This Week's Book Choice: Kathy Bosman "Three Tiers for Win"

 

Three Tiers For Win

by

Kathy Bosman

 

Blurb

 

Three Tiers for Win is a story of adventure, romance, and family passion that unfolds with the backdrop of the 2012 London Olympics. Elaine said she would never date an athlete as they’re too driven. That’s until she meets kind, yet intensely focused and ambitious South African Olympic swimmer, Winston Harper. He stands for everything she’d chosen not to go for. Win also has a bad family history which keeps him from opening his heart to her. When intense attraction and affection breaks through some of their barriers, family secrets and conflicts pull them apart again. Only Elaine’s support and Win’s brokenness can draw them back together, but will that be strong enough to wipe away the past? 

Excerpt:

Her hands shook as she spooned the mixture back into the food processor and he came closer to peer into the bowl. Electricity seemed to ooze out of his pores instead of sweat. She had a strong desire to rub the raised hairs on her arms.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’ll mix the baking powder into a paste and add it in.” Wish he would go away so I can do this in peace.

“Good idea.”

“Aren’t the guys missing you?” she asked.

“Trying to get rid of me?”

Her cheeks throbbed, and she steadied the dish she was holding with all the willpower left inside of her.

“I’ll only go if you let me make myself some coffee. The other guys are drinking sports and fruit drinks. I feel like coffee.”

She laughed. “Are you eating right for your training?”

“Not really.”

“Okay.” She couldn’t help smiling. This guy was becoming more and more appealing with each minute.

“Ooh, there’s biltong.”

“It’s Mick’s. But I have some chocolate if you’re in the mood for being naughty.” Why did she say that? Now her face must be as red as a tomato because of the thoughts running through her head.

“Do you think he’ll mind if I grab some?”

She considered offering to buy Mick some more. The poor guy was starved. “What exactly did my brother buy for you all tonight?”

“Chicken salad.” The face he pulled forced a strange squeaky giggle out of her. She would have given her usual trill laugh if she didn’t feel so embarrassed and overwhelmed with strange feelings for the guy.

“I wish I had something else to offer you.”

“Come out to dinner with me. Then I can order a man-sized steak.”

Flustered was not a strong enough word for Elaine at that moment. She could swear the temperature in the kitchen was as hot as the oven and that the room was about to explode. “I have to bake a cake.”

“That can wait, can’t it? Tomorrow’s another day. If you want, I’ll help you with it.”

The guy was probably aiming to get into the Olympics team. They had two months left before the trials. He couldn’t be serious about giving up a training day to help some silly girl bake a wedding cake? That idea didn’t match the solid, oozing-with-masculinity man with piercing steel blue eyes, standing a mere two feet from her. She must be dreaming. Maybe she’d fallen asleep next to Peggy on the sofa, and she would wake up to find this all a crazy dream.

“I think a cup of coffee will have to do then.” He turned around and pushed the kettle button on. She hadn’t said ‘no,’ and now he was giving up. Her heart plummeted to zero in two seconds. She’d just missed the opportunity of her life to go on a date with the hunkiest piece of male on the planet.

What was she thinking? Of course it wasn’t a good idea. She wasn’t setting herself up for disappointment going with someone smooth and driven like him who would hurt her as soon as the athletic or model type woman came along.

 

Author Bio

Kathy loves reading and writing even more. She homeschools her three children, one a teenager, so in between unsuccessfully explaining the difference between subject and predicate or how to divide fractions, she enters an imaginary world of troubled and passionate characters whose stories take over the page. Kathy lives in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, where the summers are hot, the winters cool, and bugs thrive. Her first published novel, Wedding Gown Girl, came out in 2012 with Astraea Press. She belongs to the Romance Writers of South Africa Group (ROSA) which has been her greatest support and inspiration the last few years.

 

Buy Links

Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=28155162

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FE74K8M

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Tiers-for-Win-ebook/dp/B00FE74K8M

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-threetiersforwin-1304720-149.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/361613

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-tiers-for-win-kathy-bosman/1116975780?ean=2940148432197

 

Connect with Kathy Bosman online:

Website and blog: http://www.kathybosman.com

Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/KathleenBosman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenLBosman

 

New Beginnings has made it into the local Newspaper "The Courier"

NEW BEGINNINGS

 By Iris Blobel

Publisher: Astrea Press

R.R.P.: Not available

Review: Frank Nolan

 

          How would you feel if you were advised quite unexpectedly that you had inherited a

house at 46 Chestnut Avenue, Battery Point, Tasmania? Then, to add to your surprise, you

learn that your generous benefactor is some one you have never heard of. In her fourth

romantic novel, Ballarat writer Iris Blobel places her heroine Sophie and her young sister Mia

in this puzzling but very pleasant situation. The mysterious benefactors are eventually

revealed but not before Sophie and Mia face some trials and tribulations in settling in to their

“new beginnings” in beautiful Tasmania. 

 

             New Beginnings is the first of a proposed trilogy featuring the attractive and

determined Sophie and her charming little sister. It is currently available on Amazon and a

print version will be released soon.        

 

 

Review: Jill Shalvis "Out of this World"

 

 

Publisher: Kensington-Brava

ISBN: 9780758214447

My rating: 3.5/5

Three weeks ago Rachel Bond inherited a bed-and-breakfast. Too bad that it's in a remote part of Alaska, staffed by a house chef who can't cook and a guide who can't read a map. There's something distinctly strange going on...and that's not counting the fact that Rachel just got hit by lightning, and her good friend Kellan is suddenly possessed with animalistic sexiness she's never seen before. Turns out, Rachel's inheritance is not your regular bed-and-breakfast - it's the portal to an alternative universe where the people possess unique powers that they can transfer to humans. And things are only starting to get weird...

My thoughts

Trust Jill Shalvis to make me read a paranormal story. LOL.

AND enjoy it!

Okay, in all fairness, it's not much of a story. Rachel, a muralist (I had to google that one!) in LA, inherits a B & B in the wilderness of Alaska. Kellan, her friend's brother who is also secretly in love with her, accompanies her. Two beautiful characters, it was fun to follow their story.

Then it gets all weird and I found myself reading, not understanding the plot at all, but laughing at the jokes, dialogues and just the weirdness of it all. It honestly cracked me up. I have no idea how Shalvis came up with that one.
There's romance, some pages steamier than others, and then there are also Marilee and Axel ... the staff in the B & B.

Did I mention it was plain weird ?



 

This Week's Book Choice: Alison F. Prince "In Shadows of Magic"

 In Shadows of Magic

by

Alison F. Prince.

 

 

 

Blurb:

In Shadows of Magic is a newly released Young Adult Paranormal novel.

 

Mandy McKinney lives the charmed life. She is beautiful, athletic, popular, dating the hottest jock in school, and certainly doesn't have any time for her loser twin sister. But Mandy also has a secret. When the truth is unveiled, her world is twisted upside down, and her very life is at stake.

Mandy's twin sister, Brianna, has never had any success in the dating department. When Brianna finally meets the guy of her dreams, it turns out that he has secrets of his own. Dangerous secrets. Just her luck.

The twins are about to be swept away into a world of beauty and power beyond their wildest imaginations where nothing is what is seems, danger is lurking in the shadows, and their only chance of survival is finding themselves, and each other, once again.

Buy Links:

Buy it on Amazon for your kindle at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DVDCNGC/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_3hQ3rb1AHMCW7/176-2735711-2390266

Buy it on Barnes and Noble for your Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-shadows-of-magic-alison-f-prince/1116010511?ean=2940148142874

Buy it in other electronic formats on the Astraea Press website.

http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=25637037

 

About the Author:

Alison F. Prince is a school psychologist in northern New Jersey. In Shadows of Magic is her debut release. Follow her on tumblr at alisonfprince.tumblr.com. Alison loves hearing from her readers, and can be reached at AlisonYAauthor@gmail.com.


Excerpt #1:

Licinia watched the kiss from her vantage point atop the McKinney rooftop. Disgust and jealousy burned like venom beneath her skin. For days, she had been trying to figure out what he saw in the McKinney girl, but she just didn’t get it. She was so plain, so ordinary, so human, a sad excuse for a witch.

Licinia watched as the silly girl practically skipped out of Jared’s car and into her home. Using her supernatural senses, she could hear as Brianna ascended the steps and closed the door to her bedroom. Licinia effortlessly levitated two floors above the ground, hovering outside Brianna’s window. The dope was curled up in bed cuddling her dumb stuffed tiger. Licinia smirked, and touched the window frame. It was a shame that she couldn’t come inside without an invitation. Without stupid vampire limitations, Brianna would have never seen the morning light. Although it wouldn’t be tonight, the time would come. Brianna would pay.

Jared deserved someone so much better. Someone stunning,charming, sophisticated, charismatic, and powerful. It was a tall order, but Licinia knew someone who fit the bill. She would have Jared.

For decades, Licinia had studied the prophecies. She was prepared for war. When the time came, she wanted her man at her side. Where she could stand beside him as his queen, and they could rule together, in darkness.

Excerpt #2:

Brianna’s eyes felt as big as saucers. “What’s it like?”

Jared took a deep breath. “It’s like…magic. I’d rather show you than tell you.”

She hesitated. “I don’t know.”

"Do you trust me?" Brianna searched his eyes and was captured by his gaze.

"Yes." She meant it.

"Then come with me."

The air beside her began to glimmer, every shade of every color emerging in the black of the night. An immense oval of colorful lights were suspended in midair, as if thousands of glowing gems had been melded together. Jared took her hand. “Come inside,” he said.

Brianna took a deep breath and then stepped into the sparkles.

Snippet Sunday 20/10/2013 - Journey to Her Dreams

 

Welcome to Snippet Sunday !

 

Thanks for all your kind comments last week. I do appreciate it. 

My Snippet Sunday today is  from "Journey to Her Dreams"

 

 

 

 

Blurb:

Would you travel around the world to uncover the reason for your dreams?

Hollie Anderson does.

A young woman from Tasmania who lives on a farm just outside Launceston, she has got good looks, likes her job and loves to hang out with her friends. She should be happy, right?

But it’s a recurrent dream that throws her daily life into chaos and takes her on a journey to Ireland. While on her quest for answers she meets Sam in Dublin under unusual circumstances and both women, so different in many ways, find out they have one thing in common - and it changes their lives forever.

“You know. They want him as an executive in their company in Sydney, but they’re sort of watching him to see how he’s handling the job in Launceston.”

She sat down. “Great!” she said wryly.

But he missed the sarcasm. “I know. It’d be a great move.”

Hollie rolled her eyes and threw a towel at her friend. “For someone who apparently is so intuitive, you’re currently offline it seems.”

He cleared his throat. “Don’t tell me you didn’t know.”

She stood up and took her towel. “I think I need a nice shower.”

 

Thank you all for stopping by!


If you liked the above, you can purchase the book here:

 ღ Amazon ღ Barnes & Noble ღ Kobo ღ

.

This Week's Book Choice: Charlene Wilson "The Transformation of Anna"

The Transformation of Anna

by

Charlene Wilson

 

 

For centuries, Cole Shilo has harvested the homeless, wiped their memories, and delivered them as servants to the nobles of Cornerstone Deep.  When Cole is sent to harvest a second-class woman who has broken curfew, he expects no different.  But Anna Sinclair’s soul calls out to him.  Soul mates aren’t possible on Cornerstone Deep…

Are they? 

“My life is a mirage of endless time. But you engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul.”

 

 

What they’re saying:

“The Transformation of Anna is first-rate fantasy, with a healthy dose of romance added in. Wilson has created a plausible, multi-dimensional world complete with gods, mythologies, and engaging characters. The world Wilson has created in The Transformation of Anna is complex, but infinitely and easily accessible to the reader. It's quite an amazing and impressive work with lots of action and adventure, heroic characters, and an elegant and satisfying romance.”—Jack Mangus, Readers’ Favorite

 "The Transformation of Anna by Charlene A. Wilson is a beautifully stunning and deeply touching story of the darkest of treachery, the rebirth of lost love, and the discovery of hidden secrets. Being left absolutely breathless and deeply astonished after reading such an extraordinary story is a new experience for me. I am anything but disappointed in this superbly enchanting and endearingly exhilarating tale of deeply true and lasting love. My heart was captured and lost to this spellbinding journey!"—Amber McCallister, The Wonderings of One Person.

 

 EXCERPT

Anna weakened beneath Cole’s touch. Her mouth relaxed, face stilled. He rose from the tender moment startled by his actions. They were entirely uncalled for, unexpected, yet he couldn’t deny the pleasure it brought.

He stared at her as she wavered with the effects of empty thought. This girl had indeed sought refuge from her life’s experiences. By her complete surrender, he had no doubt she’d wished for the chance to forget many times—a common occurrence among the homeless. He allowed the spell’s sparkling enchantment to fade. No further need for it with this one. This harvest was complete.

As she opened her eyes, he gazed deeply into them to offer hope and set the desire to take pride in her service. “Your life will find meaning.”

Her gaze wandered amongst them. James, his strong stature evident beneath his cloak, would intimidate many without the effects of the charm. Though distinction trimmed his features, she seemed to be taken by his dimple-kissed cheeks and brushed her own.

Leaning her head a little, she studied Vincent. Smaller in build, he still radiated strength. His deep onyx eyes held his defined brow low. Square jaw set, he looked as if vengeance ruled his core. His untamed locks fell in loose waves past his cheeks. A radiant glow encircled his clenched fists as they clutched his cape.

Cole watched as her gaze returned to him. His lips tightened together as his jaw tensed. She scanned his long hair as if to see how far it fell down his back.

When her gaze met his, he had to touch that angelic face. He raised his hand, but caught himself and straightened to his full height, squaring his shoulders. What was that pull to touch? It was unsettling. He clasped the edge of his cloak and turned.

Leading the way back down the alley, James and Vincent fell into step behind Cole. Anna gasped, then followed.

The litter on the street scurried from their path. Night birds sang from high on their perches, a melody odd in the darkness of the empty streets.

A vagabond sat beside the center fountain. Cole pulled Anna to him and wrapped an arm around her waist. He lifted his cloak with a furl and took on the Smoke of Night before the man could catch their approach.

Giggles and thrills flew through his senses as the young woman’s emotions reacted to the disembodiment. He smiled to himself. Most accompanied him with calm acceptance. This girl seemed to embrace the experience.

As they reached the wide steps to the Grand Marshal’s estate, Cole pulled at their elements to solidify. Anna held to him, her arms wrapped around his neck. Her warm breath puffed against his ear as he grabbed her waist so she wouldn’t fall. Was she holding me the whole time?

He eased her down his chest until her toes touched the ground and arms left his shoulders. Running his palm down his shirt to regain his dignity, he strode past the border hedge onto the grounds. He glanced over his shoulder and she drew her hands to her bosom, innocence echoing from her heart.

Luminescent bobbles peaked from beneath bulbous shrubs, lighting the footpath with a radiant glow. Cole looked at the frontage of the imposing mansion. Three stories of white brick stretched out on both sides of a montage of stained glass that arched around the receiving hall doors. He’d never appreciated the over-indulgence of this Grand Marshal, known for his eccentric views and tastes. He seemed more eager to flaunt his position than most.

As they neared the gaudy threshold, he reached ahead and knocked twice with a heavy drive. The left panel opened and a lanky man peered out. His basset hound visage immediately woke at their presence.

“Good evening, sirs.” The servant quickly stepped back and opened the door wide. “I’ll fetch the sire.”

“Yes.”

Anna’s gaze bore into Cole at the word. Heat flushed his cheeks and he stepped inside before his brothers noticed.

A screen of sparkling crystals adorned the left wall, neighbored by onyx pillars. To the right, a rash of brass hair lines cascaded the pane between two doors like a million squirming worms looking to invade the upper rooms. Sculptures of oversized silver swans stood at each side of the wide staircases, reflecting the multitude of embedded lights in the domed ceiling. Black veins in the white marble floor continued up the divided staircases leading to the enormous stained-glass window at the center of the back wall.

The sire’s deep voice rang from the left wing hallway. Cole straightened as he neared.

“Sir Cole. It’s good to see the three of you here.” His gaze gravitated to Anna and a wash of satisfaction covered his face. “The addition, I see.”

“As per your bid, she will comply completely. The harvest was a solid take.” He looked back at the lawmaker. “I see she pleases you.”

Dressen smiled and withdrew an envelope from his vest. “Oh, yes.”

Holding up his hand, Cole shook his head. “I believe the fee is double for this one. Your requirements were very specific. Far beyond that of a Grand Marshal’s standard order. So much so, a special spell was created to ensure satisfaction.”

The sire chuckled and his smile tilted as he pocketed the payment. “Very well. I’ll have the funds delivered in the morn. The Wizards of Shilo Manor continue to exceed their reputation. You are true Reapers.”

The nickname wedged in Cole’s gut. It screamed mockery to their position as Sentinels in this realm. Noblemen had always known they could manipulate the elements purely by their nature and advanced heritage. Yet this generation insisted on labeling them as a demon child at play. Reapers. Wizards. It knotted his stomach.

Intent on making the visit as short as possible, Cole turned his attention to Anna. “Lord Dressen is now your keeper.”

Her regard shifted from him to the Grand Marshal and with it the adoration that had poured from her.

To Cole’s surprise, he regretted the release to Dressen’s care. Countless subjects had been harvested for service to the lords. The assignment of a keeper was an essential step. Why, then, would one more be any different? He reminded himself they had just completed another task, fully satisfying the order.

Dressen waved away the hound-faced servant and dismissed them himself. “Thank you, Sir Cole. It’s rare to find such dedication to quality. You have never failed to produce astounding results.” He grasped the handle and his gray eyes sparkled. “I must admit, I find your natures very compelling. Meridian must be an amazing dimension.”

Underlying meaning seeped through Cole and he straightened to temper a scowl. “Thank you, Lord Dressen. We’re pleased you find our work satisfactory.”

Dressen shook his head. “Silent on the matter as ever.” He chuckled. “Well, do watch for an invitation to my forthcoming celebration. I would be honored to have you present.”

“Of course.” Cole turned and crossed the threshold to avoid further remark. As the door closed behind them, Vincent’s chiseled features contorted into rage.

Cole furled his cloak and took on the Smoke of Night before a confrontation could erupt. The last thing he needed was the runt’s temperamental tantrums.

Vincent billowed like the crest of a storm as they flew over the dark city. His brothers’ emotions melded to his; James’ concern and confusion, and Vincent’s pure fury. Small jets of lightning darted through their mass and Cole knew it was directed solely on him

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR INFORMATION

 

Charlene A. Wilson is an author of tales that take you to other dimensions. She weaves magic, lasting love, and intrigue to immerse you into the lives of her characters.

She began writing in her early teens when her vivid dreams stayed with her long after she had them. The characters and worlds were so amazing, she brought them to life through her books.

Charlene resides in a small community in Arkansas, USA, with her two beautiful daughters, husband, and a very chatty cockatiel named Todder.

 

Author Links

Author site: http://CharleneAWilson.com

Blog:  http://bit.ly/CharBlogs 

Facebook:  http://bit.ly/CharleneAWilsonFan

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/AuthorCAWilson

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/CharleneAWilsonGR

LinkedIn:  http://bit.ly/CharleneAWilsonLI

 

For media interviews, visit CharleneAWilson.com

 

 

 

Buy links:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIX9SUW

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/362646

Author site (signed paperback) - http://charleneawilson.com/books/order/ 

Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt

~~~It's time for Tuesday Tales~~~

We're having a picture prompt this week and whichever way I turned, I wasn't able to fit it into my baseball story, so I give that story a break this week.

The story today is another one close to my heart. I thought I had posted a little teaser before, but I cannot find the link. My apologies!

This is roughly the second paragraph in the story of Sadie who's found her Grandmother's diary shortly after her mother's passing - and so begins her journey, not also back in time, but also to a different continent.

 

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.

Anyway, my name is Sadie. Yes, please spare me the old John Farnham tune, I’ve had it most of my life. Oh, don’t get me wrong, nothing bad about John Farnham, after all, he’s “The Voice”, right? But the Sadie comment does get a bit tiring! Sadly, mum died a few weeks back and now I’m stuck on this massive airplane en route to Frankfurt with Grandma’s diary in my bag. It’s kind of weird snooping in Grandma’s deepest thoughts and feelings, but in a way it’s fascinating going back in history. But not only going back in history, but also to a different continent. See, Mum was born in Germany, but left in her twenties and came to Australia. Quite a journey those days, and she’d told me a lot about it. Kind of scary actually to just leave everything behind. I mean, after all there was no internet or the chance to quickly call home to say Hey everyone I’ve arrived and settled in this super tiny town of Beauty Creek. No, those days you had to write the old fashioned letters and wait a couple of months for a reply.   Yes, Beauty Creek in Tasmania is the place I was born and grew up. The name says it all, beautiful scenery along a small creek. And mum always said it very much reminded her of her home in Germany. The forest there is full of deciduous trees with their leaves falling in autumn in herald of the coming winter. I loved walking along the path through the forest with mum, gazing at the leaves above which had changed their colour from green to a burning red or dying yellow, or down on the ground, crackling under our feet. However, the creepiest part was, when mum tried to make the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. I really miss her.

  Click her to read more Tuesday Tales

Snippet Sunday 13/10/13 - Innocent Tears

 

Welcome to Snippet Sunday !

 

Thanks for all your kind comments last week. I do appreciate it. 

My Snippet Sunday today is as well from my previous release

 "Innocent Tears"

 

 

 

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.

His knees almost gave way beneath him at the memory of Sarah’s skin under his touch, the taste of her lips and the fragrance of her hair. In a sudden outburst of anger and frustration, Flynn threw his cup into the corner of the balcony. Sliding down along the railing until he sat on the floor, he pulled his knees close to his chest and propped his arms on his legs. He stared blindly ahead – the life he was living had come at a high price.
 

Thank you all for stopping by!


If you liked the above, you can purchase the book here:

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


.

Review: Carla Neggers "Cold Dawn"

Publisher: MIRA Books  

ISBN: 13:978-0-7783-2824-7
 

My Rating: 3/5

The small town of Black Falls, Vermont, finally feels safe again—until search-and-rescue expert Rose Cameron discovers a body, burnt almost beyond recognition. Almost. Rose is certain that she knows the victim’s identity…and that his death was no accident.

Nick Martini also suspects an arsonist’s deliberate hand. Another fire killed an arson investigator in California months ago. Now the rugged smoke jumper is determined to follow the killer’s trail…even if it leads straight to Rose. Nick and Rose haven’t seen each other since they shared a single night of blind passion, but they can’t let memories and unhealed wounds get in the way of their common goal—stopping a merciless killer from taking aim straight at the heart of Black Falls. (carlaneggers.com)


 

My thoughts

My first book by Carla Neggers and I am aware of the fact that this story is part of a series, but still ...

 

It took me an awful long time to get into the story. It was drawn out and loooong and lots of people involved in many places. Confusing. For a little summary you need to go by the blurb, I wouldn't have a clue how to write one.

 

All in all, the plot was okay and kind of different from other books I've read, which made it interesting for me, but as I said above ... IMHO it needed a bit more oomph to pull me in more.

 

I wouldn't recommend it as such and I have to admit 3 stars is generous, but the plot was okay.

 

 

May I introduce: Aussie Author Rachael Johns "Outback Dreams"

I am so pleased to have another Australian Author as a guest on my blog. Rachael Johns lives in rural Western Australia, is an English teacher by trade,  a mum 24/7 and  a supermarket owner by day.

And may I add, a very talented writer ;-)

 

I come from an overcrowded country and during my first visit to the outback I wondered for days how someone could live out there. So, that was an obvious question for me and I'm glad, Rachael took the time to satisfy my curiosity!

 

PS - And do take some time to drool over that cover!

 

1. Tell us what makes the Australian Outback special to you? 

I'm what I call a converted country girl. I grew up in the city and moved as a newly married woman and new mum to a small country town nine years ago. At first it was terrifying. Everyone knew everyone and I knew no one but when we left that town six years later I had more affinity with it than any place I'd ever lived before. Country towns seep into your bones and become part of you. The community spirit in these places are what I love the most - the committees with dedicated people that work hard to achieve local goals, the social events (Bingo, fundraising balls, kids concerts and of course the Christmas parties), the sporting teams and the fact that everyone looks out for each other. If there is a tragedy the whole town mourns, if there is joy everyone celebrates. I also adore living in open spaces where you can step out of your front door and get up close and personal with nature. 

2. People have the impression, the Outback is a harsh country, with spiders, snakes, draught etc.  Is that a tricky or difficult setting for Romance Novels?

Rural Australia can be harsh - I have to watch out for snakes when I go running in the summer and many of my friends' livelihoods are depending on Mother Nature providing enough rain. But I think these things actually can help a writer - there is always plenty of external conflict you can throw at characters and putting them in difficult situations shows their true nature and forces them to grow and change. So, I think we're lucky in that regard. 

3. Celebrity crush is Grant Denyer (Really?). Tell us how that happened ? ;-)

LOL - are any crushes completely explainable? I first ''met'' Grant on Sunrise weather when I was at home with my first baby. At that time he was taking the weather show right around Australia in a camper-bus and I loved his enthusiasm for all the small towns he visited. He's also an action man, who likes extreme sports and although that's the last thing you'll catch ME doing, I kinda like a guy like that! And I think he's cute… so THERE! 

(IB - now you can even watch him on two more programs ;-))

 

 

OUTBACK DREAMS

Faith and Monty are both looking for love...but they're looking in the wrong direction.

 

Blurb: 

 

Faith Forrester is at a crossroads. Single, thirty and living on a farm in a small Western Australian town, she's sick of being treated like a kitchen slave by her brother and father. Ten years ago, her mother died of breast cancer, and Faith has been treading water ever since. She wants to get her hands dirty on the family farm. She wants to prove to herself that she's done something worthwhile with her life. And she wants to find a man...??

For as long as he can remember, Daniel 'Monty' Montgomery has been Faith's best friend. When he was ten, his parents sold the family property and moved to Perth, and ever since, Monty's dreamed of having his own farm. So for the last ten years, he's been back on the land, working odd jobs and saving every dollar to put toward his dream. Now he finally has the deposit. But there's still something missing...??

 

So when Faith embarks on a mission to raise money for a charity close to her heart, and Monty's dream property comes on the market, things seem like they are falling into place for them both. Until a drunken night out ends with them sleeping together. Suddenly, the best friends are faced with a new load of challenges...

Monty and Faith are both ready to find a life partner and settle down, but have they both been looking in all the wrong places?

 

 

Excerpt:

 Sod’s Law had it that they’d barely stepped onto the dance floor when the hip-hop music turned slow. Romantic. Panic flashed across Faith’s face, but she allowed him to draw her close. He slipped his arms around her waist and her fingers brushed the skin at the back of his neck as she wrapped her arms around him. He felt her body tense as they swayed in time with the other people around them. Out of the corner of his eye he registered Ruby dancing with Adam, Simone with Ryan and Kat pressed indecently against the new cop, but they all faded quickly into the background.

He was holding Faith again.

They’d only spent one night apart but that one night had felt like an eternity in hell. He’d missed her more than he’d miss a limb. Was he insane letting his hang-ups about Will and parenthood come between them? He found himself staring at her lips. The thought of never kissing them again hurt worse than someone telling him he only had a few days to live.

‘Monty, don’t.’ Her voice was low and threatening. She seemed to be holding her breath.

He couldn’t help himself. He dropped his head and pressed his lips against hers, taking what he wanted. Not thinking about the consequences.

She tasted so damn delicious and for a few moments she seemed to acquiesce, letting him show her exactly what she meant to him, exactly what she did to him. But those seconds didn’t last long enough. Instead of kissing him back, he felt her hands palming his chest as she pushed hard. His lips falling from hers, he stumbled backwards, not expecting such force. When he caught his balance and looked up, she was wiping her mouth, tears filling her eyes, and then she turned and he copped a lovely view of her pert behind as she charged through the crowd.

About to go after her, he felt an arm on his shoulder. ‘What’s wrong with Faith?’ Ryan asked.

Along with half the town, he, Adam, Ruby and Simone had witnessed the whole fiasco. Their faces wore identical expressions of confusion and concern. None of them had a clue.

A pain screwing into his forehead, Monty caught his head in his hands. ‘It’s all such a fucked up mess. I better go after her.’

‘Let me,’ Ruby said. ‘From my vantage point, it didn’t look like she’d want you following.’

He watched Ruby go – torn between following them and staying the hell away. He’d already made such a mess of his friendship with Faith. He didn’t want to ruin her night any more.

 

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