Iris Blobel
Snippet Sunday - FRESH BEGINNINGS 30/08/2015 #romance #amreading #Route66
~~~
FRESH BEGINNINGS
We continue with Fresh Beginnings, Jared's story as he travels through five states
in the US in a Motorhome. I used our itinerary from our US travels two years ago
and wrote a romance story around in.
Jared's met Ivy, a hitchhiker ... I skipped forward a little, they're now having some lunch.
Enjoy!
~~~
Buy Links:
Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1y0N4bo
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1s7xTiq
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1pBrpEY
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nqaT6t
Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
in the US in a Motorhome. I used our itinerary from our US travels two years ago
and wrote a romance story around in.
Jared's met Ivy, a hitchhiker ... I skipped forward a little, they're now having some lunch.
Enjoy!
~~~
They drove into town with Ivy behind the steering wheel. She was indeed a very good driver. Ivy had no trouble steering the big vehicle through the small streets, and before he knew it, they'd stopped in a shopping parking area. It suited him as he wanted to stock up on a few items before he hit the road again.
"I suppose that's it," she said quietly.
He simply nodded. There wasn't much to say. As much as he enjoyed the little bit of company, she hadn't been a great talker and was too tense about the whole situation she was in. Whatever the situation was. He'd never asked. It wasn't any of his business. The bottom line was, he wanted to enjoy a nice holiday and not take on somebody else's problems. Bad enough that he would have an extra passenger in a few days when he made it to Utah.
"Thanks," she added and held out her hand.
He took the hand and replied, "No worries mate."
That made her smile. A smile he wouldn't forget. "Look after yourself and don't forget to eat, will ya?"
Taking her bag, she said, "The woman who will end up with you, will be one lucky lady."
He chuckled. "And I had the impression you thought of me as a criminal."
"No," she lied.
And he chuckled some more. "I'd better go. It was really nice meeting you. And I really appreciate you helping me out."
He stood and locked the doors to the motorhome. Yet, she wasn't moving.
"Ivy."
"Hmm?"
Watching her carefully, he finally said. "Your feet aren't movin'."
Her beautiful eyes filled up with tears, and Jared felt bad for pushing her. Obviously, her impression of him being a criminal couldn't have been all that bad, because she wasn't leaving. Exhaling a big breath, he met her gaze. Nothing was going to plan, so why not?
"Wanna come a little further?" he finally asked.
To his surprise, she shook her head. "No." Drawing in her lips, she stepped back and then said. "Bye, Jared."
With a guilty conscience, he watched her walk across the car park and into a distance. "Nice knowing ya," he said to himself and then went into the shopping centre.
"I suppose that's it," she said quietly.
He simply nodded. There wasn't much to say. As much as he enjoyed the little bit of company, she hadn't been a great talker and was too tense about the whole situation she was in. Whatever the situation was. He'd never asked. It wasn't any of his business. The bottom line was, he wanted to enjoy a nice holiday and not take on somebody else's problems. Bad enough that he would have an extra passenger in a few days when he made it to Utah.
"Thanks," she added and held out her hand.
He took the hand and replied, "No worries mate."
That made her smile. A smile he wouldn't forget. "Look after yourself and don't forget to eat, will ya?"
Taking her bag, she said, "The woman who will end up with you, will be one lucky lady."
He chuckled. "And I had the impression you thought of me as a criminal."
"No," she lied.
And he chuckled some more. "I'd better go. It was really nice meeting you. And I really appreciate you helping me out."
He stood and locked the doors to the motorhome. Yet, she wasn't moving.
"Ivy."
"Hmm?"
Watching her carefully, he finally said. "Your feet aren't movin'."
Her beautiful eyes filled up with tears, and Jared felt bad for pushing her. Obviously, her impression of him being a criminal couldn't have been all that bad, because she wasn't leaving. Exhaling a big breath, he met her gaze. Nothing was going to plan, so why not?
"Wanna come a little further?" he finally asked.
To his surprise, she shook her head. "No." Drawing in her lips, she stepped back and then said. "Bye, Jared."
With a guilty conscience, he watched her walk across the car park and into a distance. "Nice knowing ya," he said to himself and then went into the shopping centre.
Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1y0N4bo
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1s7xTiq
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1pBrpEY
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nqaT6t
Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
Book Feature: @GemSivad "Blood Stoned"
It's an absolute delight to feature fellow "SnippetSunday" Author Gem Sivad. I enjoy her weekly teasers and hope you'll check out her latest release "Blood Stoned".
Blood Stoned Blurb:
1887. Maggie Jenks, is a natural healer. She lays-hands on the sick, tends the wounded, and brings the almost dead back to life. Then she moves on. That's what usually happens anyway. When Maggie arrives in Willow Springs, New Mexico Territory, she's greeted with enough ill-health to keep her feet planted for a long visit, and enough magic in the air to make her want to stay.
After a strange malady sweeps down from the railroad tunnel in Raton Pass, leaving bloodless carcasses littering the ground and town citizens lingering in half-death, it takes Maggie, her shifter mate Hunter, and an amulet infused with harvested magic, to save the living from the walking undead.
Excerpt:
"You heard nothing last night?"
Sean's head shake deepened the puzzle. He didn't like me, but he loved all his livestock and tended his animals with the same devotion he lavished on his wife and child.
My gaze swung back to Sullivan. I couldn't believe this monster that usually ruled the corral had stood quietly while a predator fed.
Though I had no desire to crouch on the ground next to the beast, I needed to touch the legs. Bending low, I laid hands on the right foreleg and stroked down, brushing across the seeping wounds.
"Alrighty then," I murmured as I watched the cuts scab over. Inelegant though it was, I crawled around Sullivan, attending each leg. By the time I returned to the foreleg, the scabs had dried and flaked off, leaving pink scars.
"It can't be anything he ate. His feed's not been changed and he's either been in the barn or the corral where there's no weeds to eat." Sean's voice was gruff. He stared hard at me, letting me know without begging, how important the bull was.
Trying not to see the desperation in his silent plea, I continued my examination, stroking the muscled shoulder and following a vein up the thick neck to the bovine jaw.
Instead of the steady sound of a healthy heart, the bull's pulse stuttered and beat in a sluggish rhythm. Not expecting much to happen in the way of healing, I settled both thumbs side by side on the vein, focusing whatever drib of power I might have on that spot.
I can't describe what happened next, other than to say I became a conduit, pumping magic through my thumbs into the bull. I stared at the connection and watched the white haze buzzing around the beast gradually change to gray. When it finally dispersed altogether, the connection ended, and my hands dropped to my sides.
"That's all I can do." I closed my eyes, tottering on my feet as I shook my head to clear it. When I opened my eyes again, it was to see the recovered animal trotting across the barn lot.
Paddy grabbed up Myrtle and the boy and whirled them around, dancing an Irish jig. Watching them, I paid no mind to the bull until I heard Sullivan snort. A quick glance his way confirmed he had his head down, pawing the ground in a challenge. Being both sapped of energy and bloated with magic, at first, I ignored the creature.
"Maggie, move," Myrtle shrieked when the beast began a gallop across the lot.
I stumbled backward and fell, landing on my rear in the dust. I had no chance of reaching the fence before the bull reached me. Myrtle shouted at Paddy to do something and to his credit, he picked up a pitchfork.
Whether it was to be used on his bull or me, I didn't wait to find out.
Drawing on the power I'd just harvested from the healing, I cast a protection spell to create a shield between me and the ungrateful beast. But instead of shaping itself into a wall, magic zinged from me and smacked the bull a forceful blow. Sullivan fell to his front knees. A patch of hair on his right shoulder appeared singed while another spot burst into flame.
"Well isn't that grand? The animal seems to be feeling frisky again." Myrtle remained positive, ignoring my misfired spell, while Paddy glared threats at me and beat out the blaze dancing on his prize bovine's shoulder.
"'Tis true yer a jinx." He pointed at the scorched patch of hair still smoldering. "You fix one thing and break two more. Ye've put a devil mark on my Aberdeen-Angus."
Author Bio:
Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm Gem Sivad, a reclusive writer, comma phobic, and eavesdropper on the world. Although I have hermit tendencies, occasionally I come out of the writer's den to meet readers at book signing events. Hope to see you there. But in case we miss each other, you can find me at the places below.
For book release updates and fun (or if you're an avid Words With Friends junkie) hang out with me on Face Book @ facebook.com/GemSivadAuthor. Visit my website @ gemsivad.com to read Sunday Snippets, mine and other talented authors. And of course, to take advantage of contests and give-aways, subscribe to my newsletter: gemsivad.com/dreamcatcher.
May I introduce: Jennifer Labelle "Broken Survivor" @1JenniferLabell
The Ups and Downs of…
There are ups and downs to every decision one makes in life, and believe me when I tell you there are plenty when you decide to write such an emotional story you can relate to. Broken Survivor was both a pleasure and a burden to finish, bittersweet. I had to stop and go back to it so many times to give myself a break it took me three times as long to write it than I normally do. Here's why…
It was based on true events.
Now please note I said it's based on true events, not exactly a true story. There is a difference and I'll try to explain. The murder actually happened the way it was stated in the book, and I can relate to Holly as I too had an abusive father, had struggles getting over the death of my mother, and going through foster care etc. but not all of the plot is fact, there is fiction in there as well, hence the 'true events' wording.
At the same time though, this book was an amazing accomplishment for me. It's something I've always wanted to get out there, and was very healing for me to write, as I got to say my final goodbye to my own mother through it. I also love the happily ever after ending and the amazing romance that develops between Holly and Zander throughout the novel as well. It was quite the roller-coaster ride of emotions. I hope you enjoy it!
Now here is a little more about the book itself, in case you're curious.
Holly Hewitt is a survivor…
After witnessing her mother's murder, Holly was returned to her abusive father. Resorting to drugs and alcohol, she ends up landing herself in foster care, where she is separated from her sister and utterly alone.
Zander Harrison is the light to her darkness…
Zander is young, athletic, and carefree, with the support of a loving family. But when Holly is placed in foster care with his brother's in-laws, she turns his world upside down.
He's driven to protect her, and to show her the past has made her strong, life is worth living, and love is worth fighting for. If only he can convince her to trust him and stop resisting their mutual attraction.
But sometimes even love isn't enough to heal a shattered soul.
And all the hard work in the world can't save…
Buy Links:
Limitless Publishing: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/product/broken-survivor/
Author Bio:
Jennifer Labelle resides in Canada with her husband and three beautiful children. After her third child she became a stay at home mom. In her busy household Jennifer likes to spend her down time engrossed in the stories that she creates. She is an active reader of romance, mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work she's decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hopes that you enjoy, as she shares some of her imagination with all of you.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.jenniferlabelle.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1JenniferLabell
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649930.Jennifer_LabelleA broken survivor.
Excerpt:
Pink and orange hues filled the sky with a warm beauty while the sun set. Holly wrapped her arms around herself and lifted her face toward the sky to soak in the last few moments of the sun before the chill of the night descended upon them. This was definitely not going to be an easy talk to get through. She just hoped they'd both be okay when it was done. Zander stepped up behind her, and she felt the heat of his body before he wrapped his arms around her from behind. The way she was drawn to him made her wonder if he had a magnetic pull, and it kind of scared her a little bit. Holly tried to enjoy the view as they were silent for a few moments.
"As much as I hate to let go, I think maybe we should sit so we can finally talk," Zander said.
She hesitated a moment before taking his hand while they walked back to his house and sat beside each other on the patio. This is it.
"First, I want to clear up earlier," Zander said. "She was just a friend, nothing more. She has only ever been a friend." He lifted their linked hands and kissed the top of hers.
"This isn't any of my business, but does she realize that? I got the impression there was much more than a friendship there." Holly held her breath and didn't exhale until after he answered her.
"Not for a really long time, and we were never a couple." His posture slumped. "Before today, I hadn't heard from her in months. She just showed up out of the blue, but I swear nothing happened."
"Why are you telling me this?" Holly shifted to face him. "So you and she were friends with benefits a while ago. I have to admit I didn't like seeing you with her, but I don't have any right to be mad. We're taking things slow, remember?"
"That's just the thing. I want to be with you, Hol. As in, I'd be staking my claim. You'd be my girlfriend, exclusive."
"I'm actually kind of glad you said that. I've recently figured out that I'm not made for casual." She bit her lip nervously. "I don't even care about your friend anymore because I sort of have some huge news, which throws going slow out the window anyway. That is, if you don't freak out and feel like you want nothing to do with me after this."
"Okay, now you're making me nervous," he joked nervously and playfully nudged her with his shoulder. "What's up?"
"You probably should be." Holly smiled weakly and then exhaled long and hard. "I didn't want a relationship when you came into the picture, and I didn't want to care for someone so much. But then there you were all sweet, caring, and persistent and screwed up my original plans. So let's get that out there." She smiled and leaned into him. Her head lay on his shoulder and she looked up at him needing to be close. "That's the best part by the way because I'm glad I've let you in. I care for you a lot. I've messed up, though. We both have. Do you remember the night at my sister's?"
"How could I forget?" His eyes lit up and she snorted.
"It was a good night, huh?" She licked her lips just thinking about it. "Well, I haven't been feeling like myself lately, so Lauren decided to take me to get a checkup…"
"O-okay, you were sick and…?" Zander's brows scrunched together in confusion, but as if he sensed her discomfort, he gave her a quick reprieve to pull herself together before she had to spit out the big news. He captured her mouth. His soft, plump lips caressed hers, then he moved to nip and suck on her bottom lip. His tongue coaxed her mouth open farther, and she tasted his mutual arousal as he probed the slit of her mouth with his tongue. One of her hands fisted in his shirt and held him closer, while the other massaged his nape and into his hair. They both moaned in the heat of the moment, and she could feel his chest rise and fall more rapidly before he pulled away.
"God, I've missed this," he said. "You get sick again and I'm coming over with some chicken soup and taking care of you.
"That sounds amazing." She smirked. "I've missed you too." Holly shifted so that she was facing him now and rested her forehead against his while they caught their breath.
"Don't go home yet. Call Lauren and let's recreate that night." He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.
"You are such a goofball. As tempting as that sounds, I need to finish what I was saying before you distract me too much." She gave him a quick peck on the lips and leaned back.
"But the distraction is so good. I can't help myself." He lifted a sexy, dark eyebrow in question. "Can we fool around a bit while you talk? I'm a great multitasker."
"I'll tell you what, if after I tell you everything I need to, you still want to fool around or more, then yes, we'll go inside your place and I'll make it worth your while." She wiggled her brows back at him and smiled as she caressed the side of his face. I just hope I don't ruin things first.
"Deal."
"Lauren might not be too happy if she finds out the truth."
"Really?" He looked at her in shock. "I find that hard to believe after her and Shelby practically pushed us together." He smiled and kissed the back of her hand. "Remind me to thank them for that one day."
"I really hope you still feel that way after you hear what I have to say."
"Quit stalling and just tell me already."
"So you know I haven't been feeling well lately, but what you don't know is why she's been on my case. She had some concerns that drove her to take me to the doctor in the first place." She leaned way back in her chair and closed her eyes.
"Is she still hung up about the new apartment?"
"In a way, I guess, but right now what's bothering her is her assumption that I might be pregnant." She peeked in his direction to gauge his reaction.
He stiffened a bit on the seat next to her and sat straighter. "Wait, what?"
#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 26/08/15 #amreading #mustread
Happy
"Book Hook" Day
May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"
my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series?
"I think I love you"
is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.
I hope you get hooked by this Snippet
Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.
When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.
But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.
Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.
When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.
But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.
Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?
Today's hook
Jealous?
Couldn’t be. She’d never been jealous of Markus’ girlfriends before, so why would she be today? Damn, she wished that girl would leave him be.
A long sigh escaped her.
Tired, she squeezed another little bit of lemon into her tea as she watched all the couples on the dance floor.
“Aww, baby, that’s your second cup of tea now. What’s the matter?” Markus asked as he sat next to her.
Startled, Sarah nearly spilled the tea. Yet, the few simple words and his presence made her feel better already.
As long as she was able to remember, Markus had called her baby. Initially, it had annoyed her, because she’d been so proud of having finally reached teenage years, but nowadays…nowadays she reeled in the comfort of their closeness. Tilting her head slightly to look at him, she let out a little sigh. He laughed and placed his arm around her for a little hug.
“Want to dance?”
His mouth was so close to her ear, she could feel his breath on her skin as he spoke. A little shiver went down her spine, and it took her by surprise. She’d known Markus for almost twenty years, and she couldn’t remember her body responding to him like this. It was a bit eerie. The combination of red wine, hangover, and the Panadol was obviously too much for her. After all, they’d shared lunches together at school, went together to movies or concerts, shared heartaches, and even their first kiss celebrating Mark’s thirteen’s birthday. Both decided then and there that it wasn’t for them. In all fairness, it’d been their third kiss, but they were about five years old when their mouths had accidentally met for the first time, and Markus had given her a wet, sloppy kiss in Kindergarten as well when she’d fallen off the slide.
So why was her body betraying her today?
Jealous?
Couldn’t be. She’d never been jealous of Markus’ girlfriends before, so why would she be today? Damn, she wished that girl would leave him be.
A long sigh escaped her.
Tired, she squeezed another little bit of lemon into her tea as she watched all the couples on the dance floor.
“Aww, baby, that’s your second cup of tea now. What’s the matter?” Markus asked as he sat next to her.
Startled, Sarah nearly spilled the tea. Yet, the few simple words and his presence made her feel better already.
As long as she was able to remember, Markus had called her baby. Initially, it had annoyed her, because she’d been so proud of having finally reached teenage years, but nowadays…nowadays she reeled in the comfort of their closeness. Tilting her head slightly to look at him, she let out a little sigh. He laughed and placed his arm around her for a little hug.
“Want to dance?”
His mouth was so close to her ear, she could feel his breath on her skin as he spoke. A little shiver went down her spine, and it took her by surprise. She’d known Markus for almost twenty years, and she couldn’t remember her body responding to him like this. It was a bit eerie. The combination of red wine, hangover, and the Panadol was obviously too much for her. After all, they’d shared lunches together at school, went together to movies or concerts, shared heartaches, and even their first kiss celebrating Mark’s thirteen’s birthday. Both decided then and there that it wasn’t for them. In all fairness, it’d been their third kiss, but they were about five years old when their mouths had accidentally met for the first time, and Markus had given her a wet, sloppy kiss in Kindergarten as well when she’d fallen off the slide.
So why was her body betraying her today?
☆ new release ☆
5 Stars
Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :) Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D
Snippet Sunday - FRESH BEGINNINGS 23/08/2015 #romance #amreading #Route66
~~~
FRESH BEGINNINGS
We continue with Fresh Beginnings, Jared's story as he travels through five states
in the US in a Motorhome. I used our itinerary from our US travels two years ago
and wrote a romance story around in.
Jared's met Ivy, a hitchhiker ... I skipped forward a little, they're now having some lunch.
Enjoy!
~~~
in the US in a Motorhome. I used our itinerary from our US travels two years ago
and wrote a romance story around in.
Jared's met Ivy, a hitchhiker ... I skipped forward a little, they're now having some lunch.
Enjoy!
~~~
"What brings you to the USA, Jared?" she asked, hoping to find out more about the very handsome stranger in front of her.
But he only shrugged and said, "Holidays."
How can he casually say holidays? Assuming that holidays were the same as what Americans called vacations, she thought she'd never had vacations in her life, let alone go to another country to have vacations.
"Australia is supposed to be beautiful. Why didn't you drive around with your RV down there?"
He raised one eyebrow at her, and she wasn't sure what that meant. Staring at him, he simply stared back.
"Are you running?" she asked carefully.
"Nope, I'm drivin'."
Letting out an exasperated sigh, she said, "I meant in—"
His laughter startled her. "Nah, I'm not running." Then he met her gaze dead on. "But you are."
The words were quietly spoken, but still went through her like a knife. Not sure why, though, because she had done nothing wrong. Yet, she still wasn't so sure about her companion. The waitress took their order and, even though Ivy ordered only a small sandwich, he added an extra serving of fries for her. It annoyed her, and she was determined not to eat it.
"For what it's worth, I'm not running," she said after a long moment of silence.
But he only shrugged and said, "Holidays."
How can he casually say holidays? Assuming that holidays were the same as what Americans called vacations, she thought she'd never had vacations in her life, let alone go to another country to have vacations.
"Australia is supposed to be beautiful. Why didn't you drive around with your RV down there?"
He raised one eyebrow at her, and she wasn't sure what that meant. Staring at him, he simply stared back.
"Are you running?" she asked carefully.
"Nope, I'm drivin'."
Letting out an exasperated sigh, she said, "I meant in—"
His laughter startled her. "Nah, I'm not running." Then he met her gaze dead on. "But you are."
The words were quietly spoken, but still went through her like a knife. Not sure why, though, because she had done nothing wrong. Yet, she still wasn't so sure about her companion. The waitress took their order and, even though Ivy ordered only a small sandwich, he added an extra serving of fries for her. It annoyed her, and she was determined not to eat it.
"For what it's worth, I'm not running," she said after a long moment of silence.
Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1y0N4bo
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1s7xTiq
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1pBrpEY
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nqaT6t
Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
Cover Reveal: M.S. Kaye "Clouded" @MSKosciuszko
Cover reveal
Clouded
By M.S. Kaye
A Sumerian water and sky god myth collides with a modern high school.
Ayanna is a math nerd, logical and rational, even cold, but Calder makes her feel things she never had before. Somehow, she's able to accept it when she discovers he's a reincarnated Sumerian water god. Will she be able to accept the full truth, that the story of Enki and Inanna has been reborn in a modern Ohio high school?
Release Date: 9/12/15
About the Author:
M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.
To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.
Contact M. S. Kaye at:
May I introduce: @ChristiCorbett "Tainted Dreams"
Tainted Dreams
Author: Christi Corbett
Series Info: Tainted Dreams is the standalone sequel to Along the Way Home.
Genre: Historical Western Romance/Frontier and Pioneer Romance
Tagline:
They survived the Oregon Trail, but claiming a legacy would be their biggest challenge yet…
Back cover copy:
Sometimes, the end justifies the means…
Kate Davis arrived into Oregon City transformed from a pampered daughter of fortune into a determined woman with a plan--fulfill her father's dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory.
She quickly discovers a harsh truth--even thousands of miles from home, on an unsettled land America doesn't yet own or govern, gender still takes precedence over ability. Refusing to be ruled once again by the stifling laws and societal norms she'd escaped by leaving Virginia, Kate begins creatively claiming what is rightfully hers.
Until a visit to the land office changes everything.
Jake Fitzpatrick guided Kate across the Oregon Trail, and fell in love with her along the way. Now he wants to marry her and build a life together, but a ruthless man from Jake's past threatens to reveal a dark secret, and destroy everything he's worked so hard to achieve.
Excerpt #1: (Jake, Kate, and two people they rescued on the Oregon Trail, William and Margaret, have entered Oregon City. They are looking for the hotel.)
At the end of the block a man burst from the saloon and stumbled into the street, stopping mere inches from Jake's horse, Plug. Instead of backing away, the man lurched forward and reached for Jake's saddle horn.
"Hey there!" Jake said. Raising his left leg, he ignored the resulting twinge of pain and shoved the stranger aside with his boot heel. "Watch it!"
The man drew back and stared at him, his eyes bloodshot and unfocused. He raised an unsteady finger, slurred an unintelligible response, and then fell face-first into a patch of mud.
"Drunken fool," Jake muttered, then faced the others. "Let's keep moving."
High-pitched squealing foiled his plan.
On the upper deck of the saloon a horde of harlots stood clustered together, giggling and shrieking as they pointed toward him. Clenching his jaw, he focused on the street ahead, all the while hoping Kate didn't notice one woman in particular who'd separated herself from the others and was now hanging over the railing, calling him by name.
Jake pressed his boot heels into Plug's side, urging him to a steady trot. Thankfully the others followed and they quickly left the saloon behind.
Minutes later, Kate motioned to the end of the street. "William, we're running out of road and I still don't see a hotel."
William pulled a rumpled paper from his pocket. He studied it briefly and then eyed the surrounding buildings. "My uncle sent me a rough sketch of where it's located, but there are so many new buildings, it's useless. Jake, do you know where it's at?"
Jake shook his head. "There wasn't a hotel the last time I was here."
"Perhaps one of those men sitting in front of the apothecary would know?" Margaret suggested.
"We'll find it ourselves," Jake replied. He led the group around the corner and onto the next street.
Buildings, so new their fresh pine scent still hung in the air, lined one side of the street while the other side held only two—an enormous livery and a two-story building with the word Hotel prominently displayed on a white sign with black lettering. A matching sign beside a light-rimmed window read Rooms Available by the Day or Week.
They dismounted, secured their horses to the empty hitching posts in front of the hotel, and headed for the door. William reached for the glass knob, then turned to the others with a worried frown.
"I haven't seen my uncle in over seven years, so I don't know what to expect. Though from what I've observed so far, living out west doesn't seem to improve manners." He stepped inside and ushered Margaret and Kate through the doorway. Jake followed them, then stopped cold.
Behind the hotel's front desk sat Theodore Martin—the one man Jake never wanted to see again as long as he lived.
END OF EXCERPT
Excerpt #2 (Kate meets a man from Jake's past.)
Kate entered the hotel lobby and stood behind William and Margaret. While she waited for Jake to join her, she gazed around the spacious room.
Rag rugs dotted the gleaming pine board floor and a marble-topped oak desk sat in the back left corner. Navy plaid curtains on both windows—one overlooking the front steps and the other facing the alley—were pulled closed, yet the room was well lit by three oil lamps and warmed by flames flickering in the stone fireplace at the back wall.
Behind her, Jake shut the door and then stepped so close she felt the brim of her hat brush against his chest.
Jake—the man who'd hired on as her family's guide across the Oregon Trail.
Jake—the man who'd supported her through the darkest time of her life.
Jake—the man she loved.
"William! You're finally here!" The man Kate assumed to be William's uncle rose to his feet and hurried around the desk and across the room. Though by the creases around his eyes he looked to be in his early forties, he had hair the color of coal, broad shoulders, and a trim waist. His clothing, while outdated by nearly a decade, was impeccable, and a brown silk cravat perfectly arranged at his neck and embellished with a gold pin completed the outfit.
This man was a welcome change from the other men she'd seen so far in the town.
"I've been waiting for you to walk through that door for weeks." He grabbed William into a fierce hug, then pulled back to look at him again. "I was worried you'd run into trouble."
"We did," William replied.
"We?" William's uncle finally took note of the others lingering at his door. His eyes scanned the ragged group, narrowed briefly when they reached Jake, and then returned to his nephew.
William removed his hat and beckoned Margaret a few steps forward to join him. "Uncle Theodore, I'm proud to introduce you to my wife, Margaret. We married the day before departing from Independence."
Theodore took Margaret's hand and bowed with a grace and confidence Kate hadn't seen since the ballrooms of Virginia. "Please pardon my initial shock. My nephew is a lucky man to have a bride as lovely as you."
"Thank you," Margaret murmured, absently running her free hand along the curve of her waist.
"You're welcome." Theodore released her hand. "ʺI consider it a privilege to have you as a member of our family." He straightened and eyed the lobby doorway, where Kate still waited with Jake at her back. His smile faded. "William, you mentioned trouble earlier, a fact that doesn't surprise me now that I see who you kept company with on the trail."
Kate's mouth dropped open. What had she or Jake done to offend this man?
"The return to civilization can be a tough adjustment." Theodore motioned to William's bare head, then to his hat clutched against his leg. "I'm pleased to see you haven't forgotten the formalities of polite society."
Kate's cheeks flamed. Propriety had been ingrained in her since birth, but she'd only been wearing a man's hat since July—her father's hat, willed to her on his deathbed. While she had no intention of replacing it with a bonnet any time soon, she did intend to do her best to act according to society's conventions. She quickly pulled off the hat and ran her free hand from her forehead to her collar several times in a futile attempt to tame her wild curls.
Sighting Theodore's slack-jawed astonishment, Kate bit her tongue to stifle a laugh. He likely regretted his pointed words; she didn't need to further add to his embarrassment.
"Seems your companion has better manners than you." Theodore nodded toward Jake, who, to Kate's surprise, still hadn't removed his hat.
"Seems so," Jake replied, slowly pushing up the brim with one finger.
Kate kept quiet, but wondered what would possess Jake to purposely be so rude to someone he'd just met. Especially a prominent business owner, one that could potentially serve as an ally if she ran into trouble with her future plans.
"William," Theodore said, smoothly turning to address his nephew again, "who is this beautiful creature hiding beneath those ill-fitting clothes?"
William glanced at Jake and gave a nearly imperceptible shrug of apology, then focused again on his uncle. "I'm pleased to introduce Katherine Davis—"
"And the infamous trail guide, Jake Fitzpatrick," Theodore finished.
"You know each other?" William asked, his tone mirroring Kate's own surprise.
Jake gave a curt nod. "We've met."
"And then some." Theodore's laugh seemed more smug than jovial. "We came across the trail together a few years ago."
Margaret clapped her hands together in delight. "Isn't that something? Two friends meet again after all this time."
"Friend isn't a word I'd use to describe him," Jake said, removing his hat and stepping beside Kate in one fluid move.
End of Excerpt
About the Author:
Christi Corbett, winner of the 2013 RONE Award for Best American Historical novel, lives in a small town in Oregon with her husband and their twin children. The home's location holds a special place in her writing life; it stands just six hundred feet from the original Applegate Trail and the view from her back door is a hill travelers looked upon years ago as they explored the Oregon Territory and beyond.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristiCorbett
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Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Christi-Corbett/e/B00DC8H5CI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Email: christicorbett@gmail.com
Available from the following retailers:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Dreams-Christi-Corbett-ebook/dp/B00W0R2FAY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZMHWQCFEDVH4RCMXQDA
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Along the Way Home
Tagline: They lost everything but their dreams on the Oregon Trail…
Back Cover Copy:
Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father's mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia's elite society.
Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he's eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation--he is in complete control.
Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother's heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs--even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match.
Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm and Kate with a monumental choice--go back to everything she's ever known or toward everything she's ever wanted?
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Along-Way-Home-Christi-Corbett-ebook/dp/B00DBN4ZKO/ref=pd_rhf_gw_s_t_1
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/along-the-way-home-christi-corbett/1115565754?ean=2940016594514
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6-Cj2AxYp0
Feature in USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2013/12/18/three-things-christi-corbett-heather-gray-wendy-knight/4087333/
Author Endorsements for Along the Way Home:
In Along the Way Home, author Christi Corbett unfurls an unforgettable epic romance inside of an epic Western adventure. Beautifully crafted, this debut novel is a tender journey of the heart as well as a treacherous journey of many miles. Along the Way Home is a squeaky-clean historical romance with authentic period details and deep emotion. Much danger, risk, courage and compassion will make you long for more books from this talented author. As heartwarming as Christy."
Eve Paludan, author of Taking Back Tara (Ranch Lovers Romance series)
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A breathtaking account of courage and adventure along the Oregon Trail. Travel this dangerous journey with characters you will treasure as they cope with heart-wrenching difficulties they never thought to encounter in a search to fulfill their hopes and dreams. Christi Corbett's debut novel, Along the Way Home, will both surprise and delight.
Jillian Kent, author of The Ravensmoore Chronicles.
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A dash of action! A touch of intrigue! Loads of sweet, clean romantic promise…
Reid Lance Rosenthal, Winner of 15 National Awards, #1 Best Selling Author of the Threads West, An American Saga series.
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