Be Swept Away

 

SWEPT AWAY FOR CHRISTMAS

by MJ Fredrick, Tanya Michaels and Trish Milburn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Christmas isn’t always snow-covered with a frosty chill in the air. Sometimes it’s sandy beaches with balmy breezes.

And sometimes we find love in the most unexpected places, a place like Starfish Shores.

Here Comes McBride

Shelby James has only truly loved one man — but Finn McBride broke her heart when emotional baggage from his past came between them. Now, Shelby is serving as maid of honor at a beach wedding where Finn is the best man. Will reuniting with Finn be a Christmas miracle, or the worst mistake she's ever made?

Two Hearts a Leaping

After a break-up with her high school sweetheart, Harley Blume retreats to her brother's home in Starfish Shores to lick her wounds and figure out what she's doing next. But her brother is in the Coast Guard reserves and heading out of town, leaving her in the care of Liam Channing, his best friend since they played college football together. She's never been able to keep her tongue in her mouth when good-looking, easy-going Liam is around. How is she going to find her way if she can't keep her balance?

Cruisin’ for a Kiss

When Avery Phillips loses her magazine job right before Christmas, she heads back home to Starfish Shores to spend the holidays with the grandparents who raised her. The plan is to hit the job search hard so that she has a new position when the New Year arrives. What isn’t part of the plan is heading up a remodeling effort at her family’s beach motel or falling for the man helping to save the business into which her grandparents put a lifetime of work. As Christmas draws closer, will Avery stick to the original plan to leave town again or take a chance with Luke Taylor and a new life she never expected?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cruisin’ for a Kiss
By Trish Milburn

If the last contractor didn’t present her with a more reasonable figure, she’d start all over tomorrow. Surely there was someone out there who’d be grateful enough for work this time of year to cut her a nice deal.

When the door opened, she glanced up expecting to see another middle-aged guy who’d gone a little soft around the middle. At a glance, she was going to guess there wasn’t anything soft about the man staring back at her. Tall, lean, dark blond hair and light eyes. It wasn’t until he shot her a hint of a grin that she remembered it wasn’t nice to stare at hot strangers.

Way to go, Phillips.

She resisted the urge to check her mouth for drool.

“You called about an estimate,” he said as he sauntered up to the front counter.

Hoping her legs supported her, Avery stood. “Yeah. We want to give the place a new but vintage look.” She broke eye contact and took her time rounding the counter so she could try to corral her suddenly raging hormones.

She led him to the area they used for continental breakfasts and told him about her idea for a soda fountain, black-and-white checked floor tiles and a pressed tin ceiling.

“I know all that might not be possible, but I’m just looking to get ballpark figures now.”

“I think we can work something out.”

Something about his voice seemed familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. She allowed her gaze to stay focused on him a little too long as he wrote in a small notepad. He smiled, more fully this time, when he lifted his eyes to catch her watching.

“You don’t remember me, do you?”

She was supposed to know him? Surely she would have remembered someone that good looking. Not only remembered but had wild, steamy dreams about him.

“I’m sorry.”

She expected him to give her his name, but he didn’t. No, he left her dangling on the hook, desperately searching her brain for the names of every man with whom she’d ever crossed paths. He looked about her age. A classmate? He acted like he had some sway with whether his company took the project or not, so maybe he was the owner? The names of all the companies she’d called the day before floated through her head until one clicked. Taylor Construction.

Surely not. It couldn’t be.

“Luke?”

“Bingo.”

This definitely wasn’t the Luke Taylor she remembered. The one she knew had been more on the nerdy end of the scale than the make-me-pant end. He hadn’t been ugly, but he’d rarely looked up from his books. And he’d lived behind glasses and worn clothes that were either forgettable or further proclaimed his geekitude. She’d expected him to grow up to be a medical researcher or rocket scientist, not a construction worker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bios and Links:

MJ Fredrick knows about chasing dreams. Twelve years after she completed her first novel, she signed her first publishing contract. Now she divides her days between teaching elementary music, and diving into her own writing—traveling everywhere in her mind, from Belize to Honduras to Africa to the past.

She's a four-time Golden Heart Award finalist, and she won the 2009 Eppie Award with Hot Shot and the 2010 Eppie with Breaking Daylight. She was a 2012 Epic Award finalist with Don’t Look Back.

Connect with MJ online.
Website: http://mjfredrick.com Blog: http://mjfredrick.wordpress.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1hf1goB
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/16D4kvK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJFredrick


Four-time RITA finalist Tanya Michaels is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than thirty books. Her stories incorporate the same elements she values in real life—community, family and a sense of humor. Her current releases include the popular Colorado Cades trilogy for Harlequin American Romance.

She lives in Atlanta, GA with a very patient husband as well as two kids and a dog who are plotting against her. When not writing, reading, or spending time with her family, Tanya watches entirely too much TV. She’s also made Twitter her virtual home. Join her there to hear about her life as a writer and the outrageous things her kids say.
Website: http://www.tanyamichaels.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTanyaMichaels
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanyamichaels


Trish Milburn is the author of contemporary romance for Harlequin American Romance, paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne, young adult fiction for Bell Bridge Books and indie publishes her romantic suspense, women’s fiction and other titles. She’s a two-time Golden Heart award winner, a fan of walks in the woods and road trips, and is a big geek girl, including being a dedicated Whovian and Browncoat.

Twitter: @TrishMilburn

GIVING AWAY: 

The authors will award a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour and comment; the more comments, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/10/blurb-blitz-swept-away-for-christmas-by.html

thanks Ladies for stopping by,

Tina

Prostitution or Death? #Authorquote by Rochelle Weber

quote from my first book, Rock Bound:

A dictator has taken over the United States and Annie Peterson has been arrested at a protest. The sentence for treason is death, or...

"Well, it was prostitution or death. Annie supposed she could endure ten years as a prostitute. ...

Blurb

The future is a dangerous place for dreamers and idealists.

When a dictator takes over the United States, Annie Peterson attends a protest in Washington, DC, with her husband Paul. US troops fire into the crowd killing him, and Jake Johnsrud, a virtual stranger, risks his life to save hers. They are among the survivors who are sentenced to slavery on the Moon for their “crimes”—Jake as a miner; Annie as a sex slave.

Jake fights increasing feelings of anger and jealousy as Annie struggles to perform her job, while she resists her increasing attraction to him. Along with their fellow inmates, they fight to survive on the lunar "rock" that is their prison.

Links:

Buy Links Create Space Buy Link: https://www.createspace.com/3559316 Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/43292 Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/rbriwamazon BN: http://tinyurl.com/RockBoundNook

Contact Links: Website: www.rochelleweber.com Author Blog: http://rochelleweber.blogspot.com Review Blog: http://rochellesreviews.blogspot.com Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Rochelle.Weber.Author?ref=hl Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RochelleWeber Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/rochelleweber Thanks Rochelle for stopping by and for sharing, Tina

"Never pass up..." #AuthorQuote by Naomi Bellina

Never pass up the opportunity to have an adventure.
 

Naomi Bellina

Adventurous erotic romance

http://www.naomibellina.com/

http://www.facebook.com/NaomiBellinaAuthor

https://twitter.com/TheGoddessNaomi

 

Blurb:

 

Along with rewards, magic breeds danger.  Star, Adam and Tristan submit to study with the secret authoritarian group, the Vigilar, in preparation to reveal the existence of magical beings to the world. But will this knowledge be used for good or evil? Doubts creep in when Star is assigned to work with Lucas, a man from Adam’s past, a man known to have dangerous ideas. Bigger problems arise during a sensual ménage when they discover a shape changer dragon in their midst. Lucas claims the Vigilar plan to use shifters, especially powerful beings like dragons, for malevolent purposes, which puts Star and her special abilities in danger. Adam must devise a strategy to thwart the Vigilar and learn more about this controlling entity. While implementing their plans, Star struggles with the fear of unleashing and learning to control all the powers within her. She struggles, too, with her feelings for Adam. Should she fight against her deepening love for a man who could desire power more than he loves her? The combustion of a potent sexual ritual forces Adam to face the question of their love and for Star to awaken the fire within.

 

Buy links:

 

Buy links for Awaken the Fire (use either set that works for you)

 

Amazon

Total-E-Bound

All Romance

Kobo

Barnes and Noble

 

 

http://is.gd/awakenfire_amz

http://is.gd/awakenfire_totalebound

http://is.gd/awakenfire_allromance

http://is.gd/awakenfire_kobo

http://is.gd/awakenfire_barnesnoble

Thanks for stopping by and sharing,

Tina

 

 

Better to Love and Lost? Finn McGraw Disagrees.

On Sale Today for $.99

The Seacrest

by Aaron Paul Lazar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

They say it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Finn McGraw disagrees.

He was just seventeen when he had a torrid summer affair with the girl who stole his heart—and then inexplicably turned on him. Finn may have moved on with his life, but he’s never forgotten her.

Now, ten years later, he’s got more than his lost love to worry about. A horrific accident turns his life upside down, resurrecting the ghosts of his long-dead family and taking the lives of the few people he has left.

Finn always believed his estranged brother was responsible for the fire that killed their family—but an unexpected inheritance with a mystery attached throws everything he knows into doubt.

And on top of that, the beguiling daughter of his wealthy employer has secrets of her own. But the closer he gets, the harder she pushes him away.

The Seacrest is a story of intrigue and betrayal, of secrets and second chances—and above all, of a love that never dies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July 2nd, 1997

We collapsed on the sand with the ball between us, breathing hard and laughing.

“You’re pretty good at this,” she said.

I leaned back on my arms and chuckled. “So are you. For a girl.”

She sat up and hit my arm. “What? For a girl?”

Afraid she’d storm off, I took her hand and pulled her close to me. “I’m just kidding! Really, you’re good, even for a guy.”

She smiled that lazy, sweet grin again and I felt my heart melt.

“Okay. That’s better.”

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Guess.”

“What?”

“Guess.”

“Okay.” I sat up, furrowed my brow, and placed fingertips against my temples, staring at her.

“I’m getting something. It’s coming.”

She laughed and poked my chest. “Oh, really? What do you see?”

I gave it a shot. “Jennifer?”

She snorted. “No!”

I tried again. “Sarah?”

She giggled. “Heck, no.”

I tried to think of the most popular names of our generation, hoping it was one of them.

“Allison?”

“Uhnt-uh.” She shook her head.

“Give me a hint.”

“No.”

“Oh, come on!” I frowned. “How can I guess?”

“You have to.”

“Okay. Hannah? Jessica? Carly? Jenna? Lisa?”

“No, no, no, no, and no.”

“Hey. How ‘bout if I tell you my name?”

“What is it?”

I hesitated. “It’s a weird one.”

“Tell me.”

“Okay. It’s Finn.”

She tilted her head. “That’s not weird. I like it. Finn.” She seemed to taste the letters on her tongue, enjoying the feel of it. “It’s different. But nice.”

“Okay. Your turn.” I sat forward expectantly.

“Nope. I’m not telling. You have to keep guessing.”

I ran through all the names I could imagine, and didn’t hit on it. Frustrated now, I flopped back on the sand. “Okay. Then I’m gonna make up a name for you.”

She made a face. “Really?” Quickly, she leaned over me, her face blocking the sun.

In a sudden rush of feeling, I wanted to pull her to me, to smother her in kisses, to taste the salt on her skin.

“Okay, what’s it gonna be? What’s my new name?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming Twilight Times Books releases, SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).

Links:

Author’s website: www.lazarbooks.com
Author’s collaborative writing blog: www.murderby4.blogspot.com
Author’s personal blog: www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

Connect with Aaron Lazar:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aplazar2
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aplazar
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/AaronPaulLazar

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Aaron-Paul-Lazar/e/B001JOZR2M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/aaron-lazar/4/b50/a2a/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/106903480874581085678/posts
Twilight Times Books by multi-award winning author, Aaron Lazar:

LEGARDE MYSTERIES: http://www.lazarbooks.com/guslegardemysteries.htm
DOUBLE FORTÉ (print, eBook, audio book)
UPSTAGED (print, eBook, audio book)
TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (print, eBook, audio book)
MAZURKA (print, eBook, audio book)
FIRESONG (print, eBook, audio book)
DON’T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU (print, eBook, audio book) VIRTUOSO (~2014)
MOORE MYSTERIES: http://www.lazarbooks.com/sammooremysteries.htm
HEALEY'S CAVE (print, eBook, audio book)
TERROR COMES KNOCKING (print, eBook, audio book)
FOR KEEPS (print, eBook, audio book)
TALL PINES MYSTERIES: http://www.lazarbooks.com/tallpinesmysteries.htm
FOR THE BIRDS (print, eBook, audio book)
ESSENTIALLY YOURS (print, eBook, audio book)
SANCTUARY (2014)
MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (~2014)
STANDALONES: THE SEACREST (coming fall of 2013)

WRITING ADVICE:

WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1, 2, 3 (ebooks and audio books) http://www.lazarbooks.com/forwriters.htm

AWARDS: Double Forté 2012 ForeWord BOTYA, Mystery, FINALIST Tremolo: cry of the loon – 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Grand Prize Short List 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Honorable Mention, Eric Hoffer Legacy Fiction 2011 Global eBook Award Finalist in Historical Fiction Contemporary 2011 Preditors & Editors Readers Choice Award – 2nd place Mystery 2008 Yolanda Renée's Top Ten Books 2008 MYSHELF Top Ten Reads For the Birds 2011 ForeWord Book Awards, FINALIST in Mystery 2012 Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Top 10 Reads Essentially Yours 2013 EPIC Book Awards, FINALIST in Suspense 2013 Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist Healey’s Cave 2012 EPIC Book Awards WINNER Best Paranormal 2011 Eric Hoffer Book Award, WINNER Best Book in Commercial Fiction 2011 Finalist for Allbooks Review Editor's Choice 2011 Winner of Carolyn Howard Johnson's 9th Annual Noble (not Noble!) Prize for Literature 2011 Finalists for Global EBook Awards Terror Comes Knocking 2013 Global Ebook Awards, Paranormal – Bronze For Keeps 2013 Semi Finalist in Kindle Book Review Book Awards, Mystery Category

GIVING AWAY:

Aaron will be awarding at random six individual prizes to six randomly drawn commenters during the tour: For the Birds eBook(Kindle, Nook, or PDF), For the Birds Audio Book narrated by Hannah Seusy, For the Birds print book, Essentially Yours eBook (Kindle, Nook, PDF), Essentially Yours Audio Book, narrated by Hannah Seusy, Essentially Yours print book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/10/virtual-super-book-blast-tour-seacrest.html

Thanks for stopping by,

Tina

Answer to the Chaos -- #AuthorQuote by Maria Flanigan

My favorite quote that I wrote to a family member about my writing is "Writing is the only way I know to truly control chaos."
-- Maria Flanigan

 

Blurb -

Artist Kate Abernethy is trying to put her life back together after the death of her boyfriend. At first, moving back in with her mother seems like a good way to sort out her finances and re-evaluate her life—instead it proves to be a minefield of doubt and recrimination. Floundering, she pushes herself to take new opportunities so she can rebuild her life and have a second chance at happiness.

Here is the buy link:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Beautiful-Thing-Marie-Flanigan/dp/1484972600/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372693701&sr=8-1&keywords=one+big+beautiful+thing

My website: mflanigan.com
My Twitter account: @marie_flanigan

Thanks for sharing,

Tina

Billionaire's Matchmaker

Billionaire's Matchmaker, an Anthology

by Shirley Jump, Susan Meier, Jackie Braun and Barbara Wallace

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:
 

Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

 

Driving Mr. Wrong Home by Shirley Jump: When a handsome man from Gabby’s past agrees to a cross-country road trip, her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an unexpected, romantic reunion.

 

The Sheriff’s Secret by Susan Meier: Marney’s 9-1-1 emergency help arrives in the form of a rugged, blue-eyed cop. Now she has the perfect bodyguard to keep her safe during those dark, steamy nights…

 

Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun: The last thing Mia wants is a relationship…yet the headstrong florist can’t keep her hands off her sexy-as-sin ex-boyfriend.  Will she open her heart before he leaves town for good?

 

Love in the Shadows by Barbara Wallace: Jenny is a woman on a mission – she’ll even resort to dognapping to make her point! But can she teach a reclusive, emotionally-wounded tycoon that love heals all thing?

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT: “Driving Mr. Wrong Home” in THE BILLIONAIRE’S MATCHMAKER by Shirley Jump

 

Damn, he looked good, with the dark hair she remembered, now a little longer and with a wave that swung across his forehead. She had the strangest urge to brush that hair back, to let her hands tangle in the locks, to draw him closer to her, to—

 

Kiss him.

 

Instead, she talked, keeping her mouth busy with something other than T.J. “What’s with you and this adventure thing? You used to be the one I had to convince.”

 

He mouth quirked. “Do I detect a little surprise? At not being in control?”

 

“I can turn the tables on you so fast, your head will spin.”

 

He leaned back on the bench, crossed his arms over his chest, and smiled. “Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try.”

 

The challenge roared inside her, awakening the old Gabby. It spurred her to stand up slowly while T.J. watched the movement. Even in jeans, boots, and a thick winter coat, she knew how to shift her hips to draw his attention. His smile grew wider as she closed the distance between them, propped a hand on either side of him, then leaned in close, a breath away. She waited until his brows arched in surprise and his smile faltered, like in the old days, when he stuttered, unnerved by her in a miniskirt or a racy suggestion. Oh, she’d show him who was in control and maybe he’d stop trying to prove otherwise.

 

She brought her lips to his and whispered against his mouth. “The tables are turned, Mr. Shepherd. What are you going to do about it?”

 

“Turn them back in my favor.” He cupped her head and drew her closer.

 

 

EXCERPT: “The Sheriff’s Secret” in THE BILLIONAIRE’S MATCHMAKER by Susan Meier

 

 

 

During the next six weeks Marney created some of the most spectacular jewelry she’d ever designed. Though she normally worked day and night when she was in creation mode, with Dell coming over for supper every evening, she found it easy to quit when he arrived. Some days he brought food. Some days she made food. Other days they ordered pizza or Chinese food and had it delivered.

 

She could have given Charlie back to Gabby, but T.J. was still organizing his Chandler’s Cove office. Boneparte had been overseas since January and didn’t show any signs of coming home so Gabby was grateful that Marney could keep sweet Charlie for a few more weeks. With Dell sleeping at her house until midnight every night that he didn’t work, she felt totally protected. But, frankly, Charlie was the only one Marney could talk to about Dell.

 

“Remember how I wondered what sleeping with Dell would make me?”

 

Charlie barked.

 

“I’ve finally figured it out.”

 

He tilted his head.

 

“It makes me happy.”

 

Charlie barked twice.

 

She turned off her computer, grabbed her purse and tapped her thighs twice. Charlie raced over and she lifted him into her arms. “You’ve been so sweet over the past six weeks that I’m not making you walk ever again.” She kissed the fur between his ears. “I’m carrying you everywhere.”

 

At her house, she threw together a simple supper of salad, French fries and thick steaks to be grilled once Dell arrived. At exactly six o’clock, he opened her kitchen door and stepped inside.

 

He didn’t hesitate. He yanked her to him and kissed her so greedily, her heart about stopped.

 

Breathless, she pulled away. “Okay. I was going to put the steaks on as soon as you got here but I’m thinking you might be hungry for something else.”

 

He nuzzled her neck. “I just might be.”

 

She laughed.

 

“How about sex first and steak second?

 

“Sounds good.”

 

He kissed her again, then scooped her up and took her to the bedroom.

 

 

EXCERPT FROM Love in the Shadows by Barbara Wallace:

“Would you like my driver to take you home so you wouldn’t have to travel alone?” 

She told herself it was relief, not disappointment, falling heavy in her stomach. “I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble.”

“You’re not putting me to any trouble, and my driver does what he’s told. Besides, it’s the least I can do. It was nice to be able…to have the company.”

“I enjoyed it, too.” She wondered what he was originally going to say before changing his words. “Plus you got a dog out of the bargain.” 

 “So I did.” Again, she caught the flash of a smile in the dark. 

“Thank you for bringing Charlie back.” 

“Thank you for not pressing charges.” 

“I wouldn’t have anyway. You made some valid points this afternoon. I’ll see to it Charlie gets more attention.” 

“He’d like that,” she replied with a smile. 

A thick silence settled between them. Jenny wished she could see Nick’s face. She swore she could feel his gaze searching hers. His eyes zeroing in on her lips. Why else would her mouth run dry? 

“Jenny…” 

“You really should install some outside lighting,” she said, swallowing hard. “I can barely see my hand in front of my face.”

She didn’t need to see to feel his body come closer. The air around her hummed with his presence. “That so? I can see just fine.” His voice was rough, intimate. 

“That’s because you like the dark,” she told him.

“Who says I like it?” 

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact you’re out here without a flashlight or the fact you insisted on meeting in a dark room this afternoon.’ She tipped her face upward. “Why did you act all mysterious today? Were you trying to frighten me?” 

She figured he might dodge the question; she didn’t count on his hand reaching out to caress her jaw. “You have such pale skin,” he murmured. “I bet in the moonlight, it would glow silver.”

“I—I—I wouldn’t know.” Jenny suddenly couldn’t think. The seductive growl in Nick’s voice should frighten her. She was alone in the woods with a man whose wealth and power allowed him to take and do whatever he wanted. The realization should not send a thrill shooting through her body. But it did, and that scared her. His feathery touch left her trembling. Had her wanting more. Dear God, if he were to close the gap between them, she would… 

She would… 

She gasped as his arm reached out and yanked her close. Her flashlight and leash tumbled to the ground. Knocked off balance, she had little choice but to grip the front of his jacket with her free hand, fingers twisting in the worsted wool. She felt his erection against her hip. Instead of setting off warning bells, the knowledge he was aroused fueled her own arousal. The hunger unfolded from a place deep in her soul, as though the lessons from five years ago never happened. She was once again wanton, needy. 

“So long,” she heard him whisper. He might as well have been reading her mind. When his lips brushed hers, she sighed and allowed him access. His tongue swept into her mouth without warning. Jenny moaned. He tasted of mint and coffee. She clutched his jacket tighter, pulling close, her hips seeking friction. In the back of her mind, she knew this was a mistake, but the voice of reason couldn’t be heard above the rush of blood in her ears. Unable to stop herself, she mewled and clung to him as his hands slid down her back, cupped her bottom.

From far off, she heard a dog barking. Lulu. Charlie. Their baying reached where common sense couldn’t and she came back to earth. What was she thinking? She broke free of Nick’s grasp. 

“I—I—” 

Unable to form words, she turned her attention to fumbling for Lulu’s leash. If it was any consolation, Nick appeared to be as dazed as she was. The minute she pushed away, he’d stepped to the edge of the path. He stood there now, silently watching her while Charlie weaved around his legs. Jenny could hear his ragged breath mixing with hers. 

What had she been thinking? For years she’d managed to behave herself, to keep the needy, desperate side of her personality in check, and now here she was, practically climbing up a stranger in the woods. She couldn’t get off the property fast enough. Finally, she located the end of Lulu’s leash. Forget getting a ride from his driver. Calling him would take too long. 

Grabbing the leash as well as her flashlight, she stood up. Her legs were still shaking, and she had to hold her arm out to steady herself. This caused the light’s arc to swing wide. The beam shone straight at Nick.

For the first time, Jenny saw the face of the man she’d so wantonly kissed.

 

Excerpt from Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun in The Billionaire’s Matchmaker anthology  

Marney leaned down and patted Charlie’s head. “Bye, boy. Don’t let her do anything I wouldn’t do.” He let out a soft yip, almost as if he understood. 

Mia, however, wasn’t sure she did. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Nothing. Be good.” Marney pointed a finger at the dog. “Charlie’s going to be on his best behavior for me. Aren’t you?” Mia said.

Was it her imagination or did the little dog wink?

“You just keep telling yourself that. Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to run.” Marney was halfway out the open front door when she called over her shoulder, “Oh, by the way, Charlie has a checkup with the vet at five-thirty today. Don’t be late.” 

The door closed on Mia’s shocked expression. By the time she made it to the porch, Marney was already in her car driving away. Tires actually squealed. Mia scowled. The only veterinarian in Chandler’s Cove was Gideon Roth, hence Marney’s speedy getaway. 

Gideon was a prime specimen of a man with a muscular build, thick sandy hair, rich brown eyes that could undress a woman with a glance, and a mouth that could turn her most wanton fantasies

 

into reality. Mia knew all of this firsthand.

 

Gideon Roth was her ex-boyfriend. 

She’d broken up with him six months earlier. Marney and Gabby, as well as Jenny Travolini—the other woman who formed their close quartet of friends—had been surprised. And no wonder. Gideon was a prize. Not only gorgeous and gainfully employed, but smart, funny, and abundantly decent. 

Mia’s reason for dumping him? He’d said, “I love you.” 

Three little words that most women longed to hear. Not Mia. Especially when Gid had gotten down on one knee on Christmas Day and backed them up with a diamond engagement ring large enough to have its own ZIP code.

Panic had bubbled up, burning her like lava. God help her, for one foolish moment, hope had as well—a geyser’s worth of it had shot up and then rained down on the old, painful memories. But nothing could wash away the past, which was why Mia had come to her senses. 

Why did Gid have to go and ruin a really good thing with a declaration of love and a proposal of marriage?

Mia trusted neither.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bios and Links:

 

ABOUT SHIRLEY JUMP

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump spends her days writing romance and women’s fiction to feed her shoe addiction and avoid cleaning the toilets. She cleverly finds writing time by feeding her kids junk food, allowing them to dress in the clothes they find on the floor and encouraging the dogs to double as vacuum cleaners. Look for her Sweet and Savory Romance series, including the USA Today bestselling book, THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE, on Amazon and Nook, and the debut of her Sweetheart Club series for Berkley, starting with THE SWEETHEART BARGAIN in September 2013. Visit her website at www.shirleyjump.com or read recipes and life adventures at www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com.

 

BOOK TITLE: “Driving Mr. Wrong Home” in THE BILLIONAIRE’S MATCHMAKER, Indulgence

 

www.facebook.com/shirleyjump.author

www.twitter.com/shirleyjump

www.goodreads.com/shirleyjump

www.shirleyjum.com

www.eating-my-words.com (blog)

 

 

About Jackie Braun

 

Jackie Braun is the author of more than 30 contemporary romance novels.  She is a three-time RITA Award finalist, a four-time National Readers’ Choice Award finalist and was nominated for Series Storyteller of the Year by RT Book Club in 2008. She lives in Michigan with her husband, their two sons and a former shelter dog named Pip.

 

Anthology name and my title: The Billionaire’s Matchmaker/Love Unleashed.

 

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

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jackie_Braun

 

Website: www.jackiebraun.com

 

Blogging 2 Tuesdays each month on The Chocolate Box: www.chocolateboxwriters.com

 

About Susan Meier

 

In 2013 Susan Meier lived one of her career-long dreams. Her book, THE TYCOON’S SECRET DAUGHER was a finalist for RWA’s highest honor, the Rita! The same year NANNY FOR THE MILLIONAIRE’S TWINS was a Book Buyer’s Best Award finalist and National Reader’s Choice finalist.

 

Susan is the author of over 50 books for Harlequin and Silhouette, Entangled Indulgence and one of Guideposts' Grace Chapel Inn series books, THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS.

 

One of eleven kids, Susan never lacks for entertainment or amusement from her over thirty nieces and nephews. Her family’s Wednesday Morning Breakfasts are the highlight of her summer. And with lots of her nieces and nephews now in their twenties, wedding season is in full swing!

 

Susan lives in west central Pennsylvania with her husband, son and two crazy cats.

 

THE SHERIFF’S SECRET in the THE BILLIONAIRE’S MATCHMAKER anthology for Entangled Indulgence

 

Connect with Susan at

susanmeier.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.meier.54

Twitter: @susanmeier1

 

About Barbara Wallace

 

Barbara Wallace has been a life-long romantic and daydreamer so it’s not surprising she decided to become a writer at age eight.  However, it wasn’t until a co-worker handed her a romance novel that she knew where her stories belonged.  Her first Harlequin Romance debuted in November 2010.

 

Barbara loves writing sweet, smart, ‘it-could-happen-to-you’ style romances.  She lives in Massachusetts with her other loves – her husband, their teenage son, and three very spoiled pets (as if there could be any other kind).  She also loves hearing from readers. 

 

You can find her at her website (www.barbarawallace.com), on Twitter (@BarbaraTWallace) and on Facebook.

AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: 

a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/10/blurb-blitz-billionaires-matchmaker.html