Bad Boy Anon Blog Hop

Welcome to the blog hop!

This may be dating me, but when I was a kid I used to LOVE watching 'Happy Days' re-runs. The Fonz. Seriously. The ultimate Bad Boy. He could snap his fingers, and girls would literally come out of the woodwork and fall all over themselves to get to his side. There's just something about the bad boy.

And let's face it.

Some of us are more addicted than others.

Allow me to feed your habit! I have three ebooks to giveaway today. Each one with a bad boy hero to satisfy your craving.

Just leave me a comment below with your favorite Bad Boy of all time (don't forget contact info so I can let you know if you win!). I'll draw three names at random to give away one of the three following books (winners' choice).

The Picture by Stephanie Taylor

Sophie lives her life as a hospice nurse running from her past and over-compensating for her sins. She wants nothing more than to help others the way someone once helped her. But she never expected to get so attached to one of her patients. Nicholas is suddenly looking for more meaning in his life than money, fast women and flashing lights. Life as a rocker has left him empty. Only Emily filled the gaping hole in his heart and with her death, his soul is broken into pieces. When two lives collide, Sophie and Nicholas know they'll never be the same. Together, they try to figure out a message Emily has left behind. Can they succeed before the realities of life tear them apart?

Beguiling Bridget by Leah Sanders & Rachel Van Dyken

Driven to distraction by the redhead across the room, Anthony Benson barely hears the terms of his brother’s challenge before agreeing to them.

No matter. It will be easy. Viscount Maddox has never had any problem impressing the ladies. And four weeks is more than enough time to win over this so obviously neglected wallflower.

But things are never as easy as they seem.

The lady has lofty aspirations. And not one of them includes love or marriage. Especially not with an arrogant and self-assured playboy like the viscount. No matter how attractive he may be.

Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Don't forget to follow the hop! Lots of Bad Boys to be had! :)

Bad Boy Anon Blog Hop Sign-Up (October 16-19)

Have a BAD BOY book addiction?

Wanna share your favorite book bad boy with the world?

GOOD NEWS!

Now there is a venue for just that! Join the Bad Boy Anon Blog Hop as your first step toward recovery.

Hello. My name is...

And I am a bad boy addict.

RULES:

• The Bad Boys Anon Blog Hop image must be a part of your giveaway post.
• You must give away a book(s) (ebook or paperback) with a hero who is a bad boy.
• Include the linky list with all the participating blogs at the end of your post OR link to the host's site.
• Keep your giveaway easy to find for the entire time the hop is open.
• Be clear about what you are giving away and how the guest can enter.
• If your blog has steamy/racy pictures on it or if your giveaway is steamy/racy, make sure to post a warning in case there are underage hoppers checking things out.
• Please try to keep your giveaway rules as simple as possible.
• No more than 6 entries allowed, only 1 mandatory entry.
• If you are using Rafflecopter, set it to begin accepting entries on October 15th and to stop accepting entries on October 19th.
• All posts need to be up by 12:01 AM on October 16th. Up to 24 hours early is fine. But don't be late. Once your post is live AND accepting entries please email shoelace.sanders (at) gmail (dot) com your direct link so we can update the linky.
• To sign up to host a giveaway for this hop please add your blog to the linky with your shipping info (either US only or INT) in parenthesis following your blog name. If you forget we will assume you are shipping to the US only.
• Each blog is responsible for obtaining a prize for giveaway and paying for the shipping.
• Check the linky the day of the hop to be sure you are still on it and that your link still works.

Go to the linky to sign up! :)

Sweet Saturday: Red Dust

Dust storm approaching Stratford, Texas. (Photo in public domain
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dust-storm-Texas-1935.png#file)

“What is it, Pa?” Naomi caught the panic in Lem’s demeanor the second he set foot in the front yard at a dead run. Her heart leaped to her throat and her gaze drew to the horizon behind him — a dark red swirling cloud darkening the sky in the middle of the day.

“Dust storm!” His boots clattered across the porch. “You get the boys, I’ll get the windows! We’re gonna need wet rags. That’s Red Dust comin’!”

Naomi didn’t wait to be told twice. She dropped the laundry into the basket, gathered her skirts and ran around the house hollering at the top of her lungs, “Mel! Kilion! House!”

Her two boys looked up from where they were fixing the back fence. Seeing her frantic movements, they glanced at the sky and understood immediately. Mel ran for the barn to bar the door, while the younger of the two sprinted toward the pump behind the house.

“Where are the rags, Ma?” he called.

“In the barrel!” she yelled back. The wind was picking up now, and the howling filled her ears. They had only moments before the dust would be upon them. The third time this month.

Back inside the house, Kilion distributed the wet rags, and they huddled together around the kitchen table listening to the wind whip around the house. Lem had gathered the lanterns and lit them, but the dust outside covered the sun, leaving no light but what they could get from the oil lamps.

“They’re getting worse,” Kilion muttered through the wet rag over his mouth and nose.

Lem leaned forward on his elbows with his hands folded in front of him. He had secured a wet bandana over his face, and Naomi could see his knuckles grow white with tension. From her place beside him, she reached for his hands, covering them with her own gently.

When his gaze finally met hers, she could see the raw emotion he was desperately trying to conceal. Lem was a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was for a purpose. Naomi waited as the flying dust whistled outside the thin walls.

Lem swallowed hard. “The top soil’s gone. Won’t get no crops this year.” His eyes searched hers for understanding.

Naomi nodded. Her stomach seemed to twist in empathy for her husband’s grief. She knew he felt it was a failure on his part, and her heart went out to him. There wasn’t anything he could do about the dust storms, but there was no telling him that. He was a proud man and saw it as his most important responsibility to provide for his family.

“This here’s a famine, Ma. And we don’t stand no chance, lessen’ we pack up and move.”

Mel and Kilion stared at their father, their bright blue eyes reflecting the flickering lantern light. Naomi knew he had been considering it, but he rarely thought out loud. Lem was a figuring man. And there was no chance he had made the decision lightly.

“Where d’you figger on goin’, Pa?” she asked. Naomi knew her husband would have his plan all worked out before he ever announced his intentions to the family.

“What about the farm, Pa?” Mel asked. Kilion’s eyes seemed to echo his concern. They had worked their whole lives on this piece of land — scratched out a meager existence through rain and drought, harsh winter cold and brutal summer heat. They were inextricably bound to the land. It was part of them. It was part of all of them.

Inevitable loss took root in Naomi’s heart then, slowly encompassing her until she couldn’t contain the sorrow any more, and it began to spill over through her tears.

“Heared tell thar’s work out west. California, maybe. We’ll head that way, see what we can find.” Lem turned to his sons. “Done talked to yer Uncle Jude. He’ll keep an eye on the place fer a bit ‘ til this drought passes. Then we’ll be back.”

He squeezed his wife’s hand, no doubt an effort to infuse reassurance. She smiled back at him, taking his cues to comfort their sons. “Yes, a’course we’ll be back. This drought’ll be over ‘fore ya know it, and we’ll come right back.” Some hope. Naomi would cling to that.

~ Following Naomi (in progress)

Meet & Greet: Garrett Kelly

Garrett Kelly

All business and music, Garrett Kelly runs a successful Miami night club for his uncle who lives in Chicago. He's quiet and serious with little patience for the college boy antics that is the standard for Jack and the other guys who play his club.

But it's Marley Ryan's carefree and sweet personality that intrigues him. How can she be so happy and trusting? Perhaps it is because she hasn't seen the dark side of the world he has lived in his entire life. And now the most important thing to him is protecting her from that world and preserving her wide-eyed innocence... no matter the cost to him.

Spotlight: Rachel Van Dyken

Today's spotlight is on Rachel Van Dyken, the author of the Seaside series, the London Fairy Tales series, the Wallflower trilogy (co-authored with me), the Renwick House books, and several other widely-read titles.

I don't know if you know this or not, but Rachel has a recent release (August 12, 2013) entitled Ruin, which she wrote for her uncle who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. All proceeds for the first two weeks of sales from Ruin will be going to help out with his medical bills. That alone is an excellent reason to check this book out.

BUT...

If you needed another reason to induce you, I have read Ruin and can tell you it is one of her best books to date, so it is well worth both your time and the minimal amount it will take to make this book yours!

We want to help out Rachel's uncle as much as possible, so to that end I am going to post the buy links for Ruin here, and then ask you to Tweet, FB, and spread the word as much as possible. To thank you for all that helpfulness, I have two signed uncorrected proof paperbacks of Ruin to give away.

In order to be eligible for the drawing for one of these two books, just leave me a comment below letting me know you shared the links (and an email where I can reach you if your name is drawn).

Here are the details about Ruin:

FROM THE COVER:

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that the shroud of depression has become my only comfort. Ignorant, I was content in the darkness… until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally, that every second that ticked pass was one closer to the end of something that was starting to mean the end of myself.  He tried to warn me and promised me what he was able to offer, each moment as it came, but it would never be enough.

Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.  And when you think it's the end, the final curtain, sometimes that’s only the beginning.  Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't… I wouldn't ever be the same. And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon              Barnes & Noble                Smashwords

Also available in the iTunes store!

REMEMBER: If you are interested in entering the drawing for one of two signed paperback copies of Ruin (uncorrected proofs), just leave a comment below to let me know you shared the buy links. I'll draw for the two recipients on Monday, August 27th.

Cover Reveal: Expired Regrets

Spotlight: Wendy Knight

Astraea Press is celebrating their first cover reveal; Wendy Knight's Fate on Fire novella, Feudlings in Sight! Available Thursday on Astraea Press, Amazon, and all other major ebook retailers!

Blurb:
Boys of war suck at romance.

Charity Delyle has lived in the shadow of her Prodigy cousin and his powerful Guard since the day she was born. And she doesn’t mind—really. Except that being in Hunter’s shadow means that he can’t see her. And she’d like that to change.

Hunter has one purpose in life: Protect the Prodigy, or die trying. That means a social life, school, and even Charity come last until the war is over. For the most part, he’s okay with that—he can lose everything if he has to…except his seer.

Starting at a new school should be much safer than living in a war-ravaged Carules headquarters. But this new school is different than the others. Friendships are forged and destinies are questioned, and Hunter’s decision could cost them all everything they’ve been hoping for.


Excerpt:
“Okay, do you want to practice the ones we learned last week or just start new ones?” She had carefully color-coded the spell book with sticky tabs — spells they had mastered, spells they had practiced, spells that would come in handy one day — she was very organized. And if the Council ever found out she put sticky tabs in a book that was over three hundred years old, they would kill her completely dead.

“Learn as much as you can, Shane. Gonna be hard to find a place to practice in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by Normals.” Hunter idly traced spells in the air, letting them fizzle and die without igniting them.

“Well, alright.” Charity flipped to the red section — spells that would come in handy one day. She started at the top. “This one is called an Al-able.” The odd word rolled awkwardly off her tongue. “It’s like… it looks like it’s sort of a flat triangle of flames.”

Sweet Saturday: No Matter What it Takes

“Do you see the sail?” the Dutchman yelled down from his place clinging to the mast. His arm was outstretched in the direction of the ship he saw.

“Aye!” Elias shouted back. It was a French ship. And a worthier vessel than what they had.

He turned to András. “What do you think?”

“We have only one gun, and that a mite rusty and low on shot. We could never take her with that.”

Elias considered the words. He was right. They could never take the French ship that way. But there were other methods.

“We do have a French flag aboard.” The Hungarian seemed to have read his mind.

A glance into the man’s face told Elias they were thinking the same thing. They could trick the other vessel into taking them aboard — with their boat resting so low in the water, it would not be difficult to convince her they were in distress. Once on board it would be only a matter of a well carried-out plan to take over the ship.

But becoming pirates?

Elias wasn’t certain if he could convince himself that step was necessary.

“I know,” András said, lowering his voice so only Elias could hear. “But are we not already men without a country? And France, Barát… I think you will find your men willing.”

Elias shook his head and ran his hand over his scraggly beard. His thoughts drifted to Jaime for a moment. Would she see his decision as an acceptable means to keep his promise to her?

For her.

No matter what it takes.

Finally, he nodded resolutely and cleared his throat.

“She is French,” he announced to his unlikely crew. “And from the looks of her, running prisoners to the islands. We’re taking water, as you know. We need a worthier vessel. However, an action against her would make us pirates—”

He meant to explain what their options were, to put it to a vote amongst them, but he was cut off by the sudden cry as every last man, in unison, called out, “Take her! Death to France!” Every last man, save one, who stood at the helm, his face completely drained of color — the French sailor. He trembled where he stood, and Elias knew where his loyalty lay. He was French. For him it was not just abandoning one ship for one that wasn’t sinking. It was treason.

~ Pirate's Ransom (in progress)

Spotlight: Author Calico Daniels

Please welcome Calico Daniels, 

author of Fried Pickles and the Fuzz.

Gone Muddin’

In many small towns muddin’ is a popular past time for the young’uns. I’ll admit that I have been several times and had a ball J The key to a good muddin’ trip is making sure there is a group with several trucks and at least one with a tow chain or wench. Someone is gonna get stuck J Never fails.

Why in the world would anyone want to you might ask. Well, there is just something very satisfying about slippin’ and slidin’. Jerkin’ the wheel to correct the slide and when you finish…seein’ those trucks COVERED in mud J Silly? Of course. But in small towns where entertainment is hard to find, muddin’ is one of those things that is just pure fun. 

Safe? Well……it carries hazards of its own. Never go muddin’ in a top heavy or jacked up ride. The chances of rollin’ your truck go way up. Muddin’ is really an art that should only be performed in a VERY large pasture where it has already been permitted, the area checked for dangers like fence posts and holes, and the spectators should remain a safe distance from the mud pit J

Aside from that it’s a barrel of monkeys. J

Calico Daniels

Fried Pickles and the Fuzz available now from AstraeaPress,

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever eBooks are sold.

Blurb:

Big Creek might be a stereotypical small town but even they have drama.

Heather loves her little café, and her best customer is the county Sherriff. She’s been waiting months for him to ask her out…maybe she won’t have to wait much longer.

Bronson feels at home in Big Creek even though he hasn’t been the Sherriff for long. Small towns have their perks and a pretty café owner who cooks like an angel certainly doesn’t hurt. Now, if he could only get over his nerves and drum up the gumption to ask her out.

Throw in a gossip mill, a redneck festival and an ill timed attempt to help and you end up with some laughs, some ruffled feathers and a town that is….Redneck Fabulous.

Meet & Greet: Marley Ryan

Marley Ryan

As the daughter of a high-profile Boston businessman, she has lived a charmed life. A charmed life provided for by an over-protective father. In fact, once when she stubbed her toe on a living room coffee table, her father took the offending piece of furniture out in the back yard and chopped it into splinters.

Understandably, Marley is more than a little anxious to get out of the house and live life on her own. She chooses Miami for college... the farthest away on the eastern seaboard she can possibly travel and still be in the country.

Of course, a young woman on her own for the first time is bound to fall into some trouble, whether of her own making or the kind that just happens to find her.

~No Backing Out (in progress)

Friday Favorite: Feudlings

Feudlings

by Wendy Knight

This is the first book in the series. I believe the next one is due to come out on August 1st. I so can't wait! Of all the books I've read so far this summer, I LOVE this one the most. And I don't typically go in for this genre, so yeah, that's saying something. Definitely a HUGE recommend on this one!

Here's the blurb:

Nothing makes a new school suck worse than discovering the guy you’re in love with is your prophesied nemesis.

Ari is the most powerful flame-throwing sorceress ever, and her people’s last hope in an ancient war. But she’s also a seventeen-year-old girl, and in her free, not-hunting-nemesis times, she jumps from school to school, trying to figure out regular people her own age and pretending she’ll get the chance to graduate.

Shane lives a double life. He goes to school and masters the art of popularity, hiding the fact that he has a fate with a slim chance of his survival. He’s destined to end a 300 year-old war by killing or being killed. He knows he’s hunted by a powerful enemy who’s not afraid to die. Only problem? He has no idea who that enemy is.

When Ari shows up at Shane’s school, angry and sullen and determined to keep him at arm’s reach, neither of them realize they are supposed to be killing each other, not falling in love. Until Ari does realize it, and she almost dies – by Shane’s hand.

Here's where you can get it:

Amazon                      Barnes & Noble                    Astraea Press

Also available pretty much anywhere ebooks are sold, so if you don't see your preferred retailer above, you're still not out of luck. :) Plus, you can get it in paperback too!

If you're intrigued and want to know more about the Feudlings series or get updates about the new releases, check out the Wendy Knight's Facebook page.

Spotlight: Welcome Bestselling Author Kelly Martin!

Excited Nervousness—AKA my First Book Signing

There are a lot of firsts in life: Your first kiss, first day at work, first child…

But there is one ‘first’ that has my attention at this moment.

My first book signing!

Dun… Dun… Dun…

I figured if I wrote about my nervousness then it might help. It couldn’t hurt, right? No matter your location on the writer timeline, there are events that scare you.

•             First draft written

•             First time querying an agent

•             First rejection

•             First contract

•             First review

•             First bad review ;)

I’ve been through all of those — safely behind my computer screen. (You guys haven’t been able to see my tears, right?)

But in public is different. Public people have eyes trained on you.

‘What if’ no one shows up?

‘What if’ lots of people do and I don’t have enough books?

‘What if’ I say something stupid?

‘What if’ I sit there and look like an idiot for two hours?

‘What if’ more people come than I think?

‘What if’ I’m not ‘professional’ enough (aka have enough ‘swag’ to giveaway or a not nice enough table covering. What? You don’t think like that?)

‘What if’

Two words I should ban from my vocabulary

Just like my first kiss, my first day on the job, and my first child (whose birthday is Friday, btw. She’ll be eight! I’m not sure when that happened.), this first will come and go as well.

I’ll learn from it.

I’ll take pictures.

I’ll smile.

And hopefully…  hopefully, I don’t drag as many books out as I’m dragging in.

Plus, it’s at a restaurant. Maybe I’ll get some food out of it as well (one can always hope)

Is something scaring you? Are you freaking out over whatever step you are at in your writing life? I’m right there with you. Not only am I having my first book signing, but I’m self publishing my first book (my third book released, first I’m self publishing). It’s scary. But it’s a good scary.

This writing thing is supposed to be fun. Remember the first words you wrote? They were fun. The first draft of your first book… Fun. Don’t let the worry take your fun away. Writing is creative. It’s exciting. And never boring (and if it is, just throw a serial killer in your story and keep right on going ;) )

SO, in conclusion, wherever you are in your writing life, enjoy it. Don’t let the ‘what if’s keep you down. It’s an exiting process. Enjoy it…

Says the girl who having her first book signing Sunday. (Okay, that is pretty cool)

Kelly Martin a southern girl who writes... a lot. She is the author of SAINT SLOAN and Grace Award winning, CROSSING THE DEEP. By day, she is a special education preschool teacher. By night, she has her hair in a bun and her fingers on a keyboard. She loves God, is addicted to chocolate, and would rather write than sleep. Kelly loves a good mystery and believes in Sherlock Holmes.

You can find her at kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

She's also on twitter: twitter.com/martieKay

And on facebook: Kelly Martin, Author

UP NEXT:

THE DECEPTION OF DEVIN MILLER (July 23rd, 2013)

Amnesia took her memories. He took her heart. Who would you trust if you didn't know anyone, but they all knew you?

Meet and Greet: Jack Donnelly

Jack Donnelly

If you're riding the shuttle from the airport to the school campus, Jack is the first person you're going to meet. He might seem distracted at first, but once you get his attention you'll experience the smooth-talking, easy-going nature of this guy firsthand.

He rocks the surfer look. And his favorite subjects for a first conversation include Viking raids and tours of the city. Just beware that if you turn down his first attempt to ask you out, he won't give up... even if he has to follow you to your dorm room and give you the puppy dog look.

Other interests include electric guitar, surfing, working for the bad guys, and Marley Ryan.

~ No Backing Out (in progress)

Sweet Saturday: Wanna Get Away?

The trip to the airport was nerve-racking.

Marley kept glancing over her shoulder out the back window, half-expecting to see her father’s car in pursuit. She must have looked a few too many times, because Oscar cleared his throat, startling her.

“Just relax, Miss Ryan. He’s not following us. We’ll get you on that plane in record time. And the next time you’ll see the old man will be at Thanksgiving dinner.”

She wished she could be certain.

Laughing nervously, she shook her head.

“I love him, Oscar, but…”

“No need to explain. I’ve known you your whole life. I know exactly why you chose Miami.”

“You think he’ll be able to stay away?”

“I think he’ll make do.”

It was a cryptic answer. Marley wasn’t so sure she liked the sound of it. Her father wasn’t known for his ability to let things go easily. That was exactly why his decision to allow her to enroll at Miami had been a surprise — though she had fought tooth and nail for it, definitely shedding more than a few manipulative tears. She wasn’t ashamed to admit it. When it came to Peter Ryan, a person had to be willing to stoop to those levels to get what they wanted from him. Lucky for Marley, he had a soft spot for her. Anyone else’s tears would have fallen on deaf ears.

“Is there something you’re not telling me, Oscar?”

The driver laughed and shook his head. “And you’ve known me long enough to know that whatever I know stays with me.”

“Yes, I suppose so. What is it you’re always saying? ‘I just do the driving.’ Probably smart.” Marley glanced out her window and watched the brownstones whiz by.

The rest of the trip to the airport was spent in silence. It was silent, but Marley was hardly relaxed. She wouldn’t relax until her plane was in the air heading for Florida.

Oscar pulled up beside the curb and jumped out of the car to run around and open Marley’s door. She took his hand and stepped out onto the sidewalk, glancing around her. She hadn’t been to Logan International in ages. For any trip they took, they almost always used her father’s private jet, and it took off from a much smaller airstrip just outside of the city.

“I still don’t understand why you don’t just take your father’s plane,” Oscar said as he unloaded her bags from the trunk.

“I don’t trust the pilot,” she said with a wink.

Oscar smirked. “Very funny. I’ve never done anything to deserve that.”

“For all I know, you’d fly me around just long enough to lull me into a false sense of security, and then land me right in my father’s backyard. I know where your loyalty lies, old man.”

“There’s no fooling you, is there.” He gestured toward the skycap station with her suitcase. “After you.”

She stepped up to the counter and handed the attendant her itinerary. Oscar set her baggage on the cart and turned to her.

“Good luck,” he said, offering his hand.

“Thanks, Oscar. See you in November.” She took his hand and smiled.

He kissed her on the cheek and went back to the car, leaving her to find her way to the gate on her own.

Marley shouldered her carry-on bag and stepped through the sliding doors.

Ah, freedom.

~No Backing Out (in progress)

Spotlight: Felicia Rogers

Beyond A Doubt, The Renaissance Hearts Series, Book Four

The end is finally here…

The final chapter has been written for The Renaissance Hearts Series. What began with Sarra and Cedric in There Your Heart Will Be Also concludes with Bryce and Lucy in Beyond A Doubt. Set in the turbulent times of Mary I of England, or Bloody Mary, and Henry II of France, the fight for religious freedom abounds. Intrigue, loss of property, and loss of life rule the day. Follow the epic ending of a family’s struggle.

Buy Beyond A Doubt on Amazon

Buy Beyond A Doubt on B&N

SUMMARY

Bryce Cameron is finally going home. Years spent away have him longing for the craggy landscapes from his childhood.

Lucy Lombard is on a mission. The mantel she carries was never meant for her possession yet it has been passed to her anyway. Alone and in danger, Lucy stumbles onto her greatest find.

Rescuing Bryce is either a blessing or a curse but regardless time is running out. With Bryce's help can Lucy fulfill her mission or will she be too late?

****

See what others have said about the Renaissance Hearts Series.

“I really enjoyed this book. I do not typically favor historical romance, but the romance was not too mushy, and the historical was not too heavy! This was an enjoyable, delightful read!!!.” Taken from Rachel’s Amazon review on There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One.

“If you are in for a good mystery with plenty of adventure, suspense & romance, you have come to the right place for this recommended novel because "By God's Grace" will give it all to you.” Taken from Arlena’s Amazon review of By God’s Grace, Book Two.

“Okay have to say this is my fav book so far in The Renaissance Heart Series! Felicia Rogers just gets better!” Taken from Danielle William’s Amazon review of Labor of Love, Book Three.

Don’t forget the other books in the series. Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Astraea Press.

~There Your Heart Will Be Also, Book One

~By God’s Grace, Book Two

~Labor of Love, Book Three

ROMANCE AUTHOR

Felicia Rogers

Felicia Rogers is an author of six novels and three novellas. When she's not writing, Felicia volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America, teaches at a local homeschooling group, hikes, and spends time with her family.

To find out more information about Felicia Rogers visit the sites below. She loves hearing from readers.

Website: http://www.feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com

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

Email: feliciarogersauthor@yahoo.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412925.Felicia_Rogers

It's a Party: Rachel Got the Contract! Celebration Blog Hop

It's a Party!

May 15-19

Congratulations to one of my best friends and favorite writing partner, Rachel Van Dyken! She was offered a four book contract with Grand Central Publishing for The Bet duo and her Eagle Elite duo. I am so excited for her! She deserves every bit of those accolades.

If you haven't read them yet, what are you waiting for? Here's a little info about the two books that already available:

The Bet

"I have a proposition for you..."

Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. Instead, she made a deal with the devil in hopes of putting her past behind her once and for all.

Four days.

She could do four days!

But she wasn't counting Jake’s older brother Travis being there to witness their farce of an engagement.

One thing is for certain.

One brother is right for her.

One wants a lifetime.

And one is in league with the devil.

She should have gotten Jake’s signature in blood.

Elite

When I won the annual Eagle Elite College Scholarship lottery, I was thrilled. After all, my grandma had just died and I wanted to take care of my aging grandpa — he couldn't be a farmer in Wyoming forever. And graduating from Eagle Elite meant opportunity.

But I wasn't counting on meeting Nixon.

Nor was I counting on the rules of the Elect.

1. Do not touch The Elect.

2. Do not look at The Elect.

3. Do not speak to The Elect.

And worst of all? Don't discover the secret they hide, because in the end, you may just realize... it's about you.

You can find these and Rachel's entire list of books for sale on these sites:

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Be sure to check out the four books she and I co-authored. They're my favorite (but I might be a little biased.)

As long as you're in the market for a good read, allow me to suggest:

All We See or Seem

Gryff’s orders lay unopened on the table.

The silent tension caused Gem to bite her lip. She tucked a loose strand of auburn hair behind her ear and shifted uneasily in the chair. Wide-eyed, Gryff sat stiffly beside her, regarding the envelope. He was like a statue—hands on his knees—staring interminably at the table.

Finally, Gem cleared her throat. Gryff jolted as if in a daze and turned to look at her. A look of uncertainty hung in his eyes. She swallowed the dry, sticky taste in her mouth and reached for his hand. It felt cold…clammy. Gem could feel the faint tremor of his fear radiating through his fingers. She took Gryff's hand between her own and squeezed, trying to infuse heat and reassurance at the same time.

"Sometimes they come back," Gem's voice was barely a whisper. It was a feeble attempt, but she was grasping at straws here.

Everyone knows.

They don't come back. Never whole, anyway.

All We See or Seem is a mild sci-fi, coming of age romance. Check it out!

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Wanna free book? Leave me a comment below and I will enter you to win one of three giveaways. Your choice of any one of my ebooks, including those co-authored with Rachel Van Dyken! Make sure to leave me an email so I can contact you about your free book.

Next up on the Blog Hop: Another amazing author and friend (who happens to also be Rachel's sister), Kristin Vayden!

Need to find your way back to the blog hop list? Here you go!

A to Z: Quixotic

Webster defines quixotic as "foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals;especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action".

Sir Colin Wilde was a man who aspired to be a rake. To become a good one, however, he enlisted the help of a friend: former notorious rake, Anthony Benson, Viscount Maddox. And he needed a lot of help.

Always blundering, never knowing what to say or do. Just like Christian in Cyrano de Bergerac.

Unfortunately, Maddox misled Wilde at every turn, frustrating his quixotic notions and leading him into epic failure every. single. time.

****

“She loves chocolates,” came the unmistakable voice of Viscount Maddox on Colin’s right.

“What the…?” He turned around and came face-to-face with Anthony. “What the devil are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” Anthony grabbed Colin’s arm and pulled him away from the door. “I agreed to help you with your first seduction.”

“This is not my first—”

“Do you want my help or not?” Anthony demanded.

“I do.” Colin sighed his resignation. Though he was certain this particular girl wouldn’t take much convincing. He examined his friend, who seemed to be sweating profusely. “I say, are you all right?”

Anthony rolled his eyes. “Just thinking about my final resting place is all.” He sighed and straightened his shoulders. “Lady Priscilla is very sensitive. You must not offend her.”

“Right.” Colin nodded.

“Begin by comparing her to Lady Hawthorne. She adores her and has always aimed to be just like her in every aspect of life.”

“Cordelia? Ambrose’s wife? Truly?” Colin wasn’t entirely convinced.

Anthony scratched his head and looked away. “It is all truth. Also, and do not forget this lest you lose her before you even try to seduce the woman…” Anthony leaned in and whispered, “She loves poetry.”

“Poetry?” Colin repeated. “But I am no poet! I hate poetry!”

“Make it up.”

“Do you know me at all? I cannot simply make something up on the spot. I’ll look like an idiot.”

Anthony began to pace. “Allow me to help.” He cleared his throat and took a stance in front of Colin. “Your hair is like a cloud.”

“A cloud?” Colin interrupted.

“Have patience. I’m not finished,” Anthony ground out. “Your hair is a cloud, dripping with rain. Oh, if I were grass that I could drink up the water. You would soothe my soul and make me… smile.”

“It does not even rhyme!” Colin shouted.

“Poetry does not have to rhyme,” Anthony argued.

~ from Taming Wilde (Rachel Van Dyken & Leah Sanders)

A to Z: Piece of Quiet

It was a Saturday evening. I had done the dumbest thing I have ever done in my teaching career and was paying the price for it. So I sat at my kitchen table, trying desperately to score a stack of about 150 position papers (almost all of which were plagiarized from the same three sources, I might add).

I say "trying desperately" because I had NO desire whatsoever to be doing what I was doing. I had been forced by the powers that be to inflict torture on myself via the aforementioned essay assignment. Foolishly, however, I made it into the semester final exam. Grades were due in just three days, and I had to grade them quickly.

First of all, grading essays is no picnic, regardless of the writing ability. But when you have to read essentially the same three essays 150 times -- and they weren't even that well written to begin with -- you get the strange, yet overwhelming desire to jab your red ink pen into your eye.

So there I sat at the kitchen table trying desperately to grade papers and to avoid my periodic involuntary attempts to put out my own eye. My two energetic and very boisterous children began to "play" in the living room about ten feet away from the table. This was more than I could handle. I stood up suddenly, slammed my hands down on the table and announced (or rather, bellowed), "I WANT PEACE - AND QUIET!!!"

My children were slightly taken aback at this outburst, but not really enough to move their game elsewhere. Instead, my son -- bless his heart -- sidled up to me slowly with his hand in his pocket. He pulled his hand out of his pocket wryly and handed me his fist. He said, "Mom, here is a piece of quiet. You can eat it... then, you can IGNORE us."

A to Z: Opening Night

Thursday night I took my daughter to the opening night of the high school production of Beauty and the Beast.

I know what you're thinking... "A high school play... How nice."

However this school went all out. The acting was fantastic. The singing was amazing. And somebody spent A LOT of money on costumes and scene sets.

All the acting was great. Le Fou was hilarious tripping all over the stage. Gaston was as pompous as you would expect, kissing his biceps and flipping his long dark hair. Belle was sweet and spunky. Her voice was gorgeous.

But I gotta say, in my humble opinion, Madame Wardrobe stole the show. Her big booming voice and comedic timing made me laugh so hard I thought I would hyperventilate.

Both my daughter and I loved it. So glad we went.

A to Z: Names

Not gonna lie, one of my favorite things to do is name my characters. And ask any one of the students I've ever had, a good title thrills me beyond measure.

Sometimes I name my characters based on the meanings and how well it fits their role in the story.

In All We See or Seem, my villain is Joseph Admatha, a name that means death.

The nurse who ends up helping save the heroine's life is Miss Birger, a name that means savior.

And most of my stem's names mean "Twin".

I may have gone a little overboard on the name symbolism... What can I say, I'm an English teacher. I just can't help myself.

Who is your favorite fictional character? What does his or her name mean? Does it fit?

A to Z: Marley

Marley Ryan poked her head into her father’s private office. “I’m heading out, Dad.” The handful of his associates meeting with him turned to appraise the intrusion.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were in a meeting. I just wanted to say goodbye.”

Her father stood and strode toward her.

“Don’t worry about it, sweetheart,” he said with a sad smile. “Gentlemen, my daughter. She is heading off to Miami for school.”

A few of them nodded their approval.

“Miami? Can you believe it?” Peter Ryan shook his head with a laugh. “With such a prestigious school as Boston University right in her own backyard, Harvard right down the road?”

The men murmured their agreement.

“Marley, I wish you would reconsider and let me drive you to the airport.” He took her hands in his and met her gaze with those pitiful clear green eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that, Dad. We already talked about it. You’re busy. It’s fine. I’m a big girl now.” She squeezed his hands tenderly and cast a glance over her shoulder toward the door. Why did he have to make this so difficult? She was minutes away from freedom.

The heavy sigh that came from her father made her cringe.

“Don’t worry about me. Oscar will drive me, and I’ve already arranged transportation from the airport to the school when I get there. I promise. I won’t talk to strangers, and I’ll only date full-blooded Irish boys.”

At that he rolled his eyes and released her hands. A low chuckle rumbled from the men in his office.

“Sounds like a bright girl, Mr. Ryan,” one of them said.

“All right, Marley.” Her father put his hand on her shoulder and smiled. “I trust you.”

“It’s all those full-blooded Irish boys who shouldn’t be trusted,” another man added.

Mr. Ryan shot him a look of feigned disgust then turned back to his daughter.

“Go on now, before these old boys change my mind for me.”

Marley wasn’t about to make him tell her again. With maybe a little too much exuberance she stretched up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Okay, bye, Dad! I’ll call you when I get settled.” And then she was out the door, down the steps, and in the car before he could answer her.