CFO's Affair - the Executive Wives Club #Series - #WomenFiction, #Romance

Blurb -

Sylvia Donovan is emotionally wounded from the unexpected death of her husband and still haunted by their last conversation: his request for a divorce and his confession of love for another woman.  Her husband gone, her only daughter off to college, Sylvia faces the challenges of learning to live alone and move on with her life.

Vince Wilshire, enchanted with Sylvia, is more than willing to do what it takes to capture the heart of the hurting and untrusting Sylvia.

Can he help her forget the past and make her believe in love again?

Excerpt

The door clicked open.

Wrapping his hand around the handle to keep from reaching for her, Vince Wilshire shoved the door open. "Are you ready for this?"

Her face mere inches from his, he noticed a brief flash of panic in her eyes before Sylvia Donovan lifted her chin and stepped through the entrance. "Nothing I haven't seen before. Or probably won't see again."

He understood she meant the task of doing a job, but for some reason his brain registered the sexual implications of the comment. "Oh, man, you're brutal. Some things you know get better with age.”

Matching his steps to hers, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and leaned in close. He whispered beside her ear, "It's all a matter of knowing how to use what you've got."

She shrugged and shifted away from him, eyeing him with a raised brow. "Yes and some people are amateurs, Mr. Wilshire. You, I take it, are an old pro who knows how to wield your sword with the best of them."

Laughter bubbled up into his throat. He marveled at her sassy tone and didn't relinquish his grip. "I must admit I’m very good at a few chosen tasks."

Purchase ebook at:  Amazon 

Thanks everyone,

Tina

A #Romantic #Blurb from Author Anita Philmar #Excerpt

Blurb for In Too Deep

On the banks of the Trinity River, Sadie Pepperman is looking for a chance to escape the demands of her in-laws. With her husband’s dead, they want her to marry her brother-in-law so they can take control of her farm.

Suddenly, the peace of the day is shattered when her best friend steps too far into the river. Rushing to save her, Sadie meets a handsome stranger that ignites her dormant lust. She sees her friend rescued by a steamship and backs away from Logan Jansen, only to turn her ankle.

The agonizing pain leaves Sadie with the inability to walk. Needing help, she offers Logan a place to stay if he’ll help with the chores on her farm. With his agreement, Sadie adds another problem to her list. Now, not only does she have to worry about how to bring her crops in from the field and run her farm alone but she also has to fight her attraction to Logan.

Can Sadie end her in-laws’ interference in her life,
run her farm alone,
and give love another chance?

Now for the Excerpt:

“Are you a friend of the woman who is drowning?”

Unable to certain what to say to the stranger, she nodded and worked to clear the lump in her throat. How did this man know about Carolyn?

“Move over. I’ll drive. If we hurry I should be able to save her and my friend.” He placed a foot on the side step of the wagon and crowded onto the bench.

She quickly scooted along the wooden plank, allowing him room to settle beside her. Long fingers closed over the reins and he tugged the leather from her grip.

He didn’t wait for an answer. Lifting the reins, he released the brake.

A loud whistle sounded from the river, followed almost immediately by the slapping of paddles against the water.

The man clicked his tongue to encourage Beauty to get moving. He drove the wagon closer to the edge of the river, creating a rough new trail.

Bouncing on the seat like a rag doll, Sadie tried to keep her distance from the man, even though the task was next to impossible with the constant swaying of the wagon. She continually brushed against his arm, shoulder and thigh. A particularly hard bump almost landed in his lap.

“I’m sorry, but you need to slow down,” she complained and straightened.

He drew back on the reins; the wagon rolled to a stop. His head turned in the other direction. He shifted away from her and jumped down from the wagon before she repositioned herself on the bench. “Damn that steamship. They’re rescuing them.”

A little stunned by everything that had happened, Sadie lifted a hand to her throat. Her gaze stayed locked on Logan until his comment finally registered. She glanced at the water and noticed a steamboat cruising down-river. A line hung from the side with two people hanging from the end.

She scrambled off the wagon to keep the boat in sight as it moved farther away. “Oh, no, where will it take them?”

“Probably to the next port, maybe Liberty or on into Galveston.”  When the steamboat rounded a bend and drifted out of sight, the stranger turned. His gaze grew in intensity as he scanned the length of her body. “I’m Logan by the way.”

Burned by his steady regard, Sadie glanced down at her attire. Heat stained her cheeks. The ribbon on her camisole had worked its way loose and the swell of her breasts lay exposed to his view. She’d been about to redress when Carolyn fell into the river. Lifting her hands automatically to cover herself, she bowed her head.

What should she do now?

Purchase In Too Deep 
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMQLOMC

Thanks for sharing,

Anita

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anita.philmar

My blog: http://anitaphilmar.blogspot.com

Twitter: @anitaphilmar

Family Spirits #Series by @AuthorTinaGayle #Romance #KindleUnlimited

Fallen Leaves Blurb -

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.

Excerpt:

“How long before you install the new cabinets?”

He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.

“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.

“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.

“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”

“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”

“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.

He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”

With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”

Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”

After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task?

Purchase links:


 Amazon


Hope you enjoy,


Tina

Need a Quick #Health Breakfast ? Try one with #ResistantStarch & #Protein

Thought, I'd share the cereal recipe I enjoy for breakfast.

It not only adds resistant starch but protein to my morning meal.

Here is how I do it so that I only have to fix it once a week. (1/2 cup for each serving)

In container that has a lid (so you can store it in the refrigerator) add the following items.

1 1/2 cup of water

1 cup of unsweetened applesauce

1/2 chia seeds 

1/2 cup of old fashion oatmeal

cinnamon to taste (start with 1 tsp.)

Put on the lid and store in the refrigerator. 

If the fixture is too thick just add more water.

In the morning, you will have a thick ready made breakfast. Put some in a bowl with a dab of butter and heat in the microwave. (If you don't want to add butter, try coconut oil...remember health fats are good for you.)

This recipe not only gives you protein with the chia seeds but resistant starch with the oatmeal. Cinnamon is also good to increase your resistant to sugar.

If you want to change it up, try adding

 

flax seed meal, 

leftover rice,

raisin, 

nuts

Hope you enjoy this as much as I do,

Tina

A Cowboy's Passion - #NakedBluff Texas Series - #eroticmystery by @AnitaPhilmar

Thanks Tina for letting me be on your blog.

A Cowboy's Passion is the last book of the Naked Bluff, Texas series and is a hot read for all to enjoy. ##Warning: this is a book with adult content if this offends please do not buy this book.

I'm very excited about this book because it completes the series and finished the story between John Bristol Smith and Tess Van Pelt.  They were first introduced in A Cowboy's Pleasure. Then John showed up in The Country Doctor's Bride when his friend was murdered.

Here is the blurb for A Cowboy's Passion.

Blurb:

Tess Van Pelt doesn’t have time to grieve the loss of her husband, not when the wolves are already at the door.  Still, she has a lover that is willing to help save her. He introduces her to his cousin, Reece Bristol Smith.

As a lawyer, Reece can keep the debtors at bay. The problem or solution is he can’t keep his hands off Tess. With her deceased husband accused of murder and the major creditor making unreasonable demands, Reece has to secure Tess’s future in the best way he knows how.

Now, will Tess trust him and his cousin to keep her safe or will he need to teach her a few lessons in handing over control to him?

***A Cowboy’s Passion is a hot adult  erotic mystery that explores the passion of having multiple partners. MFM

Excerpt:

“Tess, I’d like you to meet my cousin, Reece Bristol Smith.” John waved to the man, walking toward her from the far end of the room. He must have been gazing out the window that overlooked the front porch. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have missed the solid line of his shoulders in his dark blue suit or the aristocratic glint in his gaze, and most of all his uncanny resemblance to his cousin. The two could almost be twins if not for the slight touch of gray at Reece’s temples.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Van Pelt. John has told me a great deal about you.” Reece paused by the end of the couch and waited for John to step out of the way before approaching.

John muttered something and left the room.

Tess stared, fighting the need to stand and walk directly into this stranger’s arms. Could he offer her the same type of pleasure John did? The thought had her shifting restlessly on the couch. The image of them both making love to her at once had her squeezing her hands together.

Tess drew back her shoulders and stiffened her spine. As a new widow, she had a certain decorum she needed to maintain. On the other hand, Gab had only been dead a few days. Wanting sex with a complete stranger didn’t fall on the list of acceptable activities she planned to allow herself.

Hell, she’d managed to keep away from John. She should have the strength to resist his cousin. “He told me you are a lawyer.”

“Yes, and John was kind enough to provide access to your deceased husband’s papers.” Reece sank onto the couch by her feet.

“Well, if that’s true, then you’ve undoubtedly decided you want no part of this mess after all. Gab had a diverse array of business dealings. Some of which I’m not even sure, I’m aware of.” Her gaze ran over the hard line of his jaw and settled on his lower lip. The soft pink flesh had a wet trail from the swipe of his tongue.

Need again washed through her, and she missed his reply.

In fact, she must have failed to catch more than she thought when he rose and stepped to her. As if in a dream, he suddenly stood directly above her with one hand on the back of the couch, the other on the armrest. His handsome face filled her line of sight. Then he moved even closer, and her eyelids fluttered close.

Don't miss out on the entire series.  Check them out at

Amazon      

Reviews for the series - "Texas, 1860's is a world where the slightest gossip could ruin a woman's reputation and deprive her of her ability to fend for herself"

" a light and pleasant read, a refreshing book that you want to curl up with at the end of the day."

"This author really knows how to give you a read that will keep you reading especially with its hot steamy sexy menage scenes."

Thanks, Anita for sharing,

Tina

A #ShortShort for #99cents My Best Friend's Ex by Tina Gayle #Romance

She loved him first, but her best friend married him. Now with their divorce, Brooke must choose between her best friend and the man of her dreams. 



Brooke Janson has loved Garrett Sawyer since she met him on her first day of high school. Now, he’s free to love her too. Except, his ex-wife happens to be her best friend. 


How can Brooke choose between a friend she’s known since kindergarten and the man of her dreams? 



This is a complete short story with a HEA.





Available at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XAO176O


Here's a little snippet of the story-

Strolling down the grocery aisle, Brooke Janson spotted a familiar man dressed in black. Garrett Sawyer was the one person in the world, she didn’t expect to meet, see, or run into in a huge superstore.

Memories flooded through her mind, and she adjusted the spaghetti strap of her shirt.  Unable to pull her gaze from his lean, muscular frame encased in a black T-shirt and jeans, she silently wished she’d worn something sexier than an old pair of jeans and a tank top. She glanced down and remembered what she looked like in high school when they met.

As an overweight teen, she’d worked hard to get his attention, had even helped him pass a few classes.  They had become friends, and she’d decided he was everything she ever wanted in a man.

At the end of the school year, he’d left for college. After graduating, he’d returned. They had reconnected at a party where she introduced him to her best friend, Janet. They started dating and married not long after her first year of community college. Sadly, less than a year later, it ended in a divorce because she cheated on him with one of her classmates.

Suddenly unsure how to handle the situation, she choked out his name. To her ultimate horror, he turned.

His forehead wrinkled into a frown before he smiled and pushed his cart down the aisle. “Hello, Brooke.”

Hope you enjoy,

Tina

Youthful Temptation - Can you fall in love again? #Widows , #Romance , #OlderWomen

As you can see if my story -- I believe you can.

Blurb -
Single again, Linda Clayton is ready to let loose and have some fun. Jilted at a party, she met a younger man, Vaughn Reagan. He has an active imagination and allures her into his life by tempting her with seductive games.

Vaughn is thrilled to find a woman who doesn’t want children. He offers Linda a job so he can spend his days with her. Now, if he could only convince her to forget their age difference and enjoy the nights in his arms. 

Excerpt:

“But did you meet anyone?” His father drilled the question at him like a staff sergeant. Ex-military, his voice struck the right chord to demand answers.

“Yes, but I’m . . .” he started, but his father interrupted.

“Then tell us all about her.”

“No.” Vaughn sprang from the couch and marched to the fireplace. Anger rumbled in his stomach, and a sour taste hit the back of his throat. He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at the blue flame rising from the blackened wood.

Every time he met someone new, his father pushed and prodded until he wormed every detail about his relationship out into the open. To shake his dad off his back, he usually complied. But not this time. His attraction to Linda was special.

Why? The question raced through his head.

He shook his head and refused the temptation to use their encounter as a temporary diversion to soothe his father’s doubts about his sexuality.

“And why not? Is she married or something?” his dad inquired.

Vaughn clenched his hands into fists. His dad hated being in the dark about any subject related to his children.

“Wait, Big John, Vaughn will tell us when he’s ready.” His mother’s voice offered a token of peace in a discussion that could quickly erupt.

“Well, I’m ready now. So spill the beans, boy. I want to know who this girl is.”

Vaughn whipped around to glare at his father. The concern marking his father’s brow eased, and a grin spread across his face. A strong emotion punched Vaughn in the chest. His dad might be a pain in the ass, but he’d been there in every major event in Vaughn’s life. At the hospital, while he’d been fighting his bout with cancer, his dad pestered all the doctors with his demands for a cure. Now, the same determination called for Vaughn to find a wife and settle.

A prior conversation sparked in Vaughn’s memory. “Are you sure it’s a woman?”

“What?” his mom squealed.

His father shook his head. “Good try, but we’ve already had that talk.”

“When did you . . .” His mother stood and tugged her hand free of her husband’s. “I can’t believe you’d ask him such a thing.”

Vaughn recognized the trouble he’d laid at his father’s door. His mom could impale a man with her wrath. “It was a while ago, Mom.”

“And I had to ask.” His dad hammered a few more nails in his coffin.

“Why?” Her hands flew in the air and finally landed on her hips. The high-pitched tone of her voice echoed off the high ceiling. “I can’t believe you, Big John. The boy has a right to a private life. But no, you have to meddle where you don’t belong.”

“Come on, April. He might be a tough guy, but he’s also my son. I want to know what’s happening in his life.”

“No, you don’t. You’re trying to run his life.”

“But he should settle down and find a good woman like I have.” He leaned forward and grabbed his wife’s wrist. “It’ll give him a passion for living.”

“You don’t know that. Not everyone is guaranteed happiness simply because they’re married.” She tugged on her hand and took a few steps backwards.

His dad grinned, rose quickly, and caught her in a bear hug. “They would be if they married a woman as lovely as you.”

“John,” his mom yelped, her feet dangling in the air, before his dad dove for a kiss.

Vaughn laughed. His father could always soothe his mom’s ruffled feathers. He wondered if he’d ever find the special bond they shared with someone. A strand of auburn hair on his sleeve caught his attention, and a picture of Linda flashed through his head.

Could she be the one?

His father glanced at him and released his tight hold on his mom. “So, son, why don’t you tell your busybody mother about your new girlfriend?”

Purchase ebook at:

At Amazon

Hot Excerpt by @AnitaPhilmar for the Banished Series #boxset , #hotread , #HEA

Excerpt from Banished Scoundrel one of the stories in the Banished series

“Have you dropped off your stipend for the game

tomorrow?” She laid her finely, manicured hand on

his arm. The dainty touch sent sparks of awareness

through him, and his cock swelled. “The governor

likes to put all the money in his strongbox for

safekeeping before the party begins.”



Jack reined in his desire and reminded himself

of his primary objective—to transport the lady back

to Ardenia.



However, he liked Sloan’s clever rule. If a man

didn’t contribute the required gold coins to the game,

the governor shouldn’t waste resources entertaining

him. “No, I can’t say that I have. I arrived just a few

moments ago..”



“Then let me show you to the study, and I’ll

fetch you a drink.” She touched his arm again and

stepped into the foyer.



He bowed his head slightly and played the

unfamiliar part of a refined gentleman. “And you

are?”



She fluttered her hand over her face and

brushed a wisp of light brown hair from her brow.

“The governor calls me Kitty. It’d probably be best if

you did, too.”



“What an alluring name? It makes me think of a

cat with its lips covered by a luscious coat of cream.”

Jack stared at Kitty’s mouth, and his tongue tingled

at the idea of tasting her rich, flavorful lust.



She giggled and wove her hand through the

crook in his arm. The soft swell of her breast

bumped against his arm. “Oh, you’re naughty, but I

love the alluring image.”



“Then, I hope you’ll let me have a taste later.”

He didn’t crowd her but allowed her to step back.

She led him across the entranceway to a door on the

other side.



Remember she’s a princess.



Blurb: Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.



Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.



Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.


Read more about the other books in the Banished at http://www.anitaphilmar.com/banishedbookpg.html


Or Purchase at

Free with Kindle Unlimited

 Find at:
Amazon




Thanks for sharing Anita,


Tina

Lose Weight by Eating Leftovers , #Diet , #Keto , #LosingWeight

Let me preface this article with the fact that I have been on almost every diet out there, plus have followed the advice of the US dietary guidelines. Here is their current release of things to know about what it takes to be health.

https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/ 

If you look at this, you’ll see there are still areas that don’t follow what the experts are saying. However, over the years, scientists have stated things like fat is bad for you which led people to give up butter, whole milk, and other items which they loved. 

Of course, we have the Atkins and keto diet which say that fat is what we needed, and carbs are the bad guys. Ultimately, each of us has the responsibility to decide what works for  our particular needs such as weight lost or simple trying to be health.

With all that being said, I was fascinated to hear from several different sources that there was a new way to cook rice that would reduce the number of calories absorbed by the body. After all, carbs are the bad guys now, right?

Here are just a few of the articles:

https://bestplants.com/new-way-to-cook-rice-which-drastically-cuts-its-calories/

https://www.doctoroz.com/article/how-cut-calories-rice-half

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adding-coconut-oil-to-rice-could-cut-calories-in-half/

Basically, cook rice with tablespoon of coconut oil and refrigerate for 12 hours before eating.

From what the scientist are saying this converts the starch in rice to a resistant type of starch that is not absorbed by the body and passes into your large intestine where it can be fuel to increase the health bacteria in your gut. Wow, this is good right?

Ok, as someone who is trying to stay away from rice, pasta, and white potatoes, this was a glorious moment. One of the foods, I miss the most on any diet are rice, pasta, and potatoes. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Tina, they said nothing about pasta and potatoes.”

“But why wouldn’t it work for them too?” Is my response.

Recipe at https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/favorite-potato-salad/4256e592-13d9-4060-8124-a66fcea5d634

Convinced they were leaving the others out for some unknown reason, I did some digging, and I was right. It will work for pasta and potatoes (white and sweet). Here are a few articles that I found.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cooling-resistant-starch

https://www.sciencealert.com/heating-your-pasta-makes-it-significantly-better-for-you

https://www.medicaldaily.com/healthy-meal-cooking-and-cooling-pasta-changes-starch-quality-cut-calories-fat-307300

Now, if you go to any of the articles, you’ll see these are old post. Why then am I just hearing about it?

There could be several explanations:

1. They don’t believe people will go to the trouble of refrigerating rice, pasta, and potatoes for 12 hours before they consume them.
2. Pasta is made with wheat and giving the okay for people to eat it again opens up the door for them to eat gluten, which is a problem for a large number of people.
3.      Everyone will overeat these items. After all, if the process cuts the calories in half, why not eat twice as much. (Believe it or not, reheat cool starch fill you up faster and don’t cause the crash eating traditional cook starches do…at least for me. I
4.       I'm just behind the curve which happens all the time which means this might be the reason.

However, I’m sure there are other reasons. Leave a comment below if you think of any.

So now, that I know we can eat rice, pasta and potatoes in moderation…. I’m cooking up some casseroles putting them in refrigerator (for the cooling down period) and hopefully, losing weight on leftovers. (Also, the reheating process also contributes to adding more resistant starch to the dish.)

Doing a happy dance...

Love to hear your comments about this article,

Tina

P.S. Update on the pasta, I tried the wait 12 hours after cooking then tried it with a tomato sauce. Not the same more like Chef Boyardee type noodles. Didn't particularly care for it.

                                                                                         

Fallen Leaves by @AuthorTinaGayle #romance #KU

Fallen Leaves by Tina Gayle

Fallen Leaves Blurb -

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.

Excerpt:

“How long before you install the new cabinets?”

He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.

“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.

“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.

“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”

“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”

“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.

He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”

With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”

Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”

After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task?

Purchase ebook at

Amazon |

Hope you have a wonderful day,

Tina

Women Facing #Issues and #Recovery with the Help of #Love

Hi , I want to share excerpts from my Executive Wives' Club Series that is now available on Kindle Unlimited.




CFO's Affair - 3rd book in the Executive Wives' Club series 
 (strong women fiction elements) 

Excerpt: 

“I'm fine. I merely had a strange encounter after I left work.” Sylvia strolled to the sofa across from Marianne and sank onto the plush cushion. The large windows lining the opposite wall behind the other couch offered an appealing view of a bright harvest moon. The empty cornfield, which sat behind Brie's house, displayed row after row of shredded corn stalks. The depressing sight foretold of the snow that would fall continuously in a couple of months.

“Why don't you tell us about it?” Jen, the willowy, young, brunette of the group, laid a hand on Sylvia's thigh, and perched on the edge of the sofa near her. “Did Vince do something to upset you?”

“I warned you he was a Casanova.” Brie dropped into her favorite recliner, her lion slippers bobbing on her feet.

“No, he has no interest in me. After the first day, I haven't seen much of him. He probably only walked me into the building because Knox didn't want me to bolt.” Sylvia recalled the man's handsome profile and the alluring scent of his cologne. He could walk down the hallway ahead of her and she'd find herself tempted to follow.

Shoving thoughts of him aside, she focused on a theory she’d devised during dinner and gripped Jen's hand. “I think I might be able to find out who Bob was having an affair with.”

She looked into Jen’s concern face. She’d been the first to learn of Bob's request for a divorce. He dropped the bomb hours before leaving on a company business trip to Seattle, the ill-fated trip where none of the executive team had come back alive.

“Please, Sylvia, let it go.” Marianne leaned forward and held out her hands in a pleading gesture. “Bob is dead and you're only hurting yourself by worrying about this.”

“I can't. I've tried.” Sylvia closed her eyes and released Jen's hand. “I have to know why he decided to leave me.”

“Do you have any ideas?” Jen shifted closer. Her warmth reminded Sylvia that she didn’t have to go through this heartache alone. The other three ladies in the room had lost their husbands too. Even though Jen and Brie had both remarried, they knew the pain of losing a spouse. They simply didn't comprehend how much it hurt to have one ask for a divorce right before that loss.

“No. I think Wyoming Tetterman might help me learn who he was seeing.” Sylvia couldn’t fathom any other reason for Wyoming's refusal to talk. Did she know something she didn't want to share?

“Why?” Brie rose, shuffled over to Sylvia, and squatted down in front of her. “Did she tell you Bob had a lover?”

“No, but for some reason she doesn't want to talk to me either.” Sylvia stared into Brie's sweet face, gained a little perspective on how this might affect her friends and glanced up at Marianne. “I could be wrong, but why else would she feel the need to avoid me?” 

Marianne shook her head and shifted forward. “Honey, you're setting yourself up to get hurt. What happens when you find out the name of the person Bob slept with? Are you planning to confront them? Because they won’t have any sympathy for you. In their eyes you got it all.”

“Ouch, that's brutal. However, she's right Sylvia. I still have people look at me as if I kill Eric so I could get the insurance money from the wreck.” Brie grabbed Sylvia's hand and held it between both of hers.

“I know; I get those looks too.”

“Then imagine how much worse it'll be if they find out he wanted to divorce.” Marianne rose and stepped behind Brie. “Please let it go. If working at Mama Turner's is causing the problem, tell Knox to take a flying leap off a high bridge.”

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IT's Exec's Baby - 2nd Book in Executives' Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)  

With the warmth of the sun beating down on her head and the sound of her children’s laughter ringing in her ears, Brie spread her arms and spun in a circle.

She raised her voice and called to her kids as she walked to the railing of the upper deck. “You better find a good hiding place because ready or not here I come.”

With Isabella down for a nap, Brie drew in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air and the freedom from being stuck inside the house. The kids had convinced her to play with them outside. She loved the easy game of hide-and-go-seek. Glancing over the rail, she scanned the backyard, searching for Ethan’s and Allison’s young forms.

A giggle sounded from below the deck.

Brie stepped down a few stairs to search the patio below. Still unable to catch a glimpse of her children, she continued down the staircase, listening for sounds that might give her a clue to their whereabouts.

Not seeing either one of them, she hugged the back wall and silently slipped to the corner of the house that had concrete steps, which led to the front yard.

Determined to catch one of her kids heading for home-base, Brie refrained from peeking around the corner. The squeak of a tennis shoe alerted her to someone’s arrival.

Ready to grab them the minute they rounded the corner, Brie stayed out of sight. A shadow fell across the patio, and Allison’s young form raced past.

Jumping out to grab her, Brie touched her daughter’s shoulder.

Allison’s wail of surprise vibrated off the bottom of the deck and pierced through Brie’s brain. Undeterred by the noise, she caught her daughter’s arm and spun her around.

“I got you.”

“No,” Allison screamed again.

Footsteps thundered across the deck above. “Brie, Allison, where are you?”

The concern in Jason’s voice threw Brie. He hadn’t stopped by since their date. What was he doing here now?

Allison groaned and wrapped her hands around Brie’s waist. “Ethan must have led him through the house.”

“Mom, where are you?” Ethan’s short legs appeared at the top of the stairs leading down to the patio. He leaned over the banister, a wide smile on his face. “Coach just stopped by.”

Allison whirled around and pointed a finger at her brother. “And you cheated. You’re not supposed to go through the house.”

“But...” Ethan walked down a few steps. A pair of jean-covered legs appeared and Jason stepped into view.

“That was my fault. I thought it would be the quickest way out here.” Jason added, taking the blame off her son.

Brie raked her gaze over his lean form encased in a blue t-shirt and faded jeans. The wind had tossed his dark hair in disarray. He appeared as if he had all the time in the world.

“But you’re not even playing the game with us.” Allison shuffled backwards, grumbling to her mother, “I shouldn't have to be it because they’re not playing fair.”

Brie laid her hands on her daughter’s shoulders and offered her a conspirator’s wink. With the excitement of seeing him again singing through her blood, she forced herself to remain calm. “You’re right. I say we make Jason it.”

“Hey, I didn't even know we were playing hide-and-seek,” Jason argued and lightly tapped Ethan’s arm with his fist. “You didn’t tell me, sport.”

“Tough, that’s the cost of showing up late.” Brie sidestepped her daughter, but before she could take more than a few steps her daughter caught her hand.

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Marketing Exec's Widow 1st Book in Executives' Wives' Club series (strong women fiction elements)  

Friday night, sitting at a booth in a nice, romantic restaurant, Jen silently wished she could enjoy the subdued atmosphere, and order a rib eye steak. Instead, her hands shook and her stomach churned with doubt. The survival skills she’d learned after becoming a real estate agent demanded a calm, composed front, but she couldn’t pull it off.

Hell, who was she fooling?

After ten years without a date, what made her believe she could do this again? She stared at the menu. Could she even swallow a bite of beef? And if not, what should she order?

She lifted her gaze to the drop-dead gorgeous man on the other side of the table. Hagan Cheney, a Greek god incarnated, had strawberry blond hair glowing like gold around his head. Wide shoulders and strong arms were encased in a hunter-green cashmere sweater. Apollo himself wouldn’t look any better.

Why in heaven’s name did he ask her on a date?

And why did she care?

She had no plans other than a casual dinner for two.

He glanced up and a pretty-boy grin crossed his lips. The twinkle in his hazel eyes softened the square line of his jaw. “So have you decided what you want?”

Heat simmered low in her belly. Oh, yeah, answering that question the wrong way could get her into a world of trouble.

Tempted by wicked ideas, Jen blinked and stared at the menu. She’d do better if he didn’t know the wild directions of her brainwaves. “I’m not sure I can eat. I haven’t been this nervous since my first date with Craig.”

Ah, shit, I wasn’t supposed to mention him. Fire burned her cheeks and her gaze popped onto Hagan’s befuddled expression.

“Craig?” Hagan lowered his menu.

“My...uh...husband. He died several months ago.” Jen’s grip tightened on the plastic folder and her heart raced into overdrive. Great, just what she needed to say to start the evening off on the right note. Mention your dead husband and kill the mood.

“Want to call the evening a bust?” she blurted out, angry at herself for failing so miserably at the dating game.

Hagan leaned forward and folded his hands above his menu. “No. I already knew.”

“What? How?” She clenched her hands together under the table. He said he moved here from Texas, having arrived a few months ago to set up his practice and to be near his dad. How could he have found out? Did someone tell him? But who?

“My dad told me. He read about your husband’s accident in the paper.”

“God, you must think I’m awful.”

“Not even in the ballpark as to what I think about you. Because I know you would never have said yes to a night out with me if you’d been happy in your marriage.”

His words hit her like a fist to the face and her head snapped backward, striking the wooden partition between the booths. Wow, how could he have guessed the truth when so many people who knew her hadn’t?

She closed her eyes and searched for an answer. For so long, she’d kept her emotions bottled inside, not allowing anyone to see the loneliness or heartache her unhappy marriage had caused. What now? Lie, or admit the truth?

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Hope you enjoy,


Tina