are the best! What was one of the best Christmas presents you ever received?

That’s easy. Christmas of 1970 (well, a couple days early). My first son. Nothing will ever top that.

What CD is in your CD player right now? Or what was the last song you listened to in your digital library?

Surprisingly, I still have CDs. On both my phone and in CD player, Pentatonix latest album, The Lucky Ones. Of course, I do occasionally swap out the PTX CD for the Elvis 75.


Name your favorite children's story.

I was hooked on the Nancy Drew mysteries growing up. However, as a Grandmother, I have to say Robert Munich’s “Love You Forever”. I’ve read it to all five and I’m moved every time.


It's amazing how many writers were Nancy Drew fans! What is your concept of a fruitful day?

At my age – just waking up. Getting out of bed is a great bonus. Of course, after one or two cups of coffee, my writing day begins. At that point, it’s all about the words. I write full time, Monday through Friday, three weeks of every month. My goal is always 3-5K, depending on the complexity of the book. In the fourth week, I do extensive edits and catch up on other tasks. Weekends are split between family and updating my website and blog.

That sounds like a great schedule! Thanks for sharing yourself with us. Now let's share a little bit about I DO...AGAIN...

Blurb ~

Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8^th summer.

 

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an Ivy-League education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

 

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

 

The 25^th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

Excerpt ~

The soles of her sandals skittering across the wet surface, Lily Abbott landed on the weather-worn dock with a loud thump, her backside slapping against the damp slats in the same way a fish flops around on the ground after being pulled from the lake.
 
So much for a graceful entry.


She glanced from side-to-side, wondering if any of her former classmates had seen her awkward faux pas. Gracie Potts and Shep Warren stood off to the side, more engrossed in each other than those around them. Ellie Cabot was stoking the campfire, poking at it with angry jabs and then letting loose a string of curse words when the embers jabbed back.


At least half of the varsity football team were huddled around two well-stocked coolers, chugging beers and laughing about past victories.


Off in the distance, laughter, mixed with strains of Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything for Love, floated across the warm night air from the hotel’s patio. Nostalgic music from their senior year...as if time could be turned back, memories either revived or erased.


Settling more comfortably on the edge of the dock, Lily removed her sandals, and dangled her legs over the side, her toes flirting with the water. Closing her eyes, she welcomed the breeze wafting across her face.


“So, this is where you’ve been hiding.”


Lily startled at the sound of the deep, male voice. She didn’t need to look to know who was speaking. The intervening years weren’t nearly long enough to wipe away the familiar sound.


“I’m not hiding,” she insisted. “I’m relaxing.”


“If you say so,” he countered, the sarcastic tone of his comeback sinking into her senses.


Mitch Colby. Her best friend, her first love, the one that got away. Or, more precisely, the one who left her behind.


“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said truthfully.



Turning slightly and tilting her head, she met his gaze, then wished she hadn’t. He smiled down at her, his familiar smirk ratcheting up her heart rate. As her late Aunt Ethel had once observed, ‘The good Lord had surely taken his sweet time with Mitchell Colby’. Twenty-five years hadn’t altered Ethel’s keen observation one iota. He was still a breathtakingly handsome man.

Bio ~

NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

 

Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

 

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published over thirty books in full-length, novella, and short format.

 

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

 

Find Nancy Fraser Online

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bookbub

Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube

 

  

To purchase I DO...AGAIN:

Universal link ~ 

https://books2read.com/IDoA 

Thanks for sharing yourself with us here today, Nancy!

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!

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!

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!

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 US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091NDNYBV

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

HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND KARI:

Website: https://www.karilemor.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karilemor

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karilemorauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9756283.Kari_Lemor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kari-lemor

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Kari-Lemor/e/B00ON2YDI6/

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