Tuesday Tales - WOOD ~ Where #Authors #Write to a #Prompt ~ #Reading

 

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

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

I continue with  Rachel's story. I introduced her in "I think I love you", the third book in the "Australian Sports Stars Series". She's Sarah's sister.

When Rachel opens the door and finds the police standing in front of her door, she's scared of a repeat of the day she was dragged to the police station. Yet, the two officers only want information and ask her to stop by later that day. Worried, she calls Oliver, a good friend, but instead gets Matiu Afoa on the phone. Matiu is Oliver's Kiwi friend staying with him for a week. He's in Melbourne for a meeting.

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.

He loved the laughter in her voice. And even though there was still the reason why she’d been so upset earlier in the day, he was glad he was able to put a little smile in her voice.

“Are you comfortable enough to give me your address or would you like to meet at the pizza place down the street.”

“The pizzeria sounds like a good idea. I could be there in about an hour.”

“Deal. I look forward to meeting you.”

She laughed. “This is about the weirdest thing ever. Don’t bring a rose, though. You’ll recognise me when you see a very nervous person coming in.”

“No rose and nervous person. Got it.”

Mat hung up and made a little fist pump in the air. It wasn’t his first date so it surprised him how nervous he was. In fact, it wasn’t really a date, but a meeting to find out more about Rachel and to put his mind at ease. After all, she had sounded distressed in the morning.

He had a quick shower, towelled himself off before getting dressed in his jeans, grey shirt, and his black shoes. Then he called Oliver again, but again was instructed to leave a message. “Mate, I’m out for dinner. Will catch up with you later. Hei konei ra.”

One last check at the time and he decided it was late enough to leave. The pizzeria was indeed only down the road so he walked the small distance. As soon as he stepped into the restaurant, the smell of freshly baked pizza, garlic, and fire assaulted him. Mat looked around, liking the typical ambiance of an Italian eatery; the wooden tables were covered with white checked table cloths, white plates decorated with a green napkin, and some crunchy bread sticks in a clear glass vase in the centre.

There was an empty table in the far corner, which seemed to still have a good view towards the entrance. After a brief eye contact with the waiter, he made his way to the table, still surprised at the events that led him here.

And it wasn’t more than five minutes when a woman entered the door. Mat knew straight away it was Rachel and smiled when she looked towards him.

Her lips curved into a smile as well, and his whole body was suddenly on alert. 

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Out now – and free for KU subscribers

Snippet Sunday - INNOCENT TEARS - 24/01/2016 #romance #reading #newrelease

~~~

 
 

INNOCENT TEARS has been re-released.

It has enjoyed another full edit and an awesome new cover.

Here's another little snippet.

THANK YOU

~~~

“Advice is what we ask for when we already 

know the answer, but wish we didn't.”

 Emma sighed inwardly. In her early twenties and she still lacked confidence in what other people thought of her. Tucking an escaping strand of her tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the All Stars Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she always wanted to do—to greet people to this beautiful city, and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart, and kind spirit.

“Ma’am, that’d be room five-o-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-o-two on your right.”

Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.

“Ma’am, you slide that into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show–”

“I’ll be fine. Thank you.” And Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.

Emma leaned across the counter and smiled at Nadine. “Enjoy your holidays,” she said and winked. “And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.”

“We’re not on a holiday,” the girl said in almost a whisper. “We’re here to meet my dad.”

♥♦♥  ~  OUT NOW  ~  ♥♦♥ 

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I do appreciate each single one of them!

And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

                     

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Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt ~ Where #Authors #Write to a #Prompt ~ #Reading

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

I continue with  Rachel's story. I introduced her in "I think I love you", the third book in the "Australian Sports Stars Series". She's Sarah's sister.

When Rachel opens the door and finds the police standing in front of her door, she's scared of a repeat of the day she was dragged to the police station. Yet, the two officers only want information and ask her to stop by later that day. Worried, she calls Oliver, a good friend, but instead gets Matiu Afoa on the phone. Matiu is Oliver's Kiwi friend staying with him for a week. He's in Melbourne for a meeting.

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.

Mat cocked a brow not sure how to respond. “Should I even bother asking what this is about?” he finally asked.

“What is it with you using Oliver’s phones?”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I was worried about you and only wanted to check whether you’re all right?”

There was a moment of silence. “You need to forget that first question, okay?” she almost begged.

“Will do. I think if you share a pizza with me, it’ll make it easier to forget.”

Another moment of silence. This one was longer, though, and he wondered if he’d pushed it too far.

“Are you blackmailing me?”

He looked out the window and hoped the storm clouds would pass. “Nope, only hoping to meet you.”

“For all you know I could be a bitch. And ugly. And absolutely…absolutely…I could be gay.”

“I’d still like to have this pizza to make sure you’re okay,” he said just above a whisper, surprising himself by his own words, because truth be told, it wasn’t his thing to date bitchy women or ugly ones for that matter. As for the gay bit, he doubted that very much otherwise Oliver would’ve dropped a hint.

“No wonder the All Black’s just won the World Cup. Persistence seems to be part of your genes.”

“Oh Rachel. You like rugby?” he almost drooled.

“With a brother-in-law who used to play soccer in England and a best friend who coaches baseball I’m not allowed to like any other sport,” she explained with some cheeriness in her tone.

He loved the laughter in her voice. And even though there was still the reason why she’d been so upset earlier in the day, he was glad he was able to put a little smile in her voice.

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Out now – and free for KU subscribers

 http://www.amazon.com/Iris-Blobel/e/B00FNFP3LI

Snippet Sunday - INNOCENT TEARS - 10/01/2016 #romance #reading #newrelease

~~~

 
 

INNOCENT TEARS will be re-released late-January.

It has enjoyed another full edit and an awesome new cover.

Here's another little snippet.

THANK YOU

~~~

Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, “Holidays?”

Nadine’s face spread into a small smile, but it was enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.

“And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.”

“Excuse me–” Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. “–Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?”

“My apologies, ma’am.” Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes and turned around to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she felt Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her and instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Thanks for all your comments,

I do appreciate each single one of them!

And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.
 

                     

Check out my books on Amazon

                        

Snippet Sunday - INNOCENT TEARS - 27/12/2015 #romance #reading #newrelease

~~~

 
 

INNOCENT TEARS will be re-released mid-January.
It has enjoyed another full edit and an awesome new cover.

Here's another little snippet.

THANK YOU

~~~

“My Mum is dead.”

Somewhat startled by this statement, Emma peeked over the reception desk into beautiful green eyes that belonged to a cute little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose. She couldn’t help but smile. There was something in the girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as some sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.

“Nadine!”

The stern voice of an elderly woman approaching the reception caused Emma to flinch. The girl stiffened with eyes wide open.

“My apologies for that,” the woman said to Emma, though her expression didn’t actually reveal any signs of apologies. The woman’s face reflected a life of bitterness, the lines appearing deep and weathered.

Emma smiled. “No need to.”

An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgment she asked, “May I help you?”

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

 

                     

Check out my books on Amazon

                       

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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Out now - and free for KU subscribers

 

May I introduce: Mariana Gabrielle "La Déesse Noire" #Giveaway @mchristieauthor #MFRWAuthor #MCRomance

La Déesse Noire: The Black Goddess

 

Genre

Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Multicultural Romance

 

 

Heat Rating

R for sensual content, 3 out of 5 flames

Book Blurb

Sired by a British peer, born of a paramour to Indian royalty, Kali Matai has been destined from birth to enthrall England's most powerful noblemen—though she hadn't counted on becoming their pawn. Finding herself under the control of ruthless men, who will not be moved by her legendary allure, she has no choice but to use her beauty toward their malicious and clandestine ends.

 

When those she holds most dear are placed in peril by backroom political dealings, she enlists some of the most formidable lords in England to thwart her enemies. But even with the help of the prominent gentlemen she has captivated, securing Kali's freedom, her family, and the man she loves, will require her protectors stop at nothing to fulfill her desires.

 

 

 

 

 

Author Bio

Mariana Gabrielle is a pseudonym of Mari Christie, a professional writer, editor, and designer with almost twenty-five years' experience. Published in dozens of nonfiction and poetry periodicals since 1989, she began writing mainstream historical fiction in 2009 and Regency romance in 2013. In all genres, she creates deeply scarred characters in uncommon circumstances who overcome self-imposed barriers to reach their full potential. She is a member of the Bluestocking Belles, the Writing Wenches, and the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Her first Regency romance, Royal Regard, was released in November 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

Buy/Review Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/19cKUjY

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Fc31m3

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1K1vMGq

iTunes: http://apple.co/1E4ajHF

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Bx1OCV

All Romance eBooks: http://bit.ly/1DeYx8O

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1wmBxTE

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22885020

 

 

Website and Blog: www.MarianaGabrielle.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mchristieauthor

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

Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/author/marianagabrielle

Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5055425.Mari_Christie

 

 

 

 

Receive a free copy of La Déesse Noire: The Black Goddess,
 

 .epub or .mobi, to a random commenter. 

 

 

213 words - PG

 

Showing not the slightest displeasure, and without disturbing him in the least, Kali quietly and efficiently arranged her life to best suit him. She changed the height of her heels, the length of her fingernails, the depth of her décolletage. Hors d'oeuvres, hats, horses, hand cream, all subject to his explicit or implicit approval, and he barely needed to say a word.

She kept his pipe tobacco, port, and claret, subscriptions to his preferred papers, and when he declined an asparagus salad, he never again saw that particular vegetable on her table. Kali arranged three full sets of clothes by Weston, measured to his last order, to be kept at her residence—a morning coat with trousers, breeches and a dinner jacket, and riding attire with buckskins and boots, all perfectly cut and of better quality than anything in his armoire at home.

When he found himself vexed by an off-the-cuff, but accurate, analysis of a potential investment he knew he shouldn't make, he was forced to apologize and explain his annoyance did not justify her swallowing opinions. As the weeks wore on, she became comfortable enough to express her thoughts more freely, and when he grumbled, only teased, "Are you not the man who prefers I not please him in all things?"

#Bookreview: Nora Roberts "Northern Lights"

Publisher: Putnam Adult

ISBN: 978-0399152054

My rating: 3/5 


Lunacy was Nate Burke's last chance. As a Baltimore cop, he'd watched his partner die on the street-and the guilt still haunts him. With nowhere else to go, he accepts the job as Chief of Police in this tiny, remote Alaskan town. Aside from sorting out a run-in between a couple of motor vehicles and a moose, he finds his first weeks on the job are relatively quiet. But just as he wonders whether this has been all a big mistake, an unexpected kiss on New Year's Eve under the brilliant Northern Lights of the Alaska sky lifts his spirit and convinces him to stay just a little longer.

Meg Galloway, born and raised in Lunacy, is used to being alone. She was a young girl when her father disappeared, and she has learned to be independent, flying her small plane, living on the outskirts of town with just her huskies for company. After her New Year's kiss with the Chief of Police, she allows herself to give in to passion-while remaining determined to keep things as simple as possible. But there's something about Nate's sad eyes that gets under her skin and warms her frozen heart.

And now, things in Lunacy are heating up. Years ago, on one of the majestic mountains shadowing the town, a crime occurred that is unsolved to this day-and Nate suspects that a killer still walks the snowy streets. His investigation will unearth the secrets and suspicions that lurk beneath the placid surface, as well as bring out the big-city survival instincts that made him a cop in the first place. And his discovery will threaten the new life-and the new love-that he has finally found for himself.

My thoughts

I picked up this book purely by the fact that it's set in Alaska ... and I wasn't disappointed in that regards.

Nate Burke takes the job as Chief of Police in a little place called Lunacy. As fate has it, they find a dead body, which has been missing for 16 years, and have another death soon after. Instincts kick in and Nate starts investigating.

I would've liked the story a lot more, a whole lot more, if the characters had been better developed. They seemed all to be of extremes, except Nate. I wasn't able to warm up to any of them.

Get hooked on "Innocent Tears" - #MFRWHooks #Reading

 

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:  

Surprised, Flynn turned from the child to the young woman. “Yes.”

“How are you? I’m Emma, and this is–” she pointed at Nadine, “–this is Nadine. I’ve been looking after her and I was asked–”

Ignoring Nadine’s companion, he kneeled down in front of the girl and rested his arm on his leg. “Hey, little Muffin!”

“Hi.” Nadine’s reply was shy, nothing more than just a whisper.

They both looked at each other.

“Are you my dad?” Nadine asked with slightly more voice, but still hiding behind Emma.

Flynn nodded and replied with warmth in his voice, that came straight from his heart. “So it seems.”

He just couldn’t get his eyes off the small child. No doubt she was Sarah’s child. He choked back a smile. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, indeed. Flynn stood up and went back to his chair and took the small parcel out of the bag he'd left there. Then he returned and crouched down in front of Nadine again.

He gave her a wrapped box. “Buying presents for girls is new for me, so I hope you like it.” Okay, he felt odd, and he knew he owed Joyce big time for this, but how was he supposed to know what young girls liked?

Nadine let go of Emma’s hand and hesitantly came out from behind her. She took the box with both hands and looked at Flynn.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

 

 

 

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?