May I introduce: Kayelle Allen "A Romance for Christmas" @kayelleallen #MFRWAuthor

About the Book

A Romance for Christmas

By Kayelle Allen

A cop at the door on Christmas Eve brings an unexpected gift.

A sweet holiday romance showcasing love, loss, and the spirit of giving.

It's Christmas Eve, and the end of a year in which everything Dara loves has been lost. Everything but her little girl and a fierce determination to survive. When a cop brings Christmas to her door, he brings another gift she never expected to get.

 

Video

http://youtu.be/Dzr6lv5Dzgs

Music: O Christmas Tree, piano performed by Vladimir Sterzer, licensed by Jamendo.com
Images courtesy of PhotoXpress.com and RGBstock.com

 

Giveaway

A Peek Inside A Romance for Christmas includes excerpts, information about the characters, the reason the book was written. It's illustrated with original art. Everyone can download a copy. Peek inside the book: http://bit.ly/rom4cmaspeek

 

Buy Links

Amazon http://amzn.to/1wpW8qE
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1wpYfL2
Kobo http://bit.ly/1wpYndJ
iBooks http://is.gd/sdSfMT
CreateSpace http://is.gd/gazeza

 

About the Author

Kayelle Allen is a multi-published, award-winning author. Her unstoppable heroes and heroines include contemporary every day folk, role-playing immortal gamers, futuristic covert agents, and warriors who purr.
Website https://kayelleallen.com ~ Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author

 

Excerpt 1

"Mommy?" Christine's young voice broke in on her thoughts.

Dara put down the romance she'd been re-reading, the favorite she'd had since she was sixteen. She'd sold all her others at a yard sale the previous week. "What is it, sweetie?"

"Why don't we has a real tree for Chribmas?"

"Why don't we 'have'," she corrected. "Come sit by me." Dara patted the couch and tucked her chenille robe closer around her.

One arm around Matilda, her cloth doll, Christine climbed up beside her mother and cuddled.

Matilda's going to need stuffing before long. Her head flopped forward, face against her flat chest. When did the lace on her dress get so ragged? Dara smoothed the doll's dress. "Remember when Daddy went home to heaven before Christmas last year?"

Christine knuckled her eyes and yawned. "I 'member."

"And then Mommy got hurt in the car accident and couldn't go to work?"

"Uh huh."

Dara took a deep breath. "Well, it meant there was no money for a real tree this year. But I'm sure Santa will still bring you presents." Gifts Dara bought by selling her entire collection of romance novels at a yard sale at her friend Sherilyn's house. "And we drew a tree, right?" She pointed at the crayon-bright drawing taped to the wall. Construction paper ornaments decorated each branch.

"But it doesn't smell like a Chribmas tree."

Dara hugged her. "I know, baby. I know."

"How will Santa leave his presents?" Christine pulled away and got on her knees. "He can't put them under the tree, Mommy."

"Oh, honey!" She ruffled her daughter's hair, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Santa will find a way." She leaned forward and kissed her little girl. "We should get you in bed so he can come. He can't leave presents while you're awake."

 

Excerpt 2

Dara was gaining strength daily, and would finish therapy the first week of January and return to work. Disability paid for the basics - lights, phone, water, trash collection, and she'd never bought anything on credit, refusing to dig herself into a hole she'd never escape once it got started.

She went to the closet and pulled down a box with a ball, crayons, paper, and three books. A friend had brought over a few things as well. This wasn't the grand Christmas Dara had wanted for her daughter, but all the other valuables had been sold. There was nothing left but her wedding ring.

She didn't wear it. Removing it had been part of saying good-bye to Jack.

They said it would help, and it had. Sort of. But not much.

Dara sank into one of the kitchen chairs and put her face in her hands.

Sometime later, when the doorbell rang, she grabbed a paper towel and dried her eyes. The clock over the stove said nine o'clock. Who would be calling at this hour on Christmas Eve? She stuffed the wet towel in her robe pocket on the way to the door.

 

Excerpt 3

She turned back to Scott. "I don't have decaf, and it's late. I have a couple of herbal tea bags left. Would you prefer those? I don't want to keep you awake all night."

Scott licked his lips and then smiled, as if thinking of some private joke. "I'll probably need that caffeine. I bought Susan a three-wheeled cycle and I still have to put it together, and Mom always needs help getting the turkey into the oven. She starts it at midnight. Says if it cooks slow overnight it's so moist it--" He sat up straight. "Say, what are your plans for Christmas dinner?"

"What?" She turned quickly, dropping a spoon. She stooped to pick it up, her face going hot when she realized it exposed her bare legs. Rising carefully, she wrapped her robe tighter and tied the belt in a double knot before getting out a clean spoon. It wouldn't do for him to see her threadbare nightie.

Scott played with the brim of his hat. "I'd like it if you'd come over and have dinner with my family. My mother would love it."

"Thank you, Scott, but I'm sure your mother wouldn't appreciate two extra guests at the table unannounced."

He dismissed the argument with a wave of his hand. "Mom will be thrilled. I won't take no for an answer. She'll enjoy meeting Christine. She keeps Susan while I work and having Christine over will keep both girls busy. Besides, I promise, Mom makes the best turkey you've ever had." He leaned closer as if sharing a secret. "And my dad will bless you for saving him from eating it for the next solid week." He winked.

"Are you sure?"

Scott tapped his badge. "On my honor. I'll pick you up at noon. Dinner's always promptly at three, and the girls can spend time together. We adults can have coffee, or my mom's spiced tea, and talk."

She ducked her head, nodding. "Okay. We'll be ready." The big stuffed dog fell over, catching her attention.

"I'll fix it." Scott crossed the room, and bent over to right the dog and prop him against the wall.

Dara swallowed at the sight of that tight body and long, hard legs inside his uniform. She fanned her face and turned back to the coffee. What would Jack think of me lusting after another man?

She took a deep breath, and remembered her friend Sherilyn's words. Jack's gone, Dara. He'd want you to be happy. He'd want you to go on. Your happiness was always what he wanted.

Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt - Where #Authors #Write to a #prompt ~ #romance #amwriting

Welcome to Tuesday ... Welcome to Tuesday Tales ...

I'm back with Ethan's story. A quick re-cap: Addison's house was broken in, Ethan worries about here being on her own over night and grabs his swag and stays overnight.

Today's prompt is a picture. 

Enjoy - and feel free to leave a comment. And don't forget to click the link below to go back to the main Tuesday Tale site for more stories by very talented authors.

 

 

Matt nodded towards the table. “From you?”

Ethan followed his gaze and assumed Matt was talking about the red roses and the box of chocolate. He moved back to Matt and cocked a brow. “Important to the case?”

With a shrug, he replied, “Nope.”

“Curiosity killed the cat, you know that, right?”

A small frown came onto Matt’s forehead as his gaze went outside. “In this case it wasn’t the cat that was killed but the possum. Got a gut feeling who could’ve done this.”

Raking his hand through his hair, Ethan shook his head.

“Think Addison would have an idea?”

Another shake of his head.

“Can’t say you’re much help.”

Instead of shaking his head, Ethan lifted his shoulder in a slight shrug.

Letting out a long breath, Matt said after a long moment, “Okay, the guys do the outside thing, but I will need Addison to come in for a formal statement and some information on personal safety. I’ll get an investigation started. Did you say her parents are on the way?”

Ethan nodded slowly.

“Cat got your tongue?”

“Holding back on the cursing I’d love to do. This whole situation is beyond believe. I mean who would do this kind of shit?”

Before Matt was able to reply, one of his officers came in. “Outside all done.” With his thumb pointing down the hall, he added, “Some crying coming out of one of the rooms.”

Ethan lifted his finger as a thanks and without any further words headed towards Addison’s bedroom, where he found her sitting up on her bed, covered in sweat, but wide awake.

 

 

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Get hooked on "Innocent Tears" - #MFRWHooks @AstraeaPress

 

Welcome to another MFRWHook!

 

"Innocent Tears" is set in Melbourne / Australia

             

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

BLURB:

Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.

With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.

 

 

Today's hook:  

As soon as Emma hung up the phone to Jack, the sound of Nadine’s small steps grabbed her attention. The young girl stood in the door holding tightly to her doll. Her hair was in a mess, and her

cheeks red. Yawning wide, she came towards Emma – and Emma couldn’t help but smile.

“Hello Naddie.”

“Hello,” Nadine said with a sleepy voice, on the verge of another yawn. “Grandma gone?”

Emma picked her up and sat on the chair with the girl on her lap. “Your Grandma and Grandpa have gone to a meeting, but they told me you knew I was coming.”

Nadine beamed. “Yes.”

“I’m a bit new to this, so how about you tell me what you would like to do. Did you bring any other dolls?”

Nadine hopped off Emma’s lap. “Yes,” she said excitedly, while rushing into the bedroom. She came back with – what else! – her bag packed with dolls, and then emptied the contents onto the

floor in front of Emma.

“I see,” Emma laughed. “You brought a whole town.”

Nadine quickly involved Emma in her imaginary story, and Emma couldn’t help but adore the girl for coping so well with the loss of her mother. After ordering some biscuits and milk for

Nadine, they both sat down at the table and a corner of Emma’s mind wondered about the girl’s mother. She knew curiosity killed the cat, but asked anyway.

“Naddie, sweetie, what happened to your mum?” she asked carefully whilst having a bite of a biscuit. She watched Nadine cautiously, not wanting to upset the girl.

 

 

 

 

 

5 Stars:

I am a big fan of Miss Blobel's work. I love her characters and get so into their lives and how that comes together and culminates in the end. I loved Flynn and his apprehension about having to be a new Dad to a child he had never met. Emma's involvement and her torment of having to chose the right man. Jack's dormant abusive behavior and Teresa indifference to Nadine, who by the way was a very endearing child. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kudos to its author!!

4 Stars:

A very good story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. A fairly predictable ending but who doesnt like a happy ending?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Tales - ADDRESS ~ Where #Authors #Write to a #Prompt

 

Welcome to Tuesday ... Welcome to Tuesday Tales ...
I continue with my story about Connor and his dad Jack, who's ill with cancer. Connor lives in London and is visiting his father who lives in a small town along the Victorian coast.

Today's prompt is: ADDRESS
Enjoy - and feel free to leave a comment. And don't forget to click the link below to go back to the main Tuesday Tale site for more stories by very talented authors.
 

It took Emily a second to redirect her mind back to the current situation.

"No, not at all. My last patient took forever to take his medication, so I'm running behind time a little bit," she lied. "Did you find the address all right?”

He laughed. "This is Fermosa Bay. It takes some effort to get lost here"

"Excuse me, Mr Hot Shot."

Shaking his head, Connor placed the meat on the bench. “Yes, I found your place all right. Jack made sure of it.”

She waited for him to turn and look at her, when she asked, “Am I intruding too much if I’d ask about your conversation with him?”

Connor lifted a shoulder in a light shrug. “Nah, but how about we get some food on the table first. I’m starving.”

Not really sure how to take his reply, whether he was indeed only postponing the subject or hoping for her to forget about it after dinner, she simply nodded. Within minutes he was busy cooking the meat on the barbeque, and she prepared a tossed salad, as well as some bread and cheese. When they both sat down for their meal, she opened a bottle of red wine as they sat on her small balcony.

“Have you always lived here?” he asked.

She arched a brow. “Seriously? Why would I leave?”

He shrugged. “Studies, a man, job… hell I don’t know.”

It’d been something she’d never considered. Leaving Fermosa Bay would be the last thing on her mind. Not even for a man.

She shook her head. “No. I’ve always lived here and probably, or at least hopefully will always live here.”

They ate in silence for a long moment before she spoke. “Tell me about your life in London. You’re a lawyer. No Mrs Connor. Any ex-Mrs Connor?”

He chuckled. “Nope, no ex either.”

“I always thought lawyers are chatty people. You must’ve missed that lesson.”

His mouth curled in a smile.

“How about what made you choose to be a lawyer?”

“Dad’s got a firm. In a way it was expected of me.”

Emily paused, her fork half way to her mouth, and stared at him. Something within her stirred, but she wasn’t able to pinpoint it to something. Surprise? Pity? Or was it the tone in which he’d delivered his last answer?

“Are you serious?”

Their gazes met and he returned her stare with raised eyebrows. “Okay, which part of my answer doesn’t sit well with you?”

She placed the fork on the plate, leaned forward with her elbows on the table and arms crossed. “Well, I have to admit, you calling someone else dad sounds vaguely weird, but it was expected of you? Connor, this is the twenty-first century, you cannot expect your children—”

“London is not Fermosa Bay, Emily.”

“I get that, but—“

He sipped on his wine, but never breaking their eye contact. Was that his way of telling her to let it go? Telling her the subject was taboo? The excitement of a dinner with Connor all of a sudden abated and anger mixed with sadness built up in her.

“It wasn’t the perfect upbringing,” he suddenly said.

She blinked a couple of times trying hard to not get teary.

With a shrug, he added, “But it is what it is and I cannot change it.”

Not sure how to respond, she stayed quiet.

He placed his knife and fork on the plate and pushed it away. “I’ve been wondering for the last couple of days how life would’ve been if mum and I hadn’t left. But I cannot complain. I got a good education, a great job, some good friends, and a neat little house outside London.” He looked up at her. “Life’s not always wrapped up in some fancy, colourful wrapping paper, but it’s still a gift worth treasuring.”

 
 

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Snippet Sunday - Little Beginnings 01/03/2015 #Reading #romance

 

 

~~~

LITTLE BEGINNINGS

 

Jeri lives in Hobart where she owns a gallery. Since her divorce, many years ago, she's finally ready to "be" with a man again. But finding the right one seems to be harder than she thought.

 

~~~

 

Jeri nearly melted into a puddle despite trying her best to be annoyed with Ely. But with him so close, his mouth nearly touching her face, her pulse went into overdrive.

Shaking her head, she grabbed her phone and dialled Olivia’s number.

“Sweetie, I need you to come over. I’ve got a burst pipe here with water everywhere.”

“Are you kiddin’?” Olivia replied.

Jeri rolled her eyes. “Kidding would be something along the line: your blind date showed up here this morning.”

There was a loud sigh at the other end of the line. “I know. I owe you big time for that.”

“Good. Get your behind into gear and come over. Bring you mum as well.”

“Do you have someone look at the pipe?”

Jeri fumbled with the mop. “Sweetie, honestly. I have half the gallery under water and you want to chit chat? Of course I have organised a plumber.”

She hung up, smiled, and got started with the mopping.

 
 

Thank you all for your support and kind comments.

 I do appreciate each single one of them!

And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

          

OUT NOW

 

 

Check out my books on Amazon

 

 

 

 

Get hooked on "Innocent Tears" - #MFRWHooks @AstraeaPress

 

Welcome to another MFRWHook!

 

"Innocent Tears" is set in Melbourne / Australia

             

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

BLURB:

Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.

With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.

Today's hook:  

Emma’s shift was only starting in an hour’s time, and she was enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s café. Like most Mondays she had accepted a lift from Jack, who worked an extra hour Monday and Fridays to cover for a longer lunch when he was allowed to use the gym in the basement.

“Excuse me?”

Emma turned around and looked into Nadine’s beautiful eyes. “Good morning, Nadine. It was Nadine, wasn’t it?”

The girl’s face lit up. “Yes, but Mum always called me Naddie.”

“May I call you Naddie?”

Emma filled her glass with more orange juice, all the while studying the little girl out of the corner of her eye. Nadine held on to an oversized doll, which seemed to be dressed in the same outfit as Nadine – pink T-shirt imprinted with My beautiful Princess, a denim skirt with a princess on it surrounded by lots of pink hearts in all sizes, and pink shiny sandals. Her brown hair had been done up in a ponytail.

“Where are your grandparents, Naddie?”

“Still in the room. Talking on the phone. Grandmother is always on the phone,” Nadine added.

“Do you think you’re allowed to have a bit of breakfast with me?”

With excitement spreading across Nadine’s face, she nodded her head eagerly and sat down opposite Emma. 

 

 

 

5 Stars:

I am a big fan of Miss Blobel's work. I love her characters and get so into their lives and how that comes together and culminates in the end. I loved Flynn and his apprehension about having to be a new Dad to a child he had never met. Emma's involvement and her torment of having to chose the right man. Jack's dormant abusive behavior and Teresa indifference to Nadine, who by the way was a very endearing child. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kudos to its author!!

4 Stars:

A very good story that keeps you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. A fairly predictable ending but who doesnt like a happy ending?

 

 

 

 

 

Get hooked on "Let me Love You" - #MFRWHooks #AuthorRT #Baseball

 

Welcome to another MFRWHook!

 

"Let Me Love You" is set in Melbourne / Australia

            

 

 

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

BLURB:

Oliver Dempsey, pitcher for a Melbourne baseball club, loves the women, and they love him… 
But he keeps them at an arm’s length, and when he meets Tamara, he’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for her. Told by his coach that she’s off limits, only draws him in more. 
Tamara Amis moved to Melbourne to find some distance between her past and herself… 
With the help of her uncle, the coach of a Melbourne baseball club, she quickly finds a job, and a place to live. Yet, one meeting with the handsome pitcher stirs unexpected emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.
It’s Oliver’s injury that brings them together, but as they find out about each other’s pasts, how can they be ready to share a future?


Today's hook:  

“It’s often seen in athletes,” the surgeon replied to Tamara.

“One wrong move—”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but nodded towards the knee. Oliver knew what he meant anyway. One wrong move could mean anything, but in his case, he mightn’t be playing baseball for a while.

“So now what?” Tamara asked.

Annoyed, Oliver shot her a look. “Out!”

Both the surgeon and Tamara looked at him in surprise.

“My knee, my injury, my questions.” He raised his eyebrow slightly. “My privacy.”

Tamara stared at him, and despite the drugs playing with his capability to think, he held her stare. Their eyes locked for a long moment before she shook her head.

 

 

 

5 Stars:

This is the first book I read by author. I really enjoyed this book. I will have to read book 1 in this series. You can read this as a standalone

 

 

 

Get hooked on "Let me Love You" - #MFRWHooks #romance #Baseball

 

Welcome to another MFRWHook!

 

"Let Me Love You" is set in Melbourne / Australia

            

 

 

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

BLURB:

Oliver Dempsey, pitcher for a Melbourne baseball club, loves the women, and they love him… 
But he keeps them at an arm’s length, and when he meets Tamara, he’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for her. Told by his coach that she’s off limits, only draws him in more. 
Tamara Amis moved to Melbourne to find some distance between her past and herself… 
With the help of her uncle, the coach of a Melbourne baseball club, she quickly finds a job, and a place to live. Yet, one meeting with the handsome pitcher stirs unexpected emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.
It’s Oliver’s injury that brings them together, but as they find out about each other’s pasts, how can they be ready to share a future?


Today's hook:  

He kissed her again, this time as lightly as the touch of a feather, and she shivered with the sensations that poured through her. A surge of physical sensation flooded her as he caressed her body with his hands, tracing the plane of her stomach, before his fingers traced the bottom curve of her breasts.

"That’s just the beginning of how much I missed you,” he whispered to her, as he left a trail of kisses down her throat to her shoulders.

Arching into him, she said, “It’s nice to be missed."

He stopped, and she looked down only to find him cocking a brow at her. A grin spread across his face, and a hint of mischief showed in his eyes. That was when she noticed just how much she’d missed him.

 

 

 

5 Stars:

This is the first book I read by author. I really enjoyed this book. I will have to read book 1 in this series. You can read this as a standalone

 

4 Stars:

This is an enjoyable romance exploring the way two people cope with loss and tragedy in different ways, with likeable secondary characters adding variety and humour.