JJ is willing to accept her reclusive life as a freelance editor. As long as she’s got her best friend and her Chris Hemsworth movie collection, she can cope. But this holiday season seems hell-bent on stirring up old grudges. Her ex got engaged less than four months after breaking her heart, and now JJ wants to show him what he’s missing. Even if that means enduring his ugly Christmas sweater party.
Liam never thought much about life outside his father’s investment firm, he was perfectly content with his solitary existence, until he meets JJ. The feisty brunette in the ugliest Christmas sweater he’s ever seen turns his life upside down with one captivating kiss. Then she disappears.
But their lives are intertwined more than either of them realize, and when the truth comes out, their seemingly perfect connection may not survive.
**This is a novella full of Christmas joy and some sexy times that lead these characters to fall instantly…hard and fast. For readers 18+**
How do you determine the measure of a man? By his power, his money, his physical appearance? All his life, Jaxson McCoy measured his worth in the strength of his body and the sweat of his brow. He falls for a woman who is his equal, an Olympic athlete whose mind is as agile as her body.
Their perfect world is torn apart when a tragic accident leaves Jaxson less than whole. He pushes everyone away, including the woman who worships the ground he walks on. Tamara knows he stands tall, whether he is on one leg or two, but she gets no chance to prove her devotion before he builds a wall between them too high for her to climb.
Time has a way of healing wounds and Jaxson’s are no exception, but when he attempts to build a bridge to Tamara, he discovers she has suffered her own loss, her life shattered by a blow she sees no hope of overcoming.
For these two people to heal one another, they will have to redefine their definition of perfect, because Tamara is quite a lady and Jaxson is a helluva man.
Excerpt
“Next up is Jaxson McCoy,” the announcer’s voice came booming over the loudspeaker. The raucous rodeo crowd immediately grew silent. “I know for many of you, Jaxson is as much of a draw as Garth. This cowboy is a favorite on the circuit. He’s a big man to be a bull rider. At six-foot-four-inches and two-hundred-fifty pounds, McCoy makes the bulls work for their living.”
The women in the audience were on their feet, all of them wanted to catch a glimpse of the handsome cowboy. The unseen man in the booth continued his introduction of Jaxson’s ride. “We’ve got a record crowd tonight, folks. Everyone is eager to see if this bull rider will be the one to master the brutal Bocephus, son of the legendary Bodacious. He’s as dangerous as his father. No cowboy has managed to successfully stay on this monster bull for the full eight seconds. He’s put five men in the hospital, the rest of them on their keister. Bocephus hasn’t been conquered in four years.”
Jaxson sat on the hulking, red Beefmaster halfway listening to the broadcaster build up interest in his ride. He hadn’t told Tamara what bull he drew, he hadn’t wanted her to worry more than necessary. This competition wasn’t only about big money, it was about bragging rights. There were many who wanted him to win and more than a few who’d love to see him fall flat on his ass. He, for one, voted for surviving. Squeezing his legs around the heaving sides of the bull, he well knew the moment the gate flew open, the vicious animal would become a hurricane of deadly hooves and horns.
A breathless silence fell on the stadium as Jaxson performed his normal ritual, whispering a familiar bit of the Good Book from memory. He wasn’t exactly the religious type, but there were things his mother had taught him that stuck – and this was one of those things. “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” As the last word faded on his lips, the chute sprang open and Jaxson’s whole world exploded into overdrive. Bocephus was a solid ton of pure energy. With violent, vicious twists the huge bull launched himself into the air and slung his entire body weight first to the left and then to the right. Jaxson moved instinctively with the bull, knowing the only way he would ride out this perfect storm would be by defying a formidable force of nature.
Allowing his mind to become perfectly still, Jaxson visualized himself as an extension of the animal’s body. He didn’t fight the pitch and roll of the deadly bull but anticipated the direction Bocephus would lunge and went with it. No matter how you count it, this was eight seconds of teeth-jarring, muscle-wrenching, mind-blowing adrenaline rush.
When the air horn blasted, Jaxson could hear the jubilation of his fans. Not one who chose to wear a helmet, he waved his trade-mark trade-mark white Stetson in the air. Mixed in with the noise of the crowd, he could hear the female version of catcalls from the buckle bunnies. Too bad. Tonight, he wasn’t interested in hooking up with any of them. There was someone waiting for him in the stands. As he bailed off Bocephus, side-stepping the razor-sharp set of horns swiping out at him, he thanked heaven for the bullfighters who risked their lives distracting the enraged beast.
As Bocephus danced off to one side, Jaxson looked up in the stands to Tamara and held up his hat, giving her a wink and a promise. “For you, beautiful!” he called out.
Tamara waved back, thrilled at the sight. From where she sat, she could see the whole stadium – and what she saw made her blood run cold. The big bull had run off to one side, avoiding the clowns who were striving to drive him back into the pen. Instead, he headed straight for Jaxon. “Jaxson!” she screamed. Others saw what she saw, and they too began to scream. “Jaxson! Look behind you!”
He didn’t get the chance to turn around. Before he could react, the big bull hit him in the back hard enough to knock him down. He was still breathing, nothing was broken – but when he looked up, it was to see that Bocephus had vaulted into the air and was about to come down – right on top of him.
Sable Hunter is a New York Times, USA Today bestselling author of nearly 60 books in 9 series. She writes sexy contemporary stories full of emotion and suspense. Her focus is mainly cowboy and novels set in Louisiana with a hint of the supernatural. Sable writes what she likes to read and enjoys putting her fantasies on paper. Her books are emotional tales where the heroine is faced with challenges. Her aim is to write a story that will make you laugh, cry and swoon. If she can wring those emotions from a reader, she has done her job. Sable resides in Austin, Texas with her two dogs. Passionate about all animals, she has been known to charm creatures from a one-ton bull to a family of raccoons. For fun, Sable haunts cemeteries and battlefields armed with night-vision cameras and digital recorders hunting proof that love survives beyond the grave.
Welcome to her world of magic, alpha heroes, sexy cowboys and hot, steamy to-die-for sex. Step into the shoes of her heroines and escape to places where right prevails, love conquers all and holding out for a hero is not an impossible dream
Best friends since childhood, Bristol Abbot and Roan Storm wouldn’t dream of mucking up their relationship with sex, until his deployment going away party and too much tequila drive them together.
Six weeks later, there’s more than just friendship at stake.
Bristol is pregnant while Roan is stationed overseas for six more months, and neither knows what comes next.
As the weeks turn into months, their friendship morphs into a shared devotion to their child and each other. Bristol is determined to honor her promise of including Roan in their child’s life, she just has no assumptions of a deeper relationship no matter how much she wants more. For Roan, what once seemed impossible, now feels as necessary as breathing, and he comes home with a new set of orders in mind.
“Whose idea was it to get an apartment on the third floor of a building with no fucking elevator?” she groaned, holding her head.
“If I recall, you wanted this place because of the rooftop deck. Said you could watch the sunrise whenever you wanted like you were on top of the world.”
“Yes, the roof!” Bristol nodded and clapped her hands excitedly. “Let’s go up there and look at the stars.”
“You need to get some sleep, B,” he protested as she pulled him through the small apartment to the stairway he knew led above.
“I will, but we can look at the stars now, then when you’re gone, I’ll think of you every time I look up at them. I’ll know you’re looking at the same stars, thinking of me.”
Roan knew she probably didn’t intend her words to be so sentimental, but the alcohol was acting like a truth serum, and it shut down her inhibitions. She rarely allowed anyone to see this side of her. Following her up the tiny flight of stairs, he was soon seated on a wooden lounge chair, with her between his legs, her back against his chest, his arms wrapped around her to keep her warm.
“See, there’s my favorite, Ursa Major, the Big Bear,” she pointed upwards.
“Isn’t that the Big Dipper?”
“Yes and no. The Big Dipper is part of the Big Bear, but they’re still two different constellations,” she explained. “My dad taught me that when I was tiny.”
Her voice was wistful when she spoke of her recently deceased father, and Roan hugged her tighter. Having lost his own mother to uterine cancer when he was eleven, he sympathized with her pain.
“Roan, how much longer do you think you can take doing these missions?” she asked randomly.
Stunned silent, he could only shrug behind her.
“You’ve been gone more than you’ve been home. Don’t you get lonely?”
“Sure, every Marine gets lonely occasionally, but I’m one of the lucky ones because I get constant contact. You and my family send me packages, letters, and cards, and I can use FaceTime on some missions, Skype on others. There are plenty of guys over there who don’t have access to any of that.”
“Would you stay if they gave you the option?”
Roan tensed and frowned down at the top of her head, “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. I just hate when you’re gone. My world seems off-kilter somehow.” She sat up abruptly. “I’m like Lucy with no Ethel.”
“Excuse me?” He felt his eyebrow arch in question. “I am no Ethel. If anyone here is Lucy, it’s me.”
“Nah, Lucy was always instigating trouble, and Ethel just went along with it.”
“Which is exactly why I’m the Lucy in this relationship,” Roan laughed. She shivered, and he tugged her back against him. Instead of resuming their spooned position, she lay sideways against him, her shoulder on his chest, her hands dangerously close to forbidden territory. “If you’re cold, we should go back downstairs.”
“I don’t want to yet. I like having you all to myself,” she sighed and tipped her face up, the pale moonlight barely lighting her face properly. “Have you ever thought about giving it up? The Marines, I mean?”
“Aw, B, of course, it’s crossed my mind. Every man who’s had to watch a friend die or had to kill someone has second-guessed his career choice, but I was born to be a Marine. Giving it up would be like giving up air. My body just wouldn’t work anymore.”
She nodded, “I figured you would say something like that.”
“I always come back.”
Author Bio
Best-selling author, Lori King, is also a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart.
With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her.
Cruz Zaffino leaves prison after a serving a decade for a crime he didn’t commit. With his life all over the internet, there’s nowhere he can go to avoid his illicit past. Involved with one of Chicago’s toughest gangs, he made enemies bent on ruining everything he has. Nowhere is beyond their reach.
Every day, Rosie Marlow lives with the scars from the worst mistake of her life. It’s the one secret she has in her tiny, gossip-fueled town. When Cruz walks into her bar, covered in tattoos and dangerous attitude, she’s captivated. His rough sexuality makes her melt, and his harsh experience calls to her own broken soul. But her story is private and buried so deep, she’s never had the strength to share it.
She’s the unexpected light to his darkness, yet he knows she’s hiding something. Sultry summer nights in each other’s arms weaken her resistance and taunt her with the idea of forever. But as his adversaries draw close, can she love him enough to let him go?
Disclosure: I was given an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Great beginning to a new series.
Cruz Ziffino has finally been released from a 10 year stint in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Unwilling to waste his time on anger and regret for the years he was incarcerated, Cruz decides a fresh start is needed and with the help of fate or destiny he leaves the gang ridden streets of Chicago for the country life in Redemption County where he meets the sweet, yet sassy Rosie Marlow.
While the two hit it off from the start, the road to happiness isn’t without it’s hazards and obstacles. Cruz might have thought he left his past behind him, but others are not willing to let things lie. Then there is the fact that Rosie has her own secrets. Can she find the courage to open her past up to Cruz? Will it chase him away?
This story runs the gamut of emotions. At times it made me laugh, cry, and sigh, Engrossing from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read Rosie’s brother’s story.
Sharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts.
Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.
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Even best friends can keep secrets from each other. Mine will ruin any chance of a future with her—Josie Jensen. She’s everything real and honest in the world. Books define her life and ice cream makes things better. If only she didn’t have a smoking-hot body to match her sexy brain. And she’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
After we cross the line from friends to lovers, I just want to do what’s right for her and our baby. But what if I can’t give her the perfect life she deserves?
There’s nine months between delusions and the truth.
Brinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family, where she surfs (the internet) too much, writes too much, and laughs too much. She’s fond of a lot of things, including but not limited to Kings of Leon, peanut butter cookies, flip flops, and good friends. Oh…and books. Of course, books. She writes young adult fantasy and adult contemporary romance novels with strong females and swoonworthy males. Follow all her novels on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brinda-berry. Sign up for her monthly newsletter for release announcements, contests, and special sneak previews for subscribers. Copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.brindaberry.com/mailing-list.html .
The alarm on Victoria’s cell phone goes off. She’s set it to go off every night at eleven forty-five so she can get home by midnight. Tonight when it sounds, she groans and drops her head to my chest in frustration.
I lift her head with both hands and bring her gaze to mine. “I know you have to go, but before you do, one more lesson from the teacher.” I run a thumb across her soft, full lips and then lower my head to allow my lips to take its place. The kiss is soft and lingering, and just as I believe it to be ending, my awkward girl surprises me and opens her lips ever so slightly to allow me to taste her sweet mouth and tongue fully. She steps back even as she kisses me more.
“Mmm.” She breaks our kiss. “I don’t want to go, but I have to.”
“I understand.” I turn her toward her dance bag and give her a little nudge. The last thing I want to do is have her mother get upset and refuse to let her out at night to rehearse, or worse, tell Mariette.
She slings her bag over her shoulder and blows me a kiss.
I catch it. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, tomorrow. No boxing tonight.”
“Don’t worry, Miss Awkward. I have no desire to box tonight.”
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: January 3, 2017 Cover Design: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations
Fantabulously fun read. Which is surprising, since by the end of the first chapter I was thinking, “What the heck! This guy’s a total jerk! I agreed to review this, Why?” But I had promised to review the book. And I believe in sticking with it, and seeing a book through. Luckily in this case, I was rewarded. Without the author showing us what a total smuck Max Devereaux is. We wouldn’t be able to appreciate how much he has to grow to become worthy of winning the prize. As to what that prize is, you’ll have to read the book to find out what the true prize is.
Even though I couldn’t stand the hero at first, I was pulled in and held captive by the writing itself. As I shook my head over Max’s caveman like behavior, I eagerly kept turning the pages, waiting eagerly to see how Victoria Awkward would reactive to his antics, and what hoops she would make him crawl through to gain her attention and affection.
All in all. I came to love the main characters, and enjoyed reading about Max’s journey down the road of love. There are a few surprises, that give the story a nice twist as well.
I definitely recommend this book to contemporary romance and dance readers and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
About The Author
Emme Burton is the author of the bestselling Romantic Comedy/New Adult Novel, SNACK, the Better Than Series: BETTER THAN ME (Book 1), FIX IT FOR US (Book 2), and STILL INTO YOU (Book 3) and an author in the #1 bestselling anthology, HOOK & LADDER 69. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her amazing husband and sons, and her “fur boy.” Emme has never, ever been lost in a mall either as a child or an adult. Her mother, and now her family, have always known where to find her. At the bookstore.
That’s exactly what Max Devereux’s former life was-pure crap.
He’s re-invented himself. Now he’s the Premier Danseur and Choreographer at the hottest ballet company in Chicago.
He’s also a premier player. All the dancers know it.
Moving from girl to girl. Bed to bed. No one has ever compelled him to be faithful.
No one has ever felt like home.
His stunning boss and artistic director, Mariette Gallant, bets him he’ll be in love in three months.
The prize if he doesn’t?
A night with Mariette. Max takes the bet-eagerly. This will be an easy win.
Enter Awkward.
Victoria Awkward.
The gorgeous, strawberry blonde ballerina with the unfortunate last name.
She is ANYTHING but Awkward and she can dance and charm as well as he can.
The best way to motivate Max to do something is to forbid him.
Mariette has put Miss Awkward off limits.
All bets are off.
Excerpt
Pushing open the dance studio door, I look down at the clipboard and call the next name. This must be a f-ing joke.
“Awkward!”
Even as I shout the name, I’m thinking, “Great! Judging by this girl’s name, this should be a f-ing treat!”
“Victoria Awkward!”
A hand reaches down to pick up a dance bag among the sea of tightly bunned auditionees, and I assume it’s Miss Awkward gathering her items. I turn to walk back into the studio, sure she’s following me by the soft footsteps behind me. No need to make eye contact. With that name, this audition shouldn’t last long. Still perusing the clipboard, I return to my seat at the skirted banquet table and whisper to my dick-stiffening boss and the owner of Gallant Ballet, Mariette, “Get ready for a treat. This one is actually named ‘Awkward.’ ”
Mariette reaches over to run her perfectly manicured hand down my arm and then pats my hand. “Patience, Max.”
I could get used to her hand on a few more places.
The sound of a dance bag hitting the floor and a deep, rich feminine voice enters my consciousness and wraps itself around my cock in seconds, making it twitch.
“Hello, I’m Victoria Awkward.”
Mariette introduces herself and then me. Now I’m just praying she looks as good as she sounds.
“Yes, I know, Ms. Gallant, Mr. Devereux. It’s an honor to meet you both.”
I look up from my clipboard to see the least awkward thing I’ve ever seen in my life. A statuesque, slim, strawberry blonde. Voice like a velvet hand job. If she moves as well as she looks and speaks, she’s in.
About The Author
Emme Burton is the author of the bestselling Romantic Comedy/New Adult Novel, SNACK, the Better Than Series: BETTER THAN ME (Book 1), FIX IT FOR US (Book 2), and STILL INTO YOU (Book 3) and an author in the #1 bestselling anthology, HOOK & LADDER 69. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her amazing husband and sons, and her “fur boy.” Emme has never, ever been lost in a mall either as a child or an adult. Her mother, and now her family, have always known where to find her. At the bookstore.
The Last One (The One Trilogy Bk 1)
by Tawdra Kandle ✩✩✩✩ 1/2
A romance with both heart and humor.
It took me a few chapters to warm up to both of the main characters in this book. The characters not the writing. The writing kept me reading. Great pace, and just enough tension to keep you turning the pages. No it was Sam. He was being a bit of a dweeb. Oh sure, he rescued the girls when they had car trouble, causing them to be stranded by the side of a country road, in an area they were unfamiliar. Meaghan being passed out only vaguely remembered that he was nice. But Sam was so nice the next time they met. She returned to town. This time completely sober, and aware, to pick up her car that had broken down. When she goes to thank him for his help, he rips into her for being irresponsible. Not that he should care, it’s not like they are going to meet again. Meaghan returns to school in Savannah hurt and pissed off. She’s not sure why she lets how he reacted bother her so much, it not like they are going to see each other again, Right?
Wrong. Meaghan gets placed not only in Sam’s hometown as a Art teacher for the summer, but in his very house. Needless-to-say, sparks fly. They both fight their attraction for each other. Meaghan doesn’t do commitment, and Sam thinks he’s too old for her, plus he thinks she’s a city girl, and could never be happy out on a farm. Even a farm with no real farm animals. Apparently dogs and cats don’t count.
Their journey is laughter, tears, ups and downs, and a bit of soul searching. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way. And if so, how, when, and where? It’s not always the end point that matters but the journey along the way.
In this journey, I came to understand both Sam and Meaghan more, and to fall for a few of the supporting characters as well. Don’t try to read this book without at least a couple of hankies at hand. But do read it. It’s worth the frustration at Sam and Meaghan’s behavior at the beginning. They are still young yet, and a worthwhile romance is rarely easy. All in all a very enjoyable read, that I can easily recommend to others.
SYNOPSIS
+++This is a New Adult Romance, intended for readers over 18. It contains scenes for mature readers.+++
Meghan Hawthorne is restless. The last year has been a roller coaster: her widowed mother just married a long-time family friend. Her younger brother unexpectedly became a father and a husband. Everyone’s life is changing. . .except for hers. As she begins her final summer of college, Meghan’s looking for excitement and maybe a little romance. Nothing serious; this girl just wants to have fun.
But the only man for Meghan turns out to be the last one she expects.
Sam Reynolds doesn’t need excitement, and he doesn’t want romance. Fun is out of the question. He’s been the steady, responsible one since his parents were killed, and serious is his way of life.
When Sam rescues Meghan alongside a dark Georgia backroad, she falls hard for his deep brown eyes and slow drawl. But making him see her as more than just a party girl won’t be easy. Sam’s tempted by the fiery young artist, even as he realizes that giving into his feelings will mean radical change. . .maybe more than he can handle.
Tawdra Kandle and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month. Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend. There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs. Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”. So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested. You can check it out here.
Welcome to Books Coffee and Crafts News’ first “Crafty Author’s Coffee Hour”. This is a new feature that I’m super excited about “Authors that Craft”. Our On the Beach segment, will be for Coastal Magic Convention 2017 “Featured Authors”. As one of CMCon17’s “Featured Bloggers” I have the honor of hosting one or more “Featured Author” each month. I arranged (bribed) to get crafty ones. 😏
Today we’re in Daytona Beach, Florida at a lovely little coffee shop I’ve conjured in my head. My guest this afternoon is the lovely, and extremely talented Hildie McQueen. She is the first CMCon17 “Featured Author” to join me. I will be hosting a different author each month until the convention in February.
For those of you who might not be familiar with the bestselling author. Hildie McQueen loves action, love and unusual settings. Author of western historical, Highland historical and contemporary romance, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from delivery men while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and two unruly Chihuahuas.
Here comes Hildie now. Looking bright and cheerful, wearing jeans, a loose fitting multicolored top and of course a Kate Spade tote with her planner in hand. Once the hugging and fangirling is over. Hildie is one of my favorite author type people. Hildie, sweetheart that she is compliments me on my summer dress, and I ask where she got her adorable blouse, we place our order. She gets an Earl Grey Latte sweetened with honey. Then asks for a large cup and offers to split a toasted bagel with me. I happily accept, and order an Iced Caffè Americano for myself. Once our drinks arrive we settle in for a cozy little chat.
I want to thank you for joining me today, and for being the first “Featured Author” from Coastal Magic, first “Author who Crafts” (Crafty Author), as well as my very first visitor to join me online for a Coffee Time Chat. Wow! That’s a lot of firsts.
Speaking of firsts, last February was my first Author/blogger/reader convention. Coastal Magic Convention 2016. I’m thankful I choose that convention, because it was so fun and casual. I had so much fun, I decided before it was over, that I would be returning for the next one. You couldn’t imagine how thrilled I was when I was chosen as one of the “Featured Bloggers”. That means not only do I get to do spotlights for you and the other “Featured Authors”. I get to help out at the convention. I wish I had heard of CMCon17 sooner. I could have been going for years.
What about you, Hildie? How long have you been attending? What has been one of your favorite experiences at Coastal Magic.
I am one of the lucky authors who attended the very first year. It was called Old City, New Blood then. Those of us who were there will never forget the parrots in the lobby. It was a riot, but boy did we have fun!
My favorite event at CMC was that first year, when four of us hosted a Caribbean candy party. It was a last minute throw together, and an absolute hit!
Every year I enjoy the laid back attitude of the convention, not only that, but who can resist books, fun people and the beach?
Tamye Whitener
Hildie and I will be heading to Daytona Beach, Florida next February for the Coastal Magic Convention. It’s a super casual, author/reader event, right by the beach. As a “Featured Blogger” I’ll be moderating, while Hildie will be on some fun panels, doing a meet & greet or two, and generally hanging with fantastic readers like YOU! If you love urban fantasy, paranormal, or any variety of romance, this is the place for you.
With panels designed to start interesting discussion, and meet & greets with fun themes, we’ve got something for just about every reader. While there IS a schedule, there is also ample time for authors and their fans to just hang out together, this is what we’re here for! Join us for reader, blogger, and author shenanigans.
Saturday’s charity book sale and signing is open to convention attendees, and also FREE to the public. We’ve got a Featured Author lineup, over 50 amazing storytellers, that showcases not only bestselling favorites, but debut and “new to you” authors that are sure to catch your attention. Come take a bite out of the beach with us!! Feb 2-5, 2017
A sexy modern Cinderella type story with a humorous twist. Except, there’s no glass slipper, just an ugly dog and a prince who is anything but charming.
When Sunny Stilton gets the job to decorate millionaire Beau Forrester’s new house, she is way over her head. To make matters worse, not only is her new client drop dead gorgeous, but he’s also a total ass.
Beau Forrester, a confirmed bachelor does what comes natural after sleeping with the beautiful interior designer…he fires her.
You’ll keep turning the pages to see what happens next in this fun and touching story.
Shannon Aldean’s excitement after a great one-night stand quickly fizzles when her entire family shows up the next morning…while the guy is still there. Stress soon turns to panic when her date turns out to be the her new boss at the local ranching supply company.
Drew Emerson wants to simplify his life, move on from under his deceased brother’s shadow by buying his own ranching company in small Longview, Montana. Soon he finds out how hard it is to move forward without first reconciling his past.
The morning after Amy Leigh Paisley, from Pine Oak, Montana is left behind in Las Vegas, she wakes up with not only a huge hangover, but with a husband who happens to be Trent Baxter, Billings’ most eligible bachelor.
His father thinks she’s a gold-digger, her mother wants her to be one and all Amy Leigh wants, is to stay married to the hot man for just a bit longer and maybe another night of great sex.
Montana Born will be part of the Love & Grace Anthology, which is sweet, so in the Anthology it will be a very different version than the one to be released on its own later this fall.
This collection of sweet and inspirational novellas has an uplifting love story for everyone. These stories bring a touch of grace to romance, and a touch of romance to your heart.
Our twelve authors have collaborated to bring together this collection. Each story relates to dyslexia in some way, and the full proceeds from all the stories benefit GRACEPOINT – A School for Dyslexia. This box set is our collective gift of love and support to you and the children GRACEPOINT serves.
Can a town save a marriage? Will a high school reunion offer a second chance at love? Can a man with a secret and a woman afraid of being hurt learn to trust? Can a girl running from her past escape her heart? Will a woman trapped in the past discover the true importance of family? Can unexpected love become the best present ever?
You’ll find hours of enjoyment as well as a satisfying ending to each story. No cliffhangers and no partial novels are offered here, just an escape into worlds of love, families, and grace.
The guiding hand bringing this project to fruition is USA Today Best Selling Author Ciara Knight.
The foreword is New York Times Best Selling Author, Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Contributing authors include: Lindi Peterson, Hildie McQueen, Sally Kilpatrick, Linda Joyce, Airicka Phoenix, M. K. Smith, Lori Freehand, Alexandrea Weis, Nicole Zoltack, Kirsten Fay, and Walt Mussell.
Here’s your chance to share in giving back to others who need your support. Pre-order will be available on August 1st with a release date of August 30th
Now for the crafty part of our hour. Besides the excellent stories you weave, what else do you craft, Hildie?
I’ve done some crafting. Scrapbooking and card making and I’ve dabbled a bit into beading, but that didn’t last. Little beads were everywhere and I hated stepping on them. Finally I fell into the whole colorful mesh wreath thing, friends gathered at my house and made them for every season. I don’t even use them, they were just fun to make.
Wow! I’ve never tried working with mesh, or making wreaths. I’ll have to give it a try this fall. I can see making an purple, orange, green, and black one for Halloween.
I noticed you mentioned papercrafts, but not your decorative planning. I know that might not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions crafts, but I definitely consider it a craft.
I love using paper planners and even make videos for planner people!
I just recently started decorative planning. I stumbled upon your video’s while surfing YouTube for “How to planner videos”. I love your videos. Not only did I learn a lot about planning, but about yourself as well.
Hildie promised to share a video with us, if I posted a picture of one of my planning pages. So here’s a picture of one of my weeks. Not near her level, but I’m a newbie. I still decorate one week at a time, as I’m still figuring out my style and what works for me. But I’m thoroughly enjoying it. The happy side effect of decorative planning….. I actually write things down a lot more.
You’re in luck. At your request, I made one just for this event.
Hildie McQueen chats about Coastal Magic while decorating her planner for the week of the event.
Oh wow! That was a wonderful video. I love how you pull everything together. So organized, yet pretty and fun. You’ve given me some great ideas. I’m going to have to check out some of the Etsy shops you mentioned.
I loved that you planned out the week of Coastal Magic for us. I guess it might be a good idea to go ahead and do my planning for that week also. Today has been so much fun and I’m so glad you were my first guest here on Books, Coffee, and Crafts News. I look forward to seeing you again in Daytona Beach this coming February. It’s going to be a blast.
Thanks everyone for joining us today. I hope you enjoyed Hildie’s visit as much as I did. And I really hope to see you all at Coastal Magic Convention 2017.
Please feel free to comment on this post. I’d love to know if you are going to be attending #CMCon17 or if you have gone in the past. What you thought of Hildie McQueen’s video and/or decorative planning in general. Also, what or who you would like to see on here in future.
Be sure to catch us next month for another CMCon17 Featured Author Spotlight.
Description: Love In The First Degree is a collection of short stories written by seven authors who have come together to help raise money for The Innocence Project. This anthology includes stories by Laura Morgan, Allana Walker, Clare Dugmore, Kyra Lennon and Kirsty-Anne Still.
Each story speaks of crime, passion, determination, and most importantly, intense romance that will leave you thinking about the characters long after you have finished turning the pages.
Being wrongfully accused of a crime could happen to anyone, anywhere, and The Innocence Project works hard to overturn wrongful convictions and help innocent people get back to their real lives where they rightfully belong. All proceeds from sales of Love In The First Degree will be donated to The Innocence Project.
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Author: Laura Morgan
Title: Ensnared
A hand outstretches amidst the chaos of a brutal attack, offering safety and protection—but only in the arms of a villainous gangster who certainly isn’t going to be good news. Take it and accept the consequences? Or refuse and risk losing it all in the aftermath?
That’s exactly what happens to Bree Locke the night she meets mobster Alexis Ramon.
What seems like a good idea at the time ends up being the turning point in her life, but how will things pan out, and will she be able to survive the consequences of her decision?
Because when you fall from the frying pan into the fire, you’re going to get burned…
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Author: Allana Walker
Title: Believe
What happens when the one guy you thought would protect you, doesn’t? What happens when your own family and friends turn against you in your time of need? What happens when all you want is someone to believe you? What happens when the one person you least expect does? Find out how one girl’s life turns upside down only to turn back with a few simple words… “I believe you.”
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Author: Clare Dugmore
Title: Seeking The Truth
Erin Reynolds has been on the West Midlands Police force for seven years. She’s seen some strange things in the line of duty, but nothing quite like this.
On her first day working as a detective Erin witnesses something that makes the whole department question her sanity, and leads to her being sent on a leave of absence.
Desperate to prove what she saw was real, Erin tracks down the only other witness, Arcane Specialist Morgan Jackson. The occult expert is as infuriating as he is charming. When the killer leaves a disturbing message on her answer phone, Erin is forced to work with Morgan in order to catch the culprit and get her job reinstated.
The hunt takes them around the West Midlands, visiting a flirty priestess, a druid on the wrong side of the law and a sorcerer from Morgan’s past. As Erin learns more about the supernatural world, she also realizes there’s more to Morgan than just his sarcastic wit and arcane knowledge.
She’s drawn to him almost as deeply as she is to the truth of what she saw. Her feelings for him are bought into sharp when Morgan gets on the wrong side of the murderer and it’s up to Erin to rescue him, and stop the occult forces plaguing the area before the darkness takes over.
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Author: Kyra Lennon
Title: Reasonable Doubts
Darcy Ryan is a woman on a mission.
A mission to take down the corrupt cops who ensured her best friend, Matteo Torres, went to jail for a crime he didn’t commit – the murder of his wife, Rebecca.
Darcy is willing to do just about anything to prove his innocence, including getting up close and personal with the case’s lead detective, Finn Drake.
She knows she’s playing a dangerous game, but it gets more dangerous then she could have ever imagined when she discovers everything she thought she knew about Rebecca Torres was wrong, and Finn Drake isn’t the man she thought he was either.
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Author: Kirsty-Anne Still
Title: Love Me Not
Synopsis: I love him. He loves me. Our love story was that easy. I stuck by that, making sure he knew I was his person, his rock when he was arrested for murder. A murder that I knew he didn’t commit. But here I am, breaking his heart, unravelling our love story. All to save him. I’d break his heart – and mine – a thousand times over if it clears his name. *** I wasn’t raised to be a good man. I was loved to be one. She was the one constant when my world started falling apart. Until she wasn’t. I was no longer the man I had become. I was a murderer, a criminal, a broken man. She started to see me as the murderer I was branded, but mark my words, this doesn’t end here. When I’m a free man I’ll tear this world apart to get her back.
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About Laura Morgan
Laura Morgan writes dark and powerful romance novels. She’s a hopeless romantic with a dark side. Be warned, she may give her characters their Happily Ever After, but makes them work hard for it!
You can join her for more information regarding her books at www.lauramorgan.co
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About Allana Walker
Allana Walker is from Scotland. She began writing in secret then took the big leap into self-publishing in 2015. She doesn’t have a specific genre, but she’s all about romance and HEA’s.
She loves mafia, MC and dark reads.
Always in love with the bad guy of books when she should hate them.
Her other passions, besides reading and writing, are baking, spending time with her family, watching wrestling and going to concerts.
Kyra Lennon was born on the South coast of England, and to this day, still lives by the sea. Fiction writing has always been her passion, but she also has numerous articles on a variety of topics published on prolific websites.
Kirsty-Anne is a British author who stumbled across her love for writing just as she started university. Over the last couple of years she’s found the style of writing that best defines her and her work. Her favourite genres to write are romantic suspense with dark themes, but loves to push her boundaries.
Find Kirsty on social media Twitter @KirstyAnneStill
“Isn’t that the Big Dipper?”
Do your past mistakes define you forever?
Brinda Berry
Orlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
I want to thank you for joining me today, and for being the first “Featured Author” from Coastal Magic, first “Author who Crafts” (Crafty Author), as well as my very first visitor to join me online for a Coffee Time Chat. Wow! That’s a lot of firsts.
I am one of the lucky authors who attended the very first year. It was called Old City, New Blood then. Those of us who were there will never forget the parrots in the lobby. It was a riot, but boy did we have fun!
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